Workout Wednesdays

After griping and complaining about my post baby body for 6 months, I've decided to do something about it. Don't get me wrong. I respect my body and the miracle it has performed; however, you know it's time when your spanx leave indentions hours after they've been removed. Bye bye love handles, bye bye saddlebags, bye bye jiggly arms. This is my journey to a lean, strong silhouette.

During my first workout, my body gently (ok, not so gently) reminded me that it is not 18 any more. After the warm up, I taste my salad from lunch. How pitiful is that?!? That might be TMI, but it makes me appreciate that I'm not a cow that has to eat regurgitated grass.  From this early moment, I know how badly out of shape I am.  With my first pregnancy, the weight melted off.  I really didn't do a thing to lose it.  I fed my handsome boy and ate whatever I wanted.  This time it is definitely not as easy.  I don't know if it's the two extra years to my age, but, whatever the cause may be, I certainly do not like it!

The circuit training workout uses body weight and is a mixture of kickboxing (my favorite), calisthenics, and core training. One of the circuits includes jumping jacks. As soon as I begin the movement, I feel the urge to empty my bladder (hello, two babies sat on it for months). The jumping motion certainly is not friendly to mommas!  Then, to make matters worse, I think of my Icelandic friends who struggled with the motion of this exercise during preseason boot camp at Converse.  I can hear them now, "Stupid Americans..."  This workout is going downhill in a hurry.

After barely completing the workout, I  lie in the floor to recover for a few minutes. During this time, I curse Jillian Michaels repeatedly for her cruelty.  Needless to say, this first workout is a big heaping dose of reality.  It's time to get it together.  I hear a little Bubba Sparxxx mantra coming on, "...Get it right, get it tight."

Total weight gain: 45 pounds!!!!!
Total amount left to lose:  18 pounds (good thing I have 72 inches to stretch it all out!)

Let's give this another go...

Now that I have a little extra time on my hands (HAHA, yeah right!), I've become a blog reader. Even though some blogs may attempt to make life sound perfect, I love finding inspiration for my closet and reading real-life musings that could be a page in my diary (if I had one).  I admire these women who turn their lives into an open book for their audience. I'm trying to muster up some courage (and a thicker skin) to do the same.

Here's the past almost two years in a nutshell.  Much has changed in my life since my last post. I have taught 200 new kids 6th grade language arts.  On December 10, 2013, our hearts grew as we welcomed John Parker into our lives. This little nugget is the happiest baby!  He is always smiling and laughing. He sure makes me one happy momma!

During my maternity leave, I kept Hamilton home with me. I have relished this one on one time with my oldest.  He is the best big brother; he cannot stand for his brother to cry (good thing it's not much). He loves to entertain Parker and talk to him. I thought my heart was going to explode when I walked into the nursery to overhear Hamilton say, "Parkie, you so cute!"

My original plan for my maternity leave was to take 12 weeks. At the end of that time, I couldn't leave my boys. I was graciously allowed to take the rest of the school year to be with my family. Contract time came around in April. I honestly was so indecisive and could not make up my mind. I've always wanted to be at home with my kids, BUT I love my job, I love my co-workers, and most importantly, I love every child that walks through my door.  I was torn. I was stressed. I'm sure I was a pain with which to live!  

After much prayer and many pep talks from my dear husband, I took the biggest step of faith. I'm staying home with the two lights of my life and trying to grow my business. It's funny how things work out; as soon as I turned in my resignation, I have been crazy busy monogramming. I'm counting my blessings and taking my momma's advice:

Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

I had so much fun creating this gift for Katie Hudson's little one, Marshall.  I hate that I could not make it to the shower last weekend, but I know that she and Marsall were showered with lots of gifts and love.

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

Here in the South, football is second only to our faith. Make sure your little one is ready to cheer on his/her favorite team this season with a onesie, t-shirt, or even a pillowcase dress.  You can tell the Carolina Panthers and the Clemson Tigers are our favorites, but I'll be glad to do any colors (even garnet and black).