Friday, July 22, 2011
4th of July & Visiting Paige
I'm blogging about something during the actual month it occurred! Barely...
Serra was a little scared by the fireworks at first.
Then she decided they were really fun. [Notice, Alex has pretty much the same expression- a "that's interesting, but I've seen better" look!]
Serra LOVED holding a "firework" in her own hand!
We didn't trust Alex with a sparkler this year, so we silly-stringed him instead!
We also went down to Utah for a week to visit my sister, Paige, after having her first baby- a boy named Scott Randall Harley. And he is SUCH a doll!
Serra LOVED holding baby Scott- I decided to risk taking a picture of all 3 of them together and it was worth it! Alex was constantly trying to get to Scott while we were there- luckily during the 3 seconds I was taking the photo he chose to play with Scott's leg instead of his face!
I took some pictures of Paige and her family while we were there. When Serra saw all the stuff set up, she knew what was going on and really wanted a picture of her and Alex. It actually turned out pretty cute considering I didn't dress them for one or anything!
Paige wanted a nursing cover like the one above- but it costs like $45. So I made her TWO for about $20 instead:
And lastly, while I was there, I had a new fridge delivered- I LOVE it! I can't wait to move back and actually use it! :)
Serra was a little scared by the fireworks at first.
Then she decided they were really fun. [Notice, Alex has pretty much the same expression- a "that's interesting, but I've seen better" look!]
Serra LOVED holding a "firework" in her own hand!
We didn't trust Alex with a sparkler this year, so we silly-stringed him instead!We also went down to Utah for a week to visit my sister, Paige, after having her first baby- a boy named Scott Randall Harley. And he is SUCH a doll!
Serra LOVED holding baby Scott- I decided to risk taking a picture of all 3 of them together and it was worth it! Alex was constantly trying to get to Scott while we were there- luckily during the 3 seconds I was taking the photo he chose to play with Scott's leg instead of his face!
I took some pictures of Paige and her family while we were there. When Serra saw all the stuff set up, she knew what was going on and really wanted a picture of her and Alex. It actually turned out pretty cute considering I didn't dress them for one or anything!
Paige wanted a nursing cover like the one above- but it costs like $45. So I made her TWO for about $20 instead:
And lastly, while I was there, I had a new fridge delivered- I LOVE it! I can't wait to move back and actually use it! :)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Active Lifestyle
I've been trying to keep a more active lifestyle. I'm not on a diet- I'm not doing a "program". I just want to be healthy- so I eat what I think is the best fuel for my body in order for it to be its healthiest. I strive to participate in activities that encourage my body to learn and grow and be fit.
So for a date last month, Ian and I went rock climbing- the first time for both of us. After figuring out exactly what shoe size we should be, figuring out which hand holds worked best for us, and learning how to belay and spot each other- we were on our way. And it was one of our favorite dates- we're hoping to go again sometime soon!
I also ran- and completed- my marathon. Up until then I'd only ever done 5ks. And marathons are VERY different- not just because they are nearly 9 times longer. The before, during, after- the people- the run itself is all very different. I went with 2 dear sisters-in-law of mine, and I will be eternally indebted to them for even thinking of inviting me- it has completely changed my life! I didn't have a GREAT time, but I wasn't last to finish either- I wasn't aiming for a certain time, I was aiming just to finish. And I have a heavy medal to prove it!
The first 10 miles were a breeze- I felt like I could run for forever. The next 10 were a killer because of a lot of hills and my sciatica kicked in, making it difficult to run more than a 1/2 mile at a time. The last 6 miles I walked pretty much all but maybe .5 miles- I was in intense pain, I was tired, I was fatigued. Everything in my body was begging for me to quit- but my mind was made up, I was going to finish. I kept repeating my mental mantras I practiced in my marathon training- "I am a marathoner. I can do this. I'll crawl if I have to- I am going to finish. I am a marathoner!"
Upon reaching the finish line, I literally collapsed into my sister-in-law's arms and was rushed to the medics. I was freaking out because I couldn't feel my entire right leg- something that hasn't happened since I was first diagnosed with sciatica 9 years ago [and shortly after that first incident I fainted from the pain- waking up in an ambulance. So, needless to say, I didn't want a repeat of that event!] But after sitting for a few minutes I regained feeling in my leg- just had tingling in my toes. So they strapped a bag of ice to my butt [where most of my sciatic nerve was still on fire] and I limped away with the help of my sisters-in-law.
So I've learned the limits on my body- I gained some new friends along the way- I proved to myself and everyone else that I can do anything if I set my mind to it- and I've changed my entire life around! I love running and have already signed up to do a half marathon at the end of October. If you had asked me just 1 year ago if I liked running or was even willing to give it a try, I would have either laughed or glared at you [just ask Ian how much I've changed!] And I couldn't be happier!
So for a date last month, Ian and I went rock climbing- the first time for both of us. After figuring out exactly what shoe size we should be, figuring out which hand holds worked best for us, and learning how to belay and spot each other- we were on our way. And it was one of our favorite dates- we're hoping to go again sometime soon!
I also ran- and completed- my marathon. Up until then I'd only ever done 5ks. And marathons are VERY different- not just because they are nearly 9 times longer. The before, during, after- the people- the run itself is all very different. I went with 2 dear sisters-in-law of mine, and I will be eternally indebted to them for even thinking of inviting me- it has completely changed my life! I didn't have a GREAT time, but I wasn't last to finish either- I wasn't aiming for a certain time, I was aiming just to finish. And I have a heavy medal to prove it!
The first 10 miles were a breeze- I felt like I could run for forever. The next 10 were a killer because of a lot of hills and my sciatica kicked in, making it difficult to run more than a 1/2 mile at a time. The last 6 miles I walked pretty much all but maybe .5 miles- I was in intense pain, I was tired, I was fatigued. Everything in my body was begging for me to quit- but my mind was made up, I was going to finish. I kept repeating my mental mantras I practiced in my marathon training- "I am a marathoner. I can do this. I'll crawl if I have to- I am going to finish. I am a marathoner!"
Upon reaching the finish line, I literally collapsed into my sister-in-law's arms and was rushed to the medics. I was freaking out because I couldn't feel my entire right leg- something that hasn't happened since I was first diagnosed with sciatica 9 years ago [and shortly after that first incident I fainted from the pain- waking up in an ambulance. So, needless to say, I didn't want a repeat of that event!] But after sitting for a few minutes I regained feeling in my leg- just had tingling in my toes. So they strapped a bag of ice to my butt [where most of my sciatic nerve was still on fire] and I limped away with the help of my sisters-in-law.
So I've learned the limits on my body- I gained some new friends along the way- I proved to myself and everyone else that I can do anything if I set my mind to it- and I've changed my entire life around! I love running and have already signed up to do a half marathon at the end of October. If you had asked me just 1 year ago if I liked running or was even willing to give it a try, I would have either laughed or glared at you [just ask Ian how much I've changed!] And I couldn't be happier!
My Baby is One!
I took Alex to get his pictures taken and then we celebrated by taking him to Chili's for mac 'n cheese and a free brownie a la mode. He LOVED it!
The next day we had his birthday "party" with cake & ice cream.
"All done!"
The party-goers: Aunt Christina, Uncle Brandon, Mommy, Alex & Serra [Daddy's taking the picture].
And what's a first birthday without a "birthday suit" picture? :)
I can't believe you're ONE already, Alex! This year has been full of stress, sorrow, worry, laughter, fun, and love because of you- I'm looking forward to the next one!
For those of you who haven't met Alex yet, he's my happy boy. He is ALWAYS happy and smiling and getting into things. He wants to figure out everything and loves to try and do anything he sees anyone else doing. He's currently learning to walk and it's SO fun seeing him smile, laugh and bounce with joy after just a few successful steps!
The next day we had his birthday "party" with cake & ice cream.
"All done!"
The party-goers: Aunt Christina, Uncle Brandon, Mommy, Alex & Serra [Daddy's taking the picture].
And what's a first birthday without a "birthday suit" picture? :)
I can't believe you're ONE already, Alex! This year has been full of stress, sorrow, worry, laughter, fun, and love because of you- I'm looking forward to the next one!
For those of you who haven't met Alex yet, he's my happy boy. He is ALWAYS happy and smiling and getting into things. He wants to figure out everything and loves to try and do anything he sees anyone else doing. He's currently learning to walk and it's SO fun seeing him smile, laugh and bounce with joy after just a few successful steps!
Catching Up
I'm going to be posting several things today to catch up- so here's the first one with just some fun pictures to show some of the random things we've been up to the last 2 months.
Such a proper princess- even on a slide!
Serra and Alex with their buddies Kyle & Kaden.
Mr. T. I mean, Alex.
A typical silly Serra face...
Want to get rid of your dandelions? Invite my daughter over... Serra LOVES to pick flower bouquets for herself.
This picture cracks me up because I have a similar one of Serra eating my toothbrush & sitting in the sink at about the same age!
Serra roller skating- it lasted about as long as this picture. She decided she wanted to walk or be carried or play arcade games instead of standing on wheels.
We got our own arcade game- and Serra was having a blast testing it out with her Uncle Brandon.
Our local fire department had a fun day where we could see all the fire trucks and eat popcorn & cake. Here they are with an "old school" fire engine.
We're super excited about going to Disneyland in a few weeks- Serra is going to love it because she always HAS to give a big hug to anyone dressed in a huge fluffy costume!
Serra has noticed that she's not a big fan of Daddy going to work and begs him to stay home all the time. And now, recently, she plays "going to work" and tells me goodbye, walking out of her room with her "lunch" and when I go to find her she's like this- "at work"!
Alex LOVES to climb- this is the best picture I've managed to get, but he usually stands completely on the oven door so he can reach the top stuff.
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