Oh hello there...

Happy 2012 :)  So far this year, I have NOT  been blogging but I have been busy.  I've been running, err jogging really (a little), traveling (more than usual!), and working on projects around the house.  With the new year came an intense need for me to get things better organized, toss out the old junk stuff that is taking up valuable space in our ever shrinking (it seems) house, and prioritize our remodeling projects. 

The boys are doing great...little Bear just had his 15 month checkup (at 16 months) and is doing GREAT.  Our boys are growing right on track, but I swear the percentages get less and less each time we go.  They are not teeny tiny, nor are they giants, but 18th-22nd percentiles?  Really??  Our doctor's not concerned, so I'm fine with it.  But I wonder about these boys that are in the 90th percentiles.  They must be HUGE. 

Yesterday was a real Monday (we should just leave it at that, trust me), so I opted for a margarita over a run.  :)  So, back on the road for me today.  I squeezed in my run (jog??) at lunch today and was really loving the nice weather we're having today.  I had to stop and take off my jacket and was more than comfortable in my capris and tank.  It's January!  A running tank top?!  I'll take it.  I was S-L-O-W today overall, but it was funny that it was a real ebb and flow all 4 miles today.  I'd be strong for a half mile or mile, and then it would seem really hard to maintain my pace for a bit, then I'd break through again and feel strong.  By the end, I was dragging though.  I seriously think I was doing a major shuffle down our street looking like one of those people it hurts to watch jog because it looks so painful for them.  Yep, that was definitely me on the last 100 yards before I cooled down!  But, it wasn't just me; the dogs were dragging by mile 3 as well.  We're not accustomed to this heat ;)  Whoa 60 degrees! (I think it was probably closer to 70 in the sun, though)

In other news, we have decided to take a leap and radically alter our diets - we've gone vegetarian.  Well, I guess pescetarian since we are eating fish still.  Mostly all veg during the week, and last week we just had fish one night.  We decided to give it a try mostly for health reasons.  I was all for it since I've never been huge on eating meat anyway, but it's a learning experience to find new things to make for the family!  One can only eat so many salads and bowls of vegetable soup.  Thank goodness for fantastic sites like Peas and Thank You and Daily Garnish that are inspiring me every single day!!  Thank you for your delicious recipes and advice for making sure I feed my family right while we make this switch.  I am learning so much from you both!  :)

More soon - hopefully we'll have some fun home improvement things to show you over the next couple of months, too.  I'll be sure to come back more often with updates on feeding my family vegetarian (and some of our favorite recipes!), running (will get some races on the calendar soon...!!), and the fun we have with our boys.  Next post will have pictures, too, promise :)

Looks…so…funny!

Definitely am going to need to see this!!

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-trailer-released_b43739

By the way, I’m not doing so great with my running streak…it’s been hard to fit it in lately.  But, I did run the dogs up to the vet today instead of driving, so that was a small little victory, right??  And I’ve been doing about every OTHER day.  Still with the goal to get back to every day…I mean, a mile, that’s like 10 minutes or less, why is it so difficult?

Streaking…?

So today, when several pieces of chocolate did not help my mood or anxiety (WHAT??! who am I?), I laced up my running shoes and headed out.  I knew I wasn’t going to get anything at all done and was just going to wallow in my stress and get more spun up if I didn’t do SOMEthing. 

Lo and behold, I felt better just 10 minutes into my run.  Some days, it is almost the moment I step out and turn on the iPod that I feel relief, but days like today, I needed a little more time to shake it all out.  I wasn’t sure how long or far I’d go when I started.  I felt like I needed to run for about 2 days to clear all the crap outta my head…but I settled for about 4 miles at a decent (for me) pace. 

As I was running, I decided I should jump in on Runners World’s Holiday Running Streak.  Basically, it challenges us to get out and run at least a mile every day between now and New Year’s.  It actually started on Thanksgiving, so I’m a little late to the party, but I can still get in a 26-day streak since I started today!  It’ll be good for me, and a mile is easy to do with just a couple loops around the neighborhood.  My faithful running companions will be grateful, too. 

My midday runs are great since I don’t need to push the double jogging stroller, but my time is limited since I need to get back to work.  My goal is to get to the place where I do a couple 4-6 mile runs during the week, 1 3-mile run to work on speed work, and then maybe a longer run on the weekend if I can fit it in.  Then start training for a half marathon after the first of the year.  My streaking is going to be a good start for that, huh??

Remind me when I forget…I NEED this time.  It makes me a happier, more patient, and more productive human being   Um… hello New Year’s Resolution for me this year!!

W at Three…

Oh little Dubs, you are so much fun and such a challenge at the same time!  You are such a charmer and say the sweetest things to me (thank you to the hubs who teaches him this cuteness!) like:

“mommy, you a gorgeous pretty flower”

“mommy, I lub you THIS MUCH!!”

“don’t leave, hold my hand” (when putting him to bed)

“I want to be mommy’s bear cub (sounds like bear tub)” – which means he wants to snuggle up on the couch and watch TV with us (further postponing bedtime, the sly thing!)

“I need to say sweet dreams daddy”

“oh! I got an idea! Hmmm…(with finger to chin)” Me: What’s your idea??”  W: “I not know”  (this is a favorite thing he says…I not know instead of I don’t know.  I smile every time!)

“I’m spooning mommy” – yes, he knows this!

AND, our little one says his blessing before meals and prayers before bed!  Sometimes with a little encouragement, but sometimes he says the whole thing all by himself and I love it so much.  Most times he says, “keep you hands together….Dear God, thank you for….(usually what’s in front of him, or he says “bless mommy, daddy, wade, drew…)”  Absolutely precious.

He is getting SO independent (“let ME do it”) and really likes to do things on his own and for himself, even if it might entail scaling the refrigerator to get the fruit snacks we stashed on top of it “out of reach.” True story. Just this week!

He loves school and talks about his friends more and more each week.

He is VERY excited to have SANTA come this year and we are looking forward to a visit at the mall hopefully this weekend. 

We are continuing to work on listening and not being too rough or mean to his little brother.  Poor bear gets shoved down multiple times a day, sat on, squeezed, yelled at…but he has started to give it right back and is one tough 1-year-old.  I won’t lie that some days I just don’t know what to do about it all.  I try not to get discouraged by the bad behavior and am working to educate myself on some different approaches and strategies to respond to the behavior a little more effectively so we don’t become broken records, always correcting the. same. things.

We’ll get there…I’m encouraged by what I’ve been reading recently that it’s not an insurmountable behavioral situation we have on our hands and with some adjustments to our own interactions with W, I think we’ll be able to restore the peace and encourage better listening and cooperation skills.  Keep your fingers crossed for us!!

The Halloween Post

FINALLY getting around to my Halloween post.  We had a great time at the neighborhood parade!  I think the pictures speak for themselves…love my little Woody and Buzz!!

Toddler, Preschooler, or Weimaraner?

I think on an almost daily basis about how my kids and dogs have rather a lot in common…so thought this post would be fun.  Try to guess what matches to what…

Must be taken to the bathroom?

Whines when wanting something?

Cranky when hungry or tired?

Monster mess maker?

Sneaks into bed with us after we’re asleep?

Dislikes being alone?

Needs fresh air and a TON of exercise daily, or else?

Must be occupied or will get into trouble?

Loves to kick back on the couch and relax or watch TV?

Always curious about what mom and dad are doing?

Follows me into the bathroom, or anywhere else I go?

Dislikes taking medicine?

Likes to play in dirt and water?

Gets impatient when not getting all my undivided attention?

Sneaky when doing something that’s a definite (known) no-no?

If you guessed all 3 for ALL OF THE ABOVE, you are so right   There’s never a dull moment around here, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!!

My kids are so cute!

W had his first school pictures this year in preschool and I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect.  We were able to go early in the morning, before school, to have a picture taken with little brother as well, so of course we did that, too.  It was hectic, and Bear took his shoes and socks off and DID. NOT. want them back on, but check out the incredible proofs we got…I melt!

(click the picture to see it bigger)

Sorry that the scan is all crooked, I was moving fast

Another hectic day in our house, with lots to do, unfortunately no more time for talking (typing), but I just had to share these before sending the proofs back for our order today!