Arizona Half Marathon!

This weekend I ran a 1/2 marathon. That is 13.1 miles for you non-runners. It has been 8 years since I have done that. You can read my confessions here.  While running may not be the most enjoyable sport in the world, I have learned to love it. I am happy to say, that while I may be toting around a lot of extra weight- due to having 4 wonderful boys and 4 not-so-wonderful c-sections- I did it. I worked hard, I trained for months, and I finished the race without any problems- except having to walk a little. And today, despite the pain in my legs, I can still climb stairs, and I feel strong.  If you are thinking I'd like to do that- but I just can't-- YOU CAN! You have to decide to do it and you can. I'll share more thoughts on this later. I could do this because I decided to and because I have an amazingly supportive husband. When he met me I was a runner. I am still a runner- even with four kids- because of him. He helps me out so much and watches the kids so I can run. If you are a mom, that is half the battle - finding the time, and having support of your husband. So challenge yourself- to anything- learn to sew, run a 5K, learn to cook something new, learn a new skill, find something you want to do or try and do it. If I can do it, you can do it too!
note: I know you come here for crafts & recipes...so I will attempt to post my running posts on this blog.
Thanks for reading! Hope you had a great weekend!

Today {& what I learn from my kids about being a mom}

Today looked a lot like this:

Sitting in a messy house holding a baby and watching CARS.

Most of my days are like this lately. I have been trying to tell myself, that I can do this even when I really feel like I can't do this anymore and this is really hard...

Then I taught a lesson today in preschool about The Little Engine that Could and we did this:

And I realized (once again) that I can do this. While motherhood may be the hardest thing I have ever done, I can do it .I can enjoy it.

Even though most days I want to do this:

My sweet little baby reminds me, that while somedays, some moments, and some weeks might be really hard right now, It CAN be done! I can do this...and I am reminded to do this:

And once again, my kids teach me, remind me, and inspire me to remember what really matters most. ♥

thanks for reading! oxoxo

Another Room Make-over: Craft Room/Multi-Purpose Room {part 3}

 I finished up this room. yay! The craft room/office/multipurpose room!

Well it is not completely finished, it still needs some paint on the walls, etc. BUT it is a lot closer!

Here are some of the many BEFORE looks:

{This one is the most recent}

And before this mess, was this:

This was a lot better than what you will see next, but there just wasn't enough storage for all the crap/craft stuff.

I was using this yellow dresser {which I love} and it just wasn't making the cut. The dresser is now my new changing table and  it is working really well. I actually sold the other changing table-which was your standard changer, with drawers and shelves. This one is cuter. :)

And because the yellow dresser wasn't making the cut... I was dealing with this- which made it hard to do anything:

So obviously, I needed some order and organization if I was going to ever sew anything again!

And would you believe I have at least a bin of fabric and a bin of paper crafting/scrapbook stuff....for a yard sale we are planning soon. Can we say -  too much craft crap  stuff! Seriously...too much!

As part of revamping this room into something usable, here are a few little things:

IKEA cork boards covered in fabric:

                                                  My first attempt at recovering a lamp shade:

The wall you see when you enter- fabric covered canvas squares, Target dollar section bins to hold some junk, and other stuff I can't part with yet...

And finally the big AFTER:

Of course, it will look a lot better, with some paint on the walls. I'm sure it will never be done, as I can think of a ton of things I would do to improve the space, but it is so much better! Let's hope we can keep it semi-clean....

Thanks for reading! oxoxo

5K and some Quilt Tops

I have a really really wonderful husband-unselfish, kind, hard-working, -well you get the picture. He is so good, that when he has 2 days off in a row, on a weekend, he takes care of things around here as much as he can so I can have some time to do what I want to do. Yes, I am a lucky girl, and I married a good one. ☻
Since the sewing machine has been living on the kitchen table, I got to work.

I only have the tops pieced together, but still quite an accomplishment! Here is a peek:

CAR QUILT TOP:

ROBOT QUILT TOP:

IKEA ANIMALS QUILT TOP:
Since I have 3 boys, I can't have 3 different quilts, because that equals FIGHTING. So I do have some leftover fabric to make 2 different but similar quilts of the top two.
And I used to hate quilting. But that was before I discovered super cute designer fabrics and machine quilting. Now I love it. Can't wait to finish these babies.


AND because what I REALLY SHOULD BE FOCUSING ON is losing the baby flab- (30 lbs down and about 40 more to go...) I ran/walked a 5K on Saturday. I was very disappointed in the lack of sponsors and participants, etc. but that is another story.
But I finished it. And don't judge my outfit. ☻ I don't have much to choose from these days. ☻I will be wearing XL t-shirts and sweats for a while and that is O.K....because baby needs me....and so do the cookies I just made. oops.


The best part was my cute cheerleaders. My husband and my 3 boys- 2 of them saying, "GO MOMMY GO!!" and you can't beat a moment like that, no matter how slow you run or how much weight you have to lose from having these little ones! They are worth every ounce. They are why I do what I do. ☻

not good.

I have been diligently working on this (a quilt I actually started back in 2006 and never finished--oops)



I am determined to finish it this week- it is almost done- and I have a little boy who can't wait for it (he wants to drive his cars on the road (the border of the quilt) :)

And then this happened....


If you know anything at all about Singer sewing machines, machine quilting, and what to do when the needle won't move up or down but will go a little bit backwards but then it won't budge... (it's jammed)...please share if you happen to know how to fix this problem. ;) I can't find the manual...if hubby can't fix it...I'm taking to a repair shop. Sewing is on hold for now. boo hoo. At least I'll be going to bed before 1 a.m.! unless I find some other projects to do :) (I better just go to bed!)

Craft and Sewing Spaces to Drool Over :)

This photo was one of my first attempts (about 2 years ago) to organize my craft space and the photo below is one I wish to have someday ...:)

This photo is from the HGTV photo group of craft rooms linked below, a room I would love to have in my house someday as I said above...someday...I can dream can't I...:).

Here are a few very cool craft/fabric closets, rooms, and spaces for you to enjoy...and drool over ;) At least that is what I did, as I said, "someday.....maybe someday....."

Oh Fransson- her fabric closet makes me want to sew right now!





Tip Junkie - posted some amazingly beautiful craft and sewing spaces!





HGTV- organized craft room ideas to die for! I want the one pictured above w/ the wall that says CREATE ;)

FLICKR GROUP- even more amazing craft rooms pictured on the Flickr craft room group- these people are amazing!! The possiblities are endless! I don't know which is more fun, creating actual "crafty-artsy-stuff" or designing and organizing the space in which to do such stuff!

Do you have a craft or sewing room/space/closet? How do you organize it?? Please share via comment ...and Happy Crafting!

Baby O Photo Shoot

Probably my first real attempt at photographing a newborn that was not my own. (This was several weeks ago.) I have lots to learn still...and REALLY need a new computer monitor- so I can see all my "flaws"! My monitor is really ancient-and not so good w/ detail and color ;) This baby was so adorable! I love this family- they are friends of ours and were kind enough to let me learn some "skills" ...through practice taking photos of them and their precious newborn baby boy and daughter. There is nothing so precious to me as seeing a newborn baby.....I think I can handle having another one soon :)

Baby S Photo Shoot

Could this baby be any cuter?

I have done a little photography for others, but this was one of my first newborn photo shoots last weekend. I have some nice friends who are willing to let me practice on them :) thanks :)

I have always loved photography, and it has always been something that I have really wanted to do :) I am really trying to learn all I can about portrait photography right now:) As I have learned a few things, I have even more respect for all my friends who do this stuff so well! I still have a lot to learn and am willing to take any one's photos- babies, children, families- in the area :)- just let me know :) I could really use the experience, and I just love it!

This cute family, with their darling baby, allowed me to spend some time with them last weekend taking newborn photos. These are a few of my favorites. Talk about a sweet baby girl and an adorable family! This little baby is an absolute doll. Thank you for letting me practice on you guys:) Hope you enjoy the photos!

(MLO) My Life Organized- Cleaning Up the Computer

Do you back things up on your computer regularly? This is a hard one for me to do. BUT...so important!! It doesn't really matter how much storage you have on your hard drive, things can happen and it can all be gone forever! This morning when I turned on our computer (which is ancient), it made this loud grinding sound. This isn't the first time it has done this. It has done this often lately. We have had our computer crash a few times in the past. However, I feel a crash may be upon us once again! AND SO....
I am on a mission to back things up like crazy!! This is a big job and could take me several days.
However it is a very important thing to do. I would really hate to lose all my 1000's of photos because I just did not back them up!! If you haven't backed-up your computer in a while, I challenge you to do this- organize your life and clean up your computer clutter! I am going to be doing just that....I'll let you know when the mission is accomplished :)

My Life Organized (MLO) Using Binders

I know we have the internet and computers- to save us from the "Paper Clutter Monster"- but for me there are some things that I would like to save on paper. I recently made use of the collection of 3-ring binders sitting around our house. I have quite the collection of "paper items"- music, visuals for teaching at church, Family Home Evening lessons, Magazines I just can't tear apart or throw away (The Friend), and large photographs that I switch out in my frames for each season. So in order to help me declutter and get my life organized, I created a binder system to help me find things easily. Just another way I am working on saying"bye bye" to paper clutter :)

Do you still use binders? If so how do you use them?

My Life Organized (MLO) Creating a Fun File

This month I am trying to get my life organized, and share with you some of the little ways that I have found to keep things in order- although I am not claiming to be an organized person. Organization has always been a challenge for me, but I really enjoy organizing and decluttering- so it is fun too.

A few years back, before blogging times, I realized that my love for magazines was cluttering up my life! I had to discard some magazines. So for a while I just threw them out. Then I came up with the "Fun File" where I could clip items that looked fun for teaching, family fun, cooking, crafts, etc. I created a folder for each month. I just clipped the activities and articles from my magazines, that looked interesting to me, and filed them away in the folder. Each month, I can pick up the folder and find fun things to do with my children and family. Some of the things I share on my blog, I often find from an old magazine- so it has proven to be a very valuable resource. So create our own FUN FILE....and see where it takes you this New Year! It will help you create fun in your family, while decluttering and organizing your life at the same time! Cheers!

Yoga DVD give-a-way :)

I use to do yoga at least once a week....then everything else got the better of me and I have not really done yoga for sometime. This give-a-way- is just what I need to get started again! OK...you can enter too if you want :) I Never Grew Up is a fun blog too- have a look :) Happy New Year!

Halloween Countdown Calendar

Here is another example of one of the things I have been working on. I love making up new projects- that I have not seen out there yet. ;) I get a little excited. :) It is a Halloween Countdown Calendar that is magnetic. You move the magnet according to how many days are left until Halloween. I have more similar items in the "works" for a GiVeWaY and opening of a small ESTY shop. Please come back and visit soon-so you can have a chance to win something fun! Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement :) Happy Halloween!

"she's going the distance...she's going for speed..." (not)

I am addicted to running- somewhat. I use to enjoy it more than I currently do- but I still enjoy it. I have two 5K's coming up...one this week and one next Saturday w/ my hubby. Both will be a really fun family event for all.... w/ lots of activities and such afterwards .I'm not in great shape at the moment though - 3 miles is work right now....can't believe I was thinking of doing another marathon right about now....--no St. George for me this year.... in case you were wondering.... and hadn't heard the sad news. (don't cry we will all live and you will be fine too) . I'll just bask in the fact that I have done it several times before....but now I'm enjoying my "mom bod".....don't you just love having kids and being a little chubby? The other day someone asked me if I was pregnant. No I am not. My new response is, "I know I am a bit chubby right now, but I am working on slimming down." Let's see how people will respond to that. But I will tell you -those kids are worth the extra weight I now carry around. Now I better get some new music on my Ipod so I can endure those 5K's...

a great morning run

I love running. I love running in the early morning when it is still cool and crisp outside. I also love when people say this when I'm running. Unfortunately, where we live, we don't have any cool or crisp weather until fall. At 7 a.m. today it was already 85 degrees. But that is OK. My kids were awake, and so we ventured out to the park to run a 3 mile loop. It was really nice to run outside instead of the treadmill. We went to the park afterwards, only to find the slide covered in water, which my son went down and soaked his pants, so that ended the park time. Still, it was a good morning. We enjoyed a nice run together, and a trip to the grocery store. Here's to hoping we can have more early park/run mornings, before it reaches 100 degrees. (p.s. I am really looking forward to the fall time here.)

workout plan for June

click on comic to make it bigger and readable
I have a problem. I am addicted to ice cream. So we must counteract that problem with exercise! I am always working on working out. So here is my current plan, and maybe it will just yield some weight loss results, not to mention "St. George Marathon or Bust!"
Monday: MamaFit class + weights or Body Pump (+ step)
Tuesday: Park Run (3 miles) if before 8 A.M., if not then Treadmill (4 miles) (pilates or stretching)
Wednesday: MamaFit Class + weights or Body Pump (+step)
Thursday: (same as Tuesday) I also take the kids to the park on these days after the run.
Friday: Long Run/Walk Day on treadmill
Saturday: Park Run if before 8 A.M., if not then Treadmill
I know it looks like a lot of working out, but it really isn't. The KEY for me is getting it done in the morning. Other part of my goal: EXERCISE everyday, and 2 weight workouts a week. Let's just say- I overplan-but that way- I get something done and I really like to give myself options! :) (of course this will change as time goes on and I adjust to it....think miles and training!) Happy Exercising!

victory!

After traveling for a week, and eating at CAFE RIO 3 times, I did not gain any weight! YAHOO! This week I expect to make BIG STRIDES in my efforts- especially since it is starting to warm up! As soon as I start feeling better (a little sick right now) the progress will begin and continue! It is slow and steady, a little at a time, but that is the only way to keep it off for good!

A return to St. George Marathon!!

So here I go posting my goal... I have not run a marathon or a half marathon since having children- since 2003- that was my last long run. And so... I am going to try and get into the St. George Marathon this year. This event is difficult to get in to- because of the number of people that want to run it. If I get in, it will be my 6th or 7th St. George Marathon. Usually it is a family event, with several family members running with me. I do want to continue having children, but before the next one comes along, I thought- and Aaron is supportive- of my return to running- and trying another marathon. And so- the training begins- however smal that may be right now. So Chad, Laura, Grandma Julie, and Dad... are you in?? Are you going to run with me this year? Come on, let's all JUST DO IT!