Squats

 Today, I took a rest day and only ran 1.5 miles did 25 crunches and 50 squats. A friend posted this squat Challenge or 30 days. 

I'm excited to start the challenge. I think it will be a great addition to my run workouts!

50 crunches complete for Day 1!

Defeated

Tonight, I began searching for my next run. I wanted to make sure I was registered to run one each month. I was hoping this will help me continue to have motivation and also reach for new goals. I am hoping to reach for a half-marathon in 6 months and a marathon in a year. 

I am not feeling defeated about my goals, but more by current race times. Although I know I cannot possibly compare myself to these other runners, my personal best time is probably not even on their list of times for a run - not even a slow and easy run!! I was looking at the ConocoPhillips run and people finished a 5K in 15 min and another in 17 min! Isn't that crazy? I am finishing in 29 minutes roughly! I have some major work to be doing. I need to cut my time by at least 8 minutes. I don't expect to win, but at least this way I could have some hope. 

Although I feel defeated, I'm gonna still keep running. 

Choices

So in previous posts I have talked about my uncontrollable need to eat. It's not just the eating that is bad. It is what I eat that makes it worse. However, this past week I have felt I have made some better choices. I finally have ate breakfast consistently and although I have still eaten out a couple of times I think I'm making up for it else where. 

I have been running 3 miles in the morning and working out in the afternoons. I'm pretty proud of myself. I haven't had a carbonated drink in weeks. I am doing fairly good with the sugars. When we have gone to restaurants , I am choosing better foods and maintaining portion control.

I was really proud of myself today/tonight. I cooked a pulled pork in the crockpot. When Sean got him from wok we went to the gym. When we got home he ate the pork, leftover potatoes, and beans. I fixed myself a salad cut open an avocado, and a piece of cheese.  So good!!! I could have used some more protein, but tomorrow morning I think I will have a protein shake :-)

No, I didn't eat all of it. I also forgot I fixed a cup of green tea! Which explains why I am typing this so late! :-p 

Summer Morning at the Lease

Growing up I was spoiled to the Texas Hill Country - Edward's County to be exact. The Fry Ranch, Barksdale, Texas with its rolling hills, running streams, and beautiful cypress trees sparked many of my outdoor adventures. It wasn't and still isn't uncommon to watch the sun rise along the horizon and catch a glimpse of a herd of axis or a handful of whitetail deer feeding and playing. 

It saddens me that in my adult life due to work and just life in general, we can't venture out that way as often as I would like. However, my husband has done a good job this time at finding me a lease that was a good substitution. Now, this current lease is close to home. It doesn't have the rolling hills, creeks, or cypress trees. It's more along the lines of mud, oak flats, spiders, poison ivy, mosquitoes, raccoons, stagnant ponds, high brush, thorny vines, and wild hogs. To most, that would sound like a disaster but I have to say it sparks a new curiosity and adventure. 

I cannot complain too much. Every time we come out to the lease we see some form of whitetail from the baby fawns, does, spikes, to the big daddy deer (bucks). I also cannot complain about the  natural canopy the oaks, pine trees, and tala provide from the hot South Texas sun.

I'm excited about my new stand. 

It sits on a pipeline - again another first for me. West Texas doesn't have many pipelines cutting through its limestone, we can thank this clear cut to one of the following ExxonMobile, Enterprise, Shell/Motiva, or ConocoPhillips. Last weekend, we poured out a bag a corn an put a trail camera out to see what would be drawn in to feed. Much to my surprise I had 50 pictures - not too good, but not bad either. The pictures feature a doe with her two fawns and a couple of other does. I would be much obliged to sling an arrow at any of these doe. Nevertheless, the wild hogs found the corn and devoured the rest of my supply. 

I am not mad at them though because they too are a candidate for our freezer. I love pulled pork, bacon, pan sausage, and pork chops. 

We still have a lot of work to do before we are ready for the season. Today is yet another workday in the high humidity, sweltering heat, and bright Texas sunshine. 

Did I mention that pants and boots in July are not at the top of my most liked apparel? But, I will wear them anyway to keep all those pesky critters off and away!  

Color Mania

Color Mania - A 5K run, which involves being painted as a runner goes along the course.  

So, a 5K run on a course is what I expected this morning. However, when I arrived at the run this morning I quickly realize it was going to be more of an obstacle.

That ladies and gentlemen is a motor cross course. Definitely was not intended for running.

I am super impressed with myself. I ran this course in 31 minutes and 45 seconds for a new record time! I am starting to believe all the sweat in the gym is paying off.

After completing this today, I realized I can make changes in my body and push myself to achieve other accomplishments. With that said, I am tasking myself to complete a 10K in the next 6 months and a full marathon is a year. I am not going to quit 5K runs because they help build my confidence. 

I know I am not in fantastic shape by any stretch of the imagination. I also know I have a lot of work ahead of me. But, I am still proud of my self. To top it all off I burnt 400 calories this morning. Hooray!!!

Now to keep pressing on with these goals. 

Until next time....

After, I finished at the finish line!

We both finished!!! Yay ;-p

What a day...

Taking two kids to a dentist appointment is rather intense. Especially, when the appointment is for their father and he is acting the same way as the five and three year old. It is definitely a test of patience. I am going to had to continue to pray for God to give me more patience and understanding because these day are testing both. 

Progress...

So at last, I feel like I'm making progress with my body. I finally tossed out all diet pills, drinks, packets of vitamins, energy drinks, etc. I decided it was time to do this myself - with no excuses. Although I know that the progress I am seeing is not from this weeks work alone, I do feel more confident that this week has been a turning point.

I am finally losing weight. I turned up the cardio. Boy am I feeling good! I found a new treadmill work out that's burning 400 calories or more each workout. I had done it twice this week :-) I have lost 4 lbs this week. Definitely making better food choices as well. 

(Treadmill I was on tonight! Progress!)

It didn't hurt that we also started the Dave Ramsey money saving thing again. Now, I can't just pull out the debit card at the  fast food place. I also started coupon-ing, which is making cooking more purposeful and planned. 

I am hoping to be able to fit back into some clothes I'm holding on to pretty soon. Hopefully we can keep up this great work!

Hurdles...

In the last few months, well since April 2nd to be exact, I have been really pushing it to lose weight and get fit. I have learned several things about myself within in these last few months. Some of points are good and a few are bad. One is that I have an amazing husband. He has truly inspired me to keep pushing on to my goals. He has given me tons of verbal motivation and always gives me compliments on my accomplishments. He definitely has also been there to pick me up when I have been down. One bad thing I have learned is for whatever reason, hormones or age, I am having a HUGE problem with losing weight. I have instead bulked up as far as muscle goes. My legs have become cut and so have my arms. I just can't drop it on the scale. I am fluctuating 4 pounds every few days. I have read so many articles that have given me tons of ways to eat better to break my plateau. However, with two little boys and a husband that is not looking to lose weight it has become hard to make good food choices. Which leads me to the second negative personal point - food choices. I am TERRIBLE at choosing foods. I love it all! :-/ I have done really good at cutting out carbonated drinks and sugary drinks, which has been a great big improvement. But the biggest improvement I have made is my length in running.

Tonight, I ran 4 miles in 40 minutes and 11 seconds. It is not fantastic by no means. I hope to one day do 5 miles in 40 minutes, so I am thinking that will be my next goal. I was able to accomplish a 9 minute mile tonight as well. No surprise there...I've been able to do that since 7th grade athletics. Running has become a mental game for me. It is not my ability to do it physically, but my ability to push myself mentally to continue and not let myself give up. I'm so tempted on lap 10 of the track to give up and quit...but I know I must press on for my better good. Although running is an accomplishment, I really wish I could accomplish some of my other goals like weight loss and eating healthier. I'm pressing on to accomplish those two things with the next three months. However, with a little boy starting Kindergarten....I'm not sure how well the emotional roller coaster will let that happen. It will definitely be a true test of my mental strength.

Until next time...I will press on with running...and accomplishing eating healthier followed by weight loss :) Hopefully the weights at the gym in the morning will make me feel somewhat better!!

The moment when...

It's the moment when you realize that you have finally achieved lifetime goals that will put a true smile on your face. I grew up a little more today. The crazy thing is that I am okay to say that, too. I think its a successful day when you better yourself. I feel like God has really been pushing me these days. I feel like he's pushing me to find the positive in things and to boast people around me to bring a better morale. Upon a good personal day, I realized my students really enjoy anything we can do for them. They do not see the little things that don't go as planned because they are kids. We are worst critics. I'm learning in my years that my perfection has been a drag, but I think I'm going to put a spin on it and make it for the positive.

Teaching has been a process in which I have grown with it as well. I only can hope that this time next year I can say all these great things as well!

A bittersweet tear...

Tonight I shed a bittersweet tear as I remember the night my first son was born and thinking to myself how much his life meant to me. I looked past those beautiful long eye lashes into the big bold eyes looking at me and imagined his future. The future that I held in my arms. The body I was going to be able to mold. The traditions and routine's I would form. He became my body and soul. He changed me in an instant. I remember the rush of anxiety I felt moments before he was delivered. A feeling of not being sure of what it all meant to be a mother. I didn't know if I would be able to do it or if I would fall on my face.

I  knew all the logistics - bottles, diapers, pacifiers, late nights, crying, cleaning, and baths. I didn't know, however, how I was going to know how to love a baby the way everyone said I would. I was 21 years old, some say I was a baby. I am much older than my time. I had the baby things down as I had 4 nieces and nephews I helped raise. No matter how much you think you have figured out, you never will be prepared enough for what that first cry will do.

Jacob had an unusual entrance into the world. I went from worried about his hair color and skin color to a frenzy about his ability to scream. Not too long into delivery the doctor grew worried. Jacob had his umbilical cord wrap around his wrist, which meant he was not getting enough oxygen. In a matter of seconds he was ripped from my body and rushed to table. The doctor was ordering the nurses - or shall I say screaming orders. She had my baby in her hands, who I had not seen, and had not yet heard cry - yet. Now everyone knows all is good when the baby is crying, but no one prepares you for the not crying baby. I grew in panic instantly. Screaming for them to tell me what was wrong with my baby. I was ignored, of course, as I should have been since they were working on my child. The few minutes I was watching and waiting felt like an eternity and nothing else mattered. Nevertheless, my baby's cry didn't make me a mother I was a mother far before his delivery and never even realized it. The moment he cried I began to ball worse than he was. A crying contest that I was bound to lose, but one I was happy to have.

Tears with children happen all throughout the life journey. The tears that fall the first few weeks after child birth when nothing you do feels right and you are so tired and exhausted you know not what to do. The tears of the first time they are sick and you can't take away their pain. The tears the first time they get their feelings hurt because of someone else. The tears of their first scrape from a bike fall. The tears you share together because you both are upset together. The tears of a mother when she realizes her boy is no longer a toddler, but a child. The moment you realize they are in the real world and going to have to make some memories on their own. The tears of hope that you have raised them right and instilled Godly words and praises that will cause them to reflect upon their choices. 

A women knows nothing before childbirth. A child's love is like no other. A love you cannot part with; a love you cannot explain; a love you will never forget. a Love I will cherish forever.

Change is happening!

It has by far been an amazing holiday break! Matter of fact, I think this past 5 days have been the best of all of it. I am doing really good at following my mission plan of Family Reformation. I have literally cooked Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday...that would be 4 days in a row! I have fixed breakfast and lunch every day as well except Wednesday I didn't do lunch. I have managed to add in the cleaning aspect of the Reformation process and I am quite proud of myself. I have literally kept up with my laundry, cleaned sheets, and managed to keep my kitchen clean. I am one happy momma right now! I have finally made an accomplishement as a wife.

Personally, I have also started taking better care of myself. As a momma, we all struggle with trying to fit time in for ourselves. Well, with staying home this week and not going anywhere I was able to focus some time towards myself daily. Its the little things we appreciate like using a face wash, cleanser, and teeth whitening system. I even went out on a limb and ordered a clay mask for my face :) I am even more excited that I started Jillian Micheals Ripped in 30 video. I am on day 3 this morning. I could barely roll out of bed this morning! OUCH. Anyways, I feel the video is really helping out on my abs. My abs are my problem area. After haveing two kids in 22 months, my belly is not the most attractive. It definitely looks better now than it did, but there is always room for improvement. My goal is to have a body that I am okay with. I am not setting out to lose weight, but I am wanting to feel okay in a pair of jeans and not be cautious about wearing a cute summer tank top or dress.

I have to suggest a book for you to read if you have time, Avoiding Commitment by KD Linde. It was a great book. However, in the middle of the book I got tired of flipping back to the past. I was more interested about the present part of the book. Another good series is Love Me with Lies, Book 1 and 2 were great! I can't wait to read book 3, Thief (Author - Tarryn Fisher).

Sean and I even had time for ourselves last night and the kids in bed by 8. The whole taking care of the family and staying at home is changing alot of things in this house. I owe to praying more and asking God for guidance. Following the word in verse 10-21 in Proverbs 31 has helped me as a wife and all the guidance I need.

Rolling On

Well, this wonderful holiday has come to an end. I am rather sad to see it go. Life has been so happy the last few days maybe even weeks. It has been so relaxing to be able to focus on the kids and my husband. My job sure is fantastic. I have to keep telling myself that because lately I've been contemplating whether or not it is what I want to do forever. But, I have realized the last few days that it fits me perfectly. How many people get to go to work and change something if they don't like how its working. I get to put my own spin on things along with my own creativity. Not to mention, the pay is not bad, I don't work an 8 hour days nor do I work 52 weeks. I love my summer and holidays off. It is even better that I get to work with kids all the time. I love getting to change a life for the better.

I feel refreshed going back to work. No drama. No stress. Refreshed! I have realized that I need to go back open minded, willing to change, embracing new ideas, and learning from those more advanced. I need to leave work at work and focus on my kids at home. I'm not going to come home stressed. I will give my kids 110% each afternoon.

We started a nightly routine, again. When Jacob was little, prior to Mason's arrival, we had a strict nightly routine of a book/playtime, snack, brush teeth, change clothes, 15 minutes of television, and then lights out. It shortly faded as life got more hectic with a toddler. Well, the last year has been rough without that routine. Tonight was night one and hopefully it will continue.

I also read another book these last two days, Avoiding Responsibilities Book #2 in Avoiding Series. It was really good. Although it did have the flipping from past to present, it wasn't near as bad as book 1. I am assuming its because I knew more about what was going on in Book 2 and some history. I am now dedicating 30 minutes before bed each night for some type of reading whether it be a new book or a chapter in the Bible :)

To reflect back on my ongoing Family Reformation, I cooked dinner again tonight - yay!! I also worked out :) Sean and I had a date night last night, which was AMAZING! We had crawfish for the first time since last season and watched the Texans win their playoff game. We came home and watched two movies, The Campaign and Thats My Boy, while drinking Pina Coladas. This little self blog has really freed up some of my frustrations and allowed me to put my life into perspective. I really have the best things I ever dreamed of. I need to keep focus on my family and myself this year.

On another note, I hope to be able to get to church this Sunday. Being with God is not something we need to omit from our lives. We have had so much going on we haven't made it since the weekend before Christmas. I know you don't have to go to church all the time to be in the great graces of Our Father, but I do feel closer being in his home. I have been praying more for him to help me through these changes. I am so happy to be changing myself from the within.

My momma always said you have to get dirty of yourself before you are tired of wollering in self pity to change it. I am tired of being dirty and glad to make these changes. Now, lets hope that adding in work this week doesn't change my frame of mind. Please pray with and for me that I make it this week with keeping up my changes and not losing sight in what is really important!

Well, off to embrace this crazy week. Wednesday will be my rest day from working out and my weighin day. I'm sure I'll be posting, hopefully it will be exciting news. I also am taking that day to go pamper myself :) till then...the Family Reformation continues!

Kids Say the Craziest Things

Well, I told myself there would be no "New Year's Resolution's" this year because everyday should be filled with self improvement. However, a 4 year old has a way of making you change your mind. It intrigues me how they have no filter and its complete honesty. I have always struggled with the idea that I cannot completely be the wife that can do it all. I am just not physically, mentally, or emotionally able to manage. However, I have thought I have done a decent job at raising the kids as I do work and Sean works shift work. I have managed I guess is the best way to put it.

Jacob, 4 years old, saw me on the computer today. I was of course on Pinterest. No I am not a woman who looks at pinterest and puts herself down for all the things she cannot accomplish. I am content with the idea that I am not ever going to be Better Crocker. But, I do enjoy looking and pinning things that I may be able to try one day. After all, I am a teacher and have nice holiday breaks that allows some opportunity for hobbies. Anyways, Jacob asked, "What are you doing Momma?" I proceeded to tell him that I was searching for some new meal ideas. I know that I am lacking in the cooking field and its been an ongoing battle to cook more. I have a wonderful husband who has almost taken over this family duty. I don't mind that he likes doing it, but I know that my place as the wife is to provide for her family, including her husband. The conversation with Jacob took an unexpected turn. After his inquisition about my computer search and our short verbal exchange, he finishes our conversation by comparing me to Sean by saying, "You are going to start cooking more like Daddy?"

Wow, the things kids say really bring things into perspective. It is obvious that with me the kids see constant change and never stability with one thing and that is food. I have always prided myself on being the parent that provides a foundation and stability...man have I failed this one. FAILED! Ouch...that hurt. The words from a babe.

Since I said no "New Year's Resolution" I am going to call this a Reformation of Family. We are going to make some huge changes and it has nothing to do with a new calendar. It has to do with the realization that I am failing on a motherly duty....cooking. I was trying a challenge from the book, My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife,  it consisted of being a better wife, but I think I am going to throw in my own swing to this challenge. I'm going to challenge my self a little more by adding in being a better wife and mother. Its not going to be about cooking, but more play time with the boys, more special things for them, more dinners for my husband when he's on nights, better at cooking breakfast, less process foods and more whole foods....wonder if I can manage all that I'm biting off here. We shall see.....Reformation of Family.

ref·or·ma·tion

/ˌrefərˈmāSHən/

Noun The action or process of reforming an institution or practice.

Pictures from 2013

Neuschwanstein Castle, September 2012

Sean's 9 points - Broaddus, TX, November 2012

 Jacob's School Christmas Play, December 2012

 Lexi and Me to Barksdale, TX - December 2012

 The Eastman Grandkids and Madison - Yogi Bear Park, June 2012

My Doe - Fry Ranch, December 2012

 

 

Family Baptism - Trinity Episcopal Church, September 2012

Good bye 2012. Hello 2013!

2012 was really great to us, The Cooper's. It has been a year since I last posted on my blog. I find that it has been a rather hectic year with the kids and trying to keep up. It seems that we never really got in a routine. I, as a mother, seemed to search continuously for what would work for us the best, but I found myself not giving anything enough time to work. I would get irritated and frustrated, which ultimately led to me giving up. Mason turned 2 in January. He has grown so much this year. He ended the year being potty trained - what a blessing! Jacob turned 4 years old. He has matured so much and spends a great deal of time with his Daddy, Sean. Sean killed a nice 9 point buck in East Texas. It weighed in at 180 lbs. It was by the far the prettiest and biggest deer I have ever seen. I was so proud of him.

The best moment for me this year was becoming apart of a church family. We joined Trinity Episcopal Church in Baytown, TX. On September 9, we were all baptized together. It was such a joyous occasion. Although this was the best moment, we had yet another adventure that was very memorable. For my 26th birthday, I spent it in Hamburg, Germany. Sean's job, OilTanking, sent us to Germany for 7 days on a work trip. While we were there we got to tour Germany by train. It was by far the coolest trip I have ever had in my entire life. It was definetly something I could mark off my bucket list. We visited Munich and the Neuschwanstein, Germany. We got to see a beautiful castle. Cinderella actually centered their castle around this particular German Legacy. It was breath taking to say the least. Every girls dream to see such a beautiful castle and to picture herself a princess. My husband is by far the greatest man to me.

2012 went beyond any expectation that I could have had for my family - financially and emotionally. It was all I asked for and more. It allowed us to slow down a little and get our feet underneath us. Thanks for that 2012.

I hope that 2013 blesses us with a little more ease and more great adventures with our boys. We are planning lots of summer mini vacations. Hopefully this year will bring us a new home and new car. I am going to strive to cook more, schedule more, and stick to a budget plan for us all. We have done some really great things in the last 6 months. I hope it continues!