Re-Cap of January and February

Last I left you, we had just returned from PA.  In that time, Greg has cut two more teeth, began walking (for real this time!), tried some new foods (cantaloupe, cauliflower, steak, and kiwi), and learned to roll a ball.  He loves to play chase!  He is also learning to identify animal sounds.  He knows the monkey says "ooh, ooh" (he makes a cute panting sound for this), and that lions and bear say "grrrr, or roar."  He can make the sound of a goat, too.  At this point, all other animals growl, apparently.  He is also learning colors, numbers, and letter recognition.  He can say "cracker" and "mama" and "all done."  He said his first sentence: "Mama, nana (banana) all done."  He is working on coming to Mommy, picking up his toys, and not throwing fits. ;-)  He loves to ride his car outside, and pushes his cousin Eden around everywhere, "ssshhing" her if she cries.  He bear crawls everywhere when he doesn't walk.

I attended a ladies retreat that was absolutely beautiful!  Also left Greg for the first time overnight (yikes!).

 The grounds were beautiful!

 Greg LOVES to swing and to play outside.  He is happiest left exploring the great outdoors.

 He also is fearless and enjoys sliding down the slide.  In the picture above, we are playing at Tiffany Park where they have a toddler park.  This is a great idea since Greg can climb all over everything and I don't have to worry about him falling from a great height.

 Planting the beginning of my container garden!  One year, I'll have a real garden, but for now, this works well.  Pineapple sage (attracts hummingbirds), spearmint, and flowers (wormwood, snapdragons, and a few others).

The cute little heart I made for Valentine's Day!  I love buttons!  It's 3D, though you can't tell very well from the picture.

We are still job hunting and house hunting, and trying to enjoy life where we are at!

Smiles!

30 Day Challenge

I know it has been a while since I have posted, but I was hoping that our camera would have been found.  Unfortunately, it is still lost, as are the pictures I wanted to post next.  I am praying earnestly that it will be found...soon!  Normally I would write a catch up post, but I plan to do that Friday (as noted in the new blogging schedule I posted a few weeks ago).  Tuesday is supposed to be a project I'm working on, and I wanted to make note of that.

I'm doing something I have never done before.

For those of you who know me well, don't hold your breath.

I'm working on a...  *drum roll please*  EXERCISE CHALLENGE!!

*gasp*

That's right.  The girl who has an extreme dislike of exercise (except some pilates, walking, and the elliptical machine), and typically thought it a waste of time, is doing a 30 day challenge.  I've never been athletically gifted, and after my foot injury, never had time for it.  I'm the always-have-your-nose-stuck-in-a-book-research-a-topic-drink-tea sort of girl.  I've always admired the other type, though.  (Grass is greener on the other side?)

I have the last bit of baby weight I desperately want to lose, and I'd like to get back in shape.  Walking every day is helping, but not sufficient.

But I like challenges.  So I'm doing it.

Today is Day 2 of 30.  Last night, I couldn't even do the whole workout.  And it was amazing how many negative thoughts I had to mentally fight through as I battled last night.  Woke up sore, but not unbearably so.  I knew I had to do better tonight.  And I did!  I still was unable to complete a few things, but I did feel better.  The enjoyment factor still hasn't showed up yet, but the success is kind of fun.

Supposedly, on Day 5, I am supposed to feel a difference (slightly skeptical about promises).  This workout uses muscle confusion and a 3-2-1 ratio of cardio, strength, and abs to burn calories and build muscle.

I AM going to complete this, though.  (The doubts are present--I can't even lift my arms to my head at present because of the soreness)  But I'm doing it.  (And Brian makes a great cheer leader)

I also discovered that it helps to count.  I love to count.  I subconsciously count all the time--while I'm waiting, in bed, at a stop light--you name it!  Knowing that I have a particular number of minutes/seconds per exercise, and counting them, helps me finish.  It's having a goal to work for.  If I know I've got to do 60, well, then, that's much easier.

So there you have it.  My ramblings for the night.

Smiles!