Me? A Runner?

Never...and I literally mean, NEVER would I think that I'd end up being a runner! I mean, I'm not a marathon runner (yet), but my next goal is to do a 10k which is coming up in a couple of weeks!

I got this great idea back in August to start running with youngest daughter before soccer season so she could get in better shape. Well, that prompted me to google "Couch to 5k" apps that I've seen before. I wanted to follow a plan that I knew we could do together.

When school started again, it was up to me to finish the program on my own, and I did!!! It was so easy to follow, and when I first started it was hard to just run one lap around the track!! By the time I was done with this (and it only took a few weeks), I was able to run 3.1 miles (5K) without stopping!

And it wasn't like I just started to exercise. I have been pretty consistent with my cardio at the gym doing my Group X classes. Running is an entirely a new ball game! I realized quickly that this was a total MENTAL sport, and that I had to motivate myself the entire time! I constantly pray for strength to keep going, and that has been the biggest factor in helping me to reach my goals!!

So, a couple of times a week, I will run my 2 miles, and then on Saturday mornings I will run 4 miles with my friend! She has been awesome in helping me with my runs!!

I can tell there's such a huge difference in my U-Jam classes because of running! The energy I have in class has increased so much!! I'm so glad that I stuck it out and didn't give up in the beginning. If I did, I would never have known my potential!!!

 Just one of the MANY pictures I have of me at the end of my runs!!!

 

And here's a little comparison of me before in 2010 when I was probably at the biggest I have ever been, and then now just a few weeks ago!

Birthday Lunch

When it's one of my kids birthdays, mama (my mom), likes to take them out to lunch individually. This gives her a chance to have a little more one on one time with them. Now that they're getting older, sometimes it's easier that way because of their schedules. It was so simple when they were all little. Just put them all in the car and go!!! Unfortunately, even for us, we may go to dinner and be missing one or two of our kids with us. Ugh, so sad, but that is our reality now.

My youngest daughter just had a birthday, and she chose Chili's for lunch! She's the one who will paint my moms toenails, experiment with makeup on her, and do all the "girly" things she loves to do!!

 Have you had these egg rolls? They're okay if you're not expecting it to be authentic.

 

 I never sway from what I order, so this is what I always get! The sliders!

 Three generations!

 Mama & Nani!!

 

Who Doesn't Love A Hearty Meal

Nothing is more satisfying than preparing a meal that you know your family is going to love! Even better when that recipe is totally easy, but looks complicated!!

I hit the jackpot when I found a copycat recipe for Panera Bread Cheddar Broccoli Soup!

Thank God for Google Search because I found it here! It is so delicious, easy to make, and it was perfect with cheese biscuits! You know, the kind you get at Red Lobster!

It was such a hit, that my kids wanted me to make it again the next day!

Pretty Lady

My daughter glammed up for her Senior Ball.

Promotion Time

Back in my day...a long, long time ago, we used to say we were "graduating," even if it was from elementary school. These days, they say, "promotion" until you are in high school. Don't know why I even shared that, but I just wonder why it changed???

Well, my youngest son just got "promoted" from 6th grade, and he will now be entering Junior High School in the fall! When I was in 6th grade (a long, long time ago), that WAS considered Junior High.

ANYWAY, the promotion ceremony was in the morning, so my husband, and two of the kids couldn't make it! But, I had the two older ones with me to enjoy this moment!!

My Danny boy!! He's a big boy now! Well, he always has been, but you know..the mom in me will always see him as a little boy!!

Huge Milestone

This past weekend, our two oldest children graduated from high school!

No, they are not twins, however, they would be considered Irish twins! 

Surprisingly, I didn't get choked up during the ceremony because I did a lot of the crying the day before! I mean, how could I not reflect back on the last 17/18 years of their lives. I can remember their younger days so clearly!

We were "that" homeschooling family! I had them at home with me for ten years before they went to a private school for Junior high! So, our situation is pretty unique (in my humble opinion).

And as much as I would like them to always be a few steps away, I have be realistic. They are young adults, and they need some independence...sigh....

So, with that said, I needed to blog about this event so the pictures could be at my fingertips.

It was a beautiful, sunny morning!! Perfect for a graduation ceremony! I knew it was going to be a long one, too. Come on now, almost 800 students!!!

Here they are, walking in with their group!!!

 

I couldn't pass up a selfie with my youngest!

And here they are!! My beautiful babies!!

The token parent picture!!!

The token picture with mama (grandma)!

My sis in-law!!!

With the "bros!"

 I am a blessed mama!!!

Celebratory lunch!!!


My father in-law got a little excited with the pasta..hehe.


And last but not least, my daughter's boyfriend, and his parents!!!


I'm excited to see what the future holds for them!! Two down, and three more to go!!

A Hiking We Will Go

Well, it's more like a "trek," if you will.

Nonetheless, it's a great way to get the kids out and explore some nature!

The two older kids missed out because one wasn't feeling well, and the other had homework. I'm sure it would have been different if we said we were going out for frozen yogurt!

Anyway..my husband bikes on this trail, and it's also a nice walk. I just fear that a mountain lion will jump out of nowhere! I'm so NOT the outdoorsy type!

So, this was a good three hours, all the way around! Great scenery, beautiful weather, and quality family time. What more could I ask for?

 This is where you first walk in, and up a little hill. See the jogger in the back? lol

Gotta have the token family picture!

Love this picture of my husband and youngest son! 

And you gotta love the "sun in your eyes" shot! Kinda looks like my husband is winking at the camera!

My New Favorite Food Blog!

One day, I was searching high and low for some new dessert recipes.

That's when I stumbled across Sally's Baking Addiction!!

I was instantly excited because her recipes were not complicated, and the comments she received had all rave reviews!

I started out making cupcakes, and then I went onto three of her muffin recipes (I'll post pics of those later). But, today...I made the most delicious banana chocolate cinnamon streusel muffin!!! 

Love her blog!!!!