Another one down....

Getting the workouts in this week has been a struggle. But, I really need it, my eating is not up to par, I''ve been eating way to much. I really need to focus.

Challenge Workout #9- Elliptical.

Learning to Read Tools

These are the tools I have used in the past, with the addition of the new book.
Some of these items are discontinued from Lakeshore Learning, and Learning Express. Learning Express that used to be in Clearwater, closed a couple of years ago. Lakeshore Learning is in Tampa. I am sure you can find similar items out there. Links below.

Sing & Learn Alphabet Songs ( A-Z )

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

Fun To Chant Rhymes ( A-Z )

Itty Bitty Phonics Readers

Alphabet Readers ( A-Z )

Sight Word Readers

Lakeshore Learning
Learning Express
Teach Your Child to Read

All my children have loved these activities. Sarah is excited :)


Today, we did a few of these activity's along with making a butterfly.

End of the day.

Happy Friday!!! Enjoy the weekend, friends.

Getting it in....

With everything going on, this workout was hard to get in, but, I did....

Challenge Workout #8- Elliptical.

School is out!!!

But, the learning doesn't end! Sarah, my 4 year old, loves learning. She knows the alphabet, the sound of each letter, is trying to read and can spell a few words; plus a list of other things. We are going to make simple crafts over the summer, a book, and I am going to teach her to read; since she is showing an interest. Of course, we started with Letter A, A is for Alligator!

Sarah and her friend, Katie, she will be here on and off for the summer. This was a very simple craft, even though I didn't have googly eyes, sparkle jewels work great!!!

We also went to dinner to celebrate the kids achievements, which was also my sister's 39th birthday!
I have a Senior ( wow ),  a 7th grader, 6th grader, preschooler, and a newly walker! My life is full and I wouldn't have it any other way ♥

My sister, Cristy and me.
Happy Birthday!

My mom, Debbie, my sister, and me.

My mom, my aunt and uncle; Gale and Howard.

We had a nice evening, celebrating the kids and my sister ♥

Happy National Running Day!

Today, I celebrated by running the fastest mile, I could. I would not be able to keep this pace any longer, my breathing is not ready for this pace. I am comfortable with a 9 1/2-10 min mile pace.

After the one mile run, I did a one mile walk cool down. Today, I worked out for 24 minutes; 2 miles.

Challenge Workout #7- Running/Walking

Starting the Second Week!

It's only Tuesday, and this week seems to be dragging a bit... I am thinking Monday and Fridays, will be my days off. I'm working on a better schedule, trying to incorporate so many different things, including the children's activities.

This evening, Randy and I ran in the neighborhood. We felt like being goofy!

I love running along with him, but, we don't chat to much. ( Just before and after, the run ) I enjoy my music, with my own thoughts; working on the issues I am facing or it gives me time, I need, to clear my head. ( of 6 other voices, lol ) I should add, I do like group runs, and friend runs too! :)

He was actually ahead of me, most of the run, circled around me twice. But, he doesn't mind running a tad slower with me either.

Today's run was 2 miles, in 19 minutes.

Challenge workout #6- Running

Another one, on their way...

It's hard to believe, I have another one done with elementary school. My third child, Madelyn, is on her way to middle school, in the fall. Here we are today, at school, after the ceremony. She made A's and B's all year, proud of her achievements. I have tried to instill in my children, that education comes first, then play time. Well, this year, even though they all did well, it was a struggle with the electronics. Going to devise a new plan over the summer, and for the new school year! I want them more active!

Here she is with her cousin, Sky. Also a smart cookie, going into middle school.

These big sisters, with their little brothers.

 And of course, adding in my Sarah too!!! My two oldest ( Shayla & Brandon ) were in school.

Middle school is such a big change. We are debating three options, going to the same middle school ( where her brother has been ), charter school, or to home-school; which would include Brandon too. Middle school is rough, it seems these are the hardest years. So, I'm looking at my options...which won't be easy.

First Week Completed....

I made it through the first week of the challenge!!! I feel pretty good.
This evening I ran with my husband, Randy. He has always been faster than me, but, I'm catching up!!! We ran 2 miles, in 18 minutes and 47 seconds.
I think the break off running, and the other training I did, helped. My goal is to run, a half marathon, with all my miles under 10 minutes...I would love a sub 2 hour, but, I'm thinking 2 hours and 5 minutes may be where I end up...

Workout Summary.

Challenge workout #5- Running

First Week Completed- 5 workout days, 18 miles.

Why I love my workout machine...

It's only the beginning of summer, and I am so thankful for the elliptical machine. Not only can I still workout when I don't feel like facing the heat, but it's low impact for my knee. Oh, and I can rack up more mileage for my 1,000 mile goal for 2012. My goal is to have a combined mileage of 1,000 with walking, running, biking, and elliptical. I am up to 327 miles, which means I am behind!!!

Today, I only worked out for 25 minutes. I had to cut it short, because, it was almost time to put Marlin to sleep, and Randy and I were going to watch our third movie of the day! We were catching up! Pretty good movies too; This Means War, The Women in Black, and  One For the Money.

Workout summary.

Another reason I love my machine, I can watch my husband be silly with our baby.
I took these while I was moving, with my iPhone, so not the best; but cute :)

Challenge workout #4- Elliptical.

Official Start

Today, was the official start of the June Challenge. It's not to late for you to join!!! Any exercise is welcomed, just get moving!!!

AnotherMotherRunnerChallenge <~~~~click link

"Running teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could not go. It helps us to find out what we are made of." - Patti Summer, Olympic Marathoner

I first started off with a walk, to warm up. But, I also wanted to exercise more than 9 minute, a one mile run. I am still babying my knee, probably will this whole month. I walked for 1.5 miles, before I got my one mile run in this evening. So, today, I worked out for 33 minutes, 2.5 mile distance.



Challenge workout #3- Walking/Running

The Years Fly....

My oldest, Shayla, is entering the 12th grade in the fall. ( I know, I don't look old enough, do I ;-) )  She is scheduled to graduate in June of 2013. It doesn't even seem possible, these years have flew by. I can still remember the day she was born and her first night home, so clearly; and many other milestones. As I get older, I am enjoying the little things even more. Luckily, I get to do this five times!!!  ♥

Today, we attended a ceremony where she was recognized for her high GPA, a 4.3, she is at the top of her class. Last time, I checked, she was #13 in her class. I never did this well in school.

Shayla is also an artist. She made this artwork for one of her favorite teachers, as an end of the year gift.

She was also honored at the Dali Museum a few months back, for this artwork.

Needless to say, I am proud of her accomplishments. I hope that she continues with her success and becomes a positive, productive, self sufficient adult.

Back to Running....

I was out of the running game, for the last three months, from an injury. It is crazy how much I missed running. This is my third run since my injury, and I am slowly coming back. It wasn't very long, but you gotta start somewhere. I am willing to put in the effort again, I have two halves ( 13.1 miles ) at the end of the year and may even further my goal to a full marathon ( 26.2 miles ); it may be on the bucket list. I'll keep you posted on that, later in the year.

Challenge workout #2- Running

Challenge Accepted!

Five workouts each week in the month of June. I did start a little earlier, because, I am OCD like that and couldn't start on a Friday.

I wasn't very excited to do this workout, but I did it! And, of course, I felt great afterwards. This challenge will keep me accountable, so I can reach my first goal; to get my body conditioned for my upcoming half marathon training.

 

Challenge workout #1-  Elliptical.

June Challenge!

I'm in, are you?

Sounds like a great way to kick start your way back into exercising, and you get a free bumper sticker; if you're into that :)

Any type of exercising is okay, just get moving!!! This will get me back into training and conditioning my body for upcoming marathons!

Click on link below for more information and to download your calendar.

Another Mother Runner Challenge!!!

Quick & Simple Update!

WOW, I am such a slacker!
Okay, I am really back...

What have I been doing?
Had another baby and ran in three half marathons and walked one half marathon, I'll get into that.

I had this precious baby boy, Marlin, 6-23-11. He has completed our family, even though I could have had more if time and money weren't an issue.

 It's coming up on his first birthday! What a year it has been! So blessed to have him here, along with my other four amazing children.

Running:

I ran my first half marathon, Women's Half in Saint. Petersburg, FL, in 2 hours 44 minutes. I have always wanted to be a runner, I did this one on a whim with little training.

I ran my second half, which I'm most proud of, Rock-N-Roll half in Saint. Petersburg, FL, in 2 hours and 15 minutes. I had trained better for this half marathon.

I ran my third half, Disney Princess in Orlando, FL, in 2 hours and 16 minutes. I ran with some girlfriends and had a great time. This race was very crowded and I ended up getting an injury.

I walked my fourth half, Iron Girl, in Clearwater, FL, in 3 hours and 25 minutes . I had to walk this half as I was still injured, but I wanted the medal. Not only do I love to run, but I love race bling!!!

Women's Half- Nov. 20th, 2011

Rock-N-Roll Half- Feb. 12th, 2012

Disney Princess Half- Feb. 26th, 2012

Iron Girl- April 22nd, 2012

That is a quick and simple update, for now! :)

Coming Back....

I have not been on since I was pregnant with my last baby, Marlin. I have been inspired to start blogging again. I will update on recent events and share my thoughts a few times a week.
I made this video during and after my last pregnancy for my five beautiful children. I thought it was a nice way to re-enter the world of blogging. I hope you enjoy this video ♥


Seventeen Years in Ten Minutes