GETTING IN SHAPE

 Well, folks I finally finished my workout goal! Yay!! At the beginning of the year I made a new years resolution to get back in shape.  So I decided on the Tracy Anderson Method.  Bought the Metamorphosis box set and went for it.  I do have to say, her method includes a pretty crazy diet plan which I did not follow.  I did however try to eat healthier.  I cut out my daily chunks of cheese I would consume every night before bed, and just tried to eat clean.  Protein & veggies for dinner, veggie shakes, protein bars, and lots and lots of salads throughout the day.  I wanted to make a diet change that I knew I could continue through out life.  I know I could have probably got better results had I dieted, but I am perfectly happy with the results and I truly feel that I can continue this plan.  I feel so much healthier, I feel happier, and best of all I have so much more energy for my kids.  I had finished the workouts literally the day before we left on vacation to California (boy do I need a tan!).  And well, needless to say I took full advantage of being on vacation.  I ate sooo much you guys.  Lots of junk food, and lots of deserts right before bed.  But now that I am back, I plan to get back into it.  

I did this post series because I wanted to first give myself a place to document my results and also to share how much I loved this workout series.  It is crazy difficult, and you really have to be dedicated to it, but I would highly recommend it.  After the first 2 months, I actually looked forward to it and in my opinion, having the ability to get in shape at home for 1 hour a day is worth every penny.  I also have heard about Ballet Beautiful from my sister and plan to incorporate that series as well, just to give me more variety.  I would love to hear if anyone else has a favorite work out series that they do and that I could do at home!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RHONE

 19 months

4 years

Rhone: A beautiful mix

Today is my little mans 4^th birthday.  To say his 4 years has flown by would be an understatement.  I remember the day he was born just like it was yesterday.  I really don’t know how to put in words the love I have for him.  He made me a mamma and I will forever be grateful for that. 

This past year he has blossomed.  He has always had a big bold personality, but lately I have been noticing not just his own traits but KC and I’s traits as well in him.  

He has been blessed to get so many of KC and I’s best traits.  KC has a ton of qualities that I do not have and that I absolutely could not live without (which is why I swoon for him always).  One of my favorites is KC's ability to communicate.  He has a way of loving people with words.  He is a social man and can talk to anyone.  (Something that I completely lack).  He makes people around him feel important to him, and makes them the center of his attention.  Rhone being 4, likes the center of attention on himself always, but… he has the social skills that will someday be able to do the same as his dad.  Another amazing attribute that I love in my husband is he is a thinker.  He is smart.  He is a problem solver.  Anybody who knows Rhone, instantly realizes that this 4 year old is beyond his years.  He has a brain that constantly thinks.  His memory is impeccable, almost photographic.  He catches KC and I off guard nearly daily with the things that he understands and says.  

I have had a hard time in life pin pointing my gifts.  I don’t necessarily possess the qualities that get you through school easier. Such as smarts, social skills, or incredible athleticism.   I don’t have talents that are completely obvious.  But as I continue to grow, I have slowly figured out what qualities I do have that others may lack.  For example, my husband doesn’t really see when people are in struggling inside unless they speak up and say something.  I however, seem to see people’s emotions, even when their trying their best to hide them.  I see pain in people’s eyes.  I see worry, I see anxiety. This maybe one of the reasons I choose to work with the sick. They are people who need someone to see their pain, to give comfort, to understand what their feeling.  My problem is I am so shy that I tend to be too scared to help people who I see needs help.  

This is where I get really excited for Rhone.  He is just like me in that he sees people’s emotions.  He has such a heart for people being happy.  Because I am such an emotional person, he has witnessed many breakdowns, cry sessions, and frustration.  He can see it coming on before KC sees it.  He knows when I’m sad.  He knows when I’m not happy.  It can be quite frustrating sometimes, because well as a mom, it is important to keep a front for your kids in many situations.  I need to be their rock.  But when I fail at this, and show my emotion, he is instantly right there, rubbing my back, cuddling, and trying to figure out how he can help me.  It is so incredibly sweet to see his soul hurt for me when I am hurt.  So when I think about him growing, I get excited to see how he uses these traits.  If he could continue and be the one who can see hurt, and then be the one to go up and talk to that person, and problem solve with love on his mind, then that would be my idea of a perfect man.  

I love you Rhone.  You made me a mama 4 years ago.  You have my heart, and I am so excited to see what is in store for you in this next year. 

15/52

The 52 project: a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.

Rhone: loves Easter!

Lachlyn: loves butterfly wings!

// Update: I know, I have missed 3 weeks on this project!  Life has been happening and trying to balance it all means this little space gets pushed to the back of the list... my classes end next week and I couldn't be more excited!! After life settles down, I intend to do more journaling and writing.  I have a list of ideas for this blog and in time, I hope I will be able to start checking them off. A big thank you to all who read my ramblings and posts on my kiddos! I truly love this space, this journal, and I love sharing it with you all //

12/52

The 52 project: a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.

Rhone: my goof ball

Lachlyn: adoring her goof ball brother

11/52

 The 52 project: a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014.

Rhone: waiting for his seed to grow.

Lachlyn: this sneaky girl is smiley because she is always playing a game of catch me if you can mama...

HALF WAY

#2 Goal: Get in the best shape of my post high school life!! 

Guys... I am over half way done with this crazy 90 day workout! If I'm being totally honest here, I really feel like it should be over by now.  Don't get me wrong, I am supper proud of myself for getting this far.  I tend to start workouts, and then they slip away pretty quickly, so to say that I'm over 45 days in is pretty good for me.  There have been many missed days however.  Family in town, our family out of town, kids sick, then I am sick... blah blah there are alot of excuses, but the reality is my family comes first.  I still want a life and I don't always feel like doing an hour work out.  Sometimes, sitting on the couch feels real good!  

How do I feel you ask? (hehe) Well... I feel stronger, I feel like I can keep up with my kiddos more.  For instance, yesterday I was pushing a cart full of groceries, while Rhone was hanging on the side, my purse on one shoulder, holding Lachlyn like a football while she kicks and screams (she's full on tantrums now) and pushing the cart with one hand and an elbow for leverage.  It was not fun, but I did it and I didn't even break a sweat.  The biggest upside, for all you moms out there, you know how this goes, but my butt is actually back where it was vertically I mean before kids.  So exciting.  I don't know why it happens but all my mom friends complain about that one all the time.  And I can say that you too can have it back, if you jump for 30 mins and then do 400 leg lifts a day.  haha.

beginning // now // what I should look like at the end

LIFE LATELY

Snow BC Canada from Lynn Fletcher on Vimeo.

This past weekend, we took a mini trip to my parents house in Twwassen, CA. It was such an amazing weekend.  My dad returned home from a 2 week trip to India, KC and I got to go on a date, went to the indoor pool for a little swimming, and it snowed our last day there!  Possibly the last time (hopefully) until next winter.  So we broke out the sleds and headed to the park right by my moms house which just happens to be one of the best sledding places around.  Rhone did not even hesitate to jump on and ride the biggest hill of his life.  He had such a blast.  The part he wasn't too fond of, was the walk back up the hill with his sled.  Lachlyn had fun too until her first spill... then she got a little too cold and was just wanting to be held.  But she is definitely a trooper and loved watching Ro Ro slide down again and again.  See movie below-

 Lately Lachlyn has been wanting to take her time before she will let me get her out of her crib.  She lays down, blankets and dolly in hand, laughing, cuddling, and asking for Ro Ro to come in with her.  They wrestle awhile, I sometimes, go fix breakfast, and then eventually she will get tired of him and let me get her out.  We are talking about getting her a big girl bed soon.  She is such a good sleeper, and I am hoping that it won't reverse this.  But one of my favorite things is to snuggle up in bed with my kiddos, talk, and read books.  And it is just too hard to do this with a crib (I have tried many times).  So I'll keep you posted on what we decide.  

 Scenes from our endless discovery of new fun parks

 

While it was snowing in Canada, spring was showing signs at our house! So excited to see these gorgeous flowers sprouting up.  I have great aspirations this spring for a garden.  I have never attempted this in the past, so I am trying to read and get as much knowledge as I can, but I am hoping to grow a few key salad items and can't wait to start.  Come on Spring hurry up, we're ready for you!!