How Wonderful Life Is-vol. 3

Wednesday wonderful life day again! So here it is!

This pregnancy. I am so delightfully happy that we are pregnant and were able to stay pregnant. After 8 years trying for our first, and that was with the help of fertility we thought that we would always have to go through fertility to get pregnant. We had heard the stories of people getting pregnant, who had my condition of PCOS, on their own after a first successful pregnancy. "It jump started their system" is what were were told. And we were told that it could happen to us but we never thought that it would. Well, it did. It is kind of a weird feeling knowing that I am "fixed." 3 pregnancies in 1 year is pretty good. I am just glad that the third time was the charm because honestly, I didn't know if I could go through what I went through last May. I mean if I had to I could, because what was I really going to do to save a pregnancy, but I certainly didn't want to.

It took me a while to accept the fact that I was pregnant and to celebrate it, just in case. But today I am 15 weeks and things seem to be going well. I am not sick. I have my appetite back (not such a good thing because I feel more hungry now, ALL THE TIME!) And I am still able to run pain free. (I pray that I didn't just jinx it!) I am so thankful for this pregnancy. And for the blessing of adding another little one to our family in oh about 6 months now!

My parents. My parents are awesome. I know I just said they are awesome. I am not a teen anymore so I can say that and mean it! I call them everyday or almost everyday just to talk to them. Or if I haven't called, they call me. We check up on each other. I have a relationship with them that I love. We are friends. I love having them visit and visiting them. It is really hard because they are so very far away from us, that we only get to see them a couple of times a year, but I am thankful that we DO get the couple of times a year! 

~Mason (5 months) and GMA~

~Mason (2 years) and GMA~ 

Mom is coming out next May before the baby arrives to spend some time here with Mason and will help out with him while I am in the hospital. That means so much to me. When I had Mason she stayed an extra 2 weeks to help me out because I didn't have anyone else. And that was seriously the best thing I have ever experienced. She helped me with her experience with a crying baby (since I did that a ton when I was a newborn) but she also let me figure out a lot of things on my own too. I was so sad when she left because we bonded in a different way than we had before.  It was quite amazing and I am so thankful for that.

~This is how Mason would look as a newborn screaming his head off. Pretty scary for a FTM who didn't know what the heck to do!~

~Mason (3 days) and GPA~

My daddy. Yes I am such a daddy's girl. He is awesome! He is a big bear. That's how I described him to all my boyfriends who were going to come calling at my home. He might be a tall guy but he is cuddly and nice! I call him and tell him about all my rehearsals and performances. He is so glad that I am keeping up my horn playing! I wish they were here to do their silly wave at me from the audience. It is really hard not having anyone for me in the audience but I know that if they could be here they would. I love the way Mason laughs at my dad over Facetime because my dad does a silly face or something and Mace gets this little grin of, yeah I think I like you. I love how involved they are in my life and I wouldn't change a thing. 

~Mason (2 years) showing off his jammies that GMA and GPA got him in Alaska~

There you have it. My 2 things this week! More to come for the last and final installment next week!

QOTD: How wonderful has your life been this past week?

Girly Girl!

I am, like totally, becoming a GIRLY GIRL! I am so excited and thrilled for my new find that I found the other night. I have known for awhile now what I and my teammate were going to wear for costumes for the Disney Princess Half Marathon. We are named team Brave Belles. Me as Merida (from Brave) and her as Belle. I also knew that I wanted to venture out wearing a tutu. I read that it can give you an extra little berth when running Disney races as the tutu's are so puffy and the races are so packed. I talked K into wearing a tutu, and actually just ordered hers the other day. Well, due to my pregnancy I have to wait to get mine until my belly is bigger and such.

But to top it off, it looks like I am starting the tutu thing a little early. When finding my friend's K tutu and my future tutu I found this amazing beauty!

I will be sporting it at my upcoming turkey trot on Thanksgiving morning!

 ~LOVE THE BACK PLUMAGE!~

 ~Side view~

It is the TURKEY TUTU! I love the back of it. SO CUTE! And for a top my shirt will say, "huffing for some stuffin'" I am really excited. I am so excited for my race and to run in my TUTU! Seriously, though, these are the things that get me excited now, running a race and what am I going to wear in it! So many tutu's to choose from now! 

Check out Angelina's website at Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RaceJunkie. She is super nice and so fun to talk to. (I sent her a couple of messages asking how do I measure my pregnant belly, do I have to pin the tutu to me to stay up, and such.) She had prompt response and was so nice and is very willing to work with you for you!

QOTD: Have you or would you ever run a race in a TUTU? And what was the theme if you did?

Good Eats- Vegan Baked Ziti

First off, we are not vegans, or vegetarians. We are carnivores. We like our meat in this house, but every now and then I will throw in a meatless meal. Not always a hit but this one was not a miss.

Don't let the name fool you. Vegan. Yes, Vegan. Vegan does not mean that there is no flavor and that you won't like it. Trust me! YOU WILL LIKE THIS! Because of this recipe I have found a new herb that I like to throw in various dishes now because of the black licorice taste and deep flavor it gives. Who knows what herb I am talking about???

Fennel seed! It is actually a really cool herb to use. So this recipe I found almost 2 years ago. (Still trying to find the website where I originally found it. When I find it, it will go here. Sorry!) Try this recipe out. Super healthy and super filling!

Vegan Baked Ziti w/Roasted Vegetables

• 1 lb. eggplant, peeled or not, cut into 1" cubes
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1" cubes
• 2 yellow peppers, large pieces
• 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 16 oz. ziti pasta, cooked
• 1 bunch fresh spinach, chopped ~( I used a small spinach container)~
• 1 cup non-dairy cheese, Mozzarella, grated (I like Follow Your Heart) (parm cheese works too)

FOR THE SAUCE:

• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup onions, fine chopped
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seed
• 2 pounds tomatoes, crushed
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon organic sugar
• 1 pinch thyme
• 2 Tablespoon fresh parsley

1. Heat oven to 450F. Toss eggplant, red onion, peppers, oil and salt in small baking dish. Roast 30 minutes, stirring once or twice until vegetables begin to brown.

2. TO MAKE SAUCE: Heat oil in saucepan. Add onions and cook covered over med-low heat 10 minutes. Stir in garlic, red pepper and fennel seed; cook 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar and thyme. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in parsley. (Makes 3 cups.)

3. Reduce oven heat to 400F. Toss ziti pasta with vegetables, sauce, spinach and cheese in bowl. Spread in shallow 3-quartbaking dish. Bake 20 minutes or until bubbly.

Serves 6. (we actually got closer to 9 servings because it was so filling)

Per Serving: 427 Calories; 2g Fat (5.1% calories from fat); 23g Protein; 79g Carbohydrate; 7g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 429mg Sodium.

SAHM Weekly Exercise Tips- Cleaning

(source)

Alrighty moms! How many of us clean our house? (you don't have to raise your hand if you don't want to.) Do you know how many calories you are burning while cleaning your house? It is quite amazing actually to see that yes cleaning does burn calories. I hate cleaning. I hate having a dirty house even more so my dislike for cleaning is overruled.

So I teach piano lessons out of my house 2 days a week which means that for those 2 days a week that 3/4 of my house actually have to be clean. The main living floor: foyer, 1/2 bath, kitchen and living room where I teach and the basement need to be cleaned (that is where all the family members hang out while I teach since there are lots of toys for siblings to play with down there). I don't do a deep clean every week but I vacuum every week sometimes more than just 1 time depending on how messy Mason has been that day.

I just looked it up here a that if you weigh 165 lbs and vacuum for 60 min you have burned just shy of 200 calories. I know that doesn't seem like a lot compared to the gym and all but that is just vacuuming. Combine that with doing an in home walking DVD for 3+ miles and you are doing 500 cals a day alone in just a short amount of time. Need a little extra boost in cal burn. Run your stairs a few times too, try carrying your kid up the stairs a few times, or race them up it (as long as it is safe for you child). That will get you burning. These are all things we can do at home. Involve the kids. Make it fun. But don't stop moving!

QOTD: What other activities can you do with your kids to exercise?

Breaking The Stereotype

(source: Active.com)

One thing I have noticed over the last few weeks and this week in particular, now that I am showing, is everyone is SHOCKED that I am still running while pregnant. At the training program last Saturday people were so amazed that I could still run while pregnant. People at the gym are the same way. They all ask, "Is your doctor ok with this?" "How are you feeling?" "How long have you been running for?" And such. For so many years it was so taboo to do exercise without just sitting in a chair but to get out and actually run was FORBIDDEN!

Even recently doctors have changed their tune with what to watch for while pregnant and exercising. It used to be don't let your heart rate get above 140 bpm. But that is all done with now. Doctors say that if you have previously been running/exercising you may continue to do so. Their main concern now is with overheating and dehydration. Especially while running. And the other day I read this article here about the benefits of exercising while pregnant. And here is another great article about running while pregnant.

I think it is just so funny when I am running or exercising now to just get these looks of shock. Just you wait peeps until I am HUGE and still running. The 1/2 marathon will be an interesting sight to behold because I will have a very "out there" belly!

Rule of thumb about exercising while pregnant. TALK TO YOUR OB/GYN! Seriously. Ask them what they think. And listen to your body. You will know if something doesn't feel right. If it doesn't stop, slow down and/or try again later. 1st trimester is hard to exercise in because you are sick, sick, sick. 3rd trimester is hard to exercise in because you are huge, and getting huge-r (still walk or run though it is great for you)! So use the 2nd trimester to get back into it and just walk if you have to. But LISTEN to you body!

QOTD: What is your favorite exercise to do while pregnant?

Disclaimer: I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL! I have talked with my own doctor about what he wants me to do and continue with. These opinions are purely mine and the sites that I listed. Talk with your doctor or medical professional for help and advice on medical questions.

My Second 5k- Forest Lakes July 4th 5k

Here is another throw back Thursday. I never got a chance to recap my second 5k race.

July 4- 2013.

(Pre-Race. Not sweating or red)

OH MAN IT was hot and humid. Just heavy feeling. I was sweating before we left the gate! I had a hard time sleeping the night before again due to fears of getting lost and being the last one. When we arrived we were like the first ones there. (Great parking spot because of it but a lot of waiting around.) I saw a ton of people running and walking around. I didn't know what the heck to do. I had been in my training program for a couple of week now. Hadn't quite run 3 miles yet but I could do it. I was considering this as my long run for the week.

My friend and her husband were running in the race too, but they are speed demons and I didn't expect to run with them. My friend's hubby went out and ran 1/2 the 5k for a warm-up before the race began. My jaw hit the ground when L told me that because I thought that was crazy. But he loves to run! I had some other friends running in the race too from my training program. Janet, who is now a good friend of mine was there but she is a speed diva! (she ran with me on my 10k if you remember.)

It was time to get lined up. I milled around the back because I knew I would be in the back. Started talking to those around me. One nice lady said that she was recovering from an injury and would run with me since I was a slow runner. Thus began another great friendship. This would be Jen, who also ran with me on the 10k. She did the whole race with me. Gave me tips and pointers to do better. Encouraged me, pushed me and helped me come in at the time I wanted.

The course was beautiful. It is in this beautiful neighborhood. The hood that we wanted to live in when we first arrived in VA but couldn't afford the prices of the homes. The course took us on a footpath near one of the many lakes and rivers. It was covered in silt and shaded and very slippery. (there was a fall at the beginning of the race right next to me. and I hoped there wasn't another later.) Not too many hills to worry about except for coming out of the footpath.

My favorite part of the race is the end though. Because you know you are close to the end and you can push yourself just a little harder. I also feel like the horse going back to the barn. I feel that pull of, I am almost done, almost done. I can sit down and rest if I just get there a little faster. Jen pushed me up till the end having me run a longer split at the end to cross the finish line. I was pouring sweat, tired and I had done it. Came in the at the time I wanted to. Knocked 10 minutes off my original time from the month before! I was faster. Stronger. And crying. Yes, I cry at the finish line because I am doing something I didn't think I could do and wasn't strong enough or courageous enough to try. But I am now!

~My new running friends!~

How Wonderful Life is vol. 2

I really am enjoying this. Week 2 of writing what I am thankful for! It really is fun and therapeutic. Here it goes:

My health- I am so thankful for my health. That I am strong enough mentally, emotionally, and physically to be able to push myself harder than I have before and accomplish something that I once thought was impossible! I am not the typical looking runner. But is there really a "typical body type" that is only able to run? My body is doing it. I am doing it. It is hard, but man it feels so wonderful to cross that finish line and look back at what I have done and say, "I DID IT!" But seriously when I heard people say, "If I can do this, anyone can." I always thought, yeah right. BUT IT IS TRUE! Because I am the one that would rather sit on my couch watching TV and relaxing and not doing much. But where is that going to get me in life. We have to keep pushing ourselves and DO IT! YOU CAN DO IT!

My Studio- I love teaching! I LOVE IT! I knew in 8th grade that I wanted to teach. I thought that I wanted to teach JR. High Band. YEAH RIGHT! In college when I helped teach at a local high school, I realized that it was not the right type of job teaching multiple kids who really didn't want to be there. I was called more names and bad words than I knew existed at the time. I didn't have that "thick skin." I realized that I worked best one on one with kids. Not huge groups. So I decided that I would only teach a "studio" when I was in a place long enough to make a difference. That started in 2007. I began teaching. It was amazing. I love seeing the wheels turn in my student's head and then they finally get it! I have taught hundreds of students now and I LOVE IT EVERYDAY! Now that we moved to a new city, and having Mason, I knew I would have a smaller studio. I only teach a couple of days a week and it is divine to be a mommy and still be able to teach amazing kids piano!

(IF YOU ARE IN THE C-VILLE AREA AND LOOKING FOR A PIANO TEACHER LET ME KNOW! ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS TO BEGIN JANUARY 2014! Click here to go to my studio web page! )

I had to do a little plug for the upcoming openings! I hope all of you have a wonderfully fantastic day. Keep on Moving!

QOTD: What are you thankful for today?

One More Step!

~I will be adding this to my running wardrobe soon! For Two fitness~

I'm getting stronger everyday that I run or even walk, walk quickly that is! Exercise while pregnant is hard business! It takes extra dedication to go to the gym and get your butt moving. Well that is how I feel because my butt doesn't want to get moving most days. It would be so much easier to just stay at home and rest, and let my body make a baby and just not push it to work any harder. But you know what the amazing thing about our bodies are. THEY CAN DO IT! Women used to work out in the fields up until they had the baby, and would be out working again in a few days. That happens still now! Women work up until they have the baby and are back at work in a week because they need to support their family. Those women are strong, and powerful and amazing! I couldn't do it. HONESTLY! Well, I guess if I had to I would do it but I sure wouldn't want to. I am so thankful to my husband in supporting me in our decision to be a stay at home mom, with an at home teaching part time job. I'm am doing the 2 things I love!

The cool thing I keep thinking about though when I am exercising now is, how much more easy this will be when I am not pregnant. How much more I will be able to push myself and yes, I might be able to run without stopping. This is a for seeable goal of mine now because I am pushing myself during the hardest time in my life and it will just be easier after this! (at least that is what I am thinking.)

So here is to one more step and getting stronger. Feeling empowered! And making great choices for me and my family in choosing to exercise!

QOTD: What did you do today to be one step stronger?

Veteran's Day

Today is my wonderful husband's day. He is a vet, well he is still in the military but this has always been his special day to spend with the family. This is the first year of teaching that I haven't taken the day off to spend with him. But that doesn't mean we can't spend the morning and most of the afternoon together.

~Matt leaving for his Iraq deployment when Mason was 3 days old.~

There was actually a time where I thought about joining the military. I thought about joining one of the army bands. (A good friend of mine from college is actually doing that now, way to go Kristen S.!) But my fear about joining the military was, I could NEVER run the 2 miles PT test. I could do the minimum number of pushups and the sit-ups but apparently I could never learn to do the run. I made excuses and didn't even really try. (In college Matt and I were in the ROTC PT class in the morning and I had a hard time running with the groups, we were living in Flagstaff, AZ at the time at 7,000 ft elevation, of course learning to run at that altitude would be hard!) So the idea just fizzled out. (at that same time I saw my first advertisement in a magazine for the WDW Marathon and the beautiful medal.) I wanted to run but I was too scared to really try.

Well now 7 years later, no military but I AM RUNNING! I am a runner. I will be running in my first Disney race next year with my husband and kid cheering me on!

~Matt having a little fun at training many, many years ago when he was a Private~

I am so proud of my husband and for his amazing choice and decision to join the military and remain in the military for nearly 13 years now. He has accomplished so much, gained great respect from his fellow soldiers and protects and provides for our family!

Matt's opinion of Veteran's Day:
My wife has dealt with the frustrations and pain that being an army wife can bring. From multiple deployments to raising our first son without me. Being an army wife is not easy. I thank all the Army Wives (spouses) out there for their continued support! I'm grateful to have a companion that actually stayed and supports me in my choice to serve our country.

I'm grateful that we have a day to remember all the people who have sacrificed for this country. I'm lucky to have a Grandfather and Dad who are vets. One who served in WWII and the other in Vietnam. I wonder if my children will follow in my footsteps and join the military one day.

Becky here:
Thank you to all the veteran's and spouses for all you have done and sacrificed! So proud to be part of such a strong community of military families in my town! Post your comments below to show your support to the military!

QOTD: Are you doing anything special to celebrate the day?

Baby It's Cold Outside!

(Disney and New Balance will be announcing new running shoes next year. This weekend at the Wine & Dine race weekend is the last chance to snatch up these beauties!)

Ooooo! BURRRR! It was cold, cold, cold this morning! Morning run was in the upper 30's when we finally set out. That kind of cold just burns your lungs awake!

This morning was the 3rd week of the training program, 1st week for me though. There was a ton of confusion though with which training group to join and such. The program has us broken down into 6 different groups. I was put in the 2nd group. (I was hoping for the 3rd but I run/walk and don't run straight.) I do have to meet a certain mileage by January and the 3rd group is where I need to be.

I met my running captains for my group and one of them happens to be a Labor and Delivery nurse at my hospital. We had a bit of a talk during the run. She is going to tell my doc that she will watch over me and keep me safe and such. She gave me pointers on what to "listen" for with my body if I pushing too hard and when to back off. She did say that it is ok the whole time to just do run/walk intervals because my focus right now is for health for me and my baby and keeping up good exercise habits, not breaking personal records. She was very helpful, and I will probably do the mileage for group 3 next week because the 2 miles today just wasn't enough. I felt ready to go and it was time to stop. 3 miles is my base amount during the week. Anyhew. I will figure it out.

QOTD: How did you transition to run/walk to run all the time?