The Martin Family

Barstow Toys for Tots 250

2012-01-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

In the beginning of December, Mark and AJ raced the Barstow Toys for Tots 250. This is the same one that they won last year. We headed out Thursday night so that they could have all day Friday to prerun the course. Well all that preparation paid off because they won again this year! I am so proud of them. All of their hard work paid off. This is what they love to do and it feels good to be good at it!

This is AJ's class 5 racecar. Isn't it pretty? Like the new graphics? Those are courtesy of Sunset Wraps (wink, wink)

It is so beautiful out there. It is crazy that it is only about an hour away but feels like we are out in the middle of nowhere.

Cade, Brodie and Gavin. These boys LOVE the dirt. Check out Gavin's pants.

They play for hours upon hours in the dirt.

Cade taking Talan for a spin in the rhino.

It was FREEZING that weekend. I had a beenie, hoodie and big jacket on all weekend.

Here is AJ about to get into the racecar and head to the starting line.

Waiting for them to start.

Santa collected all the toys for the Toys for Tots drive.

Cruisin in the rhino.

Fun in the pit. I swear these kids have so many toys, but they play with everything else besides their toys.

My boys. <3

Mark getting into the race car for his part of the course.

Crossing the finish line, 1st Place Baby!! Martin Brother's Racing takes it for the 2nd year in a row.

1st Place!

Ralph (co-driver), Mark and AJ

Cheers to you babe!

This and That and Some More Organization

2012-01-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

For the past 2 weeks, maybe even 3, we have all been sick in our household. It all started the week before Christmas when Kiely and Tyler came to visit. They must have caught something on the plane ride over because the morning after they got here they were both miserable. Then sure enough our whole house took turns having the cold. Last week, after I thought we had all recovered, Talan came into our room in the morning complaining that his throat hurt. Sure enough, he had a fever and a huge lump on his neck. I took him to the doctor right away and they tested him for mono and cancer (eeek) but it ended up being tonsilitis. She said he must have had an infection of some sort and it settled in his lymph node. After a few days on antibiotics that was all cleared up, thank goodness.

Then this week, of course, after I thought I had beaten my cold, I woke up with a horrible sore throat. I have had strep so many times and I just knew that it had to be strep. When I looked in the mirror my tonsils were bright red, inflammed and had white spots all over them. YUCK!! I went straight to Urgent Care. I couldn't even swallow water. It was so painful. She gave me antibiotics and told me to take advil for the pain. Well, advil has nothing on this pain. I had some leftover vicodin and that didn't even take the pain away. I had to have my mom come over and help me with the boys because all I could do was lay there. It hurt to move, let along take care of two busy boys.

Well, flash forward to this morning and I am feeling better...not 100%. It still hurts to swallow but at least I can swallow now. I am hoping a few more doses of the antibiotic and the pain will go away and I will be as good as new!

Anyways, on a lighter note, the weather here in so cal has been AMAZING. So gorgeous! It feels like late spring, early summer. It has been in the 80's here all week. I even let the boys swim in the heated spa yesterday (It's not that warm yet!)

In keeping with my resolutions, today I decided to organize underneath my sink. I keep all my cleaning products, dish soap, sponges, air freshener, etc. under there. Lately I have been just throwing stuff in there and hoping the cupboard closes and hides the mess. It has been bugging me for a while but I haven't made the time to just do it. So today I had enough. I took everything out. I found so much stuff that was expired. Did you know cleaning products go bad? I wiped out the bottom and cleaned the containers that hold all the bottles. I put it all back in, sorting it so I know where to find everything. Now, to KEEP it that way!

Party Rock

2012-01-05T00:32:00.000-08:00

Santa brought the boys a jumper for Christmas. Let me tell you, that is the BEST thing he could have brought for them. They love it and mom loves it because it wears them out. It is perfect size so I can move it into the garage or outside.

These boys crack me up. Here is a video of them on it...and yes they are always like this.

Forks Over Knives

2012-01-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

So the other night at my dad's birthday dinner, my brother told me about a documentary called "Forks Over Knives".

FORKS OVER KNIVES examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods. (from forksoverknives.com)

I thought it was really interesting and it really made me think about my food choices and the food that I feed my kids. My boys drink so much milk it's ridiculous, like a gallon every 2 days, and to think that the milk that they drink is actually doing them more harm than good is kind of disturbing. The idea that the elimination of meat and dairy can actually reverse heart disease and cancer? Yes, please!

If you get a chance to watch it I definitely recommend it...I watched it on Netflix.

I am going to try and make more meatless meals in my household and see how it goes because I know I couldn't just go cold turkey (ha, no pun intended) on the no meat and dairy.

Mark is definitely a carnivore and loves his steak and red meat. If anyone has any yummy vegan or vegitarian recipes to share let me know!! I already eat lots of fruits and veggies and I don't drink milk so that will be easy. The hard part will be cheese because I LOVE cheese!!!

Pantry Reorganization: Before and After

2012-01-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

So in sticking with my 2012 resolutions, today I chose to reorganize our kitchen pantry. I didn't realize when I started what a task it was! I should have taken pictures of the "during" because that sure was a sight to see. My kitchen looked like a bomb went off! It's amazing the things you find when you start taking everything out. I won't need to grocery shop for canned goods for a while. I literally found 15 cans of diced tomatoes! I always buy more at the store every time I shop because I think we are running low. Ha, we won't be running low any time soon. It feels so nice to have that done. It was bugging me every time I opened it up to find something. Now I know where everything is. I even used some extra baskets I had from the dollar store to put loose snacks in (granola bars, fruit snacks, etc)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you all!

I have made 2 Resolutions this year

1. Update my blog at least once a week. I really want to make a blog book eventually with all my blog posts in them and at the rate I update my blog it would be a really small book. If I set my goal for just 1 blog post a week I think that would take the pressure off me of posting everyday! Plus I have been horrible at keeping the boys baby books and scrapbooks up to date so this will be a good way to keep track of big events in their lives.

2. Get Organized. I am so bad. My house is so unorganized. I am the type that just throws something in a drawer and then can't find it so I buy a new one and then end up having like 5 different pairs of scissors. I think by getting organized it will help me in so many areas, it will save me time by not having to search for things. It will save me money by not having to buy new! It works all around. I have decided that I will just do a bit a day. Yesterday I organized a few cupboards in the kitchen, today I organized and cleaned my desk at work. Bit by bit and it won't be so overwhelming! Now, if I can just KEEP it organized.

Family Pictures

2011-10-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been lagging yet again on my blog posts! Life just gets in the way sometimes! We have been very very busy the last month. I will try and catch up on pictures soon.
Last week my sister came over and took some pictures of the family since Kiely and Tyler were here visiting. My sister's passion is photography and video and so she has decided to follow that passion and make it her career. I am very proud of her and she does amazing work. She sent over just a few of the pictures that she took that day. You can see more of her work on her website, www.carlykennelly.com or you can "like" her on facebook, Carly Kennelly Photo/Video.

I am so happy that we FINALLY have a new picture to put on the blog that doesn't show Talan and Gavin as babies!

The kiddos

The fam bam

A candid shot, I really like candids.

Brothers <3

Ty and his bike

Good Lookin Kids...love these 2

The boys were over it...got one of the "adults" haha

A Broken Arm & The First Day of School

2011-09-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, I feel like I am actually getting caught up on a lot of the Summer. Go Me! haha. I have so many more things to blog about but at least I have covered the most important things that have happened this Summer.

At the end of July, Talan went to the park with our babysitter while I was at work. When they got back the babysitter came out to get me (for those of you that don't know we have our office at our house but it is seperated from the rest of the house) She told me that she didn't know what happened but he was complaining that his arm hurt.

What?! You don't know what happened??! What were you doing then? Sitting there on your phone?!

I didn't say any of this...but I was thinking it of course.

I asked Talan what happened and he told me. "I wanted to go on the monkey bars and no one would help me so I did it myself and I fell on my arm." Talan is not a complainer and he doesn't cry over many things. He didn't even cry at all but I knew something was wrong. He was just sitting on the couch holding his arm and telling me "Make is stop hurting mommy" So off to urgent care we went. He had xrays and it showed a fracture in both wrist bones.Luckily it wasn't near the growth plates. So they put him in a splint and referred us to the Orthopedic Surgeon. We went there the next day and they put him in a cast for 30 days.

This put a huge damper in the last few weeks of Summer Break. Talan handled it like a champ though, I am so proud of him. The only thing he really complained about was how itchy it was.

Anyways, I had to fill the back story about Talan's arm because you will see him with a cast on in these next pictures, from the first day of school.

The boys started school at a different school this year, one that is a lot closer to our house. Like I could literally throw a rock and hit it. I love it. The boys love it...what more could you ask for?

I couldn't have planned this one better with the bus in the background.

Walking down the hall after dropping off Talan in his class.

I can't believe my baby is in school! Time is going way too fast.

And last but not least, here is a picture of the Xray of Talan's arm after they took his cast off.

I don't now why it is sideways and blogger won't let me fix it...but if you look closely you can see the white on his wrist that is the calcium deposits where the bone healed. Kind of cool looking!

Visitors

2011-09-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Troy and Brittany

My nephew Troy and niece Brittany came out from Tennessee in mid August for 10 days. We went to the river the first weekend that they were here. It was hot! 114 degrees!! We were down at the water most of the days. It was so nice to see the kids. We got to see Troy last summer, but it had been 3 years since we last saw Brittany. Talan was just a baby!

Troy is such a goofball. Love him.

My boys are stuck together at the hip.

Cadester

Papa Buck Skiing.

Talan got to go tubing .

My boys

Cade, Brittany, Gavin, Grandpa Steve, Tyler, Talan and Troy

Me and my boys. Geez I cannot ever get a good picture!

Great Grandma Charlotte's 94th Birthday

2011-09-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

In July we celebrated Grandma Charlotte's 94th Birthday. It was a luau/hawaiian theme. We had it at our house. Debi and I did the decorations which I enjoyed. We got a lot of the stuff at the dollar store! It was catered by a catering company out of Orange County. It was so nice to be able to enjoy the party and not worry about cooking. Normally I am running around the whole time getting all the food out, so this one was relaxing. Everyone had a great time. We ate, drank, swam and caught up with all of our friends and family. It was a great turn out. I think we had about 40 people show up!

Great Grandma's banner, made by Mark of course

Great Grandma with her best friend

Before the guest arrived

Debi got some fresh flowers from her friend. They were so pretty. We made displays for the tables and for the bar.

One of our flower centerpieces. The plumerias are from our yard.

So cute! Loved this fruit display

The buffet

Everyone signed grandmas poster and got lei'd when they came in.

My sister Carly and Me

Party in full swing

Grandma had a great time!

Debi (Tom's Debi) and Debby Dickson with Dave

Talan didn't get out of the water for most of the day.

It was a beautiful day.

Erin, Baby Clay and Margie

The kiddos enjoying the cake!

Happy Birthday Grandma!! We love you.

Talan's Graduation

2011-08-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

At the end of June, Talan graduated from preschool. He has learned so much since starting school. I am so proud of him. He recently started school again at a new school that is closer to our house. He is in Pre-K now! Such a big boy.

Here he is performing with his class.

Mrs. Freda with Talan and of course Gavin wanted to get in the picture too.

Nana Susie and Talan

Alexis, Ashley, Talan and Grandpa John

Family picture. Maybe one day we will get one that everyone is looking. Haha

Father's Day River Trip

2011-08-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

I didn't take a lot of picture this trip. I wish I would have taken more, I guess I was just too busy having fun! This was our first trip in 18 months (we have been back again since) but before that it had been forever! We had a blast, and the weather was nice. Not too hot at all. Here are some pictures of the trip.

Tyler and his "Honcho" hat

Playing on the beach in the sand. The boys love the river.

My boys.

Skyla...she is too cute.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!

Talan found a tiny shell.

Most of the cousins...missing Kourtney, Kiely, Brittany and Troy

It was a nice trip...the river is always a good time.

Gone Fishin'

2011-08-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Back in June we took the boys to the Huckleberry Fish Pond in Anaheim. The boys had a blast.

Talan caught his first fish!

There was a nice guy there (I forgot his name) that volunteers and helps the kids catch fish. He also let us use his rod, which was nice because we didn't have to pay to rent one.

Gavin couldn't sit still long enough to catch a fish. There was too much to see. They had peacocks, geese, chickens, roosters and lots of different wild birds just walking around the place.

Talan getting a lesson on how to catch a catfish.

Putting the bait on the rod.

Trying to get a picture, you all know how that goes!

He got one! Reeling it in.

So excited!

"Hi Fishy!"

He had to tell one of the chickens about his fish.

Later, AJ Jaime, Cade and Brodie met up with us and Cade caught a fish!

Cousins

Cade with his catfish

All the boys

Our Trip to Allen

2011-08-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I am WAY behind on my blogging. have been a lagger. I have been a lagger for most of this year on my blogging. I have no excuse other than life just gets in the way. I have been working part time, being a mommy full time and training for another half marathon...busy busy! I have also decided that if I have time to Facebook, then I have time to blog. I want to turn my blog into a book at the end of this year so I better get to catching up!

Anyways, in May, we went to Allen, Texas for Kiely's graduation from High School. It was a short trip but we packed a lot in our time there. Great Grandma Charlotte came with us. We had so much fun. It was so nice to finally see all the places that Kiely and Tyler have talked about.

This is Kiely and Tyler's high school...it is as big as a college! They are currently building a 60 million dollar football stadium.

Texas has got something going right...the schools are amazing and they have parks on every corner. This is a wakeboarding park that they are building by the kids high school.

Tyler, Great Grandma Charlotte and Kiely

The houses are so pretty in texas!!

Check out this house...it has its own lake. Actually every house in the neighborhood had it's own lake. What??

A little cat nap...all that traveling wore grandma out!

Next stop was Kiely's graduation. They had it at the University of North Texas since the new stadium isn't built yet and they had 1500 students graduating!

That's a lot of people!

It was so hot! Kiely took her gown off right when she came out because she was dying. I made her put her hat back on so I could get a picture. It was seriously the grossest weather I have ever been in. The humidity was like 85%, no joke.

Aren't these two precious? They love each other so much.

Daddy and Daughter

Mark, Tyler and Uncle Ben

The graduate

Family pics

On Sunday we went to visit Grandma Charlottes younger sister. She lives about 15 minutes outside of Dallas. The last time Grandma got to see her sister was about 10 years ago! We stopped in Dallas to do a little bit of sight seeing before we went to visit.

Dallas is so pretty. I definitely want to go back and spend more time there.

The picutes do NOT do it justice.

Great Grandma and her sister.

Great Grandma and her niece.

Another family pic.

We had a blast in Texas. Can't wait to go back in May for Tyler's graduation!

Someone is Growing Up

2011-05-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe in a few short days Kiely will graduate from high school. Where did the time go? When I first met her she was in 5th grade. Wow. If it went that fast for her I can't imagine when my boys get in school. Why must time go so quickly?

Friday we are flying out to Texas to watch her graduate. I am so excited. I have never been to Texas before. I can't wait to see where the kids live. I heard it's hot and humid there, which I am not looking forward to because I have a tendency to sweat, a lot. Too much information? haha

Anyways, here are some of her Senior pictures. She is such a beautiful girl. She looks just like me. haha, just kidding. But she does look a lot like her daddy! Love you Kiely!

My Best Friend's Wedding

2011-05-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the professional pictures from the wedding we were in last weekend. If you would like to check out more you can go to the photogrophers website here.

This picture was taken in between gusts of wind! You can kind of see my hair blowing still.

Talan had to be bribed with Pop Rocks so that he would stay in one place. Good thinking Daddy!

The Groomsmen. I love Talan's face in this one.

The gorgeous couple. I just love these 2.

A Trip to Palm Springs

2011-05-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

I'm Back! I can't say that I will be back for good, or for very long, but I am going to try. I feel like I have missed so many things that we have done that it would be so hard to go back and talk about it. Plus, I have been so horrible lately at taking pictures. Bad Mommy!!

Last weekend, some very close friends of ours got married. We have known Tyler and Vanessa for about 8 years and they are very close to our family and our kids. They got married in Palm Springs at an estate that they rented for the weekend. Mark, Talan and I were all a part of the bridal party. It was an amazing wedding. I will post pictures and do a whole post of the wedding soon.

Originally, when we planned to go to Palm Springs, we were going to just have Gavin stay with my mom. I started having a little bit of anxiety about that about a week before the trip because lately Talan and Gavin have been inseparable. When one is sleeping the other has to wake him up. When one is with daddy, the other one wants to be with daddy and so on and so on. So we decided to get a condo and bring my mom so that my mom could stay with Gavin and swim during the day while we did wedding activities.

It worked out perfectly because they had an awesome pool with a water slide. The kids turned into fish. We could not get them out of the water. I need to get these two into lessons soon. They are so good with their floaties on. I was shocked at Gavin...he didn't want any help...he went right down the slide, landed in the water and popped right back up, then swam to the side again. You get the picture.

These 2 are joined at the hip

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Holding hands to go to the slide

Getting Ready to Slide Down

Away they go!

Gavin was a bit slower

My little fish, swimming to the side for more!

I had to throw this one in here too...Mark taking the boys down the slide. He is a kid at heart!

I have no excuse

2011-04-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

for not blogging, except for the fact that I am exhausted. I am blogging right now in my kitchen as my freshly bathed kids are sliding barefoot in their pajamas across my just mopped floor. Why do I even mop? Why do I even bathe my kids? hahah just kidding, maybe. I am just so drained at the end of the day that the last thing on my mind is blogging. Today I have not even gotten to shower. My day went like this.

6am: Wake up, throw up my hair, throw on something to wear, throw my hair in a pony tail, brush teeth, make breakfast for all boys (including my husband), try to get at least 2 cups of coffee down.
6:30: wake up boys, get them dressed and fed, make Talan's lunch, make sure I have all my stuff for playgroup, sippy cups, blankets, diaper bag packed, stroller in car.
7:45: Put the kids shoes back on, change Gavin's shirt which is covered in juice, load kids in car.
7:50: Turn car around because I forgot my phone
8:05am Drop Talan off at school
8:15-8:45 Run to Walmart for paper plates, paper towels and other necessities
9:15: Get to Park for Stroller Strides
9:30-10:30 Stroller Strides
10:45am I am playgroup captain so I set up the "Ant's on a Log" playgroup, then cleaned up while trying to watch Gavin on the playground who wanted nothing to do with my craft.
11:15: Run into Costco for Milk
11:50 Pick up Talan from school, this takes me 30 minutes because Talan decided he had to go to the bathroom 2 seperate times, had to say goodbye again to his teacher, then decided that he just didn't want to listen to me so by the time I get the boys in the car it is now 12:20.
12:45 Get home and try to unload the car while the boys get into the chalk in the garage and make a colorful mess of my walls/floor in the garage.
1:15 Gavin goes down for a nap
1:30 Talan falls asleep on couch
1:30: Mommy puts everything away while trying to do laundry, clean up garage and maybe shower?
3:00: Boys wake up, no shower for mommy.
4:15:Jazzercise~phew, an hour to myself!!! This is honestly my sanity in my day.
5:30:Get to chinese food place (which by the way did you know Tuesday's are $2 Bowl day??) Line out the door, 2 hungry toddlers who HAVE TO have chinese food. Fun!!! It takes me 45 minutes to get my food.
6:15: Home, eat, clean up
7pm Baths...mommy on the brink of a nervous breakdown
Which leads me to right now...blogging while my 2 crazy boys are probably destroying the other room, but I just had to vent somewhere...and you may be wondering.."WHERE IS MARK?" Well, owning your own business has it's perks but also it's disadvantages...which means he works...a lot. He isn't home yet because he had to meet with more clients.

Anyways, I am about to put these boys to bed so (maybe) I can get a bath?

I am hoping things slow down soon so that I can blog more, and maybe have pictures!!

Stroller Strides Fun.

2011-03-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

Today we had a great Stroller Strides class. We combined all the parks in the Corona/Norco group and met at Village Park. We had an awesome turnout. I am so lucky to be a part of such a great organization. I have met so many wonderful women. It is so nice to meet other mommies who are going through the same things that you are! I call Stroller Strides my therapy, because it is not just a great workout, it is great for the mind too! I always feel better after I make it to class, and so do the boys! After class today the Chick-fil-A cow came and brought everyone breakfast! YUM! I didn't know Chick-fil-A had yogurt parfaits?! They are so good! I am sure they weren't lowfat though! Here are some pictures from class.

All the momma's doing a warm up and listening to Dani

Side Planks!

Rylee and Talan & Gavin

Chick-Fil-A Cow

Gavin was scared of the cow!

Hahha, the cow went on the swings.

Here are some pictures from later today. The boys were just hanging out in the backyard. Talan loves this red car...we got it at a little consignment shop in Norco for $20...you can't beat that!

Gavin is getting so good at his strider!! He loves it!

On a Roll...

2011-03-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

Wow, 2nd Post in 2 days...lets see if I can keep this up!

It is pouring rain today. I hate these days because my boys are so active. They NEED to be outside and playing or it is just not a good day. At least we made it to Stroller Strides this morning, although it was too wet for them to play on the playground, at least they got to run around for a bit and got some fresh air.

I wanted to post a couple pictures that I have that show our house. I am not going to post any of the inside yet! I don't want to disgust you guys. I have not done any type of decorating yet (and I probably won't for a while) and we need to get some furniture that fits this house...so those are gonna have to wait!

In this one you can see our pool with the lovely net over the top. Trust me, it is way prettier in person, and definitely a lot prettier without the net. But, safety first! At least until my boys can swim, but probably not for a long time because my luck they would be in it all the time. At least the net keeps them out! In the background you can see our shop. There is a fence around the little backyard/pool area that divides the rest of the property so it is nice to keep the boys contained while Mark is "working" in the shop.

This next picture is of the front of the house. Please excuse the poor lighting. I really must take some classes on how to use my camera. All my pictures turn out horrible! We have our sign our front, and you can see the side entrance that takes you all the way back to the shop.

This next one is just a different angle in the backyard, I was trying to show our view of the hill behind us. It really is so pretty here. We absolutely love it. And, No that is not our dog...the boys found it wandering in the front yard so we put up some signs. It ended up being a neighbors dog, thank goodness...the last thing I need right now is another thing to feed and clean up after!

Guess Who's Back??

2011-03-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

I have so much to blog about and now I can! I finally have internet in my house so now I can slowly catch you all up on what has been going on in our lives. I am super excited to get back into blogging. I feel like it has been way too long.

The boys are getting so big. I cannot believe it.

Talan learned to ride a big boy bike. Mark took the training wheels off his bike one night while I was a zumba, and I came home and he was just riding away like he had been at if for years. Those striders, I tell ya, they really work! All the practice he had on it took away any sense of fear he had because he felt comfortable and knew that he could catch himself with his feet if he were to lose his balance.

Here are some pictures of Talan on the strider...he still loves riding it. We took him to the skate park and he had a blast! I on the other hand was pretty scared. But Talan just laughed at me and said,

"Don't worry mom, I got this."

Still Here!

2011-02-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

It has been way too long since my last blog post. I promise I have a great excuse though! A couple weeks ago we moved our family to a new house!! Woo hoo! I am in love with my new house. It has an amazing floorplan and lots more space for our growing boys! We also moved our business to our house. So needless to say, we have been very busy. I can't wait to post pictures of the house and new shop...one small problem...we are still waiting on wireless internet for inside the house. We have internet in the shop, which is in the back of our 3/4 acre lot...but I don't have internet inside the house for my poor little laptop with all my pictures on it! We are waiting on parts to make the wireless extend to inside the house, so until then I will try my hardest to blog without pictures.

I have lots more to blog about as well but I will have to catch up soon! I promise we are still here and I promise to start blogging again soon!

Some Things Never Change...

2011-01-08T22:32:00.000-08:00

The End of the Year!

2010-12-30T12:34:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe this is the last week of 2010! I am looking forward to 2011 but I wanted to post some milestones/accomplishments that happened this year.

I also need to find time to recap Christmas, which may need to happen "next year" because I got a new Ipad and uploaded all the pics onto it, then erased them off my computer...then realized that I can't upload pics from my iPad to Blogger! grrrrr! any hints on that??

Anyways, back to 2010...here are some things that happened this year:

*Gavin turned 1 in April
*I ran a 1/2 marathon in May
*Mark and I ran the Camp Pendleton Mud Run in June.
*Mark kept working hard at work, trying to keep a business up and running with this horrible economy, so proud of him by the way...he inspires me every day with his drive and imagination.
*Talan started Preschool in June.
*We took a few trips to the desert and the boys had a blast, we need to make it a point to do that more often.
*I turned 30, Mark turned 40.
*Mark and I celebrated our 5th anniversary.
*Talan turned 3!!!!

I am sure I forgot a lot of little things but those are some of the major things that happened this year! I am so proud of my family! I heard this song the other day and it made me smile...and think about how much I love my husband and kids.

If I don't blog before the end of the year (not looking too good on that one) then Happy New Year to all! Here's to an amazing 2011!

Barstow Toys for Tots 250

2010-12-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

Two weekends ago we headed out to Barstow for the Toys for Tots 250 Race. Martin Brother's Racing took 1st in the 5 Class! They were so excited. AJ drove the first half, Mark drove the second half. We had a blast and so did the boys. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Gavin pretending to drive

The racecar

Brodie and Gavin playing in the rhino.

Cade and Talan with Great Grandma Charlotte

Mark, Talan, Cade, Charlotte and AJ

Walking to the starting line.

Getting ready to start

Papa JC with Gavin, Talan and Brodie

Gavin learned to ride his strider this weekend! He was so proud of himself.

He can finally play with the big boys.

Talan being his usually crazy self.

Playing playing playing...

These boys can play!

Mark talking with Tom and Steve before he got in the car.

Who Would've Thought??

2010-12-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

That This....

Would cause my baby to be admitted to the hospital overnight and give his parents a huge scare!

On Sunday afternoon we had just gotten home from camping in Barstow for the race (which will be the next post). We had the motorhome parked out front and Mark and I were just bringing stuff back and forth to the house. The boys were playing in the front yard, or so we thought. Talan had snuck in the house and found a pack of Bubble Tape (that Mark had bought for who knows why). Mark saw Talan in the front yard acting kind of funny so he asked him what he was doing. Talan showed Mark an empty container of gum. We weren't sure if he had eaten it or what he had done with it but he seemed fine.

So on Monday around 2pm Talan tells me, "Mommy, my tummy hurts" I had totally forgot about the gum incident the day before and just thought he might be getting a bit of the stomach flu. I tried to get him to go to the bathroom but he couldn't even sit up, he was curled up in a ball and in a ton of pain. Then all of a sudden he was fine. I thought it was really weird but then I just brushed it off because he started playing again like normal. So later, my mom came over to watch the boys so I could run to the store. I get to the store and my phone rings, it's my mom telling me that I need to get home, that Talan is in a ton of pain. I rush home to find Talan curled up in a little ball again. I knew I had to take him to Urgent Care because something was not right.

When we got to Urgent Care, Talan was once again acting normal, no pain. I explained the symptoms to the doctor and then also told the doctor about the gum. The doctor started to examine Talan and once he started pushing on his tummy, the pains started again. My poor boy was in so much pain. He kept saying "I wanna go home mommy!" It was breaking my heart. I just felt so helpless. So all of the symptoms that Talan had were also very similar to a condition in which the intestine folds over on top of itself. Even though I had told him about the gum they still wanted to rule out the other because the other can be fatal!! So in order to test him they had to put him under and then they would put a small camera up his bottom and see. Well, the Kaiser in Riverside didn't have a pediatric surgeon on call so they had to transfer us via ambulance to the Kaiser in Anaheim!!! Talan was excited to ride in the ambulance despite the situation. It was so hard to stay calm for him when all these crazy ideas where going through my head and so fast!!!

Well we got to Anaheim and Talan started saying he had to throw up! We took him into the bathroom where he did throw up, a bunch of pink globs...of GUM!!! We let the doctor know and then the doctor didn't want to do the test anymore just in case it was the gum causing the problems, but wanted him to stay overnight for monitoring. He got an IV for dehydration and then they Xrayed his tummy. The Xray's showed 3 huge globs that the doctor figured was gum. Well, for gum, they can't do much because it will eventually pass. They gave him some stool softener and told us to get some rest. Talan slept good despite being hooked to an IV. I slept in a cot beside his bed, something that I hope will NEVER happen again.

In the morning Talan was full of energy and just wanted to go home. The doctor wanted him to eat some food and then go to the bathroom before he would discharge him...let me tell you, I have never seen him eat so much. He knew he would get to go home if he ate so boy did he eat!! About an hour later he went to the bathroom so we were good to go home! What a pain that pack of gum caused us!!!

No more gum in this household!!

Talan is 3!!!

2010-11-30T15:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet sweet boy. I love you with all my heart. Everyday you find ways to make me smile and laugh. You have taught me so much in your short time here...patience, understanding, appreciation for the small things and most of all how it is possible to love someone more than life. You have made my life complete and I thank you for that! I love you Talan!

His Birthday was on the 26th and we had a party for him the day after at the park. It was Handy Manny themed because right now he is obsessed with Handy Manny...kind of like he was obsessed with Barney last year. I am SO glad he is over Barney. Anyways...here are some pictures from the party.

Long Time, No Blog

2010-11-29T16:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, we are still here! It has been a busy few weeks! I haven't blogged about Halloween, our desert camping trip and lots of other stuff. Hopefully I can catch up with all that in the next couple weeks. Anyways, Thanksgiving was a blast. We had all the kids together for the first time in almost a year, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get a family shot for our Christmas card. I included the "setting up" pics and the outtakes just so you would see what goes into getting that perfect family shot!

Trying to get together...

We have an extra kid (Brodie) in the shot...

Gavin's hand is in his mouth, Talan isn't looking...

Mark,Gavin and Talan aren't looking and what is that face I am making??

Gavin says "I give up" Talan says "Are we done yet?"

Finally!!!!!

Here are a couple extra just because my boys are sooo cute!

CHOC Walk in the Park

2010-10-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

On October 17th we joined our good friends at the CHOC Walk in the Park at Disneyland. We were walking with Team "Tiny Dancer", which was was so named because of a precious little princess, Everlee Ann. Everlee is our friend Karlee and Scott's youngest daughter. She was born with Spina Bifida. After undergoing multiple brain and spine surgeries in just the first months of her life, doctors had no idea whether or not she would walk. Now, at 21 months, she is walking, talking, smiling, laughing and most of all, beating the odds! She is truly a walking miracle. I am sure it has a lot to do with how much she is loved by her family and friends. That little girl is AMAZING and has definitely touched so many lives in her short time here on earth.

Lining up before the start.

Auntie Kendee and Everlee

My boys were super tired, we got up at 4:45!

Everlee Ann aka Tiny Dancer

CHOC has helped so many families, it was an emotional day.

Go Everlee Go!

She was all smiles!!!

Crossing the finish line, walking towards her amazing momma, Karlee

Trying to get a picture of all the kiddos...

He's Got Moves!

2010-10-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here is my cutie patootie son showing off his dancing skills. I am really thinking about putting him in dance..haha, not ballet but maybe hip-hop? Hey, maybe he can be the next Justin Timberlake or Bieber? Talan Timberlake? Tally Bieber?

Stressed to the Max

2010-10-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks it seems that it is always something and I feel like I have NO time and I am just GO GO GO all the time. Do this, go here, be here, plan this, pay this, clean this, now now now! There is never enough time in the day.

I have been helping Mark at work as much as I can since his secretary quit in July and it is a bit overwhelming. I wish that I could go in more often and then it wouldn't be so much work when I am there. We have been having to have our babysitter come whenever she has time, which changes weekly. So 1 week I can come in 2 days, the next week none, the next week only 1 day. This makes it very difficult when trying to stay on top of invoicing, banking, bill paying, payroll, etc. Especially when I am the only one in the office that knows how to use Quickbooks. Then, on top of that, I have my ebay store that has been doing good so I have about an hour's worth of shipping a day plus answering emails/questions to fit into my schedule. Then, add to the mix 2 toddlers who rarely nap at the same time and you have a recipe for STRESS.

I am normally not one to complain because I am very fortunate with what I do have and it is kind of petty to complain about stuff when there could be a lot worse things to complain about. But doesn't it seem like when it rains, it pours? Last week our toilet got clogged, I mean completely clogged where no amount of plunging will unclog it. I think Gavin flushed a diaper down it...so we have to have the rooter guy come out and fix it. We also have a huge infestation of ANTS, um EWWWW! They are swarming in my dishwasher of all places! How disgusting is that? So I have to wait for the bug guy to come. Also, our TV went out and it is just out of warranty so we have to pay to have someone come out and fix it, and last but surely not least our gas was shut off yesterday because they said we didn't pay our bill. Well I KNOW I scheduled the payment to come out, but it wasn't paid in time because BofA takes 2 business days to process. We had to be on a payment plan for our gas bill because we had a really high bill a couple months back where ~~someone~~ I may have left the BBQ on for a ~~week~~ few days. Anyways, at least I have my computer and I can catch up on some blogging. I am sitting home today (in the rain, how fitting!) and waiting for the gas man to come turn it back on so I can take a shower and do some laundry. No gas=no laundry, no cooking and no showers!

On a lighter note, we went to Tom's Farm last Saturday. The boys had a blast. We rode the train, the carousel, ate some pizza and just enjoyed the day. My mom came with us. Here are some pictures.

Stroller Strides Family Picnic

2010-09-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the 1st Annual Stroller Strides Family Picnic for Corona/Norco. Unfortunately we planned it on a day that was extremely HOT! Who would have thought the end of September would have a major heat wave, oh wait, who am I kidding? we DO live in Southern California and this Summer has been extremely mild to say the least...I guess we are due for some heat...YUCK! I am so ready for Fall!

It was 107 at 3 o'clock when the picnic started. Luckily, we brought a bunch of shade and squirt bottles for the kids. Man, when it is that hot, all you can think about is how hot it is...it just isn't right! Anyways, besides the heat we had a blast! There was a 3 legged race, tug o war, sack races, and a hula hoop game where you all stood in a circle holding hands and had to pass it without letting go. So much fun! Talan even helped his team win the tug a war! They really enjoyed the picnic.

Here are some of the EZ ups, no we didn't set them up lopsided...we had to lower one side since the sun was just blazing from that direction.

Here is me and Talan getting ready to play the hula hoop game.

My friend Natalie and Baby Gage...he is such a cutie pie...definitely diaper only weather!

Sack Races

Look how flushed Talan's cheeks are!

Gavin's cheeks are bright red...everyone kept asking me if he was getting burnt. I had 50 sunblock on him! He just gets so red in the heat! Poor guy.

Talan getting ready for tug a war.

Pull, pull, pull!!

He had to pose for a picture.

After the Picnic, we headed on over to my dad's house to celebrate Alexis' birthday, which was actually last Thursday. It was nice just hanging out. The boys always love going over to Grandpa John's. There is just so much to do there!

They colored with Alexis and Ashley

Grandpa John let Talan drive the tractor. Talan absolutely loves it. Look how focused he is!

Grandpa taught him how to use the controls.

Dig baby dig!

Gavin just hung out and watch his big brother while enjoying some fruit!

We had a wonderful Sunday!!

A Nice Relaxing Saturday

2010-09-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend was just a low-key hanging out kind of Saturday. We got up early, Mark had to put up a sign, so he took Talan with him. Talan loves going to work with his daddy...he gets so excited and has so much to talk about when he gets home. I decided to take Gavin out for a jog before it got too hot, but by 9 o'clock I was already roasting and decided to cut my run short. Last week it was starting to feel like Fall, and it was even a little bit chilly...then BAM here we go with the HOT weather! I shouldn't be complaining too much since we did have a mild summer, but I just do not enjoy these hot days...triple digits!! It is no fun playing in the backyard when it is that hot. We had to wait until 5 to take the boys in the pool so the sun wasn't so intense. I am sure the boys wouldn't have minded but I just don't enjoy baking in the sun if you know what I mean. Talan and Gavin LOVE swimming with their daddy. They just play and play and play and when they get out they are exhausted, which equals an early bedtime...woo hoo!

Gavin loves floating! He pushes us away and wants to do it by himself!

I love this picture, the boys are having a "moment"

Talan is so excited that he swam to the ledge by himself!

This is what Gavin does when he says "peace" he doesn't quite know how to put up the second finger!

Mohawk Man!

Happy "Sporty" Forty Mark!

2010-09-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hahah, I just had to do it. I have been joking around with him for the past year that his next birthday he was going to be "Sporty" 40. Haha, It is just so funny because he gets SO mad when I say it. He is so depressed about this birthday. I don't know why...he doesn't look 40 and he DEFINITELY doesn't act 40...Age is all in your head, right?! Anyways, Happy Birthday to my handsome husband! I love you more than words can ever say. Remember...it's only a number babe!

30th Birthday Surprise!

2010-09-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

I am such a lucky girl.

I have the most amazing, wonderful, thoughtful husband in the whole world. I also have amazing friends and family who helped him to pull off a complete surprise for me on Saturday night.

Honestly, the past month or so I had been having such a hard time coming to terms with the fact that I would soon be in my 30's. No more 20's. Wow...I cannot believe it still. Anyways, Mark and I had talked a while back about maybe having a joint party to celebrate both mine and his birthday's (His bday is the day after mine + 10 years, lol) but we just didn't get around to planning it! Well boy was I wrong...

So last week my friend's Emily, Natalie and Megan started asking me what I was doing for my birthday to celebrate and I told them nothing. Well they insisted on taking me out on Saturday night to at least have dinner and drinks to celebrate. I was kinda eh about it still, not in a celebrating mood, but the girls got me pumped up about it. We had such a great time at dinner! Then after we were going to go "pick up" our friend at Chronic Cantina and have a drink or 2 and then go somewhere else. Well this is what I walked into at Chronic Cantina...

SURPRISE!!!

Here I am in complete shock...

Wow...so crazy!

I was crying in this picture...good thing you can't see my face!

My hubby pulled off a great surprise...he is the best! <3 Love you babe!

Here are some more pictures from the night. There was SO much food, good drinks, GREAT friends and lots of dancing. The PERFECT way to ring in my 30th year! I have AMAZING family and AMAZING friends...what more could I need!

Me and my Momma

Jaime, Me and Amy

My GORGEOUS cake done by Your Sugar Rush.

SP baby! All my friends from Stroller Strides...such wonderful friends! <3

Auntie Kristal, My Mother In Law Linda and Cuz Amy

Some friends from High School came!! I haven't seen them in 10 years!!!

Love my brother!!

Mark and Uncle Tom

Beautiful Girls, Karlee and Jaime

Such a great night!!!

15 Month Checkup

2010-08-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

Gavin went last week for his 15 month checkup. I can't believe how big he is already! He is turning into a boy, it is really sad (to his mom at least). He is talking so much lately. He says Mama, Dadda, Doggy, Woof Woof, Duck, Baba (for a drink), MiMi (for his blankie) Pees (please), and of course No. He can nod his head for yes and no. He is running and climbing and getting into things left and right.

At his appointment he weighed 29.5 lbs (95th percentile) and was 33.5" tall (90th percentile). He is a big boy just like Talan was at his age.

Here is a picture of him at his appointment, right before the nurse gave him 4 shots! Poor little guy had no idea what he was in for. Look how cute the little gown is that they made him wear!

After his shots he had to go get some blood drawn so they could test his iron levels...lets just say he was not a happy camper for the rest of the night...

And just because I think its fun to compare...

Gavin 15 Months

Talan 15 Months

Crazy how 2 kids can look so different yet so alike!

Belated 4th of July

2010-08-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

Since my plan is to get my blog binded into a book at the end of the year, I figure I better go back and put some pictures of stuff that I missed! I never print out any of my pictures (bad mommy) so they are all on my computer, this will allow me to have a hard copy of them!

This was the first 4th of July that we didn't go to the river in I don't know how long, (10 years??) Well not "we" as a family, more like just me...it was my first 4th of July in 10 years staying home, 5 years as a family. Wow, that was confusing! LOL I just re-read and it didn't make sense so please just ignore this entire paragraph!

Anyways, maybe soon this economy will pick back up soon and then we will actually go to the river 1 time this Summer? At least we have a nice pool to hang out by so I can't complain.

So, back to 4th of July, we ended up staying home and had a BBQ. AJ, Jaime, Cade and Brodie came over...so it was lots of fun! The boys lit sparklers in the front yard. (Shhhh don't tell anyone, fireworks are illegal in Corona) Uncle AJ and Mark got into trouble with one of those really loud ones that sound like a bomb. I thought for sure the cops were going to come...Martin boys and their fireworks, I tell ya!

Talan modeling his 4th of July Boardshorts

Gavin modeling his (poor guy has Talan's from last year)

Cute Cousins

Gavin and Cade checking out "Decko" the Gecko

Sparklers

Cute little Cadester

Uh Oh, watch out...AJ's got the blow torch out! LOL

A Summers Day

2010-07-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am actually impressed with myself for posting 2 days in a row! (*patting myself on the back*) haha.

Today was a great day. Talan had preschool and they had their water day at school. I did a water day for Stroller Strides playgroup too! I figured Gavin should have some fun. He loves coming to class all by himself with me, he doesn't know what to do with himself half the time but its so cute! He is so used to watching Talan all the time that he is kind of at a loss when it comes to playing by himself.

Here are the boys this morning. Talan is all ready for water day in his boardshorts!

So we go to Stroller Strides, and out of all the days to fall asleep in the stroller....

Doesn't he look like a little angel?

But then I woke him up...I couldn't let him miss out on the fun!

How cute are these 2?? They just had to have me take their picture and show them what they looked like. You can see Gavin in the background checking it all out.

Overall it was a great Summers Day...except for one little thing...which has never happened to me before...warning this is not pretty...

My eyes got sunburned??? What?? (Sorry about the major closeup eeek)

I really don't know how it happened because I never wear sunglasses when I work out because they always fog up. Today I wore a hat but it was overcast so I am thinking I just didn't realize how much I was looking into the sun. OUCH!! They hurt so bad and my whole face is burnt as well. I wore SPF 50 too. Definitely weird! Has this ever happened to anyone before? How long does it normally last?

I'm Back!

2010-07-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

So it has taken me a month to post again. I think part of the reason that it took me so long to post is because I was so overwhelmed about all the stuff that I would have to "recap" that I just kept putting it off and putting it off. So I finally told myself today, so what?! It would take me way to long to try to catch up with everything going on so I am just going to move forward. Phew, that is a big relief! So now that we have that straightened out...haha

Today I took the boys to jazzercise with me and they did really good for the babysitter. I hadn't gone for a while because Talan had not been behaving the best when he was being watched (ie; hitting people and taking toys) but since he has started preschool he seems to be getting a lot better with that, at least when it comes to "other" kids...his little brother, not so much.

So after jazzercise we went to the park to play for a while. They didn't sleep well last night and Talan didn't nap yesterday so I thought I would try to wear them out so they would nap. They love to be outside! Here are some pictures of the park today. Excuse my poor quality pictures, Mark has been using my point and shoot for his work since his work camera broke so I had to use my phone!

Then after the park I took Talan for a much needed haircut. Here are a couple of the boys playing in the waiting area at the hair place. Of course I forgot to take an after picture of Talan's hair!

Um, yes he IS laying on the nasty floor...BOYS I swear...they are going to make me go gray prematurely.

2 Peas in a Pod!

Well Hello There...

2010-07-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize it has been over a month since my last post. We have been busy! I promise to update soon...but until then here is a video of the boys to tide you over!

Talan's First Day of Preschool

2010-06-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today was Talan's First Day of Preschool! He was so excited. We have been talking about it for weeks and he has been looking forward to this day for a long time. I am talking 6 months long time (6 months is a long time in the life of a 2 year old). Anytime we drive by a school he says "Mommy, I go to school?" We finally found a preschool that helps with potty training so it was a perfect fit for Talan.

Talan with his fresh hair cut and new outfit!

Daddy and Talan walking in to school.

This one is a bit blurry but you get the idea.

He did amazing on his first day. I was shocked!! He didn't cry when we left. I thought he would be kicking and screaming for me. His teacher said he had a "dream first day". WOW I am shocked! I was picturing him torturing the kids and teacher and them calling me after an hour and telling me to come get him.

Talan's note from his teacher (don't mind the wet spot...I spilled water on it)

I am so proud of him and I really think it will be good for me him. He is going 2 days a week. It will also give me some alone time with this guy....

This is the face he gives me when I say, cheeeeeese. Hahah...just like his daddy!

Bad Blogger

2010-06-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

Well I said I would keep up with my blogging but I haven't. What can I say? I have been busy and lazy and tired and sick and blah blah blah. Excuses, excuses. I am just going to try and post when I can and not feel like I have to, then it makes it more fun right?! Well it is fun, but for example, right now Talan is whining to me "Mommy, I want goldfish" and Gavin is smashing Ritz crackers into the tile. Hmmm...fun right?!

So last Friday was my brother's birthday and we had planned to go out to dinner that night but coincidently a gas tanker managed to blow up on the 91 freeway and shut it down the entire day, in both directions. Yes, Friday BEFORE Memorial Day weekend. Imagine that mess?! My sister did not even attempt to come out from LA and my mom who works in Yorba Linda and gets off work at 1, didn't get home until 6:30pm. So needless to say, we rescheduled his dinner. We ended up going to Miguels on Monday night and it was delicious as always. I took a couple pictures and the sad thing is, these are the ONLY pictures I took all weekend. Bad Mommy, Bad Blogger!! We had lots of fun Memorial Weekend but I didn't take a picture, not one. I guess I just needed a break and to enjoy my weekend instead of always thinking about the next pic! All you bloggers know what I mean!

Chest Pains

2010-05-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

So I promised an update about my injury for about 2 weeks now! I really have been slacking off, but I think I have a pretty good excuse.

Well I ran my 1/2 Marathon on Sunday and felt fine. I went to work out on Monday and felt fine. Tuesday I was sore so I didn't work out. Then Wednesday I felt fine again so I worked out. Like I said, I felt fine, until I got home from Stroller Strides. Talan had a rough day that day so we had to leave early. (He scratched my friends daughter and he knows that hitting/scratching is uncalled for behavior and we left) Anyways, I don't know if it was from the stress of that incident that sparked it or just everything that I have been doing the last few months. When I got home I started having major chest pains. Like whoa...I think I am having a heart attack chest pains. I felt like a truck was sitting on my chest, I couldn't breathe. I sat down thinking it would go away if I just relaxed and it didn't stop.

I called Mark at work to tell him what was going on and of course he starts to worry which worried me more and made my breathing even faster and harder to breathe. I sat on the couch basically freaking out not know what to do...I had the boys here and couldn't exactly go to the emergency room, but always I worried what if I need to call 911 and can't.

So by about 5pm I had had enough and made Mark take me to the E.R. We got there and they took us right back since I was having difficulty breathing. I ended up getting an EKG which came back negative for any heart problems. They told me that it was most likely Costochondritis, which is inflammation in the cartilage in my rib cage. Lovely! The only remedy for it is rest and ibuprofen. Sound familiar? I don't know what is up with my body lately but it's always something.

I have been "resting" (how can I really rest with 2 toddlers?) for the past 2 weeks and it is finally feeling a bit better but of course I woke up yesterday with a bad cold so now I am dealing with that as well. Fun Fun!

So enough with the complaining/venting!

Here are some cute pics from the last couple weeks!

Get Fit Challenge Reveal Party

2010-05-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

So I am finally getting around to posting this. The Get Fit Challenge ended on April 30th...I have just been so busy (and injured, that will be another post...coming soon) to post the results!

Anyways, I got my final dunk and they told me that I lost 9 pounds! Woo hoo! That was pretty awesome considering I had only lost 1 pound up until week 9. This challenge was 12 weeks. Although, the way I have eaten the last week I have probably gained it all back! They wouldn't tell us what our percentages were though because they didn't want people to figure out amongst each other who had won. There were 2 categories, post partum and everyone else. I was in the everyone else category.

The reveal party was at Miguels Restaurant in Corona. It was so much fun. Me and Mark, my friends Emily, Katie and Megan and their husbands all chipped in together and got a limo. We thought we deserved it after all of our hard work...and we definitely did!

I didn't end up winning but I am so glad that I was a part of it. My friend Emily won the post partum category though! And my friend Tricia got 2nd place in the everyone else category! Congrats to them!

Here are my results!
Starting Body Fat %: 24% Ending Body Fat %: 19.3%
Change in Body Fat % -4.7%
Starting Weight: 163 Ending Weight: 154.3
Change in Total Weight: -8.8lbs
Lean Mass Starting: 123.9 lbs Ending Lean Mass: 124.5
Change in Lean Mass: .6lbs
Fat Mass Starting: 39.1 lbs Ending Fat Mass: 29.8 lbs

Here are some pictures from the Reveal Party

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize that this post is a day late, and honestly I don't care. At least I am posting it. This has been a doozy of a week for me. That is a whole different post. Anyways, back to the original post.

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us when adversity takes the place of prosperity when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."--Washington Irving

This quote truly fits my mom to a tee. She has been there for me ALWAYS. She is my rock. She is the one person in this world that I know I can count on for anything. She always knows just what to say to make me feel better but she will tell me the truth even when I don't want to hear it. My mom is the most selfless, loving person I have ever known. She has taught me what unconditional love is and taught me what it is to me a mom. I hope one day my boys will say that I was even a fragment of the mom that my mom has been to me and my brother and sister.

I love you more than words will ever say Momma!!! You are my heart.

OC 1/2 Marathon

2010-05-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

I did it!!! It was amazing.

A couple months ago when my hip was hurting I didn't think that I would be able to finish, but I did and I am so very proud of myself!

Here is a picture of us 4 girls before the race.

Kristin, Emily, Megan and Me

We all started together but after about mile 3 I had to slow down a bit. I took an energy gel and waited for it to kick in. At that point I was just hoping to finish and I hadn't even reached halfway yet. But about mile 5 that energy gel kicked in (or maybe it was adrenaline) I don't know, I got a burst of energy and just went. I turned up my music and just got in a rhythm. Before I knew it I saw a sign that said Mile 7! Woo hoo I was more than halfway. I had to stop and use the port-a-potty around mile 10, but then felt great the rest of the way. I only had to stop to walk at one hill. As I was coming in to the finish line I saw Mark and the boys and my mom and then I started to cry. All the feelings I have had over the last few months...frustration, anticipation, nervousness and doubt all came out as I was running that last bit of course. I could barely catch my breath. It felt AMAZING to cross that finish line. My official time was 2:37:38.

Here is a picture post-race. I was still trying to catch my breath so excuse the look on my face!

Honest Scrap

2010-04-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Awww...I feel so special! I was nominated for a blog award by my friend Kristi, yes the same Kristi that did Gavin's birthday cake. This girl is pretty awesome. She manages to work a full time job, take amazing pictures of the time she spends with her kids and blog about it and also bake amazing cakes all while redecorating/redoing her house, check out her blog. Pretty impressive.

I'm just sayin.

Anyways, by being nominated it means that I need to let you guys in on 10 honest things about myself and also nominate 10 other bloggers to do the same.

So, here goes nothin!

I don't have any tattoos, nor will I ever get one. Don't get me wrong, I like the right tattoo on the right person. My reasoning used to be because I couldn't think of anything that I would want on me for the rest of my life. But now that I have kids the only thing I would EVER get would be their names. But I don't think I would do it just for the mere fact that I wouldn't be able to tell my boys not to get one if I had one!
I always have to have dessert. It doesn't have to be sweet though, it can be just a snack. But seriously my night is not complete if I don't eat something after dinner and before bed.
My feet are so gross. I have always had a complex about them. People tell me they aren't gross but they are. Oh great, now everyone is going to stare at my feet when they see me!! Well, in their defense, they haven't had a pedicure since January.
This one goes with #2. I LOVE to eat. I am always thinking of what my next meal/snack is going to be even before I have finished the one that I am eating. I have heard that this is pretty normal though, yeah? Maybe I need to get a hobby...in all my spare time!
I still am not used to my hair dark. Like in my head when I picture myself or have a dream at night I am still a blonde. Sometimes when I walk by a mirror or catch a reflection of myself I don't even realize it is me and I startle myself! I wonder if this means that I am a true blonde at heart. I am gonna give this dark hair some more time to grow on me though! Thanks girls for all the compliments too, by the way!
I love reality television and my husband gets so annoyed because I have most of them set to record on the dvr in both the living room and our room. So he is always having to press "don't record" for something...which makes me mad when I go to watch the next episode of Real World/Road Rules Challenge and its not there!!!! Can you tell I am a little bitter?
I drink a ridiculous amount of water. I refill my water bottle (it is like a full on sport's bottle) about 10 times a day.
I had 6 wisdom teeth. Most people only have 4. I had 4 on top and 2 on bottom.
I love to cook but I hate all the preparation that goes into cooking. Like I hate having to make a list and go get all the stuff at the grocery store. It is such a pain.
I have my 1/2 Marathon next Sunday and I am freaking out!! The farthest I have run is 6 miles at one time. I know I could have gone farther, physically I felt fine but I didn't want to push my hip. I know I am going to finish it, even if I have to walk. I am really nervous but excited for it!

Okay so now I am supposed to nominate 10 other bloggers...but honestly I don't know that many bloggers and half the ones I do have already been nominated, but I will nominate the ones that haven't. Wow that was a lot of "nominates" in one sentence. haha.

Everlee Ann's Big Adventure

Krashing Motions

Gavin's Candyland

2010-04-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

Gavin turned 1 on April 17th! I do not know where this last year has gone.We had an amazing party for my little man on Saturday. The theme was Candyland, as in the board game. I always wanted to do a candy buffet (can you see how much I love candy, oh wait it's not MY party, hehe) and I figured why not? I think it turned out pretty awesome. My friend Kristi from Your Sugar Rush made the birthday cake and she did a wonderful job...it made a perfect addition to my the candy buffet! Here are some pictures of the day...

The Candy Buffet

The jumphouse and lollipop decorations.

The Smash Cake

Close up of the Gorgeous Cake

Talan sneaking some candy from one of the centerpieces.

Centerpieces

Grandpa John and the Birthday Boy

My handsome Little Man

Nana Susie with Gavin

Bringing the cake to the Birthday Boy

Gavin anxiously awaiting his cake.

Wait, its for you Gavin...not Talan!

Mmmmm....yummy cake!

Let me tell you, it was SOOO good, and SO worth breaking the rules (Get Fit Challenge has 1 week to go)

You mean I get to hit it and try to break it?? Yeah buddy!

Focus

Silly Daddy!

Happy 1st Birthday Gavin!

2010-04-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

I am working on the full recap of his birthday party right now, but until then here is a cute pic of him eating his cake!!

Easter 2010

2010-04-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

It has been way too long since my last post. I don't know what has gotten into me. I just have not felt like blogging. Maybe it is because I have just been so busy that the last thing I feel like doing is blogging. With this Get Fit Challenge added in my mix on top of all my motherly/wifely (are those words?) duties and trying to stay on top of my eBay store, I am just exhausted by the end of the night. The funny thing is I haven't been sleeping well either so that is just another thing to add to the list. Okay, enough complaining.

We went to the river last weekend and it has taken me this entire week to finally feel back on track. I don't know why it always throws me for a loop when we go. It is probably because it takes me an entire week to get ready to go and then an entire week to unpack for only a couple days of fun.

It is worth it though, for sure. The boys had so much fun. It was perfect weather. The water, on the other hand, was FREEZING. That didn't stop Talan from playing in it though! That kid is nuts! Nothing phases him. Nothing gets in the way of his good time! Haha. Gavin also had a blast sitting on the beach watching his brother and cousins play and playing in the sand.

On Easter the Easter Bunny visited our trailer. They got baskets full of goodies. They also had an easter egg hunt outside on the grass in front of the trailer. Troy, Cade, Talan and Brodie ran around and had a blast finding the eggs. Gavin crawled around and got a couple eggs. He had no clue what was going on but loved to watch. We had a nice relaxing weekend and can't wait to go back!

Here are some pictures from the river...

Talan being his crazy self. I swear I feed my child! He looks so skinny in these pictures. I wish I had as much energy as he does and his metabolism.

Gavin playing in the sand

Talan playing in the water.

My mom, Mark with Gavin and Talan riding in the back.

Camera is a little blurry (Gavin got some slobber on the lens..woops)

I had to post this. It was so funny after Talan's bath I put lotion on his face and it stung his sunburn. He insisted that I put bandaids on it. As soon as they were on he forgot about the sunburn. Haha

Talan opening his card from Great-Grandma

Thank you Great Grandma!

Cade and Talan on the way to the easter egg hunt.

They couldn't get there fast enough!

Hunting for eggs

Cousins (Troy came out from Tennessee)

The whole gang.

This is how much work goes into one picture. Mark and my sister-in-law Jaime helping to arrange the kiddos.

This is what all that work gets you, still not a perfect picture but cute!

A Pain in the...

2010-03-26T19:53:00.000-07:00

HIP!

It is still here...but getting better. Not better enough so that I can run the 6 miles I need to run tomorrow (according to my 1/2 marathon training schedule) But better enough that I was able to run 2 on Tuesday with no pain. Woo hoo that is a great accomplishment especially when a week ago I didn't think I would be able to run anymore!

REWIND
So last week my friend Tricia, who is a Physical Therapist, came over to check me out. She took a look at my hip and said that she wasn't sure that it was bursitis because the pain is a little high. She gave me a bunch of hip stretches to do and she has a portable ultrasound machine that she used on me. It really didn't feel like it was doing much at the time but afterwards I could tell that it had helped. She also left me with this really cool e-stim machine (like the ones with the little electrode things that send electric impulses and make your muscles contract) that I have been using every night. WOW what a difference a week makes. Seriously it is getting better and I couldn't be more happy!! Thank you Tricia!!

I also joined Jazzercise last week! Ok laugh all you want (I know I did before I joined) but it is really one hell of a work out! I wore my heart rate monitor the last few classes and my average calorie burn was about 600 calories! And you get to dance the whole time..and no it isn't oldies...it is like top 20 and pop music! So fun. It goes by so fast...plus the kids get to go and play in the play room while I work out so it makes it really nice for me!

So, The Get Fit Challenge Update.
I am still only down 1 measly pound! I don't know what is up. I went to Stroller Strides 5 days and Jazzercise 3 last week and my eating is definitely on point. What more can I do? I think I need to head on over to the Biggest Loser Ranch and have a "last chance workout" with Bob and Jillian...maybe then I can shake these last few pounds!! Only 4 weeks left and I don't know what else to do to?! Any suggestions? I am hoping the body fat is dropping not the weight! We will see in a couple weeks if all the hard work paid off!

11 Months

2010-03-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

On March 17th my littlest turned 11 months old. This year has gone by so fast it is hard to believe that in a couple weeks he is going to be 1! I say this every month but really Gavin is growing way too fast. I don't remember time going by so quickly when it was just Talan. It probably had to do with the fact that I was pregnant and wishing that time would go quick. Now I just want to freeze time...except maybe freeze it in a couple weeks when he is 1 (and can walk). Right now is this horrible in-between crawling/walking stage that I despise. It doesn't help that Gavin weighs 27 lbs. (Talan only weighs 29) and he wants to be in the action at all times so in order to do that he needs me to hold him at all times because crawling isn't cutting it. It is starting to take a toll on my back! He is walking along anything he can get a hold of but has not ventured out on his own yet.

Some other milestones...

*He has 4 teeth (2 on the top, 2 on the bottom)

*He can give kisses, point to things, wave bye, and dances in the car whenever he hears any upbeat sort of pop music.

*He is wearing size 18 month~2t clothes (Talan is wearing 2t and 3t) They are pretty dang close in size. People ask me if they are twins...I don't see it but, hey it must be because people can't believe I would have 2 back to back like that.

*He still gets up at least 2 times a night for a bottle. Last night it was about 5 times because I think he is coming down with a cold....poor little guy!

I am in the middle of planning his 1st Birthday party! It is going to be so much fun!

Gavin demonstrating his ability to point!

Happy 16th Tyler!!

2010-03-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you!! We miss you so much and love you!

Tyler is honestly one of the funniest people you will ever meet. He is always the first one to crack a joke and make everyone laugh. He is a great big brother..(and a great little brother too, but I will have to let Kiely speak for that one!)He is amazing at everything he does and we are so proud of him!!

We can't believe how fast you are growing.

Here are some pictures of the last time Tyler was out here...proof of what a fun guy he is!

How cute would our family pic have been if Tyler didn't do that serious (well he was doing it to be funny) face?

He lets all the cousins jump on him.

He puts up with his sisters kissy faces!

Here is is letting his brother jump on him.

Teaching his brother to ride like him.

Happy Birthday Ty!

Feeling...

2010-03-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

Discouraged.

So it is week 6 of the Get Fit Challenge. I have not been able to run for about 2 weeks. I *think* I have bursitis and the only fix for that is to rest it and not do activities that aggravate it. I have not been to the doctor yet because I have a high deductible and don't want to pay for an MRI just to have them tell me that I need to stay off of it. X-rays won't show anything and those are expensive too.

I did go to a Holistic Chiropractor yesterday just for a consultation to see if there was anything that he could do. He told me that I have a slight curve in my spine which has caused my right leg to be longer and is making my hip hurt when I run because of it. He wants me to come to weekly treatments to correct my spine which will in turn correct my hip problem. Hmmmm...I don't know what to think about that!

My friend Tricia is a Physical Therapist and she told me that 9 out of 10 people have some sort of a curve in their spine and if my leg being longer was such a problem it would have been a problem a long time ago, not when I upped my mileage in running. She wants to try doing some ultrasound therapy on it and see what that does for it.

So that is my status now with running. I can't run. It sucks. I am bummed.

I have been going to Stroller Strides 5 times a week and eating (pretty) healthy. Healthier than I was prior to this challenge.

I have only lost 1 pound!!! Are you kidding me?? All this work for 1 measly pound??

Ok, ok, you may be thinking...muscle weighs more than fat blah blah blah...well I took my measurements in the beginning of this challenge too and I have not lost an inch either! What is going on? I am busting my butt with this. The eating is especially hard for me. If I could have been eating like I normally did and stayed the same I totally would have!

Ok...vent over...on another note...

Today is a BEAUTIFUL day and it has me feeling

THANKFUL...

Thankful that I get to take my kids to the park on such a gorgeous day...

Thankful that they love to share the swing. Well, they had to share a swing because there was one swing open and they were fighting over it.

My solution was...share it or no one gets it...it worked!

Thankful for wonderful mommy friends. These pics are from playgroup today. I am now the Village Park playgroup captain and today we decorated pot's of gold.

Thankful for my friend Patty and her son Addison...I love them to pieces.

Randomness

2010-03-04T16:06:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted a lot lately because we haven't been up to much lately! Last weekend was a relaxing weekend. We just hung out and did some stuff around the house...relaxed a bunch. On Sunday we went to Riverwalk Park (Off of Pierce Street) My friend had told me it was a great place to go and feed the ducks. Talan has been talking about ducks lately and wanting to feed them so we thought it would be fun. Let me tell you, those ducks do NOT go hungry. There was about 10 people there each with a loaf of bread. No wonder they were being picky with our cheapy 99cent loaf! Hahah...anyways it was fun for the boys.

These pictures are from today at the park. It was such a BEAUTIFUL day today! I just love this weather. It is almost perfect. A few degrees warmer would make it perfect. Gavin loves to go on the swing now so I have to wait until there are 2 open ones or one of the boys gets mad. So funny! They crack me up!

So...

2010-03-04T16:01:00.001-08:00

What do you think? I went dark!! I love it so far!

Get Fit Challenge Weeks 3 and 4 Update

2010-03-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Well I have been slacking off in the updating department...mostly because I have not been very motivated for about the last week. It started last Tuesday while I was running my 4 miles. I started to get a slight pain in my hip and thought to myself "I will just run through it". BIG MISTAKE. I ran through it all right...but as soon as I got off that treadmill I could barely walk. I thought maybe I needed to stretch it, so I did that, with no relief. The next day was even worse so I ended up missing Stroller Strides as well. I rested that day and the next day it was feeling better but I cannot put any pressure on it or it hurts like heck(high impact stuff...like running!) I explained my symptoms to one of my instructors (who is also a physical therapist) I told her about the pain in the side/back of my hip and how it was localized and hurts when I run or jump. She told me it sounds like bursitis. So...I googled it (bad idea).

Sounds to me like I won't be running any time soon which is kind of depressing. I have been icing it every day and have not run. I am able to do the elliptical but when you are training for a 1/2 marathon it is just NOT the same. I am hoping by some miracle it gets better in the next week and then I can *maybe* catch up with the training schedule and be able to run...so everyone send some positive thoughts my way. Has anyone ever had anything like this happen to them??

So the injury happened and since I am such an emotional eater this past weeks eating has not been good either. Isn't that funny...I can't work out so I just want to eat....such a vicious cycle. Well I haven't gained any weight so that is a good thing...and I am going to try to get back on track with the eating. I am going to Stroller Strides today (I went yesterday too) I just can't run, I have to kind of limp in the back. woo hoo! (not)

Anyways, I am hoping to give you all a better update next week!

10 Months Old!??

2010-02-20T10:27:00.001-08:00

Wow, my little Gavy Wavy (that's my nickname for him) is already 10 months old! This is just crazy. I can't believe is 2 short months he is going to be a year. I don't feel like i have a baby anymore! He is wanting to be so independent. He doesn't really like me to hold him, he wants to be down and moving around. He LOVES to follow his brother around, even though Talan doesn't like it that much. He is waving, saying dada, giving hugs and kisses. He can "walk" around the living room by holding on to the couch. He eats everything BUT baby food. If I try to give him any sort of puree he smacks it away...that is his independent side again! He plays peek a boo with his brother which is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen. Here are some recent pics of my big 10 month old...

Riding the car at Grandma Lindas

Climbing on the couch with big brother

Hey mom...I told you to stop taking pictures!

Get Fit Challenge Week 2 Update

2010-02-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

Last week went way better than last! I went to Stroller Strides 4 out of 5 days (didn't go Monday since the boys weren't feeling good...seems to be a Monday trend because they weren't feeling good today either and we didn't go to class! hmmm) Anyways, I ran 4 days last week as well...Monday I ran 3.5 miles, Tuesday 2 miles, Thursday 2 miles and Saturday 2 miles! Go ME! woo hoo! I haven't ever run this much in my life but I am on a 1/2 marathon training schedule and I am sticking to it to a tee! Except today I didn't..but not in a bad way. I ran 4 miles today and later found out I was only suppose to run 3. Woops! So tomorrow I am going to have to run another 4 when I thought tomorrow was only supposed to be 3. Confused yet? So this week the eating was good except for yesterday (Who eats good on Valentine's Day??) I lost a pound last week which is better than the week before that I gained 3! Feeling good and loving this running thing!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! On Friday the boys got their very own Valentine's in the mail from their Great Grandpa Leo and Great Grandma Peggy! They were so excited! Here are some pictures of them opening them up!

My pictures are out of order and blogger won't let me rearrange them! How annoying. Anyways you get the idea. Yay! Money!

My Big Boy!

Yes, they both have dirty shirts...it was the end of the day right before bathtime.

Oooh let me help you with that brother!

Woo hooo! Thank you so much Grandma and Grandpa that made the boys day! Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!!

Happy Birthday Kiely!

2010-02-14T06:34:00.000-08:00

Happy 17th Birthday to Kiely!! Happy Happy Birthday Kiely. You are growing up so fast and becoming a woman before our eyes. We are very proud of you and hope you have a great day (even with ALL that snow you have in Dallas..stay warm!) and have a great rest of your "non-legal" years! I cannot believe you will be 18 in a year!! I am old!

Here is a picture of Miss Kiely with her friend Aynsley. (Kiely is on the right) They are all dress up for their football banquet!

We love you Kiely! Talan is going to call you and sing to you in a bit!

Parker 425~2010

2010-02-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

I am finally unpacked after the trip and have all the laundry finished! Phew that was a LOT of laundry for a couple days. It didn't help that Saturday was a rainy day so the boys (including Mark) changed a few times! We had a great time this year. We left on Thursday afternoon. It was Gavin's first camping trip. He did really well on the way up. Well, both the boys slept most of the way so that was really nice.

Friday was contingency so we got up early and headed over to the Blue Water Casino where they have it at. We were pretty far back in line so we had a chance to check out all the booths and hang out while we waited for the car to get to tech. It was a bunch of fun. Me, Jaime, her mom Margie and Dyan even got to sneak to the casino and gamble for a bit. (A short bit for me...I lost $40 in about 5 minutes! I have the worst luck) Then later we headed back to camp and hung out. The boys loved just playing in the dirt.

Saturday was race day! The forecast was for rain but in the morning it was just a little overcast, but not raining yet. AJ started the race with a huge lead, then right before he got back to the pit the exhaust broke so they were stuck there fixing it for about 20 minutes and got passed by 2 cars so they were then in third place.

Talan was freaking out before Mark got in the car..."I GO DADDY, I GOOOO DAAAAADDY" Poor thing. He would not stop crying...he was hyperventilating and screaming and he literally cried himself to sleep. Talk about a daddy's boy! Mark got in the car and it seemed as soon as he took off it started pouring down rain!

With the pouring rain it took Mark quite a while to get into the course...and he ended up getting rammed from behind by a jeep speed car which broke the alternator fan. They stopped and fixed it and got going again pretty good, they were about an hour behind the leader. (Seems like a lot but in long courses like this anything can happen) but ended up breaking an a-arm and they were done. Such a bummer! This is the 4th time they have raced this race and they have yet to finish! Something always seems to happen.

At least we always have a great time! Here are some pictures from the weekend!

Gavin's 1st Race!

Me, Dyan and Gavin

We were pooped! Nap time with my boys.

Talan enjoying the mud!

Such boys...they LOVE gettin dirty

Contingency...our good friend Tyler with Grandma Charlotte

Me and my tired boy.

Great Grandma and Talan

He just loves his Great Grandma

Talan and Ivan Stewart (a famous off-road guy from the 80's)

Get Fit Challenge Week 1 Update

2010-02-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

So last week was my first week of the challenge. It went pretty well considering we left to go to the race in Parker from Thursday until yesterday. I did very well the first 4 days of the challenge...went to stroller strides 4 days and even ran 3 miles on Monday and Wednesday and ate VERY good. Good thing because it seems that whenever I go on vacation I let all hell break loose. The eating wasn't so bad, it was the drinking (beer, bloody mary's and some new drink called dang gurrr's)! haha...although I didn't drink as much as I normally do so that is good! I had a blast with friends/family so it was worth it...back on track this week. The boys are sick so no stroller strides today. I am going to attempt a 4 mile run when they go down for a nap!

Get Fit Challenge 2010

2010-02-01T06:38:00.000-08:00

Today I am starting a 90 day challenge with a bunch of other moms in my stroller strides group. It is called the Get Fit Challenge. It is a 3 month contest to see who can lose the most body fat and gain the most muscle mass. I also signed up for a 1/2 marathon on May 2nd...so today also marks the first day of training for that too! I am not a runner so going from not running to running 13.1 miles is going to be a hard (but achievable) goal. Woo hoo! I am super excited. Especially because I am doing this with a bunch of other mommy friends who are very supportive.

So today we all had to get "dunked". Getting "dunked" is a hydrostatic body test and is considered the best way to figure out your body fat/lean muscle mass. You hold your breath and dunk under water in this tank and it gives you a reading of your body fat and muscle percentage. They give you a printout of all the things you need to know, goal weight, goal body fat percentage, how many calories your body burns doing certain activities, and how many calories to consume per day to meet you goal!

My body fat percentage is 24%. They gave me a goal of 16% for the next 12 weeks which means I would need to lose about 12 lbs of fat! That seems ok..a pound a week! They also said that 22% would be just fine for me...but since this is a contest they gave me a lower goal. The winner gets the pool that everyone put $25 in to!

I have been working out a bunch so now I just need to get the eating part right...that is where I have always struggled! Anyone have any great tasting lowfat recipes???

Here is a "before" picture of me! I am going to spare you all the bikini picture that they took when I did the dunk. I may show you when I am all done and happy with my results....maybe!!!

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY!

2010-01-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

So, it has been raining here for 5 straight days. Do you know how hard it is to keep 2 little boys entertained inside for that long? I might add that these 2 boys are sick little boys so we can't go outside to splash around in the rain. Talan started off the week with a bit of a cough and runny nose which has since disappeared. Gavin has been coughing/runny nose all week and I finally braved the rain yesterday to take him to the doctors. He has double ear infections! Poor little man! This in turn kept the poor guy (and poor momma) up most of the night last night....So I basically feel like a zombie today and I am stuck in the house yet again!! We are beginning to go crazy! So far this week we have gotten the tent out to play, played with playdough, colored in coloring books, practiced singing all the songs that we know, watched hours of Barney, rode the scooter and quad indoors, and stared outside wishing the rain would stop so that we could get out of this house!! At least it is supposed to be a beautiful weekend! *praying*

What do you do to entertain your kiddos when it is pouring outside??? I need some more ideas!

Let us out!!

Talan Sings his ABC's

2010-01-20T20:53:00.001-08:00

Pretend City

2010-01-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

Today we chanced the rain and headed out to Irvine to Pretend City. We went with a group of mom's from my Stroller Strides. It was awesome! It was perfect because it has been raining here all week and the boys have been cooped up in the house going stir crazy! This place is so great. It has a pretend post office, fire station, police station, beach, restaurant, farm and grocery store. Talan ran around like a crazy man and definitely wore himself out. So much fun! Here are a ton of pictures from today!

9 Months

2010-01-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

Okay...who pushed the fast forward button and how can I hit pause?? My little babies are just growing up way too fast. And not only that, it just seems like life itself is happening way too fast. I don't get it. When you are younger the days seem to drag on and on. Once I had my kids it has been non-stop hyper speed. It makes me sad in a way. I just want to take a step back and enjoy it while it is here. I feel like there is always something to be done (cleaning/laundry/dishes) but all of that can wait because I don't want to look back on this time and not have memories of my babies. I need to be more in the moment and enjoy the little things, even if it is just sitting on the floor and playing with blocks and being silly with them. They are not going to be babies forever.

Well my little Gavin is 9 months old! He is crawling EVERYWHERE super fast and now pulls himself up onto the couch, the side of his crib, and pretty much anything else he can get his little hands on. He doesn't really like baby food so much anymore and prefers to feed himself (he loves the food that Talan eats, mac and cheese/waffles/string cheese/bananas) He is totally a momma's boy and follows me around the house and always wants me to hold him. He is a little snuggle bug. He is babbling a lot, mostly "dadadadada" of course...that was Talan's first word too! He is sleeping way better than he was...only waking up once for a bottle which makes for a very happy mommy and daddy. Here are some pictures of my precious boy.

Beautiful Blogger!

2010-01-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

My friend Tawny at A Beautiful Life nominated my blog for the "Beautiful Blogger" award! How sweet is that? By being nominated I am required to let you guys in on 7 random things about me and also nominate 7 other bloggers! woo hoo!

So I am trying to think of 7 random things..this is hard but here it goes...

1. I have always wanted to be a DJ. Ever since I was in high school and I would see someone mixing on the 1's and 2's I was hooked. I love listening to music that is mixed and especially love when the DJ mixes crazy stuff together, for instance Metallica and Jay Z or Def Leppard and Eminem....LOVE IT! DJ Hero came out around Christmastime and I soooo wanted it, but I couldn't justify spending that much money on myself right now!

2. I am one of those crazy coupon women that you see in the grocery store and hate to have in front of you. I cut every coupon (actually 2 of each because I get 2 newspapers) even if I am not going to use it, just in case I need it. I get excited to watch my total fall and I could care less about the dirty looks I am getting from the person behind me in line. The best I have done is have my total go from $150 to $43! woo hoo!

3. I secretly wish I was working! Don't get me wrong, I love my children and being a stay at home mom is such a hard but fulfilling job. Sometimes I just wish I could have some time to myself, or at least drive in my car and not have to listen to Barney all the time! I was planning on going back to get my teaching credential when I found out I was pregnant with Gavin. The job market is not doing so hot in California right now so I haven't decided yet what I am going to do, so for now staying home is alright for me.

4. I am training for a 10K mud run in June! I am also *thinking* about doing a 1/2 marathon AND I am also doing the Stroller Strides Get Fit Challenge starting February 1st! I am gonna be in shape for bikini season!! another woo hoo!

5. I have a mild case of OCD, especially when it comes to my boys toys! I cannot stand when a piece of one toy is in another room or mixed up with another toy. I constantly am organizing and rearranging and "fixing" their toys and they are constantly mixing them back up! It bugs me soooo much! I also HATE clutter. I feel like I am always NON-STOP putting things back where they belong so they aren't out on the counters.

6. I have this crazy ability to drink a beer super fast. (also known as a beer bong) Hahha, yes I am kind of embarrassed that I am posting this. This talent of mine became apparent to me in college. I don't practice it so much anymore. Except for a trip to Mexico with my husband 4 years ago, they had a contest on the beach against the employees of the bar. I volunteered and kicked the guys bootie! I won the entire bar shots of tequila! hahahah yes, something to be proud of, I know.

7. Me and my husband got married in Las Vegas at the same chapel that Britney Spears got married. Yes, it was spontaneous and we were already in Vegas so we just did it! No one was with us and we didn't tell anyone right away. I don't regret marrying my husband the way that I did, but I do want to eventually have a vow renewal and have my dad walk me down the aisle. That is the only thing that I wish I had done differently!

Anyways...those are my 7 random things...I was going to try to nominate 7 bloggers, but a lot of my "blog friends" have already been nominated...so I will nominate 6 that haven't.

Everlee Ann's Big Adventure

Bubby Love

A New Year and an Updated Family Pic!

2010-01-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

I have been in a total funk these past couple days and I have not wanted to blog at all. I think it is the whole getting back into the swing of things that is taking a toll on me. My husband had so much time off during the holidays and it was so nice having him home to help me! I guess I took it for granted. Anyways, we have been trying to get back into a normal routine but the last few nights Talan has woken up in the middle of the night from coughing (he is only coughing at night and the doctor told me that it was allergies) and he screams "Mama" or "Dada" until one of us comes and either gives him his pacifier or brings him downstairs in our bed. Sometimes he wakes up his brother, whose room is right next to his which causes a whole different problem!

Not only has Talan not been sleeping well at night, he has also decided that he doesn't want to nap anymore. He figured out that if he takes his pants and his diaper off mommy will come running in. He has peed the bed a couple of times because I didn't realize that he had taken his diaper off. I guess that means that it is time to start potty training? He has a potty and we have introduced him to the idea. He goes sometimes when we ask him but he never tells us when he needs to go. Does anyone have any helpful hints for potty training a 2 year old??

Anyways, I have just added a ton of pictures which may bore you...they aren't in any particular order but they are from the last week. I am going to try to get out of my rut and get back in the game!

Oh and one more thing...we FINALLY got an updated picture of all of us together, since Kiely and Tyler were out for Christmas/New Years. Wow...it only took us 9 months to do it! Hehe.

Family Picture with all 6 of us.

7 of the 10 grandkids w/ Grandma Linda

He looks so innocent in this picture! Looks can be deceiving.

Another pic of just the grandkids.

Kiely and Tyler at my Dad's birthday dinner.

My Dad, me and my brother.

Tyler showing Talan how to ride his new bike.

Dad's birthday dinner

Frankie and his new haircut

Brotherly Love

Talan giving Gavin a ride on the quad

Gavin standing!

Talan (showing off his new ability to take his own pants/diaper off)

Talan and Kiely

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year (a day late)! and Happy Birthday to my wonderful Dad!! I don't know where I would be or who I would be today if I didn't have you. I love you more than words can say!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T12:14:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2009 was so much fun. It was great because Talan actually understood it this year (understood all that a 2 year old CAN understand about Christmas) He understood that it was a very special day and that he would be getting presents from Santa. That is about all they care about at this age. Next year I hope to go more into depth with him about the true meaning of Christmas, but this year was awesome. Seeing his face coming down the stairs made my heart melt! Here are some pictures from the day, we had all the family over and it was just a really nice day! No complaints!

Well, I think this will be my last post of 2009. Here's to the end of a year that brought me my youngest son Gavin! That is about the only thing that was good about 2009 (besides the wonderful memories that we made with our family) I am excited for a new year, a clean slate and lots more fun times with my family! Bring on 2010!!!

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I better start blogging about Christmas before New Years is here and gone! It seemed like Christmas just flew by this year! I blogged a couple weeks ago about how I couldn't get into the spirit and when I finally did...it was over! Oh well!

On Christmas Eve we went to Mark's mom and step-dad. Linda's and Art's house (our annual Christmas Eve event). We had a yummy Mexican feast and had a couple "toddys" (As Grandma Charlotte would say) We enjoyed each other's company, opened presents, and then went out caroling! So much fun!

Skyla and Talan with Papa Buck (aka Rudolph)

Me, my momma and my sister

Talan and Skyla by the tree

I can never get a picture of all the kids!

Gavin eating his dinner

Cousin Amy arriving

So much food!

Talan and Gavin playing on the piano

They loved it!

Look at that face!!!

Singing Christmas carols

Talan loves his Papa Buck

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T20:42:00.000-08:00

Boys, Boys, Boys!!

2009-12-17T15:01:00.001-08:00

What am I gonna do with them?? We decorated cookies yesterday and I was cleaning up so I let the boys play a little in the backyard while I did. I heard Talan laughing so I went outside to find...

You probably put the pieces together as to what happened!! Why is Talan so mean to his little brother? Is this normal? I know they are close in age but geeez!

Oh Christmas Tree...

2009-12-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

We put up our tree last weekend. It seems like we put it up a little late this year. I feel like Christmas has snuck up on me this year. I just could not get into the spirit and I still really haven't. Putting up the tree has helped a little bit but that was with only 2 weeks left until Christmas! Somebody get me out of this rut! I am such a procrastinator. Here are some cute pictures of the boys "helping" me decorate the tree while daddy sat and watched football. (He has been a bit of a bah humbug too)

8 Months Old

2009-12-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

Gavin is 8 months old! He is at such a great age. I love it because he can't talk yet, so no back talking, but he has a personality and communicates how he feels with the sounds and expressions that he makes. He started crawling on Sunday. He isn't great at it yet but he can get to where he wants to go. Each day he is getting better and better at it. He can pull himself up with the couch onto his knees. He got his first 2 teeth on the bottom! He is feeding himself so well and tries to eat Talan's food sometimes! He is a great eater. He FINALLY is sleeping in his own bed and waking up only once a night!! HALLELUJAH! AMEN! I thought this day would never come...wait I better not celebrate too hard or I will jinx myself. But yeah it has been great getting more sleep. I can't believe in a couple short months my little baby is going to be a year old!!

Talan's Birthday Party

2009-12-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

I have been in a blogging "funk" lately. But I figured that I better start catching up with all the stuff going on before its the end of the year! I can't believe there are only a few weeks left of 2009 and then its on to 2010! I cannot believe how fast the last 10 years have FLOWN by. I feel like it just turned 2000. Does anyone feel this way or is it just me??

Anyways, we had Talan's birthday party on December 5th at the park. We decided to have his party 2 weekends after Thankgiving because everyone is always gone the weekend after Thanksgiving. It was a Monster Truck themed party. He had so much fun, ate too many sweets, played way too hard and ended up crashing in his bed at 6pm! woo hoo! Anyways, here are a ton of pictures from the day. I have a ton of blogging to do so some of them posts are gonna be short and sweet!

The Birthday Boy.

The banner Mark made for Talan

Enjoying monster truck and cake!

Pinata Time!

Pin the license plate on the monster truck!

Nana Susie and Gavin

Uncle AJ, Uncle Sean and Grandpa John

Me and Mark, I think we were watching the taco guy set up?

Little cousins, Talan, Cade and Brodie

Me, Talan and my Momma.

Impromptu game of touch football!

My sister enjoying herself.

Skyla and Talan enjoying the jumper.

Talking with Talan?

2009-12-04T23:54:00.000-08:00

Lately Talan thinks that he can speak full on conversations...but only HE understands them.

Too Cute

2009-12-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

This video is from Talan's birthday and I just thought it was too cute not to post...

Clay and Erin's Wedding

2009-12-01T14:39:00.000-08:00

Two weekends back we went up to Blythe to go to Clay (Jaime, my sister-in-law's brother) and Erin's wedding. We decided to go up Friday night and stay at our river house so that we would be up there early and not have to rush on Saturday with the kids. It ended up being a wonderful idea because it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL that day. Clear, perfect blue skies and gorgeous 70 degree weather. It is just so pretty there this time of year. I don't know why we don't go more often. Such a different place than the summer! Anyways, here are some pictures of us enjoying the morning....

Later that day was the wedding which was in the actual town of Blythe (about 25 minutes from our house). We got ready and drove into town and checked into our hotel room. We were kind of in a rush once we did that, so we had to hurry but got to the wedding just in time. It is hard trying to get yourself ready and 2 kids! I didn't get any pictures of the ceremony. Talan decided that when he saw Cade (my nephew) who was the ring bearer he just had to "see him mommy, see him!!" and he kept trying to run up to the front where the wedding party was. Mark had to take him outside and I had to hold Gavin, so no pictures! But Erin was one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen...she was glowing!

The reception was so much fun. Here are some pictures, they pretty much speak for themselves!

Talan with the beautiful bride

Me, Gavin, Mark and Clay
Me, Talan, Jaime and Amy (Mark's cuz)

Debi and Gavin

Cade and Talan cutting the rug

Talan was a little ladies man that night!
Talan at the end of the night...yeah I would say he had fun!

7 Months

2009-12-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

Well I kind of dropped the ball on keeping up with exact dates. Gavin turned 7 months old on November 17th. I will just update you on how he is doing now though because I can't remember exactly what was going on a couple weeks ago. He has changed so much in the last couple weeks! He now has one little tooth popping up on his bottom gums and I can see the other one right below the surface. He is just about to crawl. He gets up on all fours and moves back and forth but can't figure out how to go. It will be any day now. I am not looking forward to having 2 mobile children in the house. Talan is hard enough to keep track of! He loves to eat. He can feed himself those little puff things and also those yogurt melt things (I can't think of the exact names) and he LOVES them. He is eating almost all the different baby foods, except I have yet to try meat...that just looks wrong to me. He is NOT sleeping through the night yet and I am praying for one night of good sleep. He gets up every couple hours and wants to eat! I wish he would take a pacifier sometimes. Not only that he does not nap either. He is a cat napper...complete opposite of Talan. Anyways, he is interested in everything too...always watching his brother and he is always smiling. I can't wait to see what the next couple months hold...

Talan's 2nd Birthday/Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T17:07:00.000-08:00

This year Talan's 2nd birthday fell on Thanksgiving. We decided to have dinner at our house since it was his birthday. We wanted to do a little celebration for him before his big party next weekend. We ended up having about 25 members of our family over (yes, we have a big family) My little boy is not so little anymore. I still think of him as my baby! He is talking so much now. He says so many different words and puts them together in sentences. I wish I would have taken more pictures from the day but I was so busy cooking the turkey and ham and running around like a crazy woman. Everything turned out great though and Talan enjoyed his day.

I still can't believe that this little guy....

Has turned into this guy...

Time goes way too fast.

I LOVE YOU TALLY BOO!

Anyways, here are some more pictures from the day.

Talan enjoying his pancake face breakfast.

Talan showing off his new bike.

mmmm...Cupcakes!

Opening presents.

Enjoying his new stuff.