Small RV

Working out is never easy especially when you spend your summer in a small RV the size of a can. It can be done I have proven that to myself.  Although doing the Superman for your back on the floor is a bit challenging. When your cat thinks that you are playing it also become confusing and complicated. I made it I did the workout from P90X chest and back with the 15 minute AB ripper X at the end. I have started my 90 days again.Wish me luck till I go home. I have tried really hard to stay on my healthy eating lifestyle. It consist of fruits, vegetables and salad. I try not to eat processed foods. I don't eat anything in cans or meat. I have once a week a cheat day which isn't bad. I'm not depriving myself of anything because it's not a diet it's a lifestyle change. I'm healthy, strong, fit that's all that matters and I'm happy. Which is the most important part about working out. You have to make yourself happy. Remember being happy is a choice that you have to make yourself.

Working out without a gym

Working out without a gym no problem go a playground.  My kids could play at the park all day if I let them. Put your workout clothes on pack a lunch don't forget water and your protein mix. You can use the Swing to do pull ups as well as one legged Squats.  The swing is also good for abs. Get down in a push up position with you feet on the swing. Bring your feet to your chest for work on lower abs. You are still working on your upper body as well. Follow your kids around the playground doing walking lunges. 20 on each leg 10-12 calf raises finish with 20 jump squats Repeat 3 times. Look at that you just had an amazing leg day with running around in between playing with the kids. 

My boys and I will have races together that will bring in the other kids playing to. I throw in some barrel racing. I may not like burpees but I sure make everybody do it. It makes it fun to see who can do more. They love it.

If you want something bad enough you will find a way to get it. Believe in yourself take that leap for the future.  I may be in the land of nowhere for the summer but that won't stop my workout routine. Thanks for reading. 

Traveling this summer

A 30 hour three day trip from Florida to North Dakota to see family another two days to Marquette Michigan to see my father has been a very long drive. Our boys had a seminar on how to build a deck. On top of learning how to cut down tree's.  Justin is a hard worker he cut down three tree's all by himself.  With just a little help from daddy in pushing them down. It's been about two years since the last time I was UP North.  I miss it nice and quiet sitting on the deck I help put together.  It's the small things that make me love life.  I adore the fact that my hubby takes time out of fighting the horrible mosquitoes to put down his hammer to build something with his boys. 

They are in deep thought as you can see above the expression on their face. As a woman I can't think of anything more sexier than a man with his children. He is spending time as well as teaching them hard work pays off. I know I can do just about anything my hubby can in landscaping but when a son see's his father complete a task. Not giving up at anything he sets his mind to means something different then seeing mom do it. As my children especially my oldest I'm grateful everyday for the time we spend together as a family. I love watching my hubby's eyes lite up when he hears "Daddy" it's amazing to be apart of something special My Family. This trip back home made me realize how much Family really means. Not that I didn't know already I mean Life gets busy and we all need a refresher.

Here is the deck with the fire pit almost complete. 

Deck complete all our hard work paid off bruised knees, shoulders from carrying the deck boards a few million mosquitoes bites that cover our body from head to toe all to see my parents smile. Not to mention that I get to build one again next year on our house in Florida.  I can't wait for all the fun to start again. 

The day is complete with smiles !!! 

Giving Back

 Justin is at it again after three years of giving back now he has a new mission. He will even be on the S.P.C.A of North Brevard Facebook page.

8 bags of food and cat litter

I started giving back in High School even if I didn't have anything to give I would find a way. I have now pasted that gift of giving down to my children. They love making people or animals happy. If I left it up to them and my crazy hubby we would be the people with to many cats, dogs,chickens and whatever else they felt needed a home. I almost said yes to a homeless snake as much as I hated seeing that bottom lip of theirs out I can sleep at night knowing I won't be a snake's lunch. 

Going through the boys closets and toy boxes this weekend. They love giving back. It makes them happy when I say it's time to think of things to add to Justin's Steps. He comes up with most of them with a little help from the Internet possibilities are endless. 

If we want to help change the world we have to start with our children. It doesn't take much to put a smile on someones face. 

Find your way

There are times I find myself thinking about my life my kids and my hubby.  That's a lie I think about them all the time. How we became a family all the struggle that came with it. All I ever wanted when I was little was to be happy. I didn't want a new toy or my parents back together. I wanted a place I could lay my head at night to call home. My family growing up was very broken it still is. I don't know a family that isn't in some way. 

I changed that ten years ago when I had my first son. I was set on raising him on my own. I didn't want to be dependent on a man to pay child support. I didn't care if he was ever in my son's life. I wasn't going to be that baby momma chasing after a man who didn't want to be there. I was and still will never be in need for someone that bad. I can stand on my own two feet by myself. I grew up with a very large family so taking care of a child wasn't something new to me. I took care of my brother and sister when I was my son's age. I can say at ten years old I was a little more mature then the kids I went to school with. I had to be with them watching. I didn't want that kind of life for my son. That is why I choose to be a stay at home mother. It was hard at first very hard but with the help of a man now my hubby. I realized I didn't have to do it alone. It bothers me when I log on to Facebook on how many mother's are still chasing  a man for the reasons above I mention. Even worst they need a man to validated them in some way to say they are good enough. They need that constant boy not even a man to make them Happy. What is Happiness? The state of being Happy is what the definition is. It's sad many people still don't know how to have that in today's world. There is beyond enough drama on Facebook alone that makes me extra Happy I live far away from many people I know. Maybe it's because I'm older I see things in a different light now. No, that's not it. I have never been the type for drama not even in High School. However I did find it funny to say and do things on purpose that I knew would get under a few skins. I still do that while I laugh at how people react as if the world will end in that moment. I can laugh at myself if I make a mistake. I can support myself when I need it. I can't give up, it's not in my nature to do so. I was told once that I didn't know what it meant to struggle. I have struggled all my life growing up in a family of alcoholic's with more then enough pity parties to last six life times. A single mother who worked as many jobs as she could on no sleep just enough to keep a roof over our heads and food in our belly's. I can remember times where we didn't have heat or lights on in our house. Living in Michigan that was a very rough time trying to make a game out of camping in your siblings room. Thinking of things to tell them so they didn't say anything to someone at school. Taking cold showers was nothing we were going green long before it became a problem in today's world. My mother crying herself to sleep not fully understanding what was going on until much later when I became a parent.

Life never goes the way you plan it. It just happens a child before marriage a parent before a couple. My son Justin is my little sidekick. I celebrated my 21st Birthday with him when he was 7 months with a cupcake. I guess what I'm trying to say is that everyone has something in life that doesn't go the way you want it to. Don't worry about being a great person for someone else. Be something great for you. Love who you are. If you don't like the way things are going know you have the choice to change them. 

As the meaning of Life is in the title of my blog Life is only what you make it!!! 

Vote for Christopher

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Universal Studios

NO FEAR

It was hot,fun,and very entertaining.There is a lot to do as you can tell from my picture above my kids have a sick sense of humor. They are screaming and pretending their guts are coming out. They are too funny.  A spur of the moment trip out of nowhere my hubby says let's go. Before I could ask he was printing off the tickets. Not that I don't like his plans I just wish he would give me a ten minutes heads up or something. With my hubby that's impossible part of the reason I fell in love with him. His sense of adventure is off the chart. Our boys are the same way like let's go climb a wall. Why not it seems like the only logic choice to do after we filled our tummy's with ice cream. Maybe ride a roller coaster with Mom but don't tell her that is what it is. Yes, That was me on the Mummy Roller coaster.

Yes, Pure fear I'm screaming my head off. I'm not a roller coaster person this has all the proof. I thought I was going to die. I didn't feel that bad when I seen the picture Justin's my son was hiding. 

In this picture with Daddy he is straight down praying. He wanted to sit on the side to see the tracks only thing this coaster is in the dark. I was scared but I loved it. 

Hubby tried for Fear Factor in spandex which was a little sexy on him. He didn't win it was set up for one person to win the bragging rights. Our boys were excited and scared which in turn had poor Popsicle in tears when Daddy was hanging in the air. 

A random trip turned into a great day. Make sure you measure your little one before Popsicle was a little short at 38 inches. Most if not all rides kids have to be at 40 inches. We were turned away when it came to the Transformers ride which Popsicle really wanted to ride. They have a room off to the side for parents to switch. We were a little mad that we waited in line for an hour to be turned away. Justin and I had a hard time enjoying the ride because we all couldn't go. It was fun maybe next year we will have to do this again. Popsicle did get to take a picture with Optimus Prime outside the show. They cut his body off. It was pointless to buy the picture I just took one. 

I didn't take as many pictures as I wanted my camera with the bag is a little heavy to carry. The pictures I did get are awesome. It's about $96.00  dollars a ticket even for our boys it was $90.00 a ticket just for the day. It's a little expensive unless you rush with the park passes. It takes a whole day to see everything and still I think we missed a lot. Take your time travel light and have fun. I did get a heads up from a friend on the Jurassic Park ride at Adventure Island is a huge roller coaster just in case my family try to pull a fast one on me. I think I will do my homework before hand.

Zumba Sticks

Step One 

Step 2 Fill 

 I decided I was going to do something different  for Christopher's craft so this is what we made. Zumba Sticks or nose makers. First we went to Lowe's to get some PVC pipes,caps and duct tape. We also used BB's and beans to fill it. We cut the PVC pipes just to fit your hands. The beans weren't heavy enough so we ended up using BB's.  They run about $8.00 dollars at Target. 

They are about a pound a piece. As you can tell we had lots of fun. There's really not much to do with it just make sure you have a pipe cutter to make it easier on you please don't use a knife and be safe. Meanwhile thank you for reading and have fun with your Zumba sticks. Getting fit can be fun too!

Step 3 Complete and shake

Make sure you tape the top as well. You don't want the BB's to fly out. I believe I spent under $20.00 for seven sticks.

Sea World Trip

My Popsicle has been bugging me for two months to go see a dolphin. Here comes in at # 2 on my bucket list going to Sea World. I was a little hesitate about going because of all the drama surrounding this place with Black Fish. Now, I still feel a little guilty going because all the animals are in small cages. I don't agree with it but they still have to make money. Sea World does help animals it's not cheap to do it. It's like a catch 22 you in order to help with anything there is always a downside to it. We had a really great time however I don't think we will go back until Popsicle is much older. The workers seemed to rush us when we were deciding on what pictures to buy from the dolphin, sting rays, and shark feeding. They seemed to be unhappy too maybe it was the heat!

This picture above I'm using in my portfolio for Patricia Photography Company I'm starting. Something new I'm taking on.

It was a great chance to see what my camera lens can actually do.

It was extremely hot here last Sunday it was nice to cool off in the aquarium. Our boys loved sitting there watching the fish. 

Just an F.Y.I to avoid make sure you don't try to eat the fish you are feeding to the dolphins like my little one tried. It's really gross taking it out of his mouth. He did this all day long sometimes I wonder about my child. I think he does it just to see me react with a disgusting face. Each time he would laugh,smile and reply "I'm just joking Mom!" 

The only downside to this place is even after you wash your hands you still smell like fish all day. Thanks to Popsicle in the hot blazing sun after he wiped his hands on me the smell gets a little strong. In Justin's case his little brother thought it was a great ideal to play catch with one of the dead fish then afterwards toss it down his brother's shirt. He tends to be the jokester in the family with NO help from Dad while he is on the ground laughing. At least he didn't try to make me kiss the fish that was Dad's job. We had a blast when it came time for the Shamu Show.

I was able to get this picture after taking 30 of them. It was a little loud for us as well as Popsicle he hates loud stuff. A pair of earplugs is necessary for little ones! The animals seemed fine and performed great! 

Keep in mind if you take a trip to Sea world!

1. Take a change of clothes there are water rides.

2. Don't bring a purse get a backpack. It will be easier to carry.

3. Wait to you leave before you buy anything. Just so you don't have to carry it. 

4. When you sit in the seats at any shows. Look for the signs that say "Soak area" that means you will get wet!

5. We also learn that if you buy any photos from the feedings or the first picture they take of you when you walk in. Save the receipt instead of paying $20.00 for each picture it becomes $10.00 with the proof you already paid for one earlier. That would have helped eight pictures in. They don't tell you we were lucky. 

6. There is a kids playground but water everywhere. Bring a swim suit. 

7. Have fun!!! 

Kids & Chores

How many of you out there have  set chores for your kids? I did at one point but it never worked out for my family. Instead when Justin was little I made a game out of mopping the floor. I got down on my hands and knees with a rag under each one along side was my little man making a mess. It took twice as long to clean the floor but it was fun! I would take a big towel lay him on his back made circles with him on the towel to dry it. He loved it! He would laugh hysterically again it was great bonding time with memories we still share. Now with my Popsicle we have continue to make games out of cleaning.

I have been an easy going parent when it comes to chores. I don't mind picking up after my kids. They are very helpful with everything from cleaning taking care of the cat, make their bed and cleaning their room. If they see me doing something they always ask if they can help. It doesn't seem like work because I don't make it seem that way. It's a game to see who can do it faster or to see who can complete it neatly. I don't use that word chores it just seems like the word stops you in your track before you even start. Since Easter we have been cleaning up confetti for a week now. I do this every year with our egg hunt. The kids love it.  It just leaves a huge mess behind.

Justin and I used to do it with real egg shells he just decided that it was too much work. If you wanted to try it out just take a dozen of  raw eggs. Take a tooth pick and make a hole on both ends of the eggs. Over a bowl blow into one side until the egg comes out the other end. I toss the raw egg or use it in an egg wash for my hair. Which will make your hair shiny.  Let the shells sit for a day or two to dry out fill with confetti. To close up the ends of the eggs with the holes just take a little bit of water and a piece of confetti it will stick to the egg. Have fun and go crack an egg filled with confetti over someones head. Then RUN!!!!

http://youtu.be/-6LgUv4r8hg

Here are my boys cleaning together after they completely destroyed the house. It's okay we had a lot of fun. I let them clean their way for however long it takes them. They are still learning how life goes and this is one way to let them have the opportunity to see what works and what doesn't. Of course once they are in bed I end up cleaning anyways. I love being a Mommy!

Indian river Festival

Florida isn't really that bad once the season of really hot decides to show up. You have to find things to do like this art fair/ whatever festival shows up. It had a little bit of everything there. It was great bounce houses, games, food trucks a gator guy named gator bill. He talked about snakes which made my skin crawl but had a few good points about snakes that I didn't know. Sometimes I have no ideal where my kids get their sense of adventure at for example.

This picture above was a big giant octopus kite that Justin wanted to climb on and then slide down the legs. It was a kite and insisted that he could do it no problem it wasn't even a ride. He just wanted my okay before in the future he wanted to try it. We had a twenty minute conversation about it which made me laugh he sounded just like his daddy. He weighed out the pro and cons with me then finally said "Life isn't worth living unless you take chances Mom!"

He couldn't make a mother more proud then when he uses my own words against me. He is an amazing kid. I'm so happy I get to be his mother.  I tried to go donate blood and he sound like his father again. 

"Mom, Only a few people have your blood you need to keep it!" 

I have AB- blood the red cross calls me all the time to donate. Then we had another talk about blood types my boys are B positive and hubby is O positive explaining all that lead into a baby talk thank god we ran into someone who we knew which cut that talk in half. 

I love when my son has his mind set to something he doesn't give up at all. Determination is the key for whatever you set your mind to. It was a blast my son had an amazing time. Thanks to all the volunteers that helped out including Coach Mike who helped watch Justin while he tried the wall a dozen times. Justin completed the kids one but got really mad when they refused to let him finish the adult course and be timed.

GO JUSTIN!!!

 

He didn't fall I guess his pull ups at home have worked out. 

THE RUN!!

 ALMOST THERE

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!

My son is AWESOME!!!

We will go back next year. 

Things we say well Popsicle says

Being a mom I find that my boys are always saying something off the wall especially my little one. Sometimes we all say things that are funny at that time. Here are a few I can remember. 

My Popsicle told me I wasn't a girl I was his mommy.

Talking in the locker room with another lady I told her you know you have to drain the lizard before we take step class. When I said it I was thinking to myself I can't believe I just said that. I made sure I told her I have two boys. However I'm not so sure that matter the look on her face was priceless.

Popsicle tried to get me to call and buy the total gym. You know the advertisement with Chuck Norris. He was very convincing as he told me. It will make me strong and healthy. I don't have to leave home. My Popsicle was like a  salesperson.

Trying to explain to him why he can't tell the salesman at the tire place he was cute was funny.  Popsicle says " Why Momma he's a good looking man." OKAY he is three I'm sure that will change as it did when we walked into Target.  He told a lady walking by she was Beautiful!  I don't know where he comes up with this stuff it just flows out his mouth like nothing. I'm in big trouble as he gets older.

Justin tried to get him to leave the lizard alone at the park so we could leave.  He tells us the lizard is his friend and he can't leave him. He will be sad. Then he starts bawling his eyes out when we left. I felt so bad but my cat will eat the poor thing if we bring him home. Then Popsicle tells me I hurt his heart he will never get over losing his friend. Now I feel like the worst person alive.

He asked the lady at the grocery store for a hand shake then he kissed her hand and told her she was doing a good job bagging our food. 

When he goes to the bathroom he runs down his own check list

Pee check, Poop check, wipe my butt check. I have no ideal where he came up with that.

Making dinner a few nights ago I dropped pasta on the kitchen floor as I said "Shit" here comes Popsicle "Where shit I don't see shit!" Justin and I was rolling on the floor laughing so hard our stomach hurt. Like he knew what shit was.  Thanks to this movie for that one. 

Having lunch with the ladies he made them laugh. He told both of them they were Beautiful and his new best friends.

I had to tell my oldest not to walk around in his underwear that he is too old for that now. Popsicle says "Momma leave the kid alone!" 

The boys and I made some prayer sticks about a year ago. They are Popsicle sticks with pictures of family and friends on them. Christopher prayed for his self last night because he was tired. 

I think my son has an imagination gone wild or he talks to the dead. First it was Carol and Jack who went down in a shipwreck now it's some man named John. He was sitting on the floor playing when he kept talking to someone. 

"What are you doing babe?" I asked 

Christopher says "I'm trying to build a robot but John won't let me." 

Me "Who is John?"

Christopher "He is my friend."

Me "Well tell John to be nice."

Christopher tells John "Mommy said be nice!"

Me "He can stay as long as he is nice."

He runs up to me gives me a hug and tells me I'm the best Mommy ever. I'm not sure what to think about that.  However the kids were laying on the couch and the floor when a Lego block spontaneously was thrown through the living room at Justin. I seen it and couldn't believe it. Justin said "I think John did that! I think he was trying to make it in the box with the other Lego's."

Christopher yells "I'm not telling you again John stop!"

I do know he keeps us on our feet all day long he never stops. I like that he has tons of character. I love my boys! Not to sure about John yet but Carol and Jack left so maybe John will too. 

Handprints

This pin has been pinned as of today 208 times. I thought I would share what it is. 

Take your toddler's hand and draw an outline on some paper or felt. Cut it out and use it as a pattern to cut out handprints in different colored felt. Now, Put the handprints all over the floor,couch,table and ask your toddler to find the "green" handprint and give it a hi-five! This can be an activity for a group of toddlers as well!

My Popsicle loves this game. It keeps him laughing all day long. I will let you know beforehand if your toddler is anything like mind you will have to make many handprints. The color felt is about 29 cents at Michael's Craft Store.  He tends to rip the hands by trying to high five it in the air and that’s when my cat Mickey takes off with it.  It’s an all-around tug a war with them two my cat is in the wrong body. It’s been a year since I pinned the picture above I don’t know where I found it online but it works. He knows his colors like the back of his hand. I thought he was color blind for a few months he would get the colors absolutely wrong. Turns out he knew all along he was just being silly. Daddy says “He is full of  jokes already!” My Popsicle has so much energy it at times can be a little overwhelming.  This is a great before nap activity for him. Have fun mommy's or daddy's they are only little once. 

Getting back

 

I have been fighting allergies for almost a month now until today. I'm getting back to my normal schedule with getting fit. My journey is still full speed ahead as I took up yet again a new workout. I hit a plateau back in January it was time to switch up my workout routine. Turbo Jam was fun today lots of energy in the DVD still very entertaining when you watch the other people on the DVD. The faces they make are just silly. I guess overall the DVD was great! Along with intense weight lifting with cardio combo and muscle conditioning it has made that plateau non existing.
I'm not looking to lose weight I just want to tone up.
Losing the weight was a plus.
 I have to say my results are wonderful. I weigh 149 as of today lost five pounds and went from a size 8 to a size 5 in my jeans. How exciting until I realized I no longer have any boobs all to due to shopping this past weekend. I was a little upset until I walked past the cute little bikini's hanging on the racks then I was alright. The funny thing about my journey to getting fit is that I didn't even notice the weight loss. My pants were a little big sagging between my legs I just thought they were a little worn out. You know from wearing them maybe four times a month. I'm never in jeans I hate jeans because they are all stretchy junk. I just want the hip hugger with flair bottoms like when I was in high school. They no longer make them as the nice lady at Old Navy told me. I guess not really a loss I never really liked that store anyways. I did find some jeans at Macy's.Yes, They have a little stretch to them which I'm not happy but old well they are a size five. I could even fit into a four but my thighs won't.
( There was a picture here Google took it off with most of my pictures on my blog. I don't know why I apologize in advance.)

 Here is me with my Popsicle doing squats. He is my weight of 34 pounds. Trust me I feel it with 30 lunges each leg and then 20 regular squats. 

I really need a full body picture I'm more then happy with my arms and body overall. My hard work, dedication and consistency has really paid off. My Journey isn't over yet still working on my six pack with a no processed food no meat unless my hubby makes me eat chicken which just kills me. I had to fight him on this last time he wanted me to eat chicken. It really upsets my stomach I'm a veggie, fruit ,water, protein shake kind of person. 

I'm happy with that I still have my cheat days once a week you have to in order to stay on this kind of lifestyle.  It is a life style not a diet. My weakness above all is cookie dough ice cream and maybe pizza. Until next time just remember it takes time to meet a goal in fitness. It has to be your goal not anyone elses. Get fit for you challenge yourself to be better then you were yesterday. Have fun with it make it work for you.

Valentine’s Day, what’s the big deal?

That is what my ten year old asked me. I had to think before I told him It's a time to share how much you love someone. My son confused at first then added that there doesn't need to be a special day to say I LOVE YOU! He's right my his daddy always says I love you with flowers, notes on our chalkboard cabinet and simply just being there for us. We celebrate life and love daily in our household I'm forever telling my boys I love them to the moon and back. My little one likes to blow kisses to us. We pretend to catch his kiss and slap it on our cheek. My oldest still gives me a kiss before he leaves for school.  We decide that this year we will extend that love by putting a smile on someone else's face.

http://www.dosomething.org/loveletters#1

Write and create a Valentine's day card for a Senior Citizen. I have to say I have never thought about this subject too often since I went to Mother Daughter work day when I was a teenager. My mother has taken care of elderly people all her life. It was sad to see all those men and women sitting in there rooms doing nothing but rioting away. No one to talk to no one to care to stop by and say hello. It's sad so let's spread the love together sign up today to make someone SMILE!

Depression and isolation in older adults affects people of all backgrounds. 

AN ESTIMATED 6 PERCENT OF PEOPLE AGES 65 AND OLDER IN A GIVEN, OR APPROXIMATELY 2 MILLION INDIVIDUALS IN THIS AGE GROUP, HAVE A DIAGNOSE DEPRESSIVE ILLNESS

http://www.dosomething.org/loveletters#3

Click on this link to print out a list of places you can send your cards to. They list all states there are few of them in Florida. We are sending ours too 

Seniors First, Inc 5395 LB McLeod Road, Orlando, Fl 32811 

 Justin would like to send candy as well we will  be creating a few goodies bags to go with our cards. So far he has made ten cards all different. Christopher two right now with my help. 

Find one in your state have fun spread the love!