I am a Mother of a Teenager

Times flies way too fast. Justin started high school last week. This is crazy he just turned 13 and started the 7th grade. All that comes to mind is Wow, He is growing up from a little baby 

who wanted me to hold him 24/7 to a kid who wanted to do everything on his own. 

He didn't want my help at all to a teenager who now says "Mom, Can you walk me to class?"

He made me cry when he asked last week on his first day. I didn't walk him hubby thought it would be bad to start the year with your mom walking you to class. I gave him a hug he crossed the street at that moment I realized that up to this point he was my baby still is . Now this part this moment is when things start to change. We have raised a great young smart man. Who will start to make big decisions on his own. He will need his Mom and Dad more now then he ever did before even if he doesn't show it. Justin has always been out spoken a little shy when expressing his self but always honest. I hope he stays True to who he is going into the next chapter of his life. I think he will I have faith that this far as parents we have done a great job raising an outstanding young man. It makes me sad he is growing up. He already tried out for Basketball. He loves school. When I picked him up from his first day he couldn't wait to tell me how he's day went. He talked non stop for the last three days. He makes me a proud Momma here. I'm so exited to see what this new year will bring.

I gave myself 5 years

Me today

Weight 130 lbs
       age 33

I'm at four years now to my six pack. I have learned so much about myself in these few years that makes me wonder why I didn't start my fitness journey sooner. It has been a challenge for me and I'm thankful my hubby has been my biggest support system. Three months ago I had a very difficult time just holding a glass in my hand.  My kids nor my hubby could touch me without me being in excruciating pain. I never really paid too much mind to my arthritis before until this last outbreak. Talking with my Doctor more of trail and error since I don't take pain meds at all. My hubby has to talk me into even taking an Advil for a headache. I had to change my healthy eating completely 

to fruits and veggies oh the biggest change being gluten free. It took about a week with my green shakes. Finding the right ones mixing them to see what works. Since I already ate healthy it was a no big thing until you have to do it and it's no longer a choice. I guess it's still a choice to be in pain or not be in pain. I never want to be in that much pain ever in my life. 

Green shakes I come to love. Lol #getfit #lovinglife in a spinach, kale, cucumber, cilantro kind of way. Make sure you use cold water.

Hello, My name is Patrica and I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. It affects everything in my body. It is chronic inflammatory disorder that affects joints including those in hands and feet.  I was diagnosed at an early age then again after Justin was born. I came from abusive household growing up then was trap in an abusive young teenage relationship which to me. I thought I was always in pain from old injuries. 

Now, With the right doctors eating right and working out In one month I lost 14 lbs. I wasn't tying to but I did. I switch my H.I.T class ( High Intensity Workout) for more cardio no weight but my body. I took up spin class again more Zumba, Running and lots of Yoga. I have worked so hard to get where I am I wasn't giving in because I was in pain. I had to find out what works for me. I have always talked about your mind set in my BLOG. Having the right thoughts changing the way you think can do wonders for anything in your life especially working out. I had a lot of time to think from day to day about how I was going to give it my best shot not to give up. One month went by I had to tell myself daily it wasn't the end of the world it's only food. I love to eat my cheat days on Fridays don't happen like they used to since sugar is a trigger. Now, My cheat days are maybe an extra green shake or protein shake that is all natural gluten free. The taste is what got me some taste gritty and nasty. Sun Warrior is actual good. I guess learning about how to keep being fit for me is going to be different from someone else. I know that but listening to my own words is harder than I thought when I want to go that extra mile in the gym knowing that I shouldn't. I am strong I won't let this bump in the road stop me. I am two months in to my changed diet which has done wonders. I am 100% better then before. My will power is going to take some work. I love cake I really do the pain that follows makes it not worth it.  

                                      Most important part is that I am Happy and almost pain free!

A Sleepless Night

Christopher has his dog who is only three months old. His name is Thor. It's hard being a fur mom I forgot how much work goes into taking care of a dog. Going out at 2 am for potty breaks and not going back to sleep. I'm over it already. I was not with the program on Tuesday in Zumba being up all night to take class. Side note for myself Don't take class when you can't keep your eyes open. I do have to give credit to my boys and hubby for working with me to help walk the dog clean up poop which I haven't done since Thor came home.

Our cats hate him but getting better with Thor being around. We still have the occasional stand off where Godzilla and Thor are growling at each other no one moves. It's funny as can be. Mickey owns the house more or less she makes the rules. She is the oldest cat I guess that's fair even if it wasn't she tells them what to do.

I feel like I have walked a thousand miles since Friday taking Thor outside for a walk. It all started around the block which is one mile two nights ago I decided I wanted to sleep. I had a bright ideal to walk three miles with our boys and Thor to make him sleep all night. It worked two nights in a row I was able to sleep all night. My legs hurt like hell. By the last mile Christopher is done it's around 7ish when we are almost to our block. Big brother and I switch I take Thor and he gets to carry Christopher home. It works for me. All this trouble to just see a smile on my boys face is well worth the sleepless nights and leg pain for that. 

A taste of Kindergarten

Thursday my little man went to school for a Taste of Kindergarten that will start in a few weeks. Time is going by so fast. He will turn six in October his whole life is ahead of him. He has a bright future ahead. He didn't want to go to school he actually had a melt down after preschool talking about it. I'm a little worried that a whole day of school is going to be hard on my Popsicle. Daddy has this bright idea that getting a dog will help. I'm not so sure of it but the hope of maybe getting a dog has had a wonderful effect on Christopher. Now he loves the idea of school. I guess we will be getting a dog soon. I hope he is having a blast. I'm worried but I guess that is normal considering I was a total mess when Justin went to kindergarten. I cried I'm sure I will do the same. Don't blink for sure kids grow up way too fast. Since writing last this week hubby got a dog.

Meet Thor Christopher's dog. 

Working Out as a Family

 I love taking the kids to the gym, running and teaching them the importance of staying fit. 

 It's hard but well worth the time hubby and I spend on making dinner together. This summer Justin and Christopher are learning on how to cook meals. It's a great teaching skill to have since it won't be too long when they both decide it's time to move out. I know they are still young but time flies by. I want them to be confident in themselves to be able to take care of themselves without any help. We look up recipes plan out the week. It takes time you only have one body and it's the only place you will live in for the rest of your life. Mind as well take care of it.

 

Weight lifting Justin is finding hard to do because muscles don't appear over night like he wants them to. It's a long road ahead. As long as we  keep our family on track we will continue to be a fit family. We have a lot of fun with it. We join races track our steps we compete with each other. It never seems like we have to do it. We want to. With kids it can be hard to change eating habits, TV time ect. We limit two hours a day to the web and TV. I think the hardest part for people when trying to change their lifestyle is being happy no matter what. When you change your mind your way of thinking anything is possible in LIFE. Just keep smiling you are worth it.

Football Clinic

Last Saturday our boys wanted to take a football clinic. I have to say they were troopers on this day. It was hot as could be. You could probably cook an egg outside it was so hot. 

 Christopher is definitely different than his brother on this one. Justin when he was little well even before he could walk is always on the go 100% of the time. He is outside no matter hot or cold he is an outdoors person. Christopher forget it if he plays a sport it has to be a Jan-Feb time frame. If he is outside it better be in the water or he wants nothing to do with it. He just makes me laugh. A parent from wrestling asked Christopher if he was singing up for summer football. He looked right at him and reply "Nope not in a million years!" I was dead after he said that. I couldn't believe oh wait yes I could believe it he said it. Christopher holds nothing back ever.

It ran from 10 am to 12:30 by far way too much time in the heat. Justin is considering joining. He did win second place. 

Summer is going by way to fast already a month has gone by. School will be starting back up soon. What are you doing for summer so far? Let me know in the comments. 

Surfing, Running, BBQ

This past week has been a busy one. Last Wednesday my boys and I ran in Cocoa Village for the Global Running Day. We made it to the first water stop then turned around. Christopher was a little champ running his heart out. I did end up carrying him on my back for about a mile.

It was a hot day to run. We made it three miles took us about 44 minutes to do it.

Then Cocoa Village had the BBQ & Blues Festival Friday again another very hot day 95 I believe. 

Christopher is not liking these hot days as you can tell from his expression on his face. If we aren't at the beach he wants nothing to do with being outside. The rest of us don't mind it that much. It's not snow so as long as Florida and I have that understanding it will be fine. Hubby and Jay ate two pulled pork sandwiches I thought it was going to come out their ears they ate so much.  Sunday it was a beach day before the storm rolled in.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Father and Son bonding time for sure they where out on the water all day they have the sunburn to prove it. Hubby needs a little more practice but Jay is outstanding.  He was up on the surfboard every time.  We would be out there today but that storm Colin has taken over for now. 

I finally broke down two weeks ago we are now back with the rest of the world on the WEB. I didn't think it would be so hard to work from home when you have had one too many espresso because you are sitting in a coffee shop using the WiFi. I'm now successful detoxing from all that coffee. Our boys love it I still have the rule two hours a day for them. I don't have any problems homework still gets done even now that school has been out for two weeks now. Summer is going to be a blast many more things to come. Check back soon.

Fishing

Fishing Trip April 9,2016

We started the day out at the library with our boys with reading to a therapy dog.

It was a lot of fun the dogs where very mellow. The kids sat with a dog to read being a good big brother Justin read while Christopher showed some love to the dog. It was cute especially when he read the wheels on the bus. Christopher loves that book.

 Once we made it back home we spent the rest of the day fishing.  Hubby caught a fish in the net.  It was a lot of waiting which for a five year old is hard a hundred and one questions.

 I’m watching Grease Live with Vanessa Hudgens right now as I’m writing this. I like it different but still very much the same as the original. I like Frenchie in this one. Blanch is Hilarious! I LOVE this musical.

We went to the pier to finish off our day ran into another family with kids who’s little boy was also named Christopher.  All Popsicle wanted to do was throw the line in and out. Not a care in the world to if he caught a fish or not.

 I enjoy the family time we get to spend together more as our boys are getting older. I can’t get my head wrapped around the fact that Justin will be 13 in July starting High School next year Christopher starting kindergarten too. Time is just going by so fast I cherish it more and more each day. I think too it has a lot to getting older. It sounds funny when I say it but Life is just falling into place the last few years. Things mean something totally different then what they did five years ago. I have started a lot of projects now that I’m looking at them again. I’m taking a lot out to complete some I might just let them sit in the vault a little longer.  Fishing looks to be something we may do more often now that our boys are at the age 

when it matters the most. Every day is something new and exciting one step at a time no rush just us living life. 

Mother and Son

 We went to the gym to workout. 

We did some hanging legs raises played some basketball. Now my son can run a mile in seven minutes. It's all in keeping in mind what you want in life. He is taking one day at a time with his fitness. I'm so very proud of him with staying with it. He never gives up it keeps me going when I see him no matter how hard it gets he stays with it.   Now, That my little man isn't so little anymore. Growing into a teen. 

Getting ready for another race next Saturday. I can't wait I get to run it with him. I just hope I can keep up with my son. 

He is taller than me it's so weird having to look up to him to talk to. These are my mommy moments. What are yours? 

Cutting down our tree

We have this big tiny branch tree in our backyard that makes it impossible to cut the grass without running over a thousand tree branches.

 It’s half dead since we will be here for another year we decided to take it down.  We are also putting flowers in the front yard not sure what to do with my cactus tree that has grown too big for the pot last year. To think it came from nothing in size. The boys and hubby got it the first year we moved to Cocoa from Lowe's for Mother’s Day.

  

I don’t know why we decide to do everything at once in or out of the house. It just seems to happen that way.

                                       We took care of the first half yesterday the rest today.

Our house is a mess in the process of painting every room and having a yard sale. This is fun talking about yard sales. Did you know last Saturday was National Yard Sale Day? Hubby took the boys shopping on the other side of town while I went grocery shopping. On my way there I seen dozen of signs I made it in and out of the grocery store in 30 minutes then spent the rest of the morning driving around to yard sales.  I found movies not that we need them but for fifty cents why not? I took a ton of stuff to Christopher’s teacher who sent home a list of things they needed for the home area. Christopher was excited to give it to her. He is such a big helper.  After four years in Port St John I still have a huge area I have never been to. I did get lost but found ten more sales going on. It’s the small things that can make a person happy. My friend says I’m a simple woman. It’s true I thought I was in heaven the whole morning without kids. Life being a mom and wife sometimes it's just that simple. One step at a time will make Life simple. 

Easter

Fun filled day on Easter which seems to Be everyday since Christmas. Here are just a few pictures from our day. 

 A day at the beach

My whole reason for living. I know this post is a little late. 

The air show and Cajun Feastival

I love living in Florida. Especially when I can spend the morning with my boys laying on the trampoline taking pictures watching the air show. We spent over an hour just chit chatting with each other I even took a nap. It was just a beautiful day yesterday. We ended up at the park to finish out the show which is just amazing to watch. It's loud as can be which the kids don't mind at all.

A few years ago we went to the museum to look at the old planes up close. They even have a few planes the kids can get into. Then you walk out to the airfield to watch the air show. We live right on the strip the planes use to go to the airport. Next year I want to try to sit on our roof to watch it.


Summer is here it's time to put the jeans away bring out the shorts and tank tops till November. We went for a run my Popsicle made good time even after he was told he has asthma two weeks ago. He ran a mile with us in 16:10 instead of our 12 minutes flat which is still really good. My oldest Justin has it too but since our move to Florida he has seem to have grown out of it. I hope the same will be for Christopher. I don't want him to think this will minimize anything he wants to do. It will just change the way he does things only a little. I won't let him use it as a crutch.

I wish I had pictures to show of the planes but my battery died on me. That's what I get for not charging it the night before. 

We had a busy day on Saturday Justin was a hit with the ladies at the Cajun Festival. He was a walking magician. He has to volunteer two hours in order to stay in his magic club. He is doing really great. I love how he can just walk up and start a conversation with anyone. The feedback was amazing from the people he showed magic tricks to. I even had one guy ask if Justin did parties. He definitely takes that from his Father. Hubby could sell you anything even if you didn't need it. 

So the idea of eating crawfish was a hit until my boys seen it. I have to confess I have never eaten it. They both made a comment that they didn't want to eat anything that had eyes looking at them. I did however get them to try Jambalaya which was not an easy task to do since it has pork in it. We don't eat red meat at all. They put a brave face on to taste a spoonful. 

We tried to wash it down with  a cupcake that was just gross. I never thought it was possible to make a gross cupcake. Well now I have seen everything. Overall when talking later at home when I asked what was the best part of the day my boys said meeting new people. When asked what they didn't like the response was wasting money. I had to laugh at this which Christopher told me it wasn't funny to waste money. Yes, I have been on this life teaching skills with them this month along with being Irish (#12monthstolearn) on my fb page. I'm glad they are picking up on it. Six dollars for the Jambalaya and three dollars for the cup cake besides that it smelled of sea food which we probably never eat again. We still had a great time. I love these moments in time. 

Life, Running, Kids, No Internet

Since November I have had a cough that comes and goes whenever it wants. My doctor just says oh don't worry you are fine. Okay, So what am I paying you for? So my cough is back the weather changed again here in Florida so what is the best time to cough again. It's now because I'm preparing for a run with my kids. I hope I don't die like yesterday running with the family just one mile. I was so happy to see my house and driveway. I gave it my all the last block literally fell on the ground. I was so out of breath. My hubby thought I was playing around until he helped me up. It has to be the pollen that turns my black car to yellow. I'm fine in the gym which is bizarre to me as long as I don't run.  Looking for a new doctor hopeful this goes away. I still kill it now I have a butt. Yeah me on my way squatting 90 lbs one leg. Talking to a few people about fitness goals I'm finding that if you want to lose weight or build muscles you have to change the way you think. I'm a positive person always have been. It's hard to always see the bright side of life. Even when I was pregnant I loved the way I looked. I embrace who I am and my body. I think it has a lot to do with my family. The women of my family have always had a negative outlook on themselves. Which in turn did the opposite for me. I loved myself at an early age. Fitness is a huge part of my life. It is what keeps me sane. It is who I am as a Mother, Wife, Friend and me. I laugh about it now since I'm shrinking. I told my hubby I was shrinking a few years ago he didn't believe me until I bought new shoes the other day. Either I have been wearing the wrong shoe size since I was 14 years old from a nine in a half to a size eight or I'm shrinking. I'm going to go with shrinking everything else on me is. The ladies in power mode class on Monday says it could be when you start getting old. It was a good laugh I turn 33 last month and shrink at the same-time. What else in in store for me this year.

I see YouTube channels for both my boys. Christopher is making a video everyday to put on his YouTube channel he wants. I think I will make one Daddy says No. I think I can change his mind if I put one up.

Justin is a Minecraft freak who wants to record what he does on his game. First we have to see how his room set up goes. The boys might be switching rooms. Christopher has the bigger room. Redoing the whole house is a lot of fun. Between school, work, magic club and whatever my boys are doing trying not to die is a huge task. I need a break I see a trip to the ocean real soon. We cut the cable and Internet off. It's been about a month to see if our boys could do without. I have to say it has been better this last week. I wasn't the favorite person in the household when I cut it off. I didn't realize how much we really do need the web. Sitting in Starbucks is getting old on Wednesdays. I have to hang in there to prove a point now. We all have a bet to who caves first. My money is on the man of the house. Hubby can't hang in too much longer without the politics news. We will see who wins! Never give up on yourself. Change will come in time. 

Popsicle

Christopher is five years old with an attitude just like me. He is extremely over the top on everything. He is always telling me I'm his beautiful momma. He loves me and will never let me go. He makes me smile everyday. Even with his horrible breath in the morning that makes me want to vomit. Like how can someone so small have bad breath. It's gross and is the first thing we do together in the morning is brush our teeth. There is no way anything else is happening before that.  He has an imagination about space, Minecraft, lifting weights and talking in different voices that makes me happy God made me his mother. Here are some silly pictures of him last night taking a bath. He hates school because it's boring to him. He says "He needs some action because he is over school! We have been talking about painting his room so far there is no organize theme. It's super hero's with a few Dino's a splash of Minecraft a little bit of space and family pictures. All his idea's. I'm not sure how it will all come together yet. I'm sure fine since I will let him take the rope on this one. Christopher is ball of energy that never stops. He brings out the best in our little family. He has so much life in him. An old soul in a little body. Everyone he comes in contact with says the same thing about him. He is amazing                                                                            little person. That or just being nice.

  

Five years of being a parent to another little person who is growing up so fast. He makes life worth living. I can't tell you how much he bugs his big brother yet will come back with a smart ass comment that will make his brother laugh. They are truly best friends. He is not afraid of being silly or looking silly. 

He loves mystery books. We are reading sleepy hollow right now. 

When I want a picture he has some weird face he makes every time. I have to act a fool behind the camera to even get a good picture of him. That's okay Justin is at the stage where he is starting to care then snaps back because we are acting a fool. If someone rings the door bell Christopher turns into this.

As of today he wants to be called Night Ninja. I can't wait to see what tomorrow will hold. 

The reason I live

 My kids are the reason I live. They are the reason I get up every morning. I know they watch everything I do. They have discipline to go forward with their goals they set.   We are a fit family. These pictures where taken before school on Friday. They kill me getting ready to leave they drop and complete ten push-ups for the morning. 

Justin is taking weight lifting a little more serious since next year he will be in high school. I can't  it's too soon for my baby to be growing up. 

He already has a six pack cut in. Oh no is all I have to say about that. Daddy mention girls uh NO big fat No.  I want him to be focus on school not girls. He is not allowed to date until he can support her.  He has been busy since he could walk with sports and he will continue to be too busy for girls come next year. Girls already call him wanting to video chat uh No again. Where are their parents? 

Christopher cracks me up as of right now he wants to grow up and be a body builder. Which is fine with me. We will see how he changes as he gets older. We won't be making the super hero race today. Allergies have had a hold of  three of us for over two weeks. It makes it hard to run with a five year old who only wants to cuddle and sleep. We will have a chance for another 5k in March. Until next time my readers stay fit be happy. 

Paint your child Green

Things you do when your child says I want to be Hulk Momma. Okay, I'm racking my brain how do I paint him without turning him green. Well it was last Thursday if by chance it didn't come off he would just be green. We had the weekend coming up no school on Monday. We had a few days to get it off.  Oh Well it's a good story not like I haven't walked into Lowe's when Justin was little dressed absolutely crazy for crazy day at school when I helped his Teacher out. I still have a hard time making Justin wear things that match now.  His theory is if a color no matter how small it is in his shirt he will wear that color shorts. Christopher dresses up all the time no matter how hot it is. I had to buy and replace his old Iron Man costumes with the help of Daddy. He had to keep him outside playing with Justin just so I could get it in the house. It's insane what you have to do when you have kids. Now it's Batman wearing at Target. Christopher was so excited to be green. 

Mix flour, water,

green washable paint and green food color.

Have fun get green. 

Another Year

Hubby 10 years anniversary gift. I love flowers!

Time to update the house take down pictures put pictures up and take new pictures. Here is one I took with my flash Nikon SB-700. I love it I thought it was about time to break it out and learn how to use it. I have had it for three years now. I was trying to make a business out of this. Instead it just gave me a headache. Having two businesses already one more was just too much. Besides it took the fun out of it. For now I think I will take pictures for fun. Get back to being just me with no pressure. I found that the last three months have been a really trying time in my life. Family, hubby and kids will make you go crazy. Thank God I have a few people like my hubby who can just be a friend without the role of hubby attached sometimes and my Nana who will listen. Without them I think I would be in a crazy house somewhere. I'm getting ready for the Superheros race in February which thinking about it gives me the chills. I have never been in a race before. It's to raise awareness for all Brevard County abused, abandoned and neglected children. We are entering it as a family. Justin and I will be running hubby and Christopher will be walking. I can't wait to see what costumes we will get. We are still working on that. As far as the pictures going I think I might want to look into body armor when it comes to my kids.

 He is laughing above because he ran me over a dozen times. I was on my belly on the ground  that's how I was able to get this picture among others. I need elbow pads knee pads a helmet maybe definitely a hard case for my camera. I think he was aiming at me on purpose it made him laugh. The joys of motherhood.  They don't get better then these moments right here. 

I absolutely love these picture. 

A new year another journey in everything.