One.

With the reality of having a five - and a half - year old, I'm very much aware of how time flies. However, there are moments that still make it hard to believe JUST how fast it passes... aka our son had his first birthday this weekend. {{ Waaaaahhhh }}.

Amongst the after-Christmas chaos, we managed to get a nice little party together. The theme was "Cute as a Button" because let's just face it, he sort of is {says the bias mommy} but with time against me, I had to dig deep and find my inner Martha/Betty to whip up some crafts and sweet desserts.

And then it was party time! Here are a few highlights of the day. Photo credit goes to my sister-in-law and my cousin, because this gal was running around like a madwoman = mommy/host life.

One quick photo before the destruction began.

And then it was time to strip down to the diaper!

Excuse my face. The picture was taken mid-laugh because Mr. B kept swatting at the cake in my hands... he was ready! 

Although, he needed to feel the waters first.

He then got the hang of it.

And the damage was done.

What a day! We couldn't have been more pleased with how it all came together, and the pleasure of celebrating with our friends and family. 

And a very special thank you to this sweet face for being a big helper... and showing her brother "how to share his toys". Hehe ;) 

My heart is full when I sit back and reflect on these memories. I'm continuously amazed how God works and puts it all together. He is GOOD, and we are grateful.

Birthday number ONE, complete.

Happy Wisdom Day

Cheers to another birthday celebration! Yesterday marked my 29th (eeeek, last year of the twenties)!!! But instead of focusing on the years I've gathered, here's a few "How To's" I've learned in my growing years...

How to be grateful: it's ok to not have everything. Be appreciative for what you DO have.

How to be more patient: although it's an ongoing battle as parents, I continue to practice being more patient by breeeaaatthhhiinnnggggg and assessing the situation. Don't be impulsive and let anger or frustration cloud your vision on what needs to be said/done. 

How to be happy: it took me awhile to understand that this is 100% in our OWN hands. Only YOU can make YOU happy. There are things around us that increase that joy, but true happiness begins inside... and only YOU can control its presence. 

How to accept change: as we grow up, everything around us changes; whether it's the city, the lifestyle, or the people. For me it's mainly been people. I have learned (and beginning to accept the fact) that people change... friendships change... and that's ok. It doesn't have to be good or bad. It just is what it is.

How to NOT allow negativity in my life: again this is something completely in your control. If I don't feel that something is helping me grow - just weighing me down or making me feel blah - then I let it go. Move on.

How to stop and pause: this is probably the most challenging, because I feel I'm always on the go! Even if I'm at home, I never stop moving... cleaning, laundry, picking up toys, changing diapers, or just keeping two kids pleasantly happy throughout the day. But through the hustle and bustle I realize my children are growing at a rapid pace and I can't let a "busy life" get in the way of enjoying it... so I have to make myself STOP and slow down. 

How to give it all to Him: this area of growth has been by far my most proud accomplishment. To put it bluntly, I am a worry wart and with everything I think "what if", especially with my children. The anxiety level is unreal. But as I began building a stronger relationship with Christ, I realized how much more relaxed I become when I remind myself that He is in control and He will not fail us. My constant reminder is ... "to worry, means to not trust God." And under all circumstances, I DO! So I have learned to stop, pray, and give all my worries to Him. :)

There's been a lot of obvious growth in my last 29 years, but more so in the last 4. My perspective on what's important has changed tremendously and that's a result of life experiences. Life challenges us in many ways - sometimes to a point where it can feel damaging - but how we choose to handle it determines the end result. I chose to learn and GROW.

Can't wait to see what this next year has in store...

A special thanks to my dear friend, Tammy, for my new planner!!!

No More Split Personality

Trying to build my fit-business has me a little scrambled, although I know it's worth the sweat {literally} and tears {a few too many recently}. We've been building our new house, so along with that we are trying to mass clean, dust, throw everything in closets or storage prep our current house for showings, and sell it!! But on top of that we have our everyday activities; school, after school activities, coaching volleyball junior high, etc. Whew!! I promise I'm not using this moment as a pity party. I LOVE the hustle and bustle ... I just need to get my time management on point.

I remember starting my blog and using it as a way to write about anything and everything ...as a matter of fact it once had a different name ... but with my newest journey as a fitness coach, I wasn't sure how to balance both worlds. I need to try. So this is me ... trying.

By the way, are we friends? If not, we should be. I love new friends. ;)

I promise to not flood your news feed with unnecessary nonsense. I use it as an opportunity to share something that can be inspirational; whether it's a workout, a life lesson, a recipe ... you name it! I love to help, no matter what it pertains to.

Well, this is a start to blending my two worlds .... stay tuned!!

Practically Perfect

This weekend was a combination of romance, fun in the sun, worship and workouts! That, my friends, is what I call an almost PERFECT weekend.

Saturday morning we ventured out on a zoo date! The weather couldn't have been better - warm in the sun, cool in the shade. Love love love.

Then we ended the night with dinner for two; date night!! We've learned how essential it is to take time out for each other. Especially after two kiddies!!! We decided to try a new place - The Silver Dollar - and I'd say it was a success. Miniature beverages & fried pickles. Score!

Sunday we enjoyed a great worshiping service and then spent the day as usual - housework & yard work. Except I did take a trip down to Target with the munchkins, and came back with this fun little guy...

...no, that's not what I went in for originally. Isn't that how Target works? Although, I did still get the things I needed. So it was a win/win! :)

There's really nothing better than a good balance of family, friends, and devotionals to He who makes it all happen!!! I love ending the weekend with that moment of silence, praising Him and giving Him gratitude for those special moments. He is SO GOOD!!!! 

Happy Monday! <---- it's possible.

InstaLovin [Fitness edition]

I have always had a love for fitness, but I would often go through phases; strong cardio one month, heavy strength training another. But when I finally found a good balance, I put everything I had into it. Back in 2011, I was on a roll with the right food, the right routine, etc. I was all in and got my body to a place it'd never been before that time - strong, firm, all in all healthy. It was a great challenge for me, and I was so proud of myself for sticking with it. That was until..... well, life. After one missed trip to the gym, I found myself missing another... and another... and another. Then when I started to feel sluggish, I ate sluggish! I wasn't the biggest person on earth, nor would I have even considered myself "fat", but I wasn't nearly as strong or as fit as I once was. And it was upsetting. I decided to just maintain what I had going on, and that was that. 

Then came baby #2!

With all the changes going on the second time around - and time moving forward, aka getting older - I was determined to get back into the shape I was back then. I started a routine of getting my butt in the gym as often as I could throughout my pregnancy. This photo was taken during one of my last sessions. I was almost 30 weeks. Once I hit the 32 week mark, I was done! My body was talking and I had to slow down. Booooooo. 

I started working out 3 weeks after giving birth [really Megan?] but started having some complications, so my doctor of course told me "stop!". Being told to "stop working out" is as unmotivating as a cold morning on a rainy day. But after weeks and weeks went by, I was slowly getting back into a groove with the OK from my doc. Woo hoo!!! Of course it wasn't overnight, but I began eating cleaner than I ever thought possible. Usually one or two fries from my child's lunch, or the leftover half-eaten chicken nugget was harmless - but not this time! It was time to get serious. If I was going to do this right, then it was all or nothing!! 

Fast forward five months... and here I am now.To hold me accountable, and keep myself motivated I began documenting some of my progress and posting them on Instagram. 

But I'm not doing this alone. Everyone needs inspiration and encouragement! So today I wanted to share some of my favorites I turn to throughout my news feed. It can be a photo of progress, food, or motivational wisdom. Whether it's a local trainer here in my own town, or someone random [I follow a lot of those], they inspire me each and every day. Note: these are just a small handful to avoid a mass overload... there are many people who have inspired me to stay in love with fitness and health. I wish I could acknowledge every single one of you.

Another thing I can take away from the last photo is that a hat is a great way to hide that painful "last rep face" as I call it - I literally just made that up and I think I love it. But you know what I'm talking about. Yea a hat would come in handy.

I'm so excited to see how far I can push my body. A giant thanks to my motivators out there!!!! Here's to PROGRESS and funny faces.

: Weekend Look Book :

Another weekend, another look book! Are these getting old? I hope not. It's about all I can gather these days between school being out and everything in between. Ha! So just bare with me. At least I'm not completely absent, right? Right! So here's a look into our Memorial Day weekend.

First and foremost, we broke ground on building our first home!!!! Fantastic kickoff to the weekend, I must say.

Then the summer activities, watersides and fish fry/cookouts were among us for the next couple days.

Nothing like the smell of grilled goodness with some country music in the background... [sigh] ... Other than my exhaustion, allergies and hoarse voice, I could relive it all again tomorrow! The weekend was good to us. :)

Weekend Staycation

Living within a couple hours of big cities provides endless adventures... baseball games, water parks, you name it! This weekend we decided to pack up the kids and go on a road trip to Indianapolis to visit some friends and surprise the kiddos with a visit to the Children's Museum!! With our youngest, only 5 months old, he wasn't too impressed, but Audriana was pretty excited. Although we didn't tell her where we were going, she was just looking forward to the trip! When we arrived the next day, her expression was priceless. 

To save space, I just compiled some photos from the whole weekend! So, here's our weekend look book with GREAT friends and a shockingly successful 4 hour day at the Children's museum!! Whew.....

There's really nothing better than a family vacation. They've always been my favorite. I'm just so excited and blessed we get to do that with our own children now!! The weekend was long, but man was it one for the books! Our first road trip with both kiddos - where our little man slept the entire 2 hour drive there, AND on the way back - and my husband and I ended it all with a high five [no joke]! We're ready to do it again!!

:Weekend Look Book:

After the weekend's festivities, I am two days behind on this post - #sorrynotsorry - but the weather has also been AMAZING so there was no doubt I would rather be outdoors with the kiddos; which we are about to enjoy again today! But let's backtrack for a moment to another incredible Derby weekend, beginning last Thursday evening... [beware, of the photo overload].

Ferdinand's Ball was spent with friends, and even a selfie with the infamous Dhani Jones. Omgee! The highlight of my night for sure. 

Friday night was the Unbridled Eve Gala, where we shared a table with Mark Sanchez [Jets quarterback] and Rob Angel [the man who invented Pictionary]. I was on the hunt for Christian Kane, but failed. Afterwards, we headed on over the next event, Fillies & Stallions, where I met Nicole Murphy. Gorgeous! If only she was accompanied by fiancé Michael Strahan, my night would have been complete!!

Lastly, Derby day. We were lucky to be in attendance with some great people and spent the morning/afternoon .... losing our money. Boo. But what an incredibly beautiful day it was!!!

To conclude the amazing weekend, as mentioned, we spent the entire Sunday outside. How could one resist??? The day consisted of painting, sidewalk chalk portraits, and playing on the water slide. Afterwards we grilled out, and roasted marshmallows for dessert. #perfection 

Looking forward to this week of WARM WEATHER!!! Finally!!