Diary of Knocked Up Workout

Forty pounds.  FORTY POUNDS.  That's what I have gained with every single pregnancy.  I've worked out, but not intensely, with every pregnancy and still gain 40 lbs.  This time around I vow to gain only 39.  What can I say? I have lofty goals.

With my new lofty goal of gaining only 39 lbs, I have a very detailed plan.  It goes like this...

Get my booty up at 5:00am at least two days a week, and follow an 80% clean diet.  Here's what life really looks like on workout days.

5:05am       Alarm goes off
5:05:01am  Tap Snooze
5:15am       Alarm goes off again
5:15:01am  Wonder...Is this really worth it.  I need sleep.  NO!  Get up.  You do not want to get fat. (Repeat convo in my head multiple times)
5:18am       Roll out of bed, get dressed, put on deoderant, brush teeth, basically mad dash it for the door.
5:31am       Take the Walk of Shame into class.  I'm late...AGAIN...and I live in the hood!
5:32am       Start sucking wind for the next 43 minutes.  Wonder about my own sanity.  Upchuck. Suck some more wind.  Try to breath.  Whine.  Grunt.  It's not pretty folks.
6:15am       Marvel that I did it again.  Feel energized for the entire day and realize I'm one step closer to that 39 lbs weight gain.   What? What?

Now the only thing I need is a picture of me post workout.  Or a picture of me during a workout.  Better yet!  A video of me grunting during a workout.  You all totally need to see that.  You will be rolling for sure!  I'll be sure to get on that.

What Are We Doing Here?

 

Those oldest two.  I think we're on the right track.  That youngest one.  Well, he challenges everything you thought you knew about parenting.  Or maybe you still know about parenting, but he just makes you exercise those parenting skills a little more.  Or maybe you have no idea about parenting...

About that little one.  He has the best qualities.  He is funny beyond his years.  He speaks beyond his years.  He acts beyond his years.  He really wasn't a baby for very long.  He thinks he's just as old, if not older, than his siblings.  He has his own way of wanting to do things.  Which 99.999% of the time is the exact opposite of what I want him to do.  

Most of the time Steven and I find ourselves thinking, "What are we doing here?  Are we raising a leader or a psychopath?"  I've come to realize there is a really really fine line between the two, and often wonder what will become of this little guy if he doesn't learn to be a God fearing boy and moves into teenager world.

Then, like a bolt out of heaven, I came across this post by Jen Hatmaker.  It was such the reassurance that when times with toddlers is rough, there is a purpose for training and the very things you love about them now, and the will you are working so diligently to shape, will produce a stronger love and bond for those precious teenagers.  

I do get excited to see the strong will working for good.  All of our kids have it.  Some more than others, but eventually it will bring a boldness for truth and light and justice for others.  Lord help us to get them there.  We need a lot of wisdom, guidance, grace, mercy...basically, if it comes from God WE NEED IT!

Now this fourth one, God and I have already had many a talks about the easy going behavior he or she will possess.  Along with great sleeping...and no crying...and a love for a car seat.  Amen.

Menu Monday

Today is like a Monday, riiiiight???  It feels like Monday over here.  Only it's one day closer to Friday so that makes this day a happy day.  Even though every day is a happy day.  We try to make happy days at least.  Could someone tell the littlest Torres that?  He seems to forget how hard we work to keep happy in this family.

I hope you all had an amazing weekend celebrating Memorial Day.  What a way to take a moment to remember the men and women who have gone before us so we can enjoy a holiday.  For those still serving so we can have daily freedoms.  It's a little overwhelming when you really think about it.  What others have done for me.  It's humbling for sure.

Here's the menu for the week...

Tuesday-Turkey Veggie Spaghetti, Green Beans, Salad
Wednesday-Avocado Salsa Salmon*, Grilled Veggies, Berries
Thursday-Turkey Burgers, Brown Rice Chips and Salsa
Friday-BBQ Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Watermelon
Saturday-Lettuce Wraps and Fresh Veggies with Dip
Sunday-Dinner Out

*If you STILL have not tried this dish, you are missing out.  If you don't like salmon, sub chicken.  The seasoning blend...the salsa...the flavors...BOOM!  You will not be disappointed.  A Torres FAV for sure!!!

I Have Awesome Kids

Do you ever look at your kids and think, "Man, you are awesome."?  As in the kids are awesome.  Not me.  All three have such different personalities.  One keeps us in line, one keeps us entertained, and one keeps us on our toes.  I can't imagine what the fourth will do to us, but they are all awesome.

On Monday, we got to celebrate the achievements of Little Man as his school presented first grade awards in specific areas.  Little Man's teacher was so great to prepare all the kids that not everyone gets an award.  There are just certain areas that are recognized.  Basically, Little Man knew he may not get an award.  Which, when his name was called, made it that much more special.  He was elated.

 

Little Man received the Social Science award.  I love that his inquiring mind and love of nature was recognized.  A special little niche that not many see in him.  He loves his teacher so much.  She has spent much time pruning and teaching him to flourish.  We are so proud of the boy he continues to grow into daily.

What I loved even more about the awards ceremony was seeing all the other kids shine.  Getting a little glimpse in the areas where his classmates and schoolmates achieved.  I love celebrating kids. 

Little Miss was also excited for the awards because she got to share the same chair as her best school buddy.  These two love all things dresses, sparkly, and princess.  A match made in heaven.

 

And speaking of Little Miss.  She shared some very good insight into her relationship with her youngest brother.  As they were playing together, she looks at him very seriously and says, "Chubby Cheekers,  I'm actually starting to like you."

Welllll, good to know Little Miss, good to know.  She would definitely be the one who entertains us.  Love that girl and her honesty.

As for the youngest, he keeps us on our toes.  Just the other day he covered himself in mud and then proceeds to tell me he pooped.  That boy knows how to give a mom an instant heart attack.  He also knows how to get himself an instant bath.  

 

And for the record, that is MUD, not poop.  Phew!  I can't even imagine if it were the latter.  Ewwweeeee! This guy would be the one who keeps us on our toes.

Menu Monday

It's the clean version.  No really.  I mean that literally.  We're strictly eating clean this week.  After mini vacay after mini vacay our systems are dying for some whole foods.  Like every color of the rainbow is going in my shake!

Here's what we're chowing on for dinner...

Monday-Grilled Tilapia, Roasted Asparagus, Berry Salad
Tuesday-Turkey Chili and Salad
Wednesday-Grilled Chicken and Peppers with Brown Rice
Thursday-Veggie Spaghetti and Roasted Green Beans
Friday-Lettuce Wrap Tacos, Veggies and Jalapeno Hummus
Saturday-Turkey Burgers and Sweet Potato Fries
Sunday-Dinner with Family

This week is my most favorite week.  It's the LAST week of school for Little Man and Little Miss!!!  Sweet, sweet summertime.  Bring on the tan babes, white booties, and scents of sunscreen.  I also purchased a new swimsuit to cover my...booty.  Yes, I bought a skirt.  Not covering the belly, just the backside.  Both grow to proportions of unrealistic value, but at least the stomach is expected to grow.  Plus, I like a little shock factor.  Our recent trip to Great Wolf Lodge proved to be quite interesting...

Is that lady pregnant or does she just like to drink...A LOT???

What can I say?   I like to keep people on their toes ;) 

A Torres is Vegas

I coined a new mental picture term thanks to a sweet friend.  Clip Art.  I have so much clip art from Vegas my mental file box can store no more images.  At the airport waiting to fly out I told Erica we were going to pretend to take selfies, but have the camera still facing out so we could snap pics of all the crazies.  That was such a brilliant idea.

Problem.

You actually get to Vegas and BAM!  There is so much Clip Art you can't possibly direct your phone in the proper directions.  A panoramic shot would shut you down.  It shut me down.  Phew!  I went through a 12 step program to accommodate all the emotions.  It went down like this...

1. Staring
2. Mouth Open
3. Shock
4. Double Take
5. Disbelief
6. Laughter
7. Wonder
8. Triple Take
9. No Words
10. Hard Swallow
11. Sadness
12. Grief

What was especially interesting was Erica's reactions.  Her number one question,

Where does one find a dress like that?

I told her to ask.  After all there were so many 'Less Than A Yard Of Fabric' dresses around that these girls would probably think she was asking so she could buy one.  Heck!  We were in jeans and t-shirts.  The sad part.  We were still offered free drinks, free cover, free, free, free.  I guess being a female qualifies you for free, free, free.  Thank goodness for pregnancy.  Just one point down to the belly and suddenly, these men have the upmost respect for you (yeah right)...

Oh!  I'm sorry ma'am.  You have a wonderful night.

Puh-lease.  This Vegas experience was great Arbonne related.  Out and about, not so much.  I could not get my mind off these people just looking for another fill in their life.  There. Is. So. Much. More. I wanted to squeeze these people faces and tell them.  You were made for more.  You can be more.  You can have more.

See?  There we are rocking our sexy t-shirts and jeans.  MmmmHmmmm.  Looking good.

There were some really good moments.  We woke at 6:00am to run 3 miles of the strip to raise money for an orphanage in Africa.  As we were running, and running the stairs and bridges we came across many homeless still sleeping.  Some just waking up.  It was a great opportunity to show these people that I SEE you!  Whether I thought they were sleeping or not, I spoke to each person.  Some were really knocked out if you know what I mean, and others were shocked someone spoke to them.  Heartbreaking.  Truly heartbreaking.  

We also got to high five a ton of inebriated individuals stunned to see the light of day as the filed out of the casinos, encouraging them to do something powerful with their day.  These poor souls not only realized it was morning but they suddenly found themselves in the midst of 100+ women running the strip.  Their heads were spinning.  Is it bad that I laughed?  (Head hung in shame)

All in all the Arbonne part of Vegas was inspiring and amazing.  The Strip part has given me a lot to think about and how to make a lasting impact in societies like that.  My head is spinning like those people filing out of the casino.

And because I love to shock people, I have a photo for you.  Prepare yourself.  It's frightening...

 

 It's those crazy Arbonne ladies without their Arbonne products beautifying their faces in the morning. HOWEVER, there is ONE who put on make-up for a 6am run.  That person shall remain nameless, but YOU know who you are...

Be sure to check me out in the front row.  Go ahead...enlarge the pic.  I want you to feel good about yourself!  That's me...exhausted, knocked up, sweaty, haphazard hair, and make-upless.  Consider yourself blessed that this pic does not come with smellvision.  That would push you over the edge.

Blessed to Burdened

First off, watch this...

Make You Feel My Love

(If I were ultra techy I would totally know how to show the video on here, but I'm not so you get the link)

I watched this and my heart strings were a singing.  Thinking of all my babies, my mom and all the sacrifices it takes to be a mom.  I celebrated this day with my kids, all three that are healthy and strong, with my mom and mother-in-law. and my husband.  I celebrated this day with people who love and cherish me.  I celebrated this day with people I love and cherish.  But...

But, as I watched the video I went from blessed to burdened.  I celebrated while my friends and complete strangers longed, cried, wished, hoped, prayed, and tried to survive the day.  I hurt for them.  

So for all my friends who celebrated this day without your mom.  I spent time praying and remembering the special memories you have shared.  Your mom was precious, and I am thankful for the person they produced in you.

For all my friends who have a baby and child waiting for you in Heaven, I prayed for you.  I don't even have the words to comfort you, but I prayed for Jesus to be right there with you in the way that He knows you need.  I cannot even comprehend your hurt or longing, but tears pour out for you.

For all my friends working towards bringing home your baby from an orphanage or hospital, I prayed for your day and your child.  I believe with you that your child will be in your arms soon.  

For so many Mother's Day is the most looked forward day of the year.  We focus on the gifts, the spoiling, the rest, the excitement.  Although I enjoyed all of those things,  I cannot go on with my Mother's Day without letting those moms and daughters know I love you.  I leave you with my friend's post on Facebook.  I admire her for her strength through the trial and pain.  She is an inspiration to cherish the moments.  Even the ones where you want to pull your hair out. 

 

Who's On First?

I love to have it all together.  There is a bit of a problem with that.  I never have it all together.  One minute I'm knocking things out and the next minute someone asks, "Who's on first?" and I'm standing there going...

When did we start playing baseball????  

Life lately has been moving so fast that I want to reach in my purse and hit my 'Stop Time Button'.  Tomorrow I'm supposed to leave for Vegas.  Wait.  I'm leaving for Vegas tomorrow.  Here's the ultra hilarious part.  All, and I do mean all, of my clothes need to be washed.  What I purchased to wear on the trip, I'm wearing right now because there is nothing else.  I still need to grocery shop for my family so they do not starve to death while I'm gone.  The kids clothes are washed and folded, but are currently piled up so high on my dresser that you would think Pike's Peak is in my room.  Let's not mention the crumbs on my counter that are still chilling there from this morning and the dishes in the sink.  Ahhhhhhhhh!  Stop Time Button, where are you???

All of these things need to get done, but this is what I did today instead...

 

I went to the zoo with 6 kids and these two lovely ladies.  When your friend comes in town from FL, you hang with her and the bestie.  Even if that means you're chasing two very strong willed two year olds around the zoo.  One of which wants to go, go, go and the other wants to look, linger, and long for each animal.  PHEW!  I'm worn out going between the two.   I even tried to offer them to the monkeys, but they got kicked out.  "Too wild,"  they said.  Those guys!

 

 

In the midst of having a mile long to-do list, I'm sitting here writing a blog post.  Can someone point me in the nearest direction of the Time Management Class???  I need some schooling. Like BAD!

Now let's all say a prayer that I get my laundry done and have clean underwear to put on in Vegas.  Right now, it's not looking so promising.  Let's also hope I make it to the store for the Steven and the kids' sake.  I really do like those guys so I should probably leave them with some table scraps or something....

Garage Sale

People, I have treasures.  Treasures I tell you.  I have spent the last week going through closets, cabinets and the attic reminiscing on all of these treasures.  But, it's time to let it go.

 After a few trips to the attic, I realized it's time to downsize the amount of STUFF we stuff in our house.  Time to get it out.  Reading 7 by Jen Hatmaker hasn't helped either.  It's made me realized I've hung onto to stuff just 'in case' I'll ever need it.  If I haven't used it in the last year.  It's gone.

Hence, the teacher stuff that has been chilling in my attic since we moved in.  In fact, it went from the attic of our first home to our attic now.  I have finally come terms with letting it go.  Steven was so excited.  Excited to move my thousand pounds of literature books down.  Excited to move hundreds of pounds worth of educational professional books.  Excited to move....er...nevermind.  He wasn't excited.  He was grumbling.  I think I heard the following lines under his breath a few times...

Once this comes down, it's not going back up.

Didn't I just put this up here?

Wasn't I the one who said not to bring this home from your classroom in the first place?

What do you have in here?

The extremely hilarious part is he has no idea I'm just sorting through the literature books.  There are some I would never get rid of...HELLO!  Who would get rid of The Chronicles of Narnia set, or The Series of Unfortunate Events, or all the Beverly Cleary books.  The kids...my kids...neeeeeeed these books.  I neeeeed them to read these books.  It feeds my soul.  I cannot go on if the kids do not love to read these books like me.

How is it that I get off on tangents like this so easily?  Back on track...

I have one thing to share with you.   Amongst all the junk priceless treasures that came out of the attic Steven is having the hardest time letting go of his 2000 tube TV...with remote.  It's important I tell you about the remote.  Apparently, it's the best factory remote that ever came with a television.  He wants me to sell it no less than $25.  After those words came out of his mouth, I could not stop laughing.  Clearly he is delusional.

...and I married him.   This does not bode well for me, does it?

Stay tuned for my garage sale update!  I'm gonna get RICH!!!

How Does This Happen? 4th Baby Tell All

I think I'm ready to divulge my deepest darkest secrets.  No, I'm not.  Yes, I am.  No, I'm not. 

I have issues.

I think the most popular question I ask myself people ask is, "How does this happen?"   To make a long story short...I really like my husband.  I mean, have you seen him???

 

He's such a stud.  And can I entice you to check out that little bump???  I don't have to suck it in anymore.  Phew!  That's hard work.  I'd be out in public, see someone I know, and POOF!  Instant suck in.  It's exhausting.  Now I can let it all hang out.  I loooooove letting it hang out.

Seriously.  You don't need to know this.

My head is so scattered on this subject, I'll just give you the cliff notes.

• This was a total surprise.  Once Chubby Cheekers outgrew baby stuff I started giving it away or selling it.  We were D.O.N.E.  We're starting from scratch over here.  Kinda funny.  Kinda not.
• We've known for a month, but I was not ready to share.  I needed to wrap my head around this newborn thing again.  It kind of freaked me out.
• We have always felt someone was missing from our family, but Steven and I could not imagine adding 'more' to our plates.  Guess that decision got made for us.  Thanks, God.
• We are extremely excited now, and the kids are pumped.  According to Little Miss, she wants to have 100 more babies.
• The idea of our kids having each other as the grow up is worth all the chaos that will follow.
• I appreciate and love my friends a little more who have 3+ kids.  They have the best reactions.  They get us.  We're all on zone defense together.
• Since I'm ornery, I love telling people the news and watching their reactions.  That part is fun.  Heck, I wish I could have seen my own face after taking the test.  I know my husband's was priceless!
• This will be one well documented journey.  Just get ready.  I plan to keep up with my regular workout routine to keep my weight down.  You laugh, but I gain at least 40 lbs with each pregnancy and swell like a gigantic balloon.  It's bad.  I will post pics.  Reminds me as a freak show exhibit.
• I am very open with wanting another girl this time around.  Little Miss is surrounded by boys all the time.  I would love for her to have a sister.  However, I will not be devastated if it's a boy.  Boys are awesome.  Nor will we 'try' for a girl.  Someone is getting snipped before postpartum is over.  Ahem...Steven?  Are you still there???

That's all I have for you folks.  The Torreses are having another go at this parenting thing.  We're just working on our part for populating the Earth with little Puerto Rican minions!  Muah-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!