Chubby Cheekers~One Year Edition

Sometimes a man gets a little busy doing...stuff...so, you know, I had to take a little baby blogging break.  I must tell you of my latest antics because they are pretty good.  

I've been struggling with conveying what I want to Mommy.  I have all these great ideas in my head, but Mommy doesn't really get it.  Like when I tried to climb in sister's baby doll stroller.  She got me out.  She didn't get that babies go in strollers.  I had to let her know I was NOT okay with the whole 'getting me down thing' so I did what any genius baby would do.  I threw myself on the floor.  

My technique has really improved over the last few weeks.  At first I tried the Throw Your Head Back technique.  That worked great on the carpet, but the wood floors and tile hurt.  I knew a change had to come or I would really hurt my noggin. After much contemplation I decided to utilize the belly flop.  It was somewhat effective, but it was missing the dramatic flair I was searching for.  Then I found it.  The knee drop with my head thrown back, ending in a belly flop is the way to go.  It prevents injury on my part, but really sticks it to Mommy.

I have also been working on strengthening my big toes.  Did you know those guys can hook on higher surfaces and hoist you up on things?  Never underestimate the power of a strong toe.

I first figured this out in Mommy's bathtub.  She has this little seat thing.  I put my chubby little leg as high as it could go, but it wasn't cutting it.  However, my big fat toe could reach the ledge of the seat. I hooked it on quick and hoisted myself up.  As I stood there all proud of myself, Mommy gave me the mean face, said, "No, no," and got me down.  Party pooper.

The next day, I found something she would let me climb on.  Check me out...

I am one big stud muffin, but if you want a piece of me you'll have to get in line.  Mommy has my heart, meany face and all.  I love her and those Milk Twins!

Love, 

Chubby Cheekers

Friendship

Today I wanted to share something that has nothing to do with what I have written, but will bless you.  Would you take a moment to read Ashley Ann's post from Under the Sycamore on friendship?

I love everything about what she wrote.  So many differences, but yet each woman takes time to serve each other.  Beautiful.  Simply beautiful.  In my own little journey I am striving to be a servant leader.  Really looking for areas where I could serve others by simple gestures.  I often get so busy with my own life, that I fail to realize that I still have it in me to serve others.

As I guide my own children, I often find myself teaching them that in order to have good friends they must be a good friend, but I also need to lead by example.  I also want to show them that it is important to choose good friends, and to hold out for the special ones.  Not to settle.

Just a little tidbit for you today.  Now I'm going to find someone to bless today and I hope you do too!

Me + Cottage Cheese

My entire life I have been active.  I began gymnastics very young and continued through middle school until I decided to do competitive cheerleading through high school.  I didn't cheer in college so I picked up running and aerobic classes.  Weight was never an issue with the exception of trying to keep it on. 

I never had an issue with being self-conscience with my weight on the other side of the pendulum until I had kids.  My first pregnancy I gained 45 lbs despite working out almost everyday.  My body just packed on the weight.  It was frustrating.  I vowed to lose all the baby weight within year.  Well, that was a good plan until I got pregnant again.  Two babies in less than two years does something to your body.  

Suddenly, I had a weight problem.  After having Little Miss my body kept the extra 10 lbs.  Despite the cottage cheese on my thighs and non-existent abs, I decided that 125 lbs was my new natural body weight.  I was okay with that.  I accepted the cottage cheese as my new normal.  I had two kids in two years.  My body had just changed.

Well, guess what?  I had another baby, and I was afraid I was going to bulk up another 10 lbs.  The baby weight was not coming off.  I began running.  That helped a bit, but it wasn't cutting it.  I decided to attend my friend's boot camp.  It was just what I needed.  

As of late, I have dropped ALL baby weight.  I weigh and look as I did the day I got married.  Was it easy? No way.  Will I have to work to maintain?  Yep, but I am finally happy with the way I look because I feel STRONG.  I do have issues with accepting 'skinny' compliments.  I often feel people are saying I look too frail, too thin, too gross.  However, I have to remind myself that the compliments are just that...COMPLIMENTS.  I am working hard to say thank you.

I write this to encourage you.  You do not have to accept your baby weight as the new you. It is not you.  You can change what you don't like.  It will be hard.  It will require you to get outside your comfort zone.  It will be worth it.  

If you live in my area, I would love for you to do a FREE trial of the boot camp I do.  There are now evening and morning classes to choose from.  If you are interested in a new you, let me know and I will help you!

Menu Monday

It's my birthday week!!!!  Normally, I don't get too excited for my birthday.  This year is different.  On my birthday I will wake up and meet my running group for 6 miles.  Never ever on my birthday have I ran.  Let alone run 6 miles.  However, turning 33 has me thinking I should really make sure my heart is healthy.  I figured 3+3(adding together the numbers of my age)=6 would be the mileage to run. Plus, my running group is up to 6 miles.  Those crazy girls are training for half marathons and such.  I'm just there for girl time.  It's really pretty sick and twisted how I have to squeeze in the girl time.

After the run, I will come home and I'm secretly hoping my husband decides to make breakfast for me.  So, somebody drop the man a hint for me ;)  After the breakfast my husband may or not make for me, my precious mom offered to take the kids so Steven and I could do lunch and movie, and make dinner for us.  LOVE!

Finally, after my precious babies are in bed, I get to head out for a GNO (Girls' Night Out).  Not a GMR (Girls' Morning Run).  A real night of getting dressed, putting on make-up and going out to a late night dinner where I will consume an undisclosed amount of calories because after all, I would have already run 6 miles.  When you run 6 miles, you get to eat junk late at night.  At least in my world that's what happens.

For the rest of the week, dinner will be served as usual.  By Moi.  Here is what I'll be serving...

Monday-Key West Grilled Drumsticks, Cheesy Bread, Seasoned Steamed Cauliflower
Tuesday-Enchilada Lasagna, Taco Rice, Corn Saute
Wednesday-Spicy Pork BUTT (I love eating butt) Sandwiches, Green Beans, Cantaloupe
Thursday-Tortilla Soup and Salad
Friday-Roasted Chicken Breasts, Asparagus, Garlic Knots
Saturday-MY BIRTHDAY!
Sunday-Honey Mustard Chicken, Steamed Brocoli, Honey Buttered Bread

My Best Idea Yet

As I found myself running around like a chicken with my head cut off yesterday, it dawned on me.  I need some help.  Leaving myself and hour to get three kids fed, dressed, and out the door was not my best planning, but it's what happened.  Honestly, even two hours wouldn't have been enough time.

Last night was Little Man's Kindergarten Musical.  The venue was a few blocks from Steven's office so we decided I would swing by and pick him up so we could arrive together.  That plan sounded so good at the time.  I don't know, maybe I was feeling a bit Superwoman-ish that day, but that plan was crazy.  I left myself with mass chaos.  It was only a miracle that the kids and I made it to the car fully dressed and all limbs attached.  I am still emotionally scarred from the event.

Once I began to discover that I hadn't fully lost my mind and my sanity was slowly coming back, it hit me. A personal assistant would have made my life so much easier.  She could have either A) Prepared Dinner or B) ironed the clothes and dressed my children.  It really didn't matter which task, she could have helped me.  I smiled at my brilliance.

One problem...I can't pay a personal assistant.  Shoot.  I need someone who's looking for job experience here.  An intern.  Yes, I need an intern.

So if you are looking for some mommyhood experience, here is what you would learn at the Casa De Torres:

• How to effectively cleanse a baby's booty after poopies
• Organizing the schedules of 6 additional people (nephews included)
• Tactical driving as you maneuver through school drop-off and pick-up
• Culinary skills to fit the likings of little and big people
• Coffee preparation...lots of coffee prep
• And much more, but I have to go.  The baby's crying.  

See???  I really do need an assistant!!!!!!!

Randomness

My thoughts right now.  You will become dumber from reading this.

• We all went back to Wednesday night church last night.  The kids and I took a break.  It felt good to be back.
• I started a new board on Pinterest regarding gardening.  I suspect most of those pins will never get done.
• I really, really want a BIG cheeseburger right now.
• Little Man stayed home from school yesterday.  We played hookie.  It was snowing and I wasn't quite sure how the roads would be at the end of the day so we just didn't go.  
• The roads ended up being fine.  Oops.
• We leave for FL in a month.  We're staying in a gigantic house with Steven's family.
• After having 3 kids, I'm still not ashamed to put on my 2 piece.  I've put in a LOT of hard work to get in 2 piece shape.
• I will seriously blind people with my whiteness.  I am considering a spray tan.  
• Steven will not blind people.  He is not white.
• There are days I wished I were Puerto Rican.
• I have a friend who used the word pecker yesterday.  I laughed and laughed at that girl.
• Did you know that bulls can break their peckers from overuse?  Learned something new yesterday.
• Thanks to the bull who broke his pecker, I received a wonderful piece of roast delivered by my friend.
• I need to be more thoughtful like my friend.  She showed up with a roast, potatoes, carrots, and a bag of fruit.  Who does that?
• I have been so tired lately.  
• I sure hope I'm not pregnant.
• That was a very bad joke.
• I still want a cheeseburger.
• Yesterday I wanted to take a vacation day because I saw this all day long...

Unfortunately, moms don't get vacation days.  I'm taking this up with management pronto.  By the way, do you see my non-cleaned off fridge?  

The Fridge: A Representation of My Life

Recently I came across this organizational site for your home.  After the kids went to bed I stayed up way too late and went through all of the tips and rooms.  Secretly, I was drooling over the kitchen.  Everything had a place and was in its place.  I vowed in my head that my kitchen was headed in that direction.  

The next morning I woke up and made a list of the tasks I wanted to accomplish to get my kitchen picture perfect.  Over the course of the week I found a place for everything, and I wanted to take a picture of job well done.  I didn't.  I now wish I would have.  My picture perfect kitchen lasted a whole 4 hours.  

The truth of the matter is my kitchen is the hub of the entire house.  I would love to have a picture perfect home 24/7, but we live in our home.  We make memories here.  As nice as my fridge looks all cleaned off, it warms my heart to have little reminders of what I love displayed on the doors.  There will be a day when I get to have that picture perfect kitchen, but for now, instead of becoming annoyed with the clutter I think I'll celebrate it.  

So instead of this fridge...

{pic via A Bowl Full of Lemons}

I have this fridge...

It has the things that make me smile right now.  The necklace Little Man made at school for his 100th day party, my weekly menu, the letter from Luis (the child we sponsor through Compassion International), a reminder of what makes a Godly family, the dollar my grandma sent Chubby Cheekers for his first birthday, the picture of Little Man and Steven from the day Steven volunteered at the school, and the letter Little Miss has mastered. 

Does my fridge look cluttered?  Yes, but I enjoy walking by and seeing all the things that currently happening with our family.  One day, when the kids are all grown I'll miss the trinkets and treasures to display for all to see.  I'll have that clean fridge, but nothing to go on it.  Except...maybe...pictures of Steven and I from all of our extreme traveling...HA!