Inspired

I started to get inspiration to lose weight at the beginning of the year. I was noticing that my pants weren't fitting and they weren't going to get any more comfortable unless I made a change. I wanted to be healthy for my kids. I wanted to be able to chase them and play with them without feeling winded. I want to be a good role model for my babies. I want to cook healthy food for my family. I started losing weight in January. I joined Weight Watchers in February and am proud to say that I have lost a total of 32 pounds so far. I have lost a grand total of over 21 inches. The biggest inspiration has been my exercise group I joined. I am so grateful for my trainer Lynette who has inspired me to be healthy. She pushes me and encourages me at the same time. I have met new friends and have enjoyed every opportunity I have to get closer to my goal. My family did a weight loss challenge and proud to say I was the winner. Everyone in the competition gave me $25.00. We also started a weight loss challenge in our fitcamp group and so proud to say that I won six months free training and five free personal training sessions. I still have some pounds to lose but I feel so much healtier and have so much more confidence in myself. I ran a mile last week and didn't stop one time. My goal is to be able to run 3 miles by the end of summer. I need to push myself but I know I can do it.

Madison's first dance recital

Madison had her first dance recital this weekend and it was wonderful. All the kids did so well and everyone sure had fun. Instead of a traditional dance recital they turned the recital into a musical so they had actors and dancers and gymnastics all in one. Break the barriers does such a good job with awareness and diversity and that is part of why I wanted Madison to take dance classes there. She has learned that some people have differences but they are still very capable and deserving of a chance to express themselves. Madison's class was the pink snakes in the performance. They all looked adorable. Good job girls.

pillowcase dresses

I finally ventured out and made my first piece of clothing for Madison. I made her a pillowcase dress for her. It is not perfect, but definately crafted with love. Note to self, when wearing a pillowcase dress out in public make sure to keep a safety pin close by. Madison thought it would be fun to untie the ribbons and the dress fell off. Good thing we were at Mema's house and not in a store or in a public place. I am sure that I will be making many more of these, they were so easy, and look so comfy.

Happy Mother's Day

We had a wonderful time on Mother's Day. We woke up and Daddy made us some waffles (Mommy's request), relaxed, went out to a wonderful Mother's Day lunch at Tahoe Joes. We spent the evening at Mema and Papa D's house relaxing. I love being a mother, there is no job I would rather have in the world. My kids mean the world to me. They make me proud every day when I see them do something nice and caring to each other. I am blessed to be a Mother.

Chaffee Zoo

Running through the water, no hesitation.
Playing, but trying to stay dry

so happpy!

Here we are on the train, look at how wet Madi is

Riding our horses on the carousel

The baby giraffe, so cute!

attempting to pet a sting ray

They both love to brush the animals

I felt bad for this sheep. Don't think it has ever had a haircut, and lives in Fresno of all places. Hoping he gets a haircut before summer heat sets in!

We ventured off to the Chaffee Zoo this weekend. The kids have been wanting to go to the zoo for some time and we finally did it. We had a blast, the kids were all wonderful and behaved well. We saw so many animals. It was fun to see the new baby giraffe (not even a week old yet) The heat and hunger set in so we didn't have time to see the whole zoo, but gladly we bought a year membership so we can go as much as we want. Outings as a whole family are so much fun, we sure enjoy spending time together. We were able to go to Playland before the zoo and of course had to ride the train (Carson's favorite) and the Carousel (Madison's favorite). They had the water feature on so of course our kids were in there playing. Madison ran non-stop through the water. Carson was a little hesitant. Madi was completely drenched from head to toe for hours, but it was hot enough that she stayed cool. She kept asking if we could go back to the water and play. We definately had a great day! Everyone quickly took a nap once we hit the car.

9 months

Jackson is now 9 months old and is such a fun baby. He is patient, loving, and giggly. He loves to be tickled, sleeps well and enjoys playing with his sister and brother. We love you Jack Jack

strawberries

We planted our strawberry topsy turvy and actually were able to eat 2 of the strawberries so far. Madi and Lily helped me plant the planter. Madison was so happy to be able to eat the first strawberry. She said it was delicious. I ate one too and would agree. We can't wait for our grapes to be ready. We love fruit and will enjoy being able to go to our backyard to pick fruit. We have grapes, figs (YUCK!), apricots, tangerines, lemons, grapefruits, and pomegranates. This was a special project we did and I am surprised that the strawberries are actually growing.