Saturday, December 28, 2013

Christmas Recap

Well hello there friends! I hope all of you had a Christmas to remember! I wanted to take a minute to share with you a little about mine. When I started this blog it was with the purpose of documenting how I was trying to live out a healthy lifestyle. However I come to realize that the way you live your life has everything to do with what is happening in your life at the moment. Not every day is an easy day to work in an hour long work out or 5 servings of veggies. I think by journaling my life events that surround healthy living I'll be able to keep a better record for myself of the choices that I've made and what I can improve. 

Literally the night that we arrived in Oklahoma an ice storm hit hard. This made for some beautiful winter wonderland views, as well as power outages, and extremely cold temps! Fortunately for us there was no ice that stuck to the roads this time so travel was not an issue. The grass did become one large sheet of ice though, and since I usually walk Georgia all around the property lines and in and out of each pasture this definitely complicated things and made our walks a lot slower.




Jason and I spent Christmas Eve with my family. We had a little bit of a cooking competition going on with our dinner and watched Christmas movies before playing games. 
 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1242447/
The first Christmas movie we watched was a super cute British film called Nativity. 
If you havent seen this movie yet I recommend it! In my opinion its a mix between Sister Act and Daddy Day Care! It's family friendly and will have everyone laughing. Then we watched the classic Home Alone and started on the games that my sister Courtney had brought over. She had several to choose from including a mini air hockey game, which was a perfect  warm up for Christmas Day.

Christmas morning we had brunch with my mom's family. It's always fun to see our cousins and uncles all together. This year we had a full on air hockey competition! We all had so much fun playing each other and determining that my little cousins Grace and Luke have some serious skill when it comes to this game. My arm was also pretty sore afterwards which was embarrassing.



After brunch was over we went back to Jason's parents house to spend some time with his mom's family. There was a bunch of delicious food prepared and we had fun catching up and spending some quality time together. On this side of the family there are two toddlers which make everything so much fun. They get spoiled in the best way on days like this!


One of the unique things about gifts with this family is Jason's dad loves to surprise people every year with some beautiful furniture that he has either salvaged from family heirlooms or made from scratch. This year he made me a gorgeous fold up craft table out of an old desk top that I found! Not only did it turn out beautiful but I know I'm going to love having this table for multiple reasons! He is an amazing craftsman!


When we finally made it back to Texas Jason and I exchanged gift as well as giving Georgia her first Christmas present!


And that is pretty much the gist of our Christmas celebrations! We had so much fun and feel very blessed to be able to see both of our families for each holiday. 

I hope you had a Merry Christmas as well! 2014 will be here in just a few days! Stay tuned to hear about my New Years resolutions!





Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday festivities so far! We are soaking up time with family and doing our best to relax, eat, and repeat ;)
In all seriousness I have made an effort to continue my workouts since we have been away from home and our daily routine. However, I knew that sticking to a diet this week would be almost impossible! It would require preparing all my own meals separately, staying far away from the kitchen (where everyone likes to be this time of the year), and saying "no thank you" to all of the meals that had been graciously prepared for me  by family and friends. So for this week I'm not going to worry too much about the food that I eat. I know that I feel better when I take in more veggies and less sugar, breads, and dairy so I won't be going crazy. But I'm not going to be beating myself up over eating what I want the week of Christmas! 

This morning I got my exercise in with a good run/strength training combo! It was a high of 24DEGREES when I went out for a run this morning. Incase you were wondering that's about 26 degrees too cold for this Texan girl. I had planned on doing a longer run, and when I first made it about half a mile I realized something was going to need to change so I could feel my toes! That's when I started going into the garage for some strength training. I did one set of a ST circuit then ran another half mile and repeated the process for a total of two miles. Going into the garage several times helped me to stay warm and sweaty throughout my exercise. And man did it feel good to sweat! I hope to get a couple more exercise sessions in during our stay. I would love to go find some different running trails to switch things up a bit. 

Here's what we've been up to so far this week! (Not in order, I'm random as usual😊)
Cutest Christmas hat during our 'holiday hat day'
Snow globe ornaments for parent gifts in the classroom ❤️
Georgia snuggles 
Garrett family advent candle lighting
PJ party day! Complete with the best partner a girl could ask for and bunny slippers (not shown). Whoop whoop!! 

Tomorrow is Christmas! I know this can be a stressful time of the year for some and a lot of focus on the events that surround the season. 
My prayer is that you all feel the peace and comfort that comes with this new born savior's birth! Know that he has a plan for your next year that is far greater than you can dream, He has grace waiting around every corner, and is willing to give you everything your heart can desire if you only ask. 

Merry Christmas!!!

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Christmas Run Playlist



What motivates you to get out and move?


I tend to find motivation in many different places but music is probably one of my top inspirations. 

A good play list can make or break a good run for me, and at Christmas time I've got to have some motivational seasonal tunes!
These are the top songs on my Christmas playlist. These songs get my heart pumping and put me in the mood to push for that extra mile. 
(I had some trouble with the links and wasn't able to get a link to each song. But I'm sure you'll live :) )

Jesus Is Alive by Josh Wilson
I just love this song! It's so upbeat and encouraging! Especially this part 
"Noel, Noel, Jesus is alive.
Emanuel, hope is here tonight.
So go, and tell, the world that death has died.
'Cause Jesus is alive. Yea Jesus is alive."

I just love it!

Born is The King (It's Christmas Time) by HillsongOne of the most fun Christmas Songs I think I've ever heard!

A Baby Changes Everything by Faith Hill
What else can get your blood pumping like hearing Faith belt out "EVERYTHING" over and over again? Seriously you might not have thought to make this a running song, but its a good one.

I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayle Peevey
This song always puts a spring in my step. Like I want to skip like a child while running, lol.

Cold December Night by Michael Buble
His voice and Christmas is magical.

Sing Mary Sing by Jennifer Knapp
An oldie but goodie.

Question:
What holiday tunes make the cut for your playlist?

Friday, December 13, 2013

Best Field Trip Ever

I really do love my job! I mean who else gets to do so many fun things like field trips!
After a very relaxing (and unplanned) 4 day weekend due to snow days we came back to school and had our first field trip of the year. Talk about craziness!

Last year our team lead brought up the idea of going to Build-A-Bear for a field trip and we all flipped for the idea after we got the principals approval. The best part was we would be able to spend the day at North Park Mall and partake in all of the holiday fun that the mall had going on for Christmas. Of course we were all I was wondering how we would be able to explain this as an educational experience. Although I didn't understand beforehand, when we got back from the field trip it was all crystal clear.  
How To Writings, Personal Narratives, you name the writing assignment we were able to work it in! The kid's drew ideas for their writing from that day for the rest of the year. It was a teacher's dream. So needless to say, we were beyond ready to make some of those same memories with this year's bunch.

Our trip to North Park started with Ginger Town.




An amazing set up of Olympic themed gingerbread houses! It was wonderfully done and fun for the adults to try and guess what each stucture was. The manager over these set ups in the mall even came by an told the kids all about how Ginger Town was made. It was very cool!

Then it was on to the turtle and duck pond to throw pennies in the fountains, make our Christmas wishes (another future writing prompt), and aw at the Santa and reindeer made of candy that was flying high above. Truly magical moments for these precious friends.

Story time with Santa was next so we hiked our way to Santa's house and got a quick class picture before taking our seats and waiting for the main speaker. (Talk about the best place for a class photo! We definitely had some big smiles.) When Santa arrived we had great seats to hear all about Santa's elf named Trouble. It was adorable and the kids really got into it!

As soon as story time was over it was time for my homeroom class to go make our bears at Build-A-Bear! 
Of course my students desperately wanted me to make an OU bear :)

The employees there really have this down to a science and don't look overwhelmed at all when we bring in 20+ kids at a time. Each student had their choice of a brown bear and a white bear, they made a wish for the bear on its heart, then helped stuff, fluff, and groom their new friends. One sweetie from my class even informed me that she had named her boy bear "Mr. Garrett", baha! Of course I told the real Mr. Garrett later and he looked very honored :)


When Build-A-Bear was over we took each child's photo with the tin soldiers that we will use later for a crafted gift for their parents. And before we knew it, it was time for lunch!

We ate lunch in a perfect little tucked away spot near the food court where the mall had set up a Christmas themed puppet show. We enjoyed the show after we ate and but we still had more to do!

We went by Mrs Field's and they gave us free good sized samples of cookies. Uptown Popcorn gave us a small serving of popcorn. And all of our students had brought money to donate to the salvation army and when they did they each received a candy cane.

One of the last things that we did was going to see the doggies and kitty cats that were up for adoption by the SPCA. When we got there one of the workers had a really cute dog available for us to pet, which always puts a smile on everyone's face!

Not long after that it was time to head back for the buses and leave for school. 

It was such a fun day for the kids and the teacher's all had a great time as well! It's just one of those days that is hard to beat and you're a little sad to see end.

Hope y'all are having a great weekend!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Bootcamp Love

I've mentioned before how much I love The Workout Mama and have enjoyed following her bootcamp workouts. You can read more about my workout routine here. I truly think that this boot camp is a great way to get a fabulous workout on your time schedule and your budget!

Well, now you have no excuses not to join in on the bootcamp fun because for the month of December a mini bootcamp session is being offered for free! You heard me right its FREE! These workouts are always unique, have something for every fitness level, and can be done within 30 minutes. But the best part of these workouts...they are what you make of them. You can choose to do them once a week to however many times fits your fancy. You could also push yourself each time by trying the different levels of each exercises. You get to decide how much you want to transform yourself. I love that!

If you're interested in bootcamping  you can start with the Squat It Low Workout.




first 5K post ice storm


Today's workout was one for the books. Yesterday, I slipped on the ice while letting Georgia outside which left me sore, stiff, and bruised this morning. All day I was achy with every move and really did not want to do any form of exercise. But slowly I started to talk myself into it as I got home. You know how it goes...'well I have to walk the dog so I might as well just run and wear her out' which somehow led to running a 5K and taking 2 minutes off my time! Then, I was so excited about my running progress and already nice and warmed up so I decided to go ahead and knock out today's bootcamp workout. And I was glad I did because I think all this combined movement was exactly what I needed to loosen myself up and start to feel better.

If you decide to start the bootcamp let me know! My favorite part of the regular sessions is the private facebook group where you can talk to other members and see how others are doing with the same fitness program.Its very encouraging!

I hope y'all are having a great Thursday!
13 Days until Christmas!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Twosday link-up

We finally made it on The World's Best Field Trip Ever today!

Here's a little teaser for now of just some of the fun Christmas candy made things we saw that got our engineering brains workin! This is also my first link up hosted by Twentieth Street for a Twosday!

Twentieth Street




More details to come!

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Back to the Hustle and Bustle with a Snow Day

This last week going back to work has been fast and furious! There are only 3 short weeks left before Christmas Break (praise you Jesus) and there is so much to do. Within this time we have the worlds best field trip planned at school, lots of testing to do on my kiddos, Christmas shopping, my niecey pooh's FIRST birthday, my sister Stephanie's birthday, our class Christmas party, and that's all that's coming to me now, but I know there is more!
Just making that list stresses me out. So I need to be taking things one at a time.
And you know how it goes, when you have lots to do and no time to waste that's when something comes along that throws off all of your plans! Something like a **snow day**

I got to experience my first snow day as a teacher on Friday. It was a mixture of emotions. The little kid in me wanted to jump for joy and play out side for hours, while the teacher in me kept thinking 'well this stinks, I like having those bad weather days to be off in the spring'. However Jason did get to stay home with me. And if we had a bad weather day in the spring then I would home alone. So having him home suited me just fine.
Family walk in the ice

 The snow day also meant that our Worlds Best Field Trip would be postponed. This would be our 2nd Annual Trip to Build-A-Bear! Yes, you read that right, our field trip is to Build-A-Bear! I can't even tell you how much fun it is. We go to an amazing high end mall where Christmas decor and activities are set up everywhere. It's a whole day of Christmas magic and the teachers love it just as much as the kids. When we do get to go I'll be sure to share some more details. It's just awesome! 

The snow day also threw some kinks in our plans as far as getting to go to Ms. Anna Banana's first Birthday party! I guess I should clarify first that we didn't really get 'snow' on our snow day. We got ice. 4 big fat inches of it. And then you add to it the fact that we are in Texas, where this happens maybe once in every 5 years and you can see how this made for a big problem. We didn't get to make it for the party. However I did  get this super cute picture of my sweet girl!

And now it's Sunday and the roads are still just as icy, the temps are still in the 20s and I'm really starting to wonder if we'll be able to have school tomorrow. 
I know one little puppy who wouldn't mind if I had to stay home again for another day. 

Hope you're staying warm and enjoying your Sunday!  Only 22 days till Christmas!

Thanksgiving Break 2013

Well hello there strangers! It feels like forever since I have put up a post! Time really goes fast when you're having fun.
Since we last met Thanksgiving has come and gone and let me tell you mine was sooo nice!
We went home to be with family in Oklahoma for a few days over the break and had a great time! We ate things that are terrible for you, spent some time spoiling my pup, and did plenty of shopping! Oh yeah and we walked...a lot!  Georgia always gets a little more energy while we are out of town so in order to not drive everyone completely crazy the little lady and I spent about 2 hours a day walking. This was on top of our regular play time, etc. my goal was to wear her out, and I think it worked! She did so good the whole time! And I think the exercise helped me not gain 100lbs while I ate anything and everything that weekend! 

I did also take advantage of some of the Black Friday sales with my sister Stephanie. We love Black Friday and have been doing it for years! We really could care less about the shopping as much as we just love the excuse to spend some time with family and friends doing what we do best! 
We went out about 10:00pm Thursday night and shopped until 3am. Then we went back to sleep and spent Friday watching Christmas movies, cleaning up from Thursday's get togethers, and... oh yeah walking. Later that night we met up with the fam at an adorable little Italian restaurant to celebrate my sister Courtney's birthday! The food was awesome and we had a great time! 

This year I had two really great finds from the Black Friday sales. One being some new running shoes! Thanks to the mark downs I scored these bad boys that were originally $120 for $45! Insane right? These are my first pair of Brooks running shoes, and let me tell you I'm sold. They are comfortable. I have really enjoyed my runs in them since.I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for them again when I'm ready for the next pair.
I couldn't wait to break them in!

I also scored Georgia a new doggie pillow that she couldn't love more. It's an XL dog bed with a slipcover that I snagged from pet smart for $15! She has definitely grown to like it.

On our way back home Jason and I stopped at his parents farm to walk around some more (I'm telling you I think I walked a marathon that week) and try to get a good family photo of us with the little stinker to use for our Christmas card. Unfortunately we were unable to get a good one of us all looking at the camera. I never thought about how difficult it could be to photograph a puppy with a tripod. I'm in desperate need of a remote control for my camera. Remind me to add that to my Christmas list.
But we had a good time walking around and taking in our last bit of vacation before heading back to work on Monday. 
See what I mean...they're all just...awkward.



I hope your Thanksgiving was just as wonderful! 

Here's a sneak peak at our Christmas card. 

I just went with one of the awkward pics that we got since I had waited until the last minute to get them done and was running out of options. Even though you can't see Georgia's face I think it will work. There is always next year right? 
Now were on to the best time of the year y'all!! It's Christmas!!!