About Me

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I am a Mom of two young lads, a fitness fanatic and wife to a die-hard Packers/Brewers fan. I worked in corporate america for 12 years. Now I am on a new adventure - raising my sons and working part-time in the fitness industry as a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor. I hope you stop by and read my updates- family, fitness, or life related!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Holiday


I have been on a little big of a blogging hiatus lately. All I can say about that is- double ear infection, mini-vacation, and painting! That really sums it all up, no further explination necessary.

Joe and I took a mini-vacation or "holiday" as they call it in London. I like how fancy that sounds, so yes - we had a holiday last weekend. For our holiday, we headed up to the Nisswa (Brainerd) area for a pre-anniversary celebration. It had been two years since we had gone away together, so much needed. Date nights have even been sparce the past two years. The boys were in good hands with Grandpa and Grandma H so off we went to celebrate four years of wedded bliss.

We actually headed out Thursday night to use a gift certificate that we won at the Afton House (which is like 10 minutes from our house). Then, Friday we went to the YMCA where I taught two classes (and Joe attended for the first time) and then we headed north late morning. We had lunch by  Lake Milacs. We then stopped for happy hour 15 minutes from the lodge that we were staying at. A couple of stops before arriving to our final destination- my Dad would be proud. The rest of the weekend was filled with dinners (yes, no cooking for once), some shopping, happy hour, chatting with new people, ice cream, hot tubbing, sleep (what is that?) and relaxation (definitely don't know what that is). We didn't get to use the bikes that we threw in the back of our vehicle, but we'll save that for next time! Mother nature had other plans for us.

We missed our little dudes, but it is so nice to get away and have adult conversation for a couple of days. I enjoyed being on no schedule- eating whenever and going wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted. It's a lot easier to do that with just two adults in tow instead of two little ones to plan around. But when we returned, we felt refreshed and were greeted with big smiles. It's a lot easier to leave your little ones the second time around. I can't wait until the next time. It definitely makes you appreciate the quality time you get together when you can sneak away for a little weekend. As you can tell by the pics above, we look a little relaxed. (the rainy/cold weather made for an earlier happy hour than planned since we couldn't go biking, oh well. Ha.)

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Superman


 Liam is working on crawling and is getting SO close. He can turn a complete circle. He can scoot backwards. He just hasn't figured out how to keep his tummy off the ground and move forward at the same time. I think he will figure it out in the next week or two.

This video was taken last week when he spent more time trying to fly like Superman than inching forward. I will post another one soon so you can see the progression in just one week. I have been giving him lots of time to practice crawling. If I don't give him practice time, then he tries to do it in his crib during nap or at night and gets stuck on his tummy and screams. I then have to go flip him over...so practice your little heart out Liam. You are getting SO close. Although I am cheering him on, I am also bracing myself because that means I have to re-child proof the house and get some gates up by both sets of stairs. Bring on the mobile infant (for the second time)!

Although, I do have to add that he is happiest when he is standing! He absolutely loves when you hold his hands and he can take steps around the room. So, maybe he will give up his super-close-to-crawling skills and go straight to walking when his wobbly legs can get more stable. He will keep us guessing!

Easter 2012

 Sullivan cousins (minus Ben who was working)
 Braden opening his eggs
 Dad and Liam- taking in the fun
Easter morning egg hunt at home
Our little peep

Oh, I'm just a wee-bit behind in posting. I hope everyone had a great Easter. It came and went in a flash.

We had a really nice Easter weekend. On Saturday, we celebrated with the Sullivans and my sister hosted. Nine out of ten cousins where there to partake in the festivities (poor Ben had to work). Braden was bright-eyed and bushy tailed as soon as he arrived. He got to find some eggs outside, we all ate a fantastic brunch, and the adults got to catch up while all the kiddos played.

Then Sunday was a low-key day at home as Braden was under the weather. We weren't sure what was going on with him- super tired, bags under his eyes, low energy and super emotional. (This didn't change after a couple of days so I took him in to find out he had a double ear infection.) The best was when Braden found his basket and started jumping up and down yelling "YEAH!" What a fun Easter, as he really got into looking for eggs, his basket and loving all of the things inside. As for Liam, he loved playing with the plastic eggs, fine-tuning his motor skills by turning them and rolling them in his hands.

 I hope you all had a blessed Easter. We really enjoyed our first Easter as a family of four. It will only get better from here on out when both boys can run around and enjoy the festivities together.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Projects and More!


New Completed Backsplash (outlets are now covered obviously).

We have slowly been tackling house projects. I would like to get as many done as possible before summer! Our latest project was putting in a backsplash underneath our kitchen cabinets. It's part stone, part glass tile. Joe did a great job, doing it solo. He did some online learning, talked to the workers at Home Depot, bought the supplies and got it all done in about two nights. Slowly, our house is gaining some personality! I can't wait to add some more!