Busy Bee!

 

So I haven't told everybody, but most people close to me know that I have been studying to take my personal training certified board test for about seven weeks. I made this decision at the beginning of April, jumping in feet first. I ordered the study materials, put myself on a rigid time schedule and aimed to take the test sometime before Memorial weekend. I wanted to officially put the books down for the summer if possible. In order to keep on this timetable, that would mean I had to do about two hours of studying per day and maybe more on weekends.

I was a little worried about how I was going to get in all this studying with two little boys at home, and not much quiet time (or any). I had good days and bad days, but I kept plugging away and looked at my book and study materials every single day for seven weeks. Whether it was nap/quiet time, or when the boys went to bed, or even as I jogged on the treadmill at the Y- my books were always with me! When we went up north, the books came along so I could study in the car and while everyone napped. The last weekend of studying before my test, Joe took the boys to his parents so I could get a full day of studying in with no interruptions. I made about 600 flashcards and knew every single one of them by test day.

So, test day came this last Thursday. I was nervous as could be. It was 100 questions and we got 90 minutes. There were a lot of questions where I could narrow it down to two, and then both of those sounded pretty good so I had to choose quickly knowing that time was ticking away. Many were scenarios beyond what I had studied, so I had to use critical thinking to narrow it down. I had to rush at the end as time was almost out, my heart was beating fast and as they came to tell me I had to be done. I didn't have a good feeling as I walked out. My hands were shaking, I felt a little sick to my stomach. It wasn't the big "phew" feeling I was expecting after test completion. To make it worse, I had to wait to get my results. I was restless and worried all weekend. I was pretty sure I bombed it and was going to have to re-take it. The results arrived in the mail yesterday and low and behold, I am an official certified Personal Trainer! One of my life goals that I wasn't sure I would ever conquer is now complete. I thank my family for supporting me in these crazy seven weeks. Braden will be glad I can read him books not rushed anymore since I am not speeding off to go study! Joe will be happy to see me more relaxed and not stressed. :)

This week is filled with Braden's last swim lesson, last day of school, etc...so we haven't celebrated yet- but I am sure I will find a way to do so soon! I look foward to returning to the non-study life and get some sleep again. Excited about the possibilities to come. Time will tell what my next steps are, for now I get to explore options and see. I may soon be able to say what I want to be when I grow up! :)

Spring Getaway 2013

So my three guys and I headed up to north central MN last weekend. We found a good deal at my favorite resort and decided to celebrate our five year anniversary with a little getaway with the boys. The last time we were in a hotel together it was a little interesting let's say- sleep deprived, toddler throwing things in the toilet all weekend, etc....so I needed a little time to have these guys get a little older and I was ready to take the vacation plunge again. It helped that we had a little cabin with a tiny kitchen area and living room separated from the bedroom.

Anyway, we all had an absolute blast. The highlights included: Braden screaming with excitement when he saw the Murphy bed, both boys going down a water slide for the first time, yummy meals, annual betting on the Kentucky Derby, yummy brunches, bike riding by the lake for Braden, games in the arcade, a nice long run for Mom, shopping in Nisswa, and many great family memories for us! The cabin was perfect for the four of us. There was plenty to do at the resort and we had a great mix of fun and relaxation. Here's to more vacation memories for us! Of course we didn't even get one picture of all four of us! Oh well, next time!!

Liam: 1 year + 8 month

 Handsome haircut!

 Being silly!

 Will he be a lefty? He loves ball!

Walking down the stairs, taking a break w/ his toothbrush!

 

Wow, Liam is 20 months old and the big TWO is approaching quicker than I expected. What is Liam up to this month? He is full of Shenanigans. By that, I mean he is my little jokster and playful fella. He will steal his brother's teddy or favorite car and go running around the house as fast as he can until big brother is in tears. He also has turned into a crazy animal as I change his diaper. It seriously is like trying to wrestle a gator. I have to use my legs to pin him down and it still takes 10 minutes because he flips around and kicks and laughs so hard as he sees me struggle. Liam says more words each and every day. Basically whatever his brother says, he tries to say now. It's a lot of fun to see these guys being active and outside now that spring has decided to bless us. Liam loves splashing in puddles. He loves riding in the Coup car. He loves his water table- he could play with that for hours. He loves  pressing the buttons in the van, making the doors open and close. If I take him out when he's playing, he will kick and scream and let me know how mad he is at me. But that wears off about 20 minutes later and he is back to playing with something else. Liam still loves to throw and chase balls, and of course most of them are thrown into the street so I have to watch him at ALL TIMES right now. He can also walk down the stairs like a big boy now, and wants to practice all the time holding the wall and walking down one step at a time. BIG BOY!

Liam had a slight fever for a few days with a runny nose and low and behold he popped about 8 teeth in a week! He went from having 6 teeth total to about 14. We have his check-up next week, and I'm pretty sure he weighs real close to big brother. Liam is a STRONG little boy. He can hang from things, push up on things and it is hard to get things away from him. He loves soaking up all the things there is to see outside- from bugs to trucks and planes.

I recently spent a week alone with the boys and we lost Liam's puppy at Target, but the next day they had him there so he was reunited with his snugly sleep/comfort toy. Phew. He understood when I told him Puppy was lost, and he was all smiles when he was reunited. It's so much fun to watch Liam grow, change and learn each day. He understands everything you say and even though his stubborn "No" is heard a lot or his "Stop It" - he still makes me laugh and is still my sweet little baby boy who likes to snuggle. Even though this stage is a bit exhausting, I am trying to soak it all in as it does go fast and I will take the cuddles when I can get them! He is definitely a Mama's boy. If I am missing from his view, he will come find me within five minutes yelling "Mama" at the top of his lungs. It is a good feeling to be loved so much. Liam's infectious belly-laugh is the best sound ever!

April Showers Bring May ???

Since April was filled with snow storms this year, what will May bring us? Typically it's April showers bring May flowers, but I am hopeful that with all the extra moisture on the ground in the form of snow, May will bring green grass, flowers and lots of heat and sunshine! We sure deserve it here in MN after the 6 months of straight winter we had.

I do have to admit, though that although this year has been such a shock to us all here in MN and everyone is getting so angry and frustrated, it has actually helped me a little bit (in some ways). I am trying to study for two hours a day, and I don't often get two hours of peace- so if the weather was nice out the boys would want to be out playing (which means me out playing too). But, if they play in the house nicely sometimes, I can then sneak in some more flashcards or quickly review my notes.

So, I am definitely ready for nice weather but the extra month of staying indoors has helped this mama out in the form of studying and keeping me on task for the most part. The boys have extra energy though, so bring on the sunshine this weekend so they can finally get out and play (and get tired- ha).

Here are some of the things we have been doing to keep busy during this "interesting" non-Spring!

Splashing in puddles on the melty days!

One or two days we snuck in a park visit!

Choo-Choo Bob's keeps them entertained!

We got to sit in a firetruck at the Woodbury Expo!

 

Indoor parks has been the theme this non-spring!