All entertaining things eventually end

Construction in our neighborhood is coming to a close. The kids enjoyed one of the last few days of construction work by sitting at the end of the driveway while a skidsteer and an excavator were being delivered. Construction vehicles are ALWAYS entertaining for us!  Myself included.

I went inside while during this entertainment (Jason was outside) to make this deliciousness.  Creamy pasta with red onions and mushrooms.  No actual cream used - it's cashew-based.

.

The kids thought it was okay, but needed extra pepper.


Also, we got new shoes! Who doesn't dance around in their underwear when they try on their new shoes at bedtime?  Sandals totally scream summertime, but we shall see if they ever get worn without socks.  This kid loves his socks.


Time for me to go dig out my sandals now!

I ran OUTside last night

Lately we have been trying to get little man to bed a little bit early for a variety of reasons.  It's so tough when it is fully bright outside.  Last night was the first time he fell asleep by 8:30 - he is usually up until more like 9... since he wakes up before 6 normally, 8:30 is much better.

Consequently, I had time for a run outside! It was amazing to get over to the park near our house for a little trail time.  I only did 3 miles, but that was perfect. Now if only if I could learn how to take a nice photo while running.


It was so peaceful - since it was later in the evening, I only saw one person (a biker) once I got to the trail.  I got a picture of my soon-to-be-blooming lily of the valley flowers before I headed inside.

They are SO close to blooming.

Happy birthday to ME!

Today I pushed the pause button on life; took the day off of work, & just chilled out.  Well, as much as I am able to do...  As usual I had a very ambitious to-do list, and only accomplished about a third of it.  But I still had a nice day and hey, I didn't log in to work even once.  That is impressive.


After listening to a podcast, putting together our latest Target order, and upgrading the OS on my iPhone, I logged off the computer for a bit.

First, I did a bit of reading and journaling since I have recently started reading this amazing book.  I have had this on my reading list for at least 4 years.


Followed by some housework including organizing both kiddos clothing.  Little E has accumulated an epic amount of clothing, which is good because she has outgrown all of her 12 month clothes and some of her 18 month stuff.  We ordered her a box from Once Upon a Child, and got a few hand-me-downs from a neighbor.  she is set for the summer now!


And then, I made supper.  Because why would I want to waste time later doing that?  Salsa rice, insta-pot black beans, and some fancy homemade birthday brownies.


Later we walked over to the park to play with the bubble machine and our soccer balls!  No soccer balls were lost to the tree this time.  Hooray! We were also very pleased that my parents could join us there too.


Birthdays with little ones are hard to mess up!  It was a great day.

Check-IN on workouts and things

The past FIVE weeks I have been doing this killer strength program - combo of weight stuff, core and body-weight moves, and cardio (HIIT, with a little plyo).

It is actually a total of 13 weeks, and I need to hit the reset button quickly.  Just for a week or two.  Little E has been up at night (hello, no sleep), and I have been drinking gobs of coffee to compensate.  And, let's be honest, I was drinking gobs of coffee even before that.  But with the lack of sleep I actually had to skip my workout yesterday.  Instead of getting all upset about being off track, I decided I am just going to take a little break in the middle of my 13 weeks to hit the reset button.  I am going to do a cleanse + yoga this week.  I already started super clean eating yesterday - will kick the coffee tomorrow.  Then, when I feel ready to get back to the intense workout program, I'll just repeat week 5 before continuing.

I am a little nervous about avoiding coffee... but we are going to do 5 days coffee free leading up to my birthday.  Time for more of this.

Ready? Go!