Viva la vida

 H friend , I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I had a very special time surrounded by new family and old. I even got to paint a little last night and I finished my latest girl. I love Freda and I can't pin pint exactly why but I do. I recently went to see a Freda exhibit. Everything was a replica but I do not care . They where real to me. I really love when I want to paint something long enough that the entire process is exciting to me. 

I got to see the replica of where she wrote Viva la Vida. Live life.  So I wanted to paint it on my canvas. I like the cactus because they remind me of Mexico. 

This is my creative space in my house. Its coming along slowly but its perfect for now. I am going to put My Freda for sale. I decided that I would like her to make someone happy. Selling my stuff is scary but I am going to put her on the side bar ..

Life is pretty amazing. We go  through so much and if we stop long enough we might get to see all the colors that make up our journey. 

Sunday Check In

What is going on Sunday check in.

Baby Jack is growing growing.. This last week he learned his hand are connected to him and that he can grab things. So he is working hard to grab everything. He knows when I leave the room and he does not like it. He yells when he is hung but I must say he is the cutest yell ever. It sounds like a little cat. He is now wearing 6 to 9 months clothes and I feel he is growing way to fast.

So guess what….I am almost at my pre baby weight. I have been working hard to get rid of the extra weight because I want to fit into my old clothes and I like my body at 125. I feel way more secure and that weight suits me. I feel strong at 125.  I am back to running and I feel as  good as I did before I got pregnant. I ran Saturday with some old friends and I ran better than I do when its just my dad and I because you push a little bit harder when other people are watching.( I do )  I had a great 12 mile run and  6 miles of it where up hill so I was feeling really good. On my run I was thinking I should do this again tomorrow and if I can run this long this well then I can run a marathon in 8 weeks. right ?? This morning I ran 8 and I felt great .. My feet hurt a little bit but that because its time for new shoes but besides that I feel great so I decided that yes I am running a full in January. I love how excited that makes me. I will be a different person crossing the finish line this time. One of the ways I have changed in the last year is I feel more mature more settled in who I am and my age. I feel like I know what I am doing and I know what I am capable of doing. This girl will not be worried about time when she runs in January but she can run a 4:15 marathon no problem and that's what she will be doing. I am going to just take my time and run . I believe that when you love doing something you need to just do it and not worry about anything else or anyone else. You need to just do what you love. Sometimes this is hard to do but keeping what your passionate about close to you makes you a better person. 

Baby Jack is 3 months old today

Happy 3 months old to my little boy Jack. He is such a blessing in my families life. 

he is an easy baby a funny little man. His little personality is starting to show. He is a whole 13.5 pounds now. 

I love being his mommy..I love changing his diaper and getting up in the middle of the night does not bother me at all. I just keep looking at him my heart just fills with gratitude…
Little baby Jack is 3 months old today...

Saturday Thoughts

Today I was asked this question by my trainer. Gloria how do I get someone who works out twice a week with me and is trying hard to  eat better to start doing cardio ? Cardio is tricky . I know when I started running after having my 4th baby I was very self conscious. I wore black pants and a big shirt and I struggled. My first couple runs were far from runs…They where walk and run a little. I made myself go out and run for about 20 minutes the first time. I felt really sad after my first attempt at running . I felt like I had such a long way to go but I promised myself I was going to keep going. I would not give up on myself. 
 Cardio is key to loosing weight and diet . back to my trainer ..I told my trainer that I believe that you have to love yourself enough to show up for yourself. saying no to sweet bread has been hard but after you do it for a while and see results that kept them out of my mouth. Going for a run is how I love myself its how I show up for me. I have 4 kids and they need me all the time. Therefor I need to be happy and healthy and running does that for me. I love myself enough to run. I told my trainer I know that the first step is always the hardest so maybe going with his client would be good. Then I thought about how my first couple runs after having baby Jack I would of loved to have some one with me. Working out is hard it is but showing up for ourselves should not be. Loving ourselves should not be..

Here I am...

A friend once told me that the girls I paint are me. I did not really think so but in this case yes its me. This girl was inspired by Daniel . Here I am today taking care of my little boy Jack. He is so cute and such a great baby. I love taking care of my kids . I always thought that I was supposed to have something to say when people asked me what I do. I always felt like if I said I am a a mom that would be a let down. I am so over that. Now  when people ask me what do all I want to say is I am the mother of four children. At this point in my life nothing seems as important as showing up for swim practice , making breakfast for my kids before school and even waking up multiple times in the middle to feed Jack is something I am enjoying. I know that time just flies and before I know it my kids will be grown so I am trying to enjoy as much of it as I can. 

Here I am.
I like this paining. I look like I am thinking about  where I am right now. I feel really lucky that I have these little people that need me.. and that I need with all of my heart. I feel like I am showing up in the parts of my life that I really need to be. 

So long October

I am finding it hard to believe that this month is also almost gone.  I am wondering is this what happens when you have a baby.. time just flies by. Its a am finding that its a weird place to be in. Its a little lonely only because I am not working and life as I knew it has changed and in the same regard its exciting because we are now making new future plans that include this little guy. I also want to share how much fun I am having being a mommy to a baby this time around. I am 10 years older than I was last time I had a baby and I feel very comfortable and relaxed about taking care of baby Jack. He is an easy baby. He is a great sleeper and eater and so far the worst thing that has happened is at 6pm almost every day he gets a little cranky and cries. That makes for an easy baby. Its also really cool watching my other kids interact with him. Each one loves him in there own playful but very protective way. We really have not taken him anywhere and that is because he did not have his shots and his dad was just not taking any chances of having his little boy getting sick. Maybe that's another reason I have not blogged I have not been out much lately. Now that he has had his shots so we can go out and start exploring today we went to Target to get his Halloween Costume. ...
Then we walked though the park a little bit and that seem to be enough for him.
The one thing little man does not like is being in his car seat. It breaks my heart to hear him cry when I take the kids to school. I pull over a-lot and go in the back seat and soothe him then I continue on my way. I am hoping to figure out a way to make it so that driving is easier for him. I try not to go anywhere unless I absolutely  have too , but I am hopeful that soon he will grow out of this. There is nothing worse than hearing your baby cry.
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I want to share whats going on with my weight and training. I am down to 140 pounds .. I am honestly working really hard at this whole losing weight thing. I have a trainer come to the house twice a week and work out with me for an hour and then I am running 3 days a week ..about 20 miles a week. I am still slow but all I really want to do right now is train my body to run again and  start to get good miles in.  Its honestly a little crazy to me that when my mind wanders or I day dream its usually about running. I miss how it makes me feel so much but with 4 kids and all the responsibilities of being there mom my time to run is limited. I am looking forward to the day little man can hold up his head and we can go for runs.. I see a Jogging Stroller in my future. I have spoken to a bunch of people and I think he has to be around 5 months old before I can run with him in the stroller..
I have a couple goals for next year..I am going to run a marathon a 50k a 50 miler and a couple half marathons. The part about this that excites me the most is training . I love love training for races. It gives me something for me to work hard at. It just makes me happy to be able to work hard. Its just like being a mom its hard work to be a good mom but as long as you raise good adults then thats your medal at the end of a race. 

I am two months old

Look who is 2 months old..Its the baby Jack. I have been  loving on this little guy day and night. My kids are all so happy and in love with him too. He is getting a little spoiled but I do not mind. Here we are waiting for his big sister to get out of work. He does not like the car seat and it breaks my heart when he cries :(  I got him all these toys he can look at but he still a little sad back there. He started making little noises and he smiles all the time. I get so excited every time he smiles. Its like the first time every time. I am having a really great time being mom to a baby all over again. Its so cool how its brought us all so close. My older kids all want to help out. Everyone want to hold him all the time. 

With all these people in the house he is becoming a good sleeper. He sleeps through door bell rings and kids laughing and big brother rapping. Music yes lots of music being played but somehow he is learning to sleep through it.. 

Another day in paradise..

I had a great run today that came after not feeling to great. I have been a little blue. Its been interesting trying to find my mojo again. I don't like feeling like I don't want to do the things that make me happy. Its a little funny that I know what I need to do to change it ..I need to do the things I don't feel like doing work through those feelings maybe shut of my brain a little and 20 minutes later I feel good again. Its been a little gloomy around here so maybe that's whats going on.. I did go on a semi long run today and I really didn't want to but I was nudged to go run so I did and I turned my music of for a while and just let my being take it all in. It was awesome .. I went for my longest run since I had my baby..I just loved it. I like how I feel when I run. I feel free..I think maybe birds feel this way when they fly.. I love being outside..The air is alive and the clouds move. I love the feeling of moving quickly and going from point a to point b .. I guess it just felt great. My dad always says that running makes you feel like you took a huge q tip and cleaned all the spider webs out of your head. I am so glad I did something I really did not want to do today..It made my day a better day.

I am loving this song right now..

My Week

I want to report that this week was a combination of lots and nothing. I found myself going out. I left my house..and staying in just holding my baby. I did not have my kids this week unfortunately for them they are with there dad. This means I have lots of time to just hold my new baby and love him. It also leaves me with lots of time to think. I really miss my kids when they are gone. It literally hurts my heart. I know I take way better care of them and its a very sad feeling to have to send your kids to a place you know is not a great place to be. I don't really have a choice.. I got side tracked sorry.
I went on a long run with my dad too. Its was not really long but 5 miles was good and guess what I got my time down to 11 min miles. I am working harder than I have had to but I know in three months it will all be worth it. Its crazy how many running apps there are. My favorite being map my run. Its really neat. I am down to 146 and that keeps me motivated to keep going. My question is what do I do with all this extra skin around my belly ?will it go back ...I went to see John Mayer last night with my daughter Paola. We loved it and I can honestly say we got along all night long..we even held hands for a bit. I am so glad its so good between us right now. She is growing up to be an amazing young lady. I am such a proud mom...Things are good right now and I will take that..

Hello October

Hello October.
The last month seem to just fly by me. I miss blogging so my visits here might be simple but I shall step it up this month.  I started running and holy cow guys it has been hard. I don't mind the challenge but its a little disappointing to take so many steps back. I am seriously slow right now. It is a-lot harder to carry the extra weight around. I get tired quicker but I guess the hardest thing is how slow I am going even though I feel like I am working really hard. I am out of breathe.. and 5 miles feel like 15.  I am signed up for a half marathon in January and my goal is to finish it in 2 hours. I am on 9th day of my 100 squats a day and I am hoping I will feel the difference in the next two weeks.  I am also not having junk food but this thing called losing weight takes  dedication so here I am. I have 4 runs under my belt and I ran 17 miles last week. So the picture above is kinda how I am feeling about running right now. That cant stop me because I will never see results if I give up..I will keep running even if it feels like walking..

I truly believe that creating healthy habits in our life bring positive change..

Hi guys..

  Hi guys...how are you ?? Guess what.. I got to start running today. My doctor gave me the OK.  I am so excited. My girl friend Elena came with me and we  walked more than we ran but still every little bit counts . We ran/jogged for 3 miles. I know its not a-lot but the first run is the hardest.  I was so happy to just be outside. I was feeling a little cooped up. I love the feeling that running gives you that just makes me feel free.

 So before I got pregnant I weighed 125. That's my normal weight but  in the last 9 months I got to 180.

Crazy hu.. Yup I was hungry and I was making a baby. 

So this morning I woke up weighed myself. I am at 149 right now. I told myself Its time to start getting back in shape. I am not doing to much but I am eating healthier and I started running today. I am starting with 3 miles a couple times a week and 5 or 6 on the weekend .. I am so excited .. The other thing I am going to do is 100 squats a day for 30 days.. They say it makes a huge difference in strength. Its called the 30 day squat Challenge. .  I just finished day 2. Holy cow it hurts but its fun. I mean if you want to you do it ..you can.. I thought it would be fun to see how long it took me to get back into shape. Ill be checking in with pictures to motivate myself.. and maybe you.

Miss P is 19

Today is a special day because my sweet Paola is 19 today..time goes by really fast and I am so glad that she has been with me for what seems like my whole life. I love this girl with all my heart and I am so proud of her for being so authentic. She is fun and she dresses so cute. She loves life and she is a total girly girl. 

Here we are .. Miss P was 2 and I was 26.  It has been an amazing journey being her mom. I just want to wish her a magical birthday..Love you Paola..

Happy Monday

Hello and guess what ? I only got to Wednesday on my week in the life. I tried but when changing a baby diaper is not the most exciting thing there is to do... and but I am adding what I did do to my album for this month. I am also starting baby Jacks album tomorrow . My pictures will be ready to pick up and away we go. I made something super crazy good last night. I had to share with you.

I feel the trick was that the bananas were really ripe. Its so easy and so good ..

3 or 4 ripe bananas smashed 

1/3 cup melted butter

1 cup of sugar ( I used half a cup)

1 egg beaten

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

pinch of salt

1 1/12 cups of flower

Mix everything together. Cook for 1 hour at 350 and that's easy..

It was so so good. I made one for us and one for the lady that came to help me unpack..I hope you have a happy Monday.

A week in the life.. Wednesday

Our morning drive to school takes about 45 minutes. Its better than an hour drive right ? I have to share that this drive is one of my favorite things to do because what we do it sing and dance. This wednesday it all about MC Hammer. We put on Pandora and jammed all the way to school. I love this because we laugh and I just feel when they get to school they must feel relaxed and happy. Baby Jack slept through the while jam session in the Prius.

Then I came home made a quick breakfast and even though it seems boring it was back to watching and loving my baby boy.

Do I look tired ? I am and was..but then I look at my little man and next thing you know half the day is gone and its off to pivk them up and

today was after school treat time. Frozen Yogurt with lots of extras.

We took a walk around town and I felt so happy to be outside. I just wanted to fly into clouds..I took the baby in a stroller for the first time today too. I also know we cant be out to long because we have homework and a long drive home..

For dinner we had Hawaiian food..Then it was bed time .. I guess life is simple when you have a new born. I like it. I could a we bit more sleep..

A week in the life ..Tuesday

Tuesday morning came quickly. I was in the shower at 6am. I had to hurry before the baby woke up. Our new house was empty for a while so the water heater was turned on low so yes !!! I have been taking a shower in Luke warm water. I do not mind it because it wakes me up but my body would say she minds it..

I make both my kids take a shower yes in  warm water. Its very important to me they go to school clean and looking there best. I love doing Isabella's hair in the morning. She did not like me touching her head for about 2 years but she finally just gave in and now even when she is with her dad she tries to do it herself. My kids have always wore uniforms I think that helps make the morning go way faster because they know what they are wearing.

School starts at around 8 so I promised myself this year we would not be late so we have been getting to school 15 min early. I love this moment and its the first time I take a picture of it. We choose to have our children and then we try to make the best choices as there parents to try and teach them to be good human beings. I always think when they walk out of the car and go into there own small world of school that what I am doing is making a difference in there life. As I see this picture all I can think is make good choices and know you are loved Bella. 

After an hour and half drive I am coming home to this !!!      Have you tried Girl Scout coffee mate..You need to its so good. 

The afternoon come quickly for me and while baby J is napping I started a new on line class..I love on line classes they are so much fun. 

After school we came home to get there home work done and since I had an extra kid for the day I asked to take this picture. Its me and my four kids. Everyone has there own personality and I dig it. Paola holding baby J. Looking at this picture makes me smile.

Every day involves lots and lots of time spent breast feeding and this would be a happy baby after feeding for about 45 minutes. 

before you know it it is dinner time. We had chicken mashed potatoes and corn. Basic but always a winner.

Then before you know it the day was gone. Time for tea and sleep..

A Week in the Life..Monday

I am going to do my best to fallow along with Ali Edwards this week and so here we go.. My Monday pictures. I wake up at 6 am to make a bottle for baby Jack. My little boy  lost some weight when he was born because my milk took some time to come in so I ended up feeding him formula and me. He is still not up to his birth weight so I breast feed him and if he is still hungry I give him a couple ounces of milk . I felt guilty but now I am OK with it because its not about how I feel its about getting my little boy up to his birth weight.

Project 365 has now become all bout baby J.

Here he is just looking up at me. We are not going out much because he is only 20 days old and with a c section I am not supposed to really drive to much yet..

We hang out at home a-lot. I do as much unpacking as I can as you can see in this picture my dinning room is just a room right now with a crib and desk.. Moving is fun.

I had company yesterday too. My friend Elena came by to meet baby Jack and to see me too. Its always nice to speak to an adult when your with your baby all day.

I got my kids yesterday too. I had not seen then in a couple of days I missed them and now I have them for a whole week. Here we are my car my kids..36$ to fill up my car not bad...

We came home and I make them a snack and since we are in 5th and 7 grade we have to get used to doing homework as soon as we get home ..There is way more work now and giving ourselves more time makes doing home work less stressful. I say us because there is a-lot of mommy help needed :)

Here we are admiring Jack .. Christopher was telling me all bout school and asking me if he could change the furniture in his room. I said yes you can and so he did..

Gotta Love moving. Its Isabella's love of dolls that got us to 10 dolls in 9 years. She gets one doll for her Birthday every year. I will gladly keep giving her a doll for as long as she wants. Being a child seems to go by so fast I will nurture her love for dolls as long as she wants me too. I played with dolls until I was 16..I had Cabbage Patch Kids.

Our day was low key and now its time for bed. Bella is saying good night and even though its only 8pm ..I was ready to go to bed and surprisingly my kids where too. Thats my monday and I slept like baby. All of my kids are under my roof and thats the best feeling ever.