First Soccer Practice

We had another milestone today. Lainey had her first soccer practice ever. And it actually went well! She had a great time.

You have to get that Lainey isn't exactly the sporty type. In fact, just this week she told me she did not like to exercise. She doesn't like to sweat. She really doesn't like to strain any muscles for any length of time. You get my point.

Plus, she is on a team with several girls she knows but more that she doesn't. And most of them have played soccer before.

But she had a great time. As evidenced by this great smile and an awkward pose.


Good thing that Addie is on her team! They did a silly soccer pose for me.

Rhody was mostly excited for practice and also devestated that it wasn't his turn to play yet. Luckily, his turn to play is in just a few weeks. He was telling strangers at the school today that he is playing on the Tigers. He is definitely pumped.

Here are the big girls with their littles. Bo and Gee were all about soccer, snacks, water and having a good time at practice.

Cute picture of the girls for the scrapbook. If only I had a scrapbook.

Time at the Park

It has been beautiful this week. In the 70's most of the week. That definitely means we are going to the park.

On Wednesday, we met our community group up at the blue park (which isn't blue anymore but we don't have a name for it).

I am so proud of myself for remembering to bring my camera. Wow, I can recall the days when getting a formula correct on a calculus exam would cause such pride. Now, all it takes is remembering to bring a camera to the park.

Our community group at church meets a few times each month. We meet without kids and sometimes just girls or just guys. We are trying to live our lives intentionally with these families. We encourage one another, serve one another, care for one another, etc. We also want our kids to know each other well. So we have play dates for them.

We have a definite shortage of boys in our group. Rhody is dying to play football and the two little boys left in the group just don't cut it! One day it will be a good thing to be in a group with all girls--but we just aren't there yet.

All the kids! Guess which kid needed to poop sooo bad and really didn't want to stay for a picture? Good thing none of these kids read the blog. My days are numbered with embarrassing stories about my children and their friends are allowed! But until then. . . !

Rhody and Gracie have always loved taking pictures together! So cute.

Kylie's First Kiss! Please note that Bo already has the head tilt down.

The Big Kindergartners! Abby and Lainey.

Day 16 and a recipe

Today is Day 16.

That means we are over half way there! Yippee.

Just want to let you know that I am watching the Biggest Loser while typing this post. It is all Jillian--all the time.

The workouts are going well. She changes it up every weeks so we are learning all new exercises. I think it will be great to have all these new things to do.

I actually enjoy doing some weight/resistance training. Weird, I know. But I was sort of stuck in a rut. Eric Keaton taught me an exercise routine almost a year ago and that's about all I know to do. Jillian's book is teaching us all sorts of new and awkward moves like frog kicks and rock star jumps! Ask Erin to demonstrate!

Eating is going a little better this week. What helped a ton is that Jenny made me a menu for the week. Jillian's menu called for about 5 meals that included seafood. I don't do seafood. So the book was of no help to me.

Plus, we have enjoyed some of the meals this week. We had Chicken Scallopini tonight and it was a hit with Kyle and the kids. I will include the recipe at the end of the post.

However, for those of you who don't know me that well you might not know that I am not so great in the kitchen. So while the chicken was a huge hit--I definitely had some missteps in the kitchen as well (so did Kyle).

We were supposed to have garlic green beans. I was in a hurry and read the recipe too fast. I got some of the key measurements a little confused! It called for one tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1/4 cup of water. Yeah. I switched it. I kept thinking, "I can't believe we can eat something with this much oil in it!" So anyway, they didn't turn out so great. I was the only one who ate them.

Then the chicken recipe called for white wine. Let me be clear, I am soooo not cultured when it comes to wine (or much of anything). Seriously, I can't remember if I have ever bought wine before. I don't know anything about wine. I don't know any of the names, types, colors, etc. I just bought the cheapest mini-bottle that I could find. It was $7. Probably a pretty good wine, huh?

But the funny part is that Kyle decided to open it. Actually, when I realized that it had a cork in it, I told Kyle to call Jenny to see if we could borrow their opener thingy. Then he got one out of the drawer. I didn't even notice that we owned a cork screw. So Kyle being the man of the house and a wine connoisseur like me, decided to try to open the wine bottle.

Cork is a natural material and won't do any damage to the digestive system, right? Let me just say that we ate some cork tonight. We have a lot to learn about wine. (not whine--we got that down over here)

Here is the recipe:

Chicken Scallopini

Serves 4
Pounding the chicken breast halves into thin "scallops" cuts the cooking time in half but leaves the chicken moist and tender.

4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
cooking spray (olive oil preferred)
1/3 cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1 tablespoon Smart Start

1. Place each chicken breast between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Brush chicken with juice, and sprinkle with black pepper. Dredge chicken in breadcrumbs.

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until chicken is done. Remove from pan; keep warm.

3. Add broth and wine to pan, and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in capers and Smart Start.

just a side note: for Kyle and the kids, I put their chicken in some melted butter before I dredged it in breadcrumbs. Plus, I added a little olive oil in the pan. I also put the pan-fried chicken in a warm oven for a little bit while I was finishing the other dishes. Just to make sure that it was cooked all the way through. Good luck!

Just TRI it!

I don't know if y'all remember that I did a triathlon in September?

I might have mentioned it one or twenty times.

Anyway, Mike Cothern put a video together of our trip. I am posting it for those of you who have 12 extra minutes to watch.

I love it! It reminds me of the whole experience and my team that I love.

Here it is!



There is a group that is going to do the Capital of Texas triathlon in Austin in May. It is a great race! You can totally do it.

Please go to Rebecca's blog to get more info about training and even training with Team in Training--to raise money for the Leukemia Society!

Thanks Mike for the movie!

School Days

The other night, Lainey and Rhody were playing school together. Guess who was the teacher?

All the stars were aligned because Lainey wanted to play teacher (always) and Rhody was willing to be the student (sometimes) and Bo was not in the way (never happens).

It was pretty cute.


Lainey had some spelling exercises for him. She would pick a word and then sound it out and he would pick the letters that went with the sounds. She wrote down his letters. As you can see, she added a little bit. I heard her explain the silent "e" that kicks the "a." She learned that in kindergarten, and I am pretty sure that Rhody had no idea what she meant but just went along with it.

Lainey obviously thought her student did a good job!

While they were sitting there, Lainey asked him to do the next exercise and Rhody replied with, "Sure, when I get done with this." Lainey joyful exclaimed, "Rhody! You did a great job! You said when I get done and not when I bees done! That is so great!"

Well done children.

Day 11 and more

So I know you are all on pins and needles wondering how the program is going.

I think it is still going well. But I am not sure it is fair to say that I am 100% on the program--at least not the eating part. The last two days I have been a little "off" the program. I had some dental work done yesterday and had to have a milkshake (doctor's orders). Today I ate the worst salad and soup for lunch that I decided to get a cookie to make up for it. Oh well!

But the exercise routine is alive and kicking. Butt kicking that is. The routine is all new this week and I assume it will be again next week--just as soon as we catch on to this week. Good news is that we haven't had to do mountain climbers this week.

I will be posting some good recipes from the book soon. Stay tuned.

I had some other thoughts this week. Not many but a few.

I mentioned earlier that I went to the dentist this week. My dentist is the fabulous Dr. Ashley Cothern. We did the triathlon together and I always loved training with her! Neither one of us keep track of laps in the pool, time on the bike or miles we have run--it's perfect. We just always needed someone else with us to help direct our workouts and tell us when to stop!

So I had some extensive work done. Enough that I got to watch an entire movie while I was in the chair! So cool. It definitely made the time go by so much faster!

I was so impressed with Ashly--she is so professional, and yet so endearing, she is a great mom and remember--a triathlete.

I was thinking, I could never do all of this! (This is really about me and not about Ashly, you get that right?) I can barely run my house. And I don't always do that well. In fact, when I got home from the dentist, Kyle had done more in the house than I would have done all day. But that's another story!

It is just funny when I think back to who I was 15 years ago. I was a recent graduate from UT business school and thought I could do about anything. I was planning on having my own business--not sure in what area or anything. I was just going to be in charge.

I thought I was that girl that could do a lot. That I could do whatever I wanted to do. Don't get me wrong, I am doing exactly what I want to do right now. Staying home with the kids is just where I want to be. However, I am not sure what else I could do if I wanted to!

I used to be an over-achiever. No more. Now I am an achieve-just-what-I-need-to kind of girl. I think it is a good place to be for me. I probably took too much pride in thinking I could do it all.

My identity does not come from what I do or even how I do it. It comes from knowing who I am. Or better said, whose I am. I am confident, qualified, content, and joyful because my identity is rooted in Christ and his love for me!

Day 5-Really? Only 5?

So I have been on the "program" for 5 days. Seriously, I counted twice on my fingers to make sure that is right. It seems a lot longer than that for sure.

We had 3 early mornings at the gym. We met once mid-morning at the gym. And we had one day off! Yee Haw!

Here are some of my thoughts about the Jillian's Plan. It is tough. Jenny and I describe it as "Hard Core!" Some people have shown interest in trying the plan and we always say, "Go buy the book first. Read it. And then decide."

It is not easy and one shouldn't enter into it lightly.

But we are surviving. The exercises took a little while to learn but then it got easier by day 5. However, I think we do new exercises next week. We are all a little sore and feeling challenged!

The diet is pretty hard. I think we all had a tough first few days. It is not easy to drop caffeine, sugar and all white food! I definitely felt it. I was exhausted with very little energy and somehow a handful of almonds didn't quite give me the pick-me-up I was needing!

Here are a few comments from my fellow bikini bound babes! (remember--we are kidding about the bikinis!)

Jenny said, "you know it's sad when you look forward to brushing your teeth as your dessert for the evening!"

I had a similar thought this week. I was giving the kids a bath one night right after dinner. I realized I might as well go ahead and brush my teeth because I'm not eating anything else tonight. So sad. It was only 6:30 pm.

Blair Holman says, "Dang...I hate those mountain climbers! I'm not starving...yet!!! But if I don't look like a Supermodel after this...something is seriously wrong with me! I also suggest a massage for sore muscles...mine was heaven!"

Erin says, "My butt hurts, my thighs hurt, my shoulders hurt.... Day Two was brutal for me, but each day I feel more energized from eating clean, healthy food and working out. I feel good waking up and getting the workout done and having the rest of the day to accomplish what I need to do as a wife/mother. There is nothing like having a goal with 3 of your dearest friends who can share our successes, challenges and laugh our rears off....literally. Mountain Climbers.....stink."

As you can see, we don't like Mountain Climbers!

Thanks for checking in! More updates to come.

Some more about Lainey

Our bedtime conversation tonight.

I said my high today was taking a meal to our friends Marc & Trisha to celebrate their new baby girl! Lainey asks, "Why do you take someone a meal for having a baby?"

I think this is reasonable enough question for her to ask.

I said something about how new Mommies are sometimes tired and cooking dinner isn't always easy to get done. Plus, it is an easy way to show someone that you love them and a way to serve them. (pretty good answer, huh?)

That wasn't quite good enough for her.

She said something like, "But why are we bringing a meal to a Mommy with a baby in the car. (When we dropped off the meal, Trisha was in the car with baby Mia--pulling into the driveway.)"

I was a little confused about what she was asking.

Then she said, "But don't they have a Daddy? Why can't the Daddy get their dinner?"

There is that compassion we have been fostering for the last 5 years.

For those of you who know me and Kyle, just stop right now--don't even say that she clearly gets that from her mommy.

Oh, we are not done with the conversation.

She then asked why Mommies have to have babies and not Daddies.

I said something about how God designed it that way and isn't that cool and great because I got to have Lainey (Rhody and Bo)! Sort of fell on deaf ears.

She said that is because "God is the boss of everyone."

I was waiting for her to ask how she could get that job. The first thing she would do is make daddies get dinner for mommies--I'm sure.

Lainey in her new, sassy boots from Gobby and Diddy Daddy! She loves them.

Another funny thing happened with Lainey the other day.

During the wonderful time of cooking dinner, waiting for Daddy and keeping kids happy (you know, the witching hour), the kids were whining. Really it was the boys.

I know--shocker.

I said something brilliant and effective like "Please quit whining kids. I am serious."

Then I asked them to leave the kitchen if they were going to whine. They didn't. They literally were clinging to my leg. I then strongly suggested that they leave.

Lainey stood about 10 ft away with her arms lifted in the air (not unlike Moses with his hands in the air to keep the Israelites safe) and proclaimed, "All the whiners, come to me." (Of course, takes one to know one.)

Both boys went right over to her open arms and she just held them close to her.

It was hysterical.

But no, it didn't last too long.

Day 1

(You will need to read the post from yesterday for this one to make sense!)

It's 8 am on Monday morning. Day 1 of the program.

Let's recap. (Kind of sad that I can do any sort of recap at 8:00 in the morning)

I went to bed around 10:40 pm last night. Didn't go right to sleep--usually don't.

2:45 am -- Bo woke up fussing. Kyle took care of it but I was still up. Starting to get a little bitter.

4:45 am-- Lainey woke up crying with a bad dream. Could have something to do with going back to school but I don't know because Kyle took care of that too. Feeling real bitter now because my alarm is going off at 5:10 am. I know I am not going back to sleep but I pretend to try.

Go to gym at 5:30 am. There are a lot of people there at 5:30 in the morning. What up?

Did Day 1 of the workout. It was tough. Ask Erin to show you a burpie! I am already sore and I start to shake if I use any real muscle strength. Should make for a great day. Drying my hair may be a challenge.

Came home to eat what looks like hamster food. Yumm-O. That hits the spot.

Oh yeah, I also picked up donuts for Lainey because it was her first day and all. She ate like 3 bites. Seriously, just more proof she does not have much of my DNA. The smell of fresh glazed donuts is intoxicating to me. But I did not eat any--definitely not on the program. Nicole told me one time that you would have to run like 3 miles to burn off a donut. Not worth it (this month).

Don't worry. I won't be updating all the time like this. I hoping to get a little used to it at some point!

Make it a great day.

The Program Begins

Tomorrow morning, I am embarking on a new adventure!

And it begins at 5:30 am!

Ouch.

Jenny, Erin and I are officially doing the Jillian Michael's Making the Cut. Well, we are doing most of it anyway. Her program requires eating a lot of seafood and I don't do seafood. So a lot of substitutions will be happening!

Her exercise regimen is basically a lot of circuit stuff that will keep your heart rate up and make you incredibly sore for days! Sounds fun, doesn't it?

Remember the promise in her book? "Get you in the best shape of your life . . .yada yada yada. . . running in a bikini. . . yada yada yada."

*just a note: I am eating a cookie right now. That won't be happening on the program.

But seriously, running in a bikini? I just want all of my blog readers to know, I WILL NOT be running in a bikini anywhere, anyhow, anyway! That is saved only for some girls in red bathing suits running down a California beach and David Hasselhoff. Of course, I guess he wouldn't be in a bikini. You get the point.

I just had a realization today. I am probably going to "crash" in the next couple of days. I mean I will be detoxing from all the sugar I had over the Christmas holiday. Of course, I started eating all that delicious sugar-packed food starting over a month ago.

This healthy diet will be good for me but it will be a change from my poor habits that I developed lately.

The three of us took some measurements and so in 30 days I will be giving you an update on how we felt about the program!

Let me know if you ever want to join us at LA Fitness! We are going early about 3 days a week!

I gotta go to bed!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice?

I just came from telling Lainey night-night. We usually talk for a little while before bed--sharing our highs and lows or just chatting about life.

I left the room tonight after we had an "argument." It is the same argument that we have been having for about a year or so. She is adamant that Rhody's birthday is in February. I think today she said February 2nd. I politely tell her "no, Rhody was born on January 31st." She then immediately starts in with the whiny, fussy voice that tells me I am wrong!

I am wrong? Me? The one who actually birthed that 7 lb 15 oz (or 14 oz--I get Bo and Rhody confused). The one who had no idea that I was actually in labor and had to have an "emergency" C-section four weeks early? Anyway, I do know when he was born. He was due in late February. He came in January. Big difference.

However, my 5 year old daughter seems to think she knows best. I hate it when the topic even comes up. It always turns ugly. I just can't seem to blow that one off and let her think she is right. I mean--she isn't right. It is a matter of principle or something.

That little exchange with Lainey is just a snapshot of life with her right now.

She has been difficult lately. We have been trying to be more consistent. We have tried to spend more quality time with her. I was feeling like we spent a lot of time training or disciplining her but not just having fun together.

However, even when we would spend time together, it would always have times with her whining, complaining and displaying a bad attitude. So not fun.

It is a hard thing to say that she is just not very enjoyable these days. It's true but I wish it wasn't. I love her dearly. I can still see all the wonderful things about her even in the midst of this. I do hope that this will pass but I know that is not promised.

I think I am supposed to be in the "honeymoon" phase of parenting. Some Mom told me that once. It is after the newborn and toddler phase and before the preteen age. They are self-sufficient and yet still crazy about their parents. This doesn't exactly feel like a trip to Hawaii.

One thing I know for sure is that I need some divine inspiration and guidance. I will be praying for a new perspective with my daughter and new insight into that precious girl. She is uniquely and wonderfully made. I just want to be the Mother that God desires for me to be for her.

I will update life with the boys on another post. It involves a lot boogers, snotty ears, football and a lot of hugs and tackles.

Happy New Year!

I hope you all have a fabulous 2009!

Here is a new video from Rob's company. It is another great one.



Regrets from Igniter Media on Vimeo.