Non-Stop

Starting at 5:00PM on Friday evening our-little-family has not stopped. This weekend was Go, Go, Go. It felt like we were world travelers. We were in Cleveland, Durant and Oklahoma City all within 3 days! Our little girl is so tired of her carseat, tears come from the site of it.

She was a little trooper. Enduring her longest car ride yet by napping most of the way there. The ride home however was not quite as smooth: screams filled our car for almost a hour before she finally drifted off to sleep.

She is more than content this morning seating in her boppy next to her momma on the couch. We are so ready to take it easy this week.

Get ready: First Friday Giveaway is back for the month of June! Here is a hint: The item I am giving-away is coming from: here!

Follow me this week and you will have double the chances of winning if you come back Friday and comment! Click here to learn  how to "Follow Me".

Enjoy your-day today.

Excuses

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This week: I have made excuses.

Every morning this week I have told myself it was too windy to run with the stroller. Every morning I have gotten out of bed with the intention of running and I would slowly convince myself not to lace my shoes up and hit the pavement.

Yesterday the wind had died down, Papa Bear was home, it would have been a perfect day to run, but waffles on the couch with my cute-little-family seemed way more important than hitting the road.

This morning, despite the wind, Alivia and hit the road. No more waiting around. No more making excuses. Despite if it is windy. Despite if we are short on time. Despite if I am tired. Despite if it is hot. We are going to run at least 3 times a week. I am committing to you, to myself.

Make no excuses today.

Suck It In

My Mom tells me that when I was little I was so tall and skinny none of my pants fit so I had to stick out my: back-then-adorable-little-belly to keep them up. This is a habit that I have been fighting my whole life. I can recall several times throughout my life making eye-contact with my wonderful mother and she would make this gesture to me to suck in my gut.

Well the past 9 months I spent sticking my stomach out. At first I wanted a baby bump so I would stick it out to make it look 2x bigger than it actually was, and then at the end of the 9 months I would suck in and nothing would happen...

Well now that my baby bump has turned into a post-baby-gut I am having to suck in again. I have a feeling that the belly fat that I gained throughout the past 9 months is going to be the hardest to get rid of. Just in time for swimsuit season, perfect.

After trying on every dress in my closet yesterday I finally went with: a too tight pair of jeans and a over-sized-baggy-shirt.

Suck it in today.

This Morning

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This Morning I am sitting on the couch. I am sweating from just finishing Jillian Michaels- 30 Day Shred video. I am listening to the music of my little girl's swing as she naps quietly. I am watching David Payne on Channel 4 covering the tornado damage.

This Morning I am thankful my house is still standing, but my heart is breaking for those who lost not only their homes, but lost their: mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands and children.

There is one story that stands out to me the most. There is a women that was trying to protect her 3 children from the house shredding tornadoes yesterday. She was pregnant. She had a 7 year old, 3 year old, and 15 month old baby. Right  now they are looking for her 3 year old son, and her 15 month old baby was announced dead this morning...

I don't want to imagine how it felt to have her children ripped out of her arms. It is truly heartbreaking and I am going to hug my little girl a little tighter today.

Cherish today.

We aren't promised tomorrow.

The Strom

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Last night as the sky grew darker my heart started skipping beats. I have never liked storms. Don't-get-me-wrong I love the rain that comes with the storms, and the cool breeze that's blows when the sky finally clears, but the thunder, lightening, and threats of tornados stress me out big time.

Even as a child I was terribly afraid of storms, and now that I have a beautiful little girl living in my house I think my stress levels get a little higher when I hear Noble County on the weather channel.

Well, the cellar is ready for us if we have to use it. Water, food, diapers, chairs, and blankets await us down there. I have prepared Manny and Sam as much as possible. This could be an interesting night.

I just hope that this weather doesn't interrupt the Biggest Loser Season Finale :)

Stay safe today.

The Race

April of 2008 I ran 13.1 miles in the Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon. I will be honest: I had one intention in running the race. My boyfriend at the time was training for the half and I decided to join along with one goal in mind… to beat him.

After 2hours and 5minutes I crossed that finish line 25 minutes before my competition. My goal was met. That day I did more than beat an old boyfriend, I fell in love with running. 
 
Yesterday morning we hit the road running as a family. All-3-of-us. Even if I am still the most out-of-shape I have ever been I felt great after crossing that finish line. I have set a new goal for myself.

I want to be:

A Wife. A Mother. A Marathoner.

I can’t wait for Brandon and I’s next race. I can’t wait to be beat by my husband, my beloved, my number two: the fastest runner in my books, Mr. Armstrong.

Challenge yourself today.

Rainy Day

Well, this is the second day in a row that I have been up since 5:00am. I shouldn't complain. My handsome-hunk-of-a-husband is awake at 4:15 every morning of the work week. This morning I was awaken by a loud crash of thunder, followed by our power going out.

Well, obviously the power is back on and despite being tired I have accomplished more around the house this morning than I have all week.

Alivia and I don't have any big plans for this rainy Friday. We actually plan on snuggling on the couch until Papa Bear comes home to take us out on our burger-box-date! We love Friday nights!  What are your Friday night plans?

Go out today. 



My Truth

Truth: Yesterday I spent several hours with my nails painted on just one hand.

Truth: There are more clothes in my laundry basket and on my floor than hanging in my closet right now.
Truth: Yesterday's dishes from lunch are still sitting on the coffee table.
Truth: I haven't swept the kitchen floor in over a week.
Truth: Our bathroom is so dirty I don't want to go in it at all.
Truth: I am wearing a hat for the second day in row.
Truth: I feel like I haven't been out of PJ's in 2 days.
Truth: My life is crazy busy and I don't leave the walls of this house.
Truth: I left my baby girl home with her Papa Bear for the first time yesterday. I called after being gone for 10 minutes to make sure they were okay.

My truth is: haunting-some-days, but most days it is so joyful. My truth is: I have a beautiful-family, a wonderful-house, and a life that is better than I ever imagined. My truth is: my muscles are hurting for the first time in months, and I love the feeling.

Embrace your truth today.

Chicken

Usually Mr. Armstrong is the one that explores in the kitchen. He loves to cook. He makes a-mazing meals every time he steps in the kitchen. I, on the other hand, am the master of mac'n'cheese, frozen chicken strips, tacos, and anything else that doesn't require a recipe because I tend to forget important ingredients every time I cook.

Well, last week we decided we needed to completely change our menu if I wanted to drop some pounds. So, that means no more mac'n'cheese, instant mashed potatoes, frozen chicken strips, summer sausage and everything else we had had started eating every week because it was easy.

Last night I made something that turned out to be good. This is a small miracle! Instead of our frozen chicken, mac'n'cheese, and mixed veggie meal, I made home-made Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers. Instead of the mac we had sweet potatoes fries.

It was delicious and SO much better for us. I think I am going to start exploring more in the kitchen. I actually enjoyed it, and I didn't forget a singe ingredient.

Get cookin' today.

Running Shoes

Well, it happened today. I laced up the good ol' running shoes.

I am going to be really honest today. Yesterday was my 6 week check up after having Alivia, and I got the green light to get exercising again. So, this morning I woke up with running on my mind.

I knew it was going to be hard. I mean running at 165lbs was sure to be different than running at my pre-baby weight of 135. Believe me.. it was different. Running with an extra 30lbs on my body, not to mention the 10lb baby girl I was pushing in her carseat/stroller. It was a challenge, but we did it. We ran/walked 2.65 miles in 38minutes and 31seconds. (I walked 5 mins. Ran 2. Walked 5. Ran 3. Walked 5. Ran 4. Walked 5. Ran 5. and finished walking to the house. About 4 mins).

At one point I felt like Forrest Gump finishing up a cross country trip around America.

Today marks the beginning of: Mission Get My Body Back. Even though I know it will never really go back to normal due to the stretch marks. Good-bye two piece swimsuits, hello mom-suits!

I hope you will be my accountability partner throughout this new journey I am starting. Please don't get tired of my exercise updates!

Get moving today.

A Wife's Love

The past few weeks have been totally and completely about Little Ms. Armstrong. The changes she is making in our lives and our relationship. I am sure I will have millions of more stories about my little-brown-haired-blue-eyed-girl, but today I want to write about Mr. Armstrong.

When Brandon and I were dating, we knew pretty quick that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. 2 months after we starting dating we started talking about marrying each other. I don't remember exactly when he gave me "The List" but he gave me a list of 25 reasons why he wanted to marry me. I still hold this list dear to my heart. I read it often and cherish it.

Today I wanted to share why I want to stay married to Mr. Armstrong:

one: i never go to bed without feeling loved.

two: he is the most handsome man in the world.

three: i still get butterflies in my stomach when he kisses me.

four: he works hard everyday for me and our family.

five: he is a great provider.

six: an amazing cook.

seven: he spoils me

eight: he takes me to braum's every week on a date.

nine: our relationship is a priority to him.

ten: he loves me despite my failures.

eleven: he is a great father.

twelve: he is patient.

thirteen: he motivates me.

fourteen: i am a better, stronger, more confident person because of him.

And most importantly:
fifteen: he loves Jesus more than me.

Tell someone why you love them today.



Fist Pump Friday

Check out my little girl featured on Today's Letters, Fist Pump Friday post! She rocked it!

Little Smiles

A year ago Alivia was just a desire of my heart. I so wanted to be a Momma Bear. I remember waiting each month just to see if I could be pregnant. Now, a year later I sit here holding a little girl that takes my breath away.

Being a full time wife/momma is a big adjustment. There are days that pass by when I feel like I haven't left the couch all day. There are days I feel guilty for not putting the dishes away or letting the clean laundry sit in the dryer, but today I don't feel guilty.

The dishes are in the sink, the laundry in the dryer, the bathroom needs to be cleaned... big time, and today I am just enjoying my little girl. She is starting to smile more everyday and I don't want to miss a single one.

Her smile makes every stretch mark, flabby belly, swollen finger, dirty dish, unfolded laundry, and guilty feeling disappear.

Enjoy little smiles today.

Sleeping Beauty

So, sleep in the first month of Alivia's life was rough. Almost sleepless nights on the couch letting Daddy get his much needed sleep, and days full of nothing but sleep.

Well, I am happy to say that for the the past week my little girl is only getting up twice during the night, and sleeping 4-5 hours at a time. She is making her Momma Bear very happy with this sleep schedule.

I can live with 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Be thankful for sleep today.

Bugs Bunny Band Aids

Today was my baby girls one-month-check-up. She absolutely blew me away. She was prefect.

Alivia is officially 9lbs 15ozs, 22 inches long. I would be lying if I said my heart wasn't broken when we took a seat in the waiting room next to a family with a day old baby girl. Alivia looked like a giant next to little-sleeping-Lyla. My little girl is growing by leaps and bounds, and is perfectly healthy.

The Dr. approved of everything. We have a happy healthy little angel, that has stolen our hearts with every sneeze, hiccup, smile, and grown. Her brown hair, blue eyes, chubby cheeks, and chunky thighs are so beautiful.

I am sad to say that her chunky little thigh has a Bugs-Bunny-Band-Aid on it today after getting a shot. She took it like a champ. Her Papa Bear is so very proud of his Missy Bear today.

Grow today.

Last Night

Last night we ate at my favorite restaurant. We saw Grams and Gramps. We hung out with our favorite cousin Jace(we can't say that for too much longer, in Oct. we are expecting another cousin from the Armstrong side. Alivia is so excited to have a girl cousin!) We got hugs from Aunt Sarah. We played in the park. And we celebrated life together.

Last night was a great night. Full-of-love-and-laughter. Brandon and I are so thankful for our families. We are truly loved.

Enjoy your family today.

Weekend Love

Our weekend was full of love, sundresses, good food, and a naked baby.

We spent so much time together, loving on each other and Ms. Alivia Nicole. Saturday was so great. We worked in the garden, took a walk, ate an a-mazing dinner prepared by Mr. Armstrong, and watched a mid-day-movie.

My 1st Mother's Day was absolutely perfect! I was awakened by the cries of a beautiful blue-eyed girl and her Daddy picking her up out of the pac-n-play. I felt so special all day long. I enjoyed an afternoon nap on the couch, a bowl of home-made-ice-cream, and time with the two people that make my-world-go-round.

I hope your weekend was just a good as mine. I hope you showered your Mom with love. I hope you treasured the moments with loved ones. I hope you rested and relaxed. I hope your weekend made you wish it would never end.

Enjoy your Monday today.

Momma's Day

The past month I have started to learn what being a Mom really means. I am starting to get comfortable in my role as: full time mom/wife. One thing this little human has made me realize is how lucky I am to have a Momma like mine.

I am lucky to have a Mom that stills loves me after all of the worry, fights, and grief I caused her. She loves me after all of the late nights, bad choices, and my stubbornness. She is a great Mom, Grams, and friend.

I only hope Liv and I will have the relationship my m0m and I have one day.

Thanks for all you do for us. I love you Mom.

Celebrate your Mom today.

Purr-fect Girl

I just love Saturdays for two reasons:

1-time with my a-mazing husband

2- watching papa bear spend time with our purr-fect girl

Even when the tears are flowing I can't imagine a life without this little girl and her father. I am so thankful to be a Mom today. I am thankful to be a wife today. I am thankful for the sound of the ice-cream mixer going for the first time this summer. I am thankful for Jesus' unfailing love and amazing blessings today... What are you thankful for today?

Be thankful today.

My Favorite Things

Today I wanted to share with you some of my guilty pleasures:

one. Em & Tim's letters are so encouraging. They are a young married couple that remind me every day to find new ways to love Mr. Armstrong.

two. These bags are so adorable, I spend many hours looking at them and reading Gussy's blog.

three. Emily Anderson is the mom of 5.5 kiddos. I hope our family looks something like this someday!

four. This mom is awesome. Her stories of her little girls are so fun.

The few weeks I have found myself getting encouraged by these women and families that I have listed. Hopefully they can encourage you too. Happy Friday everyone!

Take time to explore today.

One Month

One month ago today at 12:55PM Alivia entered this world. This brand new baby girl was laid on my chest after 9 long months, and 30 hours of hard labor: She was finally here.

She is already such a blessing. She has rocked our world, and I love her more today than I did yesterday.

Happy one month baby girl!

Clean Clothes

It's amazing to me that I have had tons of clean clothes laying in my living room floor for over 24 hours now. I guess the good news is: the-clothes-are-clean. Who needs to pick up the clothes when you have the cutest girl in the world playing in her bouncer?

Not this mom.

I can't belive that one month ago today I was starting to have contractions. We spent the day walking the same 4 blocks, and bouncing in on my excersie ball. One month ago today was the last day our family was a family of 2.

Oh, how things have changed in one month.

Leave the clothes: Treasure the day today.

Our Weekend Away

This weekend was a first for the three of us. Saturday we packed up what-seemed-to-be our whole house and went to OKC for the night. Brandon participated in the OKC Memorial Marathon Relay on Sunday.

Saturday we spent the day as a family. Walking around Perry's Spring Fest before we left for OKC. That afternoon we spent a lot of time at the race Expo. Our little girl was such a trooper, spending hours in her car seat and not making a peep. Saturday night I got to meet Brandon's fellow employees and eat at an amazing Italian restaurant in Bricktown.

Bright and early Sunday morning we got around and made our way down to the start line. Alivia had her "G0-Papa-Bear" shirt on and we were hoping the rain wouldn't last long. Unfortunately the weather did not subside, it got worse. Grams and I were a pair with our two strollers in the freezing rain. We tried to see Sarah finish her first-half-marathon, but the rain came harder and the kiddos just couldn't handle it.

Both, Papa Bear's team and Sarah did amazing! We were so proud of them both.

To say the least I am ready to get my running shoes on soon. Watching people accomplish their goals in the mist of the worst weather conditions was so inspiring! Hopefully Alivia will be up to putting in some miles with her Momma! I see a race in our future!

Get motivated today.