Goals - Running

Starting almost a year ago, after being inspired by one of my sorority sisters, Susan, I planned to start running.  My logic was you never see a fat runner, so running was as good a sport as any to help me get in shape and lose weight.  Also, I know there are all sorts of races that I could be a part of and feel like I'm doing something that I can be proud of.

Because of Susan's blog, I discovered the Couch 2 5K Running Program.  I downloaded the app on my phone and completed all the way through around week 6.  I even ran 3 days while I was on vacation at the beach which is UNHEARD of for me!  Unfortunately, I started out with the wrong shoes.  That, paired with probably starting out too fast, made for a lot of pain for me.  I tried to take breaks, walk more.  Eventually, I gave up.  My legs would cramp up so bad that I would almost fall coming down the stairs first thing in the morning.  It really scared me because I thought I had done something to really hurt myself.  I was also really disappointed in myself because I had lost only around 3 lbs in that 6 week time span.

With the new year approaching, I decided to give it a try again.  Chris got his mom's treadmill for me and starting on January 1, I decided to seriously try to stick to my running program, along with my diet.  I'm proud to say that almost 3 months later, I'm still sticking to my diet and exercise routine.  The Couch 2 5k program is only 9 weeks long, so I'm done with that, but my plans are to complete a few 5k's and then start training for a 10k!  In the past 12 weeks, I've lost 12 lbs which is not great, but it's average and for the amount of effort that I've had to put in, I'll gladly take it.  Also, I've noticed a much greater difference in my clothes than the numbers on the scale which is even better!  I have clothes that I haven't worn in two years that I'm able to wear now which is awesome!  I still have around 30 lbs I'd love to lose, but I'm happy with the progress I'm making.  

When I was around halfway through my 9 weeks, I decided to start looking for races.  I was scared to death, but I knew I'd never be able to forgive myself if I gave up again.  As soon as I started looking, I found the ZTA Franklin 5k.  I thought this one would be perfect since I was a ZTA in college.  It turned out to be a great event and I can't imagine pulling off an event like they did!  The cost was low..only $15 which paid for the race and of course a t-shirt.  Who doesn't love a good t-shirt?  Two of my sorority sisters, Susan and Kristin also came to run which helped to ease my nerves.

I was so nervous on race day, I felt like I was going to be sick.  i'm not a fast runner at all, but I managed to achieve all the goals I set for myself, most importantly finishing in under 35 minutes and not walking.  I did walk twice when I stopped to get water.  (I have no idea how those people run and drink water at the same time!)  My official time was 34:27 which I was very proud of.  I think I'm hooked already and can't wait to find another 5k to run!

Thanks Susan for inspiring me in so many ways!!

Lily - 15 Months

Can't believe my baby girl is 15 months already!  She's quite the handful these days..who knew girls were so much different than boys!  The boys are non-stop, but she's non-stop AND emotional!  At her well check, she was 21 lb, 14.5 oz (60%), 30.5 inches long (50%) and her head is 45.4 cm (45%).

Lily:
*Loves to run..especially if you're chasing her
*Loves to wrestle with the boys..she's always tackling Nixon from behind when he least expects it
*Loves to read books..she has one little book that she carries around everywhere
*Loves to swing..she has discovered her swing on the swing set and as soon as we walk in the door in the afternoon, she points outside
*Can say Dada, Mama, Bye, milk and Dougie (her baby's name)
*Can sign Please, More, Eat and drink
*Will finally give kisses on command..she used to turn her head every time you tried to steal a kiss..now she actually will give them to you
*Has to use Detangler Spray after baths on her hair because it's gotten so long..most days it has a little curl to it which I really love..not sure if that will last though
*Has learned how to climb up on the table and will do so at the drop of a hat

*Loves to help with the laundry..she will push the clothes into the washer and if I drop any on the floor, she will pick them up for me
*Finally got her first pair of Crocs..Hot Pink no less and they're the cutest things ever!

She is definitely a hand full but we love every minute!

Organization - Check!

One of the items on my bucket list was to organize all the kids artwork from school.  It's something that's been driving me crazy for months.  Most of you love Pinterest as much as I do. While browsing the website one day, i found this great blog.  She has awesome organization ideas, especially when it pertains to kids.  This was just what I wanted to do with the kids artwork and so I made up my mind that this is what I would do. Finally, I went from this...

to this...

Landon's is a little more full since his daycare, pre-school, kindergarten, and 1st grade folders are full already..

Each folder has a summary sheet to put in the beginning so that you always remember the year/teacher..

I love the final product and I am so glad I came across this idea on Pinterest!

Lily - 5 Months!

I'm Back!!  I know it's been a while, but it's been crazy around the Walters' Household...with no hopes of things slowing down at least for a few more weeks..Lily is now 5 months and she weighs around 15 lbs.

Here are a few things about her right now:

-She still eats her 6 oz every three hours during the day, but she has added 3 containers of Stage 2 baby food a day..What can I say..girl takes after her moma..she loves to eat!

-She is definitely rolling all around the living room..you have to watch what you lay down around her now because she'll roll right over to it.

-She likes to watch you talk and she'll move her mouth, without making any sounds, in the same motions..it's the funniest thing because she gets this really serious face while she's doing it

-She likes to "sing" herself to sleep..it's so sweet..she'll just murmur those sweet baby sounds until she's fast asleep.  She also wakes up "singing" and will sometimes sing herself right back to sleep on Saturdays and Sundays!

-She loves her "baby" so I guess she's going to be just like the boys with all the animals/blankets/pillows in the bed

-She's becoming more of a Daddy's girl..she gets the biggest grin on her face when she sees her Daddy first thing in the morning.

-When I pick her up in the afternoons, she likes to lean right towards my face and give a big open-mouth kiss..and of course I eat it up!  Then, she snuggles my neck until we get out to the car and I put her in her seat..Love it!

She's a really good baby..but becoming a bit of a Princess already..she definitely knows what she wants and knows how to get it..even at daycare!

- She especially loves her feet..she sucks on her big toe every chance she gets!

My Bucket List

Do you ever sit and think about the things you'd like to accomplish in your life?  I've been thinking about that lately.  There are some things I wanted, which I've done already, but a lot still left on my list.  Maybe writing them down will help me to actually accomplish some!

• Get my MBA
• Sit for and pass the CPA Exam (taking the prep course now)
• Read through the Bible
• Run a 5k
• Run a 10k
• Run a Half Marathon
• Lose 40 lbs which would put me at college weight or weight when I got married (Lost 9 so far)
• Have a big family (only one more baby to have and I think we'll qualify)
• Buy a house (we've actually purchased 3 in our 8 years of marriage)
• Pay off all of my Debt (working diligently on this one finally)
• Go to Australia
• Visit Alcatraz and take a night tour
• Have a job that I love
• Own a Beach House
• Visit Charleston, SC and stay at a Bed & Breakfast
• Learn how to work my camera so that I can take awesome pictures
• Learn how to sew
• Marry the man of my dreams (he couldn't be more perfect for me!)
• Completely organize all the kids baby items that we're keeping

That's all that I can think of for now, but I'm sure I'll add some additional items as I think about them.  What things do you hope to accomplish?

Lily

Lillian Ruth

Little Sister to Landon & Nixon

Apple of my Eye

I waited so long to have a little girl just like you!

You've been spoiled rotten from Day 1..

I don't think you ever stood a chance. 

Your Daddy is already wrapped around your little finger.

You know just what to do to get your way..

With two big brothers, you're as tough as nails...

But also as sweet as sugar (especially when you want something).

My Little Lily Goose, Pumpkin Pie, Chunky Monk, I love you to pieces,

And I can't imagine our family without you in it. 

You added a missing piece that seems to complete us. 

I love you to the moon and back!

Nixon

Nixon Asher

Little Brother to Landon

Big Brother to Lily



You've been so full of life since you were born

You were the little boy that rocked our peaceful world!

I remember when you were around 3 weeks old, I put the wrong size nipple on your bottle and you sucked it down in 10 seconds. 

We knew at that moment that you would be trouble!

My little colicky baby that would only go to sleep if I drove you around at night. 

I would cry while you cried yourself to sleep.

Luckily, you outgrew that phase quickly and we most certainly fell in love with you after that.

You have that little smile that will get you whatever you want.

You have such a good personality that I don't have to worry about you.

I know that you'll go far in life. 

You have so much fun everyday, without a care in the world.

I love how you break out into a dance at the drop of a hat.

You've always been my little butterbean and I love that at 4 1/2 years old, you still love to cuddle!

You're my sweet boy that will most definitely always be a momma's boy.

I love you butterbean!