Spring Break Fun

 

 

 

Spring Break 2014 has come and gone. The boys and I got a chance to spend some extra time with daddy. Just one of the perks of working for a University (or any school system). The last two days before he had to head back to work, we took an impromptu trip to Chicago. It looks like this will become a regular thing since it's a hop, skip and a jump away! Because it's still cold out, getting a last minute hotel room in the city was easy. I'm guessing when the summer months roll around this won't be the case. We stayed at the Sheraton Downtown Chicago. I try to stay somewhere in walking distance to Michigan Avenue ( shopping heaven *wink, wink*). As much as I like to score a new pair of shoes or jeans, everyone did a little shopping except for little old me. I think I will wait until summer so I can stroll Michigan Avenue solo...I need to focus! So many beautiful stores! :)  I was glad that Thomas treated himself to a few things. Sometimes I worry that he's working too hard and not enjoying anything. The boys did their shopping at the Lego Store, which I'm regretting now. Too many small pieces. I'm glad that they are constantly building things but the tiny pieces are driving me nuts. I bet if we go to the Lego Store in the near future I will let them get a million pieces all over again. I'm a sucker for a child's imagination.

I think the best part of the trip was The Shedd Aquarium. It's probably one of the best Aquariums that we've been to. The aquatic show was great, as well as the 4D movie. Everything about it was nice. Before we left we made a stop at Homeslice for some pizza. Although it wasn't the famous Chicago deep dish pizza it was delicious. The slices were huge. Of course, Tyson was in heaven. First a visit to the aquarium to see his animal friends, then pizza!! He couldn't have asked for a better day.:)

Overall, we had a great time. It's out of our character to just jump in the car and take a trip but I'm glad we stepped out of our comfort zone and went for it!

I'm hoping to take a trip back in the summer - just in time for Taste of Chicago.:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

Yesterday I celebrated my 29th birthday!!! My husband refuses to say that I'm 29, he just reminds me that I'm almost 30! Lol

I don't mind getting older. It seems like life just gets better with time. I received a beautiful flower cake from my husband (who will be 28 in May,so he's right behind me in age). I love that he has accepted the fact that I LOVE flowers. Who needs a cake with all the calories when you can have a beautiful display of flowers.

Just so you know, in our home when one person is celebrating a birthday it's like it's everybody's birthday. The boys light up at the thought of cake and the possibility of fun activities. Orlando even tried to convince me to celebrate my birthday at Chuck E Cheese. My husband wants all the good food and Tyson just wants an excuse to possible make it to the toy store since everyone is in a good mood. Believe me, he doesn't mind gaining a toy or two from someone else's birthday.

We ended up having dinner at the Melting Pot ( a fondue restaurant) on Sunday to kick off my birthday week. I chose fondue because I thought it would be a great experience for the kids, the dessert and cheese dips are excellent, and the kids ate free on Sunday..so this was a no brainer! Of course Orlando enjoyed every last bit of it and Tyson constantly called his entrée (shrimp & chicken) creatures. He didn't touch one creature! Typical Tyson...
Because it was my birthday, I left with some chocolate covered strawberries which were delicious (I didn't share).

Yesterday, on my actual birthday we celebrated by simply having a family day. We explored Madison a little, had lunch at a new steakhouse close by and enjoyed sushi for dinner (I love sushi).

Oh I can't forget, my Gigi's Cupcakes were delicious. The last two years I've been celebrating with cupcakes instead of a cake. This helps with portion control!:) I would definitely eat an entire cake if you let me (remember, I'm a recovering sugar addict).

Overall, it was a good day! I'm just so grateful for my health and my family. Life is good.:)

 

 

 

 

What's Cooking?

Since we're in the hotel, I have to think of recipes that accommodate our situation. Yesterday, I made sweet Italian chicken & turkey sausage with sautéed peppers and mushrooms over brown rice for Thomas and the boys. It was quick, filling & delicious. Sometimes "simple" does the trick. I wonder what other recipes will be created during this "hotel living" phase?

My Pure Barre Experience

So you've heard me complain about my struggle with getting to the gym and finding a fitness routine that will give me the results that I'm looking for (that I'm willing to stick to). Losing weight is great, but I've been off the scale for a while since,for me, it's never really helped. I can tell if a workout is working for me because I quickly lose inches and I just have more energy in general. Sunday afternoon I nervously strolled into the Pure Barre studio located about 10 minutes from the hotel. I've been eyeing this Pure Barre craze for a while. I first learned about it when we moved to Chattanooga almost two years ago but never found the time or courage to try it out. Well...I finally did it and let me tell you, if you ever decide to attend a class you will tone, burn, stretch, and lift body parts you didn't even know existed. I knew that it would be a good workout, but it kicked by butt! My body shook uncontrollably the entire time (they say that's a good thing, it means you're pushing your body to the max).
When the instructor started off, I was sure we would have a warm-up. The second we started I quickly realized that this workout was no joke. I couldn't tell the warm-up from rest of the workout. We jumped right into abs and arms. I wasn't ready! I thought my body was going to give out the first five minutes into the workout and it was too late to make a run for it. I would've had to grab my shoes, keys, and coat from my cubby. Things I just couldn't leave behind. I was stuck!
When I'm struggling in a workout I'm usually motivated by the women much older than me breezing right through it. It gets me every time. If they can do, then shot so can I.
I was so happy when the instructor said we only had five minutes left until I realized that those last five minutes were all abs. Can you say burn baby burn?! Ouch.
 After all that burn I'm happy to report that I purchased a one month pass. Crazy, huh?
 Usually when a workout gives me a burn like this one did I dread going back, but this workout is addictive. After looking at how toned and strong the women who attend Pure Barre regularly are, I feel like I'm missing out. They had toned arms, legs and were killing those ab routines like nobody's business. There is no way you can attend these classes 3-4 times a week and not see results in the first month or two (unless you're eating unreasonably).  I will continue to attend classes and update you on the progress. I go back today! :)

Weekend recap {Hotel Living Part II / Laundry}

 

 

 

 

Just when I thought that I figured this hotel living all out, laundry happened! If your family is anything like mine, then you know that laundry can be a nightmare. It continues to pile up with no end in sight. Thankfully, there is a laundry room on site here at the hotel. Laundry is one of those things that I would pay somebody to do if I could. Not only is it one of my least favorite chores, I'm terrible at folding. Sad but true. Thomas folds ten times better than I do so I'm happy when he's around to do it. I think he actually enjoys it. I cringe at the thought of it, but it has to get done. Although dragging your laundry basket to the laundry room here isn't ideal, I found something that is...three loads of clothes going all at once! Hallelujah!!! No waiting on one load to get done to load another. I can do all three loads at once. You know I had to find the silver lining in the situation.:) If I didn't I would go completely mad. Lol

Our weekend also consisted of us going to another movie (that's three in the past two week, I think we'll stop at that). The boys were counting down the days for the movie Mr. Peabody and Sherman to come out. It was a very cute movie. In my opinion it was one big history review. I'm all for learning and entertainment at the same time so it gets an A+ from me. We also did our usual bed cramming (at Orlando's request) to watch a basketball game.
The weather is also getting a little better. It was in the 30's which felt so good when you're comparing it to the single digits we were experiencing when we first arrived.
Lastly, I found and attended a workout class that could help whip me back into shape for those pool visits the boys are looking forward to. I will post details tomorrow!

How was your weekend?

 

States with the Best & Worst Schools in America

I ran across an interesting article in the Huffington Post about a study recently released on the states with the best  and worst schools in the U.S.  According to 24/7wallst.com, the U.S. received a C- for the third year in a row for our education system (falling behind other developed nations).
Reading this article helped me to further realize how we as parents have to do our very best to give our children the best chance at a fair and decent education. These studies are proof that our education system is at a stand still and little is being done to bring change to a system that is obviously not working. Not all parents can send their kids to get a private education. So what about the rest of us? What can we do as parents to help our kids?
One thing is for sure, education starts at home and whatever time you can devote to teaching your child is better than no time at all. Not only is teaching them reading and math important, but manners and morals are also at the top of the list of importance. If your child can't sit still, pay attention, or isn't respectful that could hurt them more than anything else. Growing up, my mother was a single parent and worked a lot so she didn't spend a lot of time teaching me ABCs and math but I do remember her reading with me at night and teaching me to be respectful. Being the baby of five kids I probably gained more common sense than anything. That probably helped me in more ways than I realized. My point is, as parents we have to be committed to giving our best to our children. So if you see that the school is failing your child, it is up to you to step in and find a solution that will benefit your child. If we as parents don't care, no one else will.

Take a look at the link below to see where your state falls on the list 
Click Here to read the full article

Late weekend post

 The weather was extremely cold but that didn't stop us from getting out for a little bit this past weekend. The boys and I finally got a tour of the UW athletic facility and it was pretty impressive! I absolutely love the view from Thomas' office. The boys really wanted to get out on the field but as you can see the snow prevented us from doing that.
Besides heading to church on Sunday, the cold weather kept us in for the remainder of the weekend.Let's just say,we've had plenty of take-out (finding a gym ASAP, I'll keep you posted)! Although it's been a nice break from cooking, I'm starting to miss my pots and pans.  I can cook simple things in the hotel with the small kitchen but trying not to have so many smells in such a tight space. Soon enough I will be back in my normal routine begging for a break from cooking so I think I will try to enjoy this time.
 On the other hand, games and movies have been a real life-saver. Despicable Me 2 was our spotlight movie of the weekend. I really enjoyed that little bit of family time.
Hope you all are enjoying your week so far. We're just trying to stay warm like the majority of the country.
Really looking forward to spring!...Oh I almost forgot, spring ball starts today! Woohoo! Let's get this show on the road - can you tell that I have totally bought into this lifestyle?!!!

Office View

 

Indoor facility

Doing their best Heisman pose in front of the Heisman trophy case

Yep, it's still cold.

 

Despicable Me 2