Red Dye and Christmas Trees.

I feel like weeping this afternoon for no real reason, and can confidently tell you it's from a major lack of sleep.

Sorry for the redundancy to all of my FB friends, but for those of you who don't already know, Jaxon has insomnia on a serious level.  He wakes up half a dozen times through the night for no reason other than to play.  He's wide awake an hour after going to bed, and almost on the hour through the night.  We find him downstairs playing with his trains at 1...2...3am.  He asks me to turn on movies for him and asks me to come watch him play.  Seriously child, it's the middle of the night.

It's getting to the point that it's worse than having a newborn.  I'm sorry to complain, but sleep deprivation does some serious things with your head, mind, spirit, and attitude.

We were at the doctor this morning for Cohen's 2 year well child visit (which went great!  He's in the 50th% for height and 40th% for weight), and when she casually asked me how Jaxon was doing, tears started welling up in my eyes.  This Mama is tired.

Before I could even finish, she interrupted me and told me "I want you to cut out red dye #40 from his diet."  Um, what?  No offense to anyone who already does this, but I really have always assumed people that believe that food coloring affects us was a little over the top.  But after spending the last 2 hours researching it, reading articles, and gathering info from friends... I am ready to make the leap.  I'm not going hardcore and freak out if someone gives him candy or food with it in it, but if I can make small changes at home to help him, I will.

So many of the articles also linked bad/aggressive behavior in kids to food dyes as well.  I hope this will also help deter some of the negative behavior we've seen from him as well.  He is very aggressive when he's upset, so it makes sense to me.

And now, the hard part, making the change.  Have I ever mentioned how horrible I am with change?

Pray for me as we go through this transition, I feel overwhelmed thinking about it all and cling to this scripture:

If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. 

He loves to help.

James 1:5a (The Message)

And after reading Kristal's post from today, I just want to go wake up my babies, sit on the floor, and soak them in.  The days of our babies needing us are flying by, quicker than we could have ever dreamed.

Earlier in the day I told my Sister that I needed to blog but had nothing to write about.  She told me, just post a picture of your tree!  So this one's for you, Kallie Sue. 

These are their new ornaments the boys picked out this year... I love this Christmas tradition so much.

On the plus side of my day, my Mom comes tomorrow night.  You know how Mom's have that magical touch to make everything just a little bit better.  

And that's that.  A glimpse into the crazy train inside my head today.  :)

Tidbits.

I am so thankful that it's a short work week, aren't you?

I really need a break and some time away.

This past weekend I did something I've never done... set up our Christmas tree before Thanksgiving!

I know, it's pretty horrible.  BUT - with us traveling for Thanksgiving, I knew I wouldn't want to do it when we got back, so I thought we'd do it ahead of time and be able to sit back and enjoy it for a week longer this year.  :) 

The next night we decorated.  So much fun.

Oh how I love my sweet family. 

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I am really trying to learn HOW to walk with the Lord in the present.  I am such a planner, and it does not come easy for me to not plan ahead and spend my days looking forward.  Especially when plans (that I've made) start to fall through, how quickly I start to panic.  Jesus Calling hit me hard again this morning as I read: 

"Think of your life as an adventure, with Me (God) as your guide and companion.  Live in the NOW, concentrating on staying in step with Me.  When our path leads to a cliff, be willing to climb it with My help.  When we come to a resting place, take time to be refreshed in my presence.  Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to me."
It hit me like a ton of bricks, really.  And the phrase about climbing the cliff almost brings me to tears.  I know He has it all worked out, so why do I continue to try and take it all on myself?

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Have you guys heard of Treat?  It is Shutterfly's new greeting card brand... you can send personalized greeting cards for birthdays, holidays, anniversary's, and pretty much anything in between.  It’s crazy fun. It’s super easy. And it’s totally personal.

Today and Tomorrow (11/19 and 11/20) you can get a FREE personalized greeting card, perfect for the upcoming holiday!  Go to their website and enter the code TREATBLOGR and you're good to go!

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I love this sequence of shots from a mini session I did on Saturday:

And after doing lots of weddings recently, let me just tell you how amazing it was to be done with a session in 20 minutes, start to finish.  

20 minute mini session > 10 hour wedding days.

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Last week I didn't make it to any of my boxing/TRX classes (I did cardio + pump instead) and myohmy, I was feeling it today when I was finally able to go again.  The trainers were giving me a hard time for missing by eating chocolate chip cookies right next to me... ha!  It's good to know I was missed.  :)

I love that even after hitting my goal I've still been making it to the gym 3-4 times a week.  Motivation is something I've never had a lot of (especially in the exercise world) and I'm so thankful for it!


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Let me preface this next bit with a statement:  I have never been a Twilight fan, and haven't even read the books.  I literally watched all 4 movies this week trying to get caught up before the 5th one came out.
Ok... now that that's off my chest, I had an amazing girls night Thursday night!  12 of my friends and I went out for dinner, stood in a line wrapped around a building, and saw the final Twilight movie.  And I loved it... seriously, loved it.  Like, want to run to the theatre right now and watch it again.  It took me a while to get into the movies (hated the 1st one, barely liked the 2nd one, and then started enjoying the series during the 3rd one), but I looooved the last movie!  
Has anyone else seen it?  Did you like it?

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Tonight is break week at small group... my mind is spinning with the possibilities on what we could do.  We could go to Starbucks and then let the boys pick out their new ornaments...
We could get some Christmas shopping done...
Or we could stay home, order some pizza, and be completely lazy.
My guess is we'll go with #3.  Because after a busy weekend, it sounds perfect.

Happy Monday to you.

Tiny Prints Winner!

Thank you to each of you who entered the Tiny Prints giveaway!

The winner is Karalie T  :)

Congratulations girl!!  Email me for more info on how to redeem your prize.

For all of you who didn't win, be sure to check out the Special Offers page for discount codes for your Christmas cards.

Thanks again to everyone who entered!

10k Race Day!

You'll probably remember that 5 weeks ago I checked one of my New Years Resolutions off my list and ran my first 5k, and this past weekend I doubled that distance running my first 10k!

I probably wouldn't have ever pushed myself to run more than a 5k if it wasn't for my brother, who sent us all an email asking if we were interested in a 10k.  I never ever ever thought this was something I would, or COULD do, so having completed this feels pretty dang good.

Leading up to the race the farthest I had ran was 5 miles, but after I would complete 5 miles, I felt pretty good.  I didn't feel like I was going to die, and I felt like maybe I could go a little farther, so even though I had never ran 6.6 miles, it felt attainable.

Saturday was a PERFECT November day in Kansas, well... minus the 40-50mph winds, but I did mention we are in Kansas didn't I?

One of the biggest differences between this race and our Color Run was the way they got us hyped up to start.  At the Color Run, there was LOUD music pumping, a DJ, a countdown, and so much excitement.  This race we lined up and barely heard a horn, indicating it was time to go.  Way different, but I suppose that's to be expected with a smaller scale race.  A little disappointing, none the less!

We took off and right away I realized I was going to have a hard time keeping up with my brother.  If you want to know one of the differences between a man and womans body, this is it!  He's been training for 5 weeks and his first race was a 10k.  I've been training for... 24? weeks and his endurance amazed me.  I kept up fairly well until mile 3... my Dad needed to take a break to stretch his leg (he had an injury) and mentally I started shutting down.  I told Chad to go on at his faster pace without me, and about 15 seconds later I started kicking myself and started up again.  He wasn't far ahead of me but with earbuds in, he couldn't hear me calling out to him and we lost him for the rest of the race... which hear me out, was totally ok. I was so happy for him that he had the endurance and strength to stay at his faster pace and didn't want to slow him down.

Dad caught up with me at 3.5 miles and we finally hit the turnaround point.  This is where the race got SIGNIFICANTLY easier for me.  I am a huge visual person, and running on a new trail with no idea where the turnaround point was made it really hard for me.  Once we were able to turn around and head back and I could identify the different landmarks telling myself I only had "x" farther to go, I did so much better mentally.


The run back, however, sucked.  It seriously sucked.  We knew we were in trouble when the first 1.5 miles of the trail were ALL downhill, meaning they would be uphill on our finish.  Just as expected, it was not easy, but we pushed through.  We did walk a few times, but my Dad and I are the perfect running partners... he pushed me when I wanted to walk more, and I pushed him to run when he wanted to walk more.


You know how you have good running days and you have bad ones?  This was a horrible one for me.  I kept beating myself up throughout the race trying to figure out what was different or why I was "out of it" that day... the verdict is still out, but most likely it was just in my head.  I had pretty much told myself before the race that it would be a miracle if I could even finish, and I think that's what did it for me.  It's all in the head, people.

A couple of times throughout the run my Dad would sense me shutting down and say something to encourage me.  You guys, he is amazing.  He made me cry 3x on the trail with the things he was saying...
"I am SO proud of you!! You're doing this!!!"
"C'mon Darlin'...we can do this... we ARE doing this!!!"
"CAN YOU BELIEVE WE'RE RUNNING A 10K!!??"
"If someone would have told me 5 years ago that my daughter Megan was going to run a 10k, I would have bet my LIFE SAVINGS that she wouldn't... and look at you now!!"  (haha)

By this point, Chad had already crossed the finish line (6 minutes ahead of us...woo!)

And finally it was our turn... we saw it... the beloved finish line.  Dad said "ok - let's SPRINT!" and we did...

Tears tears tears of joy as I finished... a mix of emotions:: SO stinkin' glad it was over, SO happy, SO proud, SO thankful, and did I mention I was glad it was over?!

I wanted so badly for this race to be over while I was running it, but of course now that it's over we're already looking for our next one.

And that's why they call it runners high.  Good stuff.  :)

He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
    and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31

Living Room updates.

Our Living Room is the #1 thing I wish I could change about our home, because it's tiny.  I mean, tiny.

I love to entertain, host friends/small group, and envision my entire family hanging out there... and while some of that does happen regardless, it makes for some tight space.  Nothing like bonding with the person next to you practically sitting in your lap.

Anyway, here it is in all it's small glory!

This chair was a Christmas gift to myself... from my hubby... you know how that goes :)

And yes, the rug needs flattened out, I know.  If you have any suggestions on how to make that happen (I've tried heavy books), I'm all ears. 

Won this in a blog giveaway... love love love! 

This wall was updated with new frames and our family picture on a canvas.  And of course, now looking at a picture I can see a few things crooked.  Oh well. 

(see the old version of this wall here) 

 I was looking for a new smaller side table and Craigslist came through for me once again... it was pretty dinged up but with some elbow grease and a can of spray paint she's as good as new.  

 This rug was found all crumpled up in the corner of Target... I had no idea what it looked like OR how big it was and knew it would need work to get the wrinkles out, but I couldn't pass up the $35 price tag, especially when the original price was closer to $200.

I do love how much natural light floods this room.  Even on overcast days, I don't need the lamps on... for that, I am thankful!  Bright rooms keep me happy.

It's definitely nothing fancy, but I really wanted this to be a space where people can come in, kick their shoes off, and just stay a while.  Hopefully that continues to happen.  :) 

Tidbits.

- I don't know who invented Daylight Savings Time, but I am 110% against it this year.  Not only does it jack with the boys' schedules, but I feel like it has put me out of whack as well.  Not to mention it makes running impossible, unless I want to run in the dark, which I won't.  Which means running on the treadmill.  Which I hate.  AND it's pitch dark at 5:15 when Tyler gets home.  Ugh.

- Whoops, sorry to start on a negative note.  Who is excited for the Election results tonight?!  This girl!  I feel so honored, so thankful, so privileged to have a voice and the freedom to vote.  I am so confident that our God is BIGGER than any candidate, and has complete control no matter the results.  I'm just ready for all the political garbage to be over!

- Tyler and I went on an unexpected date Friday night.  Sushi and to a coffee shop to play a board game.  Seriously my IDEAL date.  Coffee, games, and the man I love.  So perfect.

- Seriously, sometimes my OCD side just cannot handle the way kids play with toys.  Why can't we just sit and play with ONE toy at a time, and instead we have to dump ALLLL of them out.  And some days I really just want to throw away every single toy we have.
But then there's this crazy side of me:: I love to clean up our playroom.  Putting all of the toys in a basket, sorting them, and putting them where they belong makes me happy.  Until it needs done again 10 minutes later.

- I still haven't quite wrapped my head around having a 2 year old.  My littlest child is 2.  It feels weird to not have anyone younger than 2 in our house.  This probably makes no sense to anyone else but me, but I just haven't quite wrapped my mind around it yet.  Did I tell you we ate at T-Rex the night of Cohen's birthday party and my boys were freaked out the entire time?  We just went there a few months ago and they both LOVED it, and then we go on Cohen's birthday and they are scared.  Of course it works out that way!

- Lots of exciting things happening in my role at church lately and I'm so excited about what God has laid on my heart.  Nothing I can share yet... but I will soon.  :)

- The last 5 weekends have been spent shooting weddings, so to say I am excited for a break this weekend is an understatement!  (Leah, I have no idea how you did it all.summer.long!)  My parents are coming to town, and my Dad, brother, and I are running a 10k!  I am ready for it to be over so I can stop worrying about not being able to run it.  :)

- Did you enter my giveaway yet?  $50 off your Christmas cards?  Do it!

- I am "on call" the next couple weeks for an upcoming birth (for photography), and I am so excited!  I'm a little freaked out it will happen in the middle of the night and I won't hear my phone ring, but I've been cranking my phone up to full volume so I'm fairly certain it won't be a problem.  I should probably be more worried about waking up my entire household when my ringer does go off.

- I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS!!!!  I wish I could set up my Christmas tree tomorrow.

Ok, this is a totally random and ridiculous post, obviously there's not much going on in our neck of the woods.  I should go start dinner... doesn't it feel like that's all we do?

Cook, clean...pick up the toyroom... repeat.

Tiny Prints GIVEAWAY!!

I am over the moon excited about the giveaway for y'all today!!

One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is getting cards in the mail... nothing better than getting an update from so many people from different seasons of our lives.  I especially love any photo card, it is so fun seeing the different pictures and designs.  I hope this is one tradition that never dies, no matter how popular social media gets, you know?

I am so thrilled to check out Tiny Prints Christmas Cards for 2012.  I went a little crazy looking through all of the adorable designs, and I'm in love with the Premium DoubleThick Matte Paper that they use.  Only the best for this company!

Snuggle up with some cocoa and let's start looking through some of my favorites, shall we?

Not to sound like a broken record, but I was only on the 2nd page and already picked all these favorites... I might be in trouble trying to decide which to choose.  Stinkin' cute stuff!

If you're loving these cards as much as I am, you're in for a treat today!

First off, stop by their Special Offers page to find a few different coupon codes!

And second, Tiny Prints is giving away a $50 credit towards your order, to one lucky reader! I'm so excited that one of you will get your hands on these cards for such a great deal. (expires 12/14/12 - no extensions! Also does not include shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos.) 

To enter, make sure you're a follower of my blog (on the right --> "Join this Site"), and leave me a comment telling me your favorite Christmas tradition.

For an extra entry, you can post on Facebook OR blog about the giveaway.  Leave me a second comment saying you did so. 

Giveaway ends Nov 14, 2012 at 12pm.

Eeeck!  Good luck!

This post is sponsored by Tiny Prints.  All opinions are 100% my own.  

I was compensated with some amazing cards in exchange for writing this post.

Goal complete!

This should have been posted last week, but I needed to get some "after" shots first.  :)

Last Wednesday, I weighed in and saw the beautiful number that I've been reaching for since May.

33 pounds down!  And finally at my goal weight.

It's been a long 6 months and seriously guys, I am proud of myself.  I didn't give up when I desperately wanted to sign up for all the weight loss programs... I followed the simple math of counting calories and exercising... and pushed through.

So here we go!

May 2012 (before)

October 2012 (AFTER!)

You can see that I'm definitely not a size 0, and never ever will be.  I still have room for improvement, but remember this post?  I am NOT that person anymore!  I have energy, I feel happy and confident, and I have learned portion control and how to eat healthier, without starving myself or feeling like I'm "missing out" on good food.

And where do I go from here?  Honestly, I'd still like to lose more.  I don't want to set unrealistic or ridiculous goals, but I'd like to keep working hard and always have something to be working towards so that I don't lose my motivation.... so that the drive that I have does not disappear.  I'd like to continue to really tone up, and lose my baby belly once and for all.  My stomach = still SO flabby.  My dream someday is to feel confident in a bathing suit, and I'm still SO far from that.  :)

Lastly, I really want to thank you guys.  A few of you have been my BIGGEST FANS and support through this, and so many of you have sent me messages or texts, left me comments, encouraged me on facebook or instagram, and even in person... and those kinds of things really kept me going.  So, thank you.  There's honestly NO way I could have done it without my husband, and without my parents.  My three biggest supporters.

This is not a "look at me! I'm so great! Watch me brag!" post.  I hope this will motivate SOMEONE, ANYONE to realize that if you're unhappy with how you look or how you feel, you CAN make a change.  You CAN do this.

Exercise is not fun, and eating correctly is not easy, but the end result?  So worth it.

The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Psalm 28:7