Breaking news.... :)

WHOA....what a whirlwind the last almost 2 months have been....I was forced to take a blogging vacation because all I could think about was the 6 + pregnancy tests...yes I took 6! hahaha but I had to keep my mouth shut for a while to make sure the (now little plum) would be ok! I found out on the morning of Dec. 10th when I randomly took a test and it came back positive...immediately a MILLION thoughts, worries, and holy shits went through my head!!! I can only imagine what went through my hubby's head as he looked at me and said "are you OK?" and I replied with a positive test in my hand and said "maybe we should get more tests..." hahaha     After the initial shock that I now realize most new parents-to-be go through...we couldn't be happier to announce to our family and friends that we are going to be a family of 3!! well 5 if you include our pups! ;)  Hearing her strong, fast little heartbeat was one of the best experiences I have had with my hubby (his face was priceless), and I cannot wait til our first ultrasound!!!

I always said I would run my lil heart out throughout my entire pregnancy and that I wouldn't be like all those other moms who quit running just because of pregnancy....I was WRONG!! ha All I could think about was how guilty I would feel if something happened and we found out it was because I was running...needless to say...I am a big fat worry wort!! My doc told me that I cannot be running or training for any marathons, but running is just fine since my body was already used to it....but...I stopped running until last week when I finally realized that my lil plum would be just fine if I continued running (just at a slower pace over fewer miles)...and if she didn't like it...she would give me a warning sign! I have been going to the gym at least 3x a week for about 45min of cardio (give or take) and feeling great! It gives me a renewed sense of energy that I didn't know existed because I've been soooo fatigued over the last few weeks...but after a workout, I feel like my old self again...strong, healthy, and happy! :)

As for my diet....I thought I ate healthy before a weed sprouted in my uterus....but geez everything I put in my mouth I now question the nutritional value of...I mean everything!! I thought I'd eat my heart out for the first time in my life...but nope...I'm counting my fruit and veggie servings (trying for at least 3 of each/day...and even that is hard), I'm trying to eat less sweets/desserts....but that's a struggle of course, and I'm watching my caffeine consumption like it's evil or something! very little coffee is now being consumed...I miss it...but know it's all for the plum! :) 

With everything that has been going on in our lives over that last few months...I have learned it is possible to love my husband even more :), to count my blessings, and my faith in God has grown! How can you not believe in a higher power when a human being is being formed inside of you!??! I simply amazing! :) :)  I hope everyone has an wonderful day!

ps....I realized I called the baby a girl multiple times...we don't know what it is yet...but maybe that's a sign?! :)

Working out in the SNOW!

This morning I woke up feeling like the last thing I wanted to do was truck through the snow and cold to go run on a treadmill, but was determined to do it anyway since I've been slacking over the last 2 weeks. :)  When I opened my garage and discovered my driveway still wasn't plowed (despite paying people to do it!) I decided that a change of plans was in order!! So I ran upstairs, changed into my snow clothes, and grabbed the shovel! I love the workout that shoveling snow can give you ~ you work your core when stabilizing yourself and in lifting the snow, you work your arms and back muscles to lift the snow, you hopefully work your legs too if you lift properly, and of course you get a cardio workout as well! I know that when I shovel, I definitely receive a total body workout because I'm usually sore all over within a few hours. :)  Now for those of you who are calorie counters....the amount of calories burned will vary depending on your weight, but I used my heart rate  and VO2max caloric burning rate to determine my number of calories burned.....and it was approximately 250 fat calories and 375 total calories! If you haven't had your VO2max performed you can use a common calorie counter such as the one found on healthdiscovery.net  That's a lot for not having to leave my home to receive a total body workout! :) 

Just be careful not to dump the snow in your face! hahaha aww poor kiddo!

I challenge you to take advantage of the snow, get out of the house, and break up your exercise routine! Nothing better than spending time outside when the snow is falling, your dogs are running around, and it's absolutely beautiful out! :)

Wishful Wednesday

With a little over a week until Christmas, my wish is that everyone would take time to find a giving tree and donate to a family/organization in need.  For the past month I have been struggling trying to decide if I should take a tag off the giving tree at work...well last Wednesday I decided I would take a few off the tree...next thing I know...I was buying for 5 different people!! It was such an amazing and joyful feeling to know that I can share what I have earned to some kiddos, teachers, and elderly. :)  So my WISH is that you take a few minutes out of your week to make a difference in someone else's life via a giving tree! Everyone needs a little extra love especially around Christmas time!! :) 

Days 11, 12, and 13 of the 12 Days of Cookies!

Day 11 ~ Polvorones: Ground Walnut Cookies

My mom used to make these for us on Christmas Eve.  They are dry, but great with a good cup of eggnog or peppermint coffee (my personal fav) :)

 Day 12 ~ Craisy Oatmeal Cookies

You really cannot go wrong with an oatmeal cookie.  Not sure how I feel about it for a Christmas cookie, but still a yummy choice.

Day 13 ~ 3-in-1 Sugar Cookies

awww...finally they listened to me...or facebook apparently ~ this is the "facebook fan" cookie of choice.  Nothing screams Christmas quite like a decorated sugar cookie! :)

Hope you all enjoyed reading and baking the  12 Days of Christmas Cookies! :) 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/12-days-of-cookies/package/index.html

Traditional Cookie Baking with My Sister!

As I told you earlier...my sister came to visit this weekend...we spent all day Sunday baking what we consider to be our traditional Christmas cookies and sweets! :)  Here are our creations!!

Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Traditional Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

 Dark and White Chocolate Pretzels

Cookie Days 8, 9, and 10 :)

 whew...soo here are the last days we've missed while I've been busy finishing up my LAST WEEK OF REAL CLASS EVER!!!! :) ahh feels so good to say that!!  

These cookies are all so weird...I mean where are the traditional thumbprint cookies, the sugar cookies, the gingerbread men?! I guess the people who choose the 12 days of cookies are bored with the tradition.... 

 

Day 8 *Sunny's Holiday PB and J Thumbprints*

 These look pretty and who doesn't love PB&J?!

 

 

Day 9 *Fruit and Nut Holiday Shortbread*

I don't know how I feel about these, but I suppose they would be another something "different" to break up your cookie trays! 

Day 10 *Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies*

Now here is a cookie that at least has the traditional flavors of chocolate and peppermint! :)  I think these would be fun to make and yummy too!   

 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/12-days-of-cookies/package/index.html

Days 3-7 of the 12 days of Cookies!

Whew...getting ready for Santa is HARD WORK! :)  Between decorating the house/tree, school, and my sister coming to visit...I have been a very busy Mrs. Claus! :)  On a side note:  There is no way that the economy is hurting that bad when I must have bumped shoulders with at least 10 people yesterday because the mall was soooooo crowded!!!  Anyway...cookies...I've decided to catch you up on the cookies you've miss over the past few days. 

Day 3 ~ Coconut Macaroons

These are something different and would "pretty-up" your table!

Day 4 ~ Dried Cherry and Almond Biscotti

Now...I am an avid coffee drinker, but biscotti has never been the peanut to my butter. I do admit these sounded pretty yummy (love raspberry and almonds) and would make for a cute gift when paired with some great coffee or hot chocolate!

Day 5 ~ Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

Last year a light cookie was included in the bunch such as these lemon ones and although they aren't a "traditional" Christmas cookie, they were a yummy addition to the cookie tray assortment!

Day 6 ~ Turtle Graham Bars

I am a sucker for chocolate + nuts...so why not combine them??!! *~Heaven~* These look so yummy and will stand out on that cookie tray or make a great gift when paired with other barks. Cannot wait to try this one! :)

Day 7 ~ Raspberry Cake Bars

These bars look so light and soft it makes me want one right now even though it is 9am!! I think these would be a hit at any Christmas party with the kiddos and adults! They look yummy and light! :) 

 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/12-days-of-cookies/package/index.html