Day.Seventy.Five.

My Journey with the Seven Day Diet

Day: Five

Food: Chicken and Tomatoes (6 required)

Breakfast: Chicken cold cuts (2 pieces).

Lunch: Bowl of tomato soup, chicken cold cuts, raw tomato with salt and pepper.

Dinner: Grilled chicken and a baked tomato (follow me on pinterest to find the recipe on my board).

Water Consumption: 4 bottles (8 glasses)

Morning Weigh In: 163.4

Thoughts/Feelings: No Diet Coke again. 6 tomatoes. I was able to eat a total of four. It was grossing me out and I LIKE tomatoes! I used a baked tomato recipe I found on pinterest and it was yummy! I recommend it! I was yummy to have some meat. Not something I thought I would miss, but it was a welcomed food today. I thought I would be pretty hungry, but today was a good day!

Bring on Day SIX!

Day.Fifty.Six.

Whew! What a way to catch up on the blogging. I have been WAY to lax on that. I am definitely not going to let it suffer again.

Today is that kind of day. I am going to get all of my lesson plans typed out and today is the last day for John's MBA!!!! He has a lot to do to finish today, but I have faith!

I am headed to the store to prep for the week of foods we need and then back to here to get back to the grind. I am determined to have all of my lesson plans done! (for the year!!)

I know that it seems as though I have forgotten about my interview, but not so much. I have been distracting myself rather well, I think. Please keep praying that the Lord will provide me with a classroom next year. I know that it is where I am supposed to be. I just need the opportunity. :)

Found this print pinterest. I love the colors. (seems so simple...)

Enjoy the rest of your day. It is a cold one here, so I am going to try to stay warm. 

-Alexis

Day.Fifty.One.

Well... I can not dwell on the events of yesterday.. I must move on. (easier said than done...)

Anyway...
I started the couch to 5k running program a while back (I would say beginning of February) when my sister, Wendy, approached me about running in the Komen for the Cure race. I looked into the process, and I thought to myself.. I have never been a runner, but I need to be healthy, and this is a great program to get started. (I always joke that I want to be addicted to running... and I don't know how other people are)
Pinterest is a GREAT motivation. There are so many inspirational quotes that are just helpful at times. Here is the pin that made me run for the first time: (maybe it will inspire you too...)

I knew that this was true, so off I went. I am determined to not be a quitter. I searched for the couch to 5k and found a wonderful app for my phone. It is called "Ease into 5k" It did cost money, but not more than $3. It is perfect for me. It tells me when to warm up, run, walk, cool down. It is encouraging too! ("You're halfway there" and my favorite "Last run, coming up!") It has a journal for me to jot down notes about my run, a graph of my running, and even lets me use my own music! I recommend this app!

After I had been running for a bit, I decided I would try to find a 5k that may be sooner. I looked online and found The COLOR RUN! I know that I am crazy, but I was determined to run in it. So, I went to the website (www.thecolorrun.com) and found that there weren't many near Ohio. Bummer! So, I went on the facebook page and asked them to come to Columbus, Ohio. Well...about a month later, it was set! (I had no part in doing this, but I did suggest it at one point) I am so glad that they are coming to Columbus. I have started a team. CR12. (color run 2012) If you want to join, let me know and I will give you the password to join the team. 

Here is a quick overview of The Color Run:

1. Must wear white. 

2. 5k walk or run. (my goal is run)

3. After each kilometer, they throw a specific color of powder on you. By the end, you have five different colors on you and you are tie-dyed!

4. I will frame this shirt and bib from the race. My first race EVER! (I never thought I would say that...)

Check out the website for more info. Here is the picture that made me want to sign up!

You can't deny it... it looks awesome. Join me and my team~

-Alexis

Day.Forty.Three.

Back to school with the kiddos! It was a pleasant day back and I am glad that I planned everything before we went on spring break. We started our 'eggsperiment' by putting the egg in the vinegar. I am excited to see the result (being a rubbery, see through egg) I am EGGsited!! (haha)

After school, I did my Tuesday/Thursday tutoring. I added a new friend to the mix today. She is a beautiful soul and really wants to read well. We worked hard and had one initial breakdown. It is so hard to see a child not succeeding in their heads and they are devastated. It broke my heart. I was as encouraging as possible and hope that she wants to keep working toward her goal! We read a book that she chose (on her level) and went through sight word flash cards as quickly as we could. We are SO close to under 1 minute! After we finished, she headed home and mom called me about 20 minutes later and she wants to come back tomorrow! Maybe Thursday would work... but I was just elated that she was excited about reading and wanted to come back! I will keep you updated. This tutoring session made me think about a verse I pinned on my pinterest classroom board.

(I should have this on my desk.. say it every morning)

Home I came for a night of my favorite TV shows. Unfortunately, Adi insisted on barking and barking and barking at our new neighbors puppy. I ended up with a headache, and headed to bed. Guess I will play catch up tomorrow!

Have a great night!

-Alexis

Day.Thirty.Four.B.

*Two*Peas*In*A*Pod*

Michelle's baby shower was RIGHT after the baptism. I am uploading the pictures from the shower. I was in charge of decorations, cake, and cupcakes. I think that it all turned out wonderfully! It looked great and the twins are going to be well dressed, diapered, and spoiled. Special thanks to Laurienne for helping with the decor! :)

Here are the details: 

 Cupcake/Cake Tower

 A Bit Closer...

 *New Cupcake Stand*

 Yummy!

 Two Peas <3

 -Sign In Table- 

 Frame, BABIES, Advice Cards/Jars, and Banner Fun

 Gift Table

-Homemade Banner: Two Peas In A Pod- 

 Close up...

 -Table Setting-

 Frozen Peas in the Jar (just a fun touch)

 Place Setting with Cake Pop Pea Favor :)

 *TWO PEAS*

 -Cupcakes-

 Cake Topper

 Family at the Shower

 Momma<3

*Best Friends*

If you have any questions about how anything was made or where it was found, let me know and I will be sure to contact you via comment on how! Many things were inspired by pinterest... of course.. :)

Off to start my spring break... with a nap!

-Alexis-

Day.Thirty.

Thirty Days!!! I am feeling accomplished!

Well today, school went wonderfully. We made jellyfish out of upside down paper plates and crepe paper! The kids loved them! They were swimming everywhere!! It made me smile just to watch their sense of wonder and their excitement.

After the bell rang and all of my kiddos where safely where they needed to be... my brain, for some strange reason, turned to MUSH!? I walked down to talk to a fellow teacher for a minute.. and forgot that I was supposed to tutor. I tutor the same child every Tuesday and Thursday for the past 4 months? strange...

Then, on my way to meet a friend at Polaris, I got two text messages. One from my friend asking to meet earlier which was perfectly fine... but I was still frazzled from missing tutoring. (I am obviously not one to make mistakes like this...) Then I get another text from my friends from my old school asking, "what time are we meeting, 4:30 or 5?" Immediately, what runs through my head... we are meeting? I thought that was Friday!? Again.. brain has lost it! (I will shop for the shower.. tomorrow) Here is a wonderful quote that sums it up:

(Courtesy of Pinterest)

After it was all straightened out, I got to see Courtney as she met me to drop of Michelle's gift AND Jennifer and Christine. Christine even had the babies! (I know, she is not a baby per say, but 2 is still a baby in my eyes) The little one even let me hold him and enjoyed my company!

I must say, I am glad that I am friends with people I work with. They are encouraging and never let me think about the negative. I am blessed with friends who care about me and really support me teaching. Dinner definitely reminded me that I was made to teach! (Thanks girlies<3) The journey has not been easy, but my day will come. Thank you for always supporting me Jennifer, Christine, and Khadine. You are truly a blessing in my life. We don't see each other often, but when we do.. it counts! This reminded me of you:

(Courtesy of Pinterest)

When I got home, I got straight to work on the cleaning. I have neglected to do it the past few days, so today I caught up. The kitchen is what I was dreading. I did a quick clean... I will organize next time. The dogs seem to be so calm when I clean up, then AS SOON AS I SIT DOWN, one is hitting the bell to go outside and then it is chase each other time, for about 10 minutes of constant barking and running. ((I hate when the vacuum lines are gone and I JUST vaccummed-They give me a sense of accomplishment!))

I am off to read some more of The Leader in Me and about writers workshop for Book Club Thursday morning...

Enjoy your night.
-Alexis

Day.Twenty.Eight.

Sunday. A Day of REST. (not so much...)

I got to sleep in and John made me eggs and toast! Yumm!

Then, it was off to get work done. I have a long list of things that need to get done. It is painful to look at!

First on the list, get things prepped for this weekend for the shower and for the baptisms. My goal today was to make a list of needed things as well as make the Easter basket filler for Mia and Zooey. I made it and had to blog! It is so cute, easy, and reusable! Perfect!
Here are the simple directions... pictures included:

1. Choose your fabric(s) <I used remnants>, pinking shears, and ribbon.

2. Cut the fabric with the pinking shears into pieces/strips. Mine were about 2.5 inches wide by 8 inches tall. (I just used the folds in the fabric to guide the scissors) They do not have to be perfect. Because I wanted the colors on both sides of the tie, I kept the fabric folded partially, so it was "two-sided".

3. String the ribbon (the length you want) between two chairs.

4. Start tying! I did just a single tie, then moved on. I did one color at at time to create the pattern. On my second one, I cut ALL of the fabric, and I just had to tie, tie, tie. It was easier to have it all cut then to tie.

 (yellow)

 (yellow and blue)

(yellow, blue and pink)

(yellow, blue, pink and green)

5. After all of the pieces are tied on, I spread them out and 'fluffed' them. They were still taught because of my tying, so I fluffed.

All Fluffy!!

6. Find a cute basket... (I only had this box, still cute) and lay it inside! Then, fill with goodies!!

I, personally, think they turned out super cute! 

**I think that this could be used in photos too... I made some for my favorite twins, so they might get to use them in their newborn pictures! :) **

Happy Crafting!
Off to do some more for the shower! <3

-Alexis

Day.Twenty.Four

Sorry this is a day late, but I was so busy last night, I didn't get a chance to write.

Well, after a day at school, I ran home to take care of the dogs and headed straight to Polaris Mall to meet up with Laurienne! (and I got to see Celia too!) We met to get some stuff for the upcoming shower at Party City. I will be making a lot of things from scratch with the help and guidance of Pinterest. The theme is 'Two Peas in a Pod' so we are going with the green and white color scheme... a hint of pink and blue, of course. I got to hang out with Celia! She is precious and getting so big! We bonded quickly.. could it have been my ridiculousness of making facing and trying to earn her love!? I did get a KISS goodbye. Laurienne said she doesn't just do that to anyone... so, I feel the love. Check out our photo session in the back of my car. (It was pretty sunny!)

 Oh, the binkie! 

 CHEESE! Piggie tails and all!

-Silly face, of course-

After we finished shopping, I headed to meet my fellow baseball widow for dinner. Yumm! We both got the same food, classic. Tito, our waiter, was trying to be a comedian. He wasn't that funny. Of course, on our way outside of the the HOT FRESH sign at Krispy Kreme lit the night! Jamie hadn't had them fresh off the line, so we had to go in and get one! We went in and the gave us a FREE one! Then we HAD to buy more. They didn't make it home and we definitely have a lot of running to do to get rid of those calories! We have a goal for this summer, and we are going to make it! 

Adi and Aspen thoroughly enjoyed sleeping on the temperpedic with just mommy! We spread out and and slept like babies! Look how well rested Adi was this morning! 

Off to write today's post... hehe

-Alexis

Day.Twenty.Two

Day Twenty-Two! I am impressed with my ability to continue to write nightly.

Today was a good day in Kindergarten. With the temperature reaching close to 80 degrees, the classroom was HOT! We were all sweating. It was a great day to have our ice cream sundae party! We got to have ice cream sundaes today because 13 of my 18 students have earned their T-Shirt level in the reading challenge. YUMMY! (Of course, they all wanted the whole shebang... chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and of course sprinkles!)

After school, I headed to the gym. My motivation is waning. I don't love to work out... but I need to keep it up. Today, I headed to the gym and was expecting to repeat the last run from the day before. I was quickly mistaken! I checked the app on my phone, and eeeek! It was warm up, run 20 minutes, cool down. WOW! I was nervous to even start. I made it through! I did take two 30 second breaks, and one break mid-way for my inhaler, but all in all, I ran 20 MINUTES! I am proud of myself.

What will the next run bring? I am scared to check!

I am going to start the process for the girl's Easter baskets soon. I am also, of course, going to be making it a habit to clean each night! That is up next, after I type this post.

(I bought The Hunger Games at Wal-Mart today.. so I may get in some reading tonight too!)

Have a great night!

-Alexis

(I see this all the time and I think it is time to print it HUGE and hang it somewhere visible)

Day.Thirteen.

Saturday! WOO HOO! I got to sleep in today...snuggled with the puppies. They are beautiful and I should share a picture:

(she doesn't share well)

After getting ready for the day, I headed to run a TON of errands. I headed into school and got my copies and plans done. I went to the baseball fields to get them lunch. (Baseball season has arrived). I got to visit Tiffany, Pete, Ellia and Remae! I had to talk to Tiff about the upcoming baby shower. She is a wizard in the kitchen, so I went to get a handle on the plans that are in my head. I got my portfolios printed, delivered one, and even got to buy dinner from a delicious BBQ place in Delaware. (They give FREE pickles! I can't pass that up!)

John and I got to enjoy dinner with no dishes. The dogs were exhausted when I got home, and haven't woken up. I get to finish my lesson plans, upload, and create the newsletter. I enjoy getting all of my work done before Sunday. Then, I can truly enjoy and relax on the day of rest. 

Speaking of lesson planning, I am addicted to Pinterest and the wonderful ideas that I find. John doesn't love social media, but he doesn't complain when I make a new recipe from Pinterest! I try to at least USE what I pin. I want to do more of the crafts, but that takes money and time. I love the foods that I have tried. Check out my boards. You can follow me by clicking on the Pinterest symbol. The thinspiration boards that I follow really make me think about my weight loss goals. I have been trying to lose a total of 20 pounds by summer time! I am down 7 as of this morning. I haven't been to the gym in two weeks. That sentence gives me shame.... I MUST return. I can only lose more weight if I get going to the gym. I am still changing my eating habits, and refraining filling myself completely, but the gym can only help!

Time to SPRING FORWARD! I am already tired!

-Alexis-