Holy August!!

So, August is always the absolute busiest month for me. Here are the birthdays our family has to celebrate this month: B, G, Mom, Father-in-law, Sister-in-law K, Sister-in-law A, and three of my closest friends. Not to mention my b-day is also this month...although the novelty of that wore off long ago. It is now just another day and I am more than fine with that. August is a crazy month but how lucky am I that I get to celebrate all of these wonderful people this month. Of course the priority is the girls' parties and now that they each have their own friends that means they want their own parties. Oh my, I am exhausted just writing this...

The girls have not even done a camp this summer (their choice) and it still seems like we are go go go everyday. I have tried to talk them into some summer activities but they are perfectly content hanging at home and hitting the pool. Most days we work out in the morning and then we are off to the pool. I have added 1,000 steps to my routine which has been fun. Painful, but fun. Work has been sooooooooooo slow this summer, I am feeling the burn out. Thank goodness for side projects to keep me motivated.

My little G did have quite the melt down the other night. She basically went on a 35 minute monologue of all the injustices she has experienced in her 5 years. It was very entertaining and took everything I had not to laugh hysterically. It included such things as, "Mom, remember when I was two and you..." I thought to myself, "No, honey, I can hardly remember yesterday." But, I sat and listened and empathized because that is what she needed. I thought her best line of the night was, "Mom, I am not the girl that is happy when she is lonely. I am the girl that is sad when she is lonely." Another good one was, "I don't understand why my parents always use potty talk. I don't like when you say, 'G, do you need to go pee-pee?' Why can't you just ask me if I need to use the restroom?" This monologue did scare me a bit...can you imagine when she is a teenager? Holy moly, everything will be the end of the world.

Until next time...

xoxo

Who says summer is relaxing?

Okay, so here I thought I was such a rockstar and would keep my blog updated every week. Afterall, it is summer! The kids are out of school and have less places to be so I should have PLENTY of time, right? WRONG! The first thing I hear in the morning, "Mom, what are we going to do today?!" "Nothing," I say. "But, we'll be bored!" Heaven forbid they have to entertain themselves. Don't they know mommy has to work even when I am at home? So here is now what I have to do...get up over an hour earlier then them so I can at least get my emails done and make my list of calls for the day. We get dressed, go to the gym then usually the pool. Once they are good and wiped out I can go home and get my calls done while they relax. THEN, I get dinner ready and start planning out the next day. Once the kids are asleep, I get back to work. First my real job, then some side projects I have going. They are only going to want to hang with mommy for such a short time I am doing everything I can to take full advantage of this. But, I have to admit even I am sometimes overwhelmed.

I get a lot of emails and questions about my workouts and how hearing about my obsession helps to motivate others. I LOVE hearing that...at least my craziness is serving some purpose! Right now I am obsessed with the following:
1. Shakelology..if you are not having this everyday, you are missing out!
2. Pure Barre..KILLER...and I have started to LOVE taeching it as well.
3. Turbo Fire...for the days you must workout at home. Intense and short...there are 10, 15 , 25, and 30 minute DVD's that will kick your booty. Even better, you get all these DVD's in one package!
I would never promote anything I didn't actually do and love, pinky promise! You can find time...maybe not always the ideal time, but time nonetheless. You deserve 20 minutes (workout) and $3.00 (cost of shakeology) a day to keep your body healthy and feeling good. Put yourself on your priority list...when you feel better all other areas of your life seem to improve.

Until next time,
xoxo

Summer is here!

First of all, I have to say that after all of my anxiety about teaching Pure Barre it is really has gotten easier. Now that I am familiar with the format I feel so much more comfortable. We just started some new choreography and holy moly is it intense! If you live near Mission Viejo, you owe it to yourself to come and try a class for FREE! My fitness repertoire is now this: TKB, Spinning, Pure Barre and Shakeology. As of next Sunday I will be adding Body Pump to the list since one of my favorite people will be teaching, Kristy McLean.

I am SO excited for B to finish school this week. I know the typical reaction to summer is, "AHHH!! Kids are home all day!" But, for me I love having the girls home and spending the days hanging with friends and by the pool. Of course they drive me crazy now and then but they really are growing up so fast I can hardly catch my breath. I just want to bottle them up and keep them just as they are. I cried my eyes out at Toy Story 3...moms go watch it and you will know why. I WILL NOT be a good empty nester.

G made me the cutest exercise routine card this week. She thought of it all by herself. She cut out four hearts and colored them red and put eyes on them. Then she made paper legs and arms in the position of a certain exercise. She even had the little knee bent on the lunge! Underneath each heart was the name of the exercise the heart was doing....jack, squat, jumping, and lunges. Then above each heart was the number of times I need to do the exercise. It read, "To mom and her friends. love G" That was a great end of the week gift after she told her friend that her papa's name is Dr. Suess but everyone calls him Jerry. I said do you mean "Jesus" (he's Mexican), and she says "Oh yeah, that's what I meant!"

We have welcomed a new addition to our family this week as well. He is a little dwarf hamster named, "Max." The girls are so excited, especially B, my little Dr. Doolittle. It took A LOT of prodding and I know hubby is not thrilled but a promise is a promise. I told B that if she cleaned out her room on her own and picked out toys to give to other children we would go to Petco. Well, both girls ended up clearing out four huge bags full of things that can be donated to a shelter. I was grateful for their generosity because that does not always come so easy. Anyway, Max is cute and enjoying his new home in our office. Please send good energy my way that Max stays in his hamster mansion and does not end up lost in the house...

Until next time...

xoxo

STUCK!!

It has been quite awhile since my last blog, but for good reason. The end of the school year is killing me! Between open houses, field trips, and other events I am left with a tiny bit of time which I use to work out. The working out part keeps me sane...so I am sticking with it!

Do you ever feel like you are in a rut? You know what it is you want to do but just are not sure how to get there? That is me right now...in a rut. It won't last long, I am not one to stay in my pool of pity. I am hoping blogging about it will get me on the first step out of the pool! I feel better already just typing that little bit, YEAH!

I have decided that this summer is about home. We are not going anywhere. I want to spend the days I am not working at the pool with the kids and generally being lazy. Fortunately, they are totally on board. Both girls must be exhausted because when I gave them the option of trips to here and there or hanging at the pool, they picked the pool. Actually, G said, "Roger that!"

I do have some exciting things in the works...just gotta work on details.

Until next time,

xoxo

Am I creating a hoarder?

So I know it has been awhile since my last blog, but I am working on so many fun things I can't wait to tell the world about. But, for now I am keeping my plate very full which is exhausting! If I am being honest, I would not have it any other way. I seriously don't know any other speed besides 100 MPH!! I passed my Pure Barre test so I am cleared to teach. Watch out South OC...Pure Barre is here and it will kick your rear...in a good way! I have noticed such a difference in the definition of my muscles that along with Shakeology I am now obsessed with Pure Barre!

However, my blog today must touch on my little ones for a bit. B has been asked to do a role on All My Children. They are a little worried that due to her age the amount of lines may be too much. So, they sent them over for me to try with her. She is so excited and has been nailing the lines much to my surprise. I thought it may be too much, but she is determined and definitely has her mama's drive. We will see if it all works out.

I told G that she needed to go through her toys and fill up a box to give to other children. Well, that did not go over well and never does. I do this at least twice a year and it is always a struggle. I sometimes worry that instead of teaching my children to be generous I am turning them into hoarders. Today was interesting. First she was sobbing and when I asked her why she said, "My heart just can't take this. I feel like you are throwing me away!" Oh my...then she says, "Mom, would you mind leaving for a bit so I can have a meeting with my "pets?" She says this as she sobs softly. I tell her of course and I listen outside the door as she tells her stuffed animals, "No matter what happens, I love you and it will be okay. " How's that for a 4 year old drama queen?

Until next time...

xoxo

Time Flies When Your Having Fun...

Holy Moly! I cannot believe another week has passed. It has been so hectic but then again, when is it not hectic. The Shakeology Cleanse was really not a big to do. I never felt starving since the shakes are so filling and I had my salad around lunch since that is when I am typically the most hungry. I kept up with my workouts and did Pure Barre and/or TKB each day. I never weigh myself and much prefer to go by how my clothes feel. I am such a Type A that I become too obsessed with a number then make myself crazy trying to achieve whatever number I think is the best. I have found it best for my anxiety that I stay away from the scale and instead rely on measurements. After three days, I lost a little over 4 inches total! An inch and half just off my hips. I was thrilled because my hips are my trouble area. Especially since having the girls. I also just felt GOOD. Nothing yucky left in my body...I cannot start my day without my Shakeology now.

This week I am practicing for my final Pure Barre exam like crazy. I want everything to go smoothly on the big day so I am fitting in as many classes as humanly possible. I have to go to Las Vegas for four days for work so I am a little anxious about getting it all done. Vegas sounds fun in theory, but when I go there to work it is more exhausting then fun. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but there is no rest at this convention. It is all day and all night and I typically end it hardly able to stand up straight!

I have also been running the stairs with a fun group three times a week. When I signed up for Beachbody, it was mainly because I get a discount on DVD's and Shakeology. But, I am just loving it because I am meeting so many great people! Other workout junkies like myself trying to fit in fitness. Little did I know all these great people were living right here all along, I wish it didn't take me so long to find them!

Summer is almost here and I can't wait for the girls to be home. They are at such a great age and I just want them all to myself! Although, G always wants to be with Grandma these days. The other day she told me she wanted to go with Grandma. I said, "Well, what about your mom? I want to be with you." She said, "Well, my gut is telling me to go with Grandma, and I gotta go with my gut, mom!" At least the dog still likes me....

Until next time...
xoxo

Shaking it up....

I had the best Mother's Day. Started off with TKB with Kristy at the RSM 24 Hour Fitness. She is so motivating and genuine. And I needed motivation...I drank my Shakeology first thing in the morning, then my mom brought over doughnuts. I LOVE doughnuts. I only had a half of a Krispy Kreme and within a half hour I felt EXHAUSTED!! I could hardly get through class. My muscles felt like cement and my energy was zapped. From now on I am sticking with my shake. The three bites were not worth feeling like that.

Hubby did an awesome job of planning a fun day. He booked brunch at the Crow Bar in Newport Beach. The food was outstanding, but two glasses of champagne made me very sleepy. After a great meal with the family, I took a three hour nap! I never get to do that, it was outstanding! Little G kept waking me up asking when I was getting up. When I told her to give me five more minutes, she rolls her eyes and says, "You have got to be kidding me!" The girls made beautiful cards and picked out a beautiful necklace from Nordy's. G was sure to tell me it was "Juicy." Probably not good that they know what that is...

This week is all about getting ready for my Pure Barre test. I am so nervous. I have lots of practicing to do. I also figured it was a good week to start my Shakeology 3 day Cleanse. I don't have any clients scheduled for lunches this week, so it works out. Today I had my Shakeology for breakfast as usual. I started to get hungry around 11:30 so I made up another shake to drink on my way to Pure Barre class. I felt great until about 3:00, so I had a big bowl of lettuce with some chicken on top. Then a shake for dinner. All in all it isn't too bad. I haven't felt famished. I don't weigh myself...causes way too much anxiety for me. So I measured myself instead, I will post the results on Thursday. I will do a Pure Barre class again tomorrow and then TKB on Wednesday. I am keeping my fingers crossed for at least an inch lost...afterall...it is only three days!

Until next time...

xoxo

OVERWHELMED!!!!

Okay...today's post may be hard to follow being that I am delirious with thoughts of everything I need to get done! The Pure Barre training in Denver was INTENSE! Holy moly, I was not prepared for that. I am grateful I had the opportunity to go, but am now overwhelmed with all I have to learn in a very short time. The Pure Barre workout is awesome. Teaching it on the other hand is much more difficult than I expected. I have not figured out how I will fit all this in with my job, the girls and life in general. Wish me luck...

I was so incredibly homesick while I was away. I always miss my family, but this time I was a hot mess! I didn't feel good and could definitely tell the difference not having my Shakeology everyday. It didn't help when I saw our commercial on TV for the first time all by myself in a hotel room. That about sent me off the edge. I just wanted to be home hugging my girls. Thankfully, I was able to change to an earlier flight out and put the girls to bed last night. It felt so good to be home.

Hubby is gone all week so it a crazy trying to get my work done. Thank you to my awesome friends and family that are always there to help! I hit up Chalene's Hustle class today which is such a blast. I have so much respect for her. She is always so warm and approachable...believe me that is a unique trait around here, especially for someone in her position.

I will be starting the Shakeology 3 day cleanse on May 12th. If you want to join me, order your Shakeology...you will not be disappointed!! http://myshakeology.com/ocfirewife

Until next time...

xoxo

Pure Barre here I come...

I am SO excited...I have been invited to go to Colorado and take the Pure Barre training. They are opening a Mission Viejo location which is perfect. I already leave on Wednesday night. I am nervous due to the fact that I may not be able to walk after four days of training, but I love nothing more than a great workout. The girls are excited because they get to stay with some of their favorite people while I am away. It will be like a mini-vaca. I will probably only teach one class a week since I do have a full time job but I am grateful for even that. Thanks to my girl K for getting me in, and my great friends for helping me with the girls!!!

On another note, I am LOVING the Shakeology! I have been consistently drinking it for a week and already my clothes are looser...LOVE IT!!!! I am going to start the 3-day cleanse as soon as my girl L gets her stuff...(if you are reading this L, I hope you ordered!!) I will be sure to post inches lost. My hubby did P90X with me this evening, it was so fun. It is better than a date when we work out together. Little G even joined in and did the plyo dvd with us.

Speaking of little G, over the weekend she went into a fit when she got into trouble for the way she was speaking to her sister. I let her scream for about 20 minutes. I then went into her room and said, "G, are you done with the screaming so we can talk?" She said, "Maybe YOU can tell me why everyone hates me!" I had to just walk out. Where does a 4 year old come up with this?Of course once she calmed down she was very apologetic for even saying that, but seriously?! My little B would never even think to say something like that. B is just so excited about her new school and the fact that she will already have a friend in her class. I just love those little pumpkins, despite the craziness, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Until next time...

xoxo

New school...

Well, we did it. The girls will now be attending private school in the fall. I feel so much more content! It seems like every week we get a letter that something else that is being cut at the public school and my gut has been nagging at me for awhile. I always say that your gut feeling is God's way of giving you the answer...so I am listening. B is a little nervous because she is afraid she won't see her bff K anymore. I assured her that due to the fact that they live around the corner, we will see her. K's mom is one of my closest friends so that won't change. I am so excited for the girls. They are so blessed to go to this school with so many offerings...spanish, art, music, computers...I hope one day they will realize what a gift this is.

Today my little G says, "Mom, I am just full of pizzazz!" I asked her what that was and she says, " I am not sure, but I am sure I am full of it!" She is such a nut.

Until next time...

xoxo

Getting older sucks...

My big event of the week was a 30th birthday party for a friend. I helped to organize and coordinate this party, so needless to say I had a lot of last minute preparations to do in between my job and the girls. The week started off great. I went to Chalene's Hustle class and then did Hot Hula with Anna-Rita. They were amazing. I just loved Hustle. I know I cannot dance, but when I am at hustle class I feel like I could be a member of America's Best Dance Crew. Then I steal a glance of myself in mirror and the reality sets in. However, it did help get me ready for the party. The birthday girl and I like to make up dances with oldies but goodies, like the running man, roger rabbit, leap frog, etc. I know it must look awful, but we have a blast and that is all that really matters. The DJ was great and we danced all night and saw lots of great friends.We did not get to bed until 2 a.m! The kids were even gone and I still was up by 7 a.m. I could have slept in but my body must have really wanted to get to Monica's TKB this morning. I am paying for it now, I am exhausted. I just cannot recover from a night out like I used to.

I will get better about posting my workouts on the beachbody site. I wasn't able to get anything in on Thursday or Friday this week but I ate well so I didn't get too anxious. I also stuck with the Shakeology every morning. I cannot believe how filling it is! I can hardly finish an entire shake and I was full till lunch time. I noticed that I was full quicker at meals throughout the day as well. Must be the extra protein...

My other dilemma this week is whether to send the girls to private school. I want it, hubby is on the fence. I am taking him to see the school on Monday so fingers crossed people! My little munchkins would LOVE this school and the incredible things it has to offer. Now just gotta convince hubby.

Until next time...

xoxo

I am SO off track!!!!!

What a weekend! We headed up to Phoenix for a family wedding. I was so excited to see family members that we have not seen since our wedding almost nine years ago. We decided it would be easier and cheaper to drive. The girls were awesome, I really cannot complain. Although, it was a long drive and I could not wait to get out of the car once we were there. Of course, the girls loved the pool so all was good. The wedding was beautiful and the girls both said that their favorite part was when the bride and groom kissed. My favorite part was watching the girls get down on the dance floor. G was in full routine when "Single Ladies" came on. B surprised us all by being the first one on the dance floor in front of everyone doing the sprinkler and the shopping cart. ( I only teach her the cool dances...lol). On the way home G said, "Mom, my best part was spending time with our family." Gotta love that kid.

As much as I love out of town adventures, I am always a mess because I am so concerned with missing my workouts. Hubby thinks I'm crazy, but I feel SO much better when I get a great workout in. I mean dripping with sweat like I just got out of the shower workout. I spent an hour in the hotel gym one of the days but it is just not the same. Couple that with the ridiculous amounts of food we ate...well...let's just say I am not happy right now. I have decided that from now on I am bringing my DVD's with me. If I bring the portable DVD player I can at least have some semblance of home. I have decided that I will be ordering the Insanity DVD. Apparently, it is a a** kicker. Just my cup of tea. Now that I signed up as a coach, I get a discount, so that makes it worth it, right? So tomorrow I start the Shakeology and will go to TKB. I will update with my reviews of the at-home DVD's and Shakeology. Sometimes, with the busy schedules of the girls and my job at home workouts are the only option. Anyway, check out my new website if you want to follow my workouts. http://teambeachbody.com/ocfirewife

Until next time...

xoxo

Life in balance...or slighty off

The sweetest friend of mine recently told me that I seem so balanced. With work, my family, working out, etc. At first I had to laugh. I hardly feel like my head is above water most of the time. My days feel like they are at 100 mph. This is part of the reason for starting to blog. It forces me to reflect on my days and all the funny and wonderful things that went on. Even hubby told me today that he felt like everyday is "non-stop." He is so right, but this is our life and how blessed we are to have these days. At least we have these non-stop days as a family. I am not the biggest fan of driving my girls up to auditions in LA, but I like to think of it as an adventure. Who knows how long this train will last and we have lots of time to talk while sitting in traffic. I love listening to G's stories and B's adventures at school. Just yesterday, G told me that she loved me "deep in her heart because I am kind and kind to my husband." I don't know where she gets this stuff!
Until next time...
xoxo

So it has been awhile...

My goodness...so much to share since my last post. I like lists, so I am going to write about the last couple weeks in list form this time.

1. We shot the commercial for the National Association of Realtors. It was a two day shoot and it was EXHAUSTING! I have such a new respect for those that are full time actors. Take after take, you still have to be upbeat and hit your marks. Even I was tired of smiling. G was such a rockstar. I was impressed with her drive. She loved all the attention and being the star of the show. The hardest part for me was the fittings. I have never experienced anything that intense that made me never want to eat again. No wonder people in that industry have body complexes. You know it is bad when your a size 6 and feel like the the biggest person in the room. On the way home, G told me I was lovely and just the nicest lady she knows...awe sweet thing. She must have wanted something...

2. A few days later I get a call asking if B is available. She was direct cast, which means she did not have to audition but was picked from her picture, for a TV show that is filming its first season. She had one line. I was a bit nervous as B is typically pretty shy. Holy moly...once she saw the cameras and had everyone fawning over her, a new child arrived! She was awesome! She especially loved the directors chair with her name on it. The director told her how he wanted to look and how to say her line and she was totally nails! She loved it. It has been so much fun watching my girls and I am so proud of their drive and determination.

3. Everyone that knows me knows I LOVE to work-out. I am either at class at the gym or doing a DVD at home with the girls. Even the girls love the DVD's and follow along as best they can. So, after a chat with my friend who is a coach for Beachbody, I decided to become a coach as well. I LOVE the workouts that I have used for so long through Beachbody, so it is a natural fit. I am also going to try the Shakeology but will withhold any opinions till I have given it a good run. I will be sure to blog my thoughts good or bad.

4. Easter Sunday was wonderful. Family and friends came over for a great bbq and I even whipped up an earthquake for all to enjoy...ha...ha. I thought I was drunk off the mimosa so I was glad to find out I am not a total lightweight! G told me it was the best Easter ever and that bunny was such a trickster she was going to have to talk to God about that!

I am exhausted just thinking about how busy the past couple of weeks have been but also incredibly grateful for the experiences.

Until next time...

xoxo

Off to Hollywood...kinda

We got our first job!

I should probably start at the beginning. My little one, "G" had been begging me for her shot at being on TV. Long story short both my little ones were signed with an agent a couple months ago. When hubby and I met with the agent they asked us to submit as well. At first I thought, "NO WAY!" But, after giving it some thought I figured, "why not?" We auditioned for a commercial about a week ago and found out today that our family got the part...or parts I should say. So tomorrow we are off to Hollywood for our fitting and then will actually shoot the commercial later this week. I find this entire thing so hysterical and surreal. Having children has taught me to "let go and let God" so I figure I'll take the path. We have nothing to loose and if nothing else it is family memories.

It was a great end to the day after the very rough morning we had. The entire productivity of my morning depends on one little person. My 4-year old, G. She woke up with "the look." Then the melt down began when she didn't like the wrinkles in the leggings she picked out. Not wrinkles like they need to be ironed but wrinkled because the are a little too long. This lasted about 30 minutes until she was finally happy changing into a dress and having me flat iron her hair...welcome to 4 going on 14. Of course my girl B was dressed and ready...always on top of things. She is so her mother!

Until next time...xoxo

In the begining...

Apparently, blogging in the new "in thing" so I thought I'd give it a try. If not to just keep better records of my days with my children then to entertain myself after the kids are long asleep and I have nothing on the TiVo to watch. Here is a snapshot of my life:

1. Married almost 9 years to a fireman.
2. Two precious angels ( I use term angels loosely, yet precious with all sincerity) ages 6 and 4.
3. 1 little french bulldog.
4. Living in South Orange County.
5. Working full time.
6. Work out as much as humanly possible due to the fact that I also like to eat...A LOT.

Being married to a fireman is awesome. Sure, he is gone for at least 24 hours at time, but that also means that when the kids are in bed it is me time. And all mommies know...we need ME time. Nothing special, just drinking some tea and watching some train wreck of a reality show. Reality shows really are the best cure when I think my life is crazy. It's the simple things...speaking of which...Desperate Housewives is almost on so I better finish up.

Until next time...xoxo