Change

Something big in our household changed last month (OMG...it's July already).

Not only did our lil' man turn ONE (more on that at a later day)...but Tate got a new job!

Up until last month, Tate worked the same job since he graduated college. He loved it. He loved his clients, the people he worked with and he loved changing peoples lives.

After 7+ years, he realized it was time for a change if he wanted to continue to be challenged and to better himself in the fitness industry. He started just looking and sent out a few resumes to see if anything was worth leaving his great job for.

He had many interviews and at the end of it all, only 2 stuck out that he thought were fit for him. One of the options was one he actually didn't even want to interview with thinking he wouldn't like it. Well, their was a reason he went to the that interview because that is the job he ended up taking. It's funny how that works out.

It was very hard leaving his job. Not only would it be a big change for him, but for us as a family since Turner's daycare was by Tate's work and also a big change for everyone that Tate worked with on a daily basis, co-workers and clients alike. The words spoken of Tate by his coworkers and clients before he left made me the proudest wife ever. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Bigger and better things were in store for Tate. Those bigger and better things led us to Title Boxing.

Tate is now the General Manager of a brand new gym opening in the Lakeville/Apple Valley Area. The gym is called 'Title Boxing Club'. Here is a lil' blurb from their website!

'A fitness club with a punch. TITLE Boxing Clubs offer explosive total body boxing and kickboxing fitness workouts to help women and men burn up to 1,000 calories per hour in each group class. If you are looking for a fitness club that offers effective group exercise classes and personal training, TITLE Boxing Club is the fitness club for you.'

Tate is BEYOND excited about this opportunity. We prayed for God to guide us when making this decision. Title Boxing is where he lead us.

The gym opens this Monday, July 7th. Tate's been working his hardest to get everything in order and getting many members signed up before they even open. I love hearing him tell me everyday how many more members he signed up. The excitement in his voice puts a big smile on my face and reassures me that we made the right decision.

Some photos of the gym that Tate will be managing!

What's even more exciting is that this is just one of three clubs that will be opening. Tate's boss actually bought 3 clubs and the other 2 will open in the next few years.

Grand opening is July 10th from 11am - 12pm. For anyone interested (in the local area), your first class is free. Go ahead an check it out. I can't wait to take a class.

Like their FB page and follow them on Twitter

I'm hoping in the near future to have them host a MN Blogger Event!!! How fun would that be to get a great workout in while hanging out with some of the greatest ladies?!?

The Power of Prayer

The last few weeks have been tough as I try to understand why some people are called to Heaven at such a young age! When fellow blogger Jacqui from Baby Boy Bakery lost her 3 year old son a few months ago...I couldn't stop crying. I've never met her and actually didn't follow her or her blog until this happened, but just the thought of a parent having to say goodbye to their child breaks my heart! Not only did I cry a lot...I also prayed a lot. I prayed for God to give her the strength to move forward and to comfort her. I prayed that Ryan, her son, always walk by his parents side and show them that he is always with them! 

3 weeks ago, one of my friends lost her brother-in-law (her sister's husband). He was only 32 years old. Not only does that leave a young 27 year old a widow, but they also have a 2 year old that now will grow up without his dad. I can't even imagine this happening. I cry just typing this because I feel like my whole world would fall apart if anything happened to Tate or Turner. I know God has a plan for us all and we are living that plan currently, but I sometimes wonder if I would I have the strength to get through these type of events. My friends sister has shown so much grace, strength and faith during this most difficult time in her life, it truly is amazing. 

And now as I type this, Tate's Grandma is fighting for her life. She had a big stroke yesterday and they are pretty sure she will never be responsive ever again and will pass soon. We just saw her a few weeks ago when we were back in WI. She is only 76 and healthy. We are all super surprised this happened. I find comfort knowing she has her husband and daughter up in heaven waiting for here. She has the biggest heart and is one of the most compassionate woman I know. When God finally calls for her, I know she will go with pure excitement to meet Jesus and I have no doubt that we will have one very special angel by our side each and every day.

I know that the prayer is a powerful thing. I have loved seeing people come together and pray for families and people that they do not know. I ask you pray for Jacqui, her husband and their son Ryan. I ask you pray for Drew, Ali & Brady as Ali and Brady move forward without Drew in the flesh (he is their in spirit no doubt). I also ask you to pray for Tate's Grandma. That when God calls her name, she goes peacefully. 

I pray every day, but I feel like my prayers have shifted lately. I find myself praying more often and out loud. I have always been a women of faith, but I feel like lately I am being called to do more than just believe, pray and go to church. I am not quite sure what it is so I am asking the Lord to guide me. 

Tate and I have recently started reading the Bible. We are actually using 'Reader's Guide to the Bible: A Chronological Reading Plan' to guide us while we read it. Ruthie recommended it to me. It's been great so far and I hope we continue to set aside time for this.

via

One thing I know I need to do is to stop always worrying. I need to trust in God's plan and know that everything will happen the way it is suppose to. I need to just continue to talk to God and pray. We are all not promised tomorrow. Live each day as a special gift...because it really is!

An active weekend

This was the first weekend this summer that we actually had nothing planned and it was wonderful. I don't mind being busy and going places...but I love weekends at home to break up those super busy times.

On Friday evening, Turner got his first golf lesson from Tate. It was the cutest thing ever. Turner thought it was HILARIOUS!!!!

Saturday we woke up and hit 2 farmer markets close to home. Got some great veggies for the week.

Tate went to work for a bit so after Turner napped, we went to the park with our neighbors. Turner once again loved being in the swing. He also enjoyed the slide and trying to walking on sand.

After a fun and eventful day...we enjoyed making homemade pizza as a family. I also enjoyed my go to healthy shake for my sweet tooth. I just had to share in case anyone wants to enjoy it also.

1 frozen banana
1c of unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon honey
1 handful of ice

It's delicious and fulfills my sweet tooth for ice cream :)

Sunday we went to church in what seemed like forever! We've been so busy lately...it was nice to get there and have our dedicated morning to God.

We spend the rest of Sunday at a friends pool. Turner was OBSESSED!! Only was happy if he was in the pool...well unless he was eating!!!

As if swimming wasn't enough for this lil' guy...we got home and as we made dinner...he had fun with his new water station he got from Grandma & Grandpa Brown for his birthday!!

It was a perfect weekend!!! Looking forward to this 4 day work week and then a nice long weekend :)

Happy Monday!!!

Proud Sister...

Today Turner and I are making the trip back home to celebrate and attend my sister's pinning program from nursing school. I am a very proud sister today!!!

Hannah, my sister, has been working so hard during her time in nursing school and has been waiting for this day forever! I am so happy that she has finally reached this day! We've both had countdowns in our phone for this day as I am excited to finally feel like I have my sister back!

My sister has followed in my Mom's footsteps. My mom is currently a Registered Nurse (RN) at Mayo Clinic and that is Hannah's goal. Hannah currently works as a Patient Care Assistant for Mayo Clinic and looks forward to continuing her career at Mayo Clinic as a Registered Nurse.

It's nice having my mom in the medical field to ask many many many questions and I'm glad my sister will be for years to come so I have someone else to turn too also!!!

Hannah....this day is finally here. The day you've been waiting for! I am so very proud of you. I am proud of your dedication to not only your schooling, but to your work and patients. You are going to be an amazing RN. I hope I never have to find out by being a patient just how amazing you really are though ;) Love you very much...let's CELEBRATE!!!

Big Turner kisses for his Auntie!!

First Mother's Day

I love being a Mother and I love that there is a dedicated to honoring this. In prior years, I was a fur-mama, mama hopeful, mama to be and this year, I am a 'mum' (Turner loves loves loves to say Mum)!!

I woke up and did my normal routine since I pump before Turner wakes up...not sleeping in for me yet. Turner has been getting up earlier and earlier it seems because of it being light outside...darker curtains may be needed. I was great with the sweetest card ever...

Tate got up and ran to Kwik Trip to get my favorite cinnamon rolls and hot cocoa (total cheat day for food)!!! We had plans to go shopping for 'big boy' car seats for Turner as we have been putting it off for a very long time and he just seems to be a bit too big for his current car seat (and seems to be hating it also).

Headed over to Buy Buy Baby since it was close to where we would have lunch and Trader Joe's for some grocery shopping.

We had lots of fun shopping for these. I learned many things and it seemed that Turner was more comfortable sitting in these type vs being shoved into his infant one.

After shopping, we went to Chili's for lunch and to discuss car seat options. We had bottomless chips and salsa, fajitas and some good margaritas!!! It was delicious. Turner had fun flirting with the 5 year old girls @ the table next to us (oh gosh...it's started already). 

After lunch, we hit up Trader Joe's to get the rest of our meal planning weekly groceries. Turner and Tate stayed in the car since Turner fell asleep. We got home and T woke up and we decided to go for a family walk since the weather was gorgeous.

We ended the day with Tate making me dinner and Turner gifted me with the Fitbit Flex. I am SO EXCITED to use this!!! Anybody else have it...any tips?!?! Let's be Fitbit friends...at least that's what I hear people are :)

I had a perfect Mother's Day! This boy brings so much joy in my life...I am beyond blessed and lucky to be him Mum!!!

Twins Fan

Even though Turner is a Packer fan (don't even get me started)...he, along with his parents, decided he will be a MN Twins fan!!! :) I love that he will get to experience Target Field and cheer on the Twins...his home state team!!!

We took Turner to his first Twins game this weekend. Tate called me on Friday and asked if we wanted to go to the game for free. One of his clients has season tickets and couldn't make it. Not even knowing where the seats were, we said yes. Tate emailed me later in the day with our section and row...WHOA! We had dugout box seats for the game!!! We have never been that close for a game before. We were beyond excited! After the excitement wore off...I became scared that we would be hit by a line drive since we were so close. I was rest assured by many people that as long as your paying attention, all is good.

Not only did we have amazing seats...the weather was perfect, the Twins won and Turner got a game ball!!!

The couple behind us has a lil' 2 year old boy that just loved baseball. He got a game ball during the 3rd inning. When the 6th inning ended, the ump came over and signaled us down to give Turner a ball.

Turner did great during the game. Whenever he would fuss...we would give him something else to distract him with. All he really wanted to do was crawl all over the place. I did bring him up to get his first game certificate at one point and let him walk along a gate. He loved that.

We are so thankful for this experience with Turner. We can't wait to take him again. 

After the game, we headed home and decided to go for a walk since the weather was gorgeous. Turner loved going to the park again to swing.

Mya also enjoyed being spoiled on her walk. We also made homemade pizza for dinner. I made a whole wheat crust from scratch. We added spinach, zucchini, red peppers and onions. It was delicious.

Love my weekends with my lil family!!!!

May Fitness Challenge

When I saw that Kristin & Erin were going to host a  Fitness Challenge link up for May, I was super excited! I LOVE LOVE LOVE setting goals. Goals motivate me. I'm just finishing up breastfeeding this month so I didn't want to be too extreme with my goals, but I also know that those extra 500 calories I have been burning a day for the last (almost) year will be ending soon...I need to start making changes since I feel like I won't be so restricted on what I can do.

Running has been a challenge as I've never really had boobs before and with these milk jugs...well it's hard. I had to find the perfect sports bra to wear in order to control them. I also haven't done much cardio since losing weight was not on my priority list. I was really into strength training and trying to gain weight. That is still my area of focus but I will start to incorporate cardio more as I love going for runs with the jogging stroller and Mya. I also love to go to a spin class (really helps the booty)!!!

My 4 goals for the month of May...

NO SWEETS/TREATS 

Lately I have been eating them NON STOP @ work. We have a huge bin full of mini candy bars and I am there eating a lil' piece once an hour. WTF!! I'm dropping this cold turkey. No more sweets until Turner's first birthday party on May 31st!!!

12 GYM VISITS
I'm usually pretty good about this one as I love the motivation of getting the $20 from my insurance company (I am soooo frugal) for doing so...but this last month was brutal as I had to go everyday from April 21 to the 30th in order to get it. I did it...but it was hard. I'm setting my goal to get there at least 2-3 times a week so that I am not scrambling at the end of the month.

DO SOMETHING ACTIVE EVERYDAY
Whether it be a walk with my family, @ home HIIT workout or just a few ab and arm sets while playing with Turner, I want to do something active everyday. I usually am good about this, but I think I do miss doing something EVERYDAY...so setting this goal will definitely remind me to get something in!

LEGS 3 DAYS A WEEK
We all have our 'area' that we are unhappy with and would love to focus on. My #1 area is my ASS. I would like a nice, plump booty. Starting this month, 3 days a week will be focus on leg workouts. I'll be focusing on my glutes, hamstrings and quads. I'm excited to hopefully see some improvement in this area during May...a nice booty for the summer is in the works :)

I really encourage everyone to make fitness goals. I think I might do this as a monthly thing. Making goals keeps you motivated and accountable. Linking up with other bloggers this month will also help with the motivation. You need to ALWAYS remember that you will NEVER REGRET going to the gym and getting in that last workout

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