Aunts Rule!

Aunt Becky workin' some giggles!

Being an aunt is the sweet spot.  You can be the cool one that acts goofy to get laughs, keeps good secrets and just loves you for being you.  You can be there to encourage the cool outfit or help give a sweet new look with make-up lessons or giving the curling iron a workout.  Aunts are someone you like to hang out with as much as possible.  They have a different perspective of you, one that thinks you are the real deal…one that doesn't always make you follow all "the rules."  Kinda like a Grandma, but with more relevant fashion creds.  Aunts are the behind the scenes roadies with the sounding board before you go to the big show aka "the rents."  Aunts can help guide you when you don't even know it's happening.  Kinda like giving you multiple choice questions with win/win answers.  Aunts can call you by a cool nickname like Addie or AJ, instead of Adalee (your formal legal name.)  Aunts can talk you into anything…like calling your bluff on a serious meltdown.  It just sounds better coming from an Aunt and not those people that make you eat all your greens!

Lunch Date #1 - Aunts can take you to get your 1st Margarita..
and that white cheese dip that everyone raves about.  It's Legit!  

Lunch Date #2 - When Aunts take you to lunch,
you can eat whatever you want…or just sleep! 

Aunts don't have to do the things that piss you off…like baths! 

Aunts can tell you it's all good
when you think
this sitch is lookin a lil sketch.

Aunts tell you that you are beautiful and you believe them…even on a really bad hair day.  They are your biggest cheerleader and know just what to say and when to say it.  Aunts tell you it's not OK when girls are mean to you…and how you can turn things around by making THEM wonder why YOU are so cool!  Aunts are awesome and someone you want to be like.  You think they have it goin on and have this world figured out (they have a really good poker face!)

Thank Goodness Aunts are around when it's nap time
…except for you!

Aunts are like the relief pitcher for Mama! 

Aunts are a gift that never lose their shine.  They are timeless and you know they will always be there for you…no matter what!  They will laugh with you, cry with you, teach you, and maybe preach at you..but in a way that is on the down low.  Aunts are amazing human beings.  Aunts are all unique in their own way.  Aunts totally rock!  

To all my Aunts still on this earth and in heaven, no memory is too small.  An ordinary day may be ordinary to you..but not to us!  We remember all the little things.  We appreciate you shaping the way we live our lives.  You had a hand in it.  The doing what is right.  The passion to drive on.  To find the goodness in the bad.  To be happy.  

Big Sis - Lil Sis

These kids have some memories!
Wonder Woman (Becky) Raggedy Ann (Carrie)
Spidey (Sarah) Raggedy Andy (Terri)

My Aunt Nesa left suddenly and I really
miss her smile, laugh, and positive outlook.
She will always be a part of who I am.

Nesa and her passion! 

So it begins with Avery Grace

Is she here yet??  As we sat around the house, we were all anxious for the news.  The arrival of Avery Grace brought a sense of excitement to the whole family.  We had been waiting for 9 long months.  Well, actually longer than that as the last babies are now 9 years old.  We had been receiving updates through the day, but nothing that seemed to be go time.  Then, the C word came into play.  I knew Jess was exhausted and the C-section was a sigh of relief for her.  Immediately, I thought about what that would mean and brought a tingling pain to my motherhood badge of courage.  It's something you never forget...the pain, the excitement, the emotion.  The knowing you are solely responsible for another human being!

We finally got the call and could hear the crying in the background.  She was here and she was safe.  The little cry bought tears to my eyes.  I wanted to be there to welcome her and was really sad to miss such a monumental time for my Sis and Bro in law.  Like a surreal snapshot in time when the world just stops.  One that will change their lives forever and bring them closer than ever before.  For now, I would have to settle for hearing that newborn cry like music to my ears that all was OK.

Avery Grace decided to make her entrance into the world in an incredible ice storm.  One that shut down the windy, icy roads in the state of Arkansas.  But, would not keep any Grandma from being there for their "babies."  I was glad the Grandmas were on watch to kick it off.  By the time I got there, it would be a routine that I could just keep on course.  I had already planned to go when the Grams had to leave.  From experience, it takes a full 2 weeks to even feel alive again after the Big C.  I knew she would need help and maybe a bit of encouragement.  Sure I couldn't wait to hold my new niece, but my sole purpose was going for the Mommy.  She needed me and I would be there to take care of HER.  I would do the list of stuff that would be at the bottom of a new Mommy's list.  That is one thing you don't do is get in the way of a new Mommy's groove.  You let her be the headliner act and you are just the roadie...the behind the scenes dude that magically makes things happen.

Cilla keeps track of "her" baby.  

After a longer than hoped 5 hour drive in the rain, I made it to the house.  After breaking through the security system of the 2 dogs, I got to see her for the first time.  She was so beautiful...and perfect...like an angel.  I couldn't believe how small she seemed.  I had forgotten about the tiny fingers and the tiny toes.  How could I have forgotten in 9 years?  The smell of baby lotion and formula took me back.  Back to a time of wondering how I would survive the madness?  No sleep, no identity, and whole new set of priorities.  Priorities that included burping and poop and not worried about buying tix to go see my fave band.

I spent 3 days with the angel, new Mommy & new Daddy.  Not gonna lie, it is an exhausting time.  But, I know they will all be OK.  It's like Fort Knox trying to even get in the house and Avery has 24/7 dog security tighter than the Prez.

A's 1st Selfie

Mommy thinks this looks like a life jacket..
More like a lifesaver! 

How can you pack 40 years of knowledge into just a few short days?  I did manage to make sure Avery experienced some 1sts in her life to get her on the way.  Her life will play a big part in social media, so A has to know the ins and outs.  I taught her a bit of the lingo that she will need to know....like selfie.

Nuff said! 

A's 1st Movie!

Since she already knows something about pulling an all nighter, she will have no probs in college!  Speaking of all nighters, A had to learn the ancient Indian secret for tummy aches.  This is a long time middle of the night, lifesaver trick that gives parents hope to make it to daylight.  Never before shared in a public forum, a long receiving blanket folded long ways is like Homer Simpson

with a donut.  Wrap the blanket around the belly tight enough to relieve the pressure and Doh!  She went from "I'm losing it here guys" to "Let's chill and talk about Mark Wahlberg."  So, her wish is my command!  I'm happy to report A's 1st movie together was Invincible @ 4am.  She learned a little about football and a lot about Marky Mark!

Can we keep her???
~Brady

So, it was time to leave and A was a little more prepared to take on this crazy ol' world.  Mommy was starting to find her Mommy "gut" feeling and Daddy was well, as chill as ever.  It was time to spread their wings into parenthood.  It wasn't without a few tears in departure, but knowing I would see them again in a week made it easier to hit the road.

It's amazing how the cousins were SO excited to see her at Christmas.  They wanted to hold her, feed her, change her, and basically just watch her sleep.  They all just love her so much!

I'm smiling but Avery is not!
~Makenzie 

This seems easy enough!
~Kyra

I got her!
~Lily

Great Gram, we have the same middle name! 

AhhAhh...Kansas!  Can we move here???

One of the most amazing moments was for Avery to be held by her 90ish young Great Grandma!  Gram was ready to just hold her, kiss her and love her.  These moments in time are unforgettable and we were very fortunate to witness.  

We can't wait to see her develop and grow...but not too fast, please!  We wonder what her first words will be, when she starts to walk and what she will do to make her parents crazy.  

They will be INVINCIBLE parents and will always make sure she has everything she needs.  We will hear their stories and laugh and cry.  We will miss all the daily little moments that don't seem to be much.  We will see her on holidays and such as life goes on and gets busy.  We are family and will cherish all our times together as she grows.  Welcome to the world baby girl!!  

A New Norm

Well, I'm about 4 months into the new era of being 40.  After quite a long break from 40 days of boxing, many beers and pondered thoughts, I am moving in a new direction.  Shortly after my 40th, I was driving home one day and a thought occurred to me like a ton of bricks!  Why am I paying someone $533 a month to pick up my kids from school??  This is clearly something I would love to do and the payoff would be priceless.

After both twin births, work was always waiting 8 weeks after.  I knew I had to return for financial reasons and benefit reasons.  I would continue in the rat race because I knew I had to.  I would not think about it too much to avoid thinking about missing out on their moments.  I still remember loading those tiny little babies in car carriers and delivering them to someone else to enjoy all day.  Then, I would return for pick-up after a long day and totally exhausted.  That just became the norm and a way of life.  After going through the daycare stages, it remained the norm but just in a different way.  After many long days of work, I would wander home to find my family had already eaten dinner without me, homework was all done, and lunches were all packed for the next day.  Why this might sound like a dream to most Moms, it was really sad for me.  I was totally missing out!

How could I change this?  Our kids will only be around us for 10 more years (maybe less as they continue on in the teen years.)  I want to be there everyday to pick them up! To find out how their day went, what they learned, and who got in trouble, hoping it wasn't them.  I love to hear things from their perspective.  It makes me think differently and become even more creative.  Speaking of creative, we will be doing just that.  After submitting requests, knocking on doors, talking to lots of other working mamas, and spreading the word, I've finally achieved MY GOAL.  This is not some personal mission of a fitness challenge, but real life stuff.  I've decided to slice my hours (and salary) to make a pretty significant change.  MY GOAL, which was set several months ago after that tireless drive home became to be in a role that I could pick my kids up from school everyday.  So, the time was ticking because I had a deadline...August 13th!  For anyone who knows me well, I went right to the numbers and my friend, the excel spreadsheet.  What would this look like?  Could we do it and still pay the light bill?  After lots of number crunching, the answer was absolutely we could find a way to make it work.  After all, I am the queen of thrift.  I can make the best of anything.  I am a survivor of financial creativeness.  (Thanks Mom!) I've always had that in my blood, but having Dave Ramsey knock me over the head about 4 years ago was definitely a factor.  At first when living the Dave lifestyle, the kids wondered why we were so concerned about money and how much things cost.  Why weren't we going to dinner?  Why couldn't I get that new pair of shoes that I really, really WANT?  Best thing we ever did, as it has taught our kids the value of money and financial awareness.  They really consider now and almost need to hold a debate of whether to spend a dollar of their money.  Is it something they really need or just WANT?

MY GOAL has become so much more than a goal.  It will be life changing for us all.  August 13th will be here soon, and that is the day I will start my new schedule and will be stepping out of the greeting card arena at 2:30 sharp everyday.  Yes, I made the deadline..and yes, I will be there to pick my kids up from school everyday.  But even more is I will be there, be present, and ready to listen.  Really listen!  I can't wait to start my new role.  Not the one at the greeting card biz, but the one titled "MOM."

Reflection

Well, after the 40 days, I was ready for a break!  Hubby & I traveled to Arizona for an all expenses paid trip for winning the KC Slimdown Challenge in October (Thanks Cerner!!.)  My team of 5 grabbed the winning title with an 18% weight loss out of 1800 teams that competed throughout the metro.  The trip was totally amazing!  Every last detail was handled with massages, transportation, meals, and pool time!  I savored every moment as I knew this was a vacay way beyond my budget.

40 days, 40 trainers...Check!  I'm so thankful for all the support from my husband, kiddos, family, friends, co-workers, trainers, and NEW title friends.  It was more amazing than I had ever hoped for.  Boxing has become a passion for me, but was so powerful to see others getting motivated to be healthy.  I truly believe that finding something you love, will keep you motivated.  It doesn't matter what it is.  I know that I want to start my 40s the best shape I've ever been in.

So now what?  It feels good to have the pressure off for a bit. I could train for another race, but that seems kinda boring now.  I've been thinking about several things, but haven't landed on anything yet.  My 12 year old twins have never run a half marathon...maybe shift my focus to helping them achieve some goals?

For now, 3-4 days of boxing and 2 days of running.  Maybe the next challenge will come to me as I hit the streets of OP singing with Bret Michael's...

You gotta cry tough
Out on the streets 
To make your dreams happen
You gotta cry out
Out to the world
To make them all come true


Life ain't no easy ride
At least that's what I am told
Sometimes the rainbow baby
Is better than the pot of gold
You've got to stick it out
Whether you're wrong or right
And you can't give in without a fight
To make it baby


You gotta aim high, baby
Whether you lose or win
And when you get to the top
You gotta get off or go right back down again. 

Day 40: The Final Countdown

My Entourage with Roberto ~ Suzanne, Lee, Linda, & Jamie

As I was gearing up and getting ready to head to Title, I took a few moments to just reflect on the past 39 days.  It was emotional.  I felt excited and could see the end in sight. Only one problem though...Getting through Roberto's class.  Because I wanted to begin and end at The 7-6, I choose to save Roberto for the Grand Finale.  I had only taken his class one other time on Thanksgiving when he agreed to help us burn some calories before taking in all of Grandma's secret recipes.  At the time, I thought it was such a cool thing for him to give up an hour of his time with his family for the good of continuing our health.  I'll admit I was terrified to attend that Thanksgiving day after hearing all the stories.  He decided that day to go old school and do a long warm-up with jump ropes.  I had not jump roped in years and struggled to find my groove.  The other thing that stands out is there is no talking or socializing.  It's total focus and he means serious biz!

At least I had a previous glimpse of what I was walking into today.  I would just do my best and focus on the task at hand....To hit that 40 days will be an amazing feeling!  I was so excited to see my entourage there to support me!  Suzanne, Linda, Lee, and Jamie were all in the house!  When I approached my bag, I could see balloons and a card.  Kim, our wonderful owner and cheerleader, had taken the time to set this up for me.  I was truly shocked because everyone is so busy and know it takes extra effort to do this.  This is why Kim has been able to build such an amazing business.  She does truly care about each individual!

My Surprises ~ Mom & Dad 

As class was starting, it was time to forget about all the birthday wishes, balloons, cards, and high fives.  It was down to business.  I started to brace myself was we starting running around the perimeter with the med ball.  It challenged everything I had to keep the ball up while running.  Then, to stop with a drill and continue with sprints.  Remember, I'm not a sprinter...I'm a distance runner and pace is my friend.  I could not look like a wimp!  This was it!  It didn't matter if I couldn't walk afterwards because I was at the finish line!

As I rounded one of the numerous laps, I hear Jamie say, "Your parents are here!"  I was wondering how they were able to make it there without me knowing.  Were they playing hookie from work?  My Mom always knows just the right thing to do or say.  Every Hallmark card she buys me is absolutely perfect and makes me cry.  She finds little gifts that hold memories for me.  She is the master of life's little surprises.  Yeah, she pretty much knows me after 40 years!  As for Dad, he is ALWAYS there.  He may not say much, but know I can always count on him!

The heat was on!  I was definitely feeling it while sharing a bag with Suzanne.  She is like a machine that can throw kicks to knock you off your feet!  I struggled to hold the bag for all her power.  We continued to switch off holding the bag while punching/kicking.  I was on the floor for one of the final times doing side kicks while rolling onto both hips with Roberto yelling, "Fight for your life!"  I just felt this surge of energy and started kicking the bag with all my strength.  Then, jumped up and punched the bag as if I were filming a Rocky movie!  Was it some weird adrenaline?  I was just so pumped up knowing we only had a few moments left until the finish.  As we ran the final lap, I threw my hands up in the air and just took a deep breath.  I did it!  All the planning, driving, calling, confirming, adjusting, sweat and sore muscles to make it to this moment.  As we stretched, I couldn't help but smile as this goal was now crushed!  Roberto gave a shout out to the birthday girl to make sure I got my money's worth today.  Indeed I did...and more!  I got closure to the goal I had been kicking around for quite some time.  Then, wasn't sure I could do it after Hubby's medical scare.  But, when I'm in...I'm all in!

It was a truly amazing start to the day...To end the 40 day journey and get ready to start a new one with a new decade of life.  40 felt amazing!  After all, it's only a number.  As I say..."I just never act my age, so I'm never really that old."

No Doubt

As I reflected this morning and got a bit teary eyed, I have so many people to thank.  One in particular is Jason @ The 7-6.  He was my Day #1 to kick this whole thing off.  At that point, I wasn't sure I could pull off a blog and was planning my strategy.  I thought to myself...Could I really do this??

So, I attended Jason's kickboxing class and told him what I was thinking.  I was definitely committed, but just wasn't sure about all the logistics.  That night, I came home and started the blog with just a real quick post.  This was it....

Well...

I started my 40 day quest last night....40 days of fitness (i.e. boxing) with hopefully 40 different trainers.  I have my excel doc all prepared with all the "opportunities."  If you go into your 40s in good shape, won't you leave your 40s in the same shape??

Jason's kickboxing class was a sure way to say I'm in it to win it.  You know I just have to have a challenge to keep myself motivated.  Today, I feel refreshed and ready to take on a new trainer tonight.  I have my fresh carbs to take in today and plan on staying super hydrated.  I think I will try out the 121st & State Line location at 7p and see what Tyson is all about.

I sent Jason a quick note on FB to tell him I was totally in!  Here was his response..

The next day when I walked through the door...Here is how he inspired me:

As I walk through the door at Title, Jason asks..."Day 3?"  He had no idea how much I was talking to myself on the ride over in an attempt to get the sore muscles pumped up.  Sometimes trainers, such as Jason did today, have no idea what an impact they can make with 2 simple words.  That was rockin and just what I needed to put one foot in front of the other!

Right before the punch!

My husband loves, loves to attend Jason's class.  Therefore, we always had to duke it out on who was going to attend.  I'm so nice and want him happy, so often times I would just give in:)  I truly enjoy Jason's class and am pumped when my schedule allows me to go!  Don't think I don't get my butt kicked though.  I remember one night in his class, I don't think we hit the bag until 30 minutes into class.  I was just dying after running with the med ball and drill after drill without any relief.  So, hitting the bag that night was my break!


I know during this whole process, he would always be asking hubby about my progress.  He truly cares about making sure everyone is at their best.  


Jason~ Thanks for never doubting that I could tackle this crazy goal.  You are ALWAYS a ray of sunshine and you should be proud of the work you do.  You are changing lives everyday!  I will see you again real soon!  Tears:)  

Day 39: Some Jeron Lovin'

I was pumped all day to get to the club.  I knew Jeron would be there with a smile and a hug:)  I already confirmed with him earlier in the week to make sure he would be there.  His response was, " I won't let you down.  I've been waitin though."

Suzanne~Lee~Jeron~Becky~Kyra

Jeron was my first workout at Title.  Even though I had been running, I was not prepared for what he had in store.  My friend, Suzanne, finally got me to agree to attend.  I was nervous and wasn't sure what to expect.  But, once the music started and everyone was hopping and getting pumped, I was in!  I wasn't able to complete all the commands but the accomplishment afterwards felt powerful.  I still remember him shouting, "If you want to change your body...Punch faster now!!"  That has just stuck with me and I've never heard him say it again.  Even though he doesn't say it, I think about it when I'm in the zone.  I love to the in the zone while in Jeron's class!  I just focus on doing my best and leave all my worries and "to do" list at the door.

Tonight, my friend, Suzanne got to workout with me again.  It was a bit emotional knowing that this is where my obsession all started...doing a trial workout with Suzanne at Jeron's class.  In addition, my friend, Lee, was in the house.  She was deciding whether she wanted to take the Title plunge.  I know she will get the Title obsession.  I get super excited for my peeps knowing they will be seeing life changing results in the next 30 days.  It's such a rush!

I've missed Jeron's workouts and am ready to get back to his class.  He has such a magnetic energy and you can't help but gain some positive, mentally & physically.  You just have to get there early to get a bag, especially in the evening.  It was a full house tonight with every bag full.  Apparently, everyone else was in need of some Jeron lovin'!

Jeron~You were my gift at the end!  Thanks for always encouraging me to push harder.  Your positive vibe is contagious and know that you inspire people everyday:)