It Just Got Real People...

  

I had such a fun summer! Lots of good friends, family, drinks, and FOOD! I was out living in the sunshine more than running in it, and it was fun while it lasted. GAME. OVER.

The last time I put my favorite jeans on, I practically had to use baby powder, and a shoe horn to get into them. Well, the other day I tried to put them on again, and the button was so far from the whole it was laughing at me.  Ha! Anyway, It's on like Donkey Kong!  Come hell or high water... I will fit into my favorite jeans again, and SOON!  Here is my plan...

First:  Move! I will be out running every morning that my schedule allows it. NO EXCUSES!  Right now that is 4 mornings a week. When I can't run, you will find me frog jumping across my house to the laundry room, doing plie squats and fireplace step ups in front of the TV, playing with my new pilates mini weight ball, etc...

Second: Protein Shake. Usually a staple in my diet; drinking my shakes everyday has totally gone by the wayside lately. I'll be back to downing a couple of these daily.

Third: Whole grains only. Period. I'm not talking about the grocery "Whole Grain" store breads that still have enriched flour. I'm talking sprouted wheat bread, and oats. You can do a lot with quick oats. :)

Fouth:  NO SWEETS!! No explanation needed.

Fifth: Lean and Mean.  Lean meats, veggies, and fruits. If it poops on the ground or grows from it; I'll eat it... Well, with in reason... ;)

Six- Hydrate.  Water is nature's best detox!  :)


I always listen to my body, and try to do what's best for it. These things have always worked well for me, but my rule in life is MODERATION. I just try to make more good health decisions than bad.
This summer.. I made more bad. LOL!

               ~Betsy

Andy Williams...

Only those who know me best in the world, would know that Moon River is one of my favorite songs. It's one of the few things in the world that can make me cry.  Thanks for being the soundtrack of memories to so many... Rest in Peace Andy Williams.

Soccer Tournaments and Coaches...

Team Dragons, and our 3 Coaches waiting for the next game to start...

This weekend I spent both days doing the soccer mom shuffle. It was so much fun!! Saturday we had our regular game, and Sunday was the Portland Fall 6v6 Tournament. Unfortunately we lost, but I am not quite sure the boys really noticed. Not really! I know they did, but they still had a great time hanging out and playing with their friends all day. They put it all out there, and played some great soccer. I'm so proud of them! Sometimes I think losses hit the parents harder than the kids, but each child is different. We have an amazing group of boys and parents. Some of them have been with us since U5! It has been fun watching them grow as athletes over the years, and I hope to see them all for many more.

Having said that, I also think we have amazing Coaches. I am biased because one of them is The Hubs, but they truly are great with the kids.  Some parents feel that they are at times consumed with recreational sports. Lots of costs, and time driving them to and from practices or games. What we all must remember though is that the coaches all do the same thing, but so much more. They take time (in addition to their 40 hour work week) to spend hours on the field hauling equipment, teaching our kids lessons that they will carry with them for a long time, and most importantly how to love the game. When they aren't on the field they are thinking about it; drawing out plays, making lists and line ups, coordinating pictures, tournaments, trophies, team parties, and snack parents etc...  It's a lot, and they get paid for NONE of their work. It's a volunteer job, and it's not easy. They do it for the love of the kids and the game.

So a BIG Thank you to all the Coaches!  Win or Lose, we appreciate all that you do!!  :)

                    ~Betsy

Friday Faves

Here are a few things that I have been loving this week!  Have a great weekend!     ~Betsy

Have you tried this coffee yet? I had a coupon, so we tried it out. YUM!! The taste is close to 

Dunkin' Donuts coffee, which is my all time favorite coffee. Don't mind if I do!

ADDICTED to Costco's 4lb boxes of red grapes! 

I am loving denim trousers for fall! These Tory Burch trousers are down right fab! 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tory-burch-stretch-denim-trouser-jeans/3085288

My kettle bell. Oh, Bell... I have missed you. Maybe you can help me get back into my favorite pair of jeans that I managed to out grow this summer. 

I worked out with my kettle bell on Monday for the first time in a while, and my legs have been sore all week!  :)

Matt Damon

He is super dreamy... I watched We Bought a Zoo again the other night, and it is so sweet!! 

Move over "Where the Heart Is", I think I have a new favorite "sick day" movie!

Kids and Cell Phones

Check out this thing! Ryan found The Hubs ancient cell phone the other day, and asked me... "Mom, when I turn 18 could you PLEASE activate this for me?" LOL! "Absolutely!!" I said. I don't even think Verizon would activate it now though! Dear God, Please do not let me lose this phone before then, because that would be the best gag gift for his 18th birthday. ;)

Anyway, it got me thinking again... What is a good age to get your kids a cell phone?  We live in the city, and I have to admit that even at 9 years old; there are times that I wish Ryan had a cell phone. We don't live where people have large back yards to play in, and it's definitely not safe for him to be roaming the neighborhoods yet. However; We do have a park at the end of our street that we let him ride his bike to meet his friends, and he gets together at friends houses after school. It would be nice to be able to call him to check in. I usually just make him ride home at a certain time to touch base, or I walk the dog up to the park to see what he's up to. Either way, it has me contemplating a small non-data cell phone for him to use. Is this a bad thing??

                  ~Betsy

Duchess Envy...

If I could look like one celebrity it's definitely The Duchess of Cambridge! She's beautiful, AND classier than a new set of dinnerware. What would you expect of a princess I suppose. Here are some pics to fuel your envy. ;) Who would you want to look like?    ~Betsy

Friday Faves

Here are a few things I am loving this week. Have a great weekend!    ~Betsy

Thanks to Friend over at Dot Dot Dot... I got to try another totally awesome product! This time I tried Amika: Nourishing Hair Mask. I love this stuff! It is recommended that you use it at least once a week, but is gentle enough to be used everyday. First: I love the scent! It has a powdery perfume type scent, and your hair smells fresh all day. I even went for a run, and my hair still smelled good afterwards! YES! Second: It made my hair feel soft without being weighed down at all. It's just pretty much awesome, so I ordered myself some online. HERE is where I found the best deal! :)

I need this Lululemon Gut buster running jacket for winter. Yes, I said "need". It brags that it "keeps your ta-ta's toasty when the wind begins to blow" Ha! 

Genius! 

Here's something I am NOT loving this week. I came across these beauties on Pinterest.

 L...O...L!  

It takes something special to leave me speechless... Well done, cowboy sandals. Well done. ;)

Dear Misses...

Dear Misses,

         Today I am sending you off to your first day of preschool. Buying your Disney Princess backpack yesterday evening was surreal, and I couldn't help but wonder about all of the "First Days of School" to come.  I realized that 0 to 3 went really fast! God willing, soon you will be 12 years old, and we'll be arguing over the backpack you want me to buy. It made me happy and sad at the same time. Happy, because I know that you are going to have a blast at school since you have been excited to go to preschool for 6 months now. Sad, because soon I'm going to miss having our mornings together. I know that sometimes I am going to miss having you with me at Target trying on every shoe in the aisle, and ordering a coffee without having to order your breakfast cookie will be a hard habit to break. :)

While you are starting your very first of your school years, there are a few things that I want you to always remember.

1. You are smart. You may not always know the answer, and you may not always get your work perfect,     but you are capable of anything. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

2. You are beautiful. Where ever you are... whatever you are doing... Sometimes you will be the prettiest person in the room, sometimes you won't, but you are a beautiful person. Always.

3. Be a good friend. Your friends will be your family during your school years. They will support you, make you laugh, and give you strength on the hard days. You can never have too many friends.

4. Be kind to everyone. Everyone! The kid who smells funny, the kid who looks funny, the kid with two different shoes on. It doesn't matter. Be kind to those who are kind to you.

5. Be confident.  Whether you are trying to make it across the monkey bars, make it on the soccer team, or solving a math problem... Know that you can do it. Confidence will carry you far, but being afraid to try never got anyone anywhere.

6. Stand up.  You will never get in trouble at home for getting into trouble at school... IF you were standing up for yourself, or someone else who needed it.

7. Play.  I don't care if it's soccer, cheerleading, gymnastics, softball, volleyball, or chess team.  Spend time being a part of something bigger than yourself.  It's one of the best things you can do... Learn to work together as a team, and you will make friends while doing it.

8. Be your own person.  Whether all the kids are eating worms, riding on top of cars, or piercing their lip. Be your own person, and use the good head that God put on your shoulders.  They will still be your friends if you don't do it.

9. Try your best. You may not always get the best grade, but if you truly gave it your best try, your grades should usually reflect that.

10. We love you. Always know that when you come home from school... your biggest fans will be waiting for you at home to hear all about your day.

                  Love,
                        Mom

Friday Faves!

Here are some things I have been loving this week... These are all for the love of fall, and here in these parts, it's right around the corner.  I hope you all have a great weekend!  
                         
                                  ~Betsy

I have been needing a new soup recipe to try out, and this is it! It's Taste of Home's Cheeseburger Soup!
I wonder if I can trim it down a bit in the fat category, and still have it taste good. We'll see!

Martha Stewart, You always get it right. I love the polka dot pumpkins! This is totally my style since I am a TERRIBLE pumpkin carver. You can never tell what mine is on Halloween! :)

This is pretty much what Hubs' Aunt Tana's front entry looks like every fall! I'm inspired to grow up, and make a pretty fall entry of my own. Let's be honest though... It will never look as good as this! ;)

This trench is to die for!!!  (Actually that's what the smoking is for)

LOVE LOVE LOVE this wrap!! You don't need a scarf!

Lazy style. My favorite. :)

Are you ready for some football?...

Hey Y'all!!

Guess what? I joined my first Fantasy Football League!!! (Insert endless laughter here! Ha!)  This is no joke though. The Hubs is a HUGE fan of the NFL. He has tons o' fun playing Fantasy Football with his family & friends every year, so I decided that I wanted in on the action. Plus, the payout is good!

This year I talked him into starting a couples Fantasy League. He did, and now we are playing with several of our friends and their wives/girlfriends. Yep! I'm now a huge believer in beginners luck!
A word to the wise... Don't EVER let your husband, or any man for that matter, name your team! Something about Fantasy Football makes the maturity of grown men average about the age of 15.  You should see some of the names they gave us!
No, actually on second thought you shouldn't. ;)
Anyway, the season starts today!  It's on like Donkey Kong ladies!!  Let the season begin!

   
Another note, Portland Public Schools start today! Although it's still in the upper 80's here, it makes me sad to know that summer will be ending around here soon, and rain is just around the corner. :(
On the upside... I will no longer be the person walking around New Seasons grocery store with 2 kids fighting over who gets to press the elevator button! BIG smiles!! :)

                   ~Betsy

Dear Pinterest, I LOVE you...

Hi Y'all!

     If you have ever read this blog, then you know that I LOVE Pinterest.  The good, the Bad, but mostly the DIY!! Here is a little something that I did a while back inspired by this Old Flooring Art Pinterest pin. I needed a large piece of "art" to go upstairs in the hallway. I used hardwood flooring from our garage that was leftover from building our house, and I had primer out there too. Then I bought contact paper, a picture hanging kit, and wood glue from the Dollar Tree. This means that the whole project cost me $3!!!  It turned out pretty good, and has been hanging now for a few months!  I had some serious concerns about buying wood glue from the dollar store because of the weight of this thing. It was name brand though, so I took a chance. It's still holding solid! Thank God, because it will totally take out my light fixture if it ever decides to fall. Ha!  Also, I didn't use a projector at all. I just drew my tree freehand. It was pretty easy! Note: Cutting the tree out of the contact paper was sort of a pain in the tush, and it took a while. If you are like me, you just get caught up on your TV shows while doing it. ;) 

Now that school is starting back tomorrow; I have some DIY decor, and organization plans for fall. What do-it-yourself projects do you have planned on the horizon?

                          ~Betsy

Finished

See what I mean about taking out the light fixture? LOL!  :)

View from downstairs in my living room.

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!  I hope you are all surrounded by family, friends, and good food today!  I'll leave you with a few of my favorite quotes for the love of good hard work. ;)   

                 ~Betsy 


"I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it."
Thomas Jefferson

"It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things."
Theodore Roosevelt

"No labor, however humble, is dishonoring."
The Talmud