My Crossfit Journey!!

I have been doing Crossfit for ONE year now and have never felt better in my life. I was the person that NEVER saw myself doing Crossfit, I thought Crossfit wasn't for me. Let me tell you a little bit about my Crossfit journey.

In high school and college I never really had an issue with my weight. Once I had kids is when weight issues really started. I had countless gym memberships that were a BIG waste of money. I would go 2 or 3 weeks sometimes for a month and then quit going. I would try eating less thinking I would lose a little weight that way. I tried Weight Watchers for a while which I really liked but I didn't stick with it. Finally I got complacent. I had two babies, I was busy. I felt like I had no time for anything much less working out. So I just said to heck with it, I'm just going to be fat. And my version of fat and someone else's version might be different, but for me I was fat and unhealthy. Right before we had our second child my husband tried Crossfit and he loved it. He is very athletic so Crossfit was right up his ally. He lost so much weight, got healthy and looked great. Deep down I was jealous.  He would talk about Crossfit and I would usually roll my eyes, I didn't want to hear about it. When I think back to it, it was because I was jealous he had time to workout and I didn't, or at least I felt like I didn't.

In June of 2015 Crossfit Ilium had a free ladies night called WOD and Wine. I had a friend who asked me to come and just try it. So I went, by myself, I went and I had a good time. So they had door prizes and I ended up winning one of them which was a free month of Crossfit. I got home that night and told Rob and he just laughed. I told him well I guess I have to at least give it a try now. I decided to start their Foundations class at the beginning of July.

On July 6, 2015 I decided to give Crossfit a try. I was SO nervous! I pulled up to the gym that evening for my first foundations class and I sat in the car and texted Rob and asked him if I had to go inside. I was stepping completely out of my comfort zone. I didn't have a friend starting with me, I was by myself. I took a deep breath and I walked though that door. Looking back on it now, that's the first step, walking through that door! I started my first Crossfit foundations class with two young college guys, talk about feeling out of shape...ha! The first class wasn't too bad, and when I say too bad, I mean it was basic information nothing too complicated. The foundations classes were 3 nights a week for two weeks. Each day got more intense with more movements that I never done before. I have never picked up a bar in my life that I can remember! There was one foundations class I remember crying. I cried because it was so much information and I am a perfectionist and I couldn't get the movement down and it was frustrating me. I made it through all of my foundations classes and I remember telling Rob there was no way I was going to remember all the movements I just learned. On that following Monday July 20, 2015 I went to my first Crossfit class. I went to the 5am class and I remember being so nervous, I was thinking what if I can't do this, what am I getting myself into, everyone is so much better than me, just breathe! I remember everyone was so friendly and helpful. That day I made it through my very first Crossfit WOD and I felt good.

I started off by going 3 days a week and after a while it changed to 4 days a week. I go at 5am every morning and I love my 5am crew.

Crossfit is absolutely one of the best things that happened in my life, other than getting married, and having my kids, being healthy and feeling good is amazing. I have never met a group of more supportive people that always push you to do your very best. It wasn't long after I started at Ilium we had a workout that required running and burpees, I hate burpees. Of course I was the last one finished and I'll never forget one of my 5am friends (Brooke)  pushing me, actually getting down on the ground and doing the last set of burpees with me to help push me along. I can't tell you how much that meant! To have someone there pushing you, knowing that you can do it and supporting you all the way is pretty amazing. Never did I ever have anything like that when I just had a regular gym membership. To have that accountability is amazing. Since I've been in the 5am class for a year now, if one of us is not at the gym in the mornings, we are texting making sure that you are ok. I have made some of my best friends through Crossfit and I am thankful for each one of them!

I went into Crossfit with the mind set of, I am going to my very best! I am not a competitor so I am not in there trying to compete with anyone nor did I go in with the mindset that I had to keep up with every one. I do the best I can do, not the best someone else can do. If I am doing my best and pushing to get better, I am happy! When I started the 5am class, all the people in my class had been doing Crossfit WAY longer than I had and they were in good shape. That did not intimidate me, that pushed me, it pushes me to do better because one day I want to be where they are, I want to be as fast and as strong. Watching them lift, seeing how strong and fast they are, motivates me! For the longest, I was always the last one to finish the workouts and most of the time I still am now, but that does not bother me because I know I am doing the best I can do.

This year I competed in the Crossfit Open, our gym does this thing called Friday Night Lights. We get together as a gym and do the Open workouts together. We are put into teams and we compete as a gym. I was so nervous going into it but it ended up being a lot of fun and an awesome way to bring everyone in the gym together. We all work out at different times so a lot of the people that go to the gym I don't normally see. Doing the Open made me realize 1: how awesome our Crossfit family is 2: that I can push myself. I did a few of the Open workouts RX and even though it about killed me, after wards it was the best feeling ever. Our last Open workout 16.5 was 21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps for time of Thrusters (which I hate) and over the bar burpees. The RX weight for women was 65lbs which was a lot for me, especially having to do that many thrusters. Well, I ended up RX'ing it, I was literally about to die when the gym rallied around me pushing me to finish and make it through. While doing the workout I just looked at them and thought your crazy, I'm about to die, but seriously when it was over and I finished that workout RX I was so proud of myself. Proving to myself that I could do it. That's what Crossfit is all about, supporting and pushing each other to do better!

Never in a million years did I ever think Crossfit was something I thought I could do much less enjoy. I can't imagine my life without it. Being healthy and in shape has made me feel better than I ever have. I love that Rob and I are now leading a healthy lifestyle. I'm happy that we both enjoy doing the same thing. It's fun to come home and have someone to talk to about your workout. The amazing people, the amazing friends I have made by doing Crossfit is truly a blessing. Like I said the first step is walking through that door and once you do you will not regret it. It's truly been life changing for me!!

"Every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier, and to be the best version of you"

(L) Just starting my Crossfit Journey one year ago  (R) Present day and I've never felt better

T-ball has begun!

We are pretty excited because this year Jack is old enough to play t-ball. Rob grew up playing ball so he has been waiting for this day for a really long time. Growing up, I enjoyed watching my youngest sister play baseball and then move on to softball. I couldn't wait to have a little boy that could play.
Jack's team are the Cubs and he has a few friends that are on his team so that has been lots of fun. We had our first practice the beginning of last month and Jack was so excited. We had been practicing some at home. Rob had surprised him with his very own glove and bat and also gave him his own baseball bag which he loves!!

Jack had his first game last night and he had a blast! He loved putting on his uniform. They introduced all the players and then the game began. Each team got to hit twice, and now in t-ball the coach throws 3 pitches and if you can't hit it they bring out the tee for the kids to hit the ball. It was all pretty funny watching all of our kids play. Some were playing in the dirt, some were staring into space, some were kicking the dirt and at times they would all run for the ball.

even sister had a good time!

So excited about this season and the season's to come. I am hoping Jack loves it and will continue to play through the years. Let the busyness of our lives begin!!

Alice turns 2!!

Alice turned TWO on Tuesday March 8th! We had a small family party at our house on Saturday March 5th. Rob's dad, my dad, my sisters, my brother-in-law and niece and nephews came to celebrate. The kids had a great time and it was so easy, I really didn't do any party decorating except a few balloons and it was wonderful. The kids played outside in the jumpy house for a while and then came in to enjoy some chick-fil-a and cupcakes.

As soon as I lit the candle on Alice's cupcake and we started singing Happy Birthday, Alice just stared, she wasn't sure what to think...haha.

I had planned on having her birthday party with her friends at school on her actual birthday, but my kids got the stomach bug over the weekend. Jack had it Thursday night into Friday morning and Alice got it Sunday night. She still wasn't feeling her best on that Tuesday so we postponed her school party until Wednesday March 9th. I am so glad I did bc on that Wednesday my baby girl was feeling so much better. Alice's birthday theme this year was hot air balloons. I got some delicious cupcakes made and some super cute cookies, we also had chips and cheese and that was it. This was one of the easiest less stressful parties I have ever done. It was great and all the kids loved it. When I went to the school to set up for her party, I went to get them from their classroom and she was running down the hall screaming "my party, my party".  She was so excited!!!

I really can't believe my baby girl is two. Time has really flown by with her and I guess that is just because instead of just having one child to focus on, I have two. She is talking all the time now and putting together sentances pretty well. I feel like she has grown up faster than Jack because she is always trying to keep up with what he is doing. Anything he does, she wants to do. She loves her brother so much! She is sweet most of the time but definitely has an attitude! She loves all things girly, like make-up, jewelry, baby dolls but she also loves to get dirty. Baby girl, you have completed our little family. I love watching you and your brother grow and I am so excited about all the adventures with both of you in the years to come!!

We Moved!

Back in June 2015 we put our house we had been living in for the past seven years up for sale.

We had been wanting to move for a while and just finally made the decision to do it. We needed more space. It was such a pain trying to get the house decluttered and cleaned to be able to show at a moments notice. There were many days/nights we drove around Troy. I mean y'all, there are only so many places you can drive around Troy, it got old real quick. But hey, if it meant someone was going to buy our house then I would drive for hours. In the meantime we had been looking at a few houses that we liked. We finally put in an offer on another house contingent on the sale of our house. It took our house around three months and it finally sold. Those three months seemed like forever!

We had only 3 days to get out of the house...ahhh!! We had a few things packed up already but still had tons to do. We rented a huge U-Haul and got things moved out.

It took Rob half a day just to get everything out of the attic. Not only did we have to get everything out of the house we had to clean the house too. I mean I couldn't leave the house a mess. We got everything packed up and moved out in 3 days. We worked non-stop for 3 days until it was done. Talk about tired, we were worn out!
The kids loved the U-Haul. Jack wanted to drive it and Alice just had to check things out.

We said goodbye to our old house that held so many precious memories. This is the first house we purchased as a married couple, the first house we brought both of our kids home to and the only house that my mom was here to see and enjoy. Lots of memories. It was a little sad and exciting all at the same time.

We are absolutely loving our new house. We have so much more room and we love our new location. It's all been a little bittersweet. It has been so hard going through all of this without my mama here. There have been so many times I watned to pick up the phone to tell her what is going on or to ask her what I should do. She would absolutely love our new house! The new house is still a work in progress. It's hard to get things done with two little ones constantly needing and wanting your attention. We are definitely more settled but still have lots to do. I just have to say I never plan to move again, moving is for the birds.
Here is a little comparison photo. The photo on the left is us in 2008 when we bought our first house, the picture on the left is when we bought our new house in 2015. Just a little bit has changed in those few years!! I am so excited to watch my family grow in our new home for many years to come!! I am blessed!!

My Babies

Jack is now 4 1/2 and Alice is 22 months. Y'all, they are so much fun! Jack is turning into a little boy and wanting to do lots of things by himself without any help. I do love that, but the mama in me is a little sad because my first born is growing up. He talks all the time and is constantly telling us about something or asking questions. He has a great imagination and is so funny. He is super smart and always loves learning. He is so sweet and thoughtful. He remembers everything so if you don't want him to know something don't tell him because he will remember it months from now. He is definitely a mama's boy when it comes to snuggling and bedtime, but is a daddy's boy when it comes to playing and rough housing. He is all boy and so much fun!!

Our Alice girl is growing way too fast. She is talking all the time now. She says everything is "mine" and wants to try and do things herself. She absolutely adores her big brother and wants to do everything and I mean everything he does. She definitely has an attitude and it comes out when she doesn't get her way. Jack was and still is so laid back, i guess that's a boy thing, and Alice is a little feisty, definitely a girl thing. She has the sweetest little voice. She is a mama's and a daddy's girl. That girl loves her daddy. She is starting to try and count, she loves to color. She is definitely turning into a little girl and not so much a baby any more. She loves her baby dolls, she loves putting on pretend make-up, she loves jewelry and loves shoes!! She loves to be rocked at night and is a great sleeper! She is a lot of fun these days.

After we had Alice, our lives got so much crazier. Having two kids definitely rocked our world at first, it took some adjusting...ha! As crazy as our life seems right now and will be in the years to come, I am trying to soak up and savor all of these crazy days. One day my kids will be grown up and not need us as much anymore. I have definitely realized lately how fast these years are passing by. As fun as it is to watch my kids grow, it makes me a little sad. I love the sweetness and innocence of these ages, I don't want my kids to know any bad or meaness in this world. I pray everyday that I can raise my kids to the best I know how and pray they will take that with them as they grow.

A New Year...most difficult post I have ever written

So I haven't posted in a while. Life just got too busy. Let's see I haven't posted since Mother's day of 2014 and here we are about to head in to 2016.

2014 was a good year for us, we had our baby girl Alice in March 2014 and Jack turned 3 in September of 2014.

2015 was one of the most difficult years EVER and in ways I am glad to see it go. In January of 2015 we found out the cancer that my mother had been battling for eight years was getting no better and that she had decided against any more treatment. As hard as that was to hear, her body just couldn't take it any more and she wanted to enjoy what time she had left with those she loved. The weekend of Valentine's Day we had a girls weekend in Monroeville. We had such a great time talking, laughing, watching home videos from our childhood and most of all just being together.

In March of 2015 our Alice girl turned 1. Although mom didn't feel up to coming, we got to talk to her over the phone and my dad was able to come help celebrate.

After Alice's first birthday things were taking a turn for the worst with mom. They decided to call hospice in to make things easier. Me and my sisters went home as much as we could.We are forever grateful for my mom's best friend and our Aunt Ty for always being at mom's side. During this time as my mom's health was deteriorating, my dad's health rapidly went down and he was rushed to the ER in Monroeville and then transported to Birmingham. He is doing much better now. Me and my sisters were going through so much at this time.
In the early morning of April 12, 2015 our mother peacefully passed away. We were all at home. We were able to tell mom multiple times how much we loved her and just be by her side.

My mom is such a part of me. I'm so used to calling her several times a day just to talk and tell each other about our days. If I needed any advice she was my go to person. I feel absolutely LOST without her.  Up until just a couple of days before she passed away, she could still talk to us and tell us she loved us. So much has been going on in our lives that I have just wanted to pick up the phone and tell her about, so many moments she is missing. Although she is not missing them, she is just viewing them from a different place. In lots of ways, you want to ask why, why did this happen to our mother?! Why did this happen to one of the best people I know?! There is no answer. God is the only one who knows why! As much as I miss her and want her here, I am thankful to have had 34 years with her. I think what makes me so incredibly sad is that my babies will not know what a truly AMAZING MaeMae they had. They will know from us talking about her and from pictures but they will not truly get to experience the MaeMae that my mother wanted to be. Life is different now and it always will be. But I rest in the fact we will see her again one day. She is free from her pain and suffering. I am thankful for my sisters, I am thankful for my precious daddy. I am thankful for my husband and children who keep me going every day.

"When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer, You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live" ~Stuart Scott~
Our mother was one of those extraordinary people. She had faith and lots of it, she knew where she was going.

It is now on to a new year. As my sister Sara said over on her blog, it will be tough because this will the first full year without our mother. We just have to hold onto our faith and each other and we will make it through.

This year Jack will turn 5 and Alice will turn 2. My where does the time go?! They keep us so busy and are so much fun.
Hopefully I can do better blogging in 2016 to keep friends and family updated!