Pulled pork and Beasty BBQ sauce

Here is something new from me.

I'm not usually one to post about recipes and reviews...

But i just rolled the end of my whole30 into the start of a paleo challenge at my gym.

Part of this gym challenge includes earning points for writing recipe reviews. 

Well if I'm gonna write a review for their blog, why not share it with all of you as well?!

 And I do know a lot of you would appreciate the review on a paleo-whole 30 approved recipe!

Yup, yup, yup!

I see you nodding your head, you wanna know!

So for our recent company Easter party I was in charge of a main dish, and being on a whole 30 challenge, I refused to make something that I could not eat, and no, I wasn’t going to serve steaks to everyone! 

And so, the google search started!

My search excitedly ended at this recipe, and my plan was in motion!

From the Civilized Caveman {awesomeness!}no really, his site is awesome!

- Crockpotpulled pork with Beasty BBQ sauce. 

yes a BBQ sauce that is not full of brown sugar!huge WIN in my book!

At the party,  this was set up along with buns for sandwiches for others to enjoy, but I had good feedback, and nobody {ok, just 5 people} knew that it was ‘special’! 

I didn't need to add a label to it for all those soldiers and moms to be like, EEK! A healthy dish!

Besides this pulled pork that I made, the only other whole 30 safe item was lettuce and tomatoes, and so that’s what I ate!

There was a huge amount made, and the leftovers provided me with a weeks worth of easy peasy meals! I did pulled pork mixed with my scrambled eggs, mixed with kale, mixed with veggies…I think I did it all. And I didn’t mind cause I loved it!

I know there are easier recipes out there, but for this event, this worked out great!

First picture is of the pork wrapped up with its dry rub on,
second is my big pot of Beast BBQ sauce cooking
Then there is my final product ready to enjoy!
Last picture is a breakfast meal using it as leftovers-
pulled pork scrambled in some eggs with roasted broccoli! 

So if you are needing a new idea, something to serve a lot, or for many meals for yourself,

maybe this is what you looking for...

I say give it a go.

Or just try the BBQ sauce, add it on uh, whatever you wanna!

or try out the dry rub for pulled pork.

Either way, you cant go wrong!

I know I loved it!

And here we go!

Let's just dive right in!

I'm certain y'all understand that reading my blog is really more of an overly long Facebook status...
It's my crazy head when I'm too excited, too frustrated, or so bored...
When my brain has too many words it wants to spew out...
Its me laughing at myself and the spinning world around me.
It's me sharing so much of our lives that our dear families and friends miss out on so much.
But truthfully, it's me typing cause I have so much to say, and no one to talk to...
Looks better when I type instead of talk to walls!
So with that I say, welcome to my life!

Lets get up to speed in case you weren't tracking-
The army life moved us to Hawaii in December, kicking and screaming, we accepted the challenge!
Josh took over responsibility for his company as 1SG shortly after arriving, and the madness of life began! He really is an amazing man, clearly you all already know this! Beyond blessed to share this life with him!
We are living on post on Schofield barracks in Wahiawa, Oahu. address will gladly be provided if you are wanting to visit!
Little people update, yes there are still 5, YES, we are a large family, yes we handle quite well, no really, please save you 'bless your hearts', cause we got this!
really, WE got this!
Roll call- Aiden 11yr, Kaylee 9yr, Riley 5yr,
Kolson and Kyler monsters giving me gray hairs2 1/2.
And don't forget the four legged child, Miley!

And that brings us to where we are now! Fully living the Aloha life in Hawaii. Finding the tough ways of the beach bum lifestyle. Like I said, we accepted this challenge!
Not to worry, we dabble in normal life also...
In case you missed it, the Seahawks won the super bowl (still watching highlights in this house!)
Josh has a crazy work schedule like 24/7 really, big kids are working hard with bringing this school year to a close soon.
My littles are finding new ways to destroy mom and take over the world a little more everyday!
This lady finally found a new home, crossfit gym.
Painfully making up for the time I lost while moving.
Still trying to pretend I'm walking into CFD for a 4pm party...miss y'all!
Painted Expressions is not up an running just yet, I need more organization in the new home first, and to find my groove again. work ethic where have you gone I miss painting, I miss my sander, but I really really miss all my happy customers!
It'll happen, I'll be back soon!

And I think that about wraps it all up.
Hi, hello, Aloha!
I'm excited to blog for me you again!

I'll get working on sprucing this old thing up a little, bring it a little more up to date! Stay tuned, you know you wanna waste some time with me and my mindless rambling thoughts!

blissfully insane WHO?!

Hi y'all! Hello! Aloha!

Happy last Monday of April.

 

So, my blog clearly states that the last entry was in

OCTOBER 2012

say what?!

yes sadly, 2012!

 

My snappy little typing fingers got carried away in my crazy life.

Lets see...

there was oh, the five children  that call me mom,

the Sir of the house, the main man.

lots of great friends and adventures...

There was an explosion in a creative business adventure called Painted Expressions,

you mighta heard of it!

and there was a huge move from Dahlonega, GA to Hawaii.

(which we are still adjusting to)

 

So here I sit thinking...

well im thinking about what you are thinking...

Should I return to blissfully insane?

The poll is open for votes...

comment, like, or don't!

 

The kids all say HEYYYYYY!!!

weekend recap!

What a busy/long and fun weekend my family had!

Kids has a four day weekend...extra fun!

Friday morning started with watching our Daddy 

and all the other rangers jump out of a black hawk helicopter!

kids had great fun with friends who came to watch with us,

and all the other little ranger kids running around!

The top chute is our Ranger!

Then Saturday we had football {didn't go soooo great}

buuuutt, here is our attempt at a before game picture of all 5 kids!

Not super bad!!

Then that night we were off to the fun fun wedding of Kay's teacher!

My ladies danced the night away!

Kaylee and Mrs. Hershey!

and here are the signs i made for her wedding!

Reversible photo props!

This one must be my favorite, 

and was staked at the entrance of the farm

where the wedding was held!

this was staked at the entrance to the ceremony!

was so happy to see the work that i made in such a beautiful setting!

and then...

Sunday morning was packed with cleaning,

 followed by a lazy pajama wearing afternoon!

Then my little men got their first haircuts on Monday, 

and my oldest son got his mop shaved right off! 

Funny thing. he DOES have ears!!

Kolson on the left, and Kyler man on the right!

and that brings us to Tuesday...back on schedule!

What did you and your family do this weekend?!

It's October! {2nd!}

Welcome to day 2!

oh, that's just me, not all y'all?!

Well today is Day 2 of the Whole30 challenge, and gym war!

I am feeling good...

but then again at day 2, if your struggling, you're probably not gonna last!

So that's that.

Had an awesome 'first' dinner last night, new recipe...

Cream of Mushroom pot roast, laid of Cauliflower, whole30 to the max effort!

This was a little gusty, as it was my first time using coconut milk!

It definitely had a different taste to it, but there was not one single complaint, 

bit even from Aiden and Kaylee! WHAT WHAT!!

As this month goes on, I hope to try more and more recipes that please the entire family

Then we can work on changing the lifestyle...

and keeping the peace in the house!

This month our family calender is a little off the charts.

We are usually pretty dang busy, but we have a lot of added extras coming at us,

visitors, birthdays, weddings, parties, Halloween prepping, Halloween!

ending of football = beginning of wrestling > in the same week!

hitting the gym super hard to conquer the challenge!

and the most difficult part is a crazy busy work schedule for the husband.

and that is never fun as it does effect everyone in the family.

No rest for this clan.

down time is overrated. phhhshhhhhh.

October Lovin...

the cool breeze that IS the start of fall. the reason to wear my new boots. the colors of the leaves changing. my baby girl turning 8. fall crafts. the pumpkin patch. disney/nick halloween specials! the crisp air in the evening and early morning!

And with that, get on with yourself, and jump into the greatness of October!

Hurry, run out and grab yourself a pumpkin spiced latte, you know you wanna!

Ill be sipping on my water, fo sho!

to etsy?

With all this 'new hobby' fun stuff that has been occupying most of my free time,

I am really loving making hand painted signs, 

coming up with new ideas, playing with the paints, techniques...

I have been spending a big chunk of my brain space on 

thinking if i should open an Etsy store of my own to sell my work.

Though i would love to scream yes yes yes, and dive right in...

There are a couple things...

Should i do this, and just roll with it? see how sales go or not, and have fun with it?

Should i just continue to make signs as they come to mind, 

then either keeping them to myself...or storing them in my closet?!

Am i ready for a stranger to receive an order in the mail and then NOT LIKE IT?

Maybe i should just take custom orders from friends around me, keep it simple?

Do I just  make a big large collection of signs, get my fancy pictures ready...

then open a store, and post the listings??

Do i have to come up with a definitive style that defines me, and my work?

{cause all my pieces are really all over the place}

A store name? HA!

anyways, my brain goes in circles quite frequently...so we could do this all day, really.

As you can see my thoughts, and my brain processing is really wonky!

{dont judge!}

But I guess, really...am i ready for this?

Here are two of my latest and favorites!

Any opinions on the question at hand?

And store name ideas would be super awesome!

and...GO!

GO DAWGS!

After I posted about my failures to actually hang up the wood signs i have made,

someone, a very awesome someone 

contacted me interested in me making signs for her!

I was thinking, uh, pressure...is she serious?!

And she was!

The job? 

Some pieces to fill up empty wall space in her family? man cave!

the theme, University of Georgia, the Bulldogs!

something I am totally NOT familiar with, but i can do this!

And I did! 

AND I have pictures to share with you.

I have to apologies for the noisy pictures, i forgot to take some good good pictures,

and only got snap shots with my cell before handing over all the pieces. boo.

I kinda suck at remembering to do that!

I made a total of 6 signs!

 The "G", made 2 of these

 These are my attempt at a vintage like sign. 

Faded and 'vintage' like picture of the Bulldog with the words over it.

I am happy with how they turned out, 

and would love to make more using this method! 

{again, sorry for horrible pictures!}

Game On Bulldogs!

Yup!

and, here is the collection, 

ready for their new home!

Thank you Kelly for giving me this opportunity to stretch my artistic side

I hope they are looking great in your family room!

...and now in the works,

a couple cute personalized rustic signs

for my daughters 2nd grade teachers Wedding!

ill make sure to get better pictures, and share!

Randoms...

Cause i don't have any one specific thing to talk about...
Ill just talk about it ALL!
All because my life is jammed packed, wall to wall action!
yeah, it wasn't convincing to me either.

In 3 days I will be starting another Whole30!
This time around its more exciting than just a self challenge,
cause thebomb.com Dahlonega Crossfit is hosting a Whole 30 Gym Showdown!
Our gym, broken into 2 teams, going head to head, fight to the death...
Most improved at the end of the Whole 30 takes the mother load.
Ok, not really that dramatic, really, people, really!
BUUTTT...
we did the dunk tank, got our body fat test results,
and will do a repeat at the end of the challenge.
Biggest Loser status all the way YO!
Ill keep ya posted...cause you know I'm good at that!

This also means, in 3 days i start a serious detox.
YUCK.
remember, you can do this...its not cocaine.
Its just food. Its just sugar, its just COFFEEEEEEEEE.
gaaaaaahhhhhh.

And with perfect timing, at the end of a food challenge,
Family pictures will be taken 24 days into it!
This should be a plus for my jeans and budah belly!
and YES, family pictures, all 7 of us, behind the camera lens for the first time ever!
Wow, this is a brave brave women to take on this booking with my family.
She says we 'sound like a fun time'...
YUP, fun times in deed!!

And just in time for Christmas,
cause all family and friends love pictures for gifts right?
RIGHT!

I got me some sweet new boots for fall!!
I am ready to rock these boots...
But first, i need to grow myself a social life outside of
chit chats with the washer to not break down,
and talks with the toilets on why they cant stay cleaner just a bit longer...
Although, while i mop the floors with Michael Buble singing to me,
he might appreciate the boots?!!


Um. Hm. What else is there?
I need to go enjoy my coffee before it is no longer allowed to be
part of my morning quiet time.
Bye Y'all!

Friday confessional

And another one bites the dust...
Another week done and gone...
Another moment to sit back and reflect!

You know the drill,
I confess my deepest not really
And you laugh at me cause I'm totally NOT funny!
Ok, go!

I confess...
I worked hard and selfishly on crafts while the sink overflowed, and dirty laundry sat. I'm a rebel!

I confess...
while catching up on folding laundry, just the average 7 loads behind...I am now putting away all the folded clothes, nicely and neatly...well my little one, Riley has lost her 'dresser' privileges because she kept emptying all the clothing into a big heaping pile on the closet floor...So as i was thinking, what to do now with all the folded clothes of hers?? i decided to do the most logical thing, i threw them into a big heaping pile on my closet floor. this shows her I am in control right?! RIGHT?!

I confess...
I have my hands a little full right now with 'wood work' projects that I am making for a couple other people! I confess that right now my list is 9 custom signs deep, and every nap time is spent painting away, slow, steady hands. And I love it! I'm not sure why i love the feeling of being a little overwhelmed, but I'm still trying to find more orders to take on. Some one please remind me, one at a time if just fine...not in my pretty little head!

I confess...
I'm horrible at confessing on liners. That's just boring. Dontch y'all want a story behind it?

I confess...
I think i said that last one before!

I confess...
I ate corn chowder for dinner this week inside with a sweater on, pretending that the gray skies out the window really meant that it was a cold chilly fall evening, and not that it was a muggy, sticky, 82 out. bleeeh.

I confess...
It didn't work.

I confess...
Dehydration is no joke on your muscles and head. Chug that water, heal those aches.

I confess...
Its FRIDAY y'all!! Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!

4 month Crossfit review

Beginning of May I joined Crossfit Dahlonega.

There is endless things to say about this place,

But most importantly, endless great things to say about the people of CFD!

I had been nudged and pestered for ever and ever {not saying any names} windy...

and i never listened to her! 

But after having the twins, and being in a new town, 

and knowing i was over and bored with aerobics classes...

I was ready to try something new and really see what i can do!

What have I learn?

I learned that a Crossfit gym is no where as close to intimidating and judgemental as I feared.

I learned its quite the opposite actually.

Its inviting, its encouraging, its uplifting. Its Addicting!! 

It has nothing to do with what you are doing versus the person standing next to you,

Because here, the only competition is yourself. 

And everyone around you is there to support you, and push you, and cheer for you...

to make sure you are  fighting hard against being

better, stronger and faster than yourself!!

You will be left in awe with the things you see others accomplish there, daily!

Pretty sure I was never amazed with people in a step aerobics class before!!

and in return, it makes you see why you are here, and what you are pushing for...

AWESOMENESS, DUH!!

So lets try yo review my first 4 months at CFD...

Knees to elbows- struggled with knees to my belly button

now i can almost fully get my knees to elbows!

Pull Up-still a work in progress, but when the day comes, i am sure i will be doing back flips!

Sit ups- from a very struggled sit up {like for real, my abs are tore up from babies!}, to being able to complete endless sit ups with correct form, they still suck, and hurt, and make me want to cry, but i got it!

All my weight lifting abilities are far beyond what I had expected from my weak self,

and I'm pleased with the amounts that I can lift at this starting point!

Box Jumps- Eh, I'm getting better, still getting over some serious vertigo action. Not cool, dude. 

But WODs on a 20inch box make me happy!

Double Unders are my latest victory! I worked on my single under rhythm first, {for a long time!}

but then when i was ready, the double under just happened! 

now if only i could work on not peeing my pants every time i did them...hmmm...

Well ok, to round up

Everything has been improved!

Since my start at CFD, I am minus 26lbs, and that is beyond exciting

Though I feel like my body is a constant struggle, I need to remember all my little victories!

My belly and I just don't agree, 

As it seems nice and happy to stick around forever, 

I would like it to move along with its happy fatty self. Grr, you baby belly, be gone.

I have done 2 cycles of the Whole30, which great results!

Now, if only i could find more efforts to eat like that daily, instead of just while in a self challenge. 

Working on it ok, lay off!!

So I hope you liked my ramblings of my Crossfit endeavors.

No, i am not an Elite Athlete,

But I do put forth my full efforts in the WODs that i do,

and am pleased with where i stand 4 months later...

Where do I stand?

Even more ready to improve myself, challenge myself, 

and push harder and stronger than the day before last!

My husband has been the best supporter since the start,

and i love it!! I love him! 

Endless thanks goes to the family at Crossfit Dahlonega. 

Just for being awesome and accepting, really!! 

Recapping the long weekend.

It really was a long weekend, and i feel like i am still trying to recover from it all!
Saturday started with a football ball game...

Well wait, lets back it up!
Saturday morning started with me frantically washing clothes, and packing.
Packing for our family of 7 to head off to a 3 day marriage retreat.
I feel waiting for the very last minute adds excitement to such things!

Then, it was off to football!
With my babies staying home with a sitter,
my two cutest cheerleaders in tow, and  Dad and big brother at the field...
we were ready to sweat it out, Cheering for the Indians!
The score? I cant remember, but we didn't win.

The game was lost from our minds when a teammate on Aiden's team was injured on a play.
This ended with a helicopter medi-vac trip to a Children's Hospital in Atlanta.
With all on lookers praying on the side lines, and tear filled eyes of our little 9 year old football team,
the rest of the game was a blur.

After the game our plan was to get on the road to our marriage retreat,
but we decided to make a detour to take Aiden to the hospital to check on his teammate, Camden.
My little{big} man, already being a super emotional man, he was just beside himself...
A big weeping mess. Leaving this mama to just hold him and cry too.
The confusion, and fear that these little boys were feeling as they watched a teammate and close friend get loaded into a helicopter and fly away...
it was well beyond your average day at the football field.

We finally found the right hospital and got great updates!
Mild concussion with all test results coming back all fine,
Camden was later released from the hospital that evening!

And we continued on to the hotel that our retreat was being held at!
5 love languages,
5 types of forgiveness,
and 5 types of apology.
Session, great meals, play time, family time, DATE NIGHT!, free child care...
and did I mention this was all on the Army's dollar?
thank you  Army for showing us that you care about your families!

The events of Saturdays game really exhausted all of us,
But the weekend was filled with some much needed family time!
now, fast forward, and we are home...
we were all exhausted. ready for a week long break from our long weekends events!

Wednesday Whys?

As I'm sitting here thinking...

Should i write a blog entry?

What should i write about?

To be serious, or to be funny?

Do I have any pictures to share?

Can I join in on a blog hopper linky thingy?

Well many of the blogs I enjoy reading do a entry on Wednesday called 

"Wordless Wednesday"...

hmm, i don't have a cool speechless photo to share with ya...

So, My own invention for today!

Wednesday Whys! 

Lets see how this goes!

Why

is it that my Pinterest boards keep growing and growing with things that will never happen?

Why do they get recipes that my family will never like, design styles that i would never buy?

And clothing styles that i clearly will never be wearing?

Nail painting ideas that will NEVER happen?!!

Oh, what? I PIN those? my bad!

Why

does my family not seem to be finding out that a shoe closet is for 

your shoes to be IN IT, not set OUTSIDE of it? You have the same problem...good!

Why

is Kolson not walking yet?! I know he is a little more cautious at things than Kyler is...but he is falling behind! Get with the program dude, its time to walk those little feet of yours, your brother is running!

Why

cant I sew?!!! I mean really...just the basics would be nice. Like a pillow case? a throw pillow cover? A skirt for my girls...maybe a dress even? It would make design ideas sooooooo much easier. 

Why

do people on Etsy charge an insane amount of money for things that clearly did not cost  that much to make?? If you make something and want to make money off of it, TOTALLY!  But lets be real here!

And, enter the reason why I enjoy making signs that fit my house and needs myself!!

Why

is scheduling family portraits so stressful on my brain??? My wants-I want family photos to be taken this fall. I want outdoor, fall colors, the fall feel. I want pictures of all 7 of us together...this will be a first! 

Happy, Bright, Loving, Togetherness, Crazy, Insane...all captured in photos!!

Simple!

My stress? ITS PICTURES DANG IT! on that simple fact alone, who isnt stressed about it?!! 

and...moving on!

What's on your mind this 29th of August?!

Completion Fails...

Lately I have really gotten into the love of making 

hand painted wood signs.

From big pieces of wood, pallet woods put together, old woods, new woods...

 {LOVE!}

I really love love love to find an idea {duh, Pinterest}

and find a way to make it my own...

search for fonts, make the stenciling, picking the colors, and start painting away!

{flag made for my front porch!}

All the projects I have been making have been for a very low cost,

and since you can find very nice wood for very cheap at home depot..

I quickly scratched the idea of using reclaimed wood from pallets!

That is a ton a work if you didn't know!

{LARGE, at 5 ft long, hanging in my dining room!}

Yes, finding the time to finish a simple sign gets frustrating,

and when one sign sits for a long time before completed,

either from me not having the time, or me not liking how it is turning out...

I get cranky.

{for my little girls}

BUT, i have to say that i have a handful of signs now for my home

that I just love love love!

{EPIC was requested by my son to have in his room!}

and you ask, what is your

Completion Fail>!?

I currently have about 6 signs complete{one is still in progress}...

ONLY 2 are hanging up in my home!!

The other 4 are ALL sitting on a shelf in my laundry room

GASP!

What is my problem right?!!

I don't even know.

don't even know.

I think about hanging them...

then i move on to the next project, 

cause that is WAY more exciting than displaying one that is already done...

Errr...

Anyways, here are my pieces that i have made recently...

Enjoy!

Oh, you have a custom order for me? Shoot!

Maybe YOU will actually display it for all to see!

my mind is already pondering what i will start next!

Happy Tuesday!

Friday Confessional

Woop.
Back in the game!

Its F-F-F-FRIDAY!
and because this family has such a busy schedule already...
the day doesn't really mean that much really!
and continuing on.
My farmhouse table  was a project started on a Tuesday, and completed by the following Thursday! That is 10 days YO! and at this moment i will pat myself on my back for being a mommy to 5, taking care of the household, all my mommy chores, homework, meetings, building a table...and still having fun! So, excuse me a moment while I sit here and confess how much I ROCK!

I confess...
Now that the table is done...my mind doesn't know what to do! I was very wrapped up in task completion mode...every moment was about planning my next step, and spending my nights in the garage after the family is in bed...UH, now what?!!

I confess...
Yesterday i made a double batch of peanut butter cookies with peanut butter and milk chocolate chips in them....Yes, they were amazing!! ...and side note, I'm allergic to PEANUTS! I just had a craving, and i HAD to! feeling better that i got that off my chest!

I confess...
My baby monsters were NOT cooperating with my cleaning schedule...So i put them in their high chairs, and gave then nilla wafers dipped in frosting. Ya,  i really did.

I confess...
random moment...I still have 3 frames hanging on the wall that have beautiful modelish families in them. Dang it, someone forgot to put actual US pictures in there before hanging them. um, I'll get on that...

I confess...
Riley, my 3 year old started preschool this year. She is having a fabulous time...confession? She is in 3 days a week...I'm wondering what the possibilities are of having her go 5 days a week...Don't judge me!

I confess...
I'm done with my morning coffee now! and now on to starting my day! If you need me, cause you totally might NEED me Ill be in my kitchen, just staring at my new table!!

The Farmhouse table and the lady who could ...

Here comes the BOOM!

I'm well aware i skipped out on blogging for like EVER...

But, but but...

with this amazing project...

A Facebook status or instagram photo was not gonna cut it!

It needs its own space!

I finally did {built!} what i had been wanting for so so sooooo long!

A farmhouse dining room table!!

TAAAAAA-DAAAAAA!!!

Um, yes, can i just say i have been wanting this {{TADA}} moment for a long time!!

It starts with Pinterest...tell me you haven't heard that one before?!

Then, it leads me to Ana! What an amazing lady i tell ya!

THIS TABLE is what i originally wanting...

But I ultimately ended up decided on THIS LOVELY TABLE!

I scored a set of 6 INGREATSHAPE chairs from craigslist! 

really didn't want to settle for the generic Windsor chair style!

so these ladder backs made me happy!

Ok, focus just on the two front chairs! this is what the chairs looked like when i got them,

err, minus the painters tape on them! I got too excited and forgot to take a picture!

And with a lot of mind struggle, and a whole lotta friend-spired advice help

I decided on a color/style scheme, and went to work!

And step by step...

sand,paint,paint,sand,stain rub on, stain rub off, seal, and seal...BAM!

I love!

now that we have chairs...we need uhh...derrr!

THIS right here was my main obsession, my main desire, my inspiration to achieve!

Lets get busy shall we?!

Trip to Home Depot!

3 babies in tow and a lovely lady by my side!

supplies purchased!

CHECK!

-for those curious, 

my lumber list included 4 (1x10 @8 feet), 3 (1x4), and 3 (1x3)

$58 for the wood, the legs were taken from my old dining table.

material list included stain, polyurethane, paint, brushes, sanding pads, screws.

and other such things that i cant even remember...

$70 for all materials and such...

{remember i was starting with nothing as this was my first project!}

and table time!!

Table Top gets GLUED together!

heck to the YES!, glue my friends, is an amazing thing!

And the first hiccup...

needed to be rescued needed some help at this step!

assembling the frame!

cross support beams did get added to this!

the table top is HEAVY!

And moving on...

I sanded and sanded and sanded for what felt like days!

The table top is hard, and sharp, and needed to be soften, 

and all sides, and corners needed to be very round to be child and people friendly!

i want a comfy table, not one to scare people away!

Quickly i became an expert wood carver!

Now accepting orders on custom wood carvings!

Bears? Owls? heck, totem poles?!!

NAHSOMUCH!

And then the steps went on...

sanding, painting, sanding...

You know, the same as the chairs, you get it! then here it comes...

another BAM!

This was not easy to get exactly was i was going for

especially because in my small town i cannot get the 

proper supplies needed to make the faux look i was trying to make.

But, i am so very happy! and I left lots of sweat behind!

Next it was on to getting to table top secured on the apron,

and beginning the staining and sealing, sanding sealing process again!

I chose a very dark rich stain, KONA!

in love!

{this picture is after just the stain}

And then i sealed it with 5 total coats of Polyurethane...

They say this simple water based liquid is going to uphold and protect 

everything and anything that my 5 children can and will do to this table top!

They say it is one of the toughest stuffs around...

Skeptical? uh ya, totally!

But it looks gorgeous, and water on it will instantly bead up!

Fingers crossed i did all steps properly!!

And finally drum roll...

With help from my amazing friend, we got the half ton table inside,

situated in my dining room, and all chairs were in their proper places!

Photos for your viewing pleasure!

the full view!

side/chair view

showing the shine!

Its a little more shinny in the pictures. 

I wanted it to have a shine, but not TOO much...

and what it turned out to be is just perfect!

and another for fun!

I am more than in love with this handmade piece.

Uber in love, because i built it.

I have yet to decide on a centerpiece idea...

But when i do, Ill try to share it with you! 

So if you are around, and want to enjoy a cup of coffee,

stop on in, and sip it will enjoying my new table with me!

I cant wait to break in the new table!

Thanks for stopping in!

Day 24...

And finally an update!
sorry, slacker, its just how I roll.
If you are here reading this....
you are already well aware that i am a slacker!

So.
'Hows that Whole 30 challenge going that you once mentioned', you say?!
Its going amazing!
Today is Day 24...
Or, like i like to say, 6 days to go!

I will sum it up by saying day 1 through 9 was rough.
Really Really rough.
No energy. HUGE Headaches. No coffee.
I was stressed, i was angry. I was falling asleep during the day????

Then, whatever it was, the thing they say to wait for...
It clicked.
My energy returned, my workouts were better,
the idea of not eating all the bad food made sense.
And my recovery from workouts was far great, easier, faster!
My body and my muscles were thanking me!

                         quick meal samples...

1. Grilled Chicken w/ sauteed 

zucchini, onions and green peppers. 

2. a little fajita mix up.

steak, red peppers, and onions

topped with avocado

3. a quick lunch dish.

shredded chicken mixed with

pico de gallo, and avocado

4. Oh, yum. mouth watering.

Grilled hamburger topped with

grilled onion, bacon and avocado,

and grilled zucchini on the side.

And here is a nice image to keep it all into 

perspective when on the 

Whole 30 Challenge. 

Simple right?!

Now don't get me wrong, 

while there are endless amounts of amazing 

meals that you can make while on the whole 30 challenge, 

Its not always exciting. and in my kitchen, it does get repetitive.

But I'm surviving, and my husband is urging me to keep at it till Vacation day comes,

Which is 13 days away, versus just going another 6 days. 

What Am i excited about?

Im not gonna lie, 

Im firstly excited to step on the scale, and see my numbers results.

And then, 

Praise myself with rewards...maybe some ice cream? some smores!! brownies?

Oh, is that not the point of this challenge?

I will always be a sweets girl, and i will not apologize for my chocolate craving ways!

So, 6 days, I'll return with an update! 

And by the way, ditching the coffee was not nearly as hard as i thought it would be.

Like they said, its just coffee, not heroin! 

Three Rocks!

Although this post is over a month late...

I have been wanting to share these pictures forever on here, 

and so here we go!

My little Riley turned 3 years old, 

and per her request, she has a Rock Star birthday party!

It was so much fun, I am thinking all parties should be Rock Star themed!

the decorations, the favors, the music, the fun! 

It was Rockin!!

The Decorations...

These Balloons were the BEST!

The Cupcake Cake I put together!

and the Birthday Rock Star, Riley!!

with some of her entourage!!

Party Like a Rock Star is what we all did!

Yummy treats, sunshine, good music and 

a great time with friends, 

the perfect birthday!!

Friday Randoms

Because its Friday, who wants to think?!

-Today is the last day of school here for my big kids! Excited much? YES, they both had an amazing year, and learned and grew so much, its just a little sad! bummed much? UH YES! Now this moment, this morning is my last one without them being on tail, and requesting everything under the moon! The food, the snacks, the noise level, the chaos...Ahhhhh!
But in this last morning, i will be still with my wee little three, and enjoy the simplistic {no so simple} time with them, till the crazies take over!

-Last day of school? will be rolling in with a not so bad highs temp. around 91 degrees today. ya'll, this is insane. I am not prepared for summer at all. And I dont even know how I am going to tackle pool time with the twins, not a clue!

-Last night was a late night, Very late night! My Aiden man was playing with his baseball team in the championship tournament. It was a long one, and a dramatic, on the edge of the fence, yelling, kicking and screaming kind of night. There were words exchanged. bad calling umps. angry dads, stressed moms. boys with their little hearts played out over that home plate. Oh my stars it was a night!
end of the night you ask? 12-11! The Braves [US] took the championship!!
and all the blood, sweat and tears were worth it!

-When I thought 'random', i didn't think random paragraphs. sorry. hmph.

-Random. Kyler man now has 5 teeth, and Kolson is slacking with just two!
-Riley is still fighting on this potty training experience. stress of my life right there.

-Today is Day5 of my whole30 adventure! I feel dang awesome for not having on slight slip on these past 4 long days! my meals are filling and delicious. Most hardest thing? To make my kids food, and hand out snacks. Dealing out nilla wafers, and not having just one go in my mouth. opening a Gatorade, and not having a sip. opening string cheese, and not having one. But these are the very issues that are at hand for me to fix, and FIX i will! 25 days and counting down! Ready for the reset!

-32 days till we get on a plane and head home to Washington for a long awaited visit with all our family and friends! Ahhhhhh, I cannot wait!

-and my children are now awake! away I go onto my mommy duties!

Happy Friday!!

The Whole 30.

If you want your life to change,
you must change your choices.
And today is the best day of your life to begin.

And so i did!
this past Saturday night i was reading around on things here and there...
And then suddenly, wildly, slightly joking said i wanted to start
The Whole 30 Challenge.



and the more i starting thinking about it,
I convinced myself that i am strong enough to do this,
and as much as I have been struggling with weight loss
since giving birth to the twins,
and as much as i have snack attacks, and sweet cravings,
enjoy a meal here, drink way to much here...
I needed to stop.

Why not jump on, and stop it all cold turkey?
If i want change, it is only ME that can make that happen.

I recently {4ish weeks ago} joined a Crossfit gym here in town
and i have loved everything about it since the start.
I love the push, i love the challenge, I love the struggle through every workout.
I love the support from everyone that surrounds you in there.
I love that through my husbands rough and demanding work schedule,
he has made it a priority to push me out the door and on my way to the gym!

Now it was time to combined my workouts with clean healthy eating.
Yup. EAT GOOD FOOD.
Thats all they say i have to do!

So that's about it.
Here is sit at the morning of Day 3 {that's 27 day to go!}
And I am ready to push my 'reset button'!!

kickin back and relaxing...

Was the exact theme of my Mothers Day yesterday!!
eating deliciousness can me added to that theme as well!

It was the sweetest simplest day thought out by my husband.
It went a little something like this...

Leave mom tucked into bed while he gets up with all the kiddos,
where he then heads to the kitchen and gets busy!
spinach, avocado, sausage, bacon and pepper jack cheese all in a scrumptious omelet for me!!
accompanied by flowers, cards and sweet gifts from the kids!

They were all so excited to eat breakfast with me and share their gifts...
And then that excitement was crushed when the realized dad was about to make them work their tails off,
in an attempt for them to do everything that Mom does every single day!!

It was the best watching them vacuum, struggle folding laundry, scrubbing toilets...
and moaning and eye rolling...'We have NEVER had these many chores EVER'!!
not even gonna lie, it was comical, and i loved it!
I loved the sweetness my husband had in putting forth the best efforts to get every single part of our house cleaned!!
This included my master closet that is allllll mine, and has been about 3 feet deep in clothes for the last 6 or more months!
Hubs asked if i had recently started a denim store...
Nope, but thanks for finding all those jeans for me!

I am happy to report that i am now all caught up on all things 'Real Housewives'!!
and got in an entire day of resting and being miss lazy mazy...
AND, at the end of the day, the house was crazy clean!

Then came dinner!
Steak. zucchini, summer squash, asparagus, bell peppers, shrimp skewers all done on the grill, my favorite!
and a bottle of my newest favorite wine!

My family is the best!
and it meant everything to see them strive to show me how much they appreciate all that i do for them.
And yes KayBear, the laundry does not ever end!!