Squirrley Award!

My friend Becky at My Sweet Moose nominated me for a Squirrley Award!  When you have a moment please read her blog.  She is a hilarious mommy blogger who has a 'no holds barred' approach to writing and it's amazing.  She is also a fellow Bobcat which makes her doubly awesome.

The Squirrley Award is a way to get to know me and for me to introduce you to other fabulous blogger friends of mine (which I will do at the end.)  Here are 10 things about me.

1.  I am on a journey to reach my health and fitness goals.  In early pregnancy (week 7) I was banned from doing anything more than walking due to a sub-chorionic hemorrhage. This really set the tone for my fitness routine over the 18 months that followed.   I was active for most of my life, so this new diagnosis to not do much of anything other than walking my dogs was hard.  It took a toll on my body and my muscle tone disappeared.  In July, after successfully breastfeeding Bman for a year and providing my son with his nutrients, I decided it was time to focus on my health and wellness.  I love to exercise and since finding my new role as a Beachbody coach I am gaining a whole new meaning on life as well as self-esteem within myself.

Brody and I did a 5k this weekend and I posted my fastest time ever of 22:54.  All while pushing this 2 pound beauty.

2.  I have always wanted to be a mom.  I think when I was five and you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up I would have told you a mom and a teacher.  While I have been working in education for the past 10 years, until July 2012 I had not fulfilled my dreams.  I can honestly say that now I have.  Brody is amazing and I can't imagine my world without this sweet little boy.

Sweet Bman.  Smiling as always.

3.  Being a mom has allowed me to appreciate my husband Aaron so much more.  We are a team, and I have to admit a damn good one.  We challenge each other, we support each other and most of all help each other.  He is also a wonderful dad.  Every morning when I head off to work he and Brody have man time until he takes him to school around 9:30.  Love this!

My loves

4.  I am sometimes known as the 'internet' by my college friends.  I don't know why but I take a strong interest in knowing a lot about a lot and very little of it has any substance.  Pop culture, random facts, details, etc.  I just accept that it is a term of endearment and that they just love me, randomness and all.

Me and my college besties celebrating the upcoming arrival of another Bobcat baby!  How gorgeous are these ladies?  They are all fabulous role models and mama's as well.  

5.  I love a good sale.  While I do not actually save any money because I am a sucker for a sale and the marketing schemes get me every. damn. time. I find some really good bargains.  For example, I ordered some stuff for B from Gap two weeks ago because they had a 35% off coupon (one day only) which was followed by another one day only coupon the following day for 40% off.  Sure, I guess I need those pants, that bra, and hey, why that cute scarf too.  I think the marketing executives are targeting me.

6.  While my 20's had me focused on me (for the most part) I am dedicating my 30's to others.  I may have missed the first two years with this focus but I am paying it forward starting now.  I am helping an amazing women who has had a really rough year find herself and be the beauty of her dreams.  I will not stop networking and connecting until I help this woman find employment which can not only support her family but also validate the amazing person and all the great qualities she possesses.  With her permission, I hope to be able to disclose this full story and wonderful lady in the near future.

7.  I am still praying for sweet Tripp Halstead and his family.  If you have not read about Tripp, please be sure to like the Tripp Halstead Updates page on Facebook.  This remarkable little boy is making strides everyday and recovering from a horrific accident nearly a year ago.

8.  I love all things pumpkin.  Coffee, muffins, cookies, decorations, jack-o-lanterns, love it all.  This is my favorite time of year.  While it's been in the 80's and mother nature seems a bit confused, it is not stopping me from burning my cinnamon candles and drinking my pumpkin coffee with pumpkin Shakeology.  Oh, and let's not forget the fall brews.  I am limiting this year so I can stay on track with my wellness goals, but don't let this fool you, I have had a few pumpkin ales.  My one very guilty pleasure.  Everything in moderation right?

My favorite pumpkin ale

9.  Aaron and I always assumed we would have two children but as of late we are honestly considering one and done.  We have a perfectly healthy child and with my high-risk pregnancy factors,  (factor V and ulceritive colitis) I am not 100% sold that we are not being selfish in going for another one. But if we do, I want a Fall baby and my first meal to be pumpkin bread with pumpkin ale.  Can you have beer in the delivery room?

10.  I'm so thankful for this wonderful life I have been given.  In  the four years of marriage Aaron and I have lived in two states and had three addresses.  While his job and career path can be stressful at times, I love who he is and how compassionate he is about what he does.  I know Brody will be able to understand this soon and I can't wait until this modeled for him.

Aaron and I in Santorini on our Honeymoon.  I can't wait to go back her someday!

My nominations:

Becky at Life's a Beach

Shannon at Smile and Write

Anna at the Baby Bump Diaries