SORENESS. Friend or Foe?

I really do love waking up and feeling sore. I do. Call me a masochist. Whatever. The soreness we experience after workouts are really the body’s natural response to pushing yourself to a higher level of physical activity than it’s normally used to, and a part of our body’s normal process of adaptation. This is an amazing progression in which our body breaks down, then starts the recovery process, heals and rebuilds. As a result, we get stronger (the process of building muscle). We will notice that the soreness usually hits you the second day after your physical activity (DOMS-"Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) and after a day or so of uncomfortable soreness, you get progressively better and soon return to feeling your normal self. So this is something that I love to feel-BUT! If the soreness is messing with your sleep patters, you are angry all the time, you lack appetite-THAN it can lead to overtraining. That's a whole 'nother beast so I suggest you let Google help you with that. The following pic is something I won't do. Not that I CAN'T DO IT, because I CAN, (not really), but I still think it's a cool pic. Plus I would be worried about getting ran over. And that would definitely make me sore.

OK-so today is my oldest daughter's graduation day from 4th grade! Bring on the Summer sand and water. Will post more pics laters. -DB

Forgot to post Day 19! But here we are Day 20!

OK-so totally forgot to post yesterday. It was one of those days I didn't even have time to wipe my butt. It went by SO FAST. I swear I spend so much time in the kitchen, not just for me, but for my family too. This Reset messes with you. I am not a cook. But now I swear I'm like a healthy version of Emeral whateverhisnameis. So I start cooking healthy shiz for my husband and my kids. Like from scratch. Since I'm vegan now, I don't eat eggs. So, I thought to myself, F this: my kids are going to eat super healthy too! STARTING NOW. So thinking on to breakfast, last night I prepare their breakfast and cook it. It was organic buckwheat pancakes. It called for eggs. So I google the crap out of "egg substitues for pancakes" and I find it. The answer. 1 egg=1/4 cup applesauce and half of a banana smashed. Well I had that, but no the actual apple sauce. So I TOTALLY MADE MY OWN APPLESAUCE. I don't know who I am anymore. I was hellbent on getting them to eat these effing pancakes the next day. I added some stevia for good measure. They don't what that is except it makes it sweeter without adding nasty shit to it. Holy balls. BOTH KIDS ATE IT UP THIS MORNING like it was their job. I even put some mashed apple sauce on top for a "topping" like all IHOP syle. But healthy. OK enough on that. Day 20 is here. I feel fantastic. I can't believe it's almost over. I woke up a pound lighter. Making that 15 lbs lost in 20 days. NUTS. This was such a learning experience, and I can't wait to do a VIDEO recap of my whole journey, and my feelings week to week. That's right. It's all going down and I'm going to explain all the good parts, and all the not so good parts. Just know it was ALL WORTH IT! I feel brand new. And I like that. Gotta make lunch! DB

Crap in my 3 year old's purse

And when I mean crap. I mean CRAP. Specifically "princess CRAP." She wears this said purse like she's friggin Queen of England, all up on her elbow, like all fancy. She won't go ANYWHERE without it. It is always bulging at the seams and she swears everything in it is VITAL to her very existance. Like, DON'T EVEN *THINK* about trying to clean it out, because she will cut you. While you are asleep. The only reason why I got these pics are because she was busy brushing her teeth. After dipping it in the toilet. We are not normal, and apparently have passed the not normal genes to our children. I mean, we don't brush our teeth out of the toilet or anything. We are VERY trashy FANCY parents. Ahem.

Crime Scene Evidence Submission picture #1

Ahh. You're probably like, "NBD, it's just a purse for little girls." BULGING at the seams.

Crime Scene Evidence that our kids are crazy normal and girly; submission picture #2

I know it almost looks like a vaginal opening, but I promise you it is not. I had to use herculean force to get that zipper to open. Yet she opens it with ease. Wierdo.

Crime Scene Evidence Submission picture number #3

Now, this is where things get dicey. I mean, she has a SEWING KIT in there. WTF is she going to sew, she's 3. Also please note the goggles, the 2000 NASA commemoritive coin, a reading lamp for books (???), a dollar bill, a hotel key (whatthefruit), a business card (because she does biz on the daily and absolutely needs one), gummy bears, and like 103490349 pens and pencils and markers. It's like a hookers purse. After taking this pic, I saw the future hoarder of america coming up the stairs and immediately had to stuff everything back in her purse (frantically) before she gives me evil devil laser eyes that would probably have killed me on the spot. She promptly snatched that purse out of my hands. Yikes. It was A CLOSE CALL PEOPLE.

And that my friends, is my daily dose of true crazy from this house.
DB

Uhhmmmm....

I don't want to become one of those phantom bloggers, I really am trying to do better and blog more. But really, I ain't got nothin. Let's see....I just went to Walmart and got some sunless tanner and skin lotion. Also-Beachbody is doing great. Shakeology rocks my socks off. Workouts are goin good, kids are great, (although my 3 year old has taken a kin to LYING to me about very obvious things) SMH...anyway-Jason REALLY likes my butt lately. Ok that's it. I'm eating asparugus. Yay for delish pee smell.

Demi

www.demibean.com

Alana Graduates 3rd Grade!

Thank God.

So proud of this little bugger. I can still remember when she got me fat as a cow when I was preg with her, and I can still remember being called to the school when she did something "not fitting a Christian school." Oh for the love. We're normal-not perfect. But I do love her school-it's a good balance of faith, learning, and manners. Our job as parents are to tell her she doesn't have to live to a certain standard of living that the school may put out there-and that it is SO OKAY to be different. And also if someone ever hits her it's ok to kick him or her in the kidneys or balls (if applicable) as hard as she can. Don't judge. But just make sure that you pray before bedtime and talk to Jesus alot. That's what I call (in this fam) a well rounded individual. She also get's me a beer out of the fridge-AND EVEN will take the bottlecap off-and AND use the bottle opener if it's not a twist off. That's what I call a good kid. She also can read really friggin well. Proof:

See? We're not all beer and kidney punching. We do teach our kids, as well as making sure Alana has excellent grades, and excels in her faith.
Also-we are passing down the gift of physical fitness-more proof she is made of amazesauce:

The award I am MOST PROUD of. Dont' judge.

And last BUT certaintly not least: She gets the best award ever. MOST SOCIAL. Because we all know the extroverts are the most successfull in life. Ok I just made that up. But whatever. I like that she ain't scared to talk to anyone (that's not crazy), and will stand up for herself. And she has the loudest voice known to man, with an attitude to match.

What's even more hilarious-Jason had to leave early to go to court. For a speeding ticket. SMH.

Alana, you are my heartsong. I know I will write about you until the day I leave this earth. Until then, be strong, be confident, and be brave. Stay strong in your faith. And in your abilities that you know how to fight. And soon I get to show you how to shoot a gun. Watch out boys.

demi

Easter, feeling crappy, and sleep. Wow. That's a great title.

UUUGH. I am BEYOND SORE. I can't get out of bed..yet. I had Verticle Plyo yesterday, then we went boating and spent the day in the sun. Got burned on my butt (like, how DOES that even happen??), and I'm just friggin' tired. Boating wipes you out-on top of shananigans like asylum-well yeah, today I am feeling it. Today is just stretching. I'll feel accomplished if I can even get out of bed to do that.

In other, much more important news: IT'S EASTER! We celebrated with Easter baskets and talked about what Easter really is about. They did have candy though. Alana dove in, like head first into that basket of goodness. Isabel had her first M&M. At first she thought it was just regular candy. Then she bit in, and I could see it on her face; "My mind is blown. It's both a candy AND chocolate!" I feel you on that one sister.

Looking forward to when I can see this guy again-Demi

THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ALLLLL SAHM'S..!

Or any mother, friend of a "Stay at Home Mom", working mom. This article hits it in the head and explains it, I'm so glad the writer asked this question! I get asked it all the time! (Click on the pic so you can actually read the words) :)



-Demi

Pushing through

Today is Core Synergistics-I just had my lunch-so in one hour I will be ATTACKING that workout! Monthly friend-be darned!!! And I'll be able to do it without the pressure of waking the baby up,so that's nice! I'll see my little booger right afterwards though :).

Everyone always ask from time to time-How do you do it? How do you fit it in your schedule as a mother. I'll tell them all the same thing: Expect every day to be different, and give yourself some grace. Like today-I asked my mother to take the baby so I could doctor myself this morning until I feel better. And I'm going to squeeze the workout in during this time as well. I am fortunate and thankful for her and how offering she is. Other days, it's usually during my daughter's 1st nap, since my oldest is at school. If I don't get that done either, last resort is waiting until Jason comes home, and he'll watch the kids so I can work out. He KNOWS that if I don't get my workout in, I'll eventually start cancelling more and more workouts. Therefore leading me to being an unhealthy mom. I know he doesn't want that for me, and I don't want that for him as a father. So when I'm done, I'll watch the kids while he works out. Health is a BIG factor in our family, we want to pass down the gift of how important it is to stay healthy to our children. Of course for someone else who doesn't have any of those options--call a friend, everyone has someone to call that can help them out by letting them get in better shape. It's a small investment that can reap BIG rewards-in more ways than one! In this economy-you can really help yourself financially by JUST GETTING HEALTHY and LOSING WEIGHT!

Either way my friends, it's all about getting healthy from the inside out. I hope and pray that for everyone! XOXO

In Him and Health-Demi

Upper Plus..then tonight Abs/Core +..Home

What a great workout! I love this one, it moves quick, gets the job done, and I even had time to shower before Isabel woke up from her nap! I'll have to do core later in the evening when the hubs gets home, but hey, as long as it gets done, it's done!

Homelife is great so far in our townhome!! Everything is FINALLY done and we are already on our new routine, which is so refreshing. I think Isabel is diggin' the beige carpet because it's easy on her crawling little knees! :)

Alana LOVES her new place, her new room, and she has been the BEST helper! She has her own dedicated spot for her homework, and she loves doing it, which is wonderful!

So all in all-Home Life is going great so far! I will def post some pics soon :)

-Love Demi

More "Beautiful Mess" Magic

OK-I know I've been talkin' about them alot recently..but they rock my socks off! We've never had "family" portraits taken..and they just took it to a whole new level with these pics. I have never been so happy with pictures of my family as I am now! Thanks so much Candice and Daniel..you mean so much to us!



























And here's a link to a wonderful slideshow they graciously made for us, that makes me cry every time:

http://www.thebeautifulmess.net/Beans

You could also order prints directly from them through the website, and see bigger, higher resolution photos through www.thebeautifulmess.com. :)

LOVE-D

Last Blog for at least 3 days or so...

Because we will be moving!! Closer to all our friends, so THAT is what I'm so excited about. Expect to see alot more of us, woot woot! LOL.

Here are some pics to tide you over until I'm back online..from Christmas morning. Isabel and Alana were happy as clams. Isabel loved all the gifts from her Nana and Aunt Tanya (thank you! :)) and of course mommy and daddy, gramma and poopa, and her Great Pappy (He got them 2008 MATCHING Christmas Barbies!-I don't know who loved them more, me or the kiddos-haha). Isabel had an especially joyful time ripping off paper than trying to chew on it. I didn't let her do this longer than 2 seconds, for which she got VERY mad at me. The toys were a nice distraction.

Till I write again...Happy New Year! And here is to a great 2009!

Thanks

So I am in a foul mood today, but I will give thanks, I have to, I need to..

-My husband. Even though we can get in fights like rabid dogs sometimes (far and few between, but still!) we eventually, and always, do makeup. We are not like Whitney or Bobby or anything, but sometimes, GEEZ we get on eachother's nerves and then we make up like it's going out of style. Valuable info is learned every time and I am always reminded that he really does love me, quircks and all.

-the relationship that Alana has with my father. It's quite remarkable, and I just sit and stare at there interactions sometimes. Plus, she gets whatever she wants from him. Sucker! haha.

-And finally, that we made a last minute decision to spend the weekend at the beach! A dear friend of mine is out of town and said we can use it, so we definately are! Anyone up for dinner on Folly sometime this weekend? Fun times!

Pedi-Ped shoes. AKA-Million dollar shoes...

But not if you buy them on Ebay!!

I got 3 pairs of pedi-peds for Isabel, all brand new, for 20 bucks! Which is an insanely good deal since they are 32 dollars a pair in the stores. Crazy! You can tell by Isabel's face that she is absolutely thrilled with them. LOL. Aren't they adorable?! I heart ebay.
Here are 2 pics for your viewing pleasure.

Now I'm working on finding deals for Alana's shoes on ebay. Fingers crossed for good ones!

More info on life in the Bean household

So I was thinking of Isabel and all that she can do, and has learned this pass month. Things have changed so quickly! In her 5th month of life she has learned to roll over both ways, really good actually. It's to the point where we cannot take our eyes off of her for even a millisecond, especially when she's on the changing table. Diaper changing time has turned into a wrestling match, she just clearly has too much to do instead of relaxing for a diaper change! I think she is about 15 or so lbs-at her 4 month checkup she was 14.5 lbs. She's also really long, 95th percentile. Soon she will tower over me I'm sure. She has also started to babble a ton, saying a mixture of mamamama and dadadad, and babababa (see video a couple entries back). She is getting really big now, she used to be the littlest gal on the block but now she is chunking up and her appetite has gone up alot! We had switched to formula during month 4 due to her liking the easiness of the bottle a bit too much, but she is healthy and that's all I can ask for! Just this past week she has moved to a 4 hour eating schedule (on her own, we never forced her or anything like that). She is sleeping from 7 pm to 5:30-6amish (wish we could sleep in a little later, but hey, I can't complain, because that is really good!) She drinks a 6 oz bottle every 4 hours. On top of that, in the morning she has a HUGE bowl of oatmeal (one of her favs), then at lunch she has a jar of meat or veggies, and a dessert of a fruity concoction. After her dinner bottle she will have the same as lunch, then right before she goes to bed, another bowl of oatmeal. OOHH and the coolest part, is that she just started taking awesome naps--2 naps a day, 2 hours long each! Again, nothing forced, she just started doing this on her own! Every now and then she will hit a growth spurt and her "schedule" gets a little funky but evens itself out after a couple days. It's amazing how biologically babies know what their bodies need, and they will definately let you know what they need at the right time. I've learned to just savor these baby moments, because when I look at Alana, I know all too well it passes so easily. Every stage of life is precious, but the baby stage just flies by! I can already tell that she will be a daddies girl. She gets so happy just when she even hears his voice, so sweet. I know my days of being my little girls #1 are limited, and the age of the almighty Daddy are coming soon.

On another note Alana is just blowing my mind. She is working so hard in first grade, and every week when I look at all her A's and B's I'm just thrilled! She is making friends and learning so much, she's teaching me things now! She is actually reading books so well now, and she enjoys it so much. There is a sense of pride that I see in her when she shows me all her work, and when she reads to us every night. Her school is just plain amazing, and they teach her about Jesus and we'll talk about it at dinner every night. With all the crap going on with the economy, it's hard to get really depressed about anything when I have an amazing husband, and 2 beautiful children. Family is so much more important than anything, and as long as I have a roof over our heads and I can keep my kids tummies full, then everything else is just secondary. Every day is such a gift and I am so thankful. A shout out to my awesome husband-I know he reads this every now and then-so if you are hubby, I love you!!