Power Up Challenge

If you are my friend on Instagram or Twitter you've been bombarded the past 24 hours of pictures from me. I signed up and received my first Birchbox a few days ago and included was a packet full of 12 mini "challenges." In my previous post I discussed tasks and wanting to check items off a list, so needless to say I was only too happy to participate. Even more motivating was the opportunity to win a contest, but the only catch was I had to do it in a 48 hour time span because the contest ends tonight at midnight. Here were the challenges and what I did for each task. If you want to read more specifics about each challenge, visit https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/power-up-challenge

If you want to see the pictures that I posted, check out my Twitter page: https://twitter.com/crystalmdking

Challenge 1: Write it down
A few of my close friends use the app MyFitnessPal. I joined about a month ago and have been logging my workouts and calorie intake. It really does make a difference when you can see what you are consuming and burning off.

Challenge 2: Part your hair differently 
For as long as I can remember I've parted my hair on the same side. I parted it a different way and this sounds silly but it kinda threw me off for a little bit! It's funny how the smallest changes can make a big difference.

Challenge 3: Eat veggies for breakfast
I bought some tasty spinach and quinoa cakes at Costco and paired them with some veggie bacon. Delicious meal! You could even put some eggs over medium on top. I need to get better about putting spinach in my morning smoothies.

Challenge 4: Get out of your color comfort zone 
I wore purple lipstick to the courthouse this morning. Definitely out of my comfort zone, but it was fun to try out.

Challenge 5: Sit smarter 
My trainer has been working on some back exercises with me. A lot of people slouch because they don't have the back muscle support! I've become cognizant of sitting up now every time I am seated.

Challenge 6: Skip the mirror 
I don't spend too much time looking in the mirror to begin with so this really isn't a "challenge." Only if you are putting on makeup, I guess! I skipped putting on my makeup in the mirror this morning and just went for the purple lips. I'm sure that was all I needed anyways!

Challenge 7: Up your sleep quality 
This is an area where I know I need a lot more work on. Go to bed 5 minutes earlier than the night before, and turn off that technology! I've been getting really bad about playing around on my iPad instead of reading a good book this summer. I'm looking forward to continuing with this challenge.

Challenge 8: Log 10 minutes of outdoor time (daily) 
Not really a good time of year to be doing this but I did it anyway. Julian loves being outdoors so this is a good way to bond with him as well. There are days during the school year when the only time I am outside is walking to or from my car. Fall is my favorite time of year for weather so I can't wait to do more outdoor activities.

Challenge 9: Go on a blue streak 
I wore some blue eyeliner! And actually liked it! That was seriously my first time to do that. It makes my green hazels eyes pop out more than just my black eyeliner.

Challenge 10: Sneak cardio into your day 
I've been going to the gym pretty much every day this summer so it wasn't too difficult to "sneak" some cardio in. Really, going to the gym is the only alone time I get to have in a day so I try to make the most out of my time.

Challenge 11: Take a cold shower 
Yuck, not a fan of this one. It's supposed to energize you and all that, but I prefer my showers to be scalding. Even after going to the gym I prefer a nice hot shower. This was my least favorite challenge and not one that I'll do again.

Challenge 12: Perfect your push up
I've been working on push ups and planks at the gym. Add in the stability ball...not fun but funny to watch, but I've been getting better each time working with the trainer!

If you try any of these challenges out yourself (or all of them!) let me know. It's fun and takes no time at all.

If you check out Birchbox and think it's something you would like to try, I would appreciate it if you use my referral code. But don't worry, I'm not going to beg you for referrals ;-) https://www.birchbox.com/invite/crystalking

Let's get physical

In May I turned the big 3-0. "Uh oh, 3-0" is what my mom taught Julian to say to me. If you know me well, you know how much I dread birthdays. I get really morbid and depressed and start thinking about my time on earth. I'm not kidding; before kids I would usually take my birthdays off and lounge in bed and listen to emo-ish music and get very existential. I had been dreading this birthday for some time. Your 20's are all about having the most fun in your life and making the most mistakes with the least amount of consequences. Your 30's are your "growing up" time. People expect you to have it all figured out, and if you don't then what's wrong with you? Your success to other people goes from how much "fun"  you are having in your 20's to how much you "have" in your 30's. When people say you have your whole life to figure things out, you are forgetting about the now. How do you even know if you have a "whole life" to figure things out (see, a little piece into my birthday mind haha)?

When the big day finally came Justin asked me that question I knew I was going to have to answer. He said, "Most people work their whole lives to accomplish what you have accomplished the last 5 years of your life. What do you want to accomplish now that you are 30?" Hmmmm. I have the husband, the career, the degree, the house, the car, the kids, etc. etc., what now? I'm a goal person. Always needing to move to the next goal; check it off my list. What is it that I want from life right now? What is it that I need to check off my list?

The answer was right there and had been there for the past few months but I was too "afraid" to vocalize it before then. I don't like it when I have to admit there is something that I need to do better about (or apologize about). It drives me crazy when people vocalize complaints but never do anything about it. If you don't like the relationship or job, change them. If you don't like something about yourself, change it! If not there is so much wasted potential. Nobody likes complainers; they like success stories. There is always something we can change about ourselves or become better at.

My answer is, I want to get healthy and physically fit. I'm somewhere in the middle of the road when it comes to how healthy I am. I'm a pesceterian (the only meat I eat is fish) and enjoy eating healthy foods. When it comes to being physically fit, though, that's definitely the area where I'm lacking. I'm not overweight but having 3 kids in two years does crazy things to your body. Up until that point it had been all about the kids and their well being. But that left me feeling like I wasn't spending enough time for myself. And then the mommy guilt starts kicking in and I'm left feeling like I can't win.

I told Justin my answer and he was immediately supportive. That's one of the things I love most about him-any goal or task I want to achieve, he is my number one cheerleader. He doesn't push; he motivates me and holds me accountable for my dreams. He encourages me to do whatever it is that will make me happy. He told me he wanted to help me achieve this new goal and asked what he could do to help. What a great guy. I told him I probably needed to spend some time going back to the gym and he said "whatever I can do to help, I will do."

So right before summer break hit I started going back to the gym. Every. Single. Day. Doing the same thing in the short amount of time I had. Hop on the treadmill, burn 800-900 calories in 50 minutes, and call it a day. 5 days a week. And...not seeing results! The math just wasn't adding up. How can you burn that many calories and not lose weight? I hadn't changed my diet either so that wasn't the problem. I'd talked to a few of my fitness savvy friends and they mentioned where they thought I was going wrong. I'm stubborn though and thought I'd stick it out and I'd eventually see results. I did that for about 4 weeks and then one afternoon I was on the treadmill killing myself and I thought, this is crazy! What am I doing? I'm not a fitness expert, I need somebody who is telling me what to do. So I hopped off the trainer and went and got a personal trainer.

I've been seeing a personal trainer for about 3 weeks now and I just love it. What a great investment-I'm investing in my own health! My personal trainer is great. He's not a "mean" trainer; he's very motivational. If there is something I don't think I can do, then he does it with me. If I start to doubt myself or my ability to do something, he tells me I'm being too hard on myself and that I'm more powerful than I give myself credit for. And he's right. In the 3 weeks I've been seeing him I've been noticing some incredible differences. I just feel better about myself. And ultimately that feeling is priceless, right? Some people have asked, "Well, how much does that cost? Where do you find the time to do that?" I want to respond with, "How do you not take the time to do that? How do you not cut back on eating out or going shopping in order to get physically healthy?" Instead, I just smile and tell them it's totally worth it. Because it is.

Is there something on your own list that you'd like to accomplish right now? If you need an accountability partner, I'll be there for you. Take the time now to accomplish the things on your list, whether it's a honey-do list or a bucket list. It feels so good to check those items off the list instead of feeling guilty about what you would still like to accomplish. You don't have as much time as you think you have!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Julian!

Today my "baby boy" is officially a toddler! Two years old; I can't believe it. I've been taking a trip down memory lane the past couple of days because of his birthday and World Cup Fever.

The World Cup graces us with a month of soccer every 4 years. I think back to 4 years ago-summer 2010. I was in my mid 20's, had just gotten out a serious relationship, and ready to have some fun. My friend Karen and I would go to Fox Sports Grill when it was at the Shops of Legacy and watch all the games (she was rooting for Uruguay, I was rooting for the US and then Spain). Little did I know at the time that my future husband worked only a mile up the road and in a few short months we were going to reconnect at Pete's Piano Bar (Justin and I have known each other for 10 years but that's another story for another day). It's crazy for me to think back on the woman I was only 4 years ago, and the woman I am now.

Flash forward a few summers later to 2012 and Justin and I are married and with a new baby boy. It's funny how "seriously" you take having your first child. All the classes and stuff you think you need to buy. How scared you are of every little thing your newborn does (or doesn't do). Julian was always a great baby. Always happy and always ahead of the game when it came to crawling and then walking. He must have known that Justin and I were new to the whole parenting thing and decided to take it easy on us. Now he's singing his ABC's and counting and naming his shapes. He's going to give me a run for my money, I'm afraid. He's very communicative, very observant, and thinks he can do everything. He's got a bit of a temper at times-hmmmm, which parent does he get that from ;-). He loves his family and his grandparents so very much, and he's starting to get along with his sisters (haha).

Julian, you have changed my life for the better, and I thank you for that. Thank you for teaching me about love and life. I'm so proud of who you are today and can't wait to see what the future holds in store for you-I know it's going to be great! Your daddy is counting down the days 'til you can start playing team sports, while I am itching for you to be the next Hugh Jackman. Happy birthday to my most favorite little boy ever!

Happy Father's Day and 1st week of summer!

Ah, summer, we meet again my friend <3. 

It's hard to believe that I just finished my 7 1/2 year of teaching-you have no idea how old that makes me feel. A few weeks ago I was driving home from work and one of my students that I taught when I was at an elementary school drove up to me and starting waving and yelling hi out of his window. My former students are now driving! And in just a few years, they will be graduating! I'm not sure if teaching gets easier or harder over the years. Every year has its challenges and its proud moments. I'm not going to lie-I always look forward to summer very much (I challenge you to find a teacher who says they don't look forward to it), but I have really been looking forward to this summer. I've spent all school year with 160 kids, and now it's time to spend the next few months with my 3 most favorite kids of all. We have a lot of fun in store for us Summer 2014. Sleeping in, playdates, swim lessons, relaxing, watching the World Cup, and our very first trip together as a family to South Padre! It's going to be great.

Happy Father's Day to my best friend! 

Enough about summer; today is all about celebrating my best friend and father to my children. I can't believe how gracefully he handles taking such great care of me, Julian, Eve, and Kena. He always has an unending supply of hugs, kisses, and smiles for each one of us. Our kids love him so much-you should see how each one of their faces light up when they see their daddy. Julian just thinks the world of Justin. It does make me a little envious sometimes that Julian turns to his daddy for everything, but  I know we will have different bonds with each of the kids.  Fatherhood is something that Justin was meant for and I'm glad to be on this journey with him. He is the glue that holds our family together! It has been a great weekend-yesterday I got to spend it with both of my wonderful father in laws and today I got to spend it with my own dad and granddad. 

I'm looking forward to this week-the twins turn 6 months and Julian turns 2 years old! Where does the time go??? This time last year we were sharing the news with everybody that I was pregnant with twins. Crazy! 

Saying "goodbye" to an old friend

It's been a sad past few days at the King household. On Thursday we had to put my sweet kitty Dante to sleep. Dante had just celebrated his 10th birthday in February. Last year he had developed a growth on one of his hind legs and it just kept growing. We had taken him to two different vets and they both  said the same thing-either amputate the leg (but that wouldn't cure him), put him down, or see if the growth stopped. We decided to wait and see if the growth stopped, but unfortunately it didn't. Then a couple of months ago the growth continued and opened up and we knew things weren't going to get better.

Making the decision to put Dante down is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Pet lovers, I'm sure you feel my pain. I've had Dante since I rescued him when he was a kitten and I was 19. We grew up together! He was there for me during my years at college. He was witness (and a welcomed guest) to many parties and gatherings I had at my old apartment complex. He was there for me when I ventured out into the teaching world and always welcomed me home when I got home too late those first few years. He was my cuddle friend when relationships didn't work out and I needed somebody to cry to. And he fell in love with Justin at the same time I did when we welcomed him into our home and lives.

He didn't really appreciate it once we started bringing babies home, but then again, who can blame him? He just wanted a nice quiet bed to sleep on, and that has been hard to come by the last few years. I feel a little guilty because he didn't get as much attention as he could have once we started having children, but he had a very forgiving personality. There wasn't a person who met Dante who didn't have some comment about him. He was known as a beautiful, big, friendly white cat with beautiful orange eyes. At 18 pounds he was a big boy! He never missed a meal, that's for sure.

I have nothing but fond memories of Dante. He will be greatly missed. He wasn't just a cat, but my best friend, my confidant, and my pet. I'm grateful that he decided to spend part of his 9 lives with me. Dante, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.

Keeping Up With The Kings

Well, it's here-the dreaded last day of maternity leave. All good things must come to an end, I suppose. At least it's snowing outside; very peaceful and warm inside our house. I CANNOT BELIEVE it's been 7 weeks with my two not-so-new-anymore baby girls. You know what else I can't believe? That I'm the mom to two not-so-new-anymore baby girls.

Justin and I get asked a lot, "How are you doing? Getting much sleep? Are you having more kids (haha)? How is Julian adjusting?" To tell you the truth-we are doing great...most days. Our baby girls are as sweet as can be. They smile and coo and are "attempting" to sleep through the night. They love to cuddle and snuggle. They don't cry for the sake of crying. Makes my heart just melt thinking about them.

That being said, there are moments when all three kids are crying for some reason or another and I just get overwhelmed. Completely, utterly overwhelmed. I would really like to start crying myself. But I can't. I've got poor Justin to think about. I can't even imagine what it would be like for him if all four of us were crying at the same time (I'm sure it's bound to happen, sooner or later). He really is the rock of our family. Thank goodness I married a man who has been the best possible father to our children and the best partner to me. I read on a blog people were sharing the link to that the mom is supposed to set the tone for the family. Why is it all on her shoulders? Just adds to the mommy guilt in my opinion. Moms, don't feel like you are solely responsible for the behaviors and actions of all family members at all times. Sometimes your 19 month old is going to throw an awful tantrum and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Sometimes one twin is going to hear the other twin cry and start crying herself because that's what twins do. That's not being a bad mother or not setting the correct "tone" for your household; that's just what kids do sometimes. Sometimes the tone of your house is going to be "survival of the fittest," sometimes it's going to be one of perfect harmony (let me know what that looks like, ok?).

A comment was made to me that's been sticking in my mind a lot and I want to address it. I was told I was "lucky" to be able to leave my kids and go to work. I'm not sure why that person thought it was luck and not a necessity that I return back to work. Again with the mommy guilt. Ask any working mother if she thinks she is lucky to leave her kids with somebody else. Find me one that says yes. It is out of necessity that I return back to work, and it's a bonus that I like my job. I'm married to a financial advisor and that really does change the way you look at all of your decisions. Buying diapers and formula for two babies who eat A LOT? Provide healthcare for all three kids? And life insurance for myself and Justin? All of that is very expensive. Please don't think for a second that I'm going to enjoy leaving my children. In fact, I'm leaving my children to go spend time with 160 other children. I'm hyper aware of that fact every single day. All day, every day, I am with children. I may not be with my own kids, but I'm helping others raise their kids. That is what makes me lucky.

So now I will return to the "new normal." I'll need your support these next few weeks, because the phrase "working mother" is redundant.

My own version of Oprah's "a-ha!" moment

My mom is a big Oprah fan and subscribes to her magazine "O." She always gives me the magazine after she is done reading it. Oprah has an editorial section called her "A-Ha Moment" where she shares some thought-provoking or life changing moments she's had. I've been having a lot of these moments myself recently, but they are a little bit different than hers-they are what I consider to be my AAH!!! Moments.

These AAH!!! Moments are moments of brief panic due to the realization that life is going to change so very, very much for us in a mere few weeks. You would think that I've come to terms with the fact that we are going to be the (proud) parents of twin girls, but you know what, truthfully I'm still in shock! Justin and I attended my work baby shower the other day and since then people have been asking, "Are you ready for them to get here now?" No, not even close. How is it now November and they are due in December? We don't have their rooms ready, the hospital bag packed, or even the dreaded mini-van purchased. Please don't get me wrong-I am so very excited about having twins. It's just that being a mom to a 17 month old, I know what I'm in for-A LOT of hard work, late nights, and constant supervision of not one, not two, but three children. Justin and I will be very tired, very stressed, and stretched to the limits all while needing to show composure and calmness in our home. That can be a lot to wrap your head around, hence all the AAH moments!

I hope I can do it all: be a loving wife, a wonderful mom, a caring friend, a hard working employee, and a supportive daughter/sister/in-law. I know that's not going to happen at all times though, and I just hope others in my life will grant me grace when I need it.

"Great is the enemy of the good. Sometimes good is good enough." And you know what? I think I'm just fine with that :).