Create...An Obstacle Course

This afternoon the boys helped me create an obstacle course in our backyard and we had tons of fun running through it and getting some good old-fashioned exercise/fun.

The first step was the boys' favorite, running through the hose (done boot-camp-tire-run style):

The next step was ten jumping jacks. I don't have any pictures of that because it is impossible to take someone's picture while you are doing a jumping jack.

Next was a run to the fence and back with someone pushing the play lawnmower:
Next, we dribbled a ball soccer-style longways across the yard.

When we got to the other side, we jumped side to side over these pool noodles:
Next, we had to hit a ball off the tee (and run and retrieve it):
In this pic, J also knocked the tee out of the shot :).

Finally, we had to kick/dribble the beach balls longways across the yard to the fence (and back if you were me and getting the course ready for another round).

N only completed the course once before he lost interest and began hitting things with his plastic bat. He did eventually return to do the hose portion a bunch of times.

J stuck with it and completed the course with me multiple times.

It was a lot of fun. We plan to do it again later this week and J promised to help me come up with some more obstacles.

Very fun! Yay! It was a happy mommy moment. Can't wait to repeat.

Create...a Healthier Family

As part of my goal for myself to be a healthier person, I've been trying to work out more. In general, I am doing pretty good. I use the treadmill often and have also been enjoying doing Wii Fit activities like boxing and step aerobics and Wii Sport (mainly tennis). Currently, I do most of my working out when the boys are either at preschool or napping/having quiet time.

However, although it is nice to exercise without interruption, I've realized that there are two problems with working out only when the boys are not around. First, the time when the boys are not around is pretty limited and will only get more limited this summer--and I have a lot of other things I need to get done during the short time of N's nap time/J's quiet time. Second, the boys never see me working out and I think it's important that they see this part of my life--you know the whole showing by example thing.

Anyway, I am trying to think of new ways that I can get exercise with my boys. Then we can all be healthy and enjoy each other at the same time.

I know I could just chase them around the yard/park, but that's not all that enjoyable for me so I'm trying to think of other things to try. Here are my current thoughts:
playing soccer (want to get a little goal for our yard)
playing tennis (need to get some rackets and find a place to play)
rollerblading while they bike or ride scooters (need to get roller blades)
hiking (need to find some fun places to explore)
jogging (am considering seeing if J wants to start jogging around the block with me)

Anyway, I've never been a very athletic person but I want to be better. I want to do these things with my boys so we can all be healthier and have fun. Wish someone would teach a class for moms-of-boys like me who need to learn more about sports. Maybe a camp for moms and sons to attend together where we could both learn how to hit a baseball, throw a football, get a basketball in the basket and score a soccer goal. Anyone out there know of anything like that? It would be really beneficial and fun. If you decide to start such a camp, let me know. I'd love to attend!

So there's my rambling thoughts on working out and enjoying my family. I want a healthy happy family. Who doesn't?

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Create...a healthier me

In my attempt to change my lifestyle and create a healthier me, I am trying to work out.

Today was Day 3 of using our treadmill. Yes, we own a treadmill. It's really B's as he's the only one who has ever used it on a regular basis.

I've done a pre-programmed 30 minute routine on the treadmill for the last three days. I did Program 1 (the easiest) for the first two days and Program 2 today. Program 2 kicked my butt. I am SO out of shape. I made it through the 30 minutes, but I was sweating a ton and way tired by the end. Pathetic, but true. I even jogged a bit when it went up to a whopping 4 mph.

Yes, I think this is reinforcing my need to workout more. Let's hope my knees don't start protesting. More importantly, let's hope I can do this regularly for more than a week or two.

Still trying to eat healthier and have started using Relish to plan meals. They are bit more complicated than my usual meals, but it's nice to plan them out in advance and try new things.

Here are pics of a few I've tried:
Robust Vegetable Soup with Cheddar Dill Biscuits (those biscuits were GOOD)

Pasta Fresco (cheese tortellini, prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, spinach, garlic, pine nuts)

Tangy Garden Salad (tomato, red onion, fresh Italian parsley, balsamic vinaigrette, lemon juice)

Other meals have included Lemon-Garlic Kebabs with Gorgonzola Dipping Sauce and Bistro French Fries with Parsley and Golden Fish Sticks. I picked the fish sticks for the boys, but neither of them would try them.

Of course, J hasn't tried any of these, but N has eaten and enjoyed a few.

So that's the "healthier me" for now. Will try to keep posting here in order to keep myself accountable and on track. Wish me luck!

Of course, since I started working out, my house is getting less and less clean. Must figure out a better way to fit it all in.