The Weather Outside is Frightful...

We were finally able to escape from the house today and I have never been so happy about leaving my home! After being iced in since Thursday it was a relief to get out for a while. I am a homebody and yes, I stay at home everyday. But not having the option of leaving if I want to, made me crazy. Also, we usually get out of the house on weekends. Justin and I had plans to do some shopping and we get out of the house on Sundays for church. None of those things happened so cabin fever set in. I also have two active boys who need to get out and play somewhere besides our house or outside if possible. I did get my house clean, so that's checked off my list of things to do this week.

Nope...not snow. That's ice and sleet. The not fun stuff. 

Just eating an ice sickle. 

Being trapped in the house has also made me want to bake everything I have ever pinned on Pinterest and then eat it. I didn't gain any weight Thanksgiving week, but I'm sure I did these last few days. I am not a baker and I don't really enjoy it that much. But when it gets cold and Christmasy (?) my very small inner baker self comes out. I have been super slacking in my eating. I need to step that up...well actually slow it down. I need to step my exercise routine up...for sure. I can just feel the pounds adding on. I haven't ran in almost two weeks. That is mainly due to something I've done to my knee. I have no idea what, but when I run or put too much pressure on it, it hurts like crazy. I'm hoping the rest I've done has helped it. I may try and go out tomorrow. Ugh.  If it's not any better I may just take a break from running until January...or I may just do that anyway. Way to step up my exercising. But really...I'm kind of burned out with running. I think I need a break from it for a little while. I have other exercise videos I can do. My goal this week is to at least get three days of some sort of exercise in. I did accomplish my last goal of running three days that week...hopefully I can do this one. I struggle this time of year with getting motivated to eat well and exercise well...it's so hard. Someone agree with me. Anyone? 

I baked this. It was super yummy and very easy  for this non-baker. 

We are getting more and more excited about Christmas this year...mainly because of Luke. He's more aware of everything than any other year. We do the whole Santa thing and Elf on the Shelf. But we also make sure he understands the most important part...Jesus' birth. He knows how important that is. He has this Little People nativity set he loves to play with. Every time he does, he always sets the people up to where they are all looking at Jesus. I have never told him to do that. I just think his little three year old self understands how important He is. I don't feel like we have in anyway replaced Santa or Elf on the Shelf for the most important thing about Christmas. The other is just for fun. They are only young for so long, there's nothing wrong with letting them enjoy those things around Christmas. But there's also nothing wrong with not doing them either. I have friends who don't do the whole Santa thing and that's totally fine. I respect that. I do have a problem with people who try to tell others (by posting articles on Facebook) that doing Santa and Elf on the Shelf is in someway wrong. Why can't we all just respect each other's traditions? It's Christmas time...let's be merry and bright! 

As long as there will not be another ice storm to confine us for days, Justin and I plan to get out and finish our Christmas shopping this weekend. I actually have almost more than half done...which is very unusual for me. I'm usually the one frantically getting everything done the week before or of Christmas. We will be in Oklahoma the 19th-23rd, so I have to be done by then. I'm glad that's making me get it done! I'm so looking forward to our time with family. I really do love this time of year. Oh and the food. Always. 

Have a great week!

Thankful

There are lots of things I'm thankful for. But today I'm especially thankful for my kids bedtime and the fact that they sleep in their own rooms and in their own beds all night long. I'm ready for that to happen soon. It's been a doozy of a day. The boys have been crazy today or maybe I'm just super on edge..who knows. Between the boys not taking a nap, coming into my kitchen to find a ton of ants
(I despise ants) and putting too much pepper in the meal I made.. Yes I know not a big deal..it was at the time...it's time for a vacation or maybe just sleep.

I'm also super thankful for Justin Heck. The Lord knew what He was doing when He put this patient man in my life. He for sure balances out my crazy non patient self, that begged him go get some ant killer because if I saw one more ant I may go nuts. He did go get it. He also took over the whiney non-napper Jude who I would probably have given to anyone who came to my house. Also, I'm glad he's better at grammar than me...I wasn't sure whether to use given or gave in the above sentence...not that I really care in this blog..as you've probably noticed.  I'm thankful for friends who understands what it's like to wake up in the morning and already be ready for the kids nap and/or bedtime. I'm thankful that I have been able to live close to my family and I am able to get a break when I need one and they are always so gracious and willing to help me out.

I'm thankful for a gracious Lord, who Has blessed me with these children to love and take care of everyday...even on days like today, where I was wishing I could be anywhere else. I'm thankful I can even make it through tough days because of Him.  The last verse to one of my favorite songs I Have Been Blessed is one of my favorites and I was reminded of it earlier today.

He's my shoulder to lean on when I'm down. The rock where He leads me when I'm overwhelmed. The place where He hides me is under His wings. He's not just a song. He's the reason I sing. I have been blessed.

I know bad days...weeks happen...they are normal. I'm just thankful for a God who helps me through them and the people He put in my life who are a blessing to me.

Luke set up a picnic. This is right before things started getting crazy. 

Happy Bday Love.

I've been a little on the sick side for the past week, which explains my late posting. Which you may not have noticed. I went to the doctor Tuesday and got some meds. I'm feeling much better. If I could just stop coughing sometime soon that would be great though. Due to my sickness my running/exercising has been nonexistent this week. Excuses. I wouldn't have done it anyway. Probably not. Well I may have ran. I actually do want to keep that up. But I figured I better not since I can barely talk without sounding like I'm coughing up a lung. Although, my doctor told me I could still run. It's actually good for you. It helps you cough up all the junk. Gross. He told me the day I was in there I could go run when I got home. No thanks. I'm going home and taking advantage of the rest my husband is going to let me have while he takes care of our children. Let me be sick doctor! 

This whole #fit4christmas thing I mentioned in a previous post isn't going so well. I think I've lost a total of 1.5 lbs in 3 weeks. I've probably gained that back this week doing nothing. I did eat pretty well. But that doesn't help me. I have to do some sort of exercise if I want to lose anything. Ugh. I wish I cared more. Well I do care. I care about the 10 lbs I've gained over the last two months. Yes. That happened. I just wish I didn't care so much. I know I can lose that if I really try. It will be hard over the next few weeks due to all of the wonderful holiday eating. My goal will be not to gain over the next weeks. If I can just maintain and then really get back on track afterwards I'll be happy. My goal next week is to run at least 3 days. That's a pretty attainable goal. Hopefully. 

So, back to the most important item of discussion for the day. Today is my husband's 32nd birthday! I'm so glad he was born all those years ago. He's my best friend. And I love him dearly. Luke made him a birthday card and I told him to tell me five things he likes about his Daddy. Well, now I'm going to list five things I like about Justin Heck. Here they are in no particular order. These aren't all too serious or too mushy, so don't worry! 

1. You make me laugh. Even if I don't laugh out loud all the time...I still think you're the funniest person I know.
2. Your excitement over Christmas. You're like a little kid...which makes it pretty fun for our little kids.
3. I have someone to like cool/nerdy things with.
4. When you play/wrestle with our boys...I like you a lot then.
5. Your beard. Please don't ever shave it off. But please cut your hair. 

There are of course a lot more things I could list. He's a really likable guy...I think anyway. Tonight we are having a family birthday thing. Tomorrow we are going on a birthday date, which will include going to see the new Hunger Games movie. I didn't even have to ask him to take me to see that on his birthday. He wanted to. Which goes back to #3 on my list. I've only read the book three times, so I think I'm pretty prepared for it.

Happy Birthday Justin Heck! Let's spend lots more birthdays together...okay?

-Aren't you glad I still have these old pictures of you? By the way, Jan, I promise I"m going to give these back to you...I've only had them for 6 years. But I'm so glad I still had them today. :)

Cutie.

Q&A with Luke.

This was our first weekend in a long time that we had nothing going on and we were home the whole time. It was super nice. My first week trying to get back on track with my eating/exercising went okay. I lost a grand total of... 1.5 lbs. Meh...I mean it's a loss so I'll take it. I'm really hoping to do better this week. Monday I did the Bikini Body Mommy workout I mentioned in one of my earlier posts. I did finish that 90 day workout. I had some good results, but I know they would have been better if I would done better with my eating. Anyway, I started it over on Monday and oh my goodness I was sore. What a way to tell me I'm out of shape! I feel like my motivation to eat better is there, but now my motivation to workout is not. I can't seem to get them together.

Well enough of that. Today I'm doing a special Q&A with the one and only....Luke Michael Heck. (also known as, my first born child) I asked him if he had some time out of his busy day to answer some questions for me. This morning he said "No, I've got to watch some TV" (don't interrupt his TV time). So I had to anxiously wait until his show was over to ask him some questions. I thought y'all might want the wonderful opportunity in getting to know him better. He's pretty cool. I love his age right now. He will be four in January. (Let's not talk about that.) He's funny, weird and crazy. (sounds like someone else I know) He also can be super sweet and loving. He's really starting to play and love on Jude a lot more. I love watching them play together. I did not edit any of his answers...everything that's there he said.

How are you today, Luke?
I'm three.

I mean how are you feeling?
Uh. Good. Why are you talking to me like that?

I'm just going to ask you some questions. It will be fun. 
Uh. Okay. 

What time did you get up this morning? 
Um...afternoon. 

What's your favorite color? 
Yellow. What's your favorite?
 Red
Well you can like red or yellow...which one? You can just have red and yellow. 
Thanks. 

Who's your best friend? 
Malachi. And I like you, Daddy, and Jude. 

Who's the cutest person in the whole world?
You always call me the cutest person in the whole world. Me. And you, and Daddy and Jude.

What's your favorite movie?
How about...Larry Boy, Bubble Guppies
Bubble Guppies isn't a movie. That's a TV show.
Well it's my favorite. 

Who's your favorite superhero...Batman, Superman, Spiderman?
Ohh!! I like Spiderman. 

What's your favorite toy right now?
Larry Boy. I can't find Larry Boy. It's under my bed. 

Do you have any brothers or sisters?
I want another brother and another sister. 
Uh..next question. 

Do you have a brother right now?
Uhhhh. Yeah. 

Do you like him?
Jude? Yeah I like Jude. And I like you. 
Thanks. 

Can you tell me your memory verse?
"We will serve the Lord" 
(*He actually says "We will serve the world" (he can't say his L's very good yet) Kind of the complete opposite of what the verse really is! We laugh.)

What's your favorite song?
Bubble Guppies Song. 

Do you like to dance?
Yeah.
-Then he dances a cool dance. 

Who's the best dancer?
Me. I'm funny. 

What do you want for Christmas?
Ohhh! I like the Jake and the Pirate toy. 

What was the last movie you watched?
The Monsters movie.

What is your favorite TV show? 
Bubble Guppies.
(Can you tell we like Bubble Guppies? It's actually a cool show. You should watch it. )

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? 
Arkansas

What did you have for breakfast? 
Breakfast bar and Milk.

What foods do you not like (yucky)?
Umm... Bugs. Lady bugs aren't gross.
uh...ew.

What's your favorite food?
The Monsters Macaroni and Cheese

Favorite Place to Eat? 
Um. Cheese dip and quesadilla   

What are your favorite clothes? 
Mickey mouse.

Where would you want to go to today?
Gran Jan's house. She's in Oklahoma.

Is the cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
1/2 gone. 

Favorite time of day?: 
Morning. We don't have any fire.
(I have no idea what that means. )

Where were you born?
Tomorrow. 

Do you have any pets?
No. I don't have any pets in my house. I'm sure we can get one.
Uh. Maybe. 

Do you like cats or dogs?
I like Mallie. 
(That's my sister's dog. )

Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
I like Mama.

What do you want to be when you are bigger? 
Luke.

Are you married?
No. I'm fine.
Good.

What are you listening to right now?
You. 

What makes you mad or sad? 
I like to be happy. 

Thank you for letting me ask you these questions today.
Thank you.

Cutest 3 year old in the world. 

Ugh. Exercising.

Well I hope all of you people who don't have young children or those who have yet to be blessed with them enjoyed fall back time. Ugh. Both of my kids being up before 7:00 is not cool. At least I had plenty of time to get ready for church...positive thinking. I felt like yesterday was such a looong day. I love going to church and being with our church family and worshiping  but oh man are Sundays exhausting...and with my kids getting up way too early for my liking it made for a much longer day. So it was difficult to get out of my nice, warm bed this morning. Monday's are usually my "clean up from the weekend day". I take the weekends off from cleaning/laundry...unless it's completely necessary. So, if you ever come to my house on any day during the weekend, be prepared for it to look a mess. Well, I may clean up for you...depends on who you are. :)

Go back to bed! 

I have officially decided it's time to get back on track with my eating/exercising. I have been a super slacker in that department...and when I say slacker I mean doing nothing or not caring about either one of those. I was actually doing pretty good with running/exercising. It was enjoyable for me. But now I'm just tired of it. I hate that I have to keep up with it in order to not gain a million pounds. But I do want to stay healthy and somewhat fit. I just wish it was more fun. I'm to the point where I'm pretty happy and content with my weight and size. I'm not where I would like to be or what I had set my goal at in the beginning though, so I'd still like to lose about 10 more lbs. Well now it maybe more than that from all the candy I consumed this weekend. Oh well...it was worth it. But I have to either hide the rest of the Halloween candy...or it's going in the trash. So, today it's back to tracking everything I eat (that works best for me), running, and doing some sort of exercise on my days off from running....ugh. I wish I could say I'm excited...but I'm not. I'm joining up with some other people who are doing this #fitforchristmas thing. I saw it on a blog that I follow. It actually started on Friday, but who wants to start something on a Friday? Not me, starting at the beginning of the week works better for me...plus I had all that Halloween candy I needed to eat. I'm going to do the whole taking of my measurements and picture thing to see if I make any changes. But don't worry...I won't post any of that on here. I may give you an update on my measurements...but no pictures! It ends on December 20...right before Christmas. Just in time to eat all the yummy Christmas food without feeling too guilty about it.

We had another busy weekend. Friday, I got my hair done. I went back to a more natural color this time. I'm taking a break from the red. I missed my natural hair. Friday night Justin and I had a date night...out to eat and a grocery run...exciting!  It was still fun. We joke about getting groceries whenever we go out, but honestly (cheesy comment coming up) it doesn't matter what we do, we always make it fun...or at least he's good at doing that.  We also made some other stops. We stopped at Ulta where I got the best curling iron ever. Well for me it is. I can finally curl my hair with a curling iron...yes, I'm 27 and still can't figure out how to curl my hair. Yes, I've watched videos and have had people show me...I still can't figure it out with that clamp thingy...see I don't even know the technical term for it..if there even is one. I've used the same set of rollers that I've had since college. This curling wand gives you more of a wavy, crimp look..which I like. I'm sure I could get it to do more of those big wavy curls I like too...I'll have to practice more. But since I only fix my hair like once or twice a week it may take me some time. 

Bed Head Curling Wand. 

Saturday we got our family pictures done. We have a family friend from Monette who takes pictures as a hobby. The ones I've seen on Facebook that she's done are really good. I can't wait to see ours. The boys cooperated really well. And we got to take a few in a cotton field! I was so happy. There are a ton of cotton fields in that area and almost all of them that we drove by had been picked. But there was one by her house that was still there...worked out perfectly!

He combed his hair for the pictures. He's handsome. 

Well it's off to clean up my messy house...oh Mondays. Yes, even stay at home Mom's dislike Mondays...or at least I do. :) Hope you all have a great week!

P.S. I'm wanting to give this blog a makeover...make it look  not so cheesy (that's the second time I've used that word). Anyway, I'm not very smart when it comes to computer design stuff...I guess all those years of being on Annual Staff did nothing for me. So, if you know how to do it...then let me know! I need help. 

Busy, Busy.

That is what you would describe our lives right now...busy. But it's been a fun busy. Although, I am ready to have a weekend with nothing to do...that would be nice and also sleep. Friday we had a fun family day and went to a pumpkin patch in Bartlett. The boys loved it. It was perfect for them. My mom and sister went as well. Then that night we had some of my Mom's homemade chili at her house. Saturday night we had a youth/children's hayride at the church. Everyone seemed to have a good time. It was a fun fall weekend. I like fun fall things.

Justin went to the Arkansas Baptist Convention yesterday morning in Rogers. So, being the big baby that I am, me and the boys went and stayed with my Mama. Not because I'm can't handle taking care of my kids by myself but I have a hard time staying anywhere by myself at night. I can stay home all day but when it comes time to go to sleep I become super paranoid. I will turn all the lights on and stay up as long as I possibly can. I think I've watched way too many Datelines and Law and Orders. I'm just glad she lives close so I can go and crash at her house when I need to...and Julie too. Good thing they like me...and my kids.

Playing with Nana's iPad. 

Thursday we will have a hot dog/s'mores roast at our church and hand out candy to people in our community. It should be fun! I've always liked Halloween...not the scary part of it but I remember loving dressing up. We were never scary things and honestly it freaks me out when little kids dress up as scary things...sorry it does. My mom made our costumes. I remember her making a princess costume for me. Oh I loved it! I really felt like a princess and probably thought I was. I meant to get the picture while I was at her house..but forgot. We never went trick or treating. We always went to the church for the fall festival and I remember always having a good time. I"m sure that will be our tradition as well. I like dressing the boys up. Jude has no idea what's going on yet, but Luke does. He's super excited about being Peter Pan. Although, I think he believes he will get to fly...but just on Halloween he said. I guess we will find out Thursday how that will go....

Saturday we are getting some family photos done. We haven't had any since last July so I figured it's about time! I was hoping to get some done in a cotton field, but it may all be picked by then...oh well..one day I will. These will also most likely be the last ones we do for a while, so they have to be good...so my kids better cooperate...yeah..right. We will see about that. I'm bringing along my Mom so she will help make them behave and smile good. I'm hoping to at least get one good one. I have high hopes.

Hope you all have a great week! Eat lots of candy...I will. :)

Jude.

Yesterday my baby boy turned 19 months. I realize that's not a milestone age I guess...like 12, 16, and 18 months, but I was at a loss of what to blog about today so what better thing than talking about my children! I want to be able to remember somethings he did, so having this will help.

He's walking...trying to run....everywhere. He's into everything and destroys things in about 2 seconds. Seriously...Justin and I say he's crazy all the time...because he is. Luke was a pretty calm toddler. He did his usual messes but he never really got into things or I never had to worry about him putting his toothbrush in the toilet and then finding it in his mouth...yes, that happened. He maybe a huge mess, but he's so cute...I can't even stand it sometimes. He has a few nicknames. We call him Judah Bear, Jude Bug, Judah Bug...his real name is not Judah...I don't know why we call him that sometimes..it just sounds cute.

He loves to eat. He could eat all day long if I let him. His favorite foods: pizza (he can eat 3-4 pieces in one sitting..not kidding...small pieces) cookies (he's nuts about some cookies), grilled cheese sandwiches and french fries. I still can not get him to drink milk. He hates it but he loves his apple juice. I think that was the first word he said...after Mama. "jushhhh" is how he says it..like a million times a day. He has to have a fork when he's eating. If he sees everyone with one he must have it. He loves going outside. If he sees we are getting ready or I say anything about leaving or going somewhere he is walking as fast as his little legs will go to get his shoes and say "shhhhs" He doesn't really finish his words.

Luke was my big talker and still is! Jude doesn't say near as many words as Luke was at his age. He says: Mama, Daddy or really just "Dad", ball, cookie (he says this word weird...but I know what he's saying), juice, shoes, "Guke" for Luke...which maybe the cutest thing ever, Nana, Juju, Bubble (for Bubble Guppies...he is crazy about that show). All these words he says, but some of them are just more of a noise...he doesn't really finish the word. But he can pretty much obey and understand anything I say. He's pretty smart. I tell him to put something in the trash and he will. Of course he will try and dig something else out, but whatever. He will go and get his shoes when I ask him to. He knows how to pick up the toys. I know a lot of this he has learned from watching Luke. He wants to do everything Luke does! He loves Veggie Tales...like a lot. He wants to watch one of the movies we have every single day, all day long. My Mom has this little brochure thing at her house that shows some Veggie Tales toys. He will sit there and look and study that thing forever...and want you to read it to him. We know what he will be getting for Christmas.

As some of you may have noticed in any pictures I post of him, yes Jude still loves his paci. I should probably care more about starting to get him off of it, but I just don't care much. He really only likes it when he's sleepy, for naps/nightime, or when we are in the car. We don't do all of those all the time. But I do know I'll have to start sometime. I'm just not ready yet. He's so cute and sweet when he has that and his blanket. He has to have both. He loves to sit in my lamp and cuddle with both of those. Luke would never sit in my lap for a long length of time to cuddle...so I'm enjoying him doing this while I can!

Don't mess with his paci or blankie. 

He will probably sleep with that blanket until he's 18. 

I love when he walks around with his blankie. So cute. 

Ever since Jude has started walking Luke enjoys playing with him a lot more. I love watching them play together. Luke is pretty protective of him too. If Jude gets in trouble or gets a little spanking, Luke does not like it all. He tells me "Mama be nice to Jude". We had made progress there too. Luke wouldn't even touch Jude for the longest time. I hope they continue to be close and grow up to be best friends. It would make this Mama really happy.

Jude has come along way from the baby who didn't really like anybody (except me and my Mom) to a pretty happy little boy! He's still not as sociable (aka...likes other people) as Luke was, but we've made some progress. He's a blessing in our lives and we can't imagine life without him. We love you our little Judah Bear!