{virtual} coffee date

If we were having coffee this morning (and it would either be a tea latte or some pumpkin goodness) I would tell you that I am exhausted.  And I'm usually pretty good at pushing through this exhaustion, but lately I have felt my body screaming to me to slow down.  This has been hard for a girl-on-the-go, who thrives on a busy schedule.  And saying no to workouts has also been pretty tough on my soul as well.  I'm trying with all my might to not feel guilty and focus on this beautiful gift growing inside of me. 

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that now that we have the furniture in the nursery, I feel completely overwhelmed with decorating it.  I'm just so thankful that the painting is over and done with!  Now we just need new closet doors and for this lady to get some motivation to get started.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that my dear husband is having a pretty stressful time at work.  My heart breaks when I see the anxiety inhibit his sleep, and I have been reminded how important it is to pray for your husband.  I've been praying like crazy for this love of mine, and trying to serve him better in his love language.  And can I admit that it is harder than one might imagine, and it made me realize how much time I spend on myself, or my work, or cleaning and cooking, and less on his heart and goodness.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that the yoga studio by my house called me up and offered me 6 more free classes!  This made my week!  

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that my best friend, Andrea, moved up to the bay area a month ago and it finally sank in this week.  All I want is to go on a run with her, make a latte, and paint our nails.  And while my heart is breaking, I'm so happy for her and her husband and am dying to take a road trip to visit her!  

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that I am pretty excited that we have a very laid back weekend planned.  This means lots of cleaning to put me at ease, followed by down time and soaking in some relaxation!  

fit & fabulous pregnancy: breakfast

Staying healthy and active is my priority during this pregnancy, and I've reaped so many benefits from it!  These endorphins are fabulous, plus my body has felt great through this pregnancy so far.  To read more about some ways I'm staying fit and active check out my post here.  

Today I wanted to share with you some ideas for my absolute favorite meal of the day: Breakfast!  

Just in case you were wondering here are three things you must know about me:

1. I have to eat a banana everyday. 

2. In the mornings I wake up with a growling tummy. 

3. I treasure the mornings, especially breakfast, and will wake up early in order to sit down and eat breakfast.  

Does anyone else wake up hungry?  And no, it's not pregnancy related.  Every morning I truly look forward to making my breakfast.  You can call it my thing.  It's my self-time, and fuels my soul.  So it is important that I fuel my body for a busy day!  

My quick go-to breakfast is a smoothie, always with spinach or kale.  My usual concoction includes 1 c. almond milk, a frozen banana, frozen mango, ground flaxseed, and either protein powder or greek yogurt.  Lately, I have been eating a slice of gluten free toast with my smoothie as well to help keep me full.  

I'm sure you're wondering what is underneath that egg!  This would be a bowl of leftover quinoa, spinach, an egg, and guacamole.  I definitely crave eggs, especially when they're a bit runny.  Yes please!  This is power packed with protein and delicious! 

Lately I've been consistently making toast with avocado, with two eggs on top, add some salt and pepper and I am ready to bring on the day!  This is quick, easy, and so delicious.  It also keeps me full for a good three hours.  

Oatmeal comes and goes.  It is a beautiful staple, especially when mixed with bananas and topped with a spoonful of almond butter!  Lately it has just been too hot to consider eating my oats.  

What is your go-to breakfast???

never forget

We all have a story.  And we will forever remember where we were when our story began. 

For me, I was driving to the bus stop with my neighbor.  It was tenth grade. And the teachers were told not to talk to us students about it.  My history teacher disregarded that, and we watched CNN for the entire period. 

I remember being so confused, I didn't understand what was going on, and I remember feeling like I should be crying but the tears just wouldn't come.  Saying that out loud is so hard to admit now.  Now when I have a deeper understanding about what is going on in our world, what 9/11 meant back in 2001 and what it still means today.  And I'm forever grateful that I'm finally educated myself on this world and country that we live in.  

Now my heart just breaks whenever the Star Spangled Banner comes on.  The tears rise up, and I don't let them stop.  And the person that I think of more often than not is my step-dad.  My parents married in 2008, the same year my husband and I were married.  And he couldn't be at our special day because he was taking the picture above.  He's the one holding the left hand side of the flag, in Afghanistan, and he was there through the Navy reserves-already holding a full time job.  He didn't see me walk down the isle because he is one of the most amazing men I know.  Humble doesn't even begin to describe him.  

So when I think about where my story began of 9/11, I'm so thankful that my story continually changes.  The meaning of this tragic event that has united our country taken on a more personal meaning as I'm surrounded by men and women protecting our country.  And as I am a soon to be parent, I want me son to know, to understand the country he lives in, so that he has a deep appreciation and is filled with gratitude every time he hears our national anthem.