Oh My Gosh, Silly Faces

This is the result, when we have free time. We make silly faces. I try to act dead and Cheyenne acts like a toddler zombie.

Yesterday, I gave Cheyenne two big hugs and each time she farted. She thought it was hilarious. I was holding her and her legs were wrapped around me so yeah, it was gross and cute all at the same time. 

Her latest thing to say – Think valley girl tone --> OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!

I’ve noticed I’ve been saying that when I put her in the ELEMENT. Oh my gosh!!! It’s 100 plus degrees and HOT. HOT. HOT. However, I don’t know who taught her that valley girl voice.

Caveman Tortillas & Going the Distance

I miss burritos! Warm-soft-heavenly creations. After some online searching, I found a Paleo tortilla recipe that sounded like it was worth the time.

Ingredients: Eggs, Almond Meal, Honey, Salt, Oil

At first, I didn't know how to handle the batter. The first few tortillas looked more like pancakes. After, a few tries, I finally figured it out...
 
Excuse me while I devour awesomeness.

This picture was taken a few days ago, since then I've had my hair trimmed and colored. I really like it.

Here is an example of the pancake.

A few days ago, Erin left a blog comment and suggested I make a pound of bacon at a time, that way I can still enjoy it during the workweek. I took her advice and made it ahead of time. That's the BEST bacon advice, I've every received. Thanks!

While you were sleeping Saturday morning, I was running. I got up early and ran 19 miles. The next morning I ran 12 miles. Looking at my weekly stats: I worked out for 8 hours and burned 4,650 calories. Is that allowed? Okay, so now I don't feel as bad for eating Trey's box of cookies. They were Oreos, he knows better than to get cookies I really like. I usually prefer when he gets the Chewy Chips Ahoy. I can't stand those. So the whole cookie binge was not my finest paleo moment, but you know, I was justified -- the numbers people! look at the numbers!

My Little Workout Partner

This morning, Cheyenne joined me during an Ab workout. She used her nap mat for padding.
 We are starting the week off right. I gave my legs a break from running and spent some time on the elliptical. I had a chance to catch up on the news. An elliptical workout is perfect cross training for me on my easy days -- that and weights.

 Cheyenne was taking a breather.
 
Leg Climbs are tough!

Photo Shoot With Declan & Bri at The Gardens

The past few years, I've focused primarily on event photography. However, my friend Ashleigh, hired me to take portraits of her kids. Portrait photography...I could get use to this. So yeah, I guess I'm in the business of portrait photography now...Why not? If you need a photographer, you know how to reach me. I know I'll be taking Tasha's senior portraits sometime this year. This session with Bri and Declan was fun and casual. Bri is a senior in high school and Declan is an adorable baby.

Goodbye Summer

It may be the beginng of the fall semester, but that doesn't change the hot weather forecast. At least we can still enjoy the pool, for a few more weeks, maybe even months...it's Texas y'all -- you never know.





For a little girl who would hold onto my neck with a death grip anytime we were in the pool, she sure has progressed.

She knows how to have a good time.

Okay, what are you guys up to this weekend? I've got miles and miles to run. What's new.

Repetition - I Don't Mind It, Unless It's Hill Repeats

I've been talking to some friends who are doing paleo and a few have complained about how they get tired of eating the same food over and over again. For some people eggs for breakfast and a salad for lunch gets old for them-- FAST. Honestly, even before paleo I ate a salad, at least five times a week. I don't usually get burnt out on repeative meals -- as long as I can mix up my dinners. How about you?

Pre - Paleo I had these breakfast options: Oatmeal, Egg Burritos, Egg Bowls, Bacon, Cheese, Cereal, or Waffles (how I miss waffles). These days most of the time my breakfast looks like this. I usually, don't have time to make bacon during the work week, but eggs and fruit are the staple of my paleo breakfast diet. 

   

Here is one thing, I've been doing a lot of lately - SLEEPING-IN. Sleeping in means, missing my morning workouts and running at night (blah).  

Last night, I ran hill repeats. Nine times I ran up a hill for 500 meters and then down. By the time I ran a warm-up mile, hill repeats and then a cool down, I had covered over 5 miles. My legs are feeling it today. 

The Growth Chart

This is the only time it's okay, to write on the walls. The only time.

I know it's Wednesday, but I still feel like I'm recovering from the weekend. Perhaps, it was all that running. Hey, did anyone do Tax Free Weekend? I did. I secretly enjoy all the crowds, but it really wasn't' that bad. I went to Lululemon and EXPRESS and I spent way more money than I had planned, but it all came from my honey hole, so I'm okay with that.

Right now, Cheyenne is really starting to carry a conversation. She is also starting to use her imagination more. Yesterday, she kept telling me there was a bear in the hallway.

Oh, and she told me she was drinking COFFEE! Not fair, I'm not even drinking coffee these days (paleo challenge). That's so not cool, Cheyenne! 







And now a look back...I love me some baby rolls.



Oh, my how they grow.

The Novelty is Wearing: Paleo Day 23

I think I found paleo chips, they are called Turbana Plantain. I found them at Central Market, near the popcorn section. I got the Chili Lime bag, but they have all kinds of flavors. The bag I got tastes like Lay's Limon Chips. Soooo good! I'm not even lying. Go find you some and try them. I'll be going back to CM, soon and I'll be stocking up on these bags.

Ingredients: selected fresh plantain, vegetable oil, salt and chili-lime flavor.


The last few days of Paleo have been tough. I've been craving junk, especially after running 18 miles Saturday. After a long run, like that I just want to indulge, like I normally do, but then I remember... "the challenge." Don't get me wrong, I didn't deprive myself. If I wanted pizza, I ate it -- and I'm talking about the real kind -- and by real I guess I mean fake -- Domino's Pizza. Ahhh, it was just what I needed. :) So, I cracked 20 something days into the challenge. Technically, again....but who is counting?!? (ME). A few more days of this challege and then we'll see what I decide to do. Go Paleo or go home.

Here is a glimpse of my training from last week. Now, this feels like Ultra Marathon Training. 

I'll leave you with a snapshot, taken during one of my running breaks.
 Running Near the Trinity:

Jubilee of Tables

Every year, the women's ministry at my church, hold an event where we worship, learn, fellowship, eat, and sit at beautifully decorated tables. I had the honor of being the official photographer for the event. 

This is the table I was assigned to. In my dream world, this is how I would love to dine every day of my life. So sophisticated! 

This is the video,  I mentioned I was working on. I filmed in Cheyenne's room. It turned out lovely.

Serena (middle of the stage), shared her powerful faith journey. I was taking photos in the back and I could see the women, in the audience wiping their eyes (lots of tears). She's still on the journey, like all of us, but the future for her looks bright.

My Friends are Da Best




















Krista showing off her non-paleo plate. Luckily, there were some paleo friendly appetizers and there was salad....So that's what I had.

This table is gorgeous, but I'm glad I didn't sit there, it would've been too tempting.

Krista and Erin played a big role in organizing the event. Nice job.

If you'd like to see the entire photo album, you can find it. here.  I'm already looking forward to next year.