Spinning Class/Body Pump Class

If you've been hiding under a rock, you've missed the 150 posts where I've referenced to turning 50 this year.  Because of this number, it has motivated me to get "Fit".  I want to mention that I've been "fit" in the past, working out during all three pregnancies and after but somewhere...oh, 5 or so years ago I just stopped.  Why?  Who knows.  I'm certain that at some point the thought ran through my head of, "Sharon, you look great, you've got super genes, stop working so hard, you'll be fine."  I'm convinced the Devil is real because this is the biggest load of garbage I've ever processed!


I decided to take a Spinning class that my friend Nancy was teaching.  I figured, what the heck, you sit on a bike (it's not running!) and really, how hard can it be?  AND I've heard many people say that they were in the best shape of their life from spinning classes.  Sign me up!  I'm not getting any younger!


First class:  I honestly wanted to kill someone, mainly myself.  I kid you not, I could BARELY walk down the stairs to get to my car!  Sarah and her friend Haley were with me and as God is my witness, I believe there were tears getting down those stairs.  Waking up and getting out of bed the next morning.... I would give birth all over again than experience what I did that day!  I needed to go upstairs for something and I kid you not, trying to get down the stairs was horrible.  I sat down and scooted.  The day after was class again.  There were a couple of things going through my head at this time 1) Just stop, don't go.  Who cares?  2) Sarah and her friend were going, how could I not? 3) My friend Nancy teaches the class and well, she's a fitness beast and really, I'd be a loser if I didn't go!


I went and continued my twice a week classes for two sessions and have LOVED every minute of it!  LOVE IT!  


Nancy doesn't teach spinning during the summer so as I was looking at the classes I noticed a Body Pump class that was on Mon and Wed mornings from 9-9:50am which was a perfect time for me!  I was talking to Nancy and told her I was thinking about doing it and she was all excited for me and I was like, "Do you think I can do it?"  (like a little kid!) and she said, "Yes it's a great class!  Who's the instructor?" Me looking at the sheet, "it says Erin"  I looked at Nancy and she went silent and there was a look of "oh crap."  Me: "What? Do you not think I can do it?" Nancy: "Well, no, I think you can do it and Erin is an amazing instructor.  She's kind of known as a drill sergeant so it's going to be an intense class."  DANG!  Why do I get myself into these situations!!  1) Just don't go!  Don't do it!  You don't know this Erin!  She's probably mean anyway! 2) My friend Nancy's husband owns the business I do the class through, they will know if I don't do it.... 3) Why am I so friendly and become friends with people that own fitness places? 4) I decided that I made a commitment to get healthy so I'm pushing through!


First day of class: Erin is so cute and sweet (don't let that kid you for a minute!) There were probably 8 of us and I kid you not, I know I was (am) over half their age!  I could be their mothers.  My biggest fear is that Erin is going to make us run and I'm going to wet my pants.  I absolutely hate running.  So we're all standing there and Erin says, "ok, everyone run 3 laps to warm up".  What the....... I'm dead.  Why on earth did I even think I could do this?  Who cares if I'm 50 and out of shape?!  Bring on the ice cream!  But I ran... and I do all the stations and yes, I was so sore for a few days because Erin makes us work practically EVERY muscle in our bodies!  And the best part is that the girls are so encouraging!  Everyone motivates each other as we are running because honestly, when we run, I have visions of just running to my car and leaving!  So they do help to keep me focused and stay!  At the end Erin says, "ok let's do sit ups"  I could do 3.... yes 3 on my own!!  Erin came over and held my feet so I could keep going as I was struggling to get that 3rd one!!  It was great and now I do 10 of those with ease (well, ease might be stretching it) and then move right into other ab workouts.  So we start with running and end with ab work and lots of workout stations in between and I have to say, I love it.  I had to miss last week as we were driving to a horse show and I looked at the clock, it was 9:15am and said to Eric, "Do you think they miss me in class?"  He said he was sure they did!  


I'm adding the link to B Young B Fit because it's just a great place!  Brian, the owner trained Emily when she was home last summer and now trains Sarah and Lizzie.  They all love him!  Not only is he great at his job but he gives them life advice as well.  I love the relationship they have formed with him and I'm pretty sure he gets a kick out of them as well!!  If you are looking for a place, please check them out!  




http://byoungbfitness.com/

Letter to my graduating senior.

The first question I have is, "how did we get here so fast?"


I swear it feels like last week when your dad and I brought you home from the hospital.  I remember looking at you and thinking that this moment would last forever and you would stay wrapped up in a blanket in my arms.  I'm not quite sure how 18 years literally flew by but it did.  


I had read that when your child reaches their Senior year in High School, they become, at times, hard to live with. They are trying to separate themselves and to assert their independence.  I read that this transition makes going off to college easier on the parents!  This is a true statement to some degree!


Please know that I am so happy for you and I'm so excited for this new chapter in your life!  My brain knows this but my heart feels something different.  


I will try and explain what is going on inside my head and heart.  In my head I know that this is the next step in life and you are going to grow on many levels.  When you complete your first year of college, you will be a different person than you are now.  You will understand this in time.  In my head I know that you are going to have challenges and there will be decisions you are going to have to make on your own and this is a part of growing up.  In my head I know that you will probably fall on your face a few times and have to get up and figure it out on your own and that this too, is part of life.  


Here is what is happening in my heart:


Every time you leave for school, I know it's one day closer to graduating and another day closer to college.  I want time to slow way down.


I realize that it's your last dance, or prom or homecoming and I just want to cherish that moment.  So if I tell you that I want to take more pictures, don't get mad, please know that I'm savoring the moment and I want to be able to look at the pictures over and over and over.


I know that you are over the edge excited about leaving for college but know that when you say, "I can't wait for my freedom!", while my head says, "it's ok, it's normal", my heart feel something different.


Your senior year, in particular is very emotional for me.  While I am planning for your Graduation, Grad party, College, etc., I will have more moments of reminiscing.  If you walk into a room and I'm sitting quietly looking through old things of yours, don't think this is silly or dumb.  Come sit with me and let's look through it together.  If I get a bit emotional, give me a hug and try to remember that you've been under my roof for 18 years and it's been my job to raise you, to take care of you and yes, prepare you for this time.  While I've been busy preparing you for this time, I've forgotten to prepare myself.  But I feel that as a Mom, we are not ever prepared.  


I will talk more about when you were a baby, toddler, young child.  Don't think this is silly or dumb but understand that my heart is wanting to go back to those moments and sit a while longer.  


I will cry.... a lot.  Don't take this as all bad.  I will be crying because yes, I am so incredibly sad that I blinked and you were off to college but I will be crying because I'm happy for you!  I'm happy for your accomplishments and I'm happy for the person you are and for what lies ahead for you.  


If I walk into your room and sit on your bed, welcome me.  Talk to me about your day, your thoughts, your fears, your joys.  Remember that for me, I know that when you are off to college, I won't be able to do this.  My heart needs this.  Our relationship will be better because of it.


Remember the things we taught you when you are faced with challenges because there will be bigger ones in college.  Remember your morals, your values and your integrity.  Hold on to those.  Remember that you ALWAYS have a choice.  Remember that the choices you make can and will be positive or negative and you determine that outcome.  Take responsibility for your choices.   Pray.  Don't blame others. Pray.  Look past the moment.  Pray.  Be a leader.  Pray.  Be a friend.  Study.  Study some more.  


Because of the internet, much of what you do will be posted in some social media.  Choose wisely.  Ask yourself, "Do I want this showing up in a few years?"  "How do I want others to perceive me?"  "Do I want a potential employer to see this?" "Do I want my grandma to see this?"  "Do I want my high school pastor to see this?"  Think before you post!  You will thank me, I promise!


Most of all, have fun and enjoy these years because as you will see, they will fly by all too fast!  You will make lifelong friends during your college years.  You will have some amazing opportunities come your way.  Enjoy them!  Take advantage of them!  










  

Sarah's Jr/Sr Prom 2012

Sarah and Jake

We have just completed our second prom as the parents of daughters!  I never realized what a production prom is!  You don't just get a dress and a new pair of shoes anymore.  On some levels, I felt as if we were preparing for her wedding day and since this obviously wasn't, I can only imagine what that day will be like!


Here is some of what goes into "Prom"


"The Dress" - And when I say "the dress", I mean hours of shopping is spent on this.  Store after store, dress after dress..... I will say that Sarah and some of her girlfriends did this legwork and I was called in to view the "chosen" few and hopefully take a lucky dress to the register!  After the chosen three were tried on and I was having a heart attack over the price of the "most beautiful dress I've ever tried on" while her friends and the store clerk were looking at me..... All the while in my head I'm thinking, "this dress will be worn ONE time... ONE TIME and never to be seen again!  This is insane!  I cannot allow this to happen!" I had a price in my head that I thought was reasonable to pay for a dress that would be worn ONE time and this dress was way above that amount.  I felt myself starting to sweat..... So I say, "Sarah, this dress is more than I had planned on spending" The room got silent.... (remember, this is prom, not her wedding).  The sales clerk leaves and returns to say, "that dress is on sale".  I kid you not, when we got to the register, it came to EXACTLY the amount I had in my head!  

"The Dress"

"The Shoes"

Let's not forget hair, make-up and spray tan.  Appointments made for all a month and a half in advance!  I will forever be grateful for Erin and Lydia, two of Sarah's friends who met her at her hair appointment and then went to her makeup appointment, came to the house and helped her get dressed and literally I think enjoyed the day of preparation as much as Sarah did!  That they shared this special day with Sarah meant a lot to her!  

Erin, Sarah and Lydia

Erin, Sarah and Lydia

The Chosen Date:  Meet Jake Fowler!  

Jake and Sarah have known each other for several years through church.  Jake is a year older and I will say, one of the greatest young men I know!  He doesn't know a stranger, personality to the max and just an overall solid guy.  I knew that they would have a fantastic time!


The normal "pinning on the boutonniere" pictures!  Trying of course not to stick Jake with the pin!

Sarah didn't know, but Eric was letting Jake drive them to prom in his BMW.  I wonder if Eric was giving him the "rules" along with that handshake!

Jake and Eric

Sarah's best friend in high school is Haley Menzies.  They both looked stunning that night and I love that years from now they will look back on pictures and be filled with fun memories!

Sarah and her best friend Haley Menzies

Of course you can't go to prom without pictures with your siblings and your parents!  

Lizzie, Sarah and Emily

Myself, Jake, Sarah and Eric

I will say that when all was said and done and when Sarah walked down the stairs, she was breathtaking.  Absolutely stunning.  I know she's my child and I'm obligated to say that, but believe me when I say, she looked like a princess! 


I'm forever thankful to have these moments with my girls.  I treasure them and I don't take them for granted.  

Equestrian Mom 101 : Lizzie's first Hunter Derby

This was our first time at the Georgia International Horse Park located in Conyers, Georgia.  The grounds were nice, the rings were easy to get to from one to the other and there was free wifi throughout the horse park! Bonus!  


Since Lizzie was already qualified for Maclay and Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal, she asked Aaron if she could do the Hunter Derby.  He said, "sure".  There was a first round and they took the top 12 to come back for a second round.  There were 25 in the class and Lizzie was going 23rd.  She studied the course, watched rounds before hers and when it was her time to go, she looked confident.  She ended up 12th in the first round which meant she was first to go in the second round!  She rode beautifully in both rounds and was happy with how she did.  In the second round, there was a trot jump that Ashton didn't stay with the trot but overall, for her first Hunter Derby at the age of 14, we were all quite proud!  Ashton, (App For That) is an amazing horse and we look forward to watching them compete in the years to come!




Hunter Derby
(click on above to watch video)

"That's Why I'm Here": The Chris and Stefanie Spielman Story

I just finished watching Chris on Fox & Friends talking about his newly released book.   I will forever consider it a true blessing to have known Stefanie for 12 short years.  I met Stefanie when we moved to Columbus, Ohio.  I joined a women's group that raised money for the Children's Hospital.  I believe it was 2-3 months after we joined this group that Stefanie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  


I don't want to take anything away from the book and I'm not saying this because I know Chris and was friends with Stefanie but YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!  I don't even like football (sorry Chris) and I enjoyed reading those parts!!  


Stefanie died the day after mine and Eric's 20th wedding anniversary.  We were in Mexico celebrating when I got an email from a friend saying she had passed.  I will never forget the plane ride home, it was at night and I was in the window seat.  I had my eyes closed and I was praying for Chris, for their children and knowing that she was no longer in pain, I felt a calmness and a vision came into my mind of Stefanie wrapped in God's arms and I heard very clearly, "Job well done my faithful servant, job well done"  That moment will stay with me forever and I'm thankful for knowing Stefanie.  


Chris Spielman on Fox & Friends
http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/fox-friends/index.html#/v/1614657203001/chris-spielman-tackles-cancer/?playlist_id=86912


Link for the book:


http://www.amazon.com/Thats-Why-Im-Here-ebook/dp/B005PMY1MQ/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

And if you are on Facebook, simply search Chris Spielman and "Like" his page.  You will be encouraged on a daily basis.  


Live each day as if it were the last one you are given.  We all fall short of this.  Love others, show kindness, lend a hand.  Offer encouraging words, be a positive example and think, "how do I want others to remember me?"


The bible verse Stefanie held on to:


Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


Thank you Stef for your friendship, thank you Chris for sharing so much of your life.  

My Daughters, My Life.

Our fabulous daughters Sarah, Emily and Lizzie

We were fortunate to all be together at the SEC Competition in Athens, Ga.  It was fun to watch the girls.  It had been 4 months since we'd all been together for Christmas and Sarah and Lizzie got to have some one on one time with Emily.  I know they each appreciated their time.  


Emily said to me a couple of times, "I forgot how funny they are!"


As sisters, they will have a bond that I will never fully appreciate (having 4 brothers!).  I know they know things about each other that Eric and I will probably never be privy to which is fine!  I'm sure one of these days, years from now sitting at the Thanksgiving dinner table, we will hear conversations of "remember when...."


A sister smiles when one tells one's stories - for she knows where the decoration has been added.  ~Chris Montaigne


More than Santa Claus, your sister knows when you've been bad and good.  ~Linda Sunshine


Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.  ~Carol Saline


Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring - quite often the hard way.  ~Pamela Dugdale


Sisters annoy, interfere, criticize.  Indulge in monumental sulks, in huffs, in snide remarks.  Borrow.  Break.  Monopolize the bathroom.  Are always underfoot.  But if catastrophe should strike, sisters are there.  Defending you against all comers.  ~Pam Brown


We know one another's faults, virtues, catastrophes, mortifications, triumphs, rivalries, desires, and how long we can each hang by our hands to a bar.  We have been banded together under pack codes and tribal laws.  ~Rose Macaulay


She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities.  She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway.  She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark.  She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink.  Some days, she's the reason you wish you were an only child.  ~Barbara Alpert

Hello Flu....

I'd like to start by saying that I will be 50 this year (I promise this has nothing to do with that!) and I've NEVER had a flu shot.  Nope, don't need it.  When I came home from taking Sarah to the doctor this afternoon, I told Eric that I would be standing in the flu shot line!!


This is how our last several days have gone:


Friday:
 Lizzie runs 102* fever all day


Saturday:
 Sarah wakes up, says she doesn't feel well.  I took her temperature and it was 100.4*.  To top it off, she was taking the ACT test.  Eric and I look at each other..... Sarah says she will go.  She has been taking the online prep class and taking prep tests and had been gearing up for this day!  We pump her up with meds, give her some and to take and tell her the exact time to take them.  I drop her off and watch as she shuffles to the room.  It was 7:30am.  At 12:40pm, she calls and says she is done and feels terrible.  When I pick her up, she proceeds to tell me that she threw up three different times...... yes, you read that right.  I about died, I felt so bad for her.  First of all, I would have thrown the pencil in after the first time throwing up!!  No way would I have stayed which really says a lot about the two of us.  She is clearly better than me!  
Lizzie woke up, came downstairs to the kitchen and Eric said the next thing he knew she was passed out on the floor!!  (This took place while I was taking Sarah to the ACT)  He got her up and got her upstairs..... what the heck!  But I have to tell you, miracles do happen!  There was a school dance that night and God healed her.  I'm certain that all of her friends being there had nothing to do with it..... I did bring her Panera home for lunch and I think that was actually what healed her.  And with the cost of items at Panera, it better have!  She felt 100% better after eating Panera!  We let her go to the dance for 2 hours.
When Sarah got home, she went straight to bed.  That is where she stayed until Sunday morning!


Sunday:
Lizzie felt much better but has a persistant cough
Sarah still feels bad and achy but got caught up on A LOT of TV!


Monday:
Lizzie goes to school coughing....
Sarah goes to school for an hour and comes home


Tuesday (today)
Lizzie goes to school still coughing
Sarah goes to school for an hour and comes home.  We go to the doctor this afternoon.  They rule out mono as she doesn't have the symptoms.  They did a quick strep test and it was negative but they will send it to culture.  Looks like the flu bug is the winner!!!  


In the meantime, I've been pumping myself and the girls up with Esberitox which is basically a supercharged Echinacea!  Get some!!  


Here is another thing I've found out.  These kids drink after each other at school!  From their water bottles!  Gross!!  Germs, germs, germs!  Please tell your children to NOT share their water with their friends!  I don't care if their friend is about the pass out from heat stroke!  Well, that could be an exception.... but then tell your child to not redrink from it!  Ugh!


That's it, we're getting the flu shot....