Having A Great Summer!

Over the past few months, I've been very focused on fixing me, which has not been an easy task. Apparently I have a lot of layers and each layer has its own layer of layers. I'm complicated .. Like every single person on this planet!

I've made many changes in my life to get myself (and keep myself!) on a track that I'm happy with. And I've learned so much about myself too! I'm trying to be a better wife, mother, friend, family member. All these changes have made for a pretty great summer. I've spent many hours outdoors with my family, playing and laughing. I spend time with people who make me happy and who don't bring negativity in my life. I go above and beyond for the people I care about, and provide support to friends and family in need. I've been eating delicious, healthy meals and am proud knowing that my kids are enjoying them too! I can honestly say that I am happier now than I have been in a long time. I feel more like myself again!

I love when Daddy Lego cooks :)

I'm running again! My nagging hip injury has given me less of a hard time (three cheers for healing!) and I've been able to get back to my 5K training. I've started my Couch to 5K app from the beginning, and am almost done week 2. I've been able to secure race bibs for Daddy Lego and myself for this September's Army Run (I'm SO excited!!) and have happily been tackling one training session at a time. I'm not going to be looking for a PR at that race - just looking to keep jogging for the entire thing! Maybe in doing so, I will set a PR? Who knows. I'm just thrilled that I was able to register with my hubby. The Army Run is the first 5K we ever ran together so it means the world to us to be able to do it again.

Hard to believe this was almost a year ago!

I've recognized that winter is a problem area for me (I know, how dare I mention winter mid-August!). My asthma makes it difficult for me to breathe in the cold temperatures outside, but I figure maybe if I keep at outdoor running, my lungs will come to adapt to it. I'm planning (dreaming!) of registering for one 5K race per month throughout the winter to keep me motivated! I'm really excited about this and I think it'll do the trick. I've already picked which events I want to do .. Now it's finding the money to do it all, ha ha! Darn registration fees!

Running really does make me happy and motivates me to keep on track with my weight loss and healthy lifestyle. It's also really challenging for me and I love seeing my progress! I also adore how my kids have taken to running - they just love it. Kids truly do live the "monkey see, monkey do" kind of way and if it means they will be active, then I'm happy to keep living the example for them :)

Sister Lego running to her buddy, Brother Lego 

How about you? Has the summer been helpful with keeping you on track? How has your summer been!?

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip "Cookie" Pancakes

Hi guys!

We made this pancake recipe this morning and I just had to share because it was so yummy! 

We altered our original whole wheat / flax pancake recipe to include oatmeal so it could have that "oatmeal cookie" flow to it .. And it worked :) They didn't last long this morning! They're delicious and full of yummy nutrients to kick-start the day.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip "Cookie" Pancakes

1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp sugar

Pinch of salt

1/3 cup quick-cooking oats

1 tbsp ground flax

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla 

1 1/2 cups milk (use more or less for your desired pancake consistency!)

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Mix your dry ingredients together, then blend in your wet ingredients until well mixed. Spoon into a lightly greased (we use Pam) frying pan. Cook over stovetop, medium heat, and flip halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks through on both sides.

This recipe yielded three large pancakes and two medium-sized ones .. And one medium-sized pancake filled me right up. And needless to say, it was a hit with the kids!

Enjoy :)

(And ps .. I'll be posting a Mama Lego Update soon!)