Happy Halloween!

My weeks been going great.
I've stuck to my diet and hit the gym everyday!
Now the big challenge, the WEEKEND!
Oh and lets not forget all the candy my kids are going to bring home tonight for halloween!
Major major temptations!
And I am so excited my husband is home!
He was gone for a little more then a week and I was getting ready to rip my hair out last Wednesday night.
I love my kids but I was ready for him to come home.
I very much enjoy his help:)
Plus I missed him tons!

I am so excited for halloween this year.
It's going to be my kids first halloween in the US.
Actually my son had his first halloween here but he was only 11 months old so not very memorable.   This time of year was always harder then normal living in Germany.
Germans don't celebrate halloween so I was always a little disappointed when I got to see all the pics of the little monsters on Facebook and we didn't participate.  Boo!  LOL
So This year I am thrilled!
It was so fun seeing all the kids dressed up in the nursery at the gym and I saw lots of costumes when I went to the store today.
I turned down one isle and there was SnowWhite, WEIRD and I loved it!
What are you going to be this year?
I thought about a gym rat because thats what I feel I'm turning into LOL.
You could do a lot with that costume!
But I'm thinking, cowgirl:)  Will see.

Last night we did a little pumpkin painting.
I thought about carving but my husband has been gone the last week and that would have been very difficult with my two kids by myself.
So painting it was.
My son loved it.
He painted his ninja turtles and couldn't have been more happy!
Hope everyone has a safe and fun night tonight!

Above is me and Dill showing each other our guns!!!!  Lol he's such a stinker!

Peace,
Shelby

Weigh in Wednesday!

Ok just a few things to say about this.

1. Damn, gaining .4 lbs SUCKS!  I've working so hard in the last two weeks that I was a little shocked by this.

2. Today I saw muscles in my arms while I was lifting that I have never seen before.  It was AWESOME!  I ended up lifting more then I planned just so I could see them:)

3. My eating habits seem to be back on the right track.  Wow, a weekend can really screw you up.  Not planning on seeing that number raise up again, only down! Here's what my meal was for the past two night.  It was delicious;) I even through some pineapple in there to sweeten it up.  Yummy!

4. I'm going to attribute some of that .4 lbs to muscle.  I'm getting stronger and I know I've lost inches because my shorts are a lot bigger.

Rocked it at the gym today.  I even met someone at the gym today.  Usually most people just keep to themselves and don't say much but today one of the regulars stopped and helped me out a little.  He corrected a few things to help my form and showed me a few new lifts.  I was so grateful.  I'm some what on this journey by myself, at least the physical side of it. And I will take any hep I can get.  I haven't really lifted weights since I played college softball.  Loooooooong time ago. So some help is needed!  After I got my lifts done (correctly:)) I burned it up on the treadmill for 25 min.  Got 5 min jog and 20 sprints in.  Feelin good!

Peace,
Shelby

4 Week Challenge.....GO!!!!!

Yesterday had to be Monday right?

I was already to get my measurements done and pictures taken for my 4 day challenge and things didn't go exactly as planned.
My son locked my 13 month old daughter in the bathroom.
I could not for the life of me figure out how to get the door unlocked.
So I decided to take the door knob off and I'm still not 100% sure how I got it opened.
She only cried for a few minutes until she figured out that she could play in the toilet water(sick!) and that kept her happy.
Then after I got her out she shut the door again. Arrrggghhhhh!
So at this point I was running very very behind.
I got the kids dressed, lunch made, and headed out the door to pre-school.
Got to preschool and realized we forgot the lunch.
So back in the car to get the lunch and back to school.
Once I got back to school we headed inside and I realized I had my pants on inside out.
Can you say MONDAY!
Nothing none of you other moms haven't gone through I'm sure:)

I did however make it to the gym to start this challenge. Priorities right!
It was a leg day and it kicked my butt!
I loved every minute of it.

Squats
Lying Leg press
Calfs on leg press machine
Bulgarian Lunges
Leg extensions
Leg curls

My legs were feeling pretty tired after this so I wasn't very confident that my cardio workout was going to go well.  But it went awesome.  I jogged for 5 min to get warmed up then I did sprints.  I usually do 10 sprints and if I'm feeling good I push it to 15.  Yesterday I was feelin it yo.  I did 20 sprints.  I felt like I could fly....HA!

I didn't make it on the scale yesterday or today but tomorrow is weigh in Wednesday so I'll just get that posted then.
I can't wait to see the results after these 4 weeks.
I really I need to focus on what I put in my mouth(get your mind outta the gutter you purvs)!
I'm really excited to see the results after 4 weeks.
Sky's the limit baby!

Here's my measurements I took today.
I don't know if I measured things in the right spot so I'll explain where I took the measurements mainly so I know when I go back and take them in 4 weeks.
Here ya go.

Bicep
R-11
L-11

Hips(right around the hip bone)
38

Butt
43

Thigh(10in. above the knee)
R-25
L-26

Calf
R-15
L-15


There it is!  I don't expect huge changes in 4 weeks but a few knocking a few inches off would be great!
Oh and I think I'll wait two weeks to post pics.
I just took pics last week that I posted so we will see if there's any changes from there:)

Peace,
Shelby

No One's Perfect

No one's perfect!
This is something I have told myself a lot lately. 
There's been so many times in the past when one screw up on my diet would send me into binge session. 
I would eat everything and anything that would fit in my mouth.
Honestly anything I could find my the pantry or fridge I would eat. 
Once that happened my diet was over.
It was depressing and I always felt disgusting. 

This weekend was all about BBQ's and red wine. 
Last night I really over did it. 
Brisket is my weakness(along with about 100 other things) and oh man was it delicious.
I felt like I ate and ate and ate.
I felt gross, bloated, and tired afterwards   
But something was different today, I woke up this morning and it was a new day.
I jumped back in to my healthy eating no problem. 
I even managed to hit the gym(today was my day off) and get some cardio in. 
That's all thanks to my son.  He's a gem! 
He begged and begged me to go so he could play in the game room there. 
I gave in and I am so glad I did. 

Afterwards we went to another BBQ. 
I ate some yummy chicken and drank some yummy red wine.
I don't feel a bit bad about it. 
I know tomorrow I will hit the gym and get back on track. 
I'm not sure when the switched flipped with me but I'm so glad it did. 
I can't remember when I've been this happy, this dedicated, and this determined. 
I love it!

Tomorrow I'm starting a 4 week challenge that will take me up to Thanksgiving.
Anyone want to join?  
I'm allowing myself one cheat meal a week. 
Working out 6 days a week and I will post all my workouts so it's all out there.
I'm gonna burn these pounds off before the holiday season. 
So stay tuned for tomorrow I'm gonna post some measurements, my weight, and photos and let's see what 4 weeks of dedication and hard work can do!
Did I already say I'm loving my life right now cause I am!

Hope y'all had a good weekend!

Peace,
Shelby

Yum Yum, Dal (Daal)

One time, when I live in Indiana, I was taken to an Indian restaurant.
I absolutely hated it.
I couldn't believe that people actually ate that food.
I refused to ever eat it again.
Then I moved to Germany, met a girl named Hina (she's Indian if you can't tell by her name) who cooked Dal for me, and I started to question my hatred for Indian food.
It just happens that Hina and her husband moved to Raleigh about 6 months before we did.
They managed to get me to try another Indian restaurant that turns out was amazing!
Wholly crap have I been missing out all these years!
Hina gave me her Dal recipe and I now cook it almost once a week.
It one of the best versions of clean eating I have came across.
Just look at the ingredients.
You can tweek the recipe and add what you want.
The original recipe doesn't call for celery and carrots but I figured I'd pack as much goodness into it as I can.
Hina mentioned she added Kale to it once also and it was yummy.
The best part about this recipe is that it's even better the next day.
Cook some rice to add to it or just eat it plain, up to you.
I just hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Thanks Hina!

Ingredients

Boiling Beans

Vegetable mixture

Final product, YUMMY!

Ingredients
-250g red lentils (a little more then a cup)
-olive oil
-2tbs brown mustard seeds (rye)
-1 large red onion diced
-2-3 cloves minced garlic
-celery
-carrots
-1/2tsp ground turmeric
-1tsp ground coriander
-1tsp chili powder (if don't like it spicy then use 1/2tsp)
-2tbs minced ginger
-1c diced tomatos
-2 tbs cilantro
-1tsp salt (can add up to 1 1/2tsp)
Juice of 1 lime

Directions
Fill 3-4qt saucepan 3/4 way full of water.  Add lentils and boil on medium heat for 1hr.
In large frying pan heat oil(maybe 2tbs, enough to cook the vegetables) and brown mustard seeds, cover.
After mustard seeds start "popping" for several seconds remove from heat
Add onion, garlic, ginger, celery, and carrotts and return to medium heat(add more oil if needed)
Saute until soft
Add chili powder, corriander, and tumeric. Stir till mixed
Add tomoatos and let saute till everything is soft
Once lentils have finished boiling add the contents of large frying pan to lentils
Add salt, cilantro, and juice of one lime
Let mixture boil to desired thickness
Add more salt if needed

Peace out,
Shelby

Struggle Bus

Can you say STRUGGLE BUS!

I was riding that bus this morning.

I couldn't wake up.

Coffee wasn't doing the trick!

I wanted to hook myself up to an espresso drip!

I'm not sure if it had anything to do with the fact that last night I wanted to eat everything in sight.

I'm pretty sure the apple cake was talking to me, "EAT ME!"

What can I say sometimes a girl needs her cake:)

Oh well one bad night isn't going to kill me.

I did drag my butt to gym and actually ended up having a pretty amazing workout.

I swear when I struggle to get to the gym I usually end up having a better workout then on my normal non struggling days. 

Weird, but I'll take it!

Butt kicked!

Big slow pitch game tonight. Our team is playing for 1st place.  

I very much expect to come home with a trophy! 

Tuesday night was intense. 

We won 8-7 and knocked off the number 1 team:) 

I  haven't been this excited to play softball in a long time!  

Hope y'all are having a good week. TGIF tomorrow! Whoop whoop!

Peace, 

Shelby

Weigh in Wednesday!

Happy Hump Day!

Bam Bitches.  I dropped 3lbs in 1.5 weeks. Only about 20.2 lbs to go:) But I think I'm going to break this up in 5 lb goals.  So watch out 155 here I come. I actually can't remember the last time I was in the 150's.  It was before I was pregnant with my daughter. Maybe 3 years ago.  So it's exciting how close I am. I was actually a little surprised the scale hadn't moved more because I feel like my body has changed. The biggest thing I have noticed is my stomach. It's not so bloated.  I still have my baby bump which I am excited to get rid of!  And in these pics you can see my awesome tiger paws. Yep, those awesome stretch marks our beautiful children bless us with:)  They are not pretty to look at but I love what they represent. Almost every women has them after a baby and if you don't, that's awesome, but for the rest of us lucky ladies we get to work our butts off to get rid of them.

I wish I would have taken pictures when I started 1 1/2 weeks ago, so instead here are my pics from today that I can use to compare in the future.

I've been thinking of starting a 4 week challenge on Monday.  It'd basically run me up till Thanksgiving, then give me a little break for Thanksgiving since I'll be heading out of town, and then starting another one in between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I'm not sure if anyone actually reads this but if they do and want to join in I could post before and afters of whoever wants in.  It's a great way to push yourself.  I'll do some more thinking about what exactly this is going to entail and post more about it at the end of the week.

Peace,
Shelby

Yummy Healthly Cookies!

I woke up this morning and felt great (whoop whoop)!
I feel thinner. I can even suck in my stomach which I could not do a month ago. 
I'm excited to get on the scale tomorrow.
I would assume I've lost some weight but even if the scale doesn't show it, I'm still sticking to it!

Yesterday I got a craving for some chocolate.
I am a chocoholic and haven't eaten any sweets in about 1 1/2 weeks.
So yesterday I decided to do some research and this is what I came up with.
I found a recipe that I tweaked a little bit to make these awesome cookie bites.  Don't get me wrong, they are not as amazing as a gooey chocolate chip cookie but they got the job done:)  

Ingredients
-1/2c cooked steel cut oatmeal
-1tsp. ground cinnamon
-3tbs. honey pure
-2tbs. whole wheat flour
-2/3c. raw whole almonds
-1tsp. vanilla
-4tbs. dried reduced fat cocoanut flakes
-1/2c chocolate chips (Life brand)


Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cook the oatmeal as directed on the box. Mix oatmeal and rest of ingredients except chocolate chips in a food processor. Blend well. Add Chocolate chips. Scoop in to balls and bake for 20 min.
Enjoy!

Weekend pics and Monday workout

Fabulous weekend! Great date night with my husband and friends and had a blast at the pumpkin patch with the Fam! I've posted some pics below!

Pumpkin Patch

Night out

After having my day off on Sunday (which I needed) I kicked it into gear this morning at the gym.  I did my leg workout:

Leg extentions
Leg curls
Squats
Leg press
Bulgarian Lunges (1 leg on the bench)

I did a 20 minute cardio workout to finish;
5 min walking warmup
15 sprints (incline at 4.5 - speed at 9.5)  20 second sprint - 40 second rest.
A few times I just did a 30 second rest. 40 seconds can be too long to rest.

A lot of people have asked me lately if I do classes at my gym.
I reply, "no," and they ask, "why?"
I never know what to say.
Sometimes I jokingly say I just don't like to be told what to do.
The truth is I think classes are great but they just aren't for me, at least right now.
I know a lot of people that swear by them.
Honestly, I just never have enjoyed them.
I usually get bored or don't feel like I'm being pushed enough.
I like to sweat and breathe hard.
That makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something.

I actually got intrigued by a class about a month ago.
This is when I hadn't been working out consistently.
It was a biathlon class. Spinning, running, spinning, and more running.
It kicked my butt.
It was a great class, and I highly recommend it.
But like I said earlier it just wasn't me.
I like to do that stuff on my own:)
And as long as I feel that I'm pushing myself I'm happy.
But if you're just starting out, trying to get into fitness, or back into fitness for whatever reason classes are a great place to start.
I think they are a great way to ease into working out or going to the gym without feeling overwhelmed by all the machines.
If you're not sure what class is for you just ask someone for help.
Most people are at the gym to better themselves and are happy to help anyone else out that's there to do the same!
And most gyms post their class schedule and descriptions on-line.
Great tool to use.

Get movin!

Sweating the baby weight!

Did I ever mention I gained 60lbs during both pregnancies.  Yep 60!

That's like eating my son, plus a cat.

I can't believe I was carrying around all that extra weight.

While I was pregnant with Momo last year I was living in Germany with no car (there is this thing called public transportation over there. It's great!) and we walked every where or took the train.
Then in my 5th month of pregnancy I took a trip back to the US for 8 weeks to see family.
OMG did the weight pour on.
I ate a lot of fast food and walking, well it was non existent.
Why would I walk when I could just get in my car and drive.
I gained 20lbs in two months.  Yes you read that right, 20lbs!
My eyes almost popped out of my head when I went to the doctor for my check up when I returned home.
The doc didn't say anything but she shot me a look.  LOL.
I think it's really easy to use pregnancy as an excuse to eat what you want when you want.
And I know it's hard when you feel like crap and just don't care.
Believe me I've been there.
I did it with both my pregnancies and I didn't feel bad about it at all.
What I did hate however was after I gave birth got home and realized how much weight I had to lose.
It was so frustrating to know that I caused myself about 6 months of extra stress because I had just let myself go.
I had just had this beautiful baby and and all I could focus on was the longer journey I had ahead of me.
Once the doc gave me the Ok I started working out.
My daughter was 6 weeks old.
I basically ran and ran and ran some more.
I didn't pick up a weight once because I was basically to embarrassed to go in that area of the gym.
I shouldn't have been. I was an athlete through college.
I'd been in a weight room before but I was a lot smaller then and not so insecure.
So like I said I ran.
I look back now and I was putting way too much pressure on myself to lose this weight.
I was breastfeeding so that helped but of course it wasn't coming off as fast was I wanted.
Then one day it came to halt.
That, my friend, was really frustrating.
I sat at the same weight for about 4 months.
Probably about 8lbs shy of my pre-pregnancy weight.
Finally I just decided I needed to focus on my daughter and family instead of the scale.
And you know what happened.
I lost the rest.
I am happy to say I have lost all the baby weight after both my pregnancies.
It took about 6 months with my son and basically a year with my daughter.

It was a struggle everyday. 

Some days I didn't think I would ever get there. 

And you know what I did, I stepped back and took a break.

I knew I would get there eventually and I did It just took one day at a time.

Now I'm still not where I want to be so time to kick it up a notch.

Tighten up that flab! Off to the gym......

Peace,
Shelby

Beer Friday

10.17.2014

 HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Had our first slow pitch post season game last night.  We won!!!!!   I don't think I've mentioned that I play softball. I've basically played all my life.  I played in college and after joined the slow pitch club. I took a slight break from it when I lived in Germany. Let's just say softball is not much of a German sport. I don't think I saw one ball field in the 4 years I've lived over there. Anyway I went out after the game and had a beer with the team last night. Nothing I haven't done before. I was good and only had one since I was driving and I'm watching my sexy figure;).........HEADACHE!.........I woke it this morning and felt like I had done shots.  WTF.  Not what I was expecting at all.  I was thinking about how this could possible happen.  All I can figure out is it's due to the fact that I've been eating so good.  My body is reacting to putting crap in my body.  But what do I know. 

So got to the gym this morning and had NO energy what so ever.  After I dropped my daughter off in the nursery, I put my stuff in my locker, went into the weight room, sat down on the machine, and stared at it.  Yeah I know you all know exactly how I felt.  I wanted turn around leave.  I had been working out all week. I could take the day off no big deal right. I'm pretty sure I have done this in the past. So instead I sent a text to my husband and told him "I'm not pumped up."  Here's here's super awesome response

 

 It's exactly what I need to keep going.  So put on my big girl pants and kicked my ass in gear.  I actually ended up doing a tougher workout then I planned!  I knew I married that guy for a reason:)

So remember your body can do more then you ever think it can.  When you want to give up just push through it and you might just surprise yourself!  Now go enjoy your weekend!!!!!

Peace out,

Shelby

Big Mama Portions

10.15.2014

Nike workout pants are ridiculously expensive! But I'll get back to my rant in a minute.

Look what I got in the mail today.

 

I love the shit out of this stuff.  I have wanted to buy some for a really long time but I couldn't get it in Germany.  I took it this morning and I just felt like I could have worked out forever.  It gives me a great energy boost while your working out.  I'm actually hoping I can try some other Advocare products now that I'm living in America again.  Anyone have any recommendation?  Anyone? Haha.  I'm thinking of becoming a distributor but haven't told my husband yet:)  I just want to get the discount!  

A big part of my problem with eating is portion control.  I have none:(  Anyone else? I always end up eating till I'm way past full. It's like I need to feel like my stomach is gonna burst before I quit eating. I'm always looking forward to my next meal.  I can't wait to eat.  It's constantly on my mind.  If I'm at a restaurant I'm always wondering if my husband or kids are gonna finish their fries so I can have theirs after I'm done with mine.  It's hard being honest about this stuff but I figure it's the best way to get past it.  This past week I have really been trying to eat clean.  There's been a few things that haven't been but for the most part I've done great.  I haven't so focused on eating.  I've been more focused on living.  Which is exactly what I have wanted!  I haven't felt this good in a really long time.  It's amazing what a difference even a week can make.  I even portioned out my taco bowl on Monday.  I scooped out 1/2c. turkey and put it in my bowl.  It looked like nothing.  So I scooped in an extra 1/4c.  Guess what I was super stuffed afterwards.  1/2c. would have done it.  I think it's great to visible see this.  I'm still not going to measure everything out but I have realized I need to start with smaller portions and then if I'm still hungry I can get some more.  One step at a time right!  Here is my taco bowl I've been eating for lunch lately.  It's delicious!

1/2c taco meat(Cook 1lb lean ground turkey, onion, and peppers together.  Add taco seasoning)

4-5 cut up cherry tomatos

2tbs low fat plain greek yogurt

Cilantro to taste

Soooooooooo Good!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also my new favorite snack is from Trader Joe's.  I never thought I would eat raw almonds.  I love love the salted kind but lately I've realized the raw ones, yes the ones that are good for you are great to.  This bag runs for $6.49 and come in 200 calories packets. They are perfect to grab on the go, which I do often.

On to the Nike capri workout pants.  WTF when did Nike capri workout pants start costing $80.  I mean come on ridiculous.  I was at Dick's Sporting Goods shopping by the way.  Anyone have any suggestions of cheaper pants that they love to workout in.  I need some new pants/shorts and would like to buy 2-3 pairs for $80.  I need to do some research.  HEEEEEEEELP ME!

Okay I'm ending this blog with pics of my little monsters.  I hope they make you smile because they sure make me! Oh my son learned to ride his bike without his training wheels on Monday.  I don't know if I've ever been so proud in my life!  Way to go Dillis!

Peace y'all,

Shelby

Honest

10.14.2014

Good day to my peeps. Ha I'm writing like someone is reading this:) Maybe someday, but for now I enjoy listening to my fingers pound on the keys. Did you know that flamingos are pink because they eat lots of shrimp.  I know random thought but that's me.  Now you can say you learned something new today.

Ok I need to be honest if I'm going to do this.  Man putting your fat numbers on the internet isn't easy but I think it will be freeing in a way.  Plus I think it's import for you getting to knowing me:)
Height 5'6
weight 163.8lbs

The funny thing is I look a lot different at 163 now then I looked last time I weighed this.  I think I'm a little strong which is great.  And I don't look horrible but nothing like I want to look, actually not so much look but feel.  I'm sick of feeling like butt!  I actually have been trying to eat clean for the past week.  The past weekend didn't go so great but the the rest of the time I've felt amazing!  I have more energy which I thought was a myth if you ate healthy and I'm just more happy.  And being happy makes me want to workout, makes me want to play with my kids more, makes me want to cook good dinners for my family, & basically just makes me feel good!  It was really hard to get to this point and I never thought I would but man am I glad I made this change.  Like I said it's only been a week but this is a giant step for me and I plan on keeping it going.

Bicep workout today!  I was feeling pretty strong until today.  My arms are weak and wimpy.  Arghhhhh I have a long way to go.  But I felt great after my workout today.  I got some running in to.  I was going to run 3 miles but I get so freakin bored on the treadmill.  I always want to run fast so I decided to do a two mile sprint workout instead.  I felt great afterwards so I was happy with it.  I guess you would call that a HIT workout.   I can jog outside but the treadmill is a different story.  I remember running 6 miles on a treadmill years ago.  Those days are byebye! Plus I don't have time for that shiz right now. Here's my workout today in case your interested.

Seated Rows 3/10-60lbs
Lat Pull downs 3/10-70lbs
Bent over rows 3/10-25lbs
Hammer curls 3/10-15lbs
Barbell curls 3/10-30lbs
Concentration curls 3/10-10lbs

Sprint workout
Jogged 5 min
up incline to 1
sprint at 8.0 for 40 sec
walk or job 3.5 for 40 sec
Do this 10 times

Some days I will do incline at 5% grade and run at 9.5 on those days I run for 20 sec and rest for 40.  I also just jump on and off the treadmill. This is a kick ass calorie burn! I did it yesterday

Here are some pics from my workouts.  The blue top is yesterday afterwards and the red top is today during.  Remember PAIN IS TEMPORARY!

I think I see a tiny muscle

 

Peace and Love,
Shelby

Monday!

10.13.2014

Wholly Guacamole it's Monday!  And I have had the best morning ever!  I went to the gym this morning and we just moved here so I think I joined a month ago.  Anyway I always dread going not because of the workouts but because I have to take my daughter to the nursery and she cries and cries.  The end of last week had gotten a little better.  She had gone from crying and being held the whole time to just being hedp with no tears until she saw me.  But this morning was a different story.  She still cried when I left her (which is always gut retching), but when I showed up to pick her up she was playing and didn't want to leave.  She literally ran away from me and jumped on some riding toy.  I feel like she should get a trophy for this!

Anyway I didn't weigh in today.  Weighing in Mondays is like stabbing myself in the face.  I never eat as well as I should on the weekends so no point in shoving it in my face on Mondays.  Unless you need the motivation which I don't right now.  I hit the gym and got my leg workout in.  I have run and run and run in the past and at first it worked for me to help lose weight but not anymore.  I have switched to weights. And I am lifting heavy.   I really just started lifting again seriously last week so I have a long journey ahead.  But I feel so amazing after I'm done.  I could barely walk this weekend.  My husband asked me if I bought a horse he didn't know about:)  Love it!  Also added a sprint workout on the treadmill.  Burn those calories!

If anyone need a recommendation of a great place to eat in downtown Raleigh GRAVY is Amazing!  Me and my husband had our first date night this weekend since moving back to the US.  Oh boy was it needed.  Gravy in downtown Raleigh fantastic.  It's italian.  So yes I splurged on two glasses of red wine and cheese ravioli.  It was definitely the best Ravioli I've ever had!  Oh and the Risotto balls were to die for!

Date night

This last pic I had to post.  I took it this morning.  My daughter(Mo) has figured out how to use her tongue.  LOL.  She's so stinkin cute!  Hope ya'll are having a great Monday!

Peace out,
Shelby