Easter Toddler Crafts

Sunday was a beautiful spring day. The family was together to let the two cousins play together outside. My dad grilled ribs and my mom fixed amazing sides. It was just the perfect afternoon!

Since it was so pretty outside I decided to do a few impromtu Easter/spring painting activities.

The first activity was suppose to look like this...

Well my little 2 year old can not handle all that stillness. Ours is not perfect but I think a non-perfect cross just makes sense. However, the OCD side of me was losing it but I let it go. 

For the second craft we did I used my nephew's cute little feet and a flower pot we had laying around.

It was a fun, easy, super cheap (I did buy the plaque for the cross at Walmart for less than $3), and quick Easter/spring craft time with the kiddos. The best part was the kids giggling when they had their feet painted. 

April Goals

April Goals

1. Make a spring dessert with my nephew and son. I'm thinking of making this one here. Instead of using brown chocolate chips I am going to replace them with the spring chocoate chips. I choose this recipe because I already know how yummy it is.

2. Clean up my Pinteret board. I use Pinterest a lot with my job, in cooking, and gift giving. I need to clear some things out so I'm not bombarded with too much.

3.  In March I made more of an effort to do crafts and activities with Jack. I want to continue with that. I would love for us to do some playdates, play outside as much as possible, and do some arts and crafts.

4. Go on a mom and son date.

5. Read two books. This is what I want to read.

6. Finish c25k. I'm really loving the gym now.

Just 6 things made the list this month. I really want to focus on being with family and taking care of myself.

What is one goal you have for April?

My New Oasis

This is something I never thought I would say BUT I love going to the gym. Yes, the place that many people hate going to. The place that I use to hate going to. It took me a few visits for me to grow to love it but now we are lovers. Every day I look forward to my hour of Ashley time.

There are no kids there! I love kids. Hey, I even have my own little munchkin that I adore. No matter where else I go there are kids...work, the store, a restaurant, Facebook, home. My life is all about kids and I love my job as teacher and mother but man is it nice to have an hour where I am surrounded by myself. Earbuds go in and just like that, it is just me.

I live in a very small town so the gym is never busy. The most people that have been in there at the same time as me was four. It's a great gym and even comes with free tanning.

Currently, I am doing the couch to 5k program. After the first week my body seemed to fall in pace with the workout. My mind and body was enjoying it and I didn't feel like I was dying. Once I finish the cardio workout I hit the weight machines. I focus on my arms one day and my legs the next. Most days I go into the tanning bed for a few minutes. I don't want to look like one of those too tan gals but I enjoy a little color. Plus, I really love laying in the heat and just relaxing after my workout.

The other day I saw a friend there (she has 3 girls) and she confessed that sometimes she just comes up there, lays in the ab lounger, and watches Criminal Minds (they have a DVR where you can record shows). Great idea friend, great idea!

I'm to the point now where my body and mind crave the gym. I'm anxious to get there. I know how great I feel during and afterwards. Now instead of coming home from work feeling like I have to push myself to get things done, I now go to the gym and feel energized after I leave. Although I am spending an hour less with Jack each day, I feel like the benefits of my energy make up for that hour. Once I come home from the gym I have all the energy I need to play with my little guy and get the things done that need to be done each night.

My new oasis is physically and mentally making me happy. I love having a place for me and the scale is starting to not scream so loudly.

Do you have your own personal oasis?