100 Mile Summer 2013

2012 was the year of the 12 runs in 2012 challenge by friend Eleina and I committed to in the last few weeks of 2011. You can read about all the fun we had here.

Eleina and I jumping fire at the Rugged Maniac in 2012

Then 2013 came. I didn't have a challenge or a goal to commit to so the weeks went by, quickly at that, where runs, walks, or trips to the gym were few and far between. After a trying day at work and the challenges of my daily routine as a mom of by two boys, I was just too tired at the end of the day to do some exercise. The pounds came back on, the stresses at work and home got the best of me, and here we are at the halfway point of 2013 without much exercise.

Once my summer vacation from work began, I again committed to my walks, runs, and trips to the gym. My first run/walk in the late afternoon with a cool breeze at my back, it felt good to be moving again. I was surprised I could run a bit still and not feel out of breath. At the end of those first three miles, I felt awesome. I felt energized, like my battery reset. With my first week down, I've completed 13.9 miles on the pavement and on the elliptical in the gym. Yay for me! I use the RunKeeper app on my smartphone to help keep track of my runs. RunKeeper also lets you connect with friends to challenge and encourage each other to get moving.

Today, I am across an inspiring challenge: 100 Mile Summer. Thanks to Markell from the blog "A Mouse in My Kitchen" I am again taking on a challenge of miles, 100 that is, to be completed this Summer season! I'd love for you to join me!

The official start of Summer is June 21 and ends on September 21 - three months to complete 100 miles. You can run or walk the 100 miles, no need to be speedy! I've always been a slow poke. When I run, I average a 13-14 minute mile. When I walk, it's over 20 minute miles. I'm short, 4'11" to be exact, so I blame my short legs for my lack of speed. I never really cared to be fast or beat "my time". I'm more about setting a distance and completing it. I've told myself, every time I went for a walk, run, or got on the elliptical, I'd go for at least 3 miles.

100 Mile Summer with a three day a week commitment will get you your 100 miles. Here is a schedule to help you complete the miles:

I'll be posting periodic updates here, on FB, Instagram, and Twitter so check it out and cheer me on! I'd love to see your progress too! Let's use the hashtag #100milesummer. Good luck!

I'm a Mom of a Graduate!

I'm a mom of a preschool graduate! Yes, I know, it's only preschool but it's a graduate nonetheless and a reason to celebrate and be thankful for the wonderful blessings of my eldest son!

As I helped Jelo put on his white gown and mortar board, I couldn't help but fast forward 13 years down the road to when he'll put his on high school graduation gown. I realized 13 years isn't too far away. This is when the tears began.

As I watched him participate in the processional into the ceremony, I got that lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

I wasn't going to cry as he sang with all his heart during the performances - I couldn't hold back the tears!

Tears of pride welled up in my eyes as he came up to the front of the audience and proudly said, "Hi, my name is Julian Garcia and when I grow up I want to be a doctor!".

And as I was called up to put on his graduate medal and present him his certificate, I tried my best to hold back my tears of joy.

Although my son is only five years old, it's hard for me to think of a time when I didn't have him. He brings me so much joy, although sometimes he drives me a little crazy. He is so smart and loving, and I thank God everyday for such a great little boy.

Congrats my Jelo! The entire family is super proud of you! We know you'll be awesome in Kindergarten!

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DJ turns THREE

My youngest is THREE!

At three years old, he can read simple sight words and loves to read. His favorites right now are his books about Small World at Disneyland and a "biography" of Queen Amidala from Star Wars. His favorite color is red so anything and everything red he has to have. He carried his dad's red foam roller all over the house because "it's my favorite color". He's grown to love the "Cars" movie from Disney and wants everything "Lightning McQueen" because, of course, it's red. His favorite food is Mac-n-Cheese for lunch and dinner, waffles for breakfast. Everyday when I pick him up from his Mama and Papa's house, on our ride home he'll say "Mom, talk to me!" where I have to ask him the usual questions "What did you do today?", "What did you eat today?", "Did you have a good nap?", and so on. He is his big brother's side-kick, usually playing nice, but not all the time.

Last weekend, we celebrated with a Linus from Peanuts themed birthday party with some friends and family at Shelter Island in Point Loma. 

We had a super cute cake from www.cakedreamsandcookiewishes.com. The strawberry cake with cream cheese filling was super yum!

The decorated with a custom Peanuts comic book banner, which I couldn't get a good picture of because of the wind!

The centerpieces I made from printed Peanuts characters I found online and used modge podge to put them on cardstock. I hot-glued the characters on BBQ skewers, poked the skewers onto foam on the inside of these small metal pails I use over and over again for parties. 

I also made Linus blankets and for our guests to take home!

DJ loved playing with friends and riding his new "red" bike along the bay all day long!

The next day we headed to Disneyland to continue the celebration! We checked out the new show "Mickey and the Magical Map" which was super cool! DJ loved being greeted "happy birthday" everywhere we went!

Happy birthday my baby boy! Seeing your big smiles during your birthday make me the happiest mommy ever!

SeaWorld San Diego's "MADAGASCAR LIVE! OPERATION: VACATION"

The Garcia Family is in full summer vacation mode now! Jelo just graduated from pre-school and I'm on summer vacation from my work as a school counselor so it's time to enjoy our sunny San Diego and all that it has to offer!

Today, my boys and I were fortunate to get a sneak peak into SeaWorld San Diego's new show "MADAGASCAR LIVE! OPERATION: VACATION" which opens to all SeaWorld guests tomorrow, June 15th, in the Mission Bay Theater.

My sons loved the the 20-minute musical show which includes all of the well-known characters of the Madagascar movies: Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, King Julien, Mort and the Penguins.

The show features pop music performed by a live band accompanied by a dozen dancers on stage, who throughout the show, interact with the audience. The show encourages guests to get out of their seats and dance along with the show. My boys definitely loved that part of the show! The show is definitely high energy with the dancers, characters, band, awesome lights, colors, and multimedia presentation. "MADAGASCAR LIVE! OPERATION: VACATION" will run year-round and will feature up to eight shows per day. The characters also will conduct meet and greets with park guests.

Being season pass holders, "MADAGASCAR LIVE! OPERATION: VACATION" adds to the countless fun to be had a SeaWorld San Diego! I must say "MADAGASCAR LIVE! OPERATION: VACATION" is on the top of my boys' favorite things to do at SeaWorld San Diego!

Have you been to SeaWorld San Diego? What is your favorite attraction?

Shopping at the Spring Valley Swap Meet

Check out my latest post on SD Moms Blog! Poppin' tags at the Spring Valley Swap Meet!

Eating Healthy with Nature Box

I love coming home from a long day at work to find a package waiting at my door. It's always a delight to open the package to find something I ordered online or a new product I'm being invited to try. The packages are usually in a boring brown or white box, but a few days ago I was greeted with a brown box with an inviting green design.

Once I opened my NatureBox, I was happy to be greeted with Lemon Pucker Pistachios, BBQ Kettle Kernels, Guacamole Bites, Lemon Meringue Waffles, and Whole Wheat Raspberry Figgy Bars. My mouth began to salivate with my excitement to try these healthy snacks!

The small packages were perfect to pack for our Saturday trip to Disneyland. My sons loved the Lemon Meringue Waffles. They kept asking for more and were sad when they reached the bottom of the package! 

My personal favorites are the Guacamole Bites, which are great with a glass of iced tea! I also love the Whole Wheat Raspberry Figgy Bars which is great for a quick bite to eat in the morning with my coffee. 

My husband who loved his Pringles and Cheetos loved the BBQ Kettle Kernels. He asked, "So, when does our next box arrive?". He likes it! He really likes it!

NatureBox is a subscription service that offers the ability to discover and enjoy healthy snacks on a monthly basis. All NatureBox’s products are made from wholesome ingredients and are Nutritionist-approved. They abide by strict quality standards: No High Fructose Corn Syrup, No Partially Hydrogenated Oils, No Trans Fats, No Artificial Sweeteners, No Artificial Flavors, No Artificial Colors. ach bag has 3-5 servings of that snack within it.

NatureBox is available in 3 sizes, at 3 different price points: Deluxe Snacker (5 bags for $19.95), Family Snacker (10 bags for $29.95) and Professional Snacker (20 bags for $59.95). NatureBox make great gifts for your friends and family for holidays, special occasions, or anytime. 

Visit the NatureBox site for $10 off any sized box (Deluxe, Family, Professional Snacker) by entering the promo code SUMMERSNACK10.

The promotional code expires August 31st, 2013 and is valid for new customers only and may only be used towards monthly subscriptions. Cannot be used towards a purchase of a gift subscription. Monthly subscriptions may be cancelled at anytime.

I hope you enjoy NatureBox as much as our family does! Happy Summer to you and yours!

This article is sponsored by NatureBox.