The Mommy Makeover Contest: Danielle’s Second Check-In

So much has happened in the last month that I’m not quite sure how to put it all down in words without writing a post that would take you an entire year to read! But here it goes.

Since my last post, so many things have been going on. I’m finally getting into a routine between work and homelife. At times it’s definitely not easy! Bryce plays so many sports and between my two jobs and Mike’s hectic one that keeps him gone often, we usually don’t get much free time. What I’ve discovered in all this is that we find ourselves comparing our lives to others around us so often that we forget to stop and admire the little things. The truth is, we’re so lucky to enjoy these moments!

If you would’ve asked me a month or two ago about my life and how things were going, I would’ve told you I’m exhausted, I’ve put myself on the back burner, my house is a mess, planning a wedding is stressful, I don’t get enough sleep, I don’t remember the last time I showered, I don’t have time to do anything, and on and on an on. Honestly, who doesn’t have days like that? We all feel that way from time to time, but as busy moms and wives, we are way too hard on ourselves. If we stop paying attention to the picture-perfect people outside our home and focus more on ourselves, the life within our home becomes a beautiful thing that’s been there the whole time. We were just too busy to realize it.

Now it’s time to switch the focus, while juggling everyday life and planning a wedding. I know that once October gets here, it’ll be completely worth it. We are currently planning our co-ed party and my bridal shower. And though it’s been fun, it’s extremely stressful trying to find the time and energy to work on things after a full day at work. I could feel myself slowly slipping away from any dedication to myself and knew I needed to reel it back in before I got too far away! So Bryce and I decided to start exercising together. Working two jobs, I feel like any extra time I have after work is hard to spend at the gym. I know I’d feel better, but I constantly feel like that extra time is time I should be spending at home with my boys. So we found an easy solution.

Bryce and I made a goal to walk, jog, bike, or rollerblade one hundred miles before the end of the summer (when he goes back to school). It not only keeps both of us active, but we’re getting to spend quality time with each other. No distractions. No electronics. Nothing. It’s so nice to get outside and enjoy the things around us. Honestly, I love being in the gym. I miss having the freedom of going five to six times during the week, but for now though, spending quality time with Bryce is the most important. The gym will be there, but the moments spent with him will pass.

He just turned twelve years old. Time surely flies by fast. We have to stop and enjoy every moment as much as we can. Life is all about balance. Just because things have happened and our lives are busier doesn’t mean I can’t stay on track and keep myself healthy.

I recently started juicing because I found myself not preparing meals and just running to work. This often left me without a lunch, so I was way too willing to order something. Even though I usually order healthier options, it’s still not as healthy as if I were to have made it at home. So by juicing during the day while I’m at work, I’m able to stay on track and avoid the bad food choices. I totally forgot how amazing juicing is! My skin is so bright and my insides are doing a happy dance!

I prep now on Sundays, enough to last me about six to eight days. Because I don’t juice every single day, the juice usually lasts me about two weeks. I will leave enough in the fridge for one week and I will freeze the others until I’m ready for them. The power of juicing is legit and so worth it. It’s pretty foolproof too, if you find a guide that you like to follow. It takes a little bit of work but your body will thank you. This will be something that I continue to do, even after the wedding.

Right now, I still have my goals to meet, so you better believe I’m going to meet them! Bring on the juice and exercise. Everything can be accomplished as long as it’s done in moderation and a fresh start. I won’t let myself go. I will keep fighting to be the best version of myself. I’m so thankful for all the love and support around me. I owe it to everyone and myself to keep pushing and continue making 2016 the best year yet. Next time you hear from me, Bryce and I will have one hundred miles done. No excuses. You’re all keeping me accountable.