I AM....

Tonight as I was running (yes, running.  More on that in a bit.) I started off by listing to this song, I Am, by David Crowder.  If you haven't heard it, man, you need to just click this link.  I love it, and it speaks to me in so many ways.

http://youtu.be/JEJ8C77yy70

The weekend flew by fast, and here we are at Tuesday already.  Only two more weeks, and my big boy starts Kindergarten.  :(  But, I am actually happy for him, because he is ready for school to start back.  So I am.  It may be busier with all the activities, but it is a lot easier with routine and all that.  Anywho, over the weekend Beau had two birthday parties on Saturday.  One at a trampoline park in the morning, then watched the motor toss event near our house on the way home, and then a late night pool birthday party.  Needless to say, he was tuckered after that day.  

Sunday, we just rested up.  I ended up taking Beau, and Wyatt out to the store that afternoon.  We took our time, and they both snacked the entire time.  Lol.  They loved it.  Wyatt thought he was somethin else being the only baby taggin along.  He ate up for sure.  I enjoyed it too, and felt a little semi normal.  Oh yeah, that's not normal, my life is the normal life.  Lol.  Right. 

Sunday night I took a long ride, and it was really nice.  I took a sorta new route. I try and travel all the local roads within a 15 mile radius of my house.  Getting to know them all, and the atmosphere on those roads too.  All that can be tricky sometimes.  But, I'm hangin in there, one pedal at a time.  

Here's a cool shot about 7 miles into my ride.  I love, absolutely love, this view.  Smooth lightly traveled country road, steep decline I'm fixin to race down, cows oh the sweet cows, green pastures ahead, and just me and the breeze in my face...oh, and the sunset.  :)

Had to stop for one more pic.  I pass this several times a week, and it never gets old.  Oklahoma oil, country views, and sunsets.  

Once I got back, Beau met me in the garage with tears on his face.  I asked him what was wrong. I was thinking he probably got in trouble, but no.  He said, "what took you so long I was worried you got ran over."  Oh my word, my heart sank, and I just sat down right there with him.  Hugged him tightly, and told him I loved him.  Then had to explain how if he ever got scared to immediately pray, and then have faith that God will protect him, and whoever he is worried about.  He has such a beautiful heart, and is so truly passionate and compassionate.  So thankful for that boy.  

These little rascals love corn on the cob.  :)

Check out her muscles...lol, just kidding. Wearin my reflector since I had to do a late night run tonight.  Running reminds me why I bike, and love to bike.  Running is not a nice sport.  Totally not for aging women, and especially ones that have had knee issues or surgery.  But, I actually did alright.  My (bad, but good after surgery) knee didn't feel quite the same.  It had an awkward feel really, but didn't hurt.  If I ran all the time it definitely would hurt.  I'm only going to run on the days I can ride.  One, it's easier to do after babies go down later than normal.  And two, it at least give me a cardio workout.  

I'm really liking the snap on reflectors.  See, I do things to be cautious while I ride and run. ;)  That reflection is from the street light.  I started at around 9:30. Yeeeeah!  It still was hot though.  

On another note if you would, please say a prayer for me.  It's an unspoken one, and normally I would come on out and specifically ask.  But, it's is a personal health one.  I'm ok, but have some issues that I have to get checked out.  I'm a total procrastinator when it comes to my own health, but after having these problems for the last few months I googled it.  I know, don't google medical issues.  Lol.  But I did, and read up on some things that I knew it pointed to, even before I googled it.  Anyways, if you will just say a prayer I would greatly appreciate it.

After Beau getting upset the other night, and getting worried, my childhood came to mind like a flood.  I was a lot like him.  After losing my mom tragically at such a young age I always worried something would happen to my other loved ones.  It was a struggle of mine for so many years, and still somewhat is.  But now, I fully understand what it means to have Faith, and not worry.  Sometimes easier said than done, but y'all know what I mean.  I want to instill faith into all four of my boys as it was in me.

Ok, it's late and I better get some shut eye.  Blessings to y'all from this Okie chic.  

My day in a nutshell...

Today was a busy, and very productive day for this momma.  I am pretty tuckered out, but still feel like the energizer bunny.  She keeps going, and going, and going.  Haha, no I'll call it a night here in a bit, but still have some catchin up to do.

My day in a nutshell...gonna be eclectic style here folks, so get ready. ;)

Wake up at 8, what 8 you say, yeah.  Rough night with the babies.  They wanted to party, momma didn't, and so we fought it.  Back to square one tonight, let's hope they do better.  

Next up Stacy arrive around 8:30, and the sweet babes of mine are all getting their mornin milk.  Ahhhh, long sign, I was still in a sleepy stooper.  Lol.  

At 9:30 I headed out for a mornin ride.  But, before I started I finally got with it and did some pre workout core exercises.  Man it felt good too, and I do believe it will help in my endurance with my cycling.  Anywho, on with it.  So I head on my Kona, love my bike, and about two miles down the beaten path here these lovely, sweet, pit bulls start hawlin booty to catch up with me.  Well, I know they are biters cause a running neighbor told me about them bitting at them and one of their dogs.  One actually bit their dog.  So, I kick it up in high speed for myself (was going 40 from what my Cyclemeter said...holy smokes) and those things still almost got to me.  Man they are fast.  So that got me going right at the beginning of my ride.  Just awesome!  Lol, it was awesome going that fast, but not because of two pits on my back.  

Has the entire pasture to himself.  I assume it was a him, but really couldn't see that far.  Looked peaceful though.  

Next up, I get back, and climb up in the attic.  Here I go, organizing a chaotic mess of crap.  I mean stuff was just thrown up there, with no thought on how things should be placed together.  Yada Yada Yada.  Anywho, I got it all organized.  I can't even count how many totes are up there.  It's crazy.  But, the babies will definitely need hand me downs from big bubba.  Plus side of all this, I got everything down for my upcoming garage sale.  I'm crazy I know, but I gotta get rid of some things, and make space.  It was completely full to the brim.  Ok, so a garage sale is coming this next week.  Woo wee that should be interesting.  

And that's only half the attic :/

Now it's almost noon, and I still need to shower, and get over to the big city to run a few errands.  I actually managed to fill up the gas guzzler, hawl off all the recyclables, grab some food, and swing into target to get birthday gifts for two parties Beau is going to tomorrow.  All in an hour.  ;) Woo wee I feel accomplished.  That all probably doesn't sound like much, but for this momma it was a lot in a five hour period.  :)

And I always come home to folded laundry of some sort.  Dishes done.  Ect.  Stacy is absolutely amazing with the babies, but always does way more than I would ever expect.  I am truly grateful for her. :)

And this afternoon while I was cleaning out the garage.  We really need a shop.  Badly.  

And this sweet boy has been at Grandma's just for two days, but boy do I miss him. :)

Ok, blessings to all y'all, from me...the Okie chic ;)

The story behind the ride

So I get asked all the time, "what made you start road biking, and how did you get to the point where you are now?"  Well, there is a lot to it, and I decided to share it all.  Here goes the story.

First y'all should know that anytime I get physically hurt, and have to rehab my body I always do what the doctor says to do, and then some.  In 1999 I broke my back in three spots, and I was devastated.  First thing I thought, way back then, was I won't be able to have children without a lot of pain.  But, I did and without any pain in pregnancy or delivery.  Trick, do what your told plus some.  Two years after my injury in '99 I went in for my usual check up, and they did an MRI 9 months after the last one.  My doctor was in shock.  My back had healed completely, and the disc that were injured as well were in great shape.  It was something somewhat unexplainable.  He said, "now Tiffany I know you do exactly what I write down each week, but what else have you been doing?"  My response was, "I do what you have me do in my workout times ten."  Go above and beyond.  The reason I did was because I always dreamed of becoming a mother, and I didn't want that ruined because of my health.  It wasn't, and I am thankful for that.  So that is part of this story...just keep in mind I don't let anything hold me back. :) 

Back when I was about 29 weeks pregnant with the triplets I had some friends over, and her two year old was sitting in a chair, eating a snack at the kitchen table.  She started to fall head first, and my first (motherly) response was jump and run.  Well, as I started to catch her I tripped on the carpet/tile change over.  I know, gosh that frustrated me.  I couldn't believe I actually tripped and fell.  But, being big and pregnant your equilibrium is way off.  You are top heavy.  My babies lives flashed in front of me, and I landed right on my knees as I caught the little girl.  My stomach was safe.  Only touched the corner of the chair, and thankfully they all checked out safely at the hospital.  

So, that fall, injured my knee pretty bad.  I cracked my cartilage, and tore the tendon on the side of my knee.  I knew something was wrong for a long time, but ignored it until the babies were born and good at home.  When I went in to my ortho doc he did an MRI, and it showed all the damage.  I. Was. Bummed.  I knew surgery was inevable with the cartilage being cracked, but had no idea how I would have time to rehab with three new additions to my motherhood journey.  Having four kids is a busy job.  But, once I decided to go through with the surgery I discussed in detail with my doctor about what exercise I had been doing post pregnancy.  I told him I road when I could, and it didn't bother my knee.  He said that was exactly what he was going to prescribe me to do.  :) He told me I would need to ride a certain amount each day, and for a certain amount of time to rehab after surgery.  He knew I didn't have time to go to actual physical therapy, and to him biking is the best knee rehab out there.  I have to agree.  It's gentle, and a you can progress at your own pace.  But, I couldn't just jump right to it.  I had my hands full with 7 month old triplets at the time of my surgery, and knee surgery is a very tricky thing.  It takes time to get to a point where you even feel flexible in the knee again, and for all the swelling to stop.  Mine stopped at about a month post op. So I gradually started riding, and gradually increased my workouts.  I started falling in love with the road, and more with the feel of being a roadie.  

The other reason I love road biking is this.  As I looked at myself after having the triplets I was sad.  I couldn't believe the woman in the mirror went through so much growing three babies inside her.  It changed me mentally and physically.  So that pushed me to keep going and keep going.  Get back to the woman in the mirror that I use to see.  Well, that doesn't always happen, but I look in the mirror now and I am proud of my progress.  I'm also happy, cause riding makes me feel really good.  Also, being a stay at home mom to four boys under five is a tough job, and I truly believe all moms need to feel good after all their hard work.  This is my "freedom" outlet.  But it is also my "getting fit in my thirties" outlet too.  :) I found out once you hit thirty your entire workout has to change.  You have to work harder, and be a lot more dedicated.  

Here I am at 33, a roadie chic that just wants to keep riding and riding.  I love it. I was determined when I started pushing myself into riding, and I'm even more determined now.  I'm always trying to increase my miles, and find better ways to move with my bike better.  Finding more effective ways to ride is a goal I continually have.  

So that's the story behind the ride.  Everyone has a story, and I want to say this.  Find your story, and...have FUN, get FIT, and feel the FREEDOM.  ;)

Road the good ole Kona to grams this morning.  She didn't know I was riding there.  And....

And bam I got there right in time for homemade biscuits and gravy.  I love my Gram so much.  We enjoyed the morning, ate breakfast on the patio, and just talked.  It was perfect.  

Okie out! 

Okie Roadie Chics

It's official, I started a roadie riding group.  I'm very excited about the adventure in life, and look forward to see where it goes.

This idea had been in the making for a while now, but took some quiet time for me to create the Facebook and Instagram pages.  I ended up created a page instead of an actual group that way other people could post ideas, share info, and stories about road biking.  

We will have a ladies group ride (group), but also have the benefit of sharing biking tips and information with others.  It should be lots of fun.  I know I'm excited. 

Over the past several months I had searched, and searched for a ladies roadie group in Oklahoma.  But, I never could find what I was looking for.  So, that just pushed me to start up one myself.  

This sport is definitely fun, healthy, and adventurous.  So all that makes for a great workout.  As for me, I started road biking because my knee doctor pushed me toward that.  I had already been road biking for some time, but not as serious about it.  Once I started increasing miles, seeing a difference in how I felt, I wanted to do it more.  So here I am, 33 years old, a momma to four energy filled little rascals, and love to be a roadie.  If your an Okie you should come join in the excitement.  If your an out of stater, come too when you visit, and follow our page.  

Mapping the roads one pedal at a time.  ;)

Facebook - click the link below. 

https://m.facebook.com/Okieroadiechics

Instagram (@okieroadiechics) or click the link. 

http://instagram.com/okieroadiechics

Blessings from this Okie chic!  Got to get dinner done.  ;)

Sweet Summertime

It is summertime, and the temps are definitely rising here in Oklahoma.  With that said, the babies had their official swim this last weekend.  Here is the a little update from the past week.  :)

Last week was just an all out horrible week.  The babies were all teething their bottom two molars, and thankfully they are past that.  But, it made for a not so happy week last week.  Then at the latter part of the week I hit my head so bad, and it was pretty much self inflicted.  Lol. Not intentionally, but I did it to myself.  I had Luke in one arm, getting babies all ready for bed, was getting a diaper out of the diaper cabinet in our living room, and wam I pulled the door hard straight into my left eye.  Thankfully it never turned black, but had a huge knot up until today really.  I had a headache for over two days, and that was no fun.  Anyway, last week is over and this week is much better.  

Two years ago I made this list.  It was during a totally different time of my life, and at that time I was working on this list.  The list was for my sweet Beau, and me as his mother.  Well, while going through my phone the other day, and deleting notes I made here and there I came across this list.  Made me think a little, and I felt pulled to start back at it.  I'll tell y'all a few of the simple things on the list, but most are things like how I want to parent him as a mother of faith.  The simple things I wrote on this list were places to take him all over Oklahoma.  I researched all these little towns, and fun things to do.  This state has so many fun places to take kids, and a lot are free.  Anywho, this also pushed me to take all four to the zoo last Friday.  Beau loves the zoo, and has begged me for months to take him.  We use to go all the time, until I got preggo with the triplets, and then life itself.  But, I don't have any excuses to not take them all.  Yes it's a little tiresome, well a lot.  Let's be honest.  But, I told myself, Tiffany Ann suck it up buttercup and take those sweet boys...even if your tired, your head hurts, and your back hurts (lifting 3 almost 30 pounders all day).  Just put on your big girl pants, and do it.  So I went ahead and planned it.  Thankfully Stacy was able to go with me.  She is truly a blessing to me for being the babies nanny, and care taker when I need.  It got hot just the few hours we were there.  The babies did great though, and didn't fuss at all.  For having to stay in their stroller the entire time I would say they did awesome.  As Stacy was saying to me, they didn't fuss as all when we actually saw single babies fussing and having to be held.  Made this momma proud of them.  So that was their first zoo trip.  AND as for the list, I've decided to start working on it. :)

Brant, in the middle, got excited with all the animals.  I think he is my animal lover like Beau.  :)

The night before the zoo trip the dishwasher went out.  I thought I smelled something, well the motor burned up.  So I had to rush around Friday afternoon searching for the dishwasher I needed.  Well no one had it, except for the builders  warehouse in the city.  So I got on the horn, and was placed with one of their long time salesmen.  Thankfully he wasn't salemeny, if you know what I mean.  Lol. When I was ready to pay (we did the order by phone cause I didn't have time to drive to the city) just before he processed my card he said, wait a minute...you sound like such a kind lady and I just feel led to give you the builders discount.  What?!  I felt like after my long two days of head hurting and the babies teething that God was pouring out some grace.  The words this man said sounded like God himself talking through him.  I felt truly blessed with HIS wonderful grace.  

So then we get to the weekend.  If you could see our back yard right now, well it's a mess.  So a lot of yard work is being done.  Then we are also cleaning up the half acre to the backside of our house.  If the babies were older we wouldn't need to clean it up, and wouldn't, but they run straight for the woods and when it's one adult to three babies and no fence...that's just crazy.  Lol.  So hopefully by the end of summer it will all be good, and a fence for my little animals. ;)

Sunday after Beau had his end of year baseball party I decided to take all the boys to swim at grams.  I found out it is doable, but tricky getting them all out of the pool.  Thankfully I had Gram to help.  They all did great after the chill went away.  :)

Then now here are to tonight.  After taking a few days off riding I was able to ride tonight.  I made it thirty miles finally.  It definitely made this momma tired, but was so nice.  It was a huge goal I had, and I met it.  Not sure how often I will be able to do it, but I at least know I can.  :) 

The long road that I made it to was a beautiful ride.  Riding west, chasing the sun.  :)  Just me, the highway, the sunset, and the storm clouds in the distance. 

Oh Wyatt, you little box car rascal.  ;)

Sweet Brant always gets into the hat basket.  Today he actually put on the beenie.  Lol

Ok, I better get a few things done.  Tomorrow I am taking the big boy with some friends to the big water park. 

Blessings from this Okie chic ;)

12 teeth each, a sunny day, and sweet tea :)

Boy, I know that looks like a heck of an eclectic title huh?!  Lol.  Well this momma is just feelin a little of this and that, so I went with it.  ;)

You read it right.  All three babies have their bottom two molars breaking through.  That makes twelve teeth for each baby.  Eight front teeth, two top molars, and now the bottom two molars. They have been a little cranky with these coming through, and having a slight irritation in their diapers.  That is one thing that I have learned with these babies, is that when babies are breaking teeth, especially molars, they can get a slight diaper rash irritation.  It's not bad, just on the onset of when they need a diaper change.  I have heard it is from the extra saliva excretion, but haven't research it yet.  So, I will be glad when these turkeys get all their teeth.  

They are also climbing on everything.  Lord help me, cause every time I turn around they are climbing cabinets, chairs, window seals...you name it and I bet they will try it.  Lol.  Little rascals for sure.  I can definitely see they are not as calm as my oldest.  They are ornery, but cute and sweet. :)

Here is just an example. Lol.

Since today was, well sunny and the babies were busy with Stacy, I decided to go ahead and ride.  Riding at 1 in the afternoon in Oklahoma, and near summertime, is hot and usually windy.  It was both today, but still enjoyed my ride. It was a little tricky getting out on the long stretch, because the county is paving the roads around my house.  I made it through on the way out, but then on the back I had to turn around and go back to the front side of coming home.  Hey, it added five miles, so that was good.  When I got to the main road right by my house where I had to turn around I was talking to one of the men waiting for the crew, and he first said he felt bad I had to turn around and go so far around.  I laughed, and told him how far I ride and it's no big deal.  It gives me a breather, and great workout.  Then we got to talking.  He couldn't believe I ride so far, and then he was spellbound at the fact that I've had four kids.  Lol.  A huge compliment for sure.  He said, "man, woo wee little lady I can't believe you have had four kids."  Lol.  I might have blushed just a little.  Lol. Getting fit since having the babies has been a challenge, but I took it on and am loving it.  Anyway, that guy was a nice guy, and made this momma smile.

Weeeee....today.

Look at that nicely paved road.  I'm gonna be riding on a road smooth as butter.  ;)

Got my lights hooked up for when it starts getting dark on my rides.  Safety first y'all.  ;)

And y'all know I'm the sunset sweetheart, so we couldn't go on this post without one.  Two nights ago.  :)

Speaking of getting fit I am trying to stop drinking pop.  Ahhhhh!  Someone go ahead, and cry for me.  Why am I doing this when summer is here.  Everyone loves a good crisp Coke or RC or Pepsi on a hot summer day.  Dang it!  But, I really want to cleanse my body of the things that make us slump.  So far, day four no pop.  I've been fighten it off for sure.  It has made me revert to good ole sweet tea.  :). Currently peach tea is my fave, and then their is my Gram's good ice tea.  Now this getting fit doesn't include adult beverages.  Lol.  We all know I need a good glass of wine or aBlue  Moon occasionally.  Lol.  Any who, that's the scoop on this momma.

And finally, glass and a shower door.  Never thought it would get done.  Now I can take a shower in peace.  Still have an audience of little minions, but hey at least I'm not fumbling for the soap.  Lol. 

And these sweet babes run to me with hugs every time I get home.  Who could just melt at that.  I love my breaks, but I love my sweet babies too.  I think they love their momma too. :)

Ok, gonna get a few things done around here.  

Blessing from this Okie chic! 

Roadie ridin tips

Ok, thought I would share this awesome app I stumbled upon.  I'm not sure why I hadn't been using it before, but once I started getting up there in miles realized I needed some sort of tracking for myself. So I started researching, and found this app to be the best with the best functions.  It is called Cyclemeter, and works wonderfully.  Highest mileage for me yet is 19 miles.  Woo hoo!  My new goal is 30.  :/ I think I can, I think I can.  :) I want to be able to do some races this next year, and the only way I can is if I get on the roadie bandwagon.  So I'm on it, and love it.  I just might be addicted.  Lol.  

Ok, I really do gotta get now.

Okie out ;)

Here's a gander at what it looks like.  

Or this really....bottom right corner. :)