Literally and figuratively. I got SO much accomplished yesterday that it's a wonder I'm not exhausted today. I'm going to thank it in part to 2 cappuccinos that the hubs made me plus the Rock star that I drank part of.

Cam and I started out the day by completing my week one, day two of my couch to 5k APP.

He was able to ride his "super fast" McQueen bike while I attempted to run behind him. It took us about half an hour to complete, and by the time that we got home he was EXHAUSTED.

From there we planted some flowers and cactus. I really really love the cactus because they are purple. It brings some color to what can be a somewhat drab colored area we call Phoenix.

Once Cameron woke up from a long nap (that I am ALWAYS grateful for) he helped me fold a ton of laundry and start packing for our vacation to San Diego. Hubs sister lives there and has an open door policy in terms of visiting. We leave Friday and this will be our first actual family vacation. There will be lots of food and fun in the sun involved. Cam is VERY excited about it because he got to pack his own bag. He was able to pick the clothes he wanted to wear, the toys he wanted to bring and help fold and put everything in his "rolling bag". He's starting to gain some Independence and it's nice to see.

With that independence comes some frustrations when he can not do what he's set out to accomplish. He's mastered turning on the light in the bathroom, shutting the door, and using the facilities. Which is awesome. Because honestly who wants to sit on the floor while they are pooping? Check please.

And sometimes when he's frustrated it's hard for me not to step in and try to help him. I remember when I was younger I use to do this to my brother ALL THE TIME. It got to the point where my parents had to tell me not to answer for him. I'm now having to remember that advice and not step in on him figuring things out for himself. I want him to be independent and have that confidence in himself to accomplish what he's set out to do. Sometimes when he gets super frustrated he will say "I can't do it mommy!", to which I respond that he can do anything he sets his mind to. Usually he gives it another shot after that and completes the task.

Another thing that comes along with it is pushing boundaries. He's now stating to see what he can get away with. Recently my fight with him has been not listening to me- or let's say.. acting like he isn't listening to me. Even if I'm right in his face. This I haven't been able to overcome, but I'm working on it.

Later we played out back in the pool and played corn hole (insert kicked hubs butt). I was afraid that Cam would forget how to swim over the summer, and might have to put him back into his life jacket for a few weeks until he picked it up again- but he didn't forget! I'm super lucky to have a good swimmer since we have a pool.

We rounded out the day by mixing together:

Leftover manacotti filling, a bag of pasta, and a jar of pasta on the stove top. Served with leftover salad and walla- dinner.

OH- and I picked up a super cool trick from a friend a few months ago:

Place a wooden spoon on top of boiling pot and it WONT OVERFLOW. changedmylife

Then I proceeded to bake some delicious Snickerdoodles (because I have a co-worker that begs me to)

Snickerdoodles

1 cup butter

1 1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs

2 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tbsp salt

3 tbsp sugar

3tbsp cinnamon

*I halved the recipe and took our the cream of tartar (it calls for 2 tsp)

Mix butter, sugar, eggs until smooth.  Mix flour, salt, baking soda. Combine wet with dry mixtures. Let sit for 10 minutes (in the fridge if you prefer) and roll into balls and roll into the sugar/cinnamon mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes and there you have it!

Until we meet again,

Stephanie