Exciting News About Me!!!!

It's very rare I blog about myself. I definitely share some home project ideas, organization tips, delicious recipes and crafts, but rarely do you hear me talking about something going on in my personal life, unless it relates to a family vacation.  

I was recently contacted by an instructor, at the family YMCA, Sandy Hart.  She had recalled a conversation that we had about some of my future goals.  She asked if I was still interested in becoming a fitness instructor.  I definitely was, but I had no idea that the push of another instructor would get me there even sooner than I had envisioned.  

The next day, I passed the YMCA's director, Nancy Greene.  She asked if I had a few minutes to chat in her office.  I was certainly willing to explore what being an instructor would require of me and what the process would be.  I wound up having the actual interview that day.  LOL!  I left the interview with instructions, by Nancy, to come up with a routine.  The next step would be to audition in front of her.  

I spent about two weeks designing my routine (not day in and day out, just during my spare time). I enjoyed learning the moves and making it my own. The hard part was giving "my clients" enough warning to transition to the next exercise, remembering to breath, and engaging "my clients" with conversation.  My routine was tough.  I'm not going to lie.  I was worried about whether or not I would be able to push through the entire routine without fail.  

Days leading up to my audition, I treated myself to an audition outfit or T-H-R-E-E.  Eeeek!  Come on, every instructor needs to look IN STYLE!!!!

This is the outfit I chose to wear for my audition.

Here was the playlist for my routine.  It was a 5 minute warm up, 10 minutes of PURE CARDIO (non stop exercising), and a 5 minute cool down.

My audition was last Tuesday!!! I had many prayer warriors praying for me.  And of course, I prayed too!! I felt the Lord's presence during the ENTIRE audition.  I walked right in and within 5-7 minutes began. I taught the class to the director only. Haha.  Being Nancy was rooting for my success, she made me feel confident rather than intimidated.  I felt so comfortable and energetic. I even wore the microphone, giving me the FULL experience.  It was a ton of fun.  The Lord was faithful to maintain my endurance, help me remember my entire 20 minute routine, and he removed all of my anxiety.  Afterwards, Nancy said, "You did excellent and I wouldn't just tell everyone that!"

Above: These photos are taken from video clips, from a video recording of this audition.  I brought a tripod and recorded the entire routine so I could see how I did.  I rewatched it several times to see what I did well and what I need improvement on. Will I be sharing that video with you all? PROBABLY not...haha.  That's like a photographer showing you all of her unedited photos. You'll just have to come take my class, once I get certified, and let me kick your butt. LOL!  

I was told to fill out an application, so I did.  

Now, I wait to get CPR certified in November and certified to be a fitness instructor in December.  I am really excited to see how the Lord uses me and this job hobby to minister to others.

Above:  (Top left, to right, to bottom) Sister, Brother, Sister, Mother.  My sister Whitney is a Yoga Instructor, in Florida.  My brother was a competitive body builder and personal trainer, but now competes in Jui Jitsu and is an FBI Agent, Richmond.  My sister Ashley is a Piloxing Instructor, in Pennsylvania.  My mother was one of the FIRST to be on stage with Richard Simmons and taught aerobics for decades in Florida. They are my motivation for success.  :)

WWE RAW!!!!!

Back in August, I believe, my brother left for Australia.  He became a temporary resident there, due to a "special project" he was working on, in his career as an FBI agent.  Before he left, he promised Tyson that he would take his son, Will, as well as Tyson, to a WWE RAW wrestling match upon his return.  Tyson literally counted the days down! David stuck to his promise and purchased tickets for a December 30th match. My mom was also visiting, so it was a double treat.  

The night of the match, the boys made posters for their favorite wrestlers.

Uncle David helped out a lot.  Who knew he was into "crafting!" I had to take a picture of his tongue sticking out.  LOL! He used to use his tongue, as a kid, when playing video games.  I think it helped him advance to the next level.  #socomical

Uncle David came downstairs all dressed and ready for the event.  I guess the sunglasses, on the t-shirt, symbolizes one of the wrestler's known attire.

The boys completed their posters and were all smiles, knowing it was almost time to go.

Jax chose John Cena! "You can't C me!"

Ty chose "Big Show".

Will chose CM Punk!

My brother didn't bring a camera, of course, MEN, but he captured two shots at the event.

Jax didn't have a nap that day, so by 10:30 pm, I think he was DONE! He couldn't take another minute. He truly had to be tired to 1. Fall asleep (it's LOUD) and 2. Trust that his Uncle David wouldn't leave him there, but rather carry him to the car. LOL!   

Dave, we are very thankful for fulfilling your promise to our boys.  They will never forget that night.  I'm thankful they have at least one uncle that they are able to visit with on a regular basis.  

End Of The Year Preschool Performance!

Darren put this sweet video together after capturing it on camera.  I was really proud of Lilah and Jax.  They participated to their fullest potential!!  They have made great strides since the first year's preschool performance.  I don't think you will be surprised to notice the comedy in this video through Darren's sense of humor.

Killing Two Birds With ONE Stone!!!

Over the weekend, we had the pleasure of "killing two birds with ONE stone".  We were able to travel to Richmond and reside with my brother's family for the weekend in addition to seeing my mother, who actually lives in Florida.  

Upon arriving, the kids were greeted with gifts form Gram. Now that's the way to start any gathering.  LOL!  (Above): Gram is playing play-doh with the kids.

The weekend was filled with loads of good eats.  Friday, we ate in (hamburgers and hotdogs).  Then we left to enjoy a scoop of ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery.  YUM!!!!!  

The next day, my brother, the chef, cooked us bacon, eggs, and blueberries.  NO BREAD... he's a hardcore gluten free/grass fed eater.  Lunch consisted of Chipolte.  (Above): Even the dog is fed grass grazed and gluten free. NO LIE. NO DOG FOOD.  Check out what his breakfast consisted of.

The kids had a blast all day Saturday.  Gram took them to the park, while Darren, Amanda, and I shopped at Five Below and Old Navy.  Amanda hired a baby sitter and the grown-ups enjoyed MORE good eats at the Cheesecake Factory.  Now, that's the way to end your BAD EATING HABITS.  Haha.  

The laughter and excitement never ended for the kids.  It's amazing how after just two visits in one month, Tyson and Will are attached to the hip.  Immediately after getting in our car to head back to Roanoke, Tyson exclaimed, "I wish Will could come with us!"  

We plan to visit them again and go to Busch Gardens together. Dave and Amanda, if Will needs a Tyson fix before then, feel free to come see us!!!  I can always use a Short Pump fix. LOL!  Thanks for your hospitality.  We had a lovely time.

To view all of the photos from the weekend, double click on the photo album below.

[I had a photo album inserted HERE, but skeevy perverts from the internet where viewing my blog and enjoy "boys in their undies".  This is a SICK WORLD we live in.  If you are family or close friends and desire to see the photo album that was attached above... please shoot me an email.  I WILL SEND the photo album to you personally.]

A Visit from Uncle David and FAMILY!

It's been several years since Uncle David and his family have made a visit to Roanoke.  I think the last visit was for Tyson's 5th Birthday party at the Green Ridge Rec Center, 2 1/2 years ago.  It hasn't been that long since the kids have seen them though (maybe 1 year).  David was coming to town to visit us, but also to take his little guy Will to a WWE wrestling match.  We were invited, but the tickets were like $75 a piece so we passed. Upon arriving, we met the Crisafi family at the mall, just to ride the train, play on the playground, and get a bite to eat a Panera.  

Tyson and Will were "too cool" to ride the train.

 But my twinsies and Michael didn't pass up this Christmas fun!

 Aunt Amanda brought the kiddies some adorably cute,

Personalized Christmas ornaments that her co-worker makes.  

Thanks for thinking of us, Aunt Amanda.

 Then, after the littlest ones were put down for their naps,

the daddy's and older boys played hard in our large backyard,

While the mommy's went to get their nails done.

 This photo blessed my day!

This is the FIRST real moment 
That these two played HARD together.

 Both my brother and my hubby are very physically fit and athletic.

 And from the looks of it, 

Their boys are following perfectly in their footsteps.  

 Look at Will go!!!

 They stayed outside for over 1 hour playing football.

 Will LOVES to do anything involving tackling,

Hence the reason he was headed to a wrestling match later on.

 From the looks of this photo,

I think my little nephew had a blast at our home!!!!

Darren and I both agreed that this was a pleasant visit.

It was nice to spend some time with my brother and his family!