How About Just Liking the Picture Now + Sentence Per Picture!

Five miles the day after a crazy strength training class was quite painful, not sure if my quads are still alive after that.

Skye heard me sneaking out the door for my run in the early morning so we hung out for a bit before the five miles.

IMG 8479 2

I got to have lunch with BECKY (she posts the best workouts ((and also specific ones for during pregnancy and postpartum)) and has awesome recipes)…  Our babies are three days apart so they met which was fun.

IMG 8487

Andrew took a break from studying and so we went and found the world’s largest swing set.

IMG 8498

Andrew takes underdogs very seriously.

IMG 8493

Skye got excited for when she gets to join them on the swings.

IMG 8528

Brooke HATED the feel of grass on her feet when she was a baby but Skye definitely loves it.

IMG 8548

We played around with the fancy picture taking on my phone.

IMG E8588

Laughing at how hard Skye was laughing at Knox for dropping grass all around her.

IMG E8600

We picked up my niece from school and went to the Creamery for ice cream.

IMG 8606

Knox had his first t-ball practice with his team.

IMG 8613 2

A bunch of you recommended this toner for me and I can’t wait to try it out, THANKS!

IMG 8610

Does anyone else have a baby that loves to suck on their blankets… Skye has a piece of her blanket in her mouth whenever she gets the chance.

IMG 8616

Our bathroom is still bright purple and Brooke had a very mischievous look on her face.

IMG 8305

I saw this text that Andrew sent his friend that is also training for the American Fork Half… muhahahaha.

IMG 8618

She loves her nightly calf massages.

IMG 8634

Last night I went to be with the youth girls in my area (I do this through my church) and we made Mother’s Day gifts for their moms.

IMG 8635

I have the day off from running which means I might make it to my SECOND strength training class of the week… I’m on fire.

———————————————————————————

I had one of those moments yesterday where I realize I have been doing something for 32 years (okay, probably more like 12 years) now and I had to slap myself out of it.  Do you do that thing where you see a picture of yourself from a few years previously and think, “dang, I so wish I looked like that now.”  Whether it is because of your muscle tone, the jeans you used to fit into, your skin, your hair or your lack of black circles under your eyes?  Well, I came across a picture from about 2.4 years ago and had that same thought…  Look at those muscles I used to have or I was so much faster then and I had about 40 less zits back then compared to now, I wish I could look like that right now.  And then I thought about it—>  2.4 years ago, I am sure that I may have come across a picture from a time even before then and had the EXACT. SAME. THOUGHTS. about how I wish I could have looked the way that I did before then.  That’s exhausting.  To constantly be thinking about how you wish you looked like (or you worked like or you ran like or you acted like) you used to in some way and never be thrilled with where you are at the moment because anytime you think about where you were previously, you wish you were there instead.  So, I decided I’m taking this out of my thought process and I’m just going to love where I’m at now because the present is where’s it’s at.  Anybody else do this?   Just me?  Time to just be happy with the present because the past already happened and I want to be where I’m at now… not then.

———————————————————————————

I need your expertise.  I need a new swimsuit or two since last summer I was pregnant and the swimsuits before that are definitely not fitting… HELP!  Where are some of your favorite online places to get swimsuits?  I need your help ASAP because there is going to be a lot of swimming happening this summer with the kids.

What is your sentence of the day?

Parents reading—>  What sports are your kids currently loving? 

I’m into salads again (I wasn’t for awhile there because I got sick of them and that will probably happen again in the future;)… What are your current favorite salad toppings?

You May Also Like

74 comments

Reply

Check out Dr. Dray dermatologist on you tube. The most helpful skin advice. From her videos I figured out my acne was rosacea, saw a dermatologist, and have better skin then I have in a long time.

Reply

I’ve never heard about Dr. Dray… I can’t wait. Thank you Kerry! I can’t wait to get this figured out! Have a wonderful day:)

Reply

Of course! I know how frustrating the skin stuff can be!

Reply

I love your thoughts regarding old pictures and just the past, in general. We can’t change what’s already happened, so it’s so important to live in the now.

Don’t Roolee and Called to Surf have some pretty cute swimsuits?? I feel like they posted some recently on Insta. I usually get mine at Target, though!! I need to get one or two for this summer, too!

Reply

YES… they do!! The Called to Surf ones are sometimes soooo much money but I need to try out a Roolee one. I’ll check out Target soon. I hope you have a beautiful day!

Reply

I have actually gotten most of my favorite swimsuits from Target!

Reply

This makes me so happy… I’m there all the time, not sure why I don’t check out their swimsuits but I will now. Thanks Claire and I hope you have a great Thursday!

Reply

I really like Lands End swimsuits. They are reasonable, good quality and sensible. If you are looking for flashy, they are definitely not that, but to actually swim in, they are great. I have several of their tankinis.

Reply

I am ALL about simple so flashy is not my thing with swimsuits. THANK YOU Michelle… I remember I got one from them forever ago and loved it but have forgotten about them since so I’m going to go back. Have an awesome day!

Reply

While I agree it’s def a waste of life, space in your head, energy, and time to compare past self to current self, especially if it’s a way to criticize your current self, I DO think it’s important to look back at times of your life and think instead, “What did I feel I was doing RIGHT then? And how am I or how am I NOT doing that now?”

Also wb on the salads, but BE WEARY OF ROMAINE LETTUCE!!! Just stick with iceberg or whatever coleslaw (cabbage I believe instead of lettuce) or the mix greens with Spinach, Arugula i.e. NON ROMAINE salads!!

Best :)

Reply

Oh I like that thought… learning from our past selves is such a great idea… I’ll try that out too:) I did not know about this… I’ll be careful! Thanks and have an amazing day!

Reply

I know what you mean about the old pictures. I’m so hard on myself—I’ll look back on old pictures that I thought AT THE TIME weren’t very good and say, “Dang! That WAS a good picture. I looked good!” It kind of puts in perspective that the pics I’m feeling so hard over/my look now probably is way better than my mind is telling me. WHY are we so hard on ourselves?! Why, why, why?!

Good luck with the swimsuit thing! I have expensive suits from Athleta and Boden, but some of my favs are just from Target!

I’m off running today, too, and heading to strength class later. Dreading the soreness that I’ll feel in my legs tomorrow. ha ha ha I know strength is good for me as a runner to keep me well-balanced, but I won’t lie–I mainly do it b/c I love having cut arms. ha ha ha

Have the best day!!!!!

Reply

I can only wear the bra-size tops bc otherwise I can never find anything that fits, so I go to this store called Swim N Sport and they usually have 1-2 brands with bra sizing that fits me, might help you during breastfeeding period. It’s $$ so I just get one top there and then try to find bottoms at other places to mix and match with it. I like the bottoms from Victorias secret, especially when they’re on sale.

Reply

I just bought the cutest swimsuit from CaliaStudio.com–Carrie Underwood’s athletic line. I actually use it swim laps but it’s so cute I’m totally going to wear it to the beach! I like more modest swimsuits BUT one piece suits don’t fit me very well. The two piece I bought makes me feel comfortable without worrying about how awkward it looks haha. Share what you find! Besides the running…and food…and adorable kids…your style is my fav thing about this blog. :)

Reply

1. The picture of Brooke and Andrew is the absolute SWEETEST
2. Any change you remember where you got that green tank top in the first picture? I love it!
3. Swimsuits- check out Boden or Athleta :)

Reply

Hey Emily!! I agree, such a cute picture of them together. Yes, I got the tank at Lululemon not too long ago! Totally going to check out Boden and Athleta–> THANK YOU!

https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-tanks/Run-Swiftly-Racerback-32974/_/prod120068?color=33563

Reply

Part of me was hoping it was long gone and out of stock.. but the other part of me is excited because now I have something coming in the mail! Thanks you! Enjoy your Thursday!

Reply

I think a lot of people compare themselves to old pictures, friends, etc. I made a decision about 2 years ago to let all of that go. A dear friend passed away at that time and left behind his sweet family and I just made the decision to not let negative thoughts take over my life. He was sick for years and was so positive and maintained a great attitude and if his wife can carry on and live a full life I can stop giving mental space to negativity. I now try to “be a great friend” to everyone I can and that makes me feel good about myself and helps beat back those thoughts. There will always be some comparisons but I now try to be positive and live a healthy, love filled life – I feel like it’s the least I can do in his honour ❤️ That my seem dramatic but it really has given my life some perspective.

Reply

Krista, thank you so much for sharing your story. I am so sorry about the loss of your friend (and his poor family)… thank you for sharing what you learned, it really helped me! Thank you. I hope you have a beautiful day and the lessons your learned are just what I needed to remember this morning.

Reply

I’ve had good luck with Athleta swimsuits.

I was off salads for a while too and still can’t handle them for TOO many days in a row but this week I suddenly got the craving! I love water chestnuts. They are super easy – find them in the canned food aisle, maybe in the Asian section if your supermarket has one. They are usually unsalted (which I like) so you just give them a quick rinse and add on top of the lettuce. I love the crunch!

I know you love some Oprah too… we all know about her weight ups and downs (and ups and downs which she freely admits!). I heard her in an interview (several years ago) say something along the lines of when she would look back at an old picture, she never thought she was that small/big at that time. She never thought of her current state – only that she always wanted to be smaller. And she said she wished she had appreciated herself so much more when she was small instead of wishing to be smaller… I’m totally botching this but your thoughts reminded me of that interview.

Reply

Love what you say about old pics…I think we all do it. But I also love R Kay’s comment above too, a great and constructive way to utilize old photos. I try to ask myself, “Where was I during this time mentally/emotionaly/physically? Better or worse than now? Would I trade the whole me now to look like the whole me then?” It’s a more productive thought process for me, I think. :)

I agree that most of my fave suits come from Target too. But, the modest/cute ones go fast, so shop early! I also like swimoutlet.com because they have cute things for reasonable prices. Good luck with shopping!

Reply

I just found Lime Ricki Swimwear from browsing through Instagram – all those mindless hours of scrolling finally paid off?? Anyway they have really practical but super cute swimsuits! I’m currently pregnant and just bought suits that will work during and after pregnancy.

Reply

Just found them on IG… THANK YOU!!! Their suits are adorable. I can’t wait to scroll through everything. Have an amazing day Laura and I hope you feel well and congrats on your pregnancy!

Reply

I <3 swimsuits. Swimoutlet is a great place for variety, but I have also been loving Jolyn recently: https://jolynclothing.com/

They have some really unique one pieces and bright colors.

Reply

Athleta and Landsend suits. I get the clearance athleta suits but they definitely hold up.
My girls are both swimmers, we are in spring tune up and gearing up for summer swim team. There are 250 kids on our swim team!!!

Reply

I didn’t even know that Athleta offered swimsuits and THEY ARE ADORABLE. Thank you so much! Oh that will be so fun to watch both of your girls on the swim team. I hope they have an amazing summer and that is a huge group!

Reply

I live in South Florida and love Athleta swimsuits! I am running after 2 boys so not wearing small bikinis! Bottoms have great coverage and love that you can wear any bikini top with an athleta rash guard over it and they are super cute! Plus dual purposed – you can work out in them and swim in them!

Reply

Right now both of my girls are in gymnastics and loving it. J ran her second race and did amazing in it. She loves when inlet her run with me. Maybe I’ll email you her version of the story for running accomplishments.

My second daughter always had some kind of fabric in her mouth and I don’t know how she stands it. It makes me gag haha.

Reply

I use that toner too and love it! Hope you like it.
I get my swimsuits from Athleta.com!! I have found the best fitting bikini tops on this site!
Avocado will forever be my favorite salad topping!

Reply

Ok I actually got a SUPER cute one piece at Walmart this year. And also I love the one pieces that Aerie has, and they don’t photoshop their models which I will always support!

Reply

Lands End swimsuits are excellent quality and actually pretty cute. I got an EVALESS tankini from Amazon last year and love it. It was cheap but it’s held up really well.

Reply

Have you looked at the Athleta website? Their swimsuits definitely flirt at the edge of feminine and sporty, and since Athleta is a Gap-owned company and you know how sizes from Gap are most likely to fit your body, you can probably estimate what to get from Athleta. And while I don’t own Athleta swimsuits (I have enormous insecurities and bad stories I need to change about my body, and the thought of swimsuits makes me want to cry, to be honest…), I have many friends who do and who have them for years. The quality is top notch (which I expect, as I am big on their athletic clothes which are, to me, totally top notch…)

My sentence of today is: I turned in final grades yesterday afternoon!!!!!

OK lady, I have to muster up the energy to go on a run. I am exhausted, and somehow my quads and outer thighs are sore more from barre yesterday than they have been for the last month that I’ve been trying barre classes, and I feel like a slug on my sofa. But those miles won’t just somehow magically get run, and if I don’t run them then I won’t inch closer to my 10k–and proving to myself that I can do it SAFELY and FREELY even with arthritis, right? So it’s time to go put on the running shorts and the tank top and get myself out the door…

Have a great day!!!

Reply

Running after strength training is so humbling but so good for pushing through on tired legs, right?! Lol. I love my Target swimsuits and I stopped there the other day – they have some super cute ones!! Good luck and keep us posted ?

Reply

I have worn swimsuits from both Athleta and Lands End– I like the ones that are little skirts or shorts, although I find the Athleta shorts difficult to fit correctly. I’m sort of in between a M and an L.

Perfect salad toppings: blue cheese, bacon (turkey if you’re being healthy), avocado, roasted salted pepitas, black olives, and craisins.

That’s my everday salad. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add either sweet potato or butternut squash cubes, switch the blue cheese out for goat cheese, and do fresh pomegranate seeds instead of craisins.

I think I could eat salad every day and never get sick of it.

Reply

I am swearing by Athleta swimsuits. A friend recommended them. They are very good post-baby (i.e.- padding in the cups, higher necklines, better at staying put while chasing little ones). They also don’t feel geriatric.

Toppings- pan roasted chickpeas with paprika, olive oil, and S&P. Good veggie protein and they feel fancy with little effort.

I am amazed by your strength work. I will now glaum on to your motivation and lift something today.

Reply

Amazing thoughts about old pictures! I SO do that! I need to stop!

I agree with Lands End for the swim suit recommendation. Their suits stay put, which as a mom I appreciate! I mean you’ve got to move when your a mama!

Reply

P.S. I’m ALL about herbs in my salads right now. Cilantro, Parsley or Basil are my favorites right now. Gives an extra punch!

Reply

Hi Janae, Check out Modcloth.com for some awesome swimsuits!!
They have a huge variety of one piece bathing suits that are super cute, but provide a little more coverage over the chest and butt area (I have difficulty finding suits that are modest enough that I feel comfortable and covered wearing them).
Even their two piece suits are great, if you want to show just a small amount of mid-drift but still have your butt covered or a high waist that covers the belly button. I don’t think they actually have any skimpy suits or thongs or anything on the site!
For readers – they have a huge size range from extra small up to plus sizes too.

Reply

Janae, I love what you said at the end of this post! It is so true, “Time to just be happy with the present because the past already happened and I want to be where I’m at now… not then.” YES! Heck to the YES! I still look at pictures of me from a couple or so years ago and catch myself wishing I looked like that today. Focusing on the present moment is so important! Because, if we don’t or even can’t focus on the present moment, than how can we continue to move forward for the future.
Thank you! :)

Reply

EXACTLY… you nailed it Kayla. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

Reply

You’re welcome! :-)

Reply

It can be SO easy to fall into the trap of comparisons – either to your past self or to others. Sometimes it’s useful as a motivation tactic but most of the time I find it’s just bad for my state of mind. The one thing I try to hold on to is the idea that I’m happy, healthy, and successful. I might not have the “perfect” body or fancy clothes/cars/houses/etc., but what I do have, I’ve achieved through hard work and major support from family and friends. And how could anyone be unhappy with themselves if they focus on that?!
I usually get my swimsuits from Target. I’m too nervous to buy online, I always have to try them on. Target has lots of variety and good options for more coverage that don’t make you look too frumpy.

Reply

Favorite swimsuits are from Athleta. I like a more sporty suit, and their rashguards are actually cute. Plus their stuff holds up really well.

Reply

Where is that park with the giant swing set???? We live in PG and my kids would love to go there!

Reply

Just emailed you!

Reply

Have you looked at Albion Fit for swimwear https://albionfit.com/collections/swims, super cute and modest. I’ve also ordered a couple of swimsuits for my 14 year old daughter from Cupshe, and some of the looks are similar, they are crazy cheap, and they seem to hold up pretty well so far, https://www.cupshe.com/

My 3 kiddos are currently in track right now and it’s so fun to watch them!

I’m currently buying bagged salads from Costco and adding a can of chicken, an apple, and an avocado to them.

Reply

I forgot all about Albion’s swimsuits and just drooled over everything… thank you! Checking out cupshe now… I really appreciate it. Oh that must be so fun to watch them.

That is the best way to do a salad… so good! Have a wonderful day!

Reply

I am OBSESSED with massaged kale lately. And it lasts in the fridge! I massage about half a bag of pre-washed, pre-chopped kale (still remove any lingering stems), 1/6cup olive oil, half a lemon. Store in a container. Days vary on the protein- either chicken, shrimp, salmon, or turkey deli meat. (costco sells an amazing Honey smoked salmon). I am obsessed with a Simple Truth Goddess dressing. Lately I have been adding onions, sweet bell peppers chopped, cucumber, hearts of palm. SO good. Last night I added some roasted potatoes (as the “croutons”)

Reply

Well, that sounds amazing!! Can I come over for lunch today? Also, I love that switch in croutons… roasted potatoes are the absolute best. Have a wonderful day Stephanie and thanks for sharing!

Reply

Do you have to have swimsuits? I think you can just wear a regular t shift that covers everything?

Reply

I get a lot of my swimsuits from Amazon. They are all a super good price and surprisingly good quality!

Reply

Also in the market for a new swimsuit…something that’s cute, stays put chasing kiddos, and is fitting for my 30’s :) . I have been looking at title nine but haven’t tried it yet, anyone else tried them?

Reply

I can’t wait to read all the recommendations for swimsuits! I have a 3 month old right now and am on the hunt for some mom friendly suits! Also, my son loves to put his blankets in his mouth too, or burp cloth, or bib… whatever cloth he has access too!
Love your thoughts on looking at older photos, something I have been doing a lot lately as I am feeling a bit self conscious in my postpartum journey. Not worth the head space for sure!

Reply

Congrats on your 3 month old!! I am sharing this article tomorrow in my post but I’m going to give it to you now because it was so helpful for me… I hope you love it too Cara!

http://www.themushymom.com/themushymommy/2018/4/25/were-not-meant-to-bounce-back-after-baby

Reply

Title 9 and Athleta are hands down my favorite places to get swimsuits. They are pricey, but they hold up swimming and running around with kids and last more than a season!!
All 3 of our kids played lacrosse for the 1st time this spring – it is SO MUCH FUN – both for the kids to play and parents to watch!

Reply

“Comparison is the thieve of joy.” Good stuff Teddy R. There are obvious exceptions to this but for the most part it’s true…comparison to others, even comparison to past self.

Reply

My oldest daughter was loving soccer (she’s 17)until she broke both of her shin bones this weekend? currently in the waiting room while she is in surgery. My younger 3 daughters are loving running club right now before summer cross country training starts.

Reply

This is awful Stephani! I am sooo sorry about your daughter. Please let me know how everything goes!

Reply

Thank you! Surgery went well. Staying overnight to help get her pain under control:( She’s been amazing through it all…tougher than her mama!

Reply

Thank you so much for letting me know. Continue to keep me updated… thinking about you guys!

Reply

When I was a baby I would always suck on blanket/towel tags, you know the tags that have like “90% cotton, machine wash cold” stuff on them. My parents still have a bunch of hand towels around the house with extremely frayed messed up tags still hanging on.

Reply

Athleta for swimsuits. I have some tops and bottoms that are years old, and when I want to update my swimsuit, I just pick new bottoms or tops from their current ones to match with what I already have. I can always find something to fit my current style/modesty (the older I get!) and then I’m not buying a whole new suit each summer. Oh…and if you have Gap rewards, you can use them at Athleta!!

Reply

Good luck with the strength class!! As for the old photo comparisons…it actually helps me to think about what was really going on behind the scenes in that picture. So, sure, I might have looked a certain way that I wish I looked like now (especially now that I’m in my 30s and I look back at pics at 22 and think, wow! Where were all those lines I see on my face today?!), BUT…the truth is, behind the smiles and posing in going-out clothes with my roommates, there was a girl who really struggled with an abusive boyfriend, body image issues, and a lot, a LOT of self-doubt. So…I’d rather take me now, 8 years later from those photos, with a few extra wrinkles, a different looking body, etc. than go back to that girl.

2.4 years ago…I don’t want to speak for you of course! But being a long-time reader of your blog, I feel pretty comfortable pointing out that you have blogged before about how tough this time before you met Andrew was, wanting to meet someone and fall in love with them and maybe have another baby. So if you’re looking at old photos and kind of struggling with looking a little different now, rejoice too in the fact that you also FEEL different now. A lot better! You’ve fallen in love, got married, and are building a happy, healthy family with Brooke, Knox and a NEW BABY! :) It’s all good, wonderful stuff!

Reply

YOU ARE 100% RIGHT. I read this and shook my head yes. Thank you for sharing Katie and girl, I am SO sorry about what you went through in your early twenties. You are a strong woman. xoxo

Reply

I compare myself to my old self all the time. Especially now being a new mom and everything not looking the same!

For swim suits I highly recommend both target online and swim suits for all. I found really good suits at both that I kept.

Salad toppings I’m loving lately: avocado, spiralized sweet potatoes, boathouse avacado salsa verde, corn chips, taco meat, really anything Mexican!

Reply

I find it helpful to remember in 2.4 years in the future I’ll wish I looked as good as I do now so I may as well make the most of it! ?

Reply

Oh I love that… I’m totally going to try that!

Reply

Hi Janae,

For swimsuits, you can try Summersalt. I ordered one and wore it nonstop on my vacation in March to St. Croix. So cute and very flattering!
Maureen

Reply

Was reading as I was feeling down about recent race pictures I just saw where I ran a PR, yet I’m fighting negative thoughts about how my body looks in the photos. Totally can relate with you and such a good message you shared! Thank you!

Reply

Sara, I am SO sorry you were dealing with these feelings too. CONGRATS on your PR and your body being in such an amazing place right now where it can PR. You are not alone and let’s work on this together:)

Reply

American Eagle has some really cute one pieces that are affordable and have free shipping. I have also found some Called to Surf suits on Amazon for a lot less than they sell for in store. I am in love with a few Pink Desert brand swimsuits as well.

Reply

Exactly my thoughts about the past. It’s funny how we appreciate ourselves for what we had when it’s gone. And not when we have it. I appreciate you, Janae, for who you were back then and who you are now, you are amazing and inspiring!

Reply

WOW. Thank you so much for your comment, it means a lot to me. You are so right… let’s appreciate ourselves for where we are at in the moment:) Have a beautiful weekend!

Reply

when i see old photos of myself, i usually end up feeling kind of surprised at how good i actually did look. (that sounds vain, i just don’t know how else to phrase it!) it’s just that i remember having the feelings of hating my body/skin/etc. so strongly at the time. when i see photos now, i realize that nothing was wrong with me. i’ve gotten better at self-love over the years, but man, is it a process. if only i could go back and tell my younger self to just stop worrying about everything–it all works out!

i’ve followed your blog for a looong time (well before brooke was even born! i always gauge how old i feel by how old my favorite blogger’s kids are, lol, because i started reading many of those blogs before they were born!). i’ve changed the blogs i read during that time, but i’ve always stuck with yours! plus, confession: i’m not even a runner!! *shocked face* i just truly love your honest and open personality. you seem like such a great person. and your dedication to running inspires me, even though i’m not a runner. plus, look at all you’ve accomplished since then! f you ask me, i think we just get better with age! :)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *