Some days are just one of those days. It's on those days that I miss the simple things the things I never thought to cherish and looking back wish I had.
1. Using the restroom ALONE
2. Showering 7 days a week
3. Putting on clean clothes, leaving the house 10 minutes later in clean clothes, no mom shoulder
4. White walls, sans handprints, markers, crayons
5. My own playlists while running or out and about, not the children's
6. Finding items where I left them, not in the trash or the play kitchen
7. Cooking dinner without someone pulling on my leg or yelling mommy
8. Eating dinner at a normal pace and spill free, not speed eating to be prepped to deal with a screaming kid or mopping up food/drink
9. Reading Adult Books
10. Finishing a simple task in the short time it truly takes, not being pulled away because someone is waking from nap sooner than anticipated (yup this sat for a bit as I was pulled in to get both kids since one woke up and decided the other should as well :) )
So for my childless readers, PLEASE cherish those things while you are able!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Sugar Sugar Sugar
I am a Sugar addict. I love sugar. As a young child, I climbed the counter tops to reach the highest cabinet to pull out the sugar to eat it by the spoonful. I am a Health addict. I love living a healthy lifestyle full of eating good quality foods and exercising. I am an oxymoron. For the most part, I have given up my sugar addiction as I've learned that there are many other ingredients in the candies and treats that I love so much, that cause me to have allergic type reactions (corn, soy, cow dairy). On occasion I still indulge myself (probably more than I would like to admit) and then I have to suffer the bodily consequences.
What's my point? I can proudly say that my children have never had baby food out of a jar. I took on making all of their mush and solid foods. I was adamant about not adding any sugar, or salt, to their foods until their first birthday. Truly, there is no nutritional benefit to adding sugar to food, especially for a little one. I don't keep juice in our home, with the exception of the occasional orange or green juice purchase. Fruit Juice is basically pure sugar. Eating an apple is a better choice then drinking apple juice. On standard, a 1 cup serving/8oz of 100% Apple Juice contains 114 calories, 0 grams of fiber, and 24 grams of sugar!!! Whereas, one small apple contains only 77 calories, at least 4 grams of fiber, and 17 grams of sugar. Besides, a child will easily down more than one cup of apple juice and often not even finish one apple. Think about the difference in sugar. Preschoolers are only recommended to have approx. 4 teaspoons of sugar per day/170 calories. One small cup of apple juice almost hits the mark. Eating whole fruits not only gives your child less sugar/fructose, it provides fiber and many other nutrients (varies based on fruit) that the juicing process often diminishes.
Don't be fooled by labels! I almost had a heart attack two Christmases ago as my mother tried to give my then 1.5 year old daughter Hansens Soda. Luckily I caught her in the act and prevented it. My mothers defense was, "It's all natural" Yup, all natural cane sugar...sugar sugar sugar.! All natural does NOT mean good for you! MSG is all natural! MSG is HORRIBLE for you! Oh and electrolytes, if you don't know what they are then why does your body need them (Gatorade)? Save that stuff for professional athletes, not children.
I hate to admit this, but I will, I am sometimes horrified by what I see other children eating, or not eating. Sugar should not be the number one ingredient in anything that a young child eats (BTW, corn syrup is sugar, and a genetically modified version of it as well). Don't get me wrong, my girls are given more sugar than even I would like (Daddy has a thing for dessert). Which is why it is so important, to me, that more often than not the girls are eating whole foods, real foods. After all, we are what we eat...I'd like my girls to be whole, real people, not chemically altered, sugar enhanced stuff.
I came across a great comparison chart of drinks from a Harvard Study. Here is the link
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/how-sweet-is-it/
What's my point? I can proudly say that my children have never had baby food out of a jar. I took on making all of their mush and solid foods. I was adamant about not adding any sugar, or salt, to their foods until their first birthday. Truly, there is no nutritional benefit to adding sugar to food, especially for a little one. I don't keep juice in our home, with the exception of the occasional orange or green juice purchase. Fruit Juice is basically pure sugar. Eating an apple is a better choice then drinking apple juice. On standard, a 1 cup serving/8oz of 100% Apple Juice contains 114 calories, 0 grams of fiber, and 24 grams of sugar!!! Whereas, one small apple contains only 77 calories, at least 4 grams of fiber, and 17 grams of sugar. Besides, a child will easily down more than one cup of apple juice and often not even finish one apple. Think about the difference in sugar. Preschoolers are only recommended to have approx. 4 teaspoons of sugar per day/170 calories. One small cup of apple juice almost hits the mark. Eating whole fruits not only gives your child less sugar/fructose, it provides fiber and many other nutrients (varies based on fruit) that the juicing process often diminishes.
Don't be fooled by labels! I almost had a heart attack two Christmases ago as my mother tried to give my then 1.5 year old daughter Hansens Soda. Luckily I caught her in the act and prevented it. My mothers defense was, "It's all natural" Yup, all natural cane sugar...sugar sugar sugar.! All natural does NOT mean good for you! MSG is all natural! MSG is HORRIBLE for you! Oh and electrolytes, if you don't know what they are then why does your body need them (Gatorade)? Save that stuff for professional athletes, not children.
I hate to admit this, but I will, I am sometimes horrified by what I see other children eating, or not eating. Sugar should not be the number one ingredient in anything that a young child eats (BTW, corn syrup is sugar, and a genetically modified version of it as well). Don't get me wrong, my girls are given more sugar than even I would like (Daddy has a thing for dessert). Which is why it is so important, to me, that more often than not the girls are eating whole foods, real foods. After all, we are what we eat...I'd like my girls to be whole, real people, not chemically altered, sugar enhanced stuff.
I came across a great comparison chart of drinks from a Harvard Study. Here is the link
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/how-sweet-is-it/
Friday, May 24, 2013
Why I will be called Mrs Beynon
I'll never forget a student telling me that I was mean when I said that my children's friends will call me Mrs. Beynon. Mean? I looked at him and simply said, "I am not their friend, I am their friends' parent and will therefore be called Mrs. B"
The truth of the matter is I continue to call the adults on the block where I grew up Mr and Mrs so and so. I see friends parents on Facebook and I still refer to them as Mr or Mrs so and so. It took me a long time, and her adamantly requesting it, to even call my mother in law by her first name. Call me old school, but I firmly believe addressing adults as Mr. and Mrs. is the proper thing to do.
I look at it this way: I know that my girls are going to back talk to me and sadly to other adults, not because it is acceptable, rather because they are kids that will, heck already do, test boundaries. I am sure that they will have friends that test those boundaries with me as well. However, it is a lot more difficult to roll your eyes and mouth off to someone when addressing them properly, Mrs. Beynon, then when using their first name, Rita. Try it. Mr. and Mrs. command respect; these titles state, I am the adult and as such the person in charge, not because you are not respected, but because you are young and as such more apt to make bad decisions. Mr. and Mrs. teach children that their is a hierarchy. There are people older and wiser who should not only be treated with respect but spoken to with respect.
I did not become a parent in order to have more friends. I have plenty of friends and family who can call me Rita. The friends of my daughters will not have that privilege. Mrs. Beynon, Mrs. B., Mrs. Rita, maybe, Auntie Rita, for those closest, that will become my name to all the little rascals in my life. I request this name out of love and a desire to teach today's youth that there are those of us who have come before you, you are not the first nor will you be the last, you must earn respect and work hard in this life, and you can start by appreciating us old people and learning a thing or two from us. This is for Mr. & Mrs. Buschman, Mr. & Mrs. Greene, Mr. and Mrs. Primo, Mr. & Mrs. Reed, Mr. & Mrs. Menna, Mr. and Mrs. Carducci, Mr. & Mrs. Dunn, Mr. & Mrs. Harrell, Mr.& Mrs. Brady, Mrs. Graf, and all of the other parents of friends (the list could go on forever) who influenced me at so many different stages in so many different ways. I love you all and will always address you as Mr. and Mrs. (sorry can't teach an old dog new tricks).
The truth of the matter is I continue to call the adults on the block where I grew up Mr and Mrs so and so. I see friends parents on Facebook and I still refer to them as Mr or Mrs so and so. It took me a long time, and her adamantly requesting it, to even call my mother in law by her first name. Call me old school, but I firmly believe addressing adults as Mr. and Mrs. is the proper thing to do.
I look at it this way: I know that my girls are going to back talk to me and sadly to other adults, not because it is acceptable, rather because they are kids that will, heck already do, test boundaries. I am sure that they will have friends that test those boundaries with me as well. However, it is a lot more difficult to roll your eyes and mouth off to someone when addressing them properly, Mrs. Beynon, then when using their first name, Rita. Try it. Mr. and Mrs. command respect; these titles state, I am the adult and as such the person in charge, not because you are not respected, but because you are young and as such more apt to make bad decisions. Mr. and Mrs. teach children that their is a hierarchy. There are people older and wiser who should not only be treated with respect but spoken to with respect.
I did not become a parent in order to have more friends. I have plenty of friends and family who can call me Rita. The friends of my daughters will not have that privilege. Mrs. Beynon, Mrs. B., Mrs. Rita, maybe, Auntie Rita, for those closest, that will become my name to all the little rascals in my life. I request this name out of love and a desire to teach today's youth that there are those of us who have come before you, you are not the first nor will you be the last, you must earn respect and work hard in this life, and you can start by appreciating us old people and learning a thing or two from us. This is for Mr. & Mrs. Buschman, Mr. & Mrs. Greene, Mr. and Mrs. Primo, Mr. & Mrs. Reed, Mr. & Mrs. Menna, Mr. and Mrs. Carducci, Mr. & Mrs. Dunn, Mr. & Mrs. Harrell, Mr.& Mrs. Brady, Mrs. Graf, and all of the other parents of friends (the list could go on forever) who influenced me at so many different stages in so many different ways. I love you all and will always address you as Mr. and Mrs. (sorry can't teach an old dog new tricks).
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
2 New Favorite snacks
Ordering Thai food one night made me think that I needed to make a peanut sauce/dip for the girls that wouldn't be too spicy. Some quick web search and a little improv and I have a new go to fav. The best thing about this dip is that it can be eaten as a stand alone, a dip for ANYTHING, meat, fruit, veggies, and even frozen into popsicles that are good enough for breakfast or dessert!
Nut Butter Yogurt
1 cup plain yogurt (again, my go to is goat yogurt)
1/3-3/4 cup nut butter (depends on how nutty you prefer, I go high end)
1 teaspoon honey (optional, I use only raw honey and lately from a clients hive..omg, amazing; also keep in mind honey is not recommended for kiddos under 1)
Dash or two of cinnamon (I can be heavy handed on this, but we like that around here)
I mix in the food processor to get a good blend, but you could mix by hand. Super simple and delish!
#2: I met a local woman who is a Holistic Nutritionist a few months back and completely fell in love with her food! She is a big advocate of coconut and I enthusiastically jumped on the coconut bandwagon. She has this recipe for a coconut avocado mango puree for babies. Scrumptious beyond belief! I've played with the recipe a bit and have created what I now call baby guac.
Baby Guacamole
1/2 cup coconut meat from a Thai Young Coconut
1/4-1/2 of an avocado
handful of organic spinach (or kale)
Papaya or Mango (no more than 1/2, depending on size on fruit)
Puree, eat straight up or as a dip. I also freeze this one and serve it as a breakfast popsicle or to poor Sloane who is teething beyond what is fair. I am also going to try adding in diced tomatoes for more of a salsa effect.
BTW, the nutritionist's name is Rebekah and her website is justgoodenergy.com Again, I highly recommend her recipes! She has even got me making my own nut butters and I think I will never go back:) We also love her Cacao Walnut Date Chia snacks! I think I need to make some of those tomorrow!
Happy Eating
Nut Butter Yogurt
1 cup plain yogurt (again, my go to is goat yogurt)
1/3-3/4 cup nut butter (depends on how nutty you prefer, I go high end)
1 teaspoon honey (optional, I use only raw honey and lately from a clients hive..omg, amazing; also keep in mind honey is not recommended for kiddos under 1)
Dash or two of cinnamon (I can be heavy handed on this, but we like that around here)
I mix in the food processor to get a good blend, but you could mix by hand. Super simple and delish!
#2: I met a local woman who is a Holistic Nutritionist a few months back and completely fell in love with her food! She is a big advocate of coconut and I enthusiastically jumped on the coconut bandwagon. She has this recipe for a coconut avocado mango puree for babies. Scrumptious beyond belief! I've played with the recipe a bit and have created what I now call baby guac.
Baby Guacamole
1/2 cup coconut meat from a Thai Young Coconut
1/4-1/2 of an avocado
handful of organic spinach (or kale)
Papaya or Mango (no more than 1/2, depending on size on fruit)
Puree, eat straight up or as a dip. I also freeze this one and serve it as a breakfast popsicle or to poor Sloane who is teething beyond what is fair. I am also going to try adding in diced tomatoes for more of a salsa effect.
BTW, the nutritionist's name is Rebekah and her website is justgoodenergy.com Again, I highly recommend her recipes! She has even got me making my own nut butters and I think I will never go back:) We also love her Cacao Walnut Date Chia snacks! I think I need to make some of those tomorrow!
Happy Eating
Monday, May 20, 2013
Home Made Paints
Ok, I've seen all the home made safe paint stuff out there on other blogs and Pinterest and truly I've thought, "cool, I'll save that idea, but I think buying paint is a little easier, it's non toxic, etc etc etc". Well, I finally caved! Poor Sloane kept walking over to the basket with all of the empty paints in it, pulling them out, asking to have them opened and then was stuck playing with dry paint. I felt bad for the little thing, Blaire was napping, so I thought what the Hell, can't be hard. SERIOUSLY, it WASN'T!! Not only was it easy, I thought it was way more fun than standard paint. It was kind of gooey, dried quickly, and looked pretty! I'm totally sold on the home made, edible (though seriously it's not exactly healthy, just not going to hurt) painting.
Here it is: Remember I found this on the internet somewhere, there are many different versions on many different sites.
Ingredients:
Here it is: Remember I found this on the internet somewhere, there are many different versions on many different sites.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- food coloring
I then separated into a muffin pan, added a few drops of coloring into each and VOILA, paints
Now, Go out and PAINT!
My next 30
In the past week I've had two questions asked of me, 1. Do I miss my job teaching? 2. Am I okay with not exercising as much as I did pre-children/as much as I may wish I did? The answers to which came more easily than I ever could have imagined, 1. Nope 2. Yes.
Here's the thing, I am a Mom. I get the opportunity to teach my own children, every day. I can't remember one day in the classroom or one workout that ever came close to that in terms of the joy it brings me. My children are far from angels. They challenge me in ways, physically and emotionally, that I never dreamed possible. With them I've grown; I've learned that patience is a commodity that some days is harder to come by. I've learned that strength is so much more than how many squats I can do or how fast I can run; it's about being able to carry a screaming toddler away from a birthday party while consoling a baby who is hungry and not falling to the ground in tears because I am exhausted. I've learned what it truly means to be exhausted. I've gotten to see the joy in a baby's face as she walked across the room for the first time and hear her cackle as she realized the doggie door is her escape route. I've jumped for joy with my daughter as she tackled obstacles that lay in front of her, even those as simple as navigating up a slide or getting a sock on all by herself. I've learned that sometimes a band aid can make anything better (bonus if they are pretty ;) ) I've learned that the time I do have to myself, to use it wisely, so though my workouts though shorter, are more often than not of better quality (minus those days when I'm truly exhausted).
Here's the thing: I had 30 years to myself. I had 30 years to play sports, party, train, & sleep til noon (though I don't think I ever did). I had 30 years to be selfish. I cherish those 30 years. Though, I have this nagging feeling that it's these next 30 that I will cherish even more, and I never want to look back and say, "I wish I spent more time with my children." To me, that would be the greatest travesty. How about you?
Here's the thing, I am a Mom. I get the opportunity to teach my own children, every day. I can't remember one day in the classroom or one workout that ever came close to that in terms of the joy it brings me. My children are far from angels. They challenge me in ways, physically and emotionally, that I never dreamed possible. With them I've grown; I've learned that patience is a commodity that some days is harder to come by. I've learned that strength is so much more than how many squats I can do or how fast I can run; it's about being able to carry a screaming toddler away from a birthday party while consoling a baby who is hungry and not falling to the ground in tears because I am exhausted. I've learned what it truly means to be exhausted. I've gotten to see the joy in a baby's face as she walked across the room for the first time and hear her cackle as she realized the doggie door is her escape route. I've jumped for joy with my daughter as she tackled obstacles that lay in front of her, even those as simple as navigating up a slide or getting a sock on all by herself. I've learned that sometimes a band aid can make anything better (bonus if they are pretty ;) ) I've learned that the time I do have to myself, to use it wisely, so though my workouts though shorter, are more often than not of better quality (minus those days when I'm truly exhausted).
Here's the thing: I had 30 years to myself. I had 30 years to play sports, party, train, & sleep til noon (though I don't think I ever did). I had 30 years to be selfish. I cherish those 30 years. Though, I have this nagging feeling that it's these next 30 that I will cherish even more, and I never want to look back and say, "I wish I spent more time with my children." To me, that would be the greatest travesty. How about you?
Friday, May 17, 2013
Paper Bracelets and Exercise
Blaire and I were having a nice lunch this week, coloring and eating and we came up with a great activity together than was easy, doable during lunch, and finished in time for nap. Can't be much better than that! Blaire is currently obsessed with the scissors that cut fancy edges She was cutting different shapes and I realized that the one looked like a diamond and Voila paper braclets came to life! I had her use the scissors to cut strips, which we then colored. We also colored the shapes she had cut previous. A little tape, or you could use glue, I chose tape to be quick, to put the pieces together, then wrap around the writs, tape it closed and we had beautiful paper bracelets.
I've recently discovered that I can use our mini swing set as a means for exercise! If you have a back yard play set this one is for you! Can also be done in a park (yes I am sometimes that mom)
Slide Tricep Pushups. While waiting for the kiddo(s) to get set up place your hands on the sides of the slide and do your push ups, remember tricep push ups or narrow hand position, shoulders stacked on top of wrists, if your slide is wide then you can make them chest ones or find a different spot. To make them more challenging lower yourself closer to bottom of slide, coming closer to ground, easier go up the slide to almost a full standing position
Swing Hamstring Curls: to be done with CAUTION!! You could easily get hurt trying these and should only be done if you have swings that are lower to the ground (12 inches from ground) heels on swing, you lay on ground, lift hips off of ground and then maintaining the lift pull swing towards your bottom, pressing hips up slightly as you do so to keep knees comfortable.
Swing AB Curls: Flip yourself around, hold a plank with ankles on swing; either just do plank holds or ab a knee pull towards your middle, engaging the abdominals and slightly lifting butt up as you pull your knees towards your stomach. 5-10 reps. Again: PROCEED WITH CAUTION, Swings should be no ore than 1-1/2 feet from ground level.
Pull ups: That's right, grab the top the swing set and go for it!
Swing Lunges: One foot on a swing the other in front. Lunge! Bend your front knee so that the swing goes back and keep the front knee stacked on top of the front ankle. 8-15 each side. Caution on these, they are tough and you may need to hold onto something for balance. Also, if your swings are high off the ground I don't recommend this one as that will transfer into your back and hips.
Finally, have some fun with the kiddos. How many times can they swing while you run around the perimeter of the yard, or play area? Have your kiddo count while you run/jog! Learning can be done at all times! Do Jumping Jacks together, count to 30 then take a 30 second break (counting to 30 again or 60 for older kids), Repeat! Tuck Jumps...jump pulling knees to chest, almost giving yourself a hug. Count to 10, try a language other than your own! Repeat!
Wishing you all a Fun, Healthy, Loving Weekend
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Im the Bad Mom
I ran into a friend/acquaintance in the grocery store today; our youngest children are a little over a month apart in age. I was the lucky one today because I was childless :) We stopped to catch up a bit and realized that we had stopped pretty much in the middle of the parking lot, cars trying to get by and her little one wanting out of the cart, an mobile enough to make that happen. We shifted to the side a bit. As we were parting ways she made the comment about how she's a bad mom, seeing as a few people pointed out in the store that her little one was going to fall out of the cart. My response was that I usually tell those people that I can take care of my own child, thank you.
That's when it hit me, people probably think that I am the bad/negligent/crazy mom. More often than not my kiddos are climbing up anything in sight, moving things around, screaming, in both joy and frustration, getting their heads stuck in fences (seriously just happened at Disney), running away down the street, etc. Yes, I know that all kids basically do these things, the difference is that sometimes I don't see it until it has been pointed out by an onlooker, whom I'm sure is disgusted with my parenting, or until someone needs a band aid. As I have been sitting here writing my youngest has climbed out of the doggie door no less than two times to go outside to pick strawberries for herself.
Here's the thing: I believe that I am a good mom. I know that yes may kids may get hurt because I am not hovering over them at all times. I am okay with that. My girls get dirty and scraped up daily. I believe that that is a sign of a good day. We all know what role experience has played for ourselves in the learning process, and that should go for children as well. If they don't experience climbing and falling, how else with they learn about fear and thrill, and yes, pain? How will they learn to follow their instinct?
I'm raising two strong willed, independent young girls. I firmly believe that by allowing them to have space to go explore on their own from the moment they can move on their own, has contributed to them being independent and strong. People are often amazed at how my girls can play independently and have been able to from the get go and all I can say is that that is what I have allowed them to do. They get to be themselves. Bonus: sometimes I can go to the bathroom all alone ;)
That's when it hit me, people probably think that I am the bad/negligent/crazy mom. More often than not my kiddos are climbing up anything in sight, moving things around, screaming, in both joy and frustration, getting their heads stuck in fences (seriously just happened at Disney), running away down the street, etc. Yes, I know that all kids basically do these things, the difference is that sometimes I don't see it until it has been pointed out by an onlooker, whom I'm sure is disgusted with my parenting, or until someone needs a band aid. As I have been sitting here writing my youngest has climbed out of the doggie door no less than two times to go outside to pick strawberries for herself.
Here's the thing: I believe that I am a good mom. I know that yes may kids may get hurt because I am not hovering over them at all times. I am okay with that. My girls get dirty and scraped up daily. I believe that that is a sign of a good day. We all know what role experience has played for ourselves in the learning process, and that should go for children as well. If they don't experience climbing and falling, how else with they learn about fear and thrill, and yes, pain? How will they learn to follow their instinct?
I'm raising two strong willed, independent young girls. I firmly believe that by allowing them to have space to go explore on their own from the moment they can move on their own, has contributed to them being independent and strong. People are often amazed at how my girls can play independently and have been able to from the get go and all I can say is that that is what I have allowed them to do. They get to be themselves. Bonus: sometimes I can go to the bathroom all alone ;)
Monday, May 13, 2013
one more thing
"There is a pile of shorts that need to be washed for tomorrow on the floor" This is what my husband tells me while I am on my way from work to the Chiropractors. "ok, got it." In my head, "seriously, you're kidding right? You don't have any clean shorts that will work for tomorrow?"
We are going to Disney tomorrow for Blaire's first time! WOOHOO! and BOOHOO! all at once. It was a gift from her grandparents and tomorrow is the day that works best for them before her bday. Ok. Of course, after my Dr. apt I need to get home and have lunch with the girls and have some mommy and girl time. Blaire and I made paper bracelets today. We are leaving for LA tonight, driving during the time when the girls are at their hungriest and planning on a latish dinner with the grand parents. Who's taking care of the dog? Ok, I'm on it. Dog sitter, check. How about all of the clothing needed for tonight, including stuff for bath? Tomorrow's clothing, diapers, back up clothing and underwear, SNACKS! Snacks are a HUGE thing around here seeing as my girls believe themselves to be starving. And car snacks, going to need them for tonight's drive if we plan on having any sanity. Ok, so I need to make a bag for snacks, a separate one for car snacks, PJs, Bath stuff, Clothes for tomorrow for both girls, diapers, and all the other crap the girls need. OH shit, Car activities! Traffic is unpredictable, my families ability to stick to schedule even more unpredictable. Strike that, predictably late. Thus, the girls will need things to keep them entertained or they will go ballistic, better take care of that as well. Don't forget to wash and dry Brian's shorts so that he has what he needs. Sounds like everything, right?
Am I complaining about the mommy list? Yes! Don't get me wrong I love my life, but seriously these are the times when you want to just say, "you know what? I don't want to be in charge to pack all of this crap! Let's just skip this." Brian will get home late, because that is the gene pool he is from, and he will find at least 2 things he needs to do before we go. I will be annoyed that I had to get all of his things together on top of the girls things, on top of taking care of a dog sitter, on top of the daily stuff, on top having to call and confirm dinner with the grandparents, on top of on top of on top of! UGGGGH! I don't think, at least I hope, that I am not alone when I say that these are the things that can drive a mom nuts. And, if anything goes wrong, or is forgotten, it will ultimately be my fault; it will not be said, but I will feel it because that's part of being a mom, mom-guilt. Better go get those shorts in the dryer
We are going to Disney tomorrow for Blaire's first time! WOOHOO! and BOOHOO! all at once. It was a gift from her grandparents and tomorrow is the day that works best for them before her bday. Ok. Of course, after my Dr. apt I need to get home and have lunch with the girls and have some mommy and girl time. Blaire and I made paper bracelets today. We are leaving for LA tonight, driving during the time when the girls are at their hungriest and planning on a latish dinner with the grand parents. Who's taking care of the dog? Ok, I'm on it. Dog sitter, check. How about all of the clothing needed for tonight, including stuff for bath? Tomorrow's clothing, diapers, back up clothing and underwear, SNACKS! Snacks are a HUGE thing around here seeing as my girls believe themselves to be starving. And car snacks, going to need them for tonight's drive if we plan on having any sanity. Ok, so I need to make a bag for snacks, a separate one for car snacks, PJs, Bath stuff, Clothes for tomorrow for both girls, diapers, and all the other crap the girls need. OH shit, Car activities! Traffic is unpredictable, my families ability to stick to schedule even more unpredictable. Strike that, predictably late. Thus, the girls will need things to keep them entertained or they will go ballistic, better take care of that as well. Don't forget to wash and dry Brian's shorts so that he has what he needs. Sounds like everything, right?
Am I complaining about the mommy list? Yes! Don't get me wrong I love my life, but seriously these are the times when you want to just say, "you know what? I don't want to be in charge to pack all of this crap! Let's just skip this." Brian will get home late, because that is the gene pool he is from, and he will find at least 2 things he needs to do before we go. I will be annoyed that I had to get all of his things together on top of the girls things, on top of taking care of a dog sitter, on top of the daily stuff, on top having to call and confirm dinner with the grandparents, on top of on top of on top of! UGGGGH! I don't think, at least I hope, that I am not alone when I say that these are the things that can drive a mom nuts. And, if anything goes wrong, or is forgotten, it will ultimately be my fault; it will not be said, but I will feel it because that's part of being a mom, mom-guilt. Better go get those shorts in the dryer
Ive become my Mom!?!
As a teenager I remember over hearing my mom talking to another parent and being mortified as she went on and on about the wonderful things I had done. I distinctly recall yelling at her to stop bragging and that it was not ok for her to talk to anyone about me, especially if it was to brag. Well, I've become my mom, which if you know me, is kind of my biggest fear (don't get me wrong I love my mom, but if you know me you'd understand). No, I don't go around telling people how great my girls are, not exactly anyway. I DO post pictures on Instagram and Facebook, how conveniently they link up together. My pictures are 90% of the time of my girls doing various things, looking cute or silly or even ugly. Without saying anything at all, I'm saying "look at my girls, aren't they __________, fill in the blank. Look here at what they are doing" I would have screamed at my mother had she committed an atrocity such as this. Yet, here I am, almost daily, posting pictures of my children (or dog). I use social media as a way to show off my girls, or really anything good that is going on in my life. I tell myself, and my husband, that I use these medias as a way to "stay connected" to my friends, seeing as I moved 3000 miles away from where I grew up. However, as connected as I am to these medias, have I become any more connected to these people? Can any one of them tell me anything about my girls other than what they see in a picture? Or how about something about me, as I rarely post pictures of myself (what can I say my girls are cuter;) ) Social Media has not made me or kept me connected to my friends. Honestly, it has done the opposite as I have relied on social media as a way to communicate rather then picking up a damn phone or sending a letter or something that really shows, "hey, I like you and want to chat to see how you are doing" We have all been fooled by Social Media. Truly you do not have 500 friends. We use this technology to show off. How often do you show pictures of the bad times or write posts about them? If you did, people would probably complain about it. Nope, we, I, use social media as a way to show everyone else all of the really cool things we do/have. Is that bad? I don't know; I don't think that it is necessarily bad to focus on the positive rather than the negative, to look at other people's happy times as a way to remind yourself to be happy or get ideas. Let's just stop fooling ourselves into believing that we are using social media to stay connected to one another. Admit that it's a place to show off. HELL, I'm Queen Bragger (and only a little ashamed). I have become my mom. Sorry girls, I swear it is all out of love and because you truly are what my life is about. Besides, it's keeping me connected ;)
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Happy Mothers Day
There is no better job in the world than that of being a Mother. And I should know, because I am a mother and mothers know everything. Doesn't that come with the turf? Seriously, I never really knew that I would enjoy spending my days with girls as much as I do. I was certain I wanted to be a full time working mom, and although I do not work full time in the outside world, I work full time, as all moms do, in the family world and I wouldn't change that for anything.
Funny thing about Mothers Day: What is it that most Moms want most? Time AWAY from the family! Kind of ironic isn't it? And, those of you moms saying to yourself "no, that's not what I want." I think that you are full of it, or too scared to ask for it. Seriously, I received a text saying I hope you get some you time tomorrow. While out running this morning, on my me time, though I had one kiddo with me, in the parks were kids with Daddies, not mommies. I ran past many women out together, sans kids and men. We celebrate being moms by NOT being moms! Personally, I think that it is the BEST way to celebrate oneself...take time for oneself. We are on duty 24/7, no sick time, no vacation time. So, ONE day to take a few hours to just be you, no kids, no husband, to do something that brings you bliss, well that is what you NEED and DESERVE! Don't be afraid to take it!
Happy Mothers Day to all of you wonderful Mommies and Mommies to be! Remember, no matter how hard the days may get, how much you may want to scream and run away sometimes, you are doing an AMAZING job being a mom, which makes you an AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL woman!
ENJOY. XOXO
My LOVES
Funny thing about Mothers Day: What is it that most Moms want most? Time AWAY from the family! Kind of ironic isn't it? And, those of you moms saying to yourself "no, that's not what I want." I think that you are full of it, or too scared to ask for it. Seriously, I received a text saying I hope you get some you time tomorrow. While out running this morning, on my me time, though I had one kiddo with me, in the parks were kids with Daddies, not mommies. I ran past many women out together, sans kids and men. We celebrate being moms by NOT being moms! Personally, I think that it is the BEST way to celebrate oneself...take time for oneself. We are on duty 24/7, no sick time, no vacation time. So, ONE day to take a few hours to just be you, no kids, no husband, to do something that brings you bliss, well that is what you NEED and DESERVE! Don't be afraid to take it!
Happy Mothers Day to all of you wonderful Mommies and Mommies to be! Remember, no matter how hard the days may get, how much you may want to scream and run away sometimes, you are doing an AMAZING job being a mom, which makes you an AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL woman!
ENJOY. XOXO
My LOVESFriday, May 10, 2013
Where did all the Friendships go?
While being with a group of moms this morning, whom I realized I missed chatting with weekly, I got to think about friendships and how kids can ultimately change friendships without ever wanting them to. Anyone that has kids of their own knows how much their life changes, more than imaginable. Seriously, you go into being a parent saying, "yea yeah I know my life is going to change, I won't sleep for years, I have to wipe someone elses ass for years, I will learn to think that hearing mommy, mommy, mommy, in a screechy voice is not only not cute, but not funny. " What you don't go into parenting knowing is your world changes beyond anything anyone could have warned you about and in more ways then you knew were possible. It's more than a priority shift. I wish I could even explain it, but until you have kids of your own, I will be honest, You just don't get it.
Back to point: Usually when you are having kids many of your friends are having kids as well and we think, "awesome, my kid has friends from birth now. These kiddos will be BFF's like me and mom, or the dads, and life will be grand" Unfortunately, I don't think that we are ever prepared for when this doesn't work out. Besides the fact that all kids are different and won't necessarily be interested in the same things, duh! Parents are all different and how we choose to parent is different. If I tell my child, "No you may not throw balls at that seagull", but my BFF laughs as her child does, where does that leave us? See, I told you, having kids changes your world in ways you never thought.
I happen to be a parent who believes in Attachment Parenting, because it has been what works for us as a family. I believe that you harm your kid more than hurt them if you hover over them constantly and never allow them to fall and get hurt, physically and emotionally. I believe that you should hug your kid when they fall and get hurt. I believe that children need defined boundaries/rules and that consequences when these are not upheld, at any age, are necessary. I believe that children are smart, loving beings who need to be guided not dictated. I believe in vaccinations.
I have stood and watched friends and acquaintances hover over their children, physically guiding them through tasks and seriously felt frustrated. I have listened to others tell stories of biting their child back or pulling their hair after the child pulled theirs. I think my blood boiled. I have had my children get sick after spending time with partially or non vaccinated children. My own mother still dictates to me what I should be doing or rather what the appropriate way to do something is (whole other blog ;) ) and I cringe. I've seen children hit without being reprimanded. I've witnessed children telling their parents what to do or give them and parents following the commands of their children. I've felt angry.
So, where does that leave my friendships with these women/men with whom I've spent countless hours? I do not want my child to think that it is okay to be forced to do things a certain way, or worse that they can not be accomplished without me holding their hand. I don't want my children to be sick. I don't want my children to be hit or name called. I don't want my children to think it is okay to command others, especially their parents, to do their bidding. If I continue to place my children in situations where they are constantly with these children and parents then I am teaching them that I am okay with those things, which I am not. I have to make a decision to either allow these people to be a part of our lives or perhaps kindly decline on invitations and even possibly have the most horrendous conversation about our parenting systems colliding with one another, probably blaming myself and my slightly granola ways, and that we will be spending some time away, from them. OUCH. Is there a nicer way to do this?
Parenting is a tricky business. I do not believe that one way of parenting is better than another (well, except for my way, of course ;) ) All joking aside, it's tough enough at times agreeing on how to parent with your own spouse, let alone your friends. Sometimes, sadly, friendships change, they need to change, when parenting is involved. It's not an easy thing to do, but that's the thing, Parenting isn't easy. If it were anyone, could be a parent (oh wait shit, anyone can be a parent, there goes that argument) Restated: not everyone SHOULD be a parent. Just because one friendship may have run its course (or is put on hold for a bit) shouldn't make us question ourselves and our ways. Rather it should reinforce to us that we are good parents because we are doing what is in the best interest of our children, not ourselves, which is what parenting is all about.
Back to point: Usually when you are having kids many of your friends are having kids as well and we think, "awesome, my kid has friends from birth now. These kiddos will be BFF's like me and mom, or the dads, and life will be grand" Unfortunately, I don't think that we are ever prepared for when this doesn't work out. Besides the fact that all kids are different and won't necessarily be interested in the same things, duh! Parents are all different and how we choose to parent is different. If I tell my child, "No you may not throw balls at that seagull", but my BFF laughs as her child does, where does that leave us? See, I told you, having kids changes your world in ways you never thought.
I happen to be a parent who believes in Attachment Parenting, because it has been what works for us as a family. I believe that you harm your kid more than hurt them if you hover over them constantly and never allow them to fall and get hurt, physically and emotionally. I believe that you should hug your kid when they fall and get hurt. I believe that children need defined boundaries/rules and that consequences when these are not upheld, at any age, are necessary. I believe that children are smart, loving beings who need to be guided not dictated. I believe in vaccinations.
I have stood and watched friends and acquaintances hover over their children, physically guiding them through tasks and seriously felt frustrated. I have listened to others tell stories of biting their child back or pulling their hair after the child pulled theirs. I think my blood boiled. I have had my children get sick after spending time with partially or non vaccinated children. My own mother still dictates to me what I should be doing or rather what the appropriate way to do something is (whole other blog ;) ) and I cringe. I've seen children hit without being reprimanded. I've witnessed children telling their parents what to do or give them and parents following the commands of their children. I've felt angry.
So, where does that leave my friendships with these women/men with whom I've spent countless hours? I do not want my child to think that it is okay to be forced to do things a certain way, or worse that they can not be accomplished without me holding their hand. I don't want my children to be sick. I don't want my children to be hit or name called. I don't want my children to think it is okay to command others, especially their parents, to do their bidding. If I continue to place my children in situations where they are constantly with these children and parents then I am teaching them that I am okay with those things, which I am not. I have to make a decision to either allow these people to be a part of our lives or perhaps kindly decline on invitations and even possibly have the most horrendous conversation about our parenting systems colliding with one another, probably blaming myself and my slightly granola ways, and that we will be spending some time away, from them. OUCH. Is there a nicer way to do this?
Parenting is a tricky business. I do not believe that one way of parenting is better than another (well, except for my way, of course ;) ) All joking aside, it's tough enough at times agreeing on how to parent with your own spouse, let alone your friends. Sometimes, sadly, friendships change, they need to change, when parenting is involved. It's not an easy thing to do, but that's the thing, Parenting isn't easy. If it were anyone, could be a parent (oh wait shit, anyone can be a parent, there goes that argument) Restated: not everyone SHOULD be a parent. Just because one friendship may have run its course (or is put on hold for a bit) shouldn't make us question ourselves and our ways. Rather it should reinforce to us that we are good parents because we are doing what is in the best interest of our children, not ourselves, which is what parenting is all about.
Weekend Warrior
My husband and I used to call ourselves Weekend Warriors when it came to things like Hiking and Rock Climbing, seeing as the weekend was the only time we had to do these things (damn work). I understand that for many people the weekends truly are the only time available for exercise. So I ask you, What kind of Warrior will you be this weekend?
1. Cardio: love it, hate, it, indifferent to it...I don't care just do it. Get your heart rate up, break a sweat, and burn some calories. Go for a walk, but take the hill route or stairs. Or try: 2 min at a quick pace, 1 min at an easier pace, 8-10 times.
2. Squats & Lunges are an asses best friend. There are so many variations of each to choose from. I like Around the World lunges because of the variety it offers in one move (lunge front, side, back, side for 1 rep) Squat: narrow stance, wide stance, rotated stance
3. Tricep Dips on a chair, push ups (knees/toes/on a wall), shoulder raises front and side (use something equivalent to 3-8lbs in each hand), and bicep curls (weight 3-12 lbs each hand) Can be done consecutively/with out rest, 10-15 reps each 1-3xs through
4. Stretch!! I will admit I am a terrible stretcher. I wish I practiced what I preach here and I am getting better. Stretching is important to keeping your muscles healthy and strong. Too much tension creates a bad environment, just as much physically as it does emotionally. SO take the tiem to stretch.
If you didn't realize all of these things can be accomplished with or without your child/dren present :) That's how I roll!
Happy Weekend Warriors! Happy Mothers Day to the Mommy Warriors!
1. Cardio: love it, hate, it, indifferent to it...I don't care just do it. Get your heart rate up, break a sweat, and burn some calories. Go for a walk, but take the hill route or stairs. Or try: 2 min at a quick pace, 1 min at an easier pace, 8-10 times.
2. Squats & Lunges are an asses best friend. There are so many variations of each to choose from. I like Around the World lunges because of the variety it offers in one move (lunge front, side, back, side for 1 rep) Squat: narrow stance, wide stance, rotated stance
3. Tricep Dips on a chair, push ups (knees/toes/on a wall), shoulder raises front and side (use something equivalent to 3-8lbs in each hand), and bicep curls (weight 3-12 lbs each hand) Can be done consecutively/with out rest, 10-15 reps each 1-3xs through
4. Stretch!! I will admit I am a terrible stretcher. I wish I practiced what I preach here and I am getting better. Stretching is important to keeping your muscles healthy and strong. Too much tension creates a bad environment, just as much physically as it does emotionally. SO take the tiem to stretch.
If you didn't realize all of these things can be accomplished with or without your child/dren present :) That's how I roll!
Happy Weekend Warriors! Happy Mothers Day to the Mommy Warriors!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Please do not stop me on the way out
I feel like strangling the Greenpeace people, political activists, girl scouts, or basically anyone who hangs out outside of the grocery store and attempts to get me on the way out. Don't get me wrong I would love to help save some whales, think every person deserves the same rights, and who doesn't love some cookies?! But still, I want to smack them all on my way out. Sorry.
This is what I don't get. Here I am juggling a few bags, 2 kids under three, who are more than likely screaming, and you think that I would like to stand here talking to you about saving some animal I may or may not have heard of and then sign your paper with my free third hand? On top of your already bad judgment, when I tell you nicely that I don't have time, you attempt to guilt me into stopping using some crap line about only a minute to save some thing that will otherwise die. Seriously. Now I'm just pissed. I said I didn't have time, now even if I did, I don't want to talk to someone who thinks that using guilt is the way to get your job done. And if you're selling stuff, I just spent all of my money on groceries so why do you think I now want to buy your stuff? All I really want to do is smack you and get home to unload all this stuff and check off one more thing off of my to do list.
So, for all of you Greenpeace, political activist, oblivious people out there here are some basic rules you should follow:
1. MOMS WITH KIDS ARE NOT YOUR TARGET
2. Someone avoiding eye contact (yes I do so regularly) Again, NOT YOUR TARGET
3. Someone who says that they do not have time or no thank you, is trying to tell you that they are
NOT YOUR TARGET
4. STOP trying to guilt people into wanting to help. As if there isn't enough to feel guilty about
already (esp. those of us walking out with brown bags because we forgot our reusable's, again)
5. Screaming kids should alert you to avoid those people because they are NOT YOUR TARGET
6. Few people actually want to spend time outside of the grocery store talking to you about whatever
it is your talking about...
7. If the person doesn't approach you, then I'm guessing, they are NOT YOUR TARGET
8. Chances are if I wanted to help your cause I already did it when I had time, NOT in front of the grocery store.
9. Finally, don't use some line about me playing tennis because Im in a running skirt to get my attention...Haven't played tennis in years and now I just think you are a creep
This is what I don't get. Here I am juggling a few bags, 2 kids under three, who are more than likely screaming, and you think that I would like to stand here talking to you about saving some animal I may or may not have heard of and then sign your paper with my free third hand? On top of your already bad judgment, when I tell you nicely that I don't have time, you attempt to guilt me into stopping using some crap line about only a minute to save some thing that will otherwise die. Seriously. Now I'm just pissed. I said I didn't have time, now even if I did, I don't want to talk to someone who thinks that using guilt is the way to get your job done. And if you're selling stuff, I just spent all of my money on groceries so why do you think I now want to buy your stuff? All I really want to do is smack you and get home to unload all this stuff and check off one more thing off of my to do list.
So, for all of you Greenpeace, political activist, oblivious people out there here are some basic rules you should follow:
1. MOMS WITH KIDS ARE NOT YOUR TARGET
2. Someone avoiding eye contact (yes I do so regularly) Again, NOT YOUR TARGET
3. Someone who says that they do not have time or no thank you, is trying to tell you that they are
NOT YOUR TARGET
4. STOP trying to guilt people into wanting to help. As if there isn't enough to feel guilty about
already (esp. those of us walking out with brown bags because we forgot our reusable's, again)
5. Screaming kids should alert you to avoid those people because they are NOT YOUR TARGET
6. Few people actually want to spend time outside of the grocery store talking to you about whatever
it is your talking about...
7. If the person doesn't approach you, then I'm guessing, they are NOT YOUR TARGET
8. Chances are if I wanted to help your cause I already did it when I had time, NOT in front of the grocery store.
9. Finally, don't use some line about me playing tennis because Im in a running skirt to get my attention...Haven't played tennis in years and now I just think you are a creep
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
The Art of Multi Tasking?
As a woman I have always prided myself in my ability to multi-task. I have believed that this is/was one of our triumphs over men, our ability to do multiple things at once must mean we are the superior sex! Every once in a while I must admit my wrongs, and this is definitely one of those few times. In fact, I now firmly believe that their innate ability to only do one task at any given time is one of the reasons men have historically been task masters and in turn more efficient and perhaps the more intelligent sex.
Before I get hung by those feminists out there let me explain myself. A few months back I found myself swearing up and down that I had indeed replied to a work email that I was now being reminded that I had ignored. I also swore I sent out thank you cards. Needless to say, the email was in my drafts file and the thank you cards were in the office. I take a look around, the toys are stacked away neatly, but the rug needs to be vacuumed, the TV stand and shelves were dusted, but no one would notice the spider webs on the ceiling, right? Blaire and I had gone to music class, but she wouldn't mind if I went through emails while we did her number tree, right? Sloane, well she is so good at independent play she wouldn't mind if I washed the mornings dishes and looked at recipes while chatting with her, right? I couldn't find a good recipe, since I was also entertaining Sloane, Brian won't mind if we order dinner tonight, right? Oh, I can do a better workout tomorrow since this one sucked. Right???
WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Seriously, was anything truly getting accomplished? No. And that is the solid truth about this so called wonderful thing that women do, multi tasking. Nothing truly gets accomplished, unless you think doing things half way is accomplishing something, and as an athlete and competitive person by nature, I don't. I was being a half assed Mom, half-asssed employee, half assed wife, half assed exerciser, and half assed woman.
So for lent, while everyone nd else was giving up sweets and other indulgences, I gave up what was hurting me and my family most, Multi-tasking. For the first time ever I was able to make it all the way through lent without cheating! Better than that, was the fact that I felt liberated & relieved. I was no longer trying to keep everyone and everything happy and going all at once. Instead I could focus on each person and task individually and therefore give them/it the true attention it DESERVES, not needs, DESERVES! I learned to let go of having to reply to emails as soon as possible and often find my inbox with 30+ messages at a time now. But hey, if someone really needs a response they have my number and can call or text me (though if I'm engaged with the girls, it will still have to wait a bit). I've also come to realize that the girls are more prone to attention getting behaviors when I've been attempting to do more than one thing at a time, which now serve as a way to keep me in check. Dinner prep and time flow with much more ease, emails get answered when I'm not being distracted by trying to also play with my girls so I know they actually get sent, and well the workouts are slowly becoming my sanctuary of hard work and sweat again, rather than thinking of all of the things that needed my attention.
So, STOP! STOP believing you are doing anyone any good by multi-tasking. Instead, do some good. Prioritize the things that you need to do and check them off, ONE AT A TIME! I promise, you will thank me later. (and then again females will be the superior sex)
Before I get hung by those feminists out there let me explain myself. A few months back I found myself swearing up and down that I had indeed replied to a work email that I was now being reminded that I had ignored. I also swore I sent out thank you cards. Needless to say, the email was in my drafts file and the thank you cards were in the office. I take a look around, the toys are stacked away neatly, but the rug needs to be vacuumed, the TV stand and shelves were dusted, but no one would notice the spider webs on the ceiling, right? Blaire and I had gone to music class, but she wouldn't mind if I went through emails while we did her number tree, right? Sloane, well she is so good at independent play she wouldn't mind if I washed the mornings dishes and looked at recipes while chatting with her, right? I couldn't find a good recipe, since I was also entertaining Sloane, Brian won't mind if we order dinner tonight, right? Oh, I can do a better workout tomorrow since this one sucked. Right???
WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Seriously, was anything truly getting accomplished? No. And that is the solid truth about this so called wonderful thing that women do, multi tasking. Nothing truly gets accomplished, unless you think doing things half way is accomplishing something, and as an athlete and competitive person by nature, I don't. I was being a half assed Mom, half-asssed employee, half assed wife, half assed exerciser, and half assed woman.
So for lent, while everyone nd else was giving up sweets and other indulgences, I gave up what was hurting me and my family most, Multi-tasking. For the first time ever I was able to make it all the way through lent without cheating! Better than that, was the fact that I felt liberated & relieved. I was no longer trying to keep everyone and everything happy and going all at once. Instead I could focus on each person and task individually and therefore give them/it the true attention it DESERVES, not needs, DESERVES! I learned to let go of having to reply to emails as soon as possible and often find my inbox with 30+ messages at a time now. But hey, if someone really needs a response they have my number and can call or text me (though if I'm engaged with the girls, it will still have to wait a bit). I've also come to realize that the girls are more prone to attention getting behaviors when I've been attempting to do more than one thing at a time, which now serve as a way to keep me in check. Dinner prep and time flow with much more ease, emails get answered when I'm not being distracted by trying to also play with my girls so I know they actually get sent, and well the workouts are slowly becoming my sanctuary of hard work and sweat again, rather than thinking of all of the things that needed my attention.
So, STOP! STOP believing you are doing anyone any good by multi-tasking. Instead, do some good. Prioritize the things that you need to do and check them off, ONE AT A TIME! I promise, you will thank me later. (and then again females will be the superior sex)
Friday, May 3, 2013
Keep Moving
Use this beautiful weather as an excuse to get outside and moving! Go on a walk, jog, hike, ride..at least 30 minutes with an elevated heart rate. Enjoy nature at its finest while being your finest! If it's too hot, find an indoor class to take with high energy, Spinning classes are great!
Get to squatting today. Try to find something thats approx 5- 10 pounds hold onto it as you squat down, watching not to rock too forward into your toes, and as you stand, press it overhead, slightly in front. 10-15 reps
Follow with some Push ups, on the wall, or the ground, just get them done, 10-15
How about some traditional crunches next? With your kneed in table top (stacked on top of your hips) anchor those hips down, 15 to each side and 15 down/up the center.
10-15 Chair Dips to finish the routine
1 time great, 2 times awesome, 3 times SUPER!
Get to squatting today. Try to find something thats approx 5- 10 pounds hold onto it as you squat down, watching not to rock too forward into your toes, and as you stand, press it overhead, slightly in front. 10-15 reps
Follow with some Push ups, on the wall, or the ground, just get them done, 10-15
How about some traditional crunches next? With your kneed in table top (stacked on top of your hips) anchor those hips down, 15 to each side and 15 down/up the center.
10-15 Chair Dips to finish the routine
1 time great, 2 times awesome, 3 times SUPER!
Sloane opted for TRX today :)
Quick, Time Kill Activities
Ok it's HOT in SB. Am I complaining? No, I love this kind of weather and it is pretty much 80% the reason why I moved from the East Coast to here (20% was based on the birth of my beautiful niece, Olivia and the need for a life change). The problem with the heat is that the kiddos can get overly hot and cranky and while I would love to just sit on my deck with a margarita, read a book, get a tan, and enjoy the view, the kids need to do something that will not make them too hot, is still fun, and let's face it EASY for mommy. Here are some of my go to activities for just these kinds of situations, nothing new and fancy just in case you just need a little reminder; I know I often forget things and then see someone else doing it and am like "oh yea"
- Milk Painting: put milk in a larger shallow bowl (pie tin), drop in some food coloring in various places, dip a toothpick in dish soap, touch the color and VOILA work of art begins.
- Water and Sand Table Play
- Home made Puffy Paint (I found this on a blog, One Crafty Mumma)
- 1 tablespoon self-rising flour (different from just plain ol flour)
- a few little drops of food coloring
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Then add some water to make a nice smooth paste
- Paint onto cardboard
- Microwave for 10-30 seconds
- Paper Bag Puppets
- Leaf Tracing Remember elementary Art class? Place paper on top of leaf and rub crayon over leaf to get the leaf outline...so easy can lead right into coloring!
- Bird Counting/Watching from the yard
- Coloring, but using more than crayons, glitter glue is a HUGE hit in out house and you can buy the big thick ones that are perfect for little hands,
- Homemade Band: Old Bubble containers filled with beans or rice become shakers. Decorate 2 paper plates, staple together, fill with beans/lentils, finish stapling and voila, tambourine; make a box into a drum
- BOXES....Any old box can become ANYTHING! Flatten it out for a different type of drawing surface, make it into a car, plane, submarine, house...ENDLESS fun with boxes.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Why I won't sleep train my kids
My youngest is 13 months old. She still wakes up 2-4 times a night. My oldest is a month shy of being 3. Ever since becoming a big sister she wakes up 1 time a night 3-4 times per week. On average, I get about 5 hours of interrupted sleep a night. I exercise regardless of my fatigue because it keeps me sane (though my level is not quite what I'd like it to be, but thats for later) and I work 8-10 hours per week training others. Oh, and I am the "homemaker" for lack of a better term. I am EXHAUSTED. I will live this way until my children figure out the sleep thing as I refuse to sleep train my girls and here are just a few of my reasons why:
1. Do you actually sleep through the night? Think hard because I am more than likely right when I say that you do not. You have to go Pee? Remember rolling over, or getting smacked by your partner? If we as adults have trouble sleeping through the night, why do we expect our babies to do so?
2. When you have trouble sleeping do you lay in a pitch black room all alone until you magically drift off to sleep? I'm guessing, NO. For me, anyways, I will try to read, watch TV, talk to my husband, etc. Again, why would you then expect your infant or child to lay ALONE in the DARK to fall asleep?
3. During the daytime, when your child gets sad and cries, do you leave them alone to cry it out? I'm guessing no, you probably at least give them a hug and tell them they will be ok. Yet, at night the idea is to then leave them alone. Where is the consistency? I don't think that there is one person who could logically argue that consistency with whatever parenting style you choose isn't probably the most important factor in it's ability to work. Daytime and Nighttime parenting should be the same for your family's sake.
4. My favorite: it creates independence because they learn to self soothe. REALLY? Screaming and crying until you are so stressed and tired that you fall asleep is self soothing? Besides, have you ever fallen asleep like that? If you have you may know that that kind of sleep is far from being what experts would called restorative. If that is what it takes to be independent than I guess I'm not Independent myself. Crap.
5. It just feels unnatural. I'm sorry, but there is nothing in my parenting DNA that makes me comfortable listening to my child scream and cry in sadness and let's face it, in the middle of the night in the dark, fear, that makes me think I should just shrug my shoulder and turn my cheek.
6. Dr. Ferber, who created this whole idea, hence, Ferberization never originally intended it to be used for night waking, solely for the initial falling asleep phase. He also then altered much of what he originally said.
7. Research advises against it! There is much research indicating that leaving babies to cry it out causes much stress to the brain, which can hinder development. Don't believe me? Google it. Even Harvard did studies.
8. I am a parent. Isn't this just part of the nonverbal agreement that comes with parenting....Putting your child's needs first. I'm not saying that parents need to ignore themselves, Shit, I'm far from self ignoring; however as parents it is our job to prioritize Anyone that ever attended a sleepover with me knows how much I need sleep or what a B I become. High school field hockey sleepover will forever be in my sleepless memories ;) Yet, here I am, many years later, doing what I dislike, missing sleep, but could never be more grateful. After all, I have 2 beautifully amazing little ladies with whom I get to spend my days. They need my love and comfort at all times of day, NOW. I can sleep when I'm dead.
1. Do you actually sleep through the night? Think hard because I am more than likely right when I say that you do not. You have to go Pee? Remember rolling over, or getting smacked by your partner? If we as adults have trouble sleeping through the night, why do we expect our babies to do so?
2. When you have trouble sleeping do you lay in a pitch black room all alone until you magically drift off to sleep? I'm guessing, NO. For me, anyways, I will try to read, watch TV, talk to my husband, etc. Again, why would you then expect your infant or child to lay ALONE in the DARK to fall asleep?
3. During the daytime, when your child gets sad and cries, do you leave them alone to cry it out? I'm guessing no, you probably at least give them a hug and tell them they will be ok. Yet, at night the idea is to then leave them alone. Where is the consistency? I don't think that there is one person who could logically argue that consistency with whatever parenting style you choose isn't probably the most important factor in it's ability to work. Daytime and Nighttime parenting should be the same for your family's sake.
4. My favorite: it creates independence because they learn to self soothe. REALLY? Screaming and crying until you are so stressed and tired that you fall asleep is self soothing? Besides, have you ever fallen asleep like that? If you have you may know that that kind of sleep is far from being what experts would called restorative. If that is what it takes to be independent than I guess I'm not Independent myself. Crap.
5. It just feels unnatural. I'm sorry, but there is nothing in my parenting DNA that makes me comfortable listening to my child scream and cry in sadness and let's face it, in the middle of the night in the dark, fear, that makes me think I should just shrug my shoulder and turn my cheek.
6. Dr. Ferber, who created this whole idea, hence, Ferberization never originally intended it to be used for night waking, solely for the initial falling asleep phase. He also then altered much of what he originally said.
7. Research advises against it! There is much research indicating that leaving babies to cry it out causes much stress to the brain, which can hinder development. Don't believe me? Google it. Even Harvard did studies.
8. I am a parent. Isn't this just part of the nonverbal agreement that comes with parenting....Putting your child's needs first. I'm not saying that parents need to ignore themselves, Shit, I'm far from self ignoring; however as parents it is our job to prioritize Anyone that ever attended a sleepover with me knows how much I need sleep or what a B I become. High school field hockey sleepover will forever be in my sleepless memories ;) Yet, here I am, many years later, doing what I dislike, missing sleep, but could never be more grateful. After all, I have 2 beautifully amazing little ladies with whom I get to spend my days. They need my love and comfort at all times of day, NOW. I can sleep when I'm dead.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Lunch
Wednesday's have become Pizza day for the girls. Blaire loves to make her own homemade pizza. She gets to roll the dough and put on the toppings, then play on the swings while it cooks.
Todays flavor: Spinach, Orange Bell Pepper, Tomatoes, and Goat Cheese
My lunch was a little bit greener today
YUMMY! Super Greens and a fresh salad!
After a morning feeding the ducks this was a great lunch break!
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