Just Sleep!...

I think we are on the verge of calling in the specialist! Sleep consultant that is.
Si is in this TERRIBLE routine lately. She is adamant about not going to sleep. We will do the nightly routine of bath and book then bed...and no matter what, she will not remain in her room.

I know I blogged on this a while ago... and mentioned a certain book... but she has likely gotten worse, not better.

And in her true form, she will sleep like an angel for anyone OTHER than her parents.

We are pulling our hair out over here!!

Nostalgia...

Last weekend, Ryan and I ended up having an unplanned evening of...quiet. My in-laws were over for dinner and ended up taking both Kai and Si home with them for an overnight. It was an early night for us needless to say, as they ate quickly and drove off with the kids. T, currently the easy one of the three, was left with us in her usual state of sleep or smiles. A friend of mine made a comment of "great doggy-bag," I had to laugh!

So once the house quieted, we poured ourselves a nice glass of wine, sat down to catch up, relax...and listen to music.
We had fun reminiscing. Going through old playlists...reliving memories that songs would draw up.
It is amazing how the memory responds to song; how one song can take you right back to a specific age, location, person...memory, be it good or bad. How you can remember every word from a song you haven't heard in years...yet can forget what you read yesterday!

Nostalgic...while it was great to remember old moments, I wouldn't trade where I am and who I am today for anything...but back then, there were lots of fun times had too.

We were pulling up songs that reminded us of times we shared together (we have been together for 12.5 years so a few old songs), and the "way back tracks" from before we had even met.  And on some songs, we sat and listened to the words. I don't think as a teenager you really got half the lyrics you listened to. Life experience has to kick in to actually fully understand some of the words. Of course on certain levels you can relate, but the more experience you have in life, the more real these songs become.
But then there are also songs like..."Peaches"...WTF on those lyrics anyways!?

Peaches by The Presidents of the United States of America
"Movin' to the country,
gonna eat a lot of peaches
Movin' to the country,
Gonna eat me a lot of peaches
Movin' to the country,
gonna eat a lot of peaches
Movin' to the country,
gonna eat a lot of peaches"
Really...no words here.

Take another circumstance of lyrics and not fully understanding...TLC for instance...the lyrics to the chorus of Unpretty are below.

TLC- Unpretty
"You can buy your hair if it won't grow
You can fix your nose if he says so
You can buy all the make-up that mac can make
But if you can't look inside you
Find out who am I, too
Be in a position to make me feel so damn unpretty"

What do you mean "buy your hair"! Are they crazy...extensions weren't something in my vocabulary in high school! And, "look inside you"... what! I know who I am! Well so you think, or so you're good at hiding to show all those you know you are a strong person...no weakness here!

And of course, you cant forget the always counted upon, slow dance song for the school dances...

"I'll Make Love To You" Boyz II Men
I don't know if my parents would have been to pleased to know the main slow dance song had lyrics like

"Baby tonight is your night
And I will do you right
Just make a wish on your night
Anything that you ask
I will give you the love of your life"
So many great memories of high school...along with some not so great. You form some great lasting relationships here, along with some that are brief and for certain reasons. People judge without knowing you...well, that's a part of life in general i think, people gossip...high school can be a soap opera if you will.

I came out of it alive...thanks to some amazing friends (that are still apart of my life in some way or another) and to my husband Ryan that was apart of my life my last year there. No matter the good or bad, I am thankful for the memories and for helping me become the person I am today.

A few more memory songs...I am sure some of you will remember these....and maybe even remember the same memory ;)

When I Come Around - Green Day
Summergirls - LFO
Always Be My Baby - Mariah Carey
Push - Matchbox 20
Black or White - Michael Jackson
Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Garden
What I Got - Sublime
Red Alert- Basement Jaxx
You Make Me Wanna - Usher
One headlight - The Wallflowers
the sign- Ace of Base
Crash Test Dummies
Fresh Prince of Bel Air - Will Smith
Santa Monica - Everclear
Backstreet Boys
Red Hot Chili Peppers


Oh the list could be long...I will stop there!
It was a fun Saturday night we had...reminiscing...I suggest you do it sometime too :)

Phone App's... (product review)

While sitting in a waiting room waiting for our appointment time...kids in tow, I find myself pulling my phone out to keep them entertained. That or they are the ones actually searching my purse in hopes of phone. I have a few movies, kids games...and a new app that we came across that they seem to enjoy. Kai seems to get the concept of it more, therefore an app for kids a little older. And I think that he still is on the young side to completely get it all. But hey, it keeps him entertained!
It is called "Cookie Dough Bites Factory," so no wonder he likes it...it involves sugar, kinda ;) Another bonus for the parent, it's free! It is not one of the most educational apps out there, but it definitely works on motor skills and aids in quick thinking, and fingers!
I was pointed in the direction to find this app, however it has been ranked the #1 Game for Kids in the iTunes store, so obviously catching the kids eyes.

If your kids are savvy iPhone users, as most seem to be despite age these days, then the game is relatively user friendly. With kids that are unable to read, you will likely have to prompt them thru how to use the different levels and workshops; but once Kai learnt what to do, he was on his way quickly.

You can check Cookie Dough Bites out online, thru iTunes or even on Facebook.
Their main website has some great cookie recipes and ideas as well! I had never heard of their brand of cookies until this game came across my email, so will keep my eyes out in store.

I must admit they sound very appealing...who doesn't like eating the cookie dough!? Now, they have bundled this amazing flavour up into a salmonella free snack in a box. Yes please!
Have you heard of them? Played the app?

Have fun making your cookies...by way of app or in the kitchen! And if you find them in store in Canada, let me know where ;)

Soggy Doggy...(giveaway!)

Where we live, wet can sometimes feel like an understatement. Our climate gets rain...lots of it! So when I was asked to review this product, I jumped at the chance!

The Soggy Doggy!

The concept of this company was started by a mom of four that also had a dog...and on rainy days, a wet one at that! She had no time to wipe the dogs paws before running thru the house....and so a new concept was born! Read her story behind the creation below.

I am very impressed with this product! After a weekend of major rainfall to wash away all the snow we had, the mat was definitely put to the test. We have a border collie/ Shepard cross, so to put the mat to the test on Jake's fur...i  must say was the perfect test!

~Jake~

We often let him out in our back yard, and our basement...is the furthest thing from kid and dog friendly, white carpet...so he comes thru trekking wet dirt and water often. I was really impressed by the mat! It quickly absorbed the water from his feet and he trekked thru without the usual amount of mess! This mat is now a new staple at our back door!

And for my lucky readers, The Soggy Doggy is offering a promotion of 15% off all products just by using the promo code WHILE15 at checkout! Great deal! This code is valid for three months from today~

But for one lucky reader, you will take home a FREE Soggy Doggy Super Shammy! A microfiber Chenille Dog Towel...trust me, these things are amazing...not only are they SO SOFT...but they really do work!

So to my readers with Dogs... enter for your chance to win!
Today's Giveaway will close tonight at midnight. Winner announced tomorrow!

To Enter:
1)  Like While They Are Sleeping on Facebook (if you already have you're automatically entered)
2)  Follow @theyaresleeping on Twitter for extra vote. (I'm new to this!)

Good Luck!!

Here is the Story of how The Soggy Doggy came to be:

I’m the mother of four young children and one unruly rescue dog, Buddy. Like most dog owners, I was engaged in an endless war between mucky paws and clean floors. No matter how many doormats and towels I left by the backdoor, there was endless mess on my floors! Buddy tracked in everything—water, mud, grass clippings, leaves….

Inspiration for the Soggy Doggy Doormat® came at a kids’ swim meet. As I watched a young diver dry off with a super-absorbent shammy, lightbulbs went off! If that small piece of material could dry an entire child, why wasn’t there something similar for 4 wet, mucky dog paws?

With the skeptical assistance of the guys at my local hardware store and a very patient tailor, I made the first Soggy Doggy prototype out of an orange microfiber towel, some spongy foam and a no-skid back. But I found out the hard way that dogs (or at least my dog) are terrified of the color orange. Buddy took one look at the doormat and jumped right over it. Wouldn’t go near it. So I threw it in the basement and gave up.

But the next rain event came (and with it, more Buddy-mess). I forged ahead. Many rounds of experimentation later, I found the perfect material blend in the microfiber chenille shag. Its "noodley" fibers not only make it exceptionally absorbent, but they also snag a tremendous amount of debris (note to moms: great for snowy boots and dirty cleats, especially those used on crushed-rubber turf fields). Honestly, we were astounded by the shag’s absorbency and dirt-catching ability. But best of all? Buddy, fell so in love with his super-soft doormat that he insisted on using it as a bed!

That is the true story of the Soggy Doggy Doormat®; one messy dog, four untrainable-children and a frustrated-mom with a simple idea. When Brittany asked me to write a guest post for her blog, I jumped at the chance. “While They Are Sleeping” is the theme song of my life! Running my own business is a dream come true. But like many mothers, I do almost all of it “while they are sleeping.” In fact, all of the people who make Soggy Doggy happen, the graphic designer, web designer, warehouse owner, and even the manufacturer are moms! We communicate more frequently at 11pm than 11am, and patiently work around each other’s sick children, field trips, snow-day lockdowns, laundry and lunch-making schedules.

We continue to look for simple, practical solutions for soggy dogs and their various messes. When they are Buddy-approved, we bring them to you! And you can always be sure that they were thought of and refined “while they were sleeping.”

Cheers,

Joanna

Joanna with her Dog :)

Thanks Joanna for the invention of an amazing product and all the best with Soggy Doggy!

Thoughts for the Everyday...

Sometimes, I have things in my head that just need to be written. No matter if they make sense or not...whether they are in order or not...they just need to get out :) Today is a bit of that kind of a blog...

Each day offers something so different. Some are filled with work; some are filled with laundry...all are filled with kids. Yes, I have help with the kids a few hours a week...but after a few hours of either working or running household errands, the kids fill the rest of it. Each day is different. Some days, our days feel long...sometimes, they fly by too quickly. Kids wake up cranky, they wake up happy...they love each other, they fight. Each day is different.
For me, as long as I get 1 hour in the day to myself, I feel re-charged (some days only a little, some days completely). 
Of course some days are longer than an hour. And when work is busy, I am in and out of the house often. But remembering that I need at least one hour of ME time is important.
With kids, we often put ourselves last. And with ourselves, our relationship hides out down there too. I am reminding myself to make sure I not only say those three little words to my husband everyday...but to show him. Actions speak louder than words...even a 6 second hug.

Did you know how powerful a hug can be?
Research shows that if we hold a hug for at least six seconds, we optimize the flow of mood-boosting chemicals in our bodies.
Studies show that a family member is 47% more likely to feel close to a family member who often expresses affection than to one who rarely does. Saying “I love you” is great, but sometimes it’s good to express that thought without words.
Furthermore,  frequent huggers have lower blood pressure and higher levels of oxytocin -a chemical that promotes bonding and mood.
Interesting eh!
Try out a six second hug and let me know what you think!
We haven't done this in a while, I think we need to again. Trust me, somehow it just brings a smile to your face and love to the heart. Corny I know! But it works...its in the research ;)

Today has been a pretty low key day. The kids spent a few hours with their Nana while I hit the gym. A great "re-charge" i must say~ I have been spending the afternoon with the kids doing house chores. Laundry is a never ending task over here, cleaning and now making a great dinner for Ryan and I tonight. Everyone seems to have colds again over here, and the afternoon now includes a Dr's visit...including one for baby T. Hope her chest is clear and the "crackles" I feel are nothing.

Is it weird that those little things, of getting organized in house and having a nice meal planned for my family, can make me feel like a better wife...and mom?
Funny hey...on a list of to-do's a mile long, it is home that can bring the biggest satisfaction.
A wise man once told me, in not quite the same words, "try not to stretch yourself too thin: the only person who notices you doing it all is you." Isn't it true. Trying to be "Supermom" (so to speak) is impossible. Why do we try to do it all?  There is nothing wrong in asking for help. I am working on it...and making progress ;)
I give my best and the best is all I have. Sure, I spread myself too thin sometimes:  I make mistakes or wish I had done something differently: I am only human.
Today I am mom. Today I am wife. Today I am me. And I am doing a pretty great job at it :)

Love, tonight we are having Seafood Bouillabaisse for dinner. The kids colds are getting checked out and the laundry is almost done...for today ;) No work...for money today...just a lot of work out of love.

I am thankful for everyday. I am thankful that every day is different. I am thankful for my family.

"There's really only one thing that more important than being dedicated to what you do, and that's being dedicated to who you do it for." Smuckers Commercial

P.S- thanks to the wise man for the advice that struck a cord. ;)
"Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad."
~Anne Geddes~

Happy Friday~

Snow Days...

How could you not love them! Breaking up our usual RAIN with snow and even sunshine...these past few days have been awesome!

The kids love getting outside. Walks in the snow, snowball fights...snow castles. They have been having a great time; and with enough layers, they have been staying warm allowing us to stay out for hours at a time! Lots of fresh air and fun moments.

You would think this would aid in sleep...but not with our kids!
Last night Si got to go for a sleepover at Gee-Gee's house (aka Grandma)...from this, we have officially ruled that Si is the bedtime problem. Kai will go to bed...and sleep in. It is his sister that adds to the enticement of playtime all night long...and she, being the early riser, then wakes him too. Last night, thanks to her overnight, even T slept for 8 STRAIGHT HOURS! Pure peace.
Now, our chore...getting Si to sleep!

Here are a few photos from snow days...

bundled and ready!

not impressed with the camera

staying warm...but can barely walk because of it.

Did you notice the hat...

Yes, he likes it. Yes, it's warm. Yes, his wife thinks he's a dork...but loves him anyway!

~Priceless~

I'm having Deja vu...

Daryl Hall

The Band Poison

;)

Life with Eczema...

Eczema is something I have dealt with in some form for my entire life. My grandmother has it (very minor), my mom has is, I have it...and now Si has it. So far hers is at a minimal and I hope to keep it at that!! If possible!

I remember having it bad as a kid. With activities and therefore sweat, I would get it badly behind my knees and on my arms at the bend from the elbow...but that was what we considered "bad" at the time. Through high school it seemed to flare in those areas as well as my lips. Yep, the perfect place for a teenager to have eczema. Dry, cracking, flaky lips...just what a teenager wanted. To me, it was kind of like someone having to deal with a giant zit in the middle of their face. At least there was cover-up for that!
Over the years I have had flare ups..coming and going depending upon weather, stress level along with moisture. My eczema through the years has gotten worse. No longer is it contained to those few areas; in fact, it would likely be a much shorter list if I were to tell you where it WASN'T. With each pregnancy it would generally get better in the beginning months, and by the end, be so bad it would hurt to bend my fingers and I would be lucky to get my rings off of my swollen raw knuckles. I know, pretty picture...but to say eczema has at times ruled my life would be a minor understatement. My breastfeeding abilities for both Kai and Si were drastically hindered due to the severity of eczema on my nipples...yep that's right...Its pretty much EVERYWHERE.  Thankfully with baby number three, T, my eczema seemed to have lessened or completely disappeared in certain areas...however only getting worse in others. As a mom, your hands are always in water....this does not help the situation. I think you know it's bad when you stick your hands in HOT water...and it feels so good because it itches the rash for you and oddly enough, the scalding hot water actually feels, cold!?

Anyways, I am dreaming of the day I no longer need creams, ointments and whatever else I have tried (that only temporarily mask the problem)...and trust me I have tried lots...

Which brings me to my point here...I think my next step is to reduce gluten from my diet. I have read and heard that this is a cause of many peoples eczema...and I figure, why not! It will be a bit of an adjustment...but if it ends up being my "be all end all" I AM IN!
I also suffer from IBS which I developed after the birth of baby number 2...Si. Oh the things our children bless us with ;) lol. Gluten is another factor to IBS which I have heard of from many. Why not try to kill two birds with one stone, right!?

There are certain things in life you cant really control...the weather, stress (to an extent)...but I can control what I put in my mouth. So tomorrow, I am beginning a Gluten Free attempt in hopes of clear skin and a normal tummy. I cant wait for the day I am excited to show off my wedding ring and not be embarrassed by the eczema that encases my hand.

So, if anyone out there has any suggestions please pass them on!
From words of wisdom on eczema treatments and/or IBS...to recipes they love for the Gluten Free lifestyle...I am excited to learn and see if this next attempt is my last...attempt.

Today my hands are "masked" as I loaded them with cream last night...the next flare I will capture a photo...in hopes of a before and after for the positive change that is about to take place.

Wish me luck ;)

Came across this blog...Gluten Free Vancouver. Great recipes and tips!

And an article on Gluten and dry-skin/eczema.

Happy Baby...

10 weeks!! T is 10 weeks old today.
Soon she will be crawling, walking...then adding to our brood of chaos. But for now, she is a happy, smiling baby...working on her voice to ensure to be heard above all others.
Try to resist the urge to smile ;)

"Go the F** to Sleep"...

Have you heard of the book "Go the F**k to Sleep" by Adam Mansbach?
It is hilarious. I had heard of it before but never read it...and for Christmas, my brother gave it to our kids for Christmas. Fitting. If you know Uncle Reid...it is perfect it came from him. The best Uncle. Hilarious sense of humor.

Well, of course we have not read it to them...but to say this is exactly how bedtime feels these days, would be an understatement! Si will not stay in bed, which instigates Kai to get out...and they literally run the house for hours. We have tried ALL tactics...from threats to anger...to a new one last night, ignoring them. Well, that didn't go so well either. I was having a bath...they both came in, took their pajamas off and proceeded to get in the tub. YEP...THEY DON'T CARE whether we say too much or nothing at all. I drained the water toweled myself off, and turned out the lights...this got them out of the tub, and dressed again but not to bed. I GIVE UP!!
ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!!!

As I type this, I am sitting here listening to the audio version of the book...read by Samuel L Jackson. Honestly, priceless.
Take a listen... I think tonight, I may have to bring out the book...along with a bottle of wine ;)

Movies for Mommies...

Hey all of you Mommies, Daddies, Grandparents...caregivers of any type!! Have you heard of Movies for Mommies!?
It is this awesome company that plans out movie days for "Parents" and their babies... This way the adults can still see that new movie they have been wanting to watch (but have no time to spare because of baby) with the baby!
That's right...Movies for Mommies allows the caregiver to bring baby to the theater with them and makes viewing the film easy with change tables, dim lighting and a noise volume that is a little lower than usual to account for all of the tiny ears in the room!

Check out what Laura from Movies for Mommies had to say about the company:

"Movies for Mommies is Canada's original parent and baby movie event.

 Movies for Mommies is a great way to get out to enjoy a film without worrying 

if your little one is fussy, needs a diaper fix, or may be startled by the sounds. 

The theatre is baby-friendly, with reduced volume, dimmed lights and in-theatre change tables. Dads, grandparents, friends and caregivers are always welcome."

Movies for Mommies has a few different theaters with different days and times. All the information is below, including their upcoming events/showtimes!

All of their up-to-date information is on facebook! Follow Movies for Mommies on facebook by clicking here!!

Movies for Mommies runs at the 

Rio Theatre (at Commercial and Broadway), 

the Denman Cinema (at Comox and Denman) and 

the Dolphin Cinema in Burnaby (on Hastings, just east of Willingdon).

Upcoming events:

Rio Theatre (runs every other Wednesday)
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Wednesday, January 18
Doors open at 11:45. Movie starts at 12:30
Tickets $10 (babies are free)
 Tender Tushies will be at the theatre to show off their great cloth diaper products.

Denman Theatre (runs every other Thursday)
Next movie is Thursday, January 24 (check back for details)
Doors open at 11:30. Movie starts at noon.
Tickets $10 (for movie ticket, popcorn and a drink) Babies are free

Dolphin Cinema (runs every other Wednesday)
Next event is Wednesday, January 25 (check back for details)
Doors open at 11:45. Movie starts at 12:30
Tickets $7 (babies are free)

What a great concept! And a fun afternoon out!!
And for one lucky reader...you will receive TWO FREE MOVIE PASSES!! Take your spouse, your friend...whomever! (Babies are always free).

Happy Friday!! [the 13th ;)]...no superstitions here...heck, the 13th is a lucky number in our house...we live in house #13, got married on the 13th hole of a golf course...and our baby number 3 had a due date of the 13th...we are surrounded by the number!

Ok, so in order to win this amazing Fun Friday prize...
1) Like While They Are Sleeping on Facebook if you haven't already
2) Like Movies for Mommies on Facebook
3)Refer a friend to do the same!
4) Like While They Are Sleeping on topmommyblogs.com (bottom of post or on the side bar)

Each point above gives you a vote...the more you refer the more votes you get...
And maybe for a final one, let me know what movie you are dying to see...even if it has been so long that the movie is now on DVD... i feel ya!

Happy Friday Mommies...and others! A great "gift" idea for a Mom you know if you aren't one maybe ;)
Good luck!

Happy Friday!

Contest closes TONIGHT!! Friday January 13th, 2012 at midnight.
Winner announced tomorrow.

Being Super Mom...

 The great debate...to be a stay at home mom or a working one.
On the talk show Anderson (Cooper), they voiced this topic today. In complete honesty, this is the first time I have actually sat and watched this show. Short of being called upon by his office to potentially voice opinions on another matter, I didn't even know his talk show was that...a talk show. I only knew him as the reporter...the voice from the streets so to speak. Anyways, Anderson has now joined the ranks of the day time talk circuit and today was a show I recorded and watched once the kids were in bed.

The topic was based upon a recent study that dove into the question of parenting and who really is happier... stay-at-home-moms or moms who work outside the home.
To read the article today's show was based upon, click here.

On Anderson Cooper they had a panel of 3 working moms, 3 stay at home moms and a women (mom) by the name of Rene Syler, whom has a website by the name of Good Enough Mother. She also happens to have and still does anchor and appear on television for various reasons. If you want to learn more about here, click her web page above.

Now on to the topic on hand...
This is obviously a heated topic...and one that these days does not necessarily just pertain to the mothers. I did like that they actually pointed this out on the show. The fact that all of the studies seem to always be directed at the mothers, but what about the fathers. We are seeing more involved, may I say, Mr.Mom's, these days too. But this again is not the topic of the day.
My opinions...to each their own. Until you are a mother...and until you go through days at home with your children, you cannot judge. To some, being a SAHM sounds like a "lazy" job...not having to take care of themselves and hiding behind the family and busy days of house chores and children. Lazy was a word that was used on the show, not my word. Check out the link for peaks at the show.
In my opinion...SAHM's are far from lazy. Kids control your world on the best of days. Sometimes doing the house chores are the least of your worries...if you saw that mound of laundry that built up in our house you would understand ;) Moms have lists that pile upon lists. Trying to give the kids the attention they deserve while still maintaining house and keeping up on the other issues and challenges that life presents...motherhood is a full-time job. Really once kids are introduced into your life, no matter whether you work in or out of the home, you are always "on" being a parent. Always thinking, worrying...planning. Back to the SAHM.
I know that a SAHM does a lot, and I would never discredit them. I give them the utmost respect...it is something that I cannot do. I am a part-time SAHM I would say...well probably more than part time...but I still find happiness in my work, and in my other endeavors outside of the house. If I did not have a break from the daily grind of my children...well quite frankly, I would drive myself insane! Kids, especially when they are so close in age, feed off of one anothers energy...and yours as well.  One seems to rile the other up, and in a blink of an eye, the mood of the day changes. Not always a bad thing, not always a good thing; but I know for me, I need a break. I need my own time. A re-charge.
I remember after Kai was born, I lost myself for a little while. I was the first of friends to have a baby...and as much as I wanted one, really didn't know, or maybe didn't expect, that MY life as I knew it would change as much as it did....and that unless I made a decision and made time, that I would loose myself. I am not saying either that this is the way everyone feels, but in a way I think that if you are a person that loves certain things, (even a cup of coffee in peace at 5am!), that after baby this time has to be planned to be made possible. Maybe I was and am a little naive, maybe a little hopeful...but the reality is, a baby changes everything: And for me, in the most amazing way possible...but it took me a while to be able to say that. I learnt with Kai, that finding a "me" in this world of baby and family was and still is OK. That in fact, it is probably the most healthy thing I could and can do. I am a happier person. A more confident person...and the best mom I can be.  Making time for me allows me to be present for my kids when I am there with them. This is my reality: The one that works for me. I am fortunate to have a career that allows me time to be a present mom, and a working one. That I can fit time in for me, for my husband, for my kids...and for work. Ya sometimes it catches up at the same time...life gets crazy and I need to take some breaths...but to be able to be there for our kids milestones...to be able to watch them grow...is all worth it to me. I am there when they wake up, I take them to school or programs, I tuck them in at night...and during the day I make some time for me...as best I can anyways.

This is what works for me. I learnt through trial and error...I learnt that the person I am doesn't work without me time...without some work, and working out ;)
And that's the best mom I can be. I am mom to three amazing, beautiful and healthy children...
Who are you to judge...who are the moms on Anderson Cooper to judge...
 As parents, as people!, we do the best we can...and that the best is all we can do.

So to all of you SAHM's, you are doing a wonderful job and an amazing thing.
And to all of you part-time working moms, you are doing a wonderful job and an amazing thing.
And to you full time working moms, you are doing a wonderful job and an amazing thing.

We are all different...the one thing we have in common is that we are all moms. Instead of judging each other, wouldn't it be easier to support? I guess its always easier to point a finger...or assume the grass is greener on the other side.


 Rene had some tips on being a Happier Mother...they were as follows:

- Recharge your battery:

Find something, a hobby or interest that is uniquely your own, and do it regularly. If it’s meeting girlfriends for coffee or wine, if it’s needlepoint, if it’s travel — take the time to indulge yourself in that. You’ll come back refreshed and ready to handle the challenges of motherhood.

- Shun Guilt:

Once you have found your happiness and recharged your battery, do not feel guilty for doing so. What you need to understand is that by taking care of yourself you are taking care of your family.

- Say 'No' to competitive parenting:

Rene says this is a huge pet peeve of hers. Too many times we use others — friends, neighbors, mommies in playgroup — as a yardstick for good parenting. You need to be internally driven and parent for the people who matter: those living under your own roof.

- Sometimes Good Enough Is Perfect:

Rene asks mothers to please put out of your mind any hope of attaining perfection. It doesn’t exist in parenting (or life) and you’ll make yourself crazy chasing it. Instead, understand that good enough is just perfect. Sometimes eating pizza out of the box in front of the TV with your kids at your side and your feet on the table, is better than fine. Your kids will learn a lot from a mom who cuts herself some slack, makes mistakes, apologizes and then moves on.

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I definitely agree with Rene's tips. I kinda said some in my own words in the blog...it is a bit of common sense, yet is so easy to lose sight of.

I think as long as you are doing the best for your family...you are the only ones that know what works for you. Quite striving for Super Mom...and just be...Mom. (funny thing is, kids think you're Super anyways).

 

 

Two Months...

January 7, 2012

"Pain is weakness exiting the body."~unknown

Sometimes a bit of a routine is a nice thing.
Today our routine got back on track. Last week, despite our change in destination, Ryan still took the week off of work. With him being home, we didn't send Kai to school and just took the days one at a time...lots of relaxing; ironically though, not feeling too rested. That will come soon I hope. We played with the kids, did little things around the house...got in some great workouts and watched some movies (amazing... as this is something Ryan and I have not sat and done in A LONG TIME).
We forced ourselves to do...well not a whole lot of anything! The weather pretty much sucked, as we dreamt of sun and sand. We will get there...one day!

Today, Ryan went back to work...Kai back to school...and my Monday's with our Nanny commenced again as I did errands, work and great workout. I take advantage of Mondays as best I can.  I cram as much in as possible as it is a day that I have some hours sans kids to get it all done. You sure can move a lot faster when you aren't carting another one around...especially in the grocery store when there aren't other arms lifting things from the shelves as you pass by. Yes, sometimes its the little things ;)

Kai was so excited to go back to school today to see all of his friends. I am so happy he enjoys it so much. It makes it so much easier for everyone...and he comes home in a great mood. Bonus!

Now back to the grind. The phone is ringing again; schedules are being made...and goals are being set.

I am not one that's big on New Years Resolutions. In general, I eat healthy, exercise and enjoy my family and friends... I think these are goals that you often see. I read a stat the other day that something like 63% of New Years Resolutions have to do with weight loss and/or fitness. Don't quote me exactly as I misplaced the article...but it was a high number. The other high number, how quickly people gave up on there Resolutions.
Have you made some Resolutions?
Are they still going?

For me, I like setting goals. Such as a race. For each baby born I had a goal of a race to get back in shape...and I have finally decided on my race.
I registered for the Kona Half Ironman. I am stocked!

With a goal, I find that it is something exciting to look ahead to and plan towards. Of course there are off days...or even weeks; but looking at a grander picture keeps me from becoming discouraged and stopping.

If you exercised with a friend or group...maybe your results would be better? Maybe you may hold onto your goal a little tighter? For me, other people help to motivate and push me. A sense of camaraderie. It is a great way to set new bars for yourself. Just my suggestion ;)
If you are looking for a check in partner or group...maybe there is a place here to find it? Its scary to chart progress and god forbid numbers...but when you write them, and you actually watch your progress...well it kinda gets addicting!

I have had numerous people ask me over the past year or so what I do for workouts...and how I fit them in.  Maybe I will keep my "Activity Log" online so that it holds me accountable, and allows some questions to be answered. (For now it is in my side bar on main page- may re-locate when i have more time!)
By no means should you follow what I do. I exercise because I not only enjoy it (i know, crazy right!?), but I find a bit of sanity in my hour(s) as I get to take a breath and re-charge.

So, for all of you out there that set that New Years Resolution to workout/loose weight/get fit/tone, whatever....I challenge you to set a goal instead. Forget the number on the scale and work towards a goal...you will have fun doing it, meet new people possibly along the way, and come race day not only lost weight (if that's your goal) but have a medal to prove it ;) (so to speak)! It could be a 10k, a 5k...or even a goal of walking every Sunday...but moving and seeing progress will inspire you to keep going. I promise you!

Anyways, enough of my Monday ramble. I finally had some moments to check in and get some fingers to keypad.

Happy Monday!

"We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. 

 The amount of work is the same."  

-Carlos Casteneda

"Far too often, our progress is limited by our minds, not by our bodies!"

-unknown

Love Actually...

A holiday time favorite of mine...this movie is always a cute one to watch.
A few days before Christmas I sat to watch this once the kids were in bed...well so I thought.
I happened to be at the part of the "porn movie being filmed" and the actors engaging in a certain act when Kai walked in...and asked my why the lady was kissing the mans pee-pee.

OH-MY-GOD.

What do I do, what do I say!? I looked back to the kitchen were Ryan was standing, the same stunned look of, oh s#*t, on his face....

Without saying a word, Kai looked at us and said "Oh, they must be married!"

We both had to laugh. What else could we do!? We were totally caught off guard...and our three year old seemed to have come up with his answer on his own.

There are a few things to question here...
Where he equated this to being married...
And, having never seen this before, nor having us have talked to him on this subject (he is only 3!) where he came up with that sentence in the first place!

For now, we will let this slide by...and hope it doesn't come up again for a long...long time!

Had to share...cause kids really do have amazing minds...and really do say some pretty amazing and hilarious things.