Mommy needed to clock out early

I normally blog earlier in the week, and I'm sorry to those of you who read regularly.  Wednesday blew by and yesterday, well yesterday....

Yesterday I woke up and my head just wasn't in the game.  I don't know if it was lack of sleep or just a fluke day, but when I say I wasn't really present, I mean it.  I was about 8 steps behind the kids all day.  By 10:00am, I had called John to see what time he would be home.

I am a huge advocate for being present with your children. I understand and try to live by the rule of thumb that there is no better place in the entire world than right here with my children (in this moment).  I spend the days playing, laughing, taking pictures/videos, cooking, and even cleaning WITH my family.  However, yesterday just flat out sucked. Scarlett was extra sweet and loving, but I wanted none of it. I needed my personal space. Emmett has 4 teeth that have just cut (or are still cutting) through.  He is clingy and biting.  I may lose a nipple with this kid. I rarely complain about clingy-ness because I love wearing my babies, so you know I was off my game yesterday.  I took the kids on a walk, a trip to the playground, and set up a water play station throughout the day, but throughout each event I could only think about the end of the day.  It's as if, even though you love your job, you just really want to clock out early one day...  

Needless to say, a mom's job isn't on a clock, and there is no "clocking out" - but John did come home at 5:45 to "help" (I love a dad's version of helping - but that's a whole other post). I did get to enjoy a glass of wine.  I'm not even sure what the resolution was for yesterday, but I'm labeling it "Survive the Day."



Tuesday's Resolution was laughable.  Getting a tan without the luxury of a pool/beach right outside is a joke.  The mosquitoes are out for blood (literally) right now, no matter which bug spray you have on.  My poor babies (and myself) look as though we have contracted a form of chicken pox!  I will say though, my spots bra tan tines are kicking it from 3 days a week at bootcamp!  I don't know if I'll ever get rid of them. 

Wednesday's Resolution was to sew a new dress for Scarlett.  She picked out the fabric (pink elephants) and everything.  I just made her a lace-bottomed pillowcase dress due to time restraints.  It's really sweet and she loves it - so mission accomplished!

Today's Resolution:  Try a new food.

There's an oyster roast on the island tonight, and I have only ever had an oyster once years and years ago... I MAY try one tonight.  John loves them and can't wait for some beer and slimy gross oysters...  ugh. We'll see. 

Tomorrow's (Saturday) Resolution:  Go to happy hour.

Babies, Breastfeeding, and Beyond - Wonderful Savannah Support

 I love being pregnant. I love bringing babies into this world.  I cannot wait to have another baby (Well, I can wait... lol - but you know what I mean).  I am blessed to have a wonderful support team throughout my pregnancies, births, and breastfeeding initiation.  My husband is an unbelievable believer in all things natural and an amazing coach.  My mother is a board certified lactation consultant and RN.  She travels to us and stays for 3 weeks while baby learns to nurse correctly.  Because of my mom, we caught Emmett's tongue tie problems that were overlooked by the doctor. I have had wonderful nursing experiences so far, and it is because I had help during the most crucial time.  


Not many women have a mother in the field.  But that does not mean that there is not help for them.  In the Savannah/Pooler area this is a wonderful service available to help mommies with breastfeeding!  Babies, Breastfeeding, and Beyond is run by Pamela Holland BSEd, IBCLC, RLC.  I have had the pleasure of meeting her in person at our pediatrician's office.  She knows my mom (MORE points in her favor- haha).  She is there to offer every day support and help solve issues and concerns.

If you are in the Savannah area and are pregnant, please look her up.  She is a great woman to know!  Follow her business on Facebook too :)


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Babies-Breastfeeding-Beyond/197778186929809

 

I'm a Muddy Mama

 That's right - I'm dirty. I'm muddy. I'm freaking AWESOME.  This hot mama just ran 6.2 miles and completed 29 obstacles in (approximately) an hour and 5 minutes.  I was worried, not even looking at the website to see the obstacles before hand.  However, I showed up in the brightest shirt possible and the tightest shorts imaginable (to protect the lady parts from the mud), and I FREAKING ROCKED IT.  I had a blast. I ha so much fun that I decided Sunday's Resolution is to sign up for another mud run!!!!!

A few pictures:


5 miles in and just out of the woods/trail area...  into the open field (hence the ability for a picture) -- waiting for the next obstacle...

 

Getting hosed off!   I had so much fun!!!

We had a wonderful (and emotional) weekend.  We signed our house away. I cried. A lot. We did one last walk through and wrote a letter to the new owners.  They are a young couple who are getting married in the upcoming months.  They will be moving in April 1, 2012.  It's bitter sweet.  I will always love and miss that house, but I am so happy that it will have life in it once again!

Saturday was the mud run.  I knew it would be 6.2 miles and 25-30 obstacles.  The night before, we were at my in-laws drinking a beer and having a fun night. It was pouring. I mean monsooning outside. At that point, I basically said screw it and had a few more beers.  I knew the course would soon become a lake and just laughed it off, thinking there would be no way to run it at all. Somehow though the woods were not flooded on Saturday morning, and I became a bit nervous. I used the restroom a few times....  cleared out the pipes, and swallowed the nerves.  I entered the race with the mindset of "I will not compete... This is just for fun"  Then the damn gun blew. I cannot not compete. There's something about 100 people being let loss at the same time with a finish line to cross. I just can' not try to pass people.  The friends I was running with with were just running for fun, and I annoyed them to the point were they told me to just run ahead.  I sprinted ahead and loved every step of the run!  I crawled through, swam through, and jumped in and out of MUD. I cannot wait for the next race!!!   

We spent Sunday at an art festival and playground.  John took a few great pictures of me with the kids, and because I'm always the one behind the camera, I'm going to share them!

  

Sunday's Resolution:  Sign up for another mud run!   DONE ----  John is joining me this time.... April 14, 2012 in Savannah.  The Big Nasty Mud Run!   Come get dirty with us!!!!

Monday's Resolution:  Learn how to use the grill.

John started with the regular ole charcoal grill.  I learned how to add charcoal, start it and cook some hot dogs. (yes hot dogs... I guess they are fool proof!)  I'll learn the smoker someday - MAYBE - if he ever wants to share those secrets!

Tuesday's Resolution: Get a tan...  

How the hell do I do that with two babies running (crawling) around?!?!?!?

Saying good-bye to our first home

 Well folks, two HUGE resolutions are occurring this weekend!  Both are "fixed" and were not actually pulled from the bucket; however, the truly are resolutions! 

Friday's resolution:   SELL THE HOUSE.   That's right. There is cause for some serious celebration!  Our Florida house has a closing date of Friday.  A young couple basically just won the housing lottery.  I'm so happy that the short sale was approved and that we have no financial obligations after the closing (Thank you realty lawyer).  This couple's mortgage payment will be freaking pocket change.  It makes me ill to think about the price.  But, it will be off of our backs.  We have been waiting for this since August 1, 2011.

It is a bitter sweet moment.  This was our first owned home. This is where we were married, Scarlett was born, cabinets were refinished (by hand - by us), paint was splattered, wall paper was stripped, a garage was built, a backyard fenced in, flowers planted, and more memories that can be identified were made.  We love(d) this house.  It has a great spirit.  We can only hope that this next couple feels its love as well.

Saturday's resolution:    GET MUDDY.

My 10K 30-obstacle mud run is this Saturday morning.  I'm getting pumped up and cannot wait to post pictures!   We leave for Jacksonville tonight!




The resolutions from earlier this week:

Tuesday: Move furniture around

If you are anything like me, then you have to rearrange at least one room every few months.  I don't know why I need this, but I really do.  Tuesday I went all out.  I moved the dining room, Scarlett's wooden (heavy) kitchen and toy boxes, the master bedroom, and some rugs.  My back is still killing me, but I'm happy (for the moment) with the changes!

Wednesday: Wash the car

Today: Be colorful   (I'm in my hot pink Bootcamp top!)

Budget and Recycling Updates

Updates:

Budget:
We are surviving on our budget of $400 a month for groceries.  We are half way through the second month of the cash only system.  I am able to purchase organic fruits/veggies buy staying away from the boxed/processed foods.  We still have a bag of pretzels and Annie's bunnies on hand, and a pack of peanut butter crackers.  But by not purchasing the cereals, instant oatmeals, steamfresh frozen bags, frozen waffles, chips, etc, we are making the budget work.  We cannot afford all organic/local meat at this point, but that is the next goal.  I am using less meat by adding beans to our meals.  That makes me feel slightly better.  Once our Florida house sells and we re-evaluate the financial situation, we will start purchasing from the Savannah Co-op for meat. 

Recycling:
SUCCESS!  We are living without a trash service - and we are doing JUST FINE!  It is easier than I thought it would be.  Our white trash cans are lined up and labeled - they collect, glass/aluminum, plastics, and paper.  We rinse things first and clean out the garbage cans after we unload the recycling.  So far, there have been no issues.

Oh so lucky with a sprinkle of glitter.

Saturday's Resolution was to indulge in a little St. Patrick's Day fun (Because, well - come on now - why not?!) I truly enjoyed not being pregnant on St Paty's day this year!  I enjoyed a few delicious mimosas throughout the 4 hour parade, which never seemed to end.  It was our first Savannah St Pat's experience, and man am I glad that John's office is on the street of the parade route! We had AC, a fridge, a bathroom, and just a place to relax for a little while throughout the day. 

Sunday (Today)'s Resolution:  Be crafty.

We have a few birthday's coming up in the extended family and instead of spending $4-5 on a birthday car, we are making cards!   Scarlett pulled apart cotton balls and glued down paper and glitter to make these:

 Stinkin' cute, right?!  


Tomorrow's resolution: Bake pretzels.  (Hmmmm...  I'm a little nervous about this one!)

Love every healthy curve (or lack there of) and teach them to love their own.

There are few things that you have little say over in life... one of which is the body you were blessed with.  You are given one body, and it is your responsibility to keep it at it's highest performing ability.  You do not get a do-over, a restart, or a second body to try again.  This is a one time deal folks.  This is why I believe very strongly in taking care of my body, my husband's body and my children's body.  I am not speaking specifically of a body's appearance, but instead the being as a whole - the mind, the spirit, the physical.  This is not an easy task to accomplish, and I will be the first to admit that the world harps too much on the physical aspect of this.  Bodies come in all shapes and sizes - and what a beautiful world it is because of this.  However, I understand that the physical features can be a window to health risks that are erupting within.  
I digress ....  this post can go so many different ways. I want to try to keep it on the track that I intended it to ride on when I sat at the computer.  :)

Here are my house rules - they are simple.  They were set into place when I realized that I will be raising a daughter to accept and love her body. (house rules meaning "the way we are raising our family")

1.  You have ONE body - treat it right.
2.  LOVE your well-maintained, healthy body
3.  TRULY LOVE this body for all it does and all it teaches.

The breakdown:

1.  I will not lie.  I, along with more women that will ever admit, did not always treat my body well. I have always been an athlete and a decent eater... but due to personal issues, I struggled with an eating disorder while in college.  Along side of so many others struggling. Whether you battled with anorexia, bulimia (like me), over exercising, controlling/limiting your diet, or a number of other "disorders," you can forgive yourself and move on.  I was lucky enough to ask for help and get it before I became consumed.  I learned the damage that I was causing the internal physical aspect of my body (not to mention the emotional side!).   

You don't have to be a size 0 or 2 or 4 or 6.  You just need to be healthy and strong.  You need to work your muscles on a regular basis and keep them working as you add candles to the birthday cake.  I love training for different races, teaching bootcamp classes, and stomping down the street or at the gym whenever possible.  I also know that we are all on a budget and may have children to attend to.  No excuses. Grab your sneakers and head to the park. Push that stroller.  Do push-ups on the side of the crib.  There are no excuses when it comes to treating your body right.

This rule also encompasses the fuel that enters your body.  If you have been following my blog, you know that my family has embarked on a healthier, low-to-no processed foods journey.  We still consume a few things that I'm not super proud of (wine - but come on now it's not that bad, some bagged pretzels, jarred and canned items like salsa, beans, etc).  We are slowly working on it and have made huge progress so far.  I encourage you to jump on the banwagon with us.

2.  I have been blessed with good genes. I have  slender build, a small frame, and admit that it's not too hard finding clothes.  However, I wasn't in love with my figure - well - lack there of a figure....  I didn't (and still don't unless pregnant or breastfeeding) have curves, boobs, or a well balanced combination of anything I had once deemed "sexy." I thought I was attractive enough... I had killer abs and a nice little rear end - but nothing I'd write home about. I think I fell in love with my body when I became pregnant with our first baby. The chances I experienced, emotionally and spiritually led me to love everything physically changing.  I workout while pregnant and eat healthy. I mentally prepare for labor and listen to my body more than I ever thought I could.  Being pregnant allowed me to open my mind and listen to everything within myself.  I wish that I would have been doing this all my life.  (Or at least since puberty... or when being teased about having a big nose and no breasts)

I never want my daughter - and now my son as well - to experience a point in life where they do not love and appreciate their own body - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  I know as a mother that I will have to deal with tears, broken hearts, skinned knees, hormones, etc.  In my gut I know that someday one of my children will say something along the lines of "I'm fat" or "So-and-So is fat."   I just hope that the foundation we are laying now will aid in the discussion that will commence when those words are muttered.

3.  TRULY loving yourself.  I mean strip down naked in front of the mirror and SMILE kind of love.  This is what I want for my children.  Not in a cocky way - but in a confident way.  Every curve (or lack there of in our gene pool) has a purpose and is part of the whole.  And the whole is beautiful.  Behind the physical being, I want a strong, knowledgeable person - one who is confident in his or her own being.  I am learning that this is not possible unless taught by example.  My children's examples are myself and my husband.  I can say that I love my body.  Does it have flaws? Hell yes it does.  Is one boob twice the size of the other this go around with nursing? Yep.  Have I accepted it all? Maybe not all of it, but I'm working on it and am pretty darn close.  I love that my body has carried and pushed two babies out drug-free... I love that I have finished a half-marathon and numerous other races. I love the scars and battle wounds I've accumulated.  I love that I am smart, educated, and knowledgeable about my body as a whole and what  am capable of doing.  I love that I am continuously learning more on how to better myself and my family....  But most of all I love that by loving MY body - I can teach my children how to love their own.  


ps - This might be why my children are happier naked than clothed. And I am okay with that.

Houston - we have a tooth! (A bunny letter and some cupcakees too)

My 7 month old baby boy cut his first tooth Tuesday!  I cannot believe how fast time is passing.  He's starting to really reach for what we are eating.  He's tasting everything (unprocessed everything that is - we still have not figured out his allergy) and munching on whatever he can.  Today he enjoyed a chunk of watermelon, a few black beans, and a bite of chicken.  I had forgotten how little a teething baby sleeps and how often they want to comfort nurse.  I'm a bit sleep deprived, but I'm in good spirits and haven't crashed yet!  He's also on the verge of crawling. I mean, one hands and toes in plank position.  He can push forward or back, but I don't count it as crawling until he can truly get somewhere with a purpose.  It'll be any moment though.   My daytime alone showers where Scarlett watches a video clip and Emmett sits with a toy are just about over.



Tuesday's resolution:  Mail a letter to the Easter Bunny

Wednesday:  Family trip to the dog park!

John came home around 4:30 today so we could play as a family.  We took a bike ride out to the dog park and let Matilda play for awhile.  We headed to the playground after to tire Scarlett out.  We are quite a vision on our bikes with a tot on the back of one, and a baby on my back in a baby carrier - and of course our horse of a dog galloping the entire way.  Good news is that Matilda is already snoring, Scarlett is being tucked in, and Emmett is in the process of nursing to sleep!  It's a mommy and daddy kind of night!! wahooo!

We pulled too many resolutions out, but I just assigned one to Friday :) 

Thursday: Bake Cupcakes

Friday:  Start a puzzle

Just Read the Labels....

Friday's Resolution:   Read a Food Label 

Holy crap. Literally, a ton of crap. Like a lot of ridiculous CRAP is in food.  Yes we knew this. Yes we have been eating as organically and unprocessed as possible, but I won't lie, our pantry still holds some "crappy" food items.  I believe that everything in moderation is okay, but I'm starting to think (after reading a few labels) that not EVERYTHING is okay at all.  

I stopped buying items that come in boxes, with the exception of Annie's Honey Graham Bunnies, a bag of pretzels, and Stacey's pita chips.  I can't get away from the jars and cans yet, because honestly, I do not have time to make my own applesauce and such... not to mention it doesn't fit in with our grocery budget to buy a million apples to make the sauce from.

I found a recipe for homemade pretzel bites and will try to fit that into my never-ending day sometime :)  

Anywho -- Point if this post:  Read a label.   I have made pancakes and waffles from box mixes for years, and we have recently switched over to a made-from scratch recipe for oatmeal batter.  It is wonderful to know that our morning pancakes are made from oats :)  However, we were still pouring Aunt Jemima's Syrup all over them!  I just happened to grab the syrup and read the label.  High fructose corn syrup is the FIRST ingredient.  I told John and we went on the hunt.  I found an all organic version for $9 (NINE DOLLARS).  YAY RIGHT.... not in the budget.  So I decided that there has to be a recipe out there somewhere right?  Sure enough there are a million syrup recipes!  I'm on it.   If you have a homemade syrup recipe - please please share it and I'll try it and spread the syrup love!

Saturday:  Visit the Flea Market for a DEAL!

Yes I rigged this resolution...  hehehe...  The Landlubber's Annual Flea Market took place Saturday, and we missed it by 2 months last year (We loved here in May).  We have heard talk about the craziness that is this flea market.  We laughed it off and assumed it wouldn't be crazy.  John was out of town for work Friday-Saturday, and I thought I would pack the kids into the stroller and run the 3 miles to the flea market (at a church) location, walk around, buy a few cheap things, and run home.  WHOA. The line opened at 9:00am and we arrived at 8:59am.  There were 2,000 people in front of us. I am not making that number up. I actually asked the "line leader" - and then I started getting nervous.  They released the line.  I was watching this state of craziness ensue before my eyes.  People were running, grabbing, stacking, pushing wagon fulls, etc...  Before I even made it in, people were leaving with bicycles, lawn mowers, camping tents, strollers, beds, etc...  I did have a slight panic attack as I tried making my way through the crowd toward tables of goodies with my double stroller and unprepared storage situation.  I found the kid's section and watched in awe as a wagon FULL of games rolled by. I mean every game you can think of was in that wagon.  (At $1 a pop, I would have bought them all too!)  I suddenly snapped out of my state of shock and said, "Let's freaking DO THIS!"  I grabbed 6 puzzles and 5 games, a walker for Emmett, 8 glass mixing bowls, jars, etc (totally rocks for our "Go Green" kitchen process right?!)  and a few other random things.  Total spent:  $23. Trying to make it 3 miles home... PRICELESS!  I had to call a friend with her golf cart to help lighten my load.

In the game pile:  Scrabble and Guess Who... but my favorite:   BUNCO!!!!  Who's coming over for a girls' night in??  :)

Scarlett's favorite game:

Sunday (Today)'s Resolution:   Yard Work

This one has John's name ALL over it :)   He just swept the patio, racked the yard, and is still out there smoking two chickens for this week's menu.  

Monday's Resolution:   Clean out Scarlett's closet.   It's time to switch out the heavy winter gear any way....

side note:   I love watching Matilda watch the kids eat.....  hahahaha

Fingers are the best paint brushes.

 

It was a beautiful day for a naked butt swim in the backyard :)   

Tuesday's Resolution was: Paint a Pretty Picture....

We started our "St. Patrick's Day Art" with a finger painted rainbow!  It turned out great and Scarlett had a blast!  I drew a large rainbow in pencil first and then gave her one color and the designated paint area.  She did really well :)

Today's Resolution:  Teach a life lesson.

This is tough with a 2.5 year old.  I tried two different thoughts.  The first was "Don't ever leave with someone you don't know or shouldn't have you."  We talked about police officers and firemen and other people who are "helpful" strangers, and then we discussed kicking and screaming and yelling "NOT MY MOMMY!"
I have decided that (like many of you, I'm sure) it doesn't matter what someone looks like - EVERYONE is special and holds beauty.  Kids are mean, teenagers are mean, Hell, even adults are mean...  I really don't understand how some adults are so judgmental and hurtful. (That's another post all in itself - so I'll leave that one alone at the moment.) I use to think that it was ok to think things in your head as long as they weren't ever said out loud, but I m changing my mind.  That is not the right way to live.  I will not see eye to eye with MANY people, and I do not have to be friends with every person, but I do need to see the good in every person.  I don't ever want my child to come home saying, "Ugh. What a loser..." etc.   I hope that by leading with a positive outlook, my children will find the good in people.  I know how sensitive Scarlett is, and I know that she will be heartbroken so many times because of how emotional she is... but I also think that by nurturing those emotions, she will be able to create wonderful relationships throughout her life. 

Tomorrow's Resolution:  Eat Spaghetti.   (YUM!)

Nothing beats a good BBQ.

Thursday's snail mail hasn't been mailed yet; I'm in need of a stamp.  But the letter has been written!

Friday's resolution was to "Throw a Shin-Dig!"



We went ALL out.  John's parents were on their way in town, and the smoker seemed to be calling John's name.  John smoked pork shoulders and beef brisket starting around 5:30pm on Friday.  The meat was pulled off around 6 or so on Saturday evening.  I'm pretty sure that the whole city of Savannah could smell our backyard.  If your mouth was watering last night, I'll go ahead and say that it was our doing.  John added sausage and a few other goodies to the smoker before everyone arrived to the house.  We have 14 adults and 9 tots in our tiny abode.  If you live anywhere in the south east of the US then you know the tornado weather that has been going on outside.  We'll, the weather sirens were blasting, but we grilled on!  The weather didn't keep anyone away either.  We just ate, drank, laughed, and kissed booboo's all night - while sitting cozy in the house!  The meal was a great success.  I was a little disappointed that my super cute outside decorations weren't used, but if that was the only downfall, it was a great night.  It was our first big smoke-out, and John was a bit nervous.  He had never met the husbands of most of the women coming.  He didn't want anyone to leave with a sour taste in their mouth (literally) - so he was focused on his meat all day.  (haha)  I'm pretty sure the food was loved across the board.  We have leftovers for the week, however, there was a total of over 50lbs (YES FIFTY POUNDS) of meat on that smoker.  We thought we would have a freezer full afterward, but that is a joke! But no complaints - I'm just happy that bellies were full and that people will want to come back over next time!




Our Recycle system worked perfect with the guests!!!






Saturday's Resolution:  Clean out the pantry...   Well, that was delayed until today - as I was not reorganizing before we had a party!  But the task has been completed, and my pantry looks AWESOME!   (And I'm hoping that it dwindles away here soon.... this is my first trip that I will NOT buy a boxed item!)

Sunday's Resolution:  Scrub the bathrooms. (ugh - another cleaning one?!?!?  Stupid jar of resolutions - give me a GOOD ONE.)

Tomorrow's resolution:  take a picture of the babies.   (that's better!)