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.