A Summer of Giving

Thankful Thursday - People are Awesome

2012-11-08T15:47:00.001-05:00

I posted yesterday about a collection going on in Fairfax, Virginia to be delivered to those in need from Sandy. It was so heartwarming and I hope a lot of people take advantage of this time to do something so huge for people so in need.

While I was trying to figure out screen shots to share the information - I saw something else that just made me so thankful and happy and get all weepy. My favorite place to go for drinks and dinner, Vino e Formaggio, shared some information on their wall about Thanksgiving:

Doesn't it make you cry? Its beyond sweet and I can't wait to hear how it goes. Maybe I can install hidden cameras or something so I can sneak a peak at the happenings while we are doing our own Thanksgiving.

And then my friend Kristin posted this on my wall:

This was such good news as I wouldn't be able to drive out to Fairfax tomorrow and we really don't have the funds this week to buy extra. Now I can get into the attic for our extra coats, pull together the clothes I had set aside for donating, and check sale ads for deals on items that are needed. Yay!

Source - Liveinthenow.com

So besides being thankful for these people in my life and in my town who want to pull together to help others, I have spent a lot of time this week thinking of how thankful I am for the little things that others might not have had with Hurricane Sandy and then with the Nor'easter Athena.

I am so thankful for my home, my 75 year old furnace that heats my home, my silly striped socks that keep my feet warm in my boots, my favorite blankets that I keep in each room ready for snuggling. I am thankful for my old wood floors that don’t ever seem cold on our feet. I am thankful for my coffee maker that brews my favorite organic, fair trade coffees for me. I am thankful for my not so creepy basement that has a french drain and keeps it from flooding. I am thankful for neighbors who look out for each other and my great location so we can walk anywhere. When I was 9 months pregnant with Liam, Tim was out of town and we got the first of two huge snowstorms. We had 2 feet of snow on the ground and I was home with the 2 boys thinking that if I went into labor - I could just walk to the hospital!

I am thankful for old friends and new friends and knowing that I can count on people if we need anything. I am thankful that today I got to have lunch with Tim and Liam and Kyle at Kyle's school. We even stayed for recess and got to see Kyle keeping an eye out for Liam and Liam hold his own with the big kids. We got to get lots of hugs from Kyle in front of his friends. And once we got home Liam brought me a teddy bear that was scared of a raccoon and we worked it all out. I am thankful that the Angry Birds people made a Star Wars edition because it has made my kids so happy from the moment it was downloaded. I am thankful to be here and to get to enjoy all of this every day.

How to help after Sandy - really really help

2012-11-07T17:13:00.002-05:00

Today I read this awesome Facebook status update from some awesome, crazy women I adore.

I am so not on top of this screen shot stuff but I wanted to get you all the info. Please help in any way you can! Something as simple as picking up an extra $10 worth of groceries (things that are ready to eat would probably help most. We don't know if cooking is an option). Coats that you or your kids don't wear (seriously - you know you have some you won't fit in, don't like the color of, don't wear often, is so last year). Towels (Target and Walmart have surprisingly nice towels that are inexpensive). Imagine needing diapers or formula or hand soap. Think of things that you would bring to be comfortable camping: those facial wipes (I love Simple brand), granola bars, toys and games to keep the kids busy and to keep you all sane. These people need us. Please help however you can.

Check out Rants from Mommyland's awesome blog here. And enjoy. You're welcome.

Thankful Thursday - After Halloween and the Hurricane

2012-11-01T17:49:00.000-04:00

Let's start with the most obvious on this dry Thursday afternoon. I am thankful that my friends and family were largely untouched by Hurricane Sandy. I was trying to not obsess about the storm but wanted to stay on top of storm coverage and be completely prepared to lose power for several days with 3 kids under the age of 7. So of course- with all that - obsess I did. I shopped and shopped to make sure we had battery-powered light sources, dog food, diapers, water (even though we don't lose water when we lose power), boxes and boxes of Cheez-its and Triscuits, and tons of hummus and peanut butter. Plus fruit and soup and vegetables to saute for wraps and sandwiches. I watched NBC 4 and checked Twitter every 30 minutes. I worried about the dog next door who's owner moved the dog in although he and his family haven't moved yet. This poor dog spent a cold, rainy Monday shivering and curled up in his half doghouse. I finally called Animal Control after noticing the owner's truck come and go several times throughout the day without taking the animal indoors. Animal Control came and then the owner came and put the dog in the shed or garage. I felt like I could breathe again! I was so relieved that this poor dog wouldn't have as miserable a night as he would have exposed to the elements. Definitely thankful for the animal control officers who must have some of the hardest jobs ever.

Poor dog!

My two younger boys ended up falling asleep early in the evening on Monday so I played Battleship with Kyle and then Go Fish with Star Wars cards. He creamed me. I bowed out and asked Tim to take over and Kyle destroyed him in War. I read to Kyle from The Hobbit at bedtime and gave him a headlamp and flashlight in case the power went out. I assured him I would wake up and camp out with him if it did. I tried to relax knowing I had my family at home and that we still had power and no trees on our house. I had an IPA, texted with some friends and went to bed early. Tuesday brought us light rain and cooler temperatures but we didn't get snow like some friends in the mountains. So I spent that day checking Twitter and seeing the devastation north of us. I checked in with my family and was so thankful that everyone from Richmond to Brooklyn was doing fine and hadn't even lost power.

We were able to move on from Sandy unlike those north of us. We sent the boys to school on Wednesday and met at a friend's Wednesday night for a gathering where the parents got to have a beer and the kids got to run around outside before we set out trick-or-treating. The kids had a blast and were ready to head back home about the same time as me. Tonight is Cub Scouts and we will be touring the Government Center and learning about the changes in our town from 50 years ago.

Iron Man, Jango Fett and Peter Pan heading to a Halloween party. Peter Pan refused to dress up.

Spending 4 days cooped up inside with my boys (with the exception of a great Halloween party on Saturday night) means that there is a little too much TV, a little too much bickering, and too little space. I should have planned some fun activities for us to do, but Tim was in NYC over the weekend and I was still getting over my strep and some days I just get the bare minimum done. One thing that I was able to enjoy was Zac's voice! He was singing so much, reciting songs from You Tube videos that he started watching in preschool and reading books aloud. He also surprised me on Tuesday by saying "I want to have milk please." I was so excited I jumped up and hugged him like the maniac mom I am! Its so exciting to hear him make a sentence without prompting. And its not even one I ask him to use! He used it again later asking for peanut butter and I was just the proudest Mom ever. It makes me realize once again how lucky we are to have the amazing teams he has had at school these past 3 years. From his bus drivers and aides to his teachers and therapists. Everyone works so hard for my child each day and I get to enjoy all these little moments because of that.

And I am also thankful for moments like these:

Thankful Thursday - only late - but with a doctor's note!

2012-10-26T15:58:00.000-04:00

So I was all un-me and making lists of things I am thankful for as they come up in preparation (not procrastination) for these posts. And then I got strep and spent a couple of days thinking that rest and fluids will magically fix me (didn't happen) So I caved and called my wonderful Doctor at Skyline Family Practice and today I am thankful for the one remaining antibiotic I am not deathly allergic to as I am almost back to functioning normally.

I am also thankful for my friends - there are so many people in my life who surprise and amaze me every day. Just being sick brought friends offering help and food and asking what I need from the store. My friend Martha took Kyle to Cub Scouts last night so I could veg out and half watch E News and not infect our pack. Especially since my doctor's son is in our pack and he would call me out.

Even when there are letdowns - which are so common as a Mom - why do we plan anything? - I try and remember that things are still pretty awesome. I had plans to go hiking with my friends last week. I was bringing Liam and Charlie to Andy Guest Shenandoah River State Park and we would hike and be merry! And I thoroughly enjoyed the drive there and refrained from stopping along 340 to take pictures every 500 feet. But only because the inside of my windshield is remarkably dirty. And I only once said: "Yeah - we get it. It's pretty. Speed limit people!"

We get to the park and this is what we see:

And these were my guys I was going to hike with:

But the cute one in the stripes? He decided to sit down in a muddy puddle. And soak his shoes, socks, pants, and sleeves. Because it was a foggy, cool fall day and what better to be than wet? So after searching the car and realizing I could redress him several times - if he just wasn't concerned with pants and shoes - we headed back out of the park to go home. Liam and Charlie both cried on the way home but I kept playing the It Could Be Worse game. We got home and had lunch and went for a walk downtown and all was well. The mountains will still be there next week if I wish to tackle them again. Hiking with a 2 year old isn't really all that great - but I enjoy the challenge. And the park is only 20 minutes away. And Skyline Drive is 5 minutes away. So I really can't complain. I can - instead - be thankful.

And I hate to say it but I am so thankful for social media and my smart phone. If I wasn't on Twitter - I wouldn't have known that Virginia State Parks has an app that has lots of great features for people who can pay attention to their phone without a child sinking into a mud puddle. Or for people who are traveling and want to stop and visit a State Park. Or for people planning a trip and want to camp or kayak or hike. Or who know how to use a GPS. Its probably all over my head right now but someday I might figure it out.

And if I hadn't been searching for that app - I might never have found the Virginia Tech Tree ID App which can help me answer "what is that thing Liam is squishing in his fat little palms?" (Answer: Persimmon). And if I remember to bring my phone on a walk at a friend's house I could identify the thing I found on the ground instead of sending it out on Instagram.

And because I am getting my appetite back - I am thankful for food porn. People share these incredible things they cook or eat and post them online and even though my food never looks like that - it gives me (an incredibly indecisive person) an idea about what to cook for dinner. And I can make it vegan and leave out ingredients and I don't get stressed out by too many steps or specific measurements. So tonight I will be making black bean salsa to toss into fajitias with vegetarian refried beans and sauteed peppers and mushrooms. And whatever else might sound like a good addition. All because someone had a picture of something similar somewhere in my scrolling today and its sounds like what I want.

So I am off to make salsa and be thankful and not at all paranoid about Hurricane Sandy. Have a safe weekend!

Thankfulness

2012-10-18T11:06:00.003-04:00

Thanksgiving is approaching! I am so excited because I get to watch the Macy's Day Parade and football. We make something gooey and terrible for breakfast and enjoy being together on a crisp fall day. I have visions of games of football in the yard when my kids are a little bigger and love when family comes down. My kids were never big eaters on Thanksgiving and this will be my second Thanksgiving where I am not eating meat. Luckily Vegetarian Times has some amazing recipes so I won't be stuck with Tofurky (I always thought that was just a joke). But Thanksgiving is still 6 weeks away and my intentions of posting about it today are to start on my Thankfulness journey.

I have been reading books on decluttering and streamlining my home (The Joy of Less by Francine Jay) and books on finances to curb our spending and get a handle on living beneath our means (The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey). I am also constantly trying to get a handle on eating right, drinking minimally and exercising. All the concepts are pretty easy:

Do you really need to keep that huge box of Dean Koontz books when you can get them all from the library and you have read them all at least twice? Do you really need 22 saucer plates? Do you need to hold onto 75+ DVDs when the only time you watch them are when they come on cable? How many extra sets of sheets can one queen sized bed use?
Stop spending money you don't have and then wondering why you don't have money. Write a budget and stick to it. Don't use credit cards. Use cash. Cut back on extra expenses (like eating out - there aren't any vegan options around here anyways!).
Eat mostly vegetables and whole foods. Go for a walk. Pick up your weights - and use them! Take the kids outside to play. Beer is a treat - not a thirst-quencher. Drink water.

I know what to do and how to do it but find myself turning to other sources to hear someone say it in a way that will make it click. Plus there could be some secret magic formula that I don't know about (right? There could be!)

So after turning 30 last week and thinking self-improvement thoughts - I know I need to balance out making changes with self-appreciation. While I was heading out for a meeting on a cold day - I decided to treat myself to my free birthday soy latte from Starbucks. I enjoyed every sip and sat in my car with my warm boots, my oversized cardigan, and my heated seats and I thought - I am so lucky. And then Wild Thing came on the radio and Liam was dancing and singing in his car seat and I thought - I am really really lucky!

I have always been a "look on the bright side" kind of girl. I want to save the lobsters from the fish tank at Red Lobster and comfort the crying baby at the grocery store. I want to take any animal home with me who could possibly need it. I give the crazy lady who cut me off in my quiet neighborhood the benefit of the doubt - she could be heading to the hospital with a sick kid. When everything is falling apart and I can't get the kids to leave the playground - I think - it could be worse! They had a great time and I got to enjoy it with them. Now we get to go home and finish reading the Spiderwick Chronicles. The problem is keeping those thought from being drowned out by negative thoughts.

I am going to do Thankful Thursdays up to Thanksgiving as a way to remind myself that I am lucky - each and every day. I have 3 beautiful boys who love me and love each other. I have a husband whose adores me and who I look forward to seeing when he gets home from work. I got to spend the day at the pumpkin patch with just my Zac (and pet baby cows!!!). I get to go hiking tomorrow with my friends and Liam and Charlie. I get to experience the Shenandoah Valley in the fall just walking out my door! I can spend the morning drawing on a chalkboard with Liam and listening to his stories of crocodiles and Peter Pan. I get to build Star Wars Legos with Kyle and listen to his dream of Storm Troopers taking my car without asking! I have the best dog in the entire world and a fish who dances for his dinner.

Isn't is amazing that this is my life? Losing weight and making a budget doesn't seem like such a downer when I have so much already.

Oh the guilt!

2012-09-27T11:12:00.000-04:00

I started this blog as a way of holding myself accountable to make sure I was doing good - for myself - for my family - for my community. And I definitely got off track (last post was in June!). And like anything else - instead of jumping right back into it, I procrastinated my way into a deep hole. I am a terrible procrastinator! Instead of facing things head on, I ignore them and hope they don't go away. I actually did that with my bills when I was 19. My mailman left a note me for to check my mail because it was getting too full. Once I stopped fearing the task: I sat down with all the bills, a calendar, and started planning. I figured out when I could pay each bill (or a portion of each) and had an end date in sight. And then I felt awesome! Invincible! Throw it at me - I can take it! Too bad that feeling doesn't ever last. Its like that saying that motivation doesn't last and neither does bathing - that's why we do it every day?

Luckily I am surrounded by awesome people who inspire and amaze me each day. I have friends who tackle a workout that is daunting (Michelle blogs about it here), who plan meals and grocery shop with total efficiency, who start to minimize (check out my inspiration Kristin), who decide to tackle their finances and don't let little things get in their way. Now obviously these people aren't perfect (and most of them don't blog so I can't link them) - but I see them as total inspirations and feel ready to try again. You would think the overwhelming guilt I experience when I procrastinate would be enough motivation . . .

Credit

I will be 30 on October 10th. I do not fear 30. I keep saying I am ready to take on a new decade. I started my 20s working at a law firm, dating my darling guy, living with my sweet puppy, in my own apartment and still totally unsure of myself and what I should be doing. Since then, I have had 3 kids, gotten married, bought a house, adopted a new home town, and tackled things that I would not have been able to imagine years earlier.

And while I don't expect my 30s to suddenly make things make sense - I am determined to take them on with a new mindset. Yes, it is probably hard. No, this first step won't be the only step. Yes, there will be setbacks. No, giving up is not easier. I don't have a big plan. As with anything - it is steps. And I will applaud myself for each step and give myself full credit even if I only get 15 minutes done. It will be sporadic right now - and that's just how I do it!

So here is what I am looking at:

Today I got up and worked out at 5:30am. I didn't complete the workout before Liam came out coughing and asking to snuggle. But I got most of it done. Worked up a great sweat. And didn't drag myself to the coffee pot.

Yesterday I planned meals and grocery shopped. With a list. For a lot of healthy foods to make healthy meals. Tonight it is Country French Barley Vegetable Potage from The Plant Powered Diet.

I also started going through the living room for items to donate to Front Royal Women's Resource Center's Yard Sale on October 13th (more on that later). That day is also the Festival of Leaves downtown. My oldest will be marching in the parade with his Cub Scouts troop. (Sooooo excited!)

On a more positive note: check out my cute kids and the adorable moments when I wasn't blogging!

Zac at a Front Royal Baseball Game

Liam at the fountains in the Inner Harbor, Baltimore

Apple Picking

Selling Cub Scout Popcorn

Tree Huggers at the Park

Tropical Smoothie Fundraiser!

2012-06-11T16:36:00.002-04:00

Come and join us for a fundraiser with Tropical Smoothie Cafe! 15% of your sales will go to MOMS Club of Front Royal and our Clean Birth Kits service project (be sure to mention this fundraiser!). Tropical Smoothie Cafe has great variety of menu items for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a post-workout refuel. I am very excited to indulge with the Hummus Veggie toasted wrap (minus the pepperjack cheese - of course!) which I would enjoy with the Lean Machine smoothie (dairy free!). You can view their menu online and then check the nutritional calculator to see what items you want to add or change to customize your order to your liking!

I love that the fundraiser goes all day so that I can bring my guys in for an early lunch before the pool or a summery dinner after a day at the park. The kids menu options allow you to pick a fruit, chips or cookie to go along with their meal (and your sanity level). I hope to see you all there!

Did you know that every minute a woman dies of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth? 99% of these deaths occur in developing nations. For every woman who dies in childbirth, another 30 women incur injuries and infections which are often preventable. (Source: World Health Organization.)

The MOMS Club of Front Royal, VA is excited to announce that we are working on a service project to help reduce maternal and infant mortality in developing nations. We found a program that provides Clean Birth Kits to very poor areas around the world. The Clean Birth Kits include eight simple items in a plastic bag including a piece of soap, plastic gloves, squares of gauze, cotton string, a utility blade, plastic sheeting, a clean cloth to wrap the baby, and a pictorial diagram.

As stay at home moms, this project is very dear to our hearts. As Americans we have access to state of the art medical services. These small bags of supplies could help ensure that moms in developing nations will survive the birth of their child to raise them into adulthood.

Please consider donating supplies, gift cards, and/or money to help the MOMS Club achieve the initial goal of 250 Clean Birth Kits by the end of July 2012. The MOMS Club of Front Royal, VA is a 501(c)(3) publicly-supported charity registered with the IRS. As such, your donations may be tax deductible, check with your tax advisor.

Thank you in advance for your support with a life saving project!

Sincerely,

The Clean Birth Kit Project Committee

The MOMS Club of Front Royal, VA

Teacher Gifts - Round 1

2012-06-06T07:19:00.000-04:00

Teacher Gifts for Zac's three main teachers: A book made out of 4 pages with pictures from his very first days of school (Sept. 2010) to recent days. With his cute little one-letter-on-top-of-the-other signature.

Zac plugged his ears when overwhelmed

Top: Open House Bottom: 2011 Graduation ceremony

And my little guy hamming it up. I have a hard time really expressing how much it means to me to have him say "Cheese" and smile for the camera. It's amazing! And I have some teachers to thank!

The 2 bus drivers (he has a morning and an afternoon bus driver) and 2 aides also get little cards:

And of course everyone got some homemade chocolate chip cookies. I know today will be emotional! I can't believe that this is the end of preschool for Zac. I anticipate lots of tears from me as well as his teachers! But I know my little guy is going to shine in kindergarten. And we will have a busy summer to keep me from getting too worried.

Next week I will be pulling together gifts for Kyle's teachers - and I will probably be doing it last minute - because that's me!

Second Summer of Giving: Planning Teacher Gifts

2012-06-05T10:16:00.000-04:00

I have been asked whether we will be doing Summer of Giving again (yes!) and I am excited to do it - then I realized that all my boys will be home in one week. Zac's school wraps tomorrow and Kyle's last day is next Tuesday. So summer starts soon! I am definitely a procrastinator but I think our Summer of Giving will start today with teacher gifts.

Photo Source

I have a hard time with teacher's gifts. We have been so lucky to have such amazing teachers for the boys. I wish I had millions of dollars to pay off their mortgages, or increase their salaries to the numbers they really should be getting (definitely 6 figures). I wish I could send them on vacation or even afford to send them to a spa for the day. But what I really want them to know is how incredible they are. These women (they have all been women so far) have a huge place in our hearts and our lives. They literally take my children each day and help them grow and learn. I get all weepy just trying to think of what to say to them to express how much I appreciate them. Between Zac with his autism and his intelligence that is a little hard to pull out, and Kyle who is also so smart but is a 6 year old boy who likes to play with his friends (at inopportune times), these teachers have helped us overcome obstacles and found new ways to approach problems. They have taught my guys reading and math and social skills. They have braved field trips and dealt with accidents and meltdowns. They have the kids walk in lines, take turns, use iPads and Smart boards. They somehow manage to do all this with a class full of children and then they go home to their own families. They worry about an entire room full of children in addition to their own children. I lose sleep and stress-eat just dealing with my three!

So I want to thank my children's teachers - and all the teachers out there. You get up each day and make a difference in the lives of your students and their families. You will be the ones that are remembered long into life. You aren't just teaching them from a book - you are taking them and helping them develop into their future selves. You are making a huge impact and you are some of the most important people that will ever enter into our children's lives. Thank you!

I will try and post pictures as we make the gifts today - the boys love doing it and I am excited too!

Brainstorming for the Summer and Bloggers for Birth Kits UPDATED

2012-05-15T11:44:00.001-04:00

Oh things have been so busy! I am so glad to finally have an empty day on my calendar today. Which of course isn’t really empty – I am using today to catch up on blogging and planning meals and de-cluttering. Lucky for me, I was spoiled for Mother’s Day. I actually had 2 nights out at Vino e Formaggio last week – one night with friends from our MOMS Club of Front Royal and another night out with my darling sister, Suzie Robb, of Twitter and BBB fame. And my Mom got me the Skinny Bitch Ultimate Everyday Cookbook so I can refresh our meals and get ready for summer vacation.

We recently had Zac’s IEP which went very well. I am excited for him to start kindergarten in the SCCIP program and I am putting off any anxieties until school starts. No use worrying about them now! He has been playing on Zac Browser so much lately that he has started repeating French, Italian and Spanish words around the house. I am having a hard time thinking of anything cuter!

We just had our Board Elections yesterday for MOMS Club of Front Royal and I am President for another year. Most of the board stayed on and we have one new Board Member who I absolutely adore and I am excited for a new year with some amazing ladies. We already have a really big, exciting service project – Clean Birth Kits which I learned of through Rants from Mommyland and Bloggers for Birth Kits. A few of our MOMS will be meeting in the next week to start brainstorming fundraising and donations.

Photo Credit Adriel Booker, The Mommyland Memos

Here is a list of the items needed for the Clean Birth Kits:

1. Soap (for the birth attendant to wash her hands). Use a hotel-size soap or cut a regular bar of soap into 1/8-sized pieces. (Microwave the bar of soap for 30 seconds to soften it for cutting).
2. One pair of plastic gloves (for the birth attendant to wear).
3. Five squares of gauze (to wipe the mom’s perineum and baby’s eyes). Gauze pieces should be about 3×3 inches. These need to be sterile and kept away from the soap.
4. One blade (to cut the cord). You can buy individually wrapped sterile blades at the pharmacist or buy utility blades (much cheaper) at the hardware store. We teach the women to boil the blades for sterilization, so utility blades work just fine.
5. Three pieces of strong string (2 for tying the cord, 1 for “just in case”). String should be about 10 inches long.
6. One plastic sheet (for a clean birthing surface). Sheet should be approximately 1×1 yard and can be purchased at your hardware or paint store.
7. One sandwich-size ziplock bag (to pack the contents).

Thanks to Adriel Booker of The Mommyhood Memos for all this amazing information and receiving the birth kits.

Local Giving:

I am ready to brainstorm for this Summer of Giving which is approaching quickly! I obviously want to continue helping out C-CAP as they give back so much to our community. We have tons of clothes ready to donate and I plan on another food drive.

Liam and I will be working at the 4H Vegetable Garden next week and I am really excited. Mostly because my plants have come back this year so I feel a little more comfortable and don't think I can destroy their earth and any chance of things growing.

I will be contacting the hospital to see what kinds of things we can donate to patients (books, magazines, homemade cards or sun-catchers). I also wanted to get in touch with some of the retirement homes. Kyle's school collected donations for seniors and we donated some new blankets. Their wish lists included other items such as toiletries and large print books.

I was excited to join the Front Royal Women's Resource Center and someday I will make a meeting. They are so amazing and I was disappointed to miss out on their Annual Dare to Dream Breakfast this year. They awarded over $8500.00 in grants! I look forward to contributing to this group as much as possible.

Save a Life:

I almost forgot that I was on the Bone Marrow donor registry until I received a letter from them asking about further tissue typing. I called to authorize the tissue typing and was actually a little disappointed that they did not have a potential match! Bone marrow donation tends to have a lot of people worried about donations (ever see Dr. House take a bone marrow sample without anesthetizing?). But in reality - the donor is in a hospital and under general anesthesia and most report lower back soreness after donation. Another, more common method of donation is called peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation. This is done at a blood center or hospital and is also outpatient. These donors receive injections for 5 days to increase blood forming cells. The blood is taken from one arm, passed through a machine to separate our the blood forming cells, and then returned to the patient through their other arm. All in all - a little discomfort to save a life. According to Be The Match, about 70% of patients in need of a bone marrow transplant will not have a match in their families. The Be the Match registry could be the patients only hope. BeTheMatch.org has lots of information on how to get on the registry, donate, or spread the word.

Another way to easily help save a life is to donate blood. Our area regularly has blood drives through the Red Cross and I try to arrange child care so I can donate. I don't eat animal products so I try to pay attention to my iron intake during the 24 hours before donating, but as long as I remember to eat my levels are usually fine. I am O- so my blood type is universal. Its amazing to know that something so simple can help 3 lives! Check out redcross.org for blood drives near you.

Touch a Life:

The World Needs More Love Letters is one of the cutest ideas ever. I love the idea of leaving a random note somewhere for someone to find and help brighten your day. (Kind of like our Rock project last summer). You can also nominate someone to receive a batch of love letters and sign up to be a letter writer where you will get an assignment sent to you to help touch a life. I have received assignments for a Mother whose son was in the Middle East and a nomination from a girl whose stepmom was in the hospital with cancer, after having cancer several others times. I have a hard time writing these notes - but I hope to find one that flows easily onto paper so I can help.

Milkshake is a great site that finds products and events that give back globally. It was through Milkshake that I learned of The World Needs More Love Letters and Pure Vida (adorable bracelets) and a number of other causes. If you are like me and want your shopping to do a little more, definitely subscribe to this site as well as Milkshake Kids.

Liberia Orphan Education Project is an amazing program, run locally, that helps provide education support and development to teachers and school supplies and books to orphans and vulnerable children in Liberia, West Africa. It is a strict not-for-profit and has no overhead cost. To learn more about this incredible organization, and how you can help, check out their website here.

I am hoping to include more organizations that I adore - but my cluttered brain only let 3 squeak out. Do you have any organizations you would like to share - globally or locally?

Puppies need home! UPDATED

2012-05-01T18:44:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine has recently under gone a tragedy in her family and she has asked for help in placing the 2 new puppies they have. They are 20 weeks old, rottweiler/pit bull mixes, and have been raised around and are good with children and other animals. They are currently located in Linden, Virginia and placement is needed. If you are interested in fostering or adopting - please contact me at katie.carr.29@gmail.com, on twitter @KatieCarr29, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/katiecarr29.

Thank you! Please share with anyone you think might be interested.

Thanks for all your help in spreading the word. The puppies have found a wonderful new home together!

Front Royal is Quietly Amazing

2012-04-21T09:50:00.002-04:00

I really adore our little adopted hometown of Front Royal. But it can be sneaky in its ways! You have to do a little searching to find out about the great events that happen here. Luckily, my friend Andi Robinson keeps posting suggestions on her blog, http://thefroroiknow.com/. Between her blog, the newspapers, discoverfrontroyal.com, Front Royal Women’s Resource Center newsletters, and Facebook status updates, I am starting to feel like I have a sense of what’s going on around town.

The Front Royal – Warren County John Marshall Speaker Series kicks off Tuesday April 24^th at 7pm at the Warren County Community Center. Their first speaker is Holocaust survivor Marcel Drimer. Check their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JohnMarshallSpeakerSeries. I cannot begin to express how much I am looking forward to attending this event and listening to Mr. Drimer speak with us.

I am also excited to help out the Front Royal Women's Resource Center's group during the UNITED WAY OF FRONT ROYAL-WARREN COUNTY DAY OF CARING on Friday April 27th from 8am to 4pm. Volunteers work together to paint, haul trash, prune, and plant flowers among other jobs. Skilled volunteers, including carpenters, electricians and plumbers are especially needed. As a thank you, sponsors and volunteers are all invited to attend our annual dinner that evening. Beer, wine and lots of good eats! For more information contact the United Way office: 540-635-3636 or info@frontroyalunitedway.org

Setting off on Fox Hollow Trail

It's National Park Week! Free admission to all 397 National Parks from April 21st to April 29th. We happen to have a pretty amazing National Park just down the road, Shenandoah National Park. There are plenty of hikes whether you are looking for one that it easy, or one that is more challenging. You can hike to a waterfall (like Dark Hallow Falls), do a stroller-friendly hike (like the Limberlost Trail), or a hike that isn't far up on the Drive (like Fox Hollow).

Take some time out to enjoy our town this week!

Spring Cleaning for Good

2012-03-27T11:18:00.000-04:00

Bluebells blooming along Luray Avenue

Spring always brings to mind a new beginning. The weather turns from cold and unforgiving to warm and welcoming. The grass grows lush and green and trees and plants start blooming. The days get longer and everyone from the bugs and birds to children and adults enjoy it. People get out their bikes and start riding. Gardeners get their hands in the dirt and start making magic happen. We will soon see the reopening of farmer's markets and the grills will start up for the season. Spring also brings to mind some not so pleasant things. While I have no cure for your allergies: Spring cleaning can be made a little more – well – clean.

First step is always de-cluttering. I love to get rid of things. But I have a hard time getting rid of the kids' stuff. Something about taking their toys or books and getting rid of them makes my stomach ache. What if they want to play with it again? It’s easier around Christmas and the birthdays to start purging because I know more will come in. But toys multiply faster than rabbits and it’s easier to say goodbye to items when you know they will be doing more good outside of your home than in. Our MOMS Club of Front Royal does a SWAP table at our monthly meetings. Everything from clothes (both MOMS and kids) to toys, dishes and books find their way to the table. Anything a member doesn’t want to take home gets donated.

Decluttering for Spring by Kevin Sharkey

We donate clothes to C-CAP and toys and household items go to Second Chance Thrift Store. There are a lot of thrift stores in our area but Second Chance benefits Harmony Place Women’s Shelter and so that is usually our pick. Books can go to any number of places: Check your local library (I donate my books to Samuels Public Library). Also check doctor’s offices and hospitals and your local schools. A great place to donate blankets and towels is your local Humane Society. They even take washers and driers! Here is a great article about other places to donate used items to help those outside your community: Milkshake Spring Cleaning with a Purpose.

Before just piling stuff in your trunk and hauling it to a thrift store – you should call ahead if you have any large items and also inventory all items for tax purposes. My receipts totaled around $600 last year from all our donations. And I didn’t inventory well! Now I make notes and then staple it to the receipt and file it in our tax folder. It should save me and our wonderful tax people at MRS Tax Services time this year. They even let us send in receipts before our appointment to take less time while we are actually in the office.

Check online for places to recycle items you would normally throw away. I check sites such as Earth911 to find out what we can recycle, where and how. Some items, such as the microwave that shoots sparks, tend to stump me. I can’t donate it because it isn’t safe but I would hate for it to just end up in a landfill. Other items such as the computer that died can be taken to Goodwill and will be recycled. It takes a little GoodSearching but in the end it feels better to know that your items are not going to be harming the planet or cluttering your home.

Are you feeling up to a little cleaning? If you aren’t on Pinterest (seriously – you aren’t?) then there are plenty of places to find recipes for natural cleaners. One of my favorites is Vinegar and I use it on everything from glass to the drain to the microwave to the coffee pot. I even poured vinegar in a carpet cleaning machine rather than super strong chemicals. Some other items you can use to clean are lemon juice, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Here are some links to check out:

http://simplehomemade.net/easy-recipes-for-natural-homemade-cleaners/

http://www.finelyground.net/2012/03/one-day-challenge-spring-cleaning.html

http://thegreenbacksgal.com/green-your-clean-how-to-make-non-toxic-household-cleaners/

If you aren't up for making cleaners there are two green cleaning lines I love: method and seventh generation.

And remember the essentials! Two items out for every one in (fight clutter before it starts!). Take your shoes off at the door. And make sure that everything has a place! Baskets are a common find in thrift stores and can help corral everything in your home. Another big clutter item is paper and if you follow the "one touch" rule you will find that paperwork is more manageable. Once a paper comes into your home - whether mail, school papers, medical documents - handle it immediately. You should decide to recycle, shred, file, or take action on it as soon as you touch it. I tend to print on the back of any one-sided school paper that comes home.

Now that I have finished this post - I guess I should get started on my own spring cleaning. But first . . . another cup of coffee.

IEP's and Why being Autistic is more accepted at Monkey Joe's than the hospital

2012-03-16T11:54:00.000-04:00

When I was preparing for my son Zac’s first IEP (Individualized Education Program) – I did what any Mom would do: I researched until my brain hurt. I looked at the Commonwealth’s special education laws; I read through IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act); I researched IEPs on Special Education sites; I talked to others through online social networking sites; I read books. I heard and read so many negative things about the Big Bad School vs. the helpless, meek Mom. I read that I would need to come prepared to the IEP meeting, loaded down with documents and research and evaluations, and ready to fight for my child. I told my husband, “We will not sign. We will not decide anything today. We will take this home and have it reviewed.” I needed to repeat it over and over to make sure I was entering the IEP meeting as a Mama Bear, ready to protect my young. This IEP meeting would determine my child’s education, his future, and my status as a Special Ed Mom. All this for preschool.

Well – I couldn’t have been more wrong about how the IEP meeting went. It was wonderful. Everyone was warm and welcoming and asked questions about Zac. I had written a letter about Zac in order to remind us all that he is an amazing, loving child – not just “moderately autistic”. They loved the letter and I adored them all immediately. We determined the conditions of the IEP and I was excited with what they hoped Zac to accomplish in his first year of preschool. And yes, I signed the IEP. It took everything I had not to add a huge smiley face after my signature. I was so happy with how it went – I was talking a mile a minute in the car on the way home. Tim teased me about signing at the meeting but really I don’t think it could have turned out better.

Lining up cars at Target

Our IEP for Zac’s second year of preschool went just as well (only with much less stress on my part). My preparation this time was reviewing his previous IEP and baking a breakfast cake to bring in. We had the meeting in Zac’s classroom so he and the boys could play. It was so easy, I didn’t even think of it as an “IEP meeting”.

Zac has had his ups and downs in preschool. He is not verbal enough to tell me why he doesn’t want to go to school some days but he is a great speller and reader. He is counting to almost 100 and saying things like “milk” and “banana” when he wants one. This is huge! He is dressing himself and loves playing with his brothers.

And now we approach kindergarten. The biggest question we have had to ask ourselves is whether to put him at his home school (where Kyle will be in 1^st grade) and attend regular kindergarten or to keep him in the Special Ed program at his current elementary school. We have to decide how much change to give him and how hard to push him. He is smart. He can do the kindergarten work easily – but he does get anxious and he does regress with change. So right now we have decided to keep him in the SCCIP program at his current school. He has been in the same classroom with the same teachers for 2 years, so a new classroom and new teachers will be big change. It should push him forward and that is what I love. I know I will have to continue facing these decisions each year and there will come a time (hopefully sooner than later) when we will decide to “mainstream” Zac.

And that is what brought me to write about this now – getting a phone call from Zac’s teacher to check out some kindergartens and an article I read in Parents Magazine “The Play’s the Thing” (Parents magazine, April 2012, page 106). It’s about the Wolf Performing Arts Center, which is a non-profit theater program in Philadelphia. What struck me most is what the program founder Bobbi Wolf says of their program, “Wolf PAC is not a theater program for children with disabilities. We’re a theater program that includes children of all abilities.” The article goes on to talk about “inclusion” rather than “mainstreaming”. The hardest thing for me as a special needs parent is not isolating Zac because of his autism. But we do it at his school. And at this point I think that is what he needs. I can’t see putting Zac in a class with 17 or 18 other 5-year-olds and all the drama that is inherent in kindergarten classrooms. This is the year lots of kids start school if they didn’t attend preschool. And they need to learn how to be in school for 6 or 7 hours. They need to learn how to wait in line and eat in the cafeteria and raise their hand and then wait to be called on. There is one teacher and one assistant teacher responsible for all those children and if Zac decides it’s too loud in the hallway or that he needs to use the bathroom – he could very well melt down and they would have a crisis on their hands. I worry about his social skills and I don’t want it impacting the kindergarten work he will need to do.

Hands on House in Lancaster, PA

Autism is hard because I don’t want it to be an excuse – but it does present a different set of problems and concerns. When taking Zac to the doctors and hospital recently I kept saying “He has autism.” Each doctor or nurse or X-ray tech said “That’s okay.” I lamented on Facebook afterward because I wasn’t apologizing for Zac – I was explaining. You don’t look at him and think he won’t answer your questions or will cringe from your touch. So instead of an awkward exchange – I start to explain to them and they automatically say “That’s okay.” I think I should have prepared a speech ahead of time because I never had a quick comeback until after leaving the hospital.

Interestingly enough – the best people to deal with Zac have been teenagers. Whether we are visiting Dutch Wonderland or bringing the kids to play at Monkey Joe’s or the Sportsplex, teenagers who work at these locations have always been awesome. I don’t tend to automatically tell people Zac has autism but sometimes the situation presents itself if he is going to be touched or not responding to someone else’s directions. Teenagers have always been helpful, smiling, understanding, and open to suggestions. Sometimes they even give me helpful suggestions! I wish I could let them know how great they are – and how they should never grow up because someday they might be saying “That’s okay” instead of just being awesome.

Zac at Dutch Wonderland

Are teenagers more accepting of disabilities in children because not long ago they were children themselves? Being a teenager is hard so maybe they are more likely to remember that sometimes being a kid can be hard too. What is it about being an adult that we suddenly have to be able to handle everything?

Front Royal Preschool Fair!

2012-03-02T09:45:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in a while - this winter has brought mild weather (yay for hikes!) and lots of viruses that won't go away. But it is March now and spring is in our midst. It is also time for our:

MOMS Club® of Front Royal, VA
3nd Annual Preschool Fair

Are you planning on enrolling your child in preschool for fall 2012 and don’t know where to start? Do you wish you knew what preschools were available and what they have to offer your child?

The MOMS Club® of Front Royal is hosting a gathering of preschools in the area. This is a great way to get information on many of the preschools and programs for young children in the area while only visiting one place.

Come join us at Samuels Public Library, White Meeting Room in Front Royal. The Fair is FREE and open to the public.

Saturday March 3, 2012 from 10am-12pm

For more information or to participate, contact us at FrontRoyalPreschoolFair@gmail.com

Finding My Fit

2012-01-25T18:07:00.000-05:00

We have a cute neighborhood coffee shop, the Daily Grind, which has incredible dark coffees and cases full of sweets (including vegan options!) and it is just a cozy and wonderful place. I love walking there with Liam on weekday mornings and I always envision us sitting together me with my coffee, him with his juice, people-watching, and sharing something ridiculously delicious. It normally works out to me trying to keep him wrangled near the table without me spilling my coffee or tripping over a table leg. We stopped in last week before browsing the thrift stores and an older gentleman started talking to me while I was putting up our dishes. He began by telling me about a friend or relative who had written a computer program and ending up selling it to pay for college. He kept saying that one day Liam was going to go to college and that computer science is where it’s at. Being that Liam is only 2 (and was not doing a good job staying out of trouble) – I was trying to just be polite but ended up leaving with a lot to think about. The moral of his story was to figure out what you want before you go to school. He had thought about being an engineer - and before he took the steps to go to school - he sat down with 4 or 5 other engineers to ask them questions. He wanted to know what they loved and what they would have done differently. He said of the 5 only one was really helpful and it led him into a very interesting career as an engineer. He said that his chosen field was limited to mostly military and government - so he didn't feel he had a lot of latitude if work wasn't around. He words definitely struck me and I believe it is definitely something that everyone can benefit from.

When you are a high school student, most conversations with adults revolve around college and your choices of schools, majors, minors, and all the rest. I am sure I was asked these questions and I am sure I blew them off. College never seemed an option for me. I worked full time and didn’t want to think about more school when I couldn’t even think about the following weekend. Finances were a part of it (although I know my family would have found a way if I really had my heart set) but it was more the huge decision of what I wanted to go to school for. In my experience, it seemed you either knew what you wanted to do from around the age of 10 or you went to school hoping to figure it out on your journey. And then there were those people who went to school and graduated only to be unable to find a job in their chosen field. This was 10 years ago – I can only think things haven’t changed much. So do you go to school with an idea of what you really want to do and then have a back-up plan (or 3)? Or do you choose something you hope will still be a big field when you graduate? It makes my stomach hurt. How can a 17 or 18 year old make this kind of decision?

I began working at a law firm when I was 20 and stayed there for 3 years. I loved the attorneys I worked for and loved researching and liaising with clients (and using phrases like “liaising with clients”) but after 3 years I was about to have a baby and I realized that family law was too depressing. I detested too many of the criminal law clients and all other kinds of law were too boring to even begin researching. While I was busy with having two kids in 15 months, I didn’t think about work, let alone school. Then when we were buying a house I watched lots of HGTV and I spent my waking moments trying to figure out how to make our house (and others) more perfect. After writing the Biggest Loser program for our MOMS Club – I thought maybe health would be a career to pursue. But then I got into this blog and realized how many great non-profits there are in my town alone. So I think non-profit is where it is at. One idea that has remained constant is the idea of helping.

But non-profits are still such a wide range! I have been researching and came across some websites and blogs (of course) and I have decided to join up with some of the non-profit groups in town. The Humane Society of Warren County is obviously a very fitting choice for me – my Dad used to call me Ellie May as a little girl because I wanted to adopt every animal I saw. Another group I am interested in is the FrontRoyal Women’s Resource Center. They seem to be made up of such an interesting group of women whose goal is to help other women in all areas of their lives.

I am looking forward to a 2012 that will hopefully send me down the right path – or at least shine some light on my options. I am ready to find my inspiration and get moving!

Life Goals

2012-01-14T11:06:00.000-05:00

When I was in high school, a friend introduced me to the writings of Kahlil Gibran. While his works were published during the first half of the 20^th century – his words resonated with me. And I was a teenager who knew everything. Some of his aphorisms from Sand and Foam have stuck with me for the last 15 years. One of my favorites:

“Words are timeless. You should utter them or write them with a knowledge of their timelessness.”

Re-reading Sand and Foam now provided me with a different view of his thoughts and opinions. I was no longer a teenager looking for an intellectual justification for my angst; I am now a “grown-up” and I am hoping to rediscover that which seized me when I was younger. It seems I am now looking for that next step. What do I want to do? I am a Mom – but my youngest is 2 and ready to take off and enter the world. I have been casually looking for a part-time job in the evenings and weekends but there isn’t much around for someone with limited hours. Beyond that – I want to do something. I want to act on my passions and find a way to support them and spread the word and feel like I am doing my part. I happen to have some pretty amazing people in my life who have made choices for their lives and gone on to achieve some of their desires.

Work In Progress Gallery in SoHo

My brother-in-law John Carr is an artist. Like a real artist. He lives in NYC and designs for work (www.meetmark.com) and has recently been able to showcase his personal work at the Work In Progress Gallery in SoHo. He has given us some paintings and drawings and we get to enjoy them in several rooms in our house.

John has always been creating images and moved to New York 14 years ago to further his passion. What an incredible feeling it must be to be great at something you love and to be able to do it everyday. When asked about what steps he has taken to get there, John says, “Setting aside time after work. Staying focused on day to day goals is very important. A seemingly huge goal is much easier to look at when broken up into smaller ones. Accomplishments beget accomplishments, so I try to stay in that "loop" as much as possible.” While John has encountered the inevitable set backs, he doesn’t believe it is beneficial to look back. He has drawn on some words to remember to help him continue to reach his goals: “You get out what you put in. Everything begins with a thought. Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. Just do it. Focus on the positive and let the other stuff be.” Check out some of John's work at jcinnyc.com.

My Grandma has always been able to pass on some great advice whether it was helping me through an argument with a friend when I was a teenager or helping to understand when Zac was diagnosed with autism. What I didn’t know about her was that she had gone to college at age 48, and in nine years, while working full time, received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. It seems like such a huge undertaking – and it was! But my Grandma knew that it would pay off in the end. “I got very tired, but never thought about quitting – it just wasn’t an option. I loved being in classes and found that the faculty preferred nontraditional students (i.e. old ones) because they were more passionate about learning and were determined to get their money’s worth. My job involved working with students and their children, so being a student myself meant I could relate to them. I wanted to be a good example.” She had some serendipitous things happen that helped her achieve her goals and she advises, “I feel it is important to be open to the good things that come along, and to let others know if you have a need, even if they aren’t a logical person to help you – they may have the perfect answer to the problem.” This is great for many of us who have a hard time sharing our struggles and asking for and accepting help.

"A year from now you will wish you had started today" - Karen Lamb

My stepdad Richard set a lofty goal when he was in his twenties. He decided that he wanted to be able to retire by the age of 48. While he was in the Air Force, his brother Joseph encouraged him to apply for a job with the FAA. Richard knew that he would be able to retire after 25 years with the FAA and he took extra steps to save money. “I was determined to reach my goal regardless of obstacles. The largest obstacles I encountered were the air traffic controller’s strike in 1969 and 1981. On both occasions I ignored extreme peer pressure and refused to go on strike. I realized to do so would have jeopardized my job with the FAA. My instincts were correct: several thousand air traffic controllers were fired as a result of the 1981 strike.” I have learned from Richard that sometimes you have to make tough decisions and sacrifices in the short time in order to reach your long term goals. He was able to retire a year early at age 47.

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Joe Sabah

Karen Whittaker is a Beachbody Coach, Mom, Wife, Blogger . . . the list goes on. She always has great upbeat posts on Facebook and is one of those women who just seem to have it all together. When I asked her about goals she passed on some really great tips. She has set up her home business as a Beachbody Coach and it has taken some adjustments to figuring it all out. She explains: “One of the obstacles I've struggled with is trying to do too much. I had too many irons in the fire trying to find what worked for me. Now I've settled on three main components of my business to keep it moving forward successfully, while also building on my reputation for service. I suppose this is a learning experience a lot of people go through and it's best to find these things out for yourself. However, going forward in training people who join my team, I have a six week system, weekly homework for them to learn first, then explore, and then focus. In that way I hope to keep them from getting overwhelmed. I also struggled with setting my goals too high. I have a busy life. My husband and I have three kids, I have a full time job...I put too much pressure on myself to get to a certain level in a hurry. I am realizing now that slow and steady really does win the race!” To learn more about Karen and her brilliance check out her blog: Karen Under Construction and her site www.karenwhittakerfitness.com

Some sites to check out: Mindbloom and The Slight Edge.

Fitness Goals

2012-01-04T14:46:00.001-05:00

If you open any magazine right now, you will read about a Great Get Fit Plan for 2012. You are going to be healthy and full of energy on your quest to a bikini body! You will also find articles about making goals and sticking to them (ahem), recipes that will wow, achieving the perfect night’s sleep, how to make more money, and better sex! But let’s face it – if everyone who read the articles followed the advice and became perfect – we wouldn’t need magazines. Success at anything requires more than just reading an article and following the steps. There is something in you that must click before it will all work.

I am reading this amazing book right now: A Hand to Guide Me by Denzel Washington. Yes – that Denzel Washington. It has stories of being inspired by someone in your life whether it is a parent, coach, or neighbor. It shows how much impact a conversation can have. What a difference a little encouragement can make. How everyone needs a push in the right direction. Even someone with a lot of drive to succeed had a moment in their life, or someone in their life, and they had a turning point where they knew that they could do more.

I am hoping that I am finding a turning point now. Switching to a vegan diet has done a lot for my energy and my spirit and I am ready to move on to the next step. My friend Jill recommended I sign up for a race or sport to foster my competitive spirit, have something to hold myself accountable (like a race date or team counting on me), and have set goals to reach for (like a training program or practice schedule). Since I am not athletic and I actually enjoyed running three years ago (before my heart literally rebelled) I have decided to run a 5K on February 25. Jill is going to help with a training schedule and I am so excited!

Exercise has so many benefits that it seems like a no-brainer. Besides getting in shape physically – exercise benefits your heart and brain and your other insides. Regular exercise helps with depression, stress and anxiety, insomnia, low energy, and so much more. But sometimes it’s hard to get off the couch or make time in our schedules for it. So I want to bring you some stories of others who did – set and reached their fitness goals.

My friend Andi is amazing. I totally want to be her when I grow up. She is a Mom, wife, Realtor®, blogger (check out The FroRo I Know), and still finds time to work out. She set a goal to complete a half-marathon in under 3 hours and began a 12 week training program. She had to run at least three times a week on non-consecutive days and sometimes had a hard time fitting in her long runs on Saturdays (I don't know why - she doesn't have anything else going on). Andi realized that having a running buddy would have helped her deal with running longer than 5 miles and when asked about what she would have done differently she says, "I would have trained 4:1 intervals (4mins run, 1min walk) as this is how I ran the race and it felt great. I would have had great running shoes from The Running Store from the get go. I would have run a few smaller races during training. All in all I came in at 2:38 about a 12minute mile for 13.1 miles... it was a great sense of accomplishment and I will do it again next year."

My Aunt Rebecca also took on a fitness venture - in the name of charity. She participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer several years ago. The event was 60 miles in three days and she had to also raise $1900. Through support with the program, friends and family, my Aunt Rebecca was able to finish the walk and raise over $3000! "I had a pulled hamstring in the middle of my training (and in the middle of a 10 mile training walk). I learned that I couldn't slack off in my daily training and try to make it up on the weekend. Also - on the 3rd day of the actual walk I had 4 huge blisters. I walked 16 miles, each step painful, just by reminding myself of what was waiting for me at the end -- my family!"

My Mom is definitely someone who has inspired her friends and family in the name of fitness and health. I remember her beginning to walk around a neighborhood track and then start to run. She ended up taking on a job as a certified personal trainer and aerobics instructor and then was the manager of a gym. She once led my friend and I through an ab workout when we were 13. Our stomachs were so sore the next day it hurt to laugh! When I asked her about goals, she filled me in on how she has kept it all up through several major set backs (including foot and knee surgery) as well as maintaining an exercise habit through busy work and family schedules. "Training for races by setting a structured work out schedule was always fun for me and motivating. I use a calendar to mark off my daily work outs and hate to see blank days. If it is an intentional rest day, I will write that down." She explains: "All the goals I have set with fitness are not the end of the road. It is a constant journey without a finish line. To live a healthy lifestyle is not a set weight or single achievement. There are ups and downs - on the scale, with time and other life issues - that one needs to adjust to. The biggest issue seems to be gaining and regaining balance. How do you measure that?"

http://www.squawkfox.com/2009/01/06/free-printable-workout-log/

Weight Loss Stories - Part 2

2011-12-31T17:18:00.002-05:00

Time for some more inspiring stories of weight loss and health embracing! I always enjoy hearing how others are able to do it. Whether starting with a big number to lose or facing debilitating conditions – everyone is different. And everyone’s weight loss approaches seem to be different as well. Sure – there are the basics:

- Calories in and calories out

- Eat more vegetables and whole grains

- Steer clear of saturated and trans fat as well as artificial ingredients and processed foods.

- Exercise most days for at least 30 minutes

Some people find success by eating smaller meals, more often. Others enjoy a tough workout and then find their appetite naturally diminished while others find themselves starving after a run. Some can enjoy beer or wine and decadent foods, while others have to eliminate them except for a very occasional treat.

So here are some more weight loss success stories and tips!

Two women I have connected with on the Daily Challenge keep me smiling every day with their posts. Kim shares lots of information about health and the body and mind. I look forward to her insight every morning! And she speaks from a position of experience. Kim has lost 43 pounds and 33 inches (4 sizes!). She initially set a weight loss goal but exceeded her goal by losing more weight than she originally intended. Kim’s journey included 4 friends who made accountability calls each week. Knowing that others were in it with her helped keep her focused. She and her friends shared a coach who helped answer questions and guide them. Kim’s words of wisdom about obstacles are too good to not pass on: “With obstacles, if you set your mind to it, you can work your way around it. There are always ways to get over, under or around obstacles. It just takes effort. As to set backs, you can't let them hold you back. You only took a step backwards, you didn't turn around 180 degrees to go the other direction. You have to get back up and take another step forward. It's all in the way you think.”

Another Daily Challenge friend is Khris. We originally connected because she is a mom to boys (now men) and is also a vegetarian. She always has something positive to share and I love hearing about her day. Khris has lots of achievements to share but decided to focus on her recent weight loss. Khris lost 10 pounds after deciding to get in better shape and get healthier. Laughing, she explains, “Oh, yeah - I REALLY wanted to get rid of my flabby arms! That's where it all started!” Khris found success through researching (reading books, watching videos, looking into exercises) and drinking water. She had a hard time with drinking water – never liked it – so she found Hint water and enjoyed that until she was able to tolerate regular water. The one change Khris would make would be to start focusing on her health younger.

My Mom works at a company that really focuses on health. She actually creates and presents some of their health programs (and has helped me with my Biggest Loser Programs). Some of her co-workers agreed to share their stories.

Denise joined a Biggest Loser group session in January of 2010 with a goal to lose 30 pounds and participate in a 5K. She created a plan for herself and says “In order to accomplish my goals I made a promise to myself that I would go to every work out and commit to working out at least 5 times per week outside of the group. I did my first mile and my time was 29 minutes! I kept that time in mind and set goals for weekly runs to shave time off. In ten weeks I got my mile to 11.07.” Some tools she used to help her along the way were a food log and calorie counting as well as a vision board to keep her goal in mind. As for setbacks, she faced a major one: “I injured my back in July and it has been a major setback. I had to have surgery in November and have been unable to work out for months. I worked so hard to change and start living healthy and this injury threw me back into bad habits. It is easy to give in. I have started to refocus. I created a new vision board and set goals to get back to the shape I was in before my injury. I have signed up to do a half-marathon in April!!!” Denise found that she did have to adjust her goal and she lost an incredible 42 pounds and 23.75 inches after 10 weeks.

Cindy’s highest weight was 285 pounds and she never imagined herself competing in a race. She just completed her fourth 5K on her birthday in December. She felt that this was the best gift she could give to herself and has repeatedly reminded herself along the way that everyday is a Clean Slate. (Side note: Tabula rasa is one of the only things I retained from 4 years of Latin). Cindy says, “Start fresh. Take a deep breath and move on. I learned to believe in myself. I can do this. I want to be healthy.” She has lost 50 pounds since the beginning of her journey and knows that she has more to go – but I think we can all agree she has a great start and the right mindset to get there.

Tomorrow I hope to be hangover free and to bring you some stories of fitness goals as well as those who have reached some pretty big life goals.

Happy New Year!

Weight Loss Stories - Part 1

2011-12-31T12:29:00.001-05:00

On this last day of the year, I am excited to bring you inspiring stories of weight loss that some friends and family members have shared. In the days to come, I will also introduce you to tales of retiring early, going back to school, competing in races, and pursing a dream. Yes – I am ridiculously lucky to have these amazing people in my life!

Let’s start with two ladies who decided to make time for their health and joined Weight Watchers®. Rachel is a local business owner who had set a goal to lose 100 pounds after she gave birth the second time. In order to achieve this, she says “I went to meetings every week. I followed all steps and rules. I made it a challenge. I embraced competition.” Rachel was able to meet her goal of losing 100 pounds without changing her end goal and by looking into herself to know what it was she needed and desired. Looking back, the only change she would make: “I would not have made it a goal, but a life long achievement.” Seriously incredible!

Dina-Marie and I connected on the Daily Challenge. When I learned she was a health coach I was beyond excited. Imagine being able to have a job that helps others find their healthiest self? You can learn more about this here. Dina-Marie also joined Weight Watchers® with a goal of losing 90 pounds by attending every meeting for a year. She has made it halfway to her weight loss goal and did follow through with attending every meeting for a year. Dina-Marie knew that baby steps were the best plan of action for her. She received words of encouragement if she had gained weight at a meeting and lots of pats on the back from friends and family while she lost. Steering clear of vending machines and incorporating healthy snacks has helped with her food struggles. Dina-Marie is continuing her aspiration and says “I wouldn't do anything differently because this is life and life is a journey. I believe things happen for a reason, so I accept those reasons and try to move forward. Life is a series of decisions. Don't like the last one you just made? Make another one. It’s OK. You don't need permission from anyone.”

My dad and step-mom found themselves on a heart-healthy diet after Nancy had emergency gall-bladder surgery. Following guidelines of what to eat and what not to eat led my dad to “Completely change the food buying/eating habits we'd built over a lifetime. Knowing that it was not only good for us but deciding that we would be eating this way the REST OF OUR LIVES was very important. Trying fresh fruits and vegetables that I'd never tried, but found that I did like them, was a fun surprise. I'd often eaten whole grains and the more the merrier, so that part wasn't hard.” My dad lost 60 pounds, putting him back at his high school waist size, and my step-mom (who used to have to try to gain weight) is feeling better, swimming, and looking great!

A super motivating friend from the MOMS Club surprised me when she answered my goal questions by saying that she had wanted to lose 40 pounds before getting pregnant. (Yes – before she got pregnant.) Madeline looks fantastic and is a warrior in the gym so I couldn’t believe she was ever not in shape. She started with the Discovery Health Challenge and then joined a gym. Madeline’s advice for getting started and keeping it up: “I worked with a trainer at first just to introduce me to the machines. But the biggest step was trying any and all classes that the gym offered. It is very important that you find something that you really enjoy so you will stick with it for life. I fell in love with kick-boxing and weight training. But it is also important to remember that your body gets used the exercise that you do all the time so make sure to switch it up. This will also help you not to get bored with the same types of exercise.” After reaching her goal – and getting pregnant with an incredible little girl – she only had to lose 20 pounds of pregnancy weight. Madeline was a regular at the Gold’s Gym here before moving to New York and I am sure she is wowing them up there. One thing she would change? “I would have enjoyed meeting my milestones more. You work so hard to reach your goal and then when you get there you don’t stop to congratulate yourself.”

Setting Goals: The steps

2011-12-30T21:34:00.000-05:00

I have been procrastinating writing about goals. Doesn’t bode well for my New Year! Every time I start to write – I decide I need to research. I generally find the same information from lots of different sources so I think I need to dig deeper. I get sidetracked and then the natives get restless – how many times do these boys need to eat anyway? Am I that fun that they want me to play with them so much?

So, despite the general advice being so similar, I did find some very inspirational stories that I hope to share in the next couple of days. I am also excited to share some stories from people I adore and admire!

Now for the basic tenets of goal setting:

1. Set a specific goal with a timeline. (For example – I will lose 10 pounds and increase my energy through regular exercise by March.) To determine your goal you need to do your own research:

a. Visit your health care provider to get a workup/physical. Determine your weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body fat percentage, etc. Letting your doctor in on your desires will help keep you from taking on anything too drastic or unhealthy.

b. Check in with reputable sources online to determine a healthy/happy weight, BMI, etc. I love self.com (SELF: Happy Weight, SELF: Ideal Weight), but there are countless other sites that can help guide you.

c. Talk to others who have been there, done that. These can be people in your life or on social networking and support sites. And of course I will be passing on some very wise words from people who have been doing it!

2. Determine your plan of attack!

a. Trying to lose 30 pounds? Break it down to 1-2 pounds lost a week. Find new recipes and add whole grains and veggies to your meals. Try some new exercises and log it all.

b. Trying to de-clutter your home? Have a room-by-room or section-by-section break down. Arrange weekly trips to the thrift store (say every Wednesday) or schedule a pick-up for big pieces. Don’t forget to get tax receipts! Another good idea is to plan a swap or yard sale with friends. Nothing like a deadline to get you moving.

c. Trying to sleep more? Buy room darkening shades or a sound machine. Start writing your worries down before bed. Take a bath before turning in to bring down your body temperature (signaling sleep). Make your room a tech free zone – this includes TVs, iThings, laptops, smart phones, etc. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier every few days.

3. Visualize. This was such a great tip! It helps weed out what you think you want versus what you really desire. Whether it is getting back to your high school weight (probably not practical) or someone else’s opinion of you (doesn't really matter!) – you need to figure out what is right for you - your body, mind and health.

a. Experts recommend visualizing yourself going through the steps and then achieving your goal daily. Ideally upon waking, mid day, and again before bed.

b. Inspiration boards are really helpful. Fill one with images and quotes that move you.

c. Make it personal: whether it is a picture or memory that brings you joy – find a way to remind yourself often. You might not have been a size 2 during a weekend trip with your girlfriends – but you may have tried things you wouldn’t normally try or put yourself first. Tap into that!

d. A mantra you can repeat and post in areas you see frequently (bathroom mirror, dashboard, computer screen) will help remind you of your goal. This should be a positive statement! Saying “I don't want to be fat" will not help you reach your goal. Repeating “I am strong” or “I deserve health” will give you something to draw on.

e. Ask friends and family to tell you what they think your positive attributes are. Write them down (or have them do it!) and keep it in a positive file. I got this tip on the Daily Challenge though Me You Health (https://challenge.meyouhealth.com/). These people have helped me make great strides for myself – and I haven’t met a single one! A very positive place to visit.

f. The key to visualizing is being realistic and positive. I have had Olivia Wilde up on my board for a while before realizing that I will never be as thin as she is. And that the qualities I admire in her (besides her ridiculous good looks) are her drive and her attitude toward health. She does yoga and eats thoughtfully and when I think healthy – that is what I envision. You can’t photo-shop that!

4. Share and ask for help. This is definitely an important step. I had a hard time sharing goals because, it seemed to me, I was inviting others to watch me fail. But this blog showed me that it helps to hold me accountable. Your friends and family can help support you in your efforts.

a. If you want to get to sleep earlier – letting your spouse or roommate know will make it easier to say no to a marathon of Storage Wars. If you are trying to eat healthier – letting your family know will help at gatherings. Again – positive is best! Don’t turn this into the blame game or a chance to criticize someone else. If your Mom makes fantastic, albeit less than healthy, food – ask if you can bring a healthy, delicious dish to share. Use “I” statements and ask for their support for you. I have decided to go vegan after 9 months of vegetarianism, but I definitely won’t be discussing animal rights at the next family dinner! This is not a time to alienate – most people are more open to trying new things if you bring a positive, no pressure, approach.

b. You might find new allies. I was excited last year to find that many of my friends in the MOMS Club were willing to walk with me. We had stroller brigades walking to the river and back and we hosted workouts in my backyard. A Facebook page helped us motivate each other and share tips and seek advice.

c. Another way to gain from sharing is by signing up for a trainer, joining a class at the gym, enlisting a friend as a workout buddy, or volunteering at the animal shelter to walk dogs. When you know there is someone else counting on you – it makes it easier to make the choice to do it.

5. Track it. There are many ways to do this:

a. Food/Exercise/Sleep Logs – this lets you look back and see how much you have done. Some people do this online, others in a notebook, whatever works for you. Write down what you did or ate, how you felt, what you want to do next.

b. To Do List – Some people thrive on lists. These can be short or long term. It can entail what you want to do or what you already have done.

c. Calendaring – A literal calendar where you jot what you want to do or what you have done. For example: Planning your workouts or de-cluttering schedule or noting what you have accomplished. I loved tracking my runs (distance and time) on a calendar and it came in handy when I was having heart trouble because I could say – heart trouble after 3.3 miles.

6. Reach your goal or Modify. Some very wise, successful people don’t believe you need to modify your goals. You set it and reach it, overcoming obstacles along the way. I think that this is kind of like how you forget how awful childbirth was the moment you get to hold your little angel in your arms. Then with the next pregnancy you remember and wonder how you got yourself into this again. So – it’s up to you! Sometimes you might realize that your goal was a little too lofty and scale it back a bit. Other times you might surpass your goal and keep on going. You need to be judge of this! If you aimed for a size 4 only to realize that you are a really sexy 6 or if you wanted to train for a half-marathon only to realize that a triathlon would be way cooler – let you heart, mind, and soul guide you.

Family Matters

2011-12-23T19:27:00.001-05:00

I have never had the in-law problems that are such popular fodder for blogs and sitcoms. My husband’s mom passed away from breast cancer when he was 10 and I have always had a good relationship with my father-in-law. I am also lucky enough to have 3 amazing brothers-in-law (by the way: brothers-in-law is such an annoying phrase to use). We were all friends before Tim and I were Tim and I and we have remained so since. No drama there!

I have managed to steer clear of drama in my family for the most part as well. My parents are divorced, so our family is big and separate with lots of steps and significant others that have come and gone. So, while I encountered some family drama this holiday season, I know I am one of the lucky ones.

And now I find myself wondering – how does everyone else do it? Families have such varying personalities with such a history. Everyone knew everyone else way back when and has seen each other in some of their worst moments. And then everyone gets together at high stress times like weddings and funerals and holidays. Put everyone and their spouses and kids in a room, shake, and add alcohol. I picture a small town where you can’t avoid Sally (even though you keyed her car when she broke up with you) at the post office because where else will you be able to pick up your package? Or high school – because everything matters in high school and one little mistake can blow up huge. And Never. Goes. Away.

So what do people do with family drama? Do you bite your tongue until the drive home when you rant and rave about everything to your spouse? Do you hold it together until your third drink when you start to tell others how you really feel? Is there a persona you put on before visiting family? How do others handle the inevitable?

And what about after the drama? Does everyone pretend it never happened? Do they tease and joke until it is just a quirky memory or do they chalk it up to one too many glasses of wine or a poor night’s sleep on the sofa bed (you know the one with the spring that jabs you in the kidney no matter how you lay)?

I look at my three boys and know (from my super referee experience) that there will be times when I am trying to pull them together while they are pushing each other away. My siblings and I always came together when we needed to. Whether it was keeping someone out of serious hot water or just getting the house clean before my Mom came home from work – we had each other’s back. It’s funny as a Mom, to think that if they are teaming up to deceive me or avoid prosecution, that I have done something right! I know that there is a sibling bond – it was evident whenever we brought a new little one home from the hospital. Zac and Kyle definitely had it right away, even when Kyle threw Zac’s bear in the toilet – and when Zac threw Liam’s duck in the toilet. At least they didn’t take their newborn brother and throw them in the toilet! And you see it still when one is sick or upset – there is that sweet moment of caring before the advantage is seen and they swoop in for the momentarily forgotten light saber or computer. Who knows what will come in the future? But I do know that if my boys are still on speaking terms in their 20s and 30s – the kids will be alright.

Antidepressants and Weight Gain

2011-12-18T09:18:00.000-05:00

I know that it is common for medications to have side effects that are less than desirable. I think that their commercials are funny because they show these great scenes (fishing with your grandchild, rekindling an old flame at a reunion, and doing yoga with your friends) while the voice over is telling you that you will be constipated and develop a terrible rash and then your spine will explode.

I finally realized when Liam was nearly 1 that I was battling off depression and anxiety and I went to my doctor. I started on Zoloft last December and actually lost 5 pounds or so right away. My appetite was light and my mood was good. A miracle drug! I continued taking the medication and didn't think twice when I gained 10 pounds very quickly. After all I had stopped nursing Liam and so there goes some of my calorie burn. And I wasn't working out regularly. And I was eating more. So all reasons for weight gain but I could fight back! I had lost weight before and I would do it again. Then the weight kept coming and I kept up the denial. Even when my husband was mentioning that the medication was causing me to gain weight and be more tired. No - it couldn't be that! I don't know if it was my aversion to Tim being right or if it was my belief that medication that affected my mood in a positive way could have such negative effects in the long run. I always had a reason to justify my sleepiness and I always had an excuse ready to miss a workout. And at the end of the day I wanted to drink beer! I realized that I was turning into the old me. The one who had put on weight and didn't exercise and just found it easier to have a couple of drinks at the end of the night rather than go to bed and wake up feeling great. I hated that person! How could I get back to that person I didn't like without realizing it?

See how happy these rocks are? And how round?

I finally admitted to Tim that he was right. The Zoloft was contributing to my weight gain and lethargy. I was still happy and playing with my kids at the end of the day - but I wasn't feeling healthy - and was I really happy? I think feeling like I needed a solution - and then getting such immediate results - I didn't even think that this medication could have negative effects. I mean - if it was that great wouldn't everyone be taking it? If medications were wonderful and perfect - we wouldn't need those cheerful commercials. Those "Look what you could be missing out on" visuals. Pay no mind to the man behind the curtain . . . .

So then I did what I try not to do - I Googled Zoloft and Weight Gain. And I read tons of reports about how doctors will deny it but that antidepressants generally cause weight gain (usually around 20 pounds) and that they can initially cause weight loss. Some patients reported no change in their eating or exercise habits - but I noticed a big change in mine! I didn't want to eat healthy or work out. I wanted to eat non-stop and then take a nap. Which is not me! My mood modifier was definitely modifying me. So here I am - getting off the Zoloft and getting back into eating healthy and exercising. I won't restrict an entire food group or cut myself off from sweets or work out 8 hours a day. I will do it the right way, the healthy way, and know that I am doing whats best for myself. But don't worry - I am definitely checking in with my doctor this week. : )

Winter of Losing?

2011-12-17T08:46:00.001-05:00

Since joining the MOMS Club of Front Royal more than 2 years ago, I have received tons of great advice. Mostly kid-related advice, but I also was given recipes, talks about conflict resolution, financial discussions and daily things like how to get a tube of Desitin off of every surface in your child’s room. Never once did these tips make me feel like an inadequate MOM or person. Somehow these amazing friends of mine always left me feeling better than when I came. But I still have a hard time when it comes to me! Having gained and lost weight with pregnancies (and without) I thought that after losing the baby weight with Liam that I was in the clear. No more babies – no more baby weight. No more seeing numbers on the scale that make me grumpy. But when I stopped nursing and started stress-eating I gained weight very quickly. So rather than ask for tips about eating healthy and exercising (because I know how to do it) – I decided to ask about achievements they had made. Whether in fitness or weight loss or career or making another change in their life – I wanted to get their story.

Before starting this year's program for the MOMS Club of Front Royal Biggest Loser 2012, I e-mailed a list of questions to my family and also to friends who have small businesses or busy careers, people who have lost a lot of weight or have found a way to put themselves, and their health, as a priority. In other words – people I admire! I haven’t yet asked our MOMS Club because I think that would be part of our challenge this year. I have already started receiving some tips and the various responses are great! Everyone is different and people approach goals and changes differently. And I am learning so much about my family! I wouldn’t think to ask questions like these at a family reunion or while on a long-distance phone call – but this has turned out to be more than just advice for achieving goals – it is helping me get to know my extended family and my friends better.

Here are the questions that I asked – feel free to send me a message with your answers!

What was something that you accomplished in your life that you did for yourself?
Did you set a specific goal and how did you reach for it?
Were there specific steps you had to make to get there?
Did you receive any words of wisdom from another person or have a personal mantra?
How did you deal with set backs and obstacles?
As you neared your goal - did you find you had to adjust it?
Looking back was there anything you would have done differently?

See how ready I am?

So, since I am now faced with losing 30 pounds AGAIN - I have decided to use this blog as a way to track my progress. This was a great forum to hold myself accountable for my Summer of Giving project and now I will hopefully achieve health success with it as well!

http://www.self.com/health/2012/01/new-year-resolution-handbook

One Ear Up and One Ear Down

2011-12-03T14:18:00.001-05:00

Before I had the amazing gift of being a Mommy to three adorable little boys - I was the adoptive Mom to my Charlie Brown. I have always been an animal lover and we had a series of pets growing up. Rabbits, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, cannibalistic gerbils, and a turtle. My brother even rescued a baby fox which we kept hidden the basement. And while they were all wonderful or crazy in their own special ways - none of them was a life-changing as my Charlie.

Tim and I had not been dating very long when he learned that I wanted a dog. He promised me one for my birthday and I let him know that he couldn't go back on his word or I would be seriously crushed. I had my heart set on a rottweiler (my high school boyfriend's roommate had one and I fell in love). Eventually I wanted to have 2 rotts - a girl named Lola and a boy named Roscoe. But we fell in love when we saw Charlie (who was unfortunately named Baby Boy) at the Prince William County Animal Shelter. He was 5 months old and had only been in the slammer for that one day. He was small and trembling and so cute that we nabbed him just before the couple behind us picked him. We paid the adoption fee and carried him out with a piece of twine for a leash. We stopped at the pet store to get all the things we would need and the poor dog was just too traumatized to walk. We went back to my apartment in Manassas and prepared for playing with the puppy and leisurely walks around the neighborhood. This was the time when the DC Snipers were out terrorizing the area and there was actually a shooting in Manassas on that very night. That, combined with the fact that Charlie was too scared to go down the apartment stairs, made for a stressful beginning.

I didn't know what to name him. I kept coming back to Charlie Brown and Tim teased me about it but I decided that the name was a perfect fit and it stuck. He has since acquired lots of nicknames and responds to them all: Bubba, Charles Barkley, Barks, but he won't respond to Chuck (not that I blame him). Everyone who has met Charlie has fallen in love. He is sweet and calm and patient. He is playful and very sensitive to my mood. If I am upset or not feeling well - he is the first to comfort me. He is quick to roughhouse with a man - but with me or the boys he is much more cautious. He loves toys that squeak and has no interest in tennis balls. He craves comfort and has adopted 2 of my blankets as his own. He uses his nose and paws to arrange the blankets on his bed to achieve the right balance.

Charlie gets so excited when snow is falling. He jumps around outside (he doesn't get that he is 9 years old) and tries to catch snowballs that we throw up the air. He digs in the snow until his nose is frosty white. No matter the weather he is a sucker for a thrown stick. He lets the kids take the stick and throw it for him and he even tolerates the twigs they bring him and he pretends its just as good as a bigger one. He leaves food that ends up on the floor (which there is plenty of with all the boys) unless it is chicken - then he can't restrain himself.

Charlie is a great judge of character and is protective of me and the boys. He growls if someone comes near the yard that he doesn't know and wags his tail and jumps around if it is someone familiar. He uses his tough puppy bark if he is outside and we are inside to scare away possible infiltrators. His bark is only used when necessary - or when there is a raccoon - but who can blame him! He has a groundhog friend that comes and visits and they just calmly watch each other - it is really very cute. Squirrels on the other hand had better keep to the other side of the fence. They don't get any slack.

All in all my dog is amazing. I love and adore him as much as my boys and he is definitely part of our family. He has welcomed three boys home from the hospital and has lived in 3 different places with us. He is still afraid of going downstairs and has yet to venture into our basement after 4 years of living here. He won't leave the porch unless he is told to and likes to greet the boys coming home from the school bus. He rolls over if you ask him to show you his belly and he hates baths but loves being clean. His best friend is a dog named Keepa and they love to play in the river together. I am so lucky to have Charlie in my life and he has definitely helped me get through some tough times!