Finding Great Joy

Creating Slowly

2016-08-01T10:35:00.000-06:00

I’ve been meaning to write and create for some time now. I think everyone needs a chance to do that, you know? I have a friend who loves cooking. She creates meals and cakes and beauty in her kitchen. Then, I have another friend who hates cooking, but can decorate her house with the greatest of ease. Then, of course, I have yet another friend who can’t hang a picture to save her life, but she can create friendships and bonds with people that really cause a ripple effect of peace and grace.

Women create. It’s what we do.
I love that.

This blog was started years ago so that I could sit down and do just that -to express the special, quiet and sometimes frustrating things I see at home. The alone things that no one else but me could celebrate. So I started this space, as I’m sure many of you did in your neck of the woods. Maybe it was a blog, maybe it was instagram (which I’m on now, FYI!), maybe it was Twitter...or Facebook...or Snapchat... (Whew! who has the time for all this!? You truly are amazing!)

Or just maybe, maybe you are the select few that are on NO social media outlets and keep a journal instead. Or perhaps are pitching a book? Writing a book? Painting a picture?

All this to say, I miss creating in this space. I miss watching others create. It’s fuel to my fire, I tell you.

I have so much to share with you; mainly because after almost a year of not writing...there’s a lot that’s happened...

For instance, that lovable, squishy baby I had last summer? She turned one. ONE! Never have you had a birth story from me (the horror!!) or even a picture or two!

On it right now:

She’s a keeper. We love her. I can’t get enough.

Also, to you, reader, blogger, entrepreneur, cook and perhaps dog-walker, keep on creating! I am inspired by you! Let’s be friends :)

Stress Relievers

2016-04-06T12:58:00.001-06:00

Do these look like weeds to you? They totally look like weeds...but I donna cara...

Chocolate
Strong coffee
A clean house
Online shopping
Quiet
A warm bed in the cold air
Napping children
A hug from strong arms
Frosting
A funny meme with lots of necessary f-words...
A good conversation with my mother
Birds chirping outside my window in the early morning
A long walk
The ocean
Sunflowers
Peace within family members
Belly laughs
Gardening
Warm sunshine

~~~

Today...I need one of the above. You too? What would you add?

Act One

2016-04-02T19:07:00.001-06:00

Today, I sent my middle child to school.
He was coughing at breakfast and whimpering, but I just brushed away the nagging feeling that he should be home because GOODNESS GRACIOUS, he’s missed almost a week already. The strep and whatever else has been plaguing this household for TWO WEEKS and my weary soul was just done.

I’m done with you, sickness. Surely he was fine already. BECAUSE, six days people. SIX since he had his first set of symptoms.

So, I told my son (who’s been on antibiotics since Monday) to cough in his elbow and go upstairs and brush his teeth. He complied and became legitimately positive about going to school...because why wouldn’t anyone want to leave the prison of four walls and a mother going nuts over runny noses, new babies catching horrible diseases, and being pushed to drink liquid every five minutes?

Ok, and then truly, there was the very real fact that aside from a few coughs at breakfast, I KNOW my child and my child seemed OKAY to go to school. At least I kept telling myself that...

So, what should my ears hear but a call on my phone about an hour into the school day. Realizing who the call was from right away, I answered in the most upbeat voice I could possibly muster: “Hello! This is Cynthia!”

“Hello. This is the school nurse. We have one sick, little boy here in the office. He has a bit of a temperature and seems just miserable."

I had about a hundred question marks (along with a thousand expletives) exploding in my brain. What just happened?! Was I just one of those moms who drop their kid off to infect every one else’s?! How did I not just follow my gut and just keep him home? Why did I not know how to recognize these things?!

So, the girls and I threw ourselves together and sped toward the school. When we arrived, we were ushered toward the back room that every school nurse occupies. And suddenly, there we were, looking at my son’s miserable little face that changed a little once he saw me. I thought I saw a flicker of worry in his eyes (or was it guilt?) that flashed at me when I asked him how he was feeling. We packed him up and he sheepishly looked at the nurse as she told him to get plenty of rest and plenty of fluids and to just stay home when he felt sick.

It was then my turn to sheepishly wave and continue to apologize and promise that they (ALL!!) had been on antibiotics since Monday...and then found myself unable to shut up- providing a play-by-play on all the medical decisions we had made in the last two weeks. Our entire history just unloading on this poor woman who had other kids to see (or possible breaks to take). I felt like I needed a hug, like a legitimate hug from someone who could say, “Oh, that’s ok lady. You’re doing the best you can with what you have. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes...and sends their miserable child to school with 16 other children....”

Instead, she smiled kindly at me and waved us on. We (or was it just me?) walked out of that school with our tail between our legs. I felt terrible. I was a terrible mother. I had misread the signs. I had been called to the school... (!)

...and then, as we piled into the car, I saw it. My son. My lovely, good and kind, funny and witty son, who has been up and down with getting better and getting worse this past week, looked up from his carseat, his eyes brightened and color illuminating his cheeks, yelled from the back, “HEY MA! Turn on a show for me to watch! NOW PLEASE! AND I’M HUNGRY! What can we have for lunch!? MOM!"

I knew it.

My mother’s intuition was still in there somewhere. We were all going to be okay, eventually.
Some of us just may be better actors then others...

**I must add to this story with the fact that this happened two weeks ago. ALSO, the baby did get sick...and myself. March was officially a wash.**

Hope

2016-03-13T13:09:00.000-06:00

The three big kids have strep today. I should say, the oldest had it and now is being medicated for it...but the middle two are taking their turn with the nasty beast. It’s all so polite over in this house.

I can’t lie. I’m exhausted with all the illnesses that have come home this year after sending the big kids to school. I used to be a germaphobe of the highest degree. I can see in some, small way, Jesus has seen fit to rid me of that annoying behavior by putting things so far out of my control that I have no choice but to lie down and surrender. And surrender I have...sort of. As long as it steers clear of the baby, I will be completely happy. Let us pray...

Did I ever mention to you that when I had one child I used to be such a control freak? I would mash and steam and blend up what he ate (only! organic!my! goodness!), wash off every cart he would sit in, make sure he never played by anyone sneezing, etc. I would worry about the length of naps he had to the amount of food he ate. When he started randomly biting me on the leg, I would whip around and whimper to myself that I had failed at teaching him manners. I was a failure at being a parent, for that I was sure.

I could keep going. You KNOW I could keep going.

Here’s what I realized this week (or was it last week?): no matter what you do or worry about or fret about...it’s going to be ok. Seriously. It’s going to be ok. Kids grow. Most kids will grow out of what they (or you) are struggling with. They will get sick. You can’t stop them from getting hurt. They will be their own people no matter who you want them to be. They do need love and direction but not helicopter-ing. They will mouth off or throw tantrums or bite- but not forever. They will be sweet too. They will learn their emotional reactions from you. They learn how to react to adversity from you. So show them to the best of your ability to make mistakes and get over yourself. To apologize and take risks...and forgive. Ok, but no crazy pressure. Don’t be a perfectionist. I will be the first to say it ruins your life. You just be you. And laugh at yourself while you’re at it.

My oldest and I were walking into mass this morning and he asked me to tell him about time. How long was a minute? How long was an hour? I explained to him that there were 60 seconds in a minute. 60 minutes in an hour, and so on. "In fact," I said, "during the time we’ve been talking, many, many seconds have already passed that we will never get back.” The last part made me pause, because it was true. All those old(er) ladies in the grocery store were right, this time doesn’t last forever. Their sweet little hands, their chubby little cheeks, their desire to learn and to laugh and to play...the innocence of it all won’t last forever. It will change and grow and perhaps even get better, but it won’t ever be the same. Time really is a gift and a luxury.

It’s time not to fret about the small stuff.

The prayer I have for myself this Lent, or just life in general, is to live intentionally. To notice each moment... and WHEN I don’t and I become all wacky with how out of control I may be as a parent, I pray to be able to clear the fog and redirect. Because if you wait long enough, you will see change. I you are patient long enough (with yourself and your child) you will see change and hopefully come out stronger on the other side.

Keep forging ahead, mamas.

AND steer clear of strep.

March

2016-03-10T09:29:00.002-07:00

My fingers are dry and cracked as I type. Not a pretty sight. It’s how they always are in the winter, and how they’ve always been. I’ve tried everything to make this very public embarrassment go away, but instead, I cover them with bandages and thick Eucerin and my attitude of laziness.

Sometimes I feel that our bodies reflect how we feel inside. Dry, cracked and lazy. Other days, we have more color in our cheeks and a quickness in our heart and all seems right in the world. Food digests properly, sleep comes easily and our minds processes clearly...like a stream in the woods or a bell ringing at noon. I think I’ve gravitated through all of these over the course of the year.

It’s March already, winter is on it’s way out and I am finding that like clockwork, I am growing and changing and shedding parts of myself as I age and as the world around me transitions. I am finding out more about myself. The kind of things I would rather cook. The kind of person I would rather become, the kind of mother. The faults I have so deeply tied up in my every day madness. The goals I want to have...but need to find the energy to achieve. It’s all very simple really, or complicated depending on how you look at it. But that’s life, isn’t it? It doesn’t make sense until it really does. I enjoy living in present realities even though they might sting or burn. I see them as God’s way of allowing me to grow and calling me to rise. And oh, how He’s called me to rise...

So my fingers...they are neglected. Much like this blog.
But that’s ok. It’s always been ok. There’s always material to share, but even more that needs reflected upon before I do. I suppose I will be doing both as best as I can soon enough.

But I do hope you are well, my small family of readers. I have so much to share with you.

Guess who’s here?

2015-07-31T19:08:00.001-06:00

Introducing little Miss Emma!

Born exactly one day after I wrote my last post.
She came six hours after my nightly walk...exactly two weeks early.
Cute little stinker.

We love her so much, my heart bursts even thinking about it.

With each child, each new life, I find myself realizing even more what a blessing each and every soul is in this world. How undeserving we are to have such miracles in our midst. God is truly good and all I can think of these days- this last week of newborn snuggles and nightly feedings - is simply, what a blessing.

She’s such a blessing.

~~~

I’ll try to jot down the birth story soon!

38 Weeks

2015-07-22T14:09:00.003-06:00

The time has come to run a list of all the things pregnancy related. Mostly due to the fact that I have largely been absent from social media with this baby #4.

Which of course isn’t bad...but I suppose I’d love for him/her to look back on their birth story and know just how excited we were to meet him/her. Also, just how different this pregnancy has really been for me. Here’s what we’re dealing with today:

38 Weeks

Crave nothing except not cooking. Meaning: I just want to eat the scraps off of the plates and maybe some tortilla chips and salsa and call it a day. Oh, and a smoothie...late at night after walking.
Speaking of walking, I used to go religiously every night, for two or three miles. Now, my legs feel about 50 pounds each and I am slow, slow, slowing down. I don’t think I’ll be keeping this pace up for very long. Like, yesterday could have been my last day lacing up my running shoes. It’s stretching and pilates from here on out ;) Maybe nothing at all...we’ll see. Or the couch will see.
I am increasingly anxious and procrastinative about getting ready for the baby. I have barely read through my Hypnobirthing book again...and haven’t even touched the suitcase for the hospital. I’m sure there’s some reason for dragging my feet, but I’m too tired to really look into it. I just pray I’m ready when I need to be...and if I’m missing “the essentials” I suppose I don’t really care. I’m tired of keeping up and will get to it when I need to. I’m promising myself that.
I’m seeing some midwives this time around and really like them. But then again, I’m also a little more “uncaring” about who delivers my baby. I just want someone who will be down with Hypnobirthing and accept all my crunchy ways...and let me birth in peace.
My patience is so thin you could see it through it these days. My poor older children. I’m trying my best to be a FUN! mom! and a SOCIAL! mom! but all I really want to do is curl up in my bed reading The Nesting Place and sip on iced coffee. That’s not going to happen. I also realized I have no style and need a person or twenty to help out with my decorating. It’s ground zero over here, folks.

Why the H use a tiny piece of paper when you have an entire wall??

Ok...so after sounding so peppy today, maybe I’ll just stop while I’m ahead?! Truth is, I am so excited to meet this sweet little one. I have anxiety I can’t really figure out right now, but am hoping I’ll be able to name it soon before labor starts. Everything feels new this time around, because in a way, it is new. New home, new hospital, new midwife. A new me, in some ways. I suppose I’m not really good with change. I’m finding that out too.

Hope to be back with some good news soon! In the meantime, we’ll just be sitting here waiting. With my pregnancy-induced skin discoloration... Woo-hoo (don’t tell me you didn’t notice!)

Little Tiny Superhuman

2015-06-19T10:36:00.003-06:00

These are moments I want to cement in my mind:

The small, chubby hands reaching for markers.
The tiny table.
The pretend (not! PRETEND!) hero cape safety-pinned to his back.
The belief that he really is, truly is, Spiderman...for the moment.
The reality that he’s this little and as much as I can swear that the brood of them is going to bowl me over with neediness and fighting and my inability to find peaceful patience in it all...

I see this.
And I really do stop.

He’s little and he won’t be for long.
I am going to love this moment.
Correction.
I love this moment.

Blessings can never be denied when we take a moment to breathe and be silent...

An Update

2015-06-16T13:30:00.000-06:00

Oh boy, here we go.

The usual string of excuses about the silence c/o Cynthia.
I won’t give you excuses.
But I will give you some updates on what is going on now (about three months later):

The babe and I have reached 33 weeks this week.
I.Can’t.Believe.It.

Being that he/she will be baby #4, I am not too worried about what to prepare for...and yet I’m thinking I need to start getting something ready at this point. Or at least thinking about it. Mostly I’ve just been walking through life in a daze of making food for little ones, cleaning up after little ones and driving around little ones. I suppose just a few more tasks when the newest one arrives and life will just about look the same ;)

We are taking in the spring/summer in a patient stride. A little pool time here, a little summer reading there. Grocery shopping, tee ball games, farmer’s markets, and strawberry picking. I love the slow pace we’ve been moving so far. I know it won’t be that way for long...

I went on a mother’s retreat in May- it was wonderful and made me beg the question: why don’t I/we do things like this for ourselves more often? If something (anything) like this is in your area, I highly recommend it. What a great, quiet way for Jesus to speak to your heart! Our Lady of Good Counsel...pray for us.

I’ve been spending lots of time walking...and I love it. I secretly look forward to it every night. It gives me time to clear my head (which needs to happen!), pray, or just think about the day. Seriously. I can’t think of any exercise I love better. Yes, I just used “love” and “exercise” in one sentence. I’ve come a long way, baby.

Our garden is doing wonderful right now. I am NOT holding my breath on this one though, because as history would have it, something always goes awry midsummer. I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer here, but I can’t help but be a realist. Right now, we are thanking God for all the rain and the beautiful lettuce, kale and spinach that have fed our family so far. It’s the tomatoes I am watching like a hawk! Come on red! Fresh produce speaks love to my soul, I cannot explain it.

So excited that Grace has had her baby. There are so many internet mamas out there due this summer that I am suddenly aware we all need to be on “baby watch” from here on out. Prayers for you if you are due soon! I wish we could all get together and just chat about ligament pain and weird hormonal issues...while sipping faux cocktails. Wait, what? No, you probably don’t...

Can’t leave without sharing some of my favorites to make in the kitchen this month! It goes a little something like this:

Popcicles (plain yogurt, fruit, spinach or kale, possibly fruit juice, chia seeds). Blend and freeze.
Smoothies (see above plus the kitchen sink)
No bake/cook platters (cheese, fruit, bread cubes, hummus, etc.)
Homemade energy bars (dates, cherries, nuts and peanut butter, etc.)

Don’t see any “real” meals on there? Good. Because I am so, SO tired of cooking anything else. I think one habit this pregnancy is bringing out is my laziness in the kitchen. Poor, poor family. It’s frozen Trader Joe’s or our stand by of homemade pizza, burgers, tacos, egg sandwiches or breakfast for dinner.

Ugh. I’m so not hungry even thinking about it.

But a smoothie??! Count me in.

~~~

Hope you’re day is going well and that something (big or small) brings you peace today.

Exhausted

2015-03-26T12:45:00.001-06:00

“I think you have a lot going on in that head of yours...”

-said by me to my five-year old as he stopped mid-story to ask me why he can’t remember the rest of what he was going to say.

That’s how I feel most days this past month. Spent. Washed out. Confused. Tired. Longing...but for what, I can’t really remember.

This pregnancy has been great, but I still feel so exhausted all the time. Then I have to remember that this is my first time ever having three other small children to chase after 24/7 - while being pregnant. How do you mothers of large(r) families do it!? Maybe some are equipped with coping skills I have not yet been given - or never will have?

I think humility is realizing what and who you are. Not that I’m superiorly humble or anything. I still really struggle with that, but I’ve really started admitting to who I am over this past year. I feel. Oh...and please don’t tell me about the Litany of Humility. That little piece of literary genius is one tough mother. I’ll try to add it in this coming Holy Week, but then it’s going back into the stack of prayer cards until I’m pressured to bring it out again...because it’s tough.

I made butterscotch pudding from scratch the other night...because I was craving it sooooo bad. I also ate 3/4 of it by myself. With strawberries. Because the baby told me to.

I had to find small jars to put it in so I’d feel better...

Isn’t that what we all say?

The baby turned 21 weeks today and I can’t help but feel that I really, really want to meet this little person soon. With the other babies I was content waiting the whole 9 months, but this one? For some reason I am counting down the days with much anticipation. We didn’t find out the gender this time - mostly because I felt that it would be fun to make it a surprise. Today, I wish I knew.

Did I ever mention to you that I have one part of the Factor V (factor 5) gene? It’s a clotting gene that proves to be more worrisome during pregnancy. It’s something I found out about when pregnant with our third baby, but the specialists at the time said I didn’t really need to do anything about it. Mainly because I (or my mother) had no history of problems in the past. Now I am in a new place with new doctors...with a new pregnancy, and am facing the fact that right now, the new doctors wish for me to do something about it. I’m not so sure why I feel so conflicted. So ready to argue. I think, in the end I don’t want to be told that I am “sick.” That something is wrong. That there’s reason to intervene or worry.

Isn’t there always a reason to worry?
I’m so done with worrying.

I want to put on blinders. L-i-t-e-r-a-l-l-y. Seriously, put plugs in my ears and blinders like the big horses in those fancy parades. I just want to stop thinking so much. I want to start doing more. Like running through my days like I am just a normal, functioning person without a care in the world. I admire people like this. I long to be like that...knowing full well I probably never will be. But I’ll try.

I’m seriously trying.

Oh! And one more thing, I just bought this book from Amazon and already I am loving it. Such a shift in perspective to what I was subscribing to (my entire period of motherhood thus far). I’m sure there’s a dozen counterarguments to this book, but I’m enjoying the fresh ideas.

I have much, much more to chat about, but my middle son is sick (yet again, oh Lord help us if this winter/spring season doesn’t do us in) and needs some attention.

I just need some chocolate...and butterscotch pudding.
Not necessarily in that order.

Till next time, friends.
Another upper of a post sometime soon!!

THE BEST!!!

2015-03-12T12:54:00.003-06:00

I have read so many blog posts, magazine articles, books lately that have “THE BEST...” in the title.

Haven’t you?

The best chocolate chip cookies (everyone makes claim to this)
The best way to clean your bathroom
The best way to get your child to sleep through the night
The best way to potty train
The best way to love your husband
The best way to flatten your hair
The best way to get soap scum out of those tiny little crevices
The best way to defend your faith
The best way to have a good Lent
The best way to be a good blogger
The best way to talk to someone who has _______ going on in their lives (usually so no hurt feelings are involved).
The best spring trends
The best kids clothes on a budget
The best way to coupon your way through the grocery store

ETC, ETC...

Recipe from this book

I think you kind of get, right?

In a days time we can encounter so many opinions -which, of course, can be valid and valued and helpful - but also defeating. While it’s so interesting to figure out THE BEST way to do something, in the end, we have to remember, you’re already good enough.

You are are already doing it (parenting, baking, cleaning, loving) good enough!
Today.

Should we polish up on a few skills? Learn a thing or two? Absolutely. We are nothing if we’re not moving forward and learning...and growing. Go for the gold, certainly.

But if you at all feel low today, staring at pages of “bests” around the internet or listening to “bests” in the latest mothers group or reading “bests” in the library book you picked up - please remember that you are loved and you are awesome. Simply awesome.

THE BEST.

“Oh Lord, thou hast searched me and known me!

Thou knows when I sit down and when I rise up.

For thou didst form my inward parts,

thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful.

Wonderful are thy works!”

~Psalm 139: 1-14

He’s talking about you.

Don’t you forget it.

Mother to Mother Guest Post Series: Archives

2015-03-10T12:52:00.002-06:00

It’s been awhile since I’ve mentioned it, but in case there were any new readers out there (or even a few season ones that need a refresher) I thought it might interest you to check out all the Mother to Mother Guest Posts that were written here in the past couple years, maybe even a few years ago...

It’s been so long since I’ve decided to pick up this blog again...

Anyway, there are great posts on how to clean the house with littles underfoot, how to establish morning routines, how to love our husbands, living on a budget, discipline, etc. by some of the best (and my most favorite) bloggers out there! They were so generous with their time and their words so long ago, I thought I might post about their offerings once more just in case you hadn’t read them yet. I really did learn so much from them.

Enjoy!

Also, as I was thinking about all the great advice above, I thought I’d pose the question about possibly bringing this series back? What do you think?

Ever care to offer any advice to other mothers on something you feel you can tackle well? We are all blessed in some way, so it’s always awesome to hear wisdom I do not posses.

Here are some topic ideas I’ve been rolling around:

Suggestions on traveling with little ones
Meal ideas for quick, healthy dinners
How to establish good friendships with other moms
Good ideas on how to find your 'writing’ voice when blogging and beyond
(YOU fill in blank _______here).

If any of these topics sound interesting to read, let me know! Further more, if any of these topics interest you because you feel you could write about them...email me! I may be changing a bit of how this series is done, but for the most part, the sharing will be just as wonderful.

Happy Tuesday!

A Little Peace and Contentment

2015-03-08T13:23:00.000-06:00

I've had some stormy years in my life. Haven’t we all? This was never more true than one year when I was working after college and thrust into a world outside my comfort zone. God was teaching me many lessons that year and never did the verses in the Old Testament make more sense than when they spoke of “the desert” and how God desires to meet us there.

~~~~

It was in that particular desert that I found a lot of beauty and peace too. One way, I believe- even though it sounds silly-was through music. There were many songs and many “people” I was introduced to that year, but never were more captivating and healing to my heart than the Wailin’ Jennys.

Please tell me you’ve heard of them??

They have a sound like no one I have ever heard. Folk brilliance.
Low and soft and full of poignant words and stories.

They have many albums out at this point, but the songs that spoke to me the most are from their albums 40 Days and Firecracker.

The reason I tell you all this? We all need a little peace and contentment in our lives. Even if it’s for a moment doing dishes or folding laundry. I think music touches those spaces we can’t get to, for whatever reason. I was reminded of that when I started listening to Pandora more this Lent. Suddenly, there they were, my old friends...sounds I had forgotten and now sounds I welcome again.

If you are looking for some new music, I highly recommend. You won’t be disappointed.

(Not paid to say all the above, of course. I just love sharing ;) )

7 Quick Takes!

2015-03-06T13:18:00.004-07:00

Holy moly, you guys, It is fifty degrees here today.... FIFTY!

5-0.

It feels like a thousand years since we’ve felt such loveliness, and I am basking in it today. Thank you, Jesus. Tomorrow is going to be in the 60’s. Seriously, I am simply giddy.

With that being said, here’s some random quick takes from our week:

1. Parenting can be confusing, to say the least.

My son (age 4) told me yesterday that he wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich...and then proceeded to scream, “BUT I DO NOT WANT PEANUT BUTTER BECAUSE I DON’T LIKE PEANUT BUTTER!!!” (????)

Then, later that night, I find him standing in the tub with a guilty look on his face. “What did you do??” I said softly, waiting for the punchline- not wanting to hear the punchline...

“Did you know that when you put hot water and cold water together it turns a yellow color??”

I looked in the tub. There, nestled in a closed (!?) drain was a pretty substantial puddle of piddle. And it was yellow...and certainly wasn’t water.

Where do they come up with this stuff...and WHY!?

2. I have been having cravings of all sorts of things in this pregnancy. But really, what it boils down to is Mexican food. I try to buy the organic chips to make myself feel better, but really, I want is salsa, tortillas and beans. All the time.

I used to have salads or vegetable soup everyday for lunch and now both of those make me want to gag. So weird...but I don’t care right now. A problem I need to fix...maybe in the third trimester?

3. I have revamped my Homemade Oreo recipe to include a homemade chocolate cookie that makes a thinner, crispier and much more enjoyable half to the finished product. Healthier too? Here was a sample from the Teacher Appreciation plate we sent with our oldest to school.

I know you can’t tell by peeking under the awesome cellophane and all,
but they are really, really good. Like, too good.

Here’s the recipe (from the book, Crazy About Cookies by Krystins Castella)

1-3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1-1/2 tsp vanilla

Combine dry ingredients in bowl, whisk and set aside.
Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
Stir in the flour mixture, slowly
Pat the dough into a flat disk. Wrap in parchment or plastic wrap. Put in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Roll and cut out as desired (in this case, I had a small biscuit cutter that I used to create the circles).
Bake in a 325 degree oven for about 12 minutes.
Cool
Make any kind of white or cream cheese frosting that you love. Put in middle of two cookies and sandwich together. Voila!

4. Kelly asked how we pass the time when cabin fever hits. Honestly, I have been seeking answers to this as well! It’s been such a long winter...as I’m sure many of you realize.

We take a lot of time to run around in the unfinished basement and jump on the little trampoline (to tire them out, which really helps!). Then, when I get my act together we will read and/or do some sort of easy cut and glue craft. But really, when it comes down to it, when I’m about to lose my mind, PBS saves my life. How about you?

5. I loved this post from Mary at Sometimes Martha, Always Mary. It’s a great reflection on how she starts her mornings in prayer. I need to purchase that prayer retreat pronto...and um, start praying.

6. This is the state of my kitchen after a batch of cookies and a batch of bean burritos I made this morning.

So gross.

Just keeping it real for you all, lest you think this crazy woman has it all together.

7. Speaking of all together, what have been your favorite posts to read this week? Any fun, new bloggers you have discovered? Have you written something you’re proud of and want to showcase? I am always up for new reading material ;)

My favorite this week? Aside from #5, I really liked Jenny’s soul-baring this week. She hit the nail on the head when it comes to mothering and just needing the freedom to be honest about it every now and then. Really, we need that so much.

~~~

Go and join Kelly and all the other bloggers who have Quick Takes!

Let’s talk soon, yes?

Cold

2015-03-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

It’s a word we say a lot around here these days.

Humility for me is realizing how the inside of that cup is scattered with chocolate.
A food blogger I am not.

My fingers.
Their toes.
The illness that won’t stop plaguing our household.
My neck (it misses my long hair, poor thing). Wait, that was weird.
The dingy sky.
The spare bedroom that houses all the clothes I need to bag up to Goodwill.
My heart when I watch the Bachelor.
The floor when I step out of the shower.
My coffee, miraculously right in between making it, answering a problem, and drinking it.
The meat that will go into our dinner tonight...too cold. Should have thawed it sooner.

Am I complaining?
Of course.

Shoot.
(I wanted to say something else, but you know...Lent and all the promises you make to Jesus and all...)

I guess this is what the beauty of anticipation is all about. The moment the sun comes out, the moment the earth warms up. The day you notice the grass getting greener, the children begging to play outside...and by goodness gracious, blessed be the day where I can stop wearing scarves and hats indoors.

Because, well, I’m just cold.

~~~

Oh hey, need some ideas on how to survive the rest of this winter?? My favorite, Dwija has some good tips over at her place :)

Happy, random Tuesday.

Happiness is....

2015-02-25T10:04:00.003-07:00

Taking the time this early morning to make a bonafide latte.
Relishing in needed quiet moments...for a moment.

- - -

Watching your two littlest paint quietly at the table.
Realizing just months before one of them would have been eating the paint.
The other throwing it across the room.

- - -

Hearing Lindsay’s amazing news about her daughter Lourdes
God is good...never forget the power of prayer.

- - -

Finally having a laundry system in place (!!) like the adult I always should have been.

Now, I have no pictures to document...because, well...showing a person’s laundry room is much like inviting someone into the dirty, secret corners of your house. You just don’t do it. But after this week? Maybe I will...

Three very important things I’ve learned?

Do at least one load of laundry a day.
Fold and put away that load at a designated time of the day.
Get the little ones involved and used to the procedure.

- - -

See the neat little crayon markings?? Care of my youngest.
Looks like I’ll be purchasing this “free” book in the near future...

New (and soon to be favorite) cookbooks from the library.

While I am not a “new” mother any more with a baby in a sling (although I will be soon), the author, Debbie Koenig, has some great tips on cooking in stages, trying new flavors in an easy and doable way, and helping out with planning for the dietary needs of your kids. I’m liking it so far!

- - -

Praying to God about what book I should be reading this Lent...
... and stumbling across this gem the instant I say, “Amen.”

Andrea, I think of you every time I pick this up :)

- - -

Feeling baby kicks for the first time.
17 weeks tomorrow and I’m as anxious as I’ve ever been to see this little one.

- - -

Where have you seen small moments of happiness and/or gratitude today?

Our Favorite Homemade Granola Bars

2015-02-23T09:48:00.003-07:00

Y’all, we love snacks around here.

I suppose we’re not the only ones, as plenty of moms will attest to constantly hearing the hangry cry from their very little...to very not so little members of their family.

Themselves included.

I think granola bars are our favorite, mostly because they are portable, they seem to fill up tummies for the time being and are super easy and budget friendly to make. Well...at least these are. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this recipe a month ago...

With only five ingredients and no major baking required, I make a batch of these several times a week. It’s a from-memory recipe for me at this point. My kids love them, they are hearty enough for my husband...and I will sneak a few here and there, feeling very satisfied in between.

Oh, and did I mention they are easy? And healthy? And only five ingredients?

Here’s the following recipe I use...and please hop over to their creator's place to see all her beautiful photos. For the record, her site has become one of my favorites for fun and healthy cooking...

Five Ingredient Granola Bars

1-1/2 cup old fashioned oats (you can make these gluten-free here if you use GF oats)
1/4 cup peanut butter or other nut butter of your choice
1/4 cup of honey
1 cup of nuts (the original recipe calls for almonds, I only had pecans. Use whatever you have on hand)
1 cup of dates (you can also throw in some cranberries, cherries, raisins to make one cup as well)

If you really want these to taste amazing, go ahead and toast the oats for 10 or so minutes in the oven (at 350 degrees). Throw in the nuts at about five minutes. Believe me, this is the key and doesn’t take a lot of effort if you do this step first while preparing the rest.
In a small saucepan, melt together the peanut butter and the honey. You can wait to do this until the oats have about five minutes left if you like.
Take the dried fruit - made mostly of dates - and blend together in a food processor or something similar. If you don’t have one, soak them in a bit of hot water to soften and then cut up with a knife. You want, small bits that stick together really well.
In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together. The heat from the honey and peanut butter will help to combine all the ingredients. It will be sticky at first! Keep going!
In a 9X9 pan lined with parchment paper, press the mixture down firmly.
Cool in the refrigerator (if you can help it) and let set up for about 30 minutes.
Cut into bars and enjoy!

*Notes: You can really customize these as you like. Double them, add cinnamon, put some sunflower seeds in as well, coconut too. Just remember to up your “sticky” ingredients if you are upping your dry.

If you are in the market for new snacks, give these a try (and let me know what you think)! There might be a few daunting steps when you first look at it, I know, but the finished product is worth it! A fun recipe for kids to help as well :)

Have a great Monday!

Next Week’s Meal Plan - Lenten Edition

2015-02-19T13:08:00.001-07:00

This month has been terrible for us when it comes to staying within a grocery budget. I’ve talked about our strict spending limits before, but truth be told, I’m always ashamed to admit I’m a lot worse at it and a lot further in debt with it than I’d like to be within this area of our lives.

Over the past year, I’ve often “allowed” myself the extra milage in my grocery cart for all the organic, gmo-free, paleo-friendly foods that I thought I needed to live my life by in order to get healthy. Not that these are bad, or impossible on a budget, it was just that I also caved and purchased the things the other non-complying family members wanted: bread, tortillas, cheese, and milk, etc.

Then, on top of all of that, this month we have had two birthdays, one holiday, and other special days of celebration. All good things! And yet, with each, I’ve taken the liberty to buy gifts and fun food and ingredients for magnificent cakes, etc. I’ve turned a blind eye to the budget (WHAT BUDGET!?) esp. when there are things I want really want.

Like chips...
...or chocolate.

Does this sound familiar at all to you?

I know I can’t be the only one here, and yet it feels like it. When we stare at the budget each month and the one who inevitably goes over the most is me - I feel the weight of failure on my shoulders. How to eat healthy AND have enough food for a growing family AND stay relatively in the safe zone with our budget??? It’s no easy task. Not at all...but I’m still determined.

Thank goodness for Lent and the sudden (and abrupt) realization that I had been making “healthy eating” my new idol - my new religion. The only thing I ever thought about. This was enough to shake me to my core and really seek the balance I hope to have in this area of my life.

I hope to speak more in depth on this another time...

Don’t get me wrong, I want to be healthy - but most of all, I want to be holy! And joyful. And full of life...seeking God as my comfort! Also to trust Him and acknowledge we have been blessed in many things, but sometimes those blessings mean I have to relent and live a bit more humble than I’d like. To give up what I deem as all-mighty-important on my grocery list more times than I feel comfortable.

To just rest and sit around a table and eat. And be joyful.

I don’t want to be swallowed up in a sorrow of “can’t have that’s” and “I can’t believe you’re eating that!” and “oh my goodness I just ate ___, I need to rid myself of all the candida!” You get what kind of crazies I mean...

Unhealthy while trying to be healthy. Who knew too much of a good thing could be harmful? I guess it can, in my world. Always, always seeking balance over here.

~~~

Judging by the small amount of money we have left for this month and that I’m trying to make simple meals to form a sort of solidarity with the poor this Lenten season, here will be our meal plan for the coming week:

Monday: Baked pesto chicken breasts with cheese - served over quinoa

Tuesday: Lemony Chicken and Rice soup

Wednesday: Breakfast (probably eggs, fruit and healthy pancakes)

Thursday: Homemade pizza night with raw veggies

Friday: Salmon patties with salad

Saturday: Spaghetti squash “spaghetti" with meat sauce

Sunday: Leftovers (and/or cheese, bread and fruit, and/or pb sandwiches for kids)

Grocery List:

milk
bread
salmon fillet (1)
dry beans (garbanzo, black and pinto)
turkey sausage
lemons
tomato sauce
organic potatoes (2) - because there are some things on the “dirty dozen” list I have a hard time letting go of...
bananas
cheese

~~~

Ok, party people. What are some fun ways you are eating more simple this Lent? Do you have any recipes to share?

My Super Secret Anti-Social Behavior

2015-02-16T10:20:00.003-07:00

Come on, you know we all do it.

Well, maybe there are a select few of you that truly, truly desire your lives to be filled with noise and conversation and books and/or music and/or playdates and long conversations over the phone...but not me. Well, not all the time. It’s taken me a long time to realize it’s ok to admit that. Because, hey! No one likes shouting things like: Hi there! I’m different! Hey! I’m weird about these things! Hey! I need to get a life!

Truth be told, I do desire communication and friendships AND personal contact! All these things are wonderful and beautiful and should be embraced- it’s just that for someone who is an over-sensitive type, like myself, I am finding I need some time to myself to recharge...and that’s ok.

The following is a teeny tiny little list of creative guidelines...er, super secret anti-social behavior that helps me “make it” some days:

~~~

1. If phone is ringing, out of no where, without your permission, take note of who is calling (literally write a note) and promise to call them back later - when you’re ready to talk on your own time.

2. If children are screaming, fighting, singing, throwing toys and yelling for you to change their diaper, simply crouch on the floor and plug your ears, nose and eyes...and a liiiiiiitle bit of your mouth AND breathe. For 10 seconds if possible. It’s a yoga position I learned in order to calm yourself. Sounds so ridiculously crazy but I swear it works. Note: don’t do this when other adults are in the room. You’ll never hear the end of it.

3. For the love of all that’s good and holy, get up before your kids. GET UP BEFORE YOUR KIDS. If you don’t because you didn’t go to bed early, don’t beat yourself up, just try again the next day. Oh, and when you do get up before your littles, make yourself some breakfast and eat it first why don’t you? Read a book, work out, pray. Take care of yourself a bit before you face the day.

BUT, if they wake up (which they will, because they can literally sense when your eyelids open), bait them with a little PBS and go about your morning. I’m not ashamed in the least bit that I just admitted this to you.

4. Count your one (fun!) playgroup a week as a major achievement and restore your energy to recover until you do it again the next week.

5. When you do get a chance to run errands by yourself, make sure and right before you get out of the car (when at proposed destination) just sit still for a few minutes to have some quiet, alone time with just you, your phone and Facebook. Because you can.

This was last year, during another one of our “cabin fever” days.
Twinsies.

~~~

What about you? Have anything you want to add? Goodness knows I’ll think of five more when I publish this...

7 Quick Takes: Favorite Podcasts of the Week and a Baby Bump

2015-02-13T12:48:00.002-07:00

Back again for another quick Friday post.

I only have half a cup of coffee left and two little boys water-coloring their little hearts out...for the next 10 minutes.

Which basically means I have 8 minutes.

Here goes nothing. I have five good Catholic podcasts (which I get free through iTunes) to share with you... and two other random pictures that should fill in the gaps. Here’s what I’ve been listening to this week:

1. The Catholic Underground podcast is great! The latest one was them talking about prepping for Lent...which is something I need every year.

I’ve really enjoyed the conversation between these three. Very insightful and perfect for reflection when doing dishes or cooking.

2. The Jennifer Fulwiler Show: I have loved all the free podcasts that are popping up...but my favorite this week was her interview with Hallie Lord on Intimacy in Marriage. Perfect for the season/month/holiday of LOVE right around the corner.

3. Catholic Stuff You Should Know: I know one of the priests personally (from my time in FOCUS) and the other priest is a good friend of a good friend of mine (does that make sense?) By far, this is one of my favorite podcasts of all time. The banter, the insights and the loon. It all puts a smile on my face. The one that is the most hilarious (to me) is their Theology on Tap talk on “Pilgrimage to Beauty."

4. Any of the podcasts featuring the rosary just puts me at ease. My favorite is Praying the Rosary with Sister Hyacinthe OP and Brother Charles Mary CSJ. It’s a podcast from Totus Tuus and the meditations truly stick with me.

5. A good friend (and former roommate) of mine was a guest on The Fountains of Carrots Podcast this week. Bonnie speaks about Lent and incorporating it into your family, along with the founders (and bloggers) Hayley and Christy. It’s a good little prep for the season that is upon us.

~~~

6. Oh! Our two littlest are celebrating their birthdays this month. I’m always amazed at how fast they grow...which, um, I do believe all moms say that? Also, holy sugar! The intense overload is REAL for all of us when two kids have birthdays a week apart. There’s really no complaints from them, I will say.

It’s a picture(s) within a picture. I have no idea why I did this.

7. I have a bump! All of the sudden it came out of nowhere! I’m 99% sure most of it is food belly - seeing as the baby is the size of an apple. But we’ll take it. It’s that weird stage of nothing fits that was your old size... and nothing fits that is pregnancy-sized. At least for now.

Ack. Weird, freakishly large hand...making it’s appearance.

But I’ll take it.
15 weeks yesterday. I can’t lie, it feels like this time is crawling...

But I’m not complaining.

~~~

Ok! That’s it, I swear! Go read some other Quick Takes hosted at Kelly’s place!

OH! And if you have some suggestions, I’d love to hear your favorite podcasts! They don’t have to be religious either. I’m always game for new material.

Have a great weekend.

A Time for Donations

2015-02-10T13:07:00.001-07:00

My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer this last September.

Aside from the utter shock of it all - and the news coming out of left field- it also threw off every plan they ever had last/this year. And believe me, they had some pretty amazing things set in front of them. BIG moves, new jobs, selling their house, etc.

Selfishly, it also turned my own world upside down.

She is my best friend. The best kind of confidant. Hers is the special kind of friendship where you share everything (and I mean everything) but also aren’t afraid to tell each other your true feelings. To admonish the other if need be, to be jerks...to then to forgive in the very same breath. She makes me want to be a better person, a better mom...and a better friend. She is an amazing woman and I wouldn’t be venturing too far to say that she, truly is one of the best out there.

Morning yoga bound. Can you tell what four hours of sleep looks like?

To get the news that this person, one of the strongest (and healthiest) I know, is sick and will suffer...it rips a hole in your heart. Perhaps you know this feeling too. We all seem to these days...

So, without going too far into this topic today, it’s great to report that through a double mastectomy and several treatments of chemo, she is doing good. Thriving with the kind of faith and strength that only she seems to possess. She rocks a bald head better than anyone and approaches her new look like a pro. I admire her so much. We are all learning, through our fears, to trust God each day and cherish all the time we have with her - and all those we love. This experience has shown us that.

~~~

On the night she shaved her head, I made an appointment the next week to cut my hair off. It was all I could think of to make it all better. To contribute somehow, even though I live hundreds of miles away with no certain visit in sight.

I had donated my hair before over the years; twice to Locks of Love, in fact. Don’t get me wrong, they are an good place to donate, but after doing some searching, I found a different organization I liked, called Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths. This campaign makes and gives - for free- wigs to women who are fighting cancer. I searched no more.

So, in December, I cut it all off. Well...not all, because we had more than enough for a 10 inch ponytail and I was a wimp to go any shorter...

So, why am I telling you this? I certainly don’t think I’m brave for getting a haircut, or even wanting to toot my own horn (gah, terrible phrase) - but I do think it’s an organization that’s worth mentioning if any of you out there have thought of doing something similar; especially during Lent where perhaps personal donations may be part of your forty days.

Yikes, the insecure part of me is screaming out obscenities at myself
for posting this many selfies in one post!

Just so you can be certain, Pantene Pro-V hasn’t endorsed this blog post... at all. It’s just little ol’ me mentioning that I think what they do for these women is great and that, hopefully, the hair I gave them will help out a beautiful soul (like my sister) in her journey back to good health.

~~~

Have you ever donated your hair? Care to do it again this year? Go here if you would like more information.

7 Quick Takes (A Few Late Announcements)

2015-02-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Joining in for my first Quick Takes with Kelly from This Ain’t the Lyceum. Should be fun! But definitely not as fun as she is :)

1. I am playing around with the look of the blog. The text font too much? The colors?? Um...the last time I did anything of the sort was when I had two babies. Now I have one preschooler, two toddlers, one baby in Heaven, and one on the way...

2. Oh yes, we are pregnant with #4! Due in early August. Very excited, very tired and very hungry (pretty much in that order). OH, and also very impressed at how many women in the blogosphere and beyond are due allll around the same time. Do you know a few too? Summer babies are my favorite :)

3. I haven’t blogged in so long, I forget that putting a smiley face after a sentence is reserved for only texts and innocent (or not so innocent) posts on Facebook. I’m sorry.

Actually, no I’m not sorry. I won’t pretend to be a writer that knows much about writing.

4. Speaking of Facebook, I haven’t announced the pregnancy there yet because I’m waiting until our five month ultrasound. Funny how I feel this is a more private place than that. Don’t tell yet, will you?

5. Wait, you might not even know me when reading this in order TO tell...or if I am lucky perhaps I have a few new readers trickling in!? If, in fact, you are not part of my family that I can count on to click in, I am so sorry that the past year is filled with posts that are mere apologies for not writing more. The truth is I’ve had major writers block that literally had me rolling my eyes at the computer every time I passed.

But I’ve figured it out.

I’m not the same person I was when I started the blog. I was a new mom, fresh out of the gates, full of words to describe my sons first foods, lame attempts at napping, perhaps even faith-filled ideas that mattered. Now I’m not so sure I care about sharing all those things all the time.

Most times, these days, good or bad, all I’ve been obsessing about is getting well. It’s been an interesting hell of blood tests, prayers and food elimination this past year. AND, it’s been driving me mad, CRAZY actually.

I’m so done.

For now, I’ve decided I’m just going to focus on growing a person and getting back to living a life without fear and all-consuming stress. Whatever that last part means.

Pray and don’t worry, right? Yes, St. Pio, I hear you.

Therefore (I have a point!), my words and stories may be a bit different than before, but still there; fragmented and imperfect. It’s life right now and I suppose I (and the Lord) wouldn’t have it any other way.

6. I know I am the last to jump on this boat (and I swear I am not aiming for brownie-web points here) but I am just enamored with Jen Fulwiler’s podcast that is actually from her Sirius XM Broadcast. She asks such beautiful, insightful questions AND her guests are always eloquent and always relevant to what’s going on in today’s world. Especially for mothers...which, of course, I am. Some days I am better than other days, but always a mother. Right? I listened to like, FIVE interviews when driving around town today. Maybe more, but who’s counting?

7. Hey! Going back to talking about the look of this blog. I have to tell you that the above “profile” picture will most likely be changing, but it was the only one that didn’t creep me out when seeing it up close tonight. Also, that headband was properly dismantled by the two-foot female in the house today.

Long-live the flowery headband that made me look like a teenager. I’ll miss you...

Maybe she was sending me a message?

~~~

Now, go and visit OTHER blogs with super quick takes from their week!
Have a great weekend!

I just need to say this...

2015-01-20T12:27:00.001-07:00

When I was a small girl, I remember watching my grandmother in the kitchen swaying back and forth between the stove and the countertop, balancing bowls, frying chicken; kneading mounds of dough. She worked so swiftly that if you weren't paying attention, she would be setting the bowls on the table and calling you to dinner...all the while handing you a plate of "rabbit food" to nibble before it started. Somehow she'd slip those carrots and celery your way if her life depended on it...just for good measure.

Then there was my mother, who could simultaneously balance a phone on her shoulder and whip up the best german chocolate cake AND lasagna your little hungry eyes have ever feasted upon. She was (and is) a master in the kitchen and I often wonder why it's only taken me this long to start gravitating towards doing more with cooking than boil water and microwave frozen vegetables.

These two women are my inspiration. But certainly not just for the reasons you think.

Thinking back on those days in the kitchen brings me so much strength and determination to literally seize the day and approach it with strength and joy. All from watching two women lovingly prepare meals for their family.

These ladies of mine had it figured out.

Sometimes I get frustrated with all the hysteria. I am beginning to roll my eyes every time I see a Dr. Oz show or witness public blog shaming the world for eating bread. I am dizzy with all the different perspectives on low-fat, non-fat, full-fat, low-sugar, candida, going to hell if you eat non-organic, GMO’s, etc. I hate the tiring idea of counting calories. I hate the idea that it takes the length of a football field and back to burn off one M&M (Really! did I have to know that?). Don't even get me started with all the self-help, weight-loss, eye-widening scare-tactic books/blogs out there.

What ever happened to really enjoying food? Living life? ENJOYING life!? To exist within a world where just once....JUST ONCE, somewhere and in some aspect, we could live without fear?

Now, I am not talking about living with a freedom to down an entire pan of brownies just because you feel like it. I don't mean sitting on your couch each and every day (doing nothing) just because you can. I don't mean balking at others who choose to live their life in a healthier sugar-free lifestyle (because, let's face it, we all know it's healthier). Certainly those with health-restrictions should avoid a lot of different “bad foods” all together, that's a given. But we're not specifically addressing that here. Or at least, I don’t really want to go there. I don’t want to get into specifics. I just want to start addressing the idea.

The idea of, Holy-Crap-Can-We-All-Just-Relax-a-Little?

I mean...just enjoying the experience of fresh ingredients, family favorites, a little full-fat here and there...a little sugar...in moderation - and all with a big, fat smile on your face.

In our house growing up, there was always food. Always. When the entire family got together it was food x 10. The table was a revolving door for breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, supper, snack...night cap, etc. You get the idea. Usually, though, there was always movement. There was always someone cleaning up the kitchen like a whirling dervish. There was always someone gathering a group for a long walk after lunch (accompanied by welcomed self-help conversations centering around boys and...well, boys...). This past Thanksgiving, I was told they had a kickball tournament in our front yard - snacks probably waiting patiently until they finished.

Certainly though, my fondest memories remain with the laughter. There was always joy around every table and (usually) there was not an ounce of guilt. The older women would simply not allow it...and I loved that freedom. If you wanted a cookie, you nibbled on it, or split it in half with your sister (then of course, went back for another). You thanked the cook, cleaned your plate and helped with dishes. End of story.

I enjoy people who love food...healthily.
You inspire me.
To love life.

That’s all.

Three Personal Facts I’ve Learned About Exercise

2015-01-06T13:31:00.001-07:00

Hardy har har, it’s the new year. Everyone’s talking about exercise and losing weight, yada yada yada. Someone alert me (you) to something we didn’t know!

I’m going to stick with this theme though, because by golly, I’ve thought about this stuff every day, all day, for the last year. Every minute in fact...for reasons I won’t get into right now. Let’s just say I’ve been desperate - and though my desperation, I’ve found some knowledge. A little bit of peace even.

Imagine how lucky I am that EVERYONE else is talking about this right now! It’s like my season, or something along those lines!

Look! It’s a trail!

So, to further exploit the issue, I’m going to keep on trend for a few posts. Specifically, I was thinking about exercise a bit and came up with a few facts I’ve learned about myself when it comes to working out.

Just a disclaimer, I am not an expert on this topic -obviously! I am just excited about it and wanted to share a few things I’ve learned!

Here goes:

1) Nothing will make me lose virtue more than taking a spinning class. I hate those damn bikes. I hate being told to turn up the resistance. I won’t do it anymore. I refuse. Plus I don’t have a gym membership due to cost anymore, so one must make do. I have figured out in order to be motivated to work out, I have do something that I like to do! My favorites in no particular order:

Ballet barre classes off of Youtube (Jessica’s site is the very best). If you have a chance to take a real class, bring your towel...because sister, you will sweat...and look pretty doing it.
Yoga flow off of Youtube. This form of exercise may be controversial for some people. I get it. I also have talked to many doctors and priests who have assured me the stretching is fine as long as I’m not praying to and/or “drinking the cool-aid” so to speak. I’m not and I won’t be.
Walking. Girl, I am positive that this simple act alone will provide so many benefits I will never see. Running is great, but in my son’s words, “not my favorite.” We invested in a treadmill that keeps me busy during the winter months. Outside is where it’s at when it warms up.
Pilates off of Youtube. Is there nothing I can’t find on this site!? I will never buy another workout video again, that’s for sure.

2) I have to plan my workout the day before. Nothing fancy, like reps and/or duration, just a simple mental note that will set my habit in motion. For instance, I find the best time to workout is at 6:15 am before my kids wake up. I set my alarm, have my clothes laid out, grab my water and head downstairs. I give myself 30-40 minutes to do whatever (see above). This works out best for me. If, for some reason (like this whole last week) I decide to sleep a little later, I make a mental note that I must do a little something after I put the kids to bed. Easy peasy.

3) Exercise helps me...feel. I sound like a kindergartner saying that, but let me explain. I feel happier. I feel like I can breathe better. I feel like my digestive system is shouting “FINALLY! WE CAN WORK!” (wait, too much!?) I feel like I accomplished something. I feel my body is at peace.

The truth is, I do not go overboard about all of the above, but I have figured out one way to take control of my health and it’s been through moving my body a little each day. I say, when taking on a new program, a new anything, to start small and then work your way up.

But no matter what, just start!

~~~

What about you? What are some of your favorite workouts?

Lazy days and three big goals

2015-01-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

I’m sitting here on Friday morning, sipping (real) coffee and eating a (wheat-filled) muffin...and my kids are watching t.v. I’m going to pay for all this eating later, mind you, but right now, I don’t care.

I have a shameless confession for you: for the past week, I have been allowing ourselves to have the laziest and most nothing-to-do Christmas break imaginable.

That means:
*Pjs until we can’t stand it anymore
*You want a cookie? Go for it.
*Wild Kratts for the third time? Awesome. I’ll be over here watching Rachel Ray annoy the crap out of everyone.
*Bathrooms that need to be cleaned? Going to do it....just after I take a nap.

Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating just a bit and yet, I can’t tell you how much or you might figure out how truthful I really am...

As I type, I can’t help but realize how excited I am for the new year. After the weekend wears off and we look around and see how much dust has settled (and needs to be cleaned), there are things I am happy to do. Goals I am excited to accomplish. And I like that.

I don’t make resolutions because I have to - and often because the rest of the world is doing it - but often because a new start warrants it, almost like a teacher starting a new year with her students...you have to start over and are glad to do so. Newness is intoxicating.

So this year? I want simple things.

I want to start learning about my children better. Their likes and dislikes. Their aversions. Their fears. The things they love and the things they really want to learn. I am reminded each day that their littleness is fading by the minute. I don’t want to miss anything...and sometimes, in my everyday “duties” I realize I haven’t spent much time learning about them as people - as individuals.

I want to start finishing tasks. The laundry I washed but didn’t fold? The children’s clothes that need to go to Goodwill but are stacked neatly in my closet? The household cleaning schedule that sits blank on my desk? I need to finish things. I need to find the NEED to finish things.

I want to get healthy. Mind, body and soul. I have eating and exercising going at a good pace right now. I have learned a lot about my body and what it likes and doesn’t like... but the resting of the soul and the resting of the mind-the need for prayer and perhaps even council are so big for me right now. I think that’s next to be focused upon. We are meant to be healthy. To be joyful. To be at peace. When we aren’t (chronically) that is a red flag that needs to be addressed! How many times have I heard this? I need to do something about it.

Ok my two blog readers, that’s it for now! I’m sure I can think of more...but my coffee has run out and the littles have a show that’s about to be ending. Time for lunch. Time for naps. Time for bathrooms.

We’ll get there...eventually.

Have a wonderful new year! I am excited to catch up with you throughout 2015!