December is here!

I cannot believe that December starts tomorrow.... and every year, I think to myself, "Whew! I am glad this year is over!" I am not sure why I can't say "Man, I wish this year wasn't over yet"... but I'm gonna pretend to be an optimist for just a minute and say it's because I am soooo looking forward to the next year. :oP

Anyway.... I am going to be doing another challenge for December. I am following GwenBell's Best of 2009 Blog Challenge. Now, the rules clearly state that I don't have to follow the prompts every day... so be sure that there will be a few special things mixed in. But my goal is to continue to write something daily... if for no other reason, for a personal retreat!

Ok... so... join in! :oP Have fun... and my next post will be up in a few! Oh! If you aren't following me already, please do so! It makes me feel good... and take a glance through November. I snuck in a few posts that were behind schedule, so you might find something you missed!

The Parent's Pledge

I am a subscriber to Parent's Magazine... and I LOVED the little bonus that came this month about making a pledge to keep my kids healthy. I am taking it... will you?!?

I am making the Parent's Pledge. To keep my kids healthy, I'm going to make these ten important promises a priority!

1. I won't let anyone smoke around my children- and I'll support my loved ones who want to quit by sending them to http://www.parentsquitforgood.com/.

2. We'll stock up on sunscreen and wear it all year long.

3. I won't drive anywhere (even around the corner) unless my kids are buckled into their car or booster seats (and I'll check to make sure I have it properly installed).

4. I'll calmly keep serving my kids different kinds of vegetables and won't give up even if they refuse the first ten times.

5. When evenings are hectic, we'll still make bedtime a priority. Sleep-deprived kids are more likely to get sick, space out in school, and melt down. Who needs that?

6. Helmets must be on those little heads anytime my kids are going to be on a bicycle, scooter, skateboardd, skates, sled, or skis.

7. Hand-washing will be a house rule- before eating, after usign the bathroom, or sneezing without a tissue- and I'll be sure the kids can reach the sink and soap.

8. We will practice a family fire drill, test our smoke alarms monthly, and make sure we know how to use a fire extinguisher.

9. We'll get outside to play every day, even if it means stomping in puddles.

10. No matter how much they beg, I won't allow my children to have a TV in their bedroom.

You can visit www.parents.com/pledge to send this pledge to a friend!

Don't Give Up!

I had to go to the piano shop today to buy my music books for my lessons. In my bag, I found a flyer that had some beautiful words of wisdom that were written by Elma Allen Milano when she was 84 years old. I figured that her thoughts at that stage in her life were more than just some fleeting impressions.... and I also think that you might find them as inspiring as I did... especially for this time in my life!

Tips for Not Giving Up
1. Smile Continuously; look in the mirror to see the improvement.
2. Look for good and pay sincere compliments.
3. Get outside; take a walk; smell the breeze; enjoy nature.
4. Avoid stimulants wich leave us with letdowns.
5. Simplify and purify our lives
6. Count our blessings.
7. Avoid negative talk and complaining people.
8. Be sure to get enough sleep; arise and retire early.
9. Drink 8-10 glasses of pure water daily. Count them!
10. Consume plenty of fresh produce and whole graines.
11. Maintain healthy regularity and order in all phases of our lives.
12. Keep actively engaged in worthwhile pursuits.
13. Use music to create a happy atmosphere.
14. Life the lives of others; spread joy around.
15. Patiently wait: 'til the sun shines/'til we feel better/'til things improve.

Some of these are harder or less practical for me... but some of these would be cake... and today I will start adding one thing back into my life... I refuse to give up!

Blessed

I cannot even imagine a luckier person than myself. I have been blessed to live in this great country. I have a home, which is something that a lot of people will never get to say. I am priviledged to own a car, which 80% of the world doesn't. I am healthy. I have two healthy and happy little boys. I have a good man for a husband.

I am Blessed.

I am not rich. I am not living in a mansion with servents. I do my own laundry. I do my own shopping. I have to cook dinner.... but at the same time, I have a working washer and dryer. I have money to shop for the things we need and even want, and we have full bellies when we go to sleep.

I am Blessed.

I go to sleep in a warm bed, knowing full well that the toys that were purchased with my children's happiness in mind are scattered in the living room. I wake up, ready to face the day of playing with those little boys while my husband goes to the job that provides an income for our family. We are both very thankful to be in the positions that we are in. To have work and freedom at the same time.

I am Blessed.

After all of my Thanksgiving feasting, I won't have leftovers. But I have the luxury of knowing that tomorrow's meals are still there. My house will be empty, but will soon be abuzz with the colors of the holidays... the warmth... the cheer... the peace...

I am Blessed.

I am a Christian who knows the real reason for the season... and I will do all that I can to keep the Christ in Christmas. Because He is the only reason...

... I am Blessed!

Taking time for myself...

I have been thinking a lot about what would make me happier... what would make me feel more fulfilled as a person. It's hard to really answer this question... sometimes I think it would be time alone. Other times I think it would be time doing what I want to do. I even wonder if I would feel more complete if I had nobody to answer to... ever...

But there is one thing that seemed to be evident, no matter how I sliced it... I needed more time to focus on me. I didn't need to be alone, or even doing anything in particular... but forgetting myself was the first step to continuing to be miserable.

... so I am taking piano lessons!

My first lesson was tonight and was ok... but I wouldn't have traded that $10 and 30 minutes for anything else in the world. It was great to do something that satisfied me in a way that learning always does... it stretches my mind just a little bit, and creates something beautiful.... something I always knew was there, but it's been so long since I've seen it that it actually surprised me.

Take a few minutes for yourself today... I hope you find a newfound love, talent, or maybe an old friend that you've been missing. :o)

Radiate Joy

This past weekend, I was a part of LifeLinkChurch's annual Ladies Spa. The theme was "Weather or Not, He Reigns!" It was amazing how the team was able to transform that elementary school into a spectacular "Seasonal Extravaganza", with everything from a winter wonderland to a beach! And I loved all of the umbrellas that hung from the ceiling. It reminded me of the glass jellyfish that are on the ceiling at the Chihuly exhibit at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas! Beautiful!

One of the speakers was our very own Cheree' Wright. She spoke about how we reflect out what we are on the inside. We need to let our light shine into the world, and let that light be reflecting joy, peace and happiness... but in order for that to happen, we need to feel that way on the inside.

I have been dealing with lots of feelings lately... I will be the first to admit that those are not all joyful puppy dogs and rainbows. I think that we all have seasons that we feel more pressures, just like we have seasons of our life that are more easy going and blissful. What I have been doing is telling myself, "just one more day"... as though that was all I needed to get through... but what Cheree' shared next was what resonated with me, loud and clear...

..."Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... it's about learning to dance in the rain."

I will be learning to dance... learning to be joyful in whatever season I am in... I will radiate joy!

Plan Ahead!

Today I found TaxCaster. It was really cool because I was able to plug in a few peices of information and determine a ballpark number for our tax refund next year... so we can start planning on our next steps for our financial goals!

Check it out... the results may surprise you! Also, this is a great place to play around with things! I found out that if Dustin filed married filing separately, we'd owe $5500! But married filing jointly yeilds a return of $1800! That's a huge swing... but it's good to know! Things may be a little different for you, so make sure you are making the right choices!

I know I am a little behind in my 30 in 30... but expect a few posts really soon to catch me up! :o)

Book Review: Stay Home Stay Happy

Since I have been trying to be a happier stay at home mom, I was eager to read Rachel Campos-Duffy's book, "Stay Home, Stay Happy". She is a successful mom of 5... who seems to have it all together... and since I, well, don't... I asked Dustin to pick it up on his way home for me.

I have never been one to read books. I devour them. It's a bad thing, really... but at least then I know where a lot of things are in the book for later reference. So when I am trying to figure out a way to reconnect with myself, or how to fit more into my day, or just need a few minutes of serenity, I know exactly where to turn.

But what did I think of the book? Rachel made some great points about family traditions and how she has helped instill some great family values based on her own childhood as well as her religious background. She also had some good ideas on helping a household run efficiently.

But the best part for me was 2 pages long... and it was playlists for her iPod while she worked out at the gym. Seriously.

All in all... it's a good read... but I think I need to find another book to help me find a new kind of fulfillment in being a stay at home mom... I love it, but... well... you know. :o)

Importance

I know a few people are really tired of me whining about my family. I should be lucky to have such an awesome, huge, loving family.... right? We are almost all living in AZ... we try to do family things together... but it's still family... a family that drives me batty.

Especially now. I am having to make some major sacrifices to keep the peace in regards to our Thanksgiving plans. And I am being told that they don't want it... that I am making an inconveinence for people. That they all deserve a break from what is important to me. And just so we are clear, I am talking about dishes... and using them... not imported caviar, or pressed linens.

But it makes me wonder... what really is important? Is it more important to me to stand up for what I am believing is the right thing? Or more important for me to surround myself with family? What if that family is full of so much negativity, so much anger, so much greed that I leave feeling bad every time? How much can I subject myself to before I realize that it's just not worth it?

This happens to me every major holiday. Mother's Day I spend crying over how everyone ignores me when I suggest cooking a meal at home ("I'll do the cooking," I say... or my hubs offers to grill). They all want to go to Z'Teja's... which is both out of our price range and hard to get reservations for 36 at. We end up with Costco lasagna... and greedy family members asking for every family to PAY for their food... which they had no say in. And was cold and almost gone when they arrived... because for some reason, when they say that we are eating at 12, it's decided to start at 11 because someone is hungry.

I can't make this stuff up.

I really think that it's not healthy for me to keep trying to make things work and feel so bound to this negative cycle. I think that it's time for me to branch off and start making things about simple traditions. About food and fun and family... not a cafeteria line and a funds jar. About enjoying a homemade pie... not wondering who is going to wash the dishes.

Sometimes, the important things are are ones that you tuck in at night, you call for help, and you don't have to explain anything to. They are the ones that matter.

Mmmmmmm... Goes Healthy!

I got this in my email today from Fitness Magazine! I can't believe this is allowed to be considered a "Healthy Breakfast"... but I will take it!!











Let's Do Brunch: Stuffed French Toast Recipe: "Stuffed French Toast"
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup fat-free cream cheese
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup strawberry jam
8 1-inch slices French bread
2 egg whites
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon apple pie spice
Nonstick cooking spray

Directions
Combine the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons jam. Make a slit in each slice of French bread to form a pocket; fill each with about 1 tablespoon of the cream-cheese mixture.
In a small bowl, combine egg whites, egg, milk, vanilla, and apple pie spice. Lightly coat a nonstick griddle with cooking spray; heat over medium heat.
Dip the bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Place slices on the hot griddle. Cook about 3 minutes or until golden brown, turning once.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the 1/2 cup of jam until melted, stirring frequently. Pour over French toast.
Nutrition facts per serving (2 slices): 300 calories, 14g protein, 30g carbohydrate, 2g fat (0g saturated), 0g fiber"

Time Flies...

I can't believe it was 2 short years ago when Ryan entered our lives in a whirlwind of a childbirth... I've posted his birthstory here, so I won't do that again... but take a look at how he has grown!!

Love you Kiddo!

A Whole Different 2WW

Anyone who is familiar with a 2WW (or Two Week Wait) may have gotten a few little butterflies seeing that in print... but let me tell you... although I am thinking of my midsection... and that feeling of overwhelming happiness... I am also thinking of this:

Did you know that the average person gains 7.5 lbs during the Holiday Season!??! I am still working hard to LOSE that... but I am wondering what little changes you are going to make to your Thanksgiving menu so that you can still enjoy, but not worry about your waistline... tell me your secrets and I'll share a few of mine later this week!

Fatty Cake

I don't know how I feel about this. I know that I should just accept it at face value, but I have a tendancy to read into things. I know I am not alone... you do it, too, don't you? Really?

I met my mother in law today for lunch at Jason's Deli. My husband also met us there, and once our food came out, he mentioned about how his wrap had only 300-ish calories... and I say something about how that's probably what I should have ordered, and he offers me a bite... blah blah blah... and then my MIL says "Yeah, I noticed you have lost a lot of weight."

To me.

Ok... so on one hand, it's a compliment... I am looking smoking hot, no? But at the same time... it makes me feel like those nice words were laced with barbed wire... was I a fatty cake?? Was I a chunker the last time she saw me?? I mean, I have lost 11+ lbs in the last 15 weeks... but I am still wearing my same old jeans... I wore a maternity top today (because I like it... not b/c I need it). My shoes were even a little snug... but to my MIL... it was the *best* I had looked in a while.

Why couldn't I just accept it? I have been having what I call FCS... or FattyCakeSyndrome for a while now. It's where I just see myself as chunky... no matter what the scale reads. So I eat a cookie to make myself feel better. Or maybe I make some chocolate milk. Or whip up an excuse for a Sonic shake. And then when my husband makes an advance, I kill any chance of anything by asking the question that is really dreaded around here... "Am I a FattyCake?? Do you just like FattyCakes?!?!"

But I promised myself this week is going to be a FC-free zone. I am going to love myself a little bit more when I start thinking my FCThoughts... and my shakes will turn into bubble baths. My cookies into At-Home Pedicures... and in no time, this FattyCake will be a CutiePie.

Body After Baby- Week 7

Oh Geez... I only have2 weeks left in the Body After Baby Challenge... and while I have been doing great... the fact that I have been sick for a whopping 5 weeks (Yes, cold then sinus infection, then new cold, then cough) means that I have been super sucking when it comes to going to the gym and getting my workout on. booooo

But this is a new week... and I am gonna kick it up into high gear! We have big plans to make it to the gym in the morning tomorrow and Thursday. I am pushing the double stroller around the zoo on Friday (it's Ryan's Birthday... so the zoo is in order!), and then I'll have to figure something out for the weekend since Dustin has a softball tournament. But I need to get crackin' on this otherwise the only one that will be missing out is me.

This weeks challenges: Water and workouts (of 30+ minutes). I can soooo do this! I also need to total up my points for the previous weeks (good thing I wrote them down on my planner). If I have high enough points, I will be submitting my before/after pictures on MamaNotes... but either way, you guys will see my before and after for the 20 in 20 challenge at Christmas time!

Ok... there is no day like today... so lace up those sneakers and head outside... I hear it's gorgeous!

Weeding through it all

Wow. I never knew how many toys this child had until I decided to bring home more toys. And Dustin and I are in agreement that with Christmas a few short weeks away, we will be in trouble every year. But it gives me a chance to go through all of the toy bins and pack up what Ryan has outgrown, Corbin isn't old enough for yet, and any duplicates that can be replaced (old radio controlled car for a newfangled one).

Although I'd love to just hold a garage sale or list these toys on Craigslist... I am far too lazy and cheap. I'm more likely to just hold onto them forever. But then I remembered that I have been wanting to sell some outgrown clothing (that likely won't line up right with the seasons for Corbin) and toys at the Savvy Sale that is coming up in February. So... that's what I am doing. Packing things away to make a few bucks! Woot!

If you are a mom with some things to pack up and out in the Phoenix area, check out http://www.thesavvysale.com/. If you are a mom-to-be... check it out, too! There are great deals... might as well be for you!

Party Time!

Ok, so Ryan's birthday is actually on Friday... but we had a party today since my sisters were both (supposed to be) in town. We went to a local park and grilled up some hotdogs! It was so much fun, and we are blessed to have some amazing people in our lives!

Saturday Church

About a month ago, our church started having a Saturday night service. It was due in part to the fact that we are not in our own building. We are currently in a local elementary school. And we are outgrowing it like crazy. It's hard to believe how fast we are growing, but we are... and since the building can't grow with us, and we aren't going to shut people out... we now have church on Saturday night...

and we LOVE it! I love being able to do our normal Saturday stuff... head to church at 5pm. We are out by 6:30, and can still go do things! We can catch a movie, go out to dinner, or even hang out with friends, and we don't have to sacrifice a naptime!! That in and of itself was the biggest motivator for us to go to Saturday night church. Ryan can take his normal naps. Sunday church happened right in the middle of naptime, causing him to go down 2 hours later... and have a total meltdown every.single.Sunday because of it.

But you know... if you ask Dustin, he'd tell you that he loves Saturday church because we don't miss the game on Sunday... maybe that's why Saturday church started... football season. huh...

... anyway, check us out! http://www.lifelinkchurch.com/

Slow Down....

Or you will be going to traffic school like me...

boooooooo

Good news... it's online. Bad news... it's online... I hope I can focus and make it through.

Sisters

Have I told you before about my family? I have a beautiful and wonderful family... I am the oldest of four kids. I have 2 sisters and a brother. We are pretty different, but anyone who has met us can tell we are close.

One of my sisters lives in LA. She works with an event planner to the stars. She is super cool... throwing big parties for the hoity toities of Hollywood... and loves every minute of it! And I love hearing about her globetrotting. I am not allowed to tell her what she's up to right now... but I have requested some souvineers from the Dominican. ;o) Oh... that's her in the background behind J.Lo.

My other sister is an Army wife, living in GA right now. Her hubs is going to Ranger School and is scheduled to graduate on the 13th of November. Then, they are planning on moving to Colorado Springs, which is much much closer to us... and it doesn't hurt that her InLaws hook her up with low cost plane tickets so she can come visit. Don't tell her I put unflattering pics of her here... she might not like it...

My life feels so boring compared to theirs sometimes... but I still love mine... and one day, they will, too.

Guilty Pleasures

My 20 in 20 is still going on... and I have a few more weeks to work hard. In fact, I still need to update on my mini challenge (the 8 week Body After Baby), but Halloween was a little bit of a slip since I brought in some candy... and ultimately my weakness... Twix. Yep... scoot over Klondike... what would I do for a Twix?!

I have had to try to avoid them, but one of my guilty pleasures is called Nutella. Have you tried it before?? Oh.my.gosh... if you haven't tried it, you have to! But I won't tell you to go out and buy the jar... what if you don't like it... then I would feel guilty. But worse... what if you love it?? Then I'd really feel guilty. But anyway... if you want to try it, grab one of these next time you are in the check out line...

Nutella is essentially the creaminess that is in the middle.... mmmmmm

And it isn't that bad for you... it's pretty much hazelnut butter with a bit of chocolate... and is delish on any baked item... or on it's own...

You are welcome. :o)

I am loving...

I told you all a few weeks ago about the Febreeze filters that were making my life so much easier... well today, I just wanted to let you know about another little thing that I am just loving right now.

First, some background. Dustin and I have had a leather couch for quite a while... but a couple months ago, my parents gifted us a really nice sectional... but it was fabric. I was soooo nervous about it. About not being able to wipe it down after Ryan spills a snack or touches with sticky fingers. About cat hair, and dog filth... ew ew ew.

Well, the vacuum is still my friend, but I found another product that just helps me feel just a little bit more freshness when I plop myself down for some R&R.

Enter Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator! This product works by eliminating odors in fabrics, and leaving a nice fresh scent. I love it because now my couch and all 10 pillows on it can get a little pick me up without me having to pull out the vacuum or throwing everything in the wash.

... and at $4, you can love it, too.

Woot!

Guess what... I lost another 2 lbs!!! It's not a ton... and I am sure part of it is because of me being so sick... but I am gonna take it and run!!

I am working hard to get to be a sexy soccer mom... and it's definetly work. I can't wait to kick this cough/cold so I can head back to the gym! I need to get to my goals!!

Also... I am going to be asking Santa for a Wii Active Sport for Christmas... anyone use one and like it? I love that Alison Sweeney of the Biggest Loser used it after having her baby to get back in shape... and then maybe I can drop my gym membership... tempting...

Halloween

So, I was reading Muffin Cake and Katie mentioned that November is National Post in a Blog month (or something like that)... so I am going to attempt to post a new blog entry every day for November. I can't promise it will all be entertaining... but I'll still try.

So... here are some pics from Halloween... my little munchkin was a magician... and his chocolate snack left him with a delightful little mustache! And yeah... that's my clean cut hubby sporting his rockabilly style! :oP And I wish we had a great costume for Corbin.. but he outgrew the little outfit we had for him (6-9months size... didn't fit his 4 month body). Bummer. :o(