The Ups, The Downs, and Everything in Between
I got the following text from my youngest today: Ignoring the typo, I had no idea my youngest knew how to play poker! This random question came out of nowhere, and provided me with a much needed LOL, ‘choke on my water as I’m rushing to a meeting’ moment that I desperately needed today. I’m leaving at the end of the week for a family trip, so I’ve already crammed five days worth of meetings into three days. Mondays are always hectic, and …
When my three were younger, we took all our vacations by car. To me it was easier to throw our umbrella strollers, pack and plays, etc. in our own car, drive to our location, and have a car once we arrive to get around in. Plus, road trips were how my husband and I travelled when we were younger, and we have fond memories. Last summer I travelled to Seattle (for a party celebrating the completion of Danny Dover’s bucket list), Denver for my sister-in-law’s …
When my son was younger he used to say a lot “when I’m a baseball player.” “When I’m a baseball player I’m going to buy a big house and you’ll come live with me.” “When I’m a baseball player I’m going to have 10 dogs.” When I’m a baseball player we’re going to Hawaii.” He’s been a “baseball player” since he was four; what he didn’t (and still doesn’t) understand is that he’ll always be my favorite baseball player. I’ve never had any illusions about …
“In America, young men were enlisting in the military by the hundreds of thousands. Farm kids from the great plains who never expected to see the ocean in their lifetimes signed up for the Navy; brothers followed brothers into the Marines; young daredevils who were fascinated by the new frontiers of flight volunteered for pilot training.” Tom Brokaw; The Greatest Generation If you haven’t read this book, it is a fascinating look at the World War II generation. Young men and women born and raised …
I’m sure most of you can relate to holidays being more stressful than relaxing. Carting tired kids around to multiple stops. Making sure you see everyone and that nobody feels left out. I am very grateful and blessed that we have family nearby. I wouldn’t want it any other way. But there’s good and bad to everything, right? Running around on special occasions often means I sacrifice what I’d really like to do with my limited time. This year on Mother’s Day I was chaperoning …
Last month I did a 30 day food challenge and I’d like to continue pushing myself with another 30 day challenge. This time around I encourage you to do a 30 day challenge with me! You can do anything for 30 days! Let’s try something new together. Your challenge can be something small (and therefore more sustainable once the challenge is over) or a bigger item that’s been on your bucket list. For inspiration check out this TED Talk by former Google engineer Matt Cutts …
My parents divorced when my brother and I were very young, and after my dad left we never had a close relationship with him. We had the obligatory dinner together once a week, but he eventually moved out of state and we didn’t really keep in touch. But don’t feel bad for me – my mom is amazing and more than filled both pairs of shoes! I never felt that I missed out on anything not having a dad around and my mom taught my …
This picture is of the desserts I did NOT eat Sunday evening when we celebrated my son’s and nephew’s birthdays. It was tough, as they smelled delicious (I baked one of them) but I stayed strong and at the end of the night was glad I did! Only a few days left – I couldn’t give in at this point. Following a plan like this is about getting healthy physically as well as mentally. Setting and reaching goals is good for your confidence, motivation and …
I’m in the home stretch! I’m actually going to make it. Three weeks down and I feel great. Week 3 overall insights: 1. My friend Brandy shared this timeline of how you feel during the Whole30 and let me tell you – it is spot on! I was so happy when I read this because it validated everything I was feeling and motivated me to keep going. Right now I’m in Tiger Blood (feeling good, seeing improvements) with a little bit of I’m so Over This, …
I woke up this morning at 5am ready to write about Week 2 (which ended last night) before work, stood up to use the bathroom, and proceeded to vomit. There’s nothing worse than being a sick mom, am I right??? So instead of writing, making breakfast and packing lunches, I guiltily told my kids they were on their own and went back to bed. Writing about this guilt is probably a post for another day. Here’s a quick look at how week 2 went for …