Tomorrow is the 4th of July and the thought of this holiday made me take some time to slow down and think. Am I spending enough time with my family? I sure hope so. My previous occupation had me working all summer long and many weekends of being in the office or on call. I also spent months traveling for business. Now I work from home and sometimes think I am still a work-a-holic. So what is the difference?
I AM HOME. Yes, I am home. My kids are not in daycare. I have two school aged girls and a 6 month old baby. Mom (that's me) brings the girls to school and then goes home with the baby to spend some time working. I am always home with the girls get home from school on the bus and my baby is in my sole care. I love having them home and I love working from home.
And this let's me spend more time with my family. This summer the older girls are in morning summer school, then we play all afternoon. We, and they, never have been able to do that before. We do the "Kids Bowl Free" bowling, have passes to the local waterpark pool, do library activities and look for anything fun and low cost. My little baby loves packing up and heading out with her older sisters. My husband, also known as dad, meets us after work and also gets to spend time with the kids. More than he ever has.
So take some time to re-evaluate your busy lifestyle to see if you are spending enough time with your kids. Kids learn from their parents, so make sure you are a good role model and someone they can look up to. The time will come when they are teenagers. If you spend quality time with your kids now, there is a higher chance they will come to you for advice when they get older. Don't lose touch with your kids... embrace the time you have together.
Happy 4th of July!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Running after having a Baby - One Step at a Time
I had my third child in January and am already knee deep in the quest to finish another half marathon. Let me step back a little and give some history. I belong to an online group that focuses on getting healthy, staying healthy and running or walking. Many of us meet at races through out the United States to compete, socialize and have a great time. The group is supporting, encouraging and downright great people who I call my friends.
Here is what happened! I was unable to attend the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend this past January because I was due with my child on Marathon weekend (ironic?). One (or now that I think about it, it may have been several) people worked their magic to convince me to attend another race in June and do the 1/2 marathon. The race is within driving distance and the course looked nice. My pregnancy mind said... sure, the little one will be close to six months old. This is where things got scewed. Math used to be my strong subject, until I attempted to add up the age of my baby for the marathon. Correct math has her at 4 1/2 months. Oh man!
And then the training began. I started off walking at about four weeks postpartum. Several weeks later I worked in some jogs, but my legs and joints rebelled. I knew right then that this was going to be a slow process... one step at a time. And that is exactly how I continued to view it. If my legs wanted to walk, I walked. The only thing important to me was getting in the steps. I wanted to work at the mileage first, then gain speed. I knew I just underwent a major medical ordeal and my body needed to heal. And it continues to heal and strengthen each day. Pushing my body to go faster or longer than I should only meant I would deal with other problems, like strained muscles, re-occurrence of my plantar factitious or something much worse. This mom knew she had to be smart and take it... one step at a time.
The 1/2 marathon is three weeks out and I know I will finish, but it won't break any speed records. Right now my goal is to finish the race with a smile on my face. This will show that I have the strength to over come my weaknesses, both physical and mental. I may complain about it a lot, but that does not mean I am angry or giving up. It's just a release of energy. I will finish and I will finish with my friends who have supported me these last three months. I can't wait to hug my husband at the end of the race and give my three girls a big kiss! Because I will do this, one step at a time.
Here is what happened! I was unable to attend the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend this past January because I was due with my child on Marathon weekend (ironic?). One (or now that I think about it, it may have been several) people worked their magic to convince me to attend another race in June and do the 1/2 marathon. The race is within driving distance and the course looked nice. My pregnancy mind said... sure, the little one will be close to six months old. This is where things got scewed. Math used to be my strong subject, until I attempted to add up the age of my baby for the marathon. Correct math has her at 4 1/2 months. Oh man!
And then the training began. I started off walking at about four weeks postpartum. Several weeks later I worked in some jogs, but my legs and joints rebelled. I knew right then that this was going to be a slow process... one step at a time. And that is exactly how I continued to view it. If my legs wanted to walk, I walked. The only thing important to me was getting in the steps. I wanted to work at the mileage first, then gain speed. I knew I just underwent a major medical ordeal and my body needed to heal. And it continues to heal and strengthen each day. Pushing my body to go faster or longer than I should only meant I would deal with other problems, like strained muscles, re-occurrence of my plantar factitious or something much worse. This mom knew she had to be smart and take it... one step at a time.
The 1/2 marathon is three weeks out and I know I will finish, but it won't break any speed records. Right now my goal is to finish the race with a smile on my face. This will show that I have the strength to over come my weaknesses, both physical and mental. I may complain about it a lot, but that does not mean I am angry or giving up. It's just a release of energy. I will finish and I will finish with my friends who have supported me these last three months. I can't wait to hug my husband at the end of the race and give my three girls a big kiss! Because I will do this, one step at a time.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Free Bowling for Kids this Summer
Are you looking for a great summer activity for you and your kids? Have you heard about Kids Bowl Free? This program has been around for several years, but this is my first year actually checking into it. I work out of my home, so I have my kids home with me during the summer. This means I need to search out activities to keep them active instead of bored.
Kids Bowl Free works with bowling centers through out the United States to offer two free games of bowling per child each day through out the summer. Adult passes are also available for $25. Find more information, see participating bowling centers and sign up and purchase adult passes at
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/.
Give your kids some summer fun... FOR FREE!
Kids Bowl Free works with bowling centers through out the United States to offer two free games of bowling per child each day through out the summer. Adult passes are also available for $25. Find more information, see participating bowling centers and sign up and purchase adult passes at
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/.
Give your kids some summer fun... FOR FREE!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
My Earth Day Changes
OK, so I said I didn't have time to write, but then I totally forgot today is Earth Day and I wanted to share the changes I am making to better our environment and make my family more healthy.
I am cutting back on the chemicals we use in the home. Several months ago I started making my own laundry detergent and it is working great. The recipe is:
1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda (I use Arm and Hammer brand, which is different from baking soda)
1/2 cup Oxyclean
Mix all ingredients well and store in an airtight container. I use 2 to 3 Tablespoons per wash. The clothes do not have a perfume smell, just a clean smell. This is also good for people or kids with sensitive skin and for washing baby clothes.
I also use vinegar in the fabric softener spot. The clothes do not smell of vinegar and it helps with cleaning and softening. Vinegar is low cost and can be purchased in big jugs at Sam's club. I also put vinegar in the dishwasher for a spot free rinse. Again, the dishes do not smell of vinegar.
Vinegar and baking soda clean well and are not harmful to children. I have used both for cleaning carpet and upholstry stains. The baking soda will fizz up when mixed with vinegar and will work as an effervesant for cleaning.
These are the start of my "Green" movement. Using these products is lower in cost and cleans just as well as the heavy chemical options.
HAPPY EARTH DAY and think about how YOU can make a change for our Earth!!!
My Life is Insane... Because I make it that way!
Oh yes, I have a very insane life. Two years ago I was working full time, traveling for work, and always doing something. My kids were in school and daycare and my wonderful husband filled in the family holes when he could. Fast Forward to now.... In November 2008 my job no longer existed and I decided to be a work at home mom. I now work freelance and LOVE IT! My kids ride the bus home... to mom. I had another baby in January and she is home with me, not in daycare. Life seems good...
So here is the insanity! I am taking care of my baby plus two elementary school aged kids. I am still working freelance part time. I am still doing other activities like being a 4-H leader, church activities and helping out at school. AND, I let people talk me into doing craft shows and other things I don't have time for. So when I say my life is insanity... I could make it different. I need a backbone. I need to say no.. NO! I need to see my limits and put on the breaks when I reach them.
I don't know how I get everything done, neither does my family or friends. I can't even count how many times people have said to me "I have no clue how you can do everything you do"... as recent as last week!! And the reason I am not getting my blogs written... I AM SO BUSY!
So give me a week to get this craft show finished and I will be back to sharing my inspiration, stories and life experiences. Because by then I will be done with the things I shouldn't be doing and forcing myself to have MORE time. Time for me and time for my family!
So here is the insanity! I am taking care of my baby plus two elementary school aged kids. I am still working freelance part time. I am still doing other activities like being a 4-H leader, church activities and helping out at school. AND, I let people talk me into doing craft shows and other things I don't have time for. So when I say my life is insanity... I could make it different. I need a backbone. I need to say no.. NO! I need to see my limits and put on the breaks when I reach them.
I don't know how I get everything done, neither does my family or friends. I can't even count how many times people have said to me "I have no clue how you can do everything you do"... as recent as last week!! And the reason I am not getting my blogs written... I AM SO BUSY!
So give me a week to get this craft show finished and I will be back to sharing my inspiration, stories and life experiences. Because by then I will be done with the things I shouldn't be doing and forcing myself to have MORE time. Time for me and time for my family!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Save Money on Groceries - Use Coupons
Another great grocery shopping day. If your grocery stores allow for double coupons, take advantage of this opportunity to save a lot of money. My store only doubles on Wednesday up to 5 coupons with a value of $1.00 or less. Even with these limits, I am able to save a lot of money.
Here is my shopping trip:
2 gallons milk - Free coupons from last weeks cereal jackpot
1 Maxwell House coffee - Free Coupon
8 packets kool-aid - on sale for 15 cents each
6 containers Yoplait yogurt - on sale for 50 cents each
1 box Nature Valley Granola bars
2 boxes Special K Fruit Crisp bars
1 loaf bread - on sale for 88 cents
2 containers sour cream - on sale for $1 each
1 container Land o Lakes spreadable butter
1 head lettuce
Coupons Used:
2 Free Milk Coupons
1 Free Maxwell House Coffee Coupon
2 Coupons for $1 off Special K Fruit Crisps - Doubled
1 Coupon for 50 cents off LOL butter - Doubled
1 Coupon for 50 cents off 6 Yoplait yogurts - Doubled
1 Coupon for 40 cents off NV Granola bars - Doubled
I paid a total of $12.33 for the above items and saved $19.50 according to my receipt. I get my coupons online and from the Sunday paper. It is well worth the extra time it takes to clip coupons when you add up the amount of money I save on groceries! And I always buy things I will use, nothing goes to waste.
Here is my shopping trip:
2 gallons milk - Free coupons from last weeks cereal jackpot
1 Maxwell House coffee - Free Coupon
8 packets kool-aid - on sale for 15 cents each
6 containers Yoplait yogurt - on sale for 50 cents each
1 box Nature Valley Granola bars
2 boxes Special K Fruit Crisp bars
1 loaf bread - on sale for 88 cents
2 containers sour cream - on sale for $1 each
1 container Land o Lakes spreadable butter
1 head lettuce
Coupons Used:
2 Free Milk Coupons
1 Free Maxwell House Coffee Coupon
2 Coupons for $1 off Special K Fruit Crisps - Doubled
1 Coupon for 50 cents off LOL butter - Doubled
1 Coupon for 50 cents off 6 Yoplait yogurts - Doubled
1 Coupon for 40 cents off NV Granola bars - Doubled
I paid a total of $12.33 for the above items and saved $19.50 according to my receipt. I get my coupons online and from the Sunday paper. It is well worth the extra time it takes to clip coupons when you add up the amount of money I save on groceries! And I always buy things I will use, nothing goes to waste.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Low Fat Banana Bread Recipe
My friends keep asking me if I have a low-fat banana bread recipe. At the time I did, but I never thought it tasted that great. Last week I received the Spring 2010 Ministry Health Care newsletter in the mail and there it was.... a low-fat banana bread recipe. Guess what I made last night!
The result is.... this is a good bread. It's not as rich as traditional banana bread recipes, but the family liked it and I felt better serving it. Even my 6 year old chowed this one! My changes to the recipe are listed below the nutritional information.
Low-fat Banana Bread
4 egg whites
2/3 cup sugar
2 bananas, very ripe and mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup skim milk
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1-3/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a full sized bread pan with cooking spray and dust with flour.
In a large bowl; beat egg white and sugar until fluffy. Beat in bananas, applesauce, milk, oil and vanilla. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir flour mixture into banana mixture. Fold in nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan. Don't fill more than 1/2 to 3/4 full.
Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean - About 1 hour.
Nutritional information per serving for 10 servings:
Calories: 176
Fat: 2 g
Saturated fat: .22 g
Cholesterol: .16 mg
Carbs: 36 g
Protein: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 490 mg
Changes I made: I made this recipe in 3 mini loaf pans instead of one large bread pan because it is more kid friendly. I baked the bread for 35 minutes.
Next time I would add approximately 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a little kick of flavor.
Recipe courtesy of St. Clare's Culinary Creations, Ministry Health Care.
The result is.... this is a good bread. It's not as rich as traditional banana bread recipes, but the family liked it and I felt better serving it. Even my 6 year old chowed this one! My changes to the recipe are listed below the nutritional information.
Low-fat Banana Bread
4 egg whites
2/3 cup sugar
2 bananas, very ripe and mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup skim milk
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1-3/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a full sized bread pan with cooking spray and dust with flour.
In a large bowl; beat egg white and sugar until fluffy. Beat in bananas, applesauce, milk, oil and vanilla. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir flour mixture into banana mixture. Fold in nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan. Don't fill more than 1/2 to 3/4 full.
Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean - About 1 hour.
Nutritional information per serving for 10 servings:
Calories: 176
Fat: 2 g
Saturated fat: .22 g
Cholesterol: .16 mg
Carbs: 36 g
Protein: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 490 mg
Changes I made: I made this recipe in 3 mini loaf pans instead of one large bread pan because it is more kid friendly. I baked the bread for 35 minutes.
Next time I would add approximately 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a little kick of flavor.
Recipe courtesy of St. Clare's Culinary Creations, Ministry Health Care.
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