I didn't read much the past couple months, but I figured that would be the case with the holidays. I was glad I read a lot over the summer! I'm happy to have completed this goal I set for myself. Now to look forward to the books in 2012... :)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Reading
One thing I really wanted to bring back into my life this year was reading. Not that I wasn't reading before, but I wanted to read more than just the monthly book club book - read more for pleasure and for myself. It was another way to carve out some ever-important "me time". I love goodreads - it's a site where I can rate the books I read, get recommendations for other books, and also link up with friends to see what they're reading or recommending. On that site I participated in their 2011 reading challenge, where I set the goal to read 36 books throughout the year. Seemed lofty, as I was lucky to get just the one book for book club read each month, but it was something I wanted to do. Today it's official:
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
It's Beginning to Feel a lot Like....
CHRISTMAS!!! Family members have been asking for gift ideas, so I'm updating our lists on the right. I might not update the blog that often, but here's the one time of year it will be, HA! :) I'm really going to try and post more on here, but sometimes Facebook and Twitter are so much easier to just get a little blurb out instead of an entire blog post. :)
Please forward any Christmas gift ideas to me as well - I need all the help I can get to make my shopping easier!
Please forward any Christmas gift ideas to me as well - I need all the help I can get to make my shopping easier!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Dieting
I know I haven't posted in a while, but I've been meaning to post all about my new diet and exercise lifestyle. I'd love to be posting a daily sheet, talking about all the great foods I'm eating and how I'm burning my calories so hopefully I'll get started soon! Of course, that'll require some backlog, but that's okay. :) For now I wanted to share this article I read. When people think of dieting, they want results fast. I'm no different... I like immediate results, especially when those results are from my hard work! But there are a lot of crazy diets out there that while helping you to lose weight they do NOT do a body good. With my mom being a dietitian and me having taken numerous nutrition classes in college, eating right and good diets are somewhat of a passion of mine (becoming more and more of one lately). I like educating myself on what's good for me, and even moreso passing that information onto my kids (and whomever else wants to hear it!).
This article is about the crazy diet Kate Middleton went on before the royal wedding. I think all brides want to lose weight before their big day, but hers is even more public! (Disclaimer: I was actually at my smallest when I got married so I didn't need to diet - now I'm just trying to get back there!) There is absolutely NO WAY I could do, or would ever want to do, this diet! The main point of the author really struck a chord with me so I'm reposting it here: "Balance is where it’s at, people. We are omnivores. I’m just going to come out and say it. I don’t think vegetarianism or veganism is natural for the human body, and I don’t think consuming 75% of your calories from fat and protein is natural, either. You can call it Atkins, South Beach, Dukan, Paleo, or whatever you like. If you’re eliminating entire food groups from your diet, you’re treading the line of food obsession and going against everything we know about nutrition."
You can read the entire article here: http://www.ptpamedia.com/blog/index.php/2011/04/28/lose-weight-like-kate/.
Edited 5/8:
I had to add in this second article I found about this crazy diet: http://blogs.menshealth.com/bellyoff-nutritionist/j-los-fat-loss-secret-the-dukan-diet/2011/03/25/
My favorite part? "We’ve said it before but it bears repeating — there is not a worldwide epidemic of obesity because everyone started eating SO many vegetables and fruits, they gained weight. Quite the opposite. Any time a diet suggests eliminating veggies and fruit and other good for you nutrients, even if in the short term, it’s junk and not based on one bit of science. You can take all the pills, supplements and potions in the world. None will ever replace a variety of colorful veggies and fruits, healthy fats, and other smart foods we need daily."
This article is about the crazy diet Kate Middleton went on before the royal wedding. I think all brides want to lose weight before their big day, but hers is even more public! (Disclaimer: I was actually at my smallest when I got married so I didn't need to diet - now I'm just trying to get back there!) There is absolutely NO WAY I could do, or would ever want to do, this diet! The main point of the author really struck a chord with me so I'm reposting it here: "Balance is where it’s at, people. We are omnivores. I’m just going to come out and say it. I don’t think vegetarianism or veganism is natural for the human body, and I don’t think consuming 75% of your calories from fat and protein is natural, either. You can call it Atkins, South Beach, Dukan, Paleo, or whatever you like. If you’re eliminating entire food groups from your diet, you’re treading the line of food obsession and going against everything we know about nutrition."
You can read the entire article here: http://www.ptpamedia.com/blog/index.php/2011/04/28/lose-weight-like-kate/.
Edited 5/8:
I had to add in this second article I found about this crazy diet: http://blogs.menshealth.com/bellyoff-nutritionist/j-los-fat-loss-secret-the-dukan-diet/2011/03/25/
My favorite part? "We’ve said it before but it bears repeating — there is not a worldwide epidemic of obesity because everyone started eating SO many vegetables and fruits, they gained weight. Quite the opposite. Any time a diet suggests eliminating veggies and fruit and other good for you nutrients, even if in the short term, it’s junk and not based on one bit of science. You can take all the pills, supplements and potions in the world. None will ever replace a variety of colorful veggies and fruits, healthy fats, and other smart foods we need daily."
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Saturday, November 20, 2010
It's That Time!
Many family members have been asking for our Christmas wishlists. I'm working on them! They will be posted to the right as they have in the past. With being sick and trying to catch up (or rather just continuing the catching-up game!) things are slow-going! It's been a busy month as well and I'm hoping for some downtime with the holidays -- although, that kind of seems backwards. ;) Anyway, check back soon for the lists!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Help! I'm sick and I can't sit down!
I've been battling something the past couple weeks. At first, it was a headache and extreme tiredness. This past week I added cold symptoms -- sore throat, stuffy head, cough, congestion, earache, etc. After five days of these symptoms, I finally went to the doctor and got a very strong antibiotic and nasal spray/antihistamine. The worst of it all is the sheer exhaustion my entire body feels. I seriously feel like I haven't slept in days! After a day of meds, my head feels better & more clear, but it's gonna take a while to get rid of this entirely.
Anyway... Being sick means that I stuck around the house instead of going out with the kiddos. Since I was home, I wanted to be somewhat productive. I think I just don't know how to rest (hence the title of this blog)! I mean, how much can I rest with three kids at home during the day (and sometimes four)?!? So I did dishes, laundry, cleaned my master bedroom, washed linens, and flipped my mattress. I paid for it... At the end of the days I just crashed. It was all I could do to get anything on the table for dinner, let alone clean up afterwards! Thank goodness for meals in the freezer. :) Practice what I preach, right?
So this week it is my goal to just sit. I *need* to rest and take it easy (as much as I can) so I can kick this flu. Hopefully having Matt at home over the weekend gave the kids some playtime so they won't mind hanging around the house a few more days. I've got a birthday party to get things ready for this weekend (double birthday party for Hayden and my nephew Logan, who both turn 2 this month) and I need to rest up to travel. Luckily we're keeping it simple - a bonfire with a big pot of chili, cornbread, and hot dogs. Sounds perfect for a fall evening to me. ;)
Wish me luck, since when I just sit I notice all the things that need done - even more than just the normal pick-up-everyday-clean things! I need to get it in my mind that it can wait... My main concern is that it'll be harder on me with things piling up, so that when I finally do feel up to doing things I'll be so overwhelmed. But... that's just the way it has to be.
Anyway... Being sick means that I stuck around the house instead of going out with the kiddos. Since I was home, I wanted to be somewhat productive. I think I just don't know how to rest (hence the title of this blog)! I mean, how much can I rest with three kids at home during the day (and sometimes four)?!? So I did dishes, laundry, cleaned my master bedroom, washed linens, and flipped my mattress. I paid for it... At the end of the days I just crashed. It was all I could do to get anything on the table for dinner, let alone clean up afterwards! Thank goodness for meals in the freezer. :) Practice what I preach, right?
So this week it is my goal to just sit. I *need* to rest and take it easy (as much as I can) so I can kick this flu. Hopefully having Matt at home over the weekend gave the kids some playtime so they won't mind hanging around the house a few more days. I've got a birthday party to get things ready for this weekend (double birthday party for Hayden and my nephew Logan, who both turn 2 this month) and I need to rest up to travel. Luckily we're keeping it simple - a bonfire with a big pot of chili, cornbread, and hot dogs. Sounds perfect for a fall evening to me. ;)
Wish me luck, since when I just sit I notice all the things that need done - even more than just the normal pick-up-everyday-clean things! I need to get it in my mind that it can wait... My main concern is that it'll be harder on me with things piling up, so that when I finally do feel up to doing things I'll be so overwhelmed. But... that's just the way it has to be.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Sorry...
Wow, it's been an insanely long time since I've posted! So much has happened in the past almost four months. Well, nothing too exciting - just normal life stuff. :) I feel like I'm playing a constant game of catch-up in my everyday life, which doesn't leave too much time for "extra" or "new" things - i.e., blogging. I'm going to try to write a bit more often, and am working on creating a new schedule for the kids and me. It might take time still, so be patient. I've probably lost my readers anyway. ;) It also doesn't help that every time I sit at my computer Hayden thinks he needs to come sit with me. I don't mind it, just makes it hard to type!
Anyway, I've finally updated the calendar to the right. It still had August dates!! I'll be posting some Christmas wishlists soon since some people have been asking. Hopefully look for new blogs soon!
Anyway, I've finally updated the calendar to the right. It still had August dates!! I'll be posting some Christmas wishlists soon since some people have been asking. Hopefully look for new blogs soon!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Ear Tubes
I know I haven't posted a while -- no kid updates, life updates, general rambles... I always have them & have every intention of getting them on here, but the thoughts usually occur in the shower, while driving, or some other situation far from my computer. By the time I get home, normal life gets in the way of sitting and getting those thoughts out. Anyway... on to today's blog. :)
Hayden has been having a problem of chronic fluid in his ears. Whenever he gets "juicy" - as the ENT called it - the fluid in his sinuses heads straight to his ears. Sounds familiar to me, as I've been battling the same problem for 30 years as well. I can control mine with Flonase, and we tried Nasonex with Hayden for 6 weeks. Didn't work... in fact, the fluid was worse because he got a cold during that time as well. And an infection was developing. He's actually only had 4-5 infections diagnosed in his lifetime, which isn't bad; however, he also never gives us any sign that he might have an infection so there could've very well been more.
After a recheck with the ENT after the Nasonex trial, they deduced that he did have some hearing loss from the fluid and wanted to put in tubes. I agreed, since it was decided that I wouldn't get tubes at a young age and almost had to get them at age 25. I figured... let's take care of this now, since I have scarring in my ears from all my problems. We took him in the morning for the very quick procedure. In and out in 12 minutes - lots of fluid drained from both ears and the tubes put in. He was grumpy coming out of the anesthesia (very normal), but after getting home for some breakfast he was much happier. He's now napping so he can rest up, especially after getting up 2.5 hours earlier than normal!
I hope he continues to do well the rest of the day. Carter and Lauren are at their grandparents' house for a long weekend so I can solely focus on Hayden today. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and well wishes!
Hayden has been having a problem of chronic fluid in his ears. Whenever he gets "juicy" - as the ENT called it - the fluid in his sinuses heads straight to his ears. Sounds familiar to me, as I've been battling the same problem for 30 years as well. I can control mine with Flonase, and we tried Nasonex with Hayden for 6 weeks. Didn't work... in fact, the fluid was worse because he got a cold during that time as well. And an infection was developing. He's actually only had 4-5 infections diagnosed in his lifetime, which isn't bad; however, he also never gives us any sign that he might have an infection so there could've very well been more.
After a recheck with the ENT after the Nasonex trial, they deduced that he did have some hearing loss from the fluid and wanted to put in tubes. I agreed, since it was decided that I wouldn't get tubes at a young age and almost had to get them at age 25. I figured... let's take care of this now, since I have scarring in my ears from all my problems. We took him in the morning for the very quick procedure. In and out in 12 minutes - lots of fluid drained from both ears and the tubes put in. He was grumpy coming out of the anesthesia (very normal), but after getting home for some breakfast he was much happier. He's now napping so he can rest up, especially after getting up 2.5 hours earlier than normal!
I hope he continues to do well the rest of the day. Carter and Lauren are at their grandparents' house for a long weekend so I can solely focus on Hayden today. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and well wishes!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Blogging...
I have been quite the slacker! Seriously, I write hundreds of blogs in my head... They just never make it to the computer! Most of my "random thoughts" occur in the shower, while trying to sleep, or driving -- when it's impossible to get the thoughts down. I really need to blog more. I think it'll help clear my head! Plus, I like updating whoever reads this on the happenings in my life. Plus I know you want to know my random thoughts. ;) Soon... Promise. Keep reading!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Carter's First Day of School
All week we've been gearing up for this morning, Carter's first day of kindergarten. I had a parents' meeting on Monday night, then Carter got to meet his teacher and see his room yesterday afternoon. He seemed apprehensive, but he's more like that when I'm around. His teacher, Mrs. Lund, completely understood -- one of her daughters is the same way! We took his supplies in as well, and he picked a desk.
I had been debating whether to take him the first day or put him on the bus. After getting advice from a friend and former K/1st grade teacher, I decided to have him ride the bus. Carter is, after all, a very routine-oriented kid and I do think that starting him off this way will be the best for him and his teacher. He'll ride the bus home this afternoon too. I talked with him about bus safety, made him learn his bus number, and told him to be sure to get off the bus at his stop (which is down the road a bit, at a cross-street). He was actually the only one there this morning, but I suspect there will be more kids next week, if not tomorrow.
So now it's the big day... I set my alarm last night (no, I'm not a morning person!). I actually got to sleep after 2am so I was not looking forward to waking up earlier. And no, 7:30am is not early to most people, but it is to me! I had Carter's clothes pulled out and in the living room so we wouldn't disturb Lauren. Carter actually got up around 7:40 on his own, which I was thankful for. Sometimes he's a grump if you have to wake him up! I got him breakfast and went over his class schedule for the day, and also told him about raising his hand and making sure he asks to go to the bathroom. He seemed more excited today and fine about riding the bus.
We did have a few setbacks... The button on his shorts was hanging on by a thread and I couldn't find my needle. So I had to get him another pair to wear. No biggie. Then both Lauren and Hayden were awake, so I had to get them ready to walk down to the bus stop, which just took more time. We ended up rushing out the door to get down there to wait for the bus. I only got a few pictures, but will take some more when he gets off the bus this afternoon.
I hope he has a great first day of school. I have to admit that I was a little teary-eyed after he got on the bus. It just hit me yesterday that he's actually going to be gone at school all day! I think he'll do great and have a fun year of kindergarten. :)
I had been debating whether to take him the first day or put him on the bus. After getting advice from a friend and former K/1st grade teacher, I decided to have him ride the bus. Carter is, after all, a very routine-oriented kid and I do think that starting him off this way will be the best for him and his teacher. He'll ride the bus home this afternoon too. I talked with him about bus safety, made him learn his bus number, and told him to be sure to get off the bus at his stop (which is down the road a bit, at a cross-street). He was actually the only one there this morning, but I suspect there will be more kids next week, if not tomorrow.
So now it's the big day... I set my alarm last night (no, I'm not a morning person!). I actually got to sleep after 2am so I was not looking forward to waking up earlier. And no, 7:30am is not early to most people, but it is to me! I had Carter's clothes pulled out and in the living room so we wouldn't disturb Lauren. Carter actually got up around 7:40 on his own, which I was thankful for. Sometimes he's a grump if you have to wake him up! I got him breakfast and went over his class schedule for the day, and also told him about raising his hand and making sure he asks to go to the bathroom. He seemed more excited today and fine about riding the bus.
We did have a few setbacks... The button on his shorts was hanging on by a thread and I couldn't find my needle. So I had to get him another pair to wear. No biggie. Then both Lauren and Hayden were awake, so I had to get them ready to walk down to the bus stop, which just took more time. We ended up rushing out the door to get down there to wait for the bus. I only got a few pictures, but will take some more when he gets off the bus this afternoon.
I hope he has a great first day of school. I have to admit that I was a little teary-eyed after he got on the bus. It just hit me yesterday that he's actually going to be gone at school all day! I think he'll do great and have a fun year of kindergarten. :)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Cats!
I went to Target tonight to pick up a few things we needed (and a few we didn't!). One of these things happened to be cat litter. After the cashier swiped it across the scanner and handed it to me, she said, "Must be cat litter day." I asked her if a lot of people were buying it, and she told me about a couple that bought six cartons of it. Want to know why? They have 82 cats. Seriously? Who has 82 cats?!?
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Big Boy!
I went to get Hayden up from his nap and found him SITTING in his crib! He's been sitting on his own for a couple months, but this is the first time he sat himself up!
Then he even tried to pull himself up. Look at his feet under him! How exciting!
Then he even tried to pull himself up. Look at his feet under him! How exciting!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Life Changes
I completed my first run in over a year tonight. It was just over a mile (1.06, to be exact), and it wasn't the fastest run. Or even close to my fastest mile. But it was still a mile run, with very little walking (just up one big hill). My legs felt super heavy and I really had to work on my breathing, but it has to get easier from here. The hardest part is getting back out there!
This is all a part of changes I want to make in my life. Having two kids 17.5 months apart was not easy on my body (or nice to it!). I've actually been either pregnant or nursing for almost three years!! Now I need to do something about it. I started doing my power core yoga a couple weeks ago and just need to make it a regular thing. Add in the running, eating healthier, and cutting back on pop and I'll have a good thing going. I need help... and motivation... and encouragement. I can do this!
This is all a part of changes I want to make in my life. Having two kids 17.5 months apart was not easy on my body (or nice to it!). I've actually been either pregnant or nursing for almost three years!! Now I need to do something about it. I started doing my power core yoga a couple weeks ago and just need to make it a regular thing. Add in the running, eating healthier, and cutting back on pop and I'll have a good thing going. I need help... and motivation... and encouragement. I can do this!
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