November: A Month Of Thankful from Tara's Corner

It's so hard to believe that we are already at the end of October! Before we know it, we will be ringing in 2014! 

For some of us, 2013 has been a wonderful year, for some it has been filled with stress and heartache, and for a few, just another year has passed. One thing I know for sure, is that even though not every day is good, there IS good in every day. That leads me to one of my favorite activities this time of year:

Every November, I do what I call 'A month of Thankful'.

Every day I post something on Facebook I am thankful for. It could be anything...something as significant as the wonderful people in your life (make sure you single them out, it can make someone's day to know they have helped make your day/life a good one), or as simple as that first cup of coffee you have in the silence of your home before the rest of the world wakes up and you have to start the day. Or how good your bed feels as you climb in and go to sleep at night. It's much easier to focus on our struggles and to forget all the wonderful things/moments/people we have in our lives. I myself have faced some struggles recently that make it hard to focus on the positive, and that makes me think it is even more crucial that I participate in the 'Thankful posts' this year. I think you will be surprised on how something so simple can change your outlook on the day. Please join me in sharing with your friends, loved ones, the world, everything that you're thankful for. Until next time, have a fun, safe Halloween and a wonderful holiday season!

-Tara

**Tara and I would both like to see you participate in this activity even if you don't post everyday. Feel free to friend request us on facebook so we can see your Thankful posts. -Angie

Find Tara on facebook

Find Angie on facebook

Wacky Wednesday: Gum Happens on Eyebrows

I was in the kitchen doing dishes.  

I thought she was cleaning her room(that was what I asked her to do).

She comes to me with tears in her eyes and I see this sad face:  

Umm, Who gets gum on their eyebrows?!? My daughter apparently! While holding in my laughter I was trying to figure out what happened.

Here's her story: 

 Mom, the gum was sticking to my fingers when I was trying to put it in the garbage.  I tried to get my fingers unstuck and the gum just went on my eyebrows(hand gestures included).

The more questions I asked the more she stuck to her story, but gum just doesn't "accidentally" get in your eyebrows. 

And, for the record, she usually spits her gum in the garbage.

I thought this was hilarious, as I'm stifling my laughter, until I had to attempt to get the gum off those eyebrows!  As my brother said in a text, "Ya know, eyebrows are a catch all for everything, Lol."

1. I tried a warm washcloth hoping it would do something. No such luck, it only caused tears.  This is gum that we got at a parade months ago, it's cheap and it hardened real fast on her eyebrows

2.  I tried Adam's Peanut butter, no luck. If you haven't read my opinion about Adam's Peanut butter, please check it out: Not all Peanut Butters are created equal

3.  I was frantically texting my mom at this point.  She said a greasy peanut butter works best.  I found a peanut butter I only use to bake with and rubbed that on those gummy eyebrows.  Ahhh, success!  It still took some work but most of it was removed.

**She still has a tiny bit of gum left on 1 of her eyebrows.  I'd had enough tears and we just snuggled while watching a movie! It will eventually come off, but right now it just looks like a scab...

And, yes, I'm laughing about it now that the dramatic screaming is over.  I'm that mom who makes her daughter clean her room...such cruelty I know

 

What crazy gum stories do you have?  Please share, I need to know I'm not the only one!

It's been awhile...

I've obviously been taking a break from writing on here. Life has taken some turns and I'm taking time to soak it all in, grieve over loss, and prep for the next step in my family's life. I'll update you more later.

For those of you waiting to hear about the giveaway on this post: Local Flavor Swap, the winner is Catrina. Thank you for being such a huge supporter of my blog, you have become family to me and I want you to know how much I appreciate you!

Continue to stay tuned about the Fit Mom's 4 Life 6 week challenge.  Although I've postponed it for now, I will be doing that in the near future once life settles down.  My goal is to start it early next year after the holidays.

Friday Faves

Life has been a bit busy, but thought I'd try to get back into writing something:

Now, it's time for Friday Faves:

1. Dreaming about owning a home

2. Happy kiddos

3.  It's truly Friday, no rushing out the door tomorrow!!!

4. Finding a house where we want to live

5. Sunshine!

6. Coffee...need I say more...

Local Flavor Swap Reveal,Glitter notebook tutorial, and Giveaway

Chaotic Goddess Swaps

My swap box partner, Becca, is from Florida. You can find her over at: http://www.everydaylifes.com/ and here's the direct link to what I sent her: Every day life flavor swap

She had a rough week, which made the swap box journey a little bit difficult:

1. Shooting in her town, which meant businesses closed delaying the mailing of the awesome swap box

2. USPS delivered the box to the wrong zip code despite having the correct 1 on the box. This delayed the delivery of the box 2 extra days.

In response to that, Becca was so sweet and emailed me a gift card!  Yup, she's awesome just like the contents of the box!

Here are the contents of my awesome swap box:

All things Disney:  Disney along with coffee and lemonade(my 2 favorite drinks)!  All set to go for a movie night! 

Gator and FSU milk chocolate for college football, nail polish the colors of the local school, shells to represent her favorite beach, the Help because I like the movie, and of course Florida orange juice!

Seriously, you would think Becca was one of my best friends!  This box screams ME(and my daughter loved it too)!!

Thanks Becca for all the thought and effort you put into this box!

For the box I filled for Becca I made her a notebook, it originally looked like this:

and I turned it into something Glitterific

 (and yes, I've been playing a disney fairies game on the ipad way too much this week!)

I believe I found the printable states at: 50 states

1. Print it and cut out the state along with the heart

2. Paint it with Mod Podge 

3. Sprinkle with glitter

4. When dry spray with Clear Acrylic Sealer Gloss

5. Super glue heart where you want it to go on the state

6. Paint the back of the state with mod podge and put it on the notebook

There ya go, easy peasy!

For those of you who love giveaways, I've framed a glitter state similar to the notebook I made for Becca:

Here's what I've made for the giveaway, it's in a 5x7 frame:

How to enter the giveaway:

Leave a comment on this blog telling me what state you live in

and/or

Become my friend on facebook: Angie Youniquemom

Winner will be announced in 1 week.

Monday Makeover: Fit Moms for Life 6 week challenge, Will you join me?

Some new and exciting news for those of you who follow this blog closely, or for those of you who are new... welcome!

Here's a bit of background first:
Since becoming a stay at home mom health and fitness has become a major focus of mine.  So much so, that when Fit Moms for Life founder Dustin Maher asked to have 50 leaders start community groups focused on overall health and fitness I decided to consider it.

My degree is in social work and I've always enjoyed being in a position to help others.  My philosophy has always been focused on helping at least 1 person.  If I can make a difference in 1 person's life that is an accomplishment. 

I finally decided to watch the informational webinar, but was dragging my feet.  However, I stuck to it and became so excited!  But then I had to decide if I was going to follow through and commit or hold off.  I remember something my old boss, Steve, told me years ago, "Look back with no regrets."  I knew after thinking about this statement, I would regret it if I held off on this decision.

Looking to the future:  The week of September 23rd to be exact! Postponed for now, will update soon.
Now I'm committed to this 6 week challenge and am looking for people online and local to participate in it.  I will be a leader and participant. We can do anything for 6 weeks and I want YOU to join me!

So what exactly is this 6 week challenge? And who is it for?  This 6 week challenge is designed to awaken the importance of you taking care of you…. the whole you.  Physically, mentally and spiritually this program guides you through the challenges of making amazing transformations in your life by giving you the tools and the support network you need to become the most fit you’ve ever been. You don't have to be a mom to participate, in fact you just need to desire to participate in the program.

Those wishing to join me in this 6 week challenge can sign up online via my affiliate link: HERE. The cost for the program is $99 (plus s & h). Once you ave purchased the program, we will meet once a week for roughly 60-90 minutes.

The meeting with consist of:

• Sharing our “wins”  from the week.
• Working out together as a group (the online group might not be able to do this)
• Watching an educational video teaching various lessons with subjects such as Mindset, Nutrition, Environment, and knowledge to  carry this information into our everyday lives.
• Group discussion.
• Weekly goal setting.

In addition to the weekly class, members are encouraged to work out at home to 30-minute FM4L workout DVDs 2 or 3 other times per week; to follow the 6-week food plan of easy, healthy, fat-burning recipes; and to complete fast, fun “homework” exercises that will keep their energy level going up and their weight going down.

Feel free to check out the Fit Moms For life website: http://www.fitmomsforlife.com/
If you are interested in this program please email me or connect with me on facebook:
youniquemom@gmail.com
Angie Youniquemom

Tired Tuesday: Not all peanut butters are created equal

If you know our family, you know you will see Adam's peanut butter in our home.  That's it, no other peanut butter will do.

Imgaine the devastation and crises that ensued not that long ago when Costco all the sudden had NONE!

 If I remember correctly I sent out a text message like this to friends and family: 

 Family crises, Costco has no Adam's peanut butter. 

 I repeat, Costco has no Adam's peanut butter.  

I asked at the checkout and someone was more than willing to see if anyone had it.  Nope, AND he had no guarantee Costco would get more....GASP!  Then, I was kindly informed that Kirkland brand was comparable to Adam's.  I found that hard to believe, I even told this kind employee that we are "an Adam's family." Haha, yes I'm laughing at myself by now waiting with 2 kids to see if they have MY peanut butter! Ya know, since they only make it for me(if you don't get sarcasm like Sheldon on Big Bang Theory, know that I'm being totally sarcastic)...

In my desparation I finally broke down and bought the Kirkland brand peanut butter. Part of me felt adventurous, I guess, along with being totally out of peanut butter!

Every now and then I enjoy mixing peanut butter and chocolate chips together as a snack/sweet treat. So, I went on to do my usual mixing and then sat down to enjoy my "treat."  There was no "treat" WHATSOEVER!

 It. was. DISGUSTING.

My husband and daughter don't mind having it on their toast with jam...you definitely need the jam with this peanut butter! So, we will use it, but let's get back to the story.

I went grocery shopping Sunday evening.  Keep in mind I haven't had my lovely treat of Adam's peanut butter and chocolate chips for a couple weeks now (I do think I'm having withdrawals!).  You guessed it, I went ahead and bought our lovely peanut butter..which I should have done in the first place!  That's what I get for trying to be adventurous and buy in bulk...

So, last night I mixed up my lovely snack and sat down to enjoy it.  Exactly how I remembered it...

All is right with the world

*Oh, and my hubby half-jokingly asked if I needed to label it "Angie's peanut butter"
THAT made me giggle

Monday Makeover: Postpartum PT Discharged and Working out!

I have some exciting news to share:  After 2 months of physical therapy I have been discharged! Celebration dance over here!!

For the first time in my life I finally feel that I've had success with physical therapy.  Now, in no way do I think my low back issues are gone.  However, I'm stronger and have exercises to do at the gym.  I was told to come back if needed because life happens and my hamstrings are tight (darn genetics!).

For those of you that have kiddos, I highly recommend finding a gym that provides childcare if it fits into your budget. Either that or swap childcare with a friend.  It is so worth it for me right now!  I go to the gym, drop my kids off in the childcare area, and head to the cardio equipment.  After 30 minutes of interval training on the eliptical machine, I do my 30 minutes of physical therapy exercises. 

Once my workouts are finished and I pick up my kiddos(who are just as happy as I am...yup even my 6 month old is all smiles!), I'm in a much better place to take on the world!  My back feels much better, I'm getting my workouts done AND all this is giving me energy to get housework done, do projects and enjoy my kiddos.  I even went grocery shopping last night and enjoyed being pain free!

That's all I have time to share for now, but stay tuned next week..I'm hoping to have pictures of all the pt exercises that are now part of my workout routine.

Links to my other Physical Therapy posts:
May 27th, Postpartum workouts
June 10th: 1st postpartum physical therapy update
July 1: Physical Therapy Update

DIY Glitter Letters

I've branched out and  this post can also be seen on:

Scattered Thoughts of A Crafty Mom: Youniquemom's DIY Glitter Letters

Materials needed for glitter letters:

1. Paper Mache letters from Joann's: Click HERE for info

2. Paint (in my case pink paint) *spray paint would be easy!

3. Paint brush 

4. Mod podge

5. Glitter (again, in pink)

6. Clear acrylic sealer gloss
7. Paper bags or newspaper

Not all materials included in picture

Step 1: Put your letters on paper bags or newspaper to protect the surface of your craft area

Step 2: Begin painting your letters

Step 3: Allow paint to dry

Step 4: Paint 1 letter with ModPodge and sprinkle glitter over it 

The more ModPodge you put on it the better.

I avoided putting glitter on the sides of the letters. 

Step 5: Shake off excess glitter, repeat step 4 on next letter and use excess glitter from previous letter.

Repeat this process until you are finished with all letters.

Step 6:  Allow all letters to dry

Step 7:  Spray with Clear Acrylic Sealer to seal the glitter (this will keep the glitter in place)

Step 8: Allow letters to dry in well vented area

Step 9: Put up on wall in any way you want. 

I attached mine to pink tulle, glitter ribbon and a wooden rod.

**Things I learned during this project**

If I do this again I may try spray paint instead.  I was using what I had on hand, which was acrylic paint.  

Although I got plenty of glitter on the letters, I had to hurry to get the ModPodge on then get the glitter on. ModPodge dries quickly if not put on thick enough.

Glitter goes everywhere, make sure you are doing this project in a place that can easily be vacuumed.

Another glitter project coming soon!

Ways to follow me:

www.facebook.com/youniquemom

http://pinterest.com/youniquemom

Tired Tuesday

I didn't have a chance to do my Monday Makeover post...I chose to do (gasp) housework instead! Maybe, just maybe, by the time school starts I'll be able to consistently do my Monday posts since I do have a lot to share! Physical therapy is going well and so is the gym.

For today, I'd like to share with you the bib my mother in law  made for John last week:

Local Flavor Swap

I'm excited to participate in my first ever Local Flavor swap with Chaotic Goddess Swaps!  I'm trying to branch out and thought this would be fun!

The idea is to pick items that represent your local area and send it to the other 
bloggy buddy that they partnered you up with.
All of us will be shipping our items at the same time and then doing a reveal 
of the package we received on our blog.  Sounds exciting right?!  

Today is the last day to enter: Chaotic Goddess Swaps Local Flavor Sign Up

Partners are picked tomorrow, so please enter asap!

Friday Faves

Hang in there with me, all posts have been postponed due to life! But I will do my Friday Faves real quick!

1. VBS (vacation bible school)...my daughter has been attending VBS this week at my in-laws church. She has decided to have a relationship with Jesus!!  Celebrations on earth and in heaven!

2.   I am getting a new computer set up this weekend, so there just might be more posts soon ...I've been posting from my ipad for the past 6 months.

3.  My Dad for building our computer for us.  Thanks Dad, you are awesome!

4. My in-laws for letting us crash at their place this week and basically take over their house!!  We have invaded...and when you have a 6 month and 5 year old old it is truly an invasion of space.
 Baby gear=nuff said

5. A bit of a fuzzy picture below due to my ipad and the constant movement of the kids.  Beth decided she needed to show me a "trick" and John thought it was great! Yay for happy kids!

Friday Fave

My 1 Friday fave this week is my gym membership that includes childcare!!

I've been enjoying some real "me" time this week, which makes for a happy mama!

More info to come on my Monday Makeover post!

Some days may still be like the above picture, but it's amazing what a workout will do!

Tired Tuesday

Yesterday was one of those days.  One of those days that it was obvious that I was tired and trying to do too much all at once.

Dropped my daughter off at day camp.  Went to physical therapy.  Came home in a rush and dropped my purse and keys on the floor so I could feed my hungry boy.  He went straight down for a nap.

My thoughts were:  Yay, I can get some stuff done!

Made a phone call about a bill, which took longer than expected as usual. Started working on a guest blog post, which was due today...I know I was procrastinating...life happened! Decided to cook meat for dinner to have a break from writing.  Looked at the clock and it was time to go get my little missy!

And guess what??!!  I couldn't find my keys and my boy was waking up from his nap.  It took me 10 minutes till I finally sent a text to my hubby knowing I'd find them as soon as I sent the text.  Sure enough, I decided to dig through the bag by the couch where I sat down to feed my son.  And guess what?!!  Apparently I had dropped my keys into that backpack instead of on the floor like I thought and I found them at the bottom of the bag!

I was late picking up little missy, which bothered me more than it bothered anyone else.  I was only 5 minutes late. I got over it quickly!

Then, it continued from there.  Blogger was acting up so it took longer to finish my guest post. My daughter was missing her friend we visited last week and my baby was fussy.

Thankfully, all I had to do was put dinner in the oven.  Once dinner was over I went to the gym.  It's amazing what a workout will do.  I didn't feel so aggravated anymore!!

This was me before my workout ;-)

OH, and I finished the guest blog post.  I'll let you know when you can see it on: Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

What is your coping mechanism when you are having a frustrating day?

Mammie's Chewy Choclate Chip Cookies

For the 4th of July I was asked to bring cookies. My daughter loves to cook which makes this the perfect combination!

Little Missy calls my mom Mammie.  I've adapted her recipe and added my own touch, but the credit needs to go to her...she did teach me to cook after all!

1 1/4 cup butter (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 cup flour
1 cup Quaker Oats old fashioned oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips

In a medium bowl combine flour, oatmeal, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a medium bowl combine butter, sugar, and vanilla. Beat until creamy.

Gradually add the flour mixture.

Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop on nonstick cookie sheet by small spoonfuls

Bake at 375 degrees for 8-11 minutes.  

**I cooked mine for about 9 minutes, but cooking times will vary depending on weather, oven, and how much cookie dough you dropped on your cookie sheet.  For chewy cookies, see note below:

The best way to get chewy cookies is to bring them out of the oven a little undercooked.  Golden brown on the edges only.  If they are golden brown all over they will be more on the crunchy side, it all depends on your preferences.

I'm still enjoying my good cookie spatula and I highly recommend using one.  Good Cookie Spatula Link is below the picture: 

Good Cookie Spatula Anyone

Monday Makeover: Postpartum PT

After having a baby it is a challenge to get workouts in.  And, even more of a challenge with back issues.  My body just doesn't do well recovering from a pregnancy and it takes time. I'm hoping tomorrow to add in some bike riding, but I've barely had time to get my pt exercises done.

I have almost been in physical therapy for 1 month.  I'm starting to feel like I'm gaining some strength!  Although, I'm pretty sure I did too much this week because my back has been sore, and not necessarily a good sore. I see my physical therapist tomorrow.

My pt exercises consist of:

bridges...lots and lots of bridges (I've decided this is a form of torture ;-)

planks and more planks (double ugh, this is tough after having a baby!!)

Those are the main exercises, which means there's always a way for it to be modified as I get stronger.  None of the above exercises have ever been used in my physical therapy in the past, which makes me hopeful that they might just work.  It also means I'm destined to be doing all those exercises for the REST. OF. MY. LIFE.  But, hey, if it works it will be worth all the pain and hard work.  I'm ready to be able to function without back pain.

The above video shows you how to do a bridge(if the video isn't loading or showing click HERE) .  I don't do mine that slow, but at least you will get the proper technique.  That is the basic bridge, which is what I started with.  I have now graduated to crossing my arms while doing the bridge which does make it more challenging.  There are many ways to torture modify, but for now that's what I'm focusing on.

I'll update you when I have more time this month...the next few weeks are a bit busy!

Friday Faves

1. Headed to the beach, don't forget your baby powder!

Have you seen that pin on pinterest telling you that baby powder helps remove sand. 

It's true.  We went to the beach not too long ago and I put baby powder on my feet and put my flip flops on while we were walking around shopping.  Yup, sand was gone!

**note:  the sand has to be dry.  We tried this on my 5 year old along with using a sheet to get the sand off...that was a no go because she was soaked, but when the sand was dry it came off with the baby powder!

2. Swim lessons: a sign it's truly summer!
3. My easy going boy!
4. Time with extended family
5. Air conditioning (it's gonna get HOT HOT HOT next week!)
6. I was able to do my make-up today(you have NO idea what a great accomplishment this is)!  It will probably melt off with the heat ;-)
7. I text bombed my brother(pretty sure it was close to 50). That's what he gets for not responding, it's not like he has a life or anything...bwahahaha(evil laugh). His loving name for me is Diphead.
Can you tell he's my baby brother!?!
8. Watching my girl interact with her brother.  She gets the best smile out of him!

I believe in Miracles...

I recently did a post about a family member who's cancer is back: Each Day Each Moment is a Gift. I'm still working through my emotions and I'm giving myself time to openly talk about it.  Also, I'm just letting myself feel the emotions so that I can move through them in a healthy manner.  For those of you that have walked the road of cancer with someone you love, how did you work through your emotions?

Harmony: http://harmlove.blogspot.com/ has been walking a tough road with her husband having cancer.  There have been some miracles happening though!  Read this specific post: http://harmlove.blogspot.com/2013/05/i-believe.html to get an update on the miracle and hope that is in her life!

I've also done a post about pediatric cancer: Good Cookie Spatula as cancer doesn't only affect adults.  It can show up in anyone at anytime.  I think that is what is so scary about cancer. It is silent and deadly.  Treatment is hard on the body with no guarantee of a positive outcome.

Heather Von St James contacted me about getting the word out about mesothelioma.  She is now cancer free even though her doctors gave her 15 months to live. Miracles do happen!

Click this link to watch her video: http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/

Cancer affects many, many people.  At this point, most of us have someone in our lives who has cancer and many of you have or have had cancer.  Please join me in praying for those who are currently battling cancer and their families too!

And, an update about other family situations in my life:

For those of you that have read my blog before, you've read about Sweet Rachael.  Here's a quick update: Rachael is still on the transplant list for a heart and liver.  She's hoping to get on the transplant list in California because there just isn't enough donors in this area.  It is difficult to watch her health decline.  She's frail.  As I have told people, if any other organs fail she will no longer be able to get a transplant.  Please continue to pray for Rachael and her husband.  And, pray for us, as a family to know how to best support them.

I'm not sure if I've done a post about my brother who's lost limbs to tumors. I couldn't find a post so I'll give a short update:  Up to this point none of the tumors have been cancerous.  He's had a long road since elementary school. Tumors showed up in his left foot and would return shortly after being removed.  His leg was amputated his senior year of high school and he's had a long road of recovery to get to the point in which he's now walking with a new prosthetic leg!  His niece and nephew love to count his fingers and toes...he has 5 toes and 9 fingers.  Yes, the tumors have started showing up in his hand and so far he's lost a pinky.  Obviously, we hope he doesn't lose anymore but these tumors are quite aggressive.  He continues to have a positive attitude about his situation, which is one of the things I love dearly about him!

One of the many shirts I've made for my brother.  Although this picture doesn't do it justice, when he wears it  I think this is my favorite one.  These shirts are easy to make, but I can post about that another day.

Tired Tuesday

Life was so busy over the past few days, I didn't even have time to think about my Monday Makeover post.  This summer posts may be somewhat irregular! I'll post when I can.

Friday Faves

1. Quote from my daughter:  Why did you choose to disobey?  

She said:  I can't help it.  It's like on the ipad, it got unlocked inside of me and came out.

2. My smiley easy going boy

3.  Sleep...I've gotten more of it since my tuesday post!

4. Strawberries and freezer jam!  

My mom came over to help with it all!  Thank you Mom!

5. Snuggles with my daughter (I wasn't so fond of it being 4am but both of us went to sleep quickly, which means I also love her full size bed!)

6. Physical therapy seems to be improving my back

7. Coffee!

8. All the men in my life who fulfill the role of being a great dad: my hubby, my dad and my father in law.  Happy Father's Day!
9. Homemade butterfingers made with 3 simple ingredients:

Found the recipe here: http://www.plainchicken.com/2010/11/homemade-butterfingers.html
This was so easy to make:
1 pound candy corn
16 oz peanut butter
16 oz of chocolate  (I used milk chocolate chips, but the recipe called for chocolate coating)
*melt candy corn in microwave(do in increments and stir to see if it's melted), stir in peanut butter
*put in 8x8 container lined with parchment paper
*once set up coat with chocolate and let set on wax paper
Next time I think I'll just put the chocolate on top of the butterfingers once it's in the 8x8 container to take out a step and make it easier.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Tired Tuesday

I was surprised to see my husband bring me our 4 month old at 4am this morning to feed him.  Apparently, I was so tired I didn't hear him cry.  I told my husband I was sorry and he said he assumed it was a sign of how tired I was...sleeping through my child crying...that has NEVER happened before!

It must be a miracle I'm actually functioning! ;-)

Not sure where I found this quote, but it isn't mine. If I had the link I'd totally have it here,..

Monday Makeover: Postpartum Physical therapy

I saw my physical therapist for the first time on Thursday and I have 4 weeks of physical therapy scheduled.  Here's what's going on:

1. My core muscles need to be tightened and strengthened due to being stretched out

2. I felt really weak when she was having me do exercises

3. I was instructed to wear my hip belt when my muscles are fatigued or when I'm out and about with the kids.   That is until I have more strength in my muscles.

4.  It's ok for me to swim or ride my bike.  I rode my bike 10 minutes 1 evening last week.  

My physical therapist said when I feel I can, add on minutes slowly and not overdo.

5.  If the problem isn't resolved in 4 weeks, I will see my doctor again and go from there.

But I'm hopeful that 2 pt appointments a week should bring good results.

This will be a slow recovery process as I know there's lots of strengthening that needs to be done.  For those of you out there who are recovering from pregnancy, I highly recommend physical therapy if you notice pain in your back, hips, or pelvic area.  Due to insurance not covering pt during my first pregnancy, I only went a few times and it was a short term fix since the issue was never resolved...it was improved, but still there.  

Bare with me as I continue on in the journey.  I have a long way to go, but I'm confident that I'm on the right path to get back to doing my normal workouts!

I've also had time to reflect on how I was feeling this time last year and where I am now.  One day when we were at the pool I was sitting with my son thinking about how sick I was last year.  Sometimes you don't realize how bad it was until you look back.  I tried so hard to make our life normal for my daughter even though I was so sick during my first trimester.  She has been a trooper through it all and is a great big sister!  She loves her brother!  As frustrating as my recovery is I'm so thankful for my kids and my health.  Below is a picture from this time last year when we were able to enjoy the beach...although we miss Pullman, we do love having the beach nearby.

Friday Faves

1. In last week's Friday faves I had my serola sacroiliac belt on the list. It's still playing a huge role in my recovery.  

My physical therapist said to continue wearing it while I'm out and about with the kids

until my muscles are stronger (stay tuned on Monday for an update).

2. Long weekend with the hubby home.

3. Day trip to the beach.

4. Smiley baby who made it through my physical therapy appointment
without a fuss!

5. Firsts for my 4 month old: He rolled over for the first time all 

by himself!

6. My new favorite chicken dish inspired by pinterest: 2-4 chicken breasts, favorite veggies,
italian dressing mix spread over it all, then topped with sliced lemons. Baked at 425
for 40-45 minutes. Next goal: try it with fish.

7. Thinking of food: some friends had us over for fish and chips last week.
The appetizer: fried onion rings were my absolute favorite.  My mouth is watering
just thinking about them right now!

8. Nice enough weather for the pool! 

Each day, each moment is a gift...

I'm taking a break from my usual Monday Makeover post to reflect...

A family member's cancer is back.

I don't understand what God's plan is. Jeremiah 29:11

It is beyond comprehension.

Tears have come easy as I assess the situation.

A child will be without a mother.

A husband will be without his wife.

Parents without a daughter.

But yet I have to hold on to faith, hope and love. 1 Corinthians 13


My kids have been getting extra hugs from me as I focus on the great blessings in my life.  Each day, each moment is a gift and I don't want to take my life for granted.

I think we'll be having some tea parties this week!  One of my daughter's favorite activities!

So, on those days when you want to rip your hair out because your child is choosing selective hearing for the umpteenth time, remember how much you love them and it won't always be that way.

Each day is a gift!

Friday Faves

1. baby laughter and slobbery baby kisses 

2. 5 year old laughter

3. The excitement my daughter when she lost her first tooth!  

We seriously had no idea she had a loose tooth.  She was eating 

a carrot and spit something out which she thought was a seed.

I said, "Honey, that is a tooth."  

She has a 2nd tooth lose and is hoping that comes out soon.

She wants more coins from the tooth fairy.

4. Extra snuggles with my kids

5. Thanking God for a healthy family

6. A full night of sleep (wait, what??!!  My body almost doesn't know what to do!)
7. My Serola Sacroiliac Belt has been a lifesaver since my back went out
a week and a half ago. I didn't realize when I got it how
crucial it would be to my recovery!
8. Physical therapy is scheduled for next week.  I'm so relieved!
9. Our 9 year wedding anniversary...haven't had time to celebrate yet
but am looking forward to it when we do! I told my hubby happy
anniversary as he headed out the door for work...how romantic ;-)
Happy 9 years to Matt and Catrina too!
10. My little man is now 4 months old!  He now weighs well over 16 pounds.
I have no doubt that my back issues have something to do with a growing baby!

Tired Tuesday

My brother in law got married on Saturday.  I got a pedicure with the girls, which was fun!

Nailcolor: OPI Goldeneye from the James Bond collection

My daughter was disappointed she didn't get to join us.  I promised her I would work it out to do her nails.  She said she wanted rainbow colors.  I grabbed what we had at home and this is what she chose(lots of thanks to Gram for doing her nails!):

She also had an opinion about the colors of my fingers!  It took me a bit to get used to my rainbow colors.

The wedding was at a beautiful house that was remodeled into a restaurant.  

I have a favorite quote from my daughter to the bride and groom:  

Thank you for turning your house into a restaurant for us!  

Monday Makeover: Postpartum workouts

So, after a week of focusing on getting  housework done(not all the credit is mine...thanks mom), along with a family wedding..maybe it's time to relax???? Most likely not, but onto the next project.  The list goes on and on so I'll squeeze in naps as I can to try to get enough sleep.

The new focus on Monday makeover is my workout routine.  When I was pregnant, I had a specific fitness plan I had hoped to follow.

Here's my post:

 Fitness plan 

Then I wrote about how I was having a hard time sticking to working out:Pregnancy fitness.  

I was so uncomfortable the last 3 months of my pregnancy, and anything I did actually caused more pain.  At that point I threw my workout plan out the window. Once I had my son, I realized why I was so uncomfortable.  He was born weighing in at 10 pounds  4 ounces and almost 23 inches long!

I was so excited when I was able to get in 4 days of workouts a week ago.  I rode my bike, did yoga, and a couple jillian michaels workouts.  This past week was quite disappointing for me though.  On Tuesday my back went out, which has been a chronic issue.

Here's a couple of my past posts about my back: 

Starting over with workouts

March 2012 Journey to a new back

 Journey to a new back: What's working

My back is improving, but I'm also being very careful and cautious.  I see a doctor on Wednesday and I'm hoping to get a referral for post partum physical therapy.  When my daughter was 3(she's now 5)  I went to physical therapy and was told my pelvis was still tilted from pregnancy.  I was also told this is a common issue for women.  Knowing my issues and that pregnancy enahances it my hope is to get on top of it before it gets worse. 

I've been a little discouraged, but I'm also hopeful that with some physical therapy I'll be able to get back into the workouts that I truly love!  And, I'm so thankful for my mom, who came out the following day after my back went out.  She did housework, brought lunch AND dinner along with cofffee and treats.  Thanks Mom, you are the best!

Taking some time off...

for now. Hoping to get back into my normal posting next week.

Friday Faves

1.  My friend sent me this cool nail polish it's called Blasted by Sephora So, I blasted my toes.  White nail polish and then blasted black:

It blasts or cracks differently every single time!  So far my favorite is pink under the black.

2. Baby laughter (my son just began to laugh!)

3. 5 year olds in tutus...post to come soon
4. Stress relief workouts
5. Naps
6. Time by myself
7. Friends that have become family (you know who you are:)
8. An apartment that is looking somewhat organized (yay, GO me!)
9.  Finding ways to set myself up for success
10. My hubby

Tired Tuesday: New Leaf Wellness

Now, I'm playing catch up from clear back in December! I was given an eCookbook to review from Dr Kelly L McNelis, owner of  New Leaf Wellness.

I truly love what her goals are: 

"New Leaf wellness is all about balancing motherhood and a healthy lifestyle."

Oh boy, do I ever need help with that right now!  I'm trying to figure out life as a mother of 2!

I haven't had an opportunity to cook any of the recipes from the cookbook yet, but I'm excited to try them.  So, my review of the cookbook right now will be what I really like about how she put it all together.

*Each recipe is it's own page

*Each recipe can be prepped in 15 minutes or less (exactly what I need!)

*Shopping list for all recipes is included, even the size of casserole dishes you'll need  and freezer bags needed. (AWESOME!)

*Nutritional information included for each recipe

*Labels are at the end of it too, to make it easy to put the meals in the freezer!

*Freezer meal tips section is quite helpful!

Seriously, why haven't I made these recipes yet??!!! I'm not quite sure, but I do remember getting this cookbook and getting quite overwhelmed when I was hugely pregnant.  I sat it aside knowing someday I'd get back to it! I guess my new goal is to get everything on the shopping list and have a day where I put all the recipes together(I may have to split it up to be multiple days).  Or maybe I'll get a babysitter. Not really sure, but I LOVE trying new recipes!

Since you are already on my page, please head on over to Kelly's business page and check out her eCookbook.  You can get it in 2 ways and it's reasonably priced!  Also, she has other services she offers too, like personal coaching.  

Below is Kelly with her beautiful girls, Cameran (3) and Isla (1).

Make sure to check out her website: http://www.newleafwellness.biz/

Monday Makeover: Healthy hair

I took last week off to focus on my daughter's birthday party.  So hard to believe she turned 5!

I'm continuing on the no shampoo journey.  It has been over a month since I started and I have figured out some things that work. Here's what I've been doing:

1.  1 tablespoon baking soda mixed with 1 cup water (in a spray bottle).

On the day I wash my hair, I spray it with he baking soda mixture.  I treat my hair as if I'm shampooing it and then rinse very well.

2. 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar in 1/2 cup water (in spray bottle)

This is my conditioner.  I spray my hair really well making sure to massage my scalp.  Then I put my hair in a clip and leave it till the end of my shower.  The last thing I do in my shower is remove the clip and rinse my hair very well.  After that I wring out my hair, flip my head over, then run my fingers through my hair(this replaces brushing my hair because I have natural curls). This is one of the best ways to get great curls!  After I take the towel off my head, I use my spray curling gel and scrunch my curls with a cotton T-shirt.

*I use the baking soda rinse every other day.  On the days I don't use the baking soda wash, I still use the cider vinegar rinse. This rinses any product that was used the previous day.

3. 1 time per week I moisturize with a honey/olive oil mixture.  It is easiest to do this in the shower.  My hair is left feeling nice and it took away my itchy scalp/dandruff.

Next week I plan on focusing on workouts and refocusing my life as a mother of 2.