Only being a member of the blogging world for an extremely short time, it is still amazing to me the number of wonderful people that are connected by the honest sharing of their thoughts and life happenings.
Browsing around on friends' of friends blogs, I have begun to frequently read Erin's blog Blue Eyed Bride. She had a very thought-warming post about being a mom of boys, or how she put it a "boy mom."
Her post made me think about our pregnancy with Ralph Ryan, and the experience of Mike wanting to know if we were having a boy or a girl and me wanting it to be a surprise. So, we comprised. During the ultrasound, the tech asked if we wanted to know. I said "No, I want it to be a surprise, but I think he wants to know." Mike said he was not sure if he "really" wanted to know or not, but he wanted to watch the monitor to see if he could figure it out. The tech said she would print out the picture confirming girl or boy and seal it in an envelope so if Mike decided he wanted to confirm what he thought he saw or didn't see, he could open the envelope and find out.
When that part of the ultrasound took place, I looked away and Mike studied the monitor. The tech printed out the picture and sealed it in an envelope and handed it to Mike.
As we left the doctor's office, Mike said he had decided to not look at the picture.
However, later that day I received a phone call from him. He was very flustered. "Hey, do you think that if I called the doctor's office they would be able to tell me if it was a girl or a boy?" "Well, no, since I didn't want to know they didn't write it down," I responded. (Our doctor said he didn't want to know either so he wouldn't accidently slip and give away the surprise.) "Well, do you think that the tech would remember?" I said that I was pretty sure that our experience with her that morning was fairly memorable. "Why don't you just look at the picture?" I asked.
"Well, I couldn't take it any more so I went out to my truck to get the envelope. When I took out the picture, the sun had bleached it out. It's completely black." I have never laughed so hard. Tears streaming down my face.
The crazy thing was that Andrew was absolutely convinced we were having a girl. You would ask him what mommy had growing in her tummy, a girl or boy? And he would always answer girl. It didn't matter what order you asked him or how you brought it up - the answer was always, girl! When my in-laws were visiting over Christmas, Andrew and I were showing my father-in-law the baby's room. And I asked "Andrew, what's in mommy's tummy? A girl or a boy?" Andrew, just newly three rolled his eyes at me and said "Mommy, we already talked about this! Rrrgh! It's a girl!" And stomped out of the room.
I really was beginning to get worried that if I didn't have a girl, Andrew would be extremely disappointed. When my mom brought him to the hospital for the first time to meet his new sibling. Mike told him it was a brother. "Leeeettt meee see..." was Andrew's skeptical response. Yes, he was adament we show him. "Yep, it's a boy!" he said with delight once he saw what he needed to confirm we were telling him the truth.
I will say, boys are wonderful. I know I say quite a bit that I would enjoy a girl to only follow it up with - "I think God knows what He is doing and probably knows that I am a better mom to boys than I would be to girls."
Someone made a confession right after I had Ryan, "Oh good, I was hoping you would be the Princess of your family, and you are!" I do L.O.V.E. my boys and the wild charming moments they bring to my life.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Hansen Sunday Comics
It's Monday. Just wanted to let you know that, yes, I know it is Monday and I meant to post this on Sunday. But that didn't happen... surprise! Life happened. And now my newly found idea of doing an occasional "Hansen Sunday Comics" has been postponed to Monday.
Which actually makes this debut of the "Hansen Sunday Comics" that much more meaningful, and well, funny. I thought this would be a good way to collect a week's, or so, worth of Andrew's say-it-like-it-is, four-year old comments and silly remarks to share. He is a pretty funny and intuitive kid. I think we can all learn a lot from his perpetual charm, grace and frankness.
He also has a very strong love for the Lord, Jesus Christ, and God, His Father. Jesus loves the children. And there is a reason why. They show their love so abundantly and without hindrance. I learn from Andrew daily what it means to love one another and love the Lord. Amazing how powerful and close our children can make us see the grace and goodness of God.
I was driving the boys to school last week and Andrew was "reading" to me and showing me pictures from a book he made. (Here's where the Hansen Sundy Comics come in...) He began to describe a picture of what looked to be a sideways rain drop with two circles on the top left mismatched in size. He told me that this was a fish without fins, but he can swim without fins. "Yep, mom, some fish CAN swim without fins. They swim like this." And he wiggles his whole body in his car seat like he was either being shocked by an electric eel or doing "the worm" (the dance move).
"Mom, did you know that fish can come in different colors?" Andrew asks very teacher-like expecting me to say I did not know this. Disappointing him, I said "Yes Andrew, I did know that fish are different colors." "Well, did you know that God colored them that way? Umm, no, no, no. Sorry mom. God didn't color them that way, God PAAAINTED them that way. Did you know that mom? Huh?" I couldn't help but chuckle because he was SO serious in his correction that God does not color. Oh no, God paints - like all the big kids do these days.
I do like the idea of God "painting" things instead of coloring. To me it means that God doesn't have to "stay in the lines" and make things neat and tidy the first go at it. He can use big and small brush strokes as He needs to, and can go a little crazy sometimes to take what seems to be a mess and blend it into something beautiful. He can continue to add to His painting long after the initial paint dries, which means the masterpiece never has to be finished until He is satisfied.
I thank God for the many brush strokes in my life, and the knowledge that He can continue to add different hues and layers onto the masterpiece He is creating in me and my family - until we are complete and stunning to His satisfaction.
And thank you, God, for allowing me to see your grace, love and beauty on a daily basis through the eyes of a precious four-year old.
Which actually makes this debut of the "Hansen Sunday Comics" that much more meaningful, and well, funny. I thought this would be a good way to collect a week's, or so, worth of Andrew's say-it-like-it-is, four-year old comments and silly remarks to share. He is a pretty funny and intuitive kid. I think we can all learn a lot from his perpetual charm, grace and frankness.
He also has a very strong love for the Lord, Jesus Christ, and God, His Father. Jesus loves the children. And there is a reason why. They show their love so abundantly and without hindrance. I learn from Andrew daily what it means to love one another and love the Lord. Amazing how powerful and close our children can make us see the grace and goodness of God.
I was driving the boys to school last week and Andrew was "reading" to me and showing me pictures from a book he made. (Here's where the Hansen Sundy Comics come in...) He began to describe a picture of what looked to be a sideways rain drop with two circles on the top left mismatched in size. He told me that this was a fish without fins, but he can swim without fins. "Yep, mom, some fish CAN swim without fins. They swim like this." And he wiggles his whole body in his car seat like he was either being shocked by an electric eel or doing "the worm" (the dance move).
"Mom, did you know that fish can come in different colors?" Andrew asks very teacher-like expecting me to say I did not know this. Disappointing him, I said "Yes Andrew, I did know that fish are different colors." "Well, did you know that God colored them that way? Umm, no, no, no. Sorry mom. God didn't color them that way, God PAAAINTED them that way. Did you know that mom? Huh?" I couldn't help but chuckle because he was SO serious in his correction that God does not color. Oh no, God paints - like all the big kids do these days.
I do like the idea of God "painting" things instead of coloring. To me it means that God doesn't have to "stay in the lines" and make things neat and tidy the first go at it. He can use big and small brush strokes as He needs to, and can go a little crazy sometimes to take what seems to be a mess and blend it into something beautiful. He can continue to add to His painting long after the initial paint dries, which means the masterpiece never has to be finished until He is satisfied.
I thank God for the many brush strokes in my life, and the knowledge that He can continue to add different hues and layers onto the masterpiece He is creating in me and my family - until we are complete and stunning to His satisfaction.
And thank you, God, for allowing me to see your grace, love and beauty on a daily basis through the eyes of a precious four-year old.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The Journey to Maritial Bliss
As you know from a previous post, I have committed myself to reading Dr. Gary Smalley's Hidden Keys of a Loving, Lasting Marriage. My first impression of Dr. Smalley was a great one. He was one of the keynote speakers at Premier Design's National Rally this July, and I loved what he had to say on building lasting relationships and overcoming the anger in our lives.
He told great stories of rasing his children. My favorite thing he shared was about making sure his family had "family values" that consisted of 1. Love God 2. Love each other 3. Love God's Creation. He said he would often say to one of his children, "Quick, tell me what is the most important thing in this world!" And his children would roll their eyes and say, "We know Dad...love God, love each other and love God's creation." There were many more wonderful examples of instilling the love and focus on God in the life of the family.
So, when I picked up his book to begin reading, I was a bit taken-aback (okay, appalled really) when I skimmed the table of contents and realized that the book was written in two parts - one for husband's and one for wives. But that was not the part that stopped me in my tracks, oh no! It was the fact that were ONLY 12 chapters for men and 16 for women! Like we as women need more work than men on this little thing called marriage... Now, I am not too much of an "I am woman, hear me roar!" advocate, but this sent my kettle steaming. And I honestly can't tell you why this bothered me, but it did.
So, where did I start my reading? You guessed it, at the beginning of the men's section. I just had to know what he was telling them they had to do to unlock those hidden keys of marriage. And boy was I shocked...
He lays it out on the table just like it is, saying that the main problem with men is that they do not share the tenderness, gentleness and understanding that women need. However, he then goes on to say that one of the main reasons that marriages fail is because women have built up a fantasy of "storybook" expectations.
Boy, how many times have I thought to myself, "Hmm, this is not what I was expecting 'better or worse' to be about!" Especially when things don't go the way I had dreamed them to be.
So far I have made notes on the fact that I need to make sure my perception of Mike and my relationship is grounded solidly on God's good book, the Bible, and not my own storybook.
He told great stories of rasing his children. My favorite thing he shared was about making sure his family had "family values" that consisted of 1. Love God 2. Love each other 3. Love God's Creation. He said he would often say to one of his children, "Quick, tell me what is the most important thing in this world!" And his children would roll their eyes and say, "We know Dad...love God, love each other and love God's creation." There were many more wonderful examples of instilling the love and focus on God in the life of the family.
So, when I picked up his book to begin reading, I was a bit taken-aback (okay, appalled really) when I skimmed the table of contents and realized that the book was written in two parts - one for husband's and one for wives. But that was not the part that stopped me in my tracks, oh no! It was the fact that were ONLY 12 chapters for men and 16 for women! Like we as women need more work than men on this little thing called marriage... Now, I am not too much of an "I am woman, hear me roar!" advocate, but this sent my kettle steaming. And I honestly can't tell you why this bothered me, but it did.
So, where did I start my reading? You guessed it, at the beginning of the men's section. I just had to know what he was telling them they had to do to unlock those hidden keys of marriage. And boy was I shocked...
He lays it out on the table just like it is, saying that the main problem with men is that they do not share the tenderness, gentleness and understanding that women need. However, he then goes on to say that one of the main reasons that marriages fail is because women have built up a fantasy of "storybook" expectations.
Boy, how many times have I thought to myself, "Hmm, this is not what I was expecting 'better or worse' to be about!" Especially when things don't go the way I had dreamed them to be.
So far I have made notes on the fact that I need to make sure my perception of Mike and my relationship is grounded solidly on God's good book, the Bible, and not my own storybook.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
California Dreamin'
Today was a great day. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment with the overall outcome of today's busyness and blessings. Andrew and Ryan had good days at Big School/little school. I crossed everything off of my to-do list at work for today. I took the boys to their makeup class for karate (Andrew) and mommy/me gymnastics (Ryan) due to Labor Day.
Ryan did an amazing job this week. It was awesome to observe him watchiing his teacher and then running up to try to do exactly what she did by himself. He is getting a little more independent. He was even saying "peasz" and "tank ouh" without prompting. (We are back to being my precious cutie-pa-tootie!)
I do feel bad because Andrew was used to Mike and I watching him during his karate, and now that I am taking them by myself and have to be with Ryan, I know he is missing the satisfaction of having a loving eye on his ninja turtle moves. I had to promise him that I would come and watch him for a little bit next week. How could I tell those big blue eyes anything but "of course!"
Andrew and I ended the day (or at this point, his day) by watching Cinderella cuddled up in bed with a big bowl of popcorn on our laps (Mike forget you read this!). Now Andrew is passed out curled up beside me (occasional special treat for a great week is getting to sleep in the BIG bed).
And I am left thinking about my hubby. I don't know why, but my mind drifted to the great time that we spent in Oceanside, CA at the end of April. It was a wonderful time just the two of us. (He is very good about carving time out of our busy lives to get away and spend some quality time together.)
We spent a perfect afternoon at the San Diego Zoo, walked along the beach, and then the next night took a drive along the coast line on our way to dinner at a great restaurant.
We also played in the ocean one afternoon. After emerging our big toes in the ocean water, we were bewildered at first by all the little kids who were splashing about and weren't freezing to death in the sharp chill of the water. That is a cherished, fun memory.
However, it is the trip to the restuarant that will be the most memorable. We are crusing along and Mike asks "If we could move tomorrow, where would you prefer to live? Here or Boston?" "Well, I do love Boston and its antiquity, history, charm, but I would have to say Oceanside. People 'get me' here." As I replied we had stopped at a light and a gentleman (yes, I'll say gentleman) started to cross in front of us. His hair was dishevled and long, no shirt and he had a surf board tucked under his arm.
"You would pick here" Mike stated. "I mean, just look at that guy. He has never been any where on time in his life." "That does not mean that you aren't important to him." I say in defense. "You are very important to him, and he will show up when he promised he would! He is just running a few minutes behind because he was soaking up life in the moment and he knows how to relax, take it easy and have a little fun..."
You can imagine what Mike's response to that comment was... I do believe I won this discussion by pointing out that this laid back, surfer dude's life expectany was going to be at least 10 years longer than all the uptight, on time Boston-lovers!
Ryan did an amazing job this week. It was awesome to observe him watchiing his teacher and then running up to try to do exactly what she did by himself. He is getting a little more independent. He was even saying "peasz" and "tank ouh" without prompting. (We are back to being my precious cutie-pa-tootie!)
I do feel bad because Andrew was used to Mike and I watching him during his karate, and now that I am taking them by myself and have to be with Ryan, I know he is missing the satisfaction of having a loving eye on his ninja turtle moves. I had to promise him that I would come and watch him for a little bit next week. How could I tell those big blue eyes anything but "of course!"
Andrew and I ended the day (or at this point, his day) by watching Cinderella cuddled up in bed with a big bowl of popcorn on our laps (Mike forget you read this!). Now Andrew is passed out curled up beside me (occasional special treat for a great week is getting to sleep in the BIG bed).
And I am left thinking about my hubby. I don't know why, but my mind drifted to the great time that we spent in Oceanside, CA at the end of April. It was a wonderful time just the two of us. (He is very good about carving time out of our busy lives to get away and spend some quality time together.)
We spent a perfect afternoon at the San Diego Zoo, walked along the beach, and then the next night took a drive along the coast line on our way to dinner at a great restaurant.
We also played in the ocean one afternoon. After emerging our big toes in the ocean water, we were bewildered at first by all the little kids who were splashing about and weren't freezing to death in the sharp chill of the water. That is a cherished, fun memory.
However, it is the trip to the restuarant that will be the most memorable. We are crusing along and Mike asks "If we could move tomorrow, where would you prefer to live? Here or Boston?" "Well, I do love Boston and its antiquity, history, charm, but I would have to say Oceanside. People 'get me' here." As I replied we had stopped at a light and a gentleman (yes, I'll say gentleman) started to cross in front of us. His hair was dishevled and long, no shirt and he had a surf board tucked under his arm.
"You would pick here" Mike stated. "I mean, just look at that guy. He has never been any where on time in his life." "That does not mean that you aren't important to him." I say in defense. "You are very important to him, and he will show up when he promised he would! He is just running a few minutes behind because he was soaking up life in the moment and he knows how to relax, take it easy and have a little fun..."
 |
| My southern CA peeps enjoying life... |
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| Mike and I in Boston soaking up a little local color in the shade of green! |
Friday, September 9, 2011
Reaquainted with an Old Friend - The Terrible Two's
It has happened - we are back to living in the land of the Terrible Two's. Ryan has been an absolutely sweet baby. He is my cuddle-bug, never-let-mommy-get-too-far, bear hug little angel... until the switch was flipped this weekend!
We now go from this cute little bug...
to this...
Does this even look like the same child? (I had to add all three pictures in for the effect.) And our handsome handful #2 isn't even two until January! He still really is a sweetheart and has the greatest belly laugh that only "Bubba" can make bubble out every time. This too shall pass, however...
I remember, very vividly, walking into Andrew's three year well-check and saying to our pediatrician "Whew! Thank goodness we are done with two's!" Only to receive a sly smirk in response and his forecast of the future "Oh honey, three's are going to rock your world!" And how right he was!!!
Andrew is a sweet, fun lovin' guy...but a little too smart for his own good! He is just a tad bit of a drama King (don't have any clue where he gets this lovely trait from, do you?) and loves to be independent. He is a good kid, but has quite the ornery streak (I blame it on the charming red hair). Right now at his ripe age of four, he loves sports (mainly golf - just like Dad, soccer, baseball and football), anything outdoors, our dogs, and food (veggies mostly!). He is taking karate lessons and has been talking a lot lately about the piano and violin. I just may have to break out the ole' saxophone and see if it inspires...
But what he is really pumped about right now with the weather changing is...
rooting on the Hansen's beloved Hawkeyes! (And eating chicken strips...he really wanted me to take this picture of him eating with his helmet on - funny kid!)
I love my boys and each stage of their little lives. Isn't it fun to note each developmental change and love them through it? It is no wonder why Jesus LOVES the children!
We now go from this cute little bug...
 |
| TWO'S |
 |
| ARE |
 |
| TERRIBLE |
I remember, very vividly, walking into Andrew's three year well-check and saying to our pediatrician "Whew! Thank goodness we are done with two's!" Only to receive a sly smirk in response and his forecast of the future "Oh honey, three's are going to rock your world!" And how right he was!!!
Andrew is a sweet, fun lovin' guy...but a little too smart for his own good! He is just a tad bit of a drama King (don't have any clue where he gets this lovely trait from, do you?) and loves to be independent. He is a good kid, but has quite the ornery streak (I blame it on the charming red hair). Right now at his ripe age of four, he loves sports (mainly golf - just like Dad, soccer, baseball and football), anything outdoors, our dogs, and food (veggies mostly!). He is taking karate lessons and has been talking a lot lately about the piano and violin. I just may have to break out the ole' saxophone and see if it inspires...
But what he is really pumped about right now with the weather changing is...
rooting on the Hansen's beloved Hawkeyes! (And eating chicken strips...he really wanted me to take this picture of him eating with his helmet on - funny kid!)
I love my boys and each stage of their little lives. Isn't it fun to note each developmental change and love them through it? It is no wonder why Jesus LOVES the children!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Love, Family and A Little Self-Reflection
This Labor Day weekend was a great weekend filled with loving family. We swam (Papa and Andrew), had a picnic and played at the park, ate yogurt, enjoyed breakfast outside (in cool weather after 100+ days of 100 degree weather!), and fiinished up the weekend at the zoo.
Weekends like this one are good for the boys and me. Since our little family is separated for the time being (until our house sells), it is nice to feel like we are put back together again over a weekend... for the most part. The separation has been harder than I thought it would be. There is no denying that plain fact.
This weekend I was reminded of 4 things:
1. God.Is.In.Control. I have a purpose in this move and it revolves around God and my relationship with Him. I have to let go and trust. I must learn once again to silence my thoughts in prayer so I can hear God's whispers to me.
2. I love Mike tremendously. God blessed with with this wonderful man and I will fight for him. Even if it is against myself. I choose God and Mike every single morning I wake. I will not take him for granted.
3. Life around and near family is wonderful. Someone recently told me how lucky our boys will be to live so close to grandparents who will be involved in their everyday lives. I completely agree. God has blessed us with four amazing grandparents.
4. Change, even for good things, is extremely difficult. Even for a girl who likes change.
So, I have to come completely clean and share that I have made the comment outloud many, many times that I am trying to keep a positive attitude about this change - The Move. But what I realized this weekend is the fact that I am not WORKING on a positive attitude.
I am making a commitment to w.o.r.k. on this positive attitude by:
1. Seeking God at a purposeful time each day. Praying. Listening. Reading His word.
2. I am going to start reading Dr. Gary Smalley's Hidden Keys of a Loving, Lasting Marriage. He was one of the guest speaker's at Premier Design's National Rally in July. (I will share more on the Dr. Smalley/National Rally experience later.) I will ask Mike to read along with me.
3. I will get the adequate rest, nutrition and physical activitiy (expressed frustrations in previous post) I need in order to ensure I am not letting my body's well being (or lack of) get in the way of, run, dictate (all the above) my emotions.
4. I am only going to say positive, encouraging things about our change.
By sharing this with you, it will hold me accountable.
Here's to change and a wonderful, blessed life. Cheers.
Weekends like this one are good for the boys and me. Since our little family is separated for the time being (until our house sells), it is nice to feel like we are put back together again over a weekend... for the most part. The separation has been harder than I thought it would be. There is no denying that plain fact.
This weekend I was reminded of 4 things:
1. God.Is.In.Control. I have a purpose in this move and it revolves around God and my relationship with Him. I have to let go and trust. I must learn once again to silence my thoughts in prayer so I can hear God's whispers to me.
2. I love Mike tremendously. God blessed with with this wonderful man and I will fight for him. Even if it is against myself. I choose God and Mike every single morning I wake. I will not take him for granted.
3. Life around and near family is wonderful. Someone recently told me how lucky our boys will be to live so close to grandparents who will be involved in their everyday lives. I completely agree. God has blessed us with four amazing grandparents.
4. Change, even for good things, is extremely difficult. Even for a girl who likes change.
So, I have to come completely clean and share that I have made the comment outloud many, many times that I am trying to keep a positive attitude about this change - The Move. But what I realized this weekend is the fact that I am not WORKING on a positive attitude.
I am making a commitment to w.o.r.k. on this positive attitude by:
1. Seeking God at a purposeful time each day. Praying. Listening. Reading His word.
2. I am going to start reading Dr. Gary Smalley's Hidden Keys of a Loving, Lasting Marriage. He was one of the guest speaker's at Premier Design's National Rally in July. (I will share more on the Dr. Smalley/National Rally experience later.) I will ask Mike to read along with me.
3. I will get the adequate rest, nutrition and physical activitiy (expressed frustrations in previous post) I need in order to ensure I am not letting my body's well being (or lack of) get in the way of, run, dictate (all the above) my emotions.
4. I am only going to say positive, encouraging things about our change.
By sharing this with you, it will hold me accountable.
Here's to change and a wonderful, blessed life. Cheers.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The Workout Queen Made Me Do It
Working out. Auugghhh... I remember when those words meant...dare I say it...fun. F.U.N. Yes, I once thought working out was that little "f" word. I must have been delusional...the grueling pain that you push your body to endure, only to limp around in agony the entire next two days.
Why? Well, I'll tell you why. Husband. Baby Body X 2. German Genes. Blue Jeans. Nothing against them too much these days, but... Love. Handles.
Thankfully, I have a Workout Queen living with me, who just happens to be my exercise science college grad, dietetics 2nd degree-seeking sister. (Who might I add is moving out in a week or so, Y.I.K.E.S. I don't know what I am going to do without her.... And the boys love their Aunt LaLa.)
She forces me to put myself through the excruciating task of going to the gym. And not just any gym, I torment myself by going to the wellness center of the university I work at. I just realized today that I keep getting older, and the students keep getting younger. It is not a pretty sight looking from them in little tankinis flaunting around in tiny, tiny shorts to me in my oversized t-shirt and sporting some baggy eyelids.
I'm trying not to think about it, but the 7 year-old that I used to babysit as a freshman in college is now the freshman in college! Yowzah! That hurts.
Back to the motivation to endure this pain. Where did the motivation to workout go from high school and even college? I'll tell you where. Let’s just run down the typical day here…
Wake up. Take Shower. Close shower door 15 times while trying to bribe the four year-old to go get dressed. Help the four year-old get dressed. Get dressed. Wake up 19 month-old. Get him dressed. Feed four year-old breakfast. Get everyone in the car. Smell a very well known fragrance. Get 19 month-old out of the car. Change diaper. Four year-old has followed. Get everyone in the car. Border collie has jumped the brick wall that is called a fence (you know to keep animals, kids, etc. in the back yard!). Get the border collie inside. Drop 19 month old off at daycare. Drop 4 year-old off at big school. Go to work for 8 hours. Pick up 4 year-old and 19 month-old from daycare. Drive home. Go inside the house. Answer 10,000 questions from the four year-old with no or yes responses to why he can or can't play outside, watch TV, jump over his brother, use him as a bowling pin, throw a baseball in the house... Drag the 19 month-old on my leg all around the house...crying, because his internal clock is impeccable and 6 o'clock means dinner time. Attempt to cook dinner, still with the 19 month-old clinging to my leg. Pick up cup, silverware, plate, food off the floor 10,000 times during dinner. Get everyone in the bathtub. Get 19 month-old in PJs, bedtime story, bed. Get 4 year-old in PJs, bedtime stories, bed. 4 year-old out of bed, potty, back in bed 10+ times. Clean up after dinner. Pick up toys throughout house. Do a load of laundry.
OH! And go workout... Riiiight. This is why I am so eager and have so much energy to go torture myself for an hour.
There has to be a better way to keep the fun lovin' German genes from stacking up the stuffing on my posterior corridor. But until I find that answer, I guess all I have to say is "Bring it.” The treadmill, insanity, weights and all!
Why? Well, I'll tell you why. Husband. Baby Body X 2. German Genes. Blue Jeans. Nothing against them too much these days, but... Love. Handles.
Thankfully, I have a Workout Queen living with me, who just happens to be my exercise science college grad, dietetics 2nd degree-seeking sister. (Who might I add is moving out in a week or so, Y.I.K.E.S. I don't know what I am going to do without her.... And the boys love their Aunt LaLa.)
She forces me to put myself through the excruciating task of going to the gym. And not just any gym, I torment myself by going to the wellness center of the university I work at. I just realized today that I keep getting older, and the students keep getting younger. It is not a pretty sight looking from them in little tankinis flaunting around in tiny, tiny shorts to me in my oversized t-shirt and sporting some baggy eyelids.
I'm trying not to think about it, but the 7 year-old that I used to babysit as a freshman in college is now the freshman in college! Yowzah! That hurts.
Back to the motivation to endure this pain. Where did the motivation to workout go from high school and even college? I'll tell you where. Let’s just run down the typical day here…
Wake up. Take Shower. Close shower door 15 times while trying to bribe the four year-old to go get dressed. Help the four year-old get dressed. Get dressed. Wake up 19 month-old. Get him dressed. Feed four year-old breakfast. Get everyone in the car. Smell a very well known fragrance. Get 19 month-old out of the car. Change diaper. Four year-old has followed. Get everyone in the car. Border collie has jumped the brick wall that is called a fence (you know to keep animals, kids, etc. in the back yard!). Get the border collie inside. Drop 19 month old off at daycare. Drop 4 year-old off at big school. Go to work for 8 hours. Pick up 4 year-old and 19 month-old from daycare. Drive home. Go inside the house. Answer 10,000 questions from the four year-old with no or yes responses to why he can or can't play outside, watch TV, jump over his brother, use him as a bowling pin, throw a baseball in the house... Drag the 19 month-old on my leg all around the house...crying, because his internal clock is impeccable and 6 o'clock means dinner time. Attempt to cook dinner, still with the 19 month-old clinging to my leg. Pick up cup, silverware, plate, food off the floor 10,000 times during dinner. Get everyone in the bathtub. Get 19 month-old in PJs, bedtime story, bed. Get 4 year-old in PJs, bedtime stories, bed. 4 year-old out of bed, potty, back in bed 10+ times. Clean up after dinner. Pick up toys throughout house. Do a load of laundry.
OH! And go workout... Riiiight. This is why I am so eager and have so much energy to go torture myself for an hour.
There has to be a better way to keep the fun lovin' German genes from stacking up the stuffing on my posterior corridor. But until I find that answer, I guess all I have to say is "Bring it.” The treadmill, insanity, weights and all!
Capturing Time for Family and Friends
This writing is really from Monday, August 29th. Sorry... No excuses, life is full!
Family. Friends. Time to spend with those closest to me. And feelng like I am not letting them down with life being so full that I forget to slow down and taake the time to be near them.
I don't know if you ever have this problem, but I am constantly on the go and I don't feel like I have time to call, write or spend time with the people in my life that are important to me.
This fact really hit home this weekend while the boys and I were at a water park. I look over and there is a family friend that I haven't seen in well over two years. The really sad part is that we live 20 minutes away from each other! I have thought of her and her family often, but just have not acted on the impulses to call or visit her.
Why do I struggle with staying in touch with people whom I love to spend time with? And how do other women seem to have it all together when it comes to spending time with friends (or at least appear to)?
I struggle with this even with my own family. Days will quickly go by, and then weeks, and then before I know it two months will have flown by and I have not called or emailed.
It's not that I don't think about these wonderful people in my life, and I am constantly praying for people., Why do I not seem to be able to make the leap from the thought to actually picking up the phone and simply telling them "I'm thinking of you"?
I need to find those little moments in my day where I can make significant touches to the people I love. I am turning over a new leaf.
Family. Friends. Time to spend with those closest to me. And feelng like I am not letting them down with life being so full that I forget to slow down and taake the time to be near them.
I don't know if you ever have this problem, but I am constantly on the go and I don't feel like I have time to call, write or spend time with the people in my life that are important to me.
This fact really hit home this weekend while the boys and I were at a water park. I look over and there is a family friend that I haven't seen in well over two years. The really sad part is that we live 20 minutes away from each other! I have thought of her and her family often, but just have not acted on the impulses to call or visit her.
Why do I struggle with staying in touch with people whom I love to spend time with? And how do other women seem to have it all together when it comes to spending time with friends (or at least appear to)?
I struggle with this even with my own family. Days will quickly go by, and then weeks, and then before I know it two months will have flown by and I have not called or emailed.
It's not that I don't think about these wonderful people in my life, and I am constantly praying for people., Why do I not seem to be able to make the leap from the thought to actually picking up the phone and simply telling them "I'm thinking of you"?
I need to find those little moments in my day where I can make significant touches to the people I love. I am turning over a new leaf.
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