Moms~
This article I found states things in a great way with great ideas for raising thankful kids. Please take a moment to check it out!
Hope you are having a great week!
Amy
http://www.localwireless.com/wap/news/text.jsp?sid=27&nid=29056420&cid=2961&scid=15&ith=0&title=Lifestyle%22
Monday, November 22, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Here We Go Again...
Well, here we go again. But hey, mums the word!
I woke up this morning to my crying daughter and after consoling her, I made my regular morning jaunt to the bathroom. This one was different, though. See earlier this week in unwrapping my faithful old First Response test stick, I made my deposit on it and waited. Is that a line I see? Let's see.. Hold it up to the light, the window. Yes, faint, though. Hmmm.. Could it really be again? Later that day I tried again. Same response. And the next day. When I had it checked at the clinic, negative. Hmmm... That was a few days ago. Today was the day to try again. So back to this bathroom scene. I am crossing my legs as to not pee my pants as I am fumbling with that blasted stick to try to get it unwrapped, and finally did my thing. Within minutes that beautiful light pink line started to emerge. In deed it appears as if we may once again be pregnant. All at once I gather myself and go call my husband as I know he, too will be up. Do you have news?- he prompts. At which time I reveal to him our fate. Could baby number three be on its way after all?
To those of you following me I have had two consecutive miscarriages in the past short while. While I am so desperately wanting another child, it seems it hasn't been in our cards. One would understand then why I am terrified at the prospect of being pregnant again. The nausea and cramping is a constant reminder of the good that lies within, but how quickly it can turn in to not so good. Part of me is here, just waiting for another loss. Each time I go to the bathroom I hold my breath. Blood? Any hint of blood? Anything? Sigh. Safe for now. Later, I go through the same thing all over.
Sunday I get my hormone level checked and two days later we repeat to see if we will get through another week. Then its one week at a time. I know it does me no good to constantly wonder and worry, which is why I am sharing this now. I will be here to share all my thoughts, my worries, my fears, hopefully my joys. This is one thing I cant tackle alone. While I have been very reluctant to share this news with anyone at the prospect of having to reveal another loss, I know it will be worse to hold this all in. And so I am here now.
Wish me luck.
Amy
I woke up this morning to my crying daughter and after consoling her, I made my regular morning jaunt to the bathroom. This one was different, though. See earlier this week in unwrapping my faithful old First Response test stick, I made my deposit on it and waited. Is that a line I see? Let's see.. Hold it up to the light, the window. Yes, faint, though. Hmmm.. Could it really be again? Later that day I tried again. Same response. And the next day. When I had it checked at the clinic, negative. Hmmm... That was a few days ago. Today was the day to try again. So back to this bathroom scene. I am crossing my legs as to not pee my pants as I am fumbling with that blasted stick to try to get it unwrapped, and finally did my thing. Within minutes that beautiful light pink line started to emerge. In deed it appears as if we may once again be pregnant. All at once I gather myself and go call my husband as I know he, too will be up. Do you have news?- he prompts. At which time I reveal to him our fate. Could baby number three be on its way after all?
To those of you following me I have had two consecutive miscarriages in the past short while. While I am so desperately wanting another child, it seems it hasn't been in our cards. One would understand then why I am terrified at the prospect of being pregnant again. The nausea and cramping is a constant reminder of the good that lies within, but how quickly it can turn in to not so good. Part of me is here, just waiting for another loss. Each time I go to the bathroom I hold my breath. Blood? Any hint of blood? Anything? Sigh. Safe for now. Later, I go through the same thing all over.
Sunday I get my hormone level checked and two days later we repeat to see if we will get through another week. Then its one week at a time. I know it does me no good to constantly wonder and worry, which is why I am sharing this now. I will be here to share all my thoughts, my worries, my fears, hopefully my joys. This is one thing I cant tackle alone. While I have been very reluctant to share this news with anyone at the prospect of having to reveal another loss, I know it will be worse to hold this all in. And so I am here now.
Wish me luck.
Amy
Monday, November 15, 2010
Time to Focus...and regroup!
An old friend of mine used to say when things got a little haywire "Focus...and regroup. Redirect all your negative energy from your head to your toes.." She even had little motions that went with them!
This is always something that stuck for me because I tend to get a little unfocused. I get distracted. I get a bit... oh... I tend to go off the beaten path. Like, way off. We are talking out in the middle of poe-dung nowhere.
I find myself in that place today. Feeling distracted, out of sorts, in limbo. I am kicking my own butt over a lot of things, which is hard considering ones butt is after all on their backside and I am not as limber as I once was! lol.. But the mental butt kicking is something that has always come easy for me. Now is no exception. Among things that are making me kick up those heels are first and foremost my whole fall shape up challenge. I have been working hard to train for the Gobble Gait. The Hastings Thanksgiving Day 8K run/walk. I have been pumped and focused... until recently. The thing is, I lost my way. My goal to shape up seemed to zone in on the whole shape aspect and instead of focusing on just getting healthier and being more active, it has turned in to this whole weight thing, which is a losing battle for me. Instead of enjoying the running and working it I see it as a means to an end and not the journey it is. So this past week when things were busy and the scale wasn't cooperating I slacked. I dropped the ball. I didn't get to the y. I didn't hit the trails. I moped. I sat in my chair watching the Biggest Loser drinking my diet coke and eating left over Halloween Candy and thought "What was the point? What ever made me think I could do this?" Like I said, I lost my way.
School has also sent me off track. Well, not really school itself but everything going on with the kids. The demands of being a mom have overshadowed the demands of being a student and I have not done my best work. I have not been so commited. I have let my GPA down and am struggling just to pass this semester. Once again, I feel like throwing in the towel. Like, what was I thinking?
Ah.. today, I know from within, that I need to reclaim these things. I need to get back out on the path. I need to get out the door and get on the running trail. I need to do my schoolwork and regain my focus. A venture off the path doesn't mean you are lost forever. It just means you have lost your way. It means I need to retrace where I ventured off and get myself back on track. A single downfall is not a failure unless you let it be. It's time to pull myself up by the bootstraps, and give myself a wakeup call. Last week was a bad week. The scale reflects it. My mood reflects it. School reflects it. This is a new week. Let's see if I can't get back on course...
Amy
This is always something that stuck for me because I tend to get a little unfocused. I get distracted. I get a bit... oh... I tend to go off the beaten path. Like, way off. We are talking out in the middle of poe-dung nowhere.
I find myself in that place today. Feeling distracted, out of sorts, in limbo. I am kicking my own butt over a lot of things, which is hard considering ones butt is after all on their backside and I am not as limber as I once was! lol.. But the mental butt kicking is something that has always come easy for me. Now is no exception. Among things that are making me kick up those heels are first and foremost my whole fall shape up challenge. I have been working hard to train for the Gobble Gait. The Hastings Thanksgiving Day 8K run/walk. I have been pumped and focused... until recently. The thing is, I lost my way. My goal to shape up seemed to zone in on the whole shape aspect and instead of focusing on just getting healthier and being more active, it has turned in to this whole weight thing, which is a losing battle for me. Instead of enjoying the running and working it I see it as a means to an end and not the journey it is. So this past week when things were busy and the scale wasn't cooperating I slacked. I dropped the ball. I didn't get to the y. I didn't hit the trails. I moped. I sat in my chair watching the Biggest Loser drinking my diet coke and eating left over Halloween Candy and thought "What was the point? What ever made me think I could do this?" Like I said, I lost my way.
School has also sent me off track. Well, not really school itself but everything going on with the kids. The demands of being a mom have overshadowed the demands of being a student and I have not done my best work. I have not been so commited. I have let my GPA down and am struggling just to pass this semester. Once again, I feel like throwing in the towel. Like, what was I thinking?
Ah.. today, I know from within, that I need to reclaim these things. I need to get back out on the path. I need to get out the door and get on the running trail. I need to do my schoolwork and regain my focus. A venture off the path doesn't mean you are lost forever. It just means you have lost your way. It means I need to retrace where I ventured off and get myself back on track. A single downfall is not a failure unless you let it be. It's time to pull myself up by the bootstraps, and give myself a wakeup call. Last week was a bad week. The scale reflects it. My mood reflects it. School reflects it. This is a new week. Let's see if I can't get back on course...
Amy
The Mom Chronicles: Naming the Elephant (and helping Matthew!)
Have you driven around Hastings lately? It appears we have many new residents. In the snowman form, that is! Yes moms, it seems winter is here.
I must say it was nice to have an excuse to just have some fun with the kids for a change. It seems lately life has been a whirlwind of appoitments and running. Little of my day is spent actually being able to enjoy being a mom. Most of it falls victim to the crazziness that can be life and at the end of the day when it is finally quiet, it is hard to find the energy or motivation to do anything that feels any too meaningful. It is a good reminder,though, that sometimes we have to make opportunities to enjoy our kids rather then waiting for opportunities like snowstorms to present themselves. Afterall the kids aren't going to remember us bringing them here, there or everywhere. They are going to remember the fun things, or lack there of. I thank the snow this weekend for the reminder of this.
Fun times, it seems, have been a rare comodity in my house lately. You see, there has been this big elephant in the room for some time and while it has hardly gone unnoticed, certainly it has felt impossible to get rid of.
This past week my family was given a gift that I hope will be one that opens opportunities for us and makes the path not such a difficult one. It's hardly something that many people would consider a gift, but for me it was exactly that. And finally that elephant has been given a name.
You see, my son was finally diagnosed with ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder) and early ADHD with impulsivity, two things which can commonly go together. All my struggles with him, all my pleading with the school district and the like that he needs help and there is something wrong with him have finally lead me here. Granted it was not the school district that recognized it but a psychologist and our family doc, but my hope is that our days of struggling are not necessarily over, as they are far from it, but that finally my son has a chance and a hope.
Most people who meet my son would describe him as very sweet but "very active". He has been called "aggressive", "physical", and "demanding". Not exactly labels you want attached to your child. Where for so long people were able to see the magnificance in him, in his radiant smile, his sensitivity, his genuine spirit, and caring soul, that has been recently overshadowed by worsening behavior issues, impulse control issues which have become real safety issues, and learning problems. While he can do some work and projects and take pride in them, other things he struggles to focus on, becomes distracted, fails to finish or struggles to retain. He has some speech issues which at times make it hard for him to articulate his needs and his struggles with retention continue to allow him to fall more and more behind his peers. As was told to me at a recent parent-teacher conference, he is less then consistent with being able to retain things like shapes, colors, numbers, counting and his name. Additionally, while he has some positive peer relationships, in recent outings he has struggled to connect with other children in positive ways and has as a result of his activity and aggressiveness been out cast.
So coming back full circle, where, you might wonder, is the gift in this? How is having your child be labeled as having emotional and behavioral issues actually a good thing?
The answer my moms, is that my son, in getting these labels, does not become them, but instead now can bring an awareness to others that he struggles with these things. He can receive various forms of treatment and we can finally have something concrete to hang our hat on and work with. It is hard as a parent when you see your child struggling and the answers as to why aren't forthcoming, to feel frustrated or give up.To blame yourself. It makes getting help or support or services near impossible. Additionally when other parents or strangers complain to you about your child or look at you in a judgemental way when they see your child acting out it is easy to feel you are to blame or lost. But with such an answer I feel the door is finally open to us. I can now reach out to other parents who also have children struggling with this. I can research it and find both traditional and non traditional ways of addressing the struggles we have. And fortunately for my son these are common things. Things that have had a lot of research and trials and people know how to help. It isn't some rare thing that no one knows the least bit about.
And so my moms, as we embark on this journey with my son, I have new found hope that things can and will get better. It may not happen today or tomorrow or a few months from now, but my hope is that his needs will be better met and the doors will be open to a multitude of future successes for him. And I hope if you have a child who struggles in the same ways, that you, too will seek help. That you will be the squeaky wheel who keeps reaching out until someone listens. There is help and there is hope. You are not alone. See you next week.
I must say it was nice to have an excuse to just have some fun with the kids for a change. It seems lately life has been a whirlwind of appoitments and running. Little of my day is spent actually being able to enjoy being a mom. Most of it falls victim to the crazziness that can be life and at the end of the day when it is finally quiet, it is hard to find the energy or motivation to do anything that feels any too meaningful. It is a good reminder,though, that sometimes we have to make opportunities to enjoy our kids rather then waiting for opportunities like snowstorms to present themselves. Afterall the kids aren't going to remember us bringing them here, there or everywhere. They are going to remember the fun things, or lack there of. I thank the snow this weekend for the reminder of this.
Fun times, it seems, have been a rare comodity in my house lately. You see, there has been this big elephant in the room for some time and while it has hardly gone unnoticed, certainly it has felt impossible to get rid of.
This past week my family was given a gift that I hope will be one that opens opportunities for us and makes the path not such a difficult one. It's hardly something that many people would consider a gift, but for me it was exactly that. And finally that elephant has been given a name.
You see, my son was finally diagnosed with ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder) and early ADHD with impulsivity, two things which can commonly go together. All my struggles with him, all my pleading with the school district and the like that he needs help and there is something wrong with him have finally lead me here. Granted it was not the school district that recognized it but a psychologist and our family doc, but my hope is that our days of struggling are not necessarily over, as they are far from it, but that finally my son has a chance and a hope.
Most people who meet my son would describe him as very sweet but "very active". He has been called "aggressive", "physical", and "demanding". Not exactly labels you want attached to your child. Where for so long people were able to see the magnificance in him, in his radiant smile, his sensitivity, his genuine spirit, and caring soul, that has been recently overshadowed by worsening behavior issues, impulse control issues which have become real safety issues, and learning problems. While he can do some work and projects and take pride in them, other things he struggles to focus on, becomes distracted, fails to finish or struggles to retain. He has some speech issues which at times make it hard for him to articulate his needs and his struggles with retention continue to allow him to fall more and more behind his peers. As was told to me at a recent parent-teacher conference, he is less then consistent with being able to retain things like shapes, colors, numbers, counting and his name. Additionally, while he has some positive peer relationships, in recent outings he has struggled to connect with other children in positive ways and has as a result of his activity and aggressiveness been out cast.
So coming back full circle, where, you might wonder, is the gift in this? How is having your child be labeled as having emotional and behavioral issues actually a good thing?
The answer my moms, is that my son, in getting these labels, does not become them, but instead now can bring an awareness to others that he struggles with these things. He can receive various forms of treatment and we can finally have something concrete to hang our hat on and work with. It is hard as a parent when you see your child struggling and the answers as to why aren't forthcoming, to feel frustrated or give up.To blame yourself. It makes getting help or support or services near impossible. Additionally when other parents or strangers complain to you about your child or look at you in a judgemental way when they see your child acting out it is easy to feel you are to blame or lost. But with such an answer I feel the door is finally open to us. I can now reach out to other parents who also have children struggling with this. I can research it and find both traditional and non traditional ways of addressing the struggles we have. And fortunately for my son these are common things. Things that have had a lot of research and trials and people know how to help. It isn't some rare thing that no one knows the least bit about.
And so my moms, as we embark on this journey with my son, I have new found hope that things can and will get better. It may not happen today or tomorrow or a few months from now, but my hope is that his needs will be better met and the doors will be open to a multitude of future successes for him. And I hope if you have a child who struggles in the same ways, that you, too will seek help. That you will be the squeaky wheel who keeps reaching out until someone listens. There is help and there is hope. You are not alone. See you next week.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
First Big Snow Comes Early!
Holy Smokes, Moms! I have barely put away my Halloween decor and already the white stuff is covering the ground! As it came down this morning, I found myself scrambling around my yard putting away things that should have been put away weeks ago: My kids's bikes, garden decor, and the like. While not an exuberant amount of snow, it was enough to make a small snow man and have some time to play! It was a crash course in being prepared, that's forsure! lol.. Luckily I wasn't caught off guard. We had our boots and snowpants, and the rest of our gear ready. We can use an extra pair of water proof mittens or two, but all in all we had a great day!
I hope you and your families are enjoying this change. I feel like it's a bit early and am not sure if I am completely ready yet for this whole winter business, especially the holidays. Whew! But ready or not winter and the holiday season are here. We will certainly try to make the best of it!
Happy Snowday!
I hope you and your families are enjoying this change. I feel like it's a bit early and am not sure if I am completely ready yet for this whole winter business, especially the holidays. Whew! But ready or not winter and the holiday season are here. We will certainly try to make the best of it!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
November Already
Hi, Moms~
Can you believe it's November already?! And not just November, mid November at that! We are already surrounded by holiday commercials and decor and I don't know I am quite ready for this yet! I have seen many posts on Facebook already about putting up holiday decorations and listening to holiday music. I just don't have it in me yet! Usually I am not to slow to get in to the holiday spirit. Normally I am one of those people who are all over the decorating and such well before the turkey lands on the Thanksgiving table. However, this year seems different. I am not entirely certain why. I am not sure if its the warm weather or just everything going on with my kids and family but I am struggling to find that spirit of the season that is starting to stir. I am hoping this doesn't last too long!
There have been a number of struggles as of recent. As I mentioned in my column I had a miscarriage earlier in the fall. It drug on and on and this past weekend was the first weekend since that happened that my body started to do its thing again. I am open to the prospect of having another baby, and we are doing nothing to prevent that, but the thought terrifies me. Another loss? I don't know if I can handle that one! Our current status is not trying but not preventing either. How many of you have been through this? This was the second miscarriage in a row for us and I am terrified of adding to that number. Something I heard recently was something I have heard over and over.. That God doesn' give us more then we can handle. Usually we think of that in terms of giving us bad things. But someone recently posed that to me as it pertains to another child. Is God trying to send me a message? Is he trying to tell me that perhaps I can't handle a third so He isn't going to allow me to have one? How I wish I knew His ways and plans He has for me. The reality is that I don't and so I will try to be patient and forge on.
The other complication in life is with my kids, primarily my son. We are going through the diagnosis process for him. He has been diagnosed with ODD- Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Very, very difficult to deal with. It appears as if he may also have ADHD with Impulsivity. It's been a very trying time. We now have been given an Rx for meds for him. I am very conflicted as to whether or not to medicate him. He is after all, only four and a half. But as it's gotten to be more of a safety issue we are going to do so. Time will tell what the outcome will be.
I hope I can continue to come here more regularly to share these insights. I know I have often lacked in consistency in this area, but with another blog for the paper to keep up, it seems a bit easier these days.
In the mean time,
I hope you all have a fabulous week.
See you here again soon!
Amy
Can you believe it's November already?! And not just November, mid November at that! We are already surrounded by holiday commercials and decor and I don't know I am quite ready for this yet! I have seen many posts on Facebook already about putting up holiday decorations and listening to holiday music. I just don't have it in me yet! Usually I am not to slow to get in to the holiday spirit. Normally I am one of those people who are all over the decorating and such well before the turkey lands on the Thanksgiving table. However, this year seems different. I am not entirely certain why. I am not sure if its the warm weather or just everything going on with my kids and family but I am struggling to find that spirit of the season that is starting to stir. I am hoping this doesn't last too long!
There have been a number of struggles as of recent. As I mentioned in my column I had a miscarriage earlier in the fall. It drug on and on and this past weekend was the first weekend since that happened that my body started to do its thing again. I am open to the prospect of having another baby, and we are doing nothing to prevent that, but the thought terrifies me. Another loss? I don't know if I can handle that one! Our current status is not trying but not preventing either. How many of you have been through this? This was the second miscarriage in a row for us and I am terrified of adding to that number. Something I heard recently was something I have heard over and over.. That God doesn' give us more then we can handle. Usually we think of that in terms of giving us bad things. But someone recently posed that to me as it pertains to another child. Is God trying to send me a message? Is he trying to tell me that perhaps I can't handle a third so He isn't going to allow me to have one? How I wish I knew His ways and plans He has for me. The reality is that I don't and so I will try to be patient and forge on.
The other complication in life is with my kids, primarily my son. We are going through the diagnosis process for him. He has been diagnosed with ODD- Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Very, very difficult to deal with. It appears as if he may also have ADHD with Impulsivity. It's been a very trying time. We now have been given an Rx for meds for him. I am very conflicted as to whether or not to medicate him. He is after all, only four and a half. But as it's gotten to be more of a safety issue we are going to do so. Time will tell what the outcome will be.
I hope I can continue to come here more regularly to share these insights. I know I have often lacked in consistency in this area, but with another blog for the paper to keep up, it seems a bit easier these days.
In the mean time,
I hope you all have a fabulous week.
See you here again soon!
Amy
The Mom Chronicles: Finding Your Inner Turkey! Nov. 11, 10
The Mom Chronicles: Finding our Your Inner Turkey
Welcome back, moms! I feel like it has been forever since I've been here! With election season now over, I am back reclaiming my spot in your papers and happy to be doing so.
I am happy to report that I have, even in my absence, been keeping good on my end of the fall shape up challenge. While the weight isn't exactly melting off, to my great frustration, what is happening is I have remained commited to my goal even when there were many days I felt like quitting.I guess you could say, I have had to find my inner turkey and forge on.
As many of you are well aware of, motherhood can get a little, oh-who am I kidding, a lot hectic. My house is no exception. Especially in a house where there is just one parent around most of the time, and it happens to be the same one also trying to go to school and achieve her own goals. There are always things to be done, places to go, appointments for the kids. It often seems like it never ends. Yet oddly as it may seem, this hasn't been the biggest barrier for me in terms of achieving this goal set for myself.
What has and continues to challenge me, not only in this instance but in many walks of life, is my own ability to self sabotage. To quit. To throw in the towel. To not fight for what I want. Now don't get me wrong. If you ask those who know me or are closest to me, this is not how they would define me. They would say I am resiliant. I am dedicated. I dig deep and when things get hard I forge on. But appearing that way and actually feeling and being that way are two very different things.
As it turns out this whole shape up challenge and goal to run the Gobble Gait was something I set my sights on knowing I would be challenged by it, more mentally then physically. I have been a runner in the past, running cross country in college and the like. But many times that feels like it was in a different lifetime. And rather then the successes I had in it, I remember that one big time I failed miserably. I remember the worst race of my life, and hardly a run goes by that I don't return to that day in my head and how it felt.
So why then would I set a goal that involves running again? The truth is my moms, that as moms and as women we are faced with obstacles each day. We are faced over and over with failures and things we wish we had done better. Yet, we don't give up. We are resiliant. We forge on. When confronted with the the same bedtime battle we've had for two weeks, or same argument with our daughter we've had so many times we could predict it word for word, we persist. We don't always know how or why, but we do. Some may say it's because we have to, others may argue it's who we are.
But what happens during those times, as I have been facing, when it does seem easier to give up or give in? When quitting seems more desirable then the blood, sweat and tears of continuing the battle? Then what?
Enter my new inspiration: the turkey. I am, afterall, training for the Gobblegait which just happens to be on Thanksgiving, and so then, it seemed rather fitting to involve this delicious yet ever inspiring bird.
I know little about turkeys other then I've never cooked one myself, but that they taste delicious. And so I did a little research. They are actually rather intelligent when in the wild, and they tend to flock together. They can be territorial and fight for what they want or what is theirs. They are aware of their surroundings and have certain inate characteristics that help protect themselves from preditors.
So what does that have to do with any of us? The thing is, when we think of turkeys this is not how we see them. We see them golden and plump and on our tables. We see them as victims. The fact of the matter is turkeys aren't running around seeing each other getting plucked out to be Thanksgiving feasts and just rolling over giving up accepting that fate. No. Infact they flock together. They do what works. They continue to assert themselves to reign over what is theirs. They continue their rituals, they continue to gobble and call out as if to take a stand and say go away preditors! I may not be the most vicious of animal but I am going to puff out my feathers and raise my head high and make you think I am.
This my moms, is what we, too must do. When faced with challenges we must also ban together, which in many ways, is what this column is all about. When faced with obstacles such as the Gobblegait has been for me, we must act in such a way that doesn't show our fear or doubt in ourselves, but find that inner gobble that is going to call out as a warrior call and announce we are here. It may not always be easy to find that part of ourselves. But rolling over and being defeated is also not an option. If I am going to be served on a platter as someone's Thanksgiving dinner, I am going to make them work awefully hard to get me there.
And so my moms as you embark on whatever challenges you face this week, I urge you to take a moment and find your own inner turkey. Not the golden basted one that is on your table, but the Wild one that runs free. See you next week.
Welcome back, moms! I feel like it has been forever since I've been here! With election season now over, I am back reclaiming my spot in your papers and happy to be doing so.
I am happy to report that I have, even in my absence, been keeping good on my end of the fall shape up challenge. While the weight isn't exactly melting off, to my great frustration, what is happening is I have remained commited to my goal even when there were many days I felt like quitting.I guess you could say, I have had to find my inner turkey and forge on.
As many of you are well aware of, motherhood can get a little, oh-who am I kidding, a lot hectic. My house is no exception. Especially in a house where there is just one parent around most of the time, and it happens to be the same one also trying to go to school and achieve her own goals. There are always things to be done, places to go, appointments for the kids. It often seems like it never ends. Yet oddly as it may seem, this hasn't been the biggest barrier for me in terms of achieving this goal set for myself.
What has and continues to challenge me, not only in this instance but in many walks of life, is my own ability to self sabotage. To quit. To throw in the towel. To not fight for what I want. Now don't get me wrong. If you ask those who know me or are closest to me, this is not how they would define me. They would say I am resiliant. I am dedicated. I dig deep and when things get hard I forge on. But appearing that way and actually feeling and being that way are two very different things.
As it turns out this whole shape up challenge and goal to run the Gobble Gait was something I set my sights on knowing I would be challenged by it, more mentally then physically. I have been a runner in the past, running cross country in college and the like. But many times that feels like it was in a different lifetime. And rather then the successes I had in it, I remember that one big time I failed miserably. I remember the worst race of my life, and hardly a run goes by that I don't return to that day in my head and how it felt.
So why then would I set a goal that involves running again? The truth is my moms, that as moms and as women we are faced with obstacles each day. We are faced over and over with failures and things we wish we had done better. Yet, we don't give up. We are resiliant. We forge on. When confronted with the the same bedtime battle we've had for two weeks, or same argument with our daughter we've had so many times we could predict it word for word, we persist. We don't always know how or why, but we do. Some may say it's because we have to, others may argue it's who we are.
But what happens during those times, as I have been facing, when it does seem easier to give up or give in? When quitting seems more desirable then the blood, sweat and tears of continuing the battle? Then what?
Enter my new inspiration: the turkey. I am, afterall, training for the Gobblegait which just happens to be on Thanksgiving, and so then, it seemed rather fitting to involve this delicious yet ever inspiring bird.
I know little about turkeys other then I've never cooked one myself, but that they taste delicious. And so I did a little research. They are actually rather intelligent when in the wild, and they tend to flock together. They can be territorial and fight for what they want or what is theirs. They are aware of their surroundings and have certain inate characteristics that help protect themselves from preditors.
So what does that have to do with any of us? The thing is, when we think of turkeys this is not how we see them. We see them golden and plump and on our tables. We see them as victims. The fact of the matter is turkeys aren't running around seeing each other getting plucked out to be Thanksgiving feasts and just rolling over giving up accepting that fate. No. Infact they flock together. They do what works. They continue to assert themselves to reign over what is theirs. They continue their rituals, they continue to gobble and call out as if to take a stand and say go away preditors! I may not be the most vicious of animal but I am going to puff out my feathers and raise my head high and make you think I am.
This my moms, is what we, too must do. When faced with challenges we must also ban together, which in many ways, is what this column is all about. When faced with obstacles such as the Gobblegait has been for me, we must act in such a way that doesn't show our fear or doubt in ourselves, but find that inner gobble that is going to call out as a warrior call and announce we are here. It may not always be easy to find that part of ourselves. But rolling over and being defeated is also not an option. If I am going to be served on a platter as someone's Thanksgiving dinner, I am going to make them work awefully hard to get me there.
And so my moms as you embark on whatever challenges you face this week, I urge you to take a moment and find your own inner turkey. Not the golden basted one that is on your table, but the Wild one that runs free. See you next week.
The Mom Chronicles: Halloween Safety
The Mom Chronicles: Here's to a Safe Halloween!
Hi, moms! It's finally here! The spookiest night of the year and it's my goal is to help you prevent anything too scary from befalling your little goblins. As usual, I take my role here as an advocate for you and your kids seriously and that means I did the extra research in safety tips for this years trick or treating season so you don't have to! Perhaps you can use the time you would have spent surfing for these reminders and instead spend it implementing some of them. While not the most entertaining of topics, it's an important one.
So let's start with the basics. As usual, so much of this is common sense. Safety is not meant to be complicated. It's about being aware and alert and prepared and just using your head. Kids can get easily distracted by all the treats and fun so it's your job to stay focused and be sure the night goes on with out any more of a hitch then perhaps running out of candy. If that's the worst thing that happens this Halloween, I think you can consider it a success!
Decorations. I've seen them as simple as a pumpkin on a front step and as elaborate as a giant display with lots of lights and inflatables (one of which can be found on fifth street west, just a couple blocks past the fire department). As with your holiday displays, before putting up decorations check them and their cords for wear and tare. Don't overload electrical outlets, connect more then three strands of lights, or use decor with showing or freying wires. If possible, avoid torches and candles. Consider using those LED or battery operated flickering candles in pumpkins verses real candles that can catch a child's costume on fire. Also, while putting out decorations, be sure to check your yard for trip hazards or other things that could hurt kids walking through your front lawn. Help eliminate tripping hazards.
When it comes to costumes, help your children choose costumes that are fire resistent. Even if they are it is a good time to remind them of the "Stop, Drop and Roll" rule should anything happen. Try to choose costumes lighter in color, and if they aren't consider attaching relfective materials. Choose costumes that are not too long and don't drag on the ground and if your child is wearing a mask, be sure it does not restrict their vision too much. Consider applying make up instead of a mask. If your child is carrying props check to see that they are smooth and flexible that they won't hurt themselves or others. Additionally send flashlights with fresh batteries or glow sticks with your kids to make them more visable. Finally, attach emergency information somewhere on your chid be it under their hat, in their treat bag or inside their costume in the event it becomes necessary.
Before your child goes out the door take time to have a conversation with them. Plan the route you will take ahead of time. Stick to nieghborhoods well lit and familiar. Avoid going to areas that are too much out of the beaten path. Consider dressing up or at least just accompanying your kids. If your kids are at that inbetween stage of not quite old enough to go alone but not quile young enough you need to be at their side, consider following a distance behind either on foot or in the car. Set specific times to return home or check in and remind them not to go in to people's homes or cars. Kids should stay on a front porch that is well lit and visable to others. If your child does not have a cell phone consider sending yours with them. Don't allow your children to go alone, either. A group is better. Send them off with neighbor kids or friends so they are not out alone. Reminders about crossing the road are also important. Have your children avoid crossing in the middle of the street. Instruct them to cross at corners or cross walks where they are more visable to drivers.
One of the biggest temptations for kids is to eat that fabulous Halloween candy before it even hits their treat bag. Candy should be inspected by you before they dig in. To help avoid overindulgence before this occurs, consider cooking a spooky dinner for them ahead of time to fill them up so they aren't so tempted to snack.
Finally, while these will all help ensure a safe trick or treating night, it goes with out saying that our world isn't what it used to be and Halloween isn't perhaps as safe as it once was. It is a holiday full of opportunities for not so good things to happen. While we don't want to shelter our kids from fun things like going trick or treating, we need to be smart about it. Consider bringing your kids to a mall or local stores to trick or treat instead of to peoples homes, or going to a community event or even throwing your own Halloween party. Be aware and help your kids be aware to things that just don't seem right. Don't allow yourself to be caught off guard or make your child an easy target. Halloween after all, is supposed to be fun.
With that, I hope you have a safe and not too spooky night of tricks and treats with your wee ones!
Now, before I go, I must say a full hearted thank you to the generous family that so kindly replaced our stolen pumpkins. It was an awesome surprise to find the new pumpkins on our front steps. You made our Halloween! Thank you!
See you next week!
Hi, moms! It's finally here! The spookiest night of the year and it's my goal is to help you prevent anything too scary from befalling your little goblins. As usual, I take my role here as an advocate for you and your kids seriously and that means I did the extra research in safety tips for this years trick or treating season so you don't have to! Perhaps you can use the time you would have spent surfing for these reminders and instead spend it implementing some of them. While not the most entertaining of topics, it's an important one.
So let's start with the basics. As usual, so much of this is common sense. Safety is not meant to be complicated. It's about being aware and alert and prepared and just using your head. Kids can get easily distracted by all the treats and fun so it's your job to stay focused and be sure the night goes on with out any more of a hitch then perhaps running out of candy. If that's the worst thing that happens this Halloween, I think you can consider it a success!
Decorations. I've seen them as simple as a pumpkin on a front step and as elaborate as a giant display with lots of lights and inflatables (one of which can be found on fifth street west, just a couple blocks past the fire department). As with your holiday displays, before putting up decorations check them and their cords for wear and tare. Don't overload electrical outlets, connect more then three strands of lights, or use decor with showing or freying wires. If possible, avoid torches and candles. Consider using those LED or battery operated flickering candles in pumpkins verses real candles that can catch a child's costume on fire. Also, while putting out decorations, be sure to check your yard for trip hazards or other things that could hurt kids walking through your front lawn. Help eliminate tripping hazards.
When it comes to costumes, help your children choose costumes that are fire resistent. Even if they are it is a good time to remind them of the "Stop, Drop and Roll" rule should anything happen. Try to choose costumes lighter in color, and if they aren't consider attaching relfective materials. Choose costumes that are not too long and don't drag on the ground and if your child is wearing a mask, be sure it does not restrict their vision too much. Consider applying make up instead of a mask. If your child is carrying props check to see that they are smooth and flexible that they won't hurt themselves or others. Additionally send flashlights with fresh batteries or glow sticks with your kids to make them more visable. Finally, attach emergency information somewhere on your chid be it under their hat, in their treat bag or inside their costume in the event it becomes necessary.
Before your child goes out the door take time to have a conversation with them. Plan the route you will take ahead of time. Stick to nieghborhoods well lit and familiar. Avoid going to areas that are too much out of the beaten path. Consider dressing up or at least just accompanying your kids. If your kids are at that inbetween stage of not quite old enough to go alone but not quile young enough you need to be at their side, consider following a distance behind either on foot or in the car. Set specific times to return home or check in and remind them not to go in to people's homes or cars. Kids should stay on a front porch that is well lit and visable to others. If your child does not have a cell phone consider sending yours with them. Don't allow your children to go alone, either. A group is better. Send them off with neighbor kids or friends so they are not out alone. Reminders about crossing the road are also important. Have your children avoid crossing in the middle of the street. Instruct them to cross at corners or cross walks where they are more visable to drivers.
One of the biggest temptations for kids is to eat that fabulous Halloween candy before it even hits their treat bag. Candy should be inspected by you before they dig in. To help avoid overindulgence before this occurs, consider cooking a spooky dinner for them ahead of time to fill them up so they aren't so tempted to snack.
Finally, while these will all help ensure a safe trick or treating night, it goes with out saying that our world isn't what it used to be and Halloween isn't perhaps as safe as it once was. It is a holiday full of opportunities for not so good things to happen. While we don't want to shelter our kids from fun things like going trick or treating, we need to be smart about it. Consider bringing your kids to a mall or local stores to trick or treat instead of to peoples homes, or going to a community event or even throwing your own Halloween party. Be aware and help your kids be aware to things that just don't seem right. Don't allow yourself to be caught off guard or make your child an easy target. Halloween after all, is supposed to be fun.
With that, I hope you have a safe and not too spooky night of tricks and treats with your wee ones!
Now, before I go, I must say a full hearted thank you to the generous family that so kindly replaced our stolen pumpkins. It was an awesome surprise to find the new pumpkins on our front steps. You made our Halloween! Thank you!
See you next week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)