I created an account a while ago, but never really got into it. I haven't got a ton of time to spare. It's not easy keeping up with the kids, the house, the yard, paying bills, making meals, my blog, and Facebook all at once. Since my friends list is growing, I can't help but run down to the computer and sign in. My lovely sister- in- law did warn me about how addictive it is. I still limit the amount of time I am logged in and try not to invest precious moments typing and searching away.
It is so much fun to find people I haven't seen in years. I am happy to see that most are doing well, and seem happy.
How many of you are addicted????
Haven't worked out since Tuesday. Yasmin is making me feel funky, but it's better than another set of twins.
???? on the lbs. I'll come bake up to speed, and have some courage to weigh myself again.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Spring is Paradise
I am really enjoying the weather these past few days! There is nothing like opening the windows to let the nice clean breeze in, and flush out the stale winter air.
All the different sounds of the birds are glorious and the small sprigs of green on the tree branches really promises that spring is finally here.
Waking up before 7am is no big deal, now that the sun is up, and we can spend the day playing and exploring the newness of spring. It is so much fun to watch the kids become so exited by what we have taken for granted for so long. Birds flying overhead, all the little flowers blooming, worms on the sidewalk, ant hills in the dirt.
I think of the sentence in the chorus of Paradise by the BoDeans:
Paradise, it aint hard to find, lookin' out your window at the world outside.
Spending hours outside is wonderful! I love digging in the sand and rolling in the grass. We have already gone through a bucket of sidewalk chalk since Easter.
What is your favorite outdoor activity??
All the different sounds of the birds are glorious and the small sprigs of green on the tree branches really promises that spring is finally here.
Waking up before 7am is no big deal, now that the sun is up, and we can spend the day playing and exploring the newness of spring. It is so much fun to watch the kids become so exited by what we have taken for granted for so long. Birds flying overhead, all the little flowers blooming, worms on the sidewalk, ant hills in the dirt.
I think of the sentence in the chorus of Paradise by the BoDeans:
Paradise, it aint hard to find, lookin' out your window at the world outside.
Spending hours outside is wonderful! I love digging in the sand and rolling in the grass. We have already gone through a bucket of sidewalk chalk since Easter.
What is your favorite outdoor activity??
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The North Face Nation
I went to a Black Hawks game on Sunday with my friends. As we arrived to the United Center, I realized that ONE out of THREE people were wearing The North Face jacket of some kind. As we drove to the parking lot, there was just a sea of people with the white lettering on their right shoulder. There were less people wearing hockey jerseys. I have had the conversation before with ...someone, but I never saw so many of the same brand of jacket in such a small area. I guess it's the label right? I have a Colombia fleece jacket that's really nice, and I only spent $30 (at Nordstrom Rack) as opposed to close to $150.
Of course I made a comment to the girls who both had their North Face jackets on. To make it worse, I had also pointed out that most of the women and girls wearing the North Face jackets. were also wearing Ugg's. I looked at both of their feet as we got out of the car, and they two were wearing Ugg's.
What's the big deal? I know it sounds funny from someone who love designer jeans, but I love them because of the way they fit. Is there something I am missing with these jackets?
The issue is not money, it's the very specific brand. Why does everyone have one?
125
3.5 miles today
Of course I made a comment to the girls who both had their North Face jackets on. To make it worse, I had also pointed out that most of the women and girls wearing the North Face jackets. were also wearing Ugg's. I looked at both of their feet as we got out of the car, and they two were wearing Ugg's.
What's the big deal? I know it sounds funny from someone who love designer jeans, but I love them because of the way they fit. Is there something I am missing with these jackets?
The issue is not money, it's the very specific brand. Why does everyone have one?
125
3.5 miles today
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Terrific Two's Emerging
How sweet they look!!!!Yes, they are beginning to morph into screaming, hitting, pushing, defiant children. I knew it would happen. I used to be in a room filled with 10 of them. The quietest, most gentle kids seemed to be the ones who really start to act out. I guess they make up for lost time.
Vaughn has quickly found his independence, and finds that if he pushes and hits anyone, he gets a reaction one way or another. Rick and I really try not to react, and just tell him over and over again "we don't push one another", and "it's not nice to hit!" He repeats "no pushing, no hitting", walks up and smacks me in the face. We redirect, give him a ball to push and tell him, "push the ball". We have started to remove him from the room, and put him in the corner. He stands there willingly, and says "manners, not nice...corner" It's hard not to laugh, but we keep our composure.
Avery is actually manageable right now. She is spirited, and will sometimes hit or push, but when we discipline her, she crumbles. She buries her face in my lap, or falls to the ground in a fetal position. It's pretty funny too.
Meal times are especially fun when slices of apples are chucked at you. Vaughn loves to throw anything, and put his feet on the table. I know it's just a matter of ignoring behaviors, and staying calm, but some days it's really hard. If we remind him of using good manners, he says "yes, manners", laughs, takes a big sip of milk and spits it all over the place. ARGHHHHH!!!!!!! Avery is not that extreme since food is worth it's weight in gold to her. She will almost never intentionally throw food on the floor. She does, however , put her feet on the table, and scream.
I WON'T call them terrible though. They are smart kids, and are just trying to find out where the limits are. They challenge us more every day, but make us laugh just as much. It's all a phase, and if handled the right way, will pass quickly. I just really hope they do not become the kind of kids who people talk about in a negative way, like they talk about Rick or my cousin Chuck. I'll often hear, "Wow, Richie was quite a kid!!! I hope they don't act that way" Thankfully, both turned out to be wonderful caring adults.
I am looking forward to summer, when they can expel a lot of energy. Most the time, kids act out when they have an over abundance of energy, no structure, and overtired. Thankfully, I am very structured, and they get plenty of sleep.
Spring where are you!!!!!!!!!!!
126
ran 3.5 miles today
Friday, March 7, 2008
Update
Very quickly, I'm updating my progress. I started bringing the kids to the community center twice a week so I can work out. The regular teacher is in love with both V and A and is very good with them, although, they do cry for a bout 5 minutes after I leave. When I peak in after my run, they are happily playing with Mrs. Liz. They have so much fun, they don't wan to leave.
Today I ran 3.2 miles easily. Every week, I'll try to get a bit faster since I'd like to run some races this year. I'm not concerned about time right now. I just want to go the distance (maybe more) and speed up from there on in. I do feel so much better already. It's nice to drop the kids off, plug in and tune out.
126
Today I ran 3.2 miles easily. Every week, I'll try to get a bit faster since I'd like to run some races this year. I'm not concerned about time right now. I just want to go the distance (maybe more) and speed up from there on in. I do feel so much better already. It's nice to drop the kids off, plug in and tune out.
126
Thursday, January 31, 2008
The Biggest Loser at Home.
I love this show. It's really nice to see people achieving weight loss through hard work with diet and exercise. I get all teary eyed up when I watch it.
This is inspiring me to log in my progress every time I post. Rick and I have been working out three times a week now, and although I don't spend as much time at the gym as I'd like, at least I'm going. I run for 30 minutes, or run 20, then do the elliptical for another 10 minutes. I then end with a bit of weight training (what ever I can fit in).
I try to do "donkey kicks" and lunges at home, since my tush is starting to slide. How depressing! I also fit some ab work in, in between the loads of laundry.
I figure I might have some extra motivation to start eating more healthy again, or just eating less if I post my progress. My water consumption is way down too. I used to drink at least a liter of water a day, and I'm lucky if I drink more than 8 oz these days. Wonder why I get headaches eh?
So watch for the loss (crossing fingers) at the bottom.
128 lbs
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The First Day of School
Today was our first day of our "Stay and Play" class with the park district. We walked in, took off our coats, and made our way to say hello to the teacher.
As I walked across the room, I noticed we were the only non Eastern European people in the class so far. I walked V and A up the the teacher, introduced the and myself, and greeted the teacher. I was very clearly the strange american woman.
As other class members came in, I noticed we were the minority. The "E.E" parents sat in the corner and chatted (jzib jzib) while their children ran about pushing other kids, as the rest of us supervised our children and encouraged them to share and be kind to the other kids. I was also making sure V and A weren't licking any of the sticky toys, as to not ingest any other viruses and bacteria for a while.
I was surprised to see my babies having no problem running off and interacting with other kids and adults. They were sharing toys with other kids, and would occasionally call out for one another to make sure their sibling was at least in the room. They would periodically meet up in the center of the room, say a few words and then separate again.
I tried very hard to not interfere with what they were doing, so they can initiate play on their own. I did however, as I mentioned before, keep an eye on them at all times.
It was then time for "snack". We sat at the little tables, and had some dried cranberries, and cheerio's, and I tried to strike up conversations with other parents. Needless to say it was difficult with most of the other parents, but I did talk with a few. I was the most aggressive one there, 'cause once I started to talk, more people came out of their shell. After snack, I asked V and A to take their napkins to the garbage. This was amazing to the others. "Wow, did you see that?? How do you get them to help you??" I heard from some of them. I figured almost all kids love to help, and throw things in the "bargage".
Anyhow, on to circle time. If you don't know, I'm always talking to V and A. I explain almost everything we are doing, or going to do. So I prepared them. "Alright, we're having circle time! Let's clean up the toys so we can sit in a circle on the carpet!" V and A started tossing toys in the toy box, and proceeded to sit on the colorful carpet. This again was strange to most.
The teacher sat down and asked what we would like to sing. Every parent sat wide eyed, and quiet.
Are you asking us or the kids? I thought to myself.
How about the wheels on the bus? The teacher suggested.
Thinking again. This should be amusing since more than half the people in this class speak polish.
The teacher started The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round. All thought the town.
Pause... blank looks....
I chime in The Wipers on the bus go swish swish swish...and so on.
Suddenly, I'm leading the song. WTF is the teacher for?? She asks us what song we'd like to sing next, and looks at me.
The itsy bitsy spider? I say
The next thing you know, I'm leading this song too. Oh, and after every song, I clap and say "yeah!!!!!" to get the kids going a bit.
I should be getting paid for this I'm thinking.
It was now time to go. The teacher was saying her good byes, but most of the parents just threw their kids jackets on and bolted out the door. I made sure to show V and A to say good bye and Thank you to the teacher and to the new kids we had met.
I guess for some, it's a place to bring your kid to play. I see it as "school", and another opportunity to teach V and A manners, and expose them to a few hours of structured play. I guess it's the preschool teacher in me.
I do look forward to going next week, and the weeks that follow. It's fun to watch the kids enjoy new experiences, and branch off. It makes me feel more comfortable that they look out for each other, and aren't necessarily looking for me.
As I walked across the room, I noticed we were the only non Eastern European people in the class so far. I walked V and A up the the teacher, introduced the and myself, and greeted the teacher. I was very clearly the strange american woman.
As other class members came in, I noticed we were the minority. The "E.E" parents sat in the corner and chatted (jzib jzib) while their children ran about pushing other kids, as the rest of us supervised our children and encouraged them to share and be kind to the other kids. I was also making sure V and A weren't licking any of the sticky toys, as to not ingest any other viruses and bacteria for a while.
I was surprised to see my babies having no problem running off and interacting with other kids and adults. They were sharing toys with other kids, and would occasionally call out for one another to make sure their sibling was at least in the room. They would periodically meet up in the center of the room, say a few words and then separate again.
I tried very hard to not interfere with what they were doing, so they can initiate play on their own. I did however, as I mentioned before, keep an eye on them at all times.
It was then time for "snack". We sat at the little tables, and had some dried cranberries, and cheerio's, and I tried to strike up conversations with other parents. Needless to say it was difficult with most of the other parents, but I did talk with a few. I was the most aggressive one there, 'cause once I started to talk, more people came out of their shell. After snack, I asked V and A to take their napkins to the garbage. This was amazing to the others. "Wow, did you see that?? How do you get them to help you??" I heard from some of them. I figured almost all kids love to help, and throw things in the "bargage".
Anyhow, on to circle time. If you don't know, I'm always talking to V and A. I explain almost everything we are doing, or going to do. So I prepared them. "Alright, we're having circle time! Let's clean up the toys so we can sit in a circle on the carpet!" V and A started tossing toys in the toy box, and proceeded to sit on the colorful carpet. This again was strange to most.
The teacher sat down and asked what we would like to sing. Every parent sat wide eyed, and quiet.
Are you asking us or the kids? I thought to myself.
How about the wheels on the bus? The teacher suggested.
Thinking again. This should be amusing since more than half the people in this class speak polish.
The teacher started The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round. All thought the town.
Pause... blank looks....
I chime in The Wipers on the bus go swish swish swish...and so on.
Suddenly, I'm leading the song. WTF is the teacher for?? She asks us what song we'd like to sing next, and looks at me.
The itsy bitsy spider? I say
The next thing you know, I'm leading this song too. Oh, and after every song, I clap and say "yeah!!!!!" to get the kids going a bit.
I should be getting paid for this I'm thinking.
It was now time to go. The teacher was saying her good byes, but most of the parents just threw their kids jackets on and bolted out the door. I made sure to show V and A to say good bye and Thank you to the teacher and to the new kids we had met.
I guess for some, it's a place to bring your kid to play. I see it as "school", and another opportunity to teach V and A manners, and expose them to a few hours of structured play. I guess it's the preschool teacher in me.
I do look forward to going next week, and the weeks that follow. It's fun to watch the kids enjoy new experiences, and branch off. It makes me feel more comfortable that they look out for each other, and aren't necessarily looking for me.
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