Back on the Workout Train

My new BFF...she's pretty hardcore as you can see!

So as you may have read about here I've been struggling a bit with the post-weaning state of my body. I did an intense month of working out in June, didn't see results, got discouraged and took the whole summer off. Looking good or not, I believe exercise is important. Few of us perform labour intensive jobs all day where we're strengthening our bodies the way they need to be. Sure, if you're a farmer, you might not need a separate workout time, but I don't know any. I was also watching a program that talked about how being thin does not equal healthy. They featured one woman who looked quite healthy on the outside, but who didn't exercise and her internal health and percentage of body fat wasn't what it should be. Especially as women, we need some weight bearing exercise to help keep our bones strong. I believe in prevention. Too many season of the Biggest Loser have convinced me that I don't want to become one of those moms who "never took time for myself" (not that there aren't often WAY deeper issues than that) and end up in a life or death situation. I also want to stay as healthy as I can for my family, and, let's be honest, I also want to look the best I can.

So I have a renewed commitment to make time for my workouts. Several years ago I started a little Facebook workout club where we choose a certain amount of time (often a few months) and each person chooses how many workouts they want to complete. Then we check in every two weeks by email and track our progress. It seems to work for me. Although I haven't been perfect, accountability of others works to motivate me. In the past I've printed a calendar and given myself a sticker for each workout... yes, the four year old in me shining through, but it's very satisfying! The workout club is back on and I've commited to 22 by the end of October. So far, one down. A bit of a slow start but I'll get there. The benefit of my boys still napping twice a day is that I do have time, and when they go down to one, I'll make the time. We all have it if we want it... get up earlier, watch one less TV show, say 'no' to something else that's not as important. I'm sure that'll be a struggle when it comes around. I'm hoping to lose a few pounds, tone up a bit and replace a few of my treats with healthy alternatives like fruit. I will enjoy my daily taste of chocolate, the occasional weekend bowl of popcorn or ice cream, but all in moderation. There are many times I fail (like the entire summer) but I think the key is to just pick up where you are and decide to do something today to make it better. And I'm thankful for my growing group of friends commited to staying active and helping to keep me on track!

Pressing the Reset Button

My list for September. You know you want one ;)

It's September 1st and since I've pretty much always been a student or a teacher, in my mind it's the start of the year. Not that life has been chaotic, but I want to be a bit more on organized and on top of things. I made a list of things that I want to get done around the house each month. Some are weekly, some every two weeks, some just once. I divided things up and made a week-by-week list of what I want to accomplish. Who knew creating something simple in Word could be so satisfying. Feel free to mock me, but I'm a stay-at-home mom and I'm embracing the domestic life!! :) I'm hoping it helps.

Joel and I have been working hard around the house getting it more organized. I've been going through closets, and cupboards, purging things that are expired or no longer used. This morning I organized my recipes, scrubbed the shoe mats and cleaned out under the kitchen sink... things that have neglected for awhile. Joel is attacking the basement, getting rid of a bunch of stuff. Our goal is to make a second play space for the boys and a work space for me. Aside from laundry and working out, we have a whole floor of the house that doesn't really get used.

While not the most thought provoking or deep posts, this is what I've been up to lately and it feels good. There are few things more satisfying to me than being organized, checking things off lists and having a home free of clutter. What do you do to stay on top of the domestics of life? Are you a more "I'll clean it when it's dirty" type? Do you have lists? I love learning from others!

My Dinner Dilemma

Saturday's big batch cooking

I don't like making dinner. I'm not the biggest lover of cooking. Unlike some of my good friends, there's nothing in me that wants to spend all day making something that will be eaten in a matter of minutes. I like simple meals that don't take a ton of prep time. It's also a challenge with two toddlers roaming around, trying to take any opportunity to get in a cupboard, their toys strewn all over the floor and often needing attention. Because the boys are still napping twice a day, the late afternoon is often the best time to get out and go for a walk or play outside. Joel used to do a lot of the cooking. He enjoys it and he's good at it. But we like to eat dinner as a family so that means it now needs to be ready as soon as he gets home so there is time for baths and the evening routine before the glorious 7pm bedtime!

One of my goals for the fall is to make dinner less stressful. I have to feed my family so it's not really an option. Something I want to do more of is big-batch cooking... making large quantities of food to freeze so I can easily pull something out to defrost but it's still homemade. If you have the space I think a big freezer is a great investment. On Saturday I made five dinner's worth of one of our family favourites, chicken broccoli casserole. If you've hung around me long enough, I'm sure I've served it to you. Joel BBQ'd all of the chicken at once and I had a ton of broccoli from our trip to the farmer's market. The best part is that making large quantities doesn't require that much more work. I've also been pulling out recipes from magazines that I'd like to try and am hoping to attempt at least two a month. I'll let you know if I discover any good ones. My other ways to ease the dinner-time stress are to make a weekly meal plan. We brainstormed a list of all the meals we like to make so I can easily look at what we haven't had in awhile. And I want to do as much prep as possible earlier in the day. We'll see how it all goes.

In the mean time I'll share with you this weekend's recipe incase you don't already have it! Just double it, triple it etc. for several yummy meals. It's easy and freezes well.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

3-4 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 head of brocolli, cut into small pieces
2 cans cream of chicken soup (use more if you like it saucier)
1/2 cup mayo (I use Miracle Whip)
1 t. lemon juice
1 T. curry powder or to taste (I use a lot more)
cheddar cheese
breadcrumbs
rice

1. In a 9x13 pan sprayed with cooking spray, spread out broccoli and cooked chicken.
2. Mix together soup, mayo, lemon juice and curry powder. Pour over top of chicken and broccoli.
3. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bread crumbs.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 45 minutes or until top is browned and bubbly. Serve over rice.

Let me know if you try it or have any dinner making tips!

Daycare Day One

Photo taken by Joel at the St. Jacob's market

Yesterday was a big day in our house. Although I plan to primarily stay home with my boys (read about my decision here), I do feel like it's best for everyone if I can get out of the house once or twice a week. I'll be supply teaching at my school which I'm really looking forward to. I know the people, it's a comfortable environment and it's work I enjoy. We are extremely thankful that we've found and awesome woman who is willing to watch the boys on a part-time and flexible basis. So yesterday was a trial day for her to get to know the boys and for them to get to know her.

I'm not going to lie. It started off rough. While Caleb adjusted as if he'd spent every day of his life there, Micah very quickly let us know that he was not happy with the situation, crying and reaching for us. I hadn't prepared myself for that. When we have babysitters or drop them off in the church nursery we don't have problems. I just assumed it would be more of the same, so I hadn't planned through our approach if there was resistance. In the moment we decided that leaving and letting him work it out with the help of our friend, would be best. After all, we knew he was in good hands. I sat on the porch for a few minutes listening to my child screaming in ways I've rarely heard, just wanting to run in and rescue him. He wasn't the only one in tears. If I could do it again and had thought it through, we would have eased him in, stayed for awhile, been slower. But once we left I knew it would be worse to come back. We stayed in the area for breakfast and received two reassuring phone calls from our daycare provider letting us know he had settled and was doing fine. A weight had been lifted off our shoulders. I'm thankful for the resilience of children despite the mistakes we make as parents.

Once the drama was over, Joel and I ended up having a wonderful day (he took it off so we could take advantage of no kids). We went tubing in the Elora Gorge, which was fun minus the few minutes of cold rain in a slow spot of the river. Then we enjoyed a Mennonite buffet and time wandering through St. Jacob's market. We ended with a competitive game of mini golf which I lost, although not quite as badly as I usually do (oddly enough I went to golf camp in high school and was the top putter in my class!). At least I am still the reigning champion of UNO! It was wonderful to have a day off from the usual work-home life and be together. We were eager to see our boys though and happily spied on them playing in the backyard when we arrived.

I'm looking forward to putting on my teacher hat once or twice a week come September and for my boys to interact more with other people. I know it'll be good for all of us!

Milestones

No, not the restaurant although it is quite good! I'm taking about baby milestones. Or I guess they are toddlers now! Last week Micah took his first real steps. He had taken a few small ones before but it was the first time that he actually walked across the room. Although his main form of transportation is still crawling, he's starting to walk more and more, usually hanging onto something and then taking off until he falls on his knees. He is quite steady and it's fun to watch. Caleb on the other hand, although not so interested in walking yet, is developing quickly in language. His vocabulary is growing and he mimicks many words and sounds. They are both also starting to take off with sign language. While the first few signs seemed to take forever to learn, they are picking it up a lot easier now. A week or so ago, Caleb needed help. Not knowing the sign for "help" I made one up on the spot, tapping my hand on my head. The plan was to look up the real one later, but they both picked up on it right away so now that's the way they ask for help, which they currently love to do! I love how different they are and the things they excel at. This toddler stage is so busy, they are into everything and sometimes I lose my patience. But watching them learn new things and their joy in discovery is wonderful. It makes the hard times so worthwhile. I LOVE that I get a front row seat to their lives. What a privilege!

I Triple Dog Dare You...

Are you really going to back down from that? :)

So as I'm starting to get back into blogging a bit more, I'm curious who's reading this. I've never done much to gain readers and I don't care much about numbers. For me, the blog is a chance to get down my thoughts about whatever is currently on my mind... a lazy version of a journal since I rarely put pen to paper anymore (a lost art I would like resurrect someday). Just like flipping through the pages of old journals, it's fun to look back. And for those who are interested, I'm happy for you to read along and share your thoughts. But lately the curiosity has been growing about who lands here. I know there are a faithful few who sometime leave comments. I'm not great at leaving comments on other blogs although I'm trying to get better as I know how much I love when someone does here. So, if you're willing, take 30 seconds and indulge me. Let me know who you are, that you're reading. And if you'd prefer, it's easy to remain anonymous... if you don't want to give your name, perhaps tell me where you're from or how you found this. I know there aren't a ton of you, but regardless it's nice to know your audience. Even if you've never left a comment before or never do again, it would still be great to hear from you just this once. I triple dog dare you!! Thanks in advance to those who take the time!

Worn Out & Unmotivated

Sorry, I know that's a depressing title, but that's how I'm feeling today. I'm currently worn out from motherhood. Although my boys aren't walking yet, they are into everything. I love that they are curious little creatures and constantly discovering new things, but it is tiring. They can now open every single cupboard in my kitchen, they love to pull out the heating duct covers (who knows what treasures I will find down there) and they often throw food from their high chairs. I know it's all just a phase and "this too shall pass" is constantly running through my head, but in the middle of it, it's a bit overwhelming. I'm of the camp that believes you can teach and train kids certain things, even at a young age, while being realistic about where they are at developmentally. My challenge is, being a rookie at this whole mom thing and only taking one course in child psychology which I've long since forgotten, I don't always know what's developmentally appropriate. For example, I've chosen not to put child locks on all my cupboards. My goal is to teach my boys that they are out of bounds. They have two drawers they can go into and I'm thinking of adding one cupboard, but the others aren't for them. Cleaning supplies and other harmful substances have been moved to top shelves, but of course they are still fascinated by a cupboard full of pots, or lifting the lid on the compost bin. I am constantly redirecting them and when I'm pulling one away, the other sees that as a perfect opportunity to go for it. Smart little guys! I know lots of people who didn't do child locks so I know it can be done. It just takes a lot of time and effort. And it's tiring me out!! It's the path I've chosen with lots of trial and error and adjusting along the way, but I really hope to see a pay off soon. And I totally get why people do a ton of babyproofing. No judging here!

On the unmotivated side, I've been having a few weeks of laziness. I realize I take care of twins and that IS enough, but I have other things I want to accomplish. I think we generally do a good job of keeping our house in order. Dishes get washed three times a day (not the permanent norm, but I'm washing trays and bibs anyways), we go to bed with a clean kitchen and tidy house, I keep up with the laundry. But it's those little, or not so little things like scrubbing the shoe mat after a winter of sludge, cleaning out the fridge (can someone please explain to me how so much crap gets under the crisper drawers??), organizing recipes I've pulled from magazines, or just purging all the stuff that doesn't get used. My boys still nap twice a day so I DO have time to work on some of it, but lately I have no motivation to do any of it. I waste time surfing the internet or other mindless things. I don't really feel guilty about it. That's not the problem. My value doesn't come from how many things I can check off a list each day and I think it's good to have down time. The issue is that I really want to get organized and press the res-set button on our house. But obviously my actions prove that I want to rest more. Oh well. Eventually I'll get my butt in gear.

How do you motivate yourself to do things when you just don't feel like it?