Dear Diary,
It is 1 AM. We are home. The kids are in their own beds. Mr. Bloomers passed out on the couch whilst I took a quick trip up the street to pick up our mail from a friend's front porch. Need to sort dirty laundry and start washing before bed, but I wanted to record a few thoughts first.
Notes to self:
1. Get mail after unloading next time, before Mr. Bloomers passes out lest I be left to unload seven people's worth of trip stuff by myself. (To his defense, Mr. Bloomers has to be at work in the morning so I didn't try to wake him.)
2. Check the Artist's hands before entering the vehicle at all times, lest she pile up drinks from various restaurants along the way and spill them about her area.
3. Avoid Ohio at all costs. It is a desolate land filled with smokestacks and a shocking lack of civilized shopping. Tried for TWO HOURS to locate a Best Buy, Toys R US, Target, Walmart, or KMart along I-90 in order to buy something to do before I poked my own eyeballs out for sheer boredom. Kids were climbing the walls with the insanity of hours and hours in the car and all I wanted was a Redbox, or store to buy a movie or sticker book, or Nintendo DS or something, and there was NOTHING!! Even took the road to Toledo. Saw a sign for Toledo Pride. What?!?
4. Friendly's is yummy. And Friendly.
5. I would not have made a very good pioneer.
6. Erie, PA is actually not the middle of nowhere. They have real hotels and restaurants there. Good thing since we got stranded there in a snowstorm.
7. Kids think you are the coolest mom ever if you feed them 4 pints of delicious ice cream, a bag of chips, and cookies for dinner while watching a movie and then take them swimming, especially when staying unexpectedly in a hotel. But if you do that, and allow them to eat Krispy Kremes right after breakfast, one or more of them may end up carsick.
8. Going to the mall the day after Christmas is insanity, especially when going for the mall playground rather than the shopping...with five kids.
9. People in Boston are crazy drivers. Like Mexico City. Almost. Okay, so I'm exaggerating, but it is bad.
10. Driving nearly 2200 miles in six days with five kids indicates either bravery or stupidity. I'm not sure which.
I'm glad we went. It was well worth the effort. But I am so grateful to not have another day in the car ahead of us tomorrow! It's great to be home.
Love,
Kristin
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The Most Memorable Christmas Ever
Dear Diary,
This was one of the best Christmases ever! Christmas Eve day we wrapped the kids in a huge gift bag meant for bicyles and delivered them on Mr. Bloomer's parents' front door...in Acton, MA (a mere thousand miles away, give or take).
Mr. Bloomer's parents are on a service mission for the church, volunteering their time and paying their own way to help New Englanders with employment skills. As devoted grandparents of thirty-three grandchildren, leaving their home and family in Utah to come to Boston has been a great sacrifice.
Sure, Christmas morning in the Hampton Inn wasn't entirely traditional. I can't remember any other Christmas with hotel waffles for breakfast and an evening swim in the hotel pool. But Santa found his way to our stockings here, and we so enjoyed sharing this precious time with Grama and Grampa. Our party of nine stayed cozy, dividing our time between a king studio suite hotel room and an itty bitty missionary apartment. We did make a mall excursion today to get a change of scenery. And wow! That turned out to be quite an adventure.
I really admire Mr. Bloomer's parents for being out here doing the work they are doing. I think it has been difficult and sometimes very frustrating, yet they have done as they have been asked, serving when it wasn't easy. I am thrilled that our family could find a small way to send them the message that we love them and we're proud of them. Seeing their surprised and overjoyed faces when they realized who was in the bag was one of the best moments our family has ever had together. The kids will never forget this Christmas, and neither will I.
Love,
Kristin
This was one of the best Christmases ever! Christmas Eve day we wrapped the kids in a huge gift bag meant for bicyles and delivered them on Mr. Bloomer's parents' front door...in Acton, MA (a mere thousand miles away, give or take).
Mr. Bloomer's parents are on a service mission for the church, volunteering their time and paying their own way to help New Englanders with employment skills. As devoted grandparents of thirty-three grandchildren, leaving their home and family in Utah to come to Boston has been a great sacrifice.
Sure, Christmas morning in the Hampton Inn wasn't entirely traditional. I can't remember any other Christmas with hotel waffles for breakfast and an evening swim in the hotel pool. But Santa found his way to our stockings here, and we so enjoyed sharing this precious time with Grama and Grampa. Our party of nine stayed cozy, dividing our time between a king studio suite hotel room and an itty bitty missionary apartment. We did make a mall excursion today to get a change of scenery. And wow! That turned out to be quite an adventure.
I really admire Mr. Bloomer's parents for being out here doing the work they are doing. I think it has been difficult and sometimes very frustrating, yet they have done as they have been asked, serving when it wasn't easy. I am thrilled that our family could find a small way to send them the message that we love them and we're proud of them. Seeing their surprised and overjoyed faces when they realized who was in the bag was one of the best moments our family has ever had together. The kids will never forget this Christmas, and neither will I.
Love,
Kristin
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Call for addresses
I just ordered Christmas cards for the second time in my life and they'll be ready for pick-up this afternoon. Yeah! And I drafted quite a letter yesterday to send along with it.
If you would like your own card and you think I might not have your address, please send it ASAP to mindthemommy@gmail.com, or my other gmail account if you have that email addy already.
If you received our first card sent in 2006, but know you have moved since then, please be sure to send your updated address. I do have the file with the addresses we sent last time (when I was pregnant with Max!).
Merry Christmas in advance!
If you would like your own card and you think I might not have your address, please send it ASAP to mindthemommy@gmail.com, or my other gmail account if you have that email addy already.
If you received our first card sent in 2006, but know you have moved since then, please be sure to send your updated address. I do have the file with the addresses we sent last time (when I was pregnant with Max!).
Merry Christmas in advance!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Service Project Update
So...things are getting there. By end of day Saturday the main floor should be in great shape...including finally finishing with the Christmas decorations. Kitchen and sunroom are totally rescued and the family room is decent. Laundry is getting folded and put away. And my "friend" is feeling better...she even made dinner every night this week!
By the way, apparently I wasn't transparent enough in my previous post. I'd like to say that I am so together as to currently possess the wherewithall to be rescuing another struggling mother; however, to boldly confess without mincing words:
I am my own service project.
And I just needed a creative mind game to get out of a little funk I'd fallen into.
Fortuneately for me, it's working.
By the way, apparently I wasn't transparent enough in my previous post. I'd like to say that I am so together as to currently possess the wherewithall to be rescuing another struggling mother; however, to boldly confess without mincing words:
I am my own service project.
And I just needed a creative mind game to get out of a little funk I'd fallen into.
Fortuneately for me, it's working.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Service Project
So I know this mom of five kids whose home looks like a serious warzone. I know her well enough to know that her home doesn't always appear in dire need of a surprise visit from the folks at Clean House. But it sure looks like that today.
This friend of mine had been balancing everything amazingly well until a few weeks ago. She was caring for the home, the kids, and herself and feeling pretty good about all of it. Then Halloween hit, and everything started to slide. She held it together long enough to host a large gathering in her home, and then it all fell apart.
I really understand how quickly things can unravel. So being the charitable soul I am, I will be helping her pull things back together within the next week and a half before her older kids are out of school for Christmas break. We'll focus on one room a day and move through them all till its peaceful and calm once again (well, as calm as it can be with five wild creatures in residence).
Oh, and I'll be caring for her sick kiddos too, since three of the five are down for the count...and she reports the other two are extra-grumpy. Fun times.
Wish me luck!
This friend of mine had been balancing everything amazingly well until a few weeks ago. She was caring for the home, the kids, and herself and feeling pretty good about all of it. Then Halloween hit, and everything started to slide. She held it together long enough to host a large gathering in her home, and then it all fell apart.
I really understand how quickly things can unravel. So being the charitable soul I am, I will be helping her pull things back together within the next week and a half before her older kids are out of school for Christmas break. We'll focus on one room a day and move through them all till its peaceful and calm once again (well, as calm as it can be with five wild creatures in residence).
Oh, and I'll be caring for her sick kiddos too, since three of the five are down for the count...and she reports the other two are extra-grumpy. Fun times.
Wish me luck!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Why is flushing such a difficult skill to master?
Seriously. My children are brilliant and talented. Really, they are. Darling and adorable too. But yet, the habit of regularly flushing after using the loo seems to continually evade them. At least some of them.
Which might explain not one, but TWO overflowed toilets tonight. Yucky water. Yucky smells. Just pure yuckiness. Not the soothing just-before-bed activity I had scheduled for this evening.
Which prompted me to draft this note:
My Dearest Santa,
I have been a very good girl this year. I have prepared hundreds of meals, washed a Mt. Rushmore's worth of laundry, dried gallons of tears, read a landfill's worth of books, and given heaps of loves and kisses to the five amazing children in my constant care. In addition to all of that happy service, I even changed approximately 3.5 million diapers.
Of course, I didn't do those good deeds simply to earn brownie points, but if it turns out that I have enough banked in my account with you, would you please have some of your elves install toilets with automatic flushing sensors in our three restrooms on Christmas Eve? I would be forever grateful.
Sincerely,
The Mommy
Which might explain not one, but TWO overflowed toilets tonight. Yucky water. Yucky smells. Just pure yuckiness. Not the soothing just-before-bed activity I had scheduled for this evening.
Which prompted me to draft this note:
My Dearest Santa,
I have been a very good girl this year. I have prepared hundreds of meals, washed a Mt. Rushmore's worth of laundry, dried gallons of tears, read a landfill's worth of books, and given heaps of loves and kisses to the five amazing children in my constant care. In addition to all of that happy service, I even changed approximately 3.5 million diapers.
Of course, I didn't do those good deeds simply to earn brownie points, but if it turns out that I have enough banked in my account with you, would you please have some of your elves install toilets with automatic flushing sensors in our three restrooms on Christmas Eve? I would be forever grateful.
Sincerely,
The Mommy
Monday, November 23, 2009
Parenting Tip #753: Be Specific
After retrieving Mr. Bloomers from the train station I instructed the kids in the car:
"When we get home I want you all to go straight in and brush your teeth. It is getting late and we are going straight to bed."
Then after considering the disgusting mental image of plaque build-up that somewhat regularly occurs on the teeth of two of my unnamed children, I added:
"And when I say 'brush your teeth' I actually mean 'brush all of your teeth, every single tooth, all of the teeth, and all of the parts of the teeth, from the tip to the gumline.' Really, brush your teeth doesn't just mean pick two teeth to brush, or only brush the easy ones or the ones that aren't loose. It means brush all of your teeth, on all of the sides of those teeth. Understand?"
The Actress:
"Yeah. I usually just brush half of my teeth one day and the other half the next. Maybe you should tell us to brush all of our teeth everyday."
Yeah. Maybe I should.
"When we get home I want you all to go straight in and brush your teeth. It is getting late and we are going straight to bed."
Then after considering the disgusting mental image of plaque build-up that somewhat regularly occurs on the teeth of two of my unnamed children, I added:
"And when I say 'brush your teeth' I actually mean 'brush all of your teeth, every single tooth, all of the teeth, and all of the parts of the teeth, from the tip to the gumline.' Really, brush your teeth doesn't just mean pick two teeth to brush, or only brush the easy ones or the ones that aren't loose. It means brush all of your teeth, on all of the sides of those teeth. Understand?"
The Actress:
"Yeah. I usually just brush half of my teeth one day and the other half the next. Maybe you should tell us to brush all of our teeth everyday."
Yeah. Maybe I should.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
You're Invited
We've been too busy to blog. Busy with what? you ask.
Busy preparing for the FOURTH Annual [insert our last name here] Family Finger Foods Feast. Tomorrow night we look forward to mingling yummy foods with great friends. It just doesn't get any better than that folks, so we hope you'll make the effort to come.
There will be plenty of crafts and activities (even A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving!) to entertain the kids in the basement, and two baby-sitters to take charge of supervision so the adults can enjoy more relaxed visiting upstairs.
This is an open house style event, so come when you can. We'll start the festivities at 6:30 PM and feast until we're done. In the past we've usually had around 80 guests, and partied till around 10, but as I am pretty soft on the whole RSVP thing, I never really know what the turnout will be like until showtime.
If you didn't receive your email invitation, it is most likely because 1. I don't have your email. 2. The email address I had for you didn't work. 3. You live really far away and I didn't think you were willing to trek out here. or 4. You are a lurker who hasn't commented such that we could get to know each other. Feel free to post your email here and I will add you to the list for next year.
Now off to finish the preparations!
Busy preparing for the FOURTH Annual [insert our last name here] Family Finger Foods Feast. Tomorrow night we look forward to mingling yummy foods with great friends. It just doesn't get any better than that folks, so we hope you'll make the effort to come.
There will be plenty of crafts and activities (even A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving!) to entertain the kids in the basement, and two baby-sitters to take charge of supervision so the adults can enjoy more relaxed visiting upstairs.
This is an open house style event, so come when you can. We'll start the festivities at 6:30 PM and feast until we're done. In the past we've usually had around 80 guests, and partied till around 10, but as I am pretty soft on the whole RSVP thing, I never really know what the turnout will be like until showtime.
If you didn't receive your email invitation, it is most likely because 1. I don't have your email. 2. The email address I had for you didn't work. 3. You live really far away and I didn't think you were willing to trek out here. or 4. You are a lurker who hasn't commented such that we could get to know each other. Feel free to post your email here and I will add you to the list for next year.
Now off to finish the preparations!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Halloween
Darn that Halloween candy! It's sabatoge!!
Tonight it was removed from the top of the fridge and relocated to the basement in the hopes that I might stop eating so much of it. The kids took in quite a haul. For the people who kept insisting Princess needed candy too...I repeat...she did NOT need any! Four kids worth of candy is enough for the whole elementary school!!!
And I might add that the kids went trick-or-treating not once, not twice but THREE TIMES at Safety Town,
the ward Trunk-or-Treat activity,
and in our neighborhood.
I had this great idea that the kids could all be monkeys this year. Mr. Bloomers could be a tree, and I could be an alligator. We just love that song. (Five little monkeys swinging in the trees, teasing Mr. Alligator "Can't catch me!"...and SNAP that monkey right outta that tree.)
Alas, I don't sew or pretend to be crafty. Nor did I want to spend the time and energy and money it would take to pull together such an idea, sooo we went with the strategy of "what costume at Target would each kid like to wear," and that was that.
The Actress went with the Popstar Diva look, complete with pretend microphone. (The microphone is the headband-type, and difficult to see in these photos.)
The Artist fell for this snazzy dress, and told everyone she was Daphne from Scooby-Doo.
Little Mommy chose Corinne. Now if you aren't up on the latest Barbie movie-and-complete-product-line, you might not know that Barbie recently starred as Corinne in Barbie and the Three Muskateers. This movie really appealed to our rough-and-tumble princessy beauty queen...it just doesn't get any better than Barbie in a beautiful gown with a sword!
Max selected Dash (or Dashell Robert Parr as we like to call him). Mr. Bloomers supported the boy by playing along as Mr. Incredible in disguise.
Since Princess wasn't old enough to select her own costume, she got to wear the one we already owned that fit her. I added a bow to the monkey ear to make her look like more of a girl in it. (Okay, so I realized just now that I didn't ever take a picture of Princess by herself. She wasn't in a parade and she didn't match anyone in the family. Sorry fifth child! She looks cute in this photo anyhow, regardless of the fact that it is unrelated to Halloween. I really do take lots of pictures of her.)
As for me...well...after choosing to purchase a whole slew of Halloween decorations so the kids couldn't complain about my lack of festivity anymore, I couldn't justify purchasing a new costume too. The kids really wanted me to dress up. And then I remembered all of my old cheerleading uniforms, and guess what? My JV uniform was a bit snug, but my Varsity uniform fit! (Although after all the candy I ate this week, I'm not sure that it would anymore.)
Mom, these pictures are just for you!
Happy belated Halloween!!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
On Why I Despise Libraries
Libraries are so sneaky and calculating.
They lure you in with the promise of free books, but then as soon as life happens and you don't return said free books "on time" they turn cold and heartless, and BAM:
It's FINES, FINES, FINES!
Book orders are so much better, because at least you get to keep the books.
They lure you in with the promise of free books, but then as soon as life happens and you don't return said free books "on time" they turn cold and heartless, and BAM:
It's FINES, FINES, FINES!
Book orders are so much better, because at least you get to keep the books.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
New Family Photos and a Mini Blog Makeover
So I am the mean mom who made her kids get all dressed up in their Christmas best to sit still and quiet and smiley on Halloween. It was GREAT! Three employees all to ourselves at what is usually a pretty happening Sears portrait studio. Apparently most people don't consider it very "festive" to have their Christmas pictures taken on Halloween.
These photos aren't the most incredible match for an autumn leaves blog background, but as soon as the turkey's been devoured it will just be smashingly full of holiday cheer here at the Memoirs. And the photos will coordinate so nicely with the holiday reds and greens, don't you agree?
Here I thought this picture (which I edited to separate us for the sidebar) made us look young as if we were getting engaged all over again. I won't tell you what Mr. Bloomers response was to my suggestion, but I will say he didn't seem to agree.
PS Happy belated eleventh anniversary Mr. Bloomers! I love and adore you.
These photos aren't the most incredible match for an autumn leaves blog background, but as soon as the turkey's been devoured it will just be smashingly full of holiday cheer here at the Memoirs. And the photos will coordinate so nicely with the holiday reds and greens, don't you agree?
Here I thought this picture (which I edited to separate us for the sidebar) made us look young as if we were getting engaged all over again. I won't tell you what Mr. Bloomers response was to my suggestion, but I will say he didn't seem to agree.
PS Happy belated eleventh anniversary Mr. Bloomers! I love and adore you.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Stream of Consciousness: Thoughts of a Two and a Half Year Old Boy
An email I sent to Mr. Bloomers today read:
Subject: Your son
just built a tower of legos.
"I'm building a big gun."
"Lovely."
"Do you like my big gun Mom? Pchoo. Pchoo."
"Yes, well, we don't shoot people though, right?"
"We only shoot bad guys. That right Mom? We just shoot the bad guys [sinister voice]."
"Okay."
[Quiet for a minute.]
"Pchoo. Pchoo. I shoot you Mom."
"Yeah, except I'm not a bad guy."
"Yes you are. Can I take my legos to school to show Alma?"
"I don't think that is a very good idea."
[Takes gun apart and puts pieces in box.]
[Singing] "Open and shut. Open and shut. Open and shut. Fold them in your lap. Heav'ly Fader. Thank thee. In name of Jesus Christ. Amen."
[Pulls on bathing suit with floaties built in.] "These are my underpants. Bye Mom!"
[Comes back. Picks up mail from your Dad.] "This what the mail truck brought us. I will read it. [singing] Old MacDonald had a farm E I E I O. And on that farm he had a pig. E I E I O. With a [snort, snort] here, and a [snort, snort] here."
And this is the message Mr. Bloomers returned to me:
Love that kid. I don't think you are a bad guy.
Subject: Your son
just built a tower of legos.
"I'm building a big gun."
"Lovely."
"Do you like my big gun Mom? Pchoo. Pchoo."
"Yes, well, we don't shoot people though, right?"
"We only shoot bad guys. That right Mom? We just shoot the bad guys [sinister voice]."
"Okay."
[Quiet for a minute.]
"Pchoo. Pchoo. I shoot you Mom."
"Yeah, except I'm not a bad guy."
"Yes you are. Can I take my legos to school to show Alma?"
"I don't think that is a very good idea."
[Takes gun apart and puts pieces in box.]
[Singing] "Open and shut. Open and shut. Open and shut. Fold them in your lap. Heav'ly Fader. Thank thee. In name of Jesus Christ. Amen."
[Pulls on bathing suit with floaties built in.] "These are my underpants. Bye Mom!"
[Comes back. Picks up mail from your Dad.] "This what the mail truck brought us. I will read it. [singing] Old MacDonald had a farm E I E I O. And on that farm he had a pig. E I E I O. With a [snort, snort] here, and a [snort, snort] here."
And this is the message Mr. Bloomers returned to me:
Love that kid. I don't think you are a bad guy.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Visitors: Part 1
We have actually had family come visit us!! YEAH!!!
In September my studly little brother came to visit with his wife and son. I'd like to pretend he came just to see me, buuuut, he is applying to MBA school and was really here to visit Northwestern and the University of Chicago. Since we provide free lodging plus the use of a vehicle, and we are just such a charming family, Wills, Steph, and the darling Baby B took up residence in our basement for a few days.
(Of course a large part of my self-interested self not-so-secretly hopes that Wills is only accepted at the schools here, but my great confidence in his brilliance and stellar academic record and impressive work contributions give me little hope that this will be the case.)
I am so sad to report that this was only the FIRST time I had been lucky enough to see Baby B in person. And he is just as darling as I thought he would be, with very doting parents.
Baby B and Princess bonded over the push-car. It was a perfect match, as he only wanted to sit, and she only wanted to push.
We took a trek into the city where I proved the fact that I should never quit my day-job to become a tour guide. We took a scenic jaunt up Lakeshore Drive after I botched our entrance into the parking garage, just to give one example of my lack of skill in city navigation.
After finally locating the parking garage, we spent some time in Millenium Park. The kids had such a great time at Crown Fountain, that we actually had to run into Old Navy for some dry attire.
My public apologies to poor Wills and Steph who became abandoned with my unraveling children whilst I was held captive by a stuck elevator.
The kids bounced back when their kind aunt and uncle agreed to dinner at Rainforest Cafe, one of their favorite places. Every table there seemed to be celebrating a birthday. It was awesome.
Thanks for coming to see us Will and Steph! We only wish we got to see you more often. You and that adorable nephew of mine are just awesome. We love you!
In September my studly little brother came to visit with his wife and son. I'd like to pretend he came just to see me, buuuut, he is applying to MBA school and was really here to visit Northwestern and the University of Chicago. Since we provide free lodging plus the use of a vehicle, and we are just such a charming family, Wills, Steph, and the darling Baby B took up residence in our basement for a few days.
(Of course a large part of my self-interested self not-so-secretly hopes that Wills is only accepted at the schools here, but my great confidence in his brilliance and stellar academic record and impressive work contributions give me little hope that this will be the case.)
I am so sad to report that this was only the FIRST time I had been lucky enough to see Baby B in person. And he is just as darling as I thought he would be, with very doting parents.
Baby B and Princess bonded over the push-car. It was a perfect match, as he only wanted to sit, and she only wanted to push.
We took a trek into the city where I proved the fact that I should never quit my day-job to become a tour guide. We took a scenic jaunt up Lakeshore Drive after I botched our entrance into the parking garage, just to give one example of my lack of skill in city navigation.
After finally locating the parking garage, we spent some time in Millenium Park. The kids had such a great time at Crown Fountain, that we actually had to run into Old Navy for some dry attire.
My public apologies to poor Wills and Steph who became abandoned with my unraveling children whilst I was held captive by a stuck elevator.
The kids bounced back when their kind aunt and uncle agreed to dinner at Rainforest Cafe, one of their favorite places. Every table there seemed to be celebrating a birthday. It was awesome.
Thanks for coming to see us Will and Steph! We only wish we got to see you more often. You and that adorable nephew of mine are just awesome. We love you!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Inevitable
That with four daughters, someday someone would choose to play Salon Girl. On themselves. With scissors meant for cutting paper.
The real shocker, is that this child would be the culprit.
Little Mommy has a bestest friend in our neighborhood named K. K is a darling little light-blond headed sweetheart who I think people assume belongs to me when she is out with us.
Now Little Mommy and K have matching hair.
And at least that made them happy.
(PS I am still sitting here calling that darling girl a Turkey for pulling such a stunt. And I let the siblings have suckers at the hair cutting place. Except. Not. Pretend Salon Girl. I am not ready to encourage her cosmotologist skills. Not at age four. Good thing that daughter of mine is so darn sweet and adorable! Missing out on a measly dum dum is hardly a punishment when considered in combination with a trip to be pampered at the salon. Turkey!)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Five Days
Most days in a row I have not run since I was injured in May. This after a 28-mile week to make up for the previous 22-mile week.
Bubonic Plague, or possibly its cousin the Wilbur flu (think Charlotte's Web...so much gentler a name than the currently popular s. flu), or quite possibly some other spiteful yet uncreatively-named virus has infiltrated our home. The Actress and the Artist fell first, followed by me, and then Little Mommy. We have been down and out with fevers, aches, sore throats, coughs, runny noses, stuffy noses, headaches, and nausea. (Did that almost sound like a Nyquil ad?)
On the bright side, in putting together the Artist's All About Me scrapbook for her reign as first grade Star of the Week (conveniently scheduled for this week when she has been home with aforementioned plague), I rediscovered this priceless gem of a photo. She was too embarrassed to use it in the book where her school friends would see it (tragedy, no?), so I am posting it here because it is just SO awesome...and rockin', I might add. Enjoy!!!
Bubonic Plague, or possibly its cousin the Wilbur flu (think Charlotte's Web...so much gentler a name than the currently popular s. flu), or quite possibly some other spiteful yet uncreatively-named virus has infiltrated our home. The Actress and the Artist fell first, followed by me, and then Little Mommy. We have been down and out with fevers, aches, sore throats, coughs, runny noses, stuffy noses, headaches, and nausea. (Did that almost sound like a Nyquil ad?)
On the bright side, in putting together the Artist's All About Me scrapbook for her reign as first grade Star of the Week (conveniently scheduled for this week when she has been home with aforementioned plague), I rediscovered this priceless gem of a photo. She was too embarrassed to use it in the book where her school friends would see it (tragedy, no?), so I am posting it here because it is just SO awesome...and rockin', I might add. Enjoy!!!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Safety Town
The Artist officially graduated from Safety Town this summer, which means she should know all about how to be safe...from bicycle safety, to fire safety, to animal safety and more.
The leader of her group must have graduated from Safety Town himself last year. Seriously, am I that old? This kid is supposed to be around 14 but I swear he looks 8.
The buildings in the town are so cute! And perfectly scaled for kids.
Apparently Princess didn't want her picture taken with this house.
Now all of the kids know how to dial 911. And they even know what a pay phone is! (Not that they could probably find one if they needed one. How the world has changed!)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
My Whole Body Makeover
I struggle immensely with pre-partum depression, but the first four times around I felt great again by 2 weeks post-partum. After Princess, this was not the case. My depression affected my eating, which affected my depression. I wasn't sleeping well either, and I had only recently begun to try and exercise regularly again.
A concerned family member had suggested in a lengthy and heartfelt email that I get some meds for depression. Though I would never judge another person's choice to go this route as there are times when this is wholly appropriate, I did not feel like this was the answer for me. I felt that I needed to make my physical body a priority, especially in regards to regular exercise. Of course eating and sleeping needed attention too.
On Valentine's Day I woke up with a new motivation and strength to do what I was feeling inspired to do. I was unhappy with my attempts to lose weight that had only seemed to result in losing and regaining the same 10 pounds, and I felt I needed help to get my eating back on track, for both weight loss and general health. I looked up the nearest Weight Watchers meeting and told Mr. Bloomers I would be leaving in less than an hour to attend.
Weight Watchers was great. I had done it before years earlier, and love the program because it teaches healthy responsible eating of real regular food--a lifestyle change rather than a quick temporary fix. Within 9 weeks I had lost about 20 pounds and was feeling better.
At this point, I quit Weight Watchers to save the money, but kept doing it on my own. I still eat what my family eats, but I do think about points most days even though I no longer write down everything I eat or religiously track points. If we get Pizza Hut, I eat one slice with lots of veggies rather than 3 or 4 slices. I am careful in my portioning, and I try to really focus on foods that give a lot of bang for the buck...meaning nutritional value for the calories. It probably took me 6 months to get to the point where I feel so good eating such a healthy diet that I generally choose the healthy eating because I want to rather than because I am forcing myself to.
When I read success stories, I like to know the numbers, don't you? I am 5'4". When I started Weight Watchers in February, I weighed about 177. Five kids in less than eight years, plus stress-eating for moves, job changes, grad school for Mr. Bloomers, etc. had taken its toll in a big way. I was a size 14. Fast forward to today. I weigh about 132, and wear a size 4.
Now I haven't been a size 4 since high school, and though healthy eating has helped me find a healthy weight, I have to give the credit for my current body to a recently developed passion for running, especially since I stopped actually trying to lose weight a couple of months ago when I was a size 6.
For most of my life I hated running, but I think that is because I never got good enough at it to enjoy the benefits. This isn't to say that I am that fast or that I will be doing any record setting, but I am in good shape and enjoy most of my runs.
I now run about 25 miles a week, either outside at the crack of dawn, or on the treadmill at home or the gym whenever I can get the chance. I do run while my other kids play in the basement, so long as Princess is napping as she isn't old enough to have the sense to keep her distance.
Though I occasionally have depressed kinds of days, my mind and heart are healthy again. Running has been so great for my mental health. I enjoy my blessings so much more. I feel stronger and healthier and have more energy. I feel greater adoration for Mr. Bloomers and our darling children. I have more patience for them, and savor every delicious moment with them.
I feel like myself again. And that is the real success.
Afterthought: When I first began contemplating this post some weeks ago, I had planned to post before and after pictures. I have a particularly awful one of me from last Christmas, and was going to steal one from a friend's blog for the after, when I am modeling size 6 Gap jeans at an event she had hosted to launch their newest denim line.
But the reality is, that though I enjoy being thinner, the increased mental and physical health matters to me so much more than the size that I am choosing to go sans photos.
Thanks for reading about my journey to better health...feel free to enlist me as a cheerleader if any of you are making your own similar trek. I would love to support you.
A concerned family member had suggested in a lengthy and heartfelt email that I get some meds for depression. Though I would never judge another person's choice to go this route as there are times when this is wholly appropriate, I did not feel like this was the answer for me. I felt that I needed to make my physical body a priority, especially in regards to regular exercise. Of course eating and sleeping needed attention too.
On Valentine's Day I woke up with a new motivation and strength to do what I was feeling inspired to do. I was unhappy with my attempts to lose weight that had only seemed to result in losing and regaining the same 10 pounds, and I felt I needed help to get my eating back on track, for both weight loss and general health. I looked up the nearest Weight Watchers meeting and told Mr. Bloomers I would be leaving in less than an hour to attend.
Weight Watchers was great. I had done it before years earlier, and love the program because it teaches healthy responsible eating of real regular food--a lifestyle change rather than a quick temporary fix. Within 9 weeks I had lost about 20 pounds and was feeling better.
At this point, I quit Weight Watchers to save the money, but kept doing it on my own. I still eat what my family eats, but I do think about points most days even though I no longer write down everything I eat or religiously track points. If we get Pizza Hut, I eat one slice with lots of veggies rather than 3 or 4 slices. I am careful in my portioning, and I try to really focus on foods that give a lot of bang for the buck...meaning nutritional value for the calories. It probably took me 6 months to get to the point where I feel so good eating such a healthy diet that I generally choose the healthy eating because I want to rather than because I am forcing myself to.
When I read success stories, I like to know the numbers, don't you? I am 5'4". When I started Weight Watchers in February, I weighed about 177. Five kids in less than eight years, plus stress-eating for moves, job changes, grad school for Mr. Bloomers, etc. had taken its toll in a big way. I was a size 14. Fast forward to today. I weigh about 132, and wear a size 4.
Now I haven't been a size 4 since high school, and though healthy eating has helped me find a healthy weight, I have to give the credit for my current body to a recently developed passion for running, especially since I stopped actually trying to lose weight a couple of months ago when I was a size 6.
For most of my life I hated running, but I think that is because I never got good enough at it to enjoy the benefits. This isn't to say that I am that fast or that I will be doing any record setting, but I am in good shape and enjoy most of my runs.
I now run about 25 miles a week, either outside at the crack of dawn, or on the treadmill at home or the gym whenever I can get the chance. I do run while my other kids play in the basement, so long as Princess is napping as she isn't old enough to have the sense to keep her distance.
Though I occasionally have depressed kinds of days, my mind and heart are healthy again. Running has been so great for my mental health. I enjoy my blessings so much more. I feel stronger and healthier and have more energy. I feel greater adoration for Mr. Bloomers and our darling children. I have more patience for them, and savor every delicious moment with them.
I feel like myself again. And that is the real success.
Afterthought: When I first began contemplating this post some weeks ago, I had planned to post before and after pictures. I have a particularly awful one of me from last Christmas, and was going to steal one from a friend's blog for the after, when I am modeling size 6 Gap jeans at an event she had hosted to launch their newest denim line.
But the reality is, that though I enjoy being thinner, the increased mental and physical health matters to me so much more than the size that I am choosing to go sans photos.
Thanks for reading about my journey to better health...feel free to enlist me as a cheerleader if any of you are making your own similar trek. I would love to support you.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
First Day of School
The Actress is in 3rd grade this year. Her teacher is wonderful.
The Artist is in 1st grade this year. Her teacher is also wonderful.
Little Mommy is in two preschools this year. She attends a phonological speech preschool through the school district two mornings a week, and a regular preschool with her best friend two other mornings a week. I am pretty sure she prefers regular preschool. She really likes her speech preschool teacher, but last year her class had 3 or 4 girls in it, which was great, and this year she is the ONLY girl with 4 boys. I am sure hoping some other girl will join in soon.
The first day of school was a tough one for the Actress as she got back into the swing of things with friends at recess. It was a bit of a struggle for the Artist too. Sooo, along with some Mommy TLC, I made a super, WAY out of the ordinary after-school snack. (There was a LOT of whipped cream to make it look bigger without adding too many more calories. And of course two full bananas.)
On your mark. (not sure why the Artist looks so unenthused here.)
Get set.
GO! Good stuff.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Results have been posted
My official time is: 2:20:38.7.
For a mile pace of: 10:44.
I finished 69th of 113 in my division (women ages 30-34).
I finished 485th of 760 total women.
I finished 1109th of 1509 total runners who completed the race.
Most importantly of course, I finished.
And I am SO glad that I will have such great company in Champaign. The challenge stands out there for others to join in the fun.
PS I think I am going to go for the full marathon.
For a mile pace of: 10:44.
I finished 69th of 113 in my division (women ages 30-34).
I finished 485th of 760 total women.
I finished 1109th of 1509 total runners who completed the race.
Most importantly of course, I finished.
And I am SO glad that I will have such great company in Champaign. The challenge stands out there for others to join in the fun.
PS I think I am going to go for the full marathon.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Truly...Labor Day
No, I wasn't in labor today, but I did successfully complete my first half marathon.
My goal was 2:15, but I allowed myself a cushion and determined I wouldn't be disappointed if I came in under 2:30. Although I don't have my official time yet, according to the Garmin I came in at 2:20.
When the race started, the humidity was at 93%. Yes, that did make it hard to breathe. Also, there were a number of hills in this course, and seeing as how there aren't that many hills around where I live, I was kind of unprepared to deal with those. Note to self: train on hills next summer.
A couple of weeks ago I ran 12 miles in 2 hours and felt great through the run and pretty good afterwards. Today was different. I was just not feeling up to par and it was a tough run for me, but I did it. And I will probably do it again next year, though hopefully I will finish in better time.
Mr. Bloomers and the kids went on a marathon of their own to walk to a restaurant for breakfast. I am so proud of Mr. Bloomers for taking charge of the brood and doing a fabulous job. We left just after 6 AM this morning, and that is EARLY with five little kids.
The area around the race was beautiful. The kids were amazingly photogenic for the early hour.
I think they thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and still made it back to the finish line in time. As I came over to them just after the race, Max exclaimed, "Mom, you did it. You won!" So cute. At least I am the winner to him. And hey, I still got a medal!
The race wore us all out, but it was a great experience.
Funny thing is...I used to be someone who had no understanding of those who ran. When I would learn that someone had run a marathon, rather than being awed, I would just silently think about how stupid they must be to pay to sign up to be tortured by pounding the pavement. It made no sense to me.
Now I get it. I love what running does for my mental health and my physical health. I love the shape my body is taking, even after five children (though it would be nice if running could erase stretch marks or deliver a tummy tuck :). I love the natural incentive to eat healthier so I can feel stronger and train harder. I love how much more even-tempered I am because I run...for the way it clears my head and dissapates my stress. I love the goal-setting and feeling of accomplishment. I love the example I am setting for my children. I am a better person because I run.
Anyone feeling inspired? I would love for you to join me in Champaign, IL on Saturday, May 1st, 2010. There are a number of distances available, and I am recruiting friends to make it fun weekend together. These are the caps for the Second Illinois Marathon as copied from the website:
2010 race caps announced. By using a staggered start on race day, we will be able to accommodate more runners in 2010. Here are the caps — marathon: 3,000; half marathon: 6,000; 4-person relay: 300 teams; 5K: 4,000; Youth Run: 1,000. Due to the success of our inaugural 2009 races, we expect registration to reach its caps again for 2010.
Hope to see you there!
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