Exercise: Self Care vs. Self Indulgent

At some point this summer, a friend who was giving me a compliment in front of the group, mentioned that I was really good at making time for myself.  It was something she struggled with and she wanted me to share any tips or tricks I might have.

It's true, I am good at squeezing in a workout almost every day, and I call it my me-time.  I have made exercise time a priority in my schedule and have a personality that really NEEDS it in order to keep all the other areas of my life sane.  Besides, keeping our bodies healthy is actually what we are supposed to be doing in thanksgiving for God's creation.  I'm a better e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g when I've done some physical activity (just ask my husband who hands me my sneakers when I'm having a stressed out day).   

Back to School, Back to Reality

It's the most wonderful time of the year...for parents...maybe not so much for teachers.

My Fab 5 started school today!  Declan will start preschool next week, and we might just have to redo the school photos to include him.  Sorry not sorry in advance.

Back to School Shopping

Back to School Shopping has always given me a funny feeling in my stomach.  When I was a kid, it was a mixture of excitement and nerves for school to start.  Would I look cool?  Would I make new friends?  Would anyone notice my new hair style?  Now that I'm the mom, I still get that feeling in my stomach but it's more about making sure everyone has what they need, everybody feels ready, and I spread out the shopping enough so that it doesn't all hit the same credit card bill!

Before I focus on school, there are always great end-of-summer swim deals going on at Land's End (the best place to buy such items, in my humble opinion).

This swimsuit top is only $16.99!!!

This swim skirt is only $18.99 in pink or teal!!!

I bought this same swimsuit combo (different colors) at the beginning of this summer and it cost me over $80!!  I was desperate, but don't be me back in May...get the better price now!

Maggie will be wearing this swim shirt (only $10.99) and swim shorts (only $12.99) next year!

In May, I bought her a similar pair and it cost me over $40!  She insisted on a shirt and shorts, and it really works for her athletic build and gives her confidence in a swimsuit!

I didn't need any boys' suits - but there are huge sales going on over there.  Even the cute swim shoes are on sale for those rocky beaches.  

OK, summer's over!  School's here!  

The Reign of Brendan

Last but not least...that's my baby, Brendan Joseph.  

He's the last in line (currently, anyway.  #notanannouncement) and I have so much motherguilt with him.  I haven't even started his baby book yet!!  He is not the world's easiest baby (we've had a few of those, and oh my, a spoiled mother do they make) and that makes him harder to *like*.  I know!  Things only a mother could type!  I *love* him but can we please just hurry him up to the best age ever...four.  As I try to type this, he is planning an escape from the toy room where his big siblings are watching him in shifts so that I can have a moment of downtime before my head explodes.  It's been one of those days.  The great thing about having lots of kids is seeing lots of personalities and knowing that this too, shall pass.  We've had hard babies turn into wonderful kids, so I know all hope is not lost!

SleepNOvers

 

 I've had a couple people ask me about our stance on sleepovers after this post, so I decided to write a little more about it.  As a background, Phil and I both grew up with parents who allowed sleepovers at friend's houses.  Neither one of us had cousins living nearby, so all of our friends weren't family members.  We both have great memories of these sleepovers with friends...but also some really bad ones.  Both of us recall that sick feeling in the bottom of our stomachs the day after a sleepover where we tried to stay up for the whole night, ate too much junk food, and watched questionable movies.  I watched The Shining in 6th grade after my friend's mom asked the group of girls if we were all allowed to watch R-rated movies and I was too embarrassed to state otherwise.  That movie scarred me for life.  I also played with a Ouija board, did some stupid dares, and between the bus and sleepovers, I learned about everything controversial/morally questionable/swears/the birds and the bees, etc.  Phil tells of similar tales...nothing good happens after dark, hyped up on sugar and adrenaline, away from parents.  All of these things influenced our decision as to why we didn't want our kids to have sleepovers at friends houses.  

But there are two more points that sealed the deal.