Growth, a Birthday, and Monday Check In

We won a big battle last week. My husband and I. We battle against each other, with each other, for each other, and finally when we came together, spoke words from the heart and the tears poured down our faces, and we won the battle together. The path was clear. It was hard to get there. But on the other side the sun shone waiting for us, people there encouraging us, and we rose hands together, stronger then before.

The battle we fought is not the important part. The important part is that once we came together to fight it, we won it.

And we grew. In ourselves as people, and together as a couple.


O My Luv.

happy birthday Hunny

He had a birthday this weekend. I hope it was memorable for him. I hope he felt special. I hope he knows how much he is luved. By me and each one of our children. I don't know if he realizes, but our world revolves around his comings and goings from our home. He is just simply part of what makes this family what it is.

Growth - as I come out of this illness, cold induced fog, it seems to me they have all grown a ton over the past 2 weeks.

Taking the leader the roll to read a story.

Finding the quiet time she needs to do something she luvs.

A hair cut making him seem so grown up.

he says to me, "Mom I looked in the mirror and I look different"

Oh and this weest one of mine, pointing and answering with her humming, and sighn, and "uh hu" so we know what she means.

o the big girl shoes

My check in today was good. I worked out well last week despite the cold and illness dragging me down. Maybe not as much as I had set out too, but I can feel my body strengthening, and my endurance building. Every day but Saturday, so really I did great working it in to my daily life as mom, and teacher and wife. I ate well sticking to points 'mostly' with the exception of Goran's birthday party Saturday night. I'm upping veggies and continuing homemade baked goods instead of packaged. I made a great granola bar last week!
So I was down (drum roll) 2lb today!! I was happy to see a change in the scale after 2 weeks of a small up and then a small down. Although I was very determined I admit I was a bit discouraged at the slow weight loss over those 2 weeks. But I also know that weight loss tents to work in a cycle, and for most women, in a monthly cycle. So I'm guessing that I will likely continue this process of losing for 2 weeks and maintaining for 2 weeks.  I've been at this for 6 weeks, and down a total of 7.6lb. Which is just over 1lb a week, which is the recommended weight loss to maintain long term weight loss. I'm good with that. I just need to remember that the 2 slow weeks when I want to eat a batch of cookies and a bag of potato chips ;)

I will do this. One pound at a time.

No pic of me this week, but next week I will make sure!!

Hope you weekend was wonderful, and your week is better!

Thankful

1. For Peek-a-boo

2. Funny faces, because they don't like Halls

3. Wet pants that mean someone is peeing enough

4. Crayon hearts

5. Tears that bring us closer

6. Snowmen

7. Hugs from the oldest wee one after a long week of battling this stupid cold that will not let up

8. Quiet times

9. The Bible's words of comfort,

Romans 8:28:  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

 inspired by SouleMama

 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

And They Craft

Its a favorite winter past time. Glue, markers, crayons, fun foam, tissue paper, scissors...the list goes on and on. The sit for hours, filling coloring books, making cards, and drawing pictures.

Sometimes for themselves, for each other, for extended family, and for friends. We go threw paper faster then food!

I watch and listen. They share, and help, and co-operate together.

"Can you please pass the glue?"

"Can I have the scissors when you are done?"

"Like this Klara, watch me."

"I can help you, Bryan."

Accepting. Right now, today, in this moment, the simpleness of what they have together. The friendships and bonds that will last a life time. The memories of time around the table.

I am reminding myself that this is what is important.

Accepting that right now is all we have, and right now they are great children. They make me smile, and make me proud. They make me question, make me cry, make me try harder and make me do better.

Craft away my wee ones. Help, and teach, and work together, to remind me that where we are is a good place. And the accepting that is the best I can do for us.

Happy Wednesday!

Monday Monday

O, the sun shines, the kitchen is well on its way, we are all healthy (do sniffles count?) and a great visit is planned for today. Its beautiful and wonderful. The raw, pureness of joy. Its here. My soul sings, the kids smile and laugh. 

As the morning tics on and I have only a few minutes here and there to quickly jot down my thoughts.

Last week was long as Klara continued to struggle with aftermath effects of the flu. Although the kids and I recovered in a day, Goran was the last to get it, and it took him longer to recover. Because Klara's small body is having such a hard time we got some milk from a friend, and I started fenugreek to build my own supply again. We were definitely on the way to weening, but being up during the night crying, and the low pees, I knew she needed me to do something. She in on the mend again, playing, peeing and sleeping mostly threw the night again. The healing power of mothers milk!

The weekend was a whirlwind! The kitchen made great progress as my mom and dad came for the day.

While the men worked, my mom and a I entertained the kids. A trip to the mall, a walk in the fantastic weather , and a snuggle up with popcorn and a movie to end the afternoon.

Sunday was more quiet, but Goran continued with the kitchen, and the kids and I took advantage of the weather again with long trips/walks outside in the sunshine.

green grass in February

The day has passed, and the the sun has dipped away. Street lights lightemed my way home, with 2 sleeping quietly, and 2 anticipating getting home, where Daddy and warm beds waits.

We went off to visit one of my besties today. Helping. Watching children, wiping tears, giving hugs, sharing my thoughts, listening, drying dishes, and rounding up kids for one last hug. I luv it. I luv the smiles, the giving, and easy sharing. I believe relationships is one of the most meaningful things in this life. Today rang true to that.

Mondays Check In

 I feel great! I put on a pair of pants, and wore them with easy. Jeans I couldn't wear a month ago. My weight went done .4lb. I was hoping for more, but am expecting things to go quickly in the next week or 2 as I continue to work out, and choose healthy things to eat. The working out feels great. Adding an afternoon once or twice a week is great too! The walking with the kids over the weekend felt amazing too! My energy is up and my body feels stronger and more limber then it has in years.

I was going to say 

'self portrait taken with iphone '

but that is quit obvious!

Happy Monday! Hope your day has been fantastic! Stay tuned for the next post in the next few days!

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

inspired by SouleMama

A Bug & Monday Check In

I had written a great post yesterday. I was just waiting for the perfect moment to take a few pics, go threw them, pick and upload. Suddenly the morning was afternoon and it was time to head off to a party. Off we went, posting waiting on the screen for me to get home.

We partied. It was an odd afternoon. Bryan and Klara refused to eat, and Klara threw a major fit. Screaming, crying, flopping on the group, the whole shebang. I was watched the snow fall outside the window thinking about the roads, and thinking we should go home as tired baby screamed at me, and flailed in my arms. Finally Goran did the 'go home sign' (every couple as one, right?) and we packed up the kids and buckled seat belts. The roads were slick, and even on the 400 highway things were slow. And they got slower. It was getting darker and the red brake lights got thicker. After about 5 minutes on the road we were stopped. Oh boy. This was not the worse of it.

As we were wondering what the hold up was, there was a wrenching noise from the very back.

"Bryan just threw up!" volunteered Angelina. Why did she sound almost excited?

We inched along, passed back Kleenex and listened to the poor boy wrench again and again. The roads were covered in snow. We were surrounded by others who were stuck, just like us. A police car passed on the shoulder, rushing somewhere off ahead of us.

I text a friend. She checked the government website and text back that they have closed the 400 highway due to collisions. We are inching along only to get off at the next exit. *sigh*

It gets worse.

Klara wrenched and joined Bryan in the party of sick. We were stuck. Other then knowing they are OK, breathing with no obstructions, we had no choice but continued the slow ride home and get them home for cuddles and baths. (But in the other order)

After an hour and half long ride, we pull into our beautifully snow covered street and I wondered why we didn't have this snow Christmas day. (Its normally a 20 minute drive)

It was an evening of bathing, washing, snuggles, milk, early tuck ins, and my tummy beginning to turn. My post was put aside.

The night saw the other 2 join the crowd of sick in the house.

Lots of long hot baths,

even sick she is cute

TV,  beside buckets, napping, ginger ale,

they luv that show but I don't get it...

I remember these days on the couch cuddled under the same blanket with sisters

crackers all day long....

and the washing machine going and going and going.

laundry all day long...and the now clean car seats

Check In
 
For my check in....hummmm....

I'm up .4 of a lb. I'm not devastated. I had a few to many cookies, and was 'sloppy' with my points. I worked out 6 times, and that felt good. I hoped it would all even out...but kinda knew it wouldn't.

I will be more diligent about points, and maybe not make cookies with week. Making cookies and having them in the house is to hard. I'm going to try to add in an hour work out on Thursday afternoon, and instead of 1/2 hour or 45 minute on Tuesday morning, make it and hour as well. I've done an hour the last 2 Sundays, and luv it. I'm going to keep that up. So that make 3 1 hour workouts, and 4, 30-45 minute work outs depending on which I choice. It feels good to move, and feel the muscles complaining. I know that means they are getting stronger, and leaner, and making me more shapely - in a different (more attractive) way then I was.

I'm a bit disappointed, not completely surprised, but certainly not discouraged. I lost 5.2lb in 4 weeks! That is great! If I can keep that up, I will be at my goal in another 16 weeks!! That's amazing!! Its not about perfection, its about continuing to move forward!

I will do this!

Does anyone want to run with me come March? I am thinking to change things up it might be nice and to run Sunday mornings......

I have not picture of me this week, but next week!