Because I Had Children

For a few weeks in September I was unable to log in.  Then, life got busy and things had to go.  But, I just wanted to say that I'M BACK!!  I hope to  find  make the time to write again because there is so much stirring around in my head that I want to say.  Needless to say, we started potty training today so I don't know what the week or two holds for me, lol. In the meantime, here are a few questions mulling about in my head and I want your replies to them... Women, as far as your home is concerned: 1.  How do you manage your time?  (lists, daily schedule, fly by the seat of your pants, etc) 2.  What things stress you out? 3.  How do you prioritize? 4.  How do you keep from getting over-scheduled? I'm working on something and need your help.  Thanks!!

I just want to start off by saying that homeschooling and charter schools are not an option for me.  Call me crazy, but I'm not organized enough or disciplined enough to home school and I'm tool selfish to drive my kids to another school when there is one in my very own neighborhood and a bus to get my older kids to theirs.  It doesn't mean I'm anti either of them.  I just am happy where I'm at and have no reason to change.  My problem comes from people thinking that I am ignorant about where I send my own kids as if I haven't researched my options.  It is a topic that comes up on occasion and when it does, I feel like I have to defend myself for my choice.  I'm just going to highlight a few things that have been brought to my attention recently: Safety Several years ago, I asked the head of security at the "other" high school in our area (he is a friend of mine) if he thought there was more problems at my school than at his.  His answer?  ...

Exercise?  Yeah right.  If you read my post about being overwhelmed, you will know what activity got pushed aside this summer.  I'm still struggling from my broken toe too (I know, I should go see the Dr. at this point). For the first time in my entire life, I have felt the struggle to lose excess weight.  Usually when I start a training program, I have no problem running 2-3 miles the first day because being out of shape is different than being overweight.  Ben and I started taking the kids to the high school to run around the track and on the bleachers and I can't even run one lap without walking.  I only got a mile in the other night and that was walking/walking fast.  I can only jog as fast as I can speed walk at this point.  I didn't realize how difficult this extra weight would be to take off.  So guess what I did?  I came home and ate because I was so frustrated.  Apparently I have an eating problem. I have had all kinds ...

When I was a younger mother and my children were much smaller, I had several people regularly tell me they thought I had too many activities going on with each of my children.  I felt like I had everything under control, but apparently I looked like I didn't.  I felt like I was able to get everything in; my church calling, my homemaking responsibilities, volunteer activities, "me" time, plus get my kids to their piano lessons, sports practices and other extracurricular events.  I never once felt like I had taken on too much.  But, I felt like I was constantly having to stand up for myself and prove that I was doing it all and I was doing it just fine.  Never once did I feel overworked or stressed out to the point that I couldn't handle my hectic schedule.  (OK, let's be honest, I had my days, but they were relatively few and far between.) Until this summer happened. I have never felt so overworked and exhausted as I have the last two months.  It ac...

I love parenting books.  Mostly, I take what I like from this book and from that book and combine them into my own style.  I think that is what most people should do.  But, I will say that I agree with almost 99% of what I read in this book. My little sister just had her first baby, a sweet baby girl.  She is the one who recommended this book to me even though my oldest daughter will be 18 years old soon.  I'm so glad I had a chance to read it before she flew the coop and while my other three girls are still young.  Because Marly is so much older, I am going to recommend she read it too because of the data and statistics included are just good to know. I'm going to admit that my husband is a pretty fantastic dad and he already does so much of what the book suggests as far as being a great dad that maybe that is why it made so much sense to me.  The reality is, that nobody is perfect and there is always something we can be doing better.  Th...

In April, I was running a lot.  Here I am marking my mileage at the race. I did it again, I went almost a whole month without posting.  So lame; I guess some of those mountains still have not been conquered.  Here's another mountain I can't seem to conquer...regular workouts.  Since I ran my Ragnar Relay Race back in April, I have gained almost 25 pounds.  I have two pair of pants that fit and I hate one of them.  I feel like a blob too.  I carry most of it in my stomach so I've done a lot of sucking it in lately, but it is driving me crazy. There are these stupid nagging thoughts when I'm in a situation such as this, and it messes with my brain so much, you can't even believe it.  And here is one: If I can't exercise, who cares what I eat?  I hate it when I think like that.  I've been eating a lot lately; crappy food too. I broke my toe several weeks ago and my toe/foot have been miserable since so I am unable to run. ...

Have you seen this video?  One of my all time favorites.   The last few weeks have been overwhelming for me and this video kept running through my mind.  I felt like every time I would get something accomplished, another mountain popped up in its place. I had things like catching up on the books for booster club , getting ready for my ragnar race , my stake calling through LDS Family Services , and my primary class , not to mention housework, meals and running kids everywhere.  Don't even get me started on writing for the newspaper , keeping up with my blog and editing my book.  There were days I didn't know where to begin so I logged into my Facebook and sat there.  I avoided pretty much everything besides the basic needs of my children, like cold cereal and diaper changes.  We did spend some lovely days at the park (avoiding stuff needing done at home), and I did cook on that one night of the week that I trade dinners with my dear frien...