Just because I'm not like you, doesn't make me wrong.

As a parent, I've learned one very important thing. There are THOUSANDS of different parenting styles. Well, which is only appropriate for the different children.

A lot of the thing I do (as a parent, and a person) are more "unconventional" but that doesn't mean it's wrong. Just because one person thinks it's crazy and would never work for their family/situation, doesn't mean that I'm doing something wrong for my family/situation.

One thing I have learned that WORKS is natural consequences. This is tough love people! But, it is teaching my daughter that she has the responsibility to own up to the choice she just made. I promise, that it has an effect on  the choices made the next time the opportunity presents itself.

It's easier for me to see my kid upset by the direct effects of her choices, than just run around spanking her all the time!

There are so many ADULTS who are un-able to handle their own emotions, and frustrations. It's sad to see adults acting out like a 2 year old to get what they want. All because they were never told no. Or they were able to manipulate their way in to whatever they wanted their whole life. These people usually aren't very favored by others. No one wants to be around a full grown toddler........ They usually are unsuccessful, and unfavored.

Seeing this only makes me realize that I want a child/person who can handle "life". I want her to know that she will sometimes hear "No" and it's okay. She can find success somewhere else. It will challenge her to go above and beyond. Instead of throwing a temper tantrum, and looking for handouts. 

Even at a young age she is learning so many things that will go with her through the rest of her life. For this I am proud.

It's okay to let your kids do for themselves. It's okay to let go a little, and let them explore, and LEARN. She will mess up. I will mess up. But that is the best way of learning! I don't expect her to be perfect, but I do expect her to TRY!

Right now, she is playing in her balls. She ask me if she could dump them out. I said "Of course you can, but you must pick them all up." And I know that she knows she has to, because she did yesterday. So instead of getting in a frenzy of " OMG there are a million balls all over the room" I just let her do it. She know that she has to clean them up afterwards. How exhilarating for a toddler??? For once, she is not hearing the word "no" when most of the time, she may hear it when dumping a massive amount of anything out!

We are working on eliminating the word "CAN'T" from our vocabulary. It's hard to teach her to quit saying,when I say it. So this is a learning process for all of us!

So when she says "Mommy, I can't!" I correct her and say " Yes, you can, you just need help" I have learned through this experience that I can always find another way to phrase my sentence so that the word cant is gone.

When we were learning to use the potty, Anisten would be playing or watching tv(something distractable) and just pee on the floor. I know that she knows the sensation, and that she knows when to go, but she was refusing to stop what she was doing, and go. So my solution to this? She has to clean up her mess. And it was a LONG DRAWN OUT PROCESS. I didn't help once. (until she was no longer looking, I would "clean clean" it) I would show her where the towels were. She had to wipe it up. Then she had to put it in the washer, and start the washer. I made it as long of a process as possible. She didn't mind at all, in the beginning, but she was grumbling and whining about doing it after the 4th or 5th time ..... Now, we're over a week free of accidents and almost sleeping with out a diaper! She learned that it was easier, and faster to just go potty and run back to what she was doing. Other than having the tv turned off while she cleaned.
Did I feel terrible while she had to clean it up? Yes, I felt like a horrible drill sargent parent. But now, I'm so happy we did. She had to clean up maybe 10 accidents, but it was a lesson learned!!!! This is where the judgmental parenting comes in--- But, again, Just becuase I'm not like you, doesn't make me wrong. 

I had no intention of even introducing potty training until 2 and half years old. That's still 5 months from now. But she showed interest, so we just took our cues from her.

I've learned that more than anything, as she changes, I have to change. I have to constantly stay on my game and up my parenting! I'm constantly looking up things for her age. We are always introducing new and stimulating things to do that are good for her brain, motor skills, and that are just plain fun!

So, parents you do what works for you and your child! Not what everyone else thinks you should do. Because what works for one, may not work for another. 

Blogging, is for Bloggers....

I'm certainly not meeting that qualification!

I spent a lot of time keeping track of my training on my "running" blog that I kind of...well I just plain old ignored this one.

But that's okay! Now that I'm not training anymore, and just running like a normal person, I can spend more time over here where I actually have some readers!

It's been a busy spring (as always) for us! It seems like the first weekend in April starts and the flood gates open. Anisten's birthday. From there it just poored out graduation,prom,and weddings! Well, this is all part of my business. Aside from the business part, we did have 2 graduate from Scott's side of the family. We are so proud of Stephen-Who graduated from OSU! And Krista, who finished the dreaded highschool ;-)


I had a few weeks where I was working 10 hour days...this is A LOT in a hairdresser's world. I double book my clients. So it made for extremely busy days. I quit working Saturdays. And have yet to have one off! LOL. But it won't always be wedding season. In July I'll be twiddling my thumbs.

Anisten is amazing!!!! She is talking non-stop (just like "all girls" as uncle J says). She is full of joy. The temper tantrums have subsided for the most part. She is going full days wearing big girl underpants- NO DIAPERS! For about 2 weeks, this was trying, and challenging. But now she obviously has prooved that she has more control of her bladder. So, we haven't had any accidents in a while. It's awesome! It's not very convenient to have to find the bathroom as soon as you walk in, and remember to go before you leave a place, but it's getting better! We're pretty proud of our girl!  I'm still every day so thankful that I can spend so much time with her, to watch and teach her to grow. She's so brilliant. I know every parent says this about their kid. But she really is.....in a noticeable way. She puts things together that a lot of 2 year olds just wouldn't understand. Every day I'm shocked by something new. She is still a wiggle worm, and probably always will be..Who am I kidding? Her Mommy and Daddy are wiggle worms. We very rarely just "sit".

Our home life is just the right balance! We get to have Daddy home for dinner and bedtime every night. We wake up and eat breakfast together. We both manage to squeeze in our runs. The house is getting easier to keep up since I have been teaching her to keep her toys in the "toy room". This makes for a sane mama! I am able to cook 4-6 nights a week, and LOVE IT! When things get a little out of wack, which will always at some point happen, I really feel it.

So, we are just smooth sailing right now. We are enjoying every second  together! We find things to do as a family on our days off. We love the zoo, park,aquarium,splash pad,toddler gym,wagon rides....etc! (told you we're not a sedentary family!) So this may explain some of my absence on this bloggy thing!!

Until next time......

Monkey See, Monkey DO!

 
 

Anisten turned 2 yesterday. *Sigh* How do I feel? Indifferent.

I'm happy that she is blossoming with so much balance. She is content. She's adaptable. She is happy.She is learning at such a fast rate. Something new every day! She has excellent social skills. She's not shy. She is almost potty trained. She sleeps in her big girl bed all night (12-14 hours!). She brings joy to a room, as soon as she enters. I love that she is learning to be independent. Something I strive to teach her.... but this only means one thing. She is less-dependent. On me.

So I'm sad that my baby is growing up...she no longer needs me for the things that she needed me for before. She is doing so many things on her own now. Picking out her clothes(quite a site sometimes), cleaning up after herself. Self soothing. Making her own thoughts and creating her own little imaginary world. All by herself. Even as I write this, I'm sad, but I also have come to a realization..... She does need me. She needs me for different things now. She will always need me for something. And I can't let my "need for need" ( A WHOLE NEW BLOG)  cripple her.

Okay enough with all that feeling business! How do you celebrate a 2 year olds birthday? Well...
The night before she went to bed, we left all but one of her binkies out for the bunny rabbit to take and bring presents in return. So when she woke up she had presents in all of the places. She LOVED it! And wasn't sad about the missing binkies. Remind you she still had the ONE binky.
We went and had birthday pancakes and milk for breakfast. YUM! We to the store to buy a birthday dress, and a truck and book. (It's what she wanted)
We then went to the mall. We took her to Build-a-Bear to make a bear for her birthday. She picked out her bear, and took it over to the lady to get it stuffed. We then told her that since she was 2 now, she doesn't need a binky anymore. We are going to put it inside of the bear,so she  can still have her bear and binky when she wants! She willingly did it. And then...She realized it was sewn in there, and not coming back. It took a few minutes but she eventually understood. She didn't like it, but she understood. I'll do a whole new blog on that too.
We rode the carousel! One of her FAVES!
Came home to recover and take a little nap.
She then gets up and asks to go to the park. Not just the park, but the "Big park". The here in Glenpool is the one she likes to go to the most. So of course we packed some snacks and struck out!
After an hour and half at the park she came home and got cozy with a movie, while mom and dad cooked dinner.
She played outside some more, and then it was time for bath and bed time! I'm scared.
She cried and was reallllllly upset that she couldn't have her binky. She said she wanted us to take back BlueBeary, her new bear, and get her binky back. This was heartbreaking b/c she actually has the knowledge and understanding of what has happened. She only took about 15 minutes to fall asleep, and slept ALL night long.

She had a wonderful day. Even with out her binky, she was so so so so happy.
Scott and I were both able to be off with her. And we had just the most PERFECT day ever.

It's been an amazing two years. I'm so proud of my little girl, and couldn't imagine life before or with out her!!

testing...

Facing the truth about obesity.

You know me by now. I'm very passionate about making a healthy life for myself, and my family. I would also LOVE to change the world, and the views we have on our health.

I was inspired to blog about Americans' addicition to food. Especially fast food. It's quite sad actually. I decided that I needed to do some research on the matter before blowing it up!

This too, is convicting to me! - I am not obese, but I do try, and will continue to try harder, to raise my child in a healthy environment....Even when society is pulling her to the greasy side! I will continue to slowly change my eating habits.   For the most part, they are good. They can always be  better!

It's even sad what even our schools serve as a " well balanced" meal...

 I then, in the same day as being inspired, receive an email from a friend and fellow blogger Ashley, saying that she came acrossed this blog that had to do with obesity, and suicide that I might be interested in. (Says it reminds her of something I would post...me?) My ears perked, and I got to my computer and looked it up immediately!
* I quickly recognized that this lady is also involved with the same running group I am! small world!!

I was stunned beyond words after reading the enrtry. I felt like, it should be shared. I got her permission to share the blog, and want to.

 We have to have to have to get out of this rut! We're only killing ourselves slowly. One french fry at a time..

Warning : this blog post will be offensive and possibly painful to some.  It will deal with suicide and obesity.  If either of those two topics are painful for you, I recommend you read no further.
I discovered today that once again, there is an Oklahoman participating in Biggest Loser.  The fitness minded side of me shouted in joy at another Oklahoman attempting to change their life.  The other half of me hung my head in embarrassment for our state.  You see, this past year when the Biggest Loser did a casting call for their new season, they visited 15 cities, one of which is Oklahoma City because their producers have determined it to be one of America’s Fattest Cities.
These producers are not alone.  In 2010, Oklahoma was named the 6th fattest state in the United states.  In addition, we rank 45th in the nation for overall health of our population.  But Oklahoma isn’t alone.  If you look at the map of obese states, you’ll find that the Midwest is filled with high obesity rates and high rates of complications of obesity. 
Now, if you look at the leading causes of death according to the Centers for Disease Control, you will find that the top 10 are made up of Heart disease, cancer, stroke, Chronic lower respiratory disease (Emphysema, asthma, etc.), Accidents, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, Influenza and Pneumonia, Nephritis (kidney diseases) and Septicemia.  Currently, obesity is the #2 cause of preventable death in the United States, but that may not be for long.  It is rapidly approaching tobacco as the number one cause of preventable death.
Preventable.  Let’s look that one up.  Preventable – able to be prevented.  Prevent – to keep from occurring.  So, if you have a someone who is doing something that is preventable, that means they are doing it intentionally, correct?  Now, if someone is intentionally causing death to someone else, that would be considered what?  Manslaughter?  Murder?  But what if they are intentionally causing death to themselves?  Let’s define another word.
Suicide – the act or an instance of taking one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally especially by a person of years of discretion and of sound mind.
Now when most people think about suicide, they think of sudden death.  And the reactions to a suicide or a suicide attempt are broad.  We’ve all heard someone say that it’s selfish.  That the person leaves behind a mess that they never have to deal with.  There is definitively a stigma associated with those sudden, awful suicides. 
But what about when the suicide is slow.  A person who has been warned by doctors time and time again that their lifestyle is leading to their death.  The father who continues bad eating habits knowing that it is leading him to a path of death, maybe not immediately, but eventually.  Why is it horrible for someone to take their life suddenly yet acceptable for someone to do it slowly?  We’ve “accepted” obesity.  It’s no longer acceptable for an airline to charge for 2 seats.  It’s discriminating.  We see more and more lawsuits against companies who have discriminated against overweight individuals.  Nobody calls them selfish.  Nobody reminds them of the mess they are creating.
Now someone is probably reading this and getting offended.  “What mess?” they are angrily asking.  Let me tell you.
The father whose daughter has to take care of him because his legs have been amputated due to Type II diabetes brought on by his obesity.
The mother whose grandchildren’s last memories at Christmas is of her with oxygen tanks because she has congestive heart failure and can’t get out of bed.
The wife who each day prays that today isn’t the day that her husband’s heart stops because of high cholesterol and high blood pressure brought on by his obesity.
You see, with fast suicide, the mess happens after the death.  But with slow suicide, you watch your family die over months and years. 
And of course, you will have those individuals who are justifying obesity by using the argument that there are healthy obese people.  Sure.  They may be healthy today.  No diabetes, no hypertension, no complications.  But fast forward 10, 20, 30 years and lets see how many of today’s obese individuals have died of complications from their weight.  To me, that argument makes as much sense as someone saying that they’re healthy while chain smoking Marlboro Reds. 
Now, let me say this.  There are medical conditions that cause obesity.  But, they are extremely rare.  Only 1% of obesity cases have valid medical causes, and only one disease, Cushing’s syndrome, cannot be completely treated.  It effects 1 individual per million.  Other causes of weight gain and obesity, such as Thyroid disease, PCOS, and depression can typically be treated or assisted.  For 99% of the population, obesity is caused by consuming more calories than burned.  Overeating,  Indulging.  Lack of activity. Choice. 
And yet we’re supposed to accept it, right?  Especially here in the middle of the Bible belt of the Midwest.  Where we preach on Sunday that suicide is wrong, yet succumb to gluttony as soon as the service is over.  When are we as a society going to wake up?
Yes, I am on a rant today.  But I am sad.  This hits close to home.  No mother, father, child, grandchild, wife, or husband should have to put themselves through the hell of watching someone die, especially when it is self imposed, be it fast death or slow death and do nothing about it!  I can’t imagine a more selfish act than to care so little about your loved ones to do nothing to keep them from that pain, yet milions of American’s, almost 1/3 of the population, have decided that suicide is acceptable.

When will it stop?

Thank you so much Shawna    for opening my eyes to the tragedy here! We are being held hostage to the processed, greasy, fattening, artery clogging, heart stopping, " quick foods " that are " convenient "

We are writing our own death wishes. If you think it won't catch up to you eventually. Your delusional!  That blood pressure cup will say other wise. That scale will laugh at you. Those lungs that want so hard to breath normal, will scream for help!

One calorie, and one foot step at a time, we really can conqueror this! It's not about being on a "health kick" it's about living an active healthy lifestyle.  Is it easy? Nope. It's a lot easier to drive up through that drive threw window, order some mindless caloric food, toss a bag to the kid in the back, and keep going. That's easy. Is it easy to bury someone you love because they chose THAT lifestyle? Absolutely not! Is it easy to plan your meals, and take a time out from life to actually think about WHAT  you are putting in your body as fuel? Nope.

We have a choice.

Fat does NOT equal happy.

Not for me anyways!


Here's the deal....

I don't usually like to talk about my weight, or post baby weight loss, in fear of someone thinking I'm being narcissistic...  But everyone else seems to be okay with it.

It's one thing to give someone a compliment like " You look great after having a baby!"  Which I do receive..

When I hear comments like " You need to eat more ", "Your too skinny", " Shrimp"  A cashier in the store the other day say " I can help you little girl" ... I'm 25 years old! These kind of comments make me feel like there is something wrong with me. There is no need for it- Growing up I got the " Skinny minnie" and " String bean" jokes....


But, I am healthy. I eat. A LOT. I replenish calories- Meaning, I try to eat more calories that I burn-  I drink whole milk.

I also eat a lot of fresh vegatables and produce. I eat whole grain pasta, rice, cereal and bread. I cook with real butter instead of the tub butter(most of the time). I only own sea salt. Lots and lots of protein. Do I eat occasional- being the word- sugary yummy treats or buttery goodness? Sure I do. In moderation! I very very very rarely eat fast food.I Exercise almost every single day.  My blood pressure is perfect. My resting heart rate is 58. My hair and nails are healthy and growing. I.AM.HEALTHY.  And I'm happy with my body.  I work hard to stay healthy, in return have a lean GOD GIVEN (literally, genetically)  body. I was made this way.... There is nothing wrong with me- Please don't make me feel like there is.

We have this mentality that Fat = Happy. Ask someone who is over weight and see if they are happy.

We have accepted obesity as Normal. So when someone like myself, or my daughter is on the lower end of "normal" everyone assumes we aren't eating right.

I also have a problem with people assuming that I'm not feeding my child correctly. She is an amazing eater. I HATE HATE HATE when she eats fast food! It's very rare, and hardly ever with me. ( and if it is, we get milk and apples with nuggets instead of the fries and pop) But the way I look at it, is fast food is poison for her little developing body and she is worthy of more nutrious things. I want her to know the is better than that. She's worth the time and effort that it takes to prepare wholesome food for her...... I don't want her to deal with any confident issues, as I have, because she will be small. There is no reason to give her any insecurities about something that she can't help.

She has been checked out properly by her doctor. She's perfectly healthy as well!

Our kids are worth so much more than we are "showing" them. Please get a grasp on that!

Fat is not happy!

And just because we're small doesn't mean that we should be "dis-credited" for anything.

I want to instill in her  the confidence that most kids (and adults!) lack. She is beautiful. She is strong, and happy. Her body ( even if it's not like everyone else) is perfect. She eats better than everyone else too! What better gift could I give my child, than a life time of healthy habits!

I too am still working slowly towards a healthier lifestyle, little by little. I want to be around for her, and healthy for her when she needs me.

Don't assume that b/c we don't look like the majority of society, that it's wrong.


Thank you.

I am fixing to post another blog that really touched me and opened my eyes about obesity in our society. Both of these will probably offend someone-if that's the case, click the X in the top right corner- But this is something dear to my heart. It's something I'm obviously passionate about.

We've GOT  to make changes.

When life gives you snow...Make ice cream!

We had record breaking snow fall here in Oklahoma yesterday!

We found lots of things to do!

Got caught up on laundry and house work ... And started working on cleaning out and organizing our guest room.

While in the process of organizing, we decided to go ahead and convert Anisten's crib to a toddler bed. We decided to take most of the things out of her room, to discourage her from getting up to play with them, and for safety. She is still under 2, so it seems kind of young -- But she has climbed out a few times, and I didn't want to risk her getting hurt!  So we did it! And she acutally stays in bed-- we are 3 for 3 now!

She loves her "Binkerbell" bed!

Of course, we got out in the snow for a few minutes. Hubby had to take out the trash, and decided while he was out he would "attempt" to shovel the driveway. I think he had fun jumping in the 5 foot snow drifts at our front porch too!

We also wanted to make some snow ice cream. SO yummy!!!! 

Scooping 4 cups of snow

Now we are stirring in a half can of condensed milk and some vanilla. Of course tasting it here and there.

Voila!

 We all LOVED it! We just made half the recipe since there is only 3 of us. Served immediately. It's a different texture and super sweet! YUMMMMMMMMMMY!

Makes a perfect side to some warm chicken nuggets for post nap lunch!

Our meals were certainly winter snow blizzard comfort food! Including cinnamon banana pecan pancakes for breakfast, some slow cooked pot roast for dinner, of course the snow ice cream -- Hot Cocoa from scratch. MmMmM.

Not to mention the naps, re-runs of House. Reading, Yoga, bubble baths... Over all a relaxing day! 

Hope you are all staying safe and warm! Enjoying the family time so much! Sometimes it takes a mean winter storm to make us STOP and enjoy life.