Tag Archives: momotwins

Getting Started Is The Hardest Part

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I’ve never considered myself an underdog. Ever. Although some may have seen it or thought it, I never did. These days, I consider myself highly outnumbered as a single mama to 3 little humans. I remember waterskiing as a kid and my parents telling me that the newest, nicest ski boat or equipment doesn’t always make the best skier. Growing up, we always had everything we needed and skied our butts off early into Springtime and deep into Fall. Not to mention our annual January 1st polar bear waterski event in Oregon every year. Burr. Yes, my parents still chase the fun and adventures like crazy!  If anything it made me stronger. Sometimes stronger than I feel like being. Just sayin. #truth
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1997, lake days were the best!
On those days where I’m yearning to thrive  and I’m not in the mood, I get going. Because half the battle is getting to the gym. Or getting to the yoga class or starting that run. As I recommit to being the best version I can for myself, my kids, my family, my friends and my community, I focus on the going. Push that start button…
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Pepper, Blaize and me cruising the waterfront this summer
I definitely have my days where it feels like I’m a salmon swimming upstream with Black Bears everywhere. Crap! This mom life stuff is a lot of work. Yep, it definitely is. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. Sometimes, it doesn’t look pretty with red lipstick. Often, it looks like mom is wearing her jammie’s all day.  That’s what Blaize and Pepper said to me this morning on the walk to school. “Mom, why are you still wearing your jammie’s?!” Haha! Well, school mornings come hard and fast for your mom. Awake by 6:40am, 7:30am bus pickup with an 8am speech therapy lesson in tow. I don’t always have time to get dressed. But, I always have time to give you princess braids. #momlife
Setting aside the jokes, I’m lucky to grow up with solid parents who taught us even stronger values. Learning at a young age that it’s not for free and the show must go on-one of my mom’s favorite of many quotes! And how right she was. After a good chat with my mom friend in my half jammie outfit this morning, I focused on the “get going” part.” And here I am at the gym, sweating (thriving) like a dog and living the dream.
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Yep. That’s my parents, always chasing the fun! Mimi and Grandpa Mike wheelbarrow racing with Pepper and Blaize. 🙂
May you remember the “get going” part my friends even when you’re busy and it’s hard to get out of those jammie’s.

Thrive, It’s My New Normal

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Talking to one of my besties on the phone this morning about life and she said to me at the end of the call “you’ll be fine.” She’s very empathetic, very pregnant and never dismissive of my feelings. Rarely do I hear those three words from her. But, I heard them today and I’m running with it. I will be fine. I know this. But I want to be fine and much more than that. I want to thrive physically, mentally and with my three little ducks in tow.IMG_7935.JPGMy mini me’s and me striking a pose.

I’ve always wanted more than fine or average. I’ve always sucked the passion out of everything I was interested in. Whether it was spinning. I love spin classes!-I’ll teach them for 17 years. DONE. Whether it was running. I love running and will run 6 marathons including Boston. DONE. Buy a house before I turn 30 regardless if I have a partner. DONE. Have kids and breastfeed those little monsters until they want to quit. DONE. DONE and DONE. Now, as my three little munchkins are 4, 4 and 7 years old, I’m seeking the next level as a mom and a person. I want to thrive. And I want to thrive with my kids in our family and our life.

First, I’m seeking more balance. More self care. More individual and ground quality time with my kids. I’m seeking more fulfilling workouts instead of just putting in the daily 45 minutes. Now, I want some quality and I started a new fitness routine that focuses on “strength and length.” Cardio is still what I crave but like I teach my kids moderation is key.IMG_8488.jpgChilling at pdx playdate in the pearl while my kids get their romp on. 

As I enter the weekend, I’m focusing on thriving. If you’ve been thinking about switching it up for one reason or another, I hope you’ll join me. Let’s do something different this season and see how far we can go. Aloha Friday my friends:)

 

 

 

Glamour Mom

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Back in the day, before I had kids I thought being a mom would be a little different than what it is. Such is life! Little did I know that being a mom meant slinging laundry and dishes like a professional athlete. Having more than one kid, let alone 3 close in age is like being a referee. Trying to make a “fair call” all day long. Not to mention the questions, messes and arguments about who gets to hold my hand or who gets the first back rub at night. Fairness is a huge topic with my 3 little people.

So when does the glamour mom come into effect? It’s usually when they’re at school and it’s more like a “glamour moment.” For me, it’s getting to take an uninterrupted shower or go grocery shopping alone-it’s the new definition of “glamour” for me.

Kai wanted a mama snuggle and this kid is getting big. He’s only 7 but can already pick me up! He got the giggles and the rest is history. This is a good example of my glamour #momlife. It isn’t always pretty but it’s always fun and surrounded with so much love! All the energy, questions and kid snuggles, make my heart purr. I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. IMG_4707Giggles for days!IMG_5069Who wouldn’t want to layout on the pavement with a hot, sweaty 40 pound child laying on top of you?IMG_1257Hotel pool party, yes please!

Teaching Moderation To Kids

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IMG_7185Family selfie in the Pearl, this is love!

I believe that moderation can be taught and as many talks as we have at our house about being a good person and doing the right thing, moderation comes up a lot.  I try to lead by example first and foremost because we all know our littles are watching our every move especially at these developmental ages of 4-7 year olds. After that, comes the good old fashioned creative questions that range from what if’s to look it up on your phone mom. Recently, my 7 year old cut himself off from treats stating “two is the limit.” And too much of anything isn’t good for you. My inner mom glow lit up like fireworks on the 4th of July! YES, you my love just limited yourself by yourself. This my love is a skill that many adults don’t have. This made me so happy. We talk a lot about health and how important moderation is. When one of our conversations sticks so that it plays back to me in this fashion, for me it’s called Mom Joy! IMG_7445Kai’s first day of second grade!

Of course, some days aren’t like this and talking sense or fairness is a struggle. So, I’m going to celebrate and focus on the days where it just flows and our family values are represented. To all the moms out there that answer the questions, read the favorite book 10 times in a row, and are trying your best, you are my hero!

Summer Is Coming

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Summer is coming. I think I speak for everyone in Oregon when I say FINALLY! The good news is that warm air and long nights are here. As we prepare for #campmommy, here are a few pics of us romping around the pearl.IMG_2049Don’t miss the drool coming out Pepper’s mouth and Blaize’s chocolate coated mouth, post Kai’s birthday cupcake. Haha! Happy girls!IMG_1677Pepper biking in the Pearl in her Elsa glory!IMG_0770So much love! Blaize going in for the gentle cheek kiss while Pepper grabs my face and kisses me hard 🙂 IMG_2180Kai reading to Blaize and Pepper. My heart is so happy. I love my littles!