Accepting your children for who they are . . .

I have always considered myself to be fairly open-minded and accepting of my children. While I grew up in a home where it was expected that I would go to college after high school, I have decided that it doesn't matter to me if my children go or not. If they find a job they love that doesn't require a college degree, then I will be happy for them. If they spend 4+ years in college pursuing a degree to get them in a job they want, then that is fine too. My main goal is their happiness.

I've recently discovered that I'm not as open-minded as I thought. My oldest daughter, Peanut, is very shy. She interacts with others in class, sports, etc, but won't play with others if given the option. She'd much prefer to just play alone. When I see her play alone, I assume she must be lonely. I assume that she'd be happier if she was playing with others. She loves to play with her sister, so she must want to play with these other children too, right? Well, I have spent the past month trying to "fix" her so that she will play with others, only to come to the realization that I might be wrong. Perhaps she does just enjoy playing by herself. Just because I enjoy interacting with others more often than not doesn't mean that she is the same. So, now I must try to change all that I previously believed - to accept my daughter as she is. She is a beautiful, intelligent, fun, kind, sensitive child that enjoys some time to herself. She is perfect just the way she is.

Anyone having a baby?

http://www.momcentral.com/reviews/stokke-tripp-trapp-highchair-giveaway-and-review.html

Okay, I don't know if you all have ever seen the Tripp Trapp before, but I must say that it is a must see! If you are having a baby then you have to get over to momcentral to try to win one. I'm not even having another baby and I want once (hence - this post). I'm getting ready to repaint my kitchen (yellow, I think) and guess what?!?!? It comes in yellow! Check out the cool colors and you'll want one for yourself. If you don't want one, even better. Go enter and if you win you can give it to me! :o)

Staying Fit Together

http://www.juicyjuice.com/Tools/Activities/Staying-Fit-Together.aspx

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Juicy Bunch and may receive points for posting about this article.

In December of 2008 I decided that I really needed to lose weight. I was getting ready for my cousin's wedding and nothing (literally nothing) in my closet that was wedding appropriate fit me. I hadn't realized that I had put on so much weight until that moment. I tend to wear loose fitting and baggy clothes since staying home with my kiddos, so it was easy to just add weight slowly without paying attention. After the wedding I came home and researched exercise/fitness programs that might work and be financially and logistically feasible. I ended up choosing Power 90 and was happy that I did. I lost weight, dropped two dress sizes, and just felt better all around. After I had finished my 90 day cycle though I was bored with the program. I just didn't want to do the same exercises anymore. At that point I decided to just try to maintain the weight loss on my own through diet and exercise. The diet is fairly easy (but would be easier if my kids would eat all their food and I didn't still hear my mom's voice telling me "there are starving children in Ethiopia"). The exercise was more of a challenge. Every time I put a DVD in the player one of my kids undoubtedly needs a drink, a snack, to go potty, etc. Finally I decided that if I want to exercise then I need to include the kids in on it too. Now, we bike together, walk together, play tag outside together and more. The girls love it and so do I! What a great way to take care of both myself and my girls! If you need some tips and ideas, the article from juicy juice has some good ones on how to get started.