12/13/13

Hot Yoga

One of my faithful readers asked what the benefits of Hot Yoga are, so I did a bit of research on the topic even though I had a pretty good idea about it.

I love yoga.  I have never sweated so much standing in one spot.  Yoga itself has tons of benefits ranging from relaxation to flexibility.  And these benefits will carry over to doing Yoga in a warmer environment.

Hot Yoga(or Bikram) is basically Yoga in a heated room(duh?).  The whole point is to get you sweating. Obviously, if you are sweating, you are getting rid of toxins.  This is really a benefit Hot Yoga and I agree with this totally.

Another claim for a benefit is that you are actually burning more calories, which I would say I'm skeptical about because you really aren't raising your heart rate and that is a true measure of burning more calories, in my opinion.  Sure you may lose weight from the beginning to the end of the yoga session but this will be completely water weight, which will come right back once you get hydrated(and if you plan on trying this yoga, be sure to drink lots of water during and after.)

Another claim for a benefit to Hot Yoga is that it increases your flexibility.  This to me makes perfect sense.  When your muscles are warm, they are more flexible.  This is why before working out you should always walk fast or run in order to warm up you muscles before you stretch them.

There probably are some more claims of health benefits, but these were the common ones I saw while doing some research.  If you would like to read some more about Hot Yoga, here are some links:


Huffington Post Article
Livestrong.com
Shape.com

Elizabeth, I hope this answered your question.
Cheers.

12/9/13

Ellis turned 4 months old on Monday. To celebrate I thought I'd share this letter I wrote to him!

Dear Ellis-
You are almost 4 months old. Since you came into my life, it has been so different. I can't remember life without you and that is a good thing because life with you is so filling. I knew love before I met you, but I didn't know it as full as I do now. Raising you with your dad is so amazing. You are the best parts of both of us, which makes you pretty dang amazing. That's how the world keeps getting better; the next generation is always better. 

You are so silly. Lately you love your hands. You practically stick your whole hand in your mouth. We think you will probably be right handed because that is your favorite one. You have just started to giggle out loud and it is adorable. (You have always giggled as you fall asleep. I think you must be visiting with your ancestors and posterity on the other side. You also sleep cry sometimes and I think that is because you hate the memories of leaving your heavenly home to come to this world that has some pain and harshness and lacks all the amazing peace you know there. I promise to always try my hardest to make your earthy home here as peaceful as I possibly can. I can't save you from all the pains and hardships that life will bring but I will always be here for you and Will make it more bearable.)

You are our "chubby monkey" and we love your fat rolls. It's so hard to clean under that Ficklin chin you get from Papa. You are a little snorer and it is cute. Right now you are asleep in your car seat. I think your first snowy adventures have tired you out. 

You have a million nicknames: Bugaboo, Bugs, Mr. E, Mr. Mist, Buddy, Grumpy McGrumperson, and The Boy to name a few. 

You smile all the time and that smile makes mommy's life seem easier after a hard day at work or when things don't seem to be going well. You are pretty dang funny too and have a sense of humor already. You laugh when daddy and I make faces at you. You also love music and I make up silly songs and beats for you all the time.  Your favorite singer since you were born is Miranda Lambert. I guess her twangy country voice does it for you!! You have always liked country and have a playlist with three songs on it.  "Desperation," by Miranda Lambert, "These are Days," by Sugarland, and "You're Not Sorry," by Taylor Swift. These have almost always calmed you when you've been upset. 

You have recently found your voice and chatter and screech all the time. You are especially vocal when lying on your back. 

You are a social butterfly already and are easily upset if daddy and I leave you alone in a room.  You love to sit in your tiny chair and watch us. 

Recently, you have given up sleeping in your bed. Mommy and you would always be close with your bed next to hers but now you are a sleeping in your swing kind of a guy. Mommy misses having you so close but she is okay with you sleeping for six hours at a time too. I even have to wake you up sometimes to feed you before going to work. 

You hate having a wet diaper but think its fun to chat with daddy or me when it's "time to change your bum bum." Daddy said that in a funny high pitched voice a few weeks ago and it stuck because you still find it silly and hilarious. 

You are growing so fast. You used to look so tiny in your car seat but now are almost filling it. You sometimes hate being buckled in and especially hate the new car seat cover we have that only gives you a window to look out of. Sometimes you really like it though. I think you already are excited about getting out on adventures. Daddy and I plan on taking you to some cool places and especially look forward to teaching you how to fish. 

I like to hold you close as much as I can because each day you change so much and the saying "babies don't keep," is becoming all too real for me. 

You love baths but hate being cold. It's fun to watch you as you clinch your hands and get wide eyed as the water hits you. You sit in your little seat and just watch us clean you. After, you are always relaxed and calm. 

We think you might be teething already. You are drooly and have that hand in your mouth 24/7. You were a bink baby since you were a few days old but seemed to give it up lately. You find binks offensive. I may or may not think it has something to do with the pink binks your dad bought thinking they were red. A little too feminine for you, I think. 

You have a friend Kari who plays with you every Tuesday. For some reason, she has the magic touch and you always fall asleep in her arms and you always take a bink with her. Silly boy!!! You love her voice and always smell like her after she watches you. Her kids love you too. Her only son even let you and I come on his birthday date with his mom. Her youngest daughter has taken a million pictures of you and her oldest always is excited to see you. 

You also smell like Mama sometimes. She sure loves you and wants to steal and hold you any chance she gets. She is so gentle and sweet with you. Papa is funny with you and talks to you across the room lots. He always wants to know where that "little toad" is. You got that nickname from your cousin, Isaac who wouldn't share the name "squirt" with you. He sure does love you too and always wants to style and part your hair. His brother, Sam, and sister,Eliza, love to see you too. Sam always talks to you in a sweet little voice that is just too cute coming from such a tall guy!!! Eliza wanted to be one of the first to hold you at Thanksgiving at the cabin. She had to fight your aunts for time with you, they love you lots too. 

My sister is a pro with you. She and my mom have come to visit you twice in your short life. They came just before you were born. We were worried they might miss your birth but then you were stubborn and upside down so the csection was actually good in that way to get you here during their visit. Auntie Andi changed almost all your poopie diapers at the hospital and rocked you the first night home so mommy could sleep a little. Grandma also snoozed with you in the couch and I will always hold that memory of you nuzzled in her arms very dear! They also came to your baby blessing and enjoyed the sweet spirit of that day!  What dedication. They also spoil you with lots of clothes and the coolest diaper bag on the planet. It is a Mickey Mouse one , Aunt Andi's favorite character. 

Your dad is amazing with you. I knew he was amazing a long time ago because he treats me so well. (He also is an amazing cook)  I am amazed everyday how good he is at being a dad. He loves you so much. He is with you during the day and then works at night. He is the bath giver and bottle maker. You are lucky to have him. He loves to kiss you and make you laugh. 

Well, you woke up and I had to play with you so I must make this short. I love you more and more each day. I love getting to know you and to be your mom. 

Many more letters to follow. 
Love you tons,
Mommy. 

12/6/13

Cardio vs. Weight Lifting.

Here I am finally answering one of the three whole questions I have fielded about fitness.

Morgan asks:  "I've heard weight training aids/causes weight loss, but I don't get it. I've always thought cardio, cardio, cardio! Explain."

Here is how weight training aids weight loss.  Notice I said aids, it really doesn't cause weight loss.  Cardio is still the way to burn, burn, burn calories.  But as quoted in this article that was just posted on fox.com a few days ago, "Strength training is the number-one way to build more muscle. And for every three pounds of muscle you gain, you can expect to burn an extra 120 calories a day without moving a single one of those muscles."  

When you have more muscle mass on your body, your body burns more calories.  Those muscles need more energy to exist in your body than does goo, or fat.  They help increase your metabolism so you actually are burning more calories not just while at rest, but also while exercising.  See how it can "aid" weight loss.  

Many of the popular workout routines these days incorporate both a cardio and a strength component.  If you watch The Biggest Loser," you will see this in action.  They don't just concentrate on cardio, but they also do strength training. Most of the time that strength training is during the cardio.  I like the mix.  

I teach a weight training class and it is one of my favorite things.  Lifting can be fun.  I also get cardio in as much as possible(my calves are killing me this week.  I think I went too fast into running again!).  

Be sure to add strength training into you exercise routine.  Not only will you look better, but you will burn more calories just watching television!  And that really is the goal, right?

If you have any more questions, please comment, email me, or message me on facebook.  This was really fun.  I like answering questions.

12/5/13

Throw it Back


I needed to see "Big Alice."  I need some motivation to get back on the weight loss bandwagon.  I remember that girl.  The one with the cake didn't quite want to change yet.  The one running would have given it all to be where I am today.  I need to honor that running girl and get back to my goal weight.  Any of you have some motivation for me?

11/29/13

Fit Friday

I ran again today.  That is three times the past two weeks.  This is progress people.  Progress.

As I was on my run today, I thought I would make today all about how to deal with the holidays.

Now, as a wise woman has said to me over and over, "it is a holiDAY, not a holiWEEK, or holiMONTH."  True right?

I tracked my food Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Then Thursday hit.  I decided to enjoy the holiday.  I did not write down a single bite.  Then today came and bam, I wrote down everything.  (Except for that popcorn that hit me in the last hour or so.)  Thanksgiving was a holiDAY!!! Yipee!

I also exercised on Wednesday and then took the holiday off and today I was out running.  It was so nice to actually run outside.  I think it was the second time in this neighborhood.  It wasn't too cold and that is nice.  I think next week that is supposed to change around these parts so I am glad to have taken advantage of good weather today.

Here are some more tips to get through a holiday.

1.  Pack gum-I didn't chew it until later on in the day, but in the past it has saved me.  You will not eat things with gum in your mouth.  Sure, you can spit it out, but then you have one more step to go through before caving.

2.  Eat fruit/veggies.  They are always at the party.  They will fill you up and are good for you. (I made my plate yesterday about halfway filled with fruits and veggies.

3.  Use a small plate.  It seems like it is a lot of food and big plates give you too much food.

4.  Drink lots of water.  Again, it fills you.

5.  Make room for the things you love.  For me, it is pie.  I had pie yesterday and it was awesome.  I ate less turkey and potatoes so I could eat the pie.

6.  Let it be a day event.  HoliDAY!!!

Well, there will be fun answers to some of your questions in the future.  I just found this topic to be fitting for this time of year.

Cheers.

11/25/13

Mommy Monday

This post is going to be all about breast feeding.  I am sure you are thrilled.  If you don't want to hear about it, just move along.



For many people, breastfeeding is awkward.  Talking about it is hard for some people.  They get uncomfortable.  In fact, my health students brought it up because one of their other teachers is talking about it as part of her Human Development unit.  I guess she used me as an example.  Anyway, they pretty much were trying to get me to be shocked or embarrassed.  Little did they know that I do not get embarrassed about this topic anymore.  I basically told them: "why be embarrassed, that is what they were made for."



See, our society likes to think that breasts are sexual.  Which they are, if you let them be.  I have always just thought of them as a piece of fat that sometimes get in the way of sports participation.  (I often tell people that God knew exactly who I was going to be and blessed me with small ones.)  Media has made it that breasts are very important to a woman's sexuality.  Men are obsessed with them.  Okay, so maybe not all of them but many are.  I find this a little bit offensive.  I hate the whole over sexualizaion of women's bodies in general so the boob discussion just gets me fired up.



Seriously, my breasts give nutrition to my baby.  And being able to breastfeed him is an amazing experience.  I often fall asleep while feeding him because it is just such a relaxing time.  He also finds comfort in it and lately it is one of the only things to get him asleep because he is teething.  I love it.



Sure, in the beginning, it was very hard.  We were rookies at it.  I think many women quit trying because they haven't mastered it, it really isn't because they can't.  Like I said, Ellis and I had a hard time learning.  I was fixated on my low milk production and was pumping when I really should have been learning how to nurse.  As soon as I got off the whole "I suck at this," we learned pretty quickly.



Now, please do not be offended if it didn't work out for you.  I also feel that many things in parenthood and mommyhood are individual.  You get to make choices.  Thank heavens that we have things like formula to assist in this.  Ellis is actually getting me about half the time and formula for the other half, which with my working and low production has to be the case. This is our journey and we do it our way.  Your journey may have been different and that is great.  Thank heavens we only have us or the wet nurse as options because I find the whole wet nurse idea a little weird.



The last bit about nursing that I want to include here is the whole nursing in public thing.  I can see both sides of the story and have my own opinion.  I really think that in the society we live in, it is hard to publicly feed your child.  If you decide to uncover, you would probably be reported to the police because of this "lewd" act.  I personally don't want to be out there in public.  I do think that I should be able to breastfeed in public without judging eyes, if I am covered though.  I seriously don't see the big deal because seeing it happen doesn't get me all excited.  I think that will be all I have about public breastfeeding.



I like how at church I actually have a room to go to feed Ellis.  I There is a special mother's room with two nice chairs, and a changing table.  I would just nurse under my cover in church but I know some people could take offense, so I don't.   The really cool thing about hanging out in one of those nice pink chairs is that you get to chat with other nursing mothers.  These women are my heroes.  Mainly because they have more than one wee one and have more experience.  One of them has seven kids and I just look up to her.  It was also nice to chat with her and know that she couldn't nurse until the last three kiddos.  See, it is hard.  The other woman I have chatted with is a working mom like me and that is a good thing to hear too because sometimes in my church you can be judged for working instead of staying home.  Believe me, if it were in the stars, I would be at home with Ellis and not working, but in order to keep benefits, I work.

And really work is not conducive to breastfeeding I only get to pump once a day. I wonder why my production is still wacky? But I am just going with the flow(no pun intended) and giving Ellis as much as I can. And that must be enough, even if I struggled for a really long time for it to be okay to supplement and feed. It is what it is.

Cheers.





11/23/13

Stupendious

Lots of things to be thankful for this time of year.  Wait, there are lots of things to be thankful for all year.  I am glad I am doing this once a week and remembering to be thankful not just in November, but all year long.

1.  Soup.  We have had amazing soup this week.  One was a Portuguese cabbage soup and another was a spicy squash soup.  Have I mentioned that Reuben rocks the kitchen?
2.  New clothes dryer.  I know I am truly an adult now that I am excited about things like appliances.  I was so excited to dry clothes on Wednesday.  Seriously?  Very adult-like.
3.  Running.  Man, have I missed it.
4.  Phone calls with Sue.  My mom is so cool.  She may be a little stressed this week because their big move is happening this week.
5.  Mail.  Ellis got a card and new snowsuit from Grandma Sue.  I think she likes him a bit.
6.  Testing.  Friday classes are hard for me.  They are an hour and five minutes long which feels like two days(the rest of the week, classes are only 46 minutes long).  I administered a test to my Freshmen connections class on Friday instead of the long classes and that was nice.
7.  Heat.  It has gotten chilly in these parts.  It is nice to have a furnace that works well and keeps us warm.
8.  Baby giggles.  Ellis has started to chuckle while awake this week.  He has always laughed in his sleep but he is learning to laugh in awake life.  He is also holding his neck up better and sitting with a bit of aid.  Have I mentioned how much I love that bugger?
9.  Modern Medicine.  Teething has commenced.  We love baby ibuprofen and also frozen chew toys.  Silly kid is not a binky boy anymore so these things save us at night.
10.  Winter clothes.  I sure do love my beanies.  Of course, hats are my thing.  I also like my winter coats.  They are so cozy.
11.  Little tidbits of revelation.  God is a huge presence in our lives, if we let Him in.  Being a parent has made me understand just how much God must love me because I am His child.  How miraculous.

11/22/13

Fitness Friday

Okay peeps.  I love exercise and fitness.  This is the reason I teach Physical Education and Health.  I am calling out for your fitness related questions.  I know you are curious about some topic.  Please comment with questions or you can email me:  softballrita@yahoo.com

I could just keep writing about my exercise and eating habits, but I am already getting tired of it.  I would find it fun to research topics for you(if I don't already have the knowledge) and write posts about your interests.  So, seriously, if you have read this post, you are now responsible to comment and ask me a fitness related question.  Don't be a slacker and think that you can just leave here without doing so.  I know who you are.  I have my tracking methods.  haha.

Life is good on my fit journey.  This week I ran for the first time in over a year.  It felt great and Ellis even enjoyed being pushed around the indoor track.  He fell asleep by lap three!  I thought I could run more and wanted to, but also felt it probably is a good idea to ease back into it because of the bum knee and having been carved out like a pumpkin three and a half months ago.  I am doing the Couch to 5k program.  You can read about it HERE if interested.

The weight loss is going.  I didn't lose as much as I had wanted to this week but I do know why....endless fries at Red Robin and pizza for faculty lunch last friday.  Today, I am limiting my going out to a sandwich and chips.  No fries.  I know, weird for this burgers on Friday girl, but for now I need to watch it.  This time of year is hard in general to lose weight, so it must be so.  Maybe a burger and fries only on payday week!

Tracking my food intake for Weight Watchers is a bit difficult for me because of not being able to track on my phone, but I am being stubborn and refusing to pay them for the three months until it is all free again.  Oh yes, I will be back at goal weight in three months.

Well, be sure to get me your fitness and nutrition questions.

Cheers!

11/21/13

Throwback Thursday. Thanksgiving 2010

I am very Thankful that Thanksgiving is so close.  Not only is it great to share a meal with wonderful people, but having a break is awesome!

 Little Spencer and I.
 Levi, who did not love this hat! He is so big now!
This rascal is in England.  Boy do I miss those silly faces and his humor.  It's awesome to have a little brother from another mother.

Crazy to look back.  I probably would never have imagined I would be in 2013 with a little wee one of my own, who will celebrate his first Thanksgiving.  Crazy indeed.

11/20/13

Wacky Wednesday...

I find it silly to just post to post but I kinda am doing that today.

You know what is wacky?  Teething, teething is wacky.  You are born with no teeth and then just all the sudden, bam, you get teeth causing your parents to lose sleep and you to be miserable.  It's just plain wacky.

You know what else is wacky?  Viruses.  They are pretty dang wacky.  You cannot cure a virus but your body can fight it off with time(most viruses).  That is pretty dang cool and pretty wacky random that I thought of that.

Wacky?  Me.  I am wacky.  I am even wackier without sleep.

It is also pretty Wacky that Thanksgiving is just next week and then Christmas is very close.  Wacky.

Cheers.

11/19/13

Taco Tuesday

We ate some pretty amazing tacos for dinner. They were two for two bucks. A deal.


This kid still makes me smile and one day, I will write a mommy Monday post. Why do I always miss posting on Mondays? Exhaustion per chance? Mondays are hard.













11/17/13

Spiritual Sunday.

Just a few thoughts from when I was sitting at church today listening to a talk. In the talk, the speaker mentioned how maple syrup was made. I keyed into this as I fondly remember my grandpa making syrup every spring, while I was growing up in Wisconsin.

It takes about 60 gallons of maple sap to make one gallon of maple syrup. Not only does it take that precious amount of sap, but it also takes extreme heat.

This can be compared to us. We have a goal to be the best person we can be by the time we leave the world behind and go into eternity. We have "60 gallons" worth of tests and trials. While in those trials, we get to prove ourselves in the midst of pain, heartache, anger, etc. This is the extreme heat. We get to show the kind of person we will become through these tests. Then, in the end, we are a stronger and better version of ourselves, just like that maple syrup.

Remember that next time you are having a hard go at things. From experience, I know that things always get better after they are hard. I also know that by facing trials and hardships with faith, not only are those hardships easier but you are a better person because of those trials. God doesn't punish us with trials, but he allows us to experience them because he knows we will become better people. He also is always right there to comfort and guide us through both good and hard times. What a great blessing to know that.

I really like maple syrup. Mrs. Buttersworth just won't do after you have had the real thing. That has nothing to do with the subject at hand by the way. I was just missing real good Wisconsin Maple Syrup. Maybe I will get to enjoy some while home in December for the holidays.

Cheers.

11/16/13

Super Stupendous Saturday

1. Letters from Taiwan-I got a postcard from my niece who is serving a mission there.  It made my day.
2. Ellis changing everyday-This week humming is new, and he is getting so strong.  He can sit up with help.
3. Carrots bought by Reub- he remembers the small things.  I mentioned that I like crinkle cut carrots and bought more of them for me.
4. Coming home to Ellis-I could stare at that face for hours and often do!
5. Fall walks-the sunsets are amazing this time of year.  I love that God is a great artist. 
6. Badminton and badminton challenges-the kids love to try to beat me.  It rarely happens.  It is easy to teach PE and badminton.  Not much refereeing that needs to be done.
7. Amazing dinners made by Reub-He made this amazing chili this week. So tasty.  I made breakfast on Wednesday and it was a disaster.  Oh well.
8.  I love how google saves all my emails.  It is fun to search and find blasts from the past!
9.  Weight Watchers- Going back to meetings has gotten me focused on my goal again.
10.  Kari-She is an amazing friend who watches Ellis for me.  She made it possible for date night last week and makes it possible for me to get to Weight Watchers.
11.  The end of the week- I am so glad I have a job where I get the weekends free.  I am lucky and blessed.
12.  Music-I am loving the 60s, 70s, 80s Hits station.  It is so soothing.  Ellis is also a music lover.  He still loves his baby playlist that has three whole songs on it.  Music is powerful, no?
13. Fleece blankets- I had a nice nap this morning on our futon with my new one.  Ellis was lightly sleeping and I worried that if I got back into bed it would wake him.  Why is my bed so creaky? 
14.  Alarm clocks- I would be lost without mine these days.  Better yet, Alarms that are Sugarland.  
15.  Being able to schedule blog posts.  I am a few days ahead!!
Well, cheers!

11/15/13

Fitness Friday

We are focusing on food these days.  Sure I am exercising more, but at this moment in time, I need to train that natural woman to not eat all the ice cream in the world everyday.  I have done well with this the past few weeks.  I have lost about 4 pounds.  Only about 36 more to go in the next three months.  Who's idea was it to start this weight loss journey(again) during the months of November and December?  Hello, Thanksgiving and Christmas are in this time frame.  Oh well.

Maybe you are curious why I have three months to do this?  Well, I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers.  Most of you know about this.  Basically, I got to my goal weight.  When you do that, you don't have to pay to use the program anymore.  Well, then I got pregnant.  WW does not let you participate while you are creating a human inside of you.  I guess it is a good thing for safety issues and such, but it was hard for me to healthily gain weight, so I just gave up and ate whatever I wanted.  Old Alice was back.  Now, I am battling to get little New Alice to be running my brain.

Food is everywhere.  And food that tastes real good usually is not great for us.  And if somebody is thinking about you, then this applies(my Weight Watchers leader, Michelle always says this):
"Sugar + fat = love!"  So I am trying to be better at giving people nice little non-food items this time of year.  That is hard.  I am also good at throwing food away.  It isn't that I don't appreciate sugar and fat treats, I just know I will eat it all and not eat a cookie a day.

I also need to remember that it is about "the butts in the seats, not the food on the plates."  People are important.  Food is crucial, but you do not have to have ice cream every. single. day!  Of course,  I say this and will be eating a burger and fries tonight at Red Robin with peeps from work to celebrate getting paid.  It is hard to be social without food.  Of course, I will have the petite burger, which cancels out the all you can eat fries, right?

Moderation is still the key.  I can be good 80% of the time, which I calculate to be Monday thru Friday.  Then I can play a bit on the weekends.  Of course, like I said before it is a balance: calories in, calories out.  So, if you play TOO much, you have to move more.  Is that brownie worth an hour on the exercise bike?  See skinny people have to work to stay that way, just sayin'.

You choose your hard.  It may be hard to be overweight.  Sure, it is.  It is also hard to lose or maintain weight.  You get to choose your hard.  And don't lie to yourself and just say it is in the stars or your genetics.  You still choose that brownie or carrot.  You choose.  Isn't it great to have a choice? Of course, we complain about it at times, don't we, but we have the power to be what we want to be, we just have to choose to be it!

Like tomorrow when it is time to exercise.  I will complain, but I will also choose to do it.  I must because Mama is cooking on Sunday, and seriously...I will eat her good food lovelies because they are divine.  Thanks Mama!

And here is to another good week and the end of my ramblings.

Cheers!

11/14/13

Throwback Thursday...

...Thanksgiving 2009. (I'll be doing a little Thanksgiving throwbacks this month.



Long before being married or a mother, maybe I had a thing for Edward Cullen.


Long before being a mother, I loved kids. Here's O.


Having an adopted family with younger siblings is awesome. Josh is all grown up now and serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in England


Spencer was my favorite. He still is my favorite kid from another mother besides me. I miss that cuddle bug and his fashion sense.

11/13/13

Wacky Wednesday.

What day is it?.........Hump day....whoop whoop!!!!

This is the poster to tell us to be safe and not fall.  It keeps falling off the wall.  Wacky, no?



It is warm in November.  Also Wacky.  Here are some pics from a walk I took tonight.  The sunset was amazing.











The last wackiness is that I keep copying the same thing on both sides of a paper.  It was wacky today when I had to stop in class to go fix my copies.  Wacky.

Cheers.

True Confession Tuesday

1. I can't tell the difference between navy blue and black sometimes. Hence the new black pants and blue sweatshirt today.
2. I drive too fast to work. I see deserve a ticket.
3. I'm tired. All. The. Time.
4. I get nervous when the principal enters my classroom, even after 12 years of teaching.
5. I have a horrible temper but usually hide it well.
6. I wish I could get enough time to blog everyday. There is a great Mommy Monday post in my head about breastfeeding.
7. I am taking two online classes to stay current on my teaching license and think I am insane to think I have the time for it.
8. I really miss National Novel Writing Month but know that realistically I wouldn't have been able to make it.
9. I lost two pounds this week but still hate eating healthier. I still want ice cream every. Single. Day.
10. I must go to bed but worry I'll wake the wee one.

Cheers.


11/10/13

Spiritual Sunday

"Our Heavenly Father … knows that we learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass."
-President Thomas S. Monson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I will be honest.  I am writing this monday and I really didn't give this a lot of thought...which tells me I need to do better at making my Sunday more spiritual.  But here is a thought for all of us.  Here is the link if you would like to read the rest of this address given by President Monson at October General Conference:  Monson

We all have trials.  Life is hard sometimes.  But we do really grow and learn as we face challenges.  It does not mean that God has forsaken us or that He hates us or even that we have done something wrong.  This life is where we prove ourselves for eternity.  Prove wisely. :)

Stupendous Saturday.

Stupendous Saturday:
1. Crying in front of family-sometimes I need to cry and let other comfort me.
2. Forgiveness
3. A patient husband
4. How falling in class has gotten me respect in 6th hour, my most challenging class.
5. The students who make it worth coming everyday. 
6. Coming home to Ellis after a hard day. 
7. Ellis being happy when he wakes up. 
8. Having a date night. It was weird being without Ellis but fun to have Reuben all to myself. Ender's Game is good. So are wings. 



11/9/13

Fitness Friday

Well. I am back to writing down all I eat and exercise. It is HARD. Most things that I find "worth it" are a sacrifice. Interesting, no?

I attended Weight Watchers for the first time in over a year this past Tuesday. I know that by doing that, I have a ready made support system and am accountable. Stepping on the scale regularly makes it so you know exactly what you are up against. People who ignore this step, have a hard time being successful in getting to or staying at a healthy weight.

I have also started exercising again. Now, I am not crazy, but seriously, exercise rocks. I feel better and my body seems to work better. The combo of eating healthier and moving is amazing. I have tried to get in three workouts a week. I have walked with a friend, and done P90X so far. I better get something in while Reuben is working later this morning. (Pretend I wrote this last night instead of Saturday morning.)

I will keep you posted on my progress each week. Last week I lost two pounds with not really watching what I ate, but I was starting to exercise and that probably is what did it. Weight loss rarely happens without a conscious effort. Those skinny girls I used to hate, really don't have a magical metabolism. They actually pay attention to what they put into their mouths and move more. I have to remind myself of that. Making up an excuse to stay unhealthy because I, "must be made differently," just doesn't cut it anymore.

NO MORE EXCUSES!!!!





11/8/13

Tag line Thursday


Here are a few of the things you might hear Alice say a lot:
"Swearing is contagious."

"Thanks for shopping our kmart," as kids leave my class.

When asked how I am, "I'm spamtastic!"

"Smell ya later"

"See ya in the future."

Short but sweet today. 

Enjoy Ellis:






11/6/13

Three Wacky Things

Wackiness.
1. All kids in health class 2nd hour. I don't think that has happened since the beginning of school.
2. Indian food is no bueno for Ellis. I need to avoid that while we are still nursing. He spit up so much the day after we are that Indian food!
3. I didn't remember how I got to work yesterday. Sometimes we just don't pay attention when we're driving.



Ellis is plain cute. Not too wacky.

11/5/13

True Confession Tuesday

Hi. I added to Tuesday's possible subject. Today is True Confession Tuesday. I just may start making an alliteration theme on a whim. I am so whimsical. 

True confession is where you are brutally honest about yourself. It is very freeing!! Thanks to MBCB, a former roommate and amazing friend, true confession came into my life and changed it forever. 

True Confession:
1. I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting tonight, and then went to a pizza buffet. I guess I'll start tomorrow. 
2. I hate Jane Austen, but LOVE Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Add zombies to Victorian Brittish literature and I like it. I love zombies. 
3. I take too hot and too long of showers. 
4. I sometimes wear clothes more than once without a wash in between. 
5. I love facial hair. Not on me, but Reuben looks great fuzzy. Too bad he isn't a fan of sporting facial hair. 

Have a great day. You know who's fault it is if you don't!  
Cheers. 

11/4/13

Mommy Monday

Being a mommy makes me tired. That's all I have for tonight. 

11/3/13

Spiritual Sunday

Sometimes when I go to church these days, I don't get a whole lot out of it.  I am often feeding Ellis or helping him not cry.  So, it is sometimes hard to take away a whole lot from church.

Today, Sunday School was really the part of church that touched me and the hour where I felt like I actually was able to focus.  The discussion in the class was all about family history.

I think the way The Church of Jesus Christ focuses a lot on the family is in many ways unique.  Yes, most religions see the family as important and that we should treat our families well, but I feel the focus in our church is pretty unique because we don't only focus on our immediate family but we also extend our focus to those of our family who have gone before us.  We are encouraged to keep a record of our ancestors and to find out more about them.  We are tied to them and have a responsibility to know them.

The spirit of Elijah is real.  In the Old Testament, Malachi writes: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smile the earth with a curse."  (Malachi 4:5-6)  We believe that Elijah came to the prophet Joseph Smith and restored the keys of the sealing power which was mentioned here in Malachi, this power helps us all be sealed to one another eternally.  And each of us can have the feeling of closeness and care for our ancestors through this spirit that Elijah has established. 

With shows like, Who do you think you are?, where celebrities are looking for their own ancestors, you can also see that people are having their hearts turned to their fathers.  This is really happening.  

My dad has always been into family history and has done an amazing job in finding information about our ancestors.  He has the Spirit of Elijah in his heart as well.  This isn't just something that is claimed only by members of my church.  

I love hearing stories about my family.  I find pride in knowing that Henry came over from Germany to build a better life for himself and that actually had an impact on my life.  It's fun to know that one of my ancestors had many children and that he was left alone to raise them, but then married another woman who stepped in and took care of those kids as if they were her own.  

We are truly tied to our family and it is important to honor them and remember them.  

Reuben and I went to a little Dia De Los Muertos(Day of the Dead) celebration yesterday. Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday where people honor their dead.  They have a big celebration to remember those who have gone before.  They also create little altars to honor their deceased loved ones.  The altars are filled with things to invite the spirit of that particular loved one back.  Food, items that that person owned, things that represent their hobbies and interests, and pictures are included on the altar.  Seeing all these altars made me want to learn more about my ancestors so I would know what I would put on an altar to honor each one of them.  I wonder what would have been on Henry's altar.  What did he like to do?  What were his favorite foods?  What was he really like?  Wouldn't it be cool to meet him one day and talk about how he got to America and what made him leave Germany.  

The cool thing about that is that I know that I will be able to see him again.  That is what is cool about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Christ died so that we may live together eternally.  Cool stuff.  It will be fun to get to hear all the stories of those who came before us.  Each of us has so many experiences and what a blessing it will be to sit down in the afterlife and hear everybody's stories. 


What an amazing blessing to have this faith and to be able to look forward to dying not as an ending but as a transition to eternity.

And there is my spiritual thought for this Sunday.  Here are a few pictures of Dia de los Muertos. 
And this is how Ellis enjoyed Sunday School. 

11/2/13

Stupendous Saturday

Some people have a thing where they write down something they are thankful for everyday.  That is a good tradition but I would forget to do it everyday, so I am glad I am doing stupendous Saturday which is all about good things that happened this week, which really is a grateful list.

I really need to start writing down what happens each day in my life because it is all still a blur day to day.  I get up, go to work, come home, hang with Ellis and then wake up and do it all again the next day.

Here are good things that happened this week:

1.  We played floor hockey in class.  I join in on occasion and it is fun to do. We even had a staff against student game after school one day this week.  It was way fun.
2.  I started working out in my weight training class.  It has been a long time and I am glad to start moving again.
3.  Ellis was a cute pumpkin for Halloween.
4.  I dressed as the cowardly lion from Wizard of Oz for Halloween. It was awesome when kids would figure out who I was instead of saying "Pocahontas."
5.  I had dinner and hung out with friends on Friday.  Afterward, I was able to catch up with my friend Kari.  It's weird not to work with her and see her everyday.
6.  Reuben and I went to Thanksgiving Point last night and saw a Dia De Los Muertos celebration.  I think I actually like that as much as Halloween.  Celebrating our dead is a cool thing. It was interesting and fun.  Then we ate Indian.  YUMMY.
7.  Left overs.  Hello, Indian two days in a row....Heavenly.
8. Ellis talking(we have great conversations...okay so it's just cooing and stuff) and kicking.  That kid is growing fast and I love to live in the little fun moments.
9. A Halloween card in the mail from my seester.  She is just so dang cute.  She also made it which makes it all the more special.  And seriously, hand written letters are awesome.
10.  A phone call with a friend from Wisconsin.  It is fun to have friends to reconnect with and it is awesome how we never miss a beat.

I will try harder to make sure I write a note everyday of a good thing that happened.  Life is so much better when we focus on the good!

11/1/13

Fitness Friday: Five Fitness Goals

Happy Friday. I teach my health students that you must write down your goals and that those goals must be specific. So here are five of mine:

1. Obviously, I want to get back to pre-pregnancy weight. I tried to go back to Weight Watchers this week, but my favorite leader was not there and the others weren't much help getting me set back up, so I've been a rebel and this is my final week of gluttony. I will attend WW meetings every Tuesday night. 
2. Exercise at least 3 times a week. This is sweaty cardio burn. I will also be lifting in my weight conditioning class. 
3. Run a 5k in either April or May. I have missed the running lots. 
4. Get back to benching 110 pounds. 
5. Have the ability to say no to crap food. I can do hard things. 

I have noticed lately that I am squishy and out of shape. I also am noticing that my food choices make my body not run at its best. It's time for a change. I look forward to this new journey!! I'll need support so thank you to you all in advance!!!

Cheers. 

10/31/13

Thirsty Thursday

Thirsty Thursday is also Throwback Thursday.

Today will be Throwback Thursday.  Here are a few of pictures of me from the past Halloweens.  Halloween is my favorite holiday.  Don't judge.  I know it's pagan and has lots of evil connotation for parts of it, but the little kid, candy, and dress up parts are awesome!  Enjoy!

 I miss Halloween with the Hagey boys.  Here is Awesome Alice and Batman.
 The kiddos at the door.  I am a little excited for Ellis to be bigger!
 Here is me and pal, Alisha at the Pumpkin walk a few years back.
 It was homecoming that year and this is Brett in the homecoming parade.  He is a Logan favorite and waves at everybody he sees.  I love this guy and we actually saw him last weekend when we got to Logan.
 The boys and Josh.  I miss all these guys.
 Me and Julianne and Sean at the Pumpkin Walk two years ago.
 Me as Sue from Glee
 Me as an awesome Zombie last year during the Zombie Run.

 Last year with all the superhero girls from the Bills Clan.  Below is Me and Miri and Reub.

 Batman and Robin last year.

Me as The Statue of Liberty awhile back.
 And here is our little family this year.  Me and Reub at the Pumpkin Walk this year and this was Mr. E today!  Hope your Halloween was awesome.  Cheers!


10/30/13

Wacky Wednesday.

This is now Wacky or Wicked Wednesday...








I love my job. I get to play sports sometimes. It does get pretty wacky when I fall though. This is the security video from the gym at school. Think this is America's Funniest Videos material? It was sweet that two of the kiddos helped me get up!!! It makes the job more rewarding.



Another wacky thing from the last week is a friend who can't eat at this amazing Mexican restaurant, Milegros. Apparently, it sounds too much like mullato. I didn't know restaurant names effected the taste of the food! Wacky!!!

10/29/13

Ticked off Tuesday...

Ticked off Tuesday can also be True Confession Tuesday.  I still am very excited that I am the boss of this blog!

The thing that ticks me off most this week is teen pregnancy. Seriously, don't they get how much work a baby is? Do they not know that babies are expensive? Don't these girls realize that having a stable home and a dad around is better for the wee one? Don't they  realize that raising a baby with a man who will help is priceless and with the man you love is amazing?

Nope. They don't think and that is the problem. They don't think it will happen to them. 

I also don't like when people can't drive a  round about and when the students at my school can't be on time to class(hello it's a tiny school!!).  Oh and when people are there to help but really don't know what they are talking about.  Customer service is important and it is frustrating when somebody isn't good at it.

That's it. Cheers.  


10/28/13

Mommy Monday

This little guy has changed everything.

He is what drives my life. It used to be things like work and sports but now nothing really is as important. 

It is so easy to leave work right when my contract time is over. I used to waste a lot of my time at work but now I use my prep wisely and often even work during lunch. Crazy. 

I am learning so much from being his mother and Mondays will be a great place to share those things. 

For now though, I will say, I don't remember life before him and I can't imagine not having him. He has made my life so much better. And I love him so much. It really isn't hard. Just look at that face:
Ellis makes life better. The end for today. 

10/27/13

Spiritual Sunday

Sometimes life gives you a slap in the face. Well, seeing it is Spiritual Sunday, and I am very much a Christian and believe in God, let's say sometimes God gives you a slap in the face. It's sometimes needed as a parent to actually slap kids in the face. Okay, maybe that isn't the right thing to say but from experience, it only took one slap to realize I was out of line when I had said something disrespectful about my parent, just sayin'!

Anyway, I have been struggling at work. My passion has been missing. I had turned into one of those dreaded people who just show up for a paycheck. I wasn't loving the kids and I was starting to not care enough to do the best job. I was also judging people I work with and the kids I serve. I was not loving them like I should. 

Many times when I start feeling drained , I realize I haven't been giving my spirituality enough attention. So one day, while spending time in my office during my prep hour, I pulled out my little copy of The Book of Mormon(if you haven't had a chance to read this book or don't know about it, you can find more here). I flipped open to Alma chapter five and came across verse 28: "Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life."

Yep, I felt it, I was becoming full of pride again. I had started to find myself most important and I had actually started to voice it to other people. I had started to be sarcastic towards students and was talking about co-workers in a prideful way. In a couple of verses later in Alma 5 it reads: "And again I say unto you, is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?"  I was guilty of exactly this.

So, that one small moment changed the whole week.  I decided that I couldn't live at this part of the pride cycle anymore and I decided to make a change.  The week went better from there on.  I guess sometimes we just need a kick in the face and things go better.  Also, sometimes just a small change can make all the difference.

10/26/13

Stupendious Saturday

Life is good, don't you think?  Sure, things can and do go wrong sometimes, but I really do feel that if we maintain(and it really does take work) a positive attitude and are always grateful, life is good and we can get much enjoyment out of even the little daily things of life.
Here is my list of thanks for the week(and I am sure I will miss things!):
1.  Ellis.  Seriously, he is so dang cute and funny.  He still thinks tongue sticking out is hilarious.  He also finds his dad's silly voice funny and is very ticklish under his chin.
2.  Reuben.  I really married well.  He takes care of Ellis and I so very well.  There were delicious meals, laundry done, dishes washed, and ice cream brought home one night this week.  He is always working hard and caring about us.  He was definitely worth the wait.
3. My students.  Sure, they may make me very angry at times, but they also make life rewarding when they get things.  A former student came to visit yesterday to annoucnce that she finally got her GED. Wonderful!
4.  The fall colors.  This is my favorite time of year.  I love my drive to work where I drive down a hill that overlooks the valley and all the treetops.  It is so pretty.  The light of fall is also amazing right now.  The angle of the sun at dusk just makes the colors pop.  Love it.
5.  Things to look forward to.  This week I have been looking forward to The Pumpkin Walk in Logan.  We will head there tomorrow morning.  I am also looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
6. Carving pumpkins with Reuben. He is so creative. Great family activity.
7. The peace of my office. It is a refuge.
8. Our volleyball team winning its first match. It was very cool, especially because it is in the tournament.
9. Secret Spook. We do this every Halloween at work. Basically, you draw a co-worker's name from a hat and then the four days before Halloween and Halloween, you "spook" your person. It can be as simple as dollar store stuff but it is a load of fun to bring presents secretly and to get secret presents everyday.
10. Baseball. Right now the World Series is going on. Even though my Dodgers didn't make it, I live that there are games on every other night. I'm cheering for the Red Sox because the silly Cardinals beat my Dodgers.
11. Football. It's also fun to watch all the games both college and pro. Ellis and I watch sports lots. I hope it is not making his brain mush.

10/25/13

Fitness Friday

Happy Weekend to you.  I sometimes find myself living for Fridays.  This week has been one such week.  My students have been cray cray.  Actually, the week went really fast.  I think Monday and Tuesday were really the only days that I said to a co-worker: "Is it Friday, yet?" Funny how a change in attitude can make things better.  I tried to be a bit more positive on Wednesday and Thursday.
Today, I will thrill your brain with the concept of "Eat Less, Move More!"  Did you know that when you eat less calories and move more that you actually lose weight?  Also, did you know that when you eat more and move less that you gain weight? (And if you eat the same amount of calories that you are burning that you maintain weight?)
Sure, genetics are a part of our body make up.  Notice that I said A PART!!  Many people blame their genetics for every single health problem they have(Diabetes runs in my family, heart disease runs in my family, etc. All diet related diseases and preventable in MOST cases!)  I actually am guilty of this too.  I used to tell myself that I had high blood pressure because it "ran in my family."  Sure, it does run in my family.  My mom and many of her sisters have blood pressure issues.  I would also say: "Well, I am big boned and that is because I am a Wisconsin German bred girl!" So yes, things often run in our family lines but I really don't think they are necesarrily genetics.  I was also about eighty pounds overweight at one time.  This was caused by my food choices and inactivity.  I know this because I changed those habits and guess what?  I lost weight.  It's amazing how the balance of calories in and calories out actually is scientific fact.  And really what we CHOOSE to eat and how we CHOOSE to move makes a difference.
This video is hilarious and reminds me of how ridiculous my thinking about food and exercise used to be.  I think America in general has a problem with this concept.  We really want things to be easy.  We want to stay at a healthy weight by doing literally nothing and by eating whatever we want.  I can't deny it, chocolate tastes better than carrots.
What this battle boils down to is the battle of mind over matter, or a battle against the carnal or natural man.  There is always a battle between right and wrong and really gluttony is not spiritually good.  Learning to control our physical bodies and to keep them healthy is actually a commandment.  Now, don't get all offended by what I am saying.  This is what I believe only and I do not judge you because of this.  I know it is hard to not eat ice cream everyday and especially when I am tired or emotionally charged.  Yes, it is hard because it is meant to be.  Everything that is worthwhile is supposed to be a sacrifice.  And I will be honest, skinny is worth the sacrifice.  I will be starting to sacrifice in the next few weeks.  Something has to be done about the 40 pounds I gained while pregnant.  Stay tuned for my progress.

10/24/13

Thirsty Thursday

So, welcome to Thirsty Thursday.  Thursdays are where I will write about things that I thirst after.  The quote "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled" from Matthew 5:6, in the Bible, comes to mind.  And yes, I do thirst after righteous things even if I am not 100% perfect at being righteous all the time.

I also thirst for other things.  I really want to be a published writer, for example.  Lately, I am so busy and distracted by motherhood(which is totally not a bad thing!!!) that I don't even brush my teeth on some days, so writing has been a little on the back burner.  I think having a daily theme on here will make me be better at writing though.  I also am going to admit that I am writing this on Friday morning and missed Thirsty Thursday all together.  But that is okay. I will post date this and you will never even know that I didn't make it...oh wait!

Stay tuned for more things that I thirst after.  I may also make Thursdays,  Thirsty Throwback Thursday.  That way, I can reminisce about the past sometimes too and it still fits my theme.  I like that I am the boss of my blog!

Cheers.

Themes

I think I need daily themes to get me to write little snidbits on here. (I love to write and was just thinking the other day that if I could get published and make a million dollars I would not have to deal with stressful hooligans.  And I need to write more, even if my kiddo takes up the majority of my free time.) I may not write everyday, but I will do a bit better at getting a post on here more regularly.

Here is the outline of daily themes:
M-Mommy stuff(This is the one that people suggested most from comments)
T-Ticked Off Tuesday.  This week's Rant.
Wacky Wednesday.  Wacky things that have happened this week.
Th-Thirsty Thursday.  What things do you thirst after?
Fitness Friday.  All things Fitness
Stupendious Saturday.  All things Positive.
Spiritual Sunday-Spiritual insights from yours truly.

From these themes do you have any specifics that you would like to hear from me about?
And these themes are obviously subject to change because I am the boss of this blog.

You are all peachy.  Stay tuned for a Thirsty Thursday post.

Cheers.

10/21/13

What should I write about?

I am in a rut. Lack of time is making tough to write, but I think if I had a daily theme, I'd write regularly.

So, what types of themes would you like to read about?



10/3/13

While the baby sleeps...

Life has been crazy busy. I am crazy tired these days too. Not getting solid sleep wears on one's memory. I forget most things these days. He's worth it though.

Right now we are counting down the days and hours until Grandma Sue and Auntie Andi come to visit. It is in less than a week!!!

Ellis is growing like a weed. I weighed him today and he is over 12 pounds now. Crazy. He is smiling and now tries to communicate through grunts and cooing. He is definitely one of my favorites.

I still find myself just starring at him. He's just so dang cute.

Being back at work is interesting. I love students but just have less patience and less of a social filter. I think my sympathy for them isn't much these days. I do still love my job. It just isn't my number one worry these days!!!

It's hard to keep up with everything and get home early to get Reuben to work. But it's worth it. Our little family is so important.

Well. That's all I got for now. My brain is numb. Here are a few pics of the wee one:



In his swing. He loves that swing for daddy.


Sometimes he's just so cute when he cries. That snort still gets me. His cry is changing too.


He has some funky hair after bath time.


I love his owl hat.


We like to watch football on Saturdays. And baseball too.

9/10/13

Motherhood Thoughts While The Wee One Sleeps.

Hi again.  Sometimes I get five minutes to do something on my own while Ellis is sleeping.  Many times that means showering, or folding laundry.  I already got my five minute shower in this morning and the laundry can wait right now.  He is asleep thanks to another food coma.  During the day, he often only goes down for about ten to fifteen minutes.  Luckily, he usually goes down for a few hours during the night.  I will be knocking on wood after mentioning that fact, because Honey Badger(another one of Ellis' nicknames) often does what he wants and changes things as soon as I get used to them.

So, here I am with Sportscenter in the background and typing a post.  We watch a lot of Sportscenter around here.  It is good background while I am feeding the wee one.  Sometimes it is Call the Midwife, or some other show on Netflix(it was Mr. Bean last week!).  I like this whole be at home and take care of the kiddo for my current job.  I actually would be pretty content doing this full time.  Unfortunately, our circumstances as a family call for me to go out and earn our benefits.  We could probably live on just one income but we must have insurance.  So, in two weeks, I will ball my eyes out and head back to work.  Luckily, Reuben has a job that will let him work different hours, so Ellis will not have to go to daycare, but will be able to be with his daddy.  Not that I judge anybody for their choice in childcare, we all have different situations and we all have to choose what is right for US!!!

So, motherhood.  It is quite amazing.  Here are a few things that I have learned about it since I have become one a short four weeks ago:

1.  Being a mother is SACRED.  It is a responsibility that makes you worry 24-7 that you are doing the right thing and that your kid(s) are okay.  God has entrusted me with Ellis.  I am to figure out what he needs and what will be best for him on every avenue of his life.  That is a huge responsibility and when I think about it, an awesome thing.
2.  Motherhood is tiring.  Luckily, I think I am hard wired(women are) to be up every few hours and only get sleep between feedings.  At least babies do grow up and start sleeping through the night, but for now I will be tired.  I am sure, even when Ellis sleeps through the night, I will still be tired out because kids suck the energy out of the adults around them.
3.  As a mother, you instantly love that little person.  I can't explain it, but I just loved him the first time I looked at him and those feelings have only grown as I've gotten to know him a bit better.  What a cool thing and it breaks my heart to think about the children of the world who did not receive this gift from their mom.  Even though he makes me tired and is sometimes screaming, I still love that little kiddo.
4.  There are a million voices out there telling you how to do things.  Funny thing about that is that you have to find out what is right for YOU and your KID.  What works for Sally's kids, may not work for my kid.  I bet things that work with Ellis may not even work on our future babies.  Each of us is different and have different needs.  Ignoring those voices is hard because you second guess yourself all the time.
5.  Being a mom is going to be the most important thing I ever do.  I get to help Ellis on his journey here on earth.  I get to teach him how to treat people with respect, how to deal with disappointment, how to keep positive, and how to judge what is right and wrong in a confusing world.  Sure other stuff is important, but not as important as this.  I think at work I will be much more organized this year because I will want to get to Ellis as soon as I can after my contract time is done at 3:20.  I will have to grade and plan quickly after school and during my prep hour.

There is lots more to say, but my mind is pretty scorched.  I am going to go and read a few pages in my book before Ellis awakes.  I hope you all have a fantastic day and that these pics will brighten your day like experiencing the moments with Ellis have done for me!  Cheers!

Church clothes.  Ellis and I went to Sacrament Meeting for the first time Sunday.
 He is much more alert and interactive this week:

 Isn't he just the cutest little angel.  I could stare at this face for hours!!!