Road to the Fittest Mom

2018 will bring many new things for me...the first of which will be a new job! I started a few weeks ago and so far...I'm simply in love. Honestly, it was an answer to many prayers of mine and I am beyond excited to see where it takes me.  I will be working as the Operations Manager for Artisan Auctions . While my job duties are still in the making, I will be helping build and progress their online presence; Facebook , YouTube , the  website , and eventually their blog.  Kelly and her team are absolutely amazing at what they do. I am in awe of her passion for these organizations, for doing all that she can to guide their teams as they prepare for their event. Friends, if you know of a non-profit that is in need of a benefit auctioneer for their fundraiser, I encourage you to please consider hiring her. I can promise you, you won't regret it! Click on the YouTube link above and watch the videos...she knows what she's doing and has fun doing it!  I'm anxious...f...

Today is Christmas! Finally, all the fretting, stressing and anxiety is over. I was awoken before the sun peaked it's head above the horizon, by my son at 6:23am. Avery followed suit maybe 10 min later and I held them at bay until 7, when I woke the baby child to open gifts. All the excitement and secrecy...over in a matter of minutes. Literally. I wonder why we go through so much effort, such insane dedication to find out what they want most, talk about it for weeks, months even, for them to tear open this coveted toy and quickly set it aside to open something else. On to the next one!! At any rate, I sat today and studied my daughter. She was assembling all 2,943 pieces of an ice cream truck for her American Girl doll. She delicately placed each scoop in exactly the right spot. She had such precision and focus. And I couldn't help but think "how long will this last???" Not the time it will take for everything to get knocked out and lost. But rather, how long will ...

Where to begin...I've written this post several times and by now you'd think I'd know what to say and how to say it. Unfortunately, I still don't. So here goes... Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it; the true meaning ("8lb 6oz newborn infant Jesus"), decorating, lights, music, movies, food. The list is endless. My birthday is only 2 weeks after Christmas and I remember as a kid always being so excited for this; any gifts I didn't get on Christmas, I could be sure to receive on my birthday! It was like a double-dip! But this year, this year is completely different. As I decorated my tree, I unboxed so many memories; memories on metal hooks that have little to no significance to anyone other than me. Christmas ornaments are gifts I love to give and receive. They have the power to speak volumes, to take you back to a specific event, childhood or nostaglic encounter. And this year time didn't stop for me. The memories of my lif...

"When we least expect it, life sends us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A moment is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny". -  Paulo Coelho Some days are easy; waking up and going about my day is second nature. There is little to any thought about it and what it holds; I wake up ready to conquer and I do! And then others....each minute is a victory, because damn it, life sucks and things get hard. I struggle to keep myself together; at work, in my car, at the store, at home with my kids or when I'm alone. Sometimes I am overwhelmed and everything hits me. I still cry and today is no exception. My thoughts wander....to my past. Decisions that were made, some that weren't. Second-guessing what I did, what I could have done, what I should have done and what I didn't do. I hav...

"That's why we have to start. That's why we have to go first. That's why we have to be brave - so that other will be inspired to be brave along with us. We can be brave because we were always meant to be brave." - Annie Downs Sitting on the couch, having deep conversation and relationship with my dearest friend Chelsea, we discussed how the men in our lives seem to live in fear. They are controlled by the fear that this one decision in their life might change things; this XYZ decision could  be the best thing that ever happened and could  change their life in such a way that they'd be the strongest, best version of themselves they were meant to be. Yet those whispers of fear are loud enough to keep them stagnant. She and I are choosing the opposite though; we are choosing to be brave. It's scary as shit! We have no clue what our future holds; who it holds! But that unknown is better than the alternative; paralyzed by fear. Because that, that dead ...

Survivor:  1. A person who has coped brilliantly with life's challenges.  2. One who has remained determined to keep moving forward, one day, one step at a time.   (See also: defiant, gritty, strong-willed, courageous) I posted on my Instagram yesterday about my meditation...the focus was about being in the now. When we focus on our past, it tends to manifest itself into depression. When we focus on the future, it usually is anxiety. We need to try and focus on being in the present, the here and now. Because once we do that, everything else will work itself out. So simple, yet so insanely difficult to do. Sidebar to this - meditation. Can I just say, I have NO idea what I'm doing here. However, I did download an app (I do love this tech savvy generation) for it and I must admit, I am hooked. Even if it is just a placebo, it's helping! I find it so important to actually take time for ME. When was the last time you actually did that? Not, "oh I'm going to do so...

As I was brushing my teeth tonight, I kept thinking of ways to describe what I'm feeling...here is what I came up with: Have you ever.....experience the gut wrenching feeling of misplacing a child? The shear panic that hits your body like a bucket of water was just poured over you and you don't know which way to turn, whether to scream or run?  Have you ever had the feeling of walking outside on the morning/evening of the coldest day you can remember: it's pitch black, oh-so-silent and peaceful, the air burns your nose it's that cold, and breathing kind of hurts?  Have you ever been sad, so utterly grieved that you can't stop crying, you cough and almost throw up because your body is trying to breathe yet also mourn a gut-wrenching tragedy to the point you nearly pass out?  Have you ever been on a roller coaster, where you're laying back, hearing the click-click-click sound as you ascend up into the sky and you suddenly get the feeling of "why did I...

My how times have changed. There has been an insane amount of shit that has happened since my last post, I wouldn't even know where to begin! So let's start with now.... I want to write about me, my thoughts and feelings, emotions, etc. stuff that sometimes people shut down and lock away and never want to bring forth. Why? Mostly because it helps me to write down and get out what I'm thinking. I've always been that way and I guess I don't see me changing now. Second, I'm hopeful that some of what I'm going through, others can relate to, and can then share their stories. I need encouragement. I need honestly. I need others to help me heal and grow and love! I realize that my journey, and the people in it, have families and lives and people who care about them. I too am one of those people. I'm not here to point fingers or throw stones and condemn others for being worse than myself. We all have sin, we all have shit we wish we could take back. We all (h...

Holy balls...it has been nearly a year since my last post. Wow. I think I've been busy but I don't remember the last time I sat down... I was having a moment this morning and I felt the need to pen some thoughts down because at some point in the future, when I have time to sit, I will reflect on them and I will feel better. Confession: I keep a diary. Ha! Not a traditional one, but I have a diary that I started when I had Avery. I write notes to her whenever I can, so that eventually she will have a book of wisdom from the wisest mom ever. I think my note could be something we all might learn from, so here is what I said: Avery, I don't want to be all "girl power/feminist" with what I'm about to say, but, I am. I've been hearing a lot lately about women in the work place and it got me thinking... While I realize I am not a career woman, I do have a job that I'm just not getting paid for. Yet there are loads of other women who do in fact have car...

I definitely have been so busy that I completely forgot that I actually had a blog. For those of you that follow it, or for anyone who cares, here is an update of what is happening in the world of The Mason Bunch: 1. Isaiah is 14months old now. He still isn't walking but he has at least taken several steps. I'm kind of discouraging it, though I haven't actually shoved him down. I know as soon as he figures it out, my world will change and I'm not ready yet. He is talking so much and I'm in awe of how many words he knows already, especially compared with Avery at this age. His 2 favorite words and signs are "more" and "milk". His favorite food is probably avocado. Favorite toy is his blanket, which he calls "bobby". His favorite thing to do is climb...he will try and climb anything and everything. Ugh. 2. Avery is really big into pretending to be a doctor right now. For awhile, she was using her tool set to fix us. After she tried sh...

I'm certain this will be one for the record books...and hopefully Isaiah will look back and appreciate my creativity. I was out with him today and needed to feed him his bottle, but alas, I had no bib. I wanted to go to the library with him and didn't want him to have a shirt that was soaked in milk-drool drippings. As I dug around in the diaper bag, hoping by some chance a bib would materialize, I saw that I had some extra diapers. *Cue lightbulb moment.* Diapers absorb liquid and also conveniently have adjustable tab things...voila: diaper-bib was born. I don't think he was too fond of the idea but I'm the parent...sort of like the "because I said so" answer my parents always gave me. But, he is so cute, I don't think it would matter if he had a diaper-bib or a standard bib, he would still charm the pants of anyone with those baby-blues.

Baby don't hurt me...no more. Why yes, I am sitting here bopping my head back and forth to this amazingly hip song. In case you want to, click to enjoy: What is Love Song . Now, back to business. I was washing dishes tonight (because Chris's usual idea of "cleaning" the kitchen is to put some dishes in the dishwasher and the rest in the sink...does he think these magically get washed on their own?) and I started thinking about this song and what it's saying...what is love?? I'm getting anxious about the holidays; I always do. This is a time that should be spent relaxing and enjoy the true gift of love, Christ. Instead, I am often times wrapped up in buying gifts, volunteering at church, taking the kids to see Santa, and an endless list of other things that fill my calendar, that I forget to remember what Christmas is all about. Most often I stress over stupid family stuff...people and feelings I can't control. I stress over money and how we are go...

One of my friends recently posted this, from another person's blog so I figured I'd play along. Maybe you'll learn something about me...if you do, let me know! A. Age: 26, though my birthday is Jan 7th...I love presents. B. Bed Size: King. Once you go king, you never go back. C. Chores you hate: Cleaning the shower. UGH. I'd rather clean 50 toilets than 1 shower. D. Dogs: 1, Maddie. She is a bichon. I actually despise her and somewhat look forward to her going to heaven. She just peed on my carpet after I spent $85 to get them cleaned. E. Essential start to my day: If I have the money, a diet coke from McDonalds. Best. Thing. Ever. Best $1.09 spent. F. Favorite Color: I'm not partial to one color, I enjoy them all. Gold or Silver: Silver. I feel like gold is for old people. H. Height: 5'5" I. Instruments you play: I dabble on the keys, though I wish above all that we had a piano in our house (remember questions "A"...) J. Job Title: Mom...

I feel like the list of items I need to get rid of grows on a daily basis. So, here are all the things I want to sell that I no longer need! 1. Graco Silhouette Swing. ($70) Holds babies up to 30lb. Has 6 swing speeds with auto shut off. Nature sounds or classical music options. 3 seat recline positions.   2. Evenflo Expressions High Chair. ($40)  3. Diaper Genie Elite system ($25)  Has step open lid. Used, but like new; NO odor. Also includes 1 NEW refill.   4.Fisher Price Rainforest Activity Gym ($25) 5. Changing Pad - Contoured ($10) 6. Bebe Pod Seat & Tray ($10). I am missing the white pommel, but it isn't a necessity for the functionality of the seat.  Adjustable tray included. 7. Fisher Price Go Baby Go Kickin' Bobbin Bear Gym ($10)  

If I may be transparent with you, I am battling some tough situations within my extended family. There have been many times when I have really wanted to react in a very negative and un-Godly manner. And I have; in my own home, with my husband. I can't tell you how badly I have wanted to call some people up and give them a piece of my mind...but, I can't let my flesh have control. I just can't....so, tonight I was reminded of a poem a friend of mine shared...maybe it will encourage you in some way. Anyway, by Mother Teresa People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find s...

Wow. I didn't realize it had been FOREVER since me last post. I'm sure no one really cared...but, in the event that there is someone out there that did, here is what has been happening... In mommy world, Isaiah is rolling all over the place. I can tell he wants to pull up on things, but hasn't figured that out yet. I don't think he has a strong desire to crawl. He does get up on all fours and sort of, humps the air, as if he's willing his body to move forward. He still has no teeth and I have a feeling that when they do come, it will be all at once and my life will be miserable for awhile. Avery is doing good. She's potty trained, though needs help wiping and getting her pants on. She has been taking things into her own hands lately, and tries to go "all by herself"...in which case there ends up being poop smeared in several spots in the bathroom and lots of toilet paper used. We'll get there. As far as my own personal, non-mommy world goes, I'...

Owen: Nikki, God will give you the desires of your heart. He will give you anything you ask for. April: Well, my desire is to be rich!! Owen: What are you talking about?? You are rich! Have you seen your house? You have 2 beautiful kids, you're alive! After having this conversation with some of our best friends, I reflected on it further, which is something I don't usually do. For some reason though, I just couldn't shake what Owen had said. It really made me think about my life. Unfortunately, I've had a couple close friends (or people who I thought were friends) break off our friendship simply because of what we have; our things. Possessions; here today and gone tomorrow. I can't even describe to you how hurt I was (and still am) over this falling out. Everything we have, everything , is simply because God has given it to us. I have done nothing to earn or deserve what I have; I am a sinful human who screws up all the time. But, I know that the "...

I was reading one of my favorite magazines, "The Week" and came across an article on the rising famine epidemic in Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya). Then again tonight on the NBC Nightly News, there was another story about this dreadful problem. It was so difficult for me to watch the images of people being driven from their homes in search of food and water. My heart broke over the thousands of children who are dying because of this; little aid is being provided and with nothing else left, they simply die from starvation. Coincidentally, I was in the middle of feeding Isaiah his bottle and looked down at him; my chunky baby, who has formula and food at his disposal. His cheeks look like they could explode, he has fat rolls on his thighs that are worse than mine and, as my brother says, he has "rubber bands" around his wrists. I have several friends who have adopted and who are wanting to adopt a child from another country. I know so many wonder why anyone would e...

I saw yesterday on Good Morning America a story about a girl who was 6yrs old and was worried that she was fat. Here is the link to the video and article...PLEASE WATCH! (Body Image Issues: 6-Year-Old Girl Worries She Is Fat - ABC News She came home and asked her mom why her tummy was so fat? Her mom responded with "Why would you ask me this" and the daughter replied that a girl in the bathroom said that she had a fat tummy. In a recent survey, half of girls age 3-6 were worried that they were fat. Doesn't this outrage anyone else but me?! How is it that these young girls are concerned with being fat, when they should be worried about how to tie their shoes or which swing to play on at the park. The 6yrs turns out to be totally normal and healthy according to her pediatrician, who said her BMI is completely okay. I found myself worried about what sort of message I am going to send to my kids regarding body image. I have a song that I sing to Avery when we go to the gym ...

This past week I have spent quite a bit of time outside doing yard work . While I enjoyed getting a good tan, I did not enjoy the back breaking work of laying mulch, spraying for bugs, cutting grass, and pulling up vine ground cover. Lame. However, I was out spraying weed/grass killer around the driveway and sort of had an epiphany. I saw these weeds growing along an area of our driveway and wondered how in the world they were able to grow there! In an area of poured cement, sealed for years, how in the heck could a small piece of weed find itself in such an isolated area? It made me think about our lives...we can feel and look put together, but given the tiniest and minute of space, a weed can weasel itself in and cause an ugly space. We must constantly find ourselves at the feet of our Gardener. Thankfully God doesn't prune us as often as I tend to my yard. How thankful we should be that we don't have to live with those weeds...that God is always there to accept us and forgiv...