Happy Feet

I have a weird problem with spending money. After so many years of living an extremely thrifty lifestyle, I just hate spending money. Even on myself. Even on things I need. I usually wait until something is absolutely beyond use before replacing it. But today I am not advocating my extreme lifestyle.

It is necessary at times to spend money. I think of it like this "Take care of yourself now to save yourself from worse health problems down the road."

For example, I wore my favorite pair of leather Tevas (sandals) for 6 summers. They still looked fine. I could have kept on wearing them. But the supports inside were worn out and my feet hurt. So I finally broke down and bought some nice Chocos last year. I did find a deal on them, but I usually would never have spent so much on sandals.

My feet have been very happy since. I love them.

What is your big indulgence you can't live without?

Date Night IN

One thing my husband and I have been horrible about is DATE NIGHT. I am trying to revive the tradition from nothingness. Since we have 4 children and no date budget, this is going to take a lot of creativity. Most of the time we will be staying in. All I can think of is watching a movie at home (we'll request them from the library). Help - I need your ideas!

Resolutions Again

Okay, so I have been thinking a lot about goals as I often do this time of year. You all know I am probably not getting any funnier. I think I have come up with a general theme that kind of ties together the important goals I want to work towards.

Simplify my life in 2009 :

media - this will probably mean cutting out a lot of computer time from my life. Posts may be fewer and/or farther between. Especially on this blog. The other one wasn't getting as many posts anyway, it will probably remain constant. and I will have to spend less time READING every one's blogs. Also, less TV vegging in the evenings!

evenings - speaking of evenings. I've decided these are no longer made for lounging around recovering from running around a few minutes behind all day (except, okay, maybe a little lounging around). Instead, they are for preparing for the next day so I can be a few steps ahead during the day and I won't need as much recovery time.
exercise - run faster and for a shorter distance, so it takes up less of my free time (despite my nearly 1200 miles last year, I am pretty slow!). Try to get in a yoga habit.

projects/activities - don't commit to too many service projects or activities that it takes away from my family time.

organization - get rid of the clutter (again!), including furniture that is falling apart and I am never really going to fix (anyone want a fixer-upper dresser?)

peace - schedule regular quiet time for reflection, meditation, and prayer.

The fastest year

No one told me that time would go faster as I got older. I do not want to keep getting older. It is already going too fast - I can hardly keep up! In just 2 months, I will be 30. I really never imagined myself hitting 30. It still sounds very adultish and distant. I know it is silly, but the age thing is really bothering me. Makes me feel quite old. I want to pause time so I can enjoy this stage more. I want to live in the moment. I am often too busy trying to catch up with the clock that I find the day is over and I am still not there.

This past year has been a whirlwind. I am hard pressed to say what I have done. Yet, when I look back, I joy in my children. My oldest, the leader, is now reading fluently. My second, the artist, started school this fall. My third is developing his creative genius always making one thing or another. Number 4 is a smiley little cuddler, an easygoing baby who is growing up way too fast!

Yesterday, my little guy reached his 11-month milestone. He is walking, signing, climbing, and laughing. Each day I am amazed, and often frazzled, but time marches on. For now, more hugs, stories, and bedtime snuggles; less dishes, vacuuming, and worrying (ha!). I am so afraid I am going to miss all the important stuff.

Why I am switching back to cloth diapers

In case you are wondering, "Why all the cloth diapering posts?" Yes, I am switching back to cloth with baby #4. And now for that "Why?"

1. Chemicals in disposable diapers and wipes - The long-term and cumulative effects of chemicals used in our everyday products on our health is ultimately unknown. Additionally, some of my children have developed severe atopic allergy symptoms. It seems prudent to cut down on chemical exposure where possible.


2. Cheaper - This is indisputable. Even after factoring in minor utility increases, you can't argue that one.


3. Better for the environment!!


4. I have too much time on my hands. LOL. Yes, kidding. And, yes, I do value my time. It doesn't take as much time as you think.
5. I can change as often as I like instead of skimping and waiting until the disposable diaper is really saturated.


6. Oh yes, and they are cute!

Why did I stop using cloth in the first place?

Well, when I stopped I was pregnant with #2 and living in an apartment without a washing machine. It got to be too much to lug the diapers around to wash, especially while keeping tabs on a toddler. Also, I was convinced #1 was going to potty train any day. Then we moved to Italy for a year and I couldn't fit the cloth diapering supplies in my mere 7 suitcases with all our clothes, dishes, linens, etc. (and I didn't know how we'd be washing laundry). And when we got back I was already pregnant with #3. Anyone else with 3 little kids under 3 has my permission to use disposables as long as they want!! In comparison, I really do have too much time on my hands now. But that's another story.

Fitness Goals

Over the years, I've tried several exercise regimens. It is easy to get bored and lose motivation, or fall out of the habit when seasons and life are changing. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Switch up your workouts every once in a while.

One of the worst pits I've dug myself is setting unrealistic goals like "I will exercise 2 hours a day until I lose these last 20 lbs. of baby weight." or "I really over did it on dessert last night, I'm only eating salads for a whole week." Of course I can't do those for even a day, and nothing says "binge eat" like a failed fitness goal.

Thinking back on the times I have felt most fit, I have come up with some healthier fitness goals.
Constantly re-evaluate and give yourself more time if needed. Don't be afraid to stop and change your goal if it wasn't working for you. Of course, you should always consult a doctor if you have worries about your health or need help establishing fitness goals.

- Aim for a healthy % body fat rather than a specific weight* or size. Body fat scales are relatively inexpensive these days (about $30 at Target).

- Don't just obsess about your weight. If you aim to increase your flexibility, strength, and/or balance, it is much more likely to help you feel better about your body!

Finding time for yourself when your kids are small is no easy feat! and exercising when you can hardly get a minute alone can seem like quite a chore! Walking with the stroller is the classic standby (and I HIGHLY recommend it! especially if you can get other mommy friends to join you! We had 6 mommies walking together this morning!). We especially like to walk to story time or to feed the ducks.

How do you squeeze exercise into your daily routine?

*if you are unable to lose weight by increasing your exercise, you may be overcompensating for your burned calories by over-eating.