Depression

I'm sharing this because my heart knows the time is NOW to share.  I've come across so many others that feel alone today and I want others to know, you are NEVER alone...so here I share with you...

We've all felt it, we've all been there.  We have all experienced or know of someone going thru it.  Then why is it THE WORST KEPT SECRET... DEPRESSION.  An emotion or disease as some regard to it as,  so serious and underestimated, and in some cases causing a life to end,  yet no one wants to discuss or talk about it, even if talking meant saving a life. 

After having four beautiful babies, very close together, my emotions became uncontrollable and my body was slowing down and a hormonal UNBalance took over.  I was not getting any younger and the cloudiness from hormones and the many changes my body was going thru was not becoming any clearer or healthier. 

I look back at my writing journal and cannot believe the darkness I was in.  It was all clear to me after my friend had recently shared with me his own thoughts written down of a day while in his darkest time, I looked at him and said, "I have written these same exact words at one time."  He looked at me completely astound that I was ever even in a depressed state.  He's known me for over fourteen years, and never knew because I hid it well and I never shared.  It was not for me to bring others down with me, it was my "job"  to stay happy, positive and bring others up whenever possible, so it seemed.  to others.     Because that. is. who. I. was...

"Someone in town was hit by a train, they believe it was suicide!"  I overheard these words said by someone one day.  My first thought, my very first thought was , "wow, that would be so much easier than sitting in a closed garage and turning the car ignition on."  Without even hesitating, my mind started thinking that that was such a better choice, the family wouldn't find me till later, they wouldn't be reminded of it every time they went to the garage, this would be a better way ending my darkness and doing it away from the house that my family and I live in. 

WHAT?!!!!  What in the world and why in the world would I DARE put that in my head?!!! Because I wasn't right , my emotions were not balanced and I felt no purpose in my life, disregarding all others including my children being left without a mom.  But that was it, all I knew at that time was that everyone would be so much better off without me.  I was in a dark hole and I couldn't get deep enough in it. 

My mind was racing a hundred miles a minute of ideas, things I had to do, things I didn't get done, things I said and regretted, things I should've said, things I let go of... ALL THINGS...  I would shut down not knowing whether I was coming or going and especially not having any direction of where to even start.

STRENGTH

Every day women are fighting battles.   Some right in our own home with ourselves, our children, spouse, health, financial struggles, worrying day in and day out about the hope that everything will be ok no matter how big or small the situation may be and never knowing what may arise.  We want everything to be "ok" and most of all, we want to win each battle.  We say winning is not everything, well it is.  Especially when it comes to the battle of your life.  Women fight with even more courage, strength and determination than ever, and this is when losing is not an option.

I have had the honor of amazing women share their stories of the most heroic battles and in my heart I wanted the timing to be right when it came time to sharing their journeys with you.  The timing couldn't be better to lift each other up and let each other know, "it'll be ok, you got this".

With school right around the corner, what a great way, I felt,  to start off this series than to recognize this amazing teacher, mother, and friend, Mrs. Jenni Olson.  I cannot thank her enough for taking the time to write and share in her own words her journey of survival.  I know her story will inspire others, so please read, share and remember, "you got this."

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Mrs. Olson with Mia

My name is Jenni; I am a wife, a mom, a kindergarten teacher and  

I am an Ovarian Cancer Survivor.  

I was diagnosed on Good Friday in April of 2012, after the pathology on a large cyst that I had removed came back positive. I was completely blindsided when I received the call from my doctor. Cancer was not something that I had even considered or had even discussed with my doctor as a possible concern before the surgery.  After all there was no history of Ovarian Cancer in my family. 

Suddenly at 40 years old, I was facing a diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer Stage 1C.  

4000 Pageviews & 101 Readers!!!

About 1 year ago, June 13, 2013,  I started this blog with an amazing group of moms supporting me.  

My first post was inspired by my long time friend, Tina's, first baby shower (Baby Girl soon to be 1!!!). 

4000 page views (and counting...) in one year may not be much to some people, but for me its 4000 views of gratitude that I have for each person that has taken the time, to read, view and share!

It all started with my sister and our coffee chats in the morning!  and now 4000 views later... ideas are still being written and posted on The Moms Diet!

THANK YOU to all the Moms for reading, viewing, sharing, contributing and taking the time to check out this blog!

The Moms Pageviews

4,008

4003 as of July 6, 2014

B is for Ball. F is for Fearless.

Balls. Everything is a ball.  If its round, it is to be played with. The Christmas Tree Ornament that completely shattered everywhere when thrown to the ground expecting it to bounce back up.  Easter Eggs were balls that cracked and didn't work in this kids eyes.

 Maximus, whom I refer to as my Grand Finale, is child number four.  My "if- I- didn't- do- it- right- with- the- other- three- kids, now- is- my- chance- to- make- it- up" finale.  Moms, you know when you're done, you're done, and once we had four, we were good to go with completing our family, hence "grand finale".

Every child is different, most moms know.  Our first son was the easiest, laid back, calm, went with the flow,  a few separation challenges here and there that we all got thru together, just an easy going kid for the most part. My girls in between, well, that was all a blurr.  I had them a year apart from each other all while selling and moving into a new home (another chaos story that we made it through!). Now my little man Maximus.  When one of us gets upset with him, the others are there backing him up or taking him by the hand letting him know its ok.  #4, yup, the love of all of our lives in this house.

So back to the balls, we did what anyone would do when they see their child has an interest in an activity, we signed him up for the Team!  The big leagues, also known in our town as the "Mighty Mitts".  That's right, it was time for this 3 year old to step up to the plate and we all knew how ready he'd be.  We were excited about this big day for our guy.  He was always running around with us to sport practice here, dance rehearsal there, acting as the families biggest fan no matter where we were headed, soccer, baseball.  Now it was his turn and we all couldn't wait.  Our endless "pitch to me" days were all put into play now.

So this is how the big day went...

Hoovers Hause All Dog Rescue

Don't SHOP- ADOPT!

My hubby has been looking online at "animal shelters" here and there and will show me the adorable, cute, heartwarming online pics of puppies from time to time that need a home.  Every other week, the Moms Executives (Julia & Maximus) and I will visit the puppy store to get our fix and have some play time with a few of the little rascals.  Not growing up with dogs myself, I was starting to grow a liking to the little guys but knew we were not a "dog home".

Well... to cross off our Summer Letter "P", Puppy Store, as a family trip, Hubby found a local adopting event to attend.

We took the kids, hopped out of the car, (not before Julia instructed that they each get a turn picking out one  puppy to play with at a time and she'll go first) and asked to play with a little black lab named Valdo for a bit.  While the family enjoyed the playtime, and I did as well, my reporting gears went up and a kind volunteer from the shelter named Rachel answered as many questions as I could think of as a non-pet person.

She introduced me to Valdo's mom so I would see the possibility of how big our little black lab would get. She told me about feeding him, the shots necessary, the back yard safety, the time commitment and most importantly the attention and love that a puppy needs from the adopting family.   I felt the love and care that Rachel has for the shelter and all the animals Hoovers Hause saves.  I continued to ask how this shelter came about and she explained that the founder, Sharon, saves these animals from the Mississippi areas (there is a high death rate of pets) cares for them, brings them up to date on their shots and makes sure they get to good health.  Then Sharon and her team transports them to Wisconsin to find them a loving caring home.  Its a long drive for the animals and they are sure to stop for "potty" breaks and a good stretch when needed for the pets.

New Summer! New Look and Some More Fun!!!

The Moms Executives

Sooo.... do you like the new pink?!?!  I thought how appropriate to start the summer blogging refreshed and renewed with new stories, great moms, a ton of fun, and heck, why not an entire new blogging look?!?

Well  its been a week of summer vacation already come and gone.  A week!!!  Time flies, I know I say that often when I write but it's so true!! The days are short and the years are long and we all know that's the truth, right ladies!?!?!! 

The Moms Executives (Mia, 6 & Julia, almost 5) and I started the summer off with a Saturday morning breakfast together and a great idea of the ...

2014 Summer Fun List!

dunt, dunt, dahhhhh!!!! (the Croods, go with it...)

To Moms from #KidPresident

I just had to put this link on here from Kid President.  What a wonderful reminder of what's important to our children when growing up and what they need from us moms!  I hope you enjoy this video as much as I do!  Click on it below:

To Moms from Kid President

1. Put the phone down! Unless its your kids name.

2. Don't name your kid "phone"!

3. We love you MOM!

4. Stop Cleaning!

5. Mom upside down means WOW!

6. Cool it on the Meatloaf!

7. Thank you for cleaning up the poop.

8. Have fun!

9. Hug More. Shout Less.

10. The Secret to the world is...

MOMS!

Valentines Day = VICTORY!

We have finished celebrating 100th Day... counting 100 stickers for the 100 project, counting 100 M&M's for the 100 snack, counting 100 hearts, 100, 100, 100... you get the idea.  My two year old can count to 100 now... ha! well, maybe not yet.


 With 4 kids and a crazy mom counting all these out together, you could see why it took us a little longer to get through each project :) "ok, we have to start over, one at a time..45...86... ok, let's try it again...22....47...."  We would laugh hysterically all counting different numbers, then get frustrated, then finally, each child leaves the project and mom ends up counting the finale!

So our 100th day is done and here is our sweet, sweet, Valentine's Day.  Treats for each class done. Valentine Cards mailed out to the ones near and far, done. Valentines for each class party to pass out, done. Valentine Boxes, done. And now, one exhausted mom ready for her Valentine Wine, a romantic movie, and a warm fire to call it a night... you can all relate?!

What's my point?!?

This is all seasonal and these busy times are going to be here and gone before a blink of an eye!  All week it seemed to be the theme with amazing moms, "we are just so busy." Yes, we are.  Swim, church, gym, school, dance, baseball... its all seasonal and we will be busy to the very end of each season.  

Being a MOM and being so needed as of now with our little ones, is SEASONAL.  It is also so important to just "be" in that very moment each season WITH them!  

Shutterfly & Childrens Place

Most of you know I love photos and utilize Shutterfly.com as much as I can for photo gifts and much more.  And like most moms, I also shop at Children's Place as much as I can, or as much as necessary at least.  Well, they have this promotion at Children s Place when you spend $20 or more you earn a card for a Free Shutterfly 8x8 Photo Book Code.

 So... I spend $60, I rcvd. one card, it expired in January and it was well spent. Thank You.

I went again to a different Children's Place location, rcvd. another card with a different code that expires in March, and was unable to use it.  I have a few other cards as well and will not be able to use those either.  Here is why...

The "Business of Caring" Mom

So excited to share with you The Moms New Trend Shops!  I have so many everyday favorites that I wanted to share and make them available to you with the click of a button!                

                                       

The Moms Trend Shops 

The Moms Trend Shops

Do you shop online? Groupon? Kohls? Target? Macys? Tiger Direct? Drugstore.com? Diapers.com?

Do you take supplements or are you looking for more in your everyday regimen? Not sure what to give your kids for great daily nutrition? Tired of wasting gas, dragging the kids and waiting in line at stores?  

Be online, Shop Online, Save TIME!

Visit this site, complete your profile to earn cash back and start saving on your families needs and more!  "Invite" others to the site and earn $$ just for sharing!  Its FREE!  Why not?!?

Trends are always changing and this link will continue to grow, so check back often and watch your savings grow too!

The Mom meets "Yah-Yah"

For a birthday get away, we did what hubby loves to do, go to Chicago.  He is the best traveler and can find a hole- in- the- wall- restaurant in the middle of Italy if he wanted. He knows how to hop on every train, what cab # to call when needed, what bus, subway, you name it, the best eating spots, the "must-sees", he is the "Traveling Rick Steves" man to have.  So going to Chicago for him was an adventure; we had some Home Brew spots we wanted to check out and the fact that it was cheaper to return some winter boots to the actual store than send them back from purchasing online was plenty enough reason to plan a night out in Chi-town together.

While I enjoy making small talk, meeting and learning about people I find myself surrounded by, it just wasn't happening in Chicago.  Everyone is catching up on the phone, Ipad, head down with ear phones in, or avoiding eye contact at every cost.  I could even stare directly at a person for about five minutes and they have no clue eyes are on them (a little dangerous if you ask me!).  A man walked into our subway car shouting, "$money?!, passes?! food?!, haven't eaten for 2 days, out in the cold... anything!? anyone?!?!"  I was amazed at how he looked at each person directly waiting for any handouts he could get.  Shouting as if he were selling his heart out at a baseball game for popcorn and peanuts.  We made eye contact, I think I was the only one who didn't look the other way, and he disappeared repeating his "work" into the next car.

The Moms Birthday

What does a busy Mom want on her birthday?  

Well, some would say a cozy night at home, some would say a nice dinner out with the hubby, some cocktails with some friends, maybe a shiny expensive gift...or two...maybe... ok, a handmade gift given with 100% love is enough to warm my heart any time.  Maybe a day at the spa to sit and relax with a nice massage, a pedicure? a delicious warm cup of tea with the time to enjoy it?  Maybe just to cozy up by the fire with a good book and have absolutely no distractions for the afternoon?  Maybe, just maybe, a chocolate "connie-tini" with some girlfriends and a night on the town to show off some old dance moves.  Whatever it may be that us moms desire to have on our birthday, I find it simpler to recap what we "don't" want to have on our birthday...

The Credit Card Mom

Start this year off on the right financial foot.  While revising your spending plan, learn how to earn more with your spending ...

Find out what credit card is best for you when you pay your monthly balances in full.  

Make your dollars work for you, you are spending them anyway, so why not get some rewards/ points/ cash back for doing so?  

Here are some great tips I found making your money work for you:

The Credit Card Market

Make sure to visit The Money Mom Page for more tips to save!

A Mom who beat the odds

Happy New Year to all the Unbelievable Moms out there!  

Make 2014 YOUR year of hope, health and happiness and don't EVER EVER give up!  What a better way to kick off the New Year than to share this amazing story of  Heather Von St. James, who beat the odds.  Click on the link below to read her story:

"I was given just 15 months to live."

Thank you Heather, for sharing your courageous story with others and encouraging more woman, that they too, can beat the odds!  

The Judging Mom

"She forgot diapers?!  Who forgets diapers?!"

"Look at that baby with no socks on, whats wrong with that mother?!"

"That boy needs a haircut!"

"Dishes in the sink, toys all over?! What does she do all day?!"

"What is wrong with those kids, can't she keep them in her grocery cart instead of running all over the place??"

"She looked like she just rolled out of bed, she could've at least combed her hair this morning!"

"YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS FULL!"  I'd be rich if I had a dollar every time I heard this one!

Heard of these?  Said of these? Thought of these?  Maybe even told the woman in the mirror a few of these?!

Motherhood

This was a popular post on The Moms Diet Facebook Page so I felt it was important to post directly on this blog and share with more great moms out there. 

Thank you Ms. Donna Bell for acknowledging how perfect our imperfections are.  

The "Thankful" Mom

Book of Gratitude!

My awesome cousin, Jenny, years ago gave me a blank journal as a gift.  I still have it!  I labeled the first page, "Book of Gratitude!" and had the idea from reading and hearing a segment by Oprah (whether you are a fan or not, keep reading!)  and this segment talked about how journaling each day of what we are thankful for can impact your entire life.  Well, this impacted me enough to start journaling myself.  As I look back at what I was thankful for at that time, it brings back a ton of great memories, happy memories that I would've never remembered if it were not for this journal. Simple thoughts were written and great memories came up:

1. Laughed at lunch with friend Carolyn!

2. Walked to class and caught up with Monica!

3. Russ stopped over, we were all so glad to see him!

4. Mike invited us all out tonight!

5. Mom and Dad called, they rock!

Woman of Worth or Wonder Woman?

When you give it your all, quitting is not an option; dieting, motherhood, in everything you do.  Give 100% of what you do 100% of your efforts and you will never see quitting as an option.

My first month in college I remember sitting down with my parents telling them, "I quit".  What exactly was it that I was quitting when I wasn't "doing" anything anyway?  A little bit of a different environment, a different schedule than the past twelve years of school that I was use to, a little CHANGE in my life and I'm ready to quit instead of taking it on full speed ahead?

I'll never forget my Dads response, "Give it your best, 100%, for one full year, then lets revisit you wanting to quit."

So I did, I gave it my best and graduated!  We never had to revisit the "quitting" topic again.  It was the best years of my life; challenging, difficult, exciting, all the attributes that come with the away-at- college experience that I would do all over again in a heart beat. Friends I still keep in touch with and lessons learned that I still keep with me to this day socially, financially, personally, physically, you get my point :) So why do I share this with you?  

Motherhood, like a diet, you have days you want to quit, just throw your hands up in the air and say I'm done, and you have days you are so "on" and feel like you have just made mother of the year because you made it through the day.

Many of those OFF days come from myths that most moms buy into.  Let me share with you some myths taken from a recent book I have read:

Soul-Full Sunday

Last week I listened to an amazing sermon and the question asked was, 

"Are you doing what matters the most?"

and... "What matters the most in what you are doing?"  

then you have a little different way of viewing it.  But...

WHAT DOES MATTER THE MOST TO YOU and what are YOU doing about it?

I've been finding myself answering that question everyday with my actions and activities that I fill my crazy busy schedule with like every mom does.  Do you realize that 

when you say YES to something or someone, you are saying NO to something or someone else... your children?  

When it comes down to planning and scheduling and requests of others for one reason or another, I put that question in my head, "If I say yes to this... I'm saying no to my children.  Does what I say yes to matter or make a difference to my family?"  Time is so valuable and 24 hours is the only thing all of us have the same of.

TIME 24 hours, we all have the same of.  

The Goddess within every MOM!

While attending a local women's event,  I had the opportunity to meet speaker and author, Sunni Boehme!  I loved that she just followed her gut instincts and let each day lead its own way to make many of her dreams a reality.  I asked her to share much of her knowledge with all the awesome moms I know.   We put so much aside and forget to listen to our heart or follow our gut instincts.  Maybe if we learn a little bit of which inner goddess to listen to each day, we can grow and become more than we already are.  So please enjoy and embrace your GODDESS WITHIN!!

2000 Views!

"The Moms"  Hubby gives 2 thumbs up on 2,000 Pageviews today!  We shall all celebrate!  

 Thank You to all the unbelievable moms out there for contributing and/or sharing the encouraging word!!!!!  

Stay tuned for even more great news, tips and stories to come with The Moms Diet!

The Gossip Mom

Like a Diet; Get rid of the junk because the good is more fulfilling!

The Gossip Mom; We all know one, we've all been one and maybe we've even gotten trapped in the corner WITH one.  Either way you know the results are never good and when you look back, it was time wasted.  Words hurt. Period.  Being a Mom is tough enough!  Moms need to stick together, support each other, encourage each other and set the example that every daughter needs at any age to strengthen their confidence from a child to a grown woman.  (The same goes for moms with sons too!)

"Always be the person that when someone does talk negative about you, others won't believe them anyway."

We cannot control what others say and do but we can control our own actions.  And how we act or react is what our children watch, observe and duplicate, the good, bad and the ugly.  Its like you want to spray "PAM" Protection on your children every morning.  You want words and hurt to slide right off of them and not effect them in anyway.  That is exactly what we need to "show" our children and let go of negativity and let it slide right off us finding the cup is half full, never half empty. There is good in everyone.  Forgiveness and saying "I'm sorry"  is not about the other person winning, its about being honest with yourself and finding closure within.  

Don't accept words about others to others, accept the person you took the time to know from the start.

One Call of Cancer

One call.  One call from a doctor, a friend, a parent, a sister, brother, the list is endless.  A call that we fear of, a call that seems so unreal once its made. A call of cancer.  I wanted to share these stories of people in my life that have made me take a look at embracing everyday because we never know what the next minute will bring.

The Call of Cancer Posts will bring you tears of joy, sorrow and encouragement to those surviving, those that have survived and those that fought thru to the end.  Please share these stories with others in hope of knowing that they are not alone when they receive that "one call of cancer".

And please let me know if you have a story of your own that you'd like to share with others for encouragement, hope and wellness to all moms alike.

Stories will be published shortly, looking forward to sharing the greatness of so many others...

Family Fingers Part ONE!!

This started off with me having a Michael's Craft Store coupon, a store sale and kids wanting to make a mess!  And the family- finger- painting-at- home- art- museum began!!! My kids won't have little fingers forever!
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We used NO brushes!  Hands only and a blank canvas which made it a huge hit to do together! The paint went directly from the bottle (they always went on sale $.75-$1.50 usually) to the canvas (wait for it to be on sale then use coupon as well, this one cost $11.  Now lets get started....

The Movie Mom

Create an outdoor movie in your own back yard!

Visual Discipline!

Ann, thanks so much for letting me share!!

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After coming across this beautiful piece of art :) clipped on my friends fridge, I just had to pass this on to all the parents out there that could use a visual for their "determined angels"!  Pure brilliance in my book!

Ann Dombroe found this on Pinterest and applied it at home with her  beautiful girls! 

 

Ella (4) and Emma (7), do not even want to see their name & pictures drop down to a "warning" vs. when it was just a "verbal warning"!  

Now they SEE whats ahead if Mommy's words are not heard the first time.  Ann says it is working like a charm and when it gets tested to the limit,  she stands firm! 

If there is a party or fun event coming up on that day she'll cover up the "GO TO YOUR ROOM" Part with a "NO PARTY" slip... or whatever the name of the event is! So instead of just going to their room, their is no party that day either! 

The girls know when their name goes on each line, their mom means business! (with lots of love of course!)  

Each day is a fresh new start with their names returning back to the top to "try again tommorow"... fair enough for me!  The time out is decided on what their age is.   Ann runs a pretty smooth ship at home and I can see why after I learned about her "strategy" ha,ha,ha,ha!

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Thank you so much Ann for sharing!! You, Ella, Emma and Thanh are a wonderful family with the biggest hearts helping so many others in so many ways!  Thank you both for all you do and especially for being you!

Comment below on ways you've implemented some rules at home or how this project has helped to do so!

Our American Heroes

Our American Heros

This past week I attended an amazing program honoring our country and all the service men and woman.   Many of us also attended parades and firework shows, as well as red, white and blue celebrations with family and friends joining together for our American 4th of July Holiday. 

I always get such a chill in my body and a choked heart as we honor all that serve and all that have fallen while serving for our country.  Freedom has a price and there are  hero's in our everyday life that paid that price of freedom for all of us. 

The Camping Mom

Happy Motivating Monday!

I'd like to thank Heather Eberle for sharing her camping trip with us!  With her husband back home for a short time from military leave, together, they planned  a total impromptu camping trip, spur of the moment and had one of their best trips yet!  I hope this motivates you to get up and go wherever it may be just to have that special, memorable time with your family!

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Curious about Camping?

"Hooray! It's Summer!  What are we going to do today?"

16 days into this Summer season and I've been asked this common question 16 times already by my favorite crew of three; ages 8, 4 & 3!

9 am on the 17th morning and we already needed to spice up the monotony kids-home-from-school-for-summer-vacation.  Without a plan, we wake up our 3 girls and told them we are going CAMPING! (Total impromptu on our part!)

Again, no plan... YET... we start to pull it together! A couple phone calls, a packed bag of apparel & bedding, food gathered from the pantry & we were out the door in under 2 hours. Seriously, if you put your mind to it and grab some items from home, it CAN be done!

The first call was to the RV Park to check availability on the grounds. And, the second call was to an RV rental company to house a roof over our heads. Jackpot! There's our plan! Both were available and deeply discounted because we were traveling on a weekday. The only requirement was for our truck to have a towing package with an appropriate 'braking system connection'. I'm certain there is a technical term for this, but REALLY??

A camper/RV is really the way to go. You pay a flat rate to park your abode, plug in your power and hook-up water. Request a location closest to amenities such as restrooms & showers or beach/pool access routes. You will be thankful you did after a long day of playing, and for those quick potty runs!

A home on wheels with Hubby and 3 girls!

Next, we started packing. Swimsuits, towels, pajamas and a couple clean pairs of undergarments per person. A few toiletries: a bar of soap, shampoo, conditioner, and a hair brush. 

Sun tan lotion, aloe gel, bug spray and anti-itch cream are a MUST!

And, a few random items, that you may or may not use: toilet paper, baby wipes, an umbrella, Citronella candles, chairs & a lighter.

With everybody gathering their favorite item of bedding (1 pillow, fitted sheet & blanket per person) packing took us about 45 minutes to do. All apparel & bedding fit into one, large, sea green, United States Navy-issued bag.

Sleeping arrangements made fun! 

Then, we packed our cooler with waters, Gatorade, lunch meat, hot dogs & condiment packets of ketchup & mustard. You know, the ones you get a plethora of from fast food chains? Yes, I keep those for moments like these. You never know when you'll go camping on a whim and NEED these crucial condiment supplies!  We made one quick store stop for the BYOB "adult" necessity.

We filled a reusable grocery bag with plastic garbage bags, paper plates, plastic forks & knives, a paper towel roll, chips, hot dog buns and bread.

The best part of a camper's meal? 
The s'mores, of course! Graham crackers, chocolate bars & marshmallows. If you have fire pit sticks, great! Otherwise, hunt down fallen branches at the camp site. Such fun for little ones to seek their very own s'more maker! 

Finally, gear up the car and hit the road and make it a trip to remember!

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Thanks again Heather Eberle!  This trip was very impressive for being a get up and go idea!  Heather is one of the best hostesses I know when "just putting it together" for a great time with friends and family!  She's not only my best friend but a great sister whom I'm lucky to share many of her fun "impromptu" adventures with!  

So I ask you Moms, whats your favorite "unplanned memory" that made a difference in your families life, an impromptu trip that you and the kids are still talking about, or one item you CANNOT camp without?  Share with us your ideas and adventures below!

"Mia-isms" When Kids Say The Darnest Thinks!

"Mia-isms" 

When mothers are reminded why everything we do, no matter how big or small for our children, is worth everything when we hear them say the darnest things... and to us... the funniest...

(Comment below and share with us your last Mia-ism!)

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6/2013 My daughter's logic... "I'm going to become a vegetarian after summer, not because I care that they kill animals because I don't*, but because its healther but I'm not going to be healthier until after summer." Hmmm....

-Paige 13, daughter of Michelle
*Paige does care, she really does!

(Stay tuned for their Para sailing adventure together!)

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8/2013 "Mia, did you ask for permission to play with that?" Cameron
"What's pimission?" Mia, playing in Camerons room.

"you asking me to play with it and me telling you no" Cameron
"no, I just knew I should play with it." Mia

She won, she usually does when it comes to her big brother!

-Conversation heard by The Mom, Cameron 9 & Mia 5

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7/2014  "Maximus, are you glad we got a puppy now?" Mia asks while leaving with our new addition and holding Maximus's hand to the car.

"Yes" Maximus

"So now you don't have to pretend to be one anymore!" Mia
-Mia 6 & Maximus 3

The CrossFit Mom

Happy Motivating Monday! 

I'd like to thank Maggie McNeive for sharing her inspiring story with us on how she not only changed her own life but many others as well just by doing what she loves!
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I was introduced to CrossFit in February 2012.  Little did I know that I would become hooked after the first workout and partner up to open my own gym, CrossFit Oak Creek, seven short months later!  Looking back it seems impossible that it would have become a reality. I have four very active kids, my husband is almost never home, and I needed to get numerous certifications in a short amount of time.  I was and still am beyond busy. 

What I have learned is "busyness" is not a barrier.  
It is a motivator and if you want something badly enough you will find the time.

CrossFit is a dream come true for moms.  The workouts are short (less than an hour), intense (which translates to results) and varied so you will never get bored.  EVERYONE CAN DO IT.  You do not have to be in shape to get started.  You have to start to get in shape and we plan it all for YOU so all you need to do is SHOW UP!  All of the trainers are skilled at how to scale a workout to whatever level you are at so no worries there.

There are lots of days I do not feel like working out myself, or I am tired from being up with a sick child, or out late for one of their activities, but I have made an important rule for myself that I follow.  

Maggie!
(The Mom refers to this as a "Maggie Stand"!)

The choice isn't IF I will exercise but rather  WHEN I will do it.  

It may be 5 am.  It may be 5 pm but I WILL DO IT.  I never truly "feel like it" but I feel great after I am done...

More so because I have put myself on my list of things to do that are important. 

It is a great example for my kids too.  They all participate in the kids program and love it!  It truly is a family environment at CrossFit Oak Creek. 

My 6 year old doing a perfect overhead squat!

Please check out our website at www.CrossFitOakCreek.com for more information and to get set up for a free trial.  We would love to have you and your family join us!
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Thank you so much Maggie for sharing with us!  Once again, I ask all the great moms out there,
How many lives would YOU change and impact if YOU followed YOUR heart doing what you already love?  Each one of you are so amazing everyday, share your talent with others like Maggie did, make YOU a priority and then see the "greater" example your family will follow!

click below to learn more!

CrossFit Oak Creek, WI