Isagenix Week #1

Week #1 on Isagenix went a little something like this:

I've done this system before and I think the other times I wasn't as serious as I am now. I'm drinking water and peeing 9 times a day, maybe even more. I've decided to have a shake in the morning and for lunch so I can have my lean meal at home for dinner. Sometimes this has happened and other days not. It was my Birthday this last weekend (1/29) I did have ice cream cake and mashed potatoes. Oh well, shoot me. Also, I've been sick since sunday morning, so I've been drinking tea and cough drops and soups and no shakes for two days. I guess that's just what happens when you get sick. 

I'm not falling off the bandwagon I'm still motivated and once I get this gunk out of my chest I will be back to it full time and at it. This week I'm going to be going back to the gym, hopefully 6 days a week. I go on my lunch so I don't have the temptation of going home and not removing myself from the house. 

Like I said the shakes are amazing and the cleanse days are tough. Luckily only once a week. I choose to do them on a sunday, so I'm not killing myself at work and can relax or do something else to preoccupy my time with.

Weigh in this morning:  -7.3 pounds

Weight left too lose: 52.7

1st goal: January 30th - 10lbs Not Reached I'm down 7.3 lbs Not loosing hope. Hope to kick this cold.

2nd goal February 15th - 15lbs (Reward to myself: hair cut and new jeans)

3rd goal February 28th - 20lbs

4th goal March 15th - 30lbs

Daily Goals:

Gym - once a day 45 minutes minimum (Starting again this week)

Water - 8-9 glasses a day. Even if I have to force it. (It's been half and half the last 2 days with chest congestion)

No to: Coffee, soda (includes diet coke), juice. Just water for a week. Phew. I need a miracle. (I cup of coffee this weekend, eeks)

Once I get over this cold I will be going at it again and hardcore. I start the gym at the end of this week due to waiting to get this crap out of my chest.

If you are interested in Isagenix please contact me at kristina.j.ruth@gmail.com or check out www.isagenix.com

** I'm a consultant for the Isagenix products and do make money off sales from Isagenix products.  However, the opinions and information from these products are my own. I only give my opinions and information based off my own experiences of the product. I share my story and my cleanse and weight loss journey for the soul purposes of McFatty Monday's and not only for the sole purpose of sales.  If you are interested in learning more about the products, please contact me. ** 

Camera Died.. Mom Fail

The camera died at the hair cut place. Of course. Mom Fail! Anyway, I took her photo of the hair cut after her nap that same day. Kinda messy, but you get the idea. It's cute and the finished product. 

Mack's FIrst Hair Cut

I had some serious anxiety when we walked into the hair cut place for Mack to get her first hair cut. Besides the fact that this was a Chuckie Cheese for hair cuts with TV monitors, movies, cartoons, cool bright colors and lot's to take in. I thought once Mack got into that chair there was no way in hell that lady would have a chance in getting the comb in.

SnipIts Hair Cut's for Kids

As soon as Mack sat down she was offered a lolly pop. The lady started up the cartoon on the monitor and Mack looked pretty content. She started to put the comb through and Mack just sat there. There were a couple of times, were a tangle was snagged and Mack wasn't too hip about it but overall the hair cut went really smoothly. 

She loved the end when she was blow dried. Then she was sprayed up with some sparkles and a clippy. Overall it was an awesome experience for Mackenna and all for $15 bucks. Super sweet. 

I went for the bob cut for her first one. So cute. 

Waiting her turn and watching Planet 51

Lolli Pop to start the process

Me showing the lady let's go for a bob

Happy Birthday Me

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday dear me

Happy Birthday to me

My Birthday Eve

Well, bloggers we have made it another week. Is it just me or does time just pass on right by. Before you know it... it's your birthday again. Yes, my birthday is tomorrow. Where did the last 24 years go. Oh shoot, I just told you all my freaking age. Dang it.

Time passes us by so fast, and I feel like I take everyday for granted. We are always waiting for the next day or next week, next month, heck even next year. I'm guilty of this as well. We have something coming up, party, birthday, vacation. We are constantly waiting for something and not enjoying day by day. I don't want my life to pass me by. 

Anyway, Happy Friday and have a good weekend. 

Dear Bub Kristina,

I got this idea from a couple of blog's that have written letter's back to themselves when they were kids or teenagers. I thought this would be something really cool to do. So here it goes.

Dear Kristina, 

When you are 5 years old your mom is thinking of moving on and leaving your dad. She will pack up one morning and be gone. You will know this because your dad is laying in your bed crying saying mom isn't coming back. You will be sad but won't really understand what is going on. Don't worry your dad meets your stepmom Tina and she will love and take care of you like any mom would. She will teach you things like wearing pink lip stick and learning how to shift a manual. When you are 8 years old your mom will be moving back to New Zealand, this isn't because she doesn't love you, but drugs and alcohol will consume her life and she is doing it to get better and provide a better life for your brother. You are entering the 6th grade and your step mom Tina is moving on as well and moving out. She will have her own place that you can still go and visit and were told that she will always be part of your life. You will start junior high and get involved with new friends, but don't forget your old ones. Everyone is starting to date and have boyfriends and girlfriends, but that doesn't mean that you have to as well to be considered cool. Don't bug your dad about the latest new things, clothes. You don't need them. Even if people think you are uncool because of the clothes brands you wear it doesn't matter. Your mom comes back, do don't worry. She has returned and now she is part of your life again and brother. You will get really involved with soccer and love it. You owe your dad many thanks for paying for everything for you to enjoy the sport. When you start high school you will have all kinds of new temptations. Drinking, staying out late, and getting into trouble. Don't lie to your parents about where you are because you will get caught and they will find out. You get your license at 16 and you will even more tempted to get in trouble and lie. I wouldn't do it if you want to have your license taken away. Enjoy your new found freedom. Also, thank your dad for paying for your gas, sports, school, clothes, because without him you wouldn't have a car to drive freely in. You will experience your first love in high school and heart break. Don't waste your time with boys. You will have plenty of time. Even though you think you are cool and older, don't forget to spend time with family and tell your parents you love them and thank them for everything they have given you. You will experience hurt and sadness when you are told that your mom has brain cancer. But, please don't worry, 8 years later she will be just fine. You will graduate high school and move to another state. It will be tough and hard, but you can do it. You will make friends, find a good job and love. Don't forget to thank your aunt and uncle that put up with your ass. You will find love and dive right in. You will move in together, it will be scary and fun at the same time. You will have your ups and downs but overall he loves you and will take care of you. Right before your 21st birthday you will find out you are pregnant. Yes, you will have to call your family. You will call your mom first and rack up $20 bucks on your cell phone to call internationally.  You call your grandma since you will have the practice out before calling your dad. You will cry on the phone with your dad, but he will tell you that everything will be alright. The one thing that you won't know is that child will be joy and happiness to your life. Ian will be a good dad and you will be a good mother. Mackenna will be born and Ian will be laid not much later from work. Don't worry or stress he will find a job after a couple of weeks. He will find the best job and like it.  Your mom will surprise you and come all the way from New Zealand to meet Mackenna. It will be sad when she leaves but don't worry she will be back no more than a month later for good. Your mom will move to L.A. but that's ok, you and Mackenna will visit often. You will experience pain, hurt and sadness once again, when you learn your mom has cancer for the second time. Work will let you go down to L.A. and work remotely  so you can be with your mom. It's sad to leave to go home, but your mom will be back in a few months. You will be close again with your mom and brother. They will be part of your daily life and Mackenna's. Your future is up to you. Make wise choices and stick by your choices. You are what you make of your life, it's in your control. Enjoy it. 

I think we all wish we could have had a letter from the future to tell us what to expect, what not to do, etc.. but, that's just not life. We all have to experience and make decisions and wrong ones to learn and grow as individuals. 

Isagenix Day #3

Shakes are scrumptiously delish. I jazzed mine up a little this morning by adding a little banana and a dash of blue berries.

Weigh in at 3 days: 2.5 lbs 

I'm craving water as we speak. Giving up coffee is ok, since the first thing when I wake up I want to chugg water. 

Isagenix Schedule

6:00am: Glass of water

6:45am - Make shake. You can use a blender ball cup or a blender. In the morning I use the blender and add banana or peanut butter. 

8:00am: glass of water

8:30am: Take natural accelerator pill

9:00: Ionix supreme (1 scoop added to water, part of the cleanse program) It's yummy to me and tastes like fruit juice.

9:30: Snack - 6 raw almonds, apple, berries, Slim cake (from Isagenix), 2 isagenix snacks (chocolate waffers)

Lunch 1:00: Shake or I trade and have my 400 calorie lean meal at this time and shake for dinner.

1 glass of water

2:00 Glass of water

3:00: Snack - Snack - 6 raw almonds, apple, berries, Slim cake (from Isagenix), 2 isagenix snacks (chocolate waffers) Glass of water

4:00 Glass of water

5:00 - Head home. Chugg rest of water, or have a lil snack in the car

6:00 -7:00ish Dinner - 400 calorie lean meal veggies and protein or shake

9:00pm: 2 isa flush pills and more water bed!

Not much to it. No thinking involved. The most I need to think about is my 2 snacks and if I'm having lunch or dinner or shakes. 

Wordless Wednesday - Photo's from Washington trip

Isagenix Day #2

"Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant. There is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks."

Johann Gottfried Von Herder

Today is day #2 of the cleanse. Something about this time is so different. I'm more motivated then ever. I'm going to start posting photos of me before Mack around the entire house, so I'm reminded of my sweet sexy self everyday. ha. maybe.

Challenges: no coffee, soda... just water. 

If you are interested in Isagenix go to Isagenix.com and check it out. Also, if you have any questions feel free to ask me. : )

What I love the most about this product is it is all natural and the best ingredients are used to live a healthy lifestyle. 

What happened to my 9 hour baby?

I had the best baby ever. Mack was such a good sleeper from the moment we brought her home. She loved to eat and sleep and so did mommy and daddy. It took a week or so to adjust to her sleeping patterns. She eventually was in her crib by the first week. I'm so glad I didn't do co-sleeping. She has slept by herself in her crib since she was 1 week old. However, her crib was in our room for the first 2 months. 

When she was 3 months the crib was moved to her own room. She got great sleep and so did we. Although she did wake once a night till 7 months for a feeding. Which I didn't mind. I had a video monitor and I was able to see her the entire time. Which was awesome. 

Anyway, here we are 2 1/2 years old. Every night before bed we read to her. After reading 4 books or so we say its time for sleeping. She gets all cozy in her toddler bed and rolls over like she is going to go to bed. We close the door. I walk by her room after 5 minutes or so and the light is on in her room. I open the door and she looks at me innocently. "Books mommy books!" I tell her that I will read one more book and then it's bedtime. Sometimes the second time she is off to sleep and other nights this could be 3 or 4 more times before she finally steps down and goes to bed. 

I don't mind her doing this in the slightness. However, recently she has been getting up at 3, 4 and 5 am. Depends on the night. She opens her door and comes in our room. She get's lifted into bed and then she proceeds to talk to us and kick us in bed to wake us up. We go lay her back down after a little while, but she gets right back up. So, this morning at 3:30am I finally get her out of bed and put in a movie for her in her room. She watched the whole thing happily. 

I finally get out of bed and get ready for the day and we head off to school and work. So, now that missy has been getting up so early, she has been passing out in the car on the way to school.

What the Heck? Since when?

My kid as always been the perfect 8-9 hour sleeper? Is this just a phase? 

Sound familiar to any of you mom's with toddler's?

The McFatty Journey

I was really hesitate on posting this post with you all. First of all, if you haven't noticed I post a lot of photos of Mack and Ian. Where o Where did the woman/mommy that writes these blog posts ever going to show up? The fact of the matter is I don't like myself. Especially in photos.... I mean I swear the demon electronic device with a flash, called a camera, alters you to make you look horrible. I swear it.

It's time for change. I recently watched a movie Eat.Pray.Love. Call me corny, sappy, or whatever word is coming to your minds. 

Side note: I know there is one word you are all thinking of. If you are brave enough you can share the word you are thinking of below in the comments.

I'm not looking for love, got that taken care of and the stretch marks to prove it. I'm looking for a change in my life and a new balance for me. In the movie she eats and eats and basically doesn't care and wants to live. Well, i'm not saying I'm packing up and leaving tomorrow for Rome, India, and Bali. 

p.s The hubs wouldn't be too happy if I left and walked out because then who is going to help pay for the snowmobile. 

What I got out of that movie, reading in between the lines for once, is that it gave me some motivation to make a change in my life no matter what it is. Whether it is to pack up and leave for some.... mine is to get to the old healthy me. I want to be back at my pre-pregnancy weight.

I'm starting to do another cleanse. It's called Isagenix. You can check it out at Isagenix.com 

It's a cleansing system using all natural products to cleanse your body and loose weight at the same time. Genius. I've done it before and I did it for 30 days and lost 15 or 16 lbs. After 30 days I was like heck let's party and let's just say 6 months later I'm looking back at the 15-16 lbs under my clothes again. What the eff! 

I'm rambling... here is too the point! 

How many of you heard cleanse and think you will shit your pants? Thanks for be brave person that is nodding their head. This isn't a colon cleanse. This is a whole body cleanse. 

Shake Days: 6 days of the week - 2 shakes replace two meals and one lean and green meal of 400-600 calories. 

Cleanse Days: Water, Cleansing powder to your water. If you are dying non-salted almonds, apple, carrots or celery to help you get through the day. The first cleanse day is rough. I mean rough, but they get easier.

Here it is my before picture... I was only brave enough because Tiffany from Mom-Nom.com did it and well if she can post a photo I can too. 

Sorry. It's a bad one. I attempted to take it myself. haha

Proposed Weight loss: 60lbs

1st goal: January 30th - 10lbs

2nd goal February 15th - 15lbs

3rd goal February 28th - 20lbs

4th goal March 15th - 30lbs

Daily Goals:

Gym - once a day 45 minutes minimum

Water - 8-9 glasses a day. Even if I have to force it. 

No to: Coffee, soda (includes diet coke), juice. Just water for a week. Phew. I need a miracle.

I know there are a few of my readers and some people at Mom-Nom.com that are following along and motivating each other to become healthier mom's and women. If you have any suggestions that has worked for... please, please tell me! 

I'm opening this up to anyone that wants to join me in McFatty Monday... Credit to Heir to Blair for starting McFatty Monday's. Bless her. She has the cutest tot and family. Are you in? We can do this. I want to create a little network on MountainMum.com of people that want to get healthy. There will be no negative remarks just pure encouragement as we mama's put the doughnut down and get our life back. Plus, who wants to look hot this summer? We have time! 

I'm going to need the encouragement of all of you and positive thoughts. We can do this and together. Who is with me?

Wordless cont. sick girly

I don't feel well mommy!

Mack, " watching how to train your dragon with mommy. My mom is the coolest for getting me popcicles and 7up. I have the best mom ever."

This is what she is thinking and wishes she could tell me.

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Wordless Hump Day

Saturday Jan 16th - Picnic with Braeden

January 17th - Pet Store

December 28th - Edmonds, Washington

Eat.Pray.Love - Love yourself

This weekend I watched....

Eat.Pray.Love

This was a great movie. It reminded me to love myself and that some things just need to be about you. Also, that you don't need to be balanced all the time. You can loose some balance to love and be loved. I love Julia Roberts and this movie was just another foundation for the support and mental state I need to be in to make some changes. I will be posting about my proposed change tomorrow. So come back tomorrow and see what journey it is I begin. 

Photo Credit

My Favorite quote of the movie: 
"Operation Self-Esteem--Day Fucking One." 
— Elizabeth Gilbert

Will my kid pull the "my parents will never know" stunt?

I was sitting in the car with Ian and Mackenna yesterday on our way to the pet store. (Yes, I killed my kids fish and we had to go buy more) and was thinking to myself all of the things that I did that I thought and maybe my dad still doesn't know what I did behind his back. 

I sifted through memories of what I did to be a pain in the ass.
___________________________________________________

- I took $20 bucks all the time out my dad's wallet. (granted my dad pretty much knew. Like, my dad is stupid and didn't count his money in his wallet or knew how much was in there.) Ya, I was dumb and like heck my dad knew. Der!

- Said I was going somewhere and really wan't even playing on going there. This really didn't happen for me until I was driving. But, I did all the time. I said I was going there and no intention of going where I told my dad. (side note: I got caught sometimes because I locked my keys in the car at places I wasn't suppose to be at, don't worry though, I bought a hide a key and attached it to my car so that would never happen. Ya I got smarter.

- I forgot to get something signed or I just didn't want my dad to see the thing I needed sign. So, I became really good at forging my dad's signature. Like real good. 

- I had boyfriends and did some things. (don't need to discuss I'm sure) but, hey I was young and dumb and had fun. 

- when I was grounded or had my car taken away. I would leave and mark the tires with tape so I knew exactly how my car was when I left. Because my dad was a freak of nature and he would have noticed. 
_______________________________________________________________

I then thought, oh shit!, what if my daughter pulls this shit one me?!? Will I know about it? Will I also say, " I know what you do and when and have eyes in the back of my head so don't pull any shit on me?" 

Let's face it. I'm sure my dad lied to me and told me he knew everything to scare me so I wouldn't do it. There were sometimes it worked and I didn't do it because I knew he would know. and other times... I just said eff it and did it. 

I've come to the conclusion that I'm screwed and my kid will pull the same shit I did. It's just the way it is. I will do my best as a parent, like my dad, to teach her about important things in life that she needs to know. I think it is also, pay back. Like when my dad used to say, "wait till you have kids!" I'm thinking maybe he did know and wanted me to do it so that I will suffer later. He knew I would get my own and that I will get pay back. 

Anyone else thought of this? I'm glad they are young for a while, and that I have time to prep myself for these events. 

Go seahawks!

Watching football. I hope my followers are seahawk fans.

Happy sunday. Let's hope my seattle boys win it to host the championship in seattle!

GO SEAHAWKS!

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Let's Celebrate...

Today is Ian's Birthday! 

January is a real busy month for us. It's our anniversary month, and both of our birthday's. 

Tonight we are going to celebrate by having a relaxing home dinner with the rents (parents) and then go out for some drinks downtown Truckee afterwards with some friends. It will be an exciting weekend of couch shopping, anniversary dinner, Ian's Birthday dinner, and a 3 day weekend. Woohooo! 

Happy Birthday Ian!

Photo Credit

I'm going in insane.. cleaning

I'm not sure who keeps pricking me with needles with a voodoo doll because I have to clean every night and every time I get home. I will leave my clean house to come home to a mess. Is there house trolls that throw a party in my house everyday while I'm at work. I swear, they need to find a new house to party at.

 

Both the hubs and I work full time and that leaves us very little time after work to clean the house, prep dinner, cook dinner, bath's, stories, laundry.. etc. If you are a full time working parent you know how crazy it can be once you walk into the door in the evening.

I clean everyday when I get home, and I can't sit and relax because I know there is always something I need to do. It is seriously making me go insane, physically exhausted, no time to relax, no time to play with Mack. 

It's one of those self realizations.. "it's 8 o'clock already!" 

I'm going to start a cleaning Schedule, that I stick too. Just a couple of things a day that I can finish in 30-40 minutes a night. I hope not to start on them until after dinner and so forth. I also, want to split up the tasks between the hubs and I so I don't have to do it all. Plus, he will know what to do and maybe that will help. 

I don't have the cleaning schedule yet, but I will be making one soon. Any ideas? How do you get it all done? I need help!

Want to know who I am?

I got this idea from some bloggy friends. Actually two the most read blogs by me. I went to high school with these to girls and one them I was present on her first date with now husband. Crazy right!? Please check them out. They have cute blogs and have awesome inspiring posts.

Please Meet:

The Tarr Pit - Alysha. She is a mother to Dawson and is expecting baby #2 in March. She has a wonderful loving husband and they live in sunny southern California. She writes about being a mom, being a wife, and having faith in her family and herself. She is one of my favorite reads.

The Forever Endeavor - Amanda. I mean I grew up basically with this girl. We attended the same school since elementary. She is one of those people that is so incredibly happy... she is contagious. You instantly feel happy. Although, we have grown apart and live in different states, I was able to reconnect with her through blogging and her blog still bounces out at you her happiness and love for life. 

I Am...exhausted today

I Want...to get everything that is planned for this weekend done

I Have...a procrastination and taking to much on 

I Wish...I lived closer to my family

I Hate...rude and inconsiderate people

I Fear...disappointing people

I Hear...The printer/copier and keyboard's typing

I Search...for contentment (is that a word) I want to feel content with my life. 

I Wonder...when I will be able to pay off this debt
I Regret...Spending recklessly as a young fella

I Love...my daughter, she lights my world
I Ache...when people around me are aching.

I Always...stress about everything

I Usually...make dinner - lucky husband :)

I Am Not...the best at expressing emotions. 

I Dance...with my child every morning before we walk out the door for school/work

I Sing... pretty much everytime I'm in my car. Mack says, "sing mommy!" My biggest fan. 

I Never...eat Brussel sprouts. eww gross

I Rarely...raise my voice in anger, but when I do it's because something's really hurting me

I Cry...not as much as I probably should

I Am Not Always...the best wife and mother.

I Lose...my mind when my house is dirty. 

I'm Confused...when Mack is waking up at 4am lately
I Need...to start hanging out with people I don't make time for. 

I Should...make a better effort to always have more time with my family

Who are you?

5 years

Five years ago I met the biggest pain in my ass  love of my life. Today marks 5 years.

2007 before Mack

I think back and it sure goes by real fast. I don't want to bore you to death with mushy and gushy words, because dur! You all know I love him and such.

Dear Ian, 

" We made it 5 years. We have set ourselves up a pretty good life together. We created the most beautiful daughter which has made our lives complete. You are the best dad. You care and love her and I'm grateful for that. I remember being too crazy kids living the kid-free life. There are some days where I miss it and some days I'm glad we are parents. Although, through the years its been tough, new challenges, new parents etc. We stuck it out and I come out of it pretty good. You are one person that can make me laugh and be mad in one day. Although, you still aren't very good at cleaning up your mess in the bathroom or pulling your dirty socks right side out. I love you. I hope in the future we have 1 or 2 more kids, buy a house, pay of debt and light your snowmobile on fire. Anyway, I love you and happy 5 years. I'm sure this year will be the best year yet together." 

     Love,

       Kristina

1 year anniversary:  Dinner at Rapscallions, Seafood house

2 year anniversary: Jake's on the Lake, another fancy place. I think the best by far.

3 year anniversary:  Yes, roundtable pizza and salad. I was pregnant and happy with it.

4 year anniversary: Home cooked meal at home. filet mignon Yummers


5 year anniversary: I will be taking a account test. But who knows the possibilities are endless.

December 2010

Mack Monthy Update

This month marks Mack's 2 1/2 birthday. Hold the phone.. say what!?! I can't believe how time has flown by. Not only is my beautiful little girl growing so quickly it's making me think that number two needs to be in the cards soon... "Shut the Front Door!" It's crazy to me that in 6 short months she will be three and the pressure will really be on to jump in the sack with the hubs and get in baby making mode. Side note: yikes! I'm way more into practicing right now, then doing the real deal deed.

Wait! This is suppose to be a monthly update on Mackenna not jumping in the bed with hubs and baby #2. Back on topic I swear.

Mack

____________________

Weight: 34 lbs
Height:
New Words: farted, raining, "oh man!", clean up, why?, NO!
Eating Habits: This kid is really getting picky, I mean picky.
Favorite Movies: All the Toy Story's and Planet 51
Activities: Sticking Stickers on paper, coloring, painting, playing in kitchen, playdoh
Potty Training Status: She is now telling us when she has to go to the bathroom.

She is getting so big and picking up words daily. She loves to read books and is more into trying to read them to us, then us trying to read to her. She will pull out every book in her room and have a reading picnic on the floor in her room.

Mack's First Movie - Tangled

I finally took Mack to her first movie in the theater. We went and saw Tangled. It was a cute movie. We loaded up on popcorn, M&M's and a sprite. She sat there the entire time and was overall pretty quiet. Her cousin belle and mommy came with us and both of them did a good job for their first movie. 

All in all it was a great event and day. Except a minor speed bump. Please read: It could happen to anyone. 

Mack and Belle had a great time. 

It could happen at any time...

Before I was a parent I used to be judgmental to other parents when I saw them in public with there kids. I always told myself I would never let me kid do that, say that, or let anything happen to my kids.

Let them run around the store
Screaming @ a restaurant
Yell at a infant or toddler for crying or being loud
Discipline in public

When you become a parent and have a child of your own everything changes. It changed for me. I'm guilty and I have guilt. I have too let my kid run around the store and I'm chasing her around just to get her back in the cart. I'm also guilty of my kid throwing a fit in a store and me picking her up and telling her to "stop it" or " we do NOT act that way in a store." I've been there before and my mom of the year award has been taking away from me.

Where am I going with this.....

Today, I took my daughter to the movies. We were leaving the theater and I carried her part of the way. She asked me if she could walk. I put her down and told her she needs to hold mommy's hand in the parking lot. I held her hand until we reached the car. I let go of her hand to open the car door to get her into the seat. She moved to the front of the car. I asked that she please come to me so we can get into the car. I said we were going to get something to eat... so let's go and get in the car. She moved in front of the car next to us. I walked over to her and told her that we don't play in a parking lot, it's not safe. Before I knew it she took off laughing straight for the street around the car next to us. I ran after to her. All of a sudden there was a car driving through the lot, pretty fast. I couldn't react fast enough, I miss her hood. I panicked and grabbed the back of her hair. I pulled back on her as hard as I could. She literally missed the car by seconds.

Yes, my little girl was almost hit by a car. I Immediately screamed at her. "Don't you ever do that again!" "We don't run in the parking lot." She was scared more than anything. Not to mention I hurt her a little by grabbing her hair to stop her. I was so shocked and sacred, I yelled at her until she cried and said "you hurt me!" I looked into her wet and teary eyes and all I could think of to say was, "Mommy is sorry!"

This is any parents worst fears. Their child getting hit by a car. I just remember thinking what kind of mother could let that almost happen. Why didn't I keep holding her hand until I had the car door open.

Then I thought... this shit just happens. It happens. You pray to god that nothing ever happens to your little girl or boy, but you just think.. it could happen to anyone at any time. It happened to me. It scared the shit out of me and my little girl, but again she was fine and nothing happened.

I talked to her in the car on the way to get lunch and apologized for hurting her and explained why we don't play in the parking lot. I saw the tears still on her face and I looked back at her in the rear view mirror and said, "I'm sorry! It's my fault, I shouldn't have let that happen. I said I love you!" She replied, "I love you!"

I'm not the mom of the year. I make mistakes. I'm not perfect. Things happen.

Hello 2011, Goodbye 2010

Happy 2011, we made it through the holidaze coaster ride

I'm going to share with your my new years resolutions. I know they are late and it's corny and it's already the 5th day into the new year. I'm going to tell you anyway, so deal with it. I kid, I kid, I love you all, but seriously I'm still telling you anyway.

When sitting and thinking of what I really want to become, who I am, what I want, and what I want my future to hold, I really started to get a little depressed. Sappy moment to myself! This year is going to be the year that I focus on the things I want and make them happen for a change. So here is the list... don't hold your breath... they aren't that great. 

1. Go to yoga once a week

2. Continue to go to the gym at least 3-4 times a week (on my lunch)

     (Ideally, 5 days a week)

3. Commit to giving myself a little time to do the things I want to do. 

     (Knitting, Scrapbooking, Sewing, home projects)

4. Finish Mackenna's baby & Scrapbook.

5. Commit to a diet plan and stick with it

6. Finish craft room/office

7. Pay off 50% of Credit Card Debt

8. Be a better housewife

9. Spend even more time doing things with Mack.

    (Baking, art projects, coloring)

10. Keep car clean for more than 3 days in a row (don't laugh at me)

11. Start saving funds for family vacation

12. Open account for college savings for Mack

13. Stick to cleaning schedule so I have more time with family

14. Remember to send everyone's birthday cards this year

These are just to name a few things that I want to accomplish in the year 2011. I'm so excited for a new year and a new start. I have also printed this list and made it a new item on my mirror in my bathroom so I'm reminded of all of things I want to accomplish this year while I'm getting ready everyday. 

Bye Bye 2010. You were a good and a bad year.

Good -

1. Mack started Preschool

2. I started working 8-5 like normal people, so I can be the one that get's Mack ready in 

    the morning and take her to school. I get to see her smiley face every morning now.

3. We moved into a new house and love the new location.

4. My mom moved from L.A. back to Truckee

5. Family from New Zealand came to visit. 

6. We survived another year together as a young family

Not so Good -

1. My mom fought cancer with radidation and chemo most of 2010.

2. Tore my ACL

** not much on the list for "not so good"

What are your plans for the new year? 

Guest Blogger Week: Meet Jamie @ Avant Garde Parenting

‘Roll’ into 2011: Rolos + Pretzels = Kid Friendly Deliciousness

Hey guys, I’m Jamie from Avant Garde Parenting, a website that offers tips, tricks, and unique ideas for parents of young children. I’m so happy to share one of my favorite kid-friendly recipes with you. It’s a yummy treat that’s easy to make and honestly, I don’t think it really has a name. In my family, we just call them by the two main ingredients: Rolo Pretzels. Truth: I’ve never been a fan of chocolate and pretzels together but trust me, these are to die for.

Here’s how you make them: Have your kiddos spread out mini pretzels on a cookie sheet. I put a silpat underneath, but wax paper works fine, too. Unwrap a Rolo candy for each pretzel and have your kiddos plop them right on top. Bake at 325 for 4-5 minutes until the candies are just melted.

Here’s the fun part: Making them your own. You can leave them plain, make pretzel sandwiches, press a pecan half on top of each one, sprinkle with shaved coconut, or top with your favorite (other) candy. Use your (and your kiddos’) imagination! Whatever you decide to do, these treats are delicious, easy, and a surefire party hit. Have fun and enjoy!

Guest Blogger Week: Meet Tiffany @ Mom-Nom.Com

Tiffany is a wife to her best friend and a mother to two beautiful children, Bubs & Bubbette {No, those aren't their real names. Sheesh.}   When she's not doing public relations for one of the top zoos in the country, she's over-sharing at Mom-Nom.Com, {http://mom-nom.com} the e-result of her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder diagnoses, after nearly losing Bubs in an accident in July, 2009.  Now? She's just trying to figure out where they go from here...one post at a time. 

http://mom-nom.com

______________________________________________________

Hi, I'm Tiffany
 
I blog over at a little land called Mom-Nom.Com. (http://www.mom-nom.com) and Kristina was kind enough to invite me to her space to help share the holidays with y'all.  She's amazing like that.  This time of year, there is nothing I love more than starting a fire, grabbing my favorite blankey, making a nice big bowl of stew...and taunting my kid with Elf on the Shelf. 
 
Wait. 
 
What?
 
Yep, you heard me right, friends.  There is nothing more traditionary in my home than the month long torture that Elf of the Shelf brings to my son.  {Side note:  a lot of normal children are tormented by the mere sight of Elf on the Shelf.  Fortunately, for us, my son is not among them.} 
 
 
I give you Exhibit A:
 

 
And the resulting Exhibit B:

Son: BUT WHY!
Me: Elf is watching. 
Son: ugh. 
 
or
 
Son: This is not fair. 
Me: Don't forget about Elf. 
Son: ugh. 
 
or, maybe even
 
Son: Please, Mom. PLEASE!
Me: Elf said no. 
Son: argh. 

I am all about traditions, people.