bring joy

{MM} times of transition are strenuous

marvelous mondays, blogging, blog, be inspired

{Times of transition.}

Times of transition–sums up my life right now.

I mentioned a few weeks ago in this post, that I was taking a course from Bonnie Andrews. (Which FYI, you if you’re a blogger, you can *still* take the course, just click on the link for more info.)

This course has completely rocked my world (no pun intended–the course is called “Rock Your Blog”).

I’ve found myself in a major transition period.

I’m finally in a place where I feel confident in my own blogging shoes. I know what I want to do, I know how to do it (mostly), & I’m bursting with ideas & possibilities.

There are growing pains, however. I learn this lesson on a somewhat frequent basis, & it’s this–I’m only one woman. And I’m caring for five little people, a home, while being the partner & wife to my best...

what are the best workout dvds for weight loss? here are five. {+ a quick lunch idea}

fitness fridays, workout videos, simple cooking, weight loss

What are the best workout dvds for weight loss?

I cannot tell you how hard it has been for me to get in exercise every day. We all have very good reasons to not workout. And I feel absolutely justified in thinking that I “don’t have time to workout.” But, as we discussed a few weeks ago, daily exercise (of some sort), ought to be a non-negotiable part of a healthy lifestyle.

But it’s hard. (Have I said that yet?)

I used to get paid to exercise. Now that was some great motivation. I used to wake up every day to teach 6 am classes, & I loved starting my day with exercise. But with a nursing baby (plus no one is paying me to do it), I’m not going to wake up any earlier than I have to.

So my solution?

We go on lots of walks. I walk my kids to school & try to walk & pick them up from...

practical parenting tips: how to encourage independent play

parenting

How to encourage independent play

Yesterday Salem (3) found some paint.

I was downstairs. She shouted from the top of the stairs.

“Mom! Come look, I painting.”

Oh no, this can’t be good, I thought.

I told her to bring her paints & her painting downstairs to the table. She had found Amalia’s (5), paint set. I made a split-second decision–take the paints away (they were her sister’s after all), or let her continue on her creative path. I decided most of the paints were dried up anyway, & she was so happy, so I opted for the later approach. I told her to set up shop at the kitchen table. She went to town for another 20 minutes–mixing, remixing, & getting very messy. I was proud.

Another thing happened where Salem showed her independence & I encouraged her.

While cleaning, I found a kid’s...