Goal 3 - The Quest to be a more perfect Mama...

While pondering this goal, I came across an article in the December issue of Parents magazine called "Raise a Compassionate Kid."  It highlighted the importance of instilling empathy, kindness, and caring in our children and their relationships.  This really hit a cord with me.  I adore my children and think they are wonderful, but given the choice, I do not wish to have the most beautiful children in the world, or the smartest children in the world. My one wish is to have well-adjusted, content, and caring children that contribute meaningfully to society.

It is easy to have goals for your children, but it is harder to figure out the path to attaining those goals.

I would really love to start doing little things with my children that make a difference.  Even if it just means drawing a picture for a special someone, helping take their used toys to children in need, or helping a friend that is feeling bad.  I have a strong sense of empathy, but it is a just a feeling, not an action.  I want to teach myself and my children to act on empathy and compassion and express them in positive ways.

Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be.  - David Bly

I think my biggest struggle is trying to be the kind of person that I want my kids to be.  I want my children to be healthy, yet I have demonstrated very unhealthy habits.  I want my children to be kind and compassionate, yet I am constantly saying unkind things or complaining about people.  I say things and do things I would never want my children to say and do.  I really want to strive to be the kind of person that I hope they will become.

It was a huge wake up call a few weeks ago when D, at age 4, was able to articulate that we were being hard on her and not using "nice" words.  We were expecting things from her that we were not demonstrating.  When we started making a concerted effort to be more polite and use kind words, she immediately became a happier, more compliant child.  I struggle with keeping my temper and remaining calm when the kids frustrate me.  It is a viscous cycle;  the more upset I become, the more they are inclined to make poor choices.  They feed off my mood and temper.  On rough days, where I have yelled and reacted poorly, I find myself going to bed with a nagging sense of guilt.

There are days that go by that I am cleaning, running errands, and doing variety of everyday tasks, and I look back and think that I spent very little time enjoying my children.  It seems like I get so preoccupied with life that I forget that my children need time as well.  I sometimes think about how time goes so quickly and before I know it D will be in kindergarten and I will miss having so much time with my babies.  I think it is important for children to have time on their own, to learn to develop their imaginations, play independently, and learn to be introspective; I also want to spend more quality time with them.  I think it would do us all good to slow down, enjoy each other, and try not to just rush from one thing to the next.

I absolutely love my children more than anything, but is hard being a mommy 24 hours a day.  I know I will never be perfect (and really I think it is good for kids to see some of our imperfections), but I do want to be better.  I want my children to learn about consequences without me losing my temper; I want them to feel loved and respected;  I want to enjoy my children.

Week 3- Progress Report

Pounds lost: .4 (total of 7.4 pounds)  

Rooms cleaned/organized:

               "master" closet

               "master" bedroom 

               downstairs that had been disasterized again!!!

              

Exercise:  1 out of 7 days  :(

               30 minutes total on the elliptical

I have spent a lot of time this week concentrating on my new SimplyFun business, which I am really excited about, so I was a bit quiet on the blog this week.

I had a pretty bad week on the eating/exercising front.  I only managed to exercise once and ate too much, snacked too much, and made poor choices. That being said, I still lost almost half a pound.  I was sure I had gained.  I think that what I consider poor choices and too many snacks now, is still less than what I was eating before I started my quest.  I have started to feel a nagging since of guilt when I don't exercise.  I think it is my body's way of telling me that it likes the exercise.

I finally managed to regain control of my main downstairs area.  It got completely out of control a couple weeks ago and I hadn't managed to get it cleaned.  I also tackled the master bedroom and closet, which were a nightmare.  I feels so nice to wake up in a room where I don't have to fear stepping out of bed!  

My children knocked over a container of pistachios and dumped a container of baby puffs this week, combined with the construction going on in my house, my floor was disgusting.  My dear husband decided to sweep yesterday while I "slept" in.  I really appreciate his effort, but I have attached exhibit A, as to why men should not clean.

This is what I swept up after he had already swept.

Goals for next week:

- exercise at least 4 days

- continue to eat healthier, cut snacking, and eat smaller portions

- try to maintain the cleanliness of the rooms I have already organized

- tackle the playroom, decorate for Christmas 

- finish blog post on Goal 3

Fun and Games

I am excited to announce that I have recently started my SimplyFun business. I can't wait to share these amazing products with all of you. SimplyFun is about learning and connecting through play and bringing family together.
I was first drawn to this company because of all the interesting games for children and adults and have grown more and more impressed as I have learned about their mission and goals.


Please check out http://www.alh.simplyfun.com/
I have a few things coming up that I would love your help with.  First off, I am having a kickoff party on Sunday, December 12^th at 2pm.  I will be sending an e-invitation shortly.   I would love for you all to stop by and learn about these products.  It will be my first time sharing these games, and I can’t wait.  I don’t want you to feel pressured to buy.  If you do decide to buy something, all orders will be in before Christmas, and I will deliver them directly to you as soon as they come in.  Please feel free to bring a friend.
For those of you that are out of town, you can check out the products and order on the tab that says “party store.” 
I am also challenging myself to book some parties for December and January.  I would love your help in spreading the word about SimplyFun.  The parties are laid back and fun, consisting of playing a few SinplyFun games, while chatting with friends.  You also get the opportunity to earn some GREAT free products and bonuses.  I have attached the bonus sheet for December so you can see what great products you can get in addition to your Host credits.  In the month of January, you will earn DOUBLE host credit!  Out of towners can have an on-the-go party, which often have great success.  I can start a book party anytime and as long as it ends by December 16^th, the items will be mailed to your address before Christmas.
I have lots of options and dates to accommodate all kinds of schedules.  You can see some of the options below.

v     Weeknight party- a few friends and some game playing

v     Weekend party – a party in the morning or afternoon

v     Office/school party – I can come to your office or school after hours and set up a quick party.  This works particularly well for teachers, as we have lots of educational games

v     Kids party – A party where the adults talk while the younger ones play

v     Holiday shopping party – I can bring products that make great holiday presents

v     Mother/daughter party – This works best for 10 and up, Moms and kids kids and play games together

v     PJ party – an evening party in your PJs with your friends playing party games

v     Couples Party – Have your favorite game playing couples over to play

v     On-the-go book party – Just share catalogues and collect orders

v     Coffee / Restaurant party – Don’t want to have people at home, share the games at your favorite coffee house or casual restaurant

v     Co-host – A friend’s house, your snacks

v     Club party – if you are part of a moms group or other club, I would love to come show you all my games.

If you have any other ideas, I would love to hear them.  If you would like me for a specific date not listed below, please just ask!

Open dates (all parties ending by December 16^th are guaranteed to be in before Christmas):

Monday, December 13^th 6:30 or 8:00pm

Tuesday, December 14^th 6:00 or 8:00 pm

Wednesday, December 15^th 5:30 or 8:00pm

Saturday, December 18^th 10:00am

Saturday, December 18^th 2:00pm

Monday, December 20th 5:00 or 8:00 pm

Tuesday, December 28^th 6:30 or 8:00pm

January Dates:

Monday, January 4th 6:00 or 8:00 pm

Tuesday, January 12^th  6:00 or 8:00 pm

Saturday, Janurary 16^th  10:00am

Saturday, Janurary 16^th  2:00pm

Monday, January 18^th 5:00 or 8:00pm

Thursday, January 21^st 6:00 or 8:00pm

Sunday, January 24^th, 3:00pm