A Wundaful Life: Mommy Moments

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Donna 11:59 AM 0

Thoughts on a Thursday- Flowers Blooming and Patience

With this extra warm southern winter weather we've been having lately, I've already seen some of the flowers and trees in our yard budding and blooming. The warmer weather and blooms certainly put a smile on my face, but I'm sure we'll have some cold weather again before it really is Spring and the blooms won't make it.

So not to completely jump topics, yes it's random, but totally related (at least I think)...this got me thinking again about patience. I talked a little about how important is to be find patience with yourself in your Pilates practice (and any fitness practice for that matter) here.

I felt like I was at the circus this morning. Seriously. Both kids have been wide open since before 7 am, which I know really isn't that early, but considering they both usually sleep at least until 8 or 8:30, before 7 is very early to me. So I was awoken startled to death with an energetic two year old jumping into bed with us. And I feel like I've been trying to catch up every sense haha... Check out my little ghost this morning below.

I usually like to start my mornings before everyone gets up...or at least before both kids are up...do a load of laundry and dishes, blog, read, workout (or at least start on that list). Not so much this morning. So I feel a little off and out of routine.

I was trying to scramble some eggs and get breakfast on the table. And both kids were melting down. Screaming and crying. The oldest went into our bedroom to play, shut the door, and couldn't get the door open. Cue more meltdowns.

Of course all I wanted to say to my oldest was "stop crying and why would you shut the door to the room...we've talked about that before." Because truthfully I was tired and just wanted to hurry up and get breakfast made. But I was reminded of patience and this verse "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" -Ephesians 4:2

And that's all my kids needed from me this morning. Patience and love.

I had some big plans of running errands and other outings today, but I think I'm just going to put it off. The baby just went down for a nap and the oldest is quietly reading books. Things are calm for now. So I'm going to take some time to do somethings I enjoy- like a workout on my Reformer followed by folding some laundry. I joke about the laundry, but after a wild morning- folding laundry sounds peaceful. Refuel and energize myself, so I can be patient. And I just might have to go pick some of these gorgeous blooms.

Mommy Moments Read more

Monday, February 6, 2017

Donna 12:36 PM 0

Working Out with Kids

I totally understand how hard it is to workout with kids- especially when your kids are young and need a lot from mommy, including diaper changes, nursing, help using the potty, something to eat, and the list goes on. There is so much to get done everyday...right?!? Get laundry washed and folded. Prep dinner and get the dishes washed.

Some days look like this too if you stay home with your kids. They both need mommy (or in this case I jokingly say- poke your eyes and pull your hair out.) Even with all of that going on- it is SO important and good for you to workout! These are some ways I try to get my workouts in during the week.

1. Workout early in the morning before the kids get up and/or during the kids' nap time.
Obviously this is my goal on days I am not teaching in the studio or I do not plan on going to Yoga class. Yes, this my ideal goal, but does it always happen? No! There are days I really do not want to get up early and I want to stay in bed for as long as possible...until little ones starting calling for me. And I love it when both kids nap at the same time, but this does not happen everyday either. And if they do nap at the same time- sometimes I've got to choose between working out OR making dinner, doing the dishes, and tackling the mountain sized pile of laundry. Even though I'd be sooo happy if I could accomplish all of this during nap time, but I'm not superwoman.

2. Go to a group fitness class WITH childcare.
I think it's such a genius idea for gyms, yoga studios, and fitness centers to offer childcare. I don't have to use this option very often, but it's nice to have available. Kids get to play and have fun and you get to workout (without distractions) sounds like a win in my book.

So when #1 or #2 doesn't work out, I result to either #3-6 or all of the below!

3. Roll out an extra mat for the kids and workout (or at least try...)
So I think my oldest LOVES Yoga/Pilates mats. In fact, I think she's claimed them as her own. And if I can't find my mat, it's probably because she has been playing with it. And its not uncommon to find toys on the mat. See below. Yes, Anna and Elsa do Pilates. My oldest loves to roll herself up in the mat like a burrito or pretend the mat is her bed (she folds the mat in half to make a blanket). So there you have it- mats double as toys in our house.

4. Encourage your kids to follow your workout and copy you!
I think it is so important to model a healthy, active lifestyle to your kids. Little ones love to mimic what they see grown ups do around them...and they pick up on so much that we often don't even realize at the time. That being said- my oldest loves to get on her mat beside me and try to do what I am doing. Yes, she'll do The Hundred and try Rolling Like a Ball. And we have fun together!

5. Have your kids help you workout.
It is as simple as that. Have your kids help you get things you need during your workout. "Hand mommy the weights, or the yoga block, the strap, the magic circle..." My oldest loves to help mommy, so this keeps her occupied at least for a few moments.

6. Pull out your their favorite snacks, toys, and you name it- and power through your workout.
Sometimes I'll work out when my oldest eats a snack in the afternoon. I'll get the snack out and then start working out. Or I'll pull out activities that she can do by herself that take a little time, such as play dough. One thing I don't do is turn the TV on while I'm working out. Maybe it is a silly rule I have, but I want to instill in my kids being active and I just can't justify turning the TV on just so I can workout.