So.... here we are at the last day of January and for the life of me, I have no idea where it went!?! I feel like just last week we had Christmas... and the rest has just been a blur!
A lot of people talk about how down they get when Christmas ends... the end of the fun holiday season leaves them with little to look forward to but far too many months of winter and cold. I don't really feel that way when it comes to the close of that season, and I think the busyness of my January has a lot to do with it. Scott's birthday rolls around on Jan. 16 and then Ally's on the 25th. There is too much to think about and plan to really mourn the loss of Christmas. And, well, I'm not much of a mourner anyway. Definitely a forward looking girl here. :-)
Anyway.... January brought with it a lot of excitement. We celebrated Scott's birthday with a family dinner at home... and a crazy night out with friends the Friday after. Ally had her first gymnastics meet of the season. We celebrated Ally's birthday with a family dinner at home and she had a couple friends sleepover. Her "friend" birthday party is coming up this weekend at a local bowling alley. She has 13 girls coming to celebrate with her. Should be crazy. I will need a drink. Truth.
And now.. we have February - the short month - looming in front of us. Ally has another meet up in Holland at the end of the month and we are going to stay up there for the weekend and make a little winter get away out of it. Scott and I have a Marriage Matters date night the week of Valentines Day. I have the Maroon Five concert with some girlfriends. And of course, we have the weekly activities of daily life. :-)
I am starting the second month of my new job and it still doesn't feel like work for a minute. I am absolutely loving what I am doing.... and getting so much out of it. I guess this is what they mean when they say when you are doing what you are supposed to be doing - it doesn't feel like work at all. I know it's still early and new... but there's just something all around amazing about the environment in which I work and the higher purpose I serve for a lot of people. I am just really pleased with the turn of events my career has taken. Who knew I would end up in such a place. Life has a way of leading us where we are meant to be... if we just listen!
The last member of our family is finally getting regularly adjusted. Scott is making his three times a week appointments regularly and I am so happy and proud of him. Luke has no issue with the adjustments now and as a result is a healthy little man. Ally has always handled them like a pro. It's so wonderful to have a practitioner I can go to that helps keep Ally healthy all over with what gymnastics does to her little body. She regularly gets her ankle adjusted and he helped with her hand when she jammed it. No medical intervention necessary. Just realignment, ice and rest.
Our family is embracing a healthy lifestyle all around. Both Scott and I have established weekly workout routines that we have stuck to and are loving. Scott spins at least 4 times a week. It's crazy with men... his body changed instantly. Men suck. ;-) I am working out three times a week with a girlfriend (key for me!) at the Club's gym. We start our workout with half hour of cardio (elliptical usually) and then rotate our weight routine. Arms Monday.... back/shoulders Wednesday and legs Friday. I really look forward to our workouts and find that I wish I could get on something cardio-wise the days we don't go! I would also like to give spinning another try.... Scott's results are inspiring!
We have always been pretty good eaters around here... but we are refocusing on that as well. Scott is juicing regularly as am I. He is in charge of the juicer and we are drinking one green and one fruit juice a day.... on weekends we increase it to three. Scott is trying to keep his animal protein to once a day - I'm not doing as well there but haven't really tried either. He's really been rocking and feeling great!
In addition, we are all adding essential oils to our lives. My mother in law and I went to a class at Divinity and are trying to walk that path! I am a huge believer in anything that isn't conventional healthcare lately. ;-) I will try not to get too preachy about it though. Remember, if I recommend something for you and your family, I am really not saying it's better... just trying to show you there can be other ways and you can end the cycle of sickness and drug dependence in your world.
I will say this: I strongly believe that every side effect you experience in your body has a core reason. For me once upon a time, I had migraines. I was drugged needlessly for years and I have GREAT resentment for it. All a good doctor had to do was take me off birth control. My hormones were whack. Instead they gave me a zillion drugs and took years of my life. I will forever be grateful to the good doctor at Henry Ford who figured it out and saved me. Ally had ear infections for a year. I detested those months she spent on antibiotics and knew in my heart there was a reason. We allergy tested her. She was allergic to milk and eggs. I completely eliminated all trace of such things in her diet. She has never had an ear infection again. Ear infections are a sign that your immune system is weak. It's a side effect of the common cold that her body should have been able to fight off but it was too busy fighting off the food that was attacking her.
These are my real stories. You need less drugs and antibiotics than you think. Once you end the cycle for you and your kids... you will just experience health. True story.
Okay, my rant is really over now. Have just been reflecting on a lot lately. In my world I see this all the time now. I just want to share and help others.... in a way that makes them accept it and not seemed turned off by it. That's a hard thing to do. People think your crazy sometimes. I'm okay with crazy. Not everyone is. ;-)
I have really only had one cup of coffee today. Swear it! My grandma is going to totally make fun of me like she did when I shared my lymph cleansing techniques. I still dry brush my skin grandma! I need to jump on the trampoline more though. :-)))))))))))
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Daddy/Daughter Dance...
Last night was the annual Daddy/Daughter dance at school! It always falls on Ally's birthday weekend, which makes for a FULL and busy weekend for us. I did decide to do her "friend" birthday party next weekend though... which helps out a little! We still had some people over Friday night to celebrate her turning ten. My girl is TEN!!!! Double digits! I love it! It's so much fun to watch this crazy girl grow and change. I enjoy every moment... even the bad ones (after the fact of course). I've said it before and I'll say it again... she teaches me so much on a constant basis.
This year, Ally wasn't sure she wanted to go to the Daddy/Daughter Dance. I have no idea why and could never quite get a straight answer out of her. She said last year when they went out to dinner, there were so many people and she didn't even talk to Daddy. She also resents the fact that it kind of encroaches on her birthday weekend I think. So, we kinda picked out a dress she happened to like to either save for Spring Break or Easter or whatever... but in the back of my mind, I always thought she was going to end up wanting to go.
And, the week before, she decided she did. Scott kept dinner simple. Just he and her and one other Daddy/Daughter pair. They went to the Olive Garden... and everyone carb loaded to dance the night away. Scott sent me pictures of the girls every so often and some video too. They had a great time... and Scott is always impressed with the Dads at that school... how very "into the dance" they are... that they actually get out there and dance and genuinely enjoy the night with their girls. A good time was had by all.
Luke and I watched a movie and ate dinner on the couch at home... and we went to bed early. A lovely low key night for us!
This year, Ally wasn't sure she wanted to go to the Daddy/Daughter Dance. I have no idea why and could never quite get a straight answer out of her. She said last year when they went out to dinner, there were so many people and she didn't even talk to Daddy. She also resents the fact that it kind of encroaches on her birthday weekend I think. So, we kinda picked out a dress she happened to like to either save for Spring Break or Easter or whatever... but in the back of my mind, I always thought she was going to end up wanting to go.
And, the week before, she decided she did. Scott kept dinner simple. Just he and her and one other Daddy/Daughter pair. They went to the Olive Garden... and everyone carb loaded to dance the night away. Scott sent me pictures of the girls every so often and some video too. They had a great time... and Scott is always impressed with the Dads at that school... how very "into the dance" they are... that they actually get out there and dance and genuinely enjoy the night with their girls. A good time was had by all.
Luke and I watched a movie and ate dinner on the couch at home... and we went to bed early. A lovely low key night for us!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Gymnastics and the Return of Nicole....
So. It's been a while. Sorry. I totally got called out on my lack of blogging by my own Grandma! Can't let Grandma down.... so I better get back on it! ;-)
I haven't blogged since before Christmas.... and even then, I feel like I've been remiss in regularly documenting what's been going on. It happens. Life gets busy. We've had a lot going on.... who doesn't?
December brought with it a new job.... birthdays for Luke and I. The holidays. Out of town guests. January is Ally and Scott's birthday month. More activity than I can keep up with sometimes. The start of Ally's gymnastics season. And the continuation of what really is still a very new job.
About the job: I still go to work each day and feel like I am just "playing." It's all so new and so fun.... so different.... that it doesn't seem real and even when it does... it doesn't feel like work at all. I am blessed to have the experience. So far, it has been, by far, a great decision and turning point in my life. Love the new challenge.
I don't know if I will ever catch up and blog Christmas complete with pictures. In talking with my Grandma when we discussed my lack of blogging, I decided that in order to not feel overwhelmed, I would just have to pick up from here and move forward. Trying to play catch up would just be too much.
That said, our Christmas was lovely. The kids were spoiled rotten by us, by Santa, and by our friends and family. We had a lot of down time together as Scott was able to take two weeks off. I still worked, but the days were few and the time is short. It didn't feel like I missed out at all... and Scott was home with the kids while they were off... until the first of the year that is. Then, they had a few days with Nana and Papa.
My brother, Mary and Maggie paid us a visit.... it is always so nice to spend time with them. The kids had so much fun playing the days away together while they were here. We even had a huge family gathering with all my step-siblings and their kids... and my Mom and Dave.
Now we are back in the swing of school and work. We celebrated Scott's birthday this past week with a family dinner at home. He got a juicer as his big gift and has been enjoying juicing everything under the sun. We are all enjoying the fruits (and vegetables!) of his bday gift! Yum!!!!
Ally had her first gymnastics meet of the 2013 season. This is the first year she is competing for real and with scores. Last year she competed "Fun 4" and only did "Fun Meets" for ribbons. This year, she receives scores for her routines. She is competing Xcel level "Gold" - which is an alternative program to the USGA Jr. Olympic Levels. In our gym, the girls actually do both or go back and forth, depending on what the coach thinks they're ready for. I don't understand the ins and outs... all I know is Ally is happy and loving what she's doing... so that's enough for me. Her coach is great and cares about her girls. It's fun to watch and be a part of.
The meet was so much fun. Long (a grueling 6 hours at the gym!) but fun. Ally was just so so excited for the meet.... and I was excited for her, albeit a tad nervous and anxious for her to simply do well enough that she felt she tried her best.
Ally started out on floor this time around. A good place for her to start as it's a fave event. She did really well. Her floor routine is to "We're Off to See the Wizard" from the Wizard of Oz. It's a pretty cute little routine. Vault was next... and event not quite her fave. She landed her first vault, but her second didn't go so well and she went off the side of the horse. She had a GREAT attitude about it.... and laughed it off. Something so great to see. She yelled up to me in the stands "I did a great vault for me Mommy!"
I was so proud of not only her athletic ability, but her attitude. She was having a blast out there.
Bars came next.... and she did the best bar routine she can do. Her score didn't reflect what she did in my opinion.... but I'm her mom. ;-) She doesn't have her kip yet... so she gets a big ole reduction for that.... but other than that... it was flawless. She did her fly-away and stuck the landing. She was pretty happy with herself after.... I could see that from where I sat.
Beam was last. It got interesting... the entire rest of the meet was over.... and our four girls from the gym had to perform their routines with everyone watching them... there wasn't a single event going on... every gymnast was watching... everyone in the stands. I am almost positive Ally wasn't aware of this though....
She rocked that beam. A wobble here and there... but she did not fall off... she landed her cartwheel, her turns and her jumps. She received a great score and I could see she was beaming by this point. She was loving this meet.
She was able to come off for a moment and visit with us before awards. She told me she scored "over an 8 on everything" and for this she was very, very proud. It's funny... I watched her scores and could have cared less about them. All I wanted to see was a smile on her face as she finished each event. And I did. Like her Aunt Elizabeth said time and time again yesterday "I think Ally is the best gymnast out there." I love having Elizabeth at the meets. She makes me happy and is a wonderful side kick. ;-)
In the end.... Ally did medal on beam. I think she was surprised... but I did have a feeling she might as she did so very well on the event. She took fourth on beam... and the smile on her face was worth the price of admission. :-)
It was a great, great day...... Ally has found something she is not only passionate about, but that she has FUN with. I could not ask for more.
My favorite things - Ally looking up for me and waving and being silly every once in a while... gymnasts hugging one another after every event.... giant smiles after completing events.... hugs from family.... the sign her Aunt Elizabeth made and Sydney and Luke held proudly.... how badly Luke wanted her to get a medal... and how truly proud of her he was.
I haven't blogged since before Christmas.... and even then, I feel like I've been remiss in regularly documenting what's been going on. It happens. Life gets busy. We've had a lot going on.... who doesn't?
December brought with it a new job.... birthdays for Luke and I. The holidays. Out of town guests. January is Ally and Scott's birthday month. More activity than I can keep up with sometimes. The start of Ally's gymnastics season. And the continuation of what really is still a very new job.
About the job: I still go to work each day and feel like I am just "playing." It's all so new and so fun.... so different.... that it doesn't seem real and even when it does... it doesn't feel like work at all. I am blessed to have the experience. So far, it has been, by far, a great decision and turning point in my life. Love the new challenge.
I don't know if I will ever catch up and blog Christmas complete with pictures. In talking with my Grandma when we discussed my lack of blogging, I decided that in order to not feel overwhelmed, I would just have to pick up from here and move forward. Trying to play catch up would just be too much.
That said, our Christmas was lovely. The kids were spoiled rotten by us, by Santa, and by our friends and family. We had a lot of down time together as Scott was able to take two weeks off. I still worked, but the days were few and the time is short. It didn't feel like I missed out at all... and Scott was home with the kids while they were off... until the first of the year that is. Then, they had a few days with Nana and Papa.
My brother, Mary and Maggie paid us a visit.... it is always so nice to spend time with them. The kids had so much fun playing the days away together while they were here. We even had a huge family gathering with all my step-siblings and their kids... and my Mom and Dave.
Now we are back in the swing of school and work. We celebrated Scott's birthday this past week with a family dinner at home. He got a juicer as his big gift and has been enjoying juicing everything under the sun. We are all enjoying the fruits (and vegetables!) of his bday gift! Yum!!!!
Ally had her first gymnastics meet of the 2013 season. This is the first year she is competing for real and with scores. Last year she competed "Fun 4" and only did "Fun Meets" for ribbons. This year, she receives scores for her routines. She is competing Xcel level "Gold" - which is an alternative program to the USGA Jr. Olympic Levels. In our gym, the girls actually do both or go back and forth, depending on what the coach thinks they're ready for. I don't understand the ins and outs... all I know is Ally is happy and loving what she's doing... so that's enough for me. Her coach is great and cares about her girls. It's fun to watch and be a part of.
The meet was so much fun. Long (a grueling 6 hours at the gym!) but fun. Ally was just so so excited for the meet.... and I was excited for her, albeit a tad nervous and anxious for her to simply do well enough that she felt she tried her best.
Ally started out on floor this time around. A good place for her to start as it's a fave event. She did really well. Her floor routine is to "We're Off to See the Wizard" from the Wizard of Oz. It's a pretty cute little routine. Vault was next... and event not quite her fave. She landed her first vault, but her second didn't go so well and she went off the side of the horse. She had a GREAT attitude about it.... and laughed it off. Something so great to see. She yelled up to me in the stands "I did a great vault for me Mommy!"
I was so proud of not only her athletic ability, but her attitude. She was having a blast out there.
Bars came next.... and she did the best bar routine she can do. Her score didn't reflect what she did in my opinion.... but I'm her mom. ;-) She doesn't have her kip yet... so she gets a big ole reduction for that.... but other than that... it was flawless. She did her fly-away and stuck the landing. She was pretty happy with herself after.... I could see that from where I sat.
Beam was last. It got interesting... the entire rest of the meet was over.... and our four girls from the gym had to perform their routines with everyone watching them... there wasn't a single event going on... every gymnast was watching... everyone in the stands. I am almost positive Ally wasn't aware of this though....
She rocked that beam. A wobble here and there... but she did not fall off... she landed her cartwheel, her turns and her jumps. She received a great score and I could see she was beaming by this point. She was loving this meet.
She was able to come off for a moment and visit with us before awards. She told me she scored "over an 8 on everything" and for this she was very, very proud. It's funny... I watched her scores and could have cared less about them. All I wanted to see was a smile on her face as she finished each event. And I did. Like her Aunt Elizabeth said time and time again yesterday "I think Ally is the best gymnast out there." I love having Elizabeth at the meets. She makes me happy and is a wonderful side kick. ;-)
In the end.... Ally did medal on beam. I think she was surprised... but I did have a feeling she might as she did so very well on the event. She took fourth on beam... and the smile on her face was worth the price of admission. :-)
It was a great, great day...... Ally has found something she is not only passionate about, but that she has FUN with. I could not ask for more.
My favorite things - Ally looking up for me and waving and being silly every once in a while... gymnasts hugging one another after every event.... giant smiles after completing events.... hugs from family.... the sign her Aunt Elizabeth made and Sydney and Luke held proudly.... how badly Luke wanted her to get a medal... and how truly proud of her he was.
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