Daily Gratitude Photos January 2012

January 31, 2012
I was able to get my cupboards cleaned out today.  So I am Grateful for Clean Cupboards :)  That's alwasy good.

January 30, 2012
Grateful for the gorgeous 63 degree weather we had today...yes check the date, January 30th!  wow!  Enjoyed a great 45 minute walk with the daycare kids!  GRATEFUL!

January 29, 2012
Grateful for this sweet little dog, who loves to curl up on my lap and sleep knowing he is safe and loved.

January 28, 2012
Had some fun girl time with my Kati today.  We decided to get our nails done...check out how close in shade the colors are...like mother like daught :)

January 27, 2012
Grateful for this beautiful sunshine, even as it was shining right in my eyes on our way to Columbus to Nick's gymnastic's meet.

January 26, 2012
No words needed...Just brings a SMILE!

January 25, 2012
So one of the greatest parts of today was going on a date with my wonderful husband Curtis.  I was enjoying our conversation & dinner so much, that I forgot to get a picture of this event.  However, coming home and relaxing with the kids and seeing him with Kati just makes me fall in love with him all over again.  A wonderful husband & a Super Daddy! Definitely a little spectacular moment!

January 24, 2012
Well it snowed...not near enough to have a snowday...but enough for my crazy kids to run outside in whatever they were wearing...(yes Nate is in shorts), spin around a few times and run back inside.  I love letting them just do fun crazy things together. Makes me SMILE!

January 23, 2012
Today the kids heard we are to get some snow (not a lot of snow...but snow is in the forecast) Since we have not had ANY snowdays this winter, they thought they were try their luck at a snowdance & song.  It was FABULOUS...The song was to the tune of "It's Raining Men" the lyrics were...

It's snowing snow

hallelujah

It's snowing snow

yes snow

2, 4, 6. 8

that was be just really great

it's snowing snow!

January 22, 2012
Today I am grateful for an unexpected suprise. The kids went up to their rooms to clean them (as on their chore list)  I too went to my room to organize my closet.  As I went to switch over the laundry I noticed everyone was working hard to organize their closets and rooms.  Dad was even in helping the kids.  A great day together and a huge feeling of accomplishment.

And when Nick finished his room & closet he chose to read.  I Love This!

January 21, 2012
Grateful for an entire day together as a family.  Began in the morning with Nick's first gymnastics meet of the season, then out for lunch, to a movie, "We Bought A Zoo", Ice Cream and then Nate's basketball game, dinner and home to hang out and watch "Fact or Fiction" One of the best days ever.

January 20, 2012
Grateful for a husband who loves being a Dad and playing with his kids!

January 19, 2012
Today I am was so grateful for the Live Mentoring session online with my friend Pamela! So many good reminders that are needed to continue to put them into practice.  Thankful that I found her and am able to truly take advantage of this opportunity given to me.

January 18, 2012
Today I just had that overwhelming feeling of gratefulness when I dropped the kids off at church for midweek.  So of course I made them turn for a quick picture.  Love our church and that it is a place where my entire family feels comfortable. Thanks GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN!

January 17, 2012
Today I was grateful for a simple, silly, wild pair of workout pants!  Made our group fitness class fun and something crazy gives you a bit more energy and lots of smiles!

January 16, 2012
Grateful today for a fabulous day at home with the kids.  They had the day off from school and we did projects, homework, cleaning and played video games.  Love days when we can hang out in our sweatpants and not have to run run run!!!  Here is one result from our team work today!
Very GRATEFUL!

January 15, 2012
Grateful for a wonderful dinner together as a family.  Love evenings at the Dinner Table and enjoyed our new Dinner Table Devotions Book!  Not too many things that can top that!

January 14, 2012
Grateful for the opportunity to get my hair done today...definitely not something that HAS to be done, but sure makes a woman feel good when it happens :)

January 13, 2012
Let me clarify...this is Friday the 13th....however it was an extremely LUCKY day for the Harmon Household.  We went to our church for family Bingo Night.  Enjoyed time together with family & friends and left with FOUR Wonderful prizes.  Each one of the kids won and so did mama!  Great fun!

January 12, 2012  Daddy's Home!!!

January 11, 2012
Watching Kati color, decorate and hang a banner for her Dad.  "Welcome Home Dad" after his long week away in Arizona.

January 10, 2012
Oh yes today's daily Gratitude photo...ROCKS!  Coming home tonight after workout I caught my two "Middle School" boys cleaning up the kitchen!  This brought a smile to my face and gratefulness in my heart! LOVE THEM!

January 9, 2012
This week Curt is out of town and so the kids and I are making due without dad around.  Things have been going really well.  Last night however they had the idea of having a sleepover in my room since dad wasn't here.  I have to admit I was really excited about this.  As I laid down I couldn't help but just smile.  Here I am with all 3 of my kids...kids that are growing up FAST, my goodness the boys are in 6th grade & Kati is in 5th...it was nice to know that even at this age they wanted to have a sleepover and have ALL of us together.  So I jumped out of bed and quick grabbed the camera...goodness knows if this will ever happen again.  So my daily gratitude came last night and I LOVE IT!

January 8, 2012
Had a GREAT Sunday with my kids!  Did water marble nails with Kati.  Watched our beloved Steelers play with my fabulous kiddos! (wish the outcome would have been different) but we Love our Steelers and always will.  A great thing we will always share as a family!

January 7, 2012
Spent A LOT of time in the car today...going to gymnastics, the Dr. ofc., the pharmacy, back to gymnastics, home, gymnastics, the store, home and basketball game.  Not complaining because my Gratitude Photo came while in the car.  Nick and Kati were back there singing "Tonight, Tonight" by Hot Chelle Rae and it has been playing in my head ever since!  Loved it!  So glad I held the camera up and clicked :)

January 6, 2012
Well tonight Kati is at a birthday party sleepover, Nate was just asked for a sleepover and Curtis is in Arizona so it was Nick and me at home.  Grateful for this time with him and had a great time making homemade Pizza!

January 5, 2012
Today I am grateful for the opportunity to listen to my son Nick play his trumpet for me.  It is amazing how far he has come from the beginning of this school year...it was a bit tough at the beginning and even then I was glad I could be a part of his journey...HOWEVER it was really nice to hear him tonight and really know what tune he was playing without being told. (grin)  Also, put our cute little dog in the picture...who isn't sure if he enjoys this or absolutely hates it, and you have an amazing "Picture of Gratitude" for January 5, 2012

January 4, 2012
Ok, today I am grateful for my NEW Brooks Shoes.  Not only am I grateful for the "item" of new shoes, but I am also grateful that I was able to wear out the pair of shoes I had bought last year after Christmas...due to running and teaching classes & just getting up and getting it done for me!

January 3, 2012
As much as I wish I would have had a bit more time relaxing and enjoying my kids on our Christmas Vacation Time...it is unfortunately already time for them to get up each morning and head off to school and the hustle and bustle of sports activities begin.  Today however, I am grateful for these 3 little one's I have the priveledge of taking care of throughout the day.  They are all growing and advancing so much and they bring a huge smile to my face.  I can definitely say I Love my Job and know in my heart I truly mean it!

January 2, 2012
Grateful for the opportunity to watch some College Bowl Games with a Good Lifelong Friend!

January 1, 2012
I have been challenged to take 1 photo a day of something I am grateful for, for the entire year.  This is going to be a life changing challenge for sure!  So here we are day one January 1, 2012...ready for a movie night in our jammies!  Tonight's flick of choice is The Smurfs...wow takes you back in time a bit!

Granola Energy Balls

So many times I find that we have an activity that is happening right around dinner time...much too early to eat dinner before...or eating before may not fit well with the activity we have happening, for example,  I teach group fitness at 6:30, by the time I am done working I don't have time to cook dinner & eat...and if I did it would be much too close to the workout to eat, or my son's basketball games seem to fall in this catagory and I know he needs something to keep his energy up throughout the game...so I found these Granola Energy Balls and I LOVE THEM!  It is something to grab on the way out the door to help get through those games and workouts, until we can come together at the dinner table for our meal.  These are my favorite new grab and go!

Granola Energy Balls

Ingredients:

* 2 cups oats
* 2 cups coconut flakes
* 1 cup peanut butter
* 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
* 1 cup mini chocolate chips
* 2/3 cup honey
* 2 teaspoons vanilla
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Steps:

1.  MIx all ingredients throughly.
2.  Roll into bite-size balls. (The size you roll them will determine how many the recipe yields.  I rolled mine a little bigger and the recipe made about 18 balls)
3.  Store in fridge.

(and don't forget  to join me over on facebook)

This recipe was printed from the The Marathon Mom

Get through the Holidays without major weight gain....my tips

The Holidays, a time of togetherness, love, peace, family, friends, giving, sharing, happiness...oh and FOOD lots of FOOD and GOODIES everywhere you turn, oh and SHOPPING, WRAPPING, DECORATING, BAKING, KID'S PROGRAMS...when will you find the time to workout?

Let's take a DEEP breath and relax, you can do this after all, you are you and I BELIEVE in YOU, I know YOU can do it, so relax and lets see what we can do.

Now these are my thoughts so take away what you want...if you are looking for chiseled 6 pack abs and pefectly defined arms and shoulders etc., you will definately want to move on to another site, this is for those of us who just want to be healthy, feel good, not put on those extra pounds and maybe slim down, but all the while working, cleaning the house, taking care of the kids and being a fabulous friend :) Yes that everyday living life kind of person. This is how I plan to get through the holidays.

1.  DO NOT tell yourself you have to be PERFECT with your eating. 

If you have the mindset that you cannot allow yourself a treat...then you go and have one Christmas cookie...with your mindset on being perfect you tend to then beat yourself up and feel depressed, angry, upset and then the possibility of spiraling out of control is there...(well I just blew that so I may as well continue all day, well that day is shot so may as well just forget this and start again in January)  Giving up on yourself and what you want is Not acceptable.

So let's continue to plan those healthy meals throughout the week and do the very best we can, these meals will give your body that good nutrition it needs and make you feel better, less tired and stressed and you get that sense of really feeling good about yourself when you eat well (pride in your choices).  At the same time allow yourself a treat here and there it's ok, we don't want to deprive ourselves, we just want to make better choices throughout the day.  It's important that our children see this balance too.  We don't want "healthy" living & eating to look like something terrible, it is something that we do because we truly care about ourselves and living this life we have in a positive healthy way...and this does include treats with great big smiles and acceptance, that's right I AM eating that piece of fudge...take resposibility for it, enjoy and move on!

2.  Drink your WATER!! 

Go out and get yourself a cute class or bottle in your favorite color.  Fill it up and keep it with you at all times.  So many times we think we are hungry but we are dehydrated.  We think we are tired, but again we are dehydrated.  Drinking your water is a great pick me up, it helps to keep you from snacking too much and it is so good for you...your body, your skin it's just fabulous...get yourself some!

3.  Stay ACTIVE!!!

Ok, working out...love it or hate it you need to do it!  Weather you walk, run, go to the gym, do group fitness, push play on a dvd whatever your "active" is KEEP IT GOING!  Do not stop this just because you have so many other things you feel you have to get done.  This "ACTIVE" time is YOUR time, it is the time to rebuild YOU, to give YOU a lift, to help YOU feel better...(it also helps with those added calories coming from our treats).  So what are some ways around these obstacles of being "too busy" at this time of year.
     1.  Find an Accountability partner!  This needs to be someone you can really count on...not someone who makes it easy to say, oh let's just skip today because I have this and this going on...no someone who is going to say, hey we have to get it done!
     2.  Get up earlier and get it done first thing.  As I have mentioned before...in fact dedicated an entry to how much I LOVE To sleep in, HOWEVER, what is more important to you?  Sacraficing some sleep or sacraficing that "you" time workout that will get you closer to your goal?  Either way you are making a sacrafice, so you choose.  Once you start you will be so glad you did it!
    3.  Ok, so you have a day completely packed and there is NO WAY to get in that workout....I know it's cold out, but park in that last parking stall...the one furthest away from the store, or office or event you are going to, take the stairs EVERYtime.  Standing around? Then do some calf raises.  Have just a couple of minutes? Minutes here and there are perfect for some chair dips to work those triceps...where that dreaded underarm hang is, or some squats these were the largest muscles in your body...so tone those up and you are burning more calories even when you are watching t.v.!  Push ups are fabulous for everything...abs, shoulders, chest etc.,  Are you spending your day at the mall Christmas shopping? Walk around the outter ring of the mall to get to your store instead of cutting across carry those backages and maybe do some bicep curlse while standing in line...if you want it you will find a way even at the mall!
    5.  If you do group fitness at the gym and your hectic schedule now doesn't allow you to get to your regular class...check that schedule there are plenty there to choose from, try something new...this is always empowering!! Are your a spinner, maybe try a zumba class, like the dancey classes, but can't make it...give strength class a try...and of course there are a number of them that offer a bit of both.  Just do it!

4. DON'T GO TO YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES HUNGRY!!!!
    This is a simple thing, but so many of us think, oh I just won't eat all day and then attack the calories at the party....UM NO this does not work.  Your body cannot handle receiving ALL of your calories at the same time.  Continue to get in your meals throughout the day...5-6 a day.  Eat something healthy before going to the party and you'll make it through so much better.

5.  Focus on the TRUE meaning of CHRISTMAS!

Christmas to my family is celebrating the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.  It is about family time together.  Sharing and giving.  So focus on those times.  

Focus:

When doing your Christmas baking, instead of freaking out about the "goodies and calories" themselves, focus on doing the baking together as a family and that time together, the memories, the storytelling while being together and the laughter.  

Focus:

Snuggling together on the couch to watch a Christmas show with a bowl of popcorn and maybe some hot chocolate. 

Focus:

Do random acts of Kindness this month.  Example My daughter and I were in a department store, there were people all around the counter waiting to check out, with one lady there working as quickly as she could with people not being very polite, when it was our turn I made a point to tell her what a pretty top she was wearing and how nice it looked on her.  Her posture changed, she smiled and gave a relieved and appreciative "Thank You".  Kati noticed these changes and said I think that really made her happy mom.  I took this as a teaching moment to say it wasn't hard for me to say that to her, to be nice and just offer a sincere little compliment can really change someone's day.  Needless to say we left the store feeling pretty good too! So take the FOCUS off of you and put it onto Others and these obstacles you are facing won't seem quite so large.

Focus:

Enjoy those Christmas programs your children are in, enjoy the excitement that builds in them, enjoy those parties and gatherings...don't freak out about the food, focus on the friends and acquaintances you get to be with, enjoy this time of year and it's TRUE meaning!

So I hope this helps you to enjoy this time of year.  I would love to hear any suggestions you have or things that work for you or just your thoughts on these ideas.  As always, know that I am here to help you in anyway I can!  Come hang out with me on facebook.  www.facebook.com/turbolori

They are watchin' you mama :)

Are you showing your kids how to live a happy & healthy life?  That is, of course, what I am "trying" to do.  I'm "trying" to be an example for them.  Instead of do as I say...not as I do, I am trying to live everyday in a way that is happy and healthy.  Now there are slip ups here and there, but each day we are learning and getting better.

So, my kids are NOT getting up with me each morning to go running and none of them go to the gym with me...although I think that would be fabulous one of these days, but for now, they know being active is an important part of life and they are active in their sports, gymnastics, football basketball etc.

This weekend I found out not only have they picked up that being active is important in everyday life, but they have been paying attention to information regarding the foods we eat.  This weekend we were enjoying time with my mom and dad, my mom was visiting with the kids about what to have for Thanksgiving dinner and she wanted to know what kind of potatoes she should make.  Nick and Kati loved all the choices...mashed...cheesy...you name it, Nate on the other hand....is more on the picky side when Grandma asked him if he liked any of those he said, "no" in a very quiet voice.  So Grandma then asked what kind of potatoes do you like?  Nate replied, "french fries" again in a very quiet voice.  Nick then jumps in and says "So you just like the processed, greasy, filled with chemicals kind of food."  I couldn't help but giggle and smile...they are listening and watching mama.  We have our "anytime" foods and our "sometimes" foods.  Yes I know french fries from a drive thru should probably be a "never time" food, but lets be real....sometimes it happens.  However,  I can honestly say that it does NOT happen very often for us anymore.  We are living and learning!  :)

The next morning I got up for church and decided to make these mini cinnamon rolls, using reduced fat crescent rolls, a bit of butter, and sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, bake them and once cooled frost them.  Well if you know my daughter you know that she had a dream to own her own cupcake bakery and she bakes up different flavors as often as I let her.  When I went to get a can of frosting from her cupcake cupboard (the ingredients that she picked out) I found a can of vanilla frosting...however it was "sugar free" vanilla frosting.  Yes mama, she is watching and listening to you.  She knows she wants to make something sweet and yummy, but she is also looking for ways to make then a bit better for you.  I couldn't help but smile as I drank my coffee and looked at the can of frosting!

Times are changing

Onto the next stage...it's hard to believe that those cute costumes, jack-o-lanterns and taking the kids trick or treating has come to an end....yes, I first got a glimpse of these changing times, when we went to the pumpkin patch this year.  The area's we once spent a lot to time at, we passed right by...you know the little pedal tractors that the kids ride around the track on and we stand off to the side taking pictures...yes right on by to the big kid pedal cars where we are all in a vehicle and racing each other around the track...hard to take pictures when we are all having a blast working up a sweat together!  Then past the playground area made out of tractors and tires etc., again where many photos were taken, to using the giant slingshots to shoot apples at the targets out in the cornfield.  Yes this told me times were changing!

Then as it came closer to Halloween there were more changes.  Each year the kids pick out a cute design to put on their pumpkins, they get it started and Mom ends up finishing, because their hands are tired or this isn't working right...etc., However, this year as they were all excited to do their jack-o-laterns that they they chose at the pumpkin patch, they each had their own ideas in their head as to what they wanted to do.  No patterns this year.  So all I did was cut the top off and they began...

I am proud of then for using their imaginations and working hard to bring what they envisioned to life ALL on their own...

Finally, Halloween night arrives and my boys are off trick or treating in our neighborhood with their good friends.  Kati still gave us the opportunity to go with her around to the neighborhood, but I'm sure this will be the last year of that.  I did however, get a kick out of all the comments the little onese made about the pumpkins as they came to our door.

So yes, times have changed and are changing every day...everyone hears enjoy your time with the kids now because it will go by fast...yes it is true.  I loved those days of cute little costumes and wide eyed excitement to get dressed up and trick or treat with mom & dad  around the neighborhood...BUT I am also enjoying what the kids have grown into and this new stage we are experiencing.  I love being able to race them around the track, enjoy their creativity, laugh together and the games we play are just changing into one that...dare I say...are bit more enjoyable to us parents...They are definitely becoming little adults right before my eyes and I couldn't be more PROUD!    

GET YOURSELF OFF THAT PILLOW & ON YOUR "TO DO" LIST

Here's the deal, I love to sleep in I mean I really really do and have ever since I can remember.  HOWEVER, when I make the choice to stay on that comfy pillow my day is more like this...(let me know if you can relate...alarm goes off, hit the snooze at least twice, then get the kids up and jump in the shower to get yourself somewhat ready, help with what ever is needed to get the kids off to school, now off to work...in  my case daycare children arrive & my attention is tuned to them, after work/after school...well that is when the real work begins as we run to football practice, basketball practice, gymnastics, piano lessons...you get the picture.  So after running to our activities we finally get home & it's time to eat, clean up after that, pick up the house and wow it's time to get the kids to bed...Now tell me who wants to workout after that?  Honestly, Not me, I want to hang on the couch and wind down. Sound familiar at all?

Now yes, I can count numerous blessings in that day/life, but you know what...with that life I got tired much easier, lost my patience a bit more, spoke in a tone I wasn't so proud of...that isn't the kind of person I wanted to be and it certainly wasn't the wife or mom I wanted for my husband and kids.  Yes, they could do worse...I get that, but I want them to have better...heck, I wanted better.  We should all want better than that!  So sacrificing my sleep in the mornings to get up a bit earlier and take care of myself, caring about myself on the inside and outside creates someone with more confidence, patience, kindness, someone who is happier, healthier, enjoying things more rather than rushing through.  It is finding balance!  Balance...taking care of my family, my work and myself and by adding the "piece" of taking care of myself to the puzzle, it in turn created a balance and happiness to every other piece. We are still running all over the place after school, but we are having fun in the process...having great conversations in the car on the way to and from, laughing and making it enjoyable instead of rush, rush, rush, rush, and then rush some more.  

I can see and feel the difference in our family, as can my husband and kids as they have mentioned it a number of times.  It truly is a choice, a choice to change, and you get the chance everyday to make the choice to change!  So I wanted to share with you to PLEASE put yourself on the "To Do" list NOT on the "back burner" anymore, you deserve it and so do the people you love! Everyday is a new chance...

***Let me quickly add...if your day let's you get to the gym afterwork or during lunch great...I'm not saying everyone needs to become a morning person...heck I'm still not a "morning" person, I just make that choice each morning to go and do it.  Just get yourself on the "TO DO" list!!! *****

Live your life...Be an Example

So it has been awhile since getting on here and I am definitely not going to let that much time slip by again.  We are still plugging away at creating our healthy family and it is great.  We know about eating our fruits and veggies and though the veggies are still a work in progress for my kiddos, they get it and know it is important.  Activities are great, Nick is still busy with gymnastics and Kati has now joined him on that journey, Nate is finishing up football...we just have the championship game next weekend and is already onto basketball.  He is having fun and being active and I couldn't ask for anything more!  My husband is now home on evenings and weekends, instead of working a second job and we ALL LOVE this change!

I just turned 42 and have decided to train for a 1/2 marathon and will run it with my fellow Smokin' Hot Mama's in Texas on the weekend of February 3rd.  I also have decided that these next 365 days will be days of living life to the fullest, with passion and being the very best ME that I can be.  42 is going to be AMAZING!!!  So not only are these goals going to help me, but it is also about leading by example for my family.  It is amazing how much they pick up from us in no time at all.  They are realizing that having fun, staying in control, being honest, enjoying what we have and spending time together is what it is all about.  This fun and positive attitude showed through in the cards I received from them yesterday for my birthday.  Not only did they Curt and I crying laughing, they made me very proud to see how fun and positive they were!  VERY BLESSED!