You are not alone

“You’re not alone,” said Elizabeth. These three words resonated with me all day. I think I’m going to somehow print this phrase and put this in a place where I can remind myself.

First, I have to say that out of all of the entire coop days and park days I’ve attended, today was the best ever. I hardly get a chance to talk with anyone, share experiences, thoughts, woes, or even catch a break. Today was amazing and I want thank everyone at coop that helped care for my kids in order for me to get the social time needed. This of course is not just for today but every time we go (today was just super special).

I’m eating lunch and talking with Elizabeth and Deanne about tons of stuff going on in my life. The list is something like this: kids, dieting, homeschool, husbands and a host of other things. I can’t remember exactly what prompted her to say this phrase but wow it really struck me. She is right I am not alone with my experiences and the more I speak to her—I realize…she’s right.

As I’m speaking to the other mom’s, they too have similar stories or a complimentary story. I was very fortunate to speak to Hilary L who so graciously let Jillian sleep on her during the party so I could attend to my other two. I wasn’t the crazy/frazzled mom running around chasing kids who wouldn’t obey me. I was also pleased that my other two did listen to me and behaved quite well. Could this be a sign of things to come or perhaps it was the all of the treats from the party?

It is also very nice that everyone get a chance to get to know me. For the longest time I felt like an outsider because I wasn’t able to sit down and chat. I was always running after my kids making sure they were doing what they were supposed to be doing or weren’t going to get hurt. I admit there are times when I was a little headstrong. In my defense, who wouldn’t be? I’m in a new place with new people and of course you always want to make a good impression. Then I thought, what kind of impression am I making? Do I want them to think that I’m perfect? No one is perfect.

So why am I trying so hard and causing so much stress on myself and kids. I finally let go a lot but this time things seem a little different.

Again, it helps that I can be more expressive and share with my peers. I like the fact that we all have things in common and pretty much are dealing with a lot of the same issues. I’ve discovered that we are all overworked, with our kids the majority of the time, we have to re-learn how to be patient, finding the balance between sanity and crazy mom, and be a good wife.

The hope I had when I joined the coop was a social free-learning environment for my children. What I’m realizing now and as we continue this journey that it is also a social free-learning environment for me as well.

So the next time if my children, spouse or myself do something unusual----I’ll remember this phrase—“You are not alone.”

Side note: for those reading my post coop is a homeschool group in Oak Park where we meet up with other homeschool families for various activities.

Day 4-Paleo

Wow today was really tough.

I woke up a bit hungry but had to feed the kids first. By the time I got around to making my stuff, I was grumpy. Once I ate all was well again.

We took the kids to Konow’s farm today for some “October fest” fun. Before that we went to a Mexican Restaurant—my favorite. I can’t resist the chips, queso, salsa, or guacamole---but I did! I was really good with a taste of bad.

Here is what I ate today:

Breakfast: 3 scrambeld eggs with green pepers/onions. 1 glass of tea

Snack: some blueberries

Lunch: Here’s where it gets tricky. I ordered the chicken fajitas—figuring I could just eat the chicken/green peppers and onions. But I failed when it came to the homemade tortillas. How could one resist homemade tortillas? So I just ate 2.

Now here is where it gets bad…..while at Konows the kids were getting thirsty/hungry. Of course all of their snacks were in the car and well I didn’t want to go back. So Rich suggested getting them some popcorn and a slice of pizza. I ate 2 pieces of popcorn and that was it. I brought my almonds and snacked on those!

Snack: Almonds

On the way back Rich wanted to stop at starbucks. I am not a coffee drinker and wished I was but I know that if I were then sugar would be involved. I love their hot chocolate and always could go for it but I resisted as well. He of course then got those cake pops for the kids. Again, I was tempted but just got out my almonds.

Dinner: I just ate an apple and 1 beef stick. Not sure if I’ll eat anything else.
Maybe some green peppers.

My rule is to try not to eat after 7pm as well.

So all in all I think very successful because the old me would have eaten more than I wished.

I’m feeling good though, my stomach doesn’t hurt and I don’t feel bunchy or sick to my stomach.

Day 3-Paleo

Day 3-Paleo Plan
Again, as I was going to sleep I was thinking of chocolate, this time in the form of a ding dong or ho-ho. Now I haven’t had those in about 17 + years so not sure why my mind went there. It’s funny but when I get up I don’t really crave chocolate.

I was hungry this morning and wanted to grab a bagel. It was my easy go-to morning fix for hunger. I did not do it. It also helps that I did not buy my favorite bagels either. So I just went about my routine and made my usual breakfast.

I am taking the kids to the museum today so that should distract me for most of the day.

Here is what I ate:
Breakfast: 3 eggs scrambled, 1 sausage, 1 strawberry and 1 glass of tea

Snack: 1 cup blueberries

Lunch: roasted chicken and apple

Snack: almonds

Dinner: grass fed tenderloin and ½ raw cucumber/carrot

Well I didn’t manage to take the kids to the museum as I had other pressing home issues. So this has allowed me to think of food more than I would.
I have to admit the rest of my house is not on my same plan which will be a true testament to my control issues. For example, I made homemade bread for them. The smell is overwhelming and of course I savior the taste of fresh baked bread. But alas, I choose to see them eat instead. I’ve had a love affair with food for 40 years and now its time to take a step back and reevaluate that relationship.

I also made chili tonight for them. We have a ton of beans (pinto, red and black) that Rich purchased a long time ago. He keeps harping me to make something with them. So I did but of course the kids pooped on my parade. 2 out of 3 would not eat it. So

I made the middle child eat some of my meal—working on paleo (he he he).
I’m also going to start eliminating the bad things in the house. I’m going to take all the pasta and use it as crafts for the kids (once it is all gone..that’s it). I’m not a big pasta person either so that won’t be tough for me.

I feel my menu choices are really limited/strict right now but I wanted to go all out instead of half-assing it. If I’m going to do this then I’m going to do this.

I might get to workout tomorrow….yeah.

Day 2-Paleo

Day 2 of Paleo
Well I woke up hungry and I know I dreamt about food last night. I’m not starving just thinking of all the yummy things I shall not eat. Mainly chocolate. I want to wait to get a week or 2 into the plan before I make any treats or goodies.

I did not get up this morning to work out because I did not have a good night’s rest. I was awaken 4 times 1x by Rich and the other 3x by Jillian. I need to figure this out and get motivated.

My goal today is to keep me distracted/motivated not to eat anything other than what is on the plan.

What I’ve eaten so far:
Breakfast-3 eggs with red onion, 1 ½ sausages (Sebastian ate the other half) and some blueberries

Snack: no snack as I felt that I ate a lot for breakfast

Lunch: Raw broccoli and roasted chicken from the other night. I’m saving my “salad” for this evening when I make shrimp.
I’m doing well keeping myself distracted. If I feel the need to eat something I just drink water instead.

Snack: I ate some almonds

Dinner: I had planned on making something with some shrimp I purchased. So I just sautéed them in garlic oil which contains olive oil and garlic. Well they turned out really salty. Not sure if the shrimp was salty itself. Need to investigate. I was going to make it into a salad but just decided to eat them as is. I ate 7 of them and ate a green apple. I’m drinking tons of water.

Overall, today was not bad. I have been tempted by a few things but I have resisted. I just say I can’t do that to myself and I just don’t do it.

Another good thing is that I'm not hungry and I'm not craving anything. I have plenty to eat...I just choose what goes in my stomach.

I think a successful day!!

Paleo Plan day 1

Today I start my journey of eating well for the rest of my life. I know I’ve tried tons of time before but I really think that I can do this. I have eliminated soda from my diet for 6 years now so why not use that strength to choose the right food.

My brother-in-law has had a lot of success with the Paleo diet. It has taken me some time to warm up to it but I’ve been trying other things close to Paleo. He has been blogging about it and he has gotten me excited about trying it.

What is the Paleo diet? Before I give a description, let me tell you that I have not read much about it. I’ve read Janssen’s blog, Robb Wolf’s website and a few others. I have ordered the book from the library but it has not arrived yet. So if I get some information incorrect, please tell me and I’ll amend my statements.

Paleo is based on the caveman’s diet. What did the caveman’s eat? All things natural-raw. They ate meat, fish, chicken, nuts and berries.
So why aren’t we eating these things? I know we have evolved beyond the caveman and there are much more tastier things then what they ate. Here is where the problem lies…..most American’s are overweight. A lack of excise, sleep, and proper foods lead us to be fat. I admit that I fall directly into that category. I have the tools to eat properly but I lack planning. If I’m hungry I’ll just grab the quickest and easiest thing which of course my not be the most nutritional.

I have decided to take the Paleo 30-day challenge and I start today. From October 19 to November 19. Now I see some of you saying…what? This is the worst time of the year with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

So why now? Well after turning 40 that has jolted me into a new mindset. My family’s history of heart-disease and other health issues in/around this age has me thinking. I want to be around to see my kids grow up, go to college, get married and have kids. If I continue this lifestyle of not eating well, I’m afraid I will not be around much longer. Also, my sister is going through some health issues as well right now that are very scary. We have both had very low blood pressure and now her blood pressure is very high. Now I know she eats far worse than I do, but genetics is genetics.

I “secretly” started yesterday to get my mind on the right path and I was also going grocery shopping. I wanted to ‘stock-up’ on all of the items I would need to keep me on the right path.





Here is what I ate:
Breakfast: Oatmeal with blue berries (oatmeal is not on the paleo plan but I was out of eggs)
Snack: 2 beef sticks (went to the grocery store)
Lunch: Salad that contained: spinach, peas, cucumber, hard boiled egg and meat from a chicken thigh. No dressing (I just didn’t want any and it tasted great)
Snack: unsalted/unroasted pistachios
Dinner: I roasted a whole chicken with a little olive oil, thyme and rosemary. I just ate a chicken breast and 1 cup of strawberries
I drank tons of water and 2 cups of jasmine tea.
Important tips:
Sugar: eliminate unnatural/processed sugar. Try to eat berries or fruit instead of anything that has sugar in it.
Meat: eating organic/ grass-fed beef or wild caught fish
Veggies: the rawer the better but if you must cook something lightly steam

The No’s:
No Sugar
No wheat
No diary

Now there are reasons for all of the above but remember I didn’t read the book so I can’t get into that argument at this time. But for me it makes sense. I will certainly share the who, what, where and how later.

So how am I doing today?
Breakfast: 3 eggs with green pepper and onions. 2 sausages
Snack: 1 cup of blue berries—all natural and not frozen
Lunch: spinach/cucumbers/tomatoes/carrots/chicken from last night and ½ of a clementine-again no dressing
Snack: pistachios and 1 cup of strawberries
This afternoon was difficult for me, I’m not sure why but I was definitely tempted but a lot of bad things. But I didn’t do it.
Dinner: yellow snapper with garlic and olive oil and ½ raw green pepper

Like I mentioned this afternoon was tough for me and perhaps knowing this I should occupy myself/distract myself.

I’m hoping tomorrow to exercise but this has not been the priority in life. We’ve been tight with money and can’t afford a sitter at this time. Rich has been working non-stop and so there is no one to watch the kids. It will all work out at some point.

More tomorrow…

Nature Museum Outing

Once in awhile I get lucky and obtain a pass to one of the museum's in our city. Yes we could go on the free days but why when you can get a pass and go when you want--not the masses.

So I snagged a pass to the Peggy Norbart Nature Museum. I usually like to go when the weather is colder but it happened to be a beautiful day outside. We took full advantage.

Here they are all packed in the car--ready to go. Not a room for one more. :)

The kids sitting on the butterfly as you enter the museum.

Now they are playing at the water feature.

We then saw a bunch of animals: snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, spiders, paper wasps, and a newt. They were fortunate to touch a fox snake but they wouldn't pose for a picture.

They have a little playground and exploration area. They love to run around and touch everything.

We were lucky to encounter a box turtle close up. We learned that she is 32 years old and could live up to 60 or 70. She ate insects, lettuce and carrots. She hibernates by digging a hole for the winter.

Of course I always try and save the best for last which is the butterfly haven. The kids just love running around chasing butterflies and identifying them. Its funny that they know the blue morpho over the Monarch. Here are some that we encountered today.

Because it was such a nice fall day we decided to head outside and go on a nature walk. There is a sculpture of a root and the kids tried to climb it.

Jillian of course was a little terrified....she was up high.





Two bumps on a log...of course not looking or smiling.

Braedon found a stump and he was sitting on it but would not smile.

They all found bits of a tree...

We then ran around the grassy area for a bit racing to a tree then racing back and then to the car. We were going to try and go to the zoo which is across the street but that would have made for an extra long day. I didn't think S and J would make it.

Luckily we didn't have anyone run off and/or get lost. This was probably one of the first times I had a stress free time.

Getting anywhere??

If you had ever wondered how it is to live in the city with 3 kids? I've given a brief view of how we enter/exit our house on a daily basis.

First we have to exit our apartment and go into the "Tower" or building in the center of our court.



Then we wait for the elevator...

We get into the elevator and go one floor down to the basement.

Then we walk down the hallway.

Then open the door and into the garage to our car.

Now we could take the stairs but sometimes it is much easier/faster to load them up in the elevator. Especially if you have a ton of stuff you are carrying.

Please don't get me wrong, some people would kill to have a indoor/heated garage. It is just a small price to pay for living in the city. And yes we do pay for our parking spots.

Oct. 3rd homeschool day...

I've been contemplating our homeschool days to try and incorporate everything. But I realize I just can't do it all...nor can my 3 kids. So I decided to make it easy on me and go with the flow. I also thought I would write about our adventures so when the kids get older and say, "Mom, what was I like or what did we do when I was (insert age)."

Today it was nice out and I've decided that any day it is above 50 degrees was an excuse to get out.

Recently, both boys received bikes and haven't had much of an opportunity to get on them (last time Sebastian split Braedon's finger open with a brick. This halted things for a while).

Our goal today was to explore our neighborhood and look for trees that were changing colors.



This was one of the trees on 58th street. Below is another one...






Here are a few photos of the churches and university buildings around us. One day when they are older and interested, I would love to teach them about the architectural designs.

On our way around the neighborhood, the boys asked to visit the botany pond to feed the animals.

Here they are being silly...

Sebastian always amazes me. He is my tough cookie and I try to teach him things but he doesn't like to let me know he knows things. Here he is pointing to the numbers and telling Jillian.

What is an adventure out without some action? Yes not 1 but 4 fire engines happened upon the library. All of the kids were in awe....

The firefighters were so kind and all of them waved and rang their sirens for the kids.

On the way back, we did what I set out to do which was pick up leaves.

Apparently riding bikes for several blocks to fun and exciting places is tough work. Braedon and Sebastian decided to "walk" their bikes and well Jillian had to join in.

We had a joyous morning and now its time for a nap for Ms. J. We will be working with the letter "L" with our leaves later in the day. The picture is below.