Intentions for 2016...

Today was not the New Year's Eve I'm used to -- or expected. It began with my Dad having a minor procedure, my Mom being exhausted due to her sick dog keeping her up all night, and Will being particularly demanding. My parents were exhausted most of the day (understandably so), and they -- along with Will -- were in bed by 7:20 pm. 

Rather than sulk and wonder why I'm not with my hubby (first NYE we've been apart since we met in 2001), I decided to attempt productivity: another walk, laundry, packing for tomorrow's flight, veggie tray consumption, and, of course, Shark Tank. Yes, I'm obsessed and have watched it for 2 hours every night since arriving here.

While I am ready to go home and get back to life with all 3 of my boys (Dex included), now would be a great time to set some intentions for 2016. I dislike the term resolution, as I associate the term with a promise you will not keep to yourself after the 2nd or 3rd week of January. I would rather set intentions to live more purposefully and with no regrets.

Here are my 16 personal life intentions for 2016:

1. Be kind, even when I don't want to be.

2. Listen fully to others.

3. Stop saying "yes" out of a sense of obligation. When you're busy trying to please everyone else, you often lose yourself in the process.

4. Stop feeling guilty for not being able to please everyone.

5. Be more open minded when meeting or working with people.

6. Continue to make daily ME time.

7. Be present for those who truly matter in my life. Show up. Be there, physically and emotionally.

8. Let go of the past and any guilt or regrets. Aim to see regrets as nothing more than lessons learned.

9. Be grateful daily.

10. Make music, movement, and writing part of my daily routine.

11. Reconnect with the church. I miss it.

12. Get to know my neighbors more. 

13. Continue to find joy in teaching and mentoring others.

14. Practice mindfulness in every aspect of my life.

15. Tell my loved ones just how much I love and appreciate them. Constantly.

16. Be OK with the fact that I may never feel utterly and completely happy or satisfied. -- I recently (finally) finished Carry On, Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life. I love the author, Glennon Doyle Melton's, writing and especially the following:

"I think one of the keys to happiness is accepting that I am never going to be perfectly happy. Life is uncomfortable. So I might as well get busy loving the people around me. I'm going to stop trying so hard to decide whether they are the 'right people' for me and just take deep breaths and love my neighbors. I'm going to take care of my friends. I'm going to find peace in the 'burbs. I'm going to quit chasing happiness long enough to notice it smiling right at me."

Here's wishing you and yours a 2016 filled with laughter, love, health, and endless joy, Warrior Women. You deserve nothing less! 💞💞💞💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

How to "vacation" with a toddler...

Lessons learned today about coexisting peacefully and "vacationing" with a toddler:

1. Always give your toddler enough "warning time" before transitioning to a new activity, especially when hand-held technology and Bob the Train is involved. 🚞🚞🚞

2. Even with such warning time, your toddler is still likely to have a tantrum. 💥

3. The possibility for such a tantrum increases exponentially when in any public location. 💥💥

4. Especially in a restaurant. 💥💥💥

5. And even more so if the restaurant is already packed, loud, and over-stimulating. 💥💥💥💥

6. Never underestimate how long a seemingly boring game of throwing bath toys into a pool can last. 🏊🏻🏊🏻🏊🏻

7. And your toddler will not forget about this game, even after an afternoon nap. 🌟🌟🌟

8. It doesn't matter if you no longer have your swimsuit on and cannot easily retrieve the bath toys your toddler throws into the pool. Get your suit back on, go in the water with your clothes on, or find another creative, quick way to get the toys (i.e.: with a net). 💦💦💦

9. Should you fail to find a way to fetch these toys in exactly 0.5 seconds, your toddler may lose it. 😩😩😩

10. Completely.😡😡😡

11. Your toddler doesn't care if your boobs hurt or if you are carrying another child. He will still feel free to climb, walk, slap, and physically "attack" you, especially if you lie on the floor. #mybad 😱😱

12. Never tell a toddler he cannot read the book you currently are enjoying. He will take the book from you, "read" it himself, and then place it in his basket of personal books. Good luck trying to read it in peace. 👏👏

13. Always find a way to distract your toddler while changing his diaper. You may end up singing the same "Wheels on the Bus" song 30 times. Deal. 🚍🚍🚍

14. Your toddler will always prefer to eat what you're eating, even if the same exact food on already on his plate.🍔🍔🍔

15. You need to master mind reading to attempt to fully understand what your toddler wants, especially with food. Good luck. 🍕🌭🍟🌯🌮🧀🍗🍖🍤🍳🍞🌽🌶

16. Your toddler may behave like an angel in public yesterday, but anything goes today. Two days of sanity in a row?! Haha!! 😂😂😂

17. Be prepared to master your toddler's own specific language, which evolves daily and where 30 words may sound the same but mean entirely different things.🎖

18. Please gain the ability to access milk immediately, anywhere, anytime. 🍼🍼🍼

19. When things start to get thrown, they're about to get ugly. 😳😳

20. Brace yourself for the ride of your life EVERY day! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

And I wouldn't have it any other way. 😍😍😍

Loving our time in FL!

Yesterday was a long day. Door to door equaled over nine hours of solo travel with Will. And we survived! He was even excited when he woke up in a strange new house this morning and rearing to go. 

Some things that made me happy and grateful today, our first full day in FL with my parents since April:

1. Will's ongoing obsession with dogs transfers over to my parents' Maltese, Sophia. He follows her around everywhere and tries to ride on her. Poor girl. 🐶🐶🐶

2. Will loves his grandparents, especially the new construction trucks Poppy gave him this morning for Christmas. 🚚🚚🚚

3. Will loves the pool again! Just in time for his new set of swim lessons to begin in a little over a week! Yay!! 💦💦💦

4. Keeping Will in his normal sleeping and napping schedule while traveling = Mommy win. 💤💤💤

5. Will's intense love of peanut butter like Mommy. 👏👏👏

6. Will's intense love of pasta like Daddy. 🍝🍝🍝

7. Having time to actually sit down and read a book, this time in and then by a pool. #bliss 🏊🏻🏊🏻🏊🏻

8. A nap outside while Will napped = mmmmmm. ☀️☀️☀️

9. Will behaving like an angel at an Italian restaurant = a belated Christmas miracle. 🌟🌟🌟

10. Bob the Train and The Wheels on the Bus song on my iPhone = a miracle while traveling with a toddler. 💞💞💞

Let's aim for another awesome day tomorrow! I may not want to leave on Friday!! 😘😘😘

Oh, winter!

My in-laws ended up leaving a day earlier than expected yesterday in order to beat the impending CT snowstorm arriving tonight. Is it sad that I'm a TAD bit jealous?!! ☃☃☃

We are continuing to have a blast hanging out with Will at home. Greg took today off to take us to the airport later today, and we are loving this special time with just the 3 of us plus Dexter. Will is such a joy and sponge. He learns so fast, and it's a lot of fun picturing him as an older brother. I think he will be great!

I also get really nostalgic this time of year because I have absolutely no desire to put away our tree or other Christmas decorations. I LOVE this season. Taking them down only symbolizes the potentially long, dreary winter ahead. Positivity, Kay, positivity!

So, I head off to my Pure Barre class in search of mental clarity and inner peace. Both are great in general, especially in preparation of flying solo with an overly active toddler. Ahhhh!!!! 😜😜😜😜

Big picture!!

As I've mentioned many times before, I've certainly chilled out and mellowed over the years. Parenthood has definitely assisted in this process. 

Case in point -- I can watch my living room, bedroom, and basically entire house get torn up by a toddler throughout the course of a day and be completely fine. I even caused some of the mess in our bedroom today with all of my clean laundry. Instead of letting it drive me insane, I smile at it. I see it as progress.

It's OK, gigantic pile of laundry. You can wait until tomorrow. The world will not end. In fact, I will get more sleep, and the dog will get to sit on the pile happily for a few minutes.

Let it go. Put it in perspective. Don't sweat the small stuff. Spend more time focusing on what is RIGHT in your life and what you are blessed with all around you. 

For me, all it takes is looking at Will. He's my main reason, and he could give a s*** about how neat or tidy the house is. He wants my presence and to share the joy of life with Mama and Dada. What a true gift.

#soblessed #bigpicture #lifeisgood 😍😍😍

Merry Christmas!

Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Today was a truly beautiful Christmas, and I hope your day was just as special.

This exhausted mama says once again, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" 💞💞💞

Twas the night before Christmas...

''Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was sick, not even Kay. I'm finally back to life, and it's a Christmas miracle!

It's Christmas Eve, and I feel beyond blessed to finally be feeling back to normal. I even have an appetite again!

Here's my list of things I've learned and observed during and after my illness:

1. Velcro dogs are the best nurses.

2. Full-calorie Gatorade -- and lots of it -- is a must.

3. Not puking = total win.

4. Being able to sleep without having a fever or chills = bliss.

5. My in-laws are here and rock.

6. 68 degrees and rainy on December 24 in MD = just plain weird.

7. 70 degrees on Christmas = even weirder.

8. Will's smile continues to be ridiculously infectious.

9. I'm obsessed with photo Xmas cards. You should see our fridge!!!

10. Getting to take Dex for a walk for the first time in 5 days = exceptional.

11. The vet says Dex is a bit overweight. Guess I will need to have a sit-down with Will to discuss breaking his habit of sneaking food to the dog when I'm not looking. 😉

12. I need to stop calling Dex "Fatty," but it's funny. 😜

13. Food tastes SO good again.

14. Greg makes mean scallops. Mmmmmm.....

15. The cleaning service we have biweekly = a godsend.

16. I would hire my MIL as our full-time cook if I could. 😘

17. Mindy Kahling's book = awesome. 

18. Santa needs bourbon, not milk. See below. 

19. I made cookies for Santa. They are delicious.

20. Will's obsession with trains and books knows no bounds.

21. Will now knows how to blow kisses. Simply adorable. 😍😍😍

22. Christmas will be a lot more fun once Will understands the concept of Santa and believes in him.

23. Santa is real.

24. And his gifts are awesome. I can't wait for all of us to open them tomorrow morning!

Merry Christmas Eve to all, and to all a goodnight. ☃☃☃

Sick day madness!

I hate taking sick days but am SO glad I did today. What a necessity! I rested. I saw the doctor. I rested some more. I made ME a priority.

So, on this 22nd day of December, here's a list of things that brought me gratitude, amusement, or intrigue today:

1. My loyal nurse Dexter never leaving my side today. What a loyal sweetheart!

2. Greg really stepping up with Will so I could rest and heal. He's the best. 💞💞💞

3. Tylenol. Without finally caving and taking it, I doubt my fever would have broken.

4. My chills ending. Scary stuff.

5. My doctor mama friend encouraging me to go to the doctor to ensure I haven't put stress on the baby. I listened to her.

6. No fever and blood pressure and vitals perfect but have a severe sinus infection. Thank goodness for Augmentin, a pregnancy-safe antibiotic. I'm hoping to feel at least some relief by tomorrow.

7. Buying Ginger ale, soup, and saltines = a sick time necessity.

8. Finally being able to keep food down again.

9. More rest.

10. Panera's chicken noodle soup. Part of Operation Hydration!!

11. More awesome Christmas cards in the mail.

12. More sleep.

13. Hearing from my parents, who are on a Christmas cruise and currently in Colombia. #luckybastards 😜😜😀

14. No more fever.

15. Looking like a hot mess picking up Will this afternoon. See below.

16. Cold compresses. See below.

17. Will's clear pronunciation of "doggie" now. It's so adorable seeing him and Dex together. See below.

18. Will "reorganizing" my shoes. What a helpful boy. See below.

19. Will dancing to classical music in the kitchen. 

20. Will being in a good mood all night and going to bed easily. #allelujah

21. My bed.

22. Being in my bed currently. More rest ahead!! 😀😀😀  

Evil trifecta!

Today I was told I looked like a zombie and that I've never moved more slowly at work. This would be correct. 

"Morning" sickness (ha!) + sinus infection + stomach bug = evil holiday trifecta. If I could just get well, that would be grrrrreat. 

But alas, let me share some pics and thoughts that made me SMILE today because like any challenge or adversity you face in your life, this too shall pass. 

Oh, Sunday nights!

Oh, Sunday nights. The time where you ask where the hell the weekend went, try to mentally prepare for the week ahead, and curse in the process.

I haven't posted in a few days, making this list of things that brought me mirth, vexation, or gratitude this weekend even more fun to write. So, on this 20th day of December, here goes nothing...

1. The cold is finally here, and I can't find my favorite winter coat anywhere. #fail 😡😡😡

2. 4 different Christmas parties. Had a blast!

3. Too bad Will decided to break a nice glass ornament at one of the parties. I owe you a replacement, Melissa. So sorry! 😩😩😩

4. Not knowing what on earth your toddler wants to eat when the only thing he says over and over again is "ba!" So, we bring a ton of food over to him. He shakes his head and starts to scream uncontrollably. Oh, toddlerhood.

5. Greg's successful trip to a used bookstore and record store with Will, until Will decided to remove all of the books from the shelves. 😂

6. Pure Barre 4 days in a row. #addicted

7. A headache that will not go away. I know I can take Tylenol, but I'm stubborn and don't like to take anything during pregnancy. 😩

8. Addressing 130+ Christmas cards in one sitting early Saturday morning in order to get them mailed at the post office yesterday.

9. Running around town delivering cards to the vet, Dexter's groomer, and my amazing nail salon. Greg thinks I'm crazy. He is correct.

10. Target. Avoid it at all costs until after the new year.

11. Our 2nd new chair being delivered. This is especially impressive, considering the estimated delivery date was 3/22/16.

12. Finding the perfect gift for our White Elephant Gift Exchange at work tomorrow.

13. The smell of gasoline. I've always loved it.

14. Will still not destroying any of our ornaments.

15. Catching up with my awesome MIL. Looking forward to seeing her later this week!

16. Propel. I could literally drink it all day. Oh wait, I actually do.

17. It's our 17th week of pregnancy! Our baby is now 3.5 oz and the size of my palm!

18. Only puking once this weekend. If it could stop entirely, that would be grrrreat.

19. Not finding out the baby's gender until January 13 = not conducive to my planning ways. It can't come soon enough!

20. I want snow. I know, I know. But I'm a New Englander at heart and always will be. Plus, I heart snow days. 💞

Did I mention it's going to be 75 on Christmas Eve?!!!!! Insanity!!! 😳😳😳😱😱😱 

Ode to Winter Break

Because winter break is on every single teacher's mind right now, today I offer you 17 things standing in my way before such a respite....at least until I run out of things to write. Ha!

1. Our Christmas cards finally arrived today. Please have a robot come over and address all 150 envelopes. #thanks

2. Covering an endless amount of classes for colleagues tomorrow who will inevitably be out. Not complaining, though. I generally love students. #fridaysindecember

3. It must be mentioned, though, that middle school students are particularly impossible this time of the year.

4. And moody.

5. And dramatic.

6. And refuse to do any work.

7. Of any kind.

8. Lord, help us now. 😱😱😱

9. Whoever thought a 3-day school week before winter break begins was a good idea needs to be punched. Hard.

10. Why on earth is Wednesday a full day of school?

11. A student asked me the above question. My reply, "To torture us all."

12. Managing not to kill any of the indoor plants before my in-laws arrive.

13. Ensuring all glass is actually removed from the carpet after yesterday's snowglobe explosion. Apparently, I failed at this last night, causing Greg to get shards of glass stuck in his hand tonight. Luckily, he removed the glass carefully and is fine. #whoops

14. Staying positive with my colleagues, several of whom are very stressed and sick right now. #tistheseason

15. Will's 18 month appointment next Tuesday. He LOVES doctors. Ha!! 

16. Ensuring Will remains uninterested in the tree...or ornaments. #goodluckmama 😂

17. Killing the last of the damn fruit flies if it's the last thing I do.

Smashed snowglobe!

On the 16th day of Christmas, life gave to me...many things to feel happiness, vexation, aggravation, or sadness over!

1. Will had his first real nightmare last night. Poor baby. 😓

2. The fruit flies continue to die. I am winning. 😈

3. Amazing staff holiday luncheon at work. #eatallthefood

4. Getting to see many awesome English and reading teachers in action today! #mypeople

5. The thrill of crossing items off a to-do list. Sometimes, I write down things I've already done just to be able to cross them out. #ihaveproblems 😜😜😜

6. Being forced to wait for your doctor for what seems like 10,000 years. 😡😡😡

7. Having the doctor finally come in, say you look awesome, and then listen to your baby's heartbeat and proclaim it to sound "wonderful." #score 

8. I think Will is getting sick. 😩😩😩

9. Giving my hubby a guys' night out in DC = he owes me later. 😇😇😇😈😈😈

10. Popcorn.

11. Drinking water. All. The. Time. 

12. Our students did an incredible job with their art show and winter concert tonight!

13. Taking advantage of heavy traffic to catch up with an amazing friend. Love you, Mary! 😘😘😘

14. Will smashing a snowglobe with his bare hands, water going all over him, and him crying hysterically. The bright side? No bloody fingers or cuts! Thanks for the gift, Auntie Anne! Lol 

15. Evening naps rock.

16. So do Modern Family and Blackish. I really need to watch normal TV more often. Nah. I can't sit still long enough. 😂😜

Oh, this debate...

I wonder if this Republican debate will go until 1 am.... It looks to be that way! 

As I sit here watching it and wishing I could have a proper drink, I once again have some serious and sarcastic comments for my potpourri list today, the 15th day of Christmas:

1. Thank you to Amanda for the amazing fruit fly trap! They are already dying by the dozens. I told them I would win. Buwahahaha...

2. My loyal lapdog.

3. Even though I had some puking this morning, Will had no tantrums this evening. Thank God.

4. My leadership team meeting ending 11 min. early after school. #itsthelittlethings

5. The cluster that was the Germantown Target this afternoon. With their electronic system continually shutting down and all of the self check-out lanes being closed, the store  resembled something from Black Friday. What a joyous end to my workday.

6. Proceed with caution when trying Potbelly's Mac 'n cheese, particularly when you add chili and bacon to it. #toomuchofagoodthing

7. Some great one-liners from this debate.

8. My Pajamagram finally being delivered. My order was placed on 11/8. #businessfail

9. Baby only wanting to eat cheese and pasta. Very bad. Watch Mommy turn into a whale. 😂😜

10. Will's new adorable obsession with Elmo. He even proclaimed DURING his nap (while not waking up), "Elmo, Elmo, Elmo!!"

11. Evil pastries. Pure evil.

12. Killing one of the damn fruit flies in the shower. What on earth was it doing there?!!

13. One of my favorite lines from the debate so far -- "If you want something talked about, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman." Amen.

14. Our neighborhood looks so beautiful with all the Christmas lights!

15. Can someone tell me why I'm still up watching this nonsense?!!!

18 months?!!!

It's hard to believe that Greg and I have been parents for exactly 1.5 years today. And we survived relatively unscathed. That's a win in my book.

On this 14th day of Christmas/December, I offer you a mixed bag of things that either annoyed, pleased, or made me feel grateful today. I'll let you decide which is which.

1. The fruit fly infestation in our house as a result of having the back door open on Saturday, since it was 70 freakin' degrees. All of these flies must die painful deaths immediately. They enrage me.

2. Starting my day with flowers and a beautiful thank you card from a colleague.

3. Toddler temper tantrums. Tonight, Will had the WORST one ever. 😡😡😡

4. Greg getting home before 5:30.

5. Sneaking in an awesome OT workout at night thanks to my dear hubby.

6. Continuing to get Christmas cards from our friends around the world.

7. Tiny Prints hasn't even shipped our cards to us yet. #christmasfail

8. Bringing in a ton of leftover veggies and hummus to work and having healthy snacks to munch on all day.

9. Tortellini. Baby wants this constantly. Mmmmm.

10. This year's White House ornament from Greg.

11. When Will tries to say "fish," it sounds like "s***." 😂😂😂

12. The past 18 months with Will = best and happiest times of our lives so far. We can't wait to see what the future holds. 😍😍😍😍

Weekend gratitude!

What a weekend! So much to be happy about and grateful for, so I think a proper gratitude list is in order. Here goes nothing...

On this 13th day of December, I give you 13 things I am most grateful for over this past weekend:

1. New red sparkly nails and toes for Christmas. #itsthelittlethings

2. Dexter still smelling so fresh and so clean after his grooming yesterday. 

3. An awesome holiday open house yesterday. 

4. Fun times at a friend's holiday brunch this afternoon.

5. Will holding it together well during both events. #hallelujah

6. 3 days in a row of Pure Barre. #addicted

7. CRAZY warm, beautiful weather! 72 degrees on December 13?!!! I'll take it!!

8. Greg finally starting to feel a bit better. Thank you, sleep and antibiotics.

9. Will being exhausted and sleeping until after 9:00 am this morning. #wearelucky #besttoddlerever

10. A friend's son seems to be OK after biting into an ornament yesterday and the family spending the day at urgent care and then Children's. Thinking of you, Becca!!

11. Will's bright eyes and keen ability to observe and take in so much of the world around him. He is SO like Greg in so many ways, including his passion and love for pasta. See accompanying photo. #trueitalianmen 😜

12. Feeling surprisingly on top of my game for this time of the year, which is the polar opposite from last year. I'm just trying to savor this now, as I know next Christmas with a toddler and newborn will be a whole different ballgame. Ahhhh!!!! 😳😳😳

13. Friends who you may not see for a while but with whom you can just pick right up from where you left. I'm grateful to have seen so many of these treasured people this weekend! 💞💞💞💞💞💞

Fun party!!

Despite Greg and I not feeling well, we still got another successful holiday party in the books, #9 since moving down here! 

It was more low key this year, with a steady stream of guests from 3-8 pm. There was never a huge amount of people at once, which worked well for Will and allowed us to really visit with everyone individually. It is insane the amount of food we still have leftover, though! No cooking for a few days = total win. Thank you to everyone who came out!

It's crazy to think about how our parties have evolved, from crazy  drunken festivities in DC in our 20s to family-friendly, laid back events scheduled around our toddler's nap schedule in the suburbs now in our early 30s. Things may look different now, but one thing is still for sure -- we are blessed with incredible friends, near and far. For that, we are truly forever grateful.

On the sinuses front, I am going to try the Neil Med sinus rinse tomorrow morning. I was able to take a 24 hour loratadine allergy tablet today, which already seems to have helped. Fingers crossed that the rinse will help too!! 

Pet Peeves...

This has been an insane day. I basically facilitated meetings for 10 straight hours, first at school and then for the advisory board I serve on for the union. 

In honor of my exhausted and sarcastic state, I offer you something different, a list of 12 personal pet peeves, in no particular order:

1. Slow drivers.

2. Distracted drivers. 

3. Drivers with absolutely no idea where they are going and thus lose all ability to maneuver their vehicles safely or sanely.

4. Being late.

5. Ferrets as pets (long story).

6. Complainers.

7. Miserable people who will always be miserable, even if you gave them a million dollars, a chauffeur, and a lifetime supply of chocolate.

8. Messes or disorganization of any kind, minus anything to do with Will. 😉

9. Stupid people.

10. People who are scared of dogs, particularly my 15 pound dog.

11. Not having a schedule or expected routine, at least some of the time.

12. People who blame others when they really should look in a mirror. 

BONUS: Dirty keyboards.

This list was so much fun to write that I'm going to think of even more specific, annoying things for tomorrow. Get excited! 😜😜😜

Energy is returning!!

A very full but awesome day indeed! So much to continue to be grateful for and appreciate!

8th day of Christmas gratitude list:

1. Getting Will to school a bit earlier than normal to sneak in a Pure Barre class before my AM training. I'm addicted!

2. My healthy protein balls. They are seriously the perfect snack!

3. Only puking once today.

4. Rolling out my foot on the massager I have....mmmmmm.....

5. Committing at least 3 random acts of kindness today. I can do better, though! 

6. My crazy but awesome new leggings. 

7. My leadership meeting after school getting cancelled.

8. Shopping for Will's teachers and scoring an amazing deal in the process.

9. Still being able to drink my fave Starbucks beverage, a grade nonfat Oprah chai latte.

10. KT tape not keeping me from my nightly walks. Will happily joined us tonight.

11. Instead of wanting to bathe the baby dolls at school with his peers, Will opted to wash some cars and trucks. Sounds about right. #pureboyallthetime

12. My crazy energy seems to be coming back. Thank you, 2nd trimester, and watch out, world!! 😜😂😜

Monday Funday!

I've decided to start calling Monday Monday Funday. Everyone hates Mondays, so I figured I would rename them to lighten the mood and get people smiling more. I have to say that it worked at school today too!!

Today's gratitude list (Day 7 of Christmas):

1. The KT tape is truly making it less painful to walk, and I even forgot my plantar fasciitis was there a few times today! #score

2. Still finding my sense of humor after puking up my breakfast. The baby just wants to remind me that he or she is there. #troublealready

3. Will's intense love of the animal figurines at school. #allanimalsallthetime

4. Will rejecting playing with the fake snow (They're working on textures) in favor of going back to the animal figurines. #shocker

5. Discovering my principal's sense of humor is still intact after his long absence from school. 

6. A Chipotle lunch to benefit our school. Hopefully, no E. coli there.

7. Chocolate cake in honor of a great colleague's birthday.

8. 55 degrees and sunny on December 7. #nottooshabby

9. More Christmas cards in the mail! Yay!!!

10. Will and Greg dancing together. #tooprecious

11. A brisk evening walk with Dexter.

12. Being in bed by 9 pm. #mommywin

Sunday barf day!

Sunday Funday! 

It was more like Sunday barf day thanks to my little baby, who obviously didn't get the memo that we are now well into our second trimester. Silly baby!

Despite not being able to hold much down, much got accomplished, and I continue to have so much to be grateful for. 

1. Meeting and connecting with a friend of a friend over brunch currently struggling with infertility. We meshed right away, and I think I gave her some tips and suggestions to move forward with. Women are NOT alone in their journeys to have children, and the more we can connect and talk about it, the better.

2. Actually sticking to a list at Target. #win

3. Master of None. I highly recommend this original Netflix comedy.

4. William is seriously the sweetest boy in the world. We are beyond blessed.

5. Taking it easy with exercise this weekend to help relieve my plantar fasciitis. NOT easy for me to do, but I'm glad I did.

6. Finishing a heart-warming novel, Carry Her Heart.

7. Reliving my childhood and making my Mom's chicken noodle soup. SO good, despite having to use parsley instead of celery (Silly hubby can't follow grocery list lol).

8. Getting to spend time and this dinner with an awesome colleague and friend.

9. Hearing that one of the teachers I've worked closely with over the past 3 years accepted a position to teach history in Colombia for next year. This is a dream come true for him, and I am so proud of how far he's come!

10. KT tape. Love this stuff to help my foot.

11. Keeping down a quality slice of NY style cheesecake for dessert...so far!

12. Will's joy at life, especially when eating blueberries tonight. He is beyond obsessed with fruit.

End your weekend with inner peace and gratitude, WW!!

Joy!

Even though my foot still hates me, I have a plan in place to ease its pain and suffering. Thank goodness.

Today was a full and joyous day, full of plenty of time and laughs with my boys. I am grateful.

So, on this 5th day of December, here is a proper gratitude list:

1. My boys. They complete me.

2. Maintaining a sense of humor while Will cried and screamed at Santa. Poor old man.

3. Breakfast with Andrew and his family before screaming at Santa.

4. Fleet Feet Sports in Gaithersburg. They are seriously THE best with any kind of running issue. Jennifer spent a great deal of time with me, and I walked out with much better-fitting running shoes, inserts, special sandals, and a roller. My feet will thank me. Merry early Christmas to me! Take that, plantar fasciitis!!!

5. Getting a short nap in while Will napped.

6. Baking my fave Christmas cookies.

7. Managing a walk with Dex without TOO much pain thanks to my new shoes and inserts.

8. Ms. Roseanne baby-sitting. She's the best, and we always feel at ease when she is with Will!

9. Our amazing dinner at Firestone's in Frederick. Loved the sweet potato gnocchi! 

10. Downtown Frederick in full Christmas spirit.

11. My hubby's sense of humor.

12. Christmas cards have started to arrive! I LOVE this season!!!

I hate plantar fasciitis!

It's Friday, and I'm grateful.

It sucks that my plantar fasciitis is flaring up for the first time in 5.5 years in my left foot, but I will deal. This too shall pass. I posted this on my main FB page too, but feel free to share your best tips for helping relieve plantar fasciitis issues below!

No formal gratitude list today but a simple collage of 5 things and ideas that kept me staying positive today, even though it is beyond painful just to walk!

Here's to an awesome weekend ahead, WW!! 😘😘😘

Gratitude abounds!

So much to be grateful for today!!

Day 2 of Christmas gratitude list:

1. 8.5 hours of sleep last night. A new recent weeknight record.

2. Supposedly, the rain is over after today. Thank God.

3. Surviving leading 6 consecutive teacher professional development sessions today. Only one person really irked me too. #win

4. Coaching teachers who truly want to do best by kids.

5. Indulging in a Pure Barre class after school. Best way to end a workday.

6. A few kind drivers on the cluster that is 270N during rush hour. Shocking.

7. Will can already read 2 words -- dog and no. Is this kid brilliant or what?! Lol 😜

8. A beautiful handwritten note from a beautiful, longtime friend, Molly. 😍😍😍

9. Greg making it home in time for me to head to prenatal yoga. Two awesome classes for ME in one day?! Yesssss.

10. Nutella. If only it were calorie and sugar free.

11. My parents arriving safely back in FL this afternoon.

12. Our Christmas photos by Bruna are done, and they are AMAZING! I can't wait to share some of them with you!

Hope your Hump Days were nothing short of fabulous, Warrior Women! 

Yay December!

Happy December, Warrior Women! With all the rain and relatively mild temperatures we've been having, it certainly doesn't feel like winter is around the corner. 

In the spirit of the season, I've decided to expand my daily gratitude list for this month to 12 things per day (some serious, some fun, and, of course, some sarcastic). Gotta honor the 12 days of Christmas somehow, right?!

1. My awesome hubby staying home with our Will and his friend Andrew today while daycare was closed. He had BOTH toddlers by himself for over 8 hours and did a fantastic job! I'm proud!! #daddyoftheyear

2. Taking advantage of an all-day training's later start time by hitting up a 7:05 am Pure Barre class beforehand. Awesome.

3. Being reunited and getting to work with my third-year Staff Development Teacher cohort all day today. I've really missed them. They inspire me to do better and lead for change and equity at my school! #equitywarriors

4. Lunch with said awesome people. Chicken fajitas at La Laredo Grill rock.

5. Receiving happy updates from Greg all day about how well the boys were doing.

6. Training ending 30 min. early, allowing time for an extensive Wegman's run.

7. Getting to buy a beautiful poinsettia plant this year. No cats = can't be poisoned by this plant. Score.

8. No puking today. Score.

9. No weird cravings today. Score.

10. Being OK with a little pregnancy weight gain. Score.

11. Will having absolutely no interest in our Christmas tree. Neither did Andrew. Score.

12. Will loving to sleep and go to bed. Score. 

Oh, Monday!!

What a Monday!! 

I am ready to drop but not before writing my last daily gratitude list for November!

1. Finally being able to work out again at Orange Theory. It has only been 3 weeks but seemed like a century for this cardio addict! I took it slowly at the 5 am class and modified as needed. What a great feeling to be back!

2. Puking 4 different times this morning and still smiling. Just another good sign that all is well with the baby. After all we went through having Will, I will not take a day of my pregnancy for granted. It is waaaay too much of a blessing!!

3. Baking cookies for my colleagues and Greg's coworkers. I clearly need to make more next time! They went in record time.

4. Will insisting on walking outside, despite it being disgusting and raining tonight. Like his parents, he finds solace and peace in the great outdoors. I love it.

5. Greg being able to stay home with Will tomorrow, since the daycare is closed for teacher in-service. Will's friend Andrew will also be joining them, so they are bound to have a blast!

6. Realizing spring break is a bit earlier this year, so it will be early enough in my pregnancy to fly! Woo! I booked a flight to FL for Will and me to visit my parents for 5 days Easter week. Yay for sunny FL!

7. Will is OBSESSED with naming and sorting all animals, especially farm animals. He has mastered their noises and can even name them in different places. It's so fascinating seeing the connections his brain is making ... and so quickly! #babygenius #ha

Thanks for being such a wonderful and memorable month, November!

Sunday rainy day!

I was stressing out yesterday over what kind of day trip to do with my patents today. The National Aquarium? DC? Frederick? Annapolis? 

Thankfully, Greg encouraged me to chill out, stop worrying, and enjoy our date night last night. I did. I decided to leave it up to whatever we all felt like doing in the AM.

This morning, we all slept until after 8 (Will included, a Mommy's dream), and it was gross and raining. We decided brunch at Bennigan's was in order and to then see how the day unfolded. Here's a bit of what I'm grateful for from today...

Day 29's list:

1. Will being an angel at brunch. This is no small feat, considering he almost knocked over an entire bar table and 20 glasses the last time he was at a restaurant back in September. Toddlers + restaurants = usually a dangerous combo.

2. Enjoying a relaxing morning decorating our Christmas tree and house, toddler-proof style. That also proved to be so small feat.

3. Singing and dancing along to children's music and Christmas songs. Will has mastered the hokie pokie. No joke.

4. The rain stopping to allow Dex and I a chance to escape the house for a walk during Will's nap. This is also always my treasured audiobook time. I'm currently enjoying a light fiction piece, Carry Her Heart. This is very necessary after finishing the heart-pounding psychological thriller, Bad Games, yesterday.

5. Organizing all of my maternity clothes and donating 2 bags to charity.

6. Will being an endless source of smiles and entertainment.

7. Truly enjoying time with my parents, as it is already their last night here. 

We didn't end up going anywhere today, which ended up being perfect. Sometimes, all you need is quality family time and laughs (and NY style pizza, of course), especially on dreary, miserable Sundays. 

Yay Small Business Saturday!

Another awesome November day! SO much to be grateful for too!!!

Day 28's list:

1. Another awesome Pure Barre class to start the day. I may have puked twice during it, but it's all for a good cause. 😉

2. Family time picking out our tree and designing our Christmas wreath at Butler's Orchard. It definitely helped having my parents there to assist and help watch Will this year!

3. William's constant good mood. We really hit the parental jackpot.

4. My dog's neurotic inability to let me out of his sight. It's actually quite loyal and endearing, most of the time.

5. My parents graciously offering to watch Will to give us a date night tonight.

6. iPic theaters. Totally worth the splurge and experience once in awhile!

7. Matt Damon's acting. His face isn't too bad to look at either. His movie, The Martian, was also pretty sensational.

The dog ate one of Will's dirty diapers while we were gone. In his defense, it was left out and probably looked pretty darn tasty....to a dog. Mmmmm.... poop.... 😜😜😜 

Black Friday success!

Black Friday this year was all about making fun family memories. Yes, there was a bit of shopping involved, but nothing too crazy, thankfully.

Day 27's list (one day late):

1. Starting off Black Friday the right way with an awesome Pure Barre class. 

2. Will's adorable new haircut, despite him screaming and crying throughout. The barber was outstanding.

3. Finishing ALL of my Christmas shopping AND wrapping before December 1. #mommywin

4. Enjoying a nap while Will napped. #bliss

5. Walking around the neighborhood with my Dad and both dogs.

6. Thanksgiving leftovers. I think they're even better the day after.

7. Greg finally decided to replace his wedding band, which he lost months ago. #sillyhubby #betterlatethannever

Grandparents!

4 months is equivalent to 4 years in grandparent-hood. My parents literally could not believe just how much Will has grown, changed, and learned since they last saw him in early August. He's like a new person now, walking, talking, signing, and so present!

Yes, lots to be grateful for on this Thanksgiving Eve.

Day 25 list:

1. My parents arrived safe and sound early tonight. Despite all they've been through this past week and horrible traffic, just seeing their grandson made everything better. It was pure joy to witness.

2. I decided to change up my hair a bit and love my new cut! I am also grateful to have had the BEST stylist ever for the past 9 years.

3. Some creative thinking allowed me to still have my weekly therapy session over the phone, due to Will's school closing early today. It all worked out, and Will miraculously entertained himself almost the whole hour! 

4. Bob the Train. A toddler YouTube sensation and the reason I could get anything accomplished with my therapist today. Check it out. ;)

5. Being able to satisfy today's pregnancy craving: sweet and sour chicken. Mmmmm....

6. Seeing my parents with Will. It really makes me wish they lived closer!

7. Ending the night with an awesome prenatal yoga class with Laura. Pure bliss.

Here's to a wonderful Thanksgiving to you and yours! You deserve it, WW!! 

Be grateful!

I've hit a new level of exhaustion, but alas, this too shall pass. 

You know it's bad when colleagues and parents comment on how exhausted you look. This, despite getting 8 hours of sleep last night. Yes, pregnancy with a toddler is a WHOLE new level of tired.

But still so much to celebrate and be grateful for today, thankfully!

Day 24 list:

1. After a solid night's sleep, my Mom felt well enough to begin making the long drive up to MD with my Dad. They are staying over tonight in NC and in very good spirits. They have about 8 hours of driving left tomorrow, traffic permitting! I really am excited to see them.

2. Asking every teacher today what they are grateful for. Sharing this in a small group is valuable and reminds us just how blessed we are. Let us never take for granted the basic necessities of life we enjoy, like a roof over our heads and food on our table. Too many go without every single day...

3. Deciding to "adopt" two more girls in need in our community and play "Santa" for them. I love shopping, especially when it's for a child who will truly use and appreciate the items!

4. My husband, whose life's work is to help keep our country safe from all the evils of the world. He is still hard at work now, making for long nights for Will and I, but I am beyond proud of him and all of the amazing work he does for us all. 

5. Recognizing the importance of self-care. I enjoyed lunch actually sitting down with colleagues today, got a massage after work, and loved my Pho chicken noodle soup for dinner.

6. Turning a traffic jam into something positive by talking on the phone with an old, dear friend of mine, Kate. She became a Mommy this year, also to a sweet baby boy.

7. Being proud of myself for actually listening to my doctor and avoiding intense cardio. I'm allowed to reintroduce it on Monday -- let the countdown begin! 

Yay!!!

It may be Monday, but there is already SO much to be grateful for today!

1. Having found no blockages or abnormalities in her heart, my Mom was finally discharged from the hospital tonight. She is now home resting comfortably in bed, thankfully. She is still heavily sedated and has a board attached to her right arm, as it is very weak after all the injections of the past 48+ hours. To say I'm a bit nervous about she and my Dad driving 17+ hours up here beginning tomorrow morning would be an enormous understatement. Sigh....

2. First trimester blood tests results came back, and they are perfect! We are at the lowest risk for everything, thank God. The neural tube measurements were normal too. Still too early to determine gender, though! Booooo!!!

3. Treating myself to some Mickey D's for lunch after my appointment. And call me disgusting, but it tasted damn food. Sometimes, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. And when one is pregnant, well, that's another story entirely. Step away from my fast food, or suffer severe bodily injury... 😜😉😄

4. Today's after school staff meeting was cancelled. And yes, the world may now just end...😜😜😜

5. AMAZON. What the hell did we ever do without Prime 2 day shipping?!!!!

6. Will being a TOTAL sweetheart and charmer tonight. He's started liking and preferring me again, which naturally annoys Greg. Buwahahahaha...😉😉😉

7. Ending the day with a long, awesome girly chat with one of my oldest and dearest friends, Mary. Motherhood has only brought us closer, and I am forever grateful for that. 💞💞💞💞

Sunday Funday!

Well, my mom is still in the hospital and has to have a heart catheter tomorrow. They did more tests and a heart ultrasound today, but nothing was conclusive. She and my dad were supposed to arrive here Tuesday night. We are just hoping and praying they will be able to come up later in the week, God-willing! Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Still a lot to be grateful for today, though, thankfully!

Day 22 list:

1. Lazy Sunday mornings enjoying time with my boys (and Ally this AM)! Lots of playtime and laughs had by all.

2. I felt myself getting a bit sick, so Greg let me take a late morning nap for 2.5 hours. #heaven

3. Getting quality Dexter the dog time on a nice long afternoon neighborhood walk.

4. Having a lot of fun with our family Christmas photo shoot with my dear friend and very talented photographer, Bruna. She is incredible! I highly recommend Bruna Photography and am happy to pass along more info. if you are interested. 😀😀😀

5. Even though Greg had to stay back (He also is not feeling well), Will and I had a blast at Jay, Amanda, and Andrew's house for dinner, brewing, and playtime. It is always so adorable to see the boys together!

6. Being in bed before 10 pm. When does this ever happen?!!

7. I may have a good idea of the new baby's gender tomorrow! Eeeeek!!

Happy Saturday!

Happy Saturday, Warrior Women!

I sincerely hope you all took advantage of this beautiful, crisp fall day. 

My gratitude abounds today! 

Day 21 list:

1. My Saturday school students. They have been a joy to teach every week since early September, and I will really miss them. They truly make me want to go back to the classroom full time. 

2. Wegman's. Yes, I continue to love everything about it.

3. Will's love of our family hugs. Truly precious.

4. Our dear friend Ally making delicious baked ziti for us and spending the night. She is amazing!!

5. The smell of laundry fresh out of the dryer. Mmmmm....

6. My mom had to be admitted to the hospital tonight with chest pains, but so far, the results came back clear, not showing evidence of a heart attack. She will remain there overnight to continue to be monitored. Fingers crossed and prayers up that she will be OK!

7. Sparkling cider may not be wine, but it is still damn good. I drank the hell out of it....from a wine glass. #preggerprobs

TGIF!!

TGIF, warrior women! We made it and have lots to be grateful for!

Today's list (Day 20):

1. Morning sunlight makes everything a little bit better.

2. Gel manicures do as well.

3. Bubble teas help too.

4. So do amazing baby-sitters.

5. Tapas with awesome colleagues rock.

6. Impromptu viewing of Mockingjay 2 on the world's most comfortable reclining movie seats = win.

7. Knowing I will get almost 8 full hours of sleep = hell yeah. 

Here's to a wonderful weekend ahead! 

It's almost Friday!

Happy Friday eve, Warrior Women! What a long, exhausting week!

Today's gratitude list (Day 19):

1. Only 3.5 days until Turkey Day break! #whoscounting

2. Puking. It continues to be a bizarrely reassuring reminder that all is well with my little bean.

3. Finding a moment to sit down and have lunch with awesome colleagues. I don't do that enough!

4. Reworking my afternoon to make attending Will's school's family Thanksgiving feast a priority. What a wonderful event! I'm so happy I went!

5. Finding amazing new toys and finds for Will cheaply with online Facebook yard sales. Gotta love them! #stilladdicted

6. Greg making it home at a reasonable time tonight, despite horrific traffic. I'd say that's a win, especially considering the crazy world events of the week!

7. Will's constant insistence of "Up" to get me to hold him. It's adorable, and I doubt I'll ever tire of it. Well, maybe when #2 arrives! Lol. 

Hang in there! It's almost Friday!! 

What a day!

What a day!

Today's gratitude list (Day 18):

1. Getting to see my little bean again at my routine 12 week OB appointment! The sight and thrill never gets old.

2. Taking Will to the doctor and learning that he only has a bad cold, which will pass. This is far better than the alternatives!

3. Justin Bieber's new CD. Laugh at me all you want, but it's seriously legit.

4. Panera's green power smoothie. Oh so delicious and healthy!

5. Will's new Usborne books arriving in the mail! They are going to be from Santa, and he's going to be obsessed with them!

6. A private prenatal yoga class with the awesome instructor Laura, thanks to the other yogis not being able to practice tonight. #purebliss

7. Feeling all domestic and ending my day making a peach pie. The house still smells amazing!

Hope your Hump Days were fantastic, Warrior Women!!

Sunday barf!

Events like the tragedy in Paris really make you stop and consider what is truly important, what really matters.

I am beyond blessed in so many aspects of life. This weekend certainly reminded me of many of these reasons:

1. My in-laws. They visited for the weekend and are always a joy to have around. They have been happily married for over 36 years and are the perfect example of a couple still very much in love. I admire and respect them tremendously.

2. Having the chance to discuss what happened on Friday with my Saturday AM students. It was refreshing to talk to teens who truly care about our world and current events.

3. My hubby. He is at work right now trying to figure out how to lead his team through this mess and ensure our country is safe. He refused to leave until Will was in bed -- he is always a husband and father first.

4. Getting to enjoy a wonderful date night in DC last night thanks to my in-laws baby-sitting. They are always so generous with their time and resources!

5. Having a chance to go for long walks with just Greg and the dog these past two days. Can't say we missed pushing the stroller either! ;)

6. Checking out a new brewery (for us) in Mt. Airy. I had a blast, even not being able to drink, which speaks highly to the venue, ambiance, and, of course, cheese selection available. :)

7. Greg completely cleaning up Will's car seat after he barfed on it three times on the way home from the brewery. I will spare you from posting that pic!

Here's to a wonderful weekend ahead full of gratitude, Warrior Women! 

Prayers for Paris...

Tonight, I am truly at a loss for words. My heart breaks and aches for those who perished in the senseless terrorist acts in Paris. I am angry. I feel such a sense of despair and hopelessness. What is this world coming to? And why on Earth am I bringing yet another child into it?

I do not know the answers to these questions. I do not know how our world go to be so sick and twisted or if things will ever get better.

But I refuse to give up all hope. As an educator and now a mother, I want my children to grow up in a better, safer, and kinder world. Call me naive, but perhaps their generation will be the one who turns things around. Or maybe it will be ours.

Be the model. Model the Golden Rule. Model kindness. Model integrity. Model respect. And most importantly, model tolerance and a willing to open your hearts and learn from those around you, even those who may be your polar opposite. 

Don't stop fighting the good fight. I remain an eternal optimistic and truly believe everyone is capable of good. They are. Some just need a bit more guidance and positive reinforcement to get there. 

Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope for tomorrow. Always. 

And tell your loved ones just how much you love them. Squeeze them a bit tighter -- and longer -- today.

#hopematters #prayersforparis 

Thank you, veterans!

The insanity of the week continues! My day started with a 6 am trail run and didn't end until 8 pm at school due to parent conferences. Ack! Exhaustion is my new BFF.

But alas, the gratitude continues. Here's Day 11's list:

1. Switching up my routine a bit to run trails with 3 work buddies. I was a lot slower than them but got to take the time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, stare down some deer, and wake up running with the sunrise. #socool

2. Greg finally seeing a doctor and being put on antibiotics for his sinus infection. He's already starting to feel better too! Gotta love it when men actually decide to go to their doctor's. #gofigure

3. Greg going the extra mile with holding down the fort at home and taking care of Will today while I had to be at school. Thank goodness he had today off!

4. Tortaco in Gaithersburg. If you're local and like Chipotle, it's the best. #trustme

5. Getting to hear about some awesome progress students are making at today's parent conferences.

6. My awesome colleague Lindsey. We have a lot in common right now, and she is always a ray of sunshine to my day! I really enjoyed having the chance to sit next to her while greeting families tonight. #ittakesavillage

7. A random father who thanked me profusely for always greeting and welcoming cars coming to school in the AM so positively. That felt so good to hear!

*** Most importantly, I feel enormous gratitude to our veterans, near and far, who are willing to sacrifice everything to ensure we can truly be "the land of the free and the home of the brace." We salute and cannot than you enough, today and every day. 

Gratitude abounds!

Another crazy busy day, but my gratitude continues to abound!

Day 10's gratitude list:

1. Getting over 7 hours of sleep = an easy way to ensure you start your day off right!

2. Will immediately becoming engrossed in animal puzzles when dropping him off at school. He is learning SO much there, and it's so fascinating watching the wheels in his head turn!

3. Greg voluntarily deciding he needs to go to the doctor tomorrow. This is big. It usually takes him losing a limb before even considering paying the doctor a visit (typical guy). He now thinks he has bronchitis, so I'm beyond relieved he is taking action...finally!

4. SO many wonderful colleagues who keep me happy and laughing throughout the day. 

5. The rain clearing up in time for a late night stroll with the dog.

6. Finding dinner via a quick trip to Wegman's. I'm obsessed, and Greg thought it was like a gourmet meal. #winwin

7. These delicious No Bake Energy Bars. They are SO easy to make (less than 10 min.), full of protein, and soooo tasty! I'm including the recipe below. Enjoy!

Sending love, light, and positivity your way, WW! 

Oh, Monday!

What a day! Between my normal day job and my side consulting gig, I was on the clock for over 13 hours straight. I am beyond ready to pass out. 

But first, today's gratitude list (day 9):

1. First trimester puking. A bizarre thing to be grateful for, I know, but it hasn't been as nearly as bad as with Will and is oddly reassuring. I see it as a reminder that everything is all right with our new little one so far!

2. Being able to hold down food and have an appetite again this afternoon. It's the little things!

3. Helping put my principal in a good, feisty mood. I like to think I help balance and calm him down. Proof: he volunteered to lead a White Elephant holiday gift exchange. He normally hates these kinds of things! #stillinshock

4. Recognizing a hard working -- though unpopular -- staff member. She works her butt off and deserves to be thanked for it as much as anyone!

5. Receiving the Boy Scout fundraiser popcorn I purchased from a colleague just in time for my appetite returning. #delicious #imayhavealreadydevouredmostofthebag

6. Spending less than $150 on a big Target run and actually sticking to a list. This is big for me!

7. The soothing, eery patter of rain on our windows right now. There's something very relaxing and sleep-inductive about it. Zzzzzzz.....

Hope you didn't have a total case of the Mondays, Warrior Women!! #findjoyeveryday 

What a weekend!

What a weekend, and not in a good way. 

Greg and Will both were quite sick on Friday and unfortunately got me ill. After teaching yesterday AM, I basically spent the rest of the day in bed resting, trying to regain strength. It takes a lot for me to sit still and do nothing, and this was definitely one of those times.

Day 7 gratitude list (from yesterday):

1-7. My amazing husband. Even though he wasn't feeling 100%, he took the lead with Will today to allow me to get some much-needed sleep. It was just what the doctor ordered. I am beyond blessed to have Greg. We are a team, and I couldn't ask for a better father for Will. We are truly the luckiest!!

Day 8 (today):

1. Feeling well enough to make cinnamon rolls for my boys for breakfast. #nomnomnom

2. The fresh, crisp fall air.

3. A long family walk. I already felt more like myself simply being outside.

4. Living in a neighborhood with SO many great hiking and walking trails and paths. #clarksburglove

5. Celebrating a good friend's birthday in VA with my boys, getting to catch up with many more great friends in the process.

6. Will managed not to destroy anything in their condo, despite it not being child-proofed at all. He did leave quite a path of cornbread on the carpet, though. It was too good not to eat furiously and drop most of it in the process! #toddlerlife

7. Little baby's now the size of a lime. Such a little miracle!

Have a fabulous end to your weekend, WW!! #gratitudematters 

TGIF!

TGIF, warrior women! 

Both of my boys are sick, so to say I am ready to collapse in bed is a huge understatement.

But alas, time for my Day 6 gratitude list:

1. Another beautiful, WARM fall day! We are truly getting spoiled. #whatseasonisitreally

2. A 6:15 am trail run with 2 of my fave work and running buddies. Bonus: daylight hit only a few min. into our run! #bestwaytowakeup

3. Making a breakthrough with a teacher struggling with behavior management. #resilience

4. Will's love of being read to and trying to talk in complete sentences even with a fever. #trooper 

5. Matt Bellassai videos. If you don't know this social media comedian, check him out on Facebook. You won't regret it! #thebest 

6. NAPS (whenever possible - ha!) #alwaysamommywin

7. My current craving = chicken pot pies. #preggers 

And now I collapse. Yes, I continue to be grateful for sleep most of all.

Enjoy an awesome start to your weekends, WW! #restup #livewell #treasureeveryday

Friday eve!

Day 5 gratitude list:

1. Another gorgeous fall day!

2. My son hugging me a little tighter when I dropped him off at school this morning.

3. Amazing leftovers for lunch.

4. Weekly therapy session = THE best.

5. Seeing Will try to eat yogurt with his fingers = adorable disaster.

6. My amazing husband, who rarely complains about anything, let alone his hellish commute every day.

7. Tomorrow is Friday.

I'm trying the list without hashtags today! Sleep well, Warrior Women!! Xo

Gratitude matters!

Rarely do I have the chance to both start and end my day doing something just for myself. Well, today was an exception! I began my day with a sweaty, intense OTF 5 am class and ended it with a soul-hugging, rejuvenating prenatal yoga class. Bliss. Pure bliss.

Many other great things to be grateful for today:

1. Having my car's software get reprogrammed at the dealership, allowing it to finally run normally again. #phew

2. Being surrounded by supportive colleagues offering me anything they could when I was feeling particularly nasty and nauseous this morning. #lovemycolleagues

3. The amazing mac 'n cheese from Dogfish Head. #nomnomnom

4. Getting to relax and spend time with treasured colleagues outside of school. #stilllovemycolleagues

5. A 72 degree and sunny day in early November. #illtakeit

6. Feeling a bit better and regaining an appetite as the day went on. #thankgoodness

7. Being awarded the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty award for November, as nominated by fellow staff members. I even get a plaque and VIP parking space for the month! #gofigure 

Take time to be present AND grateful today! Gratitude matters.

#havetherightattitude #modelthemodel