Stress LESS

It is no secret that I have been a huge supporter of Crystal Paine's book Say Goodbye to Survival Mode.  I felt like it was Christmas all over again when I received my paper copy in the mail.  It has completely changed my day-to-day life, especially as a stay at home mom.  The words came out best in an email I sent to a local business, suggesting that they add Crystal's book to their Mom's Book Club.  I wrote, "I am not a paid spokesperson, just a mom who loves this book and wants to share the joy with other women."  It couldn't be more true.  But I experienced another truth this past week, and I thought it was important to share. 

After you finished the book and implemented Crystal's tips, you have officially said goodbye to survival mode.  Felt great didn't it?  But saying goodbye to survival mode doesn't mean you have said goodbye to all stressful days.  She says it herself in the subtitle: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore your Passion for Life.  You might have eliminated the things that were causing you the most stress, but the fact is, you are bound to have a bad day every now and then.  It's just the way it goes.  Last week was particularly challenging for me, for instance.  Regardless of setting a morning routine and being more organized, you can't prepare for your kids to get up several times in the middle of the night.  This was something that was completely out of my control, but something that affected me physically and mentally.  I. Was. Exhausted.  And so were my kids.  Which made for a very cranky combination.  We played, we did crafts, we tried to get out of the house, but somehow it always came back to someone yelling...myself included.  And naturally I began to beat myself up about the way the week had gone.  I felt guilty that the house wasn't clean and that there were things left undone on my to-do list.   And I really felt guilty about ignoring my kids to work on a rapidly approaching fundraising event.  (Where was this book before I said "yes" to being co-chair?!?).  :)

By the afternoon I was officially in breakdown mode and desperately needing a nap.  Then I received a text form a good friend who was also going through her own (breast pump triggered) breakdown.  I immediately told her to let it all out.  That it would get better and she was a good mom.  We had a heart-to-heart via text, and it was just what I needed.  Then, as if on cue, my sister came over to give me that extra little push.  She witnessed my growing lack of patience, and eventually saw the tears form in my eyes.  Even knowing my sister wouldn't judge me, I felt like the worst mom in the world.   But she told me the same thing I told my girlfriend.  "We've all been there.  It will get better."

We can take all the steps in the world to stress less, but we are bound to have an off day every now and then.  And that's ok.  Embrace the bad days.  Cherish the good days.  Thank God for every day.  And be sure to have a good girlfriend or a sister on standby!!  :)

 

 

Perfect Snow Day Craft for Toddlers

Here it is.  Yet another snow day!  I am by no means complaining, and I welcome the extra time with my kids, but cabin fever takes on a completely new meaning when you have 2 very active toddler boys.  Especially when Daddy is traveling...oh, and when your snow day follows a holiday.  Have I set the stage well enough for the need for this activity?  Ok, we can move on then! :) 

It was just before 9:00. The boys had already been up for over 3 hours and the day was crawling.  We were on Disney Junior overload and had our fair share of movies and electronics over the past few days.  I thought about going to the library, but I was too much of a baby to brave the cold.  So of course, I consulted my Pinterest boards for a fun snow day activity that would occupy the boys and pass the time.  Nothing stood out.  I even let Cooper browse a little bit, but he was less than impressed as well.  I remember seeing a snowman craft somewhere that you make with marshmallows, so I searched for that.  I found something similar, but not exactly what I was looking for, so we just decided to "wing" it.  Luckily, one of my first tasks as a stay at home mom was to stock up on craft supplies, so we had everything we needed to make the perfect snowman.  Here is the list of what we used

 

Construction paper

Crayon/pencil

Glue

Marshmallows

 Mini M&Ms

Pipe cleaners

Scissors

 

I traced circles onto the paper and added the glue, so the only thing the boys had to do was add the marshmallows...and eat a few along the way.  Then We added mini M&Ms for the face and buttons.  The pipe cleaners were perfect for the arms because we were able to stick them in the side of the marshmallows.  We finished it up by cutting a construction paper top hat, and adding some "snow" to the ground.  I experimented with a few options for a scarf, but it looked cute enough without it, don't you think?!  :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a blast making these. And it was the perfect toddler activity because they could snack as they go. This is key when you have 24 hour snackers like my growing boys. 

 

If you have a favorite snow day activity, I'd love for you to share!  Thanks for stopping by, and stay warm!!

 

 

 



Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: Book Review

I think we all have gone through stages in life where we are merely trying to survive.  I especially experienced this feeling over the past year in my first year as a stay at home mom.  I mean, the fact that I had planned on writing a blog post titled, How I Survived my First Year as a Stay at Home Mom is a pretty tell-tale sign, don't you think?  But lo and behold, the Good Lord intervened once again when I asked for His help, and made me a member of Crystal Paine's launch team for Say Goodbye to Survival Mode.  Trust me when I say that reading a copy of the book was only the start of my launch team duties.  For the past few months, I have had the privilege of not only interacting with Crystal, but also so many wonderful people within the launch team.  I have found so much peace and comfort throughout this process, and especially within the book, so it is my honor to share this book review with you!

She gets right to the point by telling you to stop trying to do it all.  Crystal paints such a vivid picture of that moment when this truth hit home, and follows it up by saying...

"I wanted to run away from it all.  I was exhausted.  I was stressed to the max.  I felt stuck.  I desperately fought the urge to yell, throw something, and cry-all at the same time."

Sound familiar??  It was time to make some changes, and luckily for you and me, we can learn from her escape through each and every chapter.  Overcoming challenges such as job losses and low income, and a subsequent suffering marriage allows readers to relate as if you are discussing the topics over coffee at playgroup. 

She gives her best stuff, by suggesting to create a "Best Stuff" list, as well as a "Personal Priorities" list.  Which helps us to see what is most important, and allows us to only say "yes" to the things that matter most.  And her "15 minutes per day" approach to reaching your goals has been life changing.  Imagine having a basement that has been ransacked by two toddler boys and a goal to get it organized.  I felt completely overwhelmed until reading the goals chapter, and realized that just 15 minutes each day could have a huge impact.  Not just an impact on achieving the goal, but on my sanity as I attempt to accomplish that goal.

Even though she is known for sharing deals and money saving tips on moneysavingmom.com, there is so much more to the book than that.  You'll find everything from how to cut out "time and energy suckers" to how to get out of the "comparison game."  And although most view her as an expert, it is comforting and reassuring that she is admits she's not perfect, reminding us that no wife and mother is.  

"Have I become Superwoman?  No, not in the least.  I've just learned a lot of tricks to running a home efficiently.  And I've become a lot more adept at multitasking, juggling, and delegating."

Crystal sums it all up beautifully in the final chapter of  How to Kick Start your Success, leaving you with the tools and resources you need to take tackle your goals and "restore your passion for life." 
After reading this book, Crystal has inspired me to be a better wife, mother, and Christian in so many ways.  I have focused more time on what matters most, and have seen drastic results.  And I know you will too!

So get your copy using the link below and let's Say Goodbye to Survival Mode together!!    

    

Set Goals, Not Resolutions

I have never really liked the idea of New Year's Resolutions.  Maybe it's because I have never been successful in the attempt.  But is anyone, really?  Don't get me wrong, there's no better time to make some changes than January 1st.  But, how you go about making the changes is much more important than the changes you plan to make, don't you think?  Especially if you truly want to be successful.  That is why I have decided to make a list of goals for the new year, and say NO to resolutions.  Some goals are very specific, and some fall more in the "to-do" category. But all have a place for one big fat check mark once they are complete.   I ran this idea by my hubby not long ago, and he loved the idea as well.  So we sat down and brainstormed some ideas together.  We now have a very solid list of things we want to accomplish in 2014.  It also gave us some much needed bonding time...you know, where we actually had a conversation.  Talk about pumping yourself up for the next 12 months! 

I admit, it was hard for me to get started because I felt the need to add everything I have ever wanted to do to my goal list. But you have to start small and focus on what is most important.  If you don't, you will find yourself with a ginormous list, and end up feeling overwhelmed and exhausted before you even get started.  And no one wants that.  This is the year to 'Say Goodbye to Survival Mode' after all!  And while we're on the subject...  Crystal Paine has some fantastic ideas in her blog post 'How to Change Your Life by Setting Goals'.  She nails it on the head by saying:

"...without goals, you have nothing that you’re aiming for. And complacency and floundering are often the result."

I couldn't agree more.  Sometimes I feel as if she writes what I am thinking (and planning on writing).   I talk about her as if we have discussed these topics over lattes at Starbucks (one can only dream), but that's what I love about her blog and her new book.  Keep that in mind while setting your goals.  And if you need some extra help and encouragement, here are a few of mine:

• Run a 10K
• Read a little every day, with a goal to complete: The Energy Bus, Loving the Little Years, Cha Cha Chandler Teen Demonologist, and daily devotions)
• Have our Pastor and his family over for dinner
• Spend more time with friends and family (dinner party, poker night, spa day, Columbia trip)
• Cross the finish line at a Tough Mudder
• Bring the boys to volunteer with us at our next Special Olympics event

 

 

Since my goal of running a 10K is much more defined than getting in shape, for instance, it gives me that sense of accomplishment when I cross it off my list.  While getting in shape is the result I hope to get, it allows me to have something specific to work towards.  Who knows, maybe next year I'll be adding a half marathon to the list...  

 

So now that I have you to hold me accountable, I hope you will follow along with me through the year as I work towards these goals.   And I wish you much success in reaching your goals in 2014, as well as a blessed and happy new year!