The Actress and the Patient

 The Actress  in The Leeds Newspaper

 Macy's play is approaching very quickly. For the next 2 weeks every night/day she will have several hours of play practice. I know it will all come together when the time comes and I keep reassuring  Macy of that too. I have to get cracking on her 2 costumes. Hopefully tomorrow I will get that knocked out because she need to have them approved by the director soon. 

The Patient waiting to see the Orthopedic Doctor

Brian is having knee surgery on March 10th. Last time he had surgery he was just a baby so I think he has made out pretty well thus far. Brian injured his knee a few months ago , test confirmed what the Doctor figured it was. All this happen around the time of my surgery so the doctor injected the knee to give him some temporary relief and told him come back when he was ready to repair it. Well the time has come and I am sure once it's behind him he will be glad he did the surgery.

Parker James

 4th grade  St Clair County History Fair Project  -The John Looney House

 I will admit to you this was pretty much a family project. I put anyone old enough to help working on different pieces of this thing. Parker of course wrote the report and helped assemble the cabin. We have done this history fair in 4th grade several times over already and I am betting we have 2 more to go. I have considering getting a rubbermaid container to save this cabin and revamp it a little in about 5 years for Collin. Hard to believe it's been 5 years since working with Logan on this very same project.

Parker wanted to make sure I got a picture of his teeth. He got his braces off on Monday and they look nice. This most likely will not be his final go around with braces but it is a huge improvement in a short amount of time.

The school year is chugging right along and I am happy to say Parker has continued to make A-B honor roll. He was also awarded the Mustang of the Month award this month which is based on citizenship and academics. Parker is  very excited about starting back to guitar lessons this Spring and it is nice that he seems calmer and happy.

I know that 9 year old boy silliness is not my favorite stage but luckily it's short lived and I should have a huge tolerance built up by the time the next 2 reach this age. Parker is a unique soul and I can see he has talents in areas of the arts. His love for music and drawing are something special to be cherished .

Papaw's rocks

Hudson toted one by one a collection of Papaw's rocks into my room today .He was fascinated with the textures and pretty colors of each one.  He knows these are special and he knows they were Papaw's but he will only remember what a special man his Papaw was from the stories we tell him. Maybe Hudson will be our future rock hound just like his Papaw Dewey.

Keeping it Real

This is a post in which I  complain. I do try not to do it often but this is about my real life and I want  to be able to look back and remember these crazy days too.

There is the saying about how you can't make everyone happy all of the time and that's exactly where I am right now. Taking control of my health and taking care of the responsibility of my family takes up most of my time and sucks out much of my energy. Some priorities had to shift when I set out on this journey and that has cause myself some strife.  

One thing I had not wavered from has been letting the kids be involved in extra curricular activities. I strongly believe that this is good for them and will help them in the future. Having the sense of team and belonging to a group is important for self esteem. Filling their spare time with practice and structure is good for growing preteens and teens in my opinion , too much spare time leads to boredom and trouble. Giving the kids opportunity to explore their own interest now could help direct their futures. When else in life will they have the chance to find their passion other than when they have the most free time?  Luckily for me the kids have been understanding on taking turns on who is involved in what and when. I have had to call in favors at times from the grandparents to get certain kids to and from practice but it works out and I know this is the right thing to do . I have no regrets there.

But all of that takes up time as does my spending time at the gym, at boot camp or running. Those are things I now place great importance on for my own future and health. I see a healthy me is also an investment  not only me but the future of my family and kids. Every day I do pretty much the same chores. Most days start with going through every room upstairs and tossing down laundry, collecting any dishes and trash from each room and doing basic tiding up. Once that is done it's on to down stairs do the same. Time to start some laundry,dishes and sweep up . I usually repeat this order several times during the day as there is plenty of laundry and dishes to do. Having 2 little boys home with me means more dishes and crumbs on the floor all day long. By early afternoon I am thinking about what to make for dinner and start preparing. The afternoons are a rush and if I don't start early I won't get it all in. Afternoons are usually snack time, some outside play time, dinner, homework, clean up,showers, all of this in between taking people here and there and sometimes bootcamp for me.  It is a pretty full day and I haven't touched on doing anything extra like cleaning out the little boys closet which is mostly full of out grown clothes or included vacuuming and mopping after a certain 2 year old emptied out an entire bottle of baby powder or spilled windex.

It's just plan busy and it's the job I have right now. I am not super woman , I can't do everything I'd like to do at once. Things fall by the wayside. I need rest and sleep, I need a break from the daily chores too. They are still here waiting on me when I get home from a pedicure or lunch with a friend.  The kids do pitch in but not usually without being reminded by me . But we couldn't do all we do without their help for sure and they do far more then the average kids their age.

I was interrupted about 10 times to write this post no news there. And Hudson just left a pile of cracker crumbs on my bed which I must clean it up or be reminded of them come 11 o'clock when I fall into bed and wonder what those crumbs under me could be. This is my life right now and I can't make everyone happy all the time, I can't get everything in this house in order at the same time. But I can do my best to the tread water and weather the storms holding tight to an umbrella just large enough to cover those closest to me. This time will be a fleeting memory soon I just know it. We are embarking on having 5 kids in school full time, 1 child driving, no one in diapers . But for now I am just doing the best I can and I have to remind myself that has to be good enough.

I didn't write this post earlier today directed at anyone but maybe myself. This was just what was on my mind today. I know I will look back at this post in years to come and remember the organized chaos that my life is right now. When you are going through a hectic time you have to believe this will not be forever and with growing children I know its temporary. Trying to enjoy this moment in time but also looking forward to the future.

Picture of each from last week

 Macy had the Queen of Hearts pageant last Saturday. It wasn't our best but she is looking forward to doing it again for the upcoming OMS pageant in April. You win some you lose some , so the next one could be a win for her.

 On Sunday Collin learned to ride without training wheels. He looks like he's been riding for ages like an old pro. He is so proud!

 Logan and Parker both  enjoying an early Valentine's cupcake and showing off their new haircut.

 Messy Hudson really liked the cupcake too.

Last but not least I told Molly she is the only 11 year old I know that wants to spend her money on buying rubber gloves to wash dishes in. She really does like them and there is not as much whining about chores.

Too fast

It wasn't that long ago this was Collin. Wasn't he so cute! Now he is so big and smart. He talks alot and is very interested in the world around him. Collin will be going to public school Kindergarten next year and we often do some workbooks to help him get ready. He asked me today if Logan did this when he was 5 years old and he sure did. It really wasn't that long ago was it?

 This was Logan the day after he turned 7 years old. Wow time is going fast. Weren't we just doing workbooks and practicing holding a pencil properly?

Now we are busy with things like preparing for the ACT test in the Spring and he is really enjoying his JROTC class this semester. He is learning so much and really thriving in that environment. Time goes by so fast but the future is looking bright. 

Another day in Paradise

I recently downloaded the free iphone app ShakeitPhoto and it is just awesome. It gives each picture the old Polaroid look and the kids love it as much as I do. I was testing it out when 4 of the 6 Moon kids visited the dentist this week. All of the kids had great dental reports and that is off the to-do list for another 6 months. Whew!

You don't have to wonder too long about where I get my silly side from. Mom and I were able to have dinner at Ruby Tuesdays and swing by Walmart while we waited on Macy who was at play practice. I thought this hat was cute and Mom decided to model it for me. We both decided to just wasn't for us after all but it sure does make a statement.

My new splurge. Since I have been super duper cold this winter I have found myself longing for hot drinks all the time. Starbucks Venti Non fat hot chocolate with no whip cream not only warms me up but cures my sweet tooth. It is well worth it's calories on a cold day.

Very First 5k

Before the race at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens Bow Wow Bash 5K

Saturday I ran my very first 5k race in Huntsville. Lucky for me there were some familiar amongst the runners as some Dealnews employees joined me to do the race. It was such a cold day and I wasn't really prepared for the freezing weather and snowflakes. In hindsight  I would have taken some gloves because my hands were frozen and numb by the end of the run. 

When the run started it was very interesting how running with a crowd at the start. This was a small-ish race probably 200-250 people total so the start of the race was not too bad but pretty soon I found a good pace and was toward the middle of the pack of runners and it wasn't too crowded there so I felt good in that spot. 

The first lap was the longer lap than the next 2. My first time was 10 minutes something but it was longer than a mile and when I first saw the clock I was thinking Oh No I have a 10 minute mile till I remembered it was the longer course that lap. I did well with the hills and was able to pass people while going up hill each time. That is where my bootcamp training came in handy. It was nice to see Brian on the sideline as I passed by  each lap, on mile 2 he moved spots so I never saw him but there were a lot of people standing around so it was hard to tell as ran by. 

At the end of mile 2 the emotions kinda hit me I was really doing this and I was thinking about my journey to get to where I am now. I noticed the clock as I passed by was 19 minutes and some odd seconds. I felt good going into mile 3 knowing my time was on mark for where I wanted it to be. My hands were awful cold but I was happy I had toted my water bottle the whole time. The cold air was burning my throat and small sips along the way sure helped. 

On mile 3 I passed one clock that said 23 minutes before I took on the uphill portion. I was happy and it gave me the extra drive to get this race over and hopefully under the 30 minute mark like I was aiming for. I was thrilled to cross the finish line with the time of 28.34. I was sweating and tired but felt great. I am really looking forward to the one next month. I think I am hooked and this is just another adventure on my journey. 

The start of the race

Mile 1 competed

Mile 2- I was very focused and never saw Brian take this

The finish line clock and me right behind it coming across

I DID IT! Feeling great ! Can't wait for the next race.

Nothing surprises me

Yesterday I had a lunch date at Chick fil a with these two handsome guys. They did really well and it was pretty cute that they decided to sit together across from me. They enjoyed their chicken and never once asked to go in the playground that I had already told them we did not have time for today. Maybe I did bribe them with a stop at the Dollar Tree to pick out a prize or two if all went well. We also stopped by Aldi and loaded up the cart with stuff to get us through the week. I was pleased with the amount of fresh veggies and fruit I was able to get there today (broccoli, cauliflower, baby carrots, tomatoes, celery, onions, pineapple,tangerines).

When I got home from the store I had just enough time to unload the groceries before heading to pick up Molly and Parker from school choir practice. When I went to unload the frozen items I opened the freezer and discovered a pair of clean socks on the upper shelf. Who puts socks in the freezer? But nothing surprises me around here , there was once a tennis shoe found in the freezer and NOBODY put it there. Just a mystery that lives on at our house. I do promise you the sock was folded and clean but it was definitely cold!

Day 31

I made it an entire month with some sort of picture from each day this month. There were times it wasn't as easy and it was probably a little boring but I have been told it was kinda fun to keep up with too. Today was a pretty drab day. I was up at 4am to make it to bootcamp and I really gave it my all today and it felt great. I left there totally sweaty and tired out.

By time I got home the kids were in the process of getting ready for school. 

It was raining and cooler today so it wasn't hard at all to climb back into bed after my shower.  I really had no energy today, maybe it was the weather or just being a Monday after a busy weekend. I did manage to get some laundry and dishes done but other than that the boys and I just hung out around here. 

Brian made a really good dinner tonight. The kids had hamburgers and baked chips and I had a lettuce wrapped turkey cheese burger, sauteed asparagus, and some low fat cottage cheese. It was so yummy and hit the spot with me. This is a meal that I have learned to love in the last 2 years but it is a favorite for me now. I actually prefer a lettuce wrapped burger over a bun. I will eat the asparagus  anytime it is made , I love the crispness of it. And cottage cheese is something I try to have more of because of the high amount of protein it contains.

 

Logan told us tonight he landed a lead role in the High School Spring Play. It is based on the 80's and he will have a solo. He will begin practice for that soon. Macy's play schedule is M-T-TH-F nights and some Saturdays till mid March. Parker and Molly are all pumped about starting school choir  practice on Tuesdays after school. So we will be getting into a new schedule soon at least wrestling is winding down for the year. I am longing for warmer days and sunshine already! My very first 5k is Saturday and  I am excited yet nervous because I have never run with a group. But I am sure it will be alot of fun too.

Day 29 & 30

On Saturday Parker attended a skate party for his friend Madison. Parker got the hang of skating after awhile there was plenty of falling down at first. He had a great time even though the place was an absolute ZOO! I left with the biggest headache but it was worth it for him to have so much fun.

 Tonight Hudson really enjoyed his roasted marshmallow at Maw and Das's house. He doesn't normally go around shirtless but he spilled his brothers soda all down his shirt.

Tonight we celebrated and belated Christmas and birthday with Grandmother Jane. She spent her whole Christmas sick with a stomach bug followed by a flu type virus. This was a sad thing for not just her but the whole family. Grandmother absolutely loves the holidays. She is a treat to watch as she admires the decorations, the wrapping paper, she takes interest in everyone's gifts and she gets giddy over the holiday spread of food. 

We had also missed grandmother 80th birthday in December . It dawned on me today that we needed to get Grandmother a birthday cake. The kids love for people to have birthday cake and they love to sing Happy Birthday to them . Grandmother deserves to be celebrated she is a very special woman to all of us. The whole gang gathered around her with 8 lit candles on her cake and we sang to her. I wish we could do more but I hope she felt loved and appreciated tonight because that is really what is in our hearts.

The weekend flew by so fast I just hope the work week does too! I have a date with the laundry tomorrow, Lucky me!

Day 28

 Can you believe these two kids went to school looking like this today? Oh they were excited to go show off their 80's look for Decade Day. Parker and his sisters decided on his outfit last night and I think they hit the nail on the head. Molly looks like she is right out of a 80's rock video for sure. It's always nice to see the kids excited about going to school. Their Principal came up with all these fun themed days for Fridays when they do review and studying for the annual standardized testing that is coming up in the Spring. I told him last year that it was a brilliant idea because it really helps the kids not dread the review days but look forward to them.

Here is Logan after last night wrestling match. He was not happy I was wanting his picture but I told I really needed one and this is the best I got. He was worn out,  hungry and lets not forget grouchy. The season is winding down and Logan has made some great improvements over the year. He has won some matches recently too. Several people have commented to Brian how much Logan has improved his skill. He is very dedicated and gives it his all. Good Luck Logan on your last few matches of the season!

Day 27

 These are a few of my favorite things.

If you have a iphone you must go to the app store and download Words with Friends game. It's scrabble that you can play people you know or a random person. You play at your own leisure which is so nice. I find myself playing while waiting for appointments and waiting on kids at practice . I love it so if you have it please challenge me to a game my user name is Moonmamma. This screen shot was take of my 83 point word, don't let that scare you it was pure luck.

I tried a new pizza and man was it good. Kashi Trio with Spinach and Mushrooms. This pizza has a thin crispy crust which I liked alot. I found it in the freezer section at Publix near the other large frozen pizzas. The price was $5.99 and the calories pretty reasonable at 250 for 1/3 the pizza. I was low on my calories and really hungry so I ate half of it. I enjoyed every single crispy bite. I liked the spinach and mushroom but plan to try the other varieties too. 

Day 26

Look who was awake when i came in from boot camp early this morning. He was so jazzed knowing I bought cereal the day before he was begging for a bowl. He cried when the kids boarded the bus and insisted he needed on the bus too! Luckily he took a nap soon after the bus pulled away. Collin and Hudson had a playdate with Mimi today. That had a blast! Thanks Mimi.

Parker had to finish his Alabama History map tonight. Of course he forgot his book so his friend Erin saved the day by loaning her's to him overnight. Let's hope this last minute stuff isn't a trend with him.

Day 24 and 25

M I C K E Y  M O U S E ! He loves wearing these around the house.

This is the BEST soup and so easy!

Tara's Corn AND  Shrimp  Chowder ( I can't take credit for it)

1lb Shrimp (1 bag of the small frozen with no tails in freezer section)

2 cans Cream of Potato Soup

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 can whole kernel corn with juice

1 can mild Rotel tomatoes

1 pkg cream cheese

1 pint half and half

1 bunch green onions chopped

Saute shrimp until pink, then add all cans into the pot.  Mix well, and add cream cheese and half

and half.  Make sure all the cream cheese is melted and add the onions. Simmer for 10 minutes and

enjoy! Calories are 270 a bowl. It's so yummy!

Day 23

I am still learning how to style my new hair style but I still love it. I have found some easy ways to fix it for workouts.  Change is good!

Day 21

Here is the wreath I made to hang on my front door for Valentine's Day.  I think it turned out pretty cute.

Day 20

Here are my hair before and after pictures of my new hair do. I had it in a clip in the before because I was in a rush. I love the new cut. It's short but very girly and sassy. It will take a little getting used to styling but it should save me a ton of time.  I was so unhappy with how it was getting so thin before so I am so happy I took the plunge to try something totally different. These were just pictures from my phone I will get some better ones over the weekend. 

Collin and Hudson were thrilled to get to Das's (Brian's Dads) house today while I got my hair done. They were woke up excited to go. They had some fun with lunch Subway and a trip to the Dollar Store. They brought home a bag full of goodies from Dollar Tree. I am thankful they get to hang out with Das so much because they really enjoy it!