There are far too many times as a parent where you feel like the job you are doing is subpar. At least, I do. Then something or somethings happen that remind you that perhaps they are getting just what they need…

The ability to show/have empathy.

We had a really heartbreaking accident in our neighborhood last week in which a neighbor lost their life leaving behind two small children and a spouse. We had to tell our kids why someone’s parent was no longer here and explain that their children may be feeling sad. Our kids play together and we would see that parent out fairly often. We talked about how In the coming months the kids may really need a friend. Imagine how my heart swelled when my daughter announced that she wanted to be a friend to the neighbor’s children. She has been too. Good job kiddo. It was always kindness shown by others that carried me through the grief of losing my father as a child, may it help them too.

At 5/6, it is hard to grasp death and grief and while it is clear that those aspects are hard for her (and them) right now, she does understand hurt and sadness.

The ability to use good judgement. The confidence to report troubling issues to a trusted grownup. To stand up for what is right, especially when it is hard.

Yesterday at school, my daughter had the displeasure of being a victim of relational aggression. She has felt confident enough to report small incidents to us here and we have been monitoring it. Yesterday, however, seemed to be especially upsetting. After hearing the details, totally understandable. I put my momma rage flashback to grade school very emotional feelings on the shelf, we talked through the what happened. I watched in wonder as my daughter was able to analyze what happened (which I believe was correct). She decided that she would like to report what happened to her teacher and we have encouraged her to do so, offering our help if she is in need of it. What happened was bulling and we were sure to let her know how proud of her we are for 1- standing up to her aggressor (what you are saying is unkind and it is bullying) and 2 – feeling confident enough to report it to a trusted grown up (parents and teacher).
It blows my mind that this is already happening at school. It just is mind boggling.

But it is moments like these that drive home that good parenting isn’t necessarily teaching academics or physical prowess. Teaching, absolutely. Teaching empathy, how to judge a situation and formulate a plan of action, knowing when it is time to get help from other sources, and being confident in self.

Straight A’s are delightful, but being a good citizen is priceless.

Perhaps even moreso … Acts of kindness can last a lifetime.
Love really is one of the most powerful forces in our world and my hope is to continue to teach my children that above all else.

March was a blur. Perhaps pit is a better description.
The season/time change was so not my friend. I think it was the first time I really started being honest with myself and mood. I am not sure what that means for me but I know I have a tendency to slip down the slope in September and March. Sigh. So for the most part things are better in that respect.

C25k has been up and down. I am on my third restart. My injured knee took a while to get over, then I just flat out fell off he wagon. If it was my run day, husband would be home late (not on purpose, just a Murphy’s law thing) and it would just not fit into the daylight hours for me to run. The husband is kicking ass on his program. I am super proud of him!

My first run back tonight was tough but good. It felt good to move and I think I would help a great deal emotionally and physically to keep it up.

I am also still trying to slim down. The “baby” is 3 and I am ready to be at a healthier level than what I am currently at. CSA season is really helping. We eat fresh, local, sustainable veggies and CSA for really helps us to eat more of them lovingly prepared at home. It also helps us not be in a rut. Tecolote’s variety is unbeatable. Love it.

On knitting fronts, I finished my Noro squares!!!! While they rest, I am finishing up some projects currently OTN. My awesome Promenade made with MadTosh is getting some much needed attention. Yay! A Jerry the Musical Monkey is getting final assembly.

¡Adios!

Well, I was off to an awesome start. It was a little to easy I suppose.

Last week my knee started bugging me. The first run, I pushed through it. The second run, I had to stop because I was only hurting myself in a bad way. So for now I am trying to heal and going to start walking until I can add running back in.

What a pisser.

In the meantime, I have my little seeds started for my garden and they are starting to really sprout!!!! Tomatoes and beans are up, waiting on bell peppers. We are hoping to have some raised beds going when we transplant. Then I get to plant watermelons too. I also want to try my hand at pie pumpkins later in the season. I am such a little food hippie, but there is something right and good about growing things.

But seriously knee, not cool.

All of my running days involve wind.  I have no idea what’s up with that.

BUT! I’m making it.  My recovery periods are shorter and we even had a “final mile” extra at Marathon Kids Final Mile Celebration with The Girl. I didn’t totally pass out and it went far better than the first mile we did way back when.  In fact, I made it 3/4 of the lap before having to walk.  I think if I had been breathing through my nose, it would have gone better. YAY!  Their school has the kiddos running/jogging/walking at school as part of the program. She even brought home a “hustle award” for completing 25 of her 26.1 miles at school  She think’s she’s hot stuff.  Well, we’re pretty proud of her anyway.

My little friend is sitting in my lap demanding Mr. Rogers. Going to try and work on a log cabin square while he gets his fix. On the home stretch with these dang squares. Dear Bob… 20 skeins of Noro and 20 squares, I really did lose my mind….and I have an idea for how to use up all that Malabrigo I just had to buy too many single skeins of.

In this crazy life of mine, things fall to the wayside. We’ve been making dietary changes for the better, yay veggies! Eating less meat, see I can still have my affair with BBQ. It’s been good but we keep getting fouled up on moving more and sleeping enough.

It is such a sucktacular feeling to realize you’ve been sabotaging yourself. When I don’t sleep, I crave sugar and fat. It seems irrational. So let’s just say I crave those things a great deal thanks to kids that still don’t sleep through the night. That “baby weight” was totally gained back. Damn it!

So I went for my physical and (pending bloodwork) my only controllable risk factor for the diseases of my gene pool left to deal with…. You guessed it, the weight. It was like a lightbulb going off in my head when the doctor said it. duh

So it is time to get serious. I have a good 30 pounds to get into my personally preferred range. The Husband (who is also in the way of losing excess weight) and I have both started Couch to 5k. We are trading workout days to ensure kids have a parent around. I’m armed with good sports bras and as of today have completed workout day 2. I’m a little sore bit it is nice to be out. My little doppelgänger wants to go run too. So we will see, might take her next time just to see how it goes.

I am going to do it and keep it off. RAR!!!!!
Any cheerleading is welcome and appreciated.