Are you Going to BlogHer?

How would you like to win a ticket to BlogHer? All you have to do is to visit BlogHer and tell Ford which of 3 vehicles listed you'd take on a Road Trip to BlogHer! But hurry - last day to enter is TODAY!

Are you Going to BlogHer?

Wordless Wednesday

The kidlets & Uncle Jon enjoy their balloon animals while at Spaghetti Warehouse.

Wordless Wednesday

The One Where I Talk About My Fat Bum!

So recently, I've been none too shy about discussing my big, fat, posterior on my blog. But really, that's only because virtually no one reads it. ;P But today, in an effort to help Fiona and Leah reach out to other moms like myself, who need to make a positive change and need support doing it - I popped on their Blog Talk Radio Show, MomActive, to discuss my big, fat, arse. (Or rather the need to change my big, fat arse.) And I was happy to do it! MomActive & BookieBoo are AMAZING resources for every mom out there. Whether you're already fit and work at it daily or are just getting started or are somewhere in between - you'll find an amazing network of women ready to stand behind you and cheer you on! SO PLEASE - join BookieBoo and MomActive and listen in to their funny and inspirational radio show! You'll be glad you did!

The One Where I Talk About My Fat Bum!

BookieBoo Twitter Party to Celebrate the Launch MomActive is Tonight!!!!!

Tonight is the BookieBoo Twitter Party to celebrate the launch of MomActive. Leah (BookieBoo) and Fiona (BanteringBlonde) are not only hosting this fab little get together tonight, they are also launching their radio show, MomActive, on Blog Talk Radio tomorrow!

Tonight's Twitter party will introduce you to Leah & Fiona's passion for helping moms love themselves; get fit; and stay healthy for life. These ladies are dedicated and supportive. If they could get my butt off the couch, they get certainly help get your butt off the couch!

Be sure to join BookieBoo and MomActive today! And don't forget to RSVP for the Twitter Party this evening - they are giving away some fabulous prizes!

Here's a bit about Leah (who founded Bookieboo) to get you motivated:

From Top to Bottom: Leah Before, During, and After her weight loss!

1) Can you share a bit about your weight loss and your motivation for starting Bookieboo?

I was 253 lbs. when I gave birth to my first son, whom I refer to as Bookie. (When he was a baby, I called him Bookieboo.) I lost over 100 lbs. after he was born. I did it the old fashioned way: diet and exercise. I did it slowly, taking it 5 lbs. a time, and it ended up taking me two years. Fitness and healthy living have become my lifestyle now. It’s something I enjoy doing and something I enjoy sharing with my family and friends.

After I lost all that weight, I decided to combine my interests and create a site that was helpful to moms. I couldn’t find a go-to place where moms could share their struggles staying or getting into shape. I thought moms would enjoy the concept, so I created Bookieboo.

Bookieboo has over 40 contributors, posting about fitness, weight loss or healthy living. Many are certified personal trainers, but all are moms. No boys please. Bookieboo also has over 100 discount codes to share, as well as weekly giveaways, and great women.

I just had another baby, so the moms on my site are losing weight with me again. This time I only have 18 more pounds to lose. Come join me!

2) How do you stay motivated to exercise and eat well?

I don’t do the exercise for me, I do it for my family. I’m a better mom and person when I’ve worked out. I’m more patient, loving, and of course have more energy. The days I haven’t exercised are like mornings without coffee…I’m an absolute shrew. I do it for them, and that is my motivation.

People say you should exercise for yourself and put yourself first, but I don’t believe that. I think some things are greater than you are…like your family. And they deserve it.

As for the food, on days I exercise, I only crave what’s good for me. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. It’s the days I don’t get any exercise, I have to think about what I’m eating.

3) What do you think is universally the biggest challenge for moms when it comes to being healthy and/or losing weight after pregnancy?

Having children and getting into shape is tough. I’m finding it tougher and tougher with two. I don’t have all the answers. What works for me may not work for everyone, which is exactly the reason I have Bookieboo. It’s about how to do it all with kids from many perspectives. Moms supporting moms. I get a lot of advice from my own members.

The MomActive radio show will be similar. Fiona & I will be there to support moms in all sorts of fitness and healthy lifestyle endeavors. We are not all the same, but we can all certainly use some support and encouragement. MomActive will be covering all aspects of healthy living on the show. Not only will we discuss losing weight and staying fit, but general wellness and health issues as well.

4) How do you balance all you do—work with family?

I ask for help. I’ve got two mothers as my secret weapon. YaYa is my mom and Grammo is my husband’s mom. They love spending time with the kids, and I love having them. Having an extended family is wonderful. I also have a close cousin nearby that I work out with and bounce ideas off of. She’s equally as brilliant and we are both Trojans! Fight On!

And I also have Kelly Loubet, the Editor/Moderator of Bookieboo and Bookieboo Rave Reviews & Giveaways. She helps me out ALOT with all my projects. You can visit her at Childhood Clothing or follow her @childhood.

5) Tell me about MomActive and any other projects you are working on…

MomActive is the new radio show hosted by myself and Fiona Bryan from The Bantering Blonde. Our premiere is June 19^th at 11am pacific standard time. We are going to have weekly guests that talk all about the same sort of stuff on Bookieboo--How to stay fit or live a healthy lifestyle while being a mom. I’ve already gotten a lot of interest in the show and am going to be bringing on some incredible guests. You won’t want to miss this. I’m going to be my eccentric self and Fiona is going to be her witty self and we are just going to make a go of it, so I’m hoping you all can join us.

MomActive will have a great website as well. Fiona is going to be doing most of the writing. For those of you who don’t follow her, she’s a very witty writer, sometimes I pee my pants I’m laughing so hard at her antics. But of course, I just had a baby, so that’s not hard to do.

6) Tell me about your family, kids—ages, etc?

I have a thoughtful husband and two children: 3 years and 5 months. I’m surrounded by boys, but I love boys, so I have a lot of fun. We include grandparents a lot. Our parents are very good at not stepping on our toes, so we enjoy having them around. Both my kids have red hair—a trait just like mom. Freckles also come with the territory as well.

7) What is your greatest joy as a mom? Your biggest challenge?

I love it when my son says “mommy I love you” out of the blue. He’s been doing that a lot lately. And then getting to see smiley face all the time from Mr. Grumpy Pants, the 5 month old, who might I add is almost crawling…I’m in so much trouble!

Biggest challenge…hmmm…well, my children have a lot of energy, so that is the most difficult aspect of it. They really need to get out, or they go nuts, especially the older one. Chasing after two is twice as hard. Which is why I rely on grandparents so much.

BookieBoo Twitter Party to Celebrate the Launch MomActive is Tonight!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Whether 3 or 30 - there's always time for beauty! :)

Wordless Wednesday

I did it!!! My Very First Workout!

I did it!!! My Very First Workout!

Getting Fit

Link up your blog if you'd like to join Military Mom, BlueFroggie, and I in the EA Sports Active Challenge!

Getting Fit

Peaceful Time

I woke up this morning in a frenzy. It seems my internal clock was attempting to communicate that it was nearly 9a when infact it was only 6a. Damned clock. Remind me to get that thing fixed. But, I decided not to go back to bed. Instead, I started a pot of coffee, folded some laundry, washed last night's dishes, and headed to my balcony. Wrapped up in a fluffy cardigan and sipping coffee from my favorite mug (Yes, it has a sheep on it. I am a knitter.), I noticed just how peaceful it was this time of day. Just how peaceful I was in this moment.

And then I started to wonder why we don't put aside more peaceful time in our lives and the lives of our children. Now I know some mother of 4 tiny tots that are as noisy as they are plentiful is staring at her computer monitor and laughing right about now. But I think it can be done. I find that I am in such a better place physically, spiritually, and emotionally when I just take time out for a little peace and quiet. (This isn't to say that everyone in the family will have their peaceful time at the same time.)

Already I do not allow the TV to be on all day. I think it's a time and brain suck, quite frankly. Children need to be active and imaginative if they are to develop properly (in my opinion). But, starting today I am going to promote 'peaceful time' with the kids. I will have each one locate a place in our apartment or just outside the apartment where they feel they can enjoy their peaceful time. And just like time out, I will give them as many minutes of peaceful time as years they are old. (I've still got to be realistic when it comes to their attention spans afterall.) And I will help them to find an activity that promotes their peaceful time. For me, it's simply sitting with a cup of coffee on the balcony, in my Adirondack chair, listening to the birds before the hustle and bustle of the day gets started. For DD, it may be coloring quietly. For DS, it may be knitting or reading.

I am challenging you all to find your peaceful time and to try to incorporate this into your everyday lives. PLEASE, write a blog post or vlog about what you and your family will be doing and link it here. I'd really enjoy reading or watching your posts!

Peaceful Time

One of THOSE Mommies

One of THOSE Mommies

Finding Joy

Sugar Jones over at Sugar in the Raw, posted a terrific post about Finding Joy in her life. Like Sugar, I too am a walking barometer. So much so, I truly feel I have a seasonal affective disorder (nothing like self-diagnosing). And I'm a highly sensitive person. If you hadn't noticed my total Ventfest (my last post), you may not know what I'm talking about. I'm the type of person that likes to be friendly with everyone. I typically care a tremendous amount about making others happy and about keeping the peace. It's hard for me to comprehend being rude to someone just for the sake of doing it. So I was feeling badly until I realized that I don't need to allow others to steal my joy. My life has so much joy in it. I'm happy to join in with Sugar and list the 25 things that make me joyful.

1. Cuddling with the kidlets
2. Lazy mornings spent in bed with hubby
3. Listening to my kiddos giggle
4. When my family (hubby and kiddos) spend the entire day doing something together - no matter what it is
5. My in-person friends: Celeste, Katie, Jen, & Mary - you all deal with my ADD, my goofiness, my neuroses, my whining, and my crazy life and STILL accept me for who I am
6. My online friends: Too many to list here - you all keep me sane when I have a day of laundry, scrubbing toilets, and cleaning to look forward to. I absolutely adore the blogging community I've stumbled upon.
7. Knitting!
8. Freshly ground and brewed coffee.
   
9. Jeans that make my bum look smaller.. HELL that's not just joyful, that's damned near miraculous!
   
10. Sitting on my balcony with a glass of lemonade with hubby - just enjoying talking to each other and the beautiful weather
11. Date nights (Thank God for the drop-in daycare!)
12. Crafting
13. Reading
14. sunshine
15. Cooking a large family meal and having everyone love it so much they stuff themselves
16. Nectarines
17. Baking Kuchen and Streudal from my Oma's recipes.. The smell just brings me right back to being 10 years old and baking all day with my Oma
18. Pedicures
19. A nice glass of Pinot Grigio
20. My niece and nephews: Ms. Shayne, Erich, Clayton, and Carter - you all remind me how awesome it is to be an aunt and how glad I am that our family is so close
21. My sister - there was a time when I wanted to strangle her daily and now I can't imagine life without her. Must talk to her several times a week
    
22. Living in another state (away from our families) - it has really strengthened our immediate family. I never imagined we could've gotten any closer, but we have and we're the happiest we've ever been
    
23. Letting go of material things - we were always so worried about having this and that. But now that we've moved, we've learned that we're happier without them.
24. Chocolate!!!!!!!
25. My chocolate chip cookies - nobody makes 'em better (Modest, aren't I?)

Join in with Sugar and link the 25 things that bring you joy!

Finding Joy

Extreme Kid Fighting

So yesterday, I vlogged about summer vacation and my hope to balance constructive, enriching time with play time. And sometime between the time I vlogged and the time I passed out in bed - my children engaged in Extreme Cage Kid Fighting! I think I spent a good deal of my day separating the two of them. One would think that a 4 yo and a 13 yo would not fight. They have virtually nothing in common, afterall. One would be sadly mistaken.

First the fighting began over the Wii. DD wanted to play a princess game and DS wanted to play a racing game. Then, it was over cups. They both wanted the green cup for their lunch beverage. Then they fought over who got to play with the dog. (The dog, unamused, went to my bedroom and curled up in my pillows.) Then they fought about one being in the other's room. Then the other one retaliated and went to the other bedroom to just stand there and prove they could be in THAT room.

After a long day of non-stop fighting, I can understand why some moms over-schedule their kids. Today, I think we'll try the library. At least they will have to be quiet while we're there. ;P

Extreme Kid Fighting

Summer Vacation

Summer Vacation

I Got to Guest Host on Chicks Who Chat!

Yesterday, the VERY supportive, Classy Jen of Chicks Who Chat, asked me to fill in as a guest co-host for the day as Sugar Jones had a previous family obligation and couldn't co-host. I felt so honored and excited about it! Of course, I knew I couldn't be as funny as Ms. Sugar, but I thought I'd certainly have alot of fun. So Jen and I Skyped and tweeted back and forth about the different celeb gossip stories and news stories going around until about 20 minutes prior to the show when she asked if I wanted to talk about Asperger's Syndrome and our son Brian's struggle with it. I jumped at the chance to talk about my favorite subject, Brian.

I really appreciated the chance to talk about Brian and about our struggles. Thank you so much to Jen Hinton and Sugar Jones (who graciously posted my video & blogged about us on her blog/vlog) for supporting us and promoting awareness. You ladies are the tops!

If you get a chance, please listen to their daily Blog Talk Radio show, Chicks Who Chat and watch their weekly streaming show, Chicks Keep Chatting.

Jen Hinton is a self-described life-caster and social media network founder. You can read Jen's blog, Keep It Classy or join her social network, The Classy Closet. She can be found on Twitter as KeepItClassy Jen.
Sugar Jones is a blogger/vlogger & radio talk show co-host. You can read/watch her blog/vlog, Sugar in the Raw. She can be found on Twitter as SugarJones.

I Got to Guest Host on Chicks Who Chat!

Discover & Donate

I'm joining ResourceMommy in participating in the Discover & Donate Campaign to raise money and awareness of Autism for Autism Speaks. Here's a little info from Diane Birch's Site:

Discover the critically acclaimed debut album from new artist Diane Birch. Donate $1 to charity. Automatically.

S-Curve Records and Diane Birch are proud to present Discover & Donate. You discover Diane Birch’s soulful debut album, Bible Belt,then you choose one of six charities to receive a $1 donation from your purchase.

PLUS, who ever raises the most money for charity through their widget by June 23, 2009, will win a FREE PRIVATE PERFORMANCE in the winner’s hometown!! (We’ll even throw in a few refreshments.) More albums sold means more money donated. How cool is that? Want to start sharing?

I'd LOVE to raise some money and some awareness for such a worthwhile cause. Be sure to visit the site to grab a widget for your own blog!

Discover & Donate

Friday Fun Facts

Today's Friday Fun Fact is brought to you by RandomFacts.org.

The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is uncopyrightable.

Carry on.. ;P

Friday Fun Facts

I've Got a Good One!

I don't often talk about hubby. He's extremely private and embarrasses easily. But I just want to write a little something about how much I love him and just how lucky I am to have him in my life.

DH & I met in junior high school - at a jr. hs dance to be precise. He was hanging out with all of his friends and I with mine. Some of our friends overlapped, but we went in the same circle. I had just danced with a really cute (and popular) boy and I was decidedly NOT popular. So naturally I was bragging, giggling, and over-dramatizing for all of the goils. Naturally. Well, he thought I was a boastful annoyance and when I went to plop down into a chair, he kicked it out from underneath me an I feel HARD on the gym floor. I cracked my tailbone. This was my introduction to him.

A little while later I started to "go out" with one of his friends. I put go out in quotes because really we never went anywhere. We ate lunch together and that was it.

The next year, we started palling around together a bit until we started to "go out." Then we did eventually go places. We started dating at 15. We went off to college in seperate directions. We dated throughout college. Got married. And the rest is history.

Over the years, our relationship has grown stronger and stronger. And recently, with the move away from our families, have really discovered how important we are to each other and have grown even stronger in our relationship.

He's an amazing man: intelligent, handsome, witty, and caring. I love him more than I could ever possibly express to him. He treats me like a queen. And honestly, he's my best friend in the whole world.

So now, after 19 years together. 12 years of marriage. 2 kiddos. I love this man more than ever before. I'm so thankful that he is in my life. And I thank God every day for him.

Luv ya, sweetie. Kar

I've Got a Good One!

Supporting the Arts, One Mean Mommy Action At a Time!

You know, I've always appreciated, enjoyed, and supported the creative arts. I myself enjoyed concert choir, show choir, drama club, and musical theater in school. So although my methods for supporting the performing arts and fostering the love of them in my children may be questionable, I think the proof is in the pudding.

Yesterday, the sweet, adorable, little princess decided to climb on the counters and nearly fell and knocked her noggin. So I thought to myself: Is this an opportunity to support the arts as well as teaching my DD that climbing could lead to injury? (Cuz I'm always thinking about the arts first and foremost, dontcha know.) "Why, yes it is" - I said to myself. So I sent DD (AKA Princess) to sit on her bed in her bedroom and set the timer for 4 minutes. Within mere seconds, DD had written a beautiful aria about how mean I am and how much we don't like her. She worked out a beautiful melody and additional lyrics that includes: " My mommy is so meannnnnnnn. I can't take anymore of this, said my mommeeeee." As well as "I don't like sitting on my bed, my bed, my bed.."

Really, when you think about all I do to contribute to the arts, my work should be applauded. I have fostered and continue to foster a love of the arts in my children - one mean mom act at a time. ;P

Supporting the Arts, One Mean Mommy Action At a Time!

Contest ALERTS!

Okay, Mommas - I have the skinny on the hottest gadget going this summer - the Vado by Creative Labs. It's a nifty little portable handheld video camera. It doesn't require batteries or video tape and connects directly to your computer via USB! It records 2 hours of video! It's an amazing little dodad!

Right now, you can enter to win one of these portable puppies over at MommasReview. Hurry up - contest ends June 16th!5 Minutes For Moms is giving away this Posh Gift Basket worth $800!!! It is filled to the gills with girly goodies! Your little one will be all decked out in style! But hurry up and enter because this contest ends June 19th.Blissfully Domestic is giving away an AMAZING HP Mini - Vivienne Tam Edition Netbook! If you're like me, you hog the laptop to engage in social media/networking. If you're attending a Twitter party; recording a vlog; or blogging about you favorite bloggers like moi , then this is the device for you! It has a built in web cam. It's teeny. It's adorable. It's powerful. It's everthing you need to get be a social media diva! This contest ends REALLY soon - so get your bums over to Blissfully Domestic and enter by June 8th.
The blogger/vlogger -ific A Daily Dose of Toni is giving away this tasty little gift basket from Ms. Ellie's Coffee! The winner will have their choice of either the K Cup Basket or Coffee Gift Basket. Oh - coffee, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Ooops.. sorry. 'Went off on coffee tangent. If you love your mornin' cup of java as much as I do - you'll need to hoof it over to A Daily Dose of Toni and enter immediately. As with all good things, this contest will end soon (6/21).

A Daily Dose of Toni is giving you an excuse to get a DOUBLE dose by ALSO entering this magnificent giveaway! She is giving away this fantastic JVC Everio HD Digital Video Camera!!! I know, right?! My kiddos are always on the go and I would LOVE-LOVE-LOVE to get some summerlicious video of their activities (much to their dismay, I'm sure). If you want to capture all of those summer activities and precious moments, head on over to A Daily Dose of Toni to enter this giveaway today! This giveaway comes to an end June 16!One of my FAVE product review sites, Things Moms Like, is giving away the ULTIMATE pamper-yourself product - the Clarisonic PLUS Skincare System! Confession time, mommas - I've NEVER had a facial. {GASP} And I started seeing these all over mommy review sites. And now that I'm turning the dreaded 35 - I am starting to notice that I really need to pay more attention to my skin. DUH! So if you are like me and want a product that you can count on for fabu facial at home, rush on over to Things Moms Like and enter today! This contest ends June 12th!

Contest ALERTS!

No One Said It Would Be Easy..

No one hands you an instruction manual when you become a mommy. And no one can prepare you for all of the joys, stress, heartache, and fun that comes with being a mommy. And when you find out that you are the mommy of a special needs child, no one prepares you for the heartache and the struggle that lies ahead.

I'm sure many of you have read our story. If not, click HERE to read.

Recently, during an economic collapse, we put our newly built house up for sale and moved to another state to secure autism services for our son. We moved in the hopes of changing his life for the better. -In hopes he could make friends and find some quality of life. In our home state, aside from family, he really had no friends or life outside of the family. He was ostracized, bullied, and pushed aside. We fought for years to get him services and educational help only to watch our little boy spiral into depression and slip further away.

It's been 9 months since our house has been for sale and not one bite. We've dropped and re-dropped the price numerous times. And today, the relocation agent told us that it looks as though we will need to sell the house for substantially less than we paid for it. It was a blow. To know that in today's financial market, everything we worked so hard for will be gone and we'll have nothing to show for it. We moved from a newly built house with a beautiful 5 acre view of a country tree farm to a teeny apartment in the city. And it's likely we will not make anything at all off the house to put down on another house. It's a hard pill to swallow.

After crying for about half an hour and realizing that we won't have a house for a long time, I took a deep breath and watched the video I made of Brian. His beautiful face reminded me that no house, no possessions would be worth anything at all if I didn't have him in my life. And if he were to go back to OH, I honestly believe his depression would continue to spiral out of control until we no longer had him in our lives.

So while I'm not happy about losing our dream home and having to live in an apartment for some time longer while we rebuild our credit and our savings, I am okay with sacrificing for my son. No one said being a mommy would be easy. But loving my son and doing what's right for him is an easy decision.

Sometimes, we need to get back to what is important in life : Our family. They are more important to me than any house, than any possession. They are my life. And instead of having a pity party for myself the rest of the day, I'm going to thank God for the opportunity to help my son and make my family whole. Hug your family a little extra today. Everything else in life is just icing on the cake. :)

No One Said It Would Be Easy..

Looking For Momma 'Tudes Network Launch Party Sponsors

As many of you know, I've recently created the Momma 'Tudes Social Network: a social network for moms of all ages and stages. I've been trying to get used to Ning and it's features as well as trying to get groups set up and build the community. I have hired a designer to redesign the network and my Mommatudes Blog. This will be complete in July. So I am looking to roll out an OFFICIAL Launch Party for the Momma'Tudes Social Network in August.

I'll be hosting a Twitter Party to launch the network and would love to give away door prizes at the Twitter Party! If you have your own business and would be interested in sponsoring a door prize for the Launch Party, PLEASE contact me via email. knitpurlgurl [at] gmail [dot] com. (If you know of someone who would be interested in sponsoring the Launch Party, please pass this information along.)

Stay tuned for more exciting developments with the Momma 'Tudes Social Network! There's alot more to come! :)

Looking For Momma 'Tudes Network Launch Party Sponsors

Fit or Fat?

Okay, I HATE parts of my body. Alright, hate is a strong word. I strongly DISLIKE parts of my body. I especially dislike my flabby FAT arms; my tummy that looks preggers (even though I'm not); and my big fat bum - which I owe in part to my addiction to social media. There are several reasons my body has became a haven for cellulite and stretch marks. Honestly, I can think about eating a cookie and gain 5 pounds! It is extremely hard for me to lose weight. PLUS I'm a stress eater. And not to whine, but I've had my share of stress these last couple of years with my special needs child. And then there's adding the baby weight from a second child; hypothyroidism, my obsession with chocolate; and my total lack of exercise. All of these things adds up to one thing - a big, fat mommy! I've always lived by the motto: Life doesn't begin at thin. I'm definitely not going to sequester myself in my house and not live life because I don't like the way I look. But it's more than the way I look now - it's how I feel. And I really need to take this weight off so that I feel better and am a healthy example for the kiddos. I saw the EA Sports Active for Wii and am bound and determined to buy it (afer saving some pennies) and try it. Motivation to exercise for me is at an all time low - so I figure if I look at it like it's a game, something fun - perhaps I'll feel more motivated to get off my bum. Then maybe I'll feel more motivated to try other exercise venues.

So when I saw that New York Chica was giving away an EA Sports Active Fitness 'game' for Wii, I was thrilled!!! Be sure to pop on over to New York Chica and enter to win!

So moms - Tell me. How do you get into shape? What motivates you?

Fit or Fat?