Happy April Fools Day! I think April Fools is such a fun day. I love reading all of my friend’s posts on Facebook about moving, having babies or various wild and crazy things with the intent of fooling all of their Facebook friends.
AND, I fall for it every single time, every single year! I eventually realize it’s a joke, but it always takes me a while. I’m as gullible as they come. Ha ha.
I also enjoyed watching my neighbor Saran Wrap his wife’s car this morning and I loved hearing about all of the fun jokes my kid’s teachers played on them at school. I also had fun making these cupcakes with my daughter this afternoon…
My daughter found a bunch of fun April Fools cupcakes on Pinterest and asked if we could make some. I was like, “Oh, okay I guess so.” Hee hee. Heck yes, I love cupcakes!
Oh, and I know the whole “crushed Oreos with gummy worms” idea has beben around a long time, but that’s one of the great things about kids….it’s new to them! They were so impressed. We just used smooshed yellow Starbursts for the “butter” and cut up orange Starbursts for the “carrots” and green Skittles for the “peas.” Easy peasy.
And no, they’re not healthy.
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Mmmmmkay, I’m thinkin’ this post might be a bit babbly. I have a lot of deep thoughts and random thoughts to share. So here goes….
I’ve told you guys about how hectic my life has been lately, right???? Well, I keep thinking things will calm down, but they DO NOT. My life is pretty much complete and utter chaos. I’ve NEVER EVER been as crazy as I am right now. I’m not talkin’ about just this week or just this month….I’m talkin’ about LIFE IN GENERAL. It’s completely nuts and it’s not going to end any time soon.
Soooo, I’ve just decided to embrace the crazy. Ha ha.
I keep reminding myself that I just need to focus on what really matters and forget the rest. However, I’m a little OCD so it’s very hard for me to let things go…..but I know I must.
My poor house has been suffering the most and it is absolutely killing me! I’m also chronically sleep deprived and it’s killing me too!
Ya know, I’ve decided I’m a weirdo because I’ve always been a night owl (the quiet, peacefulness of nighttime is so therapeutic to me), but I also LOVE to wake up early. The early morning hours are so motivating and refreshing to me! Sooo, I’m a paradox…I know I can’t stay up late AND wake up early! I’ve also learned that it doesn’t take much discipline (i.e. any discipline) to stay up late and it takes a whole lotta discipline to get up early…..so I usually end up staying up late to get things done and/or relax a bit.
But, when morning comes I am just ……………. sooooooooooooooooo ……………… dang ………………tired. I muddle through my day counting down the hours until I can go to bed and then I stay up toooooooooooooooo late again and the cycle continues!
Oh, and I’m just gonna mention that when I’m sleep deprived, I DO NOT want to eat well! I usually crave every carb and sugary thing in sight! Lack of sleep makes healthy living 10000% harder!
Yes, I know I’m babbling.
Sooo, I’m in serious need of a “life reset” right now. I’m happy to say that my kids’ Spring Break starts today. I’m going to try to use the next few days to get caught up on life and get a little more sleep!
I’ve heard a lot of inspiring “morning people” say that they go to bed when their kids go to bed. That is hard for me to do because I SO crave that quiet time at night, but I’m going to try to do just that! Soooo, when my kids go to bed, I’m going to drop everything and get in bed. I may not go right to sleep ( I may read, chill with Kev, watch TV, etc.), but I’m going to physically get my body into bed!
Geesh, I’m sorry to be such a negative, whiny, complaining downer person. However…..this is my life.
I don’t ever want to be a blogger who gives the impression that “life is perfect, my kids are perfect, I LOVE to eat healthy all the time, I really hate sugar and junk food, I LIVE to exercise, I always look “put together” and everything I do is effortless.”
Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!
My goal is not to have my readers feel bad about themselves or their own lives when they read my blog! In fact, I kind of hope y’all feel better about yourselves when you read my blog because I have serious issues.
In reality, I am a fairly optimistic person who is quite happy most of the time, BUT life is hard and my kids struggle! I don’t love to eat healthy all the time, but I do love how it makes me feel. I will always love sugar and junk food. I always dread exercise, but really enjoy doing it and love how I feel afterward. AND every single thing I do is always a lot harder than I think it will be!
Okay, end of rant.
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As far as my healthy living goes, I’ve been taking two steps forward and one step back! I’ve been eating well, but have also been enjoying a little too much sugar (my drug of choice when life gets rough!) I’ve still been sticking to my running training schedule (quite frankly, I’m scared not to) and I’ve been going to the gym a couple times a week.
It hasn’t been easy though!
I’ve learned time and time again that in order to stick to a regular exercise schedule, I have to PLAN it and then STICK to the plan! I always have a million things pulling me in a million different directions. I never HAVE time to exercise (does anyone!?), but I always MAKE the time to exercise.
I know if I don’t make it a priority, it will never happen.
For example, last night after dinner, I really wanted to get out on a run before it got too dark. Yet….
- My oldest son was frustrated that our internet and WiFi weren’t working right and needed my help to fix it.
- My daughter’s trying to sell her hair and wanted me to take pictures and help her to post an ad online.
- My 11 year old had an essay he was working on and needed my help with it!
- My 4 year old got a new Lego set and was struggling and asked for my help building it.
- My sweet baby needs me all the time!
- Our kitchen was a mess from dinner and seriously needed help!
- The laundry was waiting for me to change it.
- Oh, and I had to wash all of my bedding because the babies diaper leaked on it. Ya. So, my bed was waiting to be all remade.
Oh and FYI, Kev is a HUGE help and helps me all the time, but for some reason the kids always want MEEEE! I’m sure all of you moms out there can relate.
I also want to say that I LOVE being a mom and I LOVE being needed, but I always remind my kiddos that I am only ONE person and I’m not some magical being. I can only do so much before I CRACK!
So, with that being said, I decided to just drop everything, tell all the kids “mom is temporarily retired” and get my bum out the door! I was very worried I would be running in the pitch dark!
I’m happy to say I got my run in and it was GREAT! I ran 6 miles (~9:30 pace) and felt good almost the entire time. YAY! Running (and exercise in general) is so good for my body, but also for my mind! It really is just like therapy. When I run, I sort things out in my brain, figure out my to-do lists, plan my life and just let my brain wander and relax. It’s great.
When I got home, I took a quick picture (in the dark, but not the pitch dark!) and was so happy I got my run in! Check!
It was so hard to just leave everything behind, but when I walked in the door, I…..
- Fixed the internet and WiFi
- Helped my son finish his essay
- Helped my other son build his Lego set
- Posted my daughter’s hair stuff online
- Cleaned up the kitchen
- Changed the laundry
- Put my bed back together
- Fed the baby and put him to bed
- Said “hi” to Kev. Ha ha.
- Showered and collapsed on a heap on my bed.
I got ‘er done!
I know that in order to be a good mom, wife and just a happy person in general, I HAVE to take some time for myself sometimes. That time usually comes in the form of exercise.
I also know it’s SO EASY for mom’s to feel guilty because there’s always more we can do. There are never enough hours in the day and I’m always falling short somewhere! I just try to do my best and not feel guilty.
After all, I am just ONE person and I’m not some magical being. Ha.
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K, since this post is so negative, I will end with some cute, squishy baby pictures. I took my youngest kiddos to the park the other day and we had a sorta kinda picnic…
Actually I enjoyed that grilled chicken salad (I only had a small piece of the shell) and my kids couldn’t care less about their food. They just wanted to play!
I don’t know why I look so “gray” in that picture. Ewww. But, my baby is glowing! I wish I had his skin. I LOVE having a baby so much guys! I am soaking up every single millisecond with his cuteness.
I also took this pic the other day…
Oh, those chubby legs and cheeks are just too much! Ahhhhh! I just want to eat him right up. What in the world am I going to do when he grows up?!??!?
I seriously hate to even think about it. My kids tell me to just have another baby!
Ummmmm, no?
Seriously, I love babies so much, but I know my limit! Actually, I think my limit was probably a few kids ago, but I’m kind of a “baby addict.” Ha ha.
I told my kids that it doesn’t matter if I had two kids or six kids or TEN kids, there always has to be a “last baby” and I will always be sad about that.
Okay, I really need to stop babbling now. I’m going to go to bed in hopes of crawling out of this “sleep deprived” hole I’ve created and awake refreshed, renewed and motivated!
Here’s to hopin’!
I love you all! If you’ve made it through this entire post, thanks for listening! Mmmmwa.
You are AWESOME! Thank you for your honesty! I too am in the “stay up late to finish things then feel like a zombie until noon”. Then crave & reach for sugary delights to keep me going. I so admire that you are staying on your running schedule. Your motivating me to get my booty into gear. Thank you!
Thank YOU so much for your kind words Amy! I think life is just plain hard….period. I’m hoping one day I’ll actually be able to get my life running smoothly and things accomplished!
You might need to give more info on the ‘selling her hair’ part of this post.
?????
Love squishy baby photos! He’s getting so big! 🙂
My daughter sold her hair several years ago and it was a fun experience! There are several online marketplaces that buy/sell hair. So far, she hasn’t had too many legit offers though. I need to devote some more time to it. If/when she sells it, I’ll definitely share all of the details on the blog!
I’ve definitely experienced the “fear” of not running while training for a half. To be honest, the fear is what kept me on track! HA. I think embracing the chaos is a great approach because sometimes that chaos doesn’t want to stop!
I now need a cupcake…
I know, I’m sticking to that “running schedule” like crazy. I’ve been changing it up a little bit, but never miss a long run!!!!
This was such a refreshing read–thank you!! I’m about to have my first baby (being induced Monday!) and am of course super excited, but also terrified by how crazy life is about to become. You write about how chaotic your life has been lately, yet I still sense so much joy in your words (and in your adorable pictures!). Also, its so encouraging to read about how you are still able to make time for running—and how that helps you help everyone else! 🙂
Oh, thank you SO MUCH for your sweet comment Lizzie! I hope everything is going well with your baby. The life of a mother is so crazy, but MAN, I LOVE it so much!
WooHoo – way to just walk out the door and get that run done!! And, you still got everything done for your family!!
Love the baby pictures!!
I love AFD! I tried to put mayonnaise on Andy’s cupcake instead of frosting but he refused to eat it! He knows me far toll well.
Well, that’s what I love about your blog. You keep it real. You’re so relatable and cute!
Thanks so much Char! Mayonnaise on a cupcake is AWESOME! I’ll have to remember that one.
* too (oops. Typo)
It is not negative.
It is real life.
I love when bloggers are real and honest instead of sugar coating it all, because we all go through times like this.
Thanks so much Abby. Life….is…..tough.
Hey, question… Have I ever told you how much credit I give you?! Your life is crazy hectic yet you still manage to live with a huge smile on your face— well at least that’s what I see in pictures 😉
Have you ever tried to swap in stevia as your “drug of choice” 😉 I know it’s a bit different from sugar, but it’s definitely something to consider perhaps? Oh but I am sure you have!
PS: I get sooo frustrated when the wifi doesn’t work either – lol
Ha ha GiGi, thanks so much for your encouragement and kind words. It means a lot to me. I have so much respect for your ambition and healthy lifestyle! I do add stevia to things quite often and I love it, but there’s nothing quite like the real thing!
Moms are magical beings 🙂 I have learned that taking time for ourselves makes us better at all that we need to be. xoxo
Love your cupcakes ! And a busy life makes life interesting… but be sure to find some downtime for you once in a while. I find closing myself in the bedroom to read a magazine… no kids, no phone, no social media ! helps tremendously. Have a great weekend.
I know it’s so important to find some downtime sometimes too. I’m definitely a more patient mom when I do! Being in my bedroom alone with a magazine and no distractions sounds wonderful!
Hooray for you for getting that run in! You’re doing a great job, and it’s good for the kids to see you make time for yourself. It will show them there is a way to balance your love for them and your need to take care of you.
Oh, and the exersaucer, we had one just like it. I loved it and so did both my boys. Today the older one wants the keys to the car so he can meet up with his friends at the movies. His first solo car trip. I’m dying! I wish we could go back to the days of the exersaucer. It just stayed in place!
Thanks so much Beth! It’s so sad to think about how quickly our kids grow from the Exersaucer to driving! Crazy! I think life is much simpler when they stay in one place. Ha ha.
Hi, Melanie! I love the April Fool cupcakes, especially the ones that look like peas and carrots. Very cute. I don’t like mean-spirited jokes, but I love innocent cute ones!
I feel your mommy-pain.
We know the importance of getting enough sleep because everything else is connected. The food choices we make, having the energy to exercise, our whole health in general. Yet it’s so tough to do if we’re good, responsible moms!
Love means sacrifice, and we sacrifice our sleep and well-being sometimes for our family responsibilities because we love our children!
I’ve sometimes found myself thinking, “Only four more years till my youngest is in college!” Then I’m shocked at myself for thinking like that, because my kids are my favorite people in the world!
But they do kinda suck the lifeblood out of us sometimes.
Maybe it’s time for you to get away with some girlfriends for a weekend to rejuvenate and refresh!
I love and appreciate your kind comments and insights so much Deborah! I miss reading your blog, but am so happy to stay connected! I would LOVE a weekend getaway. Good idea!!
Love reading about your crazy life!! Haha! It definitely gives a greater picture of normal life for the majority of families! Loooove it!
Ha ha, thanks so much! I think we’re all crazy most days, right????!
Way to get it in! I know that feeling, when you’re ready to walk out the door and you ‘just have to do 15 more things’ before you can actually do it!
Those cupcakes look great!
That was a great post Melanie!!
Thanks so much Victoria!
Hi Mel! love the cupcakes, such a fun and clever idea. Do you know my kids are the same way, they all want ME. My hubby tries to step in and help me with the kids specially my twins and they just cry for me, Which is good and bad all at the same time lol. It can get frustrating, so stepping out of the house for just a few minutes is a great way to relax and reload. Your baby boy is so cute and chubby. Loved reading this post!
I’m glad my kids want ME, but it would sure be nice if they preferred my husband once in a while…ha ha! Thanks for your sweet comment!
I can totally relate to the staying up late but I was never a morning person. I’m a preschool teacher now and honestly the very worst part of my job is the start time! I just stumbled across your blog tonight (or early morning) but I love how real you are. We want to hear that our lives aren’t the only ones that are crazy! Thank you for reminding me of the importance of some time to myself and also how necessary good sleep and exercise are. I’m going to try to jump start my routine tomorrow. I look forward to reading more of your posts, even if it is only once a week 😉
Thank you so much for your sweet comment Nicole. I can’t tell you how much it means to me!