Sell, Sell, Sell

Since we have a couple more months of living at my aunt and uncle's, (and probably a few months of living with my parents), before the house will be completed, I needed to find something to do. It's weird not having a house to decorate, paint, or do maintenance on. It's amazing how much time you have when it's not dedicated to making your home better.

I have drug my feet with regards to selling my little one's clothes.  I don't know why. Maybe there was still a thought that a 4th child would be on the horizon, or the memories that many of the clothes have, or just the thought of someone else's kid wearing the clothes I dressed my children in.  Whatever it was, I finally decided it is time to let go.  I have absolutely come to terms that our family is complete (see previous post:  How Do You Know?). I contemplated waiting and having another garage sale this Spring, but where would I have one? I don't want to be the new neighbor in this really nice neighborhood having a garage sale. Plus, I'm not sure this community is made of garage-sale-type-of-people, if you know what I mean.  My old neighborhood usually has a block sale every Spring and a couple neighbors offered their garages for me to use. However, dragging all my stuff to someone else's home and hanging out there for a couple days doesn't sound that appealing. Which is why I'm so glad swap sites are available.

They are perfect; an on-line garage sale where you can post items and arrange to meet people for pick up. I quickly decided to join a few different ones because with my work, I travel all over the city and can be flexible with meeting locations. I watched the sites for a few days to see how things were done, what prices people were putting on things and the lingo, (PPU, NWT, NWOT, etc). I posted a few things and quickly got responses. I also posted a couple things that did not get any response-I later realized I had overpriced some things. I know I could take my 15+ bins of clothes to a second hand store, but from what I've heard, you don't make too much. To test it out, I took a tub full to a store I won't mention and was disappointed in the return. They took the items I didn't think they would, and gave me back the ones I thought they would definitely take.

I started this process in the middle of December and am impressed with the profit, (which I am setting aside for window treatments :)).  I have sold something nearly every day since I started this a few weeks ago and have only had one no show, which I think is pretty good, considering all the people I have met.

There are definitely some interesting people out there. You never know who is going to meet up you. I refuse to meet at our home and usually find a busy location, like a gas station, Sam's Club, etc.  A couple ladies had to wait until they were paid to meet up, which really makes me feel guilty for selling them my clothes and not just giving them to them.  (Justin is always quick to say they are just telling me that because they want me to lower the prices. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt :)).  I have a couple repeat buyers which has come in handy.  I message them first with clothes to see if they are interested before posting on the site.

Through this process I have also donated a lot of clothes, hoping to help those who are in need.  I've realized my kids had a LOT of clothes!  I am keeping a tub of "memorable" items that I hope to incorporate into a quilt for each little one. I am one of those people who can always recall what my kids wore for certain occasions:  Alena and Lauren's first Easter dress, the onesie Alena wore for her first thanksgiving, their going home outfits, a couple matching twin outfits, Caleb's favorite red fire truck shirt, the outfit AJ wore to the San Diego Zoo, etc.

I decided to create a new Facebook account where I do all of my swapping.  (I am rarely on Facebook anymore, except to check in with my twin moms a few times a week).  I have seen some bullying on these sites and more drama than you would think, so I like being able to stay anonymous.

Slowly, the number of items in each bin is being diminished and bins are being emptied, creating a little more storage room in the basement.  If only I was able to have easy access to the items in our storage unit. I'm sure there are some household items that need to go :)).

A Nice Little Saturday

Do you ever have those days where after the kids are in bed you look back at what you did over the last 12-18 hours and think "that was a fun day?"

Yesterday was one of those days.  We cherish our time together on the weekends and usually try to find at least one thing fun to do as a family. It's much easier to plan when it's nice outside but we have been so lucky this winter.  Many times, our adventures aren't extravagant, and may be as simple as an outing to Homemakers, Lowes or the grocery store.  If there are any free events around town, we often take advantage of them.

Saturday morning the kids wanted to make a fort.  I'm definitely not a skilled fort maker and don't recall doing this childhood activity often, (except in my cousin's basement when we would visit).  Justin claims to be an expert after making numerous forts growing up with his two brothers whenever his dad was out of town.  So he tackled this project, gathering all of the large blankets we could find, the dining room table and all the folding chairs in the house.  After completion, the kids played in the "motor home" reading, playing babies, and messing around on the ipads.  Alena and I even had a lengthy game of Go Fish, which was interrupted 148 times by her sister.

After enjoying the "motor home" we decided to head to the zoo.  The temperature was in the mid 40s and it was the perfect day to go to the zoo.  This is my second trip this winter and each time I have been closer to the animals than I ever had before.  We had a close up of the lions, watched the zoo keepers feed the penguins, and another zoo keeper was giving detailed information about each monkey in the monkey exhibit.  Even though we've been to the zoo countless times, we still enjoy going and spent nearly 2 hours there yesterday.

After naps, I made granola and we all played outside at the park across the street.  As the sun was sinking low, the regular 8 deer we have seen frequently by our place came through the park.

Our evening ended with a little take out, a bath and a movie, (for mom and dad-we watched Philomena, which I highly recommend).  It was a perfect little Saturday.

A Right of Passage

I think every child should go ice skating at least once during their childhood.  For many, that one trip may be all that they need and another experience on the ice isn't necessary.  Others may realize they had a great time and may want to give it another try.  I wasn't quite sure what my oldest would think but I decided it was time to find out.

I remember learning how to ice skate when I was little, spending time with my cousins on the ice.  It is just like riding a bike; even though it's been years since I have gone, it all came right back to me when I stepped onto the ice this past weekend.  My husband's first, and only, experience was when we were dating.  He must have decided he didn't want to try it again because we've never gone back!  

I was so excited to see that the weather was going to be warm this past weekend and thought it was the perfect time to take Alena on her first ice skating experience. I love the outdoor Brenton Skating Plaza so wanted to take advantage of having her first experience be outside.  There's something about feeling the hot sun on you, the cold ice beneath your skates and the glare on the ice when you skate.  She was up for the adventure when I mentioned going. Wearing just a long sleeve shirt and donned with gloves, we laced up our skates and joined the crowd on the ice. 

It took a little while for her to get used to the ice, and I attempted to teach her to glide on the ice rather than walk on it, (referring to Elsa many times).  We spent many laps hand in hand, me catching her when she began to fall. She did fall to the ice a few times but was quick to get right back up and try again.  

After a little bit, we decided to rent something she could skate behind to help work on her balance. Then when she would feel ready, she would let go and skate by herself while I skated with the skate aid beside her, just in case she needed to grab it.

I thought after 30-40 minutes of going round and around she would be ready to go but she wasn't.  We took a few breaks, munching on our popcorn and people watching, but after each break she would ask if we could go skate again.   

By the end of the 2 hours she was skating mostly by herself, even changing directions, and my toes ached because I was wearing skates a size too small!  

During this trip, I realized my oldest daughter has acquired two traits from me:  

1.  Competitiveness- I'm a little worried that she has acquired this trait but hopefully it will be to a lesser degree than what I have.  I knew she was competitive and her teachers have even mentioned it to me, but this activity helped me realize it. The entire time we were ice skating, she was looking around at other kids, sizing them up and watching them. Whenever she saw a little boy or girl about her age or older skating without any assistance, she would want to let go and skate by herself too.  A little bit of competitiveness is great, but sometimes it can get you in trouble.  Hopefully she can keep this trait scaled back.

2.  Determination - This is an excellent trait to have, and it's no doubt my little girl is determined. I couldn't believe how anxious she was to learn how to skate, how quickly she would get up after a fall, and how often she would let go of the skate aid so she could do it by herself.  I love her determination and hope it takes her far in life!

Overall, it was a very successful first trip.  During our trip home, she asked when we could go skating again; a definite sign that she's ready for another adventure on the ice!

Guilty Pleasures

That's such a weird term, but I've realized lately I have a few of my own guilty pleasures that I'm going to divulge right here:

1.  I've lost count how long we have been without cable but as the months go by, I miss it less and less.  I watch one TV show each week, (when it's on, and the series is ending so what am I going to do now!?).  I've also watched the last two seasons of Bachelor and am ashamed I am currently watching this season as well.  I NEVER wanted to get sucked into this show because it just seems silly to me-you can't meet your wife/husband on a show like this.  I know there have been a few success stories but they are rare and the episodes are so staged it drives me crazy.  Two seasons ago, I watched one episode and couldn't stop watching, not because of the bachelor, but one of the lady friends who was vying for his attention caught my eye. I loved her strong personality and humor and of course she ended up being the next Bachelorette so I was "forced" in to watch her season too.  I'm being loyal to Iowa and watching the current season, but I'm already ready to be done.  The bachelor seems awkward on the episodes, the girls are embarrassing, and the bachelor keeps giving a rose to the crazy lady!  Unfortunately, without cable or DVR, I have to watch live TV, which means my entire family is watching the Bachelor with me this season.  AJ saddles right up to the TV because a little screen time is rare in our house and she will take advantage of it, even if it isn't something she wants to watch. Thankfully, the kids are in bed after the first hour, leaving me alone to watch the rest by myself.  I'm so embarrassed that I am another victim to this reality show.

2.  I do a lot of driving throughout the month and my trip down to Southern Iowa can get pretty long, especially because I leave the house at 5:30 AM now and need something to help keep me awake.  I've been an off and on fan of Taylor Swift and remember when she released her first single, "Tim McGraw." I'm sure nobody expected her to be as big as she is now.  I love her newest song on the radio, "Blank Space," and lately found myself checking all the radio stations to see if they were playing it when I was in the car. Last week, I decided to just go and buy her album.

Now I can listen to this song whenever I want and the rest of her album is quite good also-enough so that I didn't want to dose off this week during my drive.  She really seems to have a good head on her shoulders despite the amount of money she is raking in.  She's a great role model for teens and it's impressive that she writes all of her music.  I hope she decides to do another country album as I think her song writing is much better in that style of music.  We were born in the same decade so I don't feel so old buying her CD, right?.

3.  Sometimes after a crazy, long day at work, I will run to the store quick before heading home to get a few things.  By this time, I am so exhausted and often starving as I routinely see patients through lunch and may not realize until 2:00 that I didn't eat.  There have been a few instances where I will grab a Kit-Kat or pack of peanut M and M's while standing in the check out line, and enjoy them in my car before I go home.  Definitely a guilty pleasure and I often regret this indulgence the next day!

How Do You Know?

How do you know when your family is complete?  Did you and your spouse have a set number of children you decided on shortly after getting married?  Did you want an even number?  An odd number?  A boy and a girl?  Or did you keep having children until you had both genders?  Maybe you stopped at one because you felt your family was complete?  Possibly, your last pregnancy and delivery was rough and you made the choice that you were done bearing children.

But what does a "complete" family really mean?  Do women all of a sudden realize their family is exactly as they envisioned and decide they need no more children?  When do you come to this realization?

I know many mothers who held their last child shortly after giving birth, gazed into that little one's eyes and just KNEW that this was it.  This child in their arms completed their family.  Many others have a son and daughter and decide that's perfect; one of each and no need for a third.  Others want as many children as they are able to have, and many believe that He will determine how many children will enter their family.

Many would think that after having one, then twins, (+ a rocky pregnancy), would immediately tell me that our family is complete.  That was absolutely not the case.  It wasn't until recently that I finally had that "complete" family feeling.  (I'll leave out the exact moment that enabled me to come to this realization).

For the past two years, I've wondered about having another.  For me, it's difficult knowing that I will never be pregnant again.  Even with all the complications I experienced the second go around, I loved being pregnant.  I will never have an infant to take care of again; to rock, to nurse, to nap with.  I will miss watching those first year milestones be met: First smiles, laughs, rolls, crawls, solid food and steps.

Yet, recently I've come to the realization that I love where things are right now, and even though I won't experience those firsts with another child, there are many other firsts that occur as your children grow.
First somersault, first written letter of the alphabet, first swimming lesson, first day at school, first sleep over, etc.  There is so much ahead of us!

In a way, I'm glad the twins are past some of these early stages of life.  The fact that they can communicate with us, learn to control their emotions and will hopefully be potty trained in the near future are huge!  I'm looking forward to this next stage of parenting.  A stage where you can really learn a lot about each child, form a relationship with him/her, watch them grow into little adults, see them participate in sports, watch them fail and succeed and be there every step of the way:  Laughing together, crying together, dancing together, cuddling together and just BEING together.

Life Changing Moments

With the year ending, I've recently starting reflecting on how I ended up where I am.  What shaped who I have become?  What will I face in the future that will have an impact on my life?

Below are my life changing moments:

1.  This moment helped shaped my current career:  I remember visiting my uncle in the hospital after a knee replacement.  I was in 6^th or 7^th grade at the time.  His nurse came into his room to put him into the Continuous Ambulatory Machine to help with his mobility.  She listened to his heart and lungs and asked if there was anything else he needed. I left that hospital room knowing that I wanted to be a nurse.  Prior to even starting nursing school, I knew I would want to advance my degree to be a Nurse Practitioner. 

2.   My grandfather’s passing:  I have been fortunate that I haven’t lost many close friends or relatives in my 34 years, but the passing of my grandfather still remains so fresh in my memory.  He was the only grandparent I knew.  It was one of the first times I can remember seeing my mother, aunts, uncles and cousins crying.  The firing of three volleys still brings chills to me when I think back to that day.  At a young age, I learned that our days on earth are not limitless; appreciate each morning you wake up to.

3.   Becoming A Mother:  This is probably on every parent’s list because it is, without doubt, one of the biggest life changing moments anyone can experience.  You leave the hospital with this little bundle of joy, full of mixed emotions.  While it is absolutely one of the happiest moments I have ever had, that quickly gets overshadowed by anxiety and nervousness; a need to be the perfect mother.  After having a child, you not only learn how to care for someone who is entirely dependent on you, but you learn a lot about yourself through the process.  If you thought you were the most patient person, you will quickly realize you are not.  You will fail many, many times.  You will cry, you may scream, and you WILL be exhausted.  Yet, you’ll never meet anyone who didn't love being a parent.  Becoming a mother or father will definitely change you, your relationship with your spouse and even your relationship with your own parents.

4.  Iowa City:  Many things happened during my seven years living in this city and I’m so thankful I made the choice to get my education there, (much against my parent’s wishes, probably).  In my very first college class, Rhetoric, I met the sweetest person ever, who became like a sister to me.  I’m so thankful for her friendship back then and today.  Although Justin and I actually met in Ames, we re-connected in Iowa City during a couple visits he made to the campus while I was in my first semester there. 

5.  September 6^th, 2011:  This was a life changing day for Justin and I; one of those days where you remember exactly where you were, what you were wearing and what you were doing.  On this day we heard the news that would shock us to our core.  When someone you care for so much is given this news, your way of thinking changes immediately.  Your long to-do list, and many annoyances you notice in life are forgotten.  You forget about the future and live in the present.  I often find myself thinking otherwise, but just remembering this day forces me to change my mind set.

6.   “There’s Two”:  Seeing two little embryos on the screen would be life changing to anyone.  I remember not knowing how to react-scream, cry, laugh, faint, swear.  It took about two weeks for it to all sink in and before I had convinced myself that everything would be OK.  There have been some very challenging moments but those are overshadowed by the thousands of fun, happy times.  I love being a mother to twins-in fact, it’s sad that many strangers don’t realize I have twins.  (While at soccer practice with AJ, a mother asked me what the age difference was between my youngest two.  Eleven minutes, I replied, while staring at her confused look). 

7.  26.2 Miles:  Training and finishing a marathon challenges you in many ways.  You spend hours and hours running early in the morning or after the kids go to sleep to help maximize your time with them.  Your Saturday mornings are taken over by running 10-18 miles each weekend, no matter where you are.  You constantly have to be your own coach, pushing yourself to get through the next mile, ignoring the ache in your knee or your lungs.  You worry constantly about avoiding injury because how devastating would it be to put in 3 months of training to not even be able to get to the starting line?  During the race itself, you are tested the entire way.  You have to be completely in tune to your mind, body and soul, placing one foot in front of the others, using the crowd and cowbells along the way to give you extra strength.  Running my first marathon in Des Moines with my family cheering for me at various places along the route and seeing them at the finish line was exhilarating.  If you've never experienced crossing the finish line after running 26.2 miles, it’s impossible to explain the euphoria you feel, (and how challenging walking down a set of stairs can be days after the race).

What events have influenced your life?  Bring on 2015, (but please no more life changing moments for a while!).

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Lately I've found myself saying, "I am so glad I have this" or "What would I do without that?" So here are some of my absolute favorite things:

 1. I Pads - Seriously, this is the best invention ever. I love being able to do anything and everything on a computer that I can throw in my purse, bring in the car, or snuggle up on the couch with. We limit screen time with our little ones, (and usually hide them in the house), but there have been  many instances when our sanity was saved by this little invention.

 2. My Pineapple Corer/Cutter - Wish I would have found this years ago. It works so well and all the pineapple juice stays inside the pineapple, which means and I can easily pour it into the blender for a smoothie for the kids.

 3. Target Diapers - Yes, I know diapers. I have tried Pampers, Huggies, Wal-Mart, and Target. Not only are the Target diapers more affordable, (which is important when you have twice the diaper changes), but I have always been impressed with their absorbency. Plus, who doesn't love the cute polka dots?

 4. Heated Mattress Pad - This is another great invention. I love jumping into a bed that is nice and warm. I usually don't use the blanket at night, unless it's a really chilly night, but love to cuddle up with a book before bed on my warm mattress pad.

 5. Nutella - I wish I had never tried this. A couple years ago, at the downtown Farmer's Market, I had a crepe with Nutella and bananas and nearly peed my pants because of how good it was.  My only rule is I won't buy this to keep in the house, (because I would eat all of it), but if I can find something to purchase that includes this delicious chocolate spread, I'm all in!

6. Baby Gap - Their clothes hold up so well and are appropriately sized. Plus, everything in that store is adorable!  My new favorites are their snug tight jammies and their socks, which wear better than any other sock my kids have worn!

 7. My Honda Odyssey - (Yes, I know I have mentioned this before in my blog!).  If you asked me 5 years ago if I would ever be a mini van owner, I would have said NO WAY! I have to admit, I love our van.  All kiddos can climb in and out without trouble.  Someone have a dirty diaper? No problem, we can pull over and change them in the back of the van (which we have done many times). Going somewhere with Grandma and Papa? Pile in, we can all fit! We bought this van thinking we would be interested in selling it in 3 years-we may have to rethink that.

 8. Shutterfly Photo Books - What a great way to organize photos over the years. You can spend hours picking out the perfect background, photo arrangement, and embellishments, or let Shutterfly do it all. I've never been disappointed.  Plus there are always discounts available!  I make one yearly for each kid after their birthday and I hope years down the road they will be glad I did.

9.  Saucony Running Shoes - Years ago, I called these the "old people brand."  Now I'm proud to wear Saucony on my feet. I have had two pairs now and love them over any other brand I have tried.  I'm hoping to get many more miles out of my current pair.

10.  The Fresh 20 Meal Plan - See previous post for details.  What a great idea full of healthy, yummy recipes.

11.  Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks - I don't even like coffee and always get decaf, but this is delicious.  Good thing they aren't available year-round.

12.  Leggings - 10 years from now I'll probably read this thinking, what the hell?!  I wore leggings?  But seriously, who doesn't love throwing on a pair of leggings and heading out the door for the day. You can dress them up or down, wear them with boots or flats, a skirt or dress, a long shirt or sweater.  Plus I love comfort and for me, this is more comfortable than anything else I could wear.

13.  Cross Over Purses - Again, this was always thought of as a "mom" purse, well I guess after 5 years of being a mom, I have decided this is the purse for me now, (at least when I'm out and about with the clan in tow).  When you add more than one child to your family, this type of purse is valuable.  I can contain my herd without my purse constantly sliding off my shoulder or a little one pulling it off.  Free hands=quicker shopping/less chance for meltdowns!  Yippee!

14. Keepy App - I came across this app by accident. My kids do art projects nearly daily at daycare and trot through the door with these projects in their hands each evening.  My fridge quickly became full of the "keepers" and the others usually ended up in the recycling bin after every one was tucked in for the night.  After a few weeks of staring at the ones on the fridge, they either joined the others in the recycling bin, or if they were REALLY good, became part of that child's scrapbook. I finally decided I wanted to do something else with the artwork that isn't scrapbook material so I downloaded this FREE app.  I have a "folder" for each child and a picture of the artwork is uploaded into each folder.  You can add notes/comments, share with friends or family members, or save and print off at a later time.  You can also upload videos.  Each one is dated and it's fun to look through previous works of art.  There is a component you can pay for but I honestly don't know what that includes. I don't need any more features than what I have.

15.  Vitamin D - At least weekly I recommend vitamin D supplementation to one of my patients. The benefits are countless and medical journals are frequently publishing new articles indicating the effects of low vitamin D levels.  Like many other providers, I never took my own advice.  I would predict at least 80% of us are vitamin D deficient and need a supplement, especially during the winter months, (unfortunately most insurance companies will not pay for a vitamin D level).  I finally caved and started taking a supplement.  Just after a couple weeks, I started to notice a difference in my energy level and other benefits.  Hopefully it's more than just a placebo effect, but I plan on continuing.

Last but not least...

16.  Coconut Oil - Another item I wish I would have known about years ago.  The uses of coconut oil are numerous and I have tried many of them.  It can be used for cooking, as a hair product, to remove cradle cap, as a diaper cream, as a lotion, to whiten and remove bacteria from teeth, for dandruff...The more virgin and unrefined, the better. So the next time you are at the store, pick some up.