Bliss

Something about being in the mountains makes me reflect on life and my blessings. Good weather, happy kids, great friends, making memories, paradise. No to do lists, no chores, no extra curricular activities to run them to, no homework, just family and friends time. Bliss. With our crazy life, significant stresses and hectic schedules, a trip up north is just what we needed. Keeping this post short and sweet as I have kids waiting to play Uno with me. What is your happy place, your bliss? And how do you make sure to make time to get "there"?

--Brit

Better Me Better Mom one

Honestly this past week has been a record breaker on the stress-o-meter at our house so finding time to better myself has been a little hard to come by. 

But, on this Friday am I did have an epiphany on something I have tried to keep up on that helps me feel better. 

EXERCISE. Cheapest therapy around and best way to pull me out of my funk or help me have a handle on my life. Sweating out your troubles is better than any med I know. Just do it, big or small those calorie burning, stress squashing minutes are worth it! I rely on this method often and my body and mind love me for it. 

So matter what you do or what you have time for, squeeze some exercise in. The mental benefits almost outweigh the physical. Happy Friday!

-- Brit

Life in the Carpool Lane

Three pm hits, frantic mothers everywhere pull up to school ensuring the ideal carpool spot and hurriedly shuffle their children into their minivans. Backpacks check, homework check, all children accounted for, check. And they are off! 

Off to after school snacks and getting home work done. Running them to dance, soccer, piano, baseball; these amazing mothers do it with a clockwork like finesse, despite the often harried look in their eyes. Three to six pm becomes the "witching hour" for moms everywhere who cram, micromanage and transport their beloved children. It is simply a beautiful, crazy thing to watch. 

Mothers out there, you are not alone. As I look in the rear view with my car full of kids, some not my own, rushing off to dance, then gymnastics, then back home to make dinner, I get you. I know the harried look, I know the exasperation yet happy busy joy, I am one of you. I understand life in the carpool lane. 

Who knew as mothers we would find ourselves immersed in our children's busy schedules and agendas? My four year old has more entries in my day planner that pertain to her needs than I actually have for me. Times two more busy children and I often feel overwhelmed. I sincerely wish that we could add a few more hours in the day to accomplish everything on the to do list. How satisfying that would be?!

Yet sometimes we need to slow down. Our children will survive if they have a day after school where they don't have an activity to go to. In fact they might thrive even more. I am the queen of extracurricular activities and loooove letting my girls try new things. However I admit I have learned this lesson the hard way. It is perfectly ok to be busy and perfectly ok to have calmer days. Make sure it happens in your house. You all need a day to regroup. 

So mothers out there finagling your minivans into the carpool lane... giving everything you've got to get to the front of the school pick up line. Chill. Our kids will be ok. They will still get where they need to be and your blood pressure will thank you. I have often looked in my rear view with my van full of giggling girls and it has made stop and smile. Motherhood is so busy. Let it be a little less. That might turn out to be a surprisingly wonderful thing too.  -- Brit

Better Me, Better Mom

Do you ever feel like your mommy reserves run dry? Like you are running in so many different directions, solving everyone's problems, mending sad hearts, cleaning up spills, running the carpool, cleaning house, helping with homework,  making dinner etc. etc. (the list is endless)... And in the meantime NOT taking care of YOU? This is totally, definately me. 

Wait, some moms get a shower everyday? There are moms out there who read, meditate, do yoga, take a class, have alone time, go on dates with their husbands regularly, read a magazine once in a while, what????? I feel like a different species from "these moms" sometimes and I know I am not alone in feeling this way. 

So here it goes. I am owning up to it; recognizing that I need some nurturing, a little care, and have decided to create a weekly blog post dedicated to just that. My mission is to combine the daily tasks of motherhood with some mix-ins of good stuff. A "Better Me, Better Mom" is born!

Visit me weekly to find out ways I am improving my self a little at a time, a moment at a time. Taking care of ourselves shouldn't drain our super powers of Mommyhood, it should strengthen them! 

I plan on including many topics- health, fitness, yoga, pampering ( yippee), good books, good eats, natural remedies, fabulous finds, relaxing places, snippets of goodness. The possibilities are endless! 

Mom's out there, what is your feel good Mommy superpower? Because let's be honest, the old saying rings true.. " If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" Enough said. 

-- Brit

Beauty Tips for Busy Moms, Guest Blogger post

In the blogging world it is always good to network with other bloggers, feature each other's posts and help spread the word. It is fun and a great way to learn the ropes. I am new at this and was really looking for my first guest poster to be fun, fresh and relatable. I discovered Nikki at What's Buzzin! http://whatzbuzzin.com/

I enlisted her help to come up with some fast ways to look pretty as a mom, even when you have ten minutes! Here are some awesome ideas, thanks Nikki!

Beauty Tips For Moms

Juggling our roles as a mom and a woman is pretty crazy. Taking care of our kids, yes we can do that hands down but can we take care of ourselves while doing that? The answer is ABSOLUTELY! If you have an hour to beautify yourself then hail to you but what if you only have 10 minutes before you had out that door?
Here are some beauty tips that we can do to still look good even though time is a disadvantage:
HAIRSTYLES
❣ Messy Buns – You can never go wrong with this style. Not only is it trendy and super easy but it’s quick too! All you need is a hair tie/hair elastic and you’re good to go.
❣ Braids – Side braid, ponytail braid or full braid. Doesn’t matter how you style your braid but this is probably the most known hairstyle ever.
❣ Ponytails – It makes you look less stressed if you have your hair up. Doesn’t matter how high you put your ponytail, it will surely make a statement.
❣ Dry Shampoo – Don’t have the time to take a shower? No worries, dry shampoo can help make your hair smell and look good.
MAKE-UP
❣ Concealer – This beauty product is essential especially if you didn’t get a lot of sleep the night before. Just apply it under your eyes and onto those unwanted stress marks. This will make you appear like you slept for 10 hours when in fact you only had 3!:)
❣ Highlighter – This product is useful for added glow on your face.
❣ Multi Tasking Beauty Products – Use products that serves more than one purpose. Some lipsticks can also be used for cheek stains. You can use tinted moisturizer which also serves as your foundation.
CLOTHES
❣ Wear something you are comfortable with BUT not pajamas. What’s the use of the hair and make up if you go out wearing your pj’s. It won’t take you an hour to pick a nice top and probably your favorite jeans.
Always remember that no matter how much time we have in our hands juggling motherhood and being a woman, we need to have time for ourselves too. My mother always told me that how you take care of yourself will reflect on how you take care of your kids.
LINK: http://whatzbuzzin.com/%E2%99%A5-beauty-tips-for-moms-%E2%99%A5/

BIO: I am a mother to a lovely and bright little girl, Cassie. Wife to an amazing husband. I blog about fashion, beauty, lifestyle and of course about parenting.
SOCIAL MEDIAS:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/beautybymommy
Twitter: http://twitter.com/poohvolent
Blog: http://whatzbuzzin.com


Maybe this gym clothes, pony tail mom can find time to look fabulous after all..

-- Brit

 

 

She

I see her across the parking lot as I rush into the girl's school.  Somehow she manages to look so put together, even at 7:30 am. Her hair blow dried and blonde, lip gloss on and a cute outfit on her trim figure. Somehow I let this "she" make me feel a little less as I rush into my girl's classes. I am there to volunteer, do some good, share my talents. Ironically, she makes me feel sad.

I see her later that day too. At the grocery store this time.  I am struggling with my purchases and marking off my list. I look up to see her walking by with her perfectly behaved kids and cart full of organic groceries. Dark hair up in a purposely loose bun, cute Gap outfit and pretty smile. On top of her perfection, nothing processed in her cart! She seems to be the perfect, healthy mom I want to be but miss the boat at times. Darn it! My excited attempt at a new recipe falls a little flat as I realize it contains cream cheese and canned soup. She would never make that. 

She seems to be following me everywhere today. Sitting at the doctor's office with my youngest, I look over and see her sitting there. Flowered dress, creamy complexion, nose in a book as her perfect lil baby sleeps in her carrier. Blissful really. I am scrambling to get my disabled child's foot braces on while keeping my other girls entertained with their electronics and a fruit snack. To read a real book would be a dream. She seems to have it all. I think about her as I continue on with my day.

At church she is there. Bringing joy to all who know her, such an amazing person who volunteers for everything, serves in a big position, children know every scripture story, craft whiz, food storage pro. Her dress never has a wrinkle in it and her hair is always curled and her children look and act even more perfect. I long to be like her because she is just so nice and good. I feel I fall short as I watch her. 

She comes in all shapes and sizes. She sneaks in at every place I frequent, event I attend, this image of perfection that I can never be all of is there; waiting for me to find her and make me want to be like her. She lets my insecurities resurface and makes me forget the talents and gifts I do possess. Oh I wish SHE would not follow me everywhere! It's exhausting.

Fast forward. I am in line with my girls at the bank. Today is a good day. All three are happy, we managed to have cute outfits on and everything matches. My oldest is smiling at my youngest, giving her loves she chats happily in her wheelchair. My middle child is holding my hand and reciting the continents she is learning in class. We manage to make it through the line with no issues, I am patient, everyone is happy and I do look pretty put together today. I get what I need, and we make our way out of the teller line. 

Two women who were apparently behind us in line are talking to each other. I only get a small piece of their conversation but what I did hear I will never forget. 

" I don't know how She does it. " 

Looks of admiration are written across their faces and nods of awe are sent in my direction. I feel a warmth in my chest and smile, turning to leave the bank. 

As I push open the glass door to let my little girls through and finagle the wheelchair out the door with one hand I look up at my reflection in the glass. She looks pretty. Pretty good. Pretty happy, pretty put together. I am someone's " she " today. 

Aren't we all?

-- Brit

Cute As a Button

Well after being in the hospital unexpectedly for a week, and then having to adjust to the life changing surgery Brookie has had, it has left me with a huge case of writer's block. I decided I needed to give myself a break and wait until I could write about this experience in what I always try to do, a positive light. So here it goes..

On Tuesday, August 12th  Brookie and I found ourselves in the Phoenix Children's ER. Brooke has always had terrible digestion and reflux issues and I believe that this was the seventh time in two years we had visited the hospital for acute abdominal pain. Poor babe, this time she was even more hysterical and miserable than usual. 

Heart sick and frustrated I watched her go through many tests. The doctors were trying to determine the best way to treat her symptoms and actually help solve the problem, rather than giving her pain medication and sending us home. I was grateful for that. I decided that enough is enough and we needed a solution for my poor baby's pain! After carefully looking over her test results and records, the ER doctor recommended she be admitted and start a full GI flush. If Brookie's bowels became even more impacted it could potentially become dangerous and life threatening if they burst. It was something we just had to do. 

I had no idea what was in store for sweet Brookie. Needless to say, we were admitted to the hospital, an NG tube was placed up her nose and down her throat 

( my heart broke at her sad cries) and continuously for the next 4 DAYS she was given high doses of medication they give to colonoscopy patients. To spare you the disgust I won't go much further on this topic ( be glad ) but it was awful, painful, and just plain miserable. My normally happy girl cried on and off for days and was super uncomfortable. Isn't doing things we must do for our children's own good just so hard?? I wanted to stop the flush a dozen times but we just had to do it. 

Thankfully, we were not alone during this rough hospital stay! Hundreds of texts and Facebook messages sending words of encouragement helped carry me through. I spent everyday all day in the hospital and the days are long and difficult. I sympathize with friends who have been in hospitals for months with their children. As much as I love Phoenix Children's and what an amazing place it is, it is still hard to be inpatient. Especially when you have other children at home. 

Brookie and I sure felt the love though :). We had visitors literally several times a day. I was touched at those who made a special effort to come and see us and lift our spirits and keep us company. Ryan spent all day with us but he had to go home and take care of Jules and Audi. It was really stressful being separated but Brookie was always so happy when Daddy was with us. 

In times of trial you definitely feel who is there for you. Brookie even had a very special blanket given to her by a very special person, Heather, with her trademark " Brookie the Brave" embroidered on it. That made me tear up, I love it so much!!!

Mommy even had some yummy treats and much needed caffeine brought to her more times than she needed to be indulging in , ha! I am so thankful for friends who love us and love our little daughter. It means SO much, truly. I have to share the sweetest thing! One of my Audrey's little besties made a card for Brookie. She drew two little girls, standing beside each other and they represented herself and Brooke. Most wouldn't pause to realize the significance but I did. Kaitlyn doesn't see Brooke's disabilities, she sees the little girl behind the wheelchair and all of the medical equipment. I was so completely touched, it lifted my spirits on a hard day. Brookie is changing all who know her and teaching us true compassion.

Of course Brooke's most favorite visitors were her sisters and Daddy! She loves them so completely and the first smiles in days came when Juliette and Audrey came to visit!

When Brookie was diagnosed I was so worried about how it would affect Juliette and Audrey. Would they feel they missed out, would they feel bitter, would they be embarrassed or afraid of Brooke's disabilities. Well, God sent me very special girls to be big sisters. Truly they are wonderful with Brookie. They love her, they are proud of her and having Brooke as their sibling has made them very special little people. I am just so darn proud of these two. I am so fortunate Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when He sent them first to help me. 

After the misery of the 4 day flush, the light and the end of the tunnel came. She was finished, all clear, time for a break! Oh did Brookie perk up!

A real bath came, first experience with Jello, the Pet therapy program stopped by, things were looking up!

Still, we weren't done here yet. Her GI doctor, Dr. Macomber, came to her room to talk with us. Totally inexpectedly he suggested it was time for Brookie to have a Gtube put in. My heart sank. A Gtube is literally a port surgically placed her her tummy where we attaching tubing onto and her formula, medications, and fluids can be pumped into. Thus far she has best the odds of ever needing one and this news really really hurt. So much of Brookie's life isn't normal, she can't talk, walk, participate in activities her peers can, even eat normally. Now this Gtube would be one more step in making her 

" less normal." Selfishly I was very sad. We already get the stares now that she is in a wheelchair and wears leg braces, this is just one other thing for Brookie to face. It really is hard watching your child live life on the sidelines and miss out on SO much. 

Now some people may think I am dramatic or not accepting something that would ultimately benefit Brookie's life SO much, but it was ok to let myself grieve this day. I was sad.  She had just endured days of pain and now needed surgery. It was a rough day. However, like everything else we face as a special needs family we move forward. Surgery was scheduled for the following day. At least Brookie had an unexpected, unaware day of relief and was back to her happy self. If only she knew what was in store!

The following morning we were taken down to the operating room. Unaware of what was about to occur, Brookie sat up in the middle of her bed as she was wheeled through the hospital. She seriously was cheezing it up, the hospital staff loved it! She was like Miss America. It was pretty cute.

Thankfully the surgery itself is fairly easy. Brookie does well with anesthesia and everything went according to plan. The hardest part came afterwards. Brookie really was in a lot of pain. She could hardly make it between medication doses and was on some pretty heavy meds. The doctors think that doing the back to back flush and Gtube might have been a little much for little Brooke to handle. We stayed several days afterwards to help her recover. 

Thankfully we had amazing friends and family supporting us and visitors to keep us sane. It had been a loooooong week. After being trained on how to use the Gtube, clean the Gtube, administer feedings, work the pump, etc etc over and over we finally after a week in the hospital were going home! On a side note,  I personally think I deserve an honorary CNA license with all of the nursing skills I am learning as Brookie's mom! 

Honestly Brookie sobbed the whole way home, and the first night home was hard. She was in so much pain and I wondered if we made a mistake coming home too soon. But, our big girls were thrilled to have Mommy and Daddy back and their little sis and we needed to be there. After a few nights sleeping in Mommy's bed and lots of snuggles, easy going days and pain medication, Brookie turned a corner. Our happy Brookie the Brave was coming back.

Thankfully we had time all week at home to help her rest, recover and for me to adjust our lives around her feeding schedule. It is really time consuming and for this OCD scheduler mom I have had to up my game on getting things done on time and being where we need to be. Brookie still drinks orally, so we have double the work and it has been a little stressful. Especially with the busy lives we lead! Oh somehow it will all work out. I do thrive under pressure so I am confident that day by day it will get easier. 

Brookie is so glad to be home. She got to see some of her favorite people again.

And we gradually got back to our normal, I guess now new normal! Brookie even went back to preschool today and did great! Whoo hoo! 

She still is not herself, much more quiet, less hungry, still cannot carry herself well. She is chatty but at times very mellow which is not our bubbly happy girl. I hope as her tummy heals, and her muscles are less weak that she will soon get back to being Brookie. The doctors said it can take a while for the soreness to go away so I pray it does soon! I miss her!

Now, enough of this somber post! I hesitated even writing it because my whole mission of this blog is to show that happiness IS possible when raising a special needs child. The doom and gloom of hospital stays and medical issues that come with our lives can be sad, even depressing. But you know what? I decided it is ok to have our days to be sad and letting others see that doesn't take away from our happiness. We are happy but, this is a hard life that we love so deeply despite the hardships. Without the rain we would not appreciate the sunlight. And having Brookie in our family is like having the sun's warmth shining on you constantly. She is such a sweet, tender spirit. That is why it was such a hard week to see her go through. 

Still, trying times have been put in our paths for her whole little life, and I have decided our track record for overcoming them is pretty dang amazing. The quaint phrase " when life gives you lemons make lemonade " may sound trite but it totally applies to how we choose to deal with trials. I am proud of our little family and proud of Brookie. She is such a trooper. I am eternally grateful and ever proud of my beautiful Juliette and Audrey. They win the Best Big Sisters award hands down. 

Isn't it amazing that you can look back at something so awful and heart renching and think " ok, I am alright. We are all right." That is where I am getting to. Almost there. In the meantime I thankfully have good friends lifting my spirits and encouraging me. And a husband and three daughters who teach me everyday what unconditional love is. That my friends, is worth it all. So forgive me for sharing a little sadness tonight, I promise the sun will shine brighter for us tomorrow. Still I can always remember one of my favorite quotes and smile 

"Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful." Amen!

  -- Brit