CrAzY Working Mom

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Happy Birthday Ty-Man!

Tyler Turned 10 years old on Sunday, August 9th.

Here is a quick highlight photo post.

He was creamed at his favorite Mexican place.

He got to play lazer tag!

Grandma made him a baseball themed cake.

One Week In - My Adventures With Fitbit

Watching the sunrise on a morning walk. Breathtaking!

I posted last week about being discontent in my own skin. I decided to make some changes. One of the major changes included a minor purchase. I began with a Fitbit Charge HR. If you are unfamiliar with the Fitbit and it's benefits, I'll give you a quick run down. This is how Fitbit is described via their website: "When it comes to reaching your fitness goals, steps are just the beginning. Fitbit tracks every part of your day—including activity, exercise, food, weight and sleep—to help you find your fit, stay motivated, and see how small steps make a big impact. Track activity, exercise, food, weight, sleep and more, for real-time information about your day and night. Sync stats wirelessly and automatically from your Fitbit device to your phone or computer" Everything is literally at the touch of your fingers. I can track caloric intake (and it keeps up with how many I'm burning according to my heart rate and steps). I can put in how much water I'm drinking. Oh, and my favorite part is that my Fitbit tells me how well I slept each night. I love that part.

Okay, I realize I'm starting to sound like a commercial and that is clearly NOT why I'm writing this post! I have not been paid a single thing by Fitbit or any affiliates. It's just a product that I have purchased and come to love. I like to share the love. <3

So, today marks a week of my new journey. I have been trying to avoid sugars and carbohydrates. I have averaged 11K steps a day which totals out to 5 miles!!! I am stoked about that. I have been motivated to get up early each day (before sunrise) and get at least half of my 10K goal under my belt. I enjoy the quiet time to listen to music and get my Jesus time in. Since I homeschool my kiddos, time to myself is rare. I do enjoy it. In 7 days, I feel better, I am excited to be moving, and I have shed two pounds. I know that's not much, but if I can do two pounds a week for the next 6 months, I'll be a happy camper.

Wednesday, August 05, 2015

Getting Real, Confessions of a Discontent Mom - The Begining of a New Journey

To say that this summer has been busy for my family would be the understatement of the century. July was the icing on a triple chocolate layered cake of full plate, scheduled to the max!

We had Summer musical for my daughter at the beginning of summer. She was an orphan in Annie Jr. at our local community theater. I couldn't have been more proud of her for her performance. It is a huge family commitment considering she had to be there at 8am beginning the very first day of summer break. For a home-school family, this is asking a lot! Both of my ballers made the All-Star teams. Emily played a softball tournament here in town, but for a month we practiced at least three times a week. Tyler played in a tournament locally and was also invited, along with his team to play in the Dixie Youth Baseball World Series in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He also practiced at least twice a week. Fortunately, most of his practices were at the same time as Emily. This kept us on the move frequently!

Also in July, we went to Siloam Springs with the kiddos to church camp. Last week, after the 4 day trip to Hattiesburg for the World Series, we came home to Vacation Bible School for our church where Brien was the storyteller. He brought the message each night for the kids. I was the music leader. I taught the kids dance moves to four songs over the five days. I had a twenty minute time slot for music. I had an unfortunate realization after that first night.

I am overweight. I have, for a while now been reaching past my pants w/buttons to the ones with the elastic waist. I stayed away from the scales because what's a number anyway?!
After dancing around with the kids for less than twenty minutes, I felt terrible. I was hot and sweaty, I felt nauseous, and could hardly breathe! This was not me, I am trapped in someone else's body. I would never let myself get this far!

I wish that were the case. It is me, my overweight, improperly nourished body was screaming at me! It was the most physical activity that I had done in months. My ankle was bothering me where the screws are from the surgery. I could hardly walk on it the next day. I pressed on, and by the end of the week, my whole body, even my knees were hurting!

My best friend was telling me about the great results she is getting from her newly purchased Fitbit. She has been walking, and has started feeling better because she is encouraged to walk more and be active to get in those daily steps. I was intrigued and did some research and decided to purchase one for myself.

Today I begin a new journey. I will set goals, I will smash them! I will take back control of my health and well being. I've got lots of ball games and stage performances ahead of me. I can't continue on this road I am on. I am taking a longer route because I want to get those steps in!!!
I reached my goal yesterday and I am well on my way to making it there today! :)

Disclaimer:
I did not write this post for sympathy. I realized that I needed to make changes, and I want to hold myself accountable. By posting publicly, I will hold myself at a higher standard. These "before" pictures are going to be different in a few months. I will hold myself to it!!! Phil 4:13 "I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Being a Home School Mom Has Endless Rewards

My students and I.

You know moms have a hundred or so titles: nurse, chauffeur, chef, maid, etc. In addition to my "mom titles" am also the office manager for my husband's plumbing business. I take care of the billing, accounts receivable, and try to field service calls when I can. I also sell Scentsy. In January of this year, I added a new title to my name. I am also a home based educator. That's a fancy way to say that I teach my kids at home.

What an adventure it's been so far! I must say that I went into it as scared as any parent would be. Now, their entire future depends, in part, on not only how I raise them, but also how I educate them. At first, that was a very scary feeling. Now, I only chuckle to think that I was leaving this up to numerous other people who, although many of them very well qualified and caring individuals, only dealt with my children for a short time and had no long term investment in their future. (I am NOT knocking public school teachers...my kids had some of the best in our district!!)

It is a different adventure every single day, I promise. There are no two children alike. None of the three of them learn the same, and they are all such unique and individual personalities. It is amazing how much I have learned about them in the last 10 months. Don't get me wrong, it's not always tiptoeing through the tulips. Some times, I want to go hide in the closet and plug my ears. I may or may not have actually done this before. But, the reward far outweighs the alternative to sending my kids back to public school I have seen such a change in them since we began to home school. Yes, they still fight but they do get along a lot better than they used to. Their imaginations are unbelievable. I don't hear "I'm bored" anymore. Perhaps it's because they don't want me to make them write a book report, but still!

She brought me an apple to "school" a/k/a the kitchen table. ;)

Yesterday, something happened that made me so very proud of the young lady that I am raising. My oldest (6th grade) does her math on the computer, Teaching Textbooks is the curriculum we use. I LOVE it, by the way. It's a perfect fit for her. She had to do a quiz, so I gave her a little incentive that if she made a 100% that I would reward her. We don't usually weigh to heavily on "grades", mostly just rely on the fact that they are understanding what they are doing. But, I thought it would be a fun change of pace. She was excited and went into the office to work on her quiz. She came out later and said she'd completed her math and proudly proclaimed that she'd made a 100%!! I was happy for her, but I know her well enough to know that she was not being honest. I asked her if she was telling the truth and she hesitated and said yes. I told her I was proud and then asked her if she used a calculator (she's not supposed to use one). She dropped her chin and began to sob and said, "YES!" Bless her little heart, she couldn't be dishonest even if she wanted to. I told her that I was glad she told the truth, but the fact that she "cheated" by using a calculator meant that she wasn't getting a reward. I thought that we were finished with the incident and then later on she came out of her room (long after we were finished with "school") and handed me a folder filled with a page full of sentences: "I will never cheat again." I don't know how many times she'd written it, but I suppose once her conscience felt clean she stopped. When she handed me the papers I told her she didn't have to do it and she said she had to be punished somehow! So, I told her that as long as she asked God for his forgiveness that's all that mattered. I didn't think bad of her and I knew that she was an honest person.

As I retold the story to my husband later that night, I realized how proud I was of the little lady that I am raising. Although she might mess up sometimes (like we all do), she does have a big heart and she has the love of Christ dwelling inside her. I couldn't ask for more! I am very proud of my kiddos and I know that as time goes on, I will only become more proud.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Confessions of a First Time Homeschool Mom

As I write this post, we are 5 months into our homeschooling journey. I began teaching my pre-schooler, 2nd grader, and 5th grader from the comforts of our own home at the beginning of the second semester this year.

Tyler came to school a/k/a the kitchen table like this.

We began a new year and a new chapter in our lives in January of twenty-fourteen. I had struggled with the fact that I felt God was calling me to home school my children for quite some time. I didn't know if I could be with my children twenty four hours a day, seven days a week (and I still don't!!). I didn't want to lose that freedom I had during the day. I take care of the office side of my husband's plumbing business from home. With that comes responsibilities, but I can take time during the day when needed for pedicures, shopping, etc. I also had plenty of time to keep up with laundry, dishes, and housework. How in the world could I ever fit in teaching my kids...and the biggest excuse of them all...I'm not smart enough. The kids are home with me in the summers. We "home school" then...we just don't have books in our laps when we do. We take field trips to the zoo, movies, and visit the water park. We do community service, and attend camps. Life always goes on even when the kids aren't doing time in public school. So, why should it be any different from August to May?

I finally gave in to all of those preconceived notions this year and decided I'd give it a trial run for a semester. I ordered curriculum, made schedules, planned, and we were ready! The first week went by like clock work. The kids were excited about the change in their routine. Every day they got up without fuss, got dressed, brushed their teeth (yes, home schoolers still do all of that!!). It was an amazing time. Then slowly and surely, they wanted to sleep in later, forgot to brush their teeth and wanted to do school in their pajamas. I tried to be a stickler to rules, we needed to get school done in a timely manner. We have to complete so much work per week. We can't be failures. The world is watching...or at least my parents are!

When snack time and Science collide! Experiment time.

If I could go back five months, I'd tell my worried, stressed out self that "home school" is nothing more ~~structured~~ learning scattered throughout (most of the time). I would not be overwhelmed with trying to get a month ahead on "lesson plans". The truth is, I have found that the kids will do much more work when I just tell them to do however much they feel like they can get finished today instead of giving them "X" amount of pages to complete. I would toss the books aside on a pretty day or better yet, take them to the park and get a few pages in between the merry go round and teeter totter. Yes, we still set goals and strive to achieve them, but in the end it's not about "making the grade" or getting finished at a certain time. It's about learning things that they will take with them for a life time. It's about being realistic and letting the kids explore and seek out what they enjoy. I'm not saying that they shouldn't do math, grammar, reading, etc. But, sometimes they will do a lot more if you aren't shoving it down their throats. There will be days when you may not get much accomplished. The sunshine and cool breezes can trump school sometimes. There will be plenty of time to make up that missed day of work in the winter when it's minus ten and the ice is frozen solid, provided there's no snow, 'cause then we'd have to call a snow day. ;)

While I won't say that every day is bliss, I do not regret the decision to pull my children from public school and teach them at home. One of my home schooling girlfriends put it best when she said, sometimes your "pros" are also your "cons" when home schooling as far as being with your kids all of the time. We do have to have trips to grandma's house...or sometimes mom just has to get in the car and drive around the block when Dad gets home because she needs to clear her head and have some Jesus time. I get a little emotional when I think of all of the wonderful things I missed out on by sending my kids to someone else for 7 hours a day to get "educated". I know that I have really gotten to know my kiddos this last five months. We laugh and cry together, we play and learn together. We still do drama, baseball, softball, church, and community service. We still have sleep overs, birthday parties, and the likes. They still have friends, and while they do miss some of their public school acquaintances, I believe that they are some of the most socially interactive kids you'll meet.

School at the park on a sunny day.

With that being said, I cannot imagine ever sending my kids back to public school. Although circumstances could some day change and the need may arise where it is our only option. I pray that God will continue to allow me to do what he has designed me to do, and that is to raise God fearing, loving, caring, self-sufficient, well rounded, properly educated children.

Shelby reading from a tree.

Now, to brag a little bit...my pre-schooler is on her 4th book. She's learning to read and that is astounding to me!! My 2nd grader has some difficulties reading, but he's a whiz at math and I love to see his brain work around those numbers in ways that mine doesn't process. He doesn't like to read, but he does LOVE to be read to and his favorites subjects of course are math, history, and science. My 5th grader is my little book worm. She's constantly reading. We frequent the library and she will check out (and read) at least 3 books a week! All three of my kids, from the 5 year old to the 11 year old can recite (in order) all of the books of the Old and New testament in the Bible. They continue to amaze me at all they absorb and I pray that God will continue to lead me on this amazing journey as a home schooling mom of three.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Scars

As Spring like weather approaches, so does the need for flip flops and short pants. I love to wear capris, but this year it seems like I can't bring myself to put them on. Ya see I have massive scars from the surgery I had in December to put a metal plate in my leg. One side is a long, perfect medical scar. The other side is a nasty scar from the damage that the bone did to pressing against the skin. I am very self conscious about it. I am worried about wearing flip flops and capris this year not only because of the ugly scars, but also because of the fact that my leg is still very thin and frail compared to the other leg. For over 4 weeks, I was not allowed to put any weight on it. So, my leg grew very thin and the muscle was almost non-existent in it. Although it is no longer as bad as it once was, and heals a little more each day, I know this summer I will get a lot of stares and odd looks. Do you have scars that you are self conscious of? Are there reasons that you won't wear certain attire? Do tell.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Update - Call Me Bionic Woman!

Since I haven't posted here since December,

I thought I would post a generalized update on the CrAzy Working Mom Family.

We had a wonderful Christmas filled with lots of love and family time. On Christmas night, we had an enormous ice storm that filled the state with lots of beautiful snow and treacherous ice! The kids enjoyed it. We played in it all day the next day. Unfortunately, we lost a few tree limbs and were without power for an entire day. Thankfully we have a fire place and had just enough wood stored up that we were able to keep warm by the fireside until power was restored.

My best friend celebrated her birthday eve with a SURPRISE party! We had a wonderful time in her presence with a taco bar fiesta and fun fellowship. It was so good to get to spend some quality time with her! Although I am not entirely sure she was "surprised", there was lots of planning and preparation that went into her celebration and I know that she was very thankful and enjoyed every minute of it!

Tisha & Becca 2012

On Saturday, December 29, 2012 I was preparing to go visit my best friend, Becca for lunch and my husband was going to unstop her plumbing while we were there I headed outside and unbeknownst to be, there was still ice on my front porch steps. I took a very terrible fall down my steps and ended up with a dislocated ankle and two broken bones. Instead of enjoying lunch with my bestie on her birthday, I ended up in the E.R!!!

I yelled for my husband to come outside and he rushed to my side...literally!! He fell down the stairs on top of me. Thankfully he was not hurt, but quickly agreed with me that I was when he saw that the bone that my foot should be sitting on was not about to pop out of my skin! It was a very traumatic experience for me, and my very first bone break. When I do something, I go all out.

He and my father-in-law loaded me up and took me to the Emergency Room where a very friendly staff of doctors and nurses treated me for the fracture. I was given Propofol, which may sound familiar to you as a reader because it's what killed Michael Jackson! I was told that I would still be awake, but I would be "under" for 7 minutes. I had to sign a release form "just in case" I didn't wake up. My family was very concerned and scared. I just wanted my foot to be put back on my leg and to be able to go home!

My New and Improved Ankle

So, the procedure was completed and I was awake the entire time watching a total of 9 doctors, nurses, and staff treat the fracture and watch my vitals. It was a very humbling experience. Upon completion of this procedure, my doctor informed me that they were waiting to hear back from the surgeon!! Yes, I said surgeon.

Since I had eaten breakfast, I had to wait a few hours until they could safely do the surgery. Once they had the green light, I was taken back and given anesthesia yet again to complete the surgery. This time I became the (not so proud) owner of a steel plate and 8 screws which have taken up permanent residence in my right ankle.

I was informed that I was not allowed to bear ANY weight on this ankle for at least 4 weeks. Yes, this busy mother of three was going to be "benched" for 4 weeks! Being as it was my right foot, I was unable to drive for even longer than that! Fortunately, my sister and her husband stepped in and they allowed us to stay with them and were a tremendous help to Brien by picking up and dropping off the kids at school and helping with my immediate needs. It was a very difficult time for me. As a mother of three and small business owner, I have never had much reason to depend on others. Brien and I have tried very hard to be able to support our family and to take care of each other without the help of others. So, it was a very humbling experience to say the least. I am so grateful for the many people who helped out. We had dinners cooked for us for an entire two weeks solid! There were so many text messages, facebook messages, prayers, visits, and the likes that I could never thank everyone. But, for those of you who visited, called, and texted...THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I could have never made it without you all.

We are now gearing up for another season of baseball. It's been practice 2 - 3 times a week and pretty soon we'll switch from practice to games. But, we love it. Tyler loves it and we enjoy cheering him on. I am looking forward to spending the summer with my kiddos. I am still recovering. I am no longer confined to the walking boot. I do wear it on occasion when the pain is unbearable. I still suffer from discoloration and tenderness where the scars are located, but all in all, I am healing and it's all part of the process.

I am still an Independent Scentsy Consultant if you're interested in purchasing online or if you live local and want to place an order give me a shout. My website: https://tishblack.scentsy.us. I also sell Grace Adele Fashion and Velata Chocolate Fondue (all three Scentsy Family brands).

Monday, December 10, 2012

Rudolph???

Uh- oh! Looks like Simon-Peter and Noelle are up to no good! They have turned Brien's buck into Rudolph! The kids are going to love this idea, but I'm not so sure Dad is going to like it so much! I hope that red nose is not permanent!

I love this time of year. Elf on a Shelf is a wonderful tradition in our house. The kids love to jump up out of bed each morning to search for the elves. It's good to know that in December they get out of bed very easily, no matter how late they stay up!

Toodles!

Sunday, December 09, 2012

The Adventures of Shelly the Tortoise

As I mentioned in a previous post, we've been tortoise sitting for my sister while they were away on vacation. It's been a great time and we really have enjoyed Shelly. Let me give you a little information about Shelly's species. She is an African Spurred Tortoise. She is native to the Sahara desert. Her species is the 3rd largest tortoise in the world. They can grow to be one to two HUNDRED pounds! Right now, Shelly weighs in at a whopping 22 lbs. They can live anywhere from 50 to 150 years. Shelly eats lots of green, leafy veggies and some fruit, but it is not recommended to feed her lots of fruit.

Emily had so much fun with Shelly. Ya see, our little Emily is a lot like Elmyra from the Tiny Toon Adventures. You remember Elmyra, right? She loved animals...they might not have thought the same of her, but she sure loved to hug them and squeeze them, and kiss them all over. Emily loves to carry around my sister's dogs and they are so patient with her. Although she was not able to carry around all 22 bulky pounds of Shelly, she followed her around and managed to lay beside her and crawl all around the floor with her. She really did have a fun time with her. I know she's going to miss her.