Zumbafitmom to Black Belt

It's no secret to most that we have had trouble for a long time with our older son, Ryan.  He's been a challenge from the day he was born, but regardless I love him.  Fourth grade got off to a rocky start courtesy of some other kids with whom he had a past (1st grade year).  By the 3rd week he had already been suspended for hitting a child (who actually hit him first).  Anyway, I felt like Ryan was searching for something.  He NEEDED something where he could channel his energy into something positive.  He really dislikes sports or anything that has to do with a team (unlike Alex who loves soccer).  I had heard that martial arts was good for children with ADD,  so I thought we would give it a try.

He was hesitant at first.  Almost refusing to go.  But I bargained 15 minutes on his kindle if he went, acted appropriately, and actually participated.  Luckily the place we went http://www.martialartslexington.com/  was opening a brand new facility on our side of town so we got a uniform and 2 classes for $20 ($40 actually because Alex wanted to do it as well).  I knew after the first night it would be a good thing.  Ryan's demeanor changes from the moment we enter the door and yell "MUDO" to Master Jeon.  He likes to kick and yell.  And oddly enough, he doesn't mind when they correct his form or try to teach him a move.  He does exactly what they say and really enjoys it.

A week ago today (the Tuesday following my 41st birthday) I was watching the boys with their instructors and tried to learn their kick sequence.  With my background in kickboxing (thanks to Melissa, Vanessa, Wendy and Allison) I was able to count out what they did and sort of "practice" in the lobby.  There are mats on which you can stand/practice with your bare feet.  I wanted to be able to help my boys succeed in getting to the orange belt (beginning stage).  Well....on Thursday when we went back, Master Jeon got a uniform for me.  Evidently he had seen me practicing and got me to join in that evening.

For the next 45 minutes or so I screamed, yelled, punched, and kicked with all my might......enough so I had a sore throat later that evening.  I learned what different kicks are in Taekwondo vs. kickboxing.  The hardest part for me is not so much the kicking as is holding my hands in place.  I am so accustomed to "framing the face" in kickboxing, one hand under the chin with another down is a little challenging for me.  And so is the balance.  Oh my word.  I seriously have to work on my abdominal muscles so that I can balance better on my roundhouse.  Straightening my supporting leg and making sure I look at my target on my spin around.

He is also teaching me basic blocks for self defense as well as what to do if someone were to come at me with a knife (this part is only for ages 13 and up).  Tonight he had me doing rolls and then jumping up and yelling.  After the first one my head was spinning.  But I got used to it and really enjoyed it.

So in working to be better as a mom to have my children involved in something new, I have chosen to give it a go as well.  It's a good thing for my kids to see me train and work on some of the same things they are doing.  It's something we can do TOGETHER, which I fell is lacking in a lot of families these days.  Parents do their things and kids do their things, but rarely is anything done as a family anymore.

Well, things have changed a little here.

Yes, the little man still has soccer, and I still have my gym classes.

The hubs still has his running and biking.

But now this Zumbafitmom is headed for a black belt (eventually) along with her boys.  In a few years I don't think you'll want to meet any of us in a dark alley.

happy dancing (and kicking, blocking, and rolling),

Renee

P.S.  I have also started Hip Hop Abs (a beachbody program) in an effort to lose some of this crap around my waist.  I took before pictures today and wanted to burn the camera.  But, it is what it is, and I'm working to be better....right?

Food

You know, trying to be healthy is a challenge for me.  I grew up in a home with a vat of bacon grease in the cabinet.  We had fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.  My favorite were the skillet potatoes my mom would fix.  Oh my, I can seriously taste them right now.   I didn't grow up eating broccoli and cauliflower.  Nor did I eat carrots and tomatoes (my parents did, but me not so much).  I loved to eat corn, peas, potatoes, butter beans mmmmm.  And my mom's cornbread, made of course with the bacon grease :)  And believe me, I am not upset about the food I ate as a child (other than the beets I was forced to eat), it's just the way it was.

Flash forward 20+ years.  I am getting ready to turn 41 in a week.  Over the last few years I have progressively gotten better about eating.

Now, is it easy? Not always.

Do I still like those foods I grew up with? Of course!

Those are my comfort foods.  When I am sick, those are my go to.  Should it be that way?  Probably not, but that's the honest truth.

I have faults and that is one of them.  But 90% of the time, I do make better choices.  I still eat french fries, but in moderation.  I will get a kids' size vs. the large the people want me to buy.  But here's the kicker.....I feel better when I eat right.  It's just that alone that makes it worth while.  Eating the grease and all may taste good for the moment, but you have to think what it's doing to your insides.  And the next time you eat a really heavy meal loaded with fat, butter, grease, whatever.....evaluate how you feel afterwards.  Are you tired and sluggish?  Or do you feel energetic like you could take on the world.  These are just a few of my observations I have come to notice over the past few years.

And you know what happens when you fuel your body well?

You have ENERGY to do things.

YES!  AMAZING THINGS!

Five years ago you couldn't have told me I would be eating healthier and teaching group fitness classes.  But now I have the energy to do so because I FEED my body the good stuff!  I can go take/teach two classes and not be completely drained. Does my body feel it at my age? Yes, but that's okay.

The key for me has been Shakeology.  I love it.  Granted it's pricey, but you can't really put a price on your health.  It tastes good and is sooo good for you.  If you want to give it a try, you can always look on my link for more information www.myshakeology.com/momtotwoboys (yeah mom to two boys...makes sense right?)

And I workout a lot.  At least 5 days a week, sometimes twice in one day.  This leads to body changes that I never thought I could have.

YES!

I am stronger and more fit! I feel good! And oddly enough I post pictures of myself looking strong.  Crazy I know, but it's nice to see definition forming.  

And I also take pictures of myself doing turbo fire (another Beachbody product you can get through my other site www.beachbodycoach.com/momtotwoboys)

Shoulder definition during burpees

And yes, that's Ryan in the background watching.  I don't look for him to do any burpees any time soon....  Although they're hard on my weak right wrist, I still enjoy them :)

So here's what to take away from this post.  

ANY PERSON can change.  I am living PROOF! 

Don't be too hard on yourself.  It takes time.  Fad diets and pills won't work.  It takes persistence and patience to get to where you want to be.  One day at a time.

Best of luck,

Renee

Something new

Today was the first day of school for Fayette County.  For the first time, both boys are in school at the same facility.  I kind of didn't know what to do with myself.  I knew I had a dentist appointment at 10:30, but other than that I was free as a bird.

Instead of sitting around, waiting for something to do,  I decided to try a BarreAmped class at Elle Fitness.   www.ellefitnesslex.com  Oh.My.Word.  I was pleasantly surprised.  After a short warm-up, I say short even though I was already sweating, we headed to work at the bar.   AMAZING!! In that one hour class I feel as though I worked every part of my body and then some.  The poses were relatively easy, if you are 100lbs!!! At my weight, they're a challenge.  Balancing on my toes, knees wide, then tilting and tucking my lower abs and booty.  Needless to say, it was not attractive by any means, but I did feel a burn.  Lots of booty work, which I love and work with a ball (booty and abs).  I think this could be something I could see getting trained to do eventually.  Who knows?  But for now I'm just going to enjoy it.  The first class was free, but I will most certainly pay to return.  It is said results can be seen within 10 classes.  If that's the case then sign me up!  I have some time between now and the time of the new place opening, so why not?

On the flip side....the other day I was venting about parenting and how difficult it is.  Not feeling like a good mom and such.  I have to say I was actually commended the other day regarding my parenting skills.  As we approached the checkout lane at Target the other day, Alex proceeded to throw something on the belt. I believe it was a pack of gum.  I had okayed the gum, but it was how he went about placing it on the belt that I got upset.  I made him get the gum and place it gently where it belonged.  He started crying about not getting pokemon cards, and I reminded him of things he had bought with his money already.  I was about at my wits end when the little cashier said to me, "you have good parenting skills".  Holy cow! Are you kidding me? Thank heavens I've done something right.  It's not that I'm patting myself on the back or anything.  It's just that some days it's nice that other people see I am making an effort to control my kids and raise them well.

Speaking of kids....tomorrow I am going to spend a few hours in my younger son's classroom as a volunteer.  Currently I don't have anything else to do.  I will do a workout at home and then cut the grass.  I'm kind of enjoying the free time.

Happy Hump Day,
Renee

Changes.....

Today I taught my last group fitness class as part of LA Fitness.  I have been blessed over the last 2 1/2 years to teach this Sunday class.  These people have become part of my life.  My friends.  My family.  It was a bittersweet moment as I played "Last Dance"....yes I did :)  I wanted to cry, but knew it wasn't necessary.

Change is good, right?

Soon and very soon there will be a new place.  Something that won't compare to anything else here in Lexington.  As soon as I know specifics regarding cost, classes, etc. I will let you know.  For now, know that I love you all.  I hope to see you in classes again soon!

Until then...

Dance happy!

Live life! Today may be all you have!

Love with all your heart!

And finally, pay it forward.  Find some way to give time, energy, money, whatever works for you.

Here's to new horizons.



Blessings,
     Renee

Parenting.....

Do you ever feel as though sometimes you just aren't meant to be a parent?

I mean, like you just want to run away?

I'm having one of those days.  I want to pack a bottle of wine and head for the hills away from everyone and everything.

This summer, the hubs and I decided to take the boys out of childcare for the summer.  It has saved us a lot of money (close to $1000 a month) having them home. We were able to take a vacation and pay for it without using credit.  We've had a little extra money to splurge on a few little things.  That being said,  today I got a reality check from my older son.

I am tired.  I worked last night.  I came home and after breakfast went to bed.  

I was awakened at 10:30 by a screaming child and then a screaming husband at the child for waking me.  It was just a cluster that I can't stand.  One child went with him and the other stayed home.  I went back to bed.  Like I always do after working 12 hours.  I was back up just after 1pm.  The rooms were a mess and the boys were at each others throats.  I am so tired of the bickering and "he did this" and "it's his fault".  Then my older son said, 

"well mom you're always asleep and dad is always gone". 

 I guess in his eyes that's how he sees it.  Yes there have been days this summer we have had to stay inside because I needed to sleep before/after work.  And my husband was gone a lot working.  Although he's gone a good bit, I am grateful for this job that helps us have the little extra things we want.

I feel bad.  Like I have been a bad parent.  I feel like I wasn't "there" for them enough.  Maybe if I had been around more they wouldn't have fought as much.  Maybe there wouldn't have been as much bickering.

But then I think that I only work part time.  It's not as though I am gone 3-4 nights a week and am  sleeping all the time.  We did go on vacation, and Ryan got to go to summer day camp for a week.  We spent as much time at the pool as the weather allowed.  (This cool summer has really put a nip in the pool time). And I know that working at the gym interrupts some time, too.  There were days we had to be up early because I had a class first thing.  Some days we got to sleep late.  I have a few days off just before school starts and really hope to make the best of it.  As of Sunday I will not be teaching anymore at my current gym.  That will give me a little freedom on those days to just "be" with them.  

I am hopeful that during this school year they will learn to understand how much we as parents do for them.  How money doesn't grow on trees.  Jobs are necessary to pay the bills and afford them the luxuries they have.

God please give me a softer heart tonight.  Help me to see past the hating and the bickering and know it won't last forever.  Help me see that I am doing the best for my kids that I can at this time.  Parenting is not easy. And I need help.

Hoping for a brighter day tomorrow (and I will have to nap, yet again).

Renee

Remembering......

As I get older, people around me get older as well.  I know we all know that, but sometimes we forget. For instance, I look at my parents and realize they are no longer the age I am now.  Does that make sense?  As a child, everyone was OLD.  Now I am in that "older" spot, but so are my parents and other family members.  I know we won't all live forever by any stretch, but I am going to make the best of it while I am on this earth.

I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer, but my younger son has been talking a lot about death and dying.  I'm not sure why since no one around us has died.  I try to explain it in childlike ways telling him that your body dies and if you are saved, your soul goes to heaven to be with Jesus for all eternity.  I know at almost 6 years of age that is hard for him to comprehend.   

That made me think a little.

If something were to happen to me, and I were to die today, how would my children remember me?

As I was emptying the dishwasher this afternoon, my older son Ryan came through.  I stopped for a minute, just to dance in the middle of the kitchen with him.  Although I know he probably thought it corny, he obliged, knowing it would make me happy.  Later on, just before I laid down for my nap (I'm on call tonight) he came in to lay next to me and snuggle for a few minutes in "mommy's bed".  I love these moments when all is right with the world, even if it is short lived some days.

I slept for a little while, then got up and made popcorn.  Alex was all about it.  He wanted to be picked up to see the kernels as they popped.  He was giddy with excitement as they began to pop and roll out into the pan.  "Butter and salt mommy", and of course I obliged :)  

Now, I don't give in to every whim, but.....I remember certain things growing up.  Dad putting up a tire swing, that even though it wasn't exactly what I had in mind, it was the best swing on the planet.  And I remember my mom making popcorn with butter and salt (a little more than I use now, but oh it was good).  I remember the hugs and the screaming matches, which are all part of growing up.

I guess what I"m trying to say is that in working to be better, it's not just about getting fit for me.  It's also about being a better mom.  Trying to see things from their eyes, knowing they don't always understand.  I want them to remember me as a loving, caring, carefree parent that knew when to let go and when to hold on tightly.  I want them to remember the giggles and hugs, the endless nights sleeping in my bed when Mike was at work, and the "sure, let's go for a bike ride around the block for the 100th time today".  I pray every day that God will make me a good balanced parent.  And now as I prepare to go to work, I pray the same for all of the new parents.  You will make mistakes, but I pray for balance in your guidance.

Blessings to you all,
Renee

next day...

So,  I love my job.

I really do.

I love delivering babies and hearing the cries coming from their little lungs.

The downside is eating.  I have such a hard time at work keeping on track.  Last night was no exception.  I had a grilled chicken sandwich on the way to work, which isn't so bad.  But when it came time to eat in the middle of the night.....I had a burger and fries.

Yes I did.

Am I proud of the choice I made?   Not really.

Do I resent myself for it?   No.

I'm going back to work tonight, but I will make better choices.  Part of my problem is the fact I didn't get to the grocery.  When I don't get to purchase food, I eat junk....whatever I can find.  I will go tomorrow and get my food for the week.  And,  more than likely, I will have something in the crockpot on Monday that will last me.  For instance, I made chicken last Saturday.  I ate on in all week with rice, adding in some brussel sprouts or peas/beans.  Meal prep is best for me.  I feel guilty if I don't eat it because it's there staring me in the face every time I open the fridge.

So here's to starting over again the next day....because one bad meal/day does not control a bad week.

I will do better.

I will make better choices.

Hope you are having a great weekend.....wherever you are :)

Renee