Mommy of Many®

It’s Thursday of another summer’s week gone by. There are only a few weeks left and I have a mountain of housework/school prep/paperwork to get through. There are kid’s physicals, sports tryouts, school shopping and the last of the summer house guests to keep me Doing the Dance. But I wanna play! The beach is RIGHT THERE and it’s screaming to me and the kids. The pools are sending out invites and wondering why we’re not lying in the San Diego sunshine in lounge chairs by their clear, blue sides. The parks are whispering of shady trees and picnics. I’m so torn!

For today I’m working in the house for a little while longer and then packing up my bickering brood and heading for the pool, book in hand. But I know I’ll come home this afternoon, look around at all that’s waiting and wonder what magical thing is going to happen to make it possible for me to get it all done.

Why, oh why are there only 24 hours in each day? This M.O.M. needs more. More of everything! More time. More help. More solutions to my inner tugging between work and play!

Grab some time on these fleeting, summer days and try to enjoy it before it’s gone. The work, well, it’ll still be there. I promise

Doing the Dance of the Children and trying to keep my balance~

3 things about today-

1) Upper body/shaky arms/sore shoulder/new kinds of push-ups that I would NEVER have thought of!

2) My notebook is missing! This can only mean that the kiddos took it for lack of coloring paper. I will be purchasing a new notebook tomorrow. Seriously-I can’t find it!

3) Kraze Boot Camps and GNC! That’s right! Kraze Boot Camps has partnered with 7 local GNC locations to bring all Boot Campers some GREAT deals! To get it all rockin’ they’re hosting a “Happy Hour” at the Hillcrest location on Saturday from 10-12. Wanna learn about and sample great products? Come on out, join the Kraze Boot Campers and enjoy some great discounts! Congrats to Aaron on this awesome, new partnership! We will all be benefiting by learning what products to look for.

Whoo Hoo! Kraze Boot Camp just keeps getting better and better! Good Stuff all around! Come join the fastest growing outdoor boot camp in San Diego! Wanna try a class? Send Aaron a message and let him know you’re coming. I hope to see you there!

This session is 1/2 over!

I had a tough time getting out of bed and out to the 6am Kraze Boot Camp class this morn. It was the closest I’ve come to not going. At 5 I realized that my clothes were still in the washer. I grabbed some dry towels, put them into the dryer with my wet things and hoped they’d be done in time for me to leave. Made it!

It was a total body work out today and everything moved quickly. Sometimes I find myself feeling uncoordinated, like when we were running backwards, uphill or after the first round of hurtles. I’m always afraid I’m going to trip, knock everything over, end up with people tripping over me and ruining the whole exercise for everyone. So far it hasn’t happened, but it’s still a fear.

My fear of writing down last night’s dinner was pretty silly too. Aaron did a great job of understanding the dilemma I have with feeding so many people and went through portion control and suggestions for substituting ingredients. This really is a whole process of learning what to eat, when to eat it and how much of it to eat. I give Aaron credit for taking the time to help us all learn these things because they will ultimately enhance our work out results.

So, 2 more weeks in this session. I’m looking forward to seeing what these next 2 weeks bring.

Abs and Core

That was the theme of today’s Kraze Boot Camp workout. Though my rear end and legs are still demanding attention from yesterday’s class! OUCH!

I’m finding it difficult to write about today’s class because I’m preoccupied with my itchy eyes, throat, back and arms. Aaron had us run over to a grassy area, form a large circle, get down on the grass and do all the abs and core exercises right on the grass. Uh…I’m allergic! I’ve taken meds to combat the effects of the grass on my eyes and throat since I was a small child. But who am I to say anything?! One of the top rules of Boot Camp is, “no complaining”. So there you go! I hope I can show up for tomorrow’s 6am class Claritin Clear!

After an abs workout, I always feel cheated. I worked hard, got all sweaty, breathed hard and can feel all those muscles feeling nice and tight…UNDER THE FLAB. It just seems unfair that to the everyday, naked eye, my stomach just looks like any ol’ stomach, because underneath it feels so good!

Notebook update-As I’ve mentioned, we’ve been asked to keep track of our daily foods by writing down all that we consume. This has been a good thing…really! But it’s a chore and a lot of head work;

Me-”Sure, I’ll make Mexican Lasagna for all of you guys! Yep, invite everyone you’d like, over to eat.”
My Brain-”GREAT! What am I supposed to do?! I feed so many people each night and I have to make meals that are inexpensive, good and go far enough that whomever walks through the door can be fed. Mexican Lasagna definitely fits all that criteria but I need to serve it with tortilla chips and guac if it’s going to fill everyone. There ARE black beans, fresh tomatoes, fresh onions, avocados and cheese involved, but there’s also, flour tortillas, refried beans (but the vegetarian kind, so there’s no animal fats involved) and corn. I feel stuck between cooking a certain way that fits my budget and feeds the masses and eating in a way that I don’t wince when I write it down!”

So there you have it. Yep, I’ve been writing everything down and I’ve gotten lots of helpful tips without being chastised, but I still feel very sensitive about the whole thing.

Tomorrow is the end of this week. 2 more weeks to go in this session. I know I’m stronger. I know I have better endurance and I know I need to be conscience about what I eat. Joining Boot Camp and taking on the challenge of going daily and working the best I can each day IS paying off in better habits, a better attitude and a leaner, healthier me. I just have to find a good balance for the whole meal issue.

It’s never too late to come out and give a class a try! I’d love to see you! Message Aaron and let him know you’d like to see what all the hype is about. Be a part of the Fastest Growing Outdoor Boot Camp in San Diego!

Dear Aaron

My knees are sore. My butt is sore. My legs are wobbly. If my children drop something on the ground I must tell them to pick it up themselves. I can not bend down because I will not be able to get back up. When I sit down (such as now), I pray that I can sit for a good, long time because it is much to painful to stand back up. I pretended to sit my butt in a chair so many times today that it is actually rebelling against the idea. I’m not sure I will actually be able to get out of bed tomorrow morning to join the 6am Kraze Boot Camp class, but you can bet I’ll give it my best.

Wow!

On the up side-in the past 2 weeks, I’ve worn 2 pair of jeans that could not be coerced onto my body before Boot Camp. Not only did I wear them, I wore them quiet comfortably. THIS is success! THIS is a healthier M.O.M. THIS is the beginning of new and better, healthier habits, with tangible rewards. THIS is something that I figured was NOT going to happen after giving birth to 9 children and spending 21 years paying attention to everyone else’s needs.

My sore glutes thank you and my cute jeans thank you.

You rock!

I may be hobbling, but I’ll see you in the morn~

Whoa Mama! That’s what I have to say about today’s Kraze Boot Camp class!

“PUSHUPS, JUMPING JACKS, PUSHUPS PLANKS, INCHWORMS, DIPS, DUMBELL ROWS, BAND LATERAL RAISES, JUMP ROPE, BICEP CURLS, JUST TO NAME A FEW OF THE EXERCISES FROM TODAYS UPPER BODY WORKOUT!” This is a direct quote from my trainer’s Facebook page.

I had a 9:30 appointment for a shoulder and back massage and when the therapist touched near my underarm (sorry, don’t know the technical term), he said, “been doing some push-ups?” Geesh! I was thankful for his finding the correct spots to work out after all that upper body work today.

As tired and sore as my arms and shoulders are, I’m not sure I’m looking forward to moving to my legs tomorrow. All I can think is, “stairs”. ~sigh~

Writing down my foods wasn’t as challenging today. I received some helpful breakfast tips after Aaron reviewed yesterday’s activity. I wasn’t able to return the protein powder I bought, but will try to get it done tomorrow. I have strawberries, blueberries, almond milk and bananas (wondering if I can skip the banana in the smoothie) waiting to become a recovery shake, once the correct protein powder is purchased. I keep forgetting to ask why soy protein should be avoided. I know that plenty of people add lots of soy to their diets. Hey Aaron-why do I have to avoid soy-based protein?

Ok-one more day down.

Good stuff!

Back home. Back to the daily Dance. Back to Kraze Boot Camp classes.

I missed the first week of this session, but I’m jumping back in with both feet. Thank goodness I kept moving while I was on vacation! I’m thankful to Aaron for sending a suggested daily workout to keep me from getting totally out of routine.

There are 2 new additions to this round of Boot Camp-1) Kristi Krajsa has joined the team. She’s helping Aaron to keep us motivated and to make sure each of our exercises are done correctly. You can read her interview by a fellow Boot Camp blogger here. 2) Notebooks! These lil notebooks were handed out to encourage us to keep track of all we eat each day. If we care to keep track, we can bring the notebooks to Aaron each morning before our work out and he can review and suggest. I started today and it’s amazing what you keep from eating if you know you’re going to have to write it down! I was in Sees Candy with JJ today (we were picking up a box for him to bring to France with him) and not only did I NOT pick out a piece to purchase, I didn’t even accept the free sample that was offered to me. No WAY I was writing THAT down! Same thing happened in Costco. Seriously, I’m not going there!

Since I got into the routine of having a recovery shake after each work out  on my vacation, I decided to add all the ingredients to today’s shopping list. I found a protein powder, sent a pic and description to Aaron, got the approval and was excited to get started making my own shakes tomorrow morning. After I was home, I read the fine print and it’s a 50/50 mixture of whey and soy. DANG! I’ll have to return it tomorrow and try again.

I’m looking forward to being back in the daily routine! I admit that I don’t like getting up and getting dressed and going, but I’m always happy that I’ve done it. Thanks for all the encouragement I’ve received! It’s really made all the difference. The BEST perk I’ve come across so far is that the jeans that I COULD NOT get on, but stashed into the closet, were worn-quite comfortably, on this vacation. YEA!

Good night~

I DID IT!

I know I’m totally blowing my own horn, but I’m REALLY proud of myself! Come on, I’ve got a million and one excuses, Um-reasons, to NOT get my behind to a 6am workout. But I tucked all those lil reasons into an envelope and moved forward one day at a time.

Pushing myself forward made me realize that-I’m NOT as old as I sometimes feel. There is a ME inside here that needs to take care of herself so that I can better take care of my kiddos. That it doesn’t matter the # of children I’ve had, my body needs me to take care of it.

As busy moms, it’s SO easy to find reasons to let ourselves fall by the wayside. Everyone and everything in our homes NEEDS our time and attention. We are nurturers and caregivers and we take on the burden of feeling guilty if something is left undone or isn’t done the way everyone is used to it happening. SHAKE THAT OFF! LET IT GO! You must demand a little time for yourself. Take that nurturing nature and apply it to YOU for once.

After all’s said and done, after 4 weeks of Kraze Boot Camps classes, I’ve lost 6 1/2 lbs and 1 inch from my back, 2 inches from my waist and 1 inch from my hips. Nothing dramatic, but I feel better, stronger, more fit. I’ve stopped drinking so dang-much coffee and I’m eating better. I’ve steadily built up my stamina for running, jumping-jacks, push-ups, running stairs and even doing an inch worm 1/2 way across a basketball court. I will be breaking NO records and will be running NO marathons but I’ve reached for and achieved small daily goals and will continue to strive for my own milestones. Success!

I will be taking almost 2 weeks off to take my 4 youngest kiddos on a trip to visit friends and family, but I’m going to stay active and I’ll rededicate myself to daily workouts when I get back. I’m looking forward to pushing through the summer with the rest of the 6am Kraze Boot Campers!

Kateri joined me for most mornings. I was so happy to have her support!

Lots of work to still be done on this M.O.M. body, but making a commitment and sticking to it is the first step.

Thanks for all the encouragement and support I’ve received! I can’t wait to talk about the next session!

Here I am at the first of 2 make-up days, then I will have officially completed everyday of the 4 week Kraze Boot Camp! Yea!

Today’s trail was my right shoulder and forearm. Seems I’ve overworked it a little. I had it massaged and it hurt like crazy! But it will get the rest it needs over the next couple of weeks, before I’m back for the next round of classes. That’s right! I’m planning on continuing on!

Something else that’s become painful is the fact that Kateri keeps threatening to “tell Aaron” anytime she thinks I make a poor food or exercise choice. GREAT! I’m being policed! Today when I said that the little kids could have Nutella sandwiches, She said, “I’m going to tell Aaron that you’re fostering fatness in the little kids by letting them have Nutella”. And even worse-He texted her to say “thank you for being the eyes and ears of better choices in the Lang house”. What the heck?! I wasn’t aware that by signing up for this round of classes that I’d be watched constantly. I was told to offer them graham crackers with crunchy peanut butter and almond milk as an alternative.

Though I must say that being policed a little has it’s upside too-After I got home, Aaron texted to ask if I’d remembered to ice my elbow and arm. When I said that I hadn’t and that I’d have to do it later when there was some time for M.O.M., I was scolded and told, “MOM needs to take a few minutes, delegate tasks to everyone to help you out so you can take care of yourself and be a healthy, happy Momma!” I share this only to illustrate the kind of trainer this man is. I’m most certainly not the only one of his Boot Campers that receives a little boost and reminder to take the time needed for better health.

Thanks Aaron! It’s your dedication to what you do and to your clients that’s made your program grow as it has and keeps those that have found Kraze Boot Camps, coming back session after session.

Here’s to one more day!

Have a great night~

Even though I woke up tired, there was no way I wasn’t going to my Kraze Boot Camp class! I’ve made it through each of the days offered over the last 4 weeks. There are 2 make-up days next week and I’ll be going to those, as well. Only then will I be able to say that I completed the program.

But tonight I’m happy for the weekend break. My shoulders are sore and tired and need a rest. The rest of me feels pretty darn good! Tuesday I’ll be able to compare my measurements from when I started to now (not that I’m expecting anything dramatic, but it’ll be good to see the #’s) and detail my successes and trials over this time.

I think I’m going to spend the weekend stretching out the sore spots!

Mommy of Many™-Doing the Dance of the Children at a quicker pace, thanks to Kraze Boot Camps~

It was another beautiful morning and it was great to start the day off with a great workout! JJ joined us this morning. It was nice to have him there. I know he works out and plays sports. He’ll leave the house to go running or biking, but I never get to see him actually do those things, so it was nice to see him “in action”.

Today we did some partner exercises. It was the first time we’d done that and I really liked working directly with someone else. It kept me motivated. After-all, if she sat up to grab the weight from me and I was still lying on my back, it wouldn’t really work.

Today’s success was jumping rope. I truly can’t remember the last time I grabbed a rope and started jumping. But apparently it’s like riding a bicycle-you don’t forget.

Today’s challenge was blogging. I just had lazy-writer’s brain. I just didn’t feel motivated to put any words to today’s experience. But here they are anyway (I guess that makes it another one of today’s successes).

Even though tomorrow is the last day of Week 4 of this round of Kraze Boot Camp classes, I can’t call it the end because we have a couple of make up classes next week. So…I’m committed! Hear me out until, at least, next Tuesday!

Back to Kraze Boot Camp class!

This morning was the first one that you could tell that the sun was going to come out and the sky was going to be blue. It felt GREAT to be out early in the morning and to start the day with the breeze off the water and the sun beginning to shine. The feeling has carried me through the day, so far. I feel like I was plugged in and recharged and can take on the world. Seriously! It was a magical combo for me!

Here I am in Week 4-it’s the last few days of this session and I’m feeling great! My stamina for the exercises has grown, my soreness is almost non-existent, my clothes are fitting better, my skin is clear and healthy looking, my shoulder and back pain are almost completely gone, my energy is up, I’m sleeping better, my caffeine intake is WAY down, my water intake is up, my food choices are healthier…Ummm, I can’t find a downside to working out! This is GREAT!

Honestly, I have only positive things to say. Aaron has been positive and encouraging. The rest of the Boot Campers are upbeat and happy to start their day with the class. If I could bottle this feeling I’d send you each a lil bottle to try!

If you’re local and can find a day or time to come on out and give a class a try, I encourage you to do so. Join me for the next set of classes! I’d love to see more friendly faces! Take a look around the Kraze Boot Camp website or contact Aaron for locations and times. This feels too good not to share!

Mommy of Many™-Doing the Dance of the Children with a Spring in My Step, Thanks to Kraze Boot Camps~

My girls love to cook. At least one of them is usually asking if she can plan and make dinner. This isn’t to say that my boys don’t like to get into the kitchen, they do. But the girls seem to always be planning something to bake or asking if they can create a meal. I chalk up their love of the kitchen to the fact that I’ve always been open to letting them help. Kids need to learn the basics of the kitchen to build confidence and know how to be safe while enjoying creating their meals and snacks. A few days ago I was peeling and cutting carrots to store for easy snacking and cooking and Gabi asked if she could help. I showed her how to hold the carrot and peeler and she ended up peeling all of the carrots while I did the cutting.

This morning when I asked the little kids what they wanted for breakfast, Gabi said, “squished up eggs”, meaning-scrambled eggs. She asked if she could help me and off we went to the kitchen. I told her she could crack the first egg. I figured if she got shell into the measuring cup, it would be easier to remove it if there was only 1 egg. She successfully cracked the first 2.

This egg exploded. I think she got nervous. We had to take a few moments to clean everything up. I was careful not to get upset or make the clean-up look difficult because those things would discourage her from trying in the future. Accidents happen. All of us have spilled at one point or another. Clean up and move on!

After the clean-up she was helpful with the mixing.

She was proud of her accomplishment and will be more likely to ask to help in the future, which means she’ll be learning valuable skills about how to be in the kitchen and be a “big girl”.

Don’t be afraid to allow your kids to help with household tasks. I know it can be easy to want to just do it for them and get it done quicker and without the mistakes that inevitably happen. But they can’t learn to be successful if they aren’t allowed to make mistakes. If we guide and encourage we will end up with successful kiddos!

Doing the Dance of the Children~

Hooray for Week 4 of Kraze Boot Camp classes! Hooray for staying motivated and not making excuses! Hooray for not missing a single day! Hooray for me, breaking out of my box and overcoming my fear of the unknown and for believing in myself and the importance of my own health enough to DO THIS!

I’ll admit that I’m not shouting “Hooray” when I’m actually in the classes-doing Inch-Worms, Frog Jumps, Modified Jumping-Jacks, Plank Punches, Squat Thrusts, Push-Ups or Running Stairs. But I make a commitment in my head to each exercise, one-at-a-time and I’m able to keep going.

In only a few week’s time, I’ve noticed some great changes and I have the drive to keep going. I’m making a personal commitment to myself to keep up the program throughout the summer. When school and work are back in session, I may not be able to go, but I’m not going to focus on that. I’m going to stay focused on the daily commitment to make healthier choices, have more energy and to feeling and looking better.

I’m thankful to Aaron for all of his positive energy and encouragement! Thanks for Kraze Boot Camps-a program that can work for anyone!

If you’ve missed out on this session of Kraze Boot Camp classes and you want to know why I’m so excited about it, come out and try a class and why not commit to the next round of 4 weeks?!

Also, don’t forget to tune into the Kraze Fitness Show, TODAY between 3pm and 4pm where I will be Aaron‘s guest to talk a little about my work as Mommy of Many, about my decision to join the Boot Camp and my trials and successes so far. If you miss the show, you can hit up the archives at your convenience!

Wish me luck!

One more week down! Yes! THAT is today’s success!

Here it is, 10:30pm and I’m finally finding a moment to write about the 6am Kraze Boot Camps class. Busy day! I’ve been tired the last few days, but I’ve kept going and here I am at the end of another week! Yea!

Onto Week 4! With encouragement and a little bit of stubbornness, I’ll make it through Week 4 and beyond!

It’s not too late to come out and try a class! Send Aaron a message and let him know you’d like to give the work-out that’s kicking Mommy of Many’s behind, a try! I’d love to see you!