The End is Finally Here… And Then Here We Go Again!

Oh happy day! The flu is finally gone. It’s been a whole week so I’m making it official! March is now the worst month of 2012 and I’m not going to allow that to change.



My Sweet Baby Back Again!
Source: Primary

Lucas is back to his wonderful happy go lucky self, getting into absolutely everything and driving me crazy regardless but at least there is no constant whining to accompany it anymore! Proof positive of this came about last night. I believe I mentioned how he has figured out that we use a butter knife to unlock our bedroom door and he always seems to find one, I’m still not sure where they seem to appear from? Anyways, I digress, last night I ran into my room to “use the facilities” and I of course immediately heard a boom and then clanging at the door. I of course assumed he went into the drawer and managed to get out a piece of silverware, I quickly finished my business and came out to check on him and there he was holding my Santuko knife grinning at me. My heart jumped into my throat and then ping ponged down to my stomach and back up again. He has somehow managed to pull the dish mat over and pulled the knife down.

I thought James was going to give me a heart attack when he was a baby but Lucas is twice as bad as he ever was!

I realize I really shouldn’t admit that I let my one year old get a hold of a 7” knife but hopefully it can be a warning to other moms who may have the same thought I had, “it’s far enough back, he can’t reach it!” WRONGO!!!!

I will never have that though again, about anything! EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make It Go Away!!

For over a month now my entire family has been fighting this stomach virus that has been going around. It started with me back in February and within the first week everyone had got it and gotten rid of it..for that week!

Blaaaah!
Source: thehometeacher.blogspot.com

James and Lucas have been sharing this thing ever since. Poor Lucas has been so crabby and unhappy which is completely unusual for him. He has had the nastiest diaper rash I have ever seen between both my children and the many others I have cared for.

James went to school all last week and didn’t have a problem although Lucas did and then first thing Saturday morning he walks in my bedroom crying because his stomach hurt. And this last week we decided add a new symptom…FEVER!

For almost a day I thought I was home free..but NOOOOOOO… were back to nasty doo doo and crabby baby. I took Lucas back to the doctor and they are running blood tests and samples. Now instead of a diaper rash he has a yeast infection. This poor kid can’t get a break! Coincidentally enough as soon as I left the doctor James school called and I had to go pick up!

I am just praying that the test they are running will reveal something useful and we can finally kick this thing out of my house!

The Post That Never Should Have Been

I still can’t believe that I am sitting here writing this post. Nick has FINALLY convinced me to let James start going on the motorcycle. Not that I am not terrified but I pulled out every trick and the book and no matter how much it pained me I had to admit that he had a valid argument.

BIKER DUDE!!!!!!
Source: Primary

To add insult to injury, I was having a discussion with my dad about James wanting to do more things with his Daddy and the first thing he recommended was that they take short bike trips. AAAHHHHH!!!

I hate having to be wrong!

I did put foot down about him having the correct gear. Nick would tool him around the block in an extra helmet he of his that was one size too small for him but three sizes to big for James. If my baby Is going out an anything that even resembles a main street he is wearing the right helmet J!

The other requirement was that he got a leather jacket. I think anyone that rides without wearing leather and at minimum denim is CRAZY!!

Anyway, last weekend after delaying the inevitable for about a month or so we went to Gibraltor Trade Center and found him a leather jacket, helmet, and riding glasses @ Shardans Leather. I have to admit he looks pretty cool!

Tuesday, Nick got him all geared up and drove him to school on the bike. James was so excited he actually got ready without and prodding, which in and of itself is absolutely AMAZING! After seeing just how excited he was I really couldn’t help but smile.

I’m still going to worry anytime they head out but at least I know he is properly prepared. He has all his gear and Nick found a specialty strap that he wears like a belt and has handles on the back for James to hold.  I’d like to hug whoever came up with that! It must have been a mom J. I guess now all I can do is let them go… whether I want too or not!!!

Ready to Go!
Source: Primary

Oh the Cleverness of Me…..Again!

It is so amazing to watch your kids develop.  A few months ago Lucas was barely toddling around and now he doesn’t sit still.

How am I supposed to resist this?
Source: Primary

As I am typing he is trying his new trick of pulling the cabinet lock to its max and slipping his fingers in to grab stuff. Unfortunately he decided to learn this trick using the cleaning supply cupboard. Fortunately on well placed “NO” and he pushes it back in and pretends to have no idea what I’m talking about.

He has also now mastered his cute baby face! They all have one! Lucas’ includes lifting the shoulder and tilting his head with a huge toothy grin. I have to admit I haven’t built up immunity to it yet!

Time to go home!
Source: Primary

The other day he was opening my moms’ cabinet (Nothing dangerous inside) and when I told him “NO” he jumped behind the cabinet and poked his head out with that grin on it. While I did manage to keep from bursting out laughing one did slip out which he of course ate up.

Beginning on Valentine’s Day he started to get a lot more interested in stuffed animals. Lucas is not really a lovey dovey baby so this was kind of odd. He has since figured out how to hit the buttons that causes his animals to sing and either sits or stands and rocks with the animal. I melt every time I see it!

He has so many sweet and cute moments now I almost forget about the annoying and obnoxious. It is so wonderful to watch him grow!  

Humungo Baby!! They're only three weeks apart!
Source: Primary

Me Tarzan…..You Cheap!

So I just concluded my fifth visit to Jungle Java in a span of two weeks. James is in heaven and I really like the idea that with very little effort from me he can wear himself out in less than an hour J!

While I really like the concept of Jungle Java, and the fact that my son loves it I began to notice today that they really attempt to nickel and dime you.

Big Kids Playhouse
Source: Primary

Admission works as follows

2 yrs and older                       $7.50

12 mos. – 23 mos.                 $3.00

Under 12 mos.                       FREE

Adults                                    FREE

They also offer Unlimited Lazer Maze Play for $2.00 per person

They also offer a 3 month pass for either unlimited play or an after 3pm option

I think the price is relatively fair, although they have a small area for toddlers, 3 and under, and I really don’t think I should have to pay for this small little area that Lucas really isn’t big enough for if there is any amount of others kids around. There really isn’t any reason to charge for children under the age of 3 for anything in my opinion.



Toddler Safari
Source: Primary

They ran a special this month for purchasing the 3 month pass, with purchase you get the 4^th month free. So I decided to take advantage of it. Unfortunately there is no option if you have one child over 2 and one under. There is a two child pass but it is only advantageous if you have children over 2.

My only other issue is the concessions. You can but I cute jungle cup for $5 and get free refills indefinitely, they even offer a replacement if it wears out!!!

I jumped on that really quick J! My issue is that they don’t have an option for purchasing a kids meal. You still get a drink with the meal so I don’t see the point in having the cup if you still have to pay for a drink anyway. They have also managed to hit my biggest pet peeve, they do not offer free refills on pop. I could even get over not offering refills for free but making me pay full price again, RIDICULOUS!!!!

This only gets further inflamed because they offer free refills on coffee which is more expensive!!!!

My one last complaint is that a place like this should serve pizza or something that can serve larger groups without individual purchases.

I guess it’s the marketer in me, but in my opinion pleasing the kids only gets you so far… you have to make the parents happy if you want them to come back. There’s always the next best thing!!!!

Reference

Jungle Java (n.d.). http://www.junglejavaplay.com/clinton/.  

Drumroll Please …………..

Here it is…. as promised

The other day I introduced you to an old friend of mine, Nick Kopas.

Nick began a life changing transformation in December 2010, per our interview he was weighing in at over 540lb although he was not sure of the exact number. After a health scare in the Winter 2010 he and his wife discussed and came to the mutual decision that they were going to have a healthier lifestyle. As evident in the photos, it worked!

Before and After
Amazing!
Source: Primary, Nicholas J. Kopas 2012

Nick is currently weighing in at about 240lb. That is 300lbs lost!!!!!! I asked him how he did it and he explained to me how he used diet and exercise.

When asked about his diet, he stated that he stuck to a 1500 calorie a day breaking it up throughout the day eating about 300-400 calories for breakfast which traditionally included either eggs or oatmeal, he would also have a pre-workout snack which would include things like turkey jerky or veggies for about 100-200 calories. He would spread the rest of his calories thru the rest of his day.  He has found that for him this schedule works out the best.

He works out 6 days a week alternating strength and cardio training He also began by walking and has now completed multiple half marathons and has taken up longboarding.

 According to Nick when he first began his journey he focused on diet and didn’t work in exercise until a few months in. At that time he began walking. When I asked if there was anything he would change, that was the only thing he said. That he would have joined a gym immediately.

Source: Primary, Nicholas J. Kopas 2012

A few tools he also shared was a calorie counter such as fat secret or my fitness pal, available in the Android Market and Apple’s App Store. He also suggested http://reddit.com/r/loseit which is an online community that can provide both ideas and support.

As I said before, Nick has chosen to be very open and shares a lot of information on Facebook. He also created a short presentations for his friends that were asking questions which you can view at http://goo.gl/8djDQ.

Because I didn’t want this post to turn into a novel I was unable to share all the informaion Nick shared with me. If you are interested feel free to contact me via Twitter @Wheresmymotrin or on Facebook www.facebook.com/wheresmymotrin#!/ for a full transcript of our   interview.

Nick has also wrote an blog post for Lifetime Fitness, please take a moment and check it out http://bit.ly/xxYXp7.

CORRECTION: I made a small mistake in my post, While he is working towards completing a half marathon he has yet to do so...yet :-) He has completed 5K runs, which is still very impressive

From 5 to 2…the right way!

So I know I mentioned telling a truly inspirational story. I figure it’s about time I ante up.

I’m sure most of you have seen or at least heard of shows like the Biggest Loser or Extreme Makeover, Weight Loss Edition. I really do think it’s amazing how these people accomplish such amazing transformations, although I don’t always agree with their methods.



So Awesome! It really makes you think



But I digress, it is great to watch these people on the television and even cheer them on to their final goals, but it doesn’t really seem real or possible when it’s coming from a glass screen. While perusing my through my facebook new feed on day one of my friends posted this picture.

As I hope many of you are I thinking, I thought that is amazing! This is a guy who was heavy even when I knew him in high school and look at him now. Once I saw this picture I had to know more and my blog offered a great opportunity.

Nick, put a lot of information out on facebook for anyone who wanted to read it. His hope is to show others that with dedication it is possible.

Once I began my blog I was again surfing through the news feed and came across another photo. This one really inspired me to say I have to find out more, so I sent him a message asking if he wouldn’t mind sharing his photos and his story.

Check back to see what I found out!

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