Going Vegan Again

I've always felt my best, health and energy wise, when I've eaten a vegan, or mostly vegan diet. I've long known of my pesky dairy (milk protein) allergy. Truth be told, whole cream doesn't make me feel that great either. I packed on the pounds over the holidays eating up super tasty sweets given to us as gifts as I was bogged down with pneumonia for what seemed like three months, it slowly dawned on me that I've really got to start taking care of myself.

I'm 37 now and struggle each morning to dredge up the energy to play with the kids the way I'd like to. The days I can't muster the energy (even after 3 cups of strong coffee) I'm snappy with them, because I'm disappointed in myself. No bueno. I've never been great about taking care of myself... I always give way too much of myself to others. I've always been that way... I guess that way you assure that people like you, right? Childhood baggage aside, I've decided this year I need to start looking after myself. I've made it to the gym twice this week and it feels really good. It's tricky to fit in going with caring for the kids, but I'm learning to squeeze it in. I'm listening to my body and loading up on the veggies I'm craving, eating smaller portions, and not drinking caffeine in the afternoons.

...What's that I hear? Are you worried about me raising my kids vegan? No, I certainly wouldn't do that. Although they've lost most interest in meat since Shawn returned to vegetarianism a year ago (and much to his benefit, he feels and looks much better) we've stopped eating much meat at home. When I cook it, the kids aren't too interested. They do enjoy salmon which we have a couple times a month. Shawn and the kids eat lots of dairy, and I get eggs into the kids whenever they're in the mood. If they want to eat vegan later in life they can make that choice for themselves. For me, though, I know it's the right choice. Sure, our meals are becoming more complicated, but I am feeling better after a year of pesky health issues such as an ovarian cyst, a stupid nodule in my lip being surgically removed, pneumonia twice, the HIB virus, bronchitis, and ear and sinus infections, I'm ready to make myself a priority. Let's see if I can keep it up!

Happy Birthday Shawn!

Tomorrow is Shawn's 35th birthday! We've got a fun few days planned for him. Tonight he and I are going out to dinner while Alicia and Loren watch the kids. Tomorrow Alice and I are taking him out to lunch, and Max and I plan to make a birthday cake in the afternoon. Tuesday Shawn gets a fun night out with friends attending a trivia fundraiser for our local elementary school. Wednesday, Alicia and Loren, and Katherine are coming over for a birthday dinner party! I'm looking forward to celebrating Shawn and this big year for him.

We love you Daddy!

This week

It's a busy week being back on schedule after the big snow storm. I'm trying to squeeze in a little work from home whilst Alice reads to herself in her room, but also want to jot a few things down here. Some words for our week:

Trip to Fred Meyer for new rain boots for Max and Alice picked out her first pack of baseball cards!

Max is now picking out his own breakfast items, and it's cute to see the meals he puts together as he knows the food groups.

Max used his own money to buy a fruit snack at the pool, and he took it to school in his lunch.

Max "swam" on his own with the assistance of a kick board at swimming lessons this past weekend.

Today in art class the kids worked with clay. Alice sculpted a pirate snowman, remarking it was just like a little one that daddy had made her. Max made an airplane. They will paint them next week. Another cool art class moment, the teacher read "Harold and the purple crayon" to the class. Alice piped up that we have the book at home and that I frequently read it to her. During the story Max sat on my lap, and Alice sat on his lap. Too cute :)

Max is eagerly awaiting the arrival of some red rockin' retro Puma shoes he picked out on zappos.

Well, Alice is up from her quiet time. Time to log out of quickbooks and go hang with my sweet girl.

Football with Max

Max got a new football from his uncle Loren last night. He was so excited to use it today that he and I went out to play. He's really missed school this week, so he requested to play on the ball field at his school. While Shawn and Alice were having special time up at the library Max and I headed over to Ballard. We had such a fun hour of afternoon football in the mud and snow, making up our own game, and seeing some blue sky and sunshine. Such a special afternoon with my big kid :)!

On another note, he's been signed up for spring tee ball per his request. He'll be playing with his preschool classmates! And, Alice has started collecting baseball cards!