Quotes for the day: Two life lessons

"Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent."


—Eleanor Roosevelt






--AND--

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead."


—Louisa May Alcott

Technorati

E6JUBEW98VYT I am trying to publish my site to Technorati and I have to publish the code above on here. No biggie, see below for more fun stuff :)

How to be a Hot Momma!

By: Alexandra Holmes

I don't know about you but it wasn't all that long ago that I was childless and so confident that I was hot that it was probably annoying to most. I didn't need anyone to reassure me, whether others agreed or not I felt HOT! Then fast forward three years and when I looked in the mirror I didn't recognize the person looking back at me.I justified my new softer, rounder, larger look by saying "I just had triplets, don't be so hard on yourself".

This worked for awhile until I realized that my triplets were about to celebrate their second birthday and I was still referring to my extra poundage as "baby weight". Now don't get me wrong, I believe that you should love yourself at any size and that beauty starts on the inside but this was more than that. I couldn't be happy with the person I saw in the mirror because I knew I wasn't taking care of myself as much as I should and that I was hurting my self esteem. I didn't want to avoid the mirror and not feel good about myself forever just because I was in the "mom" role now and married and I didn't need to be hot anymore.

Above all of my vanity issues was the fact that I want to raise active, healthy boys and instill good healthy habits in them from very early on. I was eating ice cream or dessert with every meal, eating salty snacks, fast food, soda, and other junk and I didn't do anything active except walk from the recliner to the kitchen. I decided that I didn't want to raise my kids like that. I want to be able to take my kids on vacations and go mountain biking, hiking, surfing, or whatever else seems fun and exciting.

I always tell other people when I am offering advice "If you don't like your situation then instead of whining about just FIX IT". So that's what I am doing, as of November 19th 2011 I have been on a ME journey, a journey to feel better about myself and start my boys down a healthy path in life. I was ready to be a HOT MOMMA!

First of all let me clarify what I mean by "hot momma", this isn't a specific size, shape, color, or look. This means that you are confident in your own skin and feel great about yourself inside and out. I am still 20 pounds from where I ideally want to end up but I am feeling Über confident, energetic, happy and I am having more fun in life.

It will take you making a personal decision to make a change, and no one can force you to do it. I am still on my journey and I hope to be on it forever, constantly striving to improve myself for me and ultimately for my kids. Every change I make has made me happier, more confident, and overall I just feel BETTER.

So below is what I have found successful for becoming a hot momma and I hope it will work for you if that's what you want.

1. Set a Goal: What do you want to gain from this? Do you want to lose weight or maybe gain some weight? Do you want to have more energy or accomplish a specific activity like running a race, or completing an aerobics class without stopping? Whatever it is, you need to identify it, commit to it, and don't cheat yourself by setting an overly easy goal, the quick wins are a separate task. My goal was to lose 40 pounds and run a 5k. (I lost the 40 lbs. and completed the Fort Worth Cowtown 5k!) My new goal is to lose 20 more pounds and have "guns" ;)

2. Find your Driving Force: It is going to take some fuel to get you through the tough spots so you need to figure out what it is that drives you and inspires you. My driving force is knowing that the better I feel about myself the more that I have to give to my kids. When I am not fretting about how I look or how other people see me I can focus on enjoying my boys and I'm able to keep up with them.

3. Make a Plan: This is simple, how are you going to do it? Are you joining a gym or a diet program? Maybe you and a group of friends start walking together or you start practicing for your race. I got the AWESOME gift of four weeks at a diet program from my step-mom. It was one of the best things that could have happened at the time and it was a major kick start.

4. Be Confident!: I know, I know, I know, Alex, isn't that the point of this whole thing? Have you ever heard the term "Fake it 'til you feel it"? You need to do that here...the thing that is the most attractive in a woman is confidence and you may not be there on day one of your juice diet (or whatever it is). That's when you have to fake it 'til you feel it. Pick something that you like and praise yourself for it. This is you to your mirror "Hey hottie, your legs look great in those shorts and you are going to ROCK your day today!". Before you know it you really will feel confident and you will feel like your not just getting dressed to go to work but you are getting ready to WORK IT!!

5. Focus on You: If you’re like me you have heard this before and read it in parenting magazines but still don't do it. It is easy to get caught up in the day to day task of juggling kids, husband, work, life, friends, groceries, laundry, dogs, etc. This is not a new thing but I am going to say it again and hopefully drill it into your brain...If you don't take care of yourself mentally and physically then eventually you will not have anything to give to other people. Take a bath, read a magazine (or my blog!), take care of yourself by coming up with a feel good beauty routine, and do something nice for yourself often. It doesn't have to be expensive, my monthly special girly treat is my Birchbox, I pay $10 a month for a cute box of fancy personalized beauty samples.

6. Quick Wins: Some things take time...too much time it feels like. That is why you need to give yourself quick wins to keep yourself motivated and positive. Example: Today I am going to drink a gallon of water, or this week I will go to the gym twice. These types of things are easy and have quick payoff and will keep you on track for your long term goal.

Hot, funny, and Mom to twin boys! Julie Bown from Modern Family

These things are just part of it and they are just tips that I have found successful. You will work out your own way to success once you are ready but I hope this helps kick start your journey.

Thanks for Reading,

--Alex

Quote for The Day: Never look back..Never Regret

"Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy, you can't build on it it's only good for wallowing in." --Katherine Mansfield


This quote is really great for me personally, I often find myself cursing things from the past or wallowing in the "Why did I do that?" attitude. This is a good reminder that no good comes from that.
 
--Alex

Top Knot...Testing out a new hairstyle.

By: Alexandra Holmes

I am the queen of running out of time and giving up on my hair in the morning. I wear my hair either curly (think untamed lioness), in a low pony tail, or what I refer to as a bun but it is a very un"chic" sloppy mess so often that when I blow dry my hair people always ask if I got my hair cut or colored.

Today was another sloppy mess day and then I got an email from Elle Magazine with a how-to on the Top Knot hairstyle (pictured below). Check out the how-to here.

The style above involves teasing and spraying and sectioning and since I was sitting in my cubicle with no mirror I couldn't do any of that. Below is what I ended up with. Not bad...looks like I was trying to be chic rather than the "I slept in" look.

I will try the fancier version another day when I have time :)

Happy Monday!

Thanks for Reading,

Alex

My Summer Faves for Sunny Summer Toddlers

by

By: Alexandra Holmes

Summer is my season! I love it and I wouldn't trade it for any other season any day. I have always enjoyed summer and even though I don't get to forget about my worries and hit the beach for a few months like I used to I still get giddy just thinking about my summer itinerary.  When I'm not working this summer is going to be full of backyard barbecues, days at the lake, and a trip to the beach. I can barely stay inside at all when the sun is out so I always make sure to properly gear up my little guys so that they can enjoy it as much as I do. I want to keep them safe, extend our outside play, and keep them entertained. To do this, I must reach deep into my mommy arsenal for some tried and true summer essentials.

1. Stride Rite Sand Dollar Shoes: Whether we are going to the beach or just to the grocery store, these shoes are our ultimate go-to summer shoes for our little guys. I was shocked to learn how sweaty and smelly little boy feet can get, these are supposed to be my sweet little cherubs and they smell like rowdy teenagers! These shoes keep there little tootsies cool and are easy to put on and off themselves. They are made of waterproof material and can go all day in and out of the water without rubbing blisters. Think of them as kicked up Crocs for your little ones. We have a pair of these for everyone and they are SO worth the splurge.

2. Sunglasses: This one took me a little while to catch on to...I'm like a vampire in the way that I can't walk outside two feet without sunglasses or my eyes will start shriveling out of my head but I never considered that the little guys might need them. Notice the picture above, Chris and I are happily smiling with our shades on while all four boys are squinting. It was during that trip last summer that it dawned on me to start protecting the boys' eyes. Most of the boys love wearing sunglasses and when someone decides they don't want to wear them that day then I put a ball cap on his head. These sunglasses are called "Babiators" and couldn't be any cooler. They come in all colors (for girls too!) but we think the lime green is our style.

3.Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids SPF 70 Sunscreen: Tell me the truth...how many times have you remembered the sunblock right as your kids run and jump into the pool? This sunblock is GREAT because not only is it completely waterproof, broad spectrum, long lasting sunblock but you can spray it on wet kids! This makes it so easy to reapply throughout the day without having to bum everyone out by making them stop what they are doing to dry off completely and then let the sunblock dry. You can spray it on wet skin and let them hop right back onto the slip'n'slide without worrying about coverage.

Not my kid 

4.Cute Summer Clothes: All kids look cute running around an open fire hydrant no matter what they are wearing, but MY kids look like a Gap summer commercial or a dream sequence from a summer blockbuster. Honestly, my boys are naked most of the time...I can't keep clothes on them when we are at our house. They strip down and run outside to play in the hose before I can do anything to stop them. But when we have to go out in public I have so much fun picking out cute summer outfits. Plaid shorts and cool tees are pretty much the uniform for our boys. Target has lots of great stuff and H&M has great prices on very trendy cool clothes for little tots. I think I like shopping for boys clothes more than my own now.

5.Board Shorts: Ok Mom...I'm going to do your boys' a favor right now... swim trunks with "weird" patterns, full elastic waistband, and poofy shorts are NOT COOL. Board shorts are where it's at and your little cutie will look so much better in these cool swimsuits. I don't know about you but I don't want my kids getting dissed at the juice box bar over his goofy shorts.

6.Backyard Entertainment: If you are like me and don't have a pool in your backyard then you have to have some entertainment back there. You could do horse shoes or croquet (boring) or you could fork over $15 for this awesome toddler sized pool. It is the perfect depth and size for little swimmers and also happens to fit Mommy in there pretty well too! It is a snap set pool available at Walmart. There are tons of other great inexpensive pools that will turn your plot of grass into a mini water park for your little tots. We have a pool and slip'n'slide and I just stick my lawn chair in the middle and enjoy!

There it is...kids are easy to entertain in the summer. The sun and fun is already outside waiting you just have to go out and get it. I hope you get to have tons of fun and make many summer memories this year.

Thanks for Reading,

Alex

Married with No kids! Two weeks without my boys.

So my house is more quiet now then it ever is during the day.

All four of my sweet little guys are with my mom at her house. This is a little bittersweet because I have never been away from the trips for more than one night and even Aidan has never been gone that long. I only left them a few hours ago and I am already missing them so much. They are going to have a blast, my parents have totally redecorated their guest bedroom with trains and hot-wheels and have their backyard set-up with bats, balls, toys, and a kiddie pool. I may have trouble getting them to come home to our house where there is not very much fun stuff.

This isn't just a vacation, Chris and I have a big to-do list during this rare time. Our life and our house are pretty much running on survival mode right now with just the bare minimum getting done. So these two weeks are a chance for us to catch up with life. We are redoing the floors in our kitchen and two bathrooms and putting in new baseboards in the whole house. I have to get our bills in order because right now I rely on the built in reminder system that most services offer...they will turn it off. It works every time to remind me that I haven't paid the water bill in two months. We are having a garage sale next Sunday so I am spending the evenings this week cleaning out closets and the garage so that we can purge some of our stuff that we have amassed over the last three years of total chaos. We are leaving for a family vacation with the boys the day we pick them up so I have to pack and get us ready for that and figure out what to do with all of my plants and dogs.

In addition to all of that stuff that has to get done, Chris is also on the hunt for a job that will allow us to put the kids in daycare and hopefully have some additional income. It is about $600 a week for the boys to be in school but I feel like if we can manage to pull it off that it will be best for them. These two weeks are a chance for him to get out and search for a job while he doesn't have the boys at home. Chris works on the weekend, and has his fire fighter certification but getting a job as a fire fighter has been more difficult then we originally thought.

Finally, while we have the kids out of the house, we HAVE to take some time to hang out alone and do things that we can't do when we have the kids. We are going to go to dinner alone, see a movie, grocery shop together, and SLEEP! All things that sound pretty normal or even boring but they are a big deal and very rare for us.

There is a lot of pressure on these two weeks of freedom to be very productive...we shall see how this goes.

Now I am off to start chipping away at the to-do list...was making an ice cream sundae on it?

I will be following up in a little bit with something more fun and interesting to read. ;)

Thanks For Reading,

Alex

--I just got reminded that my 24th birthday is this week! I really forgot, Chris' aunt just called to wish me a happy early birthday and I didn't know what she was talking about. You see what kids can do to you?!

Quote for the Day...Go experience life and find peace.

You cannot find peace by avoiding life. -- Virginia Woolf

Bathing Suit Season...Oh Joy!

By: Alexandra Holmes

Have you heard the new trend? Turns out the new hot summer bathing suit trend is to wear a mu mu to cover your post triplet belly AND they have officially put it into law that all men must be attracted to stretch marks!

No? Oh I guess I made that up...

Well anyway... It's summer in Texas which means 100 plus degree weather, less clothes, more skin, and more opportunities to spin myself into a self conscious panic and end up curled in the fetal position in the bathroom rather than out in the sun with my kids. My husband and I are taking our kids home to Galveston for 4th of July and will have to be beach ready. Over the last few summers I have gotten pretty good at shopping for bathing suits that cover up and conceal parts that I don't want to show off. This year should be much better because I have recently lost quite a bit of weight (40+ lbs.) and I am still working on my super buff beach babe body. I'm not there yet but maybe by NEXT summer.

Before I would dare to search for bathing suits this year I had to do at least a little something about my stretch marks. As other multi-moms definitely know and singlet moms too, stretchies can look pretty gruesome and there isn't much you can do for about them short of getting them removed in a tummy tuck. (Which I plan on doing eventually...maybe). I did however find something this year that I have been VERY pleased with. It is a stretch mark cream that I got from BirchBox which is a site that I absolutely love that sends out beauty samples every month for $10 like a magazine subscription. I have discovered so many products and brands that I never would have known about before and the best part is that you can get points for reviewing products and referring friends and use the points to buy full size products. So, this miracle cream...it's called Apothoderm Stretch Mark Cream, it is about $80 which is cheaper than other more popular (and less effective, I promise) competitor brands out there. I used it immediately when I got it (Seriously, I was still in my car) and it actually worked in minutes to reduce the appearance of the stretch marks by filling or smoothing them and has continued to reduce the appearance of them over the few months that I have been using it. I took a picture in a bikini to show my mom the results and I might get brave enough to put it on here later...we shall see. Anyway, I definitely recommend checking that product out if you have an issue with stretch marks...other stretchy moms tell me to wear them with pride and that they are beautiful but while I am proud that I successfully carried triplets I don't feel the need to show off my stretch marks like a badge of honor...I breastfed too but you don't see me proudly walking around with no top ;)

So, now that I am feeling a little better about the stretch marks and a little less "hefty" then I was last summer I am ready to start swimsuit shopping. I still have some problem areas to address but suits are so well designed that it is easier than ever to get a suit you feel great in as long as you know what to look for.

Here is my shopping guide for suits below based on my experience shopping for myself through different body shapes and helping others shop.

If you have a hotty little body then stop reading and go buy a teency bikini...you're making me hate you just being here. (Ok, not really...you can stay)

If you have a not so abtastic belly that you want to camouflage a bit then I recommend something that looks like a tankini with some ruching or texture but has built in mesh support. These suits do a better job of concealing bellies then a regular one piece and look more stylish too. Spanx has some great slimming swimwear and their prices have really gone down since they started making swimsuits. If you can't or don't want to spend the extra on a "support" swimsuit than look for tankinis with a longer top so that you don't get that dreaded muffin top at the pool.

I love modern swimdresses, I discovered them when I was heavier but still love them now to cover up my hiny a little bit. I'm not talking about the one Grandma wears that goes up to your neck and down to your knees. I have a black Kenneth Cole halter top swimdress with a mesh support underneath that I got for a trip to Mexico 4 months after I had Aidan and I felt great in it and was comfortable enough to wear all day and into the night with my sarong and sandals.

Here is a picture of me on the beach in it.....

Ok...it's not me...

I also have a Jantzen bandeau swimdress that always makes me want to wear a big hat and shades and have hot foreign men serve me drinks with umbrellas.

 This picture really is me...

Geez...You are hard to fool....

I always read that if you have a pooch that you should get high waisted bottoms but they always make me feel like an old lady and I get hot so I would rather cover from the top than the bottom. Even though I don't particularly like them, I have seen some ladies work it and look really retro and cool like Alana in the picture below.

Fellow Galvestonian Alana Anderson winning a retro swimsuit competition.

One thing that I almost always have to consider when picking my wardrobe and especially a bathing suit is the fact that I will not just be glamorously sun bathing by the water. I will be chasing kids, having my bathing suit pulled on, bending over to kiss boo boos, and who knows what else. I like to get versatile suits that are going to stay put. I am from Galveston Island and I have always liked the look of bikini tops and board shorts, so I really like this slightly more adult version of that look by Land's End. It is cool and summery with the surfer print but the sturdy halter top and cute board shorts are sure to cover up and stay put when your doing the mom obstacle course at the beach. A good family friend, whose four boys I grew up with, always wore these types of suits and looked so cute washing the car, out on the boat, or headed to the beach.

 In addition to the bathing suit, I have to have the whole ensemble to feel my best whether I am in my backyard or at the beach. I try and do my hair up so it is cute and out of the way, now that my hair is getting longer I like doing loose side braids so that my hat fits on and I don't mess up my hair laying back in a chair. I also HAVE to have a glam hat and glasses! Don't forget jewelry, I don't mean diamonds and pearls but some shell earrings or a beachy necklace always makes my beach outfit feel a little more chic.

Final Touch

My last accessory for any bathing suit is the most important for me...SUNSCREEN....I love being outside during the summer and I don't want to have to quit anytime soon so I spray SPF 30 on my body before I go out and keep 15 on the whole time. I wear at least 30 on my face in addition to the SPF 20 that is in my tinted moisturizer that I wear everyday. I like to use face specific sunblock that has special add ins like broad spectrum, anti-aging, or something else. I have been lucky enough to find samples of different face sunblock at charity walks/runs, drugstores, etc.

So now we have a great suit, great hair, beachy accessories, confidence, and preferably a Pina Colada! We are ready to hit the beach (or the kiddy pool in my case.)

Final Product....

This one really is me :)

I am proud to be a momma to my four boys but I don't want to feel like everyone is thinking "Well, she has four kids" when they see me in my bathing suit so I try to feel confident, sexy, and glamorous when I am stripping down to my suit. I think that investing in a quality suit that fits great and makes you feel even better is SO worth it because you can buy tons of cheap unflattering suits but if they make you feel like a whale then you shouldn't waste your money.

I look forward to buying some new suits this year and I hope this helps you pick out something you feel great in too.

Thanks for Reading,

--Alex

The picture at the top came from a blog called Kiss My Gumbo that I found while writing this and she is from  Louisiana so no wonder another Gulf Coast girl had something so cute!

Quote for the Day...Get Up and Do something!

"Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it." --Margaret Thatcher

Avocado Fries with Garlic Lime Chili Aioli - The Daily Dish Recipes

Check out this link to The Daily Dish.

Avocado Fries with Garlic Lime Chili Aioli - The Daily Dish Recipes

This recipe looks absolutely delicious, I can't wait to try it and other recipes on this site. This was a great find.

--Alex

Parenting Styles...is there one "right" choice?

By: Alexandra Holmes

I am always interested in learning about different parenting techniques and schools of thought on the best way to bring up kids. So far, in my parenting adventure I have pretty much just followed what I feel is right at the time. I don't like to feel like I am stifling my children's personal growth but I also want to be sure to instill an appropriate respect for rules, authority, and boundaries. I try to give them opportunities to make their own decisions and offer guidance when needed. I ask "What do you want to eat for dinner?". When the answer is Hot Dogs and pancakes, I will offer another option so that they still get to decide for themselves. "Hot dogs are a good idea but pancakes are normally for breakfast, how about hot dogs and salad?". Then from there if a meltdown ensues I assert my authority by standing by the decision and not apologizing.

I heard a tip one time that I liked and I remind myself of it often. "If you mean no, then say No with a smile and don't apologize." This way your kids understand your position but don't feel belittled or hurt. I never like to hurt my kids feelings because I am not here to bully them but to teach them how to be good people. It kills me when I hear parents tell their children "Boy! shut your mouth you don't know anything." or something like that. Parents always want their kids to respect them but often times don't have any respect for their kids in return.

As far as parenting styles, there seems to be a lot of discussion lately about this topic. We hear about attachment parenting, helicopter parents, tiger moms,  indulgent parenting...it seems like the newest parenting trend is to make up new parenting styles. It is generally accepted that there are four main styles of parenting that sit on a sliding scale and for the most part the trendy parenting styles above each fall into one of them somewhere. Below is a pretty clear representation of the four main styles of parenting.

I don't really like to put a label on the type of parent that I am because not only do I fail to be completely consistent in my parenting but I also have four toddlers which makes the situation a little bit different.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to take a personal journey to explore all parenting styles whether I agree with them or not and hopefully at the end I will be better prepared to continue the parenting adventure with my children as they grow and get older and more complex.

I prescribe to parts of what is generally called attachment parenting because I want my kids to above all know that they have a safe person to always depend on. I have a close connection with all of my kids and definitely feel that a certain amount of physical connection at this age is appropriate and has been proven to build more secure and balanced adults. With that said, I am not talking about breastfeeding my kids until they are five or sharing a family bed. I mean my kids are always welcome to snuggle with me, we give plenty of kisses and hugs, and I give them foot rubs and back rubs sometimes not only to reinforce our connection but also to ease growing pains that my little giraffe boys get from time to time.

There is, however, a common sentiment among self proclaimed attachment parents that I do not agree with. I don't believe that if you had a c-section or epidural that you are somehow less of a woman than those who didn't. I do believe that women's bodies were built to deliver babies and that most people could have a baby with no medical intervention but the fact is that obstetric advances have not only made parenthood possible for some woman who in the past would never have been able to have children but has also DRAMATICALLY reduced the number of mothers that die during childbirth as well as infant death and injury. Another thing that I disagree with is the glorification of breastfeeding...I did it and I believe it is best but only because it  is natural and its the only reason I have these ta-tas in the first place. I don't think I need a badge of honor or that I am more womanly or a better mother than those that didn't do it. When I hear people acting high and mighty for breastfeeding it sounds the same to me as if they were bragging about being able to digest food...it's natural and it is no big deal as far as I'm concerned.

When it comes to rules and discipline in our house I have mixed feelings. I believe in setting rules and boundaries but not over doing it. I don't have a rule or guideline for every single activity or situation and I prefer to teach my kids basic rules that allow them to apply to most situations. I want to give my boys every opportunity to make the right decision on their own with help from me. I not only don't want to be the drill sergeant but I also don't have the time or energy for it. I tend to use the phrase "pick your battles" often because I want to focus on issues that shape the future adult not just pick at every single mistake. Aidan (my oldest) isn't going to get in trouble for spilling milk on the floor while filling up a cup because I appreciate his intent and want to encourage his independence. In this situation, instead of punishing, I will let him know that he did a good job trying and that in the future if he tells me he wants to get a drink to tell me and I can help him get the milk down and hold the cup for him. I also make him help me clean up so that I am not just letting him get out without taking responsibility for the mess. The main things in our house that our kids really get punished for are doing dangerous things, being cruel, and hurting their brothers or the animals. Aside from that we prefer to teach them the right way to do something and be clear about what is expected.

When it comes to character building this is an area of my parenting that I think is the MOST important. Without a good foundation a house will never be strong enough to weather the storms that life can bring. For my children, I personally believe that the adult they become is the result of a recipe that has to be tweaked and perfected for the best results. The recipe that I like right now is a mix of structure, lots of love and affection, respect both ways from me to my children and from then to the world around them, community, exposure to different things like religion, food, culture, dancing, music, art, and of course sports (my husbands favorite part). I will work on this recipe as they grow and I can't wait to see how it turns out.

With all of this there are a few things to remember. There is a difference sometimes in what I believe in and what I actually do, I am not perfect and my four boys can be pretty stressful. I make mistakes and I try and learn from them. I don't have it all figured out yet (shocking, I know) and I am not an expert but I try every day to learn and get better so that my children can grow into caring, respectful, fun, successful, contributing citizens of the World.

Over the next few weeks look out for more from me on parenting styles and other research I will be doing on raising kids.

Thanks for Reading,

--Alex

Me using the very effective parenting style of human nap chair for Payton and Aidan. (Dec. '11)

 PS. I write these late at night so forgive me for any crazy mistakes, I am usually a stickler for spelling and grammar but past about 9pm my brain starts shutting down :)

Peonies in Texas

By: Alex Holmes

I saw the most gorgeous potted pink peonies in the grocery store the other day and it made me want to add them to my garden. I happen to be pretty impetuous and usually have to do something right after I think of it but now after reading more about growing them it looks like I will have to wait until Fall. So, come October I will be adding this flower to my repertoire.

I am originally from Galveston Island and miss being by the beach up here in Fort Worth so I have made my backyard as tropical as possible. Instead of the beach, I have mister and a kiddie pool but the flowers REALLY help.

Do you know other great flowers for Texas summer gardens?

So far I have:
Celosia (Lackluster and not very hardy for me not to mention our newest puppy has trampled and eaten most of them)
Orange Trumpet Esperanza (Beautiful and drought tolerant)
Purslane (Gorgeous and pretty water wise)
Vinca and Vinca Vine (both very hardy and water wise)
Moss Rose (This was my favorite early in the season but it looks a little wimpy now)
Sweet Potato vie (Love it, always a standard addition to my garden)
Begonias (Bronze leafed are heat tolerant and can take full sun)
Varigated Hibiscus (Cool, unique looking hibiscus)
Gerber Daisies
Roses (Of course)

I also love having some great summery herbs so I have orange, chocolate, and regular mint as well as big delicious basil and red ruffle basil. I love making mint tea, basil lemonade, mint juleps, bruschetta, basil anything and some minty treats.

Having a lush garden has been so much fun especially this year since all the boys are old enough to kind of help. They help me scoop dirt and plant the flowers, and they LOVE watering. I enjoy teaching them about how plants help us by cleaning our air, helping bees make honey, attract butterflies, and even make food. I think it is a really easy and important lesson that can teach so many things from promoting a healthy lifestyle to respecting nature.

Next year when they are all old enough to understand more, I am going to plant a salsa garden so that they can help and see it go from planting to table. I tried my hand at a tomato plant this year and managed to grow one big beautiful heirloom tomato that was just delicious (I'm sure) to the crows that ate it. I pretty much gave up after that because I couldn't make time to get to the store for something to defend against critters but it is still out in my yard and I am watering so I might try again soon.

I think about all the flowers that I could grow if I was up in Washington where my mother-in-law and sister-in-law live, but then I would have to give up all of this wonderful summer heat and I wouldn't be in driving distance to the beach.

Well anyway, that's it for my little gardening moment.

If you are a fellow Texas Gardener you should check out this blog I found. I like to start here when I want to get creative and she links to other good gardening resources. http://goawayimgardening.blogspot.com/

Thanks for Reading,

--Alex

New Babies and "The Baby Smackdown"

By: Alex Holmes

Everywhere I look right now I see pregnant people and new babies. Spring has definitely sprung! My lovely sister is beautifully pregnant with a boy (who I am going to strongly resist trying to kidnap once he's here), my brother is going to have the first girl in our family very soon, and pretty much every other person on the street is either pregnant or pushing around a new baby.

There are TONS of tips and tricks out there for new parents and I always try to avoid overloading new parents with too much advice since they usually get that from everyone. Having said that, I did manage to get through newborn-hood with triplets with my sanity still in tact so I think that feat alone lends me a little credibility in this area. (Warning squeamish boys: I am going to talk about breastfeeding at least once.)

My go to pointers for new parents are always these:

1. Trust yourself. Even if this is your first baby and you never got around to reading that stack of parenting books you will still figure it out...I PROMISE. If you trust yourself and your intuition then the rest will work itself out. My outlook on parenting books and parenting advice (my own included) has always been to remember the parts that appeal to you and take the rest of it with a grain of salt. No one is going to report you if you listen to your music loud in the car while pregnant even though "What to expect.." said it was against the rules.
2. RELAX. You as the parent have the most influence on how the early days with your baby (or babies) will go. If you are relaxed and try to remain calm through trying situations then your baby will more likely stay calm or calm down quicker. If you do find that it seems like the stress really is too much for you then consider bringing it up to your doctor because a couple weeks on Zoloft could be just the thing you need to get over the hormonal highs and lows and enjoy your baby the way that you want to.
3. Don't suffer if you don't have to...there is no award for having the hardest time with your newborn and there are so many things out there that make common baby issues a thing of the past and can make your life SO much easier. Colic/tummy troubles? If it is just normal baby issues and not something more serious then give that baby "Gripe Water" at every frickin' feeding if you have to. It is all natural and safe and works miracles, I always used Wellements brand but they sell other brands at most grocery stores and pharmacies. Bottle feeding? Dr. Browns...'nough said. If you or your baby are having trouble getting the hang of breastfeeding because of any latch issues then before you give up (or just come to terms with being in pain every time you feed) try silicone nipple shields. If the problem is pain from irritation then these put a protective barrier between you and baby to ease discomfort but are thin enough to still allow for a natural experience. If the problem is anything to do with the "latch" then this helps resolve almost all common causes. The point of those tricks are just to tell you that if you are struggling with any issues with your baby there is probably a simple solution out there and you don't need to suffer. 
4. Finally....The Baby Smackdown...It's called that because no baby that I have encountered can resist it. My MIL learned the baby smackdown on her last visit from Seattle with my SIL, BIL, and niece.This move is for babies that think they don't want to sleep. "Momma says it's time to sleep!". You will need: A rocking chair, soothie pacifier, big receiving blanket, and a stronger will then that 10 pound person which is easier said than done. Swaddle baby, arms in, in a VERY snug swaddle. If you do one of those wimpy, fall apart swaddles then your baby will win this battle. Sit in the rocking chair and get the little baby snuggled up tight in the crook of your arm so that you can wrap your arm around to hold in the pacifier. Don't look at baby, hold in the pacifier, start rocking...and I mean REALLY rocking, pat babies' back, and do the "Sshh, sshh, sshh" sound. If your baby isn't asleep in 15 minutes then there is probably something wrong like a wet diaper or a gas bubble OR your baby is superhuman and you should be very worried and start looking into X-men schools. If you not into using pacifiers then use a finger or nothing if your baby doesn't need it. 

The most important tip is absolutely Number 1. If you have that then the rest is just lagniappe.

I hope you can take something from this and make your precious time with your new baby more enjoyable.

Me and My little cuties when they were 2 1/2 months old.

Thanks for Reading.

-Alex

Back to Blogging

By: Alex Holmes

Hello great people of the United States of Cyberspace!

I have decided to start writing this blog again for a few reasons. One, it gives me something to do and I love writing. Two, I have been posting alot lately on my FB about our wild and crazy life and I figure this is better for the people that it bothers and the people that like it. The people who don't like constantly hearing about all my kids can see less of it (why would they want to?) and the people that enjoy reading about our interesting, and adventure filled life know right where to find it. And the final reason is that I hear if you get enough followers you can get companies to give you sample products if you review them on your blog...I like the sound of that so FOLLOW ME PRETTY PLEASE.

 I think I am going to write about whatever I want, not just kids and family, because I have so much other stuff that I enjoy and have passion for. Such as, gardening, beauty products and tricks, fitness, cooking (and eating for that matter), decorating, remodeling, and whatever strikes my fancy that day...basket weaving, fly fishing...who knows my attention span for new ventures can be inconsistent.

Anyways...I am mostly writing for myself and if anyone else can read it and learn something, laugh, feel better, or even make fun of it to themselves then that is enough for me. Happy Trails!

Now Pictures of Everyone (Except Chris because I am a bad wife and can't find one)

Mason

AKA Mr. Mason

(funny enough Wyatt calls him Biggie which is what we call Wyatt)

Wyatt

AKA Biggie

Payton

AKA Satan with a P :)

Aidan

AKA A-man

And Me...and one of my dogs Lady

Thanks for Reading.

--Alex

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