It never gets easier, you just get better! By Libby of Advocare

Revelations come at the strangest times. Especially when they are from your kids. Those moments when we realize our kids are growing and becoming more independent. Where I have to let them go and struggle on their own a bit. It started when we decided to go swimming at the Bettendorf Y. I was excited because I love swimming as much as my three little girls. Well....It started out rather frustrating. We go into the locker room and get changed and I realize I brought everyone’s swim suit EXCEPT my own bottoms.... Ugh...After dumping out my bag 3 times hoping they would magically appear, I almost thought about wearing my black boy short underwear BUT (no pun intended) I decided to keep it classy. I had on a tank and yoga pants but felt so bad because I couldn’t get in and play. The girls weren’t too broken hearted so we all headed out and I sat there feeling like the “not wanting to get in the pool mom” but after awhile I got over it. We ended up getting into the deeper end (3 Ft) with life jackets. Bre, who just turned 3 stayed in the more shallow where I could watch her just as close as the twins. Now at this point I start to see that my twins are totally different lovers of water. Bella who is usually more timid, shockingly starts swimming out and paddling on her own while Liv does NOT want anything to do with letting go of the side. I let Bella do her thing happily doggie paddling along. I'm soo soo proud of her because she took it upon herself to “let go” and do

something uncomfortable. We do this for a while and they both even jump in but it’s not until I dare Liv to go swim out and grab the noodles to put away that it gets interesting.  She is perfectly fine floating and trying to get to the edge. There for what seemed like 10 minutes but probably 30 sec starts getting frustrated because she can’t make her way almost to the point of crying. Momma Bear wants to just HELP her and get to the edge because that anxious “my child is in danger mode” kicks in. We get through the moment rather calmly when I tell her to let go of the noodle and just kick to the side (maybe 3 feet away) But to Liv it may have well been 300 feet. What I realize is I sometimes have to let my child struggle to become stronger and learn how to solve her own problems. She was is no danger but still wanted to make is easier for her.
I then think of all my struggles in the past and how incredible they have been to my growth. I was proud of Liv for getting there by herself and I could see after she calmed down and looked at me and said, “I did it!!” excitedly.
Struggle always is for a reason. It never gets easier. You just get better. Jim Rohn.

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A Picture of Health -Libby of Advocare

A Picture of Health

So the girls have not been napping lately...Which means no sacred mommy time. That is precious more than I ever expected! I have felt more frustrated with the girls which I hate to say but that little hour break was important for me to relax. Or at least to wash dishes in peace. I’ve always been anxious after my kids were born. I was reading the other day what kind of physiological things happen to a mother when she hears her baby cry. Instantly wanting to make everything ok. That’s me for sure. Do you ever just hear that and tense up instantly?

I’ve been trying to find things that help me relax. Working out is definitely one of them. Releasing that tension and anger sometimes helps. Meditation helps too but when you have 20 minutes do we really lay there?

Last week I took the girls to The Children’s Museum in Normal, IL.. That was soo fun! It was nice to see another museum and what they have to learn about there. It kept the girls busy for hours and afterward we hit up our favorite place. ... T.A.R.G.E.T. Oh yes, that store is quite awesome and could surely spend thousands of dollars on really nothing per visit. Especially with three little girls who also like to shop.

Today I promised them I would buy them some paints. I love all things crafts. All the messy, gooey crafts that are possible.

 

 

Paint, Play Doh, glitter, stickers....love it all.

Of course kids LOVE painting but I had totally forgotten how much I loved it too. It was relaxing and corny to say but Good for My Soul. It’s like just a way of expressing yourself right on paper with your choice of color and stroke. Liv and Bella being 4 and Bre almost 3, it is was enjoyable because they weren’t trying to eat it and were making one picture after another for whoever they could think of. I was one relaxed Momma to say the least and perhaps it helped all paints were washable.

So if you’re ever in the art aisle, grab some paints and get to it. You may just surprise yourself in how sometimes a mess can put you back together.

As for the girls, they say it’s their favorite time is painting with Mom... :)

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Easy Peasy Chicken Noodle Soup by Libby from Advocare

Easiest Chicken Soup EVER!

3-4 Chicken Breasts cooked
2 cups Celery 2 Cups Carrots
1 Cup Baby Spinach
4 Cups Water
3 Cups Chicken Broth (Salted) (More broth and less water if it’s no salt)
Salt/Pepper
1 Cup Natural Brown Rice

Cook Chicken and dice into small pieces or shred.

Heat Water, broth and add veggies (add more of whatever else you like)

Add Chicken and Rice Heat on Low for about 1 hour.

Add Spinach

Let warm for about another hour.

It’s sooo easy and my 3 small daughters LOVE IT!

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