a monster update, with hats!

Hi-ho, hi-ho, no I haven't fallen into a well. I did not trip on the treadmill and break something (God forbid). I have, however, been up to my neck in the 'full cupboard of life' and as always, that leaves me feeling blessed and depleted all at the same time. I'm giving you the full update here, as well as a fitness update, AND pictures of Thomas because it's somehow Tuesday, again. 

So, yes, we've been busy little bees, buzzing through things since last Thursday. Thomas and I met our lovely friend B (with her new baby, and Logan, Thomas's bestie) at these new fountains which also are right by a new frozen yogurt place. We picked up lunch and anticipated the boys splashing in the new fountain, but the fountain was broken. No water. It was hot. The fountains are right in the middle of a shopping center - it's like a mini park - and so there was way too much proximity to cars driving by for my comfort zone. I nearly had a heart attack when the boys would step foot off the grass to the sidewalk, which happened around fifty times or so. I'm sorry, but I have a 2 year old who DOESN'T LISTEN WELL. Not to mention, Thomas was running pell mell and fell, ending up with a big bloody scrape. I do not think I was very good company. We tried the frozen yogurt, which was yummy and has all sorts of amazing flavors, not to mention a funky vibe in the store. The store is basically an oval, which meant the boys had fun RUNNING AROUND IT. Lord, I was exhausted when it was over. 

Then Thursday night arrived, and I went off with a friend to learn how to knit. I have this lovely friend N from college - well, we were more acquaintances in college, she and her husband led worship for BSU and I thought that was just the most romantic thing ever - and we reconnected on Facebook. They live in the same town, and my friend N has been posting about knitting and this very easy way she's learned. She has a vision for making these hats and giving them out to the many homeless people in Jackson this winter. Her enthusiasm has just lit up the place (it's her church that I go to for MOPS and Bible study, the Baptisty megachurch) and it's a beautiful thing to see. One day I spotted her in the hall, and said "Please teach me to knit! If you're getting a group together, let me know!" So she did, and I spent the evening with a group of ladies who are just obsessed with knitting these hats, and everyone was so kind and excited about what we're doing. 

Y'all, it's super simple. Believe me when I say that if I, who adores crafts and yet always manages to get lost along the way, can do this, anyone can. Zoo monkeys are probably capable of making these hats. (You can make other things, too, I've heard, but I'm focusing on ONE THING AT A TIME!) I got my round loom kit from Hobby Lobby, but I've seen it at Wal Mart, too. (It's the bag that has four round looms in it.) I bought cheap yarn since I'm just starting out, not to mention, if I'm giving my work away, I have to keep the costs low. This is a hobby you can get started with for around twenty bucks, which is pretty cheap, as far as hobbies go. Still, I'm dreaming about fabulous yarn for future projects. 

This is my first hat. I messed up the top but it's still wearable, so I will probably wear it myself. 

The second hat I made is a much smaller one, made on the second smallest loom. It's nearly too small for Thomas, and really I just wanted a small project to practice my finishing skills. I did the top right this time and so I'm very happy. 

One the ladies in the group would like for us to end up doing something like Tom's shoes: offer people the chance to buy a hat, and then use the money to finance our yarn costs in order to give more hats away. I think it's an amazing idea. Of course, I have many babies in my life to make sweet hats for, and I have a feeling that everyone I know is getting a hat for Christmas. I have visions myself on how to make them really cute, too. I'm really excited at being a part of something that expresses a little bit of God's love to those who certainly feel loveless. And hello, picking out yarn? Best fun ever. 

So, that was Thursday night, and then Friday was a blur. The end goal was to get to Hattiesburg/Wiggins - I was slated to be at Bunco, which was a surprise baby shower for our sweet friend Angie. We left the house early and took my car to get the oil changed, which didn't happen. The mechanic said my car had an oil leak, and wouldn't change my oil. Ended up taking Thomas to Target for coffee and breakfast (hello, pumpkin spice latte, I've missed you and Starbucks oatmeal, my "better choice") and my *reward* for working out six out of seven days - the new Imogen Heap album. I've been listening to the album through her website, and I just can't live without it. Then it was off to the doctor's office for Thomas's very late 2 year checkup. 

He was mostly entertained by the two Hot Wheels I grabbed in the Target checkout line, thank goodness. We met a different doctor, she was nice, but I swear these visits are mostly useless. Thomas has grown two inches since May, the little weed. We talked about his lack of vocal skills, which I am still not that worried about, but I like to talk about how I'm not worried, just to vocalize the fact that sometimes I do worry, but not enough to think he needs an assessment quite yet. I have many friends who have boys and they assure me that one morning he's going to wake up and start speaking in sentences. He has days (like Friday) where there is so much chatter, plain old gobbedly gook, just streaming from his little mouth. I try to be patient and yet I am so ready to know what's going on his head. Mama wants to communicate. He knows more than half of his ABC's and loves to shout them out, wherever we are. He can count to four - "one, twoooo, fweee, fwooooour..." and spends a lot of time looking at books and reading them to himself. His receptive language is on target, he knows exactly what we say and what he's expected to do. On the other hand, he is so physical and coordinated. He climbs on anything he possibly can, has great balance, and is the proverbial active little boy. 

The rest of Friday, just trust me, it was wearying. We got behind schedule, and so I ended up meeting my parents in Hattiesburg. There was lots of rain, and I spent the hour I saved by meeting them in the mall with Thomas, picking up a shower gift for my brother and his fiancee, since the next day we were all going to be in Columbus for their couples shower. I rented one of those car strollers for five bucks and then spent a lot of time pushing it around without my child inside of it. VERY annoying. I ended up leaving the present at the store since I couldn't manage a huge box along with everything else. Thank God for the coffee shop in the mall, that's all I can say. And the rides, which kept us occupied while we waited for Lovie and Gramps to come and SAVE ME. They came and took Thomas for his visit to Chuck E. Cheese, which was quite the hit. 

Are you worn out yet? If so, then just imagine how ready I was for a glass of wine and some delicious supper cooked for us lucky girls by Keith. It was a fun night, and I got soaked up in love and caught up on everyone's news. 

Saturday was day with a lot more time in the car. Mom drove with Thomas and I to pick up Beaux, and then we all loaded up in Daddy's truck for the ride to Columbus. The good news is that Thomas is such a trooper when it comes to long car rides (okay, around two hours each time, but still). We made it to the shower only a little late, and my brother and his lovely fiancee were celebrated and gifted with useful and beautiful things. There were good snacks, and Thomas had fun following around two (bratty) four year olds. Seriously. Y'all know I love children and generally have a lot of patience for them, even little ones. The little girl has obviously never been told that whining makes people want to get out the duct tape. Yes, I told her, "Wow, I think you need some cheese for that whine." I know she probably didn't get it but it made me feel better to say it. Beaux ended up removing Thomas from the situation after the little boy told Thomas that he "hated" him. (!!!!) Thank goodness Thomas has no idea what that means. It just breaks my heart because he adores older kids so, and sometimes they are less than patient with someone who messes with their stuff. Which I understand. But still. Oy vey. 

We spent the night on the Air Force base in Columbus, which has these inns with really great prices. We ended up in a newer part that had suites, which was so fabulous. (The last time we stayed in them, it was a bit like a tiny apartment.) We put Thomas to bed and then could watch TV in the other room, me busy with my knitting. The next day we were told that oops, actually, children weren't allowed. Funny, this is the second time we've stayed there and no one has ever mentioned this policy. We're hoping someone had the wrong information, because the rooms were really quite nice and we're hoping to stay there for the wedding weekend next month. 

Sunday was wet and rainy and without enough coffee. (If we do come for the wedding weekend to the same place, I'm bringing my own damn coffeepot.)  I was a very grumpy camper, and even Dunkin Donuts couldn't really make it better. Also, call me crazy, but I don't like the coffee at Dunkin Donuts. I like strong coffee but theirs is always TOO strong. And the flavors are weird. Still, we spent the morning with Chris and Phoebe, going through stacks of old pictures. (Some of them I brought home with me and hope to scan soon.) I was ever so happy to get home, and we spent the evening quietly, enjoying our own space and the lovely comfort of our household. It's not that I don't adore spending time with my family, I do, but the keeping up with a 2 year old in unfamiliar places and making sure he's not a holy terror? Wears on me. 

As for the fitness side of things, I definitely had to let things slide as we were travelling for three days straight. It's much harder when Beaux is working during the day and I don't have that morning cushion to go to the gym. I absolutely need to dust off my 30 Day Shred video, or simply stick Thomas in the jogging stroller and do laps around the apartment complex. (Or hit a park with a good walking track, there are several close by, but I tend to forget about that option.) So far I've gone both Monday and Tuesday of this week, even though today I just did 25 minutes on the elliptical. I don't know what was wrong with me, but I felt as though I was slogging through it, and couldn't find the extra ooomph to do my walking on the treadmill. I think my mistake was not eating breakfast, gotta have those calories to power through the valleys. 

Still, I'm proud of what I've done in just two short weeks of starting my fitness revival. Tomorrow will be two weeks since I've started, and I've exercised 8 out of 14 days. I so appreciate everyone here who is giving encouragement, whether it's blog comments or on Twitter or Facebook. It really makes me happy to hear that what I'm doing is inspiring some of you, too. Who would have ever thought that posting your treadmill time could encourage someone to get up and get moving? I want to hear about how you're doing out there! Reluctant Athlete Fitness Brigade (thanks Bethany) unite! Leave a comment, and I'll create a drawing for a hat! Not only will I make a hat for you, but I'll donate one in your honor. So get busy! And I'm going to have to figure out a way to exercise AND knit at the same time! 

EDITED: I guess we need a deadline for the hat giveaway: let's say, Thursday September 24th @ midnight! 

Comments

[bethany actually]

I was doing great...till I got sick two days after I commented about getting up and getting on the elliptical right after I read your post, which I totally did, and the next day too. While I've been sick I've been conserving my energy, though today I'm feeling better, we had out of town company, and I walked all over Balboa Park for an hour or two. Tomorrow, back on track!

[Sheryl]

Dude, I totally want a membership in the Reluctant Athlete Fitness Brigade. If I did not love my dog I would never get any exercise at all. Big brown puppy eyes are a terrific motivator.

As for Thomas, I wouldn't worry about his speech. (Not that you're worried!) Emily had about 5 words until she turned two, and then her language switch flipped on. Will was even later, like 2 1/2. Haley was speaking in full sentences by 18 months and has hardly paused for breath since ;)

[el-e-e]

Oh, PLEASE sign me up for the Reluctant Fitness Brigade. I've been doing little to nothing and need to get back on track. Yoga/pilates/cardio(eep). You're doing great!

[Megsie]

Well, I read about your week-end, and now I need a nap! I still haven't begun the RAFB yet. I am still letting myself ease in to the idea. I WILL, really. Just not today.

[Bethany]

No kidding about this being a monster update! Sounds like you guys have been plenty busy, though, so forgiveness, etc. :)
I sat down today and wrote a list of everything I have to do in a day, then a list of those things that make my days enjoyable, then a list of the things that I want to do but don't have time for. Exercise was on the third list. I figured out that I have about 5 hours each day that are not spoken for, and in those 5 hours, I have to figure out how to accomplish all the have-to's, plus fit in any want-to's I can. While taking care of the kiddos, of course. It's not going well. I may not like exercising, but not even having a realistic 30 minutes a day for it makes this reluctant athlete want to cry a little. What do busy (but-not-particularly-rich) stay at home moms do?
Your hats happy me, by the way. I love the cause they're going for, and they're just plain adorable too. You amaze me!

[Samantha L.]

Bethany, I love that you sat down and figured out your available hours for doing what you love/want to do! That is just so very sensible and honestly, never would have occurred to me. 
Honestly, I don't know how moms of little ones have a super consistent exercise routine, unless they already have child care set up, or can join a gym with child care available for members. I am lucky in that Beaux's schedule is so odd, and lately he's had more time off from work. Even if he's working nights, when he comes home in the mornings (between 7 and 8 a.m.) I can grab some time then, before he goes to sleep. When he's working days it is MUCH harder. I have to utilize the time when Thomas is in Mother's Morning Out, which can be a drag, since I like to use that time for 'fun stuff' like coffee w/ friends, or Sam-time. I know some people are very disciplined about getting up before the kids get up (we're talking 5 a.m.) and I'm just not there yet, or they do it AFTER the kids go to bed. (No way!) So I just don't know what the solution is, but I know it takes a lot of support from your spouse for most SAHM's. Or they are very rich and we hate them
already, right? (Just kidding!) 

[lindsey]

in love with the hats. i so want one. and am so so proud of you regarding the fitness thing. because i am at FAIL right now.

xoxo

[Bethany]

I'm playing bloggy catch up tonight. :D

Both of my girls were speaking in full sentences soon after their first birthdays. I don't think my son said three words at one. At two it might have been five...or six. I don't think he spoke much at all until he was about five. Now he doesn't shut up and was tested as having the highest IQ in the school district. I know you aren't stressed about it (good for you! I let people stress me out over Landon). Doctors just drive me nuts with their developmental concerns...when kids just develop differently.