She’s off!

She’s off! Seeing those kiddos take off for the first time beings such a rush of joy and excitement. I can’t stop smiling watching her. We’re big believers in the balance bikes (we used it for all four kiddos) and they were all riding by 3. 

This gal took her first “pedal bike ride” to the school and back to pick up her sisters. And her  crossing guard friend was so exited to see her go. It was so fun listening to her engage with Abby, and Abby was just beaming.

As a side note - I’d originally set a personal “Mom goal” that she’d be on pedals by the end of the school year, and then changed it to “after spring break.” I set little goals like that to give myself permission to be deliberate and to just practice a little with her every day. Not to pressure her into a deadline, but just to be mindful of using our time and what we are progressing toward. And here she is - off and riding a week before the start of spring break. Once again showing her personal determination, capacity and grit.

And we are loving watching her go!

Find JOY in the little things

Her face was beautiful as she threw dandelions into the air while I cranked out lunges and push-ups.

Of course, I was experiencing an end-of workout natural high, but it took this moment to realize she too had been exercising right along with me and was feeling the same JOY.

The JOY of sunlight, air, family and love. The JOY of being in the present moment.

To keep it real - as dandelions and exercise happiness were happening, the babe was sucking on her thumb with crinkled eyebrows (teething), the 3YO was behind me running in circles, and the 9 yo was looking for bugs and crawfish.

But, I felt better with exercise. Still sleep deprived, but better. And hopeful this journey of fitness will rub off on these kiddos. Because it's not about a number on a scale. It's about the feeling that comes from within.

Make them the reason, not the excuse.