NASTY AND PUSH OVER- NOT A GOOD COMBO TODAY

I WOULD LIKE TO SPRINKLE SOME NICE DUST ON EVERYONE

It is summertime and for some reason people are ornery. I was dropping my middle one off at camp this morning. We go through a routine every morning where he gives me some extra hugs and kisses (which I will take willingly and happily as long as he will give them) and I make sure that his smile is beaming as I hand him off to his counselor. Yes, this routine takes about two minutes longer than me just handing him off but it makes him happy. M has not enjoyed camp in two years, so if he needs two minutes or less every morning to make his day, I am going to give it to him.  I was running back in my car and the woman running the carpool looked and me and as I was saying to her “thank you for making this camp season so great” she replied “yes, you are holding up the line”.  As I pulled away I heard her say, “does everyone think it is grand central station here?”  NASTY NASTY NASTY!!!!   There is no need to rain on my sunshine.   Everyone needs to have a bit more patience.  Do you know how many times I wait in carpool as others kibbitz and gossip with their friends, teachers, etc?   Everyone needs to sprinkle some happy dust and bathe in the real sunshine!

STRUGGLE WITH BEING A PUSH OVER?

Everyday I seem to be experiencing this issue discussed in the article below.  So far, I have remained “mean Mommy” but if my children can still have a good summer even though they have to do their school work everyday, take care of all of their pets, and help out around the house, then maybe I am doing something right.

Do Busy Schedules Mean Lax Parenting?

http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2011/06/28/do-busy-schedules-mean-lax-parenting/?blog_id=13&post_id=14627

A SHOUT OUT

A STRUGGLE

I know I know I have dropped the ball in keeping up with keeping you all up with the Bundi whereabouts, drops, highs and just plain moving through life.  Sorry.  I think I have come to terms that it “is ok” to just write a small something instead of a lot of everything. So here it goes.

WOW, A LOT OF STUFF IN ONLY A MONTH

It is incredible to think that it has been a month since school ended for my kids.  You would think that winter time is time for hibernation and growth but this summer proves to be the time for speedy maturation.  All of the kids are sprouting like weeds.

Providence Day Camp and JPS Camp were huge successes for us.  JPS Camp helped make M and R smile so much that their faces were sore.   B LOVED his camps.  Two weeks of half day cooking camps planted the seed to do a bake sale. B has been testing his new “skills” in the kitchen consistently and looks forward to getting this bake sale underway where the majority of proceeds will be donated to the Tourette’s Syndrome Association.  This was his idea not mine.

The best camp overall had to be SHREK THE MUSICAL CAMP. A half day full week camp dedicated to performing various songs and sharing dialogue as the characters from the show. B played Donkey and he did a great job.  He practiced lines for hours and downloaded songs so he could sing a long to them.  The big breakthrough moment was when he realized it wasn’t about “Mom” wanting him to be on stage, it was about “him” liking it and wanting to perform because it makes him feel a certain way that only he can enjoy and experience. Yes! Yes! Yes!

Now Camp Mindy and Camp Katan have begun and they are all off to a great start.

Ev and I accomplished training and accomplishing our first triathlon. Man, that was something let me tell you.  I am pleased with myself because I set forth a goal and reached it. I did it under two hours and didn’t die afterwards.  Now, we will be competing again in another triathlon on July 16th. In true Bundis form, the kidlings will also be competing in their own triathlons in weeks to come. I think triathlons are definitely difficult to train for but they allow you to know that you are better at some things and have to work at others. Biking is my weak spot. But, months ago it would have been both running and biking. If you put your mind to something nothing can defeat you except you.

That’s a wrap folks.

I Must Admit I Missed You

THE BREAK IS OVER, YOU HAVE ME BACK (IF YOU WANT ME)

The Bundistribe has prevailed and now we have entered into Summer ’11 with a bang.  Here is a quick recap of the last month:

Bundistribe has grown (not what you think) in maturity.  B officially graduated from kindergarten and is now going to be a first grader. M is thrilled to be entering into the 4’s which leaves him only a year till he can join his brother at Latin. R is talking up a storm, having his way with his brothers and somehow has become the silliest of the bunch.  The hubby is conquering the admirable task of doing his job, going to grad school, and remaining a great father and husband. I am becoming more settled within myself. I am trying to be a better mom everyday (some days are successful and sometimes I completely fail) and a good friend and wife.

We just returned from our PA/NYC trip where we all survived and came back with smiles on our faces.  The hubby and I enjoyed a spectacular 10 year anniversary vacation to Napa Valley where we almost had as much fun as we did on our honeymoon.  Now weekends are filled with joyous outings to the pool while enjoying the rigorous process of training for our triathalon (taking place on June 18th).

TALKING TOURETTES

I can’t believe it has been 8 months since we found out. It feels like it as yesterday that we found out our oldest son has Tourettes.  I am pleased to say, as much as I would like my son not to have to deal with anything extra, especially a disorder such as TS, knowing and dealing with our son’s TS has made our family stronger, more aware and communicative about things that we didn’t discuss before.  B has accomplished so much this year.  Not only is he maturing into a lovely young boy but also into a person that is in touch with himself and those around him.  He has to constantly deal with not only fitting him as himself but also creating a strong shield so that he can identify and cope with other’s feelings towards his tics.

About three weeks ago, we had our final school conference.  We were very excited because B has been so enthusiastic about his school experience.  We have been hyper vigilant in making sure that his tics were not interrupting his learning process but this was our check in to make sure that was still true.  Unfortunately, it was revealed that during quiet time, when the teacher is up in front of the class teaching a lesson, that is when B has become distracted. B has NEVER been distracted.  I get it, sometimes kids change. Sometimes their focus is elsewhere. But, I visited the class for a special Moms day and I also witnessed my son acting in a way that was bizarre for him. It was if he had ants in his pants. His concentration was completely off and he wasn’t talking to friends and he wasn’t doing anything else. So, after getting a glowing report other than this one issue, we decided to talk to B.  Before we talked to him we thought about his behavior at home. We recalled how his tics have been. Was he having crazy bouts?  How often were the tics occurring.   The hubby and I concluded that everything was strange. We hadn’t been seeing tics for about two weeks and that felt odd for all of us.  We didn’t mention it because you surely don’t want to call attention to it when they aren’t there.

When we talked to B he said at first he didn’t know what the problem could be.  He said he was distracted and noted that he was not listening as well as he could.  When we asked “why” he responded “I am trying to keep the twitches in and then I can’t concentrate on everything else.  When I working really hard to listen to the teacher the tics are really loud and annoying so I try and keep them in.”  We decided this was a Sunny C moment that she needed to help us out with and so she did.  A few days later Sunny C came over for her session with B and he revealed to her that just the week before, in Science Lab, one of his girlfriends said “stop it” and he said “I can’t” and she said “try”.  Yes, our hearts sank as well when we heard this. This behavior is inevitable. We knew there would come a day that B would have to respond to these types of comments.  Since that day he tried to keep his tics in because he didn’t want them to be loud and annoying.  When we got the chance to discuss it openly I said “B, let them out. I miss them. They are who you are and that is who I am most proud of. I like you being different. We all are different.”  He said that he felt no one else is different around him.  Sunny C, came up with a great way of talking about it. She used his super heroes that he admires as examples.  “Does Wolverine has something that makes him different? Of course he does, his metal daggers that come through his hands.  Can he control that when it happens? No.  Same thing for the Hulk, right. He is different as well and has no control over when he gets upset and turns big and green.  They are just like you a bit different but people really like you anyway.”  Our six year old totally got this concept and has been ticing a lot every since. Eureka!

TODAY

Today, all of our boys when off to camp.  B was in a camp that he thought he wasn’t going to know a soul and he ended up knowing a few people at cooking camp and at acting for TV commercial camp.  He was so proud of himself and was delighted with how awesome his day was.  M and R went to camp and even though M started the day with some tears his smiles took over.  They both came home raving about what a great time they had at camp.  Overall, life is great.

Ten Years Of Marriage

Chicken, Swiss Chesse, Pesto, Lettuce and Tomatoes With Pickles

This is the sandwich which the hubby and I shared yesterday. We had to select ingredients that we wanted on a sandwich to share. I thought that this was a perfect representation of our marriage. Some things we like just the same, some we ordered for the other because we know they like it and then there is the fun action of sharing the sandwich we built together. Our marriage is unique. Ev and I are very different but also similar. We enhance each other and our lives together. To put it bluntly, we make each other’s life full.

Today marks our 10th Anniversary!

Thank you to all for all your kind sentiments. We are having then time of our lives. Yesterday, we did what we like to do most, explore new cities and towns. We did so hand in hand, laughing, smiling and loving the time we have with each other. We are so fortunate to be able to go to Napa and spend a very special couple of days connecting, nurturing and cherishing each other’s company. We started out building our sandwich, stuffing our faces, exploring downtown Sonoma, working out in the pool, and then experiencing a one of a kind meal at Morimoto. By the time we came home my eyes were shut before I could fall into the bed fully.

The Details

We are staying at the Carneros Inn and it has to be one of the most exquisite hotels we have ever stayed in. Outside bathroom, fireplace and all, this place is paradise. Today we worked out first thing in the morning and worked out hard to get ready for the day of wine tasting and more food binging. We had a great breakfast at the Boon Fly Cafe where the waiter called me “lovely lady” and I almost melted. We then went with Bob from Wine Valley Tours and set out on our 6 hour adventure (auntie thanks for the recommendation). Ev and I are not big drinkers. Our knowledge of wine was minimal. Today was awesome! My wine eyes opened right up and now I have a new appreciation for grapes, climates and vineyards. We had a blast! First of all, Bob was delightful and educated us on how to become wine lovers. We visited family owned small wineries and they were fabulous. We must have tasted 6 wines minimum at 5 different wineries. Our palettes were tired by the fifth. We learned about how wine is made, how grapes grow, how they ferment the wines and the process in the barrels. Wines are fascinating. Mid afternoon we had a picnic outside looking over the beautiful vineyards of Sonoma. Today has been very romantic. We ended our tour with an olive oil press tasting where Ev and I tasted every single option of olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the menu. We could have stayed there for the rest of the afternoon. The produce in Sonoma is gorgeous and fresh! I love it here!!!!!!! The rest of the day includes rejuvenating baths (the hubby doesn’t like massages) overlooking the hilltop vineyards and then dinner at Bottega or Mustard’s Grill in Yountville. What a fabulous day celebrating life with the hubby.

New Ring

Ev has not worn a wedding band for over a year. Due to his shrinking waist size his marriage band fell off in a pool of water and that was the end of wearing his ring. There is something nice about the hubby wearing a ring. I was determined that we could find one here in Napa and we did. Yesterday we went into town and walked into this darling jewelry store. They had an eclectic mix of wedding bands. We don’t have the usual taste and Ev wanted to go less traditional. We found the one. It is a stainless steel band with an indestructible wood (lignum vitae) designed by a local designer hand made for my hubby. It represents strength, and our indestructible bond we have together. He should get it about 6 weeks and we can’t wait!

WOW WHAT A WEEK- FALLEN, NEXT YEAR, TRAINING

FALLEN

It saddens me greatly to share that a fabulous leader has decided to move on with her life and her career. The last few days have been very emotional for a group of us who truly respect, trust and love this leader. She has had a very special job to ensure the progress of our children by keeping their best interests in the forefront. It is one of those times that you know, mentally, that is all going to be ok and that change can be good.  Emotionally, it is a dagger, a complete punch in that gut because there has been such a deep impact by her accomplishments.

It is one of those times that things are in disarray. There is no clear path that is certain. This makes me feel uneasy.

NEXT YEAR

My middle child, M, is turning 4. Today was his birthday party and it went off without a hitch. Go M for really stepping up to the plate on a day that started at 6am, swim prep, babysitting, party, soccer and more.  It was a great day. The party was great. The company was even better. The cake rocked. M’s smiles and joy made our day!

TRAINING

I am training for a triathlon.  I might have bitten off more than I can chew.  I swam 20 laps and then cycled for an hour today.  The hubby, who is doing this with me, insisted that I finally take a ride outside instead of a spin class. All I can say, is that I am sore in places that I never knew existed. This whole training process is exhausting.  My whole body hurts and mornings have become quite challenging. Mentally I may be refreshed and ready to conquer the day but my body is achy and I feel like I have led arms and legs when I try to crawl out of bed as the sunshine or rain falls upon my windows.  I am still working hard and excited to see how much I can prepare myself.  This is still fun.

TS IS EFFECTING B IN SCHOOL

B has been great! His TS has been weirdly under control through the last couple of weeks. I am trying not to be the neurotic Mom who is always checking in and worrying about his daily vibe.  While I have worked my relax muscle, B has been working his “keep his tics in” muscle.  This will be our Sunny C challenge of the week.  Yes, B has gone from ticing like a mad man to having them hidden behind his special B screen. Only problem is that he is becoming distracted in class.  In order to keep them in during the quiet teaching times in class, he has taken all of his concentration and put it in one basket which doesn’t allow him to have extra baskets to listen and learn.  This is a very big change for him. He tells me that he doesn’t want to let the tics out during that time because they are loud and annoy him greatly.  We don’t have the answers. We at least are aware of the issue and will work on resolving it.

A LITTLE WORD- I MISS YOU ALL TOO

MAYBE A FEW WORDS A FEW TIMES A WEEK WOULD SUFFICE

Loyal readers and subscribers, I miss you too. I have heard from several of you in the last few days asking for an update.  Please note that I have spread out my blog entries because I want to keep it interesting and exciting.   I know everyone’s time is valuable and therefore I think your reading time should be filled with interesting news and comments.

TRIATHLON

I have decided to participate in the Gold Rush triathlon on June 18th. I am not a great swimmer, bike rider or runner. I feel compelled to conquer an ongoing fear of competition and being overwhelmed by the pressure. I have had several opportunities in life to head to head within various competitive battles and I have faltered.  I am not getting any younger nor do I want to waste another moment not living the way I want to live.  Any of you interested in joining me?

All I can say is that I just began training a week ago.  I am constantly hungry.  (It reminds me of when I was a vegetarian and I kept dreaming about burger. Then, I knew it was time for me to not be a vegetarian anymore.) I have to learn how to fuel myself better, get more rest and learn how to listen to my bodies’ needs.

Anyone have any suggestions on what to wear and where to buy my gear from?

HOW DID I LOSE THE WEIGHT

Yes, I have lost a significant amount of weight.  Most of it was baby weight but I have learned to eat differently, work out in a way that suits me mentally as well as physically.  Many people have asked “What have you been doing?  What diet have you been following?”

-I run after 3 kids on a daily basis

-I eat out less

-I don’t work out fewer days a week (3-4 days on average for 40-70 min)

-I eat more (protein, protein, carbs)

-I listen to my cravings (I am craving something sweet I give in within moderation; I don’t restrict)

I, personally, am not a fan of diets. Having had a serious eating disorder, restricting food and not allowing yourself to have what you want is problematic.  I run at least 1-2x a week anywhere from 2-6 miles.  I eat.  I have breakfast, whether it be a protein bar or a big breakfast with eggs, bacon and toast.  I eat.  I try to balance out my breakfast with a big lunch.  Dinner always has a protein mixed in no matter what.  I give in to having desserts.  I enjoy a ton of Yoforia but also like a big grapefruit and some sugar-free pudding with cool whip.  It’s all about moderation. It’s about learning about portion control and keeping active.  If I don’t eat enough I get moody, anxious and am starving around 10pm at night.

The key is to listen to yourself.  Learn what healthy eating is all about. And, you need to fuel yourself, feed yourself and do things you like to do. If yoga is your thing, do yoga. If you like to bike ride, spin, go for a ride.  If you like classes, take classes.  I think changing it up and not doing one thing for a really long time is very helpful. It keeps your mind and body engaged and creates new challenges for you to conquer.  Last but not least, I believe in music.  I listen to all kinds of music but my most favorite part of the day is when I can shake my booty and work out to some uplifting kickin’ tunes that motivate and get my heart rate racing!

MY FAV QUOTE OF THE DAY

I was in pilates today and one of the ladies mentioned “I did weight watchers. I bought the books, I bought into the plans, I was dedicated.  My first week doing it was the worst week ever- I was the hungriest I have ever been in my life!”  That says it all folks.

Oh Seattle

Seeing My Friends

I just spent the last two days with my good girlfriends. It is amazing how people can stay in touch through time no matter what. For me, it was a much needed catch up session.

Oh Seattle

Man, Seattle is gorgeous. Even though the weather this time of year is dreadful, the scenery is breathtaking. Pike Place Market is the ultimate conglomerate of different foods, mixed goodies and awesome fresh flowers. I could spend every day visiting and never get bored. My palette was delighted by the various samples (chocolate pasta, fig balsamic vinegar, rhubarb preserves and more). It brings back the fond memories of being in the northwest.

Back to Carolina this afternoon.

WHEN THERE ARE THINGS TO BE SAID

LOYAL READERS & SUBSCRIBERS

After watching my numbers fall, it is time that I blog a couple times a week and not everyday. Though I am sure you are enthralled in the captive insights I give daily about my life, perhaps it would be best if I give you those insights often but not every day.  Perhaps I will get back to blogging daily but for now I think you digest my words when there is more to be desired. I have been blessed by all of your feedback and participation. It is my job to know when to ease up and when to come back full force.

YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHEN TO PUT IT DOWN

It is a constant struggle for me to know when I should put down my phone. That urge to answer and email or text is always biting my fingers usually when there is a kid screaming or a little one tugging on my leg.  Today, I learned that having that pressure, letting those bites get to me is not helpful to my overall demeanor as well as concentration towards my kids and their needs.  I am learning when to put down the technology and just be in the moment.  I remember when I did Bikram yoga, it took me months to let my body and mind just be.  For some reason, the act of letting go, letting the mind calm itself and becoming one with the moment, the ground, the earth was a big challenge for my system.  I eventually conquered it.  I learned to think of nothing and drift off to space for the time that I practiced.

Even though I am not performing Bikram yoga everyday or any day I know that it is in the best interest for everyone if I let go at times.  I don’t answer the phone every time it rings when I am not working. I don’t have to answer texts the moment they come through. I can breathe and when appropriate answer and deal with my mail and when not a good time I just have to let it all go.

CHANNELING A TIGER MOM MIGHT BE FOR THE BEST

YOU HAVE TO WORK FOR IT

Nothing has ever come easy for me. Think one of the many reasons the hubby and I jive so well is because we both are achievers. We may go about our goals in different way but we reach them, usually together. Soccer today was an utter disaster. My middle one is on a league where the hubby and I switch on and off coaching. We decided to coach, at the recommendation of the head of soccer, so that our almost 4 year old could feel more comfortable. In my opinion, it is a huge perk to have your mom and dad there with you the whole time. Our middle child is a trip. He is definitely the one who needs to be motivated the most to move his butt, put some life into his step, try hard at things. Again, the hubby and I try to keep all things in perspective and take him for what he is and not compare him to anyone else. We live in a society that is lazy overall. We think that it is imperative for M to be active and start learning that working out in various ways not only is beneficial to him but also needed to keep him happy/healthy.

The game started and he really wasn’t into it. He was moving like a slug. We tried to play the encouragement card, that didn’t work. We played the ignorance is bliss card, that didn’t work. We played the tough love card (and as the coach being very hard on my own kid I received a ton of looks from other parents), that didn’t work. Finally, I thought about what Sunny C has been teaching us. M wants to be helped. He wants Mommy or Daddy’s help in doing his “work”. In this case, it was playing the game. The hubby and I were getting more and more frustrated with the lack of interest on M’s part. I thought to myself “how can I get through to him without him feeling abandoned or chastised? How can he do the work that is required when you are part of a soccer team?”. I though about what my coaches made me do when I was on teams. What do my instructors do now when they want to change my behavior?

When the game finished I said, in a very calm tone “M you didn’t do the work required, that all your other teammates did. Now you have to do it. The tears started to stream down his face. I took a deep breath and said “let’s go we are going to run”. We ran four laps around the outside track at the JCC. He wasn’t pleased but he got the message. We rewarded his with the water ice he requested before the game. We said because you did the work your request has been granted.

SWIM MEET #2

There is a reason people practice. There is a reason that you work at something you enjoy and can get better and better. B had his second swim meet today. At first, it was a little rocky. He was coughing(tic) a lot and got upset. Ev was trying to convince him to stop but I recalled that we communicate how we feel there usually is a positive resolution. I looked B right in the eyes and said “sweetie your twitches are coming out because you are nervous and that ok. How can I help you?”. He looked at me with a found sense “I get why I am coughing” and then he proceeded not to use the coin I gave him to rub but went with Daddy, took some deep breaths and worked in out in true B form. He then busted out new record for himself in crawl and backstroke. And, with the stroke he couldn’t even do two days ago, he did the breast stroke from one end to the other end of the pool. He accomplished all of his goals that he set forth, with us, before the race. By the end of the first race his smiles were beaming, his confidence was oozing and there was some crazy fierce drive within him that made him try his best and have fun while doing so! Maybe the two days a week practiced combined with the Bundis swim practice over every weekend for least an hour for then past 6 weeks helped him feel he could conquer the meet. And he did!

There is a reason behind our madness. We want the best for our kids. We want them to feel good in their bodies and minds. Practice, doing the work, whatever it may be, will always lead to success, especially when you have your entire family supporting you, practicing with you and encouraging you to be true to yourself, go after your dreams, and achieve whatever your heart desires.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS MOVIE

RUDY RUDY RUDY

I am currently relaxing with the hubby eating strawberries (just picked this morning at the strawberry farm-fun experience with the kids) and cool whip watching RUDY for the 50th time.  This happens to be my hubby’s favorite sports movie of all time. Every time he tears up at various moment. Dare I say might have named our oldest Brody because when called out during any sports outing sounds like “RUDY! RUDY! RUDY!”

Soon it will be time for us to share our favorites with our sons so we can start a whole new “watch our favorite sports movie with the family” tradition. Here is our list what is yours?

RUDY

REMEMBER THE TITANS

HOOSIERS

MIRACLE

ROCKY

YOUNG BLOOD

ICE CASTLES (Total Ash pick)

AMERICAN FLYERS

PREFONTAINE (with Billy Crudup)