What am I grateful for?
- A mom who loves me and loves her granddaughters so much.
- Hearing how proud Julianna repeats the word granddaughter... just like Nana says it.
- My husband who is such a hard worker, big dreamer, and seeing him happy.
- Gabriella being so easy to put to bed
- Overall good health of my family
- Sheets that smell fresh and clean and are "tight"
- Romantic nights
- Getting 8 hours of sleep with only ONE night time feeding
- Having running water in my home to wash dishes, laundry, kids, and drink! Imagine how much work it would be without it.
Monday, February 20, 2012
A (good) weeks review...
A new week of celebrations. Gabriella is turning ONE! So, this week I'm going to go all out for her and have a big ol' party after a long search on a theme of "You are my sunshine". Bright pinks and yellows, sunshine stuff, fruit kababs, and yellow cakes! I'm looking forward to having my sister Barbie here to help me and have fun with me.
Sunday nights week in review- Last Sunday we watched the Grammy's together at home after I spent the day at my mom's, sleeping on her couch and eating. Aww, rest.
Monday & Tuesday stayed home with Jules from even gymnastics, fevers continued. Mom came by on Valentine's Day to bring medicine and V-Day gifts... a box of chocolates for both Moud and I, a drum book for Gabi, A Dora sing a long book for Jules, and three dvds, plus candy. Whoa.
Wednesday: Our 5th anniversary. Dropped the girls off at Mom's and went to the mall to look at dresses for Gabi's birthday. Met Moud at home, greeted with flowers and a card that made me cry. Plus, he got me a plaque with our wedding date-- including the year that I keep forgetting. And a photo book is in the mail of pics over the past five years of us. <3 best husband ever. LOVE HIM!!!
Thursday? I've no idea!! Made dinner that night and prepared some extra food for Moud.
Friday? Cooked for Mahmoud, Kholoud stopped by for a quick visit, Mom came over for a couple of hours and just hung out with us girls. She took Gabi home with her while I took Jules to Target and the mall. THIS WAS REALLY FUN! Spent $200 on monthly essentials that I stocked up on at Target, then went to the mall and found Gabi's birthday dress at the Gap. We looked for yellow shoes (which I just remembered that I "found" in a dream at a homeless thrift store where my shoes and purse were stolen). Then Julianna played on the baby grand piano's at Scott's Music, looked at puppies, and eventually made our way to the Arcade where she light up and squealed at the riding the merry-go-round (twice!) and playing the "bam" game. Was ALOT of fun!!
Saturday- After doing birthday shopping for Gabriella with kids at Nana's, we went to Ben & Caryl's for Hannah's daughters first birthday. Adalia napped until it was cake time and we sang to her. Was extremely sweet and touching to see the Lesters after all these years. I feel like they haven't changed at all, sweet, good, God-loving people that makes a person want to do and be better. Did I mention that I LOVE Caryl's decor and house, it's sooo gorgeous and homey. Came home to find Mahmoud at home!! Awesome surprise! Julianna napped until late while Gabi refused. Oh and seeing pictures of Mama Amal brought tears to my eyes...
Sunday was quite different, naps for everyone, even this Mama. Plus, I got TONS of laundry and dishes done, washed and changed all our sheets, and even made dinner. Very productive domestic household day. Sweet conversation over salmon with Mahmoud (while Jules was sleeping on the couch near us) about his maternal family history... like how is Grandmother can remember the family all gathering at the basha courtyard on horses, servants sprinkling the area with water to be cooler and serving food and drinks; or how his grandfather would always give the employees their exact earnings (not very common still in Egypt) by getting heaps of change to pay them exactly in-- and this is why she supposed Dr. Lotfy and his grandfather hit it off so well- they were both righteous in their ideas and deeds. His father was exceptional in that his recreational time was spent spending hours getting to the mosque to hear his favorite Imam speak أبو العينين شعيشع = abo el 3eneen she3aysha3 (which we listened to while he told me the story). His roommates in college remember that he would always get up for fagr, being very quiet by walking on his tip toes not to wake anyone else up.
This weeks goals: Get Gabi's stuff done, review goals on the side page and follow them. Workout today, drink water, eat healthy by eating lots of fruit n veges. Oh, order groceries today online. HAVE FUN in doing even things like laundry with the girls.
Sunday nights week in review- Last Sunday we watched the Grammy's together at home after I spent the day at my mom's, sleeping on her couch and eating. Aww, rest.
Monday & Tuesday stayed home with Jules from even gymnastics, fevers continued. Mom came by on Valentine's Day to bring medicine and V-Day gifts... a box of chocolates for both Moud and I, a drum book for Gabi, A Dora sing a long book for Jules, and three dvds, plus candy. Whoa.
Wednesday: Our 5th anniversary. Dropped the girls off at Mom's and went to the mall to look at dresses for Gabi's birthday. Met Moud at home, greeted with flowers and a card that made me cry. Plus, he got me a plaque with our wedding date-- including the year that I keep forgetting. And a photo book is in the mail of pics over the past five years of us. <3 best husband ever. LOVE HIM!!!
Thursday? I've no idea!! Made dinner that night and prepared some extra food for Moud.
Friday? Cooked for Mahmoud, Kholoud stopped by for a quick visit, Mom came over for a couple of hours and just hung out with us girls. She took Gabi home with her while I took Jules to Target and the mall. THIS WAS REALLY FUN! Spent $200 on monthly essentials that I stocked up on at Target, then went to the mall and found Gabi's birthday dress at the Gap. We looked for yellow shoes (which I just remembered that I "found" in a dream at a homeless thrift store where my shoes and purse were stolen). Then Julianna played on the baby grand piano's at Scott's Music, looked at puppies, and eventually made our way to the Arcade where she light up and squealed at the riding the merry-go-round (twice!) and playing the "bam" game. Was ALOT of fun!!
Saturday- After doing birthday shopping for Gabriella with kids at Nana's, we went to Ben & Caryl's for Hannah's daughters first birthday. Adalia napped until it was cake time and we sang to her. Was extremely sweet and touching to see the Lesters after all these years. I feel like they haven't changed at all, sweet, good, God-loving people that makes a person want to do and be better. Did I mention that I LOVE Caryl's decor and house, it's sooo gorgeous and homey. Came home to find Mahmoud at home!! Awesome surprise! Julianna napped until late while Gabi refused. Oh and seeing pictures of Mama Amal brought tears to my eyes...
Sunday was quite different, naps for everyone, even this Mama. Plus, I got TONS of laundry and dishes done, washed and changed all our sheets, and even made dinner. Very productive domestic household day. Sweet conversation over salmon with Mahmoud (while Jules was sleeping on the couch near us) about his maternal family history... like how is Grandmother can remember the family all gathering at the basha courtyard on horses, servants sprinkling the area with water to be cooler and serving food and drinks; or how his grandfather would always give the employees their exact earnings (not very common still in Egypt) by getting heaps of change to pay them exactly in-- and this is why she supposed Dr. Lotfy and his grandfather hit it off so well- they were both righteous in their ideas and deeds. His father was exceptional in that his recreational time was spent spending hours getting to the mosque to hear his favorite Imam speak أبو العينين شعيشع = abo el 3eneen she3aysha3 (which we listened to while he told me the story). His roommates in college remember that he would always get up for fagr, being very quiet by walking on his tip toes not to wake anyone else up.
This weeks goals: Get Gabi's stuff done, review goals on the side page and follow them. Workout today, drink water, eat healthy by eating lots of fruit n veges. Oh, order groceries today online. HAVE FUN in doing even things like laundry with the girls.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Five years...
Yesterday was a unique, special, fun day with my husband. We celebrated our fifth year of marriage. Quite an accomplishment given our circumstances -- you know, different countries, cultures, religions. His card made me cry, the flowers for the first time were special just because he listened to what I really wanted, and the plaque with our wedding date on it was extremely sentimental. My gift to him was memorzing the tashahud and a bottle of cologne- he loves it and I've never bought any for him before cos he has sooo many bottles of it. I love him. I'm still crazy about him after all this time. I can't wait to be old grandparents with him. We had dinner at Red Lobster and were actually able to have an entire conversation with kids interrupting. Incredible!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A good start to the morning
It's my cousin Brendon's birthday today, he must be turning 16 or 17. I want to remember to call him. Yesterday was awesome (sunny, picked up house, worked out, etc) and also so annoying. Crabby begets crabby. But, Julianna was the joy of my day, she was delightful, cute in her little half pig tails & overalls- and singing her own little songs in the living room, making her own hilarious expressions. She also went to bed two nights in a row perfectly because I gave her back her bop. I slept heavenly from 11:30 to 6:45 only waking two or three times with Gabriella briefly to nurse her or warm her up.
What made me the happiest? My two year old daughter asking for pancakes and eating them up (and that I made them super healthy with carrots and apples with oatmeal pancake mix).
What did I like best about myself? That I did not get emotional when Mahmoud was freaking out on me.
What goals did I do? worked out 40 minutes, showered, makeup, did Bilal Philips course online and read about Aisha from a book about women in Islam, started laundry and folded a load, made lunch and supper with healthy food, and prayed.
I started today off right, it's now 7:30. Jules banana n milk, done. Prayer, done. Coffee, done. Blogging, done. Now here's todays goals:
Workout
Laundry (in dryer and folded, plus one load of whites folded)
Call about student loans and pay cc
Make Lunch
Meet with Alma at 3pm.
Prepare dinner in mind with mahmoud going to work all weekend.
What made me the happiest? My two year old daughter asking for pancakes and eating them up (and that I made them super healthy with carrots and apples with oatmeal pancake mix).
What did I like best about myself? That I did not get emotional when Mahmoud was freaking out on me.
What goals did I do? worked out 40 minutes, showered, makeup, did Bilal Philips course online and read about Aisha from a book about women in Islam, started laundry and folded a load, made lunch and supper with healthy food, and prayed.
I started today off right, it's now 7:30. Jules banana n milk, done. Prayer, done. Coffee, done. Blogging, done. Now here's todays goals:
Workout
Laundry (in dryer and folded, plus one load of whites folded)
Call about student loans and pay cc
Make Lunch
Meet with Alma at 3pm.
Prepare dinner in mind with mahmoud going to work all weekend.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
A better day (TO DO)
I'm REALLY excited that two girls I met on Friday during the interfaith meeting contacted me -- both went out of their way to call or email!!!!!!!!
I also had seven hours of sleep, with only one 5:30am feeding. Julianna went to bed because I gave her the pacifier. Yep, I caved cos I'm nearly 6 weeks into a nightmare bedtime routine with my 2.5 year old. Last night was a breeze with her sleeping the WHOLE night and only waking me at 7:45. Right, 9pm-7:45- nearly her normal 11 hours!!
Mom watched the girls yesterday on Tuesday, so I could get groceries and then we attempted to eat dinner together.
Today and over the next six days, I'm determined to KICK butt and work out every day (but Saturday cos I'm going to Fargo with Kholood).
Weds- workout at home while Gabi sleeps or go to YMCA after her nap. CHECK! 5:30 Music class.
** Remember to ask Farhiya about the sleep sack! Also, do the Bilal Philips course online tonight.
Laundry downstairs also needs to be completed or probably be rewashed. On my way! Lunch for Mahmoud started......
Thursday. YMCA- noon for yoga, lunch with Sheila. If that fails, I'll take the kids in the gym and we'll run around in there for a bit and have our lunch.
I also had seven hours of sleep, with only one 5:30am feeding. Julianna went to bed because I gave her the pacifier. Yep, I caved cos I'm nearly 6 weeks into a nightmare bedtime routine with my 2.5 year old. Last night was a breeze with her sleeping the WHOLE night and only waking me at 7:45. Right, 9pm-7:45- nearly her normal 11 hours!!
Mom watched the girls yesterday on Tuesday, so I could get groceries and then we attempted to eat dinner together.
Today and over the next six days, I'm determined to KICK butt and work out every day (but Saturday cos I'm going to Fargo with Kholood).
Weds- workout at home while Gabi sleeps or go to YMCA after her nap. CHECK! 5:30 Music class.
** Remember to ask Farhiya about the sleep sack! Also, do the Bilal Philips course online tonight.
Laundry downstairs also needs to be completed or probably be rewashed. On my way! Lunch for Mahmoud started......
Thursday. YMCA- noon for yoga, lunch with Sheila. If that fails, I'll take the kids in the gym and we'll run around in there for a bit and have our lunch.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
A weekend.... full of fun and organization! Lunch with a Muslim was part of interfaith week and I was one of 'em that attended and met with others. It felt GREAT and reminded me that I'm missing the spiritual side of my life (and the basics). Saturday I cleaned and organized the house, including the girls' room. I even took out too small clothes or ugly clothes I don't want Gabriella to have later from sister's closet. I did laundry. I attended a pot luck with the girls and managed to have a conversation with a gal I met from Friday who attened. I cleaned the whole house and put away laundry by Sunday. I even hosted a pink-pancake breakfast at my house which was one of the most lovely times I can remember, even with Gabriella like super glue on me. Also, I went to mom's house per Julianna for a couple of hours, ate pizza, and watched some of the super bowl. Mahmoud came home, watched Madonna at half time, and gave Julianna chocolate. I ended up falling asleep in my clothes with Jules in my bed. Woke at 2:30 to put Jules in her bed when Moud came to bed, put on pjs, prayed, back to sleep til 4:30am, Gabi woke sometime in the night, too- and then up at 7:30 when Jules came in LOUDLY. Nevertheless, I am committed to working out at the YMCA today. If Gabi doesn't cooperate, I'll work out during her nap today.
I'll also start on Tuesday, a five day diet. Will require me to work out each day.
Groceries this afternoon, and then gymnastics.
Tonight, time for some Islamic reading for myself. Plus, look up the study books I mentioned to the girls.
Week Goals:
Prepare some items for Gabi's party
wORK out FIVE times
stick to the menu plan
be nice
bilal phillips course
I'll also start on Tuesday, a five day diet. Will require me to work out each day.
Groceries this afternoon, and then gymnastics.
Tonight, time for some Islamic reading for myself. Plus, look up the study books I mentioned to the girls.
Week Goals:
Prepare some items for Gabi's party
wORK out FIVE times
stick to the menu plan
be nice
bilal phillips course
Thursday, February 2, 2012
5 little goals every day
Thursdays goals:
1) Go to the YMCA for yoga at noon or work out there around that time
2) Finish addressing and send out invites for Gabi's birthday
3) Put away dishes (clean and dirty in dw).
4) Eat well
5) Prepard food for Mahmoud to take to work
1) Go to the YMCA for yoga at noon or work out there around that time
2) Finish addressing and send out invites for Gabi's birthday
3) Put away dishes (clean and dirty in dw).
4) Eat well
5) Prepard food for Mahmoud to take to work
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Committed
There is a difference between INTEREST and COMMITMENT. When you are interested in doing something you ONLY do it when circumstances PERMIT. When you're COMMITTED to something, you accept NO excuses, only RESULTS. Truly think and ask yourself....am I only INTERESTED in the thought of losing weight, getting healthy and fit?? or I am truly COMMITTED, I don't skip a scheduled day of a workout unless life presents itself in such a way that is tough to get it in or if my body is telling me NOT to. I rarely cheat on my diet except when permitted, and I do everything in my power to get the results I deserve because I.AM.COMMITTED!
words of my coach from beach boy.
day 1 at the ymca. 30 minutes in before they had to come get me because of the kids. good job, heidi.
work out plan: Monday, Weds, and Thursday. Work out 30-60 minutes. 30 cardio, 20 weights, and the rest stretching.
Try the yoga class at noon on Thursdays... see if I like it.
words of my coach from beach boy.
day 1 at the ymca. 30 minutes in before they had to come get me because of the kids. good job, heidi.
work out plan: Monday, Weds, and Thursday. Work out 30-60 minutes. 30 cardio, 20 weights, and the rest stretching.
Try the yoga class at noon on Thursdays... see if I like it.
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