Linsey’s Sleep Over Birthday Party
The birthday party sleep over went fantastically well on Saturday night and all the girls (I think) had a great time.

Linsey and I got there about 30 minutes or so before the guests so that we could get the room situated and drop off our stuff. The room was BEAUTIFUL!

With a king size bed All. For. Me.

Before the girls all arrived and after we got our stuff loaded into the suite LInsey and I stopped for a mother/daughter picture in the giant mirror that I really wanted to steal and bring home with me. But alas, it was too big.

The party was small and consisted of Linsey’s very best friends (three to be exact) so I knew there wasn’t going to be any drama. The girls played games, ate pizza and watched movies way into the night.

On Sunday morning we went out to have crepes for breakfast at Linsey’s request.

I’m pretty sure that all the girls had a good time and I’ve decided that the low-key, smaller parties are definitely the way to go in the future. This one was so easy and pain free. SCORE!

Clayton High School vs Westboro Baptist Church
If you’re not familiar with the group, Westboro Baptist Church sends members of their congregation out to protest military funerals, tornado destruction sites and anything else they can use as a platform to spread their message of hate.

Well, this morning they chose to do it at one of our local high schools. The group was protesting the high school because they said that is where children are being taught about “abominations like same sex marriage, equality for all and other anti-Christian values”.

The student body at Clayton High School put together a counter protest to take place at the same time that would raise money (selling t-shirts, wrist bands and screen printing items on the spot) for Gay and Lesbian Youth Support Groups.

I knew I wanted to join in the protest and take the girls with me immediately. Jason and I have always tried to teach the girls that we love and respect everyone. Race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and anything else that makes someone “different” does not matter to us. We love and cherish every equally because they are human beings and that is what being a human being means.

So we got up extra early this morning to head out for the protest. We stopped at Bread Co for breakfast…

(whole grain bagel with wild blueberry cream cheese – YUM!)

As soon as we got to the high school we realized that this was bigger than even I thought it would be. Look at the amount of police presence there was!

Some residence in the very expensive town homes across the street even joined in the support!!

The crowd of Westboro protesters only consisted of 5 people with 3 to 4 signs a piece. The signs were so horrible that I opted not to even give them publication, but know that the message was full of hate and ignorance. So sad.

The crown for the counter protest was amazing. It was probably 300 to 400 people with signs that said some of the most beautiful things. The vibe of the crown was peaceful, loving and compassionate, but strong on their beliefs.

I am so glad that I took the girls to see and be a part of the demonstration. Regan obviously had no clue what was going one, but Linsey really got it and was amazed to see such a large group of people coming together in such a positive way. It was very lovely.

We even got stopped and interviewed by a local news channel!! The reporter was so excited to see that I was involving my children in the protest. He asked me a few questions and then asked Linsey a couple as well. We may be on Channel 2 News if you live in St Louis!!

Who Won The Yogurt??
So – I was given some different types of Chobani Champions to try last week and was also allowed to host a giveaway of the new flavors. Well – we all tried the new flavors of yogurt. I am a tried and true Chobani fan! I eat many of the flavors quite frequently and was super excited to sample the new champions flavors.

Vanilla Chocolate Chunk

This was our over all favorite for obvious reasons. Who doesn’t love chocolate? The texture was smooth. The flavor was subtle and sweet, but not overwhelming. This is a flavor I will be buying often!

Orange Vanilla Swirl

The girls weren’t thrilled with this flavor as much. Regan doesn’t like orange anything and Linsey said it was way too sweet. She said it was too orange-y and not something she would want me to buy. I liked it! I thought it was definitely orange-y, but I happen to like oranges and orange flavor so maybe that’s why. I probably will buy this flavor, but not as often as the chocolate.

And the winner’s are…

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Candace and Missy please send your mailing addresses to maria@realfitmama.com so I can get them to the good people over at Chobani.

Today I’m thankful for:

…positivity in the world

…being able to share events with my daughters

…getting to hang out with Jason during the day

…friends who help lift my spirits

…yoga

~ Maria

Jason and I ran the deli all by ourselves, we got killed and then we got over it.

That’s how we do things up in this mug!!

I hope that you all took the time to read my previous post regarding Planned Parenthood and the Susan G. Komen debacle. It’s of the utmost importance and would mean the world to me to have your support.

Moving on…

Yesterday I walked to my front door and do you know what I found??

Yep! That is a HUGH JASS box of Chobani. And it’s all for … the girls. I was approached a while back to do a review and giveaway of the new flavors of Chobani Champions. Linsey and Regan already eat Chobani Champions and love it so this taste test was only going to end one way.

When we opened the box I was shocked to see just what WAS inside!

Now the really fun part … I get to give some Chobani Champions to not one, but TWO of you guys!! I have some Vanilla Chocolate Chunk AND Orange Vanilla ready to mail out. All I need to know is:

• what is your television guilty pleasure?
• what’s your favorite snack to eat while watching it?

I’ll pick two winners on Sunday night after getting back from Linsey’s birthday party sleepover.

Today I’m thankful for:

…my health

…my daughter’s health

…the fact that there is a place I can go when I need medical help without insurance

…the support of all of you amazing people

…twitter! It’s helped me connect with so many people today alone!

~ Maria

I was devastated to find out they are cutting all monetary (about $700,000) funds to Planned Parenthood because some asshole Republican politician in Florida decided they needed to be investigated for “misuse of funds” where abortions are concerned.

I am a huge supporter of Planned Parenthood for a number of reasons, but most of all because they provide Women’s Health to people who may not otherwise be able to see a regular doctor. Everything is based on your income and there is NEVER any judgement.

We have gone for a number of years without health insurance and I knew I could count on my local Planned Parenthood to provide me with the basic care I needed whether it be birth control, pap smears, breast exams, etc. I also knew it would be something I would be able to afford.

Does the Komen Foundation now think that only rich people get breast cancer?
That only rich people need breast exams?
That only rich people deserve the best care possible?

Because that is totally what it feels like to me at this time. That or they’re bowing down to some gray haired man down in Florida who hasn’t seen a vagina in 20 years so he’s stirring up trouble because he’s pissed! or they’re scared of the Republican’s who are out for Planned Parenthood blood.

Here’s what I (and my good friend, Elizabeth) have decided to do about it!

Send it to Susan
My dear friend, Elizabeth, has first hand experience as to what devastation’s breast cancer can cause. Her mother would be 67 years old on February 5th if breast cancer hadn’t taken her life.

So we’ve declared February 5th Send it to Susan Day!

All you have to do is go to your local post office and get a flat rate shipping box.
Fill it with ALL of your Susan G. Komen paraphernalia.
Include a handwritten note stating your disgust in this decision.
Ship it to the following address:
Nancy Brinker
Susan G. Komen Foundation
5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250
Dallas, TX 75244

Editor’s Note: I’m aware that February 5th is a Sunday so get your packages in the mail either Saturday or Monday!!

Race to Support Planned Parenthood
I also have first hand experience with breast cancer. My mother was diagnosed two weeks after Regan was born. She was one of the lucky ones who survived. Jason’s Grandmother was diagnosed in the 80′s and also survived, but so many others don’t make it. Without the proper screenings that number will go up.

Here in St Louis the annual Race for the Cure is June 23rd. I propose that we save our $25 registration fee and donate it right to Planned Parenthood. You can make an online donation by clicking here.

I plan to gather that morning, instead, with my family and friends and run a Race to Support Planned Parenthood. We’re currently putting together a little run meeting to complete a 5k on our own complete with race bibs (as soon as I get them finished I will post a printable version) and everything!

My hope is that you, my lovely readers, will also gather on that morning with your family and friends (donned in your Support Planned Parenthood race bibs) and run your little hearts out right along with us. I also hope that you’ll take tons and tons of pictures, send them to me at maria@realfitmama.com so that I can then write up and amazing post showing just how much we support Planned Parenthood and the work that they have and will continue to do.

That’s it for now, but trust me – I will NOT be letting this fight go. I’m in it for the long haul. I hope that someday the Race to Support Planned Parenthood on June 23rd will be as big (or bigger) than the Race for the Cure because to me…

All women’s health issues are my issues because I am a woman.

Today I am grateful for you and your support.

~ Maria

I had noticed some of my fellow bloggers talking about something called Foodie Penpal and my curiosity was peaked. So I contacted Lindsay of The Lean Green Bean and told her I wanted in – and I was in!!

Over the past few days I have been reading on twitter about all the bloggers receiving their goodies in the mail and I was getting sad because mine still hadn’t come. Then – I got an email that said “Trouble with the package and it got sent back to me, but I’m resending it tomorrow!”

Well – guess what showed up today!!

Goodies from my Foodie Penpal!! This month I was paired with Lindsay, a 25 year old Engineer living in Houston, Texas,  from Biking and Baking Before Bed.

First up I got some yummy sounding granola that I cannot wait to try out! Cranberry Orange Walnut – HELLO!

Second in the box was something that I will end up fighting Regan for. She is a honey addict and this Peach Blossom Honey tasted ah-may-zing! I already drizzled a tiny bit onto my finger to get a sneak peak for myself.

Thirdly (is that a word??) there was the mother of all foodie penpal gifts – Blonde Starbucks Coffee!! Have you heard about this?? I have been dying to try it, but to save money we haven’t been getting coffee out for months, but now I get to try it first thing tomorrow morning. I may even share it with Jason – maybe.

As part of the Foodie Penpal deal Lindsay also sent me a little handwritten note on the cutest Where’s Waldo postcard. WOOHOO!

Thank you, Lindsay, for ALL my goodies!! They won’t go to waste in this house for sure.

If you want to see what I sent to MY Foodie Penpal, Lauren, just head on over to Hugs Kisses ‘N Dishes and check it out.

The Foodie Penpal has ended up being super fun and a great way to meet new bloggers from all over the country. If you’re interested in joining for February check out the info below or go ahead and click right here:

-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you can choose to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.

**The BIG news this month is that we’re going to do a trial run in Canada.  I’m still not exactly sure how it will work with shipping costs and stuff since I’m not sure you guys up North have flat rate shipping boxes, but if you’re willing to give it a try for a month and provide me with some feedback, that would be awesome!

Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. So, I’m going to keep two separate lists and match US w/ US and Canada w/ Canada!

Sound like fun? If you’re interested in participating for February, please send  an email to Lindsay at theleangreenbean@gmail.com and include the following information:
-Your full name
-Your email address
-Your blog name/address
-Your twitter handle (if applicable)
-WHETHER YOU ARE A US RESIDENT OR CANADIAN RESIDENT. – this is SUPER important so I can get you on the right list!

-You will need to email Lindsay by February 4th as the pairings will be emailed February 5th.

On a fitness note-
I went running this afternoon and was able to get in a great 2.5 mile run in 27:52!!! I’m still a little congested and definitely could feel it in my chest, but I pushed through and made it a great afternoon run WITH Regan in the jogging stroller. SCORE!!

Today I’m thankful for:

…goodies from another state

…great afternoon runs

…65 degree days in January

…words with friends

…virtual runs for a really great cause!

~ Maria

I had a lot of trouble getting up this morning (my congestion is always worse when I first wake up) so I wussed out on my 30 Day Shred workout. But as soon as I heard what the forecast was I knew I was going out for an afternoon run – a short one, but still a run none the less.

Which is exactly what I did as soon as I picked Linsey up from school. While she was finishing up her homework I threw on my running shoes and headed out to pick up Regan.

Sadly, my congestion kept me from really running, but a brisk walk in the beautiful fresh air was great all on it’s own. And the best part was that Regan was so excited to find out we were walking home! Love that kid…

Linsey has dance rehearsal tonight and Jason’s at school so we’re on our own for dinner. Regan has been begging to watch Little Women so tonight is the night, but first I wanted to let you guys know about something that is pretty important to me.

On January 7th a woman by the name of Sherry Arnold set out for an early morning run and never returned home. I was stunned to realize that a blogger I have been following for sometime now was her cousin. When I read Beth’s initial post about this situation, Missing, I was heart broken for her and her family.

I have followed the story every day since and when it was announced that Sherry was in fact dead – I couldn’t believe it. I had hoped, along with so many others, that she would be found  alive. That, unfortunately, was not the case.

A fund has been set up for her two children and if you could find it in your heart to help, even just a little, please go here and make a donation today.

If you’re a runner (or a hiker, a biker, a walker, a skater, a swimmer, etc) please think about joining the Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold on Saturday, February 11 at 9:00 a.m. MST.

There is also a facebook page set up for this event as well. Please “like” it, share it and talk about it with your friends!

I will be printing out a bib and running that day in honor of Sherry, her family, her friends and all runners everywhere. I hope that you will join us. If you do please take pictures, email them to beth@shutupandrun.net so that she can share them with Sherry’s family. Every picture brings them a little more hope…

(photo source)

Today I am thankful for:

…my family

…my friends (who are also my family)

…my ability to keep running when so many others cannot

…being capable to help when/where I can

…the blogging community who keep me humble, inspired, informed and grounded

~ Maria

We were surrounded by great friends, lots of yummy chili and super happy kids of all ages. Surprisingly there were THREE different types of chili that were vegetarian.

SCORE!

They were all so yummy it was hard to pick my favorite. In the end I went with my friend Jen’s Hippie Stew (as I named it) because it had chick peas, eggplant, corn and tons of beans. It was hearty, a bit spicy and had great flavor.

After the chili was gone there was a Hot Pepper Eating Contest…

And guess who was right up in the middle of the action??

Yep! Jason was right up in the contest before I even knew it was going on. They started with red bell peppers and worked their way up thru six or seven peppers ending with habaneros. Did you know that habaneros measure 350,000 on the Scoville Scale??

That means that it takes 350,000 drops of water to wash away the heat from your tongue after eating just one of those bad boys. WOOH!!

Two of the contestants dropped out about half way thru, but Jason made it all the way to the end! Here he is collecting his prize…

Here he is declaring that “in the battle between man and food – man won”!

It looks like Jason will be taking the family out for dinner at a Brinker Restaurant sometime soon.

This morning I woke up with a massive headache, completely stuffed up and a scratchy throat.

YUCK!

It took me a good hour to drag my ass out of bed, but once I got some coffee down I was feeling a bit better.

After the coffee Jason and I tag teamed the girls to get them fed, dressed and ready for dance all while getting ourselves fed and ready to head for the day. I made a piece of toast with peanut butter and banana slices.

A green monster helped round out the morning and get me up and moving!

In the mix this morning was:

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 packed handfuls of spinach
• 1 scoop of chocolate whey powder
• 10 frozen dark cherries

After this breakfast I was ready (sort of) for the morning.

Now – Jason’s out doing the deli shopping, Linsey’s at dance rehearsal and Regan and I are at home watching more Grey’s Anatomy on netflix.

(photo source)

Unless this headache and congestion get better soon I have a feeling that I will be doing this and not much else for the rest of the day.

Yay me…

Today I am thankful for:

…sudafed

…endless supplies of coffee

…kleenex with aloe and lotion

…warm and fuzzy hoodies

…Grey’s Anatomy on netflix (I know, I know!)

~ Maria

…books in bed

…pizza and movies

…games of twister

…girls night on the couch

…the occasional trip to the Touhill

But tonight … Tonight is something different. Tonight it’s all about chili. Lots of chili. Different kinds of chili. Chili made by boy scouts. Chili made by cub scouts. Chili made by mothers hoping to bond with their sons and daughters. And tonight I’ll be eating chili from little styrofoam bowls and using plastic spoons and laughing with people who are fun to be around and make me happy and make me smile and who actually return emails and phone calls and text messages.

People who know that I’m crazy. Not in a bad way, but in the “you are so crazy I almost peed my pants” kind of way. People who accept me – hang ups and all.

So here’s to eating chili in tiny styrofoam bowls…

Today I’m thankful for:

…people who enjoy my company

…people who get me

…people who make vegetarian chili just so I for sure have something to eat

…people who give up their Friday night to hang out and eat chili

…people who love me for me

~ Maria

I’m feeling old today and I’m on a deadline.

We have to go to Linsey’s Middle School orientation/tour/let’s make your parents feel old night. I have exactly 1 hour and 30 minutes before Regan’s baby sitter arrives and I have to feed the family, change my clothes, try not to smell like deli food and give Regan a bath.

So here, for your judging pleasure (don’t judge me, but please, judge me) is a calorie count, food list, photo op of exactly what I’ve eaten today.

After my workout…

I chugged my one and only cup of coffee.

For a grand total of…

Feel free to judge away…in the comment section.

Today I’m thankful for:

…chobani yogurt as a quick and yummy dinner

…cheap baby sitters that like my daughter

…Grey’s Anatomy on netflix (get used to it!)

…yoga pants and rain boots

…warm hoodies that go with my yoga pants and rain boots

~ Maria

As a mother I have lots of guilt.

Is that normal??

Before I get into the guilt part of my day let’s get into the food part of my day.

Breakfast
Breakfast food has got to be my absolute favorite type of food. I live for pancakes, waffles, eggs, toast, omelets, crepes, sausage and bacon (vegetarian of course) and maple syrup.

Lately I have become addicted to yogurt bowls. They are full of protein, good fats and are big enough to keep me full for a few hours.

This yogurt bowl was filled with banana slices, a HUGE scoop of crunchy peanut butter, a sprinkling of dark chocolate chips and one container of black cherry chobani. It’s exquisite.

With ONE mug of coffee it goes down even better.

Regan still isn’t feeling well so I stayed home until about 10:30 this morning when my mom came over to watch her for me. Insert some guilt here…

On my way to the deli I kept feeling guilty for leaving my sick 4 year old at home with her grandmother, but I sucked it up and did my job. The deli doesn’t run well without me – or so I’ve been told.

Snack
I snacked on a granola bar around 11:30.

The weather all day was shitty.

It has been dreary.

It has been rainy.

It has made me feel more guilty.

It has me all dark and twisty inside.

Lunch
So I had lunch. A veggie sandwich on  a whole wheat hoagie with pepper jack cheese and honey mustard. There was also a small bag of chips and an orange.

I caved in to my sweet tooth (GUILT!) and had the top of a very yummy cupcake. I enjoyed every bite of that cupcake top.

Jason knew I felt guilty (I get bitchy when I feel guilty) so he told me to go on home and take care of Regan.

Which I did.

But when I got home she was mean. She was wild. She yelled and wouldn’t listen. Basically – she was a complete brat and I yelled at her.

Guilt…

I got her settled down, gave her some medicine and rocked her for a bit before she asked to lay in my bed and watch cartoons.

She was asleep in about 15 minutes.

Then I stood in the doorway and felt guilty for leaving her, for coming home early from work, for yelling at her while she’s sick and then for feeling so thankful when she finally fell asleep.

Guilt…

It fucking sucks and it never travel alone. It always shows up with it’s good friends doubt and self loathing.

I doubt my abilities as a mother. As a wife. As a writer. As a lot of things.

I hate myself for getting angry and yelling. For arguing with Jason. For resenting my children and their uncanny ability to suck up what little “me time” I get everyday.

Welcome to motherhood…

Dinner
I’m going to finish the workout I started this morning and make breakfast for dinner.

Today I’m thankful for:

…resilient kids

…cupcake tops

…breakfast for dinner

…naps

…Grey’s Anatomy on netflix (have I used this one before)

~ Maria

Nope.

Time keeps ticking away…

Here’s what has been happening while time’s been ticking and I’ve been home with a sick kiddo.

Today I am thankful for -

…chobani yogurt sales

…fishing princesses

…hummus and falafel dinners

…independent films

…tea parties with little girls who still don’t feel 100%

And now I’m off to sneak in a workout that I skipped this morning!

~ Maria