Book Review -- Chicken Soup For The Soul: Parenthood

I was given the wonderful opportunity to become a part of the Chicken Soup for the Soul network. I am an official Soup-er Blogger. I have been given the choice to review many of the new books coming out this year.

Most people have heard of Chicken Soup for the Soul books. If it is new to you, however, Chicken Soup books are collections of short stories written by real people about their own lives or sometimes about the lives of close friends or relatives. The books center around a theme and are filled with stories that relate to that subject. Chicken Soup for the Soul books are National Bestsellers.

The first one in 2013 that I will be reviewing is Parenthood.

 101 Heartwarming and Humorous Stories about the Joys of Raising Children of All Ages. 

Parenthood is divided into 12 chapters under the following themes:

1. Becoming a Family
2. All in a Day's Work
3. Is There a Manual for This
4. Parenting Faux Pas
5. Stop and Smell the Roses
6. Learning from Each Other
7. Treasured Moments
8. From the Mouths of Babes
9. What Goes Around Comes Around
10. Love Conquers All
11. Saying Thank You
12. Giving Them Wings to Fly

{My Review}

I really connected to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Parenthood. I have two little boys ages 11 months and 2.5 years and I could see them in each of the stories in this book.

I could also see myself in the moms of the book. One mom wrote about how she used to use her kids foaming soap for her own skin care until she was talked into buying hundreds of dollars of Mary Kay. All of which her kids destroyed. I am lucky if I brush my hair before leaving the house so I can completely relate to that story!

I love how the stories have so much humor to them. I was smiling or even giggling out loud to some of them. In one story a mom discovered that her little girl had worn her leopard print thong in her hair TO SCHOOL as a scrunchie!

There are really touching stories as well, like the one where a little girl asks her dad if she is beautiful. I really enjoyed reading the stories written by dads, it is nice to see the father's perspective.

There was a really great story of a newly blended family and how the family thought that biology wouldn't matter to them. She discovered that "Yes, biology matters, but not as much as love." 

As with all Chicken Soup books, this one would make a great gift. It would be perfect for any parent, mother or father. It is wonderful to see that we all go through the same trials and tribulations.

I would also recommend any parent buying this book for themselves. I couldn't put it down. I loved reading each new story to see which family member it reminded me of. Since the stories are all only a couple pages each, Chicken Soup books are great for a busy parent on the go.

{Buy It}

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Parenthood


{Connect with Chicken Soup for the Soul}

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10K Race - Running Program

Now that I have successfully completed my Easy Beginner's Running Challenge, I have set my sights on an even bigger goal. I want to run a 10K race! Well, I also want to run a 5K but I have started training for a 10K and will run one or two 5Ks while I am preparing. Go Big or Go Home!

I love running so much now and am constantly reading about different running techniques. I have just discovered a whole new genre of blogs by dedicated race runners. It is so motivating and I can really envision myself doing the same.

I found this great FREE training program to follow for the 10K race. Beginner Runners 10K Training Schedule. You have to already be able to run 2 miles before you start the program. It only takes 8 weeks! If you can't run that far yet, you can complete the running/walking interval program that I followed. It is that program that got me addicted to running.{See link above for my Easy Beginner's Running Challenge.}

I have moved almost all of my running outside in preparation for the races and just to take advantage of our short warm seasons. There will be PLENTY of treadmill running time in the winter.

I train during the week with my kids. I jog on the bike trail with my two boys in our double jogging stroller. It is nice and flat which is good for pushing. It is a great workout even without hills because I am pushing 80+ lbs while running. I often jog with one of my girl friends and her baby, it really keeps you motivated to have a running buddy.

This is what the training schedule looks like:

Beginner Runners' 10K Training Schedule

Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
1	Rest	1.5 m run	CT or Rest	1.5 m run	Rest	2 m run	25-30 min EZ run or CT
2	Rest	2 m run	CT or Rest	2 m run	Rest	2.5 m run	25-30 min EZ run or CT
3	Rest	2.5 mi run	CT or Rest	2 m run	Rest	3.5 m run	30-35 min EZ run or CT
4	Rest	2.5 m run	CT or Rest	2 m run	Rest	3.5 m run	35 min EZ run or CT
5	Rest	3 m run	CT or Rest	2.5 m run	Rest	4 m run	35-40 min EZ run or CT
6	Rest	3 m run	CT	2.5 m run	Rest	4.5 m run	35-40 min EZ run or CT
7	Rest	3.5 m run	CT	3 m run	Rest	5 m run	40 min EZ run or CT
8	Rest	3 m run	CT or Rest	2 m run	Rest	Rest	10K Race!

Read the full article at About.com for more info and lots of running tips.

I have already completed Week 1. It went really well. I did cross-training only one day. I did free weights for arms, abs and legs plus yoga.

Yoga is awesome if you run a lot. It really loosens up tight calf muscles. I love downward dog after running.

For my EZ Run I ran the trails up in the woods at my house, by myself for 25 minutes. The first time I did that trail a few weeks ago I had to stop and walk like 3 times. This time, I did not stop once.

The thing that I love about running is that you can really see the progress you are making. It makes it fun to push yourself each week because you keep being able to go further and faster. I am really excited to train for this 10K, it makes exercising more fun when you are working towards a goal.

Have you ever run any long distances races? Did you follow a program?

What are your workout goals?

Cloth Diaper & Accessory Giveaway Linky {5/19}

Add your Cloth Diaper & Cloth Diapering Accessory (wetbags, cloth wipes, laundry soap for cloth, mama cloth) giveaways to my new linky. This is an ongoing linky that will be updated on Sundays. I will delete the giveaways as they expire.

Please ONLY link up cloth diaper related giveaways.

 I would really love it if you would grab the button to help spread the word. Thanks so much!

<center><a href="http://www.babygiveawaysgalore.com/2011/09/cloth-diaper-giveaway-linky.html" target=_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/Kristen111111/linkyphoto.jpg" /></a></center>

PLEASE INCLUDE:

• WHO THE GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO (US/CAN/WW) 

• END DATE (So I can delete once expired.)  (10/19)

Please TWEET and/or share on Facebook to let people know about this linky.
You can also +1 it on Google and/or Stumble it on StumbleUpon.

Thanks and Good Luck!

Easy Beginner's Running Challenge {Week 10 Update}

I am a little behind in blogging about my Easy Beginner's Running Challenge. That is because I have been busy... running!

I stopped following the interval runs set up in the challenge in week 7 because I was able to run 30 minutes straight on my treadmill at that point. The goal of the challenge was to build up to running for 30 minutes straight without walking. Since I was able to do that I stopped doing intervals and just went running three days a week.

Spring finally sprung here in Quebec, so I started running outside a couple of times a week instead of using my treadmill. At first it was really hard and I was disappointed in my abilities. I had been all set to sign up for my first 5K race but I let my first time running outside discourage me from doing it.

I decided I needed more time to practice running outside before signing up for a race.

Well, I have been getting lots of practice. I am currently reviewing a Croozer Kid for 2 jogging stroller so I have been jogging with my two little men at least twice a week. Which means, I am jogging and pushing 80+ lbs.

A couple of my girl friends ran the 5K race that I had wanted to sign up for and really enjoyed it. That has made me even more determined to do it myself.

As of this week, I can jog 3 kilometers straight while pushing my kids without stopping.

My best friend and I actually jogged/walked 14kms on the bike trail (while pushing our kids) on Monday. It took us 2 hours and 15 minutes. It REALLY helps having a running buddy. Even if we cannot go together we talk about the workouts or runs we have done that week.

I am very confident now that with a couple more weeks of training I WILL be able to complete a 5K race.

I am creating a local team to participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure fundraiser 5K to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation on October 6th. That is more than enough time for me to get in great running shape. 

I have even set my sights on a 10K Race. There is one coming up at the end of October. I will be ready and I WILL do it.

In fact I have found a 10K training program that is only supposed to take 8 weeks. I have over 5 months to prepare so I am determined to do that also.

Stay tuned for my post with details of that 10K training program.

So this is last post about the Easy Beginner's Running Challenge as I don't consider myself a "beginner" any longer. I have to say that the program that I followed really works. I went from only being able to run for 2 minutes at a time to running 30 minutes with little difficulty. It has turned me into a runner.

I am converted for life and am actually excited to work out and push myself. I really hope you take the time to experiment to find a sport or exercise program that gets you passionate. It is so much easier to exercise when you enjoy what you are doing.

I will continue to blog about my running adventures and training programs. You can find all my running related posts in the Running Challenge label on the right of the page.



Have you started running recently? How is it going?

Are you a veteran runner? Have you completed any long distance races?

If you don't run, what exercise or sport gets you excited to work out?

Artsy Play Wednesday - Kids' Craft Linky {5/15}

  Hosted by:   Capri + 3   Multi-Testing Mommy   Shannon’s View From Here   Baby Giveaways Galore

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This week Artsy Play host activity is brought to you by co-host Multi-Testing Mommy.

Check out her DIY Paint Chip Bookmarks craft.

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If you would like to received email reminders when Artsy Play Wednesday is live each week, please subscribe below:

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If you are linking up today, we would love it if you could copy the following code below onto your linked up post: <center> This post was linked up on:<br /> <a href="http://www.multitestingmommy.com" title="Artsy Play Wednesday hosted by Multiples Mom, Multi-Testing Mommy, Shannon's View From Here and Baby Giveaways Galore" target="new"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nocQVIfq5cY/URPXpXi2yYI/AAAAAAAAA2o/KbheQNFUb6I/s400/Artsy%2BPlay%2BWednesday%2Bwith%2Bsun%2Band%2Bless%2Bbutterflies.png" alt title="Artsy Play Wednesday" width="150" height="150" /></a> Hosted by <a href="http://www.multiples-mom.com">Multiples-Mom</a>, <a href="http://www.multitestingmommy.com">Multi-Testing Mommy</a>, <a href="http://www.shannonsviewfromhere.com/">Shannon’s View From Here</a>, <a href="http://www.babygiveawaysgalore.com/">Baby Giveaways Galore</a></center>

Link up as many kids' crafts as you want, old or new.

 
ALL of the blog posts linked up will be PINNED to our Artsy Play Wednesday Pinterest board.  Extra exposure for your blog!

Hiding Toddler {Wordless Wednesday}

 

I went into the living room last week and this is what I discovered! 

My 2.5 year old was hiding under the play mats just hanging out and watching TV. 

What strange places have your kids hidden?

 

Bug Hunt With The Boys

We are very fortunate to live out of town in the country. Our neighbor owns over 100 acres of woods and we are free to use it whenever we want. We go for walks in the woods all the time. My 2.5 year old is a huge hiker and nature explorer.

 I love to watch him when we are in the woods. He gets so excited whenever he sees something new.

I wanted to go for a walk last week but he wasn't in the mood. Trying to think of ways to get him to go, I saw an insect fly by. Let's go on a BUG HUNT! 

He was super excited by that idea as it was our first time. 

I put the baby in the Ergobaby carrier and gave my toddler a little bucket and we set off.

Littlest man, just hung out and napped during our hunt.

I, of course started singing a little jingle.

We're going on a Bug Hunt,

Yes we are,

Goin' on a Bug Hunt,

Har har har

Yes, I know. I am not very creative... But it does get stuck in your head.

We turned over dead logs and found beetles and found little sand ant hills. We saw spiders everywhere. My little guy was very intrigued by the spider webs but would not walk through them. Funny how things like that are ingrained at such a young age. 

A dead log that was all blue underneath. Pretty cool.

He pointed out the flying bugs and I explained the differences between different insects. Like how we could put crawling bugs in our bucket but the flying bugs would be able to fly out.

It was also a great opportunity to teach him to avoid bees. He would watch them from a safe distance instead. This is really important as there are a lot of bees and wasps in our yard.

We walked for an hour in the woods. Whenever he would start to tire, I would find a another cool log to turn over. That kept him walking and we were able to make a large circle in the woods before coming home. 

We had a wonderful time and it was a fun way to experience nature and really pay attention to everything around us. 

So mamas get out there and don't be afraid of a few bugs. Your kids will thank you!