Fries With That?

It's great to order the apple slices in lieu of the fries for your little ones, but be prepared to explain why the fries are not in the (un)happy meal about 7,532 times during the course of the noshing. Hadley ate the apples. She loves apples. She just did not get where the fries were.

But, where are they, Mama? x 7,532

Every Little Thing is Gonna Be Alright

This week when I picked HC up from daycare, she had this super long section of hair. Pictured here, you can see it laying between her shoulder and her neck. Apparently she's been growing and ratting up a nice little dread. I thought she had a bunch of twine stuck in her mop, but nope, it was a little baby dread lock. After some severe scrubbing of her curls and a long visit with a comb and a snip with the scissors, she is now dread free.

Short Stuff

    

My new favorite pants from Gap. I started buying ankle/petite length. Who knew it would be life changing? Flats are in my future.

on the agenda

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Susie on Pinterest

Live Easy, Run Hard

During my 20+ miler two weeks ago, I knew that my right leg was not okay. It not only felt exhausted after and during the run, but it truly hurt. At about mile 18, I was in serious pain. There was sharp discomfort running from my hip to my toes down the outside of my right leg. Though I was able to push through and finish, I was really hurting and worried about what might be next for my and my training. That was on a Saturday. 
On Monday, I went for a jog. After mile two, my leg was in pain again. Not to the extent that it was during the long run, but I knew that it shouldn't be hurting after just two miles. I was devastated  The thing about being a VERY, VERY amateur runner is that there are soooooooo many other things going on in your life: a full-time job, kids, marriage, after-school activities, football games and practice, bills, social events, doctor visits, homework, chores, dates with friends...you get the point. 
It seemed inane to be so upset about an injury that wasn't really going to affect my livelihood. I was though. I was so upset. I still am. I stayed off it for the remainder of the week. Walks only. I immediately felt fat and out of shape. (I get that this is a serious emotional/mental issue and not a physical one, but is evidence of why I feel so strongly about how great running makes me feel on the inside).  
John suggested that I really focus on stretching. I've been doing some yoga and cross-training cardio. This week, I've run seven miles. All of them pain free. I'm due for another run tomorrow, and I'm hoping for more success. I don't have a long run scheduled for another week and a half. 
I'm worried about losing ground with my training. I'm worried that my leg won't stay injury-free. I'm worried that all of this will be for naught, and I won't be able to "race" on 11.12. I worry about all that, but then I remember that it is really okay. This is not my profession. It is not my livelihood. I barely break 10 minute miles. If I'm not ready to race in November, then I'm not ready. There are other races. There are always roads to run. I'm trying to focus on not worrying and instead concentrating on fitting in workouts that make me feel strong on the inside and on the outside. 
This article is a great example of balancing motherhood, running, injuries, and expectations. Kudos to Paula and best of luck and health.

Heard and Said

Hadley
Is your mom's name Ke$ia (not sure how to spell with wingdings but I think that's it)?
Mason is a stinkerbutt, isn't he?
Can we go to Grady's party (which was in April)?
Can we go to Kate's party (which was this summer)?
We're gonna celebrate Aunt' B's birthday, are we?
I'm gonna run away to your room, Mama.
I'm gonna scream (and then she did for a long, loud time).
Stop snoring. (while making snoring sounds and giggling)
Are you going to bring your phone into my room every night?
I want to be a superhero, okay Mama?

Charley
ooowooowooowooo (in the style of "Moves Like Jagger")

We didn't see Avery this week, but one of my favorite quotes of hers is:
Unicorns are real. They live Arkansas and Louisiana (I think those are the states she names. It was definitely a Southern one and a Mid-West one).

To Remember

Source: stumbleupon.com via Teresa on Pinterest

I don't know where I heard it but someone once told me or I read somewhere or something like that, that most everyone is doing the best that he or she can do given the circumstances. When added to the quote above this is a good reminder to be full of grace even when it doesn't make sense on the outside. I don't always do this, I know, but I want to try harder to do so. After a week (or more) of being under fire from certain folks, perhaps their circumstances are causing them to take things out on on me that aren't my fault. It is probably not personal; though it's hard to remember that in the moment.

Undefeated

Mason had his third regular season football game today. Thus far, his team is undefeated. After the game, he seemed down despite the team's overwhelming victory. When asked what was wrong, he said he was upset about a penalty he caused his team. We asked if his coach had gotten on to him thus creating the state of melancholy but he said no. He was just upset with himself for doing something he knew he shouldn't do and causing his team to pay a price. No adult yelled at him or made him feel bad for making a mistake. On his own accord, he was working through the feeling of letting your team down and learning from your mistakes. Life lessons that are priceless. Kids need sports!

Thirsty Thursday

Here's what you need to make Suz's Shakes. D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S.

Thirsty Thursday was a little different with my ladies last night than it has been in the past. As we chatted and caught up we sipped on Susan's Original Pumpkin Cheesecake Milkshakes. In addition to this goodness we were able to just lounge around and swap everyday glitter kind of stories. I miss the frequent interaction we used to have as roomies and neighbors. The best thing about best friends is that a little time and space can't squelch soul sisters. It was a refreshing evening and I'm so glad we rearranged schedules and stayed up late to talk and just be. Love my ladies.

WAG

So, I have a serious addiction: "Will and Grace" reruns. I (and now John) have seen each episode at least five times. I try and watch it every night before bed, but sometimes John high-jacks the remote and puts his foot down which I totally understand. This unbreakable habit is out of control. I find myself quoting it at really inappropriate or uncomfortable times. Usually no one knows what I'm talking about (unless you're John or Susan), but it doesn't stop me. I just and look and sounds like a complete freak show which is fine too, I guess. Also, John used to think that I was originally funny like on my own accord without inspiration from the fab four, until he sees an episode that I'm quoting or gesturing from. I think it is disappointing to him to know that I'm a copy cat, but seriously this stuff can't be beat.

Karen: Good Lord. I can't believe I'm at a public pool. Why doesn't somebody just pee directly on me? 

Cheryl: Mrs. Walker? Cheryl Bricker-Fossberg, Taylor and Hayden's mom.
Karen: I have no idea what you just said. 

[while watching basketball on TV]
Grace: Have you seen Matt yet?
Will: Yeah, he's right there, right on the sidelines. Just four clicks left of Spike Lee. Just right beside that little girl and her grandpa.
Jack: Uh, that's Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas.

[Ellen asked Grace to baby-sit her kids but is now upset because she assumed Will would be there as well and he is out of town and she no longer wants Grace to do it]
Ellen: You know what I just realized? Rob's sister can probably do it. She lives closer to us anyway.
Grace: Judy? The one who has to turn the lights on 14 times or the oceans will dry up?
Karen: Ellen, why would you leave your kids with someone who has such an important job? 

Cheryl: I think you are awful.
Karen: Oh yeah? Well I think stretch pants are awful, but I am too much of a lady to say it, FAT ASS.
[to Jack]
Karen: Could you believe that?
[scoffs]
Karen: Some people, so tactless. 

Karen: Oh honey, I would, but... I don't want to. 

[at Karen and Lyle's wedding] 

Jennifer Lopez: Congratulations to Karen and Lyle. I just want to say that the secret to a happy marriage is... oh, who am I kidding? 

Grace: Are you wearing smarty-pants, because that was a great idea!
Jack: Well, no, but I might be wearing a witty thong! 

Karen: Grace. It's Christmas, for goodness sake. Think about the baby Jesus: up in that tower, letting his hair down... so that the three wise men can climb up and spin the dradel and see if there are six more weeks of winter. 

Jack: Are there any Hobbits left in America? 

A Work in Progress

Things I'm Not Good At Doing:

• writing thank you cards (I'm sorry, Mom. I know you taught me better)
• math
• tone of voice
• controlling my facial expressions
• cleaning bathrooms (I'm sorry, Mom. I know you taught me better)
• listening
• treating myself with grace
• portion control and moderation
• folding sheets
• washing sheets for that matter
• helicoptering Mason (don't know if that's bad or good)
• answering my phone
• keeping up with my phone
• accurately completing people's sentences/thoughts
• writing out my lesson plans
• remembering to bring my grocery list to the store
• identifying between a need and a want at Target
• making rice
• printing pictures
• avoiding expletives 
• being still/resting
• watching movies

There are more obviously, but forgetfulness is something I'm good at.

Just Two Tens

20 miles. Yes, I ran 20 miles yesterday. I would have blogged about it yesterday, but I was too tired to type. It was exhausting. The first 18 felt as good as it gets. The last two were pretty much horrific feeling to the right side of my body. My entire right leg, from hip to toes, was shooting pain and throbbing. I'm not sure why. Dr. Ashcraft is going to look into it today. It is such a sense of accomplishment, but I do feel down right crazy. I have a few more 20 milers on my training schedule before the big day. I honestly do not know how my body can handle running another 6.2. We shall see. The trouble with this distance is not the mind, but the body. I will seriously have to look into some more mind over matter tricks. One of the things that I always do on a long run is  cry, and it has nothing to do with physical pain. There is some sort of cathartic cleansing (is that repetitive and redundant?). There is just a very strong emotion connected to pushing the body and mind to those extremes. That said, I didn't see anyone else crying, so maybe it's just me. Best part: post run pizza, beer, and chocolate mousse!

Adventures in Babysitting

Lately several people have asked me how I can bear to work and leave my babies at home. There are several things that I feel are a little wrong with this question unless you are my mom, husband, or BFF asking, but there is an answer. The person who makes leaving my kiddos to go to work (the thing I feel called to do in addition to being a mom) is my amazing child care provider Kelly. She has taken care of Hadley since she was five months old. Charley has been there since she was 2.5 months. Kelly is so good with them. She is organized and on a schedule. Her house is always immaculate which my brain can't even comprehend. She also spends time teaching them things that matter. Hadley knows her colors, shapes, numbers, letters, and even words in Spanish. She is currently able to identify letters in words which is such an important pre-reading skill. She also knows many sounds that letters make and is curiosity about how words are made. Though we do read to Hadley daily, Kelly has played a huge role in getting her to sit and learn in an organized setting. Kelly also loves my girls. You can just tell. She is affectionate and caring. I am so in debt to her and so thankful that I trust her completely with them. I do not sit around worrying about them all day. I know they are safe and loved and learning!

Sidebar: Kelly sings with the kids during circle time and taught Charley how to say "shh, shh" like the mamas on the bus. I tried all afternoon to get Charley to show off this trick. I was still trying at dinner time when John got home. My ONE year old actually rolled her eyes at me. I guess she was tired of that song. Sigh.

One Day

I just finished One Day. I've been reading the last chunk at school during our silent reading time. Not a big fan of crying a little in front of students, so things got a little awkward today as I finished this one up in front of an audience of 39 kiddos.

I thought some of the years of the novel were a bit draggy, but the message is quite worthy. I haven't seen the movie and probably won't. I can't decide if I recommend this book. If you'd asked me while I was slowly making my way through the middle, I would have said no.

The best thing (other than the message) is that you pick up nice, jaunty, British phrases and syntax as you read. It's similar to P.S. I Love You in style, but P.S. is my preference of the two.

Heard and Said

Heard at Mexican restaurant:
"M'am, I know the margarita pitcher is empty, but your daughter is trying to drink from it."
"Sir, your baby is eating paper."

(in our defense, we were talking intently about my birthday...)

Said at Home:
"Hadley, please take the dog's leash out of your mouth."
"Charley, people don't eat dog food."
"Charley, no more dog food for you."
"Charley, I heard on tv the other day that most dog food is fit for human consumption, so....whatever."

Phenomenal.

These are amazing. I made the brownie part from scratch instead of using a box. One of my favorite desserts from home. Ever.

Here is the recipe. God bless this dear woman.

Source: pipandebby.com via Tara on Pinterest

Run For Your Life

Last December, I had met my weight goal through some maddening months (I mostly ate the salt off pretzels all day and then spent my points on wine or chocolate at night) on Weight Watchers. I love that program and if need be would do it again in a heart beat. Despite the fact that it is SUPER hard; it is manageable due to the power to use the points how you wish. Anyways, I was at my goal weight, but, well..I looked like I'd had two babies in 2.5 years and then lost the weight. If you've had at least one baby, you know what I mean. I was stretchy (with stretch marks, mind you. what??). I was like Gumby. I knew that I needed to work out again.

I've worked out in some form or fashion for most of my life, but from the time I got pregnant with Hadley through Charley's birth there was not a lot of exercise up in here unless you count lifting the dadgum double stroller which is actually terribly strenuous. SO...I began running for NO other reason than it was easy to manage with both girls. No gym. No equipment. No membership. No certain time. I ran when I could. My first official jog was two days before Christmas and it was two miles long. It was hard. I gradually added to the distance for a few weeks. My fabulous friend Marie was such an inspiration. She was telling us all about her marathon training. I could NOT fathom running that kind of distance. Seriously. What kind of crazy voluntarily person runs for that long? It makes no sense. Then the crazy gene kicked in and I signed up for a half marathon. I trained for about twelve weeks. My first few longer runs (6 and 8  miles) were so hard for me. I came home after six and had to take a nap. During the first 8 miler I wanted to quit. Give up. Throw in the towel. I was so far from home I had to keep running just to get back, so I did.

The half was hard and great.  Marie, so kind and generous-a true teacher/coach's spirit, ran with me the whole time. She is fast and I am not. She could have finished much sooner, but stayed by my side. Super nice. I finished in 2 hours and 10 minutes which was actually much faster than I had planned. As soon as I finished, I knew a marathon would be in my future.

Marie and me pre-half marathon. We're not really proponents of post race photo ops for obvious reasons.

My post half marathon runs were really hard for a few weeks. I was in a funk. My motivation was low. I never gave up. I don't think I even went one week without a run, but I was not loving it. Before school let out, I signed up for a marathon to be held on 11.12.11 which is my 31st birthday.

I'm in the throws of training now. There are some days that plain suck. No other way to say it. During the summer I got up at 6:00 am and got my run in before the girls got up and before John headed to work. Now those morning runs begin at 4:30. I said, 4:30. Gross. That is too early to even get up and pee. I think there might have been one or two mornings in the past few weeks that I didn't curse my own name for getting myself into this mess; however, when my run is done for the day there is barely a greater feeling of accomplishment and health.

What I love about running is this: for most of my life my body and I have been in an ongoing argument about size and shape. Most days, months, and years were filled with the battle of the body. Running makes me feel that my body and I are on the same team. We are working for the same goal. We are in this together. I appreciate what my body can do. I am amazed that my mind can make the body do what it doesn't want to do. It is a true mind over matter situation. Having mental control over the body makes me want to be nicer to it. I want to feed it better, rest it better, and listen to what it is saying instead of yelling at it for not being small enough, tight enough, or fit enough. My body and I are at peace with each other. Peace is a good thing.

Chili Mac

Recipe adapted from Everyday Food.
Tonight's Fare:
salt and pepper
box of penne or other tubular pasta
1 tsp evoo
3 cloves of garlic
1 small onion, diced
1 lb ground beef chuck (I'd have used ground turkey if I'd had it on hand)
1 3/4 teaspoons
few dashes of cayenne red pepper
1 cup corn kernel (thaw for 30 mins or so if frozen)
top with grated cheddar (reduced fat is fine since you have other strong flavors)

1. Cook pasta according to box directions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add crushed garlic and chopped onions. Cook until translucent.
3. Increase heat to med-high. Add meat. Cook about five minutes until pink disappears. Add cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until is smells yummy. About a min.
4. Add corn, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook until tenderly crisp. About two or so minutes. If you like your veggies a little softer, cook for about 5 or 6 minutes.
5. Add tomatoes with juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for about three minutes.
6. Pour meat mixture over pasta and top with cheese.

Mighty Mason

I hardly ever get nervous for myself but getting nervous for my kids, especially Mason, is a common concept for me. Lately our biggest obstacle has been making weight for football. He is what is called an Older but Lighter; however, the scales were saying he was inching out of the lighter category. In order to stay on his current team, he had to lose a few pounds. Moving up to a bigger division would have meant that he was not only young but also very small for the group. We did not care one way or another which division he ended up in. We wanted it to be his choice. When we proposed his options, lose weight and stay on your team or move up with the big boys, his immediate reaction was to lose weight.
Here at Casa D'Ashcraft losing weight is, well, a weighty issue. As a long time winner/loser of the body image and weight loss war, it was impossible for me to tell him what to tell him which choice to make; however, when I did make suggestions about food/exercise, I hardly ever got it right. I was not a stellar example of how this should work. What I know I did right was leave it up to him in the end. John is the master of cutting weight as he did so, admittedly, to the extreme when he wrestled in college. He tells a story of his mother showing up to a tournament and bursting into tears as she saw him in his 6'1 frame weighing about a 145 pounds.
Needless to say the past few weeks have been filled with grilled chicken and chicken noodle soup. In my presence, Mason made a lot healthy choices that don't come naturally to him (mostly because he is my son and we really LOVE comfort food and sugar iced with delicousness). I'm most proud that he decided to put in the work and make better food and exercise choices. He could have very easily taken the easier road and joined the big boys.
Tonight was the final weigh in. He needed to be 85.4 or under to stay on his current team. I was a wreck all day. Weak in knees, faint, a little sick feeling. We packed up the car with the little girls and headed uptown. We fought the traffic. Then we stood in line for 45 minutes. Seriously, my nerves can't handle this drama. The little girls were fine as it was at Freedom Park and Charley ate sticks while Hadley poked her with them. A win/win for them. Finally his turn came. 85.2.
He's in. Now to maintain. Sigh. He can do it!! I'm really proud of him.

Last season's Masonator

I realize that some people couldn't imagine encouraging children to lose weight, but in a world where our kids are sedentary by our lifestyle of ease, it is so easy for food splurges and special treats to make their permanent impression on little bodies. This has also been a wake up call to encourage all of my children to make better food choices and to remind them to move their precious bodies more and more. Dance parties to ensue! For the record, all the yummy stuff I've been baking has gone straight to school for my illustrious colleagues to share.

Curves Deserve Wide Legs

Source: shopbop.com via Marianne on Pinterest

Color of Water

My juniors are reading this book right now. I finished it last week. It is a wonderful read for all kinds of people, especially moms. It is a beautiful story of family and identity. They are reading it to help define what it means to be American, but it can be used to teach many life lessons. It is also a great read to enjoy just because!

skinny jeans

The night before Mason started middle school, he declared that he must have skinny jeans. This from a child who wore shorts on all winter days including those decked with snow and ice. Jeans have not been a priority in his life. No kind of pants really. He's a shorts man. Until. Now. So, we embarked on a mini shopping extravaganza to locate the appropriate level of skinny jeans. He ended up with a not Hot Topic kind of pair, but a modern and fashionable skinny. Though he had to have them the night before the big day, I haven't seen them since. Until. Now. Today he went to the mall with his guy friends (and the parents!). At first he came down with shorts and a t-shirt on. Hair slightly mussed. He left the house (with a good bit of huffy-puffy mouthiness in true tween fashion). After conferring with the fellas, he came back in for a costume change. Low and behold the skinny jeans make their grand entrance. Not only is he rocking them with his new Jordans, but he has also fixed his hair. Though we get the mouthy attitude at times, the tweens also bring a new sense of hygiene and for that we are all thankful.

tex-mex chicken and beans

This recipe is an adaptation from Everyday Food. It is super easy and really yummy.

1 can pinto beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can Kidney beans, drained
1 jar salsa
2 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I used frozen)
salt and peppa
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped

sour cream and cilantro for serving (and probably some cheese for good measure)

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook for about 6 hours on low.

Yum.

Source: ebay.com.au via Kim on Pinterest

My Mover and Shaker

Your Newest Milestones:
Identifying nose, ears, eyes (you prefer to poke others people's but can show us yours too).
Also you can say all these words along with mama, dada, ma-ma (Mason), Bobo (Mason), Hadley, hi, hey

You also all over the house, climbing onto desks, chairs, couches and up the stairs. You are so much more active than I feel you should be. You're are my Tiny-Tiny! You should still be carried everywhere by me all the time, but nope. What is really funny is to think about how Hadley was different from you at this age. You've been full out walking since 11 months. Hadley did not start walking until she was 15 months. She would look right at me and tell me to get her cup while you just hop up, run over, and get it all by yourself. Ya'll are very different already. I can't wait to see how this all plays out as you both get older. She's pretty rough with you right now, but little does she know that pretty soon you both will be just about the same size. You've got some moves in store for her, I think.

Malted PB & Coco Cookie Cupcakes

This recipe is a combination effort from two recipes from Everyday Food.
For the cake and frosting you'll need:
 3 3/4 sticks unsalted butter, room temp
3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon of salt + pinch
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup boiling water
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups malted milk powder
3/4 pound milk chocolate, melted and cooled
sprinkles (I used the Reese's ice cream topping which has chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate and pb chips)
1 bag of peanut butter sandwich cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350, prepare cupcake pan with liners
2. Using an electric mixer beat 1 1/2 cup sticks of butter and sugar on high until light and fluffy, about five minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time until combined.
3. In another large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix on low and add flour mixture to butter mixture in three parts. Alternate with buttermilk. Beat to combine. Scrape the bowl as necessary. Add in vanilla.
4. Using an ice cream scoop, fill it halfway and scoop into cupcake liners. Add cookie. Top with more cake batter. Fill 3/4 of the way to the top of the liner.
5. Bake 15-19 minutes depending on oven.
6. In the meantime, make frosting. Whisk together in a medium bowl, cocoa and malted milk powder. It seems like a lot of malt, but the flavor is right on! Add boiling water. Whisk until smooth. Let cool. Using a mixer, beat two sticks plus two tablespoons of butter until smooth. Add cocoa mixture. Beat until combined. Add chocolate and pinch of salt. Slowly add in a cup of powdered sugar. Beat on med-high until frosting is smooth and peaks form. About three minutes or so.
7. Frost cupcakes and add sprinkles.

Words She Lives by

We spent a good portion of the early part of the summer potty training Hadley. She was big into the positive reinforcements like M&M's and verbal praise. Pretty soon she was telling us, "I'm so proud of you!" every time we went to the bathroom or she did. Super cuteness. Other cute things she says: never mind, do I/we at the end of most sentences, you smell, your clothes smell, you're sweaty, did it rain on you on your run, you're going to take a shower, are you? (these last things are her litany of questions when I get back from a jog).

She also calls cheerleading, "rockin'" and the sink, the "dish".

What Caffeine Does to Me

Today's Agenda:

• 4:30-5 mile run
• 6:20-leave for school
• 7:15-12:45 inspire America's youth
• 1:30-3:00-trip to Great Wolf Lodge to plan prom with my girl Marcille
• 3:00-4:15-trip around the LKN to pick up our kiddos
• 4:15-5:30-snuggling, cleaning, surfing (the net not waves), laundering
• 5:30-7:00-cooking dinner (a melange of leftovers, kid food, Mason's football slim down fare) and the making of these bad boys

Lazy Girl Peanut Butter Cups

These are an adaption of a recipe from http://iowagirleats.com/.  The only difference is the chocolate chips on top. I crushed them a little in the coffee bean grinder before sprinkling them on top.
Where the caffeine comes in to this story begins at 6:00 am with coffee (set up to brew at night by John) and then is laced throughout my day via a Diet Coke IV. I am a DDP kind of girl, but was out of routine and drank up the DC with vengeance. It is my own fault if I don't sleep well tonight, but I think the energy to make these pb cups might be worth the lost ZZZZ's.