Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

I will be teaching a new class online called Preparing for Cold and Flu Season tomorrow evening. Join me as we talk about how to build up your immune system and reduce how often you and your family get sick this year! Essential oils have done wonders for my kids' immune systems and I am excited to share what I have learned with you.

To listen to the class, simply go to www.anymeeting.com/kirkpatrick1 at 9 PM Eastern on Wednesday, October 10. You will be able to listen in and view my presentation. If you have questions as we go you can type them into the chat box.

5 Tips for New Runners

Earlier this year, once I was cleared for exercise after the birth of my third child, I started running for the first time. To my surprise I actually enjoyed it, once I got past the first few weeks of feeling like I was going to die. It felt good to get my blood pumping and endorphins flowing. Since then, I have run in a couple of 5K races and hope to run a half marathon next spring.

Me at my first 5K

While I am certainly no expert on running, I can't seem to do anything without researching it to death online, and running was no exception. So I learned quite a few good tips on starting out as a runner, and I would like to share those with you today.

5 Tips for New Runners:

1) Start Slow. The biggest problem that new runners have is pushing their bodies to run faster and further than they are ready for. If you are not in very good shape, start with a couch to 5K program. Remember that running can be hard on your body. If you are like I was and have never run before, you need to give your body time to adjust and strengthen itself for the particular pounding that running inflicts. If you push yourself too much, you will wind up injured.

A good rule of thumb is to only increase your distance run each week by 10%. Start out with 3 days a week of a half hour of walking/slow jogging. This will be about 6 miles total per week, give or take. Then gradually increase in increments of 10% each week, taking a cut-back week whenever your body starts to feel a little tired or run-down.

2) Get some good shoes. One of the great things about running is that you really only need one thing to get started: a good pair of running shoes. The best place to get these would be at a local running store where they can analyze your gait, but if you decide to get a pair of running shoes at the nearest sporting good chain, that's fine too for starting out! Just don't grab your 10 year old sneakers out from the back of your closet and expect your feet to be happy.

3) Stay Motivated. Running is hard work, but the rewards of a stronger body plus the lifted spirits that the endorphins bring after a hard workout is worth it! The first few weeks will most likely be agonizing, but as your body adjusts, it will get easier. I remember when I first started running outside, I would have to alternate walking and running up the final mile long hill to my house at the end of each run. It seemed impossible to make it up that hill running, but just a few weeks later as I RAN (okay, slowly jogged, but still) up the hill, tears filled my eyes. I could see how much I had improved through just a few short weeks of consistent work, and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. Keeping a log is a great way to help you keep track of your progress, there are free programs online such as logyourrun.com that are very helpful.

There is all kinds of great motivation to be found online. Join a facebook group focused on fitness, or check out some running blogs. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Hanna at Bouffe e Bambini. This post is what inspired me to start running in the first place: I Have A Dream

Erin at See Mom Run Far: This mom of 12 kids (yes, 12!) is a marathon runner and training towards her goal of qualifying for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials! If she can do it, we all can!

4) Be Safe. If you're running outside, be cautious. Stay aware of your surroundings, don't assume that drivers see you, and wear reflective clothing if running in the early morning or evening. If you are listening to music, be sure that it isn't turned up so loud that you can't hear noises around you (perhaps run with only one earbud in). Female runners have become victims of assault, so try to vary your route and avoid remote areas. Don't be paranoid, but be smart!

5) Have Fun! If you're running on the treadmill, take the opportunity to catch up on your favorite shows. I use the time to watch recorded webinars on essential oils, so that I can gain knowledge to help others in my business while getting in shape. I feel like the ultimate multi-tasker when I do that!

Running outside is infinitely more fun that running on the treadmill however. If you are able to head outdoors, I highly recommend it. Take the time to be thankful for the beauty in nature, the fresh air, and the opportunity that you have to use your body in such an amazing way. When I was first starting out I would remind myself, "I get to do this, I don't have to do this, I get to do this!"

I hope these tips were helpful. Now go run and remember:

Heart to Heart

I wanted to take a few moments to thank the many people who responded to my series of posts on Baby Ray's Birth, both in comments on the blog and Facebook, as well as personal emails. My heart is full with the love that was shown to me, as well as the openness from those who shared their similar stories of heartache and insecurity. Thank you for the loving support you have shown to me!

This blog continues to morph from what it was started as: a meal planning and recipe blog. I think the changes are good, and I love being able to delve a bit deeper into what it means to be a mother. I want to be able to continue to share the recipes my family enjoys, and occasionally meal plans, but also blog about other issues, both from my personal life and more broader topics that affect us all.

I was considering a name change for my blog, but am not sure how best to go about this without completely confusing those who have been loyally following my blog here and on Facebook. So I think for the time being, I will stick to The Menu Mama.

In the upcoming weeks, I plan to blog on how to get started running, playful parenting tips to make mothering young children more joyful, and preparing for cold and flu season with essential oils, as well as a few recipes of course (probably fall-themed).

What are some topics you would like to see me blog about?
Do you have any thoughts on changing the blog name vs keeping it the same?

Fall Happenings

I can't believe it's been two weeks since I last blogged! Where has the time gone?

In typical fall fashion (for me, anyways), I have started baking all things pumpkin (click here to see all my pumpkin recipes). So far I have made pumpkin muffins and pumpkin pancakes. Next on my list, pumpkin bread and pumpkin cookies! (As a side note, I just realized that if you type the word "pumpkin" enough times, it starts to look really strange...)

My favorite, pumpkin cookies, shown here with white chocolate chips although I actually prefer them with chocolate chunks or semi-sweet chocolate chips:

Earlier this week, the kids and I decorated the house for fall. I love putting out my pretty leaf garlands and pumpkins (there's that word again, what a weird word...). Every year the kids can help a little more, and this year Nathan remembered that last year we had strung orange lights in the kids' bedrooms. So of course we had to do it again! The fun thing is that no matter how uneven you string them and how tacky it looks during the day, at night it looks truly magical. It's turning into a fun little tradition for us. Right after Thanksgiving the orange lights will come down and the Christmas lights will go up!

One of the decorations we put up was this candle surrounded by pretty leaves. Nothing spectacular and original but I show the picture so I can tell a funny, kind of scary story. After decorating and having lunch, I put my kids down for naps and decided to light the candle. It smelled so good and I was enjoying it. So when Hannah woke up I decided to keep it lit for a few more minutes because she was keeping her distance and I was in the kitchen within eyesight of her.

I was wiping down my counters when all of a sudden I look up and see Hannah holding a flaming leaf and saying "Mom, help! Fire!" She dropped it on the ground and I quickly grabbed my glass of water and doused it. Fortunately she was fine and the floor was not damaged, but that got my heart beating a little faster! I won't be leaving candles lit around the kids for a few more years at least!

This morning we visited a nearby orchard and had a blast picking apples, pears, and pumpkins. The apples are so delicious, I can not believe the difference between fresh picked apples and those that are found at the store. I am excited to try the pears and to make some pumpkin goodies out of fresh pumpkin instead of from the can. But first I need to try this apple recipe that my friend Hanna posted: Individual Apple Streusel Pies. Doesn't the picture look divine?

photo and recipe by Hanna @ bouffe e bambini

The leaves are starting to turn and we are going to have family pictures taken for the first time ever. Something special to celebrate our first fall in New England. I am so excited!

Fudgy Peppermint Cookies

The weather has been beautiful this week, a little cooler and less humid. It is really starting to feel like fall. We enjoyed it by playing outside.

I taught a fun essential oils class at my house last night and served these delicious cookies. They were a hit! I adapted a recipe for basic double chocolate cookies that I found on foodnetwork.com.

Fudgy Peppermint Cookies
printable recipe
yield: about 20 cookies

• 1 cup + 2 Tbsp flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 drops dōTERRA Peppermint essential oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl stir together flour, salt, and baking soda. In a large bowl beat together butter, both sugars, eggs, vanilla, peppermint, and cocoa. Gradually stir flour mixture into butter mixture and mix until combined. Add chocolate chips and stir to distribute evenly.

For cookies: Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool a couple of minutes on the pan, then remove to foil or a cooling rack.

Please note that my online class has been moved to Tuesday this week! Anyone is welcome to attend, and you do not need a microphone or webcam to participate. Details below:

Homemade Cleaners and Spa Products (online)

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

- online webinar: 9 PM EST (8 PM CST, 7 PM MST, 6 PM PST) 
at http://www.anymeeting.com/kirkpatrick1

We will learn how to make our own cleaners and spa products that are natural, organic and 100% safe and effective for even the smallest of users! I love being able to let my kids help me clean our house while knowing that the cleaners are non-toxic and will not harm their sensitive skin or eyes.

Each attendee, online or in person, will receive a copy of my homemade cleaners and spa products "recipe book" which includes tried and true instructions for:

*window cleaner
*all-purpose cleaner
*mopping solution
*toilet scrub
*laundry detergent
*lip balm
*bath salts
*sugar scrub
*and more...

 






  

My Boys

Nathan, September 2008, age 10 months (photos by Jana Graham Photography)

Notice how loose the clothing is! I never realized how much Nathan looks like his Uncle Dan in this picture.

Ray, September 2012, 8 months (photo courtesy of my iPhone, hence the huuuuuge difference in quality!)
Same outfit, two months younger but look how it barely fits him!

 My sweet boys!

Sweet Baby Ray's Birth Story Part 3

This is the final chapter in the story of the birth of my third (and last) child, Stewart Raymond Kirkpatrick "Ray."

Sweet Baby Ray's Birth Story, Part 1

Sweet Baby Ray's Birth Story, Part 2

After several days in the hospital (only one night in ICU, the rest were on the regular postpartum floor), I was released to go home. One thing I have not mentioned up to this point was that Ray was born on January 12, and we were scheduled to move out of our home in Aurora, CO on January 30. The plan was that the movers would load up the van on the 30th and Jared would drive our minivan with our pets to Connecticut and wait for our furniture, while my mother-in-law and I drove the kids to Billings, MT in a rental car where we would stay with Jared's parents until Jared flew in a couple of weeks later to get us. Sound confusing and hectic? It was.

Thank goodness for my mom and Jared's mom. They were wonderful. I had worked hard in the weeks leading up to my due date to pack everything not being used on a daily basis and organize the remainder, but there was still so much to be done. Mom stayed an extra week to help with the kids and packing, then she left and Kelly came and picked up where she had left off. I was still pretty weak and couldn't do much besides hold the baby and direct traffic. It was an exhausting time, but they never complained and did everything they could to encourage and support us emotionally as well.

We also had the help of our friends who brought in meals and watched the kids so we could focus on packing. My heart is full when I think of all the wonderful people that helped us in that time, especially our moms. We would have been lost without them.

Finally we made it to Billings and were able to spend two weeks enjoying being with our families before we moved across the country. Again, we were blessed by the generosity of Jared's parents for hosting us and helping with the kids, and also his sister McKenna who was visiting and always willing to give me a hand with my kids even though she had her own sweet baby to care for as well.

About a week into our stay in Billings, I started to feel really ill. I went to a walk-in clinic in Billings where it was discovered that I had a staph infection in my incision, as well as mastitis. They put me on antibiotics but it would be several weeks and a couple of doctors visits in CT before my incision finally closed up.

Jared and the movers made it CT safely and were able to get our house set up. The house that we were supposed to rent in Hartford had fallen through just a few days before I had Ray, and Jared was not able to make another house-hunting trip due to everything that happened, so we signed the lease on this house based on only a few pictures. Fortunately, it is a beautiful home, in a lovely area of CT just ten minutes from awesome beaches. Once again, a huge blessing!

As we drove from the Hartford airport to our new home, I remember looking through the window at all the bare trees and feeling numb. The thought crossed my mind that Jared had no idea that he was bringing me out here broken. In the next couple of weeks, my emotions spiraled out of control to a dark place where they had never been before.

Jared was loving and attentive, but his new position required hours of extra work while he learned everything. He had to travel several days a week at first to meet all of his new reps, and when he was home he often had to go back to his home office after dinner and work until 9 PM, briefly emerging only to kiss Nathan and Hannah goodnight. In the meantime, Ray was very fussy. I don't know if it was colic or just him picking up on all of our stress, but he would often cry for no reason while I soothed and swaddled and shushed and rocked to no avail. The vacuum was the only thing that would consistently calm him, so for awhile the only thing clean in our house was the carpet.

One week at the end of February, Jared was gone for several days. I spent almost the entire time he was gone crying. I took care of all my kids needs and did my best to never let them see I was upset, but I could not stop the tears. I cried for the loss of my fertility, the memories of the physical pain, the misunderstandings with family members that had occurred (bound to happen after all the time we spent together I guess, but they had all been so kind and generous to me and I hated the thought that I had hurt them), the loss of my friends, and the isolation I felt on the other side of the country from my family.

I am sure hormones had a good deal to do with the emotional upheaval but I had never had even a hint of baby blues or postpartum depression with my first two children. In my mind a voice emerged, one of self doubt and defeat. It told me that the reason I had lost the ability to have children was that I was too impatient with the ones I already had, that I wasn't a good enough mother to have more children, that I shouldn't even have the ones I had already been given. There was a phrase I heard over and over in my head, that I was "fundamentally unlikeable" and that anyone who had ever gotten close enough to really know me, besides my husband, had realized this about me.

Even now, as I type these words, knowing that they are not true, I can not stop the tears from coming. It was tremendously painful and I will always have nothing but the deepest sympathy and love for anyone who has struggled with depression. If it is anything like what I experienced, it is crippling and consuming.

Thankfully, there was also a voice of reason and love, I believe the Holy Spirit, who comforted and reassured me. I knew that this was a bad time, but just a season; that I would come out the other side stronger and happier. I kept picturing my three children as teenagers and adults, I knew that as hard as life felt at that point, I had to persevere because I did not want to miss the wonderful opportunity to see them grow into the amazing people they will one day become.

Jared returned home from his trip one afternoon and I held it together until the kids were in bed. Then I told him, "While you were gone, I had a hard time," I think were my words. "I know," he said, then held me as I cried and told him everything.

That was a turning point for me. A couple of days later I started running for the first time, little by little, on the treadmill we had recently purchased. The endorphins from exercise, added to diffusing uplifting essential oils, eating right, and the loving support of my husband, gradually healed my heart and emotions. I still have sad moments, but the awful thoughts are gone, and I am able to enjoy all the wonderful things that life has to offer.

We believe that what happened after my birth was a combination of a large baby and possible placenta accreta, where the placenta penetrates into the muscle of the uterus instead of just attaching to the uterine wall. There was one indication for this possibility at my 20 week pregnancy ultrasound but because I had no risk factors for it, we declined follow-up testing. Kelly relayed what happened to me to a close friend of the family who is also a well-respected perinatologist and he told her that even if we would have known ahead of time, there is a good chance I still would have lost my uterus.

My family's story is still being written. Jared and I adore our three children and feel complete, at least for the time being. Although I do wish we were still able to have more kids, I know that there are many options and opportunities that have and will come along as a result of this experience. I am thankful for all that we have been given and that we are all still here to share this wonderful life together.

Thank you so much for reading, and for all the notes of love and support. I love all of you very much!