1. A Culinary Shift: My Invisalign Journey and Mindful Eating

A few weeks ago, I shared a little secret on Instagram: I embarked on the journey of Invisalign. For those unfamiliar, these are clear, removable aligners designed to gradually straighten teeth. My decision to get them was rooted in a desire for minor corrections, promising a relatively short-term treatment. However, the experience has been far more revealing than I initially anticipated, extending beyond just dental alignment.

The Reality of Removable Braces: Discomfort and Discipline

The first few weeks have been a mix of minor pain and adjustment. The aligners, while discreet, exert constant pressure, leading to some unexpected soreness and occasional irritation in my mouth. It’s been a stark reminder of the commitment required for orthodontic treatment – a commitment I wish I’d fully embraced back in my teenage years by consistently wearing my retainers! Yet, this temporary discomfort is a small price for the long-term benefits of improved oral health and alignment.

The most significant shift, however, has been in my eating habits. With Invisalign, the trays must be removed every single time I eat or drink anything other than water. After eating, a strict oral hygiene routine follows: the trays need to be brushed and cleaned with warm, soapy water, and my teeth must be thoroughly flossed and brushed before the aligners go back in. This meticulous process has transformed my relationship with food, forcing a level of mindfulness I hadn’t practiced before.

Rethinking Food Choices: Is It Worth the Effort?

Perhaps I’m a creature of comfort, but I’ve quickly realized that taking out the aligners, eating, and then going through the cleaning ritual isn’t always “worth it” for every snack or impulsive bite. My days are now punctuated by a constant internal question: “Is this food truly worth the Invisalign removal and cleaning process?” Surprisingly, even tempting treats like my favorite fudgy brownies sometimes don’t make the cut. The thought of the extensive brushing and flossing, both of my teeth and the aligners, can be enough to deter me from an unnecessary indulgence.

This isn’t to say I’ve become entirely abstinent! When I do decide a meal or snack is worth the effort, I make sure to savor it, often making up for any “lost time” or missed opportunities. It’s a fascinating exercise in mindful eating, prompting me to evaluate true hunger versus casual snacking. For those in the local area considering orthodontic treatment, I highly recommend my orthodontist, Dr. Short, who has been absolutely wonderful throughout this new adventure.

2. Embracing Change: My Evolving Fitness Routine and Home Workouts

Last month, I offered a glimpse into my fitness routine, but life, as it often does, has thrown a few curveballs, leading to some exciting changes. For all the everyday moms out there balancing work, family, and the perpetual quest for a healthy exercise-life equilibrium, here’s an update on where I’m at and what’s working for me now.

Transitioning from Crossfit to Home-Based Strength Training

My Crossfit membership has come to an end, a decision influenced by several factors. Financial considerations played a part, as did my husband Brian’s recent shoulder surgery, which put him out of commission for Crossfit for a while. We’ve always found motivation and accountability by exercising together, so when he couldn’t go, it made sense for us to pause our membership as a team. This shift has opened the door to a new fitness chapter.

Since saying goodbye to Crossfit, I’ve dived headfirst into the BBG Stronger program. I access the workouts through the Sweat app, and I can honestly say it’s been worth every penny. Brian, despite his initial reluctance about working out in our low-ceilinged bonus room, has also joined me, modifying exercises to accommodate his recovering shoulder. His dedication, fueled by his love for me (and perhaps a bit of begrudging determination), has been incredibly motivating.

BBG Stronger Review: Effectiveness, Schedule, and Home Adaptations

I must admit, I approached BBG Stronger with some skepticism. Its pervasive presence on social media had made me wary, wondering if it could truly live up to the hype. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. This program is genuinely awesome; I find myself incredibly sore and drenched in sweat after each session, which for me, is a sign of an effective workout. While I skipped the original BBG due to criticisms about its lack of weights, BBG Stronger incorporates resistance training beautifully and has proven to be challenging and deeply fulfilling.

One of the biggest perks? I now wake up an hour later than my Crossfit days – a glorious 5:30 a.m. – which makes a huge difference in my morning routine. My current schedule involves resistance workouts on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, complemented by a run, jog, or walk on Tuesday and Thursday. Many exercises are designed for gym equipment, but I’ve found it surprisingly easy to adapt them for a home setting. For instance, our low ceilings mean no jump roping, so I opt for graceful (or not-so-graceful, depending on the day!) in-place hops.

My home gym setup relies on a few key pieces of equipment. I utilize Brian’s adjustable dumbbells (a pricier investment, but any set of dumbbells would suffice), this sturdy wood jump/step up box, a versatile medicine ball, a moderately heavy kettlebell (suited for my current strength level, far from a bodybuilder!), and a comfortable exercise mat. (Note: All links above are affiliate links.) While BBG Stronger does require more equipment than some minimal at-home programs, I fortunately already had most of these items tucked away in my playroom’s exercise corner, making the transition seamless.

Looking Ahead: Future Fitness Goals and Community Recommendations

As I progress through this 24-week program, I’m already starting to ponder what comes next – a classic trait of mine to stress about future events! Should I repeat the program, or seek out something new? I’m keen to avoid simply reverting to exercise videos, as I personally find they don’t sustain my motivation long-term. If you have any fantastic recommendations for programs or apps similar to BBG that you’ve found effective, I would absolutely love to hear your suggestions! Your insights are invaluable as I continue to explore and refine my fitness journey.

3. Igniting Creativity: The Return of Latch Hook for Kids

In a delightful turn of events, I recently stumbled upon some latch hook kits on sale at Hobby Lobby (the WonderArt brand), and decided to pick up a few on a whim. To my absolute joy, several of my kids are now completely “hooked” – pun very much intended! This discovery has been particularly exciting as it can be challenging to find engaging, hands-on crafts for boys that don’t exclusively feature purple unicorns and butterflies.

The Timeless Appeal of Latch Hook: Engaging Screen-Free Fun

I have fond memories of spending countless hours on latch hook projects as a child (anyone else remember these treasures?). I honestly had no idea they were still being made, but they are, and apparently, they’re just as fun now as they were back then! The kits I found featured designs like a soccer ball, a dog, and a vibrant tie-dye pattern, which immediately captured my children’s interest.

These kits have become a fantastic screen-free activity, providing a creative outlet for those moments when boredom strikes. Latch hook offers numerous benefits for children: it enhances fine motor skills, develops patience and concentration, and fosters a sense of accomplishment as they watch their designs come to life. It’s also a wonderfully tactile craft, engaging their senses in a way that digital activities often cannot. I foresee many more latch hook creations – and perhaps a collection of shaggy pillows – filling our summer days. It’s a simple, yet profoundly rewarding way to encourage hands-on creativity and provide a quiet, focused activity for kids of all ages.

4. Deep Dive: Motherhood, Emotional Resilience, and Personal Growth

Lately, my mind has been consumed with profound thoughts about life and the multifaceted journey of motherhood. The incessant questions echo: Am I doing enough? Am I present enough? Am I nurturing enough? These inquiries are a constant companion for many mothers, and I’ve come to understand that motherhood has a unique way of both depleting you and rebuilding you, often simultaneously.

The Power of Rebuilding: Finding Strength in Vulnerability

It’s true that motherhood can, at times, feel like it’s sucking you dry and breaking your heart. But I’m realizing that this isn’t always a negative experience. In fact, some of my lowest points as a mom – moments where I’ve felt utterly broken and spent – have surprisingly become catalysts for incredible growth. It’s in these vulnerable spaces that I’ve later been able to witness the miraculous power of the rebuilding process. I almost invariably emerge stronger, more self-aware, and clearer about who I am and who I aspire to be, both as a woman and as a mother.

Cultivating Emotional Distance Without Disconnecting from Our Children

A significant focus for me recently has been learning how to thoughtfully disconnect from some of the intense emotions involved in parenting, without disconnecting from my children themselves. This might sound counterintuitive. I want to be clear that I don’t view emotion as a negative asset in parenting; rather, it’s about learning to control it and prevent it from consuming me. I often find myself so emotionally enmeshed in specific situations with my kids, whether it’s a 5-year-old tantrum or a 14-year-old’s defiance, that I lose sight of the ultimate goal for that child – and for myself in that moment.

While my intentions are always good – I just want to help them grow into functional, capable humans! – I also recognize that my natural inclination to become emotional, my desire to control outcomes, and my tendency to “teach” (which often comes across as nagging) aren’t always the most effective tactics. Therefore, I’m making a concentrated effort to cultivate calm and positivity during power struggles and other challenging parenting scenarios. This isn’t easy, but it’s a crucial step towards more effective and peaceful interactions.

Setting Clear Boundaries and Embracing Consequences

This journey of emotional regulation is something Brian and I are actively working on together, often through prayer and consistent effort. We’re focusing on establishing clear, concise expectations for our children, and following through with equally clear and consistent consequences, whether positive or negative. The key is to implement these without allowing our emotions to hijack and control the situation. As I’ve mentioned before, this short and simple book (affiliate link) has been a constant guide and one of my favorite parenting go-to’s, which I’ve revisited time and again. While some examples might be a bit dated, the core principles are timeless and easily extrapolated to modern parenting challenges.

It’s incredibly difficult to grant children and teenagers the independence and free agency they need, even within a structured framework of family boundaries. And sometimes, it’s even harder to let them experience the natural good or bad fallout from their choices. I probably repeat this mantra to myself at least 287 times a day: “You cannot control this, you cannot control this.” And then, in a moment of pure parental honesty, I sometimes retreat to the pantry, rip out my Invisalign trays, and surreptitiously palm chocolate chips into my mouth – a small, sweet rebellion in the face of overwhelming emotions.

Motherhood’s Profound Rewards: A Guiding Compass

Despite the inherent ups and downs, the emotional rollercoasters, and the constant self-reflection, motherhood remains one of the most profoundly rewarding aspects of my life. It has become my ultimate measuring stick for evaluating what else is truly worth my time and attention. The question, “How will this impact my role as a mom?” is the first line of inquiry for anything that demands my energy. I genuinely believe that nothing else I currently do holds as much significance as my divine assignment as a mother to my children. This perspective brings immense clarity and purpose to my days.