CYBER MONDAY!!!

I started my fitness journey after Baby #4 last November...right before Thanksgiving. I lost 23 pounds by January. 

If I can do it, SO CAN YOU!!

------

I can help coach you through these last few weeks of the year so you are that much stronger BEFORE January 1. 

Why wait? 

Make a YEAR END goal to get in shape, instead of waiting to make a New Year's Resolution. 

Email me at: brittanyfarfan@gmail.com and let me know you're ready to GET STARTED on your personal fitness journey. :)

Getting in shape can mean: 

losing weight

feeling better about yourself

losing inches

fitting into old jeans

being able to run around with your kids

training for a race

...anything!!!

I'm hear to help you stay accountable to your goals and have SUCCESS!!

Plus, you can save on bundles to help you start that journey. 

You can view available bundles here: https://www.teambeachbody.com/checkout/-/bbcheckout/challengepack

Once you see a bundle you're interested in, EMAL ME. I have a GIFT for you, but you'll need to contact me with your choice of bundle FIRST! ;) 

Questions??

Email me, or comment below.

Make December your BEST month yet!!

Transformation Tuesday...on a Saturday ;)

Between fitness and nutrition, the fitness part is my favorite, and yet the nutrition part has played the biggest role in any physical transformation I’ve had over the past year.

Growing up, I used to get compliments, if that’s what you want to call them, about how I could eat as much of whatever I wanted and it didn’t affect my weight.

Ya, well, something magical happened when I entered college.... that principle of “eating whatever I wanted” disappeared and I actually had to be mindful of quantity and quality. I guess that’s why the term “Freshman 15” was coined.
Good thing I didn’t have a scale in college. tongue emoticon
.
I’m proud to say my days of having a “yo-yo” body have passed and after 10 months of PiYo, 21 Day Fix Extreme, training for Ragnar and cross training with random fitness programs streamed from Beachbody on Demand, currently working through Insanity, and cleaning up my eating habits while incorporating Shakeology into the scheme of things, I am below my pre-baby weight and have been MAINTAINING now for 2 months. ‪#‎justhowilikeit‬

But more than numbers, this mama feels GREAT!
It’s amazing how food, and nutrition, in general, can affect my mood, energy, and overall wellbeing.

I’m rereading The COMPOUND EFFECT, by Darren hardy, and this principle is SO meaningful as it relates to nutrition.

In the book he says:
“Pick a vice — something you do in moderation, but you know doesn’t contribute to your highest good — and take yourself on a thirty-day wagon run. If you find it seriously difficult to abstain for those thirty days, you may have found a habit worth cutting out of your life.”

I challenge you to try this. You’ll be amazed at the results. wink emoticon
‪#‎personaldevelopment‬ ‪#‎compoundeffect‬ ‪#‎wearewhatweeat‬

WHY?

#choose
My life is far from perfect but it's up to me to make the best of each day and decide if it's going to be a GOOD day or a GREAT day! ☺
.
Some might question why I get up so early to exercise and maybe even HOW I do it each day...
It all goes back to my WHY. #whypower
.
If I can feel rejuvenated each morning, get sick less often, feel better about myself, fit comfortably into my clothes, and set an example of health for my boys... then I'll choose to exercise every time. 👍🏼💪🏼
.
Actually, one of the many benefits coaching is the ACCOUNTABILITY factor. I have groups of challengers that need a coach that actually "practices what she preaches". #leadbyexample

I also love that I can interact with other women who have the same desire to be healthy and happy. ❤

I'm not perfect in workouts or my nutrition but that's me being REAL! And working hard each day to make PROGRESS and not worry about perfection. 😊
#bestjobever #anyonecancoach

Love

There are days when I feel like the boys are arguing constantly all the live-long day. 

Have you ever had a day(s) like that?

Patience is something I thought was a strength for me. 

That is, until we had children. :/

Some days I feel like every little thing is annoying to me, or bugs me. 

And then, it's days like that when I have to get my mind in check and realize they are still young and I sometimes have too high of expectations for their sweet spirits. 

I love our boys and I LOVE being a mom. 

But, it can be hard. 

And that's ok. 

Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that I definitely have to work for on a DAILY (and sometimes, hourly) basis. 

"Patience is not the ability to wait, but how you'll act while you're waiting." ❤️

#stillsoblessed

What is a Beachbody Coach?

I’ve made a few decisions in my life—big decisions—that have changed the direction of my life (choosing to study abroad to finish my degree, choosing to take a random teaching job in the remote location of Heyburn, Idaho, etc.) Another decision that has been a game changer was my decision to become a Beachbody Coach.

Being a coach has allowed me to:

**Be at home with the boys while working.
**Get in the best shape of my life, using some incredible, unmatched products available through Beachbody (21 Day Fix, PiYo, Shakeology).
**Connect with others on the same path to bettering themselves inside and out.
**Help our family get out of debt and stop living paycheck to paycheck.

The opportunity was presented to me through a friend who posted something similar to this. And now, after experiencing first hand the financial, physical, and emotional blessings that have come from coaching, I am now trying to pay it forward to others who may find themselves in a similar situation and would like something MORE… something that will allow them to live their life by design. <3

This is NOT a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes TIME and it takes HARD WORK and CONSISTENCY. It takes DETERMINATION and DEDICATION to reaching goals, making DREAMS come true and becoming a BETTER version of yourself inside and out.

Are you AMBITIOUS? DRIVEN? MOTIVATED?
Are you a DOER and a DREAMER?
Do you love fitness and health and want to help others with change?
If this describes you, then you're exactly the kind of person I'm looking to join my team of coaches. Our team is PASSIONATE about what they do and are focused on changing their lives, and helping others do the same.

Why not DESIGN your life?

Have you ever thought about being a Beachbody coach? Now is an INCREDIBLE time to be a coach- with new and exciting products set to be released in upcoming weeks and months (CIZE by Shaun T, a new cookbook to combine with the 21 Day Fix workout program, Beachbody’s new Performance Line, etc.).

Why not DESIGN your life?

My favorite part about this company is that we SHARE, not sell. ☺ We tell our story and invite others to change. It's all about the PEOPLE. #everyonematters

If you’re interested in what the coaching buzz is all about and how I work from HOME, running online challenge groups, then join our FREE 'COACH OPEN HOUSE' Facebook group that starts TOMORROW and see what we're all about and if coaching would be a good fit for you!
Comment below “add me” or email me if you’re interested ☺
hlwithb@gmail.com

OR, if you think you want to jump in and change your life through coaching, receive one-on-one mentoring from me and learn how I am able to build a coaching business and how YOU can do the same, then you can apply here:

https://hlwithb.wufoo.com/forms/join-the-brittany-farfan-tribe/

TAG a friend who you think my benefit from this opportunity!

RAGNAR

RAGNAR WASATCH-BACK 2015

This last weekend I was able to participate in the Ragnar Relay Race with some friends from Burley. I've done a Ragnar in the past, and an Epic relay as well. They are both the same in that they are a long distance (180+ miles) relay race. 

Every time I look FORWARD to the race and then when all is said and done...

I'm spent!

Ha!

It's no surprise, really. 

When you spend 36 hours on limited sleep and maximum physical exertion, then it really affects you physically. However, the memories made are cherished. :)

We enjoyed our meals out of the back of the van, slept on sidewalks, soaked in creeks between runs, cheered each other into the night, pushed past our physical limits and did the BEST we could!

Our Team name was: Sweat, Regret & Oxygen Debt

I ran a total of 19 miles, starting with a HARD 8.4 mile run. My 6 mile night run was my favorite and best run. Then I finished with 4 miles in the wind. My average pace was close to 10-minute miles and my best mile was just under a 9 minute pace. 

Phew! 

It makes me tired just writing about it. 

This is definitely not a race for the faint of heart. 

One needs stamina and dedication to commit to a race like this. 

However, you don't have to be the skinniest or the fastest runner to participate. And that's what I love about this kind of race. It brings all walks of life, big and small, old and young. 

Fitness is not prejudice.

I joke with my husband that I am retiring from the sport of running. 

I've done my share, I say.

Find me in 10 months. 

Watch!

I'll probably still be running. :P

Motherhood.

Motherhood, to me, means raising and caring for a family.

Two years after we were married, we have our first child. A son.
Just what I wanted. ;)

I never had an older brother so I wanted our children to have the privilege.
And now, 4 kids later, we have all boys. :P

I don't know what it is, but raising boys has become somewhat difficult. It's not so much that they are all boys, as it is that they all having very DIFFERENT personalities. And my personality is also on a different position in that spectrum.

I make mistakes every day as a mother.

I am impatient.

I don't spend as much quality time with each of the kids.

I yell. (ugh!)

I compare my parenting skills to other moms.

Ultimately, I am not perfect. I set my expectations too high, I realize.

I was listening to some personal development yesterday and in that podcast there was mentioned the story of a mom who took her son to see Ghandi and she plead with him to tell her son to stop eating sweets... that it was bad for him and is bad for his teeth, etc. She said her son was not listening to her. Ghandi responded by telling the mom to come back to him in 2 weeks. Confused, she waited two weeks and returned. After pleading with Ghandi again about her same concern, Ghandi then knelt down and told the boy, "Stop eating sweets." The mother questioned Ghandi and why he hadn't said that to him 2 weeks ago. He then responded, "Two weeks ago I was eating sweets. I couldn't tell him to stop when I, myself, was eating them."

"Be the change you want to see in someone."

I'm not saying everyone will change based on this quote, BUT I believe it is true in principle. If I don't want the boys yelling and arguing, then I need to stop yelling and arguing with them.

If I was the boys to be patient and not throw fits, then I need to be patient myself and model what that behavior looks like.

We are walking examples to our children of behaviors and habits that they will pick up (good or bad) and reflect.

I want to change.
And I want our boys to change, so I WILL change.

Time is going by so fast and I want our boys to grow up in a happy and loving environment where they can thrive!! <3 :)

Water

I've had a few conversations of late about things I do to "stay healthy". 

I'm not not 100% perfect at eating clean or staying away from junk food or even with my exercise. 

BUT I work hard each day to do my best.#onedayatatime 👍

I've compiled a list of the TOP 10 things I do to work toward PROGRESS in living a healthy, more fulfilling life...

These are in no particular order. 😉
------
Today I'm highlighting WATER! 💦💦
I drink water for breakfast.
I drink it at lunch.
I drink it at dinner.

I know I could drink more milk or juice with my eggs, but I don't really reach for those things. 😁
When we have our yummy Sunday dinner with grilled peppers and chicken, you won't find me reaching for a carbonated beverage.

Do I drink juice and soda on occasion?
Yes.

But drinking water has literally become a habit.
Like any other habit...it takes time and consistency.
Call me crazy, but I 💙 a PLAIN glass of water. No lemon required. 😜

Based on my research and experience, I try to drink 1/2 my body weight in ounces each day.
Just as a rule of thumb. 👍
😝

How do you do it?

I often get the question, "How do you do it?" in reference to making time for exercise and coaching while tending to everyday life of being a MOM of four boys.

I can't say I have a direct answer to that. unsure emoticon Only that I have decided that it is super IMPORTANT to me to take care of ME. And that includes taking care of my physical self. It hasn't always been this way. You'd think it would have been easier with one or two children... and it probably was, BUT it wasn't a priority in my life as much as I am making it now. smile emoticon

Part of what helps me be successful is the ACCOUNTABILITY I have in my CHALLENGE GROUPS. I know that I have to check in with my challengers and give a synopsis of my day. It helps to know that I am being held accountable for my choices during the day--with regard to nutrition, exercise, water intake, attitude, etc.

PLUS, the motivation and support I receive from others in the group is unbelievable! Women who are working at becoming a healthier and happier version of themselves...and they're on the SAME path I am on in that endeavor.

So... if you are a MOM and ready to take care of YOU (your health) and want to CHANGE, I have my next 30 day fitness challenge group starting MONDAY, May 26th!

I'm looking for 5 other moms who need MOTIVATION, who want some ACCOUNTABILITY and who are looking for the one-on-one coaching from ME to help them reach some personal goals with fitness and nutrition!

Comment below with your email or email me (hlwithb@gmail.com) and we can talk details!! The last day to sign up for this group is Sunday night!

‪#‎blessed‬ ‪#‎healthyandhappy‬

Shake, shake, shake....

Shake-what?

Shakeology!

One thing I ❤ about Shakeology is that it's not about weight loss. Yep, you heard me say it!! 
Many people are under the impression that this nutrient dense superfood shake is what helps the fat melt off...
False!!

Shakeology is actually about HEALTH! It's not a protein shake, per se, or a weight loss shake. It is simply a NUTRITION SHAKE.

The weight loss I've experienced, since starting to drink this daily, is a BYPRODUCT of feeding myself the RIGHT nutrients that allow my body to thrive--which is what gives me MORE energy and LESS cravings. 😊 And that makes this mama happy!!

Not everyone needs to lose weight, BUT everyone needs to be healthy!

Shakeology isn't magic concoction that will do magical things.

BUT, it IS clean, dense nutrition packed full of super-foods your body needs.


As with anything, YOU should try it for yourself to see and feel the benefits of improving your nutrition. If you have questions about Shakeology, or would like to try a sample, reach out to me. :) 

Small Business TIME SAVER!!

My online fitness coaching business, through Beachbody, requires that I use social media... a lot!

It is a network marketing business and social media allows me to reach and meet MORE people than those I know in person.

Because of this, I am posting to my Facebook page religiously each day.

I am also a mother of four energetic boys and I don't always have time to sit down at the computer to post, or check in with my challenge groups, or be on the computer, in general. I have to create my own business hours. Those hours include early mornings and late nights. BUT, there are days when I don't wake up early enough to post the daily challenges in my groups.

>>> Enter PostCron

PostCron.com is the easiest way to schedule content to Facebook and other social media outlets. Since I use Facebook as my main source of connecting to my followers, that is the platform I have connected with PostCron.

Basically, I am able to write out the content for my post, upload a picture, and schedule it to post to my Facebook group, or page, or personal wall, at any time on any given day!!

Genius!!

Talk about a time-saver!!

With the account I have chosen, I can schedule up to TEN posts at one time. If I were to sit down at the computer and schedule those 10 posts, it would maybe take me 20 minutes...tops!

Versus the alternative of waking up at 3:30 each morning to post the daily challenge in my group, go back to bed and wake up at 5:30 to start my day. My goal is to have those daily challenges on the group wall before any of my challengers start their day. Some live on the east coast and their 5:30 am is my 3:30 am. They are up and ready to start the challenge, but if I don't have it posted, they can't get started with their day. Hence, I can schedule these challenges to post at 3:30 in the morning without me having to wake up each morning to do it. :)

I also use PostCron to schedule posts to my personal wall. As I mentioned, I'm a mom of four boys and life gets busy. If I know I'm going to have a busy day, I schedule posts for my personal page, so I stay consistent and so my followers know they can expect great content regularly.

The great thing about PostCron is that it is SUPER user-friendly.

In fact, check out this 5-minute tutorial on how to navigate the site and how easy it is to schedule posts to Facebook.

Moving

Moving should be considered a workout program...
Sometimes it lasts a few weeks and sometimes it lingers longer.

We are finally moved into our new home and I can't wait to get started decorating.

Oh wait...

I need to unpack first. :/

It's funny how much more difficult, and tiresome, it gets when you have more children during a move.

We finally decided to hire a friend to help us clean the place we moved out of. That was the best $60 we have ever spent. It literally saved me about 8 hours of cleaning.

I've recently been diving into podcasts and a recent one I was listening to discussed "delegation" and some things you just hire out, to save time and even money. We definitely saved time by hiring someone to clean.

Now, if I could just hire Mary Poppins to organize our new home in its current state. Then I'd be set!!

--------

Have you moved recently?
How has that affected your workout routine?

I was still able to workout during the transition. I'm training for a Ragnar race in June and running outside is not the hard part... the hard part was having the energy to do so.

I felt like, of the past 3 times we've moved in the past 3 years, this one was the most draining on me. I found it difficult to keep up my workout routine amidst the chaos of boxes and cleaning and just being a mom.

Nevertheless, I'm excited to be in our new home and the extra space in the basement is a winner with our boys...they have more room to run around and be loud. #thelifeofaboy

21 Days Later...

Today was the day!!

21 Day Fix Extreme

Day 21

Here are my before and after pictures. 

I know what you're thinking!! You can't really tell a difference. I get it. 

BUT, I knew going into this that I wouldn't have too much to SHOW for it because of my body type. 

However, I did invest in a scale and I did take measurements on Day 1. 

So, the stats are as follows:

I lost 4" on my waist (oh my!)

My hips didn't fluctuate.

I gained 1/4" on my biceps.

I lost 3/4" on my quads.

And...

I lost a total of 5 pounds!!

Woot! Woot!!

Can I say something else? Ya? ok...

If you feel like you don't have weight to lose, but just want to tone, then this is definitely a program worth looking in to. Not only does it have 30 minute workouts (LOVE this feature because I'm already a busy mama), but the portion control containers and meal plan really helped expose me to how much (or how little) I should be eating of certain food groups. 

My non-scale victories include: eating less, not craving carbs as much, and an overall sense of health. I don't feel sluggish from eating junk. I fit into my jeans and I seriously felt sore the whole 3 weeks. It wasn't the I-can't-walk-the-stairs kind of sore each day, but each day I could tell I worked my WHOLE body! I LOVE that feeling!

The 21 days were fun! I had the support of my children, who didn't hesitate to join in on the fun!

 I gained more definition in my arms (my main goal!!)

 AND.....

I DO have abs!! Just not the 6-pack of my dreams, but hey...I'm a work in progress!!

Question of the day...

What program do I do next?

My choices are T25 or back to PiYo (one of my personal favs).

Which program are YOU doing?

If you're looking for an accountability group to keep you on track with your goals, I host monthly challenge groups on Facebook. My next 60-day group will start on March 23rd! Reach out to me: https://www.facebook.com/befittribe

I'd love to have you join one of my groups and help you reach your health and fitness goals!

One-on-One Time

Today I want you to make time for each of your children doing what he or she chooses. It can be putting together a puzzle, or having a tea party, or riding bikes...whatever it is, the child chooses the activity.

This can be done at time during the day when your child comes to you and asks, "Mommy, will you draw with me?" or it can be a time that you are free of household tasks and you approach your child and say, "Hey, let's do something together!" and you have your child choose the activity.

Whatever you do--spending the whole 20 minutes doing one thing, or bouncing between activities for 20 minutes--just take the time to BE WITH that child and do something he or she enjoys.

Although you should aim to do this daily, if you’re not already in that routine, then try TODAY to make that happen. If you have a large family and 20 minutes per child is not realistic for you, then break it up into multiple days. 

You decide.

I have tried this--and obviously need a refresher--and have seen how my children value that time and appreciate that I give them my full attention.

What activities do you do with your children as you try to be more present in their lives? <3 

Eye Contact

We are on Day 2 in the Mommy & Me Challenge Group about being more present with your child(ren). 

Today's focus--Eye Contact.

One of the best ways to connect with our children (or anyone, in fact) is by making eye contact a habit. Eye contact shows that you value your child. Direct eye contact is beneficial to the child and can help increase the child’s focus and ability to connect with people.

Many times, as a parent, I find myself busy doing something – taking care of the wee little one, cooking dinner, cleaning, on the computer, etc. – and my son will ask me a question and eventually say “Mom, you’re not listening to me.”

Since realizing my bad habit and how detrimental that can be to our relationship, I make a concerted effort to STOP and look directly at my son when he is talking to me.

One-on-one full attention with your child cements a parent-child connection that every child needs and deserves.

You can start by actively looking them in the eye when they are speaking to you, and by asking them what they think about things. Let them teach you about themselves by being an engaged listener and giving them your full attention. If you get down on their level with the Legos and let them lead, you’ll find that they are present as well.

Today, I want you to consciously make EYE CONTACT with each of your children when you are having a conversation with them; from the infant to the teenager.

This may surprise your children if you are used to “multi-tasking” and carrying on a conversation while you’re working or doing other things. 

BUT not today!! 

Today, stop, look, and then talk. smile emoticon

Mommy and Me CHALLENGE Day 1

I'm hosting a challenge on Facebook that encourages parents to be more "present" with their child(ren).

It's almost selfish of me, because it's something I struggle with, and that's why I chose to do the group.

Today was Day 1 and here is the challenge I put forth for the members of the group:

Day 1

YES vs NO

These two words are short, but have much power!

If you had to answer your child with one of these words, which would you say you use the MOST?

Sadly, I use NO too often.

I’m not talking about the days when I tell my kid “No, you can’t have candy for breakfast” or “No, you may not climb on the bookshelf, that’s not safe”.

Obviously, “no” is a word that is going to be used a lot in the home with small children. What I’m referring to is the times when my kid asks for something innocent, at a slightly inconvenient time, and I promptly shut them down without even thinking about it.

Like the day when we pulled into our apartment complex and my son asked for his window to be rolled down. We still had a minute or two of driving before we reached our home, and yet I immediately said “no” without even considering it. What’s so wrong about rolling his window down for two minutes? It would be a minor inconvenience to push the “down” button slightly to my left for a grand total of ten seconds now, and then ten more seconds in a few minutes when we pulled up to our house. Why did that need to be a “no”? The truth is, it didn’t.

Sometimes I catch myself, and I take back my hasty “No” and respond with a “Yes” or a “Sure, why not”. Sometimes I pause for the 16 seconds it requires to take a peek at the world through the lens of a 3 year old; a little guy who just wants to feel the wind on his face, and feel like a big-boy because he can reach his fingers out the window when it’s down. Sometimes I need to remember that there are a thousand good reasons that I must tell my boy “No” everyday, so I don’t need to seize the opportunity when it’s not necessary. In fact, I need to search for the chances to tell him “Yes”, and give him that little bit of pleasure as he feels the wind on his face and touches the sky with his finger tips.

Sometimes I need to stop being annoyed by his constant questions, and just say “Yes” whenever I can. Because we all know those chances aren’t always as prevalent as the chance to say “No”.

YOUR CHALLENGE for today: During TWO circumstances where you would normally say No, I want you to say YES.

Yes, I will read you a story. Yes, I will get down on the floor and play legos/trains/a puzzle with you. Yes, you may go outside in the cold weather (as long as you have a jacket on wink emoticon ). Yes, I will answer your question.
Instead of “In just a second, honey” or “Right after I finish up here” or “I’m very busy right now, maybe a bit later”. Let’s try, “Yes, right now”.
Then put down the phone, ignore the piles of washing, forget about the emails, or the floor that needs to be swept, or the trash that needs to be taken out, and just be WITH your child.

All those other things will wait.
Our children may not.
Show them they matter.
Be available.

------------

So, if you're up for the challenge, try saying YES more often today! <3
And if you'd like to join the group, you can join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1528966887365621/

21-Day WHAT?

21-Day FIX.

Extreme.

Ya, it's the "advanced" version haha!

I'm starting Day 6 after I submit this post. 

These workouts and meal plan aren't for the "faint of heart", BUT there is a modifier on the screen for every move and I have to resort to her in almost every exercise. 

I thought I was in shape, and then I started this program and I wake up SORE each day. Ha! I'm obviously working muscle groups I hadn't been in a while. 

Day 1 and I was rearing and ready to go!

(Don't you love my homemade, sharpie marked, shirt?! :P)

As fort the eating plan. I'm still getting used to it. The easiest thing to do with the container system is to keep it simple and sweet. (Well, not "sweet" in the literal sense of sugar.)

My favorite meal thus far was last night's "carnitas".

When my husband got home, his first question was, "Exactly how much lard did you use?") 

Uh, honey, NONE!

He's a purebred Mexican and that's the only way he knows his carnitas, BUT he had high compliments about mine and LOVED them! That made my day!

These portion control containers with the 21-Day Fix meal plan aren't bad at all! I could comfortably have 2 tostadas with some fixings left over (remember, I'm a big eater ).
They were super easy too!I stuck a pork roast in the crockpot with a few seasonings (your preference), then typical fixings: lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and beans. 
The "tostadas" were homemade by crisping up corn tortillas in a 350 degree oven for about 12 minutes (I'm SO not buying tostadas anymore  these were that good). 
And the dollop of white goodness was Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lime and chopped cilantro. Mmm!
Definitely a KEEPER recipe. 
(Recipe adapted from: http://bit.ly/1yBOE6A)

I'm anxious to weigh in and share my results from Week 1. I may still do so. 

I haven't decided yet. 

Only 2 more weeks to go!

I got this!!

Take what you get....

...and don't throw a fit.

That's a common phrase repeated in classrooms, or so I've heard. ;)

It's a phrase that often comes to my mind when I look around at our living circumstances. When we were living in Burley, we had just bought a home roughly 3000 sq. ft. in size. It was two levels and plenty of space for our growing family.

Then my husband got transferred.

We had to leave that spacious, gonna-grow-into-home, and downsize to a 1300 sq. ft. townhome.

We had the 3 boys at the time. Since being here in eastern Idaho, we have since had our fourth boy and still live in the 1300 sq. ft. space.

Take what you get and don't throw a fit. 

I seriously have to keep repeating that to myself when I think of the size that our Burley house was.

And that's why I choose not to think of it too often--what can you do, right?

So, now I present to you a sneak peak of my office,

which is also my craft/sewing room,

























which is also my preschool classroom,

which is also our dining room/kitchen.

What was that quote again?

Take what you get and don't throw a fit. 

I am grateful we have a space that allows me to do the things I want/need to do in order to run a business, teach preschool, practice my hobby and provide meals for our family.

With this, as in all things, I need to be grateful for what I have been blessed with.

Being a mom is...

HARD!

There, I said it.

It's not easy.
If you, or someone you know, say it is, then I would LOVE to know the secret to your success!!

I do admit, that some days are easier than others, but my reason for this post stems from my 4am wake-up call this morning...

Nano was yelling from his crib, across the house, and I slowly made my way to his room.

He wanted to get out.

Really?! Do you have to go to the bathroom? (He's been out of diapers for almost 2 weeks)

No.

Ok, do you need a drink of water? 

No. I want some bread.

Seriously?!?

I've learned to honor his requests so we don't have a major meltdown and wake up the other sleeping children. So, with a "piece" of bread, sip of water, we made our way back to his crib. I put him in.

I want you to read me a story.

Are you kidding? (I thought this, because, like I said, I've learned to just do what he asks--it's the easier option).

So, I do my best to read him the story he handed me, with only his dim nightlight to guide my eyes. (Yes, he has a stock of books in his crib, along with about 10 other toys/stuffed animals he shares the bed with. Don't ask me--it's a fetish he has that I can't seem to understand).

And only then am I able to leave his room without him crying out again.

My head falls on my pillow and I think...being a mom is hard!

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We have four boys.

They have only one volume level.....LOUD!

There is no quiet, or soft, or even mute...nope, just. plain. loud.

If you've ever been in a small room with screaming, loud laughter, make believe noises of guns or fighting or calling out, then you can understand how my stress level seems to rise every time the decibel count exceeds 60 (the typical number for a regular speaking voice).

I seriously have to put ear plugs in some days to keep my sanity level at bay.

Of course, it doesn't help that there are 6 bodies in our 1300 sq. ft. rental home. But, you do with what you have and what you can afford. These circumstances are a part of life and something I cannot change at this present time.

The only thing I can change is how I respond to such noise levels. And I will tell you honestly, it is NOT easy to be calm during these outbreaks. Sure, it's so nice to see the boys playing together, using their imaginations, but it is dang hard to concentrate on anything but watching them when they are expressing themselves in loud tones. Some days, it takes every ounce of energy not to raise my voice above theirs just to be heard, and obeyed.

During times like this, I think....being a mom is hard!

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I recently started my own business as a fitness coach for Beachbody. It's my way of helping our family get out of debt. As a mother of four children who all demand my attention--especially when they're hungry--I have to prioritize my time and activities each day.

I have to manage my time very carefully when I want to put effort into the business. I have found that waking up at 5am each morning I am able to get work done for about an hour and a half and then fit my workout in during the next 30 minutes, shower and get ready, all before I send our oldest off to school.

Does that happen, as planned, each morning?

Of course!!

haha...just kidding. Of course it doesn't!

I have to be super flexible when it comes to early rising children, a hungry baby, or even lack of sleep on  my part that leads me to hit snooze one too many times and fall behind in my schedule.

Do I want to be successful at this business?

Yes.

Do I want to be more successful as a mother?

YES!

Balancing my time and efforts takes practice and sometimes trial and error. Being a stay at home mom that works from home is not the right fit for everyone. I have to decide each day if it's worth it to  me to get up so early and go to bed so late so I can work when the kids are sleeping. I have to decide if it's worth it to sacrifice sleep, relaxing time in front of the TV, taking naps, and having an uber clean house, in order to supplement my husband's income to help us become financially free.

It's days like this (usually 6 out of 7 days) that I think...being a mom is hard!

But is it worth it?

YES!