I wrote this post as part of my participation in a blog tour for The Motherhood on behalf of the makers of Children’s MOTRIN® and received compensation to thank me for taking the time to participate. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
My Reflection on 2014 | How I am Unstoppable | #UnstoppableMoms
I’m finding it difficult to comprehend that 2014 is almost over. What a crazy whirlwind of a year we’ve had!
I’ve had a few learning experiences and life experiences this year that have shown me what it means to be unstoppable. Typically these would all be mom/child centered. I am actually at a point in my life, though, that after being a Mom for 22 years… I’m starting to reach out and find me again. So… some are child centered, some are me. They all make me who I am as an #UnstoppableMom.
I thought I would share them with you!
In March I ventured off without the family for Brandcation. This was a 4 night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas with 39 bloggers.
This was a combined press trip to get to know the Liberty of the Seas and a growing experience during the relationship and and bonding activities. These helped me see a little bit of “me” that had been buried for so long.
When I got home from that trip I did some soul searching and decided to focus on me a bit. I made the first steps to lose the extra weight. Here is my before picture.
May brought a huge milestone for our family. My last baby graduated pre-school. Even though he’s a big boy now, I made him promise me I can always call him my baby 😉 .
In June I had the chance to take my husband on his dream vacation to Alaska. It just so happened to be on a cruise ship (my favorite way to travel).
My husband and I have been married 26 years this past July. This trip, just the two of us, was our “honeymoon”. We hadn’t had the opportunity to have a real honeymoon and the timing was just right as far as child care, funds and time off.
We had seven nights to re-connect and re-focus. I am thankful for that opportunity on a daily basis.
July brought Ethan’s 6th birthday. This is a big day for a little guy and I went out of my way to create a big Dino City birthday party for him. I had forgotten how much work, but how much fun it was to plan, cook and bake for these.
August marked the end of our summer and the beginning of a new stage in our lives. Emma headed off to 2nd grade and our Ethan entered Kindergarten. This leaves us with an empty nest during the week days and the silence can be deafening sometimes. After having kiddos in our house non-stop for nearly 22 years this is a huge adjustment.
August, September, October have been super busy with school, dance, work and life. Emma joined the competitive dance team making me an official “dance mom”. If that alone doesn’t make me unstoppable I don’t know what does (oy the commitments!).
I was also happy to announce I had officially dropped 50 pounds by this point (no official after photo yet… I’m not done. This one was taken while shopping for clothes that will stay on)!
Knowing that I could handle all of life’s stressers and still focus on the family as well as myself to live a healthier life has shown me just how unstoppable I really am. My motivation is sky high and I’m looking forward to seeing what 2015 brings.
The older kids have been super active as well… with my oldest in her final semesters in college and my oldest son in his senior year of high school.
Life with a semi-large family can be crazy. These are only a few droplets of what happened this year.
Even with the stress of being pulled four ways life is full of joy.
Facebook Sweeps!
The makers of Children’s MOTRIN® want to hear about how YOU live life unstoppable. For the past couple of months they have been posting a weekly question of Facebook.
This week is the final week… and the question is:
There never seems to be enough time in a day but somehow you’ve managed to get an afternoon just for you. How do you spend it?
To enter the sweepstakes for the chance at the weekly drawing for $100 gift cards visit https://www.facebook.com/MOTRIN to answer the question above!
* Every tip shared triggers $1 donation to Safe Kids!!
o *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY, OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES & D.C., 18 AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Promotion ends 11:59p.m. ET 12/28/14. Sponsor will donate $1 for each approved Submission made as part of the promotion, with a minimum donation of $30,000 and a maximum donation of $50,000. For Official Rules, and complete details, visit www.unstoppablemoms.com. Sponsor: McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. To learn more about Safe Kids Worldwide visit safekids.org.
Join the #UnstoppableMoms Twitter Party!
The makers of Children’s MOTRIN® want to hear your tips and tricks on how you stay unstoppable!
Join us December 4 at 1 PM EST at the hashtag #UnstoppableMoms for a Twitter Party.
you look SO awesome. I’ve been trying to overcome a lot especially my addictions and I’ve been doing well this past week, weening off my meds. That’s how IM unstoppable. amazing post!! you and your husband are the cutest! xoxox
You go girl. You look very happy. I am not all that unstoppable but maybe I need a girl cruise and some time with my hubby!
You look awesome! Keep it up! I remain unstoppable by making those first steps toward losing some of my baby weight. I am determined
I feel I am unstoppable cause I have wonderful support from all my friends and especially my family, it keeps me going strong.
Look at you! You look amazing and it seems you have a wonderful family and support system. That’s how I remain unstoppable because I have constant support from my family!
You are amazing. I am unstoppable because I won’t give up until I have conquered my health problems.
I think in order to truly be unstoppable you need to take time to relax and refocus yourself every so often. By becoming mentally refreshed, I can achieve anything as a woman, wife, and mother.
Great job! It is so hard to lose weight and you have done an amazing job! I feel unstoppable because I am home with my kids and somehow managing to keep my sanity intact!
I would definitely spend that time doing something crafty and working on an art project or a gift project! It makes me feel accomplished and revitalized and reconnects me to myself somehow!
You really are so amazing! I am unstoppable because I love my family and help take care of my Dad who needs me! I will not give up on my elderly Father!
i am unstoppable with God on my side.
I’m unstoppable when there is something I really want. For an afternoon off I’ll get a massage.
I feel unstoppable because I have amazing friends who are there whenever I need them.
bc i have amazing family and friends.
I am unstoppable because our family had gone through a lot of changes this year, but we are going strong into the holidays.
I remain unstoppable for my son, without him my world would be empty.
I love cruising – it is my favorite type of vacation., You look like you had a marvelous time. I am unstoppable because since my husband passed away I am the only parent and I need to remain strong and focused.
You look amazing. Losing weight has been a goal of mine for some time now but I doubt myself too much. I feel unstoppable when im juggling two kids and their homework, working, and maintaining the house.
i am unstoppable because i follow my instincts
I am unstoppable because I have determination to always get the job done, and find a way to solve a problem that I am faced with!
I am unstoppable because I’m a mom.
I remain unstoppable by continuing on with determination no matter the hurdles that stand in my way!
Wow, you go girl! You sound like you’ve had an awesome year.
I’m unstoppable because I’m a mom and there’s no other option. Although, man, I’d like a nap.
Thanks for sharing a piece of your life with us 🙂
You have so much to be proud of! You are truly blessed with a wonderful husband an children and I think it’s great that you were able to do some things that were just for you. Not to mention your weight loss. I know how hard that journey is and I think it’s great! I try to live one day at a time passing it forward as I go.
You are really unstoppable! Losing the weight was a huge accomplishment. Congrats
I am unstoppable because I dedicate my free time to eradicating illeracy through the non profit I cofounded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait.
I am unstoppable because I am Superwoman! I am a wife, mother, professional blogger, and school volunteer while still making time to keep on top of housework, go to the gym, and prepare hot meals for my family each night.
Awesome for you on the weight loss…doesn’t it feel good? I have recently lost 45 lbs and was able to get rid of one of my insulins. I am 61 and thought it was way too late to change some things but it never is! Being a mom, wife etc can be very stressful and it is great to see that you are able to manage it all!! Congrats to you!
bc my husband is my supporter
I am unstoppable because I suffer from MS, but I don’t let it keep me from living life. If anything it has made me appreciate life even more. I have said that MS is both a curse and a blessing! btw, Congrats on 26 yrs of marriage!
Chocolate, wine and pedicures help me stay unstoppable!
Love your dedication to lose weight! 🙂 Keep it up! 🙂