Fun Moms

What do you think of gladiator shoes?

I cannot decide if I like them. They are cute on younger girls, but I am not really sure. Isn’t it funny how something new will come out and you know right off “I love this” or “I hate this”? Every now and then something comes out and you are like “I’m not sure!”

We wore gladiator shoes when I was in junior high in the 80’s. They were so cool! I loved them then, but now I just cannot make up my mind. Since I am conflicted I will not be buying any. I will spend my money on something I know that I love!

My children, Emelie and Michael, love going to church! We start Saturday night getting prepared. Taking baths and getting clothes together. We attend a church that meets in a rec. center, so it is extremely casual.

Emelie and Michael start getting excited the night before. Part of the reason I believe is because my husband and I enjoy going to church.  We try to make it a good experience for our children.

Our faith is the most important thing in our lives, and we want to pass that on to our children. I have taught children in church for the past twenty years. There is a sense of community in a church. The people at church are our family. A large group of us get together every Sunday and go to eat at our favorite Mexican food restaurant. They are our “church family.” My daughter calls them close family friends, and that is what they are.  I value their influence in our lives.

At church the values and morals I teach, and hopefully model for my children are reinforced. It’s important to my husband and I that our children have a strong sense of right and wrong.  Our beliefs about what is right and wrong come from God’s Word. They attend a class that teaches them on a level they can enjoy and understand.  With lessons, games, snacks, and prizes.

There is also emphasis put on giving back, and helping people in need. They are taught to treat others the way they want to be treated, and to sacrifice to help someone else. Emelie loves to help others. She has such a big heart. We helped to buy some blankets for some street kids.  It was priceless to me to see the compassion she had for children that needed some help. She could not understand why there were children living on the streets with no parents and no home.

Church is not a perfect place with no problems, but if you get involved in the right one it can be a place where your children can love, learn, grow, and find purpose.

My Mom and I began walking together at the start of summer. We have walked together before, but usually someone else would walk with us. Due to work schedules and such it has just been she and I.

I enjoy talking with her without the chaos that children can bring. You know, like as soon as you pick up the phone the craziness begins. It will be relatively calm, but as soon as they realize your on the phone they bring the heat.  It is nice if you have someone to walk with. It helps to battle boredom. In the book, Fitness Walking for Women, the author says,” One of the greatest enemies of exercise is boredom.”

It’s also important to have the right gear. My husband bought me some Adidas walking shoes. We drove out to an outlet mall in Hillsboro, TX. We were able to pick up the shoes for around $40. They are really comfortable with a lot of arch support.

I like to look cute while I am walking, but comfort is a must. I cannot wear tight clothes that feel restrictive.

We choose to walk in my Mom’s neighborhood, because she has lots of trees and rolling hills. It is so nice to be outside breathing the nice fresh air. I enjoy the sunshine . A little sun is beneficial if you do not over do it.  You get vitamin D from the sun.

Walking makes me feel better about things. I have a more positive outlook on life, and I think more clearly. I make better choices about my health when I begin my day walking. I want to eat better and take better care of myself.

Shelly’s suggestions for walking for fitness:

• Walk with a friend or family member ( it helps to fight boredom).
• Wear the right gear ( walking shoes, loose fitting clothes).
• If possible, walk outside. The sunshine makes you feel good.