You know the saying, “Every child is different”? It is so true. I have been pulling my hair out over how different my youngest child is compared to the other two. I mean I don’t really compare them. It’s just that what worked for them, does not work for her. Her theme song is definitely “I’m different, yeah I’m different”! I love her strength and determination but now it is two weeks before school starts and girlfriend needs to be potty trained!
Did you know that 40% of kids aren’t potty trained by age 3? I didn’t, so I don’t feel bad. I have tried the reward system using stickers or candy every time she pees. (She likes the stickers better than the candy) We have made a big celebration doing the potty dance and cheering for her. It worked for one day. So what strategies helped you potty train your toddler?

It seems like I am still in recovery mode from our family vacation. My kids did not want to go to sleep last night or wake up this morning for camp. I think I may have gotten like 5 hours of sleep. I jumped up to get them ready for camp. Made breakfast, packed lunches and dashed out of the door. As I was walking into the gym, I realized there was something flapping on my butt. You won’t believe I put my pants on backwards this morning. Lol, that is what happens when you only have 5 hours of sleep. I made it to the gym 15 minutes late to work out with “Mike and Mari”. I never thought I would say I miss working out, but I really did. Now I am off to Kinkos to run flyers for Thursday night’s event at LMNT. Gotta keep pushing!!!!!

My husband and I survived the summer road trip! It wasn’t easy with three munchkins. I cannot tell you how many times we had to say stop whining or sit in your seat lol. I am so glad to be back home where I can tell them to go to their rooms. We really had a great vacation. Usually we rush around from park to park, but this trip we took it easy. Yesterday we enjoyed the pool at the resort and we even did a little outlet shopping. It is August and that means back on the grind. I have some big things coming up for Sporty Mommas and I have to get this 2.5 year old potty trained in three weeks. Wish me luck! Peace, Love and dream big!!!

Every summer we take the “Stew Crew” to Disney World. Actually, we take the kids to Disney about 3 times a year. This summer has been so busy, we kept pushing it back. My son is turning 5 next Tuesday (time flies), so we agreed it would be the perfect time to head up. I am not sure what parks we will head to, but I am preparing for the heat. Last summer I refused to go anywhere but the pool before 6 p.m. So now I am off to pack for four and find a boarding spot for Charlie (golden retriever). I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

I can’t believe there is only three weeks before school starts. Where did the summer go? If you have been following the blog, you know I have had a busy summer. We have been enjoying the kids, sleeping in and staying fit. I hope you all have been enjoying your summer too. I thought I would dedicate this post to old school summertime favorites. When we didn’t have ipads or WiiU or laptops. It was roller skates, freeze pops and rushing home before the street light came on. How many times did you get scratched from those slip and slides? I cherish those memories of childhood friends, family reunions, summer camp and back to school shopping!

So last week I made it to Nordstrom for a little shopping. It is still my birthday month! 🙂 One of my favorite purchases was this handbag from Big Buddah. It is a great size. This bag is perfect for Mommas like me who carry a lot of kid stuff. The best part about it is the price($95). I love a rich looking bag at a fraction of the cost. It comes in four different colors. Check out the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Happy Shopping!

www.nordstrom.com

I had the opportunity to participate in Hey Girlfriend’s “A night on the Town” last night. It was a great evening of networking, good food, free drinks and a fabulous speaker. Casandra “Coach Cass” Roache from @Inspire Many was the guest speaker. She is a life coach, teacher and a pretty funny lady. Last month she went on a missionary trip to Kenya and she shared her experience. A few things stood out from her presentation. First, never judge a person (book) by it’s cover. A simple hello or giving a compliment can lead to a new friendship or business partnership. The second thing that struck a nerve was to be grateful. While visiting Africa she saw a lot of poor, uneducated women and children, but they were happy and friendly. Sometimes we complain about the little things. Remember they are just that “little things”. There are people around the world that don’t even have running water or a roof over their heads. Finally, take advantage that you have the freedom to do whatever it is you want to do. Maybe it is going back to school, starting a business or changing career paths. You can do it. Visit Coach Cass at www.inspiremany.com.

Shilesa Chandler (Hey Girlfriend), Coach Cass (Inspire Many), and Sharonda (Sporty Mommas)

I was up late last night reflecting on the weekend and planning for this week. I got on twitter way to late because I could not fall asleep and I came across this tweet from Deion Sanders. “It’s About Time”. I went to his blog and read his post and it hit home. “I have to move at the speed of life. And when it comes to being a success in life – TIMING IS EVERYTHING – it’s all about time. The only reason you know me and respect me for my athletic efforts is because my time was Prime. I took advantage of opportunities that were before me…right in front of your eyes. You can either allow your frustration to cause you to give up on your dreams or you can keep yourself motivated and prepared for when opportunity comes your way. As my spiritual father would say, you MUST maximize your moments! The moment I finally woke up and realized that it’s all about time, I also realized that it’s only a matter of time. It’s only a matter of time before your dream becomes a reality. You just need to have a little patience.” -Deion Sanders

It is about time! It is my time and it is your time! Don’t allow fear to hold you back another day. Make it happen!!!!!