Going Home

For the last three weeks my kiddos and I have been enjoying the Northwest. We have spent the majority of our time in Washington State and Idaho. Washington State is the place I like to call my forever home. 

Being a military family, my kids have lived all over country. In my heart our true home is the place where I spent my childhood. It is always bittersweet when we come to visit. We spend so much time visiting family and friends and making new memories. 

Today was the day that I had to say "Till next time". I hate saying good bye. My eyes are always overflowing with tears. I am like a faucet that someone forgot to turn off. My kids understand and hold my hands as we make our way through the airport. 

We have to keep moving though, I know one day we will come home to stay.

Dirty is the Funniest Number

I wish I had written down all the funny things that my kids have said over the years. Each of them has come into the world with a unique personality and sense of humor. There has been no shortage of laughter in my life since they came into my life.

When Emmanuel was 3 years old I told him that I was going to make grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. He looked at me and declared, "Mom, I don't want a GIRL cheese sandwich, I want a BOY cheese sandwich!" I laughed so hard that day I just about cried. He was so serious in his demand, and that made it all the cuter.

Skye was about 6 years old when she came up to me and begged, "Mom can we please get a pimple?" I said a what? She said,  "A baby pimple, they're so cute!" She continued describing all the reasons she wanted a baby pimple, I finally realized that she wanted a baby pit-bull puppy.

I have about a million of these cute little anecdotes. My last one for today is another about Emmanuel. I can't quite remember how old he was when he came up to me and said, "Mom, do you know what the funniest number is?" I, of course, began throwing my guesses out. He finally ended the mystery when he said, "No! Dirty is the funniest number!" He was laughing so hard at this point, I couldn't help but join in! He thought that you pronounced 30 as dirty.

If I could give any parent some advice, it would be to write down these little memories because they are priceless!  

MSQRD

Warning . . . Random Post

Have you ever gone through the photos on your phone only to find several "selfies" that are not of yourself? I am constantly finding different apps mysteriously appearing on my phone. Each of these apps, of course, comes with several different push notifications that post to my Facebook. These notifications are sweetly inviting all my friends to join this world or that. They are demanding that I come feed my pet dragons or some other imaginary creature. Hardly a day goes by that I don't get a notification to attend to something that one of my sneaky kiddos created.

It has now become a weekly ritual for me to conduct some cleanup of my phone. This week I thought I would share some of the selfies that appeared on my phone.

Devin as a pilot from a downed
plane.

Noah with hearts in his eyes

Noah enjoying a faux spa day.

Devin straight buggin' out.

These images have been brought to you by my 7 year old twins. This is what happens when my phone disappears randomly throughout the day. I love that they are expressing their creative freedoms, I hate that I have had to invest in cloud storage to save all this comedy. Thank you Apple for adding the MSQRD app, it has given me another reason to literally "LOL"!

Remember, a body in motion . . . stays in motion!

The Champ is Here

It has always been my goal to surround my kids with positive role models. I want them to see and experience the passion and success of hardworking people. I want them to understand that sometimes you have to work hard to get what you want.

My boys are aspiring mixed martial artists. I have written a previous post that details my feelings regarding MMA. I recently got the opportunity to talk frankly with a very successful mixed martial artist.

Julio Arce celebrating his victory in the Ring of Combat.

Julio Arce is a 26 year old from Queens, New York. He has a professional fighting record of 8 wins and 2 losses as a bantam weight. He is currently training for his debut in the Cage Fury Fighting Championships in Atlantic City on August 6th. Not only is he 100% dedicated to his career as a mixed martial artist, he also instructs children and adults in mixed martial arts six days a week. He recently took time out of his busy schedule to talk with me.

Julio, better known as Sensei by his students, began training in mixed martial arts at the age of 13. When asked why he started MMA, he said, 

"I was a chubby kid who did nothing but sit around and play video games. I tried other activities but nothing really interested me and I wasn't motivated." 

His sister brought him to Tiger Schulmann, and this was the moment when things started to change. I asked what inspired him to continue to push to the next level? 

"Throughout my training I went from a 200 pound kid with rolls of fat to six pack abs, shredded. At the same time I loved training because it's a sport or art that you can't cheat yourself in. You have to train hard to sharpen techniques you learn . . . it's just hard work and discipline. Martial Arts is a vehicle to develop the human potential. I love it!"

It's hard not to be inspired by the passion that this man exudes for his sport. He was able to transform himself from a 200 pound kid at 5'7", to a 135 pound powerhouse who has quickly made a name for himself in the world of MMA.

Sensei Arce began teaching MMA at the age of 15. "I wanted to teach martial arts because I love martial arts." He continues, "For a young kid it's easy to call it quits when something gets tough. I teach them that even it seems tough, keep pushing yourself." These are lessons all students learn from their Sensei. Sensei Arce loves watching the transformations that take place in his students.

The last question that I had for Sensei Arce was, "What are the most important lessons that you have learned from MMA and how do you pass those lessons on to your students?"

"To never give up. That hard work and discipline will guarantee you success. When you know how to defend yourself, you will carry yourself in a more confident way. You will learn to lead, be humble, and respectful of others. If you train in martial arts . . . you just know that you are a badass!"

Julio Arce was a pleasure to interview. His passion for life and what he does is contagious. From the moment he steps on the mat you can see the way the children's eyes light up. He is more than their Sensei, he is their role model. He inspires the fight in all of his students. I wish him nothing but the best and continued success in his MMA career!

Don't Read Little Red Riding Hood

Guns in the United States are a topic of extreme controversy. The amount of mass shootings that have taken place as of late are both sad and frustrating. Everyone is looking for a place to point the finger, everyone is hoping for an effective solution. 

People don't want to give up their right to protect themselves. On the same note they don't want to continue to see lives needlessly taken. It is a sad day when we can't come together and find compromise.

I happened upon an image recently that I found disturbing. 

This image was produced along with a series of others by a nonprofit group called Moms Demand Action. Each image was showcasing a child holding an item that had been outlawed in the United States next to a child holding an assault rifle. The image is shocking. To see a young child holding a weapon of that magnitude is surreal, something that I would never hope to see in reality. To see something as mundane as Little Red Riding Hood banned from schools is equally as shocking. 

The book was banned in two California school districts because the basket that Red was carrying contained a bottle of wine. Whoa! Stop the presses! A classic childhood fairy tale can be banned because of an illustration, but an assault weapon can continue to be sold to civilians even though every mass shooting we have seen grace the news has been at the mercy of an assault rifle. 

As I have mentioned, I am member of the United States Marine Corps. I fully understand the rights afforded to me by the Constitution of the United States. I am not asking for the right to bear arms to be taken away from us. However, I can firmly say that no civilian has a need to own an assault rifle. They are not necessary for hunting or protecting our homes. Assault rifles are weapons of war. We do not need them in our homes. 

As Moms Demand Action have stated, "It's time for gun sense in America!"

Schools Out For Summer

The school year is about to be over. The day has finally come. My kids have been anxiously awaiting the last day of school since the first day of school. Now it is up to me to entertain them for the next two months!

The thought of facing an entire summer without a plan is sure to make any mom quiver in her flipflops. But, this is New York City and the world is our oyster. I can surely fill their days with plenty of education, movement, and Italian ices. 

Mission 1, Day 1: Italian Ice!

An Italian Ice is not a snow cone. Although it does have some similarities. Italian ice is made in a similar process to ice cream. The ingredients are mixed together and frozen like ice cream. It is similar to sorbet. Italian ice does not have any eggs or dairy which makes it a great treat for kiddos with allergies or sensitivities to dairy.
  

History

The history of this delightful desert is not exactly clear. The Arabs, Sicilians, Europeans, Turkish, Chinese, French, and Spanish all claim to be the creators. They are all probably right in some shape or form. Each may have developed it in their own country, sadly we will never know who we can actually give the gold star to. What we do know is that it is an international dessert, enjoyed the world over. The classic ingredients remain the same, however, flavors and textures differ.

Functions

The Italian ice can offer more than just sweet relief. It has also been used to cleanse the palate between meals. The most popular use for the Italian ice is simple, it just cools you off on those hot summer days.

Our Favorite Place

 

So, tomorrow on the last day of school it will be a balmy 79 degrees. We will surely spend the afternoon in our local park, it is my plan to get the kids moving and walk over to our favorite local ice spot Pesso's. The menu is extensive and always changing and they offer a frequent buyer punch card. 

Although I am sure we will make several pilgrimages to our favorite spot this summer, we will also be attempting to make our own. The combinations are endless and it really is easy. This will give my kiddos a new appreciation for their own talents and creativity. I have included this "e-how" video that gives a simple recipe for a delicious dessert. What is great about creating your own dessert is that you control what goes in. You can adjust the amount of sugar that is added, or opt for sugar free juice concentrate. Let your kids have some creative freedom this summer and see what they come up with.

Once the ice's have been eaten, get them back outside to enjoy the summer.

Remember, a body in motion . . . stays in motion!

You Are What You Eat: 10 Foods Not to Feed Your Kids

Getting your kids up and moving is only half the battle. If you want to teach them to live a healthy lifestyle, then you have to teach them how to eat. They must understand the importance of what goes into their bodies and how it affects them. Am I saying never treat them? Absolutely not, moderation is key. But, if you teach them young about all the amazing goodness that is out there, then they will grow to make healthy positive choices.

I am always searching the web and reading about do's and don'ts and eat this and not that posts and articles. I recently came across an article in Newsweek that offered some information that I thought would be useful to share. I am basing this list from the information that I found in Newsweek, however, I will also be discussing each item further and providing links to further your education. Without further ado, 

10 Foods Not to Feed Your Kids

1.  Apple Juice. This may come across as a surprise, but apple juice is laden with sugar. This is a popular drink among children. Parents buy it because it comes in box form and it is easy to pop a straw in, and hey it comes from apples so it must be good. Not so much. A juice box can contain up to 160 calories most of this coming from fructose. When kids drink apple juice, they are missing out on the fiber that they would usually get from just eating an apple.
2.  Honey. Most parents are aware that honey should not be given to children under a year old. However, Wesley Delbridge, a registered dietitian and spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Deietics who specializes in children's nutrition, recommends that you wait until at least 2. Honey can contain a toxic bacteria known as botulism. This bacteria can be deadly. Adults have an immune system that has been built up enough to combat the bacteria, but children 2 and under do not have these same tolerances. 
3.  Soda. No kidding right, but it is best to reiterate this fact. Soda can contain upwards of 60 grams of sugar. This is horrible for the body on all levels. Kids do not need these empty calories.
4.  Boxed Mac and Cheese. I know, this is every parent's go to on hectic days, but it is loaded with highly processed ingredients, full of sodium, and completely lacking in any nutritional value. It's best to let this favorite go and opt for a healthier homemade version. This way you know what you are putting in their bodies. Jessica Seinfeld, has a recipe that sneaks in butternut squash and cauliflower puree.
5.  Fruit Snacks. Not a snack, just candy. These little gummies are also full of sugar. Opt for dried fruit if you want to give the kiddos a chewy healthy snack.
6.  Canned Tuna. No tuna is not all bad. It does provide vitamins and minerals, but, it should be eaten sparingly. The mercury content in tuna can be high, and if eaten everyday this can be damaging to young nervous systems.  
7.  Granola Bars. These too are full of sugar. What is important is to be vigilant and read the ingredients. There are healthier versions out there. 
8.  Sports Drinks. Unless your child is involved in some intense hour long workout, there is no need to give them a sugary sports drink. Give them water instead.
9.  Flash-Fried Frozen Foods. When something is flash-fried, it is done so to make the batter stick. This keeps the fat and calorie content very high. Not to mention that because these foods are processed they are full of sodium and preservatives. Yes, healthier versions are being produced, but if you must serve them to your kids, do so sparingly.
10.  Raw Milk. Milk that hasn't been pasteurized can cause food borne illnesses. This is another case where children's immune systems are not as developed and cannot combat potential threats as well as adult immune systems.

There are always healthier alternatives out there. The web offers a plethora of easy alternatives that will make both you and your children happy. The important thing is that you are teaching them to make healthy choices. Keep their bodies healthy and you will keep them moving. Remember, a body in motion . . . stays in motion! 

Going to the Beach

On hot days all the kiddos want to do is cool off. Some days the garden hose is just not enough! The easy solution and something that makes everyone happy is a trip to the beach. It doesn't matter which beach we go to, if I want the day to go smoothly, I must come prepared. I have compiled a list of essentials that every parent should have on on hand when going to the beach.

Lindsey's Beach Essentials

• The first item may seem like a no-brainer, but sunscreen is an essential. There are several different types out there, Today.com, offers a list of the best picks for 2016. A common mistake parents make is applying the sunscreen once they arrive at the beach. If you follow the directions on the container, it will say to apply 15-20 minutes prior to exposure. I recommend applying before you leave the house, and then reapplying as necessary throughout the day.
• A fitted sheet. Why you ask? A fitted sheet can provide you a sand free sanctuary when the corners are stretched out and held in place with bags or coolers. 
  
• Assorted beach toys, are always a must. No matter the age, kids love to dig and build in the sand. Parents.com, lists great beach toys for kids of all ages.  
• A ziploc bag will keep your cell phone dry, unless you decide to invest in a LifeProof phone case. 
• Baby powder will save you at the end of the day. It will assist in removing the moisture and sand from your body. The Honest Company has a talcum free baby powder that is both gentle and organic.
• Beach friendly snacks and plenty of water are always a must, but how will you tote all this stuff to your final destination? I suggest investing in a rugged all-terrain wagon. 

Having these items on hand will make your day at the beach a breeze. The best part is that everyone is out of the house together and having a blast. The beach is a great place to get the kids out and moving! 

Remember, a body in motion . . . stays in motion!

We Didn't Promise You a Rose Garden

Hello and welcome to my blog. 

When I met my husband 15 years ago, I never imagined that we would be blessed with five kids. We are a military family and we have quite literally traveled the world. From California to Japan, there is no where like New York City. NYC has an abundance of activities for families. 

Since the first of my brood entered the world, it has been my goal to instill a love and passion for physical fitness. I have always wanted to ensure that they were active and involved in organized sports. I have lovingly encouraged their passion for whatever drives them.

 

That being said, my blog will be centered on activities that get kids up and moving. From mixed martial arts to color runs, I will offer insight to the different activities and opportunities for kids around NYC. This city has so much to give, and I plan on taking full advantage of it and sharing my spoils with you. 

Remember . . . a body in motion stays in motion!

Bounce!

One of the newest kid crazes are those giant warehouses that have been filled with trampolines and giant foam pits. Well, we JUMPED, on this bandwagon!

Physical activity is important to me, so when I came across Bounce Trampoline Sports in Syosset, New York, I was instantly intrigued.

The Website

The website was bright and engaging. It was easy to navigate and view the different activities offered at the facility. Pricing and hours were clearly delineated. Contact information was given, and when I did call them to inquire further, they were very helpful.  Waivers must be signed prior to jumping at Bounce. The website gives these waivers so that they may be filled out ahead of time. Enough about paperwork, on to the fun stuff.

Commute & Parking

As I mentioned, Bounce Trampoline Sports is in Syosset. This can be a bit of a commute depending on where you are coming from. It is located in a fairly isolated location. The area consists almost entirely of warehouses. The perk, especially for New York, is plenty of free parking. The downside is that unless you are using an Uber or yellow cab, you will not be able to reach this gem via subway or other any other form of mass transportation.
  

Bounce

 

The facility itself is enormous. It is well organized and handles the flow of traffic both kids and adults effectively. There are different areas designated for different age groups. Each area is equipped with one to two supervisors who maintain constant vigilance over their assigned area. There are foam pits they can flip into and ones that have a trapeze like swing launching kids into the pits. There is extreme basketball where kids can live out their slam-dunking LeBron James dreams. There is a concession stand that offers a variety of snacks that are mostly appealing to the kiddos. They did have an espresso machine that I partook in.

 

 For the Grown-Ups

 

If you are a parent, and you don't want to jump, there is a parents' lounge located in the front of the facility. It is placed strategically so that no child can escape the building or his parent's watchful eye. The couches are plenty and comfortable, there are also outlets and charging stations for cell phones, laptops, or what have you.

 

5 Stars

 

I recommend this place to parents who have kiddos aged 4 and up. This place will get the kids moving and sweating. I promise you they won't want to leave! When you are finally able to persuade them into getting back in the car, they will fall blissfully asleep on the return ride with visions of trampolines in their heads. For more information, I am including the following link: Bounce.

Mission Accomplished! Remember . . . a body in motion stays in motion.

CrossFit for Kids

There has always been controversy surrounding children and weightlifting. I have heard everything from "It will stunt their growth!" to "They're just going to hurt themselves!" I happen to be firmly planted on the other side of the fence. I believe that weight training, done in moderation and with proper supervision can be very beneficial to children. 

My daughter Skye doing a back squat.

CrossFit is an excellent way to incorporate weight training into your child's life. CrossFit employs an approach that constantly varies training, functional movements and intensity. It is easily adaptable to all levels of fitness. CrossFit focuses on the core movements of life, and workouts are geared towards functional fitness. I am an avid CrossFit athlete, and I have given my kids the opportunity to participate in this sport as well. It has strengthened their bodies and increased their confidence in their abilities. I have only seen positive results from my kid's involvement in CrossFit.  

My twins age 6 learning ring pulls, a precursor to pull-ups.

I recommend that anyone looking for a platform for functional fitness seriously take a look at CrossFit. It is great for the whole family. The workouts are adaptable for all abilities and skill levels. CrossFit does not ostracize individuals. It may seem that CrossFit is only about the individual, but it is truly about the CrossFit team and family. Every individual accomplishment is also a team accomplishment. Every accomplishment is celebrated no matter how big or small. CrossFit truly fosters camaraderie and a team spirit. This is a sport that truly gets you up and moving. Remember . . . a body in motion stays in motion.

If you can' t beat 'em, join 'em

When we first moved to NYC it became my goal to find an activity that all of my kids could participate in. I wanted a one-stop-shop that could accommodate all 5 kiddos. The thought of running all around the city to 5 different after school activities was making me crazy and I hadn't even got in the car yet. The mission laid out before me was to find something that all 5 could not only participate in, but find something they would all like, and have that activity provide some sort of life skill. I soon found myself looking seriously at mixed martial arts. 

Through my research I found that mixed martial arts increases coordination, body awareness, strength, flexibility and aerobic fitness. It has the capacity to aid in developing a clear, focused mind and an unshakable spirit. Mixed martial arts programs have been specifically designed to build confidence and develop children to their fullest potential. The goal of mixed martial arts is to build a solid foundation in the lives of children by helping them achieve a healthy mind and body through martial arts instruction. This well-being will instill in them the self-confidence, focus and determination necessary to become strong and successful in every aspect of life. 

It is my goal to get kids moving and mixed martial arts does this and more. After all . . . a body in motion stays in motion.