I am so excited to introduce you to the January Super MOM of the month! She is AWESOME! And she is also a fellow Fitfluential Ambassador, hooray!
This month, I randomly chose a mom who entered through Facebook and I used the highly scientific Random.org. I sure am glad there is a random chooser tool because I don’t think I could have picked from all the awesome moms all by myself! You are all awesome!
So without further adieu, I give you this month’s Mom of the Month, Toni!
She was so kind to answer my extensive questionairre so we could get some insight to her awesomeness and get to know her a bit. (Thank you Toni!) Congratulations!
Name: Antoinette Marie Church but everyone calls me Toni
Blog: www.runninglovingliving.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Running-Loving-Living-the-road-to-my-dreams/185488191485201
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/tonee78
Location: Long Island, NY
Occupation: I am a home care nurse, full time (M-F 8-4) and I blog which is my other “full time” job.
How do you incorporate family time into your schedule and what are your favorite family rituals?
We have recently started family rituals of attending local road races. My husband and I usually participate with our girls cheering on (another family member has them). It is a motivating factor for us to stay fit and be a good influence on our girls. We also ride bikes, walk and go to the park.
What has been your biggest challenge in motherhood or parenting (either personal or through your children) and did you overcome it? How?
My biggest challenge in motherhood is finding myself without feeling guilty. I went back to school when my first daughter went to kindergarten and it took away a lot of my time but it was for a good cause. I became a nurse in the end and set a great example for my daughter but it was hard taking the time to study and prepare for school. Now I still am challenged by taking time for myself to workout but I feel it is necessary to be a good mom.
Where was your most embarrassing crazy tantrum? (Not you, the kids…)
The most horrible tantrum my daughter, who is now 3, has thrown was Mother’s Day when she was 18 months old and we went out to The Cheesecake Factory with my mother in law, 2 sister in laws and my other daughter (who is 14). Abby just screamed and cried the whole time until I couldn’t take it anymore and I ended up leaving with her when my food arrived so I didn’t even get a chance to eat…..worst Mother’s Day ever!!!
So. How did potty training go? Any favorite tools or resources?
Potty training with my 1st who is 14 was easy, she pretty much trained herself. With my 2nd, who is 3 was not quite as easy….I started with pull ups for one week (she was 2 1/2) which did nothing, they were just like diapers. I then went diaperless, literally with in 2 days she was trained both day and night. Ever so occasionally she has an accident but all in all it was easy this way!
How do you incorporate fitness and training into your family’s routine?
We incorporate fitness into our routine by having family outings to bike, go to the park or just playing outside. We also play video games on the wii that incorporate fitness: tennis, bowling, dancing, etc.
What is the biggest secret about motherhood that no one told you about, that you found out all on your own?
I am not sure there are any “secrets” it is a learn as you go game. I have had many inspirations in motherhood along the way…my mother in law being one of them…she has raised 3 wonderful children, not an easy feat. I only hope to follow in her footsteps and raise my girls to be good, independent people. One secret which is not so much a secret is leading by example.
What are the three biggest lessons, morals or principles you hope your children to learn from you that they will carry on through their entire lives?
Be responsible. Be your own person. Work hard to achieve all your hopes and dreams.
* * *
Here is your shiny button!
Thank you Toni! You ARE SUPER MOM! Toni will be receiving her very own cape and will be right there on my sidebar for January! Congratulations!
Please go visit Toni at her blog and congratulate her for being awesome. While you’re at it, go like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter too!
Want to be Super MOM of the Month? Enter here for February!
Post Footer automatically generated by wp-posturl plugin for wordpress.
I am writing this email regarding my recent weight loss. I have lost
81 pounds in 5 months. I have done it the “old fashioned” way by exercising and
eating healthy. I started my, as I like to call it, journey on March 15th,
2010.
My weight has fluctuated my whole life and I have been overweight for most of my
life. Even as a child, I don’t remember a time when I was a ‘normal’ weight. I
was usually heavier than the other kids in my class. However the turning point
in my life came on March 15, 2010. The weekend before the 15th my girlfriend
took me to the black eyed peas concert for my birthday which was an amazing
present. However, after we got there I realized that I was barely fitting into
the stadium seat. This was an eye opening experience because I was so excited to
see BEP but I couldn’t enjoy it fully because of my obesity. That was the day,
that it finally hit me, I have to lose weight. I am too young to feel
uncomfortable in my own skin and was ready for a change. In the past, I’ve tried
countless fad diets, weight loss contests, but I would lose weight then would
eventually gain it back. This time was different though, I was mentally
determined to change my life. On that day of the black eyed peas concert, March
13th, I knew I had to lose weight not for a contest or for a dare but for
myself, for my health, and for the people that loved me. I know that many
people have told me that I didn’t look like I weighed 332.5 lbs, they said I
carried my weight well. I don’t know if I should take that as a compliment or
just that I was fat but didn’t look fat. Being overweight for me had many
downsides. Whenever I was around people I would love to talk but inside I felt
so shy and embarrassed of the way I looked and felt. I know that I needed to
lose weight and there was no if ands or buts. It had to be done. That is why I
started by weight loss journey.
I know that I have lost 81 pounds, but I know that I still have a ways to go. I
know that this time I am not going to give up because I am doing this for myself
and not for some monetary prize.
I would love to share my story with other people that are in the same situation
that I have been in. That is the reason that I have started blogging. My blog
is:
jaypatelweightloss.blogspot.com.
I know that if I could just make a difference of one person it would be so
worthwhile. I know that if I had a role model like myself I would be more
encouraged. Once again, thanks for listening to my story and hopefully you will
enjoy my blog and share it with your friends. I have actually been following
your blog(I am going to add it to “blogs that I follow”) while I have been on this journey. I love
to read it daily.. Once again. Thanks..
Jay
What an amazing & shining example for all & her family – LOVE this! Congrats!!! Nothing like teaching by example!
Jody – Fit at 54 recently posted..Make Each Moment Count
Thanks for having me!!!! I am so excited to be Super Mom of the month!!!
Toni recently posted..SparkleTech Skirt Review
Congrats to Toni – she is pretty spectacular isn’t she!