Beckie & Karl welcomed their son, Teigan Tobin (I forgot to ask his middle name), yesterday July 30th at 2:55pm. He was 8.1 lbs! Go Beckie!! Good thing she was so strong thanks to Stroller Strides. If you are waivering on wanting another kid- go hold Teigan.....

Congrats Tobin family- we can't wait to see you at class!
And yes she really looks that good after giving birth.

Yes, monsoons seems to have started and while I appreciate the afternoon cloud cover, the lack of consistent rain has kept me h-o-t HOT! So, in addition to my morning smoothie, I've started to add on an afternoon "pick me up". It is also a great way to beat those afternoon sugar urges AND a fun thing to do with your kids. Although the blender scares her a bit Lily is a super fan of "moothies" Here are a few of our favorites:

Banana Rama

- 1 banana
- 1 tbl(ish) of peanut butter
- 1 dash of unsweetened cocoa powder
- some ice

Blend & Enjoy!

Oprah's Favorite Smoothie (I stole this from Oprah when I was pregnant- SO yummy)

- Chocolate Soy milk
- Strawberries (I use frozen- only b/c I buy in bulk when they are on sale)
- Banana

Blend & YUM!!!

Stroller Strides Flagstaff is hiring! Working for Stroller Strides Flagstaff is not only mommy & work-at-home friendly, but it is also a great way to earn free Stroller Strides/Fit4Baby classes!

Currently we are looking for:

- Marketing Assistant
Help let the community know about all of the great things we are doing at Stroller Strides! Duties include: hanging up flyers, assisting at events, updating our facebook & meetup pages & entering classes into online community calendars. About 4 hours of work per month- completely flexible.

- Playgroup Captain
Organize, invite & attend our weekly Luna Moms Club playgroups.

Please contact Beth if you want more information or are interested in either of these positions.

I hope, in the future to have a Stroller Strides marathon training class- but until we do.... Did you know Flagstaff has a marathon? It is a beautiful & hard, off-road course at the Nordic Center and happens at the end of Sept.
For you 1st timers that isn't enough time to train for a 26.2 mile race- but it can be a GREAT goal for next year!

Check it out: http://www.flagstaffnordiccenter.com/marathon/marathon.php

*Valid 7/28/09-7/29/09. For more information see www.fandango.com. Offer good on in-store purchases only. Customers will receive instructions on their receipt on how to receive their free movie ticket. First 10,000 customers to register using the unique pass key will receive their ticket via email. Not valid for online purchases at worldmarket.com. No cash value. Employees not eligible.

Stroller Strides has a new national partner- AND it's a mommy-owned busines, actually mom & daughter owned. The snacks are yummy, wholesome & made from real food! Lily and I haven't tried them yet, but will get some next time we are at New Frontiers. If they are as good as everyone says (Rachel Ray, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, etc.)- these may be the best goldfish replacement I've seen! And for those of you that need gluten free products- they have some!

Snikiddy is running a contest for Stroller Strides participants only. One Stroller Strider will be the winner of a Jamis kids bike! Enter to win by visiting: http://snikiddy.com/stroller-strides. Winner will be announced on the Snikiddy website on December 1, 2009. Snikiddy products may also be purchased online. Visit www.snikiddy.com and print a $1 off coupon.

My mother-in-law has been living with brain cancer for almost 3 years now, last year- indoor air quality almost killed her. A leaky boiler was seeping carbon monoxide into the house and she was amazingly lucky that she got herself to the hospital in time to treat CO poisoning. Since then she & everyone she knows have invested in a Carbon Monoxide monitor. Do you have one?

Fact: According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality is one of the top five environmental health concerns. Given that people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, it's important to do what you can to reduce indoor air pollution. Action: Check out the EPA website to see 3 easy tips to improve & monitor indoor air quality. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/is-imprv.html
Or try these tips from dailygreen.com
1. Clean and vacuum regularly to remove dust, dirt, and particulates that build up indoors; be sure to change vacuum filter bags or clean dirt cups often, to ensure that the dust and dirt doesn't end up back in your home.

2. Use the power of nature to help clean the air indoors – buy some plants! Plants remove chemical quickly from the air, and can actually thrive on substances that can be harmful to people.

3. Use materials that and furnishings that are non-toxic – including wall finishes, caulks, adhesives, upholstered furniture, and carpeting.

4. Use natural cleaning products, which contain no volatile organic compounds or toxic chemicals.

5. Invest in good HEPA air filters to help purify the air in your home, and be sure to change filters often.

6. Remove your shoes when you come indoors, and prevent a host of dirt, dust and other particles from spreading throughout.

7. Never smoke indoors.

8. Check air and furnace filters at least every two months, and replace or clean regularly.

9. Encase your mattress and pillows to protect against dust mites.

10. Take steps to ensure that your home remains mold-free.

And baby makes 3! But really the family includes the horses & cat too.....

Huge Congrats to Fit4Baby mama and Stampin' Up pro, Sharon & her husband Koby on the arrival of Ava Dee! As you can see she is beautiful! Ava was born at home 3 weeks early! on July 16th, 5:36AM, weighing 6lbs 2oz and measuring 19 inches long.

Congrats Sharon & Koby!!! Can't wait to see you guys at Stroller Strides!!!

Don't want to go home after Stroller Strides class at Buffalo Park? Need something to fill the time between class and nap time? Head to Heritage Square!

As some of you know there are kids events at Heritage Square every MWF at 11am. Here is a schedule of the events sponsored by the Heritage Square Trust- so we can all be 'in the know'.. :)
Kids Squared 2009 Events:

Fri July 17 11am
Kids Pottery Workshop
Joni Pevarnik presents a pottery workshop for children. There will be pottery hand-building with participants. Joni will fire them at home and contact the participants once they are complete.

Mon July 20
Willow Bend
Kid's art activities presented by Willow Bend Environmental Center. This program focuses of making use of recycled objects.

Wed July 22
Willow Bend
Kid's art activities presented by Willow Bend Environmental Center. This program focuses of making use of recycled objects.

Fri July 24
Willow Bend
Kid's art activities presented by Willow Bend Environmental Center. This program focuses of making use of recycled objects.

Mon July 27
Tippy Toes
Children’s dance class with Miss Amanda.

Wed July 29
Flagstaff Medical Center Presents Germ Busters
FMC Kid's Health Program and Keep Kids Afloat Campaign.

Fri July 31
Clair Anna Rose’s Art Program
An art program for children.

Mon August 3
Chuck Cheeseman’s Dancing With No Shoes On
These classes emphasize the joys of music and movement in an environment where parents are encouraged to participate and share in their children's fun.

Wed August 5
Lowell Observatory for Kids
A very fun program that really is ideal for all ages. It entails a series of science experiments using liquid nitrogen, dry ice, etc. that demonstrates the extreme conditions of space such as temperature and air pressure.

Fri August 7
Canyon Movement Company
A children’s dance workshop for ages 10 and up.

Mon August 10
Tippy Toes
Children’s dance class with Miss Amanda.

Wed August 12
David Grandon
Local painter David Grandon presents a painting workshop for children.

Fri August 14
Karna Otten's music and stories
Singing, dance and storytime.

Stroller Strides Flagstaff is getting ready for 2 awesome events

1. Member appreciation month (August)

2. The Attendance Challenge (September)

I want some feedback on what major prizes you guys would like to fight for!!!

Some ideas I've had:
a BOB stroller, $100 gift certificate to a nice restaurant, $50 Stroller Strides gift certificate, Free Month of SS etc. etc. etc.

Leave me some ideas as comments- or just vote for your favorite of what I've listed!

Straight from the garden.

Mmmm blueberries & oatmeal

In preparation for our Healthy Home party coming this Fall, here is our 2nd Healthy Child, Healthy World tip!

Fact: Laboratory tests of eight industry-leader baby foods reveal the presence of 16 pesticides, including three carcinogens.

Action: Buy certified organic baby food (Plum Organics and Happy Baby are great flash frozen organic brands).

If it's not in your budget to buy organic baby food- consider making it! It is actually WAY easier than you'd think and you can control exactly what your baby eats. As soon as Lily started eating solids, I started making her food. In the summer the food was pretty much all from our garden: squash, zucchini and peas. I would also buy carrots, sweet potatoes, bananas and anything else I could think of, at the grocery store. I bought organic when it was affordable and when it wasn't, made sure I washed everything before steaming & then throwing it in the food processor. Seriously- it was so easy: all you need is a food processor and lots of containers. I gave her store bought baby food a few times and you should've seen her turn her nose up at it- a foodie at 10 months.......

Elden Young has finally joined the Stroller Strides family! Born at home on July 11th at 12:29am, weighing 7 lbs and measuring 20 inches long.

Jess & Elden are doing great!

Congrats Young family!!

We can't wait to see you back at class!!

If you're anything like me you felt pretty useless when attempting any core work post-baby. I remember the 1st group fitness class I went to at the gym after Lily- I couldn't do 1 crunch! It was a totally disheartening and weird experience. Again, I really wish I had access to Stroller Strides and Lean Mommy, I wouldn't have felt so dumb trying to workout! Instead of jumping right back into your old ab-regime, you will have to start slower and this beginner side plank is a GREAT place to start. It is also an excellent exercise for the mamas-to-be, no matter how pregnant you are! :)

Starting Position
Lie on your left side, propping up your body on your left elbow. Place your elbow directly beneath your shoulder. Bend both of your knees at 90-degree angles, stacking your thighs on top of one another. Place your right hand on the floor in front of your body for support. Ensure that your body from your head down to your toes is in a straight line with a neutral spine. Engage your abdominals by pulling your belly button in towards your spine.

Action
Lift your hips up so that your torso comes off the ground and your body is in a straight line from your head down to your knees. Try to hold this position for 15-30 seconds and gradually build up to 3 minutes or more. Aim for 1-3 sets.

Special Instructions
Don't allow hips to drop to the ground. Keep breathing steadily, pulling the abs in to support you. The Modified Side Plank is a more advanced version of this exercise.

Stroller Strides Flag had an awesome showing at the parade- whether you marched, lunged & ran with us through town or if you were 'simply' a spectator, we were everywhere!
A huge thanks to Maricel, Heather, Sarah, Lynn, Tracy & the amazing dads, Dwight & Paul- you were all amazing! Hope you like your LUNA socks & chapstick! Can't wait for next year!

This quarter's LUNA Moms Club topic is about creating a heathier environment for your family. It is way easier and more important than you think! Each week we will have a Fact and an Action to share and the culmination of this quarter's topic will be a Healthy Home Party where we will learn even more facts & actions & of course- walk away with tons of freebies! The moms that know all the facts & actions we've learned we be entered in a drawing for a special prize at the party!

Fact: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Academy of Sciences, standard chemicals are up to ten times more toxic to children than to adults, depending on body weight. This is due to the fact that children take in more toxic chemicals relative to body weight than adults and have developing organ systems that are more vulnerable and less able to detoxify toxic chemicals.

Action: Detoxify your home by using environmentally-friendly products and eating organic foods whenever possible. Click here for some non-toxic cleaning tips and here to read our blog on organic eating.

How many things do you wish you knew about when you had your 1st baby?
For me, Lisa Druxman's book, Lean Mommy and actually, Stroller Strides, would have been my saviors. I can remember sitting home with Lily for 2 months when she was tiny- and as much as I loved it and cherished my time with her, I was itching to do something physical with her. This reverse curl with baby would have been a perfect starting point.

Starting Position
Lay baby face-down on your shins, facing you while you lie on your back. Hold onto baby with your hands to keep her secure. Keeping your knees bent and your feet off the floor, engage your abdominal muscles by pulling your belly button in towards your spine. Keep a space between your chin and chest (looking diagonal towards the ceiling).

Action
EXHALE: Lift from your hips, pulling your knees towards your chest, focusing on your abdominals. INHALE: Slowly lower hips and legs back down to the starting position to complete one rep. Aim for 1-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.

Special Instructions
Safety should be your main concern, for you and the baby. Make sure that baby is totally secure in all movements. If any exercise is uncomfortable or too strenuous with baby, try it without baby first. This is a very slow, small and deliberate movement. Be careful not to use momentum. Try to keep the motion controlled by your abs.

Our Luna Moms Club got together on Friday to shower two of our moms-to-be, Beckie & Jess - both expecting baby boys soon!
We had a yummy lunch (I hope to share Heather's yummy chicken salad recipe soon) and opened presents while the kids went crazy. I can't wait to share baby pictures here!

Those are the words, right? :)

Come & find out for sure tomorrow- we are having a Michael Jackson tribute class in Stroller Strides class!

Just be forewarned- Thriller was my all time favorite cassette when I was younger, I listed to it every night to go to bed.

Appropriate dress is encouraged...

And don't forget, the Michael Jackson Tribute Dance Party at the Orpheum tomorrow night- 9pm

The 4th of July is not just about burgers, beers & fireworks- it's also a good time to remember those less fortunate & this year the parade gives us that opportunity!

Right before the 1st floats, St. Mary's food bank will be walking the parade route taking donations of non-perishable food items and/or money.

So bring something from home with you- or just give them a few dollars. What an easy, great way to do your community an amazing service.

See you at the parade!!!

I was reading Tracy's blog at McMillianElite and saw this one, written by one of their athletes- and I loved what he was saying. Now, we may not all be elite runners, but we are moms, therefore we are athletes. "Listen" to what he has to say and think about how you can apply it to YOUR life.

On another side note, I just want to encourage people out there to look outside of yourself and find something good, admirable or incredible about someone you spend time with. Borrow that good, admire it and help it to fuel your motivation to rise to your own individual success in your life. I have teammates and friends that I look up to for their abilities and mindsets about certain things. It invigorates me knowing that I too can be as strong, persistent and passionate.

One passion that continues to come up in my athletic endeavors is the pureness of being the best athlete that we can be. Can I do more? Can I eat better? Can I train smarter? Can I recover and rest better? Can I do what I must? Can I be a better athlete than I am right now? If so, then train and go get it!

Setting goals.... This topic of conversation is usually reserved for New Year's Resolutions, but I'm going to suggest a novel idea- what if we took a look at our lives right now and set a few goals, now, in July?
In Lisa Druxman's book, Lean Mommy, she describes how to set SMART goals:

"Goal-setting can be tricky because a goal can set you up for success- or failure....If a new behavior doesn't fit into your lifestyle, is too much to keep up with, or doesn't provide you with motivating feedback along the way, you simply won't achieve your goal."

So how do you set a good goal? The best way is to set a SMART goal.

Specific: Clearly define what you want to happen
Measurable: Your goal needs to be something you can measure
Achievable: Aim for something in the realm of your personal possibility
Reinforceable: Is it something that you can reinforce or reward yourself for?
Timely: Is there a time frame to accomplish this goal?

Here are some examples of Not-so-Smart and SMART Goals:
1. I want to eat healthier (not-so-smart)
I want to eat 15 grams of fiber each day- Sub-goal: I will eat beans for lunch every day & a piece of fruit with every meal. (SMART)

2. I am going to start running
I will run 3 times/week and will be ready to run a 1/2 marathon in 6 months. Sub-goal: I'm going to run 3 times/week and be ready to run a 5k in 3 months. (SMART)
So find something you want to accomplish- it is best to start small- make it into a SMART goal, write it down & go out & DO IT! I can help you if you need it!