Written by April NoelleFebruary 14, 2015 Valentine’s Day Roundup with #AAF, #FTSF and #TenThings
I’m doing another swap with the Turn it Up Tuesday creator and co-host, Natasha of Epic Mommy Adventures today. Her site helps single parents deal with and succeed at single parenting, co-parenting and other parenting/relationship advice. She will be asking me questions in today’s “Ask Away Friday.”
We are sad to be losing Amber as one of our amazing co-hosts, as she is working to pursue other business ventures and focusing her attentions on her fitness ventures. We wish her nothing but the best, and hope for her thriving success!
When one door closes, another one opens…and we would like to give a huge Ask Away Friday welcome to a brand new co-host…drum roll please…Welcome Echo from The Mad Mommy! She is both a friend and a fellow blogger. I dig her.
Tiffany from Mrs. Tee Love Life Laughter,
Christy from Uplifting Families,
Stacey from This Momma’s Ramblings
and
Echo from The Mad Mommy
Be sure to read Natasha’s answers to my romance questions HERE. And here are my answers to her questions:
1. Love your new series, “Oh My! How Things Have Changed!” What are some things that have changed since you became a parent? Wow! Too many things to list… which is why I started the vlogging series! Let’s start a short list:
- Being able to sleep through the night (regardless of whether the kids are under the same roof)
- Being able to work out on my own schedule
- Being able to go out with friends… for the most part I’m home by 10, 11 if I push it!
Those are just to start! So, don’t forget to jump in on my vlog and and let me know how things have changed for you!
2. What do you like most about politics? What would you change if you could? I love that you can effectuate change. There are a lot of things that I want to change, but it’s hard. I would like to change people’s mindset about politics. I wish people didn’t grasp hold of a party and hold on for dear life as if everything that party said was correct. I wish people would listen objectively to the politicians and make the best decision for their situation.
3. What is one thing that you could change if you could? In life? I wish I was much more wealthy. I stress a lot about money and have since I was about 14. I wish I had enough money that money was not a consideration. We’re getting there… using the Financial Peace University.
4. What do you enjoy most about being a stay-at-home mom? Watching the craziness of my kids and being able to enjoy it. I wasn’t a SAHM with my son and I can honestly say that I don’t remember much about him learning or his idiosyncrasies. He would come home one day and know something and come home the next and know something else. Some days, I was in a whirlwind about his consistent growth and very sad about how much I missed in his learning.
5. What is your goal in getting fit? How are you working to achieve your goal? I want to be between 150 and 170 pounds. I don’t really know how much yet because I felt great at 150, but the doctor asked me “Why so little? You’d do better at 170 based on your body type.” I have to determine as I get close to the goal, how I feel. I’m dieting and exercising. Ultimately there are no true short cuts. You have to choose a plan and commit to it. I’m cutting calories and walking 10,000 steps a day at least three times a week.
6. What made you decide to transition from 100lb Countdown to April Noelle for your blog? What inspired the change? I’d been considering it for a long time. I just hadn’t done it. I hadn’t really blogged strictly or even mainly about weight loss in over a couple of years. I think what really made me make the change was that all of the sponsors and/or contributors just wanted to talk about weight loss. Even on this blog hop, I was constantly being asked about my weight loss fanatisism and how I can get others to lose weight. For the most part, I started 100lb Countdown to keep myself accountable. I know it sounds selfish, but it wasn’t about helping anyone else. I don’t mind spreading information that works, since so many of us are in the struggle, but I didn’t like being pigeonholed as that “weight loss girl”.
7. What are you looking forward to doing this year? Any big plans? I’m really hoping to get my business off the ground. I just need time and focus. I want to help girls get their financial minds in order before they grow up and have to take on the big decisions, including college, marriage, kids, cars and homes. I want them to have them all, but with little to no debt! Yep, I’m talking about the house too!
8. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? 20 years from now? In 10 years, I’ll be in my mid-forties. I see myself in a different home, twice the size that we’re in now. I see us debt free with two teenagers and a college student. My business would be running successfully for 9 years and I’m ready to make a splash for year 10. In 20 years, I hope to have a team that can take over, so my husband and I can travel more, including seeing our kids, hopefully in different places or near home.
9. What is one moment that you are looking forward to experiencing with each of your children? With Bunny, my son, graduation from college. I want to see what direction he chooses to take, whether it be more creative or analytical. With Bee and Butterfly, I would love to see them get married. I would love to see where they are in their lives and whether we lead them down the right path. I think all three of my children will get married, I just don’t know if Bunny’s fiance will allow me to help! LOL!
10. If you had all the time and money in the world, what would you do? I would spend more time just playing with my girls. I would take them around and really explore our “new” surroundings. I would take them to the movies, museums, theaters and give them some play time with friends through day care. With my son, I would put him in a variety of sports and academic clubs to help him excel. I would also stimulate his artistic mind and get him involved at the local art club. For my relationship, I would make sure that we had a regular date night and vacations, whether it be for a weekend or a week. I would also take my husband and kids to travel the world to learn about other people and cultures, especially giving everyone new experiences besides these here at home.
This one time… at band camp! I can’t help but think of that end to that sentence, but alas, I’ve never been to band camp, so I don’t have any cool stories from there.
This one time, I had writer’s block. Yep, just one time and it’s now. Most of this post has been finished since Wednesday when I had the bright idea to so all three Friday blog hops, especially since I hadn’t done FTSF in a while. Now , it’s Saturday night and it’s not up yet.I talk all of the time and could not think of one “This one time…” story. Not one.
Of course, as I’m trying to finish this on my phone, I start thinking about a couple, like the time I saw a get knocked out while my mother was at a frat party, the time I got the weird sexually explicit phone call I received when I was a kid or the one time I couldn’t find a place to poop. But it’s already at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, so let me know which story you would like to hear, and I’ll write about it on a future FTSF!
This has been another edition of Finish the Sentence Friday!
Today is Friday, and I can’t even pretend that I’m not incredibly thankful!
I’m THANKFUL that
1. Bee does not get in our bed at night. Of course, I’m sleeping on the floor in her room, but we’re talking baby steps right?
2. I’m a stay at home mom. I watch my daughters learn and grow every day, the good and the bad.
3. I have continued my “Be Uncomfortable” challenge and made my second and third vlog!
4. I am still getting entries for my Relationships in the Raw series. It has opened my eyes and my heart. I didn’t know what it would bring, but I am seeing changes in my personal life reading these stories.
5. I have a newly minted 11 year old! Watching him grow has been a journey for him and me. It has blessed me more than anyone could ever know.
6. Fridays! Long weeks followed by short weekends. As I read in Lisa’s post for the One Word Challenge, busy has just become the new normal! Who said that was ok? Wait, this is a thankful post, so back to the positive!
7. Friends! I’ve been making more online and IRL friends, which is part of my “Be Uncomfortable” challenge too.
8. My family! They give me many many reasons to wake up everyday and love on them, hug them and kiss them!
9. Being in love! Although we aren’t doing anything for Valentine’s Day, I’m thankful that I’m not alone and I have someone who cares deeply for me.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
10. Most of all, I’m thankful that this post is over and I get to go to sleep! The girls are with their grandparents so I’ll be able to sleep ALL.THE.WAY through the night!
ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR WEEKEND!
Kristi
Oh, sleep is good! Happy birthday to your son.
AprilN
Thanks. I really want more! Soon, right?
Anna Fitfunner
Hi April: it sounds like you’re in the middle of lots of positive transitions — good for you! The story ideas you mentioned would all work well for FTSF, and I think that the next topic has to do with compassion. I’m looking forward to seeing what you write!
AprilN
LOL! Thanks. I really am trying to be more positive and make real changes in my life.
ivy
Wow! That was a long one but worth the read! I love your business idea! REALLY? this FTSF was your only writers block ???? Ever???? Amazing!
AprilN
Nope. I always have something to say… not to say it’s always Shakespeare (or ever Shakespeare), but it’s always something. Normally, if I sit on it for a day or two, I’ll be ready to go!
Kenya G. Johnson
Well I want to know “what” got knocked out at the frat party. I think a word is missing there? 😉 And neat that never made the connection that you were 100lb countdown. Love the new YOU blog name.
AprilN
Did I miss a word? A guy got knocked out! Yep, I had to make the change. I am losing weight, but felt weird talking about non-weight loss things.
Valerie Newman
I’m linked up with the Ten Things of Thankful and it’s nice to read your combined post. I have to say the FTSF certainly has my curiosity piqued. Sometimes the stories you imagine are much more graphic than real life.
AprilN
No, those are actually stories, that I couldn’t think of while sitting in front of my computer. LOL!
Kristi Campbell
What a great way to participate in all of the Friday hops! I’d like to hear about all of your “this one time” stories (and the band camp line stuck with me too). I’m glad you did AAF with this as well because I love your business idea and the new blog – at first I was like wait, what? This is April! Does she have two blogs? Did I know that? 🙂
AprilN
LOL! Nope, I haven’t closed out the other blog yet because I need to pull down posts and make sure I get some of the posts up here, especially the reviews. But I won’t be posting anything new there.
AprilN
Nope, just one now! I wish I could forward the other one, but then I won’t be able to access the back end. 🙁
Chronicallysickmanicmother
God I consider being out of the house past seven thirty a late night. I like to be in the house no later than six pm. We are in bed by eight pm…eight thirty is staying up late.
I think you need to aim for what you are comfortable with. It’s more fun to put weight back on if you need to. I have lost about twenty pounds in the last six months with walking four miles twice a week.
We don’t normally do anything special for valentines day but yes being in love is definitely a thankful
AprilN
It may be more fun, but my heart and joints don’t like it at all! I lost 30 pounds at the end of last year, but I need to keep going!
Lisa @ The Meaning of Me
Awesome! I love what you did here. I also combined two things this week – my Friday Five and the FTSF link-up. Good fun.
I think this is my first time on your blog so I didn’t know the blog before the change. I’m thinking about a revamp on my own – nice to know others do it,too!
Have to agree that any kind of post or interview where bloggers get to share answers is a great way to get to know one another. Enjoyed the read here!
christine
I like the sounds of you “Be Uncomfortable” challenge. It’s good to break out of our comfort and try something new! Sounds like you are doing plenty of new things.
Happy birthday to your son.
Hope you got plenty of sleep last night. 🙂
AprilN
Some days I do, some I don’t. Still working on getting them to stay in their own beds!
Tough Cookie Mommy
This is a great way to connect and network with some awesome people. This interview was very insightful.
Jen
Haha! Another on the floor of our children’s room sleeper! I am not alone in doing this. My back however does not appreciate this change up. I think I should just go ahead and get an inflatable mattress that I can lay on in there! P.S. I think we need to hear the knock out story next time!
AprilN
My back doesn’t either. I think about the inflatable since we have one, but then I have a feeling that both of my girls will just end up on the floor with me instead of their beds. Even they like their beds more than the floor!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
Now that my kids are a bit older (7 & 10), they sleep through the night – it’s my husband that keeps me awake with his snoring.
AprilN
Thankfully, I only hear snoring when mine drinks too much. Then I kick him. Guess that’s not too nice, but I’m half-sleep! 🙂
Janine Huldie
I love that you changed your blog theme and think it works perfectly for you. And am very much enjoying the changes around here now. I also am with you on so much that you said about being a SAHM and could definitely more then relate, too 😉
AprilN
Thanks. I like figuring things out, but it just means that changes are very slow! I see you’re making some life changes over there too!
Jaime
I still get super anxious if I hear my son talking in his sleep. He didn’t sleep through the night for well over a year and it was a rough time!
AprilN
Mine are 3 and 15 months so we are WELL over the 1 year mark! I blame it on the 3 year old. She’s such a terrible sleeper, and now the 15 month has gotten into the habit of waking in the middle of the night.
Sarah Bailey
I am so pleased I am not the only one who always thinks ‘at band camp’ and also no I have never been myself either – though I used to go to music school on a Saturday lol. x
AprilN
I couldn’t help it, ESPECIALLY since I couldn’t think of another ending to the sentence!
Janell Poulette
So many cool things about this blog post! I love your top ten 🙂
AprilN
Thank you.
Mama to 5 BLessings
My family has started off on a really tough time so far this year. It has been one bad thing after another. My 10 things would be my husband gets a new job, healthy family, to make good financial decisions, we do not have to move, etc.
AprilN
Those are great things to be thankful for! For some reason, getting into the swing of this year has been a struggle, but it’s picking up.
aimee fauci
I am a WAHM and I love it. I do not look forward to working back into the real world. I love watching and helping my kids grow.
AprilN
I do love watching them grow so much! I just need to figure out how to carve out time to get work done before 9 p.m.
Liz Mays
We have a lot of similarities! I would also spend a ton of time traveling if I had the time and resources!
AprilN
There are SO many places that I want to go, I hope I can start making those trips next year.
Tamara
I stress about money a lot. Like an embarrassing amount of time. Before I read this, I was checking my bank account and nearly crying!
Sigh.
I like what your doctor said, by the way. About honoring your body type.
And I Love that you changed your blog theme. It suits you!
AprilN
I do too! I’mm sure it’s an unhealthy amount. I had to have my husband take over the finances just so I didn’t feel compelled to nag him about every dollar spent. Thank you. I like the theme, but there are so many small changes that I want to do, it’s getting there!
coolchillmom
I love interviews like these to get to know others. Yes we all should care what goes on in that house!
Lady Lilith
I wish you all the best of success. Looks like some big changes are comming. I wish Amber much luck as well.
celebdirtylaundry
I think everyone can agree with the money one, it would be amazing to not have to worry about money at all.
AprilN
I think everyone worries about money, just the worry is different, about making it, investing it, saving it, donating it. I just wish my student loan wasn’t such a big part of my budget!
Pam
I think the blog theme change is great. I used to have “Thrifty” in my URL and only got sponsors and visitors wanting to know how to save money! I love helping people save money, but I also want to talk about cooking and crafts. It’s so easy to pigeonhole yourself on accident.
Amber NElson
What a great idea. I love discovering new ideas for Valentine’s Day.
OURFAMILYWORLD
Happy birthday to your son. I am glad my kids don’t go into my beds too. A good night sleep is a must
Lois Alter Mark
Wow, so much great reading here! I love your thankful list – nothing better than gratitude!
Theresa
Sleep through the night is something I really miss most! My youngest is 11 and I still wake up almost every night listening for them. It didn’t help that she didn’t sleep through the night once until she was 6, so I am completely trained in waking every night, I think!
Dyanne @ I Want Backsies
I enjoyed reading your answers to the questions and your Ten Things of Thankful list.
I went back to work when my son was 4 mos old and worked until he was 2. I feel like I missed a lot, too, like the time when he was just over 4 months old and I sat him up to take a quick pic of him in his Halloween costume, and he put his little hand out and held himself up. Did he learn that at daycare?
Glad you were able to join us.
AprilN
Isn’t that the case? You wonder, did someone teach you or did you learn it with someone else? I feel so blessed to be home with them right now. I hope to continue joining you!
Jeanine
Love this such a great way to connect! My kiddos let me sleep but often it’s the animals or just myself not letting myself rest!
Annie M
Happy birthday to your little man! I love my sleep & I don’t know what I’ll do when I do have kiddos 😛
Mary O'Malley
I like your list. Being thankful is one of the most important things in life.
Pam
I loved your list of what you are thankful for. I can related to many of them but I can always relate to being thankful for my family.
Veronica
I am with you on what I wished I had more of: money would be nice. Lol. But don’t we all wish for that
AprilN
If I could just be student loan debt free, I’d be SO much happier. I don’t need endless amounts, I don’t have anything to buy really, I just hate stressing about the debt.
Rosey
Good luck to Amber, welcome to Echo! And good luck to you with getting your business goals met this year too. Love your pictures, and the new blog name!
AprilN
Thank you so much.
Kay Adeola
Great post thank you for sharing I enjoyed reading :).
Maureen @ A Debt Free Stress Free Life
Learning to accept where you are financially is an important step. Wishing and wanting more money is fine but acceptance to your circumstances is key.
AprilN
Oh, I’ve never accepted it. Not to say that I’ve spent as if I was more wealthy, I spend within my budget, but I need to get rid of these student loans truly!
Amanda Love
I loved reading your answers, especially the one about if you had all the money in the world. I think I would do the same thing. Spend more time with my kids. It’s something I always wish I could do more of but in a few weeks I’ll be able to and I’m really looking forward to it.
Chrissy Mazzocchi
These are all so great! I love hearing about all of these ideas and blogs!
Donna Ward
First Happy Birthday to your son – and Wow! Sounds like you are moving in your blog with a lot of great people involvement – congratulations on your adventure successes and great Q&A makes it very interesting
AprilN
Thank you very much! I’m looking forward to this year moving forward. Thank you! He loves all of the birthday attention!
Life As A Convert
Great questions. I love the answers. I enjoy being a SAHM and have been with all of my kids. I imagine I would feel like a different mother if I did with one kid and didn’t the next.
AprilN
Yes it’s very different being home with my daughters, but not having been home with my son.
Ann Bacciaglia
It can be so hard getting the kids to transition to sleeping in there own bed. My kids slept with me for the first year and it was a challenge to stop. Good luck!
AprilN
My 3 year old would NEVER sleep in her bed as an infant, and believe me, I tried. She wouldn’t even fall asleep with my husband unless he was rocking her with the fan going. Hopefully this season ends SOON.
Angela
So many thought provoking questions! So many things have changed since I became a mom. Since my son is older, the first thing that jumps out at me is technology. Like you, I’m also looking forward to building my business this year!
AprilN
I’d love to find out more about it! I’m excited to help others grow.
Dana
I love your new blog name and design, although I was a little confused at first. I know April, and that’s her in the photo, but this isn’t her place….anyway, now I’m up to speed. Way to include three linkups in one post – I would have had writer’s block by the third one too. Although the few things you teased us with would make great future posts…
AprilN
LOL! Yes, I haven’t shut down 100lbCountdown because I have to move some older (more popular) posts over here. With two littles, I barely get my posts done! I have some time.
Chrystal @ Nevermore Lane
I wish I was more wealthy too. Or at least made better decisions in life. The wealth would be good so I could not be stressed about bills and my mountain of student loans.
AprilN
If I could just get rid of my student loan debt, but it sounds so mounting, it’s stressful to think about it.
Melissa Vera
Great job on completing several vlogs. I haven’t been brave enough to start them yet.
AprilN
Thanks! Try it out. It’s not so bad.
Marielle Altenor
So much to be thankful for! Your list of 10 things are great! I like to make a list of things that I’m thankful for–makes me appreciate everything even more!
AprilN
I’m so excited to continue to link up with 10 Things of Thankful. Especially after a stressful week, it’s a great reminder of all things right!
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