Learn Some Manners Jillian

This morning was a perfect morning.  My husband went into work late, no school, I had time to drink my coffee and read a bit before I was flying solo as a parent, and I fit in some Jillian Michaels while the kids played quietly around me.   

I guess I should start with the main reason I was able to do Jillian with all the kids around (not a normal thing).  Besides the fact that my girls were loving and kind to each other and playing perfectly together for a change, my 16 month old was fully engaged and entertained by this amazing new toy:

Recently, I asked my husband if he could design a toy for this little guy so that he wouldn't always be asking for us to lift him up to turn the lights on and off, ring the door bell, play with the faucet, and insist on playing with the electronics.  I was thinking along the lines of a flat board with metal locks, buckles and maybe a light switch attached.  However, being the electrical engineer he is, Waylon took this opportunity to "Geek Out" and design this box with light switches and buttons that will turn lights on and off and even make noise if we set it up to do that.  He even had our 5 and 3 year old learning about electrical circuits and showing them how it all worked.  Better him than me. Apparently, this toy is not finished yet.  My husband doesn't think I should share it until the finished product is ready.  He plans on adding ropes, eye hook clips, a hinged door, and much more.  Pictures to come in the future.  For now, I'm happy with it just the way it is!


Although I was envisioning something a bit more on the simple side and definitely smaller, this thing is a hit!  Who knew that just a few switches could be so fun and buy so much time for me?!

While I was bustin' my buns with Jillian, my 5 year old daughter was on the floor coloring pictures for my 3 year old.  Just after Jillian shouts out to one of the ladies on the video with a "Kristin, front and center!", my 5 year old sits up straight with her face scrunched up and says:
"Mom, that Jillian didn't even say PLEASE!  She just ordered that other lady around.  How Rude!  She isn't a mannered girl!".

I guess I don't do Jillian's Kick Butt Workout because she has manners but because her workout makes me sweat and makes my buns and legs look good. 

On a completely different note, I have a very hard decision to make by February and it seems closer than ever.  I have to decide whether to give up my teaching position in my district or go back to teaching half-time in a job share.  Hoping the answer comes to me soon.  I'm leaning more towards staying home with my kids for as long as I can but on the other hand, teaching is such a HUGE passion of mine and I feel so engaged and fulfilled when I'm doing it.  I'm sure this topic will come up again in my blogging. For now, I think it's time for a good run to help me clear my mind. 

Happy Friday! 

Amanda