Recommitting to Fun in 2013

This Year, Recommit to Fun with Shout®!

It’s the start of the New Year and that only means one thing, New Year’s resolutions. Every year, I say I won’t come up with a list because I always break my commitment in the first few days. This year is no different but I think I will TRY to make my resolutions a tad more achievable than in years past. There are the serious resolutions like improving not only my physical health but my financial health. Of course, I also want to reaffirm my continued commitment to the Shout® Reprogramming America for Fun initiative. Let’s face it, life can’t all be serious and I enjoy making a commitment to having fun with my daughter. Life is too short, right!

This is why I was thrilled to be able to interview Olympian and mom Jennie Finch on her commitment to the Reprogramming America for Fun program and get a peek into her everyday life with her husband Casey, their two boys and soon to be newest family addition.

1.In partnering with Shout® for their Reprogramming America for Fun initiative reminding us to break free to rediscover fun, how have you and your family accomplished this with a new baby on the way?

I think family fun and family interaction is so very important. Family is the most important priority and we need to go back to that. It’s always crazy and yes, I do travel a lot but we always try to make sure we keep each other first. Making sure we make time to have family fun together, even if it’s a game of soccer, or eye spy around the house, bedtime stories, talking and interacting during dinner. When I am home I always try to get the kids involved whether it’s helping me cook or even clean. Making it fun and enjoying those precious moments together!

2. Diesel may be too young to understand, but how has your older son Ace handled the newshe is getting a little sister?

He is warming up to it. He thought he was going to have another brother. It’s been so sweet to see him do and say little things about his baby sister. He has started to paint things pink, and if he sees anything that is for a girl, lately he instantly thinks of his little sister! The other day he colored one of our pitching mounds pink using sidewalk chalk and said it would be perfect for her to pitch off of.

3. With two boys and another child on the way, how do you and your husband Casey make time for yourselves?

Honestly, this is tough. I think we struggle in this area as many other couples with young children do. We both have traveled and travel so much we truly enjoy being home as a family. We love just hanging out and enjoying each other. It’s making the most of those moments whether is a quick lunch date, or hanging out after the kids are asleep. One day there will be more than enough time for date nights and vacations; right now it’s all about the kids!

4. With three “men” in the house, life must get messy, how do you handle getting things squeaky clean?

Oh, does it get messy! I try not to stress out too much about messes. Usually as I am cleaning up one mess they are making another. Especially for us now that we are living in the country. Mud is fun and my boys love being outside. They are a mess most of the time. Growing up with two older brothers I think has helped me prepare for this. I try just to make sure they are most of all safe and having fun. Luckily Shout® takes care of the stains when it comes to laundry! Thank goodness! As for the other messes, well it’s always a work in progress and I try to remind myself, one day I will be wishing I had these messes to clean up. It’s all about perspective!

Don’t you love when a celebrity opens about their home life and it’s no different than yours other than they are a celebrity.

Thinking about interview with Jennie, I wondered how I could combine my New Year’s resolution to get healthier but have some fun at the same time with my daughter. Well…both my daughter and I have a sweet tooth (she more than I), but baking a calorie laden dessert did not really fit into the spirit of getting healthier for either of us. Voila, why not make a healthier brownie instead using a packaged brownie mix which may taste delish but has far more fat and calories than either of us need. And that’s what we did.
She and I made a low fat brownie using applesauce which turned out to only be 105 calories per portion. And yes, I cut them small and froze some so I would not eat them all in one sitting. Smart move!!

While trying a new brownie recipe was fun for both my daughter and me, it was me who ended being the messy one. Luckily, the messy bits ended up on my apron but using Shout® Triple-Acting Stain Remover, the chocolate came completely out.

GIVEAWAY: To get you into the New Year’s spirit, one lucky NYC Single Mom reader will receive a Shout ® Prize Pack ($100 SRP)  which includes:

• Shout® trigger and Shout® wipes
• Assortment of family favorite board games
• 2013 Calendar with stickers to mark activities throughout the year ahead

 

 

HOW TO WIN: Go to the Shout® Reprogramming America Facebook app and click on the Get Reprogrammed button to create your own custom “Reprogramming America for Fun” video. Then leave a comment on this blog post answering the question, “What changes will you make to seize the moment (even if it means getting messy) and live life out loud?”

 

 

OFFICIAL RULES

For Shout® product details, visit www.shoutitout.com and check out the Shout® Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shoutlaundry, or Twitter page  for information, coupons and more. Visit the Reprogramming America for Fun app so you can join in the fun, share your ideas on how to seize the moment and live out loud.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Reprogramming America for Fun! Shout®. Opinions are 100% my own.