On Guilt

A friend of mine is going in tomorrow morning to be induced, and welcome her third daughter into the world. I called her today: How was she feeling? Anxious? Excited? Scared? Calm? (After all, it IS her third!). But her answer surprised me: She was feeling guilty.

Guilty that she was choosing to accept induction, rather than wait to go into labor naturally, though her baby is is an unfortunate "stuck" position. Guilty that her discomfort and agonizing is not the chipper mood she wanted to set for her two little girls before their sister arrives. So much guilt. It made me want to give her a hug, and then go shake some sense into her! What an unfortunate way to be feeling, the day before welcoming a new little baby into the world.

But then I realized that I had been beating myself up just the day before, because I hadn't spent time doing the prescribed physical therapy moves with my own four-month-old. The day was busy and time just got away from us, and that night I kicked myself for not taking just 15 minutes to practice the moves that will help with her strength.

I doubt any of us, when we made that momentous decision to become a mother, thought to ourselves, "I can't wait to have someone to nuzzle, someone to influence, someone to laugh with, someone with the ability to make me feel completely inadequate as a human being."

No, the reason we do what we do, why we are who we are, is based solely on one terrific and resounding truthful emotion: pure, sheer, ridiculous LOVE.

Will my Mirabel grow up not ever being able to hold up her head? Will Dee's daughters be forever traumatized because she wasn't skipping through the park with them the day before their sister's arrival? No. Our children are so very fortunate to have us as their mothers, to guide them and fill them with this true love. What we need to remember to do is take the time to love ourselves!

And that is reason # 746 I love Stroller Strides (reasons 1 through 745 have to do with the camaraderie, the wonderful example I'm setting for my child, and the overall feeling of accomplishment I have after completing a class). Reason 746 is that, with the help of Stroller Strides, I love ME. I feel strong in my body, clear in my mind, and content in my soul knowing that I am doing something so good for myself, and, in turn, so good for my babies.

And that makes the guilt a lot more manageable. It's still there, but I don't lose as much sleep when, say, my three-year-old pulls down her pants and goes peepee on the lawn at her own birthday party. She's a happy, thriving little girl, and it's my goal to be the same.

Go hug your kids, and then give yourself a pat on the back. You're doing a great job, and you're a wonderful mommy.

2010 Healthy Momma Challenge!

For the third year in a row, we started off the year with the Healthy Momma Challenge. Six teams of three got involved in some *healthy* competition for a 12-week challenge that earned each mama points for taking steps to focus on their Mind, Body, and Spirit.

Mamas earned points for things like taking a bath by themselves, eating fruits and vegetables, meditating, and, of course, coming to Stroller Strides classes! The end totals were in the THOUSANDS. I am so impressed with these strong, healthy, lovely women!

The Sizzlin' Senoritas came in First Place!

Let's hear it for the Mighty Mamas!

The Goofy Booties got inspired!

Way to go, Mommas!

I'm already looking forward to next year!

January Newsletter is Ready!

Check out this month's newsletter! Contact emilyn@strollerstrides.net to subscribe!

Calling All Pregnant Mommies!

I am currently 36 weeks pregnant and I feel amazing! Though it's getting a bit harder to tie my shoes and I'm getting up to use the bathroom four times a night, I feel comfortable in my body and I know I'm growing a healthy baby.

Why do I feel so awesome? Two words: STROLLER STRIDES! By attending these great classes that focus on the physical and emotional needs of new moms and mommies-to-be, I feel confident that I am doing my best to get my body ready for the new bundle that will be arriving in a few short weeks!

I am pleased to announce that Fit4Baby is coming to the Treasure Valley!

Fit4Baby is a nationally recognized prenatal fitness program brought to you by Stroller Strides. This one-hour class is designed to help strengthen the body and get it ready for the "event" of labor and delivery, all while helping to reduce the aches, pains, and fatigue that are often associated with pregnancy.

This class is child free and stroller free. Come meet other expecting mamas from the area, get - or stay - in shape, and have fun! You can begin Fit4Baby as soon as you discover you're pregnant and can attend class up until "the big day!"

Our GRAND OPENING celebration will feature cool goodie bags, amazing membership offers, and an incredible raffle featuring prizes from the following retailers, plus much more!

* BOB Strollers
* The Stylish Stork
* Luna Bar
* Happy Baby Organic Baby Food
* Rafiki Indoor Play Center
* Shu's Idaho Running Company
* Stroller Strides

Spread the word and tell your friends!

Please bring comfortable workout clothes, water, a mat or towel for ground exercises and meditation, and a smile! I hope to see you there; please contact emilyn@strollerstrides.net with any questions!

Mark your calendars for this fun and fabulous event!

Fit4Baby Grand Opening

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

10:00 a.m.

Parkcenter Mall

Boise, ID

Welcome to Our Newest Member!

Congratulations to Stroller Strides mama Ashley, who welcomed 9 lb, 12 oz Kai on December 23rd!

We Love Stroller Strides!

Looking for a Great Gift? Give the Gift of Fitness!

It's that time of year!

For a limited time, we're offering a Holiday Special. For just $195, you can give that special mama in your life the perfect gift - the gift of fitness!

What is Stroller Strides?

Stroller Strides is a fitness program that moms can do with their babies/toddlers. Classes are 1 hour long and include power walking/jogging with intervals of toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller, and the environment. Taught by certified instructors (who are also moms), it is a GREAT workout for any level of exerciser!

What do you get for $195?

* Registration fee ($75 Value)
* 3 Months Dues (Jan-March. Valued at $150)
* Stroller Strides Gear - Including tee shirt, water bottle, and exercise tubes

Offer valid for first time participants only and through 12/31/09.

Vendor of the Month: Shady Lane Studios

I am pleased to announce that Lauren Harms of Shady Lane Studios and Ooh Lala Photo is once again our Vendor of the Month!

Lauren will be offering specials for local Stroller Strides and Luna Moms Club members throughout the month of December!

Lauren specializes in newborn/infant, family, maternity, and fairy tale portraits that are truly magical. At the end of the month, Lauren is offering a gift certificate for a FREE session!

Just in time for the holidays...

Saturday classes return to Boise!

** Please join us for a special Butterball Buster class **

Jump out of your food coma and into fitness!

This class is FREE for all participants!

Saturday, November 28th

9:30 a.m.

Park Center Mall

Boise, Idaho

Welcome to Our Newest Member!

Congratulations to Stroller Strider Meggan, who welcomed 8 1/2 pound Hudson on Friday!

"Fall"ing for Autumn in Idaho!

Stroller Strides and Luna Moms Club have been having so much fun this season!

When the last week of October proved too chilly to continue classes outdoors, we moved the annual Halloween party inside! Cutie-patooties galore!


We crafted some sweet pinecone owls at a playgroup last week. The kiddos (and mamas!) seemed to really enjoy creating these festive feathered friends!


Rake Up Boise was a great success again this year! We had a wonderful turnout and were able to fill 38 leaf bags in under an hour! Way to go, team!



The *big game* last week let our mamas show their true fan colors at our "Football Frenzy" Stroller Strides class! We had an equal number of BSU and U of I supporters - who took some time out from their friendly rivalry to do some kick lines for us!



Now that it's getting colder, we're searching for indoor playgroup spots! So this week we headed to the Idaho Discovery Center! What a great way to give the little ones some hands-on, exploratory fun!



Now that we're heading in to December, we've got some fun holiday happenings ahead!

November Newsletter is Ready!

Our beautiful new newsletter is ready! You can view an online version of it here.

November Vendor of the Month: Take Shape for Life

In the last two months, my husband John has lost 25 pounds! Yes, 25 pounds in just two months! It’s all thanks to health coach Bill Bryan and the local Take Shape for Life program.

Bill is excited to be our local Vendor of the Month and is offering some great deals for any family members, friends, or coworkers of Stroller Strides mamas who may want to learn more about healthy living and eating habits. As a personal health coach, Bill is there every step of the way, and wants to see who can use his professional guidance during the holiday season! At the end of the month, Bill is offering a FREE MONTH of Medifast meals to one lucky participant! Please contact Emily for more information.

Join Our Team for Rake Up Boise!

Treasure Valley Stroller Strides and Luna Moms Club will once again be participating in Rake Up Boise this year! Please join our team for this wonderful community volunteer event, in which we'll grab our rakes, families, and helpful spirits to clean up the yard of an elderly Boise citizen.


Check out these pictures from last year's event, and please contact Emily at emilyn@strollerstrides.net to RSVP!

Winter Session Begins!

Stroller Strides classes are moving INDOORS!

*

Please join us for our Winter Season of

Fitness for Mom, Fun for Baby!

*

Winter Session

M - F

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Boise Towne Square

Lower Level, by Sears

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Your first class is FREE!

*

For more information, visit

www.strollerstrides.net/boise

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* Membership Specials offered throughout the month of November!

* Indoor Saturday classes begin November 14th!

* Weekly Play Groups and Monthly Moms' Nights Out!

*

Please contact emilyn@strollerstrides.net with your questions!

Stroller Strides Conference 2009 - "Make a Diffference"

Emily and Dawn attended the Stroller Strides National Conference in San Diego October 14-17. What an amazing experience! There were dozens of franchisees and instructors from all over the country who came to participate in a few days' worth of inspirational academy courses, lectures from informed presenters, and, of course, intense workouts!!

Most of our classes were actually outdoors, along the marina near Sea World and the beautiful harbor. Of course, I didn't bring my camera on those days.

The overall theme for this year's conference was "Make a Difference." It was inspired by the story of a little girl who was walking along the sea shore, tossing starfish that had washed onto the beach back into the waves. I man running by stopped and asked why she was doing that. "There are millions of starfish on the beach," he said, "You can't possibly make a difference!" The little girl picked up one starfish, tossed it into the sea, and said, "It made a difference to that one."

This is such a sweet and powerful message, and a reminder that we all have it in us to make a positive difference in the world by even the smallest gestures. Remember, to the world you may be just one person, but to one person, you may be the world!

Where's Dawn??

Rachel and I went to PRESCHOOL together in Boise! Now, she owns a successful Stroller Strides franchise in Portland! It was great to catch up!

Here's to another fabulous year of Stroller Strides, Luna Moms Club, and - soon! - Fit4Baby here in the Treasure Valley.

Updated Membership Policies

Our Membership Policies have been updated. You can view them by visiting our local Stroller Strides website, or by clicking here. Thanks for your continued support of our great program! Please contact Emily with any questions.

Survey Time!

Hi Mamas! Please take a moment to fill out a quick survey. We appreciate your input as we strive to make this the BEST Stroller Strides experience ever!

Click Here to take survey

Fun Pic of the Week

The passing of the torch at a fun playgroup -Toddler Olympics!! Remember to check out ALL our fun pictures here!!