Our April Mom of the Month

Every month we take a moment to honor one of our Stroller Strides moms for their efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle while also getting to know her better at the same time! This month our Mom of the Month is Ann Clark (aka Kade's mom)!

The Clark Family

Ann is a sweet, funny mom of an active 2 1/2 year old little boy and she is just a blast to hang out with! She always has an amusing motherhood anecdote and a smile to share with everyone close-by. Ann is a regular attender at Stroller Strides classes and Plum Moms Club playgroup activities and when I polled our Instructor team for nominations for this month's Mom of the Month- they all unanimously nominated Ann! We're all impressed by your efforts to get and stay fit, Ann, and we love having you around!

We asked Ann a few questions about herself and this is what she told us:

Hometown: So unfamiliar to all of you- Bulacan, Philippines
Education: BS in Nursing- Class of 1999
Stroller Strides Member since: June 2012
Members of your family: My loving hubby Kurt, our lil' man Kade, and my awesome stepson Zane
Current Career: Housewife and I'm loving it!
What was your childhood ambition? I really wanted to be a flight stewardess (flight attendant). That's what I tell anyone who asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up because on TV they always looked pretty with make-up and those fancy looking clothes (yayy!) and went to different places all over the world! Exciting!
What does motherhood mean to you? It is the bet thing that ever happened in my life (well, besides getting married to my wonderful husband).
What is the furthest you have been from home? Being here in the US for only 2 years. I still consider the Philippines my home so I'd say its the United States.
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Amazing things, are you kidding me?! You guys are awesome. Besides getting my body in shape and my son getting to socialize, it is a big help that I get to talk to all of the wonderful moms on just about everything about motherhood, raising a toddler, places to go, etc.
What is your favorite exercise? Anything dealing with my belly!
What is your proudest moment? I think it was when Kade was born. I had him at 30 when I thought I would never be able to have a baby. I am so proud each day that goes by and he is safe with me, so proud when he first learned how to count. All of his milestones are precious and the proudest moments of my life.
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family)? Stroller Strides!!!, apple strudel (from Costco), and I loooove clothes and shoes!!!
Tell us something about yourself that would suprise us or that makes you unique. Ah, maybe that I'm a worry freak!!!
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? That I have a big heart and care about people and that I'm the best wife =)

Omega Sports has generously donated $10 gift cards to further honor our Moms of the Month- visit them at North Hills, Crossroads or in Durham!

Our March Mom of the Month

Our Mom of the Month program offers us the opportunity to honor one of our dedicated Stroller Strides moms for her efforts to live a healthy lifestyle while getting to know her better at the same time. Without further ado, our March Mom of the Month is Annie McGinn (aka Patrick's mom)!

Annie & family

Annie is a dedicated Stroller Strides mom- often attending class 4-5 times per week. She is always full of smiles for Patrick and the moms and kids around her and consistently strives to challenge herself during our workouts. Thank you, Annie, for setting such a wonderful example for our group and for being such a sweet friend.

We asked Annie a few questions and this is what she said:

Hometown: Cumming, Georgia
Education: BS in Business Management from Appalachian State University
Stroller Strides Member since: August 2011
Members of your Family: Ryan (hubs), Patrick (babe), Lucky (pup)
Current/previous Career: I was in sales for a staffing company & then I owned a stationery company.
What was your childhood ambition? To be a cake decorator at the grocery store. Seriously.
What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood has made me feel like I've found my place in the world. Nothing I've ever done in the past has fulfilled me more than being a Mom.
What is the furthest you have been from home? Antarctica...just kidding. San Francisco.
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller Strides has given me everything I need in a convenient, one hour time slot. I get my exercise, my socializing, & my mental clarity, plus I love getting to watch Patrick interact with his SS friends. I was just thinking about what I would do at home in the mornings without SS and it seriously made me scared. I only have enough creativity for 3 hours a day, and that has to last me from the end of nap time to dinner. I also love that I'm setting a good example for Patrick to lead a healthy lifestyle.
What is your favorite exercise? Even though I always get sore, I really love standing on the band & stepping side to side. It's instant gratification/pain.
What is your proudest moment? Besides becoming a Mom, running the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 8K six months after having back surgery in less than 50 minutes.
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? In no particular order: driving on a crisp fall day with all of the windows down and the heat on, listening to my parents tell stories about when they were little, and macaroni & cheese
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I'm pregnant! :-) I've never had a Big Mac or a sip of coffee.
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Ryan said my sense of humor, but he was really tired when I asked him because he forgot to say that I'm the most amazing wife and mother in the universe and that he'd be lost without me.

Congratulations Annie & family on your big news and thanks for being you!
~Missy

Febuary Instructor Spotlights: Meet Christianna, Megan & Cindi!

Since November of 2011 we have welcomed 3 new Instructors to our Stroller Strides of Midtown Raleigh team and we're excited to formally introduce them to you!

Christianna Campbell

Christianna grew up in Raleigh and participated in sports her entire life- playing soccer and tennis and being a member of swimming and diving teams. She went to UNC-CH where she was an athletic trainer then earned Masters in Physical Therapy at ECU. She worked as an athletic trainer for pro soccer team in Hawaii (neat fact-one of her players won the tv show Survivor (Ethan Zohn)).

She and her husband, John, lived in Florida for the past 10 years before moving back to Raleigh last year. They have a 2 year old daughter named "Caroline" and a baby boy due this month!

Christianna and John enjoy doing triathlons and she has a 1/2 and full Ironman (2.4 mi swim, 112 mi bike and 26.2 mile run) under her belt already. She loves anything outdoors: hiking, biking running, camping... and is a great addition to our team!

Megan Dosmann

Megan grew up in Southern California and moved to Chicago with her family during her Junior year of high school. In 2001, she graduated from the University of Illinois and has worked as an Occupational Therapist ever since.

She and her husband, Greg, were married in 2007 and welcomed their daughter, Avery Camryn, into their lives in September of 2009. Megan and Avery began attending Stroller Strides Chicago when Avery was just 7 weeks old where they made lots of good friends and enjoyed exercising together!

Megan, Greg, and Avery moved to Raleigh in January 2011. Before they even moved to Raleigh, Megan was beyond excited to learn that there was a Stroller Strides here too...they joined as soon as their BOB stroller arrived on the moving truck and have been consistent members since.

On February 2, 2012 (Groundhog's Day) they welcomed their second daughter, Brooke Danielle, to their family. Megan says, "I can't wait to spend time with my daughters while teaching them that exercise can be fun! Stroller Strides has been life changing for me and I look forward to giving back!"

Cindi Michaelson

Cindi was born and raised in a small town south of Rochester, NY. Prior to moving to Raleigh, she attended LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY with a major in Psychology and a concentration in Biology.

After college, she moved to Raleigh where her sister was living and only stayed for about 5 months because the world was calling!! She set out on a travel adventure that lasted 3 months. Her travels brought her to places such as England, Thailand, Bali, Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands. She actually flew around the world!

Once back in the States, she worked for a short time in Syracuse and then decided to move back to Raleigh. In 2006, while celebrating St. Patrick's Day at the Hibernian Pub, she met her husband, Mark. They were engaged on their 4 month anniversary and married by their 8 month anniversary!

On May 31, 2010 they welcomed Livvy Claire Michaelson into their lives! Cindi and her family currently live near Five Points in a small house that they completely renovated (doing the majority of the work themselves). As a family they enjoy traveling, time with friends and family, trying new restaurants, going to the NC Farmers Market and exercising. Cindi and Mark are currently training for our first half marathon!

Though Cindi has experience working in the non-profit sector and corporate America- her passion has always been fitness and health with a focus on pre and post natal women. Along with her new certification as a Stroller Strides Instructor she is also working toward being a certified Childbirth Educator. She says "I am so excited to be part of the Stroller Strides team and it is a pleasure getting to know all of you!"

December's Mom of the Month

Our Mom of the Month program allows us to honor one of our Stroller Strides moms for her efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle while getting to know her better at the same time. December's Mom of the Month is Amy Ruetz (aka Marley's mom)!

Amy moved to Raleigh from Baltimore earlier this year and quickly became a beloved member of our mom-community! She faithfully attends 4-5 classes/week and is currently serving as one of our 3 wonderful Playgroup Captains.

Amy spent the fall training for the City of Oaks 1/2 marathon and frequently doubled on up on her daily workout by running a few miles before Stroller Strides class. Fortunately, Marley was a willing training buddy and conveniently took her naps during the run. Amy even inspired a few of our other Stroller Strides moms to join her on her pre-class runs.

We asked Amy a few questions to get to know her a little better and this is what she said...

Hometown: I consider Chicago my home, although I grew up all over PA, NJ, and the midwest.

Education: I went to the University of Colorado for my BA in Communications. I then went on to get my Master's in Elementary Education in Chicago.

Stroller Strides Member since: May 2011

Members of your Family: I have been married to my husband, Mike, for 4 years. We have our amazing daughter, Marley (11 months), dog Tank, and cat Mugatu.

Current/previous Career: I was an elementary teacher (3rd/4th grade).

What was your childhood ambition? I knew I would love to teach, and be a mom. Lucky me, I have everything I always wanted :-)

What does motherhood mean to you? It is the most amazing accomplishment I have ever achieved! It's so cliched but I am so fulfilled with the love of this little person. Every day is a new adventure and I am so excited for this journey for the rest of my life!

What is the furthest you have been from home? I LOVE to travel! I am so lucky to have been to Thailand, explored Eastern Europe, and traveled around Argentina. I would love to share more traveling with my kids in the future.

What has Stroller Strides done for you? What hasn't it done for me? After having a baby, "retiring" from teaching, and moving to NC, Stroller Strides has helped me through all of these transitions! I am so lucky to have formed many friendships, both for me and my baby! I have mentors that I feel comfortable asking parenting questions to and a social calendar filled with fun outings and playdates. I am so happy to be a Playgroup Captain and feel even more connected to this amazing group of moms! Getting a great, daily workout make me feel stonger and healthier than I have ever been!

What is your favorite exercise? If watching reality television does not constitute as exercise, then wall sits and bicep curls would be my favorite. I love the feeling of accomplishment after a good run too!

What is your proudest moment? Prior to being a mom (that would take the cake), having my old students seek me out to tell me they loved coming to school when I was their teacher.

What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)?

Traveling, being outdoors, laughing

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique.

I have never lived anywhere for more than 4 years. I have been a vegetarian for half my life (does that make me old?)

If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say?

I would like to think that my hubby thinks I am fun to be around and am caring and giving.

November's Mom of the Month

Our Mom of the Month program allows us to honor one of our Stroller Strides moms for her efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle while getting to know her better at the same time. November's Mom of the Month is Amanda Falsone (aka Epi & Anna's mama)!

When we first met Amanda (early summer 2010) she was mom to one sweet little baby boy (Epi). Shortly thereafter she became our first pregnant Stroller Strides mom and remained a dedicated Stroller Strides and Fit4Baby participant throughout her pregnancy. In the winter of 2011, Epi became a big brother to baby sister Anna and Amanda moved into the world of double strollers.

Despite having her hands full with two little ones under the age of 2, Amanda makes it out to Stroller Strides class and playgroup activities multiple times/week. She always arrives with smiles and energy to spare and makes it look easy to get to class with two little ones (though she assures us it's not- and we believe her- see below). She also hosts a fabulous Breakfast with Santa and backyard Wet & Wild summer play dates for our playgroup!

We asked Amanda to answer a few questions so that you can get to know her better and this is what she said...

Hometown: Covington, Louisiana
Education: Louisiana State University for Ceramics and NC State for Industrial Design
Stroller Strides Member since: May 2010
Members of your Family: Joseph, Epi (23 months), Anna (8 months) and Scout our Jack Russell mix who's going on 15 years!
Current/previous Career: lately I've been juggling the babies' nap schedules full-time but as a career I taught ceramics and art to adorable students at Explore!
What was your childhood ambition? Being the youngest of 5 I think my ambition was to just be good and stay out of the trouble!
What does motherhood mean to you? What a question! It's given me a better perspective on just what a miracle it is that my husband and I created these little extensions of ourselves. I feel blessed, humble and grateful to have been chosen to be their mother. I'm one happy and lucky mama!

What has Stroller Strides done for you? It has done a lot! The exercises are always challenging, especially the ab work. I really enjoy the social aspect of it for both myself and the babies. Also, being a part of a program was a real test after having a second child to (try) to keep a schedule for myself and get everyone out of the house on time. Lucky for me you guys don't count tardies. One more thing I LOVE.... learning cute songs to sing to my babies!

What is your favorite exercise? Kick backs I think they're called. I love feeling the booty burn.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Venice, Italy for our honeymoon.

What is your proudest moment? There are two-When Epi opened his eyes and looked up at me seconds after delivery and second when I heard the blaring cries of Anna. I was shocked something so tiny could put out such sound!
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Rollerskating, listening to my mom play piano, making things- be it awesome birthday decor, murals or art with Epi (and soon enough, Anna).
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I have an incredible lucky streak. I once won a 7-day all expense paid trip to Hawaii when I called into a radio station. While on the plane to the island I won the contest the stewardesses announced. It was only 3 cans of macadamia nuts but I felt lucky to have won. I'm currently hoping to win a playhouse I bought raffle tickets for!
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say?.....coming from my husband's mouth: "It's generic and cliche but I want to say, 'You're a great mom."' pause..."I would also say you're kind."

Feeding the Family: White Bean & Chicken Chorizo Stew

I love when the weather starts to turn chilly and I get to make soups and stews! Last night I tried out a new recipe and Daniel (darling husband) and I loved it! (Monty had a yogurt for dinner- this wasn't really his speed.) It was so tasty, easy, and healthy that I thought I would share it with you!

I initially found this recipe in this month's Real Simple magazine (under "White Bean & Kielbasa Stew") but their recipe called for dried beans and a slow cooker... I didn't do my grocery shopping until mid afternoon so that wasn't really an option for me yesterday.

Ingredients:
2 cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
1 package chicken chorizo sausage (cut into 1" chunks)
4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1 large onion (diced)
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
5 oz baby spinach

Directions:

1. In a large soup pot saute the garlic and onions in 1/4 cup of chicken broth until onions are soft.
   
2. Add in all other ingredients (except spinach) and simmer for 30 minutes or so.
   
3. Stir in the spinach just before serving. (If you want to freeze some of the soup- don't add the spinach to the portion you are going to freeze.)
   

Makes 4 large bowls- 357 calories/serving.

Feeding the Family: Butternut Squash Muffins

I'm always looking for a way to get more vegetables (or any vegetables for that matter) into my 2 1/2 yr old. So, I was elated to find another veggie muffin recipe in the September 2011 issue of Parenting Magazine and just had to give it a try. The original recipe was a bit bland so I've changed a few things to make them more flavorful. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
7 oz. of peeled, seeded and roughly chopped butternut squash (about 1/2 a medium sized squash)
1 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
6 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup dried cranberries (aka Craisins)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners.
2. In a food processor, finely chop the butternut squash. Add sugar and eggs and whiz to combine.
3. Add salt, flour, baking powder, cinnamon and oil and whiz until combined.
4. Stir in Craisins with a wooden spoon- reserving a few for the top of each muffin if you wish.
5. Evenly distribute the batter among the muffin cups and top with remaining Craisins.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a wooden skewer or knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!

For more fruit and vegetable muffin/bread recipes check out some of our older posts under the heading "Feeding the Family" and "Recipes".