If you have travel questions- contact Vacation MOM at 541-688-7473 or find more info on her Facebook Page at "Travel MOM"

Have you seen the Dec/Jan issue of MOM Magazine in Lane County? Find these stories, plus much more!

Cover MOM Natalie Morton - How does she do it?

Birth stories - MOM readers share their unique stories

Healthy MOM - McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center - Diagnosing sleep difficulties

Money MOM - A season for giving

Food - Holiday gift jars

Vacation MOM - Cruising fun

Earth MOM - Recycling tips for the holidays

Fit MOM - Helping MOMs get fit and healthy

Real Estate MOM - Help your credit score!

SuperDAD - Roman Shapla is SuperDAD!

Have you seen the Oct/Nov PINK issue of MOM Magazine in Lane County? Find these stories, plus much more!

Cover MOM Debbie Wright - How does she do it?

Healthy MOM - McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center - Lumps and Bumps

Thanksgiving Craft - Be thankful

Halloween Costumes - Think outside the box

Money MOM - Family saving in Lane County

Food - Oh Soy! - Can soy prevent cancer?

Vacation MOM - All-inclusive resorts

Earth MOM - Composting 101

Fit MOM - Helping MOMs get fit and healthy

Music & Children

Real Estate MOM - Rent vs. Own

SuperDAD - Jason Heckel is SuperDAD!

Meet Andrea

Week Six

Andrea is working out with

What was your biggest success this week?
We had a great family vacation in Disneyland. What fun! I had lots of energy to play with the kids, be silly, get everyone fed and off to bed, then do it all again the next day. We enjoyed being together and have a pile of great memories. I wish I had a pedometer with me, I would have logged several miles of walking.

Me and Minnie!

Biggest challenge?
Eating on vacation was nightmarish. I tried to pick simple veggie filled dishes but they came loaded with butter and salt. We tried to have light meals or snacks during the day and a just have larger lunch to offset all the heavy food.

Best advice from my trainer?
Have fun! Morgan had encouraged me to enjoy the time together, which we did!

How do I feel?
Sluggish is the word that comes to mind. We are exhausted from all the sounds, lights, walking, excitement, and less than ideal nutrition. I feel bloated and slow moving. I am looking forward to enjoying some fresh squash and spinach that is ready in the garden and some great workouts to get back on track!

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Planning your own trip to Disneyland? Check out these MOM stories.

Meet Andrea

Week Five

Andrea is working out with

What was your biggest success this week?
I had a great week with daily workouts. Swimming was great out in the sun! I enjoyed a tough strength training session with Morgan and a challenging Power Yoga class. We had an active outdoor life this week with several family bike rides and park time! My sweet mother in law surprised me with a hair- cut and pedicure that were a wonderful way to relax!

Me and hair stylist Amy on my pampering afternoon.

Biggest challenge?
My normal gym workout partner was out of town. I missed the social part of going to the gym. I did ok with drinking water, but had one day when I was so busy at work that by the end of the day I had consumed less than half my goal. I really felt tired and dried out.

Best advice from my trainer?
"Give yourself a break." Morgan encouraged me to continue to work out most days but to take days off to recover as well. We planned for my vacation week and decided to not try to get in formal workouts, but to relax, make good food choices, and enjoy our family time.

A pedicure - what a great way to relax!

How do I feel?
This has been a productive week. I enjoyed the variety of exercise choices I had this week, biking, swimming, strength training, and yoga! I am ready for a week at Disneyland with our family and my goal is to maintain my current weight while having a blast!

Message to moms needing motivation?
Seeking balance is key. Morgan reminded me that being fit is great and so is enjoying family time! I would encourage any Mom to look at the way her day is spent and see if there is a way to add more balance. Maybe a draw a pie chart to see if there is a heavy side that is unbalancing the rest. In the past I was so heavily balanced to the care of my children over my own needs that I was very heavy indeed.

My new 'do. What do you think?

Other thoughts or feedback from your friends?
I had a friend recently start to exercise regularly and she told me I was inspiring to her. This seemed crazy! She is a successful Mother of two who cooks the most beautiful and tasty meals, even invites others over to enjoy her cooking, she cans her own fruits and veggies, gardens and raises chickens, has play dates complete with educational activities and take home crafts, is always sending thoughtful emails… the list goes on. I have always wished I could keep up with a couple of those things. She is inspiring to me. It is cool that we can encourage and share with each other to be happier, healthier Moms!

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You can read all these stories, and much, much more!

Cover story - Beth Walz - How does she do it?

Adventures in San Francisco - Vacation MOM

Back to school budgeting - Money MOM Nanett Garrett, Pacific Cascade Federal Credit Union

Camping 101 - Outdoor MOM Lara Colley

Childhood obesity - Healthy MOM Kay Yanit, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center

Preserving fruits and veggies - Eco MOM Lynzie Kroheim

Keep Moving - Fit MOM Rachel Sanders, Courtsports

First Impressions - Real Estate MOM Kit Sixel

Meet Andrea

Week Four

Andrea is working out with

Sunny day in Winchester Bay, Oregon Coast

What was your biggest success this week?
This week I was able to finish boot camp and feel really strong.  We tackled some new "suspension" exercises that are great for core strength!  I have the new problem of packing for our summer vacation and many of last summer's clothes are too big…

Biggest challenge?
My knees are sore and remind me throughout the day. I was keeping a daily food journal but was not able to keep it up the way I had planned, it is also easy to forget to record the extra little morsels that find their way into my mouth throughout the day. The days I did journal I was able to locate more problematic times of day for overeating - especially while I am making dinner.

Best advice from my trainer?
"Drink water." Simple, but proved to be effective for weight loss this week. I bought a refillable water bottle and have doubled my intake by carrying it around.

Playing in sand with Ellie, age 3

How do I feel?
This was a great week. I have a high level of confidence that I can keep on track and continue to achieve my small goals. Losing another pound or two by next week's vacation is highly motivating as well.

Favorite go-to food?
I found a good treat for hot summer days to replace my old ice cream habit: Whole Fruit Organic Juice popsicles. 60 calories and yummy flavors. My kids like them too!

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Meet Andrea

Week Three

Andrea is working out with

What was your biggest success this week?
This week has been focused on strengthening with daily "Bootcamp" workouts.  A variety of trainers lead the group each evening.  The group is fun to work out with and there is lots of variety.  We groan and laugh together while enjoying high intensity workouts.  I have been very aware of food choices as a result of keeping a daily food journal.  We had a great family weekend camping at the lake and were active in the clean fresh air!

Ellie and mom enjoying a vacation treat!

Biggest challenge?
Going camping really derailed my good eating patterns.  Ice cream and smores - enough said.

Best advice from my trainer?
"You can work out really hard and not change your body if you don't give it the right fuel."  - Morgan. He's suggesting more fresh whole foods and reiterating the avoidance of processed foods from boxes.

How do I feel?
Stronger overall.  I look forward to week 2 of Bootcamp next week.

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Meet Megan

Week Three

Megan is working out with

What was your biggest success this week?
still no sugar, few grains, no alcohol and I only feel tired if I don't eat enough greens. I'm losing some weight.

Biggest challenge?
More sick kids, so I've only been to Nia once in the past week.

Best advice from my trainer?
Do your best.

How do I feel?
Pretty good. I just started some new supplements. I'm ready to take it to the next level. More fresh raw food and more exercise.

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Meet Megan

Week Two

Megan is working out with

What was your biggest success this week?
Still no sugar and even fewer processed grains, no alcohol and I don't feel nearly as tired.

Biggest challenge?
Still working out childcare logistics, so I've only been to Nia about 2 times a week lately.

Best advice from my trainer?
Do your best.

How do I feel?
It has gotten a lot easier to pass up all the things my kids/family are eating like bread, crackers, cookies, a glass of beer so that is a big relief. I enjoy Nia so much! It feels great to move to incredible music in the ways my body really needs. I am both pushed to get my heart rate up and encouraged to do the moves according to my own expression. It is as much an outlet for my personal creativity as a form of exercise. I have very tight shoulders from 8 plus years of holding kids and during Nia I stretch and strengthen them a lot. It feels great. Plus, the other women are super cool. I hope some day to be able to dance free of the tension and stiffness in my body. I haven't given up coffee. I am pretty attached to my couple of cups a day, but I am working on drinking green tea instead once I've had my first cup in the morning.

Favorite go-to food?
I haven't given up coffee. I am pretty attached to my couple of cups a day, but I am working on drinking green tea instead once I've had my first cup in the morning.

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