So it begins...

Just a warning... you don't really have to read this. This post is mostly because I am daring myself to do it. I have too.

And so it begins, the start of periodic blog entries on my weight loss journey. I joined Weight Watchers 2 weeks ago. This is not my first rodeo. I think I have 3 or 4 different WW starter books floating around and amazingly every time I go into WW to re-join, they take me back, no questions asked. I'm sure it's because they want me to succeed.

Recently, I've found myself gravitating toward blogs that inspire in the "get healthy" area. This is not bound to be one of them. This is my own personal account of what is real about me... I love food! I eat when I am stressed, I eat when I'm happy, I eat when I'm bored, I eat when I'm sick.... not many occasions that I can think of when I don't like to eat.

Fortunately, I like all food that is healthy.... in addition to all that is NOT. There is no denying that I feel better physically when I am making healthy choices. It's getting to the point where I feel better emotionally. I do love those sugar comas.

So, here is my progress so far... 7 pounds lost (my weight loss goal is 80 punds). Easter candy out of the house. check. Easter candy is evil. Starting my morning workouts tomorrow. 6:45 am and taking it easy on the tredmill for 30 minutes. It won't be anything to brag about, but I only have one more week until I can't say that I am still recovering from surgery. What will I use for an excuse then?

I know that I am not supposed to use an "event" as my motivation to lose weight, but it is my 25 year class reunion in August.... just found that out today. Surprisingly, this new info helped keep me motivated when the "Sweet Tooth Fairy" starting calling my name. Don't ever start the "Sweet Tooth Fairy" habit... it's a bad one... and expensive. Get thee hence, cupcakes.

Better go to bed before I mess up a perfect day of journaling and points consumption.

Rachel, the other birthday girl...

Rachel was born on January 27, 1999, weighing 9 lbs. (her birth certificate says 8 lbs. 16 oz.)

Rachel is a true delight and brings much creativity to our family. She has high aspirations and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. She loves science, the solar system and elephants! She is a book worm and can't sleep unless there are at least six books in the bed with her.

Rachel has a big heart and always tries to treat everyone kindly.

Her primary teacher, who affectionately calls her Penelope, recently mentioned that she thinks Rachel will be the CEO of her own company one day. Rachel can't wait to turn 12 so she can attend Young Womens.
Happy Birthday, Rachel!

We love you!!

Ben, the birthday boy...

Ben was born on January 6, 2003. He entered this world weighing 11 lbs. 5 oz! Ben is a true gift from heaven.

Ben makes us smile and laugh! He is kind, gentle and has an obedient heart. He has a brilliant little mind that keeps us all in awe. Along with his 'special gifts', he has daily challenges that he faces with bravery and courage.

Ben likes noodles, Star Wars legos, playing the piano, and writing music.

Happy Birthday, Ben!!

We love you and feel so thankful to have you in our family!

Elli, the birthday girl...

Elli was born on December 21, 2000. We brought her home in a stocking and she was the BEST Christmas present EVER!!

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Elli has always been a happy little thing. She is kind, helpful and gives the biggest hugs. She brings so much joy to our family. I absolutely love this girl.

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HaPpY BiRtHdAy, ElLi!

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I almost forgot...

... that I have a blog. Thanksgiving is over, Christmas is up, shopping is almost complete, wrapping is not, Scentsy is busy, the kids are full of energy, loving the gospel and life is good... I'll be ready soon to resume blog activity... I can feel it. Can't wait to sneek a peek at all the blogs I've missed reading. Until then... let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. I'm ready.

Don't be afraid...

He must really love me to forgive me for this...

Alex wanted a haircut around 10:30 pm last night.... I agreed. As he well knows, I am NOT a night person! I far prefer the crisp clean air of the morning hours. I'm still not sure what I was thinking...or not thinking... but while I was doing a little clean up around his ears, I shaved a VERY large bald spot on the side of his head. I gave out a big "OOPS" and couldn't stop laughing (I do that when I am tired) There was no other option... I think he is secretly happy... he has been trying to get me to shave his head all summer. Elli came into our bedroom this morning and her eyes got very big when she saw Alex sleeping. She wispered to me, "Mom, did you shave dad's head while he was sleeping?!"

Anyone else need a haircut?!

Shine...

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~Nelson Mandela

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I have thought about this quote a lot in the last couple of weeks and wanted to share it. Too often I feel inadequate and afraid of letting my light shine in fear that I may fail..and fail miserably...in front of what feels like the whole world. I want to shrink. I often tell Alex... surely you must get sick of me, because I'm pretty sick of myself. I do enjoy watching others. I see those that are kind... especially when they've been treated unkindly... those that are forgiving... especially when things really aren't fair... those that don't complain...especially when they have good reason too...and those that SHINE... especially on a dark, cloudy day...

Thanks to those who aren't afraid to SHINE... as a Child of God does... it makes me want to do the same!!