From One Sweet Tooth To Another

I've always been a big fan of exercise, but anyone that knows me knows that I'm an even bigger fan of cakes, donuts, cookies, and cream filled chocolates. After Scarlett was born I went a little crazy (especially around Christmas) and gave into any and ALL cravings. Well, I have to say about 6 weeks ago the guilt began to set in. I purchased an elliptical from Costco and starting working out 3 days a week. This wasn't enough to keep me motivated. For me, it tends to be all or nothing...so I went to 4 days a week. That wasn't enough either. So, I am now doing the elliptical 5 mornings a week, and my wonderful friend who is helping me to get my rear end in gear is running with me 3 nights a week. For some weird reason, when I'm am exercising my rear end off, I am so much stronger when it comes to turning away food. I haven't touched anything sweet at all for two weeks now, and I'm feeling sooooooooo happy about that!!! NO MORE SWEETS I tell ya! I've come to the realization that it's not that hard to have some self control. It's all in my mind when I think I have to give in to the treats. I have been exposed to them as my husband and children are thoroughly enjoying brownies, (or like Sunday) Pound cake...one of my favorites. I'm on sort of a power trip at present, and I'm loving the control. I'm going to just say NO to those sweets...most of the time that is.

Quirks...

I've been meaning to post this photo for the last month! This picture illustrates Grace and her sneaky, funny personality all the way! This is the look she gives when she's doing something she maybe shouldn't be, but is getting some serious satisfaction from. Hmmm...what would we do with out her??!! I'm grateful for the fun little quirks in each of my children. :)

Boys Day Out...

Chris took the boys up the mountain to go snow skiing yesterday and they had such a blast! They were able to ski for 4 hours straight. Christian had a hard time learning at first but Chris is such a patient teacher. Christian begged to quit for the first two hours, but Chris said no way. I'm happy Chris made him hang in for the long haul, because in the end when Christian picked it up, he LOVED it. I'm happy my awesome boys had a fun getaway! Now if only my little ones could get a little older, because I want to go TOO!!!!

Grace and her best bud...

My best friend Tammy has a little girl who is 4 that Grace has a bit of an obsession with. She loves, loves, LOVES this little girl (Rylan.) Which works out great since Tammy and I are such great friends. It's funny that there's a year and a half difference in their ages, but they seem to mesh really well! These are a few photo's Tammy's husband took of the two having fun times and creating awesome memories.

The Great Escape...

For Christmas my parents got Halee and Austin each their own IPOD. They have wanted one for a loooooonnnnggggg time, but I had my reservations about it. I am so happy however that we did it because it turned out to be a present I can enjoy too! I know...I'm kind of selfish that way. Anyway, due to the fact that we have six very wonderful, yet very loud and obnoxious children at times, I never know how to ease my ears. I can't leave them...that would be mean. I can't yell at them...that would be meaner. I can't beat them...that would be meanest, so I have been putting ear pieces in my ears and smiling through the noise. The kids think I'm much happier because I don't look like I want to kill something. I'm feeling really grateful to the person who created such a brilliant little device.

Goodbye Ella Mae...

Today our dear friend Ella May passed away at the age of 86. She became sick around two weeks ago with a bad cough, and things just continued to get worse from there. My husband and our friend Mark gave her a blessing about a week ago, and then she received another one a few days ago. Heavenly father was ready to take this dear lady home. I had planned on going to see her today on my husband's lunch break (1 pm) but when I showed up I was told she had passed an hour earlier. How I would have loved to have been there! It was hard knowing I didn't get to say goodbye to her. I loved this dear, wonderful woman. She gave me a gift that I can't really explain or define to anyone. I'm not even sure how to articulate it in my own head...I just know she gave me a greater love for those who are alone and suffering. My heart has expanded since knowing her, and I will forever be grateful to her for giving me that. Grace was so excited to go see her in the hospital today, but I explained when we left that Ella Mae had gone to Heaven. When we got in the car Grace looked at me and said "Ella Mae goed to lib wif Jesus." And she is exactly right. Ella Mae has a special place prepared for her...that much I am sure of.

I've got a spring in my step...

I'm not sure why I didn't think sooner to leave my children and run off with my husband, but for the first time...I DID!!! And even though it was only for one night, it was wonderful and rejuvenating and blissful. My wonderful friend Tammy agreed to take my kids and we took Scarlett. One kid to me, is like having no kids!! We went shopping in Portland and then on to Cannon Beach. I've learned from this that it's totally possible and absolutely necessary to run away once in a while...and being with Chris made it completely wonderful.

It's A Buggy...

I think Grace may have a phobia of spiders. She thinks the hair that comes out of a hair brush (and is more like a hair ball) is a buggy (this is her name for any bugs or spiders.) I have always thought that was a little odd, but also kind of funny. Well, it got even stranger today when she ran to me and said "MOM, THERE'S A BUGGY OUTSIDE!!! LOOK!!!" So I quickly run to the sliding glass door and she's pointing out the buggy and I'm struggling desperately to see it, when I realize she's pointing at silly string that the boys sprayed all over the back patio last night. I have a hard time not laughing at this little girl, but she really cracks me up.

Thankyou Chris...

I'm feeling really grateful for Chris today. I have felt lately that I have married a man who is loving, giving, compassionate and wise and most of all faithful in all aspects of life. Sometimes I wish my heart was as tender as his. For now, I'll lean on his because he allows me to.

Need Sunshine NOW...

I ran across some photos from our Hawaii trip last year, and it made me home sick for a few things. Sunshine being first and foremost! And in the picture I am 7 months pregnant and it even made me homesick for being pregnant! CRAZY huh? How quickly we forget the pain and suffering of pregnancy. (And no, I will not be getting pregnant again, but I can still miss it.) Anyway, plus I think Chris looks way hot with a tan. Wishing for warm Summer days right now....come home sun!