Dance, Dance, Dance

 (Make sure you turn the sound up)

There Comes a Time...

when you realize your child becomes fascinated with things, or in our case an action, that they think is the funnest thing ever!  (Yes, I'm aware that is not proper, but it perfectly describes my baby.)  I received a text message today from one of Pecan's teachers that read she "was in front of the mirror laughing at herself. Now she is walking around the room trying to take her shirt off. Lol!" 

Do we have a flasher or soon to be streaker on our hands?  Not sure, but how much funner will that be?!  :-)

A Day of Celebrating

I can't believe how the time flies by.  It just seems like yesterday when I celebrated my birthday with a pool party with my grandmother whose birthday was the day before mine.  Since my birthday is during the summer, I had very few parties.  In college, I spent my birthday on the road with Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps.  Then for many years, I celebrated my birthday on mission trips to Rio de Janeiro.  Oh, I can't forget the time when my best friend, Amy, gave the best surprise party EVER!  Of course, no matter where I was, I made sure to talk with my parents, and my mom always told me about the day I was born.  She put up cream style corn in the mornings and had me in the afternoon.  I'm a corn baby, so maybe that is why I can be so corny.  LOL  Okay, I'm sure no one found that funny, so moving right along....

This year was no different other than Sunshine made it to be one of the best days, and I felt like I spent it with ALL my family and friends just via the great world of technology and the good ole post office.  I received a card and gift from Pecan before we left the house.  For lunch, I received a message from one of our favorite restaurants, FIG, offering me a free meal.  I took them up on it, and it didn't disappoint.  It was so good, and they even included desert!  That afternoon, my Sunshine came by with beautiful flowers.

Then for dinner, he invited my parents to meet us at Outback.  It was all so good, and I enjoyed hearing the corn story in person.  

Instead of eating, this is what Pecan wanted to do.

My parents gave me a beautiful bracelet, 

and Trent gave me a sweet card and gift.  

What do you think?  Did he do an outstanding job?  I think so.  

What a wonderful day it was, and it has me pondering the year to come....health, service, professional growth.  I pray that I continue to grow in all my relationships, but most importantly, my relationship with Christ.  


"The one thing I ask of the Lord - 
the thing I seek most -
is to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord's perfections
and meditating in His Temple."
(Psalm 27:4, NLT)

Oh How the Time is Flying By!

Have you wondered what we have been up to lately?  I've been trying to figure that out myself.  Ha!  It has been a whirlwind of day to day living, and absorbing everything I can with Pecan.  It is amazing how quickly time passes!

My last post was April 19 which means it has been almost three month.  In that time, Pecan's vocabulary has skyrocketed!  She says mama, dada, Jesus, cat, dog, cow, papa, more, finish, wa-wa (water), night-night, frog, car, door, and shoes.  Oh how she loves shoes!  I believe that is a sign of what is to come.  She knows what sounds a cat, dog, cow, and car make.  She smacks her mouth when you ask her about a fish, because she is trying to mimic us making a fish face.  In the morning, we look in the mirror, and say "Jesus loves me".  When you ask her what an elephant says, she throws her hands in the air and tries her best to say "Roll Tide".  I know there is so much more, but I'm drawing a blank which is why I shouldn't wait so long.  :-)

Since April, we went on our first family mission trip with our church to Arlington, Texas to work with Mission Arlington.  What a blessing it was to serve with some many wonderful families, youth, and church staff, and you can see the highlight video here.  I have been on many mission trips before, but this was our first one as a family, and I cannot wait for the next one.  In the meantime, we are praying God shows us where He wants us to serve right where we are.

Pecan has started Kindermusik, and she loves it!  She loves music and dancing, and if I wrote this based on last week's class, you would see just how much she loves music and shoes.  She liked dancing to the music, but almost spent the entire class trying to put her shoe on.  She is one determined little girl.

Last week saw us take another huge stepping stone.  Pecan had her first hair cut which I would like to thank Jennifer at Spa Mia Bella.  All was good in the world as long as we had something to eat, and she ate everything in sight.

 Now we can't leave Sunshine out with his first shampoo and cut at a spa.  :-)

And this is where she wanted to hang out during that time...

Isn't she adorable?

I think that has caught us up for a while.  Today is was a big day for someone, so maybe I'll elaborate on that tomorrow or maybe I'll even expand on some of the things I mentioned above.  Who knows...Happy Tuesday evening!

I Learn Something New Everyday

Yesterday's mission was Day 19: Eat Breakfast Lose Weight.  You can learn interesting things when you "Google" words or phrases.  I decided to search "breakfast quotes", and was surprised at the number that came up.  Of course, "Breakfast of Champions" was listed as slang for the first alcoholic drink of the day.  However, I didn't know there was a book or movie, or if I did, I completely forgot.  The quote that stood out the most and made me laugh out loud was "There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast".  That mental image just cracked me up!

I don't remember much about breakfast from my childhood other than Sunday mornings.  I remember we sat at the table before church and the big breakfast which many times included pancakes.  I can picture the grill my parents used, and when it came to biscuits, they were the best.  My college years and up until a year or so ago, I would skip breakfast or eat very little.  At work, it may have been a pop-tart or something I could grab.  On occasion I would pick up a Chick-Fil-A biscuit or egg sandwich from Rama Jama's.  Then, last June, after I returned to work from maternity leave, my husband I started carpooling to work.  He liked to go to a fast food restaurant and pick up breakfast, so I quickly joined in.  It is easy after all, and I found that it kept me full most of the morning.  However, this last month, I  started preparing my breakfast to take with me (Oatmeal, egg on wheat toast, whole wheat bagel), and this week, I prepared breakfast for both of us almost everyday.  He was amazed at how much better he felt from eating a healthier breakfast, and I like the facts we are eating healthier and spending less money. 

So to all you who skip breakfast...stop!  Grab a piece of fruit and some yogurt, or a whole wheat bagel with a low-fat spread, or even eggs and whole wheat toast.  As for me, I'm going to look for healthier options such as whole wheat pancakes which is something I can freeze.  If you have any healthy breakfast recipes, please pass them along.

Smooth and Flexible

What is smooth and flexible and last a really long time?  Give up?  It is leather...the traditional third anniversary gift.  I think it is very fitting as a marriage that is smooth has to be flexible.  Of course, all married couples would know I wasn't being honest if I said these first three years have been nothing but blissfulness.  It has been joyful, and my love for Sunshine has grown more and more each day.  However, it has taken the not so smooth times to make us grow closer and our marriage stronger.  God has been so good to me, and I am so blessed to have him in my life.  He is a wonderful husband...the sweetest man I know.   

I pray he always has this look when he thinks of me and our family.

Happy Anniversary my dear Sunshine!

It's Time to STOP!

Okay, this title could go in so many directions, because I need to say it in several different areas of my life.  My first thought was this blog.  I read other blogs, and I think "that was good" or "I'm inspired and encouraged."  Mine?  Not so much.  It is SO boring!  I started thinking why is it I like others, and other than those bloggers being good writers, they are being honest.  I haven't been as honest in my journey the last a couple of weeks as I probably should have been.  Part of me wants to be, but then there are parts that don't want to say write too much.  Of course, a non-functioning brain is part of the problem as well.  I seem to have inspirational moments when I'm not anywhere near a computer or piece of paper.  When I am near one, I tend to forget what I wanted to say, or I just want to write something to just have said I am doing my missions.  The funny thing is I'm doing the missions, but I don't always put them into practice everyday.  Yes, I know it is okay to not be so strict on myself, but it is time to stop the excuses!  I'm tired of being this way, and the only way to change, is just to do it! 

Days Day 16: Stop Overeating Part 1 and Day 17: Stop Overeating Part 2  cover one of my biggest problems, and that is overeating!  I do pretty decent while I'm at work, since I have to plan my meals/snacks ahead of time. However, in the evening it is a little more difficult. I'm putting the leftovers away, and I'm trying to eat slower. The last year has been eating as fast as I can just so I can eat.  Didn't matter what it was or how much, I just needed food. Now it is time to slow down. I have even decided I would eat at my mother's pace the next time we eat a meal with them. She is so slow, but it would do me some good to do the same.  I would probably taste my food more, and quickly learn that I really don't enjoy some of the foods I think I do. As for why I overeat, I need to address several areas.  Probably the top three I deal with are the clock reads it is time, cost effective/doesn't go to waste, and rewarding myself. The last couple of days, I've caught myself "rewarding" myself. Oh, "I deserve it" for whatever reason. No more!  It is time to stop encouraging unhealthy habits and fueling my emotional eating!  I wonder if I'm saying that because I know the Hersey bars are now out of the house?  :-)

If only I was this cute with food all over my face....

One Day, Two Days, Three Days, Four

I'm behind in the blogging, but not behind in my missions.  Day 13 Get Organized for Exercise and Day 14 Get Equipped for Exercise were somewhat easy.  I already have a gym membership, the workout DVDs I need, workout clothes, iPod, and other gear.  There are a few things I would like to get, but aren't necessary at this time...a new pair of running shoes, a fancy gadget like a heart monitor or the Nike Fuelband, and maybe one day I can save up enough money to have a treadmill or ellipitcal at home. Having figured all that out, I can't use them as an excuse which brings me to Day 15: Stop Making Lame Excuses.  Seriously!  Can't I get a break?  I do believe I have mentioned before how I can make up some excuses.  "I'm too tired" or "I have no motivation!" or just the plain ole "woe is me!"  Sigh...since I have come up with these excuses, I do find myself trying to come up with ways to get more movement in. Yes, it isn't the 10 minutes or more of exercise, but extra steps help, don't they?  I think my motivation at home will have to be the timer.  It is amazing what I can do in 15 minutes.  Just a year ago, I was living my life in two hour increments which were then broken down into 15 minute increments.  I got more accomplished then, so it is back to using the timer. 

Now Day 16: Stop Overeating Part 1  I think I will wait until tomorrow to combine it with Day 17.  Besides, I need one more day to focus on my mindless eating. Speaking of eating...went to what was suppose to be a healthy meal demonstration today.  While the food was good and simple, I was disappointed with the demonstration.  There must have been some confusion as to what exactly was suppose to happen, because even the chef asked why we were there.  Thankfully, the food was simple enough that I could even figure it out.  I think we will be having sauteed mushrooms along with green beans and almonds in the near future.  Yum!

A Weekend of Egg Hunting

This past weekend, Pecan went from no egg hunts to having participated in three.  I was just happy she found (with some help) at least one at each, so I could take a picture.

Friday night, she and her Gran searched for eggs in the backyard. 

On Saturday, we went to the egg hunt at my home church with her other grandparents.

Then Sunday, she hunted at her grandparents house.

She doesn't understand what that green piece of paper is, but her daddy would be proud she found a Federal Reserve note. 

Is My Independence Hurting Me?

Day 11 - Ask For Very Specific Help and Day 12 - Grow Your Weight Loss Support Network

Okay, this should be easy, but it hasn't been for me.  I'm a very independent person, and I think I must do it all without any help.  I know it is a crazy way to think, but somehow my brain thinks I shouldn't rely on anyone.   Just ask my parents, friends, and even Sunshine.  I even discussed this with a friend of mine today as she is the same way. 

I'm still working out what it is I really need help with, but I did contact a friend who is a dietitian to help guide me in the right direction regarding nutrition.  Even when you know what to do, it is a huge challenge to change your lifestyle.  As for exercising, I'm struggling with it.  As I've stated before, I'm trying to go during lunch, but this week hasn't gone so well.  My motivation has been a little off, but so has everything else.  I'm going to reevaluate, and pick back up either this weekend or Monday.  I didn't even walk Pecan around the block last night, because I'm still limping from Tuesday's workout.  I don't think I will be using that machine for a while.  Going back to the elliptical and treadmill, and I have to figure out when I can do some toning.  Maybe Sunshine and I need to look at paying for a trainer or find a friend who can tell us what we need to do.  Any takers?  :-)

Good news about my support network is that I have a great one at work.  My employer even has a wellness program that encourages everyone to live better.  I'm going to a food demonstration Monday during lunch, and the menu sounds yummy (chicken breast with mushrooms, green beans with almonds, fresh fruit, and casesar salad) all for under 500 calories.  I'll let you know how it goes. 

Came across this picture today, and I thought it is a good demonstration of how much sugar is in our drinks.  Wish I could remember where I found it to give proper credit. 

My Food Debate

And some how just like that (snap)...my post for Day 10 - Detox Your Diet Supplies disappeared.  I guess it is in Blogger's Never Ever Land.  I went to publish it, and there was nothing to publish.  I was a tad frustrated, so I gave up for the night.  I know there was something in there about having a difficult time throwing away good food, because it was a waste of money.  I also remember something in there about going to workout yesterday on a cross-trainer machine which was a tiring workout.  I even have knots in my legs today.  There was also bad news of me not having lost any weight.  I'm pretty sure the food in the house is to blame, but I am doing better at not buying the "bad" stuff.  It will soon be gone.  I'm thinking I will look over what is in my cabinets, and then plan next week's meals around it.  This help me get it out of the house, see if I can resist certain foods, and even better, it will help get it out of the house. 

For those of you needing a picture of Pecan, here is one of her with her first lovey.  She started carrying it around Friday, and hasn't let go even to eat.
 

It's a New Week

Yes, it is a new week with a fresh start, and I'm already behind.  Of course, I just noticed the title on my last post "...Does I have to Count It"  I can't stop laughing!  I'm not sure what my original title was, but I recall changing it.  Guess I forgot to double check it. 

Over the weekend was Day 8 - Splurge Strategically Part 1 and Day 9 - Splurge Strategically Part 2.  I love snack foods, and most of them are the high calorie treats I don't need.  Actually, after making my list of the ones I do love and the ones I don't, I was really surprised by the outcome.  I love pizza, wings, chips, brownies, Oreos, ice cream, Mexican, and fried rice.  I can do without chicken fingers, "extra" bread, sauces, and some cheese.  As you can tell, I need to really think through my lists.  I've already decided that I don't need to purchase certain things, so they won't be temptations at home especially at night.  I also need to finish pulling out all that I have, and putting them in an out-of-sight container.

As for today, I did okay until I ate half a piece of caramel cake.  It was so good, but that is a lot of calories I won't be getting back.  I did make a good choice in walking to the conference center instead of driving over.  That was almost 4,000 aerobic steps total.  Wise decision!  I took dinner to our children's minster and his family, so I just cooked extra for us.  Pork tenderloin, sauteed zucchini, applies and cranberries, and mac-n-cheese.  I'm not the biggest fan of mac-n-cheese, so that is easy to pass.  Thankfully, the remaining items were healthy.

I have several things on my heart I would like to blog about, but it is going to take a few days.  I haven't been resting at night, so it makes it difficult to concentrate.  Hopefully, rest will come soon, and I will be able to think again.  Yes, pictures from the Easter weekend will come whenever I find a few good ones of Pecan.  She never wanted to slow down for the camera, so most of them are of her on the go.  :-)

If It's Small, Does I Have To Count It?

Day 7 - Count The Calories That Really Count

Okay, I'm actually a day ahead, but I've been working on this for about six weeks now.  I use www.sparkpeople.com to record all the foods I eat. It has allowed me to calculate just how many calories I've been eating, and also to see what foods I eat.  I can see where I've eaten foods that I really don't care about when I could eat something healthier that I do like.  Most of my calories comes from mindless eating.  For instance, those Hershey Minitures on my desk...they are so small, do I need to write it down?  Oh yes I do!  Each one is around 43 calories, so if you eat several of them without thinking about it, they will quickly add up.  Now I need to sit down with pen and paper and really concentrate on the foods I really enjoy. I may even find healthier ways to prepare them.

Ready to Float!

Day 6 - Drink Water, Lose Weight

Finally!  This is something I'm already doing, so I can relax for a day instead of thinking about something new.  I already drink at least 7 glasses of water a day, and most days it is more like 10.  Yes, I tend to run down the hall at work, or at home, or when I go to pick Pecan up from daycare, but that just puts more steps on my pedometer.  Plus, once you start drinking this much water, you actually do crave it.  After typing that, I need to go find me a tall glass of some really cold H2O.  :-)

Will I Stand Myself Up?

Day 5 - Day-5 -Choose Your30x3

If I wouldn't stand someone else up, why would I do that to myself?  When it comes to working out, that would be easy to do.  The lunch hour is the main time I have for working out now, but that is also the same time I have for visiting with friends or running errands.  However, I have scheduled my workouts for the remainder of April. I will go to the gym to use the treadmill or elliptical, and it also gives me a time to read and relax during the work day.  Good news is I'm actually reading more by doing this, and it gives me something to look forward to.  I'm currently reading "Water for Elephants" which was suggested to me by one of my wonderful co-workers.  Now that I think of it, she has been the one to suggest the last two books I've read and the ones I have on my wish list. :-)

Now that my schedule is set, how did I do today?  Well, I had already schedule lunch with my fabulous group of girlfriends, so there wasn't a workout for me during lunch.  I did order a salad, but again it had fried chicken and ranch dressing.  That's okay.  I was able to get at least two if not three servings of veggies in, and I dripped my fork into the dressing and not smother the salad with it. Oh and I had a Coke.  I'm not going to lie...I love my fountain Cokes, and some places are better than others...isn't that right AM? 

Off the boring food and exercise talk...I want to say a little bit about the group of girlfriends (from lunch) that I have.  Well, I just realized I do not have a picture of all four of us together...now that is strange!  I will definitely have to correct that if we ever can get together at the same time.  One of you should email me one, so I can update this blog!  Anyway...they are some of the best friends anyone could have.  I always enjoy our time together, and they are always so uplifting.  I can only thank God for allowing me to have them as friends.  Thank you, AS, TC, and AM for being who you are, and being my friend!

Here is the cutest picture that Pecan's teacher took of her at school.  Her teacher stated she turned her back and when she turned back around Pecan had climbed up into the rocking chair.  Actually, she and her little friend, JC, were both in it.  From what I understand these two have a lot of fun (or trouble??) with each other. 

Do I Really Need It?

Day 4 - Tweak Your Diet  Today was a little easier, since I've already been working on these type of changes for about a month.  I decided I would make signs and post them in places I really needed to see them.  The ones at work went in the small fridge I have in my office:

and in the drawer I usually keep any snacks in:

The drawer is somewhat empty, but you can see the crackers peeping out from the sign.  Also, after seeing that picture, I'm going to clean out that drawer, because it is awful!  At home, I posted the pictures on the refrigerator/freezer, because it is the place I tend to snack from (i.e. ice cream, leftovers, etc.) Sometimes those snacks are healthy, but I need to stop and think if I really need it.  I can even be a mindless eater even with healthy foods.  Or maybe I just need to think about what type of food I'm about to eat.  I saw the strawberries in the fridge, but I went for the ice cream anyway.  :-( 

Of all the places I placed signs, I think this one is the best:

It is on my credit card, because I use it for almost all my purchases.  Yes, I know using cash is better, but this is easier for me at this time in my life.  Besides, I balance my credit card just like my checking account, AND I pay it off each month.  I'm pretty sure I would be posting a sign on my cash just the same if I had any.

I spent today's lunch on the elliptical again, and between it and not sleeping well last night, I was really sleepy this afternoon.  Looking forward to an early bedtime. 

Blast from the past moment....Here is a Pecan at her first eye doctor's appointment back in February.  She did so well! 

I Need a Lab Coat!

Day 3 - Trade Your Judge's Robe For a Lab Coat  This was a little harder than I realized it would be.  Actually, it was harder than the thirty minutes on the elliptical was yesterday, because changing the mindset is hard!  I wrote down a few things, but when I started to write my observation, I felt like I was just making up excuses (where is that lab coat?!).  Again, my train of thought will need to change, but the main thing for me at this point is to be aware of it.  I was completely relieved today when my doctor informed me that it would take three months to see results from the (small) changes I'm making.  I'm not making drastic changes like The Biggest Loser contestants or even others I know.  I'm trying to take it one day at a time, so hopefully, I'll make changes that will last. 

Having said all that, I didn't make the best choices today at lunch.  The fried chicken on the salad wasn't healthy, but good news is I did get more vegetables in instead of eating french fries.  Now, I don't plan to make this a habit, but it is a slow process.  Oh, I did walk to eat instead of driving somewhere.  The best part about lunch was catching up with a friend I don't talk as often as I would like.  The sad part is we work in the same building, but I'm just too lazy to go up two flights of stairs.  Se is so dear to me!  She is one of the few people that has been there for me through some rough (and the smooth) times in my life.  She is a wonderful friend, and I think a mother who does all that she cans for her children.  I just wish she would do for herself, because she totally deserves it!  I'm glad she has given me permission to "bug" her about it.  Look out!  I've already set up a task in Outlook to remind me.  :-)

While I didn't workout today like yesterday, all I really need to do is follow this one around the house.

Are you watching me?

Doesn't this just bring a smile to your face?

How Much Sugar?

We are only on day 2 of the 30 Day Weightloss-athon, and I'm already realizing just how many areas I have lost control over which led me to the place I am now (physically).  One of them is just how much sugar I eat and drink.  I watched this interview, "Sugar and Kids: The Toxic Truth", and it got me to thinking just how much sugar I take in.  How much sugar am I giving my family?  Dr. Gupta made a very valid point about eating the things that are usually on the "outer perimeter of the grocery store, because the inside stuff is packaged and processed foods".  Thinking back to my grocery store run yesterday, I had 13 out of 29 items that came from the outside perimeter.  Of the remaining 16 items, 10 were not the greatest but not the worst: oatmeal, protein bars, peanut butter, pasta, G2, Rotel tomatoes, and reduced calorie wheat bread.  That leaves 6 items that I need to rethink health over convenience.  It really wouldn't take that long to make real mashed potatoes over instant, but a baked potato would be even better.  Do I really need to make cupcakes for Easter?  Well, this time I will, but what about the future?  Funny thing is I have a freezer full of foods that are good for us, but I fail to take them out in time.  I so need to work on planning our meals.  Some weeks I do better than others.  Anyway, it is something to think about.  Maybe I should put sugar in a see thru container for me to see when I go into the kitchen?  If I had the time, I would spoon out sugar to the equivalent of what is in the food I'm eating at the time.  That would definitely be a wake-up call! 

Day 2's challenge was to "Move Your Body and Reframe from Sweat" which was to consist of moving for only 10 minutes.  I went to the Rec during lunch, and moved for 33 minutes on the Elliptical.  When I got home from work, we all walked around the circle.  It took way more than 10 minutes, because a little someone couldn't make up her mind if she wanted to walk, drive, or push.  It's so tough being little.  Anyway, Day 2 is complete!

Here is Pecan from the weekend.  She was so tired at lunch,Saturday, she couldn't stay awake.

Sunday, she is looking sweet as ever with her Cheerios.  This was before she started dumping them onto the floor.

Here is the sweetest thing I saw on this Monday morning.

Is It Sunday Already?

I can't believe how fast the weekend goes, but I'm looking forward to spending today with Pecan while taking care of Sunshine. Instead of bringing home big bucks from Vegas, he brought back the flu. In return, I get my own dose of Tamiflu...Yea me! I'm so excited, and I hope you can hear my sarcasm. Seriously, I do hate he feels bad, so I'm praying it passes quickly.

Yesterday, was spent playing with Pecan, taking care of Sunshine, cleaning floors, and shopping with one of my best friends. It is tax season, so I rarely see her then. I know those long days are tiring, so it was good to spend time together. Although, she is still looking for the perfect shoes for Easter, and I still haven't found a black skirt. Maybe we'll both find what we are looking for this week. After complaining about my weight, we headed to Johnny Rockets for dinner. It was so good! I guess I should consider that my "last" meal before starting my 30 day weightless-athon? Which due to time zone differences actually started last night.

First day of 30, required me to finish this statement with 20 answers: "I want to lose weight because...". This was to help find my true motivation for losing weight. It seemed most of my answers were very similar, but that could have been me trying to get to 20. In the end my motivator is to be in control of my body again instead of letting go. With being in control of it, I'll be healthier, stronger, a better wife, and a better mother. I will be confident I am taking care of the temple God gave me. I also must add the human side of me will be comfortable in a swimsuit again especially in front of my husband.

Well, that is where I am this morning. I would post a picture of Pecan, but I haven't figured out how to do that from an iPad. Maybe I can figured that out during nap time.

Have a wonderful Sunday worshipping the One who created it.

Happy Birthday, Pecan!

Can you believe it has already been (over) a year?!  I can't!  Time has flown by in a hurry.  For her actual birthday, we scheduled pictures with the great Megan Forehand (Davis). 

As usual, she did a wonderful job.  Here is her (Megan's) blog for that day. 

That afternoon, I took a cookie cake to Aliza's class, and apparently, Aliza couldn't wait...

Do you think she enjoyed it?

She is the sweetest, most joyful baby I know. 

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!

Where In The World Is Linda?

I feel like I should post a picture of me among a whole bunch of other people and things, so you can try to pick me out.  You know?  Like "Where's Waldo?"  I think of blogging all the time, but I find myself doing other things.  I don't know like taking care of Pecan, spending time with Sunshine, planning birthday party, working, packing, moving, organizing, shopping, exercising (but gaining weight), I have Facebook...oh who am I kidding!  I've just been lazy about it!  Makes me realize I should have been on the Biggest Loser this season, since it is the season of no excuses.  I can come up with some good ones, but it is definitely time to move forward. 

Don't you get tired of certain aspects of life, and realize you do have the ability to change them if you just do it?  Well, that is me.  I would love to have everything in order, so I can live life the way it should be.  However, I haven't been able to get to that point, but I'm so ready to be there!  I even took off one day while Sunshine was out of town for a conference to work on three areas of the new house.  Project One - Organizing the Yellow Room.  Project Two - Cleaning Out the Bonus Room (aka Trent's space).  Project Three - Cleaning and Organizing Pecan's Closet (which is always an ongoing project).  I'll post more about those projects and more at a later date. 

Another area I'm looking forward to whipping into shape is my body.  I have committed to a 30 Day Weightloss-athon which you can also join for free by clicking here.  I'm sure I will lose some weight, but for me I want it to be a jumpstart to a better way of life.  Research has been proven that it takes 21 days to form a habit, so 30 days should really put me on the right track!  It is going to be difficult, and I admit I'm a little nervous about putting this out for the world to see.  Okay, only two of you may read this, but I really do live in a small world.  :-)  Anyway, it's out there, so wouldn't you like to join me in this?  Come on!  It will be fun!  Either leave a comment or email me if you decide to do this, so we can hold each other accountable.  I can't wait to get started!

For those of you who just want to see an updated picture of Pecan...here it is.  Yep, it has been so long since I posted, she's already driving.  :-)