Seven Quick Takes Friday (25)

Thanks to Jen for hosting over at conversiondiary.com.  Today, December 30, 2011, being the occasion of my 6th wedding anniversary, this is going to be a 7 things I love about my husband.  There are so many more things that aren't even listed here.  What can I say, except he's the best.

-1-

His sense of humor:  There is nothing like having someone by your side who can make you laugh, not only at yourself, but at the world around you.  He has a wonderful silly side and loves to poke fun.  He makes me smile and laugh every day. 

-2-

His sensitive and vulnerable side:  He can get emotional during those tear jerking parts of movies or TV shows and isn't afraid to show it.  When he is having a hard time, to the point of tears, he lets me see that too.  I think it is so important to let your loved ones know how you are feeling and he isn't afraid to let me see the bad alongside with the good.  He has helped me to be more in touch with that side since before getting married I was hardly ever as emotional as I am these days.

And he definitely has a knack for being sensitive to my concerns.  I still recount to almost anyone who will listen, how when we were first dating and I told him something that could potentially be a deal breaker on a long car drive at the START of the date. He just squeezed my hand and listened.  The next day he brought me flowers and a beautiful hand written sentiment in a card.  I knew that he was someone who I could entrust my heart to.

-3-
His ability to consider my point of view:  For anyone who knows us, you know we hardly ever fight.  This isn't because we never disagree.  Rather, this is because both of us try to put ourselves in the other person's shoes.  We may not like what they are thinking, or what they have to say, but both of us can always understand where it is coming from.  Again, we don't always agree, but we are understanding of why the other feels the way they do.  Huge with me, since I am definitely not someone who likes confrontation.

-4-
His willingness to sacrifice:  My hubby doesn't like his job and hasn't since almost day one.  However, he realizes that he is providing for us as a family through his work, so he goes to work despite being unhappy.  In a world of, "If something doesn't feel good, don't do it," or "I have to do what's best for ME" he is sticking it out.  Doing a good job too I might add, getting a bonus all quarters since he started except one.  He may complain about it a fair amount, and joke and talk about how much he doesn't like it, but he goes and he works.  In my book, that is what shows me he loves me.

-5-
His strong commitment to the Catholic faith: Since returning to the church with me in the spring of 2005, he has continued to grow and learn about the Catholic faith.  Together we have made big changes in our lives to align ourselves with our Catholic faith.  We even teach the Catholic teaching on sexuality to teens.  Quite a turn around for both of us.

 -6-

His willingness to change:  This one sort of stems from QT#5.  Read the following:  hubby's blog post on porn.  But this isn't the only change he's made.  He is continuously trying to become the best version of himself he can be.  He's trying to change and working on the things in his life that need a redirection.  I applaud him for being willing to take a look at himself and see where he can make some changes for the better.  I am definitely one blessed woman.

-7-

Watching him play with our daughters:  I cannot say how often I watch him play with our girls and I am just amazed.  I really enjoy watching them together, the girls climbing all over him, playing with their toy dinosaurs or playing board games.  It doesn't matter what they are doing, I almost always can learn something from him: how to be more silly, how to be sure to incorporate praise where it's due, how to be excited about something that really doesn't seem all that important.  He is an amazing father and you can tell with the way our girls are so excited to see him walk in the door around supper time.  He is helping me to be a better mom and I am thankful for that every day.

Seven Quick Takes Friday (24)

Thanks to Jen for hosting over at conversiondiary.com.  Christmas traditions edition.

-1-

So I have to confess that I have been listening to Christmas music since before Thanksgiving.  Alicia has a cute little kids Christmas CD that has her name in it, telling her about the real meaning of Christmas.  Of course, it started making some odd noises, so I ripped it and then burned it, now the songs are all out of order.  May have to re-recreate the CD for her.  Can I also just say that I watched the CMA Country Special on Thursday night and I love that the musicians will actually wear crosses (some of the ladies might do better to dress a little more modestly) and sign REAL Christmas songs.  You know, ones that aren't afraid to mention Jesus...  Rudolph and Frosty are ok, but traditional carols are the ones that mean the most.  When listening to my daughter's CD this year it took me by surprise that I was finally struck by the line, "Long lay the world, in sin and error pining, til he appeared and the soul felt it's worth."  HOW BEAUTIFUL!!!  And how true!

-2-

We went to the Christmas parade in Derry the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Had a great time with the girls, hubby and my mother in law.  We also met up with hubby's niece and her daughter and nephew and his son.  His nephew's daughter was in the parade for her school's band.  Beautiful weather - I wore short sleeves...  Glad that the people marching in the parade were not afraid to actually say "Merry Christmas!"  That's the spirit!

-3-
This year our traditional day after Thanksgiving putting up the Christmas tree was delayed to the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  Our "fake" tree is one that we won from our church back when we first moved into our home back in 2006.  We have put up our family tree in my parents' house this year and it takes up a good amount of room.  Alicia helped to assemble the tree and helped put on a few ornaments while Hannah took a nap.  Hannah has enjoyed looking at the tree though.  She now looks out the window and says tree so I think she's confused by the tree being inside.  I do love sitting by the tree at night with the lights off for a few silent moments with a glass of egg nog.

-4-
We have an Advent wreath that I have never been very good about using, but this year it is out on my parent's dining room table and I read from a book every night at the dinner table.  I am pretty sure Alicia doesn't get it, since it's advanced, but maybe next Advent I will find a more kid friendly daily advent book.  I've really enjoyed doing this as a family.  I think it helps that hubby is finally on a day shift, so the tradition is a new one that I am pretty happy about.

 

-5-

We have a Little People Nativity that we got for Alicia for her second Christmas.  She and Hannah are having fun playing with the animals and the other figures too.  Still mostly into the animals though, but I like having religious toys that they can play with.  Little ones mostly understand the toys and presents, so it's difficult to find things to fit in that make it more about the true meaning of the season for them.  Maybe someday they will play more with Mary, Joseph and Jesus.  But we have books that we read about Christmas.  Maybe we will try to get to the live nativity.  I have to take the time to figure out where and when it is around here.  I think they do it in Windham.

 -6-

Driving around to look at Christmas lights is another holiday favorite.  There are a few houses that have a TON of lights around here.  Alicia was cute about it last year and this year with her talking so much, it should be really cute to see what she says.  We may take a trip to the Enchanted Christmas Village sometime during the week if we get the chance.  Not sure about timing of it all, but I would like to bring the girls this year.  Lots of lights in there that we could walk around to see.  We went a few years ago, before we had Hannah, and enjoyed it but the lines were long.  Hannah is a bit more active than Alicia, so I think she'd have a hard time waiting in the lines.

-7-

The Christmas season should truly be marked by the beauty of God sending his Son to us in such simplicity.  Jesus came into this world as a helpless newborn, totally dependent on Mary and Joseph.  Jesus was born into a humble family, in a stable, placed in a manger.  He wasn't born in a palace, he wasn't raised by rich, well-to-do parents.  He didn't come down from Heaven blazing in almighty light to show who He was.  He came to us simply, humbly, knowing that we all too often do not feel or know our own worth.  All God wants from us is an open heart to receive Him.  God wants us to feel His love.  May we use this Christmas season to open ourselves to the gift of Jesus and remember that HE is the reason for the season!

Seven Quick Takes Friday (23)

Thanks to Jen for hosting over at conversiondiary.com. 

-1-

Alicia and I had a lot of fun helping memere cook on Wednesday for the Thanksgiving festivities.  She was enjoying getting the ingredients and trying to mix them too.  She ended up making a huge mess with the flour at the beginning, but she really had a good time.  It was so sweet.

-2-

I had a really nice Turkey Day.  So thankful for my hubby, our girls and our family and friends.  Lots of love and support from so many people have made the tough times a little bit less stressful.

-3-
Unfortunately, on Turkey Day my hubby and Hannah and I missed mass.  Alicia did make it with memere, pepere and aunty "k."  I like starting out Thanksgiving day with our church family thanking God for all he does in our lives.  But Hannah has been sick and wasn't even awake by the time we would have needed to head out the door and neither hubby nor I woke up feeling well.  We eventually felt better, but it was probably best to stay home.  I hear that our church was packed, which will probably mean that Christmas masses will be jam packed as well.  So sorry we missed it!

-4-

Some pictures from Turkey Day:

Watching the Macy's parade. Ok, vacant stares, I know
but it's the only picture they are looking in the same direction!

I was trying to get them both to do touchdown. 
Hannah sometimes doesn't play for the camera.

But here she is cheesing it up!

Alicia having a great time with her cousins!

-5-

Hannah is back on abuterol with her nebulizer.  For a child who was breastfed, she sure gets sick a lot.  I think the whole breastfeeding-is-great-for-a-baby's-system truly depends on the child.  Hasn't seemed to help her.  Alicia was a lot less sick as a baby and she was on formula almost from day one.  It seems as though Hannah is getting back to normal, although she still doesn't seem very interested in real food.  Probably has to do with her teething too!  She's still sleeping worse than she did as a baby.  Two hours of sleep is not enough.  Good thing I don't have a job, well if this not sleeping continues that is... 

 -6-

Speaking of no job, for my current job search, I think I'm leaning towards applying to work at restaurants rather than retail.  We will see what happens but truth be told I'm worried that without recent experience I will get no one to speak to me.  I've worked both retail and restaurants, but it was probably over five years ago.  Ok, maybe more like 10 years ago... Jeeze, has it really been that long!?!

-7-
Black Friday is today, but there is NO WAY that I am going to do any type of shopping today.  Craziness!  Instead, I am going to try to get some things accomplished at home that have been long overdue.  And try to figure out where most of our Christmas decorations are in my parent's basement.  Weekend plans include: Christmas parade with the girls on Saturday and getting the tree up and hopefully decorated on Sunday.  I LOVE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!!!!  So excited it is here!

Seven Quick Takes Friday (22)

Thanks to Jen for hosting over at conversiondiary.com. 

-1-

So last week hubby got a shift change to work days FINALLY and I gave my notice last Friday.  Which means this is my last week working part time at the Currier Museum of Art (who by the way if you live in the NH area has a really great Rock and Roll photography exhibition running now through mid January).  I have really enjoyed my work at the Currier and have met some really great people.  I have to try to find something to replace at least part of my income, which hopefully will happen sooner rather than later.  My last day of work is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. 

-2-

WOW, Thanksgiving already?!?  Cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by!  I did manage to find a couple of cute matching dresses for our girls for Thanksgiving. 

-3-

I have also found two different sets of cute matching dresses for the girls for Christmas.  I should be frugal and return one of the sets, but one set has short sleeves and the other set is sweater dresses.  It is always super hot at my hubby's nana's house, so I may just keep both.  Besides, the girls could wear the matching sweater dresses at any time, not just Christmas.

-4-
Speaking of looking for work, 'tis the season for seasonal retail, but I don't understand why it is that every place you apply expects you to fill out a survey that is over half an hour long.  I realize they are trying to make sure they hire people with good customer service skills and people who won't steal from the company.  But this is not life and death - I mean it isn't like they are hiring a nurse.  Besides, don't most people answer these questions in the manner they think the company wants them to respond?!?  And what will we talk about in an interview anyway?

-5-

Hubby being home for dinner and for bedtime has already made an impact on the girls.  This morning Alicia asked daddy to take a "short work" like memere is doing today.  She must have missed her daddy more than we realized.  When I asked her if she liked him being home for dinner and bedtime, she had a big smile and was nodding.  So sweet and so glad that we decided this was a good change for us.

-6-

My scariest moment as a mom to date happened this past Wednesday.  I decided to take the girls shopping to try to find some matching boots to go with their sweater dresses.  It was an unsuccessful trip, but a very scary one for me.  We were in the parking lot and the girls were strapped into one of those two person shopping carts at Target.  I was putting Hannah in the car seat first and when I turned around to get Alicia she was no longer in the shopping cart.  I thought, "did someone take her (I watch too much Criminal Minds)?  did she wander away?  Did she get hit by a car?"  I screamed her name, no response.  I screamed her name again, still nothing.  So I ran to the back of the car and she wasn't there.  I pushed the cart out of the way and started up the other side...  still didn't see her, so then I screamed her name again and she came up to me and said, "Here I am mama!"  Scariest. few. seconds. ever!

-7-
I grabbed her and said, "You scared the s*%t out of me."  NOT my proudest moment, to swear like that, but it just came out.  I was so freaked out about it that I didn't really yell at her or anything, but I was almost in tears and she could tell something was wrong.  I tried to explain to her how scared I was and asked her if she would be scared if she lost mama or dad.  She said "it's ok mama."  Not the response I hoped for.  If this happens again, next time there will be some severe yelling going on if not a spanking. Good grief.  I thought Hannah would be the one to do this sort of thing...  don't know what I'd do if I lost her. 

Seven Quick Takes Friday (21)

Thanks to Jen for hosting over at conversiondiary.com. 

-1-

First order of business for the week is a couple of Halloween pictures since our Trick or Treating was just this past Sunday, November 6th.  I'm one of THOSE moms who loves the crying baby photos.  I laugh every time.  I know, mean mama!!!

-2-

I wandered into the playroom Wednesday morning to find our one year old walking around with a copy of "Theology of the Body for Beginners" by Christopher West.  She was so proud of herself - she would thumb through the pages, hold it up to show me and stomp around, stop and look through it again.  Too cute and I tried to get a picture, but this was the best I could do. 

-3-

Monday night was not the best night I've had.  I truly do not understand why it is that when you have a newborn, you can deal with a sleepless night, but when one comes out of the blue with an older child, you are truly unprepared for it. 

Hannah, our one year old would not sleep after our three year old woke her up with a very LOUD, "MAMA, I HAVE TO GO POTTY!"  From 1:45 am until 5:45 am I was trying to get her to relax enough to go to sleep.  If they were not in the same room, I would have let the one year old cry it out.  However, with Alicia having bad dreams I wanted her to try to get some sleep.  That did not work either.  Every time I tried to put Hannah down, she would freak out crying, waking up Alicia and who would then "need someone to sit with her."  I cannot put Hannah down at that point because she freaks out at bedtime if you put her down and stay in the room.  WHAT A MESS!

-4-
I managed to go to work on about 2 hours sleep.  I COFFEE LOADED and in I went.  I know, I know.  I said I would stop with the Dunkin's.  See, I definitely could use DDA!!

-5-

At this point in the game, I usually have done at least a little Christmas shopping.  Some of you are going to say, "what are you, nuts?"  But I really dislike all the crowds that start right after Thanksgiving.  In truth, I just can't handle it.  I've never once done the Black Friday thing.  This year, probably in large part due to our tight quarters at my parents' house and not much storage room, I haven't gotten a thing.  Usually I pick up a thing here or there...  Nothing.  This is will not be pretty.

-6-

Our parish has the Annual Bazzar this weekend, which I have enjoyed going to in recent years - they have a penny sale, theme baskets, baked goods, a 50/50 raffle and a raffle for some decent cash prizes.  A while back, there were a few years in a row that I won something, but have not had this good fortune for a few years.  It is always fun anyway.  I just have to remember to bring scissors for those penny sale tickets.  Ripping those is just sooo time consuming.

-7-

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

Mother Teresa

Seven Quick Takes Friday (19)

Thanks to Jen for hosting over at conversiondiary.com.  This was a quick one for me.  Didn't even require much thought... some weeks are easier than others I suppose!

-1-

Snow!  We have snow!  Thursday night I put my one year old to bed before the three year old.  I have taken to staggering bedtimes so that hopefully the one year old falls asleep before the three year old can start freaking out about having a dream.  Luckily sitting in the room with said three year old has been helping, probably that I'm sitting there praying doesn't hurt either.  Anyway, after putting Hannah down and playing with Alicia for a few minutes, my mom comes into the room and says it is snowing out!  So being one who LOVES the snow and Alicia seeming to follow suit, we put on her rain boots (I still have yet to get winter boots for her) and her new winter coat (thanks memere for getting her one just on Wednesday!) and outside we went.  I didn't put on any extra layers, which probably was silly, but hey, I'm a New England girl!!!   What can I say?  SO EXCITED!

-2-

I am also very excited for Halloween this year.  It seems that Alicia is actually excited about it and keeps telling people that she's going to be a dinosaur.  Hopefully, we do not have a repeat of this:

 


-3-

Really bummed out that hubby won't get to be there for trick or treating on Halloween this year.  His work schedule really has to change.  Three years is enough of this night time schedule, right?  I don't know how couples do it that don't get to have dinner together regularly, no nighttime routine schedule together with the kids on a permanent basis.  And this also means I have BIG TIME RESPECT for any single parent, mom or dad.  Definitely is tough on everyone, parents AND kids, I think.

 

-4-

Going to meet up with some homeschool moms from our parish on Friday night for a "Busy Bag Night."  I'm hoping that this will give our three year old a new interest other than movies.  I have weaned her down to one movie per day, but I really want her to find some things to do for some "quiet time."  Hoping that this does the trick.

-5-

I cannot believe that hubby and I will actually be going on a date on Saturday.  Our usual 'dates' include trips to the grocery store, rides in the car or other things like teaching teenagers the Catholic teachings on sexuality.  Really looking forward to going to the movies with him.  Going to see "Courageous", so long as it will still be in theaters.  I have a hard time going to see any "normal" movie these days.  Last movie I saw in the theater was "Something Borrowed."  Had a hard time with everyone cheating, the lack of morals - I found it a little gross.  Some of it was amusing, but I seem to see things so much differently these days.  Maybe I've lost my sense of humor.

-6-

And we will also be going to a hockey game Saturday night as a family with memere and pepere.  So excited.  Wondering how Hannah will sit still, and when she will konk out.  Hopefully she gets in an extra nap somewhere, but she's taken to having just one nap a day.  Hopefully if it snows, it won't be too bad for traveling...

-7-

Met up with a friend from my parish this week that I hadn't gotten together with in over a year, basically since we each had our babies.  It was great to catch up, but I hope that it isn't that long until we get together again.  Was really great to see her and have our children play together for a while.  Both of my girls fell asleep in the car after our visit so I was able to run some errands without any chatter.  I had the radio off and really enjoyed some quiet time.  Boy was that necessary! 

Seven Quick Takes Friday (18)

Thanks to Jen for hosting over at conversiondiary.com.  A few things I've seen this week...

-1-

I think part of the reason I started my blog when I did was that I was tired of seeing friend after friend on Facebook post about Larry King, Elizabeth Taylor, and Tiger Woods failed marriages as a "why not gay marriage."  I'm just going to leave this at : here's the newest FB thing going around that is irking me:

-2-

Jason and Crystalina Evert have a book out called, " How to find your soulmate without losing your soul" and all week this week they have been on Women of Grace on EWTN.  I posted the link on Facebook and am glad to see that someone shared it.  Putting the link here because if you know someone who is single and struggling in bad relationships or tired of being lonely, the first show can be viewed online, then with a free subscription you can access the other four episodes this week.

-3-

We are going to be giving our students a CD (so long as I can make a copy in time) called "Do's and Don'ts of Dating" also by Jason Evert.  It shows ten simple strategies for finding true love while navigating the modern minefields of impurity, peer pressure, and heartbreak.

If you would like a copy, let me know and maybe I can get a copy to you, but give me some time.

-4-

I had a conversation maybe about a month ago about Disney princess movies. Basically what horrible messages they provide for girls.  This picture really says a lot.  I tend to not watch them often but occasionally my girls do like to watch a few of these.  Somehow we will have to counteract these messages.  Or maybe stop them from watching these altogether.

-5-

Movies I want to see: "Courageous" and "The Way." Has anyone seen either of these?  Hoping that maybe hubby and I can go on a date night next weekend since our TOB classes will be done.  Really hoping that they stay in theaters in our area for a few more weeks. 

-6-

So I really like hockey, and I really do miss having season tickets to college hockey, but luckily we now have good cable and I can watch my fair share on TV these days!  Anyhow, Boston College hockey team is ranked #1 in the nation.  They have beaten Michigan State (5-2), North Dakota (6-2) and UNH (5-1).  Their only loss was their home season opener to Denver (4-2).  I do not like the team being ranked #1 because the only way to go is down!  My parents will be taking our oldest daughter to the game tomorrow night and I'm sure they will have a great time.  Someday we will go again on a regular basis instead of such spotty attendance!

 

-7-

So Thursday night it took well over an hour and a half of my three year old saying "I don't want to dream" before she could get to sleep.  I guess her fears and bad dreams have not gone away.  There were about 5 trips to the potty, the last one being after I put her down after an hour and a half.  Will try the holy water which someone suggested last time I posted about this.  It's so hard to not lose patience with the incessant I-don't-want-to-dream statements, but it's hard not to be sympathetic when she starts crying and freaking out.  Poor little lady.  Oh and as I finish this up in the wee hours of early Friday, she has woken up four more times to go potty.

Seven Quick Takes Friday (17)

Thanks to Jen for hosting over at conversiondiary.com.  This week my quick takes are some favorite pictures from our trip to the Southwick Zoo this past Wednesday (I couldn't choose just seven pictures - I tried!).  Definitely should be my quickest quick takes yet.  After this weekend I should be back to some regular blogging.  I have to take a break when I'm preparing for teaching TOB.  Two more classes left and most of the prep work is done now!

-1-

Alicia LOVES turtles so she really liked these huge tortoises that were at the beginning of the zoo.  There were kangaroos nearby too and we spotted one with a lil joey in her pouch on our way out!  SOOO cute!

-2-

Alicia enjoyed feeding the goats and the peacock with her daddy!

 

-3-

We spent a few minutes at the playground near the lions and tigers...

-4-

Don't worry, it only looks like we left our one year old near a 4 foot fence with a tiger lurking behind her, but there is a second and much larger fence behind it!  And there was a fence between myself and the lion, I FINALLY managed to get the camera to stop focusing on the fence and take a good shot!

-5-

There were quite a variety of monkeys at the zoo.  One cute little monkey particularly enjoyed watching Hannah in the wagon!

-6-

Nana came along for the trip and she (and Alicia too!) had a great time buzzing around in her motorized scooter.

-7-

We had such a wonderful day at the zoo!  Spent all afternoon walking around and having a great time!

Seven Quick Takes Friday (15)

Thanks to Jen for hosting over at conversiondiary.com.  This week is focusing on making healthy eating and lifestyle changes - gluttony be gone!  Ok, so it won't be that easy, but hopefully soon.

-1-
I am going to focus on making some healthier choices for eating.  This means continuing to buy the healthy items at the store in the produce department but in practice means not letting them go to waste in the veggie  or fruit drawer.  Too often I let things get overripe and then throw it out.  Wasteful with food and money is not ok.  The girls need me to be a better example.  I need to put some type of fruit or veggie out with every meal as start.  I manage lunch and dinner.  Have to do better with breakfast.

-2-
Walks every night after supper will hopefully become part of our routine.  I love the fall so I feel like it is the perfect time to start this routine, although with the winter season following it here in New England, not sure how much I'll want to bundle them up every night and take a walk in the dark.  Will have to re-evaluate this at a later date to see about another option if I discontinue this practice when the snow starts flying.

-3-
I saw somewhere (I think a new Facebook friend's post) that you should not eat in the car.  So starting today, excepting the lunches I eat with the girls after meeting hubby at his place of employment, no more eating in the car.  This is going to be a difficult one.  But one that I think will be pretty key.  I do this all too often these days.

-4-
Kick the habit.  I told my husband on Wednesday that I should be in DDA.  Dunkin Donuts Anonymous.  HAVE TO STOP BUYING COFFEE BEFORE WORK.  Not only is all that cream, sugar and caramel in my iced coffee not helping me to lose weight, the bacon egg and cheese croissant sandwich isn't helping.  Forget it if I actually don't use the drive through and go inside.  I see some donut that I have to try and add to the order.  UGH!  PLEASE HELP!

-5-
I want to take a look at the Rosary Workout by Peggy Bowes and see if I can fit in some spirituality with some type of exercise routine.  This would be perfect since I still struggle with prayer.  A little of both could go a long way.  Not sure if I want to download the e-book or find a copy.

-6-
Another title I want to check out is Fit For Eternal Life by Kevin Vost.  Part of the product description on Amazon.com cracks me up:  "Product Description: Is your spirit faithful but your flesh flabby? Has your Temple of the Holy Spirit begun to creak and crumble?"  My Temple of the Holy Spirit isn't very happy with me these days and could use some work!!!  Has anyone ever heard of this book?  What did you think?  May be another purchase I consider soon...

-7-

None of this is being done out of vanity.  It is something I should have focused on long ago to become healthy and a good example.  I want to be able to enjoy time spent with my girls.  Be able to go down a slide this coming spring with Hannah, something I couldn't do with Alicia.  Be able to run around with my ladies, have fun with them when they try new things.  If I stay overweight like I am now, it will become less and less likely.  I need to remind myself of this more often and stay focused on why I'm doing this.  For me and for them.