My Journey to a Better Me

What a difference a year makes. You know the saying, “A year from now you’ll wish you’d started today”? Well, I’m thankful that, for the first time in years, I don’t have to look back wishing. This time last year, I was in a worried place. My step-dad was diagnosed with cancer in September, and it opened my eyes to what my own health looked like. I had struggled for years with migraines, gut health, and my weight. After exploratory surgery years ago came back with no answers, I threw my hands up in defeat thinking I was doomed to feel crummy for the rest of my life. I gave up trying. But, there was something about seeing a family member in pain that finally gave me a sense of urgency in getting my own health in check. I started researching what I could do to help myself get in a better place. I started drinking a green smoothie every day, which seemed to really help… at first. My body just didn’t seem to want to adapt. I reached out to friends who had recently worked hard to get to a positive place to see what changes they’d made. I can honestly say I was skeptical anything would work for me. I was at the end of my rope with my migraines and GI issues. Years of struggle had caused me to feel like I had no control over my body. What I found last year is that being at the end of your rope will cause you to take a leap of faith sometimes. After a couple of months of research and many emails, I bit the bullet and ordered the Advocare 24-day challenge. Why did I choose Advocare? First, the challenge was a catalyst to a lifestyle change. I needed to make changes in my life, and I knew I couldn’t do it on my own. I’d tried before. I needed a support system, and I needed something I could continue long term. So, I took a chance. And, for me, it was the best chance I could have ever taken. When I finally decided I was ready, I knew I didn’t want to wait until the new year to make changes. The time was now, and honestly, I was afraid I’d chicken out if I waited. So, I started the challenge on December 7, the day after my company holiday party, and I have not looked back since. Over the next three months, I lost 20 pounds, could get through an entire meal without feeling sick, and very rarely got the migraines that used to plague me. After yet another family member was struck with cancer, I decided to do something absolutely out of my comfort zone and signed up to run the NYC Marathon for charity. And, on November 2^nd, I completed that marathon with the biggest smile on my face. I can honestly say I could not have gone on that journey without Advocare. After months of eating clean 80% of the time, I was the healthiest I had been in years and in the best possible place I could be to begin training. Adding the performance elite products to my regimen just upped the ante. So I’m sure many of you are wondering… Why am I just sharing my story with you now? As I approach the one-year mark of my journey with Advocare, I am reflecting on what this past year has brought to my life. And, I’ve come to realize that what I needed most last year was a sense of hope. I just needed the hope that life could be better. And I am beyond thankful that my friend, Lauren, gave me that hope a year ago, and now I feel the need to share it with you. I couldn’t think of a better gift to give someone this holiday season. I'd love to chat with you more about my journey this past year and what I have planned for next year. I think I just may have found my voice again. XO

A Time of Reflection

As many of you are, I've been spending the past few days reflecting.  It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day worries and happenings.  While I'd like to say I'm a thankful person, sometimes we all need a reminder.  The past couple months have been hard.  I must admit, I've been telling myself, "It could be worse!"  A pin that I kept seeing crop up mentioned, "That thing you're taking for granted, someone else is praying for."  How true it is!

I am thankful...
... that my doggie's cancer has not compromised her quality of life and that she's still with us.
... that, while Finley's specialist visit wasn't a success, you would never guess he is struggling.
... that, while family is far away, we were able to host Thanksgiving for wonderful friends.
... for a glimpse into what life would be like with three kids.  Whoa.  That is all.
... Finley is such a caring little boy. 
... for a husband who is an amazing father.
... for my dysfunctional family.  
... for the ability to cut down our own Christmas tree every year.
... my husband was in agreement about downsizing said tree this year! No more 13+ foot trees!
... for conversations with my grandparents, despite the grip Alzheimer's has taken.
... I am loved for who I am, despite my flaws, mistakes and insecurities.  
... for second chances.
... for the opportunity to build memories and family traditions.
... for laughter and heart-to-hearts.
... for reminders that it's okay if not everyone likes you.
... for reminders that it's okay to say no.
... for the opportunity to be a mentor and share these reminders with a boy who needs them.
... for phone calls with new friends.
... for parties and birthdays!
... for the generosity of people I've yet to meet.
... for the friendships I continue to make through this blog.
... for the forgiveness when I leave this blog dormant for a while.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and a little time to reflect.  As we drove home from cutting our tree today, we listened to Christmas carols, and I was filled with such peace.  It's amazing how recharging it is to thank the Lord for the things you do have, rather than reflecting on what you don't.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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Ch- Ch- Changes

Whoa.  Where did September go?  Is anyone else feeling shocked and amazed that we're in the fourth quarter of 2012?  It seems like it was just summer.  Boo.  This time of year always signals change for me.  The falling leaves scream "winter is coming!!!" And, I am so not ready.  In fact, last Monday, I wore flip flops despite the chilly weather.  It was an act of defiance, for sure.

We had such a wild September.  Fin had his last free flight when we went to visit my brother in Houston (or should I say, last 6 free flights?).  We picked out furniture and slept on air mattresses.  Sadly, we did not get a family pic... but Fin did get quite a haircut from my mom. 

From surfer...

to rocker! 

We celebrated Fin's second birthday.  It was awesome having 11 two year-olds running around screaming... and even better it wasn't at my house.  No clean up!  Holla.  The infamous polka-dot cake was a fail.  If you follow me on Instagram, then you are well aware.  I took pics along the way and was super excited until it fell with three minutes left.  You can imagine my vocabulary at 1 in the morning when the replacement cupcakes were a disaster, too.  Don't be fooled-- I love to bake.  It's the dairy-free thing that's throwing me a curve-ball.  The same thing happened last year.  I'm bound and determined to have it mastered by birthday #3.  

Ignore the hideous provided decor behind our heads.

I ran the Denver Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon.  I originally signed up for the full, but I came back down to reality during the summer and switched.  Let me tell you... I am so thankful I chickened out.  I wasn't even close to ready, my foot was acting up, and it was hot.  After six miles, I was wishing it was a 10k.  BUT-- I finished.  Not only did I finish, but my time was faster than my last 1/2 in Steamboat (which isn't really saying much).  This race was my first half marathon NOT in Steamboat and the first for me to run completely on pavement.  I'm claiming it as a small victory.   I would definitely recommend running a Rock and Roll race.  They have the races down to a science, and there are so many people cheering you along the whole course.  Lots of great signs... Worst parade ever was a good one.  One of my faves was "I admire your endurance... call me!" with a real phone number listed.  Priceless.  Marathonfoto took loads of pictures, and I was smiling in every single one.  You know something was right.

We capped off the month with some hard news to hear and some decisions to make.  Just before our trip to Houston, we found out that one of our dogs needs surgery.  Jill is 12 1/2 years old and my girlfriend.  She came with me from Arkansas to Colorado, and I can't imagine her growing old.  She still looks like a puppy.  Unfortunately, a tumor on her leg has grown quite large after already being drained once.  We went through a round of antibiotics to get rid of an infection, and now we're looking at round two.  The vet won't do surgery to remove the tumor until the infection is gone, which means as soon as it's gone, she has to go in to avoid getting another one.  They're afraid that they may have to amputate her leg.  I know that if any dog can handle this it's my girl, Jill.  For those of you that have been reading this blog for eons, you may remember she's already missing an eye.  The vet warned us that the surgery may not get rid of the problem, but we've decided to move forward. 

The other rough news is that we have to take Fin in to see specialists in Denver.  His two year well-check appointment showed little weight gain, and with all of his ailments, we need to figure out what we need to do to turn this thing around.  I started to get down about it, but then I decided that maybe this is exactly what he needs to be a rock star.  One small victory-- he is finally on the charts for height.  Yay!  We'll take it. 

One positive that is coming out of September-- all of the ups and downs have really made happy.  It's kind of odd how going through rough patches makes you cherish the little things.  I'm taking better care of me and enjoying every little moment. 

Mind on the Run

It's 20 past two... in the morning.  I can't sleep.  My mind just keeps running and running.  Does that ever happen to you?  I've been dealing with this a lot lately.

Today, my little guy had his first day of class in the two year old room.  I suddenly realized that his birthday party is next weekend, and I have done very little in the way of planning... considering we just decided to have a party two weeks ago.  I've reserved space and sent out invites, but that is it.  Oh... and we leave Thursday for Houston.  Yikes.  Time to get on it.  The "theme" of his party is loosely based on the fact that it is being held at a bounce house. 

We sent out these invites from Brightside Prints.  There are super adorable and not at all cheesy (unlike most bounce house themed invitations, thankfully). 

I ordered this cute shirt for him to wear and had only his name added, no age.  Again... on theme, but not too cheesy. 

I'm thinking about serving foods that have a circular theme... like grapes, blueberries, watermelon balls, Ritz, other kid-friendly fare, etc.  While I love this cake, I don't think it's practical for a bunch of two-year olds.

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Instead, I'm thinking of doing something like this...

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... possibly with this inside.  How fun would that be?

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We'll see how ambitious I get when I come down to a time crunch next week.  I'll be sure to share pictures of the final product.

And here I told myself we weren't even going to throw a party... funny how that always seems to happen.

Catching Up

I figured now was as good a time as any to squeeze a post in... considering I've been lying awake for the past 3 1/2 hours.  Funny how you can be exhausted and still not able to sleep.

Things have been quite busy around our house.  With J working crazy hours, I haven't had much time to jump on the computer... and I crash and burn as soon as Finley does lately.  One exciting tidbit-- J and I went on a date night last Saturday!  Okay, so maybe that's just exciting for us.  Seriously.  It was huge.  We got a sitter for the third time ever and went out to celebrate my birthday.  It's been eons since we've really celebrated any birthdays, and since it fell on a weekend this year, I was not passing up the opportunity!  I can see why we don't do it often (as in 3 times in 2 years often!).  The sitter alone cost us $75.  We've decided that we need to make an effort to do it at least once a quarter in order to keep our sanity... or maybe I decided that.  Either way, I'm going to make it happen.

I didn't ask for much for my birthday.  Actually, I only asked for a date night and a new iPod.  I blaze through iPods like they're candy.  After running my last half marathon with my iPhone, I knew it was time to break down and buy something smaller.  Today, my brand new Nano arrived.  I can't wait to start using it.  I had planned to get a Shuffle because it clips on, but I couldn't pass up the (three times as expensive) Nano when I realized it clips on, too, and has radio capability.  Plus, I like being able to have multiple playlists that I can choose from.  If you order from Apple, you can have it engraved.  My first choice was deemed inappropriate.  Oops.  (For inquiring minds, it was the blunt message, "Get off your ***.")  I settled for "Shake your booty".  Which leads me to...

Y'all... I have been to the gym four times this week.  I mean, sweating so hard my vision is blurry.  This is a miracle.  Why am I telling you this?  Because I think that hearing someone else is doing something to get in shape is motivating.  My friend, Cyndi, set a walking goal for August.  She posted pics on Instagram and updates on Facebook.  Every time I saw her posts, I thought, "Why am I not doing something too?"  Goals are good!  So, if you think it's weird that I posted a view of me doing crunches on Instagram, too bad.  It motivates me, and who knows, maybe it motivates someone else, too.  Having someone to be accountable to makes me want to keep it up.  Anyone want to join me in a shape up challenge?  I'm not talking The Biggest Loser-- I'm talking accountability partners.  Who's in?  If you want, check out my workout board on Pinterest.  I also have one for healthy eating. (Don't confuse it with the yum, cake, cookie and dessert boards.  Those are deadly.)  Do any of you have Pinterest boards related to healthy living?  I'd love to know about them!  Do you have songs you love to hear while working out?  I need some new ones and am not up on all of the new stuff.  Leave a comment with your favorites!

Next week, little man and I are traveling to visit my little brother in his new town-- Houston.  Any readers from that area?  I'm very excited for the trip.  Since he graduated, he scored an engineering job there (making more than me straight out of gate!) and just made the move from AR last week.  He asked me to come down to help him pick out furniture.  Decorating with someone else's money-- how could I pass that up?  My mom and step-dad are going to drive down for the visit, as well.  I miss my family so much and cannot wait for this trip!

A couple of days ago, I finally made the effort to start listing some things on Ebay.  This task has been on my list for a year now!  I don't have everything up, but it's a good start.  I have a few West Elm pillows to list still, my huge rubber stamp collection and more shoes.  You'll notice the theme is never worn/used or used once or twice.  Sad, but I'm finally letting go!  I'm even parting ways with three pair of cowboy boots in awesome shape.  If you're a reader and you bid on something, let me know!  I'd love to hear from you.  As I post more items, I'll drop a note here to give you a heads up first.

Now that the sun is up, I'm going to sign off.  I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Snark Much?

Let's see... the past few weeks have been a bit more packed than I had expected.  I had a joint yard sale with friends... one with few visitors and lackluster results.  My BFF's husband was telling visitors that we were his sister wives near the end of the long morning, and I think a few people thought we were weirdos.  On the upside, one of the benefits of having a joint yard sale is that you can usually pawn a bunch of your crap off on your friends.  Holla. 

Post-sale... three mimosas deep.

We had visitors stay the night.  And they weren't family.  I love when this happens!  I don't love when the hubby tells me we're having overnight guests the morning of the visit as I'm walking out the door to go to work, after I've just had said yard sale and the house looks like one you might see on an episode of Hoarders.  No bueno.  Oh, and it was our anniversary.  Wah-wah.  (Insert sound effect here.)  After a little "discussion", I stopped crying like a baby and spruced the house up a bit.  And by sprucing, I mean quickly shoved stuff in closets and drawers and then made them sit in the dark once we got home from dinner.  Friends, this is a far, far cry from where I was pre-babe.  Holy smokes.  You could have licked off my floor back then.  At this point, I just try not to have dirty undies on the laundry room floor.  I'm almost proud of myself.  Almost. 

Finley had another weight check.  I have grown to dread the infamous weight check as much as he does.  He screams the second he sees Nurse Audrey at the doctor's office because he just knows she's going to shoot him up.  Poor girl.  He even had a meltdown when he saw her at the grocery store.  He knows that stripping down and sitting on the scale means shots.  So, the weight check, even though no needles are in the gameplan, is an absolutely terrifying ordeal.  But, I am ecstatic to report that after 3 months of no weight gain, he gained a pound in a month.  Hallelujah!  I could have kissed her when she told me.  So, no more weight checks until his two year well check next month... when he'll also get shots.

Last week, I was a traveling fiend.  Eight states in four days.  I started to wonder what day it was and when I was supposed to eat.  Is it 9 already?  No, it's only 7.  Steak again?  Why not?  The meat sweats never hurt anyone.  It was actually a very informative work trip, just a little too whirlwind for me.  I was slated to hit Mexico next month and then Canada in October, and honestly, I'm a bit thankful that we've put those trips off until next year.  I'm no longer cut out for the nonstop airport hop.  I was really bummed during this trip because I was thisclose to friends and family-- I'm talking in the same freaking city-- and I didn't get to see them.  Lame.  If you follow me on Instagram, you'll notice I amused myself by taking pics of my feet in airports.  Too bad I was already halfway through the trip when I came up with the idea.  I'm sure I lost a few followers last week.

Oh... have I mentioned I went back to the rodeo?  Yes, I think so.  Well, let's just say I'm having major commitment issues.  The countdown has begun.  Only four more shifts until it's over.  Did I mention that summer will be over by then, too?  Ugh.  I've resorted to taking pictures of my feet for entertainment.  (Notice a theme?) 

Day 1-- not yet jaded

Might as well label this "the month of July", aka the month of rain

Rain?  What rain?

I keep reminding myself, "The sun will come out... tomorrow."

It Is What It Is

It is what it is.  This sentence is on repeat with me lately.  When I start to worry about something that I have no control over or about something that is in the past, I remind myself that "it is what it is".  (What's done is done is another phrase I've latched onto.) So, I haven't posted in almost two months even though I said I'd be back soon... it is what it is.  See how that works? I've been debating and debating what to write about and then finally decided that just writing something was a good first step.

When I left you, I was in the throws of family visits.  May was a good month.  June was not.  Spending time with our extended family is awesome.  It's the time afterward that is so hard.  Honestly, I've been in a funk ever since Dad left.  I want more family time!  Thankfully, Fin and I will get a little dose of family time again in September.  My little brother graduated from college back in May and has landed himself a sweet job in Houston.  He makes the move from AR to TX in just under a month and plans to leave his college, ahem, furniture behind.  When he asked me to come for a shopping visit, I couldn't say no.  Spend someone else's money?  I'm in!  I've already been scouting out some items... no doubt driving him crazy with my emails chock full of links.

This week, I'm consumed with yard sale madness.  My friend and I are doing a joint yard sale on Saturday, and I just want to purge, purge, purge.  I've already begun taking over her garage.  During my scouting adventures through my house, I started compiling a list of things I plan to list on eBay.  I'll be sure to clue you all in as soon as I start listing.  Here's a quick list of what I have so far: new/in the package crib bedding, two new/in the package Serena & Lily baby slings, worn once Lucchese boots, worn twice Frye boots, vintage green cowboy boots (seriously fun), new/in the package stamp sets, Michael Kors clogs, Chacos, Pottery Barn birch bark vase sleeves (still in the box!), Polaroid cameras and more.  I desperately need to clean my office, so who knows what else I may find to list.  I also plan to consign our huge sleeper chair from Room and Board (that has been in my office, thus used only a handful of times).  As much as I love it, we just don't have the space for it anymore, so it's time to let go... of it and the fact that I spent a crazy amount for it considering how much it was actually used.  Wah, wah.  It is what it is. Hallelujah for consignment.

It's way past my bedtime, and I don't want to bore you to tears, so I'll sign off for now.  I'll leave you with a couple of my favorite pics from our family session back in May.  Until next time...

My love bug

My awesome spaz-tastic family sans J and my sister

A Case of Disappearing Comments

A quick heads up in case you noticed your comments have disappeared-- I removed Disqus as my comment moderator.  I found that I was getting some comments via Blogger that wouldn't show up and some comments via Disqus, and some people weren't commenting at all because they thought they had to create an account first.  After a little thought, I decided to switch back to Blogger's comment form.  I appreciate all of your comments and hope this will make everything a bit easier.

Thank you so much for all of your comments on my post about being a mother and being me.  Your heartfelt responses were so encouraging and supportive.  I am so very appreciative of those comments and cannot express how much they have warmed my heart.

My Achy Breaky Heart

It happens every time I visit with family.  I spend a good day or two being an absolute wreck.  There's nothing worse than having to say goodbye.  Fin and I had such a great time, and we weren't ready to leave.  The time flew by just a little too fast. 

It was such a happy occasion.  I am so proud of my little brother for getting his engineering degree-- with honors!  We had family photos, and little Fin just ran, and ran, and ran some more.  He didn't take a nap for four days.  Seriously.  He was afraid to waste a single moment! 

When it was time to leave, I found that my heart was so full, yet aching at the same time. I couldn't wait to get home to see J, but all I could think about was how Fin is missing out on time with my parents, my siblings, my niece, missing all of the special moments with family.  How great would it be to see everyone every week?  Leaving was heartbreaking. 

As sad as I am, I'm happy to be home for a little while.  My work trip to Canada has been postponed, and I'm thankful.  My suitcase (and emotions) are getting a little break.

Being a Mother and Being Me

{I'm going to lay some personal things out here, so please don't judge!}

I've written (and deleted) versions of this post many, many times during my blogging hiatus.  No matter how many times I write and rewrite, I just can't get the words out.  Honestly, I think I'm afraid of being misunderstood.  I've already written about how I was having a hard time carving out time for myself.  There's so much more to say, but the words have failed me.

I still have trouble carving out time for myself.  I find myself feeling guilty for wanting that time and guilty for not taking the time.  I know I could be a better mother, a better wife.  I want to be a better mother, a better wife.  I'm struggling with resentment towards my husband, and that makes my heart ache.  He does a lot.  I mean, a lot. He is an amazing father.  But, he gets to have basketball league.  He has skiing.  He has softball.  He has friends.  I know, I do, too... but all of us seem to be in the same boat, not taking the time.

A week before our vacation, J and I had a "discussion". (That sounds nicer than an argument, right?)  It started the same way most of our discussions had over the past two years. (Disclaimer-- we are not constantly fighting, even though that's how the last sentence may make it seem.)  He wanted to know why I was so mad. all. the. time.  The thing is, I'm not mad.  I'm just feeling like I've lost myself. It hurts, and I'm frustrated. It hurts that I can't seem to express what's going on with me no matter how hard I try.  Every time I've tried, we ended up having a discussion.  And that just sucks.  

I feel like I have to add the disclaimer to him that "I love my son more than life itself, but"... and that "but" confuses him.  Why do I need time away?  Don't mothers want to spend time with their children?  Yes, of course!  I just need an hour... can I have an hour, maybe four?

Just writing this makes me want to hug my little bug to pieces because I hate that it may seem like I don't want to be with him.  The thought just breaks my heart.  So, you see, I'm torn.  How do I balance being a mom with being me?  I need to find out how to create a new me with both pieces, and I'm finding that to be a lot harder than I ever imagined.

I hate that these feelings are making me sad. Over the past two weeks, I've been working overtime paying attention to how my mood may affect those around me, and I think it's helping us all be a little happier.  Now, to find that time...

Someone was obsessed with helping mommy weed on Mother's Day

Light as a Feather

An exciting thing happened today that made me feel as light as a feather.  It involved a little of this...

Funny how suddenly being light in the wallet can make you feel so free!

Followed by a little of this.

{Posting is going to be a bit light for a couple of weeks.  I'm back, but only for a couple of days.  We jet off again on Thursday for my little brother's college graduation... back again for a day, then off to Canada for work for four days.  THEN... I should really be back!}

I Hate My Kitchen

Have you ever seen the show I Hate My Kitchen?  Well, occasionally, I hate my kitchen.  It's poorly laid out with sloping counters and a pantry that is actually in the living room.  Lately, I've been daydreaming of ripping the whole thing out.  (Daydreaming is the key word here!)  Of course, I've been ogling a few on Pinterest.  Here are a few of my faves:

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Do you sense a theme?  Basically, give me white, mint and/or seafoam, and I'll be in love.  I'd love to hear what makes a great kitchen for you.  Share your Pinterest links!

Long Time, No Post

Hello, friends!  It's been over a month since I've graced this blog of mine.  I can't tell you how many times I opened up the new post screen and just stared.  To be honest, I just couldn't bring myself to share what's been going on in the "real world" and didn't feel like regurgitating my Pinterest boards.  So... I'll give you a quick fill-in.  There have been sicknesses... in our home, in our families' homes.  There was a long hospital stay.  There was a cancer scare.  There was a family death.  All of these things have just been too deep to discuss... so I avoided you.  And, I'm sorry.  I promise I won't be a stranger much longer.

A Week in Review

What a week this has been.  It has included four doctor's visits, two 45+ minute trips to the pharmacy, one chest x-ray at the hospital, one accident (that did not result in a doctor's visit, thank goodness!), an airport pick-up, a flat tire and a struggle to pack.  Let's just say-- I don't want a repeat this week! 

Little Fin came down with what every little boy and girl in town seem to have right now-- RSV.  Thankfully, he has been getting Synagis shots as a prevention/deterrent, so the result has not ended in a stay in the hospital.  Unfortunately, there was a pneumonia scare, which proved to be false, and now he has yet another ear infection.  Again-- I am extremely thankful that he is not worse! 

After my vehicle spent hours/days in the shop getting new brakes, new transmission lines, an oil change and much more, I started for home... only to find myself rear-ending someone mere moments after driving away.  That's right... it was my own fault, and I was/am so sick about it.  You're going to die laughing when you hear who I rear-ended.  (Honestly, I cannot believe I'm even admitting this!)  Folks-- I rear-ended my own husband!  I don't know if should add "thankfully" or "unfortunately" to the end of that sentence.  Thankfully, because who likes having cops and insurance involved??  Unfortunately, because you all know that I will never live this down.  EVER.  He's already told numerous people, and it has caused hysterical laughter across town.  Oh well, I guess I deserve it! 

My mother-in-law arrived today.  After picking her up, we drove to pick up an extra vehicle for my husband to drive while she's in town.  Just as we started to drive away, we realized he had a flat tire.  One more adventure to top off our week! 

My MIL flew in to help J with Fin this week because I'm heading to Salt Lake City-- driving my no longer pristine vehicle, actually.  (Thankfully, the damage is only cosmetic-- as well as a little to my ego.)   I'm attending Altitude Design Summit this week and couldn't be more excited.  I finally get to meet a few people I've been in contact with in the blogosphere for eons, including Padgett Hoke.  I lucked out in the roomie department, as Michelle seems like an absolute doll.  You may have already been reading her blog.   I'm excited to see a few old friends again, too.  To end my little trip, I'll be going to a Utah Jazz game with Steph, her husband and some friends.  It'll be a fun way to cap off my adventure.  The only problem?  I leave Wednesday morning, and I have still not packed.  I'm struggling to figure out what to wear to the many events.  Dinner en blanc?  NO IDEA.  Sparkles and shininess on Friday night?  Please!  Where do I find some? 

I have high hopes for a much better week than my last and hope you all have a fabulous one ahead, as well!

No Excuses, Just Choices

The title of today's post is actually one of my favorite bumper sticker sayings.  I could start this post apologizing for being MIA for so long... but I know those posts are so tiresome.  So, I'm choosing to avoid the excuses.  I could go on and on explaining my absence, but the truth is that I've chosen to be away.  And, to be completely honest, I hand-wrote this post nearly a month ago.  But, I found myself logging off instead of logging on. 

Now that the holidays are over, it's time for me to come back.  I really, truly miss posting here and reading your blog posts, as well. So, I'm choosing to commit to one post a week.  That can't be too hard... right? 

I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday season.  It truly is a magical time, and I can't believe how quickly it has flown by. 

A Quick Rundown

Friends, it has been too long.  I haven't read a post in a month and haven't posted in weeks.  I've been doing my very best to be present.  I remind myself that the dishes can sit, and the laundry can wait.  It's been a wonderful few weeks.  Here's a bit of what's gone on...
-Fin decided walking was going to be his main mode of transportation on Oct. 8th and hasn't looked back since.
-We somewhat unsuccessfully added milk into Fin's diet.  His allergy is still hanging on, although not as bad as before.
-I visited with five fabulous females in J's family who were staying on the Front Range before bringing his mother back for a visit.
-We painted our kitchen and kitchen ceiling.  What a fun event!
-We replaced our kitchen ceiling fan after J taught Fin how to pull the cord and subsequently got it lodged around the spindle.  Oops!
-Our little family survived a nasal catastrophe, two stomach viruses, and a double ear infection, and a sore throat is looming.
-J persevered during a weeklong MIA me during our global sales meeting at work.
-Rachel sent me a lovely note detailing her "winnings" from the Stella & Dot giveaway.
-Our little boy was a courageous lion for Halloween.  He was the cutest thing ever, but I may be biased.
-I finished my first ever knitting projects after 3 class sessions-- a hat and fingerless mitts!  Next time, I will actually measure my husband's head before attempting the hat.  He could have had dreadlocks under there as big as it was!
-I'm doing something else for ME-- I started a six week training class that is already over this week and plan to re-up.  I cannot express how good it has been for me.
-I took a sewing class.  I must be on a roll.  Don't stop me now.
-In less than two weeks' time, this little family will be in Texas and Arkansas visiting my side of the family.  We're taking a day trip up to Joplin, as well, exactly six months after the tragic tornado.  I am nervous to see my hometown, but I am absolutely overjoyed at seeing my family.  It has been far too long.

What have you been doing for the past month?  Do you have any travel plans for the holidays?  It's one of my favorite times of the year.  There is just so much joy to be spread!