Something new for fall

I'm hopping back on the healthier me train and decided to join the ladies over at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. Each week, we weigh in and will be collecting food items for local pantries. Check it out if you are interested!

I got word that my cholesterol was back up (&@$K) and entering into my "mid 30's next year...I think this is the time. I can't put it off any longer. No more excuses. Well, I'm sure there will be some, but no lame excuses. I want to be able to actually run a full 5K. I know that's not a big thing for some, but it's pretty huge for me. I don't run. Well. At all. For the most part.

I may have bumps along the way and am not sure I can give up ALL soda, but I'm going to do my best. Wish me luck!

Another Year In

Today, Jason and I have been married for 11 years. The last couple years haven't been easy, especially this last one...but we've managed to work together to overcome the obstacles life has brought us. Communication has been key for us and has been something we've always felt was necessary, along with lots of belly shaking laughter. Marriage isn't always easy, some days it is a great deal of work. There are times when I've thought, I love you but I don't like you today. And that's okay. I'm not likeable at moments either. And later on, we laugh about those moments.

This man loves me. Loves me when I'm being stubborn and obstinate. Loves me when I need it the most, on the dark days. Loves me the way that I am; ugly feet, fat rolls, and all. He sees my crazy hair in the morning after awaking and tells me I'm beautiful.

He's not exactly perfect, well neither of us are. But he's mine. And the trials of life that we've traversed together have brought us closer together and made us that much stronger.

My dear Jason....I love you.

Nature

Some photos I took this weekend camping...I found all the rich greens very peaceful.

Miss Yellow Belt

Here are some photo's from graduation of the summer camp class for karate. Ariana went to her first "official" class and was given her yellow belt at the end of class. (no pics of that) She's lovin' it. And so are we.

This $7 contraption has saved our mornings. Literally. We have the kids set up with clothes for Mon-Fri, down to underwear & socks. Ariana picks out her own clothes each Sunday for the week and it has allowed the mornings to be much less painful. We had been picking out clothes the night before, but the process to that was excrutiatingly slow and then in the morning she'd change her mind. This system, however, has changed all that. She grabs her clothes out with no issues...getting dressed the first (or the second or third) time we ask still causes a slight bump....but that's to be expected.

Face Block

Ariana had the opportunity to try karate this summer while at camp. She loves it. Just hates the uniform. We're working on that, it's a source of frustration on everyone's part here lately. But....here are some photos from a class back on July 24th.

Master Likes remarks quite often that she is one of the strongest girls in class and she gets picked quite a bit to demonstrate her push-ups.





Look at that kick!



Completing basic form

Earning her second yellow stripe

I Must Confess

I have a serious addiction to books. I visited two bookstores this week and came home with 7 books. Although, they were all bargain-priced books so that saved me. The sense of peace and wonderment that comes over me when I walk into the bookstore....ah, I just cannot fully express. To smell an unopened book, it's pure heaven for me.

My bookshelf next to the bed is overflowing and I've got lots to read in the coming weeks. Life is good.