My son is a nut, but I love him.

So this morning, I was running late because we all woke up late. I kept telling Ryan to: put on his shoes, put on his jacket, turn out his light in bedroom, etc....He kept coming up with excuses as to why he had to do something else first before doing what I asked him to do. I finally had to say, "RYAN! NOW!!" He did it, but then got mad and went into his room and closed the door. I went about my business and got Ava in her clothes, changed her diaper, etc. I went to get Ryan, and there was a note outside of his closed door.:







PRICELESS.

I love that boy, even if he IS mad at me :)

A new High Pointe....maybe?!

So tonight I'm doing something different. Thanks to Wendy, I'm going to meet with Jacob Finn, personal trainer extraordinaire (so I've heard!) for a consultation at High Pointe.  High Pointe is primarily a full-service physical therapy clinic. But apparently they have wellness service too, such as personal training, and that's something that I have always wanted to do, but could never afford. Well, I still can't. But apparently there are different programs and/or options that I can choose from.  I am so excited!

I'll admit, I'm a little embarrassed to even go in the first place. I know, I know. Personal training is about getting me into shape. I realize that they are not expecting me to show up all hard-bodied and such. I just hate this weight that I have on me, and I feel like a different person than what I see in the mirror. I hate clothes, and I want to love them.

I'm hoping that this turns out to be something great!

**Special shout out to David Griffin, who I love. His Cowboy's Bootcamp helped me in more ways that I can even write here. I definitely plan on going back when I can afford it/when the time of the class is to where I can make it.**

So Long, Fiber One Strawberry Poptarts...

Ok, this is one more food I need to cut out, because I can't help myself. I craved strawberry pop tarts when I was pregnant with Ava, and I allowed myself to have them. But.....I'm not pregnant anymore! I did switch from Poptarts brand to Fiber One, justifying to myself that it was ok, that these were somehow healthier. And maybe they are in some way, with the extra fiber and all, but when I eat both pop tarts in the package, it is 7 WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS. SEVEN! Yeah, the nutritional facts on the box say serving size is 1 pastry, and that is only 3 points. So do they really think that by packaging two of them together, I'm only going to eat one? Gah.

I need to just swear these off. My husband eats them for breakfast sometimes, so they will still be in the house. So how do I get away from them? Picture my son saying what he said a few months ago, about my weight? Picture myself with diabetes like my dad? That should do it. I'm disgusted with myself. I used to have so much willpower before I got pregnant! In fact, I was more than halfway to my goal. Now I'm starting all over. Not much fun, I tell ya. Having Ava was DEFINITELY worth it, but it doesn't make it easy.

Do you have any foods that you swear off, because you know you'll go overboard? Or have you learned how to manage it?

(Ummm, on second thought....I think I need to add Weight Watchers Ice Cream Candy Bars to my banned list too.....)

"Women"

My dear friend Christen posted this, and I just had to share. I think it's fantastic.

                                                                                    

God doesn't give you the people you want, He gives you the people you NEED. To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be.



One Flaw In Women



Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.



They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.



They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.



They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.



They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.



They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.



Women come in all shapes, sizes and colours.



They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.



The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.



They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.



Women have vital things to say and everything to give.



HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,


IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Nature Walk!

I had a great time this weekend with my family.  On Saturday I took Ryan and Ava on a "nature walk" around the neighborhood.  I say nature walk because I let Ryan take his "collection box" and pick up rocks, sticks, plastic bits, old glasses, earrings, whatever he could find.  He thought this was the most awesome thing ever.  He kept holding things up for me to see and he would say, "Mommy! Look! This one is interesting."

I love that kid.

I have been meaning to take the kids on a walk for quite some time, but we finally ventured out.  Ava was happy as a lark in her stroller, just chewing away on Sophie. See?




After about half an hour, Ryan had to run into the house and grab a plastic bag to gather more stuff. He had already filled his box up! Ava was starting to get tired and hungry, so we headed back to the house. After situating Ava, Ryan went on the back deck and sorted all of his "interesting stuff". He has quite a collection!


And no, he didn't find that little green hamster.  That is the newest addition to our family, Chickadoodle. He's a Ninja Kung Zhu pet. Oh yes. He even has ninja armor and swords too. I guess he was taking a breather in this picture.  All in all, our walk was a great success, and I can't wait to take the kids out again.  I just hope there's more stuff built up along the way for Ryan to pick up, because I seriously think he got it all on our first round.

This is what life's about. Enjoying the wonderful weather, spending good, quality time with your kids, and being thankful for all God has blessed you with. I certainly did:)