Growing

Our family will be increasing in size this summer, and no I am not pregnant. Lindsay became officially engaged to Kelby Roth last Saturday. They are planning to be married on June 18th. Kelby is patient, kind, a hard worker and likes to save money. I think they will be great together.

easing the pain

My plan was to start my new exercise and diet regimen next week along with the new year. Being in physical pain from sore muscles and mental anguish from seriously scaling down on sugar, refined flour and most things from McDonalds just sounded like too much at once. So I started the exercise program this week. Now after I limp down the stairs, I can still grab a handful of peanut M&M's.

It's a good day

I am happy today on the 24th of December. In years past I have been cranky, stressed and on the verge of crazy. So I thought it would be nice to remember why this year is different.

1. I took Boo on a walk and felt snowflakes melting on my face.

2. I spent hours wrapping presents yesterday.

3. I was at the mall at 9:00 a.m. to get the last thing I needed. No lines or crazy drivers in the parking lot.

4. Stopped at McDonalds to get the kids breakfast and left my favorite employee a Christmas tip. (Don't ask why I have a favorite McDonalds employee).

5.Cass and I listened to Pandora Christmas station, while cleaning until we couldn't stand it anymore and switched to "Glee" station.

6. Baked a cheesecake.

I have a great children's book called "The Gift of Nothing". The last pages of the book reads "So Mooch and Earl just stayed still and enjoyed nothing and everything. It kind of sums up how I feel today. Merry Christmas all!

Balmy

The past few days it has been too cold to take Boo on a walk in the morning. Four degrees is too cold. This afternoon the sun was out so I loaded on boots, fleece pants, a smart wool shirt, puffy coat, beanie and gloves and took Boo into the foothills. It was beautiful, and at 21 degrees felt balmy. I actually had to shed the puffy.

Decisions

During the week of Thanksgiving we were in Puerto Vallarta, these were the kind of decisions I had to make.

1. Should I shower today?

2. Is it time for another ice cream cone?

3. SPF 15 or 30? Sun or shade?

4. Ocean or pool?

5. Magazines or book?

Finisher!

I would say I am a good starter. I have great intentions of finishing things but it doesn't always happen. Early in married life I realized that Derek and I see things differently in this regard. He would come home from work and see that the floor was mopped, but the bucket of water and mop were still in the corner. I thought that just having a clean floor was pretty amazing. He likes to use the term 90 % finished. I say "That is still an A-".

Last night I finished this knitting project that I started last week. It is a dishcloth in case you were wondering. It was fun and it does feel good to be 100% finished. Oh wait, I better go put my knitting needles and yarn away.

Making me smile today

My kids had no school today and my 14 year old still likes to help me put up the Halloween decorations. With so many smiling ghouls around, I am feeling a little more happy about the cold weather.