SPRING!!!!

Its been so nice the last couple days. Its the first time since Fall that its been above 60 degrees out. I am LOVING it! I have been getting so much done. I realized why people call it "Spring Cleaning..." because its the first time that its nice enough to even do anything. Spring gives you a type of energy that motivates you to organize or clean. Maybe thats just me, though. Actually, "spring cleaning" just reminds me of how my dad would make us deep clean the house and how much I hated doing it. Can you believe I enjoy it now?!

So this morning I decided to put a short sleeve shirt on and none of them fit me (as in: they are too big for me!), so I went to the mall and got some cute T-Shirts and tops and I bought a size SMALL! I have been a (mostly) Large for a long time. And my pants? A SIZE 2!!!!! TWO!!!! Okay, so its a size 2 in Old Navy, so really its like a 4 mostly, but seriously, I could have cried I was so happy! I have been a size 6-8 for almost my whole "mommy" life at the Old Navy store. The funny thing about it, is that I still am not totally happy with my body. I think its just a really bad body image or something.

Then I came home and while Luke was taking a nap, I FINALLY (and I say finally because I have been meaning to clean out the garage since last Fall) organized my garage and cleaned it all out. It was fun looking through old journals, yearbooks, pictures and more stuff from Rhett's and my childhood. I donated a bunch of stuff to Kylee's school for their garage sale (funds go towards a garden to teach the kids about fresh veggies and plants). I seriously love her school.

When Rhett got home, we all went on a run, with Luke in the jogging stroller of course (I love doing stuff as a family). When we got home from the run, we sat on our back porch in our new patio furniture (thanks to my mom) and blew bubbles for Luke and Bowby.

Today was a great day. I am so excited for SPRING to be here!

The Many Faces of Luke

While my mom was visiting last week, the weather was nice enough to go outside and blow some bubbled. It was hilarious watching Bowby and Luke try and pop bubbles. Kylee came right at the end, but it was still hilarious. See for your self.

For My Family: Updates In March

My kids are really enjoying Justin Bieber. The other day Kylee was telling me "Serenity at school says Justin is a boy, but its really a girl." I corrected her and told her that its actually a young boy singing. She then replied "then why does he sound like a girl?" I just laughed.

Luke is 100% obsessed with the Bubble Guppies! He knows all the songs and dance moves and all the answers to all the questions. It is a cute show, so I don't mind. The kids are enjoying Charlie & Lola so much, I am surprised they don't have an English accent by now! They act out the skits when they play together. Its really cute and so much fun to watch.

Kylee is LOVING all day school. She is really progressing quickly. Her reading is so good and she's always surprising us. Although at times she gets lazy and tried to tell the story by looking at the pictures.

Kylee is turn 6 in just a couple weeks. I look at her beautiful face and all I see is my baby girl. It breaks my heart to see her getting big, but I am so proud of the young girl she is becoming. She's so head strong and independent. She definitely doesn't let anyone push her around.

Luke is now registered for preschool next Fall! I cant wait!!! He knows all his colors, and can count to 10, but that's about it. Before he starts school I have to potty-train him. I an a little worried since last time it didn't go so well. I feel like he's totally ready, but I don't know how to start.

Rhett and I will be celebrating 8 years together this month! I can't believe it!!! That's close to 10 years, and I for sure don't feel like I am that much older than the day I got married. I love him more today than the day we got married. I am truly blessed!

One Month!

Okay you guys, I just weighed myself and I'm 126!!!! I look at these pictures and this is not what I look like anymore. I love it! I'm confident and happy, truly happy. I still feel super healthy and great. Although I have to confess last night I had one (okay, maybe two) gluten free chocolate chip cookies. But up until then I had been sugar and wheat free for a whole month! I just cat believe how much time has gone by. And I really don't crave pizza, hamburger or fries anymore (those were my favorite things to eat).

So last week I was at WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International). This was my second year going and it was truly amazing. In fact, amazing doesn't even begin to describe how freaking awesome it was! Not only did I learn so much, but I made some amazing friend, met some amazing photographers and got a little self confidence. I learned so much about my work and art, but more importantly I learned so much about myself. I left here last Thursday with a low self-esteem, bad body image and an unhappy way of viewing life and my family. I came home an entirely different person. I couldnt be happier. And I really owe it to a few people who I want to thank personally. First a big THANK YOU to Melissa Salinas, Lindsey Rudnick, Dustin Bess and Candice Cunningham.

Okay, so enough with that. I have something pretty cute to tell you. Last night when we were sitting at the dinner table eating, Rhett asked Luke what he wanted to be when he got bigger (or older) and he said:

"I want to run and take a shower like Daddy."

I thought that was pretty darn cute! He's talking so well now and it really amazes me to hear him speak so well and clearly. Its sad to see my babies grow up but I cant wait to see the amazing people they turn into... that's if I don't screw them up royaly. LOL

The 2nd Week

My second week on my new eating journey has been so much easier than the first week. I am really starting to notice changes. The biggest change for me is waking up. I'm not dragging my feet like I used to when I would try and get up in the morning. I figure its because I wasn't sleeping very well at night. I used to toss and turn and couldnt get comfy. I am actually sleeping so well at night. I dont even know if I toss or turn. I havent slept this well since I took NyQuil months ago for a cold.

The next big thing I have noticed is my energy. I never have to nap, but if I want I can. I have enough energy all day long and I dont get sleepy or tired through the day like I used to. I would rely on caffeine to give me energy and it never would. I would have to nap to get some kind of rest and even then I would still wake up drowsy. This is a problem no more. I love it. I feel great!

My cravings are really gone. I would pass a McDonalds and want some fries or a drink, but I can pass it and really not even notice its existence. I have to say the only thing I really miss is my Starbucks drinks... and maybe sandwiches. Okay, and maybe I miss homemade chocolate chip cookies. But really that's it. I enjoy eating simply and I know exactly where my food comes from.

I haven't lost any more weight, but I feel thinner and lighter. Its a strange feeling.

"It's a MIRACLE!"

If you've seen Temple Grandin you know the quote. It makes me laugh every time.

Anyhow, I just got a call late last night from Kylee's school. She will now be going to school every single day, full day!!!!! She was only going to school mostly twice a week full day and maybe twice on Mondays through the month. This has not only been an issue with me, but with all the other parents as well. Students arent learning and retaining what they have learned the week before because its been 4 or 5 days since they last went to school. Its been such a mess. My whole frustration with this system was that Kylee is so smart and ready for full day school, but wasnt getting enough time learning at home. We do homework and make her read and write her letters, but I am not a teacher, nor did i go to school to be a teacher.

I truly believe and love the public school system, but the government here doesnt think schools need money, so they make the budget super small and we are forced to make cuts like this. Thank goodness for all the moms raising a fuss about this. Now they are starting full day school!!!! Hurray!!!!