Weightloss Update...

50 lbs lost and 25 inches!!! I look at the pictures and I can't believe how much better I feel about myself. I feel a little taller, more confident, and I carry myself so differently. I am so glad that I finally decided to break this barrier.

For so long I didn't worry about it. I made excuses, I told myself that fat girls were so much happier than skinny girls. I then realized that I wanted to be healthy. I wanted to run after my kids and play with them. I don't get winded anymore. I can chase them around and it is such a great feeling. I don't carry that distended feeling in my stomach anymore. I don't have swelling in my ankles. I can move and dance, and play football.....and most of all I am happy with myself.

I am a work in progress...I have 30 more pounds to lose and a few more goals that I am setting for myself. This package may not be perfect, but it's pretty darn good. :)

Kindergarten

Finally!! Carly started kindergarten today. She was hoping to start last year but she missed the cut off by 8 days (lame). She was so ready to go. She is getting to be such a big girl. :)

Mommy and my princess.

The kids' school is really cool. They have giant pencils as columns.

Beautiful girl. :)

She was really so excited for school.

Here she is at her desk. It will be weird not having her at home. She is my little mess maker though, so it will be really nice to have a clean house for a few hours. Carly, we LOVE you!!

Joy in the Journey

It's little moments like these that I treasure the most. This morning we heard the rain pounding outside, and when we looked we saw a huge puddle. I had an idea!! When I told the kids we were going outside to play and jump in the rain, they look at me like I had lobsters crawling out of my ears. They couldn't believe that I would be suggesting that they go and get wet and dirty...even more so that I would be joining them.

Three Musketeers

I love kissies!!

Love this face.

Wet faces!!

Pure Joy!

So fun.

We got soaked!

What a great morning.

It is nice when these moments come along. I love these kids so much, they are MY everything!! To take a step back from the world and see what is truly important. I love watching the laughter and joy in my childrens' faces today! Sometimes, we are present but not there. Be there.... :)

Home

This is a song I did for Ashley...one of her favorites from Beauty and the Beast. Thought I would share. :)

I have a 10 year old!!

Wow!! I really can't believe I have a child in double digits! Ashley is growing up to be such a beautiful girl. We love her so much...she brings so much to our family! She had a great birthday today, we just had a small party with just our own little family.

She was so surprised when I dropped balloons and cupcakes off at school!! She was grinning from ear to ear :)

I love this sweet girl!!

Ashley with her cake

Cheese.

Make a wish...

CAKE!!!

Who doesn't love cake??

One of my most favorite times is listening to the kids talk at the dinner table...the conversation is always pretty interesting!

She has such a beautiful smile!!

From the Robinson Family

From Grandpa and Grandma Thompson

Little mischievous one!

Earrings from Grandma Spoon

Bumblebee pet shop

Swan pet shop

Cute shirt and scarf from Grandma Spoon

Sketchers from Grandma Spoon

Book and Socks!!

And her favorite!!! She borrowed Mommy's camera at the last football game and while Mommy was playing Ashley was taking video and pictures (they are actually quite cute...posted one on FB if you are my friend) She loved it. So, I decided to get her one. It was inexpensive and perfect for a 10 year old. Look at that smiley face...she was sooo surprised. She had asked for one but didn't think she would get it. Happy Birthday Ashley!!! We LOVE you :)

Gearing up for SUMMER!!

We are SO excited for summer this year. Last year was so fun, having access to the pool, going on picnics....it was awesome! Memorial Day weekend was full of lots of fun for the kids.

We found this tree in Draper Park, it was knobby and very good for climbing. Ethan got up pretty high. It was much easier getting up than getting down. Don't you think it is cute that Ashley poses for every picture. Sweet girl. :)

Here's a picture of my baby boy...he was waving and talking to the horses that were in a pasture just beyond the tree. He thought they were pretty cool.

I love this sweet little smile. Ethan and I took Greyson exploring while the girls played on the playground.

Mommy and Ashley.

My view at the pool...when I wasn't in it!!

Carly and Mommy....this picture is in black and white because Mommy really needs to get some sun!!

They love the water!!

So much fun.

Ashley wanted to take her picture upside down!

Loves having the noodle to swim with.

Sweet Carly.

Greyson had fun watching the kids. He didn't get in the pool today but he did dip his toes in the water. He is such a good kid...just was relaxing and full of smiles!!

Again...Mommy needs some sun!! So, we will be going to the pool a lot this summer!! I enjoy this time so much with my kids and I can't wait for school to get out so we can go more often. I love these kids so much!! YAY for summer!!!