Confession

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I must say that Tuesday nights around my house are a complete contradiction.  I usually spend the day slightly worried about how the evening’s weigh in will go.  Lately I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the fact that I’ve had significant weight loss. 

Throughout my various times joining Weight Watchers, I’ve had a method that has seemed to work well for me.  Following my weigh in, I would allow myself to indulge in something I’ve been craving.  If it’s pizza for dinner, a Pepsi and a snickers, whatever it is, I allow myself a treat for that evening only, and then get right back on program Wednesday morning.

To continue the irony, the past few weeks I’ve been scarfing down my rule-breaking foods while also watching The Biggest Loser! 

This week, I knew my schedule wouldn’t allow for me to weigh in tonight, so I went yesterday morning.  It wasn’t pretty.  I think last week’s munching and being slightly out of control for part of the retreat and my return home added to that fact.  I decided to cash in my “no weigh in pass” so I didn’t have a gain on my card so early in the game. 

I need some encouragement this week folks…especially since we have hubs’ birthday coming up and a visit with family on the horizon!

Enlightenment ~ Best Shot Monday

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I remember thinking once that because I was in on the planning and the behind-the-scenes work of the women’s retreat, that it might not be as “real” an experience for me.  I’ve already interacted with the journal, put labels on the candy bars, and gone back and forth to design the t-shirt.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The power of honesty and really connecting with other women who are also seeking God’s will for their lives, was amazingly transformative.  Whether we shared in a large or small group setting, or spent quiet moments reading and reflecting, we all left changed in one way or another.

There were so many breathtaking moments that couldn’t be captured by the camera, so these few shots at sunrise on Saturday morning, will have to suffice.  I honestly can’t pick a favorite as my best shot, so let me know which one you prefer.

Sunrise

Sunrise 3

Sunrise 2

See what best shots are shining over at Tracey’s this week.

Needing to recharge

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Recharge

All the plans have been made, the time has been set aside this weekend to engage in earnest conversation with some grown-up girlfriends.  The 2nd annual epic women’s retreat is underway and will give me the boost I need to continue my journey.

It funny too, because I hadn’t noticed the weird icky-ness (regurgitated pretzel perhaps?) on this poor Weeble girl, until I saw this picture.  Gross as it may be, I think it’s quite a fitting metaphor for this weekend.  Sometimes, rejuvenation requires transparency.  True honesty and openness can often reveal less-than-desirable qualities in our emotional, physical, or spiritual appearance.  Once I release some of my emotional baggage this weekend, you bet I’ll be digging out poor Pigtails here and giving her a much-deserved bath!

Long-distance Love

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These birthday wishes are sent to the sunny Dominican Republic!  While the warm temps are certainly something we would enjoy sharing, I think I speak for my family when I say sharing snuggles and hugs with you and your beautiful family would be far better!

Gretchen, we hope you are enjoying your time off and enjoying every moment.  We anxiously await your next visit stateside.  Here’s to a wonderful birthday and a year of adventure ahead!

Emily Grace's first days 041

Meet Sam…

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Sam

He looks harmless, right?  According to a certain toddler living in our home, he’s a pretty scary dude.  Even after repeated “introductions” wherein we point out his eyes, nose, mouth, and hair and even give him kisses, Calder remains rather uncertain of this scarecrow.

At one point I simply said the word “scarecrow” which incited the same scared response.  Arms pulled back and high on his chest, backpeddling and raised eyebrows.  Now, we call him “Sam” which he seems to be less afraid of. 

So, I’m guessing that if this freaks him out, taking him trick-or-treating would likely be tragic.  This might be a good year to stay home and hand out candy instead.