Oops, I Did It Again

I gained .2 pounds this week from last week's weigh in, oops!  I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that I felt kinda lazy this week, or the fact that I made quite a few treats, or the fact that I ate out more than I should have, and especially not because of the 5 halves of mini desserts that Linda and I devoured at Olive Garden.  I'm trying not to be too hard on myself though, I feel like I still have made great progress overall. 

I have been really pondering on my past lately, thinking about how my self esteem used to be.  I now realize that I made fun of myself about my weight, or hair, or clothes, so that no one else would have to.  It's pretty sad when I think about it. 

Having children has changed my life in so many ways, one way is how I speak about myself in front of Alison and Matthew.  I want them to grow up with a great self-esteem, so I have become forced to be a good example of that.  I find it kind of ironic that every year, I am "celebrated" on mother's day, but really, I should be the one to celebrate my children, because they are the reason I am a mother, and a better one each day because of what they teach me. 

A Picture Perfect Moment

We went for a Sunday afternoon stroll up in the Ramsey Canyon Preserve and was able to catch the kids having a cute moment. I am so blessed to have two wonderful kids. They have their moments, but they both have wonderful little spirits!

We had Alison's birthday party on Tuesday, a day before her actual birthday, and it went really well. We had streamers, a pinata and a lot of fun! Grandma S. and Grandma and Grandpa A. were able to come, which made the day even that much more special. I can't believe Alison is four, she is growing up before my very eyes. Some days I feel like she falls behind the curve acting like Matthew, and then there are days when I am so amazed at how smart she is, and how she has the memory of an elephant! She even corrected Dave's grammer tonight, pretty funny! She is excited to start preschool this fall, she wants to go now, but I have to remind her that she has to wait. It will be good for her to be in a school setting even though it will be at someone's home. There are days when she is the best big sister a boy could ask for, and then there are days when she acts like a 4 year old sister and they yell at each other until I intervene. I love the screaming contests, they're my favorite:(

I love my little princess so much and can't wait to see what the next year of her life brings.

Why I Love My Mom

I just wanted to post the top 10 reasons why I love my mom:

10. She gave birth to me and didn't give me away during my teenage years.
9. She is ALWAYS thinking of others before herself.
8. She always finds the good in people even when it's difficult for everyone else.
7. She loves to serve others and celebrate others instead of celebrate herself.
6. She makes the best apple pie and buns/bread in the world.
5. She listens to me whine and complain and gives good advice when needed.
4. She loves her Savior and works hard to live her life like him.
3. She is the best example of how to love unconditionally.
2. She is the hardest worker I know.
1. She loves me for who I am and doesn't judge me when I go down the wrong the path, and who couldn't love someone like that!!

So, on another note, I had a fabulous day! Got to sleep in, work a bit to clean the house so I could have GREAT friends over to eat yummy green chili burros, seven layer dip, and scrumptious coconut cream pie. I am so grateful to be a mom even if I am not the best one. I love my kids so much and wouldn't change being a mom for ANYTHING!

When it's springtime in the desert

I am always amazed at how bad allergies can be in the desert. I love a gentle breeze that comes by and cools off the house, but the crazy wind we get here in Sierra Vista is quite rediculous! However, I love the spring, it has become my new favorite season. I love watching the leaves sprout on the tree and bring back the green I long for, even watching the ever so evil mesquite trees turn green is a good thing. I think I am looking at this year a little differently, with a little more love, a little more gratitude in my heart. Even though I still loathe living out of our little town, I am glad we have a house to live in. Here's to shedding a few more pounds and this house ;) Too bad I can't have my flowers too, the silly little wretched mice eat them all :(