Work it, girl.

That's what I've been doing for almost four months now. Thanks to my fabulous trainer Alison at Catalyst Fitness, I've lost about 15 pounds, lots of inches all over, and have finally decided that I can moderately tolerate enjoy working out on a regular basis.

I love Catalyst because its a six month program, and I felt like I could do anything for just six months. I am surprised how the time has flown! I do two weight workouts with Alison each week, and attempt to do three cardio workouts on my own (since honesty is the best policy, let's go ahead and admit that some weeks I do better than others on the cardio). I also have an easy to follow meal plan that doesn't tell me exactly what I have to eat (because no one's the boss of me!).

If you want a great workout and real results, check Catalyst out! You can find them on Facebook or click the link above. I am already excited about achieving my first goals and setting some new ones for my second tour. Can you believe I am actually considering continuing working out? That crap about workout endorphins and blah, blah, blah must actually be true. Humph.

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend...

...but mani-pedis are pretty swell, too. Planning on getting one tonight.

Here are some of my other favorite ways to relax:

Shopping. A stroll through Target and TJMaxx can cure many kinds of yuckiness. (You don't have to buy anything, but it is recommended for full relaxation).

Reading. As recommended by my awesome book club, of course.

Friends. Curling up in my bed with Santo and turning on my favorite TV show is free (you know, now that the 10 season box set is purchased), and not much beats it.

What is your favorite way to relax?

they're like moms, only grander.

GiGi. Grannie. Gram. Grandma. Nona. Grandmother. Nana.

Whatever you call these women, they are awesome. My Nana passed away when I was four, so I didn't get too many memories with her, but my Grannie was a huge part of my life. We had too many fun times together to count. Getting ice cream, going to McDonald's for old ladies club, getting pulled over for speeding, and shopping until we dropped, to name a few. My Grannie taught my about living life to the fullest and being a generous person in all ways.

Delaney is blessed to have two awesome grandmothers. They both adore her in every way. And have I mentioned that these women never.get.TIRED. How do they do that? Delaney wears me out after a Saturday together, yet either of them manage to keep her all week, keep house, do errands, work in the garden (I'll let you guess which one that is), all without breaking a sweat. AMAZING!

Some day in many, many, MANY years (since Delaney won't be dating until at least 30), I hope to be as great of a grandma as these two are. Love you, Grannie & Grandma!

Out of the mouths of babes.

A few months ago I signed up to start teaching Sunday School. There is a (somewhat) new program at our church called the ROCK, and they had been recruiting teachers during service announcements. The still, small voice in my head kept telling me to do it, but since teaching is not one of my strong suits, although I aspire to do it, so I ignored the voice. (Note to self and others reading: that never works. God really knows how to pierce through all the noise and get you.)

Anyway, I began with first graders, which I loved. Then some of the classes combined and moved, and I now have the joy of being with the third and fourth graders. They are so much fun and amazingly insightful and smart. I have enjoyed getting to know the kids and getting to meet some more parents that I didn't know around the church as well.

This week, our lesson was on pride. I don't consider myself a very prideful person, although we all have our moments. But the lesson pointed out a new spin on pride that I'd never considered before. When we put ourselves down and think poorly of our life/talents/blessings, its like saying that God didn't do a good job putting us together. This has really resonated with me this week.

Undoubtedly, I am learning more from studying my lessons and teaching the kids than they are learning from me, but I hope they are taking something valuable home as well. Each of the kids had to list 3 talents they could thank God for, and they all came up with three quickly. I know a lot of talented adults who would have trouble naming three great things about themselves (myself included on some days). The faith of a child is a beautiful thing, and we might learn a lot more as adults if we looked at life in the same way. At least I have.

Monday, Monday.

Mondays are usually a little crazy around our house. So let's relive the weekend instead, shall we?

We had a lot of fun this weekend! Friday night I am proud to say I was in bed by 9pm. Other than the fact that my early bedtime was due to a migraine, all that sleep was glorious. Simply glorious.

Saturday morning one of my friends came over and brought her adorable little boy. We had not gotten to get together since this handsome little guy was born! He is such a cutie and Delaney had fun checking him out and touching gently (feet only to keep those "toddler" germs at bay!)(Can't believe my kid is considered a "toddler" now!)

Saturday afternoon Delaney & I ran some errands, played, and napped until Daddy got home from work. That evening, we went over to visit Grannie & Pop and have a delicious meal at their house. Mom is feeling a lot better and was able to get out some this weekend. Yay!Sunday after church, our friends the VanSickles came over to visit and bring Gavin to play for a little while. He and Delaney were hilarious together and kept us laughing with their crazy antics. These two are so much fun!

We ended the weekend with some time at Grandma and Grandpa's house with another great meal and card playing. Delaney was such a good girl and allowed us to play cards for quite a little while as she played with all of her toys.

All in all, it was a great weekend with lots of family time, friend time, and a little relaxation time Sunday evening. I love weekends!

When in doubt, pray.

One of my favorite Bible verses is:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Phil. 4:13

I am praying for this strength, and some superhuman strength for myself too, to get through this busy, busy week. I know He will get me through, so I can slow down a bit, and get back to the normal humdrum (yeah, right) business of working, mommy-ing, wife-ing, and of course, blogging.

Weekend? Don't mind if I do.

It's Friday, and I am SO excited about all this weekend has in store!

First, we are headed to celebrate this little man's BIG first birthday!

Then, we're headed to our friends' home for dinner. Haven't seen them in a while, and can't wait to catch up!

After church on Sunday, my mom and I have a Sunday Funday planned. Maybe manicures, a movie, and some shopping? Whatever we do, we always have a blast together.

Hope your weekend plans include some fun too!