Not enough posts

Okay that was way too hard.  I went from not posting at all to every day and I became overwhelmed. I only had time at night and there was just too many other things that took precedent, especially since it is Christmas time.  I have now been inspired however, to post more often than I had been.  I really enjoy posting and finding different topics to talk about.

Anyways there is a new book I am totally looking forward to buying by Allison Sweeney, "The Mommy Diet".  I saw her on Ellen and I was inspired to buy her book. It sounds perfect for me!  I am watching the Biggest Loser right now, I PVR'ed it and I'm just catching up, although I already know that Patrick wins.  I am super inspired by this show.  It is amazing what people can do and how they change their lives so drastically.  I can't even get myself to the gym.  I've been contemplating buying a treadmill. I have difficulty leaving the house, especially with an 8-month old baby boy at home.  I feel mom guilt and pressure and I just do not like working out.  I feel like some days I have major motivation but then there are the days that just bring me down and I feel like there is no time in the day.  Hubby is gone at 7:30 in the morning and doesn't get back until some time between 6:30 and 7 pm.  The only time we have is the couple of hours in the evening before he goes to bed and I need some down time.  Some down time that involves me sitting and not running around all day. If I'm not trying to get stuff done around the house, or laundry done (and my house isn't very clean), I am out getting groceries or picking up dinner, or visiting friends.  There is a little impossiblity in my voice and I really need to make a change.

Sorry for the rant about everything that is going on in my head, but sometimes I just need to vent, and what better way to do it than on a blog. 

Treasure

How many times a day do you tell the important people in your life, that you love them?  How often do you really cherish all the blessings in your life? 

My suggestion to you is to do this EVERY DAY!!!!

You never know when the moment you have right now is the only one your are going to have or maybe even your last.  Life is precious and you need to treasure it all the time.  Count your blessings. 

A young family I know has now entered into my prayers and please, if you can, pray for them too.  This week their family was divided with the loss of its head of the household, leaving a mom and her two year old daughter alone.  It's tragic and awful and almost unbearable to think about.  I am brought to tears with the thought of what's to come for this widow and her fatherless child.  What do you even say to someone who has lost their spouse? Their significant other.  Their best friend.  There are no words.

Earlier this year, due to the economic situation, I had to endure a 6 month stint without my husband.  My short loss does not even compare to what this woman is forced to deal with but I can definitely empathize.

So please pray for this woman daily and remember her when you forget how good you have it.  Cherish your daily blessings and think about the things that God has given you.

Survivor

Who does not like a really good Survivor episode?  Who doesn't like watching all the games, the deceit, the lying, the immunity challenges, the reward challenges? 

I personally enjoy every episode of Survivor.  It is one of my favorite shows and I have been watching since Season 2.  I LOVE it!!  I try to never miss an episode.  It is my gateway drug.  I have even gotten my parents totally involved.  When Terry was away for six months, my parents were over A LOT, and we watched this past season, Heroes Vs. Villians.  It was SOOOOOOOOooooo good!

I think my favorite season was in Africa.  I get excited every Wednesday at 8 pm and now it's even better with a PVR and I get a few more things done before I sit down and try to relax.  Like that ever really happens.

Prompt

Link to three posts that you've loved this month written by other people, and tell us why.

I got this prompt from the National Blog Posting Month website.  I was looking for an idea of what to write about today.  Something different.  Something unusual.  So here it is.

1.  Coastal Sling Mommy

I chose this link first because when I read it I couldn't help but smile. Her daughter is so adorable and I LOVE ballet.  It reminded me of when I first put my daughter in ballet and how little ones have so much drive and vulnerability.  That needs to be appreciated more.  Children are so impressionable and unfortunately the grow up so fast.  It's a reminder to treasure the times when your little ones are little.  It doesn't last forever.

2.  The Runs

It's not often that a blogger will put 2 videos in a post.  This chicky inspires me to no end.  She's the runner that I only wish I could be. I find her inspirational and such a person to love.  It just so happens that I am sort of related.  We both married cousins.  I don't get to see her often so this helps to stay in touch.  She's witty and funny and honest.  She doesn't try to be anyone else and I love her for that.

3.  The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms

Now this post truly tells about all the controversy that is out there with regard to raising your baby.  It's hard enough to try and do your best, you do not need everyone (and I say that loosely) jumping down your throat about certain things you choose to do.  It is a frustrating and I really enjoyed reading the dispute of what she had to say.

Donate, Sell or Throw Away?

I am on a purging spree.  I have been for a while now but it is finally being put into action.  I just went through most of my daughter's toys and sifted through what she would like to donate to someone else that is a little less fortunate.  She did a pretty good job I might add, but now I am at a standstill.  I need suggestions as to what to do with everything.  I have toys, clothing, baby stuff, candle holders, books, etc.  I don't want to just throw it in the garbage.  I want to give it to someone in need.  But who.... where?

I don't want to be a hoarder. I don't want to be a pack-rat.  But that is what I feel like I am when I see all the stuff that has accumulated over the last 8 years, or maybe even longer.  I want space.  I want serenity.  I want to be a minimalist but I don't think I have it in me.  Where should everything go?  I'm not really a garage sale type of person and this is definitely not the time of year for that. 

I am decluttering!!!! 

I guess this is kind of plea.  If you have any suggestions or tips, I would love to hear them.  I would love to know if you can tell me exactly how to do this.

Thanks! 

Oops!

Okay this is a lot harder than I thought.  This morning will have to count as yesterday's post and tonight I'll do another one for today.  So let's just think of this as December 5th.

December 5th - Family

I don't know how most people feel about their family but I LOVE mine, extended and immediate. Don't get me wrong, there are things that can drive me crazy about them, but at the center there is only LOVE!

These pictures below are of some of my extended family as well as my sister and sister in-law.  It just so happens that I come from quite a large family that I don't get to see as often as I would like.  My cousins and I have been close since birth and I have to say it's pretty awesome.  I mean how many famillies do you know that still see their cousins on an ongoing basis.  These pictures are from our 3rd Annual 'Kids' Family Christmas and we all make a point of getting together before Christmas, usually in November, to exchange tacky gifts, eat and primarily take goofy pictures that you can see below.  We've known eachother our whole lives and most of us our married now, but the fact that we all are willing to get together just to make sure we see one another before the holidays is pretty special.  I guess we can thank our parents for instilling family values in us.

11 Minutes Late

Okay, I just got home from being out and I realize that I'm 11 minutes after 12:00 am but I am going to consider this post for the previous day, being my Day 4.

I just had a wonderful time with some great friends that I have had since grade 8.  You sure can't beat friends that you have had for that long because they know so much about you and have been through so many things with you, whether good or bad.

As we all have turned 30 this year, a toast is definitely in order.  So raise your *glass* and toast to great friends that you have stayed in touch with through the years!  Thanks Ladies!!  And Happy Birthday to Lisa, the last one of us to turn 30.