35 days apart; 8 days together; 75 days apart

Wow. I just did the math and although it could be quite worse, the number of days we've been separated as a family is just over 100. Sad. That is basically one third of a year! One third of a year that Chris has not seen his baby. He's missed out on many doctor appointments, many firsts, seeing her little personality develop and of course, the best part---the glorious, everyday experiences that come with having a little darling. Although I have cherished and will miss having every moment of Claire's undivided attention toward me, I am so happy to say that our separation is ending. Hallelujah! Chris is nearly home and we are thrilled. He wasn't sure if he'd make it home tonight or tomorrow, but I've been preparing Claire. We made a "welcome home" sign together complete with balloons, shopped for some little activities that we can do as a family, cleaned a bit (she loves to vacuum and wipe things), and talked excessively about "daddy coming home." I ask her every night while we are laying in bed where Daddy is going to sleep. She wasn't quite sure at first, but now she excitedly points to the spot on the other side of her. I can't wait to reconnect. Chris has expressed some worry that Claire will make strange with him. I am confident that she will be fine. Fortunately, we've been able to talk via video each weekend and week day that we've happened to be home, so I am hoping that will help eliminate any anxiety she may have. A huge thank you to all of our family and friends who have given Claire and I support & encouragement, sent packages to Chris, and most importantly, prayed for us. I am certain that our "counting" is coming to an end because God has listened and answered our prayers. Thank you for everything! We feel truly blessed.

Happy Halloween!

The Halloween festivities are in full swing here. We attended a "Fall Festival" at my school on Thursday evening and today we enjoyed a "fall festival" at the girls' school. We've managed to keep their costumes a secret until Wednesday when Claire spilled the beans. She was doing so well at keeping the secret, I almost thought she wasn't our child for awhile ;) Claire dressed as "Pinkalicious" and Mya was a cupcake. My Mom and Dad bought Claire the book, "Pinkalicious" for her first birthday. It has been an on-going hit with our girls. They both have the entire book memorized. It is such a cute book where this girl named "Pinkalicious" loves pink. She eats too many pink cupcakes and turns pink, which she is thinks is simply beautiful then red, which is less than favorable. She eats her vegetables to turn alleviate her pain. In the meantime, her little brother is envious and devours the last one, then turns pink too. It is a ...

my workout playlist

I never dreamed I'd be listening/watching this when I worked out, but it is true. Here it is: photo courtesty of Laurieberkner.com I wouldn't have it any other way. My little healthy lifestyle journey is going well. I have exercised 7 days thus far which consists of treadmill activity and an ab workout every other day. I don't pressure myself to run everyday, but I have run 4 of the 7 days. I am quite proud of that. I have never been a runner or enjoyed running, but I have grown to like it. I used to say that I had exercise induced asthma! I think I did, but maybe I outgrew it? ha. Whatever the reason, I am finding it pretty easy to run and maintain a steady pace for no less than 20 minutes each time. Pretty impressive feat for a girl like me. Interestingly, I had planned to take today off, but didn't. I actually had the desire to run. Chris and I are both sticking to the eating plan as well. So far I am down about 4 pounds. Although 4 pounds is plenty, it ...

0.0

Yes, indeeedy do. 0.0 is exactly the amount of weight I lost this week. Irritating! Here's the breakdown: number of times I cheated on my diet--ZERO! number of times I worked out--FIVE!! (running, no less). Now that is a mean, mean slap in the face. After I picked myself off the floor and resisted the urge to throw the scale through my window, I've come to realize that it is time to call in the big guns. There will be no messing around. Through a very valuable (HA!--sense the sarcasm) inservice this year, I've learned that I am "Green," meaning logical, research based, problem solver, mathmatical thinker. I am applying the same thought and strategy to my 'get fit' adventure. There will be no relying on the treadmill to tell me how much I've burned. That thing lies, LIES, LIES!! Take for example, the fact that each time I worked out, I burned at least 300 calories--most often 350, my pulse was around 87 (which is pretty much a near death resting ...

Constant Beginnings

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