It's beginning to look a lot like.....Christmas??? Already.

Christmas is huge. It is tied to many, many fabulous traditions and memories from my childhood. I love, love, love Christmas. Everything about it has me smitten for the occasion--sparkly lights, glitter, blown glass ornaments, Christmas carolers, Snow Villages, the angel collection, snow, cold weather to curl up under a blanket, candlelight service, Christmas carols. All of it. I. love. Christmas. We've lived here four years and the ornaments and beautiful Snow Villages that Chris and I have eagerly purchased in anticipation of our future Christmas' together have sat in their boxes, untouched. Let's face it. We have a crazy life. Crazy busy, crazy chaotic. We travel to spend Christmas with my family every year. It is our one holiday with them. I get so excited at just the thought of seeing my parent's BEEEAAUUTIFULLLL tree--entirely full of blown glass ornaments or Hallmark treasures with a TON of lights. It is gorgeous. The rest of the house is beautiful too, in all it's Christmas glory, but the tree is awesome. The part I love the most about the tree are the memories tied to each ornament. ANYWAY, back to my point. With our travel schedule, it hardly seemed worth it to put up the decor for two weeks of enjoyment. However, children change everything. Chris and I have worked hard to develop our traditions and memories as we have purchased our own Christmas decorations (many bought by me before there was an "us," but with the same dream). I looked forward to the day when I could pull out "Our First Christmas" ornament or "Baby's First Christmas" or our first Snow Village we bought when we were anticipating our life as a newly married couple. Sadly, these memories in boxes have stayed tucked away until now. I decided this was the year that we would get the full enjoyment from our tree. We'd have to start early, so this weekend was it. We pulled out the boxes upon boxes of decor, ordered Chinese food (our favorite) and Chris turned on some Christmas music. It was quite a production.Claire was in heaven. She did so well, handling every ornament (not many kid friendly ornaments as each one costs a pretty penny, but she was oh so gentle), occasionally bringing an especially sparkly one over to show Mya. She sweetly said, "See Mya? Christmas." It was perfect. It is done. The tree is up, our Snow Village collection is displayed (we actually forgot we had so many as we've never seen them displayed) and the stockings are hung with the garland. I couldn't be happier. The house is so beautiful and our Christmas tradition has been born. Oh yes, one more thing to remember...personally thank my Mom who kindly bought us not one but two of those singing Hallmark toys. Claire is a huge fan and is quickly learning exactly what the Santa is saying--"Remember the spirit of Christmas lasts all year long!!" Perhaps an appropriate thank you is bringing one of those toys with us to their house. Hmmmm....

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 ...

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 ...

7 weeks

7 weeks has brought a couple of changes for sweet baby Mya. She is eating 5+ ounces of milk/feeding. Mya is much more awake now. She typically sleeps for about 4 hours during the day, otherwise is checking out this big bad world. Mya seems to enjoy our daily walks. She looks around and is a pretty content kiddo. Claire tends to her pacis if the need arises. We've introduced her to the activity mat, which she enjoys if she is left alone; however, given the fact that Claire too is fascinated by the mat and Mya, being left alone is a rare occurence. Mya sits in the swing daily, although she isn't a huge fan at this point. We're hoping to change her ways. She is strong, holding her head for minutes at a time and loves standing on her little feet. Mya has begun smiling. She has done this consistently for the past several days, but it is difficult to capture such an event on film as she stops smiling the moment you break eye-contact. This milestone is such a heart melting one. Th...

Constant Beginnings

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