Changes

Sometimes deciding to change is not enough. It takes effort. I don't know how many times I've started and stopped trying to lose weight. It's been a life long struggle. Two times I lost 50lbs and swore I would never go back. One time I got pregnant and had a baby and it all came back. The next time I just gave up and it all came back. You see, for me, losing weight and maintaining my weight is a 24/7 project. I can't let my guard down for even a minute. Sometimes it's simply exhausting and I just give up. For naturally skinny people this may sound absurd. I know the hubs thinks so at times. I have to think about every tiny thing that goes into my mouth and every single movement I make. I have to battle myself to stop after the second piece of pizza. I have to will myself to only have a bite of dessert. I have to force myself to workout. None of this is second nature to me. Ice cream after dinner? Not for this girl. Candy bar at the checkout counter? Off limits. One trip through the drive through leads to another and another and then pretty soon the pounds start packing on. It's really hard being addicted to something that your body NEEDS! I'm not like a smoker or a drinker that can simply quit consuming my addiction. Nope. I'm a food addict that still needs food to survive; it really is a huge battle. It's a battle I'm tired of trying to win yet I do over and over because I know how important it is. Once again the battle begins for me. This time I am striving for progress, not perfection. I am striving for health, not beauty and this time I am doing it for me because I want this.

Day 1- 38lbs to go

It's amazing how quickly time flies these days. My day is over before I feel like I really got anything done. Not to mention I have had one thing or another wrong with me since November. I want this blog to be a priority, it is part of my written history after all. I just need to get my schedule in order. Until then enjoy these pictures of our gingerbread house adventure!

Meet Brody

My adorable little nephew was born Christmas morning! Such an amazing little present! Welcome Brody Gehrhart Vucksinick!

Santa

This year we didn't have to wait in any lines or fight any crowds to see Santa although when Millie asked me who the guy dressed up as Santa was I figured the magic was a little lost. Santa visited us at a Christmas party this last Saturday!

I love that none of my kids are too big for Santa! Ian was a little hesitant and I was a little surprised by that but at least he took the candy from him!

The Nutcracker

This morning I was looking through my old blog books and I couldn't help smile at the pictures of Millie from the Nutcracker of years past. This was her 6th year participating in it and although most of us hate sitting through it year after year it has been fun to watch her grow from this....

Into this....

This year Matthais even performed as a party parent in three of the performances. I didn't get a picture of him on stage but I did get one of the two of them together after the first night performance

It's a great yearly tradition and I look forward to next year!

Good intentions and November in a nutshell

I really had every intention of updating this once a week. Last night Adam pulled this blog up and showed me I hadn't posted in a month. What? I thought, I swear it's only been a week or two. Boy time does fly. Especially this time of year.

I feel like I spent the whole month of November sick. It started off with a cold, turned into bronchitis and a sinus infection. I finally broke down and went to the doctor who put me on a 3 medications. I felt better within a couple of days and just when I was feeling almost normal I started getting sick again. This time I had aches and chills to go along with the cough and congestion. I am so happy to be feeling decent again.

Owen was star of the week the first week in November. He was so excited and his teacher puts a lot of time and effort into making them feel special this week. The parents make a poster to display in the class all week and each day they are honored is a special way.

Millie did a Nutcracker preview and the Christmas show. It was a night run through for them before the big night in December. It's always fun to watch Millie do what she loves and spend time with her and my friends.

We had a great thanksgiving with the Harris family. As usual I didn't take as many pictures as I intended. It was fun to just relax, eat and play games with the family.

Thanksgiving night I joined the others in pure madness and went shopping with my friends. It was fun and although I never buy much I enjoy the craziness and hanging out all night with the girls.

The next day I had to pull out the Christmas stuff. Owen would not stop bugging me and wanted it done now! I was tired but I gave in and we decorated for Christmas. We didn't get the tree up that day and he was not happy but we finally got it up on Saturday. Ian was totally in his element as he loves hanging things anywhere they can hang (I once found my purse hanging outside in the tree, true story!) and he hung all the ornaments in the same place. Even if I moved them he moved them back!

I do not have a "pretty" tree like most people I know but when I look at these pictures I can't help but smile. My tree is totally a kid tree and I am happy about that!

Now it's December and already our month has been busy! This time of year is just like that but I love it and wouldn't have it any other way!

let's get political

Maybe it's the social media, the state of the economy, the mass confusion all over this nation or maybe people are just plain mean but I felt this election was particularly nasty. Even some of my level headed, smart, responsible friends contributed to the madness. Everyday I got on facebook some one said something that broke my heart or turned my stomach. I feel like we live in a country divided. I stayed out of it best that I could but still there were times I felt my blood boil. Here is the deal. I am a Mormon. I am a republican. I am not a republican because I am a Mormon nor did I vote from Mitt Romney because he is one too. I kind of chuckled at someone who told me they don't confuse their testimony with their political view. I guess because I'm a conservative republican who values life and the sanctity of marriage and the many other things I believe I must be confused. I understand that it must be tough to be a democrat in our predominately red state but I felt that my intelligence was insulted. I voted with my heart but I also voted with my head. And I didn't confuse my testimony with my political opinion either. Probably the hardest thing of this election was the fact that dear, intelligent, loved friends and family made such disparaging remarks about my faith. I don't remember any election that a candidates religion was an issue. I don't have any idea what religion Barrack Obama is nor do I care. Yet, Mormons were being attacked at every angle by people who know, love and interact with Mormons everyday. It made me very, very sad. Some of the things people said were just mean and bitter and wrong. Here is the thing I know though. I am not thrilled with the results but God is in charge. He will bless us if we are following the commandments but if we are not, well, we all know how that goes. We have seen many stories in the bible where cities were destroyed because they hearkened not. I have faith in this country, it is a wonderful place to live. Do I feel like the president we've elected will lead us in the right direction? No. I'm not worried though. I have a lot of faith in this nation but even more, I have faith in God who has a plan. Gordon B Hinckley shared his wise words, "It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future."   It's not as bad I think! and if by some chance it turns out to be, I will gladly say I voted for Mitt Romney!