The journey has begun

Three weeks ago, Ed, Kari, Kaci and I started our own version of Biggest Loser.

Yes, I know, why in the world would I do that?

Let me give you two really good reasons...

Oliver and Eli!!

I want to be able to run and play with them for a very long time and that isn't going to be possible if I continue down the road I have been on for far too long now.

So, as of today, I have lost TEN pounds and am doing 20 minutes on the elliptical! We didn't get a bike ride in this weekend, not sure when we will get to ride again, the next few months are going to be crazy busy. Just hoping to stay on the diet and either walk or use the elliptical at least 3 or more times a week. Want to build up to an hour every day, but know that is going to take some work.

But I have motivation and by the time we get to Cali in September for our family vacation, I plan to keep up with those little boys every step of the way!!

Disneyland, here we come!!!

My new ride

Like many other women of my age, I am trying to stay as young as I can. I thought a pretty little convertible would be fun and help to keep me feeling young.

Ed had other ideas.



I think he is trying to take me back a few more years than I really want to go....

Oh, and notice that big, pretty, shiny truck behind me? That's his new ride...

I think I was shortchanged...

A brand new year

Well, hello 2012, nice to meet you! I hope we are going to have lots of adventures together. I am looking forward to many days filled with family, friends and laughter. I hope you will be kind to us and those we love. We are so ready for all that you have to offer us!

2011 was a big year for us. We welcomed a beautiful baby boy to our family, love you Eli!! Oliver, our first grandson had his first birthday and continued to charm us all. I heard my grandchild say Nonnie for the first time, a very special moment for sure.

We had many trips this year. I spent 6 weeks between Cincinnati (4 weeks) and Boston (2 weeks) when Eli was born. That is the longest stretch I have been away from home. I made 5 trips to Boston this year and 4 to Cincinnati. At least that is all I can remember right now...

Memory, that is a game you play right Kari? I have had some challenges with mine this year. I laughingly say that between the Lupus Fog and the Menopause, it is a wonder I can remember my own name some days. I have had some challenges dealing with my lupus this year and had my first flare in October. Hoping for a healthier year in 2012 for sure.

Happy New Year!

A day of rest...

This year our Christmas is divided into thirds. We just had the first 1/3 with our baby girl. She is now on her way back to the big city. We had a wonderful Christmas day with her, much more quiet than last year, but very nice.

Today should be a day of rest, but I will be doing a quick turnaround of the guest room because our darling middle child will arrive in the morning with our precious little grandson. Did I mention he is celebrating his very first Christmas? And it is his first visit to Nonnie's house. So excited to see him. He will ring in the New Year with us and then head back to his house up north. 2/3rds done...

On the 3rd, we will head south to see our first born. So thankful she has understanding in-laws who are very gracious to share their time with our kids. And of course we will be seeing our first born grandson. Can't wait to hear him say Nonnie again!! Makes my heart smile for sure!

And that will complete our Christmas! Oh, except for the time spent with parents and siblings...but that is a whole other story...

Merry Christmas everyone and a very Happy New Year!!

Prayer request

Sometimes, there are just no answers, only questions. Today is one of those days.

Today, a young mother will bury her husband. Her three children will wonder where Daddy is and when he will come home.

There will be many questions in the days and years to come as this family copes with the sudden loss of their husband and father.

They may never know the answers.

Please pray for this family with me.

Finally, a tree...

Christmas is two weeks from today and I am just now decorating our tree. In my defense, we just got the tree yesterday.

It was slim picking you guys. After nine years in Fort Smith, I should know better than to wait this late. We probably have the smallest tree we have ever had. I didn't even need a step stool to decorate it. Usually I need a full blown ladder! Not this year. But it is a pretty little tree and since it only will be up for a couple of weeks, it will do.

Hope Kaci isn't too disappointed...

Did a little decorating as well. Very little, but at least it looks like Christmas here in the hills of Arkansas.

Now to get all the boxes back in the attic...

It's always something...

December already? Really?

What the heck happened to November? Wasn't it just Halloween? These months are just going by much too quickly if you ask me. Not that you did, but really, December??

We had a wonderful time in Costa Rica and Boston. Zip lining over the jungle and 4 wheeling along the beaches was sooo much fun. Snorkeling however was a bust. Turns out we dove into a nest of microscopic jellyfish! We all had stings on us and had to be doused in vinegar. I was very disappointed as snorkeling is one of my very favorite things to do.

After a few days at home, we packed up and flew to Boston for Thanksgiving with Alissa, Brek and Oliver. As always, we were very entertained by our sweet O! He is learning so much and made us laugh daily. But the very best was when he said Nonnie for the first time! Made my heart smile for sure. He learned so many new words while we were there, ice, banana, elf, Bob (the elf's name), just to name a few. Love that sweet little boy!



But now it is December and there is so much to be done before Christmas. It will be a much quieter version than last year, Alissa and Kari will be with their in-laws this year. But we will be happy to have Kaci with us and Kari will be here on the 28th for a few days. We hope to go to Texas to see A, B and O while they are there.

Time to get busy, my dryer is finally being delivered today!! And the UPS guy is at the door, starting to look alot like Christmas for sure!!