One thing I got from Time Out For Women:

Kris Belcher was one of the speakers on Saturday. And I love her attitude! She was born with cancerous tumors on the back of her retinas and had aggressive radiation treatment (in the 1950s) to irradicate it. The result of the radiation caused her skull to grow irregularly where the radiation was fully applied, but the cancer seemed to be gone. Through childhood she had very limited sight. Then in adulthood, the cancer returned. She has since lost all remaining sight. She has had to have one eye and all connective tissues removed. She now lives in the dark and has learned to adapt to her new life.

She said something I will never forget:
She detested when people say something akin to "the Lord will never give us anything we cannot handle". She said that this is false. We will be given trials we cannot handle. This is when we are humbled and turn to the Lord for his help. Then and only then are we able to rise above our trials. It is through the Atonement that this is possible.

Thank heavens that we have a Savior that descended below it all! Otherwise the Lord would not truly know our suffering and how to succor us, to make us whole again!

If you are a fan of hers, like me, here is a link to her blog. http://www.hardtimesandholyplaces.blogspot.com/

Dieting and Exercising... again.

I had posted a year ago about trying to lose weight. I did. But I didn't keep it up. So here I go again!
I have a long way to go, but I am going to plan for "slow and steady" and not give up. I feel better when I eat right and stay active and I am setting my goals at fitness, not hotness. I plan to lose 20 lbs by July. And in July I will set another goal for more. I have taken an extra step at the weight loss by rejoining the YMCA. Paying for that monthly charge is another motivation to workout regularly. Because I am cheap. LOL.
I have done an excellent job so far with my eating habits and for the first time ever I do not feel deprived. That's amazing. I don't want that junk anymore because it got me where I am now... in trouble! I still have been allowing myself a treat, but it just doesn't consume my thoughts like it did. I have been kinda counting calories and fat and carbs. And watching my portions. But mostly just using the 1/4 protein, 1/4carbs, 1/2 veggies and fruit thing. I feel so much better and I get to eat stuff that actually tastes good!
My mind is set and I am working hard. I feel like I can stay focused and make this a permanent habit this time. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

Updates

I haven't posted in some time. I am trying to do better once again. It is now May, which means the kids are nearly finished with their current school year.
Dallin (12) is in the 6th grade at Victory Lakes Intermediate. He has been taking Pre-AP classes in math, social studies, science, and language arts. Lets just say its been a busy year with LOTS of homework.
Aubree is currently in the 4th grade at Gilmore Elementary and doing a fabulous job. Her current progress report had an 89 and she was so distraught. It is not uncommon for her to have 100s on her report card! Obviously she is a very diligent student.
Zoe is currently in the 2nd grade at Gilmore. She is a very good student and works very hard. She is doing much better at reading and just turned 8! Woohoo! Her baptism is scheduled shortly with cousin Carlee! And might I add we have a good chance to see Grammie and Grandad there...
Cole is finishing up his year as a Kindergartener. He has proven to be a very good student and has been blessed with the best teacher ever! I am so glad that his school career has started on such a postitive note. He rarely comes home with behavioral marks! And he truly loves his teacher.
I am one proud momma, all around! My babies have done well this year and never cease to amaze me with their goodness!
Dan is doing well at work... really well! He was just promoted to the Lab Manager with a nice pay raise! He has also just found out that the lab he works in is being transfered to Phoenix, AZ sometime within the next 2 years... that means some serious changes for these Texas Haddocks. But we say... BRING IT ON!

Time Out For Women 2011 -- San Antonio, TX

I had the priviledge to attend the TOFW in San Antonio this past weekend. Thanks, Dan! It was a blast! I went with some friends from my ward, Amber, Marby, and Jenn. It was so wonderful to have girl time and to hear inspiring words at the sessions. We were also able to do a little walking on the Riverwalk, as well as see "Water For Elephants" at the theater. What a fun and relaxing weekend. I now feel reenergized and ready to try a little harder at being a better mother, wife, daughter, and sister. What a blessing!

A Trip to the Beach...

Our family went to play at the beach on Friday evening. We played in the sand and in the waves. Dad and the big kids (Dallin and Aubree) did some fishing and even caught a baby shark (about 2 feet long)!

The little ones (Zoe, Cole, and Emma) and I played mostly on the shore, building castles, wading, and looking for small sea critters (hermit crabs, small clams, etc.).

We also were attacked by seagulls (or sea rats, as I call them). But don't worry. Haddocks are hardy. The kids made sure to chase and scare them away!

Cute Hair!

I love to do Emma's hair, when she lets me. This is a hairstyle I did recently to hide some spots that she "trimmed" by herself. (A few short choppy chunks taken from the sides and top look a little bit funky without help.) I think I did pretty well. ;) She looks pretty stinkin cute!

Cole Turns 5!

Yesterday was Cole's 5th Birthday. He made sure to declare himself King of the Day. Thank goodness his siblings were nice about it. At lunchtime we headed to Mc D's for some Happy Meals and friends. He had a great time playing with his buddies Alana, Ariana, Scott, Brooklyn, Stevie, and David. And, of course, his own siblings came. For dinner we had corndogs and cheese puffs (Cole's choice, Yum?!). we watched Alice in Wonderland for the first time and liked it. Although, Emma was a bit scared.

Tomorrow he will be having fun at his POOL PARTY! He is so excited to swim with his friends and eat cake with icecream. ...And open presents! I am picking up a pinata today to stuff and we are ready to go! I am so glad that he is so enthused. This will be his first official birthday party. Usually we just have fun with the family. But this is such a big birthday! He'll be starting Kindergarten in the Fall! Woohoo!