Hoops

It's basketball season again

and

I love watching these boys play!

Day 100

Today is the 100th day of school

and Elle was insistent that I put 100 pony tails in her hair.

My hands are tired.

Intervention, Please.

I need help.

I eat really healthy food...

most of the time.

But, I also have a really addictive personality.

When I find something I like, watch out.

I will binge like there is no tomorrow.

About a week ago, I picked up a box of these at my neighborhood drug store.

When the register rang up $0.74 (on xmas clearance!), my heart began to race.

I returned the next day and bought 5 more packs.

Then, I returned the day after that and bought a few more.

I have a large stash tucked away underneath my underwear in the closet.

Time for an intervention.

Dr. Drew,

I need you.

My New Favorite!

I have to tell you about something I recently found and LOVE!

Being an Arizona native, I have spent countless summer days basking in the brutal desert sun and my skin has the damage to prove it.

Up until now, the brown sun damage spots have gotten the best of me.

Not now.

I was recently introduced to Rodan + Fields (the creators of Proactive) and learned about their Reverse regimen.

I ordered and tried and after just a short time, I can see a difference.

I am in love with the way it is changing my skin! My skin is softer, smoother, and the spots are disappearing.


Here is what Rodan+Fields has to say about REVERSE,

“It’s not what you see…It’s what you don’t see. Exposure to the sun and the environment can leave you with less-than-youthful skin. Erase the signs of premature aging, including brown spots, dullness, and sun damage. REVERSE Regimen exfoliates, lightens, brightens, and protects your skin for a more even tone and texture.

Recognized on Allure Magazine’s A List, the REVERSE Regimen features 4 full-size products: Deep Exfoliating Wash 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Skin Lightening Toner 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Skin Lightening Treatment 50 mL/1.7 Fl.Oz.; and UVA/UVB SPF 15 Sunscreen 50 mL/1.7 Fl.Oz.”

You can get the REVERSE Regimen through me. Just click the "contact me" button here and I'll tell you how to get it at Preferred Customer cost.

Grateful

The news of yesterday's tragic events hit too close to home.

I thought of my kids, who spend many weekends in Tucson, and felt a moment of,"what if?"

I thought of the nine yr. old girl killed and prayed for her devastated parents.

I thought of the reality that at any time, everyone we love can be taken from us.

And so , I hugged them all a few more times yesterday.

Snow in the Desert

Last week it snowed in our neighborhood.

Yes, snowed.

It only happens every 10 years or so and

I think I was excited as these three!

The Next Stage of Life

Yesterday, I went back to yoga.

I was the most relaxing hour of calm and self-awareness I've had in a really long time.

Almost 10 years ago, I became a mother.

And, in that moment, I admit I sort of lost myself. I wasn't one of those balanced moms who could do it all gracefully.

I really just gave up everything else.

I have no regrets. I put my heart and soul, my every waking moment, into taking care of my baby. I rarely let him out of my arms that first year.

4 years and 2 more babies later and I still lived and breathed being a mother.

But, I couldn't define myself as anything else.

Living away from home, I felt alone. I rarely saw friends. Hardly ever saw my husband. I only left the house to get groceries and take my babies to the neighborhood park.

Luckily, I was so in love with the new little ones that had taken over my life, I didn't realize I had left myself somewhere in the dust of motherhood.

Fast forward 5 years, and I am learning to rediscover who I am. One of the reasons I took up running with such drive and dedication was because it was mine, mine, mine. I wasn't doing it for anyone else.

Now that my kids are a bit older and a little more independent, I look back at those early days of motherhood with nostalgia.

There is nothing like nursing a baby, her fingers wrapped around your pinky, while those helpless little eyes stare up at yours. I could have done that forever.

Since those days are over, I am enjoying trying new things and testing my capabilities. I feel like I am beginning the next wave of this life.

Don't get me wrong, though. If the day ever comes that I get to drop everything, start over, and sit in a quiet room holding my newborn again, I'll take it.

Happy New Year

New Year's Eve remains one of my least favorite of all the holidays. I was in bed by 9.

Maybe it's the end of another year that leaves me sad and wondering, "Where did it go?"

I've never made a New Year's resolution and don't plan to.

But, in a matter of a couple of days into the new year, I realize I have already set up 2011 to be a year of some changes and new endeavours.

Tomorrow, I can start running again. Hallelujah.

I registered for an online class to renew my teaching certificate.

In a few weeks, I will start substituting at my kids' school.

And...I am jumping into a new business venture which I'm very excited about.

Finally, I am rededicating myself to blogging. The last several months have been very hectic and left my with little time to post.

I miss it and I am coming back.

Christmas Gun Fight

Grandpa and Carol brought over a doozy of a Christmas gift this year.

All the grand kids were thrilled to open a marshmallow gun along with a bag of squishy ammo.

Immediately, they darted for the backyard, split into two teams, loaded their guns, and let loose in one intense battle.

The gun fight resulted in only a few tears (Elle shot at close range in the eye by big brother, Max, of course) and a mess that was easily cleaned up.

Marshmallow guns...always a hit!