Mom-bod

I know I should wear my "mom-bod" like a badge of honor. This body helped me create five beautiful children. But, I just can't do it. I know I'll never be 105 pounds again, that ended in 2003.  I don't even want that.  I just want my freaking pants to fit!

A friend of mine from college, Amy, suggested I try Beachbody. She is a coach. She is an inspiration to me. She has Stage 4 Cancer (she's my age!), but that is another story and not mine to tell. So, despite how pricey it was, I decided I needed to do this for myself.  It turned out to be a great choice. I loved the accountability Amy provided me as a coach. I also loved that I made some time for just me every day for 30 days.  In addition to the emotional strength I gained, I also lost 4 pounds and 8 inches.  

Below are my before and afters. I'd say I see a difference and my pants are definitely loosening up.  I decided to go for another 60 days with Beachbody and see where I'm at by Christmas.  If my pants still don't fit, I'm just going to buy new ones.

Before

After (30 days)

Growth

Professionally, I am a social worker.  Personally, I am goal-oriented. Combined, I KNOW that change is a part of life and I usually welcome it. The same can be said for my take on growth experiences. That is unless I am post-baby hormonal! Then, change is hard and growth is unwelcome!

Jared and I are in a season of our lives that has included blessings beyond belief.  Five healthy children! A brand new home! A great job! The opportunity to stay home full-time with the children! The list really goes on and on.  However, despite all those blessings, Jared and I have been struggling. Our marriage isn't struggling thank goodness; instead we are struggling in individual ways. I keep struggling with feelings of inadequacy and we both feel completely overwhelmed with life.  I came across this quote and it really struck a chord with me. 

It has helped my perspective shift and reminded me that change is good and growth is great! These individual struggles may even be part of our journey so that we can strengthen our marriage and family life.

And just like that...

And just like that, Weston is five months old! Our sweet boy has finally rolled over. It has only happened once, by mistake, but at least I know he can do it.

He really hates tummy time, but we're persevering. Look at that face!

 Jared and I love that Weston tends to go down about an hour or two after everyone else. Probably need to start pushing his bed time earlier, but it is the only "alone" time we get with him. Weston loves Jared! Any time he comes around, that smile just shows right up.

At five months, Weston is talking to us all the time. He loves to suck his fingers, drool, and watch all the action.  He had his first taste of real food this week. Oatmeal has been a big hit and I've been busy making all sorts of things for him to try in the coming weeks: butternut squash, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, and peaches.  I'm not surprised he likes food. This kid loves to eat, but you probably couldn't tell.  Haha.

This little outfit has been worn by all of our boys. It's kind of sad that he already fits into it (it is a 9 month outfit).  I was holding him last night before bed and just thinking about the bittersweet feeling that comes with knowing you are holding your last baby.  It's so hard and so exciting all at the same time. I've found that most of life's wonderful things are that way.

Back to School

We started back to school! I am happy to report that everyone is finally adjusting to the long school day and being away from Mom all day. We held our annual back to school feast the night before school began. Chicken wings were requested once again, along with yellow rice and green beans.  While cooking the chicken wings, our neighbors hens came strutting into the yard and Jared felt like he'd been caught! Sorry girls, it is exactly what it looks like.

Every year, we introduce a scripture/theme for the school year. This year I changed ours at the last minute. I just kept having a feeling that we needed to focus on courage and faith in Christ when faced with trials and the tumultuous world. 

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe." Mark 5:36

On Monday morning, these cuties were ready to go!

Grayson was brave and I was crying all the way home.

The school had this cute photo booth set up! I really love our new school. It is beautiful and everyone is so friendly.

Grayson's teacher, Miss Durias. They had a rocky beginning, but now Grayson has decided to "get along." So glad, I was a little worried we were in for a rough year.

Grayson has had difficulty adjusting. Ethan, of course, loves school and structure and is living the high life. Grayson is my free spirit and it has definitely been an adjustment.  The photo above was taken one day when Landon, Miriam, Weston and I went to the school to eat lunch with Grayson.  After nearly four weeks, the tears have finally dried and he is doing well. Phew!