This Is The Year

I've missed the past 2 weeks of FMM hosted by Kasey at All That is Good ...I've missed connecting with everyone who participates! But I'm back...Yay! This week's task is to name 10 things you love about Summer. 1. Barbecues...I looooove me a grilled burger with all the fixin's. Not to mention all the other bbq goodies...deviled eggs, yummy salads and desserts galore! 2. I n D e p e N d e n C e D a y . I am all over this celebration. I love the chance to reflect on all that has come to pass to make it possible for me to enjoy the freedoms and privileges that I take advantage of every day. I love discussing with my children the birth of this great nation, and the sacrifices of those great men whom we call "Founding Fathers". Fireworks are ALWAYS a must see for this family, we enjoy them every year! 3. Camping. I love being in the mountains, the smell of campfire, the sound of a rushing river...I can't wait to get out there! 4. Hot summer nights...

It's been a while since I've given an overall progress report on my 3 main goals for this year. If you came by yesterday you'll know that I've hit a little slump in the "fit" department. But I'm back on...full steam ahead! I'm still working hard at making healthy food choices and staying committed to regualar exercise. Organization ....hmmm. Well I haven't done anything fantastic since I posted about my spice cupboard, BUT I have managed to keep the spice cupboard, and pantry in the tip top shape you saw them in last! Ask my family...I've been like Hitler with them putting stuff back EXACTLY as they found it! I also did help my girls get their toys purged and organized. Food Storage ... this one I'm cruisin' along! A couple of weeks ago our grocery store had their semi-annual case lot sale. I got me some food baby! I'm going to try to remember off the top of my head...don't have the receipt in front of me, so I'm sure I...

I haven't given an update for awhile on my goals, but it's not because I haven't been working! I have increased from walking for an hour on my treadmill to jogging for 20 minutes and walking for 40 (in intervals). I am down 15 lbs!! I have some before and after pics for ya. This is my spice cupboard - another spot people just shove anything and everything, after they've shoved the pantry so full that nothing else will fit! Digging around looking for what I needed always caused a mini avalanche! Found these nifty little baskets and tote at Big Lots for $1!!! I labeled the tops of my spices so I can just get the basket down, look at the tops, and find what I need! Food Storage: I won't show everything, but we are making progress. I have recently purchased a year's supply of chili for my family - on sale at Smith's for 50 cents! Also got a 6 month's supply of Miracle Whip, a variety of salad dressings, and 40 cans of Chef Boyardee (also for 50 cents)! I...

So, in my first post I mentioned 3 goals I have for myself this year. Any of you who know me know that there are 3 things I am NOT! Those three things are: organized, prepared, and in shape! So what am I going to do to change this? Well, I will tell you. I am going to get back in shape! I never really struggled with my weight or fitness until I was an adult and married. Then with each new child came a whole new set of pounds that stayed with me after delivery! After baby number 3, I had had enough! (pounds, not babies) I worked really hard at being healthy, through both my diet and regular exercise. It was wonderful! Eventually life distracted me from my newfound healthy lifestyle. I had a little one in the hospital with pneumonia, 2 deaths in the family, followed soon by the holidays, and I allowed all this to interfere with my committment to daily exercise. Once the exercise went out the window, the healthy eating habits soon followed. When I became pregnant again - I was doomed! Wel...