We're all sick

I will try to actually get some pictures and other posts written up later, but for now this is as much as I can handle. We're all sick (and not just the "I don't feel good" kind of sick). I'll spare you the details, just pray that it's just a quick stomach bug and will be gone soon!!!

Weight Watchers

Okay, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone a little and letting you into a personal area of my life - so be prepared. It has been on my mind for a while now that I needed to lose some weight (nothing drastic, just something to get healthier and be a better steward of the body that God has blessed me with). This isn't something that I've really wanted to think about and, like most of us, would just like to forget about and have it go away without having to do any work. But, that's not the way things like this go. So, I've decided to give Weight Watchers a try. I know lots of people that have had great success with the program and it seemed like something that I could do, even with a 15 month old running around. I'm doing it a little differently than most, I'm not going to meetings (at least not yet) and I'm not doing their program online - so I guess I'm not officially doing their program - but I digress. I found a brand new starter kit on ebay and the information that I needed to get started. I started last Monday and have already seen results (I've lost 4 pounds). My plan is to weigh in on Monday mornings and post my successes and challenges here as a way for others to help support me on this journey and keep me accountable. The thing that I love about Weight Watchers is that you really can keep eating the same things that you love. I even had enough points saved up from my weekly allowance to splurge and have a Sonic Blast last night to celebrate our anniversary. It's all about portion control and changing the way you look at food. Anyone want to join me??

Big Boy shoes

One more sign that my baby is growing up into a little boy. Since he's gotten so much better and more confident at walking we're trying to make the transition to 'big boy shoes.' Our first attempts didn't go so well, but we're definitely making progress! The first time I put real shoes on him he just cried and screamed (that was before I even tried to get him to stand up in them or walk). After much patience and more attempts we've finally come to peace (at least temporarily). This weekend we bought him some sandals and this morning I put them on him expecting a fight, but was pleasantly surprised to find a happy child who was ready to go play! Check him out, he's so cute!!!

6 years ago...

What a great 6 years it's been!!! I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life with anyone else and I can't wait to see where our journey takes us next. I Love You, Russell!!! God has certainly blessed me with a wonderful partner and I pray that He continues to strengthen our marriage as we seek His will for our lives.

A Weekend with Papaw Dave

We were lucky enough to have Papaw Dave (Russell's dad) come visit for a few days. He got in Thursday evening and stayed through Saturday afternoon. The guys got to play golf and even got a couple of "honey-dos" crossed off of Russell's list, including installing the new fan in the guest room!!! It looks great! Thanks for coming and helping - you're welcome anytime!

Oklahoma

Okay, I'm finally getting time to write about our trip to Oklahoma. It was great to be back "home" and get to spend extra time with family and friends. It's always amazing to me how much some things can change, while others stay the same, no matter how long you're away. We flew up on the Friday before Memorial Day (Russell's Friday off - lucky for us!). Drew did great with the flying and loved walking around the airport and looking out the windows. He sure kept us on our toes, but thankfully he got some of his energy out before we had to sit and be still on the plane. He wrote on his magnadoodle, read some books, ate some snacks, looked out the plane window, and cuddled with Mommy.

Looking out the windows at the airport

We were able to just relax for most of the weekend (and of course eat at Taco Bueno and go shopping at Kohl's!!) Drew enjoyed his time playing with toys, playing ball with Gramps, reading with Aunt Becca, and just settling in to his new environment.

Cuddling with Daddy (isn't this the cutest picture!!!)

Peaches in the hair (how lovely!! - we got to wash our hair almost every night)
Playing with Gramps

Drew and Aunt Becca (at the airport)

The most momentous occasion of this trip was Drew's first attempt at eating with a fork. We were having Macaroni and Cheese (one of my favorites - and his too) and I decided to see how he'd do with it in a bowl with his new fork (it has rounded tines) instead of on the tray with his fingers. He did surprisingly well for a first attempt, we'll keep working on it!!

Drew loved reading his books, as usual, and really liked rolling away from me when I was trying to change his diaper or get him dressed. We were using my sister's bed as our staging area and he thought it was super funny to roll away (to the middle) and then sit and smile (often while not wearing a diaper - luckily there were no accidents!)
One of my favorite parts of the trip was getting to visit with my best friend Kim (we've been friends since we were 4 - or maybe 5) and getting to meet her daughter Evelyn (she's exactly 8 months younger than Drew). She and her family are in the process of moving to Malibu so that her husband can begin teaching at Pepperdine. Her parents still live in Tulsa, so I went over there one evening for dinner and then the next day Kim came and picked me and Drew up and we went to a nearby park with the kids. Evelyn and Drew hit it off right away and Kim and I were able to visit a little bit (although it's much more difficult when you're wrangling your kids!!) Even though we don't get to see each other that much, we always seem to be able to pick up right where we left and share what's in our hearts and minds. It's so comforting to have a friend like that!!! I love you, Kim!

Me, Drew, Kim and Evelyn

Overall, it was a great week!! Can't wait until we can do it again!!

Posts coming...

I promise I will get my posts updated soon. It seems like we were barely back from Houston before we left for Oklahoma and now we're back in the full swing of things. Short and sweet: our trip was good, it was nice to visit with friends and family, Drew was a champ on the plane (such a good little traveler), and it's great to be back where we can sleep in our own beds again. Look for more detailed posts in the next few days!