Visiting Baltimore - Part 1

My Dad arranged a wonderful family trip to Baltimore this past Saturday.
My cousin, Glen, lives on his boat, "The Schooner Mistress."

The Mistress has some amazing history.
It was made in the 1930s.
Theodore Roosevelt's nephew, George, owned it and raced what was considered back then, his yacht.
Story goes on, but eventually Glen and my other cousin, Chris, bought the boat and completely restored it.
It is beautiful!
It was such a privilege to finally see his boat!
(And thanks Dad for making it all happen!)

Our family, nearing the end of our trip.
We had to get a quick photo!

Oh, and just an extra bonus!
Guess who was sitting on his balcony no more than 25 feet away from us... just sunbathing most of the time we were there?

None other than "the" MICHAEL PHELPS!

Being a competitive swimmer for 10 years, this was quite amazing for me!
It was so exciting.
His famous dog, Herman, was even there!

I have many other pictures to sort through, but this post just couldn't wait. :-)

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Fruit Flowers

Look what I was surprised with this morning!

The fruit flower van pulled up in front of our house.
The doorbell rang and I had to quick run upstairs to change clothes.
(I still had my workout clothes on from an early morning workout!)
I opened up the door and the lady asked if I was Jessica.
"Yes, I am."
"These are for you. Have a nice day!"
"What in the world??"
I opened up the card and saw that they were from Aunt DC.
HOW SWEET!
The wrapping came off faster than you can say "fruit flowers!"
The girls and I ate the grapes and strawberries first. All of the other fruits were sampled as well.
They were all so juicy.
So delicious!

I've always admired these fruit bouquets and today I was given my very own!

Thank you so much, Aunt DC!!

Easter 2009

I always seem to overload my posts with pictures.
Instead, I've decided to make a small movie of the pictures that were taken on Easter.
I would have added a song, but our computer's sound card is currently not working. :((
(This is mostly for my memory's sake, but feel free to enjoy as well!)



Happy Friday!!

H&M Kids Collection Coupon

Does anyone else love H&M as much as I do?


If you're anything like me, you'll probably love them a lot more after this coupon!
(Coupon for the Kids Collection. Unsure if it will work on sale items, but I'm gonna try!)

Determination

Well, I need some. Determination that is.

I've had four kids. The baby weight that I put on during each pregnancy practically fell off within a month after having my first three babies. I attributed the quick weight loss to nursing. Now, after my fourth, most of the weight is still on (7 months later) and it's being extremely stubborn. I'm nursing exclusively and it's going nowhere. I'll loose a pound or two and gain a pound back. Loose another pound or two and gain another pound back.

While Tim was away at his old job (away for weeks at a time) I developed the most horrible eating habits. I went to food to relieve my stress from taking care of the kids all by myself from sunrise until sundown, with a few newborn nighttime feedings in there as well. I literally didn't get a break. Food was my break. I ate a lot during the kid's naptimes and after they went to bed at night. I didn't have time or energy to exercise. It doesn't take long before those actions become habits. And the habits are so hard to kick.

Exercise has recently become apart of my daily life. I gave Tim a Wii for Valentine's Day and as it turns out, I've benefited from it as well. There's this "game" you can get called "My Personal Trainer." The "game" is personalized based upon a 30 minute profile that you set up for yourself. Then the trainer creates workouts for you to help you get to your desired goals. It's amazing... being able to get a great (personalized) workout in from your own home! I've done pretty well with it so far. I make sure to get a good 30 minute workout in Monday-Friday. I feel great, especially if I workout in the morning.

My problem is my determination to beat my food addictions. I view them as truly that. Just as any other addict, I have high and loftly goals for my eating each morning, but by bedtime, I'm feeling extremely guilty and beat myself up over my bad choices. I've been trying to refocus. Trying to do something during my normal "snack times." (Like exercise, chew gum, drink water, read my Bible or work around the house.) I'm just having to get over my negative desires and overcome this addiction. I remember how amazing I felt when I was eating healthy. I long to get back there! Determination.

There's something that happens in me when I post honestly about my struggles. My mindset changes. I see things more clearly. So, let it begin. Today is a brand new day... and it's going to be a good day. :)

Happy 7 Months, Bubbie!

Bubbie turned 7 months on Easter Sunday!
I can't believe how big he's getting.
He's such a joy... so fun and smiley!




He's sitting up on his own and actually rolled onto his back (from his belly) for this first time this past week.
(All of our kids did that much later than they were "supposed" to. ???)
Teeth are making their way to the surface... won't be long now until his gummy smile is filled with pearly whites!



He is SO loved by all of those around him!
Thank you, Jesus, for my precious son!

Buttercup's New Haircut

I was feeling a little bold one day last week.
I sat my four year old down on our swively island stool.
Took a pair of scissors and cut off her beautiful longish hair!

I've cut Cricket's hair.
I've cut Pattycake's hair.
But Buttercup's was always off limits to me.
She has STICK STRAIGHT hair.
I was so afraid of messing it up!
It's not as angled as I'd like it to be, but she looks so cute!

After I was finished, Buttercup stood in front of a mirror and proclaimed...

"I look sooooo pretty!"

That's success right there.



**For the safety of my family, please don't use my children's real names in any comment you may leave. Their nicknames are listed with their pictures on the left hand side of my blog. Thanks!**