Tomorrow we can eat broccoli,Today is for ice cream

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Mondays, do you ever stop and wonder why they got a bad rap? Who decided that Monday was the worst day of the week to have. It brings a new week, new opportunities, new beginnings. Tuesday gets Monday's exhaustion and Wednesday gets humor, Thursday gets last minute stress and Friday gets a party. While Saturday and Sunday get rest and happiness. Why do we let these days affect our moods and activities? Why do we give them so much power.

Do you ever stop and think, I am not promised tomorrow.. did i make the most of today. Did you stop and listen to your child when they were talking to you or where you so busy with the dishes or dinner or work that you shoved it off and said later. When was the last time you went for a walk and looked at life through grateful eyes, truly seeing all of its beauty and wonders. The last time you snuggled your child and was 100% in the moment. No phone, no distractions.

What if you didn't wake up tomorrow, would you look back and cry because the moments you had weren't good enough? or would you smile with serenity and know that those you left behind have so much to remember you by. You are not remembered for the clean house you had, the designer bags you carried or the car you drove. You are remembered by the moments you shared, the things you said and did. You are remembered by the life you lived. Are you truly living if you are spending it cleaning, working, stressing? If you died, who would morn you, not just for a day or two but truly morn and miss you and your presence? Who would come and cry for the loss of you in their life.

We need to live life like our dogs and children. With curiosity, with unconditional love and thankfulness. Everyday is a blessing, we need to treat it like that. We need to allow ourselves to be in the moment, and take more of them for ourselves. Life waits for no one.. Enjoy the little things and have some ice cream

Your time as a caterpillar is expired, your wings are ready

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I get asked a lot, how did you loose the weight. Whats your secret?? The truth is there isn't a secret, all it takes it dedication. Some people don't understand there is no quick fix. It took me a long time wondering, why are they even asking me for advice i haven't lost much weight. And one day it hit me..

This is me 1 year ago.

Do you see how my face is, my arms. I never saw myself as really fat or overweight. Sure i wore a size 16-14 in pants and a XL-L in tops. But i was never really hardcore on loosing weight.. i would work out for a few weeks and then not for a month. It was never a priority.


What switched you ask? One day I realized all the mental abuse I was conflicting on myself. All the crying i was doing in fitting rooms, but really what hit me was looking back at pictures. I avoided them, they are just of little G or of my husband and little G. Hardly ever did i find one of the two or three of us together. And i realized things needed to change.

The didn't change fast, it took a whole year of hard work to loose 45 pounds. And I'm still working hard everyday. But while i may not see changes in my body as much anymore. I see them in my mentality and pictures. I don't avoid dressing up, trying on clothes or taking photos. I don't avoid sex with the lights on or walking around in my underwear. I have learned more self love and in that comes inner peace.

But how did i go from the top picture to my current picture?

Weight Training is a huge part of it. When you weight train you work your muscles, and when you work them you continue to burn fat and calories even when you aren't working out, plus it helps carve out your curves. Cardio, but not just on the hamster wheel, you need HITT. And you can't out run a bad diet. So yes, you need to eat less crap. Did i cut out all "bad" foods? No, I don't believe there are "bad" or "good" foods. I believe there is beauty and sanity to balance. Enjoy your life, eat the foods you know aren't the healthiest, but do so in moderation. And learn how to make the bad foods with better ingredients.

There is no pill, no quick fix all option, no easy button. It takes hard work and dedication. But when you really want something, the work will be the easy part, the waiting for the results you want will be the challenge.

Have you ever....

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Have you ever ordered something from a company and received the wrong item, you call and they fix it for you and your happy. But, have you ever ordered from someone and something was wrong with your order and you just can't seem to get the company to make it right?

Well I am here to warn you that Luxor Linens is by far the worst company I have had to deal with and forewarn you not to order from them.

Wish I could give them half a star if I had to give them a star at all. This is the WORST company and customer service I have ever dealt with. We order a set of sheets off Living Social 100% Cottton, 1000tc Worth 350-400$. When I received my sheets I was sent the wrong size ( King instead of Queen ) After calling for three days and getting hung up on when on hold multiple times I finally got a hold of someone who explained the reason I received King was because they were out of Queen. After explaining I order Queen because that is what I have and I cannot use the King, I was told that I would be upgraded and a return label was being sent to me.

Almost TWO WEEKS LATER still nothing. So I called back ( now just so you get a feel of how calling these people is like. You have to plan on the next three days doing nothing but calling on and off all day just to sit on hold for 5-15 minutes just to end up getting hung up on ) I got a hold of another lady who informed me my request was never processed. She said she would process it and also include a free gift for my troubles and that it should take 24-48 hours to receive my return label.

Three days later still nothing, So i call back and I am told that it is being processed and to call back the next day if I still haven't received it. Next day, still nothing. I call back and finally get my label and send in my sheets and wait for my UPGRADED set and free gift. I received my so called UPGRADED set yesterday and was baffled, what they sent me as an upgrade was a Cotton / Polyester blend worth 150$. How does that make sense, going from a 400$ set to a 150$ set? and no free gift.

By now I am really frustrated and call back, today i finally get ahold of someone on my third call and I am told that they now have my original sheet set in stock in Queen and I should receive my return label in 24-48 hours so I can send back my joke of an upgrade to get my original set I paid for and possibly a free gift if they remember.

Wonder how long it will take this time.. my advice? Take you money and go to Costco. They have an awesome set cheaper and nicer and their customer service is much better than this joke of a place.

DO NOT ORDER FROM LUXOR!! 

Another year older already.....

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Today my beloved Monster turns four. The transition to big kid is almost complete. Gone are even the slightest physical remnants of toddler hood. No more dimpled fingers, no more chubby cheeks, no more cautious steps or pacifier, His words are becoming more pronounced and soon all those silly words and mispronunciations will be gone. 

It’s been a year of lengthening strides, blossoming independence, and growing pains. Not just for monster butt. Because, as much as my heart soars and swells with each new milestone and victory, it simultaneously shatters into a million tiny pieces. I’m learning that every rite of passage is one step closer to the day I can’t solve his problems with a kiss and a cool band-aid.

Far too soon, I won’t be able to shield him from heartache or tragedy.

Eventually I will have to let go.

And it all just goes by so damn fast.

Time Marches On

I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around the passage of another year. In many ways, it’s been a complete blur. I wouldn't say I missed it. I just wish I’d paid more attention, slowed down, really listened and enjoyed it. You are the spunkiest little kid I have ever met... not a day goes by when you don't laugh hysterically, filling up the room with joyful noise, and bring happiness to everyone you come across. I find it hard to believe that you've already been through a year of school. You are such a little smarty pants and I love being with you as you discover new things and learn about the world around you. If we're being honest, I could live with fewer meltdowns over silly things, but I know that I'll miss these days when you're older!

I cringe to think of the times I lost my temper with him. Raising my voice & losing my cool over some minor transgression, that looking back now, I can’t even remember. Sometimes I push. Or overreact. Or both.

Thankfully Monster is wise beyond his years. He has a way of steering me back on course with a hug, a giggle, or three simple words spoken with absolute sincerity.

Remarkable Strides

Looking back, from little to big, tangible to intangible, it’s been an extraordinary year.

A is for Amazing

From scribbles and slashes of paint to the most adorable stick people, houses and jellyfish you've ever seen, his artwork is a window into a vivid imagination. If you take the time to talk about what each one means and is. It is more like a story told by the most innocent eyes and heart and just random lines on a paper

His favorite thing to do is practice his writing. Perched on a stool in the kitchen, he asks me to spell a laundry list of words, while he carefully transcribes each one in handwriting that puts the most adoreable smile on his face. 

B is for Best Friend

He has blossomed as a friend this year, he has learned to understand more about his feelings and feelings of others and giving them a hug when they are sad or sharing a very delicious cookie. He has become a great leader, and can be very bossy. 

 But while he can be obnoxiously righteous and downright authoritarian at times, he’s also fiercely protective and amazingly patient.

Monster will go through life with the most incredible ally's and best friend by his sides

C is for Character

It’s not about the ribbons or the records or the stickers. It’s about the character and strength that shine like a beacon, lighting up his determined little face.

D is for Determined 

When you get your mind made up on something you sure do go at it with all the passion you have. One day that will be an amazing quality to have my dear 

E is for Emotional

One thing about you is how in tune you are with your emotions. You are getting good about putting words to them, but you still cry hard, lash out and laugh uncontrollably at times. You are extremely empathetic and kind. 

F is for Friendly 

Not a day goes by that you do not make a new friend you love meeting new people and are so outgoing.

G is for Gentle

Every bug, flower, animal it all gets your most gentle and compassionate touch... Unless its the dogs you seem to be a little rough with them

H is for Happy 

You are always such a happy and energetic kid. I get told all the time how you light up the room. 

I is for Incredible 

You do not know it but you are the most incredible little kid i know. So smart and talented and full of life. Plus you can go to bed late, get up early and still be full of spunk... 

J is for Jovial 

As I said before you are always so happy and joyful 

K is for Kind

To all, Big and small you are beyond your years in kindness and love 

L is for Likable

Still have yet to meet someone who dislikes you. You will go far in life little man

M is for Mischievous 

Yes, that is right. I know about you asking me something and going to daddy when you do not receive the answer your looking for and vise versa. You always have a tell tell sign on your face when you are thinking of doing something your not suppose to... like jumping on the furniture 

N is for Naked

You love to be naked .. lol ..

O is for Optimistic 

You always find the good in everything.

P is for Polite 

You are always using you manors. 

Q is for Quick - Witted 

Extremely clever for a four year old.

R is for Resourceful 

Finding clever ways to get around a difficulty you are having 

S if for Smart

I can not even begin to tell you how incredibly intelligent you are. You figure things out almost as quick as you eat. ( pretty much three bites and your done ) 

T is for Thoughtful 

You always think of how others are feeling and how to make it better. And the pictures you draw or the flowers you pick and the necklaces you make are cherries on top.

U is for Upbeat 

Always so cheerful and full of life

W is for Wacky 

You sure do make up and do some weird things 

Cant think of  for X

Y is for Young

Please stay little as long as you can...  I love you but i want to enjoy your youth

Z is for Zealous 

You are always so enthusastic 

My Wish

When Monster blows out his candles, I’m going to close my eyes and make my own wish.

I’ll wish for the power and strength to ensure his sparkle never diminishes but only grows brighter at 4, 14, 40, and every age between and beyond.

Here is to your birthday little man. you have been such a blessing in my life and i will always cherish you and love you to the moon and back x a million. 

Likes: 

Cars

Tractors

Basically anything with a motor or wheels 

Helping dad work 

Helping mom cook

Going for long walks

Camping 

Bowling

Doing crafts

School

The park

Grandma's suckers

Reading books

Playing job site

 Hot dogs

Dislikes:

The dentist 

Bedtime

Tomatoes 

Any green veggie