Hello 2013

We are back in the swing of things around here.  It was a lot of fun to have so much time off from school and work at Christmas, but I do love me a good routine.  The kids are back in the thick of spelling tests and projects and reading logs.  Brad is busy at work hoping to avoid another trip to Philly- at least until it warms up a bit there.  He is also busy every Sunday as well as several weeknights thanks to a little surprise we got about 6 weeks ago called Elder's Quorum president.  A change is as good as a rest huh.  Brinlee is back to ruling the roost during the day.  Cole is finally finally sleeping all night consistently which leaves him with an over abundance of energy during the day- but I'll take it.  I am busy being the glue that holds us all together.  I am currently in week 2 of an 8 week health challenge with my dad and sister(our spouses are participating- just not as seriously as we are) and am feeling great.  Now that I am no longer growing a human or being the primary food source for one, I can finally focus on getting healthy and staying that way.  I am pushing my body to its limits (you should see my poor blistered feet) but it feels oh so good.  I am concentrating on making better food choices and keeping track of what I eat and it has made a huge difference for me.  I have a feeling this will be a life challenge for me instead of just the 8 weeks.  I am pretty competitive though so the challenge aspect of this keeps me going as well.  I want to be the best me for my husband and kids and I have found that this requires an investment of time. I have found a pretty good balance and am hoping that I will be able to sustain it.  Anyway, enough of that.  We have already decorated for Valentine's Day here.  We had to replace all the fun Christmas decor with something right.  We are crossing our fingers that the 49ers can win their game this week and make it to the Super Bowl.  We are planning for our last big Disneyland hurrah in May before our passes expire.  We are playing outside with coats on.  This is new to us and probably won't last long- but we will take advantage of it for as long as we can.  We are happy and healthy and loving 2013 so far.