Time to face the music

So I have these heart palpitations and while having them checked out fully, I was referred to a cardiologist.  I went back to him today for a follow up and while my heart is fine, he lit into me about my weight.  First let me say that he was a super funny guy and he and I really hit it off, so while what he said sounds harsh, it wasn't mean spirited at all.  Basically he said I'm fat.  Which I already know...no shocker there.  But he also said that while I am in good health now, he doesn't want to see me in 30 years for a bypass operation because I didn't take his advice and do something about what is an obvious weight problem.  Point taken, Dr. Buchanan.  I've got to get my head on straight to make some changes in my overall lifestyle that will result in my being a healthier me.  I don't know that I will necessisarily do some sort of "organized" diet, but I am going to make changes that I can hopefully keep.  Pray for me - 30 years of bad eating habits won't be easy to fix.

In more lighthearted news, James and I celebrate 6 years this weekend and I've got a little something up my sleeve :-)

I think it's Facebook's fault...

...that I don't post on my blog more often.  It's so easy to just write a little blurb that tells everyone what's going on and I just forget to write on here.

Let's see - since I last wrote:

•  we had an fabulous vacation in Wilminton with James' parents.  It was my first trip there, but definitely won't be the last.  Such a nice area.  We watched the most amazing fireworks show I've ever seen from our balcony, ate lots of ice cream and took naps every day.  James was there for the whole trip, which made me super happy.

• Kendall is potty trained.  Sounds crazy to me to have a potty trained child, but she's been (day time) accident free for days and days.  She still wears a pull up to bed, but most mornings it's dry.  Now what to spend that diaper money on??  Lots of people would say "it's time for another baby" and I would agree.  We're going to start trying for Mason 2.0 very soon.  If you ask my husband, he'll tell you I've been the hold up all along - I think he was ready over a year ago.

There really hasn't been a whole lot else going on.  Church is good.  Work drove me crazy last week, but it's mostly good.  School is good.  Life is good :-)

Summer Fun

We've been having so much fun enjoying summer that I've forgotten to blog anything about it! 

Let's see - there has been a beach trip, which was fabulous.  We went down with my parents and ended up spending time with not only family, but some of our best friends, too.  Kendall love, love, LOVED the beach.  The water, the sand, the critters, the shells - all of it.  And I was very proud of myself that I didn't get sunburned!  Well, okay - there were two strips on my shoulders that I neglected the first day, but that's really good for me!

It was a bittersweet trip because Ronnie wrapped up his beach ministry for a while, at least.  Last year at this time, I really thought they were going to move there permanently, but I think God had other plans for them.  Isn't He cool like that? 

I've also turned the big 3-0 since my last post and I must say I still feel a solid 24.  Age ain't nothin but a number, right?

We've enjoyed lots of time outside - blowing bubbles, taking walks, going to the pool.  I was even blessed with the special experience of finding a tick on myself for the first time in those aforementioned 30 years.  Those that know me well know that I FREAK OUT about pretty much everything and this was no exception.  Ticks have ALWAYS wigged me out, combined with the fact that someone in James' extended family actually died from a tick bite and you have one insanely freaked out mama.

Looks like Kendall will be taking some dance classes this summer.  We checked out a recital of a dance school in Raleigh on Friday night and I was way impressed with the whole thing - it was all very classy and age appropriate as far as the costumes and the dances - really a breath of fresh air compared to some of the other dance school performances I've seen in recent years.  You probably don't know this about me - but I danced for years and years and years growing up - competed and the whole nine, so of course I would LOVE it if Kendall took to dancing.  We'll see - I will not be that mom that forces my kid to do something she doesn't enjoy, but Kendall was mesmerized for the entire 3 hour show and she loved Little Gym (and this is half the price of Little Gym which makes me really happy) so we'll give it a whirl.

I think that's about all for now.  How is your summer going?

Traumatic

Last night we went out with my in-laws to celebrate their anniversary.  On the way home, we happened upon an accident - a young woman had hit a biker and we literally drove by right after it happened.  Of course we stopped and I jumped out the car and called 911.  James stayed back at the car with Kendall.  The poor guy was just a mess...very bloody, not really coherent, moaning, etc.  (Please pray for him - not sure of the outcome as we left after the police and paramedics arrived).  Kendall didn't see any of this, but was aware that something bad had happened.

Anyway - as we pulled off, of course Kendall wanted to know what happened.  So we told her (in 2 year old terms) and dropped it.  Well, this morning, she's still talking about the accident.  We've prayed together for the victim and talked about safety, etc. but I really think she may be semi-traumatized by the whole thing.  And I think that she thinks we're the ones that hit the biker.  She keeps saying "hit man daddy's car".  I keep telling her that we just stopped to help, but she's not getting that part. 

I love a good learning experience, but this is one we could have skipped.

Preschool

Today I put Kendall on the waiting list for preschool.  I can't believe she's even old enough to go to preschool...seems like yesterday I was complaining because I didn't think she'd ever come out of my ginormous belly and now she's gonna be learning all sorts of stuff away from the comfort of Mommy, Daddy or Nana.  It makes my heart hurt, but I'm really excited that she will be able to go to a Christian preschool that will teach her about Jesus and that she'll be able to "ease" into the school routine by going only part of the week for half days.  I'm sure that being around other kids in a structured environment will help with her diva tendencies (or either they'll kick her out).  She is such a special little kid...I know all moms think that about their children, but for real, she is ;-)

In other news, the Grove Park Inn was fabulous.  I literally cried while we were at the spa.  It was just so unbelievably beautiful.  I know it won't be a trip that we can take again for a long, long time, but I'm really glad we got a chance to go and experience such a cool place together.

My in laws celebrated their 45th anniversary yesterday.  I got a text from my mother-in-law (she's so tech savvy) with a picture of two identical greeting cards...turns out they both bought each other the same card, which of course made me cry (I cry a lot lately).  They are such a sweet couple and sometimes I'm very much overwhelmed by the fact that God decided to bless me with not only fabulous parents, but also fabulous in laws. 

Speaking of fabulous parents, Ronnie was in an accident last week.  He is okay, but his car was totaled.  It sort of made my stomach hurt to think of what could have happened, so I was really glad to be able to give him a long hug and tell him how much I love him and how glad I am that he wasn't hurt.

We celebrate moms this Sunday and I'm excited to be able to hang with my mama this weekend.  We spent some really good time together last week as well...it's always good for my soul to hang with my mama - she's funny and wise and beautiful and above all, Godly and obedient to Jesus.  I tell you - every time I call her and ask what she's doing, it seems like she's reading the Bible...and that shows in her. 

Enough for now - hope all is right with my blog readers (you do exist, don't you??)

Date Weekend

For those of you that don't know, my sweet husband works in country club management.  One of the things that country club manager people do is join CMAA - Club Managers Association of America.  This association offers training and retreats and that sort of thing.  Sometimes the retreats take place in really cool places and the wifeys get to go along for the ride.  This weekend is one of those occasions and I get to tag along with James to Asheville and we're staying at the Grove Park Inn!  I am so very, very excited for lots of different reasons.  Want to hear them?  Okay! 

• James and I have been together almost 8 years and we've never been to the mountains together.  Yay for higher elevation with your love!
• We need a get away to "reconnect".  We've let the crazy business of life ease it's way into our couple time lately, so it will be good to focus on each other for a couple of days.
• We get to stay at the Grove Park Inn.  And someone else is picking up the tab, no less. 
• I get free time to read or take a nap or walk around or whatever I want to do while James is in class.  He actually was thoughtful enough to ask me if I'll "be okay" while he's in his classes.  Um.  Something tells me I'll be just fine.
• We don't have to worry about whether our sweet girl is safe.  We are so, so blessed with parents that truly enjoy spending time with Kendall.  She will stay with James' parents on Saturday night and my parents on Sunday.  She is sure to have a blast with both.

I hope everyone has a fabulous, restful weekend.  I shall think of you while I enjoy the mountain views.

Spring has sprung!

I can't recall a time when I have greeted warm weather with such excitement.  I'm pretty sure it's because being outside brings my Kendall such absolute joy!  We have literally spent HOURS outside since the weather broke.  So far we've blown a million bubbles (who knew dish soap and straws would work so well), drawn lovely pictures with sidewalk chalk, road Dora (her power wheel that she's figured out how to ride backwards down our steep driveway), played basketball, met 2 new neighborhood friends (very sweet girls that asked permission to come and play in my driveway), fingerpainted (which I think I enjoyed more than I should have) and filled up the sandbox with new sand.  We even battled some wasps today and kicked them to the curb so we could enjoy our front porch without that buzzing.  

I truly feel like God gave us the seasons as a way to show His love.  Just at the point where we are so very tired of cold rains and 2-hour delays He sends us warmth, tulips, and the smell of fresh cut grass.  He knew those things would make us happy and rejuvenate us and give us time outdoors as a family.  Then just at the point where we're tired of sweating, He sends us the crispness of fall with crunchy leaves and bright orange pumpkins.  I am just amazed at His Creation here lately.  So very beautiful.

We've got a fun filled weekend lined up.  Tomorrow we are meeting some of our besties for lunch at Mad Hatters and a trip to the Museum of Life and Science.  Then Sunday we celebrate Jesus at Cross Culture, hunt for eggs and enjoy time with Nana, Papa, and Mimi for lunch. I'm really excited for all of those things.  We have been so very blessed with unbelievable family and friends and I love the fact that Kendall is surrounded by people that love Jesus and love our family.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!