Change. Inspire. Faith. Process. Success. Fail. Accountability.

These are words that stick in my mind throughout our family journey to get healthy.  I hear and say or write these words on a regular basis.  Friends (old and new), family (local and across all states), and people I have never met before have reached out to support our transformation  by sharing their stories, saying inspiring words like the ones in the title, and providing advice. All of their efforts are woven into the progress we are making.  All of this encouragement, as well as the hands-on support of grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, etc. have really made all of our efforts successful.  It is working. We are changing. Everyday.  I am not saying we are on easy street, not even close, but the proof is in the shift in attitudes. Old habits don't fit into our lifestyle anymore.  Healthy habits are ingrained.  We are seeing the fruits of our endeavors in our lives; not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.  This overhaul on health came with a benefit we didn't expect, an even closer family bond than we had before we started this.  

Just as an example of change; recently my girls THOUGHT they got some candy passed the ole mama radar, oh no, no, no ,no! They saw me, I saw them see me, and they saw me see the candy.  The jig was UP!  The finger was crooked in the come hither motion.  I said, "give me half of whatever  candy you have and you can have the rest for some other time."  "OK", they said, CHEERILY!  This was Saturday, it is now Wednesday, candy is still there.  I know what you are thinking and it is TRUE!  I remembered it was there on SUNDAY, MONDAY, TUESDAY, and TODAY, but I did not eat it, pinky swear.  Attitudes changed. do-duh-do-do-doooo I'm lovin' it!

I have a bit of fun to share with you.  I had some long overdue girl time with my very close friend Lisa.  Lisa and I met a few years ago while our kids were on swim team.  We clicked and I started taking my kids to her home-based art classes. My girls absolutely loved and absorbed all of the art mediums, artists, and styles she was exposing them to.  

A sample display of their last art project is below:

Ava's is the kitty on the left and Bella's is the bunny on the right.

Back to our coffee date, well, to my super duper satisfaction it was a healthy, gourmet, breakfast date, with coffee.  I crossed Miss Lisa's threshold to her fabulously decorated home and it was like no time had passed, we quickly picked up where we left off. I have experienced this before with close friendships and it made me think what was it that made Lisa and I part of this club?  I came up with a few things that made us fall into the awkward moments?...what? what are those? category of friendship.  We both have really laid back personalities, we both seek out genuine friendships and people, and we share a common faith in God.  I think that if I asked her these things she would agree, at least I hope she would. Lisa text me if you agree...:)

One more thought on this topic, Lisa and I had not gotten together in some time, too long. I know busy schedules get in the way, good intentions turn into cancellations.  I have to tell you though, that when I make these dates a priority, I am never ever more encouraged or satisfied than after the times that I spend with my close friends and siblings.  Get that girl time on the books!  For guys...rekindle that bromance! 

John 15:12-13 "My command is this: Love each other as I have Loved you.  Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friend."

Fabulous friendship date picture below:

Libby and Lisa

Wonderful not to mention Gorgeous breakfast with recipe:

Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe YUMMMMMMY

Speaking of girl power...I am starting a new collaboration project with 5 other ladies.  It is called Driven.  The web address is faithintheprocess.blogspot.com    I plan to share all of the details with you on Friday...You will not have to wait long!

Mama Out!

Flamingo Fun Wednesday