Back at it...School.Learning to be grateful {again and again} and working out.. so that means I can eat whatever I want, right?

After a looong break, we're back into our school schedule.
I enjoy time off...but there is something so comforting in having a routine.

We ..{well, let's be honest here..I } was excited to start up school again.
I will be so sad when my homeschool career comes to an end.
The kids will also be sad...they just don't know it yet. {wink}

It was my birthday this past weekend...we saw a movie and made lasagna and
the girls baked a chocolate cake. I wanted simple.

It seems like life has been so out of control for so many months...
....it was nice to not have anything to do. To have a weekend to just be. and do...Nothing.

It was refreshing...and relaxing and mind clearing and actually had me ready for a new week.
It's amazing how a little rest can go a long way.

It's actually not the rest...but it's time with Jeff that I needed.
He's been busy and gone a lot and with the holidays in the mix,
we haven't had much together time.

When life gets out of balance...my attitude gets out of balance as well.
I forget about all that I have in my life...ALL that I have been blessed with
and I find all sorts of negative.

...and let me tell you. When you are looking for negative...you WILL find it!
Everywhere and in everyone and in everything.
..and Why? Have I not learned my lesson over and over and over again?

Satan has a manipulative way of over-feeding our weary souls when we have the wrong focus.
Of course, then I, take it all out on my kids who don't... and my dear husband who doesn't...
..Deserve it!

I canNOT tell you the importance of GRATEFULNESS!!!

It is everything! When we are thankful...we become content.
...and our thinking is quickly put into proper perspective.

I was in need of a dose of proper perspective.
Thank you God for giving that to me! ...in a very kind way.

Have you guys tried this blend of coffee ....I am in love.
I add 4 Tablespoons of low fat half and half {because I work out now..you'll read below}
and a package or two of stevia and lots of whipped cream..
and maybe some cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top...but just this one time!

Winter perfection in a mug.

**********************
I gave myself until this week..then I would start working out again.
So this morning I did! ...pat, pat, pat on my back.
I burned 216 calories..which then made my evening cookie eating festival justified.

Especially since the cookies are not only organic..but also from Whole Foods!
Double the health right there!!!

My bratty kids made all sorts of comments...I ignored their chubby jokes and
enjoyed my organic cane sugar, whole wheat, super healthy, chocolate chip cookies.
They {with their super high metabolism} can just be quiet.

I'm the Queen around here! They need to take their peasant places.

Tyler's girlfriend Cyndie was up visiting from Florida...she gave me a bouquet of roses!
She is just the sweetest!

We really enjoyed having her with us over the holidays...
...my youngest three were so sad when she left.  They love her! ...we all do. :)

Hope your week is off to a great start.
Happy Monday to you.
XxOo