Whew!

I'm still trying to get used to the WW points thing.  I don't like that their tracker has no place to put calories.  UGH!

Weight Watchers

 I joined WW's.  In the past two weeks, I've yet to not go over my points!  Has my eating gotten out of control or WHAT!  I had a stressful spring & summer and I noticed it really started showing on the scale in July.  I'm working on it.

Couponing

So now I'm one of those crazy couponers who saves tons of money.  That is find and good, right?  Well, now I'm eating too many calories!

Keeping a Quiet Heart

"Every assignment is measured and controlled for my eternal good.  As I accept the given portion other options are cancelled.  Decisions become much easier, directions clearer, and hence my heart becomes inexpressibly quieter."  Elizabeth Elliot's book Keeping a Quiet Heart.

I have always been the type of person who loves to take control, make changes, make it work.  Since becoming a Mom, I have finally narrowed my teaching down a number of days that I can handle and enjoy, while still being there for my family.  It has taken a year and a half to figure it out, but it works for all of us in the family.  Now, don't you know when I decide this, I get so tempted.  Oh could I help with this?  Could I play for that?  Couldn't I just keep this one student who is so great?  Yes, temptation comes and I start second guessing my decisions...wondering if I should take on a bit more because my heart wants to do it.  

I've never been one to say, "Well this is my lot in life so there you go."  I'm more of take the bull by the horns kind of girl.  What I am learning from this reading is that I need to trust and rest in my own decisions.  Okay?  It's not like someone is punishing me.  I have made the decision to take on less.  It is not only for my family's good, but the good of me and the good of my students receiving my best.  It is very hard to set good boundaries.  Oh - sometimes it's easy, but for every no there is a yes to something else. 

My yes was that yesterday I spent the day with my son and it was so beautiful.  I watched him and my eyes just filled with tears.  It was in that moment that I realized that "Decisions become much easier, directions clearer, and my heart becomes inexpressibly quieter."

Volunteer Torture

OK, you non-Moms please bear with me or read it as free advice....

There is a leadership position I want to take so desperately in our piano world.  I mean, I LOVE a good challenge and this truly is one.  HOWEVER - reality check home girl.  Did you notice the toddler running around the house?  DId you notice how today was Sunday and your glue on nails look like, to use my husband's word, "carnage" on the kitchen table because you napped during toddler's nap?  Or, did you fail to notice that other than laundry and a stroller ride, you spent the day hugging and smooching on your baby instead of volunteer work? 

Reality check.

So, I had to suck crow or eat crow or whatever, and go back and tell the piano people that I could "assist" a new chair, but I could not BE one.  I could do an extra task, yes.  But take on an entire event = Dumb.  Taking on the event pre-baby - excellent and a fabulous career move.  Taking on the event post baby?  Stupid and naive, if only seen that way to my husband and me.

It's been 16 months people, but undoing an adult life, at 37 years old, of being a type A, challenge driven person does not come quickly.  Learning to play with the baby is my task in life....no let me shorten that.  I'm learning to play.  And you know what?  It feels good.

I FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY MADE IT TO MY GOAL WEIGHT!

Me - LIVE! My first Fitness DVD review!

Taking One for the Team

First, I just want to say I was 222 this morning so YEAH!

Now, let me add that I never expected Motherhood to change my life so utterly and completely.  I mean, it ways that I never thought it was touch it has totally invaded.  The biggest shock though has been from other Moms.  I just "assumed" that all Moms would understand if I had to cut back working to be a Mom to my own child.  Well, they don't.  Some don't.  Just a word to the wise there.  But, I know to do what is right for me.

I'm still on an Ellen Barrett kick.  Everything by "The Studio" is awesome!

Anyone tried the new steam-able veggies?  Some of them are very good.  We like the green peas and mushrooms and the corn.

This and That

I am collosally dumb!  No, really!  OK so since I spend a lot of time at home watching QVC and HSN, I forget what's out there.  I started buying make-up from them and Sephora.  Then I found these great beauty blogs and discovered that I can buy this stuff at the drugstore for less than half the price!  OH MY!  Well, I guess I should thank QVC and HSN for turning me on to the latest in beauty tricks and techniques, but I'd rather more quarters stay in my pocket!

In other news, I have been fighting the urge to eat most days.  I'm in this constant learning curve of how to be a Mom and an everybody else (teacher, wife, musician, etc.)  I have finally figured out a way to have family time at night without driving us all insane with my late hours.  I cut back on the late hours.  Easier said than done.  But, I did do it and "took one for the team."  (Yes, I had a very angry Momma at me).

I'm holding out at 223.  Not losing but not really gaining either.  I have a pain in the rear cold that is causing me to drag a bit. 

I love what I do and I love my family.  That's the good stuff.

Pictures

The first two photos were taken yesterday.  Yes, I'm 37! Today I was 225 and FREAKING OUT! LOL  Hubbie and I have been hooked on this chex chocolate peanut butter evilness.  Fortunately there isn't anymore in the house.This my sweet hubbie and me!

This bottom photo was taken about two years ago.