Reasons. Not to be confused with excuses!

Someday's it blows my mind that I have a 2 year old and a 12 year old. Other days I feel the work and the worry of having my two boys. Time is such a variable thing. It's all in perception. There are days that just zip by and then there are the ones that d.r.a.g on for what seems like forever. 

The last 3 years have paved a whole new course in my marriage and family. Lucas and I have been through some hell together and we've been through some miracles together. Our love is stronger than it's ever been. And by love I don't just mean what we feel towards each other but the kind of love that describes support given between two people. We've learned alot about each other in our 6 years together. The first 3 years were shared between a 15 month deployment and life in Hawaii. The last 3 years have been in our VA home. Saying goodbye to that home this week has stirred some emotions. I'm grateful that we still have the month of July to hang with family before reporting to our next duty station but it still doesn't change the fact that as a mom I am saying goodbye to a home that holds too many memories to count. Between my oldest now weeks from being a teenager and my youngest spending his first years of life here... there is a lot to think on and feel blessed with. Honestly, I haven't made much time for the gym over this last week or two. And honestly, I feel in my heart that - that's ok.

Someday's you just need to be still. Some days walking the street holding your toddlers hand is a more powerful workout than the sweaty WOD and 3 mile run. And sometimes chillin' on the couch with your "I'm too cool for you mom" kid is more rewarding than any calorie burn or number on the scale. 

I've got a plan and it is to forgive myself for skipping the gym//my regular runs.... and to commit to a new schedule for this next phase of life once the last box is put on the moving truck tomorrow.

Do you ever feel guilty about skipping a workout?

Are you ever worried that your reasons are more of an excuse?

via

Another mom who fights this is Shannon. Shannon has two little girls. She's committed to being healthy and working out but she's finding that spending time at home with her newborn and toddler is a little more important than getting them into daycare so she can squeeze in a workout. As with anything this kind of attitude is A-OK in moderation!! Don't you think?

Hey Heart Shaped Sweat Readers! 

This is Shannon from Smile and Write. My blog was born from the simple desire to keep myself accountable for having a positive attitude in my everyday life. You will find that I write about everything! It could be about books I am reading, family, friends, struggles or my faith but I always try to find the silver lining in every situation. I am no life expert, just a woman trying to make the best of it. 

This past week I became a mommy for the second time. I am now the mother of two beautiful girls under two. Although I don't consider myself a mommy blogger; tis the season right now! 

Throughout the last half of my second pregnancy I found myself craving a hardcore workout. The kind that leaves you beat red in the face with sweaty pits and all (beautiful mental pic I know). I found myself dreaming about the day when I could bust out a long run in the morning and go about my day as usual. I also was really sick of seeing my body change in unflattering ways for two years. I was ready to not be pregnant, to have flat abs and thighs that no longer rub together when I walk. 

Then last week as I held my baby in my arms, I was reminded of when my first daughter was this size and how it felt like yesterday. I know people always say it but; man they sure grow up fast...I was suddenly panicked with thought of rushing through the crazy newborn stage and missing moments that only happen once. 

I was reminded to slow down, breathe in the newborn smell, cherish the 3 am feedings and most importantly be thankful to my body for being able to give me the biggest blessings of my life. 

Yes, there will be a time when taking care of myself will include fitting a work out into my daily schedule but that time is not quite here yet. I am choosing to love my body right now as it is (as flabby as it may be) because it is amazing. 

So that is what I am doing. My running shoes are still in the back of my closet. The double jogging stroller is still folded up in the garage. You can probably find me laying on the couch snuggling with one of my ladies and I couldn't be happier. 

Come join me as I find the brighter side of life at Smile and Write.

Isn't she so sweet?!
It's true she is always finding the silver lining in any of life's problems! Hope you'll stop by her blog and get to know her better!!




Linking with Just Because,



...happy to have Shannon with me this month...

Looking back on Happy Easters...

Happy Easter Sunday!


This year....
I'm hoping to catch Lance at the dinner table again with his over the top cheesy grin. Wondering how Landon and his cousin will do when they each spot the same egg. And praising the heavens I got away with only having to bring deviled eggs to Easter lunch. (which I still haven't made!)

I hope you find yourself surrounded by those you love in rooms filled with laughter and yards filled with eggs. Our family has always enjoyed this holiday for it's truest reason, much like Christmas. And then there's the egg hunt, can not leave out the egg hunt. fingers crossed for a no-rain day. The youngest of our group are now old enough to understand the fun in Easter. I can hardly wait to watch them fill their baskets!

Much like the collage of Halloween, I spent some time digging up pictures from Easters gone by. As much as I talk about looking forward and setting goals, I couldn't help but get lost these pictures. It's truly a blessing to spend holidays with family and friends. Hope you don't mind the photo dump ;)

From VA to Hawaii back to VA we've spent Easters covered in snow, sunshine and sand. To see Lance grow through these years along with his cousins made my little heart melt tonight. Check out his surfer hair from Hawaii days!! What's more fun is his face at the dinner table. Not much changed in 5 years. Apparently Lance is one happy kid at the dinner table or us adults take far too long cooking the meal?! Landon's first Easter was in his own home. You can barely see him in the picture, he was just days old! This was the first Easter celebration I threw for my family. I don't know what got into me that year but somehow I pulled it off, and yes, Lance will never be too old for an egg hunt!

Last year we were able to spend the holiday at my sister's beach house. My brother and his family had since moved to Nevada but were able to fly home for the Easter weekend. I can't even describe the happiness my parents felt this week. Really, we all did. My sister, brother and I are the best of friends. Our children are close in age and love each other like best friends too. The 15 of us spent a long weekend together counting it all...bible verses, Carova horses, eggs, kids, seashells and our blessings.


Happy Easter loves!
See you soon with a weekend recap and more fitspo!





Linking with BlogLovin Weekend Hop, No Rules Hop,

Weekend Shenanigans...

I'll admit...I do have the hardest time spelling Shenanigans. Sorry Sami, I'm one of those!

*note to self....chin down, chin down when taking pictures

Four days off in a row and I only went shopping once. Hard to believe but that's what happens when your husband is off those same 4 days too. womp, womp! Would you believe we are still "celebrating" St. Pats Day? We were lucky enough to have warm sunny skies as we sipped beer and barely escaped the delicious smells of funnel cake and (omg) fried chips drenched in cheese sauce without caving. Some things just aren't fair. Neither is pushing a jogging stroller weighed with a 30 pound toddler through the crowd as the front tire deflated. How and Why must this happen? Couldn't it at least been one of the back tires? And couldn't I have had just one of those fried chips?

1// yes, it was Thursday nights fun but technically that started our weekend.
2// killer workout! Got myself back into TRX mode and polished off a WOD w/ hubs.
3// pretty and simple, spring outfit for Saturdays festival.
4// Beer drinking in front of St. Patrick's church is only normal one weekend of the year.
5// And that's how Landon feels about his flat tire and empty ice cream cup.
6// But at least he can now hang with the big kids in the bounce house.
7// Busted bracket. Sorry Wucas, now you can go back to wearing Hokie gear....
8// Made Cranberry Orange and Almond Energy Balls, easiest recipe ever!
9// spring blooms on the trees. BUT as of Sunday - covered in snow :(

As for my March fitness goals linked with March Madness hosted by Shanna!
I have...
Met my 30in30 challenge by this evening!
Worked out 3+ times per week.
Much closer to gaining sponsorship for fitness instructor classes!
Still need to...
Set PR for 10K that's only 3 weeks away!
Sign up for a Barre Class and another race!

I've got a week left to this month to get the last of my goals accomplished and I'm proud to have checked the other three off my list. Spring is near which means summer is close. These TO DO's are getting DONE! A big thank you to Shanna for getting us all together to help each other stay accountable!


And, that's a wrap!
Schools out today, so home with the kids, yayyy for now a 5 day weekend!

It's March Sponsor Giveaway time! 
Lots of Ad Space and Starbucks $$ up for grabs :) 
Meet the FAB ladies that have been with me this month and 
enter to win!!!

And to not let the GIVEAWAY fun end there....I'm participating on a few more this week!
Hooah and Hiccups (Coach bag!)
In Her Boots (11 giftcards)
Living In Yellow (giftcard galore and boats of Ad Space)



Linking with YOLO Mondays, Weekend Shenanigans, Bloglovin Hop, Monday Morning Gossip

Miss Denial & Weekend Giggles

No really, call me Miss Denial. I hardly got a thing accomplished this weekend and have no desire to believe it's actually Monday. And, it's currently sleeting and snowing, why must this happen after a week of spring?

Reasons I avoided housework and other necessities to mommy hood...

....I was busy feeding this kiddo LEMONS and....

1// happy girl. out to lunch with hubs!
2// you can not eat PFChangs without ordering their lettuce wraps.
3// fortune. wasn't nearly as fun as I expected, but I got that one covered!
4// gym time. It's what the cool people do  ;)
5// spring love! our daffodils are finally in bloom. yet, as of tonight - it's sleeting and snowing?!
6// how's that for good luck? Caught a rainbow during our St. Pattys celebrating.
7// night out for us, woop!
8// not a beer drinker. I'd never betray my vodka like that. Hubs, he is the beer lover.
9// blowing off more responsibility by driving out to the country for our Sunday afternoon.

and lastly, another reason not much was accomplished this weekend was this guys epic fail.....

no worries. He got right back up and tried again. It's brilliant (in theory) to place a trampoline under the basket ball hoop but in all reality, at least for my son....it doesn't get you any "air"!


Keeping you abrief on my challenges this month....
Up to 21 of 30 miles in my 30in30 challenge! Boo-ya! I'm just gonna say that the row machine is now part of my exercise routine. That thing is addictive, partially because it stares at you with these evil,ugly eyes as if to say, I will make you mine and also because it left me sore for the entire weekend. That's proof that the damned machine works and I need to be doing it. Try it next time you're at the gym. I dare you to do like me and knock out a mile in 30 minutes. Tell that machine who's boss! The cleanse is way over (you'll finally get the recap this week) and we're doing great with choosing more healthy foods and cutting back the sweet and salty options!

And yes, I will be following you via Bloglovin and you can easily follow me there too by clicking here. But don't abandon GFC just yet. It's only March, who knows what's up between now and July. Just a thought. an opinion :)

I'm excited to bounce around and catch up with all of you through your weekend recaps!
If you joined the 30in30 challenge, let me know how you're doing! Let's cheer each other on!!




Linking with YOLO Mondays, Weekend Shenanigans, This Weekend I, Life Lately, Morning Gossip, I<3 Bloglovin

Love Me A FRIDAY!

Anyone remember this post? ah, that was the day Helene hooked a sista up. She sent out the question, how do you read blogs?  hundreds and hundreds of people answered. kidding, it wasn't hundreds. but, she spurred a lengthy conversation which convinced me to make the move to Bloglovin. Love it! Other answers included, Twitter. Agreed, it's ri-dunk-ulous just how many blog post are read from my twitter feed. Then there's still good ole' blogger dashboard. Ever opened blogger with all intentions to work on a post and off you go reading blog after blog?! no worries people. Google Reader disappearing isn't the end of the world :)

But, if it's your main source for reading blogs then check out some of these links....
My New Fave Reader: A Bloglovin Tutorial
Importing Google Reader Feeds into Bloglovin

The Replacement: Feedly vs. Google Reader

and if you're used to GFC hops and hoping to find new blogs while getting exposure, consider these Bloglovin hops...The Foley Family, Peacoats and Plaid, Stylelixer, A Dose of Paige, The Life of Faith

H54F

1// just a lazy afternoon at the park :)
2// kettlebells and 60 min. step class was just what I needed. BTW, 20 miles down in my 30in30!
How are you ladies doing? It's been fun tweeting progress stats with you!

3// these boys light up my world. 

4// with the weather warming up, our cleanse finished, and Landon' bday party next month we had enough reasons to splurge on a new grill. 

5// I am so guilty of sneaking in a bag full of clothes (every once in awhile) but never ever have I just come home with a new car! We knew we it was time for a new SUV but geez, hubs didn't mean the next day!!

Happy St. Patty's Day weekend to all of you!!
We'll be enjoying our city's annual street festival :)

Take a moment to reflect on the big and small things that make your week more beautiful.


Any plans for celebrating St. Pattys Day?
Are you following Heart Shaped Sweat via Bloglovin or some other way? I want to stay connected with you! Leave me a link in the comments so I can follow back!

and Insta Fridays!

Love Me a FRIDAY

Wasn't it just last week that we hooray'ed Friday, kicked off a new month and sent a SOS for spring?! In this past week many, many states saw snow. booooo. I didn't believe the weatherman when he predicted snow. But now that he's predicting temps in the 70's for our weekend...I believe him. Lets hope this starts a new trend.

I think blogging brings out a form of ADHD that I didn't even know I had. I can be working on a post and my mind drifts to photo's. I open pic monkey and upon upload I choose a photo that has no relevance to the post I was working on. My phone lights up, it's twitter. oh, fun! let's stray and go partially brain dead while trolling twitter. My neck hurts, I should look up. Oh, hello computer, what is it that I was doing? oh yes, that post. hmmm, what picture should I use?! I should paint my nails, this is the perfect time to have them air dry.

Seriously, it gets that bad. some days.

H54F

1// Sunday was the best hug ever and today is the best "cheese" ever.

2// so fresh! and pretty! we're doing good with our cleanse. we made it through "hell" day and have just 2 days remaining. if you don't know what I'm talking about, take a minute and catch up here :)  everyone's support and encouragement means more to me than you'll ever know!

3// he's been so helpful in the kitchen this week. I love cooking dinner with him. We're a good team.

4// the snow was pretty. Lance and Zina played in it for hours minutes.

5// Thursdays run. people, treadmills hurt! I always have weird aches after running via the dreadmill. but running in the freezing cold is much better :) either way, I'm sticking to my 30in30 challenge!

Take a moment to reflect.....
on the big and small things that make your week more beautiful.


I'm also excited about this idea! March Madness has always meant the bestest of basketball and now it also means, refocusing and outlining goals. We have a seriously, busy spring/summer ahead of us - this idea was just the extra bit of motivation I needed! check it out, might be the help you need to knock out another
"to-do"!

*just a few more days to enter this awesome giveaway! (target gc, ad space and more!)


Are you a nail painting blogger or salon only girl?
Think we've knocked snow off our cars for the last time?

and Insta Fridays!

Saved the Best for Last! Weekend Recap

This weekend, I realized that last years February was just more fun than this years.
I'm a little p.o.'ed about this and feel that March must make up for it!!

For example, we enjoyed a long weekend getaway at the beach (this time) last year. We combed empty beaches enjoying 70 degree temps, climbed lighthouses and dined while the boys got their gaming on at the arcade. Basically, I spent a chunk of my weekend checking availability and our calendar for a March vacay.

Despite everyone's encouragement to take the little guy to the circus this weekend, we opted for a local kids expo. Good thing, because we experienced complete public humiliation due to an overstimulated toddler. I am blessed with two very strong willed boys. These kids will grow up to be amazing adults and leaders. Meanwhile they are hardcore fighters for what they want, with little sense of common rules. Before the furious fit took place, Landon enjoyed balloons, a petting zoo, fitness fun, and met da-da-da-Dora!

The rest of our time was slotted with backyard and neighborhood exercise, food prep, an overload of pinteresting & dropboxing, brotherly love and whipping up an incredible giveaway for you!!!!

Time flies when you're having fun! Hey, I'm also considering a 7 day cleanse. I've read gobs of info on a specific one, but I'm curious....have any of you tried a cleanse? What were your results and would you recommend it or do it again? I'll compare your suggestions to what I'm considering and gather a post on this topic during the month of March! And, of course, share it's results with you!!


We're all set for another work week......
and I've you got you all set for a chance to win one HUGE Prize!!!
whatchya waiting for? go enter!

Linking with YOLO Mondays,  Weekend Shenanigans, Miscellany Mondays, Monday Meetups, This Weekend, Tea on Tuesdays and Just Because

Play, Love, Eat....Weekend Recap

Happy Monday everyone!
Let's go into this day with our fake, happy smiles!
Kidding. Well kind of kidding. I love a fresh start to the week and we can all thank Monday for that buttttttt when it comes to work, I'm only half-way there...kinda like Fridays. It seems as soon as I clock in...I'm ready to clock out! I try to always hit the gym on Mondays. Oddly, the gym is most packed on Monday nights. That's a pain but it's worth it. It's my favorite way to start the week.

Our weekend started with Happy Hour at the mall. yea, not at all what you're thinking. This HH is more of the "choo-choo" train kind, casting pennies and wishes into the fountain, and gulping Starbucks.
We enjoyed every minute of it and every minute of the mid 60 temps.

The next night (30 degree temps) we sipped on real adult beverages and stuffed our faces with the most delish sushi, salad, and grill menu. Hubs and I ka-noodled the night away at this restaurant then rocked downtown with live music and drinks. There, I got my way with a nacho plate. bad, very bad, I know!
but, at least, dinner was a healthy filling of fish and greens!

When we weren't out - we were in the kitchen. It was incredibly cold this weekend and we seemed to seek out food. Some healthy, some not. My pitfall was anything Asian and everything salty. I am probably retaining 5+ pounds of water at this point, opps! I did spend some time Sunday night prepping salads for the week. I'll add "lastnights leftovers" to the salads as the work week goes on.

Speaking of work...still working more hours than the norm, still stressing it a bit, still missing the daylight hours with my boys and it's still putting a serious cramp on my gym schedule (how do you full time working mommies do it all?!!). I'm making the best of it and banking the extra cash.

This weekend, Lucas and I finally decided on a day for the movers to come. I can't even explain the rush of emotions when faced with this decision but as our number drops down on the housing wait list, we had to make the decision. So done deal, we settled on Lance's last day of 6th grade...mid June.

And now, Landon's latest fave...dump toys and play hide & seek in the canvas bin.
Kid I will buy you 20 more canvas bins. I had no idea the fun they held. Not to mention, the silence and freedom from endless, obnoxious kid tunes all your other toys play....

Excuse the lack of gym time and you've got yourself a glimpse into our typical weekend. Play, love, Eat.


Linking with YOLO Mondays, Monday Meetups, Miscellany Monday, and Weekend Shenanigans

Not So Typical...

Typically, you find some kind of Motivation here on Mondays. But it's been anything but typical 'round here. I even debated on whether to post or not. So hang with me as I share Super Bowl from the eyes of a mom and her 12 year old son. Hubs got out for the real Super Bowl fun, he deserved it especially since he's played Mr. Mom as I work overtime.

Both kids are down with the flu bug since Thursday. Maybe you caught one of my tweets like this ....

yes. worst decision ever. We always get the flu shot, why did we skip it this year?! Any claims that the flu shot is ineffective or it gives you the flu were proven wrong by my two boys. Never again will we face the flu season without flu shots.

Other A-Typical happenings thanks to Super Bowl 2013....

kicking off the Super Bowl by watching 'sexy' meet 'smart' via GoDaddy. Now seriously, that ad was geared to appeal to the horniest man at the bar, the one drinking heavily and lacking the intention of ever owning a domain. clever marketing, not so sure about that. memorable,  yes probably. awkward to watch with your 12 year old son...most definitely.

wanting a mini van. WHAT?!! when has this chick ever thought of owning a minivan, never! but, I gave it some thought after watching super mom create a killer football team for her son and the "epic playdate" commercial had me seriously considering a mini-van's level of coolness compared to my VW Passat. And then Audi reminded me of their awesomeness at which point, I told Lance, "Sorry, your Mom will never drive a mini-van and you will never speed off from prom with a black eye."

being ever so grateful for Destiny's Child. If you were accompanied by your tween son like me...you were eternally grateful for the "crazy in love" dance moves to stop. I mean, the woman's incredible. I'm a long time fan, her voice, looks, ability -it all adds up to dynamite. But as much as I enjoyed the show, I thought, oh s*hit what goes through a tween boy's mind?!! ha!

feeling like The Rock. milk is mandatory in this house. My 3 L's drink up a gallon, almost daily. and yes, I dodge the mishap of running out of milk and have been seen buying it in last nights pajama's.

wanting a beer. a Budwieser at that. I hardly ever drink beer but show me a cowboy, play some Stevie Nicks....and all of a sudden, I'm considering a cold one. Then I remembered the Sky Vodka in the freezer and the Ginger Ale in the fridge and went for a refill and new slice of lime.

What is typical for me and my household and yours too (I'm sure) is....supporting our troops.

There isn't a day that goes by in which we don't think about//talk about//pray for our troops. There isn't a day that camo doesn't walk in and out of my front door or lay in a puddle on my bedroom floor. Not a day without the sound of clinking dog tags. Or a day without the rip of velcro and toss of a PC. Years ago those sounds were absent. Thankfully, I count only 2 Super Bowls that hubby was deployed but for many others their count is as high as 10 and 12+. Our troops, our soldiers and their families have gone through some days and years of hell. We've all fought hard and it's been the support of family, friends, and organizations that makes it all possible. If Jeep wants to promote themselves with patriotism, then so be it. They were able to spread a beautiful message in their commercial last night to millions of viewers. Their marketing was not for you to get up and fill your plate, it wasn't for you to twist off another cap, or drool and envy over a hot chick. Their message was to remind us to support, to remind us that dear ones are still overseas fighting and serving and that many families aren't whole, yet. And, if you happen to purchase a Jeep, then 250 dollars of that will go towards the Operation Safe Return, a campaign Jeep partnered with through USO.

Oh, and the goats scream on the Dorrito's commercial. Very much like mine or Lucas's after the 9th time of rocking our sick babe back to sleep. Thank goodness Lance is grown, his biggest need has been as simple as a back rub or warm bowl of chicken noodle soup....ohhhh, this too shall pass!

Did you do Super Bowl? Did your team win? 
Have a favorite commercial or tip for dealing with the flu?
Do share with me! Amy Poehler's commercial was my fave!

*so happy to see yesterdays post helped some peeps! 



Linking with YOLO Mondays, Tell Me about it Tuesdays

If I were a boy...

Linking with Gay and Erin for If I Were A Boy....this might have been the easiest post for me, ever!
As soon as I read the tweet, I glanced up at these 3 "boys" and opened blog press. Post done 5 minutes later. And yes, Beyonce played on in my head but somehow it turned into C'mon Irene. who does that?!

If I were a Boy...

I'm guilty of it, you are too. Admit it. In busy days, that time of the month, the long day of labor you've thought it and I have too... Oh, if I were a boy!

I'd have that "lean back" pose mastered, no double chin and no -where did that come from, roll?!
I'd even look good makeup free, covered in a layer of tractor exhaust and dirt.
I'd shamelessly wear that shirt again, and again, knowing it hadn't been washed.
I'd probably even pick my nose at the red light, screw on-lookers.

If I were a boy, my furniture would all be thrift, the more worn and smelly the better.
My throws would represent my teams of every sport.
My dishes would be fine plastic, the 'I recycle' kind and my fridge fully stocked with beer.

Being a boy would make it easy to release. A shake, would be all that's required.
The world my bathroom, if you will.
Chipping polishes and smudged mascara would be no problem.
Static in my hair and #ootd's would never cross my mind.

Oh, if I were a boy, I'd never worry with makeup or dryers and straighteners.
I wouldn't worry with spritzing perfume or blotting oily spots.
I'd never, ever lower the toilet seat. Or wipe it clean.
My sink would dull from dots of shaving cream.

I'd mindlessly drift off to sleep and happily rise, starting the day peacefully ahead of everyone else.
As a boy, I'd be on time to everything never worried by what outfit to wear, if my belt matched my shoes or if my accessories complemented the outfit.

But, if I were a boy, I'd always keep my shoulders square, live out chivalry, and move with confidence.
I'd tip generously and never let a woman pay, open doors, or carry all the groceries.
I'd know of the corner flower shop and the best bakery in town.
I'd have restaurants on speed dial for last minute reservations and I'd love the life out of Mrs. Right!
For these, last mentioned, are just a few things my boy does for me.....

from...The One, Who Stole Christmas

you start with the reason for the season. taking time to focus on all that was given up, for us the have each of these days to cherish.

then you have a hearty breakfast.

and like good brothers do...you help each other open gifts from under the tree.

as you prepare yourself for all the places to go and people to see, you think back to the day before and remember the sweet new wheels you got, the hard work you and your cousin put into cooking,

and you thank your big brother for letting you, again, steal the show.

all of this, is too much and the day is still young, you pass out on the floor as you and your brother almost did the day before.

you awake to Christmas feasts, family, and more presents. again, you steal the show.

thankfully, us other lovelies got in for a pic or two. Great Grandma's. Grandma's. And sisters (one pregnant with round two).

and for dessert, we paused to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. A tradition my mom started years ago.
soon you'll understand why.

from three different camera's (don't ask) and a view from the little guy who stole Christmas......
we hope you felt as blessed as we did. We hope your home was overfilled with laughter, love, and generosity.  We hope you kept within your the heart the reason for the season and were not lost within the hustle and bustle required by each of us, on what can be, the busiest day of the year.

At times we lost sight of it and have talked about how to ensure it becomes more prominent in the celebrations for years to come.

Things we'll miss most about this Christmas season....

-being minutes away from family and friends. Next years Christmas is "still to be told" as we will be living in Colorado.
-being secure in our family of 4 being together...see mention above, between the lines most likely holds a hint that hubby could be deployed.
-the lights. Our neighbors home is on the tacky light Christmas tour, it's been such a joy to see the lights from our front porch.
-the generosity and togetherness the season prompts. As difficult as it can be to find the perfect gift and be when and where, it's a thrill.
-the sheer excitement in our children's eyes brought on only by the wonder found in this season.


Tell me, how was your Christmas?! 
Point me to your stories so the Joy of Christmas can go on!

P.S. Thanks to the shockingly WARM Christmas weather we enjoyed...mine and the hubs outfits were rather last minute. See, when you're sweating before you even the house...you know better than to wear the wool sweaters (originally planned) to another house, full of Merry. So if you came to find some form of fashion...have a look at last week's post of Leopard.Bows.and Naughty Snowman.

P. to the P.S. I won't ever dump that many photo's on you again!! errrr....unless it's one of their birthdays or next years Christmas!

I've linked with Random Wednesday brought to you by Shanna and linking with Walkabout Wednesday! Linking up with Katherine for Thursday Favorite Things