Thankful For These Girls

Jeff and his family :-)
Beautiful Ali, Lynnette, Madi and Hannah

5 GIRLS? Who would have thought!

For years, my brother-in-law Jeff and I had an "interesting" relationship. When Matt and I got married over 10 years ago, Jeff was not my biggest fan, but gave a speech at our wedding that no one will forget :-) Jeff and I have grown in our respect for each other, and we now can laugh and tease each other about the time he had me in tears because he insisted he was going to wear cowboy boots to my wedding, and what an idiot brother he had for marrying someone who wouldn't let him wear what he wanted to. Of course as I look back, why did I make a fuss about cowboy boots??? Anyway, after years of relationships, Jeff promised me that 2009 was the year he was going to find himself "the one." Now, if I had a dime for every time I heard that from Jeff, I would be rich!

BUT . . . he did it. I am well on my way to having an amazing, beautiful, smart sister-in-law (a principal no less!!) and 3 amazing, beautiful, smart, kind, gracious and precious nieces. How cool is that? I get goose bumps when I see my girls and "Jeff's girls" together.

My mother-in-law still pinches herself. After all the years of black eyes, punched in walls, principal office visits with her strong willed sons, she has landed herself all of these girls.

The Braunius' had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

From This Point On . . . .

Oh boy. Has it really been a month?? Well, like I said, my blog is what it is, and I may not capture every moment in my life and the life of my kids. That's okay, right??

So, it's Workout Wednesday . . . it's late, and I just ate 3 pieces of Halloween candy (I swear those bags are bottomless) . . . but I want to get back on track . . . and I have made a commitment to a friend.

Although I am all about numbers, I am trying to be about how I feel. Putting tired and stressed behind me is not easy. Although I am part time, I often feel like I just can't get it together! I know I don't necessarily need to lose a lot, but I know where I need to be in order to feel okay with myself.

For almost 3 years now, my court buddy and I have fought our alarm clocks at 5:20 and met to take our morning "stroll." We are at the point though that even on weekends we wake up ready for our walk, and just wish our programmed bodies would take a break!! Someday we will write a book off of our early morning conversations . . . I wonder if anyone would read it? Anyway, we have braved every weather element imaginable . . . wacko-s . . . wildlife (dead and alive) . . .

I have come to appreciate this time immensely because it truly is the only "me" time I get all day. I know I am healthier because of it, although I would like to set some goals to feel better about myself. If I am feeling good, I know I am happier, and so are those around me.

So . . here goes . . . goals . .

1. More water (thanks for reminding me Liesl!)

2. 5 pounds by Christmas??? (Maybe I should stick to maintain . . . )

3. One extra night/time of exercise a week (I have a pilates video that I do enjoy . . . when I can convince my girls to do it with me!)