I have about 6 weeks until my shopping trip in Tucson. I am in desperate need of clothes! The only pair of jeans I have that I’m comfortable in are literally falling apart. I have one pair of dress slacks and I used to have a pair of shorts, but they’re both too big on me now. I have ONE pair of capris, but I just bought them at Beall’s (outlet similar to Ross) a few days ago, simply because I was tired of looking like such a bum in my ripped up jeans every single day (and no, my torn jeans are not cute… I know distressed is “in” but they just look totally worn out). Oh yes, and I have maybe 3 tees in good condition and 2 blouses that are more dressy and definitely don’t go with my sad jeans. haha! Anyways, I haven’t really gone shopping for myself in the last 4 years because everyone else’s needs just kept getting put in front of mine (story of a mom’s life, right?). Tyrel may not agree, but I am definitely IN NEED!

So, I’ve scheduled this shopping trip and now I have to make sure my body is the way I want it by then. I am thin, but I want to be FIT too. I have only worked out a couple times in the last 5 months and it’s definitely showing in my love handles. I would really love to be toned and feel strong and have a tummy that I’m not so embarrassed of (thank you, childbearing). I was feeling really good changes in my core back when I was working out last fall, so I know if I work really hard, I can get where I want to be in 6 weeks. I LOVE how I feel when I’m working out and I need that back.

HOW I’m going to get there:

1. 40 minutes of circuit training 5 days a week – focusing on everything! Legs, arms, abs, & cardio.
2. Take the kids out for walks/bike rides at least 2 times a week.
3. No more than one Dr. Pepper per week… and even then it has to be 16 ounces or less. (I still need my treats, so i’m working it in)
4. 1,300 NET (so if I workout I can eat more!) calories per day, with one “cheat day” per week where I’m allowed up to 2,000 calories (so if I don’t want to be starving, more veggies and fruits, whole grains, lean proteins)
5. 8 cups of water per day – good gravy, this is SO HARD FOR ME! I have days where I’ll realize at bedtime that I’ve only had 1 cup of water all day. No bueno.

AFTER the 6 weeks, I need to maintain and will continue working out 4 days (or more) per week and bring my calorie intake up to 2,000.

Now that I’ve set a shopping date with a friend and I’ve written out my goal, I’ve gotta stick to it now! I’m definitely one of those types that needs to write it out or it never happens.

These last 2 months have been crazy… and awesome. Lately I’d been feeling the desire to get back into digital scrapbook designing and a great opportunity fell into my lap with some contracted work. I also decided to start working on my very own shop and I’ve been building my store (it’s definitely slow-going, but coming along). Right now I have a “guest shop” at The Digichick and I’m feeling really blessed at all these opportunities that have been opening up for me. I’m LOVING design work and I feel I have so much more creative freedom than doing hired photography work (besides, let’s face it… I’m just not that fabulous at photography). I can just do my thing and work on whatever I’m inspired to create. I quit 2 years ago because I was burnt out and I wasn’t making enough to make it worth my time. I have set some big goals for myself and I’m working REALLY hard at building my customer base (I’ve already DOUBLED my Facebook fans to over 1,425 in the last couple months) and I’ve been giving tons of freebies away on my blog to bring in new people. I want this to provide more than just fun money. I want to build a strong business that serves as a GOOD supplemental income for our family. Wish me luck! I’m so excited and I can’t wait to see where this takes me!

If you haven’t seen it lately, pop by my design blog! It’s got a pretty new look and I’ve been putting out loads of awesome free stuff for digi scrappers!

Can ya believe it?! Those photos in the header were from the end of 2009. Yeah, way past time!

Well, I do have lots more December photos to share, but I just haven’t had time to sift through them and edit them. So, that’ll wait for another day… or week.

Allie has been quite the talker lately. It’s cute and at times, quite hilarious. I wanted to come record some of the cute things she says at 4 years.

It’s up-fall-down. = It’s upside-down.
I’m songing. = I’m singing.
Sleeping Booty = Sleeping Beauty (she used to call her Princess Booty)
It’s awake outside. = It’s light outside/sun is up.
woovie = movie
sparkles = usually actually refers to sprinkles, but it also is used for sparkles.
NO, I do it lay-ler… in five hours. = lay-ler is how she says later and I’m really not sure where she got “5 hours” but that’s always the measurement of time she uses… hehe

A few weeks ago she told me, “Mommy, I have hiccups in my mouf!”