Documented goals

So I know this post makes me SUPER vulnerable, but I have decided to love the skin I am in and just continue to make goals to better myself.  My work is doing a weight loss challenge and we weighed in today.  It is going to be really fun because we all paid an entrance fee and then we get tickets everyday for doing things like 30 minutes of workout, no sugar treats that day, or eating vegetables at that meal.  Then every Friday we weigh in again and the "biggest loser" that week gets a little prize and then they draw tickets for other prizes.  They are doing percentage of weight loss so I am only competing against myself.

When I weighed in today I was 204.2 lbs.  I kept telling myself after McCoy that I had just had a baby and I need to give myself time to lose the weight.  Well, he is now 18 months old!  Time to get my butt in gear.  I am proud to say that I have lost 20 lbs since September.  I have been working out and eating out less and it feels great just to drop those 20 lbs.  I want to kiss the "200's" goodbye!

So here's to feeling healthier and loving the me that I am!

New York!

On December 30, Brian and I were able to leave McCoy with grandparents and aunt and go to New York for the day!  It was quite the adventure. Our train left at 4:15 in the morning and my dad was kind enough to take us.  We got there close to 8am and were going all day long.  We walked most of the day to save money on the subway.  We got breakfast at McDonald's and got our New York pass and then were on our way.

We saw the Empire State building, then saw the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 memorial, times square, the wax museum, Rockefeller, and finished with dinner at the Hard Rock Café. 

The most adventurous part of the day was our trip back.  We left New York at 9pm and were scheduled back in Baltimore at midnight.  Once again, my dad was great to come get us.  Only problem was that we got off at the wrong stop!  We got off in downtown Baltimore and my dad had to drive the extra half hour to come get us.  He got lost on his way there and he said he was in SCARY parts of Baltimore.  We didn't get home until 2am, but my awesome sister watched McCoy so that we could sleep in a little. 

All in all, it was a really fun and crazy day!

Balancing

As life has become more busy, I have been thinking a lot about balancing.

When I am at work, I try to give 100% to my students, coworkers and boss.

When I am at home, and he decides he wants to play with me, I try to give 100% to McCoy.

Once he goes to bed, I give 100% to school work or house work depending on the mood I am in.

 

When we are both home and McCoy is not demanding our attention, I try to give 100% to Brian and our marriage.



When I am at church, I try to give 100% service and try to magnify my callings.

When Brian is at work and McCoy is asleep, I try to give myself some time doing something I enjoy.  I am trying to be more social and hang out with sisters in the ward. 

I find myself losing the most important things: scripture study, prayer, temple attendance, etc.
I am definitely not graceful at this balancing thing, but I am trying.  I am so grateful for the Atonement and for the help that the Lord gives me every day so that I can start anew in my quest for balance!

Christmas with the Joneses

This post took me longer because I have been sick and getting back into real life has been TOUGH!  My parents spoiled all of us!  Brian and I got to sleep in every morning and I pretty much rarely had to meet McCoy's needs while we were there.  My awesome sister helped too.

This Christmas was especially great because it was the first time all 4 siblings and new spouses have all been together for Christmas.  Brendon's wife, Ann, was the only in law who had survived a Jones Christmas before. 

We also had the sister missionaries over and had a great feast for lunch!

 



It took my cute niece and nephew a little bit to warm up to me, but once they did, it was so fun!  Their little baby brother had no problem snuggling up to me right away and it was so nice.  The funny part was they were not too sure about McCoy.  It turned out fine because McCoy was oblivious and just wanted to play with all the Christmas toys that grandma and grandpa bought for the grandkids.  Maybe next time they can all play together :)

 

 

I love my family and loved being with them for Christmas and New Year's!  Brian and I also took a day trip to New York without McCoy!  I will have to post that another time.