LENT

So growing up in Louisiana we celebrated Mardi Gras and because our mother was raised in the Catholic faith I was pretty familiar with what Lent was.  Not until recently have I really wanted to give something up for a substantial period of time but this year is different. I am prat of a wedding party in May and I am going to Europe as well so this year it is time to give it up......

SUGAR

Now this DOES NOT include chocolate- lets face it I am no saint. Seeing as though I work out nearly 5 days a week- not all strenuous but I am there- and I have plateaued over the past two to three years something must change.

I will admit that this is hard!

I LOVE sugar....brown, white, etc. LOVE LOVE LOVE

On day one there was a dessert contest at the Blue & Gold Banquet. NOT one bite.

Now on day two I am still doing OK. I may need to buy more dark chocolate soon but NO sugar.

Who knows maybe I will lose a few extra pounds OR go completely insane. Either way I will complete this challenge. I mean if I can survive 4 pregnancies I can do anything, right?

11

So my first-born is 11 now...This is:

scary

intimidating 

fun

amazing

crazy

This kid is my buddy.

He is super responsible and is now the go to babysitter in our home.

(He even asked to take a babysitting course.)

He is only a few inches from being as tall as I am.

He loves skiing & music & books & technology & swimming & football & his dog & Boy Scouts........

OH and he may eat us out of house and home and still be a stick!

A while ago he asked if he was an over-achiever.

I just smiled and said YES.

I explained that it's only natural since his dad and I are

&
I'd much rather he be this way than LaZy.

Sure he can drive me nuts BUT he is one of the best things in my life.

HE works hard and tries hard.

He wants justice and tries to overcome his challenges and when he doesn't he has learned to take the consequences and roll with them.

He is super mature and understands that he'll never be like or have what others have...

BUT

he also knows that that is OK

&

that all the extra stuff can't make up for the time we get together.

You are amazing.

I hope that in the few remaining years we have in this stage you will:

 still hold my hand when we cross the street;

play with your brothers;

share secrets with your sister;

talk with your father;

honor your elders;

love deeply;

imagine infinitely;

AND

ABOVE ALL

become the man I know is in there!