Dear Mr. Drew.

I know you mean well. I know you are trying to help. But I'm sore only hours after meeting with you. With a huge smile on your face you say things like, "and if that's too easy, let's try this...".

Tomorrow is my kids birthday party. I'm going to have 15 kids running around me, and I'm not going to be able to move. Thanks so much. I owe you one.

I suppose it's for the best.

Thanks,

Your sore, pansy client.

What brings me Joy today.

1. Bath Bombs.

2. Colson's incessant passion for legos, knights, and life. What a kid! He so deserves a better mom.

3. Hallie's Homework, a worksheet for the 100th day of school that required her to fill in the blank:

I wish I had 100 _______________ (magic wands).
I never would want 100 _________________ (brothers).

4. Laila signing friend.

5. Charlotte signing come here.

6. Running, I miss it already.

7. Scriptures.

8. Instant Messaging on my phone, it makes talking to Josh so much easier.

Josh Does Love Me.

I had totally forgotten about Lush. We fell in love with their homemade, naturally, super fizzy bath bombs, and other fun stuff, a couple years ago. They are kind of pricey.

But for the V-day. You know where you celebrate L.O.V.E.? He sent me such a fun kit from a place I Love, but had forgotten about. Thanks Bunches. (I won't mention that it arrived over a week after the holiday)

I can't help but share, It would make "Lucy's Favorite Things" list every year.

I made a new friend.

I L.O.V.E. making new friends.

I think because I lack a mothering mother, Heavenly Father has blessed me with some amazing friends. Friends that I've prayed, cried, laughed, cursed with, you know who you are, pray tell, have I been a good friend to you?!?

For some reason, probably lots of them, I haven't been entirely myself here in C-ville. So I took some good counsel and have started reaching out. Sigh. Tough when I'm a single mom to four kids. I mean who would want to have me over???

So for two weeks running, I've had some families over for dinner. What fun! Both evenings were a great success. But one, in particular, seemed almost an answer to a prayer. I think she needed me and I needed her. Today, I saw that she had made it to the gym, and on the sign in sheet, made a HUGE deal about her making it. It's dang hard as a mom to make it! When I left, there was a cute little note that said "You Rock" next to where I signed in my kids. I've been having a hard time, feeling a little alone, and so that little note, made my day.

Maybe this advice would help you: Reach out.

You could bless others, and they could bless you.

Sunday Mornings.

An extra pair of hands would be so nice.

4 kids dressed.

4 kids fed (twice)

1 mom dressed and fed.

2 girls hair done.

10 shoes to find and put on.

Scriptures, talks, lessons, diapers, snacks collected.

1 husband to chat with on the phone.

Yeah, well good thing church starts after Noon.

Adios, I got more to do.

TWO Hot Dates in one weekend.

Last night our church had a live band perform, it was SO FUN!! The kids had a great time playing and dancing. Colson would NOT dance with me, he was still a cute date. It felt good to be moving, not to mention have something to do on a Friday night. And Charlie was the best dancing partner.

The 2nd Hot Date -

My Treadmill. Me and that guy have become VERY close. Today its 7 miles. Wish me luck. He better be good to me. I'm going to finally take the time to make a running playlist, that should help.

ALSO, I have committed to run the Marine Corps Marathon. (Thanks, Jared) Really.

I have a 10-miler on April 3rd, and a Half (a hilly one, eeks!) on May 1st. Wowsers. What have I gotten myself into??

Anyway, I better get going. Big Plans for the Saturday.

Come Home.

I found myself a new favorite song. Come Home by OneRepublic.

Josh and I have been going through a rough time. Mostly induced by my selfishness, and it has been a hard few months. I am grateful for this struggle and what I've experienced and learned along the way. I regret the hurt and turmoil I've put my family through, but I wouldn't change anything.

I needed to learn these lessons. I needed to learn that I need to put my family above what I want. I needed to learn that marriage is about commitment, and I made some serious covenants. I needed to learn that life without Josh isn't all that pleasant.

I needed to learn some new ways to love.

Perhaps, I'm sharing too much. Josh, forgive me! But if you know me, I hate the idea of putting on a happy face and pretending life is good. I'm a real person with real problems. I'm so not perfect. I've made some mistakes, but don't you think this life is about what we're made of? What kind of person am I? Well, I'm working on being a better one.

The song I mentioned earlier is for Josh. I've missed you, Come Home.

Happy Happy Birthday Lindsay Dear...

Seriously, one of the greatest women I know. She is classy, sweet, pleasant, patient, tenderhearted, spiritual, forgiving, thoughtful, organized, and downright the best friend a girl could ask for.

Lindsay and I have known each other for years, and we became friends when we were made visiting teaching companions six years ago. We've been there for each other on some of our most dark and difficult days, but also some of the most joyous.

I SO WISH I was with you to celebrate today with you! Steve better take care of you!

Have a Happy Birthday!

Love you like a sister!

Lucy

6 years in the making.

For six years, on the same weekend, there's a group of women that get together and all have one thing in common: a duty station.

We spent the weekend chatting, eating, dancing, (I even managed to get a trail run in), watching football (Go COLTS), crafting, playing games, beautifying, and just catching up on our lives from the past year.

Did I mention we got hit on at the 'local' (and I mean local) bar??? But who couldn't resist a gorgeous group of 10 women?

The women came from Washington, Utah, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, even HUNGARY... it is a weekend that can't be missed.

This is the first year that we took the time to start the documentation of previous years, where we have been, who was there, and the stuff that happened each year. One day someone will take these notes and turn it into a fictional novel that will make us rich and famous. One day.

I couldn't stop smiling. What a weekend. Grateful for good friends, and definitely missed some of you regulars! Until Next Year!

Kitchen Dreaming

My kitchen is awful. I mean awful.

I hate the counters, cabinets, oven, floors, everything!

I miss my old (but small) kitchen, nice new fresh... So, to keep myself busy, I've taken it upon myself to start researching my kitchen dreams.

If you could do something different in your kitchen what would it be? I want those fun ideas... Please share!

School in Session???

I'm getting awfully excited... I think just maybe the kids will be in school for the first time in 3 weeks. I just might actually get something done... I just might enjoy a peaceful quiet afternoon... please, please, please...

Why running makes me feel good.

I have spent the last few months working on my physical body. I've lost a total of 29 pounds, no I'm not skinny... but I've gone from my heaviest NOT pregnant weight, to pre-baby weight. I've been doing that special weight loss diet that is sold in so many different ways... Do you want the secret? I will tell you FOR FREE. Eat Right and Exercise. I know most of my weight loss has come from the choice to eat less junk, and control my portions. However, I will admit to regularly attending the gym, which I know has helped. But part of this whole process, I have really learned to love running. I wanted to take a minute to document why.

1. Over time, my muscles have definition. I look stronger, and I feel stronger.

2. When I begin the run my breathing is heavy and hard, and my body is clunky (is that a word?), as the run continues I find a rhythm. My body moves freely, and my breathing becomes slow and steady. I love this place.

3. Sometimes I'm tempted to eat a cupcake. But I remember that it takes me a good and hard 30 minutes to burn 330 calories. It's worth it sometimes. But not always.

4. It gives me the opportunity to set goals and achieve them. Running farther than I have ever run, Running faster, I can come up with all kinds of ways to challenge myself, and give myself some opportunities for success. Go Charlottesville 10 Miler!!

5. Running is an escape. I can put in my ear phones, play my favorite music, and pretend I'm somewhere else. Literally leaving behind whatever I want to.

6. Running is for all ages, I love that I consistently run next to old people. I pray I'm old and still running. Sometimes I see young kids running around the track. There is very little skill in putting one foot in front of the other, we can all do it!

7. Afterwards, my skin looks amazing.

8. The physical exertion of working hard and sweating profusely feels amazing. It makes me want to do it again and again and again.

I had a great run today. I wanted to remember why.

You know, if you haven't done it for awhile, pick up your dusty running shoes, and hit the road. You might find yourself a new friend, or a long lost one.

Happy Birthday to Charlie!

You might remember this post. I can't believe it has been a year since we've been here. What a crazy journey we've been on. I just didn't want this day to go by without a post on my sweet charlie girl.

She is a scooter!! I know it. Here we go again, darn it! At least she makes more noise than Laila did, so I don't think we have the same problems ahead of us.

She reaches out her hands to say "come get me", it's so cute!!

She has 7 teeth.

She LOVED the cupcake today.

She is regularly injured by her 2 year old sister. Poor thing!

She laughs a lot, and for the most part is a happy baby.

She is the worst sleeper, because I won't let her cry! She's my baby... and I'm clinging to that. It's still a little sad for me.

Her birthday was a little lame. Just us. We did cupcakes, and the kids sang. I took video on my ipod, downloaded it to the computer and can't find it. Figures.

Happy Birthday, my baby girl!