The Weather Outside is Frightful...

We were finally able to escape from the house today and I have never been so happy about leaving my home! After being iced in since Thursday it was a relief to get out for a while. I am a homebody and yes, I stay at home everyday. But not having the option of leaving if I want to, made me crazy. Also, we usually get out of the house on weekends. Justin and I had plans to do some shopping and we get out of the house on Sundays for church. None of those things happened so cabin fever set in. I also have two active boys who need to get out and play somewhere besides our house or outside if possible. I did get my house clean, so that's checked off my list of things to do this week.

Nope...not snow. That's ice and sleet. The not fun stuff. 

Just eating an ice sickle. 

Being trapped in the house has also made me want to bake everything I have ever pinned on Pinterest and then eat it. I didn't gain any weight Thanksgiving week, but I'm sure I did these last few days. I am not a baker and I don't really enjoy it that much. But when it gets cold and Christmasy (?) my very small inner baker self comes out. I have been super slacking in my eating. I need to step that up...well actually slow it down. I need to step my exercise routine up...for sure. I can just feel the pounds adding on. I haven't ran in almost two weeks. That is mainly due to something I've done to my knee. I have no idea what, but when I run or put too much pressure on it, it hurts like crazy. I'm hoping the rest I've done has helped it. I may try and go out tomorrow. Ugh.  If it's not any better I may just take a break from running until January...or I may just do that anyway. Way to step up my exercising. But really...I'm kind of burned out with running. I think I need a break from it for a little while. I have other exercise videos I can do. My goal this week is to at least get three days of some sort of exercise in. I did accomplish my last goal of running three days that week...hopefully I can do this one. I struggle this time of year with getting motivated to eat well and exercise well...it's so hard. Someone agree with me. Anyone? 

I baked this. It was super yummy and very easy  for this non-baker. 

We are getting more and more excited about Christmas this year...mainly because of Luke. He's more aware of everything than any other year. We do the whole Santa thing and Elf on the Shelf. But we also make sure he understands the most important part...Jesus' birth. He knows how important that is. He has this Little People nativity set he loves to play with. Every time he does, he always sets the people up to where they are all looking at Jesus. I have never told him to do that. I just think his little three year old self understands how important He is. I don't feel like we have in anyway replaced Santa or Elf on the Shelf for the most important thing about Christmas. The other is just for fun. They are only young for so long, there's nothing wrong with letting them enjoy those things around Christmas. But there's also nothing wrong with not doing them either. I have friends who don't do the whole Santa thing and that's totally fine. I respect that. I do have a problem with people who try to tell others (by posting articles on Facebook) that doing Santa and Elf on the Shelf is in someway wrong. Why can't we all just respect each other's traditions? It's Christmas time...let's be merry and bright! 

As long as there will not be another ice storm to confine us for days, Justin and I plan to get out and finish our Christmas shopping this weekend. I actually have almost more than half done...which is very unusual for me. I'm usually the one frantically getting everything done the week before or of Christmas. We will be in Oklahoma the 19th-23rd, so I have to be done by then. I'm glad that's making me get it done! I'm so looking forward to our time with family. I really do love this time of year. Oh and the food. Always. 

Have a great week!

Thankful

There are lots of things I'm thankful for. But today I'm especially thankful for my kids bedtime and the fact that they sleep in their own rooms and in their own beds all night long. I'm ready for that to happen soon. It's been a doozy of a day. The boys have been crazy today or maybe I'm just super on edge..who knows. Between the boys not taking a nap, coming into my kitchen to find a ton of ants
(I despise ants) and putting too much pepper in the meal I made.. Yes I know not a big deal..it was at the time...it's time for a vacation or maybe just sleep.

I'm also super thankful for Justin Heck. The Lord knew what He was doing when He put this patient man in my life. He for sure balances out my crazy non patient self, that begged him go get some ant killer because if I saw one more ant I may go nuts. He did go get it. He also took over the whiney non-napper Jude who I would probably have given to anyone who came to my house. Also, I'm glad he's better at grammar than me...I wasn't sure whether to use given or gave in the above sentence...not that I really care in this blog..as you've probably noticed.  I'm thankful for friends who understands what it's like to wake up in the morning and already be ready for the kids nap and/or bedtime. I'm thankful that I have been able to live close to my family and I am able to get a break when I need one and they are always so gracious and willing to help me out.

I'm thankful for a gracious Lord, who Has blessed me with these children to love and take care of everyday...even on days like today, where I was wishing I could be anywhere else. I'm thankful I can even make it through tough days because of Him.  The last verse to one of my favorite songs I Have Been Blessed is one of my favorites and I was reminded of it earlier today.

He's my shoulder to lean on when I'm down. The rock where He leads me when I'm overwhelmed. The place where He hides me is under His wings. He's not just a song. He's the reason I sing. I have been blessed.

I know bad days...weeks happen...they are normal. I'm just thankful for a God who helps me through them and the people He put in my life who are a blessing to me.

Luke set up a picnic. This is right before things started getting crazy.