This is Me

At 35.

Or maybe a week shy of 35.  But it is a picture of myself that I like.  And I like that I was the one who took the picture.  Most of the time I like what I see in the mirror or in pictures and don't feel I'm overly critical (with the exception of some pics of me and my big horsey grin where I look like I'm getting ready to eat the person next to me because my mouth is so big).  ;)  I also try to practice what I preach to my kids...be kind to yourself.

I don't abhor the greys that have been coming in for years, nor do I pluck them.  I don't mind the smile lines around my eyes.  My belly isn't as firm as a decade ago, but I'm cutting myself a break because a decade ago that belly hadn't carried two children.  However, a note to self is being made to exercise more because it's been 6-8 years since having those children and I shouldn't be using them as an excuse at this point.

Life has been increasingly hectic over the last few months.  Time is slipping through my hands faster than I would like.  I want to hold onto so many moments and not let them get away.  I haven't had time to respond to comments like I used to or would like to do.  I have also increasingly been hearing, "Momma, why do you have to work at night?"  or "Momma, why are you working on the weekend?  It's not fair that we have to leave the soccer game early."  I agree with them.  It tears at my heart to hear these questions because they echo my own thoughts.  I want this to change.  I am praying for a big change in this coming year.

In this coming year, I want to give more.  Give more of my time to my children and my family.  Give back time to myself to be healthier and hopefully happier as a result.  Give my time to my friends.  Give more time to the torch.  For starters, I thought I should start with a little comment love.  I looked at the last 25 comments on my blog.

Then I let random.org choose a number.

When I count to 11, I come to Courtney's name.  So to Courtney, I would like to give a $50 gift certificate to use in my bead or jewelry shop.  It includes shipping.  There is no expiration date, so save it for when you see something you like!  :)