I'm Back!

So you may have noticed that I haven't updated since November. It wasn't my intention to quit blogging and never update.. but as we all know, life happens, and it's been a very trying couple of months since then. My father is very sick, and has been in the hospital on and off since Thanksgiving day. So my first priority was to make sure he was taken care of, and always knew we we're there for him. He still isn't out of the woods, so any of you that believe in prayer, please send one up for him!

I've actually learned a lot about myself throughout these past few months. I've dealt with about every emotion out there. It doesn't feel right to be in your late 20's with two small children, and be worrying about losing your own parent. I didn't feel like it was my time to be dealing with something so heavy. There's never really a good age for this though, in truth.
There were days when we thought he wasn't going to make it through the night, followed by days of extreme hope. Up and down roller coaster of emotions. But they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and I believe that has been the case with me. I've learned to take things one day at a time, enjoy the small things, to always keep hope, and most of all to believe in myself. I didn't realize how strong I really was. And now I have a whole new clarity on things.. life in general. But as Forrest Gump says, "That's all I have to say about that."

To lighten things up a bit, and to play a little catch-up, there were lots of fun times the past month as well. Christmas was such a joy this year. The girls are at a good age, and they were really into everything. My mother & stepdad were up for a while, and we enjoyed spending lots of time with them. We had a really fun birthday party for my mom, complete with an ice cream sundae bar, a taco salad bar, and a band! I took my first painting class with 3 of my best friends, which was a blast.

And!! I'm happy to report that I've decided this is going to be the year that I really try and focus on my own health. No more waiting.. no more excuses.. I've got things to live for!! And even though life is tough sometimes, I'm once again excited about mine! I feel like I have a spark again & that nothing is impossible. So I'll keep you all updated on my "journey-to-healthy" as I go along. My goal is to lose 100lbs. There, I've said it, and it's out there! I'm happy to report I've already lost 14lbs since I started January 1st. I've got the big 30th birthday coming up this year, and I know most people dread the 30's, but I think these are some of the best times of my life. So to that I say.. BRING IT ON 30!!!

Loving this:


Now that we are, mostly, caught up, let's get to the pictures!

Here are the sweet pictures we used for our Christmas Card this year.












The baby girls.. so ready for Christmas this year!


My sweet Isabella is growing so much! *tear*




Mom's birthday party!




Ice cream Sundae Bar


Taco Salad Bar


Family :)


Me & my sweeties


Painting class! Such fun


And the sweetest picture I think I've ever seen! Though, I may be partial ;)


Glad to be back to blogging! Hope everyone's New Year is starting off good :)