Mom-A Day Late

Because of work schedule of both myself and Mike, I wasn't able to sit down for my mother's day post until now. So here goes...

To the woman, who after many hours of labor, delivered me (with the use of forceps, BTW). A ginormous 8# 14oz, 19 1/2 long baby. An alien to my mother and the ugliest thing she had ever seen. I must have been beautiful though because the nurses said I was (and we nurses know not all babies are born beautiful......)

To the woman who dropped me off at a horrible preschool when she was in labor with my sister (that place I will NEVER forget)

For the times you picked me up, dusted away the dirt, and covered the scar with a band-aid.

For the time I was almost hit by a car riding a bike when we lived in Forest (yes, another thing I will never forget).

For all the days and weeks of making me write my spelling words 10 times each so I would make 100% on my spelling test.

For transforming an old player piano in to one I could play :)

For buying my silver, open-holed Gemeinhardt flute so I could be in concert band.

For making all of my prom dresses throughout the years. And although I wasn't like everyone else, I was truly special because my mom CARED!

For staying up late many nights helping me type a paper when I thought I had plenty of time. You knew better, but wanted me to learn on my own.

For supporting me through the years and with my first marriage and divorce. So much happened, but you were always there.

For being at the birth of both of my boys.....that means more to me than you could ever imagine.

For the woman who helped make me who I am today. Who taught me things, continually inspires me, and encourages me to do whatever I want.

I am blessed beyond measure to have such a wonderful mom. And even with the hoopla surrounding being "mom enough", she was MORE! If I can only be half the mom to my boys that she is to me, I will be forever thankful.

Thank you God for such a wonderful woman. I am truly blessed.

Renee

WOW

Earlier this week I posted on facebook about teaching one class, then turning around and teaching another. I've done that on a few occasions because it just worked out that way. But here's the thing...I don't type those things on social media to get a response from people.

You see, 2 years ago I was over 200 pounds. When I stepped on the scales at Weight Watchers I was mortified. I knew I had gained weight, but little did I know just how much. I wanted to cry and scream, but knew the only person to blame was myself. WOW! To admit I was a fault was a big deal to me. I started slowly, but little by little the pounds came off.

I became a regular at Urban Active (where I now teach). I remember being so scared to even walk in the gym. I was a fat girl trying to lose weight. My arms were flabby and my thighs....well, we won't even talk about that. I started taking group fitness classes because I've learned over the years, when I'm in a group setting, I push harder to do well. I don't have the will power it takes to spend an hour on an elliptical machine, nor do I want to. In the middle of many of those classes I just wanted to die. Literally thought I might just throw up and pass out. But I persevered. I pushed myself and MADE myself change. I MADE myself go to the gym. I MADE myself like it. The more I went, the more it became a part of me. Strange to say, but even within about 6 months I felt like I wasn't myself if I wasn't at the gym. It was that December (2010) that I became a licensed Zumba Fitness instructor. Oh.My.Goodness. I was so excited to have the ability to teach, but scared at the same time. Would I be accepted? Rejected? Did I really have what it took to do this? Taking classes and teaching are so different. The personality and presentation has to be there along with the moves and confidence. Thankfully Melissa and Carey (group x directors at Urban Active) worked with me and helped me learn to "teach". Within a few months I had my own class and then started training for other things (Urban Iron weightlifting for one). It took me a good 6-8 months to feel comfortable with who I was in this respect and to embrace it all. Since then I have become certified in Turbo Kick (kickboxing) and am going through Kickboxing training at Urban Active.

But here I am 2 years later.

I am still a work in progress.

I am still learning.

I have cardiovascular endurance and muscles I haven't seen in 20 years (no joke).

I walk confidently and upright and wear shirts without sleeves.

That is why I post the things I post. Not for response, but because of where I've been and where I am today.

It's amazing the difference two years can make. So don't give up on your dreams just because you think you can't. Because really, YOU CAN! I did, and for that I am truly grateful. Grateful to family, friends, and the God who gives me life and never gives up on me! If he doesn't give up on us, why should we give up on ourselves?

Start today and take a step. A step towards fitness and being healthy :)

Renee

one day

Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of a friend's father. It was very unexpected. It happened during a tornado warning while they were in the basement. Her mom had run upstairs to get something and when she returned he was gone. Less than 5 minutes and God had called him home.

Life is so full of unexpected events. God has said no one knows what the next moment holds. And that truth rings true all the time.

So many times we see a life cut short because of some crazy circumstance no one ever imagined. We've had a few lately of young people killed while driving. One that wasn't wearing her seat belt. Such a senseless way to die. But you know, it really doesn't matter. We all have an appointed time to die......we just don't know when.

Today at Church they sang the song "Be O.K." by Ingrid Michaelson. I've been a fan of hers for some time and really do love the song. It talks about just being okay today. Being okay with who you are and what's happening in your life. I feel like that's the way I try to live my life. Just be okay. I'm alright that I'm still a work in progress. I'm okay with what God has given me......there are many people who have and live with way less. I'm okay with today, because one day, there won't be a me. One of those unexpected events may come my way. Not that I'm ready to die or leave my family, but in the event, at least I know where I am going when my time comes. I know that one day I will be in a place of complete healing. No more pain or sorrow, no more deception and hatred. I will see people who have passed long before me. Some days I think about that and am overwhelmed at the thought of how good and perfect Heaven will be for me.

And I know not everyone believes this, but just think about it. Would you rather spend an eternity in perfection or doomed to a fiery hell? This sounds like a no brainer to me. Think about your one day when you leave this earth.

Be okay today with what you have and don't live like the person you aren't. Let people remember you for who you really are and not what people thought you were.

Be a blessing to someone today. Live as though it's your last.

Renee

friends and beautiful days

Today I am grateful for the beautiful days we have had and the opportunity to spend it with friends.

I met Michelle and her three kiddos for a lunch and afternoon at the park. And although the kids got tired, hot, and fussy.....and let's face it so did Michelle and myself, we still had a good time. It's amazing how even though we haven't seen each other since Christmas, we picked up just like we talk every day.

The kids have grown so much and we loved watching them play. Alex ran until his heart was content. Even when we came home, we still stayed outside for him to kick his ball and ride his bike. Thank heavens for sunscreen, because his fair little skin definitely needed it on this 85 degree day. Can you believe it? 85 degrees in April!!!!! (That makes me so excited to think we will get out of school on time this year!!!!)

So, thank you God for the time I got to spend with my friend. We are not promised tomorrow, so I'm glad we chose to do this today.

Hope you are having a blessed day as well,

Renee

for...

Beautiful skies.....

Sunny afternoons....

Windy days....

Summer right around the corner....

Just the little things in life that keep me going :)

just thankful

It's been a while since I've posted. Between work, life, and sick kiddos the last few weeks have been a bit of a blur. I'm thankful now that all are on the mend and life is returning to a somewhat normal state.

Today we were able to go to the park......middle of March, 69 degrees, and beautifully sunny skies! These are the times for which I am just thankful.

Daddy

As a child, especially a female, we look to our daddy for a lot.

They are our knight in shining armor. They hold our hands when we walk. They tuck us in to bed at night. They hold us when our hearts get broken. And they hug us so tightly some times we can't breathe.

I am who I am a lot because of my dad.

But just not my earthly dad. (although I love him lots!)

I am who I am because of my heavenly dad. My father in heaven. The man who created me and gave me life.

As we finished up our series at Church today, they were interviewing people from the church on how this series had affected them. One guy's comment really hit home for me. He talked about how he is watching his daughter struggle to become someone. You know, just to find out who she really is. And he wanted her to know that she could come talk to him any time. That he is always available any time she needs a listening ear. His love is unconditional regardless of what she has to say.

God is the same way!!!

He watches us all the time come in to ourselves. He is always around waiting to talk, to listen, to give advice.....when we're ready to listen ourselves.

There in lies the key. As kids, listening to earthly parents a lot of times goes in one ear and out the other. We don't really want to hear what they have to say. It's only when we really and truly want help that we listen. That we do as we're told. Knowing all the while it's what is right for us.

My heavenly father is available 24/7, 365. And I am talking, and listening. I may not always understand, but I know that he will direct me in the way that is right for me.

Are you talking and listening to your heavenly father?

Take your time and open your heart. Be ready to listen.

Renee