Family

My family.

There is so much I could say about them.

We're funny, crazy, caring, honoring, forgiving, supporting, and loving.

This weekend I had the chance to see one of my younger cousins get married. It made me feel so much older thinking, "wow are you really old enough to be getting married?" But he is and he did. Hannah (which also happens to be his sister's name) is a very fortunate young woman. I hope and pray she never forgets the reason for marriage. Some days it's hard, especially at a young age.

But on with the story. Even though I live only 2 hours away, my other family is about 10 hours away. They all decided for us to stay in a cabin at The Beech Fork State Resort. Although I was a little skeptical at first, it turned out to be really nice. I was able to spend a few nights enjoying the love and laughter of crazy card games and shopping with my mom before the wedding. It was such a welcomed time just to be.....to be me without being mommy. Don't get me wrong, I love my children. But sometimes a woman needs to be without a child tugging on her or saying, "mommy, guess what?" We attended 2 receptions. They held a light one for the church goers....and the poor ladies doing it were a little overwhelmed at the amount of people. And then there was a dinner and dancing reception at the local country club. It was nice to sit and talk to my granny and Great Uncle Gerald (my grampa's brother) whom I hardly ever get to see. She will be 85 next month, and is as beautiful as ever. I know she won't live forever, but on days like yesterday it seemed as though she will. I was able to have my mom by my side, visiting and hugging. Some days I miss so badly the chance to see my mom on a daily or even weekly basis. For those of you reading that have your mom living close, be grateful. Be very grateful you can just drop in and say hi. Take the opportunity to do so whenever you can. I was also able to visit with Uncle Glenn and Aunt Susan from Memphis and Aunt Debbie from Jackson, MS. Uncle Mark, father of the groom, was there at times as well. Of course, Andrew the groom and his sister Hannah, were a little busy, but I was still able to steal a hug here and there. After the hoopla of the wedding, we all headed back to the cabin. After changing clothes and getting a little drink :) we all headed outside to watch for meteors. Crazy right? But it was so much fun!!!! We saw little ones, and then others that truly lit up the sky. By about 1am I was toast and had to give it up. I was snockered until about 8:15am when I heard everyone rummaging around. It was nice to sleep a little, but wished for more. Uncle Glenn was the chef again, making eggs, bacon, and toast. We had cinnamon rolls and coffee, orange juice, and milk. It was just like a restaurant, except I could eat in my pajamas. Is there anything better?

Leaving was hard.

I had to get back to real life. The life of a wife and mother. The life of a gym instructor. There wasn't a lot of down time, but at least I got to see my family for a while. I love them so much and can't wait to see them again next month.

So tonight, hug your family closely. When you are with them, don't fight or bicker. Have fun. Support. Care. Love.

Love you all,
Renee

Little things

Just a short entry today.....being grateful for the little things.



The sun in the sky and the beach we were able to be on to enjoy it.

Night time thunderstorms.

Walking on the beach alone in the early morning watching the sun rise.

Geese walking across the road without a care.

My boys curling up on the couch together as the best of friends.

Sweet boys that love their mommy :)

A husband that works harder than ever so I don't have to.

A body that allows me to work out, even on days when I don't feel like it.

A job I can go to, and although sometimes rough, more rewarding than most.

A wonderful church with a fantastic kid's ministry.

My home with air conditioning.

Food on my table and in my refrigerator, even when I feel like there's nothing.

Blessings of life that are far too many to list.

My family

I hope today you're grateful for the little things, too

Renee

My dad.....just a little late

My dad....where do I begin. I mean really, he's the man that made me a woman, genetically speaking. Hahaha....

But in all seriousness, I am very grateful for the father I've had all my life. And although I was not a perfect child, and he wasn't the perfect father, we've managed to grow up well :) Although I look like my mom, I am very much my father.

I'm grateful for the man that knelt beside me to pray when my mom had my sister. I will never forget the hard wood floors.

For the man who made a tire swing in the back yard for my sister and I to play in as kids. I think that was the best swing EVER!!

For taking me camping and fishing all the time growing up. I will never forget those early mornings, sitting on the boat, and watching Gidget swim halfway across the lake to join us.

For "teaching" me to swim at Cooper's Lake. Otherwise known as, "I'm throwing you and good luck" hehehe..... and for holding me tightly the day those boys drowned. I, only now having children of my own, can imagine the pain those parents felt that day.

For driving the bus on many LONG trips and chaperoning our youth trips. What an example you set for all of the kids I grew up with.

For holding me ever so tightly when Chris broke my heart the very first time. As I sat crying in my room, listening to the tape play a certain song over and over, you came in and just held me. There was nothing you could do, but give me the love that only a father can.

For the time you walked me back to my room at Glorieta and had to stop half way to throw up. It was so not fair for me to have to choose one parent to take with me in to town. I really wanted both of you to go with me because I was so scared.

For walking me down the aisle, not once, but twice. I had hoped the first would always be the last, but even when it didn't work that way, you supported me.....in more ways than one.

For being there when my kids were born. There is nothing like bringing a child in to this world and having my parents to see them from the very beginning.

Dad, I know I don't always say it nearly enough, but I love you. Just know that I can't imagine what life I would have had if you hadn't been my dad.

Happy (belated) Father's Day

Love you much,
Renee

so many things

You know, it's so hard for me to point out just one thing today for which I am grateful.

So today, it's a list:

For my husband who trains so hard and does his best at every race. I know this weekend after his race, his legs were so sore. But he pushed on and walked around with us and even went to the aquarium with us when his feet were just about to give way. I am so glad we did it though and had some great family time.

For Ryan, my older son. Every day is different with him. I never know where is brain is going to take me. I love watching him build things with his legos that he has collected. I am amazed at how he puts things he has imagined into a piece of art with Legos. WOW! I am so grateful he is also beginning to understand Christianity and the fact Jesus died on the cross for our sins. My heart just feels happy when I feel like he "gets it"

For Alexander, my little man. Words can't express the joy he brings to our lives. His laugh is contagious and his snuggles are priceless. Even though I had to cart him around Gatlinburg this week end a good bit, I wouldn't trade it for the world. And tonight as he wanted to wash dishes a song came on my iPod, "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift. This song talks about being little and parents not wanting you to grow up. "Oh, darling don't you ever grow up.....just stay this little....won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart" Alexander turned to me and said, "that's what you say to us mommy"

And it's true. As much as I loved the baby stage, I am loving each stage of my boys' lives. It saddens me to think that Alexander will begin kindergarten in the fall of 2013 and Ryan will be in 3rd grade this year. But each age has it's own challenges and things to enjoy.

For my ability to work out. This weekend I saw so many overweight people walking around and it just broke my heart. It's not easy to get in to shape. I am the perfect example. But I did and now I can't imagine my life without being in the gym and working out every day. (PS, I'm now looking in to hip hop hustle training, woot woot)

And basically for my life and opportunity I have to live it. I pray each day that I will make an impact on some one in a positive way. I love being me. God gave me one life and one chance to live it. I'm trying my hardest to use it to the fullest extent.

What are you grateful for today?

Renee

Joy = Energy

I've had a lot of people lately ask me, "Where do you get your energy?" I don't really know how to respond to that question. I don't feel like I have any more energy than most people. I guess it's just the way my energy is perceived. But this really got me to thinking about things.

Today I was driving down Richmond Road, windows down, music blaring, and enjoying the breeze. I was playing a song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean that is one of my all time favorites..."Let My Words Be Few"




And then it hit me. It's like God said, "hello!!!! It's me that gives you that energy". And it's true.

My faith is a huge part of my life. For years I tried to live my life the way I wanted. Some things were good and some weren't. But then it was as if a lightbulb was turned on above my head. Giving it ALL to the one who truly gives me life. Giving my life, my thoughts, my love, my everything. I know people may think I'm crazy, but I have a blessed life. A life that has been blessed by God in so many ways, in the past and present.

And from that I have JOY.

I have something that fills my heart and my life like none other. This is something that can't be replaced with anything on this earth. And I know that my time on earth is fleeting. I mean really. Think about it. Our life is but a second compared to the eternity we have to look forward to in heaven. I guess it's just that I want to live my life in a way that the dash between the years of my birth and death are happy. I want others to be as happy as I am. I surround myself with positivity and meet people where they are in their life. I'm not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. I have my faults. I say things sometimes that are not appropriate, but one there's one thing I know for sure. God knows, understands, and I am able to ask his forgiveness.

He fills my nights and days with joy and peace that makes my heart happy.

I am blessed to be awakened to each day and attack it as if it were my last.

I smile because there may be one person that just needs that in their life that day. Who's to say what others are going through.

So I guess what this boils down to is my JOY = ENERGY! It's positive energy given to me by my God in Heaven.

Thank you God for giving me the life, joy, and energy it takes to live each day to the fullest. I am forever grateful.

Blessings, Renee

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