No pictures, just words

The week before Ainslee's birthday Lena Kate had swimming lessons.  Charles was here for the week so he could take lessons with Lena Kate at the Beeville Country Club with Mrs. Ford.  Justin Laechelin and Dean and Elle Carriger were also in their class. We had so much fun taking the kids together and watching them learn. By the end of the week Lena Kate and Charles swan all the way across the pool by themselves. Considering that Charles didn't want to put his face in the water at the end of the week, he came a long way!  Lena Kate did too, she just seems to like going under much more than Cousin Charles, but she doesn't like to come up and take a breath. It is interesting that each child had their own strength and weakness and no two were alike.   We had several picnic lunches during the week. 

I took Charles and Lena Kate to see Madagascar 3 that week and they both really enjoyed the movie. Ainslee stayed with Mimi.  She would NEVER sit still and quiet for a movie. 

We had a 4th of July picnic party this past weekend at the Argenta School House.  The old schoolhouse was established in 1916.  It is a great community building for a party.  We (4 families) rented a bouncehouse and big waterslide. It was a potluck and the food was great.  Once again, I had a splurge day!  Uncle Ray brought over his Polaris and the kids enjoyed riding around.  Ainslee was a busy girl at the party too, she just made her way whereever she wanted.  I look forward to next year's picnic. 

Tuesday night I met several girls out for dinner and a movie.  Magic Mike was quite entertaining, I must admit. It was fun and much more harmless guilty pleasure than I thought it would be.  Channing Tatum is just yummy to watch on the big screen...yummy, did I mention that.  I am not big on Hollywood celebrities AT ALL, but I think I have a crush on that guy.  Overall the movie was funny, a little sexy, but not too bad.  I could've done without the drugs part of the plot or some of the language, but considering that the movie is about a male review, it wasn't too bad.  The plot was simple and slow at times, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't meant to be a deep thoughts kind of show! I would reccomend it for a fun girl's night out for sure.  Thanks Regan, for the invite. I must admit I enjoyed the ride to and from Beeville without the girls yakking in the backseat too.  Moms really need breaks:)  Let's just say I've lost about 5 things this week and I needed a break. Those things included one of Ainslee's cups, the keys to my car (twice-once not even knowing I had lost them until they were returned to me!) and one of my favorite pink shirts.  It is just an Old Navy t-shirt, but it still hasn't turned up and that kind of thing DRIVES ME CRAZY. The only thing i really want to lose is weight!   Oh well, speaking of Old Navy I found several pairs of cute shorts on clearance between 6.50 and $9.  Yea me. 

On the 4th we headed over to Mom and Dad's for a hotdog lunch and swimming with friends.  It was a great way to spend the holiday.  I baked homemade frosted sugar cookies supposed to mimic the Lofthouse deliciousness. They were tasty I must say. I put the leftovers in the freezer for the church ice cream social so I would not eat anymore.  Ainslee would eat as them if I gave them to her, but Lena Kate is picky with her snacks. She is her father's child and would rather have something salty like chips or Goldfish...weird, or I think so anyway!

I finally reached my pre-baby weight the week of Ainlsee's birthday-I truly took the entire year to get the 60+ pounds off.  I am using the My Fitness Pal app on my phone and logging everything I eat, trying to stick to a 1200 calorie a day diet. I am proud of myself for finally sticking to it and am seeing the results of portion control, fairly healthy eating, as well as exercise.  I want to lose another 8-10 lbs, but already feel much better about myself. The food diary and weight log in definately keeps me on track. It is also motivating to know what projected weight I will be in 5 weeks by keeping up daily.  I just hope those projections happen if I stick to it.

On a sad note, Lane's boss's 25 year old son lost his life this week.  I want to share the story in hopes that it might be shared and have a positive impact on somebody.   Ryan was in the backseat of a car driven by an intoxicated female that lost control of the vehicle and drove right into a lake.  The car ended up upside down.  Two cops happen to see the accident and rescued the driver and front seat passenger.  Unfortunately, when they learned of a backseat passenger, it was too late.  He was pinned in and had drowned.  I can't get this out of my mind and don't really want to.  It is such a sensless loss and I have shed tears over it several times.  I didn't know him personally, but his parents are great people.  He was known as an upstanding and intelligent young man.  Please don't drink and drive and please don't let someone who has been drinking get behind the wheel.  I know in the past (college years) I made some poor decisions and know how hard it is to stand-up and do what is right.  I pray that more people, young and old, will hear of this story and NOT let it happen to them or make poor decisions in this respect.  Please keep the Whittington family in your prayers. I can't possibly imagine the devastation of losing a child.  

My eyes still burn from crying at the funeral. The music was beautiful and meaningful. Ryan's dad, Lane's boss spoke for about 45 minutes. That was amazing.

I must Trust God and His plan for me and my family.  I am reminded of this in times when fear cripples my thoughts.  Fear not, and believe.

God Bless the USA on this 4th of July week  I hope it was safe and festive for each of you.