Life Goes On

This weekend was party central, but now it is time to get back to life as usual. Not too exciting in good old Indiana, but I am doing my best to stay busy, make friends and reclaim my life.

I have decided to merge my 2 blogs into 1, so you will get the occasional update about how my life transformation is going. I have hired a trainer and joined the gym, so I am on my way. I decided to start with small goals. I think I have been successful this time is cutting out pop - at least at home. And my evening snacking is becoming more a thing of the past. They say after 3 weeks it is habit, so I am getting there. Today my shoulders are so sore from the workout I had yesterday, that I am not sure I can wash my own hair, but hey I'll have great arms one day.

Avery started swim lessons last week and she is totally loving it. They said she is doing well, but might need another session before she can swim above water. She has the skills, but needs more strength, because she is too tiny to stay up. She did actually float for about 5 seconds on Monday. We go again tonight, so we'll see if she improves her time.

Today is rainy and gross, so I think we are going to do some shopping. Maybe downtown to get something with the birthday money Avery got - it is burning a hole in her wallet. And yes, her wallet is cuter than mine, I need a new one.

Birthday Time Again

She's growing up. Really and truly becoming a big kid. It's hard to believe that I have only been able to share 4 birthdays with my girl, but everyone has been emotional and wonderful.

Birthdays make me think a lot about her birthmother, and how grateful I am that Natalia chose adoption for our girl. I wonder if she thinks of her on this special day. I wish she could know how amazing this little girl is and how much of a blessing she is to our lives.

This particular birthday is a little bitter sweet. We thought we would be celebrating this day with the addition of a new baby. Our little one that was lost was due on Ave's birthday. I'm sad, but focusing on all I do have, instead of what's missing. My love cup runs over, because of my spunky little monkey.

Apparently six year olds are whitty, smart, and imaginative. I love watching Avery get excited about math or hug my neck till my eyeballs pop when I praise her. She is the life of the party and can make friends in seconds. Most days I am proud of her manners and compassion. Her favorite thing in the world is riding her bike. (still with training wheels) She no longer refers to Starbucks as "StarBucket" because she is too grown up for that. And she is a total prankster.

So tomorrow we will celebrate the amazingly bright and vivacious girl I get to call mine. Happy Birthday Avery Ryan. Mommy loves your guts!

Bored in Indiana

That about sums up my life these days. Bored, irritated, and more boredom.

The move went well. I can't stand living unsettled, so I unpacked in just a couple days. In hindsight, I probably should have spread it out. Since now it has been raining for weeks and I have nothing to do, nothing that is except shop. Shop at the same few stores over, and over, and over again. Blah, blah, blah! Doesn't help that I can't even find anything I like well enough to buy.

We tried out a new church and the people were really nice. We liked it well enough, but just aren't sure. We have a few others we want to check out. I guess once we choose one, we'll get to know more people.

I am having a big dilema over what we are going to do for school next year. As you all know, I homeschooled Avery this past year. This year I really think she could handle the classroom setting and do fine. I also love the advantages of homeschooling (and can't imagine how BORED I would be if she weren't here). Honestly is it sad that my only interaction is with a 5 year old? The Christian schools are too pricey, so that is out for now. It is either public or homeschool. I am open to input. And if she went to public, I guess I could always get a job. I just don't know and don't feel strongly pulled in one way or the other.

The area here is nice, although I like some of the adjacent towns better. Still it's only a 15 minute drive, so I can't complain. We've been to the zoo, the children's museum, and a few area parks. I have also checked out 2 malls and found Trader Joes. I feel like I know my way around, unless I go downtown.

Guess that is all for now. I don't want to be a whiner, so I'll quit with the light stuff.