Thumbs Up

Hey there, BabyCakes! We're just about ready to leave for school.  You look so grown up today! 

I'm going to take your picture with my phone.

Please take the thumb out of your mouth.

Come on, BabyCakes, just one picture! You're such a big girl! 

Just take the thumb out for one minute, please?!

Ok ok! Sorry I asked! But seriously, is that thing chocolate-flavored or something?

WW Wednesday

I sent this email out to my fellow WW meeting members this morning.  I thought I'd share it with you because some of you have showed support of my weight loss journey.

Courage.

That's what I'm summoning this morning as I walk in to our meeting.

I don't want to go in to all the particulars, but just know that stepping on that scale and owning where I am today is taking courage.

Facing the ladies that have recorded my weight week in and week out, knowing that they know just how much I've zigged and zagged in the last year takes courage. (even though they have never been anything but discreet, sensitive, and supportive)

Saying goodbye the the shame I put on myself and constantly denying the urge to quit takes courage.

Eating a real dinner last night and a real breakfast this morning took courage.

Wearing "normal" clothes for weigh-in instead of changing at the meeting or carefully picking a light-weight outfit takes courage.

Letting go of the expectation that every meal be childishly tasty, and instead making the healthier choice takes courage.

Continuing to feel as though my words and actions have worth, even when I struggle with following my own advice, takes courage.

And, believe it or not, sharing ANY of this with all you is taking a lot of courage.  But I'm worth it. You're worth it.  I hope you can find your courage, too.

Then give a little to me. ;)

See you soon,

~Cayce

My Gardeners

Like everyone, there are things about our home that the hubs and I wouldn't mind changing.
All-in-all, though, we are in a friendly, safe community with easy access to everything we need and want, a great job-market, good neighbors, and good schools for the chitlins.

Our house isn't big or perfect, but it is a safe, loving home.

Our Pottery Barn-inspired mudroom kitchen floor begs kids to strip down to the least amount of clothes necessary for decency make themselves confortable.
(BabyCakes, How many times do I have to tell you to put your shoes in your room?!!)

Priceless works of art line the halls unpainted hallway in our home.

Built-in bookshelves house expensive common-yet-beautiful souvenirs from world travels of the Southeast.

The winner of "Survivor: Cayce's Plants Edition" gets a hard-earned moment in the sun.

Dinosaur-monsters (that slightly frighten me) are next to my to-do list on my desk in my office the pantry door.

No, we don't have the fanciest house on the street, but I can guarantee I have the most loving gardeners in the neighborhood.

Cherry Grove

 Hi! Here's a brief (as in, I have dinner cooking on the stove right behind me!) post about last week.
We were in Cherry Grove in North Myrtle beach and, after a whirlwind weekend with fun visitors and a few issues (hot oil, a migraine, and jellyfish come to mind), we settled in to a perfectly relaxing stay at the beach.

These tiny mollusks washed to shore and many of them would burrow into the sand.  It was pretty neat

J finally got a real break.

 We didn't do a whole lot besides nap, watch movies, chill at the beach, and eat well. :)

We just enjoyed our family.

The kids had a blast.

We all had a blast! :)

All the same, it's good to be home.

Mostly. ;)