April Showers...and lots of flowers:)

Happy Spring everyone!

It is spring in the Showman household. The windows are open, and there is the sound of birds chirping and mowers reving. Work is crazy, and any free time we have we spend outside, knowing that the impending Kansas summer heat will be here before we know it!

This weekend, we spent some time outside, mulching and planting flowers. Thanks to a massively awesome sale at Home Depot, our yard is now about ready for spring and summer.

Here are some pics of our work...

My new bird feeder. The birds love it and my cat is now entertained.

The backyard- we remulched with dark brown mulch.

The front view....remulched and new flowers planted.

 Front

The new big pots outside.

We (or I should say my husband) tore out the wood edging and replaced it with rock-looks much better!

A nice little Pinrose for the front table-never have planted one so we will see how it goes.

 

We hope everyone is getting to enjoy the beautiful Spring weather! 

Catching up...

Hello everyone!

Today has been one of those "true" Sundays-a rainy day, a cup of coffee, a morning workout, a few errands, a little bit of cleaning time, and time spend relaxing/napping with the husband, a yummy, new dinner and now a little bit of blogging before Army Wives.

I haven't written in a while, but things are pretty good and calm around here. Shawn and I have both been busy working. I am headed into that period of my job where things will get especially crazy and I will be counting down the weeks until summer (there are about 9 weeks left-but who is counting?). My running shoes, daily conversations with loved ones and the occasional bubble bath are going to be my weapons of choice as I battle Spring Fever. However, I am ready for Spring and all it brings- flowers, longer days, slightly chilly air, bright colors and Cadbury Eggs:)

Shawn and I had a great, pretty calm winter. We have both gotten to see our friends and families as well-going to baby showers, baptisms and having family visit Lawrence. We haven't really been too busy with home projects, but are starting to think of a few projects to get going once the weather gets nice.

I am continuing to make some good progress on my goal of getting fit. I have currently lost almost half of what I want to lose (a few weeks away from the halfway mark). It really hasn't been too bad-full of ups and downs but I find myself continuing to be mindful of what I eat and make better choices. However, I still enjoy all of my vices- including dessert and Mexican food. I also have really gotten back into working out, and now cannot really imagine going back to not exercising for periods of time-it really is such an important part of my life- and a major way of dealing with work stress!!!

Other than that..things are pretty great and calm.

Proud God Dad:)

 Proud Parents

 



This pretty much sums up our Friday nights lately:)

And then there was snow...

I hope everyone enjoys the warmer weather to come...

I guess slow and steady wins the race, right?

The last time I blogged I announced my joining on the bandwagon of weight loss. The good news is that I am still on that bandwagon, and that I have lost 5 pounds so far. It hasn't been enough to really notice a change in the mirror, but I definitely have seen a change in my eating habits these past few weeks. I actually ordered broccoli at a restaurant today-times have really changed! I have also really noticed that I now crave things that are better for me-mostly salad, fruits and veggies. I also just think much more before I eat...thinking about whether or not I  really want the treat.

It also helps that my husband has been super supportive throughout the process-we were actually talking today about how this process has really changed the process for the both of us.

So these next few weeks I hope to just keep on going with my healthier habits. Even though my weight loss has been steady-about a pound a week, I still feel like its working. I also have been amazed that I have still been able to eat- we have even had Burger King, Dairy Queen and pizza-I have just made it all work out:)

These next few weeks bring some events to look forward to-fun work things, a very special baptism (for which we have been asked to be godparents- TRULY such an honor), and just time together keeping warm from the cold.

I hope everyone is staying warm and healthy where you are. I know of a few people who have joined the Weight Watchers bandwagon with me and I want to say GO YOU! I am cheering for ya!:)

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful, safe New Year, despite the snow:)

Shawn and I had a nice, relaxing New Years Eve tradition at home-full of games and little smokies.

I just wanted to make it known that I have beat Shawn before at a game...just to clarify.

The snow just kept falling...

Lydia didn't seem too excited about the New Year-she was already sending us glares telling us she wanted to go to bed.

First couple pic of the year!



 And now the Christmas tree is down and put away, and I go back to work tomorrow after a wonderful break.

 

Although Shawn and Lydia are opting out of New Years Resolutions this year, I always like to start off the year with a few thoughts/reflections about 2012 and the year to come...

 

In 2012, I was grateful for...

 

Life

 

Health

 

Love

 

Growth

 

 

In 2013, I hope for...

 

-Continued health, including some weight-loss and lifestyle changes on my part

-Continuing to grow and become a more compassionate, loving and understanding person

-Continuing to maintain, nurture and grow in the roles and relationships that I have in my life-including those of a wife, daughter, teacher, friend, sister, and...soon...aunt:)

 

Happy New Year everyone-hope you return to your jobs, homes and routines safely and peacefully.