I had a breakdown this weekend... about weight.
It's no secret that I have fought 20 to 25 pounds for quite sometime. I started gaining in college, then moved to Maine where it's cold ALL the time and wearing big, bulky sweaters and coats made it easy to hide even more weight... what I like to call my "fat coat."
Having two children in this body has been a miraculous blessing and I do not regret those added pounds. Getting them off... another story.
So here I am, with two kids and luckily, not the heaviest I've ever been... but still not where I want to be. And I find myself thinking about how much I hate this body. I look in the mirror and think "Yuck... you look awful in those pants!" "Suck it in, girl!" "I wonder how much liposuction costs?"
But right as I was on the verge of tears Friday night, I was watching television (holding my sweet, sleeping Brady) and heard someone say... "While I constantly criticize my body, this body has done some amazing things for me."
You know, my body is not my ideal body... but it has done some amazing things for me, too.
When my spirit was unsure, this body took me to Maine to meet my husband - who I could not live without. In the past five years, I carried two precious gifts from God in my body. I gave birth to both of them with no complications or health concerns. This body has run a couple hundred miles in the past two years and in the past few months, this body has endured training for a half marathon! Just Sunday morning, this body led me in a 11 mile run in a little over 2 hours.
So rather than beat myself up over the areas of myself that I hate, I will continue to work on improving them - but I'll also try to appreciate what my body has done for me.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Future Mrs. Greene
I have known Shelley Anderson for 12 years and on February 28, 2009 - my dear friend will become Shelley Anderson Greene. She is marrying the perfect guy for her. Rick treats her like a queen and while it was a long road to get to this point, I can see the lasting love that has grown over the years.Shelley amazes me because she has patiently (most of the time), waited for the right man to come along. Every girl has their idea of the perfect guy, the perfect wedding, the white picket fence. Shelley was no exception. She knew what she wanted and wouldn't except anything less. I admire her for sticking to her guns. That's what makes Shelley the person we all love.
What's even more amazing is that she will be a step-mom to Rick's three kids. Twin boys (Manning and Driscoll) and a sweet girl (Kate Douglas). It takes a big heart and a lot of patience to become a step-mom, but Shelley has tackled this head on. She loves those children with all her heart and they absolutely adore her as well. Kate Douglas (Kiki, as Shelley calls her) will be a junior bridesmaid in the wedding... so precious!
I have no doubt that Susie and I will be crying during this ceremony. As her matrons of honor, we will be standing behind our best friend in awe of the person she has become.
"Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together
Be calm
Love me today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell.
Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
ever thine
ever mine
ever ours"
~ Ludwig van Beethoven
New Year... new approach
I felt a major transition in myself towards the close of 2008. It started when we moved into our new house. I could tell that life was about to be different for the LaPierre family. We became a family of four last summer and at six months old, Brady is a pretty easy baby to take care of. I enjoy every minute I have with him. Kennedy is a bubbly personality who could have fun in a paper bag! Chris worked a lot from home in the fall. Life = fantastic.
But I didn't begin to appreciate it until some of my friends began to deal with some monumental challenges in their lives. A friend had a miscarriage. Another friend was diagnosed with Leukemia and fought a hard battle for a month month before she passed. Another friend had twins who were diagnosed with a developmental disease that will only allow her boys to live to be 5 to 7 years old. Another friend is struggling through divorce.
So how did I get so lucky? Why me? While I don't know what is in store for me and my family, I do know that EVERY DAY I look at my life and feel extremely blessed to have such healthy children, a husband who loves me, nearby family, and friends who I cannot live without. I have felt like this for the past month or so and I hope I continue to feel like this through as much of 2009 as I can. I know life gets hectic, but I will try to not sweat the small stuff... because life is too short to not enjoy every second of every day.
But I didn't begin to appreciate it until some of my friends began to deal with some monumental challenges in their lives. A friend had a miscarriage. Another friend was diagnosed with Leukemia and fought a hard battle for a month month before she passed. Another friend had twins who were diagnosed with a developmental disease that will only allow her boys to live to be 5 to 7 years old. Another friend is struggling through divorce.
So how did I get so lucky? Why me? While I don't know what is in store for me and my family, I do know that EVERY DAY I look at my life and feel extremely blessed to have such healthy children, a husband who loves me, nearby family, and friends who I cannot live without. I have felt like this for the past month or so and I hope I continue to feel like this through as much of 2009 as I can. I know life gets hectic, but I will try to not sweat the small stuff... because life is too short to not enjoy every second of every day.
Monday, January 5, 2009
My dearest friends
We often refer to ourselves as "902"... from our glory days of living at 902 Dogwood in Ruston. We even have scarves and cups with our infamous description. We might also refer to ourselves as the Golden Girls or Sex and The City girls. But whatever we call ourselves, we are truly best friends. I am extremely grateful to have these amazing women in my life. True friendship is hard to come by.... but we three are pretty lucky to have shared so much over a 10-year period.What I love most about our friendship is that we all are so different and in different places in our lives. I've been married for nearly eight years and have two kids. Susie has been married for five years and is enjoying life without children. And Shelley is getting married in just a few short weeks and will be a step-mom to three wonderful kids. And even with these very different lives we live, we still act like we're 20-something from our days of college.
I have a feeling that when we're old and grey, we'll still be acting like we're in our 20s.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Brady.... and a Brady fan
It's no secret that Chris is a fan of the New England Patriots. He has been a fan as long as he can remember. Being from New England certainly makes it easy. So when we were coming up with names for our first child, Brady was always a favorite. But when the baby turned out to be a girl, we picked Kennedy (a name I absolutely love). Since we didn't find out the gender of baby # 2, we had a boy name and a few girl names lined up and ready for the big day.
The day B was born, we were ready to announce his name. And daddy was ready to wear his New England Patriots jersey. Brady has his very own jersey, too, thanks to Memere LaPierre in Maine.
And for those of you who think my son was named after Tom Brady, I say "no way!" We love the Patriots, but not that much......
The day B was born, we were ready to announce his name. And daddy was ready to wear his New England Patriots jersey. Brady has his very own jersey, too, thanks to Memere LaPierre in Maine.
And for those of you who think my son was named after Tom Brady, I say "no way!" We love the Patriots, but not that much......
Look who is....
... sitting up! We're still a little wobbly, but for the most part, Brady is upright and looking around at everything! He's grabbing for toys and drooling all over them. He sits in his high chair (thanks Aunt Tracy!) and has enjoyed tasting the new cuisine: green beans, peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Reflections from 2008
2008 will be remembered as an eventful year. A lot has happened this year. Some good. Some bad. But all have been learning experiences and events that have shaped the person I am today.
I spent half the year pregnant with our second child. The second time around was MUCH easier! Easy pregnancy (minus a quick hospitalization for dehydration after the stomach virus kicked my butt). We did not find out the sex of the baby, a decision I was extremely happy with. Some of our friends (and all of our family) gave us a hard time about not finding out. But what a joy to have Chris walk out of the operating room, holding our precious baby to announce, "It's a boy!"
In May, this area had one of the biggest rain storms in decades. The floods ruined a lot of our "stuff" being stored in the garage of the rental we were living in for most of this year. The house was in Broadmoor, which is an area that does not handle massive rain very well. I made the discovery a few days after the rain storm ended. I went to the garage, which is detached from the house, to look for something. I burst into tears. At 8 months pregnant, I had no idea what to do. Chris was out of town, so I called my parents and Susie. The SneStinBaLa "task force" came to my rescue. Kandi and Brian Sneed, Amber, Susie and Ford, and my parents helped me clean out and move everything that was salvageable. I was an emotional wreck. Pictures and family mementos were ruined... things that cannot be replaced. The coffee maker and seasonal clothes could be easily replaced, but yearbooks, my childhood Bible and other family keepsakes did not fare so well. Nonetheless, I kept them with rain-soaked pages. It was an amazing testament of the lasting friendships Chris and I have here. Rarely would someone take a day off work and help clean out a nasty, rainy, stinky mess. But this group did. We jokingly said that when one of us is in crisis, we "mobilize the troops." That's exactly what happened. What a blessing.
June was a wonderful month as our son, Brady, was born. Weighing in at 8 lbs. 10 oz., he was quite a big boy! Chris and I have been tremendously blessed with a boy and a girl. Each has brought us such joy and happiness in their own unique way. Kennedy loves him so much and has been such a helpful big sister. You can tell that he loves her so much because when she gets in his face and talks to him, he smiles from ear-to-ear and kicks with excitement. At six months old, he is sitting up and eating baby food. He is ticklish on his chest and his inner thighs. He LOVES bath time and smiles at anyone who smiles at him. Being a mom has made me complete. I cherish each day with both my children.
About two months after B was born (we call Brady "B" for short), I started running again. I had been running frequently before I became pregnant, so I was disappointed to have to slow down. I ran my first 10K when I was about two-months pregnant... but at the suggestion of my doctor - I stopped. I couldn't keep my heart rate low enough to be safe for the baby. So I was quite anxious to hit the pavement again. I was pretty slow to start, as expected after a nine-month hiatus. I slowly started working up the distance and shortening my time. Last weekend, I ran nine miles in 1:43. I am headed to New Orleans on February 1 for my first half marathon.
Chris' travel slowed down and eventually wrapped up for the year in November. We have thoroughly enjoyed having him home over the holiday season. We've had family dinners at the dinner table, bike riding lessons on our street, bedtime stories, and craft projects. There's nothing like having all four of us together for the day-to-day routine. I'm hoping the travel is minimal next year.
In October, we moved into our new home in Bossier City. We started building right before Brady was born and moved in this fall. We have never been happier. This house is perfect for us AND it's right around the corner from my best friend. Our neighbors are friendly and it reminds me of my childhood days when the neighbors stood on the front lawn and discussed gas prices and the weather. I have the "June Cleaver" ideals for this chapter in my life. That's probably as far as they'll go... ideals. It's hard to be June with two kids and working full-time.
I was honored as one of the 40 Under 40 this fall. It was extremely flattering to be named as one of the top young professionals by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. I am honored to not only promote higher education in my profession, but also give back to the community with my volunteer work. I love this town and I want to give my time when I can.
Almost as life changing as the birth of Brady... was the loss of our friend, Amber Sabala. One Sunday afternoon, Ford called to let us know that Amber and Eric were in the hospital and it looked like Amber would be diagnosed with leukemia. We all went to the hospital to be with her. I did not know that it would be my last time to see her. The next day, she was transferred to LSU hospital and spent the next month fighting for her life. God had other plans for her. She passed away on November 16. I have visited her grave several times and while I still mourn the loss of my friend, this has made me appreciate each day as if it were my last. We all are keeping Eric extremely close by... making sure he is in good company and recovering as best he can.
So as I reflect on the events of this year, I am exhausted... emotionally, physically, mentally. But that is what life is all about... sometimes it's a celebration... sometimes it's not fair. But it has to be about living life to its fullest... Loving my friends and family with all my heart, even at the risk of losing someone close. It's about becoming closer to new friends. It's about new life in the form of a baby boy or the loss of someone at a very young age. It's the circle of life, a life I will cherish everyday in 2009.
I spent half the year pregnant with our second child. The second time around was MUCH easier! Easy pregnancy (minus a quick hospitalization for dehydration after the stomach virus kicked my butt). We did not find out the sex of the baby, a decision I was extremely happy with. Some of our friends (and all of our family) gave us a hard time about not finding out. But what a joy to have Chris walk out of the operating room, holding our precious baby to announce, "It's a boy!"
In May, this area had one of the biggest rain storms in decades. The floods ruined a lot of our "stuff" being stored in the garage of the rental we were living in for most of this year. The house was in Broadmoor, which is an area that does not handle massive rain very well. I made the discovery a few days after the rain storm ended. I went to the garage, which is detached from the house, to look for something. I burst into tears. At 8 months pregnant, I had no idea what to do. Chris was out of town, so I called my parents and Susie. The SneStinBaLa "task force" came to my rescue. Kandi and Brian Sneed, Amber, Susie and Ford, and my parents helped me clean out and move everything that was salvageable. I was an emotional wreck. Pictures and family mementos were ruined... things that cannot be replaced. The coffee maker and seasonal clothes could be easily replaced, but yearbooks, my childhood Bible and other family keepsakes did not fare so well. Nonetheless, I kept them with rain-soaked pages. It was an amazing testament of the lasting friendships Chris and I have here. Rarely would someone take a day off work and help clean out a nasty, rainy, stinky mess. But this group did. We jokingly said that when one of us is in crisis, we "mobilize the troops." That's exactly what happened. What a blessing.
June was a wonderful month as our son, Brady, was born. Weighing in at 8 lbs. 10 oz., he was quite a big boy! Chris and I have been tremendously blessed with a boy and a girl. Each has brought us such joy and happiness in their own unique way. Kennedy loves him so much and has been such a helpful big sister. You can tell that he loves her so much because when she gets in his face and talks to him, he smiles from ear-to-ear and kicks with excitement. At six months old, he is sitting up and eating baby food. He is ticklish on his chest and his inner thighs. He LOVES bath time and smiles at anyone who smiles at him. Being a mom has made me complete. I cherish each day with both my children.
About two months after B was born (we call Brady "B" for short), I started running again. I had been running frequently before I became pregnant, so I was disappointed to have to slow down. I ran my first 10K when I was about two-months pregnant... but at the suggestion of my doctor - I stopped. I couldn't keep my heart rate low enough to be safe for the baby. So I was quite anxious to hit the pavement again. I was pretty slow to start, as expected after a nine-month hiatus. I slowly started working up the distance and shortening my time. Last weekend, I ran nine miles in 1:43. I am headed to New Orleans on February 1 for my first half marathon.
Chris' travel slowed down and eventually wrapped up for the year in November. We have thoroughly enjoyed having him home over the holiday season. We've had family dinners at the dinner table, bike riding lessons on our street, bedtime stories, and craft projects. There's nothing like having all four of us together for the day-to-day routine. I'm hoping the travel is minimal next year.
In October, we moved into our new home in Bossier City. We started building right before Brady was born and moved in this fall. We have never been happier. This house is perfect for us AND it's right around the corner from my best friend. Our neighbors are friendly and it reminds me of my childhood days when the neighbors stood on the front lawn and discussed gas prices and the weather. I have the "June Cleaver" ideals for this chapter in my life. That's probably as far as they'll go... ideals. It's hard to be June with two kids and working full-time.
I was honored as one of the 40 Under 40 this fall. It was extremely flattering to be named as one of the top young professionals by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. I am honored to not only promote higher education in my profession, but also give back to the community with my volunteer work. I love this town and I want to give my time when I can.
Almost as life changing as the birth of Brady... was the loss of our friend, Amber Sabala. One Sunday afternoon, Ford called to let us know that Amber and Eric were in the hospital and it looked like Amber would be diagnosed with leukemia. We all went to the hospital to be with her. I did not know that it would be my last time to see her. The next day, she was transferred to LSU hospital and spent the next month fighting for her life. God had other plans for her. She passed away on November 16. I have visited her grave several times and while I still mourn the loss of my friend, this has made me appreciate each day as if it were my last. We all are keeping Eric extremely close by... making sure he is in good company and recovering as best he can.
So as I reflect on the events of this year, I am exhausted... emotionally, physically, mentally. But that is what life is all about... sometimes it's a celebration... sometimes it's not fair. But it has to be about living life to its fullest... Loving my friends and family with all my heart, even at the risk of losing someone close. It's about becoming closer to new friends. It's about new life in the form of a baby boy or the loss of someone at a very young age. It's the circle of life, a life I will cherish everyday in 2009.
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