July 2nd:

Balance the way you eat the way you balance your household budget.  You can't spend more money than you have without having a negative effect on your life.  Same with your eating habits, be frugal and when you "over spend" make sure it isn't too often <3

Dance in the rain...

July 1st:

As I prepare myself mentally for another eye surgery for Travis, I seem to be circling on this subject.  It is hard to be happy watching someone you love go through so many health issues, but I have hope that we will come out on the other side of this trial stronger than we went in.  I often feel like the weight of the world is coming down, but I look around and realize how blessed we are.  We have a beautiful daughter, a supportive family, and through it all we have been provided for.  I am still learning, but I will do my best to be happy in spite of my worries.  Rather, I will be happy to spite my worries, so they don't win.  <3

Confidence

June 30th:

But it's nice to hear, so I'll tell you.  You are beautiful.  You are handsome.  You are stunning!  Never doubt yourself just because others might.  <3

June 29th:

How much more do we appreciate something that we fight for rather than something that is just giving to us.  Your happiness is definitely something worth your energy.  Strive for what you want out of life <3

Swagger? Oh no dear, my quads are just on fire.

June 28th:

This just made me laugh.  Today was leg day, I totally feel this :)

<3

Remembering a great woman

June 27th:

It was date night yesterday and I did something that I had waited nine years to get done.  I got a tattoo.  So here's the back story.  I got it for my grandmother and my child's namesake,
Elizabeth Gaddie.

 She died of cancer in 2005, a few short months after my first Avon walk.  In the months following her death, anytime I was alone my brain went back to the fact that she was gone.  One day at work, in a particularly dark funk, I was doing rounds and saw a monarch butterfly just kind of floating along not far from me.  As soon as I saw it I felt better, my mood lifted and I just kept watching the butterfly.  It floated on over to a valve handle not far from me and landed, and just sat there.  I moved closer to it, expecting it to take off, the whole time with this euphoric wave of peace that everything was ok, that my grandma was ok and I should be too.  I got within inches of touching the butterfly before it took off and floated away.  I don't recall my grandmother having an affinity for butterflies, and I didn't have one before that day but I love them now.  They are a symbol for metamorphosis, change, and beauty. My grandmother was a beautiful, strong woman and I hope to live my life in a way that carries on her example.  So here it is, freshly done

 I will wear this proudly with the hopes of starting many conversations. All because I was crazy enough to ink my arm after a butterfly landed near me and reminded me that death is not the end, just something different than the path we are on.

On a side note, not all people will understand the choices you make but you will have to make them nonetheless if you intend to stay true to yourself. 

<3<3<3

Opportunity needs a door

June 26: 

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.  

We are the masters of our own destiny and we can create some of our circumstances.  No one is more vested in your happiness and success than you are. So don't be afraid to carve out the door you need to make your goals happen <3