17/365

We enjoyed a lazy Sunday and I didn't get ANY cleaning done....so I guess that means I will be starting tomorrow!  Oh well....Sunday's are meant to be spent with family anyway and it was a nice relaxing day.  Whitney was even at home...so that made it even better!

I started a food journal today.  I've been wanting to lose about 10 pounds for a while, but just haven't really done much about it.  I don't really eat a lot, but I haven't been eating very healthy foods lately.  I also haven't really been exercising.  Those were 2 of the things I wanted to work on this year.  I have read a lot of different articles and blogs lately that suggest keeping a food journal.  I think the real point of starting it now is not about staying under a certain amount of calories or anything...it's more about realizing what I am eating throughout the day.  When you start writing it down it can surprise you.  My biggest struggle will be with sugar...I love, love, love sweets (and I don't do ANY of the artificial sweeteners because I just don't think they are healthy).  I already drink only coffee, water, or unsweet tea...so the hard part for me will be desserts and chocolate!  As far as the exercising goes, it is finally warmer around here, so I plan to start walking more.  I can do the treadmill, but I really don't like it...I get SO bored!  I would like to try a spinning class and they have one at our gym, so I may check into that as well.

I have been trying to catch up with my Bible reading today...I am WAY behind.  I think I mentioned in a previous post that I bought a one year Bible.  I started out behind, but thought I would catch up quickly....well that didn't happen.  I am currently on Jan. 9th....so I have a ways to go.  I am trying to read slowly and really soak in the message, so as long as I make a point of reading EVERY day then I think I will eventually get there and get in the habit.  I do enjoy it, but I have to focus and that can be so hard with a 2 yr old running around.  I am thinking about setting my alarm each morning to get up before Ana Kate and have that alone time to devote to my daily reading.

Pictures were kind of last minute today.  Ana Kate was playing with her baby dolphin and she was being so sweet.  There were a few sweet ones, but this one was my favorite...you can tell by the look on her face what she thinks of too many pictures!

16/365

We stayed home this morning being lazy, then after Ana Kate's nap headed out to do a little shopping before church. And....I ordered my new camera today...yay! I can't wait to get it!

I am thinking I need to start my spring cleaning early....and by spring cleaning I mean deep cleaning! I'm considering starting on it tomorrow since Doug can entertain Ana Kate while I'm busy. I probably need to get rid of a lot of stuff that we've accumulated as well. Whitney wants to have a yard sale...but I have to say that I really, really hate yard sales!! I would rather just send everything to the salvation army. I guess if Whitney wants to take charge and do it, then she can keep all the money...maybe that will work. : )

I wanted to mention a couple of other 365 blogs that I read:

• I had a comment last week from Michelle over at Photography by Michelle Hires.  I had not yet seen her blog, but she is participating in a couple of different 365 projects.  The first, like mine, is devoted to taking one photo every day of the year.  Her photography is beautiful and you should definitely check it out.  The second 365 project is very interesting...she calls it her 'Other 365 Project' and it began by leaving a comment on the blog of one of her followers, then visiting one of their followers and so on and so on.  She is hoping by the end she will have visited 365 blogs!  It definitely caught my interest and I love seeing what made her choose each site that she lists.  My blog was from day 10 and the comment Michelle left was how I found out about her projects.  Very cool  idea...and definitely worth checking out.
• Also check out Mer's blog, Beautiful Chicken.  She recently devoted a post to my blog...thanks!  She is doing a 365 project as well and also adopted from Vietnam.  Her little Lulu is adorable!

I thought I would end tonight with a video of Ana Kate singing for me.

Ana Kate Singing - 12.08.09

15/365

We got up and going pretty early this morning for my MOPS meeting today.  I had a fun time this morning as I always do.  I'm so glad I finally joined...Ana Kate loves her class and it gives both of us some independant time, which is great!  After MOPS we came back home for lunch and naptime.  Not much else going on today.

Pictures were okay today...my timing could have been better.  The first one is a little blurry, but I like it anyway.  She is hiding from the camera in the second one...as usual!

14/365

I've seen a couple of blogs today ask for all the lurkers to come out of the woodwork and leave a comment. I thought that was a great idea! So...if you read my blog and have never commented please do! I would love to see the comments and know who is reading my blog. You can do so anonymously if you wish. I welcome questions too...I'll do my best to answer them. If you regularly read my blog please become a follower by clicking on the 'Followers' button on the bottom right side of the page. I would love to see everyone who is out there!

I had a rough day yesterday...thus, the 'no words' post. I was struggling with a headache and it's still hanging in there today, although not quite as bad. Ana Kate has had a rough day as well....she's had lots of tummy issues. Lately she has become VERY sensitive to all fruits, fruit juices, and nuts. So, we have been going through a lot of diapers. She loves fruits and juice, so it's hard to tell her she can't have them, but it is really messing with her stomach. I had planned to start potty training this week...but there is no way that is happening until the diarrhea is under control. Sorry if that was TMI...

I have discovered that I get much better photo results when I take them in the morning...or after nap. Ana Kate is generally in a good mood and a little less active, so it goes much more smoothly. Another thing is that I shouldn't expect to get great pictures in 5 minutes...and even though I sometimes do, that isn't generally the case. So...I need to spend a little more time and be more patient. Patience is hard for me... : ) Tonight I waited until bath time, but it wasn't too bad. The pics were all a tad blurry, but I have to manually focus my new lens with my current camera model...so it was tough to do while avoiding all the splashes.

I also want to say a huge 'Thank You!' to everyone who left such nice comments about my photos! It means so much to hear the positive encouragement from others! I'm hoping during this 365 project that I will continue to improve.

13/365

No words today...

12/365

First off...terrible picture day. I waited until the last minute and Ana Kate made quite a game out of avoiding the camera and wouldn't sit still at all. So I think I'll take them earlier tomorrow. Any tips to get a 2 year old to sit still for pictures??

Today we did some shopping. I've been looking for some new tennis shoes for Ana Kate but it seems like as soon as I find something I like no one has it in her size...so frustrating! I think I went to 4 or 5 shoe stores today and no luck. I will probably just order what I want online. I did find a great buy today...a pair of jeans for me that were on clearance for $8 (they were originally $44)! I love finding a good deal!

Not much else today. I have a cranky little one and I'm tired as well, so we will probably have an early night.

11/365

Not much going on today. I was hoping to get some decent pictures today, but Ana Kate just wasn't in the mood. I only had a few and this was the best one. Oh well...there's always tomorrow!