growing on purpose...

I was on vacation a couple of weeks ago.  ELEVEN whole days off of work.  I went to North Carolina to visit my aunt, uncle and cousin first - we had a great weekend - my uncle, cousin Kevin and I went shooting all 3 days that I was there, my aunt showed my how to get started making the tshirt quilt I want to make, and I got to spend good, quality time with everyone.  Reminding me again that my primary love language is absolutely quality time.  I don't remember the last time I felt so loved and refreshed.  For the other 7 days I went to Jacksonville, FL to visit my cousin (and very best friend in the whole world) and her family (husband and 3 little monkeys that I adore more than words can say)

Shannon and Carson 

It was so great to just see them and spend time with them...Meeting Carson was awesome and we spent hours hanging out, I got to read books to April and Charley before bed, make cupcakes with April, braid her hair before school, pick her up after school, do crafts with them, play outside with Charley...and best of all, just hang out with Shannon...it was...awesome.  It was exactly what we both needed.  We didn't do a lot - and I wouldn't have loved it as much if we had been busy with stuff.  

One thing we did while I was there was go to a running store and get fitted for running shoes - they watched us walk, and helped us figure out what shoe was best - then we both bought them.  Along with a key chain, magnet and sticker for each of us that just says "Run."  Its the best reminder in the world and I am creating some really good habits...plus, my shoes completely rock.  

I sometimes have a hard time understanding my blood sugar and exercise...its a new kind of frustrating...sometime I think I might be getting the hang of it, then other times...its like my first day all over again...

I had a lot of time to think while I was on vacation and what I realize is that if I'm frustrated by where my life is at...I can choose to grow.  I can decide that I'm going to change and improve.  So I have been.  I've been consciously making decisions based on what I think is important.  I've been reading my bible on a regular basis - not because I "should" but because I truly WANT to.  I've been running - exercising...because it makes me feel better than when I don't.  Growing on purpose...its not a new concept, but its new to be so conscious of it, and I like the way its playing out...