12 Weeks

Oscar told me it will take 12 weeks for me to see results from working out.

The good news is that I am more motivated than I have ever been, possibly in my life.





I have realized that working out is much easier than dealing with feelings of inadequacy or being a success at work or in life. While exercising instead of dealing with these issues would be irresponsible, exercising instead of needlessly worrying about these issues is very productive.

In fact, I love it. When I started I disliked it intensely. A few days in though, I realized how good it felt to be a success at something. I'm pretty sure this is exactly what Oscar was talking about in regards to taking control. What a wise guy I'm with.

I probably shouldn't announce this, but it is not something I am ashamed of. In fact, I am excited. I am starting counseling soon. Oscar comes home with homework and exercises from his counselor and I am jealous. Plus, as he gets healthier, my own issues are coming to light. I have to grow with him.

Happy Monday all!!

SCHOOL'S OUT!!!!!

And I feel like this....

Baby Bump

Oscar didn't want me drawing attention to it on Facebook, but I TOTALLY withOUT a doubt have a baby bump in this photo. Quite a significant one as well.

The only problem is.... I'm not pregnant. mmm hmmm. Not at all. lol. Not 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 10. This makes me laugh so much. Oscar actually asked me if I was pregnant after I showed him my bump in the photo.

Oooooh man. Well, obviously, I have gained chub. BUT, I actually love my baby bump in the photo and look forward to having a real one. In the mean time, I've already started working out (pre-photos). I haven't even gained weight, though I wouldn't put blame on myself if I did (life happens). I weighed myself yesterday for the first time in a long time and I am in my regular range.

Oh well. Oscar has finished school and is training me again. This photo has motivated me to make sure I actually see a difference when I do get pregnant.

Anyways, don't I look cute with a baby belly? Too bad, we can't look back on this as when I was pregnant, instead of just a bad photo/outfit/weight issue.

***Oscar says it was the angle, but I look like this in almost all the photos from the party, even my arms look big, you'd think I gained 5 or 10 pounds. Ok, I know I'm stuck on it. Anyways,

Happy Tuesday!!!

SURPRISE!!

I threw a surprise party for Oscar today. :) It was a SUCCESS!!

I'm so proud of that boy.

Here is a slideshow I showed at the party:

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Kyxy - A Christmas Blessing

After an emotional day in my hometown w/ my mom and sister, I was drained as I climbed into my trusty Honda Accord.

Actually crying from the dramatics of it all, I sat to collect myself while I prepared for a two hour drive with a car radio that does not work - no cd player, no iPod, just me, the road and some snacks.

Ready for the Christmas miracle? My car radio, which has not worked in over six months, started playing Kyxy Christmas music. During the two hour drive, I listened to Christmas music, Christian talk w/ Q&A and a sermon by Brian Broderson. I felt so incredibly blessed. Thank you Lord. Just what I needed!!!!

Merry early Christmas All!
Image: Hotel Del Coronado during Christmas time
(notice the ice skating rink across the beautiful beach sunset)

Sound Familiar?

Sooooo, I talk with my kids a lot. I talk to them when I know they understand and when I know they do not understand.

They are my buddies. It helps establish rapport. Anyways, I was talking to one of my two year old kiddos today about the program while he was drinking his juice. I was telling him, "sooo, we did our shapes and our colors, now what are we going to do next?...hmmm... Oh, I know, we are going to be really creative and do some verbal imitation. Now that may be, difficult, but I know you can do it." etc. etc. etc.

While I was talking, my voice was going up and down in regular Francine fashion. A few minutes later, my kiddo started to do some talking. I couldn't understand a thing he was saying. But, I told him, "I love hearing your voice." He just kept going in a long monologue. I asked his Grandma what he was saying and... it turns out, he was imitating me. He didn't know what words I was using so he pieced together random words/phrases he knew such as, "here we go....bubbles....ready set go.....babble babble babble....." He was socializing and conversing with me the same way I had with him. I loved it. And sure enough his voice inflections were very similar to my own.


oooooh. I may be strict with my kiddos, I may get bitten, scratched and bruised, but yes, I do love my job.