New Beginnings

Happy New Year! While a new year has begun, I look outside and see yet another snowy, cold Wisconsin day and fail to feel the newness of it all. However, there is so much about this time of year that makes me reflect. Reflect on what happened this past year. How Tyler and I embarked on our journey (or nightmare) of homeowner-ship. How Ava started 4K and suddenly seems to be 4 going on 25. How we welcomed a new little member into our family. Sorry Mom, it was a baby of the furry variety; likely not what you had in mind. How our careers continued to blossom and both Tyler and I challenged ourselves in ways we haven't before. This year has certainly been full of it's ups and downs, struggles and triumphs. It's these moments that help us grow and constantly re-evaluate what is important to us. They help us determine who we want to be in the year post ball drop.

I have a few reasons for starting this blog. Many of you might remember the last blog I wrote http://pamplemousseprincess.blogspot.com/ . It had a focus on health and nutrition. I highlighted new recipes I was trying as I looked to implement a semi-Paleo diet. There are still some really great recipes posted that I still use often if you'd like to check it out. This blog will also have recipes but it won't be the main focus. I'll highlight more of my own personal journey (good, bad and ugly) as I look to refocus on healthier eating, exercise and overall balance in my life. I look at this blog as a way to keep myself accountable. Let's face it, we all have those days where we want to eat the entire sleeve of thin mints...and do! But, if I have to write about it later, perhaps it will motivate me to come up for air. 

 Another reason to write is so that family, near, far and farther yet, can stay in touch. Life is BUSY! I know I certainly wish I was able to see and talk to family and friends more than I do. I love all the wonderful Christmas cards and letters we received over the past month and it really made me realize how blessed we are to have so many amazing people in our life. I'd like to offer more insight into the happenings in our house besides the occasional Facebook post. 

Lastly, I want to write because it's an outlet. Writing has always been therapy for me. Being an English major is something you never really shake even if your career has absolutely nothing to do with it. There are times were my thoughts and feelings are so much more clear when I sit down and let it flow. I've always been that way so let's embrace it. 

There's not much to update today. Mother nature has dumped another layer of snow on us. Thank God for snow-blowers! While I'm not crazy about the white stuff, it has been awesome to watch Ava and the excitement she has to go play outside, go sledding or build forts with Daddy. I remember when that was me. 

Tyler and I go back to work tomorrow and Ava goes back to school. Tyler has had a few days off but tomorrow will be my first day back in 13 days. I wonder if my desk is still there!? To all my friends who said I would be bored with so much time off...oh, how wrong you were. I had Ava for quite a few extra days and I suddenly remembered to things: 

1. How exhausting it is to parent on your own. 

2. How much energy a 4-year-old has!

Though tiring, I enjoyed every minute of it. Apologies to my husband and the lady behind me at Walgreen's who endured the brunt of my crabbiness towards week end. 

While there is no time like the present, Tyler and I have decided that Monday, Januray 6, will be our "back on track" day. Oh, if only I could count the number of times we've said this lately only to have our ambitions crushed by another holiday get-together. Plus, we are having another Packer party this weekend so we surely must use that as our last, indulgent hurrah. Go Pack!

I hope you'll enjoy reading and follow us through 2014. 

With love,

Lex