Choose to be happy

There are times when I get so stressed out, feeling pulled in different directions, and just plain over it all. I know other people have to feel like that too, right?

To say this past month or two has been overwhelming would be an understatement. Between trying my best to balance a budget, my husband losing his job, school, work, you name it....I was left feeling exhausted and worried. Just not knowing what the future looks like for us is weighing on me, but I have made a decision and I'm sticking to it!

I am choosing to be happy.

I am choosing to have a positive attitude towards everything I do in life. Whether it is working out, getting back into school, spending time with friends and family, or anything else, I will do my best to have a smile on my face and joy in my heart.

There is too much good in life to be a Debbie Downer all the time.

So here is to counting to 10 before I respond/react, aching cheeks from smiling so hard, living in the moment, and making lasting memories :)

"Who you are ain't what your going through. So don't let it get the best of you"
(No clue who wrote this, but it was a song I heard on the radio driving into work yesterday...instantly felt connected)

Such a proud sister

This past Tuesday was a very emotion filled day.

My baby brother was sworn into the United States Army.

It was a day full of pride, sadness, and love. He left around 3pm and was shuttled to boot camp where he will be until a few days before Christmas. (It is extra long for him since he is going into Infantry, so he has a few more weeks than just regular boot camp).

My brother, Matthew, has worked very hard to get where he is today and because of his tough work and dedication I know he can do anything he sets his mind to. You see, a little over a year ago Matthew was very unhappy with himself weight wise and decided to do something about it. Through running, P90X, Insanity, and completely changing his eating habits Matthew has lost over 50 pounds and looks like a totally different person than before. He is strong, fit, and ready to take on whatever life throws at him. I will have to dig up some before pictures, but you can see what a skinny minny the boy is now, in the pictures below.

The actual swearing in. (Matthew is in the back)

So proud.

Me and bud :)

My older sister, Jenny with Matthew right before he was loaded into the shuttle bus.

I know we will miss him terribly while he is gone, but I canNOT wait to attend family day and graduation day in the next few months.

I love you, bud and I am terribly proud of you :)