Looking back at pictures - thousands of pictures stored on the computer (heaven help us if the computer crashes!). I went way back - probably about 11 years ago - and I almost always love what I see. All my kids were just babes running around - life couldn't have been more simple. I found a picture of myself with my oldest son, Christian. He was around 13 years old when this picture was taken, and I was about 36 years old. I am clearly in my last month of pregnancy with my last child, Lily. For those mothers out there - who could really put on the pregnancy weight - like I could - I say BRAVO!! Let me just say, that I was clearly annoyed at any woman who kept her tiny frame and had a little round belly. Yes, I was green with envy - this is very true. But the woman's body when creating - is going to do what it needs to do. Yes, there are cravings like there is no tomorrow. For about 75% of the time - I ate very healthy - and the rest of the time - I would give in to cravings. I am not saying that I would mow chow on ice cream, cookies, and cakes - but I would indulge. The 50 or 60 pounds I gained when pregnant - not once or twice - but six times - was definitely hard. And the incredible challenge to loose that weight is even harder. It does not fall off of you - you work little by little.
With my oldest son - Christian. Me pregnant with my last baby - Lily.
My oldest son is built strong - and he would also say that he too has had to work at keeping fit and trim. In middle school - that is when the weight hit him. However, in High School he worked to keep fit. So proud, as he would hit goals and be able to feel good about himself. Now in college - he is my running, busy, weight-lifting, happy, service-oriented, and loving son. He is motivated by goals that push him to do hard things - and he always comes out a champ. It also helps that he has a great "can do" attitude. I am very proud of him and what he has accomplished so far in his very young life. I look at his example and want to be more like him every day.
Being motivated and inspired by those around you - and having the attitude that you can do hard things - helps every bit every single day. I love that I have raised some pretty amazing kids - who teach me to have that "can do" attitude and to live their lives to the fullest. Transformations can happen - even if it takes a long time to get there.