It would be easier to not share my progress journey so publicly and avoid the commitment, chance for negative comments, and weird feelings about discussing my body’s changes in an open forum…

 (from the shirt shop!)

…but then I wouldn’t have the chance to receive such encouragement from all of you! Your comments and support in my recent Body After Baby progress post made my day yesterday. Thanks!

It would be easier to not be a mom, so I could have more free time, only have to work things around my schedule, and not have two individuals’ welfare dependent on me…

…but then I wouldn’t get welcomed with the biggest grins every morning, receive the coziest cuddles every night, feel my heart bursting with love on a daily basis.

It would be easier to eat frozen pizza for dinner every night…

…but then I wouldn’t provide my body with all it needs and care for it with proper fuel to run efficiently and effectively. Plus, who wants to be deprived of twice baked protein potatoes on the menu for dinner tonight?

It would be easier to not be a Christian, so I wouldn’t have to find ways to set aside my natural selfish desires for more selfless ones, work on growth in my faith through study, trust someone over myself, or wake up early every Sunday morning to facilitate class…

…but then my life would lack the encompassing joy and peace that I have only ever known in a relationship with God through Christ. He saved me from my volatile self and the difference is night and day.

It would be easier to skip a workout to have an extra hour in the day…

…but then I wouldn’t know the strength, power, and beauty my body has to offer when I adequately care for it and challenge it.

It would be easier to not be a blogger so I could keep my thoughts to myself, not have to spend my children’s nap times typing until my fingers hurt, and entertain myself with manners that include far less responsibility…

…but then I would find a void in my soul where my dreams and passions used to reside.

I heard this random survey on the radio today - when asked if women would like more money or more time, 70% said more money. I would so have chosen more time. It would be easier to not do a lot of things and find that extra time, but at what cost? It would be easier, but it wouldn’t satisfy. Bring on the hectic life and challenges, for I know the richness they breathe into my days.

• Your Turn: It would be easier to _______, but then _______________.
• More Money or More Time? Which would you choose?

The summer heat means I end up with my hair in a ponytail half the time. Wearing my hair up so much gives it that nasty split-end, unhealthy look much faster than normal. So, I gave my locks a little bit of TLC today with a trip to the salon.

I wanted something different and fresh, but not a drastic change. My hair dresser, Angela, did a great job by shortening up the length a tad and giving me a few more face framing layers and a bit more of a side bang.

I feel like a brand new woman! I can’t wait to show it all off….at my nephew’s birthday party. So there’s no hot date for this hair, but at least its healthy again. And its time for this healthy head of hair to go eat some cake. Happy Saturday and enjoy the FFF Features of the Week!

Featured Post of the Week: A Healthy Living “Facade”

This post brought some great discussion on what we share as bloggers and how its okay to not be 100% ON all the time.

Featured Workout Post of the Week: It’s Up To You

My first successful speed work session! Runner Up: My 10 Favorite Plyo Drills – this post will make you beg for mercy!

Featured Meal Post of the Week: “Apple Pie a la Mode” Yogurt Bowl

A light, yet filling, and healthy, yet scrumptious, breakfast/snack/dessert! Runner up: Mexican Breakfast Quesadilla – deliciosa!!!

Featured Fun Post of the Week: On Why Bloggers Rock

Bloggers rock for many, many reasons.

Featured Cuteness of the Week: You Gotta See This!

A video of Braedon shaking his groove thang AND little M nabbbing a photo of her green smoothie? Cuteness overload!

Featured Reading of the Week: Jane @ Broccolini and Cheese

Jane is a recent blog discovery of mine and I already love her and her blog so much. She doesn’t fear putting her true thoughts, emotions, and challenges out there. She has a sense of humor that never fails to amuse me.  And she shares her life in that relatable way I adore in a blog. Jane is headed out of town for a bit, so give her some love before she goes, then add her to your reader to keep up with her when she gets back. You won’t be disappointed!

• How often do you get a hair cut?
• What is a great blog you have recently discovered?