Hi bloggies! Is Tuesday treating you nicely? Mine has been good, but then again I always consider a day good if nothing traumatic happens. Today was just a basic day. I woke up around 6:15 to head downstairs and get some Bible time followed by computer time. I love having this downtime in the morning again. It sets the tone for the day perfectly.

After consumption of a whole wheat bagel + pb & honey, the morning continued with a Power workout at the gym. Strength training holds a special place in my heart. I already have a hankering for the return of intense lifting sessions post-baby. I adore being pregnant, but can’t help to miss my regular work in the gym.

Later in the day, I spent a good chunk of time writing an article and catching up on blogs. I took a quick break to devour leftover tofu broccoli slaw.

I needed lasting energy in the form of veggies and healthy fats to power through an afternoon at home playing with Makenzie. While decorating Dora in colors of blue, green, and yellow something occurred to me. Today is the 20th. It may not be an important date to you, but to me it symbolizes a new step in my life. On January 20th of 2010, exactly six months ago…Faith Fitness Fun was created!

I had blogged sporadically a few months before that on a different site, but it was less of a blog and more of an online fitness competition prep journal. On January 20th, I transferred those posts over for easy access to them and then committed myself to blogging regularly and using Faith Fitness Fun as a platform to share about my passions for healthy living and enjoying life to the fullest. It wasn’t until the beginning of this little blog that things changed. And boy, did they change. A sampling of some of the discoveries I encountered over these glorious 6 months:

• The blogging community is downright uh-maze-ING! You all are seriously fabulous and I do not know where I would be without your love and support. Every comment I receive leaves me glowing. Every chance I find to hear about your beautiful insights and personalities brings out the best in me. The friendships formed here fulfill me in so many ways and I thank you for that. I hope you all keep coming back so we can continue sharing the love and I hope to continue developing even more friendships across the blogosphere.
• The development of new passions. I love to write. Love love love it. I never thought to combine my passion for health and fitness through the written word until the blog. The chance to write my first published article sparked a huge interest. Now, I strive to develop and hone my skills to branch out further and further into the writing world. It starts with small steps, which I love, because there is no telling where they will take me.
• I learned SO much! Blogs are a wealth of knowledge. New recipes, workout ideas, and insights into how to handle personal issues only form the tip of the iceberg. I know I have much more growth inside of me and you fabulous ladies will be part of bringing that about.
• And the biggest lesson of all – to love myself and trust. At the start of Faith, Fitness, Fun I struggled with adjusting to my new body image. Having to gain weight post-competition in order to conceive our second child proved to be a challenge. Even more so when that positive pregnancy test did not come near as soon as we hoped. I went from tip-top shape to average and had to cope with it over a longer time than expected. There is nothing wrong with average (in fact, it’s beautiful) and I know now I still looked pretty stinking good. The changes inevitably messed with my mind, however, and it took much prayer and personal reflection (and love from you all) to push through it. I trust God used that time for me to further understand how to honor and respect my body for the beautiful creation it is and to prove to me that He will take care of me, which He did as I sit her 3.5 months pregnant today.

It has been a whirlwind and I wouldn’t change a moment. Thank you for sharing this time with me. A special thanks to Lisa, Naomi, Janetha, Julie, Krystal, Katie, Paige, and Mellissa who were there from my very first FFF post.

How long have you been blogging? How has it changed you?

I can always remember how to spell that word from my long ago cheerleading days. S-U-C-C-E-S-S…we are. the BEST! Please don’t hate me for breaking that out.

Another Sunday greets us, with another Monday just around the corner. I’m okay with that though. Success describes this weekend. No other word will fit. I last left you on Friday night about to do a quick yoga session for a nice stretch. I quickly discovered that yoga does not work too well with a toddler in the same room. It still felt fantastic though and got the job done.

Saturday morning I woke up refreshed and reenergized. From yoga or the news I received Friday afternoon? Whatever it was, it had me skipping off to the gym for a morning Power workout and a 20 minute incline walk on the treadmill. After my sweat session I showered up for my date with my sister. Our day would entail a lot of shopping in search of the perfect dress, so we decided consuming fuel came first. And what would be on the menu? Just another Which ‘Wich sandwich! Obsession comes to my mind when describing my new love for this sandwich shop.

This is a reused photo because I forgot my camera, but my lunch yesterday was just as scrumptious looking. I had turkey on whole wheat with pepper-jack cheese, pesto, avocado, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. I couldn’t finish it all it was so filled with veggie goodness!

That glorious sandwich didn’t end my day’s successes though. Not even close. My sister and I hit up the mall for a few hours of shopping. I desperately needed to find some nice dresses for the wedding I am attending in a few weeks. A stop in Macy’s solved everything. I discovered two fabulous dresses perfect for a wedding or rehearsal dinner and actually flattering for my little bump.

They didn’t even break the bank! $70 total. Ohhh, yeah. Um, let me pause right here to say that composing a post is near impossible when your husband is watching some insane movie next to you. Anyone ever heard of Slither? Terrible. Just terrible.

Now back to my day. That night, after modeling my dresses for the hubs, my other obsession called my name. Cheeky Mexican food! We met up with friends for my pregnancy craving meal. One fish taco, one crab cake taco, some refried beans, and my weight in chips + salsa.

Sharing a night with friends and good laughs cannot be beat. Spending time together never gets old.

Excuse the waiter’s photography skills. LOL I bet he couldn’t even make this look good.

A Pecan Pie Blizzard brings the essence of the South to dance on your taste buds. Each bite bursts with crunchy, caramel-y goodness. The fact that it will be gone come August has me seriously considering going back sooner than I otherwise would. What evil forces work behind those DQ minds. I’m sad I gave Peter the last 1/3 of mine instead of stashing it in the freezer. Hold for a moment while I shed a tear at that mistake.

Alright, I’m back. I got over it quickly enough. I couldn’t stay sad. Not after receiving another great email upon arriving home last night. Two out of three positive responses in less than 48 hours is pretty amazing. Certainly puts a smile on my face. And shows me how God is at work in my life.

I contemplated all this over today’s lunch while brainstorming writing ideas. Cheese, cantaloupe, and natural PB + 100% fruit spread on whole wheat.

I truly believe that it is He who gave me the capability, focus, determination, and passion that led me to pursuing these avenues and bringing them success. After all, life is about God’s abilities and not man’s abilities. And thank goodness for that! I couldn’t imagine trying to be patient, kind, and loving enough to all without Him behind me. I couldn’t imagine trying to love myself enough to consistently respect myself without Him helping me. I couldn’t imagine trying to be strong enough to overcome the trials I face without His grace to trust in.

I will share exactly what the good news is sometime this week! Keep an eye out!!

• If you haven’t already, please click HERE!!!
• What was successful about your weekend?
• Does your significant other, friend, roommate ever watch something that makes you go “What in the WORLD?!” Peter = all. the. time.