Good Morning!

Sorry that I haven't been super dependable with blogging.  I've been busy and pretty exhausted when the nights roll around.  Yesterday, I did run out and get something for the book club gift exchange.  I really had a hard time picking.  I went with one thing in mind, but after shopping I chose something totally different.  I found a cute little wallet/coin purse and I thought it was perfect.  I put a Starbuck's gift card inside and that was that.  

Book club tonight was so fun and I must say the hostess, Tammy, totally out did herself.  She really knows how to throw a party!  She had every yummy food you can imagine...fresh fruit with chocolate fondue, strawberry cake, key lime pie, chocolate molten cake with fresh whipped cream and raspberries, sugar cookies, cake balls, cheese dip, Valentine's m&m's, chocolate covered peanuts.  I'm sure there was more, but I can't remember it all.  She also surprised us with a masseuse!!!  We had rushed over after Zumba (in case you were worried, we showered at the gym) and were pretty exhausted, so the massage was just what we needed.  I really need to try and avoid parties like this, though!  How am I ever going to lose weight with temptations like that?!  

There were mixed reviews on this month's book.  I remember really loving it when I read it a few years ago, but it's always interesting to hear other people's thoughts.  The next book we are reading is "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins.  I've heard rave reviews from so many people, so I'm excited to get started.  

The gift I ended up with in the exchange was a box of Coconut Chai Tea.  Doesn't that sound amazing?!  I love coconut and I love chai tea, so it seems like a good fit for me.  It's caffeine free, so that's extra wonderful.  I can't wait to try it. 

In unrelated news, I read two really good articles/blog posts this week.  They both involve parenting.  The first is about how French parenting styles are superior to American ones.  I really enjoyed it and so did Mark.  Here's the link, if you are interested.  

The second thing I read, (I can't remember where I read it or I would link to it) was about making sure every morning is a good one for your kids.  Even if you wake up late or if you are mad at your spouse, you still make it a good/positive start.  This probably means faking it at times. 

I remember when I taught, I would have students come in and you could tell they had already had a really rough day and it was only 8 am!  I spent the rest of the day trying to pull them out of their funk.  I don't think parents (me included) realize how much a bad morning can affect a little one.  If mommy is sad, so is kiddo.  If daddy is stressed, so is kiddo.  I guess it wasn't something I had really thought about before, but I love the idea of creating a great morning experience for my kids no matter what.  I am really going to strive for that as the girls grow up.    

So anyway, sorry I don't have a whole lot to share.  Not only was this post super boring, but I didn't even include pictures!  What's happening to me?!  I'm starting to feel the creative bug creeping up though, so I will hopefully have some projects to post in the near future.  Also, I think I'm going to try a pilates class tomorrow (maybe), so I'll let you know how that turns out.  I'm sure you'll be on the edge of your seat until then. :) 

Thanks for reading!