That baby really liked her little slice of bread.

Life is always sending me little reminders.  This weekend my wife and I found it funny that our one-year-old was so entertained by a little piece of bread.  My wife picked up one of those loaves of rye bread that is cut into little slices for the girls.  When she gave one to our baby it gave her the biggest smile that wouldn’t go away.  She didn’t start eating the bread for quite a while because she was so busy smiling.  I even snapped this pic because she was just the cutest little thing with her little slice of bread.

So often I find myself reaching for the next goal or distracted by trivial things, that I don’t stop to enjoy the small, simple blessings that fill my life everyday.  I have been trying more and more to be ‘present’ when I am at home and to be home more often.  My new early morning schedule has really helped to facilitate that.  Each night I write down a list of important things to accomplish for the next day.  Once those things are accomplished in my work day, I pack up and head home.  I recognize not everyone can do this, but it allows some extra time with my young family since my schedule includes many evening activities.  When I am at home I try to avoid the computer and phone as much as possible, so I can do things with all three of my girls.

Working together to plant a tree.

One of the best things we do together is the work of the home.  I believe there is great value in cooking and cleaning as a family.  Some of the best times I have had with our oldest daughter have been in the kitchen.  It often takes longer and is messier when she is helping, but she is learning and growing and spending quality time with us.  She often volunteers to help fold laundry too.  I had no clue a five-year-old could do such a good job folding laundry.  It probably helps that I often do silly things with her while we fold clothes.

I am a husband before I am a father. I am a father before I am a minister.  And I’m not a good minister if I fail to be a good husband and father.  I have to constantly keep these things in mind.

Two quick notes before my goal update:

1) I mentioned my wife going grocery shopping.  She is an excellent couponer.  She saved close to 50% on her trip to Kroger on Saturday.  She is amazing!  2) If you believe in working together as a family and the value of common tasks, you might be interested in Seeing the Everyday magazine.  I am truly excited when this publication shows up in our mailbox.

And now for the goal update:

It has been another great week!  I really think that soda is starting to get out of my system and my brain.  We went on a family outing Saturday night and I had a small soda with dinner.  There are certain meals that just seem to need soda.  When we eat at Potbelly’s sandwich shop there is the need for a Cherry Coke.  It was interesting to note that I really feel like I could take it or leave it now.  I feel kind of bloated and ‘bleh’ after I have one with a meal.

I still enjoy the occasional soda now and then, but soda and I seem to have a much healthier relationship.  Instead of being my ‘go-to’ drink, it is something that is a treat.  There have been several days this week where I didn’t have any soda, and I didn’t really think about it.  I can’t remember a time in life where I have ever drank this much water. It feels good!

The treadmill desk is going good too.  After 7 weeks I am now up to 132 miles of walking and working.  I still look forward to getting into the office so I can hop on and get going.  I find that I don’t spend too much time on the computer at home because I really don’t like sitting and working.  In fact, it is 5:30am as I am writing this and I am standing in the kitchen with the laptop on one of our taller counter tops.  (Got up at 4:30 to see my wife off to work.)

I appreciate all the positive feedback and encouragement from both online friends and offline friends.  I also appreciate the example of other people who are trying to improve their health, provide better food for their families and striving to live more balanced lives.  I’m down a few pounds but more importantly I feel great!

One blog note:

Thanks for all the positive feedback on the blog!  I have been hearing from a lot of people, including several I don’t know in person, who are enjoying the blog.  A good number of you mentioned the chicken cam this week.  That post was one of the most popular I have ever written.  Let’s be honest…it was all about the cam 🙂  Today will be the last day for the chicken cam, we have storms coming tomorrow in Texas and the cam is not fully waterproofed.  Don’t worry, it will most likely be back on Wednesday as the ‘baby chick cam.’  I plan on taking part of the day off to go visit the breeder we use and pick up some new chicks.

Have a blessed week!