Happy Anniversary to the Crazy Bunny Lady!

And her fabulous Huz of course! =)

Two years ago, I married a man who I believe was truly created for me. Nobody else in the whole world could ever appreciate me, love me, and really "get" me like he does. When I make a smart-ass remark or make an obscure movie reference, he is always right there with me and understands. He spoils me, he cuddles me when I'm clingy and need attention, he patiently puts up with me when I'm grumpy (and usually hungry), he encourages and praises me when I accomplish even the smallest thing. He knows everything about me and still loves me! He's seen me at my worst and has helped me to be my best. He still looks at me from across the room like he's seeing me for the first time. My Huz really is perfect for me. And every day, I still get excited when I wake up because I know I get to see him when I open my eyes.

Huz you are my best friend, the love of my life, my partner in crime, my strength, my cheerleader, the father of my future children... you are my heart and you are my world. I love you and appreciate you more than you could ever know today and always.

(so cheesy right?!)

Just like on our wedding day, I would also like to remember the brave men and women who serve our country, protect our rights, and fight for our freedom. I am a proud patriot, and I think our country is great because selfless men and women are willing to sacrifice on our behalf. I remember when Huz was in the Army, and I have so much respect and admiration for those who choose to serve. If you have a mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, cousin, aunt, uncle, sibling or any family member or friend who has served in the armed service, past or present, please know that I am thinking of them and praying for them today. I am grateful for their dedication and service, and for the support and sacrifice of their loved ones. And I am forever thankful to those men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Please be safe, and take a moment to be thankful for all that you have, and remember those who sacrifice so you can have it.

Love, The Crazy Bunny Lady

Inspiring

For weeks and weeks, I have wanted to write about how inspired I am by a blog I read. Enjoying the Small Things is an amazing blog, and I swear, I leave my desk blubbering like a baby way too often after reading. I started reading shortly after Kelle had her second daughter, and I am making my way through the blog from the beginning. The amount of love captured in her writing and photos is indescribable. I feel renewed and inspired, and hopeful for my future family after reading her posts. She has a talent for seeing the beauty and good in so many things, and not only survives what may be one of the most challenging things anyone has to face, but embraces it and counts it as her blessing.

When I read the birth story of her second daughter, Nella, I cried my eyes out. I cried more than I had in years. Her words and images really impacted me and I was left thinking about her blog for days after. She is so honest and creates beauty with her words. I appreciate her openness and the way she sees things. You can tell that she really loves life and is thankful for what she has, and I really appreciate that.

So, I really encourage you to follow her blog (if you're not already doing so). Just a warning, you may come away inspired or in tears, and probably both.

Weigh in was last night

and I'm down 4.4 pounds! Woohoo!

I was nervous b/c AF came for a visit today and I was feeling totally bloated and gross, but even with that, I lost! The WW leader called my cousin, aunt, uncle and me "The Loser Family" since we all lost weight this week. Yay us!

After the meeting, we did our C25K training. I was not feeling it =(. I'm not sure if it was AF, or b/c my ipod broke ::sadface:: or b/c I didn't eat much earlier (b/c of weigh in) but I did not have the energy. I finished it, but I didn't feel as motivated as before. I'm soooooo glad my cousins were with me because I am sure I would have quit without them motivating me (and singing to me since my ipod broke). I love you cousins!

Huz and I celebrated with pizza (I made sure it had lots of veggies and I looked up the points before so I knew how much I could have). It was sooooo good, and I felt great that I had lost weight, worked out, and got to enjoy a pizza and movie night with Huz.

My goal is to lose another 3-4 pounds this week!

First Weight Watchers meeting and end of Couch to 5K week 1

So today was my first WW (weight watchers) meeting. I liked having the support of my cousin, aunt and uncle who also went. They were super encouraging and made me feel really good for being there. I hated the weighing in part (duh) but I wore my shoes and sweatshirt hoping that next week (when I show up all but naked) the numbers on that cussing scale will be waaaaay down.

Okay, if I'm honest, my impression of my very first meeting is that it feels like a cross between AA and Sunday School. I'm not an alcoholic, so it's not like I'm an AA expert. I did go to a LOT of Sunday School classes though. The little "Bonus" stickers reminded me of AA tokens or something. And the little booklet had the lesson of the day (which we followed along with on the big pad of butcher paper the leader read from in front of the class). I almost expected to color a picture of Jesus on a donkey. But, whatevs. It was interesting although a little uncomfortable. Hopefully that was just first day jitters and I'll learn a lot next time.

After WW, we did our C25K training. I have to admit that it's kind of kicking my butt. I thought it'd get easier but now I'm sore and trying to run which hurts even more. My legs and hips literally burn and then feel like jelly after. I'm so glad that I'm doing this with my family, because I know I would have quit by now if it was just me. I'm a quitter. It sucks, but it's true. I played the flute for two months and quit. I made the softball team in middle school and quit. I was captain of the lacrosse team in high school and quit. I started Project 365 and quit.... I don't know why, but I just don't keep at things.

So, after confessing this to my cousin A, she told me she would keep me accountable and help me stay on track. I will not quit, I will not quit, I will not quit. I will train and I will run a 5K on Halloween and I will wear a cool costume and I won't give up before the end!

And now, I will ask Huz nicely to rub my poor, sad, tired, hurty legs.

Couch to 5K

Yikes! I'm a jogging girl! Who let this happen?

I'll tell you who! My annoyingly adorable and convincing cousins A & N. Somehow, at a recent family get together, I was convinced it would be a good idea to start walking... and jogging... and eventually running... and maybe do a 5k race... and I think I might have even been talked into doing weight watchers... and I think I gave away my watch too (totally kidding.... they didn't talk me out of my watch. I don't even wear one. Who wears a watch nowadays? Don't we all just look at our phones?)

Anyway, my super awesome cousins and aunt and I are are going to participate in the Couch to 5K program. I am a textbook couch potato. Huz and I eat in front of the tv, use the computer while watching TV, fold clothes and clean up with the TV on.... it's my constant companion. Even when I cut back my TV time, it's still on A LOT! And I hate exercise. Buuut, I love my cousins & aunt and I love finding excuses to hang out with them. So I jumped on board. They are all the most encouraging running (jogging?) mates ever. I had fun and am actually looking forward to doing it again.

Can't wait til I'm a skinny, sexy 5K running Babe!

Happy Birthday Holly!

Two years ago today, a sweet, shy little bundle of nerves came into our lives. We adopted our little Holly Heart from a local shelter as a buddy for Hef (and because I caught Bun fever and took one look at her and knew she was mine). She was so scared and tense the first few weeks at home, and I felt so bad for her! It takes her much longer than it does her husBun to warm up and be comfortable, but over the last two years, I've seen her come out of her shell and really love her home and place here with us. She runs and jumps and bunny-dances and plays and begs for treats. She is still a timid little lady, but she is our sweet little girl and I am so glad she is a part of our family.

We love you Holls!

Congratulations Bestie!

This adorable little guy is my Bestie's brand new son! He had a lot of people waiting to meet him and cheering on his Mama. Bestie's due date was originally in June, so right from the start (before we knew if baby would be a girl or a boy) I dubbed the cutie "Junebug". Well, he wanted to meet everyone before that, so now he's a little Love Bug.

Huz and I went to the hospital at around 3 in the morning, right after Bestie and the grandma-to-be gave us the call (er... text). Bestie's other family members joined us a little while later. I have to say, I was soooooo impressed with her. She totally rocked and kind of made giving birth look like a piece of cake. She is my hero. And her husband was a total rockstar too. I teased him a little bit and said he should be a professional birthing coach and charge people for staying so level headed. This beautiful little family did so well, and I am so incredibly blessed that I get to be a part of their lives.

Seeing the boys watching the baby was wonderful. Huz and Bestie's husband are good friends, and one of the sweetest moments was when they were both gazing in awe at little Love Bug and Huz said to Bestie's husband "So.... that's the little guy that's been kicking your wife huh?" Bestie's husband was too enamored with his new son to really be able to think of a response. It was so sweet.

So, congratulations to my amazing, strong, inspiring, fabulous Bestie on her sweet little boy. I love your little family so much, and you guys mean the world to me. I am so proud of you!

ps: this picture was shared with Bestie's permission. We all know how I feel about people sharing the birth deets before the parents get a chance to. ::side eye::
pps: In the interest of full disclosure.... I totally swiped it from the new Grandpa's FB page... so Gramps, if you don't like that I have your pic, and you read my blog and see this, let me know.

Special Games

On Friday, my co-workers and I took some of the high schoolers we work with to volunteer at the Kiwanis Club Special Games. At first, I was a little nervous about having our kids (who have issues of their own and often need extra support and guidence when we go out in the community) interact with kids who maybe look different, and face different challenges than them. I reminded them on the way over that they should treat everyone with respect and kindness, and be open to making new friends that day. They all seemed to understand and promised to be on their best behavior.

Those kids seriously blew me away. All of the them! Both our kids and the kids participating in the games... they were all so inspiring and it was such a wonderful day! Our kids were tenderhearted and so encouraging to the little ones we were helping. They held their hands, pushed their wheelchairs during the races, cheered and rooted them on. I got a little misty eyed a few times because I was so overwhelmed by the positivity that was going on around me. Our kids were able to set aside their own issues and really focus on making the athletes feel important and supported. They never once complained about the weather, about being hungry or bored, about being tired... they had such a great attitude and really let themselves enjoy the experience. I was so completely impressed with everyone.

The athletes participating in the games looooooved having our kids to help them. They had their own personal cheering squad, and had tons of people to hug, high five, and show off their ribbons to after they finished their activities. It was so inspiring to see how positive these kids are and how willing they are to face challenges. They were all smiles and I appreciated how willing they were to share their day with us. It was seriously amazing to see two such different sets of kids who face a different set of challenges come and work together and have a fabulous time doing it.

It was such an awesome day. I remember standing in the middle of the field, watching one of our girls holding hands with one of the little athletes, cheering her on as the girl ran with the braces on her legs, and thinking "this is a beautiful day that I know I will remember for a long time". It was such a wonderful reminder that love and acceptance and encouraging others is really what life is all about.