tiny_but_fierce1

I’m so excited to share that earlier this month a former foster youth reached out and asked me to accompany him, as a foster care advocate, to a convening at the White House. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, but the best part was knowing that I had made enough of an impact on this young man that he thought to invite me. I can’t wait to see the finished project and how it will support foster youth moving forward.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVG6eInAW2X/?img_index=1&igsh=MTRqZ2w3M2g4Nnd3bA==

Sports season is upon us. We are now juggling dance (both girls), lacrosse (Liam), track (Aiden) and percussion ensemble (Liam). In the midst of chaos I’m trying to capture family moments and soak in every second with these amazing young people. Life moves so fast and these babes of mine are getting older by the minute. While it often feels like we are barely keeping our heads above water trying to schedule everything and attend everyone’s events I know I’ll soon be wishing for these moments to return!

Goal weight achieved. I’m officially 50
Lbs lighter than I was in May, but more than that I FEEL better.

Weight loss for me is more than cosmetic. I’m severely insulin resistant which means I also have chronic inflammation. The inflammation leads to serious joint and back pain. Loosing the weight meant my insulin levels became more regulated (it’s a catch 20 with PCOS. You need to loose weight to regulate insulin, but the insulin resistance makes it so so difficult to loose weight!!!) My inflammation markers are normal-no more pain!!!! I have more energy and working out feels fun again.

I’m also now less at risk for having a heart attack (which after loosing mom at 59 has been a MAJOR fear), but also have less risk for a stroke and diabetes. Both of which run in my family.

At the end of the day at this weight, or the one I was in May, I’m still me. Just a lot more healthy!!!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If a doctor tells you “just diet and exercise” after you’ve been trying that and its not working, find a new one!!! Trust the nutrition plans, know that cheat days won’t blow it and that if you need medication to help there is no shame in it. I’m thankful for doctors who listened, family and friends who hype me up and taking this all one day at a time.

To honor those lost on 9/11, let us act as we did on 9/12!!!

#9/11

30 lbs down since May and this morning the body dysmorphia was real. I may not have looked in the mirror and see the girl standing in this picture, but at the end of the day I’m healthy and that is what really matters!! Thankful for my hype squad who reminded me how far Ive come and assured me I looked ok 💕

Let’s go Creek. Pre-Lims start now 🧡🖤🧡🖤

16

It truly seems impossible, but today you are officially 16. You came into this world calm and determined to explore this big world around you. From day one you proved that nothing was going to hold you back. From lifting your head up and turning back and forth a couples hours int your first day of life, to hitting all milestones earlier than expected to taking on and acing all of you honors classes, you take each challenge and exceed.

You are one of the brightest, kind hearted, strongest teenagers that I know. You have animating future ahead of you and we can’t wait to witness all life will bring you.

I’m so blessed that I was chosen to be your mama. I hope this day is filled with love, laughter and everything that brings you

These amazing ladies are bound today. It’s a first for and we are so proud of them! Help us send them good luck and lots of love 🧡🖤