getting in shape

Hello world.

I'm not sure exactly what to say or where to begin. 

I really thought 2013 would be "my" year.  Don't get me wrong.  Tons of wonderful things happened this year:  In January, my beautiful, amazing son joined my family (although the labor process lasted longer than I may have liked...ugh!). In February, we were able to send Samantha (sister-in-law) on a mission, and I am sure her sacrifice has blessed our life tremendously.  For the in-law's anniversary in March, the family rented the church cabin for a couple of nights.  Although baby boy didn't allow me to get too much sleep, it was a fun time.  I went back to work part time in April.  This time, I was able to work 2 of my 5 days from home, which was an amazing blessing!  During the summer, we went on several family trips that were some great memories.  To name a few - Lake Mary, White Mountains, Lake Powell, and Grand Canyon.  We bought a new home and closed at the end of August.  Now our children have their own rooms AND a playroom for all of their toys.  I feel blessed to be able to keep things more organized.   As my dad would say, it is nice to be able to breathe!  In September, I was able to quit my job to become a stay-at-home mom.  I know this option isn't for everyone, but I am really loving it.  Also, we were able to welcome home my nephew from his mission with a (quick) trip up to see him in Utah.  And now, October, my husband has been able to quit his 2nd job and focus all his energy and time on our (his) business and spending time with the family.  I have really enjoyed having him home more often.  We've done a lot more fun, simple things together as a family during the evenings when he'd previously have been at work.

So, I guess it has been "my" year.  But I thought that "my" year would mean that I would finally be able to spend time on myself and get into shape.  I've never been in any kind of shape except round so I can't say "get back into shape."  Even when I was active in sports, I was always bigger than the other kids and my stamina wasn't as good.  And, I was never a runner - something I have often wished I could learn to do and love.  So, I thought after I had my son, I would be able to lose the baby weight (which I did, YAY!) and then continue dropping pounds until I was in a happier place.  A few times during the year, I would focus on eating better than I normally would, never any sort of plan, so luckily, I haven't gained weight this year.  Ok, maybe a few pounds found their way back recently, but we won't talk about them. 

Well, here it is, nearing the end of October, and I feel like I am FINALLY ready to start and stick to an exercise program/diet.  Great, right?  Just in time for the holidays and all the decadent, delicious foods!  So, maybe I will be setting myself up for failure, but at least I am trying!  I guess I wanted to write this to see if maybe I could get some ideas/tips and motivation/help from anyone and everyone who may read this! 

Here goes nothing.... (c=