On Friendship

Instead of being a joyful season, I used to find this time of year actually sucked the joy right out of me.  That has improved as my kids have gotten older and life has settled down somewhat.

To continue with my series on wellness, I want to share a brief meditation I hope will boost your morale / spirits.  This week I want to focus on friendship.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

I have found that true friendship is hard to come by and is a precious gift to treasure.  There are different types of friends ... friends for a lifetime or a season ... confidants ... those you enjoy spending time with ... those you trust with your darkest secrets and those you go to for advice.  The best ones are those who listen to you without judgment.

Over the past six months, I have been struggling with the loss of a friend.  The pain is deep and often cuts to the core.  Just when I think I've got it under control, a wave of grief passes over me and I just want to cry.  There are not too many people I can talk to about it.  In fact, I don't really want to talk to people about it.  I just want my friend back.  (I wrote about this here:  How long does it take to heal a broken heart?)

That said, today I talked to Erica and she heard me.  I told her that I need my brain to shut off, so that at 1:30 a.m. when I can't sleep, I'm not wrought with grief that shakes me for the rest of the day.  She gave me some good advice, some things I need to just say to myself over and over.  She can't know how much she helped me.  She is the kind of friend I want to keep forever.

I love this girl!  She's my person.

Recently I made a new friend.  Her name is Lidiya.  Lidiya is probably one of the nicest people I have ever met.  Being around her and talking to her makes you want to be a better person.  We walk together twice a week and talk about everything.  I mean everything.  I am so glad she is in my life.

Lidiya invited me to the Bible Truck Exhibit at her church last month.  They had a photo booth and we posed for a couple pictures they used to make a bookmark souvenir for us. 

As you rush through the next few weeks, take some time to appreciate your friends.  Who are the people you trust most?  Who listens to you when you feel like you're out of your mind?  Who makes you want to be a better you?  Write them a note.  Tell them what they mean to you.  Give them a hug and thank them for being there.  Say a prayer for them.

Count on Me by Bruno Mars

Occasionally I talk to people who tell me they don't really have any friends.  If this is the case, I suggest you seek out at least one person and try to cultivate that relationship.  If you are a super busy mom or dad, driving your kids all around, try to befriend the parents of your kids' friends.  It could be a text message that says, "What are you doing this weekend?  Do you want to grab lunch?  Coffee?"  Don't just say, "We should get together sometime."  Do it. Set a date and stick to it.  It can take time to see if you're a good fit together.  It's worth the investment.  It is.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Life is precious.  Friendship is a valuable treasure to hold onto.

Read more from my series on wellness

Radio Silence

The Empty Fridge Syndrome

Put a Little Love in Your Step

Questions for you...
Do you have at least one person you can talk to, who will hear you and listen to you without judgment?  Who is that person?  Write him/her a note today.

Subscribe to new posts!  When a new post is added, you will receive an email notice so you can check it out.  I promise:  no SPAM and I won't share your email address with anyone.  Look at the top right side of the page to subscribe.  

Follow me...

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit

Instagram:  @tracoleman99

Snapchat:  tracoleman993

Email:  tracoleman99@gmail.com

It's Time to Graduate

Instead of my traditional blog, this will be more of a photo blog...

This past week has been busy, but I'm not really sure that is the right word.  This sums it up...

Let me back up...

Last weekend was fantastic.  Our friends bought a cottage on Little Alum Pond, so we went up to spend the day.  Had an amazing and relaxing time.  We went kayaking and I even tried their stand-up paddle board (SUP).  It was awesome, I think I found a new favorite pastime.

My iPhone is allergic to water, so no pics of me on the SUP.  I loved it!  All in all, it was a perfect day.

Sunday, after I worked out, my shoulder was killing me.  It was sore when I went to the gym, so I took it easy.  I don't think I did anything at the gym, but afterwards, I was in excruciating pain.

Monday, my stomach was off and I was quite sick in the afternoon.

Tuesday, Jenna and I planted a rock garden out front.  I'm looking forward to the flowers blooming.

Wednesday was the BIG day!!! My son graduated from high school.  I am so proud of him.  Words cannot express...

Thursday was the worst day I had at work all year.  Without going into any specifics, I don't remember having had such a bad day.

I never got to eat my salad with grilled chicken because things got so hectic.
I grabbed this at Costco for a quick "on the go" lunch.

That night was my godson's band concert.  He just started playing the trumpet in October last year.  The band was amazing.  Sam did an AWESOME job. (Sam is on the far left, in the front.)

Friday I left work a little early (with permission) to start getting ready for Joey's graduation party.  The rest of the day was spent shopping and cleaning.  No pictures of Friday.

Yesterday was the party and it was a blast!  We did the traditional grilling (hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken), but instead of traditional picnic sides, we had a baked potato bar and a sundae bar, which were a big hit!

Some of the leftovers.  I didn't take any pictures yesterday because I was busy putting food out and talking to our guests. 

Had this for dinner tonight....yummy!

It was an amazing time.  Our friends and family came out to join us in celebrating Joey's big day.  There were teenagers here until...  Well, actually, there are a few still here!  They are sleeping on the floor upstairs.

Bottom picture is Joey and his friends from elementary school, who all graduated this year from their respective high schools.  They are still friends!

After 18 years, one month and 15 days, our "baby" has grown up!  It's no longer the cute little boy with the Bob the Builder shirt on his way to Preschool, we now have a young man with us.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Today is Graduation Sunday at church, where they recognize the graduates.

It's also my friend's baby shower.

That's Erica (top left pic, on the left)...the cupcakes were YUMMY!

Tomorrow is my school's graduation.  It will be a LONG day for me.

My turn to graduate is next.  I've been delinquent with finishing my portfolio, so with all the craziness done, it's time to send the circus on its way and fill in the few missing pieces, type it all up and sent it out.

With the sore shoulder (I am starting to think I should see the doctor) and my busy schedule, both my workouts and my nutrition have been off.  The trick is being conscious of where you are going and making sure you don't veer too far off track.  It's time to get back to basics.

I'll leave you with this completely unrelated picture, just to make your day!

Princess Leia:  Isn't she soooooo cute?  As crazy as she is, she brightens my day every day.

Questions for you...
What are you up to this weekend?  What makes you happy when you are overwhelmed or stressed?

Now:  Subscribe to new posts!  When a new post is added, you will receive an email notice so you can check it out.  I promise:  no SPAM and I won't share your email address with anyone.  Look at the top right side of the page to subscribe.  

Follow me...
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit
Twitter:  @TraceyFit99
Instagram:  @tracoleman99
Snapchat:  tracoleman993

Do You Have My Keys

Last week was not a good week for me.  It wasn't a bad week, but there were quite a few things that added up to a very frustrating conclusion. Without getting into specifics, the icing on the cake was that I lost my keys at work.  A couple years ago, I put my car keys onto the same key chain as my office keys so I wouldn't lose either.  I am notorious for leaving my keys somewhere and not being able to find them, so my intern even bought me a bright red "Wonder Woman" lanyard to keep them on so I wouldn't lose them.  Friday I lost them.  I looked for them frantically all day.  No luck.  My friend Erica brought me home so I could get my spare keys.  Things only got worse after that.  I can't talk about it, but I was in a rage that lasted all night and into the next day.

Don't you hate when things are out of your control and you can't do anything about them?

When things are going wrong and there's nothing you can do to stop the train?

When people you care about do or say things to intentionally (or unintentionally) hurt or anger you?

When 100 different stupid things go wrong all at the same time?

I'm usually a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of person.  I don't tend to hold grudges.  I'm relatively quick to forgive and forget.  I let things slide.  But Friday I felt like the universe was against me.  I was so angry.

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Proverbs 29:11

The old me would have fixated on all that went wrong.  I probably would have cried because I was overwhelmed, eaten a few gallons of ice cream and either slept for hours, or would have been up all night tossing and turning.   The new me did not even approach things like I used to.  I refused to allow myself to think or dwell on all that had gone awry last week.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Even though I had a bad week (and in retrospect, no one thing was not that big of a deal, just a lot of little stupid things), I did take time to find the bright spots.

One of our JROTC instructors gave this to me last week:

Master Sergeant Manning gave this to me as a token of appreciation.  I can't tell you how much that meant to me.

We FINALLY got a lot done around the house this weekend:  laundry, housework and putting the rest of the Christmas decorations away.  Yes, I'm that person who leaves the Christmas decorations out for way too long.  (The tree came down a few weeks ago, but the boxes needed to be put away and were piled up in the living room.)  Being productive made me feel a lot better.

I changed the music on my workout playlist.  I now have an entire Spanish music list that really makes me want to dance.

Seriously, I don't know why I did't do this sooner!!!  The absolute BEST music!!
Suavemente...Besame.  Quiero sentir tus labios besandome otra vez.
Kiss me, softly.  I want to feel your lips kissing me one more time.

I stayed away from the computer, where I tend to lose myself, so the blog was neglected a little.

Sunday at church, my friend Jackie took my keys (she didn't even know I lost my keys) and knit a cute little bonnet for my house key.

My spare keys.

I went to the gym and lifted.  Pumping iron makes me really happy.

I have such a serious face at the gym.  But this IS my happy!

I took a five mile walk on Saturday and again on Sunday.  It's so wonderful to just clear my head.

My walking companion.  Koby brings a toy with him when we walk.  It's his job to walk his "baby."  

This week is National School Counselor Week.  Our department brought breakfast in to share with each other.  It's a good way to develop community with each other.

Each of us filled in why we love being a school counselor.  I filled it in with my plate.  I mean, this is one of the BEST parts of my job!!

Me eating a pącki (a Polish doughnut).  Soooooo delicious!

Did you read my posts on Carbs?  Carbs and Carbs 2.

By letting go, I have been able to trust God to work things out.  Whatever happens, happens, I know it's in His hands.

I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight.

Isaiah 45:2a

Monday, shortly before dismissal, my keys were found!!!!!  I ran through the office jumping up and down with glee.

Hanging from my keychain is a a removable thumb drive with all my work from college for the past two years.  I did not know what I was going to do without it.

They fell into this hole in our attendance clerk's desk.  I was using her color printer to print some signs.  They unknowingly fell into the hole, which she keeps covered with a silk flower pot on top of the hole, so it's a miracle they were even found.

This week I got my first cold in three years (possibly even a slight case of the flu).  I feel like such a big baby with it.  My throat is sore, my sinuses are congested, I'm exhausted, and HUNGRY.  Today I'm feeling a little better.  I might even go to the gym today. 

My "feel better" medicine.  I have been drinking tea with honey like it's going out of style.  I don't even care about the sugar or calories in the honey. I'm sick.  I need to feel better.  Whatever it takes.

All in all, through the good and the bad, the lost keys and the pącki, I am so pleased with how my life has changed.  It's not just the weight loss.  It's feeling better about myself, my job, about who I am and my place in the world, focusing on the blessings instead of the sand in my shoe.  To end this post, just to make YOUR day a little brighter, you have to watch this video.  I laughed so hard.  It's too funny!

Adele - Hello Parody by Hella Cravings

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

Coming soon:  How to Enjoy the Big Game Guilt Free

Questions for you:
(Answer in the comment section below.)

Have you ever lost your keys?  What did you do?
What's your favorite song on your playlist?

Now:  Subscribe to new posts!  When a new post is added, you will receive an email notice so you can check it out.  I promise:  no SPAM and I won't share your email address with anyone.  Look at the top right side of the page to subscribe.  

Follow me on Instagram:  @tracoleman99



Blessings

Blessings come in all shapes, sizes and different kinds of surprises.

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16

Yesterday promised to be particularly difficult. I wasn't feeling well in the morning. (I think my coffee didn't sit right.) Anyway, I worked out at the gym and saw Dmitriy there shortly before I was leaving. We talked for a couple minutes, but I had to leave because I had a wake to attend. One of my former students died the week before Christmas unexpectedly. She was just shy of her 22nd birthday. I was so sad.

Went to the wake. It was as I expected. Extremely sad. There is no logical reason for her death, so trying to rationalize it only proves to frustrate. I left and was so down. I texted Dmitriy, "That was horrible." Turns out he knew her and trained her. What a small world. I wanted to cry.

I was invited to a Christmas party last night. Some friends I met at the gym. Lovely people. Truly. Their daughter is my student and I have a soft spot for her.  I wasn't sure I could go. I wanted to open a bottle of wine, drink the entire thing and cry myself to sleep. (This is particularly NOT smart for me!)  Told Dmitriy that and he was like, "Go. Have fun. Go." Somehow I saw his logic and I went.  I'm really glad I did.

So...the party was amazing. Lots of delicious Puerto Rican foods, plenty of beer and Coqui for everyone, and the most amazing band playing Spanish music. I didn't know any of the songs, so it was an great opportunity for me to sit back and feel the music.

Feel the music

I think the instrument he is playing is called "el guiro."  It's a percussion style instrument.

Even the children were playing one.

 One of the things I love about Puerto Rican people is they know how to party! I mean, there were so many people in their house and everyone was having the most amazing time, dancing, singing along and clapping.  While my heart was still heavy, my spirit lifted and I felt joy.

¡Wepa!* They just kept playing one song after another.  It was an amazing night!

So, you know the movie, "White Men Can't Jump"?  Well, this white girl can't dance.  I wish I could because I'm so jealous of those who have rhythm.  Look at these ladies dance it up!  "¡Wepa!*

I had the most amazing time and am pleased to count the Davilas among my new friends. They are beautiful people.

Vicky & Nelson Davila
My new friends ... a true blessing to me

Take time to appreciate your blessings. Sometimes they come in unexpected form.

People from the gym that were at the Davilas.  New friends in the making.

*Wepa is a Spanish term of excitement.  It loosely means, "All right!  Cool! Yeah!"

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26

Question for you: 

(Answer in the comment section below.)

What fun things did you do this weekend?

Now:  Subscribe to new posts!  When a new post is added, you will receive an email notice so you can check it out.  I promise:  no SPAM and I won't share your email address with anyone.  Look at the top right side of the page to subscribe.  

Follow me on Instagram:  @tracoleman99

A Step Back

I was on a roll.  Seriously, I was doing fantastic.  I had a serious routine going at the gym: session with my trainer, followed by my workouts: legs, back (pull), chest (push), repeat my workouts.  I have been seeing significant gains with the amount of weight I am lifting.  The muscles in my arms and shoulders are more pronounced and my legs don't look skinny anymore.  I like it.

Messy hair, but I don't care!! I really like the way my arms look.

Thursday morning I woke up with some discomfort in my back.  Lower left side ached.  I took some ibuprofen and went about my day.  Did some errands after work and then went to the gym.  I was going to do legs and I always warm up and stretch first.  I could feel my back.  It did not feel right.  So I spent some extra time stretching and it still felt off.  Laid on my back and lifted my left leg and felt a sharp pain in my back.  I stopped what I was doing, stood up and said, "Ok, this is not good.  No weights today.  Let's try some cardio."  That lasted for less than two minutes.  Back to the locker room, grabbed my stuff and home I went.   Ice and ibuprofen.  Woke up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain.  More ice.  Called my chiropractor.  Saw him at 9:00 a.m.  His orders are no gym until after he sees me on Monday.  "You can walk and do light cardio, that's it."  That means four days off from the gym.  Not because I am sick.  Not because I am on vacation.  Because I have a pulled muscle in my back.  How can that happen?  I workout every day.  I stretch all the time.  Wednesday I wasn't even doing any back exercises.  I don't get it.

At the chiropractor.  Underneath that fake smile is a grimace of pain.

So, I get to take the weekend to step back and rest.  And I am going to make the most of the rest.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Ibuprofen, light stretching, ice, warm baths, repeat. We have three Christmas parties to go to and a trip to Worcester for my son's birthday.

I'm going to get some baking in too.

Making cheesecake for Mitch's birthday

It will be a good weekend.

In the past, something like this would turn into a week or two or three of me not exercising, eating whatever I want and eventually would throw me completely off track.  This time, I am accepting it for what it is and turning it around in my favor as much as possible.  Sounds crazy, to turn pain into favor, but that's exactly what I am doing.  This is a challenge to not derail my progress.  And I like challenges!  What do you do when you have a set back?  How much do you let it throw you off?

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4

Maria's favorite Christmas Carol

Cool Yule by Bette Midler
A fantastically happy and upbeat song.  Makes you want to get up and dance!

I've been baking... check out some of My Favorite Recipes:  Part One and Part Two.

Questions for you: 

(Answer in the comment section below.)

What do you do when you have a set back?  

How much do you let it throw you off?

Now:  Subscribe to new posts!  When a new post is added, you will receive an email notice so you can check it out.  I promise:  no SPAM and I won't share your email address with anyone.  Look at the top right side of the page to subscribe.  

Follow me on Instagram:  @tracoleman99

What Matters Most: Part Four

This is the final post in my series, "What Matters Most."

For my final entry, I can sum it all up in one word:  friendship.  So with that in mind...here's a photo blog of the people who matter most to me.

My closest friends are the ones I rely on most.  They are my confidants, the few people I trust, who I know "have my back," who are there for me come hell or high water.  They are the ones who don't care if I'm crazy, obsessive or goofy.  They understand the challenge I face being married to a police officer, spending holidays and evenings alone.  Most of them understand what it's like to raise teenage boys.

I could write an entire post about each of them, describing how each has affected my life and supported me in one way or another on my journey towards fitness.  Some are family, but have filled the role of friend.  Each is very dear to my heart.  I value them and their friendship more than words can describe.

Amy

My classmates Cyndi & Abbie

There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.  

Proverbs 18:24 (NLT)

Dmitriy 

He is more than my trainer, he truly is my friend and I don't know what I would do without him.

The Counselors at Work

We are an amazing team!  I rely on them so much.  They have been with me through thick and thin.  Left to Right:  Liz, Tera, Sanyalee, Tami, Joe, Me, Erica & Andrea.  Not pictured:  Pam (now retired), Dawn, Jasmine, and Lisa

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

Proverbs 27:9

My Cousin Jaime

Katherine

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:  

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls down and has no one to help them up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

My Aunt Kelly

My Sister-In-Law Maria

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

John 15:13

Michelle

Stacy

I thank God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. 

Philippians 1:3-4

James Taylor:  You've Got A Friend 

Read the rest of my series on "What Matters Most" here:  Part One,  Part Two,  Part Three

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 100:4

Questions for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)
What are you doing for Thanksgiving?
What amazing foods do you plan to eat?  Did you eat?  

Now:  Subscribe to new posts!  When a new post is added, you will receive an email notice so you can check it out.  I promise:  no SPAM and I won't share your email address with anyone.  Look at the top right side of the page to subscribe.  

Follow me on Instagram:  @tracoleman99

Just Breathe

Last week, I started reading my blog backwards.  It's really intriguing to see what you've written over time, remember what you were thinking, how you were feeling. Since most of you don't have a blog, try the same thing by looking at your pictures on your phone, your posts on Facebook or Instagram.  Remember how you were feeling. It's interesting!

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts you.

Isaiah 26:3

When I started re-reading my blog, I could almost feel how I was feeling. I thought, "You were pretty undone."  In my more recent posts, I guess I was. Maybe it wasn't as bad as I remember, but I think it was like a yo-yo, wrapped up really tight and then let go to just unravel.

Last month, I wrote about being at a Crossroads.  It was an uncomfortable feeling to not know what's next. Since that time, I've taken several weeks to step back. I started doing yoga about once a week. I've been hiking (a lot). And I've been eating like crazy (and not gaining weight). I really have to be careful of that because it will catch up with me. 

On top of Monument Mountain, Great Barrington, MA.

BUT I am finally starting to feel like I can breathe. My mind isn't racing, I don't feel like a vice grip is on my chest anymore.  For the first time in months, I feel "normal." 

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

I am really enjoying my workouts. They aren't a chore to "get done."  I even add things to my usual routine, just because I feel like it.  I am seeing progress and have a genuine sense of satisfaction from that.

I got a new workout shirt too.  I LOVE it!

I've been thinking about the holidays coming up and I am looking forward to them. Usually I want to run away and hide until they are over. I go through the motions and clap for joy on December 26th.  

It's nice to just breathe.

A very sweaty selfie after an early morning cardio workout.

Undone by Mercy Me

To the cross I run, holding high my chains undone.  Now I am finally free.  Free to be what I've become.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Make sure to check out my series:  What Matters Most and Part Two Here!

Questions for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)
What time do you usually workout?
What do you have planned this weekend?

New:  Subscribe to new posts!  When a new post is added, you will receive an email notice so you can check it out.  I promise:  no SPAM and I won't share your email address with anyone.  Look at the top right side of the page to subscribe.  

Follow me on Instagram:  @tracoleman99

What Matters Most

After I did the Ride to Remember in September, I started 100 Days of Gratitude, which has helped me reflect on what matters most.  So, in honor of Thanksgiving, I want to do a series of posts on "what matters most."  I wish I could say the posts will be on a specific day of the week, but I'm not that accountable when it comes to deadlines.  

Family Photo - taken in Spain.  I was probably four or five months old here.

Above all, my family and friends matter most to me. This post is dedicated to my parents.

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Exodus 20:12

As an only child, I am very close to my parents. I treasure them with my whole heart. They recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. 47 years! That's a LONG time. Through the good times and bad, they have stuck it out. Their love and dedication for each other is truly a blessing.

My parents on their wedding day.  They were so young!

This was taken on the rooftop of their apartment in Rota, Spain.  My father reminds me of Opie from the Andy Griffith Show.  My mother was so beautiful!  (She still is.)

I've written previously about my father. He has instilled in me a desire to achieve, to push myself, to work hard, to be all that I can be, to NEVER give up. 

My father was in the Navy.  He worked to make sure the optical equipment on the submarines was in working order.  This is a picture of him studying, something he always encouraged me to do.

 I have not talked about my mother.  My mother taught me how to stand up for myself and to fight for what I want. She pushed me to be a strong woman at a time when women were discouraged from pursuing education or a career.  She sacrificed, so I could have.

Me and my mom.  I love her so much!

My mother taught me important skills to be successful in life. These are just a few: hospitality, thoughtfulness, generosity, organizational skills, how to trust the Lord, how to be a good mother, how to get things done.

My mother loves to entertain!  She used to make and decorate my birthday cake and always taught me how to be a good hostess.  I think these pictures are really cute, with her cutting the cake and me right next to her.

When you are an only child, you are the center of your parents' universe. I always knew I was loved.  I never lacked for anything. 

My parents were so young when they had me.  This was taken the day of my senior prom.  Look how young my parents are!!  My mother's face is priceless here, she's giving "the look."  She'd probably be like, "Tracey, take that picture down.  It's awful."  But I love it.  It so captures her.  Words can't begin to describe how much I love my parents.  I think it's different when you're an only child.

On my journey towards fitness, my parents have championed my successes. Dad joined the gym and goes with his buddy almost every morning. He was at the starting line when I did the Ride To Remember in September.  When I told my mother that I wanted a Go-Pro, she gave me money for my birthday to go towards it. Since my old clothes didn't fit, Mom bought me some new ones.  When we come to their house for dinner, Mom makes sure there is food I will eat, conscious of my new healthy lifestyle.

Dad sent me and Brian off before the Ride to Remember.

My mom and I.  This was taken after my hair was cut, so I was probably six.  We had coordinating clothes on.  She said my dress was red with navy blue and white stripes and her outfit was navy blue and she had the red and white stripes.  I did the same thing with my kids when we had family pictures - we had to coordinate colors!  

The material things...I do appreciate them. But far more than that, I appreciate the love and dedication my parents have for each other and for  and their family. The example they have set to love and honor the Lord, to trust in Him for all things. 



Both of my parents walked me down the aisle when I got married.  This was unusual, but it's what I wanted.

Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.
Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV

Update:  Read
What Matters Most:  Part Two
What Matters Most:  Part Three

Question for you:  (Answer in the comment section below.)
For what are you most grateful?

New:  Subscribe to new posts!  When a new post is added, you will receive an email notice so you can check it out.  I promise:  no SPAM and I won't share your email address with anyone.  Look at the top right side of the page to subscribe.  

Follow me on Instagram:  @tracoleman99