Isn't fall wonderful? The cool breezes and the beautiful colors that the trees take on.  One of the reasons I love living in the midwest is the way each season takes on it's own wonderful uniqueness. 

Autumn is probably my favorite season.  Although I do love winter!  Autumn had to take a back seat over the last several years because I started developing severe sinus infections each fall.  But this year I had to take a different approach.  I am now doing weekly allergy shots.  I was tested and as I already knew, severly allergic to all molds.  The shots seem to be helping.  I am so grateful.  Back to enjoying the windows open and cool night air!

Each new season is a new beginning.  And over the last twenty years of my life this has meant starting a new healthy living kick.  After falling off the wagon towards the end of summer, I'm happy to be back on track.  My husband did a wonderful job this summer loosing weight.  His employer did a "Biggest Loser" competition.  This motivated him to loose thirty pounds.  And he has inspired me to get back on track. 

Over the last three weeks I have begun walking 3 miles/day~five days a week.  We get up early in the morning, between 5-6 am and walk.  We have a nice work-out place near our home that is open 24 hours per day.  Last week we joined, because they are waiving the enrollment fee.  Today we went and did an orientation to the Nautilus weight system.  I also learned how to use the eliptical.  What a great workout! 

I would really like to loose 30 pounds by January 1st.  The weight I gained over the summer easily came off.  Now it is time to burn away that 30 pounds.  Then January 1st I'll set my next goal.  But the biggest reward is how much better I feel. 

I've been wanting to blog about this mainly for accountability.  I'll periodically post how it's going.  I can't put a ticker on this beautiful template! 

I'm also trying to do a food journal + emotional eating journal. I won't be posting that though .

For the last three weeks on Monday I've been making this delicious

VEGGIE SOUP in the CROCKPOT

Core and shred 1 small head of green cabbage and place it in the slow cooker.

Add 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped; and 1 medium onion, chopped.

Stir in one 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, 4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and ground pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low until the cabbage is tender, about 8 hours. Makes 6 servings, 1 1/2 cups each.

Time for me to get off to bed.  Morning comes soon.  I can't believe I actually look forward to exercising.  One bonus is I have more time to read!!!  I have to sit down and blog some book reviews.  I started an old copy of Phillip Yancey's book Disappointment with God.

Before I close I have to share a cute story from Grace.  Monday's are a bit more challenging than any other day.  I'm tired from working.  The girls are used to being with dad, which is good, but no mother and father parent exactly the same.  I usually have to reset the behavior expectations each Monday.  Grace was struggling today.  I take her to the basement steps each time, to talk and sit in time out.  Today as I sat her down and talked with her, she said "will you pray with me?"  At first I thought she said "play with me".  And then I realized what she said.  It was a gentle reminder to me, praying when I'm struggling with my behavior is the best solution!

~~~~~wishing you autumn days filled with priceless moments, that are lovingly given from our heavenly Father,

Linda