#100HappyDays-Completed!

May 1, 2014 was the beginning of my #100happydays challenge.  I was determined to complete this challenge to prove to myself that it could be done.

And it can.

Does this mean I was absolutely happy every single day?  No way!!!  Some days were full of happy moments and it was hard to choose just one.  Other days had a significant happy moment that I was more than eager to share.  Of course, there were some days where I really had to dig deep and see what made me happy that day.  It wasn't always easy.

I posted all of my pics on Instagram and am so grateful to those that followed along.  There were some of you that double-tapped every #100happydays pic, sending nothing but love and encouragement my way.  That was very inspiring.

My first pic was for my daughter having a part in her school choir.

Some pics showed support for my son and his passion for baseball.

I was happy about coffee (many pics of that!).

I shared pics of yummy food.

I encouraged myself, and hopefully others, with God's Word.

My last picture was all of the beach goodies that were waiting to be used on vacation.

But through all 100 of these days, there was one common theme.  I went back and looked through all of the pictures and the same thing kept popping up.

My family.  The Suburban Kelley's.  Our awesome and amazing family of 4.  Pictures of my favorite people were used for 25% of the #100happydays.

They are what make me happy.

One Husband's Journey: Part 2

After my husband had to make some tough decisions while going through a difficult time, I saw him in a different, but brighter, light.  I saw how incredibly dedicated he is to everything...his job, his family, his responsibilities.  I saw how much he truly loves and cherishes his family.  The love he has for us, especially during this time, is so overwhelming.

I didn't realize how many burdens he was carrying on his shoulders.  I didn't see them sagging under all the pressure.  It wasn't until God lifted those burdens and he was able to let out a sigh, that I could see him finally stand straighter and freer.

My husband continues to love and show his dedication.  He always amazes me at how much responsibility he is willing to take on, not just at his job, but at home as well.

I thank God for opening my eyes to see my husband in a whole new way.  Even though I felt I knew absolutely everything about him, I'm in awe of what has been revealed.  Change can be tough, but it can also be good.  You just have endure the storm to feel the calm.

The Calm

The storm is slowing.  The waves that once crashed so hard against us, are becoming gentle again, with just a slight rocking.  I can see the clouds starting to thin since all the precipitation they once held, have been released of all the pressure.

We don't feel the need to cling so tightly anymore.  We are sensing the calm that now surrounds us.  But we know His grip on us has not been released.  It never has.  It never will.

As we are trying to make our way through the remnants and sprinkles, we are trying to stay hopeful.  Hopeful that the sun will shine brightly in our world again.  Hopeful that the promise of a new life, a new future will reveal itself to us in the form of a beautiful rainbow.

We handle each day as best as we can.  Our smiles are starting to return and praying that the worst has passed.

Now we are slowly starting to feel a peace envelope us.  We are starting to feel that maybe we will be okay.  And then, in the far distance we see it.  We see a small shimmer of a beautiful rainbow.  It's the promise.  The promise that God has always kept.

And we cling to that.

One Husband's Journey: Part 1

I've decided to start a series dedicated to my amazing husband.  I honestly cannot put into words how much he means to me.  He is my best friend, a great provider, and very dedicated to his family.  So often we see spouses publicly humiliate or degrade each other.  More often we need to see couples lifting each other up, praying for them, and praising them.

My husband is in management and absolutely loves what he feels he was called to do.  He goes around and greets every single associate and co-worker each day.  He listens to any and every problem, and gently provides suggestions or solutions.  He always says he doesn't want to just tell people what to do, but that he wants to coach and train them.  He very much wants to see others succeed in their jobs, even in their lives, as well.

However, there was a period of time when things weren't so good for him.  And it was hard.  It was hard on him and hard for the family.  So, I privately journaled my thoughts, sharing only with him.  Needing to get out my feelings, I always turn to writing.  With his permission, I am sharing the first of 2 posts that I had written during that time.  I can feel the heartache written in the words, but am also encouraged to see how far we've come.

The Storm

My husband is the rock of our family.  He's our stronghold.  He's the one that comforts each of us when we are in need of extra TLC.  But to see your stronghold falter, to see him slowly crumble, and to see him cry a river of tears is almost unbearable.

The one that always so tenderly did the comforting, was the one that needed to be comforted.  The one that always has something positive to say, needed to hear positive words himself.  The one that always does the leading, needed someone to follow.

As the storm came upon us, it felt hard to keep our heads above water.  We were desperately clinging to our Lifesaver and holding on oh so tightly.  Holding on to each other and holding on to the One that always holds us.

And as the storm raged on, there was a shift in momentum.  It was no longer him that needed comforting, but I.  I needed to be held.  I needed my tears dried.  And I needed to know that we would be okay.

The storm still rages.  I am in a constant battle with my fears.  I can't see the future to have some comfort, but I look to our Comforter to hold my future.

My faith is firm.  I will continue to believe, to seek, and to find the peace that I need in my heart.

Fit and Fab: No More Couch Potato

I DID IT!!!!

I completed the Coach Potato to 5K training program.  It was 8 weeks of running/walking, 3 days a week, with gradual increases of running each week.  I decided to repeat each week of running before moving onto the next week, so it took me a total of 16 weeks to complete everything.

I remember starting the first week, even the first day, and thinking "What did I get myself into?!"  A friend and I agreed to start this program in hopes of getting fit and maybe running a 5k in the fall.  But after starting and then realizing how out of shape I truly was, my goal was to simply be fit. 

March 24 was Day 1 of Week 1.  It's a 5 minute warm up walk, then alternate 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes.  Finally, end with a 5 minute cool down walk.  I seriously thought I was going to die!!!  I was so sore the next day.  

Fast forward 16 weeks to July 10 and Day 3 of Week 8 (or Week 16 in my case).  It's a 5 minute warm up walk, 30 minutes of running, then a 5 minute cool down.  And I didn't die!!!  

I've been doing Camp Gladiator since April as well.  It's really helped with my running and all other areas of my body.  I actually look forward to going, I love being around all my very encouraging workout buddies, and I seriously have the BEST trainer!!!!  

These pics were taken during Spring Break, just a couple weeks before I started running.  How did I not see myself looking like this sooner?!

Big legs

Big cheeks

Big belly

Big all over

          May 15 (dressed for a work event)                                                          June 10

July 10

All geared up and ready to go!

So far I have lost 10 lbs. and 23 inches overall.  I know I have a long ways to go still, but it's a start.  My little 5 ft. frame doesn't need to be carrying around such a heavy load all the time! I will continue to run and work out.  I have drastically increased my water intake and watch what I eat.  I will never diet or do a cleanse of any sort, but I do say no to certain foods and don't consume so much sugar anymore.  It's definitely not easy though.

It's been a long journey, but not a lonely one.  I have the greatest support group that only wants to see me succeed.  My family was by my side the entire time.  They would either run with me, ride their bikes alongside me, or even pass out water when I needed it.

Once I put my whole heart and mind into something, I don't stop until it's finished.  I wanted to give up and make excuses so many times, but I forced myself to keep going.  I found inspiration from those that are also on their own fit and fab journey.  I found encouragement from those that would tell me how much they loved seeing me on this journey.   Even though I was doing this for my own health, I hope I have inspired someone along the way.  If so, know that nothing is impossible.  You CAN succeed and tell your own story.  Just keep the faith.  One step forward is already further than where you were.

Lesson Learned #4

The year is half gone and so many life lessons have been given.  God has taught me so much already.

I've learned that I really do like to encourage people.  It's not unusual for me to text a friend or send a message of encouragement to them.  Of course, I don't do it to receive a kind word in return.  I want people to feel lifted up.  I want them to know they are thought about.  I don't always know what someone may be going through or struggles they may be facing.  But hopefully, a word of encouragement will change their day, even if just for a moment.

I've learned that some people just aren't the encouraging type.  As much as I love to encourage others, some people just simply don't.  Perhaps they don't have the words or maybe it's just not their personality.  For whatever reason, they don't take compliments well either.  Instead of saying a simple "Thank you" or giving a quick hug, they'll just nod their head or smile.  I don't have to understand it, but that's how they are able to handle compliments.

I've learned it's so easy to play the comparison game.  SO EASY!  I'm not pretty enough, skinny enough, the right size, live in the right neighborhood, have nice things like others....the list goes on.  We've all been players in this game that will rob you of any happiness you may have.  While we may be comparing ourselves to others, others may be comparing themselves to us.  It's a vicious circle with no end.  But we are enough.  God is the only one we must please.  For Him, we are pretty enough, we are blessed enough, we are simply enough.

I've learned it is okay to relax.  It is okay to let go of responsibilities that are no longer meaningful or beneficial to us.  It is okay to spend a day in peace, forgetting for a moment any frustrations or problems that may be weighing on our hearts.  And by being able to relax, we allow ourselves to be happy and to just be still.

I've learned words of the past like to haunt the heart.  They are constantly replayed over and over again until the hurt is present once more.  It's not always actions that are the most painful, but words that are sharp like a dagger.  It's in these times that we must fervently pray for God to help us release the pain, release the words, and sometimes, release the people that have caused it.

I've learned to stop sweating the small stuff.  So maybe a day didn't go as planned.  The house wasn't cleaned like you wanted, the To Do List didn't get completed, someone didn't listen like you had hoped, your kids didn't behave like they should.  But it was one day.  Perhaps it was a few days.  But in our lifespan, it's insignificant compared to the many days we have before us.  Many days to continue to feel God's love.  And when we are in turmoil about the little things that may or may not have happened, we waste time worrying.  And wasted time is time spent being unhappy.

Spring Baseball 2014

A few weeks ago, Preston finished his 6th season of baseball.  SIXTH!!!  This boy cannot get enough of playing and we absolutely love watching him.

He was part of the Marlins this time and it was such a fun team.  The boys played so well together, even though some had never ever played before.  The parents were very supportive of every player and it was always a joy to get together for a game.

Running home

Look at that stretch! 

Nice form...and face

Received the game ball

What a fun team!

Accepting his end of season medal

Last huddle with the Marlins

Fabulous coach and mentor

At the end of the season our city league had an All-Star Tournament that consisted of 3 boys from each team in our age division.  Since we had 16 teams during the rec season, 4 All-Star teams were created and they played against each other over 2 nights.  

Preston was nominated to be on one of the teams and did amazing!!!  He caught fly balls, tagged players out, hit hard, ran hard, etc.  Evidently, Preston is making a name for himself.  Other parents kept talking about him, parents went up to him to give him some encouragement, his teammates were always excited when he was up to bat.  Even the All-Star coach told us that Preston saved the game when he got a lot of players out at the end.  We ended up winning both games to win the championship.  It was so much fun!

Up to bat

Great run to home

The undefeated All-Star team.  I loved seeing the different uniforms that made up this All Star team.

Preston and the other 2 Marlins players that were also nominated.

All-Star Championship winner and our MVP!!!

Awesome season, Preston!!!

Vitiligo-My Skin Disease

I recently read an article on CNN.com for World Vitiligo Day.  It's a great article with some basic info about how it affects people.  Since I am one of the 100 million people worldwide that has this skin disease, I want to share how it affects ME.

Vitiligo is when the body's pigment cells stop producing melanin, leaving colorless patches.  It can spread, stop, and at times reverse itself.  I have had all 3 of these happen, but it's currently in the spreading stage.

I first noticed vitiligo when I was a young teenager.  There is no definite cause of this disease, but doctors think it's from either an auto-immune disease or it can be hereditary.  When I was 8 yrs old, I had a terrible auto-immune disease called Kawasaki Syndrome.  I've had side effects from this disease and I truly believe that's what caused my vitiligo.

I despise summer.  Living in Texas in the summer requires you to wear shorts, flip flops, and short sleeved shirts so you don't pass out from the triple digit heat.  Thus, making my vitiligo noticeable.  I tan very easily, especially on my arms, which makes it even MORE noticeable.  That's one reason why I love winter...I can stay covered up!

I have "spots", as I call them, all over my body.  It's on my feet, legs, torso, arms, hands, and even my face.  I know it can also spread to my hair, but I have not had that happen yet.  I do get quite a bit of stares, especially during summer.  Yes, I notice every stare because I am so self-conscious about it.  I can cover up the spots on my face with makeup, but the spots are too extensive on my body to use makeup on all of it.

Hand

Arm-see how tan half of it is?

Legs

Adults don't ever say anything to me unless they know exactly what I have.  Kids, on the other hand, say things to me all the time.

"What happened to your skin?"

"Why is that part brown?"

"Does that come off?"

"Do you have paint on your skin?"

I'll admit sometimes it does feel hurtful, even though I know no harm is meant.  I always respond with the same answer "God made me this way."

Because I am so conscientious about my skin and how the sun affects it, I take extra care with it.  The places that has no pigment also has no protection from the sun, making those spots extremely sensitive and burns easily.  The more I am out in the sun without protection on the parts of my skin that is pigmented, the higher the chances of those parts to lose the pigment and make more spots.  I make sure I always load up on the sunscreen.  I am adamant about my family putting on sunscreen as well.

Recently, my dermatologist recommended HelioCare, a daily supplement that protects your skin against the skin.  It's almost like sunscreen in a capsule.

I also use Elta MD as my daily sunscreen.  It has a higher amount of protection from UVA and UVB rays.  Plus, it has a higher percentage of zinc oxide, which is the ingredient that really protects your skin.  I put this sunscreen all over my face before I put on makeup and it's like putting on another moisturizer.  I love it!

Both of these products are not cheap, but cheaper than having to pay for treatments from skin cancer or other skin diseases!  My dermatologist said clothing will also be important for protection.  I love to wear 3/4 length sleeved shirts.  You can bet when I go to the beach this summer, I will be the one under the canopy with a hat, glasses, and cover up!

I completely appreciate family and friends that don't even pay attention to how I look.  I don't mind questions at all, but I don't like stares.  I don't like the way I look, but it's who I am.  So, next time you see someone with a skin disease like vitiligo, don't be afraid to ask a question.  And always protect your skin!!!