The Thackeray Factory: Workout Jams, Missing Myself, 30 Day Challenge, and Other Stuff.

1. Today I was exercising to some awesome workout jams on my husband's phone while Faye took her nap and Maddy watched Buddies on Netflix. I was riding my exercise bike and throwing out some pretty sweet dance moves with my upper body. I wonder what I looked like and hope it didn't look like I was insane to someone looking in from the outside. The next thing I know *thump* Madeline tried climbing over the back of the couch but fell off instead. It probably scared her more than hurt her. I really wanted to be so mad at her for climbing over the back of the couch because I've told her a thousand times that it' not safe and that she can get hurt but I couldn't be because about ten minutes later she was climbing over the couch again. The fact that she wanted to try it again to prove to herself that she in fact *could* do it without falling off was a bit inspiring. However, I don't care for her disobedience one bit. I am wander-struck that when we fail we can pick ourselves back up and do it again and again--no matter how many times it takes to get it right.

2. Jesus allows us to make those mistakes and get back on track. My hero.

3. I felt a piece of myself that I have missed while I was working out to music. I mean, I felt like that 17-year-old girl ready to shake her booty to some sweet melodies and make friends in the process. Only this time I was making friends with myself again. "Hi self, I have missed you."

4. I'm giving myself a 30 day challenge of working out every day (minus Sundays). I have been increasing my level of activity gradually since January because my resolution has been to intentionally exercise a few times a week. I am slowly feeling my body gain strength. I'm still a tired mama, but at least I have goals and that is making all the difference in my countenance.

5. My Grandpa Ted died last night. It feels weird, but still like a total loss. I feel sad. I mean...I feel sad for him. He never joined the fold again. I lost touch with him so I am not really even sure if he was trying to come back even with baby steps. He left my grandma and children when my dad was about 19 years old. It left my dad with a huge responsibility to help with his siblings. I admire my dad for that and I know that experience helped him to become the man he is now. I'm not really sure of all the details because my dad never really talks about it. But I still have fond memories going to my grandpa's house for Thanksgiving celebrations and visiting the rocky beach of Oceanside. I loved his little Kumquat tree in the back yard. He didn't have a lot of child-friendly things at his house but it gave us a time to play outdoors and feel the breeze and misty air. Anyways, I am glad he is no longer in pain from his cancer (although he died of two heart attacks).

6. One thing that Marcus and I find challenging is knowing when exactly to add sheep to our little flock. The next time we get pregnant we will know because of the same process--prayer and temple attendance. In Rexburg the temple was a few blocks away. Here the temple is 2 hours away. We haven't been to the temple yet, but we are renewing our recommends this week to hopefully attend this month. It will definitely be a lengthier process because of the distance.