So much going on!

A lot has been going on in my life lately.  I'm still working out, still trying to eat healthier.  I haven't lost weight  significantly this summer, but haven't gained significantly either, I'm pretty much maintaining, bouncing up and down in the same 7-8 pound range.

An example of what has gone on recently. My mother-in-law passed on, my oldest daughter got married, I got bitten by the art bug and started painting... and most recently, a dear brother in Christ and his daughter Vanessa became homeless, so my family took them in.

This has been a real blessing, as I really do love them like family.  Vanessa seems to me like my own daughter, she even calls me mom, and I love her like my own.  Steve, her dad, is like a dear friend and brother to both me and my husband.  My only real concern about the situation is that some day they will of course leave, and I know that I am going to miss them both when that day comes... I'll miss them both, but I know I'll miss Vanessa most.  I am sure that it is going to feel like one of my own children leaving.  So while on the one hand, while I look forward to them getting back on their feet and receiving the blessing of steady work and their own place, I also selfishly dread the day.  Either way though, I know that God will work it out, and He will carry me through whatever feelings I have about the issue.  My joy is not dependent on people on this earth, but is dependent upon God, upon Christ, so I will get through this.

While this has been a blessing in many ways, it has, unfortunately distracted my focus from my weight loss.  The workout habit, and healthier eating habit has kept me from regaining all my weight, but my focus is just not that much on losing right now.  With three adults, one teenager, and two preteens living in this house, when I cook I tend to think of "feeding the masses", rather than, "keep the calories low".   I know I need to get the focus back, and I know I will soon.  In the meantime, I am getting some practice on maintenance and letting my metabolism have a break from the weight loss mode.

I am setting as a goal to redouble my efforts starting in September, when Vanessa starts school and some kind of regular schedule will be imposed on our household in order to get her there.  I am also thinking that perhaps I might just need to start making separate meals for myself, pasta for the masses and chicken and veggies for me!

On the homeschooling front, my planning is not quite finished for the coming year, but it is close to being finished, I will need to focus on that between now and September, so that my family is ready to get started on it.