Can I get some cheese with my whine?

Monday began a new adventure for me. I am a part of a group doing a Healthy Challenge, in an effort to encourage and challenge each other to make healthier choices and get fit. I have been back and forth across the fence on doing it - excited, didn't want to do it, ready for a challenge, didn't think I could do it, etc. I hemmed and hawed in my mind for a week, but didn't tell anyone I was debating. I didn't think I could do it.

The basic premise is that you eat a healthy breakfast, healthy lunch, healthy dinner. You don't consume sugary snacks or drinks, take a multivitamin, drink plenty of water, don't eat after 8:30 PM, and exercise for at least 45 minutes each day. You follow this for 6 days, then you have a day off. You get point for each item, tally them, then turn them in each week. Everyone can see how everyone else did. At the end of the 10 weeks, the winner wins half the pot we collected (we each put in $20). Second place gets 30% and third place gets 20%.

I have been following the "plan" for five days now. I know I haven't exercised this consistently since college. I have walked, ran, and done pilates (ouch, ouch, ouch). My legs hurt in muscles I forgot I had. I could barely walk the other morning. I didn't realize just how badly I needed to get into a shape that wasn't squishy.

A part of me wishes I could just wake up one morning and have the fabulous body of my dreams. Strong muscles, a much smaller behind, flat stomach. But I know that's not going to happen. If I want that, if I want to truly be healthy, I am going to have to work at it. It will take a daily commitment on my part.

I think that's my biggest struggle - discipline. I struggle to consistently do the things I know are good for me, the things that I know will make me a better person. It's not that I don't want to, I just don't have the motivation. It's far too easy for me to believe the lies of the enemy, the ones that say:

• Why bother?
• Is it really worth it?
• What are you going to get out of it?
• Will anyone notice?
• Does anyone care what you're doing?
• It won't help anyways...

Today, I will choose to "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14)." And I will remember that it is not a sprint, it is a marathon. It will take time. I will stumble. But I will get back up and keep going. Because the prize is worth it (and I'm not just talking about the pot)!

Thankful Thursday...overwhelmed by grace

This morning, as I was driving into town for work, I was simply overwhelmed. It was quiet in the car. Madison and Violet were at home with the nanny. Katrina was on her way to Gametime with Daddy. I was by myself. This doesn't happen often. And normally, when it does, I can find things to distract me, rather than simply being with my Father.

Today, I couldn't help but be in His Presence. So many of our friends and family are going through really difficult situations right now. People I dearly love are hurting physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Just this week a young man I've known since he was little died suddenly in his sleep. He was only 16. The pain in people's lives, in our lives, sometimes overwhelms me. I physically hurt. I cry out to Daddy and ask why. Why are all these people hurting? Why are so many good people in such horrible situations right now? I know these things will happen, I know we live in a fallen world. But it just seems so prevalent right now - the pain and heartache never take a break lately. I don't understand why.

But then, this morning in the car, on the way to work, in the middle of rush hour traffic, He said, "My grace is sufficient for you." His grace is sufficient. That grace, that saves me from what I deserve, is sufficient. I am not meant to understand all the whys. Like a child, my Daddy will not always answer all my whys. But His grace is sufficient. His grace is sufficient for me. His grace is sufficient for the weak, the weary, the downtrodden, the attacked, the depressed, the lonely, the proud, the haughty, the poor, the rich, the everything-in-between. HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT!

The tears streamed down my face. I must have looked ridiculous to the construction workers, but I didn't care. My God had spoken to my heart. And I knew that I was worth it. Thank you Jesus, for being willing to be sufficient. For being willing to die for me, so that I may live fully in You. I am so grateful to my God, that He will be sufficient. We may not know all the whys, but we do know the how. GOD!

Soaking At Altitude

The Saturday we went camping, while Dad was in his boring meeting, the rest of us cool people headed to Ouray for the day. If you've never been there, Ouray is this tiny mountain town nestled at the base of some huge mountains in southwest Colorado. It is a really cool little town.

One of the neatest parts it the hot springs. They have turned their hot springs pool into a family-friendly park. You can spend literally hours there because they have the pools (hot, warm, and cool), soaking and splashing zones, two water slides, a deep section, a ton of floaty toys to rent, plenty of grass to lay out on, a regular playground, and a cafe.

Once we got everyone in swim suits and covered in sunscreen, it was time to dive in! Vanessa was too scared to go down the slide, until she realized that her little cousins (Katrina and Madi) were going to go. Not one to be outdone, she gave the slide a try and loved it. We actually had a hard time getting her off of it when it was time for lunch!

Grandma (of course) bought tubes for the big girls

and a pony for Princess Madison.

Violet got her own special tube, complete with seat and head rest. She thought she was hot stuff, let me tell you. She just floated and floated. We probably could have left her there and I don't think she would have cared.

Jerome was very brave, being the only male in the group. He also was very patient, as the big girls all wanted him to go down the slide with them.

My mom, who is absolutely a fish, got to help her granddaughters get more comfortable in the water. Here she is with our flotilla. We did invade a few neighboring countries with this flotilla, just so you know.

But Madison did have the realization that swimsuits do sometimes cause wedgies.

"Roughing" It

My niece Vanessa has been visiting from Georgia for two weeks. Since she hasn't been camping much, and since Dad had a meeting in Silverton, we decided to take a family camping trip last weekend. Mom & Dad rented a space at an RV park, and headed up Friday afternoon with Vanessa and Katrina. We were followed after work with the little ones, pitch our tent next to their camper and sleep on our air mattresses. Sounded great!

Well, Friday morning arrived with thunderstorms and rain. Mom called the RV park and found out it was "really" cold up there. And then she panicked. She could not bear the thought of her precious grandbabies sleeping in tent, freezing their little toes off, and getting sick (her words, exactly). So, they rented us a cabin at the same park. I was thinking - ok, that's pretty cool. We'll have two beds - I'll take the sleeping bags to sleep in. I was so wrong.

Our cabin was awesome!!! It had a mini-kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, stove top, coffee maker, and dishwasher. Also in the main room was a queen-size bed with sheets, a dining table, and (gasp) cable TV. Jerome was in heaven. I was in shock. THIS IS NOT CAMPING! THIS WAS LIKE A MOTEL!

There was a second room with another full size bed and plenty of room for Violet's playpen.

And, in the bathroom (yes, there was a private bathroom) there was....

Yes!!! A shower! AGAIN, SO NOT CAMPING! Not that I was complaining, mind you. I have no problem admitting that Mom & Dad were right, and that it was stinking cold at night and that we would have frozen our royal hineys off. I am so grateful that we got this wonderful gift. So, while Vanessa

and Katrina

slept in the camper

with Grandma and Grandpa (which has its own stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, sink, stereo system, full bathroom, and flat-screen TV with DVD player), Madison & Violet

slept in the cabin with us. It was really fun to hear the two little ones giggling and "talking" at night after we had tucked them in. Some of my favorite childhood memories involve trips like this, and it was great to see my daughters starting some of those memories of their own.

The next morning we had a wonderful pancake

and raspberry

feast before heading to Ouray for the day.

When we got "home", Dad was a little tired (he always looks this way when a camera is pointed at him)

and a sweet neighborhood dog decided that three little girls means lots of free food. He got his fill of steak (again, really roughing it) and marshmallows then slept under the picnic table.

After dinner we introduced the girls to the miracles of s'mores. Vanessa doesn't remember anything from living in Colorado, so of course she did not remember eating s'mores. Her little cousin had to show her how it was done.

Madison immediately knew what to do, and enjoyed every minute. She even shared a little with Dad.

Violet had never had a roasted marshmallow. She was a little hesitant at first

but, true to Bleger girl fashion, soon realized that SUGAR IS GOOD!

It was so wonderful to get away for a few days, not have to have the cell phones nearby, and just relax with the kids. We have been so busy lately that we don't get much family time. What a treasure to make some memories with our babies before they're not babies anymore.

Only At Grandma's

My girls LOVE going to their grandparents' houses. It doesn't really matter which one, they just love being with their grandparents. And, we are so blessed to have both sets in town. Makes holidays interesting, but it's worth it!

It's especially wonderful when a sitter has to call in sick and I still have to work. "Oh Mom, can you watch the kids today? Oh, you need me to twist your arm? OK, here you go. That's enough, well thanks!"

And, when you combine grandparents' house with an auntie who loves to snap photos, I have blog material.

So, without further ado, I present to you...


Only at Grandma's!





Only at Grandma's:

• are you allowed to lie in the laundry basket with the clean clothes.

• do little sisters actually share and play nicely. Doesn't happen when Mom's around. Nope. Not a chance.

• are cereal bar fingerprints allowed and encouraged on the walls. "Because she's too cute to tell her no. And she wasn't hurting anything..."
  

• do little princesses get treated like little rock stars too!
  
  

• will an almost 3-year-old (yikes, really?) actually talk on the phone.
  
  

• will a 1 1/2 year old actually be allowed to play with a phone.
  
  

• does a 5 year old get to play on a forklift. Again, it's one of those "Only the Blegers" things. I know most grandparents don't just randomly have a forklift around the house for the grand kids.
  
  

• is hanging off the stairwell encouraged. Again, "because she's so cute".
  
  

• are there more stuffed animals than people.
  
  

• can a tired little girl rest this soundly.
  

We love the grandparents!

Happy Birthday Mom

I personally think my mom has the coolest birthday in the world. Every year, there is a parade, barbeques, fireworks. I'll admit, I'm slightly jealous. My birthday is on Memorial Day. And while I absolutely, firmly believe in the importance of said holiday, do you know what people do on Memorial Day? Or, more importantly, what my family did on Memorial Day? We drove my grandparents around the greater Western Colorado/Eastern Utah area and put flowers on relatives' graves. Fun. Yeah, not really. Mom's birthday holiday is much, much cooler. Although sometimes we did go to Lake Powell. That was fun.

But I digress...

When she was little, growing up in Phoenix, her dad told her that the fireworks were for her. And she believed him. Personally, I still think the fireworks should be for her. She is an amazing woman, worthy of praise. She has been through more in her life that I think anyone should have to go through. She raised two daughters, a stepson, and a stepdaughter to the best of her ability. She has walked through marriage, divorce, remarriage, blended families, births, deaths, sorrow, joy, and everything in between with more grace and courage than anyone else I have seen.

Mom is the most loyal person I know. She is fiercely protective of her family. She has always kept her home immaculate, something I aspire to daily because of her example. She taught me how to work hard, how to put family first, how to sacrifice yourself for the good of others.

She loves all her kids and grandkids passionately, but is willing to step back and allow us to make our own decisions. That is hard to do. She showers her grandchildren with unconditional love and admiration, but disciplines them when they get out of line. She is full of grace, hope, and love.

She is adventurous, fun-loving. My mom is by far the most beautiful woman I know. I consider it an honor that God granted her as my mother. She is an amazing woman.

Today, while the country pauses for a day to reflect on each person's freedoms, to honor our nation, I will honor my mom. You are simply amazing. I am blessed to be your daughter, and your friend. You have and will continue to teach me so much. Happy Birthday Mom, I love you!

P.S. - We both know the fireworks are still just for you!

P.P.S. - Please forgive me for posting your beautiful picture. I couldn't resist. You're too beautiful. And note, I did pick a far-away shot so you couldn't complain about how everyone could see every little imperfection. Because you don't have any. You're that beautiful.

Thankful Thursday...the little things

This week, I am thankful:

• that I live in a country where there is still freedom. Where you can disagree with the government. Where you can express your opinion openly.

• that I have three healthy, beautiful, smart little girls. That they are beginning to walk in the love Jesus gives them, that they love each other, that they bring joy to so many.


• that I have a husband who loves me.


• for the 4-day weekend this week. I am so excited to spend a day with my girlies tomorrow!


• for good friends.


• for a great family.


• for the beautiful weather outside. There' s not much better than a Colorado summer!


• that I get to see my awesome bro-in-love, beautiful sis-in-love, and amazing nephew this weekend!


• that another niece, Vanessa, has been able to stay with my parents for a while. It has been far too long since I've seen her, and she is quickly growing up to be an amazing young lady.

• that no matter what happens, I know that Daddy is holding me in His hands. That His plan is better than mine. That He will provide. That He will comfort. That He will heal. That He will go before me, beside me, and all around me. That He is my King, my Savior, my Friend.

What are you thankful for this week?