Done with diets!

Declaring this to no one in particular except myself.

I am DONE with diets!

I have spent the last 8 years trying to lose last of the "baby" weight. Yes, my baby is eight. Off and on, I have done SparkPeople, gone vegan (plant-based, I guess since I don't have the mindset of a true vegan), Fast Metabolism Diet, "detox," and the basics of counting calories. I've given up gluten, meat, sugar, alcohol, and dairy.

I've lost/gained up to 10 pounds on and off for the past 8 years.

I've cooked separate meals for myself.

I've not enjoyed food with my family.

I've obsessed and spent countless hours on the internet and reading books about healthy eating.

I've felt guilty eating just about everything.

I'm DONE!!

I just want to eat and enjoy living without guilt.

I want to eat with my family and go out for special treats with my family.

I want to focus on other things besides food.

Now, not going crazy here. I still am against highly processed foods. They don't hold a place in my diet, but I will eat FOOD. Good, normal food. Cream in my coffee, fruits, vegetables, good, ethically raised meats (when possible), and homemade sweet treats. Now, I'm sure the guilt over eating things I "shouldn't" eat will take a while to get over, but I am committed. I also want to be strong, so I am committed to exercising 3 times a week at the Y.

I really hope that this marks a new, free, and healthier lifestyle for me. Wish me luck.

Love, me

A New Chapter

The Lueck family will soon be entering into a new life phase. Tanner is 10, Max is 8, and we may be adding a new member (or two) to our family this summer. NO! I am not pregnant! Danny and I just attended our first foster parent meeting last week.

I have wanted to be a foster parent for several years. It has weighed on my heart weekly, since before Tanner was born. I have been saying for years that as soon as my kids were both in school, I would look into it. Well, that time came and went, and I went from part-time to full-time, and life got busy. I didn't think I could give enough time or energy to kids who really need it with the schedule I currently have.

It looks as if my district is finally considering letting me go part-time again to make this possible. A month ago, though, I decided that even if I was full-time, we surely could take on some elementary age kids. Tricia Murphy had a great message that week in church about just taking that step. The time is now! I am so excited and Danny is a little more tentative but he's on board, too.

I know that it will be challenging. I've heard enough "horror stories" from well-meaning? acquaintances, but have also had some encouragement that felt really great. Know that I can't post any details or pictures on social media. This will not and cannot become a "foster care blog." I honestly don't get how the people who have those blogs get away with some of the things they share.

Anyway, feel free to send some prayers our way. We've got a mountain of paperwork to do, and fingerprints, background checks, home studies, and I can see why it is necessary. We may be ready as early as this summer to welcome some new additions to our family.

I am blessed and so thankful for this opportunity! Thanks in advance for your prayers and thoughts.

Love,

me