I'm just been sitting here looking like this

I have been telling myself for a couple of weeks that I need to post a blog. I've found a million other things to do instead. Let me tell you a few of them.

I've been getting up earlier each morning so that I could start back on my swimming routine. I've lost 74 pounds since December, and I believe that one of the catalysts that has helped me the most is exercise. When I first started, I couldn't finish a lap. Now I'm up to 12 laps added to my water aerobic routine. Now I've been doing only breast stroke, because that is the easiest for me. Freestyle has just been too physically demanding; however, I am determined to make that happen, so I started adding in laps of that stroke. My heart rate goes up to 220 vs. the regular 180 with breast stroke. I can do 1 1/2 freestyle laps without drowning. Yay!

I am absolutely loving my job! My hours are from 8:30 till 5:30 M-F, but after my 90 day probation, I'll be working from 9 till noon on an occasional Saturday. I'm handling more responsibility now and renewed a Commercial account all by myself! I love Underwriting negotiations and schmoozing to save people money.

Mondays are hectic because by the time I get home, dinner is usually underway and we have Family Home Evening. I love it! Right now Amie is focusing on getting Cailey ready for her baptism, so last Monday she had a hide and seek game with quetions about baptism scattered around the room. The girls had found nearly all of them before we actually had the lesson, but it was still fun. I have to say that even though there are moments when things are not exactly reverent or perfect, I am impressed with Amie's diligence in making this happen on a regular basis. All she has to do is break out into the "This is the night we've waited for, Always a treat we have in store, We love each other more and more, With every Family Night!" and Faith will come running from wherever she is in the house to stand on the hearth to direct the music. At prayer time, Amie sings, "Let us gather in a circle, And kneel for family prayer," and the girls get within hugging room of her and each other and I get to hear innocent, powerful, and life-altering prayers ascend to heaven. How lucky am I?

Bryce and Amy came over a couple of weeks ago to have Home Evening together. School had already started, so they couldn't stay for a long time. Its been great having them close by too. I've been to their house for their regular Friday Night Movie Night, and I've been there to babysit of occasion and to get skunked by Maddy in Memory. I've seen them go through the nightly routine of prayer time as well, and seen and heard first hand their sweet prayers. It's very humbling and an experience to let you know that your life has meaning.

It's pretty sweet that Preston has been in my Primary class, but today is his last day. Amy taught the class because I'm house-sitting for Lindy in Atlanta. She, Scott, Katie, and Tyler went to Scotland for 2 weeks and I'm hanging here on the weekends. I can't wait till they get back and I get to hear about everything they saw and did! My cousin Cathy came over to hang and we were able to relax and shoot the breeze and seem to always reminisce.

Kim came up with a great idea to have a Crawford family reunion. Looks like we're planning it for November. A lot will be happening during that month: Cailey will be turning 8 and getting baptized, Lance, Caetie, Andersin, Laycie, and Masen wil be visting, and Drew will be coming out for a visit, too! I am so stoked!!!!

What's your name?

I went to lunch with some friends yesterday and the question was posed, "What was your nickname when you were growing up?" It was so cool to hear all of the different responses. I thought it would be even more fun to post my responses and hear back from whoever would like to share.

I have 4 sibs so I'm sure I got called a lot of things, and, to be honest, my first remembrance was a negative moniker. I also remember ALL of the "Batman and Robin", "Robin Hood,", and "Robin Redbreast" jabs; however, the nickname that stands out in my mind is what my dad used to call me... Daisy Mae. Daddy's favorite comic strip was Lil Abner. Daisy Mae was Lil Abner's girlfriend. I think it might have been because she wore cutoff shorts and I did too. Who knows?

These days it's hard to know how to sign an email to all my friends and family. I'm known as Madre, Mom, Mama, Maja, Granny Robin, Robbie, Rob, Chica, Maggie, and Sister Wininger.

Do you know Miss Lissa, Little Wayne, Brycer Ricer, Lancer Man, and Bebo?