happy birthday matty!

Today my baby brother turns 18. Who knew the day would come. I still feel like we should be little kids playing with our toys and me picking on him, but now he's way bigger than me so that had to stop a while ago. :)

It's weird how quickly time passes and how grown up he has become. This seems like yesterday :)

Now he is all grown up into a wonderful man and I could not be more proud of him. I love you matt! happy birthday!

the REASON for the season

As Christmas time is here, it's important to not lose sight of the true meaning of this special holiday. When Christ came down in the form of a baby to save us all. It's such a miracle that should be remembered more throughout the year than just Christmas-time.

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be on His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

---> God's gift to us is greater than any gift that has ever taken place.

As we go about the busyness of our Christmas day with the food and the gifts and the family, let's not forget the true reason for the season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

.if you would like to read the story of Christmas and Christ's birth please click here.

It's a Wonderful Life this time of year

I absolutely love Christmas time and all that it entails. From baking cookies together, to doing our annual family puzzle, or watching Christmas movies, I just love the joy of the holidays. My family doesn't usually do anything to extravagant, but we just enjoy being able to spend time with each other and slow down from our normally hectic and busy lives to just be.

We do have some fun traditions that we do every year. These are some that we do on Christmas Eve:

1. Ever since I was little we have always gotten new pajamas on Christmas Eve so that way when we opened our gifts Christmas morning and had pictures taken, we had our new jammies on :)

2. We always go to Christmas Eve service at church.

3. After the service at church and after our pajamas have been opened and put on, we always watch "It's a Wonderful Life" before bed. It's my mom's favorite Christmas movie and over the years it has become mine too. :)

I just love being able to enjoy these things with my family during the holidays! It truly is a wonderful life. Does your family have any traditions? If so, what are they?

tis the season

Tis the season to get creative! I just love this time of year because of the happiness the holidays bring, the fun decorations to make and put out, and not to mention the fun food and gifts we get to make and give to others. These are some of my ideas for this year that I want to try out!

These ornaments are adorable! and so simple. you can make them yourself by clicking here!

I love love love baking this time of year. It's so fun to try new recipes too, and since I just love fudge I am going to try making a cranberry chocolate fudge. I'm expecting good things :) you can find this recipe by clicking here!

I love decorating with wreaths! My goal is to make a new one this year and there are so many fantastic ideas at marthastewart.com or you can check them out for yourself and find whichever one suits you by clicking here!

Candles are always a fabulous gift to give and to receive. These candles are so much fun! You can make them too by clicking here!

I hope you enjoyed looking through these as much as I do! Happy holidays :)

sermons

I love listening to sermons online. They can be so refreshing and it's great in the middle of the week to have something encouraging to hear to help me grow more in walk with the Lord.

Some of my favorites are from:

• Pastor Dee Duke via

• Bayside Church via

• Itunes also has a great selection and sermon archive

There are so many different styles that these men teach, and it's so great to get a different Biblical perspective in an area that I may need to work on. Check it out!

red kettle christmas

For the last 3 years I have volunteered for the salvation army around the holiday season. I volunteer to ring a bell outside of the grocery store in my hometown and raise money in the red kettle campaign. It's one of my favorite things to give back this time of year instead of just receiving. It's fun to smile and talk with the different people that come into the store and drink some yummy hot chocolate while greeting the customers.

This is a picture of my brother and I last year before we went. We usually sign up for 2 or 3 two hour segments at a time. It's a fun and easy way to spend time together and make some kind of difference. If you would like to ring the bell for the red kettle campaign check out the local salvation army volunteer homepage or click here!

[dad's weekend]

Today I was able to spend some much needed time with my daddy. It was so fun! We walked around campus for a while and I showed him where I like to spend my time, then I took him to yogurt extreme (my fav) and I showed him where my new apartment was at. Then we went to the bookstore on campus and bought some beaver gear, then played darts and pool down in the MU basement. It was all so simple, but so much fun! We had great conversation and laughter and I was so blessed by it. The day was ended perfectly by watching football and eating pizza. I just love being my daddy's little girl :)

half-marathon

My new goal is to run a half-marathon this April. It's in Portland on April 3 and goes to a good cause. Check it out here!

holiday scents

As we gear up for the holiday season, there are many parties or occasions that we go to. Skin can also suffer during the cold weather and become dry and dehydrated. This is easily cured using a moisturizing lotion which can also come in many fun holiday scents. It's a two-for-one deal :) Here are some of my favorite lotions to keep my skin healthy and moisturized, while still smelling good for those holiday festivities.

(cranberry joy shimmer lotion found at The Body Shop)

(Vanilla Bean Noel found at Bath&Body Works)

(Snow Kissed Berry body cream found at Bath&Body Works)

(Winter Candy Apple found at Bath&Body Works)

(Spiced Vanilla found at The Body Shop)

oh quilts

So this summer I set out a goal to make my first quilt. My mom is an amazingly talented professional quilter with her own business and for some reason I just never really understood it, and never had much of a desire to make one. But then I decided I really wanted a new blanket for my bed and after seeing how much my mom loves to quilt I thought I might as well try it out and see what I thought for myself. I was actually quite surprised at how much I enjoyed it! And now that it is finished, it's so much fun having it and knowing that I made it myself.

(my talented mother did all the quilting!)
(the back is this fuzzy and soft fabric. I love it!)

I think I am hooked! :)

Favorites of Fall

There are so many reasons to love fall. From the varying colors, to the smells of baking, to the feel of the cool crisp air, it is a season full of exciting change. Fall takes me back to when I was little and the reminder of hay rides, harvest parties, candy corn and eating mom's delicious pumpkin cookies. I think fall is the perfect time of year to remember what little things in life make you happy. These are some of my favorite things I love about this time of year.

(My friend Lauren and I at an OSU football game)

1. It's football season! For many people, the beginning of fall starts with football. I don't know what it is, but something about watching the game sure brings about the start of a new season. I love the time of fellowship I get to share with people when going to the games and cheering on my team. Or when having a party and eating nachos while sitting on the couch yelling at the tv because the refs made a bad call. Football season is one of the most fun parts of fall and makes me so excited for this time of year.

(pumpkin bread via "the dish on delish" blog)

2. One of the greatest parts of fall is the smell of something delicious baking in the oven. Summertime is now over and the air is getting cooler so it's time to whip out the apron and get to baking. Caramel apples, candy corn, spice cake- mmm all of it is just so delicious! One of my favorite things to eat during the fall months is pumpkin bread. My mom has made this every year since I can remember and it's one of my favorite snacks on a cool crisp fall day. Apple cider is a signature favorite this time of year and the perfect way to warm up on one of those cool mornings.

(picture via www.2expertdesign.com)

3. When I wake up one day and all of a sudden all the trees are orange and red I know that fall is here. Obviously the changing colors all around us signals the change in seasons, but I can't help to just get a smile on my face when I see the beauty of it and the leaves as they drop to the ground.

(picture via picsdigger.com)

4. Fall means it's time to decorate! I love getting out the old scarecrows out of the attic and setting pumpkins on the porch. It's fun to get creative this time of year and put out fall centerpieces and hang a festive wreath on the door.

(picture via americaneagle.com)

5. One of the best parts of the changing seasons, is the change in wardrobe that comes with it. Don't get me wrong I love shorts and tanks in the summer, but something about wearing boots, scarves and a jacket while holding a cup of warm coffee sure brings happiness to my heart.

What are some of your favorite things about fall? :)

"When I say..."

When I say that 'I am a Christian' I am not shouting that 'I am clean living.' I am whispering 'I was lost, but now I am forgiven.'

When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are all to visible, but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches so I call upon His name.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who's received God's grace somehow.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

Footprints

For some reason I have really been drawn to this poem for quite a long time and just recently it has come back to my mind. Sometimes it's so hard for me to trust God in trials and not just think He has abandoned me. I think this poem is just a great reminder of the truth of His promises that He will never leave or forsake us.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.

"Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don't understand why, when I need You most, You leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."

---

Margaret Fishback Powers, 1964

Eddie

Ever been scared? nervous? excited? Have you ever felt like you were put in a particular situation for a reason but didn't know why at first? Sometimes we need to just open our eyes and see what is put before us and be prepared to take hold of each opportunity.

Yesterday I spent some time at the park and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine, but after a while all I really wanted to do was go on a walk by the creek. For some reason the thought wouldn't leave my mind and eventually everyone else got on board and we decided to go. We probably got like 20 yards into the walk when I saw a bike parked along the path with a little trailer thing behind it. It was obvious that this was a homeless person's bike, but I didn't see anyone around it at first. We just kept on walking and didn't really think much of it until we saw the guy and he started making conversation with us. At first he only was talking about small things like plants, but for some reason I just had this urge that we needed to stay. I knew my brother was wanting to leave and continue the walk, but I wouldn't even turn around to look at him because I knew then I'd give in and we'd go on our way. Instead I stood where I was and just kept listening to what he had to say and chiming in every now and then.

Not even 5 minutes later this guy started talking about how he was so depressed and he just went off on his life story. He said something about God and how he knew that God had control but he just wanted to see him face-to-face. I knew right then that this was why we were here. The poor man had been through so much. His kids are in the penitentiary, his wife left him for another man but now has cervical cancer, and his mother isn't in stable condition either. Almost all of his friends have either committed suicide or been murdered and he even pulled some papers out of his backpack to show us the reports.

On his bike he had placed a lot of skulls. There had to be at least 15 and there were even some in his backpack. My friend Jared asked him what the skulls were for and at first he just said it was a guy thing, but then he said that actually he put them there because they were truth. "These skulls are truth because they show death, and death is truth." That nearly brought me to tears. This man seemed to have no hope after all he'd been through. But then Jared said something that hit home... "But Jesus is life and life is truth." He stopped right there and looked at us and then this is when he started asking us even more questions. It seemed for a while that he would think of an excuse to everything we had to say but then my friend Corinne and I removed ourselves from the conversation and let Matt and Jared talk to him and instead we stood behind them and just prayed. As we were praying I could overhear him listening to all that Matt and Jared had to say. It was so cool to see what kind of work God was doing right then. There were tears just because it was so sad all of the things he had let himself believe and then how he had handled everything in his life. He told us straight up that he was so unhappy and didn't feel worth anything or that anyone loved him. That's when I looked straight in his eyes and told him "God loves you. Jesus loves you. We all make mistakes, but we get second chances. God loves you right now." As I said this I saw tears in his eyes.

As we continued our conversation with him, we just felt a sudden urge to just pray for him. He said he would really like that so we all got in a huddle and began to pray, when a lady rounded the corner of the path as she was on her walk. At first it felt kind of awkward, but then she smiled at us and asked if she could join too! It was so cool! After we finished praying she went on her way and we continued to talk to him. He told us he would really like to get help and that he would love to start going to church. We told him we'd meet him at a church in Albany at 11 if he was willing to go and he said he'd be there. After a little bit more chatting we all went on our way with heavy, yet light hearts, in prayer, and with hope of what would happen at church.

He never ended up coming to church, but we still rejoiced in the opportunity we got to minister to him. As we were leaving the path from him, Matt decided to give him something to remind him of us and of God's love and to remember that moment. We can only pray that he will.

This man's name was Eddie. All weekend he has been on my heart and on my mind and in my prayers. I feel so honored that God would even give me an opportunity like that. It's funny because I have been praying that God would give me chances to reach out to others, but I never thought it would come in a way like that. But I guess that's why God is so cool- He just brings up the most unexpected situation to make sure we are prepared to reach out. I guess that's why we always need to be prepared. I knew there was a reason that I wanted to go on that walk so much and especially down that particular path, but when it came time to talk to Eddie I honestly felt kind of scared. I mean I didn't know this guy or what he would do, but I could tell that he needed someone to listen. Jesus said, "It's not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Not that I'm a doctor by any means, but Jesus is. He can heal us no matter what we've done and make us a new person from the inside-out.

Eddie has been through so much and he had a lot of advice to give us. "Stay away from alcohol. Drugs are not worth it. None of it has made me truly happy but instead I feel so sad and empty." I don't know what kind of an impact we made in Eddie that day, but I do know that he made a huge impact on me. I want to reach out to others no matter what the cost and know that in some way God will work. All we can do is pray for opportunities, take advantage of them, and pray that the Lord will do His work. Tonight as I go to sleep and throughout the week during everyday life I will continue to remember the words of Eddie and that God loves him and no matter what he deserves a good life and deserves prayer.

If you think of it...pray.

Wrapped in Love

For some reason these past few weeks have been a struggle for me. I feel like a lot of stuff has been thrown my way and I'm having to deal with it one step at a time. The thing is...I would really like to take care of things NOW. It's always interesting to see what God can do through any situation. I am totally blessed to be able to already see what He is faithfully doing and am so happy that I actually can receive it!

Tonight as I was doing my devotions I was reading in Galatians chapter 5 and there right in front of my face the first verse talks about Christ coming to set us free and to stand firm so that we are no longer burdened by sin. Wow. It just amazes me how often I get caught up in my own day-to-day activities and so easily forget that the Lord of the universe came to DIE so that I could LIVE and be FREE! It really got me to thinking that no sin is worth ever jeopardizing that- ever! I want to honor Him and stand firm!

Later in the chapter it says, "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." (vs 9). When baking bread you only need a little yeast and it works to make the entire batch of dough rise. It plays a huge part in the outcome of the bread. Sin works the same way. If we allow it to be in our life- even just a little bit- it can worm its way into every nook and cranny and eventually will play a role in the outcome of my life. In the same way God can work if I allow Him. This is such a comforting thought to me! My deepest desire is to live wholly for God and to show others His love. If I would just continue to let that work through my life, God will shine through and work His way into every nook and cranny- how awesome! :)

The Lord yearns for us to want to serve Him everyday no matter what our circumstances may bring.

These verses were exactly what I needed today. I was so excited that God showed this to me. I have a call in my life to be free and show others that freedom. I don't want any worldly thing to change that, it's just not worth eternity. Praise the Lord for His love :)

Tip for the Day: do a random act of kindness to show someone you care :)

learning to wait.

*Patience can't be acquired overnight. It is just like building up a muscle.
Every day you need to work on it.
- Eknath Easwaran

*The strongest of all warriors are these two: Time and Patience.
– Leo Tolstoi

*To lose patience is to lose the battle.
- Mahatma Gandhi

Patience. we all lack it. we all get frustrated over it. and yet we all desire to be more patient, especially in the everyday simple things of life. God has been teaching me lately that I need to rely on Him more and trust his timing and have PATIENCE.

The everyday things in life are so easy to get caught up in; things like driving, working, homework, friends and family are all things we experience daily. A few years ago I was convicted to have more patience while driving on the road. I get really aggressive while I drive and get easily frustrated with people who go slow or get in the way. God has been faithful to rein me back in and to realize that in such an insignificant thing, I still need to have patience.

Little lessons like this have helped me get to where I am today. Right now I am having to learn a big lesson by leaning on God and trusting for His perfect timing. I am deeply wanting something right now, but know that the Lord has a better plan. Everyday is a struggle to have more patience and have to learn that I can't force what I want to happen, because it won't work. God is faithful, though, and even through this lesson I am seeing the benefits of waiting on Him.

Instead of being frustrated, annoyed or angry that I can't have what I want right now, I have chosen to rejoice in what I do have and rejoice in knowing that what is to come is going to be so blessed. 1 Thessalonians 5:16&18 says "be joyful always...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I am so thankful for what the Lord is working out right now and have decided that despite how hard it is to wait sometimes, I will continue to wear a smile and rejoice always because the Lord always knows best. :)

Tip for the day: whenever you feel down, think of something you are thankful for and be happy!

His Princess

I have this book that I just recently started reading again with my devotions. My mom got it for me a few years ago when our family was going through some struggles. It's a simple book really, but it has made a big impact on how I perceive God's perspective toward me.

The book is called "His Princess: Love Letters from Your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd. It's a really small book, but full of "letters" from God and how He longs for us. Each one is also accompanied by a verse! Although the book was directed toward women, the same "letters" and concepts apply to everyone!

Lately I have been struggling in certain areas with just wanting to have the approval of everyone, and it's so not right and not realistic at all. Some of the things I've read in this book have sort of helped me to think of how God would view what I would do to "fit in." These are a couple of exerpts of some of the letters (all of these one's fit into the same theme).

You don't have to fit in.

"I know you want to be accepted by others, but you were not made to fit in. You were created to stand out. Not to draw attention to yourself, but to live the kind of life that leads others to Me. Remember, it is your choices that will pave your path to life. I will not force you to do anything. I have given you a free will to walk with Me or to walk away from Me. I want you to know that you can put on your crown at any time and let people know that you belong to Me. You have royal call on your life. I want you to remember you wear the crown of everlasting life, and through you I will do abundantly more than you would ever dare to dream. Love, Your King and Crown Giver." [Galatians 1:10]

Run to win.

"You are destined to win. I know how tired you often become, just be trying to do and say all the right things. Take that pressure off yourself, because I did not put it there. The world may judge you by what they see and hear, but I look within your heart, My child. I see your desire to please Me, and I see your struggle to please others. If you want to win this endurance race, you must let go of your need for the approval of others and seek My will and My pleasure. Simplify your life, and let go of the burdens that weigh you down. You'll find that My grace will lighten your step, and My favor will even draw others to join you. Yes, at times you will stumble and fall. But don't worry. I'm here to help you get back up again-as often as it takes. Make it your daily passion to run with Me, and I will carry you over the finish line of your faith. Together we will win! Love, Your King and your Companion." [1 Corinthians 9:24]

Freedom is a choice.

"I long to give you the keys to be free from the things that bind you and see you break through to a blessed life in Me. But your freedom is a choice...your choice. You can be totally free in Me or try to set yourself free. I promise I am the only One who can give you the life-giving keys you need and want. The keys are hidden in My Word, empowered by your prayer, and completed by the work of My Holy Spirit living in you. Choose the way, My love...choose life. Love, Your King and your Freedom." [John 8:36]

It seems that these days everyone longs to be different and yet at the same time everyone goes about doing it the same way. It is popular and "the thing to do" to rebel. That's how everyone is showing they are different. So, I've decided now that if I want to be different, it is not by doing anything rebellious, but instead living a simple life of following God. That's how we shine to be lights. And that's when people notice a true difference. Temptations still come and different struggles will always happen, but it's how we handle them that shows if we are different. This is a new step. How will you be different today?

Tip of the Day: compliment someone else :)

Dare to Dream

Dreams don't have to be defined as something that just might never happen. They can be real and true goals that you aim to reach. They don't have to be big either. Dreams can be anything as simple as hoping to get your car washed to anything as big as travelling the world!

Today as I was walking to class and enjoying the spring air and the smell of fresh cut grass, I decided that I want to try something new: longboarding. It looks like a challenge, but like so much fun! I have tried to skateboard before, and well let's be honest- it just did not go so well. I've heard longboarding is easier though than skateboarding and I am always up for trying new things, so I think why not?!

I have also always wanted to go skydiving! I don't know why because I used to be so afraid of heights, but I think the rush of it would be so much fun. Besides, how cool is it to tell people you've jumped from a plane with a parachute?!

Another thing I've always wanted to do is to ride in a hot air balloon. :) Ever since I was a little girl they have been one of the coolest things to me. I used to wake up early in the morning so I could watch them take off close to my house and watch them in the sky as the sun rose. If I did get to go on one though, I would definitely want it to be cool colors! Like yellow (happy!), red (bold!) and maybe another color or two. I actually really like this one!

The black with the bold and bright colors really stands out in the sky. And look at the view from it! How awesome would it be to see that in the morning as you are in the sky as the sun rises (or sets).

There are so many other things I would love to do someday, but these are some that have been on my mind lately! What are some of your dreams?

Tip of the Day: smile at someone. you never know who may need it most :)

.happiness.

Sometimes we all have times where we wonder why things happen to us or if they will ever get better. We all have those days where we would rather crawl under a blanket than walk out the door into the world. When I have times like that it helps me to think of different things that make me smile.

For instance, family. My family is my support, my life and most importantly my friends. They put up with our bad days and can turn our good days into the best ones.

This is my family :)

I also am reliving my days of loving nail polish! I am constantly seeing new colors of fingernails around campus everyday and am inspired to try new ones! It's just a fun way to spice up your look and your day! Right now I am wearing a pinkish-orange color and with the sun shining it makes my fingers sparkle and brings a little bit of happiness into my day!

Sunsets literally take my breath away. They make me realize that there is more to life than the little issues that so often consume me and most of our culture. When I see a beautiful sunset it makes me take a step back and want to slow life down to just enjoy the beauty.

Ice cream, dresses, and flip-flops all make me feel so light and happy. Maybe it's that summer feeling of knowing you can enjoy the sunshine in a cute outfit and eat a delicious treat! Whatever it is just makes me want to skip down the street and eat a strawberry ice cream cone.

Lastly, I think of how I am so blessed with the most amazing friends any girl could ever ask for. I mean seriously! They are always there for me no matter what time of day. We have too many crazy moments. Laughter and blonde moments are always present. And everyday I thank God for what incredible people He has put in my life.

(some of my girls, aren't they beautiful?!)

(we are the troublemaker/sitcom friends)

(there for me through it all)

I can't even begin to name all of the blessings I have in my life and all the things to be thankful for! Thinking about these things (and people) even during rough patches today has lifted my spirits so much! What kinds of things do you think about to make you happy during rough days?

{Make-a-difference}

Making a difference is all about trying to positively impact someone else's day.

These are real stories from real people and I'd love to hear from you too!

[just contact me]

Here is a list of the {Make-a-Difference} posts to date.

roommate lovin.

{Healthy You} #2 .build your body.

Many of us

[especially women]

are already thinking about summer and how to get that summer body. But that's the question--how? My mom has been asking me for a lot of advice on what kind of exercises will help her to tone her: stomach, legs. She is currently active on the tredmill and exercise bike 5 days a week and does sit-ups to help stabilize her core muscles. My dad has entered a contest to win a trip to Florida at his work for in June and

[naturally]

like every woman she has begun to think about bringing out the swimsuit and those warm-weather clothes. So I have been helping her and thought I would share some of the advice I am giving her with you! Here is my mom:

[lovin' the baggy sweats!]

So the first thing my mom is wanting to do

[and for you too!]

is working on her legs. A good workout for your legs will include some type of movement like walking, running or being on an elliptical. This will help strengthen and tone your quads (thighs), gluts (butt), and calves.

Biking is also good for strengthening your quads and for toning your inner legs

[which is one of my mom's goals].

Next, lunges are a great way to get great legs and a "bikini butt." Make sure when you do a lunge that you keep your knee behind your toe in order to avoid damaging anything in your knee. You can either do a standing lunge where you just stand there and bring your leg forward and go down then bring the leg back and switch to the other leg, or you can do walking lunges where you continue to do them while moving forward like you are walking.

Other leg workouts that are not pictured include squats, side squats, wall sits, calve raises. Also, by increasing your intensity it will work those legs harder.

If you are looking to work on your abs

[another goal of my mother's]

then try doing crunches. Avoid doing full on sit-ups because they can damage your back and you are only actually working your abs for the first 1/3 of the time you are coming up. Only come up until your shoulder blades are off the ground then go back down to the floor. You can either keep your hands behind your ears

[do not interlace your fingers]

or you can leave your arms straight out.

Next is the bicycle crunch. Bring alternating elbows and knees together to work those abs baby!

Another ab workout and arm workout is a push-up. People usually hate push-ups

[I know what you're thinking]

but they are really useful for building strength in your arms and for stabilizing your core. Make sure to keep your back straight the whole time in order to get the best results.

Other ab workouts that are not pictured include the plank, leg lifts, using a ball and doing sit-ups on it.

So I know this is not some full body extraordinary workout but you won't believe what a difference that some of these make. Make sure to increase your intensity every month or so, that way your body doesn't plateau. Staying physically fit can be a challenge for most people, but a lot of these exercises don't even require equipment. If you don't have access to a tredmill, then go on a walk outside.

[If it's cold then bundle up! You might even walk faster and burn more calories!]

You have lots of time, don't stress out! You are well on your way to getting that summer body!

ps. I will keep you posted on my mom's progress!