...today in pictures...

All new gluten free baking ingredients! Time to make the donuts!

Donuts ready for baking

Only a little messy, and they were delicious!

Off to City Museum to celebrate Matt's birthday

City Museum = an adult jungle gym. If you go, wear knee pads!

Andy and JJ trying the rope swing

The climb!

All animals love Andy!

Matt, it's your birthday, you can wear sandals if you want to.
(Though we don't recommend it!)

Teeny, tiny spaces

The ball bit - enter at your own risk!

Down the super speedy slide

Braving the Monster Slide

Also braving the 10-Story Slide

Honestly I think this man could be a model! What's he doing with me?!

Super great time!

Afterwards, we met more friends for dinner at 5 Star Burger (best in STL) and they polished off the rest of the gluten free donuts, exclaiming, They're so good! It was a packed but fabulous day!

Hope yours was as well!

For more info on City Museum, click here.

For more info on 5 Star Burger, click here.

...naps...

Remember when your mom used to say that one day you'd long to take a nap? Little did you know then, she was so right!

After spending the week dodging giant machines and living, eating and sleeping in our bedroom, I have developed a bit of cabin fever. I've been staying up late into the night, dancing in the small confines of our room, only to crash in the wee small hours of the morning. Sadly, my body still wants to wake up at 6am, which has made me one overly exhausted little lady.

So today, I took a nap, simply because, I can.

I took a nap for the first time mom who is rocking her newborn late into the night in a feeble attempt to induce sleep.

I took a nap for the dad who lays awake at night worrying about and praying for his teenage children and their future.

I took a nap for the teacher who spends her weekends grading papers and reading reports.

I took a nap for little kids that are too tired to fall asleep, or too excited exploring life to care about sleep.

I took a nap for the single parent working two part time jobs to create a better life and opportunity for his/her kids.

I took a nap for the doctors, firemen, police officers and emergency workers who dedicate long hours to taking care of others.

I took a nap for all of us - and it was glorious!

Seize the moment while it's yours!

Who did I leave off this list? Feel free to add them below.

...the path not taken...

Friday, April 25

According to my parents, "Monkey See, Monkey Do" was my favorite toy as a child. I remember it well. This thick piece of cardboard, shaped like a monkey, whose sides would rotate, changing the monkey's face from happy, to sad, to scared, etc. In the middle of the monkey's tummy was a mirror so that you could check and make sure you were making the correct face. Apparently, I would enjoy this for hours, as would my family watching me.

I'm not sure if it was in my nature, or if this toy was nurturing something in me, but I was bitten with the acting bug quite early. I love acting! Stepping into someone else's shoes helps me to see and appreciate others, and myself, a bit more.

Tonight, my nephew, Jonathan, took to the stage as the White Rabbit in St. Charles High School's production of Alice in Wonderland. He was spectacular! One aspect about his performance that really stood out was his facial expressions. Such a cute face! I was so proud!

As a whole, the group was magnificent! I loved the energy and enthusiasm that the students infused into their characters. The set was creative and the costumes and make up were just stunning. Just unbelievably stunning.

And it brought back all these wonderful memories...

As Penny in You Can't Take It With You, I had to revamp a scene during a live performance so that I could chase and capture the kittens that had somehow escaped their box and were creeping around the stage.

As the make up artist for Auntie Mame, I poured over how-to books and practiced on myself and unsuspecting friends to hilarious results.

As Anita in West Side Story, I can still feel the stage crew rolling out the makeshift bedroom onto a darkened stage and spinning it out to the audience as the spot hit my face and I sang "Anita's gonna get her kicks tonight..." while pulling on a black, sheer thigh-hi stocking.

As Diane in Unspoken for Time, the turbulent emotions of trying to put myself in the place of someone who had been molested left me so disturbed, that I regularly ran back to my dorm room from the theatre.

As the Assistant Director for Harvey, I loved helping the actors craft their characters, offering ideas and taking notes.

As a hotbox girl in Guys and Dolls, I couldn't help but adore learning to dance those complex routines while singing my heart out to silly songs in amazing costumes that I simply didn't want to take off.

But mostly, as I watched Jonathan surrounded by friends that have ultimately become family to him, I was reminded of the people...all those wonderful people with whom I've shared a stage, with whom I've chatted in green rooms waiting for cues, with whom I have spent countless hours rehearsing, building sets, being fitted for costumes, those people who have helped to shape how I view myself and the world around me. And I missed it...

It's these moments that make me wonder...did I choose the wrong path? Should I have gone to a different college? Did I let my fear guide me? Is it possible to hop onto a path if we've missed the fork in the road? Would I really be happier doing something else?

Do you ever have feelings like this? How do you address them?

...no guarantees...

Thursday, April 24

The restoration company came again on Wednesday to review where we stood and give us an estimate moving forward. With the cost of repairs coming in at just under $10,000, Andy and I decided we needed to make a homeowner's claim, so I called our insurance company today to begin the paperwork.

I almost threw up when she told me she needed to review our homeowner's policy to see if we were covered for this particular incident.

I texted Andy with the news. We were both so shocked and discouraged that we didn't know how to respond. I paced around the house, frustrated, unsure how I would handle this situation. Should I call the restoration company and tell them to pick up their equipment immediately? How would Andy and I put our torn up house back together? I like house projects, but this is way beyond my scope.

There are no guarantees in life. We can plan and prepare to the best of our ability, but there will be times when we cannot fully protect ourselves from misfortune. When faced with moments like this, one must decide where, or in whom, they will choose to place their trust.

Within 20 minutes, she called back, happy to report that this incident was covered, we had called the right company, and they would take care of it from here. I teared up, so immensely relieved...and thankful.

Life is notoriously unfair. I do not deserve a roof over my head, a job, or food on the table anymore than the next hard working man or woman. I need to remember to be thankful for what I have, and generous with what I've been given.

...being content...

Several years ago, I sat amidst a small group of women who took time out of their daily lives to gather together and encourage one another.

On this particular evening, one woman began to cry, because she wasn't married and she longed for a husband.

Soon after, another started crying because she was married and was having marital problems.

A while later, another woman began crying because she and her husband were having trouble conceiving.

By the end of the evening, another woman was crying because she was married with kids.

While this might seem like a silly parable, it actually happened.  I'll never forget driving home that night with the words "be content in all circumstances" ringing through my ears. That phrase was fleshed out for me that evening, and I understood it like I never had before.

Over the years, I've seen this phrase play itself out in the lives of friends and acquaintances, providing sweet peace or intense unrest. Though my life is not what I expected, with it's ups and downs and disappointments, I'm not sure that I would love any other life as much as I love this one.

Could it be that the secret to being content in all circumstances is a choice, a choice that we have the power to make, a choice that no one can make for us, a choice that no one can rip from our hands, no matter what the circumstances?

Is contentedness calling you? How will you choose to answer?

...power tools...

They are terrifying! They make loud noises, they can be uncontrollable, and they could maim and/or kill you! Though I'm pretty skilled with a drill, I've never used power power tools. All that changed today.

My father-in-law loves to build things, and he's always coming up with helpful ideas and plans to make our home and garden a better place.

Last summer he told me about a plan he had to build a step flower box for our patio. Unable to envision his grand design, and not sure where it would go, I put him off until this year. When I mentioned that I was interested in hearing more, he became so excited that he drew up some plans and emailed them to me. They are incredibly detailed and impressive, and once I knew what it looked like, I was on board.

I like using my hands to build and create things, and I really wanted this to be an adventure, since I had never done anything like it before. My father-in-law did take some convincing, though, since he was so excited to get to work. Thankfully, he was able to wait a bit for me so that he could teach me a few tricks of the trade.

I arrived right after my morning teaching hours and he set me to work.  He had special gloves with my name on them and protective eye wear just for me, which was good because I wasn't prepared for all the flying wood chips and sawdust. He took his time patiently teaching me how to drill holes for nails, how to use differing drill bits and mini saws to create handles, showing me how to use air powered tools like sanders, and supervising my use of the table saw.

We took a break to have lunch with my mother-in-law, and she and I got to chatting while he went back into the garage and kept working. All in all, I put together three of the boxes before I had to run off back to work for afternoon lessons.

I left their house feeling refreshed and so happy. I'm so thankful for my in-laws. They have raised an amazing son, and they have welcomed me into their family with open arms.

It was a perfect afternoon with wonderful company. And you know what? I'm not as intimidated by power tools anymore.

After I went back to work, my father-in-law finished the flower box and sent me pictures. He even painted the base green. Pretty awesome, huh?

Looks like I'm ready to start planting! How have you been celebrating Earth Day?

...enjoying the ride...

This.

...and this.

...and this.















(Our carpet is floating two inches off the ground...which reminds of something a student said this past week. I'll tell you in a bit!)

Furiously making calls, patiently (ha!) waiting for people, listening to experts explain our situation, trying to comprehend what they were saying...these were the only adventures I had time for today.

It's obviously been a long weekend. When asked why we thought this happened, Andy's blue response was, "Because things were going too well."

Yes, this certainly does feel like a setback...

And though I wouldn't have chosen this adventure, I've learned so much more about my home and what it means to be a homeowner. Our new, noisy house guests (the fans and dehumidifiers) are staying for the next 3-4 days. We'll have to see how the week progresses.

Back to my student.

Sometimes I use a parachute in class to show form, to experience rhythm and to, you know, have general fun. This past Saturday, a four year old boy announced, "I'm not afraid of the flying parachute anymore, Ms. Sharon, because I know how to not fall off."

He leaned in close and whispered, "I learned how in my dream."

Aren't kids amazing?

Go dream about flying parachutes, friends. Be bold and brave in your pursuits! Learn how to not fall off! See how high it will take you!

But most importantly, enjoy the ride! No matter how bumpy it might get. 

...Easter weekend...

Friday night I went to St. John's Lutheran to see their Stations of the Cross production. Paintings depicting the last hours of Christ were displayed on a giant screen, and actors posed in the same manner as the painting while a narrator read the story. It was interesting, but I wasn't moved. In fact, I left early. There were other factors, of course, but I am rarely left unaffected by stories of Jesus.

I wondered, do I know this story so well that I am no longer stirred by it?

I came home, the song Say Something running through my mind and heart, wondering why Jesus didn't say something when accused, wondering why God doesn't say something to me now, and I was unable to put thoughts and feelings into words, so I went to bed with the intention of waking early to write that evening's blog post.

When I awoke on Saturday, I heard an immense amount of dripping water and ran through the house trying to find the source. Sadly, the toilet tank in the bathroom on our main floor had cracked in the middle of the night and as water drained out onto the floor and leaked through the floors and into our lower level, the tank dutifully would refill itself when the water got too low.

My adventure over the past 36 hours, besides a few hours working and a few hours spent with family to celebrate Easter, has been trying to figure out how to dry the carpet in our lower level. I have been standing on dry towels until they are soaked with water, then putting them in the dryer, and then repeating the process once the towels were dry again. There are fans and dehumidifiers working over time to try to dry up the water before our house begins to mildew and mold.

It's been discouraging, frustrating, annoying, and irritating, and it's certainly not the the way I wanted to spend the weekend.

Then this evening, I spent some time with this guy. Matt's a dear friend, and his playing and accompanying as I sang really lifted my spirits. We practiced Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (which is what we're going to sing at the recital this year) and laughed at our British accent attempts. Anyone have any good suggestions for developing a great British accent?

When we weren't singing or playing, we were chatting about our futures, about change, and about where we hoped we would be in the next few years. If you have a moment, would you encourage him? I would love to see him pursue his goals, and sometimes I think we all need a cheerleader, don't you?

Do you need a cheerleader? How can I cheer you on this week?

...numbers...

Today, two very important adventures came to a close.

Back on October 17, 2013, I joined Club Fitness and started a boot camp with trainer, Nora, and a few other ladies. Today was my last day.

Boot camp was such a blast! Nora is firm, but fun, and her exercises always kept us on our toes and left our bodies aching in the best way. And it was such a pleasure to spend Tuesday and Thursday afternoons with my classmates. So silly, hardworking, encouraging, commiserating, and thoughtful. As an example: They set aside their pride and came out into the main workout area to sing Happy Birthday to Andy. They are a special crew and I'll miss them!

Because of boot camp, I can now do 15 regular pushups three times in a row and can hold a plank for 2 minutes. I am much stronger, and I have that ever elusive bicep bump. (I've always longed for bicep bumps!)

Today also brings my 10 day detox to a close!

After an unsuccessful start, I buckled down and committed to the program, and I don't regret it. While the first few days were the most difficult, it has gotten progressively easier to not crave cheese, ice cream, milk, sugary treats, and bread (okay, I sort of miss bread.) When my students gave me Easter candy this week, I brought it all home to Andy, and I don't feel like I'm missing out. That's pretty impressive for me, the sugar addict.

Through time and research, I've learned tons of new recipes for new dishes that I absolutely love! I'm no longer tired in the middle of the day and my mind isn't bored and restless. But most importantly, my body learned the difference between a craving and real hunger. It's been a fascinating ride.

While I begin a transition stage tomorrow, I'm not sure that I want to go back. I love how I feel right now. I'll keep you posted as to where I go from here.

So, drumroll please...

In the past 6 months, I've lost 12.4 pounds and 8.5 inches. (Only 3.4 pounds of that was from the detox. The rest was hard work.) My body fat percentage is down 4.4 points and my BMI is down 2.2 points. I'm not sure where it all came off because when I look in the mirror I look the same, but I'm delighted the numbers say otherwise.

There are adventures that will seem daunting in the beginning. You won't believe that you'll make it through the week much less to your goal. Don't let that deter you. Just begin. Then take each day as it comes. I guarantee you'll find that you are stronger and more capable than you know.

ps. Thank you for all the encouragement along the way. You kept me strong! I hope I can do the same for you someday.

...disc golf...

Andy has recently picked up a new hobby - frisbee (or disc) golf.

He has been endlessly researching the best discs, going to countless sporting goods stores to look at what they have, and ordering his products online. He has read articles and watched YouTube videos about how to become a better player. And he has practiced, even inside the house, chipping some wall paint in the process. I don't mind. I'm just so happy he's found his own hobby to enjoy.

It was a beautiful spring day! The bright, fresh, neon green of spring was just beginning to poke itself out of the bare tree limbs, fragile flowers were popping up in all kinds of unsuspecting places, and the birds were sweetly singing to each other...and to us. The wind played delicately with my hair as we traipsed through field and forest. And Andy patiently tried to teach me how to play, cheering me on even as my frisbee would sail high into the air, drop to it's side and roll, roll, roll down the hill.

So peaceful, so picturesque, so perfect.

I've always loved the blues and greens of spring!

She's smiling!

The wind-up!

In motion

Not where you want your disc to end up.

Love this pic

Days like these are few. Sometimes we can get so caught up in admiring them, that we forget to enjoy them. I hope there are many days for you to enjoy this week! Maybe you'll want to try disc golf. If so, my husband would be happy to show you the ropes. Just ask!

For more information on disc golf, click here.

...sharon the builder...

Hey, dad! Look what I built!

Andy and I bought this beautiful antique map last year in the hopes of framing it and putting it on our bedroom wall. There's something thrilling about a map. All those places, each unique and beautiful in it's own way. I want to see it all! We'd like to keep track of all the places we have been and all the places we want to go, with pictures and other memorabilia surrounding it. Last summer I took it to a local framing store and was completely taken aback at the cost. I even had a coupon! With it being so far out of our price range, I decided to start investigating other alternatives.

I decided the best thing would be for me to build a simple frame myself, and I really felt I could do it. But as the months passed, and I couldn't map it out visually in my mind, the map and the wood pieces were relegated and hidden in the second bedroom out of sight. When my adventure for today fell through, I decided it was time to do this thing!

So this afternoon I dug around our storage area for a miter saw (notice how it's powered only by my muscles!) I pulled out the tape measure and took many, many measurements. I screwed up the measurements. I got frustrated and stopped for a while. I ate lunch. I refused to give up. I looked up a video on YouTube. I figured out what I had done incorrectly. I fixed my mistakes. I went to the local hardware store and sought directions for the next step. I bought the suggested product. I went home and glued it all together. I laid it out on the patio and, as I brushed on the stain, the glued pieces began to break apart. I sighed and re-glued them to the best of my ability and finished the stain. I waited the appropriate amount of time for the stain to sink in (while painting my own nails, I might add) and then I wiped it all off. Then, I rushed off to work. When I got home from work today, I picked up my frame and laid it against the retaining wall...and it looks great! (though it was dark outside.) 

What a learning experience! I learned that I get a little too excited too quickly and jump head first into a project before I know exactly what I'm doing. I learned that if I don't do that, I hesitate until I'm confident it will all be perfect (which is never - that's why this has been on my to-do list for a year.) I learned that errors can be corrected and it's not the end of the world. I learned that I don't have to give up in the middle or throw in the towel when I make a mistake, and that even if it's not perfect, I'm going to love it! 

And I learned that I can build a giant picture frame by myself with my bare hands! My dad would be so proud!

Is there something that you need to get done? What's holding you back?

...42...

April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson made his major league baseball debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was the first black man to sign with a major league ball club, and he is credited with breaking the baseball color barrier. The 2013 movie, 42, tells the story of this tumultuous year.

I had borrowed the movie from our local library months ago, but the copy was so scratched it wouldn't play. I completely forgot to reorder it, so when I happened to see it on a shelf, I quickly scooped it up.

While I knew the gist of the story, I didn't know any details. As I watched, I was struck by his courage, his determination, and his hard work. I was impressed with his ability to bear under the weight of those pressures so successfully. But mostly, I was awed by his honorable and classy demeanor in the face of such overwhelming opposition.

Instead of retaliating, he rose above the ugliness and hate by proving himself on the field time and time again.

We will all face opposition in our lives, some a tremendous amount more than most. But for each of us, it is how we choose to respond to it that will determine how we will be remembered.

Today, baseball teams all around the nation will honor Jackie Robinson by wearing the retired number 42.

How will you be remembered?

...choices...

Could it be that, no matter which path we chose to pursue, we might still have found the opportunity to regret?

Whenever I'm faced with a difficult time in my life, that voice begins echoing in my mind. You know the one. “If you had done this, you wouldn't be here.” “If you had done that, your life would be different.” If, if, if... Each one filled with a false promise that could never bear up under the weight of reality.

Today's adventure was an utter bust. I was given gobs of misinformation, was hit on and gawked at while desperately seeking my destination. I wasn't given any straight answers and when I tried to rearrange my plan and make the best out it, even my rearrangement didn't work out. Grrr!

I was irritated, to say the least. But as I look over my day, perhaps that wasn't where I was meant to be. Maybe I was supposed to be at home when Andy woke up in the middle of the day, excited about his own adventures and wanting to tell me about them. Maybe I was supposed to spend the afternoon with my sweetheart, running silly errands, making dinner and watching a movie.

And I wondered, what would happen if we began to view the place where we are as the “right” place, no matter what or where that place might be? That somehow, we managed to get there despite all our wrong choices, whether you believe that to be through divine intervention or dumb luck? What would change? Would we?

...a good day...

Research. That's been most of my days this week. There simply wasn't much worth sharing.

But here is some great news:

1. I have made it to Day 6 of this detox! This sugar junkie has not touched the stuff for five days straight. If you know me, you know that that's pretty impressive. And if I can do this, anyone can. 

So I've been endlessly researching gluten, refined sugars, natural sugars, agave, coconut oil, etc and the foods that I may or may not be able to eat when I step beyond this detox and into real life. I might feel differently five days from now, but after some serious conversations, Andy and I both feel that moderation is the key. We've started to plan healthier options for the future and have been excited about some new recipes, but I'm pretty sure I'll be eating sugar again, just not in the same daily doses. I'll keep you posted!

2. I have (finally) settled on my garden for summer 2014!

It's taken me some time, and I know I'm late to the game, but any moment spent not researching foods was spent researching flowers, vegetables and herbs or cleaning up and setting up the patio for the summer. I'm so excited! This is the first time that I've put so much thought and planning into this garden, going to garden centers and speaking with professionals and then coming home and researching even more. I got online and found a few different sites where you can plan out your garden, though my favorite is still the paper and pencil method. My father-in-law has lovingly agreed to help me with some of the construction (yes, construction) and I can't wait to get started. Hopefully I'll be regaling you with delightful stories next week. 

3. Remember this post and this post? 

I got an email today saying that, while I wasn't one of the big winners, my picture was chosen as one of the top 250 and will be displayed in a slide show at the exhibition opening at the Sheldon on Friday, June 6 and throughout the run of the show. They didn't tell me which picture it was, so I'll be surprised at the reception on June 6. Not being a photographer, it was an exciting and encouraging email to receive. 

Sometimes, just putting ourselves out there a little bit opens the door for wonderful things to happen. 

So, this week, I dare you! I dare you to go out there and try something you've never attempted before! Who knows what might happen!

It's been a good day, and a good week for that matter. I hope yours has been just as wonderful!

(ps. Becky and Julia, guess where I went today!)

...urban safari...

Did you know that a zebra's stripes are as unique as a fingerprint? I didn't, until today when Andy and I strolled around the St. Louis Zoo.

The St. Louis Zoo is one of the top in the nation. They are consistently trying to add new features and update old ones so as to make for the best experience for the animals and for the masses viewing them. And it is completely free to the public. 

I'm still unsure of zoos. Many moons ago I went to the zoo and walked around to the big cats and saw the lion. He came out to the center of his habitat, turned his back on the crowd and sat down. There was something defiant in that action, as if he knew and he wanted us to know he knew. Afterward, I felt sad and confused and didn't go back for a long time. 

As we drove toward Forest Park I asked Andy his thoughts on the subject. His response: Should we not cage dogs or cats in our house? It's a fair question. I'm not sure how much my thoughts have changed on the subject, but I'm thankful to be able to see animals that I would otherwise not have an opportunity to appreciate. They are truly majestic creatures, deserving honor, kindness and respect. And I feel that the St. Louis Zoo is very good to its tenants. 

We past by the lions and tigers and bears (I'm not kidding!) and we stopped to admire the prairie dogs (Andy's favorite) and the zebras.

But my favorite and the reason we went, was to walk through the sea lion tunnel. Newly established in the last few years, it was the first time that Andy and I had an opportunity to walk through it. And it was marvelous!

The sea lions were gliding through the water, back and forth, up and down, right side up and upside down. Kids giggled and gawked while parents took pictures. Grownups trying to "speak" to the sea lions through barks. The sunlight glistening through the water creating a beautiful effect across the tunnel, and us. Watching them swim struck something in me.

They swam with abandon. There was no need to worry about a predator attack, there was no urgency to find food. It was as if to feel the water against their skin was their greatest pleasure. They seemed relaxed, content. As if they were doing what they were intended to do all along. Simply swim and enjoy and be themselves.

We paused for many minutes and observed them, both inside and outside the tunnel. And I considered my life, and if I was doing what I was intended to do. And what would that even look like? And, if I was exactly where I was supposed to be, would I know it?

Would you?

For more information on the St. Louis Zoo, click here.

...ch-ch-ch-chia...

Do you remember smearing those little black seeds all over some terracotta animal head and watching the "hair" grow? Well apparently we're supposed to be eating those seeds now. Yum!

Unflinching at the memory of yesterday's failure, I woke up early today and made another smoothie, this one with kiwi, avocado, lime juice, ice, water and ... chia seeds. I soaked the chia seeds a mere five minutes before scooping them into the mixture and, once it was all mixed, sipped it through a straw, thanks to the suggestion of some friends. It wasn't half bad!

Thus began my "winning" day. I ate all the right foods at all the right times, I sweat out toxins in boot camp, and most importantly, I haven't eaten any processed sugar, gluten or dairy all day!

While I might not be hungry, I'm desperately craving sugar. My sugar withdrawal was most obvious when, after dinner, Andy ate a piece of candy and I couldn't stop kissing him. He just tasted so good!

This will definitely be more of a challenge than I was expecting, which is why I'm thankful for you. In fact, today I fried up some bacon because I just wanted to eat something that wasn't a vegetable, but I knew I'd have to own up to you this evening, so I put them in the fridge for Andy to eat. Y'all are great motivators! (I did lick my fingers, though...wouldn't you?)

Truly, the Blood Sugar Solution is a fascinating read. Is it possible that we have put certain chemicals in our bodies that don't want to let go of us? That remain in our system and cause all kinds of problems in the here and hereafter? It's an issue worth investigating and considering with more than just a passing thought.

I'm interested to see what, if anything, changes in me over the next two weeks. I've heard these urban legends of barren women getting pregnant after "detoxifying" themselves...perhaps I'm being overly hopeful.

But...can one ever "over hope?"

...10 day detox...

After seeing a television interview with Dr. Mark Hyman about our culture's addiction to sugar, I reserved his book "The Blood Sugar Solution: 10 Day Detox" at our local library. I tested a few of his theories on myself and quickly realized that I, too, am addicted to sugar. (I'm sure anyone of my close friends could have told you that.)

Oh, how I love sugar!

But my mom is a type 1 diabetic. My niece is a type 1 diabetic. Andy's dad is a type 1 diabetic. And my dear, sweet, handsome husband is a type 1 diabetic. Though I long to have little Andrews running around our home, it might be better if we don't reproduce. With these genes, our kiddos would be doomed.

I'm becoming more aware that I need to be proactive about my families health, thus the book and the events that transpired today.

I didn't want to not eat ice cream cake on Andy's big birthday, and I couldn't miss out on Dewey's pizza at pizza school. Plus, Monday is the best day to start any "diet" program, so I decided that my detox would begin today. This structured program, with different recipes for each day, convinced me that I could succeed. Don't eat sugar, gluten or dairy for 10 days. Easy peasy! Or so I thought...

I started the day off with an almond/strawberry shake. I had picked up all the ingredients and prepared them the night before, including putting the flax seeds and other nuts in water so that the "enzymes could be released." I cheerfully jaunted into the kitchen this morning, looking forward to my "smoothie." It didn't take long to realize that the nut/flax seed mixture had all congealed together into one gelatinous glob. I poked it a few times, I was so surprised.

Undeterred, I dumped it, the frozen strawberries, the almond butter, the ice, and the avocado into the blender and mushed it all up until I thought it looked smooth. I dumped it into a cup, swished it around and stared at it for a few seconds before lifting the mug to my lips.

The only thing more challenging than not breathing in when I tried to sip it, was trying to swallow. It was oddly thick, and I felt it necessary to chew before swallowing. It certainly didn't taste like any smoothie I've ever had. I only drank about an inch down the cup.

When I got home, I realized that in my haste and excitement I had forgotten to add the ginger and cinnamon. I'm sure those would have made all the difference. (Hopefully, you read my sarcasm.) I had intended to make a cauliflower/asparagus soup, but I was so hungry by the time I got home that I immediately ate the leftover pizza in the fridge. Sigh.

I failed. But if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

And so I shall. And, don't worry, everybody, I made sure to eat all the pizza leftovers so that this won't happen again tomorrow.

I hope you are so much more successful in all you attempt this week! But if not, show yourself a little grace, and then try, try again. I know you can do it!

...class is in session...

We've been anxiously awaiting this day!

Last month, pizza school was rescheduled due to inclement weather. This date has been burning a hole on our calendar.

I love Dewey's Pizza! I think it has some of the best pizza in the St. Louis area, or anywhere for that matter. And when Andy told me that they were holding a mini "pizza making class," I jumped at the chance to attend.

We walked into the little restaurant, which was closed down for this special event, and took our place a small table by the windows. A kind waitress took our drink orders, and we were called back to the kitchen.

We donned our aprons, washed our hands, and took our place in front of the dough tossing window for all to see. A pizza expert shared the secrets of a perfectly crafted crust and taught us how to toss the dough through the air.

We were passed onto another person who walked us through all the toppings (oh so many toppings!) If you ever do this, take our advice: There is such a thing as too much cheese on pizza.

After our pizzas were finished, we were ushered back into the dining area, where we nibbled on salad before our pizzas were delivered to our table.

This was a wonderful activity! We had so much fun being creative with pizza! Though there is a cost, it includes your 13” pizza masterpiece, salad, drinks and a fun memory, and every penny goes to help that day's specific organization.

All the proceeds from today will go to Camp Rainbow, a group that serves children with cancer and blood-related diseases by providing them with an authentic camping experience in a safe environment. Andy and I would encourage everyone to participate in the next pizza making event. We might even want to join you!

For more information about Camp Rainbow, click here. For more information about the DewMoreDeweysPizza Organization, click here.