TEEPLES

Just a few years ago, I had no idea what self-care was. I viewed it as something I would feel guilty about doing. I didn't understand that in order to recharge and keep my emotions in check, I had to take a step back. Taking time off for me just sounded selfish. I felt I needed to be busy and just go, go, go. My perception of self-care suddenly changed cour years ago.  Four years ago I joined a 12 step support group for spouses of addicts. I learned why it was necessary to practice self-care and how. When I am feeling run down, empty, and/or unhappy, that's the time I need to take a step back and take care of myself spiritually, emotionally and physically. For me, exercise has become my favorite form of self-care. Why? Because it helps melt my stress and worries away and I always feel great afterward. I gain a sense of accomplishment. Exercise for me has become about strength and health and less about looking fit. I have been weight lifting at home for the last five year

It's been nine years since I last blogged. Nine years of so many changes and additions to my family. Bentley was born in January 2010 and made me a mom. He is such a great kid and loves to be creative. Penelope joined our family in October 2011. I was so excited to have a daughter and she continues to be my little best friend. Piper then decided to join us and was born in February 2014. She is such a spunky, independent little girl. She's so much fun to be around. Lastly, my baby Marissa completed our family in September 2015. She has tried my patience so many times but she's also a mama's girl and loves to cuddle me. Since that last blog post in October 2010, we have moved twice. We lived in Springville for about 7 years and our house got a little too small for our growing family. In 2014, after Piper was born, we moved to Spanish Fork. We lived in that home for three and a half years. I loved that home! We renovated from top to bottom. It was a painful process fil