I just got back from my nephew's 7th bday party. My Mom and sister both say they're coming to cheer for me next weekend! My sister will bring a camera, so we'll get some shots from the end, at least.

I gave my nephew two 3# dumbells and a small exercise ball. He and my niece love to bounce around and play on the ball when they're here, and one day my nephew discovered my free weights. He really got into them! I hoped his folks wouldn't mind--they were surprised and amused. He pulled the first dumbell out of the bag, smiled, looked at me, and said, "I bet this is from you!"

I am so happy that they will know me as their fun, athletic aunt, instead of their depressed, fat aunt with the mean partner. They may hear stories of the bad old days, but that's not how they'll think of me.