scraps of me...

Lift like a man...

Look like a goddess.

Well...I'm far from a goddess,

but I do love this book.

 

It has changed the way I'm working out.

I tend to get really bored doing cardio day after day. Yet, when I do some "toning" I tend to float around the gym not really sure what to do. Lower body? Upper body? A little of both? Do I use the machines? Dumbells? And what in the world do I do with those big huge bouncy balls?

Should I be keeping track of what I'm doing? How much weight and how many reps?

This book answered all those questions.

Right now, I'm in the beginning phase. There's two workouts that I alternate. I lift weights 3 days a week, and if I can get to the gym more than that, then I do cardio on my off days.

I have structure. A schedule. I like it!

And while I'm still not eating exactly what I should be eating...

At least I feel like I'm doing something productive in the gym. My muscles are sore. every where. for many days. It's a good feeling.

And I'm hoping after a few more weeks, I'll be able to see a difference...if not on the scale...then at least in the way my clothes are fitting.

But for now...this cute little picture Kaitlin drew (while playing pictionary jr. last week) is hanging on the fridge and keeping me motivated.

I am a weight lifter.

Good Enough...

I have so much I want to blog about...mostly as a result of the "Girl's Day" Erin and I had last Saturday. I feel such a jumble of thoughts and ideas floating around in my head...but I'll try to sort it out so it'll make sense.

I think the Proverbs 31 devotional I received in my inbox today has helped the sorting process. It helped me simplify things. To see things in a new light.

The devotional was all about fighting the instinct to give up right before crossing the finish line. Completing what you start. Not settling for "good enough". Not living with mediocrity.

Like putting the laundry away instead of just piling it on your dresser.
Like loading the dishwasher as your day goes on instead of waiting until the sink is overflowing.

I quickly realized that I've been saying "That's good enough." for far too long. No wonder I feel like I get nothing accomplished. No wonder I feel like my "work" is never done. No wonder I feel like a failure too often.

For me, personally...it means...

finishing this weight loss journey I've been on for the past few years.

working on my "Projects to Conquer" list that's grown way too long.

finishing our school year strong and not getting lazy with our lessons.

staying focused and not allowing the computer, tv, or phone calls to distract me from what I should be doing.

making the time to have an intimate relationship with Christ in every area of my life instead of just in the "important" or "big" areas.

choosing to keep my priorities in their proper places.

changing my good intentions (which I have a lot of) into action.

This summer is going to fly by. I want to make everyday count. I want to play and have fun. I want to make memories. I want to push myself past mediocrity. I want more.

I'm still not sure exactly what my plan is to accomplish all of this...but I'm willing to try. Starting today. Doing something.

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me,
if only I may FINISH the race
and COMPLETE the task the Lord Jesus has given me..."
Acts 20:24 (NIV)

Anytime...

Anytime Fitness openend in Guthrie a few months ago.

I bit the bullet and joined just a few weeks ago.

I get up by 4:30 a.m. I'm there by 4:45 a.m. I'm back home by 6 a.m. so Troy can leave for work. I repeat this Monday through Friday...usually taking one morning off.

I've been trying to squeeze a workout in on Saturday and/or Sunday as well. But I don't get up THAT early on the weekends. :)

I love it!

I love that I can go anytime...24/7. I love that all the equipment is new. I love that I can get away and simply focus on myself during that time...laundry, house cleaning, kids stuff...all of it forgotten for just a little while. I love that there's rarely anyone there that early in the morning. And I really do love to sweat...in a weird way.

I start on the bike. I wish I could do the treadmill, but my ankles tend to protest when I do.

I do about 30 minutes of cardio, then a bit of strength training, doing upper and lower body on alternating days. My brother-in-law, Andy (Erin's hubby) has been great and showing me how the different machines and stuff work.

I got bored on the bike after the first week and decided to try the stair-master thingie. (Anybody know what this is 'officially' called?)

I was ready to die after 2 minutes. I stuck it out for 5. I still don't know how. I stepped off of it, happily...and stepped onto my legs that felt like jello. It was pathetic.

But the next day, I did another 5 minutes. And it was easier.

After a week, I did 10 minutes.

This morning....15!!!

I'm so excited. I'm determined to beat this thing! I want to do 30+ minutes on it.

Why? Because I like the burn. I like the sweat. I like the fact that I burn more than double the calories that I do on the boring bike. It's a challenge. One I'm going to conquer.   

So even though I haven't really been been eating right, I've still lost about 2 pounds so far.

My goals this coming week...

1. Do 20 minutes on the beast. :)

2. Get my snack attacks under control.

**Do you go to the gym?**
**What's your favorite cardio workout?**
**What are your goals this week?**

Sugar Fast

For a few weeks...or maybe even for a month...before the kids went to Branson, I noticed a bad habit forming in our family.

The habit was named SUGAR!

"Mommy, Can we have a piece of candy after lunch?"
(this was asked at 9 am)

"Can I have a popsicle for snack?"

"Can we have some gum after dinner?"

"How about ice cream? Can we have some for our bedtime snack?"

"Can we? Can We? CAN WE???"

It was getting out of control.

And Troy, who typically does the grocery shopping, was coming home with more and more treats, especially in the form of oreos. Cakesters. Double-stuffed. And I'm sure that the fudge dipped ones were going to be next.

And remember, this was right before Easter. So I can't mention our treats without mentioning jelly beans and reese's eggs as well.

Who do you think was eating all of this junk though? me. If it's here, why not nibble on it? Even if it does ruin every drop of exercise I did manage to squeeze into my day.

So...
I declared a Sugar Fast for our family. I kindly waited until after the holiday and after the kids' vacation.

Yesterday, it began.

Now, I'm not being super-strict about it...yes, they can have a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on their toast. I'm not reading every label on every box or can. But the treats are no-more.

Surprisingly, the kids seem to be doing okay with it.

I found myself in the kitchen pantry and fridge a few times yesterday...just browsing...not even really hungry...just from the HABIT. I either walked out with a piece of fruit or empty-handed. Either way, it's a good thing.

Troy...well...I didn't really get to see him much yesterday. He worked last night as well...but he did make a comment on facebook. Something along the lines of "ME WANT COOKIE!!"

hee hee.

We'll see how the rest of the week goes, but as for me...I'm actually enjoying the lack of sugary treats...and constant "Can we's?" from the kids.

02.20.2009

Wow. What a week it's been. cr-a-zeee!

I'm a homebody...a hermit, if you want to call it that.

This week, I've been on the go so much more than I like to be. It's left me feeling a bit behind and frazzled.

I'm so thankful there's not much on the calendar for next week. :)

Anyway...here's some random bits from our week...

• Austin made a bird feed from an apple, peanut butter, a dowel rod, and bird seed, at cub scouts on Monday. He's been disappointed all week because it didn't look like there had been any nibbles off of it. He'll be happy to know that I saw no less than 10 birds out in our tree this morning fighting over it.
• Our home is now free of girl scout cookies. yay. The temptation is gone and I'm happy to report that in the past month, I've eaten only 1 box of samoas. :) Some may think that's 1 too many for somebody with at lest 70 pounds to lose...but they tasted so good.
• Kaitlin and I both had eye doctor appointments. She does not need glasses and my prescription hasn't changed. yay. I picked out some frames to get a pair of sunglasses instead. They surprisingly have a little 'bling' on them. super cute.
• Austin and Meghan went to school today with their reading glasses for the first time. They look so different...so much older...maybe even 'smarter'...with them on. :)
• I've been making a bunch of cards this week...at least 20 (half of them are for you, Becky.) I still have some more to make...but I think I'm going to spend today planning layouts instead.
• I was reading a blog this morning...of course, I don't remember which one...but she was talking about to-do lists...and ya'll know how much I love my to-do lists. ;) Anyway...she said that she organizes her's by the following categories: Now, Soon, and Eventually. I thought that was so cool. There are things I put on my list that I sometimes forget don't have to be done NOW, yet I wrongfully give these things a high priority, sometimes even above my family. I think maybe writing them down in a different way will help me keep my priorities in check and realize that I can't do it all, everyday. It'll still be there tomorrow, next week, etc. Let things go.
• I had a check-up this week as well...with a new doctor. loved her. The appointment went good and all is fine. But I did realize one thing...I no longer dread stepping onto the scale at a doctor's office. It doesn't stress me out. I don't get a knot in my stomache. I don't have to listen to them tell me I'm overweight (duh, as if I didn't already know). Yes, I'm still overweight...but when they see how far I've come already, they congatulate me instead. It's a great feeling.
• And last, but certainly not least, today is Austin's 9th Birthday!! He was so excited and slap-happy, yesterday, and even more so today. I haven't taken the obligatory birthday photo yet...but I will after school. He's having about 5 of his good friends over tonight, for pizza, a cookie-cake, football, and video games. I'm hoping to escape with Kaitlin and Meghan to Erin's house for awhile, but I doubt Troy will let me. hee hee. Austin keeps reminding me that he'll be driving in ONLY 7 years. YIKES! I suddenly feel so old. :)

Anyway...it's high time I get off this computer and get busy. Hope ya'll have a great Friday!

Resolutions...Goals

...whatever you want to call them.

This year, I'm calling them 'to-do's'. Maybe that's because to-do's are a part of my day-to-day life. Every Sunday I sit down and make out my lists for the week in my to-do notebook. Every night I re-evaluate the next day and add/subtract as needed depending on what's going on and what's changed or come up unexpectantly.

To-do lists work for me.

So here it is...

 

(in order of importance)

God:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

• continue my daily quiet time (Bible, devotional, journaling)
• read the Bible in one year
• talk to God throughout the day, before I get totally stressed and to my breaking point

Troy:
A worthy wife is a crown for her husband. Proverbs 12:4

• plan more date-nights, either at home or out on the town
• build him up, encourage more, nag less
• write in our notebook more

Kids:
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Psalms 127:3

• read the Bible or find a fun family devotional to do with them
• talk more with them instead of at them
• cut back on tv and video games, spend more time doing stuff with them

Myself:
Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 19:19

• exercise 5-6 times a week
• eat well--more natural, simple, more fruits and veggies
• budget in more time for hobbies

Home:
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Proverbs 31:27

• keep up with my weekly zones (organizing and deep cleaning)
• start updating the house with paint and stuff, focusing more on decorating
• simply move more...sit less

Daycare:
Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Ephesians 6:27

• play outside more
• get a year's worth of crafts and activities planned
• read more to them

Others/Activities:
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.  1 Peter 4:9

• crop once a month with Erin and/or Jennifer
• start a monthly bookclub meeting
• invite friends and family to share a meal or some fun in our home frequently

Re-reading all of that...it seems like to much. Yet really, it's just about making simple choices each and every day. It's not really something I can cross off my to-do list...just something to work towards. For me, it's all about finding the balance, day-to-day, in my life. Somedays, I won't exercise. Some weeks, the house won't get cleaned. Some months, I may not be able to scrapbook. I need to learn to say 'That's okay.' and continue striving for balance.

So that's it, my 2009 to-do list.

**Did anyone else make any 'resolutions' this year?**

12.10.2008

So I haven't done a Tasty Tuesday post in awhile...

But truth be told...I haven't done a lot of cooking or baking...or at least nothing exciting and worth sharing.

Partly because I've been busy, working on lots of big-ish to-do's...

and partly because I have to wear this in less than 3 weeks.

YIKES!!

And everyone knows I have a hard time resisting a homemade sweet treat of any kind.

 

This is the swimsuit I ordered months ago from J.C. Penney's. I know it's more of a pair of shorts and a tank top...but trust me when I say that I'm still scared of it.

I haven't worn a swimsuit in about 10 years.

Why? Because I'm overweight...obese...fat...

A year ago, Troy's Dad and step-mom called and said their timeshare opened a spot at an indoor water park in Texas and that they wanted to meet us there after Christmas 2008.

Water slides. Wave pools. Lots of fun. Troy and the kids would love it...

so would I.

If I weighed A LOT less than I did.

I went into a complete panic.

Then I started making plans and excuses to keep me out of a bathing suit (I have to take pictures, I don't swim well, the chlorine gives me a rash, etc.)

Seriously. Walking around in a public place in front of complete strangers and our family with most of my blubbery body exposed for all to see and stare at!?! Who would want to do that?

That's when I decided to change my life. To start living instead of living in fear.

Fear of what others think. Fear of not being able to fit down the water slide tube. Fear of not being able to see my kids get married and have kids of their own. Fear of seeing myself in the mirror and in photos. Fear of not ever being able to do the things I'd love to do simply because of my weight.

I control what goes in my mouth. I control how much my body moves.

I'd made the choices that got me to 293 pounds.

And this past year, I've made better choices. Choices that haven't always been perfect. But choices that have gotten 60 pounds off of my body. for good.

I'm still scared to put on the suit. I'm still a little nervous about what other people, complete strangers might think...but I'm NOT going to let it stop me from enjoying my time with the kids and our family.

I'm almost looking forward to it in a strange kind of way.

I'm also going to be working my butt off these next 2.5 weeks to hopefully get a few more pounds off. :)

A little motivation is a good thing.

12.03.2008

Today is going to be a 'Random Wednesday' kind of post...a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

So where to start...

• I'm making slow, but steady process on my long to-do list. I've crossed off one item each day so far. Austin's cub scout patches are sewn on (slightly crooked, but done), I made all the cards for December birthdays and anniversaries, and I've got the meal and grocery list done.
• Speaking of meal/grocery list...I've also made myself a little 'menu', planning out my meals and snacks..taking out the guess work of 'What should I eat?' which tends to lead me down a road filled with salty and sweet treats. This past week I haven't done so great...with exercise or eating right...and my weigh-in this morning reflected that. Up 1.5 pounds. But today is a new day. I'm going to sweat my butt off. I'm going to stick to my plan. I'm going to get back on track.

Tonight Troy and I have a date. Which means eating out. Scary territory. But I'm going to get online, check the menus and nutrition info, and choose a restuarant and what I'm going to eat. I'm not even going to open the menu when we get there lest I be tempted to order some fajitas or something equally bad for me.

Troy and I have been quite creative in our discipline lately which I'm actually kind of proud of. Is that wrong? The fact that the punishment fits the crime and makes the kids miserable kind of makes me smile? For instance, just this morning, Meghan brought me her reading log, where she has to write down the title of the books she reads and I have to sign it. After she reads so many, she gets a certificate at school. Now normally, Meghan's my book worm. I rarely doubt her. But this morning, it just wasn't adding up. She had put 5 books on her log. One of them was brand new (just got the Scholastic order yesterday) and kind of long. It's about Jesus' life. So I decided to ask her a few questions...
"So what was the book about?"
"His life."
"What about His life?"
"His birth."
"Is that it?"
"Oh, and He prayed and worshipped God."
"Anything else?"
"He helped his mommy and daddy too."
(at this point, I'm getting really suspicious)
"Really? How did He help them?"
"Um...uh...Did they do laundry back then?"
Can we say BUSTED!!
Anyway...her punishment...read the book, outloud, this afternoon...and it will not be added to her reading log. And in the future, she'll be answering questions on EVERY book she reads until she regains my trust in her. *sigh* Being a parent is hard sometimes.

My sweet sweet husband came home yesterday with Prince Caspian!! I never got to go to the theater to see it and have been waiting ever so patiently for it to come out on dvd. I love the books. LOVED the first movie and can't wait to watch it this weekend!!

Um... I just realized I never saved and posted this...4 hours later. I guess I didn't have anything else to blab about. :)

Hoping everyone is staying warm (it's a blustery day here in Oklahoma). Have a great Wednesday!

Going all the 'Weigh'

It's been awhile since I've done a 'getting healthy-losing weight' type of post...and since I'm feeling so motivated lately...I figured I might as well blog about it.

It's been tough. Eating good food is easy. It's NOT eating the bad food that's hard. Exercising is easy. It's finding the TIME to do it that's hard.

I've had good months and bad months...but thankfully more good than bad.

Last September I weighed myself. I logged it on sparkpeople.com. 293!! Do you have any idea how close that is to 300?!? Probably about 1 bag of doritos and a handful of cookies. :)

It scared me. But then Mom passed away. All of our lives were flipped upside down. I procrastinated on making the serious change toward getting healthy...

that is until January 1st.

Then enough was enough.

Somehow, I'd lost 13 pounds between September and January without even trying...so I started the year at 280 lbs. Still a scary number...but at least it was a bit further away from 300 lbs.

I've exercised. I've tried to eat better. I've felt great. I've lost weight.

I've gone weeks without sweating one drop. I've eaten cookies and chips. I've felt lazy and guilty. I've gained weight.

It's been a roller coaster ride. I hate rollercoasters. Just ask Troy. But I'm going to ride this one until the very end.until I'm at a healthy weight. until I feel great about myself. until I know that I'm going to be around to grow old with Troy, to see my kids grow up, and to see their children.

This morning I weighed in at 233 lbs. This is so very exciting to me. I can't wait to see 225! 200! 199! and even lower.

Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself...but I like to think big...all the while taking things one day at a time.

I just want to encourage anyone (and everyone) that you can do it too! Seriously. I thought I was a hopeless cause. That I'd always be obese (gosh, I don't like the sound of that word). But you just have to start making small changes. Be consistent. And keep at it.

Here's a few sites that help and inspire me...

Weight Watchers
Sparkpeople
Journeying to lose 200 lbs.
Kim Bays
Honey, I shrank myself
BMI Calculator
The Bod Squad
The WW Chick

I hope I can inspire you as well! :)

10.29.2008

I haven't posted in quite awhile about how things are progressing with my weightloss. I can sum it up in one word.

SLOW.

For many reasons (excuses), I've been kind of lazy about things...making good food choices and exercising.

These habits tend to be forgotten when life gets busy, you have visitors, and your husband and kids like to have yummy treats in the house.

Like these cookies...

Oh, they are sooo bad for you, but so yummy!

So last week, I took matters into my own hands, because it's my own hands that do all the cooking and snack-choosing around here.

I did a pantry makeover.

It was a mess, a big tempting mess. This cabinet wasn't much better. This cabinet is where I had decided at the first of the year to keep 'my' snacks (100 calorie paks, lowfat popcorn, etc.) I'm now wondering what I was thinking storing my healthy snacks right above the candy loot. lol. They've slowly been run out by other not-so-healthy snacks. Can't imagine why!

 

So I moved some things around...cleaned out...reorganized. My baking supplies are now where my snacks used to be. I don't bake nearly as often as I used to, so I won't have to open this cabinet and be tempted by the candy very often.

 

And the pantry is looking much better. See the white basket right there at eye level? Well, that's my snack basket. It's full of granola bars, Fiber Select Wheat Thin crackers, Light Ruffles, Lowfat Popcorn, and some 100 calorie Oreo treats (for when I simply must have some chocolate.) Now I have no reason to look down at the bottom shelf which is where all the husband and kid-friendly snacks reside.

 

It has been so much better this week! It's working. So when I don't feel like having an apple or some carrots, etc...and I really want something sweet or salty, I know just where to go. No excuses.

Now if only I could get back to enjoying exercise again...

I'm doing it...some...because I know I have to in order to see the scale move in the right direction...but still...it's just not much fun. I'm trying though...and that's all that counts.

10.26.2008

Let's see...a quick little random update for a busy weekend...

Kaitlin's bedtime has improved remarkably. The chart is doing it's job...

An open bag of these cookies is NOT a good thing...(more coming about that in a few days)

 

Pumpkin Carving Parties are so much fun! Lots of pizza...lots of yummy sweet treats...lots of kids running around...lots of moms and dads carving pumpkins...lots of cool pumpkins lit up...

 

 

Ali is so talented and did a great job making our family handsome/beautiful! I LOVE my new haircut...of course, I haven't had to style it myself yet though. lol.

 

New jeans...3 sizes smaller...I no longer feel feel like I'm wearing clown pants. :)

Firepoof. The Movie. Go see it, seriously!

That's all for now. :) Praying everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

09.21.2008

Once upon a time, there was a village of tiny gnomes that lived in a field far far away in quaint mushroom houses...

 

Nah, just kidding. I just thought this cluster of mushrooms in our backyard looked pretty neat today. lol.

Anyway...the kiddos and I are just hanging out around the house today while Troy's working a CNA shift at Epworth.

I've exercised. I've cooked (and taken photos) for a blog post coming on Tuesday. I've watched Ace of Cakes with the kids. And now I'm trying to figure out what to do with myself the rest of the afternoon until it's time for Life Group.

Should I get started on this week's to-do's?

Should I scrapbook?

Should I curl up with a good book?

I've been so busy lately with stuff that HAD to get done...and now that it's finished, I almost find myself at a loss for what to do with myself. It's a strange feeling.

So let's see, while I'm still trying to decide what to do...I'll just make a list of some stuff that's floating around in my peabrain lately...

• Dad is ready to clean out Mom's stuff (clothes, the rest of the craft stuff, etc.) Erin and I really need to get over there and help him out this week. It's been just about a year...it's been on my mind a lot lately. Things are changing, new chapters beginning. It's good, yet uncomfortable at the same time. Growing pains, you could say. Yet, I'm still looking forward to it. I'm ready for it. I think we all are.
• Exercise. Eating better. Losing weight. Getting healthy. Biggest Loser started last week. This show is SO motivating. And for once, I'm feeling good about it. I'm not sitting there eating chips and thinking, why can't I lose weight?!? I've lost 40 pounds since January 1st. I had hoped to have lost more than that by now, but I'm still proud of my accomplishment so far. I'm inspired. Ready to kick it into high gear again.
• Focusing on getting back into my routine this week...zone's, blogging, scrapbooking, etc. Looking forward to it. So ready for it.

And now that I've emptied all of that out...I've decided to do a quick 'run-through', straightening the house, and then put on some music and make a few birthday and anniversary cards.

Hope everyone is having a relaxing Sunday. :)

07.02.2008

4 pounds. Gone. YAY!

That's all I really have to say for now. lol.

I'll try to get back here later with a real post and some pictures.

06.27.2008

I think...I'm waaay behind on posting photos.

I think I need to start scheduling some time to blog at least every other day.

I think the girls playing beauty shop is just about the cutest thing ever.

I think that picture is really too big but typepad won't make it smaller. lol.

I think banana 'popsicles' are my favorite summer snack.

I think I looked pretty cute in my fun new outfit! I even painted my toenails and wore flip flops for the first time ever! Troy warned me not to turn into a girlie-girl. hee hee. I have to admit...it does feel good to be able to buy (and look okay in) something besides jeans and t-shirts.

I think buying a sprinkler was a fabulous mommy idea. Such a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

I think my girlie-girl Kaitlin is really a tomboy at heart (and yes, Julie, that is her flower girl dress! She still wears it at least once a week!)

I think these behavior charts will help with some issues we've been having lately with some of the daycare kiddos...one in particular...who will not be happy to see all his friends getting stickers and he doesn't after being in time-out more than 3 times in one day.

I think I love the Target dollar spot (that's where I got these!)

I think I'm addicted to gardening! I can't stop buying plants...veggies and flowers! We've harvested 5 tomatoes and 6 jalapenos already! Lettuce, spinach, and broccoli is growing. And I just picked up some bell pepper plants too. I definitely need a bigger garden next year. But for now...this pot is making me smile!

I think this little notebook I bought on etsy.com is just too fun! It's filled with funky papers...so cool! It just makes me happy. Not sure what to use it for yet...maybe some favorite Bible verses. Any ideas?

And now..just some more randomness...

I think losing 1 lb. this week when I weighed in on Wedneday is great.

I think being sick is a great way to lose 8 more pounds in approx. 48 hours.

I think living on crackers, toast, and propel for 24 hours might have contributed to that.

I think it'll come back now that I'm eating real food again. I'm feeling starved!

I think I need to go eat lunch...again. lol.

I think I really want to scrapbook.

I think having a clean house inspires me to do just that.

I think cleaning out the fridge for dinner is a great idea.

I think not having to cook 2 nights in a row is wonderful.

I think I'm totally ready for the weekend!

Happy Friday, ya'll!

oh...and p.s. I think rubbing your eyes even 5 hours after cutting up a jalapeno pepper is NOT a good idea!! Just trust me on this.

06.18.2008

Our week so far...is actually going pretty smoothly...

The kids happily do their workbooks each morning. They're each taking a turn sitting outside on the front porch to work on it in the fresh morning air. If I didn't have a house-full of daycare kids, I'd be out there curled up with a good book all morning.

Last night, Erin and I went to our new Cato's that just opened in Guthrie and I got the CUTEST outfit to wear to a wedding this weekend...and the adorable skirt is a size smaller than the capri's I bought a few months ago...which means it's 3 sizes smaller than I would've normally bought 6 months ago! Woo Hoo!

And just look at this thing of beauty that I grew myself!!! My mom would be so proud given the fact that most of my gardening adventures in the past have failed miserably....and she'd totally be here eating it with us tonight for dinner (that's not all we're having, but it will be on the side! lol.) She loved tomatoes fresh from the garden so much that she'd eat them like an apple! I'm so excited...and can't wait for the rest of the tomatoes still on the vine to ripen as well!

And that my friends, is our week so far...I'm off to order lots of pictures and maybe even scrap a bit this afternoon! :) Happy Wednesday, ya'll!

04.18.2008

So my avoidance of the to-do list lasted until today when I realized it's Friday and I've yet to make a dent in anything. ACK! So I've made a new list of things to tackle before Monday (hopefully)...

Places to Go:

• Car wash (my van is just gross)
• Library (laminate craft and chore chart stuff, check out a few books and/or movies)
• Walmart (the list just keeps on growing)
• Storage unit (Take: suitcases, daycare paperwork from years past, and the girl's clothes for next season. Pick up: black backdrop, any other clothes that may fit the kids now, and hopefully try to find my missing box of books)
• Church (sat night), Konnect and Life Group (sun night)
• Maybe Hobby Lobby (I want to pick up some more photo boxes so I can implement a new system outlined in the book below)

Things (I have) to do:

• May crafts ready for daycare kids
• Stitch up my tank-top
• Make to-do lists for next week
• Sweep broken glass up in the barn (and take a peek at the metal shelving that I spotted hiding out there and see if it's use-able in the house somewhere)
• Finish making the chore charts for the kids
• Update weight loss goals
• Do my weight loss card challenge using inspirational quotes
• Clean the kitchen and dining room (chandelier, mini blinds, fridge, microwave, inside of cabinets)
• May Daycare Newsletter
• Make strawberry shortcake (for life group sunday)

Things I'd like to do:

• Scripture card challenges
• Read Photo Freedom book
• Start organizing photos
• Write some Bible verses on notecards and hang around the house
• Start planning some crafts for this summer for daycare kids
• Play spaceheroes with the kids...Kaitlin already has a 'helmet' from Hat Week here at Amy's daycare. hee hee.

Here's to a productive, yet relaxing, weekend!!

Happy Friday, Ya'll!!!

04.14.2008

Ahhh. What a wonderful weekend!

I thought Troy and I were just going to have a date on Saturday afternoon and roll it over into the evening. Nope.
He surprised me by renting a fancy new car, getting a hotel room, and planning an entire weekend away...from the kids, the house, and life in general.
We went shopping, to the movies, out to eat, and just bumming around and in general, just enjoying our time together.
He's such a great guy...and truly a blessing to me and our family!! :D

And the kids had a fun time with Mr. and Mrs. Blair...going to church, playing the Wii, and learning how to paint-by-number.

So I'm ready to get back on track after our little mini-vacation...so here's this week's

On my bookshelf:
Nothing new here...I just haven't had much time to read lately.

On my Must-do List:
-Kids Clothes (sort through stuff they've outgrown, pack up winter stuff, unpack summer stuff)
-Back-up photos onto external hard-drive
-Plan meals for the next 2 weeks and make the grocery list
-Plan some crafts and activities for the daycare kids this summer
-Clean and organize the dining room and kitchen
-Clean the mini van inside and out

On our Dinner Table:
Mon - Burritos, chips, salsa
Tue - Crunchy garlic chicken, pasta, carrots
Wed - Saucy pepper steak, rice
Thu - Homemade pizza, fruit salad
Fri - Grilled porkchops, red potatoes, sweet 'n sour cucumbers
Sat - Tuna pasta salad
Sun - BBQ ribs, mac 'n cheese, green beans

On the Go:
the carwash, walmart for misc stuff, and maybe the library sometime this week. Church and Life Group this weekend. That's it! :D

On my Desk:
Scripture and Weight-loss card challenges. I also picked up some photo boxes this weekend...so I'd really like to try to start organizing our photos...old ones and more current ones...so I can get them scrapbooked easier.

On my Heart and Mind:
Troy and I had a lot of time to chat this weekend...which is a GREAT thing. We talked about spiritual training for the kids (Kim's had some great posts about this over on her blog) and just our priorities as a couple and as a family. We'll be doing a lot more thinking and talking about it this week as well...and really start changing and incorporating some of our ideas.
I also need to re-focus myself on weight loss. I originally made a list of 10 goals back in January. The first thing on the list was to get below 250 lb. I'm there! Yippee! But now I need to start thinking about where to go now and more importantly...how to get there.

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So that's about it...nothing to exciting going on this week. I pray that everyone will have a wonderful day!!

04.08.2008

This post is going to be filled with lots of random gibberish...but that's just the way I'm feeling today...probably due to my lack of sleep last night. Welcome to Spring in Oklahoma...

Nope, that's not snow...it's hail! Quarter-sized at least! The storms kept the kids up half the night...which of course, meant I was up as well.

I received some bad news yesterday...one of my daycare kids is leaving to go to a large center here in town. It's sad. I first met her mom when she was only 6 months pregnant with Lauren. She started here at 1 month old!! She's now 15 months...her little personality really emerging. She makes me laugh every day...*sigh*. It's hard when they're like your own children!

I also lost one of my part-timers a few weeks ago...so if you know anyone needing daycare in Guthrie...please send them my way. lol.

Thankfully, Troy now has his CNA license and can pick up a few extra shifts on the weekends to make up for my loss of income.

And now onto funny stuff...

I overheard Kaitlin playing in her bedroom with her doll house saying "WOW! I'm the photo of the day today?!? Thanks Mom!!"

hee hee.

I think I've warped my children's minds. She's such a silly one.

I haven't updated my 'Going all the Weigh' page in awhile...not sure why. I'm still trucking along though...slowly but surely...it's coming off. Here's a few cards I made these past two weeks though...just to inspire me and keep me motivated to continue...

 

(sorry, must have resized them differently)

They're a lot of fun to make though.

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And one last thing, before I need to get to folding laundry...

I started reading Taking Care of the Me in Mommy yesterday. Wow. I had forgotten so much of the good stuff in it...and I only made it through the introduction. lol.

Here's just a few great points Lisa Whelchel makes:

"As mom's, we get so busy doing and giving that we often don't take the time to rest and receive. We've bought into the world view that we can havie it all and then believed the self-talk that insists, "If I don't do it, it won't get done." Isn't it ironic that at the same time we are feeling more and more driven, we are usually running on empty or, at the very least, on exhaust fumes? (You know what I mean: we're either 'exhausted' or 'fuming'.) We are worn out trying to do it all. No wonder there is such an epidemic of mom burnout!"

"Moms give and give. But if you never learn to receive, then you have nothing left to give. If you won't take time for yourself, then take time for yourself for your family. By filling up you tank regularly, you will have the energy to drive your childre to all their activities, drive your husband wild with desire, drive back the enemy with prayer, and drive a hard bargin at the latest clearance sale. You can't do any of these things if you're broken down and out of gas on the side of the road.
It's time to recharge and refuel. the first thing to do is plug into the Power Source and jump-start your day. Jesus says, "Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

I really struggle with all of this...taking time for me. I always feel so guilty doing it, even though I know that ultimately, I'm a better wife and mom when I do. And not just taking time for myself...but taking time out to spend with Jesus each and every day. It does refuel and recharge me...but why is it so hard somedays to ignore the housekeeping and daily busy-ness to spend some quiet time in prayer and with my Bible?

She has the book divided into 3 sections: spirit, body, and soul. I'm going to start at the beginnging and try to read one chapter every day or two...and really dig in and apply it.

Here's what she said at the end of the introduction...

"The following chapters will be full of encouragement and realistic ways for you, as a busy mom, to find time to sit at the feet of Jesus and receive the strength to continue pouring out your life for your family."

Good stuff.

03.18.2008

Q: What do you do when you're cooped up with a bunch of kids while it's raining cats and dogs for 2 days straight?

A: You play LOTS of board games...especially Sorry!

I usually lose...

and speaking of losers...

The Biggest Loser is on tonight! YAY!

And speaking of Biggest Loser...

I lost another 3.5 lbs this week for a total of 25 so far!! Woohoo!!

Troy informed me that I only have a few more pounds until I weigh less than he does! This is so exciting and motivating to me because I don't think I've EVER weighed less than him!

And speaking of weight loss...

I started a weight loss/get healthy challenge over at Just 4 Keeps. Click here if you'd like to join in.

And speaking of challenges...

I'm hoping to do a bit of scrapping tonight and work on the scripture card challenge.

And speaking of scrapping...

Here's two of the layouts I did Friday night at the crop...

How was that for a random peek into Amy's thought process? hee hee.

03.11.2008

• daycare kids picked up? check.
• dinner and dishes? check.
• homework? check.
• walmart shopping? check.
• snacks and teeth brushing and prayers and hugs and kisses? check.
• laundry started? check.
• kids asleep? check.
• Cardio and toning? check.
• Stretching and watching The Biggest Loser? In process.
• Troy home from school? Coming soon. :D

It's been a good night!

03.10.2008

Ack! I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged...why are the weekends so short and so busy?!? Why can't they be 3-days long instead? Maybe it was that hour that we lost to day-light savings time that's thrown me way behind. I can get a lot done in an hour...when I'm feeling ambitious...I'm great at multi-tasking. lol.

Anyway...here's the run-down from the past 5 days...

Thursday - I spent a lot of time working on this advent album. Yes, I know it's March. ;) I started this waaaay back in November...got sick in December...and never got around to finishing it. (I was only on day 9 anyway.) But now...IT'S DONE! And ready to sit for another 9 months until we're ready to dig into it this coming December.

Friday - Or any given morning for that matter...this is the site I see when I emerge from a good's night slumber...the kiddos snacking on cereal and watching cartoons a highly educational children's show.

Saturday - The girl's and I were invited to see Elmo LIVE with my friend (and daycare parent) Shelly and her son, Gavin. We had a great time and incredible seats!

While we were there, my dad, Troy, and Austin went bowling...but of course, the other camera was left at home. *sigh* men. hee hee.

Sunday - I We spent most of the day working on my Troy's homework assignment...a poster about Electrical Shock, listing the causes, symptoms, first aid treatment, and including as many graphic informational photos as possible. Troy did the research, I did the typing. He chose the photos, I edited and printed them. I chose the colors, he okay'd them. He used my Quickutz tool and alphabets, I sat nervously by watching him (now I know how he feels when I raid his toolbox. hee hee). I lined things up, arranging and rearranging and finally gluing everything down while he grilled steaks for lunch (I thought that was a fair trade-off). And in an effort to keep my blog G-rated (family-friendly) I've blurred the graphic photos as much as possible, so you might not want to click on it and make this one bigger if you have a weak stomache. hee hee.

I also finished up this project for the girl's bedroom. I bought the frame at Goodwill for 99 cents and just re-painted it. I had everything else in my scrappy stash. Meghan asked this morning if the buttons were the sunflower seeds. :D

And today...I'm trying to get a ton of stuff done...and guess what time it is?

Nope, not 12:18...it's actually 1:18. hee hee. Troy didn't get around to changing this clock...but in reality, it doesn't matter because either way...it's nap time! My favorite time of day! The only time of day that I seem to be able to sit here long enough to blog. :)

So here goes my Monday Meanderings...

On my Bookshelf:
I have a HUGE stack of magazines that Kris has given me. I love to flip through them, find ideas for the house to use someday...find cool ads and color combos to use as inspiration for scrapbook layouts. I'm going to try to go through at least 1 or 2 a day...that should keep me busy for at least a few weeks. lol.
I'm also working on chapter 2 in The Power of a Positive Wife.

On my Must-Do List:
-Austin's birthday thank you's (running so late doing these)
-Organize and clean the laundry room, kid's bathroom, and hallway

On our Dinner Table:
Mon - Chicken Lasagna Florentine and salad
Tue - Breakfast Casserole, muffins, strawberries
Wed - Chicken Spaghetti and green beans
Thu - Chef Salads and garlic bread
Fri - Zesty Beef and Vegetable Soup and bread 'n butter
Sat - Troy's Favorite Chicken, sweet and sour cucumbers, and rice
Sun - Chicago Style Pan Pizza

On the Go: It's a CRAZY week around here!
Troy has school Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
I have a chiropractor appointment Tuesday afternoon (a friend is coming to sit with the kids while they nap)
I need to get to the library and Walmart Tuesday night.
Thursday at noon Kaitlin and I go to register for Pre-K! And then she gets to have a fun day with Mrs. Blair (aka, she's goes shopping and comes home with stuff I'd never buy her and she goes out to eat stuff I don't usually let her, and has a great time getting spoiled).
That night we have Parent/Teacher Conferences for Austin and Meghan.
Friday I'm going to crop at Just 4 Keeps with Erin, Jennifer, and some friends.
Saturday night is church.

On my Desk:
A few cards need to be made, the scripture challenges (I'm definitely starting on these this week!!), and I'd like to plan some layouts for Friday night instead of 'winging' it.

On my Heart and Mind:
I'm feeling a bit burned out on the whole healthy eating/exercising. It's hard work...and it takes a lot of time...I know it's worth it...I'm worth it...but gosh, some days that doesn't make it any easier. But last night, without even telling Troy I was feeling this way...he totally bribed motivated me. Here's a little background...

Almost 13 years ago, Troy proposed and gave me this ring...

About 2 years ago, the prongs holding the diamond broke and we just never got it fixed...and truthfully...it might not have even been worth it, financially anyway. I'm so not a girlie-girl, caught up about jewelry, etc...but about a year and a half ago, I really wanted something...a band...anything to wear. So we bought a new cheap very reasonably priced temporary one with the plan to get a 'real' one soon. I really like this ring...but it's getting too big on me already...and once again, not worth fixing/re-sizing.

So last night, Troy, out of the blue, told me that when I get to where I want to be (I'm not putting a number on it because I really just want to be able to shop in a normal store and not in the plus-sized section and I just want to feel healthy, energetic, great!) to let him know and we're going to get me a new ring...a NICE ring!! Woohoo!! Talk about motivation! hee hee. I'm totally pumped back up and ready to get back in the groove! Thanks babe!

So anyway...nap time is about over...so I better get moving...hope ya'll have a great week!!

03.04.2008

I've been staying busy with my to-do list this week...reworking my daily schedule/routine a bit to make the time for Bible study and a bit of scrapbooking. I've also been doing a lot of thinking about how to organize photos that I've printed/ordered already while they're waiting to be scrapbooked. Right now, they're hanging out in the envelopes they come in from Winkflash. It's not working out so well for me. Should I organize them by date? Subject? In a box? In a regular photo album? I'm just feeling kind of overwhelmed about it all.

On another note...the scale was not very friendly to me this morning...and I did not like the number it showed. boo! So I'm going to be working hard this week...to eat right and exercise more!

Speaking of friends...this little bus is Kaitlin's and Meghan's new best friend...they play with it constantly...acting out various scenes, etc. I think I need to hit the thrift store more often. ;)

Oh...and take a peek at Kaitlin's hair today...she simply HAD to have this ribbon tied into it. So cute...I love it...even if she wouldn't let me take a photo of her (I had to sneak around the corner to get this one. lol.)

And now I'm off to work on a few scrappy projects...working on getting all my to-do notebooks for the year ready to go. :)

02.05.2008

Well, since I didn't get to go to IKEA when we were in Dallas a few weekends ago...Shell was sweet enough to send me this...as well as some scrappy goodies. You're the best, Shell! Thank you SO much...I'll try not to ruin it by drooling too much on it. hee hee. There's some seriously cool stuff in this catalog though! I think a trip back to Texas is necessary...and maybe a big uhaul truck rental as well. lol.

Oh...and a bit of happy news...another 2.5 pounds gone!

The scale is becoming my friend...I still don't like the number on it...but I like it getting lower every week! :D

01.29.2008

Wow does it ever feel good to be back in the groove of exercising! It's been over a week since I've felt okay enough. It's so strange how just a short month ago I could barely make it through a 20-minute 1 mile workout...and now, I miss doing a 35 minute 2-mile workout using hand weights. And on another good note...today I weighed in with a 4 pound loss! Yippee! 12 pounds gone!

And just because...here's a picture of Kaitlin hanging out inside the Winnie the Pooh tent that I finally gave in and set up today while the little ones napped. We even read some new books that came from Scholastic today inside the tent. Fun...new books and a cool clubhouse. lol.

Oh, and guess what she's wearing? Her flower girl dress!! She's wears it CONSTANTLY and always on the coldest days. hee hee. She really loves that dress, Julie! ;)

01.16.2008

Just a quick post, it's late, Troy just got home from school, and I'm wiped out. I'm so looking forward to him being home tomorrow night! It's been a rough week...Kaitlin's temper, Meghan's attitude, and Austin's disobedience. *sigh* I really need some daddy back-up. I knew Troy going to school would be an adjustment. Last week was great! This week...um...not so much. But we'll work through it...with maybe a bit more routine and planning and praying on my end.

Anyways...here's the week so far in photos:

These are my snacks, right above the candy shelf, maybe not the best idea, but it's working so far. I totally love these 100 calorie snack packs. Portion control built right in.

This basket was kidnapped from the laundry closet for the sold purpose of having somewhere to throw all the STUFF that mainly Kaitlin leaves lying around the house. It drives me NUTS...and I know she's got to get tired of hearing me ask her to pick up this and pick up that...so into the basket it goes, and it saves me from making 20 trips from one end of the house to the other to put stuff away. Now it just gets tossed into the basket. lol.

American Idol started this week!! YIPPPEEEEE! Not that I've taken the time to sit and watch it, but it's on the DVR. I have let the kids stay up late to watch a bit of it each night. They really enjoyed seeing all the folks from Texas and Oklahoma on tonights show when they were in Dallas, Texas.

Anyway...that's about it. I've been exercising, eating better, not scrapping, cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, crafting with the kids, and spending way too much time on the internet this week. I have found some cool sites though...and I'll try to share those in the next week or so. These next few days are going to be spent packing for Dallas this weekend! Can't wait.

G'Night ya'll. :)

01.13.2008

Just thought I'd pop in and give a quick little recap of the past few days...and all the stuff I've enjoyed about this weekend:

• the kids were out of school on Friday for P/T conferences (not that I so much enjoy them being home when I have a house-full of daycare kids on top of it) but all in all...it was a pretty good day. And I love discovering them playing...using their imaginations...on their own.

• Double-Date's with J.R. and Jennifer...especially at Olive Garden. Mmmmm. So good...not so good for the healthy-eating/weight-loss goals though. lol.
• New vacuum cleaner bags that help my vacuum cleaner work really well and make cool marks in the carpet like this...makes me happy...(yes, I'm strange like that)

• Birthday parties with lots of cute little kids running around and ooh-ing and aah-ing over presents. Happy 2nd Birthday Callie-lou!
• A gargage door opener THINGIE (I said that just for Troy and Tom!) that actually works now! Thanks sweetie for fixing it right up for me! *smooch*
• Browsing at Mardel's...books, cd's, daycare stuff...love this place!
• McAlister's Deli...Mmmmm....so good...and actually good for the healthy-eating/weight-loss goals. ;)
• Watching the Biggest Loser...finally.
• Lazy mornings spent in bed...even if the kids woke me up at least a dozen times to ask me random questions like "Can we get up now?" "Sure, you are already anyway." "Can I wear this today?" "Sure, whatever." "Can I have some juice?" "Sure, ask your sister to help you." "blah blah blah blah"
• Making my to-do lists for the coming week.
• "Couch-time" with Troy, part of our homework for Life Group tonight. This book (the communication one over in the sidebar) is really good so far.
• Home-made veggie pizza for lunch. Mmmmm. (why do so many things on my list revolve around food?)
• Okay, to counter all of those 'food' items, how about this one: Exercising both Saturday and Sunday...and actually doing the 2 mile Walk Away the Pounds video. Felt so good in a sweaty-kick-my-butt kind of way. lol.
• Kaitlin 'helping' me fold laundry by sitting in the basket and watching tv while I do all the folding. lol.

All-in-All...it's been another great weekend...and I think I'm ready to embrace another crazy week. :D