The Sellers' Express

2012-02-09T21:58:00.002-05:00

Sugar

2010-03-27T11:39:00.003-04:00

I've been meaning to post about my "no sugar for 2 weeks" "thing" I did a month ago, but I have been busy, but that is for another post. I learned a lot about myself while not eating sugar. I learned that I could function without it. I learned that I didn't really want to function without it :) I learned that if I am going to eat in response to my emotions, it doesn't matter if I can't have sugar; I will find something else to eat. It was a tough go for a few days, but all in all, I am glad that I did it, if no other reason than to say that I can do it.
So, there it is. I am eating sugar these days. Making it in moderation though. Other things to share on this front, but not today.
Blessings!

A Joy of Boys!

2010-02-28T21:15:00.003-05:00

I went home to Charlotte this weekend for a trip. It had been two months since I had been there or seen my parents and Manly Man was working 72 of the last 96 hours. Great time for a visit right?
I had a great time with my parents! I got my hair cut and highlighted. I was able to visit with my precious niece, Savannah Mae. I got to meet up with a wonderful friend from junior high and her new man! What a blast that was!
Mom, Dad, the boys and I went to the Davidson College Women's Basketball game on Saturday afternoon where I saw my junior high band director. I think I saw a hint of "I feel old" from him when I told him both the boys with me were my sons:)
Sunday was church. It is always nice going back to the church I grew up in because everyone knows me. It is nice to be known.
We hit the road to come back home after a short stop to see my niece one last time and so the boys could see their uncle.
I was hoping to not have to stop for a bathroom break on the way home. We made it all the way to Charlotte on Thursday without a stop! It was unreal! No such luck this time. We had to stop twice! But here is the best part...I pull on the side of the road. The boys unbuckle their seat belts, open the van door and pee out the side! Yes I realize that might disgust some of you. That is OK. It isn't my favorite. However, since I can't leave one in the car while I take the other in to use a nasty, germy bathroom, this option is MUCH faster!
I only wish I could do it;)
Stay tuned for a post about what I learned from not eating sugar for two weeks.
By the way, is anyone still out there?

Injured Mom

2010-02-16T15:10:00.000-05:00

As I sit, camped out on the couch, with a knee that is aching, I am very aware how blessed I am. My Manly Man keeps asking if I need him to come home since it hurts to walk or stand (I think he might just want to come home!). My boys are being great and even bringing me things I ask for, like water and my purse!
Boys, and Manly Man, I LOVE YOU! I am blessed!
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Day 9 Thoughts

2010-02-13T18:06:00.001-05:00

When I can't have sugar, I'll find something else to eat too much of. I'd have to cut out bread, sugar and cheese! Balance! It is all about balance. I will be working on a plan during the remaining 5 days. I need to know how I am going to balance my trigger foods when this is over. Planning! I have a feeling will be of the utmost importance!

This is what I have craved today! I made bread and it was delicious! (Sorry for the poor quality photo!)

Days 6 and 7 (No Sugar)

2010-02-12T07:55:00.000-05:00

Wednesday was fine until I got the boys home from Awana and was hungry since we eat an early dinner usually. I had two pieces of string cheese and that helped, but I really wanted something munchie. I went to bed instead.

Thursday wasn't a bad day. We went to Manly Man's aunt and uncle's house to see them for a few hours. We had grilled cheese sandwiches and grapes and strawberries. I had mine with cheddar cheese and it was yum-o! I actually ate two sandwiches. Yikes! I kept lunch light. Then, at 9pm, I attacked some cheddar cheese pretty hard. I'm paying for it today, and drinking lots of water to flush the extra sodium out of my body...my rings are tight right now! Next time, I'll just go to bed!

I found a product today that I am super excited about, but don't want to share it with you until I have tried it. And I can't try it until next Friday! Bet your wondering aren't you???

It gets easier each day to make it through. I'm not sure exactly what I miss the most. It is hard to miss it when it isn't in your house. It is also hard to miss something sweet when a light bulb in your head is turned on, but I will share more about that at the end of the second week. I won't be updating daily anymore about this challenge, but I will be posting a couple of times over the next week.

Remote Controller, In Training!

2010-02-11T15:09:00.002-05:00

I asked Jonathan where the remote was because I wanted to know what was coming on next. He had it hidden under his pillow! That rascal!

Day 5 (No Sugar) and A Victory!

2010-02-10T11:56:00.002-05:00

Day 5 , yesterday, was great! I made chicken parm last night and it was yummy! Manly Man and I were reminiscing a little over dinner. Chicken parm was the first meal I ever cooked for him and it was actually before we started dating. Fun to look back isn't it?

At Awana tonight, Jacob is having a Valentine's Party in Cubbies. They are supposed to bring in valentines and a snack to share. I immediately thought "sweets" and then realized that I couldn't do that. So, instead, he is bringing in a bag of red seedless grapes! Super proud of my victorious choice, for all involved!

Day 4 (No Sugar) and For the Non-Scrapper

2010-02-08T19:18:00.003-05:00

Today has been easier. I haven't overeaten or had any sugar. I have attacked a few pieces of sugar free gum though. I am not going to post my tracker, but it has been a great day. I feel really motivated today. Manly Man is still going too, although he has cheated a few times. I am still proud of him though!

I'm not a scrapper. A scrapbooker that is. My sister is. I think I disappoint her greatly in this area. She is always helpful when I go for a visit. And by helpful, I mean she forces me to sit down and work on a scrapbook that has been in the works for a year and a half. She is great about it, honestly.

It is not realistic for me to be able to do scrapbooks for everything. This digital photo age has about killed me. Until I found the photo books that Shutterfly will let you create. You can do a quick one that helps you through a lot of the process or do one that takes more time and requires a little more effort on your part. They print it and send it to you in book form. It is like making a yearbook. I have done three of them so far. I am trying to have one for each year so that we have a way to look at pictures without having to go to the computer. Check them out here.

Day 3 (No Sugar)

2010-02-07T21:57:00.001-05:00

Breakfast:
1/2 c egg whites
1/2 oz cheese
2 T salsa
Coffee w/ 1% milk

Lunch
4 oz turkey
1 slice pepper jack cheese
1 whole wheat sandwich thin
Cucumbers
1/3 c grapes

Snack
1 oz cheddar cheese
8 triscuits

Dinner
Mmmm...

Water
64+ oz

At church today, we started looking at how Truth gets twisted ever so slightly and where that leads us. The point was made also that the devil stands ready to accuse us. The interesting part about that is that he will do whatever it takes to get us to give into temptation and THEN step back and point his finger at us, accusing us! God's grace has set me free; free from His wrath and free from accusation. Since for me eating is my drug of choice, my addiction, the devil stands ready to tempt me and then accuse me when I give in and eat because I am feeling frustrated (or whatever emotion it is). It makes me feel even worse because of his finger pointing. I am thankful to be saved by grace! I was reminded that I have a choice to make when tempted to over eat or eat emotionally. And now I have a very good visual of the devil taunting me. Perhaps, through God's strength, I will be able to resist. Just my thoughts on the day.

And I didn't have any sweets at our Super Bowl party! And no sodas! Those two things call for a celebration...a nice glass of water!
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Day 2, No Sugar

2010-02-07T08:49:00.002-05:00

Saturday wasn't the greatest of days, but I didn't have any sugar. I did a BIG lunch of hot dogs with chili and chips. In turn, I had a salad and some grapes for dinner, with a few spoonfuls of homemade mashed potatoes. I wanted something sweet so instead, I had chips. Lot of chips. I have done no sugar before and it wasn't this hard!

Sunday will be hard with the Superbowl! I am going to try my best to make wise decisions throughout the day and continue on with the no sugar thing!

Day 1 (No Sugar)

2010-02-06T08:46:00.002-05:00

Breakfast:
Coffee w/ low fat milk
1/2 c egg whites with 1/2 oz cheese

Lunch:
4 oz turkey
1 slice pepper jack cheese
1 sandwich thin
Cucumbers

Snack:
1 string cheese
1 kiwi
2 slices cheddar cheese
8 triscuits
Hot tea

Dinner:
Cheese steak
Chili cheese fries.

Water: more than 64 oz

Thoughts:
Some days are easier than others. I woke with a ton of motivation and also a lot of comfort because Manly Man is going to do this with me! There isn't a lot of sweets in my house. I took care of that yesterday. :) He has had a harder time than I have today, but I think that he will be glad in the long run.
I experienced some frustration that I would have loved to take out on some cookie dough or something, but I decided to have a little cheese and a few triscuits along with some peppermint tea. It helped, some.

I did blow it at dinner by having a cheese steak sandwich and some chili cheese fries. It was mostly for comfort...it has been cold and rainy all day. I didn't really enjoy it to be honest. Because I knew that I had made a decision with my emotions and not my heart and mind.

But, I didn't have any added sugar today.

Day 1 done. 13 more to go.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

I'm Doing It!

2010-02-05T06:00:00.002-05:00

Two weeks, starting Friday morning. No sugar. Allow me to clarify. No added sugar to my coffee or food. No sodas or juices. No candy or sweets. No baked goodies. None of it.

Sugar is a food that is bad, very bad for me. I over eat on it a ton!

I will try to post each day to be honest about this. I know in my heart that I need to do this. I know in my jeans that I need to do this too!

Another Profound Discovery!

2010-02-04T13:38:00.002-05:00

I know! I haven't blogged hardly any in the last few months. I want to get back to it...truly! I just don't know what to write about I guess.
Today, I write about another self-discovery moment, mostly as a reminder to myself; but perhaps helpful to someone else too!

When I feed my body well a lot of things happen. Two of the hugest things are this:

1. I am a better wife because I feel good on the inside and I haven't been stuck in a self-pity and sinful (for me) pattern.

2. I am a better mom for the same reason.

When I feel bad in my own skin, I'm not fun to be around.

When I feel good in my own skin, I'm a little happier and more joyful!

Loving my boys well

2010-01-14T08:21:00.000-05:00

I been trying to figure out my boys lately. I picked up The Love Languages book by Gary Chapman and flipped through it. I was reminded of what my love language is (quality time) and was able to quickly figure out my boys'. Nothing shuts Jonathan down quicker that fussing at him and NOT cheering him on. He is words of affirmation. He needs encouragement. He needs me to be positive with him. Sounds easy right? Homeschooling him makes it a little tricky because I get really frustrated when he is spacey and doesn't try his best. I am trying to love him better by being encouraging and to temper my temper.
Jacob was easy to figure out. Every morning he wakes up and comes to find me and snuggle. It is his favorite thing to do and maybe his favorite time of the day. He is physical touch. He loves to give kisses and hugs, all the time. He rubs in our kisses, still!
My boys, I love you, even if I don't always do a good job loving you in your love language. Remember this, I am trying. And I am human. I love you Jonathan and Jacob!
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What Do You Do When The Power Goes Out?

2009-12-02T11:37:00.002-05:00

You get out those nifty clip-on hat lights of course! These were a recent purchase for the boys when they go to the woods with Manly Man. They are proving to be handy as we have lost power. Thankful for the rain though!
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Skinny Is As Skinny Does

2009-11-29T22:43:00.001-05:00

I had an epiphany this week. It really isn't profound or anything but for me it is monumental! As I have struggled to get off the 5 to 7 pounds that I put back on I was confronted with several truths. I like to eat. I like eating sweet things. I like salty things. I feel guilty when I over eat, but not guilty enough to do anything about it the next time around. I don't like how I feel when I stuff myself.
As I chew madly on a piece of gum, I am making a choice. A choice to listen and remember those truths. See, I like how I felt before those 5 to 7 pounds reattached themselves to me. I liked how I looked in my black bikini this summer on the beach. I got there through hard work and smart choices.
If I want to be that girl again, then I have to live and eat like that girl. I have to eat healthy foods, not crap. I have to not over eat. I have to chew a piece of gum since I am not hungry but I really want a piece of cold pizza to "snack on" before and while I cook dinner (which I would still eat, even after eating a piece of pizza).
I will be able to enjoy treats, in small portions, and not every day (much less every meal). But I will do the treats the right way...eating my favorites and really tasting and savoring them.
If I want to be that bikini girl, then I have to live like that bikini girl. After all, skinny is as skinny does.
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I'm Smitten!

2009-11-27T10:35:00.003-05:00

Savannah Mae...she grabbed a heart string on her Aunt Tucket's heart yesterday and pulled hard. I love you sweet Savannah Mae!

Isn't She Beautiful!

2009-11-25T08:29:00.001-05:00

My niece, Savannah Mae

She's Here!

2009-11-24T16:56:00.001-05:00

My niece arrived into the world around 2:30 this afternoon. Savannah weighed in at 5 pounds 12 ounces and healthy. Mom and baby are doing great!
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Baby On The Way

2009-11-24T13:53:00.001-05:00

My sister in law is having a c section today, about now I believe. We can't wait to me our niece, and finally know her name! Unfortunately, the boys both have colds so I am not sure when I will be able to meet her. But, we are still so excited!!! We love you little one!!!
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Pssst...$25 Target gift card

2009-11-22T20:45:00.002-05:00

Manly Man, my husband is back in the mortgage business! He is having a give away... $25 gift card to Target! Free! Go check out his blog and follow the rules to get your name in the hat!

Savannah Trip

2009-11-17T11:32:00.000-05:00

My mom and I took a trip with the boys to Savannah, GA to see my grandfather for his 81st birthday. We had a great visit with him! And, we even got to do a little site seeing. My mom grew up in Savannah and we visited every summer when I was growing up, but we never went very many places.
We went to the Roundhouse Museum. It is a train museum, which the boys loved! I did too! We got to ride on a steam locomotive and even go on the turn table! Way cool! We had a great time wandering around, climbing on trains and even working the pump car. My aunt and cousin were able to join us also! Here is a collage of our pictures from the trip (just click on it to enlarge it). If you ever get a chance to head down there, it is a must see!

YES!

2009-10-07T11:12:00.003-04:00

To my Manly Man,
I would say yes to marrying you all over again. I love you. Thank you for your love!

Today...

2009-09-28T13:48:00.005-04:00

Dear Jonathan,

Today, I wasn't the best mom for you. I wasn't even a good mom for you. I did a horrible job.
I didn't show you how to use self-control. But I still yelled at you for not using self-control.
I failed in teaching you about sorting rules in math.
I didn't delight in you.
See, not even a good mom for you today. I am fighting with my pride over it too. I don't want to be the one at fault. I want to blame you for waking up early, or Daddy for waking you up accidentally. I want to blame you for me not being able to go back to sleep at 6:15am. I want to blame everyone. But not me. The truth is that I screw up a lot. And this time, I hear the Spirit telling me that I have screwed this up today. I made the choice to wallow in my misery, my grumpiness, my anger, my frustration. I have made a choice not to get out of the pit that I am in today. I am trying to allow the Lord to soften my heart and change my attitude, but I am winning the battle that I so desperately need to loose.

Jonathan, I love you. I am sorry for not being the mom that God wants me to be for you. I am sorry for not loving you well today. I do love you. More than you will ever know.

Mommy

Our first trip to the mountains after Jonathan was born. Loved this photo!

It might not be fancy...

2009-09-25T12:54:00.006-04:00

We bought our home 4 and a half years ago. It was new. No custom painting. Carpet throughout, including under the table area (!!!!), and not fancy carpet at that. Everything about out house screamed "builder." We were totally OK with that.

Four and a half years later, builder grade carpet doesn't look so pretty.

Four and a half years later, builder beige in flat finish is looking a little, OK a lot, dirty.

Four and a half years later, our home needs a little help. OK, a lot of help. Thankfully nothing too expensive, like a new roof or AC.

We have been tackling some projects around the house, SLOWLY!

A year and a half ago, we painted our kitchen. A year ago, we put knobs on our kitchen cabinets (see, told you it was SLOW!).

Manly Man and I have been wanting to make the boys room special...something fun for them. About three weeks ago, I bought paint and painted their room. We finally finished putting it all together yesterday.

(Frank's extra helmet and old mask)

(Frank's shield, patch, and life saving medals from his time with Greensboro FD, yes something is falling in the shadow box!)

(Model fire trucks the boys got, and their baseball trophies)

We are also cleaning out, decluttering, and try to make our home a little nicer.

We really would love to rip up the carpet and put in hardwoods or laminates, especially with Jonathan's allergies, but that costs too much right now and we just aren't going to do it.

Our home might not be fancy. It might not (OK, definitely won't) win any awards for home designs. The carpet might look tie-dyed. And smushed. But it is our home. It is lived in, a lot. And we live in it well. We homeschool in it, which means more people are in our home more hours a day than if we didn't homeschool. So even though our home isn't all cute...I am learning to accept it for what it truly is...our haven. Our safe place to fall. Our sanctuary.

Need A Laugh?

2009-09-07T07:58:00.004-04:00

Thought I would share a couple of funny things this dreary Labor Day morning. My boys are still in bed. Guessing they need their sleep, but we are still having school this morning, apparently a little later than planned!

First, for all you Twilight fans out there, I saw a bumper sticker on a car the other day. Here it is:

This cracked me up for some reason. Perhaps it should really scare me, but since the car was parked, I wasn't too concerned:)

Second, we let the boys watch Star Wars (Episodes 4 - 6) about a week ago and they are totally into it now. To quote Jacob, with light saber in hand..."I'm Obi Two Kenobi." Now I am sure that every kid makes that statement, it just makes sense to them. But when it is your own saying it...hysterical!

Have a great Labor Day!

A Little Early For This

2009-09-01T15:12:00.003-04:00

So my sweet, just turned six year old boy, Jonathan had a great time playing at the park today. I took the boys out to enjoy the upper 70's that are so unseasonable for us. After going to pick a paint color for their room we headed to a favorite park of ours. They boys always do really well finding other kids to play with and today was no exception. As we were leaving, he said "bye" to the little girl that he as playing with. (He called her a princess the whole they were playing too!) He asked her for her phone number! Seriously! I almost peed in my pants! Isn't it too early for this??? I love you Jonathan and you will break some hearts I am sure, but lets not be in such a rush!

A Fresh Start

2009-08-31T06:00:00.002-04:00

I've been absent. Been absent from a lot of things it seems. I am making a fresh start today, with lots of things. The biggest of those is school. Jonathan starts first grade at 8am this morning at TWIG (Trusting Wholly In God) Academy. I can't wait for this year....I can honestly say that I have missed teaching him for the past few weeks. Jacob is going to be doing some pre-k stuff: letters, numbers, sounds.

I hope to make a fresh start with blogging also. Manly Man asked me when I was going to blog again...guess now is as good a time as any. I don't really have a good reason as to why I haven't written in a while. I guess I struggle sometimes with feeling like I don't have anything exciting to tell (then again, Jonathan turned six last week and lost his first tooth the week before that and I didn't even get here to mention it!). I also got my nose stuck in some books this summer too. In the last month I have read My Sister's Keeper, The Time Traveller's Wife, Pride and Prejudice, the Twilight Saga (twice...sad huh?), and am starting To Kill A Mockingbird and am in the middle of the Mortal Instruments series. My nose in a book is a new thing for me, but I have really enjoyed it. But it has kept me from here. I don't plan on putting down the books, but trying to find a bit more balance with other things.

A fresh start with the Lord started last Monday. My coffee pot starts brewing at 5:45am and my alarm goes off at 5:55am. Last week, my alarm never woke me up...the Lord woke me up before it went off...EVERY MORNING! But it was a sweet time and I am looking forward to more.

A fresh start at the gym too. I am back at my goal weight, having lost about 20 pounds since the beginning of the year. I wore a new pair of size 6 jeans Friday night while Manly Man played a gig at a coffeehouse. Felt so good! But, I have to get back into the gym, starting tomorrow and get some areas toned and continue working on be healthy.

So fresh starts. Looking forward to it.

Blessings!

Tomatoes: A Lesson In Math

2009-07-15T08:48:00.002-04:00

See this bowl of cherry tomatoes? They were all picked yesterday from our garden. We have two cherry tomato plants, and they can produce! Jonathan came out to help me pick tomatoes. I told him it looked like we had a hundred of them! We came inside and it was time for school to start. We got to math. We have have been working on counting groups of 10 and the left over ones to come up with a number from 20 to 29. We have been doing this for several days! I mean, forever it felt like! Today, I asked him to do it without writing the numbers....I realized that he had no connection before two groups of ten and 4 left over being 24. No connection! I kept at it, trying to explain it different ways. I finally got one way to work (don't remember which one though)! I saw a light bulb come on in his head! It was brilliant! I love watching the light come on! I have seen it a lot since i taught for six years. But, there is nothing like a light bulb coming on in your own child's head! He had it! To test it, we counted the tomatoes. 74 of them. He did it! And, he made 74 cents! SO proud!

We've Been Busy

2009-07-13T15:34:00.007-04:00

After recovering from the worst June ever (since having mono right after I graduated from high school....caught from my ex boyfriend....I know!), we went on a little vacation (only 30 minutes from out house) to house and dog sit for my in-laws. It was wonderful, but I don't have many pictures!

We spent some time in the boat, fishing, at the beach, and eating yummy food. The highlight was the 4th of July festival in Southport. We invited some dear friends of ours to come to the parade with us and the kids had a blast! We ate some lunch, checked out the arts and crafts and then went back to the house to rest and cook some supper. We went back into town for the fireworks and they were great! The kids handled them really well...Jonathan really does not like loud noises, but he just covered his ears and did fine. Our friends stayed with us that night and then we all headed back to Wilmington for church. We had a pool party and Jonathan took a jump into the pool from a deck that was about 8 to 10 feet above the pool! He wanted to do it and did great! I have two almost swimmers...they are in lessons again, since we had to bail on the first session because on illness.

We are wrapping up school too. Jacob can write his name all by himself and that is too cool! Jonathan is reading up a storm. He reads everything put in front of him. I pray that he never loses his love of reading. Getting my curriculum order ready. We start the new school year in September and will have 3 weeks of school and a week off for the year. We will have a couple 2 week breaks in there also, around Christmas and Easter and once in the summer. I am getting excited about this year, but I am still trying to figure out a daily schedule so that I can still make it to the gym. Being able to exercise is really important to me. I am setting an example for the kids, taking a break from them, doing something good and healthy for me plus they get time with other kids. And, we are paying for it. School will be Monday to Thursday with Friday being a catch up/ field trip/ play date/ library day.

So there is the last few weeks in a nutshell. I am hoping to get back to regular postings now. I want the boys to have something to look back on one day and be able to see what life was like for us.

Oh, best of all, I am having a niece!

Finally!

2009-06-30T07:58:00.002-04:00

We have finally all recovered! Praise the Lord!
I had pneumonia. Jonathan had double pneumonia. Jacob had strep. Manly Man...he went out of town, came back early because we were so sick and then had to nurture us back to health! But, we are finally feeling well!!!! We are spending a little time away from home this week and are really trying to enjoy the time away, because we really need it. We learned on Friday that the bank that took over the bank that owned Manly Man's mortgage office closed them down. That means that he was laid off from his part time job. We are taking the week to regroup...to pray and seek God for His direction. After all, His plan is so much better than our own!
The boys have been swimming a ton in the last week. They are both making great strides and I am so proud of them! They are also learning how to boogie board! Absolute pure joy of their faces when they ride a wave in...pure joy!
We are hoping to do some boating, fishing, beaching and sleeping while we are away. I need the sleep...last night's sleep was terrible!!! Manly Man snored, so I was headed to the couch when Jacob called for me. He and Jonathan were sharing a bed and they had already woken up fighting about kicking each other in their sleep. I crawled in the double bed and slept like a mummy in the middle of the two! I say slept. I didn't sleep. I tried. I failed. I hate failure. Especially when it comes to sleep! I feel a nap coming soon. But, being that almost the whole month of June was taken off from school, (I'm so mean aren't I...having school in the summer, but when it is 95 with a heat index of 105, I think being inside and learning is much better. We will take time off in the fall when the weather isn't so miserable!), the boys have some learning to do.
What is the worst illness you have had in the middle of the summer?

Jonathan's Update, Again

2009-06-12T15:49:00.001-04:00

Thanks for the prayers. Keep them going please! They are not admitting him to the hospital because there are no pockets of fluid in his lungs...we are going to continue to treat him at home and take him back in a week or two to be rechecked.

Jonathan's Update

2009-06-12T11:02:00.001-04:00

We are waiting the results from a chest xray for Jonathan...he may be admitted to the hospital based on the results.

Update

2009-06-11T13:10:00.001-04:00

Jacob...no strep or flu, just virus and watching. Jonathan...two breathing treaments at doc office, adding another antibiotic and albuterol breathing treatments every 4 hours and goingback to doc tomorrrow am...may admit him to hospital tomorrow if no improvement.

Jonathan

2009-06-11T08:16:00.001-04:00

Taking Jonathan back to the dr this morning...he can't kick his fever after 4 days of antibiotics. Will update when I can.

And Now...

2009-06-07T15:09:00.001-04:00

Jonathan has walking pneumonia! Lord, heal us please! And quickly!

I'll Be Back...

2009-06-05T08:52:00.000-04:00

once I recover from a double ear infection and pneumonia!

Start Your Engines!

2009-05-28T14:43:00.002-04:00

Because the gates (aka Jacob's hands) are open!

A Kind Heart

2009-05-26T09:17:00.001-04:00

Whenever Jonathan sees a dandelion, he must stop. It is almost a little compulsive. We were headed into the park on Saturday. Usually the boys run when they get to the grass. They both took off this time and then Jonathan stopped. He bent down and picked this dandelion and gave it to me. Just like he always does. As I sat on the bench and looked at the dandelion that he gave me and told me not to loose, I didn't look at it as "another dandelion." I chose to look at the heart behind it. My boy loves me. And I think, if he could, he would give me every flower he ever saw. One day, a young woman is going to snag my boy up and she will be blessed by him. Until then, I will treasure every flower he gives me. Because for now, I am the only girl for him:)

Kicking Off The Holiday Weekend

2009-05-22T18:09:00.002-04:00

Enjoying the beach and the tidal pool!

What were you doing at 7:45am?

2009-05-21T07:55:00.003-04:00

I was playing monster trucks with Jacob. Here they are in the "shed" (aka, the piano bench).

Cherry Point MCAS Air Show

2009-05-20T18:05:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, we went up to Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station. They were having their annual air show, featuring the Canadian Snowbirds (a flight demonstration team). We weren't sure how the boys were going to do, since they don't really like loud noises. We brought some ear plugs and they actually did great! The weather was iffy on our way up to Cherry Point...major rain showers! But the rain held off for us, and we were even blessed with a nice breeze. The boys got to climb on a C-130, an osprey and a refueling plane, just to name a few. Here are a few pictures to enjoy. (I even made it a point to get in the pictures with the boys too!)

We finished our trip with dinner in Morehead City at the Sanitary Fish Market. We were very underwhelmed with the food there...oh well. We had to find out what all the fuss was for. Still not sure. (Sorry about the picture quality...there were taken on my cell phone!)

Jacob's Well Check Up

2009-05-14T07:59:00.002-04:00

Jacob had his well child check up on Monday. 40 pounds and 41 inches tall. Puts him in about the 75% for height and weight, where he has always been. He is a little shorter than Jonathan was at this age, but totally healthy. We had to wait for a while for the doctor to come in, so I was entertaining the boys with "I Spy" and taking silly pictures. He had to get three shots. I had him get them in his arm instead of the leg. So mean right? When we were leaving a nasty thunderstorm came up so we hung out in the lobby and waited for it to pass. Afterwards, I took them to get pizza at a restauarnt in town that does 5 dollar pizzas on Mondays. All in all, not to bad.

Perhaps In An Effort To Compete With McD's...

2009-05-11T07:33:00.005-04:00

Starbucks is running a special on their ice coffees, now through June 29th. Get a grande iced coffee with milk for $1.95! You can find the details here. Just so you know, you can ask for it to be sweetened, or not! I had a tall iced coffee last night, without the milk and it cost me $1.90...the grande (16oz) would have been a better buy! Enjoy!

A Word to Moms

2009-05-08T00:00:00.001-04:00

Mother's Day wasn't very celebrated in my home growing up. My mom was there. She still is and I love and adore her! She is a great mom! However, we didn't celebrate her except with a card. When she was 8 years old, her mom died. The funeral was the day before Mother's Day. I am sure that you can imagine the loss my mom remembers on Mother's Day.
I have been a mom since 2003. I don't think that I have ever really allowed myself to be celebrated on Mother's Day, for fear of betraying my mom. Last Mother's Day, I realized that it is OK to celebrate it. I am not sure of what our plans are for Sunday. I do know that Manly Man doesn't have to work. Super excited about that! Sometimes I think it would be fun to spend the day being waited on...breakfast in bed and everything. But that won't happen, Manly Man has to be at church too early for that. But that is OK. I will be with him and my boys all day, and maybe even some special friends!
Being a mom is really hard. I was encouraged today when I heard a message that was broadcast on Family Life Today. You can listen to the two part broadcast here.
Enjoy. Be Blessed. Happy Mother's Day!

A Lucky Mom!

2009-05-06T17:10:00.001-04:00

How blessed am I?

New Reading Material

2009-05-05T17:58:00.002-04:00

Jonathan was looking at the Sunday Comics right before school started today. I let him read the first row of Blondie. He did great! Note to self: read them first...you never know! Thankfully, this one was fine!

A New Blog

2009-05-05T00:00:00.002-04:00

I have started a new blog. It is about my weight loss journey. I decided to stop writing about it on my family blog and start a new place to do it. Come check it out!

Jacob's First Day of School

2009-05-04T13:01:00.002-04:00

Jacob started school today, officially. I got one of those giant curriculum books and mapped out what to do each day. It isn't anything "major", but it is getting him used to the whole homeschooling thing. Today he worked on coloring things that are red, drawing lines from left to right and writing a big "A". He did really well. My biggest issue is going to be figuring out what makes Jacob tick or learn best or motivates him.

All in all, I was very pleased. Hopefully, the excitement will continue...

A Good Game

2009-05-02T10:09:00.001-04:00

Both the boys are playing Wee Ball this year! They are doing great. They enjoy being out there and running. But most of all, they enjoy their free soda and the occasional popcorn!

In An Effort To NOT Take Myself So Seriously...

2009-04-30T13:35:00.002-04:00

I have this for comic relief! I was trying to clean off my counter tops in my kitchen and put away a HUGE glass cutting board. I knocked over a just opened container of Nesquik! I MUST LAUGH, or I might cry!

How We've Been Spending Our Time

2009-04-30T10:54:00.003-04:00

Park Picture

2009-04-30T09:24:00.003-04:00

2009-04-29T15:27:00.001-04:00

Enjoying a day with my boys...even if Jacob fell on his head at the park. No worries...he is tough!

April Break

2009-04-28T07:25:00.005-04:00

We have been on break from school, and apparently blogging too, for the month of April. It has been a busy month!

My nephew came to stay for 6 days while his parents when to London. What a blast that was! We loved every minute of having him here! I think he enjoyed himself too!

Jacob turned 4 in the middle of the month, and the horrible mom that I am (just kidding) didn't even mention it here! We had a joint birthday party with his best bud who was born 10 days before Jacob. I made a Spiderman cake and it was yummy!!!

My mom came over Easter weekend and we stained a TV hutch that we have had, unfinished, for almost 5 years. Mom was a huge help and the weather was perfect!

Manly Man has been extremely busy and we are grabbing every minute of family time that we can. That included a trip to the beach for some fun!

The boys and I went to Georgia for a family reunion. It was wonderful to see some of my mom's family that I don't get to see very often.

I am looking forward to getting back to a routine with school. My life seems more structured then and I function a LOT better. My house is a wreck! Jacob will be starting to "do school" everyday too, and he can't wait! I am setting up some goals for the boys to accomplish over the next three months. Perhaps I will share them here...I may need some advice.

I am also excited that I can post entries to the blog from my phone. Sorry for the cheesy test post Tracey and Anne! I am still working on posting with a picture. Anyone done that yet?

For now...blessings! Write more soon!

2009-04-26T17:42:00.001-04:00

Test...posted from phone

Have You Seen This?

2009-04-03T00:00:00.004-04:00

I saw this yesterday for the first time and had to share!
Have a wonderful weekend!

13, 9, 19 and 8

2009-03-31T15:04:00.003-04:00

Those numbers look crazy right? Allow me to explain...

Pounds lost since being back at Weight Watchers...13.

Pounds to loose to reach my "official" goal at WW...9.

Pounds to loose to reach my person, ultimate goal...19.

New jeans size...8.

The physical and mental feeling I have...Priceless!

I think the thing that I am most excited about it that I am not eating crazy diet foods and stuff. I am eating normal things...things I can live with. I only made a one switch that I can think of...2% cheddar cheese instead of full fat cheese.

I did make the choice not to buy chips, candy or sweets until I reach my goal. They are just too much of a temptation for me. By making that choice, I am breaking my addiction to them. I don't crave them very much anymore since I haven't had them for over two weeks. People who have an alcohol addiction don't get to just have one drink. When I realized what my trigger foods were and after a very firm, swift kick in hiney by my dear friend Anne (with pointy shoes on and everything!) I realized that I had to not allow myself to have them for a while. Perhaps I will be able to have them in the house...maybe not. We will just have to see...

Great Easter Activity

2009-03-26T14:10:00.003-04:00

A few years ago I heard some people on a radio program (can't remember which) talking about Resurrection Eggs and I was intrigued. I checked them out and bought a set of them I haven't done a good job of using them, because I forget until a few days before Easter. This year, it is on my calendar and I will start them on April 1. They are a great tool to teach your children about Jesus's life, death and resurrection. Just wanted to share! You can check them out here.

For Your Viewing Pleasure...

2009-03-22T20:28:00.003-04:00

My Charmer

2009-03-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

The other day at the table Jonathan said...

"Jacob's big shot. I'm bigger shot. Daddy is biggest shot. Mommy, you are the cutest shot!"

I think I have my hands full!

Jacob's Hospital Stay and What I Learned

2009-03-04T08:13:00.008-05:00

I have finally caught up on sleep, am feeling fairly normal, and have had a chance to process the happenings of the stomach bug in our home and the havoc that it wreaked. I am going to share our experience here and a couple of lessons that I learned in the process. Be warned that this is a long post!
If you read this post, then you know that the stomach bug started on Wednesday with Jonathan, spread to me on Thursday around noon, and hit Jacob on Thursday evening. By Friday morning he was starting to keep fluids down. He didn’t have an appetite, but I wasn’t concerned about that…I still didn’t have one, neither did Jonathan. Jacob did well on Friday. Friday night was good, and then Saturday, he woke up happy and feeling fairly well. We decided to take the boys to a birthday party of a friend of theirs and they were so excited! The boys did not eat at the party, not even cake! Wasn’t concerned. They had a bottle of Gatorade and we were good to go. Manly Man got them a little ice cream that afternoon, but they barely ate any. Still, not worried. They went to bed great, slept great.
Sunday morning, Jacob calls me from the bathroom and I run in there just in time for him to throw up again. Manly Man is off to work and I just try to make the best of things. I called the doctor and, since he didn’t have a fever and had stopped throwing up, and was keeping fluids down, I didn’t take him to the doctor. That afternoon he slept for about 3 hours. It was kind of hard to wake him up actually. When he did get up he looked pretty lethargic and I got worried, but pushed the fluids again. At 11pm, he threw up again and then two more times. I knew he was going to go to the hospital on Monday. I really believe the Lord prepped me for that one, and I was so thankful for it. He didn’t sleep soundly that night, nor did I.
When Manly Man got home, he took him to the walk-in clinic at the peds office. It was packed! The nurses even came out and asked that anyone that didn’t have a major concern should come back or call and make an appointment because it was going to be a long wait. Manly Man stayed with a limp, sleepy Jacob in his arms. He got there at 8:20am and didn’t get called back until 10:30am. Then it was another 30 minutes before the dr got in there. I was at home, trying to get some laundry done, spend time with Jonathan and rest, because I knew what was coming. At the doctor’s office, they checked Jacob’s blood sugar and it was down to 45. Normal is 60 to 120 and, if it had gone much lower, he could have had a seizure! Manly Man called and told me they were probably going to admit him so I called my mom in Charlotte, and jumped in the shower. Manly Man called back and said they were admitting him. I called him mom while shaving my legs in the shower and told her and asked her to come to take care of Jonathan. I called my mom back and told her I didn’t need her, but I wanted her. She left work within 30 minutes and got on the road. I explained to Jonathan what was happening and that I wanted to be with him, but that Jacob needed me and he said it was ok. My mil got here and I left and headed to the children’s hospital.
When I walked in Jacob’s room, I was prepared to see him looking so small in that bed and he did. Last year and very dear friend’s son was put in the hospital for dehydration from rotavirus and I had gone to see them. I was so thankful that I knew what to expect. He was sipping a little bit of juice, in hospital pjs, lying in the bed, looking so frail. He was barely awake and I climbed in the bed with him to snuggle. I didn’t want to be any where else. They had put some numbing cream on the back of both hands to numb the IV sight. They let it stay there, taped on, for an hour and then do the IV. It didn’t work for Jacob. Poor thing. But they got his IV in and splinted his arm so that he wouldn’t bend his wrist and mess up the IV. He cried, but was so brave! They drew some blood and his blood sugar was back up to 65, thankfully! They started pushing fluids in him…they push them hard and fast to shock the cells for the first hour and then slow down the drip. He slept some and then started to perk up a little. Manly Man went home to relieve his mom and bring Jonathan back up to the hospital. I stayed with him and when they got back; my mom had just gotten there too. His color started coming back after about 3 or 4 hours of the IV fluids. We had many friends stop by with snacks, toys and books for us. Many others called to check on us. I felt so blessed and so loved! Jacob slept really hard that night. The nurses came in every hour to check his IV and vitals and that was exhausting for my mom and me. They even checked his blood sugar and he slept through it! It was up to 125 by about 9:30pm. So very excited about that! The doctor came in and told me that the plan for Tuesday would be to push fluids orally and see how he did. Here, the Lord prepped me again that he wouldn’t be going home on Tuesday. Don’t ask me how I knew, it was just the Lord.

(These pictures are about 3 or 4 hours after they started his IV fluids on Monday. Notice the splint? That was Jacob's favorite part...he even brought it home!)

So Tuesday morning he woke up and was full of spunk and energy. They disconnected the IV fluids, leaving in the hep lock, and he was able to eat some cheerios, drink some sierra mist, and go play in the coolest play therapy room ever! He played really hard and was so happy to be out of the bed! Manly Man brought Jonathan back to the hospital and they had such fun playing together. After about 30 to 45 minutes, we went back down to the room and Jacob wanted to lay on the pull out couch. He was looking a little pale and tired and a little bit later, he threw up again! The doctor was in the room for that one and it bought him another night in the hospital. They hooked him back up to the IV fluids.

(This is in the play room Tuesday morning, right before he got sick again.)

My mom took Jonathan home and I went home for a few hours to spend some time with Jonathan. I could tell that he was being affected by all of this. It was so hard to leave Jacob there, even though Manly Man was with him. It broke my heart! I had fun with Jonathan though….we played a game and watched a little TV and snuggled some. I was so empty and exhausted! Mom and I went back to the hospital with Jonathan and Manly Man brought him home for the night.
The second night in the hospital was a little quieter. The nurse didn’t come in as often, per our request, and she charted his info on the computer outside instead of inside his room where the monitor would glow for what seemed like forever. They stopped his IV fluids at 6am. He ate a little for breakfast and we pushed the fluids. He played, but not as hard, on Wednesday and they discharged us from the hospital about 3pm that afternoon. The boy walked out of the hospital! He didn’t walk at all on Monday, we carried him every where because he was so weak.

(Right after he found out he was going to go home!)

What I learned through all this is...
1. Don’t force them to eat…their appetite will return and they know their bodies better than we do.
2. Do make them drink and monitor their fluids for a few days after the bug; Jacob weighs about 37 pounds and he needs about 45 ounces of fluids a day! Shocking!
3. When your blood sugar drops, it can cause nausea and vomiting…your get caught in a vicious cycle
4. When friends offer to bring something to you, accept it or ask for it…granola and fruit are good options
5. Chap Stick is a must in a hospital…the air is so dry!
6. Slip on shoes like crocs or Birkenstock are great because you can climb in the bed with your child and slip your shoes off very easily and put them back on easily when you need to get up (read: no germies on the bed)
7. Get out of the room and get some sunlight on your face if at all possible…it makes a huge difference!

So, there your have it. If you made it this far, thanks for taking a few minutes. And thank you for your prayers as we went through this.

And as s side note...next February, I have every intention of finding a cave to hibernate in with my family for the whole month! Remember what last February was like?

home

2009-02-25T15:15:00.001-05:00

grrrrr....blogger just messed me up! home with all my boys! will post when i can think straight.

jacob update

2009-02-24T16:05:00.001-05:00

jacob will be at the hospital again tonight. he threw up just after noon today and so they want to keep him overnight on an iv again. they will unhook the iv at 7am tomorrow and see how he does. keep praying please.

hospital

2009-02-23T11:38:00.001-05:00

Jacob is being admitted to the hospital right now and I will be up there soon. His blood sugar is really low because of the stomach bug...getting twice I guess. Please pray.

Weekly Review, AKA Puke Fest '09

2009-02-23T10:31:00.000-05:00

WARNING!!!!! LOTS OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEA TALK AHEAD!!!!! CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED!!!!

OK, with that being said, here we go.

Monday...I went to the gym and had a great cardio workout! Jonathan had school and read the word "strength" all by himself!

Tuesday...weigh in day (up 0.4 pounds)...had a major battle with myself and was pretty upset, but picked myself up and decided to not worry too much.

Wednesday...Jonathan woke up after puking in his bed, 30 minutes later our bed (note to anyone who cares...when your child is throwing up, put a blanket on the couch and don't put them in your bed!!!). He continued to throw up for the next several hours. We gave fluids and crackers the way we were supposed to and then, in hindsight, let him have a little to much control of the fluids and he ended up throwing up at 6:30pm. We assumed he was fine and off to bed he went an hour later. He puked at 10:30 in his bed, the top bunk, and it ran down onto Jacob's head! Yes...GROSS!!! They both went to the bath and Jacob into our bed, Jonathan and I to the couch.

Thursday...after a very restless night of sleep for me, Manly Man called his mom to come stay with the boys so I could sleep a little. I took a nap and woke up and had round one of diarrhea. "Hmmmm" I thought. Didn't eat much, ran to get new pillows since I didn't want to wash any more laundry (8 loads of bed linens in one day will do that to you) and came back and took another nap. Then my diarrhea continued and the throwing up began! I mean are you for real!!! My throwing up only last a couple of hours...guessing because it was coming out of both ends! My mil was able to stay until Manly Man was able to leave work and come home at 7pm. Wait...it gets better! At 10:30pm we are woken up to Jacob crying...you guessed it didn't you? Yep, he puked in his bed! What do you expect when you are thrown up on in your sleep! Manly Man stayed up with him all night so I could sleep.

Friday...Jacob finally stopped puking at 6:30am and we started fluids at 8am. He handled them great and the day turned out to be really lazy, but vomit free!

Saturday...since the boys were not throwing up and had enough energy, we took them to a birthday party for a friend of theirs. The didn't eat a thing! Then they went to the train museum and Manly Man took them for a little ice cream. That night, Jonathan had a little diarrhea, but not too much.

Sunday...Jacob cries for me from the bathroom at 6:30am because he has thrown up! Seriously? I couldn't believe it! He threw up 2 more times and then we got fluids started. I was nervous for a little while because he was complaining of his neck hurting...big time meningitis symptom. I talked to the doctor on call and we figured out it could be a recurrence of the stomach flu or strep, but since there was no fever, probably not strep. I decided not to take him to the doctor, and he did well with his fluids, until late in the night...but that is a new week! But seriously, Manly Man took him to the doctor and we are currently (as of 10:30am Monday) waiting to hear if they want to admit him for dehydration or anything like that. Please pray.

All and all, a pretty gross week at our house.

Help Needed, From Moms Of Boys

2009-02-20T00:00:00.004-05:00

Ever walk past the kids' bathroom and take a sniff? Notice that distinct aroma? That one that makes you think you boys' just peed on the counter, the floor and the wall? The smell of urine is NASTY! And I could smell it in our living room the other day! I even looked on the couch, just to be sure! (No pee there, thankfully!)
Any moms of boys, or just moms, have advice on getting the boys aim better? My boys can both aim, they just get lazy or turn their heads because they hear something, or who knows. I don't really want to have to mess with the whole "pee on the cheerio" thing. Something about keeping cheerios in the bathroom just doesn't sound good. Knowing my boys, they would eat them while peeing! They really aren't quite big enough to clean it up yet either!
Help!

Dessert Please!

2009-02-18T00:00:00.004-05:00

We here have a sweet tooth. We, this time, really means all four of us. I was reading an article in Family Circle that had a great idea about kids and dessert that I wanted to pass on to you. One doctor allows her children to have dessert ONLY if they have had 3 servings of fruits and/or veggies during the day. BRILLIANT!
Do your kids get dessert and are there conditions attached?

View Finders...The New CD?

2009-02-17T13:58:00.005-05:00

The boys have always gone to sleep with a fan for white noise and a little music to keep them company. We started Jonathan on some Chris Rice 5 and a half years ago! Sometime ago, the cd player stopped playing. It wouldn't open, change cds or anything! We finally took it out of there room and it found itself parked in our room, under the tv, gathering dust...a lot of dust! We figured since it was Manly Man's cd player from college it was dead, but we wanted to get our cds out.

Well, today was the day! While I was teaching math to Jonathan, Manly Man asked me to see something, when I had a chance. I went and saw what the culprit was. A view finder card thingy! Apparently, Jacob (I assume...that would be a Jacob kind of thing to do) stuck it into the cd player...perhaps thinking it would play? Jacob, at least it is round like a cd...

And Holly, thanks for the encouraging comment...you are too sweet! I miss and love you too!

Weekly Review

2009-02-14T09:26:00.011-05:00

I have been struggling with what to write. Who out there in blog land hasn't? I keep thinking that I need to do what my friend Ainsley does...short fun posts. She is so good at them! For some reason I feel a pressure to have fun things to say, great photos to post, and other self-inflicted standards! I have even told myself that if I had a phone that I could blog from, that would help! How crazy am I???

I am going to try to post each Monday with a "weekly review" to show what we have been up to that week. Maybe I will post more often than that...who knows! I hope to, but I have to get rid of the pressure I put on myself.

Without further delay...

Monday...getting over colds, so no yoga for me!

Tuesday...weigh in day, lost .2 pounds

Wednesday...Manly Man home ALL day, we played in the park....a blast!

Thursday...God answered my prayer for giving me what I needed to care for the babies at Bible study in the morning with three sleeping babies...He amazed me that He knows what I need, even when I don't! Jonathan read a story that had 14 sentences! Not three word sentences either! My three boys each got me one rose for Valentine's...too sweet!

Friday...the kids had a Valentines party at our house and it was a great time! 8 kids, 3 babies, 5 women...one big blessing! I got the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga DVD and did it this morning too...it was WONDERFUL!

Saturday...the day of love, Manly Man at the fire station for the second half of a double shift; a little sore from Friday's yoga...but a good sore!

Sunday...yoga in the morning, great sermon at church and dinner with some great and fun friends!

An Exciting Day!

2009-01-30T11:46:00.005-05:00

So Jonathan and Jacob have been playing road runner and coyote for a few days, chasing each other around the house. Today's episode ended up with Jonathan getting a busted lip, courtesy of Jacob. Jacob didn't mean to do it, he was just trying to get up.

Well, that busted lip has also brought along our FIRST LOOSE TOOTH!!! I am so terrified! I know, that sounds crazy. But my dad pulled our teeth when they were loose. Pulled! Pain! I get chills when I think about it. I just want Manly Man to get home before it starts gushing blood!

Have any tooth stories you want to share?

Weekly Weigh In

2009-01-27T14:35:00.002-05:00

I didn't post last week, but I had lost .4 pounds. This week I lost 1 pound. Not too bad considering I have some major pms going on and I totally eat my heart out of a bag of potato chips yesterday...emotional eating after Jonathan's allergy test came back negative to dairy, even though I know it is affecting him! I am going to try to make allowances for treats at the end of my day...rewards....if I feel a craving. In terms of non-scale victories, I can button and zip a pair of pants that I got for Christmas that I couldn't button or zip all the way a month ago! Yippee! Only 18 pounds til goal and about 23to 28 to go until I reach my ultimate goal! Baby steps are what I am taking!

Look What I Found When I Cleaned Out My Van!

2009-01-23T09:01:00.000-05:00

This is crazy! I think I may need an intervention! If you look well, there is still coffee in at least one mug!
Have a great weekend!

Snow Day

2009-01-21T09:40:00.000-05:00

We all had a blast playing in the snow yesterday! We had a snow ball fight with our neighbors and built a snowman. The boys named him "Frosty." What else do you name a snowman? They were wide-eyed when the snow started and kept begging to go outside more. They are getting ready to head out in just a few minutes to play some more in the snow. We are thankful!
You can click the photo to enlarge it!

AMAZING!

2009-01-20T09:37:00.001-05:00

Holy SNOW Batman! It is actually snowing here and it is coming down well!!! I will post pictures later!

I Feel Old, But Cute!

2009-01-16T07:26:00.003-05:00

My eyes have been bothering me while reading lately. They get watery and my vision gets a little blurry. I am destined to have glasses....both my parents wear bifocals. So I caved and got me a pair of reading glasses. I kind of like the way they look!

Weekly Weigh-In

2009-01-13T13:51:00.002-05:00

I knew this week was going to be not so great. Since I don't have a scale inside my house anymore, I wasn't sure what to expect. I didn't track my food very well, at all! That being said, I gained 1.2 pounds. I am still down 2.4, so I am OK. I told my friend Caroline that I wasn't hopeful for the week since I ate without accountability and that is the action that caused me to have to go back to WW. So, I am committing to tracking this week. I usually do great until supper for some reason. I might even keep it up on the blog...have to think about that one!
Thanks for all the encouragement!

Wednesday Weekly Weigh In

2009-01-07T09:08:00.003-05:00

My Weight Watchers meetings are on Tuesday mornings. My plan is to post a weigh in update each Wednseday. It will keep me honest. So, I was down 2.4 pounds, for a total of 3.8 pounds since starting. My goal this week is to track my hunger each hour. Gotta go do that!

Photo Tag

2009-01-06T00:00:00.003-05:00

Heather tagged me a few weeks ago for a photo tag. I had to pick the fourth picture in the fourth folder, and in my case, in the fourth folder again of the "my pictures" folder. Here it is!
From the left: my only nephew, my cousin, my step-grandma, Jacob, my grandfather, Jonathan

This was the first time my grandfather met Jacob and he was already 8 months old. They live in Georgia. I love these pictures of generations, so I am including the one from a little over a year ago (4 generations), at my grandfather's 79 birthday party. He is 80 now...young to have 3 great grands don't you think? There is something really cool about that for me because I have great memories of two of my great grandparents...they didn't go to heaven until I was 19 and 25! I am not sure how much longer we will have Papa around, but I know that my boys will at least remember him!

Back To The Grind

2009-01-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

I have enjoyed a month off from homeschooling. We start back today. I am not sure how I feel about that. Some mixed feelings I guess. I am ready to get back to it so that I can finish the curriculum that I started back in August. The boys need some structure back in their lives. So do I. I am anxious about what to do with Jacob. He could give up his nap, but I really enjoy having a break from the craziness that is Jacob. I am debating starting to work with him on writing his name and just a few other things. Also, our schedule is different every day so I tried to find a time to have school, at the same time. The result? 1pm. Not really sure how I feel about that. But, at least there will be some consistency.

Our school schedule, in terms of the year, will be three months on, one month off and we will be having school Monday thru Thursday and every other Friday. I am hoping that this will allow for more time with friends, mine and theirs:)!

I have started back to Weight Watchers and will keep you posted on my weight loss progress. I am impressed with their new program...as long as I can embrace it. I am having some tests run and if there is anything to report, I will, if it is appropriate.

I am starting on the venture of reading through the Bible this year also.

My plate may seem full, but I feel really good about all of these things this year. The daily schedule of school might be the only thing that I am feeling iffy about. So, there it is!
Back to the daily grind!

Blessings!

What I've Learned in 2008

2008-12-31T17:52:00.005-05:00

I've been thinking about all the things I have learned this year and thought that sharing them with you would be a good post for the first day of 2009. So, here are some of them, in no particular order.

1. Garbage disposals are made to dispose of potato peelings. Perhaps ours is just broke.

2. Homeschooling really isn't so stressful, speaking only from the kindergarten perspective.

3. Jonathan can't have artificial colors, preferably nothing artificial, and definitely NOT Hardee's!

4. I can work Manly Man's drill!

5. Making window treatments isn't as daunting of a task when you do it The Nester's way.

6. Jacob is a total wild man...I already knew it, but it became way evident this year.

7. Three numbers on the scale don't make me a better person, or a worse person. They are just numbers.

8. Manly Man loves my hips...especially after having two children!

9. I have great calves, and I can say it and believe it. (I am not trying to sound boastful....I am learning to focus on the things that I really like about myself so that I don't beat myself of for other things.)

10. I need Jesus in all the little things (as well as the big) way more than I realized.

11. I can make bread. (Thanks Teesa!)

12. I can't get healthy without God.

13. Manly Man is so forgiving.

14. No matter how many times I ask people not to over do on gifts, they will do as they please.

15. My boys have learned a lot of habits from me...some good, some not so good.

16. I enjoy running.

17. God wants more of me and more for me.

18. I miss the city of Greensboro way more that I realized. I thought I just missed the people, but I really miss the city also!

19. I really enjoy Andrew Peterson's music.

20. Having friends is one of the most amazing and wonderful blessings!

21. Having friends takes a lot of work.

22. Vitamins really do help.
23. Blogging is a great outlet, but can become consuming.
24. Manly Man and I really need regular dates or nights away from our sweet boys.

So, just a snippet of what I have learned this year.

New things are coming for me and my family in 2009. Stay tuned!

December, In Pictures

2008-12-21T20:38:00.000-05:00

I am feeling totally stressed and totally overwhelmed! I can honestly say I haven't enjoyed this Christmas season at all this year. I have missed Jesus this year. So, I won't post until after Friday. I am taking time for my Savior, and my family. Until then...here are a few pictures from this season so far.

Much love and many blessings!

That's Unique!

2008-12-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

My mom sent me this picture...called it a redneck tank top.
Do you see what it is?

A Hunting We Will Go

2008-12-05T00:00:00.002-05:00

Jonathan got to go on his first dove hunt on Friday! Manly Man took him and he had a great time! He even went into the field to "fetch" (his words) two doves that Manly Man shot. Jonathan said, "they are bloody!" But, he did it! He picked them up and carried them back to Manly Man. My little boy. Just a year ago, he went deer hunting for the frist time. (He isn't carrying a shot gun or rifle, just his toy gun!) Jacob got to go to Waffle House with Manly Man, get a new toy gun, and go to the park. Then he got to hang with me. Stay tuned for details!

FYI

2008-12-04T20:07:00.001-05:00

Manly Man updated his blog today with some potentially wonderful news. Check it out!

Check This Out!

2008-12-03T20:48:00.000-05:00

Went into Target tonight to get some Christmas lights, (that is another story), and this is what I saw when I walked in the door!

Are you kidding me?!?!?!?

I'm Not Too Late!

2008-12-03T08:55:00.000-05:00

It's been a while huh? We had friends in town for Sunday through Wednesday last week and had a blast! It was really fun to be with Adam and Kendall, college friends, and their baby, Crawford. The boys loved having him here too! We ate yummy food, had a great time hanging out and catching up on things. Adam killed his first deer with Manly Man that Monday and we were all REALLY excited for him.

This Thanksgiving was a very unique one for us. We had friends over, instead of family. It was so much fun! We ate lots of great food, and I didn't have to cook it all! Manly Man did fry the turkey again, and for one time a year, we can ignore ALL that grease! We went for an evening stroll after eating with our friends and then had pie! It was wonderful!

We had great plans of getting the house decorated on Saturday, but the rain changed our plans. Sunday too. But, stay tuned for the happenings on Friday....

I Caved

2008-11-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

I needed another pair of black shoes besides my high heel boots, so I bought these:

I held out for a long time buying Crocs, even though my kids have "moc crocs" and love them. I know understand the rage! They are so comfy and I am so thankful to have them! So, am I the last person to get them?
How many pairs of crocs have you owned?

You Must Be Kidding Me!!!

2008-11-19T16:35:00.000-05:00

I took this picture out my van window this afternoon! I can't believe they are here already! Of course, if everything goes as planned, we will have one next Friday:)

Boys and Girls

2008-11-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

I have really been struggling with understanding boys lately. They are so much more aggressive than girls, louder than girls, I think more talkative than girls too! I have one sister. No brothers. I love my boys, but I don't get them!

A few nights ago the boys were playing Nascar on our rug. Manly Man got under it so that he could be the hill...

After his turn was up, he asked me if I wanted to do it. I looked at him like he was crazy. I told him that I would lay on my tummy and let them drive cars on my back so I could pretend that I was getting a massage!

See boys and girls are different. Very different. I need to work on my "playing with the boys" skills. Thinking about getting the book Bringing Up Boys also, so I can understand them better.

Have any fun stories about boys and girls?

More Truth

2008-11-17T14:15:00.000-05:00

As I got ready to go out to a nice dinner with Manly Man on Monday night, I went through the "I hate all my clothes" song. Are you familiar with that you? I am. All to well. It never ends well. It has even ended in a change of restaurant destinations because all I could fit were a pair of jeans, not very nice ones either.

Well Monday evening went a little differently. As I stood in front of the mirror, I became very frustrated with my turtleneck sweater because it made my big boobs (sorry if any guys are reading this!) look even bigger and it hit at a place in between my hips and waist that wasn't flattering. I started to nit pick at how it looked, how I looked, how I felt. All the while Manly Man had told me at least twice how beautiful and wonderful I looked. I felt a moment of truth flood into my heart. I said aloud, in the mirror, "I am a child of God and that alone is enough. I might have big boobs, but I am still a child of God. I won't nit pick anymore tonight." It felt great. I felt peaceful. And I didn't criticize any more. That night.

As I learn to lean wholly on the Lord I was confronted with hard truth this morning. I wrote that I wanted to be healthy for the Lord. I have written about that a lot on this blog. A lot! The Lord asked me a question this morning. He said, "Do you really want to be healthy for me, or do you just want to look good for the world and for yourself so that you 'feel' better about yourself?" (gulp.) I confessed to Him, that I use health as a disguise. I told Him the truth...that I just wanted to look good, to fit into a certain size, to weigh a certain number. I asked for forgiveness. I also asked Him to help me to be comfortable in my own skin.

The irony of it all...Jacob's verse in Cubbies, at Awana this week:

I am...wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14

I do love that the Lord has a sense of humor, even though it doesn't always feel so funny!

My Kids NEED Your Help!

2008-11-14T08:48:00.002-05:00

My boys are "sandwiched out." They can't take another sandwich for lunch. We've done the nugget thing too. Cheese quesadillas. Apples with peanut butter and crackers. Please help me come up with something new and maybe even fun to feed my kids! They would love it! Know that I don't really want to "cook" a lunch...heat up quick is OK but no major cooking allowed. So my question...
What do you feed your kids for lunch?

Humbling

2008-11-11T13:16:00.004-05:00

Today is Manly Man's birthday! Happy Day Manly Man!

I arranged for Grandma and Papa to keep the boys last night so Manly Man and I could go on a date! He was so surprised when I asked him to get the stuff out of the back of the van (their pillows and suitcases)! We had a wonderful date...we went to dinner and a movie and then for coffee. It felt really weird not trying to rush home. It felt really weird getting ready for our date and not having children around. It was VERY quiet in our house yesterday afternoon. It was the first time in almost 4 years that we were in our house and the boys were not...almost 4 years! We so needed it!

We have been wanting to see Fireproof since we knew it was coming out, but actually making it to a movie is very hard! We are always interested in movies that have firefighting in it. From Manly Man's perspective, they did a good job, overall. There were a few things we noticed, but all in all, the fire scenes were good. We chuckled at the firehouse humor, and were grateful that the language was MUCH better than it tends to be in a "real" firehouse. Manly Man has to deal with hearing the foul mouths every time he is on duty. It is hard!

We wanted to see the movie for other reasons...it is a Christian done movie, and as a few folks have said, it was well done and not "cheesy." We have also had our fair share of hard things to deal with in our marriage over the last seven years. We learned about the movie when we were going through one of those patches. We have been having honest conversations a lot in the past few months, which have been good, but hard too. Manly Man asked me if I thought that I loved him well. My answer was immediate, "No." I thought that I didn't love him well because I wanted him to meet expectations that weren't fair, especially since he wasn't made to meet them, or even told about them from me! I have been struggling with that the past couple of weeks. While watching Fireproof, I felt the Lord stirring in my heart. I didn't love my husband well because I didn't love the Lord well. It was such a resounding chord in my heart, that I knew it was from the Lord, not the enemy trying to attack me. I cried through most of the movie. I cry thinking about it now. I think that the Lord has been using the past few weeks to soften my heart so that I could actually hear from him! How wonderful that He knew what needed to be done, so that I could be ready to hear the message that I needed. Me loving my husband doesn't come from me...it can only come from an overflow of the love of the Lord. I am humbled now at my need for Him...I always knew that I needed Him, but I thought I could do much of it on my own! It is my prayer that I can lean wholly on the Holy One, instead of just saying that I do.

I am waiting for some answers from the Lord. Perhaps as I do lean wholly, I will start to hear a few more answers!

Are you leaning wholly on the Lord?

On Trying to be Quiet, and Thankful

2008-11-06T12:32:00.004-05:00

I'll start with the "thankful" first...just one. My sweet Jakey...every time, and I mean EVERY TIME you give him a kiss, he rubs it in! Seriously! Could he melt my heart anymore than he has? Check him out trying to be all bad!

I have been trying to be still. To be quiet. To be. That is really hard with boys inside the house. And nasty wet weather outside. It seems that I long to "be still and know" in the morning, but it keeps getting upset by the rising children or Manly Man heading out to work. Last Thursday, I actually felt wooed out of bed by a still, sweet, and ever so quiet whisper, to come and sit with Him. It was truly beautiful. To just sit with a cup of coffee and Jesus. I have been trying to stop rattling off my concerns and requests to the Lord, whether they be for others or my family, and trying to listen, to feel. I am not sure what I am hoping for...a stirring in my spirit towards something, an almost audible answer spoken to my heart, a passion to be revealed. I just feel strongly that for me, right now, I need to just sit and listen. For now. Not for later. Now.

I may continue to be quiet in the blog world, as it can be a bit of a distraction at times. Or, I may use this as a tool to work out the stirrings whenever they may come. But for now, I will be quiet.

Blessings to you. And thank you all for your wonderful encouragement in your comments to my previous post! You are awesome!

Passion

2008-10-28T09:41:00.003-04:00

I guess I have been taking a blogging break, trying to figure out what to blog, why I blog, and should I change anything up on the blog. I don't really have any answers. I sometimes feel like there are too many irons in the fire. I don't like that feeling. It makes me feel like I am not doing any of them well. I just want to have one thing that I think..."I do that well...I enjoy that...that is my passion." Anyone else feel that way? When I was a little girl, I danced. I started when I turned 3 and didn't stop until I graduated from high school. It was my passion. I was pretty good at it too. Classically trained ballet. I still LOVE to go to the ballet, but don't ever get the chance. I stopped dancing in college because I realized that I was doing it for me and I didn't want that anymore. I wanted the Lord to be at the top of my list, and He wasn't. He was up there, but not number one. I don't feel like He has given me "permission" to dance, other than in my kitchen, since I was 18. I think He knows that I am too approval based to be able to dance and NOT have it become higher than He is.
I feel lost when I think about what my passion is now. Some people read, scrapbook, run, cook. That list is great. But there isn't anything that I am passionate about on that list. I have a tough time watching others get "into" what they love. It makes me feel, as my Granny would say, "blue." You know, just a little sad. Sad that I don't have that. I think that I am going to be adding it to my prayer list. Manly Man has been asking me for years what I am passionate about, what I love and I have never been able to answer him. Guess I should have added it years ago huh?
My question to you: what are you passionate about, and how did you find it?

Guess Who's Blogging?

2008-10-22T13:16:00.002-04:00

Manly Man has started a blog...a business blog. He is a mortgage lender here in town, but can do loans in lots of states. Check out his blog and let him know if you need any help in the loan department! I have a link on the side bar, just in case you ever need to find him again!

Where We've Been, Part 4

2008-10-16T15:36:00.004-04:00

Last Thursday night, we had Manly Man's parents up for dinner at our house to celebrate his mom's 60th birthday! Yep, two parties in less than a week! October and November are very big birthday months for both of our families! Grandma wanted a pie, so I made pumpkin (I don't eat it versus the pecan pie that I make and love to eat!!!). We had a yummy dinner and enjoyed a great game of Yahtzee also!

That brings us back to this week. School started back. Jonathan is officially a reader. We went to the beach and to Mellow Mushroom to celebrate that exciting development! We have had Awana and will be making peanut butter cookies tomorrow!

On a side note, Jonathan got his vest at Awana for reciting John 3:16! We watched through the window last night during their rec time and we so excited to see him running fast and coming in second during a game! I have never seen him so proud of himself! We were and are too Jonathan!