What I am thankful for on this rainy day...
*Both my children are home with me today. Tatie has off bc of parent-teacher conferences most of the week, and Bailey has a cough so I'm letting her lay around, get extra breathing treatments and try to get better. When they are home with me in the middle of the week I feel like it's how it used to be, the 3 of us all day. I DO romanticize the past...what I wouldn't have given then for a break!! But for today, it's nice. Mostly.
*My family ate a healthy breakfast together this morning at the table, we were laughing and nothing spilled. I love when that happens.
*All of the laundry is almost done.
*Tonight is my favorite tv night...if it's reruns I'm turning it off, no watching Seinfeld or anything. But if they're new shows, I'm snuggling in with my blankie and lovin it.
*Tomorrow morning I'm seeing a friend I haven't seen for 7 years. Even though our visit will be short, I am really looking forward to it.
*For dinner we are making homemade pizza and playing a game, it's always a pretty good time. Well, until one of the girls win and lords it over the other girl...that's not fun.
*I'm going to go take a shower now, and that's going to feel awesome.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Whatever Wednesday
So I am changing the "No Worries Wednesday" to Whatever Wednesday. More freedom and longevity I think.
But I am actually writing this on Thursday, as my Wednesday was really busy.
So I am going to confess I don't think I've ever made it through a whole season of Lent with giving something up. I didn't grow up doing anything for Lent, and it's only been something that's on my heart these last few years. But I always choose something truly sacrificial, and then can't make it because the truth is I'm addicted. I'm not addicted really to anything in particular, but addicted to giving myself what I want when I want it. Ugh that sounds so negative, but it's true. And in the process I'm a bear to live with, because how long can Mama go without some coffee. Not long. I'm sure the kids were wishing they knew how to make it and then pour it down my throat.
So this year, I am doing something more do-able, but still sacrificial. I am giving up eating past dinner. What I want to pair that with - although I am not "giving this up" because I KNOW I couldn't make it - is to give up some tv time as well, so I can spend more time on things that matter. Time with God, in prayer and reading, catching up on my albums, doing nice things for others. Not cleaning.
I am praying I make it through the Lent season - it will be hard if we eat early, as I really hate going to bed very hungry. I forgot to yesterday, but I'm going to explain Lent to the girls and ask if they'd like to add or take anything away. My suggestion will be reading the Bible together every morning or evening....we do that often but not daily, and most times without Kevin who's working. But I want it to be all of us, that would be so nice.
Many blessings on your season of Lent as we prepare for honoring the Lord's sacrifice for us. Thinking of what he did for us certainly puts in perspective our tiny little sacrifice for Him.
But I am actually writing this on Thursday, as my Wednesday was really busy.
So I am going to confess I don't think I've ever made it through a whole season of Lent with giving something up. I didn't grow up doing anything for Lent, and it's only been something that's on my heart these last few years. But I always choose something truly sacrificial, and then can't make it because the truth is I'm addicted. I'm not addicted really to anything in particular, but addicted to giving myself what I want when I want it. Ugh that sounds so negative, but it's true. And in the process I'm a bear to live with, because how long can Mama go without some coffee. Not long. I'm sure the kids were wishing they knew how to make it and then pour it down my throat.
So this year, I am doing something more do-able, but still sacrificial. I am giving up eating past dinner. What I want to pair that with - although I am not "giving this up" because I KNOW I couldn't make it - is to give up some tv time as well, so I can spend more time on things that matter. Time with God, in prayer and reading, catching up on my albums, doing nice things for others. Not cleaning.
I am praying I make it through the Lent season - it will be hard if we eat early, as I really hate going to bed very hungry. I forgot to yesterday, but I'm going to explain Lent to the girls and ask if they'd like to add or take anything away. My suggestion will be reading the Bible together every morning or evening....we do that often but not daily, and most times without Kevin who's working. But I want it to be all of us, that would be so nice.
Many blessings on your season of Lent as we prepare for honoring the Lord's sacrifice for us. Thinking of what he did for us certainly puts in perspective our tiny little sacrifice for Him.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tummy Tuesday
I was dreading writing this post bc I have not been doing well with my diet. No shocker there, and that's the part I hate the most...the feeling I have about myself. I did not go to my WW meeting this past Saturday bc Tate had to go to the Dr and my mom couldn't come over...except I could've made it work, I just chose not to. My home scale said I was about a pound up. AGAIN with the excuses, it IS that time of the month for me, so I had that in my back pocket. But the truth is, I haven't been trying the way I should. Some days are better than others, I just wish I was doing better.
I'm anxious to get weighed in this coming Saturday, but excited to go to the meeting. I really like the leader and the group that meets...they're all very "real" and supportive of each other. This is going to sound CRAZY, especially since I have only lost a few pounds!! But I would love to be a WW leader someday. I DREAM of victory, of conquering this beast that's on my back, this weight I've carried all these years. I dream of being able to encourage others so that they can have victory too. But this dream seems so far away...especially at this slow rate.
So that is how I am doing...I appreciate any prayers. God knows this is a stronghold in my life, and He longs for me to have victory too. And I believe He wants me to help others, I really do. But how can I help them when I haven't helped myself? And how do I help myself when I don't make the right choices? But another part of me knows that for me to really be able to share my testimony and encourage someone with a lot of weight to lose, it won't happen overnight. I have to learn and face these trials, and retrain myself how to handle stress without turning to food. The more I learn and grow, the better I'll be able to give of myself, and have someone believe that I truly understand where they're at.
Thank you for your encouragement. I will let you know how I do at Saturday's weigh in!
I'm anxious to get weighed in this coming Saturday, but excited to go to the meeting. I really like the leader and the group that meets...they're all very "real" and supportive of each other. This is going to sound CRAZY, especially since I have only lost a few pounds!! But I would love to be a WW leader someday. I DREAM of victory, of conquering this beast that's on my back, this weight I've carried all these years. I dream of being able to encourage others so that they can have victory too. But this dream seems so far away...especially at this slow rate.
So that is how I am doing...I appreciate any prayers. God knows this is a stronghold in my life, and He longs for me to have victory too. And I believe He wants me to help others, I really do. But how can I help them when I haven't helped myself? And how do I help myself when I don't make the right choices? But another part of me knows that for me to really be able to share my testimony and encourage someone with a lot of weight to lose, it won't happen overnight. I have to learn and face these trials, and retrain myself how to handle stress without turning to food. The more I learn and grow, the better I'll be able to give of myself, and have someone believe that I truly understand where they're at.
Thank you for your encouragement. I will let you know how I do at Saturday's weigh in!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Mommy Monday
A mommy moment, brought to you courtesy of Bailey Caelyn and Taylor Elise. Or the cats - Maela, Oreo or Cocoa. I don't know who is responsible...and you'll see why in a minute.
So last week, both girls were home with me Friday. Tatie had off anyway, but she did have a cold so I would've kept her and Bailey had a cold too. They were laying around, tv, Leapsters, Wii...so I took the opportunity to go on a cleaning binge. All was fun and games (except for the fun and games part) until I was changing the sheets on Kevin's and my bed. I heaped the blankets on the floor, changed the sheets and then was putting the blankets back on, when I see GOBS and STREAKS of what looks like poop all over the blanket. I smell it (that's what moms do when they're not sure if maybe it's chocolate that a little one snuck and ate hidden in a blanket) and ascertain it is in fact poop. I call to the girls and ask them if either one had an accident in Mommy's bed. They say no, and laugh hysterically at the thought of one of them letting loose on a bed. Not convinced, I make them lay out exposing their heineys, to see if there is any remnant of it on their cute little cheeks. After pinching their cute little cheeks because I can't help myself - which spurs Taylor to tell me off, stating it's her heiney and I can't have it - I am confident I need to move on to the cats. After several minutes of searching and 3 cats looking at me like I am defiling them, I am now completely stumped. All 3 cats and both children seem to be in the clear.
WHO SHAT THE BED?! I wonder whether I should call Kevin, but I decide his manhood means more to me than questioning him on whether or not he took a dump on a blanket. Plus, he wasn't sick or anything, so I can't believe it was him. That leaves me. And I didn't do it. I am 100% sure.
So I still don't know who did it, and I am still thinking about this great mystery. I'm just thankful I found it when I did, instead of at 11pm that night, as Kevin and I pull the covers up around us.
It would've been a mood killer, for sure.
So last week, both girls were home with me Friday. Tatie had off anyway, but she did have a cold so I would've kept her and Bailey had a cold too. They were laying around, tv, Leapsters, Wii...so I took the opportunity to go on a cleaning binge. All was fun and games (except for the fun and games part) until I was changing the sheets on Kevin's and my bed. I heaped the blankets on the floor, changed the sheets and then was putting the blankets back on, when I see GOBS and STREAKS of what looks like poop all over the blanket. I smell it (that's what moms do when they're not sure if maybe it's chocolate that a little one snuck and ate hidden in a blanket) and ascertain it is in fact poop. I call to the girls and ask them if either one had an accident in Mommy's bed. They say no, and laugh hysterically at the thought of one of them letting loose on a bed. Not convinced, I make them lay out exposing their heineys, to see if there is any remnant of it on their cute little cheeks. After pinching their cute little cheeks because I can't help myself - which spurs Taylor to tell me off, stating it's her heiney and I can't have it - I am confident I need to move on to the cats. After several minutes of searching and 3 cats looking at me like I am defiling them, I am now completely stumped. All 3 cats and both children seem to be in the clear.
WHO SHAT THE BED?! I wonder whether I should call Kevin, but I decide his manhood means more to me than questioning him on whether or not he took a dump on a blanket. Plus, he wasn't sick or anything, so I can't believe it was him. That leaves me. And I didn't do it. I am 100% sure.
So I still don't know who did it, and I am still thinking about this great mystery. I'm just thankful I found it when I did, instead of at 11pm that night, as Kevin and I pull the covers up around us.
It would've been a mood killer, for sure.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Spirit Sunday
So to kick-off this new thing of "Spirit Sundays", I figured I'd start at the beginning and give my testimony.
But I can't take too long, Kevin's giving me the evil eye bc the girls are in their beds and he wants to watch a movie. 127 hours. So I have to move this bus along.
Growing up, my family regularly attended Sunday service at a large Presbyterian church. My dad sang in the choir and for several years, Andy and I did too -- and bell choir. (Try not to look at me different.) We had some friends there, and for the most part it was a positive experience for me. The few years I did youth group was fun too, until it wasn't. Anyway, I remember my dad telling me we were "Christians" - he was fixing the skylight in our family room, was on a ladder. I remember looking up, and telling him so many kids at school go to CCD, and church on Saturdays, not Sundays. They get to stay later at the sleepovers, not leave for church. He looked down at me, and said, "We're Christians, not Catholics. There's a difference." But I never really did understand the difference, until I was older and realized we didn't have rosary beads, pray to anyone but God or Jesus, and we didn't talk about Mary all the time. It was fine by me to not be Catholic as I got older - I sang for a few years on Saturday afternoons with my dad and Andy for a Latin mass at a Catholic church, got paid too! It seemed they took church very seriously, and there was a lot of standing and sitting. Being "Christians" seemed easier, less intense, less guilt.
As a family, we said "grace" before meals often, but that was the extent of our prayer time together. Our family endured many difficult years, and I prayed in my room, begging God to intervene somehow. My brother did too. When I was young, I remember being non-impressed, as God did not seem to help us. It made me feel small and unimportant. I didn't not believe in Him - I just didn't trust Him, or really, love Him.
In researching colleges, I spent a weekend at a Christian college in PA, right down the street - literally - from the home my dad grew up in. It was a beautiful campus, and it appealed to my parents because it wasn't too far away and my grandma (who really, was disinterested in me and I was not close to, but still) was right there in case I needed her. I didn't. But after spending the weekend, I fell in love with the school - everyone was so friendly, it was small and close-knit, it had classes I was interested in, and I loved the area. It made me feel good.
My first day at Eastern, I was scared out of my mind. My roommate, who ended up becoming my dearest friend, my maid-of-honor at my wedding and we roomed together all 4 years, was different than me. As in, I think she had not one but several Bibles, and posters on the wall professing her faith. I brought pictures of my friends from home with beers in our hands from a summer party. I didn't know what I had gotten myself into - but after a few weeks she and I overcame our fear of each other, and started to talk. Really talk. And I made wonderful friends, most of whom had a strong background in faith. We had a blast, but they taught me, too. I listened and sought God, and during my freshman year, I asked Jesus into my heart as a believer and follower. I have loved him ever since, and I am raising my girls to listen and seek God also.
There is still so much I don't know or understand. I will die not knowing or understanding - and that's ok with me. It has nothing to do with my belief. To some this may seem ignorant or uneducated - to me it is simply faith. That's not to say that someday I may struggle...I feel that my relationship with Jesus is still a relationship where there may be hard times. But every day I give thanks for what I have, and pray for protection for my family, and guidance for our day. To pray brings me great comfort, to place my day, my desires, my fears, at the feet of Jesus so I don't have to go through it by myself. I can't watch my girls while they're in school - but He does. I don't know what their future holds - but He does.
I understand how people don't believe in God, Jesus. It makes me sad, but I understand. For anyone reading this, if you are not a believer, I hope you have an experience - the sooner the better! - that changes your mind, your heart. I pray you feel the love of God alive in your life.
That actually was the short version - hard to believe, isn't it. :)
But I can't take too long, Kevin's giving me the evil eye bc the girls are in their beds and he wants to watch a movie. 127 hours. So I have to move this bus along.
Growing up, my family regularly attended Sunday service at a large Presbyterian church. My dad sang in the choir and for several years, Andy and I did too -- and bell choir. (Try not to look at me different.) We had some friends there, and for the most part it was a positive experience for me. The few years I did youth group was fun too, until it wasn't. Anyway, I remember my dad telling me we were "Christians" - he was fixing the skylight in our family room, was on a ladder. I remember looking up, and telling him so many kids at school go to CCD, and church on Saturdays, not Sundays. They get to stay later at the sleepovers, not leave for church. He looked down at me, and said, "We're Christians, not Catholics. There's a difference." But I never really did understand the difference, until I was older and realized we didn't have rosary beads, pray to anyone but God or Jesus, and we didn't talk about Mary all the time. It was fine by me to not be Catholic as I got older - I sang for a few years on Saturday afternoons with my dad and Andy for a Latin mass at a Catholic church, got paid too! It seemed they took church very seriously, and there was a lot of standing and sitting. Being "Christians" seemed easier, less intense, less guilt.
As a family, we said "grace" before meals often, but that was the extent of our prayer time together. Our family endured many difficult years, and I prayed in my room, begging God to intervene somehow. My brother did too. When I was young, I remember being non-impressed, as God did not seem to help us. It made me feel small and unimportant. I didn't not believe in Him - I just didn't trust Him, or really, love Him.
In researching colleges, I spent a weekend at a Christian college in PA, right down the street - literally - from the home my dad grew up in. It was a beautiful campus, and it appealed to my parents because it wasn't too far away and my grandma (who really, was disinterested in me and I was not close to, but still) was right there in case I needed her. I didn't. But after spending the weekend, I fell in love with the school - everyone was so friendly, it was small and close-knit, it had classes I was interested in, and I loved the area. It made me feel good.
My first day at Eastern, I was scared out of my mind. My roommate, who ended up becoming my dearest friend, my maid-of-honor at my wedding and we roomed together all 4 years, was different than me. As in, I think she had not one but several Bibles, and posters on the wall professing her faith. I brought pictures of my friends from home with beers in our hands from a summer party. I didn't know what I had gotten myself into - but after a few weeks she and I overcame our fear of each other, and started to talk. Really talk. And I made wonderful friends, most of whom had a strong background in faith. We had a blast, but they taught me, too. I listened and sought God, and during my freshman year, I asked Jesus into my heart as a believer and follower. I have loved him ever since, and I am raising my girls to listen and seek God also.
There is still so much I don't know or understand. I will die not knowing or understanding - and that's ok with me. It has nothing to do with my belief. To some this may seem ignorant or uneducated - to me it is simply faith. That's not to say that someday I may struggle...I feel that my relationship with Jesus is still a relationship where there may be hard times. But every day I give thanks for what I have, and pray for protection for my family, and guidance for our day. To pray brings me great comfort, to place my day, my desires, my fears, at the feet of Jesus so I don't have to go through it by myself. I can't watch my girls while they're in school - but He does. I don't know what their future holds - but He does.
I understand how people don't believe in God, Jesus. It makes me sad, but I understand. For anyone reading this, if you are not a believer, I hope you have an experience - the sooner the better! - that changes your mind, your heart. I pray you feel the love of God alive in your life.
That actually was the short version - hard to believe, isn't it. :)
new direction
So I have been floundering a bit with this blog, and today I realized why. It's all over the place. It's like my mountain of papers that I don't know what to do with...so I don't do anything. I think that's why I haven't been as excited to write as I first was -- it's too over-the-place. So as of today, I am going to have a daily theme, to give me some direction as to what to write about.
Here it is -- and keep in mind I still may not write daily, and I may change it on a whim and write whatever I want. Blogs are cool like that.
Sunday -- "Spirit Sunday" (spiritual/religious)
Monday -- "Mommy Mondays" (talkin' 'bout my babes)
Tuesday - "Tummy Tuesdays" (how I'm doing on my weight-loss journey and all related tumminess)
Wednesday - "No Worries Wednesdays" (letting go of fear/worries, etc)
Thursday - "Thankful Thursdays"
Friday - "Flashback or Flashforward Fridays" (stories from my past or hopes for the future)
Saturday - "Sales Saturday" (couponing, tips, local sales)
What would YOU like me to talk about?
Thursday, March 3, 2011
a money goal
I am into couponing.
And by 'into' I mean I love it. I am still learning, but over the past year I have cut our grocery/eating out//etc budget by 1/2. My goal is to do even better this year, and I am really excited about March. I am excited because I have a goal of only spending $100 OOP (out of pocket) for eating out and grocery. I can't wait to see how close to this number I can get. Over the last 2 weeks I have spent around $250 (that is high for me now) between the drugstores and grocery - but I have $136 in catalinas for Shop Rite (the simple explanation of a catalina is that it's like a gift card you get for buying certain products) to spend over the next 4 weeks, $10 in UP rewards for Rite Aid, and $12.50 for CVS. I am very stocked with all of our grocery, household and toiletry needs, so my goal is to make that money stretch to buy dairy, produce and lunch meats as needed. I wanted my goal to be less, but we are going out a few times already that I know of, so I plan for that to be eating-out money.
I gave a talk this week at my MOPS group on couponing and I was so encouraged to hear the positive feed-back from other moms feeling empowered to learn the system. It is the best part time job!! I do it when I want, for as long as I want, and it enables me to help others at the same time!! I love giving stuff away - high quality name brand - that I get for free -- or even better when the stores pay me!!
Ok I'll stop now. I'm even annoying myself going on and on about this. But just like my battle with my weight, I wanted to become accountable for my financial goals. $100 for the month of March.
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