Three Little Birds

35 in 35 Check-Up

2012-01-29T16:33:00.000-08:00

It's almost the end of the month....which means time to review and check up on my progress with my 35 list! Updates are in red.

Adventure/Active

1. Run six 5Ks (TENTATIVELY: Cupid Crawl in February, Habitat for Humanity in March, Ocracoke 5K in April, Beaufort Road Race in July, Pink Ribbon Run in October, Dash for Cash in December). Still planning to do the Cupid Crawl in a couple of weeks.

2. Go ziplining (planning this with a few girls from my weight loss group at the gym!). Probably in the Spring.

3. Go parasailing (during our annual beach vacation). Summer

4. Take a surfing lesson (? during beach vacation). Summer

5. Run a Half Marathon (gotta get this leg issue straight first--see #10. Possibly will do the Outer Banks half in October). Still need to address #10 first!

6. Run a 10 minute (or better!) mile. I am so slow. Really, really slow. But this week I pushed the speed up on the treadmill and was able to sustain a much faster pace than normal. I'm getting closer every day!

Healthy

7. Finish what I started and lose 30 (or 40!) more pounds. 6.6 pounds down in January to put me at 33 pounds total (I had gained a few pounds over the holidays).

8. Be a Vegetarian for one month (planning on February--the shortest month!). Working on this now--see my other blog Simply Healthy Mama for daily updates.

9. Go to the dentist. I still haven't made an appointment. I honestly don't have the money to go this month so I'll have to put this off until March.

10. See a chiropractor about my thigh and neck issues. See #9.

11. Get a skin cancer check by a dermatologist. See #9 and #10.

Trips/Places to Go

12. Take the girls to Ocracoke. Probably in the Spring.

13. Go to the zoo. Again, in the Spring.

14. Go to a music festival (planning on Floyd Fest in July). Summer.

15. Go camping (again, Floyd Fest in July). We'll be going on a family camping trip with the girls with their American Heritage Girls troop in May.

16. Go on a trip with Aaron alone. Planning an overnight trip in February!

17. See the ponies at Shackleford Banks (again, during our annual beach vacation). Summer

Things to Do

18. Get another tattoo (I've had two planned for awhile but haven't had the time or money to get them yet). Would love to get this in the next two months--I've been putting it off for so long.

19. ~~Try sushi.~~ I tried some. I hated it. My friends say it wasn't the "right" kind but I can't imagine there is a right kind of sushi. I just can't get into this one. No thank you.

20. ~~Stop biting my nails~~ (again) and get a manicure. I've stopped for the moment, we'll see if I keep it up. Going to get a manicure when Annagrace and I go on her birthday trip in March.

21. Wear a LBD (little black dress) on a date with my hubby (I even have the dress, just haven't worn it out on a date). Maybe when we go on our overnight trip!

22. Sew some apron tops and hippie skirts for me and the girls (I used to sew these all the time and haven't made one in years). Gotta get a new sewing machine first!

23. Take a wire jewelry class with Annagrace. Haven't had the time or money yet.

24. Paint and decorate our bedroom. I've been doing some rearranging and planning and pinning on Pinterest but haven't started the actual makeover yet!

25. Learn how to make Pad Thai. Have pinned some recipes on Pinterest but haven't tried them yet. Maybe this week.

26. Read 12 books. I read three books in January!

27. Change the van tire by myself. Haven't tried this yet. Maybe one warm day soon.

28. Read a book to Layla every day. I'm failing miserable at this one. I think in February I'm going to print off a page where I have to write the name of the book down everyday--this will keep me accountable.

29. Try one new recipe a month. This month I've made vegan chocolate pudding, black bean burgers, and baked potato soup.

30. Read Harry Potter to Madalyn. Planning to start this after we finish the current book we are reading.

31. Go to a driving range with Aaron. Maybe this Spring.

32. Learn the Thriller dance with Madalyn (she's already told me she doesn't think I can do it!). Not yet.

33. Finish kitchen backsplash. I started ripping more of the old backsplash out this month!

34. Teach the girls Psalm 23. On the agenda for February.

35. Get my Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Certification. I borrowed some books from work but haven't started reading them yet!

I've got a long way to go to get this list done this year! :)

Update from Our Nest

2012-01-16T18:09:00.000-08:00

I've really fallen way off the blogging bandwagon. I just haven't had the motivation to do it lately. No time. No motivation. I do like updating with various things though that will one day hopefully make it into a scrapbook. And if they never make it into a scrapbook, then thankfully my children will have my blogs to read.

So here is an update on life in our nest over the last 6 months or so:

Aaron is still enjoying his job as a hospice chaplain. There's been a lot of changes with his job lately but despite all the changes (good and bad) he's stuck with it for one simple reason...he loves his patients. And they love him. He's performed several funerals lately for some particularly special patients. I love seeing him enjoying his job more now than he ever did when he was preaching full time. It makes me happy to know that he has found something that he truly enjoys doing.

I'm working two night shifts a week on the palliative care unit at the local hospital. Palliative is a big word meaning "alleviation of symptoms." Basically, we do a lot of pain and other symptom management and we also care for patients at the end of life. I continue to work a couple shifts a month at the inpatient hospice unit. It's been quite a transition for our family. While I love having weekends free, having to sleep during the day does take some getting used to! Annagrace has been a HUGE help with watching her sisters while I sleep. I seriously don't know how I'd do it without her.

Annagrace has grown so much over the last six months. She's closing in on 5 feet tall, can wear my shoes and socks and definitely is moving into "tween" territory. She still loves reading and it's rare to see her without a book in her hand. She's not really into music that much but does love watching movies. She really likes The Help and her favorite tv shows are Biggest Loser, Good Luck Charlie and Napoleon Dynamite. She still hates math and loves science.

Madalyn is getting so tall! I've really noticed lately how big she is getting. She's still skinny as a rail though and I contribute that to the fact that she's the healthiest member of our family (in fact, she just finished off a pint of grape tomatoes tonight and she asked me this morning if she could please have a salad for lunch!). She's struggling with reading aloud but I know that she can read much better than she lets on! She's a math whiz and loves doing math speed drills. As far as the rest of her schoolwork, she can take it or leave it. She's definitely not the brainiac that Annagrace is and is much more of a free spirit. She loves music. LOVES it. Her favorites are Michael Jackson, Adele, and Mandisa. She loves to dance. She loves to color and draw and loves watching tv and playing computer games. Her favorite tv show is Good Luck Charlie. She amazes me by how shy she gets when we are out in public but how outspoken and vocal she is at home! She's like two different children!

Layla has been the best two year old out of our three so far. I just commented tonight that she hasn't really hit the "terrible twos" full force yet (the other two started at about 18 months!). She is the sweetest child. She doesn't get into much trouble. She rarely has a temper tantrum (and has yet to have an "Annagrace" tantrum--i.e. thrashing and throwing herself on the floor...in public). She gives so many hugs and kisses to everyone. Last week I was getting ready to leave for work and she grabbed hold of me and would not let go saying, "I want you mama." So precious! She's a smart little girl and already can say her ABCs and can count to 20 (only missing a few numbers here and there). She also loves music and is currently obsessed with Matisyahu's "One Day." I may, or may not, have had something to do with that! When you ask her what her favorite song is, she says, "Got me on my knees, Layla"! I love that she knows "her song" already! She also loves singing "Merry Christmas", "Sesame Street", "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night". She sings or talks ALL THE TIME. Seriously. A few months ago I was wondering if she'd ever talk and now we are having to constantly tell her to be quiet! So funny how things can change in just a few months. She's sitting beside me right now singing "at the twilight's last gleaming."

It's been a crazy busy few months around here. I'm looking forward to 2012 and all that it has to bring. I'm praying that it brings good health for my family (especially my mom), lots of learning, and lots of good memories.

Simple Reminders

2012-01-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

Homeschooling has been the hardest but most rewarding thing I've ever done in my 34 years of life. This week has been very difficult...getting back into the groove after over a month off, trying to figure out what direction we want to go with our studies for the Spring, stressing about the girls academics (will Annagrace ever memorize her multiplication facts? Will Madalyn ever learn how to read?). But sometimes I have small reminders of why we homeschool.

We spent New Year's Eve at First Night Harrisonburg (I'll post more on that later). As we were walking down the street Madalyn spotted these "insert your face here" paintings and immediately said, "Mama! I want to be in The Scream!" Wow. My six year old can recognize an Edvard Munch painting. And not only did she recognize it but she even remembered to imitate the gaping mouth.

My heart was proud. And it was a simple reminder of why we homeschool. My children are learning so much and sometimes I forget that and get hung up in the "textbooks."

Thank you Lord for my intelligent children and their sponge like brains. Thank you for little, simple reminders that this is where I am suppose to be, this is what I am suppose to be doing. Thank you for leading me to do something I never in a million years dreamed I'd be doing. It has blessed my life tremendously.

Songs of 2011

2012-01-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

I love music. Love, love, love it. When music is playing I can't help but sing along. Just yesterday at lunch my mother-in-law told me that I should be on one of those singing shows because I had sang along to every song that came on the radio. And last night while we were out celebrating the new year, I was singing along to an Usher song and my bewildered husband said, "How in the world to you know this song?" I just love all kinds of music. From bluegrass to rock to rap to folk. I can be content listening to pretty much anything.

Here are some songs that I will always remind me of 2011. Not necessarily songs from 2011, but songs that will remind ME of 2011:

1. "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz (mainly because of Zumba class!)

2. "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
3. "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You" by Adele (this is the year that I developed a big girl crush on Adele)
4. "One Day" by Matisyahu

5. "Carry You" and "Bang Bang" by Dispatch (though not new these were two songs that I fell in love with this year)
6. "Lay Me Down" by Dirty Heads and Rome

7. "A Lifetime" by Ziggy Marley
8. "You Love Me Anyway" by Smalltown Poets

9. "Broken People" by KJ-52
10. "Avalanche" by Manafest

11. "Just Breath" by Pearl Jam

One Little Word

2012-01-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Photo credit: Ali Edwards

A few years ago I was introduced to "One Little Word" (thank you Ali Edwards!). The idea is to choose one word that you wish to focus on for the year. It can be something that motivates you or inspires you. It can be a characteristic that you wish to develop or work on. The main point is that this is YOUR word.

In the past, my words have been Simplify, Selfless and Healthy. When I look back at the years that I chose those words, they fit so well. The year I chose Simplify was a great year of learning about reducing consumption, recycling, living a greener life and just living a simple existence. The next year I chose to focus on how I could be a more cheerful giver of myself. I spent more time doing things for others and less time focused on myself. Last year I chose Healthy and at the end of 2011, I felt healthier than I have in a long time (and I am 30 pounds lighter).

After thinking on it for a few days, I have decided that my 2012 focus will be:

Finish
You see, I am great at starting things. I'm creative, I have great ideas and I dream big and have lofty goals. But somehow between dreaming up an idea and completing it I tend to lose my focus. Hence the reason that my kitchen backsplash has been incomplete for two years, my bedroom has not been painted since we moved, I have stacks of fabric and patterns for clothes for the girls that have never made it to the sewing machine, and there is a large roll of upholstery fabric in my attic...that was bought 10 years ago to cover a couch that we don't even have anymore.

So this year will be the year that I FINISH what I start. Whether it be a small thing (like making those hairbows for Layla that I bought fabric for three months ago), or a big thing (like finally getting around to painting and decorating our master bedroom).

Here is a list of a few things on my "need to finish" list:

1. Reach my weight loss goal--I lost 30 pounds last year and I still have about 40 more to get to my "I-feel-healthy-at-this-weight" weight.
2. Kitchen Backsplash
3. Paint and decorate master bedroom
4. Paint Madalyn's dresser
5. Finally get the girl's beach portrait from 2010 printed and framed and hung over the mantle
6. Get my scrapbooks caught up...or at least get the last two years completed and printed
7. Finally switch all our cleaning products over to homemade/organic

This is just a start and I'm sure there will be many more projects that will come up over the course of the year. I want to not only be a "starter" but I want to be a "finisher."

Here's to a great 2012! Happy New Year!

35 Things to Do in my 35th Year

2011-12-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

2012 is the year that I turn 35. Is it just me or does 35 sound so incredibly old? I don't know how the HECK this happened. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was pinning up New Kids on the Block posters all over my room? And now today I'm a wife and mother of three who homeschools and drives a mini-van. Crazy, I tell ya. Who knew that being a responsible (well, that's debatable) adult and having children would make time pass so much quicker?

Each year I create a list of things I'd like to do or see or learn for that year. Most years I have a lot of ideas but only accomplish a few. In fact, some of these are carry overs from my 2011 list that I never got around to completing! In 2012, I have listed 35 things--one for every year of my life. And this time, THIS TIME, I am determined to complete this list. I've already been writing things on my calendar of when I am going to complete each thing. It's going to be a fantastic year!

So without further ado...here is my 35 Things in 2012 List:

Adventure/Active

1. Run six 5Ks (TENTATIVELY: Cupid Crawl in February, Habitat for Humanity in March, Ocracoke 5K in April, Beaufort Road Race in July, Pink Ribbon Run in October, Dash for Cash in December).

2. Go ziplining (planning this with a few girls from my weight loss group at the gym!).

3. Go parasailing (during our annual beach vacation).

4. Take a surfing lesson (? during beach vacation).

5. Run a Half Marathon (gotta get this leg issue straight first--see #10. Possibly will do the Outer Banks half in October).

6. Run a 10 minute (or better!) mile.

Healthy

7. Finish what I started and lose 30 (or 40!) more pounds.

8. Be a Vegetarian for one month (planning on February--the shortest month!).

9. Go to the dentist.

10. See a chiropractor about my thigh and neck issues.

11. Get a skin cancer check by a dermatologist.

Trips/Places to Go

12. Take the girls to Ocracoke.

13. Go to the zoo.

14. Go to a music festival (planning on Floyd Fest in July).

15. Go camping (again, Floyd Fest in July).

16. Go on a trip with Aaron alone.

17. See the ponies at Shackleford Banks (again, during our annual beach vacation).

Things to Do

18. Get another tattoo (I've had two planned for awhile but haven't had the time or money to get them yet).

19. Try sushi.

20. Stop biting my nails (again) and get a manicure.

21. Wear a LBD (little black dress) on a date with my hubby (I even have the dress, just haven't worn it out on a date).

22. Sew some apron tops and hippie skirts for me and the girls (I used to sew these all the time and haven't made one in years).

23. Take a wire jewelry class with Annagrace.

24. Paint and decorate our bedroom.

25. Learn how to make Pad Thai.

26. Read 12 books.

27. Change the van tire by myself.

28. Read a book to Layla every day.

29. Try one new recipe a month.

30. Read Harry Potter to Madalyn.

31. Go to a driving range with Aaron.

32. Learn the Thriller dance with Madalyn (she's already told me she doesn't think I can do it!).

33. Finish kitchen backsplash.

34. Teach the girls Psalm 23.

35. Get my Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Certification.

The one that I think will be the hardest is #35 (finding the time to study will be difficult). The one that will challenge me the most is the surfing lesson (not because I'm scared of the water but because I'm scared of falling and looking like an idiot!). I can't really pick one that I'm most looking forward to...there are several that I am excited about!

What plans do you have for 2012?

Best Drink Ever

2011-12-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, so promise me no judgment on this one. If you don't drink alcohol, then click on to your next blog now. If, like me, you occasionally like to have an alcoholic drink then you will not want to miss out on this recipe. I had this at an office party a few years ago and had to get the recipe because it was so good! I'm not a big drinker but this is the one drink that I like to have every year at the holidays.

BRANDY SLUSH

Ingredients:

4 tea bags

8 cups water

1 cup sugar

1 6-ounce can orange juice concentrate

1 12-ounce can lemonade concentrate

750 mL apricot or peach brandy

7-Up

Steep 4 tea bags in 2 cups of water.
Boil 1 cup of sugar in 6 cups of water for 3 minutes.
Add the can of OJ concentrate.
Add the can of lemonade concentrate.
Allow to cool.
Add brandy.
Freeze for about 24 hours,stirring occasionally.
Fill glass with 1/2 slush and add 7-Up, stir and enjoy.

**I have a large plastic pitcher that I keep this in in the freezer. An empty ice cream bucket would be even better because it freezes to slush consistency and you have to scoop it out with a spoon.

It is SO good!

(Not So Good) Grief

2011-11-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a hard post for me to write but maybe it will help someone out there. Or maybe someone is going through something similar, or has gone through it and can relate.

Two weeks ago today a dear friend of mine from high school died. Doug was born with cystic fibrosis and although I knew it was always a possibility that he would die young I always assumed he'd be the exception. I thought he'd be the one CF patient who would live to be an old man. I thought there would be more time to see him again, to talk to him again, to reconnect in real life. Sadly I missed my chance.

I hadn't seen him in a very long time. We became friends my senior year of high school (his sophomore year) in algebra class. We both loved the Grateful Dead and just music in general and we got in a lot of trouble for talking in class that year! In January we started hanging out outside of school. We'd drive to CD Alley in Greenville on the weekends and flip through used CDs. I can't count the times we went to Taco Bell together. Sometimes we'd go to a friend's house and watch tv. He was like me--one of those no worries, free spirit, hippie types. He was laid back and always the one to make everyone laugh. He was fun to be around. There was never a dull moment with him, that's for sure!

After I graduated from high school we started dating and we spent most every day of that summer together. I have so many good memories of him. Going to the beach (where he convinced me to get, and even paid for, my first tattoo!), Lollapalooza, lots of trips to Greenville, going to the movies, hanging out at his house and my house, getting to know his family and his sweet little eight year old sister. I loved his family. I always felt very at home around them.

When I went off to (bible) college we drifted apart. I can't even recall the exact events surrounding us breaking up. I have racked my brain searching for memories of what happened and I only have a few here and there. I know I was going through a hard time and felt very stuck between two worlds. The world back home that I so very much wanted to remain a part of and the new world at college that my head was saying I needed to be a part of. It was so hard for me to walk away from my friends back home but I did.

Over time I convinced myself that I really didn't care. When my friend would see him and he'd ask about me I'd act like it was no big deal but inside it always made me happy that he still asked about me. When he died it quickly became abundantly obvious to me how much I really did care. Heartbroken and devastated are an understatement to how I have felt the last two weeks.

I sat down this week and wrote down every single memory that I have of him. I have pages full of things. I wish I could remember everything about that summer but time has managed to cloud and even erase a lot of those memories. I have torn throw my attic looking for one particular photo I had of the two of us. We were sitting on a blanket on the ground at Lollapalooza. I even remember what I was wearing that day. Doug had his arm around me and we were both smiling and so happy. I can't find it anywhere. I can't find a single note, letter, card, or anything from him. I have one note he wrote me in my senior book and at the end of the note he wrote, "Don't ever change...I love you just the way you are." I'll cherish that always.

Someone who is much smarter than I am posted an article that talks about the limbic system and the ties it has to our emotions including our feelings of love and of grief. It makes total sense to me. Reading through the article's comments has made me feel not so alone in my grief. Apparently grief like this, over someone you once loved but haven't seen in years, is common. I cry every single day. I have so many regrets of things I said, things I didn't say. Regrets that I never made the effort to contact him. I hate to think that he died thinking I hated him because I didn't. We only recently became Facebook friends but our messages were never more than "hey how are you doing?" So much unsaid that I can't make up for.

If you take anything from this blog post, please remember that another day of life is never guaranteed. Psalm 90:12 tells us, "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." May we all realize the brevity of life. Make each day, each moment, each second count. Take time to contact loved ones you haven't seen in awhile and share with them how much you care (I've already contacted three friends from high school this week just to catch up and tell them how much I care and how much I've missed them and I've made plans to get together with Doug's sister next week). You just never know when you'll run out of chances.

Missing you today Doug and every day. I'm sorry I never took the time to tell you that I cared. You will never be forgotten.

RA Sucks

2011-10-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

I hate arthritis. It absolutely sucks.

And I'm not talking about the "oh it's getting ready to rain my bones ache" arthritis. I'm talking about the debilitating auto-immune kind known as rheumatoid arthritis.

The kind that has crippled and gnarled my moms hands.

The kind that forced her into early retirement.

The kind that makes her bones creak and pop when she moves.

And the kind that led us to the events of Monday. Due to a knee replacement that got infected and would not improve, my mom had to have her leg amputated.

She's been a trooper. She tried to save that leg for over a year and there's just no saving it. She has a long road ahead of her...rehab, a prosthesis, and Lord-willing: learning to walk again. I've been amazed at her strength so far. Not just her physical strength, but her mental strength. She's accepted the reality of it all and is ready to get better and move on with her life.

Please keep her in your prayers. She is a very special lady and I sure do love her!

Homeschool PE

2011-10-11T15:04:00.000-07:00

PE was never my favorite class (obviously!). I'm not very coordinated, I hate sports, and running laps around the school gym was never my idea of fun.

Getting physical activity as a homeschooling family is a challenge. We don't have enough children for a rousing game of Red Rover and tag just isn't that fun when you only have two other people to tag. So enters the Pines Academy PE Cards.

I got this idea from Homegrown Mom and after pinning it on Pinterest I realized that I'm not the only homeschooling mommy who needed PE ideas as it has been repinned multiple times!

The older girls and I sat down this week with a stack of index cards and some sharpies and wrote down physical activities we can do together for 30 minutes each day. It was fun hearing the things the girls came up with (breakdancing, anyone?) and they look forward to choosing a card each day. It's a great way for both them AND me to get some exercise in each day.

I love that the girls get so excited about choosing a card for the day. Some of them are for "special" days (kids' classes at the gym, swimming) but there are plenty that could be done any day of the week (Wii games, hopscotch, jumping rope, etc).

If you're a homeschooling family, what kinds of things do you do to keep your kids active?

Take This Job and...well, you get the idea

2011-08-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting weekend at our home. After mulling over the idea of resigning from my job for months and praying that God would point me in the direction I was suppose to go, it became abundantly obvious this weekend that it was time for me to pack up and move on from my job. I spent the majority of the weekend either crying, wanting to puke or with a horrible headache. I gave my supervisor my verbal resignation on Saturday and told my co-workers and my other supervisor this morning.

Everyone has asked where I'm going to work at. The answer? I don't really know. Yes, you read that correctly. I quit my job without even having another one in place. We can not survive on one income (not even for a short period of time) but I reached my boiling point on Saturday and without going into details I'll just say that I fear for my sanity, my safety, the emotional well being of my family and the safety of nursing license if I continue in my current position.

I do have a plan in place. My wonderful co-workers at the inpatient hospice facility are giving me some extra shifts and have been amazingly supportive. One of them even volunteered to use some of her vacation time next week so that I could work some shifts for her. I'm already signed up for a shift this week and there is potential for 3 or 4 next week. I'll be busy, but I have to take what I can get until I find another job. And there is potential for a part time hospital job in the works. I've spoken with the manager and I am going to attempt to get an interview set up for later this week. The good news is that I am already an employee of the hospital system so it should be an easy transition into a job there.

Part of me feels like such a failure. This will make the fourth job I've had in two years--and the third one I've resigned from. I just haven't had much success with jobs in North Carolina! Prior to moving, I was with the same employer for nine years. This just isn't like me to job hop. I hate it and I don't want people to think that there is something wrong with me. Unfortunately, I have just gotten into some bad situations job wise!

All in all, I have to say that God is amazingly good to our family. He has always provided, we have never gone without and we have managed to make ends meet every single month. I have no doubt that if we just trust in Him and His goodness that He is going to see us through this season of our lives.

Please keep us in your prayers. I've felt used and abused for a long time and I'm looking forward to some weekends off with my family to get revived and refreshed! And thank you to all my awesome friends for your texts, calls, facebook messages and e-mails. Your support and willingness to help me out has meant so much to me!

My Name is Laura and I'm a Shopaholic

2011-08-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

Blogging about money, finances, frugalness, and debt is nothing new for me. I even had my own money savings/frugal blog a few years ago. At the time we were strapped with credit card debt, were barely making it paycheck to paycheck and didn't see any way out.

Since then we've sold a house, bought a house, relocated to a new state, started new jobs and honestly we are now making more money than we ever have before. And you know what? We're still in debt. While it isn't as bad as it used to be and while we are not struggling to make ends meet it is depressing.

Aaron and I have never agreed on money. We've known from very early on in our relationship that we come from opposite sides of the financial fence. I never learned how to manage my money and from an early age I spent every dollar I had in my pocket. Aaron has always been one of those "I'll save all my money and buy everything with cash" kind of nerds. I got my first credit card before I was married and already had accumulated some credit card debt before we were married. Aaron, therefore, took over our bills after we were married.

And We. Were. Broke! I'm talking, only making $200 a week broke. We had a very limited grocery limit. All my clothes (and anything else I needed) came from Goodwill. We didn't have the newest clothes or gadgets or cable tv. My parents still made my car payment for me.

After I graduated from nursing school I started making money. Good money. Money like I had never made before. Aaron wanted to continue with the $40 a week grocery budget and thought we could continue buying everything at Goodwill. I figured I was working the long shifts and making the money so I should be able to spend the money the way I wanted to. And spend I did.

I didn't save my money so when a crisis or unexpected event happened, I used my credit cards. Dentist bills, vet bills, and car maintenance bills were routinely added to my debts that were climbing by the month thanks to some hefty interest rates. We fought about money a lot. About how Aaron thought we needed to be saving more and about how I thought I should have some say in how we spend it since I was the primary breadwinner of the family. And trust me, that was a fact that I didn't let him forget.

It was not pretty. We finally separated our checking accounts and split the bills and that was working for awhile. Once we moved I wanted a joint account again. I figured I had grown, matured and was more frugal and thus we certainly would be able to get along with our money together again. And though we don't fight about it like we used to, I certainly haven't changed in my spending habits.

I don't have tons of credit card debt. I don't have a closet full of designer bags or new clothes with the tags still on. I'm not out making frivolous purchases on a daily basis. However, I do spend what we make. Clothes for the girls, eating out, ordering in, frozen yogurt, overnight trips, movies, etc., etc., etc!

The only difference now is that we do have an emergency fund if something happens (like when our fridge and stove needed replacing within three months of each other!). We have very little credit card debt (which will be NONE by the end of the week) and finally we are getting on the same page as far as our finances thanks to Dave Ramsey.

We started the online Financial Peace University online last night and we've had a lot of recent civil discussions about money. I'm going to be journaling some of our thoughts here on the blog throughout our FPU class. I am motivated. I am ready to stop my shopaholic ways. I'm ready to fight this "addiction" to spending.

Do you have, or have you ever had, problems with spending?

WIWW

2011-08-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't been doing very well keeping up with my blog lately! Busy life, other priorities. I did manage to snap one photo for WIWW! This was on date night--our 13th anniversary was Monday. We went out to eat at a local Italian restaurant, browsed through Barnes and Noble and Target, went out for ice cream at Cold Stone and ended up at the sportswear store buying Aaron some new clothes (he's going to take up running--I'm excited because it's something we can all do together as a family!).

Anyway...this is my one photo to contribute to WIWW this week.

Notice the paint? This bathroom is about to undergo a redo!

Black top: Wings $15 (it's actually a bathing suit coverup!)

Green shrug top: Highlites $8

Jeans: Belk's clearance $12

Necklace: Body Central $6

Floral wedge shoes: Kohl's $20

I love these shoes but boy did they make my feet hurt. Aaron said, "then why did you wear them?" Well, duh...because they're CUTE!

First 5K Race Report

2011-07-17T14:03:00.001-07:00

Check out my other blog, Simply Healthy Mama, for my first 5K race report!

Vacation!

2011-07-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

We've been on our annual beach vacation this week and we have been having so much fun! Sunday was my birthday and I worked half a day. Sadly, one of my favorite patients died that morning. I was happy that I was able to be there when he passed away but it was very sad and very difficult.

We arrived at the beach around 3pm, got unpacked and the rest of the afternoon on the beach. On Monday morning Aaron and I went to Food Lion for groceries and then we went back to the house and spent more time out on the beach.

Mom, Annagrace and I went out and did some shopping on Tuesday morning and my friend, Jenn arrived with her daughter Lilley in the afternoon. We went on the beach for a little while and then went out to Michealangelo's for supper.

Wednesday morning, Aaron and I went to the local fire department and borrowed a beach wheelchair for my mom. The Emerald Isle Fire Department has eight beach wheelchairs that they lend out on a first come, first served basis. It is a blessing and we were so thankful to be able to borrow one for my mom. We had to wheel her down the road a little ways to a nearby beach access because although the house we are staying in is handicapped accessible, the beach access is not. We set up a canopy tent on the beach, carried out our chairs, rolled mom out and parked her under the tent and spent the next five hours playing in the sand and swimming. The water was a little rough and it was unbelievably hot but still a fun day.

Today Annagrace and I went out by ourselves and did some shopping. We found a neat little general store in Morehead City that we both loved. I was happy to find a few new tops on clearance at Hi-Lites and we had pizza for lunch. When we got back she and I went out swimming for a little while. The water was much calmer today and we had a good time floating in our innertubes. This afternoon we took the girls to the NC Aquarium for their pirate event and then to play putt putt. We had so much fun! The girls loved playing putt putt!

We only have 2.5 more days here (boooo!!!!). We are going to spend tomorrow morning on the beach and in the afternoon we'll be heading to Beaufort to visit the Maritime Museum (they have a pirate exhibit that Madalyn is dying to go to!) and to pick up my race packet for my 5K on Saturday. I still can't believe I signed up for a 5K in the middle of July! I'm nervous but excited and I'm really looking forward to it!

What I Wore Wednesday

2011-07-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a WIWW post in a long time. I'm linking up to The Pleated Poppy this week!

So I confess. These are not all outfits that I wore this week. They are several pictures spread out over several weeks! I recently cleaned out my closet and got rid of a huge trash bag full of too big clothes. I then realized that I have nothing to wear! An added bonus of losing weight--getting to go shopping for new clothes! I'm trying to try on (and buy) things that I may not have worn in the past. Dresses, sleeveless tops, shorts, etc! I've actually enjoyed shopping for clothes again!

As always, please excuse the poor quality cell phone photos!

Today: Trip to my mom and dad's to help my mom get packed up for vacation

Please ignore my lingerie hanging on the door!

Purple top: Walmart

Black tank: Old Navy

Shorts: Steinmart

I did manage to put shoes on before leaving home. I wore my brown Reef flip flops.

Last week: Out to lunch with a friend, ran a few errands with the girls

Pink top: Ross (love this top!)

Jeans: thrifted

Sandals: Belk's

Owl Earrings: Body Central (THE best place in Greenville for cute and cheap jewelry)

Last week: I don't remember what we did on this particular day!

Top: Old Navy

Brown shorts: Walmart I think (bought last year)

Sandals: Belk's

Necklace: Kohl's

Last week: errands.

Black t-shirt and blue tank: Old Navy

Skirt: Kohl's

Flip Flops: Old Navy

Necklace: Kohl's

Almost naked toddler: from my womb

Last week: Hospice sponsored art show for one of our patients

Top: Kohl's (it's actually too big and is in the resale shop pile now)

Jeans: Belk's (my size 14s!)

Sandals: thrifted

Jewelry: Kohl's

I need to find some new things to do with my hair. I've been growing it out and it's at that "throw it in a ponytail everyday" stage right now. Too short to braid, too long to leave down in the Eastern NC heat. I'm going to try to do better with my WIWW post next time and actually my good camera! Maybe I'll show off some of my new clothes!

Layla's Talking!

2011-07-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

I worried for months that Layla was forever going to rely on grunting and pointing to get what she wanted. And then something crazy happened. In the last two weeks her vocabulary has EXPLODED! It's been amazing hearing all the new things she is saying. And not just words but sentences--completely on her own without prompting from us! Some new ones this week:

"Get out of the way!" (said to Madalyn who was sitting in front of the computer screen while Sesame Street was on)

"I want some!" (said anytime anyone is eating or drinking anything)

"I want lunch."

"I love sissy."

And my favorite:

We were in Joann's this week (oh I love that place!) and Layla kept putting her mouth on the cart. I told her three times to please stop and I said, 'That's gross" to which Layla replied, "That's silly!" And then repeated the phrase for the next 30 minutes because every time she said it I laughed!

She's such a sweetie. And she is so smart! All these months of not talking...she's just been sitting back letting it all soak in. Now we can't get her to be quiet and I LOVE it!

My Baby Bug

2011-06-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted updates on my kiddos in ages. I use this blog as my primary means of keeping up with information--because it could be ~~months~~ years before it makes it in the scrapbook! So here is the latest on little Layla Bug. I'll post about Annagrace and Madalyn in the coming weeks as we complete our school year!

Name: Layla
Nicknames: LaylaBug, Layla J, LJ
Age: 20 months

Favorite foods: puffs (whoever invented those was a genius!), chicken of any kind, pasta, fruit, applesauce. She's feeding herself now and we took out her booster seat/high chair. SNIFF, SNIFF!
Favorite book: Any book with lift-a-flaps. She is particularly drawn to a children's body book that we have. I can put it back on the shelf (in a totally different place) and she will find it and drag it right back down. Maybe she's going to be a doctor one day!
Favorite toys: Anything with Elmo on it, her Little Touch Leap Pad (we keep this in the car and it will entertain her for hours on end)
Funny things she does: Puckers up her lips and makes a "kissy face"; when we are swinging her in the air and count one...two...she will then squeal "teeee!"

Words she says: After being such a reluctant talker, over the last two weeks her vocabulary has exploded! She's copying everything we say now and said her first sentence, "Bye Daddy" last week. She knows lots of animal sounds and her comprehension and ability to follow directions is amazing! She loves to say "Noooo waaaayyyy" to her sisters and has learned the meaning and value of the word "NO!"

Other tidbits:

She still uses a pacifier at night. Don't judge me.
She loves baby dolls.
She is a brave little girl--she loves riding rides at Busch Gardens (even really big ones like Prince Elmo's Spire)!
She LOVES to go swimming and doesn't mind if her head goes under the water. However, don't try to lay her back in the tub to wash her hair! She hates it!
She is an outdoor girl and has learned how to open the back door on her own. We have to watch her very closely because in a matter of seconds she'll be outside riding her tricycle or throwing her basketball!
She loves Sesame Street.
She is hopelessly addicted to her mommy. I'm trying to enjoy it because all too soon it will pass and I'll be longing for her to come and sit in my lap and give me hugs. She cries hysterically at just the possibility that I may be leaving her. The only person she doesn't cry for is her daddy.
She is a sweetheart and I can't imagine life without her!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

I am blessed to have some sweet daddies in my life.

First of all, there is the sweet man that I call Daddy. I've always been a Daddy's girl. I'll admit that being the baby and the only girl in our family meant that I was a ~~little~~ really spoiled. I spent a lot of time with my dad as a child--playing on our farm, riding his tractor with him, frog gigging, fishing, crabbing. If my dad was there you could bet I wasn't too far behind. After my mom went back to work when I was 9 year old I spent even more time with him while he was farming.

My dad has never had an enemy. He may lose his temper at times (and if he does...look out!) but he really has a heart of gold. His love for my mama is obvious. He also loves his grandchildren (and if you think I was spoiled...well let me introduce you to Madalyn who, thanks to Papa, has added about 10 new Barbies to her collection this year). He would do anything to help someone out.

He has done home improvement projects for me. He's taught me how to take out and install a toilet, how to put in flooring, how to install a light fixture, how to check my oil (although I never think to do it). He has talked me through repairing a water heater and never grows tired of my calls asking, "Daddy how do you . . . "

He's a great person and a great daddy and I have been blessed to have him as my Daddy for 34 years now!

The other sweet daddy in my life is my hubby. He is such a good daddy! He loves his girls so much. Whenever people ask him if he wants a little boy he always says, "Nope--I'm perfectly happy with my houseful of girls." His firstborn is just like him. His second born thinks he is the bees knees and his baby girl already has him wrapped around her little finger.

He loves playing games with the girls whether it's War, Guitar Hero or even Just Dance on the Wii! He's always doing things to make them laugh and they just think he's the funniest thing since Ray Stevens.

He has a huge heart and he genuinely loves and cares for people. He loves his hospice patients and is always looking for ways to help them in whether it be financially, spiritually or emotionally.

And he loves me. He never gets tired of my crazy whims ("Honey we're going to Williamsburg for a few days next week"...."I'm thinking about remodeling the schoolroom...again"..."I think I want to homeschool the girls"). He is supportive of my crazy ideas. He doesn't complain when he gets home at 5:30 and the house is a mess, science projects are underway in the kitchen, laundry is all over the couch and dinner still hasn't been started. He helps me teach our girls about Jesus and history and poetry. He takes days off and goes to the beach with us. He buys me flowers just because. He says he doesn't care if I want to spend three hours at the gym...and I know he means it.

I was blessed beyond measure with such a great husband. Thank you for being a great Daddy and a great husband. And I too think you are the bees knees!

Crazy Life

2011-06-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Life has been crazy (as usual) so here are just a few random thoughts.

Layla is so stinkin' cute. She's started imitating animal sounds (her pig sound is a-dorable) and is trying to repeat everything we say now. She's saying potty, tea, juice, eat, I want..., diaper, and several other new words! All of a sudden, almost overnight, she went from a vocabulary of three words to over 20 words!
Yellow Ledbetter could quite possibly be the greatest song to come out of the grunge era. I do love me some Pearl Jam. And whoever invented Pandora is a genius.
I've been working like crazy getting our school stuff organized for next year. I'm determined to have all the girls worksheets, history timeline figures, art papers, etc. printed ahead of time. No more, "Hold on while mommy prints this paper out." THIS is the year that I will be organized. Here's a peek into my file system. I'm happy to say that I'm almost done planning the first six weeks of school.

Speaking of school, Annagrace will be taking her end of the year tests next week. Madalyn doesn't have to be tested yet but I may do something with her "for fun."
My weight loss has stalled. Actually, I've gained about two pounds. I haven't been getting to the gym as much as usual and I definitely haven't been eating a clean diet. Next week I have gym classes written on my calendar Monday-Thursday nights and I'm planning to do 7 days of strict clean eating to get these two pounds back off. Hoping to lose another 5 pounds before vacation (and my birthday--which happen to coincide this year).
I'm excited about doing some fun things with the girls this summer. I complain at times about it, but I really am thankful for a weekend job because it frees me up to do all sorts of things with my sweet girls during the week.

Looking forward to a low key, stress free July! We start back to school on August 1!

Busch Gardens and Water Country, USA

2011-06-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

Last year we took the plunge and bought season passes to Busch Gardens. We had a fabulous summer with several trips to the Old Country. The girls LOVE Busch Gardens and it never gets old to them.

We've already been three times so far this year. Our passes actually expired on Wednesday so we planned one last trip as I am not planning to renew them right now. We went to Busch Gardens on Tuesday and then headed over to Water Country, USA on Wednesday. I was excited to find out that Water Country, USA has a buy one day, play all summer special. The girls can not wait to go back!

Madalyn in Elmo's Forest of Fun at Busch Gardens

Layla loves playing in the water!

Jenn and Lilley

Picnic lunch

Typical Layla--hot, sweaty and fussy

Annagrace and Layla

Madalyn and Lilley--best buddies

Sometimes she can be sweet

Jenn and Lilley

Best thrill ride in the park--the little girls LOVE it

Sweet Madalyn

Princess Layla

Me and Mad Mad

Jenn, Lilley and Effie--our road trip partners in crime

No trip is complete without a picture in the wine barrel

Layla enjoying the 4D pirate show!

Three tired little girls!

Lilley

Layla loved Water Country!

Silly little girls

Lilley loved Annagrace's sunglasses

These girls loved the Hubba Hubba Highway (floating river)

Layla taking a break

Annagrace is on the left--she screamed all the way down but said she

screamed because it was fun, not because it was scary!

We're really looking forward to going back to Water Country soon! I'll share some tips soon about surviving a day at the water park. I was anxious taking three girls without knowing what to expect but it was a great trip and we'll definitely being going again soon!

Separation Anxiety

2011-06-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

I love my little Layla. She is the baby of our family. MY baby. She was the last child to grow in my womb. The last child to nurse from my breast. The last baby to keep me up all night. I will not be birthing anymore children so (unless we adopt in the future) she will forever be my baby.

And she's by far had the worst separation anxiety of the three of my girls.

Since Madalyn is three years older than Layla I had forgotten about the reccurance of separation anxiety at around 18 months old. Thinking back, Madalyn also went through a clingy phase at that age during which I had to constantly carry/hold her. I even bought a sling specifically to get us through that clingy time.

But still, she had nothing on Layla. Layla will not let me out of her sight. Sometimes, she won't let me get more than 10 feet away from her. Last week during our trip to Busch Gardens and Water Country I left her with my friend and her mom so that Annagrace and I could go ride a waterslide. They said she would not allow them to hold her or play with her and instead she sat on the lounge chair and screamed...the ENTIRE 20 minutes! I returned to find her still screaming. I picked her up and cuddled her for a few minutes and she was fine.

Later the same day I left her sitting in a chair and walked about 10 feet away to go watch Madalyn on a water slide and although Layla could still see me, she fell all to pieces at the thought that I MIGHT be leaving her. She hopped off that chair and came running at me crying the entire way!

She is very anxious around my parents (who she sees all the time). When we pull up to my friend Catherine's house she immediately starts crying because she's scared I'm going to leave her. If I say "I'm going bye-bye" she will come running and fling herself at me screaming.

It is insane.

And although it is aggravating at times--mama needs a break sometimes!--I have to admit that one day I know I'll miss this. I'll miss her crying for mama. I'll miss her wanting to be with me all the time. I'll long for the days when all she wanted to do was sit on mama's lap.

So I'm trying to enjoy all the snuggles. I'm trying to remind myself that her love for me and her sense of security is a good thing. I'm trying to love every minute of this time because all too soon it will have passed.

Add It Up

2011-06-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

--1 scratched and bent pair of glasses (Annagrace)

--1 major diaper blow out (Layla)

--1 lost hotel reservation

--2 dirty washcloths left behind by the housekeeping staff in above mentioned hotel

--1 room change due to dirty washcloths/bathroom

--1 episode of self-induced vomiting (Layla)

--1 restless night (due to 3 wiggly little girls and 1 mama in 1 bed together)

--1 water park temper tantrum (Madalyn)

and

--3 nosebleeds (Lilley)

still managed to add up to one very fun trip to Busch Gardens and Water Country, USA! Pictures to come...

When a Non-Christian Dies

2011-06-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

How are we as Christians suppose to comfort fellow Christians who have a loved one who is dying/has died who is NOT a Christian? We can't say the usual, "He's in a better place" or "Soon his suffering will be over". We can't say, "You'll see her again one day." We can't comfort them with the thoughts of their loved one being in the presence of Jesus.

What are we suppose to say that will provide comfort? I haven't a clue. And that is the situation that I am currently facing.

Any thoughts, words of wisdom, or advice?

My To Do List

2011-05-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Each year I come up with a list of things I'd like to do or accomplish that year. Some of them are small things (last year I had "try asparagus" on the list) and other ones are bigger ("take a road trip to SC with the girls by myself"). This year has been no different. I keep the list on my cell phone and when I accomplish them, I check them off the list.

Here is this year's list:

1. Lose weight (60 pounds)

2. Run a 5K.

3. Run a half marathon.

4. Get a new tattoo.

5. Get skin checked by a dermatologist.

6. Go to the dentist.

7. Try sushi.

8. Shoot a gun.

9. Take the girls to Ocracoke.

10. Wear a little black dress on a date with my hubby.

11. Go on a trip with Aaron alone/

12. Take some business classes.

13. Learn how to knit.

14. Grow my hair out.

15. Eat Vegan for a week.

16. Attempt to eat Vegan for a month.

17. Paint and decorate our bedroom.

18. Finish the kitchen backsplash.

19. Go to the zoo.

20. Teach the girls Psalm 23.

21. Go parasailing.

22. Take a surfing lesson.

23. See the wild ponies at Shackleford Banks.

24. Learn how to cook pad thai.

It's May and I have not accomplished a single thing on my list (other than losing weight...I still have a ways to go to meet my 60 pounds this year goal!). But I have a plan for several of the items on this list. Hoping I can update soon and say that I've done a few of these things!

Life's Getting Crazy

2011-05-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

I started a second job this week. Crazy, right? I already work a full-time on-call weekend job. I homeschool my children. And now I'm working another job! I really love it though and it will only be a couple shifts a month at the inpatient hospice facility here in town. I love the nurses, the doctors and the patients there so when one of the nurses approached me about working a prn (as needed) job I jumped on the chance. I have four more shifts of orientation and then I'll be able to start signing up to help out when I'm able.

The awesome thing is this job is not a necessary job--meaning, we will not depend on it for our income. It will all be "bonus". First thing I'm doing with my first paycheck...new flooring in the schoolroom and living room! The carpet is way past it's prime and I'm ready to pull it up and get it out of here! After that, I'll be putting every bit of my earnings to our van. I'm hoping I can get that baby paid off by next year this time.

So life, which was already crazy, is about to get even crazier. I have decided to make things easier for next year in homeschool we are going to go back to My Father's World for our curriculum. I love that everything is laid out so nice and neat and I don't have to do lesson plans! Aaron and I are going to the homeschool convention in a few weeks and I can't wait to go to the book fair! I love the homeschool convention.

So that's what we've been up to. Work first job, homeschool, gym, work second job, rinse, lather, repeat.

In other news, I'm officially down 29 pounds now! I'm really starting to notice a difference in my body and my clothes. I've had to buy new underwear, new workout pants (because mine kept falling down!), and all my old clothes are baggy. I'm holding onto my old clothes as long as I can. I don't want to buy a bunch of clothes that won't fit in 6 months! I'm planning on running a 5K on July (eek!) and at the moment I am in second place in the weight loss competition at my gym. First place wins $200, second $100 and third $50. We have two weeks to go!

So that's my monthly update. I hope after school is done for the summer I'll have more time to get back to blogging! I've been so slack lately!

Tangible Benefits of Getting Healthy

2011-04-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my last post, getting healthy is my ultimate goal. But there are a few benefits that I'm already reaping and some that I am really excited about as I continue on my weight loss journey.

1. I'm two sizes smaller. I have jeans I haven't worn in 4 years that fit again. My underwear are all sagging on me. If I wear a pair and I spend all day tugging them back up...then they go in the trash when I take them off that night. Pretty soon I'm going to have to buy some new ones and I'm looking forward to wearing some Victoria's Secret instead of Hanes Her Way. I wore a sleeveless top yesterday IN PUBLIC and didn't feel too terribly self conscious in it. Things that were tight are now loose and all my too big clothes have been packed in a box for Goodwill.

2. My back pain is almost non-existent. I've had back pain off and on for years (since my pregnancy with a 9 pound 6 ounce frank breech baby in 2002). Back in December it was really getting bad. I'd go to bed at night sore and I'd wake up sore. Some days I looked like a little old lady hobbling out of bed in the morning. Most days required Ibuprofen to get through.

I realized the other day that I have not taken any Ibuprofen for my back in over two months. Now if I go to bed sore, it's because I worked out hard that day. Getting up out of bed has gotten easier and I don't wake up sore anymore.

3. I want to play with my kids. I want to go for bike rides. I want to do activities with them. I want to play at the park.

4. Shopping is becoming enjoyable again. I am at a size now where I am not confined to the "pretty plus" section. I'm looking forward to the day that I can walk into Talbot's or Anne Taylor Loft and buy a cute little black dress in a size 10!

5. I'm not depressed anymore. I had actually bought some St John's Wort to try back in January but decided to give clean eating and healthy living a try first. I haven't needed the SJW. And I've been pretty happy lately.

I've already seen what a difference just 25 pounds can make. I am really excited to see the difference that 40 pounds makes...and 50 pounds...and maybe 60 pounds.

Define "healthy"

2011-04-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

My friend/nutritionist/fitness coach, Joanna, recently mentioned during my weekly "weight loss" group at the gym that we should determine why we want to lose weight. And if we say "to be healthy" then we needed to define what healthy meant to us.

I've thought a lot about "healthy" this week. That is the one thing I have said since starting my weight loss journey. I want to be healthy so I can enjoy my children, and my grandchildren, (and maybe some great-grandchildren) for a long time. Looking better in my clothes is only icing on the cake (or, in the spirit of being healthy, granola on the yogurt!).

Earlier this week, I had a health screening for a new job I am starting soon. I was happy to find that they screen not only height, weight and vital signs but also cholesterol and blood sugar. I was very pleased with my results and it gave me a few things to continue working on. I only wish I had some test results from when I started to compare them to! Looking at my results got me thinking even more about what healthy means.

Here are a few things that define (physical) health to me and where I am in achieving my goal of being "healthy".

1. Healthy BMI.  I think that the BMI scale is flawed. It does not take into account body build so a very muscular bodybuilder could be considered overweight based strictly on height and weight. However, I think it's a great tool for measuring success and it does give me a goal to aim for.

According to my employer's BMI chart I was teetering on the morbidly obese line back in January. Yes, seriously.  Now I don't know about you but when I think morbidly obese I think mama from What's Eating Gilbert Grape. I certainly don't think about myself being morbidly obese! But it's true. For my height...I was very close to being in that category. While I am still in the obese category now, I am happy to say that I have decreased my BMI by 5 points so far! So that is my first goal to work on...getting into a healthy BMI range and staying there!

2. Good cholesterol levels. I had one high cholesterol reading many, many years ago (it was over 200--and this was before children and back when I was seemingly much healthier than I am now). I have no idea what my cholesterol has been since then because it hasn't been checked in years. I found out yesterday that my total cholesterol is 141 which is normal! My LDL (the bad kind) was also in perfect range.

My HDL (the good kind) is low at 31. It should be between 40-50 and for women, at least 50. So I have some work to do in that department. The higher the HDL the better because it means your body is effectively removing the bad cholesterol from your blood vessels. Anything below 40 puts you at risk for heart disease (which is rampant in my family). I know with continued good nutrition and exercise I'll get the HDL up. I don't like fish but I've been thinking about starting on fish oil (Aaron has been taking it for awhile) and seeing if that will help.

3. Normal vital signs. My resting blood pressure yesterday was 120/72. I've never had an issue with my blood pressure and it usually runs a little low so this was a good reading for me. My resting heart rate was 78. No problems in this area!

4. Normal blood sugars. My blood sugar yesterday was 99--and that was after eating corn flakes and milk for breakfast and a sandwich for lunch (lots of carbs). So that was excellent!

5. Physical endurance.  This one will be harder to measure but I can already see that my endurance during classes at the gym is improving. When I started taking Turbokick I could barely keep up and would be so sore the next day that I could hardly walk! There are also a couple of routines during the class that involve tapping the floor. The first few weeks I couldn't even come close during the "get down hit the floor" part! And I can do it now! I still struggle through some of the classes but it's getting better! I can also run for longer periods of time and spinning is not nearly as hard as it was the first time!

One thing I plan on doing is running a 5K. I have my sights set on one in July and once we finish the Champ Camp Weight Loss Challenge in May (a weight loss challenge offered by my gym) I will be able to focus my attention on improving my endurance running. My goal is to finish my first 5K. I don't care about the time--I just want to sign up, do it, and complete it!

6. Muscle tone.  Again, this one is a little difficult to measure however I can already see that I can lift heavier weights at the gym. I also can do about 10 push-ups at a time now (girl push-ups, but it's a start!) and three months ago I couldn't even do one! I once read that if you lose weight without weight training, you'll just end up being a smaller, flabby version of yourself.

I think I'm heading in the right direction! What defines (physical) health to you?

EC Week: Thursday Breakfast, Lunch, Snack

2011-04-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Today's been a boring day in clean eating land.

Breakfast

Greek yogurt--at Target Cafe. I got the blueberry kind--healthy but it has a few unclean ingredients. If I had some plain Greek yogurt at home I would have pureed some frozen blueberries and added them and a little honey to it.

I also had a handful of my daughter's popcorn. And since I mentioned that let me say that I am realizing that I'm a "picker". I'll have a little of this...a little of that...and those calories are adding up. A handful of popcorn here, a few goldfish crackers there...it's something for me to work on! I'm also terrible about finishing my daughters' lunches. If there is enough to save I'll wrap it up and save it but if it's just a bite of sandwich a lot of times I eat it. Maybe I should start giving it to the dog!

Lunch

Leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken with brown rice. It was still good even as leftovers!

Snack

An apple and 2 ounces of cheddar cheese. I mentioned cheese a few days ago and since then I found a chart in a Clean Eating magazine that talks about cheese. From what I can tell, pretty much all heese is okay and clean--but stick to the low moisture/part-skim kind. Also, NEVER buy pre-shredded cheese. They add mold inhibitors and other chemicals to keep it from sticking together. Shred your own and it's much healthier and (I think) much tastier!

I'm in Love, I'm in Love and I Don't Care Who Knows It

2011-04-13T22:53:00.000-07:00

Anyone know what movie that line is from?

I have fallen helplessly in love this week. The object of my affection? My new (to me) bodybugg. What you ask is a bodybugg?

A bodybugg is a small device worn on the back part of the left arm that keeps a detailed record of the calories you are burning each day. You wear it all day long and at the end of the day you upload your info to the bodybugg website (you need a monthly subscription to have access to the site). You may have seen them on the arms of the Biggest Loser contestants.

You also enter in what you have eaten that day and you get a report of your calorie deficit or surplus for that day.

This is a screenshot of what I see when I log in. This is yesterday's information. It shows that I burned a total of 3544 calories for the day from the time I put it on around 9AM until after midnight (I was up late exercising). I entered in my foods and my calories consumed was 1930 giving me a deficit of 1614 for the day.

You can see that on this day although I only had one really high energy exercise session, I was constantly on the go all day long--running after Layla at the park, pushing carts in the store, shopping, etc. That is what I LOVE about this thing. I used to be one of those people that never saw how the "little things" could add up. You know how you always hear--take the stairs or park farther away? I would always tell myself that unless I was actually "exercising" and sweating that that little stuff didn't matter. Let me tell you...it DOES.

Last weekend I was crazy busy at work driving here and there and everywhere seeing patients. I knew I wouldn't get much exercise in (if at all). I decided to see if I could burn some calories in my car. Yes--while driving in my car. I did silly things like reaching up and tapping the ceiling 100 times with each arm (try it--your arms will get a workout!). I danced (as much as I could while driving) and at stoplights I did arm curls. I actually burned about 50 calories by doing that crazy stuff!

My goal is to have a deficit each day of at least 750 calories. Multiply 750 by 7 and you get 5,250 a week. Divide that by 3500 (the number of calories in a pound) and you get 1.5 pounds--so I should theoretically lose 1.5 pounds a week if I have a deficit of 750 calories each day.

Just for fun I checked my averages for the week and did the math. According to the bodybugg I had a deficit of 7,168 calories this week. Divide that by 3500 and you get....two. Guess how many pounds I've lost this week? Yep. TWO!

They say this is suppose to be 92% accurate. I am so impressed by this little piece of technology and I can understand why The Biggest Loser uses them. Do you ever notice how sometimes the trainers are so upset by the numbers and how sometimes they seem so certain that someone has "thrown a weigh in"? With the bodybugg, if you are honest about your intake, then the only way you can gain weight (if the bodybugg says you had a deficit) is by loading up on water or cheating on your food log. Those trainers know because the bodybugg knows.

I love this thing. I was so blessed to be able to buy it used in like new condition from a friend or a friend. It has been one of the best investments I have made. If you are able to afford it--it is worth it. If it's too pricey--it's worth it to save up for one!

EC Week: Wednesday's Splurge

2011-04-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today I'll keep it real. I still have days when I don't eat clean. But rather than letting one day turn into a week, and then a month, and then a year, and then a lifetime, I now can splurge a little and then pick back up on my clean eating the next day.

I've been on this weight loss journey since January and I have never felt "deprived". I allow myself some things that I like on occasion but I try to stay within my alloted calories for the day and I try to make up for it with exercise.

So without further ado....here are my meals for today {{I'm cringing already}}:

Breakfast
I didn't feel like eating this morning. I woke up dizzy and just feeling blah. Plus we were all in a hurry to get out the house to my mom's to pick her up and take her out for lunch. So I didn't eat. Then I got to mom's house and had an Oreo. Yes, really. I ate one lone Oreo for breakfast.

Snack
I kept feeling dizzy (no I am NOT pregnant!) and figured I needed to eat a little something so I ate 3 Ritz crackers and drank some water.

Lunch
Here's the big splurge for the day. We went to Bill's Hot Dogs for lunch. Bill's should be a historical site in Eastern North Carolina. If you live here then no doubt at some point in your life you've had a Bill's hot dog. And there is one thing that rings true about Bill's--you either love them or you hate them. I fall into the first category, my husband the latter! Bill's only has one things thing on their menu--hot dogs. They used to be 65 cents each but with inflation they are now almost a dollar a piece. Still a cheap lunch (the 3 girls and my mom and I all ate lunch for $13).

These are the only hot dogs I really like to eat. So for lunch I had two Bill's hot dogs, no onions (which means mustard and their secret homemade spicy white chili). And I had a Dr. Pepper. I'm pretty sure a hot dog is about the most unclean thing that you could possibly eat. But it sure was good!

We enjoyed our hot dogs while sitting at the beautiful Washington, NC waterfront (this is a tradition--my mom and I have been doing this since I was little!). Layla loved watching the boats and Madalyn enjoyed picking dandelions and throwing them in the water! It was a gorgeous day today!

Supper
After returning to mom and dad's we had a little family get together to celebrate my dad's birthday. He likes barbecue chicken (think NC barbeque--vinegar based) so we picked up some chicken and sides from a local restaurant. I tried to pick the healthiest sides available (and I just pretend that the corn was not cooked with butter). And I stuck with unsweet tea to drink.

I ate half that piece of grilled chicken, two hushpuppies, some corn, some green beans and a little dab of macaroni and cheese. And I did have one very small piece of birthday cake (because it was homemade by my sister-in-law and she makes the best cakes!).

My calorie count ended up being a little over 1900 calories for the day (I aim for around 1400 each day.) And thanks to my BodyBugg I know that I burned about 3500 today so I still had a calorie deficit of 1600 calories. Although I didn't eat clean today I did control my portions and I came home and did my workout even though it was after 11pm!

So that was my total clean eating big "blow it" day. Back to it tomorrow!

Eat Clean Week: Tuesday Supper

2011-04-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

Supper was a challenge tonight. I was very excited to try this recipe from Clean Eating magazine for Sweet and Sour Chicken. I had the chicken marinating in the fridge while I was at the gym and after a great workout I couldn't wait to get home and cook it up and eat while watching The Biggest Loser.

My stupid stove had other ideas. It's over 30 years old so it's no surprise when something on it breaks. Tonight one of the knobs completely broke off. And then the burners decided to stop heating up. I thought the oven was still going to work but even at 400 degrees it was barely hot. So supper ended up going in the microwave and now we are going to have to suck it up and buy a new stove. UGH!

Anyway...this meal was really good. I was surprised that Aaron even liked it as he is super picky!. I have made a similar version with pork and I think this recipe would be great with pork or even on skewers on the grill.

Not my photo--this is courtesy of Clean Eating

I ate it as recommended, over brown rice. We have a rice cooker that makes cooking rice so easy. We got it as a wedding present and it has been one of our most used cooking appliances! And just for your information--brown rice is clean, white rice is not. I had a glass of water with a squeeze of lime and a squeeze of lemon in it.

I'll confess--I also splurged and had some (un-clean) orange sherbet ice cream. I had done really well with my calorie counts for the day so I decided I could treat myself!

Tomorrow I'm having a cheat meal! Those of you from Eastern NC will totally understand my splurge tomorrow! :)

EC Week: Tuesday Lunch

2011-04-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

This looks very similar to my lunch yesterday! I always get stuck not knowing what to eat for lunch. I could eat a sandwich every day but that gets boring and I'd rather not eat that much bread (I usually like to have either rice or pasta or bread with my supper instead). So lunch is always a challenge for me.

I had some uncooked cut up chicken in the fridge that I didn't use last night so for lunch today I threw that in a pan and sauteed it in a little olive oil and then added some onions, green peppers and red peppers. When it was cooked through I put it on top of some romaine lettuce and added a little cheese (cause I love my cheese!) and some sour cream. It was pretty good. I only ate about half of it. I also ate an apple about an hour after lunch.

And about that tea. It was a first for me. And I really wanted to like it. But honestly...I'm not a fan of Honest Tea. At least not the pomegranate/goji berry flavor. And while we are on the subject of tea--I told my friend, Heather, I'd be posting about tea this week--let me say a little about it.

I am southern and as such I loooove some good sweet tea. My mom and I are both sweet tea snobs. We know which establishments have good sweet tea. We know where not to order sweet tea (Pizza Inn notoriously has disgusting tea). We can take a swig and immediately tell you if that tea has been sitting out for longer than 6 hours (sour tea=blech!) and we will make special trips to McAlister's just for their famous ice tea.

Since I've been eating healthier, I've started drinking plain unsweetened tea. I love McAlister's, Sonic and Panera Bread's the best. I don't add any sweeteners and it still tastes so good to me! Did you know that one glass of McAlister's ice tea has 310 calories (and who can drink just one cup full?)? I could easily drink two cups full while there packing in over 600 calories! That's more than 1/3 of my recommended daily caloric intake! Wow!

As much as I love sweet tea I found that it hasn't been a hard habit to break. Last year I started decreasing the amount of sugar I added to a pitcher of tea. My old standard was one cup of sugar per one pitcher of tea. And we drank 2-3 pitchers of it a week. I gradually started decreasing the amount of sugar in it and my family got used to it. Now I make it completely unsweet. I found out that McAlister's uses a black tea so I found some English black tea and I now brew a pitcher of that with no sweeteners in it at all. It is a little bitter, it does take some getting use to, and Madalyn and I are the only ones in the family who drink it without sugar! No one has complained though. If the others want some they add their own sugar.

I also like to add flavors to my tea on occasion. Sometimes I'll squeeze some fresh lemon or lime in it or I'll add some frozen raspberries (that is really good!). It does take some getting used to but it is worth it. Don't drink away your calories! Treat soda and sweet tea like you do other sweets--save it for special occasions and partake in moderation.

EC Week: Tuesday Breakfast

2011-04-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

I woke up with no appetite this morning. Nothing sounded good to me and I really had to force myself to eat. I've never been much of a breakfast person anyway but I know how important it is to get my metabolism going so I try to eat at least a little something within an hour of waking up.

Today I had a banana with a a carton of Greek honey yogurt, a dollop of all fruit strawberry jam and a sprinkle of peanuts. This was adapted from a recipe in Clean Eating magazine. They recommended cottage cheese (which I hate) so I substituted yogurt.

Now, a little bit about Greek yogurt. Plain Greek yogurt is almost always clean regardless of the brand. However, when the flavored yogurts almost always contain sugar, corn syrup, artificial flavors or preservatives. If you've never had Greek yogurt I'll prepare you--it tastes a little like sour cream. It definitely needs "something" added to it for flavor (unless of course you are using as a substitute for sour cream as I do from time to time). The Chobani brand is my favorite and the honey flavor is clean. I found the nutritional content and ingredients for all their flavors on their website and almost all other flavors have locust bean gum in them.Now locust bean gum may be healthier than refined white sugar, but it is very processed (and involves an acid treatment).

If you don't like plain yogurt you can always puree frozen raspberries or some other fruit and mix it in. Honey or agave nectar is also a good sweetener if it still needs a little more flavor.

I had a glass of 100% orange juice with breakfast. I love Simply Orange Juice because it is just that--simply orange juice. Nothing else added. The only way you could get cleaner, fresher juice is by juicing some oranges yourself.

I only ate about half of my breakfast. It was good but I just wasn't hungry. Layla did however enjoy what I didn't eat!

EC Week: Monday Supper

2011-04-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

I had no plans for supper tonight. It was one of those "open the fridge door and stare inside until I found something" kind of nights. I decided to use some almond meal that I bought at Trader Joe's a few months ago and try a recipe from my Clean Eating cookbook. I didn't have all the recommended ingredients so I just improvised.

This is chicken coated with almond meal (it looks like flour only it's finely crushed almonds) that was mixed with one tbsp of whole wheat flour and some paprika, salt and pepper. I then "fried" it in a little olive oil.

I knew the girls may not like it so I made some whole wheat noodles to go with it (they never turn down pasta) and I had a sweet potato with mine. I also had a little honey on the side for my chicken. The chicken was good but tasted really dry and the honey helped. I put cinnamon and greek honey yogurt on my sweet potato. And I had a glass of unsweetened black ice tea.

I was so full (probably from that big smoothie I had earlier) that I didn't even touch my sweet potato. The chicken and noodles filled me up. Layla did however sneak up to the table after supper and helped herself to a few bites of sweet potato!

After supper I went to the gym and hopped on the spin bike for 45 minutes and came home and ate an apple with a little dark chocolate almond butter--yes, it's clean! I drank a ton of water today. I also didn't eat nearly enough veggies which is a consistant problem for me. I can eat fruit all day long but eating vegetables is more difficult for me.

Confession of the day: I may or may not have let my oldest child eat processed mac and cheese for lunch. I also may or may not have let my middle child eat processed pizza snacks. And I may ~~or may not~~ have eaten two of said pizza snacks.

Hope you're enjoying reading about my clean eating week. Nothing like sharing photos of all your meals with the world to keep you accountable! But don't even think that I'm going to start sharing my weight with y'all cause that just ain't gonna happen!

CE Week: Monday Snack

2011-04-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

A Google search for "smoothie recipe" will result in over 1.5 million hits. Yeah...there are a LOT of smoothie recipes out there. This is my old standby because it's an easy, low calorie and low fat way to get three fruit servings in one shot!

I've mentioned this Hamilton Beach blender so much that they should hire me to be their spokesperson. I love this thing. You can make a smoothie for one or two people with minimal mess to clean up and after it's mixed you just unscrew it from the base and take it with you! Walmart has them for less than $15. It does come with a lid. My hubby has lost mine. It's probably with the orange peeler he has also misplaced and the Netflix movie that I misplaced and to this day has never shown up around our house.

I used to always use yogurt in my smoothies but I kind of got used to just using fruit and water and now it's rare for me to use yogurt.

Three Fruit Smoothie
--1 orange, peeled and sliced

--1 banana, peeled and broken into about four pieces

--1 cup frozen strawberries

--1 tbsp flax seed (optional)

--water and ice

Add orange and banana to blender with about an 1/8 cup of water (I don't measure anything--I just guess). Pulse this in your blender until well combined. Add frozen strawberries and flax seeds and pulse until combined. Finally add about 1/2 cup of ice. You may need to adjust your amount of water if you want a smoother smoothie. I like mine the consistency of a thick milkshake.

Tip: As I mentioned, there are soooo many ways to make a smoothie. I've posted a few recipes on here before (though they are healthy they use processed ingredients). Other ingredients that I like to use include: frozen blueberries, frozen raspberries, frozen orange slices, milk, yogurt, almond butter, peanut butter, cherries, dark chocolate, honey, lemon, pineapple, watermelon, and even spinach (yes, spinach--makes a healthy "green" smoothie!). Smoothies make a quick and easy meal or snack and kids usually love them too!

EC Week: Monday Lunch

2011-04-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

I had no idea what I was going to have for lunch today. I was thinking about having a sweet potato when I remembered we had some leftover cooked chicken in the fridge and I was able to whip up this yummy salad:

forgive me for the cell phone photo!

Ingredients:
--1 cup cooked, cubed chicken
--1 ounce cheddar cheese (shred it yourself--the pre-shredded is coated in chemicals to keep it from sticking together)
--about a cup of romaine lettuce
--about 2 tbsp of fresh pico de gallo (I bought this pre-made from the grocery store)
--a dollop of light sour cream (I'd have preferred plain greek yogurt but we were out)
--a sprinkle of whole grain chips

It was really good and the pico de gallo added enough flavor that I didn't need any salad dressing. One thing to note: cheese is a "debatable" item on Tosca Reno's clean eating plan. She prefers not to eat it avoids using it in her recipes. I allow it in moderation!

I drank all that water with lunch too and then filled my bottle back up when I was done (and after a walk with a friend). Water is very important--I don't want to waste my calories drinking sugary drinks because I'd rather use my calories to eat!

Tip: Look for natural, healthier versions of your favorite foods. I love Tostito's whole grain chips. I also love Trader Joe's blue corn chips and their sweet potato chips and these are all clean! You have to be diligent about reading food labels. Some things to avoid are: trisodium phosphate, corn syrup, food coloring, and anything you can't pronounce. Most of that stuff has been added to try and boost the "nutritional value" or to maintain flavor.

If you read packages of cereal you'll notice that they rave about how many vitamins and minerals they contain. However once you read the ingredients you learn that all the natural vitamins and minerals have been removed and replaced by chemically altered ones (thiamine mononitrate is the chemical version of Vitamin B). Instead of eating foods full of these chemically altered vitamins, try to eat foods that are full of natural vitamins instead.

EatClean Week: Monday Breakfast

2011-04-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

First up this morning: oatmeal. I've never been a big oatmeal fan but because of all the health benefits I try to like it. It is a big deal in the Clean Eating lifestyle. However, you must buy the plain old oatmeal in the big round cardboard box. Pre-processed oatmeal is full of all kinds of preservatives so it's a no-no. This was how I prepared my oatmeal this morning (thanks for the idea, Joanna!).

Vanilla Banana Oatmeal
Ingredients:
--1 cup vanilla almond milk
--1/2 cup plain oatmeal
--a sprinkle of cinnamon
-- a sprinkle of unsalted, raw slivered almonds
--1 medium banana

1. Bring almond milk to a boil on the stovetop. Add oatmeal and cook for about 5 minutes stirring often. Oatmeal will thicken more after removing from heat so cook until it is almost to you desired consistency.
2. Place in bowl and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, cut up banana and almonds.

Now, I must confess. The almond milk is NOT clean. Regular, plain almond milk=clean. Vanilla flavored almond milk=healthy, but not clean. It has plenty of clean ingredients (almonds, evaporated cane sugar) but it also has some added things that are not clean (phosphates, etc). If you want this to be a 100% clean meal, use regular skim milk or plain almond milk or just water instead.

Verdict: it was good. Not "oh I want to eat this everyday good" but a nice break from my typical egg white omelet or smoothie.

Tip: If you are rushed for time in the morning you can cook your oatmeal in a crockpot. Let it cook on low overnight (check your crockpot for recommended times and settings) and it will be piping hot and ready for you in the morning. I have a friend who does this on Sunday nights and then she keeps the leftovers to heat in the microwave the rest of the week. Also, if you need just a little more flavor (i.e. sweetener!), you can add a little honey or maple syrup which are both clean foods.

Come back often this week for more clean eating ideas! And visit the Clean Eating magazine website for more information.

Eating Clean

2011-04-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

I posted recently on 31 Rubies about 31 Clean Things to Eat. I started cleaning up my diet in January and although it's still a work in progress I do strive to eat mostly clean meals (and have lost a total of 23 pounds so far). I love how I feel when my diet is free of processed, refined, bleached, chemical-laden junk.

I have had so many people ask me on Facebook about clean eating. What is it? What exactly do you eat? I even have a friend who has bought a Clean Eating cookbook after hearing me talk about it so much. So this week I'm going to post about clean eating all week long. I am going to attempt...key word is ATTEMPT...to take photos of all my meals and snacks throughout the week. This will not only keep me accountable but it will also help you to see what type of foods are clean. Like I said, I don't eat 100% clean all the time but I'd say I'm at about 75% now. This week I'm going to strive for 90-95% clean.

I'll start tomorrow with breakfast!

Budgeting Dave Ramsey Style: Cash Envelopes

2011-03-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

I think pretty much everyone in America knows about Dave Ramsey. If you haven't you've been living under a rock for quite some time. Or, you have never had a problem with debt and have never googled "get out of debt"! Dave is the king of budgeting and getting out of debt.

One of Dave's big things is paying cash. He often says "Cash is king...debt is dumb!" and he sells neat little wallets on his website with envelopes for different things. I gave thought to buying one but that's 20 bucks I can put towards a bill! So I went to the almighty Google and started looking for other ideas.

Since I have a plethora of scrapbook paper I decided to use the idea found on Kelleigh Kratzlaff Designs. A little scrapbook paper, my printer, a little cutting and folding and pasting and my wallet is now ready to hold some well organized cash!

My envelopes are labeled Week One Groceries, Week Two Groceries, Week Three Groceries, Week Four Groceries, FUN, Date Night, School and Receipts. I have been going to the bank every two weeks when we get paid and I get out grocery money for the two weeks and I divide a certain amount between the other three envelopes. I do swap money around from one to the other as needed.

I've been using my envelopes for a couple of weeks and I love it. It has helped a great deal on scaling back my spending. We've been eating out way less, I've been sticking to my grocery budget and I've been using my debit card much less.

I found another really cute idea on The Beautiful Budget for cloth envelopes! I love this idea and if my paper envelopes start falling apart I may switch to this idea.

If you are not crafty, check around on Etsy. Saving Money in Style has some adorable fabric envelopes and JennsWay has some cute paper envelopes. Or find a dear friend to make some for you (as I am doing for my sweet friend, Gena--I haven't forgotten, Gena!).

The end of the tunnel is slowly coming into sight..."debt free in three" (years) is a very real possibility!

Packing Up Baby Clothes 101

2011-03-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

The easiest way to pack up your baby's old clothes:

1. Quickly sort through their closets and drawers removing anything that is too little.

2. Throw clothing into one of three piles: a) donate/give-away b) sell

3. Take bags of clothes to be donated to Goodwill and take clothes to sell to Once Upon a Child (or your consignment store of choice).

4. Relax because you are done and you baby's closets are now clean and ready for new clothing!

However, this is MY way of packing up my baby's clothes:

1. When baby outgrows clothing, throw it on the top shelf of the closet. Once the top shelf is overflowing, remove clothing and sort through one piece at a time.

2. Smell each article of clothing hoping to catch one more whiff of that sweet baby smell.

3. Sort clothing into five piles: a) sell b) giveaway (onesies and other clothes that the consignment store won't take) c) donate (any clothing that I can't sell and is too small to give away to my friend with a 7 month old) d) clothing that I want to save for the future when I have more time on my hands and can make an "old clothing" quilt for each of my children and e) throw away pile for clothing that is horribly stained

4. After sorting clothing into each pile, look through clothing again. Reminisce about each of children wearing those clothes. Go get out your scrapbook and look at old photos for about an hour and remember how little your 9 year and your 5 year old really used to be.

5. Wipe away some tears and remind your children that they are growing up too fast and need to slow down a little bit so mama can take it all in. Get very sad at the realization that you will never give birth to another baby again.

6. Remember that you still have 5 piles of clothing upstairs that you need to put away.

7. Take bag of old clothing to Goodwill (after it sits in your van for no less than 2 months). Resist the urge to look through it one last time because you know if you do it is certain that you'll find something else that you just "have" to keep.

8. Take box of clothes to your friend. Be sure to close the box up before leaving the house so you won't be tempted to look through them one last time.

9. Take box of clothing to sell to Once Upon a Child--try not to get upset if they don't like the clothes you picked out to bring in.

7. Return home to nice cleaned out closets in which you can place another round of hand-me-downs.

That is what we've been working on today. Oh if only I wasn't so sentimental and if I hadn't inherited my grandmother's frugal/pack-rat mentality.

FREE $25 Silpada Gift Certificate

2011-03-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

If you don't follow the blog I contribute to, 31 Rubies, then you SHOULD! And you definitely should go and enter to win a $25 gift certificate Silpada! Lots of good stuff coming at 31R--you don't want to miss it!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal Week 2

2011-03-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

In my life this week...

I've been sick (and spent Friday morning-Sunday afternoon on the couch with a headache, stomache ache and other annoying symptoms). I've also been dealing with some major drama with some of the people in my life. That's all I'm going to say about that.

In our homeschool this week...

We started studying kangaroos with Madalyn but due to an early in the week bout of strep throat (me) and then a late in the week stomach virus (again, me!) we didn't get a lot accomplished.

Places we're going and people we're seeing...

I am taking my mom to see Mandisa and comedian Anita Renfroe on Thursday. It couldn't come at a better time and I know we both are going to have a great time!

My favorite thing this week was...

hearing Layla say a new word--"downstairs". She is finally trying to talk and it is so adorable!

What's working/not working for us...

I love my new circle of homeschooling friends! I am so thankful that back in August I sat at that particular table with those particular moms at that particular homeschool meeting. God put me there so that I could meet these wonderful women who I know consider some of my dearest friends.

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...

I am considering joining a co-op next year with some friends and I've been wondering how it will all work into our schedule/curriculum.

A photo/video/link to share...

Of course I'm going to share 31 Rubies again! If you missed it last week, go back and meet all five contributors. We've got some neat things in store for the site and you don't want to miss it!

31 Rubies Giveaway

2011-03-07T05:24:00.000-08:00

If you haven't checked it out yet, be sure to stop over at 31 Rubies today and see our first giveaway--a darling handmade pair of baby legwarmers. But you'll have to go to 31 Rubies to see the picture!

Premiere Day

2011-03-01T07:16:00.000-08:00

It's Premiere Day over at 31 Rubies! Be sure to visit us each day this week to learn about our contributors. I'm up first!

First Park Day 2011

2011-02-28T18:58:00.000-08:00

Someone has been sick in our household for the last 3 weeks. It's been rotating amongst all of us with Madalyn and I being hit the hardest. She woke up with a fever of 102 and a sore throat last Monday night resulting in a trip to the doctor's office Tuesday morning and a diagnosis of strep throat.

Friday night I spiked a major fever (over 103 degrees depending on the thermometer), chills (ten blankets on me and I was still shivering) and a very runny nose. I felt fine the rest of the weekend but today woke up with a sore throat. I went to the Urgent Care center and came out with a diagnosis of strep throat along with prescriptions for pain medicine and an antibiotic.

Before all that happened though the girls and I went to the park this afternoon for a little while. The weather has been beautiful the last few days (in the 70s) and although it was crazy windy today they enjoyed getting out in the sunshine for a little while.

So serious!

Annagrace loves the monkey bars!

I loved this photo of those red piggytails flying in the wind!

Madalyn's favorite...the swings!

It was a such a nice day even if it did end with a trip to the doctor and the pharmacy for me! I just told a friend we needed a good big storm to clear some of the nasty germs out and guess what? It just started pouring outside. Yeah for (almost) Spring showers!

Premiere Day

2011-02-28T04:59:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is premiere day over at 31 Rubies! Mark your calendars, set up an alert on your cell phone, tie a string around your finger! We don't want you to miss it!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

2011-02-25T11:35:00.000-08:00

In my life this week...

we've all been battling sickness. The girls have all had fevers at some point over the last 7 days. Madalyn ended up with strep throat. Annagrace had an episode of vomiting after going out to eat for her birthday. Now I've had a cold and a sinus headache for the better part of the last two days.

I was able to host a Mama's Night/Wii Dance Party on Monday. It was so much fun (even though half of the invitees had to cancel at the last minute due to sickness in their own families!).

I also enjoyed a Mom's Day Out on Wednesday. Aaron took the day off work and I was able to go to the gym in the morning, out to lunch with a friend (a Thai place that was new to both of us...the Pad Thai was sooooo good), and then out shopping in the afternoon.

In our homeschool this week...

it's been a low key week. We've done some schoolwork here and there. Madalyn learned about penguins this week. Even if we didn't accomplish a lot "on paper" we did read a lot of books this week!

Places we're going and people we're seeing...

Our field trip that was planned for Tuesday was cancelled because Madalyn had strep throat (and my friend Catherine, who we were suppose to meet up with, also had a sick baby that day). However, I was blessed with four free tickets to a dance performance at East Carolina University on Wednesday. Annagrace was having two friends spend the night (both homeschooled girls...hence the ability to have a mid-week sleepover on a school night!) so I took all three girls. It was fantastic! I envy those lithe dancers. They are so graceful and they amaze me with their abilities!

Today we finally made it back to the ECU library. I had been avoiding going there because I owed a pretty hefty late fee! I sucked it up and paid it today and then I remembered why we love that library so much. The book selection puts our local public library to shame! We checked out tons of books about kangaroos which Madalyn will begin studying on Monday!

My favorite thing this week was...

My Mom's Day Out. Since I work weekends and then homeschool Monday-Friday it is rare that I actually get a day off and to myself. I love my children but I think all mama's need a break from time to time! I looked forward to this day for weeks and it was such a nice day to have some alone time!

What's working/not working for us...

Well, we stopped using Teaching Textbooks for math recently and we are just now "gently" starting to add some math back into Annagrace's day. I'm not sure what we need to do at this point so for now we are just doing worksheets off the internet, using math in the everyday (today we figured up how many passengers can ride the Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens each hour), and teaching Madalyn to recognize her numbers 1-100.

I revamped my lesson planning book and started using a new notebook that holds only my lesson plans and unit study info. I am using some forms from Donna Young that allow me to plan out six weeks at a time. I also can write out goals for each three week segment. It has helped me to be more focused on the here and now and not so overwhelmed about the future. If I can plan three weeks at a time then I consider that success!

I also have decided to go back to a four day school week (like we did last year) and we'll have school almost year round. We'll take the entire month of July of and continue to have multiple week long breaks throughout the school year. My kids don't really mind this and I love that we can take a day off on a whim pretty much any time that we like during the year.

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...

I've been reading two books this week about the education of children. One of them is the very popular homeschooler's guide to classical education, The Well Trained Mind by Susan Bauer and Jesse Wise. I tried to read it when we first started the homeschooling journey and honestly was not really a fan. I've never subscribed to any one style of education and this is geared strictly to classical educators. However, on my second read through I have gleaned some very good things and I'm planning to buy the book so I can underline and write thoughts in it to my hearts content.

Secondly, I've been reading The Educated Child by William Bennett. Though this book is geared more towards parents with children in the public (or private) school system, there are some really great guidelines for what children should be learning at their different levels. I always worry, "Are we learning enough?" and this book has settled my fears as I realized that we are right on track with where we should be. I'll be honest though...I think it would be rare to find ANY school (public, private, or homeschool) that would meet all the criteria that the authors put forth in this book.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share...

Someone posted this on facebook and it is just adorable!

Coming March 1....31 Rubies

2011-02-24T11:03:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in a post Tuesday about something to come on March 1. I thought I'd let you all in on a sneak peek. You are going to want to become a follower because you will not want to miss a single post on this blog. There are some great giveaways coming up and some fantastic posts coming from some pretty awesome women. Click on the logo to get a sneak peek at the site!

Layla Joy: 16 Months

2011-02-24T06:34:00.000-08:00

Suddenly overnight my sweet little baby has blossomed into this independent toddler who is prone to throwing temper tantrums, amazes us with her intelligence and who gives the best hugs imaginable!

Although she isn't saying many words yet she understands a LOT. She amazes us at how much she understands and how well she can follow directions. She is saying Mama, Dada, Siss--dada (which means Annagrace!), dis (this) and dare (there). She really doesn't make any attempt to say anything else but she does babble constantly. At her last appointment the doctor said it was too early to worry but if after turning two she is still babbling instead of forming words that we may consider sending her for some speech therapy. I think she will just take off and talk any day now and it will probably be in complete sentences!

She is into EVERYTHING now. She still has an obsession with the stairs so we must keep a gate up to keep her downstairs! She loves Elmo and if we are having a bad night and she is grumpy and can't sleep then I pull out my Blackberry and we watch Elmo videos. She instantly calms down! She loves fruit (especially bananas) and will eat pretty much anything we give her. She loves giving hugs and kisses and loves to blow kisses. When asked, she can point to her belly, hair, feet, hands, mouth, teeth and nose. She's still in diapers and I haven't even given a thought to potty training yet. )I'm not in any rush....she is the baby after all. I'm fine with keeping her a baby for a little longer! LOL! )

She is our sweet little princess and we can't imagine life without her! She definitely keeps things interesting around our house!

Authentic

2011-02-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

I'm a compulsive blog reader. I have hundreds of blogs in my reader that I check at least once a day for updates. I don't read them all...I usually pick and choose and click and open new tabs as I go along. About 95% of the blogs I read are "mommy" blogs. They are my favorite. The best mommy blogs are the ones that are honest. That are genuine. The ones where you can read it and say, "Whew...I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who does (insert this or that)."

Here's a newsflash. I'm not perfect. And neither are you. We make mistakes, we say stupid things, we do things that we later regret. Some days we feel like SuperMommy and that nothing can stop us. Other days we wish we were sick so we had an excuse to stay in the bed all day long. We've all been there. And if a mommy ever tells you she hasn't then she's either lying or she's lying. Because I don't believe that any mother has a perfect life. Not one single one.

And yet we women tend to make life and motherhood a competition.

We compare ourselves to everyone else (well my life is better than hers because....).

We compare our appearance to other women (well I may be a few pounds overweight but at least my nose isn't as big as so and sos).

We compare our children (and oh boy are homeschool mommies some of the worst at this).

We allow a number on a scale to determine our self worth.

It's time that we as women start supporting each other instead of tearing each other down. It's time that we stop comparing ourselves to each other and concentrate instead on how we can be better wives, mommies, and women. It's time we get honest with ourselves and with each other. It's time to put on our big girl panties, take off our masks, and be real and authentic.

More to come on March 1...

This week at our escuela...

2011-02-20T14:24:00.000-08:00

I am horribly behind on updating my blog about our homeschool activities. And I don't have time to thoroughly do it today either so I'll just give a brief glimpse into the coming week.

Madalyn missed an entire week from being sick last week. This week we'll study penguins as well as learn about Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt (President's Day!). Since we'll be talking about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who were both known for their honesty, I thought it would also be a great week to do a character study on honesty.

Madalyn will also be studying numbers (and will work on recognizing numbers up to 100) and will begin skip counting. We're a little behind on celebrating our 100th day of school so that will be happening next week. She will continue working in her new Handwriting Without Tears book this week.

Annagrace started a new grammar book (Easy Grammar). I really like it. It gives several worksheets for each concept so if she grasps it after the first worksheet then I don't make her do the rest. We'll finish up "Little House in the Big Woods" this week and we'll decide on our next literature unit study. I'm thinking about "Wind in the Willows" or "Little Women".

She will also start back doing some math worksheets (we took a much needed month off from math) and we are going to play some games to help her continue to memorize her multiplication tables. She knows them all but can't recite them instantly (quick, 7x8....!). She will be studying penguins and President's Day with Madalyn this week too so we'll do some art projects along those themes and she will be writing a paper about penguins.

Ok...that's my plan. Now to get it all written out and all my papers organized and ready for the week ahead!

Why I am Overweight

2011-02-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

A day with two sick children has turned into a day of snuggling on the couch watching reality TV on Netflix. I recently discovered that the first two seasons of the Style channel's show, Ruby, was on instant view. I watched the first episode and I was hooked.

Ruby follows the day to day life of a 30ish woman who at one time weighed 700 pounds. When the series starts, Ruby is almost 500 pounds and is ready to change her life. We watch as she works with doctors, trainers, nutritionists, even designers to create a better life for herself. I found myself cheering for her when she drove for the first time in six years, wore pants again, and rode a bike. You can't help but love Ruby's southern charm, determination and humor in the midst of all the changes her life is taking.

One thing that hit home for me was when she was leading her monthly "Fat Friends" club. She gets together with several of her overweight friends and they share their struggles and frustrations of being an overweight woman. Ruby wanted to get to the bottom of the reasons why each woman was overweight. Several of them could pinpoint traumatic events in their lives when they started gaining weight. And I started thinking...okay, so what is my deal?

I had a great childhood. Nothing traumatic had ever happened in my life that would explain my reasons for overeating. And then I started thinking about exactly when I did start gaining weight.

I was a chubby child (thanks to poor eating habits) but by the time I was in high school I was a normal teenager as far as my size. I always felt like I was overweight (and my eating habits were atrocious at times) but looking back I really was not that bigger than my friends. I maintained my weight through college (I lost 30 pounds my freshman year...then gained it back...then lost 20 my sophomore year while overseas....then gained 10 back....then maintained a stable weight until I was married). Looking back it wasn't until I got married that I really started to gain weight.

And it wasn't because of being married that I gained. I realized today that I started gaining weight after we moved six hours away from my home, my family, and my friends. My weight steadily climbed over the next 9 years. I believe one of the primary reasons was because of my emotional health.

I was depressed. Deeply depressed at times. I was lonely. I was homesick. My marriage was having a lot of ups and downs. I was absolutely miserable. And my response was to eat. It was like my drug. It was the way I felt better about myself. If I had a bad day, some General Tso's chicken would make things all better. If I was stressed out and needed to get out of the house I would take the girls out to eat. This cycle continued on and on until I got to a point I didn't recognize myself anymore.

In January I looked in the mirror and thought, "What the helicopter have you done?". (You must watch Ruby to catch the helicopter reference!). I was miserable, still depressed (but this time because I was so overweight), and sore all the time. I knew it was time to change. I have a long way to go on this journey but I'm feeling better about the journey now than I ever have before. I have support this time (thanks Joanna, Melinda, Exie and my hubby) and now that I know just how much my emotions have been affecting my eating habits I can hopefully conquer this once and for all.

And I always thought I was overweight because I liked food! I think now that there was much more emotional baggage to it.

If you are overweight, or have been overweight, what are your reasons for being in this condition? What can you do to change that?

Healthy Update

2011-02-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

My word for 2011 is HEALTHY and this is a little update on the improvements I've made in my physical health.

HEALTHY has become my focus, my mantra, my word to think about when I have a bad day and don't want to go to the gym. It's like a little nagging voice in my head..."you HAVE to do this to be HEALTHY". I want to be physically healthy because I want to live to see my children have children...and their children have children!

Over the last 6 weeks I have been trying to break some habits and to form some new (good) ones. A few habits I have broken:

Stopped drinking soda. Cut it out cold turkey. I don't drink diet soda either.
Stopped drinking sweet tea. My tea is now dark black English tea and it's unsweetened. Bitter? Yes. But still tastes good to me even without the sugar!
Stopped eating sugary, pre-packaged foods.
Stopped eating white bread and drastically reduced intake of wheat products. I've had white bread a couple of times but I try to stick with wheat bread (and even that is only a couple times a week).

A few habits I have started:

Drinking TONS of water. I drink water all day long. I drink a glass before going to bed and I drink a glass when I wake up in the morning! I typically drink it "plain" but sometimes add lemon to it for flavor.
Exercising (almost) daily. I try to do something every day of the week. Weekends are tough because my weekends at work have been INSANE lately but most other days I am either going to the gym (I LOVE Zumba and Hip Hop), playing Wii Just Dance, or doing Zumba along with videos I've found on YouTube. Aaron and I also started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred yesterday.
Still eating mainly "clean" foods.

And a few benefits I have experienced already:

12 pound weight loss (hoping for 15 by the end of February)
More energy! Now granted, I still conk out on the couch most nights by 10pm but during the day I am more energetic!
No aches and pains when I wake up in the morning. I noticed towards the end of last year that I was waking up every single day with aches and pains all over. I was sore from my shoulders to my toes and it was often difficult to "get going" in the morning. Over the last few weeks I have realized that most of those aches and pains are over.
The mysterious thigh pain I was experiencing is now gone.

I've been focusing on my physical well being this month. Eating right, going to bed earlier, exercising, etc. Next month I am going to try to focus more on my spiritual health.

Clean Eating: Lasagna

2011-02-09T18:34:00.000-08:00

Who says clean eating can't be delicious?! I tried another new recipe tonight from my Clean Eating recipe book. It was sooooo good! Unfortunately, my picky husband didn't like it but the verdict was four thumbs up from me and Madalyn!

I altered it slightly and it wasn't "totally" clean (the sauce has sugar in it) but very close. Here is how I made it:

Clean Turkey and Spinach Lasagna
Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey
whole wheat lasagna noodles (about 6-8 noodles)
1 tsp Olive oil
1 clove garlic (or pick up some super nifty frozen garlic cubes from Trader Joes--LOVE them)
1/2 small onion chopped
1 box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 egg
3/4 cup of shredded low fat mozerella cheese (be sure to buy the cheese and shred it yourself--the pre-shredded kind is full of all sorts of junk)
1 15 ounce container of low fat ricotta cheese
1 jar Ragu chunky garden style spaghetti sauce

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in frying pan. Add onion and sautee until onions are soft. Add 1 garlic clove (or 1 garlic cube if using the frozen TJ's cubes). Cook for another minute. Add in turkey and cook until no longer pink. Add jar of sauce and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.

2. Bring pot of water to boil and add lasagna noodles, cook until soft.

3. Mix ricotta cheese, egg and 1/2 cup of mozerella cheese in a bowl. Add spinach and mix well.

4. To layer lasagna: Add meat mixture to an 8x8 pan to cover the bottom. Layer noodles, cheese mixture, meat mixture and then repeat. Add the rest of the mozerella cheese to the top. Bake covered with foil on 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for additional 5 minutes (or until cheese is melted).

My thoughts:

The turkey tasted great--I was worried that it wouldn't taste the same (I'm not a fan of ground turkey) but it was awesome.
The recipe book recommends making these into pasta roll ups. I didn't do that because I was pressed for time and I knew it would be messy!
The recipe also requires making your own sauce. I used Ragu chunky garden style--which was as close to clean as I could find at Food Lion! It is basically clean except for the sugar in the sauce. I may try to make my own sauce next time.
About those garlic cubes...they are ingenious! They come in a little tray and pop out like tiny ice cubes. You can get garlic along with several other things (rosemary, thyme, etc). I hate crushing garlic cloves so these are perfect for me. It would be super easy to make your own (which is why I didn't buy the other ones) but for me it was worth the money not to have to crush garlic myself!

Almond Butter Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-02-08T15:13:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to stick to a cleaner diet lately and I've done well at avoiding processed foods (can't remember the last time I had a potato chip), white bread, and snack foods. But yesterday I was having a craving for something sweet.

I bought the cookbook, The Best of Clean Eating recently and it has some really great recipes in it. I decided to try the almond butter chocolate chip cookies. They were delicious! Even Aaron liked them (which is saying something because he is picky!). Here is the recipe slightly altered by me!

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
--1 cup unsalted almond butter (I used salted almond butter--Barney Butter is my favorite brand--and just omitted the salt from the recipe)
--3/4 cup Sucanat (my local store does not carry this so I substituted organic cane sugar instead and it worked just fine)
--1 large egg
--1/2 tsp baking soda
--1/4 tsp salt (omit this if your almond butter has salt in it)
--3 ounces dark chocolate broken into small pieces (use at least 70% cocoa--I used a large Lindt candy bar)

Instructions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix first five ingredients until well blended. Stir in chocolate.
2) Drop by rounded teaspoon (I rolled mine) onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool for five minutes (mine required a longer cooling time to firm up), remove and put on wire rack and allow to cool for 15 more minutes.

Nutrients per cookie: Calories: 110, Total Fat: 8g, Sat. Fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 10g, Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 3g, Protein: 2g, Sodium: 55mg, Cholesterol: 10mg

My thoughts:
--The cane sugar added a little crunch to the cookie (in a good way). Because it is not processed cane sugar has more of a molasses taste to it than refined white sugar. It has the appearance of crystals and thus will alter the texture of your cookies slightly.
--Don't over bake them or your chocolate will dry up.
--I think they would taste great with organic/natural peanut butter or even a half and half mixture.

They were a delicious treat and I'll definitely be making them again!

February: 3 in 30 Goals

2011-02-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

February has arrived! Time to post my goals for the month. I am excited about this month's goals! Since my goal for this year is to be HEALTHY I am trying to have each of my goals focus on some aspect of that whether it's spiritual, physical, mental or emotional. This month they all are focused on my physical well being.

1. Post my food intake on Livestrong EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I love Livestrong and I know how helpful it is in keeping me accountable with my food choices. I have been slack for the last week and have not been logging in and posting my foods. I will do this every day this month!

2. Start a bedtime routine for both me and the girls with a goal for me to be in bed every night by 11pm. I'll admit. Aaron and I are pretty slack with my children in regards to their bedtime. We are both nightowls and our children have inherited that trait. However I can see a big difference in myself (energy, patience level, happiness) when I go to bed at a decent time and get out of bed at a decent time.

3. Incorporate a new "clean" recipe into our meal plan each week (and actually take time to write my meal plan down!). Aaron hasn't complained too much about the change in our eating habits (and has in fact enjoyed several of the new things we have had) so I'd like to try even more new things this month. I am trying to eat clean at least 75% of the time. Bread and pasta are kept to a minimum (usually only when we go out to eat) and I've almost completely eliminated sugar (except for an occasional use of ketchup--oh, and those two cookies I ate today!). I went to Barnes and Noble's last night with my friend, Fran, for a mommy's night out and found a new cookbook from Clean Eating magazine. There are some really good looking recipes in it and I can't wait to try some of them!

Have you made any goals for February?

3 in 30: January Results

2011-01-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that January is winding to a close. A couple of days and it will be February and that means that soon it will be March which means SPRING is almost here! I've never been a big fan of Spring (I love Fall the best) but I do love that Spring means picnics in the park, bike rides around the neighborhood, writing on the driveways with chalk, cleaning up the yard, and planting flowers.

The end of January means the end of the first 3 in 30 challenge and the beginning of a new 3 in 30 challenge. Let me do a recap on last month.

January goals:

1. I will exercise 3 times per week (sometimes at the gym, sometimes at home, sometimes more often than that but at least 3 times per week).

I did it! I accomplished this goal and it is something I will continue. I have been to the gym about twice a week and when I don't make it to the gym I dance with the girls with our Wii game. That, combined with a cleaner diet, resulted in a 9.2 pound weight loss this month! Next month I will continue to exercise at least 3 times per week and even though it isn't an official "3 in 30" goal I am going to step this up to at least 4 times per week.

2. I will make (and keep) a dental appointment for myself.

Okay, so officially January is not over. Tomorrow is the last day and hence, I have one last day to accomplish this. So although I obviously won't be able to get an appointment for tomorrow I am making myself call to schedule an appointment tomorrow. I also have to schedule appointments for Madalyn and Annagrace so I'll just do it all at once. So this goal will be 50% complete by tomorrow afternoon.

3. I will update my blog at least once a week about our homeschooling adventures.

This one I've stuck to although I need to start posting more photos of the girls activities and projects. You would think that with my love of photography I would post more photos! I'll try to work on that!

I love the feeling of accomplishment when I look back at this list. I am looking forward to working on my February goals!

New and Improved Schoolroom

2011-01-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

Finally....some photos of the new (and improved) schoolroom! I mentioned that I did this on a whim--like a lot of my home projects! I wanted something light and bright because I was tired of feeling like we were in a cave. I've had a red room in every home we have lived in but I've never kept it for long. I tend to grow tired of red rather quickly!

Here is the schoolroom when we started school in August:

This is our dining room but it gets much more use as our homeschool room! Looking at this makes me miss the reading nook. I may have to do some thinking about rearranging so we can have our nook back!
And this is the new room:

This wall is awesome! The top was painted with Rustoleum Dry Erase paint. I wasn't sure it was going to work but what we have discovered is you can NOT use ANY shade of blue dry erase markers--they will not erase! Must be something in the dye. Also, you need to use regular (NOT low odor) markers or washable markers. We also have to use a Magic Eraser on it. We don't have to wet it (unless the marker has been on there for awhile) and it comes off pretty easily. I'm hoping that over time it does not mess up the paint.

The new paint color is called "A Cup of Tea" and it is Home Depot's new primer/paint mix. It covered super well (even over red). I only needed two coats and it was done! I love the green with the white and black.

Bookcases on either side of the window. I am planning a piece of artwork or a canvas photo over the one in the bottom photo.

This is looking in the room from the kitchen. After we replace the floor I want to get a new rolling computer chair.

Have I mentioned I love labeling things? Everything has a place...and so far, everything is in it's place.

These shelves hold manipulatives, sewing cards, counting bears, cuisinaire rods, art supplies, etc. Pretty much everything is labeled with my Dymo labeler! I love that thing!

And here is what I spend most of my days doing...retrieving my toddler from the top of the table! She is a little curious monkey!

We love our new room! I think everyone needs a dry erase or chalk wall in their homes! Everyone in our family is enjoying ours.

2011-01-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

I had really good intentions of posting photos of our homeschool room today but instead I spent the day organizing, cleaning and decluttering some more areas downstairs. I'm trying to get the entire downstairs whipped into shape by the end of the month (which is already next week...eek!).

Today I:

Cleaned and decluttered the laundry closet. I covered the shelf over the washer/dryer with cute shelf liner, added some new baskets to contain stuff and cleaned out the cabinets above the washer/dryer that hold our cleaning and other household stuff.
I finished sorting through two years worth of magazines. I pulled out all the articles that I think I may want to save for future reference and I have them filed in a 3 ring binder for safe keeping. I have been doing this for years but lately had let it get away from me. Okay...the last two years I let it get away from me! And I found a friend who wants the leftover magazines for projects for her after school kids--score! I was dreading putting those magazines in the recycling because there is still so much good stuff left in them!
I cleaned off the desk in the kitchen and organized our new home file folder--I'll share more on that later.

I feel like I accomplished a big chunk of stuff today. After I finish this I am going to clean off the homeschool desk so we can get caught up on a lot of work tomorrow. It feels so good to be getting this house organized again. I've really let it go lately and when it gets out of control I start feeling out of control.

I just read an article about how clutter and disorganization can hinder weight loss. The author suggests getting your home under control (starting with the kitchen) and then tackling your body. I am working on both!

I'm still trying to eat as clean as possible but allowing myself a few breaks and a treat here or there. Usually my "treats" are still in the "healthy" category but not necessarily the "clean" category! My weight is at a standstill thus far this week but I'm hoping to pull at least a one pound loss by Sunday!

Stay tuned for photos of the updated homeschool room!

Homeschool Update: January 17-21

2011-01-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

Last week was an interesting week of homeschooling. I decided--on a whim, really--to do a major remodel of the schoolroom. I wanted a brighter, cleaner more open room and decided to paint the walls and rearrange the furniture. We'll eventually put down laminate floor but that will have to wait a few months.

In the midst of all this work on the room we did accomplish to get some school things done. We started reading one of my, and Annagrace's, favorite books--Roald Dahl's The BFG. The girls played math games together. Annagrace taught Madalyn out of her math book. Madalyn also did a little in her phonics book with me. Annagrace had a Science test and on Friday we went to the library.

We also went on a field trip to the local recycling center with our homeschool group. It was educational, interesting and a little bit gross!

For art, we used old old oatmeal containers and covered them with scrapbook paper and Mod Podge and made them into trinket boxes for toys, pencils, etc.

Even in the midst of all the chaos we were still able to call it a mostly successful week of homeschooling!

Tomorrow I'll post photos of the newly painted room! I LOVE the new color and layout. So much more conducive to learning.

Featured: Our Simple Kitchen

2011-01-26T18:50:00.000-08:00

Go over to Our Simple Kitchen and check out my guest post. I shared a little about "clean" eating and shared a really good recipe that I found in Clean Eating magazine. We've already had it twice and it is really good!

The Woman Formerly Known as "The Pastor's Wife": Afterword from the Chaplain

2011-01-24T05:35:00.000-08:00

I'm humbled that so many ladies have contacted my wife over the past week as she has posted this series. We both pray that ladies going through a situation any where close to what we did will find comfort and healing through these posts. Laura asked me to end the series with a post from my point of view (in case you didn't notice, I was a big part of the series).

Let me start by saying that Laura was extremely gracious when it came to this series. She asked me to read through each post and told me to change anything I wanted. I wouldn't, and didn't, change a thing. In fact, I thought she was too gracious at times in reference to me. I'm so fortunate that she is a part of my life, and that we made it through the experiences she illustrated through this series. I love her more now than ever, most of all because of her graciousness to me.

So ladies, here are some of my thoughts from the (former) preacher's point of view. If you're a pastor's wife or you're engaged to a pastor or future pastor, please take these things and discuss them with your future mate. If you're a Christian and attending a church, take these things and pray for your pastor and his wife.

First, if you're dating or engaged to a future pastor, be totally upfront and honest about whether or not you desire to be a pastor's wife.  Couples need to have long conversations before going into professional ministry. And they need to talk with a lot of different couples who are both currently in professional ministry and who have left professional ministry. Educate yourselves. Know what you're getting into before he goes to his first church. Some ladies know for a fact that they are called to be a pastor's wife. If you're not, please do all the homework necessary before you get married. Notice I didn't say before you take the plunge into professional ministry. If he's convinced he's supposed to be a preacher and you're not convinced you're supposed to be married to a pastor, he should wait until you're ready. If he doesn't, don't walk down the aisle.

Second, if you're already a pastor's wife, communicate openly and honestly about the good, the bad, and the ugly of your side of ministry.  Laura and I haven't always been the best communicators. We've tended to hold everything in and then blow up about it. I still struggle with this, but am getting better. Pastors tend to dump everything emotionally on their wives. We need to let you ladies do that as well. It's the only way sometimes that you'll stay sane.

Third, cultivate all parts of your marriage.  This is a life-long pursuit, but when a couple is under the pressure of professional ministry, some areas can atrophy. For some, it may be communication. For others, it could be sex. For still others, it could be money. Whatever it is, take the time to work on every aspect of your marriage. Because if your man is fired or is forced to resign, you've got to have each other to turn to.

Finally, if you have to choose between ministry and marriage, choose marriage. Professional ministry is the absolute hardest job in the world because of all the s**t you have to put up with. I absolutely loved that part of the job (except when people were jerks). I loved the challenge. And as Laura said, the church became my mistress. Unless both of you are 110 percent committed to full-time professional ministry, don't go into it.  Find something else to do.

I personally think the entire structure of church is broken beyond repair in our culture. So many couples go into professional ministry thinking they will change the world. Several years later, they leave feeling guilty, devastated, and barely holding onto a marriage that could break with any more pressure. Something has to change, and it isn't higher pay, better benefits, or more vacation time.

To all of you still in professional ministry, press on. If the pressure becomes too great, don't be ashamed to get out, at least for awhile. If you left professional ministry, don't beat yourself up. Wrap yourselves in God's love, grace, and forgiveness, and then get back into the business of being a change agent for the kingdom. You can serve God in a million ways and be just as effective without receiving a paycheck to do it.

One Week Clean Eating Challenge: Results

2011-01-23T19:01:00.000-08:00

Last week my dear friend Joanna--who is too darn cute for her own good--contacted me and two other friends on Facebook and gave us a challenge.

The challenge? To "eat clean" for one week. No flour. No sugar. No processed or packaged foods. Minimal dairy. Basically, fresh fruit, vegetables, lean meat and whole (unprocessed) grains. And since I like a good challenge I was IN.

We had a Facebook group set up and posted meal ideas, recipes, the ups and downs of the week and encouragement for one another. I loved having the group to go to for advice and for support and I noticed some interesting results after my week of eating good, fresh, wholesome food!

1. My skin is clearer. Typically whenever there is even the slightest surge in hormones in my system, my face explodes. This week, even with my monthly surge of hormones, my face didn't break out! Not the slightest little bit!

2. My mood has improved. I had started taking St. John's Wort at the beginning of the year. I didn't want to but I was starting to feel really down in the dumps (and had nightmares of a year ago when I was going through my PPD) and thought I'd give it a try. Although it's a natural herb I still was leary about taking it because of the potential interactions with other things (that and the directions say to avoid yogurt--like that will happen!). So I only took it for a week and then decided to stop it to see if exercise and eating better would help.

You know what? I've felt great this week. I have not had any feelings of depression. I have not felt overwhelmed. I've felt very good emotionally.

3. I lost 5.6 pounds. Yes, over five pounds in one week. I don't expect to keep up this rate but it's a good kickstart for me. Since January 1 I have lost 7 pounds total.

So I am going to continue clean eating. I'm adding yogurt back into my diet (in moderation) and I'm going to allow myself some whole grain bread occasionally. I have just learned that I can not eat bread every single day, for every single meal! I'm eating more than 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily and I'm cooking more which is good for all of us.

Tonight I made an orange chili chicken that was easy, made with all the ingredients I had on hand and was delicious! I'll be sharing the recipe soon!

The Woman Formerly Known as "The Pastor's Wife": Part 4

2011-01-22T23:21:00.000-08:00

This is almost the end of this series. Tomorrow I'll post my conclusion with a few thoughts from my dear husband.

I was in the kitchen that morning, dressed in my scrubs, preparing breakfast and thinking about the events of the previous day. Thinking about my mom, my dad, my friends in North Carolina and how much I longed for a different life. By the time Aaron came in the kitchen I was a teary eyed mess. He asked what was wrong and I blurted out, "We have to move."

I was scared. I just knew that he was going to fly off the handle (his anger had gotten significantly worse over the years--a lot of that was directly a result of the stress he was under) and give me a laundry list of all the reasons that we could not move.

He didn't. He just said, "Okay."

What? Did you hear what I said? I said we need to move. And he just said, "Let's pray about it and see if this is where God is leading us."

And God truly was leading us to Greenville.

The next several months were a blur as we prepared our house to sell. God was working in our lives the entire time. From the contract we got on our house--that we were told we never would have gotten had the buyers known our heat was gas heat. To the job I just "happened" to find Aaron while looking for myself a job. To the phone call he made to his present employer to inquire about said job--on the same day she was prepared to hire another chaplain (but hadn't made the phone call yet). Yes, God was definitely confirming that we indeed needed to move to G-Vegas.

On April 30, 2009 we moved to North Carolina with our two girls, another growing baby girl in my womb, our dog, and all our belongings on a Ryder truck.

And so began my new life not as a pastor's wife but as a homeschooling mom, a part-time nurse and a chaplain's wife. I am happy to say that Aaron has truly found his life's calling. All these years he thought he was suppose to preach in a large church full of adoring congregants. And through an interesting string of events God lead him to a job that he (as well as me and, well, pretty much everyone) never thought in a million years he would be doing.

Aaron is not the same man that I married. We both have grown, and learned and changed together. He was not a compassionate person in his youth. He was passionate about being right and about challenging people's salvation but he had little tolerance for Biblical ignorance and little patience with lost people. And now, 12 years later, God has changed his heart and he has become one of the most compassionate men that I know. He loves his patients. Truly loves them. He has a heart for people that is bigger than I ever imagined it could be. He can walk in a room and these little old lady's faces just light right up. Just today I visited a patient who very likely won't live through the night. Her husband told me, "That Aaron is some kind of fella". There is just something about him. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

I am back home in North Caroling enjoying spending time with my family, my best friend and her daughter, and with a multitude of new friends whom I treasure so deeply. I feel incredibly blessed to have found this new circle of friends.

There are many things about our time in church planting that I would love to go back and change. However, given the chance to go back and make different choices, we would still go. Despite the heartache, despite the tears, despite the stress...yes. We would still go. There are a multitude of stories that we could tell about people that we have met, that God has used us to minister to, that we would not have known were it not for the events that happened during our years in Virginia. There are many stories of God's redeeming grace that even through the brokenness of our church and the people in it we were privileged to witness. I wouldn't change a thing if it meant someone's salvation was at stake--and I know that that would be the case if we had never planted Discovery Christian Church.

Thank you God for using a broken, sometimes rotten, sometimes horrible situation to somehow glorify You. You make everything beautiful and glorious.

Yes, there is a time and reason and a season for everything. Though we may not like the season there is usually a reason for it. I am thankful for this current season of our lives--it has been the best yet.

Coming tomorrow...thoughts from the chaplain.

The Woman Formerly Known as "The Pastor's Wife": Part 3

2011-01-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

My husband had a mistress. His mistress stole time from me and my family. His mistress demanded a lot with little given back. His mistress attempted to dictate every decision he made. His mistress negated his role as a leader and berated him openly in front of others. His mistress became his primary concern. His mistress....was our church.

And so there we were. A struggling church full of disgruntled Christians and fake relationships. I felt stuck. I hated being a pastor's wife. I was beginning to hate the whole idea of organized religion and I was starting to harbor some very deep resentment for my spouse. And I couldn't talk to him about it. Every time that I complained about not having any real friends he told me it was my fault. Every time I said something about wanting to move he would tell me that he couldn't leave "the church".

"The church" had become his main priority. Not serving Jesus but serving the church. And they are two very different things. In fact, my one piece of advice that I always give to ministers who are getting married is to make Jesus first in your life and NOT the church. There is a huge difference and sadly Aaron and I didn't realize that until 10 years into our marriage.

I was starting to shut down emotionally and our marriage was suffering. I remember having thoughts, "Well if he's (Aaron) going to make me stay here then that's fine but I refuse to be happy about it". It was a very sad, dark point in my life.

In 2007, our church transitioned to a network of house churches. I was the biggest supporter. I felt deep within my soul that this was what needed to happen. Our church had become so focused on Sunday morning that we lost focus on Jesus. It was a wonderful thing. Church was actually enjoyable again. I started to make friends--true friends that I am still friends with today.

But still I was hurting inside.

My mom's health had taken a turn for the worse in 2006 and on a visit to see my parents in 2008 I realized just how bad it was getting (and how much of a strain it was putting on my dad). The girls and I were on our six hour drive back to Virginia and they were crying about having to leave my mom and dad. Which got me crying--uncontrollably at times. It was a horrible trip back. Traffic was bumper to bumper and I was an emotional wreck. Then I got stuck in a nasty traffic back up on I-95 and I told myself, "This is it. I am done." Meaning, I am going to have to convince Aaron somehow to move back to North Carolina--for my own emotional well being as well as for the health of our marriage. Living so far away from my family and friends was destroying me mentally and emotionally. I prayed and prayed and prayed and during that traffic jam this thought came into my head that we needed to move to Greenville, NC. It was definitely a God thing because it came from nowhere.

Then the fear came. What if Aaron doesn't agree to this? What if he tells me we can't move? Then what am I going to do? What if he gets mad at me? Or thinks I'm being selfish? What will other people think? Are they going to think that we are giving up? Mad at them? I had almost convinced myself to forget about it.

As we continued our trip home the girls and I stopped in a Taco Bell in Charlottesville, VA and someone came in and sat at the booth in front of us. The restaurant was empty and he sat right in front of us. On the back of his shirt was an ad for a restaurant...a restaurant that is located in Greenville NC. OK God--thanks for the knock up side my head--I got it. I went home, prayed and cried some more and when Aaron walked into the kitchen the next morning I told him, "We have to move." I will never forget that moment. I was terrified that he was going to say no. And I honestly didn't know how I--how we--were going to function if we had to continue living in that situation.

Less than a year later came my transition from the pastor's wife to the chaplain's wife which is a role that I truly embrace.

Part 4 coming soon...

The Woman Formerly Known as "The Pastor's Wife": Part 2

2011-01-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

After spending the first two years of our married life serving at a little country church Aaron and I moved to Virginia with some friends to plant a church. We were all young and new to ministry but we were excited about starting a church for unchurched people. The most exciting thing about that was not having to deal with Christians. Seriously. Christians are incredibly difficult to work with.

And yes I know that is not always the case but for those of you involved in ministry or even those that just attend church . . . you know as well as I do that it is not the non-Christians that do all the complaining. It is the seasoned Christians who have been Christians for many, many years. If you have never experienced that then count yourselves as blessed.

We were excited to be working in a new church with unchurched people but it was incredibly stressful. For one, I was the primary breadwinner of the family. I loved having a nursing degree. I loved working and making my own money. However when the bulk of our living expenses fell on me it was overwhelming. Aaron did not get paid by the new church plant for the first three years. Even when he did start getting a salary it was very small. The entire time we were with the church I don't think he ever made much more than minimum wage (if you consider all the hours that he put into work).

When we asked a local church planting group for some financial assistance with the church we were basically told, "Your wife is a nurse isn't she? Don't nurses make pretty good money where you live?". I was 8 months pregnant and was sitting beside Aaron in a meeting with about 10 men sitting around the table interrogating us. Should I mention that one of those men drives a shiny red convertible and makes more in one year than what we were making combined in 3 years time? I left that meeting wanting to throw up. Wanting to move. Thinking again, "what the heck have I gotten myself into?". This was not what I had signed up for.

But it wasn't just the financial aspect of it that made me hate being a pastor's wife so badly. It was many other things. Once the church started building some momentum we started seeing an influx of frustrated Christians from other churches. And that always leads to one thing....FRUSTRATION. It was awful. Purely AWFUL.

We have lost friendships because of the church. Some of them I fear will never be repaired. I have tried to make amends with people, I have apologized where I needed to apologize but it's awfully hard to forget when your feelings have been thrown on the floor and trampled on. We have had strained relationships within our family because of the church. I have cried many, many tears because of the church.

I have seen some of the most shallow "friendships" of my life while a pastor's wife. People who would leave the church for whatever reason and then we would never hear from them again. People we had invested time in, shared meals with, prayed with, who we had called our friends. These so-called friends would leave the church and have nothing to do with us anymore! I would always feel so used and dejected--they were only my friend because of who I was (the minister's wife) and once they decided to go to another church then they were out of our lives.

It made it incredibly hard for me to get close to anyone. Eventually our church became a network of house churches and I did develop some good friendships with some ladies but it was always superficial. Nothing very deep. And between having two kids, working full time to support the family (including every third weekend--meaning I would miss seeing our church friends at least once a month), trying to support my husband as he transitioned the church to a network of house churches, hosting women's group once a week, and trying to stretch all our dollars as much as possible (because even on both our salaries we were sinking into debt) I basically had no time at all to develop any deep friendships. And I was too scared to anyway.

People don't realize how lonely the life of a pastor's wife can be. As a pastor's wife I was privy to a lot of "insider" information. Things that I didn't want to know about people. Burdens that I didn't want or need to carry. Lots of issues that we had to deal with and because of my "role" within the church I basically couldn't vent to anyone. I often felt completely isolated.

Let me give you an insider tip. One of the worst things you can do for your pastor's wife is introduce her as "your pastor's wife". If she is your friend, introduce her as your friend. Do you go around introducing your other friends by saying "this is Susie, she's my plumber's wife?". Didn't think so. We pastor's wives are individuals. We have our own goals. We have our own dreams. We have a life outside of church. Please don't look at us as just our spouses' sidekick.

This is getting heavy. More to come but that's enough for now.

3 in 30: January Week 3 Update

2011-01-20T21:23:00.000-08:00

This week we are to post encouraging words, quotes, scriptures or anything that is helping us to achieve our goals for the month.

Exercise 3 x a week: This week I have exercised more than my 3 required times per week. I found a great quote that is written on the chalkboard in the kitchen, "To wish to be well is part of becoming well" (Seneca). I love that. I do wish to be healthy. I don't want to be a supermodel but I do want to be a role model to my children. That quote is motivating me this week to stay focused on my reasons for exercising and eating healthier.

Update my blog weekly with homeschool activities: I have been painting, organizing and cleaning our homeschool room all this week. It feels so good to be getting this done. I am amazed at how much calmer I already feel. Funny how much the color of a room can affect how you feel. The dark red on our walls made me feel so closed in. Now it's open, light, airy. I love it. I'll post photos for my homeschool post for this week. The first two weeks of school this year were rough and I see this almost as a fresh start in several ways!

My last goal for this month was to schedule and keep a dental appointment. I'll confess, I still haven't done it. I will do it tomorrow though! I have a cavity to get filled and some gingivitis that needs to be treated so I know I can't put it off any longer!

I'm still thinking about February's goals. I have a few in mind already and I'm looking forward to working towards them!

The Woman Formerly Known as "The Pastor's Wife": Part 1

2011-01-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

I was looking through some old blog posts today and I came across a series that I started last year and never completed. It was my thoughts on being a pastor's wife. I never posted it. I'm not sure why but for some reason I never clicked "publish post". I think part of it was fear---of what people would think about the things I said.

Well, it's time to publish it. I had written two parts of the series and I'll complete the last post this week. But for now, here is the first post of the series.

You are about to see "transparency" at it's finest. I have been wrestling with whether or not to post this but I know that some women out there may feel exactly as I do. They may feel just as I did--like they have absolutely no one to talk to who will understand. And to those of you who can not relate at all, please do not judge me or the ones who do.

For 11 years I was known as "the pastor's wife". It was never something that I aspired to be. As a child you don't sit around and say, "when I grow up I think I'll marry a pastor (or a doctor or a plumber or insert any other profession here)". I just happened to fall in love with a man who knew from the time he was a young child that God was calling him into the ministry.

It wasn't like I was horrified at the thought. It just wasn't a role that I had ever desired for myself. I am not a natural born leader. I am not a teacher. I am not outgoing. I don't like to teach children (except my own!). I don't even like to pray out loud around other people. And yet I was thrown into this role and all of the above were things that people thought I should be. The only thing that even came close to qualifying me to be a "pastor's wife" was my ability to play the piano.

Our first ministry was at a small country church in NC. It was quite an experience. As the minister's wife I saw and heard things that my naive ears had never heard from so-called "Christians". I was appalled. I was saddened. I was scared. What in the world had I gotten myself into? This was a side of the church that I never wanted to see. Slowly the Christian blinders began to fall from my eyes.

We served at that church for 2 long years. There were a few good times but most of my memories were of stress and conflict. A few memories I have include the time my husband was berated for not wearing the "right" clothes. Then there was the elder who said in a church meeting that white and black people are not intended to "mingle" on earth. And the little old lady who wanted us to take down "the ugly cross" that was up on the stage so that the church pews she had donated could be placed there instead.

I was expected to play the piano at the last minute if the piano player didn't show up. We often stayed around the church building on Sundays because it was an hour drive back home and we had to be there for Sunday evening services. It was rare that anyone invited us to spend the afternoon at their home. We would hang around the church building and read or study (although I do have a very fond memory on one occasion of playing laser tag with my autistic friend, Ben in the sanctuary!). When the ladies group invited me to join their bible study I almost got an ulcer over having to tell them "no". I was in nursing school and had early morning clinicals or class every day of the week. An hour drive back home at 9pm on a week night just wasn't feasible for me. But I was scared to death to tell them that. I just knew behind my back they were going to say such horrible things about the "pastor's wife" and how she was "too snobby" to come. I don't know if they ever felt that way but I was always scared that they did.

It was quite an experience. The only reason we stayed for as long as we did was because we knew we were moving to plant a new church in Virginia. We figured we could endure anything for 2 years. Unfortunately that first experience gave me a serious distaste for the role of a pastor's wife. It was something that over the following years I would grow to hate. Yes, there I said it.

I hated being a pastor's wife.

One Week Clean Eating Challenge: Tuesday/Wednesday

2011-01-19T20:26:00.000-08:00

Tuesday was a good day. I felt good, went to the gym for a little while, only had a few cravings for carbs/sugar. No nausea, no headaches. I'm becoming very conscious of what I am eating and I'm trying very hard to make better choices! According to Livestrong, my carb/protein/fat ratio was right on target.

Breakfast
Banana and Strawberry smoothie
1 fried egg
Water with fresh lemon and lime juice

Lunch
Baked potato with broccoli with a little bit of cheese
Pistachios
Water

Supper
Corn
Beef steak strips
Brown rice

Evening Snack
Hummus with 5 crackers
2 handfuls of popcorn

Today, Wednesday, was a weird day. Nothing sounded or looked or tasted good to me. I woke up really hungry, made a smoothie that tasted so bad to me that I didn't drink it and just didn't have much of an appetite the rest of the day. But I made up for that at supper when we had some friends over. Everything that we made was "clean" and it was all really good! Afterwards we Wii danced for a little bit. Otherwise I didn't do any other exercise today.

Breakfast
yucky smoothie (I was out of bananas which is my go to for some natural sweetness)
1/2 Pillsbury croissant (not "clean" and it really didn't taste all that good to me)

Snack
1 ounce cheese
8 ounces milk

Lunch
Microwave baked potato chips
a dollop of ketchup (not "clean")

Supper
Hibachi style chicken with a homemade honey mustard glaze
Brown rice
Steamed broccoli
Steamed squash and onions (my friend, Fran helped me with this--I've never made squash in my life!)
Glazed carrots (cooked until tender with a little butter, a little maple syrup and a little sprinkle of cinnamon)

I ate just enough to get full. It was all delicious (though the butter was not "clean"). I have lost a little weight already but I'll wait and share my final results on Sunday.

I noticed today that I didn't have any cravings and when I did eat bread (half of a leftover croissant at breakfast) it tasted very sweet and very salty. I could really distinguish the two flavors and I've never noticed it before. I'm thinking I need to keep up with this clean eating for at least a month so that it will be a habit!

When I Have an Idea...

2011-01-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

I can't get it out of my head until I have done it. Ask my hubby. I am very determined and once I have decided on something I just want to go ahead and do it. Hence the reason we have a red schoolroom. I was easily persuaded by my hubby last year to paint it red and before I had really thought it through I agreed and bought the paint.

Last week, I decided I wanted to repaint it a lighter color. Again, on a whim I started stripping painted wallpaper, painting here and there, moving furniture, etc. I am half way done and the room looks awesome so far! It's a much lighter color, one wall is a dry erase wall (yes the whole wall!) with a chalkboard wall below the chair rail, and we have plans to rip out the carpet and put down laminate flooring. I also need new chairs for our computer desk and our school table and a couple of curtain panels.

Now I just need the energy to finish the rest of it. And about 10 more hours in my day. I'll post photos soon!

One Week Clean Eating Challenge: Monday

2011-01-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

My friend, Joanna, (who is a nutritionist and who I met because of that) has challenged me and a couple of friends to eat clean for one week starting today. I'm excited about it because I have been wanting to cut out processed foods to see the difference it makes in both my weight and my energy level. I've been going back to the gym (love Champions) and have been dancing with our Wii Just Dance game and I'm already feeling more energetic.

I won't go into the whole "we can't eat this or that" but I'll tell a little of what we CAN eat and I'm going to try and post my meals each day this week.

We CAN eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, hummus (yum!), unprocessed wheat products (plain Triscuits are okay), eggs, chicken, pork, beef, fish, milk.

So here is what I ate today on Day One:

Breakfast
1/2 cup Quaker quick oats (not the packaged processed kind)
1 apple chopped and added to oatmeal
1 tablespoon of slivered plain almonds
1 tsp of pure maple syrup
1 large glass of water with a splash of fresh lime and lemon juice

I only ate half of this. I was really busy cleaning the house and took a few bites here and there. I never finished the whole bowl. So by lunch I was really hungry!

Lunch
Red and green pepper strips and onion strips sauteed in EVOO arranged on romaine lettuce hearts (so that each piece of lettuce had equal red and green peppers and onion!) with a sprinkle of cheese on top
Microwave baked potato chips
1/4 cup grapes
Another large glass of water

Supper
"Hibachi style" chicken (i.e. cut into little bite size pieces and sauteed in a little EVOO with some salt and pepper) with a little homemade honey mustard for some flavor
Broccoli

After noon snack
5 Triscuits with some red pepper hummus
A glass of milk

After workout
Glass of unsweetened tea with just a teeny bit of honey to sweeten it
2 bananas

I went to the gym and spent time on the elliptical and the treadmill.

Day one went well. I was right on target for my carb/fat/protein intake percentages according to Livestrong and I felt good. I had a craving for something sweet in the afternoon and was able to satiate that with some milk. I had a little bit of nausea while on the treadmill and had a slight late night headache.

I am feeling much better emotionally lately and I know the eating better and the exercise help. I'm learning a lot about nutrition this week and it's been beneficial to our whole family!

Death

2011-01-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

Just that very word probably had some of you shuddering and I'll bet many people won't even read this post because of that one word.

As weird as it may be, death has become a natural part of our family's lives. With Aaron working as a hospice chaplain and me working as a hospice nurse it was inevitable. And as much as we try to avoid "work talk" around the house it is almost impossible--especially considering that I essentially work from home. I don't have an office full of co-workers to talk through problems with. I have Aaron.

The result is that our children hear about death pretty frequently. My oldest can even tell you what Morphine is used for. But I have noticed that they are starting to view death as naturally as Aaron and I do. They already understand that we all live and we all die and even at their young ages they know that death does not always have to be such an ugly thing.

Let's face it--at some point in our lives we ALL have to deal with death whether we like it or not. So many people tell me that they "couldn't do what I do" or that I must be a "special person" to do what I do. I don't think of it as anything spectacular.

I just do my job. It just so happens that my job involves comforting and supporting people who are about to end their life's journey.

Maybe it's easier for me because I have spent 10 years working in some way shape or form with dying people. To me, death is natural. It happens. We can't always stop it but we can make it better.

Is it hard? Heck yes it's hard. But the one thing about my job is that I know from the minute I meet that patient what the end result will be. And I have a decision to make. Am I going to make this patient's remaining time on this earth better? Or worse? Am I going to be a source of anxiety when I am there? Or a source of joy?

And we all have that decision when we find out a loved one is dying. Are you going to make your loved one's time left on this earth better or worse?

I hate that anyone has to experience a painful loss but as humans it is unavoidable. Here are a few thoughts on how to cope with both impending death and after a death has occurred.

1) When you find out a person is dying the absolute worst thing you can do is to do nothing. You wouldn't believe the people who have shared with me that once they were diagnosed (or started hospice care, or became bedridden, or this or that) their friends dropped off the face of the earth. It seems that some people think they "just can't deal with it". Well you know what? I don't feel sorry for those people one stinkin' bit. Get over yourself and your own fear of your immortality and BE THERE for your loved one.

I talked to Jill about this one day and she shared with me that some of the people in her life that she once was closest too no longer came around. Some of them would say, "Call if you need anything" but she knew they really didn't mean it. And she had other people who she wasn't especially close to who became even closer friends after her ALS began progressing. People who were not afraid to get close to her even though they knew what was going to happen. I would not have known Jill were it not for her ALS. She was my friend before she was my hospice patient. And I am eternally grateful that I had the blessing of calling her my friend.

2) Don't be afraid to talk about dying. Yes, it can be awkward and difficult and sometimes you just don't know what to say. But don't avoid it. People who are chronically ill usually know they are dying so you aren't going to spring a surprise on them by mentioning it! If they are a Christian, you can talk about Heaven and what the Bible tells us about what it will be like. You can encourage them with scripture, you can dream together about what being in the presence of Jesus is going to be like. You can talk about their fears, if any. You can ask if they are ready. You can tell them it's okay if they are.

My granny is 93 years old. She's lived a long, and often difficult, life. She has 7 children (one is deceased), I am the youngest of 18 grandchildren, and my nephew is currently the youngest of 39 great-grandchildren. She's seen a lot in her long life. And she is tired. She's worn out. She's ready to see Jesus. Her mind has gotten bad and she can no longer do much for herself. She no longer recognizes me when I visit. While it is very sad I am at peace with it because I know that she is ready to meet Jesus. On a recent visit I told her that it was okay to "let go" if she was ready to go. Sometimes people just need to hear that. They need to know that they are not "giving up" on life but rather they are accepting the next phase of life (for Christians) which is eternal life.

3) Don't leave anything unsaid.  Just get it out in the open. You can simply say, "I don't want to live the rest of my life with regrets and I'll regret it if I never tell you this.....". Apologize if you need to apologize. Forgive if you need to forgive.

4) You don't always have to be so strong. It's okay to cry. It's okay to be sad. It's okay to be mad. And likewise...it's okay to laugh and to smile and to remember the good times. I love asking patient's families to tell me stories about their loved ones. Sometimes it will instantly bring smiles and laughter.

When a patient passes away at home they are to notify us. In North Carolina, Registered Nurses can pronounce a patient's death if they have a Do Not Resuscitate order. So one of my job responsibilities is to confirm that someone has indeed passed on from this earth. So many times I will see family members grieve for a brief time, and then they all gather together and begin telling stories about their loved one. By the time the funeral home arrives and I am leaving the home, there are usually a few tears and often some laughter mixed in. It is not always a sad and somber occasion.

5) Don't forget to support the family even after their loved one is gone. This may be through visiting. It may be through calling, e-mailing, texting, sending a card. Let them know that their loved one will never be forgotten. In 2004 we lost one of our dear friends in a plane crash at the age of 24. I try every year to remember to either send a card or an e-mail to his widow and to his mother and father. It may be a quick message on Facebook just to say that I have not (and never will) forget him. It may just simply say that I'm thinking of them that day. People need to know that their loved one will not be forgotten.

6) Don't avoid talking about the person who has died. By doing that you are negating the importance of his/her life. I have had a grieving dad tell me that the worst thing about the aftermath of his son's death was that no one wanted to talk about him. It was as if they were avoiding it because they thought it was going to be too painful for him. However it was more painful to him that people didn't mention his son. Share stories about their loved one--that is what keeps their memory alive. Give them new stories about their loved one that maybe they don't know. They will be very grateful and you can trust me on that one.

I wish that we didn't have to deal with death. And I am really looking forward to the day when it is no longer a part of our lives.

Revelations 21:4 tells us, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  How glorious will that day be! Aaron and I will both be out of work, of course, and that is just fine with me.

A Day in the Life of a Homeschool Family

2011-01-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

Jamie at Simple Homeschool has invited readers to blog about a typical homeschooling day. Of course, the word "typical" is funny to me because every day is very different depending on activities for the day, errands I need to do, and the MOOD of my students! Here is how today went at the Pines Academy:

5:30 AM: Woke up and looked at the clock...whew. I have 30 more minutes of sleep before I have to get up to go to the gym. Closed eyes, briefly woke again when hubby's alarm went off.

7:30 AM: Woke up and realized I had hit the off button on my alarm. Overslept...darn! Hubby has to leave for work, no gym for me this morning. Got up and threw on my workout clothes, went downstairs with intentions to do a workout video but Madalyn was already up so we danced with our Wii Just Dance game instead. It's a workout for me...it's hard!

8:20 AM: Annagrace is up now too. I head upstairs to take a shower and get dressed. Girls play on the Wii and as I'm getting out of the shower Layla has woken up too. Change her diaper, get her dressed and head downstairs.

8:30 AM: Girls get dressed while I cook breakfast (eggs, toast and turkey bacon). We eat breakfast together.

9:00 AM: I clean the kitchen while Annagrace gets out ingredients to make Maple Syrup bars (part of our homeschool lessons this week in her "Little House in the Big Woods" workbook).

9:30 AM: The older girls and I sit down in the schoolroom and work on an art project. Layla plays by herself.

10:30 AM: Maple bars are done and cooled off--snack time! We have maple bars, various types of cheese, yogurt and we try goat cheese.

11:00 AM: Layla goes down for a nap. Annagrace starts working on her research paper. After lots of tears, lots of fussing and arguing later I tell her she has the weekend to get her report done and for the rest of the day she needs to work on getting her math done. She has four lessons to do because she has chosen to wait until the end of the week to do it all at one time! We talk about the other option (public school) and I send Aaron a text telling him I've had enough and maybe this (homeschooling) was a bad idea. Madalyn and I look through magazines and cut out photos of things made with milk. She makes a collage with these photos. I help Annagrace understand improper and proper fractions. More tears (from Annagrace...not me...this time at least).

12:00 PM: Madalyn and I play a math game while Annagrace continues to work on her own.

1:00 PM: Madalyn works on a math worksheet while I fix lunch. Annagrace is still slaving away at her math lessons.

2:30 PM: We head to Lowe's and Home Depot for a couple of things (including chalkboard paint and a paint sample for the new schoolroom color).

4:00 PM: Back home. Unload stuff from the car. Madalyn wants to play dress up with Layla. Annagrace is back to work on her math.

5:15 PM: Aaron home, Annagrace gets a long lecture from him and goes to spend some time in her room alone.

6:30 PM (right now): Annagrace emerges from her room. Aaron cooks supper while Annagrace continues to work on her math lessons. Madalyn sits in the kitchen and chats with Aaron. Layla is running around in a dress up dress with the back half of a cell phone that no longer works.

Later tonight....Aaron will do at least one history lesson with Annagrace. I'll read several books with Madalyn and Layla (for as long as she'll pay attention anyway!). Annagrace will read some to herself. Aaron and I will go to bed early and watch something on Netflix until we pass out from exhaustion. I'll say a prayer to myself that I don't get any patient calls during the night.

And that's a unique "typical" day in our homeschooling life. I had planned to do phonics lessons with Madalyn today but Annagrace's bad attitude pretty much overshadowed the entire day. It was one of those days when we got done what we got done and the rest can be done later!

Homeschool Update: January 10-14

2011-01-14T14:44:00.000-08:00

I got really mixed up while planning our homeschool lessons. I sat down a few weeks ago (over Christmas break) and planned out the first six weeks of the year. Unfortunately, I got Madalyn's weeks mixed up and I accidentally omitted her Insect week. So I had to rearrange things and we did Insects last week.

This week, to get back on schedule we have studied both Goats and Cows. Next week we'll continue studying cows as well as horses.

I checked out many books from the library about farms and farm animals and we checked out two sensory boxes and a book with farm animal puppets from our Smart Start resource center. Madalyn has had so much fun playing with all the farm animal toys.

This has been a great unit to study because Layla can join in when we talk about the animals. We are trying to teach her some new animal sounds (she only knows a cow says, "mmmmm"). She is starting to enjoy reading books which makes me a very happy mama!

Speaking of books, we have read a lot of books this week! A favorite was The 700 Kids on Grandpa's Farm by Ann Morris. It's an older book and is not easily found (our local public library has it) but it gives an idea of what it is like to live on a goat farm. To try and explain to Madalyn how much 700 is we counted out 100 toothpicks and I told her to imagine 7 piles of toothpicks and each toothpick represents a goat. That's a lot of goats! I was impressed with her counting abilities. We need to work on "20--30--40" and on up because she always says, "29, 20-10..." It is pretty darn cute though!

Today we had a "dairy party" and tried goat cheese. None of us liked it! It was very bitter and crumbly. We did enjoy our string cheese and strawberry yogurt though!

Another book we loved was Ferdinand by Munro Leaf. I just read the Wikipedia article on this book and it is quite interesting. Who knew that such a simple children's book would be banned for being pacifist? And what an influence this book has had through the years. Fall Out Boy has an album named "From Under the Cork Tree" based on a phrase in the book, Disney made a short movie about Ferdinand in 1938 and there are references to Ferdinand in modern movies (such as "The Blind Side" which I HIGHLY recommend--love that movie).

This is the Disney short film. It's a shade under 8 minutes. It won an Oscar way back when. And it's worth watching. The cartoon really pulled on the illustrations in the book (which are all black and white) and it's a word for word reading of the book. Madalyn and Layla both watched it (which is saying a lot because Layla doesn't sit still for much anymore!).

Annagrace worked really hard on her report on Laura Ingalls Wilder this week. She took pages of notes and we learned all sorts of stuff about the Ingalls family. Did you know that there are no direct descendants of the Ingalls family? Mary never married and never had children, Carrie only had step children and Grace never had children. When Laura's only daughter, Rose died she was the last direct descendant of Charles and Caronline Ingalls. I thought that was interesting!

While reading about the Ingalls family we learned about making maple syrup and sugar. We found a great book called Maple Syrup Season that is all about a family who makes syrup. It was an interesting book and we learned about the different grades of maple syrup (I never knew there were different grades!). We also learned about the best time to tap trees and how the syrup is boiled at just the right temperature to make the syrup. We went to Fresh Market and bought some maple syrup and made maple syrup bars. Annagrace said, "It tastes like really sweet cornbread"! It was a perfect book to go along with our reading in "Little House in the Big Woods" this week.

Annagrace continues to work on fractions in math. She's learning about several Biblical prophets in history and we had a GREAT Latin lesson on Monday. Seriously...she was a different child this week. Now when I say Latin lesson I don't mean she is learning to speak it. I don't see the point in my child learning a dead language--at least not to speak it. I do however see the benefit in learning Latin Roots (which is what her workbook is called). She is learning about different words in English that have their roots in Latin. Being a part of the medical field, I can attest to the fact that knowing a little about Latin will be very beneficial to her in the future!

She is learning Earth Science in her weekly Science class and is planning her science fair project which is coming up in just a few weeks. We also have an Art Show coming up at the same time as the science fair which I am really excited about!

Today we started studying recycling to get ready for our field trip to the recycling plant next week and we made a project reusing old oatmeal containers and scrap paper. I let the girls pick out their own paper and embellishments from my scrap paper box, we glued it all down and then added a layer of Mod Podge. We'll be bringing these to show off at the Art Show!

Week 2 down....how many more until summer break?!

Quick Crunchy Potato Chips

2011-01-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

I found this wonderful recipe book at the library last week. It is written by Devin Alexander who is an LA chef and has worked as a chef on the Biggest Loser ranch and is called I Can't Believe It's Not Fattening. I just found it on Barnes and Noble for about $10 and I think I just may have to buy it. There are tons are really great, easy and healthy recipes to be found inside.

I have several recipes on my list to try. Last night we tried microwave baked potato chips. I've always had problems getting my oven baked fries to come out crispy. I've tried rinsing all the starch off and using different pans but I never could get that "just out of the frying pan" crisp to them. Finally with the magic of the microwave I was able to get a yummy crisp homemade potato chip.

These are so easy, everyone in our family loves them and we actually had them again for lunch today!

Quick Crunchy Potato Chips

1. Wash your potato and cut it into thin slices. I usually rinse them a few times until the water is clear to remove some of the starchiness.
2. Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil and some sea salt (or regular salt, or kosher salt, whatever kind of salt you happen to have on hand). You can add other spices if you like. I'm a simple girl--just salt for me.
3. Arrange them on a piece of parchment paper in a single layer in the microwave. I think the parchment paper is the trick--so invest in some! Devin recommends lightly spraying the parchment paper first but I forgot that step and they still came out great.
4. Cook on high heat for about 5-6 minutes to your desired doneness. I like them really crispy (I can't stand soggy french fries).
5. Enjoy with some ketchup (or like I did today, mix some Greek yogurt with some onion dip/dressing mix for a low fat alternative to dip). YUMMY!

Only 180 calories and 2 grams of fat for the entire potato (without the dip)!

One Little Word and 3 in 30 Update

2011-01-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on life in general.

My word of focus for the year has been a great one so far: Healthy. I've been going to the gym, exercising with my girls (playing Just Dance on the Wii), drinking tons of water (I've only had one soda in the last 2 weeks) and trying to eat healthier. Next week that will be stepped up a notch when I "eat clean" as a challenge from my friend Joanna to me, herself and two other friends. We are cutting out anything processed (flour, packaged foods, etc) for one week. If it goes well and I notice a change in how I feel then I'm going to continue to do it for a longer period of time. I've only weighed myself once this month (on the 5th) and I plan to continue only weighing once monthly so we'll see in February how I'm doing!

Emotionally I have been feeling SO much better lately. I don't know if it is the exercising and eating better or if life has just been less stressful but I have noticed that I've had more patience lately. I haven't been nearly as sad and I have had so much more energy. I think it's probably a combination of all of the above. Although there have been some stressful times lately. My grandmother--who is 93 years old--was recently hospitalized and has since been placed in a nursing home. She's not doing well and is just tired and ready to see Jesus.

Spiritually I am still working on things. I started a Beth Moore book prior to Christmas and I plan to pick up where I left off on it soon. I have felt very prodded lately to pray for my children and have been doing so often. I pray for their health, that they will know Jesus and that they will grow to be wonderful, lovely daughters/wives/mothers/followers of Jesus. I am trying to remember to pray for Aaron daily as well.

So far, two weeks in, 2011 isn't so bad. As far as my 3 in 30 things for this month....
1. I am doing well on the exercising three times a week. If I don't make it to the gym I do make an effort to do some sort of activity at home whether it's an exercise video or playing the Wii.
2. I still haven't called and made my dental appointment (I still haven't even found a dentist to go to yet). Aaron has a day off at the end of the month and I need to try to schedule it for that day so I suppose I need to go ahead and call now!
3. I updated my blog last week about our homeschool activities and have another post almost ready for this week.

Homeschool Update: January 4-8

2011-01-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

I was so gung ho for a fresh new start to the year and a new semester of homeschooling. I had my lesson plans all lined up for the next 6 weeks. I had discussed with Annagrace that we were going to actually start keeping track of her grades (i.e. report cards) this semester. Her dad had gotten her all caught up in her History lessons. Yes, we were ready to go.

And then came the dreaded first day back after vacation. Annagrace threw the mother of all temper tantrums about her math. Then the next day it was her (easy I might add) Latin lesson.

Whew. Didn't see that one coming. I've yelled, cried, given out hugs, apologized and hung my head in sadness this week. It's been rough but we trudged along.

This week Madalyn has studied Insects. We have been fascinated by God's design of bees. They are amazing little creatures! If you don't know anything about bees I highly suggest this book, I Can Read About Bees and Wasps by David Cutts. I knew a little about bees but the more I read the more fascinated I became!

I have enjoyed learning about some of God's amazing creations with the girls this year. We have learned about the intelligence of the octopus and the complexities of a beehive and it has only strengthened my faith in Intelligent Design. No WAY did this world and the things in it just happen.

Another book that we thoroughly enjoyed was Incredible Insects. The photos in this book are simply AMAZING. (Yes, Amanda, I said it). I am blown away by them. Each insect gets it's own two page spread. You'll see ladybugs, glasswing butterflies, grasshoppers and 41 other insects up close and personal.

We made a ladybug out of clay. We played with the insect sensory box from Smart Start (lots of rubber bugs to play with!) and we put together this big floor puzzle.

We looked at ladybug and bee videos on youtube. We talked about the life cycles of ladybugs and bees and how they are similar. We also talked about what makes something an insect and we talked about other words that begin with "I".

Annagrace learned about the ancient Olympics this week. So we planned and held our own Family Indoor Olympics. That deserves an entire post so you can read about it by clicking the link!

We continued our study of "Little House in the Big Woods". Madalyn is fascinated by the Ingalls girls. She loves that Laura Ingalls! I think the fact that there are 3 girls in the family and Laura is the main character and just so happens to be the middle child and just so happens to be 5 years old--just like Madalyn--makes her especially appealing to my middle daughter! The set of books we have is a well loved set from my childhood and I have fallen in love with the Ingalls family all over again.

One day soon we'll be working on this Ingalls family project. Thanks Lindsey for sending me the link to it. These little "dolls" are adorable!

Yesterday we went to the library and checked out books that we'll need for the next three weeks. I'm so glad my girls love the library! We all look forward to library day! Yesterday we came out with 30 books (plus another 5 that we kept out and renewed).

Here's to hoping for a better week next week!

Read this Blog: Our Simple Kitchen

2011-01-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

I am not a cook. I have no shame in that at all. I took a cooking class in high school and when we made our final "project"--a jelly roll--my partner and I mixed up the baking powder and the baking soda. Needless to say we ruined the jelly roll and any visions of me ever pursuing a career in the culinary arts pretty much went down the toilet (just like my grade after the jelly roll fiasco).

I always say that I'll cook it if it has less than 5 ingredients and if all 5 ingredients are readily available at Food Lion. I'm not about to drive all over the city for some obscure ingredient. Just this week I managed to ruin Kraft macaroni and cheese (I wasn't paying attention and added too much water) and I didn't let a loaf of bread rise twice as the recipe instructed. I ended up with a tasty, but flat, loaf of bread. I told Aaron that I thought maybe that instruction was just a suggestion since I have never had to let my bread rise twice before! He found that funny.

My busy bee, inpatient personality does not have time for fancy meals. And I've embraced that part of me and I'm okay with it.

If you DO enjoy cooking then head over to my friend Lindsey's new blog, Our Simple Kitchen. Lindsey is an awesome homemaker who puts all of us wannabes to shame. She has some easy recipes (that even I can make) and some that require a little more skill. But I'm sure you'll enjoy reading about her simple kitchen, her love of cooking (and the Pioneer Woman) and you'll drool over her recipes. I'm making her Chicken Chow Mein again this weekend (hopefully she'll post the recipe soon!) and she's almost.....ALMOST.....convinced me to try homemade hamburger buns!

Happy reading (and cooking)!

Indoor Family Olympics

2011-01-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

Annagrace recently learned about the ancient Olympics in her history lessons. So what better way to encourage the Olympic spirit than by having our very own family Olympics! We listened to the Olympics theme song (I love hearing that percussion at the beginning) as we planned out our events.

We decided that our events would be:

Trampoline Jump

Paper Airplane Toss

Straw and Ball

Wii Just Dance

Wii Bowling

For each event you would place 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th and would be given that number of points (1st place=1 point). At the end, the person with the lowest points was declared the winner!

First up was the Trampoline Jump. Aaron did his jumping on the floor because, well, he exceeds the indoor trampoline weight limit! LOL! However, he still managed to steal the gold medal by getting in 215 jumps in one minute!

This photo makes me laugh--it doesn't even look like Madalyn!

Next up was the Straw and Ball. The object of the event was to take a straw and blow a plastic ball across the table. We paired up and in the end, Annagrace was the winner. Although I will say that the kids got to use the easy straight straws while we adults had to use the twisty straws which put us at a serious disadvantage!

After the Straw and Ball was the paper airplane toss (and Aaron just barely beat me). We learned that the Saufley family is not going to win any paper airplane contests any time soon. We were all horrible plane tossers!

Finally to end the night's events we did some Wii Just Dancing. Have you heard of Just Dance? Our family bought it on Tuesday and we have quickly became obsessed with it. It is a lot of fun for the whole family (and we get some exercise in as well). You hold the Wii remote in your hand and follow the dance moves that are shown on the screen. I don't mean to brag, but I can really rock Beyonce's "Crazy in Love".

At the end of the night the winner was.....a TIE between me and Annagrace! We had exactly the same score! Had this been the original ancient Olympics our reward for winning would have been 5 years salary and a year of free food! Sounds slightly better than a gold medal to me.

And here's the most vicious competitor of all....Layla (aka Hercules). You think she looks rough--you should've seen the other guy!

No toddlers were harmed in the making of this blog post. The "other guy" was actually the edge of a board book that she fell on face first. Who knew reading could be so dangerous?

I highly suggest you try your own Family Olympics. We had a great family night, got some exercise in and did it all indoors on a very cold night! The next time we'll have a whole Olympics theme complete with flags, Wheaties--because don't all Olympians eat Wheaties?--and faux gold, silver and bronze medals!

Dear Lord

2011-01-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Lord,

I'm grateful for Annagrace's intelligence and her maturity. Really I am. However, I'm not so keen on the fact that she was blessed (or cursed) with my stubbornness.

And let's not mention the fact that she inherited her dad's "know-it-all-ness".

You see all, hear all, and know all so You know how TRYING the last two days have been in my household. I have never been so ready to call it quits on this homeschooling gig so badly as I have the last two days.

So if this is what you want from me at this season of my life (and I'm confident that it is) then I'm going to need You to bless me with some super duper patience, compassion and understanding.

And please throw in some restraint to keep me from strangling my eldest daughter the next time she throws a book across the room.

Your willing, humble (and very tired and worn out) servant,
Laura

2010 Highlights

2010-12-31T20:03:00.000-08:00

Here we are only 1 hour and 45 minutes away from a new year. I started a great devotional book recently and a good portion of it was written by Beth Moore. She points out how our wise Creator created new beginnings. Every 365 days...we get a new year. Every 30 days (give or take)...we get a new month. Every 7 days....a new week. And every 24 hours...a new day.

I am thankful for new beginnings. I always enjoy the start of a new year. 2010 was a rough year in many, many ways and I am looking forward to see what 2011 holds. Here are some highlights from 2010:

January:

I was dealing with some pretty wicked post-partum depression. But with the support of a wonderful hubby and some wonderful friends (Gena, Amanda and Jill especially) I got through some pretty dark days.
I started my new job working a weekend only hospice RN position. It has it's ups and it has it's downs. It's terribly sad, but strangely uplifting at times. It's been a long year and I've learned a lot about people and death and compassion and selflessness. It's been mostly good.

February:

This month began the downward spiral with my mom's post-op infections. She ended up in the hospital right before Annagrace turned 8 (on the 18th). Her knee joint replacement got infected and before it was all said and done she stayed a month in the hospital including a stay in rehab and on the ICU step-down unit. Needless to say, February was NOT my favorite month this year.
We had a snowstorm.

March:

I started going to the gym and met with a nutritionist for a couple of months. I lost about 20 pounds over the course of the next 3 months.
We started sponsoring a child from India.
Our sweet friends, the Brungards, surprise us with a visit for a couple of days. Nikki was a blessing to me and helped out with the girls while I spent a night with my mom in the hospital.

April:

Layla turned 6 months old.
Madalyn finished her gymnastics course and learned how to do cartwheels!

May:

We planted a garden (which failed miserably).
I went to the homeschool convention with a friend and her daughters (and Annagrace and Layla).
We took a trip to visit Aaron's family in Virginia.
I took the girls to the beach (Layla's first trip there).

June:

Took the girls to see the long-awaited Toy Story 3.
The girls and I traveled to the Outer Banks for a night and I did photo sessions for 4 families while I was there.
We took our first of several trips to Busch Gardens.
Welcomed a new nephew to our family.

July:

Another trip to Busch Gardens this month! We all have such fond memories of our trips to Busch Gardens--seriously one of the most fun summers I can remember in a long time.
Celebrated my 33rd birthday.
Took a road trip (just me and the girls) to visit my friend, Melissa in South Carolina. We had a GREAT time! The zoo, Build-a-Bear, Ed-Venture Children's Museum, South of the Border...lots of fun times!

August:

Celebrated our 12th anniversary.
Annagrace started 4th grade and Madalyn started Kindergarten.
We spent a week at the beach and soaked up many hours of sun in the pool and on the beach. LOVED every minute of this vacation. Even when I got a horrible pulled muscle in my neck and even when I slammed my finger in the elevator door. Because a bad day at the beach is better than a good day ANYWHERE.
Annagrace and Madalyn started swimming lessons.
Said goodbye to a dear friend who I miss terribly.

September:

Annagrace got her first eye exam...and her first pair of glasses!
Layla started walking at 11 months old.

October:

Layla celebrated her first birthday!
We had a fun Halloween party.
Another trip to Busch Gardens
Two trips to the county fair
A trip to the Marbles Museum in Raleigh and to Chapel Hill for a photo shoot with some friends
We made several new homeschool friends and had opportunities to spend time getting to know them.
Homeschool Fall Festival!

November:

Madalyn turned 5 years old.

December:

I haven't mentioned my mom's multiple hospitalizations this year. December was a rough month that included a trip to Duke for a second opinion from a surgeon there. I'll share more over the coming weeks/months. For now, we are praying for healing from this infection that she has had for way too long.
Cookie parties, Homeschool parties, Christmas programs, swim meet, visits from family, and Christmas shopping pretty much filled up our entire month.

It was a long year full of ups (fun trips with the girls, lots of firsts for Layla, a new job for me, kindergarten for Madalyn) and some downs (post-partum depression, mom's hospital stays, Jill's death). I'm looking for a happy, peaceful, joyful 2011.

3 in 30: January

2010-12-31T18:17:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of 3 in 30? The idea is to break down your goals into small chunks and focus on only 3 goals each month. I love the idea of goal setting and I really love the idea to break it down into manageable chunks! I have resisted "resolutions" this year but this....this I can do!

Here are my January goals:

1. I will exercise 3 times per week (sometimes at the gym, sometimes at home, sometimes more often than that but at least 3 times per week).

2. I will make (and keep) a dental appointment for myself.

3. I will update my blog at least once a week about our homeschooling adventures.

What are your January goals?

Anti-Resolution Resolutions

2010-12-31T17:49:00.000-08:00

I'm done making resolutions. Because it never fails if I slip up even once I feel like a complete and utter FAILURE and then I totally give up on the resolution in the first place and I'm right back where I started.

So instead of resolutions these are things I am going to do in 2011. And you can run and tell that homeboy....

I will pray for my husband daily.
I will see a dermatologist for a long overdue skin cancer check
I will go to the dentist and 1) get this gingivitis taken care of and 2) get my teeth whitened/brightened
I will COMMIT to exercise. This is the year that it will finally sink in that exercise is something I need to do several times a week for the rest of my life.
I will NOT allow myself to be overcome by self deprecating behavior.
I repeat, I WILL NOT allow myself to be overcome by self deprecating behavior. This includes saying mean things to myself in the mirror or thinking evil thoughts about my mothering skills.
I will get my long awaited second "real" tattoo.
I will take a multivitamin every day. Or at least every day that I remember.
I will take time to play with my children every day.
I will stop fretting so much about how the house looks when we have company and I will just enjoy my company.
I will remember birthdays and will honor them with cards and donations to World Vision.
I will pray more for my sweet little World Vision "daughter" S.
I will wear my pajamas all day one day...on a day that I am not sick. If you know me, you know this is HUGE for me!
I will give money to the homeless.
I will give of my time to the homeless.
I will go to bed earlier and I will get out of bed earlier (most days!).
I will eat a better balanced diet.
I will feed my children a better balanced diet.
I will take the time to smell the roses every once in awhile instead of dwelling on the fact that they have thorns.
I will call my mother more.
I will spend more time snuggling with my children and less time yelling at them.
I will save more money so that I have more money to give away.
I will laugh more, sing more, play more, dance more, ENJOY LIFE MORE.

Because we only get one life and I am determined that 2011 will be the year that I enjoy mine.

Favorite Foods

2010-12-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

Again, inspired by my friend Jason.

My perfect culinary experience in the little town of Greenville would start off with breakfast at Yoder's Dutch Pantry in little old town of Grifton (about 25 minutes away). I'd have a big plate of french toast (with some delicious homemade syrup) and some sweet tea. And some bacon on the side which I may or may not share with my children. And of course I would get a loaf of homemade bread to take home. And I'd stop in the hardware store so the kids could visit the talking bird.

For lunch, I'd head to Michealangelo's Pizza with the girls because we all love it and you get humongous pieces of pizza there. I'd have a slice of Hawaiian pizza and I'd finish off all the crust that the girls didn't eat. I'd have a Dr. Pepper with it because their tea is nothing to brag about.

I'd end my day with a nice night out with my hubby and a yummy supper at Japan Inn. I don't eat sushi but boy do I LOVE some hibachi chicken. I'd just have a nice glass of ice cold water with my meal. If it was cold out, I'd drink some hot tea.

And to finish off the day off right, I'd go to Local Yogurt because I'd need something healthy to balance out all the junk I'd eat the rest of the day. I'd get a small chocolate yogurt with some bananas on top.

All that food talk makes me hungry! And looking at the LoYo site makes me want some peppermint yogurt. I may have to bundle up the girls and go out for some cold treats this week! :)

Most Listened to Songs of 2010

2010-12-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

My friend, Chris (who was inspired by my friend, Jason) has inspired me to post a few top 10 lists.

First up...my top 10 most listened to songs of 2010. Though they are not all songs from 2010 these were the songs that were most played on my mp3 this year (usually while walking and/or running on the treadmill):

1. "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem and Rhianna
2. "Beautiful Ending" by BarlowGirl
3. "In Your Eyes" cover by Jeffrey Gaines (original by Peter Gabriel)
4. "Ain't No Reason" by Brett Dennen
5. "Two Coins" by Dispatch
6. "Boy With a Coin" by Iron and Wine
7. "Already Gone" by Kelly Clarkson
8. "Just Breathe" by Pearl Jam
9. "I Will Survive" cover by Cake (original by Gloria Gaynor)
10. "I Alone" by Live

Yes, random. Not all entirely new (I think the oldest song on there is probably "I Alone" by Live. It is a GREAT song to listen to on the treadmill! Starts out kind of mellow and then BAM! So in honor of the greatness that is Live I present to you the video:

One Little Word

2010-12-27T17:38:00.000-08:00

photo credit: Ali Edwards

The last two year around January 1, I have chosen a word to focus on for the year. It was a concept introduced to me by Ali Edwards (love that girl's blog!).

In 2009 the word I chose was Simplify. My year focused on what was important from downsizing our belongings to reducing consumption. I still love the word Simplify. I have visual reminders of that word in several places in my home--a sign here, a pillow there, a bumper sticker on the van, a couple of magnets on the fridge (including a new one my bestie gave me for Christmas).

This year, my word to focus on was Selfless. I was keenly aware at the start of 2010 of my selfish existence. And it's still something that I am working on and probably will always be working on until Jesus returns. But I did try my very best to be selfless. To do things for others "just because". To not get upset when someone's needs got in the way and ruined my plans. There were many times during the year that those little thoughts ("ugh...this is an inconvenience and is going to ruin my day") would sneak in and instantly the word "selfless" would pop into my head. Like I said, I'm still working on it but I do feel I've come a long way since January.

So this year when I first thought about what my word the very first word that popped into my head was:

HEALTHY

And I don't just mean "I need to lose weight" healthy. My entire being--physical, spiritual and emotional being--could use a check up. This year I will focus on those areas of my life.

I will focus on improving my physical well being by concentrating more on what I eat and on exercising. I will concentrate more on my spiritual well being by spending more time focusing on Jesus and taking time each day to reflect on Him, speak to Him and let Him speak to me. And I will spend more time on my emotional well being. I will take more days "off" (teacher work days?!) and I will take time each day to find a quiet place to read or to pray or to just be.

Each month I am going to choose 3 things to do (or start doing) that will help me work towards this goal. It may be making a doctor's appointment, or getting up earlier (or going to bed earlier!), or journaling. One month I plan to eat a mostly vegan diet. One month I'll be going for a long overdue dermatologist appointment. I've talked with a friend about being an accountability person for me as far as diet and exercise go. Lots of ideas and plans are in the works for me in the year 2011!

I want this year to be a year of focusing on improving myself in all areas of my life so that I will be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and follower of Christ.

Christmas 2010: Christmas in Greenville

2010-12-25T17:52:00.000-08:00

On December 23 we went to a Christmas service here in Greenville. It was put together by 4 local churches and was a night of fantastic music, worship and sermons about what is really important at Christmas time. It was a great chance to focus on Jesus.

Layla went to the nursery (where my friend Andrea was helping out) and proceeded to spend a great deal of time crying. She's a mama's girl for sure! Annagrace and Madalyn sat out with us and sang along to the songs they knew and listened to the pastors speak. My friend, Michelle, sang with the band which was a variety of musicians and vocalists from the different churches.

At one point one of the pastor's said, "Jesus is here tonight!". The look on Madalyn's face was just priceless! I love how excited my children get about Jesus. I snapped a few pictures before we left. I wanted Layla to wear her Christmas dress so Madalyn decided she wanted to dress up too. Annagrace was being Annagrace and decided to wear her jeans and a t-shirt and made faces for all her pictures. She's 8 going on 13.

The service was what I needed to get in the Christmas spirit. It ended with an awesome version of "Here is Our King" by the David Crowder Band. Loved it!

I hope they make this an annual thing. It was so nice to see churches coming together instead of competing. They took up an offering to disperse amongst three different local community resources. I left feeling very blessed and very ready Christmas!

Christmas 2010: Cookie Party!

2010-12-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

My friend, Catherine, had a cookie decorating party at her home one morning a couple of weeks ago. Catherine is a fellow homeschool mom who I first met last Christmas when she gave away her mixer! She posted on our homeschool site that she was trying to give it away and I was the first to respond. I had never even met her before but I showed up at her house and picked up her old mixer! Several months ago we met again at a homeschool meeting and we've since gotten to know each other better. Our oldest children are like two peas in a pod. They are the same age, into the same things and are not bothered one bit by the fact that they are of different genders. The last I heard was they had plans to IM on Facebook (using their mom's accounts of course!) and were planning a Wii party.

So Catherine invited several moms over and we had a good group of kids there. They had a great time decorating sugar cookies and eating chicken nuggets and we adults got to enjoy some of Catherine's homemade chili--yum!

Layla enjoyed M&Ms and liked to pretend she was a big kid:

Madalyn loved putting on the icing:

So that's where all the sprinkles went!

Annagrace made a special cookie for Layla (whose middle name is Joy)

Madalyn: FIVE YEARS OLD

2010-12-25T16:49:00.000-08:00

Madalyn had a big birthday back at the end of November! I can't believe she's the big number 5! She has definitely moved past the preschool era and is into the "big girl" stage now. She's getting so tall (and is super skinny!) and we now have to buy most of her clothes from the big kids section so that they'll be long enough!

She actually had two birthday parties this year. We had a small party at home because her Grammy had been in the hospital the week before and we just didn't have time to get it all together! So we had a party at home and then we had another party at my mom and dad's after my mom got home from the hospital.

Madalyn didn't mind. I made her first cake and she told me it was "the best cake ever"! She was so excited. She got a Sing-a-Majig, a book, a Tiana princess doll and the Toy Story 3 DVD from us.

When we had her party at my mom and dad's she just wanted a cake with flowers with her name on it (which we found at Food Lion).

She got more gifts from Grammy and Papa and my brother and his family and my best friend and her daughter. She had a great time!

Madalyn--I just can't believe you are already 5 years old! You are growing up so fast and I'm trying to enjoy every second of it. You are silly, goofy, moody, loud, outspoken (at home), shy (out in public), and just so unbelievably sweet. You are always saying, "I love you mama!" And I love you too sweet girl. To the moon and back!

Christmas 2010: Christmas Portraits & Card

2010-12-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

Has this year flown by or WHAT? Crazy that it's only a week away from 2011. Blogging has been scarce around here and I'm hoping to get better about that once the new year gets here!

Christmas has been a little difficult for me this year. I've been down in the dumps about many different things and I just couldn't get into the spirit of Christmas. But I don't want to be Debbie Downer so I'll just post the happier parts of Christmas this year!

I was very happy with the girls' Christmas portraits this year. It took two different sessions to get them and I didn't get a good one of them all together. I'm going to try to do that this weekend! I just can't believe how big my babies are getting.

Annagrace at 8 years, 10 months:

Madalyn at 5 years:

Layla at 14 months:

And this is our Christmas card that I didn't even print yet! I decided to save the money on postage and printing and I e-mailed and/or sent it via Facebook messages. I am going to print a few of them for family and a couple of friends just as a keepsake.

Why I Homeschool

2010-12-17T17:20:00.000-08:00

I am guessing that a lot of people assume that since we are Christians we homeschool our children because we want to avoid the evils of the public school system. Or that we want to protect our children by sheltering them and not letting them out of our eyesight for the first 18 years of their lives.

But here's a secret. When we first started talking about homeschooling our religion had absolutely nothing to do with it. I didn't have some grand vision from the Lord instructing me on how to educate my children. Now don't get me wrong, I did pray (feverishly) for wisdom in making our decision. But religion was not our primary reason for taking the great leap into homeschooling.

We homeschool because my daughter was a very bright child--it was obvious from the time she was six months old and said her first intentional word (calling out "mama" while watching me leave the room). We had her moved up a grade in public school....and she was still ahead and BORED.

When we made the decision to move we looked into the public school system and were disturbed to find that there was a major lacking of funding. These poor teachers are overworked, underpaid, expected to run a classroom of at least 25 children (usually with no help), and are having more and more funding cut by the year. First to go was field trips. And then art, music, foreign language, and so on and so on. When I asked about gifted programs I found out that there was no "pull-out" program and that the gifted program was integrated into the regular classroom and that it wouldn't start until the child was in 4th grade. Annagrace had been placed in the gifted program in 1st grade at her old school.

So we researched other options. Options where my children would be exposed to the arts and would have various hands-on experiences through field trips. Where they would never feel ashamed of being smart. Where they could study at their own pace, on their own ability level regardless of when their birthday happens to be. Where they wouldn't need "special permission" to check out appropriate reading level books from the library. Where they would be free to study what they are interested in.

We quickly realized that private school A--was too expensive and B--was not going to meet all of the above criteria. Our only other option? Homeschooling.

And I'll be honest. At first I completely rejected the idea. I mean, I had made fun of my homeschooling friends! I thought they were crazy! I didn't know how to teach. I'm a nurse for pete's sake...I don't have a teaching degree!

But after a lot of prayer and a lot of encouragement from my hubby and a lot of research and e-mails to friends we made the decision to give it a try. My mother and mother-in-law were amazingly supportive. When I started mentioning it to people they would say, "Oh--call so and so, she homeschools." I met many new friends from "referrals" like that!

And I am SO GLAD that we started this journey I can't imagine ever going back to the "normal way" of doing school. I love that my children can learn at their own pace, that they get one-on-one attention from their teacher on a daily basis and they can study at their appropriate level.

And I also love that we can educate them from a Christian perspective. Although it was not our original reason for homeschooling we enjoy being able to share our world views as well as our Christian faith with our children while teaching them the basic fundamentals.

So that is why WE homeschool. How about you homeschool friends? How did you make the decision to go the road less traveled and educate your children at home?

Frosty Fins Swim Meet

2010-12-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Annagrace participated in her very first swim meet. She started taking lessons in August and quickly picked up on several different strokes. She can now do the butterfly, backstroke, freestyle and breaststroke. She is quite a swimmer!

The aquatics center where she takes lessons sponsored the swim meet. And don't worry--despite the name "Frosty Fins" it was indoors in a very warm 85 degree arena!

I wasn't sure what to expect but it ran very smoothly and the kids all had a great time. When we arrived they wrote her races and lane numbers on her arm with a marker. She found out she was in five races--three individual events and 2 relay races. Doesn't she look so tough here? LOL!

Her first race was the freestyle. It was a tight race but she came in second! Next up was a relay. Her team got a little behind during the first leg and Annagrace got them back in first place during the second leg however in the end her team finished second.

Then it was time for the big one. The backstroke. This is her signature stroke. That girl is fast! She took off strong, got a little flubbed up at the end because she ran into the lane marker but still managed to snatch FIRST PLACE! We were so proud of her!

Her next race was the breaststroke and she placed third and then finally she raced in another relay and her team placed second. Not bad for her very first meet! So now we are taking a little bit of a break and most likely will get back to swimming in February. Swimming is such great exercise for the girls and since they are both so good at it I want to encourage them to continue with it!

The last week in 50 words or less

2010-12-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

Mom's wound--slightly improved.

Swim club last class done, will resume in February or March.

Advent activity every night.

Christmas shopping--almost done.

Hospice bereavement service--awesome, sad, uplifting, amazing.

Work--slow lately.

Schoolwork--started "Little House in the Big Woods". Love it.

Madalyn--learning to read.

Homemade peppermint mochas.