Okay girls, I got my Bible Study. Erin, did you get yours? If so, when are we starting? I actually cheated and have done the first day, but plan on starting it all over when you guys want to begin. Dad was released to come home tonight...treatment will be from home for the next 8 weeks and then they will reevaluate. I'm tired, but my success is that I went for a brisk 20 minute walk today, pushing a double stroller (Niki's kids), against a 40 mph wind gust. Okay, maybe not 40, but it felt like it. The good thing is that my knees aren't hurting, but my legs "feel" tired, so I guess that is a good thing. I don't mind that feeling at all, if for the right reasons. As I said in one of my emails, this ordeal with dad has truly given my a whole new look on this temple God calls my body. Wow! How convicting...and that is what got me walking. I really didn't have the time for it, but I thought I don't want to say I wished I would have exercised when I was younger. So my success: I not only exercised, I kept a food diary and did well with my eating. Paul took us out to dinner after Caleb's game and I even withheld some gluttony. Woowoo. Mexican is always a challenge for me, but I left pleasantly full, and didn't feel guilty eating it because of my moderation of the day. Hmmm...maybe there IS something to this. So with that, I am now going to get some sleep and hope to do it all again tomorrow. Blog girls, blog...reading yours is therapeutic for me. Now there, did that work? :) I love you guys and will call when I can. The next couple of weeks will be hard as we will be working on unusual schedules. Please keep my mom in your prayers as well. I take her for the cat scan on Thursday. Get focused, Stay focused, Live focused. (wow...that sounds good...maybe I will write a book :))
Love you,
Sam'
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Inspiration
Hey there...just found myself trying on all these cute little summer dresses and actually found one that looks decent on me now, but will look totally sassy on me thinner and tanner. I'll try to take a pic of it tomorrow and let you see it...something definitely not me, and not Amish either! woowoo. So, it gave me some motivation I've been desperately needing. I think this Bible Study is going to do more good than what we can imagine...needing some balance on everything right now. I've been battling the kids lately, and feel guilty in doing so. I've lost the joy in it all and I feel so bad about that. I'm also tired again and I KNOW that has a lot to do with it, but oh my goodness...what don't they just shut their mouths? And what is this throwing themselves in the floor (Bailey) when I tell her no, or to do something. They know it is so much worse when they do that. I've spanked, I've grounded, I've put to bed, ...something is bound to work, but what is it? Aghhhh...pray for me. I want to soak up every moment with them, and right now, the want isn't there. Any pointers? Possible insider secrets from this past weekend? Okay, I think I'm going to soak myself in a hot tub, look at my little dress (that hits me right at the knee...can you believe it? Somebody spank me!), and take in some good, quiet sips of Mikes Limeaid...okay, minus the limeaid, and the hard stuff, and of course Mike, ...so good cold water is all we have left. Oh well, it is better for us anyway. With that I am signing off for now. Hope to get up early and get my workout in...got to get those arms toned for my little dress. Love you guys
Sam'
Sam'
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Bible Study
Hey there...just ordered my Bible Study from Christianbooks.com. Lifeway did not carry it at the store, or online, and so with shipping, I got it for under $12.00. What a deal. It should ship within the next week so I won't be able to start the study until the following Monday. Erin, do you have your's yet? Looks to be pretty good...can't wait to get started. (Yes, I am up...haven't been able to fall asleep yet...hoping this helps.) Let me try to get some shut eye for now.
S'
S'
OH MY!
Michelle,
Ooops! Well, if it were the dog, you could have put him outside. What happened? I was trying to find some spilled liquid of some sort, but did he just find a screwdriver and go after it? I'm so sorry! Yeah, I'm glad the kids are out of that stage! God bless ya.
I haven't gotten my study yet. I may go get it today. I'm assuming LifeWay has it. If we all get it this week, I say let's start it on Monday. Won't Erin be back then? Do you know if she has hers?
What is I am Sam? ...I AM!
Just woke up, AGAIN! Have had problems sleeping this week, and so I am tired!!! Got to go get my girls in the holster and start my day. I hope yours goes better.
Love you!
Sam'
Ooops! Well, if it were the dog, you could have put him outside. What happened? I was trying to find some spilled liquid of some sort, but did he just find a screwdriver and go after it? I'm so sorry! Yeah, I'm glad the kids are out of that stage! God bless ya.
I haven't gotten my study yet. I may go get it today. I'm assuming LifeWay has it. If we all get it this week, I say let's start it on Monday. Won't Erin be back then? Do you know if she has hers?
What is I am Sam? ...I AM!
Just woke up, AGAIN! Have had problems sleeping this week, and so I am tired!!! Got to go get my girls in the holster and start my day. I hope yours goes better.
Love you!
Sam'
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Couldn't tell you...
Ok, I'm guessing that this picture can help to explain what all those posts were. Can you see what my darling little Titus did? Three of the keys are broken and "Q" is still missing. Nice! What a way to start my morning.
The conference, well it turned out to be better than expected by means of the relationship building we had. I did get some tips from the conference on organization and even some "encouragement for couples" though I can't remember any at the moment...oh, wait, the book is called Chocolate Kisses For Married Couples (or something like that). Some practical suggestions for those of us who could use a bit of help in the ideas department. It's good and clean and to the point. Beth and Erin went to one called Helping your son choose purity instead of pornography. I went to a couple of organizing sessions. It was good, but we really got to talk and learn a lot about each other. Let's see, what else? Oh yeah, I had that migraine most of Friday and part of Saturday. That blew! Didn't feel like much of a get-a-way and it was over almost as fast as it started. I would like to go again next year, if possible, but I want warmth and ocean and all that stuff too! Let's see if that can happen.
Ok, I got my "woman of moderation" book and am ready to start. Are you all ready? I can't wait to start this together. We have to crack the whip though, you know. To get this done and done right. A dedication I haven't done in a long time, if ever.
Alright, I think that's it. Erin, I hope you are ready to relax this week and I hope you get to do that from 5000 feet, if possible. :-) I'm sorry about all that, by the way.
Right now, at 11:55pm I am watching "i am sam" and am bawling like a baby! I am going to record the rest, if i can tear myself away and then go to bed. Good night all!
me
What?
Uhh...Michelle, what is that? Some diet code I don't know of? Something you learned over the weekend? :)
I'm going to try blogging again for many reasons...the basic being that I just need to. Simply put, for whatever reason, but I need to. So, here I am...lost 2 pounds this week. Woowoo...especially after a week of no exercising. Yeah, got to get back on that. It feels good...even just 2 pounds. I was really getting discouraged just because the numbers weren't budging, and you know me...I don't like to use my energy for nothing. Paul thinks it is from all of the shaboynkin this past weekend. If so, I have a whole new outlook for intamacy. BCS...burnin' calorie sex...yeah, that is what I'm talkin' about...you know the multitasker I am! Okay, enough or too much said.
How are you guys? Can't wait to hear about the conference. Michelle, don't know what you were trying to say in your posts, but it must be good. Okay, now going to take a hot bath and some me time. Hope to read from you guys in the morning.
Much love to you both.
Sam'
I'm going to try blogging again for many reasons...the basic being that I just need to. Simply put, for whatever reason, but I need to. So, here I am...lost 2 pounds this week. Woowoo...especially after a week of no exercising. Yeah, got to get back on that. It feels good...even just 2 pounds. I was really getting discouraged just because the numbers weren't budging, and you know me...I don't like to use my energy for nothing. Paul thinks it is from all of the shaboynkin this past weekend. If so, I have a whole new outlook for intamacy. BCS...burnin' calorie sex...yeah, that is what I'm talkin' about...you know the multitasker I am! Okay, enough or too much said.
How are you guys? Can't wait to hear about the conference. Michelle, don't know what you were trying to say in your posts, but it must be good. Okay, now going to take a hot bath and some me time. Hope to read from you guys in the morning.
Much love to you both.
Sam'
Friday, March 14, 2008
Girls Weekend...away. :(
Well, you girls went away...hope you are enjoying your nice comfy beds that so gently cradle you as you aren't jarred into desperation by blood-curling screams throughout and the night. Yeah...4 different times...from 1:20 a.m until after 5....yeah, grumpy here is a sight for sore eyes, let me tell ya! Sure wish I was there you guys! This is the only year I am going to allow this to happen! :) You know me, can't believe there is a party going on and I'm not there! I smell beach air...even if it is another year away.
Things here are busy. Dad has good days and bad days, and now mom is scheduled for a EDG in two weeks to make sure we are doctoring a possible ulcer and nothing else. At 70, she is scared, and so are we, but I am trying really hard to keep my negative thought pattern in check. Plaid, anyone? Paul is coaching Caleb's TBall team and they both are having a blast. The girls are getting so big, and definitely don't look like 3 year olds. :( I'm busy with illustrating and getting jobs lined out. Paul and I met one of the authors of the book series and really liked her and her husband. I had a conference call yesterday with the other author who lives in Maryland. So, all of that to say, we hope we can get the copyrights and the first book published by the end of the year. Since the main character is a little black girl, I am studying every little black girl I see...mothers look at me strange. :) In between all of our errands this weekend, I will have my sketch book...I think it will become part of me before long. Erin, have you ever heard of The Institute of Children's Literature in Connecticut? Just wondering.
Now for this healthy living thing...doing okay...Paul and I have both made a lot of little changes, and now we just have to get exercising more. His work schedule is crazy and it even looks like he will become a shift supervisor before the end of summer and so that means chaotic scheduling for the whole family. Hopefully, we will get our pool up by the end of April. Not sure if we will be able to use it by then...the weather here is crazy. Today is to be in the 80s, and two days ago we were in the 30s. I think I have finally stretched out my "pulled glute." (never knew you could pull that, but you can) My left knee still swells, and then my right butt cheek feels like it is on fire. NICE. I cracked myself up going into WalMart the other day...naturally limping with the knee, and walking very gingerly with the right leg-afraid of the incredible, instant, stabbing pain that happened if too much weight was placed, etc. It looked like I was having seizures or something. The poor little greeter was hesitant to even say hello. I'm surprised that she didn't run over and get the little rascal scooter for me. I laughed at the image I gave myself...I almost peed my pants....wouldn't that have been a vision....gimpy all wet!!!:) All of that to say, I am feeling much better now...took it easy for a few days (had no other choice), and am now able to climb into the van and tie my shoes without a grimace on my face! woowoo.
Okay, this bible study? We doing it? I'll check Lifeway here to see if they carry the study and I will let you know. I'm in! I've had to give up the Beth Moore study for now. I missed so many meetings and got so far behind that there was no way to catch back up to the class. I am getting the whole series with DVD after the study is over so I can do it here at home on my pace. So, look for some good things coming your way on that.
I will probably need to use this blog for some therapy...been a little down with just the family illness stuff and been doing ok. I just now see some warning signs with the depression and so I may need to get back on the Wellbutrin for the time being. Red lights are flashing...I feel like Will Robinson. :) All in all though, I'm hanging in there and trying to do what God has for me to do here. I miss you two greatly! Never thought I would be so torn about wanting to live in two different places!!! So, know that I love you guys and I hope you are having fun this weekend. After we get this debt under God's control, I'll be able to fly up whenever I want. :) Live like no one else to be able to later live like no one else!
Have a great weekend...no tattoos!
Sam'
Things here are busy. Dad has good days and bad days, and now mom is scheduled for a EDG in two weeks to make sure we are doctoring a possible ulcer and nothing else. At 70, she is scared, and so are we, but I am trying really hard to keep my negative thought pattern in check. Plaid, anyone? Paul is coaching Caleb's TBall team and they both are having a blast. The girls are getting so big, and definitely don't look like 3 year olds. :( I'm busy with illustrating and getting jobs lined out. Paul and I met one of the authors of the book series and really liked her and her husband. I had a conference call yesterday with the other author who lives in Maryland. So, all of that to say, we hope we can get the copyrights and the first book published by the end of the year. Since the main character is a little black girl, I am studying every little black girl I see...mothers look at me strange. :) In between all of our errands this weekend, I will have my sketch book...I think it will become part of me before long. Erin, have you ever heard of The Institute of Children's Literature in Connecticut? Just wondering.
Now for this healthy living thing...doing okay...Paul and I have both made a lot of little changes, and now we just have to get exercising more. His work schedule is crazy and it even looks like he will become a shift supervisor before the end of summer and so that means chaotic scheduling for the whole family. Hopefully, we will get our pool up by the end of April. Not sure if we will be able to use it by then...the weather here is crazy. Today is to be in the 80s, and two days ago we were in the 30s. I think I have finally stretched out my "pulled glute." (never knew you could pull that, but you can) My left knee still swells, and then my right butt cheek feels like it is on fire. NICE. I cracked myself up going into WalMart the other day...naturally limping with the knee, and walking very gingerly with the right leg-afraid of the incredible, instant, stabbing pain that happened if too much weight was placed, etc. It looked like I was having seizures or something. The poor little greeter was hesitant to even say hello. I'm surprised that she didn't run over and get the little rascal scooter for me. I laughed at the image I gave myself...I almost peed my pants....wouldn't that have been a vision....gimpy all wet!!!:) All of that to say, I am feeling much better now...took it easy for a few days (had no other choice), and am now able to climb into the van and tie my shoes without a grimace on my face! woowoo.
Okay, this bible study? We doing it? I'll check Lifeway here to see if they carry the study and I will let you know. I'm in! I've had to give up the Beth Moore study for now. I missed so many meetings and got so far behind that there was no way to catch back up to the class. I am getting the whole series with DVD after the study is over so I can do it here at home on my pace. So, look for some good things coming your way on that.
I will probably need to use this blog for some therapy...been a little down with just the family illness stuff and been doing ok. I just now see some warning signs with the depression and so I may need to get back on the Wellbutrin for the time being. Red lights are flashing...I feel like Will Robinson. :) All in all though, I'm hanging in there and trying to do what God has for me to do here. I miss you two greatly! Never thought I would be so torn about wanting to live in two different places!!! So, know that I love you guys and I hope you are having fun this weekend. After we get this debt under God's control, I'll be able to fly up whenever I want. :) Live like no one else to be able to later live like no one else!
Have a great weekend...no tattoos!
Sam'
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
One week is too long!!!
Hey girls~
We have GOT to get it together here. It has been a week since a last post. If we are too busy for this, we are too busy, right? I will have to admit that a few reasons I don't get on is because I am watching TV or playing video games or just feeling guilty about my choices that day. I think that this is something that we need to comit to doing on a regular basis...especially when we do that study. When can we start, by the way?!? Accountability is so important, even via this wonderful blog. I think that the more I make our blog important, the more I will consider my choicesfor the day and perhaps even offer alternatives to mundane things. I don't know. All I do know is that we have a good thing going for us...we are sisters in Christ, friends in life and shall I go so far as to say benefactresses (did I spell that right???) of each other's time. I hope that is how I meant to say it. I think about both of you all the time and am thankful for you. Sam, how I wish you were coming away this weekend. Though I love these other ladies very much, "Girl's Weekend" doesn't seem the same without all "the girls." Next year, I'm thinking beach again...even if it's Lake Michigan...we need a beach (thought that Florida ocean smelled a whole lot better than our lake ever did!!!).
My goal, and my challenge is this, at least 3 times a week to get on and blog. I know my choices are poor. I want to better them. In the pattern of business that we are all three in, we need to weave in time for God and the sisters He has blessed us with, and the opportunity to do that together is priceless!!!
Ok, on that note, I hope you all are blogging and everything else as unto the Lord.
goodnight~
We have GOT to get it together here. It has been a week since a last post. If we are too busy for this, we are too busy, right? I will have to admit that a few reasons I don't get on is because I am watching TV or playing video games or just feeling guilty about my choices that day. I think that this is something that we need to comit to doing on a regular basis...especially when we do that study. When can we start, by the way?!? Accountability is so important, even via this wonderful blog. I think that the more I make our blog important, the more I will consider my choicesfor the day and perhaps even offer alternatives to mundane things. I don't know. All I do know is that we have a good thing going for us...we are sisters in Christ, friends in life and shall I go so far as to say benefactresses (did I spell that right???) of each other's time. I hope that is how I meant to say it. I think about both of you all the time and am thankful for you. Sam, how I wish you were coming away this weekend. Though I love these other ladies very much, "Girl's Weekend" doesn't seem the same without all "the girls." Next year, I'm thinking beach again...even if it's Lake Michigan...we need a beach (thought that Florida ocean smelled a whole lot better than our lake ever did!!!).
My goal, and my challenge is this, at least 3 times a week to get on and blog. I know my choices are poor. I want to better them. In the pattern of business that we are all three in, we need to weave in time for God and the sisters He has blessed us with, and the opportunity to do that together is priceless!!!
Ok, on that note, I hope you all are blogging and everything else as unto the Lord.
goodnight~
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Busy, too!
Well, I just made a long blog, only to lose it, so here is the updated version:
Busy, busy, busy.
1. Worked out to the Biggest Loser DVD I bought. Kicked my hiney, but I made it through. If that weren't accomplishment enough, I made it through with having a fibromyalgia flare up. I woke up with every joint/muscle hurting from my feet, to my neck. I have been a little weepy (go figure...me?) lately, so I KNEW I just HAD to work out. It helped, both physically and emotionally. Now, getting ready to go play outside with the girls.
2. Have a friend here who is doing my tough love locally. She is a new friend since moving back and she has recently just dropped a lot of weight. After reviewing a few things, I have been eating too few calories, and thus my body has been in horde mode instead of losing mode. Well, that made me feel a little bit better. She (Jen) is currently training for a marathon and oh, how I wish I could do that. Maybe I will weigh the consequences after losing the weight, but I know right now, my knees could not handle it. I'm having to ice/heat them by evening anyway.
3. Beautiful day...I need to go out and enjoy it. Love you guys. Keep plugging away. I found a beautiful dress(es) that I would love, but can't don't want to buy one now. Thinking about purchasing one of a smaller size tosee if that helps with my motivation. Any thoughts?
Love you guys!
Sam'
Busy, busy, busy.
1. Worked out to the Biggest Loser DVD I bought. Kicked my hiney, but I made it through. If that weren't accomplishment enough, I made it through with having a fibromyalgia flare up. I woke up with every joint/muscle hurting from my feet, to my neck. I have been a little weepy (go figure...me?) lately, so I KNEW I just HAD to work out. It helped, both physically and emotionally. Now, getting ready to go play outside with the girls.
2. Have a friend here who is doing my tough love locally. She is a new friend since moving back and she has recently just dropped a lot of weight. After reviewing a few things, I have been eating too few calories, and thus my body has been in horde mode instead of losing mode. Well, that made me feel a little bit better. She (Jen) is currently training for a marathon and oh, how I wish I could do that. Maybe I will weigh the consequences after losing the weight, but I know right now, my knees could not handle it. I'm having to ice/heat them by evening anyway.
3. Beautiful day...I need to go out and enjoy it. Love you guys. Keep plugging away. I found a beautiful dress(es) that I would love, but can't don't want to buy one now. Thinking about purchasing one of a smaller size tosee if that helps with my motivation. Any thoughts?
Love you guys!
Sam'
Busy
Slow down, we move too fast. Ugh. I have been running, running lately and I am looking for an opportunity to slllooooooowww dooowwwn. Tomorrow will be that day. Not today.
Yes, let's do the moderation study. I really need some type of Bible Study right now. I think it would be great to do.
Your goals sound highly reasonable for March, Michelle. You can do it!
I like saying "Unto the Lord." Duh. That is what I tell my kids when they start getting sloppy at school work. "Do everything as unto the Lord." If I can dish that out, I should be applying it myself in my weak areas. I like it.
Sam - how is it going? How are you doing?
I am doing better at the moderation thing but probably because I have been busy. I want to take tomorrow to slow down and focus on Him, not food.
Make it a wonderful day!
E
Yes, let's do the moderation study. I really need some type of Bible Study right now. I think it would be great to do.
Your goals sound highly reasonable for March, Michelle. You can do it!
I like saying "Unto the Lord." Duh. That is what I tell my kids when they start getting sloppy at school work. "Do everything as unto the Lord." If I can dish that out, I should be applying it myself in my weak areas. I like it.
Sam - how is it going? How are you doing?
I am doing better at the moderation thing but probably because I have been busy. I want to take tomorrow to slow down and focus on Him, not food.
Make it a wonderful day!
E
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Too tired to think of a title...
This is the time of night that I should NOT be blogging because I end up sounding like a dim wit and stand the chance of falling asleep and then blogging my dream instead. Fun, you say?!?
I didn't do so well with the sweets in February like I had wanted. I will see how March goes for me. I don't do the moderation thing so well usually although, today after dinner I decided to have some ice cream (drumstick ice cream) and instead of getting out a whole bowl full I took a small spoon and ate a few small bites, satisfied my "craving" without pigging out and was perfectly contented by that. Now, if it were cookie dough, that would have been a different story, but alas, it wasn't. Any ideas on our trophy yet? I have an idea, but I need to check on it. If it's something we can wear, we have to wear it with honesty and integrity (thus not cheating and "posessing it" at the same time) of course that is hard to do! We can work out the logistics later, eh?
My goal for March is to get below 180. My mini goals to achieve that are more water, of course, more quiet time (are we doing that moderation study together with the workbook and all???), and the hardest one of all...getting my house organized. Get on a cleaning routine, playing with kids routine, laundry routine, etc. I am afraid that I will abuse the privilege of this new house when we finally get to move in to it because I am too lazy to get it together. Doing it "as unto the LORD." Can that be our motto? "______ as unto the LORD." Will that help? Make that something that we think before we eat and see how that works out? Just a thought.
Ok, I guess I should go. I am thankful for this blog, the bloggers and thankful to God for bringing us together...sisters in Christ. I will be praying for you all as you have mentioned specifics, somewhat, and yes, God loves us just as we are, but too much to let us continue to be that way!
I didn't do so well with the sweets in February like I had wanted. I will see how March goes for me. I don't do the moderation thing so well usually although, today after dinner I decided to have some ice cream (drumstick ice cream) and instead of getting out a whole bowl full I took a small spoon and ate a few small bites, satisfied my "craving" without pigging out and was perfectly contented by that. Now, if it were cookie dough, that would have been a different story, but alas, it wasn't. Any ideas on our trophy yet? I have an idea, but I need to check on it. If it's something we can wear, we have to wear it with honesty and integrity (thus not cheating and "posessing it" at the same time) of course that is hard to do! We can work out the logistics later, eh?
My goal for March is to get below 180. My mini goals to achieve that are more water, of course, more quiet time (are we doing that moderation study together with the workbook and all???), and the hardest one of all...getting my house organized. Get on a cleaning routine, playing with kids routine, laundry routine, etc. I am afraid that I will abuse the privilege of this new house when we finally get to move in to it because I am too lazy to get it together. Doing it "as unto the LORD." Can that be our motto? "______ as unto the LORD." Will that help? Make that something that we think before we eat and see how that works out? Just a thought.
Ok, I guess I should go. I am thankful for this blog, the bloggers and thankful to God for bringing us together...sisters in Christ. I will be praying for you all as you have mentioned specifics, somewhat, and yes, God loves us just as we are, but too much to let us continue to be that way!
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