Confession Time!

Ouch, today's lesson hurt! I'm still in week seven, day 2, "While the meat was still between their teeth." I sometimes wonder why things happen like they do. Like why I am still on week 7...I was so sick last week that I didn't even do any of the study. Excuses could run for days, but I don't think it would have had the impact on me if I would have studied it any sooner. Being sick, I lost a couple of pounds...not the way I wanted, but loss nonetheless. I weigh less now than I did when I got pregnant with the girls. I'm still a good 60 lbs overweight, but I have to tell you, sick or not, I felt pretty good when I saw the scale number. (which triggers me to believe that could be a whole other therapy session in itself.) Anyway, long story short, I went to church for the first time in 3 weeks and wanted Mexican food last night after we were leaving Calvary. I didn't necessarily crave anything, I was just hungry, and bottom line....I just WANTED it. I didn't want to come home and have an egg sandwich, or whatever we could create out of our "end of the month...got to make it stretch...food items" we have here at the house. To be honest, our dining out budget was blown but that didn't matter to me. I wanted Mexican food. (stomp foot!) Well, my husband graciously stopped at the local Crazy Jose's and we ate dinner. I have to say, it was good, very good. It was there that I fell into the hands of the enemy. It wasn't the tantrum I through in my mind, or even the endless chips and hot sauce, but my noncompliance with obeying the little voice that told me "that is enough." Over and over again, I ignored it...like a screaming child in a public place...or the pink elephant in the room. I knew what I was doing at the time, and I felt bad, but not bad enough to stop. Once I came home, I started feeling bloated from all of the chips and salt, etc. but hey, "it was good." This morning I woke at 4:30 feeling so bloated and full...like my stomach is in my throat. I know it isn't a coincidence that today's lesson was meant for just this moment. I'm such an Israelite. I whined because I wanted other food ...all the while God had provided good food for me to eat at home. I through a fit and God allowed me over to myself. Now I feel sick, bloated, greasy...all to my own doing. Lord, forgive me for being defiant...allow me to feel this way all day...as a reminder that you want me to listen to you. Your manna is sufficient for me. When I take my eyes off you, food does become my idol. Help it not to be so today. Forgive me for being a spoiled brat. Girls, I need tough love right now, don't let me rationalize my behavior.

How are the two of you doing? Hope to hear from you soon. Lots of love-have a great, moderate day!

Sam'

Ah, the Color Green

I thought I wouldn't have to have this topic of conversation again since the girls potty trained. I'm afraid I will have to if this virus doesn't stop. I took Bailey to the doctor yesterday because she ran a 105 fever the night before. Some type of weird virus. She hasn't gotten the green stuff yet, and she is playing like she never had a temp. Me on the otherhand, can barely take a full breath without going into a coughing fit and then OF COURSE, pee my pants. Lovely! I knew I should have kept some pads on hand. Anyway, I am just now doing dishes from Monday/Sunday ...I stayed on the couch pretty much all day yesterday. I thought I'd wake this morning well and rested but not so fast. I think I'm going to run and pick the kids some dinner up and call it a night. Paul won't get home until 9 or so and by then, I will probably be back in bed. If I feel bad again tomorrow, I will get to the doctor. I don't have anyone to watch the kids and I refuse to get my mother sick. She has offered, but no way. Dad isn't having a good day today, but I can't go check on him either. Paul and I discussed the fact that if he would get this, it could very well kill him. Not going to live with that guilt.

As for the fudgepops, well...my wonderful husband couldn't find the cheap kind, so opted out of buying me any! How dare he! Doesn't he understand that you can't put a price on a good fudge pop...especially when you're sick? So with that, he came home with Blue Bunny, Sweet Freedom (no sugar added) Black raspberry frozen dairy dessert bar. At least they are covered in chocolate! Only 90 calories. They were so good that after the first one I thought I'd have another, only to hear "woman of moderation" whisper through my ears! So I didn't have another one until the next day. :)

Okay, need to go...just coughed!

S'

Are you better?

Ugh! What a weekend. I hope NOT to try that method anytime soon. Hope you enjoyed your Fudgcicles. Michelle is on the farm, so I don't know how much we'll hear from her until later this week.

Love,
E

The KEY to weekend weightloss!!!

Okay, well the trip would have been fun, but it is Sunday night and I am home. I woke yesterday with "one of my headaches," vomitted, and then felt good enough to plot out on our trip. When we arive, I have a 101 fever. BAD idea...looks like I have the flu, or at least that is what I am assuming. I didn't eat anything at the party and finally broke my fever, only to run it again. A friend from Beaumont ended up driving us back home because all day today my temp has been at 102. Fun. Not eating...a little nauseous...hot/cold/hot/cold and my body feels like someone is trying to make a wish bone out of my legs. Paul asked if I needed anything from the store, ie Sprite, and I said fudge sickles. He ran to get me some only after making a funny comment about it not being for my physical well being, but for my mental sickness I have with ice-cream...fudge sickles particularly. I would have slapped him, but I was so bundled up with my thick fuzzy socks, long pants, sweatshirt and three covers, that it hurt too much to move. :) Yeah, I'm getting my fudge sickles in about 30 mins. Who's da man!? So I am now going to take my clammy self over and wait...:) I figured by not eating much this weekend, I can fudge a little tonight. I'm certain my weight loss will be less in the morning, but whoa...what a way to lose it. I think I prefer the other way! Talk to you tomorrow.

Hot Mama (sick, and still funny!)

Weekend Trip

No, not for all of "US", but for me and the kids. We are going to see our friends in Katy (about 2 1/2 hours away) today and the kids and I are staying and will be back on Monday night. I just thought I'd let you know so you don't think I'm skippin town on you. (well, I actually am, but you know what I mean.) This should be our last trip of the season. We were to go before our TN trip, but had to go to the funeral instead. The kids will see two sets of friends that haven't seen in a long time...one is driving in from San Antonio, so it will be one big slumber party. It will be fun, but I so wished it would be with you guys! I'll be back in touch on Tuesday! Have a great weekend.

Love,

Sam'

About time!

Yes, I feel like I finally rejoined our group this week! So, don't either of you give up now! Hope you have a good moderate weekend (I know I have my brother's birthday party to contend with), ladies. Love you both. Sorry about the stitches, Sam. Chris' mom had something similar, but it was on her ankle, not her face. Well, you are still beautiful, even if you have something boogerish under your nose!

...a few stitches later...

I have 3 stitches in my right ear where my dermatologist removed the "suspicious" freckle, and will have them removed in 7 days. The spot under my nose was removed as well, however I have no stitches there...just a black blob that looks like an infected booger. Lovely! :) All in all, things went well...she doesn't really think there is anything to worry about, but her gut feeling told her to remove both. Best to be safe than sorry!

Okay, Caleb wants to play on the computer and everyone else is napping. I think it is calling my name too!

Later.

S'

Please leave your blog at the sound of the beep!

Yeah, that is my life this week. Busy, busy, busy...and I didn't even do VBS! Yeah, I haven't really done the study this week either. I had all intentions on doing so, but the flare up kicked my hiney this time and I spent a lot of this week in bed. I am just now feeling better. Of course, I have a dermatologist appt this morning, so I don't have much time to blog.

Erin, glad to see this has been a good week for you. I've done okay with the eating...nothing special though. Michelle, your niece is precious, but you seriously have to be spokin' crack to want another one. OMGoodness, just the thought makes my head hurt! :)

I'll try to be back later. Have a great day, both of you! Love you both.

Sam'

Not alone!

I am here...barely at times, but here. I did fast today, but I was basically counting down the seconds until dinner and then had 2 brats (only one with a bun...but still).
I have been doing well getting up to do my study, though I kept falling asleep today. I, too, feel like the Israelites who were idiots all the time not seeing what they had when they had it and complaining all the way. What is it? It's just as Paul said in today's lesson (day 3) that we do what we don't want to do and what we DO want to do, we don't do it. The continual issue of sin. It is tiring and redundant and just plain irritating, but we have this amazing Father who is loving and patient and kind and we just don't get it. Can any of us wait until we do?!?

On a brighter note, Nadia Renee Svoboda (Phil and Shelley's baby) joined us last night (Wednesday, July 16th) at 8pm weighing in at 8lbs 5oz and 21 inches long. Nadia means Hope and Renee means reborn/born again. Very cool, and boy is she cute! I hate not being able to go see her and hold her and all that stuff, and yes, it makes we want another one. There, I said it.

Ahem, are you there?

Am I blogging to myself?

It is hard to fast after a long day (4th day, mind you) of VBS. But you already know it is hard, Jesus. May I rest in YOUR strength today. Like Sam, I thank YOU for calling me to be a woman of moderation. Thank you for opening my eyes to the truth of your Word. Thank you for friends who have a similar calling!

Day 3

Success at getting up 3 days in a row and getting my study in. Woohoo! So I am finally on week 7 now. Why can I feel so committed in my heart this week, but be so ready to turn my back last week? I hate how fickle I am. Just like those Israelites I mocked as a child. I am such a slow learner! I want to understand that God's way is best in all things. Even in what I put in my mouth. For me, especially what I put in my mouth.

How are you girls doing?

VBS DAY 2

I feel like I am swimming in VBS land this week. Sam, I loved reading your blog and reading through your attitude change. I'll probably have to read through that again for myself come Thursday!

Praying for you and your family!!

Okay, I FINALLY finished week 6. I had some success with letting God have the reins to my eating yesterday. I pray for the same today.

Sniffle, sniffle. My baby is in a "big girl bed" now. I even took down her changing table as a motivation to get her potty trained (after VBS!!). Makenna's gettin' all growed up. I even had a moment like that watching Jackson at VBS yesterday. He's not my little preschooler anymore. He was running and looked so tall to me. It goes fast, doesn't it? And those are my sentiments for the day. . .

Give Him the reins today!
E

Who?

Okay, I have to admit, it is now 10:30 and I am just finishing my study for week 7, day 1. I haven't been feeling well, and this morning was no different. I had hoped to get up and get Paul and the kids off to Bible School, stay up, do my study, and then start on my house. Of course it never goes to plan. My whole body hurts and I didn't rest well last night because of it, and so on. So, I got everyone on their way and went back to sleep. Or at least tried to...when I ache like this, I have found a connection between my pain and the weird dreams I have. After battling things I shouldn't have been thinking/dreaming about, I got up to answer my mom's phone call. She needed to vent, and to be honest, I really didn't want to be the one to listen. I personally think it is a bunch of bull, yada, yada, yada, and so I tried hard to steer her away from it. Long story short, I think she is feeling a little lonely and needs someone to take her on a few errands. Now my schedule looks like it is going to be quiet full without VBS, and I think that kind of stinks! Okay, can I whine anymore? I should be grateful I have this opportunity with my mom, right? I need to change my attitude! So, I went to weigh in before I start my day and to my surprise, I have lost a little more weight since leaving for vacation. How did that happen? That was a little pick me up. I did today's lesson and reviewed what I could (I had forgotten that I did this one when in TN.) I am amazed at our God. It is so hard for me to truly understand that the God we study in the OT is the same, wonderful, powerful God who calls out to me today, who answers me today, and who convicts my heart of my sorry attitude today! The funny thing is that questions #3, part B, I skipped when I did this before because I just didn't have an answer, or either I didn't fully understand the question. This morning however, God showed me that my anxiety is no different than Moses. Moses question God why would he choose him to do such a daunting task. Moses immediately questioned his own self worth, but God had CHOSEN Moses to do this...just like HE has CHOSEN US to overcome this eating thing. So, the overwhelming part is that "God has specifically chosen us to do this...if not, it wouldn't have been so to do this study." The great I AM has chosen me to be a woman of moderation. WOW. Yeah, attitude changed! Check! Now, I need to do a few things before I go and minister to my wonderful mother. Pray for her today. My heart truly aches because they don't know Jesus. Pray for me. How can I show them Jesus if my heart/attitude doesn't change.

Okay, got to go. Love y'all. Thanks again for everything you are to me! And thanks Erin, Caleb wants a cake like that for his birthday too! Yeah.

Sam'

It's VBS week!

Hi ladies.
Well, not exactly on week 7. I just finshed week 6 day 4. However, I am COMMITTED to waking up every day this week and doing my study prior to getting the kids up and ready and off to VBS. Please, check up on me! I really have been in a funk about this study and I have not wanted to deal with it and I have not been eating appropriately. I just love the idea of checking with God prior to eating. I love the idea of giving HIM control of this area of my life. I really feel true repentence today. Thanks for bearing with me and I am praying for all of us to make it a great week.

Love ya,
Erin

Here!

No period. Yeah. Thanks to Loestrin (birth control pill) I have NO period. Woo hoo. Only mild PMS that Chris so accurately points out. I never even realize it is that - and often am offended that he attributes it to that - only to realize a day or too later ... oh, yeah, that's why I was so crabby!

Sam, I wish you were here. I'd have called you today and said, "Bring your three on over, it is slumber party night at the Taylor house." We've got Michelle's kids until 11 or so tomorrow a.m. I hope they sleep in, but that is probably wishful thinking with eight kids. So, let's just hope that Michelle is off her period and having a hot date with her hubby. Michelle, Elijah prayed tonight, "God, thank you that we could spend the night at Jackson and Abby's house. And God thank you that we have friends..." He was so cute.

Sam, I had to show off the castle cake I made for Jackson's birthday. So, if you wonder why I haven't posted lately, I've been in "Super Mommy" mode. Thank God, I let all the kids have some cake and ice cream (outside!!) tonight. I was sick of having that in my refrigerator to battle against!

How was Tennessee?

Well, friends, I will be ready for week 7 with you on Monday!

Hope to post again soon!

Erin

Kissin' Cousins!

Hi Cousin Lazy...it's me...Cousin Ache-n-Pain! How are ya? Me, well...the name says it all. I was extremely tired on Sunday coming home from Tennessee only to realize by Tuesday that I was having a fibromyalgia flare-up. So, Tuesday and Wednesday, I felt as if I had the flu...laid around all day, literally. I can't even tell you what the kids had for lunch that day. (did they have lunch?) Bad mommy. I felt better yesterday morning, but could hardly walk. I was determined that I wasn't going to waste another day of my life to this and so I popped some medicine and headed out the door to decorate our sanctuary for VBS that starts on Monday. You would be so proud of me, ...I didn't sign up to work anywhere! Can you believe it? Now, I don't think I can just go and drop off my three without doing anything, so I am going to be a floater 2 days next week...filling in wherever they are shorthanded. I have a dermatologist appt one day, and I think I will keep the other 2 days free. WEEEE! I'm already looking forward to it. I helped decorate some of the hallways this afternoon, so I feel like I've done my part. Anyway....I will be ready for week 7 on Monday! I need to really review week 6. I have been doing okay with eating, but have to confess that I ate out of pure boredom yesterday. It is those kind of foxes that I have to catch.

Michelle, ...bloated should leave by next week and you will have a better week. Thank God for weekends! :) Erin, is Aunt Flo visiting you as well? :) I'll be in touch over the weekend. Love you both!

Sam'

L-A-Z-Y!!!!

I have been sitting in this chair with my computer for well over an hour, perhaps 2. I am wasting my time and don't seem to care. I have so much to do and kids to play with and I am doing none of it. I started to fast today, but thought that I was going to be cleaning Linda's house and decided not to, but turns out that here I am. I feel huge and fat and worthless at the moment because this stupid period has me drained and tired and unmotivated. Excuses, I know. Just get up and do it. I know. Well, Satan lures me by the key strokes of my laptop and I succumb. I would love to see a post from someone. I am going to make some calls here. Don't make me take out the phone! :-)

Hello Ladies!?!?!?!

I haven't any idea what movie that's from, but perhaps you've seen it...? It's Jerry Lewis and probably Dean Martin, but Jerry comes into a room and in that goofy voice of his screams in a song-like manner, "hello ladies!"

Ok, enough of that...where is everyone? I know we have all been rather busy, but it has been close to 2 weeks since the last post. Does that mean that it has been almost 2 weeks since we have all been on track? I hope that we haven't forsaken the principles completely. I had a totally crappy day, all of my own doing, I suppose which is what makes it all the more frustrating. I had the nibbles and gave in a few times, but then I remembered the idea of allowing God to direct me when to eat, or today, when not to eat and threw some of my swiss cake roll in the trash. Ugh!

I guess it makes sense to start week 7 next Monday, if we are all ready to. I still want to get the verse for this week down pat. How are you all doing??? Any encouragements for us? I guess I can say that even if we are listening to what God has for us and choose to follow, if even with irritated reluctance as I had when throwing away my swiss roll today, we are still listening and obeying and God can use that. We aren't silencing the Spirit and we are probably more inclined to hear Him again. That's good! Listen, even when we don't want to, even with reluctance. It's better than not.