We got home from our camping trip tonight, the trip home which was only suppose to take 5 hours took us over 8 because of traffic. Luckily the girls were good for 98% of the trip, Lexi got really tired about 30 minutes from home and started some whining, then fell right asleep.
We were a little concerned that hurricane earl would make our trip a little less than pleasant, but it was a great weekend! Last night we had a bad thunderstorm, which made packing up so much fun since everything was soaking wet. Oh well, at least our tent kept us mostly dry. Friday when we got there it was really, really hot, the other few days were pretty enjoyable, a little cooler and there was a nice breeze on the beach.
This was Caylee's first trip to the ocean as far as I can remember, and she loved it, well, once she got used to it anyway. I really wish we had a camcorder so we could have taken video of her, once she got in the water, there was no keeping her out. She's so much more brave than Lexi is.
Two years ago when we went to the Myrtle Beach area we went to the Ripley's aquarium and did not like it, I blogged about it and the VP of communications contacted me immediately asking me what we didn't like, and also offered free admission to their attractions if we went back. We remembered that a few days before we left and I contacted him. I was quite impressed with how quickly he responded and followed through with his offer even after two years. We decided to check out the believe it or not museum, and mirror maze and the aquarium again. I was so glad my sister and brother in law watched the girls for us while we went to the museum and the mirror maze, the museum is NOT a place for young kids, Lexi would have been REALLY scared. The mirror maze was fun, and I'm sure the girls would have liked it. The did they like aquarium this year, which made me feel better. It doesn't compare with the Tennessee aquarium, but seeing their faces light up at the fish and sharks was worth it.
We spent some time each day on the beach (normally two times a day) and it was actually relaxing! The first night we were there we were walking right after dusk, so it was a little dark, but there was another family there who had 4 kids, ages 6,4,2 and 2 months. I was so impressed with them, they were calm, laid back and were just standing there while their kids played out of hands reach. We were all nervous, yelling at the girls when they got too far away, and trying to make them stay with us at our pace. Seeing them really got us thinking about trying to relax a bit and let them be kids. I think it really helped our vacation be more enjoyable. Yes we still jumped and yelled when Caylee ran into the campground road, or got too far away from us at the beach, but all in all we really relaxed a lot. I'm hoping to be able to continue that here, because yes I want rules and I want them to listen, but I also want them to be allowed to be kids! My sister kept pointing out to me how much more relaxed we are with Caylee than we were with Lexi and saying that by the time we have 4 we'll be like them. We'll see, I really hope we can be more laid back now!
The worse part of the whole trip was the sleeping, or lack there of. I barely slept any of the nights and tonight I am exhausted and looking forward to being in my own bed! Last year we got one of the double high air mattresses, thinking it would make life easier and better, I really don't like it any better than I like the smaller ones, in fact I might like the smaller ones better. This was probably the last summer we will be using the tent we have because it's really too small for us, we have to keep our bags in the car which to me is just annoying. We've thrown around the idea of getting a small, older pop up for next year, we'll see!
Right now I am going to answer the call of my bed! Good night!
Camping in a hurricane.
We are headed to the Myrtle Beach area to go camping. Yes, in the middle of a hurricane. My mom is worried, but everything I've read said that area of SC isn't going to be affected by more than some rain and high waves. We tent camp, but my sister is also going along, and they have a pop up, so if it rains the whole weekend we'll be hanging out in their camper! Bring on the games!! (and if the wind is too bad maybe some strong door hardware, to make sure the camper door stays closed?)
Right now I am waiting on the dryer to finish, so we can put the last few items in our bag and stick it in the car then go to bed! Then in the morning we'll try to load up the bike rack to bring Lexi's bike and hit the roads hopefully before 8. We'll see how long the 5 hour trip will take with two little ones.
I hope there is at least a little bit of clear skies this weekend, I'd love to sit on the beach!
Right now I am waiting on the dryer to finish, so we can put the last few items in our bag and stick it in the car then go to bed! Then in the morning we'll try to load up the bike rack to bring Lexi's bike and hit the roads hopefully before 8. We'll see how long the 5 hour trip will take with two little ones.
I hope there is at least a little bit of clear skies this weekend, I'd love to sit on the beach!
Party!
Today Caylee turned two. I am amazed at how fast time goes by, how did I get a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a baby on the way already?! Am I really getting that old?
We are leaving in the morning for camping, so we had a little party tonight to celebrate. My husband's family was here and we enjoyed sloppy joe then carrot cake. With some present opening in the middle. It was fun, Caylee loved all her presents, especially the one from her aunt and her sister!! (a stuffed puppy and a baby alive)
She's been trying to figure out a lot lately, including how to make Lexi's big girl bike move. It's a good thing that bike has industrial handles because she's knocked it over so many times! Luckily the bike hasn't landed on her.
We got her a Tag jr, and I'm hoping she'll enjoy it so much that it will keep her busy on our 5 hour drive tomorrow, Lexi has a regular tag and likes to play with it, so now the two of them can both play instead of fighting over it. not that they wont find other things to fight about...
Anyway, all in all I think Caylee had a great birthday! I still can't believe she's two.
We are leaving in the morning for camping, so we had a little party tonight to celebrate. My husband's family was here and we enjoyed sloppy joe then carrot cake. With some present opening in the middle. It was fun, Caylee loved all her presents, especially the one from her aunt and her sister!! (a stuffed puppy and a baby alive)
She's been trying to figure out a lot lately, including how to make Lexi's big girl bike move. It's a good thing that bike has industrial handles because she's knocked it over so many times! Luckily the bike hasn't landed on her.
We got her a Tag jr, and I'm hoping she'll enjoy it so much that it will keep her busy on our 5 hour drive tomorrow, Lexi has a regular tag and likes to play with it, so now the two of them can both play instead of fighting over it. not that they wont find other things to fight about...
Anyway, all in all I think Caylee had a great birthday! I still can't believe she's two.
New found freedom
Eugene's cousin was living with us for a few months while he got back on his feet. He came to us with no car, no license and no job. Within a few weeks God had provided him a job making good money. My husband had the task of driving him to and from work each day, Although it wasn't that far it was a little bit of a pain. Within a few months God provided a place for him to rent just a mile away from us, and a few weeks later he got a car and his license. The day he got his car they were able to call up a place and get auto insurance so he could immediately start driving himself places. I was amazed at how fast God worked for him. God is faithful to care for those who are trying to get their life together. (And to those who are helping others). We serve an awesome God.
the eye twitch
Three days ago my eye started twitching. It happened to also be the day I found out some bad news I don't think the two were related since the twitch happened before i received the information, but there was a big of other stressful stuff that day.
Yesterday I decided to look up eye twitching and found some causes, stress, lack of sleep, caffeine, and fatigue were 4 of the 8 I found. I was also told that dehydration can cause it. So today I didn't have any caffeine, I've had over a gallon of water, and I've rested.
My eye twitched a little less than yesterday. but not enough for me to feel it was associated with any of those things. I'll try another day of no caffeine (I need to get off of it anyway) lots of water and rest (ha ha). I also had a few people tell me they had their eye twitch when they were pregnant too though, so maybe it's not time to try apply for social security disability, yet. Think eye twitching counts as a disability? he he.
Yesterday I decided to look up eye twitching and found some causes, stress, lack of sleep, caffeine, and fatigue were 4 of the 8 I found. I was also told that dehydration can cause it. So today I didn't have any caffeine, I've had over a gallon of water, and I've rested.
My eye twitched a little less than yesterday. but not enough for me to feel it was associated with any of those things. I'll try another day of no caffeine (I need to get off of it anyway) lots of water and rest (ha ha). I also had a few people tell me they had their eye twitch when they were pregnant too though, so maybe it's not time to try apply for social security disability, yet. Think eye twitching counts as a disability? he he.
hair question..
I noticed something the other day, after almost 5 months of my hair falling out it's finally stopped. I'm sure that's due to the pregnancy and higher intake of calories, but I just wonder why it was falling out in the first place.
Yes, I was dieting and running, but I was still getting plenty of calories and eating a pretty well rounded diet. I was on the border of looking for a hair loss shampoo it was seriously falling out by the handful every morning. Luckily my hair never looked thin, or weird, it stayed healthy looking, my house on the other hand looked like there was some crazy long haired dog living there that was shedding like crazy.
Has anyone else had a problem like this when they were training for a half marathon, or losing weight?
Yes, I was dieting and running, but I was still getting plenty of calories and eating a pretty well rounded diet. I was on the border of looking for a hair loss shampoo it was seriously falling out by the handful every morning. Luckily my hair never looked thin, or weird, it stayed healthy looking, my house on the other hand looked like there was some crazy long haired dog living there that was shedding like crazy.
Has anyone else had a problem like this when they were training for a half marathon, or losing weight?
Pool time
Last week I ordered a blow up pool for the kids to play in. It's not a huge one, but it's big enough for me to be able to sit in and the kids play too. I ordered it on amazon because I had $15 in gift cards from swagbucks. It only ended up costing us $8, it arrived today and we've got it blown up and now it's filling.
Lexi is super excited to be able to play in it, the two little ones are napping but I'm sure they'll be thrilled when they see it too. And just in case they're not we still have our little 3" deep pool they can play in. I'm hoping this is my accredited online degree in how to keep kids cool and happy. I guess I'll find out after lunch assuming it doesn't storm...
Lexi is super excited to be able to play in it, the two little ones are napping but I'm sure they'll be thrilled when they see it too. And just in case they're not we still have our little 3" deep pool they can play in. I'm hoping this is my accredited online degree in how to keep kids cool and happy. I guess I'll find out after lunch assuming it doesn't storm...
icky, oily skin
Seriously, why am I so oily?! Today while cooking supper I was so hot I had sweat dripping down my back. Gross. the sweat only bother's me a little, the acne on the other hand... I wish it would go away. I just heard about pronexin, anyone ever heard of it or used it? It says it's all natural, and has pretty good reviews, it's also pretty cheap compared to other acne treatments.
So it might clear my acne... but it probably wont help me stop sweating when it's 95 degrees in my house huh? We have a window unit which for the past month we've been running and using fans to blow it throughout the whole house. Then yesterday we got our electric bill. Yah, it was almost double what it normally is so we decided we'll just have to be hot.
I guess I'm just bound to be a hot, stinky, sweaty person- at least until fall.
So it might clear my acne... but it probably wont help me stop sweating when it's 95 degrees in my house huh? We have a window unit which for the past month we've been running and using fans to blow it throughout the whole house. Then yesterday we got our electric bill. Yah, it was almost double what it normally is so we decided we'll just have to be hot.
I guess I'm just bound to be a hot, stinky, sweaty person- at least until fall.
Blessed
There are very few things on our list of stuff for this baby. The majority of the things we need are boy stuff- clothes, blankets, burp clothes. stuff like that.
The only two big things we needed/wanted was a certain swing and a certain bathing seat. I planned on looking used, the seat I couldn't find used anywhere, but it is only $15 new so that didn't bother me. The swing was about $75 used.
I mentioned this to my friend as we were talking about consignment sale shopping. She mentioned that the people who sold her their new house left a swing in the basement that she'd be happy to give us. Imagine my surprise when I go down there and it's the EXACT one I wanted!!
Then today while looking at craigslist, I found the bath seat. The listing was screaming at me "Click here! Click here!" When I opened it i saw that they only wanted $5!! God is so awesome. We've also been given some boy clothes from a few different people. I'm hoping to find the last few non diaper things I need at a consignment sale coming up in a few weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if God just happens to put the cloth diaper stuff I need there too!!
Boy on the brain
Since I found out we're having a boy I have been anxiously awaiting for my chance to start buying boy clothes and boy stuff. It's really driving me insane. With the strict budget we're on there's no room for going out and buying even one outfit. YET. July is a special month and it involves an extra paycheck, which is helpful because we have Lexi's birthday party coming up AND a consignment sale.
Obviously the sale is really exciting me, I am selling 90% of my girl clothes to make room for boy stuff! I will still have a budget, but we really don't need anything big, so YAY for clothes. I really wont buy too much either, because I know other's will be buying stuff, My sister has already bought some stuff for him!
I had my first baby dream last night. He was still a newborn though, so didn't have an individual look yet, just looked like a normal newborn baby. He had a head of thin dark hair like my girls had, and round cheeks like Caylee. I can't wait to kiss that baby head!!
So yah.. bring on the boy stuff!!
Obviously the sale is really exciting me, I am selling 90% of my girl clothes to make room for boy stuff! I will still have a budget, but we really don't need anything big, so YAY for clothes. I really wont buy too much either, because I know other's will be buying stuff, My sister has already bought some stuff for him!
I had my first baby dream last night. He was still a newborn though, so didn't have an individual look yet, just looked like a normal newborn baby. He had a head of thin dark hair like my girls had, and round cheeks like Caylee. I can't wait to kiss that baby head!!
So yah.. bring on the boy stuff!!
Ugh. Zits
I think that whole "pregnancy glow" is a lie. a myth. thicker nicer hair? beautiful nails? glowing face? YAH RIGHT. This is my 6th pregnancy, 3rd child and not ONCE have I looked more beautiful while pregnant. In fact, my body does just the opposite I think.
My hair goes crazy and there's nothing to do but pull it up (not that I mind), my nails don't change at all and my face.... UGH. I've always had acne, I have never had a day without at least one zit, not even with the expensive acne treatments. However, when I get pregnant my face becomes so oily i can barely stand it. zits break out over my entire face, normally moving down my neck to my chest and back by the end of the pregnancy. it's SO nasty.
So maybe I do glow... however it's because the sun is reflecting off the 3lbs of oil on my skin.
My hair goes crazy and there's nothing to do but pull it up (not that I mind), my nails don't change at all and my face.... UGH. I've always had acne, I have never had a day without at least one zit, not even with the expensive acne treatments. However, when I get pregnant my face becomes so oily i can barely stand it. zits break out over my entire face, normally moving down my neck to my chest and back by the end of the pregnancy. it's SO nasty.
So maybe I do glow... however it's because the sun is reflecting off the 3lbs of oil on my skin.
It's a boy!
We had the ultra sound on Monday and found out it's a boy. We're super excited because I'm so sick of pink!!! :) Plus it will add some diversity to our drama filled house. :) I already know from watching my 2.5 year old nephew that it means a lot more running around, it's better than taking a fat loss pill!
The baby was healthy and looking good, VERY active. I have to go back around 30 weeks for another ultra sound because the placenta is low, hopefully by then it will go up to where it needs to be so there are no problems with delivery.
Now we get the fun task of choosing a boy name! We have a couple picked out but we can't seem to agree on one. We're thinking about just waiting until he's born and seeing what he looks like but I think that might drive me insane!!
The baby was healthy and looking good, VERY active. I have to go back around 30 weeks for another ultra sound because the placenta is low, hopefully by then it will go up to where it needs to be so there are no problems with delivery.
Now we get the fun task of choosing a boy name! We have a couple picked out but we can't seem to agree on one. We're thinking about just waiting until he's born and seeing what he looks like but I think that might drive me insane!!
splurges
My pregnancy splurges are getting out of hand. Just about every day I feel I "need" candy or soda. Yes, I'm having caffeine, bad momma, I know... I could probably give up the soda (or "pop" for all you midwesterners) before I give up my candy. My candy cravings are different every day, one day it's York peppermint patties, the next Sour Patch Kids. It's not the way to live if you're trying to lose weight fast, luckily I'm not, but I also know that kind of junk is not good for the baby (or me!) Every time I have some candy or soda I tell myself "this is the last day of this, it's really not good for me or the baby." Then the next day I'm wanting some again. Don't get me wrong, I don't give in every day. I try to stick to every other day. yah I'm bad. I'll try to be better tomorrow. Promise.
Perfection
I read a great post this morning about striving to be a perfect mom and it really hit home. Not too long ago that was me losing control, screaming, longing to just be alone for a few days. no kids. I couldn't handle them, they were too much. They didn't listen, in fact they did the opposite of what I said. Lexi screamed at me, threw temper tantrums if she didn't get her way. My life was miserable because I couldn't make my kids obey. we went on vacation and I was embarrassed at my children's behavior, so embarrassed I cried when I left my friend's house because I felt like I had completely failed as a mom.
It wasn't until two weeks ago that it honestly hit me... I CAN'T DO IT. That's what God wanted me to realize. Just like my friend Beth says in her post, we can't be a perfect mother by our own power, even if we somehow could achieve this, how would it glorify Him?
Although I didn't stop reading my Bible I wasn't applying anything. Like someone wanting to lose weight with diet pills, they can read all the curvatrim reviews they want, but until they diet and exercise and take the pills nothing is going to change! No I am not promoting diet pills, But as Christians we do the same thing, we read a chapter of our Bible a day and walk away thinking that we're going to become great Christians, perfect parents, spouses and friends all because we read a verse. It's not going to happen that way. You have to actually choose to starve the flesh and feed the spirit, you have to choose to put on the armor of Christ, you have to choose to show the fruit of the spirit not the vices of the world. I was choosing the opposite of what I was reading.
What are you choosing?
It wasn't until two weeks ago that it honestly hit me... I CAN'T DO IT. That's what God wanted me to realize. Just like my friend Beth says in her post, we can't be a perfect mother by our own power, even if we somehow could achieve this, how would it glorify Him?
Although I didn't stop reading my Bible I wasn't applying anything. Like someone wanting to lose weight with diet pills, they can read all the curvatrim reviews they want, but until they diet and exercise and take the pills nothing is going to change! No I am not promoting diet pills, But as Christians we do the same thing, we read a chapter of our Bible a day and walk away thinking that we're going to become great Christians, perfect parents, spouses and friends all because we read a verse. It's not going to happen that way. You have to actually choose to starve the flesh and feed the spirit, you have to choose to put on the armor of Christ, you have to choose to show the fruit of the spirit not the vices of the world. I was choosing the opposite of what I was reading.
What are you choosing?
It's hot again
It was over 100 F today. in case you didn't know it, that's HOT. especially when your house does not have central AC. we have a window unit in the toy room, which is a carport that has been closed in. We use fans to try to circulate that cold air, but it doesn't work. This is the last place I live in the south without central air.
Growing up we never had air conditioners, not even window units, something about being in Pennsylvania and Maine that is a little less warm I guess. :) Or maybe it was being young I didn't notice the heat as much. I think I'm just old and spoiled now.
I am excited to go celebrate my friend's baby's first birthday on Saturday. time just flies, seems like yesterday I was buying the gift for the baby shower. I remember it because the store's little tm-t88iv receipt printer thingy wasn't working. Well, that's probably not the only reason I remember it, I love buying baby stuff. :) but either way, it's annoying when the receipt printers mess up. I am so sick of buying girl presents I'm going to LOVE shopping for his present. Boys are fun, cars, things that make noise, trucks, planes, trains... so many options!
Speaking of boys and girls... We find out on Monday what we're having and I can't wait!
Growing up we never had air conditioners, not even window units, something about being in Pennsylvania and Maine that is a little less warm I guess. :) Or maybe it was being young I didn't notice the heat as much. I think I'm just old and spoiled now.
I am excited to go celebrate my friend's baby's first birthday on Saturday. time just flies, seems like yesterday I was buying the gift for the baby shower. I remember it because the store's little tm-t88iv receipt printer thingy wasn't working. Well, that's probably not the only reason I remember it, I love buying baby stuff. :) but either way, it's annoying when the receipt printers mess up. I am so sick of buying girl presents I'm going to LOVE shopping for his present. Boys are fun, cars, things that make noise, trucks, planes, trains... so many options!
Speaking of boys and girls... We find out on Monday what we're having and I can't wait!
Babies Babies everywhere!
I know so many pregnant women! and everywhere I go I see more. I'm not sure what's going on, there are about 12 other women that I know of that are due right around the time I am. It's crazy!! I haven't had to send a wedding gift lately, but if I gave a gift to everyone expecting a baby I'd be out of money for a year! Crazy stuff!!
A little note about my experience with this pregnancy, I do not recommend losing a bunch of weight and getting pregnant if you don't have money to buy new clothes. I felt really good about the way I looked (in a few new outfits I had) before I got pregnant and started showing. Now I just look and feel fat. I have a few outfits that at the right time of day I look pregnant in, but all of my maternity clothes are WAY TOO BIG. Even if I was bigger, it's a completely different season this time around than it was with the girls so I'd still be having a hard time. I did manage to buy one maternity shirt last Saturday which I love and I'd buy one in every color if I could! :)
We have a little over a week until we find out whether we're having a boy or a girl and I'm so excited I can barely stand it! I hope it's a boy, I'm getting tired of seeing the same clothes over and over. However, as long as it's a healthy baby I will be happy!!
A little note about my experience with this pregnancy, I do not recommend losing a bunch of weight and getting pregnant if you don't have money to buy new clothes. I felt really good about the way I looked (in a few new outfits I had) before I got pregnant and started showing. Now I just look and feel fat. I have a few outfits that at the right time of day I look pregnant in, but all of my maternity clothes are WAY TOO BIG. Even if I was bigger, it's a completely different season this time around than it was with the girls so I'd still be having a hard time. I did manage to buy one maternity shirt last Saturday which I love and I'd buy one in every color if I could! :)
We have a little over a week until we find out whether we're having a boy or a girl and I'm so excited I can barely stand it! I hope it's a boy, I'm getting tired of seeing the same clothes over and over. However, as long as it's a healthy baby I will be happy!!
Mountain Dew Rampage
I just went ballistic and spazzed out over soda cans. My husband is a bit of a Mt. Dew fan, and now his cousin (who is also a Mt Dew fan, is staying with us. They go through quite a few cans a day, which means a lot of empty cans sitting around.
Thankfully they don't leave them spread out through the whole house, just in one or two spots. However, I HATE seeing them pile up. Even one can on the counter drives me insane. It is a rule that they must be rinsed before being left on the counter, and I love my husband because he at least does that much.
However this morning I went crazy. there were maybe 8 cans on the counter, but there were ants all over the floor. I HATE ANTS. They will not go away. About a week ago I went ballistic and put the garbage can for the soda cans right outside the back door (right next to the counter they get stacked on). I thought it would help keep them off the counter. It didn't. Well, it did because I kept throwing them in the can.
Anyway, I started grabbing the cans, rinsing them and brought them out back. Then realized the garbage can was full, so I dumped it all over the porch and started crushing them. They take up a lot less space that way. Then I came in the office where my husband was in search of cans, found about 5 more and i *might* have freaked out a bit and said I was about to ban all soda from my house. Then I went out and crushed them, and came in and apologized.
Why is it that things like empty soda cans can set me over the edge?
Thankfully they don't leave them spread out through the whole house, just in one or two spots. However, I HATE seeing them pile up. Even one can on the counter drives me insane. It is a rule that they must be rinsed before being left on the counter, and I love my husband because he at least does that much.
However this morning I went crazy. there were maybe 8 cans on the counter, but there were ants all over the floor. I HATE ANTS. They will not go away. About a week ago I went ballistic and put the garbage can for the soda cans right outside the back door (right next to the counter they get stacked on). I thought it would help keep them off the counter. It didn't. Well, it did because I kept throwing them in the can.
Anyway, I started grabbing the cans, rinsing them and brought them out back. Then realized the garbage can was full, so I dumped it all over the porch and started crushing them. They take up a lot less space that way. Then I came in the office where my husband was in search of cans, found about 5 more and i *might* have freaked out a bit and said I was about to ban all soda from my house. Then I went out and crushed them, and came in and apologized.
Why is it that things like empty soda cans can set me over the edge?
Beds
Lately I've been thinking about what to do about beds and bedrooms once the baby comes. We have a 3 bedroom house right now with a big toy room, all 3 bedrooms are pretty small and one of them is currently the office where my husband works during the day.
As is the two girls share a room and it's tight with the twin bed and crib, there is no way to fit another twin bed in there unless it's a bunk bed or trundle. If we did a trundle we couldn't fit the crib in there with it so we're really trying to figure out what to do. We've played around with a couple ideas like putting my husbands computer in our bedroom and giving Lexi her own room (the office) then Caylee and the baby could share a room once the baby is out of our room.
That's the other thing, our babies normally sleep with us either in our bed or next to us for the first 6-12 months of their lives, so technically we would be fine with the way things are until next June or so. Since our lease runs out in February we COULD just try to find another 3 bedroom with bigger rooms, or a 4 bedroom, or something with an office in addition to bedrooms at that point.
The other thing we're thinking about is to design furniture for the girl's room that would give them each their own bed and still fit the crib in there. It would be nice if we could fit a dresser in their too, like I said, there room is REALLY small. I guess we'll see what we come up with!
As is the two girls share a room and it's tight with the twin bed and crib, there is no way to fit another twin bed in there unless it's a bunk bed or trundle. If we did a trundle we couldn't fit the crib in there with it so we're really trying to figure out what to do. We've played around with a couple ideas like putting my husbands computer in our bedroom and giving Lexi her own room (the office) then Caylee and the baby could share a room once the baby is out of our room.
That's the other thing, our babies normally sleep with us either in our bed or next to us for the first 6-12 months of their lives, so technically we would be fine with the way things are until next June or so. Since our lease runs out in February we COULD just try to find another 3 bedroom with bigger rooms, or a 4 bedroom, or something with an office in addition to bedrooms at that point.
The other thing we're thinking about is to design furniture for the girl's room that would give them each their own bed and still fit the crib in there. It would be nice if we could fit a dresser in their too, like I said, there room is REALLY small. I guess we'll see what we come up with!
It's hot in topeka... and my house
For the first time since we've been married we don't have central air. And down here that matters. We have one window unit in the toy room, which used to be a carport and was closed it. It really is the hottest place in the house so it's appropriate that it has the AC. However, everywhere else in the house is ROASTING, even with the AC on.
I have a feeling that as the summer goes on, it's gets hotter and I get bigger I may be dreaming about central air. I'm not sure I'll get too big and miserable with this pregnancy since I'm not due until December, not like my other two babies who were both due in September. It was hot the entire time I was huge with them. I am not sure what I'll need for clothing this summer, my summer maternity clothes were all bought in the big and tall clothing section (ok, maternity section), but since I just lost 30lbs and i wont be as far along I'll probably be able to fit into my summer clothes from last year. My regular summer clothes that is. I'll probably look funny and need some maternity shirts to cover my belly, but we'll see. I've already found my shirts that I bought after losing weight before finding out I was pregnant, to be a bit short.
For now I'll wear what I have, I love that my shorts that were too small last summer are still big even though I have a bit of a baby belly. :)
I have a feeling that as the summer goes on, it's gets hotter and I get bigger I may be dreaming about central air. I'm not sure I'll get too big and miserable with this pregnancy since I'm not due until December, not like my other two babies who were both due in September. It was hot the entire time I was huge with them. I am not sure what I'll need for clothing this summer, my summer maternity clothes were all bought in the big and tall clothing section (ok, maternity section), but since I just lost 30lbs and i wont be as far along I'll probably be able to fit into my summer clothes from last year. My regular summer clothes that is. I'll probably look funny and need some maternity shirts to cover my belly, but we'll see. I've already found my shirts that I bought after losing weight before finding out I was pregnant, to be a bit short.
For now I'll wear what I have, I love that my shorts that were too small last summer are still big even though I have a bit of a baby belly. :)
Trying to run again
I think I told you when I first found out I was pregnant (4 days after running my half marathon) I was advised to stop running until I hit 12 weeks. So I did. It was very hard to not run since it has been a huge part of my life over the past 5 months.
After my ultra sound on the 1st I was told I could start running by a different doctor, who actually told me I never had to stop in the first place. The next day I tried to run. I made it a mile. I was out of breath and felt like I had never ran before. It was pathetic. I haven't attempted to run since then although I did spend last weekend at a youth camp where I walked up and down a steep hill no less than 20 times a day to get to my cabin. I'm sure that was enough exercise for me.
I really need to do something like walk or maybe try jogging again, if I had access to the gym I'd get on the elliptical, but that's not going to happen right now. Luckily I haven't gained a ton of weight or anything since I stopped running, I was afraid of that.
After my ultra sound on the 1st I was told I could start running by a different doctor, who actually told me I never had to stop in the first place. The next day I tried to run. I made it a mile. I was out of breath and felt like I had never ran before. It was pathetic. I haven't attempted to run since then although I did spend last weekend at a youth camp where I walked up and down a steep hill no less than 20 times a day to get to my cabin. I'm sure that was enough exercise for me.
I really need to do something like walk or maybe try jogging again, if I had access to the gym I'd get on the elliptical, but that's not going to happen right now. Luckily I haven't gained a ton of weight or anything since I stopped running, I was afraid of that.
A little off my plate
For a little over a year I've been the treasurer for a youth club near by. I've loved it, i really like details and organization and it was so fun to keep track of everything on all the spreadsheets. The only not fun part was doing the taxes, only cuz I was worried I'd mess up.
Since we moved in February and I started watching my niece and nephew I haven't been able to keep up with it like I should have, and it was harder to get the information I needed since I was an hour away from everything and everyone. So they started looking for someone else who could take over.
We were blessed to find an accountant who was willing to take over. I love knowing that it's in safe hands. Tuesday we met and I gave him all the files, I wish we had a way to make an online backup of everything, but for now the flash drive and files on my computer and on his will have to work. I am relieved to know it's one less thing I have on my plate, but as I mentioned, it's also nice knowing everything is going to be done the right way!
Since we moved in February and I started watching my niece and nephew I haven't been able to keep up with it like I should have, and it was harder to get the information I needed since I was an hour away from everything and everyone. So they started looking for someone else who could take over.
We were blessed to find an accountant who was willing to take over. I love knowing that it's in safe hands. Tuesday we met and I gave him all the files, I wish we had a way to make an online backup of everything, but for now the flash drive and files on my computer and on his will have to work. I am relieved to know it's one less thing I have on my plate, but as I mentioned, it's also nice knowing everything is going to be done the right way!
Oh the colds
For over 3 weeks now we have been fighting a cold. It started with Lexi, then hit Caylee and then me. we all overlapped and I've had mine for 2 weeks. The girls are all better now, aside from Caylee's ear infection. I have so much sinus pressure that my head feels like it's going to explode, and I can't seem to stop coughing. I am thinking about getting personal respironics oxygen concentrators to see if that helps. Ok, it's not THAT bad. I would like it to go away soon though, I miss being able to bend over without my head hurting.
I am glad that the girls got better faster than I am though, and my husband barely got it at all, he had a bit of a sore throat off and on but that's it. We did manage to pass it on to just about everyone we came in contact with over the 8 days we were gone. We infected people in Indiana, PA, TX and Maine. I don't think any of the people from NJ came down with the cold thankfully. What can I say, we just love to share!
I am glad that the girls got better faster than I am though, and my husband barely got it at all, he had a bit of a sore throat off and on but that's it. We did manage to pass it on to just about everyone we came in contact with over the 8 days we were gone. We infected people in Indiana, PA, TX and Maine. I don't think any of the people from NJ came down with the cold thankfully. What can I say, we just love to share!
Home
Well, we made it home! our vacation was great, even though we passed a cold around and at least two of us were miserable at every given moment. It started with Lexi on Sunday morning (the day we were leaving) she woke up with a fever of 102.1. After talking with my friend we decided to make the trip anyway. Lexi had the fever for a day and a half, started with a cough and runny nose on Monday and said her belly didn't feel good on Tuesday. By Monday Caylee had a runny nose. By Friday she had the fever. Hers just wont go away. Eugene got it and got over it within a day or two, and I just have the stuffy nose and cough.
Either way the whole trip was a blast! We had to spend an extra $250 to get our back breaks fixed while we were gone but hey, that type of stuff needs done right? We decided that we REALLY need a mini van or something bigger than our taurus, we were completely squished in that car.
While at Eugene's friend's house we decided it's time to say goodbye to tv stands and put the tv on the wall. They had theirs up there and I really liked it. It is a lot nicer than telling the kids to keep their fingers off the tv, and stop pushing the buttons... I'll enjoy not having to watch tv around the million little finger prints that cover the screen.
Either way the whole trip was a blast! We had to spend an extra $250 to get our back breaks fixed while we were gone but hey, that type of stuff needs done right? We decided that we REALLY need a mini van or something bigger than our taurus, we were completely squished in that car.
While at Eugene's friend's house we decided it's time to say goodbye to tv stands and put the tv on the wall. They had theirs up there and I really liked it. It is a lot nicer than telling the kids to keep their fingers off the tv, and stop pushing the buttons... I'll enjoy not having to watch tv around the million little finger prints that cover the screen.
Traveling and the belly
Ugh. the only thing I hate about traveling (besides the actual driving) is the changing of eating habits. At home we don't eat all natural, 100% healthy, but we also don't eat junk. Traveling while trying to spend as little money as possible always means eating fast food. UGH. that does a number on your belly! And it's definitely NOT how to reduce stomach fat.
When we got to Beth's she eats very healthy, in fact my husband didn't eat much while we were there because the food was just too good. he he. Now we're at his friend's house and it's a mix of eating out and eating home cooked meals. All this changing up is really messing with my stomach though. I loved all the fruit and healthy food at Beth's house, my body is craving fresh fruit!!
Maybe we should just drive the 7.5 hours back to her house to get a plum. Sounds good to me. Don't think my kids would go for it though.
When we got to Beth's she eats very healthy, in fact my husband didn't eat much while we were there because the food was just too good. he he. Now we're at his friend's house and it's a mix of eating out and eating home cooked meals. All this changing up is really messing with my stomach though. I loved all the fruit and healthy food at Beth's house, my body is craving fresh fruit!!
Maybe we should just drive the 7.5 hours back to her house to get a plum. Sounds good to me. Don't think my kids would go for it though.
Diners and motorcycles
Last night we got into town around 7 and hadn't eaten supper yet. We were starving so we stopped by Eugene's friend's house and we all went to the local diner. It's a place that Eugene used to eat a lot growing up, so it's a requirement that we eat there every time we visit the area. The old town diners always have the best food.
Last night we decided to save some gas and take their van and motorcycle. I got to ride home on the bike, it was a little chilly but oh so nice. I can't wait until Eugene gets his bike and we can ride together. I'm not sure what i like better, riding a motorcycle or atv riding though. with motorcycles you have to stay on roads and have to balance better. atvs you can drive through puddles and over mountains. :)
Tomorrow morning we leave for camping, I can't wait to see all my family and just hang out at the campground!
Last night we decided to save some gas and take their van and motorcycle. I got to ride home on the bike, it was a little chilly but oh so nice. I can't wait until Eugene gets his bike and we can ride together. I'm not sure what i like better, riding a motorcycle or atv riding though. with motorcycles you have to stay on roads and have to balance better. atvs you can drive through puddles and over mountains. :)
Tomorrow morning we leave for camping, I can't wait to see all my family and just hang out at the campground!
Old Friends
We're having a good time on our vacation, we spend almost 3 days with my bestest best friend, and then drove from Indiana to the western side of PA to visit with Eugene's best friend. We got here last night and hung out, and then today we drove around and went to visit his old neighbors. I love visiting them because we don't let them know we're coming we just drive up ring the doorbell and hang out.
Today it was just the perfect weather out we just sat on the porch. It was about 83 degrees but there was a wonderful breeze that just kept things cool. The girls played in the soft grass in their front yard and we just sat and chatted. I hope it's that nice while we're camping!
Today it was just the perfect weather out we just sat on the porch. It was about 83 degrees but there was a wonderful breeze that just kept things cool. The girls played in the soft grass in their front yard and we just sat and chatted. I hope it's that nice while we're camping!
homeschooling
So all the homeschooling mom's out there, what's your recommendation for Math curriculum? I am teaching my niece, we just finished 4th grade and have been doing saxon math, she's had a hard time grasping some of the concepts and I'd love peoples input on different options out there. I know I'm not worrying about sat prep yet, but I'd still like her to understand 5th grade math. So what do you recommend? and while I'm asking for input, what about science too?
YAY for friends!!
Yup, I just spent the past few days with my bestest best friend ever. We've had fun. Our children have blended so nicely and it's kinda fun to have 5 kids ages 1-5 in the house. I'm just glad they're not all mine, I think I'd go crazy if there weren't two mommies here.
We've gone to parks, a zoo, ran through a fountain, had some coffee, eaten lots of hummus, splashed in a pool and talked a lot. It's been good times. All the laughing has to be the best fat burning supplement available. I DO NOT want to leave tomorrow, there will probably be lots of tears and whining, not only by Lexi but me too. :)
But I do have a fun weekend ahead of camping with my family, so the vacation is not ending yet.
Friday- Finally!
Every since we made the decision to go visit my friend on Sunday this week slowed way down. But today is Friday and it has the potential to be a very good day. The girls came home this morning after staying at their aunts house for the night. Then She took one of the kids I watch with her, leaving me with 3 (of course the one she took is the 10 year old who causes no problems at all).
Either way it's Friday and we're going to be going on vacation in just 2 days. I have nothing packed yet, but that's ok. Someone needs to invent some sort of scanning software that will scan your list and house and just pack for you. I think that would be a good invention and I bet lots of people would buy it. :)
Either way it's Friday and we're going to be going on vacation in just 2 days. I have nothing packed yet, but that's ok. Someone needs to invent some sort of scanning software that will scan your list and house and just pack for you. I think that would be a good invention and I bet lots of people would buy it. :)
Thankful
I must say I'm very thankful for my husband's cousin right now. He's helped us out a lot with car stuff this week. First he changed the spark plugs and wires (something my husband was supposed to do about 5 months ago...) We've had the stuff sitting here waiting for him to do it and yet he never did. His cousin comes along and changes them in like 20 minutes.
The other HUGE thing he did was change the seat belt on our car. Well, just the part you click the belt into. I'm SO THANKFUL. I was sick of riding in the middle of the front seat of the Taurus. In case you were wondering, even though there's a seat belt there, it's not meant for a person to ride in.... That probably would have taken my husband a few hours to figure out and he got it done in about 20 minutes. That will make our trip up to Indiana a whole lot more comfortable for me! Kinda like going from a pair of dollar store shoes to a pair of Cole Haan shoes. Yah, the middle seat is that bad.
So Thanks Cousin, you rock.
The other HUGE thing he did was change the seat belt on our car. Well, just the part you click the belt into. I'm SO THANKFUL. I was sick of riding in the middle of the front seat of the Taurus. In case you were wondering, even though there's a seat belt there, it's not meant for a person to ride in.... That probably would have taken my husband a few hours to figure out and he got it done in about 20 minutes. That will make our trip up to Indiana a whole lot more comfortable for me! Kinda like going from a pair of dollar store shoes to a pair of Cole Haan shoes. Yah, the middle seat is that bad.
So Thanks Cousin, you rock.
It's been a long day
Seriously. I woke up thinking it was Friday. That never goes well when it's not actually Friday unless of course it's Saturday, but Today was in fact Thursday. Then every hour that went by today took about 3 hours to go by.
We spent 3 hours outside in the morning (really only 1), then the babies napped for 4 hours (ok only 2) Then we played outside for another 4 hours (yes I mean 1.5) you get the picture. It was one of those days where I wondered if there was some wireless security systems watching me and rewinding everything.
Luckily the kids were all really good until about 3 or 4 when the two littlest ones got tired and started getting whiny. It was just a long day.
Then it picked up because My husband's sister just happened to stop by tonight and decided to take the girls for the night! WOA! yah I have no kids right now and I'm sitting here blogging. I'm awesome.
We spent 3 hours outside in the morning (really only 1), then the babies napped for 4 hours (ok only 2) Then we played outside for another 4 hours (yes I mean 1.5) you get the picture. It was one of those days where I wondered if there was some wireless security systems watching me and rewinding everything.
Luckily the kids were all really good until about 3 or 4 when the two littlest ones got tired and started getting whiny. It was just a long day.
Then it picked up because My husband's sister just happened to stop by tonight and decided to take the girls for the night! WOA! yah I have no kids right now and I'm sitting here blogging. I'm awesome.
It's getting real
Today I had my first Ob appointment, although I'm only 9 weeks a long and we didn't get to hear the heart beat and they didn't do an ultra sound for some reason the pregnancy started to feel real today.
I started dreaming about the newborn phase, the nursing, the snuggles, cute little baby clothes (which will hopefully be in blue this time...) I just can't wait to see the cute little baby, the little toes and fingers, the soft skin and cute little nose. I can just see all those features on little photo cards announcing the arrival of our newest addition. Too bad we never actually get around to mailing those cards out that my husband designs. :)
I do have an ultra sound scheduled for two weeks from yesterday, it would be sooner but since I'm going to be gone all next week the earliest I could get in is the first. I can't wait to see the baby, and just know that everything is alright. It will certainly give me a lot more peace.
I started dreaming about the newborn phase, the nursing, the snuggles, cute little baby clothes (which will hopefully be in blue this time...) I just can't wait to see the cute little baby, the little toes and fingers, the soft skin and cute little nose. I can just see all those features on little photo cards announcing the arrival of our newest addition. Too bad we never actually get around to mailing those cards out that my husband designs. :)
I do have an ultra sound scheduled for two weeks from yesterday, it would be sooner but since I'm going to be gone all next week the earliest I could get in is the first. I can't wait to see the baby, and just know that everything is alright. It will certainly give me a lot more peace.
Watch out Indiana here we come!
I couldn't be more excited right now. My little idea to go visit my best friend is ACTUALLY going to happen! Yup, Sunday morning we are getting in the car and driving to Central Indiana! I hope my friend has homeowners insurance or renters insurance or whatever cuz between her family and my family there will be 9 of us in her house. :) YAY
I've been told she has lots of stuff planned for us to do like going to parks and a zoo, and lots and lots of walks. :) I'm hoping that since she homeschools her daughter who is a year older than Lexi that Lexi will get to sit in on school and kinda get the feel for what's supposed to happen. Then maybe Lexi will accept that mommy is the teacher and she needs to listen. If not I'll ship her off to Beth to teach next year. :)
Anyway, I'm excited!!
I've been told she has lots of stuff planned for us to do like going to parks and a zoo, and lots and lots of walks. :) I'm hoping that since she homeschools her daughter who is a year older than Lexi that Lexi will get to sit in on school and kinda get the feel for what's supposed to happen. Then maybe Lexi will accept that mommy is the teacher and she needs to listen. If not I'll ship her off to Beth to teach next year. :)
Anyway, I'm excited!!
Feeling the pressure
Well, another month has gone by and my husband still can't find a job. He's been working on trying to start a business. He's a draftsman by trade but has amazing talent with graphic design. He's picking up on all the code and details needed and has made several websites, custom myspace pages and logos and headers for people. Problem is as of right now it's not enough to support us. He's also a web dealer for Eagle carports, so if you're looking for a carport, barn, storage building or horse barn let us know. :)
I'm getting pretty frustrated with the lack of job, he stays busy either working on things or learning things but I'd still feel a lot more comfortable if he had a steady job. I guess God is still teaching me to trust Him!
I'm getting pretty frustrated with the lack of job, he stays busy either working on things or learning things but I'd still feel a lot more comfortable if he had a steady job. I guess God is still teaching me to trust Him!
could it be?!
I'm very excited tonight. There is a chance I could get to see my best friend in a few weeks. We are going camping over memorial day weekend with some of my family at a state park below Harrisburg PA. That's really far from central Indiana where she lives, BUT you see my husband was offered a free testosterone booster (aka motorcycle) if he goes to Western PA and picks it up.
So today I was thinking we could leave a week early, drive from here to central IN, visit for a few days, then drive to Western PA, pick up the bike and spend the night with his friend, then drive to the campground. To me it's a win win situation. See, she's my best friend and yet we haven't seen each other in 4 years. Yah. sad I know, she's never met either of my girls and I've only met one of her 3 kids!
So I say we do it. There's only one kinda major thing we have to work out. That is how to get the motorcycle which isn't running from PA to here. We only have a Ford Taurus with no hitch, so renting a trailer isn't an option. Maybe we can throw it on the roof? I really hope something works out because I want to see her!!
So today I was thinking we could leave a week early, drive from here to central IN, visit for a few days, then drive to Western PA, pick up the bike and spend the night with his friend, then drive to the campground. To me it's a win win situation. See, she's my best friend and yet we haven't seen each other in 4 years. Yah. sad I know, she's never met either of my girls and I've only met one of her 3 kids!
So I say we do it. There's only one kinda major thing we have to work out. That is how to get the motorcycle which isn't running from PA to here. We only have a Ford Taurus with no hitch, so renting a trailer isn't an option. Maybe we can throw it on the roof? I really hope something works out because I want to see her!!
30 minute muffins take 3 hours
At least this morning they did.
See, this morning I was digging through the house looking for something good for breakfast when I discovered I had 2 bags of frozen overripe bananas in the freezer. (When a banana gets too brown to eat I just put it in a ziplock in the freezer, and I add to the bag until it's full) I decided Banana muffins would make a great breakfast and got started making them.
I quickly realized I didn't have baking soda, but since my niece and nephew were already here I had to wait for my husband to get done showering before I could send him to the store for some. So the muffins waited on the counter half mixed up for an hour. Of course he came to the rescue and I was able to finish making the muffins.
I had already preheated the oven, so I put them in the muffin tin and stuck them in the oven. I set the timer for 20 minutes and walked away to take care of some other house hold stuff. When the timer went off I checked them and they were no where near ready, so I set the timer for 5 more minutes and walked away. Timer went off, checked, still no where near done. 5 more minutes. 5 more minutes. FINALLY after they had been in the oven for about 40 minutes I realized I never turned the temperature of the oven up to 375. It was on 200. That was when I remembered starting to set the temperature and hearing massive amounts of screaming coming out of the toy room so I stopped what I was doing and ran to see what happened. Apparently I never remembered to set the temperature. Whoops.
So my muffins took an hour to cook, and they didn't rise up very well, but they taste good enough that I had 4. (Now you understand why I haven't made banana bread or muffins in about 5 months....) Time to start looking for some fat burners. Or I could just blame it on the pregnancy and forget about it until the baby is born...
See, this morning I was digging through the house looking for something good for breakfast when I discovered I had 2 bags of frozen overripe bananas in the freezer. (When a banana gets too brown to eat I just put it in a ziplock in the freezer, and I add to the bag until it's full) I decided Banana muffins would make a great breakfast and got started making them.
I quickly realized I didn't have baking soda, but since my niece and nephew were already here I had to wait for my husband to get done showering before I could send him to the store for some. So the muffins waited on the counter half mixed up for an hour. Of course he came to the rescue and I was able to finish making the muffins.
I had already preheated the oven, so I put them in the muffin tin and stuck them in the oven. I set the timer for 20 minutes and walked away to take care of some other house hold stuff. When the timer went off I checked them and they were no where near ready, so I set the timer for 5 more minutes and walked away. Timer went off, checked, still no where near done. 5 more minutes. 5 more minutes. FINALLY after they had been in the oven for about 40 minutes I realized I never turned the temperature of the oven up to 375. It was on 200. That was when I remembered starting to set the temperature and hearing massive amounts of screaming coming out of the toy room so I stopped what I was doing and ran to see what happened. Apparently I never remembered to set the temperature. Whoops.
So my muffins took an hour to cook, and they didn't rise up very well, but they taste good enough that I had 4. (Now you understand why I haven't made banana bread or muffins in about 5 months....) Time to start looking for some fat burners. Or I could just blame it on the pregnancy and forget about it until the baby is born...
"MOMMMAAA"
I want to start this post by saying I love being a mom, even on the whiny days and the days where I barely ever get to sit down.
However, this week I've wished I could change my name and produce infomercials on the best shampoo for thinning hair or something. My oldest has spent 90% of her day saying "momma...." followed by some silly thought or command. I'm honestly sick of hearing my name! especially since it's normally in a whiny voice because she wants to complain about something or beg for something.
I'm sure I'm not the only mom who thinks this from time to time, right?
However, this week I've wished I could change my name and produce infomercials on the best shampoo for thinning hair or something. My oldest has spent 90% of her day saying "momma...." followed by some silly thought or command. I'm honestly sick of hearing my name! especially since it's normally in a whiny voice because she wants to complain about something or beg for something.
I'm sure I'm not the only mom who thinks this from time to time, right?
Yard Sale!
Saturday we're having a yard sale. Technically a 5 family yard sale. I can't WAIT to get this junk out of my house, and hopefully we'll sell enough to be able to buy a new seat belt for the passengers seat in our car, I'm getting tired of riding in the middle seat.
Yard sales are a bit of work, but they're always worth it to me, I love getting rid of unwanted toys, clothes we no longer wear/fit in, and random stuff that's sitting around our house like old speaker boxes and cardboard displays. If this baby is a boy and I actually new already i would have a whole bunch more stuff to sell, for now I'll keep holding on to all those baby girl clothes and blankets though. oh well!
Yard sales are a bit of work, but they're always worth it to me, I love getting rid of unwanted toys, clothes we no longer wear/fit in, and random stuff that's sitting around our house like old speaker boxes and cardboard displays. If this baby is a boy and I actually new already i would have a whole bunch more stuff to sell, for now I'll keep holding on to all those baby girl clothes and blankets though. oh well!
Houses
A few of my friends are either house hunting or have just bought new houses and it always makes me think about how nice it would be to own a house. It's not enough that it makes me want to make unwise financial decisions and do whatever I can to get some high interest APR with no money down just to own a house, but it is enough that I start thinking about what I'd like in our own home.
We have the normal list about how many bedrooms, a garage, big kitchen etc. and of course land! I think the most exciting thing about owning a house would be changing things, painting, new carpet, new Quoizel lighting oh and being able to plant a garden and flowers!
This year we have a family garden at my SIL's house, I hope it produces a lot of crops, there's nothing better than fresh veggies! I look forward to walking out to the garden and pulling beans off the stalks. Fresh produce. even better than local farmer market produce. (because I don't have to pay for it!)
Whenever I start thinking about owning a house I start listing off the nice things about renting, like when something breaks you don't have to pay to fix it. Or if you get sick of living in one place you can just move, no selling, re buying, loan applying etc. So for now, I'm happy in my rental house. Probably happier than I've been in any rental we've lived in!
We have the normal list about how many bedrooms, a garage, big kitchen etc. and of course land! I think the most exciting thing about owning a house would be changing things, painting, new carpet, new Quoizel lighting oh and being able to plant a garden and flowers!
This year we have a family garden at my SIL's house, I hope it produces a lot of crops, there's nothing better than fresh veggies! I look forward to walking out to the garden and pulling beans off the stalks. Fresh produce. even better than local farmer market produce. (because I don't have to pay for it!)
Whenever I start thinking about owning a house I start listing off the nice things about renting, like when something breaks you don't have to pay to fix it. Or if you get sick of living in one place you can just move, no selling, re buying, loan applying etc. So for now, I'm happy in my rental house. Probably happier than I've been in any rental we've lived in!
Motorcycle
I forgot to mention in the last post something going on with my husband, Something he's pretty excited about. One of his good friends is giving him his old motorcycle. We just have to get it down here from PA and fix something small on it. Looks like it's time to get some wholesale term life insurance. I'm just kidding, I think he'll do fine. But if anyone is driving from PA down here and has room for a motorcycle, let us know! :)
Something totally random, Caylee is doing bridges in the middle of the floor right now. Are 20 months old supposed to be able to do those unassisted without ever seeing anyone do one?
Something totally random, Caylee is doing bridges in the middle of the floor right now. Are 20 months old supposed to be able to do those unassisted without ever seeing anyone do one?
Teething and other craziness
Caylee has gone completely crazy. She spent several days, almost a week, just whining. It wasn't until she started to calm down that I realized two of her canine teeth had come in. Whoops, bad mom for overlooking that one! I should of known with her lack of eating. Now she is talking up a storm, she doesn't really stop, new words come out of her almost daily and she's putting words together too.
She has a fascination with horses or "neigh neighs" as she calls them. She loves the show Mr. Ed and tonight she was watching horse races. She climbs on everything, plays with everything, gets into everything and puts almost everything in her mouth (except the food that we want her to try, she's a pretty picky eater). All in all, she's really been making life interesting and more fun.
Lexi has become pretty independent and LOVES playing on the computer. We have my old computer hooked up in the toy room where she would spend all day on PBSkids.org if we let her. She's been spending a lot of time talking about her birthday party. She wants a "dance party with cookies, cake, ice cream and video games." her words. Should be an interesting party.
We've been starting to take family walks and I think next time we might take a walk around a little fishing pond. It seems to be an exciting thing around here to go fish at these ponds, They're stocked full of fish and have fish feeders and fountains and the whole works. I think it's one of those places you pay to fish, or pay for the fish you catch or something, nothing I'm really interested in, but other people are obviously!
Anyway, that's the current crazy news for our house!
She has a fascination with horses or "neigh neighs" as she calls them. She loves the show Mr. Ed and tonight she was watching horse races. She climbs on everything, plays with everything, gets into everything and puts almost everything in her mouth (except the food that we want her to try, she's a pretty picky eater). All in all, she's really been making life interesting and more fun.
Lexi has become pretty independent and LOVES playing on the computer. We have my old computer hooked up in the toy room where she would spend all day on PBSkids.org if we let her. She's been spending a lot of time talking about her birthday party. She wants a "dance party with cookies, cake, ice cream and video games." her words. Should be an interesting party.
We've been starting to take family walks and I think next time we might take a walk around a little fishing pond. It seems to be an exciting thing around here to go fish at these ponds, They're stocked full of fish and have fish feeders and fountains and the whole works. I think it's one of those places you pay to fish, or pay for the fish you catch or something, nothing I'm really interested in, but other people are obviously!
Anyway, that's the current crazy news for our house!
Whole Foods
I took my first trip to a Whole Foods store, I liked Trader Joe's better. It seemed less crowded, there was a little less variety at Trader Joe's, but the prices were better. We got some yummy grass fed, antibiotic free beef and I can't wait to taste it! I also found a few different types of aluminum free deodorant. I need too look them all up and see what is the best one, it's something I've been thinking about switching to for awhile I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I'll probably come across some hydroxycut information while looking for healthy deodorant stuff, seems weight loss pills are advertised everywhere.
I was kinda disappointed that we drove the hour down to the store and really the only thing there that I couldn't get in a regular store up here was the good meat. We're going to be researching and asking around up here for some local farmers who sell meat and some good milk too. Surely there's someone around who has grass fed cows and free range chickens right?
I was kinda disappointed that we drove the hour down to the store and really the only thing there that I couldn't get in a regular store up here was the good meat. We're going to be researching and asking around up here for some local farmers who sell meat and some good milk too. Surely there's someone around who has grass fed cows and free range chickens right?
Good times!
I had a very good busy day today. My sister in law stopped by and we all went to the local gym and took the kids swimming then went to the park. We played on the playground and went for a little walk down the trail. Then tonight we went over to my other sister in law's house and ate some yummy grilled out food and pasta salad and watched Napoleon Dynamite. I tell you what, with all that exercise and then laughing at that stupid movie I think I'll see better numbers on the scale than if I had weight loss surgery!
Speaking of great results on the scale... Last night we went for a family walk, I pushed the stroller while we walked down the nice trail down town. Well, this morning my wonderful husband gets on the scale and had lost 3lbs just from that walk! makes me so mad. Amazing to me how he can walk once and lose that much weight. :)
Anyway, it's late and I'm tired! Good night!
Speaking of great results on the scale... Last night we went for a family walk, I pushed the stroller while we walked down the nice trail down town. Well, this morning my wonderful husband gets on the scale and had lost 3lbs just from that walk! makes me so mad. Amazing to me how he can walk once and lose that much weight. :)
Anyway, it's late and I'm tired! Good night!
Food Habits
A while ago a good friend blogger had recommended the movie Food Inc. Recently my sister in law rented it from netflix and we watched it. OH MY is my reaction. For over half the movie my eyes were bugged out of my head and my jaw was on the floor. I felt like a Texas truck accident lawyer walking up to a messy accident. I was disgusted, frustrated and sick at what is going on in the food industry and what I am putting in my family's body! If you haven't seen the movie yet, I highly recommend you watch it. Right now it is available online free to watch through PBS. DO IT.
It has changed the way we eat. Well, it will once we go grocery shopping anyway. Right now we are trying to finish the food we have in the house and we will be replacing it with organic, local, free range, grass fed, natural foods. It's going to mean giving up some things I'm sure. Like McDonalds and Arby's, and other fast food... yah, it will take a while to get used to but I can't wait to know that what is in my food is healthy and NATURAL.
It has changed the way we eat. Well, it will once we go grocery shopping anyway. Right now we are trying to finish the food we have in the house and we will be replacing it with organic, local, free range, grass fed, natural foods. It's going to mean giving up some things I'm sure. Like McDonalds and Arby's, and other fast food... yah, it will take a while to get used to but I can't wait to know that what is in my food is healthy and NATURAL.
My weightloss journey
I know I've touched on this subject a few times here and there but I wanted to get it all down in one place so here it is.
In January I was not happy with myself. I was so far away from where I needed to be spiritually that I knew things needed to change. I struggled so hard with gluttony and knew the only way to break it was through fasting and prayer. I knew fasting and prayer would break more than just the addiction of food and would help me get on the right path. I took a few days and was reading my Bible and praying as much as I could be, every chance I got I read and prayed and thought about what I had read earlier. When something I struggled with came my way I quickly started quoting Bible verses to help me remember where my focus was and the proper thoughts that I should be having at that moment. Whether it was something about food, worry, judgmental thoughts or selfish thoughts. There's a Bible verse to help with everything.
That was around the middle of January. I immediately stopped drinking soda and coffee (I was drinking about 3 cups of coffee and 1 soda a day). I started running and training for a half marathon, I made healthy food choices, using sparkpeople to help me keep track. I started seeing the pounds come off faster than I ever imagined. All without the help of diet pills, I had no need to look up nuphedragen reviews.
3 months later I ran my half marathon, I still haven't had any coffee or soda, I didn't always make great food choices and I haven't always had the best attitude, but I know a lot of progress has been made. I lost almost 35lbs, went down 4 pants sizes and went from not being able to run 3 miles to running 13.1.
Losing weight is not easy, but it is worth it, it does feel good to be healthy! I am scared that since the doctor told me not to run during this pregnancy that I'll gain a bunch of weight. I hope not!
In January I was not happy with myself. I was so far away from where I needed to be spiritually that I knew things needed to change. I struggled so hard with gluttony and knew the only way to break it was through fasting and prayer. I knew fasting and prayer would break more than just the addiction of food and would help me get on the right path. I took a few days and was reading my Bible and praying as much as I could be, every chance I got I read and prayed and thought about what I had read earlier. When something I struggled with came my way I quickly started quoting Bible verses to help me remember where my focus was and the proper thoughts that I should be having at that moment. Whether it was something about food, worry, judgmental thoughts or selfish thoughts. There's a Bible verse to help with everything.
That was around the middle of January. I immediately stopped drinking soda and coffee (I was drinking about 3 cups of coffee and 1 soda a day). I started running and training for a half marathon, I made healthy food choices, using sparkpeople to help me keep track. I started seeing the pounds come off faster than I ever imagined. All without the help of diet pills, I had no need to look up nuphedragen reviews.
3 months later I ran my half marathon, I still haven't had any coffee or soda, I didn't always make great food choices and I haven't always had the best attitude, but I know a lot of progress has been made. I lost almost 35lbs, went down 4 pants sizes and went from not being able to run 3 miles to running 13.1.
Losing weight is not easy, but it is worth it, it does feel good to be healthy! I am scared that since the doctor told me not to run during this pregnancy that I'll gain a bunch of weight. I hope not!
Morning sickness
Now that we've moved close to my husband's family I am watching his niece and nephew. His niece is almost 10 and I home school her, his nephew is a little over 2. So with My two girls and them I've got 4 kids, 10, 3, 2 and 1. and Now I'm pregnant too! Some days are awesome and others give me gray hairs, a few days I swear I've found an age spot. do those come from stress too? :) Lately we've had good days overall, with a few little stressful whiny parts- which is normal for having 3 little kids and a pregnant woman in the house.
Sunday I started getting morning sickness, my favorite part of pregnancy. Mine is more like all day nausea, luckily I don't throw up, Today I kinda felt like I might though. The past 3 pregnancies I've worn sea bands which worked like a charm, but they aren't touching the nausea this time. With Lexi I didn't have sea bands so I just ate all day, it worked but I gained a ton of weight- something I'm trying to avoid since I just lost 35lbs.
So what's your favorite morning sickness cure?
Sunday I started getting morning sickness, my favorite part of pregnancy. Mine is more like all day nausea, luckily I don't throw up, Today I kinda felt like I might though. The past 3 pregnancies I've worn sea bands which worked like a charm, but they aren't touching the nausea this time. With Lexi I didn't have sea bands so I just ate all day, it worked but I gained a ton of weight- something I'm trying to avoid since I just lost 35lbs.
So what's your favorite morning sickness cure?
a secret
Want to know a secret? I'll be getting a really nice Christmas present this year. Diamonds. just kidding, another baby!( assuming all goes well) In turn that means we'll be needing another Christmas present, a van. Our little Taurus wont hold another car seat.
We're praying for a healthy baby (we'd appreciate any addition prayers), my husband would love a boy, I wouldn't mind one myself but a healthy baby is all I really want! After two miscarriages last summer we're a bit nervous, but we refuse to live in fear. My doctor did advise me to stop running until 12 weeks. Of course after a 7 week break I'm not sure it would be ok with my body to start running again!
In the back of our minds we are trying to figure out arrangements to fit 3 kids into their bedroom, or do something else with our office so that Lexi can have her own room. Right now my husband works from home so putting his computer in a place where the kids are all day wouldn't work well at all. we've got a few ideas we're toying with, of course we have plenty of time to figure it out since we still have until December before the baby comes and then about 6ish months before it would be moved out of our room anyway.
So there's our big news as well as a bunch of random thoughts! :) Hope you're having a good day!
We're praying for a healthy baby (we'd appreciate any addition prayers), my husband would love a boy, I wouldn't mind one myself but a healthy baby is all I really want! After two miscarriages last summer we're a bit nervous, but we refuse to live in fear. My doctor did advise me to stop running until 12 weeks. Of course after a 7 week break I'm not sure it would be ok with my body to start running again!
In the back of our minds we are trying to figure out arrangements to fit 3 kids into their bedroom, or do something else with our office so that Lexi can have her own room. Right now my husband works from home so putting his computer in a place where the kids are all day wouldn't work well at all. we've got a few ideas we're toying with, of course we have plenty of time to figure it out since we still have until December before the baby comes and then about 6ish months before it would be moved out of our room anyway.
So there's our big news as well as a bunch of random thoughts! :) Hope you're having a good day!
New Goals.
Saturday was my race. I ran my first half marathon in 2 hours 10 minutes and 3 seconds. that's just under a 10 minute mile. Not too bad. that includes a bit of walking at the water stations and a potty break at mile 9. Miles 7-9 were the hardest, but luckily a random guy came up next to me and started a conversation. Yup, someone was telling me jokes and keeping me entertained through the hardest part of my race. It was much appreciated, and if I wouldn't have had to use the port a potty I would have continued running with him and got a better time. oh well, when ya gotta go, you gotta go!
I had a blast and would love to run another one soon. I had major disappointment when it was over though. I have been training for 4 months and now it's over, what next?!It was a perfect race day, the sun stayed behind clouds most of the race, peeking out every now and then. There was a nice cool breeze keeping things at the perfect temperature. I even managed to get a nice free leg massage after the race was over. Nothing like rubbing down sore muscles!!!
There was a professional photography company there taking pictures during the race, they got a few good ones of me, but I'm not sure I want to spend the $8 to get a 4x6 picture. Even if it is on nice paper and good quality color printing... Because the course was a down and back type run the only photo opp for normal people was at the start and finish line, Eugene managed to get a picture of me, and a video as I was coming up to the finish line but it's not as good as the one the company got.
The whole weekend was just really good, The race was in Chesapeake, VA so we found a campground in Virginia Beach and stayed in a little cabin type thing. It was a great get away, we had a bunch of fun playing with the girls, we went to the zoo, the beach and also played on a million different playgrounds. :) It was great times, except for the 6 hour car ride where I had to sit in the middle of the front seat because our passenger seat belt is broken, and the speeding ticket my husband got on the way... oh well.
Now to set some new goals.
I had a blast and would love to run another one soon. I had major disappointment when it was over though. I have been training for 4 months and now it's over, what next?!It was a perfect race day, the sun stayed behind clouds most of the race, peeking out every now and then. There was a nice cool breeze keeping things at the perfect temperature. I even managed to get a nice free leg massage after the race was over. Nothing like rubbing down sore muscles!!!
There was a professional photography company there taking pictures during the race, they got a few good ones of me, but I'm not sure I want to spend the $8 to get a 4x6 picture. Even if it is on nice paper and good quality color printing... Because the course was a down and back type run the only photo opp for normal people was at the start and finish line, Eugene managed to get a picture of me, and a video as I was coming up to the finish line but it's not as good as the one the company got.
The whole weekend was just really good, The race was in Chesapeake, VA so we found a campground in Virginia Beach and stayed in a little cabin type thing. It was a great get away, we had a bunch of fun playing with the girls, we went to the zoo, the beach and also played on a million different playgrounds. :) It was great times, except for the 6 hour car ride where I had to sit in the middle of the front seat because our passenger seat belt is broken, and the speeding ticket my husband got on the way... oh well.
Now to set some new goals.
Flaming Telephone Poles
I saw the most interesting thing last Thursday night. It was around 6pm, I had just started supper (YUM PIZZA!!) I had the homemade crust ready to be put on the preheated pizza stone, the cauliflower was steaming for my cauliflower pizza crust, the sauce was ready the cheese was grated. As I started spreading the crust on the stone when I heard "crackle crackle POP" and the lights were flickering, they went out, then came back on as I saw more flashes from outside and heard "Crackle, crackle POP POP!" then the lights went out again.
In a weird sort of panic we started unplugging all electronics thinking the surges were going to fry our computers and tv. I tried flipping the breaker thinking maybe it was just our house, then we saw the neighbor outside looking around and realized it was the whole street. The transformer blew. We loaded up the "fixings" for supper to go to my sis in law's house to finish cooking when we heard and saw firetrucks coming down our street, we were confused until our neighbor pointed out the flames shooting out of the top of the telephone pole. It was pouring down rain and the power had been out for about 30 minutes and STILL the telephone pole was on fire! So weird.
We decided to just go grab some supper, then went to Walmart to waste some time knowing it would be a while before the power was turned back on. We were right, it was 11pm before the lights came on. It was fun to be forced to sit still and talk and play cards though!
Luckily the only thing affected by the power surges was the internet, we thought at first it was our wireless router causing us the problems, then found out it was the actual internet. FEW! we didn't have to replace any expensive electronics!!
In a weird sort of panic we started unplugging all electronics thinking the surges were going to fry our computers and tv. I tried flipping the breaker thinking maybe it was just our house, then we saw the neighbor outside looking around and realized it was the whole street. The transformer blew. We loaded up the "fixings" for supper to go to my sis in law's house to finish cooking when we heard and saw firetrucks coming down our street, we were confused until our neighbor pointed out the flames shooting out of the top of the telephone pole. It was pouring down rain and the power had been out for about 30 minutes and STILL the telephone pole was on fire! So weird.
We decided to just go grab some supper, then went to Walmart to waste some time knowing it would be a while before the power was turned back on. We were right, it was 11pm before the lights came on. It was fun to be forced to sit still and talk and play cards though!
Luckily the only thing affected by the power surges was the internet, we thought at first it was our wireless router causing us the problems, then found out it was the actual internet. FEW! we didn't have to replace any expensive electronics!!
Spring!
Spring is here! well, it's been here for a while, lately the weather has been more summer like. The past two days were in the upper 80's and I'm pretty sure the next two days are suppose to be there too.
Today was a much needed break, my sister in law had a few days off so her kids weren't at the house, we decided to go to the park and play with the girls for a while, it was a blast, then this afternoon my other sister in law called to see if we wanted to go to the park to have a picnic supper and play. So of course we said yes! Two trips to the park in one day? who could turn that down?!
This is a really cool park, it looks like a castle with lots of levels and slides, and monkey bars. All sorts of fun stuff to play around on. Both girls love it (and I do too) it reminds me of something a little kid would make with boxes in their back yard, only it's cooler cuz you can actually climb up it. I wonder if they make custom cardboard boxes in the shape of castles, that would be fun.
Both girls were surprisingly good today, at least until about 8:30 when Lexi decided to get all her bad deeds done for the day. She's still fighting us about sleep, i guess it's better than a whole day of being bad right?! They should sleep well tonight, we wore them out!
Today was a much needed break, my sister in law had a few days off so her kids weren't at the house, we decided to go to the park and play with the girls for a while, it was a blast, then this afternoon my other sister in law called to see if we wanted to go to the park to have a picnic supper and play. So of course we said yes! Two trips to the park in one day? who could turn that down?!
This is a really cool park, it looks like a castle with lots of levels and slides, and monkey bars. All sorts of fun stuff to play around on. Both girls love it (and I do too) it reminds me of something a little kid would make with boxes in their back yard, only it's cooler cuz you can actually climb up it. I wonder if they make custom cardboard boxes in the shape of castles, that would be fun.
Both girls were surprisingly good today, at least until about 8:30 when Lexi decided to get all her bad deeds done for the day. She's still fighting us about sleep, i guess it's better than a whole day of being bad right?! They should sleep well tonight, we wore them out!
The joys of moving
I love moving, there's just something fun about change. I know not everyone likes it, but I am one of those people who does. The only thing I hate about moving (aside from the packing) is switching over car insurance and registration and drivers licenses. i say a big fat BOOOO to that. We stuck with the same car insurance company (and renters and life) but each state has it's own branch so we had to switch to the local one, which was pretty much like starting over. Luckily we didn't have to worry about getting life insurance quotes, that was the one thing that we didn't have to change. Thankfully my sister in law watched our girls and my other sister in law's kids while we went up to take care of all that. Anyway...
So that's the fun we finally got done! It was nice to get a new drivers license though, my old one was only a few years old, but since I've lost almost 35lbs I look a little different. One thing about Virginia is that they mail you your new card, so I have to wait 2 weeks until I see what the picture looks like. :)
So that's the fun we finally got done! It was nice to get a new drivers license though, my old one was only a few years old, but since I've lost almost 35lbs I look a little different. One thing about Virginia is that they mail you your new card, so I have to wait 2 weeks until I see what the picture looks like. :)
Stretching under the stars
I ran tonight and had an awesome run. I've been working on my mental thoughts while running because since I've moved here I've had a hard time running. Before we moved I did 9 miles and never once walked. I don't know if I've done a run without walking since we've moved which is pathetic. but I decided it has to be mental there's no other reason for it. ANYWAY....
My run was good, the best part didn't last long enough. When I do my long runs I have to drive down to the town and run the path, so my longer runs (Wednesday and Saturday) are ran down there. Today I ran after supper so it was starting to get dark by the time I finished my run, while stretching I got to lay down on the grass a bit and look at the sky. It was amazing, there were a few stars scattered across the sky, and the moon, although only half full was bright and lit up the night. I wanted to lay there for hours like I did when I was little, but I felt a little weird since I was alone and there were a bunch of men and teenage boys around. So I got up.
When I was young I used to take a sleeping bag out into the front yard and look at the stars for hours, there's something about nature that i just love, and nature at night is wonderfully amazing. For a minute laying there tonight I slipped back in time to when there were no cares in the world, no worry of being attacked by people walking by, no worry of getting home to see the kids before they went to bed, no worry of needing to look up skin id reviews because I stayed in my sweaty clothes too long . Just soft grass and a starry sky. I think we all need to take more time to do that. (don't go thinking I don't love my family and my life now, because I DO with all my heart i love them).
My run was good, the best part didn't last long enough. When I do my long runs I have to drive down to the town and run the path, so my longer runs (Wednesday and Saturday) are ran down there. Today I ran after supper so it was starting to get dark by the time I finished my run, while stretching I got to lay down on the grass a bit and look at the sky. It was amazing, there were a few stars scattered across the sky, and the moon, although only half full was bright and lit up the night. I wanted to lay there for hours like I did when I was little, but I felt a little weird since I was alone and there were a bunch of men and teenage boys around. So I got up.
When I was young I used to take a sleeping bag out into the front yard and look at the stars for hours, there's something about nature that i just love, and nature at night is wonderfully amazing. For a minute laying there tonight I slipped back in time to when there were no cares in the world, no worry of being attacked by people walking by, no worry of getting home to see the kids before they went to bed, no worry of needing to look up skin id reviews because I stayed in my sweaty clothes too long . Just soft grass and a starry sky. I think we all need to take more time to do that. (don't go thinking I don't love my family and my life now, because I DO with all my heart i love them).
Words from my Lunch break
Almost every day my wonderful husband gives me a 30 minute lunch break (one of the BIG bonuses of having him work from home). Now that I watch my niece and nephew I don't get any time during the day to just sit and not think about dirty diapers or feeding kids, so this little lunch break is great! Some days I run, some days I blog (not very often obviously), some days I read my Bible, and once I've napped. I figured it was time to blog since it's been a while!
My weight loss is going good, I'm right around 30lbs gone since January 14th. I hit that 30lb mark, then hit this horrible plateau where I've gained a few pounds, then lost them then gained them then lost some. It's been going on for over a week and I am getting frustrated. My wonderful husband decided to help me yesterday by hiding the scale so I can't think about it. This means I have no clue how I'm doing, which has had a positive effect on me today. I woke up feeling thin, which made me feel great about myself and my ongoing lifestyle change (not diet!!) A few things I've noticed and tried to change are the fact that at night I'll check my calories and realize I still need more food, so I load in a bunch of calories right before going to bed instead of snacking during the day. So yesterday and today I've entered in breakfast and dinner in the morning, then I know the rest of the calories have to be eaten BEFORE dinner. it's helped a ton to me. I had also been subconsciously avoiding breads, which meant I wasn't getting in much fiber which well, you know what happens when you don't get enough fiber. :) So yesterday and Today I've made sure to get some fiber! I'm hoping all this will help me break through the plateau and lose these last 10lbs. I've been considering taking a daily multivitamin to help me get everything I need because I'm sure I'm lacking some good stuff in my diet, I just have no clue how to find a good one!
My running is going good, I ran 11 miles on Friday with my sister, I got my first blister from running! I consider myself a real runner now (because of the blister not the 11 miles). I did learn though that I don't like running with people. I had a HARD time running, partially because she is used to running a little faster than I have been which meant I got tired faster, also because I am used to running to music to help me keep a steady pace. My race is just three and a half weeks away now! amazing how fast it's coming I'm starting to get nervous. I reserved a cabin at a hotel in Virginia Beach (cheaper than a hotel, plus I like camping, I get to bring my own sheets and stuff and don't have to worry about how nasty the hotel room might be). The campground is pretty big, has 4 playgrounds, 4 pools, mini golf, basketball courts, an arcade... and the usual campground stuff.
Life with the kids is going good, I'm starting to get the hang of homeschooling, although I'd love to get more creative with my niece. She's in 4th grade and right now school seems a little boring! I will say I am learning a bunch of grammar though, maybe one day my writing will be pleasing to an English major. probably not though.
Lexi hasn't been doing school because she is just frustrating me when we tried, hopefully that will change by next fall when we actually start kindergarten. Caylee and my nephew are about 7 months apart in age and they make for an interesting combination. They are both the youngest and take turns being the spoiled one. Hitting is a daily event around here and I've pretty much stopped yelling at them when they do. Only because one will hit the other, then visa versa, I figure one day they will realize it hurts and just stop hitting!
I've been going to the local gym to Zumba classes every once and a while with my sister in law. They are fun! It's not a hard work out so it's great for beginners but it's also REALLY fun! It's nice to switch up my cardio and so something other than running!
Right now we are dog sitting for my sister while her and her husband are on a cruise. I'm kinda jealous, floating around the Caribbean on a big boat kinda sounds like fun right now!
My weight loss is going good, I'm right around 30lbs gone since January 14th. I hit that 30lb mark, then hit this horrible plateau where I've gained a few pounds, then lost them then gained them then lost some. It's been going on for over a week and I am getting frustrated. My wonderful husband decided to help me yesterday by hiding the scale so I can't think about it. This means I have no clue how I'm doing, which has had a positive effect on me today. I woke up feeling thin, which made me feel great about myself and my ongoing lifestyle change (not diet!!) A few things I've noticed and tried to change are the fact that at night I'll check my calories and realize I still need more food, so I load in a bunch of calories right before going to bed instead of snacking during the day. So yesterday and today I've entered in breakfast and dinner in the morning, then I know the rest of the calories have to be eaten BEFORE dinner. it's helped a ton to me. I had also been subconsciously avoiding breads, which meant I wasn't getting in much fiber which well, you know what happens when you don't get enough fiber. :) So yesterday and Today I've made sure to get some fiber! I'm hoping all this will help me break through the plateau and lose these last 10lbs. I've been considering taking a daily multivitamin to help me get everything I need because I'm sure I'm lacking some good stuff in my diet, I just have no clue how to find a good one!
My running is going good, I ran 11 miles on Friday with my sister, I got my first blister from running! I consider myself a real runner now (because of the blister not the 11 miles). I did learn though that I don't like running with people. I had a HARD time running, partially because she is used to running a little faster than I have been which meant I got tired faster, also because I am used to running to music to help me keep a steady pace. My race is just three and a half weeks away now! amazing how fast it's coming I'm starting to get nervous. I reserved a cabin at a hotel in Virginia Beach (cheaper than a hotel, plus I like camping, I get to bring my own sheets and stuff and don't have to worry about how nasty the hotel room might be). The campground is pretty big, has 4 playgrounds, 4 pools, mini golf, basketball courts, an arcade... and the usual campground stuff.
Life with the kids is going good, I'm starting to get the hang of homeschooling, although I'd love to get more creative with my niece. She's in 4th grade and right now school seems a little boring! I will say I am learning a bunch of grammar though, maybe one day my writing will be pleasing to an English major. probably not though.
Lexi hasn't been doing school because she is just frustrating me when we tried, hopefully that will change by next fall when we actually start kindergarten. Caylee and my nephew are about 7 months apart in age and they make for an interesting combination. They are both the youngest and take turns being the spoiled one. Hitting is a daily event around here and I've pretty much stopped yelling at them when they do. Only because one will hit the other, then visa versa, I figure one day they will realize it hurts and just stop hitting!
I've been going to the local gym to Zumba classes every once and a while with my sister in law. They are fun! It's not a hard work out so it's great for beginners but it's also REALLY fun! It's nice to switch up my cardio and so something other than running!
Right now we are dog sitting for my sister while her and her husband are on a cruise. I'm kinda jealous, floating around the Caribbean on a big boat kinda sounds like fun right now!
YAWN
Monday's don't normally bother me, they tend to be like every other day, but Today.... today was a day. That's about all I can say about it.
It was CRAZY here. I'm not sure if it had to do with the time change or not, but 3 of the 4 kids were cranky off and on, meaning at least one was fussing at all times. Top it off I was still trying to recover from whatever was wrong with me yesterday (body aches, fever, FREEZING, a bit of a sore throat) so I didn't have all my energy.
I managed to get up enough energy by this afternoon to get in a short run. There's not too many places to run around here that aren't completely mountainous, There is my road (a whopping .35 miles long) and the road next to mine (a whole .7 miles long) that together with the road that connects them makes for a decent 2.25 mile run. It has a few small hills but nothing I can't handle (now that I'm used to the thinner air). The .7 mile long road ends at a junk yard type thing, I doubt you'll find Ferrari parts there, but there are a lot of old police cars and some beat up vans. It's a quiet little road, when I run in the morning I normally see a few kids waiting for their bus, but other than that there's nothing and no one! My road is the same way, aside from the German Sheppard who acts like it's going to attack me every time I run by it (lucky for me it never even comes to the edge of the yard, it has scared me a few times though).
Now that I'm watching two extra kids I don't get much computer time in, so blogging is getting even harder to do. I just spent a few hours here getting some important things done that should have been done weeks ago. In front of me is a list a dozen items long of stuff that needs done. Time is so hard to come by, especially when I have days like today!
So how was your Monday?!
It was CRAZY here. I'm not sure if it had to do with the time change or not, but 3 of the 4 kids were cranky off and on, meaning at least one was fussing at all times. Top it off I was still trying to recover from whatever was wrong with me yesterday (body aches, fever, FREEZING, a bit of a sore throat) so I didn't have all my energy.
I managed to get up enough energy by this afternoon to get in a short run. There's not too many places to run around here that aren't completely mountainous, There is my road (a whopping .35 miles long) and the road next to mine (a whole .7 miles long) that together with the road that connects them makes for a decent 2.25 mile run. It has a few small hills but nothing I can't handle (now that I'm used to the thinner air). The .7 mile long road ends at a junk yard type thing, I doubt you'll find Ferrari parts there, but there are a lot of old police cars and some beat up vans. It's a quiet little road, when I run in the morning I normally see a few kids waiting for their bus, but other than that there's nothing and no one! My road is the same way, aside from the German Sheppard who acts like it's going to attack me every time I run by it (lucky for me it never even comes to the edge of the yard, it has scared me a few times though).
Now that I'm watching two extra kids I don't get much computer time in, so blogging is getting even harder to do. I just spent a few hours here getting some important things done that should have been done weeks ago. In front of me is a list a dozen items long of stuff that needs done. Time is so hard to come by, especially when I have days like today!
So how was your Monday?!
to cut or not to cut
that is the question.
I am so torn between whether or not I should cut my hair again. I got it cut in November and it looked really cute, I got a ton of compliments. I had never had a hair cut like that, so the different style was nice. The thing I loved about having short hair is that I had to style it every day. It made me feel like I was taking care of myself better and I always felt more put together when i went out into public. However, that had it's cons too... It meant always having to take the time to style it. No more just pulling it up and running out of the house. If I was running late it was obvious because my hair was a mess!
Well now it's at the point where I can just barely pull it up again and I'm debating between cutting it or not cutting it. Sometimes it's nice to pull up, especially when I'm running and it's flopping in my face. But once my hair is long enough to pull up I RARELY style it.
But do I want to HAVE to style it every day or do I want the option to pull it up knowing that I'll probably pull it up 99% of the time? UGH it's such a hard decision. My short hair made it easy for special occasions, there was no guessing what I'd do with my hair, it was just one thing and one thing only. It was fun wondering what the wedding favors would look like instead of what my hair would look like.
I had scheduled an appointment for yesterday then decided to cancel it until I fully make up my mind. I asked for opinions on facebook and the consensus was it's a hard decision. Thanks for the help. he he he.
So for now it's here... but will I change my mind tomorrow?!
I am so torn between whether or not I should cut my hair again. I got it cut in November and it looked really cute, I got a ton of compliments. I had never had a hair cut like that, so the different style was nice. The thing I loved about having short hair is that I had to style it every day. It made me feel like I was taking care of myself better and I always felt more put together when i went out into public. However, that had it's cons too... It meant always having to take the time to style it. No more just pulling it up and running out of the house. If I was running late it was obvious because my hair was a mess!
Well now it's at the point where I can just barely pull it up again and I'm debating between cutting it or not cutting it. Sometimes it's nice to pull up, especially when I'm running and it's flopping in my face. But once my hair is long enough to pull up I RARELY style it.
But do I want to HAVE to style it every day or do I want the option to pull it up knowing that I'll probably pull it up 99% of the time? UGH it's such a hard decision. My short hair made it easy for special occasions, there was no guessing what I'd do with my hair, it was just one thing and one thing only. It was fun wondering what the wedding favors would look like instead of what my hair would look like.
I had scheduled an appointment for yesterday then decided to cancel it until I fully make up my mind. I asked for opinions on facebook and the consensus was it's a hard decision. Thanks for the help. he he he.
So for now it's here... but will I change my mind tomorrow?!
Zumba!
Last night I tried out my first Zumba class. I had a ton of fun, it wasn't as much of a work out as I expected, but it still definitely made me burn calories! There is a small gym here that allows non members to participate in the classes they offer for $5 each class, or you can buy a day pass for $7 i think. Not too bad if you just want to do something every now and then.
The Zumba class was so packed we could barely move which I think prohibited me being able to fully work out, it's a very popular class! We were squished in there so tight we couldn't see the instructor so I was watching some of the people who you could tell knew what they were doing. It was fun dancing around to different music. I am not very talented when it comes to dancing so I'm sure I looked like a fool. One girl in there was rocking out her skechers shape ups, she was awesome and hyper! She knew what she was doing so I watched her whenever I couldn't see the instructor.
I'd love to take the class again, we might even pursue a membership we'll see. There is talk of them moving the class to the big gym which would be nice AND helpful! I think my sister in law and I are going back on Saturday for more! Bring it on!!
The Zumba class was so packed we could barely move which I think prohibited me being able to fully work out, it's a very popular class! We were squished in there so tight we couldn't see the instructor so I was watching some of the people who you could tell knew what they were doing. It was fun dancing around to different music. I am not very talented when it comes to dancing so I'm sure I looked like a fool. One girl in there was rocking out her skechers shape ups, she was awesome and hyper! She knew what she was doing so I watched her whenever I couldn't see the instructor.
I'd love to take the class again, we might even pursue a membership we'll see. There is talk of them moving the class to the big gym which would be nice AND helpful! I think my sister in law and I are going back on Saturday for more! Bring it on!!
Our New place
Well, we're settled. I guess you could call it that anyway. We moved 9 days ago, I spent the entire day after we moved unpacking. My wonderful sisters in law watched the girls, my husband and my brothers in law went and painted our old place, leaving me to myself to get everything here done.
I was going good and strong until about 4 hours into it when I started to get a little lonely and realized I really haven't been alone in YEARS and YEARS. so I started texting in between emptying boxes.
I love our new place, except we are trying to get the smell of the last tenants out (they smoked). We have an entire room just for toys, which is great, except that there's no heat in that room so it's pretty chilly in the mornings and afternoons. We're consider an Amish fireplace, nice little electric fake fireplace I have no clue if they are safe around kids or not though. We got a little "room heater" it stinks, it does nothing to heat that room even though it was suppose to be able to handle a room that sized.
Anyone have any ideas for heating a room?
I was going good and strong until about 4 hours into it when I started to get a little lonely and realized I really haven't been alone in YEARS and YEARS. so I started texting in between emptying boxes.
I love our new place, except we are trying to get the smell of the last tenants out (they smoked). We have an entire room just for toys, which is great, except that there's no heat in that room so it's pretty chilly in the mornings and afternoons. We're consider an Amish fireplace, nice little electric fake fireplace I have no clue if they are safe around kids or not though. We got a little "room heater" it stinks, it does nothing to heat that room even though it was suppose to be able to handle a room that sized.
Anyone have any ideas for heating a room?
Baby it's cold inside...
There is one thing I am not going to miss about this apartment. The heat. Seriously, whoever thought of this is just a moron. First, the heat vents for downstairs are in the ceiling. Have people never heard that HEAT RISES?! See, upstairs stays nice and toasty, downstairs however... is very COLD.
Also, we have some weird form of heat where the hot water is how the place is heated. Something about air blowing across the pipes that the hot water is running through... yah it isn't very effective. Maybe it's just because of the whole ceiling vents... but also- we don't have much hot water in the winter. In order to even get a slightly warm shower in the mornings we have to turn the heat way down and wait about 20 minutes. Then the first person gets a lukewarm shower and the 2nd person gets a warm shower. Sometimes it's so cold I wish I could just give my hair a quick trim (ok, chop it all off) so I didn't have to worry about washing it. BRRR.
Seriously though, who thought of these brilliant heating ideas?! Tonight I was watching a movie all curled up on the couch under a blanket and my nose started to freeze. I checked the thermostat and it said 62. Some mornings we forget to turn the heat back up after our showers... seems like we must have forgotten for about 3 days now. Think I'll go curl up in my bed now.
Also, we have some weird form of heat where the hot water is how the place is heated. Something about air blowing across the pipes that the hot water is running through... yah it isn't very effective. Maybe it's just because of the whole ceiling vents... but also- we don't have much hot water in the winter. In order to even get a slightly warm shower in the mornings we have to turn the heat way down and wait about 20 minutes. Then the first person gets a lukewarm shower and the 2nd person gets a warm shower. Sometimes it's so cold I wish I could just give my hair a quick trim (ok, chop it all off) so I didn't have to worry about washing it. BRRR.
Seriously though, who thought of these brilliant heating ideas?! Tonight I was watching a movie all curled up on the couch under a blanket and my nose started to freeze. I checked the thermostat and it said 62. Some mornings we forget to turn the heat back up after our showers... seems like we must have forgotten for about 3 days now. Think I'll go curl up in my bed now.
Thoughts on the internet...
We are moving on the 26th. I am excited but at the same time a little overwhelmed with what needs done around here! Packing seriously takes forever. Seems like I've run out of things that can be packed up this early too. When I think of something I'll pack one box and then lose my ambition. I am easily distracted, especially by the computer. This little box of technology that makes everyone's lives "easier". I'm starting to wonder if they make life more complicated. There's just too much you can do on the computer, especially if you have the internet. There's facebook, myspace, twitter, all sorts of social sites where you can find out what every single person you ever knew is doing at every single second of the day. Or there's Google, you can research ANYTHING you want, Do you need fast weight loss tips? no problem, just google it! How to cut a fresh pineapple? Oh that's on there too, but not just one site with answers, no 45,642,154,654 sites!
It's not that I am anti internet- obviously, I love me some facebook, but I just wonder if having all this information at the tip of our fingers is honestly making life easier, or just keeping us busy. I mean, if I lived 10 years without knowing what someone I went to high school with is doing, why do I feel the need to look at every single picture of their children?
It's not that I am anti internet- obviously, I love me some facebook, but I just wonder if having all this information at the tip of our fingers is honestly making life easier, or just keeping us busy. I mean, if I lived 10 years without knowing what someone I went to high school with is doing, why do I feel the need to look at every single picture of their children?
I'm 28 can it stop now?
Seriously, I've had acne since I was like 5 I think. All the hormones are balanced, no puberty, no pregnancy, no pms. I thought maybe it was related to my sugar intake, but I haven't had soda or candy or junk food other than once or twice in about 6 weeks. I've tried acne washes, acne systems, and even RX acne cream. Nothing is working. Can I blame it on genetics now? I die when I hear/see people complaining about a zit on their chin/nose/forehead... I'd love to have just one zit to worry about. I haven't had a day w/no zits since I started puberty. A day with only one zit? I don't recall one, if I did it was probably a pimple the size of a quarter. Anyone else love oily skin as much as I do?
Ok, I'll stop ranting and raving now...
Ok, I'll stop ranting and raving now...
Half marathon
I've found the half marathon I want to run, it's called the Dismal Swamp Stomp half marathon. Doesn't that sound fun? It's in Chesapeake, VA, it's flat and on a paved trail that runs right next to a swamp through the "wilderness". It looks like fun. Plus, I can turn the trip into a mini vacation. There are a few state parks around Virginia beach, I'm hoping to hear a big YES from my husband that we will commit to this! a nice camping trip at the beach with my family sounds like a ton of fun, add to it running my first half marathon and it will be a perfect trip. Now to get my knees to cooperate.
This lifestyle change has been great for me, it's my own little quick weight loss plan. I'm at 16lbs and hope to lose another 14. I don't want to call it a diet, yes I'm watching what I'm eating, but I've still allowed myself a cookie or two here, a piece of pizza there, even a donut the other day. One thing I've learned is that I need to eat enough! When I first signed up with sparkpeople (about 3 weeks into my progress) I had hit a plateau, it was on accident one day I ate more calories than normal and started losing weight again. Some days it is hard for me to even get in 1200 calories, on those days I like to splurge with a cookie, or a couple glasses of milk. At least with the milk it's good for me! he he.
Anyway, I'm really excited to run my first half marathon, I have to rest tomorrow even though it's a running day though. I hurt my knee doing Jillian's 30 day shred Friday night. Stupid butt kicks. I kicked my knee up too high towards my butt and it hurt SO BAD. Then I tried to do my 4 mile run yesterday and only made it two. Normally any aches and pains I have go away by the time I hit mile 1, but when my knee was still screaming out to me I decided to just turn around. Did I mention I was walking on it pretty much all day Saturday? Today it's pretty big and kinda sore. Hopefully by Wednesday it will be ready to resume all running!
This lifestyle change has been great for me, it's my own little quick weight loss plan. I'm at 16lbs and hope to lose another 14. I don't want to call it a diet, yes I'm watching what I'm eating, but I've still allowed myself a cookie or two here, a piece of pizza there, even a donut the other day. One thing I've learned is that I need to eat enough! When I first signed up with sparkpeople (about 3 weeks into my progress) I had hit a plateau, it was on accident one day I ate more calories than normal and started losing weight again. Some days it is hard for me to even get in 1200 calories, on those days I like to splurge with a cookie, or a couple glasses of milk. At least with the milk it's good for me! he he.
Anyway, I'm really excited to run my first half marathon, I have to rest tomorrow even though it's a running day though. I hurt my knee doing Jillian's 30 day shred Friday night. Stupid butt kicks. I kicked my knee up too high towards my butt and it hurt SO BAD. Then I tried to do my 4 mile run yesterday and only made it two. Normally any aches and pains I have go away by the time I hit mile 1, but when my knee was still screaming out to me I decided to just turn around. Did I mention I was walking on it pretty much all day Saturday? Today it's pretty big and kinda sore. Hopefully by Wednesday it will be ready to resume all running!
One of those days
So last night both of our computers started acting up. I ran a virus scan over night, woke up to see I had a Trojan virus. My husband couldn't even run a virus scan because his computer was that messed up. He got the blue screen of death. He did manage to get all his files off, but is still working on fixing it, if he can't get it fixed we're going to have to get him a new one, unfortunately my old dinosaur of a computer can't run the programs he needs to work. I'd love a lap top, even a Acer Aspire would be nice, But right now his computer is the only thing bringing in any money so it's kinda important.
Anyway, so then My husband went to heat up a waffle and our toaster wouldn't work. to top it all off, he went to the store and when he left the car wouldn't start. He did figure out it's the starter, which luckily we have a warranty on it so it wont cost anything to fix, but before he can get the new one he has to bring them the old one. To top it all off they are calling for freezing rain tonight. I hope our car isn't stuck at the store for too long...
When it rains it pours!
Anyway, so then My husband went to heat up a waffle and our toaster wouldn't work. to top it all off, he went to the store and when he left the car wouldn't start. He did figure out it's the starter, which luckily we have a warranty on it so it wont cost anything to fix, but before he can get the new one he has to bring them the old one. To top it all off they are calling for freezing rain tonight. I hope our car isn't stuck at the store for too long...
When it rains it pours!
YAY for weight loss!
I've lost 11lbs. I'm so excited. I still have about 20 more to lose until I'm at a good weight for me, but 11lbs is exciting! I'm sure some people would think I'm obsessed about eating, because I've been counting calories, fat, carbs and protein. using sparkpeople.com it's a great site to help track nutrition.
I've pretty much mastered the not caring about what others around me are eating. I've sat back and fed my kids ice cream without eating any, right now the girls are eating Oreos, I'm proud to say the package is almost empty and I've had NONE. The best thing about what I'm doing is that I am able to eat some sweets, the other day I did have some ice cream, but it fit into my calories and fat for the day.
Only problem is, we're going to visit my husband's family for a few days and I'm scared they will think I'm obsessed or crazy, really I'm just trying to eat healthier. The reason I think they'll think that is because I thought that about my sister before I started trying to eat healthy. But I'm not healthy and I need to be, so I'll do what it takes. Even if it means looking crazy.
I used to get scared when we'd leave home, thinking I'd come home and the house would be burnt down or something, i rest a little easier now that we have renters insurance, when we got our home insurance quote I was so shocked at how cheap it is! Everyone renting should get insurance, especially if you live in an apartment where other people's mistakes could cost you everything.
I've pretty much mastered the not caring about what others around me are eating. I've sat back and fed my kids ice cream without eating any, right now the girls are eating Oreos, I'm proud to say the package is almost empty and I've had NONE. The best thing about what I'm doing is that I am able to eat some sweets, the other day I did have some ice cream, but it fit into my calories and fat for the day.
Only problem is, we're going to visit my husband's family for a few days and I'm scared they will think I'm obsessed or crazy, really I'm just trying to eat healthier. The reason I think they'll think that is because I thought that about my sister before I started trying to eat healthy. But I'm not healthy and I need to be, so I'll do what it takes. Even if it means looking crazy.
I used to get scared when we'd leave home, thinking I'd come home and the house would be burnt down or something, i rest a little easier now that we have renters insurance, when we got our home insurance quote I was so shocked at how cheap it is! Everyone renting should get insurance, especially if you live in an apartment where other people's mistakes could cost you everything.
School
Lately my husband has been looking into going back to school, he's looking at taking online classes in graphic design. I'm not 100% sure how I feel about this, because I know it will be more time that I don't get to see him. It's kinda funny because he's been home for over a year, so we really are around each other a lot, but the problem is it's not normal time around each other. It's more like "here, watch the kids while I do something" "ok, your turn" type thing. really 'family time' doesn't normally start until super time, and then he normally has stuff he has to go do. It's quite odd. I'd like nothing more than for him to get a normal 8-5 Monday-Friday job. Maybe then we could get the kids normal again? oh and us too?
I know a lot of people who have been going back to school lately, my sister being one, it's kinda fun because she lets me sell textbooks when she's done with them. It's a great way to make a few bucks. Man, if you're in college I hope you're buying used books, you save a TON of money! I did that through my 2 years of college, I did buy a few books new, normally only when I couldn't find them used though. Another thing I did was share books with other people who were taking the class, especially if they were taking it at a different time than me, it worked out great. Anything to save a few bucks when you're in college!
I know a lot of people who have been going back to school lately, my sister being one, it's kinda fun because she lets me sell textbooks when she's done with them. It's a great way to make a few bucks. Man, if you're in college I hope you're buying used books, you save a TON of money! I did that through my 2 years of college, I did buy a few books new, normally only when I couldn't find them used though. Another thing I did was share books with other people who were taking the class, especially if they were taking it at a different time than me, it worked out great. Anything to save a few bucks when you're in college!
TV
I've been watching a lot of tv lately. probably too much. Seems like our tv is on ALL DAY LONG. normally it's PBS, but from like 7 till we go to bed it's real shows. I am so happy Chuck is back on, it's one of my favs. I do get a kick out of all the commercials though, especially the ones for drugs and weight loss diet supplements. They always have a list of warnings, or statements about the FDA.
I'd really like to get the TV usage under control, especially Lexi's. She just loves that tv on. Of course this week she's been sick and hasn't been as active as she normally is so it's seemed like it's been on a lot more. The thing that cracks me up about PBS is that they show the same show like 3 times a day. Especially if we flip from one PBS channel to another, then we can see the show more than 3 times! That makes it fun.
I'd really like to get the TV usage under control, especially Lexi's. She just loves that tv on. Of course this week she's been sick and hasn't been as active as she normally is so it's seemed like it's been on a lot more. The thing that cracks me up about PBS is that they show the same show like 3 times a day. Especially if we flip from one PBS channel to another, then we can see the show more than 3 times! That makes it fun.
Working out..
I have found that I miss the short month that we had at the YMCA. It was nice to be able to run inside, and even have a "sitter" for the time that my husband and I were there...We got access to everything, even tried out a spinning class. Ouch is all I'm going to say on that one. We would get to run on the treadmill, or elliptical, and then we would usually go over to the weight training circuit. We would take the wipes and start working, switching out back and forth as much as we could to try to avoid wiping down every single machine in there twice. It just really felt good to keep building muscle. My husband kept saying that he was going to get some of those protein shakes or something like that. He was reading what he called a muscle milk review, he said it had a bunch of different options to help him get bigger..too bad we aren't going to the gym any more :) Maybe with tax time coming, we'll get something to put in our house, like a treadmill or something, to help us get into shape, instead of just having one. We'll see..
Girls!
I can't believe how big the girls are getting, The other day Lexi started writing her name on things. Seriously, she's almost 3.5, how did that happen? Caylee is 16 months old too. Crazy. Caylee is still a mega cutie and gets into everything. Lately we've been battling eczema with Caylee. I was putting the eczema cream we got on her, then I read all the warnings and decided I'll stick with lotion. seems to be working.
I've been enjoying the girls though, even though they give me trouble sometimes. I was reminded today at Bible study that God has put me here in this place, and has given me everything I need to do my job. It's so easy to get overwhelmed with the feeling of just being a slave, or a maid. I spend most of my day cooking, cleaning, folding clothes, cleaning up kids etc. Truth be told, we're supposed to be servants. We are supposed to be like Christ, and he spent his entire time on earth being a servant.
So now it's going to be my aim to have a positive attitude each time I fold the clothes, or wipe Lexi's tushy. :) After all, being a mom is all about taking care of my blessings.
losing weight
So lately I've been focusing on losing weight. I lost 7lbs in 14 days. just by cutting out snacks, soda and coffee, no diet pills here! Only thing is I still have about 20lbs that I want to lose and I seem to have hit a wall. it's kinda discouraging when you've done so well and then suddenly the weight stops coming off.
So what are some things that work for you guys when you're trying to lose weight? Some of the things I do aside from cutting out snacks and bad stuff like soda, is drinking a glass of water before meals. Also I've been running 3 days a week as exercise. I need to start doing some other stuff on the days I don't run but i haven't found the right thing yet.
Back to CVSing
I've finally gotten back into the CVS deals, after about 16 months of being out of the game. I've used all my shampoo and conditioner I had in the closet, and even had to buy some. That's when I decided I needed to get back to CVS. I started off with what would have been a really awesome deal, had one CVS had everything I needed to complete my deal, but they didn't.
I went to CVS in hopes of getting 6 12 packs of Mt Dew, and a box of soy joys. The soda was 6 for $20, and you get $10 in ECB's back. The soy joys were $6 and you get all $6 back in ECBs. I also had a $5 off a purchase of $25 coupon. So I would have spent $21, and gotten $16 in ECB's back. However, the store that had soyjoys didn't have soda, and visa versa. So I got the soda, and bought some lotion, spent $21 and got $10 back. I also have a rain check for the soyjoys.
With my $16 ECB's hopefully I'll be able to keep them rolling over and stock up on all the toiletries we need! It was nice to go a year without having to buy shampoo and conditioner and toothpaste. I'll probably end up with more random things I won't use like age spot creams and heartburn meds, but oh well. If it's free- why not? Surely someone can use it.
on the road again
Well, I've started running again. It's been 10 months since I ran the 8k, and 10 months since I've ran regularly. I got this crazy idea to run a half marathon. That's 13.1 miles. I'm ok as long as I don't think about where I'd be if I got in the car and drove 13.1 miles. :)
So I started training last Monday. Keep in mind, I haven't run more than 3 miles since last March, and the last time I even did that much was in July. Monday I ran two. Wednesday my schedule said 5. I did a total of 5, but walked about one of the miles. Saturday was 6 miles. and to my amazement I ran all six of them. I've never ran more than the 5.1 miles of the race. It felt good to know I set my mind to something and did it. Today I ran five more miles.
I fell good, aside from my knee pain. A runner friend at church suggested some exercises to do and some vitamins to take to help with getting my knee better. Hopefully they help. My knee really only hurts the day I run so it's not like constant pain.
I have about 11 more weeks of training before race day. I'm still in shock that I decided to run a half marathon!
quiet
I haven't been blogging much on either of my blogs lately, my computer has been majorly slow, I think it needs a vacation, or maybe it's on vacation and that's the problem, I did notice a search for montego bay vacation packages open on the screen the other day. Maybe I should look there.
Right now I can't even get on my other blog because my husband is trying to update it but ran into some sort of problems. But when I want to blog here I have to come upstairs and use my husband's computer, which he's been using almost all day every day. I requested some computer usage from him today, and he went down stairs to play with the girls. I love to seem him interact with them. I went down a minute ago to start supper and he was sitting on the floor, Lexi beside him and Caylee snuggled up on him. They love their daddy so much and it's so cute!
Right now I can't even get on my other blog because my husband is trying to update it but ran into some sort of problems. But when I want to blog here I have to come upstairs and use my husband's computer, which he's been using almost all day every day. I requested some computer usage from him today, and he went down stairs to play with the girls. I love to seem him interact with them. I went down a minute ago to start supper and he was sitting on the floor, Lexi beside him and Caylee snuggled up on him. They love their daddy so much and it's so cute!
So.. What's next?
I mentioned in my last post that a lot of changing has been taking place here. I'm so happy about that. One thing my husband and I have really been trying to figure out is where God wants us. You all know he's been unemployed for 14 months now, after a year of unemployment the amount we get per week has been cut and we can't pay all our bills now. We pay too much for rent in my mind, only because we're not used to the high cost of living that is associated with living in this area. To some $625 for a two bedroom apartment might seem normal, or even low, to us it's high.
We're really hoping we get some major revelation soon because we don't want to step out of God's will. When we moved here from Tennessee we really thought this was what God wanted, now we're not so sure. But right now we don't think we're suppose to move back, we're hoping that cross country moving isn't in our future, but honestly we aren't certain where God wants us. We are looking at a few options right now, and really praying hard that God makes one clear, we know something has to happen soon, either a job or a move because we don't want to get even further behind with our bills.
So here we sit, waiting for some sort of answer as to where God wants us!
We're really hoping we get some major revelation soon because we don't want to step out of God's will. When we moved here from Tennessee we really thought this was what God wanted, now we're not so sure. But right now we don't think we're suppose to move back, we're hoping that cross country moving isn't in our future, but honestly we aren't certain where God wants us. We are looking at a few options right now, and really praying hard that God makes one clear, we know something has to happen soon, either a job or a move because we don't want to get even further behind with our bills.
So here we sit, waiting for some sort of answer as to where God wants us!
It takes work
It's so easy to notice big outward sins, something like an affair, or alcoholism, cussing, those types of things. But I've never struggled with those things, all my sins have been the type that deal with changing my attitude. I struggle with jealousy, judging, patience, self control (in a lot of areas). I kept thinking that one day I'd wake up and I'd be able to control my eating, or I'd wake up and have no desire to talk trash about someone.
The past year brought out a lot of bad characteristics in me, or at least made them a lot more clear to me. I realized just how impatient I was, and my eating got out of control. I got lazy, and my desire to keep a clean house went away as I realized it was so much easier to sit in front of the computer complaining about how little sleep I got. I really got into a bad funk.
In the beginning of the year God started talking to me about self- control, I looked up The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. I wrote down all the fruit, and a definition for all of them, I also looked up 1 Corinthians 13, and wrote down all the characteristics of love. I looked at these characteristics that I am supposed to have in a whole new light. It was then that I decided something needed to change. As I looked up verses I realized something I had been overlooking my entire life. It takes work to change. The idea of waking up and not being tempted to snack on cookies all day was thrown out the window and replaced with the fact that I was going to just have to tell myself no. EXERCISE Self control. Just like exercise it takes work. DAILY.
I've found the easiest way for me to work on this is stay in prayer and memorize and meditate on scripture. I have different verses tucked into my head that I bring out in difference situations. If I'm starting to worry, Mathew 6 comes into my mind "Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
If I find myself wanting to judge someone there's a whole list of verses, Like Mathew 7:5 " you hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." If I want to gossip, Philippians 4:8 "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praise worthy think about such things."
One other verse that has stood out to me lately is Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind THEN you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, His good, pleasing and perfect will.
I've been convicted of all these sins I was trying to hide, God has shown me what he desires me to be and he showed me it will take work to get there. He lit a fire under my butt to make me want to change. I love God. I desire to love him more and know him more. I want to seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, I want to be transformed with a new mind so that then I will see His will for my life.
I wish there was some super powerful machine like those mega hand dryers that blow your skin around, so I could just step under it and have all the sin nature just blow away, but there isn't. That's why each day I must wake up determined to change, stick my head in God's word, and spend time with Him.
The past year brought out a lot of bad characteristics in me, or at least made them a lot more clear to me. I realized just how impatient I was, and my eating got out of control. I got lazy, and my desire to keep a clean house went away as I realized it was so much easier to sit in front of the computer complaining about how little sleep I got. I really got into a bad funk.
In the beginning of the year God started talking to me about self- control, I looked up The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. I wrote down all the fruit, and a definition for all of them, I also looked up 1 Corinthians 13, and wrote down all the characteristics of love. I looked at these characteristics that I am supposed to have in a whole new light. It was then that I decided something needed to change. As I looked up verses I realized something I had been overlooking my entire life. It takes work to change. The idea of waking up and not being tempted to snack on cookies all day was thrown out the window and replaced with the fact that I was going to just have to tell myself no. EXERCISE Self control. Just like exercise it takes work. DAILY.
I've found the easiest way for me to work on this is stay in prayer and memorize and meditate on scripture. I have different verses tucked into my head that I bring out in difference situations. If I'm starting to worry, Mathew 6 comes into my mind "Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
If I find myself wanting to judge someone there's a whole list of verses, Like Mathew 7:5 " you hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." If I want to gossip, Philippians 4:8 "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praise worthy think about such things."
One other verse that has stood out to me lately is Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind THEN you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, His good, pleasing and perfect will.
I've been convicted of all these sins I was trying to hide, God has shown me what he desires me to be and he showed me it will take work to get there. He lit a fire under my butt to make me want to change. I love God. I desire to love him more and know him more. I want to seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, I want to be transformed with a new mind so that then I will see His will for my life.
I wish there was some super powerful machine like those mega hand dryers that blow your skin around, so I could just step under it and have all the sin nature just blow away, but there isn't. That's why each day I must wake up determined to change, stick my head in God's word, and spend time with Him.
It's a New Year
2010. Amazing. I've been out of school for 10 years. The 2000's were good to me, I graduated, spent two years at Grace College in Indiana (and loved every minute, well at least most of them.) I was engaged, broke up, met a guy online, made a crazy move to be near the guy, got engaged (again, this time to Mr. Right), got married, moved to Tennessee so my husband could be in a band, had a baby, had a molar pregnancy, moved back to North Carolina, had another baby, had two miscarriages, spent over a year with my husband unemployed and now it's 2010. FEW.
Some of the major highlights of the past year were our GREAT vacation to New Jersey for my cousins wedding, then to the Hershey PA area for a week of camping with my family. It was better than ski vacations!
Really, the past year has been challenging, but God has been working on me, and I am finally realizing that being a "Good Christian" doesn't come naturally. I am slowly working on my self control, patience, kindness, and jealousy issues! I think 2010 is going to be a great year, despite the circumstances that it may bring. I am determine to learn and grow. No more sitting back and letting my laziness control me.
Some of the major highlights of the past year were our GREAT vacation to New Jersey for my cousins wedding, then to the Hershey PA area for a week of camping with my family. It was better than ski vacations!
Really, the past year has been challenging, but God has been working on me, and I am finally realizing that being a "Good Christian" doesn't come naturally. I am slowly working on my self control, patience, kindness, and jealousy issues! I think 2010 is going to be a great year, despite the circumstances that it may bring. I am determine to learn and grow. No more sitting back and letting my laziness control me.
New Years Resolutions
I'm not the type to make new years resolutions, the reason being is that I am horrible at keeping them. I am not sure that I have ever made one that I've kept!
There are a lot of things I really want to change in 2010, and although they do include things like my health and my weight (maybe I should cash in a nordictrack coupon to work on my running) the majority of my goals for this year are spiritual. The main one is become passionate about Christ, become a lover of God, and truly seek Him.
Like I said, I'm not setting a resolution though. I'm just gonna try to change things. Something with that word automatically tells my brain it's not going to work.
What are your goals for 2010?
There are a lot of things I really want to change in 2010, and although they do include things like my health and my weight (maybe I should cash in a nordictrack coupon to work on my running) the majority of my goals for this year are spiritual. The main one is become passionate about Christ, become a lover of God, and truly seek Him.
Like I said, I'm not setting a resolution though. I'm just gonna try to change things. Something with that word automatically tells my brain it's not going to work.
What are your goals for 2010?
Christmas is done New year is so close
I have to say, 2009 went by REALLY fast. I can't believe before the week is over it will be 2010. I am pretty happy to see 2009 be over, it's been a trying year, although we've learned a lot and grown a lot, I'm hoping 2010 holds better things (like maybe a job for my husband!)
Christmas was very interesting, I realized this year that in the 7 years since we've been married we've never ONCE been home on Christmas! That's pretty crazy if you ask me. This year we went to visit Eugene's family and enjoyed a great Christmas morning opening presents with his sister and her family, then headed over to his other sister's house for the afternoon and evening.
When my family was visiting over Thanksgiving we celebrated Christmas, i got to give my mommy her present it was nice to see her open it. It wasn't anything exciting, but it's not like she needs to rock some dental implants Plano style or anything. She got all of us towels and embroidered our names on them, on the wash clothes was a little something we like. I LOVE mine, the girls have cool hooded towels. And my mother in law made me this sign that i absolutely love. it says "Life is full of choices, remove your shoes or scrub the floor." it's GREAT.
Anyway, New Years eve is looking to be a great night, Eugene's cousin is going to be getting baptized and we'll actually be there to see it. Hopefully the winter weather holds off till Friday!
Christmas was very interesting, I realized this year that in the 7 years since we've been married we've never ONCE been home on Christmas! That's pretty crazy if you ask me. This year we went to visit Eugene's family and enjoyed a great Christmas morning opening presents with his sister and her family, then headed over to his other sister's house for the afternoon and evening.
When my family was visiting over Thanksgiving we celebrated Christmas, i got to give my mommy her present it was nice to see her open it. It wasn't anything exciting, but it's not like she needs to rock some dental implants Plano style or anything. She got all of us towels and embroidered our names on them, on the wash clothes was a little something we like. I LOVE mine, the girls have cool hooded towels. And my mother in law made me this sign that i absolutely love. it says "Life is full of choices, remove your shoes or scrub the floor." it's GREAT.
Anyway, New Years eve is looking to be a great night, Eugene's cousin is going to be getting baptized and we'll actually be there to see it. Hopefully the winter weather holds off till Friday!
Christmas
I can't believe Christmas is so close. I just finished up my Christmas shopping, well, almost. I have to order one more thing. It was pretty easy to do since we're doing so little this year. I made most of the girls gifts, Eugene and I aren't getting each other anything this year, and family gifts were at a minimum.
This year I did a lot of my shopping online, probably because I didn't buy too much. and some of the things that were requested I could find online for a lot cheaper than in stores- like gauged earrings! Those are way marked up in stores like hot topic, and tattoo shops, i got great deals on ebay. he he. I also had some amazon gift cards which i used to pick up a few things for the girls.
You know, who ever came up with traditions must have exercised a lot more than our culture does now, or else food wouldn't be such a big part of all family gatherings. I've started running again, and I hope to keep it up. I know most people find it easier to just look up diet pill reviews than work off our overeating. I'm trying hard to work it off!
This year I did a lot of my shopping online, probably because I didn't buy too much. and some of the things that were requested I could find online for a lot cheaper than in stores- like gauged earrings! Those are way marked up in stores like hot topic, and tattoo shops, i got great deals on ebay. he he. I also had some amazon gift cards which i used to pick up a few things for the girls.
You know, who ever came up with traditions must have exercised a lot more than our culture does now, or else food wouldn't be such a big part of all family gatherings. I've started running again, and I hope to keep it up. I know most people find it easier to just look up diet pill reviews than work off our overeating. I'm trying hard to work it off!
FINALLY!
I saw a commercial the other day for a product I honestly think was ingenius!!! It's a faucet that turns on just by touching it. Any part of it, with any part of you. So if your hands are covered with chicken gunk and you need to wash them so you don't spread saminella all over the place, you just use your arm to touch the neck of the faucet and *poof* water is on. I'm sure there are some downfalls to it, like if you accidentally bump it, it would turn it on and off when you didn't want that, but honestly, I think that's a great idea. I don't know if they make bar faucets or not, but man, if we weren't renting I'd go out and buy one!
On a totally different note, we got our car back today, everything looks so new and shiny, and now my husband wants a new headlight on the passengers side, because there is quite a difference. he he. OH well, YAY for having a car!
On a totally different note, we got our car back today, everything looks so new and shiny, and now my husband wants a new headlight on the passengers side, because there is quite a difference. he he. OH well, YAY for having a car!
Wii
So the past two blogs I've written have been on my husband's computer. Why you ask? well, because mine has decided it wants to run like a computer from the stone age. So yah, it's like 5 years old and has half a gb of memory on it, that is no excuse to take 15 minutes to let me click on something!! I know people with iphones and all the special iphone accessories and I'm sure they can do things faster than I can. Anyway...
Lately we've been playing a lot of wii. We got the new Mario game and let me tell you, it rocks! We also got Punch out and Shawn White, both pretty good games. (my hubby got a gift card to game stop for Christmas so we were able to get them! yay for gift cards) But Mario has got to be the best wii game out there! It's pretty fun to sit down with Eugene and play nintendo, it's a nice relaxing way to end the day. We don't get much time alone with out kids can you tell? he he.
Lately we've been playing a lot of wii. We got the new Mario game and let me tell you, it rocks! We also got Punch out and Shawn White, both pretty good games. (my hubby got a gift card to game stop for Christmas so we were able to get them! yay for gift cards) But Mario has got to be the best wii game out there! It's pretty fun to sit down with Eugene and play nintendo, it's a nice relaxing way to end the day. We don't get much time alone with out kids can you tell? he he.
Red Box
Have you heard of redbox? I hope so, if not look it up. It's amazing. Blockbuster is out there charging you almost $5 to rent a movie, but you can go to redbox and rent one for $1 plus tax per night. Anyway, the other day we were grocery shopping and as usual I went to about 3 different stores. I was amazed because all three stores now had a redbox in them. I think they are going to be one of the next top franchises. Not only did those three stores (within a 3 mile radius) have it in, but I knew of two others right near there.
I love having so many, I just wish they weren't all across town. It's great though because you can get on their website and check to see if any of the kiosks near you have the movie you are looking for, then you can even reserve it online and pick it up. Just remember what kiosk you reserved it at so you don't drive around to all the local redbox locations trying to pick up a movie. :)
I love having so many, I just wish they weren't all across town. It's great though because you can get on their website and check to see if any of the kiosks near you have the movie you are looking for, then you can even reserve it online and pick it up. Just remember what kiosk you reserved it at so you don't drive around to all the local redbox locations trying to pick up a movie. :)
