A Working Mom's Joy

Body Image

2011-06-13T20:36:00.000-04:00

I seem to be having issues lately in seeing my self thinner. To me, a 1x looks the same as a 4x when I look in the mirror. I pasted this on facebook a couple of days agao, a good suggestion was to compare photos. Here are a some to put things in perspective for me I guess.

My heaviest @ 324

Me @ 280- 260

Me @ 250-230

Me @ 220

I just needed to see this!

Taking a break

2011-05-14T19:46:00.000-04:00

I need to take a computer break, its getting a little overwhelming right now and the summer hasn't even started. To date, I have lost 105lbs so hopefully when I get back to blogging, I'll have met my goal!!!!

The Son

2011-04-18T21:10:00.003-04:00

Author Unknown

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had Everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art."

The young man held out his package.

"I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the portrait.

"Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son.

The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this portrait of the son. Who will bid for this painting?" There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted. "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice shouted angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!" But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long-time gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?"

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the painting of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!" A man sitting on the second row shouted. "Now let's get on with the collection!"

The auctioneer laid down his gavel.

"I'm sorry, the auction is over. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!"

God gave his son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, "The son, the son, who'll take the son?"

Thinking of you this Easter season!

100 lbs lost!!!!

2011-04-13T19:31:00.000-04:00

It took me a little while but I finally did it! I have lost 100 lbs to date! I have 54 lbs to go to my goal of 170. I just have to remind myself that is is not a race but a journey, and I'll get there eventually!

I started this journey at 324lbs, wearing a size 30/32/4x clothes. Since then I have gone down to 18/20/2x clothes with those starting to get a little big. I wore a size 16 skirt and 1x shirt to church last sunday. I really never thought I would see those sizes again in my lifetime. Clothes really depend on the style. I'm big breasted so I wear 2x shirts and some 18/20 button downs are still tight.

We had a clothes drive at chruch last month. I donated 6 lbs of clothes from just me, along with 6 more bags from the rest of the family. Talk about losing a whole wardrobe! I told hubby today I'm running out of clothes, he just smiles.

Speaking of my hubby, he is sooo supportive. He tells me everyday how hot I'm looking. He even said I was getting too thin. I just laughed at him then I told him that I was only 16 lbs heavier than him, lol!!!!!! Now he's talking about getting in shape for ME!?!?! Wow! For so long, I felt like it was the other way around.

I go to the dr for my 6 month check up. He said he wanted me at 200lbs which I thought was ridiculous. the NUT and RN said I should be at 220. So I have 4 lbs to go in 2 weeks and I'm crossing my fingers!!! My weight loss has slowed down after the first 3 months but I'm okay with that. Its coming off and I do take my measurements so I see results even when the scale doesn't move. And yes, I weight and measure myself every morning.

So I'm 2/3 of the way to my goal. So close I can almost taste it!

I just wanted ya'll to know!

2011-02-25T11:34:00.002-05:00

I've lost 90 lbs, and I have 100 followers now on my scrapbooking blog!!!!! Yeah!!!! I want to shout it from the top of the Empire State Building (waiting for 100 before I go to the moon to shout it, lol)!!!

I was thinking some blog candy is in order and motivation for me. I'm gonna keep posting my wt loss updates until I hit 100 lbs. Everyone who comments on these posts until then will be eligible to win the candy. I'm thinking gift certificate from Michael's along with some other goodies!!! One for you and one for me :) You can leave your comments on here and on my scrapbooking blog ScrapBook Blessings for more chances to win.

Most recent pic

2011-02-13T21:06:00.000-05:00

Here is my most recent picture. This was taken last night at our church's Valentine couples dinner. Isn't hubby cute, lol?!?! I was having a good hair night too. Just got it cut and it is so easy to style now.

The almost new me, lol

My stall broke!

2011-02-12T11:18:00.000-05:00

My stall finally broke!!!! It has been two weeks of jumping between 240-242lb. I was so excited to 239 this morning! It has been very frustrating and before, I would have said "chuck it, I'll eat what I want", but with WLS, I counldn't do that and that alone is worth going through surgery.

I went shopping yesterday at Fashion Bug. It was very exciting to not have to go to the 3/4x racks. I took a moment just looking at them. It was a surreal moment. I took a bunch of 2x shirts in with me and guess what?!?! Some of them were too big, "what the heck, noway!" So my next trip I took both 1/2x! Some fit, most didn't but it was great to be able to try them on.

The other thing I saw was the dreaded bathing suits. But you know what? I don't think I'm dreading them this summer. I say that now, we'll see when it comes time to putting them on, lol!

"Be My Valentine Blog Hop"

2011-02-08T07:56:00.000-05:00

Welcome to CSDivas first members "Be My Valentine Blog Hop"!

"Creative Scrapbooking Divas is ... a place for Divas to inspire, create and enjoy the process! We encourage members to create, try different things, challenge themselves and enjoy the process. At CSDivas we don't sell anything, we have monthly challenges with RAKs offered, great camaraderie and we like to Spotlight our members and their fabulous creations. Most of all we want our Diva members to have fun!!!"

"Be My Valentine" blog hop is all about Valentine projects! We will showcase projects - layouts, cards, treat bags, etc - for Valentines. You will visit 14 Divas blogs with awesome creations and most of them are offering a RAK... Make sure to read instructions of how you will be eligible to win as well as due dates... So go get your favorite snacks, pull up a chair and your notebook to keep track of all the great challenges. There will also be chances to win other prizes along the hop! Oh, and don't forget to become a member of CSDivas to upload your entries to the site :)

List of Blogs to Hop:

SANDY http://www.scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com/

DENINE http://www.pumpkinspiceblog.blogspot.com/

BRANDI http://joyfullycreative.blogspot.com/

PAM http://www.dreamersklub.blogspot.com/

ANGELA http://tealfullycuttinup.blogspot.com/

MARYANNE http://www.scrappy-gifts.com/

LORI http://scrapmomsmusings.blogspot.com/

KATIE http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/

ANN http://www.annlenth.blogspot.com/

BRENDA http://www.brendasjoy.blogspot.com/

ALECIA http://freakalecias.blogspot.com/

STEPHANIE http://todaysmagical.blogspot.com/

CHERYL http://www.tickledpink04.blogspot.com/

LUISA http://www.creativedesignsbyluisa.com

Now for my project.... I get alot of inspiration from CSDivas, from both the Diva members and the DTs. (The card that I did was inspired by Diva member Lena. She entered her card in our Diva of the Month Challenge.)

My Diva inspired card

Easel cards are sooo easy and make a great gift!

You need: 1 (5x10) solid paper

1(5x5) solid paper

1(5x5) pattern paper

Score (5x10) cardstock at 2 1/2" and 5" (fold as above)
Adhere (5x5) solid paper to 2 1/2 front side
Adhere (5x5) pattern paper to bottom (5x5) section of base
Decorate front of your card

Add a strip of card stock (1x5) to base with pop dots to hold up your front side of card (making your easel)
Embellish the bottom the base of your card. I used a simple heart with some red stickles.

Hope you like it and get to making some Easel cards (hint, hint)
That's right, my challenge is for you to make an easel card using any of the Divas' creations as inspiration! Visit our gallery here. Pick a creation that inspires you and get to creating. When you post your project, please add which name/project that you choose to use. (ex: I used- Feb Diva Challenge by Lena Jo McCoy)

For the chance to earn a Grand Prize at CSDivas post your creations in this discussion thread: VALENTINES BH - SANDY'S CHALLENGE ENTRIES and gallery with the tag- VDhop- Sandy!!! Due date to upload entries at CSDivas is Thursday Feberuary 17, 2011. Winner will be announced on Tuesday February 22, 2011...

I am also offering blog candy to anyone who comments not just on this post post but all week! I will add up all the comments and pick a winner on Feb 15th!!! Here it is:

See you tomorrow!!!
Now let's hop to DENINE to see her awesome creation!!!

Only 70 to go!!!!

2011-01-28T10:36:00.000-05:00

I'm finally getting to the down ward slope of this journey. Today is my 3 month appt since surgery. I weigh 240 lbs! I was in college the last time I weighed this much! The weigh does seem to be slowing down but luckily, I take my measurements. So even if I don't see the pounds coming off, I see inches and my clothes fit better. My goal is 170 lbs. I think that is achievable and realistic for me right now, so I only have 70 more lbs to go. Yep, that means I've lost 84 lbs to date with 51 of them being after surgery.

When I started this journey, I was wearing 30/32/4x pants and shirts. I now were 18/20/2x sizes! Can't wait to get to the 14/16s!!! I'm also exercising every other day at my mom's/ She has a Gazelle, recumbent bike and tread mill. I do 15 min on each. I'm even at .82 miles on the treadmill in 15 min. My goal is a 15 min mile! I don't feel comfortable exercising at the gym by myself yet. I feel like everyone is watching and comparing each other. This is probably my insecurities but I'll get there, it will just be in my timing.

Hubby and my family is very happy with my progress. Hubs even said once that I wasn't plus size any more but chunky, lol. Thanks for the compliment honey... I think, lol. I also put up a picture on Facebook and he said I have to stop losing weight because he is starting to drawf me. I say THANK YOU GOD!!! LOL Here is the picture I put up.

I was 253 lbs here and have lost 13 since but I think we make a good looking family :)

What are you doing?

2011-01-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

This is a question that I get from some people. And the truth be told, not everyone know that I've had surgery. There are some in my family that are not supportive and would only ridacule and talk about me, in front and behind my back. Do I want to lie and say, "Oh, just diet and exercise." No and I have shared my process with people who care about me and who asked for help.

Here is an answer that I gave in an email to a family member who asked. This is everything that I do, the only part that I didn't add was that my stomach holds 6-8oz of food at one time. This volume will fill me up and keep me full for a couple of hrs. Also I don't have an appetite, due to not having 100% of the Ghrelin hormone that produced in the stomach. Also, if I eat slider foods ie: ice cream, chips, dips, crakers, chocolate, etc, I can eat more than 6 oz, and I will be hungry shortly. I still fight with head hunger but thankfully that seems to be around my period.

Lol, Thanks! I'm not taking anything. I had my gall bladder/hernias removed before the holidays. It had 50 stones and I was in a lot of pain for the last 2-3 years. With that, I follow a gall bladder diet which is just a low fat diet.

What I do... ( I got these tips from a nutritionist at the hosp but you can find out more by googling Gall Bladder die)
-No pop ( stopped in April) I drink 48 oz water or Gatorade (G2)
-I eat lean protein, chicken, turkey, shrimp, tilapia, sometimes pork, couldn't tell you the last time I had steak.
-I eat my veggies second, sweet potato instead of mashed potatoes, no corn.
-I stay away from the bread, buns, rolls, cake, ice cream (my trigger foods, can't seem to stop at one)
-For my sweets, I will eat 1-2 cookies, and I love the Weight Watcher Fudge Bars ( tastes like a frosty) and Raspberry chocolate bar or FF chocolate pudding with whip topping
-I eat breakfast every morning, usually a yogurt or Kashi cereal with skim milk
-I keep my fat intake for 1 food lower that 10 grams, carbs lower that 20. Meaning if it has 14 grams of fat a serving, I don't buy it or if the carbs are 50, then I eat half a serving
- I eat small portions, 6-8oz, 6 meals a day.
- When we go out, I share with 1 or 2 of the kids or bring home half my meal, everytime.
- I eat whatever I want at parties and the holidays, but I only take a taste of everything, ex: last party had chips, spinach dip, buffalo chicken dip, pizza, pasta bake, cookies, mud pie, potato skins. I ate half a potato skin with sour cream, half the pizza crust, all the toppings, a TB of all three dips with half a hand full of chips, two cookies ( after my meal when everyone was eating dessert). I skipped the pasta bake and mud pie. I also drank water instead of the pop and punch, didn't want to drink my calories.- I also track my food, not daily but often.

- I started 15 min on the treadmill and 15 min on the bike and I HATE every bit of those 30 mins but it is working and I'm seeing results.

I've lost 75 lbs (doing Weight Watchers Online) before but gained it all back. My body just hords calories and fat. I had to make these changes, or I was going to die and the pain was getting unbearable and I have to work full time. I couldn't see Chris being a widow with three toddlers, kwim? I hope this helps. It's not fun but I need to lose this weight. Having Mom and Cyndi on board makes it easier,and Don has lost 100 lbs and kept it off for 3-4 years now. He helps with the motivation alot. I guess as a family we're just trying to get healthy.

Hugs!

Halfway there!!!!

2011-01-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

Well, I got on the scale today and it read 246! I've lost 78 lbs ( 45 lb) since surgery on Oct 25th. So that mean I have 76 lbs to go before I reach my goal of 170. Don't have that many before pics, wonder why??? lol

Here I am at my highest wt of 324

Here I am at 312

Now I've lost 78 lbs!

I feel so blessed. I was able to go through my clothes and have donated 5 garbage bags full, and God is still providing for me :) I think today, I finally realized how much I lost. I was trying on clothes and mom wanted me to try on a size 18. I was like, no way! My butt is tooo big and I'll rip them. She laughed and said to do it anyway. And THEY FIT!!!! I was over the moon and then we took today's pictures, and I'm in shock.

Sad to see the Holidays end but happy to be back

2011-01-02T21:12:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm back from my holiday break. It was a lot of fun and such a busy, busy time. So I just want to wish you all a "belated".....

AND

A BIG..... I'M BAAAAACK!!!! Looking forward to posting new pictures, catching up with blogland friends, participating in some memes, maybe have a couple guest blogger (email me if interested) and starting Sunday Praise and Worship again.

I also want to give a big shout out to Jen @ Thoughts of a Working Mom, not only is she a great blogger( love her spammer posts, she should write a book) she is also my beastie, and Mama Bear @ Bears at Home. Your comments edify and comfort me. Thank You from the bottom of my heart!!!!!

My Ah-ha Moment

2010-12-28T21:05:00.002-05:00

Well actually, I had two ah-ha moments, one before surgery and one after. My wake up was our vacation in July of this year. We went to a beach and shared a condo with family. My husband and I slept on the pull out sofa for two nights. I just wanted to die! The pain I felt in my back, hip and legs was unbearable. On the last night, he went and bought an air mattress but the damage was done. I was in full- blown pain.

Hubby went and got me some pain meds but all he could find (that I wasn't allergic to) was a night time one that made me drowsy and loopy. So here I am, at the beach, under the umbrella, feeling like Shamu, watching my family members play with my kids. I felt so helpless, useless and fat! On that beach, in NJ, was the moment I promised myself that I was gonna get myself under control before I died and let my family without at wife and mommy.

When we got home, I called the Bariatric Center at my hospital and the rest was history. Everything just came together. God was directing my steps. From start to finish, my surgery process was 3 months. I started at 324 lbs on that beach and this weekend I reached my holiday goal of 255 lbs. That makes a 71 lb loss, and a gain of energy and best of all NO PAIN!!!!

But my second ah-ha moment was over this weekend also. I had a mini break down. My husband taped the kids Christmas program at church ( by the way, they were just the cutest and blessed my heart) but he put it after our 5 yr old's first day of kindergarten. He was real excited when I came home to show me. Something like," you got to see this, see how much weight you lost!!!!", excetra.

I was watching me on this tape, and I just wanted to weep. I think I am still shell-shocked. To think that was me on the tv just broke my heart. I was a dead woman walking. Even now, I can't believe how much I was fooling myself. Never in a million years did I see myself so big.

I thank God that I had this opportunity to change my life.

My Weight Chart

2010-12-17T08:42:00.000-05:00

Almost 2 months out for me and I've lost 33 lbs since surgery, which was Oct 25 (figured I would update now because next week will be CRAZY!!!). I weighed in at 258!!! So I'm in the 250s now, very excited! When I first started, I wore a size 30/32, bra size 50H, panties 12 and shoes 10 1/2, sometimes 11. Now I am wearing 22/24 tops, 22 reg or 20W bottoms, bra size 44DDD, panties 10 and shoes 9-9 1/2!!! I can't wait for the next two months!!!

I am a bit of a scale junkie, get on daily but only record my losses. I also set mini goals for me. Like the first month, I wanted to lose 20 lbs. Goals work good for me, gives me something to work towards. If I don't met a goal, it gets me back on track, and I can analyze what happened and learn from it. My next goal, well actually I have three :) First, I want to be 255 by Christmas, only 4lbs away now. Second, I want to be 250 by the end of the year, 9 lbs to go. Third, I want to be 244lb by Jan 28th, that is my 3 month check up at the dr, and I would have lost 33% of my excess wt, which is my dr's goal for me at that time.

My Weight Chart:

# Date Weight

1 12/16/2010 258.0
2 12/15/2010 259.0
3 12/10/2010 260.0 Edit
4 12/07/2010 262.0 Edit
5 12/05/2010 263.0 Edit
6 12/04/2010 264.0 Edit
7 12/02/2010 265.0 Edit
8 12/01/2010 266.0 Edit
9 11/20/2010 268.0 Edit- 23 lbs lost first month after WLS (wt loss surgery)
10 11/19/2010 269.0 Edit
11 11/16/2010 271.0 Edit
12 11/13/2010 273.0 Edit
13 11/10/2010 275.0 Edit
14 11/09/2010 276.0 Edit
15 11/05/2010 277.0 Edit
16 11/02/2010 278.0 Edit
17 11/01/2010 279.0 Edit
18 10/31/2010 280.0 Edit
19 10/30/2010 281.0 Edit
20 10/29/2010 285.0 Edit- 6 lbs lost after surgery- fluid wt
21 10/25/2010 286.0 Edit- Vertical Gastric sleeve surgery (291 when I left hospital and my "surgery" wt)
22 10/19/2010 288.0 Edit
23 10/16/2010 289.0 Edit
24 10/15/2010 291.0 Edit
25 10/12/2010 294.0 Edit
26 10/11/2010 296.0 Edit
27 10/09/2010 298.0 Edit
28 10/04/2010 299.0 Edit
29 10/03/2010 300.0 Edit
30 09/26/2010 303.0 Edit
31 09/24/2010 304.0 Edit
32 09/23/2010 305.0 Edit
33 09/21/2010 306.0 Edit
34 09/17/2010 310.0 Edit
35 08/12/2010 316.0 Edit
36 08/10/2010 317.0 Edit
37 08/08/2010 318.0 Edit
38 08/07/2010 319.0 Edit
39 07/31/2010 324.0 Edit -My highest weight ever/ called the Bariatric Center and scheduled an appt

An Unspoken Bible

2010-12-16T17:15:00.002-05:00

Author Unknown

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans and no shoes. This was literally is wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a Christian recently while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and So Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat.

The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit and, when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. (Although perfectly acceptable behavior at a college fellowship, trust me, this had never happened in this church before!

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, an Elder is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the Elder is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying To themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.

How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane.

All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the Elder does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget. Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read."

Thanksgiving and the VGS = fun times!!!

2010-12-01T14:38:00.000-05:00

This is the best decision I have ever made for me and my family. I am 5 weeks out and lost 25 lbs as of today (266 lbs)! That makes a total of 58 lbs lost after my pre-op diet starting Aug 1st (324lbs 4 months ago).

I started with 30/32 pants and shirts, 4-5x shirts, 50 DDD bra, 10 1/2 shoe. Now I am in 22/24 clothes, 2-3x shirts, 44 DDD and get this... a size 9 shoe and high heels to boot!!!!! I am a shopaholic, lol. The biggest thing that I am over the moon about though, is that I am pain free!!! I've had hip, back, leg, joint pain for the last 5 yrs. I have so much energy now and have been able to play on the floor with the kiddos. I was also able to cook and host Thanksgiving dinner and it wasn't until the end of the night that fatigue set in but I felt so productive. I was running circles around hubby. Oh and I was able to help weed, rake leaves and hang Christmas light with hubby. This is the first time in a long time that I didn't feel guilty that he was doing everything around the house.

We've done Xmas shopping and he kept asking if I was okay, last year I had to keep sitting down to rest. He is amazed that I feel fine. He said that he is waiting for the hammer to drop, lol. I told him that hammer wasn't coming down anytime soon, lol.

I've had no complications with my surgery and the recovery. Everything has been text book and I go back to work Monday. I had 6 weeks off because I do lifting at work over 10 lbs. I felt ready to go back to work 2-3 weeks out but this has been a nice vacation!

After 5 weeks, protein shakes are yuck but a must have. So I just grin and bear it :) I have great restriction at 3 oz still and getting around 400 calories. I'm trying to get more, 500-600 cal, but just don't have the appetite yet. I'm getting about 32-48 oz water so that's still not quite there yet either. What else??? Oh, exercise! That is a hit or miss but I'm going to start going to the gym. My work has a free state of the art one for employees. I didn't go before because I was sooo embarrassed!!! Like, here comes two-ton Tilly. I was the biggest person there ( 2 yrs ago).

That's me for now.

Very Thankful ( one month update)

2010-11-25T08:41:00.000-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

FROM ME TO YOU AND YOURS

I can't believe that today makes one month after surgery. I have so much to be thankful for! First, my God and family, they have been my rock though all of this. Second, for this surgery and how it has changed my life in just this short time.

I have had no complications with surgery or even recovery after. It seems very surreal right now, like did I really do this, but I look at the scale and see 24 lbs gone, look at my closet and see all the 30/32 size clothes gone along with most of my 26/28. I eat 3 oz of soft foods and feel full. It has become a neccessity not a way of life or enjoyment. I'm rediscovering how much fun it is to play with the kids or even do yardwork with hubby and not have pain or feel guilty that I can't help him. I could go on and on of how much more I can do now. And do you know this best part? This is just the beginning!!!!!

So today, I am a very thankful woman, enjoying the blessing that I have been given.

(If you have any doubts on if this is the path for you, please pray, let God direct your steps in this journey, then go to your Dr and tell him " I want the sleeve!!!!")

WooHoo!!!!! Going Down Down Down!

2010-11-12T19:53:00.000-05:00

I went to the Dr for my two week follow up which is actually 18 days, but we won't go there. My labs are perfect (very early yet) and I'm getting water, protein and vitamins in no problem. I weighed in too and wanted to do the happy dance. I lost 15.5 lb since surgery on Oct 25th and a grand total of....

Wow! I've lost 50 lbs from August 1st and that doesn't count loosing the extra water weight from surgery. The nurse said they wanted 10% the first two weeks and I was at 11% (which is 274lbs). She also said I can expect to loose an additional 40-50 lbs in 3 months!?!?!?! My mind is having a hard time wrapping around that one! That would put me around 225lb and the last time I saw that number was in college. I'm also on the next stage of my diet. I can eat soft, pureed foods. Protein has to be first, 6 sm meals which are 3-4oz, over 48 oz water and exercise (I love my Wii Fit).

We went out to eat tonight, too. That was an experience, a "freeing" one! We went to a favorite Mexican restaurant. The hubby and the kiddos had the salsa and chips, I wasn't even tempted. The kids had their meals which for them is usually half. I will never tell my children they have to clean their plates! Hubby had chimichangas and refried beans. I don't think he realized that was the only meal I ever order (he never did before) but I was okay with that! I took 3 teaspoons of the beans and small bite of shredded chicken and beef each. I took my time, chew well and it was delicious. I swear it was the Mexican I've ever had, lol!!! It took me about 30 min to eat and I was pleasantly full, satisfied, and no pain or nausea. I love this new sleeve!!! What gets me is that the meal I had would have been 1 and 1/2 bites of a meal before surgery. No lie!!! I really appreciated my "meal" tonight!

Sunday Worship and Praise- Lifesong

2010-11-07T17:19:00.000-05:00

Hope your having a blessed Sunday. I had an extra bonus. My hubby was off and able to go to church too. It was so nice having extra hands to get the kids ready. I was able to get my make up on too and not in the rear view mirror on the way to church!!!

I'm starting to see the fruit of my weight loss now. I wore a size smaller pants and shirt plus..... HIGH HEELS!!! I didn't have pain! That's a biggie for me. If you know me, you know I love my shoes!!!

The question I ask my self... "What did I do this for?", plays over and over in my mind. I did this not only to feel good, be healthy, wear high heels, lol... I did this so I could be the woman, wife, mother that God wants me to be.

I love this song, LIFESONG by Casting Crowns. There is more than just me that is going to be affect and/or changed by what God has enabled me to do.

Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight

May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You

Lord I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet

So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You

One week down...

2010-11-01T12:39:00.000-04:00

I can't believe its been a week already!!! Time goes by fast when you are having fun, lol.

Monday was surgery, I was out of it all day, Woke up in my room and hubby said I was hitting the morphin pump every 6 min, lol.

Tuesday, I was still on that morphin pump, It was my hospital BFF, lol. Started to get up and walk and it was very uncomfortable. I like walking at night. It was quiet, no people or other obsticals on the floor and I got some one on one time with nurses and they would walk with me, keep ing my mind off the pain.

Wednesday was my downhill hump day. The nurses didn't know much about sleeve patients. I had a nausea patch on the one of the nurses took off of me whn I was sleeping. They then told be to get up and walk but I wasn't feeling good. My mom was helping me and I started dry heaving and trying not to throw up. My husband and mom where yelling for help, nuirsing running, mass confusion. My husband asked where my patch was and the nurse said she took it off. They gave me something through my iv and I slept for 3 hrs. At this point my family wanted me out of the hospital asap! As soon as they removed the catheter, iv and JP drain, I started to feel human again.

Thursday , home sweet home, I slept in the recliner and took one pain pill. I slept a lot of thursday and was still on clear liquids. A lot of gas that day. Sip, sip, sip!!!!

Friday, I took one pain pill. Hubby convinced me to go to Target with him for the ride. When we got there, I decided to go in and walked for 30 min. I was tired then and went to sit at the food bar while he finished shopping. Still having a lot of gas, and sipping away. Focusing on walter and protien shakes right now. I like GNC Wheybolic 60 the best ( chocolate).

Saturday, feeling 100 times better!!! Went to church for kid's harvest party. I lasted 20 min and then was sooo tired. I sat at the craft table and hlps with the crafts while hubby took care of the three kids running around. Still not getting all my water in and starting to have that keytosis, iron, yuck mouth. Still trying though and I have no pain!!!!

Sunday, I decided to go to church (took my water bottle with me) and did great! I sat for praise and worship and took a nap when I we got home. No pain, put the pill away! I did a no no though!. I didn't eat before church, had 1 oz mashed potato and nap. When I got up it was go, go , go to get the kids dinner, cleanup for the Holloween guest we have, gt the kids dressed and I started burping alot, got dizzy, lightheaded, hot flashes, nausea. My mom asked what I ate and I just remember... NOTHING, no appetite and I forgot all about food!!!! That was a first!!! When the kids left for trick or treating, I had 1 oz yogurt and 3 oz protein shake and felt like a new woman!!!

Monday, I 'm home 2/3 kids ( ages 3 and 2, my 5 yr old is in school) and doing great, no pain, no nausea and feeling like 75% of my self!!! I went to the dr for blood work this morning and got weighed! My starting weight in Sept was 324lbs. My surgery weight was 292lbs (32 lost). My weight today, one wk after surgery....... 279!!!!!!!!! I lost 13 lbs in one week and a grand total of 45 lbs lost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am relieved that I did this, no regrets ( I did have the what the heck feeling but it was over by Friday) I go back on the 14th for my new meal plan, Right now, I am eating yogurt, mashed potato, protein shakes, strained cream soups and sip, sip, sip that water!!!

Sunday Worship and Praise- Our God

2010-10-31T20:39:00.001-04:00

I hope you had a Blessed Sunday! I wasn't going to church today because I was feeling a nausea and just blah. Hubby took the kiddos and they all went to Sunday School. I was just sitting flipping through the channels and decided to picked up the phone and called my Mom. It was about 20 min before church was to start. She said she would be right over and get me. Needless to say, hubby was very happy and suprised to see me sitting in the sanctuary waiting for him to get out of men's class.

I think there was a big reason that God wanted me there and for today it was the praise and worship. During this part of the service, I was standing, dancing, arms raised up and didn't feel sick at all. All my focus was on God and worshipping Him. After that I was done in, lol.

One of the songs that was played was Our God by Chris Tomlin. It just touched my heart. Right now it is about a week after my surgery and I'm having these what did I do thoughts ( not quite buyer's remorse). What will people say that I haven't told yet? Will I every get over this blah feeling I'm having right now?

This song brought me such peace today. There’s no one like our God. He is greater, higher, stronger, Healer, awesome in power! And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us. And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

There is NOTHING that I can't accomplish if He is with me!!! He will raise me up from the ashes!

Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You

CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

BRIDGE
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

Home from the hospital

2010-10-28T13:05:00.000-04:00

I got home around 6:00pm. yesterday. I was able to rest ( hospital should have a sign posted...Thou shalt not let thy patients sleep)!!!

On Monday, we got the hospital at 5 am and got my iv and all the other goodies to get me ready. Surgery was at 7am. I remember sliding off the gerny onto the operating table. They put compression blow up thingies on my legs, tied my arms down and put the mask on me. Next think I remember is waking up in my hospital room. ( slept through the whole recovery room episode)

The staff were very nice but some were clueless, they kept referring my as a RYN pt not a sleeve pt. We had a lot of pt education these last couple of days, lol. Dr said everything was very smooth, liver shrank down and they didn't have to jostle my insides around.

-Here is what I noticed:
-I have no appetite
-I made them order me a binder, I walked much better with one on, the JP drain didn't feel like it was being tugged on.
-Sipping is much easier than I thought. I have to force myself actually just to get 1 oz down.
-I had so much relief when they took the JP drain out.
-Walking helps with gas pain.
-use your spirometer ( breathing into thingy) it hurts at first but helps get all the gunk out of you chest
- expect nausea and dizziness, part of the process, I eneded up dry heaving 4-5 times with family yelling help and nurses running, it was mass chaos for 15 min. The nurse put something in my iv and I was out for 3 hrs, very scary!!
- leak test sucks, but it was cool seeing the die go down into my little banana ( note--- it does not look like the cute pictures in the books, lol)

I'm home now and not having any pain but the nausea and upset stomach is not fun :( I gained 6lbs in fluid so now I'm back up to 290 ( 4 more too lose)

Thank you for all you support and prayers!!!

and GO!!!

2010-10-25T03:52:00.001-04:00

Ready, set...

Well, the time has finally came. This is the day that God has decreed in my life, and I am walking in it. Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

I'm off with hubby, we have to be at the hospital at 5am and surgery is schedule for 7am. When I wake up, I will be headed to the losers bench for once and for all. Oct 25th is a new day for me, it's the first day of my new life. I weighed myself this morning and too my measurements. I'm 286, that's 38 lbs lost pre-op!

I am not naive to think that magically I will lose all my weight and life will be all hunky-dory. What I know is, I am given a new chance, a new "tool" that can "help" me keep my weight off. Ultimately, I am in control of what I put in my mouth and how I use this tool in the future. I just thank God that I have the opportunity to do so.

Sunday Worship and Praise- Revelation

2010-10-24T14:23:00.002-04:00

We know life is a journey. Paul even describes it as a race... Heb 12:1 “Run with endurance the race that God has set before you”

On a race, there are markers to make the path to show the way to go. On our race, God is our marker, His words are our map. But on a race, what happens if a car is parked blocking the signs, or if you have a leg cramp and can't keep going, or fall and get injured? All of these will slow or even stop our race. Life is the road blocks in our race. I can't tell you how many times I've looked to the right or the left to see who/what I cam keeping up with. I've kept my eye behind me and I've tried to strain my eyes in front of me. But I realized, there comes a time when everything is blurred around me and the only place I can look is up.

And that is what I'm doing, keeping my eyes focus on Jesus because I'm afraid to take my eyes off Him. I'm afraid if I do, then I won't make it to the hospital tomorrow or if I do, I won't be able to fulfill this wonderful gift I feel like he is giving me and this will just be another thing I have failed in.

"Give me a Revelation" I have prayed this so many times, and my prayers have finally been answered. If I can share just one thing with you it would be, keep seeking Him, asking for the revelation that you need in your life to run this race and con't your journey!

Ready, Set...

2010-10-22T22:50:00.002-04:00

Almost Go but not yet!

It has been a very busy day. I manage to get everything I need after surgery. Now I just have to make a list of what the kids will need when I'm in the hospital. I also had a date night with hubby. We went to a fancy place with dinner music and all. I splurged for my "last" meal! Half a chicken breast, half a baked potato, a roll and three bites of a gooy, yummy dessert. It was so nce talking with hubby, we got a lot out about our fears about surgery. We both in a good place. We went to see a movie afterwards, held hands the whole time. We don't do a lot of that with three kids, 5 and under, lol.

When we got home there was a message on the machine. Hospital called and they changed my surgery time from 9am to 7 am. I have to be there at 5 am. All the butterflies came back, lol. Here's to 2 more days left!!!

T- minus 7 days

2010-10-18T21:46:00.001-04:00

I have to give a big WooHooo! I'm at 289lbs, that 35lbs lost!!! I'm doing really good following the low fat/low carb diet. I am feeling a little limited in my food choices though. I could use some great recipes.

I had a very surreal moment today too. I love reading all the posts on the VGS board both good and bad and everything in between. I love giving encouragement and praying. Hugs and prayers have been my tag line, Why? Because I wish I could just reach out and give you all a hug to let you know I'm there for you, and prayers because, well, that's what I do. I believe if you talk the talk then you walk the walk too. But until know, it's always been the "other" people.

It finally dawned on me, "This is going to be me this time next week " By 12:30 next Monday, I will have my sleeve, be in my room, learning all over again how to eat and begin with a fresh start in life. I have to be at the hospital by 7am and surgery is 9 am.

Oh man, all I can do is say "Wow, it's happening so fast!!!" Don't get me wrong, I'm excited and rearing to go but.... well... OH MAN, WOW!!!

This song by Steve Green blessed me today, it ministered so much to me, and I hope to you too:

If the struggle you're facing
Is slowly replacing your hope
With despair
Or the process is long
And you're losing your song
In the night
You can be sure that the Lord
Has His hand on you
Safe and secure
He will never abandon you
You are His treasure
And He finds His pleasure in you

He who began a good work in you
Will be faithful to complete it
He'll be faithful to complete it
He who started the work
Will be faithful to complete it in you

Philippians 1:6 (New International Version)
⁶being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Hugs and Prayers!!!

I'm Trading My Sorrow for Joy

2010-10-18T06:29:00.000-04:00

Wow, another praise and worship song for the week!!! But that is were my heart is. We have a thread on a VGS support board started by one of our sisters. She writes about the guilt that can flow through us when we make such a big decision in our lives as this surgery is. I took a lot of comfort in that post because I didn't feel alone. There are people feeling the same as me, and I don't have hide those fears. I can confess them and move on in the knowledge that God's grace, mercy and love, that are unending, never failing.

With the support I have there from fellow believers and a long hard talk from my family and BFF, Jen. I finally came to the place where I can share my new found joy and peace in this journey. Yesterdays post and song was all about letting go and releasing all my thoughts and fears to the Lord. Offing all of me to Him not just the parts that I think are pleasing to Him. I am not perfect aka Super Sandy and guess what... I'm okay with that. I'm not naive to think that all my problems will fade away, but I've come to understand that I don't have to fix everything by myself.

(the poster in this video are great!!!)

Sunday Worship and Praise!

2010-10-17T17:52:00.001-04:00

This weeks song really spoke to my heart. It was like everything I had bottled up inside, everything I wanted to pour out to the Lord. The prayer typed at the beginning of the song is "my prayer" to Him. I can do nothing without Him. The best part is He takes me as I am, all my faults, failures, distresses, joys, accomplishments. I don't have to be this cookie cutter Christian woman. There is no mold I have to fall into His grace is without works. His love is unfailing. The problem is I'm human with many expectations on myself. But sometimes you just have to "let go and let God".
Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before you O Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaim
The joy and the pain, I'm making them yours

Lord I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life

Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes, all of my plans
My heart and my hands are lifted to You.

The new look

2010-10-16T10:36:00.002-04:00

What do you think of my new blog look? I spent all morning on it. I choose this look because it is fitting for me and my life. The cleaning supplies represent my home, the book represents my faith, the food represents me getting healthier (the blonde hair cutie is me at goal weight)and the laptop represents me working outside of the home (I work on a laptop at every pt visit). So that's my life in a nutshell :)

Rockin' the Parties!!!

2010-10-15T23:00:00.000-04:00

I am very pleased with myself tonight! My sister had her 6th annual Harvest Party. There were a ton of people there who brought a ton of food. Soups, chowders, chicken and biscuits, pumpkin pie, apple pie, donuts, smores, and on and on! I brought all the beverages. (Still having pain from gall bladder surgery on the 5th)

So here I am with all this food, knowing 1. I can't eat large amounts and 2. I can't eat 80% of what is there and still be on track for my next surgery on the 25th. So I said "Self, you can do this. You want to be healthier more than you want that pie." So I had a bowl of bean soup, a scoop of turkey sloppy joes and my water. I balanced my bowl on my plate and put the meat next to it. It looked like I had a lot of food. Then mingled while I ate. This helped me eat slower and get full faster.

So, this party tonight kicks off the holiday season for us. But you know what? I really think I'm going to enjoy these holidays! I can spend less time obsessing about food and more time congressing with those around me. So bring on those Halloween treats, Thanksgiving dinners, and Christmas cookies, this mama is finally being set free!!!

Me and my weight

2010-10-14T16:19:00.000-04:00

There are so many great blogs out there! And I found another one at All the Weigh. She posted this great questionnaire she found, and I thought to do it on my blog as well. It is not always easy to put yourself out there, but I hope I can inspire someone like I have been. Feel free to post on your own blog post. If you do, let me know so I can drop by :)

1. What was your highest weight, what do you weigh right now and what is your goal weight? (sigh) My highest weight was 325 lbs. ( I was/am carrying another person around with me) I weight 294 lbs right now. I've lost 30 lbs to date. My goal weight is 175lbs. Why? Because with that weight... it is attainable, I will be out of the plus size clothes, I will wt less than my hubby, anything smaller than that will just be gravy :)

2. What is your #1 motivation for losing weight?
My husband and children are my motivation. They deserve a mommy/wife who isn't just trying to get by, whose sitting on the bench and watching them enjoy life. I don't want my husband to find himself raising three children by himself because his wife died of obese related diseases. They deserve me doing everything I can possibly do to be healthy as I can be.

3. Have you always been overweight?
I was the "chunky" kid who became the "fat" kid who became " the biggest kid in the pack". Looking back, I can see I made not have been the tiny girl but I was a healthy girl with a little more weight. But my poor self esteem and body image took me down the road to bindge eatting, crash diets,to self hatred of "why can't I be like her syndrome". As the years have gone by, the weight had piled on. I am the queen of Yo-Yo Diets.

4. When you want to give up what inspires you to keep going?
Complements from my hubby is a big one for me. Another is trying on some of my older clothes. It's nice knowing how tight a pair of pants once were and then seeing how they just fall off of me.

5. What is the #1 thing you look forward to when you hit your goal weight?
Going on our next vacation at the beach and actually swim and play with the kiddos in the sand. This past summer, I was the beached whale in black under the umbrella, wrapped in a towel. A personal goal for me is shopping at the mall. Right now, the only place I can go is Fashion Bug.

6. Do you have support on your weight loss journey?
Yes, from my family, my friends, my blogland friends. I'm thankful for the support you guys have shown me through this journey.

7. What is your favorite exercise?
I love using my Wii Fit Plus. It is low impact and keeps me interested. I hope to do more as I lose weight and can move pain free.

8. What is the most important thing you have learned on your weight loss journey?
I can't do this myself. I need support and accountability. I NEED to write down everything eat!!! I need to stay away from my trigger foods ie. pizza, fried chicken, cookies, ice cream (those are my top four, see!!! I couldn't even pick just three!!!)

9. What is one thing you have given up that you miss the most?
see question 8, lol!!!

10. What is your strategy for losing weight?
I eat proper portions and exercise. All my other tips are in THIS POST if you want to check them out!

Just keeping it real...;)

Surviving Halloween

2010-10-13T09:44:00.003-04:00

Here are a couple of Halloween tips that help me alot, esp. when talking about the "C" word....CANDY!!!

Wait til the last minute. Don’t be tempted by bags of Halloween candy sitting around the house. Instead, buy your candy on the 30th.

Buy and give out candy that you don’t like. For me it would be anything with coconut like Almond Joy or Mounds bars, no temptation there.

Don’t shop for candy until after you eat.

Give it all out! Leftovers are a big no-no!

If you do have extra candy, get it out of the house on November 1st:

* Donate to a local charity or church
* Take it to work
* Give to your doorman if you live in an apartment
* Offer leftovers to friends or neighbors
* Can’t get rid of it? Dump it. Don’t feel guilty. You’ll feel worse on the scale after eating what’s left.

I love Joy Bauer (even though she is a size zero, she is just too cute and talks so I can understand). I get her newsletter every wk and they are nice and short with great weight loss tips!

Just Keep Losing....

2010-10-12T07:25:00.001-04:00

AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I made 30 lbs!!!! I can't believe it! I'm down to 294 today and doing the happy dance. I set a goal to lose 30 before surgery, now I think I'm going to up to 35lbs. I keep thinking of Dory on Finding Nemo. remember the scene where she keeps sing "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming". I say "Just keep losing, just keep losing"!

In this post HERE, I wrote about how I lost these pound and all the tips that I am learning from the nutritionist. I thought of another one today. FAST FOOD!!!!! I work in Home Health and 95% of the time, my lunches consisted of going through the drive thru and picking up "something small". Well, I haven't been to a fast food place in a month. I went on the dr's diet to shrink my liver two weeks before my gall bladder surgery. Now I'm going on two weeks after surgery, and I'm here at home not able to drive. That is a big NSV for me. My other big NSV is that I haven't drank pop in 7 months!!! I was a Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi junkie to boot! I need to go put up my new 30 lb badge!!!

Cute new Monday meme!

2010-10-11T15:11:00.000-04:00

1. Do your pants get hung on a hangar or folded? My pants are folded and in the dresser
2. If you are stranded on an Island, what 3 things would you need to have with you (not including humans or electronic devices)? Bible, pillow, sunglasses
3. Where is the farthest you have ever traveled to? Cozumel Mexico. Went on a cruise with my mom and sister.
4. Do you live in a house, trailer or apartment, etc.? I live in a three bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, split level home. It was the home I grew up in. I bought it off my mom when she remarried
5. What is your most hated household chore?

easy, laundry!!!!, hubby does all the washing, drying, folding and putting away... man, I love that man!!!

Pre- op Diet

2010-10-09T21:22:00.000-04:00

Thanks Mama Bear for your comment. I had Gall Bladder Surgery Tuesday (50 gall stones!!!!) and today I'm feeling more like myself. A little more dizzier that usual though :) My biggest update on my WLS is that I have a date!!! The Dr office called and it is going to be Oct 25th. I'm nervous and excited at the same time!

As of today, I have lost 26 lbs too which is great and am 298lbs ( Can I officially say , I will NEVER see 300s again?!?! I sure pray so). My diet has been a restrictive one with my calories under 1200. This may be too low for some people, but I though I would share some of the tips that I have been learning along the way. Going through this process has been an eye opener in how the body works and my nutritionist is an angel. I can call her any time.

Here's what I'm doing ( I know I'm preaching to the choir but bear with me, I think I finally got this for me)...

I eat 3 meals and 2 snack ( my snacks are 100 calories or under)
I eat Protein first, then the veggies and fruit on my plate, and then if I'm still hungry I'll eat the bread.
Because of my surgery, I haven't ate any bread, pasta, cookies, chips, cake or ice cream for the last month and a half. I'm not going to say it has been easy. It just plain sucked for the first three-four weeks watching everyone around me eat these but now I'm handling it great. I've found alternatives.
For my sweet tooth, I have sugar free chocolate pudding or sugar free jello with fat free whip cream. If I want a snack that is a little more salty, I'll eat a low fat jerky with a slice of low fat cheese. This works great for me right now! Right now, I'm not tempted by the "bad" foods. Don't know what it will be like down the road but right now this is how I'm feeling.
I have a tablet by my bedside. I write down what I eat the whole day. I don't carry this around or make it so involved. Just jot down what you ate, the calories and know that tomorrow you will do better. I also make a little note if I started my period or went to a party or out to eat. That way I keep track.
There are a couple of great site that help me find out calories on my food,

There are plenty of free ones online. Just bookmark a couple to refer back to.
Learn the number game. This is a bigggggg eye opener for me. The average woman carries 5-7 lb extra water weight. Our water weight flucuates so much because of our hormones.
Find out what your resting metabolic rate: just google this. For me, it is 2021 calories. This is how many calories my body burns a day just to function and keep me alive. There are 3500 calories in 1 pound. That is a 1479 difference, meaning if I eat only 2021 calories a day, I will lose 2.5 lbs in a week. Light bulb moment for me.
Now, insert real life. Doing the best I can everyday and stop beating myself for not losing this weight and keeping it off and know that WLS for me is a tool that I will need to maintain any weight loss.

Hope this helps someone :) Praying you have a blessed weekend!

Sunday Worship and Praise- Amazing Grace

2010-10-03T18:53:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday!!!

My God song of the week is Amazing Grace (my chains are gone). By Chris Tomlin. I truly feel like God is lifting chains off of me one by one... emotional, mental, and physical. It is a wonderful feeling!

I weighed in today and lost 3 more lbs (still waiting for my surgery) but that is a total of 24 lbs so far! Each one of those pounds is a chain on my body holding me down and back. I am 300 lbs now and able to exercise of 30 min straight without pain during or after. This is a big victory for me, and I give God all the glory.

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

ps. Please keep me in prayer. My gall bladder surgery is Tuesday Oct 5th at 10 am (est) Love and Blessings to you :)

Live Church Broadcasts

2010-10-03T09:19:00.000-04:00

I wanted to let you know that my church is now running a live broadcast of Sunday Service, including praise and worship and alter call. I was home with a sick child last week and this was great to watch on the computer. My church is Assembly of God, five fold ministry, just so you know :)

If your church has a live cast, please post it here. That way if any of us are home sick, home bound, etc., we can still worship :)

Here is the link: Highway Tabernacle Service (Pastor Moore, time: 10:00 am est, place: Austintown, Ohio)

(there are past messages too)

A Simple Prayer

2010-09-29T08:22:00.002-04:00

By Peggy Porter

My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to"dad."

That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. Dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried. Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pine wood derby car with his young,eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed.

Finally, mom stepped in to see if I could figure this all out. The project began. Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and let Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could do and what we couldn't do. Within days his block of wood was turning into a pinewood derby car.A little lopsided, but looking great (at least through the eyes of mom).

Gilbert had not seen any of the other kids cars and was feeling pretty proud of his "Blue Lightning," the pride that comes with knowing you did something on your own.

Then the big night came. With his blue pinewood derby in his hand and pride in his heart we headed to the big race. Once there my little one's pride turned to humility. Gilbert's car was obviously the only car made entirely on his own. All the other cars were a father-son partnership, with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed.

A few of the boys giggled as they looked at Gilbert's, lopsided, wobbly, unattractive vehicle. To add to the humility Gilbert was the only boy without a man at his side. A couple of the boys who were from single parent homes at least had an uncle or grandfather by their side, Gilbert had "mom."

As the race began it was done in elimination fashion. You kept racing as long as you were the winner. One by one the cars raced down the finely sanded ramp. Finally it was between Gilbert and the sleekest, fastest looking car there. As the last race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old ask if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray.

The race stopped.

Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half. Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, 'Okay, I am ready."

As the crowd cheered, a boy named Tommy stood with his father as their car sped down the ramp. Gilbert stood with his Father within his heart and watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprisingly great speed and rushed over the finish line a fraction of a second before Tommy's car.

Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud "Thank you" as the crowd roared in approval. The Scout Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, "So you prayed to win, huh,Gilbert?" To which my young son answered, "Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help you beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I don't cry when I lose."

Children seem to have a wisdom far beyond us. Gilbert didn't ask God to win the race, he didn't ask God to fix the out come, Gilbert asked God to give him strength in the outcome. When Gilbert first saw the other cars he didn't cry out to God, "No fair, they had a fathers help." No, he went to his Father for strength. Perhaps we spend too much of our prayer time asking God to rig the race, to make us number one, or too much time asking God to remove us from the struggle, when we should be seeking God's strength to get through the struggle. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippines 4:13

Gilbert's simple prayer spoke volumes to those present that night. He never doubted that God would indeed answer his request. He didn't pray to win, thus hurt someone else, he prayed that God supply the grace to lose with dignity. Gilbert, by his stopping the race to speak to his Father also showed the crowd that he wasn't there without a "dad," but His Father was most definitely there with him. Yes, Gilbert walked away a winner that night, with his Father at his side.

Sunday Worship and Praise!

2010-09-19T13:05:00.000-04:00

I pray you are having a blessed day :) For this weeks song, I'm worshipping to a song by Bebo Norman, I Will Lift My Eyes.

I just found out that my gall bladder has to be removed now. On one hand, I see that all this is a process, and God is with me the whole way. On the other hand, I just wish this would be easy and done with by now.

I hope this song blesses you as it has me :)

God, my God, I cry out

Your beloved needs You now.

God, be near calm my fear and take my doubt.

Your kindness is what pulls me up

Your love is all that draws me in

Random Dozen

2010-09-18T09:53:00.000-04:00

1. Do you do garage sales? If so, tell me about one great find. If not, tell me why not.
I love garage sales, yard sales, estate sales, flea markets, antique malls. One persons trash is anothers treasure. Scrapbooking supplies
2. Name the last thing you fixed.
My scrapbooking shelf
3. Name your A) Favorite item of makeup OR B) Favorite tool
I don't go anywhere with out my mascara. Blonde lashes make me look washed out.
4. Which room in your home needs organizing more than any other?
Do closets count? My bedroom closet needs it bad.
5. Which room could use re-decorating?
Kitchen needs updated
6. Share something unique about your town.
Canfield Fair, 3rd largest county fair in the country.
7. If you could send a one-sentence message to your great-grandchild, what would it be?
Keep Jesus in your heart and know that you are loved unconditionally.
8. Do you Facebook? everday
9. Describe your favorite shoes.
Cute black pump with a cute buckle. At home, I prefer to be barefoot.
10. Do you listen to more talk radio or more music radio? What kind of station is it? 95.5 The Fish, chrisitan radio

11. How far would you travel for a really good (favorite) meal?
I've gone 90 min for a good meal, Pittsburgh or Cleveland, I live in between
12. If you were totally honest with yourself (and us) what should you probably be doing right now instead of blogging?
Scrapbooking!!

50 Questions

2010-09-17T21:03:00.000-04:00

My BFF, Jen posted this at Thoughts of a Working Mom, so I had to do it! Feel free to C & P, and fill out your own. Leave me a comment, and I’ll come visit!

1. Where were you three hours ago? Scrapbooking

2. Who are you in love with? My husband

3. Have you ever eaten a crayon? Maybe when I was two

4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? yes, Emmy's balloon

5. When was the last time you went to the mall? July 28th, Jessica's friend's bd party at build a bear

6. Are you wearing socks right now? Yes

7. Do you have a car worth over $2000? Yes

8. When was the last time you drove out of town? Saturday. When we went to Pittsburgh to see Spirit of America at the new Consol Center... LETS GO PENS

9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days? No, I thin it was 5 months ago

10. Are you hot? No I'm feeling pretty comfortable right now (but hubby thinks I'm hot, lol)

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?big big glass of.... ice water!

12. What are you wearing right now? top, capris, socks, undies, bra, lol.

13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it? Your supposed to wash your car????

14. Last food you ate? turkey bacon, lettuce, tomato salad... 150 cal, 3.5 fat, 1 carb... yes, I'm a diet

15. Where were you last week at this time? right here at the computer

16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? No

17. When was the last time you ran? 2 yrs ago :(

18. What was the last sporting event you watched?Monday night football

19. Your favorite animal? elephants/ giraffes

20. Your dream vacation? Sandals in Jamaica for a first honeymoon/ Hawii

21. Last person’s house you were in? My mom's

22. Worst injury you ever had? sciatic nerve pain r leg

23. Have you been in love? Yes and still am.

24. Do you miss anyone right now? my bff, Jen

25. Last play you saw?YSU- Horton hears a Who (cousin was in it)

26. What is your secret weapon to lure the opposite sex? None, I am happily and forever married, my hubby... my big ol boobs, lol. I know TMI!

27. What are your plans for tonight? scrapbooking

28. Who is the last person to send you a Facebook message or comment? Jen, told me to check my yahoo email.... an email to get an email, man I love this girl, lol!!!

29. Next trip you are going to take? None for quite a while :(

30. Ever go camping? Yes 2009, Can't wait to go again!!!

31. Were you an honor student in school?off and on

32. What do you want to know about the future? nothing

33. Are you wearing perfume or cologne? Yes, Mambo, every day, 2 sprays

34. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor’s visit? went today, Gall Bladder is coming out in a week or two

35. Where is your best friend? In PA.

36. How is your best friend? She has her hands full!

37. Do you have a tan? No.

38. What are you listening to right now? What Would You Do on TV

39. Do you collect anything? Cricut cartridges??? lol

40. Who is the biggest gossiper you know? my grandma

41. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over? 10+ years ago

42. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw? Pop!!! Yes

43. What does your last text message say? don't text

44. Do you like hot sauce? no

45. Last time you took a shower? This morning

46. Do you need to do laundry? Always.but hubby does it

47. What is your heritage? Hungarian/ Irish

48. Are you someone’s best friend? Yes

49. Are you rich? Yes, but not financially

50. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Sleeping

Creative Scrapbooking Divas' Blog Hop

2010-09-17T19:12:00.001-04:00

CSDivas is having a Fall Blog Hop on September 25th and 26th.
Here is a chance for you to win a RAK very easily:
Simply post on your blog about our Fall Blog Hop with a link to CSDivas and you will get a ticket.
Also, for every friend who joins CSDivas will earn you another ticket!

Click on the image below and it will take to the sign up page :)

RULES:
1) Post on your blog about our Fall Blog Hop with a link to CSDivas. Right click on the picture and save as to your PC to include it in your post.

2) Post a link to your blog post in THIS CHALLENGE thread, so we can checkout your post and your awesome blog!

3) Let your friends know to register in THIS CHALLENGE thread, so we can know who invited her. Provide your friend with your profile name please.

4) Last chance for ticket should be posted on September 23rd. 2010.

(Even if your not into scrap booking, please consider posting this on your blog, thanks you!!!)

ME quiz!

2010-08-28T18:54:00.000-04:00

1. FIRST NAME: Sandy
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Sandra was my dad's girl name pick, Elaine is my middle name and my mom's
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Yesterday, was watching the Albino story on 20/20
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Pepperoni
6. KIDS? 3
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOURSELF? Yeah, I'm cool like that, just kiddin'!
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? this blog
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? I'm not sarcastic
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No I respect gravity too much :)
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cocoa Pebbles
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope... I wear slip ons, even my tennis shoes
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes- emotionally, No- physically
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Coffee Toffee
16. SHOE SIZE? 10
17. RED OR PINK? red
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? haha, is this a trick question?!?!? My weight
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Dad
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yep- would love to see yours
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW? black capris and barefoot
22. LAST THING YOU ATE? Home made BBQ pizza bites
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The Browns game!!!! GO BROWNS!
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple
25. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SMELL? My perfum- Mambo and Coffee
26. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My mommy :)
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes, Dark hair and eyes & Forearms
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? yes
29. FAVORITE DRINK? Crystal Light
30. FAVORITE SPORT? Hockey
31. HAIR COLOR? Blonde - never dyed
32. EYE COLOR? Blue
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope
34. FAVORITE FOOD? another trick question!!! Everything to pick one Chicken gizzards
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy Ending
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Alvin and the Chipmunks
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Pink flowered
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cream puff cake
41. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Jen
42. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Cyndi
43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? n/a need a good one!
44. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Pittsburgh Pens Stanley Cup win 2009
45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Say Yes to the Dress
46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Ocean waves, my kids laughing
47. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? neither, give me NKOTB!!!
48. TALENT? ???
49. ARE YOU CURRENTLY IN LOVE? Yes, forever!!!
50. WHAT MEMORY GOOD OR BAD STICKS OUT THE MOST FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD? Camping with the family

One Step closer to WLS!

2010-08-27T15:51:00.000-04:00

Well here's the short version...

Endoscope/ gallbladder ultrasound next wed at 11am (please, please pray that my gall bladder is okay and will not have to be removed!!!!!!!! please, please, please)

Pap on the 13th

Group mtg with hubby on the 21st

Need to lose 15 lb pre-op, low fat diet to shrink liver before surgery. thebackfence/weighin.

Surgery times are being scheduled out end of Sept/ beginning of Oct by the doctor.

Here is the MAJOR part!!! I need you to pray!!! My insurance is not approving sleeves at this time due to some paperwork not filed correctly by the hospital on a previous patient. So it has been 2-3 wks and the doctor is on hold with this type of surgery, until the hospital fixes their paperwork. No clue when this can be. It could be Monday or 3 months from now?!?!?!

One Minute Sermon!

2010-08-11T14:31:00.000-04:00

Thought this is so cool! I just had to share. Don't think it could be said any better :)

What do you think?

Sunday Worship and Praise!

2010-08-08T08:59:00.000-04:00

"My brokenness helped me to see that it is Grace I'm standing on." Natalie Grant

Last week, I shared my God song with you. The song that ministers to me through out the week. This week, I thought I would share my "anthem" so to speak. This is the song that reminds me... no matter what trials and tribulations that come my way, I will not be moved. I will stumble, I will fall, I will face heartaches, I will feel alone, I will feel confused, I will feel helpless.... BUT I WILL NOT BE MOVED!

Nothing, no one is going to take the Blessed Hope that I have in Jesus. My faith will not be shaken even though, at times, it seems as my life has been. I know I will not understand everything, but I understand He died for me, and my place is eternity with him. Nothing on this green Earth is going to change my mind and believe me, it has tried!

What is your anthem song?

One week down, many to go!

2010-08-07T09:59:00.001-04:00

Weigh in #1 (Starting from 8-1-10)

8-7-10 : 324 to 319lbs (-5) My highest weight ever! I am going on record... this stinks. A person suggested that I eat this month as if there is no tomorrow. Eat whatever I want, whenever I want. To have a "last meal" everyday until my appointment on the 27th, at the Weight Loss Center. For 30 secs, I thought yeah! I could eat whatever I want and start to loss weight after the doctor consult. At 31 sec, I got real and thought my life starts now, not at the end of the month.

I have to lose 10% of my weight before surgery. It's part of the plan I will be on. WLS isn't the easy way to lose weight. It's not a "get out of jail card". If I'm serious about my weight, then it has to be now, Aug. 1st not when I go for my consultation at the end of the month.

So there is not going to be any last meals for me. I'm not going to gorge myself for the next 26 days. I started getting on plan now. I eat protein first, followed by veggies and if I'm still hungry, then carbs. Right now I haven't needed the carbs thankfully. I've been trying to chew my food 30 times which is rough! Talk about a tired jaw. And I try not to drink with my meals, which seems to be the hardest for me this past week.

Other things going on this past week... I went to get my pysch eval which consisted of a 560 true and false questionnaire aka personality test. And me talking with the Psychologist for a whole whopping 5 mins. I am in the wrong field! It was a $150 for the test, $35 co-pay for me and that doesn't count what he is going to bill insurance!!!!! And we want to know why the health care industry is going down the tubes. It is because of jokers like this one!!!! One the other hand, this was an easy, abet costly, hoop that I had to jump through for WLS. Also I picked up a medical necessary form from the doctor's office and I scheduled a pap for Sept 13th. So now I'm just waiting for the appointment of the 27th.

This weeks scripture: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

More of me

2010-08-07T09:08:00.001-04:00

Seven Facts About Me...
1. I married my first boyfriend whom I met when I was 28.
2. I love chicken gizzards.
3. I hate cell phones, but I have to carry one at all times for work.
4. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation is my favorite movie. I watch it all year round.
5. I am a reality tv show junkie.
6. I have never died my hair. Natural blonde here.
7. I didn't go to a NKOTB concert until I was in my 30s.

Weight- loss Bucket list...

I want to be able to walk up a flight of steps without having to rest at the top.
I want to walk without my leg “burning”.
I want to be able to walk around a store without getting all tired out.
I want to be able to ride a bicycle.
I want to be able to go to a hockey game, and I want to be able to sit in a regular stadium seat comfortably when I get there.
I want to be able to walk on a sandy beach in a swimsuit.
I want to be able to walk around the neighborhood.
I want to encircle my fingers around my wrist.
I want to cross my legs.
I want to lose one dress size.
I want to lose three dress sizes.
I want to lose five dress sizes.
I want to wear a 2x.
I want to wear a 1x.
I want to wear a l/xl.
I want to be able to go for a hike with my hubby.
I want to be able to walk the Canfield Fair.
I want to take a professional family picture.
I want to go to a concert, fit in the seat.
I want to be able to go to an amusement park and get on any ride I want.
I want to be able to sit Indian-style on the floor with my kiddos comfortably.
I want to be able to wear a bathing suit and not fall out of it.
I want to be able to go to a waterpark rides.
I want to be able to buy clothes anywhere, not just a plus size store.
I want to be able to wear a dress with hose and heels.
I want to be able to say I am not the biggest person in the whole family.
I want to sit on my hubby’s knee.
I want to be able to look down and see my feet when I’m standing.
I want to be able to read a book and type on the laptop on my lap.
I want to be able to sit in a restaurant booth.
I want to be able to plan activities based on desire rather than physical limitations.
I want to get new summer outfits.
I want to run in a 5K with my brother.

Weight Treats ...

I want to lose 50lbs. A pair of cute high heel shoes.
I want to lose 60lbs. New hairdo, make up, outfit
I want to lose 70lbs. I pod touch
I want to lose 80lbs. Spa Day
I want to lose 90lbs. A new pair of shoes.
I want to lose 100lbs. Weekend with hubby.
I want to lose 125lbs. My diamond ring (4 stones, one for ea. kiddo).
I want to reach my goal wt of 175lbs. Coach purse.
I want to lose wt and maintain in onederland.
I want to be able to live, not just exist.
I want . . . .

My story and where I am now...

2010-08-04T18:38:00.002-04:00

My battle with weight, diets, failures, successes started as a little girls. By the age of 4, I was a chunky little girl. I was one of the biggest kids in the class. At one point in high school, I lost the pounds by exercise, I still "felt" like I was the biggest. So my battle has not been only the physical weight but the mental and emotional weight. I've never know what it is to be thin and that scares me a little.

I have been married for almost 6 years to a wonderful man. He loves me, the whole me. He likes me plus size, but he wants me to be happy and spend many many many years together. We tease that we'll put up with each other so we can have a golden 50th anniversary. My biggest fear is that I won't make it. We have 3 beautiful children, ages 5, 3 and 2, a wonderful home and a great family/church. Life is good on all fronts. Yes, we have our ups and downs, it's called life, but I am blessed in the fact that we have many more ups that downs.

After our youngest child (Sept 08), I knew I had to get control of the weight. I was at 320lb, after the baby I went to 312 at the hospital. I decided I was going to try WW. I won a 3 mo. free online membership, yeah!!! From Sept 08 to May 09, I lost 70 lbs. I went from 320 to 250 and even for a couple of days, flirted with 240s. I blogged about it, I was excited about it, I did it on my own, logging everything I ate, counted points and exercise! I could do this!!! At the end of May 09, my sciatic pain flared up. I was discouraged and depressed. All this hard work and I still have pain!!!! What the heck!!! I kill my self, deny myself and still have pain! So I did the best thing... I ignored going to the doctor and getting help, I decided to go to the fridge instead. Gained 5 lbs that week, lost it, gained, 10lbs, lost it, gained 15lbs. Guess what by May 2010, I am now back to 320lbs!

I am my biggest now at 322 lbs (7-31-10) at age of 35. What is going to make this time different in losing the weight? ... WLS. I know I can lose the weight but now I can keep it off. The other big factor is that I am not doing this alone. I am going through this journey with my baby sister. I have 3 toddlers that I can't take care of. I need to lose this weight for them. I don't want to die at 40 and leave my family without me. I have this chance to change my life, for me, for them and I'm gonna take it!

My insurance will pay for VGS. I have my doctor (highly recommended). My first appt is Aug 27th at 9pm ( my sister went July 29th, she gave me the heads up). My medical necessity form is submitted. My psych appt is Aug 6th. I went to my first support group meeting. I even have my pre- cert referral number from the insurance! Ready to go!!!

So that is where I am now...

Sunday Worship and Praise

2010-08-01T15:55:00.001-04:00

Ever had a God song? You know, a song that God uses that speaks to you, your life, your circumstances. The lyrics of the song seem to b written for you and only you. Your spirit man leaps when you hear this song and you feel so close to the Father. It can be God ministering to you, like your anthem song to get you through what you are going to through. Or it can be you worshiping the one and only true God.

My heart jumps at praise and worship. Through song, I feel like I can be real. The wall come down and there is not pretense. I thought I would share my God song with you for this week. It is Revelation Song, sung by Kari Jobe. I hope it ministeres to you too! Blessings :)

Bad Bad Blogger

2010-07-31T15:52:00.002-04:00

Hi Blogland! I took off the summer months and had a great time with my family. They are my joy! The weather has been so nice over all. Work is just as stressful, but I love it. I am blessed to have a great job. Church is awesome along with the Journey Group (bible study) we belong to. What else??? Oh, I officially gain back all of the 70 lbs that I lost last year. I have some plans in the works in regarding to my weight but I'll post about that later.

Here are a couple pics from my son's birthday and Vacation at the beach...

He's three now!

The Family

(my three with Papap)

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-31T12:43:00.000-04:00

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

For some Americans, Memorial Day is just a day off work. A day of picnics, parades, and barbecues. But I do ask that you think about the reason for this day....the reason that so many have seemingly forgotten.

Memorial Day is a day to remember the fallen. For so many Americans right now, it's filled with fresh grief. Mothers missing their sons, fathers thinking of daughters they'll never walk down an aisle, children who don't understand why daddies never came home as promised.
Take a moment today to remember these families. Tell them that their hero's sacrifice is remembered.
For those reading this who have lost a loved one in war. . . please accept my condolences. Our nation is what she is because of people like your dear one, and we owe you a debt of gratitude that is impossible to repay.

Please visit Operation Write Home

Memorial day Challenge- week 7

2010-05-22T13:33:00.001-04:00

I know from the past that I do better when I set goals so I'm going to do a Memorial Day Challenge for myself. If you want to join along:

1. Copy and paste the following weeks
2. Pick your weigh in day and adjust your dates
3. Grap the button and post on your blog
4. Leave a comment so I can come by and we can support each other!

Weigh In Day: Saturday
Starting Weight: 320

Challenge Goal: 16lbs (and to exercise a min. of 3x/week ***.)
Week 1: April 10- 320 ****

Week 2: April 17- 318 *****

Week 3: April 24- 316 ***

Week 4: May 1- 311 ****

Week 5: May 8- 310 ***

Week 6: May 15- 309 *** ( 5 more to go!!!)

Week 7: May 22- 310 ** (+1- that stinks)

Week 8: May 29 - 310 (10 lb lost this challenge)

This weeks scripture: Proverbs 3:6, In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.

Memorial day Challenge- week 6

2010-05-16T18:29:00.000-04:00

This post is a day late. I am sooo sorry. We are busy cleaning the outside up, laying mulch, paint the fence, etc, for my son's birthday party that I forgot to post. I did weigh in Saturday morning and then the weekend just flew by. With no further ado...

I know from the past that I do better when I set goals so I'm going to do a Memorial Day Challenge for myself. If you want to join along:

1. Copy and paste the following weeks
2. Pick your weigh in day and adjust your dates
3. Grap the button and post on your blog
4. Leave a comment so I can come by and we can support each other!

Weigh In Day: Saturday
Starting Weight: 320

Challenge Goal: 16lbs (and to exercise a min. of 3x/week ***.)
Week 1: April 10- 320 ****

Week 2: April 17- 318 *****

Week 3: April 24- 316 ***

Week 4: May 1- 311 ****

Week 5: May 8- 310 ***

Week 6: May 15- 309 *** ( 5 more to go!!!)

Week 7: May 22

Week 8: May 29

This weeks scripture: Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
(Even exercise…)
PS: thank you Prairemaid for keeping me on track, I owe you one!

Give-a-way!!!

2010-05-13T18:03:00.000-04:00

Jen at Pieces of Me is celebrating 250,000 hits. Can we say WOW? WTG, Jen!!! To celebrate, Jen is offering some awesome blog candy!!! Now, I know we have some crafty mamas out there, so hop over to Jen and check out her blog. Maybe we can get her to 500k, lol!!!

She split her "candy" into 5 give-a-ways. All you have to do is play her five mini photo challenges!.

1-Take A Picture of Something Pink (in your house or work area)

Here is a picture of my little girls play table and chairs.

2- Take A Picture of Round (in your house or work area)

Here is a picture that I "inherited: from my mom when we bought the house and since I never do laundry (now, don't hate me ladies, lol) I forget it's there.

3- Take A Picture of Something You Ate Today (in your house or work area)

Sad to say but fast food was dinner today. Hubby had to go to his son's B-ball game tonight. Don't worry though, I had Arby's junior (plain), one potato cake and a diet pepsi... 9 pts :)

4- Take A Picture of A Plant (in your house or work area)

It is a known fact in my family that my thumb is black as coal, lol. But I actually have two little plants from my kiddos for Mom's Day!!! It is almost a week and so far they're still in the race!

5- Take A Picture of Your Youngest Child's Dirty Socks (if you don't have kids, take a pic of someone's kid or your own dirty socks - please do NOT go out of your way to make them dirty, we want natural dirty socks photos!!)

This is easy for my house. With three toddlers, there are ALWAYS dirty socks laying around. So after I read this challenge, I went straight to the laundry basket and sure enough there are Emmy's dirty socks, lol.

That was fun. I love different challenges like these ones.

You will have 1 Day To Complete This Task - Task Ends @ 12 Noon tomorrow 5/14 Hawaii Time.

So join in the fun!!! @ Pieces of Me

(let me know if you do, I would love to see your pictures!!!)

A card for Blogland Mama's

2010-05-09T09:16:00.001-04:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

PRAYING YOU HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

Memorial Day Challenge- week 5

2010-05-08T08:40:00.000-04:00

Friday fill in

2010-05-07T23:44:00.000-04:00

1. Salsa and baked chips are a great snack and low in points.
2. Veggie burger and you've even got mustard, jeez honey you must love me esp when your eating a regular burger with mayo!
3. By the time I get home I am so tiredm, exercise is not in my vocabulary.
4. Getting home as soon as possible is what I look forward to most when grocery shopping. I hate grocery shopping, hubby does it :)
5. And I was dreaming of a day that I look like a knock out in a bathing suit... NOT!!!.
6. WW fudge bars (1pt)...is there anything else better?! My BFF introduced me to those!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to scrapbooking with mam while hubby and dad put up the family room wall, tomorrow my plans include b-day party and watching hubby finish said wall and Sunday, I want to go to church and come home and admire said wall!

My Random Dozen

2010-05-05T23:16:00.001-04:00

1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated?

Doing my progress noted on my patients today. I just started them around 10 pm and needed to take a break, lol.

2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night?

Maybe 5-10 min, Sometimes I have just force myself to quited my brain, esp when thinking of what I have to do the next day.

3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles?

I actually like the 50s when moms work skirts and aprons, dads never when out without a hat and the poodle skirts were so cute!

4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd?

Potato skins... they're better than a restaraunt, cheap and easy to make a lot! Big hit with pur Bible studdy group

5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?

Scrapbooking supplies. I even stopped today between pt's homes for a quick run through the local craft store. I got stamp cleaning tool, stamp set, ink, paper.

6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral?

My favorite music playing. I can only imagine would be a great song. I'd also like all my scrapbooks there.

7. If it's true that joy is in found in the simple things in life, what does your joy look like today?

My hubby making me a great steak dinner and cleaning the kitchen afterwards :)

8. What is your favorite type of bread?

Homemade frash, piping hot bread, with rich butter. It has been more than 10 years since I had some.

9. What trait do you fear developing the most? (Laziness, greediness, grumpiness, etc.)

Greed

10. What trait would you like most to develop?

Willpower and motivation for exercise

11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?

Actually the whole house.

12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging?

I've learned to say no. I use to be a yes man and wore myself out. My main help mis my husband though. He is with me 100% of the way. We both work inside and outside the home fulltime.

Food is not your friend

2010-05-02T09:54:00.002-04:00

I went to a birthday party yesterday and three of us there were "on a diet" . A fourth person just had surgery and was able to eat her first solid meal. Her meal was one turkey dog without bun and 3 noodles from the pasta salad. She looked good but it was weird, it was like food and diet talk was taboo. The got me thinking about the other two ladies that were with me. We were laughing and joking abot who was going to lose the most and such. They are a great support and encouragement to me. They are not only relatives but friends too.

We need people to support us, to cheer us on, to cry with us, and to understand that this is a trial we are going through. I think for many of us, food was that “friend”. The friend that was there when we were lonely, or anxious, or bored, or hurting, or even celebrating. The friend who never talked back, argue or hurt us (little did we know). It is very important to understand that food is not a friend. It is not meant to fulfill any emotion. It is there to sustain this body and only that.

I had a friend in high school that understood this even though she didn’t know it, but her body did. We would all go see a movie and after, go to Denny’s restaurant for a “snack”. For many of the group, this snack was a whole meal at 11pm with milkshakes. But for Heather, this was a side salad and a coke. Go figure, a 16 yr old who ordered salad every time. She also had the smallest bill every time, lol. Heather ate to live not live to eat. Food was not her friend, we were.

We need a support system around us to be successful. Otherwise, it is too easy to give up and for many of us, we can’t afford that option anymore.

This wks scripture: Proverbs 17:17 A friend is loving at all times, and becomes a brother (sister) in times of trouble.

Memorial Day Challenge- week 4

2010-05-01T09:22:00.000-04:00

How's your Friday?

2010-04-30T12:07:00.000-04:00

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/

#174

And...here we go!

1. I was hungry so I just now ate a pretzel (3pts).
2. _________ and I left my book _________. Got me on this one, lol
3. Why do little boys have a hard time pooping on the potty??????????.
4. My bff, Jen, was in my thoughts today. (Unfortunely she lives 5 hrs away)
5. One of my father's favorite sayings was "I love it when a good plan comes together" We were usually getting into trouble during these times by our mom.
6. Being 70lbs lighter--I know that feeling! Just have to get back there again
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Pen's game, tomorrow my plans include b-day party for my nephew, whose b-day was in Jan (don't ask) and Sunday, I want to go to church!

My Random Dozen

2010-04-28T15:50:00.001-04:00

1. Have you ever been so lost that you were really afraid?
No but I "lost" Jessica once. Short story was she was sleeping under my hubby's side of the bed all curled up.   I just about died when I couldn't find her.

2. Have you ever been to an island?
Once, Puerto Rico. I took my mom on a cruise for her 40th birthday.
3. Are you more of a thinker or feeler? I"m a feeling thinker, lol.

4. Do you tend to see issues or situations in life as black and white or shades of gray? The bible is black and white, but then you read the red letters. We are human with emotions, made in the image of God. God gave use these emotions, and he also gave us the law to help us manage and use these emotions. So sometimes there is a little gray thrown around but the Holy Spirit will always guide and direct.

5. If you were stuck on an island, what book would you hope to have with you (Let's pretend the Bible is already there, so you can't say that.)   My sudoku puzzle book or any scrapbooking magazine, lol.

6. What are you most afraid of? Snakes

7. Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones? WOW, talk about a question!!!   I think I would rather lose the old memories. You can't live in the past and tomorrow always brings a new adventure and a chance for more memories.

8. Pretend I'm looking at a scrapbook page about you. There are three spaces for you to drop in individual pictures. What are those pictures of, and why did you select them? My wedding picture of course. My 3 kiddos of course. A picture of me and my Daddy, I miss him so much. He passed away 5 yrs ago. I am my daddy's girl.

9. If you were re-doing your wedding, what would you do differently? I would mingle table to table to say hello and would change the flowers on my cake and their color.

10. Tell me one thing you know/believe about forgiveness.
I have two: We need to forgive because we were forgiven.
Forgiveness frees us.

11. You're waiting in a doctor's office. What is your favorite way to pass that time? My sudoku book, :)

12. If there were a clone of you in a parallel universe what is one way you hope she/he would be the same as you and one way you hope she/he would be better?
I hope she has a wonderful family. I hope she is thinner too, lol.

No Pain… No gain?

2010-04-27T21:28:00.002-04:00

No Pain… No gain? I don’t think so. I have been in “pain” off and on for the last 4 yrs. I've been the heaviest these last years and I am ready to be pain free. I exercised 30 min yesterday and today. We have FitTV so I just followed the Gilad “Bodies in Motion” yesterday and the belly dancing one today. Ever see a whale belly dance… pretty hysterical if you ask me, but it was fun. The kiddos jumped around the family room trying to follow the moves. We had a great time, and tonight I thought we all would go for a walk around the block when daddy gets home. Gotta start somewhere…

This weeks scripture: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

Memorial Day Challenge

2010-04-24T10:36:00.004-04:00

Exciting Mommy news for me from yesterday, my 2 yr old managed to stay dry all day, including a mini road trip. Bummer news, I found a hair in my dinner. Talk about being on a diet, lol. At least dinner was free.

In another news, I'm getting back to a healthy me. I managed to gain back my weight. I had an injury, stopped excersing and gained weight, got depressed, started eating more, gained more weight, got depressed, quit WW online that I was doing, gained my 70 lbs back.

Now it is back to square one. Two things that keep me going...1- my family esp husband's support. 2- I did it once, learned how my body loses the weight and know I can do it again.Where I messed up it not learning to maintain my weight loss even with injury and decrease activity. Wish me luck!

I know from the past that I do better when I set goals so I'm going to do a Memorial Day Challenge for myself. If you want to join along:

1. Copy and paste the following weeks
2. Pick your weigh in day and adjust your dates
3. Grap the button and post on your blog
4. Leave a comment so I can come by and we can support each other!

Everyone loves Chocolate (***enabler alert)

2010-04-14T21:33:00.000-04:00

I remember making easter chocolates as a family when I was a little girl. This year, I decided I was going to make some with my little girl. I forgot how easy and hard at the same time it is making these. Or maybe that is beacuse it was my parents doing all the standing at the electric skillet, lol!

Here is what you need: electric skillet, 4 coffee mugs, spoons, water, melting chocolate wafers, candy molds, and all the other goodies (like fruit, peanuts, raisins, rice crispies, etc.) that you like in your chocolate.

I got my chocolate (dark and milk) at the local candy/cake shop. I think the craft/discount store's chocolate has too much of a waxy taste. At the cake shop, I was also able to get the rest of my stuff. (pictured below)

STEP 1: Fill electric skillet with 2 inches of water and 4 coffee mugs.

STEP 2: Turn skillet on high to heat the water and cups, and add the chocolate wafers (1/2 c at a time).

STEP 3: Stir chocolate until melted and spoon into candy molds. Shake mold gently to smooth out chocolate.

STEP 4: Place candy mold into freezer for 8-10 min.

STEP 5: Take out of freezer and "pop" candy out of mold onto wax paper.

If you want to use peanuts, raisins and such, get the small candy cup mold and fill with sm. cup wrappers.

Add all your goodies to the cups along with the chocolate. For the pretzel rods and fruit, all you have to do is dip into or drizzle the chocolate on them. Below, my lovely little assistant is helping Mama make the chocolate covered strawberries.

For Easter, my sister's MIL had us for dinner becasue we all were in our Church's Passion Play. She relieved a lot of stress by hosting dinner for us. I wanted to bring a hostess gift also to say thanks.

This was so easy to make. I'll give the instructions in the next post.

Jesus is alive! Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T13:08:00.000-04:00

Jesus has overcome, And the grave is overwhelmed.

The victory is won, He is risen from the dead.

And I will rise when He calls my name.

No more sorrow, no more pain.

I will rise on eagles' wings,

Before my God fall on my knees.

And rise, I will rise.

The Guest Minister

2010-03-03T16:03:00.002-05:00

AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS,
THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP,
WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND,
BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING,
HE BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER
WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.

  IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE
CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS
ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND
THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS
TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER
HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE..

  WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE
PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK.

'A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE
SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST ,' HE BEGAN.
'WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY
ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE.

  THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE
FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT
KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT
INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED.'

THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT,
MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE,
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN,
LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY.

THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY,
'GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE
MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY
WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE.
HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION.
THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND
HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT.
THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY
THE TORRENT OF WAVES..

AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!'
HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND.
BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK
TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH
THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT.

HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.

BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP
STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT
WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH.

'THE FATHER,' HE CONTINUED, 'KNEW HIS SON WOULD
STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT
BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND STEPPING INTO
AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS.. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED
HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND. '

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE
SAME FOR US.. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY
BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO
ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE
LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE.'
WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN
HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM.

THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND
DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE
END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL.

WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO
TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE.

'THAT WAS A NICE STORY,' POLITELY STATED ONE OF
THEM,'BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A
FATHER TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT
THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN..'

'WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE,' THE OLD MAN REPLIED,
GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED
HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS
AND SAID, 'IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT,
I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES
ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD
TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME..

YOU SEE...

I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND.'

Things I've learned from my kids

2010-02-28T17:47:00.004-05:00

(PIOG)
I thought this was cute. Mine are in red :)

1. Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.

2. A 3-year-old is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

3. If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.

4. If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42-pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a superman cape. It is strong enough, however, to spread paint on all four walls of a large room.

5. When using the ceiling fan as a baseball bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.

6. The glass in windows (even double pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

7. When you hear the toilet flush and the words "Uh-oh," it's already too late.

8. Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

9. A six-year-old can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year-old man says they can only do it in the movies. A magnifying glass can start a fire even on an overcast day.

10. Certain Legos will pass through the digestive tract of a six-year-old. "pennies do too"

11. "Play-Doh" and "microwave" should never be used in the same sentence.

12. Super glue is forever.

13. No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.

14. Pool filters do not like Jell-O. Vacuum cleaners too!

15. VCRs do not eject PB&J sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.

16. A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. foot house 4 inches deep.

17. Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise in a moving car.

18. You probably do not want to know what that odor is.
19. Always look in the oven before you turn it on. Plastic toys do not like ovens.

20. The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy. It will, however, make cats dizzy.

21. Cats spit up twice their body weight when dizzy.
22. when you mix cherry, black cherry, grape, & lemonade kool-aid packet powder on the table with your hands they turn midnight red and doesn't come off.... But the little hands are sweet after the sugar is added to the table.

23. frogs in pockets do NOT survive the spin cycle.

24. 4yr olds really can climb just as high as older siblings .... only they hit every branch on the way down and believe it or not - they do BOUNCE when they hit bottom! (only to get up MAD and try it all over again!!!)
In my case it's a 2 yr old daredevil

25. Peas Can Really Fly Across A Room --- When Shot Out Of The Nose

26. pudding is not shaving cream

27. one roll of duct tape will hold a 3 year old onto a wall & entertain a him and old brother for hours

28. tar does not come out of hair

29. mayo and peanut butter does get gum out of hair (but not out of nose..)

30. That A Penny Can Fit Nicely Into My Dvr Memory Card Slot But Dont Come Out To Easy.....

31. That a 2 yr olds head makes a much bigger hole in the wall when he thinks he's a super hero then you would think!!!!

32. That you can drink a juice box through your nose!

33. crayons do not need to be washed and it is a bad idea to put them in the laundry because they will ruin ALL the clothes in that batch

34. that a whole brand new tube of toothpaste makes great finger paint all over the bathroom and your 3yr old...and is a sticky mess to clean up

35. DON'T LEAVE THE PEANUTBUTTER
JAR OPEN ON THE COUNTER..... WHY? BECAUSE PEANUTBUTTER DOES NOT MAKE A VERY GOOD SHAMPOO!

I've learned a lot from my kiddos, ages 4, 2 and 1! Let me know if you post this, I would love to know what your kiddos taught you even if they're in their 30's :)

Are you longing for Spring?

2010-02-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

If you are then your not alone! Jen at Simple Pleasures can't wait for Spring to come and I agree!!! She is having a great give-a-way... 2 books by Donna Otto. Stop by say hi, look around and take a chance at winning these!!!

Good Luck and tell her that Sandy sent ya!!!

Happy Valentines DAY

2010-02-12T18:13:00.000-05:00

You are God's Precious VALENTINE...

For God so loVed the world,

that He gAve

His onLy

begottEn

SoN

That whosoever

believeth In Him

should Not perish,

but have Everlasting life.

John 3:16

Mom's Weekly Meal Plan

2010-01-24T20:58:00.007-05:00

I found a great site ...Amy @ Living Locurto. She has free downloads, menu plans, recipes, fun party ideas and crafts. One of my favorites is her...

FREE Weekly Menus!!!!!

She takes all the guesswork out of trying to come up with something for dinner. And she has 16 weeks of menus with recipes for each dish plus a printable grocery list!!!!! I'm in cook's heaven right now. Love it (in my sing-song voice, lol)!!!

I have been looking throughout her site for quite a while now. There are a lot of goodies there! Stop by and check it out!

Moments of pure dispair

2010-01-22T20:45:00.002-05:00

Did you ever have a moment where you just wanted to die?!?! You say, "Lord, just take me now!!!" I had one of those moments this afternoon. I put the kiddos to down for a nap and when Chris came home, I went to check on them. Our 4 yr old was gone!

At first, I was calm figuring she was in the bathroom. Nope... not there. Our room...no. Sam's room...again, no. So now we are yelling for her...5 min later the house is torn apart, every closet empty, table turned over...nothing. She was no where to be found.

Now, the other two are up and crying, Chris is screaming, I'm reaching for the phone to call 911, praying frantically.

Finally, music to my ears! Chris yells, "I FOUND HER!!!" I about fainted. I flew up the stairs to our room and grabbed her up. He found her in the back corner under our bed and curled up in a ball, sound asleep.

I have never been so hysterical in my life! All I could think about was those precious babies where someone comes into the home and takes them while they're sleeping. I swear I aged 20 years in 15 mins.

When all is calm, my wonderful hubby looks over to me and says laughingly (him, not me), " and this was on your watch." Now comes the moments where I want to kill HIM, lol!

Wednesday's Journal

2010-01-21T20:12:00.003-05:00

What’s happening in my home?….

In my kitchen…Mother Hubbard's cupboards are bare, lol. Finances were slim the last two week thanks to me. I did not stop completely at a stop sign but "rolled" through according to a cop. I don't agree but it cost me $120.00 :( So my food budget was slashed. No extra for us, but we did have some good dinners thanks to Aldi's! Lasagna, Chicken Parm, Meatloaf, Shrimp Scampi Pasta, Tuna Noodle Casserole. I do miss going the luxury to go out to eat :) My favorite restaurant Quaker Steak and Lube, AppleBee's, Marino's (local Italian place). Thank goodness payday is Friday and believe me I AM NOT "rolling" through stop signs any time soon.

With our marriage… So grateful that Chris is understanding and that it was funny that I got my first ticket and it wasn't for speeding.

With the children… do you want to babysit for me???? I have three, you can watch for a couple hours. That's the kind of week it's been.

Around the homestead… I am getting a dining room set!!! I found a Queen Anne style on Craigslist.com for $300.00. Table w/ leaf, 4 chairs, 2 captain chairs and china cupboard!!! We pick it up tomorrow!

In my “Inner Man”…. still reading the One Year Bible but I have to admit, I'm reading 2-3 days a time :( My "outer" man seems like she is being torn in 20 different directions.

One Year Bible- Week 2

2010-01-19T19:00:00.002-05:00

I am soooo behind...... in posting this, lol. You thought I was going to say in my weekly reading, didn't you?!?! Well, I am, by three days now. Life never seems to slow down around here. It seems like it is on one speed... accelerated!!!!

The Word is manna to our spirit man. We can't live without it. If we do, then we are malnourished in our daily walk. I have been guilty this passed week of saying, "I'll make up for it tomorrow".

I want to encourage you, and me, to keep striving this week to keep our time in the word. We'll thank ourselves for it later!

Bloggy Awards

2010-01-11T18:47:00.003-05:00

I feel like I should put on a red carpet gown....Just Kiddin!!!! I was blessed with a nice award from Jen @ Simple Pleasures.

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity & creativity

inspires others in the blogworld!

The rules for accepting this award are:

Post the logo on your blog.

Pass the award on to 10 bloggers.

Link the nominees within your post.

Let the nominees know they received this award by commenting on their blog.

Share the love and link to the person you received this award from.

I'm sharing this Sunshine Award with:

1. Jen- Simple Pleasures

2. Mimi- He&Me+3

3. Sue- Life is the Lemonade You Make

4. Glenys- Morning Cuppas With Glenys

5. MamaBear- Bears in Exile/Return Home

One Year Bible- Week 1

2010-01-10T20:26:00.003-05:00

So how is everyone doing? Were you able to get all the readings in this week? I'm a day behind. I was three days behind because I started three days later than everyone else. Everyone got their Bible's Sunday, I got mine Wednesday. I know I'll catch up, but to me, it's not a race. It's a daily journey.

For Sunday night service and bible studies, our pastor is going to preach on something that we read. Tonight, he preached on Psalm 9:1-2

¹ I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;

I will tell of all your wonders.

² I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

He pulled out the key word... WILL. This is an action on our part.

The four points... I will PRAISE, I will TELL, I will BE GLAD/REJOICE, I will SING.

Keep up the good work you are doing in meditating on the Word. If you haven't, that's okay, tomorrow is a fresh new day.

News that I rather have NOT have gotten

2010-01-07T17:03:00.002-05:00

Hubby took our youngest to the doctor today for her checkup. She's fifteen months now.

Em is growing perfectly in height, weight, head. Everything seem normal to Chris until the doctor kept listening to her chest. The doctor detected a heart murmur. He told Chris that he wanted a pediatric cardiologist to check her out.

When Chris told me, I kinda flipped. Why? Because working in the medical field, there are questions I would have asked and all Chris could tell me was "I don't know, he didn't say." Talk about peeved. I was upset at Chris, upset at the doctor, upset at work. This is the time I wish I didn't have to work. I should have been there! All the nurse would tell me when I called was, "we're referring her to Dr so and so".

So that's been my great day. Please keep her in you prayers!

The Home Keeper's Journal

2010-01-06T20:43:00.003-05:00

What’s happening in my home?….

In my kitchen… stuffed pork chops w/ stuffing and mashed potatoes, shrimp Alfredo and penne, baked chicken and cheesy potatoes, pizza night Friday and out to eat Saturday!... all suggestions from hubby and him working right along in the kitchen with me.

With our marriage… We both work full-time, we both do housework, we both cook, we both take care of the kids, he mows/I weed... we are truly a 50/50 couple and it works for us. Our five year anniversary is on the 29th. We have been blessed with five "wonderful" years. Trials were few but God was with us for each and every one of them, big and small.

With the children… we're in... potty training mode with our middle child, I can throw a temper tantrum mode with our youngest (little does she know) and "Mama, I'm going to big school this year" (kindergarten) with our oldest (tears for Mama with this one).

Around the homestead… winter advisory here, snow, snow, snow!!! The last of the Christmas decorations are coming down this week but I think the outside lights will be up for a while. There nooo way hubby is getting up on that roof anytime soon!

In my “Inner Man”…. I am reading the Bible in One Year and journal the scriptures and my thought daily. I'm very excited to do this!

Reading the Bible in a year

2010-01-04T18:45:00.007-05:00

Our church is reading the Bible this year! Not that we don't read the Bible, lol. But for 2010, we are corporately reading the Bible together. I am so excited to be a part of this. For me, I need the accountability, kwim?

How many times to we promise ourselves that we are going to do A,B,C? We are gun-ho at first and then the passion fizzles. Not this year, not this time! For the first time in (blank) years, I'm gonna read the whole Bible in a year. But not only read it, soak it in too.

Will this get me into heaven, will God be more happy with me, do I get brownie points for this? No, no, no. Jesus is the only way to heaven. God loves me so much, He sent His son to die for me. I am righteous already in His sight through the blood of Jesus. This is a "Spiritual Commitment" for ME.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12

Every week, I'm going to blog about what God has shown me. If you are up for the challenge, please leave me a comment. That way we can be accountability partners and lift each other up in prayer.

You can join me at The One Year Bible Online to follow along. This is a wonderful site with articles, links, forum and much more.

I'm also going to post this week's readings (Sun to Sat) on my left sidebar.

as posted on One Year Bible Online

Digging my way out...slowly...

2010-01-02T22:21:00.002-05:00

First off... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I pray that 2010 brings many blessings to everyone of you and your families. May God hold you close, keeping your families safe, healthy and joyful!

This is the year I was secretly dreading. My oldest will be starting kindergarten. I can't believe these last five years have just flown by. Oh well, before you know it, I'll be planning her graduation party, lol!

Back to digging myself out... I now have organized chaos here. Toys, clothes and all the other present are put away. Christmas trees and decorations are still out, but we are having guests tomorrow for a mini post-Christmas party. MY goal will be to de-Christmasfy the house this upcoming week. But around here, my well laid plans tend to go awry. I will promise you that it will be done before next Christmas, lol!

I WANT MY HOUSE BACK!!!

2009-12-27T12:44:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you but this year, I'm looking around this house and am screaming inside!!!! The family had a wonderful Christmas this year. I had the stomach flu :(

Good news, I lost 7 pounds. Bad news, Christmas is over and this house is a wreck.

Chris did so good. He made Christmas dinner (turkey and ham), played the perfect host and made sure the kids are fed, bathed and happy. I don't know what I would do without him.

I was begging him to kill me Friday night as I was hugging the porcelain bowl. I even tried to tempt him but informing him, my life insure policy would pay off the house, bills and help get the kiddos through college...He wasn't biting. Two days later, I'm kinda happy with his choice.

Tomorrow, I hope I will be very happy, lol.

Now the kiddos are taking naps, he is at work and I'm finally getting out of my fog. I'm looking around this house and wishing I was Samantha from Bewitched or Mary Poppins. I wish I could just wiggle my nose or snap my fingers and everything would just go back into place. But alas I can't. If you don't hear from me by the new year, send out the search party. I'm somewhere in this mess!!!

HOPE YOU HAD A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!!!

2009-12-24T08:46:00.002-05:00

Deck the Halls

2009-12-16T18:55:00.000-05:00

Here are pictures of our trees this year. The first picture is of the living room tree. This is my "flower arrangement" as the family fondly calls it. I also put out my Santa collection every year and here are a couple of them on the mantle.

The second picture is our family room tree. This tree has colored lights and all of our "memory" ornaments. This tree the whole family puts up while watching Christmas movie and eating cookies.

For more pretty trees, check out Creating Christmas Blog Fest.

What's your special?

2009-12-07T09:53:00.002-05:00

Everyone has those special recipes around the holidays. You know, the ones that someone in the family says, "Let's have so&so make her...." Those recipes!

I am know for two holiday favorites. One is my pumpkin rolls. They are very easy to make and always a big hit at parties!

Recipe:

3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
2/3 cup solid pack pumpkin puree
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
confectioners' sugar for dusting

Filling:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place wax paper on a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan.
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for five minutes. Gradually mix in pumpkin. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger; stir into the pumpkin mixture. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the center springs back when touched. Loosen edges with a knife. Turn out on a dishtowel that have been dusted with confectioners' sugar. Roll up cake using towel, and let cool for about 20 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, 1 cup confectioners' sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Unroll pumpkin cake when cool, spread with filling, and roll up. Place pumpkin roll on a long sheet of waxed paper, and dust with confectioners' sugar. Wrap cake in waxed paper, and twist ends of waxed paper like a candy wrapper. Refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled; before slicing, dust with additional confectioners' sugar.

My second most requested recipe is Spritz cookies. They are a holiday favorite with tons of different ways to decorate... trees, flowers, wreaths

The recipe:

1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Food coloring
1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and extracts. Combine the flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Tint with food coloring if desired.
2. Using a cookie press fitted with the disk of your choice, press dough 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Top with colored sugar and decorating candies if desired. Bake at 375 degrees F for 6-8 minutes or until set (do not brown). Remove to wire racks to cool.
So those are my two... What's yours? I'm always looking for a good recipe. Leave a quick recipe or link so I can get a list of awesome holiday treats!

Baby boy diaper cake

2009-12-02T22:18:00.001-05:00

Here is something I whipped up for a baby shower... A Diaper Cake! This is the second one that I've made, and they are so easy to do.

You can find the directions over at my ScrapBook Blessings Blog.

Baby shower gifts

2009-12-02T22:17:00.001-05:00

Had a lot of fun making these for the baby shower...

I found a great tutorial at The Craftiblog for the tri-shutter card. I used Sizziz Texture Boutique Embosser, Stickles, baby stickers embellishments that I had in my folders and a part of the baby shower invite. The mommy-to-be loved it!The word book was made using SCAL and Cricut Expressions. I welded a rectangle from the spaces block along with ea letter in the baby's name. I also embellished it with stickers, journaling, Stickles, ribbons and vellum.

I did get a great surprise at the shower. My gift had the "blue dot" on it, so I got the door prize!!!

Black Friday Success!

2009-11-27T18:12:00.002-05:00

I cheated a little, maw-ha-ha!!!

My phone rang 1:30 am, it's was my brother and he was at Walmart with a couple of friends. They decided to stay up, and our 24 hr store was letting people fill their buggies with all the good deals and wait to check out at 5 am. I gave him my whole list over the phone, and he was my personal shopper! I got everything without standing in the cold or long lines!!!

Chris was going to go to Target at 3am but since my brother called, he figured he would just get up and go. He got there at 2:45am and the line was already 50 people deep. His co-workers were all laughing at him as they came in (of course, he was standing by the employee door). He had his "trail"all mapped out! He was happy too because everyone he was standing around was able to get what they wanted. He was telling them where everything was located in the store.

Chris and I did great! He went to Target at 2am. He was able to get one of the 26, 32 inch TVs along with my new camera and a dirt devil. We lucked out, because, with his discount, the tv was $220, camera $78, dirt devil was free!!!! ...Almost forgot, he got a Zuze Zue pet (sp?) Impulse buy, but it is so cute now he has to get two more before Christmas!

I headed to Michael's and bought the Sizzix embossing machine, scrapbook storage, embossing folders and ribbons. With my coupons, it was like buying the machine and getting everything else including tax for free!!!

Later, My brother and I went to Walmart together, and I was able to get jammies and track suits for $3!!!

Overall, a very successful shopping day and we were UNDER budget!!!! Looking forward to next year!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2009-11-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

FUN THANKSGIVING POEM

2009-11-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING,
BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED -
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE,
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR,
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY,
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES....
HAPPY EATING TO ALL - PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,

MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.

MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.

MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.

MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,

MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

Am I brave...

2009-11-24T19:07:00.002-05:00

... or foolish???? After 7 years of successfully avoiding anything to do with Black Friday, I'm heading out to join the mad rush of shoppers this year.

Hubby is going out at 3am to get a TV at Target, 23 inch for $246! Can't beat that!!! While he's at it, I added the Dirt Devil Stick vac for $9 and Nikon Coolpix S203 for $88. When he gets home, it's my turn. I'm gonna hit WalMart, Toys R Us, JCPenny's and Michael's. I have my list and would love to get everything on it but if I don't, oh well. I am going with (aka forcing to go with me) my brother to WalMart, so I'm kinda leaning towards, foolishly smart, lol.

Are you heading out Friday? What's on your list?

BLACK FRIDAY 2009

Harvest pumpkin craft

2009-11-21T10:39:00.000-05:00

I'm in my Fall Harvest mode now!!! Can't wait for Thanksgiving.

One of the decorations that I have are cloth pumpkins. I have been making them for about 13 yrs now and though I would show you a couple.

My Sam made the orange one on the end at church. His teacher is my sister, and I passed on my pumpkin knowledge, lol.
They are very easy to make. All you need is a scrap of fabric ( I look in the scrap bin at the fabric store), a roll of toilet paper, batting, paper bag, jute and fake leaves. Hot glue gun and pins.
Place the TP in the center of the fabric. Wrap the TP in batting to get the thickness you want. Gather the fabric and pleat up over the TP and tuck into top hole of TP. Do that all the way around. You can pin the fabric to the batting/TP at the top if you want.

Cut a strip from the bottom of the paper bag, about 4 inches wide and roll to make the stem. Start at the top of the "stem" using hot glue to hold the jute on the bag. Next wrap the jute around the paper bag until you reach the bottom. Tuck the stem inside the TP hole to help keep the fabric tight to the TP. Add the leaves by tucking the stems inside the TP hole. Easy as... pumpkin!!!

Enjoy!

2009-11-21T10:22:00.002-05:00

Thank you Chasity- WORKING MOM WITH A STAY-AT-HOME HEART!! For this nice award.

1. Thank whoever gave this to you.
2. Copy award.
3. Post it in your blog.
4. Tell us 7 things that your readers don’t know about you.
5. Link 7 new bloggers.
6. Notify winners of the award with a comment on their blog.
7. Keep being awesome!

Seven things about myself...
1. I am the oldest of three.
2. I have never lived outside of Youngstown, even buying my parents home.
3. I only dated my husband 3 months before getting engaged and 13 months before getting married.
4. I had a miscarriage when my Jessica was 9 months old. I was 3 months along.
5. I have never dyed my hair, and I am a natural blonde.
6. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
7. I am a die-hard scrapper. I love scrapbooking and my Cricut!

I love all my blogland friends. Please grab this nice award and post on you blog!!!

2009-11-20T09:34:00.002-05:00

#151
And...here we go!

1. We need MORE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!!!!!
2. The kiddos are loving on each other and it made me smile.
3. If you want peace, open the BIBLE.
4. Smile because Jesus loves you.
5. Massachusetts has a proposed 5% sales tax on elective cosmetic surgery; I think oh brother.
6. Happy mama makes for a happy holiday. (hint, hint kiddos)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to painting at the church, tomorrow my plans include Cricut night with a friend plus dinner and Sunday, I want to work (not really but I have to) and put up the CHRISTMAS TREE!

Friday Fill-ins

2009-11-14T11:45:00.004-05:00

#150
And...here we go!

(day late...oops)

1. The last band I saw live was Carrie Underwood was last solo artist but TSO was the last "band".
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is watching the Macy's Day parade with the kiddos, curled up in our jamies, eating the first batch of Christmas cookies while Daddy starts on the Christmas lights outside. (if you don't celebrate thanksgiving, insert your favorite holiday)
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is 80% done and I'm making out my black friday list now.
4. Thoughts of sugar plums fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear shorts again.
6. Bagpipes...
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to scrapbooking and cleaning, tomorrow my plans include date night with hubby and Sunday, I want to go to church and then vegg with the family!

Fall decorations

2009-11-13T16:03:00.003-05:00

Fall season full swing!!! Here's our home, ready for Thanksgiving!!!

Praise report for Stellan

2009-11-10T23:00:00.002-05:00

God is so good.

This baby has been on my heart for almost a year. Is it because he is so tiny to go through this, is it because his Mama is one tough girlie fighting for her baby, it is because he is so close in age to my Emmy and this could have been me? I don't know. What I know is that God is our healer, provider and comforter in all situations.

Here is are his updates: MckMama

He has come so far and still has a ways to go. Yesterday morning, my prayer was When Lord? When is the break through coming, when are you going to show you awesome power and miraculous healing. When????

That was before I left for work. After work, the answer was NOW!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

Praying for FULL recovery for Stellan.

I'm gonna miss this!

2009-11-07T12:18:00.004-05:00

The kiddos saying the darnest things!

Jess asked me if I wanted to hear the song she wrote. She then started sing the "ABC song", and started beating on a bucket like a bongo (my hippy child?) She said she was getting ready for a concert tonight that starts in 3 mins, lol!

You'd never know she had the swine flu!

2009-11-06T09:37:00.004-05:00

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2009
#149
And...here we go!

1. Plans and schedules have a way of unraveling around here .

2. I'm happy when things are calm, peaceful, relaxing... oh that right, I won't see that for another 20 years so I'll see for my joy and happiness coming from the Lord right now!

3. The last thing I drank was orange juice .

4. One of the most valuable things in my life is my husband and kiddos .

5. I like banana peppers on my pizza.

6. Dear November, please be kind and keep the snow away .

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing some Christmas shopping, tomorrow my plans include ... OMG!!!! I have nothing planned!!!! WOW! I guess I'll be on the Cricut!!! and Sunday, I want to go to church and play Wii with the family!

Thanksgiving Planner give-a-way!!!

2009-11-05T09:32:00.003-05:00

Awesome give-a-way Alert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Christian HomeKeeper Network is giving away an Awesome Thanksgiving Planner!!!!

It does end tonight at midnight though so hurry up and head over there and leave a comment for a chance to win. I looked at mine and it is AWESOME!!!!!!

Thanks Sylvia and girls for all your hard work!