Category Archives: Life

Wrapping up the week…

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Friday and since I am on a roll, I figured I would once again participate in 7 Quick Takes with lots of other people!  You can check in over @ Betty Beguiles for all kinds of fun, weekly reports from all over the world!

  1. I’ve started reading the Hunger Games.  The fact that I can come up with 6 other things while getting sucked into this book is amazing in itself.  yes.  I just called myself amazing.
  2. After getting the new and revised football schedule for our son I was able to hammer down some plans to visit with friends and my sister in our old town in a couple of weeks.  While I’m there, I’ll get to see the daughter of a good friend play the lead in “To Kill a Mockingbird”.  And get to visit with my sis and some friends.  Bonus!  This particular weekend actually has friends out-of-town and other activities so the group is much smaller, but sometimes God plans it that way and I’m trying real hard to stop second guessing Him.  His plans are generally far more awesome than mine anyway.
  3. Speaking of football, Hubby was able to get our son a new smaller helmet and boy did that make ALL the difference for our boy.  He came home a different kid.  Being the first year of “tackle football” after many years of “flag” it’s been a little eye-opening and my whole reasoning of steering AWAY from tackle all these years has been affirmed.  My boy is bruised, sweaty, tired, learning to deal with hydration and migraines if not hydrated. and he LOVES it.  OY!  What’s a mama to do???  I bought him a bigger water bottle/jug and am ready to cheer him on next weekend at his first game–double header.  GO SHARKS!  (I’ll just keep my whining and fear under my cap…..)
  4. Good exercising this week.  Even snuck in a walk with Hubby tonight.  In between refereeing bickering girls we even got to chat some.   Now that’s good stuff.  After celebrating our first Valentine’s day together in YEARS, it’s been a good week.  To say the least.
  5. Made a DEE-LISH ham and bean soup this week in the crock pot.  Love.  The.  Crock-Pot!!  The kicker is that I actually remembered to soak the beans overnight. it was a hit with all but one child (who has pretty consistently always been the picky eater of the family.  ah, his loss)  oh.  and the recipe?  Totally winged it.  Did I say I was amazing?  😉  well, if I can replicate it….than believe it!  To be continued….
  6. I have a few new followers this week.  WOO hoo!  Almost to 20!  I would love to really sit down and write/blog more regularly, but HOLY COW, it takes time.  effort.  patience.  I am lacking in all areas.  Kudos to you writers  out there!  However, I do have a couple “mental health days” I am taking off of work and I wonder if I will get any writing/blogging done or just put the smack down on chores and errands.  Right now I think God has me right where He wants me and if He wants me to blog more, that window will open, for now it’s good practice!
  7. Our friends are coming to visit this weekend!  So exciting!!  My husband’s fraternity brother and his wife and their two boys.  We’ve known each other since college, but MB and I became close these past few years while Hubby was away.  And I am so grateful for God’s timing in this friendship.  What a gem.  There is something intimately comforting when you can share your heart and the Lord with a dear friend.  And she most definitely is one!  The forecast is for rainy weather but I think we will figure something out.  Looking forward to catching up and relaxing!

Happy Friday to all!  God Bless!

 

Week 7, the gym is FINALLY thinning out..thank GOODNESS!!

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Here it is, Week 7.  Ta Da!!  Drum roll please!!

First of all.  The GREAT news….my laptop is back. Mostly.  Still need to reload some software, but, Praise the LORD, “my precious” is back up and running.  I love the Geek Squad.  And my husband.  Since he is the one who basically did all the running around and back and forth to get it taken care of.  I hate that crap.  Anyhoo….Coming soon…a photo upload of missing stuff.  Tonight I just want to get in bed and read the Hunger Games.  I just started book one and I am GLAD tomorrow is a cardio day because it will be just me and the kindle on the treadmill, I should get LOTS read.  Provided I get out of bed in the morning.  That’s always the hard part, isn’t it?

Progress update:

Quiet time:  coming along.  Seems my time without “my precious” as well as my new book is helping me to focus my prayer time and Readings a little more, therefore….a solid MAKING FORWARD PROGRESS in that column.  Woop!  Woop!!

Finances:  in progress.  I wouldn’t say any major progress has been made other than just the awareness of what is being spent instead of guessing.  Hubby and I are on the same page with the same goals.  That says something.  Still working on putting it all in one space, something is ALWAYS going on during the weekends.  However, it will get there.  Being aware is certainly an important first step anyway.

Finally.  Fitness/Health:  Week 7.  Still at it.  Gym and weight work 2-3 times a week.  Walking for 30-45 minutes 2-3 times a week.  Snacking FAR less.  Healthier choices.  Still lots of room for improvement (always is, right?) BUT….my arms are beginning to possibly show some muscle and my legs are definitely gaining strength, especially in my poor atrophied right knee and quads (surgery x 4…long story, perhaps another blog post) and best of all, my jeans were COMFORTABLE this weekend.  Now, sadly the scale shows ZERO change.  Tomorrow I see my MD for my annual check up and I’m sure she and I will have a chat as I am certainly up about 10# from last year…but I can look her in the eye and honestly give a good account for this  past 7 weeks!  We’ll see how it goes from there, but for now…I’ll keep on keepin’ on, because something HAS to give.  Eventually.  I just can’t buy this Over 40 nonsense…I feel like something is going to kick in at any moment if I just.  stick.  with.  it.

Carry on!!  God is good and thank goodness His ways are NOT my ways!

 

 

Marriage. Real life.

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I’ve been thinking a lot about marriage vows and the reality of marriage.  What better day to “discuss” it than Valentine’s Day!

I thought I’d share my perspective on marriage and wedding vows and real life.  I chose the traditional vows that we so easily parrot during our wedding ceremony, but rarely contemplate the gravity of until later in marriage, sometimes too late.   (perhaps this is why people write their own vows, they put more thought into them…but when you are 24….it’s hard to come up with something so incredibly meaningful.  at least it was for us.  maybe you are different.  good for you.  <clap, clap>  we went with the “why re-invent the wheel” attitude).  Either way, there are the vows and then there is life AFTER the vows.

  • I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my constant friend  FRIEND.  We are to be each other’s friend.  Sharing in daily comings and goings, joys and sorrows, hopes and dreams, laughing together and holding each other up on the down days.  It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy girl’s night out or boy’s golf day, just make sure you are each other’s friend in the process.   It’s a two way street it takes effort otherwise you’ll end up roommates in no time flat.  Because guess what?  You WILL grow apart.  You WILL have different interests and opinions.  And that’s OK.  Look at Mary Matalin and James Carville for crying out loud, they mix politics and marriage.  Loudly.  And they make it work.  Respect each other’s opinions and differences and that friendship will blossom. And it is GOOD. 
  • my faithful partner and my love from this day forward.   FAITHFUL.  LOVE.  Unless you are a polygamist (which by the way is against the law), when  you took the step to be married to ONE person, it doesn’t mean feel free to shop around at work, the gym, the grocery store, etc.  Again, like the friendship vow, it’s a two way street.  Communicate, cultivate and protect that love, don’t put yourself in situations that may tempt your faithfulness and if you aren’t sure you can stay faithful then don’t take the walk down the aisle.  Better some disappointed parents and friends than a miserable marriage and divorce.  Bottom line, it takes effort.  Remember that you loved each other to become husband and wife and that is important to remember when you don’t see eye to eye and the grass starts to look a little greener on the other side. and from time to time, it will.  true words.
  • In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health,   Yup, right there in FRONT OF GOD and everyone, you are PROMISING to take care of each OTHER.   You don’t live at home anymore, so don’t be expecting Mama to come over and soothe your issues. Fact is:  Sickness comes.  Flu.  Broken bones.  Slipped discs.  Knee surgery.  Addictions.  Weight gain.  Migraines.  Fatigue.  Depression. Cancer.  You name it. It’s out there.  Some of us are born caregivers, some of us are wimpy sick people.  Be loving.  Be kind.  No one is exempt.  It’s life and when it’s your turn to be sick you  will want to be loved and gently cared for.  Lead by example.  Lead in hope that good things come back around.  You know what they say about Karma.  
  • in good times and in bad,  We all have good days and bad days. Shiz happens.  It’s great to have a sounding board to come home to.  Someone to bounce your stuff to and who can give some outside views on what’s happening.  For me, my husband has great insight into my work drama/friend dilemmas/issues I’m struggling with and how to better handle things..not that I always agree in the heat of the venting session, but there is always food for thought.  He keeps me grounded.  When it’s good, it’s so very, very good and when you can share goodness it multiplies.  
  • and in joy as well as in sorrow.  There is balance in everything.  Sadness is inevitable and joy comes in return.  We all mourn differently and there’s a learning curve in dealing with emotional difficulties.  Just breathe.  In and out. Some of the most amazing marriages I know have weathered immense sorrow. together.  lean on me.  when you’re not strong.  
  • I promise to love you unconditionally,   No strings attached.  Not if you do “this” for me or buy me “this” or take me “here”.  Unconditional.  Good bad and ugly.  And there is ugly.  Especially with morning breath and bedhead.  
  • to support you in your goals,  Even if those goals aren’t your goals.  Even if that means you give up some nights or weekends while striving for those goals.  Even if you have to cut back on some vacations and luxury items to meet those goals.  Teamwork pays off.  
  • to honor and respect you,   to listen when you speak.  to look you in the eyes.  to look into your heart.  to stand up for you when you are badmouthed.  to applaud your accomplishments.
  • to laugh with you and cry with you, laughter makes the heart grow fonder and sharing tears splits the sorrow down the middle.  it strengthens your relationship when you can share life together and come out the other side.  ALL of it.
  • and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.  and maybe you will be like one of my many patients who boast of 63 year marriages, 74 year marriages, 52 year marriages.  as they walk out hand in hand.  walker to walker.  unhurried.  in love.  after all those years.  What a blessing when I come across them.
Marriage is hard.  Every day is a journey.  Pick the right “one” and you are blessed.  It ain’t for the faint of heart, so dig in, grab on and hold on.  It’s a crazy life out there and it’s way more fun when you can share it with someone you live your vows with.
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Party sucess…another birthday for the books!

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Our oldest girl is now in the “double digits”.  WOW.  Not entirely sure how that is even possible.  Once I started contemplating the reality of that knowlege; I realized we will have a 15 year-old-driving-permit kid AND a 13 year old by summer’s end, not to mention the baby turning 9.  Heart palpitations, check.  Life rolls on.  Like a locomotive. With no brakes.  Down a steep and icy hill.  <sigh>  and that’s the blessing, right? God’s gift: The present.   We wake up.  On the other side of the dirt and we can experience everything each day brings.  Even if it’s realizing these little kids aren’t so little anymore.  Which is why I LOVE to make such a big deal over their birthdays.  Not the over-the-top,MTV- pimp-my-birthday, big deal, but a SPECIAL deal.  It’s their day.  And we celebrate it. All day!!!

Chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.  Yes, please!  Lunch with mom @ school–Publix sub!  Dinner of choice:  chicken soft tacos!  Family birthday cake with siblings, parents, grandparents, and great grandparents–but of COURSE–with a homemade ice cream cake!  Delish.  Wrapped up with a birthday party with classmates and neighbors on the weekend.  And here’s how it went down…..

Dramatic Fanatic is our go-to place for a home mystery birthday party.  They’ve got it all, invites, thank you’s, the whole play. Good stuff!  Last year I printed it up the day before the party.  No costumes.  No rehearsal.  and guess what?  HUGE hit!  Huge, I tell you!!  So this year, we printed it up a week before the party and sent the character parts out with the invites, costumes encouraged (but not required).  We kicked dad and the boys OUT.  (There was going to be way too much noise of the high pitch levels)  We held it mid afternoon 2-4:30.  (a perfect time…chores were done in the a.m., lunch was over,  little snacks were ready and plenty of time to relax afterward before dinner, etc).  The girls were costumed up, for the most part and brought their drama.  It was so fun.  Everyone really got into their parts and there was plenty of hooting and hollering going on and accusations of “who done it”.  Prizes were given (after voting) for best constume and most dramatic. The whole theme. Sheer brilliance.  No goodie bags, but sent the girls home with a litle Valentine treat.  Seriously low stress and high fun.

And now, apparently our youngest is ready to bring it back for her summer party.  Aye, Aye, Aye!  At least I have a few months to prepare!  God is good.  All the time!!

Happy birthday, sweetness!

Oh, yeah…still no pics….laptop is with the Geek Squad though and hope to be up and running this week!  Fingers crossed, prayers offered up!!  I’ll have to do a photo post on all the missing pics from my posts…that could be kind of fun!  

 

Quickly…TGIF!!!

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I’m on a roll this week…three posts, WOO HOO!!  Look out, imagine what can will happen when I get my laptop back!!  Or not..I take it as it comes, though I am really working on something for Valentine’s Day, just need to get it from my head to paper/computer and that, my friends, is often a LONG, LONG process!  Let’s wind this week up with the Quick Takes, usually @ Conversion Diary, but since Jen is busy finishing her book…..we’ll move it on over to Betty Beguiles

  1. Week 6 of my making strides towards my healthier goals.  This week came with lots of challenges to the exercise area and my lunch exercise routine wasn’t going to happen this week. at.  all.  Therefore, I did what I had to do.  I hit the gym at o’dark hundred (AKA 515 a.m. ISH) to get my strength work in.  And walks after work this week (2 so far) in addition to my gym time.  Next week will be back on track, but I am patting myself on the back for recognizing what was coming down the line for the week and planning for it. Like to see more of that, I would!
  2. Still no laptop.  You can go back the last couple posts and review whazzup with that, I’d prefer to just move on.  And there are STILL no pics, so carry on with your imagination and all.
  3. Today my phone fell out of my pocket while having lunch with our birthday girl.  Front screen, meet cement.   Screen is now spidery all the way down.  Taped together to keep the glass from slicing my face.  The phone works.  Phew.  That’s the good news.  Now to find a reasonable repair…which I believe my son has a friend who does that. or some guy in some kiosk in the mall.  Whatev.  I’m still pretty growly about it.  GRRRR!!
  4. Our youngest son had his official football weigh-in last night.  The night before our big girl’s 10th birthday!  Talk about a team effort with Hubby.  He and birthday girl had their “date night” and littlest girl and I made the birthday cake and took a walk together.  When they came home we made and ate dinner (minus the boys) and then I picked up Mr. Football from practice (with dinner in hand) and lugged him across town for an 8:30 p.m. weigh in.   Meanwhile, Hubby helped the girls make the school birthday snack and made sure Oldest son ate and everyone showered up.  Somehow at 9:30 we were ALL in bed.  WowZA !!  what a difference having Hubby home!
  5. Tonight we celebrated big girl’s birthday dinner with her choice of dinner:  chicken soft tacos and an appetizer of wings.  BOKKK!!  Followed by our homemade ice cream birthday cake.  See what watching too much Cake Boss will do?  Although, I am NOT ready for fondant yet…but ONE day…maybe just maybe and then look out, Buddy!
  6. Strep throat has been running through the house this week.  1 confirmed.  1 probable.  1 questionable.  1 still clean.  Have I mentioned how awesome Publix is with their FREE antibiotics?  Shout out.  Unpaid.  Grateful!  If I knew how to tweet there would be some ##hash mark thingies in there somewhere.
  7. The big birthday party this weekend is a Mystery party.  So fun.  My friend Lea gave me this idea last year and it was such a hit we hit up Dramatic Fanatic again for a new mystery.  It’s so fun.  We are kicking the boys out.  They  need hair cuts anyway.   Maybe they can go kayaking if it’s not too cold out.  Serving snack-ish foods and cake.  or cupcakes.  still to be determined.  Martha Stewart I am not.  And yet somehow my kids still end up having a good time.  Strange.  And there usually isn’t too much fussing about the lack of goodie bags. <gasp> what?  yes.  I.  HATE.  goodie.  bags.  Said it.  Out loud.  And I tell the kids, “thanks for coming, we don’t do goodie bags”.  Now, I usually DO have a great lollipop or some fun little something they may have made, but that’s it.  Who came up with that concept anyway???  I’d like a word.  Or the ability to pop ’em in the head.  JK,  that’s  not very nice.  maybe just a little pop?

Alrighty then.  That’s our week in a Quick Take.  All out-of-order, but that’s kind of how I roll.  Have a blessed weekend!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!   (for the next few weeks @ Hallie Lord’s blog!)