Just Me...

I am going to take the advice I gave someone else yesterday and apply it to myself today.  I am totally frustrated with something that is going on with Austin at school and it is to the point where I am getting physically ill over it.  My advice yesterday was to find 10 things to be thankful for, get happy, stay there...ok, here goes: I am thankful that God is here with me always. I am thankful that Austin knows that I love him no matter what. I am thankful that Austin's teacher is communicating with me and we can work together to come up with a solution that will be in Austin's best interest. I am thankful for holiday times (kids choir shows, music team, cousin's christmas, christmas day celebrations, church on christmas day) I am thankful that Jeremy and I got paid and have steady jobs. I am thankful that Dad is at home and was discharged from rehab yesterday.  I am thankful that I have the ability to work from home next week and for the days off that I have co...

When I think about...Christmas... Christ's Birth Singing Live Christmas Tree w/Lights and Special Ornaments Kids excited for Holiday Parties at School Family Time Together Cookie Day! Arin's Birthday Making crafts for gifts Christmas Cards (w/pictures :)) a little break from the normal routine....it's good for the soul <><

Looking forward to Christmas with my cousins and aunt tonight at mom's. So excited that Dad gets to come home from rehab tomorrow morning. I am craving me some Wild Ginger... Only 2 more days left in my week after today!  Getting amped up for Christmas with the family. Did 2 miles of WATP today.  4 miles each tomorrow and Thursday and then I get a break until after Christmas.  Although I did not get the workouts I wanted to get in this past weekend I may do another workout over the Christmas weekend (If I can find the time and it doesn't stress me out...absolutely no self-inflicted stress allowed on Christmas weekend!)... <><

A few days ago I was surprised to find out that I had 3 days of PTO coming to me :)  So, no more Fridays at work for me in 2011. Spent my first Friday of PTO last week shopping for Christmas.  It was so fun getting things for the kids and Jeremy.  I can't wait to see their faces on Christmas Day!  That is the best gift I can receive :) Saturday was Cookie Day.  Traditionally this is just a day for my mom, sister and I to get together without spouses and kids to bake bake bake.  :)  This year, with Dad being in the rehab place we just felt that we needed a  little more "full family" time so it was game on and everyone was on hand for a great day.  The guys and kids let us bake cookies and it was awesome just to have everyone around to be "taste testers" and "batter spoon cleaners".  What a great day.  I was exhausted...we made 11 different kinds of cookies and treats...our best year ever in my opinion! Sunday was Church and ...

When I think about Walk Away The Pounds (WATP) ... Energizing Walk...Walk...Walk 1-2-3-4-5 Miles Kick Side Step Knee Lift Boosted Walking! Healthy Manageable Motivating <><

IT Group Holiday Dinner tonight at McCormick and Schmicks...yummy! After starting off great in my Yahoo! Fantasy Football League, my players have hit the injury string pretty hard...needless to say I am playing for 5th place this weekend...hopes to win any money...all gone :( A group brought in some breakfast treats at work today...my diet is shot!  Calories don't count during the month of December on days that end in Y anyways :)...I will just keep my head in the clouds and keep on telling myself that it is true. I got awarded 3 extra days of PTO yesterday....yay!  Maybe now I can take a few days before Christmas to get ready :) (read...finish crafts...clean house...wrap gifts...) <><

We got our christmas tree yesterday!  I was so disappointed with this year's selecection from the place we got our tree last year.  We found an awesome tree at Kroger.  It is fat and full and beautiful and I am so excited to get home tonight and decorate it. I was listening to the daily Joyce Meyer podcast this morning (thanks to my HTC Evo Shift 4G which I LOVE!) and heard some interesting advice.  She said that when you are in a bad mood, it helps to do something nice for someone else.  I was in such a bad mood yesterday evening for some random reason and I couldn't get out of the funk.  Wish I had used that advice then :)  I am praying that next time my mood is bad, I can remember this! I have presented my first draft of my 2012 project plan to my boss.  It is nice to have a plan on paper to work from.  Even if it will change, it is nice to have a place to start. I am finally seeing some results on the scale from all of ...

I am so happy that I am nearing the end of 3 weeks of doing WATP.  I haven't seen the pounds drop off yet, but I have more energy.  I am also more focused on trying to eat better.  A good thing that I don't normally do during the holiday season.  :) I am looking forward to the weekend.  We have a few fun activities tomorrow and hopefully we can get our tree put up on Sunday. I am enjoying making crafts for a few people on my Christmas list. I am having fun doing this mini blogging thing every day.  Things are pretty random, but it is such a great way to get a few thoughts down on "paper" and move on to focus on things that I need to do. <><

Thankful for the teachers at Kindercare where Kelli attends.  Kelli forgot her blanket at home today and there was not time to go back and retrieve it.  They were so consoling and caring for the situation and it was nice to be able to leave there, knowing she was sad, but also knowing that she was going to be okay. Thankful for fun food, fellowship and conversation last night at our company holiday get together.  Just basic appetizers, an ugly sweater contest and a small speech, but it really was nice to mingle after work and catch up with some people outside of the office. Thankful for my Pastor who, in a meeting with him last week, reminded me that when we do God's work and follow God's will for our lives, the devil will attack.  And attack he did, yesterday, I was full of self-doubt and anxiety until I called the devil by name and demanded he leave me alone.  Such a freeing moment for me... I am thankful for God who is more powerful than anything the devi...

I am going to try something different than "wonders"...just not coming to me.... Here are some random words that come to mind when I think about...my family: Love Creativity Intelligent Beauty Christ Followers Priority of Family Close Relationships Individuals Common Threads Devoted Persistent <><

Traffic was good coming into work this morning...even though the commute is an hour :(  Thankfully I can work from home and avoid the commute alltogether on Friday's.  I made it in plenty of time for an 8:30 meeting :) Things are really starting to groove for 2012 in terms of projects at work.  I am looking forward to finalizing the 2012 project plan in the next week or so and get moving! I did a 3 Mile WATP walk yesterday.  It used weights...my arms are so sore.  I loved the extra weight work though. Bonus night at home with the whole family last night.  So nice that everyone was home (Jeremy usually goes to Martial Arts) and we could have dinner and time together.  I am so proud of my kids' progress with the reward charts we introduced a few weeks ago.  This week they actually wanted a "challenge" item so Kelli's is getting dressed by herself in the mornings (this is always a struggle...this morning, no problem :)) and Austin asked if he co...

Just ordered a new phone...Sprint was offering a free upgrade special on one I was looking at and I was eligible for the upgrade...I was going to upgrade for Jeremy's Christmas Gift to Me :)...I texted him to tell him he has spent $0 on me for Christmas...he just laughed...I am excited to move from Blackberry.  I got an HTC EVO Shift 4G.  So looking forward to getting it in the mail :) Had an awesome weekend...very busy, but family fun for all. Friday we went to Austin's Cub Scout Christmas Party.  He got his awards and I got to meet some of the other parents from his Pack.  Saturday Austin had his first Basketball game (Jeremy is coaching) and I couldn't be prouder of them both.  The game ended in a tie after 1 overtime.  After the basketball game we went climbing at ClimbTime.  I had never done this before and it was a great family activity.  The kids loved it and I even climbed all the way to the ceiling a couple of times.  A hu...

Today I feel.... Blessed with a new opportunity to serve at my Church. Blessed with the ability to work at home.  So much more planning can happen when I am not distracted by conversations. So much energy since I started WATP again...2 Miles on deck for today! Happy to have Jeremy back since he is not coaching high school basketball this year. Excited to see Jeremy coach Austin in his first basketball game tomorrow. Loved. <><

I am thankful... For a warm coat to wear this winter. That I have learned several ways to knit (both on the loom and with sticks) and I can make fun items to donate, sell at the Church Craft Fair and give as gifts. That I was able to get up at 5 this morning and do 5 Miles of WATP.  Felt so great!  Funny story about this...apparently, I forgot that I had done 5 miles when I went to eat breakfast and just had my normal two pieces of toast.  About 11am, I thought I was coming down with something because I just wasn't feeling good...well duh...I was starving :)) For the group of people I work with in LDG1.  Great lunch conversation today.  Re-ignited my desire to and passion for my job. That Jeremy isn't coaching high school basketball this year...we are really beginning to notice the "extra" time that we have together.  Really fun! <><

1 Mile WATP last night...No workout scheduled today!  Tonight is Hanging of the Greens at Church.  I always love this service.  They go through and explain the significance of many of the Christmas decorations we see every year. I am hoping to hear that my dad will be home from Westminster by the weekend.  He was supposed to be home today, but he is still there...sigh... I have been trying to spend time on my morning commute turning off the radio and reciting some specific things I am thankful for.  It has been a pretty cool exercise and I hope it becomes a habit. I knitted a wrist warmer last night and it is too small.  I need to make the matching one tonight and then go back and make a pair with my original pattern.  Crafting is fun! These aren't really wonders...I guess I should have said... "I wonder...how much snow we will get this winter?"  "I wonder...will I win Fantasy Football this coming weekend?" "I wonder...will the Colts win...

3 Miles on WATP (Walk Away The Pounds) last night.  Felt great.  I can so feel my legs and arms getting stronger.  I am noticing that my muscles are a bit sore, but in this case, sore feels good. I had my annual physical a few weeks ago...got the blood work results back yesterday and I am thankful that all of my results are in the normal range.  Something to be happy about for sure. Last night I started a pair of fingerless gloves/wrist warmers on my Knifty Knitter loom.  So fun to sit down at the end of the day and craft while catching up on The Biggest Loser.  Tonight is the makeover episode...by far my favorite episode each season. Each year we do craft gifts between my mom and sister and I.  Usually I do two of the same thing, but this year each of them is getting something different.  I am so excited to get these projects started.  November, where did you go...Christmas less than 4 weeks away!  I am excited, but I have a lot to...

I have re-committed myself to Walk Away The Pounds.  I have done 6 workouts over the past 8 days (including on Thanksgiving Day!) and am so excited.  I have done the 5 mile workout twice.  I just really like the style of her workouts. I am missing my motivation for work after coming back from Guatemala.  Things that were so important before, just....aren't.  I seriously need motivation for my job as this is what is paying the bills and allowing us the opportunity to even think about saving up to go back. I mad a list of important "to do" items that must be done before Christmas, and at this time, I think it is manageable.  I really like crafting...all sorts.  I get bored if I do only one thing over and over.  I don't mind going back and doing something I have done before, just not repeating over and over... I am thinking about my 2012 goals...personally: I want to commit to the Walk Away The Pounds Calendar as my guide to work out I w...

Wow.  An amazing read.  This book takes readers through the life of Brenda Warner.  Brenda is most known as the wife of NFL Football Star Kurt Warner.  But, as she will describe in her book, Brenda is so much more than that. I couldn't put this book down.  I am not one for biographies so when I selected it, I wasn't sure what I was in for.  She captured my attention from the start.  Her book is warm and from the heart.  The experiences are unique to Brenda; however her emotional ups and downs are not foreign to any woman.  We all find ourselves at similar crossroads between the life that we think we want and the life that God wants for us.  Brenda lives her life open to this call and it has taken her many places she never expected. As a football fan, I was aware of Kurt Warner and that he was a pretty philanthropic guy; however, I had no idea about the story behind the story.  Reading experience after experience and then watchin...

This book is a 40-Day Devotional Experience. It is a companion to another book by Dr. Larry Crabb, 66 Love Letters. The devotional uses 40 different books from the Bible. Each day begins with a devotional title relating to the book of the Bible being referenced. A scripture is printed and then a “letter” written as though God is speaking to the reader is presented followed by 3 questions and a follow up prayer. A simple devotion with a powerful impact. If I had to give a one sentence review, that would be it. Each day there was something worthwhile in either the letter, the scripture, the questions or the prayer that resonated with me and what I was experiencing at that point. Sometimes I felt like I would have understood and took away more from the questions if I had the 66 Love Letters companion book on hand. I felt like the questions were disconnected a bit from the letter and hope that perhaps a recommendation that the reader using this devotional takes the time to read the 66 ...

It is that time of year again!  Back to School time... My hubby is a teacher.  I am not.  Our schedules change with the school year, so just as soon as we get adjusted to the "lazy days of summer", it is time for things to change again :) Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change a thing.  Having the opportunity for my husband to be home with the kids during the summer and on most breaks is awesome.  I get a little down time not having drop off/pick up duty and we all benefit from more family time. Anyway, this week school has started again.  I find myself anticipating the change more easily each year and this year has been the best transition in our 11 years of marriage.  Here are 3 reasons why I think it is going smoother: 1.  I have finally realized that I just need to take back the household duties of laundry and dishes when school comes back around.  I don't mind doing it and he appreciates not having to do that in addition to preppi...

In October, my husband and I are going on a little trip with a huge mission. We are going to be traveling to Guatemala. Earlier this year the missionary that our church suports, Tom Heaton, came to speak.  He talked about what was going on with his organization " Mission Guatemala " and after that service, a group of us were excited to learn that he would be hosting groups to visit and help in making his vision a reality for the people of Guatemala.  We have been planning since February.  I have never been involved in so many activities ranging from a Fish Fry to a Garage Sale to selling Pizza Cards and attending events at restaurants to raise money for this trip.  Our church is taking 21 people in 2 separate groups and as the time for travel draws near, we are all getting excited about the trip. The 3 things that I am most looking forward to are: 1.  Being able to be the hands and feet of God to the people of this nation.  It is amazing to belie...

This post is inspired by my friend Liz and her post "I want to ride my bicycle" . A week ago today, I joined Leslie Sansone's "Walk Club" . I am so excited about the workouts. Through the Club I can get a calendar of what workouts to do on what day and the workouts are streamed through the website so it is a real no-brainer. I have been setting out my clothes the night before and walking in the morning in the basement. I love these workouts. I used her workouts before after I had my son. The workouts vary in length from 1 mile to 5 miles and average anywhere from 3-5 miles per hour. Essentially, you walk/march in place along with doing varied upper body/core exercises. She adds kicks, side steps and knee lifts to make it a varied overall cardio and strength workout. I had planned to weigh myself today, but we went on a little vacation last weekend and I believe I had one too many smores :) Instead, I am going to take my measurements as a starting point and t...

A lot has changed since I last refreshed this blog... trained for and ran the 2011 One America Mini Marathon and had a great improvement over last year's time. knit my very first scarf. decided that I like fitness walking better than running and have hung up my running shoes (for now...I don't want to close the door on anything, but I don't see myself running any time soon.) convinced my mom to walk with me at the Indianapolis Womens Half Marathon over Labor Day Weekend. started working on 3 very important projects for my church : Mission Guatemala Holiday Craft Fair NewWorldSon Concert More info to come, but suffice to say, I am still the same Christian Woman with new adventures ahead.  I am excited to blog about some of the above changes and also I have signed up to read and post reviews of some Christian book titles. If you were following me for the I will blog 500 Miles challenge...sorry to dissapoint, but I hope you might stay around and read on my ramblin...

A blog I follow - 4th Frog  posted a link to a challenge that she is thinking about doing for Lent.  I am thinking about doing it too...the challenge is "40 Bags in 40 Days" .  It sounds doable, I definitely have plenty of stuff to bag up.  The bags will fill the following purposes: 1.  Trash 2.  Storage of Baby Wear for my Sister 3.  Goodwill/Charity Donations Unfortunately, there is more than enough stuff to fill a bag each day in my house.  I am going to choose the Tall Kitchen Size bags.  I am excited about this, but a little nervous.  I have watched the "piles" get just a little more overwhelming each week and I am ready to make this change, but this is something that will also take dedication to be sure that I am sticking with it.  I haven't really ever been much of a finisher.  I am pumped to start things (I have started a LOT of things, but I just get blah after a while and find something else new to do...) ...

The one thing that I am really missing in doing these pre-race training runs is my buddies in my book club.  We meet on the first Saturday of every month which is also the days for the Mini Marathon Training Series Runs.  The irony is that the book they read for today was "The Art of Racing in the Rain"  while I did not read it and it has nothing to do with running, the title was a perfect fit for what I was doing today. It rained...a lot.  I ran at least a few miles in my $1.99 poncho from Dick's (thank you to my friend Liz at Eternal Lizdom ) and was so glad that my husband suggested a change of clothes for after the race.  It wasn't freezing, but I definitely got a chill post-run with the wet clothes and all. As a treadmill trainer, I never know what to expect on the outdoor runs.  I am pleased to say that I enjoyed this run.  I had a great mix on the iPod and the route was pretty varied.  We went over the bridge to the White River a few ti...

Last Saturday I participated in the Mini Marathon Training Series 5k .  I was nervous to run outside mostly because I hadn't since last fall and because I usually get some inner ankle pain when I run outside due to uneven pavement.  I was also nervous since it was 30 degrees outside and I was taking a total gamble on what to wear... Well I am glad to say that I was nervous for no reason at all!  I wore exactly the right amount of layers and since I had gotten new shoes since my last outdoor run, I realized that it might have been my shoes last time.  These didn't hurt at all.  Sure I had a few walk breaks where I lengthened my stride to stretch out the legs, but overall, the run felt great.  I finished at 36:53 which is right in line with all of the other 5k's that I have done in the past.  I wasn't trying to break any records as I saw this run as step further in the training process.  This was also the first time that I had run a...

Daily Mile has me clocked at 99 miles...almost 1/5 of the way to my goal.  I am so glad that I have this goal to keep in mind.  Also, I have some races coming up Mini Marathon Training Series 5k in February Mini Marathon Training Series 10k in March Mini Marathon Training Series 15k and 5k Komen Walk in April Mini Marathon (Half-Marathon) and  Geist Half Marathon  5k in May Fishers Freedom Festival  5k in June Indy Women's Half Marathon in September Whew...I can't beleive that a year ago I wasn't even running AT ALL...like I was still telling myself "I will just walk on this treadmill, there is no running in sight for me"...oh how blind I can be sometimes :) I know I don't post much, but it is so encouraging to see many of you posting your updates on Daily Mile and Facebook.  I love that I don't feel alone in this quest...it keeps me hanging on. BTW...Daily Mile Challenge is planning a Virtual 5k again on the 4-6 of F...