Wordless Wednesday- Bad Dog!

GratiTuesday- I’m in a bit of shock

Well.  As I write this post I am in a bit of shock.  If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, or know me personally you know I have a very, very rocky relationship with my mother.  It’s been such a long, and difficult journey, which has climaxed at a point of absolutely no communication between the two of us, with me even promising her that I wouldn’t try to contact her again.  It is a road consumed with pain.  I will not sit here and tell you that I don’t have a bit of responsibility for us getting to this point.  I  (as I am sure is true for her also) have spent countless hours trying to find a way to make things better between the two of us only to be disappointed when I end up making them worse.  I can’t put into words how much pain there is there.

Over the past couple of weeks a few things have happened.  My mother has been HEAVY on my heart lately.  I’ve been in deep prayer for her, asking God to soften her heart towards me, but praying His will above all else.  About a week ago “Shea’s” Behavioral specialist asked the question, “What impact does your relationship with your mom have on your relationship with your own children?”….  I felt like I’d been sucker punched.  I don’t even know where to begin with that!    Sunday I was in church and having a particularly difficult day with my daughter, who suffers from Sensory Processing Disorder, causing her to act out behaviorally.  I went up for communion, and, as I do often, I prayed that I was taking my communion on behalf of my mom, and I began to sob.  I found myself begging God to grant her peace in her heart.  I don’t even care anymore about reconciliation, I just want her to have peace.  I want her to know I love her, but not at the expense of her peace.  I sobbed before God.

Well, I got the mail today (Monday) and there was a letter from my mom……  It looked friendly enough….  I haven’t gotten a letter from her that wasn’t mean in almost 10 years, so friendly isn’t by any means guaranteed.  But, I just felt like it was going to be ok.  I opened it and read it.  It was not mean!  She even went through some events that we have shared in our lives that brought her joy.  She told me she wants to try to reconcile……..slowly…..  Could my prayers be finally getting answered?  I tell you the truth when I tell you, this has to be an act of God.  There is no other explanation. 

So, I’ll read over her letter several times.  I’ll cherish every word.  I’ll thank God for HIS work in this.  And, I’ll ask for your prayers that HE continue to work mightily in BOTH of our hearts.  My prayer for years has been, “God, please part the Red Sea between us and allow us to walk on dry land back to each other.

Menu Monday- 8/22

Saw another loss at the scale last week!  .8 pounds this week.  It feels good to be consistently loosing.  This week, however, my activity has dropped off a little.  My walking buddy was injured, so couldn’t walk this week.  I definitely don’t walk as far, or as fast without her :/  But, I still got out and walked every day, so I call that an accomplishment.    Back in the day I would’ve just say oh well and slept in, stayed in my jammies all day   DON’T THINK I DIDN’T WANT TO!!!!!!

My home group is studying the book Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food.  It’s a great book.  It’s written for women, but the guys are reading it too   AND, I just found her book Craving God: A 21-Day Devotional Challengein the kindle store for FREE right now!   I’m sure this is a limited time, so hurry over there and grab it!    So, one nugget I got from the video on the book at home group was she talked about many people saying “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels”….  I’ve said it to myself for sure to get away from food, and it’s helped me on occasion.  Well, she changed it up a bit and said, how about “Nothing tastes as good as PEACE feels”…. 

Whoa.

That is definitely something to chew on.  She also talked about the fact that Desperation leads to defeat, and how that affects our eating.  When we don’t plan for events, like needing snacks while out, or planning our meals we end up so hungry that we don’t care how bad it is, we’re just going to eat it.  This is why meal planning is so important.  She suggested planning out your whole day in the morning.  I think I’ll try a little of this this week, but I’m not sure how it will work for me, because I like to be kind of flexible during the day.  I already know what I’m having for dinner, so at least that is in my mind during the day.  We’ll see.

There’s my nuggets for this week   Here are my goals:

• Plan my days more consistently
• Get a “go bag” for when I will be out and have snacks pre packaged to take with me
• Exercise every day M-F, with some running involved
• Complete the Duck Run (probably a duck walk for me) on Saturday
• Try one new recipe

Here’s the menu:

Monday:  Smothered  Chicken and Fried Eggplant

Tuesday: Chicken Dinner in the Happy Pot 

Wednesday:  Breakfast for dinner

Thursday: Chicken and Rice, Baked Apples

Friday: Burgers and Fries

Saturday: Tacos

Sunday: Snack Dinner

 

Menu Monday 8/15

Phew!  What a week!  When I weighed in last week I hit my 10% weight loss and 20 pounds lost!!!!  WOOHOO  I was SUPER excited!  I didn’t know if I would hit it or not because it had been a weird week.  This is real life, so some weeks are just going to be better than others…  This week has been weird also.  Saturday the only fruit or vegetable I had was a french fry- *gasp*..  And I was sooo feeling it yesterday!  We went to get Auston from camp, and had to leave at 4 in the morning and were gone until a little after 5.  This meant all meals that day on the road.  NOT HEALTHY.  I think if I find myself in this position again I’m going to pack some fruit or something at the very least….  Even with that I stayed within my points range for the week, having those activity points sure helped. 

Still, I’m not sure what the scale will show today, since I had so much fried food and so many carbs on Saturday.  We’ll see.  Either way, I’m not going to let it bother me, because I’m back on plan today and again, it’s real life.

Here are my goals for this week:

• Stay on plan all week and limit my junk food (I’ve got a real busy week ahead, so this might prove to be a challenge)
• JOURNAL (When I get busy I tend to let this go)
• Exercise every day M-F
• Make sure I’m getting in my fruits and veggies every day

Here’s my menu- for some reason coming up with a menu this week was like having my teeth pulled……. 

Monday:  Chicken Tortilla Casserole (New Recipe)

Tuesday:  Sloppy Joes, Green Beans and Rice Pudding

Wednesday:  Home Group, so I don’t have to cook

Thursday:  Mexican Beans and Rice

Friday:  Taco Night

Saturday:  Pizza for the kiddos, Date night with my favorite guy

Sunday:  Chicken Dinner in the Happy Pot 

Singing Saturday- Hallelujah

Love Love Love this song….

Hallelujah- Bethany Dillon

Who can hold the stars
And my weary heart?
Who can see everything?
I've fallen so hard
Sometimes I feel so far
But not beyond your reach
I could climb a mountain
Swim the ocean
Or do anything
But it's when you hold me
That I start unfolding
And all I can say is

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah

The same sun that
Rises over castles
And welcomes the day
Spills over buildings
Into the streets
Where orphans play
And only you can see the good
In broken things
You took my heart of stone
And you made it home
And set this prisoner free

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah

Wordless Wednesday- FAIL- Someone find an “I”!!!

GratiTuesday- Christian Camp

As I write this, my oldest has been at Camp Eagle for almost 2 weeks.  He comes home on Saturday and I can hardly wait.  I’ve missed him so much.  I’ve missed knowing what’s going on in his life.  I’ve missed hearing his voice.  I’ve missed just seeing his smile.  And, I’ve had a taste of what’s to come- the part where I have to let him fly.  He’s going into 10th grade this year and I have only a limited amount of intense time with him left before he goes off and changes the world on his own.  And I truly believe he’s going to change the world somehow.  But then, do all parents believe that about all of their children? 

Camp Eagle is a Christian camp, and I’m am so thankful that while he’s away from me I know he’s being refined and defined by God.  I can’t wait to hear about all the work God has done in his life.  I’m absolutely giddy at the thought.  I can’t wait to hold him in my arms and take in his face again. 

Menu Monday- 8/8

 

Well, last week when I weighed in for WW I was .2 pounds away from 20 pounds lost.  I’m really hoping to hit that this week, but it’s been a week for me.  I’ve had two separate events this week that involved alcohol, and I think my body just doesn’t handle alcohol well anymore (from a weight loss standpoint).  So, my scale at home is showing a gain, but we’ll see what happens when I weigh in……  I’m trying to focus on non-scale victories to keep me motivated….  and remembering that this is life, and not a diet, so there are going to be weeks when I show a gain.  It just is what it is…..

So, let’s take a look at my goals from last week:

• Continue getting in my fruits and veggies every day-DONE EVERY DAY EXCEPT SATURDAY
• Walk 30 Miles- DONE
• Limit desserts to 4 per week  DONE
• Journal before eating MOSTLY- DEFINITELY BETTER THIS WEEK
• Stay within my points range DONE- 20 WEEKLY POINTS LEFT OVER
• Only have 3 alcoholic beverages for the week- DONE

See, from a goal standpoint I did well!  I really think that “Insulin Resistance” thing they told me I have makes me gain when I drink…. 

Ok, this weeks goals:

• Walk 30 miles with at least 1 jog each walk.  (Jog can be as short as 10 seconds) 
• Limit desserts to 4 for the week
• Get in more veggies this week than last week
• Try a new recipe (Coffee Creamer perhaps?)

Ok, on to this week’s menu:

Monday:  Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches, Fruit Salad

Tuesday:  Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Wednesday:  Snack Dinner

Thursday:  Southwest Chicken Salad, Trip to Ritters for Dessert with the Joneses

Friday:  Pizza

Saturday:  BUBBA COMES HOME!  YAY!  Taking the fam out to dinner to celebrate

Sunday:  Chicken Dinner in the Happy Pot 

Supper Sunday- Coffee Creamer and Eating Healthier

Since I started trying to eat healthier and limit the chemicals in my food one thing I’ve given up that I miss terribly is coffee creamers.  I now use Half and Half, which is also good, but I really like to have a flavored creamer from time to time.  Especially in the fall and winter.  It’s like my little treat eat morning.  I waste way too many points on coffee cream, but I LOVE my coffee.

So, when I found recipes for homemade creamers I was soooo excited!  Now, I’ll be able to have my flavored creamers and not have to worry about all the chemicals.  Honestly it’s really bothered me!  But, once I looked at the labels I just couldn’t buy them anymore…..

So, here’s the link to the recipes!  If you’ve tried them I’d love to hear how they turned out.  I think I’ll mix up the pumpkin spice one some time this week, because I’m really in the mood for fall…..

Homemade Organic Creamers

Singing Saturday- Stand in the Rain

Just heard this song for the first time today and loved it.  Thought I’d share

Stand In The Rain- Superchick

She never slows down
She doesn't know why but
she knows that when
She's all alone feels
Like it's all coming down
She won't turn around
The shadows are long
And she fears if she cries
That first tear
The tears will not stop
Raining down

So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day what's lost can be found
You stand in the rain

She won't make a sound
Alone in this fight with herself
And the fears whispering
If she stands, she'll fall down
She wants to be found
The only way out is through
everything she's running from
Wants to give up and lie down

So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day what's lost can be found
You stand in the rain

So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
Stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day what's lost can be found

So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day what's lost can be found
You stand in the rain

Family Time Friday-Barnes and Noble Story Time

OMGosh I just found something really cool!  Maybe you already new about it, maybe I’m just behind….  LOL….  But I just found it and HAD to share!

Barnes and Noble has a Story Time section on their website where they have several books read to you buy authors and celebrities.  I set the babies up with the laptop and pushed play.  They watched like 5 different stories!  It moves to the next story after one is done, so no need to keep going back and clicking

I was so excited to find this!  Hope it’s helpful to you too!

Thoughtful Thursday- Home School Curriculum Choices

Well, it’s that time of year again!  Time to get back to the books   I’m now in my second year of High School with Auston and Grego is doing 7/8th grade.  Time is flying!  I can’t believe after this year Auston has only 2 years left!  We’ve come a long way since our first year of homeschooling (he was in 4th grade)….

I know I’m always curious about what others are using for curriculum, so I will share with you what we are using.  I’d like to point out to those who do not home school, or are new to it that we home schoolers are often on a different track than public school, so don’t send me a message if your child is in 10th grade and taking different subjects.  It’s all good.  Really.  I mean it.  I’m on it like white on rice.  I know the requirements for graduation.  I’ve done my research.  I promise. 

Ok, so I’ve done a lot of perusing of a few websites about high school, I’m really focusing on scholarship information at this point, so if you have any info on that, I’d love it if you’d share!

Some webpages I’m finding particularly useful at this time:

http://www.homeschoolforhighschool.com/collegesearch.html

http://www.thehomescholar.com/blog/

http://www.hslda.org/highschool/

http://www.katyisd.org/curriculum/Documents/Course%20Catalog%202011-2012.pdf

The last one is a great resource for planning out courses

Ok, Some people feel better going with one particular curriculum company, but we use a few together.  Here is what we’re planning on using this year: 

Auston (10th grade)

• Worldviews of the Western World (Eng Comp 1 Credit, Ancient Lit 1/4 Credit, Philosophy 1 Credit, Western Civilizations, 1/4, Humanities, 1/4, World History 1/4)
• Teaching Textbooks Geometry (Math 1 Credit)
• Apologia Biology (Science 1 Credit)
• One Year Novel (Creative Writing 1 Credit)
• College Board SAT Prep
• Bob Jones Elements of Literature (Literature 1 Credit)
• Rosetta Stone Spanish, Level 1(Spanish 1 Credit)
• CBS Bible Study (Bible 1 Credit)
• Bob Jones US History
• Sports Day (PE 1/2 Credit)

Gregory (7/8th Grade)

• Rosetta Stone Spanish, Level 1(Spanish 1 Credit)
• CBS Bible Study (Bible 1 Credit)
• Bob Jones Fundamentals of Literature
• Teaching Textbooks Pre Algebra
• Sports Day
• One Year Novel (Creative Writing 1 Credit)
• Texas History
• Apologia General Science
• Still need to find a vocabulary program….

I think that’s about it….  I may add or take away depending on how they handle this load.  Oh, and I’ve signed them both up to participate in an online class for their sciences, and they’ll be attending outside classes for Worldview, Texas History, and Bible Study. 

Wordless Wednesday- Too Cute for Words!

GratiTuesday- Women of Faith!

I have some very exciting news! I get to go to the Women of Faith Conference!!! I am so excited I’m giddy! I’ve wanted to go for a number of years, but I’ve never been able to go, but this October I get to go!!! I’ll be blogging about the whole event and telling you all I can muster, but if you have the chance to attend, I would highly recommend it.  Big thanks to the wonderful people at Book Sneeze for sponsoring my trip!  WOOHOO!!!

 

Don’t know what Women of Faith is?  Here’s a preview video for you:

 

I have heard on several occasions from other people who have attended this conference that it was life changing.  I’m really looking forward to the time to refresh and just be with God.  I’m feeling a pull from God that is telling me “more”….  I need Him more.  You know the psalm that says, “My heart and flesh cry out for the Lord”…  Yeah, that’s where I’m at right now and I love it!

I honestly felt when I got the email, that it was like God told me, “You made it through the marathon of adoption, now you need to refresh for my next task for you”…..  I have a girlfriend who is about to be licensed for foster care, and she’ll be going with me to the conference.  I’m excited about that too, because we’ve never been away just the two of us. 

If you’ve been to a Women of Faith Conference I’d love to hear all about it!

Menu Monday-August 1

 

Wow, August already?????  Oh MY…..  Well, it’s definitely hot enough around here! This past week has been a pretty good WW week for me, my weigh in last Monday showed a 2.4 pound loss, which made me pretty happy.  This gave me a total loss to date of 18.8 pounds.  I’m knocking on that 20 pound door!!!!  YIPEE!

So, let’s see how I did on my goals from last week:

• Eat at least 2 servings of veggies a day and a total of 5 f/v servings –DID PRETTY GOOD- SATURDAY I ONLY GOT IN 3, BUT THE REST OF THE WEEK I DID GOOD
• Walk 25 miles DONE- OVER 30 AGAIN! 
• Limit desserts to no more than 4 over the week DONE
• Journal before eating STILL NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
• Journal moods FAIL
• Try a new food FAIL….

Ok, here are my goals for this week:

• Continue getting in my fruits and veggies every day
• Walk 30 Miles
• Limit desserts to 4 per week
• Journal before eating
• Stay within my points range
• Only have 3 alcoholic beverages for the week

Ok, with that, let’s get down to the menu:

Monday:  Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tuesday:  Cashew Chicken

Wednesday:  Burgers, Fries, Fruit Salad

Thursday:  Baked Cod and Asparagus

Friday:  Pizza

Saturday:  Pork Tenderloin in the Happy Pot and Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans

Sunday:  Snack Dinner