I finally got busy and started working on a few things for her Baptism.
This is especially up already for those of our family who will definitely not be able to make it.
We LOVE you!!!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Thankful Thursday, January 26 - February 1, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012: I'm thankful for the lovely trip to the temple we enjoyed today! Starting the year off well in completing this goal... 11 months more. ^_^ Bring on the joy!
Friday, January 27, 2012: I'm thankful for the work I WAS able to get done today.
Saturday, January 28, 2012: I'm thankful for early mornings and being able to get some writing in with everything else. :)
Sunday, January 29, 2012: I'm thankful for quiet time with my family after a VERY uplifting Stake Conference. I accidentally spelled Stake (as in larger geographic area of LDS folks than the group that meets together every Sunday) as Steak just a second ago. This reminds me of a story I heard my Mom tell often. It goes a lil' something like this: Since my Mom was a convert, when she first heard of Stake Conference, she (understandably) heard Steak Conference. So, when they drove up to a church building, she was disappointed because there was no dinner served! I imagine that there have been many converts to feel such disappointment. But it is fun and funny that I know one who did! ^_^
Monday, January 30, 2012: I'm thankful for a productive day.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012: I'm thankful for joyful service opportunities!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012: I'm thankful for... (July 19th: this is the day I found out something horrible and felt like my world was crashing down. I honestly have to say the only thing I can say I was thankful for that day is being alive.)
Friday, January 27, 2012: I'm thankful for the work I WAS able to get done today.
Saturday, January 28, 2012: I'm thankful for early mornings and being able to get some writing in with everything else. :)
Sunday, January 29, 2012: I'm thankful for quiet time with my family after a VERY uplifting Stake Conference. I accidentally spelled Stake (as in larger geographic area of LDS folks than the group that meets together every Sunday) as Steak just a second ago. This reminds me of a story I heard my Mom tell often. It goes a lil' something like this: Since my Mom was a convert, when she first heard of Stake Conference, she (understandably) heard Steak Conference. So, when they drove up to a church building, she was disappointed because there was no dinner served! I imagine that there have been many converts to feel such disappointment. But it is fun and funny that I know one who did! ^_^
Monday, January 30, 2012: I'm thankful for a productive day.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012: I'm thankful for joyful service opportunities!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012: I'm thankful for... (July 19th: this is the day I found out something horrible and felt like my world was crashing down. I honestly have to say the only thing I can say I was thankful for that day is being alive.)
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thankful Thursday: Week of January 19 - 25
Thursday, January 19, 2012: I'm thankful for the peaceful good day we've had today. I'm especially grateful for those things Jessie did of his own desire and motivation. I'm especially thankful that among the things he accomplished today he did dishes! What a help to me! He also fitted out our newest bunnies in a safer location (on our patio and in the pet-like hutch we sort of bought). Additionally (an no less importantly), he fixed the current rabbit-keeping get-up to be more firmly attached and in place. Hopefully whatever is predating our rabbits will be UNsuccessful in the future!
Friday, January 20, 2012: I'm thankful for the cleaning, letter writing and story-writing I was able to do today. What a productive (though in small ways) day! I love to see results of my efforts! I'm grateful that Jessie took some time out of his work day to get the tags for our vehicles and deposit our paycheck. Unfortunately, he didn't have everything he needed to do the job.... ahwell. He certainly tried.
Saturday, January 21, 2012: I'm thankful for the quiet day at home and the things we were able to accomplish (not much, but also a lot). Shifting the "media/craft room" around.
Sunday, January 22, 2012: I'm thankful for health and the opportunity to go to church together as a family. YEAY! We are all well and hopefully we'll stay this way for a while!
Monday, January 23, 2012: I'm thankful for Peace in my heart even when the world seems to run a-muck around me. I'm grateful to be able to accomplish much (never enough, but still happy for what does get done). Today, phone conversations to resolve ICES stuff and empathize with a Sister are the accomplishment of the morning.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012: I'm thankful for the errands Jessie ran today, which will decrease the stress of running those same errands with all our kiddos. I'm grateful for the work he does, generally.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012: I'm thankful for the serving of our family Jessie did today. He dropped by Tractor Supply to get some chicken wire, then off to the dirt store to buy some more good stuff, then back home to bust his bum some in getting the awesome dirt in place. We normally work together as soon as he gets home with the black stuff, but today I was working on something when he got home. He got right to work, for which I'm super grateful because doing so enabled us to have a more leisurely lunch together before he had to go to work for the night.
Although I am not happy that what has happened HAS happened, I'm so beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve (in my capacity as Compassionate Service Leader) a really wonderful family in my Ward. I have felt some moments of pure joy in service for them, for which I am tremendously grateful!
I'm also grateful for the awesome experience of receiving what felt like to me, a download of information from Heavenly Father which I have high hopes may help the person it is meant to bless. "Oh, use me God!" my soul joyfully cried, when I learned from my friend that the information I'd received sounds good to her!! I'm so grateful to feel to be an instrument in His Hands!!!
Friday, January 20, 2012: I'm thankful for the cleaning, letter writing and story-writing I was able to do today. What a productive (though in small ways) day! I love to see results of my efforts! I'm grateful that Jessie took some time out of his work day to get the tags for our vehicles and deposit our paycheck. Unfortunately, he didn't have everything he needed to do the job.... ahwell. He certainly tried.
Saturday, January 21, 2012: I'm thankful for the quiet day at home and the things we were able to accomplish (not much, but also a lot). Shifting the "media/craft room" around.
Sunday, January 22, 2012: I'm thankful for health and the opportunity to go to church together as a family. YEAY! We are all well and hopefully we'll stay this way for a while!
Monday, January 23, 2012: I'm thankful for Peace in my heart even when the world seems to run a-muck around me. I'm grateful to be able to accomplish much (never enough, but still happy for what does get done). Today, phone conversations to resolve ICES stuff and empathize with a Sister are the accomplishment of the morning.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012: I'm thankful for the errands Jessie ran today, which will decrease the stress of running those same errands with all our kiddos. I'm grateful for the work he does, generally.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012: I'm thankful for the serving of our family Jessie did today. He dropped by Tractor Supply to get some chicken wire, then off to the dirt store to buy some more good stuff, then back home to bust his bum some in getting the awesome dirt in place. We normally work together as soon as he gets home with the black stuff, but today I was working on something when he got home. He got right to work, for which I'm super grateful because doing so enabled us to have a more leisurely lunch together before he had to go to work for the night.
Although I am not happy that what has happened HAS happened, I'm so beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve (in my capacity as Compassionate Service Leader) a really wonderful family in my Ward. I have felt some moments of pure joy in service for them, for which I am tremendously grateful!
I'm also grateful for the awesome experience of receiving what felt like to me, a download of information from Heavenly Father which I have high hopes may help the person it is meant to bless. "Oh, use me God!" my soul joyfully cried, when I learned from my friend that the information I'd received sounds good to her!! I'm so grateful to feel to be an instrument in His Hands!!!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thankful Thursday: Week of January 12 to 18
Thursday, January 12, 2012: I'm thankful for the garden work we were able to get going today. We now have almost double the space we started with before our efforts! YEAY! I'm hoping I'll have a good planting plan sometime soon!
I'm grateful for the writing I've been able to get done. 27 pages in the past 3 days (not including today). Pretty awesome, yes? :)
Friday, January 13, 2012: I'm thankful for answered prayers. I've been praying the Lord to bless me with Quantum Leaps in my progression... mostly Spiritual, but also hoping for other things and other ways of becoming better... I realized just recently that the Lord has answered my prayer by blessing me with numerous trials. The most recent trial of ill health has been cumbersome, to say the least. Each time I think my sweet babies are better, they barf again. :( It's exhausting. Emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually exhausting. I pray I am truly Leaping... but fear I am barely baby stepping along!
Jessie made some suggestions about writing effort he would like to see me make and since then I have met or exceeded his suggestion. He said it was not an expectation, per se, but I have felt it to be just that. Good progress in the THE story that has been gestating in me for the last eight year is such a joy. I feel such excitment in learning what is happening in the lives of these characters that are almost like friends in my mind! If you don't write, I realize that could sound crazy, but it's really quite normal. I promise. :)
Saturday, Januaray 14, 2012: I'm thankful for all the work my children and I were able to accomplish this afternoon! Kat and Tea did help, but really it was mostly Ria and me working hard to get some more of our front garden area defined so we can pack it full of good dirt. (Our soil here is mostly sand with a little dust-like dirt mixed in. When I dig down far enough, it's a bit of clay mixed with dirt. Amazing, right?) We did get the area completed. It was wonderful to accomplish so much with my kiddos! Jmy was a sweetie almost the whole time. He crawled back and forth, following his sisters in their efforts to gather dirt in a little bucket and move the liner stones we used. I got the easiest work today. I'm still super tired for the 26 hours awake last Sunday.... Anyway... hopefully we'll be able to get the dirt on Tuesday. I'm sure we'll be able to spread it over the whole area, but I think we'll have to make one more haul to fill in the area to the depth we need. I still haven't planned out the plantings....
Plus we have a long strip area in the back that needs work. We're making that area into huglekulture (as well as the third 8x10 bed we fixed up a few weeks ago). I'm hoping this kinda of garden will help us with the dry hot summer!
Sunday, January 15, 2012: I'm thankful for the Sacrament. I went to church to partake and then back home because Ria barfed Saturday night and Kat barfed twice this morning! "/ I'm grateful for the peaceful and enjoyable day we spent together as a family.
Monday, January 16, 2012: I'm thankful for how helpful my girls can be when we have work to do. I'm grateful for their loving dispositions. I'm grateful that I was able to get some work done in our front garden area and then salvage some screws for future projects.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012: I'm thankful for the awesome work Jessie did in getting another load of mushroom compost for our gardens. We've got the front area we've been working on completely covered... just have to get another load to finish it off. We'll probably also be able to start adding soil to the LONG garden box in the back in which I hope to plant lots of peas for eating (and, if I'm truly blessed: canning!). ^_^
Wednesday, January 18, 2012: I'm thankful for Jessie, my husband. Jess is a good human being. He's strong (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually). He is talented: plays guitar, teaching himself to sing, writes well when he sits down to do it (stories and songs, etc) and he's got a most amazing and enjoyable imagination! Jessie is very VERY skilled! He is a Chef, a musician, a mechanic, a handy-man, a good planner (when he puts his mind to it), a great play-mate for children, and a hard worker when he chooses to be. He is just a really good person. I'm grateful he found me on matchmaker.com these 11 years ago! I'm even more grateful that, even though I wasn't a praying girl or doing right in many ways, that the Lord whispered loud and clear that I should break some of my "rules" to meet this guy. Even with all the troubles, he's really worth it all! I'm grateful for the Father he is and is becoming. I'm grateful for the provider he is and consistently tries to be. I'm grateful for his efforts to become a better man. I'm grateful that he is my husband and pray WE will both continue to successfully KEEP CHOOSING US! ICU, JessieWho. I really do. And I still choose you.
I'm grateful for those things that were accomplished today, especially what Jess chose to do without being asked: fitting a light up in our computer room. It's so much brighter in there at night now. I'm grateful for the time we were able to spend together as a family. It was a GOOD day!
I'm grateful for the writing I've been able to get done. 27 pages in the past 3 days (not including today). Pretty awesome, yes? :)
Friday, January 13, 2012: I'm thankful for answered prayers. I've been praying the Lord to bless me with Quantum Leaps in my progression... mostly Spiritual, but also hoping for other things and other ways of becoming better... I realized just recently that the Lord has answered my prayer by blessing me with numerous trials. The most recent trial of ill health has been cumbersome, to say the least. Each time I think my sweet babies are better, they barf again. :( It's exhausting. Emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually exhausting. I pray I am truly Leaping... but fear I am barely baby stepping along!
Jessie made some suggestions about writing effort he would like to see me make and since then I have met or exceeded his suggestion. He said it was not an expectation, per se, but I have felt it to be just that. Good progress in the THE story that has been gestating in me for the last eight year is such a joy. I feel such excitment in learning what is happening in the lives of these characters that are almost like friends in my mind! If you don't write, I realize that could sound crazy, but it's really quite normal. I promise. :)
Saturday, Januaray 14, 2012: I'm thankful for all the work my children and I were able to accomplish this afternoon! Kat and Tea did help, but really it was mostly Ria and me working hard to get some more of our front garden area defined so we can pack it full of good dirt. (Our soil here is mostly sand with a little dust-like dirt mixed in. When I dig down far enough, it's a bit of clay mixed with dirt. Amazing, right?) We did get the area completed. It was wonderful to accomplish so much with my kiddos! Jmy was a sweetie almost the whole time. He crawled back and forth, following his sisters in their efforts to gather dirt in a little bucket and move the liner stones we used. I got the easiest work today. I'm still super tired for the 26 hours awake last Sunday.... Anyway... hopefully we'll be able to get the dirt on Tuesday. I'm sure we'll be able to spread it over the whole area, but I think we'll have to make one more haul to fill in the area to the depth we need. I still haven't planned out the plantings....
Plus we have a long strip area in the back that needs work. We're making that area into huglekulture (as well as the third 8x10 bed we fixed up a few weeks ago). I'm hoping this kinda of garden will help us with the dry hot summer!
Sunday, January 15, 2012: I'm thankful for the Sacrament. I went to church to partake and then back home because Ria barfed Saturday night and Kat barfed twice this morning! "/ I'm grateful for the peaceful and enjoyable day we spent together as a family.
Monday, January 16, 2012: I'm thankful for how helpful my girls can be when we have work to do. I'm grateful for their loving dispositions. I'm grateful that I was able to get some work done in our front garden area and then salvage some screws for future projects.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012: I'm thankful for the awesome work Jessie did in getting another load of mushroom compost for our gardens. We've got the front area we've been working on completely covered... just have to get another load to finish it off. We'll probably also be able to start adding soil to the LONG garden box in the back in which I hope to plant lots of peas for eating (and, if I'm truly blessed: canning!). ^_^
Wednesday, January 18, 2012: I'm thankful for Jessie, my husband. Jess is a good human being. He's strong (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually). He is talented: plays guitar, teaching himself to sing, writes well when he sits down to do it (stories and songs, etc) and he's got a most amazing and enjoyable imagination! Jessie is very VERY skilled! He is a Chef, a musician, a mechanic, a handy-man, a good planner (when he puts his mind to it), a great play-mate for children, and a hard worker when he chooses to be. He is just a really good person. I'm grateful he found me on matchmaker.com these 11 years ago! I'm even more grateful that, even though I wasn't a praying girl or doing right in many ways, that the Lord whispered loud and clear that I should break some of my "rules" to meet this guy. Even with all the troubles, he's really worth it all! I'm grateful for the Father he is and is becoming. I'm grateful for the provider he is and consistently tries to be. I'm grateful for his efforts to become a better man. I'm grateful that he is my husband and pray WE will both continue to successfully KEEP CHOOSING US! ICU, JessieWho. I really do. And I still choose you.
I'm grateful for those things that were accomplished today, especially what Jess chose to do without being asked: fitting a light up in our computer room. It's so much brighter in there at night now. I'm grateful for the time we were able to spend together as a family. It was a GOOD day!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Thankful Thursday: Week of January 5 to 11
Thursday, January 5, 2011: I'm thankful for all the work we were able to accomplish toward the garden. It was really nice to have a family meal before Jessie went off to work, too!
Friday, January 6, 2011: I'm thankful for my sister-in-law, Anni. Today is her birthday. Although she dislikes me with a vehemence I don't quite understand, I am grateful for her because without Anni in Jessie's life, I know my husband would not be exactly who he is. And since he's my Man, and We
Keep Choosing Us, I'm grateful for who he is and what part she has had in making him HIM! I'm grateful for all those who have been in Jessie's life who have contributed to the man he is. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Anni. I'm grateful for you and hope you have a wonderful day!
I'm also thankful that, even though the day started out difficult, it has been a peaceful day. Kat awakened for the first time around 3 or 4am to throw up, then again a few hours later, another time or two after that. She hasn't hurled for a few hours now, which is wonderful. Hopefully she'll remain well and we'll be able to go to church on Sunday. We'll see.
Saturday, January 7, 2011: I'm thankful for productive and peaceful days like today. I created an "event" in Facebook for Ria's birthday party/activity. I did a tiny bit of organizing food storage to free up some cardboard boxes we're using for gardening. I was able to purchase a couple things from Emergency Essentials with some gift cards I earned (so exciting!). And finally made some headway in getting some information for my ICES job. YEAY!
Sunday, January 8, 2011: I'm thankful for more time as a family than we normally have on Sundays.... I missed going to church to partake of the Sacrament, but illness has been upon us. Kat started throwing up on Friday. Diarhea Saturday and today. Early this morning Tea started throwing up. Jess is feeling nauseous and I have a horrible headache. I honestly do not feel thankful for the illness anymore. Trying to be grateful about what the illness has caused/brought with it.
Monday, January 9, 2011: I'm thankful for an easier day than I expected after Tea and Jmy being ill yesterday. Neither of them threw up again today. YEAY! Praise the Lord for His mercies.
Tuesday, January 10, 2011: I'm thankful for a lovely day trip to Orlando with my family. The children wore their balck and white clothes Brother Kelly gave them for Christmas. Their appearance and enjoyment of dressing alike warmed my heart tremendously. I'm so grateful for my family!
Wednesday, January 11, 2011: I'm thankful that I was able to accomplish some work that needed to be done. I'm grateful for encouragement to write - in the last two days I've written sixteen pages of my story! (That's one long-ish and two short chapters!) ^_^ Jessie heard about Amanda Hocking on the radio Sunday night and has encouraged me to try for similar success. So... I am. :) I hope you may choose to purchase my book and spread the word once I've released it via ebook formatt.
Friday, January 6, 2011: I'm thankful for my sister-in-law, Anni. Today is her birthday. Although she dislikes me with a vehemence I don't quite understand, I am grateful for her because without Anni in Jessie's life, I know my husband would not be exactly who he is. And since he's my Man, and We
Keep Choosing Us, I'm grateful for who he is and what part she has had in making him HIM! I'm grateful for all those who have been in Jessie's life who have contributed to the man he is. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Anni. I'm grateful for you and hope you have a wonderful day!
I'm also thankful that, even though the day started out difficult, it has been a peaceful day. Kat awakened for the first time around 3 or 4am to throw up, then again a few hours later, another time or two after that. She hasn't hurled for a few hours now, which is wonderful. Hopefully she'll remain well and we'll be able to go to church on Sunday. We'll see.
Saturday, January 7, 2011: I'm thankful for productive and peaceful days like today. I created an "event" in Facebook for Ria's birthday party/activity. I did a tiny bit of organizing food storage to free up some cardboard boxes we're using for gardening. I was able to purchase a couple things from Emergency Essentials with some gift cards I earned (so exciting!). And finally made some headway in getting some information for my ICES job. YEAY!
Sunday, January 8, 2011: I'm thankful for more time as a family than we normally have on Sundays.... I missed going to church to partake of the Sacrament, but illness has been upon us. Kat started throwing up on Friday. Diarhea Saturday and today. Early this morning Tea started throwing up. Jess is feeling nauseous and I have a horrible headache. I honestly do not feel thankful for the illness anymore. Trying to be grateful about what the illness has caused/brought with it.
Monday, January 9, 2011: I'm thankful for an easier day than I expected after Tea and Jmy being ill yesterday. Neither of them threw up again today. YEAY! Praise the Lord for His mercies.
Tuesday, January 10, 2011: I'm thankful for a lovely day trip to Orlando with my family. The children wore their balck and white clothes Brother Kelly gave them for Christmas. Their appearance and enjoyment of dressing alike warmed my heart tremendously. I'm so grateful for my family!
Wednesday, January 11, 2011: I'm thankful that I was able to accomplish some work that needed to be done. I'm grateful for encouragement to write - in the last two days I've written sixteen pages of my story! (That's one long-ish and two short chapters!) ^_^ Jessie heard about Amanda Hocking on the radio Sunday night and has encouraged me to try for similar success. So... I am. :) I hope you may choose to purchase my book and spread the word once I've released it via ebook formatt.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Believed In
How can words describe the joy
that flexed its wings in my heart
when I realized your words were no ploy?
I think that they, sweet though words are,
fall short in effort to deploy
this hope you've renewed; to describe this new star.
To believe in self is good; and yet
it will carry you only so far.
The light from this star's birth will long be felt, I bet.
A few simple words and suggestions made.
Radiant beams; this star will not set.
It's the most wonderful compliment paid.
Don't you see,
the foundation laid?
A new way to be.
These wings will grow stronger and are sure to flap hard.
The new being burst forth into Light is still me.
Yet not, for the chrysalis has been marred.
A new me filled with this star begins to emerge.
The old doubtings begin to be charred.
Various wings and Ways begin to merge.
Questions, plans, and hopes rise up
as the joy within me continues to surge.
And I am that which runneth over: the cup.
Gratitude falls short to gather the sum.
Am I thankful? Yup!
I hope I'm no bum.
So the tank begins to fill.
Though starved long, this is no crumb.
The adventure begins anew, if God Will.
that flexed its wings in my heart
when I realized your words were no ploy?
I think that they, sweet though words are,
fall short in effort to deploy
this hope you've renewed; to describe this new star.
To believe in self is good; and yet
it will carry you only so far.
The light from this star's birth will long be felt, I bet.
A few simple words and suggestions made.
Radiant beams; this star will not set.
It's the most wonderful compliment paid.
Don't you see,
the foundation laid?
A new way to be.
These wings will grow stronger and are sure to flap hard.
The new being burst forth into Light is still me.
Yet not, for the chrysalis has been marred.
A new me filled with this star begins to emerge.
The old doubtings begin to be charred.
Various wings and Ways begin to merge.
Questions, plans, and hopes rise up
as the joy within me continues to surge.
And I am that which runneth over: the cup.
Gratitude falls short to gather the sum.
Am I thankful? Yup!
I hope I'm no bum.
So the tank begins to fill.
Though starved long, this is no crumb.
The adventure begins anew, if God Will.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Thankful Thursday, Week of December 29 - January 4, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011: I'm thankful for Jessie's hard work in our garden. I'm grateful for his thoughtfulness and consideration in providing us with a great dinner so I could continue to rest and recooperate!
Friday, December 30, 2011: I'm thankful for good shopping with my children. We went to 3 stores in 4 hours. They were TROOPERS! Kat said, while we were in the third store, "We've already been here today, Mama!" Nope, we hadn't... they just all look the same. Different prices, though... by a LOT, amazingly enough!
Saturday, December 31, 2011: I'm thankful for a peaceful day and Jessie coming home much earlier than I expected! I'm grateful to still be married... 9 years married 11 years together now.
Sunday, January 1, 2012: I'm thankful for good talks and lessons at church today. I have not, as is MY tradition, set any "New Year's Resolutions". When I used to, I always failed to keep them very long and felt like a failure. So, I simply set and work toward goals all year long... I just refuse to set or start or re-start any the first week of January! ;)
Monday, January 2, 2012: I'm thankful for a peaceful day... for the most part. Spent some money on seeds and such... hoping to get this Florida gardening thing down this next season. I'm good at growing green things... just not much PRODUCE coming from it. :( I REALLY hope to have to can up some good stuff from the Spring gardens!
I spent the day managing my lil' brood and trying to teach what is important.
Life is trial, but I sure DO love it and I'm SO grateful for it... ALL!!!!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012: I'm thankful for the productive day we had today. Off to the Post Office to mail a very small package... hoping it'll be well received. Then off to my midwife's office to finally get Tea and Jmy's blood tests done. Found out their blood types. Neat to see that process... and they were both courageous troopers in getting poked by the lancet! Then off to a treat on the way home. The girls were very well behaved! (As was Jmy!) I'm so grateful for the many blessings the Lord sees fit to bestow upon me!!!!
I'm looking forward to receiving some recent purchases (family gifts, really) in the mail. We're waiting for beneficial nematodes (these are our latest effort to deal with the fire ants naturally... they are such a deterrant to my efforts to work in the garden... the horrible pimple-like welts the ant bites cause and the months-long itching that follows.... then the bite spots are visible indefinitely... ugh! Hopefully these tiny guys (the beneficial nematodes) will make the difference I've read they can!), red wigglers (worms; we're finally beginning our worm composting project!), as well as lots more heirloom open-pollintated seeds. FINALLY I was able to buy some comfrey! YEAY! I'm praying we'll have a great deal of success in our efforts! Pray for us, if you think of it! :)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012: I'm thankful for all the work we were able to accomplish outside. We're getting new garden areas prepared and ready for Spring planting. I'm also grateful for the enjoyable 4-H meeting we had this evening. Planning for our big Service Project went well as well as work on the children's Community Unity Project book (which they'll turn into the Extension Office by the end of the school year). They are enjoying the work, which is a pleasure to see.
Friday, December 30, 2011: I'm thankful for good shopping with my children. We went to 3 stores in 4 hours. They were TROOPERS! Kat said, while we were in the third store, "We've already been here today, Mama!" Nope, we hadn't... they just all look the same. Different prices, though... by a LOT, amazingly enough!
Saturday, December 31, 2011: I'm thankful for a peaceful day and Jessie coming home much earlier than I expected! I'm grateful to still be married... 9 years married 11 years together now.
Sunday, January 1, 2012: I'm thankful for good talks and lessons at church today. I have not, as is MY tradition, set any "New Year's Resolutions". When I used to, I always failed to keep them very long and felt like a failure. So, I simply set and work toward goals all year long... I just refuse to set or start or re-start any the first week of January! ;)
Monday, January 2, 2012: I'm thankful for a peaceful day... for the most part. Spent some money on seeds and such... hoping to get this Florida gardening thing down this next season. I'm good at growing green things... just not much PRODUCE coming from it. :( I REALLY hope to have to can up some good stuff from the Spring gardens!
I spent the day managing my lil' brood and trying to teach what is important.
Life is trial, but I sure DO love it and I'm SO grateful for it... ALL!!!!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012: I'm thankful for the productive day we had today. Off to the Post Office to mail a very small package... hoping it'll be well received. Then off to my midwife's office to finally get Tea and Jmy's blood tests done. Found out their blood types. Neat to see that process... and they were both courageous troopers in getting poked by the lancet! Then off to a treat on the way home. The girls were very well behaved! (As was Jmy!) I'm so grateful for the many blessings the Lord sees fit to bestow upon me!!!!
I'm looking forward to receiving some recent purchases (family gifts, really) in the mail. We're waiting for beneficial nematodes (these are our latest effort to deal with the fire ants naturally... they are such a deterrant to my efforts to work in the garden... the horrible pimple-like welts the ant bites cause and the months-long itching that follows.... then the bite spots are visible indefinitely... ugh! Hopefully these tiny guys (the beneficial nematodes) will make the difference I've read they can!), red wigglers (worms; we're finally beginning our worm composting project!), as well as lots more heirloom open-pollintated seeds. FINALLY I was able to buy some comfrey! YEAY! I'm praying we'll have a great deal of success in our efforts! Pray for us, if you think of it! :)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012: I'm thankful for all the work we were able to accomplish outside. We're getting new garden areas prepared and ready for Spring planting. I'm also grateful for the enjoyable 4-H meeting we had this evening. Planning for our big Service Project went well as well as work on the children's Community Unity Project book (which they'll turn into the Extension Office by the end of the school year). They are enjoying the work, which is a pleasure to see.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Sunbeams and other Small but Special bits around Here
Our youngest daughter is Tea. She is three. For the first time ever, she went to Primary this past Sunday. I was sitting sort of looking at her later that day and that fact struck me so profoundly that I had to express it with a declaration: "Tea! you are a SUNBEAM!!" She, very calmly and peacefully smiled and said, "Yep." She loved it. As it happens, she was in class with Kat. I'm sure that's the best for my Tea since she's rather slow to warm up to new things and new people... just like her Daddy!
She loved it, though. She was quite happy to be in "Sunbeams," even though she really wasn't in a special class just for Sunbeams. They don't have enough teachers to support a seperate class for the youngest Primary goers right now. Soon, I'm sure, they will. But she's happy to be a Sunbeam! And I'm amazed that three of my four kiddos are in Primary! ^_^
Ria will enter the waters of baptism soon. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that she'll soon be eight! EIGHT! My children are growing up way too fast!
Time. It's doesn't seem to be linear for me lately. It's been interesting... the way I feel to perceive time. Strange and wonderful.
Gardening is big in my world right now. Even as the weather has turned rather cold (for us here). I've got worms coming in the mail as well as beneficial nematodes. Last week Jess went to a near place to buy some mushroom compost. Good deal for what seems to be really good dirt. It's a pain that we have to buy and bring in dirt, but the cultivated food stuff we'd like to grow will not produce much in the sand that is our land. So, we're building it up as best we can. Hopefully we'll have the additional 2 raised beds I've been working on and we've worked on up and going when it's time to put seeds out in the yard! I started a 4x8 a couple months ago and Jessie helped us get another 4x10 almost compeltely ready last week. I've also got to 1/2 blue barrells - mostly full of weeds currently, but still. I'm hoping to get another VERY long and 1 foot deep bed set up right against the house for vining food stuffs... and maybe some vining flowers I was blessed to receive from someone. I've also got some good flower seeds from varios places I want to get planted... hopefully in the next 6 weeks before the Spring weather sets in well. We'll see. I'm so hoping that the gardens will produce more this time around... lots of green from our most recent planting... lots of radishes, but nothing else. I almost had one zucchini, but something ate it before we got to pick it. grrr... That's the way of it here... great for growing, but hard to collect from my efforts - it seems.
Jess has been able to have more consistent time away from work recently. He's still working too many hours, but it's beginning to improve.
Ria is progressing WELL in all of her studies. She is becoming quite the little baker, too! She's also a wonderful pancake maker! ^_^ She loves to make PB&J and anything else I allow her to try her hand at. She's amazing. She's a wonderful helper and tries so very hard to choose the right. She's getting tall, too. I can hardly believe my little Ria is so TALL. She isn't compared to other children her age, but she IS to me!! She's read and LOVED Eldest (the second book in the Inheritance Series). It's been fun and funny for me to hear them pretending to be dragons and riders, as per Ria's reading and imagination resulting from her reading of Eragon and Eldest! And then Kat, with her input of Fairies, in particular our visiting faries. SUCH fun!!!
Kat is not far behind her big sister, who she adores, of course. She is reading WELL now and voraciously reads anything she can put her hands on. She loves pretend play, too, of course. Though some might think otherwise, these little girls are not book worms. They simply don't spend hours in front of electronic devices... and spend the time that other children may use computers or whatnot READing! Kat doesn't stick to harder reading material without some encouragement, but she's also only 5... and harder material is a book like Eragon! She WANTS to like it because Ria and I enjoy the series so much, but it's difficult for her to wade through at this point. I have heard her declaring quite a few times recently that she wants to be called Kate... interesting!
Tea is trying so hard to work and produce. She's an amazingly hard worker for a 3 year old! She is moving along in her efforts to learn to read. She wants very much to do her handwriting class, but I'm holding her back because her hand-eye coordination is quite low and I know the frustration that would ensue (on both our parts). Also, I know, from experience, that allowing my children to desire something for a while before I allow it creates a longer-lived effort/endurange in them. So, she'll wait a while. I'm impressed and have been quite surprised by what she is retaining! She may be my earliest reader yet... if she has HER way! ^_^ (Latest walker... earliest reader... hmmmm.)
All three girls have LOVED the painting project I've allowed them to begin and/or work on. They have each created materpieces on our walls. And Jmy has had his hand at coloring on the walls, too... he used crayon, but still! This may sound odd, but it's an exciting project! Each of our girls has been given some painting space, taped off, and they have went at it and created beautiful paintings right on our walls. There are going to be a few more... and then they'll be framed by actual wood (if I have my way) and then a chair-rail will go up, rather high, between the paintings. In my mind's eye it is wonderful... and what already IS is also wonderful! ^_^
Jmy is wonderful. He's a sweet lil' guy. He's usually happy and if he's not there is usually a VERY good reason for it! ^_^ He's still nursing well and strongly, but he LOVES table food, too. He's eating basically everything we eat (less peanut butter, eggs all by themselves, strawberries, and things like that which he may be sensitive to). He LOVED the mixed greens and black-eyed peas we had for New Year's Day party. He's on the verge of being a toddler. He totally CAN walk, he just chooses NOT to for the most part! It's so fun and funny to observe his efforts. He walks well and confidently along things (cruising), but to take two steps away from something... u-uuuhh! no way! He is also a very hard worker. He likes to observe how things work (like the wheels that keep turning after being pushed slightly on his monster truck) and take things out (like folded clothes from drawers), and watch things fall (like when he drops something on purpose. You know, all the wonderful sweet baby-learning things. He's a smartie!
I'm doing well. After the two illnesses in December... because of?... I fell off the daily exercise habit wagon. :( grrrr... Before that fall I started to stay up to see Jessie when he came home from work. THAT was more because I was concerned for his job (again!) - our boss had threatened his position and I felt super-duper uneasy... So, I was staying up at night to listen to and try to discern how our position was (firm or almost lost, etc - so I could prepare, at least mentally, for unemployment and the financial difficulties that would follow - should the worst come to pass). Hopefully the reason for my concern is firmly behind us because I desire to regain the two steps I feel to have back-stepped (sleep and exercise)! I also hope for continued improvement in our financial "house"! I dislike how I've been feeling since I've been staying up late, not getting enough sleep, and not being able to exercise daily!
Life is good. Even amid the trials, difficulties and muck of the journey... LIFE is GOOD. I'm so grateful for my family, my life, and the favor I see the Lord let fall upon us! God is Great!!!!
She loved it, though. She was quite happy to be in "Sunbeams," even though she really wasn't in a special class just for Sunbeams. They don't have enough teachers to support a seperate class for the youngest Primary goers right now. Soon, I'm sure, they will. But she's happy to be a Sunbeam! And I'm amazed that three of my four kiddos are in Primary! ^_^
Ria will enter the waters of baptism soon. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that she'll soon be eight! EIGHT! My children are growing up way too fast!
Time. It's doesn't seem to be linear for me lately. It's been interesting... the way I feel to perceive time. Strange and wonderful.
Gardening is big in my world right now. Even as the weather has turned rather cold (for us here). I've got worms coming in the mail as well as beneficial nematodes. Last week Jess went to a near place to buy some mushroom compost. Good deal for what seems to be really good dirt. It's a pain that we have to buy and bring in dirt, but the cultivated food stuff we'd like to grow will not produce much in the sand that is our land. So, we're building it up as best we can. Hopefully we'll have the additional 2 raised beds I've been working on and we've worked on up and going when it's time to put seeds out in the yard! I started a 4x8 a couple months ago and Jessie helped us get another 4x10 almost compeltely ready last week. I've also got to 1/2 blue barrells - mostly full of weeds currently, but still. I'm hoping to get another VERY long and 1 foot deep bed set up right against the house for vining food stuffs... and maybe some vining flowers I was blessed to receive from someone. I've also got some good flower seeds from varios places I want to get planted... hopefully in the next 6 weeks before the Spring weather sets in well. We'll see. I'm so hoping that the gardens will produce more this time around... lots of green from our most recent planting... lots of radishes, but nothing else. I almost had one zucchini, but something ate it before we got to pick it. grrr... That's the way of it here... great for growing, but hard to collect from my efforts - it seems.
Jess has been able to have more consistent time away from work recently. He's still working too many hours, but it's beginning to improve.
Ria is progressing WELL in all of her studies. She is becoming quite the little baker, too! She's also a wonderful pancake maker! ^_^ She loves to make PB&J and anything else I allow her to try her hand at. She's amazing. She's a wonderful helper and tries so very hard to choose the right. She's getting tall, too. I can hardly believe my little Ria is so TALL. She isn't compared to other children her age, but she IS to me!! She's read and LOVED Eldest (the second book in the Inheritance Series). It's been fun and funny for me to hear them pretending to be dragons and riders, as per Ria's reading and imagination resulting from her reading of Eragon and Eldest! And then Kat, with her input of Fairies, in particular our visiting faries. SUCH fun!!!
Kat is not far behind her big sister, who she adores, of course. She is reading WELL now and voraciously reads anything she can put her hands on. She loves pretend play, too, of course. Though some might think otherwise, these little girls are not book worms. They simply don't spend hours in front of electronic devices... and spend the time that other children may use computers or whatnot READing! Kat doesn't stick to harder reading material without some encouragement, but she's also only 5... and harder material is a book like Eragon! She WANTS to like it because Ria and I enjoy the series so much, but it's difficult for her to wade through at this point. I have heard her declaring quite a few times recently that she wants to be called Kate... interesting!
Tea is trying so hard to work and produce. She's an amazingly hard worker for a 3 year old! She is moving along in her efforts to learn to read. She wants very much to do her handwriting class, but I'm holding her back because her hand-eye coordination is quite low and I know the frustration that would ensue (on both our parts). Also, I know, from experience, that allowing my children to desire something for a while before I allow it creates a longer-lived effort/endurange in them. So, she'll wait a while. I'm impressed and have been quite surprised by what she is retaining! She may be my earliest reader yet... if she has HER way! ^_^ (Latest walker... earliest reader... hmmmm.)
All three girls have LOVED the painting project I've allowed them to begin and/or work on. They have each created materpieces on our walls. And Jmy has had his hand at coloring on the walls, too... he used crayon, but still! This may sound odd, but it's an exciting project! Each of our girls has been given some painting space, taped off, and they have went at it and created beautiful paintings right on our walls. There are going to be a few more... and then they'll be framed by actual wood (if I have my way) and then a chair-rail will go up, rather high, between the paintings. In my mind's eye it is wonderful... and what already IS is also wonderful! ^_^
Jmy is wonderful. He's a sweet lil' guy. He's usually happy and if he's not there is usually a VERY good reason for it! ^_^ He's still nursing well and strongly, but he LOVES table food, too. He's eating basically everything we eat (less peanut butter, eggs all by themselves, strawberries, and things like that which he may be sensitive to). He LOVED the mixed greens and black-eyed peas we had for New Year's Day party. He's on the verge of being a toddler. He totally CAN walk, he just chooses NOT to for the most part! It's so fun and funny to observe his efforts. He walks well and confidently along things (cruising), but to take two steps away from something... u-uuuhh! no way! He is also a very hard worker. He likes to observe how things work (like the wheels that keep turning after being pushed slightly on his monster truck) and take things out (like folded clothes from drawers), and watch things fall (like when he drops something on purpose. You know, all the wonderful sweet baby-learning things. He's a smartie!
I'm doing well. After the two illnesses in December... because of?... I fell off the daily exercise habit wagon. :( grrrr... Before that fall I started to stay up to see Jessie when he came home from work. THAT was more because I was concerned for his job (again!) - our boss had threatened his position and I felt super-duper uneasy... So, I was staying up at night to listen to and try to discern how our position was (firm or almost lost, etc - so I could prepare, at least mentally, for unemployment and the financial difficulties that would follow - should the worst come to pass). Hopefully the reason for my concern is firmly behind us because I desire to regain the two steps I feel to have back-stepped (sleep and exercise)! I also hope for continued improvement in our financial "house"! I dislike how I've been feeling since I've been staying up late, not getting enough sleep, and not being able to exercise daily!
Life is good. Even amid the trials, difficulties and muck of the journey... LIFE is GOOD. I'm so grateful for my family, my life, and the favor I see the Lord let fall upon us! God is Great!!!!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Thankful Thursday, Week of December 22 - 28, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011: I'm thankful for time as a family. I'm grateful for productive afternoons and family time to work together! I'm grateful for the smoked turkey (our turkey he brought to work) Jessie brought home. YUM!!!
Friday, December 23, 2011: I'm thankful for productive days with my children. I'm grateful for actions that prove words. I'm grateful for loyalty and familial love!
Saturday, December 24, 2011: I'm thankful for the wonderful baptism with beautiful talks this morning! I'm especially grateful for it because Ria and I (mostly Ria! with me as overseer) spent some time on Wed, Thursday, and Friday baking in preparation for this dear Sister's Baptism. Ria has 'graduated' from her MUFFINS portion of her Baking Adult Skills Class! ^_^ She (and I did help) made: cranberry sauce muffins, carrot muffins, applesauce muffins with cream cheese frosting, pumpkin muffins with cream cheese centers, sweet potatoe muffins with cream cheese centers, corn muffins, zucchini muffins, and I think there may have been another type, but I can't remember what! hahaha ^_^ What a pleasure! And what a joy to use some of my old Pampered Chef items to make a slightly pretty display of the food. ^_^ We had so many left over, we were able to bring a gift of muffins to Jessie's work for the employees there.
I'm grateful for the blessing of having Jessie home for the evening. The restaurant closed early. I'm grateful for the gift opening time we enjoyed and the wonderful reactions and enjoyment of our children. They each received three gifts; not very expensive, but they were WELL pleased with them! Hopefully family pictures will follow soon... WalMart picture center, here we come! ;)
Sunday, December 25, 2011: I'm thankful for Jesus Christ and all He has done for us!
Monday, December 26, 2011: I'm thankful for another illness? Yep. Just me this time.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011: I'm thankful for indoor plumbing!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011: I'm thankful for Jessie being home in the morning. I'm grateful for the opportunity to rest while he was home.
Friday, December 23, 2011: I'm thankful for productive days with my children. I'm grateful for actions that prove words. I'm grateful for loyalty and familial love!
Saturday, December 24, 2011: I'm thankful for the wonderful baptism with beautiful talks this morning! I'm especially grateful for it because Ria and I (mostly Ria! with me as overseer) spent some time on Wed, Thursday, and Friday baking in preparation for this dear Sister's Baptism. Ria has 'graduated' from her MUFFINS portion of her Baking Adult Skills Class! ^_^ She (and I did help) made: cranberry sauce muffins, carrot muffins, applesauce muffins with cream cheese frosting, pumpkin muffins with cream cheese centers, sweet potatoe muffins with cream cheese centers, corn muffins, zucchini muffins, and I think there may have been another type, but I can't remember what! hahaha ^_^ What a pleasure! And what a joy to use some of my old Pampered Chef items to make a slightly pretty display of the food. ^_^ We had so many left over, we were able to bring a gift of muffins to Jessie's work for the employees there.
I'm grateful for the blessing of having Jessie home for the evening. The restaurant closed early. I'm grateful for the gift opening time we enjoyed and the wonderful reactions and enjoyment of our children. They each received three gifts; not very expensive, but they were WELL pleased with them! Hopefully family pictures will follow soon... WalMart picture center, here we come! ;)
Sunday, December 25, 2011: I'm thankful for Jesus Christ and all He has done for us!
Monday, December 26, 2011: I'm thankful for another illness? Yep. Just me this time.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011: I'm thankful for indoor plumbing!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011: I'm thankful for Jessie being home in the morning. I'm grateful for the opportunity to rest while he was home.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thank YOU!!
Thank you for your interest in and purchase of this Chapter!
I hope you enjoy it and come back fo the next!!!
See you soon!
Sincerely,
tori
I'm Sorry You're Not Finalizing Your Purchase
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I hope you have a lovely day!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thankful Thursday, Week of December 1 - 7, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011: I'm thankful for the extra rest I was blessed to partake of this morning. The mastitis seems to be completely abated! YEAY!! This was MUCH faster that the last time I had it (all too recently). I'm grateful for the great workout I enjoyed this morning. I'm also thankful for the visible changes going on in my body! My Ria told me, at day 3, I think it was, "Mama, you look thinner already!" I didn't really see it, so I thanked her for thinking so. Then the next day she said, "No, Mama, you're really looking thinner already!" Then, yesterday, she told me, "Mama you're glowing! No, you really really are! You look so pretty!" No one else has noticed any difference in me (including me, for the most part). However, last night (a little), but more so this morning I could see some differences in my body. And then I remembered that I hadn't taken my measurements since the initial measuring. In this program I'm doing, you're supposed to take your measurements every week. So, I took them today. I'm two days late.
Just as a note, rather important in my opinion: I have NOT been watching what I eat. Imagine how much better my results could be if I WAS! However, I'm not. I've eaten way WAY way too much sugary stuff. Rice crisy treats, pie, pumpkin gooey cake, banana gooey cake, snicker doodles, and more... and this poor eating started before Thanksgiving! I began this every-day 'boot camp' on Saturday, November 26, 2011. Today is December 1. I took my measurements on November 22 (I was planning to start the boot camp right then, but didn't.) However, to fully inform you, I was doing the exercises (from this program) that I could find online for about a week before I got my DVD and then I did the workout video twice after I received it. So, the visual impact of the changes in my body are not "just" from one week. BUT the inches lost ARE from November 22 until today. How many inches would you guess I've lost in that amount of time (9 days, I think)? Well, I've lost 7.25!!!! Isn't that AWESOME!!?!??!! I'm SO freakin' excited!!!! I feel even more hopeful about the changes I feel must happen over the course of the next few months.
Oh, I had this realization, for which I'm deeply grateful. I truly believe the Lord showed me this truth. In fact, He has probably been trying to teach me this truth for the majority of my life, but I would not know... In fact, I believed the exact opposite for most of my life, really. The truth I have realized is that I am a thin being who has trapped herself in a fat body because I mistakenly believed it would protect me. I have bound myself (like as in hand-cuffs or tied by ropes) by unfitness because I thought it would free me. I know, sounds strange, but it's the TRUTH! My truth. My Spirit was not "fat" before I learned how to fit into my baby body. I was thin, just as we all were in the Pre-Existence. I was fit and healthy because by Spirit body was perfect as perfect could be. So, now that I know this truth, I feel so amazingly empowered and more at peace about the whole process of getting fit and healthier. I realize that I simply need to do the work I need to do and my body/Spirit will take care of the rest; for it truly seeks stasis in HEALTH. Since part of health is FITness I simply need to get to work!!!! So... I look forward to watching with peace and enjoyment the changes my body will make as I move toward greater fitness (mind, body, heart, Spirit) than I've ever had before in my life!!!!! ^_^
Ria and Kat just tried to take pictures of me yesterday. They were fuzzy because the battery was almost dead. We're going to try again today... some day I'll be able to post them as well as the changes I'll continue to experience! Don't know when because I still don't have communication between my desktop and camera... someday, though I'll get them up! ;) So, from what I can predict, I'll have to get the pictures from my camera onto a disc and then upload them here as I did before. I do NOT know when I'll be able to do that. So... you'll just have to imagine for now. ^_^
Next week I'll report on the inches for the week AND the total from first measure. I hope you'll look forward to reading as much I do to learning and sharing!!!!! ^_^
Friday, December 2, 2011: I'm thankful for a good night's sleep. I woke up quite early this morning and felt well rested. I stayed in bed and rested some more so Jimmy would stay asleep. He's a much nicer baby to have around when he's had enough sleep!
I'm grateful for fun with my girls. They loved doing some art work today and their creations were wonderful to behold! Took pictures, but still no communication between computer and camera. Sorry!
I'm grateful for days at home. I'm grateful for my exercise class (on DVD) and the hard work of my children! They are amazing!!
Saturday, December 3, 2011: I'm thankful for enjoyable days at home. The girls worked on some ornament making after much requesting. They had a lot of fun with it. We also got some cleaning done, which is always good to do on Saturdays. :) I'm grateful for my "secret" workout and the way it helps me feel SO good!
Sunday, December 4, 2011: I'm thankful for a wonderful Sabbath Day. I'm grateful for Confirmation that the change in our Ward Leadership was correct and right. I'm grateful for the WONDERFUL compliment paid me by a friend who said, "I think you're good for my future." What a great one, right? I think it is the best compliment I've ever received. :) I'm grateful for enjoyable lessons and feeling the Spirit.
Monday, December 5, 2011: I'm thankful for the feelings of GOODness and wellbeing I've been blessed with today and a bit yesterday. I'm so grateful the Lord is seeing fit to bless me in this way because I was beginning to feel a bit despondent... much turmoil in my mind and soul for too long feels to be abating and I'm grateful!
I'm grateful for the awesome workout I enjoy! I believe today is day 10 of my 14 day boot camp and I'm feeling kind of sad that it's almost done and I'll move to doing it every other day.... Weird, right? But I'm trying to do the exercise portion of this system I found in the way suggested by the originator/designer of it. She says frequently, "Less is more." And I have a feeling she's really right! I'm grateful that there are portions of the workout that I can continue to do daily even if not the full-on lil' 15 minutes I've been doing... after a step-down to doing it every other day for a few weeks and then every third day for a couple weeks, I'm planning to do another boot camp of the more intense workout. Should be interesting! ^_^
I'm grateful for the awesome workout I continue to enjoy. I'm looking forward to taking my measurements again on Thursday! :)
Tuesday, December 6, 2011: I'm thankful for a good day full of productivity. Ria and I baked LOTS of cookies after we ran some errands earlier in the day. Ria is such a great little baker. I could've probably left her alone to do the three types of cookies we worked on today, but worked with her because #1 I wanted to and #2 I wanted to be able to say I helped make them! ^_^ So, we made snickerdoodles, peanut butter cookies, and peanut butter chubs (they have reces cups in them). That last type is for Jess, mostly, but I'm also bringing some to the baby shower we're going to on Thursday.
I'm grateful that JMy allowed me to complete my short workout this evening. He did cry cause he pulled something down on him, but he was all right and calmed right down. What a precious guy! :) I'm grateful for the great workout I enjoyed!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011: I'm thankful for some time alone to daydream, read my scriptures, pray and do my back stretch. I'm grateful Jessie took some time at home to work on the computer and finish the part of the project I could not do, of the one he let me help him with. I'm excited to get the bits back to finish it up for him. There is something truly satisfying in feeling that I am directly fullfilling my role and duty as helpmeet.
I'm grateful for the hard work of my Ria in doing her chores, school AND baking lots and lots of cookies. She can be such a good hard worker! I love it when she is!
I'm grateful for Tea's efforts to productively occupy herself. I really need to find work for her to do because she so desires to be helpful!
I'm grateful for Kat; even when she's not obedient and unproductive. She's amazing and wonderful in so many ways. And I love her!
I'm grateful for JMy and his sweet temperment; most of the time. I'm grateful for his funny smiles and sweet laughs and giggles.
I'm grateful for Jessie's work, which enables me to work at him with our children!
I'm grateful for 4H... perfect motivator to do some housework I'd been putting off! Love it! I was blessed with the opportunity to see how quickly I could put a kids' craft together and pull an example together to show what it should look like. What a cool challenge! And THIS is what I found and what we made. We haven't yet made any with the foil between the "petals" of the star/flower, but we have made the basic AND the one with the foil star on both sides.... VERY nice. I could decorate a whole tree with these and feel like it looked quite nice! ^_^ I prepainted the rolls, cut them, and the adults made the foil stars, but the pieces were quite kid friendly (about 5years and up). Tea loved doing it, too, but needed quite a lot of help. What a blessing to my life my 4H Mama-friends are!!! LOVE those ladies!!!
I remain very thankful for the workout program I've found and the changes in my body and feelings of well-being, which I continue to feel and experience. :) (And Ria keeps telling me how much thinner I'm looking. And I can tell she means the compliments sincerely - not trying to get something out of me. ^_^)
Just as a note, rather important in my opinion: I have NOT been watching what I eat. Imagine how much better my results could be if I WAS! However, I'm not. I've eaten way WAY way too much sugary stuff. Rice crisy treats, pie, pumpkin gooey cake, banana gooey cake, snicker doodles, and more... and this poor eating started before Thanksgiving! I began this every-day 'boot camp' on Saturday, November 26, 2011. Today is December 1. I took my measurements on November 22 (I was planning to start the boot camp right then, but didn't.) However, to fully inform you, I was doing the exercises (from this program) that I could find online for about a week before I got my DVD and then I did the workout video twice after I received it. So, the visual impact of the changes in my body are not "just" from one week. BUT the inches lost ARE from November 22 until today. How many inches would you guess I've lost in that amount of time (9 days, I think)? Well, I've lost 7.25!!!! Isn't that AWESOME!!?!??!! I'm SO freakin' excited!!!! I feel even more hopeful about the changes I feel must happen over the course of the next few months.
Oh, I had this realization, for which I'm deeply grateful. I truly believe the Lord showed me this truth. In fact, He has probably been trying to teach me this truth for the majority of my life, but I would not know... In fact, I believed the exact opposite for most of my life, really. The truth I have realized is that I am a thin being who has trapped herself in a fat body because I mistakenly believed it would protect me. I have bound myself (like as in hand-cuffs or tied by ropes) by unfitness because I thought it would free me. I know, sounds strange, but it's the TRUTH! My truth. My Spirit was not "fat" before I learned how to fit into my baby body. I was thin, just as we all were in the Pre-Existence. I was fit and healthy because by Spirit body was perfect as perfect could be. So, now that I know this truth, I feel so amazingly empowered and more at peace about the whole process of getting fit and healthier. I realize that I simply need to do the work I need to do and my body/Spirit will take care of the rest; for it truly seeks stasis in HEALTH. Since part of health is FITness I simply need to get to work!!!! So... I look forward to watching with peace and enjoyment the changes my body will make as I move toward greater fitness (mind, body, heart, Spirit) than I've ever had before in my life!!!!! ^_^
Ria and Kat just tried to take pictures of me yesterday. They were fuzzy because the battery was almost dead. We're going to try again today... some day I'll be able to post them as well as the changes I'll continue to experience! Don't know when because I still don't have communication between my desktop and camera... someday, though I'll get them up! ;) So, from what I can predict, I'll have to get the pictures from my camera onto a disc and then upload them here as I did before. I do NOT know when I'll be able to do that. So... you'll just have to imagine for now. ^_^
Next week I'll report on the inches for the week AND the total from first measure. I hope you'll look forward to reading as much I do to learning and sharing!!!!! ^_^
Friday, December 2, 2011: I'm thankful for a good night's sleep. I woke up quite early this morning and felt well rested. I stayed in bed and rested some more so Jimmy would stay asleep. He's a much nicer baby to have around when he's had enough sleep!
I'm grateful for fun with my girls. They loved doing some art work today and their creations were wonderful to behold! Took pictures, but still no communication between computer and camera. Sorry!
I'm grateful for days at home. I'm grateful for my exercise class (on DVD) and the hard work of my children! They are amazing!!
Saturday, December 3, 2011: I'm thankful for enjoyable days at home. The girls worked on some ornament making after much requesting. They had a lot of fun with it. We also got some cleaning done, which is always good to do on Saturdays. :) I'm grateful for my "secret" workout and the way it helps me feel SO good!
Sunday, December 4, 2011: I'm thankful for a wonderful Sabbath Day. I'm grateful for Confirmation that the change in our Ward Leadership was correct and right. I'm grateful for the WONDERFUL compliment paid me by a friend who said, "I think you're good for my future." What a great one, right? I think it is the best compliment I've ever received. :) I'm grateful for enjoyable lessons and feeling the Spirit.
Monday, December 5, 2011: I'm thankful for the feelings of GOODness and wellbeing I've been blessed with today and a bit yesterday. I'm so grateful the Lord is seeing fit to bless me in this way because I was beginning to feel a bit despondent... much turmoil in my mind and soul for too long feels to be abating and I'm grateful!
I'm grateful for the awesome workout I enjoy! I believe today is day 10 of my 14 day boot camp and I'm feeling kind of sad that it's almost done and I'll move to doing it every other day.... Weird, right? But I'm trying to do the exercise portion of this system I found in the way suggested by the originator/designer of it. She says frequently, "Less is more." And I have a feeling she's really right! I'm grateful that there are portions of the workout that I can continue to do daily even if not the full-on lil' 15 minutes I've been doing... after a step-down to doing it every other day for a few weeks and then every third day for a couple weeks, I'm planning to do another boot camp of the more intense workout. Should be interesting! ^_^
I'm grateful for the awesome workout I continue to enjoy. I'm looking forward to taking my measurements again on Thursday! :)
Tuesday, December 6, 2011: I'm thankful for a good day full of productivity. Ria and I baked LOTS of cookies after we ran some errands earlier in the day. Ria is such a great little baker. I could've probably left her alone to do the three types of cookies we worked on today, but worked with her because #1 I wanted to and #2 I wanted to be able to say I helped make them! ^_^ So, we made snickerdoodles, peanut butter cookies, and peanut butter chubs (they have reces cups in them). That last type is for Jess, mostly, but I'm also bringing some to the baby shower we're going to on Thursday.
I'm grateful that JMy allowed me to complete my short workout this evening. He did cry cause he pulled something down on him, but he was all right and calmed right down. What a precious guy! :) I'm grateful for the great workout I enjoyed!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011: I'm thankful for some time alone to daydream, read my scriptures, pray and do my back stretch. I'm grateful Jessie took some time at home to work on the computer and finish the part of the project I could not do, of the one he let me help him with. I'm excited to get the bits back to finish it up for him. There is something truly satisfying in feeling that I am directly fullfilling my role and duty as helpmeet.
I'm grateful for the hard work of my Ria in doing her chores, school AND baking lots and lots of cookies. She can be such a good hard worker! I love it when she is!
I'm grateful for Tea's efforts to productively occupy herself. I really need to find work for her to do because she so desires to be helpful!
I'm grateful for Kat; even when she's not obedient and unproductive. She's amazing and wonderful in so many ways. And I love her!
I'm grateful for JMy and his sweet temperment; most of the time. I'm grateful for his funny smiles and sweet laughs and giggles.
I'm grateful for Jessie's work, which enables me to work at him with our children!
I'm grateful for 4H... perfect motivator to do some housework I'd been putting off! Love it! I was blessed with the opportunity to see how quickly I could put a kids' craft together and pull an example together to show what it should look like. What a cool challenge! And THIS is what I found and what we made. We haven't yet made any with the foil between the "petals" of the star/flower, but we have made the basic AND the one with the foil star on both sides.... VERY nice. I could decorate a whole tree with these and feel like it looked quite nice! ^_^ I prepainted the rolls, cut them, and the adults made the foil stars, but the pieces were quite kid friendly (about 5years and up). Tea loved doing it, too, but needed quite a lot of help. What a blessing to my life my 4H Mama-friends are!!! LOVE those ladies!!!
I remain very thankful for the workout program I've found and the changes in my body and feelings of well-being, which I continue to feel and experience. :) (And Ria keeps telling me how much thinner I'm looking. And I can tell she means the compliments sincerely - not trying to get something out of me. ^_^)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Thankful Thursday, Week of November 24 - 30, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011: I'm thankful for my brother John. He is an amazing strong and good person. He has a Spirit that most cannot fathom. I know because we can get a glimpse of the strength of a person as we observe their trials. The most difficult trials come upon those who are strongest... or who must needs become strongest to be the servants God desires them to be. My brother was made to be a mover and a shaker. ^_^ I'm grateful for the friendship we had growing up. I didn't have many friends. He was one of the few. I'm grateful for the hope that I have that some day he may be my friend again. I'm grateful John is my brother. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you have a perfectly wonderful day in every way! And even though I haven't loved you as you would've liked or needed me to; I DO love you!
I'm thankful for a happy, peaceful and eventful Thanksgiving. We enjoyed an early dinner at Pittmaster BBQ. It was a private party and a real pleasure! Mr. Sam, otherwise known as Poppy, outdid himself in the preparations. We brought some items to share and enjoyed meeting his children and some of their families. It was a good experience. Then we headed over to Grammy Jo and Grampy Butch Marks' house. We got to meet Jo's brother Dave, his wife Joyce and their daughter Melissa, or Missy. Jo's brother Rick was also there. Tracy, Shawna and Hunter were there as well, which is always a pleasure. I ended up having a lovely conversation about the Gospel and Doctrines of Christ with Joyce and Dave. And the most wonderful part about THAT, to me, is that Jo and Butch were so happy with how I conducted myself and how I was able to share some certain things that they'd never been able to get in edgewise! What a joy!
Friday, November 25, 2011: I'm thankful for a restful day at home. I did a little work, read a bit, helped Jimmy sleep and snoozed for thirty minutes (REALLY rare for me to nap!), and had a good peaceful day at home. I'm thankful for time at home. I love being in our beautiful comfy home and being with my awesome (though very imperfect, of course) children. :)
Saturday, November 26, 2011: I'm thankful for a mostly good night's sleep. They have been few and far between as of late, so last night was good relative to lately. :)
I'm thankful for time at home to get ready for Sunday and to simply be with my children. We've missed our regular reading time in the evening. I still desire to read before they head to bed, but because it's been so difficult to realize lately, and the reading time together is so important to me, I've decided to do it in the morning as I wait for them to be able to join me for Devotionals. So, I started reading our book while they finished up eating. What a sweet time... and, for the most part, they were more still and reverent during Devotionals, too! Makes me want to keep doing this in hopes of THAT kind of result! :)
I'm thankful for a 15 minutes workout that got the heat rising in my core. Love it! After, I think, four days of a "break" (unintentional as it was) from exercise, it was difficult to get up specifically to exercise today, but I sure am glad I did! When I see how this "secret" works for me, I'll share more about it. ;)
Sunday, November 27, 2011: I'm thankful for a nourishing day at church today. It was a pleasure to hear a talk on Charity based on Sister Allred's talk from the Relief Society broadcast given by Sister Hubbs, a talk on gratitude by Brother Mixon, a wonderful Sunday School lesson about Joy (Love) given by Brother McCombs, and a wonderful Relief Society Lesson taught by Daysha Lassiter on the talk from Conference about looking up. By the end of any give Sunday I don't usually remember who gave what talk - or what the main point of each was about, but I definitely did yesterday! And still remember it today!!!! ^_^ God is soOO good! :)
I'm grateful for the enjoyable dinner we had with the Missionaries. I'm grateful for their desire to discuss with Jessie what he's reading. Such desire that Elder Adriano went out of his way to read Esther just because Jessie was and is going to read Job because that's where Jess is reading. Love our missionaries! It's a pleasure to hear Jess enjoying discussion about subjects (spirituality/scripture) that are so very dear to my heart!
I'm thankful Ria's tooth finally came out. It's been loose way too long and after much work on it, I finally yanked it out myself after Jess and Ria were sort of bickering off and on about it. Hate to hurt my girl, but SO glad her adult teeth now have more of the room they need to grow in straight-ish.
I'm grateful for the amazing and so short workout I enjoyed. I'm in a 14 day boot camp (following guidelines from the program) and today was only day 2. I'm excited about it because of how wonderful I feel after SUCH short workouts and the even shorter back stretch that I'm striving to do at the beginning and end of my days. There have already been some really pronounced (to me) changed/effects from it. Love it!
Monday, November 28, 2011: I'm thankful for a rough night's sleep which reveals to me how well I slept the few days before that! :)
I'm grateful for my girls' improvements in self-accomplishment/self-motivation as a result of this token system the Lord brought into my life. It's SUCH a blessing! I'm so thankful for the exponentially increased statements I get to hear from my girls like, "You are the BEST Mama in the whole world!" God is truly GOOD!!!
I'm grateful for my workout and back stretch time. I feel so thankful for this exercise program in my life. Truly blessed!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011: I'm thankful for the blessing of Visiting Teaching! I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to get to know some really wonderful women better. I'm so thankful for the way the Lord provides for me! ^_^ I'm grateful for the work Jessie did at our house while I was gone with Jimmy to a Visiting Teaching appointment! I'm grateful for the great workout today. (I'm on day 4 of this new "boot camp" I'm doing, which will last another 10 days. It's not as difficult as I really expected. YEAY!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011: I'm thankful forquiet days at home. I'm grateful for the whispers of the Holy Spirit, which remided me that we had 4H tonight. I was able to put the final touches together for my first time conducting our meeting. ^_^ I'm also thankful for another day of my wonderful workout. Didn't sweat as much today, but I think that has more to do with the cold in the house than anything else.
I'm thankful for a happy, peaceful and eventful Thanksgiving. We enjoyed an early dinner at Pittmaster BBQ. It was a private party and a real pleasure! Mr. Sam, otherwise known as Poppy, outdid himself in the preparations. We brought some items to share and enjoyed meeting his children and some of their families. It was a good experience. Then we headed over to Grammy Jo and Grampy Butch Marks' house. We got to meet Jo's brother Dave, his wife Joyce and their daughter Melissa, or Missy. Jo's brother Rick was also there. Tracy, Shawna and Hunter were there as well, which is always a pleasure. I ended up having a lovely conversation about the Gospel and Doctrines of Christ with Joyce and Dave. And the most wonderful part about THAT, to me, is that Jo and Butch were so happy with how I conducted myself and how I was able to share some certain things that they'd never been able to get in edgewise! What a joy!
Friday, November 25, 2011: I'm thankful for a restful day at home. I did a little work, read a bit, helped Jimmy sleep and snoozed for thirty minutes (REALLY rare for me to nap!), and had a good peaceful day at home. I'm thankful for time at home. I love being in our beautiful comfy home and being with my awesome (though very imperfect, of course) children. :)
Saturday, November 26, 2011: I'm thankful for a mostly good night's sleep. They have been few and far between as of late, so last night was good relative to lately. :)
I'm thankful for time at home to get ready for Sunday and to simply be with my children. We've missed our regular reading time in the evening. I still desire to read before they head to bed, but because it's been so difficult to realize lately, and the reading time together is so important to me, I've decided to do it in the morning as I wait for them to be able to join me for Devotionals. So, I started reading our book while they finished up eating. What a sweet time... and, for the most part, they were more still and reverent during Devotionals, too! Makes me want to keep doing this in hopes of THAT kind of result! :)
I'm thankful for a 15 minutes workout that got the heat rising in my core. Love it! After, I think, four days of a "break" (unintentional as it was) from exercise, it was difficult to get up specifically to exercise today, but I sure am glad I did! When I see how this "secret" works for me, I'll share more about it. ;)
Sunday, November 27, 2011: I'm thankful for a nourishing day at church today. It was a pleasure to hear a talk on Charity based on Sister Allred's talk from the Relief Society broadcast given by Sister Hubbs, a talk on gratitude by Brother Mixon, a wonderful Sunday School lesson about Joy (Love) given by Brother McCombs, and a wonderful Relief Society Lesson taught by Daysha Lassiter on the talk from Conference about looking up. By the end of any give Sunday I don't usually remember who gave what talk - or what the main point of each was about, but I definitely did yesterday! And still remember it today!!!! ^_^ God is soOO good! :)
I'm grateful for the enjoyable dinner we had with the Missionaries. I'm grateful for their desire to discuss with Jessie what he's reading. Such desire that Elder Adriano went out of his way to read Esther just because Jessie was and is going to read Job because that's where Jess is reading. Love our missionaries! It's a pleasure to hear Jess enjoying discussion about subjects (spirituality/scripture) that are so very dear to my heart!
I'm thankful Ria's tooth finally came out. It's been loose way too long and after much work on it, I finally yanked it out myself after Jess and Ria were sort of bickering off and on about it. Hate to hurt my girl, but SO glad her adult teeth now have more of the room they need to grow in straight-ish.
I'm grateful for the amazing and so short workout I enjoyed. I'm in a 14 day boot camp (following guidelines from the program) and today was only day 2. I'm excited about it because of how wonderful I feel after SUCH short workouts and the even shorter back stretch that I'm striving to do at the beginning and end of my days. There have already been some really pronounced (to me) changed/effects from it. Love it!
Monday, November 28, 2011: I'm thankful for a rough night's sleep which reveals to me how well I slept the few days before that! :)
I'm grateful for my girls' improvements in self-accomplishment/self-motivation as a result of this token system the Lord brought into my life. It's SUCH a blessing! I'm so thankful for the exponentially increased statements I get to hear from my girls like, "You are the BEST Mama in the whole world!" God is truly GOOD!!!
I'm grateful for my workout and back stretch time. I feel so thankful for this exercise program in my life. Truly blessed!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011: I'm thankful for the blessing of Visiting Teaching! I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to get to know some really wonderful women better. I'm so thankful for the way the Lord provides for me! ^_^ I'm grateful for the work Jessie did at our house while I was gone with Jimmy to a Visiting Teaching appointment! I'm grateful for the great workout today. (I'm on day 4 of this new "boot camp" I'm doing, which will last another 10 days. It's not as difficult as I really expected. YEAY!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011: I'm thankful forquiet days at home. I'm grateful for the whispers of the Holy Spirit, which remided me that we had 4H tonight. I was able to put the final touches together for my first time conducting our meeting. ^_^ I'm also thankful for another day of my wonderful workout. Didn't sweat as much today, but I think that has more to do with the cold in the house than anything else.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
To Store Cans
I found a neat resource for storing cans, the ones you buy at the grocery store, if you have a lil' money to spend. And I do mean a LITTLE. Nice, right?
If you don't have any money, but you have some cardboard, I think you could still make one. HERE is one example. You can find full directions HERE and the diagram HERE! ^_^ I'm hoping to try it out myself!
If you don't have any money, but you have some cardboard, I think you could still make one. HERE is one example. You can find full directions HERE and the diagram HERE! ^_^ I'm hoping to try it out myself!
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