Happy Family Time

I have been thinking of the times that I spent with my family as a kid, and what I enjoyed doing as well as what are some new things that I would like to do with my kids. I'm talking about memory makers: I have lots of memories of my family all being in the kitchen cooking, whether it was dinner or a Christmas Eve banquet. I have memories of wrestling with my brother and Dad. Happy Memories. Does anyone want to share some of their favorite memories with either their grandparents, parents, children or grand children?

Today is a New Day

The new day has brought a thoughtful husband who left me a beautiful card that said to take care of myself (although G found it first, and wrote her name all over the envelope). I called my brother and begged some babysitting, and I found out that there is a hair dresser at my gym so I could leave the kids at the KidsZone and actually get some pampering. I am very thankful that we aren't sick, and (knock on wood) C hasn't pooped yet today. He has days where he poops once an hour or pretty close to that (Yesterday). I do prioritize, but I realized that I need a break from the kids. Even Super Mom needs a break from her kids every once in a while. I ate way too many cookies yesterday, but today is a new day.

Busy, Busy, Agh my aching head....

The reason that I haven't had a creative bone in my body to contribute to this blog lately is that I have a dirty kitchen with a dirty kitchen floor, piles and piles of either dirty laundry or clean laundry in baskets waiting to be put away, Christmas cards that I really want to finish, errands to run, gifts to buy and mail, and the list could continue for several more pages. N has been working later and later. I think I've talked to him for a combined total of 30 minutes this whole week. The kids are driving me to distraction. I'm processing bad memories and feel like I'm moving through thick mud: physically, emotionally and mentally. Ah yes, I've had a migraine almost every day. So I'm back to working on a couple of things a day and trying not to sweat the many, many small things that are left undone. If I have to change 1 more poopy diaper today, I might just let out a scream so loud that y'all will be able to hear me in Toledo.

Sorry for the rant ....

Skirt of Many Colors

I finished the skirt of many colors. The pattern and yarn came from KnitPicks.

How do you like it?

What's for Thanksgiving Dinner?

We are having:

Hummus & Tadziki with Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Carrots, and Pita Chips
Bagette with Brie

Pumpkin Ginger Soup

Tossed Salad

Mesquite Smoked Turkey
Broccoli with Toasted Garlic
Mashed Potatoes
Dirty Rice

Upside-Down Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Tart

What are y'all having?

Compassion International

We just sponsored our second child through Compassion International.

http://www.compassion.com/default.htm

I received the Introduction packet today. Our new child is from Ethiopia and he is 6 years old. He is an area that has been devastated by HIV/AIDS, and part of our support will go to help fight the AIDS epidemic. As I was reading the literature, my heart just went out to this people who have so little to fight poverty and disease. Our support also helps feed and educate this boy and his family. I hope that education will help to stabilize this area of the world although a large part of the poverty is due to years of draught. It is a hard part of the world to be born in. Thank you Jesus that you can overcome even this.

Lickety-Split Meals

I just bought this new cookbook called Lickety-Split Meals. It is fast family friendly meals that are healthy. Anyway, I have tried a few recipes that I got on line before I bought the book, and then today I tried my first whole meal. It was a big hit!!!

We had Kickin' Chicken with Fries. The meal included baking chicken in the oven with a quick salsa sauce on top, and at the same time you bake oven fries with skins, and put green beans in the microwave (I sprinkled Adobo on top.) Serve everything with apple sauce. The preparation took me 15 minutes tops, and everyone loved it.

If you want to try some of the recipes, go to www.zonya.com

The Blahs

I've been feeling a little off for the last couple of weeks, and I have been having trouble figuring out what exactly is going on with me. At first, I thought maybe I was coming down with a cold or something, but then nothing happened, thankfully. Then I thought maybe my hormones are off, but last night, I think I figured it out. I am just worn out by everything being so new. It takes 3 times as much energy to go to the grocery store because I don't know where everything is. Every time I want to go somewhere there are completely new people, new streets, and new stress. It is exhausting with everything being new. No wonder I just want to hole up and knit in front of the TV, that at least is predictable. Sometimes exploring is exciting and full of wonderful new experiences, but I think I have had just too much. So every now and then, I'm just going to give myself a break and let myself hole up for just a little while.

P.S. Exercise Results

I have yet to lose weight, but I have lost an inch from my waist. Well, that's something at least.

What Happened to Thanksgiving/Harvest Decorations

I like to decorate for Fall so I usually get 1 or 2 new things each year. Well, this year it has been so hard to find. The stores went straight from Halloween to Christmas. Doesn't anyone put up fall decorations anymore?

BTW, I finished G's hat and N's other sock. I am working on G's skirt now.

Where O Where did our camera go?

Eating leftovers for dinner.

Halloween is Over... Thanksgiving is coming

Thanks goodness, Halloween is over. It is my least favorite holiday, and I'm already plotting to get rid of all of the candy.

I am already thinking about planning for Thanksgiving. Yippee!!! My favorite holiday.

Psalm 148

1 Praise the LORD. ^[a]
Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights above.

2 Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars.

4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.

6 He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,

9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,

10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,

11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,

12 young men and maidens,
old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

14 He has raised up for his people a horn, ^[b]
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the LORD.

Today's message at Cedar Ridge Community Church was on how beautiful God's Creation is and how we are a part of it. Let's all take a minute to soak in the beautiful changes of the leaves. That really doesn't do the message justice. It was so much more than that. Brian McLaren discussed the movie The March of the Penquins, and how we could learn from God's creation: the loyalty, sacrifice, trust, love, and perserverance. PRAISE THE LORD for the wonders He has created.

Finished C's Hat Today

Here is a picture of the hat and scarf I made for Caden recently. Now, Grace wants me to make her one in pink of course.

Observations about Baltimore - Sales People

One of the differences between Baltimore and the Mid-West is that while people are very friendly here, it is much more acceptable to be a pushy sales person. I am going to have to learn to tell people no or just to stop in a firm, but polite manner. This is very tiring to always have to be on guard against sales. Any tips?

Stiff & Sore

I went to the physical trainer yesterday, and my past sessions we've gone slow because my anxiety causes me to have a low tolerance for being sore. The last time we did my legs, I couldn't tell that I'd worked out so I asked her to up it a notch. I did ask for it, but I am having a difficult time moving around. I can definitely feel my legs. I hurt in places that I didn't know I had muscle. I used to work with a girl that always said "If you can feel it, then they can see it." So my legs must just be gorgeous now :-P

The kids have outgrown their winter gear. So I am making C a hat to match the scarf that I made him a month ago. I thought I could finish it in a night, but I think it will take me a week now. G wants a pink one, of course. As soon as I complete something, I have 2 or 3 more things that I want to make. Sometimes, knitting is just more important than laundry:-) I read this knitting blog by The Yarn Harlot, and evidently this is a common problem among knitters.

What's for dinner? - Marinated London Broil from the crockpot, and Honey-roasted Sweet potatoes.

Getting Settled

Well, I must be getting settled. I actually worked out yesterday and today. That is definitely a step in the right direction. I have been organizing and knitting and cooking.

I organized the kids books and toys in the basement. It still isn't very kid-friendly. I need to think about what I can do to make it easier for the kids to get to their toys and put them away. Any tips on how to do that? Or how to make my laundry room more productive? Maybe I should send a picture to Martha :-)

I have been knitting and knitting. I made 2 scarves for Nate, and I am finishing a pair of socks.

What else can I do? Oh, today is Grace's field trip to a farm, complete with a hay ride. That should be lots of fun.

Tomorrow, I will battle with the state of Maryland for driver's license and license plates and tags. Thank goodness, my brother is coming to babysit. Thanks David.

BTW, I didn't do all of this yesterday. It has been a work in progress over the past week or so.

What's for dinner? - I made Pumpkin Ginger Soup and homemade Honey Whole Wheat Oat Bran Bread with Ground Flax Seeds. It was so yummy. I love making soup this time of year!!!

Living Room

Kitchen

Getting Back on Track

We've moved to a new city with the new jobs, new schools, & new house that goes with all of that. I have gained more weight with all the stress. It has been so difficult to get back on track. I have started working with a personal trainer, and I have reduced my portions. So far, I don't really see any results. It just seems like weight is so much harder to lose than it is to gain. I am still reading books on metabolism, and I have learned so much. Now if I could only apply it .... I hope I can stay motivated long enough to see results. I can just tell that my body doesn't like the extra weight, and I certainly don't like the way it looks in the mirror.

Slowed Down

Last week, I worked out 3 times and I sweated almost everyday while I have been cleaning and clearing my house. I have been in a major Spring cleaning and organizing mood. My house still feels like a mess because I have a few projects in progress. I have a cough that just won't go away, and it just slows me down horribly. I did exercise today, and then I have swimming lessons with my daughter. I hope I can wake up soon. I feel like I'm moving in mud even after working out for 30 minutes.

A New Week

This morning when the alarm went off, it was so difficult to get out of bed. My head was pounding, and my jaw ached which means that I've been clenching it again. My day is going to be so busy, and I just wanted more sleep. Then I started to drift back to sleep into a dream of exercising, and I knew if I didn't get up NOW then it wasn't going to happen. So I told myself: just exercise for 10 minutes and if you feel better, then continue and if you feel worse then you can just do some gentle Yoga. So I got up and popped my tape in, and wouldn't you know it, in 10 minutes I was feeling a lot better. I've finished my workout for the day, and last week, I did 6 days in a row!! Yippee!! I took Sunday off, and I am not sure if that helped or not. I am beginning to think that I need some lighter workout days and heavier workout days. Monday needs to be a lighter day to get me going again, and put my heavier days Tues, Wed, Thurs. Well, I have a very busy morning ahead of me. I want to do some ab work before I go take a shower. Have a Great Day!

Yay Me !!!

Well, I did it. I got up on my birthday and worked out. Today is the 5th day in a row that I have sweated. This is definitely a record. I am proud of myself. Now I can enjoy the rest of my birthday. I feel very blessed this year. I am surrounded by family and friends that care. A friend is taking me out to lunch and my husband is taking me to dinner and shopping tomorrow. Isn't that amazing? I have been thinking about my life, and I realize that there isn't anything that I would really want to change (other than to be healthier, but we are always tweaking that ... this is the year) I love my husband and my kids. I like staying at home with them. I am able to do a variety of kinds of work: mental, physical, creative. I have time to work on relationships. I have time to rest when I need to or play when I need to. Last night, I played Uno with my daughter. That was so cool. Life really is good ... just like those t-shirts.

Staying Motivated to Exercise

I have exercised 4 times this week. Better yet, I have sweated for at least 20 minutes 4 times this week. I am feeling really tired today. Usually, I do this for 2 weeks and then something happens, and I "fall off the wagon". If I focus on the positive, I may be tired today, but I am feeling so thankful. The sun shined. My daughter had a really fun St. Patrick's Day parade at school. My son gave me a kiss. When does the extra energy kick in? I know it is too early yet. Patience was never one of my virtues although I do have a healthy dose of determination (read STUBBORNESS). Let me know what keeps you motivated to exercise, to be healthy.

Ten Steps to a Better Body & a Better Life

I have been reading books lately about raising metabolism and getting healthier with more energy. While I was sick, I finished Make the Connection with Bob Greene & Oprah Winfrey. This is an old book, but it explained everything in ways I could understand and relate to. I thought I would send you the condensed version.

1. Exercise aerobically, 5 to 7 days each week, preferably in the morning. This will raise your metabolism all day. The best aerobic exercise is running, walking, aerobic dance, or stair climbing (not stair stepping).

2. Exercise in the zone (at a level 7 or 8 intensity - you can talk but you don't want to).

3. Exercise for 20 to 60 minutes each exercise session (Warm up, stretch, warm up, exercise 20-60 minutes, cool down, stretch)

4. Eat a low-fat, balanced diet each day (Commit to continually improving the way you eat.)

5. Eat 3 meals & 2 snacks each day (Eating boosts your metabolism & eating your calories earlier in the day gives you time to use them as energy instead of storing them as fat.)

6. Limit or Eliminate Alcohol. (Alcohol has almost as many calories as pure fat and it can slow down your metabolism for up to 3 days after you drink it.)

7. Stop eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. (That little craving for food late at night is your body dipping into its fat stores. You have a choice: let it dip into your fat stores or sacrifice your weight loss for the day.)

8. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. (Water aids digestion & metabolism and it makes all of the body's systems work better.)

9. Have at least 2 servings of fruit & 3 servings of vegetables each day.

10. Renew your commitment to healthy living each day (Daily Renewal) by keeping a journal or some other way of reminding yourself of why you are choosing to be healthy. It helps the process if you dwell on the present, living in the moment, and allowing yourself to experience daily joy & pain. By always focusing on the past or the future, you numb yourself to the present and don't fully LIVE.

Bob Greene recommends that you do the minimum of each of the 10 steps before you increase any one step.

Would anyone like to join me in this quest to be healthier?

Trans Fatty Acids

I just got my cholesterol checked and it is high. The good news is that my HDL (good) is high but the bad news is that my LDL (Bad) is also high. So I just need to bring my LDL down. I was reading yesterday in Prevention magazine that there are lots of transfats in fried chicken and french fries, and transfats raise your LDL. Actually, there are lots of transfats in all restaurant fried foods and baked goods. So I think I need to cut back on fried foods. Bummer. I think this will be very difficult for me to do.

I can cut back to once a week, but I don't think I can just eliminate them right now. I'm not ready.