Something to think about ...

As I've been nursing a sick child and thinking about my to do list, I've decided to spend some time appreciating what we do that I really like. We've been more conscious about spending time around the dinner table. We've been reading and discussing devotionals with the kids, and it has been so good to focus on what is important, instead of the urgent. We're trying to find a young kid friendly service project, but it seems that 4 yo is still too young.

A friend of mine posted this video on her blog, and it seems to be in the same context of focusing on what is important:

Cuddling on the Couch

I'm back from my solo vacation. We've had Thanksgiving dinner with several out of town visitors. I love visitors. We spent our time eating good food, antique shopping, & a lovely Christmas Lights Parade. I loved every minute of it. I ended up with a lovely dresser which I've been looking for one for over 2 years, and since all of the furniture bought couldn't fit into the van for the ride home, I ended up with a couple of "borrowed" pieces.

For Thanksgiving dinner, we had Smoked Turkey, Mashed Potatoes & gravy, Dressing, Broccoli, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Cranberry Relish, Pumpkin Pie, Dutch Apple Pie, and Upside Down Pecan Pie. It was all delicious if I do say so myself. Now if I could figure out how to make it just as good without gaining 3 pounds in the process. I also made buckeyes, a smoked turkey casserole for another night, and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. We bought Peanut Brittle from the senior citizen center. Everything was just too good.

Now, back to reality: I've gotten the Christmas decorations out, but haven't been able to put them up because C is running a fever, and has a cough. It seems to be viral, like a really bad cold. So instead of paying bills, putting up decorations, and becoming more organized, I have held and cuddled a pitifully sick child. I must admit that I have some ambivalent feelings on the whole subject. I enjoy the holding, but not the sickness and complaining. Also, I get overwhelmed by looking at all of the unfinished things. I just keep telling myself that as the Lord says, "My grace is sufficient for thee."

Being Disciplined is Exhausting

For almost a week, I have set some priorities in my day. I sat down last Thursday, and I decided what I really wanted to do each day, and then I've actually done those things first. Sometimes, that's really all I've gotten done, but I've done them. I've gone to bed earlier, and I've gotten up on time. I've completed my bible study and I've exercised. On some days, I've done some housework, and on others I've gotten some paperwork finished. I've worked on pacing myself so why am I so tired?

Now, I'm off to get dressed after my workout. I'm getting my hair done today, and it really, really, really needs it.

P.S. On Monday, I made the most delicious Italian Chicken & Dumplings from Rachael Ray. Mmmm ....

Bucket List

I keep seeing these bucket lists floating around so here goes:
(I decided to just list what I've done so far ...)

Climbed a waterfall.
Taken a candlelit bath with someone.
Said "I love you" and meant it.
Hugged a tree.
Visited Paris,
Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise.
Gone to a huge sports game.
Grown and eaten your own vegetables.
Slept under the stars.
Changed a baby's diaper.
Watched a meteor shower.
Looked up at the night sky through a telescope.
Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment.
Had a snowball fight.
Screamed as loudly as you possibly can.
Ridden a roller coaster.
Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking.
Adopted an accent for an entire day.
Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment.
Had two hard drives for your computer.
Had amazing friends.
Taken a road-trip.
In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them.
Alphabetized your CD'S.
Pretended to be a superhero.
Sung karaoke.
Lounged around in bed all day.
Kissed in the rain.
Played in the rain.
Gone to a drive-in theater.
Started a business.
Fallen in love and not had your heart broken.
Toured ancient sites.
Gotten married.
Made cookies from scratch.
Gotten flowers for no reason.
Performed on stage.
Recorded music. (Technically I was in the recording, but thank God, you couldn't hear me.)
Bought a house.
Passed out cold.
Picked up and moved to another city.
Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking.
Ridden a horse.
Had major surgery. (A C-section is major surgery!)
Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States.
Eaten sushi.
Had your picture in the newspaper.
Gone back to school.
Touched a cockroach.
Eaten fried green tomatoes.
Read The Iliad and The Odyssey.
Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read.
Skipped all your school reunions.
Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language.
Thought to yourself that you're living your dream.
Had a booth at a street fair.
Dyed your hair.
Caused a car accident.
Skipped school.

Been to Canada.
Been to Europe.
Been to Mexico.
Been to Florida.
Seen 'The Wall' memorial in D.C.
Been on a plane.
Been lost.
Been on the opposite side of the country.
Gone to Washington, DC.
Swam in the Pacific Ocean.
Swam in the Atlantic Ocean.
Swam in the Gulf of Mexico.
Cried yourself to sleep.
Played cops and robber or cowboys and Indians.
Recently colored with crayons.
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't.
Made prank phone calls.
Laughed until your face hurt.
Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose.
Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
Danced your heart out.
Written a letter to Santa Claus.
Been kissed under the mistletoe.
Watched the sunrise with someone.
Blown bubbles.
Gone ice skating.
Gone to the movies.
Sat outside in the rain.


1. Any nickname? Yes, but I'm not bringing that up again!
2. Mother's name? Sherry
3. Favorite drink? Peach Iced Tea
4. Any tattoos? Nope
5. Body Piercings? Ears
6. What animal would you be if you could choose one? A bird
7. Birthplace? Houston, TX
8. Favorite vacation spot? Mountain Cabin
9. Ever been to Africa? no
10. Ever eaten just cookies for dinner? No, but I do occasionally eat dessert first.
11. Ever been on TV? No
12 Ever steal any traffic signs? No
13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes, a few of them ... Is that what's wrong with me?
14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4
15. Favorite brand of body wash?Olay Quench
16. Favorite TV show? Too many.
17. Favorite number? 7? Who knows?
18. Favorite movie(s) Too many.
19. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
20. Favorite dessert? Hot Fudge Sundae

21. Favorite food? Warm Bread and Butter
22. Favorite day of the week? Any day I don't work
23. Name something/someone you love. My family and a few friends

24. Favorite toothpaste? Crest
25. Favorite smell? Cinnamon

26. How do you relax? knit & read

27. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Fit & Healthy

28. How many States will you send this message to? ??? (Why don't those of you who read it, leave a comment with your state?)

29. Who will respond to this the fastest? Beth

30. When was the last time you belly laughed? C has me laughing at least once or twice a week.

Thank Goodness It's Friday

I'm so glad that it's Friday. N will be home from Costa Rica today. I'm so glad because I'm just exhausted because I've gotten about 6 hours sleep this whole week. I just can't sleep well while Nate is away. I hear every noise, and I get cold. On top of this, G was sick and we were at the drs office a couple of times. After her fever, she developed hives, and I need to put in a call to the drs office because I still can't figure out exactly to what she was allergic. Then, I've been on the phone straightening out a couple of issues with our mortgage and insurance. I hate beaurocracy!

On Monday, I layered ravioli, meat sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish. We've eaten it 3 times this week which has really helped with putting dinner on the table. It has even provided some comfort in the midst of all of the chaos called life.

Today I taught C how to dust by putting socks on his hands. He helped with the laundry and vacuuming the stairs. I really don't usually do this, and I've been convicted that I need to work as well as play with my kids. If I do all of the work, then I end up not spending much time at all with them because I'm too busy working. Besides they need to learn how to take care of a home. I think if I work them, I'll actually spend more time playing with them as well.

I've been working on a couple of baby blankets for friends who have babies, and I have a bolero that I need to finish. I'll probably try to bring these on my upcoming trip to Texas.

Anyone trying any new recipes for Thanksgiving?

Pictures!!!

It seems like almost everyone in my family has a camera, and is always taking pictures. I don't really like taking pictures and I don't really like being in pictures, but I do like looking at pictures. It is hard for me to decide if it is better to just experience the moment and have a great memory or take a lot of time taking pictures (possibly ruining the moment) so that you have ways to remember the event later.

SO ... with all of this "baggage", I would like to frame some pictures for our home, especially since we live far away from most of our relatives. It would be nice to have pictures up for our kids to recognize family.

I've having difficulty figuring out which wall to use, which frames to use, and which pictures to use and which step comes first. So does anyone have any opinions? Should I use a wall in our basement, or a stairway? Should I buy all of the frames first or the pictures? Does anyone have any great pictures to contribute?

Moving Anxiety

I would say that C, my 4 yo boy, has had the most difficult adjustment to moving. He has regressed in potty training and has had a handful of aggression incidences that had never happened before, but his most obvious display of anxiety has been the wrinkling of his nose and mouth. Instead of greeting new people and new places with cries or screams, he has greeted them with a kind of twisted smile and a wrinkled nose. Gradually as our life has settled into routine, I've realized that the wrinkled nose has become less frequent. Thankfully, C is adjusting and settling in.

Today, a new friend of mine mentioned the wrinkled nose, and how it had almost disappeared. Earlier in the day, I had a conversation with my SIL about how it is hard to find ourselves in our boys. Our boys are just so overtly our husbands that we can't find ourselves. Tonight in the quiet (after the kids had gone to bed) I remembered a picture of a little boy with a wrinkled nose and a soft scowl. The picture is an old black and white photo from a previous generation. That little boy grew up to be my dad. So I'm guessing C's wrinkled nose at uncomfortable situations must come from my side of the family. Maybe there's some of me in him afterall.

Not much Going On

Well, I haven't been doing much except resting on the couch. My migraines are getting less as I recover from the sinus infection. The kids seem to be adjusting well. Grace is just doing phenomenal in school. She has improved her reading so much that she has started reading cereal boxes and road signs. She asks me what every word means. Caden has joined the excitement that he wants to know how to spell everything. This basically means that I can't get any peace and quiet because the kids are both trying to ask me questions at the top of their voices while I have a headache. Can't anyone hear me saying "Please Be Quiet!"

My 101 Things Update -

Well, the move has disturbed my goals as can be expected, but I think I'm getting back on track now.

Start Date: November 5, 2007
End Date: August 1, 2010
Updated: November 3, 2008 (365 days)

Sick Days: 22

1.Drink 8 glasses of water a day. (312/365=85%).
2.Eat 2 fruits & 3 vegetables everyday. (292/365=80%).
3.Be in bed by 10:30pm 850 times (85%=goal) (226/365=62%).
4.Perform 30 minutes of Cardio Exercise 600 times (60%=goal) (165/365=45%).
5.Perform Core Strengthening Exercises 450 times (45%= goal) (50/365=14%).
6.Perform Lower Body Strengthening Exercises 150 times(15%=goal) (30/365=8%).
7.Perform Upper Body Strengthening Exercises 150 times (15%=goal)(30/365=8%).
8.Visit the dentist 4 times (0/4).
9.Visit the eye doctor 2 times (0/2).
10.Visit the gynecologist 2 times (1/2).
11.Lose 5 pounds. Completed 5/2008.
12.Lose 10 pounds. Completed 6/2008.
13.Lose 15 pounds. Completed 11/2008
14.Lose 20 pounds.
15.Lose 25 pounds.
16.Keep weight off for 1 year.
17.Take a Yoga Class. Completed 4/2008.
18.Take a Spinning Class. Completed 12/2007.

19.Pray everyday-giving my cares over to God (292/365=80%).
20.Read Bible everyday (255/365=70%).
21.Remember one moment each day that makes me smile and thankful (292/365=80%).
22.Attend a church meeting once a week (14%= goal) (36/365=10%).
23.Memorize 50 scriptures (4/50).
24.Perform 10 acts of kindness (4/10).
25.Participate in 3 in-depth Bible Studies (1/3). IP
26.Give Fast Food Bucks to a homeless person.
27.Finish The Purpose Driven Life. IP
28.Finish Knit Together. Completed 1/2008.

29.Be encouraging–Say encouraging things to family and friends everyday (310/365=85%).
30.Sit down at a table and eat dinner with my kids 800 times (80%=goal) (292/365=80%)
31.Eat home-cooked dinner 6 days a week (86%=goal) (263/365=72%).
32.Read 800 books to my kids (80%=goal) (165/365=45%).
33.Have homework time with kids. IP
34.Play 143 games with my kids (14%=goal) (51/365=14%).
35.Go out with DH (no kids) 33 times (8/33).
36.Take 3 trips without the hubby and kids (2/3).
37.Learn how to dance with DH.
38.Make a decision about having another child.
39.Go on a week long vacation for our family (DH & the kids).
40.Read Raising Great Kids.

41.Make 33 items for charity (9/33).
42.Reduce my yarn stash and organize it within current containers. IP.
43.Buy new yarn only for gifts, to complete a project or out of weekly cash. IP
44.Finish the 2 sweaters I have in progress (2/2). Completed 4/2008.
45.Make 3 sweaters (1/3). IP
46.Teach 2 knitting classes (1/2). IP
47.Take a class on finishing garments.
48.Knit Baby Blanket for Nephew. Completed. 12/2007.
49.Knit Monkey. IP
50.Knit Comforter. IP
51.Knit Pullover Sweater.
52.Crochet Handbag.
53.Make 5 Dishcloths. (5/5) Completed 11/2008
54.Knit or Crochet a Rug.
55.Find a knitting circle of friends. Completed 12/2007

56.Blog regularly (60%=goal) (72/365=20%)
57.Go to several craft shows and research what knitted objects are being sold and what booths look like. (2)
58.Make some items specifically to be sold. Completed. 01/2008.
59.Develop a business plan.
60.Sell something on the Internet.
61.Earn some income from business.

62.Follow Flylady. Completed 06/08.
63.Clean out and organize storage areas. Completed 06/08.
64.Organize my bedroom closet and get rid of anything we don't use. Completed 5/2008.
65.Get rid o vacuum cleaner & grill. IP Completed 06/08.
66.Clean out and organize office & files. Set up a command center. Completed 06/08.
67.Organize the hall linen closet. Completed 02/2008.
68.Organize the kitchen & get rid of anything we don't use. Completed 06/2008.
69.Organize the toys & develop a system to keep them organized. Completed 05/2008.
70.Landscape front yard. Completed 05/2008.
71.Grow a simple herb garden. Completed 11/2008.
72.Go green on cleaning supplies. Completed 11/2008.

73.Set up Recycle Center. Completed 11/2008.

74.Document each thing completed. (26/101) IP
75.Try 33 new restaurants (24/33).
76.Read 33 fiction books (33/33). Completed 11/2008.
77.Read 33 Nonfiction books (11/33).
78.Read 10 best sellers (7/10).
79.Learn about 10 new things (6/10).
80.Buy a digital camera or find the old one. Completed 12/2007.
81.Take pictures every week of my kids once I get the camera. IP
82.Put pictures in photo albums.
83.Make a photo wall of meaningful photos.
84.Finish State Quarter Books. IP
85.Finish my Soduku Book. IP
86.Go camping.
87.Visit an art museum. Completed 05/2008.
88.Consolidate and alphabetize addresses into one location.
89.Host a board game night.
90.Plan next 101 things to do.

91.Streamline monthly finance upkeep. IP
92.Move AEP 401 K to Fidelity.
93.Learn about retirement investing
94.Understand where we stand for our retirement.
95.Keep to monthly budget.

96.Brush and floss teeth morning & night (292/365=80%).
97.Wash face morning & night (292/365=80%).
98.Get dressed 6 days a week (86%=goal)(292/365=80%).
99.Paint my finger nails 15 times (6/15).
100.Paint my toenails 33 times (14/33).
101.Paint DD's nails 33 times (5/33).

I'm back

Well we've moved in to our new house. I think that N & I are in a bit of shock over moving. Even though, we're pros at the the moving thing. There are still things that take us off guard, like it just takes so much energy to learn all the everyday things. We're pretty much unpacked, but we've been sick twice. I caught a nasty sinus infection the week after we moved, and then I've had migraines for the last 3 days. I'm not sure if the migraines are stress related or disease related, but I spent Friday and Saturday napping and watching movies. That seemed to help a lot.

C learned to ride his bike last week. He is so thrilled.

The Truck is Here!

It is finally sinking in... The boxes are packed and the truck is here to take everything away.

If only my stomach would calm down ....

What Kind of Tea are You?

In the interest of another quick post ...

You Are Chai Tea

There are many subtle sides to your personality. You are difficult to decode. You are a complex and deep individual. You have many nuanced beliefs, and your mood frequently changes. You are a creative and expressive person. You draw your inspiration from the whole world. You enjoy exotic food, music, and travel. Your tastes are very international.

What Kind of Tea Are You?

I thought this was interesting because it pretty much nailed both my favorite tea and even my personality. Interesting ...

Mmm ... Chocolate

Since moving has taken over my brain, and I can't seem to get together a real post. I thought I would just do something fun. So here goes:

What Your Taste in Chocolate Says About You

You are sophisticated, modern, and high class. Your taste is refined, but you are not picky. You are often the first to try something new. You are down to earth and lovable. A true friend, you're very tolerant and understanding. In fact, your friends' biggest problem is that they don't like each other! You love working, making deals, and succeeding. You like to be a part of the action. You feel lost when you're bored. There's little more fulfilling that your career.

The Chocolate Oracle

Moving, Moving, Moving ...

I have completed the moving survey, chosen the home owner's insurance, and filled out all the paperwork for the mortgage.

I have delivered and pick up the dry cleaning, gotten the oil changed in the van, taken the kids to get their hair cut, and dropped off the books at the library.

I think I can rest now...

Nate's Meme

The instructions:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

The questions and my answers:
1. What is your first name? Nathan
2. What is your favorite food? cinnamon
3. What high school did you go to? Master's Academy
4. What is your favorite color? Forest Green
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Jessica Alba
6. Favorite drink? Diet Pepsi
7. Dream vacation? Istanbul
8. Favorite dessert? Reese's Peanut Butter Sundae
9. What you wanted to be when you grow up? Dad
10. What do you love most in life? Jesus
11. One Word to describe you? Tenacious
12. Your flickr name? nate55oh

My Meme

So what's yours look like?


The instructions:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

The questions and my answers:
1. What is your first name? Kimberly
2. What is your favorite food? dark chocolate
3. What high school did you go to? Toledo Christian
4. What is your favorite color? Autumn Red
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Gerard Butler
6. Favorite drink? Iced Tea
7. Dream vacation? Greece
8. Favorite dessert? Key Lime Pie
9. What you wanted to be when you grow up? Mama
10. What do you love most in life? God
11. One Word to describe you? caring
12. Your flickr name? yarnin_mama

Weight Loss Goal Met!!!

I have officially lost 15 pounds!!! I can't believe that I'm still losing even with all of the stress of moving. I really want to eat sweets all of the time, but I'm trying to have a little bit everyday without going overboard.

A Much-Needed Verse & 10 Positive Things

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing". Zephaniah 3:17.

A friend of mine posted this verse, and I must say that I really needed to hear it. I need to remember how great and good He is because when I get stressed, I easily forget. Along these lines, I thought I would post some good things to remember.

1. N's Grandma is out of ICU and on the mend.
2. My Grandma is in fairly decent health.
3. I love the relationship that I have with my sisters and it has only gotten better with time.
4. N & I's relationship is good, and I love it that we are learning how to work as a team.
5. Unlimited long distance is so wonderful when you move around, and most of the people you know are out of town.
6. G's birthday is coming up.
7. G has such a helpful attitude.
8. Playing catch with the football is a roflol good time with C.
9. I have begun knitting my bedspread.
10. In a month or so, I will be within an hour of my bestest girlfriend. We haven't lived in the same state in years and years.

The picture above is a Texas sunset. Sunsets are one of the things I love most about Texas.

Insurance Quotes

I've spent the last couple of days getting home insurance quotes. I'm so bored. So I took the kids to MickyD's for lunch. They spent a couple of hours running and screaming, and then we had reading time at home. Today I just read to them, but we have been asking G to read more and more to us. I actually have tried to have a little "homework" about 3 days a week. I'll talk to her about adding and subtracting or reading or writing. We even will look up science questions on the internet. I'm a little concerned that she is going to be behind when we switch from Maryland to Ohio schools. This is probably just nerves on my part.

Busy July, Hopefully Slower August

July was a busy, busy month, and we were away from home more often than were at home. We spent 4 days in Hershey & Lancaster, PA. We were in Ohio for 10 days searching for a new house and visiting family. After Ohio, we were home for 3 days and then we went to the beach for 4 days. The beach was so wonderful. It was peaceful, and refreshing. The salt air cleared up my skin, and my allergies were gone. I'm not much of a swimming fan, but I do love the slower pace of life and the sounds of the birds and the waves. Spending time just hanging out with my family was so nice. For the last couple of years, whenever we have met with my family, there have been 2 weddings and a baby shower. After the beach, N went home, but the kids and I went to my parents for a week. I really appreciated not having to keep the house up for potential buyers.

Now I'm back at home, keeping it clean. I've bought a few school supplies, and I'm working on all of the details of moving.

The hardest bit for me is managing my anxiety. That has been difficult, and I'm not really sleeping all that well. It is hard for me to stay present. I keep trying to slow myself down, breath and just take things one at a time.

About the kids, C has kept his night time pull up dry for over a week. I think I'm going to switch him to underwear at night, especially since this morning, he actually got out of bed and went potty and then got back into bed. He is so excited since I've promised him a big toy if he can keep his underpants dry. I think this is making G a little nervous because she is 2 years older than him and she still can't keep her night time pull up dry. Any ideas on how to encourage the younger while not discouraging the older? G probably has inherited the gene that has a later bladder development. Maybe I can get G to talk to me about it ...

I'm a Warm Autumn

According to this survey, I'm a:


Warm Autumn
According to your survey answers, you are a Warm Autumn. You look sensational in golden, spicy colors such as terracotta, forest green and tomato red. Here is partial list of Warm Autumn colors:

Camel, khaki, coffee brown, dark brown, light navy, salmon, pumpkin, rust, light moss, mustard, emerald turquoise, teal, forest green, deep periwinkle, purple.

Although I think this is true, I did fudge the quiz a little because I have lighter eyes than is normal for a Warm Autumn. My light eyes help me to wear a few colors that would normally be a Warm Spring. So I wear mostly Warm Autumn colors with a few of the darker Warm Spring colors.

Let me know what season you are, if you take the quiz.

Which Jane Austen Character are You?

Take the Quiz here!

Weight Loss Goal Met!!!

Yippee!!! I am now officially at my pre-C weight. I think a few things are starting click in me about being healthy. I have tried to lose weight on my own for years, and I have all of this knowledge about nutrition and exercise, but putting that into practice is much more difficult. Since starting Weight Watchers online, I have realized that while I eat fairly healthy, I just eat too much. I especially tend to overindulge on sweets and fats. I'm learning that in order to loose weight and be healthy that I have to have the right combination of eating healthy, a little bit of indulgence as well as a good bit of exercise. I have had ice cream almost everyday, but I'm only eating a little bit of ice cream. This ice cream has really kept me from bingeing on a whole lot of sweets. On the other hand, I'm eating a lot more fruits and vegetables. Also, I am finally connecting exercise to it all. I'm actually probably not exercising anymore than I did pre-Weight Watchers, but I'm moving a lot more. I must say my house has never been in better condition which is a good thing since we are going to sell it soon. At some point, I know that my weight will taper off, and I will probably need to really ramp up the cardio and weights to loose the weight I want (I'm not in my twenties anymore). That will probably be a big battle for me. For now, I'm just going to enjoy my accomplishments.

One more thing, I thought I would share one of my favorite blogs when it comes to eating light and healthy: GreenLiteBites

Syrup???

Should I be nervous when C asks me how to make syrup? Going into the kitchen, I find him taking bites of apple and stuffing them into my mini food prep. He just can't understand why he can't get it turned on to make apple syrup. Thank goodness for safety features. I sure wish he'd get over his fascination with kitchen appliances.

Bad Cold ... Must take a break

We are getting our house ready to be put on the market and so I've been busy cleaning, organizing, and decluttering. I started upstairs and room by room, closet by closet, and pile by pile I've made it through my long list. I'm in the home stretch, but today I just wasn't up to any cleaning because I have this cold, and I just want to curl up on the couch and sleep. Oh well, I do have a hair appointment in an hour, maybe that will make me feel better. The house is looking pretty good. I'm down to paper piles and the storage areas. Oh and I need to start touching up the paint. It is looking so much better, and I always wonder why it takes moving away to get my house in decent shape. I've had the carpets cleaned, and they look great. (Thanks Robbie Rosenberger!) If I am going to be sitting most of the day, I do plan on working on the laundry (boring), paper piles (even more boring) and knitting (yay ... I'm almost finished with G's dress). I know this is such a boring post (the reason why I haven't posted anything for a while.) I have learned that listening to books on tape makes the housework go much faster. Two books that I've enjoyed are:

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Confessions of a Jane Austin Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler

Dinner has been mostly grilled meat with salad. I'm down 12 pounds using Weight Watchers Online, even though I've been counting my housework as my exercise. I do love the Weight Watchers Giant Bars (Latte is my favorite) as well as their English Toffee bars.

Tagged!

I've been tagged by Amy & Sue.

So I filled in this fun survey:

What were you doing 5 years ago?

1. Caring for a one year old.
2. Struggling with depression.
3. Working on landscaping my yard.
4. Trying to lose my pregnancy weight (I'm still trying.)
5. Reading too many books to escape all of the above.

What are 5 things on your to-do list today (not in any particular order)?

1. Laundry
2. Declutter my bedroom
3. Knit G's dress
4. Fix dinner
5. Unpack from the weekend

What are 5 snacks you enjoy?

1. Chips and Salsa
2. Hummus and pita chips
3. Fruit
4. Dark Chocolate Truffles
5. Ice Cream on a stick - Weight Watchers Giant Latte Bar and English Toffee Bar are my current favorites

What 5 things would you do if you were a billionaire?

1. Set aside some for my kids' and nieces' and nephews' education
2. Give some to church
3. Build my dream house
4. Pay off my parent's mortgage
5. Travel a lot more

What are 5 of your bad habits?

1. Worrying about things I can't control
2. Spending too much time on the internet
3. Knitting and watching tv when I should be cleaning up the house.
4. Not exercising nearly enough
5. Eating too much

What are 5 jobs you have had?

1. Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Dipper
2. Cashier
3. Assistant Controller
4. Internal Auditor
5. Financial Database Administrator

Name 5 places you have lived

1. Houston, TX
2. Toledo, OH
3. Raleigh, NC
4. Cincinnati, OH
5. Owings Mills, MD

Weight Loss isn't all about the Food

It looks like I'm gonna gain weight this week. It isn't official until Monday when I weight myself, but I think it's going to happen. The thing is that I have been eating well this week, meaning that I have eaten within my points or calories. What I haven't done well this week is 1) Get enough sleep, 2) Drink enough water and 3) Exercise has happened but on the light side. I would say that most of this has been caused by allergies and anxiety (i.e. N's job issues), but you know what: allergies and anxiety are going to happen to me. Everyone has something, and allergies and anxiety are my something. Somehow I'm going to have to figure out how to either conquer them or go around them or something. I'm looking forward to Monday so I can start fresh. I hope all of the rain we've been getting will wash away my allergies.

Mother's Day Weekend

I must say I had a great weekend. I went to visit my friend in Philadelphia. We spent the weekend watching movies, eating great food, shopping and visiting the art museum. It was very fabulous, and it felt balanced because we ate and walked and rested. When I came home Saturday night, the house was clean! The kids had gifts prepared and N had flowers and chocolate. Sunday morning, N made me breakfast that included chocolate dipped strawberries. Mmmm....

We went to G's Lacrosse game, and then went to Outback for dinner. Outback had a 2 1/2 hour wait at 4:30pm, but we were able to walk in and sit down at a booth in the bar area.

N and I have been following Weight Watcher's Online for 3-4 weeks now. I have lost 8.8 pounds, and I think N has lot almost 15. I can't believe that I ate so decadently this weekend, but I stayed within my points and I lost almost a pound. I have gotten into a pattern where one week I loose 2.5 pounds and then the next I loose less than a pound. I am happy with this pattern because I haven't been able to loose anything for years now. I would much rather loose slowly and develop some healthy habits.

This month is so busy. Next weekend is a men's church retreat and the weekend after that, N & I are going on a fabulous getaway. Somewhere in there I want to continue my spring decluttering.

This is my 100the post on this blog!

Knitting Obsession

I knit everyday, and the worse I feel, the more I knit because it helps me feel better, but if I feel just fine, I still knit or crochet. Consequently, N says that I am OCD. I thinks he means that I am obsessed with knitting. I find this a little perplexing because for years he has wanted me to find a hobby that recharges me, but now that I actually have one, I am OCD. He doesn't actually discourage me from knitting, but I guess he just doesn't get it. Frankly, there are lots of things I don't get about him, and I guess that just keeps our relationship interesting. I'm sure he's relieved that I haven't tattooed my obsession into my skin although hmmm .... that's an idea, isn't it?

To all of you beautiful mother's - I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing day!!!

Gap Tooth Smile

My Big Turtle ... The Day at the Zoo

More of the Same

Just more of the same has been going on around here. G is playing Lacrosse and both of the kids are in swimming. The whole swimming thing isn't really working out for C, and I am looking into some other options. The class is set up with 7 kids and 1 instructor. The instructor works with the kids one at a time, and while he is working with one, the others are supposed to calmly sit on the steps in the pool and wait. So for half an hour class, each kid gets about 5 minutes of one on one time and spends the rest of the class just sitting. I've heard that most of the swim classes around here are structured this way. This was not how they were done at the Y in OH! Either a parent was required to get in the water with the kids or they did things together. I've heard of private lessons (more expensive) or during the summer, individual teachers will set up 2 week intensives using teenagers to help corral the young kids.

We've had a lot of rain and my allergies are getting better, but I just want to sleep all the time. G is struggling too, and C has been a wild man. Yesterday, I had a friend over and when we went outside to say goodbye, C climbed on her car. Lovely....

I was folding laundry in the basement, and C was upstairs for a long time. I went upstairs to check on him, and he was cutting G's flash cards in half. I gave him a time out and went to get supplies to fix the cards. C tells me that at school when he knocks down someone else's blocks, then he has to help put them back up again. He thinks that instead of a time out, he should just have to help fix the flash cards. He did help me fix the cards, but he did get a time out too. How did he get so smart?

Too Long

I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted. My days have been filled with anxiety, migraines, & disciplining Caden. My kids have been talking so much that with the headache, I just have a really difficult time focusing on anything. The anxiety is lessening, and now I'm just dealing with the Bradford pear trees blooming. I think I need more sleep. Allergies always seems to cause me to require more sleep. I have been knitting, and when I get around to it, I hope to post some pictures. Anyway, I thought I would post the following questionnaire:

You're feeling: sleepy

To your left: an end table with a lamp and a stack of books

On your mind: what should I work on next or should I just rest

Last meal included: Hot Easy Now tea, Newman's Own Flakes 'N Strawberries cereal with soy milk

You sometimes find it hard to: find the joy in motherhood (yesterday was a particularly trying day)

The weather: a warm & sunny spring day :-)

Something you have a collection of: coins

A smell that cheers you up: cinnamon or chocolate

A smell that can ruin your mood: wiping poop off my children's behind

How long since you last shaved: a couple of days

The current state of your hair: ponytail

The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): the scanner or the printer

Your skill with chopsticks: beginner

Which section you head for first in a bookstore: Crafts or Magazines

Something you're craving: chocolate

Your general thoughts on the presidential race: irritating

How many times have you been hospitalized this year: none

Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: my bedroom

You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: librarian or bookstore owner

Something that freaks you out a little: door-to-door salesmen

Something you've eaten too much of lately: ice cream

You have never: broken a bone

You never want to: get cancer

Birth Experiences

N and I were just kind of wondering aloud as we were trying to fall asleep last night. We started talking about our children and their birth experiences. I am sure this is not the most scientific and hindsight is 20/20 of course, but how does birthing effect a child's personality. G's birth was fairly dramatic and she is predisposed to dramatics. C's birth was on the quick and easier spectrum of births and emotionally he is definitely easier going. On a gross side note, there was a lot of poop involved with C's birth, and he is one of the poopiest children known to mankind. My sister, B, was made horribly angry right before birth (The doctor actually pushed her back up the birth canal in order to unwrap the cord from around her neck.). She arrived in this world black and blue (She looked she had been in bar room brawl.). She screamed for at least an hour after birth, and I remember her childhood as being full of very loud protests although she does seem to have calmed down a great deal in the last few years.

So tell me what you think? What kind of impact do you think birth experiences have on a child's personality?

Weekend Trip

We just had a great weekend trip with the family. Our kids are getting to the age where we can take them places and we have fun all together. Late on Friday night, we drove to DC and we stayed in a great hotel. N got a great deal at a 5 star hotel. They gave the kids little backpacks with toys, a cup, and some candy. We took the cup to the bar the next afternoon, and they filled it with Shirley Temples. G didn't like it, but C sucked the cup dry and then pulled the lid off to eat the cherries. We drove to see baby X and brought lunch to the happy parents. Everyone is doing well. We had dinner at our favorite restaurant and went to bed early. Sunday morning we got up before dawn and took the metro to the Mall. N ran 10 miles in the Cherry Blossom Festival Race. He finished feeling better than he did when he ran the 7 miles (quarter marathon). He has learned so much about training in the past 3 months. It is exciting for me to watch him figure out this body challenge, especially when we feel so body challenged as we hit our mid 30's. We all arrived home tired and content. It was such a great weekend.

I've been reading Breaking Free by Beth Moore. I am learning so much, and it has been so good. It is interesting that the more progress I seem to make with the book and the more I feel closer to the Lord, the more I also battle thoughts of being a complete failure. I even picked a fight with N one night for really no reason. Once I talked to N about it (after the fight), and he wondered if it was a spiritual attack, the thoughts have not been nearly so difficult to manage. They've simply disappeared. I keep thinking thoughts that I know to be true. Keeping thoughts in line is just an on-going battle. Hence the title of this blog ...

Random Facts

I've lived in 4 states: Texas (15 years), North Carolina (6 years), Maryland (almost 2 years) & Ohio (13 years).

In Ohio, I've lived in the 3 of their bigger cities (Cincinnati, Columbus & Toledo).

The Camera

We've had camera issues since we've lived in MD. We lost one in October of 2006, and then we lost another one in October of 2007. Well we bought a camera in November, and a couple of weeks ago, I found the last camera that we lost. I found it in the middle of my summer beach clothes when I cleaned out our closet. I have no idea how it could've gotten there. The places I lose and find things since I've had kids, just amazes me.

A New Blog Day

Today, I'm compiling my past personal blogs into one. I've been at Yahoo 360, and I've had several complaints of difficult access so I'm moving them over here. Please have patience with me as I move the posts from the past over.

Overheard Today

C, I'll always be your best friend.

Awww...

(C & G were playing.  I'm not sure what they were playing, but from the other room, G says, "C, I'll always be your best friend."  I'm hoping that this means that it is sinking in to some extent that brothers and sisters are around more than friends.  Friends come and go, but if you can get along with your family, they'll be around your whole life.  The key is to know how to get along.) 

Maybe it was sickness after all ...

G is home sick from school today. She is not running a fever, but she is so congested with a cough. She is really tired and just wants to cuddle. C is a snot monster. For the last 2 days, when I get up from sleeping, I have a little dizzy spell. I'm also dizzy when I lay down. I think I have fluid in my ears. I've been popping the vitamin C because you know how I hate antibiotics. Why is it so difficult to teach kids not to cough all over me (or anyone else for that matter.)?

Anxiety and the Lord

I have been so tired lately and I've had a migraine almost everyday. I just want to bury my head under the covers and sleep. I feel like I'm coming down with something, but I never actually come down with anything. I've been this way for over a week. So I've been trying to take care of myself, getting adequate rest, not too little or too much, exercising, and eating well.

I started to realize a couple of days ago that my fatigue and my migraines are probably just physical manifestations of the stress and anxiety I'm feeling over the uncertainty of the future. Will we stay or will we go? If we stay, does that mean that nothing will change? If we go, where are we going? How will we get everything done?

We've been going to church on Saturday nights, and I really didn't want to go to church last night. I didn't want to smile and make small talk with my friends. I didn't want to get everyone ready to go out of the house. I just wanted to take a nap. Well, when I woke up from my nap at just the right time to church and I couldn't seem to keep my eyes closed, I got ready for church. We were actually 10 minutes early to church. That really never happens to us.

Well the message was about Philippians 4:1-9. The pastor basically used the scripture to give a formula about what to do when you have anxiety. I found this interesting because in my talks with the Lord, I often ask how to not be so anxious. Here is the to do list for how to not be anxious:

1) Hold on to the truth.
2) Unite with others. (Stay connected.)
3) Rejoice - make a choice.
4) Pray - talk, surrender your concerns, & have gratitude
5) Think - good thoughts
6) Live accordingly

I find this interesting because even if you subtract the Lord out of this equation (although I don't recommend it) this list really includes a lot of what modern psychology recommends through therapy. How long ago was Philippians written?

The Lord is so good. BTW, after the message, the band played my favorite song, and it was one that they don't regularly play. I've been hoping they would play it again so I could see the title and look it up on itunes.

I'm still tired and I actually have a sore throat this morning, but I also have hope and that makes all the difference.

Valentine's Memories & C's Questions

I've spent today planning for C's Birthday & Valentine's Day. It has brought back memories of Valentine's Day while I was growing up. My mom would put little heart shaped chocolate crispies in our lunches, and my dad would bring home flowers. He would give a single blossom, usually a carnation to D & I, and he would give several flowers to my mom. Depending on how much money we had at the time, she might get roses or just 6 carnations. She would always put them in a vase in the kitchen window. I just thought it was so cool that he brought D & I flowers, and that he gave more to our mom. It felt like everything was in its place. I don't remember if he kept doing this after B & S were born. Y'all will have to chime in with what you remember.

C's Question of the Day:
Why do you pick up a spider with a tissue? (I haven't seen a spider in weeks so I have no idea where this came from.)

That one is always thinking.

G was at home today because it was Election Day, and they use the schools in MD for the polls. We were working on her homework, and C comes running down the stairs. He tells me that he has something to show me so I go up the stairs. For Christmas, I bought him a hot wheels car organizer that hangs over his door. It is covered with car-sized plastic pockets. Well, he had collected enough cars to fill the bottom row. He was so proud of himself that he was just beaming. So of course, I gave him a huge hug. His birthday will be Cars themed, but he is also very much into space. My parents and siblings gave him his birthday presents this past weekend. So for the last 2 days, he has been playing with Planet Heroes and asking space questions. Although, my brother did give him Cars (from the movie), and this is what he was lining up on his door. I will be giving him Cars bed linens as well as a rug for his bedroom floor that has roads on it so he can drive his cars all over town. He picked everything out on a trip to Wal-Mart. He also has requested Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Broccoli for his birthday dinner with Cars cupcakes for dessert. He has become quite opinionated since Christmas when I couldn't get him to say anything about what he might want for Christmas. It is amazing what a couple of months does.

Mad about Jane Austen

PBS has had the Complete Works of Jane Austen on Masterpiece. Each Sunday it is a new piece. So far I've watched Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, and Mansfield Park. Last Sunday, they did Miss Austen Regrets which was a movie about the last few years of her life. It is so interesting to see how timeless these stories can be. I'm just fascinated by how some things have changed for women, but other things have stayed the same.

I also just finished a historical novel about Emily Dickinson. Emily was basically a recluse who was fortunate to have family wealth. She devoted her life to her poetry, and at times she was just a little crazy. Her family basically allowed her to be a recluse so that she wouldn't embarrass them in public. Emily lived through the Civil War, but it didn't touch her life very much. She made a conscious decision to only have relationships with men via correspondence so that she could devote her time to her poetry.

I am a strong believer in the value of women, but I don't buy this feminist notion that we can have it all. Whatever road you take, there will be benefits, risks, and a price. I am glad that we live in an age where women can make more choices about what to do with their lives, but those choices are often a painful selection process. There just isn't enough time in the day to be all things to all people and still carve out a niche for yourself.

Health Update: I've lost the 5 pounds I gained over the holidays plus a couple more. I quit going to Body Pump, but I'm doing more yoga, and I'm working on increasing my cardio from 20-30 minutes to 30 minutes - 1 hour. As usual, consistency is the most difficult. There just isn't a good time of day, but I'm making some progress.

I really like Mansfield Park because the heroine of the book/movie is poor, plain and not very clever, but it is her gentle and quiet spirit that makes her so endearing. I like to find those hidden qualities.

New Year, New Me, Old Me, It's just me.

On Jan 1st, I went to a yoga class, and then on Jan 2nd I went to Body Pump. Today I am stiff and sore and a bit out of sorts. I am determined to have some impact on my health, and stick it out this time until a difference is made in my body. I knew it was going to get tough, and today was tough. I accidentally set off the security alarm and had to call our previous owners to get the code to shut it off. I hit my head hard on the bathroom sink while helping C put his pants back on, and C has been testing the limits all day. I know that all of these are very minor obstacles and it will pass, but I think I'll go knit for a while.

BTW, I finished my scarf.