VBS '08..DAVID AND GOLIATH

It's a nice day for a Webkinz Wedding!

A pretty day at the park!

Molly's Birthday at Casa Manana!

Molly took some of her friends to see Junie B Jones at Casa Manana today. It was a really good show. The actors came out at the end to sign autographs - what a fun time!

Girls Reflecting God's Glory

I didn't get to go on this one, but I know it was a blessing to both the girls and moms who attended. I am so thankful that my daughter has a strong spritual foundation on which to grow...

Woo Hoo - Another one to cross off!

Ok, I am finally finished with Global Socioeconomic Perspectives - it was a good class, but what a whuppin'! Next up: Intro to Sociology. I have looked at the readings and assignments - this should be a little more interesting...I'll let ya know!

Fast Food and dieting...(click here)

Ooops! I'm not supposed to say the "D" word - it's a "Lifestyle Change". Whatever...it's eating less, exercising more and drinking lots of water. Anyway, there are times when we are forced to eat out and inevitably our new "healthy lifestyle" takes a turn for the worse when we are confronted with the Value Menus and Super-sized fare at most fast food places. I really hate the salads at those places, so what am I to do?

Well, have no fear, I found something good, realitively low-cal, and satisfying at Taco Bell! The Zesty Chicken Bowl is a combination of refried beans, rice, chicken, lettuce tomato and cheese - it's like a salad but with a lot less of the green stuff. At 440 calories you can't beat this for quick, filling dinner. Add in the optional dressing and it goes up 200 calories - not worth it - just use some of the hot sauce.

They also have a Fresco menu which leaves off the cheese and adds some kind of pico de gallo mixture. There is only 350 calories in this (even better). I will try this next time and let you know.

Click on the title of this post where it says: "click here". This is a link to the nutritional info for all Taco Bell items.

Yep, I'm a Genius!

I just received notice from Ashford University that I have been named to the Dean's List for Fall 2007.

oops! Forgot about the holiday!

OK...this is an adendum to my previous entry:

Starting TUESDAY I will get up at 5:00am to work out.

There was no way I was getting up at 5:00 am on a day that I didn't have to go to work - I may be on a mission, but I'm not crazy!

Two weeks - tomorrow

OK, I have had an amazing 2 weeks following the Spark People plan, tracking meals and getting/giving support and encouragement. Sunday is my official weigh-in day so I won't jump the gun, but I think I will be pleased with the results.

One of the things I have been having trouble with is excercise (arrgghhh!). I want to do it, but have trouble finding time. I can sometimes work it in during the after work/before dinner hour, but that is usually interrupted with kids, the phone or something else and I always feel rushed. I have been resisting the idea of getting up an hour earlier in the morning, but I have decided it is really the only option. At 5:00 am there is nothing that can mess with this time (who would want to, right?). Sooooo....Starting Monday I am getting up at 5:00am so I will have a full hour to devote to myself. Can I do it? I don't know. I really enjoy my full 8hours sleep and don't function very well without it, but going to bed at 9:00 every night might be a little hard too. We'll see...wish me luck!!!

That'll leave a mark!

Wii Sports Accident

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One Week in a Row!

I made it through the first week. I managed to exercise 4 out of 7 days, drank all my water and ate sensibly. I LOST 5 POUNDS! WOO HOOO! Only 45 more to go!

Did you know....

That if you drink 10 cups of water a day you go to the bathroom alot?
WATER=POTTY

Woo Hoo! One Day in a Row!!!!!

And here's the proof:

For the past year I have NOT been in a fitness/healthy living state of mind. I have been slugging away at these online classes, working full time and carting kids here and there...as a result, I have gone up 2 clothing sizes and have watched my body get flabbier and flabbier. I have been thinking about exercising and eatting better, but needed the one last "push". Today, at church, I got that push. The nursing ministry has started a weight loss support group is is encouraging members to join and be healthier in 2008. One of the websites that the nurse recommended was www.sparkpeople.com. I know several people who had great success with this program, so I decided to give it a visit. I signed up (it's totally free), put in my goal weight and they help you come up with a fitness and eating plan that will help reach your goals. There are also support groups and you earn points by completing different tasks each day. It's way to hold yourself accountable...plus it's fun!

I'm going to give it a try and see what happens...it definitely can't hurt!

Yes, the big sigh....

My treadmill is so dusty from "under-use" that I will probably have an asthma attack if I try to use it without dusting it first! But, this is the time of year for new beginnings, rejuvenation and re-do's....Soooo, here I go (sigh)!

PS: A little encouragement is more than welcome - I need all the help I can get!

Pioneer Woman Makes CNN!

I started visiting this blog sometime last year. The Pioneer Woman has a great site and sometimes she has contests to name her photos. Her latest prize was a $500 gift certificate to an electronics store! She is a wonderful photographer and likes to share her life on the farm...Take a look:

Blogs in Plain English...click here

I got this from the teacher in New Zealand. She is a blogging expert and I have learned some cool stuff from her blog: http://rachelboyd.blogspot.com

Must See TV...I can't wait for next Sunday! (Click here)

ACCORDING TO www.pbs.org:
JANE EYRE: Sundays, December 30, 2007 and January 6, 2008

"Ruth Wilson is all Jane should be... and Toby Stephens gives us a Rochester to root for..."
- Entertainment Weekly

A governess goes to work for a moody employer, captures his heart, then a dark secret intrudes. Charlotte Brontë's 1847 classic stars newcomer Ruth Wilson as the spirited but plain young woman who escapes a dismal youth to find improbable true love. Toby Stephens is Edward Rochester, the enigmatic master of Thornfield who hires Jane as governess to his young female ward Adele. Or is it his daughter? All that is certain is that he is a man with a passionate past. Directed by Susanna White (Bleak House) and adapted by Sandy Welch (Our Mutual Friend), the cast also includes Francesca Annis, Tara Fitzgerald, Pam Ferris, Christina Cole and Georgie Henley (The Chronicles of Narnia) as the young Jane.

I never read this because there were just too many words and would require too much of a commitment on my part, but this program is SOoooo good. We watched the first part tonight. The second part is on next Sunday. Try to catch it if you can!

A Good Cry

For those of you who know me well, you know I don't cry very much. Last night I did...over a BOOK! I have read an estimated 10 textbooks from cover to cover since I started back to school in January, 2006. Aside from Harry Potter this past summer and occasional Bible studies, I have not read anything just for fun in a long time. I borrowed "The Notebook" from Rebekah last night and read then entire thing in about four hours. It was about 2:00 am and I started crying like a baby when I finally finished it. What a sweet story...I imagined Preston and I as the older couple and it made me sad. But it was a good sad....sometimes you just need a good cry.

I loved the 80's!

This is acutally a picture of me at a recent 80's themed party, but my sweet husband says I look just like I did when he married me 22 years ago (only my hair was kind of a modified mullet back then).