Monday, December 26, 2011

Crazy Christmas

Oh my, what a weekend!  How crazy was it?  The entire Burney family slept 12 hours last night!!  We got home earlier than expected and went straight to bed.  And since we didn't have anywhere to go today, we slept in too!  It was fabulous! 

My diet and exercise, however, has not been fabulous.  I am too scared to even step on the scales.  I have not worked out since before our Thanksgiving vacation, and my eating habits have been deplorable.  But, it's never too late to get back on track.  Starting today, I have vowed to go back to only one soda a week.  Drank lots of water today, and I feel so much better.  Next week I'll work on getting my diet back under control and working out.

I am trying to decide if after the first of the year I want to set up a consultation with a local nutritionist, or simple join Weight Watchers.  I have heard so many great things about WW, and I know it would work.  But since I also have PCOS, I think this nutritionist might be able to help me get my hormones under control.  I guess I have a week or so to decide.

So much happened last week, it seems surreal.  Not only did we have the rush of Christmas, but I showed Andy a property I have been looking at for a while.  Much to my surprise, he actually liked it!!  So much so, that we drove out to see it!!  And we fell in love!!!  The property is gorgeous.  But, the house itself needs a LOT of work.  So there are a lot of factors to consider.  For starters, could we even qualify for the necessary financing??  We are praying hard for guidance.

Hope everyone had as Merry a Christmas as we did!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Time flies!

My, oh, my, where did November go?  I've been incredibly busy with our huge family vacation!  We just got home, and it was absolutely fabulous!! 10 days and 3,200 miles of family togetherness and adventures!

So here is the breakdown.  We left out really early, and the first three days were the hardest.  Driving all day trying to get all the way to New Jersey in time.  We had to be there by Sunday because the reason we went was for my niece's Baptism.  Thursday was pretty easy.  Driving all day.  But our Ford Flex was incredibly comfortable, and we got the boys some video games and dvd players.  Friday, we traveled all the way across Tennessee.  And fell in love.  We attempted to bypass Nashville and ended up on mountain backroads.  It was absolutely gorgeous.  We will be going back there.  Many times.  Saturday was more gorgeous mountains and farm country.  We arrived earlier than planned, in plenty of time for dinner with everyone.  We stayed in New Jersey with my Sister-in-law.  My Mother-in-law and other Sister-in-law also stayed at the house, they arrived by plane on Thanksgiving Day.  My Father-in-law arrived by plane about the time we did.  He stayed at a nearby Bed and Breakfast. 

Sunday morning was a big adventure.  As we were getting ready for the Baptism service, we realized I had brought the wrong shoes for My Angel.  Well, I brought one that was right, the other was from a different pair.  Two different styles, two different sizes.  So we jumped in the car and took off for Wal*Mart to buy shoes.  Except we didn't check his shoe size before we left.  He thought he wore a size 4, I thought he wore a size 2.  So we called my mother-in-law and asked her to check his tennis shoes.  She said size 1, so we bought size two.  We rushed to the church, arriving just in time.  My Angel is in the back fighting with these shoes, can't get them on.  We keep yelling at him, telling him to quit throwing a fit and just put the shoes on.  He finally gets them on as we get there.  We run in, and it was a lovely service.  We go to dinner and My Angel keep complaining his feet hurt, we cannot believe he is still whining about this.  When we got back to the house I checked his shoes.  Turns out my mother-in-law checked the bottom of his shoe, which was worn.  The shoes were a size 4.  He was right, the shoes didn't fit, and they were in fact hurting him all day.  Parenting fail.  But we survived the day.  That night we exchanged Christmas gifts for all the kids since we were all together. 

Monday morning everyone else flew home.  We went with my Hubby's sister and her family to the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA.  We thought the kids might like it, figured we'd be there an hour or so, then head back for some antiquing or something.  Turns out the kids LOVED it, we were there all day!  There was a demonstration of how crayons and markers are made, and stations all over were the kids could use ALL of the crayola products.  They got to bring home all the stuff they made. 

Tuesday we started back towards home, but this time we took our time.  We stopped to explore a cavern.  It was a lot of fun.  Wednesday morning we woke up to snow!  Just enough to be beautiful and fun to play in, but not too much to slow us down.  It was also great because we were on our way to the Great Smokey Mountain Railway for the Polar Express Train Ride!  The boys absolutely LOVED it.  I however, forgot the camera in the car.  I also thought I forgot my phone in the car.  But it wasn't there when we got back.  It also wasn't in the hotel room when we got back there.  After a frantic hour long search, we finally found it.  At a gas station.  In the trash can.  Hubby is still teasing me about that one.

Thursday we explored the Cherokee Indian Reservation our hotel turned out to be in.  Did some shopping, then made our way to the next stop in Alabama.  Friday we decided we had been gone long enough.  We were out of clean clothes and tired of hotel beds.  So we bypassed our last stop and headed straight home.

It was a great trip, but we are glad to be home now.  Now to start on the laundry...

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Back in the saddle again... sort of...

Well, I seem to be somewhat back on track. I am eating better, and exercising sporadically. Maybe this week I can be more disciplined in working out. Although, Hubby will be off three days in a row, so it's not too likely :(

I believe I have discovered a monthly cycle that is quite appalling.  It seems once a month I gain 3-4 pounds for one week.  Fortunately by the end of the week it is all gone.  But I don't like it.  It has happened three times now.  And yes, it is in relation to "that time of the month."  So I suppose I'll have to get used to it.  And knowing what is causing it, and that it will go away quickly makes it not quite so depressing.

School is going pretty well.  Matthew's reading is coming along, we are staying up with our lessons.  We even got all of this week's work done early so we could take Friday off!  Joseph is doing well also.  Reading pretty well, but Math is kind of lagging.  At this rate we will finish all our other work months before we finish Math.  It's not that he has trouble with the concepts of math, he just has a hard time focusing on it long enough.  We are only getting 1-2 pages done each day.  But again, this is why I homeschool.  So we can go at their pace.

I mentioned we took Friday off of school, the reason was - I went to Canton's First Monday Trade Days for the first time!  It was really fun.  I got to spend some time with ladies from my church.  For those who don't know, First Monday is a HUGE flea market that takes place in Canton, Texas the weekend before the First Monday of each month.  It would have been a lot more fun if I had been able to buy anything, but pretty soon we'll have this debt under control and I will definitely be going back!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Ups and Downs

Ah, it's been a month of ups and downs.  Mostly ups, so I'm trying to focus on those.  I've been working on keeping a positive attitude, and I think I've done pretty well.  Today is hard though.  I slacked off last week and gained some weight back :(  But I'm trying not to let that get me down.  Just stay focused on the fact I have been loosing.

Last weekend was a crazy whirlwind.  Long story short - we bought a motorcycle!  Hubby has always wanted one, and we've talked about saving up for someday.  But he stumbled across a deal that was just too good to pass up.  So money will be a little tight for a few weeks.  But it's worth it.  He is so excited!  And I am so happy he was able to realize a lifelong dream!

I have stayed mostly on top of school work.  There have been a few days we didn't get all our assignments done.  Even one day we just skipped.  But I make sure to get caught up by the end of the week.  I am excited that my Little Man is starting to read pretty well, but it kinda makes me sad too.  Because I realize how much more attention and hard work I am giving him and this stage of his schooling than I gave my Angel.  Live and learn I suppose.  And I am glad I am getting better at this.  But I still feel really bad that I didn't do so well with my Angel.  Like I'm letting him down.  He is starting to do much better though.  Hopefully I'll get him caught up soon.

After two weeks of living in a dump, I am finally getting caught up on housework again too.  After 12 solid hours (over two days) of folding and hanging, the laundry is caught up!  I cleaned out and organized all the boys drawers, their closet, and my closet.  I think I'll work on my drawers this week.  Fall Cleaning always makes me feel better.

I love Fall so much!  It is definitely my favorite time of year.  The weather is beautiful, and there are so many chances to get together with family!  Someday I'll have a home more conducive to entertaining and I can keep it filled with guests.  Still not sure if that will mean major remodeling or moving.  But we are making a lot of progress in fixing up this home.  My back room is almost finished.  All that is lacking is trim.  And I just went ahead and moved furniture in this week.  And as soon as I finished unloading/moving/reloading my old worn out bookcases, my m-i-l told me about some nicer, matching bookcases I could go pick up!  So I get to do it all over again.  But it will look even better :)

Oh, and my workouts.  I get to start walking with a precious friend this week.  She's recovering from surgery and has to "take it easy" for 4-6 weeks.  So we are going to walk 5 miles 3-4 times a week!  I have a feeling it won't be as "easy" for me.  But she is much farther along this journey of life-change and I am super excited to learn from her :)

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Amazing Day

I have had an amazing Sunday.  Great Sunday School class with my girls.  Amazing worship service.  Good lunch with family.  Got a little bit of housework done.  Relaxing and watching football.  Pretty much a perfect Sunday.

It has been a really rough week.  I've been struggling with a lot of things.  Not being as organized as I'd like.  Not being able to get back into my workout routine, even though I'm finally well.  Not being content with the blessings God has given me.  Not understanding some theological issues.  Feeling like I'm not on the same page with Hubby in a lot of ways.

But today was amazing.  As I prepared to teach this morning, I felt like God was speaking to me.  We managed to all get up, and get ready, and have time to go out for breakfast before church.  During breakfast God used a simple conversation to show me Hubby and I are in fact on the same page.  Sunday School went really well.  All three boys sat quietly through worship service.  And it was one of those incredible services, where everything flows together perfectly, and God was speaking directly to my heart.  Almost every sentence the pastor spoke was answering a specific question I had been struggling with this week.

After church I got to visit with my Baby Sister, and we ended up going out to eat with her family, her in-laws who are in town, and our other Sister.  We had a great time talking over great food.  I have gotten quit a bit of housework done, as well as relaxed a lot since we've been home.  And I got to watch football :)

I am so refreshed and so ready to start a new week.  It's going to be hard - I've got to decorate a cake for my niece's 1st birthday party tomorrow, as well as get the boys schoolwork done.  But I am ready!  I can do it!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Ugh!

I am so sick of being sick!  I cannot stop coughing and I cannot find my voice!  It is so frustrating!!!

Tomorrow I am going to start watching my diet again, after a whole week off.  I am a little scared to get on the scales.  But I will in the morning.  See what the damage is.  But I don't think I will work out.  I would just end up in a coughing fit before I could even get started.

I stayed mostly caught up on school work.  I did at least a few lessons each day.  And by the end of Friday we had only two lessons not completed.  One was a science experiment we didn't have the supplies for, the other is a math lesson.  Last week was really math heavy.  I realized I do need to actually look at Angel's lessons ahead of time to be prepared.  We have three more science experiments due this week, two of which will take all week to complete, if not longer.  I need to watch ahead for book reports too, so he doesn't have to try to read a whole book and write in one day.

And this afternoon I finally sucked it up and cleaned most of the house.  I got the living room clean, the kitchen clean, my room mostly picked up, and a few loads of laundry done.  I feel better having a clean house.  Still coughing my head off, but I do like a clean house.

Update - I forgot Hubby was off Monday, so no such thing as a regular schedule.  But I did track my food diary and stayed right at my calorie goal.  I weighed in this morning, and I am still losing!  Made me feel so much better!  One more pound last week makes a total of 8 pounds since I began this journey in August.  And I managed to get in 15 minutes of cardio before the coughing fit.  So happy to be moving again!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Here we go go go go... on an adventure!

I am learning it is actually a lot of fun to go out and do things outside my house by myself.  It's still a little scary to actually head out, but I always have fun.  I've already posted about going out to refresh Grandma's flowers, but that was only the beginning of the adventure.  I traveled almost 200 miles!  All by myself!

First stop was the post office, but since they were not open yet, it was on to Chick-fil-a.  I would just like to say, I adore Chick-fil-a.  I love their food, I love their employees, I love their business concept, I love everything about them.  I had picked up boxed meals for our church fellowship meal last Wednesday from them.  They gave me all the sandwiches in this nifty warmer thing that kept them toasty and fresh until I served them.  It was awesome.  So I went back Saturday morning to return the nifty warmer thing.  And they gave me free breakfast for returning it.  Did I mention I love Chick-fil-a??

Then I headed down to Wortham and took care of the flowers.  As long as I was down their, I decided to check out the town.  I found a little antique store and perused for a while.  Then I drove around randomly looking at houses.  After one last drive past Grandma's resting place I got to thinking about my Grandmother who was still living.  I hadn't seen her in a few months.  Since I was already so far from home, I decided to head up and see her.  So I drove up to Edgewood.  Another 2 hours.  But I took some smaller country highways.  The drive was actually quite beautiful.  I hate to drive, but I actually enjoyed it.  We are experiencing what passes for Fall here in the great state of Texas.  And in East Texas they actually have trees.  Lots of trees.  Big trees.  And they were starting to change a little red.  It was quite beautiful.

When I got close I called my Grand-mommy and let her know I was coming.  She got really excited.  When I got there I discovered my Daddy was already there.  He was doing some chores and visiting.  So we all visited.  Grand-mommy wanted to show me how her boys (my Daddy and uncles) had remodeled her bathroom so she could get in there with her walker.  And she showed me her new vanity table with the lights.  We discussed my new interest in antiquing.  I was trying to explain some antique school desks I had found and wished I could have bought for our school room.  The kind were the desk for one is attached to the back of the bench.  You put them in a line in front of the other. 


Granddaddy remembered he used to have some antique school desks.  They might be still out in the shed.  I just had to go look!  We only found one.


I texted my aunt, who is a teacher, before I took it home, and she wanted to keep it.  But we found some other amazing stuff!

The scythe my Granddaddy used to cut hay when he was a boy:


A set of World Book Encyclopedias:


And not one, but two of these old reel-to-reel tape players:


It was even more fun than the antique malls, because of the stories I got with each piece I found!  I am so glad I took the time to go visit with them.

When I left them I stopped at the farmer's market in their small town.  I found some great pumpkins, some delicious fresh strawberries, and a jar of local honey with the comb inside (a special treat for my Hubby :)

On the way back to the big city I decided to stop at this huge General Store that I've always wondered what it was.  They were kind of cleaning up and getting ready to close, but they had a ton of iron... stuff?  Door knockers, hanging hooks, decorations, all kinds of stuff.  I found some coat hangers for my front entry.

By the time I finally made it home, I realized I was exhausted.  But it was really a great day.  I went out on my own and had a blast!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Fall Respects

Well, it's Fall.  Sort of.  Fall in Texas means it's only in the 90's, and we finally got a smattering of rain.  We did have a few brief moments of cool.  And it got me thinking.  About Grandma actually.  That woman was obsessive about tending to her parents' and her husband's grave.  She traveled all the way down to Wortham, Texas at least 4 times a year to change the flowers.  To be sure they were seasonal.  So obsessive in fact that she had my Mother-in-Law take her down just weeks before she passed away.  And although she didn't have the strength to get out of the car, she made sure the flowers were summer.  So when I found myself with a day all to myself, which also happened to be the first full day of Fall, I knew what I had to do.  I went and found some flowers, and drove down to change them out.  I think she would like them.

I also changed out the flowers on her parent's grave, which is right beside this hers.

I took enough flowers to do her sister's grave also, but it looked like her family has been bringing flowers of their own.  And after consulting both my husband and Mother-in-Law decided to leave a small bouquet.

So relax Grandma, as long as I am able, I will make sure your flowers are always in season.  It's the least I can do.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Busy Busy Busy

Oh, will the busyness ever slow down?  Probably not.  I've been handling it fairly well I suppose.  No more anxiety attacks since I've been monitoring my caffeine intake.  No caffeine while PMSing = no anxiety attacks :)  Although I am still having crazy mood swings and hot flashes :(  My PCP was not able to help me with my PCOS symptoms.  But she did send off for a few tests for diabetes and my thyroid.  Still waiting for those results.  Now I need to see my GYN about the PCOS.  And since I've already had my annual back in February, I don't think my insurance will cover another visit.  So I have to decide if I want to shell out the extra cash or wait until February. 

School has been going pretty well.  My angel is actually reading!!  Hubby was home and helped on Monday.  He forced him to read his questions, and guess what??  He can!!  I know he's not really up to grade level, but he can read.  Pokey Little Puppy is doing pretty well also.  He has good days and bad.  I have learned during lecture time to let him roll.  He still listens and he's happier about listening.  Squirt wants his turn too, I need to find more time to work with him also.

I've found a new workout.  I'm doing a new 30 min dance cardio every day.  And I'm doing an additional 30 min boot camp.  It's pretty killer.  I enjoy the intensity but the lunges are killing my knee.  I need to remember to wear my brace.  I like that I am working out so hard, but I really hate being sore. 

I am up to 7 pounds lost on my ticker above, super excited about that!  Slow and steady loss means it is more likely to stay lost.  I was able to talk to my doctor about the weight loss, she put in a recommendation for a consult with a dietician.  Hopefully my insurance will cover at least part of it, but even if it doesn't I am hoping to have at least a few meetings.  I am really believing I can do this.  I may need to adjust my goal weight, but I can definitely get to a point of being fit and healthy. 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Oh the guilt!

I am feeling really guilty today.  I am actually proud of myself.  I am up to an hour of cardio 5-6 days a week.  But this morning, My Angel woke up too early.  I mean, I am getting up at 5am now!  And he still got up before I was done.  I sent him back to bed.  I just can't work out as well with the kids just sitting there watching me.  So I felt a little guilty about that.  But then I could hear My Squirt coughing his poor little lungs out, and I still finished my last 15 minute set.  Yeah, I'm terrible.  I am reasonably certain it's just allergies and the weather changing - not pneumonia or anything.  But I still feel terrible.  And then when I got him up I just gave him medicine and tucked him in on the couch to watch cartoons while I went ahead with my shower and morning routine.

I've been feeling guilty about ignoring him lately anyway, the fact that he hasn't seemed like he feels good for the past few days just makes it worse.  I've been so busy trying to get into the swing of school, and really buckle down and do a good job this year.  He doesn't get much cuddle time anymore.  I've really got to make more time for him.  Pretty soon he won't want to sit and cuddle anymore!

Kind of a side note, I think I've come a long way these past few months.  Sleeping in is now 7:30-8:00 instead of 10:00.  My house is pretty clean most of the time.  I cook more often than we go out.  We have stayed on track with school work.  I'm even studying all week long for my Sunday School lesson, instead of Saturday night (or Sunday morning!).  I'm starting to believe I can reach my weight loss goal.  Not any time soon of course, but someday.

I am going to the doctor this week for a check up.  I also need to ask about PCOS.  My gyn has told me I have it, but not much about it.  I read a forum on MFP about some of the difficulties and realized I should probably seek some sort of treatment.  All of the symptoms I've been frustrated with lately actually point to PCOS, not super early menopause.  And PCOS increases my risk for diabetes, which is already in my family, and I'm really overweight, so I need to keep that monitored more closely.  More motivation to loose the weight!  But since PCOS makes it harder to loose weight, I think it's time for professional help.

Monday, September 5, 2011

2 More!

Well, bye-bye to two more pounds!  I'm pretty sure it's just the bloating going away, because I ate waaaaay too many m&m's yesterday at my Mom's house (who can say no to peanut butter and chocolate??) BUT I will take it and keep moving forward :)

School has been going better, I am getting the hang of things.  I have to keep reminding myself why I am doing it.  "Then Esau said, “Let us journey on our way, and I will go ahead of you.”  But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and that the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me. If they are driven hard for one day, all the flocks will die.  Let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I will lead on slowly, at the pace of the livestock that are ahead of me and at the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir.”" Deuteronomy 33:12-14.  I am going at their pace.  For Joseph's science lesson last week I had to let him just roll back and forth on the floor while we talked about the days of creation.  But he finally listened, and was able to finish his test.

I think I might be settling into a routine :)

Friday, August 26, 2011

Not zero anymore

I am so pumped! My ticker doesn't say 0 pounds lost anymore!!!!! Yay!!!!!

I stuck to my work out plan all week, and stayed under my calorie goal - sort of. I am working on learning portion control. Sometimes I wonder if my calorie log is really accurate. But I guess I'm not too far off if I've managed to loose 2 pounds :)

The trick will be not to gain it back this weekend. We have 2 birthday parties for the boys, which means no time to work out and lots of really bad for me foods :(

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Ready?

Yeah, so I was ready for the first day of school... Until we started and the curriculum software I had for my oldest wouldn't work. Every answer we tried to put in it would pop up an error window. So I wasted an hour and a half ordering and setting up new curriculum. But I was able to order basically the same curriculum in an online version. So we were able to start right away, and it is no longer taking up hard drive space on our computer. And I can access it from any computer, any time, any where. We ended up finishing schoolwork about 6pm. But we did it.

And then there was today. My oldest had a follow up appointment with the dentist from his dental surgery. He checked out fine, and on the way out I decided to schedule the next one to start his work. They were able to see him right away, so I figured since we were there might as well get the ball rolling. He is going to need 1 crown and 4 fillings. They think they can get it done in two office visits, and they offered to start right then, but I really had to get home so we left. I'll get him scheduled to start in the next week or two.

We had no sooner walked in the door than my cleaning crew arrived. And of course the house was a disaster. So the whirlwind of cleaning-so-the-cleaning-crew-can-clean began. We got two subjects of schoolwork done while they cleaned. And my niece arrived for my to babysit (a new regular thing on Tuesdays - I'm actually really excited :) Then we all went out for lunch to try to relax (my m-i-l was having a pretty bad day too). After lunch we squeezed in the rest of school work before the boys got to go to my m-i-l's and my b-i-l came back for his little girl.

So now I have some quiet time. I'm starting to feel like today was actually pretty productive. Tomorrow will be better. It has to.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

School Time

It is time for school to start, and I am actually ready! All my lesson plans FOR THE YEAR are done ahead of time. My oldest is finally old enough for Switched On, which means all his lessons will be on the computer, and it's already done for me. The program even grades it and keeps all his records. I ordered written curriculum for my middle child, and I have worked out all my lesson plans so all I have to do is study the night before for the next day. I have them in another computer program so I can input grades and attendance for him. I thought I'd copy all of the oldest into the program also so I could have them all in one place, but that seems like an awful lot of extra work.

I have stayed under my calorie goals on myfitnesspal so far, but I haven't input today yet. I am wondering if I should just skip Sundays and let them be my cheat days. I think I need to weigh in and take measurements tomorrow. Not sure if I want to do that weekly or monthly, but I haven't really done it since January, so I really should.

It's weird, but for the first time ever, I feel like I can do this. I can loose this weight. I can learn how to be healthy.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Fitness Pal

I've found a new site, MyFitnessPal.com, and I am loving it! It seems kinda like facebook, except everyone is tracking weight loss. Kind of companionship and accountability. They even have this cool tracker which I have added to the top of my page, so I can show off my progress :) And know that the world will be able to see if I fall backwards... Hopefully it will just be good motivation.

I've been really struggling with the strength training. I was finally healed up and tried to start working hard, but I hate being sore. And then I got sick. Maybe the yucky feeling was because I was sick. At any rate, I'll try again next week.

Of course school will be starting next week too. I am happy to say I have ALL of my lesson plans for THE WHOLE YEAR done!! Of course, I will still have to go back each week/day and prep specifically, but I know what I need to get done. I'm kinda excited. And kinda scared. I have got to do this right this year. But I am very happy My Angel is doing much better than I thought with reading. He's got the nuts and bolts down, we just need to work on fine tuning.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Back to work!

Ab seems to be fully healed, and I am back to hard work! I am so excited :) I have been doing 20 minutes of dance cardio 6 days a week, 20 minutes of pilates 3 days a week, and 10 minutes of ab work 3 days a week. It is amazing how good I feel. I'm finding it easier to get up in the mornings now. I actually can't sleep past 6:30! Yay for progress :)

Sunday, July 31, 2011

:(

It's amazing how 5 little words can take the wind out of your sail. Here I was thinking I was making progress towards loving myself. Starting to feel confident. All pumped and ready to start a harder workout in the morning. And then 5 little words knock me flat.

Father, help me get up tomorrow. Help me see myself through your eyes. Help me take care of myself. Help me love myself.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Busy busy

Well, I've not been working out every day, but my stomach is finally feeling better. Worked out four times this week, and didn't need to ice my belly at all. So I guess I'll go one more week with just cardio (to be safe) and then ease back into strength training.

I got the boys curriculum ordered and am working furiously on lesson plans. Third grade is easy, Switched-On Schoolhouse does it all for me :) So I've been working on 1st grade. I have Bible and Phonics done, still need to do Reading, Spelling, Writing, Math, Science, History, and Art... So far I am the most happy with my curriculum choice I have ever been! I've decided I'm going to start Phonics catch up next week, and full schedule on Aug 22 when public school starts.

After two whole days parked in front of the computer working on lesson plans, I have had a fabulous weekend full of self care! I got to go out for dinner and to hang out with my baby sis Friday evening, then came home and spent some quality time with the Hubby. Saturday morning my sisters and I took my Mom shopping for her birthday, and I spent some birthday money too. I tried on a ton of clothes and didn't get depressed at all! I found some great clothes, all on sale, plus an extra 20% off!! Then when I got back I got to go have coffee with a sweet girlfriend! It's amazing how fast 2 hours flies by with a great friend.

But when my Mom brought the boys home two of them seems to be ill, so it looks like we may have to stay home from church tomorrow. I guess we can have a family movie day with our new TV.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Eh...

Ugh, I have been feeling so depressed. It's like an ugly cycle. I get up, I try to work out, I aggravate the injury, push through to make Hubby breakfast, sit on the couch with an ice pack on my belly for a while, back starts hurting so I try to get up and take care of the house, belly hurts so I sit for a while with the ice pack, back hurts so I try to get up and take care of the house, go to bed, start again.

One bright side has been I'm having to let my boys become more responsible and do things for themselves. So I guess that's good.

Yesterday was two years since Pa passed away. It was Wednesday so we went to lunch with Ma. It was heartbreaking watching her keep asking, "Where's your Pa?" And then the tears come when we have to tell her. I wish we could just pretend and tell her he's at home and we'll see him later. But she has that angry/stubborn streak in her. She'll only wait so long before she starts storming off and she'll walk back to the old house looking for him if you don't restrain her. As hard as it is, it's easier to just tell her and deal with the tears. Alzheimer's sucks.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Deja Vu

Well, I was hoping to report that I was doing better with the working out stuff. But alas, not so much. The boys are still getting up ridiculously early. I just cannot figure out what is up with them?? I am used to having to pry them out of bed with a crow bar at 9:30-10:00, but for a week now they've been interrupting my bible time at 6:00! Really? I just cannot get up any earlier to have my "me" time. And I can't do it at the end of the day, because Hubby stays up till midnight most of the time. Sunday I just made them sit on the couch and worked out anyway. Today they stayed in their room until I was in the shower. But I could hear them singing back there.

And then this morning I over did it with the twisting and crunching. So I feel like I'm back to square one with this injury. It hurts even worse. I've been icing it off and on this morning, but I had to sit out Zumba :(

This is sooooooooooo frustrating. I've finally got the motivation to do something about my weight, and this stupid injury is keeping me from working as hard as I want to. What's worse, since it's my ab I've been trying not to keep it flexed all the time since the trainer said I could "tear it loose from it's attachment!" Which means my stomach is just hanging out and flabby all the time.

A sweet friend tried to make me feel better yesterday telling me I was looking so skinny. I really appreciate the compliment, but it's just so hard to believe right now. I know this will heal, and I will be able to work hard like I want. I know I am making little changes that will make me a healthier person. It's just such a slow process. I wish there was a fast forward button!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Getting back on the horse

Yeah, I'm trying to get back into the groove. I took the weekend off completely to let my ab rest. But it's been hard to get back to exercising this week. Our schedule has been irregular and my boys have been getting up too early. I've managed to work out only twice, and only 1 ten minute cardio each time. Hopefully tomorrow I can get up and do 20 minutes of cardio.

I have learned something about myself this week though. I cannot get up at 5:30 am. 6:00 am is the best time for my body to wake up. I did really well those 3 weeks getting up at 6:00 am. I set my alarm for 6:00 am and got up at 6:00 am and felt good all day. This week I had moved my alarm to 5:30 am to add more cardio time, but I just can't get up. And I don't end up rolling out of bed until 6:30 - 7:00. But as long as I go to bed by 11:00 pm, I am fresh and ready to go at 6:00 am :)

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Injury :(

Well, three weeks into this new routine, I have my first injury. Apparently I have strained an abdominal muscle. I got some professional advise, and it doesn't sound good. Basically I'll have to redo my whole work out routine for the next month at least. I cannot do any of my strength exercises I was doing. But I can at least do cardio. So it looks like I'll be waking Hubby up with the treadmill every morning instead of being quiet in the living room.

I'm trying really hard not to be depressed about it. But it's really hard.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Vainity?

I woke up this morning and realized it is almost July. Where did June go? It was a blur of VBS, hospital, funeral and family.

Grandma's funeral went very well. I was, however, reminded once again of the extra stress and difficulty a broken home continues to cause. But we made it through very nicely. One thing that surprised me at the viewing was how good Grandma looked. I usually try to avoid looking at the body, because it doesn't look like them. No offense to the people who work very hard to make the body look good, but death takes it's toll. But Grandma looked so good. It was the first time I have honestly expected the body to just, sit up and say, "Ha ha, I got you!" She looked like when she would fall asleep sitting in her chair reading a book. If you made a noise she would start with that little, "Oh!" Super kudos to the staff at Wade Family Funeral Home in Arlington. Grandma looked great, you were incredibly helpful, and you even stood out in that awful heat in your suits at the graveside!

I've been doing very good for the past 3 weeks, in spite of all the chaos, to get up and do my work out, AND get dressed (presentably) and ready for the day. I am rather proud of myself if I do say so. I went out and bought a new dress, and all new accessories to be sure I looked appropriate for the funeral. All this taking care of myself is starting to feel a little vain though. I've been a slob for so long, it feels weird. I suppose I'll have to get used to it. Overall, I really do feel good about myself. I may not be the skinniest, or the prettiest, or the most stylish. But trying feels good. Being active feels good. Keeping my home clean feels good. That's right, I have kept my home clean - CLEAN - for the past 3 weeks! I like this new me, I hope I can keep her around. Because I know I can learn to love her.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Good-Bye for now

Grandma passed this morning, very quietly. While I am glad she went peacefully, I can't help but think it was a little out of character for her. Grandma Burney was many things, but quiet was not one of them!

She was a hard worker, she only retired 2 years ago because she absolutely had to. She was a secretary for a high school. Did she have school spirit? Oh yes she did!

She was an active world traveler. She's been on pretty much every continent. Well into her 50's and 60's she was still hiking and white water rafting. Even in her 70's we couldn't keep up with her at the mall.

She was very opinionated. She would not hesitate one second to tell you exactly what she thought. She knew what she wanted and she would not rest until she got it.

She was a blast at a party. I still vividly remember her at my sister-in-law's wedding. Those Italians know how to party, and Grandma was right there in the middle of it - salsa dancing with the best man!

She was a doting great-grandmother. I wasn't around when her grandchildren were young so I don't really know, but I've heard she didn't think she was old enough to be a grandmother. I do know she absolutely adored her great grandchildren. They made her smile. I've never seen a picture of her smiling except the ones with the greats. She has poured love on them the best she knows how, and they love her too.

She was a night owl. I've heard stories from when my Hubby would travel with her. She would be up reading when the kids finally went to bed, and she would be up drinking coffee long before they got up in the morning. I guess that's why she slept the last few weeks of her life, she needed to catch up.

No, I don't think anyone who knew her would say she was quiet. But I am very thankful she passed away quietly, in her sleep. She fell asleep in a tired, worn out body here on earth. But she woke up in the arms of Jesus, perfect and whole. So we'll say Good-bye for now, Grandma Burney. We love you!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Grandma

Well, we went to see Grandma yesterday afternoon. They are giving her lots of anxiety meds, so she is not thrashing around any more. Just sleeping peacefully. They keep saying she'll only last a day or two, but so far it's been four. Initially, after seeing her Thursday I was wishing she would just go quickly because the way she was constantly thrashing and fighting for breath was horrible! But now that she is peaceful I am ok. I jump every time the phone rings, but knowing she's not in pain or anything brings peace.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Summer sure is crazy!

So much for relaxing while he's gone to VBX! My Little Man decided he wanted to go to, so I've only got one kiddo during the day. But for the first time in my life I am getting up early, fixing breakfast, getting three boys ready to go, seeing Hubby off to work, heading out myself to drop boys off, running errands and cleaning house all day, picking boys up, cooking dinner, and collapsing into bed!

To top it off, Hubby's grandmother has not been doing well, and last night hospice was called in. She is not expected to make it to the weekend. We went and saw her last night, and she looked really bad. She's been having problems since her heart attack two years ago with fluid building up in her body. Now she has pneumonia and is dehydrated, but they can't give her fluids or she will just drown. All we can do is pray the Lord will take her peacefully and quickly.

I've started a Zumba class with my Girls Ministry, and I might start one for the Ladies Ministry at church also. Being active feels good. Even being sore feels better than I do when I just sit around. And after eating out almost every day when I was working VBS, I realized my digestive system feels MUCH better when I eat healthy food at home!

An update on my newest niece, after a few days in NICU, and only 1 week total in the hospital she got to go home last night! I hate that I can't go see her until November, but I'll keep sending packages to her and her big sister in the mean time.

I wish once things settle down after the funeral I could take a week to relax. But I've got to work on improving the boys reading skills before the school year starts in September. And I've got to decide on curriculum.

And.... I'm planning a Girls Weekend with some friends to pamper myself for my birthday. A little self care :)

Friday, June 10, 2011

Not so great week...

Well, from a pretty good week to a not so good week. VBS this week made for a long crazy week. Then when you add two anxiety attacks, the revelation that those attacks may be caused by my beloved mocha addiction, a grouchy teething toddler, a traumatic trip to the dentist for My Angel, and a Hubby who's been hobbling through back pain bad enough for the man who hates doctors to ask for an appointment...

Needless to say I haven't gotten any real exercise, nor have I been eating very well.

Another exciting twist? My niece who was due July 10th made a surprise appearance! A full month early but weighing 6.14lbs she has been in NICU for 2 days so far, but is doing pretty well. She's a fighter.

Next week My Angel will be going to VBX from 9-2, so maybe I'll get a chance to relax...

Saturday, June 4, 2011

A Pretty Good Week

Well, I think I've had a pretty good week. I've done some kind of fitness activity every week day. i even had one super good day - I got up on time, did my bible study, and yoga, and cooked a good breakfast for my family, and cleaned my house, and went out and played tennis with the whole family!

I made another cake today, a graduation cake for one of my Stepping Stones girls. I can't believe they are growing up so fast! Congratulations Taylor, you are going to be an amazing young woman! I'll post a pic later.

Feeling kinda bummed tonight. Not sure why. I guess just tired. And maybe because I didn't get any exercise in today. Hopefully I will get up and at least do some yoga tomorrow. I might get to go swimming too!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

My Work

Thought I'd share some of the cakes I've done the past two months :)




First was my Papa's 80th Birthday Party
Some Wedding Shower cakes for my cousin (two separate showers)





And finally, my cousin's wedding cake!

Relaxation

Ah...... I finally made it to that point. The wedding is over, I feel like I can relax now. I kind of feel like I have turned a corner. I've been working really hard on cakes the past two months. And they all turned out really well. I may even have some non-friend paying customers soon! What is this strange feeling? Oh, wait, it's confidence!! I haven't felt like this in a long time.

On the exercise front, I tried Zumba last night. Not in front of anyone of course, Andy bought me a wii Zumba! I tried to learn a few steps, but the instruction is basically non-existent, so I just jumped into a workout. I lasted through the warm-up. But I got moving! I'm hoping to find time to try again tonight. If not I'll definitely have to get up in the morning. It is pretty fun.

And I've also started a special little bit of self care. I'm really excited about doing something I've always wanted to do! But still really nervous about actually telling anyone. So for now, all I'll say is I am expressing myself creatively, and it feels great! Someday, I may be able to share it with the world at large, and make money at it. But for now it just makes me really happy!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Oddness

Can I just say I feel really odd. For several months now I just feel odd. Almost like, I'm waiting for something. Like, I just need to hold on until this point, but I don't know where that point is? It's crazy.

Anyway, I'm ready to set new goals for this week. I plan to work out 5 times. Of course one of those workouts should have been this morning, but the power was out. I'm hoping to get it in tonight. If not, then Saturday. I also plan to spend 2.5 hours reading. Yes, reading. These goals are not just about physical health, but emotional health too. And finally I plan to have 5 30-minute (or more) Quiet Times. Yep, spiritual health too :)

This week is going to be pretty stressful, Papa's 80th Birthday Party is this weekend, and one Grandmother is still in the hospital. So I may have to post a "vent" or "rant" at some point, just for my sanity's sake, LOL!

Friday, April 1, 2011

...

So... it's been quite a while since I posted. I've been really struggling with some emotional junk that has kept me in a funk. But I've finally gotten back into the groove of working out, so hopefully I can keep it up for a while. I'm still not sure how much or how often I want to post, I guess I'll just figure it out as I go.

On a side note, I'm worried my wii may be acting up. I've been using it to weigh myself. I got on it Tuesday morning for the first time in a couple months, and of course I'd gained 10 pounds. Then Wednesday morning I'd lost 2 pounds, after going on a date Tuesday night and pigging out on chinese food and ice cream. Then Thursday morning I'd lost 2 more pounds after pigging out on mexican food for lunch and stuffing myself with pork chops for dinner. And Friday morning I'd gained 2 pounds after (I though) doing a pretty good job of controlling my diet. Something is not right here...

Thursday, February 10, 2011

February 10, 2011

Wow. I need more hours in a day. I just realized I haven't posted in almost two weeks. Things have been kinda crazy here. Nasty ice and snow storm kept us in for about a week, then there was Super Bowl Weekend, then more ice and snow, and in between it all trying to visit and help take care of ailing grandmothers while helping the healthy grandmother plan an 80th birthday party for grandfather. Whew.

As far as goals last week, I only got in two full workouts. And so far this week, only one. But with all that has been going on, I guess I can't be too mad at myself. The rest of the week is going to be pretty crazy too, so I'll wait til Sunday for new goals.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Way to Love Your Body #1

I found this list, compiled by Margo Maine, Ph.D, on the National Eating Disorders Association website. I have decided to work my way through it on my blog, probably once a week.

Today, I'll start with #1 Think of your body as the vehicle to your dreams. Honor it. Respect it. Fuel it.

My body is worthy of honor. My body is worthy of respect. My body is worthy of fuel. Not because it is my body, but because it was created by God. It is His temple. I will honor and respect and fuel it for His glory!

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Sunday, January 30, 2011

January 20, 2011

A new week begins. I have found a website which I believe will be very useful to me on this journey to learn how to love myself. Later this week I hope to start implementing these new ideas :)

For now, goals for this week - 3 full workouts (1 full workout consists of 1 20-minute mile with incline bursts plus 1 20-minute weight/resistance set).

Saturday, January 29, 2011

January 29, 2011

Well, another week has come and gone. I'm feeling pretty proud of myself today. I got up early and did a full work out this morning, cleaned up and fixed myself up - even though we didn't go anywhere. I've cooked to big meals today. After 3 days of the machines running non stop I am caught up on laundry. The house is as clean as it needs to be. It's been a pretty relaxing day :)

As far as my goals for this week, I walked twice at the increased speed but once at the old speed. The increased speed was making the incline too hard (i.e. requiring my inhaler) and I'd rather keep the incline than the speed. I did a resistance workout I found online twice. It is killing my legs!! I'm not sure about my arms though. I've decided not to mess with the yoga anymore, because somehow it's making my back hurt. Must be doing something wrong, but I'd need a professional to fix it. So I definitely met one goal completely. The other two I'll be modifying for next week. Hopefully pretty soon I'll figure out a workout schedule that works for me and makes me work!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

January 27, 2011

Really struggling today with loving myself. I have not eaten well today. The last couple of days really. I just keep eating, and eating, and eating. I don't even know why. My clothes are tight again. I have a really nice pair of jeans that I hadn't been able to wear in a while. Last week I could wear them. This week they about cut off my circulation.

I suppose the stress of having a sickness in the house is part of it. Hubby was sick over the weekend, then Little Man got the cough Monday. And when he has a cough he tends to cough so hard he throws up. And today the Squirt has it. He gets croup, so I have to sit up with him all night to make sure he's still breathing. Yeah, the problem is stress. Just typing about it makes me want to go get another cookie. I need a better way to deal with stress than eating cookies. Keep typing?

I found a nice workout program online tonight. Some simple resistance training I can easily do at home. My legs are definitely burning, but I'm not sure how well it will work for my arms. We shall see. I may need to refine my exercise goals a bit. I thought yoga was supposed to make you more limber, but it only seems to make my back hurt. So I may drop that part.

Well, I'm pretty sure this episode of croup is over. He's breathing better and wanted to go back to bed. But now my Angel is complaining his throat hurts. Can't be sure if it's for real or just another stall tactic. He's been doing everything under the sun to stay up as long as he can tonight. Since it's going around the house, guess I better be safe and start the medications on him too. And I think I'll try to go on to bed too. 'Night!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

January 26, 2011

Ah, the newness of the blog is already wearing off. Missed two days in a row posting :( But then again if I try to share every single detail, it will soon become boring!

This week is turning out to be pretty stressful. Hubby was sick over the weekend, and once he got well one of the boys started with it. So I'm trying to juggle a sick child, homeschooling, preparing a meal at church, and changing my lifestyle.

I must admit, in the eating healthy category, I definitely caved yesterday. I took the boys to McDonald's and had a huge unhealthy burger. But we've been eating out a lot less, and I'm learning to make healthier choices when we do (most of the time). For instance, I went to Taco Bueno Saturday. Instead of the nacho salad I used to get (759 calories and 48 grams of fat!) I now choose the chicken tortilla soup (237 calories and 11 grams of fat).

I walked Monday and Wednesday mornings as planned. But Hubby is off early this week, and when we had an opportunity for a date Tuesday night I totally bailed on the yoga and weight training. A few weeks ago the combination of diet fail and exercise schedule bail would have knocked me totally off the wagon. But this is different. It's about becoming a better, healthier person. And that includes healthy relationships, which means I did not bail on a better me! So getting up this morning to walk was no problem :)

I have until Saturday night to meet my exercise goals, which is totally doable. I am learning that with 3 boys and a very disorganized husband, I just cannot schedule every minute. And that is ok.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Nice Blister


Just thought I'd share a picture of this beaut from my 5 mile walk Saturday.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

January 23, 2011

Not too bad a day. Got everybody up and ready for Sunday School on time. Sat in church for about 5 minutes, but the Squirt was in a VERY vocal mood and Hubby's cough was coming back with a vengeance. So we headed home. Had to cancel lunch with Mother-in-Law too. Apparently Pneumonia is going around at Hubby's garage. Not cool. So I've spent the rest of the day trying to baby him. Not a great start to the week, but I know it's not going to be a good week anyway. Hubby has training at work, so he'll be going in extra early. But, I'm ready to make the best of it.

Goals for this week - treadmill x 3, increase speed by .5, yoga x 2, weight training x 2

Saturday, January 22, 2011

January 22, 2011

I am so excited and proud of myself right now!!! I did something today I had never believed I could. I walked 5 miles in 1 hour and 40 minutes on my treadmill! It is amazing the difference attitude makes. When I am on the treadmill to try to punish myself I've never made it more than 30 minutes, 2 miles. But when I focused on taking care of myself, it felt so good to just keep walking! Of course now I am exhausted, but it's a good exhausted :)

As far as my goals for the week, I got on the treadmill only 2 times. But the second time was 5 miles! So I'm not feeling too bad about that right now. And I did yoga 2 times, so I met that goal :)

January 21, 2011

Ugh. Long day. It started at 5am when my precious little Squirt came running through the house screaming "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" but running strait to me. He practically jumped into my arms and wrapped his little arms around my neck and held on as tight as he could for about 15 minutes. I finally got him calmed down enough to just sit in my lap, but he was not the slightest bit interested in going back to sleep. Must have been a doozy of a nightmare :(

And taking care of myself kind of got pushed to the back burner. I did not eat well, or get my treadmill time. But, we got some schoolwork done. And we made gingerbread houses, which the boys LOVED. So the day was not a total loss. But I do have some catching up to do...

Friday, January 21, 2011

January 20, 2011

Ah... a day of recovery. I just have to say I am super proud of myself. I stayed focused all day and actually caught up on my laundry!! Not only washed and dried, but folded/hung and put away!!! And the boys and I cleaned the house before bed. I actually cooked a nice dinner too :)

Thursday, January 20, 2011

January 19, 2011

Wow. Really bad day. But, I survived the day. I asked for help when I needed it, and took care of what I needed to. Yesterday I just felt really bad about it all. But today I can look at it and say I handled everything ok. I really need to work on controlling these panic attacks though!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

January 18, 2011 #2


Learning to Love Myself - Took time out this afternoon to give myself a manicure :)

January 18, 2011

Got up extra early today to spend time taking care of myself :) I had time for Bible Study, Yoga, cleaning, and cooking breakfast before our Portrait sitting for the church directory. It feels good knowing I took care of myself and my family this morning, even if we did have to rush a little.

Monday, January 17, 2011

January 17, 2011

So, I'm learning to take care of myself. Thanks to a very wise friend, I have begun to view exercise differently. It is not punishment. It is time I spend taking care of myself. Thanks to this dear friend I have begun to enjoy my time exercising much more. And it is a lot easier to get up in the morning and exercise!

Goal for the week - Treadmill 3x, Yoga 2x

The First Step

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...

So here I go. I plan to divide my posts here into three categories. Learning to Love Myself, Learning to Take Care of Myself, or Learning to Make Myself a Better Person.

My goal with this blog is to keep myself motivated. Any encouragement or advice is welcome and appreciated!!