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!