One Sweet Pea In Our Pod

My Priss Pot

2009-04-27T09:34:00.003-05:00

We went to the lake house a few weeks ago for the annual Redding crawfish boil. Here are a few pics. My girl can be such a priss pot at times! Hehehe!

St Paddy's Day at the Zoo

2009-03-18T11:42:00.004-05:00

It's Spring Break this week...that means two things...no work at Mom's Day Out AND ALL the children at my house ALL DAY LONG! Yikes! So, we took advantage of the pretty St Patrick's Day and went to the zoo. Seems everyone in the Memphis area had the same idea. Regardless, we had a great time! Here are a few pics.

Snow!

2009-03-02T11:54:00.002-06:00

We got snow March 1st! Some say we got up to 12 inches - most say we got around 5 inches. Who knows?! I just know it was beautiful! Here are a few pics of the precious white stuff!

New Prayer

2009-01-12T12:38:00.004-06:00

Okay, my mom is the greatest! I know, I know...everyone thinks their mom is the greatest... Well, she mails me and my daughter a card once a week. She usually includes coupons and Bible verses or magazine clippings for me, and stickers and $1.00 for my daughter. It's as much fun for me as it is for my daughter to recieve Nana's card! This past week she enclosed a little book titled These Prayers Are Always Answered. It's a Guidepost publication. The three types of prayers it briefly talks about are 1.For stability. 2.For greater love. 3.To be of service. I learned from each description but the one I am working on most is "For greater love." In it, it states a simple prayer which can expand my love for others. Sit quietly and offer this prayer - beginning with myself: "May I be free from fear. May I be free from suffering. May I be joyful. May I be filled with loving kindness." Repeat this prayer twice. Next, focus upon somone you love and offer the prayer two times on that person's behalf. Then, offer the identical prayer, twice, for a neutral person, someone you don't know well, such as a distant neighbor, work collegue, or store clerk. Finally, make the same prayer two times for someone you dislike. The power of prayer lies in its ability to nourish the seeds of loving kindness in yourself and free it to radiate outward.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-12T12:36:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to take a quick moment to wish you all a Happy and Blessed New Year!

This is the time of resolutions. My resolution is to be healthy. I'm not going to specify a certain amount of weight I'd like to lose or what I'd like to eat or not eat. I'm going to simply say I need to get healthy.

We joined a gym and I have been successfully attending - only one week into it but successful none the less. I also got Wii Fit - used it for the second time today and love it!

Good luck to you all in your New Year!

2008-12-24T10:07:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Where has the time gone?

2008-10-10T16:58:00.002-05:00

Okay, so it's almost the middle of October and I haven't posted anything in months...almost a year. I've got to get on the ball and get things posted. I will try to update this as often as I can. I am working part-time as a pre-K teacher two days a week. I will start keeping three children in my house three days a week as well so we'll see how much time I have to post things. :)

Body Image Tips

2008-01-23T15:36:00.000-06:00

I am participating in a wonderful Bible study called Wisdom for Mothers by Denise Glenn. Each week we have a mothering skill that we have to practice. This week's skill is You and Your Body Image. I thought this one was wonderful - especially this time of the year when everyone is making (and breaking) New Year's resolutions. Here are some body image tips you may find helpful.
1. Be discerning about which magazines you read and which TV shows you watch. Anyone can look good once they are airbrushed. *Take your body issues to the cross.
2. Don't casually complain about your weight. It invites comparison and compliments.
3. Eat right and exercise. Quit looking for the perfect diet and go back to the basics. Our goal should be lifestyle changes for good health, not to drop a dress size before the next weekend.
4. Find clothes that fit you, no matter what size you are. Don't keep putting off buying clothes that fit your post-pregnancy body.
5. Don't make foods good or bad. Think more in terms of balance and quantity. Just as God gave us sex for enjoyment and procreation, God gave us food for enjoyment and nourishment.
6. Never go to the grocery store hungry.
7. Get going! Whether you walk or do aerobics, the key is to move each day, preferably for 30-45 minutes. Go outside when possible. Get away from media and into creation. Try to go places that are quiet and without crowds so you can avoid comparing yourself.
8. Keep lots of healthy snacks around, not just fruit so that you have options when you are hungry.
9. *Give to God your struggles with food, weight, clothes, body type, etc.
10. Meditate on scripture such as Ps. 45:11, John 4:34, Rom. 12:1-2, Gal. 2:20, Mark 12:29-31, and Col. 3:17.

The Weekend

2008-01-14T14:04:00.000-06:00

Well, I did not exercise over the weekend as I would have liked to do. We had company so there was no time for exercise. I did get some info on The Adkins Diet...can't decide if it's for me or not. I'm not a big meat eater - I live on carbs - so I'm sure if I cut them down drastically, as you have to do, I know I'd see a drastic weight loss...just not sure if I'm ready for no carbs. I am counting calories today as a start. I weighed today and was somewhat discouraged. I exercised three times last week and did yoga three times last week and gained a pound! Guess we all have our ups and downs.

Thursday

2008-01-11T09:35:00.000-06:00

Today was the day for many errands. I had MOPS this morning followed by lunch with my darling husband. Then, after nap time (which my daughter has shortened to maybe one hour, if I'm lucky) we went to our local library for come and go craft time. We had a wonderful day of activity but no yoga or exercise. Maybe tomorrow...

Wednesday

2008-01-09T21:28:00.000-06:00

Well, I got up and going and forgot to weigh. I refuse to post a weight at night because I usually weigh a little more at night. I was unable to get AM Yoga in this morning because my daughter woke earlier than normal. We did make it to the gym and I had a great workout! I lasted longer on the treadmill and did more weights. Whew!

Tuesday

2008-01-09T21:27:00.000-06:00

I did AM Yoga today but that's about it. We went to the gym but our daughter decided to show her two year old temper and we had to leave...

Monday's Accomplishments

2008-01-08T07:46:00.000-06:00

Okay, I got off to a great start yesterday with the counting calories and all but bombed around early afternoon. I started making lunch and discovered we were out of bread, milk, etc. So I ran to the store and caved on the way home...it was around 2pm and I was starving so I ate 3 cookies on the way home...it was all downhill after that. I did drink water (not nearly enough - not even half the amount I should have - I didn't drink anything other than water except Diet A&W and some milk - I just don't drink enough period) and I did AM Yoga. When my husband came home we went to the gym and I got a nice workout on the treadmill and lifted a few weights. I'm so proud of myself! I look forward to accomplishing more today!

What Fruit Are You?

2008-01-07T11:13:00.001-06:00

I'm Banana
You are a softie! Loving, gentle, warm and sympathetic by nature is the banana lover. You often lack in self-confidence and are quite timid by nature. People often take advantage of your sweet temperedness, and sheer vulnerability to a situation. You adore your partner both for their mental and physical beauty! Your relationship is always in harmony!

Sewing

2008-01-07T11:01:00.000-06:00

I got a sewing machine for Christmas last year, 2006...I've been wanting to sew for quite some time. I took a class in Home Ec. around the 8th grade and haven't seen a sewing machine since. It was since my daughter entered a few pageants that I really wanted to pick up the hobby. I saw several darling outfits that I knew I could make. Anyway, the sewing machine my mother-in-law gave me two Christmases ago saw the light of day last night. I purchased an inexpensive pattern and some Christmas material on sale and cut away. I got discouraged towards the end when some things didn't quite meet up. I will have to take the dress to my mother-in-law's house soon for her to help finish (couldn't figure out the sleeves and elastic), but all in all I'm proud of myself for attempting such a task in my first sitting. I would love to take a class on sewing but don't know where to look - and would gladly accept any suggestions.

January

2008-01-07T08:37:00.000-06:00

I started out great this morning ~ I measured and weighed and even did my AM Yoga video. I feel wonderful and excited about what I've accomplished and what I've set forth to do. My husband and I chatted last night and we both have areas to work on as far as weight and getting in shape. We've agreed to cheer each other along. He wants to lose 20 pounds by the end of March and I'd like to lose 10 pounds by then.

Here are my goals:
Exercise three times a week.
Yoga three times a week.
Drink more water.
Watch what I eat and try to stick to 1500 calories a day.

I plan on weighing once a day (I know that's a little obsessive but it helps me) and measuring once a week. I will be perfectly happy if the scales don't budge but the body starts to tone. I honestly do not care what the scales say as long as the body looks fit and I feel better. So here's to a good new start towards a healthier lifestyle!

Whew!

2008-01-05T17:28:00.000-06:00

I got back on the scales this morning and am back to where I was on my last weigh-in before the holidays (December 19th). Whew! I haven't been doing well (I've gotten on my elliptical machine once and only for a few minutes) with the exercising, eating better, or water. Got to get more motivated!

Weekly Weigh-In

2008-01-02T14:44:00.000-06:00

I haven't weighed in a few weeks and decided I must do so today. I am up 1.5 pounds since December 19th. I guess that's not too bad considering all the junk I ate over the holidays. I plan on getting back on track - start exercising, more water, etc. My husband and I plan on staying home more for the new year so that should help with the eating. It's hard to watch what you eat while eating out so frequently. I wish everyone good luck with the last few weeks of Tales from the Scales. I intend on continuing weekly weigh-ins even once Tales from the Scales ends - it helps me be accountable for what I weigh. Good luck and may we all have positive things to post next week!

Weigh-In

2007-12-19T22:38:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm holding steady. I think that is a plus with all the eating I've been doing. It's like I can't get full. Anyway, I woke up and did yoga. Then, tonight, hubby and I went to gym. I only did 12 minutes on the treadmill because our daughter was getting fussy and I wanted a little time on the weights. Did some arm and leg weights and left on a positive note - proud of what I had done and looking forward to doing more tomorrow.

Up-to-Date

2007-12-18T15:42:00.001-06:00

It is such a busy time of the year. I've chosen this week to start having short lessons with my daughter. We started with the letter "A" yesterday and had a great time. We made an alligator from a foam clothespin and then went to our local library for craft time. They have extra crafts this time of the year and we finally made it to one of the sessions. She got to make a Christmas mouse in a cup and an Angel kiss (both are cute little crafts that we added a string to hang it on our tree). ~ As far as her potty training - that's going pretty well. I usually only have to change one diaper a day (the poopie one). She gets so excited to get a tattoo for each time she goes to the big girl potty. Not sure how many of you are familiar with LA Ink but my husband jokes that she's our little own Kat Von D. ~ I am way behind on the weekly weigh-in. The last time I weighed I was the same as I was almost a month ago. I think that's pretty good since I've been eating more food than I normally do. I have tried to incorporate more water and that's going pretty well. I can say I've never wanted a Dr. Pepper more (and that's not my usual drink of choice)! I did yoga once last week and so far once this week. I know it doesn't help with weight loss but it feels so good to stretch and relax. I will try to do better with it all at the start of the new year. ~ I better sign off. We're off to Chick-Fil-A for a Gingerbread Boy puppet show and dinner with Santa. Oh what a jolly time of year it is! ~ I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Many blessing to your families!

Weigh-In

2007-11-12T10:53:00.000-06:00

Okay, I know I'm a few days late (5 to be exact) but I haven't had a computer for the past week (been helping my parents move). I am down a pound - yippee! I am thrilled to be down a pound since I ate out for EVERY meal this past week and it usually included sinfully good deserts. I am hoping for a good week this week too - would like to drop a pound each week before the holiday season begins - I know I will eat good at Thanksgiving (nothing like Granny's good home-cooking!). Congrats to all that had a good week last week and I hope we all have a wonderful week this week too!

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-02T14:39:00.000-05:00

My darling daughter got to go trick or treating for the first time this year. She was an infant her first year, only 5 months old, so we visited a few close friends that year. Last year she was 17 months old so we took her to a carnival with her cousin. This year we were out of town visiting my parents in MI so we didn't get to take her to the church carnival as planned. We took her around to a few houses and she had the best time. She was miss personality! She enjoyed telling everyone what she was..."I'm a kitty cat! Meow, meow!" She told some that she had to fill her bucket up. She told others that it was cold so she had to hurry (it was a blustery day in MI). What a neat treat to see!

A Late Weigh-In

2007-11-02T14:32:00.000-05:00

I'm out of town this week visiting my parents in MI. My father retired yesterday, after 33 years of active duty with the Army. What a bittersweet moment in our lives. Anyway, I missed the weekly weigh-in due to traveling, etc. I am holding steady - no gain and no loss. I am satisfied with holding steady at this moment.

Flu Shot

2007-10-29T08:05:00.000-05:00

I took my darling daughter to a new pediatrician Friday for the flu shot. The nurse walks in with gloves on and shot in hand and I explain to my daughter that she's about to get a shot. The nurse looks at me with a surprised look. My daughter has no idea what a shot is - so as the nurse starts the process I explain step by step what she's doing. There was a little jump with the cold alcohol wipe. My daughter watches everything the nurse does... The needle pricks her and she has a very sad face on but never sheds a tear. I explain that we're all done and how proud I am of her not crying. She stands up and says, "Thank you for my band aid." The nurse is shocked and explains that most want to hit or bite her - none ever thank her! How relieved I am - I just hope my darling daughter stays this way!

Another week gone...

2007-10-24T15:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the weekly weigh-in day and I'm holding steady. No gain or loss this week. I have to say this past week has really flown by. I've been consumed with taking my darling daughter to the big girl potty. Last week she did great. We were out of town for the weekend so that set us back a little but we're back at it this week. I'm so proud of her! It's always nice to see her big smile for getting a sticker too. :) I've also been consumed with monitoring my blood pressure. High blood pressure runs on my Mom's side of the family. My grandmother had several mini-strokes several years ago and both of her children take blood pressure medicine daily. My blood pressure has been borderline for years but it seems to have jumped up a bit lately. I'm now wondering if the frequency in my migraines is due to my rising blood pressure...hmmm. My mother has urged me to visit a doctor to see if I need to be on meds or not - she is so afraid I'm going to drop dead and she'll never see her darling granddaughter again. So, out of response to many headaches this past month, I'm going to a new doctor in mid -November. This is just another reason to work on exercising - it's just so hard to do with a headache. Anyway, congratulations to all those that have lost this past week. Good luck to us all!

Weigh-In

2007-10-17T11:26:00.000-05:00

I weighed myself this morning just for kicks. I knew I hadn't tried to watch what I ate or exercised any last week so I expected no loss but to my surprise I'm down one pound! Yippee! This just shows me what I could do if I actually gave it my all. I've tried to count my calories but being at home all day just has too many temptations. I did walk on the treadmill 10 minutes yesterday. No, that's not long at all but it is more than I normally do. I figure something is better than nothing. I'm hoping the calorie counting will kick in once I see some changes in my physical appearance. That's how it happened last time. I ate what I wanted and exercised and once I noticed changes I wanted to do better so I started to watch what I ate. ~ Congratulations to you all for a week well done!

"Why?"

2007-10-16T09:32:00.000-05:00

Okay, my darling daughter has hit the "Why?" stage - and much sooner than I had anticipated! She's been asking, "Whatcha doin'?" for a while now. (I have to say it was quite entertaining when she went with me to the gyno a month ago and the dermatologist last week.) I knew this day would come but didn't know it would be so soon - most say their child hit this stage somewhere between 3 and 4, not 2! A few weeks ago she started with the whys but now it's with everything, everyday. I'd love any suggestions on how to handle all the questions. My husband and I started answering each question but by the end of the day we want to pull our hair out - as you know, one why leads to another why... Any suggestions???

Alright, here's my story...

2007-10-09T15:04:00.000-05:00

I saw this link on a family member's page and thought I'd check it out. As part of joining this group I have to tell my story. Growing up I was never happy with my appearance (I have a lack of self confidence). I always felt overweight but looking back at photos I see I was actually underweight.

After some medical problems I was placed on a drug that actually caused me to gain weight. I was warned of it's side effect but didn't really worry until I stopped and looked in the mirror one day. I had gained around 35+ pounds. I quickly stopped taking this prescription and joined Curves. I got the weight off and felt better about myself. Now, several years later, and three pregnancies behind me, I have packed on some extra baggage again.

I joined Curves a month ago but haven't gotten to attend due to traveling. I hope joining this group will give me the accountability I need to get back on track. When I joined Curves I was 15 pounds from my goal weight. I weighed myself today and I've lost 3.5 pounds since Sept. 9th. (Despite going on vacation last week! Yay!) I look forward to feeling good and confident about myself again!

Welcome Everyone!

2007-10-09T11:54:00.000-05:00

Well here I am doing something I never knew I'd take part in - blogging! I've thought about it for some time and finally decided to create a blog for accountability (for myself and my many goals), and for my family and friends. I will do my best to keep things updated - I'm new at this so please have patience while I learn how things work. I welcome any and all suggestions. Thanks for stopping by and please return often. Hugs!