Charles and I are temporarily on vacation and we will be back soon! I am writing this just in case you you miss us. Hee, hee...Austa la vista! Havin' fun in the sun!

Retarded computer

I have so little memory on my computer that I have a hard time having enough space on my computer for all my pics. Soon I will put another blog. This week is sooo busy. Did you know I burned 600 calories in my step aerobics class today? Wow! I worked out 2 different times today and everday this week. So proud of myself and I've been sticking to 1500 calories everyday. Awesome!

Vacation Bible School

Here is such a cute picture of Ivy's bathtime. It took her a year to finally not cry and start enjoying her baths. Now I can't get her out!

This week is vacation bible school at church so Brianne meets me there and then we head to the YMCA together. Today she forgot her workout clothes so we just laid out by the pool. Afterward, we headed the McDonalds. Don't worry, I only had a Chicken Ceaser Salad. :) But tomorrow we will work out together and then go swimming. I got to talk to my sister today in South Africa! Yay! And my niece. I was so excited to hear their voice. It was wonderful. I miss Jodee very much. Who would've thought after fighting so much growing up? LOL! Anyhow, when I was working out today in my living room, my boys were working out with me and I didn't have the heart to tell them that we were all too squished to do it together. They were all really into it. When I was doing my core workout, they would jump over me while I was doing crunches. Sheesh. :) I have some neat pictures to show you later when I get the time. I wish Brianne lived closer to me! I wish Jodee did too! Now that she's moved far away, I'll just have to chase Brianne down if she ever tries to move also. I'd be so sad. :(

Down to Licking the Top of a Hershey Syrup Container

So I started at this FANTASTIC weight loss and fitness website that is free. Just one word.... amazing. You should check it out even if you only have 10 pounds to lose. Everyday I type in what I ate and it automatically tracks your calories, carbs, fat, and protein. Wow! I love things like this. It also tracks my fitness. Charles joined to and he is doing amazing. He's doing better than me on the calorie intake. If you want to check it out it's www.sparkpeople.com. It makes weight loss so simple without having to sit there and stare at the bag on the back of the item trying to total everything in your head. I NEVER realized how many calories 2 cups of eggs have! Are you ready? Over 700 calories! Holy Moly! You have to take the yolk out. I had so much fun sitting there and typing in all these things such as "pizza, Taco Bell tacos, ice cream, York Peppermint bar, etc. Some things just blew me away how much calories I was taking in. I was going waaaay over. No wonder those last 10 lb were hanging around. Sheesh. I never knew how much I liked sweets till now. Tonight I licked the top of a Hershey Syrup container. Yea, I know. I can't believe it myself. It's almost embarrassing.

www.sparkpeople.com

Great Carb Diet Info

Guys, I found this great site that helps me choose with carb diet I would like. I'm leaning towards The Carb Addicts Diet. Brianne need to buy me a matching shirt that she has that says, "I love carbs". That would be me.
_____________________________________________________________
Carb Counting Rules of Popular Low Carb Diets
The Atkins diet permits a daily carb-total of just 20 grams, during the induction phase of the plan. In the second phase, known as Ongoing Weight Loss, you add another 5 grams of net carbs (digestible carbs) a day, in weekly increments. You keep adding 5 grams of carbs until your weight loss ceases, at which point you will have attained your carbohydrate-balance - normally 40-60 grams of carbs per day.

Carbohydrate Addicts Diet
In the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet, the authors argue that total daily carb intake is less important than the number of times you actually eat carbohydrate. By restricting carbs to one meal a day, you help to stabilize your blood chemistry, reduce hunger and encourage the body to reduce weight. Basically, any food with a carb-count of more than 4 grams per portion can only be eaten at a "reward meal."

Zone Diet
The Zone diet divides foods into "blocks." The carbohydrate block contains a carb-count of 9 grams, and Zone author Barry Sears favors nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits in preference to breads and starches. The carb total on the Zone diet actually exceeds the amount required to maintain ketosis.

South Beach Diet
The South Beach diet is different again. This low carb weight loss plan contains no carb counts, or even calorie-counting. Instead of carb-counting, carbohydrate is restricted by type. During the 14 day induction phase, the diet permits only lower glycemic index carbs. Carbs like bread, potatoes, rice, along with starchy fruits and vegetables, are off-limits. Thereafter, you can add back carbs that are higher on the glycemic index, while the final phase - the South Beach healthy eating for life phase permits more multi-grain bread and brown rice.

Calorie Counting Still Important
Clinical weight loss trials continue to show that the balance between calorie-intake and expenditure is still the best predictor of weight loss. So if you want to lose weight, then as well as counting carbs, make a point of counting calories, too. For more information about calorie needs and so forth, visit Calorie Counter.

Bloopers!

My future piano player (aka ballerina dancer). Hee, hee.. just waiting for her to get old enough to take ballet. Unless of course she hates it. :)

Anyhow, I have to tell you about a funny day I had. You're gonna think this is so weird. But do you ever have one of those days where everything goes wrong? I had one! First I was heading to the van with the kids so I can go workout at the gym. I noticed after I sat down that I had left my little headphones set (that I used to listen to music at the gym) on the dash and it warped in the sun. As I was turning a corner, my new glasses flew out the window. I had to stop the van and go retrieve them. Now they were broken so I knew that I'd have to go to the mall and grab another pair. So then I headed to the gas station. Charles and I got our gas in the van down to empty so we could put fuel injection cleaner in it. So, I had just a little bit of gas left. I first put the cleaner in the gas tank and then I put my card in at the gas station and it says denied! I was like "what"?! So, I tried again and still it said denied! Oh no!!! I had no quarters to call Charles and I had 4 kids sitting in a hot van. I didn't know if it was safe for me to drive to another gas station with low gas and cleaner in it. So I asked a guy next to me if it was safe. We talked back and forth about it for about 5 minutes. I told him that I had money in my account and didn't understand why I was denied. He asked me where I banked and I told him "Desert Schools". It occurred to me right then and there that I had switched accounts and was now with another bank. I was so embarrassed. I didn't want to reveal to him that I was just using the wrong card so I said, "Oh, I just remembered that I have another card I can use"! So I got the other card and of course it worked. I felt so dumb. He made sure I was okay and then left. So, I headed to the YMCA and worked out. After I took my shower, I forgot to wash my face. So I was walking around the lockers with a towel on my head, never looking in a mirror. People are all around me. I finally look in the mirror after awhile and realize that mascara was running all down my face. I mean, all the way down to my chin. I was horrified. I looked scary. I was so embarrassed, I immediately washed my face. No wonder people took long looks at me. So, finally I head to McDonalds to get a salad and as I'm pouring my Powerade drink, I accidentally tip it too far back and it pours over Chaz's head. His hair was totally blue. As I'm dying with laughter and trying to hide it, he started to get upset and said to me, "Mom, that wasn't very nice"! By then Charles had showed up and was laughing too. I had told him about my day and he said, "Man, baby, maybe I should drive!" So, later we're heading to Border's bookstore and he's trying to buy his next book in the series. He thinks he doesn't have the right book so he tells the lady that we'll drive 35 minutes to another Borders to get the right one. Then we pull through another McDonald's to get a drink. I hear music and I said, "Man, who's playing that music?" Charles said, "Um, we are." Oops. I thought it was coming from another car. After I go into the mall to replace my glasses, we drive 35 minutes to another Borders and it turns out that he had the right book after all at the one closer to our house. Arrghh! I said, "Baby! Now we've driven and hour out of our way for a book that was already at the other Borders"! We laughed about it and then I said, "That's okay, you got the last blooper of the day."

No Trespassing

I'm a little nervous about getting my own house. I was thinking about posting this sign in the front of my house. What do you think? Hee, hee.. Or do you just think I'm a scaredy cat?

Kermit Shock

Can Boys Have Baby Fever?

I was sitting on the couch looking at my stomach. My 5 year old asked me, "Mom, do you have a baby in your tummy?" (Chaz has been begging me for a long time). I said, "No. There is no baby." He asked me if I could have another one like Ivy. "A cute one." He said. Then he went into the bathroom and asked his dad if we could have another little baby girl. Charles thought that was so sweet. Seeing the look on Charles' face made me realize how open he is to having another one some day. I then realized after a few minutes that I was in a daze thinking about how cute the next baby would be. Aaaaghhh! Could I really change my mind that quickly about having more kids?! My gosh! Before I go and get myself another baby (realizing all of a sudden how wonderful that would be), I asked Chaz if he would like a couple of birds. He was glad about that. So, tomorrow we will be heading to the mall to get a couple of birds.

Pondering Diet Plans

Okay, I don't want to turn into a diet fanatic. I am not wanting to freak out over every carb. I still believe in eating healthy cereal in the morning. I am more of a "portion control" dieter now. I think it's not good how people remove so much carbs out of their diet. Yes, fruit is good carbs. Adkins would say no bread. I say it's okay as long as it's whole grain. I guess if you want to lose weight incredibly fast, then you would cut out all carbs. But since I only have 10 lbs to lose, I don't want to go crazy. Now, I do serve my dinner on a little sandwich plate. Like the one pictured. Anyhow, I've never in my life had to diet so I'm having to read up a lot on this stuff! After researching on how Oprah lost all that weight, I was surprised to see that she hadn't turned into a major diet fanatic. She just had certain rules.

1. Be conscious of what you are eating
2. Don't eat after 7:30pm
3. Drink your 8 glasses a day
4. Workout 8 times a week (I only do it 5-6 times a week)

The Biggest Loser Contest 3

Guys,

I heard about Oprah's weight loss program. I have a plan now. I need to go to the gym more often than I thought. I know what I'm cutting out also. Shhhhh! Don't tell Brianne my secret! Can anyone tell me if potatoes is bad to eat if I'm watching my carb intake? I'm new at this.

Great Questions 2

This is an email that was sent around but I posted the answers. You can copy and send to your friends also if you like. :)


1. FIRST NAME? Real name Virginia (at church). Nick name is Jenny. (Family and old friends call me that.)
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My great-grandmother Virginia Shelton.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Last night.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? When I try, yes. Otherwise I only type.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? None. Hate cold sandwiches, but if it's hot then thin slices of roast beef.
6. KIDS? 5, 4, and 2 year old sons and one 11 month old daughter.
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Hesitantly, yes. Hee, hee.
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Very much indeed (My blog site).
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Oh my gosh yes! But in a light hearted way.
10.DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes!!
11.WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I don't know if that would be fun or just really stupid.
12.WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? raisin Bran. I'm laying off the carbs right now though.
13.DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope.
14.DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Smell wise or strength wise? Hee, hee. Just kidding. It's not that I'm strong, just that (in a wresting match, I never quit and I wear them out).
15.WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Mint chocolate chip. Yummmm!
16.SHOE SIZE? Usually a nine. Sometimes an 8 1/2.
17.RED OR PINK? Well, I've always loved red, but since pink had come in style, I've loved that for awhile.
18.WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My forehead. I hate it. I would love to just let my hair flow back and not worry about bangs.
19.WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My cousin Abigail. We've rarely ever had the chance to have a relationship. When she was little, most of her time when in to fashion shows, talent shows, and modeling so I never got to spend time with her. Even on her free time she was being fitted for a dress, or practicing her tap dancing. I'd always be playing with her brother instead because she was always too busy. I've always longed for a friendship with her.
20.DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? If they want! I love getting to know people.
21.WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? I am wearing Guess carpenter jeans and my white flip flops. (With a cute American Eagle brown shirt.)
22.LAST THING YOU ATE? Oatmeal.
23.WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Nick Lachey "What's Left of Me".
24.IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Red!
25.FAVORITE SMELL? My husband's cologne when we were dating. I still have the bottle and I keep it close by. I also love my Romance perfume.
26.WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My dad.
27.THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Well, I don't check out other guys but when I used to I always noticed the lips. I love my husband's lips.
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes, she is very special and is looking extremely beautiful every time I see her.
29. FAVORITE DRINK? Diet Dr. Pepper with Cherry and Vanilla. That or my bedtime tea.
30. FAVORITE SPORT? I love to play basketball. I have quickly discovered that most girls in church think it's mixed with football so I've never played with them again!
31. EYE COLOR? Charles says they are blue with gold in the middle. I never look at my eyes.
32. HAT SIZE? I hate hats!!! I don't know. I love to just have long flowing hair.
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? I've always wanted some with a little more blue in them. I do need contacts so I should get some.
34. FAVORITE FOOD? Chinese Food. (Or Leslea's food). She knows that too.
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy Endings. The kind where you cry with Joy.
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIES? Passion of the Christ
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Brown. (So cute!)
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer. Basking in the sun with a soda or ice tea by my side. A good magazine and some chillin' music. I am a serious summer girl.
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Both. My kids are so affectionate because of us.
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheese cake with Strawberries on top. Yummmm...
41. WHO IS LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Becky Chambers. Roger hasn't shown her how to use the computer. Also Socorro! I love you Socorro! (And I love your food). Yummm...
42. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Brianne of course!!!
43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? The Bible and Marie Claire Magazine (because I love fashion, not for the stupid gossip)
44. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No mouse pad. : (
45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? I don't own a boob tube.
46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Rolling of the ocean (only if I'm there). And Rain.
47. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? I could care less.
48. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Washington (by the ocean of course.)
49. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I have no idea. I don't think I have a specific one. Hmmm... maybe just making others feel beautiful and complimenting others. Otherwise I don't know. That is something I want to ask God in Heaven.
50. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Globe, Arizona in a little one story hospital. June 14th 1979

The Biggest Loser Contest Part 2

By the way, Brianne decided that the prize should be easier. So, if I win we go to Waterworld and she buys me lunch at a restaurant. I said she'll have to treat me to a restaurant at the Biltmore (that I have not been to yet). Hmph. Either way, it's going to be awesome! To a low fat meal of course! If she wins, she chooses where the girl day is and I buy her lunch (at McDonalds). Hee, hee... Just kidding. She'll choose where I treat her. So, I have to go to the gym tonight and exercise for a few hours. Brianne said I can't starve myself. LOL! I think that's a given.

Happy Father's Day, Charles!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to the love of my life. My love and my friend. I couldn't of chosen a better man to be the father of my children. Thank you for loving me and trusting me to be the mother of yours. I love you.

The Biggest Loser Contest!

Okay, so... Brianne and I have this contest going now. When we were at the waterpark, we couldn't help but notice that we need to lose some weight. So... we started this weight contest. I call it The Biggest Loser! Whoever loses 10 lbs first has to treat the other person to whatever they want. So, Brianne wants a day at the spa. I want a day at a different waterpark than where we were at today. So, of course my prize is cheaper so she'll just have to make up the difference by taking me clothes shopping. Anyway, so since I'm going to win, I'll just let her know right now that I love American Eagle and Charlotte Russe. The contest starts on Monday so in case no one can get in contact with me, I'll be at the gym all day. Every day. I just know I'm gonna be the biggest loser...in a good sorta way. ;)

Fun in the Sun

My best friend Brianne treated me to Mimi's Cafe and then we headed off to the waterpark together. What a blast! We rode all the rides but one. I was sooo scared of one. Brianne thought I was a big chicken. It's the sidewinder (you can see it from the freeway). After I saw some grown men scream, I knew I couldn't handle it. Especially when I saw a girl's head whip back. I turned around and walked away. No way. Now how. We rode all the other rides and then basked in the sun at the wave pool. It was awesome. Just her and I talking without any distractions. After being at the water park, we started a contest between her and I. I will tell about it later. That's for another blog entry! Anyhow, it was a great day. After that I snuck over to the mall to buy Charles his Father's Day gift at American Eagle and some sunglasses. Now, I gotta hide it away for tomorrow! (And spoil him rotten. That means that tomorrow he can sleep as late as he can before church and just get served all day. No obligations. No worries. Just spoiled rotten!) Hee, hee..

My Post-Birthday Party

I wanted my birthday party to be on a Friday night so we could all relax and not worry about going to work the next day. So Charles' mom, dad, sisters, and their men came out. It was great! I got some really nice gifts and his mom made a very yummy cake. I got a scale since I am very weight conscience! I suppose if anyone else got that for their birthday they would freak! Ha! But I actually asked for one so I was happy about that. :) I need to lose some serious weight. I'm off to the waterpark tomorrow. My very best friend is treating me to lunch and then we'll party in the sun! I'm so very blessed to be surrounded by such awesome people in my life. Here are some great pics.

Toy Passed Down

This is so cute. My mom and dad got this walking dog for Chaz when he was a baby for Christmas. At first you can hook it on the crib because it's got fun stuff to play with. When Chaz started to get to where he could stand while holding on something, we used this to teach him how to walk. On carpet, it'll go slowly and he would walk with it. Well, it taught him incredibly fast since he was walking by 10 months. So we used this with all of our boys and soon after they used it, they were walking also. Because it moves slowly, it makes them move their feet little by little. So now that Ivy can stand, she's just started to use it. She will walk across the room with it. She loves it! You can tell it's a little aged now because the toy is 6 years old. But it works great! Ivy is a little behind because I would never put her on the floor being that the boys would run around. I didn't want her to get run over. So she started crawling late. We didn't mind! Now that she crawls, she's into everything! Makes it so much harder to make sure the boys don't leave coins on the floor and stuff.

Missed the Plane

My poor mom just called me from the airport. My mom had to take a cab real early this morning to catch her flight so she can be at her dad's funeral. She's gone through so much as it is and for this to happen, it just tops the cake. You know how when you go through security at the airport and they randomly stop people to go through their stuff? Well, my mom was one of them. They calmly were going through all her stuff like they are supposed to, but my mom kept telling them she's gonna miss her flight. They never bothered to call up and let them know she's on her way up. She rushed to make it. The plane was still there but they told her she's too late and they won't open the doors. She cried and cried because she said they were so cold about it even though they told her she'll miss her dad's funeral if she doesn't get on. She called me from the airport devastated. She was supposed to speak and sing at the funeral. They told my mom the night before what time she would have to be at the airport to make it and she got their on time so she can't believe she missed her flight. To make it worse, she hears the workers making smart remarks. The good news is my uncle, Roger, is gonna step up in her place and share how his dad received Jesus in his heart before he died. He's gonna speak about his dad also like my mom was going to so my mom feels better about that. The same time my mom was at the airport, pastor and some people from our church was their also going on an outreach. My dads coming to the airport to take my mom back home.

Kyle's Potty Training Days

My 2 year old (Kyle) is potty training now. I let him decide when he is ready. So, he said he is ready so here we go. It's been 2 days and he's had no accidents. He'll be playing in another room and then I'll hear him say really loud, "I GOTTA GO POTTY"! Then I hear little pitter patter of the feet as he's running to one of his little potty chairs. He has one in the living room area and one in the bathroom. That way he can go to which ever one is closer until he gets more trained. He's wearing Sponge Bob underwear right now and boy is he proud! I have learned the hard way by realizing that there is no need to panic when it comes to potty training. When they are ready, they are ready. I tried to push my first son into it and it took 2 years to train him. A friend kept telling me that's it okay, they'll learn when they are ready. I was like, "Are you sure he won't be going to Kindergarten with diapers on?" She reassured me that it won't happen. She was right. Now I waited till my third one was ready and he's doing great. What a better way to go. There's not even bribes involved. :)

You know it's potty training time when:

1. You got little toddler toilets posted around the house including a little butt padded insert on the big toilet.

2. You go to use the bathroom and you realize there is poop smeared on the toilet seat from your toddler sliding off after he went poopy.

3. You drop everything you're holding and you jump and run when you hear a panic yell "I HAVE TO GO POTTY!" (In order to rush the little one to the potty)

4. You have to ask "Do you have to go potty in the toilet?" 50 million times in one day.

My 27th Birthday! Ouch!

P.S. What a nerdy picture. But in case you wonder what I look like and who the blonde talking is. Officially, in this picture I am 26. Hee, hee... it was taken 2 days prior. :P

Today Charles and I celebrated my 27th birthday. Last night I stayed up real late so I could cherish my last minutes of being 26. I so didn't want to turn 27!!!!! Aaarrrghhh! Why must time fly soooo fast?! I remember when I couldn't wait to turn 16. Then I couldn't imagine ever turning 18! I remember someone telling me that it'll be here before I knew it and then the years would fly after that. Boy, was that right! Now here I am 9 years later wondering where that time went. I barely even remember them I've been so busy. Wow! I never thought I'd have a mini van to boot! Ha! What a laugh! I've always, always wanted a red convertible. I almost bought one when I was 18 but I decided against it because the salesman's name was Romeo and he was flirting with me really bad and even tried to get a date. Forget it. I was out of there. Without my red convertible. Someday I just know Charles will get me one as a second car! He said he's totally down for that. Awesome. Anyhow. I woke up at 6am to flowers and a card. He stayed home with me and we spent the day together. I did not workout. Today was my free day. We went to PV mall (one of our favorites) and I bought myself one shirt at American Eagle Outfitters and 3 shirts at Old Navy. For Father's day I bought Charles a shirt from American Eagle Outfitters and shorts from Old Navy. Tonight at church I had nursery but afterwards Charles handed me 3 birthday cards from people and a gift. Friday Charles' family is having a get together for my birthday and Saturday my best friend and I are having lunch together and going to a waterpark together. I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful people in my life! How did I get so blessed? God is good.

P.S. I forgot to mention that last Sunday my parents took me out to lunch for my birthday and they bought me my waterpark ticket for this Saturday! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Questionnaire

Favorite Word: Joy (Love it! Joy is not just a temporary feeling. Happy is. I love the word Joy. "The Joy of the Lord is my strength".)

Least Favorite Word: Fart (so rude)

What turns me on spiritually, creatively, emotionally?
spiritually - good holy ghost, bible filled, convicting preaching/teaching. Not just "grace, grace, greasy grace." I want something that's gonna inspire me to live my life consecrated to the Lord.
creatively - Quiet moments
emotionally - Sitting next to my husband talking about our dreams as we sit in a quiet room after the kids are sleeping.

What turns me off spiritually, creatively, emotionally?
spiritually - Someone who spouts off their beliefs about morals and standards without knowing their bible and understanding it. The "church" today in America have truly gone off track in some ways in order to please people. Which in turn deceives people and becomes a stumbling block.
creatively - not having enough time to think about options.
emotionally - When I tell someone what I'm going through and then they try to put on their "fix-it hat". I'd rather they just listen. If I want answers, I'll ask for it.

Favorite curse word: Darn it! (Christian version).

Sound I love the most: Ivy talking. Or little Kyle talking in his cute 2 year old voice. Or hearing the boys discussing their plans. Or hearing my husband's voice on the phone. It reminds me of when he would call me when we were dating.

Sound I hate to hear: Phone ringing.

Profession, other than my own, that I would like to attempt: Music.

What I would like to hear God say when I get to heaven: "Well done thou good and faithful servant"... And... "We have lots of food here".

Fun Step Class

Okay, today I was extremely sore but I was determined to make it to my Step Class at the YMCA. The instructor told me that it was okay if I didn't get the steps down. Some people it takes a while, another lady told me it took her 4 months to get it down. They turned up the music and it was fun! I got all the steps down right away and we went at it for an hour. Now that's the way to do some cardio! The instructor asked me what made me decide to take the class. I told her "boredom". I said that doing the ski machine for an hour is not exactly exciting. I wanted something more fun and interesting. It was a great workout and we all had fun so that's a definite keeper. The instructor was funny so that was even better. When we were all done and we had worked up a serious sweat, I said, "Anyone up for a Big Mac?" Everyone looked shocked and then we all laughed. LOL!

Torture Class

Guys, seriously, last nights abs class was torture. It's only a half hour class but I kept looking at the clock waiting for it to end. I couldn't possibly dislike my teacher anymore! I walked in feeling great, did some cardio before I went to class. Then when abs class was over, I walked out feeling like I could just fall over from exhaustion. I walked up to the teacher when she finally ended it and I said, "Thanks for the torture". Then I went to put away my mat and as I went to walk out, I almost walked into a mirror because I was so tired. I went to find Charles on the bikes and he could see right away how exhausted I was. He walked with me to the teen center and sat me down. I just wanted to sleep I was so tired. My gosh. When I got home I read a magazine and took a long bath. Such great torture. I'll be at the class next Monday.

Sooo Tired Today

Guys,
I am soooo tired today. Whew. I'm exhausted. They finally have the contracts for us to sign so they can start building our house. We've waited a year for this. Tonight I have my abs class at the YMCA so I'm happy about that. Even though I'm tired, that's my favorite class. If you haven't noticed, my weight scale at the top shows I've lost 7 lbs in just a week and a half. That's pretty fast! Yay! I know I have my dads fast metabolism so that helps. It just took a little workout and it helped get rid of those extra lbs I didn't want. The doctor's scale says that if I drop below 133, I'll be underweight for my height.... but that's okay! I just want to be 130. What I was before I ever had children. So that's just 9 more lbs. Charles and I love going to the YMCA. Because I don't like to tell my location of where we live, the ones that live near me will understand when I say we go to the YMCA in "Snottsville". I'm only calling it that because I don't want to say where I go. The one I LOVE to go to is in "college town". That's our favorite because they are more family oriented there and the kids love their play center. The people there look like they love there job. The one is Snottsville act like it's a burden to care for the kids. They're even a little rude. One time I was 10 minutes late because I was in the showers and they came chasing after me. The YMCA in college town doesn't care if you're late. They tell me if they're not busy, not to worry about it. When our house is done, Charles and I will go back to that YMCA since we'll live closer. I only moved in this little apartment because we thought it was going to be only for 6 months!!! I didn't care where I had an apartment because I thought we'd be in our house soon. I just wanted to live by Charles' work because he loves to come home everyday for lunch. We will truly miss each other once we move farther from his job. Oh gosh. I am so tired today. Something about Mondays. Yesterday was a great day at church though. After church Charles hung out with his friend and then I went and hung out with my friends and our kids till about 11:30pm. We had a good time. :)

Flashback

Oh my gosh! What a flashback! My mom sent me this picture today of me when I was about 17 years old. I was proudly holding my little Niece Hanna (who is now in South Africa where her parents pastor). I absolutely loved being an aunt. It was the greatest thing. She was the first grandchild so my heart was especially with her. I have a picture of me holding Ivy like that. I finally got my own little girl that I'm so proud of.

Family Pics

This is a neat pic. The first shows my parents on their 25th wedding anniversary. The second is a picture of me and my family one day before I was leaving to California to live there by myself. I was 17.

Tough Week

Isn't this pic funny?! I'm on the left and then Jodee, then Tammy. This is proof, Leslea, that I have always had bangs. Ha. :)
It's been a hard week! I've been sick and our van broke down. That means I am missing my aerobic classes. Which means I've probably gained a pound. Arrghh... The good news is in a couple of weeks, Charles and I will be going to Magic Mountain with his parents. We will be going without the kids. Charles and I haven't been there since we were first married 7 years ago! I would love to just hold hands and walk around with him all day. That would be awesome. We always hold hands but this time it'll just be me and him!

How I Feel Today

This is how I feel today. I can't think straight. This kind of reminds me of me and my 2 sisters before we had braces. Hee, hee.... Except Jodee. She always had perfect teeth.

Awesome Bumper Sticker

Good Intentions

I was surprised at a response about the makeover picture below. Someone said that I was saying this is how Christian women should dress. This was my response so you guys can see. Just in case anyone misunderstood my intentions. :)

"You probably mistook my intentions of why I sent this picture. It was not that anyone should look like a sleaze (as you said). No good Christian woman should look like this. I only sent it to show that we are surrounded by beautiful people all around us but so many times they are judged by their weight or how fancy they look or how much make-up they wear. This picture proves that any woman can look beautiful. I never intended to send the message out that us Christian woman should go do some serious "sleazy" clothes shopping. If it would help things for me to resend the email and explain better what my intentions were. I can do that. But hopefully, people know me well enough to see my heart and not think bad thoughts about me. I will reword the email if that helps. I try not to go to far and say "woman shouldn't show their shoulders" or "their calves". I try to have a healthy balance so I don't discourage others into thinking that Christianity is a hard standard to achieve. Modesty is estremely important though, especially in public ministry. I understand your concerns though. I think you just mistook my intentions of sending the picture. Hopefully this will clear things up."

I was surprised that they took it like I was saying that we needed to dress like this. I just thought the picture was amazing for it's makeovers. Not how they dressed. Hopefully no one else read it differently. I apologize if I offended anyone :)

Revelation

I come to some revelations in the past week in my own life. I've been really thinking things through. The scary thing about having an online journal, is pouring my heart out in public. I've been a little scared to do that, but I would love to get a little more personal about what's on my heart. I understand that with speaking my mind, I will get criticism. I will never let that stop me. I get it all the time because I am so open with my life. But my husband reminded me of a quote that just blew me away. "The way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, be nothing." Basically meaning you can be quiet, you can do nothing with your life, but all you'll end up with is nothing. Whether it's that you're a fantastic Mother, an excellent worker and lead a Godly example to your co-workers, or you're a song writer where people hear your words through music, or your an artist with paint, or you're a faithful husband; do something with your life of value. Not just anything, but live your life outside of just yourself. I've been thinking and thinking about my life in the past week. Where I was hoping it would lead. Where would God want me to be. I don't honestly know. I know He calls everyone of us to be a disciple of Christ. That's what a Christian is. But I've been contemplating what goes even beyond that. The extra mile. What is in my heart? I love my family. Do I want more kids? Or do I want to stop where I am at, and once they are in school go back to college and take a course in music? That is my love, my passion. Do I want to just stay home and clean the already clean house once my kids are gone for hours a day, or do I want to go and hold sick babies in the hospital that are needing some cuddle time while they are just trying to breathe their next breath? I really feel, for now, that I would like to stop where I am at and not only be a loving and supportive wife, a loving mother, a good housekeeper, but I want to go beyond that. I want to reach out to others. Even if it's going back to the nursing home in the daytime and holding a fading woman's hand while she tells me stories of her past years like I used to. I want to say something, be something, do something. Can I envision myself just cleaning each day until the kids come home? Not so well. However I can picture myself being here when the kids come home so I can hug them and bring them milk and cookies while they tell me about their day. I want to kiss my husband and hold him tight when he first walks in the door. I want to share stories around the dinner table with my family. I love that. I would never, ever sacrifice that. But, what about in those quiet hours before all that? Could I take back up piano like I used to? Or get the acoustic guitar lessons I've always longed for? Would I take a class in music that I've always dreamed of? I don't know. But until then, I will change the diapers, make the bottles, feed little hungry tummies, share bible stories in a circle in the mornings and pray for each other every day. Doing that right now, I am living my dream. "God help me to not conform to the world. Help me to see that there is someone out there that is in need of a friend. Or in need of someone to just say "you look beautiful today". Or hasn't heard the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Help me to think beyond my own desires. Most importantly, help me to know what path You want me to take. Amen" :)

Average Women Made Beautiful

Wow!!! This goes to show you that any woman can be made to look beautiful!!! If you look carefully, you will see the pictures on top point downward of which one they are. That should give everyone lots of hope at all the amazing things Hollywood can do to just an average person walking down the street. Now, doesn't that give you some hope? It does for me! :) Now remember, most of these look like they're wearing a gurdle. Don't everyone rush to Victoria Secret now. :)

My Dad

My sweet dad and I. I will always be a daddy's girl. He's the best dad I could've ever had. I don't deserve him at all. How did I get so lucky? My mom and dad just celebrated their 26th anniversary. That's so refreshing being that marriage it treated so casually these days. It's so awesome that they've stayed together through thick and thin. They really meant their vows. :)