Weight Loss Wednesday

Well, I have lost another pound, so that officially brings my total loss so far to 5 POUNDS!!

I have so far to go still, but I am rejoicing in my first milestone! The spring air is definitely helping me to keep upbeat and stay motivated. My spring projects have kept me busy and have deterred me from raiding the kitchen as well! That's always helpful. lol

I am starting a small business adventure, which I don't really like to call a business adventure...I like to call it a health adventure. I really feel the Lord lead me into it, and I'm starting to get really excited about it! I think it will bring great help to myself and my family, as well as people across the nation! I can't wait to share more about it with you. Probably next Wednesday, I'll fill you all in on it! For now, I just encourage all of you to enjoy your day, and make the most of this beautiful weather that is slowly rolling in!

The Simple Woman's Daybook~3/30

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For Today~March 30th, 2010

Outside my window~ The sun is making it's glorious morning debut and my dogs are barking at everything that moves this morning. I'm sitting in front of my large kitchen window, and can see the whole backyard. Those dogs are so goofy. I can also see beautiful little buds forming on the trees!

I am thinking~ the wheels are spinning that good yet!

I am thankful for~ My husband and all his many, many abilities, and his love and faithfulness for me. I always know that he's got my back...without a doubt. That's the way it should be!

I am wearing~ A cap sleeve burgundy babydoll shirt, and a 3 tier long black skirt.

I am remembering~ How long it takes me to post this daybook! I enjoy it though.

I am going~ NOWHERE today...Lord willing! Sometimes it's just good to be home!

I am currently reading~ Not much, I'm really trying to put my time into our projects.

I am hoping~ to finish all of our spring projects in the next two weeks!

On my mind~ So many things...just keep praying for us!

Noticing that~ Spring took a really long time to get here this year. I'm hoping we don't skip it and go straight to summer!

From the kitchen~ Probably a chicken dish tonight, maybe with some corn bread. I've really got a plan don't I? lol I do know that I will be making tuna salad tomorrow after I finish up my natural lunch meat today. I'm really looking forward to the tuna salad...it's been a long time.

Around the house~ Things are finally starting to settle down. The kids woke up in a rambunctious mood. We have some regular cleaning to do, and we have some spring cleaning projects to get back to as well.

From the learning rooms~ They are doing their tests right now that will end the 3rd quarter of our school year. Only 8 weeks left! YAY

One of my favorite things~ A sunny spring morning!

From My Picture Journal~

First signs of Spring!

Blogacation Update

Well, I had hoped to have everything ready to be up and running today, but it just hasn't happened. We have had some good things, and some bad things arise, and it's thrown a wrench in my plan! I hope you all can be patient with me and give me another week to get things going. I will however, have a few normal posts up this week, and I have a GREAT picture to show you on Friday, of what I spent all last week doing!

So today, I'm just going to ramble a little bit...

I took my 6 year old son to the doctor, because he's always had bad allergies, and they have had him on two daily allergy medicines, and they have helped with his sinuses, but he still coughs every couple of minutes all day, all night, everyday of his life. It's not a bad, barky cough, it's just annoying to him, and those around him at times...like in church, or when the kids are quietly doing schoolwork, and he's coughing or clearing his throat every couple of minutes. It's not his fault, and the sweet little boy never complains...EVER! He may ask for his medicine, or say he needs some water, but he has never in all these years complained about the symptoms of his allergies. I was beginning to wonder if it could even be partially asthma related. My brother had SEVERE asthma growing up, and I've always had exercise induced asthma. The doctor said his lungs sounded fine, so for now they are setting him up with an allergy specialist, and he's going on the 8th of April. Please pray for him, that they will find out what his worst triggers are, so we can try to avoid them, and maybe come up with better solutions for how to treat him. Also, he can't take any kind of antihistamine for 5 days prior, so please pray for that as well.

Also, a new development has happened at our church, and we will most likely be looking for a new one, so please pray very hard for that as well. We just want the Lord's will, and want to be where He wants us to be. The thought of changing churches makes me sick to my stomach, because our church family is like our second family, everywhere we go. We get very attached to our church families, and when we have to leave, it's oh so hard. We've only had to leave twice...once from a Pastor leaving and the church splitting, and the other from moving out of state. This is very difficult for us. The kids too.

On a happy note, one of my close friends told me today that they are expecting their third child!!!!!!! YAY!!!!! Sometime in December it looks like. I'm so happy for them, and it was definitely God's will, because she normally has to take fertility drugs, and they didn't have to this time! God is sooooo good! Well, that's all I can think of for now, but I will have the daybook put up some time tomorrow, and I'll get in some new verses and quotes for you at the top of the page soon! It's good to be partially back!

I'm taking a Blogation!

Or you could call it a Blogacation! Actually I'm taking a vacation from all computer things this week. I will still be checking my e-mails and bank accounts online, but that's it...for a whole week. It's going to be very, very, hard. No Blogging, no eBay, no Webkinz (yes, I'm addicted to a kids computer game world), no searching the endless Internet abyss. This week is spring cleaning here at our house, and the computer only distracts me from what I need to do. I will miss you all, so very much. But hopefully I will have wonderful things to share and great Project Organized Home pictures to post when I return! I also have a new post I will be doing on Monday's and I'm really excited about that. My Daybook will be moved to Tuesday's since the hostess moved it to Tuesday's a few weeks ago. I had hoped to leave it on Monday, but it really isn't working. I keep forgetting to link up with her the next day, and I'm unable to put up a current link to her blog on Monday's since she hasn't put up her post yet...not very helpful for those of you who want to go from my blog to hers, now is it?! So I will update you with all kinds of great things when I return in a week or so! Have a FANTASTIC SPRING IS HERE, THE SUN IS SHINING, BIRDS ARE CHIRPING, FLOWERS ARE GROWING, WEEK!

Thankful Thursday

For More Thankful Thursday Posts Click On The Link Below!

Thankful Thursday at Women Taking A Stand

Today I have a very, very special post for you. Today I am especially thankful for my God, and my Husband. You know why? Because they fixed my van! It may only run for a day, it may run for a year, but it's running! We made it to Sonic Tuesday night for free ice cream cones and it made it to church last night. We visited a friends church last night, and it was even farther than our church is, so I was pretty nervous. But it made it, and I'm so excited, and so happy. I'm thankful for my husbands working hands. Every callus, every splinter, every stain on his hands, reminds me of the physical labor that he does every day just for us. And this time his hands, along with his brains, and a GREAT GOD, got our only vehicle running again. Now we have to decide if we sell it, or keep it. I love the van and want to keep it at least until we pay it off, but there's just no telling how long this will last. We will need to do a full rebuild of the motor soon if we do keep it, and that will cost more money. Plus more labor for my dear hubby. Right now, we will just enjoy being able to go places as a family, and he is grateful to not be doing the grocery shopping anymore!

I AM WEDNESDAY

Today we are going to have a little fun with a post that popped up in my head today while I was cleaning around the house. Today's post is going to be all about the things that I AM the queen of!

I AM...

...The Queen of~ just put it in the general area, and I'll put it away later.

...The Queen of~ let's go out and get something to eat because I don't feel like cooking tonight.

...The Queen of~ I'll do the dishes after I check my blogs.

...The Queen of~ because I said so!

...The Queen of~ diet Cherry Dr. Pepper is better than being fat, right? (probably not)

...The Queen of~ putting a million holes in the wall until I get the picture hung just right.

...The Queen of~ moving around all the furniture one day just because I feel like it!

...The Queen of~ changing moods with the wind.

...The Queen of~ clothes have to match or we don't leave the house.

But all these things are okay, because I AM the Queen of~my nest!

And my King, Princes, and Princesses love me!

Tackle It Tuesday

Good Tuesday Morning All!

The sun is shining, and so far, no one is throwing up today! A better start than yesterday. My son is much better! I appreciate those of you who prayed for him! I did still get a descent amount of stuff done yesterday because he was being such a trooper about it. He even got his schoolwork done still! It took him a while to feel like sitting up and doing it, but he didn't want to be behind, and he loves school. He's still in the early grades, so he doesn't have a huge load to do each day, and since we are nearing the end of the school year, he's got even less than he did a few months ago. I still have plenty of things to tackle today though and they are:

*a bath-DONE

*dishes

*laundry-DONE

*orgainize items thrown on living room table_DONE

*landry_DONE

*finish moping living room floor

*sweep and finish moping kitchen floor

*laundry

*fix lattice under front deck_DONE

*exercise on Wii

*take Harley for a walk

*Wound up spending the afternoon helping hubby work on the van-DONE

If I can accomplish over half of all this, I will be happy. I hope to do it all, but who knows what my husband will want to do when he gets home. I'll need all evening to finish this whole list. So what all do you have to tackle today? If you need some more inspiration first, check out www.5minutesformom.com to read more tackling posts!

Simple Woman's Daybook

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

(note that new posts won't be linked up until Tuesday of each week)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, March 15th

Outside my window~ The sun is shining the birds are singing their little hearts out. My youngest daughter and I were sitting in our vehicle during the church service last night, and we got to see a beautiful display of God's creation. The whole field beside the church was covered in birds. Then they would all fly up at the same time, into the trees. They would stay there for a minute, and then all fly back down to the ground. There were over a hundred of them, and it was absolutely beautiful!

On my mind~ I had a horrible day yesterday and don't want to go back to church for a while, so I could use your prayers. I know I need to be in church. I've had several bad experiences with some of the people in this church over the last two years, and I don't know if it's just Satan's way of trying to discourage me, or if the Lord is allowing it to happen as a way of showing us that it's time for us to move on to another church. I know you will find people that treat you wrong everywhere you go, but there are other issues besides just that, that my husband and I are praying about. This church has been a real blessing to me and my family, and especially the kids. So this is a really hard thing to even have to think about. We just want God's will.

From the learning rooms~ I had a whole week of heavy schoolwork planned so that we could take a week off at the beginning of April, but one of my dear son's just threw up all over the kitchen floor, so my plans may be out the window. When one gets sick they usually all get sick. I had really hoped that we missed the stomach bug this year....bummer.

I am wearing~ a light maroon tank top and dark gray sweat pants. I was all geared up for exercising and cleaning...I guess the cleaning part is still in order!

I am reading~ Disciplines of a Godly Woman.

I am hoping~ That all the kids don't get sick. We just got over colds and I don't handle throwing up very well.

I am pondering these words~ Once again, you know they are at the top of my blog!

Around the house~ It is a Monday, so I still have lots of housework planned, and I am deciding on what I want to do for spring cleaning. I really want to pick a couple projects and actually get them done this year! I'm thinking the green cabinet (which is now yellow and beige) and the baskets in the kitchen need to be completely gone through and organized. Probably the closets would be the other project that I really want to get done for spring.

From the Kitchen~ Lots of chicken meals and hamburger helper. Not very healthy on the helper part, I know...but we are trying to round up money to fix the van.

From my picture journal~ I think I left you with enough of a visual for one day!

So Sorry!

I'm so sorry I've missed a few of my regular posts. My children had been sick, and it finally made it's way to Mommy. It's not horrible, but I have no energy and my throat is soooo sore. And per usual, as a mommy, I haven't even been able to "be sick." I've had to run errands all over because we lose our borrowed vehicle tomorrow and I needed to refill Mr. Pure at Hearts allergy prescriptions, get groceries, go to the bank, everything I could do before we are out of transportation again. Today I have one more errand and then I plan on resting in bed or on the couch the rest of the day...we'll see how that goes. My oldest has a few tests to do today, but that's it in the school department until Monday, so I should be able to get some real rest today. I hope to read some of yours throughout the day, even if I don't get anything else posted. You all have a wonderful weekend!

Darling Giveaway

The Stay at Home Missionary is hosting a giveaway for a handmade modest dress! I have entered the giveaway hoping to get one for one of my girls! Her friend has opened up a new online shop, and I encourage you to check it out, even if you don't enter the giveaway. What better way to support a fellow stay at home mom, and feminine modest morals at the same time! Head on over today to Joy's blog for the giveaway and link to the online shop!

Tackle It Tuesday

Well, things have been running a little smoother around here, and at the end of the day, I feel good, and happy with what I have accomplished. What a wonderful feeling that is! With spring trying to make it's appearance, I know that will only help me stick to my schedules and stay energized throughout the day! Today I need to tackle:

*a bath_DONE

*dishes_DONE

*laundry_DONE

*dinning room carpets

*finish tackling the HUGE pile of misc stuff I brought out of the master bedroom yesterday_DONE

For more tacklers, go to http://www.5minutesformom.com/ and feel free to join in yourselves as well!

The Simple Woman's Daybook~3/8/10

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The Simple Woman's Daybook-March Edition

For Today, March 8th, 2010

Outside My Window~The sun is shining beautifully, and that makes me soooo happy! I can also see all the trees in my backyard that are waiting for their buds to start growing. Spring wants to come, it really does!

I am hearing~The birds happily chirping outside, my boys discussing how and why they are making their beds, and my little toddler is singing to herself upstairs...such a delight to hear.

I am thinking~of all I hope to accomplish today. I am trying really hard to start sticking to a schedule better. I know it will benefit the house, and everyone in it.

From the learning rooms~ trying to catch up after being "out of the office" for almost two weeks. We only got two days done last week. We need to do a GREAT job of getting school work done all this week!

I am thankful for~ my back feeling better. I can walk and sleep with very little pain now. I still have to wear the back brace to do any housework at all, but I'm thankful that I can do some at least! I can only stand at the sink for about 10 minutes at a time, but who wants to be there longer than that anyway?! lol

I am wearing~ my animal print pajamas, which are my favorite ones! That's why I am still wearing them...oh, who am I kidding... you've read this long enough, and you know me well enough to know that I'd still be wearing my LEAST favorite pajamas!

I am going~ certainly nowhere in my pj's!

On my mind~my weight and health. I've made some great changes, but it's time to take the next step just so I can still be moving forward. I'm trying to decide what that next step is going to be.

I am currently reading~ trying to decide which book to pick back up. I'll probably finish "Created To Be His Help Meet" and then go back to "Disciplines of a Godly Woman." I need some discipline.

Pondering these words~ I have a weekly quote on the top of my blog that lists what I am pondering for the week. Things that touch me and I hope will touch someone else as well!

From the kitchen~ IT'S CLEAN! I have an awesome picture of it to show you. I'll probably save it for Friday's post, but you'll get to see my new microwave I told you about a while back, and my new table and stools that I've been saving for ever since we bought this house! On another note, I'm trying to go back to making a weekly meal plan to schedule out our meals. At the very least, I want to have two days planned at a time.

I am hoping~ for beautiful weather this week! I want a hint of spring...really, really bad!

Around the house~so much to do. The usually laundry, dishes, vacuuming, mopping, general upkeep. And then I moved the girls back into one room...well, just their beds and a dresser in one room, and then all their toys are in the other room. I have to go through ALL those toys throughout the week. We got a good start yesterday, but that's all it was..a start. Mrs Piggy is happily sleeping in her own bed again, now that she's not by herself. The comfort of a sibling is beyond words!

One of my favorite things~A beautiful morning where you wake up refreshed, and positive about the day! Feeling like you can tackle it all! I wish everyday were like that, but they just aren't. Today is one of those days, so I'm happy!

From my picture journal~

I couldn't wait! I had to give you a looksy. It's not the best picture, and I haven't cleaned up everything in the background, but you get the idea. I got them at a great price, and it's just what I wanted for this kitchen! I couldn't have found anything closer to what I had envisioned in my head. And it looks just like I thought it would in the room! I got them for a steal even though they are brand new. I felt guilty buying them when our van is broke down, but we've budgeted money for the van next month, and I've been saving a long time for these...it took me two years to save up $200. I was afraid that if I didn't spend that money on what I saved it for, it would hinder me from trying so hard to save in the future. So I am LOVING this table and stools, and that's what I'm typing on right now! I can see the kids playing in the backyard, and I can see my hubby working on the shed, when he's out there. It's such a blessing!

It's a Birthday!

5 whole years...where did the time go? I wish I had her baby photo to show you. I just don't have the time to scan it and get it on the computer so I can show you, but it amazes me how fast she turned into a little lady! Right before my eyes, day by day, she has blossomed! I wasn't going to put a picture of her on this blog, but I couldn't help myself. So many of you don't have access to the other one, so here's one just for you!
Isn't her dress gorgeous?! Her little sister and I saw it in JC Penny's as we were going into the mall to redeem a free build-a-bear coupon. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to get it for my little princess! She loves EVERYTHING pink and EVERYTHING girly. This dress met both criteria, and guess what...it was 40% off!

For the next few days, she'll be dressing up miniature princesses, and swapping clothes on her webkinz animals!

Oh, and I found out that if you give my son some party hats, he will turn himself into an elephant and run around the house making horrible animal sounds for the next 3 hours!

Thankful Thursday-A Tribute To All of You!

This month Thankful Thursday will be hosted at Women Taking A Stand

I just wanted to say how thankful I am for all of you! Ever since I first started reading blogs, and then participating in one myself, I have just been amazed by the thoughtfulness of others. Bloggers are praying for people they've never even met. Every day, people are sharing their life stories, their fears, their hopes, their dreams, their tears. They are sharing some of the greatest moments in their lives, and some of the worst. I am so impressed by how compassionate we can be with others that we've only met through typed words. I can't tell you how much of a blessing it has been for me to be able to learn about you all, and share in your lives. Learning about how you think as an individual, and how you interact with your friends and family. I love the tips and honest flops, that you share about your attempts at homemaking, mothering, being a wife and friend. Thank you for letting me be a part of that! I visit you all often, even when I don't have time to comment, and I so enjoy every post you write!

And most of all, I want to thank you for taking the time to come over and share in my life! Thank you for listening to me, and talking with me. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts when things aren't going well, and joining me in thankfulness and joyfulness when they are! It really strengthens me when you leave me wonderful comments of encouragement and support! I know the Lord hears your prayers that you petition on my behalf, and as He answers those prayers, I pray that He would bless you in return for your love and thoughtfulness!

So today's post goes out to all of you! And I hope you will continue to visit when you find the time!

Weight Loss Wednesday

Well, I was expecting to be very disappointed when I stepped on the scale this morning. I haven't hardly even walked in the last week, let alone exercise. We have had most of our meals from fast food restaurants, or grabbed something from the grocery store that could be microwaved or thrown in the oven. I tried very hard to watch my portion size, and I ate the healthiest of what was available. (Except the night we had Dominos pizza, and I ate one Chocolate Lava Crunch Cake! But, once again, I didn't eat near the amount of pizza I normally would! The results:

I lost one pound this past week!

I couldn't believe it! It just goes to show how important portion control is! I've always known that you can loose weight without exercise, it just isn't as healthy for you...your body NEEDS as much exercise as you can give it. Obviously, with my back, good exercise is still a ways off, but I will start making baby steps. I will also note, that I wasn't running to the kitchen for snacks all day long either! That makes a HUGE difference. Ideally, the body should only be eating a small meal or snack every 3 hours or so. Any more, and you are overeating. I am looking forward to next week, and hoping I can get some walking in to help aid the weight loss, but it will have to be one step at a time, I do not want to be bed ridden again. I'm excited though, I know that getting all this extra weight off will help my back tremendously. This past week really made it apparent, just how important it is that I get the weight off and take better care of myself.

Now I have to try and prepare my house for company tomorrow without overdoing it! It will be a challenge!

Tackle It Tuesday

The only thing I'll be tackling today I think, is the icepack! I am hoping though, that after putting ice on it off and on for a few hours this morning, I'll be able to do a few dishes and start a load of laundry. The kids can get it put away, if I can just wash it and get it in the dryer. I made it to the chiropractor yesterday, but still am having a hard time walking today. I know it will take time.

Some of this post is a repeat, since I just got yesterday's daybook posted today, but I'm trying! Little Miss Princess turns 5 on Thursday and I need to get her last present and get the stuff for her cupcakes. She wants pink icing with pink sparkly sprinkles. I am going to make a bunch, and put some of them in the shape of a number 5, like I did with my two June birthdays last year. It's very cute and very economical! I just pray that I will be able to make it to a store to accomplish this in the next couple days.

God has been so good to me through this, just like He always is. He's teaching me to trust in Him in the good times and the bad, and always look to Him FIRST for EVERYTHING. Even through my tears as I've crawled around the house and went to church on Sunday, I have been praising Him for all the good and all the bad in my life. I'm so thankful that I'm a child of God...I can't imagine going through life without Him!

So anyhow, today will be a challenge, but here's my goals:

*to get enough dishes done that we can make and eat a homemade meal tonight

*to do 4 loads of laundry

1 for the boys

1 for the girls

1 for dad

1 for mom

For more great Tackle It Tuesday Posts, go to www.5minutesformom.com !

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Join In On The Daybook, Click the Link Below!

The Simple Woman's Daybook-March 2nd Edition

For Today March 2nd, 2010...

Outside My Window~ It's snowing again! BIG, beautiful white snowflakes falling all over outside! What a blessing! What more can I ask for as I'm still partially stuck in bed all day?! I can't believe we are getting more snow here in Georgia.

I Am Hearing~ The music on my blog. I love it...it's really for me, so I can hear inspirational and God honoring music. I just hope some of you enjoy it as well, or have quick and easy access to your volume button/knob!

I Am Thinking~ that I really hope my back gets better today. I have so much that needs to be done. The dishes are all piled up, the laundry has consumed the laundry room and living room now, and my husband is getting on edge, the way he always does when the house is a mess. I made it to the chiropractor yesterday, but since my back got so bad that I couldn't even walk, I know it will take several days and probably another visit to get better. I just don't know if I can do either one of those. I have a birthday dinner and cake for Little Miss Princess on Thursday night, and I need the house clean, homemade lasagna made, and a few more errands ran for presents and stuff to make the cupcakes. Ugh

From The Learning Rooms~ We took the week off last week, since I was just trying to get through the days. We are back on top of it today. So far this year, I have been taking Friday's off and only doing school on Monday-Thursday. I think I'm going to change our day off to Mondays. I just have so much to do on Monday, and we almost always don't get school started until late in the afternoon. I'm trying it out for the next couple weeks to see if it works any better that way. I'm starting to look forward to next year, since my birthday girl will be starting the learning to read program then!

I'm Thankful For~ My laptop, so I'm not bored out of my mind, stuck here in bed. I have to say, I've been trying to look on the bright side of things, and just slowing down and enjoying the simple things that I don't get to enjoy normally, has been really nice!

I Am Going~ to Toys R Us, if I can muster up the strength later. I can't take a pain pill and drive, but I can take some Alieve and put my back brace on and hope for the best! I'm going to have to ice my back several more times though before I even think about it. So far I haven't made it through a store without a wheel chair though, so I'm not sure if we'll make it there today.

On My Mind~ how I'm going to get the dishes and laundry done. We can not afford to have hubby bring home anymore fast food for dinner.

From The Kitchen~ miracles, hopefully.

One Of My Favorite Things~ a beautiful thick snowfall, like we are getting this morning!

From My Picture Journal~

Looking Forward To Spring!