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Emerging into the blog world once again.

Well,

It has been forever since my last post. Nearly 7 months to be precise. More life changes have just occurred. Yesterday was my last day at my insurance position. While I loved working there, I left for a few reasons - first, I missed Carter something fierce ; second, after looking at our finances, we were only coming out about $80/wk ahead due to costs such as daycare, etc. ; third, I want to be able to be more involved in the things that matter to me most such as church, Carter's school, volunteering, etc. Couple those things along with the fact, that I really feel I'm just not cut out to work a regular job, is the reason I left.

I'm going to try getting a job that I can do from home so if anyone that reads this knows of any good and legitimate companies that hire telecommuters, let me know. I do have a list of 6 or 7 that I know are legit and am going to begin actively pursuing that.

Also, Mike and I have been feeling a nudge from God that we should pursue becoming foster parents. I'm realizing more and more, that God's plan for us may be that we don't have more biological children, but that we help take care of children that are already on this earth and don't have a loving home. Our dream is to one day adopt from Africa, but due to the cost associated with that, we know that will have to be a long-term goal. In the meantime, we want to help as many children as we can. Yesterday we went to our first meeting in the long process. There is 12 weeks of training that we will have to undergo and then another 4 months of things like home studies and interviews to complete the process. It's not going to go as quickly as I originally had anticipated or wished for, but hopefully sometime next year in the early fall, we will have our first child or children.

I will be sure to post much more often and since I'll have a heck of a lot more time on my hands, I don't think it will be an issue. Please pray that the transition goes well for both Carter and I and that all goes smoothly with the foster care process.

Please Pray

My dear friend Sandi who is a member of Friendly Faces , a message board for moms that I'm a part of, is going through something so terribly difficult. She just found out a few weeks ago that she is pregnant. She recently noticed a lump in her throat and had thought it was due to her thyroid complications. They are now thinking it is Lymphoma. Please PLEASE say a prayer for her and her baby as well as for her husband and her 3 girls. The power of prayer is an amazing thing. Please add a comment to this post and I will pass it along to her. I know that your thoughts and prayers will help her through this scary time.

Getting Healthy

Well I think it may just be that we are getting healthy again. Neither I nor Carter are at 100%, but I think we are at least headed in the right direction. I'm going to have a busy busy next couple of weeks. I'm actually excited. I finally have a set schedule at work. For the month of May, I will be working all day Monday and Friday and then doing sales calls for 4 hours at some point throughout the week. Then starting in June, my schedule will jump back and forth every other week. Week 1 will be Mon, Wed, Fri and week 2 will be Tues, Thurs, Sat morning. I think this schedule is really going to work well for me.


Big News!!! (No, sadly, I'm not pregnant.) On Saturday, my hubby and I will have been together for 7 years!!!!!!! That is such huge milestone for us. I was with someone for 4 years so I long ago passed my record, but 7 years is the milestone for my hubby. He has to work a little, but he is supposed to get done early and we are going to go out and celebrate. I can't believe how much in love I still am and not the ooshy gooshy kind of love, but the kind that you know will get you through anything because you have someone there to hold you up. Marriage is so amazing!! (At least most of the time! HA!)

I get to do a little shopping at an outlet mall on Saturday. I am going to get a few new bras (exciting I know, but hey, some of us don't get out much!) I may see if I can find a few other bargains while I'm at it. I'm also going to go to a Lia Sophia party. For those who don't know what that is ( I just heard of this within the last year myself) it's a jewelry party. I've never been to one or looked at what they have, but a friend of mine has some of their stuff. I've heard it's pricey so I'm not sure how much I'll get, but I'll probably buy something. I don't like going to those parties because I always feel obligated to buy something to help the host out, but I should probably go since it's my sister-in-law having the party.

Tomorrow I work all day and I really have a lot to do tomorrow night too. I was off today and felt completely lazy and did nothing, but lay outside and read a book nearly all day!!!!! My house could really use a picking up and a good once over and I still have a few loads of laundry to do, but I just have an "oh well, it will be there tomorrow" attitude today.

Well for now that's my life in a nutshell.

Go Figure

After I got done posting, I started to get very nauseous so I didn't get a single thing done last night. So that leaves everything for today although I will move laundry back to tomorrow along with groceries. I have a feeling I won't be going to church tomorrow since it seems that I feel worse in the morning so I'll probably lay in bed while hubby is at church and try to get my grocery list done then.

Wish me luck!

Update:

Well I have accomplished quite a bit so far. Considering how I still feel, I think I've done well. You can look at what I've crossed off yesterday's list.

Update On Carter

Well, after seeing his dr. they think that it is in fact a UTI. He said that the antibiotics that I had given him could have affected the results of his lab test. He said that it also just may be a continuation from his stomach flu from last week. Apparently sometimes if a child is either constipated or has diarrhea it can irritate the bladder and make it seem as though they have a UTI. If it doesn't get better the other possibility is diabetes. That's definitely scary because there is a lot of family history on my side with both Type I and Type II. Dr. said not to worry at this point though because he thought it was unlikely.

So far so good and Carter seems to be responding to the antibiotics and his accidents are getting fewer and farther between.

Now however, I am ill. I have an extremely nasty cold. But after being in bed most of yesterday and most of today, I'm starting to feel a little better. I really want to get my house clean tonight so I can get laundry done tomorrow. For some reason I have this complusion where I can't do laundry in a messy house. Needless to say, that's probably why my laundry piles up so often. Here's my to-do list for tonight and tomorrow...

Tonight:
Office-
Clean off Desk
Pick Up Toys w/ Carter
Dust
Vacuum

Living Room-
Clean Off Coffee Table
Straighten Book Shelf
Vacuum
Spot Clean Carpets

Kitchen-
Dishes
Wipe Off Counters
Polish Appliances
Vacuum
Mop

Dining Room-
Wipe Off Table
Vacuum
Mop

Powder Room-
Wipe Down Sink
Clean Toilet
Vacuum Mop

Master Bedroom-
Make Bed
Pick Up Old Newspapers
Dust
Vacuum

Master Bathroom-
Clean Off Sink Area
Clean Toilet
Wipe Out Shower and Tub
Pick Up Dirty Laundry
Vacuum
Spot Clean Carpets

Guest Rooms-
Remove Bedding To Be Washed
Vacuum

Guest Bathroom-
Wipe Out Shower & Tub
Clean Toilet
Clean Sink Area

Carter's Room-
Pick Up Toys
Straighten Closet
Vacuum
Spot Clean Carpets

Tomorrow:
Anything That Was Not Done Tonight
Pay Bills
Grocery List & Shopping
Laundry

Please Say A Prayer

for my son Carter. This last week he has started to have accidents. He was tested today for a UTI, but that test came back negative and now the dr. wants to see him. I'm so worried. I keep telling myself it's nothing to be really worried about, but I can't help but worry. He otherwise seems to be feeling ok. UGH!! I hate when he is sick and it just seems like he has been sick non-stop with something for the longest time. Please say a prayer for him if you would and for myself too. I'm not sure my nerves can handle waiting until tomorrow morning when we meet with the dr.

We Had A Great Time.

Well our vacation has come and gone and we are now getting back to normal. We had a few snags along the way, the biggest one being Carter getting sick. I went to get him up on Monday so we could get ready to go and he threw up. Then I gave him a bath and he threw up again after the bath. I asked him if he still wanted to go and of course he said yes so we left and he got sick once more in the car on the way down, but then he was ok for the rest of the day. We just always made sure we were next to an exit or bathroom just in case, but luckily there were no more problems. Tuesday he no longer was throwing up, but instead he had diarrhea. He otherwise was feeling and acting completely fine so we continued on with our vacation.

We went to a HUGE antique mall where I found a very nice silver tea set for $35. That seemed like a really good price to me. It is slightly tarnished, but I think silver cleaner/polish will take care of that.

Mike got sick on Wednesday and Thursday so we stayed home those two days. I SOMEHOW managed to escape the illness this time around. I was so greatful!!!

Now I'm just trying to recover. Not only am I tired from all the running around we have done, but I have laundry and cleaning to do.

Speaking of laundry... Can I just say that I have the most amazing sister alive!!!! When I left home on Monday, I had at least 20 loads of laundry to do. (Scary I know, but that is the one thing that seems to drag me down the most.) Well, before we had left we had asked my sister to take care of our animals for the two days we would be gone. Not only did she take care of our two dogs and cat, but she did ALL my laundry AND cleaned my laundry room. It was such an unexpected surprise. I couldn't believe it. Sisters are such a blessing.

Vacation!!!!!!

We are going on vacation next week. It is a fairly spur of the moment thing. Hubby has been having a rough few weeks at work and really wanted a break. I can't wait.

This is going to be our schedule...

Saturday: Stay at home; Get the house cleaned. (Not much of a vacation I know, but it must be done.)

Sunday: Church; Lunch w/ family

Monday: John Deere Museum (I really can't wait for this!! Carter is already asking me everyday when we get to go see the tractors. AND on a side note, it will be very cool for me since my family helped start the company.)

Tuesday: Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.

Wednesday: Mini Golf and Go Carting; Dinner with my family; Church

Thursday: I have to work in the morning, but then we are going bowling.

Friday: I have to work again in the morning, but then my cousin and her husband and 2 kids are coming to town. Then we will once again go out for dinner with my family.

Saturday: A charity auction for my son's school; Couples night out with my cousin and her hubby which will include a movie and dinner at our all-time favorite restaurant "The Melting Pot".

Time With God

I've always wondered why it is that spending time with God is one of the first things we eliminate from our schedules when we get "too busy". I know that I myself am so terribly guilty of this. I find that I am just too busy to sit down and spend time with God, learning about Him, talking to Him, and listening to Him. However, would I miss an episode of my favorite TV show?? I think NOT!!! The world would have to implode before I allowed that.

Obviously, this is not only NOT what God wants for us, it's down-right tragic! How silly it seems when I really think about it. TV show or God? Reading a book or God? Extra half hour of sleep or God? Seriously, this should not be that difficult!

I think we need to be refocused on what's truly important. It's so easy to let our priorities get out of whack. I know that an excuse I frequently use is..."I've worked all day and then I have to come home to take care of our child and cook dinner, I deserve to do what I want." Why is it that my first choice is not spending time with God. I realize (and I think God does too) that we all have different interests and we all like to lose our minds in a good TV show or a good book, but there has to be that balance. What better reason is there to give God your time.

There Needs To Be More Time In A Day

WOW!!!! I cannot believe how time goes by so quickly. I'm always having too much to do and definitely not enough time to do it in. I'm a little scared of where my job is heading. It's very quickly turning into a full-time position which I knew was going to happen eventually--keyword there, being eventually. I'm just having a very hard time adjusting.

I think I'm going to reprogram my brain and I'm going to start tomorrow. (At least that's what I'd like to do. HA!) I'm going to attempt to get up at 5 am tomorrow. It's been so nice out that I really want to start exercising more outside. Oh who am I kidding!!! I just need to start exercising!!

Also, I really want to start spending more time with God. I was doing so well with that for so long, but starting work has thrown off my schedule and of course the first thing to go was my time with God. I've never really understood that whole concept, but I'll get into that more in my next post for simplicity sake.

I just really think I need to refocus my attention in general.

Carter has been doing so well. He is now able to sing his abc's almost perfectly. He still struggles with counting, but he can at least get to 6 on his own. He is so creative it just amazes me. I'm not exactly sure where he got that from because it certainly wasn't either of his parents. He is just such an amazing gift from God.

I Must Once Again Apologize

I sincerely apologize for my entries being so sparse. Work and my home life have just been keeping me so busy these last few weeks.

First of all, I have been spending a TON of time redecorating our home. Well, actually forget the "re-", I've just been decorating. We have lived here over a year now and I still had not hung even one picture. Well, that has all changed. I'm happy to say that I have nearly the whole house decorated now. We had some extra money so I invested it into beautiful things to look at. I only have a few rooms left to do. Our office/playroom is one of those. I'm doing an African theme in there and I am going to have to wait until my sister returns to Africa next year and can bring me all kinds of fun things back to finish that room. Then I need just a couple more pictures for the guest room. Otherwise, I'm all done for now. I still have some other rooms that need a little more, but those are going to wait for now.

Work has also been keeping me very busy. I worked 3 full days this week and 1 half day and I still have some things to do tomorrow also. I'm absolutely loving it though! It's so much fun and I'm finally starting to feel somewhat comfortable doing things on my own. I had a HUGE week this week and I am so proud of myself.

This weekend is going to be another crazy one, I'm afraid.

Tomorrow is especially going to be nuts. First, I have to go pick up my husband's grandma. Then we are going to a cookie walk at my church. (It's a fundraiser for next years missions trip.) After that we are going out to one of our family farms to let Bubba see the baby chicks and baby cows they just got. After that, I'm taking Grandma to lunch, then to Walmart. Somewhere in there I have to get some work done and then at 3pm I'm going to the bridal shop with my sister. She wants me to see the wedding dress she picked out. I'm so tired just thinking of all of that.

I have a favor to ask of anyone who reads this... my hubby and I have been talking some about adoption. It's very hard for me to get pregnant and we've always thought adoption would be such a great thing to do. I've always felt the calling to give a child a stable and loving home when she might not have had one otherwise. The only problem is that we have no idea where to even start getting information let alone starting the acutal process. I've seen/heard so many scary stories about people getting scammed and I'd really like to avoid that. I realize that those cases are likely the minority since it's always the bad things you hear about and very seldom the good, but I still want to be informed as well as I can be. So if any of you have any experience with this or if you know of any websites/books that could maybe point me in the right direction that would be great!!!!

Today I Splurged

I ordered some new furniture today. There was a deal at our local furniture store where if you bought $3000 of furniture you would get a 61" HD TV. So I thought I would take advantage of that! Before we moved into our new house, I had planned on getting some new furniture and a big screen tv, but hubby's job was not all that stable and we had to use the money elsewhere so I finally took the leap and went for it.

This is what I got: a sofa, a 1 and half chair (very nice for snuggling), an ottoman, 2 end tables, 1 coffee table, a new dining room table w/ 6 matching chairs and of course, the big screen tv. I got all of this for less than $4000!!! All of it is so beautiful too! I just can't wait. Hubby doesn't know yet that he's getting his tv. I can't wait to tell him!

Update:

Hubby called as I was originally posting this. He's very excited.

Here are pics of what we got. This is everything except the 2 end tables and the coffee table.

TV (I got this link from amazon because they had a better pic.)

Dining Room Set

Chair and a Half (The colors of this and the couch are a little off in the photo. They are more cream colored than yellowish.)

Couch

Well

here I am again. My life has just gotten so crazy that I feel like I'm drowning. Between housework and regular work. I'm definitely having a harder time adjusting than I thought I would. I do absolutely LOVE my job though. I just need to figure out how to get some balance between the two. Being out of commision after my fall and then getting sick once again with a nasty cold has not helped.

I'm truly hoping that I will be able to get back to posting here on a regular basis this week. My goal is to clean at least 1 room a day in this filthy house.

If there are any working moms who read this and would be able and willing to give me some pointers, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm really looking for a system that can not only help me get my house back in order, but keep it that way too. I really need to go through my flylady.net stuff and see if that will help.

Crazy Day

Well, I apologize that it has been a few days since updating. I have so much to write about however, it's not going to happen for another day or two. Besides being busy with getting things back in order and then working, I managed to severely injure myself today. I've had an old foot injury from high school that I was told would eventually need surgery...well today I reinjured it even more. I fell on the ice on our back patio and boy, I am definitely paying the price tonight. I did manage to at least get myself back in the house and get my husband up to help me continue to get Bubba ready for school. I also went to work today. I just tried not to walk on it much, but now tonight I can't put much of any weight on it at all. I also managed to lightly sprain my wrist when I was trying to catch my fall. Then of course to top it all off...I woke up with an enourmous head cold that alone could have knocked me on my bum for awhile. So needless to say, I will be out of commission for the next day or two. Hope life is treating all of you much better than it is me.

Week Two: Food Diary

Monday:
Breakfast:
1 Can Diet Soda
1 Better MD Bar
F= 4.5
C= 160
Lunch:
6" Subway Club Sandwich w/ Cheese
F= 9.5
C= 375
Dinner:
1/2 C. Tortellini
Buffalo Chicken Strips
1 Tbsp. Fat-Free Ranch Dressing
12 oz. Skim Milk
F= 6
C= 372
Snack:
8 Pretzels
1 Can Regular Soda
F= 0
C= 290

Daily Totals:
F= 21
C= 1197

Tuesday:
Breakfast:
6" Subway Club Sandwich w/ Cheese
F= 9.5
C= 375
Lunch:
1 1/4 C. Tortellini
F= 12.5
C= 350
Dinner:
1 C. Tuna Helper
Dark Chocolate
1 Can Minute Maid Light
F= 12.25
C= 359

DailyTotals:
F= 34.25
C= 1084

Wednesday:
Breakfast:
4 Egg Whites
1 Slice American Cheese
12 oz. Milk
Melba Toast
1 Tbsp. Lite Cheese Spread
F= 5.75
C= 354
Lunch:
1 C. Hamburger Helper
1/2 Box Junior Mints
1 Can Minute Maid Lite
F= 13.25
C= 420
Dinner:
24oz. Diet Soda
1/2 Small Pizza Hut Light n Fit Cheese Pizza
1 Cocktail
F= 10
C= 590
Snack:
8 oz. Skim Milk
F= 0
C= 90

Daily Totals:
F= 29
C= 1454

Thursday:
Breakfast:
Melba Toast
2 Tbsp. Lite Spreadable Cheese
1 Can Minute Maid Lite
F= 8
C= 250
Lunch:
1/4 Egg Salad
F= 12
C= 300

For My Dear Friend Bethany

Bethany, I realize the hurt you are feeling now is a hurt like no other. I only wish there was more that I could say or do to help you in your time of grief. This is a poem I found several years ago after losing a child to miscarriage myself. I only hope it helps you the way it still helps me today. Love ya, B!

I thought of you, closed my eyes, and prayed to God today.
I asked "What makes a mother?" and I know I heard Him say...

"A mother has a baby, this we know is true."

"But God, can you be a mother when your baby's not with you?"

"Yes, you can", He replied with confidence in His voice. "I give many women babies. When they leave isn't' their choice. Some I send for a lifetime, others for a day, and some I send to feel your womb, but there's no need to stay."

"I just don't understand this God, I want my baby here."

He took a breath and cleared His throat and then I saw a tear.

"I wish I could show you what your child is doing today. If you could see your child smile with other children and say, 'We go to Earth to learn our lessons of love, life, and fear. My mommy loved me oh so much, I got to come straight here. I feel so lucky to have a mom, who had so much love for me. I learned my lessons quickly. My mommy set me free. I miss my mommy oh so much, but I visit her each day. When she goes to sleep on her pillow, there I lay. I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear, "Mommy don't be sad today, I am your baby and I'm here".'

So you see my sweet dear one, your child is OK. Your baby is here in My home and this where she'll stay. She will wait for you with Me, until your lessons' through and on the day that day arrives, she'll be at the gates for you. So now you see what makes a mother, it's the feelings in your heart. It's the love you had so much of right from the very start. Though some on Earth may not realize until their time is done. Remember all the love you have and know that you are a special mom."

Week:1 Weigh In

Well, I have lost 5 lbs. so far!! I'm pretty excited about that. I earned losing every single one of those pounds. I've had to give some things up, but I know it will be worth it in the end.

Amazing

Today was my first day at work and it went so well. I really think I'm going to love it! I was originally only supposed to be there for 2 hours, but ended up staying for 5!! I was going over several things with my boss for most of that time and then I did a couple of online training courses. I was so surprised when I was able to see my office. It's so wonderful. I have a HUGE bay window that lets in a ton of light and I even get to pick my own paint color and accessories like window treatments, paintings, etc. AND I'm getting all brand new furniture. I nice big wood desk and a comfy chair. I had no idea that I was going to be so spoiled. I can't wait until it's all ready to go.

Also, I went to get my picture taken today for my business cards. I added it to this page too since I liked the picture so well. Generally, I'm no where near photogenic, but I had a miraculous thing happen to me today... a good hair day!

Weekend Success

Yesterday was a complete success at the Model Train Show. I think we could have spent all day there. There was so much to look at. Bubba was just in train heaven. He couldn't get enough and it was so great seeing him so excited. It just melted my heart. I think it's definitely going to be a yearly tradition.

I got quite a bit accomplished today which was wonderful. My house is clean. The only thing to do now is get caught up on laundry which, hopefully, I will finally be able to accomplish this week.

Tomorrow is my first day at work and honestly, I couldn't be more terrified. I hate starting new jobs. I'm not one for not being in control. I also have to get my picture taken this week for my new business cards. I am REALLY excited about that (except for the fact that I got a HUGE zit on my face which would just figure, ya know!). I've never had my own business card and this may seem funny and even shallow, but it just makes me feel important in some strange way. I only work 2 hours tomorrow and only a total of 11 hours this week. I'm starting very slowly. I want there to be as little of a negative impact on me and my family.

Tomorrow's also a big day being that it's my first weigh in since being on weight loss medication. I'm really interested to see if my hard work has paid off at all. I sure am hoping it has. I found out I have a class reunion this year in June and it would be great to go looking better than I do now. I'm working very hard to make that happen.

Well it's time to go make dinner. I'll let you know how work goes! Say a prayer for me.

I Can't Wait!

We are taking Bubba here tomorrow. I'm so excited for him. He absolutely LOVES trains in any way shape or form. In our house, "X" doesn't stand for Xylophone, it stands for Trains (because of the railroad crossing sign). There is going to be 90,000 sq. ft. of trains there. He doesn't know yet either. I only wish hubby could go, but he has to work so I've recruited my parents and one of my sisters to go along with me.

Then after work on Thursday, Bubba and I are going to Michigan for a long weekend. It's quite likely that hubby will have to work then too, but if not then he's entitled to some much needed time alone or with friends if he chooses. I have an aunt and uncle and several cousins in Michigan. We'll be staying with one of my cousin's. She just had a baby a couple of weeks ago and has a 1 year old. Her husband works nights and she's having a hard time adjusting so we are going to go give her some help and support. Her sister (another cousin) has a son that is just a month younger than Bubba and they get along so great so it will be fun to let them spend some time together too. It gives me a really good excuse to go hold a baby or two for a few days too. LOL

I have so much to do before I leave. Thankfully my sister is coming over on Monday to help me get the house all cleaned up. She gave me a once-a-month cleaning for Christmas. Then I have a few days to work on laundry and get some cooking done. I'd really like to try to leave my hubby some good homemade food so he doesn't have to worry about cooking especially if he ends up working.

I'm just so excited!!! I can hardly contain myself.

Peanut Butter Recall

I'm so glad I don't use this brand. We go through so much peanut butter here it's unbelievable.

Read more here.

Camera Advice Needed

My digital camera bit the dust. I'm not sure what happened to it. It still works, but the shutter won't open so I'm not able to take pictures. So, I guess that means that I should probably get a new one since I haven't been able to take any pictures of my little Bubba for quite some time now. Does anyone have any thoughts one what a good one might be? I'd like to stay with a Sony since that's what I have now and I'd like to avoid having to purchase more memory cards and all that. Any thoughts?? Thanks!!!

Week 1: Food Diary

Monday:
Breakfast:
4 Egg Whites
1 Slice American Cheese
1 C. Skim Milk
F= 15
C= 359
Lunch:
1 C. Mac N Cheese (Light Prep)
1 Slice Beer Bread
1 Tbsp. Fat-Free Margarine
Diet Soda
F= 7
C= 455
Dinner:
1 Pouch Tuna
10 Saltine Crackers
1 Tbsp. Butter
1/3 C. Kashi GoLean Cereal
1 Can Regular Soda
F= 15
C= 614
Snack:
1 Better MD Bar
F= 4.5
C= 160

Daily Totals:
F= 41.5
C= 1588

Tuesday:
Breakfast:
1 Better MD Bar
1 Can Regular Soda
F= 4.5
C= 340
Lunch:
2 Servings Cheese Ravioli
Weight Watchers Dessert
Diet Soda
F= 12.5
C= 710
Dinner:
1 C. Orange Sherbet
1 Cheez-It Snack Pack
12 oz. Skim Milk
F= 6
C= 290

Daily Totals:
F= 23
C= 1340

Wednesday:
Breakfast:
2 Slices White Bread
4 Egg Whites
1 C. Skim Milk
2 Tbsp. Fat-Free Margarine
F= 3
C= 314
Lunch:
1.5 C. Green Beans
1/2 C. Hamburger Helper
12 oz. Skim Milk
1 Weight Watchers Dessert
F= 9.5
C= 515
Dinner:
2 Valentine Cookies
12 oz. Skim Milk
F= 15
C= 420

Daily Totals:
F= 27.5
C= 1249

Thursday:
Breakfast:
2 Valentine Cookies
12 oz. Skim Milk
F= 15
C= 420
Lunch:
Shrimp Scampi
1/2 c. Brown Rice
1 Can Regular Soda
Chocolate
F=5
C= 720
Dinner:
6 Pieces Melba Toast
2 Tbsp. Spreadable Cheddar Cheese
8 Pretzels
Chocolate
F= 9
C = 373

Daily Totals:
F= 29
C= 1513

Friday:
Breakfast:
1 pkg. Kashi Oatmeal
1 C. Skim Milk
2 tsp. Brown Sugar Splenda
F= 2
C= 300
Lunch:
1 Grilled Cheese Sandwich
8 Pretzels
1 Can Regular Soda
F= 11
C= 585
Dinner:
2 Cocktails
16 Pretzels
1/4 c. Pudding
F= 1
C= 920

Daily Totals:
F= 14
C= 1805

Saturday:
Breakfast:
1 Can Regular Soda
1 pkg. Quaker Mini Delights
F= 3.5
C= 280
Lunch:
6" Deli Sandwich
Diet Soda
F= 8.5
C= 335
Dinner:
1 Cocktail
6 Roasted Potatoes Pieces
Sauteed Chicken Breast
2 Tbsp. Fat-Free Ranch
2 Tbsp. Ketchup
F= 7
C= 606

Daily Totals:
F= 19
C= 1240

Sunday:
Breakfast:
1 Caramel Apple Cider
1 Reduced-Fat Cinnamon Coffee Cake
F= 9
C= 650
Lunch:
1/2 Baked Potato
2 Tbsp. Sour Cream
4 oz. Blackened Chicken
1/4 C. Cottage Cheese
F= 11.5
C= 392
Dinner:
3/4 C. Fettucini Alfredo w/ Chicken
1/2 C. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
12 oz. Skim Milk
F= 15
C= 628

Daily Totals:
F= 35.5
C= 1670

I Have Issues!!!

OK so over the past couple of weeks I have been seeing some doctors to attempt at getting me feeling better. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with moderately severe PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, more info here.) It's really something I tend to advise staying away from! (HA! If it were only that easy!!!) As a result, I'm currently have significant problems with my weight and getting my body ready to get pregnant. I currently have about 80 lbs. that I would like to remove from my body. It will, however, be harder than going uphill 20 miles each way to school in 20 ft. of snow! Barefoot!!! (As my grandpa used to say.) Needless to say I am taking advantage of a team of medical personnel to help me accomplish my goals. While I don't need to lose all of that weight to get pregnant, it would certainly help things work a little better. So for now, I'm going to work my butt off (literally I hope!) and pray that God will bless us again with another child.

To help in this endeavor, I was put on medication that will help reduce the amount of fat that my body can absorb at any given meal. It essentially has the same effects of have gastric bypass without the invasive aspect of surgery. My weight loss also won't be quite as dramatic as a surgical patient. Unfortunately many of the same side-effects are there though. Luckily, the side-effects that I will experience will be completely up to me. If I follow my diet to a tee, then there will be very little adverse effect from the medication. If I falter, I will pay.

Right now I'm allowed 15 grams of fat per meal and no more than 50 grams per day. So I can have 3 meals and then have 5 grams for any snacks I may need or want. I am also allowed 1400 calories per day. Most important to watch is the fat intake because of the medication effects.

This week, I'm going to get both my diet plan and my fitness plan. I was told what I could have in terms of fat and calories, but the nutritionist is just going to go over everything in depth and give me some resources.

I officially began yesterday, so I'm going to weigh in weekly and see how I do. I also plan to post on here not only my progress in weight on a weekly basis, but also, on what I've had to eat for the day. I need one central place to keep all my information and what better place than here.

I also saw a psychologist too, but I'll go over that meeting later.

Plan For Tomorrow

7:00 AM Shower
7:30 AM Get Bubba Up And Ready For The Day
7:40 AM Bubba Eats Breakfast/I Make His Lunch
7:55 AM Leave For School
8:20 AM Return Home And Have My Breakfast
9:00 AM Clean Laundry Room
9:20 AM Clean Office
9:40 AM Clean Living Room
10:00AM Clean Powder Room
10:10AM Clean Kitchen And Dining Room
11:00AM Vacuum And Mop All Floors Downstairs
11:30AM Clean Bubba's Room/Vacuum/Spot-Clean Carpet
12:30PM Make Lunch For Hubby And I/Hubby Picks Up Bubba
1:00 PM Eat Lunch And Relax With Hubby
2:15 PM Bubba Goes Down For Nap
2:30 PM Clean Upstairs Bathroom
2:45 PM Clean Master Bedroom
3:15 PM Clean Master Bathroom
3:45 PM Vacuum All Floors Upstairs
4:15 PM Spot-Clean All Carpet
5:00 PM Leave For Dinner @ Pizza Hut
6:30 PM Church
7:45 PM Get Home/Get Bubba Ready For Bed
8:00 PM Story Time For Bubba
8:15 PM Bubba's Bedtime
8:30 PM Start Laundry

I Passed!!

I am now licensed to sell property, casualty, life, and health insurance in the state of Wisconsin!!! That is 4, I repeat, 4 exams done and over with!!

Whew!!! That is one thing I'm glad is over! I just don't think my brain is cut out for this testing stuff the way it used to be. I just wish I could know what my actual score was. But it's either a score or a "pass", so I'm much better off not knowing. I think it should be the other way around. I think if you pass you should get your actual score and if you fail you should just get a "fail". Oh well. Hopefully, I won't need to worry about any more tests for a long long time.

Wish Me Luck Or You Could Just Pray Really Hard

Well my day today has been filled with studying. I'm taking my next set of exams (hopefully the last at least for a long while) for my insurance licenses. I have two so far and I will hopefully be receiving the next two tomorrow. I'm so nervous!!! I think I'm even more nervous this time than I was for the last tests. I just don't feel like I can retain information the way I was able to when I was younger. Probably because I am trying to juggle so much all the time that I just can't focus long enough on one thing. I have so much information that I need to remember it's ridiculous! If you think of me at all tomorrow, please say a prayer that God will help me to retain what I have learned.

Our weekend was very full and therefore I got absolutely nothing done. I'm taking my exams tomorrow early in the morning so hopefully I'll be able to come home and get some things accomplished before Bubba's done with school. My whole house is a complete disaster zone and I absolutly hate that!! It always makes my anxiety 10x worse than normal.

Saturday we went out to run some errands and ended up being gone for 8 hours!!! I have no idea how the time just slipped away from us. Sunday we dropped Bubba off at the inlaws for most of the day and we went to church and then to the dinner theater. We let Bubba go to the inlaws church this week since we were going to early service (which is generally way to early for us! LOL) and they have no childrens program or nursery for the early service and he's not quite old enough to sit through the adult service yet. Going to 2nd service would have made us late for the show. Speaking of which...

The show was wonderful! I've never really been to a dinner theater like that before. They were showing Grease and it was wonderful and the food was fantastic!!

Well that's all I have for now. Actually, I have a lot more, but I just don't have the time to write it. Plus, I have noodles boiling away on the stove! See you all tomorrow.

A Mom Like No Other

We had a great day today (despite that absolutely NOTHING was accomplished!). With bubba still feeling ill, we decided to have a "Snuggle Day". It's days like these, that I tend to remember just what a blessing it is to have this little being in my life. I sometimes get so caught up with life that I often forget to stop and really take advantage of all that I have. You know, I think sometimes, as a busy mom, I don't realize just what an impact I really have in my child's (and family's) life. I'm not sure if all moms feel this way or not, but I quite often feel replaceable. I feel as though many of the things I do for my family goes unnoticed and that I could easily be replaced by a cook and a nanny. What I have realized, however, is that it is the attention and intention that makes all the difference. It's not just the actions, but it's the love, committment, and devotion that goes into those actions that make me irreplaceable. Looking at my son, I'm overcome with a sense of unconditional love and great responsibility. I constantly question whether or not I'm doing all I can or whether I'm doing it "right". Honestly, most times I'm probably not on both counts, but again, my loving intentions are to give my son the greatest love and life-training possible and that's what makes me different from any nanny or cook in the world.

Menu Planning

If you need help with menu planning or just don't like to do it, then please use my link at the bottom of this page. I came across Dine Without Whine a few months ago and I absolutely love it!!! My son is so SO picky! (Who am I kidding, so am I!) I love nearly all the recipes that are used. It's so affordable too and it even gives you a very usable shopping list. Please use the button at the bottom of this page so I can earn credit towards my subscription.

Busy Busy Busy

It has been an insane week. I feel as though I haven't been able to breathe. I have been taking more classes to continue with my licensing process. As of today, I have finished the last of my classes (for the near future, at least) and will be taking my last set of exams on Tuesday. I have a lot of studying and reviewing to do before then. To start the week of though, "Bubba" came down with a nasty cold which he has still not been able to shake. He hasn't felt well enough to go to school. Thankfully my mom was willing to take care of him while I was at my class. Poor guy. My heart just aches for him when he is so miserable. Hopefully he'll be able to get a good amount of rest this weekend and start to feel a little better.

Here's my newest list of things that I need to get done between now and preferrably Saturday night.

Laundry.(I'm still not caught up!)
Dishes.
Wipe Kitchen Down.
Vacuum/Mop All Floors.
Pay Bills.
Dust Furniture (All Rooms)
Clean Bathrooms.

Considering the week I've had, I think I've done pretty well keeping up with the other things. I managed to even make lunches and dinners for my hubby despite not being home during meal times. It's a good thing he doesn't mind things reheated.

To end on a good note...

My parents got us tickets to a dinner theater for Sunday after church. My sister actually works there as a server (no discounts though which stinks!). Right now they are performing Grease and I'm so excited. I've never been to anything like this before!!! I can't wait.

My Family

Well, I thought it was time to give a little bit of info on my family. I'm married to the most wonderful man I've ever met. We are almost at our 6 year anniversary and I'm so excited!! We have a little boy, "bubba" as we generally call him, who is 3. He's by far the most amazing thing I've ever done. He makes me laugh every single day.


My hubby works 2nd shift at a factory. I'm not too keen on 2nd shift, but we have made it work for us as best as possible. We don't complain because the money he makes is what allows me to choose whether I want to stay at home or work. It's so wonderful to have that as an option. He really is such a great dad which I find so funny because he originaly did not want children. Now he wants as many as I'll agree to have. While we do have our "issues" like everyone else, I can truly say that he is the only man for me.

My bubba is the absolute joy of my life. I truly never knew that I could love anyone as much as I do him. He is constantly coming up with new and funny things to day and to say. I absolutely love being his mommy.

So there you have it. That's my family. We also have our parents, brothers, sisters and a heck of a lot of extended family between us, which we spend time with on a very regular basis.

Next to God, family is our first love and priority.

What I Want To Accomplish

Well, I really haven't gotten much done today. I had a few appointments earlier in the day and then wound up with a migraine and felt I needed to lay down and rest. I'm getting a very late start considering it's nearly 9, but there's no time like the present, I suppose.

Office/Playroom:
Pick Up Toys.
Empty Trash.
Organize Papers.


Living Room:
Pick Up Anything That Does Not Belong.


Kitchen:
Finish Dishes.
Wipe Off Counters And Stove-Top.


Powder Room:
Swish And Swipe.

Laundry Room:
Quick Pick-Up.


Upstairs:
Gather Any Dishes.
Pick Up Dirty Clothes.


Upstairs Bathrooms:
Swish And Swipe.

Last, but not least, make up grocery list for tomorrow.


Tomorrow:
Vacuum And Sweep All Floors.
Grocery Shopping.
Laundry.

God Provides

"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,a nd all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:31-34)

God amazes me more everyday. Once again God has showed me that He is faithful.

The Need To Be Authentic

au·then·tic·i·ty

–noun the quality of being authentic; genuineness. (Taken from Dictionary.Com)


"You see, authentic faith, faith that helps us face everyday living and gives us hope forever, is strengthened when we read God’s love letter to the human race: the Bible." (Taken from Better Living: Thoughts From Mark Daniels)


"He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. (Luke 17:6)

My entire life I have led a Christian life because that was all I had been exposed to. My "Godly" thoughts and actions were merely motions that I went through because that was how I had been taught. It's sort of like brushing your teeth. It's one of those mindless things you do each day because everyone says that it's good for you. As a result, I eventually pushed away all that I had known and for nearly 5 years, I tried to do things my way. I didn't feel that my "faith" was truly my own. I felt it was my church's and my family's, but not mine.

Within the last year, I have come to a point in my life where I really felt that God was calling me back. I have felt a tug on my heart that just wouldn't be shaken. As a result, I am now looking to God to show me the way to live an authentic Christian life. I want to depend on God and learn more about Him and live in a way that honors Him. I want it to be about God and me and I don't want it to be because someone else said I should or that it's good for me or even that it's the "right thing" to do.

Being a control freak and worry wart by nature, this has not been an easy journey and frankly, I have not always been very committed to it. I have a hard time giving up that control and relying on God to sustain me. The more I think about it though, the more I realize that it's time... Time to give up control...Time to make changes... Time to truly make my faith my own.

I have to be honest with you. I'm not sure where this journey is going to take me and I certainly have no idea how this should be done, but I do know that it is what I want and what God wants and because of that, I know my journey will be a successful one.

"To be poor in spirit means to be unable to face life, death, or eternity on own. We’re all poor in spirit. Happy people acknowledge it and let God fill their emptiness." (Taken from Better Living: Thoughts From Mark Daniels)

"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." (Psalm 42:2a)

Challenging Day

Today was definitely one of the most challenging days of late. Here's a little background. Recently I was approached by an independent insurance agent. She asked if I would be interested in a job. After going over all the particulars, I realized that the opportunity was one that I couldn't resist.

Benefits:
-I am able to take my son to work with me if necessary.
-I am able to set my own schedule so I can primarily work while my son is in preschool.
-Only 15 hours a week to start with the opportunity to increase those hours over time as I choose.
-The work itself interests me.
-My new boss is a family woman herself and understands my passion for family.

On to today, one of the requirements of going to work is getting several licenses. Today was my first 2 exams of several more to come. I was so very nervous and I thought for sure that I didn't pass, but amazingly and only with the help of God, I passed. I've been thanking God all day for helping me retain what I studied and keeping me calm during the exam.

A sweet note about my husband... He was praying today that God would help me pass. It's so amazing that I hear those words come from my husband who for so long wanted nothing to do with God and church. Life is amazing!!

So Starts My Blog

I am a happily married mommy of 1 and I'm on a journey to reinvention. I have lived my life in an uninspired mediocre way and I have chosen to change that. My goal is to become the wife and mother and woman that I know God has purposed me to be. I pray God will take this newly found passion and ignite it so that I may be considered worthy of the gifts I have been so greatly blessed with. Having passion for God and passion for family is the TRUE definition for living life to the fullest.

I have always wanted to have a blog where I could chronicle my many trials and triumphs, but I've never been motivated enough to keep up with it. I have now decided, however, that this just may be a great tool not only for others (that is, if anyone else choose to read this), but also for myself. So, here goes...