tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924970906933799222024-03-05T04:17:58.962-08:00Baby I'm On My WayAndreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-31367309964684527412011-02-11T18:02:00.000-08:002011-02-11T19:00:36.254-08:00A Message of Hope<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Lx773R8thv4xB-LGJpqJO-ah8egdhW56Z6O9PZLcTla2NsE7YAxnYPynTmXaVnqkZNMr8tZ2tYJ0NA0iwEkiUeD7LLuOpTXXU2L4T5yPnRS_FHzA9AhNx5Rso_ukkQ3lX_piiXv1PsE/s1600/Proverbs3_5-6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572632577455142242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Lx773R8thv4xB-LGJpqJO-ah8egdhW56Z6O9PZLcTla2NsE7YAxnYPynTmXaVnqkZNMr8tZ2tYJ0NA0iwEkiUeD7LLuOpTXXU2L4T5yPnRS_FHzA9AhNx5Rso_ukkQ3lX_piiXv1PsE/s400/Proverbs3_5-6.jpg" /></a><br /><div>It's been awhile, but I'm back...with a message of hope. I'm sure at first, it won't seem like it, but hang on, it's coming!<br /><br /><br /><br />Last night, I was minding my own business, changing diapers, bathing my boys, washing dishes, folding laundry and all of the usual stuff that a typical Thursday night entails when all of a sudden, my "normal", "comfortable"and "perfect" little life came to a screeching halt. My husband called me from work to tell me that we needed to talk. Now. Over the phone, he filled me in on the details of the last 30 minutes of his life. When he arrived at work for the night, he, along with all of his other coworkers (including his immediate supervisor) were called into a meeting with the Publisher of the newspaper for which he works, the Human Resources Director, and a few other management personnel at the paper. During the course of the meeting, all of the 32 employees in attendance were informed that as of April 15, they would no longer have a job. The entire printing and distribution departments are going to be outsourced to another newspaper in order to save the company money. I can't say that we didn't see it coming. But still. Big time shocker. I mean B.I.G. My husband has been with the same employer for 33 years. His entire working life. It's all he knows. All that he's formally trained to do. So, what now? Tears, lots of tears. Sobbing. Wailing. Fear. Worry. Questions. And then....Peace. Peace in remembering that it is not "man" that supplies our needs. It's One who is greater. Greater than any man, or job, or paycheck, or compensation package. Jehovah Jireh.... our provider. El Shaddai...the God who is more than enough! Jehovah Shalom...The Lord our peace! Jehovah Shammah...the Lord who is present! Emmanuel...God with us!<br /><br />It's funny how God is. Right in the middle of the worst trial of your life, he will cause a song to rise up within you. And that's what he's done for me. I've been singing of his greatness all day long!<br /><br />And the outpouring of love from family and friends has been overwhelming! Just when you think your all alone in the world, God will show you just how wrong you are! We know for sure that we are not facing this time alone!<br /><br />So, what next? We're not sure yet what God has in store for our family. My husband met with company officials today to discuss severance packages and I have to be honest, we were not impressed with what was offered considering my husband has given his entire life to the company. And he will need to begin the search for another form of employment. But it's not over yet.<br /><br />Today, I've caught myself countless times falling into a semi -panic state, but each time, I remember what my very wise Pastor once taught my husband and I during a difficult time in our marriage. When your present isn't what you thought it would be, and when your future is uncertain, look back. And remember. Remember all that God has brought you through, all he's done for you. And so that's what I'm doing. I'm reminding myself. And in case you don't know, I want to tell you what God has done in my life and in the lives of my family.<br /><br /><br /><br />*10 yrs ago, I was told by my Dr. whom I respect very much that the likelihood of me becoming pregnant and carrying a child full term was not very promising. Today, I'm the proud mama of 3 boys...one who is our son through adoption and 2 whom I gave birth to.<br /><br />*During the process of the adoption of our oldest son, we were blessed with a $10,000 gift to help pay for the adoption.<br /><br />*6 years ago, we were blessed by a member of our church family, with a brand new custom roof on our home.<br /><br />*4 years ago, we were given a Chevrolet suburban to fit our growing family.<br /><br />*Last year, we were given a minivan.<br /><br />*A few years ago when our marriage was going through a dry spell, we were blessed with $500 to go away for 3 days to be refreshed and renewed as a couple.<br /><br />*3 Christmases ago, our family was blessed anonymously with 3 $100 American Express cards for our boys.<br /><br /><br /><br />I could go on and on and on with the countless ways that God has chosen to shower our family with his love and provision. So, why would now be any different? We're watching and waiting for our next blessing from our Heavenly Father and we laugh in the face of adversity because as good as he's been to us, we know without a shadow of a doubt that THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!! </div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-32803450678947045762010-12-17T19:08:00.000-08:002010-12-17T19:18:37.054-08:00Happy Anniversary To Me!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nqvITPL7k0dQFpvNS0z1qJmGAojZccif3qE2hUifnNw9vgUoHytPRUqGPMRdEG0lfDYWFWgTgNA7YpLsbMGY2vicg8oLYiiHl-od97lncs63YXRloeQUJfwE5b_kD66NFoUWR_VmeBc/s1600/Celebrations.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 382px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551856061533982098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nqvITPL7k0dQFpvNS0z1qJmGAojZccif3qE2hUifnNw9vgUoHytPRUqGPMRdEG0lfDYWFWgTgNA7YpLsbMGY2vicg8oLYiiHl-od97lncs63YXRloeQUJfwE5b_kD66NFoUWR_VmeBc/s400/Celebrations.jpg" /></a><br />Anniversaries are meant to be celebrated so I should be celebrating right now, but somehow I can’t seem to get myself into the celebratory mood. Just over a year ago, I chose to have, arguably, one of the most life altering surgeries that a person can have. Those who have followed my journey know all too well the ups and downs that this chick has faced over the last year and I think you would agree that I have every reason under the sun to celebrate. What a roller coaster ride this year has been! But why, you ask, do I not feel like celebrating? As most of you know, I don’t mince words and I’m as frank as frank can be, so I’m gonna give it to ya straight. I feel like a failure. I set a goal for myself….my doctor set a much more reasonable one… and I didn’t reach either. I know, I know. I’ve heard it from everyone. “But you look great, Andrea! “You’ve done an amazing job, girlfriend!“ And the one I hear most often “I could never do what you’ve done!”<br />I do appreciate all of those kind words, but as they say…you’re your own worst critic! I look at the scales and rather than seeing all of the weight that I‘ve lost, I see instead all that I still have yet to lose. Instead of seeing how many sizes I’ve gone down, I see the many more I have yet to go. And instead of seeing all of my little accomplishments over the year, I see the long road still ahead of me. I can’t help it. It’s my reality. And I’m just being honest.<br />So, the question remains…do I feel like the surgery was a failure? In short, no. If the goal was to become healthier, then the surgery accomplished what it was supposed to. If the goal was to lose weight, then yes, it was a success. But ultimately, I’m still overweight and I still have much more to lose.<br /><br />I’ll warn you, I’m getting to the boring part now…..<br /><br />In the beginning, I was told that the process of losing the weight is a 2 to 3 year time period. So, in reality I’m only 1/3 of the way into this whole journey. But, I have not lost a pound in 5 months. Blame it on insurance. In the beginning, it was great. My insurance did not require me to wait 12-18 months before I could have the surgery as some do. And when the statements arrived after the surgery, my husband and I were surprised to find that we owed nothing. But then the band fills started. It was manageable in the beginning, but then our insurance changed and it became unaffordable for me to continue receiving the fills necessary on my band to continue with the results that I had been having. I have been slowly becoming hungrier and hungrier until I am at the point now that I can almost eat as much as before. There are some foods that I still cannot eat, but the amounts are not what it was when I was still receiving fills. And it scares me. The scales have not budged. The good thing is that they have not budged in either direction. So, at least I tell myself, I haven’t gone backwards. But still it’s scary nonetheless.<br /><br />And then there’s that dirty little word…exercise! Yuck! I did so well for the first 8 months. I had a goal to run a 5k. I did it. I wanted to do another. But then I got busy. Just life. You know…wife, mother, employee…that kinda stuff gets in the way of exercise sometimes. And if I’m completely honest, there are days when I have nothing else cluttering up my day and I just don’t feel like going to the gym. And I don’t. Don’t get me wrong. I still exercise. Just not as much.<br /><br />So anyway……<br /><br />As I look back over my blog and read some of the funny, poignant, tear jerking, silly, and in your face honest things that I have written, I’m struck with a thought…what would my life be like today if I had not had lap band surgery? The thought brings me to tears because the woman that I was a year ago is not the woman I always dreamed I’d be as a little girl. But the woman I am today almost is! While I still have so far to go on the outside, the changes that have taken place on the inside of me during this last year are significant to say the least. I’m stronger, wiser, braver, more confident, and….SKINNIER!<br /><br />I’ve had so many people ask so many questions of me during the last year, and I wanted to take moment to answer some of the most popular ones. Am I glad I made the decision to have lap band surgery? Yes. Do I ever regret having the surgery? Some days, sure. If I had it to do all over again, would I? Heck yeah! And am I glad I decided to start a blog and share with the “world” (more accurately, a few loyal readers) my journey? Absolutely!<br /><br />It’s been too long since I last updated my blog, I know. And I won’t bore you with the long list of excuses why I haven’t written, but I’m back now! I hope that you’ll still continue to follow along on my journey as I begin the second year. I hope to have many more successes to share with you and I’m absolutely sure I’ll have some “woe is me” days as well! Thank you to everyone who has followed along and encouraged me with each step. I appreciate you more than words can say! Bye for now!<br /><br /><br />Oh, and one more thing.......my weight loss total for the first year is 41 lbs!!!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-26088928759474869742010-09-23T08:10:00.000-07:002010-09-23T09:03:13.507-07:00A Lesson Learned...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkm_iSEhVrOBwi6c1cp9Qd6JAL3_k1lXoyT0HXeJNAUL0mjpYBNZSWX9hpl71zTno702F0oQ3oABZm5Aj0LI8x_21cVkWEZcj9f9ZCajRMAf4lDwXqJxVHRls4xCfVzjK1h2iMML9caQ/s1600/Family-Law-Marriage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520139683512122354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkm_iSEhVrOBwi6c1cp9Qd6JAL3_k1lXoyT0HXeJNAUL0mjpYBNZSWX9hpl71zTno702F0oQ3oABZm5Aj0LI8x_21cVkWEZcj9f9ZCajRMAf4lDwXqJxVHRls4xCfVzjK1h2iMML9caQ/s400/Family-Law-Marriage.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I learned a very important lesson today and I thought I'd share it in hopes of helping someone else to remember what it truly means to be married...to be a help mate, a team, undivided, unified, always looking for the best in your spouse, not the worst, and always willing to pick up the slack....</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>As I've been losing weight over the last 9 months, I have cleared my closet and drawers of all clothes that no longer fit me. I've gotten rid of it all...at last count, over 25 bags of clothes to the Goodwill and to friends. That's a lot of clothes. I'm not sure how many items I've replaced, but suffice it to say that it's far less than what I've gotten rid of. Way less. Way way less. Last Saturday, I think my husband was so tired of hearing me complain yet again that I had nothing to wear when he generously suggested that I go buy a new outfit. Me, not being ignorant of my husband's cunning mind, knew that when he said "Honey, why don't you run to Marshall's and buy yourself something new" , he really meant " Honey, why don't you run to Marshall's and buy yourself something new, and don't forget to bring something back for me too. You know my size!" That's how it's always been. Whenever I've been out shopping and found something cute, I knew that my husband would not get upset as long as I brought him home a new shirt or pair of pants too! He loves clothes just as much as I do. And I love him for it! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Back to my story...I didn't have much success at Marshall's, but I did find one black jacket that will serve me well during the fall and winter months. THIS IS IMPORTANT...it was $16.99. I also found a new grey casual shirt for my husband. THIS IS IMPORTANT...it was $9.99. He was happy. I was happy. But wait, that's not the end of the story. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>My husband has this annoying habit (which a lot of men do) of leaving things wherever they fall. You know, socks, underwear, pants, napkins, and PRICE TAGS FROM NEW CLOTHES! So, Saturday night after we got dressed in our new clothes and were heading out the door to church, I noticed a price tag laying on the bedroom floor. It was turned to the back so that you could only see the Marshall's logo. The front side which showed the price was facing the floor. I remember as we were rushing out the door, thinking to myself..."I sure hope he picks that up when we get home!"</div><br /><br /><div>That was Saturday. </div><br /><br /><div>Sunday...the tag was still on the floor. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Monday...still there. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Tuesday...still there. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Wednesday...still there. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Thursday....still there.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I never said a word to him. I just thought to myself that I was not going to pick that tag off the floor no matter how long it stayed there. I was gonna teach my husband a lesson.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Or so I thought.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>It's now Thursday, my cleaning day. My husband has the boys out with him for a few hours so I can have some peace and quiet and actually get something accomplished. I cleaned the downstairs in the first hour, then I went upstairs. The entire time I was cleaning our bedroom, I kept stepping over this price tag on the floor. "Stupid price tag," I said to myself. Finally it came time to vacuum the floor and I had to pick it up. Childishly, I thought to myself ..."I'll just pick it up long enough to vacuum, then I'm putting it right back on the floor until he picks it up." Silly me. When I did, I saw something that I'd been missing all week long. When I picked up the price tag and laid it down, I noticed the price....$16.99! It was MY price tag from MY jacket!!!!! Oh no!!!!!! How childish of me! All along, it was my trash to pick up, but I assumed the worst in my husband for almost an entire week! Wow! I've got some apologizing to do, don't' I? How flawed my thinking had been all along.</div><br /><br /><div>Now, I can't tell you how many times I've picked up after my husband when it actually was his trash, but I don't think it was an accident that God allowed this to happen this week. Really, how much time do I lose by picking up after my husband? A minute? Two? Is it really that important? Is it that big of a deal? Isn't that just one more way that I can show my love to him? By loving him and helping him, despite his flaws...just as he has done for me many many many times. Well, I sure have learned my lesson. How about you? Has God taught you something about marriage that you'd like to share? I'd love to hear it! </div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-79215124243149253272010-07-28T15:17:00.001-07:002010-07-28T19:27:33.430-07:00Rachel's Cry<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu_IR7f2542hJPj_deehh1fQ1iEtJq0bO9B2fsM5DKEaECpfjp26sNjmm4v3kYfpFnB8rW6prnzaudVsDJKjBvssfcF5EoNe6Ej8O6ojiuCnwGCgULx-5SBtZSiUo5kn9nApBCXC-o1E/s1600/R%2520Pal%2520Crying%2520Woman.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499149200158623298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu_IR7f2542hJPj_deehh1fQ1iEtJq0bO9B2fsM5DKEaECpfjp26sNjmm4v3kYfpFnB8rW6prnzaudVsDJKjBvssfcF5EoNe6Ej8O6ojiuCnwGCgULx-5SBtZSiUo5kn9nApBCXC-o1E/s400/R%2520Pal%2520Crying%2520Woman.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Isn't it funny how God works? I never cease to be amazed at how he moves in my life!<br />I've been feeling rather ungrateful lately. Been complaining a lot. I know it can be dangerous, but nonetheless I've been finding myself murmuring more than my fair share. The danger in it is that it can lead to a discontented heart and a discontented heart can cause you to do and say things that you'll regret later.<br />This morning while attempting to get my shower and get dressed while at the same time trying rather unsuccessfully to keep my 3 sons from hurting each other as they fought over toys, I was half talking to myself and half talking to God. I was trying to remember what my life was like 6 years ago when I wanted so desperately to have children but had been given a rather gloomy outlook on that prospect from my doctor. I was thinking to myself that if I could just get a faint glimpse back into what that felt like that maybe, just maybe it would help me to be more grateful for the blessings that God has given me in my 3 sons. While I was going through that 5 year time frame of miscarriages and infertility, it seemed like an eternity to me. In fact as I write this, I can't help but think to myself that it had to have been longer than 5 years, but it really wasn't. Now, looking back, I see that it wasn't really all that long in the grand scheme of things, but during that time, I felt like I was going to die of a broken heart if I had to wait one more month to try to get pregnant again.<br />I remember writing a lot during that time. I've always been a writer, but I find that I write more when I'm feeling tortured. Guess that's the sign of a true creative person, huh? At the time we didn't own a computer and I wasn't very good at saving things, so regretfully I don't have much in the way of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mementos</span> from that time in my life. I remember thinking this morning that it would be so neat to come across something that I wrote during that time to maybe help remind me of the longing that I felt for my home to be full of children. No such luck, I thought.<br />As the day went on, I was looking for my husband's misplaced camera anywhere I thought he might have left it when I saw a stray piece of paper sticking out of the bottom of the basket I was searching through. This particular basket is filled with instruction manuals for all of our various electronic gadgets as well as pamphlets that I've gathered along my journey on different attractions that I'd like to visit as a family. The stray piece of notebook paper that was obviously ripped from a notebook was out of place and caught my eye. I grabbed it and opened it and this is what it said.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Dear Pastors Jason and Shannon (our ministers of music),</strong></em><br /><em></em><br /><strong><em>The Lord showed me something during our time of worship at choir practice last week and I wanted to share it with you. A few weeks ago when you mentioned "the cry of Rachel" (taken from Genesis 30:1), it spoke to me, but I don't think I really got it down in my spirit right away. You said that our heart's cry should be for spiritual babies and I while I completely agreed with you, something didn't click inside of me until God showed me this. As you know, it is my desire to have children. In the last year it has become a deep burning longing in me. I want it so badly. I have the "Cry of Rachel"..."Lord, give me children or let me die!" I know how Rachel felt. I know how uncomfortable it feels. I know the tears she must have cried and the pain she must have felt. I've cried those same tears and I've felt that same pain. I know the aching emptiness of barrenness. I know how she must have felt when others around her were having children and her womb remained empty. I feel just like she felt. God spoke to me so clearly. He said..."Andrea, you know how it feels to have the cry of Rachel in the physical realm. That is the exact way I want you to feel in the spiritual realm". That is the same agonizing cry He wants in all of our hearts. Lord, give me spiritual babies or let me die! He wants us to be uncomfortable and to do everything we can to have spiritual babies. </em><br /><br /><em>I am in awe of how God speaks to us so clearly. He can use anything to teach us a lesson. </em><br /><br /><em>Love, </em><br /><br /><em>Andrea</em><br /></strong><br /><em></em><br /><br />Wow! I cried as I read that little note. It was just the reminder that I needed and right on time too. Tonight as I prayed with my boys and tucked them into their beds, I hugged them a little tighter, and kissed them a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">little</span> longer. They are blessings, absolute miracles from God and I never want to forget what He's done for me. We're leaving for a family vacation in just a few short days and I'm going to savor every moment I have with them. You should do the same. Snuggle with your husband, read a story to your children, call your friends and tell them how much they mean to you. Pray for those who have done you wrong. And always be ready to share the love of Christ with a stranger in the grocery store or gas station or hospital waiting room. Ask God to give you the cry of Rachel...Lord, give me children or let me die!</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-18859683385067834832010-07-18T13:43:00.001-07:002010-07-18T14:19:46.325-07:00Jesus, I Want A Van!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG3UpeqVNtx65MO8UX5TiYP8CfI6sYgN4M4MMUTSg1GlntfETE32ZbyIJaGhucFLHQa1eafQJ-rtOtadJSigNUo56u33Yd6hBTA0QmxRCrV00proQlM7dihrfWQFq1r-zAv0YFvsfYEU/s1600/1994_nissan_quest_8192-300x189.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 189px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495359008054547602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG3UpeqVNtx65MO8UX5TiYP8CfI6sYgN4M4MMUTSg1GlntfETE32ZbyIJaGhucFLHQa1eafQJ-rtOtadJSigNUo56u33Yd6hBTA0QmxRCrV00proQlM7dihrfWQFq1r-zAv0YFvsfYEU/s400/1994_nissan_quest_8192-300x189.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Last August while we were enjoying our first vacation as a family of 5, our suburban broke down. We were 2 hours away from home with no credit card and no idea how we were going to enjoy the rest of our vacation, much less get home. Thanks to a sister in law with connections and a friend, we managed to still have a great time and get home safely. Unfortunately, our 1988 suburban had met it's end. The transmission was gone and it was just too much money to fix it. Sadly, we ended up selling it for parts which came out to just about the same amount of money that it cost for us to rent a vehicle for us to get around in the rest of our vacation.<br /><br />After we settled back into normal life at the McCall household with only one car, the reality of what happened set in. Unfortunately, over the last 5 years as our family has grown in size, our family budget has shrunk. I've quit working to stay at home with the boys and my husband took a cut in pay when his company made some changes within the past 2 years. This made it impossible to purchase another vehicle at the time. My husband works evenings and overnight shifts and this left me stuck at home with 3 active boys 4 days each week. I was angry. I was sad. How could God let that happen?, I asked myself. In my mind, I thought that He would take care of it right away for us. I thought that any day, something would happen and we would be able to replace the vehicle with another one. Didn't happen that way. And the boys hated it too. On one of many occasions while I was attempting to find something for the boys to do while my husband was at work, I distinctly remember my 3 year old son, Ezra crying because he wanted to go somewhere. I tried to explain to him as best as I could that we couldn't because daddy had the car. Because of the overnight hours that he worked, it wasn't possible for me to drop him off and pick him up since the boys and I would still be sleeping when he was finished working. He didn't understand. The only other thing I could tell him was to tell Jesus about it. "Tell Jesus you want another car", I said. Actually, the boys wanted a van. I did too. My husband has always joked with me that most people dream of exotic cars, but not me. All I wanted was a mini van. My sister and one of my friends own one and the boys think they are really cool. They are so roomy and our little 2000 Dodge Stratus was quite cramped for all of us to fit in. Anyway, I walked away from Ezra after I said that to him, but I could hear him as clear as day. Through tears and a broken little heart, I heard him say "Jesus, I want a van!" You know, I think it was settled that day. I knew in my heart that Jesus was gonna get us a van! But it didn't happen overnight. It didn't happen for almost an entire year.<br />But 2 months ago, my husband got a phone call. You know, one of those phone calls that can change your life and restore your faith. Someone from our church wanted to give us their mini van. We were warned from the beginning that it might need some work, but it was ours if we wanted it.<br />You cannot possibly imagine the sheer joy we had in telling our boys the good news! I was more excited for them than myself! God heard the cry of a little child and He answered!<br />I'm so happy to tell you that after spending a little more money than we originally thought, and much donated time from family and friends, this was our first Sunday driving to church in our "new" van!<br />On the way to church this morning, and each time I am in the van with my boys, I turn around and look back at them, happy in their seats and I cry tears of joy and thankfulness! My heavenly father came through for us once again!<br />More than the van, I'm so overjoyed that my boys got to see their Heavenly Daddy at work. They got to witness divine provision. And they will always carry that with them. I remind them all of the time how blessed we are that God gave us that van! And when they ask me "Mommy, aren't you so happy that we have our van now?", I can only nod my head and say "Yes baby, I am. Isn't God good?"</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-624648122449406022010-07-12T10:05:00.000-07:002010-07-12T10:05:16.043-07:00I look to you-Whitney Houston official music video (with lyrics)<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-olKeYLmxRI&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-olKeYLmxRI&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-69224423871127507452010-07-12T09:03:00.000-07:002010-07-12T10:36:12.503-07:00I Look To You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiabO-A-3jnt8jHUkQAUqyaJKt7uKyRdduhH18h57n9PoZR5PpACxJJh3rDNCMZI0ZiuxJzWx8iYeyxheFmlMfi2Xpiy89e0-BbqdgOP99xOoMbR6eZLMlyoGS1X2je2cujjShKP-CP_o/s1600/woman%2520praying%2520silhoutte.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493068724208763954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiabO-A-3jnt8jHUkQAUqyaJKt7uKyRdduhH18h57n9PoZR5PpACxJJh3rDNCMZI0ZiuxJzWx8iYeyxheFmlMfi2Xpiy89e0-BbqdgOP99xOoMbR6eZLMlyoGS1X2je2cujjShKP-CP_o/s400/woman%2520praying%2520silhoutte.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Seasons. We all go through them. Seasons change. And seasons change us. It's just a fact. I guess it's how we handle the season we're in that determines how long we stay in it and how much of our mind, heart and will is in tact when we come out of it on the other side. I'm convinced that all of the seasons that we must go through are good for us. Sure, we all love it when we're in the "Spring" and "Summer" seasons of our lives when everything is thriving, growing, the sun is shining and everything is good. But how much character would we actually have if that's all our lives consisted of? It's in the "Fall" and especially the "Winter" seasons that true character is developed and true strength is realized. When it seems like all of the life is being sucked out of you, when dead and dry things are all you can see around you., that's when it really counts. I can't explain what I'm going through right now, except to say that I feel like I'm in a "Winter" season of my life. I look around me and know in my head that I've experienced many of those "Spring" and "Summer" seasons, but for the life of me, I can barely remember what it felt like. My heart hurts. I feel like I've lost sight of what my purpose is,my marriage could certainly use a refreshing, I feel lost about how to handle the new set of challenges that are arising with raising my boys, I'm at a standstill in my weight loss, some friends have disappeared, money is almost nonexistent, family is strained, and most heartwrenching of all I feel so distant from my heavenly father. I've been a slacker. I've gotten lazy. I've been taking certain things for granted and it's showing. I feel lost. Totally in the dark. I can hardly catch my breath. I feel like I'm drowning. I feel like I've given my all and I have nothing left to give. I've been through so much and have always come out on the other side victorious, but victory is not in my sights right now. I feel like I've been sucker punched right in the gut and I'm about to go down for the count.<br /><br /><br /><br />I would feel completely hopeless except for the faint song that I can hear from somewhere deep inside of me. I was raised in the church. I grew up singing songs like "Jesus Loves Me" and "This Little Light Of Mine" I know them forwards and backwards. One of my boys favorite songs right now is "Deep And Wide" They sing it almost every day. We've looked it up on Youtube and they want me to play it all of the time. In the quiet hours after the boys have gone to bed, my husband is at work, and I'm alone, I can hear it rising up inside of me. Deep and wide....Deep and wide......It reminds me of how deep and how wide my father's love is for me. No matter where I've been, no matter what I've done, He will not stop loving me. And I find strength in that. Then I remember a song that my husband used to sing to me as I cried myself to sleep in the months after our second son, Ezra was born and I was battling post partum depression worse than I could have ever imagined it to be. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow....Because He lives, all fear is gone....Because I know He holds my future....Life is worth the living just because He lives!<br /><br />I know who to look to. It's Jesus. The one who will never stop loving me, never give up on me. He's there when I can feel Him and He's there when I can't. He's there in the good times and He's there in the bad. He's there when I feel like thanking Him and He's there when I don't. He's always there, waiting on me. Waiting on you. But why does it take the "Winter" seasons for us to remember this?<br /><br />I went to the gym today. It's been a week since I've been there. I really didn't feel like being there, but I was. I was flipping through my MP3 player as I mounted the treadmill for my run, hoping to find some pulse pumping song to motivate me. Instead I found something else. A song I've never heard before. My husband is the one who adds songs for me. I confess I don't know how to do it. He must have thought I'd like it. I'm glad he did. Curiously, I let the song play as I started jogging. It didn't take long for the tears to start falling. There I was, in the middle of the gym on the treadmill, running and balling my eyes out. A few people turned and looked, but I didn't care. It was just me and God. It was like we were slowdancing. A love song between us was playing. It was the sweetest moment. I closed my eyes and only by a miracle, I didn't fall . I could picture God, my knight in shining armour coming to my rescue. As I lay in a heap on the floor with all my strength gone, there he was, picking me up, dusting me off, hugging me and telling me that everything was going to be alright. It always is when you let Him have control of your life. With my eyes still closed, I could see myself smiling. I saw myself happy and on the mountain top again. I asked myself why I chose to stay down so long. I knew all along what I had to do, but was too stubborn to do it. I'm reminded of a poem I first heard when i was a teenager in high school.....<br /><br /><br />As children bring<br />their broken toys<br />with tears for us to mend,<br />I brought my broken dreams<br />to God<br />because He was my friend!<br /><br />But then instead<br />of leaving Him<br />in peace to work alone,<br />I hung around<br />and tried to help<br />with ways<br />that were my own.<br /><br />At last I snatched them back<br />and cried,<br />"How can you be so slow?"<br />"My child," He said<br />"What could I do?<br />You never did let go."<br /><br />Author Unknown<br /><br /><br /><br />My advice to you, as well as to myself today is to LET GO AND LOOK TO HIM!<br /><br />Would you take a minute and listen to the song that so changed me today....<br /><br />It's the one above!</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-79882940823180212452010-07-02T20:40:00.001-07:002010-07-02T20:55:01.414-07:00I'm A Swinger<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLFHj3sJX5I5mkFtYE47Ss_sOh-tBnCb4D_4V44Ds_lfBMR7hCsS2tYBxQHp96PNmt9zBVPBspZxXTgjH2Jyq9looB3nRAnJDkvAWDqujdHhCviP1RQSPz0kjug2KZNQkO2Mu4FukQHY/s1600/bb-swing1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489523471825898898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLFHj3sJX5I5mkFtYE47Ss_sOh-tBnCb4D_4V44Ds_lfBMR7hCsS2tYBxQHp96PNmt9zBVPBspZxXTgjH2Jyq9looB3nRAnJDkvAWDqujdHhCviP1RQSPz0kjug2KZNQkO2Mu4FukQHY/s400/bb-swing1.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Yep. You read that right. I'm a swinger. But, wait. It's not what you think....<br /><br />I hated last summer. I was seriously overweight, tired, hot and miserable much of the summer, and really didn't get much pleasure from spending time at the park with my boys.<br />But things are different now. I love taking my boys to the park. I love climbing on the jungle gym with them, pushing them on the merry-go-round, and best of all, I LOVE the swings! Last year, my huge hiney didn't fit so comfortably in the swings meant for the youngins. But this year, you can probably find me right next to them, kicking my legs and soaring high! I love the way the wind blows my hair and the tickle in my belly takes my breath away. It's like I'm a kid again. The only time I come down off of the swings is to give my boys a push. And they love it. They love having mommy be their playmate and giggling right along with them! These moments are priceless and will most definitely last a lifetime! Just one more reason to keep going in my journey to become a healthier (and skinnier) me!<br /><br />* "Enjoy the little things in life for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things."</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-23197042979962117522010-06-21T16:14:00.000-07:002010-07-02T21:26:19.370-07:00Cups On The Ground<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2vx8qC6iUQEuYEjbZXzhr5A3-eM-8yBJEXBgr_qcKEpxIHWQh0yye9VcyvJjZAi1dMJfA4bzeK8wczb-0JDkFY5AWBWL5tnD5JPeli0dNdXgekfpMfODwrftnySxOKtUHtILTv_OB9w/s1600/23.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489527863195525010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2vx8qC6iUQEuYEjbZXzhr5A3-eM-8yBJEXBgr_qcKEpxIHWQh0yye9VcyvJjZAi1dMJfA4bzeK8wczb-0JDkFY5AWBWL5tnD5JPeli0dNdXgekfpMfODwrftnySxOKtUHtILTv_OB9w/s400/23.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtC5AGWY9sJzFge3l_oe25HyF4cV8u-Yu4sFgjmRzBOGlD7p8ylLexy7Tyg4M7wR0n8-_67bBzTuz4NHxwPOfArCElmdTZa1s2R0ziC2VTqQ0IMXEfcH8Lyh890OLOFHz6FPN5upT9XY4/s1600/18.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489527159250594130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtC5AGWY9sJzFge3l_oe25HyF4cV8u-Yu4sFgjmRzBOGlD7p8ylLexy7Tyg4M7wR0n8-_67bBzTuz4NHxwPOfArCElmdTZa1s2R0ziC2VTqQ0IMXEfcH8Lyh890OLOFHz6FPN5upT9XY4/s400/18.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>I was just 20 paces past the halfway point of the race and the only thing I could focus on was the sweetest old man smiling at me, holding out what appeared to be a million dollars. Nah, it was just a Dixie cup of cold water, but it was just as valuable to me in that moment. Ahhhhhh, exactly what I needed to keep going. I took a long sip and dumped the rest down my face as I threw the cup to the ground and continued running. I kept thinking to myself "I wish I had my camera!" It was in that moment that I felt like a real runner. Looking at all of those white cups on the ground brought such a sense of belonging to me, it was surreal. All the months leading up to the race, I felt like an outsider, like I wasn't for real. And when I arrived early on the morning of the race, registered, stretched, pinned my number on my shirt, and lined up at the starting line, I still felt like I was a spectator. It was not until I took the cup from the nice man, drank it and threw it to the ground that I felt like I belonged there. Funny, isn't it how it's the littlest things that make all the difference in the world? You know, those "Aha moments?" That was mine. Silly as it may sound, a little old Dixie cup make me feel like I was 10 feet tall!<br /><br />I finished the race in 40 min. 40 sec. I'm proud of that. I'm just glad I finished. Having my husband, my boys, my sister, and my friend Heather at the finish line cheering me on was a moment that I cannot put into words no matter how hard I try. I sobbed like a baby as I ran across the finish line. It was a defining moment for me. Proof that I could do something if I just set my mind to it. I learned that it's mind over matter, really. Just as much mental preparation was necessary as physical. I'm preparing for my next one now. It will be in September and I'm hoping to shave some time off between now and then. It feels great to be working towards a goal such as this when just one year ago, I couldn't even hope to run for 3 minutes. Baby, I'm on my way!</div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-74900408620762980642010-06-18T18:34:00.000-07:002010-06-18T18:51:20.792-07:00I Can Do This...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheE8qvVyUhIecdLyyArOFJfTO-s4pHJuB7_cPoksdCKI4Ve4_eP3wywxI-ziJpiUK3Opbj9nBTLfANN-twCJieoCuJqNnqcY_XRufLK5TizhzNHkix5tbnRCf3tGNEWUDD_6V4RrrolQs/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484292597772886418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheE8qvVyUhIecdLyyArOFJfTO-s4pHJuB7_cPoksdCKI4Ve4_eP3wywxI-ziJpiUK3Opbj9nBTLfANN-twCJieoCuJqNnqcY_XRufLK5TizhzNHkix5tbnRCf3tGNEWUDD_6V4RrrolQs/s400/011.JPG" /></a> Right? I can, can't I? I do have what it takes, don't I? I will survive, won't I? Oh the thoughts swirling around inside my pretty little head right now! I'm a mess! I'm excited, nervous, confident, and doubtful....all in one! But I'm ready. At least I think I am. I know how the mind can play dirty tricks on you, so I'm getting myself prepared tonight. To some, it might sound extreme, or even silly, but I think I've got it all covered.....<br /><br />I went to the nail salon to get my nails done and I had Vinnie, my nail tech hand paint 4:13 on my nails so that in case I think I can't go any further tomorrow, all I have to do is look down at my nails and be reminded that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. If that isn't enough, I'll be wearing the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">necklace</span> that my husband got me for my birthday snug around my neck to remind me that love conquers all. All I have to do is reach up and touch it to be reminded of that. And if there is still any doubt, I'll be carrying a picture of my 3 sons in my sock to remind me of the unconditional acceptance that can only come from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">momma's</span> boys. Win or lose, whether I meet my time goal or not, they will still have hugs and kisses for mommy at the finish line. And one more thing for good measure. I'll have the initials B.I.O.M.W (for Baby, I'm On My Way) temporarily tattooed on my forearm.<br /><br />I've got my favorite exercise outfit cleaned and ready to go and my MP3 stocked with some good tunes. So what do ya think? Can I do it?<br /><br /><br />YEP. I GOT THIS!!!!!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-27838610179638836932010-06-16T19:15:00.001-07:002010-06-16T20:23:40.975-07:00I Got A Case Of The Runs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgnrJD9SPwkfKE972TCdOa2A7vundB5liiru9DRs7VMzgYjCN80d1hUlmbQ0C2AkfADuHH3YOl4_v9t_JERfrwnXs-beC612S63hlsDZCnFtxSwxGxu447r_dANHpRZyQHGaFXgaLqns/s1600/crossing-the-finish-line.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483578070052502258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgnrJD9SPwkfKE972TCdOa2A7vundB5liiru9DRs7VMzgYjCN80d1hUlmbQ0C2AkfADuHH3YOl4_v9t_JERfrwnXs-beC612S63hlsDZCnFtxSwxGxu447r_dANHpRZyQHGaFXgaLqns/s400/crossing-the-finish-line.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It's not what you think. It's been awhile and I've got a lot of catching up to do. I've been working very hard towards reaching a significant goal and I realized today that I haven't even blogged about it. I've mentioned it on facebook a few times, but never on my blog, so I better get to typing, huh?<br /><br />2 Months ago, I got the bright idea that I was going to start running. And I decided to register for my first 5K run. It's this Saturday and I'm starting to wonder if I was completely out of my mind to do this.<br /><br />Rewind 18 years ago. I was 14 and in the 9th grade. Cross Country was the current focus in our Phys Ed class. I think I came up with every excuse in the book why I couldn't run...I was on my period and had really bad cramps, I ate something for breakfast that didn't sit well in my stomach and I was just too queasy to run, my foot hurt, my legs were sore, I had an earache, I forgot my gym clothes....you get the idea. I hated running. Passionately hated running. I'm not sure why, but I guess it had something to do with the fact that I've never been uh, shall we say...skinny. I've been overweight since I hit puberty. And I always had big boobies. Not the greatest combination for running. Somehow I made it through and I managed to finish the requirements to pass. I can't remember how far we had to run, but one thing I am sure of is that I came in last place every time. Great for the self esteem, huh? NOT!<br /><br />Now, fast forward to June 2010. I'm actually paying money to compete in a 5K run! I AM crazy! I really am! I've been training for this for 2 months. I started out gung ho. When I first decided to do this, my only goal was to just finish. I didn't care about time. I just wanted to finish. Then my competitive nature kicked in and I decided that if I was going to do this, I was going to set a goal for my time. Now I know I can't compete with some of the seasoned runners that will be there on that day, but I can compete with myself. I can push myself harder than I ever have and finish in a time that I can be proud of. The time that I decided on was 40 min. The very first time that I ran the distance, I finished in 48 min. The 2nd was 46 min, and so on and so on. Somewhere around 1 month into my training, I finished in 39 min 27 sec. Whew! I can do this!<br /><br />But then something happened. I kind of lost focus. I started babysitting 2 days each week, and that took away some of my gym time. I was doing more with my boys since the weather was nicer and that took some more time away from the gym. I've managed to have gotten myself back into a manageable routine, but now I'm cramming in a run almost every day just to make sure I'm ready. And I'm not sure if I am. Yesterday, I finished in 45 min. 51 sec. Your going in the wrong direction, Andrea! Today, I couldn't even finish the entire run. I only ran 2.6 mi. in 35 min. After getting off the treadmill, I promptly walked out of the fitness center down the hall to the nearest ladies room and threw up! Not a good sign! But you know what? I'm not giving up. I am running this race! I would never be able to forgive myself if I didn't. I'm running it for myself. I'm running it for my husband. I'm running it for my boys. I'm running it for every single person who has read my blog and has sent me messages that I have inspired them. I AM RUNNING THIS RACE! But I sure hope there's a trash can near the finish line just in case I have a repeat of tonight! LOL<br /><br /><a href="http://%3cobject%20width=%22480%22%20height=%22385%22%3e%3cparam%20name=%22movie%22%20value=%22http//www.youtube.com/v/aTKR7ezPf4g&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22allowFullScreen%22%20value=%22true%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22allowscriptaccess%22%20value=%22always%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cembed%20src=%22http://www.youtube.com/v/aTKR7ezPf4g&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0%22%20type=%22application/x-shockwave-flash%22%20allowscriptaccess=%22always%22%20allowfullscreen=%22true%22%20width=%22480%22%20height=%22385%22%3E%3C/embed%3E%3C/object%3E">http://<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aTKR7ezPf4g&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aTKR7ezPf4g&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTKR7ezPf4g"></a></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-33496944880469262942010-05-31T02:58:00.000-07:002010-05-31T03:39:44.136-07:00Like Mother Like Daughter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZmKfPex471eO_anUasVBAM2Um-ySTRf0dAyapU4OcEu3ypMpR2pJh-nz8iJq8WaYQ-5yxLZwackqOO7gTJ8Xn1QfOTLAnArk-cravxly0kn3sOl2fD15uxSCVF2LKzVtlX_oHI1Afz8/s1600/23865_1206846026329_1684032000_434612_2650875_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 364px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477381976263122178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZmKfPex471eO_anUasVBAM2Um-ySTRf0dAyapU4OcEu3ypMpR2pJh-nz8iJq8WaYQ-5yxLZwackqOO7gTJ8Xn1QfOTLAnArk-cravxly0kn3sOl2fD15uxSCVF2LKzVtlX_oHI1Afz8/s400/23865_1206846026329_1684032000_434612_2650875_n.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I've never had a good relationship with my mother. There's just no other way to say it. We just never got along. We never saw eye to eye. There has been lots of issues. For the sake of respecting my mother regardless of my feelings towards her, I'm not going to get into specifics. Suffice it to say that we weren't the best of friends. I found out from my father when I was about 16 years old that my mother basically had the same kind of relationship with her mother. Except it was worse for her. Again, I'm not giving details. So, I guess you could say that my mom did the best that she knew how. And it wasn't until recently that I truly began to understand that.<br /><br />For obvious reasons, I really never had the best self image growing up. And even as an adult, even though it often appears that I'm quite confident, there is from time to time this inner struggle within me where I still battle that. I guess I've never felt that I "measured up." To what, I'm not sure, but it's always there, lingering in the recesses of my mind. For the past week, there has been this turmoil inside of my mind. I'm not quite sure why, but I started thinking about all of the jobs that I've had over the years since I started my first job as a paper carrier at the age of 12. When I was 16, I was a waitress, then I worked in several hair salons as an assistant until I earned my Cosmetologist license and briefly did hair at one salon which I despised, worked at Citibank for 2 years until going on to further my education and become an Esthetician, where I worked on and off (more off than on because those were the years that I got married and was having children)at the same Spa for 11 years. Which brings me to the present where I'm a stay at home mom/part time child care provider to a friend's 2 little twin girls. I started thinking about the circumstances surrounding my departure from each job and I got to thinking about what my previous employers would say about what kind of employee I was. I'm embarrassed to say that some of them would probably not have good things to say about me with the exception of my last employer. Granted, I was very young at all of the others, and I'm sure I didn't have a good work ethic. Let's face it, I was just there to earn enough money to pay my bills and be able to have some fun. But I have to tell you that this realization was a real blow to my confidence level. Add that to the fact that most days now I feel that I have in some way or another let my husband or my children down, and I've got a real problem on my hands.<br /><br />Back to my mother...I kind of snapped this morning. It was 3;00 a.m., I'm going on less than 4 hours of sleep for the past 3 nights, and I'm up yet again, this time with my 2 year old son. I was tired. Exhausted. Whipped. My husband had moved to the couch and left me in our bed with Hezekiah, with the best intentions I might add. He thought he was letting me be comfortable while he took the less than comfy couch. Sounds great, right? Wrong! Hezekiah just would not go back to sleep. He tossed, turned, flipped, flopped, kicked, elbowed, kneed, and just would not be still. After about an hour of putting up with his gymnastics, I yelled at him...3 times in about 15 minutes. Nothing bad. Just "STOP IT, ZEKE! GO TO SLEEP!.....GOOOOOO TOOOOOO SLEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!! I didn't spank him out of anger. I didn't harm him physically. I just yelled at him. So my husband came upstairs and we exchanged a few words about how I was handling the situation. Neither of us were nice to the other. That did it for me. Sleep was not to be had for the rest of the night. I was mad. Real mad. So do you know what I did? I came downstairs, flipped all of the lights on and started cleaning...scrubbing, wiping, dusting, doing dishes, whatever I could find that needed cleaned.<br /><br />Somewhere in the middle of my madness, I had a flashback of my mother. She was cleaning. She always cleaned. Really the only memories I have of her are when she was cleaning. Our house could never be clean enough for her. She was always cleaning. And I always said I would never be like that. We were afraid to make a mess growing up. I never wanted my children to feel that way. Guess what? I'm like her now. I clean all of the time. And it's never enough. I could clean for several hours, all day long really and my home would still not feel clean enough for me. Having 3 little boys could have something to do with that (wink) but it's just never clean enough for me.<br />Then I realized something. My mother's self image was never good as a result of how she grew up, and I am in some way the same way. I'm taking liberties assuming how my mother feels, but I'm pretty sure I'm accurate. I think that she probably never felt like she did anything good enough until she found that she was good at cleaning. I feel the same way. So when I feel like I've failed as a wife, I clean. When I feel that I'm doing a bad job as a mother, I clean. When I feel like I've let my relationship with Jesus slack, I clean. I just clean. It's what I know how to do. It's what I'm good at. It's comfort. It's solace. It's a stress reliever. It's the only thing I feel I'm good at sometimes.<br />It's taken me 32 years to finally understand a little bit about my mother and why she was the way she was and still is, but I get it now, at least this part of her. What do I do with that understanding? I'm not sure. How do I use it to help me be a better wife and mother? I don't know. Will my boys feel the same way towards me as I feel towards my mother? I sure hope not. All I know is I'm trying every day to be the best that I can be. Some days I fail miserably. Others I do alright. Occasionally I'm an exceptional, outstanding, and amazing wife and mother. The only thing I can do is to pray and ask God to help me have more of those "occasional" days.<br />Thanks for listening!</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-294092059906675892010-05-28T20:48:00.000-07:002010-05-28T21:34:19.430-07:00Pill Poppin' Princess<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnmihiuLaW7fx-qWFriN_8ZRX3NABkduTTLTn1fO6fChGmHBbyZlri05uDfg3lTODFzkwoutBQGRCdULH0MUq9_EkD4hXja4ZBUz8JjyIZY1BM_hrZXysN_DH2HMsXdRgtWiyakKf25A/s1600/Vitamins1a_199101353_std.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476534143511793650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnmihiuLaW7fx-qWFriN_8ZRX3NABkduTTLTn1fO6fChGmHBbyZlri05uDfg3lTODFzkwoutBQGRCdULH0MUq9_EkD4hXja4ZBUz8JjyIZY1BM_hrZXysN_DH2HMsXdRgtWiyakKf25A/s400/Vitamins1a_199101353_std.jpg" /></a> Yep. That's me. I've been poppin pills lately. A lot of them. I mean A LOT! My body is turning on me and I just had to try to do something about it. My hair is falling out, I'm EXTREMELY tired all of the time, my skin is breaking out, my nails are brittle, I bruise very easily now, I'm getting dizzy and feeling faint while working out, I have low energy, don't sleep well at night, poor memory, decreased attention span, headaches,..... So now I'm on a strict regimen of vitamins and supplements every day, several times each day. Wanna know what I'm taking? Here goes.....<br /><br />*Women's One A Day with Calcium, Iron and Zinc...2 times per day<br />*Omega 3 Fish Oil supplement 1000 mg...3 times per day<br />*L-Lysine 500 mg...2 times per day<br />*Biotin 1000 mcg...3-5 times per day<br />*Vitamin C 5oo mg...1 per day<br />*B Complex...2 per day<br />*Garlic and Parsley...2 per day<br />*Iron...2 per day<br />*Fluvoxamine 100 mg...1 per day<br />*Super Hero Gummies multivitamin...1 per day.....Oops, sorry, that's my boys...I got carried away pulling bottles out of the basket!<br /><br /><br />In case you lost count, that's a minimum of 18 pills per day! Good googa mooga...I could barely remember to take 1 multivitamin each day before! I know it's crazy, right? It seems that the old saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" has changed slightly since I was a kid. Seriously, these are all the supplements that my dr. told me I should start taking since speaking with him about all these things I'm experiencing lately in my body. Well it's worth a shot. But really, Vitamin World should give me some sort of discount. Vitamins are expensive!<br />Oh, and not to mention I'm supposed to up my intake of protein to 70 grams per day from the original 50 I was supposed to be getting. That's nearly impossible without taking some sort of protein supplement. The protein shakes and I aren't getting along so well lately, so I found these little protein bullet drinks at Vitamin World that pack a powerful punch of 42 whoppin' grams of protein in just 3.4 oz. Works for me. Well, except they are very thick and syruppy and make me wanna gag, even with the delicious grape flavor (insert sarcasm here). So I get them really cold and dilute them in water and as long as I drink all of it, it's still the same as drinking it straight. Whew! I didn't know I was gonna have to go through all of this when I signed up for this surgery!<br />But I'm still glad I did. I have no regrets.<br />I can't remember if I've updated my weight loss recently, so I'll tell you that I've lost 38 lbs so far. The weight loss has slowed down considerably in the last 2 months, but that's normal the dr. says. However I am noticing that clothes are continuing to feel looser, so I'm probably gaining some muscle mass from working out. My goal weight loss is 90 lbs, so I've still got a ways to go, but I'm in this for the long haul, so I'm good. Peace out! :-)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl4Du165GBeFni-Jtt_pGSgzy75vv5RHr3jCHTpGXU6WW0U49foiNNIKMDI6EjddIlZZFzCgwT7hzC_0t7RFdtzAafxnX7gpeetH8CwxVPWkrnJlOVMkHCUVaLht42WjMBDa_ZoK6_XA/s1600/vitamins.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476534043245041970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl4Du165GBeFni-Jtt_pGSgzy75vv5RHr3jCHTpGXU6WW0U49foiNNIKMDI6EjddIlZZFzCgwT7hzC_0t7RFdtzAafxnX7gpeetH8CwxVPWkrnJlOVMkHCUVaLht42WjMBDa_ZoK6_XA/s400/vitamins.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-19584943928091143792010-05-13T13:31:00.000-07:002010-05-13T19:39:03.782-07:00"Lucky" No. 7<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOc-fwN-dCZJKSFw8Bi7zmqZjgmJVrE-XoocOCjQjlzKJCeDWyTUfqOyS6kucjMP0oDQXA5eqppLDbPYwHsieKiI7PySAS8PtZW5R3AGGBlrWDR7uIc_-nhQZHVXQKvMNDuCiZm1csS5I/s1600/lucky-number-seven-is-Little%2520Madness%2520Girl_wallpaper.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470948127094874402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOc-fwN-dCZJKSFw8Bi7zmqZjgmJVrE-XoocOCjQjlzKJCeDWyTUfqOyS6kucjMP0oDQXA5eqppLDbPYwHsieKiI7PySAS8PtZW5R3AGGBlrWDR7uIc_-nhQZHVXQKvMNDuCiZm1csS5I/s400/lucky-number-seven-is-Little%2520Madness%2520Girl_wallpaper.jpg" /></a><br /><div>First things first...if you know me at all, you know that I don't believe in luck, so don't take it the wrong way, I just needed a catchy title, OK? Got it? Good. </div><br /><br /><div>Now, second things second...I'm sorry it's been a month of Sunday's (not really, but I'm a perpetual exaggerator) since I've blogged, but I've been sorta, kinda, just a smidge bit busy raising a rascal bunch of 3 boys. </div><br /><br /><div>Now, third things third...OK, enough of the numbering stuff, I've got a lot to say and that's gonna get real old real quick, so just try to keep up with my ramblings as best as you can! I went for my third fill on my band today and in a way I really really wanted to go, and in another way I really really wanted to avoid the appointment like the plague. Don't get me wrong, I really needed a fill, I mean like REALLY NEEDED IT, but I was just a tad apprehensive about the...drum roll please..............WEIGH IN! Scary thing, that ominous big black machine sitting in the corner of my doctor's office. Now I weigh myself at home, but it's only the official weigh in that goes in my records that counts. As of the last visit, I had experienced a significant slow down in my weight loss, only losing 6 lbs in a 7 week time period. I know, I know...before you go throwing tomatoes at me, that is a good weight loss and I know a ton of people that would be giddy over that, and I am proud of it, but I had been hoping for more. And this time, I knew it would be less. For starters, I've been a bad girl lately as far as my food choices go, and to top it off, I'm bloated and retaining water right now, so I knew it wasn't gonna be good. I was at least hoping to be the same weight and that I didn't gain anything. Thankfully, the scales were kind to me and I did lose 3 more pounds since my last visit bringing the total to 38 lbs. Thank you, thank you, thank you! </div><br /><div>But the weight loss was just the tip of the iceberg as far as issues that I needed to address today at my appointment. I've been having some disturbing physical changes taking place that I am none too happy about. First and most alarming to me is the hair loss. I'm serious. This is no joke. Every time I wash my hair, I end up with a handful of hair that comes out. It's bad. Really bad. It's not like I have thick hair as it is, so this is really bothering me. And I'm really tired. I know that I have been burning the candle at both ends, so to speak, as of late, but it's really hard to tell if it's because I'm raising 3 boys, babysitting two 11 month old girls two days per week, as well as all of the other stuff that goes with being a mom, or if it's really something to worry about. I just want to be sure that nothing is wrong. So, my Dr. gave me a long list of things to do, most importantly starting with a full blood work up. He's checking everything... iron, B12, glucose, folic acid, Vitamin D, and the list goes on. He's also checking for "malabsorption post surgery" and "malnutrition mild degree" whatever those things mean. That last one actually makes me laugh. One would certainly not think of me as being malnourished at first glance, huh? Anyhoo...that's that! Oh, and he actually said I might not be getting enough fat to eat. Imagine that! </div><br /><div>Next on the list is to up my protein intake from 50-60 grams to 70! That's near impossible. I struggle getting enough already. I'm still not sure how I'll do it. And I also need to increase my multivitamin intake from 1 per day to 2 as well as adding a B complex, fish oil supplement and Biotin. Great. Just great. I can barely remember to take my 1 multivitamin each day and that's with signs posted all over the house to "take meds". Really I have those signs. I made them up after forgetting for almost a week straight to take my vitamins and other meds. I'm so forgetful. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, to get to the "lucky" no. 7.....Today I received another 1.5 cc's of saline in my band bringing my total amount to 7 cc's. I am super excited that Dr. Small went with that amount. I've been hungry lately. Honestly, I feel like some days I can eat just as much as I could before the surgery. I've really been trying to pay attention to it, but it's so hard to tell if I really am hungry or if I just want to eat just to eat, you know...old habits die hard. </div><br /><div>So, that just about sums up my day. Thanks for following along and putting up with my randomness. I appreciate all of the support from everyone that has encouraged me, complimented me, or admired me from afar. You know who you are ;-)</div><br /><div>Until next time........</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Andrea</div><div> </div><div>P.S. I forgot to mention that my Dr. wasn't as concerned as I was at the significant slow down in my weight loss, especially when I mentioned to him that I have been running and preparing to do a 5k run next month. He said something about my muscles storing more water or something to help with the physical exertion that goes along with running. I dunno, it just sounded good to me! So, that's my story and I'm stickin to it!!!</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-78405134820552181332010-04-17T19:38:00.000-07:002010-04-17T19:56:25.337-07:00I'm "That" Mommy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNR81_oxFkK7o-9sYILkdAiN-CFy5KoDHdJ1Spn7GUhyRAHR8sLzyLgSQUSJxo2FSWFzoByi4svsOFXu-IsgflxskqUEuoVOTDEDvHiOfhrKfgx226AGbeco6vIcCFyJ9z4gCnog_MW5A/s1600/031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461304945378013650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNR81_oxFkK7o-9sYILkdAiN-CFy5KoDHdJ1Spn7GUhyRAHR8sLzyLgSQUSJxo2FSWFzoByi4svsOFXu-IsgflxskqUEuoVOTDEDvHiOfhrKfgx226AGbeco6vIcCFyJ9z4gCnog_MW5A/s400/031.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Somewhere along the way I became the mommy I said I never would become. I think you know the one I'm talking about....The mama who says "NO" to her children's requests to go outside and play because "I don't feel like cleaning up a mess if you get dirty."The mom whose reply is "I don't have time right now, I have to cook dinner" when her son asks her to read him a story. The mother who says to her children "Please go play, I need to finish up something on the computer ." The mommy who says "Not now" when her child asks her to play a game with him. The mommy who barely takes her eyes off of the newspaper to look at her son when he says "Look at me, Mommy" or "Watch this, Mommy." The kind of mommy who worries constantly about how dirty her house is and spends endless hours telling her children to pick up their toys. Or who spends hours on end scrubbing, disinfecting and organizing all the while her children are playing by themselves. The woman who looks like she has it all together on the outside with the perfect clothes, perfect hair, perfect husband, and perfect family, but who on the inside is a hot mess! How selfish I have become. I told God I would never take them for granted if He would bless me with children. How quickly I have forgotten. I have forgotten all those agonizing months and years of infertility. I have forgotten the moments of begging and pleading with God through tears to please place His trust in me and give me children. "I won't let you down, God", I said. I'm afraid I have. The only thing I can take comfort in is that it's not too late to change the kind of mama I am. My oldest is still only 5 and at the end of each day, all my boys still willingly give me hugs and kisses and say "I love you so much mommy." That gives me hope. And courage. Courage to change. Courage to ask God for His forgiveness and to help me to be the kind of mom that pleases Him. It won't happen overnight, I know. But I am dedicating myself to change. Will you ask yourself this question..."Am I the kind of mom that pleases God or is there room for change in my life?" Let's work on this together, shall we? </div><br /><div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-89810662746400120852010-03-25T18:48:00.000-07:002010-03-25T19:56:31.666-07:00I DonT Wanna Be A Skinny Girl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2aVv0nOIVvHhWoABiLY77aNK18qJdttwEBYAT24HloU2ttc4M3xLqmpMqP3HkTF8_yDNgs5sC1GnxhzhMAlPYxczX_FiAaTkTBKd_S4UnsBJox3Z4oXIhxfqdRnDZopdDONlnbLCjSY/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 192px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452754049766903602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2aVv0nOIVvHhWoABiLY77aNK18qJdttwEBYAT24HloU2ttc4M3xLqmpMqP3HkTF8_yDNgs5sC1GnxhzhMAlPYxczX_FiAaTkTBKd_S4UnsBJox3Z4oXIhxfqdRnDZopdDONlnbLCjSY/s400/012.JPG" /></a><br /><div>So I've been M.I.A. for awhile. I apologize. It's just that I'm realizing something. I created this blog to be an outlet for me during this journey that I've embarked on. And in the beginning I really needed it. It was therapy for me. I wrote every day and it was a way for me to make it. Now that I'm 3 months out from surgery and am falling into a routine and making progress (slower than I'd hoped), I'm finding that I don't need the blog as much as I did before. I still do, but just not as much. I'm gaining more confidence and I just don't find that I need to write about every little detail in order to make it through the next day. Does that make sense? I hope so. So with that said, I won't be writing every day now. I don't want to feel like I have to come up with topics to talk about if they just aren't coming to me. Hopefully I'll at least make an appearance in blog land once or twice each week. And I may be taking the blog in a different direction too. As I mentioned in another post, I have sort of rediscovered my love of crafting, decorating and the like, so there may be times when I want to share with you new things I've done. I hope that's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> and I hope everyone will still continue to read. My main focus will still continue to be this weight loss/health journey that I'm on and I will continue to give frequent updates about my progress. I want to say thank you to all of you who have read and supported me so far. It has meant so much more to me than I can find the words to express. I love all of you for it!</div><div> </div><div>Now, about that title above......I realized something when I was working out at the YMCA the other day. It must have been "skinny girl" day or something. I didn't get the memo, but I'm pretty sure that's what it was because the gym was filled to overflowing with not only skinny girls, but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">UNDER DRESSED</span> skinny girls if you know what I mean. Not cute. But you know what? I didn't feel one bit intimidated by any of them! I used to. That's one of the things that kept me from committing to working out before. I was always intimidated by that. But not anymore. Cause I don't want to be a skinny girl anymore. I love my curves! I am really learning to embrace them! I think because I'm working out and losing fat that my curves are really becoming more noticeable. I like my hips, my thighs, my butt and my boobies (that's what my boys call them)! First of all, I don't think I could ever be a skinny girl even if I wanted to. I'm not built that way. Even when I was thin, I always had some substance. I guess you could even call me "thick." But I'm loving the new shape my body is taking. Skinny is just not what I want to be. It doesn't look attractive to me. I like being "soft" and not completely firm in all areas of my body. And that's just how I think a woman should look. So anyway, embrace your curves ladies! If you don't like something about yourself, change it. Do the work, commit and make the changes necessary. And along the way know that whatever size you are, you are beautiful just the way you are!</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-44774037084502676812010-03-17T08:02:00.001-07:002010-03-17T09:58:14.367-07:00Can't Even Pinch An Inch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVWhataU4l8be3bKWmh6SJGOZke6fi6cXPF_RwfgSKeMGzJ96IRZcCRgfIdL1ToqqaCRD9K4piPM3gPKvlVI-SGcr5-PVrq9mV68qYGmSknL0mHAT0OTFtu9oBvjr0NUbtsMwlCHBt_U/s1600-h/10007061.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449618585239436594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVWhataU4l8be3bKWmh6SJGOZke6fi6cXPF_RwfgSKeMGzJ96IRZcCRgfIdL1ToqqaCRD9K4piPM3gPKvlVI-SGcr5-PVrq9mV68qYGmSknL0mHAT0OTFtu9oBvjr0NUbtsMwlCHBt_U/s400/10007061.jpg" /></a> In honor of St. Patrick's Day, my husband and I exchanged the customary pinches with each other for not wearing green. Secretly between you and me, I purposely don't wear green on this day because I quite like having my husband pinch me wherever he chooses! Of course, I remembered what day it was first, so I offered the first pinch of the day with my husband following quickly behind. We went to the usual places first, with the rump being prime <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">pickins</span>. Only my honey didn't find as much junk in my trunk today as he did last year. He had a hard time finding enough flab there to pinch. He said "Baby, your butts so firm now, I can't even pinch an inch!" Love that man of mine!<br />As of two days ago, I have FINALLY broken my plateau that I was stuck at for 4 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">loooooooong</span> weeks! I have now lost a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">whoppin</span> grand total of 36 pounds! Can I get a "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Holla</span>?" Or an "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atta</span> girl?" I am patting my own self on the back right now! Yes I'm proud. I'm not ashamed to admit it. I have worked hard for every single pound! Thanks to everyone for all of your encouragement. It means so much!<br />Now I must go find my honey so I can find somewhere else to pinch him before this day is over. This is so much fun!!!!!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-29300939296669767292010-03-11T16:02:00.000-08:002010-03-11T16:30:38.683-08:003 Days To A New You (3 days per week, that is)As promised, here is my 3 day alternating workout program. I try to exercise 4 times per week and I just keep rotating between upper body workouts, core training , and lower body workouts. I had no idea what most of these exercises were until my husband showed them to me, but if you don't have access to a hunky honey to show you, most gyms have trainers who are willing to guide you in the right direction. Happy exercising....<br /><br /><strong>Day 1</strong><br /><strong>Upper Body</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>** </strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cardio</span>: 30 min.before or after strength training** ( Elliptical/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zumba</span>)<br /><strong></strong><br />*Machine Shoulder Presses: 2-3 sets / 8-12 reps each (24/36/36 lbs.)<br /><br />*Side <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Dumbbell</span> Raises: 2-3 sets / 10-12 reps each (24/36/36 lbs.)<br /><br />*Smith Machine Incline Presses: 2-3 sets / 8-10 reps each (24/36/36 lbs.)<br /><br />*Machine Rows: 2-3 sets / 8-10 reps each ( 50 lbs.)<br /><br />*<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dumbbell</span> Curls: 2-3 sets / 10-12 reps each (12/15/18 lbs)<br /><br />*Kneeling Cable Crunches: 2-3 sets / 15-20 reps each (60/70/80 lbs)<br /><br />*Leg Raises; 2-3 sets / 10-12 reps each (just using own body weight)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Day 2</strong><br /><strong>Core Training</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />**30 min. before or after strength training (Elliptical/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zumba</span>)**<br /><br />*Good Mornings: 2-3 sets/6-10 reps each (18/24/24 lbs.)<br /><br />*Stiff Legged <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Dead lifts</span>: 2-3 sets / 6-10 reps each (18 lbs.)<br /><br />*<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Kettle bell</span> Swings: 2-3 sets / 6-8 reps each (20/25/25 lbs.)<br /><br />*<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Dumbbell</span> Side Bends: 2-3 sets / 12-15 reps each (15/18/18 lbs.)<br /><br />*Russian Twist on Stability Ball: 2-3 sets / 10-13 reps each<br /><br />*Planks on Stability Ball or Against Wall: 3 sets / 20-30 seconds each<br /><br /><br /><strong>Day 3</strong><br /><strong>Lower Body </strong><br /><strong></strong><br />** 30 min. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">cardio</span> before or after strength training (Elliptical/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zumba</span>)**<br /><br />*Horizontal or 45% Leg Presses: 2-4 sets / 8-10 reps each ( 45/60/60 lbs.)<br /><br />*Leg Extensions: 2-3 sets / 10-15 reps each ( 36 lbs.)<br /><br />*Lying Leg Curls: 2-3 sets? 10-12 reps each ( 24 lbs.)<br /><br />*Seated Calf Raises: 2-3 sets / 10-12 reps each ( 10/20/30 lbs.)<br /><br />*Inner Thigh Machine: 2-3 sets / 8-10 reps each ( 45 lbs.)<br /><br />*Outer Thigh Machine: 2-3 sets / 8-10 reps each (45 lbs.)<br /><br />*Abdominal movements of your choice (I have been experimenting with a ton of these, I will do a separate blog detailing some)<br /><br /><br />So, that's my workouts. I try to allow 1 day in between to recover, but it isn't always possible. However on the days that I workout hard 2 days in a row, I am very sore afterwards. I'm learning the hard way that recovery time is very important. I feel that my body is adjusting to this workout plan so I am really looking forward to starting a revised plan next week. I hope this helps you to maybe try some of these same exercises. Let me know how you like them. Until tomorrow....Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-85040288047148136462010-03-10T21:39:00.001-08:002010-03-10T21:52:16.811-08:00Bodacious Butt Buster<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWMlKk8ElWyk3Yal6Eo_Kxz2amnabB2OmmRQzUbTsq1XCmEOW5sh_XYkQX_6V1WYYJoYyPwDLJ2O5FPNa1xEUhz8VEOYrLZg20A8vJgvHQf5gdKLe0-7wEyX2JouFb_RaP2YuglQOAcU/s1600-h/elliptical.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 350px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447246899443168370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWMlKk8ElWyk3Yal6Eo_Kxz2amnabB2OmmRQzUbTsq1XCmEOW5sh_XYkQX_6V1WYYJoYyPwDLJ2O5FPNa1xEUhz8VEOYrLZg20A8vJgvHQf5gdKLe0-7wEyX2JouFb_RaP2YuglQOAcU/s400/elliptical.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I am in love (well not really, but sort of) with the elliptical trainer. It's amazing. It has been one of the main keys to my success in losing 34 lbs. and in gaining a new level of fitness. As I was right in the middle of my normal 30 min. routine today, a friend walked into the gym and hopped onto the elliptical right beside of me. We got to chatting and I mentioned how I really like the elliptical and I'm so glad that I determined in my mind and pushed myself those few months ago to get off of the treadmill and onto the elliptical. As I mentioned before, it took me a little while. I did it by adding one minute at a time. It wasn't easy, but it was so worth it. She agreed with me and said something kind of funny. She told me that since she's been exercising on the elliptical she no longer has 4 butt cheeks, she only has 2 now! How funny! But it's so true. Of all the areas I've been working <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">diligently</span> on, my buns are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lookin</span> mighty fine if I do say so myself. Seriously, I have no flab there. I haven't tried it, but I really think you could bounce a quarter off my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">tushy</span> now! And with my new cute undies on, I think I look hot! And most importantly, my honey likes the results too! I have caught him looking at me from across the room, admiring my new look.<br />If you haven't tried the elliptical before, you really should. I wanted to share some information with you about the elliptical that I found on a website. Maybe this will give you more of an idea what it can really do for you.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://http//www.ellipticaltrainers.com/articles/elliptical_treadmill.htm">http://http://www.ellipticaltrainers.com/articles/elliptical_treadmill.htm</a><br />Elliptical Trainers<br /><br />Elliptical trainers are relatively new to the family of fitness equipment, as compared to treadmills. They have increased in popularity during the last few years. And, perhaps at the rate they are going, these fitness machines will someday surpass the treadmill in popularity! But, do they deliver what they promise?<br /><br />Elliptical trainers allow the athlete to burn a similar number of calories as jogging...but without the risk of injury to the back, knees, hips, or ankles. Your feet never leave the pedals. As a result, this type of machine is quite low-impact and goes easy on the joints. In fact, whereas exercising on a treadmill requires your body to absorb the impact force of walking or running, exercising on an elliptical can be compared to running in midair.<br /><br />Because <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ellipticals</span> are so low-impact and easy on the joints, this type of exercise equipment may very well be one of the best choices for older people or for individuals who are recovering from a joint injury.<br /><br />Elliptical machines mimic the normal elliptical motion of the foot, the extension of the leg, and the rotation of the hip during walking or running. This motion uses all the leg muscles, giving you a total lower-body workout.<br /><br />But, WAIT! There's more! Elliptical motion machines ALSO simultaneously work the upper body (unlike the treadmill, which works only the lower body)! As the feet go through their elliptical motion, the hands grip the moving handlebars, exercising the arms. The movement of the dual handlebars mimics cross-country skiing. Now, this particular type of workout may not necessarily pump you up to look like a bodybuilder. However, because you are including the upper 30% of your body in your workouts, the results will be more efficient. (And, those arms will be toned in no time!)<br /><br />Because elliptical trainers DO work the upper and lower body simultaneously, the heart rate climbs more quickly. Thus, less time is required to achieve more results. The amount of energy expended is optimized. As the legs are being worked, the back, shoulders, chest, biceps, and triceps are also working ...making it possible to burn more calories in less time. (An optimal workout need only be about 20-30 minutes long.)<br /><br />Some elliptical devices offer the option of shutting down the handlebars and working only the lower body. Even when this option is available, it evidently is not used very often ...likely because individuals appreciate being able to work the entire body at one time.<br /><br />The foot pedals can be worked in a forward or reverse direction. When you change the direction of the pedals, you'll target your lower body in different ways. It is nice to be able to add versatility to your elliptical workouts, and such a change works to ensure optimal training of the leg muscles.<br /><br />The intensity level can be adjusted on elliptical equipment to fit your personal level of fitness. Resistance may be added as desired to increase the workload on your legs throughout the forward or backward stride. With such an efficient workout, you can say 'goodbye' to flabby thighs and derrieres!<br /><br />Previous studies have shown that working out on an elliptical unit can trick the body into believing it is working easier than it actually is. Therefore, as you're burning more calories in less time on an elliptical trainer, your body feels as though it doesn't have to work as hard to achieve its goals. This phenomenon is known as the "Rate of Perceived Exertion."<br /><br />Additional benefits of elliptical training include its ability to build bone density and to inhibit the onset of osteoporosis. Everyone needs strong, healthy bones. This is especially a concern as we grow older, and our body's bone mass begins to deteriorate. Elliptical exercise can inhibit bone deterioration and actually improve bone thickness.<br /><br />An elliptical device is safe to use (i.e. it stops when you stop). It uses very little electricity and is economical to operate. Because of its lesser impact, there is less wear and tear of the machine, making maintenance quite low. It has a small footprint, so it takes up less floor space than other fitness equipment. And, as with the treadmill, it allows you to exercise in a controlled environment for more comfort and convenience.<br /><br />With all the benefits and the practicality of elliptical training machines, they just might end up exceeding the treadmill in popularity!<br /><br />Reminder<br /><br />No matter what type of exercise or fitness equipment you may prefer, remember to always consult with your health professional before beginning any exercise program!<br /><br /><br /><br />In addition to sharing this information with you, I wanted to also show you my new exercise program that I've been using for the past few weeks. However, it's in my husband's weightlifting notebook which he has with him at work tonight, so it will have to wait until tomorrow. It is always a good idea to change things up every so often, so this will be my last week using this particular program and my husband is working on a new one for me to begin next week. When that is complete, I'll share that as well. Until tomorrow.....Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-48517977431947194722010-03-08T17:01:00.001-08:002010-03-08T17:16:54.654-08:00This Little Piggy Went To The Restaurant...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig91OH96UglqIUGkJVb5dw6lzAmN5TUK90km_-ll-BS0gR3onaYSJvatYQ_uTnacpW-olVwzRZPPRCJODi-1ZYAdh3EAoznb6F2V1lmO0VYPeYkC76YoLTIOjli4Et0cEhOkEJXm2dGnY/s1600-h/eating-disorder.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446433149105152082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig91OH96UglqIUGkJVb5dw6lzAmN5TUK90km_-ll-BS0gR3onaYSJvatYQ_uTnacpW-olVwzRZPPRCJODi-1ZYAdh3EAoznb6F2V1lmO0VYPeYkC76YoLTIOjli4Et0cEhOkEJXm2dGnY/s400/eating-disorder.jpg" /></a><br /><div>During the past month or so I've had several occasions to go out to eat with other people at restaurants, birthday parties, and other events. At each of these events, I have been surrounded by people who know about my current "situation". They all know I've had lap band surgery. And I hate it. It's not enjoyable for me at all. Whether it's really the case or whether it's all in my head, I feel like people are staring at me. Like they are watching just what and how much I put on my plate and how quickly I shovel it in. And the questions. Stop with the questions already. Well, no I really don't want people to stop asking questions. But if you really want to know, send me an email, call me, stop me in the hall at church. Don't ask me while I'm TRYING to enjoy what little bit of food I'm supposed to eat. It's a constant reminder to me that I'm different than they are now. And so what if I have more food on my plate than you think I should have. It's my business, not yours. I've said it before and it bears repeating. I had surgery on my stomach, not my brain. Actually a dear friend of mine who had gastric bypass surgery several years ago first introduced me to that phrase. But it bears much truth. I struggle on a daily basis with how much to eat. Even though my stomach says "I'm full" my brain still sometimes tells me to eat. I am an emotional eater. I always have been and I don't know how to change that. Actually I believe it's impossible without God's help. And you know, I haven't been depending on Him lately like I should. I've been trying to do it within my own power. And I'm failing miserably. For the past week, I've known that I have an appointment this week for a second fill on my band and each day that the scale is stuck at the same weight, I wince. I so want to break that plateau that I've been at. I've been attempting to go on an all liquid diet for a day or two hoping to jump start my progress again. Each day starts out good enough. I make it through breakfast with a protein shake and some days even lunch is good. But then dinnertime comes, and then the dreaded evening and nighttime hours alone while my husband is at work. I hate it. I'm so lonely and all I want to do is eat. And some nights I do. Some I don't. I need a breakthrough. Somehow I need God to do something in me to break this hold that food has on me. It's debilitating at times. And it hasn't gone away with surgery. Sure it subsided for awhile, but it's raring it's ugly head back full force. Pray for me please. And please please please stop staring at me while I eat! </div><div> </div><div>Are ya glad I'm back? </div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-67435501119686037502010-03-06T17:32:00.001-08:002010-03-06T19:16:22.617-08:00It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Easter.....WARNING.....A boatload of pics to follow. And I do mean A BOATLOAD! I warned ya.....<br /><br /><br />The top of my computer <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">armoire</span>...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcT-qmHeuIkZaya0J5e2gWUfVOVCBUKfWIYCD_ZJa5wAGt8G34gfPg00I4YsQjMZH_ww2vPtCxU_w665g_kO3giFXxFdvjHPLf4S9LwzQ9Ye_21HRkpD90q4eY1Mcy3-E-4CT7dGrGjc/s1600-h/032.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445717868002381522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcT-qmHeuIkZaya0J5e2gWUfVOVCBUKfWIYCD_ZJa5wAGt8G34gfPg00I4YsQjMZH_ww2vPtCxU_w665g_kO3giFXxFdvjHPLf4S9LwzQ9Ye_21HRkpD90q4eY1Mcy3-E-4CT7dGrGjc/s400/032.JPG" /></a> Love these his and hers bunnies...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQqEU_4RWr1-_rQI2icwln7X859wF0K8Ra-HhyphenhyphenBUu6GMdL5cqF33Vki00lYaJDEpe89Qwfq99mlCLwpZbFmMobPNmnp23LfI7QTeOsNHfdP2Yw1b0CKuJt63arKHuHcLYE8RyhafpLZs/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445717070136094658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQqEU_4RWr1-_rQI2icwln7X859wF0K8Ra-HhyphenhyphenBUu6GMdL5cqF33Vki00lYaJDEpe89Qwfq99mlCLwpZbFmMobPNmnp23LfI7QTeOsNHfdP2Yw1b0CKuJt63arKHuHcLYE8RyhafpLZs/s400/034.JPG" /></a> I am absolutely obsessed with birds and nests lately. Thanks to my sister who introduced me to them. This is one of my newest. The bird is pewter. Isn't it sweet?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZDTlWOJFnV3v2MWK2JGTAbWW4czh3shWEB8GiQIqqD9OdM9btgCQ_AmBdjub_zwexJXCvWSvQrzDBXzZWvC4hmZCsD73vLNa5ChdE0EgTDr88R6NoXXy3xcoSs4sMcw_-NG-yhqa_dg/s1600-h/033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445716703743628770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZDTlWOJFnV3v2MWK2JGTAbWW4czh3shWEB8GiQIqqD9OdM9btgCQ_AmBdjub_zwexJXCvWSvQrzDBXzZWvC4hmZCsD73vLNa5ChdE0EgTDr88R6NoXXy3xcoSs4sMcw_-NG-yhqa_dg/s400/033.JPG" /></a> Love love love this bunny! I got it for $3.99 at my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">fav</span> store-The Christmas Tree Shoppe. I roughed it up a bit and added some stain to give it some character. I love it so much, I got 2!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fzNXkvgCJxZTgbdiVY-88aaC2TJHU1odf8Owwi9aYnzG9PTd6MPcaU9pmsTj_dgCUdpQVfX8DIswJKOQwU1gzTbxXMou-THoMv06mGGTfTokAzRgX8PrvTj6IO25C1A68w7ZonSlpjA/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445716292761544418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fzNXkvgCJxZTgbdiVY-88aaC2TJHU1odf8Owwi9aYnzG9PTd6MPcaU9pmsTj_dgCUdpQVfX8DIswJKOQwU1gzTbxXMou-THoMv06mGGTfTokAzRgX8PrvTj6IO25C1A68w7ZonSlpjA/s400/035.JPG" /></a>Again, from my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">fav</span> store....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n1eguCRcToImbGi_UCfm_c6kF-LuOngBceLetwl1hVSogXiWn_vVg4ihQSLsywQH_8rSzuJrymt7-vlQ3bU03K-RL8KbzDaW7P-ogXKJYfLoQucjIdPJPxqye_LcvKsadsPEYZa0NQs/s1600-h/036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445715845910646978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n1eguCRcToImbGi_UCfm_c6kF-LuOngBceLetwl1hVSogXiWn_vVg4ihQSLsywQH_8rSzuJrymt7-vlQ3bU03K-RL8KbzDaW7P-ogXKJYfLoQucjIdPJPxqye_LcvKsadsPEYZa0NQs/s400/036.JPG" /></a> Don't ya love the sweet little child's bracelet hanging from her foot? I paid .25 for it at a Thrift Store. It says HOPE on the charm...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3LSkOvb20qAQY34bK8Mf2QY8Sd4qFUQQooK702jREfItWNWjnhMzwvGA0_8IXBM2SEMfHflHW9Od5W_okUTinghInBvxJYlUHMa6fJODYVns5hZvjBY3LsplPH0k2Dq4hwF3COGtFM4/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445715522448319346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3LSkOvb20qAQY34bK8Mf2QY8Sd4qFUQQooK702jREfItWNWjnhMzwvGA0_8IXBM2SEMfHflHW9Od5W_okUTinghInBvxJYlUHMa6fJODYVns5hZvjBY3LsplPH0k2Dq4hwF3COGtFM4/s400/037.JPG" /></a> I need to be reminded daily. The "nest" that the rock is sitting in is made of shredded song book paper. Another fabulous idea from my sister Melissa from <a href="http://thevintageattic.blogspot.com/">http://thevintageattic.blogspot.com</a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R3gQ-mOpQ8TpmQGxPRjhEtgZi79qZT0t5MLBnrE88-wppqXGbnXh0mcdY8gooRBZtlYIC_Nd2vUZwyDnjWN92kdWoxY3tuouwbXpk2hHcYud-ZTBlzFrcKZ3K0dpTKM0cWgWkzf6oKU/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445715249432802258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R3gQ-mOpQ8TpmQGxPRjhEtgZi79qZT0t5MLBnrE88-wppqXGbnXh0mcdY8gooRBZtlYIC_Nd2vUZwyDnjWN92kdWoxY3tuouwbXpk2hHcYud-ZTBlzFrcKZ3K0dpTKM0cWgWkzf6oKU/s400/038.JPG" /></a>Nest from....guess.....<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3rbMPOWmE7JtgEursVnvYOk8YHKyRSrYiUfVHEwXL3CLN1D8Fx-Z2rSl3n6BsVvH4JS99J3kNdCD229mdfZpmaKglJLd4R-U-RpDXPmfA8GkUC3shb2bwMSm2iFlTqeDqYoJrb-zftw/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445714923284286962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3rbMPOWmE7JtgEursVnvYOk8YHKyRSrYiUfVHEwXL3CLN1D8Fx-Z2rSl3n6BsVvH4JS99J3kNdCD229mdfZpmaKglJLd4R-U-RpDXPmfA8GkUC3shb2bwMSm2iFlTqeDqYoJrb-zftw/s400/039.JPG" /></a> My centerpiece for my dining room table...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdy84Jt85IlODsqgaPTL_u6Vib60eFqU2P_zFdbyatwl8vGyHBUsN7Gxw8kJF1rdeYoA9CpVEeqFjBEohmunMH3XQKVPLJ4pFfp7gVRIkw-cSr7ZS2ujd84HwGrBGoVii8tqDok01qcmo/s1600-h/040.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445714531439489298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdy84Jt85IlODsqgaPTL_u6Vib60eFqU2P_zFdbyatwl8vGyHBUsN7Gxw8kJF1rdeYoA9CpVEeqFjBEohmunMH3XQKVPLJ4pFfp7gVRIkw-cSr7ZS2ujd84HwGrBGoVii8tqDok01qcmo/s400/040.JPG" /></a> sweet little birdie from The Dollar Store. Of course it wasn't this cute when I bought it. It was an ugly rusty brown color. I painted it white and roughed it up a bit. It holds a little tea light...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWj5vWglUNlSaBurYxd3thSCXHCcPLYOCBMQkrEHT1Q88OniQNP3xqUBIMA-wkgkSdJQiP2gKa83rQ_vnqBFKSsLhie58UPy678lRtMztqz5aGGwRTRPd0KumAUNJaVBdKTTPA6j_wDI/s1600-h/041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445714123164150178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWj5vWglUNlSaBurYxd3thSCXHCcPLYOCBMQkrEHT1Q88OniQNP3xqUBIMA-wkgkSdJQiP2gKa83rQ_vnqBFKSsLhie58UPy678lRtMztqz5aGGwRTRPd0KumAUNJaVBdKTTPA6j_wDI/s400/041.JPG" /></a> Dining room. Don't ya just love the chocolate bunny? Don't worry. It's fake. I can't eat it. I tried!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MCzgIPqf6SLU6eBMykElYSnGv9FmqJq2PSHbjojdSjMlzbw0PM6g9vyqg4SpZujjf21UueGKjs1VZWo8wcchH-Dcxup5PEqMJ6-YE44mDCmatI9PKJrjkrxfy8sAs3p1UmCkEYjD1KA/s1600-h/042.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445713730764115634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MCzgIPqf6SLU6eBMykElYSnGv9FmqJq2PSHbjojdSjMlzbw0PM6g9vyqg4SpZujjf21UueGKjs1VZWo8wcchH-Dcxup5PEqMJ6-YE44mDCmatI9PKJrjkrxfy8sAs3p1UmCkEYjD1KA/s400/042.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ9msIXR4b5iCE2xN9jYvIPcAg54fTIonW_rqPEILVONBn4MnXl5RS1_qHUOpPmCISqgHx2-01KdTtk3SAbUaQOFrrtt58bWv2YDtjrP1AAEBsx2y5qoeGWrHq0tzPkvRk2vT7O_-i3Q/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445713330316500946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ9msIXR4b5iCE2xN9jYvIPcAg54fTIonW_rqPEILVONBn4MnXl5RS1_qHUOpPmCISqgHx2-01KdTtk3SAbUaQOFrrtt58bWv2YDtjrP1AAEBsx2y5qoeGWrHq0tzPkvRk2vT7O_-i3Q/s400/043.JPG" /></a> Another little nest I created with odds and ends...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtKrLO-EXJfJUmPpAzyNYggUgjnbCLmvXo8f8Ik-VhhJLfXuNSC4kg0dMaZ8R1Qz3-bgYXk8PuE6M3NYvtKsr4b2Zy70ie5WJtOVieIddkIJsAG0N0NOIfk6CqyV_u4eyXRvZHW-Uzyw/s1600-h/044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445713009082034642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtKrLO-EXJfJUmPpAzyNYggUgjnbCLmvXo8f8Ik-VhhJLfXuNSC4kg0dMaZ8R1Qz3-bgYXk8PuE6M3NYvtKsr4b2Zy70ie5WJtOVieIddkIJsAG0N0NOIfk6CqyV_u4eyXRvZHW-Uzyw/s400/044.JPG" /></a> I think this is my most favorite new Easter decoration. It reminds me of my 3 sons. Speak no evil. Hear no evil. See no evil.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJP3V0W8ewIZXdCFdaZCwQQ4wmUjbW7MfoKUQwIZQPaTWx9_TOYH1MbqXy4LYxTAYpV5VEaMGyYsrhT3ZQlP8jpV6M3vVN4XtBOWKzZSKtXKs6Q0nGu8bQ7V93IrPL-oA0WWxJ9p5WzFY/s1600-h/045.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445712352696337682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJP3V0W8ewIZXdCFdaZCwQQ4wmUjbW7MfoKUQwIZQPaTWx9_TOYH1MbqXy4LYxTAYpV5VEaMGyYsrhT3ZQlP8jpV6M3vVN4XtBOWKzZSKtXKs6Q0nGu8bQ7V93IrPL-oA0WWxJ9p5WzFY/s400/045.JPG" /></a> Cute little Easter shoes I found at Goodwill. Inspired yet again by my sister.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64Q8RlvaRo8wq4e2L4CRWn4nLdQmLMluaR71Q0TNxdoO_UcUnGCCuDoleGumzBvtwbQiUnjK3BuI1R0I5lQKiuJJRkrng0RJBj816K1lUcvQ6El9PjjvPg5Iu3BQwaPfCb9iPDtexs-8/s1600-h/046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445711984652643474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64Q8RlvaRo8wq4e2L4CRWn4nLdQmLMluaR71Q0TNxdoO_UcUnGCCuDoleGumzBvtwbQiUnjK3BuI1R0I5lQKiuJJRkrng0RJBj816K1lUcvQ6El9PjjvPg5Iu3BQwaPfCb9iPDtexs-8/s400/046.JPG" /></a> I painted this old ladder that I got many years ago at an auction for $2.00. And I made the sign to remind myself several times each day to relax. It really isn't working for me though...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoHMZzyh5DPBOLNc_d1U-bvi8GcDFiiC06psjRySS2i2pVf2mQn514WW7LCrLt2iDtHS-_s3GBqgaYf_HYOf9ZN-USAN1-iuca8qsep_j-vUT_tapWKO0eZ6xbbCnZh_B79YqFzz2m2Q/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445711606031960498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoHMZzyh5DPBOLNc_d1U-bvi8GcDFiiC06psjRySS2i2pVf2mQn514WW7LCrLt2iDtHS-_s3GBqgaYf_HYOf9ZN-USAN1-iuca8qsep_j-vUT_tapWKO0eZ6xbbCnZh_B79YqFzz2m2Q/s400/047.JPG" /></a> I am in love with all of the stuff on this side table. All my favorite colors. One of my favorite sayings. And of course, my 3 favorite boys...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMqga9S7DEps34PQTQ-ksrD9E0KuzMo22Jklwj_x6UBxJGQBkMFZFmoiVDa6ttKRF7PSmiLKdGCFoZxaolOOanm2X1VawcOcZ-ye8tZHo3sa6QDPArAe9_GNBE8b2cgT9TTAO1ygas94/s1600-h/048.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445711069413539442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMqga9S7DEps34PQTQ-ksrD9E0KuzMo22Jklwj_x6UBxJGQBkMFZFmoiVDa6ttKRF7PSmiLKdGCFoZxaolOOanm2X1VawcOcZ-ye8tZHo3sa6QDPArAe9_GNBE8b2cgT9TTAO1ygas94/s400/048.JPG" /></a> There they are. My 3 sons. Aren't they handsome?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhUJlH-KNPQGb0pQbHtvdtqfrynx0WQKnY4WU2AlV52PDQXFk2ZLY_gupHHhbBKt4Tt_pVuCxiuAiOCULk_p8mNq6ntZhDF47FGZxUmNJAm5slv7SfWzTBL2ILdDdgkoAExagiinXH9Y/s1600-h/049.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445710616190019250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhUJlH-KNPQGb0pQbHtvdtqfrynx0WQKnY4WU2AlV52PDQXFk2ZLY_gupHHhbBKt4Tt_pVuCxiuAiOCULk_p8mNq6ntZhDF47FGZxUmNJAm5slv7SfWzTBL2ILdDdgkoAExagiinXH9Y/s400/049.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAU99rh90TRipGBKbmIfbyGebLJjY5F4l1TYcGv_h7VbUQW0_-EcMPAbNriN38vY2JwFOC-C81i8Mu4x5hLu1kIEG7jfoMrs0d_3r74sxnV4ynhxzHyENoJjSG_P7JAif8m0pLKOD52kE/s1600-h/050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445710201704664114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAU99rh90TRipGBKbmIfbyGebLJjY5F4l1TYcGv_h7VbUQW0_-EcMPAbNriN38vY2JwFOC-C81i8Mu4x5hLu1kIEG7jfoMrs0d_3r74sxnV4ynhxzHyENoJjSG_P7JAif8m0pLKOD52kE/s400/050.JPG" /></a> Sitting on my coffee table. The tray was given to me by a good friend, Tamera. <a href="http://thestonefencecottage.blogspot.com/">http://thestonefencecottage.blogspot.com</a> The birdcage/gazebo from a yard sale. The candle bought cheap and decorated up to fit my decor...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPwY74xCjCFoHkhaEddpNvEMYwPdf9E6ZSAoLf5Z7szueGAxvFQpjH9_eFEYu_Jc6ylQJe0bTh8RkxHWkb_qDHVcOuEPMpufUEOgFWLjivxPYEijy7vkEgawqo_A2j-wKEc6H9vHBsUs/s1600-h/053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445709874149288210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPwY74xCjCFoHkhaEddpNvEMYwPdf9E6ZSAoLf5Z7szueGAxvFQpjH9_eFEYu_Jc6ylQJe0bTh8RkxHWkb_qDHVcOuEPMpufUEOgFWLjivxPYEijy7vkEgawqo_A2j-wKEc6H9vHBsUs/s400/053.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHM-SWr6VsF9R32bVH9RuQxszmeogfsm4fy9ycJ3meDGJqGQJr2uhGRTw-5fGdjg152izRcWNkfTTj6fSlLR7JaGLCe7oOlhL82rJQnR8mvxU1k3VhNTtz0gRjY_7e9aW9xOOJlqlJBM/s1600-h/051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445709248593450114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHM-SWr6VsF9R32bVH9RuQxszmeogfsm4fy9ycJ3meDGJqGQJr2uhGRTw-5fGdjg152izRcWNkfTTj6fSlLR7JaGLCe7oOlhL82rJQnR8mvxU1k3VhNTtz0gRjY_7e9aW9xOOJlqlJBM/s400/051.JPG" /></a> Another pewter birdie..<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur1z72paJHO_plu6SUipmNr7r88XwQg1Spg3Ta9sNdwKDjkdXXYnTwqLovvI-DotV_NCPDLUTQtIYvEtvh6iSywdeXfuiN7O3kxi8wwrWpP7TwQeOp3pxNRqjyZp0BEGK0tv2vUnYE1I/s1600-h/052.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445708860559663858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur1z72paJHO_plu6SUipmNr7r88XwQg1Spg3Ta9sNdwKDjkdXXYnTwqLovvI-DotV_NCPDLUTQtIYvEtvh6iSywdeXfuiN7O3kxi8wwrWpP7TwQeOp3pxNRqjyZp0BEGK0tv2vUnYE1I/s400/052.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KknIce2htaZufim9W-0U485gB2QWN2hUrt-IxSMGRYHHBGW587GFBa2KTZVVc1fMlHlFQzzMBMVYbkEhvYTYE_TsMl4823yA-k5RG2vjb_CRc-TdgQ4XlRT4eerls59q2UB-MyZpKMc/s1600-h/054.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445708526294644674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KknIce2htaZufim9W-0U485gB2QWN2hUrt-IxSMGRYHHBGW587GFBa2KTZVVc1fMlHlFQzzMBMVYbkEhvYTYE_TsMl4823yA-k5RG2vjb_CRc-TdgQ4XlRT4eerls59q2UB-MyZpKMc/s400/054.JPG" /></a> I couldn't get a really good picture of these eggs. The glare is bad. But they are adorable. They look really vintage in person...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AKVoSVn4l4q2mRTPnD5yhkgvlRIRrprr-Z9fj-Tr-L3wi3RLlWU-ept95Znm1FZ3DDhkJCGeYoJ7-bIfIKOR2fJZTqYJhBWLUFrAP43utC82oO7nyt8v10r1G7To_t4ot3v_W82U6Lw/s1600-h/056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445708008406646338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AKVoSVn4l4q2mRTPnD5yhkgvlRIRrprr-Z9fj-Tr-L3wi3RLlWU-ept95Znm1FZ3DDhkJCGeYoJ7-bIfIKOR2fJZTqYJhBWLUFrAP43utC82oO7nyt8v10r1G7To_t4ot3v_W82U6Lw/s400/056.JPG" /></a> Top of my television <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">armoire</span>. My sister helped me do this one. Didn't she do a good job?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8u9xJ8Ac-G3pwiEiYsDBTZiJmsiU699qbEWGj6qduUmO-yrhKbmwirOaG3_6q6Y8h4tIbeX4DDAsQeOJrelGFc3Au3DY70fyVd4fWP1ehTI42ghRjx69pzfKO9XcKlrSogsao1JouPk/s1600-h/057.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445706597068983170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8u9xJ8Ac-G3pwiEiYsDBTZiJmsiU699qbEWGj6qduUmO-yrhKbmwirOaG3_6q6Y8h4tIbeX4DDAsQeOJrelGFc3Au3DY70fyVd4fWP1ehTI42ghRjx69pzfKO9XcKlrSogsao1JouPk/s400/057.JPG" /></a> I love my sign. It was an ugly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">countryish</span> shade of red, which I really really don't like the country style of decorating, so I painted it to suit me. Love it!!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoSCag-xRY6YwNwz-iVMiPq7wFKZRl2vK81O0gJ6gLRToEYh7klJ6TPp9lS6m6ccWGYbmeQc6CktHQhjKrL8dCao4liswAw0gXJZpMc20iKY3szX-Q94tOFSGb7yMHajPA744CN09AWI/s1600-h/058.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445706273089754914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoSCag-xRY6YwNwz-iVMiPq7wFKZRl2vK81O0gJ6gLRToEYh7klJ6TPp9lS6m6ccWGYbmeQc6CktHQhjKrL8dCao4liswAw0gXJZpMc20iKY3szX-Q94tOFSGb7yMHajPA744CN09AWI/s400/058.JPG" /></a> And I love my birdie too...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooeCyGrhk-XS80zSH8YfFkB3Xjs0tSwFF0C5PG0mv9CVvaZ9dLii1SpSZGm8MJKjcZ8JihGDXlSX0_aDB8sP4J_ujsq19cNmjo1Tkm79NOlvdPqPs2lOmi5CT54ctMUjloAGFz8jtqzI/s1600-h/059.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445705930974159106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooeCyGrhk-XS80zSH8YfFkB3Xjs0tSwFF0C5PG0mv9CVvaZ9dLii1SpSZGm8MJKjcZ8JihGDXlSX0_aDB8sP4J_ujsq19cNmjo1Tkm79NOlvdPqPs2lOmi5CT54ctMUjloAGFz8jtqzI/s400/059.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcmm-HfUoO-h21vZ1wjqt_ywXu2C1qrUu32uCudoY3JkFKb_x_GJn7OhpXX8kX1r0SR0VRbK7W3xEX84tj3LXODZzjrl7Ge3AEI02cwX5sjjAXBisEWa33nza2IgtHAJPqz8Vgse_CIE/s1600-h/060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445705558273768530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcmm-HfUoO-h21vZ1wjqt_ywXu2C1qrUu32uCudoY3JkFKb_x_GJn7OhpXX8kX1r0SR0VRbK7W3xEX84tj3LXODZzjrl7Ge3AEI02cwX5sjjAXBisEWa33nza2IgtHAJPqz8Vgse_CIE/s400/060.JPG" /></a> On my bedroom door...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-E3OCE0n1GS7DFIYcZ1NPkNp-mORpEAxVBkXtJBv_KiKE4w4xSAebr8Tpd5qTa3UXG1tR2_bpsrsZt9Ev3zJ2MmJ-MOEjmJuwSYHuqE0ZcoJAEbmqg4GXnDCRUZBUErAbY10By_7-4w/s1600-h/062.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445705139307666290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-E3OCE0n1GS7DFIYcZ1NPkNp-mORpEAxVBkXtJBv_KiKE4w4xSAebr8Tpd5qTa3UXG1tR2_bpsrsZt9Ev3zJ2MmJ-MOEjmJuwSYHuqE0ZcoJAEbmqg4GXnDCRUZBUErAbY10By_7-4w/s400/062.JPG" /></a> Ain't it sweet?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tS0FwfRlH10TPu331hT67uiMpiCgMhDfBH4WFpuvLka1RNqn7DJv3tj5cahScDZhLL2e2an7YdoiiA8XhG9BTihQQep490DvjeRovVB9y5cfjmursiQhwy0mIw3AtuZI9ypoKG_MtX8/s1600-h/063.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445704908189146722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tS0FwfRlH10TPu331hT67uiMpiCgMhDfBH4WFpuvLka1RNqn7DJv3tj5cahScDZhLL2e2an7YdoiiA8XhG9BTihQQep490DvjeRovVB9y5cfjmursiQhwy0mIw3AtuZI9ypoKG_MtX8/s400/063.JPG" /></a><br />Super ridiculous deal. The candle was .50 and the candle ring was .50. I bought 3!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPgH_7uHOgwtVNYnaUBo-HIu8wDmNOw8yX7n5FYa5tICm9-pQU0rLAqHf0xo-QN0CIafe2nDzOVEn0rgryv99y1EF1S70nDaf-dYWTX3zm3AAtkeA8nkAXEy4lj1lQS2gmOlDnCldbEs/s1600-h/061.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445704547018226498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPgH_7uHOgwtVNYnaUBo-HIu8wDmNOw8yX7n5FYa5tICm9-pQU0rLAqHf0xo-QN0CIafe2nDzOVEn0rgryv99y1EF1S70nDaf-dYWTX3zm3AAtkeA8nkAXEy4lj1lQS2gmOlDnCldbEs/s400/061.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs9KwujPhTk5lOonfaxK-SU4iBYwDkj_pI52pUFi1xBDHYGm1oZeDasdOwRpOY7HgGCNvoNdOptnB9mZYGXOgwcs4GLvsiVRb5EDHEqbTgCtipHGOr3IcqEg_dMvcOvJl6nGVtFyWX78/s1600-h/064.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445704286269975714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs9KwujPhTk5lOonfaxK-SU4iBYwDkj_pI52pUFi1xBDHYGm1oZeDasdOwRpOY7HgGCNvoNdOptnB9mZYGXOgwcs4GLvsiVRb5EDHEqbTgCtipHGOr3IcqEg_dMvcOvJl6nGVtFyWX78/s400/064.JPG" /></a> I fell in love with this bell when I saw it. I just had to have it. It sits on my kitchen counter now. My 5 year old likes for me to ring it when their meal is ready. Isn't he silly?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-pfTYorxJIWWcJRyby4fObzO5NE9kYC_zxurnKAtKxyCHWMtAUbi9RMNt3IM0fLKYwN1Khfk72KAOcoFMXUcSvQsL10lX4ztQQumq1-mkeSgZn6tge9l6RLDlo3zuYMg7Fc4trsLuNU/s1600-h/067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445704015692210162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-pfTYorxJIWWcJRyby4fObzO5NE9kYC_zxurnKAtKxyCHWMtAUbi9RMNt3IM0fLKYwN1Khfk72KAOcoFMXUcSvQsL10lX4ztQQumq1-mkeSgZn6tge9l6RLDlo3zuYMg7Fc4trsLuNU/s400/067.JPG" /></a> Easter eggs waiting to be decoupaged. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttGtds0N1793f0CR_Dkc7rqlIYfLbAj-X_rSpTcWWmbdgqggqJIhxgTuZ6SKOPyFk5pV_pHrXqgfWSm7oO8NMKlamULK37-Bl3p6ol84oHwiJTjr0h5v7kLRRMnup1wgeVbkFhnvgeEM/s1600-h/068.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445703769954325618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttGtds0N1793f0CR_Dkc7rqlIYfLbAj-X_rSpTcWWmbdgqggqJIhxgTuZ6SKOPyFk5pV_pHrXqgfWSm7oO8NMKlamULK37-Bl3p6ol84oHwiJTjr0h5v7kLRRMnup1wgeVbkFhnvgeEM/s400/068.JPG" /></a>Love this! It's really a message in a bottle. It has one of my favorite quotes...Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the number of moments that take our breath away! (tears) <div> </div><div>Oh, and the little rose my sister made from used coffee filters.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWB9iyl9ACR3OzosUn7QjVd84Jsmt_2UbCUo2geVYc2AKQS0qQMncTNu8tszNDXb3MRJvG_M3_CtU7xJ9xtDri5aWvQh9R3qzChJ-8n0k_epxeQP-e4mltjjWpaB2F3dC_npy0HKUj6o/s1600-h/070.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445703190372414418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWB9iyl9ACR3OzosUn7QjVd84Jsmt_2UbCUo2geVYc2AKQS0qQMncTNu8tszNDXb3MRJvG_M3_CtU7xJ9xtDri5aWvQh9R3qzChJ-8n0k_epxeQP-e4mltjjWpaB2F3dC_npy0HKUj6o/s400/070.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayJFpLN-Vn8LyTTG0-KzNl9OFYpxBjYQSO_GX2eH6lg37Jzr_gzgxUwgCnYmzihM1dyqeW8NsFn8bNgIVBR0_cBMjxDLynAPfuGNcyzE0vI1mx94KHwkliau4HVNXVv26JM8rg42vTeQ/s1600-h/071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445702852938410530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayJFpLN-Vn8LyTTG0-KzNl9OFYpxBjYQSO_GX2eH6lg37Jzr_gzgxUwgCnYmzihM1dyqeW8NsFn8bNgIVBR0_cBMjxDLynAPfuGNcyzE0vI1mx94KHwkliau4HVNXVv26JM8rg42vTeQ/s400/071.JPG" /></a> A bottle I made...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPwUQ8DODgARvJa3aTff22KsBg1j1MkS1oWKQM-70LbCDZ_LgpQIww7TPkmZF-J_nCahwyoZcRRr8ltYRl-84U_x2XxbhnRZrPPIhIpotzBYlqJby8AKvc2D8uvfFHi9_iExo2UQv8pA/s1600-h/073.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445702405680338258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPwUQ8DODgARvJa3aTff22KsBg1j1MkS1oWKQM-70LbCDZ_LgpQIww7TPkmZF-J_nCahwyoZcRRr8ltYRl-84U_x2XxbhnRZrPPIhIpotzBYlqJby8AKvc2D8uvfFHi9_iExo2UQv8pA/s400/073.JPG" /></a>On top of the armoire in my bedroom...<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvmqxohmFP5g8PgLQb0SIHMLi84azmLvU1W0DZHWVKOoZ-efCVmQl-VuQlVG6kcM1Y_d9Ve1l1xP0tetm7JOLrBgkWqc2PXfqYfrRLsMV52noRhSMvUajTiByFGVCaTu0O6cKouUNyrA/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445702104198085570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvmqxohmFP5g8PgLQb0SIHMLi84azmLvU1W0DZHWVKOoZ-efCVmQl-VuQlVG6kcM1Y_d9Ve1l1xP0tetm7JOLrBgkWqc2PXfqYfrRLsMV52noRhSMvUajTiByFGVCaTu0O6cKouUNyrA/s400/074.JPG" /></a>I love silver!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ63PBajgSonZFiOV_xOPH6Zn0mYZpZsJY1a_CsFmK5jEPWnixT1bnN49Rq1gXVGYu6tTQ1B9eL_E-360DCpZfHJgOXYKOAB_v2PV-OWmzdJnsrD99flLOvYRJZhdHOulkiawhYe8tXYQ/s1600-h/075.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445701643198002994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ63PBajgSonZFiOV_xOPH6Zn0mYZpZsJY1a_CsFmK5jEPWnixT1bnN49Rq1gXVGYu6tTQ1B9eL_E-360DCpZfHJgOXYKOAB_v2PV-OWmzdJnsrD99flLOvYRJZhdHOulkiawhYe8tXYQ/s400/075.JPG" /></a> Thrift store finds...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTosQNZH7XOeKbUlLfcbBX1rRau-8Td6D6nsn21oWlREpZTAma7GRmlRat-TxyFrhfFrE9uD1wJF1onAt-fxaymQbXfrrZPFnkQsyqgFqAS0r70XlHd26ZYJ3XvWE8zfGJH9-iCYV2hAM/s1600-h/076.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445701124098672402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTosQNZH7XOeKbUlLfcbBX1rRau-8Td6D6nsn21oWlREpZTAma7GRmlRat-TxyFrhfFrE9uD1wJF1onAt-fxaymQbXfrrZPFnkQsyqgFqAS0r70XlHd26ZYJ3XvWE8zfGJH9-iCYV2hAM/s400/076.JPG" /></a> Mercury glass type candle holder. It looks waaaay better in person...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S6jKybptO6oNUe-DgpvXRcXSGvEEUOQcwwPuYwMd6fFQ0LDiOn8QaHno0hSqytxt_6fq_RGB56JO2CnXFBZuvycWDFREGatyZ0Bh45yRDqKjnpcDhkuw2idxcOAG9rGHEeuhJitVBHo/s1600-h/077.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445700719022810242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S6jKybptO6oNUe-DgpvXRcXSGvEEUOQcwwPuYwMd6fFQ0LDiOn8QaHno0hSqytxt_6fq_RGB56JO2CnXFBZuvycWDFREGatyZ0Bh45yRDqKjnpcDhkuw2idxcOAG9rGHEeuhJitVBHo/s400/077.JPG" /></a> On my nightstand. I love it! Another thrift store find...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7taQ1ccVjYw7U6Wu1yD89PpV1A-yxxy_oxLd8w_EdXNezwx10FXj-O053pwU2hvRpNsKmFfgcFfnHDriS_Wa1fE_6Mux9BxQ5JGsyzhOnsTq9wjld5ycAmX5P0LhLOlUp3TzNXo4utg/s1600-h/078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445700386306983554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7taQ1ccVjYw7U6Wu1yD89PpV1A-yxxy_oxLd8w_EdXNezwx10FXj-O053pwU2hvRpNsKmFfgcFfnHDriS_Wa1fE_6Mux9BxQ5JGsyzhOnsTq9wjld5ycAmX5P0LhLOlUp3TzNXo4utg/s400/078.JPG" /></a><br />My bathroom shelf. You can see the green and brown polka dot shower curtain in the mirror that I just found for $10.00<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3UX7kA-euuKmfGdobOtLVd5DnVnyg0Zz8bQOv9pedgGjLOAzblFst4CxdF-OOYUuZ5yEh1ISgszl92UJiQ2HElskesJDydHdCWI-nVqUmAlykkwCaULDbxdSG0XJ1HaPEAYih3u0YP8/s1600-h/079.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445700002743815138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3UX7kA-euuKmfGdobOtLVd5DnVnyg0Zz8bQOv9pedgGjLOAzblFst4CxdF-OOYUuZ5yEh1ISgszl92UJiQ2HElskesJDydHdCWI-nVqUmAlykkwCaULDbxdSG0XJ1HaPEAYih3u0YP8/s400/079.JPG" /></a> That's my new shower curtain. Ezra my 2 year old loves it!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0ys2KgRYKAJYso62MUUzS_k0FBlyMiFIj0_zUwqsjqGvbGe5SCP2AO2SDQSSrvWUW54xTr2pnLORa3ZqFCYU4XqUNoHddye2j7IUAW7m1maP0l8o_j00fWmtPymjwi2Ib2JvEUqXpY4/s1600-h/081.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445699598737812034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0ys2KgRYKAJYso62MUUzS_k0FBlyMiFIj0_zUwqsjqGvbGe5SCP2AO2SDQSSrvWUW54xTr2pnLORa3ZqFCYU4XqUNoHddye2j7IUAW7m1maP0l8o_j00fWmtPymjwi2Ib2JvEUqXpY4/s400/081.JPG" /></a><br />Curtain rings from the thrift store...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZH9pP781pv5u0B-mInLjGX8YkeZrFP1NQOY6Ea3FpIqRTf65kCZok_eGQ95b-nhyuw93K5wwusjZcSdmVJc1IcxCUZcMIReYtsQw-fhMYaftGXHz6y-JgNmn8u0s6SptmDMgAIp41hE/s1600-h/082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445699255898879346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZH9pP781pv5u0B-mInLjGX8YkeZrFP1NQOY6Ea3FpIqRTf65kCZok_eGQ95b-nhyuw93K5wwusjZcSdmVJc1IcxCUZcMIReYtsQw-fhMYaftGXHz6y-JgNmn8u0s6SptmDMgAIp41hE/s400/082.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Wow! That was a ton of pictures. I hope you enjoyed them. And I hope I didn't bore you. I have had so much fun decorating this last week or so. Now if I could just keep my house clean enough to just enjoy it.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-56722902908527648502010-03-05T14:27:00.000-08:002010-03-05T14:45:03.691-08:00Uninspired<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMP5GxlWN19DqNsG644c0F04EJZ_vwyB4L-ZQUJE2PvLl6k-Z5OFUOL5nkDdPWeVzr1yVLqo2BsNRltMoV8oIuMdrCe_nE2KguRK8Gg4YaB3n2AuvlWgd1Rs82msYODZNNWI6c_Yn8XQ/s1600-h/writers-block.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445281525036833378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMP5GxlWN19DqNsG644c0F04EJZ_vwyB4L-ZQUJE2PvLl6k-Z5OFUOL5nkDdPWeVzr1yVLqo2BsNRltMoV8oIuMdrCe_nE2KguRK8Gg4YaB3n2AuvlWgd1Rs82msYODZNNWI6c_Yn8XQ/s400/writers-block.jpg" /></a> For the past 2 weeks, I have been uninspired. I've had nothing to write. I've been waiting for that one spectacular idea to come to me so that I could start blogging again.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwNLjkhPP-sAhaaFTv_IXsjpt-sExY9TQfs1xSknZ-Lr6bjx9arrp08_flBfCbZ3Nd2QzYU_0GLdRTVPF57uA4FeFgz_2DDjihEW-IM0f7Ds2y8g2ff6c7quqpEO1ilo0DUz9sR1Cdmo/s1600-h/writers_block2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445281408571157474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwNLjkhPP-sAhaaFTv_IXsjpt-sExY9TQfs1xSknZ-Lr6bjx9arrp08_flBfCbZ3Nd2QzYU_0GLdRTVPF57uA4FeFgz_2DDjihEW-IM0f7Ds2y8g2ff6c7quqpEO1ilo0DUz9sR1Cdmo/s400/writers_block2.jpg" /></a> But alas, I have nothing. No big epiphany. No huge revelation. No words of encouragement to share with my faithful readers. And no more weight loss.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSWJg43W0M1lIrbKY-xnhnw-LsTncXRaxRSezJ7WL0YxF6NCbqhyqDHvtVHIXKRPSyQvbVSHKt-cN-6lkPzLCvUkXDcrL3gwDkWAdX4rdmFp1bmxW6UnajPUg8ASq81-pqNQA2maN_6U/s1600-h/Nothingness_jpg_.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445281279788977746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSWJg43W0M1lIrbKY-xnhnw-LsTncXRaxRSezJ7WL0YxF6NCbqhyqDHvtVHIXKRPSyQvbVSHKt-cN-6lkPzLCvUkXDcrL3gwDkWAdX4rdmFp1bmxW6UnajPUg8ASq81-pqNQA2maN_6U/s400/Nothingness_jpg_.jpg" /></a><br />I'm stuck. In more ways than one. And it stinks. It really stinks. Stinks like a dirty diaper.<br />And I should know what that smells like. I've been changing like 20 of them each day.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowZGmvkelAK_ffDT6kG1PRLUmon19mIh8yPURrommAej9WBRcYfMqimtQmKnUZmsj2LLhPQlCW_jL6QFlcOKIvMREGY4h9E-opBE1itmYrRCAs_VrPNO1UUS7UZkfrvu6sTGbGXw7wN8/s1600-h/writers_block1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445281181499614946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowZGmvkelAK_ffDT6kG1PRLUmon19mIh8yPURrommAej9WBRcYfMqimtQmKnUZmsj2LLhPQlCW_jL6QFlcOKIvMREGY4h9E-opBE1itmYrRCAs_VrPNO1UUS7UZkfrvu6sTGbGXw7wN8/s400/writers_block1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Well not really. But some days it feels like it. Why can't I think of anything to share with you?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwfion0Cr7LpROSqjYc0SmPreiA7o7Labhkd2BPDkI2rKPwyGKSPyD2bIar-1LfWDZKgRolrs4zA4QUMXQ5W0s8Tf1RN1OviP7IjmLvXGLJWRS5-F5EHq2yxu9f2zYeIhSt_LvTl3j2Q/s1600-h/nothingness1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 361px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445281007674133362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwfion0Cr7LpROSqjYc0SmPreiA7o7Labhkd2BPDkI2rKPwyGKSPyD2bIar-1LfWDZKgRolrs4zA4QUMXQ5W0s8Tf1RN1OviP7IjmLvXGLJWRS5-F5EHq2yxu9f2zYeIhSt_LvTl3j2Q/s400/nothingness1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Why can't I come up with something to write about? Usually I'm full of ideas to share. Most of the time, when I'm right in the middle of silly mundane tasks, things come to me. And I have to write them down quick. Before I forget.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yDhAC9pNPaxNmcRjDSdMWuaxt0DVeKhWUerQz6BL83qJ3fgxQ0z41Cb3tWuCpa0qQ5gdy_xspK2Fks-S06MftUtoedp9Glin95ts6aRkjNAxqo1M3Zzjo0glsSkD1Sl2SsROkPitPlo/s1600-h/flowing-again-during-writers-block-800X800.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 366px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445280875969549346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yDhAC9pNPaxNmcRjDSdMWuaxt0DVeKhWUerQz6BL83qJ3fgxQ0z41Cb3tWuCpa0qQ5gdy_xspK2Fks-S06MftUtoedp9Glin95ts6aRkjNAxqo1M3Zzjo0glsSkD1Sl2SsROkPitPlo/s400/flowing-again-during-writers-block-800X800.jpg" /></a><br />There have been a few times when I've called myself on my home phone from my cell phone just to leave a message to myself about something I want to write about.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZVnWP170LLrNdhPHCcaZ6Cqm79xba-EzO0loeAf2zJGqWF_vXvP9pbnYQwbUkJDYfd3EQgf8aavSkFEF3iSJxc62-bHhEEhn7JHlQqEOcc4CxZsX4yyybuimby3eF9yJaYocuYagScg/s1600-h/end-ehow-writers-block-good-800X800.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445280726468953586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZVnWP170LLrNdhPHCcaZ6Cqm79xba-EzO0loeAf2zJGqWF_vXvP9pbnYQwbUkJDYfd3EQgf8aavSkFEF3iSJxc62-bHhEEhn7JHlQqEOcc4CxZsX4yyybuimby3eF9yJaYocuYagScg/s400/end-ehow-writers-block-good-800X800.jpg" /></a><br />No such messages lately. Just messages from bill collectors. That's all.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDxiSA6cR-b44qZRrAmqKVUzrUOnyk-WFDqqa-wMceFk0_JOplxme0uAooUX75svvr9AJFeH_d__n6G2saerSLfo0HFJ-2bxh1j4S7ebpNpRVcNRUYGCrcL-xQwqLFJi-ShulwK88OeI/s1600-h/119608010_bb33bad0ca.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445280564571009570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDxiSA6cR-b44qZRrAmqKVUzrUOnyk-WFDqqa-wMceFk0_JOplxme0uAooUX75svvr9AJFeH_d__n6G2saerSLfo0HFJ-2bxh1j4S7ebpNpRVcNRUYGCrcL-xQwqLFJi-ShulwK88OeI/s400/119608010_bb33bad0ca.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Oh, and an occasional call from a friend calling me to vent about their problems. I don't mind. Really I don't. It helps to take my mind off my own set of problems. </div><div></div><div>For those of you who haven't read in awhile, or if I've simply forgotten to give an update (I'm too lazy right now to go back and look at my past blogs to check if I've given any lately) , I'm at 34 lbs. lost now. I've been stuck here for a few weeks. But at least I am noticing some toning in areas that I've been concentrating on at the gym. That's a good thing, right? No more jiggly buns. It feels funny when I'm walking down the aisle at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wal</span> Mart rather quickly and I no longer feel the jiggling and wiggling that I used to feel. It makes me chuckle each time. </div><div>Well, that's all for now. Hopefully I'll be inspired soon and I'll be back to my normal witty self. Hopefully. Have a great weekend!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-34079786007376001242010-02-26T13:34:00.000-08:002010-02-26T14:12:48.713-08:00This Is Only A Test<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJrBC6zyu9QtuIMdly-605-58OGLNaVg5I23QNYwzcJBBfFxfEPaJSI9-gOrD4JgMHEyLihOX1uN0rt_qGAFYzmiuiYOFN_yPpdLr97khmPZQ0TEyfhiqYMSQjoz-uZKcsT3Iewy37i8/s1600-h/tv_test_pattern.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442671041070421826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJrBC6zyu9QtuIMdly-605-58OGLNaVg5I23QNYwzcJBBfFxfEPaJSI9-gOrD4JgMHEyLihOX1uN0rt_qGAFYzmiuiYOFN_yPpdLr97khmPZQ0TEyfhiqYMSQjoz-uZKcsT3Iewy37i8/s400/tv_test_pattern.jpg" /></a> Remember when you were a kid and you were watching your favorite cartoon and this popped up on the screen? Annoying, right? I know. Well now that I'm an adult, it's no less annoying than it was way back then. But I was thinking about something today. I kinda wish I could see this screen flash in front of me right before I'm getting ready to go through a difficult time in my life just so I could be warned that something is coming. BEEP.....THIS IS ONLY A TEST.....BEEP.....BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP............It might help. You know, just so I could be prepared.<br />In case you haven't noticed, it's been a little while since I've blogged. I've been going through something. My heart is hurting. And I really haven't had much to say. I've tried. But nothing comes. So I'm not going to force it. It's taken me almost an hour just to write this much. I'd appreciate your prayers as I walk through this valley. I'm on my way up, it's just going to take some time. I've hit a speed bump in my journey and right now I feel like I'm down for the count, but I will make it. And hopefully, I will pass this test!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-24396061030870969552010-02-20T18:49:00.000-08:002010-02-20T19:55:15.920-08:00Pay It Forward<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuhRhvfMCYmZLWIy6yn0ATBsljks_aj3E_w10yv0xCU7jbjd2dSfukGhnwLf4vt6fb0fWiXDOmW6Ec48s6whTeDN-R_-XOC5dVTiWEGGv7zuhmUiByGeapD5IltbOM_pfDSn1hAXl_3E/s1600-h/4077638666_cbc20a5bb2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440525255001163650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuhRhvfMCYmZLWIy6yn0ATBsljks_aj3E_w10yv0xCU7jbjd2dSfukGhnwLf4vt6fb0fWiXDOmW6Ec48s6whTeDN-R_-XOC5dVTiWEGGv7zuhmUiByGeapD5IltbOM_pfDSn1hAXl_3E/s400/4077638666_cbc20a5bb2.jpg" /></a><br /><div>You've probably seen the movie. And you probably went through an entire box of tissues too, didn't you? For those who haven't seen the movie "Pay It Forward", the premise is this....a Social Studies teacher gives his students an extra credit activity that is supposed to last the entire shcool year long. The challenge is to think of an idea to change our world- and put it into action. An 11 year old boy comes up with an idea to do something out of the ordinary for 3 people and tells them not to pay him back in return. But instead, do something for 3 more people and so on and so on. The movie gets a little more complicated than that, but that's the basic story line. I watched the movie several years ago and was deeply touched by it. </div><div> </div><div>Yesterday on the way home from the gym, we were listening to the radio and a sound byte came on from a program that was to air later in the day. In the clip, the host was talking about kindness. He said that the world we live in right now is very unkind. No big revelation there. But he went further. He challenged the listeners to do something kind for someone today. Something that would make them scratch their heads and wonder why a perfect stranger would do something nice for them. He talked about how this would most assuredly open up the door to share the love of Christ with that person. It stuck with me. I thought about it all day. I wondered what I could do. But you know, these things can't be planned. They just happen. You just need to seize the moment when it presents itself. </div><div> </div><div>I was at Wal Mart later in the day buying some snacks for the boys and their friends who would be coming over for movie night. I was in the checkout line and an elderly man was in front of me. He looked to be about in his 80's I would guess. I could see that he had his prescription medicine in his hand. When he laid it on the counter, he had a coupon to use for it. The next few seconds seemed like they lasted an eternity in my mind. For a split second, I thought about paying for his medicine for him, but then I thought to myself "How much would it cost?, What if he was offended by my offer? What would the people around me think?" In that split second it took for me to doubt myself, the cashier gave him his total and he swiped his card through the machine. My heart fell to the floor, it seemed. I missed my opportunity. It came and went before I even had the chance to do anything. But then something happened. I heard the cashier say these words..."Sir, could you please swipe your card again, you did it backwards." I nearly fell over. But this time I didn't waste any time. I immediately put my hand on his shoulder and said "Sir, I want to do something for you. I'd like to pay for your medicine and I want to tell you that Jesus loves you." I could see the tears welling up in his eyes as he asked me why I would do that for him. I simply said that someone was once kind to me in the checkout at Wal Mart and I wanted to pass that kindness along to him and I wanted him to know that God cared about him. He was crying now. One little old lonely man. Crying in the checkout at Wal Mart. All because someone was willing to give up $22.04 to pay for his medicine. He stumbled over his words as he told me "thank you" and he said the sweetest words to me. He said "Honey, the Lord will bless you for this. He really will. He really will. God bless you." I was crying at this point. He grabbed his things as I took care of his bill and shuffled out the door, shaking his head and wiping at his tears. I turned to the cashier as she completed the transaction and then proceeded to ring through my purchases. She was almost speechless except to say that it was so kind and thoughtful of me to do something like that. I caught a glimpse of the gentleman behind me smiling as well. I simply said to her that I just wanted to repay the kindness that was shown to me. </div><div>It hit me as I loaded my bags into the trunk of my car. Not only did God give me the opportunity to do something kind for a lonely old man who is probably living on a very limited income, but he allowed two other people to witness it, possibly restoring their faith in the kindness of strangers and in a God who cares about every detail of our lives. How thankful I am to have had this opportunity. You know, there have been times in my life, some recently, where $22.04 was a huge amount of money to me. And I wouldn't have even had that amount to bless someone with. I mean, that would buy a box of diapers, or put gas in my car, or buy some socks and t shirts for my boys. But recently, my husband and i have been blessed financially and it felt better than I can even put into words to be able to do this. </div><div>So, I want to put this challenge out there. Do something kind for someone today. My opportunity came in this form, but yours may be different. You may have the chance to shovel someone's walk for them, or carry someone's groceries to their car, or make a meal for a sick friend. How about paying for the meal for the person behind you in the drive thru at McDonald's and tell the cashier to hand them a note simply saying Jesus loves you. Think about it. And ask God to give you an opportunity. And then when it comes, don't think about it, just do it. Don't hesitate. Seize the moment. And see what God will use you to do. </div><div>And let me know about it. I'd like for you to send me a message telling me about what happened. </div><div> </div><div>May you be encouraged and inspired to make a difference in the life of a stranger! </div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192497090693379922.post-8117212588325918562010-02-17T19:01:00.000-08:002010-02-17T21:17:00.166-08:00Eye Candy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNohLj_yVs1IG1JMoEoprsevE_UVmUcpRcLEteob-60LpWXrZX3i7JNJqTbpuzU_h77FTrdXubSayMz4NChMfhacKjQ1culi5yKMQwE9xr_jBpciy-gCR7SzMTt5ycmXfuPkchgWaG64/s1600-h/SABDWC%2520web%2520version.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439416905943308482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNohLj_yVs1IG1JMoEoprsevE_UVmUcpRcLEteob-60LpWXrZX3i7JNJqTbpuzU_h77FTrdXubSayMz4NChMfhacKjQ1culi5yKMQwE9xr_jBpciy-gCR7SzMTt5ycmXfuPkchgWaG64/s320/SABDWC%2520web%2520version.jpg" /></a>Continuing with my knack for giving you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">TMI</span>, I just have to tell you about a new website I found. It's my new favorite. You should check it out. Well, if your married, you should check it out. If your not married, don't. Really don't. But if you are, have at it! It's<br /><br /><a href="http://www.yandy.com/">www.yandy.com</a><br /><br />I love lingerie. And like most married women, over the years I have accumulated a small collection. You know, pieces I've bought for special occasions like Valentine's Day, anniversaries and romantic weekend getaways. But I've always been somewhat picky in my choice of such <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intimate</span> apparel. It's not that I don't absolutely love those hot little numbers that make you blush and cover your little boys eyes when you walk past Victoria's Secret in the mall or that you drool over and wish you would look as hot in as those <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Frederick's</span> of Hollywood models. It's just that, well ....g -strings, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bustiers</span>, corsets, and fishnet thigh highs with black lace garter belts just aren't made for women over a certain weight. And until lately, I've been over that "certain weight." But look out now! I'm not the same size I was anymore and I'm ready to spice up my collection! And my hunky husband is in for the time of his life! I've had so much fun these past few days perusing this website and deciding what to buy. It's almost like I'm preparing for my honeymoon all over again! I can't wait until my package arrives!<br />Oh, just one more thing....the prices are amazing! They have standard and plus sizes. For now I still fall into the plus size category. You know most plus size clothing is typically way more expensive than skinny girl sizes. But not at this website. The plus sizes are reasonably priced too. I picked out 6 pieces and got away with spending less than $100! If you spend over $70, shipping is free. Amazing, right? So check it out! And give your honey a late Valentine's Day present that he will never ever forget! Go ahead, you know you want to!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKpTzRX1waebuVLmMiHx5e9Y5PNSm1FdUJ1Qr-1KWNeMTTjhA42VTP5R1eG_pTIlhzYrV39mrTFdn1WgZss5etQECBc9h-klqZMA3KAdR3-iHPi_kh5uW5mJVJ1cPQeDZNFmfCY9Z8oE/s1600-h/SABDBC%2520web%2520version.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 341px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439416783461787250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKpTzRX1waebuVLmMiHx5e9Y5PNSm1FdUJ1Qr-1KWNeMTTjhA42VTP5R1eG_pTIlhzYrV39mrTFdn1WgZss5etQECBc9h-klqZMA3KAdR3-iHPi_kh5uW5mJVJ1cPQeDZNFmfCY9Z8oE/s320/SABDBC%2520web%2520version.jpg" /></a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07661941800686521660noreply@blogger.com1