Happy 10th Birthday!

After baking G's Chocolate chip birthday cookies

all morning I finally got to deliver them to him.....

He handed them out to his class on a silver platter!

I gathered the Birthday boy and his friends afterschool

and we headed to the movies

"How to Train your Dragon"

in 3D

They talked so much and so loud before the movie and through the previews

that I was afraid we'd be thrown out.

Once the movie started I didn't hear a peep out of any of them.
We all give the movie 2 thumbs up!

Excellent Movie

Then we headed to the Pizza Buffet.

Finally we make it home

and wait for hubby, W and Megan to get there

for the Birthday cookies and opening cards/presents.

Saturday afternoon W and his friend Chris took G for an afternoon of Putt Putt golf.
This is G's version of the John Wall dance .

Just between you and me, be glad you're not seeing a video of G's version. It makes Elaine's Dance (off of Seinfeld) look wonderful! Maybe I'll have to sneak a video of G and share it.

G's version of the Karate Kid!

I think they had fun!

Beyond Slim Down Deadline #1

Well, I didn't make it to my Goal for April 1st
BUT I'm still thrilled with my loss so far

I've loss 18.75 pounds
& over 13 inches
Since February 1st

When I went shopping at Christmas I was looking in the Women's Clothing. Yesterday when I was shopping I wasn't even near the Women's clothes!

YAY Yay yay ME!

Good bye Single Digits

Today is that last day someone in our family is a Single Digit!

This boy has been so wise beyond his years that

I don't think he's been a single digit mentally since he was ......maybe 2.

We recently got the results of his reading tests.

He reads at a 11.8 grade level and reads instructionally at a 10.8 grade level.

He loves Math, He's a super speller, homework is an anoyance and he believes if he could just get everyone to listen he COULD rule the world!

Give the Girl a medal

I saved a life today!

I gave Blood.

Thank you Mother Nature for a nasty yucky day!

All this week (and most of last week) I just had a dragging feeling that I was missing Track Season . I knew that the "Snowball Relay" would have been this past week and I wouldn't be there. I didn't want to miss track, I didn't want to miss the anticipation of each jump, I didn't want to miss watching W's excitement, I just didn't want to miss TRACK!

UNTIL ~ the weather yesterday. It was rainy, windy, bone chilling cold. I then remembered the the plastic coat and SUDDENLY I didn't really miss track anymore!

Thank you Mother Nature for helping me see things more clearly!

Did it or Didn't it? Do they or don't they?

Early this morning I went to move a wheel barrel that got left in the yard during spring break chores. I had already noticed the cat was very interested in the wheel barrel and soon I understood why. A mouse rushed out of wheel barrel and under the car. The Cat took noticed and kept it under the car for a bit. She was distracted by me wheeling the wheel barrel around. In her moment of distraction the mouse went by the dog and into the garage.

Interesting side note to this ~ G was walking out about the same time the mouse was rushing in and did the natural, stop, stiffen and gasp at the sight of a mouse. I now know that this is a natural reaction since little G hasn't dealt with any mice in life time!

Well, I left the garage door open as I drove G to school thinking that either the cat (or dog) would get the mouse or it would leave the same way it came it. AND I certainly didn't want to think that my loyal pets would allow a mouse into the house!

Well, when I got back the dog was still acting all giddy. My confidence rose, they were still on the trail. When I surveyed the garage no mouse but no cat.....she was asleep in her 'bag'!

So Did it or Didn't it come into my house?

A couple of hours later I started the self cleaning oven as I walked out the door to the Y. When I returned my house was filled with smoke. Yes, my oven and baking stone were really in need of a cleaning! Lucky for me the weather was somewhat warm so I could open the windows and air things out. Then I thought why weren't the smoke alarms going off!?! Once before (years ago) we had a smokey cooking event and wondered why they hadn't gone off. They work when I press the test button, hmmmm.

So do they or don't they work ?

Molly & McGee

(this is Molly)

You can watch Molly & McGee on a live cam.

Molly is sitting on 5 eggs that are suppose to hatch any day.

McGee pops in every once in a while with a tasty treat, usually a rodent!

Spring has arrived

Spring has arrived at least on the calendar!

And it's still snowing. It supposed to snow throughout today

ending by tomorrow morning.

There could be 6-8 inches by in the morning

No one is impressed with the Spring snow!

FYI ~ yesterday I left Walmart at 4pm and it was 67 10 minutes

later it was 62 and WINDY

it was 32 and raining by 10:30pm
Today at noon it's 29.

Spicey Honey Chicken .... mmmm mmmm!

I just sent this recipe to a friend that is making a recipe book and I realized that I'd never given it here! Shame on me, cuz it's mighty good!

Spicy Honey Chicken
2 T oil
rub ~
2 t granulated garlic
2 t chili powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/2 t coriander (I couldn't find this so I don't put it in)
1 t kosher salt
1 t cumin
1/2 t chipotle chili powder
**for extra heat increase chipotle or add ground red pepper

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (can be made with chicken breast but not as good)

Glaze
1/2 c honey
1 T cider Vinegar

Use kitchen shears to trim off any excess fat from chicken. Pat dry. Drizzle oil over chicken and rub with your hands to make sure you lightly cover the entire piece. Then toss the chicken in the rub mixture (cover all of the chicken) Grill the chicken a few minutes on each side until cooked through.

While chicken is cooking, warm honey in the microwave so it's not so thick. (reserve 2T honey) Add vinegar and combine well and brush on chicken (both sides) in the final minutes of grilling. Brush with remaining honey before you serve!

** it's going to make a mess but it worth it! simply because you're putting honey on the grill not a mess anywhere else! **

I've also made this in the oven, it's tasty from there too!
oven at 400 and I bast the chicken about mid way through and then again at the end.

Daylight Savings and Spring Break

I was so thankful that DayLight savings would start on the first Sunday of Spring Break it would give me an entire week to adjust to the 'new' time I'd be waking up.

WELL...... I've just stayed up later and slept later!

It hasn't helped that the weather has been lousy. Cloudy, chilly is not a reason to get out from under the covers!

Today was beautiful. It's 9:35 and I think I could go on to bed so I get up and have a day like today again! Reality of this is that the first part of tomorrow will be beautiful then the rain and snow will come, yes I said, er wrote snow! "the last snow of 2010" right?!?

March Madness

We've got our March Madness brackets filled out and are eagerly awaiting for the games to begin! I love the fact that we fill these brackets out only to have them blown out of the water with the first games!

notice that W has 2 brackets .... he couldn't resist when his teams began losing! Filling out another bracket isn't allowed after play begins! says me the judge!

We didn't have a class on how to fill out basketball brackets but I think we should have!

This is G's bracket .... notice his technique? It took some time but W figured out this method.

HINT ~ if you follow the red lines you'll see the progression of a team! If your red line is broken, you're OUT!

FYI ~ Hubby and W pick Kansas to win it all, G has Tennessee winning it all!

Burn Notice

I've not told you about my first burn simply because it was silly and a bit embarrassing. While fixing soup early in January, I reached over the boiling pot and burned a very tender part of my body. I didn't touch the pot, I was attacked by the steam, it came right through my sweatshirt to 'get me'. I have a good size scar and I can't wait to go for my mammogram and GYN appointments next month and have to explain it.

You wouldn't even have to hear about this if I'd not burned myself again. Not in the same place but an even more tender spot .... got'cha thinking about that one huh?

Last Sunday I was sampling the potatoes from the pot of Roast, potatoes and carrots. I scooped a potato out, let it cool, popped in my mouth.... it tasted heavenly so I did it again .... there was my mistake! Yes, I let it cool the same amount of time but it was HOT, burning HOT! I've burned the entire left side of the roof of my mouth. I can't believe it. That was last Sunday and I'm still suffering not just a bit but alot! I'm hopeful that tomorrow will be a day of hope that this latest burn will have some hope. Guess I can explain this scar to the Dentist next month also!

lesson I've learned .... stop cooking!

Leprechaun Sighting

Watching this year after year never gets old ....

Slim Down Final Results

Since February 1st

6 weeks ago

-15.5 pounds

-12.25 inches

of me GONE!

Not here

poof

disappeared

shrunk

melted

This time losing weight has been different my whole body lost weight. Usually I just lose weight in my hips and legs but as you can tell by the inches lost I've lost it all over!

4 inches in my chest

3.75 inches in my waist

3 inches in my hips

1.5 in my right thigh

now I'm going to keep moving so I can get to

a total of 20 pounds GONE by the end of March!

Stay Tuned....

Slim Down #6

Results Week #6

-1.25 pounds

-1.75 inches

This was a shortened week

so 3 cheers for me

Yay, Yay, Yay!

Fieldtrip report

At G's school they read books, get AR points for reading book, save up AR points and buy cool stuff! or they don't save up and they buy cheap stuff!

Well, G and 85 other students had 'purchased' a field trip to watch our Women's NCAA conference's tournament today! Unbeknownest to them (before yesterday) we would get to watch a player that just graduated 'our' High School last year (with W). This added to everyone's excitement.

things I've learned on this field trip .....

*girls have blood curdling screams
*my hips are just about too wide to walk the isle of a school bus
*basketball players are about 1/2 inch from where we sat
*girls have to go the bathroom alot
*some 10 years whine too much, and ask too many questions
(ie: are we there yet?, I think this is taking too long, I can't see the clock, I spilled my water,..... and on and on and on)
*some of these kids never get out of our little town!

pictures to come!

The week of Odd Dreams

Boy, waking up this week has been full of memories of odd dreams.

I spent Christmas with my sister in law (yes, you Maurice) only it wasn't her real house, and she had some odd decorations. I just kept trying to figure out this one particular decoration and just couldn't. Maurice when you read this, just let me say that if you ever get an idea to put the red velvet curtain (that is still some how hanging in the window) under the glass vases filled with pine cones ~ it's not a good look!

ANd I've sorted my recycling with Oprah! but then again who doesn't sort their recycling with Oprah in a dream?!? In the dream I embarrassed myself by telling Oprah all about Terracycle and then remember that I learned about from her!

Slim Down #5

Results of Week #5

- 3.5 pounds

-1.5 inches

Super Yay!

things I've learned

along the way ~

Get to class early

today was too full I couldn't get in!

and just where did they come from?

Don't wear my gray shirt, stick to the white ones

the gray shows sweaty pits, sweaty neck, and the ever so lovely sweaty 'smiles' under my breast!

On my Couch to 5k it comes in handy that I didn't start on the couch!

I've had to move up faster ~ which is good!

from Couch to 5k

Today I started this program.

It was time to shake up my workout routine and what better way than to start running. Well, let's be honest it's mild jog! Not to be confused with a wild hog!

Slim Down Week #4

Results week #4

-1 pound

-1.25 inches

of me GONE!

Gone! Gone! Gone!

Things I've learned

in week #4

I don't ever want to be the lady that wears her jewelry, her nice clothes and full make up while working out!

Yes, I've seen 'her' but I've not seen her perspire!

Gum is my friend

it changes the taste in my mouth, so I know that the meal is over!

I think it's time to put a riser under my step

the workout is becoming too easy

I always thought I had a 'bad leg'

it was needed to be worked out! It's a GREAT leg!

It's still hard to find time for me

even after 4 weeks

I like to work out

but it's time to 'shake things' up with my workout.

21 Days Closer to Christ

21 Days Closer to Christ

day 12

The Gift

In this chapter the author tells us of a time when she was asked to speak about Gratitude to a group of youth in a detention center. As she started she realized that her prepared talk wasn't what she was suppose to say. She was to talk from the scripture Luke 17, the 10 lepers.

"we talked about those times in life when we find ourselves in a situation we might not know how to get out of. Unable to solve the problem our own, we become isolated. Distancing ourselves from what is familiar, we wonder if we can ever return. During times of reflection we need to remember that there is always a way back.

As they earnestly listened, they began to understand the principle of the atonement, the Gift.

This healing requires giving our whole heart to follow the counsel of the Lord.

*Identify a change that you would like to make in your own life*

The Olympics

Once again I'm consumed by the Olympics.
Every afternoon, every night I turn into an Olympic couch potato!

Shaun White ~ Did you see his final run? Did you see where he practices? Did you see his air guitar during the Star Spangled Banner? Did you see him on Oprah?

Lindsey Vonn ~ Were you worried about her shin? Did you see her search for her husband? Did you see her cry when she won?

Julia Mancueso ~ did you see her poster that she made when she was young? Did you see her wearing her crown? Did you see her silver medals?

Did you see the cross country skier fall into the ravine? Did you see her finish with a medal with broken ribs and a puncture lung? And just how do those cross country skiers do that?

Apollo Ono ~ Did you watch him? Do you understand how easy it is to get disqualified in speed skating? Do you think he'll be back in 2014? Don't you think he's cute?

Did you see the speed skater that crossed into the wrong lane? Did you want to bop that coach? Didn't you want the skater to get his medal anyway?

Weren't you scared when they started the luge races?

Do you understand curling? Where did that one country get those pants?

Do you think it's weird that brother and sisters are ice dancing partners?

Doesn't it make you proud of being an American?

and

Don't you just love to watch these athletes live out their dreams?

21 days Closer to Christ #11

21 days Closer to Christ

Day 11

Calm the Storm

I love the story found in Matt 14:27-28, where Peter walks on the water.

As long as Peter was focused on the Savior, as long as he had his eyes fix on Him he did not fall. When Peter lost his focus and was distracted he fell. Now my favorite part, When he called out to the Savior, the Savior was there immediately with his hand stretched forth. Doesn't that give you comfort? All we have to do is "call out"

It's important that we find time to re focus on the Lord everyday.

In the Book of Mormon, Nephi gives us counsel on how to do this

*Talk to Christ

*rejoice in Christ

*preach of Christ

*Remember to focus on Christ*

21 days closer to Christ #10

21 days closer to Christ

Day 10

Stand

Christ asks us to stand "at attention" in many ways

*Stand by faith (Rom 11:20)

*Stand fast in the faith (1 Cor 16:13)

*Stand and testify (Alma 5:44)

*Stand spotless (3 Nep 27:20)

*Stand in the place of our stewardship (D&C 42:53)

*Stand in holy places (D&C 45:32)

*Stand as witnesses (Mosiah 18:9)

*Take upon us the Lord's whole armour, that we may be able to stand (D&C 27:15)

*Having done all , to stand for truth, righteousness, peace and faith (Eph 6:13)

we are giving caution "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion"

*Where you see the battle raging, where do you see yourself?*

*Find one way you can strengthen someone today*

We interupted this life for PAPER!

The past few days I've been dealing with paper, paper and yet more paper.

TAXES
FAFSA
TERRACYCLE
LABELS FOR EDUCATION
BILLS

I can barely move my computer chair due the mounds of paper piled around the computer area!

I've filed my TAXES
almost done with FAFSA
Boxed up TERRACYCLE
counted and packaged up LABELS FOR EDUCATION
written and mailed BILLS

(Hopefully) we now return you to your regular scheduled life

"I want what they're having!"

Yesterday when G came in after school he took one whiff of the wonderful aroma of the kitchen, and ask "What's that smell I smell?" I had to disappoint him by saying that I was fixing Roast, potatoes and carrots for the Moala family. They're mom had knee surgery and we taking supper to them.

He helped deliver the meal and enjoyed visiting with his friends (the kids).

Then I came home and started our supper, French Fried Onion Crusted Chicken and rice. A lovely meal, if I do say so myself.

As G sat down for supper, he looked a little forlorn and said "I wish I was eating with Moala's" I wasn't disappointed in this because I, too, wanted to eating roast, potatoes and carrots!

Tonight we're having that meal, plus homemade bread. I haven't made homemade bread in ages....I don't know if I've ever made homemade bread, now that I think of it.

I found this recipe for Miracle bread that sounded just too good to be true! Well, it's not. You could have homemade bread in just over an hour......well, I let mine rise for about an hour so it took a bit longer. If you have a warm house it would be an hour.

Did you look over the recipe? super simple, just dump it in the mixer bowl and mix! WOW! this could revolutionize my kitchen (and my diet)

Slim Down Week #3

Results #3

-1.25 pounds

-.75 inches

Have you been adding it all up?

I have!

Yay me!

Things I've learn

Week #3

I've found Broccoli Cole slaw

I have this with low fat salad dressing instead of iceberg lettuce.

I think I'm getting more 'good stuff' than plain ol' lettuce

and Campbell's V8

Tomato Herb is my favorite!

and I don't like tomato soup!

and I like the Broccoli one, too

I didn't care so much for the Southwest Corn one.

This low impact class that I take MWF

is really called Cross Training!

answer to prayer

Several years ago (around 6) I was seriously considering

going back to school to get my teaching degree.

I gathered the credits I already had and sent them to a couple of universities to see what it would take to finish my degree. I learned that if I went part time (and that's all I could really do since G was still small) it would take me 5 1/2 years to finish and put my family in debt to the tune of around 50k.

I prayed about it and really didn't feel comfortable about putting my family in that kind of debt.

FAST forward to now!

I'd be graduating now into a work force that is about to layoff 100s of teachers

so I'd be graduating to no job and a lot of debt!

Thanks Heavenly Father for the heads up!

It's my Blog-o-versary

Happy Birthday to

Along Plum Creek

2 years today

Slim Down Week #2

Week #2 Results

-1.5 pounds &

-2 inches!

once again

Yay Me!

Things I've learned

in week #2

*my body is adjusting to lower calories & working out*

doesn't mean it doesn't mess with my head

*I've now met all of my team in the Slim Down

I'm the youngest*

but just by a few months with Phil

but then we're about 13 years younger than the rest.

*There seem to be only a couple of us that are into the whole process*

and we lured the other 4 into it with us.

*I like my workout class*

there is a man that really jives in it

*There is a wide variety of people at the Y during the day*

including the man with the braided beard with bells at the end of it. This gives me something to think about on the elliptical machine "just how does he sleep with those long 2 belled braids?"

*I have to stick with the program*

even when my body isn't reacting.

Best Mom Ever award!

This man probably doesn't look like any one special to you!

He is something special to little G, someone he idolizes.

It's Reed Timmer, of the famed Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers

At this moment Little G will tell you that his legs were shaking.

And this earned me the

"Best Mom Ever Award"

Love that Boy!

your new Procedure?

The other morning I was getting ready to go the Y.
G was eating his breakfast
As I was tying my shoes
G asked "So mom is going to the Y every morning your new procedure?"
Me ~ "yes, G it is my new procedure"

Where does this boy get his vocabulary!?

21 days Closer to Christ #9

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day #9

Ancient Keys

When Christ walked the earth he held the keys of the priesthood.

I believe that those ancient keys were past down to Peter, James and John and then past down to a modern day prophet. "The same divine priesthood power and authority that was held anciently." (David B Haight)

We have the opportunity today to hear from a living prophet and have been counseled to listen carefully to his words. In the Book of Mormon King Benjamin gives us 5 items of counsel that will help us apply those words of a living prophet.

1 ) "open your ears that ye may hear"

2) open "your hearts that ye may understand

3) open our minds that the mysteries of God maybe unfolded to our view

4) Remember the words we have been taught

5) and now believe all these things and see that ye do them

the results will be a might change.

*What counsel do you remember most from the last general conference*

*write down counsel given and place it somewhere that you'll see it*

*What is one way you can apply inspired counsel to your life today*

Snow Globe

Today is a Snow Globe kind of day outside.

little tiny flakes blowing all around

21 days Closer to Christ #8

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day 8

Recognize His Voice

In order to understand this chapter the author explains how being a shepherd worked in the Bible. This helped me understand what it's meant when the Savior gave the parable of the Good Shepherd.

"Jesus reminded His listeners that a good shepherd, "goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." (John 10:4)

(John 10:11) "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."

In order to follow Christ, the good shepherd we must know his voice.

*Listen*

*Think about how you have learned to recognize His voice.*

**Make a list of those moments you have heard His voice.*

*find a way to "hear" His voice today.*

Slim Down week #1

the results

week #1

Me -6.5 pounds!

& -5 inches of me

YAY Me!

things I've learned

week #1

*I won't die in my class*

I thought I was dying several times last week

*I have to make time for me*

every morning

*I work out harder alone*

I can stay focused

*I have to eat*

I have a routine & I stick to it

*I have more energy*

no afternoon naps anymore

I have to shave my legs more carefully*

I continually missed the same spot all last week

*I stand up straighter*

shoulders pulled back, tummy tucked

*I don't like to work out next to people that wear a scent*

I don't want my dying breathe filled with a soapy smell!

*Good music helps*

Fergie, Justin, 70's, Christina, the Peas

*My aches and pains are gone*

well, my old aches and pains

*I actually like planks*

well....lets not go over board with that!

*I can do this*

and I am

Another Snowy Morning

More Snow this morning

but certainly not the massive amount that we expected!

21 Days Closer to Christ #7

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day 7

A Promise without Parallel

Prayer was addressed in this chapter, on this day.

the 5 parts of prayer were given

(as found in Moroni 7:26)

1)Ask

2) ask in the name of Jesus Christ

3) to determine that "which is good"

4) Ask with faith

5) "Behold, it shall be done unto you"

*Ponder the 5 characteristics of prayer*

*How will remembering these make your prayers more meaningful?*

*Pray*

The Ambassanadors?

A few weeks ago my boys went to see the Harlem Ambassadors.

The cheaper version of the Harlem Globetrotters.

We didn't tell little G until a couple of hours.

That saves us all alot of drama and grief.

In G's excitement he kept referring them as the Ambassanadors.

We all got a laugh out of him.

21 days Closer to Christ #6

21 Days Close to Christ

Day 6

When Hope is Gone

I think this is my favorite chapter.

I found the most comfort and useful words in this chapter.

It retold the story found in the Book of John about the blind man.

Like this man there have been so many times that I have

wished the Lord would open my eyes, that I might see.

(Just as the author states for her life)

2 of my favorite quotes ...

"Never underestimate the purpose of the trail."

"It is through adversity that we experience the

sweetest parts of the Atonement"

*Attempt to see your trial through 'different eyes'*

*Pray the Savior will touch your eyes*

*Write down some good things that have come to you through Christ*

*How does recognizing these blessings bring you hope*

21 days Closer to Christ #5

21 days Closer to Christ

Day #5

Who Is This Jesus?

The Story of the Woman at the Well is retold in this chapter.

How "what began as an ordinary task suddenly became life changing".

This woman had found a "pearl in the field" at a most unexpected time.

*"Prepare to receive a simple learning moment, a "pearl in the field", as you go through your day. Let your search be constant. Try to discover, "in every hour," some heavenly blessing that will bring you closer to Christ. A treasure - God's Gold."

My house on February 5th

Noisey Daily Visitor

I have this visitor.
Every Day she comes to eat the Berries off of my BarBerryBushes. I don't have to guess if he out there, I know when she's out there. She chirps very loudly!

Another Snowy Day

We woke up to this .... and this ....
it's much nicer inside looking out!

21 Days Closer to Christ #4

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day #4

Never Stopping, Ever Searching

This chapter retells the story of Jairus's daughter. How Jairus had not stopped searching for the Savior until he'd found him. Even when the Savior got involved with 'the woman' Jairus didn't waver in his desire to stay with the Savior.

I was left with this great scripture (Mark 5:36) of comfort "Be not afraid, only believe".

*"Think back on a time in your life when you had to search for the savior to find strength beyond your own. Try to remember the process you went through in that search. Was it scripture study, more meaningful prayers or another avenue that led you to Christ"*

*Stretch again. Apply one of those principles today."

21 Days Closer to Christ #3

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day #3

A Common Thread

A common thread among all of us is that we're all tried.

"You must be tried, to be proven. My Heavenly Father was surely mindful of me. And when we know that, we live our lives free and apart without murmuring with life or the part we care called to play."

Quote from Susan Marinda Bullock's journal

Another common thread that we all have is that we all can have the

Holy Ghost to guide us through these trials.

This chapter isn't really about the above, but the above was what I got out of the chapter. The chapter was about writing down your history and your experiences.

*Do you have a written copy of your testimony of Christ?*

*Obtain & Keep a journal of your 21 day journey*

He's a published Author!

G's school has started this great new program

The 4th grade and the 5th grade students

wrote their own stories and then the school had them bound.

Making them Published Authors!

The books will be in the Library for other students to read

until they move out of this school.

WAY COOL program!

This morning they had a

Book Swap.

They all got their books then they read

their books to their classmates.

Parents were invited too!

(if you want to hear G read his book head over to his blog for the video)

He got a W!

Every Saturday has a basketball game and last Saturday was no different,

BUT the end result was different in one of the games .... they WON!

The greatest news I think (he doesn't) is that G made a basket the last 2 Saturdays!

Waaaahoooo!

Gentleman Start your Engines!

It's Pinewood Derby Time the first coat ....

it consumed our Breakfast table.....

G baked cookies for the event ...

These cute little things are by G's den leader, Sister Mac!

She just oozes creativity!

Then we watched with great anticipation!

It was a great race, we all had fun but G's car was out mid way through the event.

Need a Warm Fuzzy?

G is working on creating Warm Fuzzies. This bag (in the foreground) is full of fuzzies

G has to do acts of kindness to make the Warm Fuzzies.

Then he's filling the Jar with his warm Fuzzies!

An example of his Warm Fuzzies

He carries the trashcan back for our neighbor

He calls his grandparents

Acts of service

read up lifting articles

crunch!

One of those deeply foggy nights last month. The ones where you couldn't really see past your front bumper, W hit a deer. A deer he didn't even see until he hit it. He is safe and sound. He wasn't very far from home so he drove back home with his one eyed blazer. He was really sad as we watching him coming up the drive. The one working light was barely cutting through the fog.

Now the maddening thing about this crunch! Do you see it? There isn't a place to attach a light. We're going to have to fix the entire fender just so we can get a light to stay in there.

OH, well it's just money, right?

Figure Friendly Taco!

Considering that I'm working my hiney off
at the gym I'm not blowing it at home
so here is tonight's recipe find ~

I thought it was really healthy, really, really easy and really good.

4 chicken breast
1 jar of salsa (whatever you like)
2 cans Black beans (drained)
1 (or 2) cans of Corn (drained and you could use frozen)

Put it all in a crockpot
turn the pot on (high 4-5 hours, low 6-8 hour)

about an hour before you're ready to serve shred the chicken.

Serve with warm tortillas (soft taco size), lettuce, tomatoes, onions and (Fat free) sour cream!

21 days Closer to Christ day #2

21 Days Closer to Christ

Day #2

(John 13:4-15)

Take His Name

"Be true to who you are and the family name you bear"

Gordon B Hinkley

We should Take The Lord's name upon us thus Honor His name everyday.

*As you go through this day, find ways that you can bring honor to Christ's name by letting the walk of your life exemplify Him. On this day, try to remember Him always.*

*Try to reflect on how each name for the Savior describes a way that He blesses your life*

Slim Down day #1

This morning marked our first weigh in and

workout with our "Biggest Loser" type program at the local Y.

I knew what I weighed so it wasn't a surprise.

no, I'm not going to reveal that tidbit of new here!

nor am I going to put up my motivation or my comparsion picture.

That's just not right!

My friend Stephanie goes at 8 and does the water aerobics.

I meet her there for an hour of working out together.

Today we did the Elliptical machine.

then I went to a low impact aerobics class.

In the middle of the class I swore I was going to die.

So it must have been doing good, right?

I made it all the way through the class.

Then I came home and got out my Calorie King program.

I love this program it makes watching what I eat a breeze.

*I paid $50 for this program eons ago and they still allow me to download new foods, BUT there is a similar program that is free. I don't recall the name right now, but if you're interested just look around.

Ok, I'm not going to blog about my activities every day

but I will blog every week with my progress!

21 Days Closer to Christ

I decided to start this book on the

First day of February instead of last week.

Just easier.

I'll be jotting down the highlights of my daily reading

mostly because it helps me retain it more

if I've written it down after I've read it.

Day 1

"Come and See"

(Mark 1:16-18 and John 1:38-39)

"My desire today is for all of us ... to have a more straightforward personal experience with the Savior's example. Sometimes we seek heaven too obliquely, focusing on programs or history or the experience of others. Those are important but not as important as personal experiences, true discipleship and the strength that comes from experiencing firsthand the majesty of His touch."

(Broken things to Mend by Jeffery R Holland)

*Determine what fills your nets.

Are everyday challenges such as time constraints, demands from work or home, or feelings of inadequacy or fear holding you back from developing a relationship with Christ.

*Today try to listen

for the quiet invitations from the Lord to

come and see.

(taken from the book "21 days Closer to Christ)

Frustration here, Frustration there, Frustration EVERYWHERE!

This week my Facebook has decided to act funny. I can get on, I can see just the first few status' of my friends, I can't go beyond that, I can't push any buttons. That's the problem, I can't push any buttons. I'm Frustrated!

I wanted to get the pictures out of my camera and start posting them here ...well the camera is not talking the computer. I've tried to mediate but they just won't recognize each other! So the pictures are still in the camera. I'm Frustrated!

I'm Frustrated with my schedule last week, someplace to be EVERY day, very little home time. So today I'm giving up! I'm staying home ALL DAY! I'm going to just curl up with a movie or a book and pretend everything is working fine. This is my favorite place to be .... Denial!

I promise an update soon!

I just rushed in the door from subbing, I'm waiting for G to get off the bus. I just wanted to let you know that this week has been seriously busy, I am amazed at just how busy and filled up it has gotten.

I have several pictures and several ideas to post but just no time to sit and process it all enough to blog it.

I don't think I've been home more than a few hours (and awake) all week ... amazing! I'm usually more protective of my time than this, but somehow things just got piled into this week. This morning I just wanted to scream when someone called to request that I do some training Friday right smack in the middle of the day! I knew all week that they were trying to arrange the training but seriously from 11:30 to 1:30?

Gotta run now .... only time I could get a haircut!

2010 Book Review #3 "The Art of Racing in the Rain"

What a unique little book.

This book is written from Enzo's point of view.

Enzo is a dog, a dog that belongs to Denny.

I liked this book.

It won't be in my all time favorites just simply because I found the book too predictable.

It was a quick enjoyable weekend read.

it gets a 3.75 out of 5

2010 Book Review #2 "In His Holy Name"

Hmmmm, I don't know what to think about this book.

I really looked forward to getting it, reading it and enjoying it.

I love to hear this author speak, he is truly one of my favorites.

BUT this book, well I'll be honest

is over my head, at least that time being!

I don't know if over my head is the right term, it addresses questions that I simply don't have.

I thought it was going to be more of a self help book whereas it was a teaching manual.

It discusses the uses, meaning and concepts of the name of the Savior. How we use the name of the Savior through the scriptures, prayers and in our church meetings.

Interesting in the latter chapters of the book, but too technical for me in the beginning.

If you in the right place in your life (and have questions of why we use the name of the Savior in the ways that we do) then by all means read it (you can borrow mine), but if you're looking for entertainment this isn't your book.

should have just stuck to my one thing!

I went to the city today to run errands, plain and simple.

My friend called me to ask if she could tag along, she a had couple of errands and then we'd have lunch. Sounded perfect to me!

One of her errands was to Hobby Lobby. There was one thing I'd been wanting to get there, no big deal I'd just run get my thing then I'd tag along with her.

She stuck to her one thing .... I didn't!

I got my one small craft item and then I saw it ......I'd been wanting a black mirror to replace my wood mirror ...they didn't have a black one but a very dark one ...AND at 50% off.... in the cart it went.

I got home worked at getting it up before hubby got home. I worked and worked, stupid screws won't hit the right spots! Ahhh, there it was hung perfectly .... I step back to marvel that the beauty I'd just hung and things went blurry!?!
JUST HOW CAN THIS BE?

The mirror was terrible. As long as I was close up it was fine, but when I stepped back a few steps it was horrible. I left the room, refusing to look at it, but when I did ~ carnival style mirror re-appeared.

I took it down and put the old brown one back up. I'll return it tomorrow.
Should have just stuck to my one item!

Wise Words

"Faith is taking the first steps,

even when you don't see the whole staircase."

Martin Luther King

Sunday Thoughts

The talks were all on the Love of God today.

They were all great.
I enjoyed them and they gave me things to ponder this week.

The lady that spoke had me confused for a bit ....

She kept saying that "We should love others as we love ourselves"
I just kept wondering about how sometimes I'm very critical of myself. If that's how I feeling, that shouldn't be how I treat others.... confusion....BUT then she said what she meant .."We should love others as Christ loves us" WOW, now that's a whole other concept! One that I'm not confused at all! We should love others unconditionally, not with conditions.

Then the most enjoyable speakers (in my opinion) spoke. He is just easy to listen to.
Some of the notes I took from his words ....
~ Our Father's work requires love
~ When we are asked to do a calling (position) in the church we should do it with Love
~ There is a purpose for that position at that moment
~When we're obedient to our callings we'll be blessed
~ What do we really love?
~What is foremost in our minds? What do we seek?
~ We should seek after the spiritual not the material
~ Keeping the commandments allows us to grow spiritually
~ Our Father Wants us to grow ~ this means that we'll be tested
~ These test will become easier as we grow
~ We should listen for answers/guidance from the Lord

Dinner Date with my Baby

This week G and I found ourselves in the city at supper time.

He'd never been & he loves spaghetti so we went to

The Olive Garden. I taught him how to use his

fork and spoon to eat spaghetti.

(Notice the concentration?) He is a fast learner.

AND

He loved his spaghetti!