I haven't worked out in two weeks. *sigh*
I want to slim down a little and in the proses to find the right eating plan (I was seriously contemplating starting the meal replacement plan or taking weigh loss pills) I learned about the healthy way to lose fat.
Yes, I said fat not weight. Weight is a terrible indicator of the body's fat content.
I learned :**the best way to burn fat is to first increase metabolism, not starve or majorly cut calories**anything less than 40min. of aerobic exercise is just burning carbs not fat**this should be hard and tedious work**results shouldn't been seen overnight**slow and steady is the key**pills are a crock! They (pills) do not help take care of the problem.....fat. This is a lifestyle plan, not a diet.
So, now I get to think and plan strategically to create my own tone up/slim down plan.
To commemorate this occasion, I ate dessert after dinner tonight! ;-)
Monday, October 29, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Yikes!
We had a big day yesterday. For the kids at least....not for the Mama.
We have a new pet. One of the creepy, crawly variety. The kind I like to stay away from. Far away.
The kids think it's a 'she' and named her Slithering Alice. Nice, cozy, comfy name; don't you think?
She hasn't eaten anything (Ben purchased a dozen crickets for it to consume and 12 are still in her new home.) so we might be releasing her back to her family. I'm sure she misses them. I'll pack her bags:)
When telling the kids we might need to let her go, he adds....to my horror...."But we'll have to get a lizard or something if we have to do that." I now have a great reason to stay away from the half of the house that contains our bedrooms.
I really don't dislike them (anything crawly or creeping)THAT much. I just never want to look at it, or watch anyone hold it.
We have a new pet. One of the creepy, crawly variety. The kind I like to stay away from. Far away.
The kids think it's a 'she' and named her Slithering Alice. Nice, cozy, comfy name; don't you think?
She hasn't eaten anything (Ben purchased a dozen crickets for it to consume and 12 are still in her new home.) so we might be releasing her back to her family. I'm sure she misses them. I'll pack her bags:)
When telling the kids we might need to let her go, he adds....to my horror...."But we'll have to get a lizard or something if we have to do that." I now have a great reason to stay away from the half of the house that contains our bedrooms.
I really don't dislike them (anything crawly or creeping)THAT much. I just never want to look at it, or watch anyone hold it.
Trust me, I'll literally keep you posted.
Just in case you're wondering, Esther took most of the pictures. I was not in the room.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Deep Thoughts by Katy
Okay. I was participating in a discussion recently about blogs. The majority voiced that they felt less than perfect when reading others blogs. It was said that, for the most part, the posts are of fun or happy times or events and there is an assumption that this is just an all the time occurrence.
I've had this whole topic on the brain for about two weeks and I'm gonna try and explain my side.
Every body has bad days. From crazy hair to tired kids. For me these bad days are like hiccups. They eventually go away and I don't have them again for a while. With one exception: moving, home school and PMS. Yea, you got me. There were three exceptions!
Yet, my life, to me, is awesome. Because it's mine. No wonder it seems good, 'caus I'm the one living it and writing about it. Now, if you were living my life, you may not think it pretty at all. The view from the side lines are always gorgeous. You don't see the toilet cleanings, or the arguing kids or the oil changes with four hungry, worn out kids trying as hard as 8, 7 and 5 year 0lds can not to be whiny for 30 minutes all together in one vehicle:) No, this has never happened to me before. I just read about it. He, he, he!
Life can be crappy sometimes. But it's the roses that grow out of the dung that I try to focus on. (Dung not to be associated to husband or children:)
So, if my life starts to seem too perfect......join in! Come over and try to figure out (then explain and TEACH!) fourth grade Math to a girly girl who wants nothing more than to color or braid her Barbie's hair. Then you will realize there is more to this fairy tail. And you will start to understand why I contemplate sending this dear child out of my house to be schooled!
Oh yea, and I mess up....alot. I often am too firm when I should be gentle or gracious. I apologize quite a bit to the kids and Ben.
Funny thing, I actually think I do live in a fairy tail. But even in castles, someone has to clean the windows and take out the trash! Since I don't have servants....it's me (or I ask one of the kids to do it;)
This has been my verse for this year. We've had a very hard year but I've felt comforted by God through the following verses.
Isaiah 40:29-31 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
This just reminds me that I will fall and make mistakes. But there is always a loop hole. God.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is within us, to him be glory...." Ephesians 3:20+21
I've had this whole topic on the brain for about two weeks and I'm gonna try and explain my side.
Every body has bad days. From crazy hair to tired kids. For me these bad days are like hiccups. They eventually go away and I don't have them again for a while. With one exception: moving, home school and PMS. Yea, you got me. There were three exceptions!
Yet, my life, to me, is awesome. Because it's mine. No wonder it seems good, 'caus I'm the one living it and writing about it. Now, if you were living my life, you may not think it pretty at all. The view from the side lines are always gorgeous. You don't see the toilet cleanings, or the arguing kids or the oil changes with four hungry, worn out kids trying as hard as 8, 7 and 5 year 0lds can not to be whiny for 30 minutes all together in one vehicle:) No, this has never happened to me before. I just read about it. He, he, he!
Life can be crappy sometimes. But it's the roses that grow out of the dung that I try to focus on. (Dung not to be associated to husband or children:)
So, if my life starts to seem too perfect......join in! Come over and try to figure out (then explain and TEACH!) fourth grade Math to a girly girl who wants nothing more than to color or braid her Barbie's hair. Then you will realize there is more to this fairy tail. And you will start to understand why I contemplate sending this dear child out of my house to be schooled!
Oh yea, and I mess up....alot. I often am too firm when I should be gentle or gracious. I apologize quite a bit to the kids and Ben.
Funny thing, I actually think I do live in a fairy tail. But even in castles, someone has to clean the windows and take out the trash! Since I don't have servants....it's me (or I ask one of the kids to do it;)
This has been my verse for this year. We've had a very hard year but I've felt comforted by God through the following verses.
Isaiah 40:29-31 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
This just reminds me that I will fall and make mistakes. But there is always a loop hole. God.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is within us, to him be glory...." Ephesians 3:20+21
Thursday, October 11, 2007
I Love Consistency. So, What's the Problem?
I love order. I mean LOVE.
Last school year, I was up by 5.45 (at least) and had the kids up by 6.55 every school morning. We'd put our rooms in order, complete our chore list, be finished with breakfast and starting school by 8.30am. School was completed by 11 and the kids would play or run errands with me the rest of the day.
This year is a far cry (for me at least) from last year.
I haven't been getting up until 7. This pushes our schedules out more than an hour. I haven't worked out at the gym this week....at all. Last year I would have been there twice by today. Arrrrrg! Since I get up late, I'm unable to have my devotions alone. Which means I am interrupted every third verse I read. This leads to the thought process "Why am I doing this now?" and I close God's Word, pull myself out of the comfy chair and organize the kids. *sigh & frown*
The thing is, except for the loss of gym time and inconsistent devotions (I still have my quiet time, just not the same time every day), I actually like our scheduled time more this year. I am more rested and more even emotionally.
So why would I have tried so hard to get back to last years schedule??? You got me there! I was thinking today and pondering why I would try so hard to change when this is working better. Because I like order so much, and I'm dense sometimes. Just because it worked great that way last year does NOT mean that it will this year. Silly Katy!
Now, if I could just find a spot to squeeze in gym time.........PERFECTION!
Last school year, I was up by 5.45 (at least) and had the kids up by 6.55 every school morning. We'd put our rooms in order, complete our chore list, be finished with breakfast and starting school by 8.30am. School was completed by 11 and the kids would play or run errands with me the rest of the day.
This year is a far cry (for me at least) from last year.
I haven't been getting up until 7. This pushes our schedules out more than an hour. I haven't worked out at the gym this week....at all. Last year I would have been there twice by today. Arrrrrg! Since I get up late, I'm unable to have my devotions alone. Which means I am interrupted every third verse I read. This leads to the thought process "Why am I doing this now?" and I close God's Word, pull myself out of the comfy chair and organize the kids. *sigh & frown*
The thing is, except for the loss of gym time and inconsistent devotions (I still have my quiet time, just not the same time every day), I actually like our scheduled time more this year. I am more rested and more even emotionally.
So why would I have tried so hard to get back to last years schedule??? You got me there! I was thinking today and pondering why I would try so hard to change when this is working better. Because I like order so much, and I'm dense sometimes. Just because it worked great that way last year does NOT mean that it will this year. Silly Katy!
Now, if I could just find a spot to squeeze in gym time.........PERFECTION!
Friday, October 5, 2007
It Works
O.K. I needed a new apron and couldn't find one I liked, so, I made one. It took me about 4 hours and my old one is still my favorite! (thanks to Ben! He gave the old one to me Christmas of 2004) I'm hoping that when this one gets all messed up by a little spaghetti splatter or cleaning chemicals that it'll feel more comfy.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
10 Great Dates
Ben and I just started a new class. It's called 10 great dates. Visit the web site here http://www.marriagealive.com/index.cfm. The idea is that when a couple is dating the marriage is stronger and will have less chance of divorce.
Last night was our first of the ten dates and it was soooooo fun! We met at our church for 30 min. prior to the date to get our date ideas and conversation ideas (talking about the first time you noticed one another, first date, wedding day.) then you leave and go on your date. We went to Linnens n Things to shop for an apron for me (isn't Ben great!) but didn't purchase any (I'm gonna make mine) but DID buy some new pillows for both of us (after walking out of the store we realised it had been 16+ years since either of us had used a new sleep pillow......gross!) Then we went to Applebee's, shared appetizers and talked. I love Ben so much!
I would recommend getting the 10 Great Dates book and doing this for your marriage even without the formal 'class'.
I will be posting later today about the treasure hunt my Mom made for the kids last week. (He, he, he. Gotcha! I won't be posting these photos until Tuesday.)
Last night was our first of the ten dates and it was soooooo fun! We met at our church for 30 min. prior to the date to get our date ideas and conversation ideas (talking about the first time you noticed one another, first date, wedding day.) then you leave and go on your date. We went to Linnens n Things to shop for an apron for me (isn't Ben great!) but didn't purchase any (I'm gonna make mine) but DID buy some new pillows for both of us (after walking out of the store we realised it had been 16+ years since either of us had used a new sleep pillow......gross!) Then we went to Applebee's, shared appetizers and talked. I love Ben so much!
I would recommend getting the 10 Great Dates book and doing this for your marriage even without the formal 'class'.
I will be posting later today about the treasure hunt my Mom made for the kids last week. (He, he, he. Gotcha! I won't be posting these photos until Tuesday.)
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Job and Bedroom Charts
I have a friend that asked some questions on her blog about family chores for her Bible Study. Questions like, why have kids do chores, at what age kids should do what, etc. So, I told her I'd post some pictures of how our family gets things done!
Both our job and bed charts are laminated for durability. The kids use a dry erase marker for the job charts. We use velcro for the bedroom charts. This enables the child to move the arrow down the list as he accomplishes the items......all without the child using a pen in the bed room :)
The first pict. is the job chart. Each child has one and they are located on our fridge. I rotate each kid between the jobs. They include:unloading/loading dishes, unload hamper and sort, bringing in the mail and paper, making lunch/breakfast, taking out the trash, taking care of pet, open curtains and vacuuming.
On major cleaning days I make a separate list the kids help me with....sweeping, washing sinks and toilets.
The next pict. is our bedroom charts. We have a morning chart and an night chart. This idea came to me when I was CONSTANTLY answering questions like "I've already made my bed, now what do I need to do?" Between the four children I was getting worn out! Beside each item on the list are pictures so Zach and Joe can understand (they only read short vowels).
The items to accomplish on the am chart are:*read Bible*make bed*get dressed*put jammies away*put toys away*no clothes puking out of drawers*only sleep toys on bed*brush/comb hair*turn off lights*eat breakfast*brush teeth. Pm chart: Get jammies on*put clothes in hamper*put toys away*no clothes puking out of drawers*go potty*get drink*turn on night light*family devotions.
This is how I help myself stay sane!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Kids Say......
I've been stuck lately by how blessed I am with my children. I've heard some say that kids are 'on loan' from God, like a library book. He trusts us with these treasures and expects them back in good shape! I am completely humbled when I think about that.
So anyway, I've been meaning to post about some of the funny things that come out of my Precious Treasures mouths.
Essy:I was walking past the kids while they were eating lunch one day and she was talking with her brothers (primarily Sam). I heard her say "Well, when I get married I'm gonna kiss my Honey, like, TWENTY times in one day!" I wonder what that conversation was about?
Sam:He noticed that I had a small (I mean smaller than a 3x5 card) piece of paper with how to be healthy. At the top of this paper I wrote weight loss. Sam and I had had a conversation about loosing weight the day before. (He wanted to eat special k for breakfast because he was concerned he needed to loose weight. I was immediately convicted by God and realized I had been to vocal about my desire to shed a few lb's. I reassured him that he was perfectly shaped and didn't need to loose any weight. He then went on to say that no one in our house needed to loose weight.) Okay, so sorry for the long explanation! So he asked me why I had a paper on how to loose weight......I said that I was just trying to be healthy. Then he responded "Yea. Cause you're enough." Meaning that I didn't need to loose weight. Cutie!
Zach:He told me last night that he's gonna marry me. I didn't mention to him that that was illegal and GROSS. I figure by the time he's twelve, he won't want to marry me anymore. I'm gonna enjoy it while it lasts!
Joey:Now this is hard to explain. Joe says things I just don't expect. Like, instead of using too ( ex. I would like one too please) he'll use 'as well' in it's place. (ex. I would like one as well please.) I just don't expect it! And it's HOW he says it. He uses LOTS of hand gestures and facial expressions.
I have a couple post it's in our file box of silly things I catch the kids saying. I'm hoping to make a great scrap book page with them someday.I have yet to scrap our honeymoon nearly 10 years ago :) so it'll probably be 10 years from now that I finally use them!
So anyway, I've been meaning to post about some of the funny things that come out of my Precious Treasures mouths.
Essy:I was walking past the kids while they were eating lunch one day and she was talking with her brothers (primarily Sam). I heard her say "Well, when I get married I'm gonna kiss my Honey, like, TWENTY times in one day!" I wonder what that conversation was about?
Sam:He noticed that I had a small (I mean smaller than a 3x5 card) piece of paper with how to be healthy. At the top of this paper I wrote weight loss. Sam and I had had a conversation about loosing weight the day before. (He wanted to eat special k for breakfast because he was concerned he needed to loose weight. I was immediately convicted by God and realized I had been to vocal about my desire to shed a few lb's. I reassured him that he was perfectly shaped and didn't need to loose any weight. He then went on to say that no one in our house needed to loose weight.) Okay, so sorry for the long explanation! So he asked me why I had a paper on how to loose weight......I said that I was just trying to be healthy. Then he responded "Yea. Cause you're enough." Meaning that I didn't need to loose weight. Cutie!
Zach:He told me last night that he's gonna marry me. I didn't mention to him that that was illegal and GROSS. I figure by the time he's twelve, he won't want to marry me anymore. I'm gonna enjoy it while it lasts!
Joey:Now this is hard to explain. Joe says things I just don't expect. Like, instead of using too ( ex. I would like one too please) he'll use 'as well' in it's place. (ex. I would like one as well please.) I just don't expect it! And it's HOW he says it. He uses LOTS of hand gestures and facial expressions.
I have a couple post it's in our file box of silly things I catch the kids saying. I'm hoping to make a great scrap book page with them someday.I have yet to scrap our honeymoon nearly 10 years ago :) so it'll probably be 10 years from now that I finally use them!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Quick Thanks
I am so thankful for you all for praying and helping us this past week. I was reminded at what Godly friendship looks like. My heart is overflowing with humility and gratitude. You guys ROCK!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Remember the Third Option?
This morning Ben and I got 'down and dirty' with our preparations to move. We ended up with a list of 24 things to accomplish ranging form touch up painting to laying tile. All to be done in two weeks. My attitude lately has been "JUST DO IT!", and I try to complete whatever the task is with a smile. While we were talking, Ben threw out some different options, but each one we realised wouldn't work for logistics reasons.
So we start to tackle the list. I, with the help of the kids, start taking down hand made art work and Ben starts in on the concrete preparation. We were all working for about an hour and I passed by Ben. He said "I've thought of another option and I don't think we'll have to move......ever, unless we want to." He goes on to explain to me some details and then we discuss the nitty gritty.
He's RIGHT! We won't have to move and we'll still be able to save to start our business. We won't even need to live in a rental for 1-2 years. We can stay right here!
When my heart first heard, I was looking for a catch or problem with the idea. But after talking and thinking, peace seeped through my entire body. I seriously felt like I had just woken up from a wonderful, happy-dream, all night sleep.
There is still some things that we have to work through, but this option (#3 :-) we think will actually happen faster than the one we were preparing for!
YEA GOD! YEA WISE HUSBAND!
I would cry if I wasn't smiling so big.
P.S. I just thought to add that there is nothing illegal going on or anything against God's Word. Just didn't want to paint any bad pictures!
So we start to tackle the list. I, with the help of the kids, start taking down hand made art work and Ben starts in on the concrete preparation. We were all working for about an hour and I passed by Ben. He said "I've thought of another option and I don't think we'll have to move......ever, unless we want to." He goes on to explain to me some details and then we discuss the nitty gritty.
He's RIGHT! We won't have to move and we'll still be able to save to start our business. We won't even need to live in a rental for 1-2 years. We can stay right here!
When my heart first heard, I was looking for a catch or problem with the idea. But after talking and thinking, peace seeped through my entire body. I seriously felt like I had just woken up from a wonderful, happy-dream, all night sleep.
There is still some things that we have to work through, but this option (#3 :-) we think will actually happen faster than the one we were preparing for!
YEA GOD! YEA WISE HUSBAND!
I would cry if I wasn't smiling so big.
P.S. I just thought to add that there is nothing illegal going on or anything against God's Word. Just didn't want to paint any bad pictures!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)