Changes

These aren't in the order I had planned, but I don't guess it really matters.  These are a few of the changes that have gone on around here. 

The black barrell is just another form of recycling.  It was once held minerals for the cattle, but I couldn't let it go to waste.  I washed it out, drilled some drainage holes in the bottom, and used it for a container for tomatoes and cucumbers.  There is another one with more tomatoes, too. 

On the left is one of my baby cucumbers.  I get so excited when I see another blossom.  If all the blooms turn into cucumbers I'll be making pickles!  The plants are very happy!  On the right is Logan's little gourd patch.  He thought birdhouse gourds would be so much fun, but he was afraid someone would try to get them, so he stuck toothpicks into the ground to "protect" his seeds...the seashells (picked out of the pea gravel) are supposed to be some kind of protection, too.  They've started coming up, and when they get bigger they will trail over the retaining wall so the gourds should be easy to pick.

Here is the brand new, rocked out front porch.  Before it was a mixture of concrete blocks, concrete basement slab, and it was NOT very pretty.  Now it's beautiful!  I love the rock.  I have several other ideas of what I want rocked next. (one end of the garage and the retaining wall are at the top of the list)  Once I get the plants, border rocks, and pea gravel in it will look lots better.  If you look really closely you can see Darrell (our blue heeler) lounging by the front door.  He doesn't have a weird pink spot on his face, he was just licking his nose.

And here's the deck.  It's clean but still unstained.  I plan on working on that little task this afternoon because it looks like the rain isn't going to happen.  I should have taken a before shot when there was nothing but an ugly weed patch under the deck.  We rolled out landscape fabric and topped it with pea gravel.  It looks so much cleaner and cooler than it did before, plus, it will be much less inviting for creepy, crawly critters.

My next project for the back is a flagstone patio just off the deck with a fire pit.  I'm trying to talk Chris into some kind of water feature,  like a pool, but he won't go for it.  Maybe I can talk him into a little waterfall...but that's a project for next summer.  I'm about landscaped out for this summer!

Blog makeover

Time for another change. The whole Red Dress project was just stressing me out, so it's time to move on to something more fun. I'm still trying to get into the red dress, I'll keep you posted if it ever happens, in the meantime, I have a new project. Lots of big things going on on the Jennings farm, exciting things are happening around here, so keep checking back to see what's going on. (I promise, it's going to be good, but it's still a secret!) Intrigued?


Let's start the new direction with some cool cloud photos. This was yesterday (I think it was yesterday...maybe the day before). I'd never seen clouds like this, apparently it was a pretty big storm and people several miles (an hour away) even saw them.

Where do you rest after you've been running through the sprinkler?  Why, in the wheel of a John Deere tractor, of course.

Why do boys think if they poke a piece of dried grass at the face of a red-eared slider turtle it will somehow make a transformation into a snapping turtle?  And the bigger question, why would you want it to be a snapping turtle?  Boys!

So that's just a peek of the direction this blog will be going for a little while.  You may see lots of photos of my baby squash and cucumbers (tomorrow), and the heirloom tomatoes I have growing; there are also lots of landscaping projects going on, too, and then the big thing....I can't wait!

Oops!

I guess it's time to change the blog header, if you notice today was to be the last day of the red dress project.  I have no idea what the scale says, but I'm sure it doesn't say I'm down 25lbs.  The big Oops of the day, I was supposed to go back to see the doctor...darn, I forgot....I hate it when that happens.  Instead of going to see the man who was going to scold me for not losing more weight, I opted to work outside in the yard.  The front is cleaned up and ready for plants, and I started staining the deck but am not totally thrilled with the color.  I'll have to give it a day or 2 to grow on me.    I honestly did forget about the doctor's appointment, but I had our school nurse check my bp just before school was out and it was back to normal, so I'm not going to worry about it.  I don't need him to tell me I need to lose some weight, but I personally think he needs to eat a cheeseburger, he looks a little too thin!
Stay tuned, a blog makeover is in the works, and I have another fun idea....and it's NOT about losing weight.

I want this!

Normally I never even try to win giveaways because I rarely, and I do mean RARELY, win anything like that...but when I saw this my heart fluttered ever so much. I LOVE the graphicness (new word of the week) of black & white. In fact, I've decorated my classroom in black and white with punches of turquoise (I chose turquoise because I found some really neat feathers at Hobby Lobby, and I was ready to break out of the lime green/ hot pink rut). Now you see why I really want to win this giveaway? If you happen to win it instead of me will you share? : )

So there you go, the gorgeousness of black and white....Ooooh, honey hush!

  Giveaway of gorgeousness

The Rise of Red Writer

I have had a story in my head for quite some time now, and finally put pen to paper...or rather fingers to keyboard...and started writing.  I may not be the best writer in the world, but I do enjoy it.  It is very therapeutic for me.  With a little help from my mom (the best English teacher ever...now retired), I am ready to present the story to you.  I am working on a drawing of my "hero" and will share that as soon as I finish.  Now, without further ado, the story of Red Writer...

I have often heard the phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword”, but nowhere is that more accurate than a school…especially if that pen happens to be red. Oh, the immense power of a red pen, with a stroke it can bring relief or despair. Those little checkmarks, or lack thereof, can build you up or bring you down.

With the power of the red pen comes responsibility, and a solemn vow not to misuse the power, or use it for self gain. No, the ones entrusted with said power are on a mission to stamp out ignorance across the country, and the red pen is the all powerful tool. Who are these chosen ones? How do we identify them? Simply, they answer to the name Teacher.

Never have I felt the power of the red pen more than I did a few days ago, when I discovered an exchange that was less-than flattering about me. As expected, my initial reaction was one of justified anger, but as I re-read the exchange, anger was replaced by a much different feeling. My anger dissipated as I took pen in hand and swiftly made spelling, punctuation, and grammatical corrections on the note. Oh, such power! The page soon became filled with red marks that gave me such a sense of freedom. Ignorance was being vanquished by an object mightier than a sword!

I have often wondered what feelings give rise to those who become super heroes, and I have come to the realization that it must be power, and the confidence that they have the capability to make a difference. The dawning of this new knowledge led to an idea; and idea that began to take shape on paper; and idea for a brand new, true-to-life superhero….Red Writer! Never before has there been one so dedicated to stamping out ignorance as Red Writer. She comes swiftly, wielding the power of the red pen as her weapon. She draws knowledge from teachers across the country, and with them, she is determined to improve grammar and vocabulary. She is fighting many unseen foes, the evil Abbv Txt Man who forces victims to change complete words to a mishmash of letters and numbers with his evil counterpart L8r, who is bent on ending the use of vowels. Fonetik, who has children world-wide convinced that it’s okay to spell it like it sounds, and IDK, the worst of the bunch, who is on a mission to completely change the English language as we know it, bringing entire sentence structure down to nothing but simple letters. Should these evil villains succeed; gone forever will be good vocabulary skills, correct spelling, and all punctuation marks. But, with the mighty power of the red pen, and the knowledge that she is not alone, Red Writer will succeed. Through her vast internet resources and the support of English teachers everywhere, ignorance will be vanquished and grammatical superiority will reign!

Accountability

This morning Bro. John preached on breaking addictions. One of the many addictions he mentioned was the addiction to food. I started thinking (amazing, huh?) about my little project again and why I can’t seem to take the weight off as quickly as I want to. I think one of the big issues is somewhat of a food addiction. I don’t deliberately gorge myself to the point of pain or oblivion, but I do just nibble here and there without even realizing I’m doing it! You know that old “that tasted so good I think I’ll have another bite” kind of thing. He made several points about overcoming addiction, the first one being ACCOUNTABILITY. Hmmm, the light bulb just came on. That’s what I’ve been missing. I haven’t been accountable to anyone but myself, and it’s obviously not working. One of this morning’s scripture references was John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest.” God doesn’t want us to fail, He wants us to succeed and have a good life. Another verse from the sermon was 2 Corinthians 10: 3-4 “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” Did you read that? DIVINE power, power to DEMOLISH strongholds! If we are walking in the will of God, and I believe He wants us to be healthy, we can’t lose! The inability to stick with a healthy eating plan is weakness, and possibly a lack of faith. I’m shooting myself in the foot with the weight thing by saying, “I don’t know why I even bother”. Now, don’t think that I want to be a size 2, because that won’t ever happen. I don’t think I was a size 2 when I was 2! I barely remember wearing a size in the single digits (I do remember 6x for some reason?), and that is not my goal. My goal is a 12. I’m 5’9” and that is a reasonable, HEALTHY, size for someone as tall as me. If you are 5’9” and are a size 2, I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, but you need some help…and some cheesecake.

So it is with renewed commitment that I, once again, move toward my goal of the red dress. Not only do I want to wear the dress comfortably, but I want to wear it comfortably without Spanx. (some of you ladies know what I’m talking about). This time it’s going to be different, though, because I have God in my corner and I’m going to let Him handle what satan throws my way. No more self doubt. (Chris will be happy to hear this since last night was a major night of self doubt. He tries to be encouraging, but he just doesn’t quite get it. Which brings me to my next point; I need an accountability partner, any takers? Prayer warriors on my behalf would also be greatly appreciated.

Oh, one more thing. As promised, pictures of our little landscaping projects from yesterday.

And one really great surprise I got this morning.  Our youth pastor and his wife gave those of us helping with VBS music these really cute t-shirts.  I LOVE t-shirts, especially lime green ones, and I just love Jeff & Missy & their family, too.

Just when I thought I'd said all I had to say, I thought of one more thing.  I've told you about him before, David, the man who comes to church on the church van from an assisted living facility.  He is probably in his 40's, and has Down's Syndrome.  He sits on the front pew, and is a wonderful reminder of God's love for us all.  He raises his hands in praise and sings at the top of his lungs. Even though he is hard to understand, you can tell by the look on his face that he knows God hears and understands. It is such a blessing and always leaves me with tears in my eyes.  This morning he was just overcome with joy.  People were on their feet with hands outstretched (I can see this from the choir)...well, most people, Bro. John wasn't on his feet.  He was sitting on the front pew with his eyes closed, smiling, enjoying the worship.  David noticed.  The next moment, David slipped across the aisle, took Bro. John's elbow, and motioned for him to stand.  It was precious!  David wanted to make sure everyone was on their feet to worship God, even the preacher.  After John stood, David raised his hands and began to sing again, a song that only God knew the meaning, and I'm sure it brought Him great joy. 

Two down, many to go...

...landscape projects, that is.  After the torrential rains passed, Chris and I got outside and attempted a little more landscaping, okay, it was actually redoing some that we had done last year that really didn't look so great.   I also used the seeder to spread some fescue seeds on the recently dozed area.  I felt a little like Johnny Appleseed, only a little more high tech, and sowing fescue rather than apples, but for me it was a time to sow.  I hope the grass grows, I'm thinking I should have gotten some shady area grass seed and mixed with it, but I do have a tendancy to overdo seed planting, but I digress.  We moved the ugly brick things from around my little dogwood tree and replaced them with some really pretty, big rocks.  Two of the rocks I spotted behind a barn where Chris was working (Donna & Trooper, you'd love what I did with them, espceially since I got them out of your pasture)  They are curved and fit around my tree really well.  We only had one minor accident when Chris dropped a big rock on my finger, but though it's a little sore, it isn't broken...and it was an accident because he felt really bad about it.  Our little project did involve another trip to Lowe's, which isn't a quick thing for us, it's 30 miles to the nearest Lowe's, but we also made a little side trip by Chili's for a burger to go since it was supper time. (Logan was hungry ( ;    Anyway, we picked up more river rock and pea gravel (we've ditched the mulch and are going with pea gravel now), came home and fixed up the 2 little projects (pictures later).   Thankfully the rain we had settled the pollen, and I managed to get through the project without sneezing! 

On our way to Lowe's, the sun was just breaking through the rain clouds and God put the most beautiful rainbow in the sky for us.  It was very short lived, but it was one of the most brilliant rainbows I've ever seen, and wouldn't you know it, I didn't have my camera!  It's usually my American Express...I don't leave home without it! 

The next project will be the big one; I'm anxious to get started, but it's going to be lots of work.  Oh, do I have grand plans!  Anyone want to come help me...and bring nice, flat rocks?  Chris said he knows where we can get all we want, but we have to wait for cold weather because of the rattlesnakes.  Rattlesnakes?  I'll just buy the rocks if it means fighting snakes!

Just in case you're wondering about the Dress progress, don't ask.  We had supper with friends last night and she's a fantastic cook.  She also made a key-lime cheesecake...did I mention cheesecake is one of my favorites? 

This is going nowhere...

I now have the swelling under control, and my ankles and hands aren't swollen any more, so I can't blame things on fluid retention, so I think it's time to go to plan B.  I need some help, I'm not losing anything!  Maybe it's time to go back to Weight Watchers, but we don't have a meeting locally.  I may check it out online and just hope I have the willpower to stick to it.  I'll keep you posted.

Day...whatever.

Well, the Red Dress Project continues, but more behind the scenes than before. I am making progress, as evident by the loose fitting capris that were snug enough last summer if I'd have had a quarter in my back pocket you probably could have seen the imprint of the date. With a little more determination...and some good Spanx...I may be in the dress quicker than I thought!

It's been a wild week around VHS, prom is Friday night, and we've been Benchmark testing this week. Just for the record, I HATE Benchmark testing! I can only imagine how much the kids hate it. When we used to do standardized testing in school we could at least take a book to read if perchance we finished early, not so anymore! In fact, the whole signing in and signing out of test booklets is something akin to the to protocols of moving nuclear warheads...or so it seems. Some of the "rules" are ridiculous and insulting to our intelligence...but I'll climb off the soapbox now.

I was saddened to hear of the death of "Designing Women" Dixie Carter. I wish the producers and actors could know just how much laughter they brought to two struggling single-mom, college students. Shelley and I could really relate to those girls. Yeah, we watched Melrose Place, but it was from a outside-looking-in sort of things. They were a little to surreal, Julia, Suzanne, Mary Jo, and Charlene, on the other hand were like sisters. We understood their southern humor, we even got the subtle humor of the line, "she has no breeding, she wore while shoes after Labor Day and before Easter!"  Yep, we knew those southern fashion rules...I even sported the big hair and occasional shoulder pads. You left us on the floor crumbled with laughter, red faced and gasping for air when you were asked to re-decorate a nudist colony...the "well, we don't want wicker" and "I thought he was wearing a vest!" comments were just enough to give us a mental picture, and beauty queen Suzanne knew how to spot falsies.   I still channel Julia Sugarbaker when I'm a little angry and need to "tell someone off" in a civilized manor with dignity and decorum. My, but didn't she have a way with words. What has happened to TV? What happened to the clean humor? They were hilarious but not vulgar, and even though they were always fully clothed (and quite fashionably I might add) that show had top ratings. Oh, TV, what have you become? Give us more to which we can relate.

Goodbye, Dixie, may you rest in peace.


Hmmm, maybe Delta Burke and I could pass for sisters?

Happy things

Back to the happy posts. I decided to take a few shots of pictures of things that make me happy, and I got some good ones!  Let's spread the cheer, feel free to post a link to things that make you happy.  I'd do the McLinky thing, but I really don't know how and I don't think I have that many people who read my ramblings from a scattered mind...but I'd love to, so spread the word and let's be happy together!

This kid makes me happy.  He always has something funny to say and is usually the most pleasant kid to be around.  I love him dearly. (okay, this isn't the best picture, but I was driving...on our dirt road about 10 yards from the driveway with NO oncoming traffic...no animals or people were harmed in the taking of this picture...or Dodge trucks, either)

These 2 kids make me happy.  I love listening to their conversations when they think no one can hear them.  Casey had intended to walk to the barn and out through the field by herself, but Logan turned on the tears and looked at her with those big blue eyes, so she said, "Come on, you can walk with me."  They ended up spending an hour together and having some good conversation.

Unexpected surprises make me happy.  I found this cute little gray & black tree frog perched on one of my lawn chairs.

Getting a fun new T-shirt makes me happy.  These are the VHS 2010 prom shirts.  I designed them and was really happy with the way they turned out.  (If you need a t-shirt design just give me a call or drop me a line..shameless plug, just in case you didn't catch that.)

This one is questionable.  It makes me happy to see Logan playing and having so much fun on his swing.  I wasn't too happy to see that he was standing on the TOP of the swing hanging onto a rope.  He's been watching way too many Indiana Jones movies, you can't really see the thick string around him, that's his "whip".  I never know what this child will come up with next!

One more thing that made me laugh out loud tonight I didn't even get a picture of (those will follow when our little project is finished).  Tonight Logan and I were working on a little project in the front yard.  I'm hiding the ugly blue drain pipes from the downspout drains with some big, flat rocks.  Logan and I had gotten most of them in place and realized we were still missing one big one.  Chris volunteered to carry it across the yard (we have a really big yard...I used the 4 wheeler to tote them from point A to point B) for us.  He brought us a really big one, lots bigger than Logan and I had used, and when he laid it down Logan looked up, grinned, and said, "Dad, you're the man!".  It was hilarious, but sure made Chris feel good.  He is the man!

Oh, one more thing that makes me happy...are you ready for this?...putting on a pair of pants that were a little snug and finding out they are quite loose.  Yay me!  (another shameless pat on the back for me)

 

Handling stress

 

 

Have you ever started writing something, then changed your mind, deleted it, thought about it, re-wrote it, deleted, re-wrote, etc….?  That is how this post has been.  I've wondered, should I write it?  What if someone reads it and gets hurt feelings?  Is it worth it?  I guess it has all come down to the fact that is it my blog; my online journal; something I started as an outlet for my feelings.   I try to keep it really light and occasionally humorous, but the last few hours have found me in anything but a humorous mood.  I've run the gamut of emotions from extreme anger to very, very hurt.  I try to remember the source of my hurt is just a kid, not mine…mine would never do anything to hurt their mother (and I have some ocean front property in Northern Arkansas for sale if you believe that).   So here's the rub, as you have probably noticed, I really had my feelings hurt last night.  Why do I let it get to me so much? 

After some soul searching and self-evaluating (you know how qualified I am in the ways of psychology…not), I think it all boils down to my childhood.  Isn't that the typical diagnosis?  Maybe I can blame everything on my childhood.  However, I had a great childhood.  I have a great family, but there were a few times when I felt like I was the big misfit, literally the BIG misfit.  When Daddy remarried I gained 2 stepsisters, both of whom were skinny blondes, and along comes the awkward kid with dark hair who towered over the other 2.  I've said before I was the tallest in my class until around the 5^th grade and my cousin finally passed me in height…HE is now well over 6 feet tall.  I always felt ugly, like some kind of freakish human anomaly, maybe that's when I started medicating my hurts with food.(of course, it didn't help that Mom and my grandmothers are all great cooks) 

Fast forward to last night, after it was pointed out that I am NOT part of the "family" (not the above mentioned, those hurts have all been worked out and things are cool there), I just happen to be the woman who married into the family and have changed my husband "and not in a good way" (yes, that is a direct quote, oh, and you can substitute the word "woman" with another word that begins with a B..Yes, it was capitalized so I guess that means I'm really, really bad).   I can't help but be hurt.  I've always felt like somewhat of an outcast in the clan, but I thought it was just me.  Now I realize they really don't like me.  Bummer, I think the world of some of them and I hate that they think that I have changed Chris.  I married him for who he was, not who I wanted him to become.  He may not spend as much time there as he did before, but it's because he works very, very hard and when he gets home he wants to stay there.  We like being home.

So, there it is my vent for the day.  I promise not to post anything so negative in the future, but I can say that even though I've been stressed out about the whole ordeal, I DID NOT turn to food as my comfort.  Maybe I'm breaking the bad habit of reaching for a snack when I'm down.  I did take a nice, brisk walk last night to walk off the anger.  It helped immensely; maybe I'll take another walk tonight.  Maybe the hurt feelings will help me get back into that dress quicker than I'd hoped.  See there is always a positive to every negative, and I am choosing to focus my energy on that rather than the hurt.

---

Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. See how.

Changes

Oh joy, I discovered a little tab on the Blogger thingie that said "New templates", and was thrilled.  Completely filled with joy that I could, once again, change my blog to make it more "me".  WRONG.  I like this one, but it was either blue skies and green grass (I'm just waiting for a "m" bird to show up in the background and really push me over the edge...explanation will be given if you really want it, but just ask my art students what I think about drawing "m" birds...birds do NOT look like M's when they fly...but I digress), anyway, it was either this or one with pink stripes that reminded me way too much of a Victoria's Secret bag.  Somehow that just didn't go with the theme of my blog, maybe because at this point in the journey to a new weight,  Vicki's Secret is not a store in which I will be doing lots of shopping (some of those pants are so low rise if that model sneezes there will be no more Secret!, and cleavage, not my thing.  Just ask my 21 year old, well blessed daughter...I suggested she wear a turtleneck.)

I'm rambling, I'm tired, yet here I am clicking away at the keys like there is someone in cyberspace who hangs on my every word and weeps with joy when they see I have a new post. (If you are that person, please step away from the computer and into the real world because I know I can't be that interesting.)  I guess it's just my place to vent...and ask the stupid questions that make my husband just give me that weird look and shake his head.  He doesn't understand the inner workings of an ADD mind.  (I really think I have ADD, that may explain all the ellipses when I type out a post...how did ellipse get its name?...isn't that just another word for an oval shape?...but these aren't oval shaped....I wonder if we have any ice cream.)

Back to my blog project.  I'm loving this warm weather.  I got out tonight and took a walk, in flip flops because my "walking" shoes give me shin splints.  It's pretty bad when you can walk farther and faster is a pair of Crocs flip flops than you can in an $85 pair of New Balance walking shoes, but I'm not giving up hope, I will, eventually, find the perfect pair of walking shoes.  I'm seriously looking at the Reebok EasyTone, they might be a challenge, I like the looks of them, and they are supposed to help tone your butt and legs (hey, all the girl in the commercial has to do it put them on then drape herself across the bed, I'm really going to walk in mine!).  The Sketchers ShapeUps just didn't thrill me at all, the soles are huge, and I'm already 5'9", if I add the 3" ShapeUps a passerby my mistake me for Towanda, the amazing Amazon woman. (gotta love "Fried Green Tomatoes"). 

So here's the question of the day, do you have the EasyTone shoes, or have you tried them.  What are your suggestions?  I'm interested in your opinion... no, really, I am. 

I think I'll take my frazzled mind to bed now, the fresh air and sunshine did so much to help my disposition this afternoon.  I'm looking forward to another walk tomorrow.  I love spring.

One year.

1970something

Christmas 1974 and the Baby Alive dolls Donna and I wanted so badly.  If you think about it, those things were just gross!

Easter in either '91.  Casey loved "Cat" and wanted you to ride with her.

Christmas 1996, Austin loved your whiskers.

Christmas 2007.  Logan made himself at home in your lap.

Christmas 2008, the last picture I took of you.

It's funny how we remember certain things we did on certain dates.  I remember posting on this very blog exactly one year ago today, and it remeber it being a very short post; that was all I could manage.  One year ago I lost my Daddy to small cell carcinoma lung cancer.  He had valiantly fought the disease for 5 years, but cancer doesn't fight fair and he lost. He would not have lost a fair fight.

Daddy, I miss you.  I think of you every time Austin wants to go fishing.  I know how you would have enjoyed sitting on a river bank or in a John boat with him.  You would laugh at his stories...he always has one.  You would get a kick out of Logan, too.  You would shake your head and say the same thing we do, "where did he come up with that?"  You would get yourselves in trouble by telling him to do something ornery...and he would do it.   You would be amazed at the beautiful young woman your first grandchild has grown to be...and how much she looks and acts like her mother.  You always said she was stubborn...just like her mother, then you would laugh. 

I treasure all the fun times, the camping trips, trips to Rush, and the long nights at rodeo arenas when you would draw up in one of the last go's...maybe it was because I went to the rodeo dance while the rest of you waited to rope? 

I miss you, but I know I will see you again in Heaven.  You told me that, and that is one of the most treasured memories I have.

I have to go to bed now.  I have an awful headache from crying, and I know you would laugh if you could see me, and tell me there was no reason for tears.

Day....? I forgot.

Mom's daffodils...I love spring.

I know, I've been absent from the blog, but I have a really good reason...I've been so discouraged because of the lack of progress.  I'm trying really hard to get healthy, I'm drinking all my water, but I just don't see any progress.  It's just making me want to dive head first into a giant bag of M&M's...and chase that with a very large bowl of vanilla ice cream...no, make that Moose Tracks ice cream...the kind with the little caramel covered chocolate balls, ribbons of fudge and caramel, all swirled together into a fantabulous conglomeration of creamy vanilla goodness. Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my chin.

I guess I shouldn't let myself get totally discouraged, at least not for a few days, Aunt Flo came to visit yesterday.  I don't like her, I really wish she wouldn't come to visit me anymore.  She always brings with her her evil brother, Sciatica, and that whiny first cousin, Crampy.  Not a fun family reunion, but I have medicated myself with some new Midol PM, so things should be better tomorrow.  Maybe the bloating will be gone and I'll feel like I've actually lost some pounds.

On another blog (Megon's/Oliver Lane) the question was raised about make up.  Do you wear it?  My answer, absolutely.  I don't want to put others through the horror of seeing me sans makeup.  I have, however, changed brands, I now wear (exclusively) Bare Escentuals. (Hey Leslie, if you read this throw me some free samples....like Leslie Blodgett would read my blog....hey, a girl can dream can't she?)   I'm still hoping I'll see the DIY Yard Crashers guy and get to bring him home for a complete landscape makeover....or maybe even Desperate Landscapes....I'm not picky.

Oh, we had a little excitement over the weekend.  Late yesterday afternoon a freakishly sudden storm blew up, and I decided to take a few pictures.  I am not a huge fan of storms, but the clouds were pretty cool looking.  I did realize as I was being pelted by rain and wind, that I do NOT want to pursue a career in storm chasing.  Maybe I'll just take a few quick shots from the safety of my own porch.

Storm clouds coming in fast.

The advancing front.  Those clouds were hauling it across the sky

The back of the front.  Notice the clear skies way back on the horizon.

Days 10 & 11

Not much to report other than I woke up with a sick headache today and still feel like crud.  The headache is coming back, maybe because Casey decided to cook a little microwaveable chocolate things that's supposed to take 30 seconds, but she accidentally added an extra zero, and 2 mintues later, after smoke filled the house, she realized her mistake.  Now the house smells like scorched brownies, but the Lampe Berger is working its magic to get the smell out. 

Yesterday I had a Silpada party, and if you haven't seen this line of jewelry you need to, it's gorgeous!  I have a wish list as long as my arm; the hard part will be paring it down to the peices I really, really like. 

Tomorrow is our anniversary.  I wonder what I could do for Chris.  I think I'll grill some steaks and bake a few potatoes, he will like that.

Day 9

Somehow I skipped blogging yesterday; maybe it was because I had to make a mad dash to the grocery store because I knew I couldn’t do it tonight and we were out of everything, and my family was beginning to think I was punishing them by giving them nothing but bread and water…wait, that’s not true, we were out of bread. Casey went with me, and we made some pretty good choices. I think she’s getting on the bandwagon with me. It helps to have a menu planned rather than just walking down the aisles thinking, “Oooh, that looks really good!”


Today, however, was another test of willpower, parent/teacher conferences. You’re probably thinking it’s from the stress of having to talk to parents, but with only 1 ½ hours left in conference time, I’ve had 1, yes ONE, parent, and this student has something like a 94% percent, so it was a good conference. Basically, I sit here for 4 hours…well, longer than that because school dismisses at 12:30 and parents can drop in any time after that…with not much to do. The test comes from the potluck that some of the other teachers think we can’t make it through P/T conference day without. On the menu today, chili; I didn’t eat it, it is 72 degrees outside and chili just didn’t do it for me today. I would have voted for a deli sandwich tray, but there wasn’t a vote. I tried to do my part for healthy and brought a fruit pizza for dessert (reduced cal. Sugar cookie dough, lite cream cheese, and lots of fresh fruit). It was a pretty good hit, but the dessert table was loaded with pecan pie, chocolate cake with gooey chocolate icing, coconut cream pie (not a temptation for me), and cheesecake. Yep, it had to be cheesecake. I resisted the chili and chose 7 layer salad and Mexican dip instead. I had a piece of my fruit pizza and then I came back to my classroom. That cheesecake is calling my name. Maybe when I go back to pick up my dish it will all be gone and the crisis will be averted. I hope so; I need all the help I can get! I have managed to get extra water in today, though, which probably means I will be up all night, but we won’t go there. Having a liter bottle really helps me keep track, and since I’ve been forcing so much water my ankles haven’t been so swollen. Did I mention I have a concrete floor? Standing on it all day makes the dogs tired.

Oh, we went through the new high school building with Mr. Mike (the general contractor) today. He pointed out where all the fixtures and everything will be, and told us the cabinet guy would be here a week from Monday. I’m so excited, it won’t be much longer! I’ll definitely have some pictures of my new classroom to show you…maybe even a video…hmmm, there’s an idea.

Enough ramblings from a scattered mind, I need to go get my dish… maybe there will be one little slice of fruit pizza left….and no cheesecake.

Oh, did I mention I got new shoes?  I'm ready for warm weather!  I love shoes!

Day 7

This morning was one of “those” mornings which almost caused me to go off the wagon and dive headfirst into a large pile of biscuits and gravy chased by an extra large Diet Dr. Pepper, but I resisted. How I do not know, but to help alleviate the problem both my male offspring have been reconciled to mornings without TV. The term “A Vast Wasteland” is definitely accurate, because they were so involved in Phineas and Ferb they did not hear their mother’s voice saying, “Get dressed and eat breakfast.” No, but maybe they will listen to me in the morning and I won’t feel guilty about bringing children to school hungry. I wonder what the rest of this day has in store?

So far so good, it is now 2:15, and other than one of my 7th grade girls insisting on singing “Eye of the Tiger” and “Hungry Like the Wolf” in a squeaky, off-key voice, it’s been a pretty good day. It should improve after school, not because I won’t have to listen to teenagers, but because I’m getting my hair cut. What is it about a new ‘do that lifts our spirits? I wonder how much weight that will take off….my hair is pretty thick…?

Since it will be a little later when I get home tonight, I’m thinking Subway for supper. We all like it, and it isn’t horrible in fat and calories (unlike KFC, which I really like).

By the end of school my day had greatly improved, but I knew something was up when Logan came in my room and said, “I don’t feel good, I think I need to go home and go to bed.” That always means something’s up, and my gut feeling was right, he had to change a card first thing this morning. I guess his day was pretty lousy, poor kid.

(Doesn't this face look pitiful.  He got in trouble for having to change a card.  Poor kid)

I guess all my rambling is to say one thing, even with all the stress of the day; I managed to stay on track and drown myself in chocolate and ice cream. Maybe I’m beginning to break old habits, like stress eating.  Another small victory for me.

Day 6

Day 6, and I'm still on the right track.  I honestly think blogging is helping to keep me honest, but I know (if anyone reads this) you are probably tired of hearing about my fat.  I'll try to keep it as brief as possible. 

I have heard so many people talk about how they enjoy exercize and how wonderful it feels to work yourself into a lather while your face turns red and you gasp for air like a beached fish.  I just have one thing to say about that....you lie!  I do NOT enjoy sweating, I do not enjoy the burning sensation in my lungs as I'm gasping for air.  Some people even say they love to run.  I ran enough when I played high school basketball, and if any of you had Karen Pickering for a coach you know just how much we ran...especially if you missed any freethrows in a ballgame, which I was known to do more often than not.   I don't enjoy running.  I guess because I'm 43 and one of my knees complains in the most unkind manner (waking me up from a sound sleep yelling "Charliehorse!", then throbbing for several days...and there is that issue with my kneecap slipping out of place.  I guess I'm just difficult to please, but I'm always looking for a workout that is fun, really fun; one you want to do again.  Well, I finally found it.  Casey and I pushed the chairs back in the basement, popped in the DVD, and went to it, at least we tried.   I can say in all honesty that Julianne Hough kicked my butt...in the warmup...and I realize just how uncoordinated I really am.  If you like dancing, and you like the show Dancing With The Stars, try this.  It's fun.  I recommend the jive, it's set to very upbeat 50's music and you will definitely move...and sweat...followed by wheezing, but it's FUN!

We have 3 more dance/fitness DVDs to try, another DWTS video, a Dirty Dancing workout (Oh, Patrick Swayze we miss you), and a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders workout (that one is Casey's but I promised to give it a try, but without the high kick directly to splits...we don't want to bother the first responders).   I'll give you reviews on the other, but for now Julianne is my trainer, but I really wish they would have asked before they photoshopped her head onto my body! (it should be a crime to be that fit!)

Day 5, and seeing a little progress

Wow, what a difference a week can make. For the last 2 days my ankles have not been swollen at night or in the morning. I’ve really been watching the caffeine & sodium, namely Diet Dr. Pepper and Coke Zero, and I have greatly increased my intake of water. All I noticed the first few days was just more frequent trips to the bathroom, but now it’s paying off.




Casey and I tried to walk tonight, and I realized my shoes are NOT the best walking shoes, after ½ a mile my shins were really hurting and I knew I was headed toward shin splints. (Ouch!) My next purchase will be a really good pair of walking shoes. I want to go to Footlocker (I think that’s the place) where they have you step on a special treadmill and it shows exactly how your weight lands on your foot. It’s supposed to really help by having the cushioning in all the right places instead of all the wrong places. It’s pretty bad when I can speed walk in a pair of Clark’s mules better than I can in cross trainers!
Tomorrow, instead of walking, we’re going to break out the “Dancing with the Stars” workout. I’m really looking forward to this one, I think it should be fun and not feel like exercise. Who knows, I may make it on the show someday. (Hey, if Kate Gosselin can do it why can’t I?)

I thought I would really have some witty observations tonight, but it’s not happening. We did have a little excitement this afternoon. The walls started shaking and pictures started rattling, and I went outside on the deck just in time to see 4 huge Chinook military helicopters fly over. The kids were in the basement and ran upstairs telling me the pictures on the walls were shaking down there, too. Cool! Logan was a little disappointed that he didn’t get to see them closer, but if he had been a little quicker he would have. Chris guessed they were only about 50 feet above the house. In all the excitement, I forgot to grab my camera…but if they were on some big secret military op they might have confiscated it and since I have a wedding to shoot on April 10th, it’s a good thing I didn’t.

So that’s it for today. Tune in tomorrow when we hear Sharmin say, “What I wouldn’t give for a big bowl of ice cream.”

Day 4

Score one for me, a major hurdle in the battle of the bulge.  Austin had shooting practice this afternoon, and was thirsty when I picked him up.  We made a quick trip by the convenience store, and I made the conscious decision NOT to grab a snack along with him.  I did have a Coke Zero, and after a week without one, it was magical.  I"ve nursed it all afternoon and still have a little left.  It's like desert in a bottle! (ha)

For supper I decided to break out one of my old recipes; it was so good I wonder why I hadn't made it in a while.  It's my variation on stir fry.  Lean chicken, fresh broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, (sauteed in some EVOO) and Long grain and wild rice.  It's a great one skillet meal.  I will be making it again, soon.

I can't help but laugh a little because I would enjoy this blog so much more if I were taking a clue from Julie & Julia and cooking...and eating...my way through a cookbook.  But I guess this is a better step than those, this is for my health and for my future.  I don't want to have to be on meds for blood pressure and diabetes, but the Doc said that was the way I was headed.   I've really thought about that this weekend.  I'm already the oldest mom in Logan's Kindergarten class (yes I am, I can't think of one mom younger than me, and I used to babysit a couple of the moms or dads!)  I want to be able to do things with him, I want to be active, I want to enjoy playing with him.  

On another note, this stupid time change has really messed me up!  I'm all for longer daylight hours, but I'm not for losing and hour of sleep, especially when I don't get enough sleep at night as it is.  I wonder how many grouchy kids I'll have at school tomorrow? 

Tomorrow begins the new habit of regular exercize.  I've resisted chocolate, I can do the exercize, I actually enjoy doing things outside, so it should be an easy one....I'll let you know!

Good night.

Day 3

I guess I can call this a good day.  One positive about having a sinus infection is the lack of appetite, maybe that was God's way of giving me a jumpstart.  My food choices have been very good today, too, and I don't feel deprived.  Frozen red seedless grapes are a great snack, so is a Jell-O pudding cup.

I've been thinking about the whole issue of weight, why do some people become so attached to food, and some avoid it?  One of my best friends is a recovering anorexic and we've had so many good converations.  She saw food as something she didn't deserve, she was somehow punshing herself for something; it was a control issue.  It began with some feeling of inferiority, someone told her she wasn't very smart, but at least she was thin. (which is stupid because she is smart), and it became an addiction, and addiction to be thin.  Food was never a comfort to her, and large, extended family meals were not a pleasant experience. 

As I was thinking about that, I realized that all the pleasant times in my life somehow seemed to center around food.  Our large, extended family gatherings are always filled with food and fun.  It was a time to relax and enjoy, and there was always some new dish or dessert that needed to be sampled. Growing up in a family of wonderful cooks didn't help things, either.  Maybe food was my medication, it made me happy...it was a crutch.  I eat when I'm sad, I eat when I'm happy, I eat when I'm bored... it's a bad habit that I'm struggling to break.  Got any ideas?   That's the big issue I have to start working on, to eat when I'm hungry, and that's it! 

Now I just need to start working on the lack of exercize!

Day 2

Day one was posted a day late because of no internet connection last night. After 30+ minutes on the phone with Centurytel ... I mean Centurylink, we finally came to the realization that along with Williford, and Mammoth Spring, Hilltop (wherever that is), the relay that supplies our DSL was out, too. After a few heart palpitations and wondering how I would make it through the night without Facebook, I realized I must have that dreaded disease, internetitis, so I shut down my laptop and picked up a book. It was nice. I plan on doing it more often.

Today was a good day, scrambled eggs (sans the cheese) for breakfast, a Lean Cuisine for lunch, a handful of whole grain crackers for a snack, and 2 full liters of water (with Crystal Light because the only way I really like water is frozen with a Diet Dr. Pepper poured over it), but now comes temptation time. Mom called last night and suggested we go out for supper tonight, her treat...we said yes. I AM going to make good choices tonight, but I won't go overboard and I won't dprive myself. I can do this...right?

Oh, and here's the red dress...I think I can...I think I can...I think I can....

9:45 pm.   Supper was good, the company was great (Mom, Chris & the kids, Lance, Lindsay, and cutie pie Landon), and we ate at Fred's Fish House.  I did have the catfish, and it was fried, but I ate until I was satisfied, not until I was so full I couldn't move.  Baby steps. . . small changes, small successes.

It begins...

You may have noticed the change in the look of my blog, that’s because it is about to take a new direction. This blog is going to be a tool to help keep me honest over the next 3 months of my journey to drop 25 lbs. No, I’m not doing because summer is quickly approaching and I don’t want to look like a beached whale, I’m doing it because my doctor told me I had to. My blood pressure has been a little high (but remember, I do teach 7th graders) and my blood sugar has been on the high side of normal for the last couple of years, so it’s time to take control and become a healthier me…and if I happen to look better in a swimsuit I’ll consider it a bonus.


So what does this have to do with a red dress? Everything. I felt my best when I could wear the red dress, the red bandana print little sleeveless number that fell right above my knee. That dress is special, too, because it was the dress I wore on our first date, and Chris really liked it. It made me sad when I found it shoved in the dark recesses of my closet, I really wanted to wear it, but there was absolutely no way I could ever get it zipped. When did I gain this weight? It crept up on me over the last few years and has made itself at home, now it won’t go away…at least not without some encouragement from me. So today begins that journey and the Red Dress Project.

Oh, I forgot to tell you, I have no idea how much I weigh. I refused to look at the scales at the doctor’s office because I was already having a pretty lousy day (sinus infection), and I knew just seeing that number would make things worse. (Thanks, Dr. H, for bringing it up) So how am I going to know how much weight I’ve lost? Easy, I have this pair of jeans that are very snug, and I have a pair of jeans I wore during the same time as the red dress (just couldn’t part with those, either, hoping the magic weight removal fairy would show up and I would somehow, miraculously be able to wake up one morning and zip them with no trouble). I will gauge my success by the fit of the clothing, and should I lose more than 25 lbs. by June 8 (the date I go back to see the doctor) then I shall celebrate….with cheesecake.

I can use all the encouragement I can get, so if you feel led to leave a comment, please do, I’m like a kid at Christmas when I find I have comments. If you have something negative to say, go eat a cookie and remember these words of wisdom from the movie “Bambi” …”If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.”

Back to reality

Snow angels?

       Big Cedar registration building.                                    Austin  checking out his snow angel

Our cabin, a wonderful escape.

Big Cedar dressed up in lights...I was cold, ignore the blur.

Steam rising from the hot tub (no, I didn't try it)

A black and white shot because I just liked the look.

After an unplanned 3 week break (well, 2 weeks were planned, but the weather planned the last week for us), we are finally headed back to school tomorrow.  We still have some county roads that are covered, but the wonderful 45 degree sunshine today melted some snow and lifted everyone's spirits.  I don't know that we've had true cabin fever, but both boys and I are ready to get back to school. 

Speaking of cabin fever, my hubby rented a cabin at Big Cedar Lodge this weekend and we slipped off, just the two of us.  We really needed some together time, and it was so good for us to be able to focus on each other without the distractions of daily life.  I felt a litte guilty about leaving the boys behind, but Chris and I needed some time for us. It was so nice to have an uninterrupted conversation and dinner when I didn't have to get up and clean up a spill or get some other forgotten necessity. ("Mom, I need a fork/spoon/straw."  "Mom, I need more milk." "Mom I need.....")  We spent the afternoon in Springfield doing a little shopping, mainly at Bass Pro, then to Branson Landing.  It was too cold to stroll the Landing and window shop, but Joe's Crab Shack was worth braving the cold.  We did browse a few stores, but that was just because we needed to get warm! (Poor Chris was a little uncomfortable in Victoria's Secret) Big Cedar was still dressed in its Christmas finery with lights on EVERYTHING.  I tried to take some flashless photos, but it was 9 degrees and I was shivering so much they turned out blurry.  Our cabin was a beautiful, rustic little place with exposed log walls, stained glass windows, and a gorgeous rock fireplace...which we quickly put to good use.  There is something so relaxing in watching flames dance on logs and crackle with glee. 

After a nice break, it's back to reality, but it was good while it lasted.
** If the captions under the photos are a little weird it's just because Blogger was acting funny...or maybe I just don't know what I'm doing, it's happened once or twice.

Happy Birthday, Landon!

I'm a little behind getting the photos off my camera, maybe I'm just lazy...or tired...or procrastinating because the flash isn't working right and I have to edit ALL the photos to get the color right; whatever the reason, I finally took the time to do it and have some really cute shots of Landon's first birthday party.  It was a Razorback theme, and he LOVED his cake, he even had his foot in it for a while.  I think the cake was his favorite part, or maybe the tissue paper that was stuffed inside the gift bags.  He seemed a little unconcerned with the gifts, but that paper was so much fun!

Happy 1st birthday to my sweet nephew, Landon, one year old on December 29th!

New Year's Eve

It's hard to believe that 2009 has come to an end, but the end of a new year only brings anticipation of things to come and a fresh start.   Most new year's resolutions fall by the wayside around February, so I challenge you to set goals that are attainable.  Many of us make the resolution to lose weight, but not me; not this year.  I am making the resolution to get moving more.  I even upgraded to the Wii Fit Plus to help me achieve that goal...maybe I should have splurged on the dance mat and the Dancing With The Stars game, fun + exercize = the best of both worlds.   Seriously, my major goal I have set for this new year is to make sure the boys make to Awanas & Youth on Wednesday nights.  I really slacked off on this especially after basketball season started and we ran to games 2 nights a week.  God should be a much more important part of our lives, and the kids need to grow in Christ. 

I'm working on a little review of the year, but don't have it quite ready, however, I have grown in my Photoshop skills and made a little collage of our family photo shoot.  You should see the 12x12 I had printed, it looks great, now to find a frame and get this rascal on wall!

Happy New Year's Eve, stay safe, and tell those close to you how much they mean to you in 2010.

Praise You in this Storm...

...that may be my theme song for tonight if the weather does what it looks like it's going to.  I don't like seeing all that red and pink on the radar...don't get me wrong, I do like red and pink, just not on radar. 

I am still trying to think of ways to follow the challenge issued by Bro. John.  We've had some sickies around the house this week, so satan is trying to stop me. (Get thee behind me satan!)  So far, I've not had much time to think of anything but the upcoming black & orange basketball game, which is the BIG fundraiser for the Junior class. (come watch it, Austin gets to play, and we need your money)

I think my brain cells are shutting down for the night....maybe I'm just turning into Dory, just keep swimming...just keeeeep swimming.....

So much for coming up with some world changing, profound thoughts to post, the wind just started blowing really hard and I heard thunder, so I'm shutting down....like my brain cells.   Oh, and Casey is in Jonesboro at the Jason Aldean concert tonight.  Pray they make it home without hitting serious weather.

Pay it forward...

This photo was taken early one morning on our way out to school.  The morning had been hectic, the boys were arguing, and I was NOT in a good mood.  Austin noticed the sun shining through the trees, so I stuck my camera out the truck window and snapped a picture.  When I uploaded it to my computer, I saw a cross in the sun, and a cross shadow on the ground.  I keep this photo as my constant reminder that God goes before me even when I don't take the time to acknowledge him. 

This morning our pastor began a new series entitled the "Gift Revolution".  He and his wife put 2 business cards with the Gift Revolution and an email address for the church along with a gift from them ($1.00) into 600 envelopes and issued a challenge to the church; change the world.  This comes on the heels of the series "Get Connected" which was a challenge to get connected with our family, friends, church, community, state, nation, and world.  Many new things are happening in the church because of this series and there is lots of excitement because of it.  This Gift Revolution (which I will refer to at GR) challenge has really stumped me.  What can I do to make a difference for Christ?  What can I do that will touch someone's heart?  What makes me special that someone would want to take the time to say, "hey, you made a difference?.  Certainly nothing I can do on my own, but I know through God all things are possible.  My hope is that God will use this blog and my fingers on a keyboard to touch lives all over the US....no, all over the world.  My blog hasn't gotten many hits in the past, but I'm praying that somehow, someone will read something that makes a difference in their lives and they will spread the word. 

I'm going to pray about this, and ask God what He wants me to do, and how He wants to use me to further His kingdom.  Please pray for me, and for our church as we begin this GR.  Pray, also, that I don't try to convince God that I can't do what He has in store for me.  I have to remember Jonah and what happened to him when he tried to convince God that he wasn't the right man for the job. (I do have a bridge spanning Lake Norfork to cross...)

I'm including a link to our church's website. (If I can get it posted on here properly so that it will work as a link and not just a bunch of letters strung together for no apparent reason)  While the GR button isn't quite up and running yet (should be by tomorrow night), when it is operational you will see a GR link which will take you to a map.  That map will have pins of places who have heard of our GR series and want to "Pay it Forward" and do something for Christ.  I hope you will join in this revolution, because we have all recieved the most precious gift: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"  John 3:16

First Baptist Church, Salem, AR

He gave us a gift we didn't deserve, a gift of grace, what will you do with that gift?  My blog is a very small part of this revolution, and if you have a story you would like to share about God's grace in your life, please, please post it in the comments.  I want to hear from you and God wants you to share your story. Spread the word so we may hear from as many as possible, and please let me know your city and state so we can pin it on our map.   Will you do that?

Twenty-one years ago...

...a little (well, maybe not so little) 8 lb, 4 oz , 22 inch long baby girl entered the world with a very loud yell.   She was supposed to be here by September 15, 1988, but decided to "sleep" a little longer and made her appearance on September 29, 1988.  I think that was just the beginning of a pattern, she's still one that takes her time doing things!   

I can't believe she's 21, where has the time gone?  Happy Birthday, Casey, you aren't that little, skinny girl that Mrs. Pat said was all legs, eyes, and hair, you've grown into a beautiful young woman and I'm very proud of you.

I found a few "grown up" photos, but tomorrow I get to pull out all the baby photos; It's going to be fun to see just how she has changed in 21 years.