Yeah, it's May! Another month closer to summer time! woohooo!
My blog has a fresh new look for May, so if you're viewing it in a reader hop on over and check it out.
Hope you all have a wonderful May and a relaxing weekend.
C-ya, Kathy
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Blog Button Help!
I really want to make a button for my blog. For the longest time I hesitated because I constantly change the design and background. But I finally made an image that I like and would like to use. However, I have no idea how to do it!
Could anyone offer some advice?
This is the picture I'd like to use:
Could anyone offer some advice?
This is the picture I'd like to use:
10 Things my kids aren't missing in school
First of all, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post! But in case you don't feel like hopping over to read it, I'll cut and paste here too because I'd love to add my own comments. ha! You know me, never at a loss for something to say! ;)
Disclaimer:
I post this because I believe it is true of my experiences as a child and also because I am thankful that we are able to homeschool. I am not in any way suggesting that Homeschooling is for everyone, nor am I judging those who do not do it. The Lord calls each of us to parent and make choices for our own families and most times what works for one family may not be what He calls another family to do.
Here is the original post - my comments in red.
How many times have we told someone we’re homeschooling and heard, “What about prom?” (Our group offers one.) “What about a yearbook?’ (Yep, get one of those, too.) “What about hanging out with friends their own age? “ (Uh, yeah. Got it covered.)
While skeptics are quick to point out all the things they think my kids will be missing, I can’t help but think of all the things they’re not missing! Like…
Moving on in a lesson before they’re ready, or lagging behind until the rest of the class gets it. At home, they move at their own perfect pace. {we are finding this to be true right now with one of ours who is struggling in certain subjects - I can't help but think she'd be so far behind in traditional school with a teacher who can't stop and wait for her to finish and has to move on.}
Getting stuck with a teacher that doesn’t like them. They are now guaranteed to be teacher’s pet! {I dealt with this in 8th grade - awful teacher and he and I had a mutual distaste for one another all year}
Having to do PE when they have cramps. Their teacher now gives them the day off and some pampering to boot. {or how about getting to be at home when you have your period? taking a rest when you have cramps? not worrying that you are leaking at school? sorry if this is TMI for some of my readers but those early yrs when I first got my period and the days I had it at school were some of my worst days!}
Bullies and mean girls. I’ve yet to meet one in our homeschool community. {yep, dealt with this as a young girl too - man, girls can be SO mean! peer pressure is tough! not wearing the right brand name was a biggie when I was younger}
Needing permission to use the bathroom. Freedom to pee anytime! {OK, embarrassing story here - I actually wet my pants in the 2nd grade because the teacher refused to let me use the bathroom and I could not hold it any longer - I kid you not!}
Needing permission to get a drink of water. Drink up, kids! {although in my home I have a daughter who takes TOO many drink breaks - I'm thinking about outlawing drinks once school has started! haha!}
Waking up early. Or sometimes, even getting dressed. Which means we’re also not missing an hour of hair, makeup, and a possible fashion crisis every morning. {I could be wrong, but I think this is why my kids don't get sick too often - they sleep until they are well rested pretty much every day unless we have somewhere we need to be in the morning.}
Cafeteria food. Need I say more? {my Mom would die if she knew how many healthy lunches she sent with me to school that were thrown out! or that in high school, for one entire year I would not eat in the cafeteria so I had a candy bar and soda every day for lunch while sitting outside in the common area - what was I thinking??!!}
Peer pressure. Mom’s definitely not missing this one, either. {my Mom would also die to know that many days I packed a different set of clothes in my backpack and changed when I got to school because I didn't like what she wanted me to wear and just wanted to 'fit in' with my school friends.}
Exposure to media, lifestyles, advertising, celebrities, etc. that their parents don’t want them exposed to. That’s right, we’re sheltering them. And proud of it. {sheltering, or protecting? hard call. But I think in our culture kids are being forced to grow up too soon and are being exposed to far too much too early. What happened to maintaining some innocence in our little girls??}
What aren’t your kids missing?
{As you can probably gather, I didn't always make the best choices as a child, not did I have the best experiences in school. I did do well though and had plenty of friends. But it's those bad memories that we tend to remember the most, isn't it? It's those things like peeing my pants in front of my entire class that have caused permanent scars. I am thankful that my girls are home with me and we are having an incredible time taking this journey together. Don't for one second think it's all rosy and happy though - yesterday one of mine had a meltdown and refused to do her work. An all day battle ensued. So it's tough on days, but so worth it at the same time. }
Many blessings to all of you, my friends, I pray that whatever way you choose to 'school' your kids, that they will learn and grow and be blessed. And don't forget to pray, pray, pray! {Goodness knows I need to pray for our school days!}
Disclaimer:
I post this because I believe it is true of my experiences as a child and also because I am thankful that we are able to homeschool. I am not in any way suggesting that Homeschooling is for everyone, nor am I judging those who do not do it. The Lord calls each of us to parent and make choices for our own families and most times what works for one family may not be what He calls another family to do.
Here is the original post - my comments in red.
How many times have we told someone we’re homeschooling and heard, “What about prom?” (Our group offers one.) “What about a yearbook?’ (Yep, get one of those, too.) “What about hanging out with friends their own age? “ (Uh, yeah. Got it covered.)
While skeptics are quick to point out all the things they think my kids will be missing, I can’t help but think of all the things they’re not missing! Like…
Moving on in a lesson before they’re ready, or lagging behind until the rest of the class gets it. At home, they move at their own perfect pace. {we are finding this to be true right now with one of ours who is struggling in certain subjects - I can't help but think she'd be so far behind in traditional school with a teacher who can't stop and wait for her to finish and has to move on.}
Getting stuck with a teacher that doesn’t like them. They are now guaranteed to be teacher’s pet! {I dealt with this in 8th grade - awful teacher and he and I had a mutual distaste for one another all year}
Having to do PE when they have cramps. Their teacher now gives them the day off and some pampering to boot. {or how about getting to be at home when you have your period? taking a rest when you have cramps? not worrying that you are leaking at school? sorry if this is TMI for some of my readers but those early yrs when I first got my period and the days I had it at school were some of my worst days!}
Bullies and mean girls. I’ve yet to meet one in our homeschool community. {yep, dealt with this as a young girl too - man, girls can be SO mean! peer pressure is tough! not wearing the right brand name was a biggie when I was younger}
Needing permission to use the bathroom. Freedom to pee anytime! {OK, embarrassing story here - I actually wet my pants in the 2nd grade because the teacher refused to let me use the bathroom and I could not hold it any longer - I kid you not!}
Needing permission to get a drink of water. Drink up, kids! {although in my home I have a daughter who takes TOO many drink breaks - I'm thinking about outlawing drinks once school has started! haha!}
Waking up early. Or sometimes, even getting dressed. Which means we’re also not missing an hour of hair, makeup, and a possible fashion crisis every morning. {I could be wrong, but I think this is why my kids don't get sick too often - they sleep until they are well rested pretty much every day unless we have somewhere we need to be in the morning.}
Cafeteria food. Need I say more? {my Mom would die if she knew how many healthy lunches she sent with me to school that were thrown out! or that in high school, for one entire year I would not eat in the cafeteria so I had a candy bar and soda every day for lunch while sitting outside in the common area - what was I thinking??!!}
Peer pressure. Mom’s definitely not missing this one, either. {my Mom would also die to know that many days I packed a different set of clothes in my backpack and changed when I got to school because I didn't like what she wanted me to wear and just wanted to 'fit in' with my school friends.}
Exposure to media, lifestyles, advertising, celebrities, etc. that their parents don’t want them exposed to. That’s right, we’re sheltering them. And proud of it. {sheltering, or protecting? hard call. But I think in our culture kids are being forced to grow up too soon and are being exposed to far too much too early. What happened to maintaining some innocence in our little girls??}
What aren’t your kids missing?
{As you can probably gather, I didn't always make the best choices as a child, not did I have the best experiences in school. I did do well though and had plenty of friends. But it's those bad memories that we tend to remember the most, isn't it? It's those things like peeing my pants in front of my entire class that have caused permanent scars. I am thankful that my girls are home with me and we are having an incredible time taking this journey together. Don't for one second think it's all rosy and happy though - yesterday one of mine had a meltdown and refused to do her work. An all day battle ensued. So it's tough on days, but so worth it at the same time. }
Many blessings to all of you, my friends, I pray that whatever way you choose to 'school' your kids, that they will learn and grow and be blessed. And don't forget to pray, pray, pray! {Goodness knows I need to pray for our school days!}
Our first stART!
A while ago I began following this great homeschooling blog called A Mommy's Adventures. She is a former school teacher who is now teaching her toddler and infant daughters at home. At first I thought I wouldn't have anything to gain from someone with such little ones as far as homeschooling went - after all, her kids are not even in elementary school yet! But I was wrong and I have loved seeing all her fantastic ideas. In fact, at times I've wished we could go back and re-do preschool here at home just so we can try some of her fun ideas!
One of the best things I've picked up from her blog is this great idea called stART.
The concept is A Story + Art = A great stART!
So you read a story together, then do an art lesson based on the story.
Last week we tried this for the first time and the girls LOVED it! I plan to continue doing it once as week as long as time allows.
Most of the girls books are chapter books nowadays ... but this book happens to be one of Joy's faves - it's really cute and funny! Besides, being spring and all I thought a book about a worm was appropriate!
After reading we did a coloring/ wordsearch page that I printed online. I asked them to each write a caption for what they thought the worm was saying in the picture.
"aaahhh get me out of here!" was Joy's caption! hahaha
Then the next day we got out the paints and they made a painting. Hope decided to make a caterpillar instead of a worm, but it turned out so cute that I didn't care! I am ashamed to admit that I don't take the paint out often enough for the girls. And they loved it - I really need to remember to do this more often!
{sorry I don't have a pic of Joy's painting.} I have been scouring our bookshelves for ideas for a book to use for this week ... and also thinking up neat craft projects. This has been a great way to bring some fun back into our homeschool days!
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Gift of an Ordinary Day
This is a much watch for every Mom. Actually, make that every parent. It has renewed my purpose and resolve to enjoy every single 'ordinary' day.
Not Me Monday!
We may have gone over to a friend's house on Saturday night for dinner. We may have had a great time with those friends. I may have tried baked Tuna for the first time. The kids may have played wii 'Just Dance' for hours ....
But Not Me! No, I certainly didn't dance and shake my booty till my whole body was covered in sweat. Noooo, Not Me! I didn't dance and laugh and sing to New Kids on the Block and remember the good 'ol days when I most certainly did not like them as a kid.
And I definitely didn't do the 'Mashed Potato', 'Surfin' Bird' or 'I like to move it, move it' ..... noooooo, never ..... Not Me!!
Would you like to join the 'Not me Monday' fun? Click over to MckMama's blog and join in with your Not Me Monday post! {or just have fun seeing what everyone else DID NOT do!}
Friday, April 23, 2010
Show Us Your Life - How you met your husband
Today at Kelly's Korner we are sharing how we met our husbands. If you'd like to see more Show Us Your Life posts, just click on the button below to go to Kelly's blog.
My husband grew up in New England. I'd tell you the state, but I try to keep that part of our life secret here on my blog.
I grew up in Ontario, pretty close to Toronto. A funny fact is that when I was growing up, I didn't really even know WHERE in the US the state I now live in was. I grew up not learning about the 50 states and even though we had family down here and visited often, I still didn't know where some of them were or anything about them!
When I was 14 my parents decided they were tired of the cold weather and they moved our family to Florida. When I was in high school I was at a Christian camp one summer and heard some recruiters talking about a Christian college in Iowa. My brother went there and several friends I knew from camp went there and so when it was my turn to choose a college I chose to go there too.
Although Iowa was SO far away from my family and home, I knew several other people who were there already {including my brother} so I left home feeling excited and confident that I would love it there. And I did! The college and dorms are all pretty much in the same building and for the most part, it's a very small college. So you get to know everyone pretty well and I formed some of the best friendships of my life there. I still keep in contact with LOTS of those people through facebook even though we live in all different states {and countries}.
I was there for a semester before my husband ended up coming there. In my first semester I was friends with Bob's brother. His brother kept telling me, 'wait till my brother comes next semester, you are really going to like him'. I guess in his mind, he was already thinking of setting us up before Bob even came there!
So in January Bob came out there and started going to college there too. At the time, I was 17 and he was 19. We met and had a connection very early on. We even started dating a little right away. But there were some rocky parts, and we ended up breaking up. We stayed friends though and talked often for the rest of the semester. Over the summer he went back to New England and I went back to FL but we continued to write or call each other and talk. He dated other people and so did I.
In the fall, we both came back to college and were still good friends. Even when we dated other people, we still talked often and were really good friends. I felt like I could talk to him about anything. A couple months in to the semester we began dating each other again.
We dated the rest of that school year and the next summer we each went home to our home states. Neither of us planned to go back to Bible college in the fall, but neither of us really had a plan for the future either. We both planned to work for a while and possibly do community college, but did not know where the Lord would lead us as far as our relationship. We lived long distance for that next full year. It was a hard time and there were situations that certainly put our relationship to the test. We almost broke up once but the trials ended up making us stronger.
In Feb. of 1996 I was back in Iowa at Community college {long story, I'm trying to keep this kinda short!} and he flew out to visit me. He proposed to me and I accepted!
{at Bible college in 1995}
In May, I moved to lived at his parents house in New England so that I could be closer to him for the summer. His parents were so wonderful to 'take me in' so we could live nearby but not 'together'. We both worked jobs for the summer and made wedding plans together.
We have now been married for 13 and 1/2 years and have lived in New England the whole time. I love where we live and love being married to my best friend. Bob is one of the most patient and hard working people I have ever met. My husband helps with laundry, dishes, and plenty of other things. He is fortunate to not have to put in a lot of hours at his 'day' job - which gives him lots of time with our family. But he also works hard when he's here at home - often using his hours at home to work on the yard or help around the house.
I am thankful for him every single day. There were some rocky paths for us at the beginning but thankfully God had a plan and allowed things to work out for our marriage and our life together.
I love the Rascal Flatts song "God Bless the Broken Road" .... because even through the ups and downs in our dating years - God brought us together and has blessed us with a wonderful marriage over the years!
My husband grew up in New England. I'd tell you the state, but I try to keep that part of our life secret here on my blog.
I grew up in Ontario, pretty close to Toronto. A funny fact is that when I was growing up, I didn't really even know WHERE in the US the state I now live in was. I grew up not learning about the 50 states and even though we had family down here and visited often, I still didn't know where some of them were or anything about them!
When I was 14 my parents decided they were tired of the cold weather and they moved our family to Florida. When I was in high school I was at a Christian camp one summer and heard some recruiters talking about a Christian college in Iowa. My brother went there and several friends I knew from camp went there and so when it was my turn to choose a college I chose to go there too.
Although Iowa was SO far away from my family and home, I knew several other people who were there already {including my brother} so I left home feeling excited and confident that I would love it there. And I did! The college and dorms are all pretty much in the same building and for the most part, it's a very small college. So you get to know everyone pretty well and I formed some of the best friendships of my life there. I still keep in contact with LOTS of those people through facebook even though we live in all different states {and countries}.
I was there for a semester before my husband ended up coming there. In my first semester I was friends with Bob's brother. His brother kept telling me, 'wait till my brother comes next semester, you are really going to like him'. I guess in his mind, he was already thinking of setting us up before Bob even came there!
So in January Bob came out there and started going to college there too. At the time, I was 17 and he was 19. We met and had a connection very early on. We even started dating a little right away. But there were some rocky parts, and we ended up breaking up. We stayed friends though and talked often for the rest of the semester. Over the summer he went back to New England and I went back to FL but we continued to write or call each other and talk. He dated other people and so did I.
In the fall, we both came back to college and were still good friends. Even when we dated other people, we still talked often and were really good friends. I felt like I could talk to him about anything. A couple months in to the semester we began dating each other again.
We dated the rest of that school year and the next summer we each went home to our home states. Neither of us planned to go back to Bible college in the fall, but neither of us really had a plan for the future either. We both planned to work for a while and possibly do community college, but did not know where the Lord would lead us as far as our relationship. We lived long distance for that next full year. It was a hard time and there were situations that certainly put our relationship to the test. We almost broke up once but the trials ended up making us stronger.
In Feb. of 1996 I was back in Iowa at Community college {long story, I'm trying to keep this kinda short!} and he flew out to visit me. He proposed to me and I accepted!
{at Bible college in 1995}
In May, I moved to lived at his parents house in New England so that I could be closer to him for the summer. His parents were so wonderful to 'take me in' so we could live nearby but not 'together'. We both worked jobs for the summer and made wedding plans together.We got married in Florida on Thanksgiving weekend, November 30th, 1996. I was 20 and he was 22. Such youngsters we were! haha
We have now been married for 13 and 1/2 years and have lived in New England the whole time. I love where we live and love being married to my best friend. Bob is one of the most patient and hard working people I have ever met. My husband helps with laundry, dishes, and plenty of other things. He is fortunate to not have to put in a lot of hours at his 'day' job - which gives him lots of time with our family. But he also works hard when he's here at home - often using his hours at home to work on the yard or help around the house.I am thankful for him every single day. There were some rocky paths for us at the beginning but thankfully God had a plan and allowed things to work out for our marriage and our life together.
I love the Rascal Flatts song "God Bless the Broken Road" .... because even through the ups and downs in our dating years - God brought us together and has blessed us with a wonderful marriage over the years!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Hair Cuts!
OK bear with me, I'm putting on my 'controlling Mom' hat again. I love little girls with long hair, really I do ... but little girls with long hair who never want to take care of it, brush it or fix it and look like rag-a-muffins most of the time - not so much!
I'm not sure why, but my girls just never like to take care of their hair. They rarely let me fix it in a pony tail or pig tails or keep a headband in for more than 1/2 hour. So I'm constantly telling them I'm going to cut it short again unless they take care of it.
Now that summer is approaching I wanted it cut even more - it's so much easier going from beach to pool or wherever when it's nice and short and they can just run a brush through it and be done!
So I tried a little bribery ... yeah friends, I am so not the Mom of the Year! I am not above a little bribery if it gets something done the way I want it. {see, I AM controlling!} =)
So I bribed, they agreed and we chopped it all off!
Joy's before shot ...
Hope's before shot ...
And after ...
After ...
After ...
Love it! {and yes they love it too ... they even say every morning how easy it is to brush it!}
I'm not sure why, but my girls just never like to take care of their hair. They rarely let me fix it in a pony tail or pig tails or keep a headband in for more than 1/2 hour. So I'm constantly telling them I'm going to cut it short again unless they take care of it.
Now that summer is approaching I wanted it cut even more - it's so much easier going from beach to pool or wherever when it's nice and short and they can just run a brush through it and be done!
So I tried a little bribery ... yeah friends, I am so not the Mom of the Year! I am not above a little bribery if it gets something done the way I want it. {see, I AM controlling!} =)
So I bribed, they agreed and we chopped it all off!
Joy's before shot ...
Hope's before shot ...
And after ...
After ...
After ...
Love it! {and yes they love it too ... they even say every morning how easy it is to brush it!}
Fabulous dah-lings ... just fabulous!
Happy Mama
My friend has this sign in her kitchen ... "Happy wife, happy life" ... how true, how true!
In the past week I've been spoiled with the privilege of both a pedicure AND a massage. The pedicure was a nice treat with a friend on Saturday afternoon - it was made even nicer by the large Dark Choc. Cherry Mocha from Starbucks I got to enjoy while having my feet pampered. aaaaaahhhhhhhh, so nice!
The massage was more of a necessity {don't laugh!} ... I got it for a Christmas gift and haven't had time to use it until now. And since my neck and back have been acting up my chiro said I really needed to have it done. So I did. I finally used the gift certificate and it was a wonderful 1/2 hour of relaxation. Just what my tense muscles needed.
In the past week I've been spoiled with the privilege of both a pedicure AND a massage. The pedicure was a nice treat with a friend on Saturday afternoon - it was made even nicer by the large Dark Choc. Cherry Mocha from Starbucks I got to enjoy while having my feet pampered. aaaaaahhhhhhhh, so nice!
The massage was more of a necessity {don't laugh!} ... I got it for a Christmas gift and haven't had time to use it until now. And since my neck and back have been acting up my chiro said I really needed to have it done. So I did. I finally used the gift certificate and it was a wonderful 1/2 hour of relaxation. Just what my tense muscles needed.
I know both of these things could seem like extravagant pleasures ... but I really think that simple things to take care of yourself can make a huge difference as a Mom.
Chocolate Ricotta Shake
First let me start by saying ... don't say ewwwww till you've given it a try first!
Second let me say ... it really does taste just like an ice cream shake! I actually have been craving this every day since I figured out how to make it!
Second let me say ... it really does taste just like an ice cream shake! I actually have been craving this every day since I figured out how to make it!
Recipe:
large handful of ice cubes
1/2 cup low fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup vanilla soy milk
1 heaping tsp cocoa powder
2 packets aritificial sweetener of choice {truvia, spenda, etc}
Blend well in an electric blender. Pour into a tall glass and top with a couple spoonfuls of low fat cool whip. Serve with a large straw.
I plan to experiment with this a little like trying peanut butter or caramel flavoring ...
Just try it ... you might like it too! =)
Homeschool Daze ....
Well, that's what we WERE in ... a daze, a fog, a thick cloud ....
But this week we have decided to shake things up! Our homeschool daze needed some butt kicking and so far we have had a great week! Yesterday was one of the best homeschool days we've had in a long time.
Here are some of the things we're doing ...
Here is my big plan book - lots of crossing out and re-working to come up with a new plan for each day ...
Each day we go outside for what we're calling 'ENERGY BURSTS' -- 10-15 minutes of doing something fun and active. This particular day it was bouncing on exercise balls ... {and yes, still a little chilly here some mornings as you can see by pants and sweatshirts!}
They LOVED it!
Another day, after school work was done ... we all went for a bike ride together as a family. {It was hubby's day off} ...
Since our weather has been beautiful this week, we have done a lot more work outside .... on the deck, on the swing, on a blanket on the grass ...
But this week we have decided to shake things up! Our homeschool daze needed some butt kicking and so far we have had a great week! Yesterday was one of the best homeschool days we've had in a long time.
Here are some of the things we're doing ...
Here is my big plan book - lots of crossing out and re-working to come up with a new plan for each day ...
Each day we go outside for what we're calling 'ENERGY BURSTS' -- 10-15 minutes of doing something fun and active. This particular day it was bouncing on exercise balls ... {and yes, still a little chilly here some mornings as you can see by pants and sweatshirts!}
They LOVED it!
Another day, after school work was done ... we all went for a bike ride together as a family. {It was hubby's day off} ...
Since our weather has been beautiful this week, we have done a lot more work outside .... on the deck, on the swing, on a blanket on the grass ...{this was science class}
Here the girls are doing Spanish on the computer ... then we went outside on the porch and did a Spanish flash card game together ...
This was our NEW thing - Story + Art = a great stART.... more on this later ...
Showing off their history work ...
We have also made sure to add in snack time, active time, break time and have just been having a lot more fun. Yesterday we were outside doing history and we were using an I Spy book as a hard place to write on ... after our work was done we ended up sitting there and doing the I Spy book together for about a half hour!! Just laying on the blanket in the sun, enjoying the time together ... not rushed, not worrying about which subject we needed to tackle next - just relaxed and fun.
Here the girls are doing Spanish on the computer ... then we went outside on the porch and did a Spanish flash card game together ...
This was our NEW thing - Story + Art = a great stART.... more on this later ...
Showing off their history work ...
We have also made sure to add in snack time, active time, break time and have just been having a lot more fun. Yesterday we were outside doing history and we were using an I Spy book as a hard place to write on ... after our work was done we ended up sitting there and doing the I Spy book together for about a half hour!! Just laying on the blanket in the sun, enjoying the time together ... not rushed, not worrying about which subject we needed to tackle next - just relaxed and fun. I am really thankful that I have the privilege of teaching the girls at home. I know so often I get caught up in my own selfish desires and my own agenda and I fail miserably at making our homeschool days what they should be and what they could be. So I'm thanking the Lord today that He has woken up my spirit and shown me a way out of the daze ... and into fun filled days of learning together.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
South Beach
OK, someone asked in the comments of my last post how things were going on SB phase 1 ... and whoever you were - please leave your name so I know who I'm referring to! Thanks! =)
So, today is day 2 and I know I have a long way to go. But so far it has been great. I have not felt hungry AT ALL. What you eat keeps you full longer than the foods I used to eat.
The basics is that for 3 meals a day you eat a protein and veggies and a small amount of a 'good' fat. You also add in 2-3 snacks per day - but these too are usually protein, veggie or good fat. You are cutting out the carbs and sugar - which are my biggest downfalls.
So just for example - here is what I had yesterday:
Breakfast:
Olive oil {used to coat the pan}
2 eggs
2 TBSP red peppers mixed into eggs
6 oz V8
Coffee
Snack:
Low fat cheese stick
water w/ crystal light
Lunch: Veggie burger topped w/ tsp guacamole
Big salad w/ low fat ranch
Snack:
celery sticks w/ natural peanut butter
water w/ crystal light
Supper:
london broil done on the grill
broccoli
vanilla soy milk
Snack: ricotta w/ sugar free caramel syrup {I actually was NOT a fan of this but you'll see below where I found a better way to eat ricotta}
Today, I got brave and made my own guacamole and it turned out GREAT! I used two ripe avocados and one of those packet mixes you buy in the produce section, plus I added some chopped up tomatoes to it. I had it with my celery sticks for my morning snack and it was soooo good. I thought I would miss having guac w/ tortilla chips but with the celery being so crunchy it was yummy too. {I do still miss my chips though!}
This afternoon I was determined to find a better way to eat the ricotta. For some reason on SB they have you eat ricotta as dessert almost every day. They have you mix it with various flavors {lemon, vanilla, lime, almond} and then add a sweetener to it. But I just didn't like the texture of the ricotta eating it by the spoonful so my mother in law suggested blending it like a smoothie.
So today I mixed 1/2 cup ricotta, 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk, a handful of ice cubes, 1 packet of artificial sweetener and a tsp of cocoa powder and blended it all together. I swear to you it tasted like I was drinking a chocolate ice cream shake! I was not quite as sweet as ice cream - but still very yummy. I was pleasantly surprised and think this will be my new fave 'treat'! You could also add peanut butter, vanilla or almond flavoring or sugar free caramel syrup .... I'm excited to try some more ideas!
On another note ... I did feel a bit sluggish and headachy both days in the mid-afternoon. I think my body is just figuring out how to live without all those carbs and sugars that it's used to! But overall things are good and I'm happy to be sticking to it.
Also, yesterday we went bike riding as a family and today hubby and I played tennis for about 1/2 hour, then walked a mile. So I'm trying to incorporate more exercise into my days as well.
I'm sure I will check in later in the week and let you know how things are going!
So, today is day 2 and I know I have a long way to go. But so far it has been great. I have not felt hungry AT ALL. What you eat keeps you full longer than the foods I used to eat.
The basics is that for 3 meals a day you eat a protein and veggies and a small amount of a 'good' fat. You also add in 2-3 snacks per day - but these too are usually protein, veggie or good fat. You are cutting out the carbs and sugar - which are my biggest downfalls.
So just for example - here is what I had yesterday:
Breakfast:
Olive oil {used to coat the pan}
2 eggs
2 TBSP red peppers mixed into eggs
6 oz V8
Coffee
Snack:
Low fat cheese stick
water w/ crystal light
Lunch: Veggie burger topped w/ tsp guacamole
Big salad w/ low fat ranch
Snack:
celery sticks w/ natural peanut butter
water w/ crystal light
Supper:
london broil done on the grill
broccoli
vanilla soy milk
Snack: ricotta w/ sugar free caramel syrup {I actually was NOT a fan of this but you'll see below where I found a better way to eat ricotta}
Today, I got brave and made my own guacamole and it turned out GREAT! I used two ripe avocados and one of those packet mixes you buy in the produce section, plus I added some chopped up tomatoes to it. I had it with my celery sticks for my morning snack and it was soooo good. I thought I would miss having guac w/ tortilla chips but with the celery being so crunchy it was yummy too. {I do still miss my chips though!}
This afternoon I was determined to find a better way to eat the ricotta. For some reason on SB they have you eat ricotta as dessert almost every day. They have you mix it with various flavors {lemon, vanilla, lime, almond} and then add a sweetener to it. But I just didn't like the texture of the ricotta eating it by the spoonful so my mother in law suggested blending it like a smoothie.
So today I mixed 1/2 cup ricotta, 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk, a handful of ice cubes, 1 packet of artificial sweetener and a tsp of cocoa powder and blended it all together. I swear to you it tasted like I was drinking a chocolate ice cream shake! I was not quite as sweet as ice cream - but still very yummy. I was pleasantly surprised and think this will be my new fave 'treat'! You could also add peanut butter, vanilla or almond flavoring or sugar free caramel syrup .... I'm excited to try some more ideas!
On another note ... I did feel a bit sluggish and headachy both days in the mid-afternoon. I think my body is just figuring out how to live without all those carbs and sugars that it's used to! But overall things are good and I'm happy to be sticking to it.
Also, yesterday we went bike riding as a family and today hubby and I played tennis for about 1/2 hour, then walked a mile. So I'm trying to incorporate more exercise into my days as well.
I'm sure I will check in later in the week and let you know how things are going!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Today is a BIG day!
{OK, maybe not big by some people's standards, but big for me!}
Today I am committing myself to Phase one of the South Beach diet - which will last me for 2 whole weeks. Two weeks of being totally disciplined with NO cheating. Now I'm not suggesting that this is for everyone, or that in life we should completely deny ourselves of all treats - but for me, I have NEVER been one to follow through on making myself be disciplined AT ANYTHING! I always start strong and fade within a couple days.
So you heard it hear and I expect some of you to keep me accountable and check in on me. On my fridge I've put a note that says, "Don't say you CAN'T ... because you CAN, it's just a matter of do you WANT TO??" {I believe that is a Jillian Micheal's quote.} And under that I wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Phil 4:13"
In other big news ... our homeschool days have become a nightmare {once again!} and we're in desperate need of a shake up {again!}. So today begins a NEW plan and new schedule and we are all very excited about it. I am planning to take pictures of our week as we go along and share them later this week.
So there you have it - a new food plan, a new school plan - maybe I'm crazy for starting both on the same day but only time will tell!
Have a wonderful week friends!
Today I am committing myself to Phase one of the South Beach diet - which will last me for 2 whole weeks. Two weeks of being totally disciplined with NO cheating. Now I'm not suggesting that this is for everyone, or that in life we should completely deny ourselves of all treats - but for me, I have NEVER been one to follow through on making myself be disciplined AT ANYTHING! I always start strong and fade within a couple days.
So you heard it hear and I expect some of you to keep me accountable and check in on me. On my fridge I've put a note that says, "Don't say you CAN'T ... because you CAN, it's just a matter of do you WANT TO??" {I believe that is a Jillian Micheal's quote.} And under that I wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Phil 4:13"
In other big news ... our homeschool days have become a nightmare {once again!} and we're in desperate need of a shake up {again!}. So today begins a NEW plan and new schedule and we are all very excited about it. I am planning to take pictures of our week as we go along and share them later this week.
So there you have it - a new food plan, a new school plan - maybe I'm crazy for starting both on the same day but only time will tell!
Have a wonderful week friends!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Status Update ...
{AKA ~ totally random thoughts.}
Kathy is ...
*enjoying a quiet, lazy Saturday
*falling in love with guacamole {if you have a great recipe, please share!}
*sad that my Island Coconut coffee is almost gone :(
*enjoying finding a lot of great {new to me} blogs
*thinking about re-painting and redecorating my bedroom
*looking forward to a pedicure with a friend this afternoon
*pondering adding a chalkboard wall to my dining room
*almost done with project spring clean out
*supposed to be scrapbooking but instead keep finding myself online
*grateful that my family is well again after a week of yucky tummy sickies
*excited to see our friends at Bible study small group tomorrow night
=)
Kathy is ...
*enjoying a quiet, lazy Saturday
*falling in love with guacamole {if you have a great recipe, please share!}
*sad that my Island Coconut coffee is almost gone :(
*enjoying finding a lot of great {new to me} blogs
*thinking about re-painting and redecorating my bedroom
*looking forward to a pedicure with a friend this afternoon
*pondering adding a chalkboard wall to my dining room
*almost done with project spring clean out
*supposed to be scrapbooking but instead keep finding myself online
*grateful that my family is well again after a week of yucky tummy sickies
*excited to see our friends at Bible study small group tomorrow night
=)
Secrets of the Mountain - Family Movie Night
Last night we had 'family movie night' and watched the movie Secrets of the Mountain which was sponsored by NBC and Walmart. You can check out more info by clicking here.
Here are my thoughts on the movie. First, YES it is family friendly - however, my girls are ages 8 and 7 and I thought it was perfect for their age {or older}. The movie does not have ANYTHING questionable in it - no language, no romance, no sex, no violence. But it is highly adventurous and there are a couple parts that might be too much for younger children.
*****SPOILER ALERT****
So, the only things that I thought might be a little too intense for smaller kids were - one, there is a scene with lots of skulls and bones from deceased men. Two, they are crawling through dark, creepy tunnels and you see stuff like bats. Three, there is a villain who follows them and then knocks the Mom down at one point. Four, the Mom is divorced and the kids argue a lot {until they learn to work together}.
Other than those things, the movie was squeaky clean and my whole family LOVED it! My oldest said it was one of the best movies she's seen in a while and we all loved the adventure and excitement of it.
Focus on the Family also did a family discussion guide for the movie which you can check out here if you're interested. I believe that anything you watch or read with your kids can open up a world of great discussions.
Here are my thoughts on the movie. First, YES it is family friendly - however, my girls are ages 8 and 7 and I thought it was perfect for their age {or older}. The movie does not have ANYTHING questionable in it - no language, no romance, no sex, no violence. But it is highly adventurous and there are a couple parts that might be too much for younger children.
*****SPOILER ALERT****
So, the only things that I thought might be a little too intense for smaller kids were - one, there is a scene with lots of skulls and bones from deceased men. Two, they are crawling through dark, creepy tunnels and you see stuff like bats. Three, there is a villain who follows them and then knocks the Mom down at one point. Four, the Mom is divorced and the kids argue a lot {until they learn to work together}.
Other than those things, the movie was squeaky clean and my whole family LOVED it! My oldest said it was one of the best movies she's seen in a while and we all loved the adventure and excitement of it.
Focus on the Family also did a family discussion guide for the movie which you can check out here if you're interested. I believe that anything you watch or read with your kids can open up a world of great discussions.
{here we are being extremely goofy before the movie!}
Family Movie Night ... I think this is one of the most fun nights we've had as a family in awhile. We always love doing things together but sometimes it's hard to find things that we ALL love to do. And it's especially hard to find movies that we all enjoy. I have watched one too many cartoon movies and High School Musical movies and am ready to move on to something more exciting for ALL of us!
On that note, two other family movies I would highly recommend are:
Nim's Island and Kitt Kittredge {ironically both star the same child actress!}
{the dogs are SO spoiled - just cuddling up on the couch or with us for the whole movie!}
{hubby took this pic, I thought it was so funny how ALL the girls - Mom, daughters and two girl dogs - all ended up snuggled together!}
So my girls typically have Awana on Friday nights from September until the end of March. But now that Awana is over for the year I'm excited to make Friday night our family night. And by family night that doesn't mean we have to keep it exclusively to our family. We often get together with other families and have dinner and enjoy each other's company. It's always great when you get together with people where the kids are friends, the Moms are friends and the Dads are friends - makes everyone happy!
I would LOVE to get one of those projector units so in the summer we could show a movie outside by projecting it on to our garage door. Wouldn't that be cool? Invite all the friends over for a BBQ, hang out and play until dark, then set up a bunch of chairs and watch the movie outdoors? Like your own personal drive in theater! I will have to look into that!
Family Movie Night ... I think this is one of the most fun nights we've had as a family in awhile. We always love doing things together but sometimes it's hard to find things that we ALL love to do. And it's especially hard to find movies that we all enjoy. I have watched one too many cartoon movies and High School Musical movies and am ready to move on to something more exciting for ALL of us!
On that note, two other family movies I would highly recommend are:
Nim's Island and Kitt Kittredge {ironically both star the same child actress!}
{the dogs are SO spoiled - just cuddling up on the couch or with us for the whole movie!}
{hubby took this pic, I thought it was so funny how ALL the girls - Mom, daughters and two girl dogs - all ended up snuggled together!}
So my girls typically have Awana on Friday nights from September until the end of March. But now that Awana is over for the year I'm excited to make Friday night our family night. And by family night that doesn't mean we have to keep it exclusively to our family. We often get together with other families and have dinner and enjoy each other's company. It's always great when you get together with people where the kids are friends, the Moms are friends and the Dads are friends - makes everyone happy!
I would LOVE to get one of those projector units so in the summer we could show a movie outside by projecting it on to our garage door. Wouldn't that be cool? Invite all the friends over for a BBQ, hang out and play until dark, then set up a bunch of chairs and watch the movie outdoors? Like your own personal drive in theater! I will have to look into that!
So what kinds of fun things does your family like to do together? Do you have any great family movies you'd recommend? I'd love to hear about it!
Have a great weekend friends!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Tool Bar Under Construction!
OK so I'm being really brave and trying to add some blog effects on my blog even though I'm completely not blog saavy!
So by following some really great and simple directions I was able to install this cool tool bar under my header - if you're seeing this in google reader, pop over to check it out!
BUT, clearly I still have much to learn because my links don't link where I want them to link. haha ... So, it's a work in progress friends ... stick with me and hopefully very soon it will all be working the way I want it too. Thanks!!
So by following some really great and simple directions I was able to install this cool tool bar under my header - if you're seeing this in google reader, pop over to check it out!
BUT, clearly I still have much to learn because my links don't link where I want them to link. haha ... So, it's a work in progress friends ... stick with me and hopefully very soon it will all be working the way I want it too. Thanks!!
Patio Spaces
Don't you think it's funny when you've been pondering something and at the very same time you SEE something related to the same thing you were pondering?? {do you feel like I'm talking in riddles?!}
Anyway, point is, I've been thinking of ways to make my little patio area a special and welcoming spot - mostly because this is the spot where I like to sit outside and have my quiet time on Spring, Summer and Fall mornings {basically as long as it's not raining or too cold}.
I don't know what it is, but for some reason I would MUCH rather have quiet time outside, then sitting in my living room. I love breathing in the fresh air, hearing the birds chirp, seeing the squirrels scamper around ...
So, I've been thinking of things I can do {low cost of course!} to spruce it up and make it an inviting little spot. Today I came across this post at The Inspired Room and WOW, talk about inspiration! I'm not so sure my spot will turn out quiet so gorgeous, but it's given me some good ideas. Go check it out when you get a chance.
Oh yeah - I have one small issue though - two dogs! So I also have to think how my space can be beautiful but not too tempting for a puppy who might want to chew my flowers!
Stay tuned in the coming weeks for photos of my space as I transform it little by little!
Anyway, point is, I've been thinking of ways to make my little patio area a special and welcoming spot - mostly because this is the spot where I like to sit outside and have my quiet time on Spring, Summer and Fall mornings {basically as long as it's not raining or too cold}.
I don't know what it is, but for some reason I would MUCH rather have quiet time outside, then sitting in my living room. I love breathing in the fresh air, hearing the birds chirp, seeing the squirrels scamper around ...
So, I've been thinking of things I can do {low cost of course!} to spruce it up and make it an inviting little spot. Today I came across this post at The Inspired Room and WOW, talk about inspiration! I'm not so sure my spot will turn out quiet so gorgeous, but it's given me some good ideas. Go check it out when you get a chance.
Oh yeah - I have one small issue though - two dogs! So I also have to think how my space can be beautiful but not too tempting for a puppy who might want to chew my flowers!
Stay tuned in the coming weeks for photos of my space as I transform it little by little!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Work Your Wallet Wednesday
Wow, another week has already gone by and once again it's time for Work Your Wallet Wednesday. This week I scored two great deals that I'm excited to share about.
First, I have been eyeing this particular bag from Vera Bradley for a while now. This specific color, design AND style. But at almost $70 I just couldn't justify buying it. So one day last week I saw on one of my money saving blogs that Vera Bradley was having a one day sale on the EXACT bag I'd been drooling over! It was less than 50% of the original cost! So instead of paying $68, I got it for $29!!!
{Isn't it pretty???} =)
My next big deal is from CVS. For a while now I've sort of given up on CVS because they didn't seem to be giving many good deals like they used to. But recently they seem to be trying to draw us bargain shoppers back and the deals are getting better again. So last week I got all of this for FREE! With coupons I paid just a little less than 10 bucks out of pocket - and got back 10 bucks in extra care bucks! SO basically it's all free! These are FULL size items too - not just sample sizes! I love stocking up my closet with great products!
If you got a great deal this week and want to join in on the fun, hop on over to Jessica's blog and link up with Work Your Wallet Wednesday!
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