Two years ago, in the month of December, Jason lost his job. I still remember the pain of standing in line at Walmart returning most of my kids' Christmas presents (all but the socks and underwear that they needed) so we could use the money to buy groceries instead. As a parent, that was one of the most difficult things I've done. As I sit here today and look at our brightly lit Christmas tree, I see so many presents under the tree that we cannot fit any more. Some are from grandparents, some are from aunts and uncles and some are from us. I also see what a difference two years makes on a person's heart.
Losing a job made us take a step back and realize what is important in life. Made us realize the difference between wants and needs. Makes us question each and every purchase we make. For some people, they are too proud to admit that they spend too much. That they want to keep up with the "Joneses". That most of their purchases are wants and not needs. So many people don't have a clue what it's like to wonder how they are going to buy food to put on the table the next day, toilet paper, laundry soap and gas for their vehicle to get them to a job interview when it comes around. I'd like to say, "please feel sorry for me", but that is not how I feel. I'm proud of how we changed because of these circumstances. After Jason got a job and we were SLOWLY digging ourselves out of the pit (which we are still digging, by the way) we made a commitment to take how ever long it took to spend our money on mostly needs and let the wants go. For over a year, we've been looking forward to December 2011 and the coming year of 2012 when we had things paid off. I can proudly say that for an entire year, we have done an amazing job and we've made it to December 2011! (even with an unexpected expense of replacing a tire on a vehicle a week and a half before Christmas!)
I am so thankful for a husband who realizes as much as I do how important it is for me to be home and available for our kids and not at a job relying on other people to take them places or care for them. I am thankful for a husband who goes to work each and every day to provide for our family. We may not have all the money in the world, but we've realized it's not money that makes a family happy. It's spending time together, getting by with whatever God provides, and loving each other no matter what.
Besides the budget changes, I have made other changes in my life that have changed me in so many ways. I am eating healthier, exercising and can proudly say I am 5 pant sizes smaller than I was in 2010. As I said in my previous post, my fitness goal was to log 2520 minutes of exercise in 2011. I am officially at 2420. (December 21st) Last night I spent an hour on the treadmill. 2 years ago I had a hard time staying focused and staying on for 30 minutes.
As I ponder 2011 and wait for the year 2012 to arrive, I can honestly say that even through the struggles and difficult times, I am blessed beyond measure. I have an amazing husband who loves me, three beautiful children who are caring, loving people and whom I think the world of and God has provided us with a warm home, food in the pantry, friends and family and so, so much more. I give God all the glory in all that we have. He is faithful!
Happy Birthday, Jesus! We WILL celebrate your birth...the reason for the season.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
A Better Me
Some people make New Years Resolutions. I like to be different. It seems like autumn and the changing of the colors makes me want to change ME. Last year in August I began an adventure...to change me, FOREVER!
I started this journey at 228 pounds! A size 20/22. That's me above at around 228. By October, I was in a size 16 and weighed about 195 and by January 2011 I was 183 and in a size 12. Although I am excited to still be in a size 12 (my wedding dress was a 14/16 so it was early high school since I've been in a size 12) I want to keep going on this lifestyle change. At this point it's not about looks. It's about being healthy and taking care of me. I have been a member of Sparkpeople.com for several years now. It's a wonderful website that helps track your calorie intake, excercise, etc. Plus it has tons of pointers, tips and help in losing weight and getting healthy. So far this year I have tracked 2200 fitness minutes...and my goal for the year is 2520. I think I'm going to exceed my goal! There is no way I could have jogged on the treadmill for even a minute a year ago. Now I have no problem getting on to walk/jog and before I know it I've been on for 30-40 minutes or more. I am one of those weird people who actually likes to work out. I love the way it makes me feel when I am finished. I feel like I accomplished something. I have more energy to get through the day.
I started this journey at 228 pounds! A size 20/22. That's me above at around 228. By October, I was in a size 16 and weighed about 195 and by January 2011 I was 183 and in a size 12. Although I am excited to still be in a size 12 (my wedding dress was a 14/16 so it was early high school since I've been in a size 12) I want to keep going on this lifestyle change. At this point it's not about looks. It's about being healthy and taking care of me. I have been a member of Sparkpeople.com for several years now. It's a wonderful website that helps track your calorie intake, excercise, etc. Plus it has tons of pointers, tips and help in losing weight and getting healthy. So far this year I have tracked 2200 fitness minutes...and my goal for the year is 2520. I think I'm going to exceed my goal! There is no way I could have jogged on the treadmill for even a minute a year ago. Now I have no problem getting on to walk/jog and before I know it I've been on for 30-40 minutes or more. I am one of those weird people who actually likes to work out. I love the way it makes me feel when I am finished. I feel like I accomplished something. I have more energy to get through the day. Some things that I have realized since losing 45 pounds:
I love being able tighten my belt, until finally it just doesn't fit any more.
I had to have my wedding ring resized - smaller and it's still too big. I had to donate the rest of my rings.
I am able to keep up with my kids (and some times am able to out run them)
New under garments were a must
Buying new jeans while still losing weight is not recommended. Yes, I did own a pair of jeans in every size from 20 to 12. (I no longer have my bigger jeans as I will NEVER be in them again)
My seat belt fits better.
Being able to fit into clothes in the ladies clothing section and not having to go to the "big girls'" section is so fun. (I still find myself going to the "big girls'" section out of habit)
Being able to fit into clothes in the ladies clothing section and not having to go to the "big girls'" section is so fun. (I still find myself going to the "big girls'" section out of habit)
I was able to actually tighten the seat belt in the airplane...and have quite a bit of extra slack!
I have had to get an entire new wardrobe, including jeans, shirts, undergarments, jackets, belts, etc. I am still amazed every time I put on my coat that I once could not zip and now it's pretty loose, even when wearing a bulky sweatshirt or sweater! Thank goodness for Goodwill and Salvation Army to help me along the way in my journey.
I could go on and on. I plan to use my blog as an accountability tool to keep me on track thru the rest of the year and beyond. I WILL break my fitness goal. I am hoping to be in a size 8 or 10 by next summer when our family goes to Florida to stay in a condo on the beach! I honestly don't remember EVER being in a size 8 or 10. Maybe middle school? We'll see.
My Journey....to be continued.....
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Do Not Worry
Once again, God has softly spoken to me.
Yesterday morning I received a phone call from an 800 number. We have caller ID and always allow the answering machine to get these calls. The call was from "Wells Fargo Fraud Dept" saying that we had some suspicious activity on our card....Long story short, I called this number and it ended up being a pfishing number and not actually Wells Fargo's Fraud Dept. I got a red flag and hung up and called the REAL fraud department to report the two charges on my account that we did not make.
I spent the next 8-10 hours on the phone with bankers, waiting for a police officer to come to my house to file a police report, on the phone with friends and family who were so wonderful and were worried about us, etc. The funny thing is, I was not concerned or worried this entire time. God tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything" Phil. 4:6. He spoke this to me all day and I truly knew this. Our God is so much bigger than this tiny little issue we were having. It's His money after all...so don't you think He'd be in charge of what was happening with it? Of course He is!
Our good friend is a banker at Wells Fargo and had heard what we were dealing with, immediately called us and has been so wonderful in staying on top of this and watching our account throughout the day and making sure the correct process was in fact taking place. SO thankful for him! God knew this was all going to happen this way and put our friend in this position to help his fellow brother and sister in Christ, and as a small little human I stand in awe of HIS plan.
Our account was drained by these people, and our account was overdrawn. This morning I got up and checked our account. One of the charges that were pending yesterday did indeed clear. I immediately called the number I was told to call (the REAL fraud dept number). Our account is now above negative and things are starting to look up.
No need to worry...God had this chapter in our lives written long ago....and as His children, we have to trust in His ending of this chapter as well. (Surrender)
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap, or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matt. 6:26
Oh what a comfort that is to me today!
What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?
Yesterday morning I received a phone call from an 800 number. We have caller ID and always allow the answering machine to get these calls. The call was from "Wells Fargo Fraud Dept" saying that we had some suspicious activity on our card....Long story short, I called this number and it ended up being a pfishing number and not actually Wells Fargo's Fraud Dept. I got a red flag and hung up and called the REAL fraud department to report the two charges on my account that we did not make.
I spent the next 8-10 hours on the phone with bankers, waiting for a police officer to come to my house to file a police report, on the phone with friends and family who were so wonderful and were worried about us, etc. The funny thing is, I was not concerned or worried this entire time. God tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything" Phil. 4:6. He spoke this to me all day and I truly knew this. Our God is so much bigger than this tiny little issue we were having. It's His money after all...so don't you think He'd be in charge of what was happening with it? Of course He is!
Our good friend is a banker at Wells Fargo and had heard what we were dealing with, immediately called us and has been so wonderful in staying on top of this and watching our account throughout the day and making sure the correct process was in fact taking place. SO thankful for him! God knew this was all going to happen this way and put our friend in this position to help his fellow brother and sister in Christ, and as a small little human I stand in awe of HIS plan.
Our account was drained by these people, and our account was overdrawn. This morning I got up and checked our account. One of the charges that were pending yesterday did indeed clear. I immediately called the number I was told to call (the REAL fraud dept number). Our account is now above negative and things are starting to look up.
No need to worry...God had this chapter in our lives written long ago....and as His children, we have to trust in His ending of this chapter as well. (Surrender)
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap, or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matt. 6:26
Oh what a comfort that is to me today!
What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?
Friday, September 30, 2011
It's Finally Fall
I love fall!
I am a blogger.
I love to check out other blogs.
I love my Pinterest!
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| Pumpkins and Scarecrows |
With all that said...and so many websites out there right now with such great decorating ideas...
Here is a great blog: The Lettered Cottage with lots of fall decorating ideas if you scroll to the bottom of the page. Since so many bloggers are sharing their Fall decorating, I thought I'd join the party.
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| Our fireplace mantel. My favorite place to decorate. |
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| a close up of the mantel |
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| I love my scarecrow in his wagon. |
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| Our cabinet in our kitchen |
Happy Fall Y'all
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
God Spoke To Me Today
Yep, you read the title correctly. God clearly spoke to me today. No I did not hear his audible voice, but I sure felt his voice in my heart.
A little over a year ago I was a witness to a crime while at work. A little over a month ago I received a subpoena to testify as a witness against these two men. Things like this just make me want to crawl in a padded cell and live safely in my soft place. I have been terrified, anxious, worried, etc about walking in the courtroom with many eyes completely on me and having all these people's attention on my answers. Makes me want to have an anxiety attack right now just thinking about it. Guess what else has been going on the past month or so since I received the subpoena? God has been talking to me.
In my mind... a bible verse has kept repeating over and over every time I thought about the upcoming court date.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Hearing this in my mind, I was reminded to pray...and take these fears and anxieties to God and talk to Him about them. Which I did. A LOT! This past Thursday I had to meet with the District Attorney to go over any questions he had and any questions I had. I was told by his secretary that there was a possibility that the guy who's trial was coming the following Tuesday was considering a plea deal. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but I once again took it to God and begged for this to happen. I received a phone call on Friday from this same secretary saying, in deed, he took the plea deal and will be in the care of the justice system for 45 years.....NO TRIAL!
This is not the end of the story. Jason had already arranged to have Wednesday off (this was the day the District Attorney told me I'd be called as a witness). So today....the day that I had feared for over a month, was spent on the bank of the Platte River with him fishing and me relaxing on my comfy lawn chair and bible in hand. We enjoyed a wonderful picnic lunch, driving along the river, stopping in different spots so Jason could fish and I enjoyed reading. This almost didn't happen as another answered prayer came the end of last week as Jason received word that he got the job he had been wanting for months. He thought that his new boss would want him at work, but found out last minute that he would still have the day off.
How did God speak to me? He repeatedly put that verse in my mind and then gently whispered, "I told you the TRUTH." today as we enjoyed the unexpected blessing of spending the day together with no trial to worry about. God really does mean it when He says, "do not be anxious about anything"....Trust in Him, he IS TRUTH!
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Matthew 6:27
A little over a year ago I was a witness to a crime while at work. A little over a month ago I received a subpoena to testify as a witness against these two men. Things like this just make me want to crawl in a padded cell and live safely in my soft place. I have been terrified, anxious, worried, etc about walking in the courtroom with many eyes completely on me and having all these people's attention on my answers. Makes me want to have an anxiety attack right now just thinking about it. Guess what else has been going on the past month or so since I received the subpoena? God has been talking to me.
In my mind... a bible verse has kept repeating over and over every time I thought about the upcoming court date.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Hearing this in my mind, I was reminded to pray...and take these fears and anxieties to God and talk to Him about them. Which I did. A LOT! This past Thursday I had to meet with the District Attorney to go over any questions he had and any questions I had. I was told by his secretary that there was a possibility that the guy who's trial was coming the following Tuesday was considering a plea deal. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but I once again took it to God and begged for this to happen. I received a phone call on Friday from this same secretary saying, in deed, he took the plea deal and will be in the care of the justice system for 45 years.....NO TRIAL!
This is not the end of the story. Jason had already arranged to have Wednesday off (this was the day the District Attorney told me I'd be called as a witness). So today....the day that I had feared for over a month, was spent on the bank of the Platte River with him fishing and me relaxing on my comfy lawn chair and bible in hand. We enjoyed a wonderful picnic lunch, driving along the river, stopping in different spots so Jason could fish and I enjoyed reading. This almost didn't happen as another answered prayer came the end of last week as Jason received word that he got the job he had been wanting for months. He thought that his new boss would want him at work, but found out last minute that he would still have the day off.
How did God speak to me? He repeatedly put that verse in my mind and then gently whispered, "I told you the TRUTH." today as we enjoyed the unexpected blessing of spending the day together with no trial to worry about. God really does mean it when He says, "do not be anxious about anything"....Trust in Him, he IS TRUTH!
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Matthew 6:27
Saturday, September 3, 2011
A perfect day?
Today was almost a perfect day. Woke up to coffee brewing (although my filter folded over, thus having coffee grounds in my coffee). The temperature was cooler than normal outside and and we had slept with our windows open. A chilly 67* in the house.
After a few hours of doing my morning "stuff" I headed upstairs to wake the hubby and to take a shower. Then we were off to start the day.
We started by going to Starbucks. I was just going to get my usual, and then decided to ask if they had Pumpkin Spice lattes yet. YES! So I happily left Starbucks with a Skinny PS Latte in one hand and a low fat cinnamon coffee cake in the other. Aw!
We then headed to Parker. Denver is having their Parade of Homes so we had our list of addresses in hand, GPS aka LOLA and headed off to our first house. We spent the next few hours touring a few million dollar homes and the rest were a little less expensive. We got a lot of great decorating ideas that we won't be able to afford until we're 90, got some great exercise walking from our parking spot up the street to the houses and up and down the stairs in each home, and have decided we're pretty happy with the house God has blessed us with. We then took a break from touring homes to take in the Nebraska Husker game at the Fowl Line. For those not familiar with the Fowl Line, it is an awesome sports bar right here in Castle Rock owned by a guy formerly from Burwell, Nebraska. Visit it on Nebraska game day, and you will walk thru the doors to see a sea of RED! If you aren't a Nebraska fan, you might was well find somewhere else to enjoy lunch, dinner or your beer. As if that wasn't a big enough plug for Fowl Line, they have the BEST sesame chicken wings ever! GO BIG RED! (in case you were wondering, the Huskers DID win)
We then decided to visit a few more homes here in Castle Rock that were part of the Parade of Homes.
We are now home and I'm realizing after such an amazing day, how much I love fall.
My top ten reasons why I love Fall:
1. The crispness in the air...and being able to have the windows open
2. As much as I love having my kids home during the summer, it really is nice to have the house to myself during the days after they go back to school.
3. The smells of fall. Pumpkin, apple pie, Cinnamon, etc. I have officially pulled my fall candles out and have two of them burning.
4. PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES from Starbucks. Nuff said!
5. Not a big fan of football, but there's just something about having my family all gathered in the family room and the sound of football on the television. Me curled up under a blanket with a good book.
6. The colors. From the changing colors of the leaves to all the fall decorations. Love them!
7. Fall decor. I do love my fall decorations! There is just something about hay bails and scarecrows.
8. The beginning of a new season. Not just weather, but also a life change. Daily schedules change with kids going back to school, new bible studies are starting, etc.
9. No more shorts. I love sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets.
10. Snuggling under a comfy blanket on a cool fall evening with the windows open.
It is only Sept. 3rd so I do still have a few more weeks of summer. Then I will gladly pack up the shorts and tank tops and enjoy fall as long as God allows it to stick around before the nasty white stuff aka snow starts to fall and ruin my enjoyment of fall.
Until next time, HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!
After a few hours of doing my morning "stuff" I headed upstairs to wake the hubby and to take a shower. Then we were off to start the day.
We started by going to Starbucks. I was just going to get my usual, and then decided to ask if they had Pumpkin Spice lattes yet. YES! So I happily left Starbucks with a Skinny PS Latte in one hand and a low fat cinnamon coffee cake in the other. Aw!
We then headed to Parker. Denver is having their Parade of Homes so we had our list of addresses in hand, GPS aka LOLA and headed off to our first house. We spent the next few hours touring a few million dollar homes and the rest were a little less expensive. We got a lot of great decorating ideas that we won't be able to afford until we're 90, got some great exercise walking from our parking spot up the street to the houses and up and down the stairs in each home, and have decided we're pretty happy with the house God has blessed us with. We then took a break from touring homes to take in the Nebraska Husker game at the Fowl Line. For those not familiar with the Fowl Line, it is an awesome sports bar right here in Castle Rock owned by a guy formerly from Burwell, Nebraska. Visit it on Nebraska game day, and you will walk thru the doors to see a sea of RED! If you aren't a Nebraska fan, you might was well find somewhere else to enjoy lunch, dinner or your beer. As if that wasn't a big enough plug for Fowl Line, they have the BEST sesame chicken wings ever! GO BIG RED! (in case you were wondering, the Huskers DID win)
We then decided to visit a few more homes here in Castle Rock that were part of the Parade of Homes.
We are now home and I'm realizing after such an amazing day, how much I love fall.
My top ten reasons why I love Fall:
1. The crispness in the air...and being able to have the windows open
2. As much as I love having my kids home during the summer, it really is nice to have the house to myself during the days after they go back to school.
3. The smells of fall. Pumpkin, apple pie, Cinnamon, etc. I have officially pulled my fall candles out and have two of them burning.
4. PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES from Starbucks. Nuff said!
5. Not a big fan of football, but there's just something about having my family all gathered in the family room and the sound of football on the television. Me curled up under a blanket with a good book.
6. The colors. From the changing colors of the leaves to all the fall decorations. Love them!
7. Fall decor. I do love my fall decorations! There is just something about hay bails and scarecrows.
8. The beginning of a new season. Not just weather, but also a life change. Daily schedules change with kids going back to school, new bible studies are starting, etc.
9. No more shorts. I love sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets.
10. Snuggling under a comfy blanket on a cool fall evening with the windows open.
It is only Sept. 3rd so I do still have a few more weeks of summer. Then I will gladly pack up the shorts and tank tops and enjoy fall as long as God allows it to stick around before the nasty white stuff aka snow starts to fall and ruin my enjoyment of fall.
Until next time, HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Is It Really August?
"Time flies" or "enjoy every second". I used to get annoyed by adults telling me this all the time. Now I totally understand what they were saying. Did I take the advice of enjoying every second seriously? No, I didn't realize they really meant it, until it was too late.
Today was Back To School day. All three of my kids started school.
One a senior...I got a little teary-eyed when I had him pose by the door with his back pack on. I had to bribe him and as the words left my mouth...it hit me. "this is the last time you'll have to do this". OH WOW! How did this day come?!
My daughter is now a sophomore and my youngest is a fifth grader. Most people my age are sending off their grade schoolers, not high schoolers. But I wouldn't take back a second. As Sam hugged me good-bye for the day he said, "wow, you've gotten skinny." Apparently the kid hasn't paid much attention when hugging me since I lost my weight, which was a year ago this month. LOL Not that I would ever consider myself skinny. Maybe skinnier is the correct way to describe me.
Today I get to spend the day with an old friend. No, she's not old...but she's been a friend for all but about 6 months of my life as a mother. In May of 1994 Jason and I began our married life together and moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, where we met John and Becky. The guys were both in the Air Force and Becky and I were both stay-at-home moms. In fact, Becky was the one with Peyton when she took her first steps. Jason and I had gone out for our anniversary and when we got back to pick up the kids, she told me that Peyton had taken a few steps. I am not angry or sad. I am glad it was Becky!
Now off to get ready for the day...it's 8:30am....I could still be sleeping if it wasn't for school.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Today was Back To School day. All three of my kids started school.
One a senior...I got a little teary-eyed when I had him pose by the door with his back pack on. I had to bribe him and as the words left my mouth...it hit me. "this is the last time you'll have to do this". OH WOW! How did this day come?!
My daughter is now a sophomore and my youngest is a fifth grader. Most people my age are sending off their grade schoolers, not high schoolers. But I wouldn't take back a second. As Sam hugged me good-bye for the day he said, "wow, you've gotten skinny." Apparently the kid hasn't paid much attention when hugging me since I lost my weight, which was a year ago this month. LOL Not that I would ever consider myself skinny. Maybe skinnier is the correct way to describe me.
Today I get to spend the day with an old friend. No, she's not old...but she's been a friend for all but about 6 months of my life as a mother. In May of 1994 Jason and I began our married life together and moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, where we met John and Becky. The guys were both in the Air Force and Becky and I were both stay-at-home moms. In fact, Becky was the one with Peyton when she took her first steps. Jason and I had gone out for our anniversary and when we got back to pick up the kids, she told me that Peyton had taken a few steps. I am not angry or sad. I am glad it was Becky!
Now off to get ready for the day...it's 8:30am....I could still be sleeping if it wasn't for school.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
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