More of Him

Random Wednesday

2010-09-22T13:47:00.000-05:00

Shout out to my little tall sister : Happy Birthday!

Why do babies/toddlers love cell phones and remote controls? But not happy if we give them their own. Loves being like us and doing what we do I guess.

The MN Twins are officially winners of their division of the American League. Yay!

Wearing what toddlers wear would be fun, comfortable, and colorful. Probably conversation starters sometimes too.

I like cool weather better than hot weather. I can put more on but there is only so much I can take off.

Until next time...

Friday's Feast: Popcorn

2010-09-17T14:37:00.000-05:00

I really love popcorn. Especially from a movie theater. I can eat a large bucket if I'm hungry. I guess I haven't actually done this so maybe I just think I can. Probably better I don't try! :)

I made some popcorn in our air popper today. I like lots of butter and salt. However, I kinda overdid it with the butter today. ugghh! If you pick up popcorn from the bottom of the bowl and it is dripping I would say that is a problem. There is 3/4 of the bowl of popcorn left. I think I will pop more to mix with it. Maybe that will help.

Too bad I don't have any m & ms to add to it...that would per-fect it!

But popcorn is a fun thing because everybody likes it. That is probably the only people food we intentionally give a few pieces to our dog. And Emma had some (one of the top ten choking hazards for toddlers) at someone else's house the other day so she is hooked on it too. She does well with it though. Thank the Lord!

Until next time...

Thursday Review: Weight Loss Programs

2010-09-16T14:20:00.002-05:00

I'm not currently on an official weight loss program right now. I have tried many.

Weight Watchers: I tried the point system. It worked great. It was something that I could "see". I was allotted my points according to weight and height. I think I gained points when I exercised too. I liked the weekly weigh-ins and encouraging meetings. The first week family was in town and we ate out almost every day. I looked up the restaurants' menus and calories, etc. I ate disciplined and enjoyed the food. I actually lost weight even though I ate out lots that first week. You can buy their food from the grocery store. I didn't like having to pay for meetings, etc.

Jenny Craig: I loved the food. It was expensive though and could only buy it from them. Plus, you had to buy fresh fruit and vegetables and some snacks. It was nice to have a weekly weigh-in and one-on-one time with a consultant. I lost weight but couldn't keep up with paying for the program and the food.

Adkins Diet: I loved being able to eat a lot of meat, eggs, and fat. And some veggies of course. And water. The first while it was hard not to eat any bread or sugar, etc. but got over it. I lost most of my weight and kept it off from this way of eating. I didn't have chronic heartburn anymore. I had more energy. But things happened in my life that I didn't continue and went back to eating anything.

Recently there was a study that came out that studied people over 20 years. Some on a low fat diet and some on a low carb diet. I think weight loss was the same, keeping it off, etc. But cholesterol was lower in the low carb people in the long run. Did you know that it never has been proven that a low fat diet lowers cholesterol...it is just accepted as fact. And doctors have developed these low carb diets. Interesting.

Everything in moderation I say. Plus, exercise. And lots of prayer.

Until next time...

Random Wednesday: Interesting Words

2010-09-01T11:09:00.005-05:00

Misspelled words I have seen today:

"baught" instead of "bought"

"refraise" instead of "rephrase"

Yes, these were spelled by adults. And I know spelling isn't everyone's strong area. At least they are phonetic!

Until next time...

Tutoring Tuesday: Lose and Loose

2010-07-27T10:27:00.002-05:00

Lose : the "s" makes a "zz" sound. Sample sentence: I think the team is going to lose the game.

Loose: the "s" makes a "s" like in snake sound. Sample sentence: The handle on the door is loose and it might fall off.

Until next time...

Mothering Monday: Diapers

2010-07-27T10:10:00.002-05:00

Diapers are never-ending. Ok, eventually they are. But right now it is a constant.

Before Emma was born we decided to do a combination of cloth diapers and disposables. We bought some used cloth Fuzzi Bunz pocket diapers.

Blake changed most of her diapers right away since I was healing from the c-section. We used disposables for 2 months (can't quite remember how long) before we tried the cloth ones. We used those for about 3 weeks. I am all for cloth diapering. It didn't work out too well for us. We gave up. Maybe it was the convenience of disposables. Maybe because it was taking me longer to heal and we got frustrated with the constant washing, folding, etc. of the diapers. Maybe it was that the used ones were older ones and not as good as newer ones. Maybe it was that Emma's clothes weren't fitting and she looked really weird with these weirdly bulky cloth diapers. Maybe because they leaked a lot and we had to change her and her clothes a lot. Maybe it was that I was tired and she had her first colds and we were first parents. Too overwhelming.

We could have made it work but we didn't. Has there been something in parenting that you wanted to do but "gave up"?

Until next time...

Friday's Feast: Hotdogs

2010-07-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

I really only like hotdogs off the grill, not boiled, etc. I don't like thinking about what is in them either. However I really like the hotdogs from one of our local meat stores (L & M Meats). They are tasty. We like the ones with cheese.

Do you like hotdogs?

Until next time...

Thursday Review: GFAFB Pool

2010-07-23T08:51:00.002-05:00

Emma and I went to the base and went to the toddler and parent time at the gym indoor pool with my sister April. It was just us 3 and the lifeguards. Emma was tentative. She didn't like when I would bounce in the deeper water. Eventually she glided her hand in the water. Then we went to the shallower end and she played with some of the toys.

The pool is exceptional! The water gradually goes from the floor to deeper water. Like a hard floor beach. We could just walk in instead of jump or climb in. The air outside the pool was nice and the water temperature was warm too.

There is an area for laps, and area for volleyball, other games, a little tube slide, other toys and little slides for kids, a ramp for people with disabilities. Chairs outside of the pool. The locker room was awesome too. It had lockers of course with benches, bathroom stalls, baby changing table, nice mats to walk on that didn't harbor water, showers to rinse off with, a machine that you can put your swimsuit in to spin most of the water out, and lots of trash cans and mirrors.

Plus, no fee to use when I am with my sister.

Until next time...

Random Wednesday

2010-07-23T08:45:00.002-05:00

I went shopping with my Aunt Pam at Kohl's. She was very generous with gifts for Emma there. Lots of cute clothes and a couple really fun toys.

My dad mentioned recently that he is more in tuned to things relating with cancer now that he is experiencing it. He mentioned that he just learned that breastfeeding helps the mother decrease her chances of breast cancer. He was glad I was breastfeeding. (Education and support are key to helping a breastfeeding mother succeed.)

My house is a mess. Dishes and laundry don't ever go away.

I miss my baby sometimes when she is sleeping. I love time without her too.

Until next time...

Tutoring Tuesday: Borrow and Lend

2010-07-23T08:43:00.002-05:00

I borrow something from somebody. I lend something to somebody.

Correct: I will lend you my pencil.

Incorrect: I will borrow you my pencil.

Until next time...

Mothering Monday:Teasing

2010-07-19T18:09:00.002-05:00

This morning I gave Emma 4 Cheerios while I was pouring myself a bowl. I usually do not like to give her food while she is walking around but I did. She dropped two and the dog gobbled them right up. Blake and I were in the living room and all of a sudden Emma comes in "running" into the other area of the room giggling. Emmitt right behind her. She thought he was chasing her which is one of her newer games to play with us. In a way he was chasing her. He wanted the two remaining Cheerios. One in each hand. She moved about the room with the floppy-eared one right behind her. Licking at her hands. Sometimes she reached out like she was going to let him eat the round prize. Then take it back. What a tease! Then she would take a bite of a Cheerio and tease him with the other half. People, Emma is only a year old! What do we do about teasing?

I guess it is better than hitting the dog with her board books like she was doing yesterday.

She does respond well to distraction but is very persistent and perseverant. We are not too worried yet but very appreciative of a patient and kind dog.

Until next time...

Friday's Feast: PC's Tangy spinach and pasta salad

2010-07-16T14:19:00.002-05:00

I made this salad at my PC show last night. It was pretty good. The ladies thought they would like to bring it to gatherings.

It had rotini pasta, fresh spinach, chopped chicken, chopped carrot, crumbled bacon, chopped boiled eggs, red onion slices, shredded cheddar cheese, and french salad dressing (we used western salad dressing).

I might try it for a gathering too. It was the first time I used my PC large square bamboo salad bowl and claws. It was beautiful and worked really well.

Until next time...

Thursday Review: DVR

2010-07-16T14:10:00.002-05:00

I love DVR. It is nice to be able to rewind TV. I like pushing pause or record if I need to do something (baby crying, change a diaper, let the dog out) in a middle of a show. I like to record anything and be able to watch it when I want or have time to watch it. Also fast forwarding commercials is nice.

What I don't like is that when there is a tornado or thunderstorm warning or watch it interrupts with black and it interrupts recordings so you lose some of the show. I wish they would just scroll the information.

I like it more than I don't.

Until next time...

Random Wednesday

2010-07-14T08:14:00.002-05:00

Emma got her one-year-old shots yesterday. Why do some delay shots? Why do some not give shots at all? Why do some choose to give shots?

Thunderstorms make kids wake up early. Especially the 8 year-old and 5 yo who spent the night while their mom was at the hospital to have a baby.

I love cereal.

When should we try to have another baby? I wonder when is the best time. If any. Boy or girl? Single or twins? How this pregnancy and birth will go.

We changed our Netflix subscription to one DVD at a time instead of two. We haven't been watching the movies very fast and this will save some money.

I need a nap.

I wonder what Emma will be like as she gets older.

I would like a bigger living room eventually. And a bigger yard.

I want an uninterrupted night's sleep.

Until next time...

Tutoring Tuesday

2010-07-14T08:11:00.002-05:00

A lot (many of something) is two words. a lot, not alot

oops has two "o's". Loops without the "l".

Until next time...

Mothering Monday

2010-07-12T11:41:00.002-05:00

Ok I didn't like the word Mutterings at the end of Monday's title so it is just going to be Mothering Monday.

My thoughts today are about us as Christian parents teaching our children about Christ. How does one teach about Christ and knowing Him more without becoming legalistic and all about rules?

Most parents try their best and that's what one can do. I try to learn from other parents (from my teaching experience, my students' parents, from church, from any other parents) since I am a pretty new parent. I see some parents really focus on how to love others like we as Christians are taught to do. I'm sure that is what most Christian parents want to do. However, I notice that some have focused on the rules that we sometimes take out of Christianity more than loving. The "rules" become the focus instead of Jesus. Of course obeying the Lord and His teachings are of utmost importance because He does know best. My issue is with the "nitpicky" type of things: no awareness of secular music, movies, etc. Maybe being overly sheltered.

I know there is an age or time of maturity to everything and that each kid is different. I hope I'm not going to let Emma watch something that she won't understand even if we talk about it. But I want her to be aware of things at the appropriate time and hope we can teach her to be mature and react and live in a godly way.

How to have the balance between loving others/living for Jesus and doing things because of Jesus and with Jesus instead of it being "a rule" or tradition. I think we need to guard ourselves against that because a lot of kids will grow up hating Christianity because of "stupid rules" that parents have focused on or made up in their perception of something in the Bible.

Lord, help us to show Emma how to love people and spend time with you and do your will for her life. It is about You. Not us. Or us obeying the rules. It is about your will and us obeying that and loving You.

Now that is probably what we should focus on...

Until next time...

Friday's Feast: Cookies and Daisies

2010-07-09T23:34:00.003-05:00

Here are the 2nd red, white, and blue cookies that I made for coffee connection last Sunday. They were pretty fun to make. I made colored sugar the night before so it would dry. They did take a little longer because the rolls needed to be chilled. But I frosted all of Emma's birthday cupcakes during that time. I especially liked cutting it with my new color coated Pampered Chef santoku knife. It made it so easy and nice slices.

Here they are:

I made cupcakes for Emma's 1st birthday. I used some to make a cupcake cake for her to dig into. The rest of the cupcakes I frosted and cut marshmallows up to make up the daisy petals.

Thursday Review: Gerber Food

2010-07-08T22:18:00.003-05:00

I think many have thoughts that food made by Gerber are very healthy and great for babies. Of course through commercials, etc. we are led to believe it. But when I look at the ingredients of jarred food and Gerber graduates puffs and other food I beg to differ. There are so many fillers and things I don't even know what they are. What happened to just food? I want my baby to just have veggies and beef. I don't want the parsley or onion powder in it or whatever else is in it.

Emma has had some jarred baby food however. I don't want her to like processed food but she likes both processed and unprocessed. She likes real sweet potato but doesn't like the Gerber sweet potato flavored snack puffs. There aren't many foods she doesn't like so it is interesting that she likes the real thing instead of the majorly processed item. I am glad.

So, Gerber is not really that healthy.

Until next time...

Random Wednesday

2010-07-07T13:36:00.003-05:00

Today is our 3rd wedding anniversary. Or as some like to say "anniversary of our honeymoon". heh :)

We miss the Crawfords. I was missing them quite a bit before bed last night. Then I had a dream with them in it. Weird and can't remember it but it was nice to see them.

Tutoring Tuesday

2010-07-06T14:23:00.002-05:00

The word "interpret" has 2 "r's". It is not "pet". It is "pret". InterpRet not interpet.

Until next time...

Mother's Monday Mutterings

2010-07-05T17:34:00.003-05:00

My baby girl is about 1. We celebrated yesterday. I started looking at her photobook from when she was born til she was 4 months. I started crying. This thing called motherhood is hard on the heartstrings. I love who she is now. But I miss her itty bitty babyness. You just want to hold on and enjoy every single moment. You do. But then you have to let go little by little. Then the next thing you know...they are moving out. Ok, I know I have many years left with my baby but time goes fast. She will need me less and less. But that is the point I suppose. She is just entrusted to us by God. She is His. He has a purpose for her. I pray that she chooses Jesus.

I've noticed that some women put their whole being into parenting which is great. But then they don't know what to do when their children move out, become adults, get married, etc. I've read a couple different places lately about happiness. One was a mother saying that she can be happy and enjoy her children but it is a great burden on them if she depends on them for her happiness. So, one needs to guard herself against using her children instead of joy in the Lord for the source of her happiness.

Until next time...

Friday's Feast

2010-07-02T10:18:00.004-05:00

I decided to change the name from Feasting Friday to Friday's Feast. If you can come up with something more clever please let me know. :)

We are in charge of coffee connection on Sunday after the church service. I like to call it cookie connection since I don't really drink much coffee. heh :) And that day is July 4. So, I am trying to make festive red, white, and blue cookies without them having to be too difficult. There are lots out there to frost and decorate. But with a little one that is just too time consuming. We are celebrating her first birthday that day too! And I am making her cake/cupcakes. I will post the result of that sometime.

Anyway, I tried some cookies yesterday. The recipe I found seemed easy enough. It was meant for kids to do it. I found that they weren't detailed enough like the butter should be melted even though they didn't say that. Anyway, the point was for the cookie to have a layer each of red, white, and blue and taste good. Here is the result:

Not the prettiest things but taste like a cookie.

I have a 2nd recipe that I will be trying for a different type of red, white, and blue cookie. I will post those results too.

What have you made that is red, white, and blue?

Until next time...

Thursday Review

2010-07-01T11:39:00.003-05:00

This past weekend there was a free trial of a few of the premium channels on cable so I DVR'd a few movies. I am going to review two here.

One was "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" with Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner.

My review: Interesting take on "The Christmas Carol". Three ghosts and all. Instead of Christmas it is McConaughey's character's brother's wedding. It is about McConaughey needing to realize his wrong ways and attitude toward dating, marriage, and love.

Out of 5 stars I give it a 2. I did not like it. It was cheesey and a bit boring. It is the type of movie that I didn't care if I paused it if I left the room for a couple minutes. And I just think McConaughey is not that good of an actor. Jennifer Garner was good in her role though.

I also recorded "Bride Wars" with Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. I give this one a 4 out of 5. Both did great in their roles. They are friends since childhood and still very close. Then they both get engaged. Both wanting the same things. Competition. Their friendship takes some turns. Fun. Cute.

I watched both of these movies by myself. Both pretty chick-flicky.

Until next time...

Random Wednesday

2010-06-30T10:08:00.003-05:00

I have a plan to write on my blog more. I have tons of blog thoughts but don't write them. So, here is the fun new plan.

Monday's Mothering Mutterings: something about motherhood
Tutoring Tuesday: something that I would like to teach others
Random Wednesday: anything, thoughts, pictures, video
Thursday Review: review of a book, movie, tv show, tv commercial, toy, a review of something
Feasting Friday: a recipe, a picture of something we ate/I made, restaurants, something food related

So, this is my first Random Wednesday. I need your help to name Wednesday. I've thought of Random Rambling Wednesday but sometimes I might just post a picture or a video and it won't be rambling. ha!

Well, I am rambling now.

I like facebook.

I like playing family feud on facebook.

God is good all the time. All the time God is good.

I'm so happy tomatoes are growing on my tomato plants.

We are celebrating Emma's 1st birthday on July 4.

I like Norwex.

We overspent on our food budget (used for other things) so we have been trying to use everything in our cupboards and freezer. We are doing good. Feels good to use up what God has given us already and not have to satisfy our immediate want. Feels good to empty things out. Now I can more easily clean the drawers/shelves of the fridge!

My baby is almost 1. My baby...

I hate sadness.

God loves you and me.

Until next time...

Greenish Smoothie

2010-05-20T08:29:00.002-05:00

Today's smoothie I put half a banana, spinach, water and frozen pineapple, banana, mango, and strawberries. A bit too frozen. More slushie-like than a smoothie. Tougher to blend. I could eat it with a spoon instead of drink it but I let it sit for a bit to melt a little. I guess that is what I get for trying to do this without reading how to do it. I don't want to make it more difficult so I'm just trying to keep it basic. Maybe information is power...

It is a little greener in color, but more like a shade of brown.

I wonder if I will feel any of the good effects of getting more fruits and veggies in my body.

Maybe I should exercise more too. Hmmm...

Until next time...

Green Smoothies

2010-05-19T11:14:00.004-05:00

Well, green smoothies seem all the rage with a few of my friends and acquaintances. If you don't know what it is...google it. There is tons of information. Basically it is fruits and greens (spinach, kale, arugala, etc.). There are lots of other things you can add too like flax, carrot juice, etc.

I haven't read a lot about them. The websites that I came upon talked about eating raw. Well, I'm not going to eat everything raw. I like my hamburger well cooked thank you. Actually, I don't think that is what they mean. Or do they? hmmm

There are benefits to eating what God originally made for us to eat (kind of like breastmilk vs. formula for babies - just can't copy God's work). Getting vitamins and minerals from a supplement is good but not exactly how God intended it in the food he created. But I take calcium pills and a multi-vitamin also. So, I think a combination of supplements and real food is good.

I've been wanting and needing to make sure I get at least 5 fruits and vegetables in my diet every day. My thinking is that I will not be hungry for all the junk or additional food that I want to eat. So, I thought I would try a green smoothie for part of my breakfast. I usually eat a big bowl of cereal with some fruit or a bagel with cream cheese.

Yesterday was my first green smoothie. I blended frozen blueberries, a banana, and a hand full of fresh spinach. I thought it was delicious. Although I needed to blend it longer because I wasn't real fond of the flakes of spinach.

Today I blended a banana, a kiwi, and a few frozen blueberries with the hand full of fresh spinach. I added a half a cup of water too. This blended up really nice. It was pretty smooth other than the seeds. I probably need to blend it longer (patience needed). I couldn't tell there was spinach in it though. This one wasn't as tasty as yesterday's but was alright. I also had a small bowl of oat and honey granola. I hope to try making my own granola sometime.

Hmmm...what should I have tomorrow? Variety is key!

Until next time...

There are endless possibilities. But I do have to say that neither of my green smoothies were green. I think the color of the blueberries overpowered every other color.

Trust and Wait

2010-03-16T16:26:00.002-05:00

Trusting and waiting. Are these actions or not? If we were to trust and wait on God...what do we do during this time? Do we do anything? Or do we trust and wait on God to do something? And we go on doing what we do?

One sermon from my college years that I remember the pastor said that we should do our part and God will do his part. We shouldn't try to do God's job. I think there is a fine line between what I should do and what I should leave to God.

Recently, a speaker said that if we worry...we are not trusting God. I'm not God so I shouldn't do His job. He goes before us and prepares a way for His will to come to pass.

This speaker also said that we cannot keep depending on our emotions. Our pastor mentioned recently that we can't blame the way we are on our ethnicity either. Interesting things to ponder. These are all part of us but we can't continue to use them as crutches.

Your thoughts?

Until next time...

My experience breastfeeding

2009-10-19T12:49:00.003-05:00

I just want to say that I am enjoying breastfeeding. I love the great connection between us. I am amazed at how much a little one can grow just from milk from me. It wasn't easy at first especially with all the complications I experienced with the birth and after that. I did waiver and almost gave up and I was one who was determined to MAKE it work out (my pre-baby plan anyway). The nurses were encouraging. But it was my mom who really helped me get through the toughest parts and knew what I needed to do. It was one of the only things that worked out, which is one of the best things to have had work out.

Until next time...

Better pizza

2009-10-11T15:13:00.003-05:00

I love knowing what I am going to make for supper each day. I wrote on a calendar for the month and bought everything.

Here is my first pizza using dough made from scratch. I made a few batches and froze them. I thawed this one out and let it rise. I used a bit too much alfredo sauce though. I would like to make an easy alfredo or white sauce instead of the jar stuff. I used canned chicken and added season-all and diced up some tomato. Of course I topped it off with a few different cheeses. Blake and I like this one. Score!

31

2009-09-25T11:01:00.002-05:00

I love being a mom! It is hard but I love that girl!

Yesterday I was thinking about my birthday coming up. I literally stopped when I realized I am going to be 31. I think that is harder than turning 30. Last year I had fun at the water park for my 30th birthday. I won't be able to say I'm 30. I've come to the point where people say "oh she's in her 30s." ha! Oh well. I love where I'm at in my life. God is good!

Until next time...

Emma's blog

2009-08-03T20:52:00.000-05:00

We had Emma Joy on 7/8/09. You can see her at her blog http://bundleofemmajoy.blogspot.com/

Until next time...

I want pizza

2009-06-25T12:32:00.009-05:00

For most of my pregnancy I haven't been able to eat red sauce or garlic. So, that means no spaghetti, lasagna, or pizza. My whole stomach would feel like it was burning (not heartburn) for about 24 hours or more. Needless to say, I haven't been in a rush to try again. We've had taco pizza a couple times and that was good other than a little heartburn.

So, I tried making a pizza with alfredo a few days ago. I used a whole white wheat pizza dough mix from the Dakota Pride show I went to awhile ago. I put a jar of alfredo sauce, leftover chicken from the whole crockpot chicken, and a few black olives. Then added cheese on top.

Here are some pictures. I wouldn't make the crust so thick next time because it was too soft and was very whole wheat-tasting and maybe add a bit more cheese. Plus, I would make it on my Pampered Chef pizza stone since I forgot about that this time!

Blake has been grilling a lot lately. That has been tasty. Here's a picture of my grillmaster on a hot and windy day!

Until next time...

Big

2009-06-23T11:12:00.003-05:00

Well, I am about 36 weeks pregnant now. I felt well from about 25 weeks til about 30/31 weeks. Now I am just really uncomfortably big. People say I am all baby, so I'm glad I'm not really fat and all baby. I've gained about 20 lbs. prepregnancy. We'll see on Friday at the doctor.

Thank the Lord that I sleep well though! That I can do for most of the night and day! ha! God knew the perfect timing for the pregnancy. I don't know how I would teach right now...not on my own strength that's for sure.

She moves all the time. She's powerful. I call her fiesty! I wish I had written down when I think she turned but one time it was in the middle of the night and my whole belly moved. Now I think she's just running out of room. Her head has been down for a couple months now. Her feet kick the left side of my belly and sometimes that results in her bottom pressing on the right side of my belly at about the same time. That's a real comfy feeling! She'll press her head down too which isn't real pleasant either. I'd rather feel her move than not though. I tend to try to "wake" her if she hasn't moved for awhile. It is such a relief when she finally does. No need to worry.

We have tons of clothes for her. Lots of pink. A few things of yellow, green, purple, blue...I have tried to get bigger sizes now at rummage sales. My mom has come a couple Saturdays to wash all the clothes, bassinet covering, etc. That's been a lot of help. It's hard to go up and down the stairs with swollen/hurting feet and running out of breath.

A couple weeks ago was the first time I had noticeably swollen feet, some blurred vision, and protein in my urine. So, the doctor had me come back in a week instead of 2, but I needed to drink lots of water during that week. When I went back I didn't have anymore edema in my ankles, just normal swelling of my feet, no protein. My blood pressure has always been excellent throughout the pregnancy. So, no preeclampsia, just dehydrated. It seems like an easy solution to just drink lots of water and rest often, but it isn't always. But I'm glad that I can do something to help it.

We attended classes in June. I went to a breastfeeding one. Then both Blake and I went to the child passenger safety class, baby care basics, and childbirth preparation. They were all helpful in some way. I feel as prepared as I can be for breastfeeding. I got an electric pump. I didn't feel I needed the really expensive one since I will be home most of the time and will only use it occassionally. The one I bought, Lansinoh, was on the list the hospital recommended too, so I felt good about that. I even got it on sale for $40 less and free shipping off my Target registry! It'll be interesting. I grew up with breastfeeding, but when it came down to me actually doing it it felt a bit strange to think about it. The first time I tried on a nursing bra in the store I freaked out in the dressing room. It was too strange and I left the store. ha! Now I am looking forward to providing for my baby.

The carseat safety class was good so we know what to do and what not to do to keep the baby safe. The baby care basics was good because she showed lots of pictures of what is normal or okay in a baby. Some of the things I think I would be concerned about but she explained why it is normal. Then we "bathed" a doll.

The childbirth prep. class was good. I knew a lot of it already but it was good to discuss things with Blake as he was learning it. We had to practice breathing techniques while putting a hand in a bag of ice water to symbolize a contraction. I think a focal point and a birthing ball may help me too. We'll see. My plan is to try to do everything natural...take it's course...but I am willing to have an epidural if it comes to that. I do not want to induce with pitocin, absolutely no stadol. There is such a high link of pitocin, to epidural, to c-sections that I want to avoid that as much as possible. But who knows. I am going in with a plan, but things can change quickly if needed. I just don't want to go in there feeling one way and coming out feeling like I failed if it doesn't happen that way. But I have seen births on TV(Baby Story/Birth Day), movies (The Business of Being Born/class video), etc. and see how wonderful it is to do it all natural. God is the deliverer.

All natural...is almost the "new" way of doing things. I think that is strange. Why is the way God intended things the strange, or less used way. I'm thinking in ways of birth and breastfeeding especially. It's interesting. I have learned a new word that I have heard twice now pertaining to natural ways...granola. Example-That lady who makes her own soap and does things all natural is really granola. Some say it negatively, some say it positively. I'm still learning it so I may be using it a bit incorrectly.

I'm not sure if using cloth diapers/wipes is considered granola, but maybe. We plan on using a combination of disposable and cloth diapers and wipes. A friend from church knew someone who was selling her cloth diapers, wipes, etc. and I was able to get them. So, I got several size medium fuzzi bunz. Plus, tons of inserts and cloth wipes. She gave me a very reasonable price and they are in pretty good condition. I was excited to get them.

I'll have to post some pictures soon. I'm getting tired and you're probably getting tired of reading.

So, until next time...

Bacteria

2009-04-01T19:10:00.006-05:00

I title this one "bacteria" because I have had it lately. I had a urinary tract infection (UTI) and strep throat, but not at the same time. Thank the Lord!

At almost 21 weeks I started getting really uncomfortable in my lower abdomen. It was a Monday. I thought it may be round ligaments, but I didn't think I could make it through the pregnancy if I had to be that uncomfortable. I began wearing the belly support belt and stretching. The next day was a snow day and I slept most of the day and was in pain. Round ligaments usually pull when changing positions, etc. I would feel pain or squeezing while I was just sitting or lying there. Blake suggested I should go to the doctor. School was 2 hours late the next day because of the snow clean up. So, Blake took me to the doctor and my class was being taken care of if I was going to be late. Right away Dr. Greek checked the baby's heartbeat and I cried because I was so glad she was ok. He could barely touch my abdomen without it hurting. One of my kidneys was getting tender to touch too. The urinalysis confirmed a UTI. I got an antibiotic and I felt better within 24 hours. That was so painful!

I got done with that antibiotic the next Wednesday and the following Saturday night I started to get a sore throat. The next day it was worsening. Monday I went to school but didn't teach. I went to the doctor and the strep test came back positive. I couldn't talk or swallow my own saliva without it hurting. Sooo painful! I got another antibiotic. I trust the doctors but I still wonder if the antibiotics are safe while pregnant. Anyway, I stayed home Tuesday and we had another snow day on Wednesday. So, I taught 2 days.

In between the two illnesses I had my regular monthly appointment. I met with the resident, Dr. Lantoria, for the first time. He will be fine I think. Dr. Greek pushed on my tummy to help me feel her move. I couldn't even though he said he could feel her move. I hadn't felt her move very much or on a consistant basis.

So far so good this week! It's Wednesday. I feel her move a lot now. She is strong! She surprises me sometimes. I guess I startle her too. One evening my tummy made a loud gurgle and I felt her move on both sides of my tummy. ha! Monday I told Blake that I hadn't felt her move very much that day, but I had been moving and teaching most of the day. So, he rubbed my belly slightly. Well, that's all it took. She began kicking and making my belly move. Blake was able to feel it once too. It's so fun! Our baby!

Today we toured the birthing center and registered all the information they need to know when we come in to have the baby. It is nice to know that we just have to go in and a lot of the stuff is already done. It also makes me a bit nervous about the labor and the pain, but no turning back now! ha! I don't really want to anyway.

The schoolyear is winding down. Since I've been sick and always tired I am looking forward to summer vacation. I am also trying to savor these last 2 months of working in one of the most wonderful places to be. I will miss the staff. I will miss the kids. I keep thinking that I am leaving but I will never leave completely. I would love to help out and support the school in different capacities in the future. Then our kids will go there...through high school if that continues to develop. I wouldn't have them anywhere else.

God is good.

Until next time...

Heartbeat at home

2009-02-21T16:36:00.002-06:00

We met with a UND student for the 2nd time today for the expected mothers program for nursing students. I actually know her from college; ever since being suitemates my first year. It is fun to see Erica again.

She brought the machine to practice hearing the baby's heartbeat. It was fun. We think she, the baby, kept trying to move away from the "microphone". We would hear it and then it would fade and then she'd find it in a different spot. It was funny! She's feisty already!

Until next time...

Ultrasound

2009-02-19T19:04:00.003-06:00

Monday we saw our beautiful little baby on ultrasound. It is one of the most amazing things. One can see the head, face, spine, 4 chambers of the heart, kidneys, bladder, hands, legs/feet kicking, among other things. It was hard to see if it is a boy or girl, but Dr. Greek thinks it's a girl. She kept crossing her ankles, so it was a little hard to tell.

The most important thing is that everything looked good. It did. Praise the Lord!

One of the first still pictures of the baby was a facial shot that we were able to take home. Dr. Greek says he thinks she looks like she's frowning. On the way home I told Blake that of course she was frowning; he woke her up! Then Blake said "she's like her mother in that way." haha It's funny, but so true!

I am 18 weeks now. I continue to feel somewhat better, but not 100% yet. I'm not really feeling her kick yet. Just the rolling/fluttering, etc. sometimes so far.

We've only thought of girl names that we like, so hopefully the doctor isn't wrong! ha He was right with the Crawford kids and 2 of them were girls, so he gets it pretty accurate I think.

It all makes me want to meet her even though she is only about half a pound.

Lord, help this little one grow normally and be safe. Thank you that we can trust you no matter what.

Until next time...

Tired

2009-02-11T20:23:00.005-06:00

Well, I'm feeling better during the day. I am pretty much "done" for the day about 6pm. I am pretty tired then. I need to eat whenever I wake up at night and before I get out of bed in the morning. I can finally stomach saltine crackers.

I've been getting bigger. Blake said that I am walking like a pregnant woman sometimes. He wants to make sure I include that he thinks it is cute! awww!

Monday, we find out if the baby is a boy or girl. I've been leaning toward boy, Blake thinks girl. I really don't know. It would be nice to have a boy as the oldest, but it would be fun to buy pink frilly things for a girl.

I think I might have felt the baby moving on Saturday. It is kind of a rolling, fluttering feeling. It is neat and helps further the bonding. I do want to be certain of feeling it all the time though. All in due time, then too much kicking.

Monday's ultrasound will show me if the baby is alright so I can worry a little less.

I am 17 weeks pregnant.

I plan to breastfeed.

I plan to use a combination of disposable and cloth diapers. I have looked at bum genius and fuzzi bunz cloth diapers online. If you have used both or either, please give me your advice and experiences. Where you recommend buying them would also be helpful. Any other cloth diaper advice is invited as well.

We (the teachers, staff, and kids) were to dress up for school as a Bible character, your hero, what you want to be when you grow up, etc. I didn't really think of anything, so I went as myself. I was a teacher who wants to be a mom. ha!

Until next time...

Heartbeat

2009-01-19T12:18:00.004-06:00

We heard the heartbeat of the baby today...around 145 beats/minute. Everything seems to be going well. The Dr. said I should be able to feel the baby moving in about a month. Yay! Next month we will have an ultrasound. That will be exciting!

I was feeling pretty good this morning.

The other night when I couldn't sleep I started praying which is usually what I tend to do. God lays people on my heart that need prayer or just anything. I was thinking about this baby, our child. I was praying for it's development, etc. But ultimately I was thinking what do I and what does God want for this little person. A lot of parents will say that they just want their kids to be happy and have a good life. I prayed that he or she would grow up to know and live for Christ Jesus as his or her Savior. Of course I want our child to be happy, but more than that I want him or her to know the JOY of fellowship and life with Christ. Now, how does a parent "train up" a child to do this...trusting God to give us wisdom. He is faithful.

Until next time...

Almost 14 weeks pregnant!

2009-01-17T16:32:00.003-06:00

Yes, I am pregnant with our first child. I have pretty much been feeling icky (morning sickness all day) for the past 3 months or since Thanksgiving. We found out Nov. 18 using a home pregnancy test. I have been wanting fruit, fruit, and more fruit (mostly oranges, pineapple, frozen berries, and grapes). I like tacos and sloppy joes too. I've never liked popsicles and sherbet so much! I have had quite a few food aversions. I have lost count how many times I have puked now. Brushing my teeth poses a problem and triggers the gagging. This past week I had 2 days where I felt better. I'm feeling ok today. I'm constantly tired. I do know it could be worse.

Our first appointment with the doctor was Dec. 22. We were almost 10 wks. My uterus is tilted so we couldn't hear the heartbeat, so we were able to see the heart beating 170 beats/minute (good and strong) through ultrasound. We got 3 ultrasound pictures. The length was good.

Also, I kept having a "pain" or uncomfortable feeling on the left side of my abdomen. The doctor first thought it was the round ligament pulling, but further investigation suggested that it was a cyst on my ovary. He said it is normal and will go away. I read further in What to Expect When You Are Expecting. It said that women have corpus luteum develop each month and it sheds after 14 days. Then the woman has her menstrual period. But when a woman gets pregnant it stays there and produces pregnancy hormones, etc. Eventually the placenta takes over and the corpus luteum dissolves. Some don't dissolve right away and form a cyst. This should dissolve too.

I am getting anxious to feel the baby move. I am also curious if it is a boy or a girl. We are going to try to find out and see what it looks like on the ultrasound. That won't be for a little while. After that we will get more serious about choosing a name. I thought of waiting 'til the birth to find out, but would like to be able to plan. Either way we will be surprised...just sooner.

The due date is July 22. I'm glad I should be able to finish the school year if everything goes alright.

I am very excited that I should be able to hit some good rummage sales before the baby is born next Summer. I'll be waddling and hot but finding good deals!

Until next time...

Freecycle

2008-11-15T08:22:00.004-06:00

I have joined the Grand Forks area Freecycle group on Yahoo! People in the area offer items and others can have them. Some also say if there is something they are in need of or want. I think this is an excellent way to get rid of things and blessing people who can use it without throwing it out, giving to thrift shops right away, having a rummage sale, or becoming a packrat. I put a link on the side of this page if you want to check it out or join. Tell me if you already freecycle in your area.

Slow Fade

2008-11-08T18:55:00.005-06:00

"Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking

Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

I heard this song 3 times today which made me think that I need to blog about it!

The following song I sang as a child is part of the above song.

Oh Be Careful Little Ears...

(VS 1) Oh, be careful little ears, what you hear (repeat) For the Father Up above, Is looking down in love, So be careful little ears what you hear.
(VS 2) Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see, (repeat) For the Father up above, is looking down in love, So be careful little eyes What you hear.
(VS 3) Oh, be careful little mouth, what you say, (repeat), For the Father up above, Is looking down in love, So be careful little mouth what you say.
(VS 4) Oh, be careful little hands, what you do (repeat), For the Father up above, Is looking down in love, So be careful little hands What you do
(VS 5) Oh, be careful little feet where you go (repeat) For the Father up above, Is looking down in love, So be careful little feet, Where you go.
(VS 6) Oh, be careful little mind what you think (repeat) For the Father up above, Is looking down in love, So be careful little mind, What you think.
(VS 7) Oh, be careful little heart what you love (repeat) For the Father up above, Is looking down in love, So be careful little heart, What you love.
Actions:
"ears" - point to ears
"eyes" - point to eyes
"Father" - point up
"looking down" - shade eyes
"love" - give self a hug
"hands" - hold out hands
"feet" - march in place
"mouth" - point to mouth
"mind" - point to forehead
"heart" - point to chest

I wonder why we don't sing it with kids much anymore. I think I am going to teach it to my class. It is so important to think about what we see, where we walk, what we hear, what we say, what we think. These things affect all that is who we are and what God does and does not want for his Creation. As the first song says "it is a slow fade" if we don't guard ourselves. I didn't say shelter ourselves from everything but we need to guard ourselves or else things start to crumble and we don't even know it.

I see some Christians who were very on fire for God and slowly fade. They compromise their beliefs and don't even know it sometimes. This is also when "black and white has turned to gray". They form opinions without seeing if it is in line with God's Word. Then eventually they don't even know that they are very far from God and living for themselves. Oh, how we all have to guard ourselves from that by staying in constant prayer, Bible reading, and in step with the Holy Spirit. Lord, help me not to fade.

Until next time...

Rummage Sailing

2008-08-23T15:23:00.010-05:00

I say rummage sailing (instead of saling) because it is very windy out. I decided to wear my pedometer today while I walked around the whole area to check out the rummage sales. I left with $11 and maybe $2 in change. I came back with 4 bags and $6.05 left. Plus, I walked about 8300 steps!

I found a lot of girl and gender neutral onesies for gift-giving or myself one day. I got about 8 pairs of little socks, 1 bib, and one pair of baby girl hand socks. Emmitt was very interested in all the smells that I brought home.

I got some free or cheap items for my prize box at school too. I also got a puzzle, a binder, and 5 "magazine" holders. I am sure I can use them at school for many things.

I got our nieces cute gymnastic (I think) outfits and a sweater. I hope they fit. If not, they were not a lot money.

Until next time...

Love the Mama

2008-08-23T09:21:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I heard a quote from Rebecca St. James (the Christian singer) on the radio. She was talking about her parents and that they read things by James Dobson. He had said one of the most important things a father can do for his children is to love their mother. She agreed that this helped her as a child feel stable.

Oh, I think this is so true. I felt emotional about it when I heard it because I know Blake loves me and will show that whenever we have children. God is so good.

Then I started thinking about my mom and my stepdad. Even through rocky times I knew a little bit then and I certainly know now looking back that my stepdad loves my mom. I see him trying to show her in his own way.

I'm going to go rummage saling in our neighborhood now.

Until next time...

Perfect Rest

2008-08-18T21:40:00.002-05:00

Here is the final step.

Step 7: Perfect Rest of Greater Health God's Way by Stormie Omartian

--Often the reason we don't sleep well at night is because we are not living the way God intended us to live during the day.

--Most healthy people need only seven to nine hours of sleep in every twenty-four-hour period. Both extremes--too much or too little--are unbalanced and are signs that something in the lifestyle needs to be realigned.

--In fact, sleep is more vital than food.

--During sleep food is transformed into tissue. A certain amount of time is needed to do that, and to rid the body of poisons. The cells in your body are repaired and reproduced more rapidly when you are sleeping than when you are awake and all the body functions are going at full speed. That is why there is no substitute for sleep. It actually changes the structure of the blood. There are certain things that need to happen in your body that can only happen during sleep.

--One of the main causes for insomnia is overeating and eating toxin-forming foods.

--When your body is full of toxic wastes, the nerves will be constantly irritated until the wastes have been eliminated. You will not be able to sleep well as long as the nerves are irritated.

--Sleep is natural. God made you to sleep. Don't let yourself be deprived of it. Get to the bottom of what is keeping you from sleeping and take steps to see that it is corrected.

--Most victims of sleeplessness are those whose mental activity is much greater than their physical activity.

--...spending time in the sun aids calcium absorption...If you are not sleeping well at night, plenty of physical activity in the fresh air and sunshine might be the solution.

--Steps to ensure sound sleep:

1. Go to bed early. -The dark hours before midnight are said to give you the most rest and do the most good. God made darkness for rest. It has been proven that the best sleep is obtained during those dark hours.

2. Take mini-breaks during the day and rest totally for ten minutes.

3. Take frequent "breathers."

4. Increase your exercising.

5. Get plenty of fresh air and sunlight.

6. Eat food the way God made it.

7. Take a warm bath to relax.

8. Drink herb teas.

9. Have a body massage or a foot rub.

10. Fast and pray.

11. Take short naps.

12. Keep your sleeping room dark and quiet.

13. Buy a good mattress.

14. See that you have good ventilation.

15. Live in peace.

16. Allow a half an hour to unwind.

17. Have a nighttime ritual.

18. Remember the prayer closet.-...you can't get back to sleep within thirty minutes, it is better to just get up and go talk to the Lord or read the Word than it is to lie awake...

19. Check all of the Seven Steps to Greater Health regularly.

20. Don't wear restrictive clothing.

21. Under no circumstances drink alcohol, coffee, tea, or soft drink and then take tranquilizers or sleeping pills.

--Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. -Exodus 20:8

--Check out to the world and check in with God.

--If we obey this commandment and receive it like the gift that it is, we will have more peace and joy, and experience more fulfillment.

--The ultimate experience of God's rest will be when we have left this world and are with Him in heaven.

--My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.-Exodus 33:14

--In the presence of the Lord will be our true rest.

I am going to bed now...

Until next time...

Periods of Fresh Air and Sunlight

2008-08-08T11:31:00.005-05:00

Let me know if you like the new look of the blog!

Step 6: Periods of Fresh Air and Sunlight from Greater Health God's Way by Stormie Omartian

--Darkness brings death; light brings life.

--Sunlight is a powerful healer, tonic, germ killer, remedial agent, and relaxer, especially when it is used in conjunction with the other seven steps.

--As you become healthier and healthier (living peacefully, eating food the way God made it, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, fasting and praying, and getting good rest), the greater your desire to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

--...there is less oxygen in hot weather than in cold.

--If a person does not get enought fresh air or is a shallow breather, there are certain poisons in the system that do not get out.

--...be out there in them, enjoy them, and breathe in deeply. They are beautiful days that the Lord has made; rejoice and be glad in them.

--Fresh air and sunlight are life giving.

She also talked about wearing breathable clothing and if going outside doesn't come naturally to you, you should schedule it in.

I have realized I'm a shallow breather so I have been trying to breathe deeper a little more each day.

I have really liked this book. I know I cannot change and become totally healthy in one day. It is a process that I look forward to seeing the results in days, weeks, months, years. I would like a godly, healthy life be my way of life so if I have children I can pass that down to them.

Until next time...

Prayer and Fasting

2008-08-04T14:06:00.006-05:00

Here are tidbits from Step 5: Prayer and Fasting of Greater Health God's Way by Stormie Omartian

--Fasting is a discipline that God designed for each one of us to bring us into a greater knowledge of Him, to release us into more fullness and power of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, and to bring us to a point of greater health. Fasting can alter our lives in such a way that we are able to move in new freedom, new closeness to God, and new unity with our fellowmen. I want all those things, don't you? Of course you do!

--Why do we hesitate? I'll give you two reasons: ignorance and fear.

--The mere idea of fasting often elicits responses like "strange," "offbeat," "fanatical." But it should suggest words like obedience, deliverance, wholeness, communion, discipline, and health.

--Matthew 6:16

--We, as believers in Jesus who take seriously the written Word of God, must do our fasting unto the Lord to honor, worship, and glorify Him.

--We get so prideful that we don't want to deny ourselves anything, but the truth is that we are much happier when we do, and so much richer when we do it all to the glory of God.

--He is calling all who are able, to fast and pray. Not just a few, not just the pastors, not just the elders, not just the authors or the teachers, not just men and women over fifty-five, but all adults who acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and abide with HIm in their hearts.

--Even though the motive for fasting must be spiritual and the spiritual results are the most important, the physical benefits are monumental.

--We must always keep the body controlled by the spirit. Fasting is an effective way to do this.

--Self-Control is a fruit of the Spirit. Loss of control is a seed of the flesh, and Satan has a field day with it. Also see 2 Peter 2:19

--...supposed to be a ministry, not a misery.

--Isaiah 58: 6-14

She also lists other benefits of fasting, along with suggestions and guidelines for fasting.

She suggests first starting off missing one meal. Then a 24 hour fast, 36 hour, etc. 24 hour fast once a week. Then a 3 day fast twice a year.

She also suggests reading and preparing for a fast.

I did a 24 hour total or "normal" fast (with water) last week. This may sound weird but it was easier and harder than I thought. I really enjoyed the time with the Lord and depending on Him. Blake was gone so I didn't have food tempting me at all except in my head. I could tell I usually eat when I would not rather be doing dishes, etc. When I would feel this way I knew it was time to spend some time reading the Bible or praying because that was my purpose of fasting. I did a bit of shopping which was a temptation of some sweets at the checkout. I started thinking "I did a little bit that's enough", but I didn't give in. Stormie Omartian did say if you fast for part of a day and your motive and time with the Lord was right, that is all that matters. It's not about just abstaining from food.

I tell you this just to explain my experience and attempt to glorify God.

Anyway,

I have been eating better I think. It hasn't been a huge problem since we don't have much junk in the house and I've been buying tons of fruits and vegetables. For dessert today I had a couple pitted dates. They are so sweet. I cannot eat too many of them or I get a bit bloated. Cucumbers and blueberries have been good too.

I also did one of Denise Austin's Fit and Lite that we DVR'd in March. I really enjoyed it. It combines a bit of stretching, yoga, cardio., all in a half hour (including commercials). I have found 2 days that I like so far 3/4 and 3/6/08. We also walked the dog to and from Jill's last night.

I really like Denise Austin's workouts. I found one of hers for women who are pregnant at a thrift store for $1.50. I thought I'd try it out the other day. I did alright, but I'm not even pregnant. I think it would be a bit tough if you started the workout after you get pregnant. It was kind of funny seeing 3 pregnant ladies working out in leotards. It was from 1990! ha! (She was pregnant with her first child.)

Our new neighbors are moving in. I'm not sure what they do. The one guy I met just graduated from college I think (law). He will have a roommate. Then next year his younger brother will move in also. I hope they aren't loud partiers. It would be great to have good neighbors. The old ones were good. They just outgrew the house and yard. They had lots of vehicles, boats, kids, etc.

I hope we can be a blessing to our new neighbors.

Until next time...

Dog bath

2008-08-03T18:07:00.004-05:00

A couple of days ago I gave the dog a bath. Yes, all by myself. Usually Blake gives him a bath but I wanted to clean the bathtub/shower and Blake was at work. He usually has to carry him into the bathtub and Emmitt is fine after that. So, I got the stuff ready...towel, dog shampoo, glass to pour water with...in the bathroom.

I called Emmitt upstairs and he saw the stuff and ran downstairs. Great! I wanted it to be a good experience with treats, etc. So, I lured him with cheerios, but he didn't go too far with those. Then I got the dog biscuits, broke them up, and put a trail up the stairs into the bathroom. He ate them all, got the one in the bathroom, I tried to shut the door and he ran downstairs! AWWW! I tried just pushing him upstairs. He's about 35 pounds, so I can't carry him. Plus, he puts all his weight down so it's even harder to lift him. I put him outside because he knew I was getting frustrated. Later, I invited him in but he didn't want to...thinking I was trying to give him a bath. I got him in and later I put his harness and leash on that we walk him with and dragged him into the bathroom. I did not want to do it that way, but now I had him in the room I wanted him in.

Now in the room, I dragged, fought, tried to lift him into the bath. I'm sweating so much by now. I felt that I needed another shower. Finally I got him in there. He was fine while I put shampoo on him and scrubbed him. I put some treats on the ledge of the bathtub but he wouldn't go near them. It was like he was saying "you can't make me eat a treat" even though you got me in the bathtub. I turned my head and he ate it all. Silly dog! I dried him off and brushed him outside and gave him another treat.

I don't think I'll do that often. I got so frustrated and sweaty chasing the dog again. Now he is clean and content.

Life with a dog...I gotta go give my dog a hug.

Until next time...

Plenty of Water

2008-07-30T20:29:00.003-05:00

I just realized that all 7 steps of Stormie Omartian's Greater Health God's Way start with a "P". I think she planned it that way.

Here is Step 4: Plenty of Water

--If water remained in the body there would be no great need for a continual supply.

--We need water to replace what has been lost, and water to flush out the body. Without it, certain toxic wastes will not get out.

--Toxic waste products are eliminated from the body through four major organs: skin (perspiration), lungs (exhalation), kidneys (urine), and bowels (solid body wastes). (The average person loses about three quarts of water a day just through these natural processes.)

--...are you drinking sixty-four ounces of fresh, pure water every day?

--...water is the perfect drink.

--Can you believe that more than a pound of waste is eliminated through the skin daily? That's about one-third of all the body's impurities.

She suggests using a dry brush before a shower and a loofa in the shower.

She also suggests getting a water purifier.

Basically, I am trying to drink more water than I usually do.

Anyway...

Blake is home. I am happy.

I got my monthly therapeutic massage. I can move again. I need to do more stretching on a regular basis.

We ate Red Pepper. It was good. We have fudge sundaes from McD's to eat too. You see, I am a good cook.

Blake loves Cheers. He's been DVRing them and we have been enjoying them.

I gotta go drink some water.

Until next time...

Proper Exercise

2008-07-29T22:39:00.005-05:00

Step 3: Proper Exercise from Stormie Omartian's book Greater Health God's Way

--Nutrition specialists say that three things shorten people's lives: too much stress, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise.

--You must know that you were not made to do nothing.

--All exercise helps the body to do three extremely important things: eliminate poisons, increase circulation, and strengthen muscles.

--You have to have a plan.

--Schedule your exercise time. Which times you choose are not important as long as they are consistent and regular.

--The abdominal muscles are the most difficult to firm and will be the last ones to get into shape on an out-0f-shape person just beginning an exercise program. So do not look at your tummy every day...

--As for exercise, Jesus was a walker.

--...plan social events around some kind of physical activity.

--...everything you do counts.

--There will be many times when you won't feel like getting up to do something, but you'll always be glad you did.

Then she lists 40 good reasons to exercise.

Anyway...

It was quite the storm last night! Our streets flooded, so I brought the garbage in during the downpour. Yes, the same garbage I had the whole dog-running-away fiasco for. I got my shower! ha! I was glad to see it was all dried up this morning.

I walked the dog this morning when it was still cool.

I went shopping today at the Christian bookstore and got a cross with grapes and a verse to put up in the kitchen. Then I went to Wal-mart, Target, and Best Buy. None of them had what I want to get Blake for his birthday. It is available online, but I don't have time to order it. Maybe I could get it for him for Christmas. I did purchase a few things for his birthday though.

Emmitt is missing Blake a lot. He keeps looking for him.

I have kind of a hard time when Blake isn't home at night. I miss him.

I am enjoying my time by myself too. I've been kind of relaxed and the tv hasn't been on much. The quiet is nice.

Blake should be coming home tomorrow evening. I'm looking forward to seeing him.

Until next time...

I ran

2008-07-28T23:13:00.003-05:00

Yes, I had to run today. Anybody who knows me knows I don't run if I don't have to. Blake is gone on the guys trip to the cities. I got home from the baby shower tonight after 9pm. I decided to put the garbage out when I got home. I let Emmitt out and thought he could be in the garage with me for that few minutes instead of barking at the door for me. I was almost done and he decided to run away. Yes, without a collar. This made me run after him which made him run farther and faster across the street. Then to the next street. A girl on her cell phone tried to stop him, but he caught onto that trick. I'm running in my sandals trying to figure out what to do. I'm yelling and calling. Several guys were talking by a vehicle and they barely blinked at my struggle to get my dog. One was on crutches, but I thought one of them could carry or drive him home for me if I caught him. Catching him was still the first problem. I thought maybe I could just keep chasing him all the way home, which would be tricky. I just kept calling to God for help.

We turned the corner and a lady and her 2 kids were on their front step. He loves kids so he went there right away. They had a leash that I borrowed. While the girl went to get it Emmitt kept barking at the cats he could see in their house. It was his high pitched in pain sounding type of bark. We get the leash on and we walked home. He knew I was upset.

I put him in the house and drove the leash back to return it. I was so sweaty since 1. I don't usually run and 2. it is very humid due to a storm that is happening now. Did I say I was really upset? Did I mention I needed to use the bathroom before I got home the first time? I got home again and he knew I was upset and he laid on his living room bed for a bit, which is not real common for him. Now he is on the couch with no care in the world. I was just so thankful that when Blake called I could tell him a good ending instead of a lost dog, run over dog, whatever. God is so good.

Anyway, I am amazed at how much I miss my husband while he is gone. I enjoy my alone time, but I enjoy being with my husband too. He is so good to me. I am so thankful that God gave me him. It's amazing how I grow more in love with him every day.

There's a thunderstorm right now. I usually sleep pretty well during storms unless thunder wakes me up, but that's ok.

I think I would like to buy Blake's birthday gifts tomorrow too. I'm excited because I actually thought of something that I know he will like.

I'll have to write about step 3 of the book tomorrow. I'm getting tired.

Until next time...

Berries

2008-07-26T14:43:00.003-05:00

Yum! We've been eating a lot of blueberries lately. We had them on waffles Blake made for the kids and everyone.

Jill and I went to the farmer's market today. I got a couple things of juneberries. I hope they are good. I also got cucumbers and peas.

Until next time...

Pure Food

2008-07-25T10:13:00.011-05:00

I took the dog for a 24 minute walk. Then I watered my little garden. It all added up to about 30 minutes. All activity counts and adds up.

I had a delicious peach with plain yogurt for breakfast.

From My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers, July 25: "The Sermon on the Mount is not a set of rules and regulations: it is a statement of the life we will live when the Holy Spirit is getting His way with us."

I took this picture of a boat "Calm Down" on our trip to the coast of Maine.

I was thinking about peaceful living...

Beth Moore talked about that everybody has somebody who brings the worst out in you. These people are in our lives to bring it to the surface and for us to work through it. For me, unfortunately, it is my mom. I think sometimes my students bring up things in me too. Both bring up frustration, impatience, expectations that I have for them that they may not be living up to, etc. These are people I care about a lot. I need to work through this so that we may have positive times together and loving times together. I know it isn't all the time, but like with anyone, buttons get pushed every once in awhile. I need to react in a godly way.

School is starting in less than a month. I organized some things in my classroom yesterday. I think I am ready to have a regular routine and purpose again. I'm not looking forward to winter. I am looking forward to spending time with students again. There is excitement and nervousness that comes with a new school year...new students, new curriculum, etc.

There were so many things in step 2 of Greater Health God's Way, so I will just try to pinpoint a few.

Step 2: Pure Food

--We are sick and overweight because we eat more refined food than we do natural pure food.

--Natural foods, the way God made them or as close as possible to the way He made them, promote health, strength, endurance, and life. Processed foods promote disease and death.

--Genesis 1:29, 9:3

--When you eat refined, processed, devitalized foods, your body is not nourished and you don't feel satisfied, so you overeat to make up for it.

--Everything is permissible--but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible--but not everything is constructive. -1 Corinthians 10:23

--Every three months we get a new bloodstream, every eleven months each cell in our body has been renewed, and every two years we get a new bone structure.

--We were created to be alive until we die, not dying the whole time we're alive.

--It's what we do every day that determines whether we will be healthy or sick.

--What we really need is less food, better quality food, and simpler food than we tend to eat now.
--Don't let weight loss be your concern at first, let it be good health. Be patient. Take it a step and a day at a time.

--Don't plan for failure.

--Do not think that eating god's way is restrictive. It isn't. His laws are never restrictive--they are releasing. They are there to give us a more fulfilling life.

--Above all, let your main reason for losing weight be to have a long, healthy life of service to the Lord.

--You have 260 trainable taste buds. Eating habits are learned and you can teach yourself to eat any way you want.

--...just keep it simple.

--Don't feel you have to clean your plate because of all the starving children in India. They aren't going to feel any better if you're overweight. (fast and pray or send money)

--Overeating is never good--not even on special occasions. Have a calmness about food, not a desperate greediness.

--When choosing food always ask yourself, "Is this man-made or God-made?"

There is much more about foods to avoid and foods to eat, etc. Good stuff.

Calm down, keep it simple.

Until next time...

Peaceful Living

2008-07-24T19:23:00.005-05:00

I haven't been wearing my pedometer, but I think I will during the school year.

Greater Health God's Way: 7 steps to inner and outer beauty by Stormie Omartian is the book study we girls are doing this summer.

The book is from 1996 so some of it probably could stand to be updated, but other than that most of her advice, Bible references, and guidelines are good.

I will include a few quotes from the book that I thought would be helpful as I try to be healthier.

Step 1: Peaceful Living
--We can't control all stress, but we can control how we react to it, and we can strengthen our bodies to cope with it.

--Stress comes from four main sources: Environment, poor diet, lack of exercise, and your attitude.

--In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. -Psalm 5:3

--Time alone with God is vital to our health. Do not neglect it.

--...a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. -Isaiah 61:3

--This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. -Psalm 118:24

--It is very unhealthy to be thinking of ourselves all the time. Focusing inward too much leads to mental problems. Focusing everything outward to God is a wonderful, positive way to bring about mental health.

--Always remember that whatever goes into your mind stays there--you have it filed in your memory forever, and although you may forget it for a time, it is still a part of you.

--Crying is also good for you sometimes. Jesus cried, and there has never been a more perfect man.

--It's God's job to judge and sentence because He's the only one who knows the whole story.

--Remember that forgiving someone doesn't make them right, it makes you free.

--...in quietness and trust is your strength. -Isaiah 30:15
+When you hurry through life there is a wonderful quality of living you miss altogether. A certain depth of communication with the Lord is also lost.

--Let the word SIMPLICITY be always in your mind as you make your choices each day.

--We always have two options in everything we do: we can make choices for life or choices for death. Which will you choose?

Lord, help me make choices for life.

Until next time...

What to do on Summer Vacation

2008-05-27T16:46:00.002-05:00

As I look at my last post about the next vacation...now I'm on summer vacation. What to do? What do I want to do? What should I do? What are my goals for the summer?

We had both my sisters and their husbands and nephew over last night for a grill out. We played Zobmondo (Would you rather?). We had a good time. Hopefully everyone else did too. Caden wasn't feeling real well though. He had a fever. Poor baby...

Jonathan graduated from HS on Sunday. Now we're all done with HS.

Monday I have my yearly health exam.

I love my husband.

My dog is a sweety.

Hancock with Will Smith looks like a dumb movie.

I don't like how much gas costs right now. $3.98

I like the show The Office. Will Jim propose already?!

I've been wearing a pedometer since January. I was amazed that I didn't take as many steps at school as I thought. I guess I stand more than walk at school. I did add more steps during my teaching and at recess, etc. My goal of an average of 6500 steps per day for the month of May is going alright. I have been adding 500 steps/day as a goal each month, but I think for June I will have a goal of 7500 steps per day. I should be able to do it. It would be great to get 10,000 per day as a normal day, but one step at a time...ha

Until next time...

When is the next vacation?

2008-01-02T19:37:00.000-06:00

It is interesting to check out when the next vacation is when one is returning back to work from a vacation. Don't get me wrong. I was very excited to see my students today. I was glad that all of them were back and well. I'm glad to be getting back into a routine again. I was just not excited to get up early again or have to think about planning.

So, what would I rather be doing? I would probably just sit on the couch "watching" sports with Blake and/or be online or watch a movie or read a book. I would like to think that I would organize the basement or my closet and clean the house, but I'm just not that ambitious all the time. I would also like to think that I would volunteer somewhere and visit with older folks at a nursing home or something. But I am lazy. Laziness is not something that God wants for me, but it seems that that is what I am always tempted to be. So, I guess a goal for this year is to be less lazy.

Even one of my students knows by saying today that we make "resolutions" to change during the year "to be a better person." An 8 year old knows this. I know this. Knowing and doing are 2 different things, but knowing is a step in the right direction.

Less Laziness=LL

Until next time...

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T21:54:00.000-06:00

I'm sure that's how many blogs are titled today.

2008 will be great!

I'm reading Ruby by Lauraine Snelling.

Emmitt and Blake are sitting beside me.

I like to watch The Office.

I go back to work tomorrow and I am not prepared.

I'm not making a resolution to write in this blog more.

I am hoping to:

read the Bible more
pray more
exercise more
clean more
eat healthier

We'll see in December 2008 how it all pans out.

Until next time...

Marriage

2007-08-06T21:32:00.000-05:00

Blake and I are very happily married and tomorrow it will be one month since our wedding. It is good. I'm thinking of making a cake!

Until next time...

God's power

2007-03-19T00:08:00.000-05:00

It's amazing when I start leaning on my own strength the enemy tries to bring me down. Doubts begin...I ask God to show me his power. Then amazing things happen so there is no doubt it is God showing His power.

Until next time...

The excitement begins...

2007-01-15T01:30:00.000-06:00

...because Blake asked me to marry him and I said "of course". January 14, 2007 he gave me a gorgeous ring, he said the sweetest things and he loves me. It was perfect. If you want the whole story you'll have to just ask me.

We're thinking 7/7/07. Cool huh!?!

As you can see I'm staying up pretty late. There is no school tomorrow but I am tired.

Until next time...

End of an era...

2007-01-07T22:29:00.000-06:00

That's what my dad said when I told him that my grandma (my mom's stepmother) died today. She was 72. She fought this cancer hard. She was a classy, hard-working, and giving woman who will be greatly missed.

It's still not real to me yet. The funeral will be Friday. I will have to prepare my first substitute plans. Death is a hard concept. One minute you're here and not the next. I saw her yesterday and told her I loved her even though she couldn't respond. She was the head of this family ever since Grandpa died a little over 5 years ago. They both will always be missed. It's hard not to cry.

I got another student...another boy. Now I have 10 boys and 4 girls. He's really respectful and bright, but still an active normal 2nd grader. I think he is a nice addition to the class.

Baseball and I looked at engagement rings and are talking pretty seriously about things...stay tuned. I can't imagine why I deserve this wonderful man. I just hope that I can be the woman that he deserves.

I guess with everything, one just needs to keep trusting the Lord and being still in His presence for guidance. He is the creator of everything good and He has chosen to love me.

Until next time...

So, it's been awhile...

2006-10-20T12:55:00.002-05:00

Yes, I've been teaching. I have 13 shorter-than-me blessings: 9 boys, 4 girls. Busy class. They hired the Kindergarten paraprofessional to be mostly in my 2nd grade classroom now. She's only been in my class 2 days so far but I think we will work out together great. She was hired because there are several children in my class who have behavioral issues, needs, etc.. I love and enjoy each child and all of their personalities, silliness, loving hearts, and needs.

I've been sick for several of the 8 weeks of teaching, so that has been frustrating.

I got a new -to-me car. My old one was unsafe and would have cost more to fix than it was worth. So, I got a 2005 Ford Focus. Yes, it is blue. I love it! It also has a 6 CD disc changer. That would be fun on a roadtrip.

We had parent/teacher conferences early October. I enjoyed meeting with the parents. It's great to be in a Christian school and partner with parents. Now I am home today because we had 3 days off for teacher convention. We did not go but we had 2 days of meetings, etc. at the school instead.

I am on the 3rd book of the Return to Red River series by Lauraine Snelling. I'm love those characters. It is fun to discuss the books with J. since she is reading them also. She's almost caught up with me now!

Baseball took me to a nice restaurant and dressed up (tie too) for my birthday. Yes, I turned the big 28. Now I am officially getting old.

My older sister R is getting married to R in Hawaii on Oct. 21. We are going to celebrate it when they are here for Christmas. She is also going to have the first grandchild in June 2007. She is also receiving 2 stepsons who are 18 and 19 years old, so I guess those would be the first grandchildren. She's busy with work, wedding, and morning sickness.

Until next time...

I am a teacher.

2006-07-25T15:21:00.000-05:00

If you are reading this you are one of the first to find out that I got the Christian school teaching job. The principal called me today. I will be teaching 2nd grade.

*Thank you my Lord, my Father in heaven. The guider of my life. My everything.*

I will not put my 2 weeks in until I sign my contract tomorrow. After I get done with work here tomorrow I am going there to sign it. Then the next day I will inform my boss.

I am so excited! I will use my degree again. I will also be teaching Baseball's sister's son. This is going to be amazing!

Until next time...

Walk the right path

2006-07-17T08:33:00.000-05:00

Nifty and I went for a walk about 6:30 this morning. It was nice and cool then. We hope to get started a bit earlier than that. I think we can do it. We might have to walk separately to get the full benefit from it each of us needs though.

We rearranged the living room area. Since we don't have cable, we aren't dictated by the TV location. We get fewer stations with the rabbit ears now, but she's not watching any TV and I'm not watching as much. It is nice to play some CDs in the DVD player though. It feels much more homey and open (into the dining area) the way it is now too.

I read Nahum. Usually God showed his wrath in the old testament and then showed mercy. This time to Nineveh he didn't show any mercy. He had during the whole Jonah ordeal and the people had changed their cruel ways. But they went back to their evil, cruel ways. This time God didn't show any mercy. I found it interesting and humbling. But that was the old convenant. God is a loving and merciful God. *Thank you Jesus.* Biblical discussion on this is invited...

Until next time...

Still waiting...that's life

2006-07-13T14:04:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been thinking about life a lot lately while I am waiting to see if I get this teaching position. There are lots of things I'd like to do. I don't want to just float through life. I want to live "on purpose." The following are thoughts of what I may like to do/accomplish someday in no particular order.

Go back to London.
Do missions (short term/long term)
Get married to the one for me
Have children (2 or 3)
Get a masters degree
Get another bachelor's degree (Social Work/English)
Go on a cruise (Christian one)
Teach at a Christian School
Teach at a small ND school
Own my own business (crafts/baking)
Wherever I am show people Jesus
Read the Bible every day
Go to Boston/Maine to see family
Go to New York to see David Letterman
Go to a Faith Hill/Tim McGraw concert
Buy a hybrid car
Wherever I am follow the Lord's leading
Enjoy and love people
Be a public speaker on something I am passionate about
Get published
Travel often
Get a Pulitzer (just kidding, but I do want a Nobel Prize, just kidding)
Sell stuff on eBay
Dress nice
Be my goal weight
Play tennis
Cross Country ski
Buy a PS2 and do Dance Dance Revolution
Work hard at my job
Be encouraging to anyone I come in contact with
Go to Hawaii
Be a photographer
Be the woman God wants me to be

Until next time...

Waiting...

2006-06-28T10:41:00.001-05:00

I don't think the interview went that well. Since I am not an experienced teacher I do not have as much stuff to grasp from for examples. Like classroom management...I can say what I think I would do, but is it good enough?! I really wanted this, but we'll have to see. If I don't get it I guess there must be a reason or something else. The position would be the 2nd grade teacher since the 4th grade is only half time.

Nifty got up early and made me eggs, toast, bacon, fresh fruit for breakfast. That was good and nice.

Until next time...

Interview

2006-06-26T10:38:00.001-05:00

Just to let you know...I have an interview at the Christian school Wednesday morning. She (the principal) called me a bit ago. I usually have my phone on vibrate at work and I don't hear it, but I left it on today. I am so excited and a bit nervous. Please pray that I will be prepared and that I will have favor with them if that is where I am supposed to be. Thanks.

Until next time...

Allergies

2006-06-26T10:38:00.000-05:00

Oh, I don't think I can have the windows open anymore or be outside at all. We had the windows open all day and night. Nifty and I went for a walk last night to the grocery store. I don't feel well today. My nose is stuffy, my head is cloudy, and my throat is hurting. I think it is time to try some allergy medicine.

I am so glad I am done with class.

Being an emotional girl is hard sometimes. One can be so misunderstood. When what is needed is just a hug.

Now I don't have an application to do or homework. What will I do now? I am doing more nursery stuff at church and plan to do more with the church library. I even got a key so I can work whenever I want.

Nifty and I plan not to watch TV anymore. I may watch the news and movies though. It is exciting to think what can be accomplished without spending time in front of the TV.

Enjoy the people around you.

Until next time...

B

2006-06-23T13:57:00.002-05:00

I had an A going into the final. I must have done really bad. I got a B in the class. Disappointing...

Summer is here

2006-06-23T13:57:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!

Now it is officially Summer. I know it was a couple of days ago, but for myself it starts today because I had my last day of class yesterday. Woohoo! I'm glad that I took the class but I am also very relieved that it is over. Grammar for 2 hours a day, 4 days a week for 6 weeks is a little intense. Yes, believe it or not, I am a little sick of grammar.

I haven't heard anything from the Christian school yet. I can be patient.

There's a lady at work who is in her 30s and found out that she has lymphoma. There is also a guy at work who just found out he has pancreatic cancer. The library staff has really been hard hit just since I started here in fall 2004. There have been lots of parents of staff (around 6 or 7) who have passed away. Three people have moved or retired. Now these 2 are seriously ill. The library staff needs prayer. Thank you.

Last night N (Nifty) and 3 of her co-workers, and I went frisbee golfing (frolfing!). We had actual frisbees instead of the frisbee golfing frisbees so it was a little more difficult I think. Needless to say we had to let people behind us go ahead of us. I got the highest score. If you know anything about golf one wants to get the lowest score! ha! It was fun. Nifty and I rode our bikes there too! On the way we saw a little band concert by a heritage museum. That was neat too.

Nifty's sister has stayed with us a little bit. That's been fun too. She's off visiting her oldest sister and her roommate from Alaska. I can't remember when she is coming back. So K if you are reading this...let us know so Nifty can pick you up at the airport on the right day and time. ha!

The Funky Bunch (Baseball's sister, her husband, and kids) is gone to Missionary Associate training in Missouri. They'll be gone for about a month. We miss them. J's been emailing and updating us on the kids and what they are all doing. It sounds like they are doing alright. It's awesome to see them follow the Lord's leading in this even if I don't want them to leave. They will be moving to Russia within a few months.

My friend L's (roommate in college, Europe trip...) husband's father died of a heart attack on June 2. He was 57. So, R and L are selling their house and moving up there to farm and progress on starting his carpentry/construction business. We will miss them tremendously. L will be able to be home with her 2 little boys instead of working, so that will be a wonderful part of this situation.

My brother JC cut his hair. He can put his hair into a mohawk now. It is quite interesting. I've only seen the pictures. I saw him with it down. I bet it is cooler for the summer. He helped with VBS again this year. I think he enjoys that.

Enjoy life wherever you are.

Until next time...

Memorial Day Weekend

2006-05-31T10:52:00.000-05:00

The weather was sure nice for Memorial Day weekend. I stayed inside and kept cool most of the time. Did you really expect me to go outside? My handsome man grilled a couple times for us. Yummy.

I had my first test for my class yesterday. I think I did ok. I couldn't remember some things though. *UPDATE* I got a 91/A-. So I did better than I thought but not as good as I wanted.

I handed in my teacher's application to the Christian school on Friday. Career services is probably sending my credential file there today. I had requested a current transcript be sent to be included in the file, but I am having them send the credential file with the old one. The "transcript maker" is quite busy right now. I talked to the registrar and my degree hadn't transferred from the old computer system to the new one. I thought this was quite hilarious *sarcasm*. They are going to fix that so my transcript will say that I have a degree. So, if you graduated from any college in North Dakota I think you might want to check to see if everything is right. Anyway, now as one of my co-workers (L) said about my teacher's application...It is time to let go and let God. So, now I'll just have to wait to see if I get an interview.

Grandma went to Mayo Clinic again. She has more lung cancer. This time it is inoperable because it is by the esophagus and, I think, the lymph nodes. They probably are going to do chemo. and radiation. She should be coming home Thursday. She had chemo at the beginning of this year as a preventative measure. I guess it didn't do it. She moved into a new place right before she left, so she won't have to do that now.

I have my roommate back and probably getting another one today.

Until next time...

Wooo!

2006-05-25T08:52:00.000-05:00

Wooo! Taylor Hicks won American Idol. I'm glad. I tried to vote Tuesday night many times and I couldn't get through, so I figured he was getting lots of votes. There was a total of around 63 million votes. I think I would buy his album.

Well, Toad mentioned to me that Conjunction Junction was not a show but it was part of Schoolhouse Rock. Yes, he is correct. Although, I did not say that it was a show. I said it was on TV. Schoolhouse Rock (which wasn't a show either) was fun. Remember the one about the bill?

Until next time...

17 and roommateless

2006-05-23T16:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was weigh day: now a total of 17 lbs. lost. Woohoo! I celebrated by eating 2 ice cream sandwiches. ha!

It is 90 degrees out today. I may need to turn the air on!

Two more episodes of American Idol left. I am voting for Taylor tonight many times even though I haven't heard him sing yet. Tomorrow he shall be crowned American Idol. It will be interesting to see if either he or Katharine wins. I pinned her to win a few weeks ago but I hope I am wrong.

It is weird being roommateless. She is gone for work from this past Saturday until this coming Friday.

My aunt J is coming over tonight to get her hair done by me...don't let her know that I told you that it's to color it!

Baseball is coming over to watch American Idol too.

I did Denise Austin's video shortcuts for the lower body last night. I felt it a little today even though it was just 10 minutes, but it is very concentrated on the legs. I hope to start doing that 3 times a week.

We learned about conjunctions today in class. Remember Conjunction Junction on TV on Saturday mornings? Conjunction junction what's your function? The coordinating conjunctions are FANBOY: for, and, not, but, or, yet. Isn't that interesting?!?!

Until next time...

Sneezing

2006-05-19T15:31:00.000-05:00

Oh, I've been sneezing a lot today. It started last night. I don't know why.

I hope to finish my application this weekend.

I also hope to get the apartment organized. I'm making some progress with the kitchen I think. It's not that difficult to put dishes in the dishwasher after one uses them. I made a clean/dirty sign on the outside so one knows that if it says dirty...put your dirty dish in there.

Anyway, our microwave went out last night, so we'll need to get a new one. It had a good run. It was a used one from L and R, which was used before they had it. So, I might look at rummage sales or just buy a cheap one from Wal-mart of Target. What am I supposed to do with the old one? Can I just throw it away or do I have to bring it to a specific place?

I've sneezed 2 or 3 times just during the time it took to write this.

There's a new bakery in town. It opened about 2 weeks ago. All of their breads, etc. are made from wheat, honey, sugar, etc. from around here. It's going to be yummy. They have french baguettes too. The only thing that I've tried here that has come somewhat close to the bread I liked in France is the Jimmy John's sandwiches bread. Delicious! I may have forgotten what the real stuff tastes like since it's been almost (July 2006) 10 years since I went to Europe.

Can't eat too much of it though. I did some emotional eating last night. I hope I do better this weekend.

Take care.

Until next time...

...

2006-05-19T08:32:00.000-05:00

Well, I didn't get together with my grandma and my aunt last night. P wasn't going to get here until 9pm. I didn't hear my phone because I had it on vibrate and by the time I figured that I had a message my sister and grandma were at a restaurant. Oh well.

I guess it wasn't rainy yesterday. It is really nice today.

N got the job, so she'll have new responsibilities starting in July.

It is Friday...no class.

Until next time...

Elliott

2006-05-18T11:36:00.000-05:00

Elliott Yamin is off of American Idol. I called it although I think it would have been great to have him and Taylor as the last 2. I wonder how much it would have changed the results if I had voted for him lots of times! ha The percentages of votes were so close all 33.xx. I didn't vote so I can't complain. Now I'm all for Taylor to win it all.

It is cloudy and rainy today.

N (aka Carless) had her job interview today. I hope it went well. I'll keep you posted.

Carless and I watched the last 2 episodes of The Amazing Race last night. We were glad the 2 hippies won. They came from behind so many times.

Remember to drink lots of water instead of pop (soda, coke), juice, or coffee.

My aunt P is coming to help my grandma today. The movers are moving all of her furniture, etc. tomorrow. It'll be nice for her to be in a new (owned) place again. She said there is even a fireplace that she can have on in the living room or the bedroom.

Bible study tonight with Baseball (or Mowing Master) and the funky bunch.

*listening to* I Can Only Imagine by Casting Crowns

My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Todays topic:

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. -Matthew 6:28

Basically, do not worry. God will take care of your needs. But as Joyce Meyer in our Bible study said that we still have responsibilities.

Until next time...

Thoughts O' Crys

2006-05-17T09:32:00.000-05:00

I started class on Monday. It's nice that it is during work hours and I don't have to make up the hours. The teacher is the same person I had for Intro. to Linguistics. I enjoyed his way of teaching so I'm glad I know it already for this class. He gives a lot of examples in order for us to understand concepts and on tests he asks for examples instead of just a definition. I think Modern Grammar has been interesting so far.

I will call B "Baseball" in this post.

Baseball's parents, grandma, and dog came to town this past weekend. It was good to see them again. I guess I didn't see the dog though. That's ok. We went to the ballet recital to see J's daughter H dance. She was cute in her tutu. When they are that little (around 5 yrs.) some don't really know what to do. H did very well. She concentrated on her dance positions and rarely on flipping her lovely pony tail. She did a wonderful job and is brave to dance in a tutu in front of so many people.

Monday was payday and weigh day. I was happy that I stayed the same (16 lbs. lost) since I didn't try too hard last week. A lot of my clothes are baggy and too big but I'm not letting myself buy any new ones until I get to my goal weight. I'm really close, so I just need to do it.

Baseball and I watched American Idol last night. Only 3 are left: Elliott, Katharine, and Taylor. I bet Elliott will go home tonight. I'm not really a fan of any of them now. One more week and it will be over. It's been fun.

Grey's Anatomy's finale was ok. The 3 hours of it were a treat. It was quite predictable, but will keep us, the watchers, happy enough. George, Alex, and Bailey are my favorite characters. My favorite thing George has ever said is something about him wanting to McVomit. *haha*

Izzy is now insane. Christina is becoming human as is the chief. Meredith and McDreamy - *shaking my head*. So, what do you think will happen? with Burke and Yang? with Derek and Addison? Derek and Meredith? the vet? with Izzy? Izzy and Alex? George's girlfriend? When are they going to bring McSteamy back? How about Addison's malpractice? Are they going to have Alex have more of a storyline? So many questions just about a TV show...

N and I switched rooms this past weekend. It's interesting putting lots of stuff in a smaller room. I like the coziness of the smaller room though. I still need to go through and organize a lot of stuff. I'm getting rid of stuff too, so I don't have so much "baggage" surrounding me.

There were some great sales at Joann Fabric. I bought some sponges shaped as numbers for 25 cents. A star punch for $1 and a big thing of scrapbooking paper for $7. Now I just need to sit down and make tons of cards.

The weather is nice today. It's going to be around 70 again and no rain.

Until next time...

Name

2006-05-08T15:36:00.000-05:00

Friday evening B (whom I will call Poker in this post) and I went out to eat at Joe Black's which used to be Joe Dimaggio's (sp?). I had a good time with him as always. It's nice to hear compliments even if I don't take them well. Then we rented The Ice Harvest and watched it at my place. The movie was ok, but I don't think it was one of the best. Poker and I had a good time together though. I love Poker. He is the best.

Saturday N and I went to the coffeeshop Urban Stampede. She studied and I worked on my teacher's application. I got a little bit done. We got a few movies from the public library. We watched the 1968 Mine, Yours, and Ours with Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda. It was good, but different than the new one. I did laundry and some organizing of my room too.

Sunday was church. I brought some herb bread from Hugos with butter to the going away potluck (or potblessing as they say) for two couples of the church. That was good. Poker and I hung out that afternoon and at home I watched Grey's Anatomy.

My dad called when I was at Poker's and he got promoted to (help me out here Dad by writing a comment) Detective Sergeant or something like that. It sounds like they are doing great. My brother in Maine is finishing his 3rd year of college.

I got my readmission letter to UND and my user ID and password to register for classes. They were both to my apartment address, but one had my current name and one had my previous name. I went to fix this problem today. I found out that I have not changed my name with the registrar even though I had to do all sorts of stuff over a year ago to change my name with the payroll office. So, that was frustrating but I just need to bring in legal documentation that it was changed. The changing of a name takes forever!!!

I registered for Modern Grammar. I figured out that I don't have too many classes left to complete my Bilingual Education/English as a Second Language Endorsement. After this summer class I will need to take 2 semesters of a language, 1 more English class, and field experience.

The person from work who signed T in one of the comments...I will call Toad from now on even though I probably haven't talked about this person yet. Hmm...something about him...Toad is a good photographer. He's great with computers too which is probably why he's the computer guy.

I finished the 6th and last book of the Red River of the North Series by Lauraine Snelling. It was good. Now I would like to start the trilogy of the Return to Red River series by her. I really like these characters and learning about the life of homesteaders. God is the center of their lives.

Until next time...

It is Friday!

2006-05-05T13:21:00.000-05:00

The weekend is here already. The weather is getting nicer too. Although there was frost on the car windows this morning.

Wednesday night I worked in the church library. I shelved the returned books. Plus, I finished bringing all of the books to the front of the shelves so they are easier to see and look nicer. As I was doing that I picked out 49 books to be in the display rack in the foyer. I don't look forward to shelving all of those. There are so many old books, the newer books get lost in between. I hope to really minister to people through books, so I'm trying to think of ways to get new books or fundraise to get new books. I'd still like to do a children's story time. I'd also like to get an inventory or card catalog of all the books. Eventually maybe even put it online!

I decided to take an English class called Modern Grammar. I think this will count toward my English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement. I think it will be interesting.

I got my teacher's license in the mail yesterday. Now they expire on one's birthday so I actually have about 2.5 years for my 2-year license since my birthday isn't until October. I can teach grades 1-8, but 7 and 8 only if the school is considered an elementary school.

Now I need to update my credential file (new license, resume, etc.) and complete the Christian school (grades 1-8) application. There are a couple openings in the elementary grades. I would love to teach there. We'll see what God has in store for me. I just want to be where I'm supposed to be not only where I think I should or want to be. It's not all about me.

The university's staff lunch, Spring Fling, was good. I like sloppy joes. The music was nice. The walk to the Hyslop was nice, but a little cool. There were lots of people there. N came too.

N's brother stayed at our place last night. He's a hoot.

Galatians 5:22-23

Until next time...

Busy

2006-05-03T11:49:00.000-05:00

I have lots on my mind.

I didn't notice that I need to reject or publish each person's comment, so I didn't see one from April 27th. Sorry about that. I'll check from now on.

I rode bike to work today since it was sunny. There was a cold wind though. I walked a little bit up the overpass. Looks like it is going to rain though. Oh well.

There was a roach in the employee women's bathroom yesterday. It was dead on it's back. It was big and gross. They were going to spray today. Ick!

B and I watched American Idol and the Twins win last night. Now their record so far is 10-16. I didn't vote for anybody on AI. Paris should be the one to go. Elliott sounded good on one song. Katharine is always consistent even though I really don't like her style. Taylor is always the entertainer and sounds good. I didn't really enjoy Chris's songs but he gave it all his throat could give.

I'm applying for readmission to UND so I can take a class this summer. As an employee I get tuition waived for 9 credits a year so I thought I would take advantage of this great benefit. I'm not looking forward to taking a class but I'll do it anyway. Then there will be exciting things to blog about! ha! I'm thinking of taking a graduate level class called Intro. to Learning and Behavioral Problems.

I'm so glad that God is in control of my life otherwise I'd get too overwhelmed.

Until next time...

Boring

2006-05-02T16:08:00.000-05:00

Please let me know if you are reading this blog. If you have a suggestion of what you would like me to write about just let me know. Otherwise I'll just keep writing about whatever I write about. Have a good one and take care now!

Sun

2006-05-02T15:43:00.000-05:00

It has been sunny for quite a bit of the day. That is nice. The weather people said it is going to rain later though. It doesn't look like I'll be doing too much bike riding this week if the rain continues.

I wasn't feeling well for most of the morning. I don't know what's wrong. I ate and drank lots of water and am feeling a bit better.

Last night another woman and I did childcare at the church for the nursery workers' meeting. Ages included barely-crawling to 7-years-old and it sure was a variety of abilities and likes. There were 8 kids for about 2 hours. It was a good time I think. Some were calmer than others. Most enjoyed a snack of cheerios. A few enjoyed playing hide and seek with one of the senior pastor's sons who is in 4th grade. That was a great thing for them.

*Listening to Bo Bice's The Real Thing, who was last year's American Idol runner up, on my Yahoo! Launchcast radio.*

I had my weigh in yesterday. I didn't gain or lose. So far I've lost about 14.2 pounds since Dec. 31, 2005. I have 15-20 pounds to lose to get to my goal weight.

If you missed Grey's Anatomy on Sunday, you need to watch it! It was very interesting!

Well, my final thought for the moment...God is good and always faithful. A little boy told me once that God never changes. Boy, was he right.

Until next time...

Ponderings of this past weekend.

2006-05-01T11:54:00.000-05:00

Boy it has been raining a lot! No riding bike today. Plus I have appointments this afternoon that I need the car for. I'm thankful for my car.

B and I went to The Sentinel on Friday. It was ok. Paradiso was good as usual. I have decided that their chicken tortilla soup is one of my favorite things there. It is good and spicy! I'm thankful for
time together.

Weird dream Saturday morning...you'll have to ask me to find out what it was about. It's much better if I can be dramatic while telling it!

Went through stuff (threw away some) and reorganized. I moved a lot of my stuff to the hall closet, so N and her sister (when she gets here for most of the summer) can move into my room. It will be interesting to switch rooms and have 3 of us in the apartment. I think it will be fun too.

Babysat baby L on Sat. night. He wasn't the most content that evening but he still is cute as a button.

I'm thankful for Saturdays and babies.

Sunday: church and bought some bake sale cookies. They are all gone by the way...sorry I didn't share! ha! My excuse...they were small! Happy Joe's was the same. It's always good to hang out with friends eatin' pizza and caramel rolls. I'm thankful for good teaching and yummy food.

I also finished the Bible study lessons for this week. So I could give B the book when I went over there yesterday. The 2 topics made me think. I need to guard myself from being too critical and judgmental of people. And the second topic of passivity makes me think that I need to get off my butt and do something instead of just thinking and talking about it.

I'm thankful for a loving God who wants us to enjoy life and gave us a purpose and left us the Bible to give us instructions.

Well, I'm going to lunch. I'm thankful for an hour lunch break.

Until next time...

Friday

2006-04-28T15:38:00.000-05:00

Fridays
Run
In circles and
Drag on
All
Yad

Carlos

2006-04-28T15:34:00.000-05:00

My friend Carlos is a dirty flight attendant.

He spills drinks all over the people he serves and he falls in muddy water puddles all the time.

I made it!

2006-04-28T10:01:00.000-05:00

I made it over the overpass without stopping and walking! Woohoo! Now I think it might rain. Exciting!

I am tired and still not feeling the best. And my my back and legs are sore from the bike ride.

Now I have aired my grievances for the moment.

It is Friday! The weekend is almost here. Plus I got paid today.

Last night I spent some time at Target and totally forgot the item I was going there for (Gatorade). I got some frozen goodies that are lower in fat and calories though. It will be fun to try the Starbucks Mocha popsicles.

K, J, B, and I had Bible study last night. I like being able to hang out with them. Battlefield of the Mind is a good study. I have never done a Joyce Meyer's study, so it is different. Repetition can be good.

Twins won yesterday.

Until next time...

Tired

2006-04-27T08:39:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm tired so I didn't ride bike to work. My legs are sore too so maybe I need to give them a days rest.

I'm listening to the song Lady in Red right now. I love that song.

Last night I went shopping for the items for Staff Association (social committee at work) for the May Day baskets that we are putting together to give each staff member on Monday. I went to 3 types of dollar stores and got pretty much everything that we need for about $13. I thought that was pretty good for around 45 people.

Kellie Pickler was the right choice to leave AI. Now there are 5. This is the order I think they could go home : 1st Paris, 2nd Elliott, 3rd Taylor, then Chris and Katharine the winner. I would like to see either Chris or Elliott be the winner. We'll see in about a month.

There was something good I heard on the radio yesterday. He (I don't know who it was) said that when we as Christians pray we pray things like "Lord, be with me", etc. He said that God said he would never leave us, so we don't need to pray for that. We don't need to pray for things He has already promised us as believers. I don't think it's a bad idea to acknowledge his promises though. God is good!

Go to www.wikipedia.com and search Selfridge. Look at Selfridges the department stores in England. It's pretty cool I think.

I'm letting my cell phone battery completely die before charging it up again. It is taking a long time. Every few minutes it does a low beep. I hope it stops soon.

I've been cataloging quite a few books on teaching topics. It is getting me excited to teach. We'll see what happens. I sent my teacher's license renewal application in yesterday. Hopefully it won't take too long to get my license back.

I like the color pink.

I love lamp.

Until next time...

Good morning!

2006-04-26T09:29:00.000-05:00

It was a wonderful morning to start my first blog, although I had to work instead of write. Now it is lunch time.

I rode my bike to work today. That Columbia overpass kills me every time. I hope I can work up to riding the whole way instead of having to walk part of it. It was cool and sunny so that was nice. God is good! Plus, I got to work only 5 min. late.

I feel like I've gotten a lot done at work today so far.

As you may have noticed, I change subjects quickly.

My roommate and I went to the movie Failure to Launch last Friday. I'm not really a fan of anybody in the movie, but it was really funny!

I like American Idol. There are only 6 singers left. I like Chris, Taylor, and Elliott. Maybe I just would like to see a guy win this year. The 3 girls are pretty good too. I think Kellie Pickler should be going home tonight, but I have a feeling it might be Elliott. Paris and McPhee are both good but I just haven't been a fan of theirs.

Last night my boyfriend and I also watched Twins baseball. I left before the game was over but I see that they won. It's about time!

Until next time...