Thanksgiving Memories!!!

I am so in love with the new commercial by Publix.  It is about Thanksgiving and family.  It shows how important family is around this holiday - no matter what size your family consists of, such as:  single parent, two of you, just your family or a big family.   It really is a sweet commercial.

I think the commercial really hits home with me because I love Family at Thanksgiving.   To me Thanksgiving is all about Family - no matter what size.  I love having all my family around the table.  The more the merrier.

I have so many fond memories of Thanksgiving at my grandma's.  I LOVE THEM!!  My cousins would come in from Alabama.   I always loved when they came in because we didn't get to see them often - mostly at Thanksgiving and Easter.  It was a time to spend with cousins.  Whether it was seeing who got to sit in the kitchen to eat - that was always a good thing - you were closer to the food.  Or hiding in the bathroom when it came time to clean dishes.  My grandmother didn't have a dishwasher, so we would hid.


As I grew up I got to help my grandma with food preparation.  My memories are flooding back of helping her clean the turkey.  I can hear her laughing at me getting the insides out.  I always thought it was gross - still do.  She would let us grease down the turkey.  I cook mine differently than she does but I still have vivid memories of helping her with the turkey.

I am so thankful that I got to learn how she made dressing.  Now, she made the best dressing!!  I would have put it up against anyone else's.  In fact, I don't eat any other dressing.  My grandma didn't have a written down recipe so it took me years to learn how she made it.  I loved helping her and getting to do the taste testing.  I still make her dressing today.  Over the years, I have made it my own and I look forward to passing down the none written recipe to my daughter or granddaughter.  Maybe they will take pride in it like I have over the years.


Even though my grandma hasn't been with us for going on 17 years, I still miss her.  All we have now are our memories of those days gone by.  They are sweet, sweet memories and I will always cherish them.

What memories do you have about Thanksgiving?  Did you spend it with a big family?  Grandparents house or your own? 

The next chapter ...

Life is always changing but I am not sure if I am ready for the next chapter.  I am not saying that I dont' want it to happen, I just didnt' think it would ever happen so fast. 

My kids were just little kids the other day.  What happened?  Did I sleep too much one night or blink my eyes too many times?  Why it is I just seem to turn around and they are grown up?  Can I turn back the clock, please?  Or do I really want to do that?  Am I ready for the next chapter?  I guess I am going to have to be ....

My oldest son, Thomas, is getting married.  I still see my little boy that wanted to do nothing but play baseball.  I guess in my eyes he will always be my little boy.  But I have to see him start a new chapter in his life.  I really am excited for him. 

Thomas & Lisa

I couldn't have picked a better mate for him.  She loves sports as much as he does.  She coaches softball for another high school in our area.  They have hit it off - just clicked!!  They have been dating for two months and have decided to get married.  I couldn't be happier for him.  God has truly blessed him with a very special person to spend the rest of his life with ...

Can't wait to share all the wedding planning and wedding with you all.  It is going to be a whirlwind!!!  I will cherish each and every memory of this happy moment in my son's life.  To be continued ....

I am sooo Blessed!!!

I try to remind myself quite often how blessed I am with my healthy kids.  I dont' think I know the meaning of just how truly blessed I am.  I don't think any of us do.  That is until yesterday ....

For the past two days our country radio station has been doing their annual St. Jude's telethon.  Even though I dont' listen to country anymore, I have found the best Christian station and have been listening to it, I really can't listen during the telethon.  I just can't handle when it deals with kids.  However, I do count my blessings and thank God for my healthy kids, which I know that I take for granted.

Every year our recreation association gives money to St. Jude's.  We like giving but it means a little bit more to us.  We had a boy that played at Boynton when he was a kid and he later died due to one of the diseases that is covered by St. Jude's.  We have even named a field after him.  He was a sweet kid - loved life and loved the game of baseball.

Me handing the Boynton Rec check to Mr. Heard
for St. Jude's

I got to be one of the people that took the money to the telethon  yesterday.  It was really humbling to see the parents of the boy that played at Boynton all those years ago.  They have worked with St. Jude's in helping raise money, ever since.  We stood and talked about Cody and how he loved playing baseball.  How he always had a smile on his face.  Both of the parents had smiles on their faces and lit up when they talked about him and remembered him playing.  I was having to fight back tears.  I can't even imagine what they went through at the time Cody was sick and then passing away.   

On my drive home, all I could do was Thank God for my kids, for them being healthy and being the great young adults that they have become. I am so truly blessed beyond measure!!  I also Thanked God for people like Cody's parents that are amazing and are giving back to an organization that was there for them in their time of need. 

In this crazy world we live in there is still so many things to be thankful for ... we really don't have too look too far for them.

Getting Lost ....

Why do I let myself get lost?  I am not meaning going somewhere, but losing myself.  I get way out of balance at times with everything that I have going on that I forget about myself.   I forget to take care of myself, which should be one of my top priorities and at times it isn't even a priority.  Why?

As women, we are pulled in so many different directions - we are mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt - then if we work outside the home, which I am working way too many jobs - that adds, bookkeeper, secretary, school bus driver, Pampered Chef consultant, concession stand manager and anything else that I can find to do.  I didn't even mention the jobs that we do at home - housecleaning, cooking, taxi driver, bookkeeper and the list can go on and on.

I think the main reason is I can't say 'NO'.  I want to make sure that things get done and I do like helping others.  But I have to learn that I can't do it all.  I am so still learning. 

I decided today to try to take a day for myself, at least the morning anyway.  I took a nice long hot bath, read part of a magazine and now enjoying some computer time, and I don't mean working.  

This is my prayer for the week ... that the Lord will help show me to have balance in my life - to learn to say "No" and mean it.  That even though I have always done it all .. that I can't keep doing it all.

I have to take of myself, first.  Why do you think they tell you on the airplane to put your oxygen mask on first?  We are no good to others if we dont' first have oxygen. 

setting schedule

Well, I have been working on a daily schedule for myself.  I have so many different part-time jobs, then cleaning house, family stuff and well you know the list goes on and on.  So, I have been thinking and working on how to break things down so that I am not overwhelmed all the time. 

I first took a list of my jobs and wrote them down.  Then a list of other things that I wanted or needed to get done.  I looked for calendars to see if that would work .. nothing jumped out at me as being what I needed. 

It finally hit me ... I just simply used the way that I break down my house cleaning.  Hey, it worked for it, why can't it work for other things?  So, that is what I did .. and so far is it working quite well.  Now, remember, these are just suggestions and there are times that I have to adjust my schedule and/or change things around.  But it gives me something to work with ...

Here is what I came up with ....

Monday:
Publix - grocery shopping
Strip beds
Clean windows/ mirrors
take newspapers to recycle bin
water plants
vacuum all rooms

Tuesday:
Bank -Post Office - (If I have deposits)
Bi-Lo (if sales)
empty all trash
clean out fridge/freezer
clean baths & wash rugs
sweep & mop baths

Wednesday:
Ingles/ CVS
check sales papers
menu for next week
sweep front porch

Thursdays:
Boynton Work - bills/payroll
Concession stand paperwork

Friday:
Bank - post office
Kim's office for 2nd signature
Office room -
    - file papers
    - balance checkbook
    - clean off desk

Saturdays:
sweep & mop hardwoods
mop kitchen
Football games

Sundays:
REST

One thing I have noticed more than anything is I have to put God first each and everyday.  I have to make time for God or my days and weeks just won't work out.  So somewhere in your day .. make time for GOD!!! 

Finding Balance ...

I am having a hard time finding balance in my life right now.   I have listed before all the jobs that I do but here it is again just in case you missed it the first time ... of course mom & wife, cook, maid, household manager ... and anything else that goes along with running a house and family.  There there are my part time jobs - school bus driver,  bookkeeper, treasurer, Pampered Chef consultant, concession stand manager and then my job coupons.  As you can tell, I am a little crazy and run thin.  I am sure that I need to give up something and that is what I am have been praying and thinking about.   I want to try to make extra money to get us out of debt .. that is the reason I give for all these part-time jobs. 

With doing all these other things .. I don't have time to do things that I really enjoy to do, such as:  read books and I really love to read, cross-stitching - another favorite hobby of mine, esp. snowmen, and sitting and reading other blogs and learning all kinds of new information. 

One thing that has come to mind is making a monthly calender with the main jobs on there ... grocery shopping at Publix is on Mondays - Bank, post office on Tuesdays, etc.  I just got to find time to put it all on  paper .... When I get it worked out I will share with you.  Maybe it will help someone else find balance in their lives ...

Now off to get some cleaning done ... I am back to doing my cleaning list for each day.  Not sure why I got away from that .. but I have got to get back to doing my daily cleaning list.  And I am off ....

Helping others ...

It has really been on my mind lately .. of helping others.  And it seems every time I turn around someone is talking about it too.  I watch Joyce Meyer everyday and she has been talking about helping others and last night at the coupon class, she was talking about helping others. 

It has been amazing to watch all the help that has went on in our county since the tornado came through just little over two months ago.   They actually had too many bottles of water that they had to plead with people to stop bringing bottled water.  All kinds of people helped in different ways, which ever way they could, whether it was bringing water, swinging a hammer, picking up trash or just simply praying for them.  It has warmed my heart a great deal to see such an out pour of help. 

Yea, we all help when there is a catastrophe, by do we help in our every day life?   How are some ways that we can help people each day?  There are so many ways .... but most important we have to listen to God when he tells/prompts us to help an individual; whether it is paying for the person lunch that is behind you in line, or simply helping someone across the street or to their car. 

The question keeps replaying in my head,  "What am I doing today to help someone?"  So? What can I do to help someone today .....  will let us know who I can find today to help.

What are somethings that you do to help others??  What is a favorite thing that you love to do to help others? Can't wait to hear some stories ....

By God's Grace ....

By God's Grace .... and so thankful that my family was not hit by the trouble tornados that hit last week, April 27th.  A day I will never forget.   A tornado did hit my  hometown of, Ringgold, GA.  It caused mass destruction in our small town. 

I have seen so many news cast of places that tornados have destroyed, and I always felt for those people and said a prayer.  But until you actually witness one coming through your town, it just isnt' the same.  The pictures really don't do the devestation justice. 

Since, Wednesday night, I have prayed, cried, my heart has ached and I have just been plain numb.  I still can't believe that this has happened to us.  In all my 46 years, I have never experienced anything like this .. and pray that I never go through this again. 

I am not sure how many homes it destoyed in its path or businesses.  But I do know that it destroyed the high school and middle school that my kids attend and that I went too.  We have three high schools in our county and one of them is taking our students in for the rest of the school year.  We are going half a days.  It also destroyed our athletic facilities .. football field, wrestling/cheerleading building, athletic building and the baseball field.  My sons  played on that field - and one still does.  We are in the state playoffs and get to host the first series, but we don't get to play on our own field.  Thank goodness one of the other high schools in our county is letting us use theirs. 

That is one thing that I have gotten out of all this tradegy and it has been most amazing.  That even though we are country rivals and I mean rivals, we can all pull together in the mist of trouble.  Our coach has had numbers calls from other high schools in our region offering and sending us money, equipment and most important support.  It has really warmed my heart and of course, brought tears to my eyes.  It reminds me of my sisters growing up ... we can talk bad about them .. even hate them .. but don't let anyone or anything happen to them. 

There are so many stories that are coming out now ... survivors.  Of how wonderful  our Lord is ... at how he can put a tornado right over a house, but the people come out of ruble to talk about their experience.   Of how, people in the Ruby Tuesday's are living to tell their stories.  Unfortunally, not everyone was as lucky as some ... we did loose 8 people in this tornado, but we are so lucky that we did not loose more.   The tornado not only went over houses, but it also destroyed McDonald's, Ruby Tuesdays, Pizza Hut, Waffle House, 3 gas stations and 4 hotels.   People were stopping on our exit off I-75 to weather the storm .. little did they know at the time that they were in the path of the storm. 

You know .... there are so many lessons to be learned from all of this .... one is that we need to make sure we are saved and know where we are going and to make sure we are right with God, because in a blink of an eye we could be gone.  Also, that need to tell our loved ones that we Love Them!!!  We may not have a second chance to do that ....

I just want to finish with ... "Thank you Jesus" for protecting me and my family!!  For bringing out all kinds of support from people to help others in need.  It has been life changing experience.  One that we will never forget and it will forever change us .. for the better "I hope". 

Ladies Tea ..

I had a wonderful time yesterday at my sister's church for the annual Ladies Tea.   What a blessing .... 

From left:  Haley (my niece), Mary (my daughter), Lisa, Wanda, Wanda, Millie (my mom)

Ladies hosted a table and decorated their tables.  There were some really pretty tables and no two were alike. My sister decorated her table with frogs ...  Fully Rely On God = FROG!! 

The food was amazing - no matter what my daughter says. 

It was a really nice time spent with family & friends.  Thank you to my sister for inviting me and Mary. 



Mary, my daughter and Me


The best part of the Ladies Tea was the speaker.  Oh!  What a blessing that was .. more than I can put into words.  The speakers name is Linda Hicks and she has an amazing singing voice too!!  What a gift this lady has .. she will have you laughing and crying all at the same time.  She spoke yesterday on "Blooming where God has planted you!"  I have never thought about this, but I am now.

My sister's Frog table

I am hoping that the church taped the message because it is one that I would love to listen over and over and I would love to take some notes.  I just wasnt' thinking yesterday to take some paper & pen to take notes.  I really missed that one ...

The flowers she used to talk about was:

1- The African Violet - it  is a flower that you will bloom no matter what the circumstances is it growing in.  Whether is doesnt' get watered or it gets buried in the ground.  It still blooms.  This one doesn't need all the glory that goes with it.  Do you bloom for God no matter if anyone pays attention to you?

2- The Orchard - This flower blooms for weeks and never fades.  The bloom doesn't wither away for the time that it is blooming.  It will hold true.  Do you keep going in your walk with God?

3- The Rose - Now this flower is the most gorgeous and it grows among thorns.  Enough said on this one .. Do you bloom no matter what your circumstances are?  With whatever your thorns are?

A table at the Ladies Tea

The best part was her speaking about the Sunflower and how the roots of this flower grows way down into the ground to get it's nourishment's.  And when a storm hits the Sunflower may fall over, but with time, it will stand back up, because it's roots go deep.  You can't kill a bloom when the roots are buried deep.  That is what our lives should be ... that no matter what storm is hitting ... and a storm will hit .. that our roots are deep in God's word that we can with stand the storm.

Another table at the Ladies Tea

Do you have roots that are on top of the ground or are your roots deep into the ground?  The way to get your roots deep is by getting into the Word of God.  Don't let your bloom wither away during a storm.  Don't let the storms in life kill your flower!!!  Keep blooming for God!!  Are you "Blooming Where God has you Planted?" 

Well, I am still here ... just been busy.  The new job with the concession stand is going better.  It was overwhelming at first but it is getting better.  I am getting a handle on the whole process.  We, the board, just has a difficult situation that needs to be taken care of .. it is never easy.  

Good news though .. I have lost another pound.  YEA!!  I was afraid with working in the concession and being around all the bad food that I would gain.  I guess all the walking and being on my feet is helping.   I am planning on taking me some "good" food with me.  I am working 4 nights and Saturday ...so I will need to do something. 

I havent' had a lot of time to do anything for me; such as cleaning house, doing the WII or me time.   But I have decided this week that I can't work ALL the time.   I have to find a balance in my life for everything.  It isn't easy, but I have to do it or I will go insane.   So, this week, I am only doing so many hours as my "work time". 

I am interested to see how others handling so many different things.  How do you do it?  Working from home and still managing to run your house too.  Of course, it could be the problem of me having too many part time jobs ... you think? 

Crazy life ....

Just when I thought that my life couldn't possible get any crazier ... well it has. 

Just being a mom and wife isnt' enough for me .. oh no.  Like being a mom and wife doesn't come with enough jobs and duties of their own.  I also drive a school bus.  Which I love .. it is the perfect job for a mom.  You get to be off from work when school is out.  but ....

I have also taken on some other part time jobs, because I like keeping busy and I want to get out of debt.  One part time job I have is doing bookkeeping work for our local recreation association.  This doesnt' require alot of hours and I really like doing it.  However, now the rec. has voted me in as treasurer.  So, my bookkeeping duties have now multiplied.  So, it is going pretty well. Oh yea, this job I don't get paid for .. I volunteer those hours. 

Another thing I love doing and right now not making any money at it is ... blogging.  I would love to one day make money doing this, but for now, I am loving just blogging.  I haven't gotten to blog as much lately as I would like, but I am hoping that I will get my schedule under control and be able to blog more. 

Like this isn't enough ... I have another job and I have undertaken this past week.  I am now over the concession stand at our local rec.  The lady that was doing it quit on us and right before our spring season, which is our busiest.  Oh my gosh .. what was I thinking?  I have spent the week trying to get things organized, cleaned and figure out what needs to be done.  It is coming together, but out league play starts this coming Monday.  I hope that I am ready for this ... I do love a good challenge. 

So, if I dont' get to blog as much you will know why and know that I havent' stopped, I am just probably going crazier than I am now.  I am hoping in doing this last job that I will be able to make enough to really put a big dent into our debt.  I am excited about that.  I was going to put it all towards our debt, but I think I am going to divide it into thirds.  First being debt - second put some away for a small vacation this summer (we haven't had one in about 3 yrs) and then third to get somethings done around the house that we have been putting off due to not having any extra money.   But the first and foremost the extra money is going to my debt snowball. 

Even though my life is crazy right now .. I am very thankful that God has given me these opportunities to be able to make the extra money that I have so been praying for.  God does answer prayers .. sometimes they are not what we were thinking. 

One last thing ... I have lost 3 pounds in my weight loss journey.  I am loving doing the WII fit plus. It is a lot of fun.  I am hoping with this working the concession stand I will be able to loss some more weight.  I will be doing a lot of standing and walking.  Now .. just to stay away from the junk food. 

Hope you all have a great weekend!!! 

March Challenge ...

This year, 2011, is my year for getting organized.  One of the things on my list was making a Household Binder.  A binder that contains all kinds of information that we need on a daily, weekly and/or monthly basis. 

One of my favorite blogs - iHeart Organizing - is doing a March Challenge.  Guess what it is?  To get a binder done.  Now .. here we go.  I am up for the challenge.  There are several that I want to work on for this month and look forward to getting it done.  Jen .. is great at getting things organized.  Of how I wish she could come to my house.  She is also offering her templates FREE for the month of March ONLY!!  Go check it out .....

Financial Binder - iHeart Organizing

Here is a list of binders to get your started.  I got this list from that I have taken from different places.  This is a few ideas to help get you and me started.  The bold ones are the ones that I want to really work on this month.

• Freezer Inventory
• Fridge Inventory
• Pantry Inventory
• Storage Inventory
• Important School Information/Schedules
• Movie Inventory
• Cleaning Checklist
• Menu Planning
• Finances/Bill Payment Checklist
• Product Warranty Information
• Important Contact Numbers {Contractor, Plumber, Electrician, Yard Maintenance, Financial Advisor, Home and Auto Insurance, Poison Control, Neighbors, etc…}
• Travel Checklist
• Idea Lists/To Do Lists
• Home Inspiration/Paint Swatches/Fabric Swatches etc…
• Blog Posts
• Credit Card and ID Information
• “Weekend Wish List”
• Important Dates to Remember
• CPR Instructions
• Emergency Pack List
• Business Cards/Vendors
• Take Out Menus
• Local Produce Availability
• Personal Goals/Resolutions
• Parenting Resources
• Family Sizes and Measurements
• Computer Log Names/Passwords
• Calendar
• Kid’s Daily Schedule/Routine
• Kid’s Wish Lists
• Greeting Card Checklist
• Medical History
• Auto Maintenance Log
• Financial
• Family Binder

Binder Ideas - iHeart Organizing

Are you up for the challenge???   Do you already have Home Management Binders?  What do yours look like?  I would love to see and hear about your ideas. Can't wait to get started on mine ... will post pictures of my work in progress and when done. 

Lisa 

Relaxation .... Taking care of ME

Do you take time to take care of yourself?  Do you feel selfish when you do take time to relax? 

I think as mom's we all have, at one time or other, not taken time to take care of ourselves.   However, it is really important to take time out of our busy lives to tend to the mom, in the family.  How do we, mom, take time out of our hectic schedule to take time to take care of ourselves?  This is a simple question, but can be a hard one.  How much time do we take?  What should we do?

There are times in my life that I am taking care of everyone else and forget to take care of me.  What with the kids needing me to do something for them and then there is the husband.  Oh and don't forget the dog .. lol. Even they need me to take care of them.  Then there is the laundry, house to be cleaned, meals to be cooked, errands to be ran and then the part time jobs I am doing.  Shoot I hardly have time to work in my exercise and God time.  Now, I am needing to find more time to make sure I am taken care of.

Well, I did just that today.  I love to take nice long, hot baths and I usually take them at night, but today I decided to take one this morning.  Oh how nice!!   Everyone is gone either to school or work .. just me and the dog.  I ran a HOT bath .. fixed me some hot tea .. got my Bible and set off for the spa (my bathroom).  Oh I wish I could tell you just how nice it was ... no kids to come and knock on my door to just ask a question that could have waited.   After reading my scripture of the day .. I just cleared my mine and listened to the stillness.  Then Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God .." came to my mind and it made me think about how God wants us to be still so we can listen to Him. 

I like to do different things to relax and try to un-wind from my busy schedule.  Of course, hot bath is at the top, but some other things are .. sitting in a rocker chair on my back porch .. taking a leisure walk by myself ... or just going to bed early.  It doesn't matter what you chose to do, you just have to do it.  It can be as simple as 5 minutes, but sometimes we have to take more, just depends on your life.

So here is a challenge for you and for me.  To find sometime for yourself.  Some really relaxing and quiet time.   I am making an appointment with myself at least twice a month to take care of myself.  If I don't .. who will be around to take care of everyone else?     

getting there ...

It has been three days on my new dose of thyroid medication.   I can't really tell a difference yet, but I know that I will get there.  It is hard when you are in this stage ... your tired and really just want to climb in the bed and under the covers.  But I push through it and try to keep moving.  I can function just as long as the numbers aren't running too high.

With having thyroid issues for over 22 yrs .. I have learned to take each day as it comes.  If it is a day that I have a lot of energy, then I try to get things done.  However, if it is one of those days where my energy level isn't really good .. then I do what I can.   I just wish I could learn to lose weight while having this issue.

It makes it harder because like right now, I am up about 10 pounds and no energy to do any exercises.   You go through a kind of depression so I tend to eat more and I want comfort food.  I also find myself eating out more because I dont' want to think about cooking supper. 

That is why I haven't been posting my menu for the week.  I just don't want to think about it ...  and then there is my house and cleaning.  NOT right now!!!   There again .. I do what I can .. the rest will wait on the better day. 

Tomorrow will be one day closer to feeling better .... until then!!!

My week ....

Where do I even begin?  So much going on ... just haven't had time to post on my blog. 

Went to the doctor today for my Thyroid check up and some other things that have been bothering me.  Of course, they could all be from my Thyroid not running right.  It will be a couple of days, before I find out the results from my blood work.  If my problems arent' from that .. well, this it could be something else.  I am sure that it will be my thyroid being out of wack. 

It is been 10 yrs this month, since I have my thyroid surgery and I found out that I had thyroid cancer.   It doesn't seem like it should be that long ago .. I remember it just like it was yesterday.  I am having a PET CT done in the next couple of weeks to make sure that everything checks out ok.  If this one comes back negative then my doctor said that will be it .. no more test.  WHOOO!! HOOO!!  That will be great!!  It will be nice to put it all behind me once and for all. 

The bad part about going to the doctor today, was I had to weigh in ... well it wasn't good.  I was up a couple of pounds since the last time I was there.   Of course, I am having a hard time this week with swelling.  I can barely get my rings off.  I know .. I know .. I need to be drinking MORE WATER!!  I can hear you telling me that now .. nothing I am not telling myself.  This could be a side effect of my thyroid not being right.  I will have to see in a couple of days ..but this weekend I am going to concentrate on WATER!!

I have a very busy weekend .. so I will be posting my usual next week.  I will also update you on my blood work when I hear from the doctor next week. 

Hope you and your family enjoy your weekend!!  Loving the weather that we are having ....

Monday ....

Today is Valentine's Day .. A day to tell someone in your life that you LOVE them; whether it be your spouse, kids, parents, siblings or a friend.  I think like a lot of other holidays this one is over commercialized.  I want my husband, kids & friends to tell me they love me, when they are not being forced on them.  I don't want flowers, candy or cards because they HAVE too, because everyone tells them too.  I want it because they are thinking of "ME". 
  
With all of that being said ... today isn't the perfect or not so perfect Valentine's Day.  I am sick with a touch of a stomach virus.  Big Bummer!!  I was sick last week, running a fever and a cold.  Of course, we don't do a lot things special on this day ..but I feel bad that I haven't even gotten my kids candy or going to be able to cook them a special dinner.  I guess I will have to make it up to them ....

While being sick .. I have had some time to think about things ... household stuff.  I don't think the new system that I have been working on is going to work out in my house.  Not saying it might not work in someone else home, but it just isn't a fit for mine.  That being said .. I am going to work on a new plan.  Kind of the same as the one I tried but just a little different.  I really want to get my kids helping me around the house and they want more and more things; therefore, they can do things to earn money. 

The system I was trying was one from the great books I read by the SLOB sisters.  Like I said before they have a great system, but it just wasn't working for me.  You use a file box with index cards.  You make a card for each and every chore done in the house.  From each day’s task to things that need to be done by the month and seasonal.  You also have a section for dates to remember and a section for addresses and phone numbers. 

Instead of doing the index cards, I am going to use the same kind of system and put it all into a notebook.  I think this will work much better for me.  I can still have the separate sections, but have a different sheet for jobs that have to be done weekly, monthly and seasonal.  This way when my husband or kids want to know what they can do to help they will know where to look.  I am thinking of hanging the weekly sheet on the fridge – each job can me marked off with the initials of the person who did the job. 

I will keep you all updated on the how the notebook is coming along and I promise I will share when I get it all done.  Hopefully this will help your family too ….

Haven’t thought too much today on my menu for the week … hopefully I will get it done by tomorrow. 

Hope you and your family have a “Great Valentine’s Day”!!!  Tell your family you love them!!!

On the road again ... to lose weight ..

How many times have you said "I am going to lose weight?"  I just dont' think I can count the amount of times that I have tried losing weight.  I have been yo-yo ing with my weight, since high school.  And looking back to those days from here, I could kick myself in the behind.  I wasn't over weight in high school.  But I am wondering if all the insane eating habits that I had is causing the problems that I am having now. 

When I was in high school, I didn't have the best eating habits.  Of course, I was a teenager.  What teenager doesn't have some kind of bad eating habits?  I wouldn't eat much for breakfast or nothing.  For lunch I would drink a DIET soda, which today I cant' stand them, and usually eat nothing else.   Or I would drink a thing of grapefruit juice and eat a candy bar.  Hey, I thought that the acid from the grapefruit juice would burn up the calories from the candy bar.  Not sure if it ever did or not, but I sure did believe it. 

Then when I got home from school, I was starving.  Wonder why?  So, I would cook me a pan of FRIED potatoes.  Oh they were soooo good.  I would cut up the potato and cook in oil, on the stove.  AND I would eat every last one of them!!   Then I would eat supper.  And my mom, would fry everything.  We would have all kind of starches together and then there was the bread. 

I am not sure how, but when I graduated from high school, I weighed 130 pounds.  That is not bad, even with my bad eating habits.  I guess being in the band really helped me out, because I was staying active. 

Then came college.  My eating habits got worse.  I lived on Oreo cookies and Dr. Pepper's.  I honestly didnt' think I could  live without either one of them.  It was a total addiction.  And the food in our cafeteria was good and all fried food.  Of course there were the fast food restaurants .. now what college student doesn't go to them?  The problem with college, was I wasnt' in the band.  I had little or no exercise.  I did walk around campus but that was it.   I would sit and watch one of my roommates exercise all the time.  I use to laugh at her and wonder why she would do all of those sit-ups for.  Well duh???  I wonder if she is still in good shape?  I bet she is ...

My eating problems never got better after getting married.  In fact, they may have gotten worse.  We use to eat at a place called Po Folks.  If you are not from the south you may have never heard of them.  Oh, my mouth waters just thinking about their food.  Oooohhh the fried food ... and the appetizers .. and the desserts.  See, I worked at a bank and we got to be really good friends with the managers at Po Folks.  So, my husband and I got to eat supper there, every night, for FREE.  A lot of times, they would bring us new recipes for us to try.  Most days, my husband and I would both eat an appetizer, main hugh dish and we shared a dessert.  Then we would go home and lay around.  No wonder I gain, most, all of my weight during this time. 

I have never been able to take back off the weight that I have gained over the years.  I always thought that taking Thyroid medication would just make the pounds fall off, but it hasn't and it won't.  I have to make the changes myself. 

I have been making some small changes and I can't wait to see if they are going to work.  There are still areas that I need to work on, but I am headed in the right direction.  I can't wait to share my journey with you on Wednesdays.  

Now, that I have told you some of my story behind the pounds.  I will be sharing in the weeks to come, some of the changes that I am making and if they are working. 

Something to think about:  How much do you think a food addition can come into play?  This is something I am checking into and really thinking about.  I would love to hear what you think about this. 

until next week ....

good things to come ...

Sorry I have been missing for a couple of days.  It has been crazy around here with all the snow and the kids being home from school for the week.  I am ready for things to get back to normal and back to a routine. 

I have read another book (still reading Power Thoughts), that my mom sent me, by the Slob Sisters, 'Get Your Act Together.'  I am not sure if you have heard of them or not, or have read any of their books.  They are an organizing pair of sisters from the late 70's - 90's.   This book is about a 7 day get-organized program for the overworked, overbooked and overwhelmed.  It is the funniest book I have read in awhile.  There were times in the book, I thought they were looking inside my house and my life.  They say that everything is tied to being un-organized, even losing weight.  Which by the way, they give some pointers and fool proof ways to lose weight, and I will be trying.

There are many things I have taken from this book - big and small.  I going to put some of their suggestions into play this coming week.  My family may not like some of the changes, but I honestly can't take much more of the way things are.  I am tired of being their slave ...

I can't wait to tell you all the things that I learned and how they worked on my household.  I am will to make the necessary changes to get my life in order. 

Speaking of order ---  I have been thinking of things I want to do here on my blog.  I want to stay organized in regards to my posts.   So I am working on creating certain days for certain subjects.  I know that a lot of different bloggers do this on their blogs such as: Hoosier Homemade - she has cupcake Tuesday.  I am wanting to do a certain day for weight loss, recipes and household (which will include cleaning tips, organizing, etc.) and maybe a book reading day.   I think I will try it for a couple of weeks and see how it goes ---  Household Monday --- Weight Loss Wednesday --- Recipe Friday!!!

Let me know what you think of these days.  Do you do a theme day on your blog??? 

What are somethings that you would like me to cover on these days?  What recipes would you like to see - Quick & Easy, Chicken, etc?

Setting your mind ....

I love watching Biggest Loser, but tonight it seems different.  While I am watching, I am usually sitting here thinking "How can they do all they do?"  "Why can't I?"

After reading today in Power Thoughts I have a better understanding.  Joyce talks about setting our mind and keeping it set.  She says:

Once you set your mind according to the truth of God's principles for a good life, you need to keep it set and not allow outside forces to reshape your thinking. 

When we go on a diet, we must apply this principle of 'setting your mind and keeping it set', in order to be successful.  People who have set their minds will stick with their decision, realizing that they have to make it through the hungry times in order to eventually get the result they desire.

This same principle must be applied to every area in which we need to make a change.  It can be applied to exercise, getting out of debt, cleaning out the garage, or any number of other things.

Some people spend their entire life starting and quitting.  They never follow through.  They may set their mind but when temptation comes, when things get difficult, they don't keep it set.

Whatever challenges you the most, decide NOW that you are going to set your mind for victory.

Recognizing your weak areas and knowing what kinds of situation are challenging to you in life is wise.  Firmly, setting your mind to overcome them is the pathway to victory.


So .. I am setting your mind to ---  Getting out of debt --- Losing weight -- getting my house organized.   This time I am NOT going to quit -- I am going to follow through -- no matter what it takes or how long it takes!!!

Snow Day ....

It has been crazy around here since last night, Sunday.  We got around 8 inches of snow dumped on us last night.  I live in the south, North Georgia area, and we just don't get a lot of snow and we sure don't get 8 inches at one time.  It is really pretty out.  Of course, we have been out of school and my kids are loving it. 



From my front porch down the street -- you can't see the road




From my front porch of my van




Mary in the back yard playing with 2 of our dogs - Ace & Jack

 I am not sure who had the most fun playing in the back yard, Mary or the dogs.  I tried to get, Boston the black lab in the photo, but he wouldn't stay still long enough.   The dogs jumped around the yard like crazy.  My little dog, almost got lost in the snow.  You couldn't see him except for when he was hopping.  It was rather cute. 

Not sure how long this snow will stay around.  The temperatures arent' suppose to get above freezing for the next couple of days, so I guess the kids will have more days off from school.  That I am sure they will be glad.

The kids loved the snow creme that I made for them today.  This is the first time we have had this much snow to make snow creme.  It brought back so many memories of my grandmother. 

I don't mind snow days too badly.  I love sittting my the fire in the fireplace with my cup of coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate and a good book.  Now, that is what winter is all about ....