2009 - best decision!

Okay --- here we go - I'm sure tonight will be very random!  Tomorrow is the LAST day of 2009.  How crazy is that?  As I sit here and write I think to myself -- what a year it has been.  2009 has had so many twist and turns and ups and downs. However, learning to dance in the midst of the storms has taught me so much about who I am... Looking forward to an amazing 2010 and really digging my heels into the Journey to become a ROCKSTAR!

The BEST thing about 2009, I FINALLY made my mind up to do something about my health...  Best decision of the year.  I just wish I would have made that decision earlier and would already be much closer to my goal...  The important thing . . . the decision was made and I'm on my way!

My session with Stephanie last night was great - by great I mean - I woke up this morning with many aches!!! I love that!  I know that sounds crazy but...  I love that feeling of wow we really did something and my body is telling me that it is working! Todd and I went to the gym today and as crazy as it sounds, I'm really starting to enjoy being in the gym.  shhhh!  don't tell anyone!

After church tonight we went to DQ and ...  I had a kids cone (135 calories - all counted) and it was soooooooooooooo good -- first time I've had ice-cream since October!  I still stayed within my calories - how cool is that! 

Looking forward to tomorrow night!!!!  Out with the OLD and in with the NEW!!!

Until tomorrow...

Being Real is Difficult!!! (thanks Lavon)

I will start with it was a GREAT night in the gym - - and an even better night with friends.  I really felt the burn and am sure tomorrow will be even worst -- but it is a great feeling to know that I'm working towards a GOAL....    or shall I be brave enough to say I am achieving my goal!

I am not cheating tonight ---- I am not copying tonight -- I am sharing a blog from a very special lady that moved my heart and touched my soul tonight...  As I was thinking of how to put into words what my heart was saying to me- - I decided to read her blog and the words were perfect - - -  If you are a blog follower - you will NOT go wrong reading this blog: 




To read the entire or follow this blog -- you can click ------->  Bakers Blessings

Tuesday, December 29, 2009



"Being real is difficult"


"from The Path Beyond the Gate by Ann Smith...





"I wanted to be strong for Nathan's sake. I wanted to be there for Nathan. But a part of me was thinking, We've been working all these years at being real with each other. Do we start playing games now?"






Ann Smith lists three blessings received from "being real." You'll have to read the book to find out what they are, but I will quote her one more time from this entry about being real, because it's so good.






"It's not our failures and our mistakes and our struggles that hinder the work of the Kingdom; it's pretending we don't have any. That's what hinders us. We need to be saying to people, 'Yes, life is both pain and joy, but there is someone who walks with you in the good times, the bad times, the in-between blah times. There is someone who walks with me and helps me in this journey.'"






I'm thinking circus again because I go from not being real enough to being TOO real, which can very easily turn into drama. We don't need drama; I want to be me, but I also want to be the "new" me in Christ. I want my life to reflect peace and the faith and trust that I have in God in the middle of good times and tough times. But to say that I didn't have a moment of hands shaking, heart pounding (mine), and a few tears recently when Don needed nitro, well, that would not be real. I am happy to report, with all honesty, however, that God gave me perfect calm in the middle of the "excitement." That, too, was real. I know that I can be real and God can use that, because He is real IN me.

Short and Sweet

Happy Monday back to work after being on vacation for a week!  Work was typical for a holiday week.  Moments of busyness and then normal DEAD in the water!!!!!  Todd and I were back in the gym tonight and it felt good to be back working out after Christmas -- I'm thinking others had the same thought because it was so busy tonight.   The best part of the evening was my 25 minutes of solitude in the sauna.  Ahhhhhh, it was great! 

The evening was spent after the gym at McDonald's for a birthday party for a precious little girl from church named Macy.  The kids had a good time!  By the time we got home, it was bath time and bed.  So this evening was gone before we even walked in the door!

Wish I had more to share with you...  until tomorrow...

Few of my FAVORITE THINGS!!!

The morning service at church was GREAT. It is always an amazing feeling to feel the spirit move throughout the service.  After church we went to one of my favorite restaurants and ate with dear friends.  Todd received the new City Monopoly game for Christmas and our friends were coming over to play after church today.  Everyone was having a fun time and then "it" hit.  I'm not sure if I ate something or what was going on but I spent the rest of the afternoon / evening running back and forth to the bathroom.  My friend, Tonya, was here and said I was taking her morning sickness from her.  :)  Todd and Logan decided to go on to church and I stayed home.  I really was excited about our service tonight as I knew Bro. Joe was preaching and he always brings forth such an amazing message.  Once my house was empty I laid on the couch and continued to make my trips to and from.  I didn't eat anything different than 2 others at lunch so... who knows.  The evening was not a complete waste as I realized one of my favorite movies was on.  "The Sound of Music" always makes me smile.  As I sat here tonight watching it I can't help but hum the song "My Favorite Things".  

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

Silver white winters that melt into springs

These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad

As I picked up my laptop and started thinking of what to write about tonight, I decided I would share a few of my favorite things...

• 
  
  Scales that are less each time you weigh  :)
  
  
  
• 
  
  Smiles
  
  
  
• 
  
  The feeling of accomplishment after a good work-out
  
• Hugs
  
  
  
• 
  
  The simpleness of my salvation
  
  
  
• 
  
  The smell of Lolo after his bath
  
  
  
• 
  
  The rain
  
  
  
• 
  
  Friends that really care "true friends"
  
  
  
• 
  
  The Word of God
  
  
  
• 
  
  People that do what they say they will do
  
  
  
• 
  
  Girl Power study
  
  
  
• 
  
  Easter
  
  
  
• 
  
  Family
  
  
  
• 
  
  Watching Logan sleep
  
  
  
• 
  
  and so much more...
  
  
  

Wow, I do feel better after thinking on some of my favorite things -- Now, it's your turn -- what are some of your favorite things?

Until tomorrow...

30

Well it was a GREAT day...  I will say that it started off very bad.  We had major plumbing issues!!!  But thank goodness for daddy's!!!  Todd and dad worked on the "issue" and happy to report -- it is fixed...  Yea,  Todd and I spent the afternoon running around as Logan had an outing planned with a friend of mine.  She gave him "lunch and a movie" for his birthday and today was the day.  Jamie took Lolo to see Alvin and the Chipmunks.  Logan said it was great!  Jamie said he laughed through the entire movie. 

I guess my vacation officially ends tomorrow!  I have to go back to work on Monday -- also back to the gym on Monday.  With everything going on this week, I was only in the gym one time this week.  I was able to stay within calories and eating plans during the Christmas festivities.  

I can't believe you have not ask me what all the 30 pictures are about...  Oh, you do want to know...  well I'll tell you then!  I will say that as of this morning, I have reached my first goal of 30 pounds -- I told myself I wanted to do this 30 pounds at a time!   As of this morning I am 30 pounds down -- NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN!  It feels so good to hit goals.

That is all I have for tonight, talk with you tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

Happy Birthday Jesus

Logan has been wanting the RIDE game for his wii.  We have told him over and over he wasn't old enough for the game.  He was so excited!   

  

I would also like to introduce

 the newest member of our family... 

Mr. Squiggles.  Todd and I searched and searched and my sweet amazing cousin, Billy out of the blue ask if we found one and said he had an extra zhu zhu, do you want to buy it from  me.   Well YES!!!!!   Logan has already purchased the play set, house and all the accessories in his head!!!!  I don't think this Christmas present is done --- I see more "things" in Mr. Squiggles life.

... Thank you Jesus for giving us another Christmas with my grandpa.  It was an amazing day.    We went to Greenville with mom and dad to spend the afternoon with my grand-parents.  We found out in June that my grand-father had bladder cancer.  In August we was care flighted to Baylor from the Greenville hospital and spent several days in ICU where we were told he was a very lucky man.  The doctor told mother and I that if my grand-father had not had such a strong heart he would have lost him on the operating table.  With that being said... that experience made this Christmas so special with him.  He is still battling cancer and it is a struggle everyday; but Jesus is a mighty savior and one way or the other on earth or in heaven, I know my grandpa will be HEALED!

Just a few of my favorite pictures from the day...

Again, I have decided to close with a devotional thought... 

A Classic Devotional from Henry Van Dyke

The day of joy returns, Father in Heaven, and crowns another year with peace and good will. Help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wisemen.

Close the doors of hate and open the doors of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil, by the blessing that Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our bed with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Lord, this Christmas, please let Your kingdom come in me and make me more like You. Amen.

A baby changes everything!!!

What a day...  Christmas Eve was amazing.  Outreach/Puppet show was cancelled due to the weather... (bummer) but the day was great!  Todd, Logan and I ran around for an hour or so and then came home to get things ready to take to mom and dad's this afternoon.  While at mom and dad's we opened the door to realize that is was SNOWING!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really snowing!  In Texas, snow on Christmas, only a GOD thing!  :)  After all the gifts were opened, Paw Pa received the award for best present -- Logan's first bb gun.  Logan said "I'm really a big boy now" -- does he have to remind me? 

After days like today,

I'm reminded how

truly blessed we are!

For Christmas Dinner mom and decided to do steaks/chicken on the grill in honor of my journey :)  -- with the weather so awesome; George, my George Foreman grill that is, came to the rescue!   Dinner was wonderful and I was able to stay within my calories.  Mom made a sugar free/fat free cheese cake and a choc pie.  The cheese cake was very good and although I'm not sure of the exact calories; however I did have a piece and still feel very confident that I will be okay during weigh in -- yea, go me!!! 

Before closing tonight's blog, I really would like to share with you a portion of my daily devotion from today - it was very appropriate and I loved it!  After all ~ A BABY REALLY DOES CHANGE EVERYTHING!

VERSE:  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.  Luke 2:14


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


QUOTE

Love came down on Christmas Day so many years ago and brought the greatest happiness the world would ever know. Peace came down on Christmas Day to fill the hearts of men with all the sweet tranquility each Christmas brings again. Joy came down on Christmas Day as angels came to earth heralding the miracle of our Messiah’s birth.


Author Unknown


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAILY THOUGHT

A mentally disturbed king. A powerful conqueror. A tumultuous engagement. A new marriage. A pregnancy that generated whispers and rumors. An arduous journey. The wrong setting to deliver a child.

But a baby is born, and this Baby changes everything. Angels sing. Shepherds and wise men worship. A mother’s prayer of praise is heard throughout generations.

No matter what circumstances surround you this Christmas, never forget. A Baby changes everything.

I praise You, Heavenly Father, for the gift of a Baby. Amen.

Christmas Eve (Eve)

I had a great day at HOME!!!  I did not leave the house until 6:30.  I will also say if it wasn't a church night -- I would not have left!!! -- Logan and I made a Gingerbread house today.  It was the first time he has really had an interest in making one -- It was a lot of fun doing it together!  He was so proud of the way it turned out.

Now I've yet to mention that I LOVE LOVE LOVE ginger bread cookies!!!!  I really thought I would be OK until tomorrow when he wanted to eat it -- WRONG!  He wanted to eat it an hour after we finished it.  YES, I did eat a portion of the roof --- Did I mention I love gingerbread!!!!

I am so happy to report that I am down 25 pounds and 20 inches!  I will let you know if this sticks after our Christmas dinner!  :) 

Tomorrow Todd has an outreach and the Christmas outreach is always blessed and I pray tomorrow is the same.  Logan and I plan to spend the day together finishing last minute task - as well as watching the Christmas story at the outreach. 

It was a rough day yesterday/last night for reasons I wish I could share, but have decided to say that even innocent discussions can be turned into a nightmare!  I am not good with conflict!!!!  I will also say that after my talk with God, I know that in the end all that matters is that I am true to Him!  IF that is taking place, everything else will follow!

I'm very excited to share a wonderful dinner with my parents, Todd and Logan tomorrow night;  I've been blessed with amazing parents and can't wait to share Christmas Eve with them. 

Will start my day in the gym and then the rest is not planned until tomorrow evening.

Until tomorrow!!!

Not much...

I do not have words for my blog tonight...  I wish you all a very happy evening and will be back tomorrow evening; but for tonight --- this is all I have!

Until tomorrow...

Girfriends Christmas

Was at the gym this morning by 9:30 -- It was awesome to be at the gym and done by 10:30.  I could get use to that!  I'm on vacation this week and have decided that I could also get use to that!  :)  Had a great deal of running around to do after the gym so was out and about until around 1.  From there Todd was a big help getting things ready for our "Girlfriend's Christmas" at my house.  Each year we have a night for just the young ladies of our church usually ages 18 to 40 (with our Marsha - young adults Sunday School teacher included) Opening my house up for this event every year is always a blessing.  I'm thrilled to share my home with such great girls.  The older I am getting the more I understand how important friendship is.

We opened the evening up with a grab bag game.  Before everyone got here, I asked Logan to go through our house and pick 20 things and place them in the bag.  He was very creative in his choices.   Every one of us picked one item without looking and had to tell why or how we were like the item.  Imagine the excitement as one by one we picked the following...  perfume, measuring cup, old cell phone, wet wipes, remote control, candle, highlighter, dog leash, clothes hanger! 

All of the answers were awesome and creative.  My favorite was for the remote control.  The young lady who chose the remote said that she was MOST like the remote because it would control different things -- a VCR, DVD, fast forward, pause, play - that is how she is - she is a mother, daughter, friend, sister.  I so agree with what she said, I will add, it is hard control everything - isn't it awesome that God will control our remote, if we allow Him. 

The next thing we did was a Christmas Trivia (Thanks Lavon).  It was so fun to see the different answers as well as those that were missed!  It was a lot of fun and really interesting to watch everyone interact with the answers chosen.  

We had a great amount of food, and fun -- I'm so blessed by a strong group of Sisters in Christ.   There were only 9 of us that were able to attend; I know that there is a reason for us to be a smaller group this year - - God moved tonight during our time together.  I was over whelmed by the amount of sharing and love for one another that was showed.    God never ceases to amaze me!

No, we did not spike the punch!!! 

Although Lisa and Christina did not participate in our funny face picture -- I know deep down they wish they had!  :) 

Family Christmas (one down 2 to go)

Family

Family is such an important part of our Christmas celebration.  Today was our Martin Family Christmas!  My cousin, Billy, hosted the family event this year.  I was so excited as everyone of my dad's brothers were there along with his sister.  I know that it means a great deal to my grandmother to have all of her children there.   Not all of my cousins were able to be there today, but that happens as we get older and have our own families and responsibilities.   The day was beautiful where we were allowed to be outside as well as inside throughout the day.  I have selected just a few of my favorite pictures from the day.   There are so many pictures I could post but have chosen the below to share with you today.  Before I get to the pictures -- I will admit to ----- eating mac n cheese today as well as a piece of the most amazing pineapple pecan pie EVER.  I'm sure I will pay for it tomorrow in the gym!!!  Now on to the picture blog...

Ellee and Neeley playing dress up - These are 2 of the cutest girls!!!!  Neeley is a good girl and was so sweet with Ellee!  Neeley is very active in gymnastics and cheerleading and My Uncle Shames better watch out cause she is also a very beautiful girl!!!!  :)    Ellee is the SASSIEST little girl I've ever met and I love watching her interact with others!

This is Carter -- and anyone that knows me, knows this kid stole my heart from the first time I saw him.  Not only is he adorable -- he has the BIGGEST personality of any kid or adult I have ever met!!!  He is the spitting image of his daddy and mamma -- so watch out world!!!!  Logan thinks Carter is the #1 cousin EVER -- Such a MESS!

This is my special grandmother, Bessie!  I had to pick this picture because she is making her famous Mac n Cheese!  I assure you - there wasn't anyone to pass it up!!!!  Not only is she a good cook; she is the core of our family and I adore her!

This is Jonah Brooks and my beautiful mom.  Jonah is the son of my cousin, Reba who will always be very special to me...  Jonah was perfect the day he was born and as you can see --- he is STILL perfect!  It didn't matter what was going on around him today -- he was happy and laughing!  Such a sweet boy!

Nothing to say except this is the little boy that holds the key to my heart!

I will close with this picture...  This is living, breathing proof of the healing power of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Carson was born a very sick little guy and the specialist said he would be delayed, and sick all of his life - -  The ONLY trace of his scary entry into this world are his hearing aides!  He is healthy, beautiful and SPUNKY!!!  (OH, and he is Carter's little brother)  CARSON IS OUR MICRACLE BABY BOY!!!

Jesus, thank you for the gift of Carson

and for the family you gave me!

Until tomorrow!!!

Jesus is the King -- from the CRADLE to the CROSS

Tonight was our annual Christmas Drama at church.  It was changed up from last year.  It was a musical and displayed the different events in the life of Jesus.  From being born in a manger to the cross.  Tonight I'm going to do just a picture blog from the drama.  Tomorrow is going to be a great day as we have Christmas with the Martin side of the family at my cousin Billy's house - always a good time and such an amazing family.

Can you imagine being one of the Shepherds

that saw Jesus for the first time. 

What a event of worship?

I LOVE our costumes for the wise men. 

They were beautiful in the lights. 

I think of the excitement that they must

have had bringing gifts to Jesus.

This was a scene to show the healing power of Jesus. 

Jesus heals a little girl and her family is rejoicing with Jesus

This was one of my favorite scenes -- The adulterous woman --

This shows the over whelming power of forgiveness! 

TO THE CROSS! 

THIS PICTURES TO ME SHOWS IT ALL!!!!

This is one of my favorite people, Bro. Dennis.  Our church is so lucky and blessed to have such a Man of God be called Pastor.

Glad this week is OVER -- good end to a bad week!

What a wonderful end to a not so fun week!  I ended my week by enjoying some girl time with Mistie and Kathy.  Again, I'm blown away by the fact that we have been apart for so many years and it is still so easy and comfortable.  We sat at Starbucks forever and we laughed as we watched a group of teens.  We said several times, "Were we that silly?" - or "Were we that loud?"  I'm sure we were louder and silly!!!! 

On a sad note, tomorrow Kaufman will say goodbye to a very special person.  Carla Hester was a Kaufman graduate of the class of 1990.  I've had not seen nor talked with Carla in many years; but she will always hold a genuine spot in my heart.  Please pray for her son, Damion, tomorrow as he says goodbye to his mother. 

I don't have a lot to say except tomorrow is the start of my 9 day vacation -------------- Awe, I can't wait to do nothing - or - do exactly what I want!!!!  The gym will be fit in each day they are open as I am focused and will continue this journey. 

Until tomorrow...

My Night to Shine

Today was a good day - - - tonight was even better!  Before the program began, they showed a cute slide show of different pictures from the first semester.  Todd just happened to catch the one below of Logan and his teacher Mrs. Reeve.  We just adore her - we are sad that she has received a promotion and will be taking a more administrative role after the Christmas break and he will be moving into another teachers class.  :(  We have enjoyed Mrs. Reeve and will miss her!

As I watched Logan line up on stage, I could see his eyes searching for Todd and I.  What a feeling I got when he spotted us and smiled from ear to ear.  They did such a good job - precious is the word that comes to mind. 

Where is Waldo????  Lakeview K and 1st grade students

I did not make it to the gym as I worked until right before time to get Logan to the school - tomorrow looks bad to for the gym.  I am meeting two friends to go to the viewing of a class mate that suddenly died on Saturday.  Her name was Carla Hester and she was one of the most genuine people I have ever known.  I have not seen her in over 15 years; but none the less I am very sadden by this loss.  After the viewing I am going to dinner with Misti and Kathy - again will say how blessed I am to have these 2 awesome girls back in my life. 

I have stayed on target with my calories; I will get back in the swing of the gym - It has to be a priority of mine.  With that said -- I wouldn't have missed tonight's program for the world when I saw that beautiful sweet smile on Lolo's face as he was searching for us.  He is growing up before my eyes and I don't want to miss a moment. 

The journey I am on is teaching me more about myself than I ever could imagine. 

Until tomorrow...