Typical Monday . . .

Well today was what some would call a typical Monday.  We had 2 girls out in the office, which means for Heather and I, it was very busy.  On top of that, it was a very high traffic day.  It seems that people are getting very desperate!  It is so sad when people come in and we do not have anything for them.  This economy has to pick up, so that our job market will turn around.    Please remember those that are unemployed in your prayers.  It is hard enough being unemployed; add the Christmas season, it makes it even worst! 

I was late getting to the gym today due to a very fun conference call, (yea right, are there ever fun conf. calls?)  I finally got there and decided to do a combination of cardio and weight lifting.  I am amazed at how much I really am enjoying the weight lifting.  I never thought I would say that!  Stephanie keeps telling me HEAVY, so tonight I went HEAVY and now can feel it --- no pain no gain, right?  After the weight lifting I did more cardio and then sat in the sauna for 30 minutes.  Guess I will sweat the weight off if the workout doesn't work.  I will meet Stephanie tomorrow evening -- I can't wait to see what she has planned for us.  I do have a funny to tell you with the mention of Stephanie...  My friends have decided that Stephanie is my new best friend, one even mentioned that she was worried about my obsession! I'm sure she was joking, well maybe????  I think it is so funny because after that was brought to my attention I realized I do talk A LOT about what I have learned or what we did or this or that!  So funny - dear friends - this is to you, I will work on clearing my head from "gym talk" while we are together!  Notice I said TRY!!!

Tomorrow is weigh in -- I sure hope increasing my calories will HELP - how crazy does that sound?  I ate more so I'm sure to lose.  Just another thing I'm learning from Stephanie!  :)   I did decide that life would be much easier if I was just a little taller! 

**on another note - my friend, Tonya, that I ask you to pray for about her pregnancy is having pains and I'm sure everything is OK, but please say a little prayer for her when you think about it.**

Until tomorrow!

It's a Birthday Party!!!

Picture blog tonight -- Lolo's bday party was today and we are all exhausted after a LONG day of amazing praise, worship and message at church both this morning and this afternoon --- and then a birthday party in between --- So my friends - - - short blog of a few of my fav pictures from party today. 

We had 16 kids --- OH ME!!!!!! 

Logan' first time to bowl...

Hooked on Phonics did NOT work for Wal-Mart -- this was so funny - we didn't even notice it until later - Wasn't a big deal and we thought was so funny!

My handsome little guy!

This is so funny - This gift was from Lisa (a friend of mine who was also Logan's Pre-K teacher last year)  The minute he opened and realized what it was - he says very loud "mom, how did she afford this?"

Skateboards and ramps from Carson -- When we got home Logan said "mom, how did Carson know that I love this stuff"

Such a sweet picture, Tonya and Jamison

(Tonya -- are you practicing????)

Little Miss Diva -- This is sweet Emma, she was Lolo's first kiss   8*)   ---On the Pre-K playground!  Hey, at least he has awesome taste!

This is our little Heaven Marie ~ Logan's first friend EVER.  She has NEVER missed a birthday party for him.  She is my special little girl!  **I promise she does have a smile somewhere!

He was so excited - He bowled a STRIKE

(or should I say STIKE)

Thank you Maranda and Tonya for taking such great pictures.  I have so many more, but didn't want to bore everyone with them --

To close, it was a GREAT diet day - the cake didn't even tempt me, much to my surprise!  Stayed within calories and feel great about today's events.

Until tomorrow...

GREAT Saturday

What a great Saturday!  My day started at the gym as every Saturday has since mid October.  I'm so excited that the gym was packed this morning.  Yay Complete Fitness.  I'm telling you, if you live in this area and are looking for a great place to workout - this is the place for you...  Did a little cardio and focused on arms and shoulders with weights. 

After the gym we came home and got ready to head to Mesquite.

 

Our first stop was...

I LOVE this place.   Although, did not think the entire "healthy" eating through because the moment we walked in the door I wanted crab.  That would not have been bad if I could eat it without the dripping butter!!!  NO Stephanie - I did not eat the dripping butter nor crab.  I had a delicious salad with grilled shrimp.  Todd told the waitress it was Logan's birthday weekend (his bday is on the 9th) and my shy little guy was so embarrassed and could have given his daddy a knuckle-sandwich.  They were so sweet to him and he was not moving nor looking at them as they sang to him. 

I'm almost finished!!!!!! (I ran out of money hahahahaha)

My bible study, Girl Power, is next Saturday and our books were still on back order - so I called and cancelled the order and thank you Jesus, they put the money back in my account.   I needed a reason to head to my favorite store anyway... :)   I am happy to report that I purchased all of the books we needed.  We had 9 girls at our last meeting and I've had several say they were coming this time.  I purchased 15 books; however, I know God will show off and we will need more!!!!  If any of you want to check out the book we are using ---- it is Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

I was also able to get a few Christmas presents there.  Of course I picked up a few things at Mardel's as well.  The new Casting Crowns CD is awesome.   Todd finally said do not put another item in this buggy...  He was such a poor sport.  :)  We made a few other stops and finished Logan!  I'm happy to report that I'm just about finished.  I have a few more odd and ends to finish up, but for the most part -- I am done! 

When we came home we started the first fire of the season -- I love nights at home with the fire going.   

After getting everything put away (as we also stopped and bought groceries on our way home), Logan and I started working on his "goody" bags for his birthday party tomorrow afternoon.  My Lolo will be 6 on Wednesday and we are having a bowling party.  He is so excited!  I promise I will not get mother of the year for this party - I didn't even plan or invite anyone until last Saturday - it just got here quicker than I was anticipating.  He has invited several of his friends from church, his soccer team and old daycare.  Also a few very special grown-ups in his life.      I am sure to post pictures tomorrow night. 

**I would like to end tonight with asking for prayer for a very dear friend of mine.  She is in the beginning stage of a divorce.  This is not something she was wanting nor expecting.  Just remember her in your prayers.  I just hope that through this storm she will remember to soar like an eagle and lean on the ONLY one that can help her, Jesus. 

That is all I have for tonight - diet and workout today was good.  I can't wait to weigh in on Tuesday.  I can feel myself getting stronger and feel my voice coming back.  Jesus is the true ROCK and I can't wait to be a STAR for him.

Until tomorrow...

JESUS is the REASON for all seasons!

What a wonderful day!  Work was uneventful today, but tonight was  GREAT!  My mother and I took Logan to Santa Land in Lindale tonight. 

    

It was so much fun - just the 3 of us.   Logan is such an entertainer!  Santa Land was nice but I believe the Land of Lights in Athens is just as good; however, I was very impressed with one section of the drive through light park.  They had a new part they just added, The Holy Land - WOW!!!

The true meaning was displayed!!!!  There was so much more but these were my favorite.  The gift shop at the end was very nice and the Santa was amazing!!!  We have always taught Logan that Jesus is the reason for this season and all other seasons.  He will be the first to tell you that Christmas is NOT about Santa; but about Jesus.  However, the traditions of Santa is still very fun and I love seeing his face on Christmas morning.  With that said, each year we have tried to get a good picture of him with Santa.  He has never wanted to participate in this picture and usually gets very shy and will not even look at the camera or Santa.  This year was so different!  The Santa at Santa Land was so personable and Logan just warmed up to him.

After leaving Santa Land we stopped in Canton to eat at Ochoa's.  I hated eating that late but we were starving!!!!  Good choices were made (except for eating after 8) -- Logan did not hesitate to tell me that his Nawna was his favorite woman!  I love that my mother and Logan have that special bond.  He is and will always be her little man! 

Tomorrow will be an early day as I have to be at the gym @ 9.  (grrrrrrrrwlllllllllllllll)  I did not work out today so it will be a longer/harder session tomorrow morning! 

Only one other thing to say... Please do not get so caught up in the "commercial" side of Christmas because -- JESUS IS THE ONLY REASON!!!! 

Until tomorrow...

I have a workout fairy...  and let me just say -- she worked me out tonight.  We were in the "boot camp" room and I felt like I had been through boot camp by the time we were finished.   We did things tonight I had never done and I'm sure my abs (or tummy, where abs should be) were in utter shock!  By the time I got home I could already feel my body tightening up and the soreness had set in.  It is still amazing to me how our workouts with no equipment, no machines can be the hardest!  I can ALWAYS feel the burn after working out with Stephanie, but wow I can REALLY feel it tonight! 

Diet is going well, Stephanie ask me to bump up my calories this next week.  I feel like I'm now eating toooooooooooo much! 

On a side note -- my wonderful laptop has a VIRUS and I am amazed I have stayed logged on long enough to publish this blog, so tonight will be another short one, before I get kicked off.  I hope to get computer up and running in tip top shape by tomorrow night.   

I will close with this... for those that have little faith in me, for those that think I will quit, for those that do not believe I can do this; I can't wait to see your face in a year when I am living a healthy amazing life.  I only have a few words for you - - FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!!!  With that said, it is a good thing that I not only have faith in MYSELF, but in Jesus for I know with CHRIST all things are POSSIBLE!!!!

Until tomorrow...

Not much to say...

This will be a very short blog -- I am ready for bed!  To be honest, the day was really uneventful; except for my ride to the gym.   It took me 20 minutes to go 8 miles!   I mean ONLY in Gun Barrel City, Texas can a house block traffic.

After the gym we ran home and got ready for church;  Our service was very good tonight.  Bro. Dennis preached on the responsibilities of the church.  After church we went to the Dairy Queen with some of our friends.  I had a drink of water while I watched others with their ice-cream --- you know what -- it is getting so much easier!  Just wish the exercise was.  :)

Well I know it is hard to believe, but that is really all I have for tonight - I can't wait to get into the warm bed!    Tomorrow should be a GREAT day -- I will be out marketing tomorrow (for all that business that is out there) and then will be at the gym tomorrow night with Stephanie.    Tomorrow evening I'm having dinner with 3 of my favorite people; can NOT wait! 

Until tomorrow!!!

Not just another day!

I will start with today was weigh in and I was NOT excited!!!  I stayed exactly the SAME!  What, are you kidding me?  I have worked my rear end off and made good choices over Thanksgiving.  I was so  frustrated after weigh in.  I didn't even want to go to the gym, it was one of those -- why bother moments!   I talked with my mother on the way back from weigh in.  She made valid points about the inches I had lost and about how I have been lifting more weights.  Muscle weighs more than fat, right?   I get all of that; BUT I NEED TO SEE IT ON THE SCALE AS WELL! 

I got to the gym and talked with Steph about my frustrations and we talked about my food plan and eating schedule.  We increased my calorie intake which means more food!  I'm really OK with what I've been eating - I'm sick of TURKEY and CHICKEN but I really have not felt hungry.  I love the way Stephanie doesn't just say ... you need to do this or that.  She takes the time to explain to me why.   Some of the frustration left after talking with Stephanie - she told me to worry about the inches and the scale will catch up.  That is what I am going to do - I have had a 16 inch loss ---- why am I frustrated?????    I say I loved the way she does that -- I did not LOVE her during our workout tonight.  Notice I said DURING the workout I did not LOVE her.  Guess what, I so do right now!  I'm so proud of our workout today and what I accomplished!   Are you ready for this????

I JOGGED (I say running -steph said jog)  I was over 5 speed.  I did not do it for long but you know what ----- I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Not once -- but three times!  I will say it ~~~ I AM SO PROUD OF MYSELF!   The workout tonight was cardio - weights - cardio - weights - cardio - weights and then she decided we would do some abs.  OH MY ~~ my abs thought what is this?  It was a crazy night in the gym but I LOVED IT!  As I sit here tonight everything hurts, but it hurts so good!  I am blessed to be able to have a trainer like Stephanie that will push me and still be encouraging!   THANK YOU STEPH!  

After the amazing night at the gym, I had my girls night out with Misti and Kathy.  I am so blessed to have these girls back in my life - it is so funny when you realize what you have missed all these years of being out of touch! 

I want to close tonight with a picture

---- BUT before you see it ---- 

THE PICTURE IS NOT MINE!!!!!!!!

I would like to ask for prayer for a very special friend of mine,  my friend Tonya found out today (officially from doctor's blood test) that she is Pregnant.  Danny & Tonya have been waiting for this moment for a long time.  Tonya has had several miscarriages and tubal pregnancies.  She really feels different this time and has faith that this is their time.  I would like to call all of you prayer warriors to pray for her.  She and Danny are strong in their walk and are faithful in their service to our Lord.  I love these 2 wonderful people and I know that God has special plans for them!!!

Mr. Blog, this has been one of those roller coaster days ~~ but I will say with God all days are blessings!

Until tomorrow...