I need a plan....a plan for getting back on track, so I am going to start my list here and add to it.
I am going to drink more water.
I am going to journal my food.
I am going to review my blog and put some practices that helped me in the past back in place.
Yes, this Friday my oldest daughter Brittany will be graduating high school. Hard to believe. I am so excited yet so saddened at the thought of this wonderful event. We went to the baccalaureate service this evening. It was not a very long service and just a precursor for what is to come this Friday.
Brittany has developed into such a wonderful young woman whom I am very, very proud of. Really and truly I cannot find the words to really explain my love, feelings, and emotions for her to you properly. You know. Mostly that deep motherly love.
I do wonder, hope, and pray though that we have given her the foundation that she needs beneath her feet to enter the other side of the world. Have I really added enough to her bag of life?
One thing I know for sure is that Brittany knows the love of God and Jesus liver in her heart. I praise God for this. She is a very compassionate person who deeply feels for others.
As graduation draws closer this week, many tears fill my eyes. Tears of joy, sadness, excitement, wonder, proudness... It seems like not so long ago I was holding my first born and singing You Are My Sunshine to her. I love you Brittany.
I love you deeper than you will ever know...at least until you have your own children and experience the greatest love of all...a mother's love.
More to come later this week...on my 2009 graduate!
OK, the whole needing to get myself back on track with my eating is killing me. There are so many things going on in our life right now and of course food is the best comforter that I know! I know I need to start back eating healthier and walking. You know actually thinking about what I am putting in my mouth and then making a choice NOT to! Why can't I get myself back on track?
I know what to do.
I know how to make it happen.
I just have not made the time to do it and make it happen.
This next week, I am going to actually work on planning my grocery list and preparing for the weeks to come. I am going to also check out some sales like Target this week. If you buy 10 Smart One meal at $1.80 each and you buy 10 you get a $5 gift card. Not a bad deal if you ask me.
Anyway, I need to read back through some of my old posts and refreshen my memory of what I was eating before.
Have a nice Sunday afternoon!
Thank you God for giving me peace in my heart to handle the days that have passed and the days that are to come.
So often I start and end my day trying to get it all done, forgetting that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. I am trying to reset my eyes on this and live each day with joy. In a world that moves so fast and not sure how long it will even last. The simple things, simple living....that is what I long for, to live a more simple life. Slowly, with God's help I will ground myself back to the simple things in life.
Thank you God for this day, the peacefulness you have given me...
Hope for another day
Hope for love in every way
Hope for you
Hope for me
Hope is what its got to be
Hope for something more
Hope for the open door
Hope to mend a broke heart
Hope to never part
We went to Austin, TX for my daughter Brittany's One Act Play UIL State Meet. They did an outstanding job and took second place. Brittany received a bronze Honorable Mention medal for her role in the play as Barbara Allen in Dark of the Moon. I am so proud of the entire Drama group but of course I am especially proud of my baby :)
We mainly stuck around the area of the hotel we stayed in, which was the same hotel the Drama group stayed in. We were 4 miles from the State Capitol Building and about 3 miles from the University of Texas. We went to the State Capitol and it was very very nice. The state performance was at the college.
I do have to say I was not that impressed with the portion of the city I saw. Now, like I said we mainly moved around very close to the hotel, but I am here to tell you I was completely and entirely shocked by the amount of homeless people we saw in this area. Totally shocked. Maybe I missed out on the city -I'm not sure. The hotel had an indoor pool and the kids wanted to swim, so we hung out at the hotel relaxing mostly.
Ever wonder when it is going to be your time to catch a break? Well, between home and work that is exactly what I am wondering!!!
So long since I have been to the Olive Garden. We went last night and met several family members. It was a very nice dinner. There were several kids in our section and boy was it loud in that place....but the food was great!
Brittany sent a text message to me last night. She is on a cruise with the high school band. The got to Jamaica yesterday and she said in her text it was great! She even said she wished we were there.....hum, wonder if that was just one of those let me be nice comments???
Off to do some work now. I am working from home today and have alot to get done -as usual. Have a blessed day. Take a moment and spend it with God...
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
Proverbs 3: 5 - 7
Katelyn had a softball tournament today and will play tomorrow to. Boy, did we ever get sunburned! I think even my lips are sunburned. The girls played really good today overall.
It was so hot....in the 90's today. We went straight from cold to hot weather.
Happy Mother's Day to everyone!
That is what I asked myself...could I? Could I make just one green change? My daughter's have been talking about going green since last summer. Yes, they are kids and this idea comes and goes for them but they have tried.
So I was thinking about it. Surely I could do just one or maybe even two things to make my little contribution to the green of this world. The first thing that caught my attention was cutting down on the use of plastic bottles and reusing plastic bottles. I have been using the same plastic water bottle for one week now! YAY me:)
I have not bought any bottled water. In the past, I had wanted to get a Brita filtering system for my faucet and one of the Brita pitcher and just haven't done it. It's on my to get list now! I also want to get each one of us in our family our own water bottle to reuse. I have managed to work out using the same bottle but how am I going to manage to cut back on bottles at softball tournaments, etc??? I could buy one more 24 pack of bottled water and refill the bottles with the filtered water....hum, that is a thought. Any suggestions?
I also took a bowl and a plate to work and have not used any styrofoam plates at work. I am proud of myself for that! Also took a coffee cup to work to use instead of the styrofoam cups that work provides.
I also bought a little $1 tree hugger recycled bag at Target that is so cute. I have been taking my lunch to work in it instead of plastic WalMart bags. Again, proud of myself.
There you have it. It started out with the thought of trying to do one thing and so far I have not committed to these:
1. reusing my water bottle
2. not using paper/styrofoam plates and bowls at work
3. using the same coffee cup instead of styrofoam cups
4. bought a tree hugger recycled bag to take my lunch to work in
Not to shabby...and was not hard at all! I am going to look into getting a Brita pitcher and a water bottle for my mom and mother in law for Mother's day along with a flower!
Check out this site.... www.filterforgood.com
I could not sleep at all last night. It was terrible. Hot flash after hot flash. You can take all of these herbs in combination.
I got up a little before 8am and went out to work in my flowerbed that I am starting. Well, one spot is actually already started. I am extending this bed and starting another.
I have planted some herbs ...parsley, mint, basil, and chives. So, as I was working and talking with God I started wondering if there are certain herbs that help with inflammation. Surely there is. Surely God has given us a plant that would help all the aches and pains I have from the arthritis and fibromyalgia. The doctor has told me so many times that what I eat will have such an effect on how I feel -pain and inflammation.
Then I hit the stressful, exhausting, times in my life along with a nice fibro flare up and there you go...I fall off the wagon and just eat whatever is convenient and comforting to me. I know what a difference food and exercise can make so why to I turn my back on it only to see how much I need these things in my life. I am so tired when I come home from work though that many days I am literally going straight to bed. Missing life that's what is happening again.
Herbs, yes that is what I was going to talk about. That is the heading of the post right?
Ole faithful Google turned up some results for me:
I found the following here
Something to think about. I have been taking vitamins regularly and maybe I should consider adding these as well. But then again, can a girl take to many vitamins? I read that if you do then it just comes out in your urine and I can attest to this! Nothing like vitamin smelling pee-pee!!! Wow, you needed to know that:) I am going to keep researching the effects of herbs and see what I think.
Changes come in your life when you finally draw the line and refuse to put up with one more day of wrong choices and wrong circumstances.
from: Christian Books For Women
The Bible
Reflections of God's Glory by Corrie Ten Boom
a book by Charles Stanley that I honestly cannot think of the name of the book right now!
I find myself using this word "wow" quite a lot lately. I was wondering the other day why or where I got this word from...you know the use of it so regularly. Maybe my girls have been saying it and I picked it up from them. Then again, there are a lot of wow's happening in my life.
Wow -is Brittany really about to graduate high school and turn 18?
Wow -is Katelyn's Freshman year really almost over?
Wow -the school really moved the 5th grade to jr high and next year Hunter will be in Jr High?
Wow -am I really turning 38 years old next week?
Wow - did Hunter really just turn 11?
Wow -can family members really be so cruel?
Wow -does anyone know how to put their clothes in the dirty hamper?
Wow -am I really eating all of this junk?
Wow -are we really this crazy busy at work?
Wow -will I really be married 20 years in June?
Wow -are my hands really that old looking? When did that happen?
Wow -did I really eat Pringles for breakfast this morning?
Wow.
Brittany's Drama group performed last night and did an outstanding job. Of the six plays performing, two were chosen to advance to state and our group was one of them! Off to Austin in a couple of weeks to watch them perform! YAY:)
So many happenings and so little time. I feel like my time is filled with something to do every minute of the day. That everyone else has control of my time and not me. Well, it is time to pull the reins back and regain what I can control in my life.
School will be ending soon and as far as time, this alone helps my schedule to narrow down a bit. The real downside to school ending is that Brittany will be graduating high school. Although I am so excited for her and want the best for her -it saddens me. Already so much independence has come her way as she comes to the end of her Senior year. Her time filled with her own interests and friends. Although I know she loves me and as much as she does not want to admit it, so much alike we are. But for me, there is not much time in her schedule. I miss taking her shopping (she has her own car now and goes herself and with her friends), I miss just having her in the house knowing she is being kept safe at all times.
We went to the Roseville Bed and Breakfast in Marshall, TX and took her Senior pictures last week. It was so beautiful and I was happy to be there to share in the time with her. She will not turn 18 until July 23 but in her heart she already is. She really is a wonderful daughter and I love her so much. She is my only blue eyed baby and boy do those eyes glisten.
We will be traveling to Nacodogches, TX this weekend to watch Brittany's drama group perform 'Dark of the Moon' again at their Regional performance. She enjoys performing so much and we love watching her. The only draw back is that we are so limited as you cannot attend practices and watch her, etc.
Katelyn has been busy with softball. She is a Freshman and has been playing for the high school team as pitcher. Her pitching has come a long way. She still has much room for improvement but she has come such a long way. She has a new boyfriend and seems to be really happy. He is a really good kid and we have always thought alot of him. She is also still playing for her tournament softball team.
Hunter. Well Hunter is being Hunter....all boy. God love him. He is just in one of those stages I guess. He is a great kid but boy he has his moments as I guess all 11 year old boys do. He is anxiously waiting for football season to come around. He got a Nintendo DSI for his birthday and really likes it. We had his family birthday this past weekend and it was really nice.
Kenny has been busy working and running along with the kids schedules. He is such a good man and I am so lucky to have him!
Me, well I am still me trying to make some improvements. I have been working on growing my time with the Lord. What a sense of strength I have found and continue to find as I read scripture or devotionals daily. Amazing the works being performed in my heart and for that I am thankful.
On a health note, I have developed an earache in my right ear. Not feeling so great and that would be why I am typing this at 4am! Going to the doctor tomorrow as I am having pain and pressure behind my right ear. I can feel the same pain and pressure in the left ear but my right ear is really starting to hurt more. I am feeling a strong pain sensation that comes in goes along with the constant pressure. Also think that I may have a sinus infection. Who knows!
I did have a full hysterectomy on 3/16. I started back working from home after two weeks. Back at work the third week. It has been really hard on my body but do to current work situations I had no real choice. Boy I sure would like about a years vacation!
May God give you a peacefulness in your heart as you take on the day. Can't we give him just two minutes of our day?
First of all I would like to apologize to myself. I am sorry.
I am sorry for not using this blog to help myself through so many things I have been going through over the past months. Although I still cannot thoroughly share all at this point -for so many other things I can. By not doing so I have deprived only myself.
Blogging is such an easy and amazing way to journal. A way to share, a way to record life's journeys as we travel along the pathway God has prepared for us....
Here is a list of low carb veggies that are good to me:
Trying to get back on track is never just as easy as....well, getting back on track. There is so much more behind those words to ensure that you can even find a track. For a while now that is what I have been is off track. Oh, from time to time I think about my eating and the health plan that I need to have back in place and then I give into the comforting temptations. You know the ones I am talking about, the King Size Hersey's with Almonds in the snack machine, Doritos, and those wonderful sugary items all around us. Calling our names ever so sweetly and there I am giving in!
First things first. I must get my liquid intake back. Anyone that has read here in the past knows I do not like plain old water. So, I normally add lemon and splenda to my water or add the packets or Crystal Light. Then there is always my unsweetened tea with splenda. Anyway, earlier this week I committed to getting my liquid (good liquids that is) back up to at least 32oz this week and then 64oz next week.
Second, I have got to think about what I am putting in my mouth before I actually let it enter my mouth! That is what it is all about. If I don't think about what I am eating before I do it -then next thing I know I have eaten so much that I cannot recall what the crap I have eaten in just that one day!!!
Third, I have got to start planning my meals and snacks again.
These three things for me at least, are very much the key to my success.
Today --- I ate no breakfast which was not good.
Lunch -I had a cup of creamy tomato basil soup, a turkey sandwich, and unsweetened tea.
large Sonic diet cherry coke (the cherry part, well I need to work on that)
Snack -Quaker baked snack mix
Supper -have not had that yet.
I am going into work tomorrow and I am cooking tonight so that I can take my lunch with me...whole wheat spaghetti, diced tomatoes, mushrooms. Wish me luck:)
I came across this link today on Yahoo and like the popcorn snack idea. I will need to purchase a hot air popping popcorn machine though. Which led me to eatingwell.com which looks pretty interesting. I am headed over there to look around and I am going to look up what Oprah is up to while she is getting back on track herself either today or tomorrow.
But I am going to make sure that I make my way around tonight to do some commenting -which I have fallen behind on!
~hope
my greatest hope
is to laugh as much as I cry,
to get my work done,
and to try to love somebody
and have courage to accept
their love in return.
~maya angelou
"Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage.
Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are." – St. Augustine
Hope abides; therefore I abide.
Countless frustrations have not cowed me.
I am still alive, vibrant with life.
The black cloud will disappear,
The morning sun will appear once again
In all its supernal glory.
-Sri Chinmoy
| What hope means Hope is bright shining light which keeps darkness at the bay Hope is gentle cold breeze on a hot summer day Hope is to remain positive when going gets tough hope is seeking more when others think u had enough What hope means Hope is dreaming of tommorow Hope is simmering under sorrow Hope is sparkles when tears in our eyes Hope is a beautiful thing & beutiful things never dies What hope means Hope is as light as a feather Hope keeps all of us together Hope is ubiquitous and free of cost Hope is the last thing ever lost..... -Vineet Bansal |
As I sit thinking back a little on 2008 a few things come to mind....
my dad's heart attack back in March and the gratefulness to God that he gave my dad more time here on earth with us. Thank you God, you know so many of us in our family still need his strong presence here with us.
My little family...you know -me, the hubby and the kids. How wonderful to have such a family. I am very thankful for us.
Personal growth....you know -being more comfy in my own skin. There is still so much growth that needs to take place but baby steps.
E....God has blessed us with even being able to get to know her precious little heart.
___________________________________________
2009..
I had not given any real thought to resolutions and changes I wanted to make until recently. I have been searching for a word lately. A word with real meaning and that could apply to some very deep heartfelt situations that are going on with our family right now. The word came to me a couple of days ago and I was not really sure of its purpose until this evening.
"Hope" -that was the word that after thinking for the past five months that finally came to me.
Then, as I was at my in laws today eating the usually black eyed peas, cabbage, etc, etc New Year's meal, a few family members started talking about making sure they ate the dish that would bring you money in the coming year. I said well give me the dish that gives you a smooth, comforting, trouble free, well.....hopeful year. As others around me are trying to make lists of resolutions and goals for 2009 - my list lies within just one word...."Hope".
This evening, driving home from eating dinner at my family's Kenny and Hunter fell asleep leaving me with my thoughts. I then began to put it all together. If I return to spending time with God and reading his word all of the things I mentioned about the New Years meal will be mine.
Then traveling around the net within minutes I stumbled upon a blog I had never read before and the blogger stated that every year God gives her a word for the year and her word for 2008 was "Hope". Well, God knowing me as he does knows that he must hit me in the head many times to make his point clear to me...
For 2009, I "Hope" to be more diligent in reading God's word, spending time with him, and trusting in the Lord.
I "Hope" each of you find your way for 2009 and what "Hope" there is for you. God Bless...
I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas and took a moment to give thanks. I hope to post more about our family Christmas later....but I have to do a couple hours of work first
Hey! I'm back:) Well, we spent Christmas Eve at my in laws house as we have done every year since I met my husband. We had a really nice time. E was there and this was the first year she has had Christmas in LA with this side of the family. She had great time opening all of her gifts.
We then went to my parents and spent the night as we have done since we have been married. My brother and his family also spend the night every year. We then got up to Santa on Christmas Day and spent the day together....we had a little wine and played Pictionary.
All in all it was a great Christmas. The kids got great gifts and most of all we all spent time together. I am very glad that I had another Christmas with my husband too!
I am really kinda down tonight -again about things that I just can't bring myself to blog about here. Not until it is all settled and done. Why is it so hard to try to do good for others? Why is it so hard to try to do the right thing?
Enough of that! I also made five fleece blankets for people for Christmas. Once I made the first one I was able to make each of the other in about an hour each. I would still like to learn to knit. A friend of mine gave me some quilting and knitting stuff of her grandmothers -think I will surf around and see if I can find some info about learning.
Have a great weekend:)
My life that is. Sometimes lifes seems to just happen to us and we find ourselves going through the motions of just making it through the day. Letting other effect our mindset and our mood. Well, sometimes it takes finding what brings you back to the center of it all and realizing that we can indeed control how we react to the happenings in life!
To start my day off, I went into work earlier than I usually do. Usually do? Oh, you all know that I work mostly from home -so should I say- I went to work today and I went to work early! Arrived about 6:15am and left at 6:00pm. I had a lot to get done and actually walked out of the building having made some accomplishments today! Thank goodness, because the day started off with not one computer problem but two problems. Then several voicemails were left that did not have.... well let's just say these people were not feeling the joy of the season but the stress of the season!
It was at the moment that the first computer problem was encountered that I looked that screen right in the -screeen- and demanded that I would not have this kind of day and I meant it! I then ran into the second problem within not to many minutes and I stated once again that I refused to have a bad day and that the Lord had given me this day and it was mine to enjoy!!! Then came the voicemails and well, I decided to be politely firm when I returned the calls and that worked itself out to! I did not worry, I did not dwell, I did not stress, I was not snappy, I was not moody....I was me ~Laura~ and I had such a good - productive day.
I took time this morning when I first sat down in my chair at work and read some scripture, the one posted in the blog below.
That was the difference...
I started my day right today. With my eyes on him...God.
Thank you father for this day:)
Love, Laura
