tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64743159312954374642024-03-05T23:01:48.136-06:00What Really Matters...."For where your treasure is...there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.comBlogger548125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-26636812495993417452011-09-27T08:13:00.000-05:002011-09-27T08:23:21.940-05:00in the midst of the stormLike many families during this time, even some we know on a personal level, we're experiencing a change in our financial situation. Unfortunately, ours is a consequence of irresponsibility from years ago and something we knew was coming, but now that it's here, we've just gotta buckle down and plow through.
Generally, I'm a pretty good worrier. For some reason, Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-29841842713653774722011-09-26T08:18:00.003-05:002011-09-26T08:32:03.261-05:00win, winHaving lost 43 pounds to date, I've got a whole mess of clothes in my closet that no longer fit. While I've never consciously approached my eating and exercise knowing that my "fat" clothes were there if I needed them, in recent weeks, I've found myself slacking just a bit too much in getting the exercise to maintain my loss and eating what's best, not just what's quickest.Since school got out inJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-27365825722375068652011-08-12T09:10:00.004-05:002011-08-12T09:38:05.692-05:00a pinch to grow an inchWhen I started this journey to lose weight and be healthier almost nine months ago, I hadn't thought a stitch about my weight "goal". I just knew that I was squeezing into a size 14 jean and I REFUSED to have to even consider going up another size.
Enter lots of hours on the treadmill (that I hated every single second, by the way, just so we're clear), wiser food choices and smaller portion Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-34470334502567020072011-07-29T17:16:00.004-05:002011-07-29T17:43:28.126-05:00out of the darkness and into the sunIn just short of sixty days, I'll be celebrating another birthday. I'll be getting closer to FORTY (gasp!) and by then, I'm fairly confident that I'll be able to say that I'm in better shape at {insert birthday number here} than I was ten birthdays ago.That's exciting.And better yet, thanks to recent prodding by my younger brother, I feel better than I have in ten birthdays. I saw my primary Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-63102683045565743982011-07-08T13:42:00.003-05:002011-07-08T13:59:50.439-05:00A Perfect OpportunityI'll be honest, it started as "Oh, I'll just walk while we're on vacation and figure out my new routine when we get home."I fully intended that; really, I did. But it's been 30 days.Then I remembered how difficult it is to rise early enough to beat the all-too-eager nine year old out of bed. And the minute his eyes open, he's up. And he's talking. And asking questions. It's non-stop, let me tell Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-13895125572763005082011-06-09T09:11:00.006-05:002011-06-09T10:08:30.341-05:00every little bit countsI just finished workout 30 of Jillian Michaels' 30-day shred. It took me thirty three days, but I finished, completing the workout seventeen days in a row.Craziness.First, my insights from day one to day thirty. I worked level one for ten days. After about day 3, my knees were sore, but nothing I couldn't push through. My endurance during cardio segments was pretty sad, even with two hits off my Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-30077421834680276272011-06-07T07:37:00.003-05:002011-06-07T07:45:59.903-05:00Word AssociationI love watching Food Network. My favorite show has to be Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives; I'm a huge Guy Fieri fan.Caleb likes Triple D too and before he went to bed last night he decided to finish watching an episode with me and steak was being made. It looked absolutely delicious and Caleb pipes up "Oh Mom, that makes me hungry." (I think he's having another growth spurt; this child can't get Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-53399718492132016022011-06-02T08:39:00.004-05:002011-06-02T09:32:11.555-05:00How long DOES this take?I work three days a week so standard dress is a blue collared shirt and tan pants. On August sixth, I started my job wearing a size 16 pants and a XL polo shirt; granted, the 16's were comfortable, getting used to being on my feet for long periods of time once again, I wanted to be comfortable.If you have children, you've probably noticed that children's clothing sizes are not regulated. I feel Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-37970563033263209202011-05-30T07:00:00.003-05:002011-05-30T07:00:04.857-05:00catch-allHappy Memorial Day, everyone! I'm pretty thankful to have a day that's mostly down-time for all of us except for a little matter of two parades that Matthew's marching in later this morning.Just thought that I'd give you an update on the goings on here, since I've a few things that just couldn't really create a whole post.Here goes:*Caleb's baseball team is 1-5; that is in stark contrast to beingJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-14029348989741942262011-05-26T10:44:00.005-05:002011-05-26T11:06:40.184-05:00(random) 30 day shred - day 16- I just finished my sixteenth workout for 30 day shred and it was my sixth workout with level 2. - I've taken four days off since I started day 1 on May 6th.- Wanting to be a "graduate" of the system before we leave to visit family on June 12th, I need to get the workout in every day until then to finish on the 10th, which is the first day of summer vacation for the boys.- I hate squat thrusts Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-35470461549670487112011-05-25T08:07:00.006-05:002011-05-25T09:11:33.718-05:00(Sorta)Wordless Wednesday - the pictures don't lie (June 2010) I love that baby (my nephew Carson) on my lap, but good grief....I mean. really. And yes, I keep this picture on the fridge to remind me of lots of things; how little I thought about myself, how sad I really was at letting my weight get out of control, how embarrassed I was at having my picture taken, and most of all, how I'm never going back there again.(May 24, 2011) getting there.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-37534310220625496522011-05-16T07:46:00.004-05:002011-05-16T08:12:52.707-05:00keep movin' - day 8What a crazy weekend!Friday night Jon took Caleb to his baseball game. I've had a headache off and on for almost a week and that night was awful, so I stayed home. About five minutes after they came in the door, I was upstairs but I heard Caleb say "Daddy, Dina has a mouse and she's under the sofa."Suddenly I had no need to go downstairs and shower anyone with kisses.Saturday morning I was awake Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-369542401791321252011-05-12T06:06:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:25:06.658-05:00get up and goPutting in the 11-8 shift yesterday and then turning around and needing to be at work by 8:00 this morning to work the front register doesn't leave me much time.I hate 11-8 because I feel like I get nothing done, but I love it because I can enjoy my coffee after the boys leave for school and still get in a workout, eat a leisurely breakfast and get a few things done before getting myself to Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-64305691641653443612011-05-10T07:41:00.003-05:002011-05-10T08:01:37.812-05:00on Mother's DayI was pretty proud of my boys this last weekend.We're without a pastor at the moment, as you may know, so Sunday was my "turn" for pulpit fill. Our church board secretary had asked me if I'd preach and I told her that I'm not a preacher, I was a preacher's kid, big difference, and she said "how about a mission lesson then?"As I'm about to complete my first year serving as local church mission Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-35001282378534777232011-05-09T10:08:00.005-05:002011-05-09T10:22:52.554-05:00winningI started 30-day shred again on Friday.I'd done the workout before and never made it past day seven. My knees would get so sore and I just never felt like I could do the workout well enough to make it worth my time, so I'd quit.I think this is my third go at the workout. I just finished workout number three of thirty.This time around, I find that the workout is still tough, but doable. And my Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-34039574755552234532011-05-06T07:26:00.003-05:002011-05-06T07:30:20.309-05:00Featured!Good Friday morning, all! Despite having to drive Caleb in to school this morning, we're off to a great start.I'm being featured at Momma Made It Look Easy this morning, (click here for the link) so be sure to stop by and read. And many thanks to Jennifer for the chance.Have a great weekend.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-10324182912691948002011-05-05T07:57:00.005-05:002011-05-05T08:14:55.256-05:00in the eye of the beholderLogically, the change in the numbers must tell me something, but I don't see it. When I look in the mirror, all I can focus on is where improvement is continually needed. Even before and now pics don't really help since I just can't really see it. And I know that all of my size 14 pants won't stay up and on a great day, I can get into a size 10 and even breathe but I don't see it.I saw this Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-381544827115742402011-05-03T09:03:00.004-05:002011-05-03T09:27:20.531-05:00simplerOne of my best friends in high school was Mykal. She and I sang in the choir together; she's an alto and I'm a soprano. She was fun and friendly and loud and I loved her.We spent several days a week together between my sophmore and junior years of high school. We go "crusin'" in T-ville on the weekends; I had a fairly early curfew and her's was much later than mine.I wasn't busted for breaking Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-62836938124053390702011-05-02T08:03:00.007-05:002011-05-02T08:50:42.033-05:00my eulogy**Yesterday morning while we were in church, Jon received a message from his mom that his cousin Emma who lives in England had unexpectedly passed away. She was only 32 and was a wife, a mother to two very young sons, a daughter, a sister and a friend to many. We're deeply saddened and at the same time reminded that there isn't a second we can take for granted. Thus the inspiration for this Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-33318769480816851802011-04-29T08:06:00.006-05:002011-04-29T08:47:24.801-05:00slippery slopeThe few nights a week I'm actually home for dinner, I try my hardest to have us all sit at the table and talk while we eat. Last night I was asked if it was okay if the television was on (um, no) or if I was planning to sit at the computer and eat (no again).The teenager was the last to fill his plate in the kitchen and his brother and I were already seated at the table when he started to walk Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-70391559273644878362011-04-27T07:52:00.004-05:002011-04-27T08:11:55.947-05:00divide and conquerLast night, I met Carrie for dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Both of us commented that we couldn't remember the last time we'd eaten there whether we were together or not.She apologized as she could see that I was sorta ga-ga over what to eat, but I assured her that it didn't matter. Needing to make choices when eating out is part of life for everyone and I wasn't stressed; just figuring I could find Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-68376268679457134112011-04-25T09:22:00.007-05:002011-04-25T10:05:04.877-05:00three days, a smaller size and a sniper scopeGood Morning! Hope you all had a blessed Easter! We did and it was very busy.But before we get started, I'd just like to toot my own horn a bit here; you don't mind, right? Of course you don't. My pounds lost total continues to climb and once again, I saw a smaller number this morning on that dreaded scale. This morning's display read 158 which makes for thirty three pounds lost since December Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-20123494972572205522011-04-22T10:36:00.003-05:002011-04-22T10:50:29.397-05:00Here's to knowing whyThree weeks ago, I hated the treadmill and vowed to stay away from it until after Easter. Follow that with two weeks of weight training and a few inches lost and a new decade of numbers.Then I got three and a half hours of sleep following a late night field trip with Matthew for band and gave myself the day off the next day.And this week the boys have been on Spring break. And it snowed; no Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-44836019232411620192011-04-14T08:29:00.005-05:002011-04-14T08:52:52.825-05:00the bigger gapI see my family twice a year; once in the summer and then at either Thanksgiving or Christmas, depending on which holiday it was we went last. I haven't seen my family in 137 days. When I calculated that out, as yes, you knew I would, I was a bit shocked that it was only 137 days. It seems so much longer since I've crossed the border from Indiana into Michigan and exclaimed to all of the Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474315931295437464.post-31226443029333298242011-04-13T07:00:00.002-05:002011-04-13T07:00:09.422-05:00Wordless Wednesday - "Wanna see my hair, Mom?" "I am George Washington!" Silly boy.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751458534779098012noreply@blogger.com0