Circle of Fitness

I've noticed that there is a "Circle of Fitness" that seems to be making the rounds. A kind of fitness influence that is catching on among friends.

My fitness influence is my friend Cyndi. She began working out several years ago and over the years has tried to get me motivated to begin my own journey (if you will) into fitness. I resisted for the longest time, until finally, I took the first step and joined the YMCA. Since then, I have lost 29 pounds (and counting!) and workout 5x a week.

I now realize that I have had the fitness influence on several of my friends. My friend Kristi has now joined the YMCA and is doing a fabulous job of losing weight and working out.

I'm amazed of the influence fitness has on people.

So... the question is... who is your fitness influence? And, who do you hope to influence in YOUR "Circle of Fitness"?

I love fluffy books!

I love fluffy books. Books that don't require much thought. Books that are for pure pleasure.

Over the Summer, my friend LA introduced me to "Chick Lit". And since then, I've been hooked. Oh, the books aren't exceptionally well written, but they are fun and relate-able. I've even found a website called Candy Covered Books that gives reviews and the latest news on new releases, etc. I'll then make a list, then head out to my local library and stock up for a few weeks.

For me, these books are great to read while at the gym. While I'm balancing myself on the elliptical machine, the last thing I want to do is ponder the author's symbolism or use of prose. I want to read... not think... and get through that workout as painlessly as possible.

As I was perusing the Candy Covered Books website, I came across the review section and "Memoirs of a Geisha" was the first in line. I read the reviews and decided I'd check it out. I'm glad I did.

This book is haunting. I loved every page... every detail... every word. It is one of those books that you actually have dreams about because it fills your mind with wonder and intrigue.

I know this book as been out for quite some time and that there is even a movie, but if you haven't had the opportunity to read this book, I highly recommend it. I don't recommend books very often, but this one is worth reading.

Oh, and I if you are wondering if I read this while at the gym? No, it wasn't fluffy enough.

On the dot!

It's 3:59 p.m. The party (event / meeting / function... fill in the blank here) begins at 4:00 p.m. It is now 4:00 p.m. I ring the doorbell (walk through the door / check in with the organizer)... why? Because I am chronically ON TIME. All the time.

And as a 'chronic on-time arriver', my friends automatically know it is me, when the doorbell rings precisely on time.

I cannot stand being late and if possible, I will arrive early. Thank GOD my husband is a 'chronic on-timer' too, because I could foresee many an arguments involving leaving the house, in plenty of enough time, to arrive on time.

Perhaps that is why I am so impatient? Because I don't like waiting. Ever. I don't even like to wait to leave the house. I'd rather get in the car and begin our journey to our destination and arrive...early!

I share my 'chronic on-time arriver syndrome' with my BFF Cyndi. She has even been chastised by a friend of hers because she is always on time. That makes me sad. To a person who is not an on-time arriver, they have no idea of the planning it takes to get everyone organized and out the door in enough time to arrive on time. It takes careful thought and preparation!

So, invite me to your party! Just know, that I will arrive on time. Every time.

(Oh and I absolutely cannot stand invites that say, "7:00 p.m. - until the party is over" Argh! There is nothing more frustrating to a 'chronic on-time arriver!' That is because, we like to leave on time too!)

Poor discipline comin' back to haunt me

There is not doubt in my mind... kids are gross. However, I will relent, that some of a child's gross-ness can be curbed with proper guidance and discipline.

I am here today to confess that strong discipline in all areas of gross-ness has been lackluster. I am ashamed to admit it. I hope that by my standing up today and giving my testimony, will help you avoid making the same errors in judgment that I have made.

Yesterday was the epitome of gross-ness for Elisan. It all began after she sucked down some Sprite for dinner, then proceeded to walk into the ballet studio and burped so loudly, I was stunned. I turned around, did a quick scan of the area, then quietly scolded her to say, "Excuse me!" She did and it seemed order was restored.

But, not for long...

While we were in the waiting area during Kyla's ballet class, Elisan was quietly working on a cross-word puzzle. She was on her hands and knees on the floor (with her butt in the air - facing me, no less!) And the next thing I hear is "TOOT!" She then rolled over to face me and started giggling and laughing. OMGosh! I was like, "Elisan! What do you say? That was gross. Please don't do that again."

I go back to reading my book and then not FIVE minutes later, I hear a 'grunt' and this time, she is forcing out a louder (more forceful!) toot! This time, I am mortified! I don't mind an occasional slip up, but gee whiz, in the crowded (but quiet) waiting area of the ballet studio? Argh!

Then, the coup de grâce was her whispered announcement of, "Mommy, I think that was a dud!" A dud in our language is also referred to as a "shart".

Oh man... there is no recovery to that, other than ordering her to the bathroom to take care of her business in there.

I'll be honest here folks... I totally blame Randy in all of this! (Yes, and he wasn't even there!) Although I love my husband, he is not the most gracefully mannered human being on planet Earth. In fact, he is down-right gross. I think she takes after her daddy. But, I will admit I fall short in the discipline department regarding this area because I can't very well discipline a grown man, in front of the girls, now can I? I mean, he KNOWS he is gross, so me telling him he is gross, is kind of redundant, don't ya think?

But, yesterday's display has encouraged me to be more vigilant in this area. So... Randy... beware! Your bodily function antics will not go unpunished any longer! That goes for Elisan too!

I'm not a paper crafter

I am not a paper crafter. I'm more of a computer graphics dabbler.

But, I was inspired by this layout, knowing that it was simple enough to experiment with. Here is my version.

I'm going to a Stampin' Up card making party on Sunday, hosted by Anna. My friend Kristi is a Stampin' Up Demonstrator. I thought it would be a good idea to familiarize myself with stamping again so I don't look like an imbecile in front of the experienced paper crafters!

I love the idea of stamping, but I really don't like doing it. See... the problem is that I'm a perfectionist in many ways. I don't like stamping a cock-eyed image onto a card that is complete. I know... I know... stamp the image, then affix it the card... yeah, I know. But, I forget that very important step, most if not all of the time.

So, anyway... Kristi, you should be VERY proud of the above card. I was thinking of you the whole time.

More than a sparrow

Sunday, at church, our Pastor gave an illustration that really touched me and I wanted to share using this scripture reference:

Matthew 10:29-31 (American Standard Version)
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father: but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."

The birds of the air and the animals of the land trust God to provide for them. They do not scurry about wondering where their food will come from, because the Father provides for them. And, even so, as in the scripture above, it states, "not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father('s notice)." And, then it goes on to say that we should not fear, because we are of more value than many sparrows!

How real is that? The sparrow has not a care in the world, yet if one were to fall to the ground, God knows! So, why do we walk around with the world on our shoulders, pressing down on us, filled with grief and despair! We are of more value than the sparrow!

Put our trust and faith in the Lord as the sparrow, that He will provide all of our needs!

AMEN!

A little face time

My girl and me just in from the gym!

One of life's toughest lessons

The girls and I headed out to Target today and I promised them that if they were respectable little children in the store, they could each have a dollar to spend.

They both earned their dollar, so I handed each of them a dollar and we headed on over to the dollar bin so they could pick out a fun treat.

They toiled over their decision of what to buy and finally when it came time to pay, Elisan could not find her money. She looked in her pocket and it wasn't there. She re-traced her steps and it wasn't to be found. She looked up at me in her sad little eyes and said, "Mommy, I can't find my dollar. Can I have this toy anyway?"

And, as much as I wanted to say, "YES! Of course, sweetheart, accidents happen and I know you didn't intend on losing your dollar." Instead, I had to look her straight in the eyes and tell her that, "No, sweetie. You will need to put it back because you lost your dollar and you don't have any money to pay for it."

Trust me, that did not go over well and she begged and pleaded for me to buy it for her anyway. But, truthfully, what would I have been teaching her had I went on ahead and bailed her out this time? (And the next time and the time after that?)

My heart broke for Elisan today. But, nothing about parenting is easy. And sometimes life gets in the way of our fun. But, I know that Elisan learned a valuable (and expensive) lesson today. One that she will not soon forget. And, I learned a valuable lesson today as well... that I AM a good parent, even when it hurts.

I'm even surprised!

My mother-in-law (MIL) is in town and has been since Saturday. She isn't staying with us, though. She has been staying with my brother-in-law (BIL) to help him out, while my sister-in-law (SIL) has been out of town for the week.

Since I am a stay at home mom, I have been her main source of transportation, errand girl and daytime entertainment this entire week. We've gone shopping together, had lunch together and visited. She even kept Kyla all day on Thursday and I was able to attend the Ladies Luncheon at church and then I hit the mall afterwards sans kids. I don't remember the last time I was at the mall without a child. She is even going to watch both girls tonight and Randy and I are going on a date! A date without having to pay $30-$40 bucks to a babysitter!

So... is this what it is like to have grandparents that live in the same town? I had no idea. It has truly been a nice and refreshing change of pace... And, not just because I've scored free babysitting, but that sure sweetens the deal! No, it is because my girls have loved having her here. I have loved having someone to talk to who understands that husband of mine. It has been nice having the company.

She leaves tomorrow. I'm going to miss her. I never thought I would say that, because, afterall... she IS my MIL.

I found a new blog to love!

I love Beth Moore! She is one of today's most profound Christian speakers and authors. She writes Bible studies that will rock.your.world. She is beautiful. Funny. Texan. And she is real. So real, in fact, that you feel as if you are listening to your best friend talk.

So, imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Beth Moore's Living Proof Ministry blog? It's like getting a weekly dosage of goodness and fun. Subscribe to her blog and enjoy her words of encouragement and wisdom!

No Hannah Fans Here

Central Texas is all a buzz... Hannah Montana is coming to Austin on January 24th.

Morning talk radio shows are talking non-stop about the tickets, the lack of tickets, price gouging of tickets, Mom's performing dance routines to win tickets for their young daughters, etc. etc. Don't even ask about the mayhem that surrounded potential ticket purchasers when the tickets when on sale several weeks ago.

I'm truly stunned. The madness has taken over Austin (and the surrounding areas). Moms are going nuts over this.

Randy and one of his co-worker's were out to lunch the week before Christmas. The wife of the co-worker phoned him to ask him if it would be alright to buy HM tickets for several hundred dollars. The husband told her "not on your life!"

I know, I get it! Hannah Montana (or, better yet.. Miley Cyprus) is clean and wholesome. The show is cute--so I hear -- we've never watched it. She's a good role model, blah, blah, blah. But, really, I haven't heard one good reason why my six year old (and subsequently, my four year old) needs to watch this show or hear her music, when truly they are still enamored with cartoons or flicks like "Ratatouille" or "Meet the Robinson's". Besides, do I really want my kid beggin' me to watch MORE television than she already does?

I'm sure my day will come, but it sure as heck will not be when she is six. Seven? I don't know... check back with me in August... but, don't hold your breath.

Big Spender

Randy and I have been sleeping on a mattress that is dated pre-Erica. I'm guessing that the mattress was purchased around '95 and honestly, I doubt Randy forked out mucho dinero for said bed.

And so, we've been sleeping on this mattress (as a couple) for over 9 years and let me just state for the record, that mattress is awful. I wouldn't give it away!

Recently, Randy has been complaining of back issues... waking up stiff and sore and he decided it was high time for a new mattress! (Amen to that!)

So, he did a little on-line shopping to get over the sticker shock of new mattresses, then went out on his excursion. (I opted out of the shopping for the mattress, because really, I can sleep anywhere, on anything, at anytime. So, really... he was the only person that needed to be happy!)

After hitting a few stores, he came home with two narrowed down selections. The very basic Sleep Number Bed for about $1K or a standard mattress for about $1K as well.

Honestly, I didn't care which one he bought, but I've heard great things about the Sleep Number bed that I questioned him on why he chose the basic Sleep Number bed. Well, it is because he is cheap, that's why.

So, here's what I told him, "Hun, if you want the Sleep Number bed, then get it. But think about this... we will use this bed every day. We will use it about 8-10 hours a day. We will use it for probably 20 years (or more). We will use this mattress more (and longer) than we use our automobiles. Why not spend more money, getting the Sleep Number mattress that you really want, rather than go cheap and not be happy in the long run."

So, he went out and bought us a mid-line Sleep Number bed, not cheapy, but not full-on plushy, and you know what? He made an excellent decision! I love that bed! Love it, love it, love it!

By the way... my sleep number is a 60! Apparently, I like a firm mattress! Randy is a 45 - a softy! (I always knew he had it in him!)

You are sooo jealous!

Do I have the sweetest daughter or what?!

Cinnamon Popcorn

This is such a yummy snack.

It is very easy to make and would be a fun and festive Valentine's Day treat!



Cinnamon Popcorn

8 quarts of popcorn
1 cup of butter
1/2 cut of light corn syrup
1 package of red hot cinnamon candies

In a saucepan, combine the margarine, corn syrup and red candies. Bring to a boil, stirring, and boil for 5 minutes. Pour over the popped popcorn and mix well. Pour the popcorn mixture onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 250 degrees F for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Cool completely, then break into pieces. Store in an airtight container

The Daily Plate

I stumbled upon this website - The Daily Plate - and it is THE coolest food and weight management website I have ever seen! It is interactive and is very user friendly!

This is a great website for the hard-core dieter or for someone, like me, trying to maintain my current weight.

Check it out this weekend and see for yourself!

I love stamps!

Letting the creative juices flow this week...
Now, if I can only decide on which address
stamp I want for myself?

I found this awesome dude on eBay who can turn your own design into a custom rubber stamp for like $6.90 (with super cheap shipping!) He's fast, reliable and easy to work with.

So, who wants custom design work for your
very own rubber stamp?

Oh, my aching bum!

I attended my very first group exercise class yesterday! This was a full-on weight training class called Body Pump. To be honest, I was a little skeptical... and still am. However, I decided to try it out anyway.

See, the problem (with me) is that I'm a cardio kind of girl! I love cardio. I love to sweat. And if I'm not breaking a sweat, well, then I'm not working out. Easy enough, right?

Well, I didn't sweat in the body pump class. In fact, I don't think my heart rate exceeded 140 for more than a minute or two. (140 is considered a moderate heart rate for my age.) The class was good... in that it worked the entire body, not just focusing on one area, like legs. And it was lively and upbeat. Plus, the hour zoomed by. But, the lack of cardio really left me empty inside. Crazy, huh?

I will say that my bum and the backs of my legs are stiff and sore. Oh, and my triceps are, in a word... owee! So, that's good, right?

I think I'll give Body Pump another go around. I'll stick to it for a week or two, and possibly throw in some cardio after the class - for good measure. I'll keep ya posted on the results!

Stuff heard 'round the house!

Dinner table etiquette seems to be the fore-front on our dinnertime conversations.

"Sit properly"
"Use a fork"
"Move your cup away from the edge of the table"
"Why are you getting up?"
"Don't talk with your mouth full" etc. etc.

Last night, we were having a lively conversation about soccer and the upcoming soccer season and Kyla Mae noticed that we all were talking while we had food in our mouths.

She announced, "No talking food in your mouths! (Pointing at all of us...) You! You! And You, Elisan!" Mind you... she had food in her mouth as she barked out orders.

But talking food? I sure don't want to be eating anything that talks, do you?

They grow up?

Ever have one of those surreal moments when you realize... OH MY GOODNESS... my kids are growing and they will soon be big people who don't need kisses after a fall or a hug before bedtime.

I remember wishing the days away when Elisan was a colicky 2 month old. Or, praying the days would pass quickly when we lived in Denmark, because I couldn't stand having two kids under two and living in a foreign country, not knowing a soul (except for you, Charlotte!). Or, counting down the days when Elisan began Kindergarten.

Now there are days when I wish I could get that time back. All of those times I "wished away". In it's place, I would sear every memory, every instance, every moment in my brain.

At this moment, I hear Kyla Mae in the background, tinkering on the piano, playing music for me. Just moments before, she was looking out of the window at the garbage men collecting our trash. These are the moments, that while they seem trivial, are the moments that make a difference in all of us.

The contentedness of it all.

The happiness and comfort that is shared between a parent and a child.

I wish to sear these precious moments in my brain, forever.

Why should I work out?

Don't want to workout today? Watch this and get motivated!

Beautiful Sunrise

I took this picture right outside my back door.

Grump

Ah yes... it was a fun day.

Straight to DVD

I took the girls to see the "Bee Movie" yesterday afternoon and let me just say... SKIP IT.

As much as I LOVE Jerry Seinfeld, this movie was lame-o. And, really... I do love Jerry (and Mathew Broderick and Renee Zellweger).

I will admit, the animation was incredible, which made me want to love the movie. But, I couldn't. It was lame. I mean, it was more lame than most kids shows. My kids even lost interest.

All in all, despite being lame, it was a wholesome movie. So, take it from me... rent it for your kids but be sure to play it in another room, apart from adult activity. You'll thank me for it.

Cleaning and Tossing

Saturday marked the beginning of a 4 day effort of a major household clean-out that apparently, I only do once a year. Why you ask? Well, blog-world... I'll tell you. Because there was so much stuff that needed to be thrown out it was embarrassing.

I began with Elisan's room. It is no secret this child is a pack-rat. But, her pack-rattiness far exceeded my expectations this year. I threw away two big bags of stuff from her room and truth be told, I could have collected another entire bag, but the child would not turn loose of some of that stuff. (Btw, always (always!!) have your child rummage through their stuff with you. There is nothing worse that your child going through the trash bags, only to find their most treasured ... string of plastic Mardi Gras beads in there. It just makes for a pleasant experience all around.)

Next stop, Kyla's room. She is not a pack-rat yet. In fact, any special trinkets that KM gets, actually end up in Elisan's room, in all of her pack-ratty goodness. Kyla Mae's room was just junky with old toys (namely McDonald's toys...) that deserved their place in the trash can.

I headed downstairs to my laundry room/pantry. Yes... that's right. My food is stored in the same place my dirty laundry (and subsequently clean laundry) goes. Yum! So, anyway... that room was a complete disaster to begin with, but tack on the holidays and it was a total catch-all-for-anything-that-doesn't-yet-have-a-place. It was an all day event on Monday.

Tuesday was spent cleaning out my closet. I'm finally getting rid of those last fat clothes that I've held onto in case I "balloon out" (as Randy puts it) again. But, I decided to get rid of them all, except for a couple of pairs of jeans... (just in case I balloon out again... I'll need some britches.) Now, I have a gazillion extra plastic hangers in my closet. I'll need to fill those up again. Bring on the sales!

And no matter how many times I scanned the house last week in attempts to collect every.single.last.piece of Christmas decorations... I gathered up at least another 1/2 full box of decorations and linens this week that was overlooked when we put it all away last week. Why is that?

So, now... we're de-cluttered and feelin' good. Now, if only I can keep it up.

Eh? What's the rush?

Bite me!

It's early in the morning, and what is that I hear outside?

It is a dog... BARKING! And, lo and behold! It is the same dog that was BARKING... last night, as we went to bed.

I am not a bad person. I like animals just as much as the next person. But, can I just say something here in the safety of my very own blog!?

To all dog owners of the world: Only YOU love your dog.

• Your neighbors do not love your dog.
• The postman doesn't love your dog.
• The neighborhood kids love your dog, but only to torment it.
• The early morning joggers do not love your dog.
• Friends who come over to visit... do not love your dog - jumping, licking, sniffing, barking on and around them.

I've probably offended all of you. By now, I realize most of you out there have dogs. And, truth be told, I'd love to get the girls a dog too. All I'm saying is this... if you have a dog and it is an outside dog (even in a neighborhood where outside dogs are prohibited!) please keep it from barking ALL.NIGHT.LONG!

Secondly, please be respectful of your neighbors and if their kids (or, hey... even MY kids) are outside playing... please bring your dog in so that it doesn't stand at the fence barking continuously at the kids (or, hey... even MY kids) while they are trying to play.

And for goodness sakes... please keep your dogs from jumping on my kids. My kids love the idea of a dog, but when push comes to shove, my kids don't love a strange dog jumping on them. They just don't. I don't. And they don't.

So, you see? I'm not really being mean here... I'm just speaking up for all of the non-dog owners and their kids out there who have tolerated barking dogs in the middle of the night (or, um... morning.)

(Edited to add... As Randy was leaving for work today, he cautioned me in saying, "You know, people love their dogs like they love their children. You may get comments back saying, 'We don't love your kids.'"

Well, I'm here to say that kids are not pets, they are human. I don't ask you to love everyone in the world, just as I'm not asking you to love my kids. They're kids! They stink, they're sticky and they burp and toot on command. Take it from me...children are hard to love if they aren't your own!)