The Power Of Temptation

It's Wednesday night, 5:00 p.m., bible study starts at 6:30, as you're leaving work you review your mental check list of things that really need to be done - tonight. On your way home you start debating with yourself if you should really take the time to go to bible study. After all, there is laundry to be done, a checkbook to be balanced and a dozen other things waiting for you when you walk into the house.


You walk into the house and can smell dinner already started. The dogs bark their greetings at you and the cat comes and smells your shoe and runs for the hills. Awww....yes - home. You look at the clock that is now saying you need to leave in 45 minutes. You start hearing that little voice in your head, "why rush with dinner and go back out where it's cold and dark? Stay home in your warm house, enjoy a leisurely dinner with your family and watch Survivor. After all, it's not your fault they moved it to Wednesday nights." You listen to the voice.

Our latest sermon series on temptation has really got my attention. Not that I didn't think of temptation before but God has used this time to convict me and to open my eyes to the temptations that I have been given to. I never really thought about there being something much bigger at stake than the temptation it's self. Yeah the big temptations-the big sins, everyone knows that if we are tempted to kill someone and follow through that yes, there is something much bigger on the other side of that temptation.

It's those times when we have that brownie when no ones looking, swipe that piece of plastic (our spouse will never know-right), or decide to stay home from the bible study or small group you've committed too. There are countless temptations facing us everyday. Some are easier than others to resist - some have such a pull on us that alone we can't pull away from it.

1st Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

I'm not ready for this series to be over. I feel like I still very much in the middle of it and I have so much to learn. But I am thankful that God used this series to get my attention. To remind me that giving into a temptation will affect my faith, my family, and my future and possibly a future that may not even by my own but effects someone else.


There is no way to avoid temptation - with the help of the Holy Spirit we can over come them.

If you feel comfortable, please leave a comment letting me know how I can pray for you. What temptations are you facing? What temptation have you overcome? I'd love hearing from you.

It can be done....

You can get a sleeping dog woman up at 5:00 am to go to the gym. 

I made it to the gym today by 5:30 but not with some obstacles being put in my way:

• Plugged my dead ipod into my computer to charge over night.
• One of my furfriends unplugged the cord from my computer, battery died over night.
• Dead computer = dead ipod in the morning - crud.
• Received text from Big K - she's not going this morning, she's the one that wanted this.
• Little K's  car is behind mine.
• Frost on Little K's car that is behind me.
• Go back into the house and get keys to move said car with frost on windows trying to avoid trash that is waiting for pick up at end of the drive way.
• Park Little K's car at an angel due to frost still on windows that I haven't taken the time to scrape - and avoiding garbage can at the end of the drive.
• Procede to adjust Little K's car 3 more time to get it over far enough and straight enough so I can back my car out.
• Get in car to leave, look over, left Little K's lights still on.  Go back into the house, get her keys, shut off light, put keys back into house.
• One my way, almost turn onto the interstate going the wrong direction.
• Get to the gym, I seem to have great difficulty making up my mind where I'm going to park....just park already Sheryl.

Yea!!!! I made it.

You know, sometimes you have to wonder if it's even worth it. 

Yeah, it's worth it.  I'm not real social that early in the morning but I didn't mind listening to the music from the class in the next room and just peddling away for the next 30 minutes.

I yawned on the way home and thought to myself, "I must be the only one that yawns after a work out."  Thought exercising gave you more energy?  It does, I just didn't wait long enough.  I can't describe how much better I have felt today, not only physcially but mentally.  I've been very productive and sometimes that's hard when you are the only one in the office.

Thankfully early morning swim practice starts this week and I won't have to fight for the shower when I get home.

True Confession - Here's to a my health!

For me weight and staying physically fit has been a life long battle - I lose, I gain, I lose, I gain.  I got a wild hair last Saturday to go to the gym.  I rode the bike for 30 minutes.  It has been a few weeks since my shadow darkened their door step so for me - this was big. 

Then with out giving it much thought at all, I did something totally crazy.  I talked to one of the trainers about what I need to do to get back on track.  I even set up an appointment to talk to the naturalist and to set up an exercise program.  During this conversation he really didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, but he did confirm what others (my family) have been trying to get me to do. 

Big K has been trying to get me to the gym in the morning before work.  I'm thinking she nuts!  I'm not breathing much before the alarm goes off at 6:00 let alone have my tush at the gym earlier then that. Bless her heart but after some of the conversations we've had about it she finally quit bringing it up.  She knows I should do it, I know I should do it, but geeez 5:15 in the morning????

Then during my meeting with the trainer he mentioned that the most successful people at weight loss and fitness start their day working out - dig the knife in a little more, I knew that too.  Is this the Holy Spirit confirming through him that I need to to this and if I know I should do this why don't I do something about it? 

I made a very scary decision this morning, I'm going to start working out at the gym at 5:30 in the morning.  I'm not even breathing at 5:30 in the morning and why have I decided to do this going into the winter months????? 

God is convicting me, I feel he is telling me that I need to take better care of myself.  To take care of the body he blessed me with.   I don't have many health issues right now but if I don't take off some weight and get in better physical condition I'm going to have problems in the future.  Besides, I want to be one of those Grandmas that take their grand kids places, play with them on the floor, and be very active.

• I want to be able to go into a department store and buy clothes with out going into the plus size section.
• I want to have control over food instead of food having control of me.
• I want more energy and I want the driven person back that I once was.
• I want to put my CPAP machine up on the shelf and let it gather dust.
• I want to be ready at a moments notice when God calls me to a task - both physically and mentally.

But I'm scared:

• What if I fail. 
• I'm afraid I will lose my comforting friends - hamburgers, fries, my pillow.  That fear comes from the love of food and napping.
• How do I stop thinking about food all of the time - and WHY do I think of food all of the time?
• I'm scared I'll feel hungry - I Hate feeling hungry.
• Will I have the strength to make it a way of life

A tweeter friend tweeted once "What's holding you back?"  After I thought about it I decided I'm holding me back.  I don't consider myself a negative person, I hope people don't see me that way, maybe they do.  However, when it come to me and my self-esteem I am very negative-I have convinced myself that I am fat and ugly.

I know this is all a choice, making the choice and sticking to it are two different things, for me anyway.  So once again I begin my journey.  I had lost 20 pounds since April and put back on 4 of those pounds, not too bad but it's time to get the scale moving down once again.

Thank You

In memory of my dad (Koren war), my father-in-law (WWII), and in honor of my future son-in-law (Marines) I want to Thank You and all the men and women who have served and given their lives to keep us safe and to give us our freedom. 

Happy Veterans Day.

Being a Christian is just like a pumpkin!

For some this may be a repeat for others it may be the first time you've heard this story. 

Whether it's your first time hearing it or your know it by heart, from time to time we all need a reminder.

Being a Christian is just like a pumpkin!

First, God picks you from the pumpkin patch and brings you in from the field. The Bible says He selects us out of the world. We are in the world, but no longer of the world.

He then washes all the “dirt” off the outside that we received from being around all the other pumpkins. All the outside influences of our former life must be cleaned up. Old things are passed away and all things are become new.


Then, He carefully removes all the “yucky stuff” called “sin” out from the inside. Sin will not have such internal power. He then changes us from the inside out by the Power of His Word. That’s why it is important to go the church and learn about God’s Word.


He carefully removes all those seeds of doubt, hate, greed, and fear. He replaces them with the seeds of faith, hope and love. After Jesus is invited inside, you begin to experience the changing power of God’s love in your life.

Then He carves a new smiling face. Our countenance is changed by the power of His presence in our life. We then become so grateful. It can even show on our face!

As we light the candle the pumpkin now reflects the light from inside out. So too, when Jesus, who is called the Son of Light, lives inside of us, He shines through our life for all to see. We can let His light reflect through us to reveal His presence. “Let your light so shine before men that they may be able to see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in heaven.”

So you see, we Christians are really like this pumpkin! We will never be the same with Jesus inside of us.

Making Memories

It seems like after this school year life as I know it will change.  Big K is getting married on New Years Day and Little K will graduate from high school at the end of May.  Even our exchange student L will be going back to Germany in June.  I'm going to go from three kids in the house down to 1 during the first week and June and then 0 in August. 

God has blessed me with wonderful children who are no longer children at all but beautiful young adults.  The hour glass of life is just moving too quickly for me.  So with that said - I put the hour glass on it's side to stop time for a day.  It's fall break so the Little K and L had no school, Big K was done with classes at noon and B and I took the afternoon off from work.  We loaded up the van with jackets, hotdogs and chips and headed to Vala's Pumpkin patch for a family day of fun.

On weekends it is nothing to wait for 45 minutes for traffic to move just to get a parking spot and walk yet another who knows how far.  But on a Tuesday we were blessed with a front row parking.  

Originally when I reserved a fire pit we had about 10-15 people coming. Since plans changed and we were down to 6 they changed our location - again what another blessing.  It was beautiful and full of color.

We went to the Pig Races.

Played in the corn. 

Ate Smores.....                                          

And just acted silly.... 

And of course we had to go out to the pumpkin patch to find that PERFECT pumpkin.

 It was a wonderful day.  One I will hold dear to my heart for years to come.  Thank you Lord Jesus for the beautiful fall day, the wonderful colors, and being able to spend the time with my family.

Family Dog Attacks Infant In Bed

We know that according to the book of Job we are not immuned to the physical harms of this world. Though we know why God let the story unfold with Job, we don't always know or understand why harm comes our way. Such is the story with the little boy in this news story.


Please watch the video and keep this little boy (11 months old) and his family in your prayers. Please pray that no phyical, emotional, or spirtual scars will be left behind.


This child is B's aunt's great-grandson.


If possible, could you spread the news of this prayer request on your blog, the family would really appreciate it.


Family Dog Attacks Infant In Bed - Omaha News Story - KETV Omaha

Is anyone of you in trouble? He should pray. Is any one happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

James 5:13

If God is for us, who is against us?

Even if we don't see the good in it, God will work it for our good. It's like when a person blows up one of those long balloons and twist and bends, turns, squeezes and ends up with an animal. Lie your balloon at God's feet, He will fight the battle and can turn it into something good.

The One and Only

I started a new Beth Moore Bible study called "Jesus, The One and Only."  It's a 10 week study on the life of Jesus.

A couple of days before the study began my sister challenge me to our own version of the Biggest Loser, this contest will last 10 weeks. 

When I was listening to the introduction to the Bible study I couldn't believe it was 10 weeks, the same 10 weeks as my weight loss challenge with my sis.  Is that a coincidence - I'll keep you updated.

Once I accepted the challenge to lead a small group of women through this study on a weekly basis I started to pray.  I prayed that God would move me aside and let the Holy Spirit take over the discussion time. 

The first week came and went for the study, I was able to get my daily reading and mediation in.  We didn't break into groups that first week.  The second week - not so good.  Life got out of control and I didn't even crack the book.  By the time we meet again I was so exausted from the work week I couldn't even go.  Fast forward to last Tuesday, I so wanted to be the best leader I could be.  I wanted to be ready for this lesson, have an outline and know what way to lead this women during the discussion time.  Tuesday night was a disaster. 

We already had a stressful week ahead of us.  We were having carpet put in L's room and we had to rip out the old carpet and paint before Thursday morning.  I set the DVR to record the Biggest Loser and go into my bedroom to study and prepare for my Bible study group that is meeting the next night. 

Big K stopped by the house, she rarely stops by during the week.  She was hungry for both food and conversation - and she turned the television on LOUD.  After talking to her for a few minutes, I turned back to my studies only to have Little K and L come home from Cheeri-o camp.  If I thought Big K was loud - she didn't hold a candle to them.  B was in L's room painting, not being a big painting fan you can imagine some of the tension in the house. 

I kept thinking, "I've got to get ready for this bible study" but it wasn't happening.  I texted a friend venting about the nights events and how frustrated I was, finally I gave up and closed my Bible and my study book. 

The next morning as I was laying in bed thinking about how unprepared I was and God layed a heavy thought upon my heart.  He reminded my that I had been praying for Him to move me aside and let the Holy Spirit lead the discussion and that's what He did.  He moved me aside by not letting me prepare as I wanted to so that I had to rely on Him. 

Later that day God presented me with a Bible verse:

"A fool vents all his feelings but a wise man holds them back."

Proverbs 29:11

I have to say I felt quit convicted.

The Bible study went great last night and I am no longer going to worry about being prepared - He already is.

My First Temptation....

No, it not the first temptation that has been set in front of me, I have those all of the time.  But this morning had my first temptation that I was able to resist.  I don't know when the last time I walked away from food when it called my name.

I did the Flylady thing and prepared my lunch the night before, grilled chicken breast, a little bit of bbq sauce and cauliflower.  Now it's the morning of, I reach in to grab my lunch and it's not there.  Now if I didn't have a million containers in the frig that ALL look alike maybe I could find something easier but that's another post.  

As I am opening each and every container (you can see through these container but yet I couldn't seem to figure out what was in them with out lifting the lead.  Some I wished I would have left closed - guess I'll be cleaning out the frig this weekend).  Anyway, I opened a container that had left over sausage from Saturday's breakfast.  Oh the aroma, it smelt soooo good, even cold.  I remembered back to Saturday morning when we had them and how good it tasted.  

Please don't tell me I'm the only one that goes back in time thinking about the food I love.  

All of a sudden I had the bad Sheryl on one shoulder holding a red pitch fork saying "go on, throw it in the microwave, no ones home, who'll know".  On the other shoulder was the good Sheryl dressed in white saying, "don't do it, you don't even know who to count the calories or fat in it."  

I picked up a piece, closed my eyes and stuck it in my mouth.  The bad Sheryl was jumping for joy as I was savoring that piece of sausage. The good Sheryl grabbed the container, slammed the lid back on and threw the container back in the frig.   


I stood up and what do you think I found starring me in the face, my grilled chicken now sitting on the top shelf, easy to reach.  I'm just sure it wasn't there when I started this who temptation thing.  


With one more pound to go before I hit the 20 pounds lost goal, I'm glad I didn't let the bad Sheryl win.  


Thank you dear Father, I know when we are faced with temptation you always provide a way out, we just need to look for it.  Thank you for helping me to win this particular battle with food.  You gave us great food to enjoy not to abuse as I have done.  Amen.

I can finally change it......

Ok, it took me 22 weeks but I can finally change the tag on the sidebar to read "15 Pounds Lost". 

I was really hoping to be at my goal weight for Big K's  wedding in May but it was moved up to January 1, 2011.  Don't think it's going to happen.  What I am trying for is a total lose of 40 pounds by the wedding. 

I consider myself a professional dieter, I know all of the do's and don'ts (or at least I thought I did), I just don't practice what I preach. 

I found this website call SparkPeople, it's sort of like the weight watchers online program but its FREE.  I have been playing around with it and tracking nutrition and physical activity from time to time.  Just can't seem to get myself motavated enough.  After all, if I'm tracking what I eat I have two choice, neither of which I'm to fond of:

1.  I have to write down every thing I eat, or

2.  I can't eat it.

Now that makes a person start to think before you make that unplanned trip through McDonalds.  I'm admit, I'm weak I LOVE their french fries.  I'm not sure I want to think :p

My sis is doing her second round of "Biggest Loser" at work.  She came in 2nd place during the last round losing by a pound I think.  She is taking this serious and I am very proud of her.  Until....

she actually asked me if I wanted to join the challenge between her and me!  Now that means I have to get serious - I don't like losing to my little sis. 

I have to admit, it really is scary.  I think of all of the negative stuff right away and soon have myself convenced that I will never be able to eat the foods I love ever again.  Now we all know that's not true - but our minds can play such tricks on us. 

I've been working out and slowly taking some weight off but now I need to step it up.  I have been getting encouragemnt all over, I sure it's God telling me to get up off my fanny and take my health seriously. 

So, I am going to take this seriously.  I know I will fall and whine (please bear with me) but I will pick myself up and move on.  It won't be easy, not only is there the physical weight to take off but I also have a lot of mental clutter to over come as well.  I have to change how I think about food and exercise. 

Won't you join me on this journey to a healthier life?

Pictures that make you go "Hummm"

 Fed Ex delievers to the UPS Store????

Maybe it's me but I'm thinking the windows are a little low.

Advice from a retired husband

It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger. When you notice this, try not to yell at them. Some are oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an oversensitive woman.

My name is Ron. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Carol Anne. When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Carol Anne to get a full-time job, along with her part-time job, both for extra income and for the health benefits that we needed. Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age.

I usually get home from golfing about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table. I generally have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club, so eating out is not an option in the evening. I'm ready for some home-cooked grub when I hit that door.

She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating. But now it's not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won't clean themselves. I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.

Another symptom of aging is complaining, I think. For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. But, Boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two, or even three days. That way, she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you know what I mean). I like to think tact is one of my strong points..

When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break when she was only half-finished mowing the yard. I try not to make a scene. I'm a fair man.. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me, too. . 

I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Carol Anne. I'm not saying that showing this much patience & consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible! Nobody knows better than I how frustrating women get as they get older. However, Guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ron died suddenly on January 31 of a perforated rectum. The police report says he was found with a Calloway extra-long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II golf club jammed up his rear end, with barely 5 inches of grip showing, and a sledge hammer laying nearby. His wife Carol Anne was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury took only 10 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that Ron, somehow without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.

Sorry, I couldn't resist posting this email I received.

IF A DOG WERE YOUR TEACHER .....

You would learn stuff like this:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When it's in your best interest - practice obedience.

Let others know when they've invaded your territory.  

Take naps and stretch before rising.  Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance and round and wiggle your entire body.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout - run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something  you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit closed by and nuzzle them gently.

~Author Unknown~

What's In Your Purse

A Penny:  a reminder that "In God we trust" - Proverbs 3:5

Gold Cord:  to remember that friendship is golden - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Button:  to keep your shirt on.  Patience is one of the seven virtues. - Colossians 3:12 

Rubber Band:  to be flexible. - Proverbs 3:6

Toothpick:  to pick out the good qualities of everyone, including yourself.  Matthew 7:1

Kleenex:  to dry someone's tears, or your own so you can see the tears of others. - John 11:35

Kiss:  to remember love.  - Matthew 22:39

Sick of Gum:  to stick to the Golden Rule.  - Luke 6:31

What is MRSA?

Caution - not for the squeamish.

B has been fighting what we thought were infected bug bites for about the last 2 weeks.  We didn't think a lot about it at first since I too had my own case of chiggers to contend with.  Mine got better, his did not.

He has 5 areas that are infected, one being on the inside of his elbow close to the crease.  He had been to an urgent care three times but their treatments didn't seem to help a lot.  Finally B decided he was going to go to our own physician; the pain was more then he could take, stuff was oozing and what once looked like an infected bug bit now looked a lot worse.

The doctor took a culture and found out it is MRSA - What is MRSA?

MRSA is a bacteria which is often found on the skin. Viruses will die if they can’t get inside you. Bacteria may live quietly on your skin until it finds a cut, wound or graze to infect. MRSA is a highly drug resistant type of the bacteria staphylococcus aureus. It is thought to be found on the  skin of 1-2% of people. Ordinary staph is on the skin of up to 35% of people. Both MRSA and staph can cause infections on your skin or in wounds but MRSA is harder to treat as less drugs can combat it.

Wednesday the doctor was considering putting B in the hospital due to the amount of infection in the 5 different areas (2 on his arm, 1 on his leg, and 2 on his stomach).  Today there has been an improvement and a hospital stay is not necessary - praise the Lord.

The doctor warned B that even after this is cleared up he could get it again.  It is a possibility he could be a carrier of the bacteria.  I'm not thinking so -  you would have thought if he was a carrier he would have had problems before.

I am so thankful we now know what we're fighting - ok B's fighting and he is now getting the correct medicine.  

 

Lasts and Firsts

Little K's last first day of high school & L's first day of high school in America.

Have a great day girls. 

Just do it now

Over all my house is pretty clean, I do have some major hot spots (ok, hot rooms).  With the arrival of our exchange student, L, I needed to take care of one of those hot rooms - the room that would be her bedroom.  This room had served as an office and catch all; now what do I do with all of this stuff.

We sold the desk, moved the book shelf down to the familyroom and then there I stood, not sure of what to do with the rest.  I am what the Flylady calls a born organizer (BO) but over the past year or so I have run-a-muck.

This is what it looks like now:

It feels so good to actually have that room cleaned out and able to leave the door open once again.

I am learning a lot about myself, as much as I want "A place for everything and everything in it's place" I am just not there as often as I would like to be.  Maybe I'm just being too hard on myself, maybe I've over committed myself (those of you who know me know that is perfectly out of character...ha ha) maybe I've just turned lazy.  What ever the reason I don't like the results. 

By now I'm sure you're asking where all of that junk went, some of it went to the basement simply because I was running out of time and  I didn't know what to do with it just didn't want' to deal with it; other stuff actually got organized and put where it belonged.  I did have to come up with a new office system which included putting my 2-drawer file cabinet and another 3-drawer container to store office supplies in my bedroom closet.  I am blessed with a big walk in closest and this arrangement is only temporary.  On the Flylady website they talk about and sell The Office In A Bag, I loved the system and have adapted it to the supplies I had on hand.  Now I am using a Trapper Keeper to manage my bills and other papers that need to be kept close.  Since I have changed things around I am losing my options for places to stash papers and junk.  I guess that means I will have to apply the Do It Now theory.

The bedroom closet is full but for the most part in pretty good shape, the basement on the other hand looks like I should audition for the show "Hoarders" and I am not comfortable with that at all.  I will work on that project a little at a time.

This up coming year will be a challenge, busy, hectic, and I'm sure very rewarding but I am SO looking forward to it.

It’s a girl…she arrived at 10:28 a.m.

Four weeks ago I received a phone call asking if we would consider hosting an exchange student. I said "sure send the profile", knowing darn well we wouldn't really do anything with it. We looked at the profile, talked about it as a family and prayed. 


Today she arrived:

L is from Muelheim An Der Ruhr, Germany. She flew into New York on Thursday and then caught a 6:00 a.m. flight to Lincoln. We found out later she really hadn't slept all night, since she had to catch a bus at 2:30 a.m. to go to the airport. We're still not sure where she was staying that caused her to leave so early.













L's birthday is on Monday, since we couldn't find a Welcome balloon we settled for birthday balloons.

 













Once she was settled in we took L to Red Robin for lunch. 

While decided what she wanted on her sandwich she asked what a pickle was. We take so much for granted, I had no idea how to describe a pickle. In the end I think she figured it out and decided she didn't want it.




L is a wonderful, sweet young lady and we can't wait to get to know her more. I don't have a hard time understanding her English at all but I feel bad because she doesn't always understand me. 


We had to make a trip to the store after dinner so L could get an adapter for her computer so she could plug it in. When we came home she went straight to her room and crashed. The poor thing – it was only 4:00 a.m. in Germany, no wonder she was so tired. 


So that's a quick recap of L's first day in Lincoln and as a part of our family. She will be staying with us for the upcoming school year. 

I will update more later.  This is going to be a great year.

The Results Are In

    It has been 10 weeks since I joined Family Life Fitness and started Boot Camp classes and it has been just as much a challenge mentally as it has been physically. When it comes to exercising my body my mind is just as weak. I did the easiest levels for the longest time; I realized I was there physically not mentally. I was there because I need to get in shape, because that's where I thought I should be.  If Big K didn't go – I considered it a vacation – she was gone for a week at a time – twice….yeah for me, right?


No, not yeah for me, I was only hurting myself. As time has gone by I am finding I don't mind sweating so much (I've gotten smarter now and bring a small towel with me). I am finding that I am starting to push myself further and enjoying the burn…..what's up with that? I've discovered a class called N-ferno; it's a step aerobics class – I Love It. I'm not very coordinated at it right now but I Love It. 


This gym is a fairly new gym. They are remodeling and still working on getting the equipment. Some of the cardio equipment arrived this last weekend. I am so excited to get on the treadmill, elliptical, and start working out more on the weights. Gee maybe I can make this a life style change. 


Family Lift Fitness isn't just about exercise they are full circle and also include nutrition classes (personal one-on-one if needed). I wouldn't consider myself real faithful to the work outs in the last 10 weeks even though it definitely more then I would have been doing by oh say 100%, but I have been even worse on the nutrition side. I know what I need and should eat vs. what I need to leave alone but I just don't seem to do it. I love food. I am currently working more on "Eating to Live instead of Living to Eat" vs. strict nutrition guidelines. I'm noticing that as I am working on this philosophy some of my food choices are getting better without much thought from me. 


So with a half heartedness attempt at working out and a quarter heartedness (don't know if that's a true term but it is now) attempt at nutrition, the results are in:


-1.0# in body weight
-3.4% body fat
-1.25" in my arm
-3" in my chest
-3.5" in my waist
-2.5" in my hips
-1.25" in my thighs
-8.3# total body fat
+7.3# muscle
Total inches lost -11.50

I am so excited; I even joined the 30 day challenge for the month of August. So is it working yes….consistency and baby steps. 

Slow and steady wins the race.

 

 

WOW....what a visual

After making the decision to quit drinking diet coke and all other sodas, I have become more aware of articles talking about the negative effects of drinking soda, many of which I hope to to share with you.  I believe God is just reassuring me that even though this has been hard, I am making the right choice.  

The following was in my in-box today: 

After reading Leanne's posting on Liquid Clutter, I am prompted to share something I learned recently. I had pre-op testing last month. While speaking with a nursing assistant, I was almost entranced listening to the man. He was so very passionate about nutrition! He asked if I drank "pop" and I said I did--both regular and diet depending on my taste on any given day.

No sooner was that statement out of my mouth when he whipped a teaspoon out of his lab coat pocket, slapped it down in front of me, and said, "Would you ever put NINE of these, filled with sugar, in your mouth in one sitting?"

"Of course not," I replied. 

Source:  Testimonial from www.flylady.com

Today is Day 7 - NO SODA.......

 

Need I say more?

Update - Am I Crazy?

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. Everyone deserves some time to just play. 

My new job is going great, I am in the process of learning new accounting software (I know - I'm a nerd), and learning a new industry.  This job is now taking me out of the office once in a while;  I am leaning how to conduct a Lead Paint and Pre-Shipment Inspections for items being shipped over seas. I've learned and lot and have a lot to learn.  I am really enjoying the challenge.

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Well, it's official, the date has been set and the church as been reserved - Big K is getting married on January 1, 2011.  They were hoping to get married before summer and with him being in the service and family out of state that teaches finding a date was getting hard and they were getting very discouraged.  Last weekend we took a family trip to Oceans of Fun (it's a water park) and during one of our conversation with Big K and N we suggestion the Christmas holiday.  So here we are - 6 month out, no more time to doddle.  I think she's picking out and ordering her dress today.

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I received a call from a friend on Monday, they are hosting a foreign exchange student this year and told me about a girl hadn't been placed yet and time was running out for her.  After reading her profile they thought about our family and asked if we would consider it, I said sure, send me the profile.  I thought no harm in reading it and chances are it won't go anywhere.  Four days later we have prayed-talked-prayed some more-cleaned out our office/stash it all room and have met with the coordinator. Our new addition to the family should arrive the middle of August.  I'll share more information as I get it.

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Little K gets her senior pictures taken this week.  I can't believe she is going to be a senior and will be graduating.  Little K is a senior model this year for Captured Memories.  Here is one of her model pictures:

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Now with all of that said - maybe I am a little crazy but it sure won't be boring around here for the next 11 months.  The question is - once everyone leaves next year what will B & I do with ourselves?

Have a great weekend.

Check'em out

I've been MIA for awhile, I would like to apologize for that.  I know it's pretty disappointing to take time to visit a blog and the author hasn't updated in quite some time.

The new job is going pretty good.  It's an entirely new venue for me so I have had to work on not getting frustrated with myself for not knowing what I'm doing. 

This last week has been very busy, I worked till 5:00-5:15 every day, had VBS from 6:00-8:30 getting home around 9:00, prepared for a garage sale to be held on Friday and Saturday, and also try to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.   As you can tell, I've lived through the week to tell about it.

This week is not as busy but already has given me lots to ponder.  While in the shower Monday night I found a lump, it was hard, red, and sore.  Logic is telling me that this needs attention but that it's probably nothing to worry about, I'll call the doctor in the morning.  My heart however didn't feel the same way, my mother passed away at my age from cancer.  Mind you it was lung cancer and she lived a different lifestyle then I do, but the fear still crept in.  I don't do my self exams very often, I wasn't doing one Monday night, I think I noticed because it was painful. 

I called the doctor's office Tuesday morning and was blessed with an opening first thing.  Come to find out it was an abscessed cyst in the need of draining.  After a small procedure in the doctors office (I won't go into details) I walked out with a lighter heart.

What have I learned:  not to take life for granted, don't jump to conclusions (we'll see how long it takes to master that one), perform my monthly self-breast exams, and live each day to the fullest.  Life can change in the matter of seconds and we don't always get a second chance.

When's the last time you did your monthly self-breast exam?  Click HERE to read more about self-breast exams.

Check out the girls - monthly.

WAIT....you're leaving with out me ! ! !

My new adventure (job) puts me on the road from time to time.  It's great,  it gets me out of the office and let me catch up on some reading (via books on CD).

Monday we went to Sioux City, Iowa (about a 2 1/2 hour drive) for some business.  On the way back we stopped at this Diary Queen for some dinner before we began our journey home.

I was very proud of myself, I wasn't hungry so I chose to get a drink and visit.  After we were done we headed home, it was becoming a long day.  

We got back to the office about 7:15 p.m. I reached into the back of the car to retrieve my purse - AND IT WASN'T THERE ! ! !  Yup, it was sitting back in Iowa - I'm sure it was just screaming at me when we pulled out of the parking lot, "Hey, wait....you're leaving with out me ! ! !"  Unfortunately it wasn't screaming loud enough.  

Once back to the office I had the task of trying to figure out WHICH Diary Queen we had stopped at. I'm sure after I spoke with each one they thought I was a weird, irresponsible lady from who knows where but I have to admit, while they were on the phone with me they were very nice and tried to help as much as possible.  After only four calls I found my Dairy Queen, come to find out I wasn't in Sioux City I was in Sergeant Bluffs - that would be why I couldn't find the phone number, I was looking under the wrong city....oops.

I wish I could have seen B's face when I called him and asked if he would like to take a road trip, especially when it was already 7:30 and it was a five hour round trip.  Because he is so wonderful - he agreed.  God however was on his side, after doing the calculations there was no way we would make it there before they closed - plan B (what is plan B?)

As it ends up Little K's cheer coach took pity on me and excused her from practice Tuesday morning so she could drive her absent minded mom 2 1/2 hours to retrieve her purse. 

So, at 6:45 a.m. we started our journey.

This would be Little K's first long drive, on the interstate, through a large city during morning rush hour with a mother that was just say - may a little nervous.

However, as you can see - she has no fears.

She did a great job.  In the beginning she was determined to drive the five hour round trip herself, about 30 minutes from our destination she was was looking forward to switching places.  She now has a whole new respect for B when he drives.

We didn't travel alone, we took "Point of Grace" and the cast of "Wicked" with us to keep us entertained and of course we took some nourishment.

Awww, we finally arrive, I am soon to be reunited with my purse.

Hello friend, can you ever forgive me?

My purse was a little disgruntled at first.  It knows I am not faithful solely to it,  there are many purses in my life, but it didn't count and being left behind.

On our way back (ok out of the parking lot) we saw this building - if you can call it a building.  

Later on down the interstate we saw this poor unfortunate site, I hope no one was hurt.  Look close to the left of the picture, there is a semi on it's side.

With our beverages and sunflower seeds in hand we jammed down the road.  What a relief it was to see this:

Little K, the one that was going to drive the five hour round trip fell asleep shortly after seeing that we were back in Nebraska.  She was out until I pulled up to the office - over an hour later :) 

Thank you Little K for covering for your mom - I love you.

We were very blessed on this journey - both Monday and Tuesday threatened us with storms during travel that never came.  We traveled to and from with no incidents, my purse was found and everything intact. 

As Forest Gump once said, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your going to get."  

This was a piece of chocolate I would have rather not found :)