The Juggling Act

Gatlinburg

2011-10-19T21:55:00.000-05:00

Mark and I went to Gatlinburg 18 years ago for our honeymoon. We were excited to take the kids back and see how much it had changed over 18 years. Oh man, had it changed! We were looking forward to hiking while we were there, especially since it has been a while since we spent time camping or backpacking. Mark and Raeley wanted to get some waterfall shots, so our hikes revolved around waterfalls. That ended up working out great since it rained almost every day we were there.

We also hung out downtown Gatlinburg, shopped in Pigeon Forge, hit historical sites, and drove the arts and crafts circuit. My favorite shopping was at the NOC outdoor store. I racked up on some good deals. We spent too long in Pigeon Forge shopping, but with growing kids, outlets can be a great way to do a one stop rush to get some much needed additions to the wardrobes. Raeley finally found her tan pants for work. Jonathan and Cameron really needed new sneakers, and me, well, I can always find something I think I need! I got Cameron a swimsuit for $5 and Jonathan got Nike Lunars for $30. I scored a beautiful shirt from J Crew for less than $30, and a cute dress from Tommy Hilfiger for around $30 also. We took time out from shopping to eat lunch at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. It was a cool experience and how could we pass up getting a bag of fresh apples?

Enough about shopping. The kids loved the Wonderworks house in Pigeon Forge, which it was like an interactive science museum with a huge indoor ropes course. The Ripley Mirror Maze in Gatlinburg was a hilight for me because we all laughed so much! I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did. I loved hearing Raeley laugh and laugh every turn when we found the real us. If you've done it, you'd know what I meant. We were the only people in there, which really added to the experience. We also did the Ripley Aquarium. It was impressive as well. With a big dolphin fan in the family (Cameron), how could we skip it? We knew there wouldn't be any dolphins there, but we had to go none the less.

We were there for a week, and we ate most meals either from the cooler or at the condo. The kids also had their schoolwork to keep up with. They would do that while I cooked dinner, which worked since it was too rainy to go swimming. Cameron loves swimming, so if there's a pool, she wants to be in it. We were wet so much on our trip, though, that everyone had enough of water by the time we got back to the condo.

Raeley's Party

2011-10-19T21:27:00.000-05:00

For the big sweet sixteen, Raeley wanted a large party. With her diversity of friends, I let her choose two groups of friends to invite, so the party wouldn't have too many people who didn't know each other. I also asked her to limit it to under 30 people. We didn't do a head count, but I think there were 20 kids there.

Raeley had a joint birthday party with her friend, Ahnna, who has recently moved to Tupelo. Ahnna's birthday was Saturday, so they are 3 days apart. We were thrilled to have a party for both girls. I thoroughly enjoyed the extra help from Ahnna's mom. She did a ton of work for the party!

The party started with the Kinect going on in the background, then we went in the backyard to tie dye shirts and bandanas. The kids did a great job with the tie dye. While the guys flipped burgers for dinner, we had cake and ice-cream, with an ice-cream bar of toppings. The kids sang karaoke while we put out the hamburgers. After hamburgers, the kids played sardines and we got the chocolate fondue set up. They came back, snacked on that, and set up for Capture the Flag Glow in the Dark style. It was a HUGE hit! It was the most fun of the night. I think they could have played it for hours.

Raeley's party was so much fun and she has such great friends, we enjoyed having them all over to hang out for a few hours.

Better than imagined!

2011-09-25T22:49:00.003-05:00

Just stopping in to say hi. This week my sister is coming to my house. YAY! But I won't be here for most of it. She will be the brave one staying by herself with 8 kids. What a nice sister. Mark and I are going to the Anytime Fitness Conference and I am very excited. We are bringing 5 staff members. I'm looking forward to all I will learn. There will be lots of opportunities to talk with other club owners as well.

School is going better than I could have imagined. The kids aren't crazy about having to do school over the weekend, but if they don't finish their weekly work, they have homework to be done by Monday. Works like a charm to keep us on track.

We are also enjoying the Credo Co-op we are a part of for History and Science. The kids, for the most part, are self reliant. Cameron has been reading her science book by herself, and I read history with her.

Last week concluded a two week movie filming Raeley was a part of. She enjoyed helping behind the scenes and taking photos for the blog. It consumed most of her two weeks, and we are thankful for the opportunity that she had with this film. How many 16 year olds get to work on a real film set?

Sweet 16

2011-08-18T18:46:00.002-05:00

WOW, I can't believe the big day is here! My oldest daughter is 16. Raeley is a typical oldest child, she likes things in order (except her room), is very good at cleaning the house, and is very responsible. Who would have thought that at 16, on the morning of her birthday, she woke up before 7 am to get ready for work, worked an 8-5 shift in her field of expertise, then went off to church. Sounds so very grown up.

I couldn't be more proud of Raeley. She loves the Lord in her whole being. She is real and down to earth. She cares about others and does not have a self-centered view of the world. She is also very talented.

We gave her a special gift for her 16th birthday. We gave her a ring with her birthstone. My parents gave me a ring with an amethyst for my 16th birthday, and I wanted to continue this tradition with her. She is ready for the responsibility of caring for fine jewelry.

I thought it was pretty funny when she was trying to guess her gifts, and she said that a gun would be a great gift for her 16th! That was a clever idea. And it fits her. But I'm glad we gave her the ring.

She said she really felt older this birthday, which was magnified since she had to get herself off to work. I really felt older myself on this birthday for her as well.

First Week of School

2011-08-14T10:06:00.002-05:00

No matter how our first day started, our week ended great! The kids and I all like our new curriculum. We have joined the Credo co-op, and it fits great. It was definitely the right move for our family. The kids really enjoy it. I must say, I think the kids having projects to complete in a school setting with people to show their work to, will go far on keeping it more fun. I always felt I had more fun with their school projects than they did.

I am putting our schooling instead of my work as priority this year, and everyone is taking school more seriously. Robert gets the reward for most serious, however. We had a night of Encouragement with our homeschool group. At this event, we listen to a speaker then have a chance to see all that is offered during the school year. A couple who were home schooled and are now homeschooling were interviewed, and the man spoke of what he found important as he looked back over his schooling. He said tests and math, and to really take your school work seriously. Robert really listened to what he had to say and took it to heart. Robert is also taking 2 high school classes that will count toward his transcript. He is watching his grades already! We dubbed it 8 1/2 grade. Now for the biggest and most stunning news: He studied for his spelling test all week and made a 100!

I am really trying to hold the kids to finishing a week of school Monday - Friday. However, Co-op is on Friday, so if the rest of the day is time off, they have a few assignments to do on Saturday or Sunday. Saturday afternoon I gave spelling tests, and today they will have time to finish a few assignments. Next week is the real test of how things will go, as this week did not include history and science in the line up of what they had to do. Now that their friends are older, and they are hearing of all the hours of homework they have, they are more willing to work outside of school hours, making it so much easier on me not having to play the bad guy, if you know what I mean.

Deut. 31:8 God is going before us and Phil. 4:13 it is through His strength.

First Day of School - Kinda

2011-08-09T23:57:00.002-05:00

I am not an organized person. I usually decide the night before when the first day of school is going to be. Not optimal or ideal, but reality.

So, today was our first day of school. No tradition, just "get out your pencils and get to the table" Did you know that every first day of school for the past 4 years I have had a major work interruption? Today was no different. Hubby left for a trip - had to catch a plane, so time was a factor. Hubby started packing at 10 and had to leave by 10:30. Car battery died, too. That would be my fault. Door left open. Oh to have a car with auto shut off lights. Hubby was able to pack and jump start the car and leave on time. Women are not like that. Pack for a trip in less than 30 minutes right before you walk out the door? I did stand in the room and guard him from talking on the phone. No. answering. phone. calls. Period. Stressed yet?

The big interruption? Morning staff meeting postponed. Waited and waited for the updated time. 11 am. Nice for school wouldn't you say? No morning work done at our house. So boys cleaned their room instead. Cameron? She was supposed to be unloading the dishwasher.

Oh, did I mention that Mark decided Sunday would be deep cleaning day? This weekend was my time to get all organized (HA!) for homeschooling. Not a good combination. So, Sunday my boys started a ransack on their room and a throw-away-junk-kind-of-cleaning-the-room-day. You still can't walk in their room.

So, after taking eldest daughter her lunch at work, we finally settled down to start our school day at 1:30. This year we have changed ALL of our curriculum except Math. So, I timed how long the lessons would take. I guess you could call today a trial and time day. Once again, I didn't get to Cameron. How is that girl ever going to learn? And both she and Raeley lost their math books from last year they weren't quite finished with. Seriously? They had them two weeks ago and now they are gone?

Then I got last minute emails from staff wanting things updated TODAY. So I had to stop school for almost an hour to make up for their lack of planning. Like I didn't see that coming.

Try as I might, I guess today is starting out like every other school year. YUCK. Although I want to rhyme with yuck, I won't. I'm gonna have to bathe this year in prayer. I am determined to make it different and be there for my kids.

Note to employees: Please behave. My kids are depending on it. Note to self: It's OK if employees fail. It will probably be good for them.

Note to kids: This year will be different. Note to Cameron: That's a pinky promise.

Our Summer

2011-07-24T23:43:00.006-05:00

Wow, It has been a while since I have posted. Last post was on us attempting seeds. We tried. Twice. All died. I bought two tomato plants which have not produced anything, but my basil from last year reseeded and I have five great plants. My oregano is still alive, and I think 4 watermelon plants are starting to grow from seeds we spit into the bed the seedlings were supposed to be. Maybe next year I should just pour seeds on the ground and water them! Needless to say, I have been enjoying visiting the two organic farms in town and the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

Cameron with some garlic we braided!

We have all been doing great. The summer is winding down, and we are trying to fit the last of the activities in before we start back to school. Here are a few hilights:

Cameron went to Vacation Bible School and a worship for kids camp at Hope Church.
Robert spent a week with Raeley at Mosaic, a service-oriented mission trip with daily teaching and worship. He also spent a week at a rock climbing adventure camp at Camp Lake Stephens.
Raeley, along with Mosaic, went to an art camp at the Gumtree Museum of Art. She will be spending a long weekend with her grandparents and aunt soon. Robert, Jonathan, and Cameron already spent a long weekend with them recently.
Jonathan is leaving for his white water rafting adventure camp at Camp Lake Stephens tomorrow.

We went to Birmingham to go to the science museum and Mark took Raeley to photograph the tornado damage. Birmingham is my new favorite close big city. Sorry Memphis

Cameron and our neighbor in the wind tunnel at the science museum.

Robert riding a balance seat at the science museum

Two of my sisters came to stay for a few days and I had a blast!

Our friends who moved last year came in for a weekend and it was GREAT seeing them. I miss having them as neighbors!

A college friend of mine, we were in each other's weddings, came in this summer also and our kids all played great! I'm hoping she can come again soon.

It has been nice spending less time on the computer. I have less duties in the business and I am working on relinquishing control. I've been using that extra time reorganizing the kitchen and utility room. Reorganizing is not my strong suit, and gets me very anxious. I finally realized to just pray and give it to God. It may seem insignificant, but in order for me to handle it, I had to bathe it in prayer. And it's taking me forever, but it's getting done. I just wish I had thought about praying about it sooner. Praying about cleaning house? Even in the little things, God is with us. He is our help WHENEVER we need it.

4th of July

2011-07-14T23:01:00.000-05:00

This is my immediate family (my parents, sisters, their husbands and kids, the kids' husbands or wives and their kids)

We all went to Angelina River Lodge with my family for the 4th of July, and stayed a week. It was a great weekend with my family - 32 of us and everyone got along great! It was so, so much fun. One thing about my family - since my parents started having kids, there has not been more than 10 years without babies around. We are on the 3rd generation. It is fun to watch my nieces and nephews with their kids now.

It is very special to me to be able to spend this time having so much fun with family. I am so blessed that our family wants to come, and wants to spend this time together. It is the highlight of our year. Cameron now says the Angelina River Lodge is better than Disney World. She tells everyone about it!

The new things this year:

My mom riding the zip line! It's really high off the ground! It goes really fast!

My dad put up a zip line that is 160 feet long. Robert wakes up now and goes fishing with the early morning crew. We found a new inlet, too. Thanks, Google Maps, and Kevin and Kimberly! Robert, Raeley, and cousin Emily learned to water ski. I got up on skis, too! Third try! But my back didn't like the fall too well and I succumbed to rocking on the porch for a few days.

You see how excited she looks? It really is that much fun!

Post from last week

2011-04-13T20:57:00.000-05:00

Here is a post I started last week. I was waiting to upload a photo Raeley took of the seedlings. Since then all but a few have died. So now I am posting without any photos. Why make old news even older? And why show off what is no longer? Although it is a pretty cool photo!

You should see how well the seedlings are doing. (Remember, that is from last week. Only a few remain alive.)

School has been going well. The boys have been writing a report so they have not been liking that too much. It was pretty disappointing when they both picked topics on Scandinavian topics and after working on the papers a few days, we went to the library and found ZERO information that was age appropriate. They both decided to switch topics and had to start over.

I jumped Cameron up to easy reader chapter books, and they are quite harder. I told her it was either that or more sam, pam, rat and pat. She now has a much better attitude about it being so much harder, and she is learning faster. Funny how that works.

Raeley, well I don't know when she does her work. She stays so busy. I guess she will do school all summer. She is really excelling at her new job. It, in itself, is a great learning experience.

That's about all with school.

On a personal note, we found a place to get raw cow milk. I am so, so, so excited!

The kids love it.

Cameron's birthday

2011-03-30T19:20:00.005-05:00

Cameron's birthday was March 22. I forgot that she was expecting breakfast in bed - the traditional "name in the shape of pancakes" breakfast. I remembered before she came downstairs, though. I thought, our social little Cameron, surely she would want to be with everyone. I sent the kids upstairs every ten minutes to check on her and after the second time she asked that we just leave her alone. It was "freaky" in her words, someone coming up that often.

We took her and Hazel out to lunch at Atlanta Bread Company. Then we picked up cupcakes at Custom Cakes and went to ballet. We added paper decorations to the cupcakes - swirly wrappers and ballet slippers. Adorable!

That night she wanted Chinese so she could have sweet and sour chicken and fortune cookies, and then it was gift time!

Go Fish, Lost Sock Style

2011-03-14T21:43:00.000-05:00

During chore time, the kids were sitting in a circle, and it sounded like they were gambling. They turned the chore of folding socks into a game of Go Fish, lost sock style. Our socks usually don't get folded, they live in the bottom of the laundry basket, and get dug through frantically before walking out the door.

The next time I walked through the room, they came up with a proposition for me:

Mom, now that most of us wear the same size socks, what if we give away all of the socks that we have right now and buy all the same socks so we don't have random socks to sort through and fold. If all the socks were the same style and same size, this would be so much easier!

We've talked about it and we are all willing to throw in some money to buy new socks and we can give all these socks away to people who need them.

Brilliant, I tell you! Simple brilliance. Why have so many different kinds of socks? Trash em all and get all the same kind of sock. This could revolutionize the time between yelling (up the stairs, not at the kids - right?!!) "Everyone get in the car!" which my kids know means mom found her keys and her coffee's still warm, and the time when we actually get in the car.

For those households who already do this, SHUT UP and don't tell me. I don't care that you are already that much smarter than me.

So, that necessitated our run to Memphis to go to Target after I raided the kid's piggy banks. And guess what Target was running low on? Socks. And no, I really didn't take money from the kids. Their genius was enough for me. I love it when my kids are smarter than me.

Remember to always listen to your kids.

March 13

2011-03-13T21:58:00.005-05:00

Today was Spring Forward day. I slept in so it was a mad dash to get ready, which we all did and arrived on time. And I didn't lose my temper. Rushing usually makes me do that. Great sermon on biblical manhood. Here's something for you to chew on: God told man to love his wife and woman to respect her husband.

Ephesians 5

²⁸ In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— ³⁰ for we are members of his body. ³¹ “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” ³² This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. ³³ However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Women long to be loved and men long to be respected. Ask anyone: would you rather be loved or respected? See if they answer differently. Stop right now and go ask your husband: Would you rather be loved or respected? Women, are you respecting your man?

Typical day otherwise. I spent lots of time getting caught up on grading. Actually I did that yesterday too, sitting outside in the gorgeous weather.

Here's a fun thing I did today - I was saving egg shells to plant seeds into and today I used vegetables to dye the shells. Just for fun.

Jonathan cleaned the garage by himself. When I told the kids what needed to happen around the house, he headed to the garage. I so get that. He got to go in a room, shut the door, and clean without any of his siblings or his mom bothering him. Beats doing 5 other different things and having people get in your way.

Get Away March 10th

2011-03-13T20:35:00.004-05:00

Live together, work together, sleep together, raise the kids together. I don’t feel like I spend too much time with Mark, (we are always together) but sometimes I feel I spend too much time immersed in work and my relationship with Mark becomes more of business partners and less of life partners. Then I start to not like him as much. Then home isn’t what home should be.

Then I know I need to get away. When I feel like that, we try to get away as soon as possible. We had a weekend trip planned with the kids, which fell through, so Mark set up for us to leave as quickly as we could. I am very thankful that Mark supports me when I know I need to get away.

We went to Memphis, just over an hour from Tupelo. We had a few errands to run there, and a mystery shop at a hotel, so the hotel room was free. I also wanted to do a little clothes shopping for me. That and a few restaurants are all we did, but it was great to enjoy some time alone with my husband, as my husband, not as my business partner. And we had a great time.

I must say, I have such great kids to be responsible enough for us to leave town for two days (not unattended, of course!) Robert cooked a great dinner Thursday night. I left plenty of school work to keep them busy because I knew after chores and school, it would be x box mania! Cameron wasn’t home much, and Raeley with her social schedule, didn’t let us not being home slow her down. I realize my goal is to do just that, slow down. Daily.

March 8

2011-03-08T22:05:00.002-06:00

I slept in this morning until 7:30. Yesterday was a long work day in the Alabama clubs, so it is always nice when I can sleep in. I got up and went for a jog -2 miles. But I forgot to time myself. We started school a little late and I look back on today and think about all the things I didn't get done. Tomorrow is another day, so I am going to try diligently to fit it all in plus some! I did meet Mark at a coffee shop - we got away to actually plan a few vacations. That was fun - and one of the reasons I did not fit in all the kid's school work.

I learned something interesting today. Way back in the late 1880's when settlers were moving into Iowa, there were some agricultural consultants who convinced them to plant corn instead of wheat. Quaker Oats is from Iowa, so they must be able to grow grains well. Corn though? Wow- was that the beginning of the overplantation of corn which has led to the developement and overuse of (the chemically derived - not even natural sweetener) high fructose corn syrup? Boo Hiss.

Robert was funny today -cracking jokes during school and giving me a hard time about dinner. Jonathan was still too nice to Robert. He was gleaming, though, when I told him how great it was that he showed Cameron love in a way she could receive it by creating her a map on Halo.

And Raeley was really recognized at work today. I am very proud of her hard work -people are noticing it, and I am grateful they are letting her know.

We're having vegetarian for dinner tonight.

2011-03-05T19:34:00.003-06:00

Friday, March 4th:

We had a friend over for dinner. I was fixing lentil soup, and he's vegetarian, so we invited him to join us. His wife couldn't make it. I was a little nervous but I tried not to think about it. I make a great lentil soup with ham, but I was unsure about how this would turn out. I didn't even follow a recipe. And I was out of cumin. Did I mention he's a local chef? A celebrity chef to our little town, at that. I still am laughing at myself. I didn't even get home till 5 and he was going to arrive at 5:30. Raeley put the sweet potatoes in the oven for me, and I had cooked the lentils earlier, so I just had to season them. Mark wasn't even there when he arrived (due to our daughter's busy social calendar), so he sat in the kitchen and watched me cook. Uhg. I must say I am so proud to have kids I can leave the house with, tell them to get the house company ready, and when I get home, it will look great.

Along with the soup and sweet potatoes, I also served carrots and onions and a loaf of sesame bread with Hubble and Hudson olive oil imported from Italy with Cypress black salt freshly ground in the oil. One of my favorite things that my mom turned me on to. Too bad I didn't have some Hubble and Hudson bread to go with it. I didn't even plan dessert.

It was pretty funny to me that he opened his sweet potato all fancy. Something little to add beauty to the mundane. Ok, for a second it was kinda intimidating. He even swirled the potato up cool. And did I mention the sweet potatoes weren't quite done yet? Done enough... good thing I'm not a perfectionist!

It was just a typical dinner for us (except for the guest with his fancy sweet potato). He and Mark had a Corona (I didn't even have limes), but I had a glass of Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a pretty good wine for the price.

In the past, I would have thought of a full course meal with all my favorites, and spent all day in the kitchen. That would have been excited, nerve racking, and fun! When Mark and I first moved to Houston, I had a friend named Cheryl and we'd kinda compete on who could outdo the other when we invited each other over (which was about once a month). It was all in good fun and good food! Cheryl's husband was a vegetarian also. I do miss having the time for things like that.

A relaxing Saturday

2011-03-05T18:07:00.005-06:00

Saturday, March 5th:

This morning Raeley had a meeting with Venturers. I cooked up some of Robert's hog sausage for her to take. She came home with a bag of hamburger patties and sliced onions - a church's leftovers. That's what we will have for dinner! I'm making Chili for the Venturer fundraiser tomorrow after church at First Pres downtown. Too bad I lost my favorite recipe! I'm using dried beans, so I've got the beans finally cooking now.

Jonathan and I made waffles, the hog sausage, and eggs for breakfast. Nice and relaxing. Then I ordered seeds for the garden in Tremont from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds via Anita. Cameron has requested flowers also. When we were discussing the garden, she asked, "Why do we only grow leafy things? That is boring. We should grow flowers also! I want to grow some that I can pick and give to people." I am glad she reminded me how easy it would be to throw in a little beauty.

I ordered:

Cucumbers

Eggplant

Burgandy okra

Georgia Rattlesnake watermelon

Delicious Tomato

Giant Bell Pepper

Muskmelon

We will plant a few seeds in our garden at home, like a watermelon, a muskmelon, a few tomatoes. I'm thinking we will mix them in the flowerbeds. Any thoughts on this? The watermelon and muskmelon, we could wind around the bushes.

Here are the herbs I ordered:

Lemon Basil

Genovese Basil

Oregano

Thyme

Elephant Dill

I'm not sure if I will plant the Elephant Dill in the back yard. The others will be mixed in with our flowerbeds.

Here are the flowers Cameron picked out:

Pink Surprise Calendula

Illumination Zinnia

Orange Merigold

Tall Candytuff

Firechief Petunia

Blue Boy Bachelor's Button

Morning Glory

I am thinking we may add a raised bed along the back fence and put some flowers out there. If we put up the dog kennel, the morning glory will go up the fence.

The total for all that is $38 plus $3 shipping. The seeds should last for 4 years in the freezer if we don't use all of them. They will be mostly for Tremont, so I may use 1/2 or so. There is definitely enough land for it all. I am quite anxious about it considering not much of anything produced in Tremont last year. I had good success with the three herbs I planted in our back yard, however; oregano, mint, and of course, my favorite, basil.

Today I brought Cameron to play at a friend's house, the Bass'. They had brand new baby lambs, born last night. It was the mom's first litter, and it was twins. Typically the first litter is one baby, so she is neglecting the first born. This little lamb was still so skinny compared to the other one, so I helped Kathleen hold the mama still so the baby can nurse. You do this by holding her head up.

Their dog nipped at the back of my leg when I came to pick Cameron up, ripping my pants. It scared me a bit and reminded me of the time a cow dog (which this one was, also) bit my leg when I was walking at our house in Cypress. Cow dogs go for the back of your leg when your back is turned, just like you are cattle.

It was so nice not to have much to do today, or much of a time table. I'm off to get rid of toys in Cameron's room and then finish the last little bit of laundry folding. I'm hoping to iron in front of the tv tonight. I'm also hoping to spend some time helping Cameron crochet tonight. It's time she learned to do more than just chain stitch.

Robert and Jonathan hung out around the house this morning, and are on x box tonight. We'll limit it to two hours. Pretty good for a very rainy day. I'll kick them off when I fold laundry.

Raeley is at a friend's house and she will be home tomorrow night.

Mema and Big Daddy came to visit

2011-01-09T23:12:00.004-06:00

Mema and Big Daddy came to visit right after Thanksgiving.

...and to go to the Egg Bowl. They also brought Mark and I - and we had so much fun! They stayed through the week to also go to the Nutcracker to see Cameron perform.

While they were here, Dad took the boys hunting every spare moment. On their first trip out, as Dad and Robert were walking to where they were going to go hunt, Robert spots two hogs. From about 200 yards away, Robert takes the shot and nails the hog. It was a great shot.

This is a poor quality photo, but for those of you friends with Mark on facebook, check out his page for more photos. Make sure you look at how they transported it.

The Nutcracker

2011-01-09T22:41:00.003-06:00

Cameron was in the Nutcracker this year. Tupelo puts on a really great performance for a small town. I was very impressed when I went to my first performance our second year living in Tupelo. Now that we have been a part of the production, I am very impressed with the hard work that goes into it.

It was such a good experience for her. She really came out of her shell talking to friends and adults. She was concerned about her costume, and even talked to the director, to ask her about the shoes. She was a toy, so it was a fun part to play. We dressed her up as a Jester and she really liked her outfit!

My parents were able to come in for the performance, on the left, and Mark's parents are on the right.

Raeley had a great time taking photos of the event. She did a great job! Not all the photos in this post are from Raeley. You can see more of her Nutcracker photos on her blog.

General Update November 2010

2010-11-23T20:49:00.005-06:00

I guess my blog has become nothing more than a series of general updates. I had saved this blog as a draft back in November.

Cameron read her first real book the other day. We went to the library and she picked it out. Green Eggs and Ham. I love that book! I was tickled she picked that one as her first book. She still misses her neighborhood friend and her play days with other little girls are not as frequent as she would like. Sometimes she talks so much, it wears me out. A few weeks ago, her speech therapist left the meeting exhausted from Cameron's jabbering. I could identify with that look. Cameron told her "I don't know why I like to talk this much!" She enjoys cooking with me and a couple of time she has cooked recipes herself then asks someone to write them down for her in her recipe book. Unfortunately, she has forgotten to turn the eye of the stove off, so it's time for some boundaries!

The boys have improved in their writing skills. I think Jonathan only cries every other time I give him a writing assignment now. No, really. They have improved, especially Robert. He is quite vivid in his writing. They have also started reading more - thanks to their cousins encouraging them. They like Warriors, Percy Jackson, and Redwall series.

November is hunting season, so the days are measured in checking the weather and getting their work done as quickly as possible in the hopes that someone will drop them off in the woods. Hogs have moved onto the land, so Robert has been wanting to shoot me a hog, his latest obsession. His motivation is so I can have fresh ham for Thanksgiving, what a sweet sentiment! He really drops into a zone during hunting season. Jonathan just bears it as much as he can. He's very patient that way. Jonathan is still my biggest helper around the house. I say that, but it's really unfair to Raeley. She's so fast, I think I forget all she does for me. She's cleaning the kitchen for me as I type this. In 15 minutes she can turn our disheveled mess into an orderly environment - the disheveled mess being the entire downstairs.

We've been studying the war of 1812 for way too long. We are finally wrapping it up. Finally. We will spend a few more days to wrap up amphibians, and then on to the next unit - one of my favorites- American Tall Tales! This past unit made me miss Lewis and Clark, it was much more interesting. I did like Carry On Mr Bowditch, the book I read aloud to the kids. It was very inspiring and made me revisit the fact that the kids need to read more.

Raeley has finally gotten the hang of her days, getting through her school work faster, so we can work in some extra classes such as photography classes. She is still working on her photography. Her last expedition was a backpacking trip with the Venturers during the foliage. She took some great shots! She and Mark have joined a photography group here in Tupelo and he was very proud when he got home from the meeting. He got to show off her photos there and see everyone impressed with her talent and her youth.

As for work, I have focused my energy on only two clubs. We have replaced almost all the staff in those two clubs, it's like a staff renovation. I have been working to train them in their jobs, and I've spent far less time with them than they deserve, but they are doing a good job. We are still working on implementing the personal training program in the clubs, but I have bowed out with helping implement the training at the other clubs. I'm only overseeing the personal training with those two clubs. And planning the January advertising. I guess you could say, I'm setting boundaries for myself. I've paired down from 7 clubs to two.

Just an update....

2010-10-05T22:52:00.005-05:00

Since it has been so long since I have posted, I thought I would give everyone a brief overview of our last couple of months:

Since school began with the kids, I have been pushed to my limits quite honestly. We started a new program at one of our clubs that I ended up taking over (which is doing quite well and has already expanded), as well as having a few underperforming staff at a club that was not near our home, meant I not only had a new project, I was doing other people's jobs for them -remotely.

Then throw the most involved school year I've had in quite a while, and kids in their activities, and well, that's my ranting for today....

Ok, I'll say one more thing. I've had such a hard time keeping up with housework and groceries, that one morning last week Raeley sent me a text (I was at a meeting) about how starving she was, so starving she couldn't study, no more school. I didn't respond, so she sent another one. Someone, please kidnap me and take me somewhere where there is good food to eat! I am so glad that she turns to humor and has such a good nature about our crazy life. I was at the grocery store by the time I got the second text, so grandma, you don't have to worry, she wasn't hungry long. It's pretty cool that I want to be more like my kids. They all have such great personalities.

So that still doesn't tell you what we have been up to!

The boys are still really enjoying boyscouts, and Raeley is doing Venturers again this year. Venturers is like boyscouts for guys and gals 14 and up, without the badges. It is a part of boyscouts. Raeley is taking dance again, and Cameron is in two dance classes and really enjoys them. She even practices at home! Hopefully we will be in town enough for her to participate in the Nutcracker this year.

The three older kids are all running cross country and Raeley and Robert have had 3 meets this season. Their last meet is this Saturday, and then there will continue to be 5 ks sprinkled throughout on Saturday mornings, which Jonathan participates in also. They really enjoy the social aspect of it, as they get to see their friends twice a week and also on weekends.

I don't think that the boys will do any other sports this year, and Cameron would love to be enrolled in gymnastics, but I can't fit anything else into our schedule. Raeley is also in Jr. Civitan and on Yearbook. Mark is teaching Raeley's Chemistry class and the boys have a science class at the same time also.

Our tutor is working out well, and that gives me a chance to visit the clubs once a week. Mark helps quite a bit in getting the kids to their after school activities. Sometimes I can even stay home when the tutor is here and get caught up on paperwork. Our operational assistant is working out well. Once training is complete with some new staff we have hired, I really think my life will slow down. Really, I do!

I have had such a great week with the kids thus far. It really makes me motivated to fire staff that are underperforming more quickly and replace them so I am not doing their jobs for them and can be more involved in school rather than just checking things off a list.

Mark and I had a great time backpacking in the Beartooth Mountains in Montana. We hiked 33 miles in 3 days. The annual Anytime Fitness conference was also very good this year. Montana was a beautiful place and I felt so accomplished after the backpacking trip - it was amazing being surrounded by such beauty. Yellowstone was amazing also. Understatedly amazing. I had no idea a place like that existed on this earth. I can't wait to take the kids there.

Since I don't have time to post any photos, here is a link to our picasa album of the backpacking trip.

2010-09-11T22:15:00.005-05:00

Mark and I are about to leave on a backpacking trip and the annual Anytime Fitness conference, which, if you remember from previous posts, we have so much fun! It takes quite a bit of time to prepare for a backpacking trip, and this is our first cold weather one, so it is much more time consuming as we have quite a bit of researching and purchasing to do.

I have a very busy week lined up so I am working hard to make sure I have time to fit it all in.

Here's my to do list/meal planning:

Saturday:

Leave house at 7 for Sherman 5k

Bring Susan get well gift

Finalize backpacking meal list

go grocery shopping

Laundry

Cook meal for family - surgery

start dehydrating

start prep for other food for backpacking

clean kitchen

clean bedroom

Dinner:

Stuffed chicken, peas, pasta with olive oil, fresh herbs, capers

Sunday:

finish laundry

finish loading backpack with everything but food

write out lesson plans for the next three weeks

Bake Creme Brulee with boys for school project on France

continue dehydrating

Dinner:

left overs into chicken pasta, canned veggie

NEED TO CALL INTERVIEWEES

Monday:

Work out at 6 am

Spend all day in Florence conducting interviews.

Tutor does school with kids

Mark takes Raeley to yearbook

Mark takes boys to Boy Scouts

Raeley finds ride to Venturers

Dinner:

pizza (I'm sure they won't want to cook two days in a row!)

PICK UP T SHIRTS ON WAY HOME

Tuesday:

Spend all day in Meridian, stop through in Starkville to implement new system in club YAY!

Tutor takes Cameron to dance lessons

Friend picks up kids for cross country

Dinner:

pork loin in crock pot, squash, rice

LEAVE LIST OF ITEMS TO BE DEHYDRATED!

Wednesday:

Push workout to 7 am unless I wake up with Mark.

Finally a day at home to have school with the kids

Finish all packing

Oversee kids packing

Raeley to dance

Boys to church

Package food for backpacking with food sealer

Weigh packs with fingers crossed!

Dinner:

baked fish, purple hull peas, sauteed leftover veggies that were not dehydrated

UPDATE DRIVERS LICENSE!

Thursday:

Book club meeting at 7

School abbreviated - teacher led school work - accomplish as much as possible

Science class at 1

Phone conference for new system in club at 2

Visit with Tupelo clubs individually instead of group staff meeting

Spartan practice

Last minute packing

Dinner:

Breakfast - maybe omelets and biscuits

CHECK OVER CHECKLIST FOR OVERLOOKED ITEMS!

Friday:

6 am work out

Drop Rae and Robert off at a friend's house

Go to Florence with other kids. Work with staff

Dinner:

Probably fresh veggies and cornbread by my mother in law!

GET TO BED EARLY!

Saturday:

Leave 3:30 am for airport

Arrive in Bozeman, MT at noon

Buy mace (for bears) and fuel for cooking at REI.

Stop by a grocery store for cream cheese (which doesn't have to be refrigerated for 72 hours if sealed), bagels, tortillas

Start on the trail no later than 3 pm! Get to first camp site 3 miles in.

HOPE ALTITUDE DOESN'T SLOW DOWN BACKPACKING TOO MUCH!

Stay tuned for our backpacking agenda.

Lindsay's Wedding

2010-09-05T22:47:00.005-05:00

This is a post from back in August of my niece's wedding:

We recently went to Texas for my niece's wedding. It is very neat to see my nieces and nephews as they grow up, come into their own as we say, and fall in love. She is the first niece to get married, and I think that made it extra special. We felt more a part of the wedding being on the bride's side of it. I adore her husband as much as I adore my nephews' wives - which is quite a lot.

Her wedding was such a special event. She wanted all of her cousins on our side of the family to have a part in it -which is quite a task since my parents have 16 grandchildren. But she did it! The boys passed out programs, Raeley did an awesome job reading a passage of scripture (1 Cor 13 of course!) and Cameron was a flower girl. Daniel (the groom) has a great family and it was fun getting to know them and know that he has such a good background. His mom had a stroke a year or so ago and I was shocked to see her walk down the isle. It was such a great way to start the wedding and a very special moment. And yes, I bawled. I really didn't think I could make it through the wedding, but I did regain composure. I can only imagine how hard she worked to be able to do this. It was a beautiful ceremony. The bride looked absolutely stunning. She outshone everyone with her beauty by far that night!

Let me just say that the food was delicious and I only wish I could have sampled every piece of chocolate at the chocolate bar! I was miserably full so I headed out to the dance floor. Mark asked me tonight -aren't you glad our boys like to dance with their momma? Indeed I am! The dance floor was full all night. The band was incredible -really in tune with the crowd. You know when the crowd forms a circle and people can dance in it? I couldn't believe it when my mom danced across the circle with Lindsay's other grandmother. A long time friend, Gregg Jones, pushed my dad out, and he was hilarious! Mark broke a move in the middle (which didn't surprise me, I know he's still got his moves!). It was very entertaining!

The night went by oh-too-fast. The finale was the

m driving off in an antique Rolls Royce. I was standing next to my sister (Mother of the bride) when Lindsay stopped to hug her mom goodbye. Denise said, "Oh, you're really leaving!" It was a sweet moment.

A few things on my mind...

2010-09-05T22:27:00.005-05:00

Here is a photo I stole from Mark's facebook page (that's why it is so small!).

It is us working at Angelina River Lodge.

I thought I would take a moment to post since it's been so long.

Things have been busy getting into the school routine and there is a big campaign this month with our business in honor of National Childhood Obesity Month. It has kept me busy getting everything ready for it! Check out the Coalition of Angry Kids - A very timely message!

The campaign tugs at my heart as I strive in my business to really help change people's lives - especially moms who are tugged in so many directions, taking care of their kids but not themselves. I have realized how far I have gotten from that as we have opened so many gyms. My focus is on keeping things running, and getting the staff to perform their basic tasks. It seems to stop there and I really want to take our gyms to the next level of customer service.

I also want to take our homeschooling to "the next level" as I seem to have slid into the checklist mentality of making sure we are checking things off our to do list rather than focusing on learning.

So, how do I take both to "the next level"? For starters, we hired an Operational Assistant to help us (mainly me) out. For starters with school, I am not so worried about how much we cover during the day or even covering everything on the agenda, but doing the work with my kids and focusing on them, not work, not cleaning the house.

This had led to me giving up tv in the evenings (the little bit that I did watch) and reading books. Sunday is now a prepare for the week day. There were a few leadership opportunities I was going to take this fall, but those have been tabled. Hopefully I will be able to manage everything more efficiently as the weeks go on. Hopefully I will add in reading again.

With work, I am going to attempt to set expectations with the staff more clearly and require more of them, keeping closer tabs on them which means more meetings and more consistency.

These are just a few things that have been on my mind lately. They've also been keeping me from blogging!

My Eldest Daughter's Birthday -15!

2010-08-22T22:58:00.006-05:00

Raeley had a birthday last week.

She is now 15.

She has started studying to get her driver's permit.

For her birthday, we started a business for her.

Yes.

A business.

In photography.

Then I took her to have lunch with a friend who is a photographer, Robert Raush.

Now she is learning how to use this fancy camera.

We believe God has given her a unique view on life and she's always been so very observant. She has an obligation to be a good steward of this talent.

But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself.

(That's not the camera we got her in the above photo, for all you camera buffs. It was a Panasonic Lumix DMC G2)

School Week 2

2010-08-20T15:44:00.003-05:00

This week brought forth some issues we will be trying to correct:

Jonathan doesn't like all the independent work with his schedule, so he and I will do history together. He is really struggling with math, so we may change his curriculum.

Cameron is still the trooper and is coming along nicely, but I need to break up the one on one time with the boys to be shorter sections dispersed throughout the day to have her one on one time in smaller chunks also.

Raeley was out of town most of last week and is very far behind. I will spend this week evaluating where she is so we can be a little more structured next week.

The boys have not been diligent to work on their projects like their president page or creating campaign buttons for the president we are studying, so we are trying to figure out how to increase their dilligence on these projects. First thing will be to get them out of their bedroom, second thing will be to get me working less so I can oversee this more closely.

My work took up too much time and kept me from working with the kids as much as I would have liked. Friday and Saturday were spent hitting it hard to catch up.

As we had foreseen the kid's school taking up more time than last year, which creates the need for me to have less of my time taken up by work, we hired an operational assistant for me. She is a former employee who had a baby so she will get to work from home and still be a part of our staff family. I am very excited about this new change to our schedule.

Being this well organized has really helped our weeks go smoothly.

I hope you enjoy the photo of Robert holding a snake.

No, we are not studying reptiles, he's just playing with it.

Yes, he really did lose it in the garage!

Our first week of school

2010-08-12T22:38:00.003-05:00

On the whole, it has gone over better than I expected. The longer school days have made for a grumpy Cameron, so we backed off of her school some. I have also gotten a little behind with all the kids due to dentist and orthodontist appts and a few surprise meetings for work I had to fit in last minute. I'm not gonna get discouraged that we are already behind on the first week! I am determined this will not be a pattern. And we just hired someone to take a little off my plate at work. Phew!

Here's my schedule, but I still have a little more adjusting to do. I haven't found a good way to fit in cooking dinner and our school days have been long. Here's the schedule I try to stick to:

5:45 wake up

6:15 to 7:30 work out

7:45 - 8:30 Cook breakfast, wake kids, wash dishes from night before(not optimal, but reality)

8:30-9 Get kids started on school, shower quickly

9-10:30 Bible lesson, read aloud, writing, language arts with boys

Check in on Raeley

10:30-12 school with Cameron

12-1 lunch

Check in with Raeley

1-2:30 school with Cameron and

review what boys have done, additional work with them if needed.

2:30 -till ? work related work

6 pm-ish cook dinner

8 pm work more with Cameron while kids clean up.

9 pm bed times, computer work for work

10:30 pm my bed time

We've started school

2010-08-12T22:11:00.007-05:00

Clue solvers on our annual back to school treasure hunt

We've started school.

Things are different this year.

I am going to be more prepared each week and although I say that every year, this year I have a specific PLAN for doing that. Many ideas I get from my friend Roan (like the back to school treasure hunt).

Here are a few of the differences:

I touch base with Raeley more during the school day. I enjoy our times of conversation about her curriculum. I even have hopes of reading some of the books on her reading list.

The boys are more independent. Although they spend too long on their computer or making obstacle courses for their hermit crabs, they have kept up very well. I need to add a little more detail to their weekly plan so they use their time more wisely.

Cameron's work has increased substantially. She's shed her fair share of tears. This is mainly because I worked with her so little last year. I am extremely proud of how well she's done. Even with my lack of attention thus far of her schooling, she's doing better in some of the books than her siblings did at her age. That's the beauty of homeschooling. I can't have a lax year with her this year too, but homeschooling is fluid enough to be very forgiving!

On Hiking ..What I Wish List

2010-07-29T21:05:00.008-05:00

It has been a long time since I went on the backpacking trip, and although I loved it, I have not taken the time to blog about it like I had intended. It was a great trip and I loved the challenge, the exertion, the feeling of being surrounded by nature. If you have ever thought about going backpacking, here's a list I wish I had read before I left:

What I'm so glad I brought:

My homemade dehydrated food

Biodegradable wipes

Extra pair of shoes

Hydration pack (like a Camelback)

Water filter

Ibuprofen

What I didn't need:

Extra clothes

Cap

Sunglasses

Cool Tog Bandana (didn't work too well)

What I should have brought:

Duct Tape

Deodorant (don't ask)

Better creamer for coffee

Knee Brace

Lightweight knife (ours was too heavy)

Walking sticks (OK, I had sticker shock - if you buy the trekking poles - ski pole looking things, they seem so expensive. I think it would be worth it!)

More on the extra shoes - just think - you are wearing your hiking boots aggressively all day. You get to camp, tired and hungry with food to cook and a tent to set up. I can't tell you how good it felt to get out of those boots and put on my Keens. I saw quite a few people with Crocs -which might have been a better choice due to how light they are.

More on the walking stick- It doesn't look very authentic, in my opinion, to be walking around with an aluminum ski pole when there is no snow around. When I overworked my knee, I found me a good walking stick - my son Robert would have been impressed. I could not believe how much it helped. So much so, that I don't have a desire to go walking without some kind of stick -be it aluminum or tree.

Teaching What's important

2010-07-26T16:12:00.005-05:00

As the school year approaches, I find myself constantly evaluating:

What do I want my kids to learn this year?

What are our goals for them socially, spiritually, emotionally?

I mean, I have their educational needs figured out:

SPELLING work, writing faster, math for Jonathan, things like that.

How do they do in "society"?

Do they know their manners in public, at the dinner table, in different situations?

Do they know how to react to kids who are unfair, mean, hurting, nice?

Do they know how to make friends?

How do they do in their walk with God?

How is their prayer life?

Is there any disconnect between their spiritual life and social life?

Can they read and understand the Bible, and are they doing that daily?

I find holding up a mirror at this point is helpful and also daunting. Our children are the best reflection of us.

I haven't been thinking about curriculum lately, I've already done that, and it is arriving in the mail daily. I've been thinking about the important stuff. We are starting a dating book with Raeley and we are going to go through the book How to Win Friends and Influence People with all the kids. Raeley may have the opportunity to attend a seminar called Success Skills which will help her develop her leadership abilities. Raeley, Robert and Jonathan will have a significant increase in their time helping prepare dinner during the week. I'd love to give the kids more background in music. They are very motivated in art. I'd like to keep that going. Raeley's photography is outstanding. How can we support her in that?

We only have three more years of high school with Raeley. It's going to go by very quickly!

Just checking in!

2010-07-11T03:06:00.004-05:00

Once again I only have time for updates. I have a series of blogs planned about our hiking trip, but that will have to wait. I just wanted to check in with you all.

We just got back from the annual 4th of July with my family, and can I say how blessed I am with such a great family? Leaving them is always hard on me. 9 hours of driving is so far away.

Raeley continues to amaze us with her photography skills. She took some awesome photos during this trip.

Cameron was gone from us for a week and a half. I am so glad we are all back together again. She seems so much bigger now. She did great on the trip and her grandparents and aunts made sure she had lots of fun.

Backpacking

2010-06-28T20:40:00.006-05:00

Raeley was on a mission trip to Longbeach, MS

The boys were at boy scout camp.

Cameron went to visit her grandparents.

What were Mark and I to do? Something we hadn't done in years.

Go Backpacking.

So we dusted off our gear (my hiking boots, Mark's backpack, and all the small things were the same).

Mark started researching, and I started dehydrating food.

It consumed every spare moment for a week or two. And I must admit I would wake up at night and worry every once in a while how it was going to turn out.

But the day came and we were off.

Here is a quick overview:

Kids leave Sunday, I return home at 5 pm from dropping them off.

We pack and I clean house (who wants to come home to an unkempt house after being in the woods for a week?).

Mark works on his spreadsheet of caloric/protein/fat intake.

We go to bed much later than intended.

4:30 am came early.

Up and at 'em and the last shower in a private shower for a week.

We leave Tupelo at 5:05 to be exact and head to Georgia.

We stop in Atlanta at REI to see about replacing Mark's pack, but they were just too expensive.

On to Dehlonega GA, a very quaint town we wish we had more time to see.

We met friends of Mark's for lunch at The Crimson Moon, and it was great to get to know them better. Lunch took longer than we intended, but it was all good (both the company and the food!).

We stopped in an irresistible shop next to the restaurant, then one last coffee, and we were off!

We dropped our car at the end point -which is the beginning point for many. We decided to walk the trail south bound (sobo in AT talk) to end at the big waterfall (on a downward slope for it is very steep) at the welcome center.

Our friends asked us if we had a knife for the bears and Mark suddenly remembered what he was looking for the night before and couldn't find - a larger knife -he only had a small one. Mike pulled out this long knife in a case that you can velcro to your leg. My eyes got big. Are bears really that much of a problem? Do you think I would have a knife like that if they weren't, Mike replies. Well, that knife was a little too big, so he pulls out another one that is smaller. I'm beginning to wonder about this whole thing-just joking. I would like to see a bear from a distance I think! You have to admit, that sounds pretty cool, especially since I hear all you need to do is make racket to run them off- unless you leave food out - a big no-no I don't intend to make!

They drop us off at Woody Gap, 28 miles from our car, and leave us there.

And into the wooded bliss we submerge.

Summer TIme -an update on us

2010-06-08T21:06:00.005-05:00

I haven't been blogging much -

I've been making a transition in my life.

Less time on the computer.

No more Facebook - not much, anyway.

Consolidating work and emails into larger time chunks - not spread throughout the day. You won't believe how much time that saves!

Eating healthier - trying to get high fructose corn syrup out of our house

Less TV, more reading

Deciding where to put my time not chewed up by my computer -

currently on the kids and de-stressing my life.

I'm working on a few more things, too:

Exercising harder and wiser (still not there - I'm wimping out before interval training).

Watching my reactions to my kids - working on showing my love more.

Living out my faith more - once again, like with the kids, it's a heart issue.

We are still doing school as well. We are working hard to finish by next week. We will continue with a few writing assignments, spelling, and math.

Our summer plans?

Two family trips to Texas

Mark and I will start hiking the Appalachian Trail (Woohoo! Yes, that is as cool-I mean hot- as it sounds!) Our goal? To go back with the kids once we have the hang of it.

Various camps for the kids. Currently it's swimming lessons.

My Oldest

2010-05-11T23:03:00.000-05:00

My oldest daughter, Raeley

is a free spirit

always has been.

I don't know how old she was when I realized this.

It was the way she held picture books

and looked at the pictures

I never could explain it, but she didn't just look,

She saw.

She would point out a small, overlooked detail.

Like it was the reason the book was written.

She was very sensitive about her environment.

It needed to look good. It had to look good.

It was the way she studied people's faces

like she could figure out who they were.

She doesn't mind what people say about her.

She doesn't care about fitting in.

She cares about being true to herself.

Doing what she likes,

and seeing the world through her eyes.

She is strongly opinionated about what matters to her.

Right now it's the state of our country.

Back then it was equality between kids,

Being nice,

and justice for all.

Most of all it was loyalty.

My oldest daughter, fiercely loyal.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

2010-05-06T18:23:00.003-05:00

It's so easy, even a 7 year old can do it. I wish I would have timed how quickly this went. And OHHH, the savings! It's also better for the economy. Since I have had the Borax for a LONG time, and didn't save the receipts from the other, I googled the prices.

Cameron actually made the recipe for me, and next time it will be faster because I won't have to measure the water, I just sharpie'd a fill-line on the bucket.

1 cup Arm and Hammer washing soda

1/2 cup Borax

1 bar Zote* soap (I bought a 14 oz bar so I cut it in thirds)

Heat 4 cups of water in a pot. When boiling, bring it down to simmer. While water heats, grate soap. I used a Salad Shooter. Remember, it's soap, so it will wash off easy! Add washing soda and Borax. Mix until melted. Fill a large container (with lid) with 3 gallons of water. I used a paint bucket from WalMart that cost less than $3. Add melted soap and stir. Let sit 24 hours until it gels. Mix well. That's it!

*Fels Naptha is also a natural soap that is good to use, just stay away from perfumed bars with heavy dyes and scents.

Here's the price breakdown:

Arm and Hammer Washing Soda $3.50 55 oz (7 loads) ($0.50)

20 Mule Team Borax $9 76 oz (19 loads) ($0.47)

Zote Soap $1 at Big Lots 14 oz (3 loads) ($0.33)

$1.30 for 4 gallons ($0.015 a load) - that's right - one and a half cents a load.

My laundry detergent of choice cost $7 for 44 loads ($0.16 a load)

I saved the last container of detergent I bought and filled it with the detergent. I use one for one in the measuring cup- really a little more of the homemade stuff.

You just gotta try this!

You don't have to use words to be mean

2010-05-04T23:11:00.008-05:00

My twin sister is homeschooling her daughter now.

I don't think she ever thought she would homeschool, but she'll be great.

I mean, really great.

One of those homeschool moms I would look at and go, wow, I never would have thought of doing that with my kids! Of course, that was back in the day when I had time to put a little creativity in my homeschooling. Now I buy creative homeschool curriculum.

Sweet Angela, seven years old. Kissed by an angel on her cheek (birthmark) and teased mercilessly by the kids at school. So unhappy this past year. Now she's happy and safe because she doesn't have to go to back to that place anymore.

But she still cries about it.

Sweet Angela, with the big eyes and charming smile. She had to endure children pointing and laughing at her on a daily basis. She had to endure the kids passing notes about her. Worst of all, she had to endure kids acting as if she didn't exist. She didn't put this into words earlier for her mom to bring her home sooner. Oh, there were teacher meetings, and dealing with bullies who would verbally tease. The kids learned. It's not what they said. It wasn't the words that hurt. Sometimes it's about asking the right questions. Sometimes it's about understanding the definitions.

Bullying. It can even happen in the home. Do my kids bully each other? Do I listen when they tell me about what one of their siblings did to them? Bullying - here is a beautiful post with a recommended book read,The Wounded Spirit by Frank Peretti. I'm getting the book. And I'm going to listen to my kids.

Sometimes it's hard to live so far away when cousins need hugs. And cousins need to give hugs. Daughters #2 and #3 may be coming home next year to learn also. Pray for them, will ya?

Curriculum Time

2010-04-30T14:08:00.000-05:00

Curriculum time. I am going to do something I've NEVER done before. I usually analyze, overanalyze, and agonize over what curriculum I am going to buy. As a matter of fact, last year it was so bad (the analyzing and agonizing) with my daughter starting high school, that I totally forgot to order her math, and kept forgetting, and it finally arrived in October! This year, I am going to order my curriculum before the summer. Yep, before homeschool conferences. Before making any trips to the big city to look at homeschool bookstores and hold the curriculum in my hands. Before our school year even ends! I am hoping to sit down this weekend and map everything out and make the purchases next week.

Here's what I am thinking about:

For the boys:

Nothing is really changing.

Continuing with Learning Adventures

Singapore Math

Easy Grammer and Daily Grams

Apologia (Co-op)

Adding: Latin - Latin's not so tough

Typing

Handwriting (copy work isn't working for us. Maybe a bound book will help, maybe)

Adding back in IEW

For Raeley:

Core 2000 of Sonlight

Math U See

Apologia (Co-op)

Maybe adding a course of IEW. I don't think she did enough writing.

For Cameron:

Sonlight World History (Which I already have)

Singapore Math

Handwriting

This girl lives for a party!

2010-04-21T20:27:00.007-05:00

Cameron is planning Mother's Day. I'm honored. This girl lives for a party. She plans life event to event. She brought me a post it note and a pen and told me to make a list of what I wanted. Here are her suggestions:

Clothes

shoes

high heels

boots

high heel boots.

What was her favorite gift from her birthday? Twinkle Toes Shoes. Her favorite outfit this summer? Tan shorts, brown and blue striped shirt and brown boots.

Once a week we are throwing a party for one of her stuffed animals. She wants to bake them a cake. Not good for my fitness goals!

A+ in spelling!

She wrote my last name on the post it note. Sdevynz. Her preferred way to spell Mommy is Mome. Her nickname Cammi is Came. You guessed it - Daddy is Dade. She knows the silent e rule. That's just the way she prefers it.

Vacations

2010-04-21T18:53:00.004-05:00

I need a vacation. Who doesn't? And yes, I said need, not want.

Need so I don't lose who I am.

Need so I remember what fun is,

so I don't forget to laugh.

I've mentioned before that vacations are high priority for us since my husband and I work together. It keeps us balanced - and even if we didn't work together, because we both have such full schedules, the time away keeps us from getting burned out. I need a vacation. It doesn't have to be expensive. Take me camping and we'll eat pb&j sandwiches. Our weekends have been planned to the minute and filled with stuff that I can't fit in during the week like laundry and housecleaning. Glamorous, huh? A quick way to get burned out and lose yourself. I am beginning to wonder what a good, gourmet meal at home is like. But gourmet meals take planning and inspiration and I'm a little short on both. I did enjoy my super quick chicken and dumplings tonight with fresh (dried) basil from my friend's garden, and minced garlic. That's gourmet for today.

Facebook

2010-04-21T18:52:00.004-05:00

I've given up Facebook for the most part and I don't really miss it. Two things that are time wasters for me - Facebook and TV. I have started DVRing Glen Beck, recently, though. I'm learning Economics from him. Seriously, I am. My kids need to know this stuff. I am gonna have to start taking notes, too. It's good stuff. He even made a big push in favor of homeschooling the other day. It is hard to even fathom how much money is spent on our totally screwed up educational system. Cut it in half and the financial problems of this country would be taken care of. Doesn't it blow your mind to hear that and then look at all the school districs who are bankrupt? A prime example of what happens when the goverment is in charge of something where money is involved.

Back to time wasters. I am replacing that time with cleaning my house and reading more. I am also trying to do one thing I enjoy every day, even if it is something small (like one square of chocolate or cutting some roses off my rose bush).

I went to the library and checked out a few books. My current reads:

The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership

Endangered Minds - just wait for my soapbox on this one!

What a day.

2010-04-21T18:24:00.006-05:00

Today has not been a good day. Last night I stayed up way too late. Mark was taking car of some time sensitive business breakdowns. We had the tv on and I stayed on Facebook way too long. I hate it when I waste time like that.

I am at-my-limit as far as stress goes. I am pulled in so many directions that I have cut out many things in life I enjoy - like this blog. Counter productive if you don't take time to de-stress. My neck is killing me. I carry my stress in my shoulders. Lately my workouts have been high priority so I can just MOVE. Since I stayed up so late, I skipped my workout so my whole body is stiff. My neck is TIGHT.

So today I was grouchy all day from getting to bed late.

I even took a nap and when I got up and saw the disarray my house was in, I went back and hid under the covers. For over an hour. Yeah, I had one of those days. But I did smile when I heard my kids trying to keep quiet. And when my phone rang, I could tell by the ring who was calling. It was a business call and I could hear them whisper yelling - "What should we do?" "Answer it for her?" "Take a message?" "Do you think it's important?" Then big sister to the rescue. "Be quiet and leave her alone."

Tomorrow is going to be better because I'm not going to stay up late and I'm going to have a good attitude. At least I'm gonna try. Attitude is key.

Rappelling

2010-04-13T20:51:00.000-05:00

One thing I like about where we live

is that it is a beautiful place

with so many fun outdoor activities nearby.

We didn't do much for Spring Break, so that Saturday we took the kids to go rappelling.

A new family to the area met us there.

Oops, Jonathan! We all had a great time.

Top 50 Christian Homeschool Blogs

2010-04-08T19:21:00.002-05:00

It's the time of year when many homeschoolers are fighting burnout and gathering resolve to finish the year strong. We were so far behind in our curriculum, that we are still hitting it strong and I feel renewal because school isn't going to drag out in the summer if we keep up this pace. Here's a great list to check out for more encouragement in your homeschooling. I am looking forward to checking out these homeschool blogs!

Conversations with Cameron

2010-04-05T20:08:00.000-05:00

January 7

Another Conversation with Cameron:

I was reading the book Angelina the Ballerina to her tonight (Angelina is a mouse). I pointed to the picture of Angelina in 2nd position. I ask Cameron "Can you do that?"

"Yes," Cameron replied in a very matter of fact tone, "but only without the tail."

March 15

Conversation with Cameron:

I hear Cameron say in an exasperated tone: "Dumb Dummy!" "Cameron, what's wrong?" "You know that graham cracker that looked like a diaper?" (She had shown me a graham cracker she had taken a few bites of that looked like a diaper, and she was so excited about it.) Well, I was gonna draw it (she's holding a piece of paper, a pen, and two graham crackers in her hand) and I took a bite of the wrong graham cracker!

March 16

Cameron was talking to me about her day. Mark was helping her ride her bike without training wheels. "Daddy took his hand off my seat. When I was peddling, he would wait till I was on the grass and let go of my seat. I don't think that's right. We should make a deal that he doesn't do that." "So what did you expect, Cameron, for him to run around and hold onto the seat while you rode around in circles?" "Yes. I might fall if he lets go." "Well, how do you think you will learn if he's always holding on?" "Not that way!" Later that night Cameron says, "We should make a deal that he only lets go after I tell him I'm balanced. It's too scary if he just does it. I might fall."

Conversations with Cameron

2010-03-30T10:44:00.001-05:00

This was from a while ago, but I am just getting around to posting it.

January 12

Tonight I was reading a book about Quack the Duck in Spanish to Cameron, as a joke to see what she would do. She never complained, but when Raeley walked in the room, she said "I just have to ask, um, do you understand what you are reading?" Cameron said no. I asked her what language it was and she said "Duck?"

1-13

Cameron said today "I like grandmas. You can always stay the night at their house." "Is there anything else you like about grandmas?" I ask. "They are nice and smart and buy you things."

We had fish for dinner. Cameron said, "Did this fish come from the water?" Yes. Blech! Did they wash it good? And did they take all the yucky stuff out? Are you sure they washed it good? In SINK water?"

1-14

I worked all day and I was sad that I didn't have any cute Cameron sayings for the day. As I went to put up the leftover pizza, I found a glass of ice water in the bottom drawer of the fridge. I get smiles from that girl even when she's tucked in bed fast asleep! How do I know it was her? It was her special Star Trek glass given to her as a gift from her BFF.

Snow Day

2010-03-17T21:44:00.000-05:00

I don't even remember how long ago it snowed here. Maybe January? Maybe December?

Enjoy the photos!

Vacation

2010-03-11T20:03:00.005-06:00

Mark and I had a chance for a weekend get away and we jumped on it - and jumped on a plane to Naples, Florida. It was great. It was a nice drive from the airport in Fort Myers to Naples, and we followed the scenic route through the small towns on the coast. We stopped for ice cream and milkshakes and coffee and stopped to look for a few geochaches along the way. There was a great beach with lots of shells where we tried to get to a geochach on an island near the beach. Mark waded out there almost all the way, but when he would have had to swim, he turned back. It was fun collecting shells for the kids.

We stayed at The Inn on Fifth Street, which was a nice hotel. Even though I didn't even peek my head into the spa, we had free usage of the steam room and sauna (I know, what was I thinking? You had to schedule it a day ahead of time - to my defense), but we had fun relaxing in the hot tub. The beach was beautiful and cold so we didn't spend a lot of time out there, but we did watch the sunset from the pier with a bottle of wine one night and went back for a stroll at sunset another night. While we were there, we spent half a day deep sea fishing. I was the only lady, and I think I caught the most fish, 4, but no one caught a keeper. It was fun, though. I'd love to take my kids one day, especially Robert, our in-house fisherman. We also took an airboat ride in the Evergreens with two of our friends, Desiree and Brian, and went walking on a few trails in the Evergreens. Wow, lots of alligators, but we didn't see any on the trails.

Airboat Ride

We went to some great restaurants. Tru Lucks was my favorite - great seafood.

Lots of things on the trip went wrong, really. It was funny after a while. Mark and I got along great and all the trouble brought us even closer. Thinking back, all the things that went wrong on this vacation would have made me so upset ten years ago, but this time, I was so glad NOT to be working and even just sitting in the airport while the rental car mix up was straightened out, I was just glad to be there with Mark and no computers or interruptions.

Mark was going to Naples for business, and so on my last night there, we got to hang out with some of our mutual friends who are club owners also.

Here's some of the club owners Mark had business with.

Mark, Cindy, Desiree, Nathan, Richard and his wife. Brian is taking the photo.

Light at the end of the tunnel

2010-03-03T22:18:00.003-06:00

I'm just checking in with you guys. I have been so busy lately, I haven't even had a chance to keep up with my friend's blogs. Life has been busy but good. This is a busy time of the year for us and we opened two clubs in the past three months during the busiest season for us. And it has gone well. Notice I mentioned busy four times in 4 sentences? Um, yeah. Busy.

I am excited about some things that have been happening with work. We've had some great hires lately (one of whom is the daughter of a well known Homeschool Speaker. How cool is that?) and we are wading through the new training. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it is so nice to be fully staffed. Say a prayer for me that this will last for a while, OK? Actually, we are lacking in certified personal trainers. My kids are having fun thinking of nicknames for our new staff. HA! Should I encourage this? Inside jokes do bring bonding. We will have a family discussion with our kids about this and see how they feel.

So what's been keeping me busy? Training staff, working hard to keep our clubs in tip top shape, and hanging out with our new staff, getting to know them. Homeschooling the kids. Obviously blogging hasn't been on that list, and I'm not sure if anything that fits into keeping a house is on that list, either. It is so nice that the boys are getting better at being independent with their school work. Unfortunately, I can't even remember the last time I had a reading lesson with Cameron. Raeley and our tutor has, though.

The library meeting was lots of fun. Thanks for your input.

What else have I been doing? I just got back today from a vacation with Mark. It. was. nice. understatement.

Maybe soon I will post the 5 drafts I have saved. Just Maybe.

Library re-design

2010-02-20T01:01:00.002-06:00

Imagine for a minute that your library was getting a make-over and you had a blank check to add anything to it that you could. What would you add? What would you change? Think about your library and tell me what your favorite thing about it is. The Tupelo library is making some changes and they are looking for input.

For those of you who are not from Tupelo, reading this blog, as a homeschool mom, when I moved to Tupelo, I about flipped out when I stepped into the library. It is OUTDATED and not a visually stimulating place. The books are also not organized very well. Sometimes I miss the libraries in Houston like a friend.

So, what are your thoughts? What would you like in a library? Rooms for studying? Sunrooms? Teen rooms with what features? How about for the younger kids? What should that area look like? How should the money be allocated, especially when you consider that the state of Mississippi has drastically cut spending to libraries, leaving the money to come from the city and county?

How do you think Kindles and Ipads and books as mp3 files will affect the future of libraries?

What will bring more foot traffic into the libraries?

Who (do you think) are the clients of libraries?

How can businesses use the library?

Thanks for your help!

Kristie

Cuttlebug giveaway!

2010-02-06T16:54:00.000-06:00

Follow this link for your chance at winning! http://svgcuts.com/blog/?p=4939

Busy time of the year

2010-01-27T22:08:00.005-06:00

I've not been keeping up with anything on the computer lately. If you now me, you know how awkward that is for me. I've been so busy, it has been easy, though. This is our busy time of the year with our business, so it's all hands on deck. The older kids have wonderfully surprised me with how well they maintained their school work while I have been out of pocket. I sure am glad Cameron got some educational games for Christmas because she hasn't had a real "lesson" much the last two weeks. I will post about some temporary changes we have made to our school schedule soon.

I have had some great learning/growing opportunities lately with work. It's hard when you are in the middle of it but I love feeling challenged like that and learning so much! Fortunately, everything worked out fine and I was able to stick to my convictions about what was right even under pressure. It's never as easy as it sounds and it's easy to second guess yourself. My staff have had great attitudes and are able to laugh at what is going on. It is keeping me laughing, otherwise I might just cry. Laughter is a great source of stress relief and bonding.

February will continue to be like this also, but that is OK, because the beginning of the year is that important to our business. It is busier than usual for us since we opened a gym last month and we are opening a gym right now. I also think it is a good lesson for my kids - we run our own business, so everyone has to "make sacrifices" and do a little extra.

And can you believe I even cut out coffee some this past week, and when I do drink, I have cut my daily consumption in half! I also feel that this hard work is paying off because some of our gyms are exceeding our expectations!

Challenging Book Club

2010-01-14T21:59:00.004-06:00

I was very challenged in my book club Thursday morning. We are going through the book Axiom by Bill Hybels - a great book that is easy to read. We covered these axioms:

Always take the high road (sometimes not as easy as it sounds)
Read all you can (something I took a break from since it's a busy month - but should make a priority!)
Lead Something (great points AND great discussion. I'm praying about this)
Arrive Early or Not at All (can I just say ouch?)
I'd Never do this for Money (I can't relate to that one. My job is not a charity!)
We Need Us All - (Who have I been there for lately?)

I will recap a little bit more:

Always take the high road. As Bill Hybels mentioned in his book, an older man once told him, "I am an older man now, and never once have I regretted taking the high road. Bless what you can bless. Thank everyone you can thank. Cheer on what is appropriate, and be done with it. page 195. Can I just repeat the last part, be done with it? OK, Be done with it. Leave the yucky stuff behind you and move on.

Read all you can. I was challenged by another individual (A founding owner of Anytime Fitness Corporate) with a $100 prize in AF merchandise if I submit a book report in Feb. on a book I read in Jan. It's the middle of the month and I've only read a few pages. I think maybe, even though this is our busiest month, I should pick up the book and keep reading - it's that important!

Lead Something - this deserves a post all it's own. Stay tuned for that one.

Arrive Early or Not At All - I think this is the New Year's Resolution I have not been wanting to acknowledge!

We Need Us All- "Lean into the empowering presence of God and realize that you're not alone. Reach out to God, and he will reach out to you. He will restore your soul. He will encourage you and inspire you. He will heal you up and set your feet back on course." Here's the part I struggle to believe "He will rally other leaders to your side who will pray for you and walk with you." page 204 What am I doing for others? Do I believe that others will be there for me? Will God provide me with EVERYTHING I need?

Conversations with Cameron

2010-01-13T00:21:00.001-06:00

January 6

Conversation with my daughter, Cameron: "Mom, do you think Tinkerbell is real?"

"No, I think she was created by Disney like Mickey Mouse."

Cameron said, "Why do so many people not believe in her mom? I think it's because Tinker Fairies never come to the mainland. But maybe we can see a water faire near some water. They are the ones who put water droplets on spider webs."

Menu Monday

2010-01-12T03:06:00.001-06:00

For more menus, visit www.orgjunkie.com

Monday and Tuesday -out of town
Wednesday- chili - I love my chili recipe! I'll post soon.
Thursday - crock pot taco beef, Spanish rice from a box (I will be working)
Friday - breakfast for dinner, eggs, bacon, and waffles! (I've been craving waffles.)
Saturday - I'm hoping for a date night. The kids will have pizza.
Sunday - leftovers

A day in the life of Robert the hunter

2010-01-10T13:00:00.000-06:00

Robert Hunting - As you can see, this picture was taken a few weeks ago before the weather turned so cold! Now he'll be huddled in a shooting house!

I thought that today would be a good day to describe a day in the life of my son, Robert. One Saturday morning he wakes up and talks with his grandfather about what all they will do at their land today. He rushes to take his shower in his no -scent soap, runs downstairs to make sure his dad uses the no -scent soap in his shower also. He leaves to go to Lowes with his grandfather to buy some things needed for hunting.

To me, hunting is pretty basic, so if you have a gun, some camo, and protection from the elements, what more do you need? I think it was for parts for the 4 wheeler. They get back from Lowes, eat lunch, then leave for hunting. Robert is fortunate that he lives only 30 minutes from where he goes hunting. Dad and sis will follow later.

They want to scope out some land by the big pond, they haven't been there in a while. Their to do list before heading into the woods:

Work on 4 wheeler

feed fish at pond

scout for tracks

check the deer camera and change out the photo card

ride around on 4 wheeler looking for deer markings

At the appropriate time in the afternoon, my guess is 3 pm, they head out to their deer stand. They see a small spike but aren't shooting the small deer, so they pass on it. That was all they saw, so as the sun goes down, they meet up with other fellow hunters, Dad and sister Raeley. The fellow hunters saw three small deer, but passed also as they were holding out for the big deer they could hear in the brush.

They all convene at the cabin and visit with Doug, keeper of the cabin (it's his home), and play with his grandson, baby Tripp.

Robert heads home with dad and sis, meet up with Mom and other siblings at a restaurant, and then head home. All kids do a quick tidy, then Robert settles in with his wii hunting game to sharpen his skills before bed. While he sleeps, he dreams of the big great buck. Sweet Dreams Robert!

Schedules

2010-01-06T09:12:00.005-06:00

A friend of mine, Roan, wrote about her homeschool schedules on her blog, so I thought I would do the same.

Raeley

The curriculum I use for Raeley, my highschooler, has a daily/weekly chart for her, so she knows what she is to do each day. She is independent, so I grade her work once a week (or at least a couple times a month!)

The Boys

I have a checklist with the boys, but I find that it works better if I go over with them what they are to do, then they leave to go work on their assignment, then I look over it. When I was using checklists, I would look at their checklists, not at their work, and would forget to grade their school work! They sometimes ask to go back to the checklist, but what I do is write down what they are to do independently after we finish all of our together work, and they check it off after they do it. The next day at the beginning of school, I review that hand written list with the boys together and look over their work then if I didn't get to it the day before.

Cameron

I would like to make a checklist with photos for Cameron, and that is somewhere on my to do list. I have a checklist for her, but it doesn't really mean a whole lot to her because reading is still a chore for her.

Roan, any ideas on checklists for the young ones? What do you do for Leah?

My checklists are basic, with days of the week across the top and assignments down the side. I also have one for myself that is daily with all the subjects I would like for them to do broken up by time. I use it if I find we are not finishing our work in a timely manner.

Something New

I have started something new this week. Usually I have several issues with work I have to deal with in the morning, waiting for me in my inbox. Here is our new morning routine:

6 am wake up

6:30-7:30 work out at the gym

7:45 - cook breakfast (high protein right after a hard work out)

8 am wake up kids, they eat, tidy up or do a quick chore. get dressed

9 am school starts

Here's what's new:

They do independent reading, memory work, and computer school -like typing lessons for about an hour while I shoot off emails, make phone calls, tie up a few loose ends (or like this morning -blog) or even do laundry. It gives my husband and my staff a chance to get a hold of me on something time sensitive without disrupting our school.

We start school together by no later than 10 am. Now they have my undivided attention until school is out. So far so good, I'll keep you updated.

Another benefit is that I have a sleepy head who just can't wake up easily. This helps him not drag quite so bad and it gives them a chance to read -which later in the day they are pretty good at finding excuses NOT to read independently.

Myers Briggs Personality Indicator

2010-01-04T16:15:00.003-06:00

So, I've started another book. That means I am currently reading 5 books right now. Simultaneously. Yeah, I know, not that productive.

Last night, in my effort to start the new year off right, I got to bed at a decent time and read for a while waiting on Mark. And waiting. So much for getting to sleep early, but at least I got quite a bit read.

Anyway, I started a book on the Myers Briggs personality types. It is Please Understand Me II by David Kiersey and I am reading it to understand my staff better. I felt it hit between the eyes last night. I didnt like everything it described me as, but we are who we are and I have quite a bit to ponder. WOW, was it accurate and showed me how very polarized I am. I jst started the book, so I'm not sure if that is good or not.

So, for those of you familiar with the Myers Briggs, what do you think I am?

BTW, Mark was right. He nailed me before we even dated and was right back then.

Here's your choices:

Extroversion or Introversion

Sensing or iNtuition

Thinking or Feeling

Judging or Perceiving

If you don't know the definition of the dichotomies listed above, check them out on this web site.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think I am.

And, referring to last night's post, today was a great day - although we are STILL doing school work, I still have dirty dishes, and I'm still not done with laundry. And even though there were snow flurries (really - I saw 8 flakes wafting in the air) when I left to go to the gym, I didn't let that stop me and still made it to work out.

Menu Monday

2010-01-04T11:10:00.004-06:00

How's this for starting the New Year off right?

Mark helped me grocery shop after working out this morning and we got most ingredients in less than 30 minutes!

For more Menu Monday posts, visit www.orgjunkie.com!

Monday:

Baked Fish

Mac and Cheese

Lima Beans

Tuesday:

Crock Pot Chicken with Northern Beans

Rice

Salad

Wednesday:

Hamburgers

Sweet potatoes

English peas

Thursday:

Depends on the snow.

Either leftovers if I visit my clubs

or Orange Chicken from the freezer

Friday:

Having company over, so menu to be determined when plans are confirmed.

Saturday:

Breakfast for Dinner

Scrambled Eggs

Bacon

Biscuits

Sunday:

Pizza

Ready for school to start?

2010-01-03T21:11:00.004-06:00

School starts in the morning. Jonathan can't find his books. Robert is missing one of his. The house is a mess because I just helped Mark with two years of paperwork. I feel good about that, but it has consumed two days. Laundry is half done. Not the way I wanted to start the first day of school for the new year, but I knew it would happen because I didn't plan any time to prepare for it. I was just hoping it would happen and knowing that it wouldn't. I'm not gonna skip my workout in the morning, though. I'm just gonna wing it with school. I have one hour before I go to bed to finish the laundry, put all the pulled files and piles of receipts in an orderly fashion, wash the dishes that have been neglected for two (or three) days, and clean my very messy room. Then maybe I'll have a few minutes to pull out the school books and see what we have in store for tomorrow. Can you tell the house is in total disarray? I wish I was better at housecleaning. Hmm, should I stay up late to get it all done? Should I put off school (teacher inservice day)? I'm gonna get off the computer and see how much I can get done as fast as I can, make the house as pleasing on the eyes as I can, and go to bed at a decent time. The kids can journal about Christmas while I review lesson plans. I'm SO glad I planned the start of school at the end of last year's school. Just thought I'd share what's whirling around in my head. Is it this hard to come off of a vacation for you?

Top 5 Tips for Resolutions

2010-01-02T18:03:00.003-06:00

Resolutions are like goals, are they not? And what good is a goal if you don't have a plan? I'm a big believer of resolutions. I love the feeling of a new year and a new start. A chance to make myself better. Optimism unbounded and one step closer to new dreams.

I hope you make resolutions for yourself. Don't jump into it, though. Think it through, turn it into a goal, and make a plan.

Are you going to exercise more?

When?

What will you do?

For how long?

Is it realistic?

What is your specific goal?

Are you going to eat healthier?

How?

What will you change?

How will you fit it into your life?

Is it realistic?

What is your specific goal?

Are you going to grow in your relationship to God? Spouse? Children?

How?

What will you change?

Is it realistic?

What is your specific goal?

Here are my top 5 tips for resolutions:

Set a specific goal and turn it into a plan.
Evaluate after a month and make neccessary changes, and again after 4 months and get back on track.
Reward yourself for good progress.
Don't beat yourself up if don't do as well as you'd like, just start fresh again.
Don't give up!

Happy Resolutioning!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T11:19:00.002-06:00

My post last year on New Year Resolutions is one of my favorite posts.

I'm still undecided about what my New Year Resolutions are. I want to take a few days and pray about it with Mark.

I'm taking this holiday off, though. We've had so much company in town, and we are opening a new gym, and we opened a new gym a few weeks ago, so I just wanted a holiday of no cooking. No black eye peas tradition for us this year. I'm glad I don't believe in bad luck! Anyone have any leftovers they want to share?

Cinnamon Rolls

2009-12-31T16:49:00.002-06:00

Christmas morning I made homemade cinnamon rolls. They were ewey-gooey, light and fluffy, sticky, cinnamon-y delicious! I actually couldn't believe how good they were! Oh MY! They were also easier to make than I thought, and didn't take that much time - you just have to make sure you are home for a while so you will be there to roll them out after they rise and let them rise again. I got the recipe at Allrecipes.com. My friend Anita also posted her recipe for me. I urge you to try these. You'll thank me for it. Or you'll hate me for it. Either way, you'll enjoy it!

Oh, by the way, I know what you are thinking, and, yes, I doubled the recipe. These were the leftovers that I stuck in a little skillet. I - heart - cast-iron! Another by-the-way, I personally prefer the powdered sugar and milk icing over the cream cheese icing, but I didn't try Anita's cream cheese icing, perhaps it's better.

A few funny Christmas things

2009-12-25T23:01:00.001-06:00

Cameron was changing the clothes on her new babydoll and I was helping her, but it was difficult. She said - I know! I'll go get the constructions!
Santa had brought a gift for CJ. We let CJ in this morning so he could be downstairs when the kids came down. He hung out for a while then all of a sudden, grabbed something and excitedly headed to the back door. He came back and nuzzled Mark's hand for Mark to take him out. He had found his gift from Santa! It was chicken-scented.
I actually grabbed the video camera and did some videoing. I can't seem to remember that the green arrow means pause and the red dot means go. Red dot = stop in my mind. I filmed half of the time without the camera running. My family got used to me asking the same questions and re-filming the scene. Sigh. I got some really funny looks the first time I did it! We will see how my videoing turns out!
Mark asked Cameron if she had a good Christmas. She said, "UM, I had a medium Christmas." "Oh," Mark said, "Really? What do you mean?" "Well, I miss my best friend. If she had been here, it would have been fantastic!"

Christmas Day

2009-12-25T22:24:00.007-06:00

was a very nice, relaxing, stay in your jammies all day type of day. My father in law texted us Christmas morning when the kids were ready to come downstairs and see what Santa brought. I woke up thinking, wow, pawpaw's gone all techy on us. Haha! Santa was spot-on this year. So were the parents and grandparents. It was so much fun to see how excited the kids were over their gifts.

It was great staying home all day, not having to go anywhere, having relatives drop in (and not even caring I was still in my jammies!) I did mop the kitchen floor and then felt bad, as it hit me that today was a day to honor the Lord and rest, to spend time with family and enjoy relaxing, not using the free time to get a little housework done. So I stopped and did something else I enjoyed- I did some cooking. I also took CJ on a two mile walk then soaked in a bubble bath.

We still have plenty of food, including a wonderful smoked turkey Audwin brought that was smoked in Tyler Texas. Gotta love that Texas barbeque! This morning, in between Santa gifts and other gifts, we ate the homemade cinnamon rolls I made and breakfast casserole. It was my first time to make cinnamon rolls, and oh my, they were SO good! Raeley hugged me last night when she realized I was up late (midnight) preparing the breakfast casserole - one of her favorites. The cinnamon rolls may be a new tradition!

My highlights were

seeing Cameron ride her bike through the house in a winter princess dress and a new babydoll in the front basket,
seeing the look of surprise on Mark's face when he opened both gifts from me, and were excited. Seldom am I able to think of something to get my husband that he really gets excited about. I did it this year!
Also, Jonathan following me around full of excitement (as I was looking for something for Cameron), talking on and on about all kinds of stuff.
Robert fooling with one of his new gadgets and impressing me with his quick knowledge of such objects.
Raeley enthralled in her new photography book and being super sweet and helpful all day long.

I must say that I am excited it's the weekend and I have a few more days to veg out and spend time with my family -lazy style! My goal is to play with all of their toys with them (except a few annoying wii games). And we still have more goodies to eat (cheese ball and the smoked turkey)!

Our Christmas Eve Meal

2009-12-25T18:51:00.007-06:00

Sandi, Mark's sister

Cameron, being teased by Uncle Audwin (Sandi's husband)

Martha (Mark's mom) and her brother, who we call Sonny

We had a great Christmas. Christmas Eve Mark's family came to our house for our big Christmas meal. I love entertaining and had so much fun getting ready for the event. As you could tell by my previous posts, I've been so busy I didn't have much time to prepare in advance for Christmas Eve (which included not cleaning the house!). I started cooking at 12:30 and had everything ready in time to make the Christmas Eve service at our church. It was so nice to stop and be still for an hour on Christmas Eve and focus on Christ, sing traditional Christmas Carols, and take communion.

This was my first year to make dressing and I was a little nervous. My mom makes the best cornbread dressing, and it's the same recipe that Mark's family grew up with. It turned out well and was even better today - yum! I am glad that I am able to successfully continue the tradition.

To start the night off, we had hot pepper jelly over cream cheese and spicy Dundee dip served with crackers. I FORGOT the cheese ball - one of my highlights because I only make it once a year and it is our family's favorite. We had turkey and dressing, asparagus casserole, sweet potato casserole, Nikki's (Mark's Aunt) Buttermilk Salad, green peas with pearl onions and mushrooms, Sister Shubert rolls, Cranberry relish, celery stuffed pimento and cheese (which I almost forgot!). Sandi (Mark's sister) made her pecan pie and we had the traditional egg nog mixed with ice cream. If you've never mixed your egg nog with ice cream you gotta try this!

We had a bit of uninvited excitement right before the meal. Mark's great aunt, Bessie, passed out. She's 94 and Martha, Mark's mom noticed she was leaning funny, and helped break her fall. I tried to help pick her up, and the two of us couldn't do it so Mitchell (Mark's dad) took over. Mark called 911 and I ran to our neighbor's house, who is a doctor, but she wasn't home. The fire department came first, then the ambulance. She was only out for a minute, but her eyes rolled back, and she was an ashy-grey color, so it gave us all a BIG scare. Her check up went well, so the paramedics left and she stayed with us, we sat down to the meal, and the night went on as usual.

Mark's family exchanges gifts Christmas Eve, and Cameron made a gift for each of her great-great aunts and her great aunts, and she was so excited to be able to pass out her hand made gifts. The kids only open one or two gifts from Mark's family on Christmas Eve and we save the rest for Christmas morning so the night doesn't revolve around the kids. As a matter of fact, not much of the evening has activities for our children because there are so many adults. Cameron was a little upset about this, but I think it is a good time of service for our children as we serve our elderly relatives (and not so elderly) and focus on them all evening. Some years we are able to merge the two, but not this year. We even forgot to set out Santa's cookies!

The night went extremely well, and at 10:30 we finally had the kids get ready for bed, which is when our company started leaving. Mark's aunt, Ann, lives outside of Tupelo, so I was surprised she stayed that late. It's always nice when the evening gets unexpectedly late because everyone is having such a good time. We had 15 people over, including Nikki's mom who is 96. We felt very blessed as we were surrounded by family and reminded how precious health is.

I'm making a list...

2009-12-21T20:46:00.002-06:00

Wow, you know, Santa has something right on about making a list and checking it twice. I had a great, very productive day today. I made my list, which I posted yesterday. I checked twice -several times in fact. I got so much accomplished. Now, the Christmas cards, keep holding your breath on that one. We just got back from a Christmas party, the kids are getting ready for bed, and then we are going to have Christmas devotionals. I spent time reading to Cameron today, and we made a Christmas ornament together. Once again she showed her problem solving skills by figuring out a better way to make the ornament than I was proposing. I also was able to spend time with Raeley, Robert, and Jonathan baking Christmas goodies. I tried to get them to make ornaments, too, but as Jonathan said, "It just doesn't feel like Christmas right now. It's sneaking up on me. Maybe I'll feel like it tomorrow."

Hmm, sometimes this season doesn't feel quite like Christmas yet either. I know for me, it's because I've been so busy with work. We've had lots of Hot Apple Cider, put up lots of decorations, listened to lots of Christmas music, seen lots of people. Hopefully pausing for the Christmas devotionals tonight will change that. It's time to change focus and slow down for an hour and be together -the just us family together.

So today was very productive. And that was with at least half a day of work. My list for tomorrow? You bet I'm making a list!

Finish up for work (hopefully, so I can have off till next Monday - Yay!)
Make a grocery list and go shopping for Christmas eve and Christmas day meal
Cook the cornbread and get the onions and celery ready for the dressing
Start on the homemade cinnamon rolls the kids have requested for Christmas morning (Anita - help!)
Finish holiday baking
Pass out gifts to Scout Leaders and Basketball Coaches
Plan after Christmas Party
Christmas Cards to staff at least!
Go to Cotton Plant (Not sure if it is a place or a town. Sounds like a place, but may be a town!) to see the lights. Anyone want to come?
Wrap gifts
Finish Christmas decorations before company comes in town
Gingerbread House (Kids have requested it - last year they didn't seem too excited so I thought we'd skip it this year. Wrong!)
Mundane cleaning stuff I won't bore you with

Now it's time for our Christmas devotional. Taking time out for the important stuff. Maybe I'll have time to read another book to Cameron, too!

Christmas Week

2009-12-20T22:19:00.002-06:00

It is Christmas week and I said goodbye to my parents this morning. My mom got sick while she was here, which was a bummer, but I had to work quite a bit, so at least I didn't feel guilty. I am always melancholy after I say goodbye to my parents. We did a few fun things, the boys and my dad went hunting, we watched the boys play basketball, we went to The Grill for dinner. We will have to save the other plans for next visit when Mom will be more up for it. They are off to Branson for a Christmas with just the two of them. I got a little bit of baking done for the Christmas season. It is so short a time until Christmas that I don't even know where to start. The kids have Christmas ornaments to make, gifts to make, and we have Christmas gifts to wrap. I still haven't bought Mark a gift. Time is slipping by, so here is my what I want to do before Christmas list - survival guide style.

Read a Christmas book to Cameron every day

Bake a few more goodies and bring gifts to boy's coaches and scouts leaders

Find a devotional for the last few days before Christmas

Buy Mark a gift

Make gifts/ornaments

Wrap gifts

Bake for Christmas Eve dinner

Get house ready for guests

Do Christmas Cards (do I even dare wish this?)

Go to Cotton Plant for Christmas lights

Lists usually make me feel better, like everything is doable. Not this time.

Tuesday will have to be a very productive day for me.

It's about more than prioritizing. It's about what I really want to happen. What is really important?

Right now I'm off to find a devotional that ties into the great sermon this morning.

Oh, Yeah, Merry Christmas!

Fairy Tale Wedding

2009-12-15T21:44:00.000-06:00

When I think of fairy tale weddings, I think of a stunning, flowing wedding dress, being out in nature with lots of beautiful flowers, children laughing and dancing, candles and lights, white balloons, doves, and great weather.

A few months ago, my brother in law's daughter got married. Unfortunately, Mark and I were not able to make it. Cameron was a beautiful barefoot flower girl.

The wedding was outstanding- from the lighted balloons lining the driveway to the pool with baskets of flowers and rose petals floating in them. To the tiered tents, lights, live band and delicious food.

The bride looked fairy-tale-ish also in her custom veil made from antique lace to her dress and framing long curls cascading down her back. I caught myself looking in the photos for the fairies that had to peeking out among the flowers.

My amazing sister-in-law, Sandi planned the whole thing and Audwin, the bride's father, and Sandi's husband created the outdoor wonderland.

I pray that their marriage is as beautiful and harmonious as their wedding was.

PS. You don't see any pictures of Raeley. She took all of the wonderful photos, but no one took a photo of her (from my camera anyway!)

-- Post From My iPhone

Mishaps Cameron's style

2009-12-11T19:54:00.003-06:00

Tonight when I went into the kitchen to cook dinner, I found the asparagus mutilated. Cameron had helped herself so she could feed the Christmas stuffed animals we have around the Christmas Tree. It was one of those times it was hard to keep a straight face when I addressed the issue with her. Man, that was such a good laugh!

So, we were filling in Raeley on the asparagus mutilation during dinner and a few minutes later Robert comes out of the bathroom - "Who refilled the soap dispenser with sunscreen?" Cameron finally spoke up. "Batty did it (Batty is her bat stuffed animal)." "Well, could you please ask Batty to show you which sunscreen he used?"

Oh boy! You never know what to expect with kids!

When I got home from taking Raeley to Hobby Lobby, I noticed Christmas Tree pieces on a paper plate. I came in the kitchen fussing (wink, wink) "Who left their lunch of Christmas Tree on the counter in the kitchen?" Cameron then wanted Christmas Tree for part of the dinner meal. I took a sprig of rosemary, soaked it in water, and put it on the fire of the grill. She thought that was hilarious but was disappointed when Christmas Tree wasn't a dish on the table.

She was smart tonight when we were playing Jenga. She showed complex problem solving skills, but she was so scared her hands were shaking when it was her turn!

Decorating for Christmas

2009-12-10T18:10:00.004-06:00

We have finally gotten around to decorating for Christmas. I am determined to grab this holiday by the antlers and not let it fly by!

Cameron has had Christmas activities to do every day in school and we are studying how the colonists celebrated Christmas for the boys.

I bought myself a cricut cutter for my Christmas present and although I haven't had a chance to use it yet, the kids are all making Christmas cards.

Cameron as Fairie Santa Clause

Here is a poem Cameron wrote on the senses:

I feel the snow falling down on me.

I smell Mommy's Christmas cookies.

I taste mint candy canes.

I see Santa's sleigh and Rudolph the red nose Reindeer.

I hear jingling bells on the top of the tree.

Renaissance festival

2009-12-08T21:45:00.000-06:00

The day after Thanksgiving, after the twin team* battles the crowds for Black Friday, team Stevens meets with the 20's crowd cousins** (and Aunt Suzy) and high tails it to RenFest, the largest Renaissance Festival in the US.
*me and my twin sister Kimberly
**Lindsay and boyfriend Daniel, Jordan and boyfriend Jonathan, Josh and girlfriend Sydney

As you can tell by the photos, the people who work the Renaissance really get into character. We brought cousins Emily, Amber, and Evelyn (in exchange for Cameron) and

Evelyn learned to speak fairie. The kids got to ride an elephant, watch a jousting show, and hear comedians as a few hilights. Josh was our own comedian as he interacted with people in costume in the olde tongue.

-- Post From My iPhone

Bootcamp Day 3

2009-12-05T22:55:00.003-06:00

Best day of all! A guest speaker was brought in and she covered some very applicable topics for anyone who manages people. Specifically:

giving and receiving feedback
prioritizing and making an action plan - starting with the areas that were discussed in the boot camp
assessing our strengths and weaknesses in those areas.

What a way to wind up the bootcamp.

We also worked on a few things that I will leave as a surprise for those of you who may attend. I came with some issues that I wanted guidance on, weaknesses I was aware of that I wanted strengthened, and virtually everything on my list was covered. What a success!

On top of that I got to spend time with an awesome group of AF owners. AF Corporate is also a great group of people who once again impressed my socks off.

Bootcamp Day 2

2009-12-04T22:41:00.004-06:00

Day two of Bootcamp focused on sales and evaluating competition, your market, and establishing your club in your market. We had more group activities and a scavenger hunt at the mall that evening. Our group won the scavenger hunt so we got $100 gift cards for Anytime Fitness apparel. The most interesting event of the evening was seeing Santa getting a manicure at the nail salon in the mall. Interesting, right? I thought so, too!

You know, the funny thing about team building activities is that you throw a bunch of adults together to do something they may not want to do or enjoy doing, you get them out of their comfort zone and give them an uncomfortable task. Sometimes it works and sometimes it falls flat. How can you tell what will happen with it? There are so many variables out of your control with adults.

I've been thinking about that because there were some things with the scavenger hunt that I didn't particularly enjoy. Was it successful? I won $100 bucks! That was cool, but did it build camaraderie?

One person in my group was also in my group for the last team building group I was a part of. Keep in mind that is very random for us to be together twice in a row out of all the other people there - even though it was only a one in three chance tonight.

Looking back over the last two team building events with Cindy, the gal that was in my group, I see a few things that stick out to me.

Some things can be fun even if they make you uncomfortable. However, some things you just won't enjoy.
Even if you don't enjoy it, if something humorous happens, you may start to enjoy it or handle it a lot better! Laughing is one of the fastest ways to overcome an uncomfortable situation and create a bonding experience.
Having to figure out something complex (higher level) gets your brains involved, isn't quite as dependent on chance, and sharpens your communication skills. Working out a problem together builds teamwork.
When opinions are involved, it's like a window into other people's brains. You start to understand how they work and what they think.
Did I mention laughter?

It was another great day.

Leadership Bootcamp Day 1

2009-12-02T18:13:00.004-06:00

WOW!

I missed a chance to be excited. This is great! I have already learned so much. My brain is full. I really like the people I am here with and I've known a few of them for a while. The first night we had homework with partners. We had presentations to present the next day and get voted on. I thought ours went well - I was pleased and I got a great compliment from someone I really admire and respect. I had a good connection with my partner and we worked great as a team. I learned quite a bit about public speaking. They have really put this workshop together well. It has a great flow.

I wish I had a picture from our presentation today. During one part, I had to demonstrate an activity on a stability ball. It was one that looked easy, but I don't think I've ever done it before. I got there late, so I didn't have any time to run through the presentation with props before hand. So I try the exercise and I fell flat on my face on the ball. That exercise just didn't work with a flat ball. HA! Oh, how I wish I had a picture of that! Some one actually asked me if I was a personal trainer today. HAHAHA! Now that is funny.

I feel challenged and ready to get back and throw myself into work. I have some great ideas. How to get it all done and homeschool the kids and decorate for Christmas?

As Chuck reminded us, "As a leader, operate on a high level every day." I want to lead my staff well, and I want to lead my children even better. I will be divided, but with prayer and good time management, I can do it and still have time for fun Christmas activities.

Beginning My Journey

2009-12-01T23:45:00.002-06:00

I am riding in a taxi on the way to my hotel. A few days of unknowns. I signed up for a Leadership Bootcamp. And knowing that Marty is leading it means it will be a bootcamp. Marty shoots it straight which I have always appreciated about him-I hope I will continue to after this week!

I don't know who will be there except for a friend who owns some clubs nearby - Cindy.

I dont know how I will get around- I didn't rent a car.

I don't have a schedule for the day.

I don't know what to expect.

Soon I will be checking into my hotel room and I hope some people are hanging out in the bar I think I will talk to everyone in there to see if they are here for the boot camp. Only 15 people per camp. How late are bars in hotels open anyway? It would be nice for my head to hit my pillow with at least a few of my wonderings answered.

don't

unknowns,

but I'm excited!

-- Post From My iPhone

The Big City

2009-11-30T20:50:00.002-06:00

I grew up in a big city, Houston, TX. I really like being in the big city - the opportunities, diversity, shopping, anonymity. I really don't like the highways and I hate the traffic. I felt like I have spent a lot of time in the car this trip.

I have had a great time this visit and although I feel like we have been away from home for so long, there is so much that I haven't done yet. One thing I have done - EAT. There are some great restaurants here and I feel that I have only just scratched the surface. Between the restaurants, my mom's cooking, and the holidays, I feel overloaded. I got to go to Hubble and Hudson, an exclusive grocery store today to pick up some fresh bread for dinner. Mmmm, samples! I learned today that they don't have this many samples all the time, only during holiday season. Funny since the last time I was there they had lots of samples also. Every time I visit (once or twice a year) I buy something I don't see very often. Last time I got lavender. This time I got Worcestershire powder.

It is so great to see my kids with their cousins and the friends they have had since they were little. It is so refreshing for me to visit with my sisters and my friends I have known for so long.

This was a working trip for Mark. He took off Thursday-Saturday for Thanksgiving, but I feel that I have hardly seen him. The good thing about what we do is that we can take our work with us, giving us more freedom. The bad thing about our work is that we can take it with us.

Tomorrow I start back to work. Actually, I will do some work tonight. Tomorrow night I will be flying to Minneapolis for a leadership bootcamp with work. It should be fun and a growing experience for me.

Mark does not like the big city. He reminds me every time I go out how terrible it is to be stuck in traffic. I must admit my mind keeps taking me back to our quaint neighborhood with the short drive to sport events and the grocery store. I do love the big city, though. And I love being with my family.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T21:46:00.004-06:00

There is so much to be thankful for. God has abundantly blessed our family and our extended family. We had a great Thanksgiving celebration as well. I love it when my entire family is all together. There is just such a feeling of completion. Our family is growing and getting more complex, and as the grandkids are getting older, every year we can all be together I am first of all amazed, and most of all grateful. We had a great Thanksgiving!

My parents are sitting in the middle. To the left of my dad is sister Suzanna, sister Denise, and me. To the right of my mom is Niece-in-law Sarah (wife of Mike), sister Karen, baby McKenzie (Sarah's daughter, Karen's grandaughter), twin sister Kimberly. On the bottom row, starting left, is Cameron, my daughter; Angela, Evelyn, and Amber, Kimberly's daughters.

Middle row from left is Robert and Jonathan, my sons; Lindsay, Denise's daughter; Raeley, my daughter; Jordan, Suzanna's daughter; Emily, Kimberly's daughter; Niece-in-law Kerrie (wife of Luke)

Top row from left is Mark, my husband; Isaac, Denise's husband; Ryan and Josh, Denise's sons; David, Suzanna's husband; Hunter, Suzanna's son; Mike, Karen's son; Bob, Karen's husband; Luke and Jake, Karen's sons; Kevin, Kimberly's husband. 31 people. Sarah is also expecting great-grandbaby #2.

Venturers

2009-11-17T21:15:00.003-06:00

Venturers is a part of the Boy Scouts that is for high school girls and boys. Raeley went on her first Venturing trip a few weekends ago and I got to be the female chaperone. I was so excited, it was so much fun! And I was proud of myself for braving the cold weather.

40 degrees = cold in my book.

As a matter of fact, none of the kids complained. I was very impressed with this group of kids, they were courteous, thoughtful, really good kids. It restored my faith in our society's youth.

We went to Cheaha State Park in Alabama. It is the foothills of the Apalachian mountains. Very pretty. Very rocky.

Rocks = rock climbing and rappelling to these kids.

So that's what we did. Well, first thing Saturday morning we ran to see the sunrise. Yes, ran. You guessed it, cross country is their sport of choice. After breakfast we found a 95 foot high rock wall by going to a cliff and looking over the edge, noticing it might be climbable, and throwing down the rope to let the fun begin. I don't think I will look at rocky edges the same way anymore! I didn't get a chance to rock climb, but I did rappell down. Raeley rocked! Literally, all the way to the top. First time ever rock climbing, and she did awesome!

Raeley and I both survived the afternoon hike - at times I wondered if I would survive it. The trail drops almost 1000 feet in 1/2 a mile. Yah, try climbing UP that! Seriously, the feeling of accomplishment is so worth it, you really should try it sometime.

1000 feet in half a mile = steep

It was a great trip, and on a work related note, the man who was the chaperone for the guys works for a competitor of ours. He runs a gym here in town. We had a great time talking and I enjoyed getting to know him. It was like the cherry on top. Now, if MSU would have beat Bama, that really would have been the cherry on top! Maybe next trip Mark can go, too. He would have thoroughly enjoyed himself.

Rock Climbing

2009-11-14T22:19:00.007-06:00

Rock climbing

What do you think? Does rock climbing involve upper body strength or lower body strength?

I always thought upper body. This weekend I found out that I was wrong. Rock climbing is all about leg strength. Your upper body's purpose is to keep you close to the rock face.

Rock climbing is one of those things I can't believe I haven't done before. I've wanted to since college. Well, I had my opportunity this weekend and I.couldn't.do.it. I am not used to not being able to accomplish what I set my mind to.

So, I am amused more than anything. My first chance at rock climbing and I failed. I'm that much more determined to make it work next time.

Here's the story: I am out on a camping trip with high school kids - most of whom are athletes. The other leader is a guy who has been in the fitness industry almost as long as I have been alive. One of his loves in life is personal training. He's in great shape. So they find a rock wall that is probably 95 feet high, "intermediate" skill required, and we find a way to get to the bottom. I'm already working up a sweat. A few kids go up and no-one wants to go next, so me, being the adult leader, run up to the top of the rock as best as I can run, climb into the harness, and climb over to the rappelling ledge. However, I can't go down right there at the edge, I have to climb down to the next rock level, with the rope beside me, and take that step of faith off the rock. Quite awkward, and unnerving. While I am scaling down, the leader yells up for me to stop and climb up a while. Huh? All my efforts have been to lean back and go down. Now I have to switch and go up? My legs are shaking. I find footholds and am clinging to the rock. People at the bottom are shouting encouragements/suggestions/instructions up at me and all I know is my legs are shaking. I can not get them to bear any weight. So down I go. I just couldn't do it - or maybe I just wasn't patient enough.

By the time all the kids had their opportunities, it was time to go. Time's up. 4th quarter, so close. We leave. The end. For now, anyway.

The way kids learn

2009-11-11T21:54:00.003-06:00

It's the simple things. Yesterday Jane (my kid's tutor, a wonderful lady, and my friend) was here doing the kid's lessons with them. Cameron's assignment was to write the days of the week and draw pictures of what she does on those days. Now Cameron and I have been talking about the plans for the week all day. Today she was so excited to tell me what day it is, what she was doing that day, where that day fell in the week (Wednesday is the 4th day of the week), and every little detail of her picture. This activity has really cemented the days of the week in her mind. The book I am using is Jessie Wise book, First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind. I like it more than I thought I would. I like it a lot!

On a personal note, I have been very busy with work. Good busy, fun busy, but tired busy. I'm glad school is fun right now, we are zooming through the daily work. I am trying to not just check off the school work, but make it more of a fun learning experience. I am excited, though, because the boys remember when we studied the founding of our nation and the Pilgrims 2 years ago. They keep asking why we are studying the same thing and spouting off facts. Wow, so maybe some things are sticking in their brains!

I guess I won't be going anywhere today....

2009-11-09T13:37:00.003-06:00

I'm not used to being without a vehicle. Apart from the fact that the kids have activities tonight and Mark isn't here to take them, I kinda like being housebound for today! No interesting story with the flat, either. I'm trying to decide if I should try to change it myself....

Carving Carnival

2009-10-29T23:40:00.005-05:00

Carving pumpkin time! This year was the first time we had the Dremel attachment for carving pumpkins. Mark supervised/taught the kids how to use it and I helped scoop out the guts and toast the seeds. Sandi (Mark's sister) was even able to carve a few pumpkins, and her artistic flair made it lots of fun to see her results.

She gave her pumpkins to a friend as a housewarming gift and it was a big hit! Raeley designed her own pattern for the pumpkin and included her signature.

Raeley's Pumpkin

Jonathan's Pumpkin

Robert's Pumpkin
Cameron's Pumpkin

The Honey People

2009-10-29T23:30:00.004-05:00

I went to pick up some natural honey last week as I was driving home from one of my gyms. It was late when I got to the honey man's house. He lived a little way out in the country and they were a little worried about me trying to find their home that late at night. However, they graciously allowed me to disrupt their usual order of evening events.

I picked up all the honey he could jar for me from the time I called till I made it to his house. What happened next was a very small, almost insignificant event but it is sticking with me. You see, I did not stay long at their house. We chatted on the dirt driveway outside his back (front?) door in the cool, dark night.

Beside the fact that I couldn't believe how dark it was out there, I couldn't believe how nice they were to me. And here is the life transforming part. No, it wasn't the cool evening with the calm breeze, feeling submersed in nature (and wondering where the apiary was). This older couple made me feel so good just by dropping by and caring enough to get the honey. They were good natured, relaxed, and jovial.

I drove away thinking - That's it! That is what is important in life. Investing in people. I invest a lot into my kids. We spend a lot of time investing in things - houses, cars, clothes. At best we reach out to our family, but out sphere of influence is pretty small. At least mine is. How many people other than family do I reach out to? How well do I reach out to even my family? Am I spending too much time investing in my kids pleasures by running them different places, but not really investing into their lives?

Investing in people. It takes effort. And vulnerability. The rewards are worth it. I am challenged to revisit my priorities and make more of an effort to invest in people's lives.

Kentuck Art Festival

2009-10-28T20:34:00.000-05:00

The Cars

Raeley's Favorite. Medium is Metal!

Smile!

A few Saturdays ago, we headed out to the Kentuck Art Festival in Northport AL (near Tuscaloosa). Mark's parents met us there. This was truly a talented group of artists! The booths were full of wonderful paintings, sculptures, pottery, quilts, and photographs. I heard about the festival from Deep Fried Kudzu. If we had more time, the small downtown of Northport looked delightful!

Sloss Furnace from Birmingham was there with a furnace set up and ready for pouring metal. You could scratch a design into limestone and they would make a metal trivet out of it. Raeley did a great job on that. We saw some friends of ours, Michael Cole and his wife, whom we met through Sandi (Mark's sister), and we got to see some of his new work.

Getting ready for Christmas Photos

2009-10-27T07:53:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year when we are all getting ready to take family Christmas portraits.

Mark, being the resident photographer of our family, has shown me so much about setting up

for a good portrait. As you get ready to take pictures of your family, keep these basics in mind:

1. There should not be significant gaps between people sitting or standing next to each other. Overlap and get close. Eyes are drawn to gaps and not to faces.

No gaps, pyramid outline (see #2).

2. The outline of the people should be a pyramid. For instance, if you have some sitting and some standing, see #1. No gaps! Of course, this does not apply if your entire family clan (Dugger size) is getting pictures taken.

Do you see how your eyes are thrown off by the tall gal (Emily) at top? You spend time looking at the bolt and chain and not on the faces.

3. Watch your perspective. Make sure you aren't making photos look too leggy or the bottom of a shoe is wayyy in front. Look for soles of shoes showing, arms at funny angles, and how high or low you are pointing the camera. Too far of an angle up or down exaggerates certain things about people.

See how the downward shot makes it too leggy/bodyish?

Ah, that's better!

On the photo below, the angle is slightly above eye level, a good angle for this shot. Notice how not having a pyramid shape, but having a gap in between the two people standing makes your eyes wander and you don't know where to look. Try to avoid this. If this were a posed picture and not a candid, I would have had Amber sit closer to Sarah (mom) and Jonathan kneel on the floor to make it more of a pyramid shape.

4. Watch the lines. As mentioned above, arms at funny angles need to be watched, but take it a step farther. An arm should lead to a focal point, a head should lead an eye to a line or another focal point.

Notice the above picture. Sarah's elbow is a bit distracting, but if her arm were down, your eye would be drawn to the baby (McKenzie). Amber's arm, being bent, is pointing straight at the McKenzie's 's head, but it is not at a flowing angle so it's distracting instead. I know, I know, I'm being really picky now!

It would look better if this were a pyramid shape (notice the gap?), but it is a good example of lines at work. Do you see how the heads being in a line and the arms (Robert's and Raeley's) all lead your eyes in the same line to Cameron, the cute little one at the bottom. If we had shifted Raeley (tall girl) over toward Robert (in dark blue shirt), the gap would have been eliminated.

5. Skinny tips: to make people look more skinny, have them turn to the side a bit. Make sure they stand or sit up straight. Have them face the natural light if you are not using a flash. Keep the camera slightly above eye level so they look up slightly to slenderize the face.

Happy Holiday Snapping!

Angola Prison Rodeo

2009-10-25T21:15:00.003-05:00

You see this driving in:

and this driving out:

Mom and Sister Trip Part 2

On Sunday we went to the Angola Prison Rodeo and it was quite an experience! There is a Christian overtone to the whole event and the opening of the rodeo gave me goosebumps. I was very impressed with the whole prison establishment set up there. I don't have many photos because there are several things you can't bring in with you, cell phones and cameras being some of them. It set the mood, driving in past gurad towers, huge fences, a one way long driveway, searches to enter the gates, police everywhere, and all those prisoners behind the fence.

Think about it, the average term for the prisoners at this facility is 80 years so if you're in there,

a) you've done something really bad

b) you will be in there a long time

c) you don't have much to lose if you get hurt... or worse

Talk about reckless abandon! They had crazy "games" like bull pinball where you try not to get plowed over by the bull and you can't move from the hula hoop on the ground, and bull poker, where you sit at a table playing poker while the bull attacks you. Last one standing or sitting wins.

There are craft/furniture booths manned by the prisoners with good behavior. The other prisoners who have crafts to show are standing behind the fences and if you have a question about a piece you can go over and talk to them. My dad bought a rocking chair for a very good price!

We heard the traffic gets very backed up, so we got there early and also left before the very end of the rodeo and I am so glad we did because sometimes people are stuck in traffic for hours.

That night we went out shopping for a while, then back to the plantation where we cooked dinner in the room and watched football. Monday morning I headed to one of our clubs for the day-back to the real world so soon!

Cuddlebug Christmas Gift

2009-10-25T14:50:00.002-05:00

This is a link to the Cuddlebug, a paper craft tool. They are running a contest so check it out! It would make a great Christmas gift!

Coffee

2009-10-23T08:15:00.004-05:00

Well, I was off coffee for a while and then the weather turned cool. It's just too perfect of a comfort food on a cool day NOT to pick up a warm steaming cup of murky energy. So I am back into my caffeine routine again. I've found, particularly since I've been used to not having caffeine in my system, that I can't have it in the afternoons or it keeps me up. Guess who didn't sleep but a few hours last night? Thanks, Caffeine! I guess I have a love - hate relationship to you.

I tried this new recipe after having a delicious pumpkin spice latte last weekend with Mark. I found it a little bland, so I made a few changes. ENJOY!

2 cups milk
3 T canned pumpkin
2 T white sugar
2 T vanilla
3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
OR: 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp cloves, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and a teeny tiny pinch of ground ginger
3/4 cup brewed espresso or 1 cup strong brewed coffee

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a crock pot and cook on high for two hours. Whisk again and serve with a cinnamon stick and whipped cream.

I didn't put mine in a crock pot, I just put it in a medium saucepan and simmered for a short while.

Picking Muscadines

2009-10-22T18:05:00.000-05:00

Raeley's friend Alli came with us.

A few weekends ago, we went to pick Muscadines in Tremont MS. There is a vineyard in Bull Mountain Bottom. If you are from the area, you'd know exactly where the bottom is. The house on the property was built in the late 1800's. It is a large two story dog trot, modernized, of course!

It didn't take long at all for the 7 of us to collect enough muscadines (Raeley brought a friend). The vines were ripe for picking! The kids had so much fun in the country running, swinging, enjoying a slight break in the rain. 5 gallons later, the rain sprinkling down again, and we decided it was time to head home.

Annual Mom-Sis weekend

2009-10-20T09:13:00.000-05:00

Rainy girl's weekend away - reminded me a little of Charleston last year, with everyone arriving in a torrent of rain. This year the torrent was not so bad as that, but the rain persisted a little longer. I enjoyed a long, serene drive to St. Francisville, LA down the Trace almost all the way. Although the drive down the Trace was enchanting, the drive pulling into the plantation house where we were staying was oh-so-stunning! As soon as I turned onto the driveway, I felt that I was stepping back in time. The majestic oak trees lined up framing the house, gazebos dotted the lawn, the mist hanging in the air from the rain all seemed surreal.

I made it just in time to share a glass of wine with everyone then we freshened up and left for dinner at the Magnolia Grill. A very cool place, screened in porches, wooden walls, nooks and crannies with tables, and I didn't even see the inside of the restaurant! We sat at a great table just the right distance from the stage and enjoyed chilling out to the live music. The singer was very talented and set a cool, bluesy mood. I could have listened to her for hours. Back home (Butler Greenwood) we stayed up late talking and eating fudge that the boys wanted me to bring for everyone.

Saturday morning was a lazy morning and I woke up earlier than my sisters so I stole next door to enjoy visiting with just mom. After a while we went back and sat on the porch overlooking the small pond and drank coffee with everyone, watching the ducks swim on the pond. The view was splendidly framed with huge camellias that looked more like trees than bushes. The dainty flowers with the moss hanging from the branches made me feel like I was sitting in a hidden bungalow.

We ate a leisurely breakfast of croissants and took a tour of the plantation home where we were staying. This house has been in the same family since it was built in 1786. The items in the house were straight out of the attic. One room still had the original carpet and furniture. We have toured plantation homes on every vacation with my mom and sisters, yet none quite as homey and realistic as this when you keep in mind the family still lives in the house! After the tour we went to the downtown area and went in a few stores. There is one store there called Grandmother's Buttons. I wish Raeley could have been there, she would have loved that store!

We were able to meet Karen's niece Kristin for lunch. I've known Kristin since she was born so it was fun to see her again and have her crash our girls time. Kristin's husband is from the area and they were visiting his family that same weekend. YUMMY Cajun seafood soup for lunch at Charlies. A cool piece of trivia, our waitress was from French Camp. After lunch we stopped in a few more stores then headed back to the Plantation home to meet my dad and watch a few football games.

Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for my mom's birthday dinner.

We went to a nice, delicious restaurant at the haunted Myrtle Plantation called The Carriage House. I split a shrimp dish with my sister and left so full! We also had Sensational salad (a salad in this area with a parmesan garlic dressing), along with stuffed mushrooms and fried green tomatoes for appetizers. I knew when I tasted the green tomatoes that this was a restaurant that knew how to cook, they were so light and not heavily fried. They brought out a melt in your mouth bread pudding for my mom - so rich and creamy and warm! Back at the plantation home we gave my mom her gifts, had lots of laughs, and we warmed up the Muscadine pie I had made for mom. Mmmm! It was so good (even though I was still dreaming about that bread pudding)!

Menu Monday

2009-10-18T14:57:00.003-05:00

Join OrgJunkie for more menus!

This week will be a busy week, so I picked easy, low time meals.

Monday:

Breakfast: Hard boiled eggs, toast

Lunch: leftover chicken

Dinner: Pork Roast, carrots, potatoes, salad

Tuesday:

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with basil and mushrooms

Lunch: barbeque sandwiches

Dinner: Orange Glazed Chicken and rice, broccoli, fruit salad

Wednesday:

Breakfast: Baked Oatmeal

Lunch: Sandwiches and fruit

Dinner: Open faced roast sandwiches, chips

Thursday:

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: co-op, grab and go whatever's handy

Dinner: Chicken and pasta stir fry

Friday:

Scrambled eggs and salsa

Lunch: soup and mac and cheese

Dinner: Breakfast for dinner

Saturday:

Breakfast: cereal or hard boiled eggs

Lunch: pack a lunch for Tombigbee

Dinner: Cooking out at Tombigbee, probably hamburgers

Recipes:

Pork Roast

Braised in saucepan then covered with Lipton Onion Soup mix, garlic, worcheshire sauce. Cook in crock pot all day with cubed potatoes and carrots.

Orange Glazed Chicken

1/2 cup orange spread

4 TBSP soy sauce

1 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp garlic powder

30 oz chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces

Marinate chicken in above ingredients. Grill or broil until done.

For chicken and pasta stir fry, mix chicken with whole wheat pasta, add 2 TBSP orange spread with a splash of soy sauce and toss. Add left over broccoli, a can of water chestnuts and roasted sliced almonds.

Caterpillar Cupcakes

2009-10-15T23:35:00.001-05:00

Well, the cupcakes never did morph into Caterpillars. What is the fun of waiting to eat them? They just kept disappearing.

Didn't Raeley do a great job with the photo?

Funny Kids

2009-10-09T07:43:00.000-05:00

Cameron starts off a conversation at the dinner table about her love for math. "Don't cha know that I love math? I don't have to play with friends in the afternoon, just let me work in my math book." Wow - Stop - I want to turn back time and get a voice recording on that!

Jonathan replies "Just wait till you get to Algebra. I don't even know what X is."

Cameron whispers to me "I know what X is. X marks the spot."

Jonathan's pretty funny too!

Tonight Cameron was helping me pack for my trip. She was the judge and I was the fashion girl. I was getting my outfits together and showing them to Raeley and Mark (who did not agree on anything - usually they always agree!) but had not gotten any shoes out yet. "Shoes! Shoes!" she yells, very concerned, jumps up, tells me not to move, and brings me shoes, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for each outfit. Mark laughed as he reminded us of how she would pick out the most outlandish shoes when she was just a year old at the shoe store and we would have to sneak her plain (in comparison) white shoes home. She's into her shoes!

Meal Plan Week 6

2009-10-05T08:07:00.004-05:00

This weekend we didn't eat what I had on the meal plan, so some of the meals are from last week, and you can find those recipes here. For more recipes, check out Meal Plan Monday at orgjunkie.com

Monday: Pepper Lime Chicken, Cauliflower, brown rice, salad

Tuesday: leftovers from Sunday

Wednesday: Sweet potato and chicken tortillas, and southwestern medley

Thursday: Red Lentil Soup and Easy Fish

Friday-Sunday: Who knows! Mark has the kids. I'm leaving for a weekend getaway with my sisters and mom. WooHoo!

Red Lentil Soup

1 1/2 cups red lentils

6 cups water

3 bay leaves

4 garlic cloves, chopped

2 slices fresh ginger root, each about the size of a quarter

2 medium carrots - 1 cup grated

1 cup canned tomatoes, or one fresh tomato chopped

1 small green or red bell pepper (1/2 c finely chopped)

1 1/2 cups chopped onions

2 TBSP olive oil

1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 1/2 tsp ground coriander

pinch of cayenne

2 TBSP fresh lemon juice

grated asiago to top

salt and ground black pepper to taste

Sort and rinse lentils. Put the into a soup pot with the water, bay leaves, garlic, and ginger. Cover and place on high heat. Prepare the carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers, and add them to the pot. Bring to a boil, stir, reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the lentils are tender. While the vegetables simmer, saute the onions on medium heat in the olive oil in a heavy skillet for about 10 minutes or until browned. Add the cumin, coriander, and cayenne and saute for another minute, stirring to prevent sticking. Remove from the heat. When the lentils are tender, remove the bay leaves, and ginger from the soup pot. Stir in the sauteed onions and the lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle Asiago cheese on top of each bowl.

82 calories

3.3 g protein

3.2 g fat

11.2 g carbs

Easy Baked Fish

Tilapia, Grouper, MahiMahi, or any other other white fish

seasoned mix such as adobo or Tony Chacheres

Olive Oil

On a baking sheet, drizzle olive oil to coat. Place fish on baking sheet and turn so both sides have olive oil on them. Place skin side down on baking sheet, sprinkle with seasoned mix and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Enjoy!

Fish typically has 17-24 grams per serving (100 grams). Olive oil is a healthy oil and is good for you, so I am not worried about counting it. Your body needs it, just make sure you use a high quality olive oil that is expeller pressed.

The red lentil soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own, but it is not enough protein for us!

Weekly Report

2009-10-03T16:23:00.000-05:00

I have waited to post this until I made a caterpillar cake with the kids, but it just hasn't happened yet.

History:

Various Governors of Virginia, Cromwell, John Rolfe

Started Indian Notebook

Raeley: Boston Masacre and Tea Party

Science:

Metamorphosis

Read Cameron caterpillar books

Language Arts:

abstract and concrete nouns

Cameron: More work on names

Math:

Robert - changing ratios

Jonathan - order of operations, multiple operations

Cameron - addition and number lines

More Anytime Fitness Conference

2009-09-29T22:47:00.004-05:00

John and Shawn working hard for the team!

Our new, cool t shirts. Work Ethic! Wanna buy one?

Leadership Challenge: One morning I took some time from the talks to go on a leadership challenge course. In addition to it being so much fun, I got to interact with other owners and staff on a different level. I really feel like I know these people more, have a respect for them, and appreciate their contribution to our team. Simple but profound. When you work with people to accomplish a goal, it brings you closer together. I am pondering how I can instill this in my life on a daily basis with my staff and also with my family.

The fun stuff: Bull riding, cowboy hats and expressa capes, slow dancing with Mark, creative videos from Corporate staff, being challenged, remembering what makes things work, parties every night and after parties if you dare, dancing in the bar, Chuck trying to buy the dj's time and only getting 20 minutes! Amanda: "think hot!" Tattoos, European eye drops, Genesis, Chris, and the guy on the couch, late night talks.

Leadership course: purple rocks, the wall, the catepillar, the log, the ropes.

Our roomies: dinner in the winery with good friends; crazy Suchecki; the gate story, and seeing Kelly act it out, laughing till I cry because of Greenburg.

Allen in a robe at the banquet, seeing good friends, the gruve, and don't forget - smiling when you talk!

The member success stories were great. You can see the member success stories here. And while you are checking that out, look at the video of Mark and I from a few years back.

Anytime Fitness Conference

2009-09-29T06:45:00.001-05:00

We always have a great time at conference! This year we didn't bring our camera (our kids had dibs for a wedding), so I don't have many pictures.

HIGHLIGHTS

Great topics - this being my 5th year (I haven't missed a year - my claim to fame!) I was looking for something different. The first three years didn't seem to have much variety. I was pleasantly surprised by the different offerings!

Interacting with Corporate Staff - We walk into the resort and see all of the staff in skirts -guys included! The conference had a Scottish theme and they had a video of Corporate staff acting like Braveheart with Mel Gibson. It was motivational and hilarious! A poignant reminder of the creative masterminds behind our franchise.

Interacting with other club owners - One of the best resources of conference is the interaction with people in the same situation you are in, facing some of the same struggles and victories, and what a great way to network with them. I have more people now that I want to interact with throughout the year.

Motivation and Rejuvenation - This is worth it's weight in gold. I felt that over the past few months my focus had shifted off of what was important for the profitability of my business. I saw some areas that I have been neglecting in my business, and areas I needed to improve in. I felt refreshed walking into my clubs - and overwhelmed to be honest with you.

I have a new perspective on my role with our business. I felt my job description was fluid. Honestly, I can't change my role because I have different priorities, I need to change my time management. My level of importance on the things I defined as fluid is what made them fluid. I don't feel discouraged over this revelation, which I thought I would. I feel like I have a better vision because I am seeing my personal situation as it really is, not how I want it. It doesn't mean I have to work harder or longer, I just have to work on the right things.

Anytime Health and The Gruve - Keeps me moving! Technological advances abound.

More fun stuff for later and maybe I can scrounge up more photos!

Meal Plan Week 5

2009-09-27T22:21:00.004-05:00

Monday: Sloppy Joes (1/2 turkey, 1/2 beef), baked chips

Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner

Wednesday: Chicken Breast Florentine, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad

Thursday: Black Bean Soup

Friday: Pepper Lime Chicken, cauliflower, brown rice, salad

Saturday: Sweet Potato and Chicken tortillas, Southwest Grain Medley

Sunday: Tomato pasta bake, salad

Chicken Breast Florentine

1 cup diced onion

2 garlic cloves minced

1 cup mushrooms chopped

1 cup spinach cooked and chopped

1 cup part skim ricotta cheese

1 tsp salt divided

1/2 tsp oregano leaves

1/2 tsp pepper divided

8 skinned and boned chicken breasts pounded to 1/4 inch thickness

2 TBSP plus 2 tsp each reduced calorie margarine and plain dried bread crumbs

2 TBSP plus 2 tsp dry white wine

Spray 10 inch skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat, add onion and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until softened. Add mushrooms and saute until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in spinach, cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, oregano, 1/2 tsp pepper. Sprinkle chicken breasts evenly with remaining salt and pepper. spread 1/8 of spinach mixture over each breast, leaving 1/2 inch border on all sides; carefully roll chicken breasts crosswise to enclose filling and secure each with small skewers. Spray 11x7x2 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and transfer chicken rolls to dish.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In small skillet melt margarine, stir in bread crumbs then sprinkle mixture evenly over chicken rolls. Add wine to baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes, remove foil, and bake until crumbs are lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes longer.

Each serving:

216 calories

6 g fat

7 g carbohydrates

31 g protein

Tangy Black Bean Soup

1/2 cup chopped onions

12 cloves garlic, minced

2 TBSP olive oil

1/2 tsp cumin

8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

3 15 to 16 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed.

1 lemon, sliced 1/2 inch thick

1/2 cup snipped dried tomatoes (not oil packed)

1 small fresh jalapeno, seeded, and finely chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

1 1/2 tsp sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar

In a 4 qt dutch oven cook onion and garlic in hot oil over medium heat until tender, stirring occasionally. Add cumin, cook and stir for one minute more. add broth, beans, lemon slices, tomatoes, jalapeno, and dried oregano. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Discard lemon slices. Remove 3 cups of the soup mixture to a large heatproof bowl. Use an immersion blender or potato masher to coarsely puree or mash the mixture. Return to dutch oven. Return to boiling. Reduce heat. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in vinegar.

223 calories

5 g total fat

37 g carbohydrates

17 g protein

Pepper Lime Chicken

2 1/2 pounds chicken breast halves with bone

1/2 tsp finely shredded lime peel

1/4 cup lime juice

1 TBSP olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 TBSP chopped fresh thyme or basil, or 1 tsp dried

1/2 to 1 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

Broil or grill chicken and baste with glaze.

120 calories

4 g fat

1 g carb

19 g protein

Southwestern Grain Medley

1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 cup cooked quinoa

1/2 cup cooked brown rice

1/2 c black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 finely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

1/2 cup finely chopped, seeded cucumber

2 TBSP thinly sliced green onion

2 TBSP lime juice

1 TBSP olive oil

1 1/2 tsp finely chopped fresh jalapeno

1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro

salt

pepper

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add corn and 1 tsp oil. Cook and stir about 5 minutes until brown and toasted. Transfer to a large bowl. add quinoa, rice, black beans, bell pepper, cucumber, green onion, lime juice, 1 TBSP oil, jalapeno, and cilantro. Mix well, season to taste with salt and pepper.

174 calories

6 g fat

28 g carbs

6 g protein

Sweet Potato and Chicken tortillas

Cube and saute sweet potato and onion until soft. Slice 2 cups leftover pepper lime chicken, add to saute pan and cook until warm. Wrap in flour tortilla and top with cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

Breakfasts this week will be leftover french toast one morning, and eggs.

Lunch will be sandwich wraps or leftovers from the night before. Special toppings to spice up the wraps will be homemade basil pesto, homemade hummus, and sauteed mushrooms. It's gonna be a yummy week!

For more menu plans, visit orgjunkie.com

Our Weekly Review

2009-09-25T15:04:00.004-05:00

Boy did we have a lazy week! Monday I crashed from getting in late Sunday night. Tuesday I worked all day, and Wednesday I crashed from that! Thursday was co-op and Friday was a lazy rainy day. The kids kept up with their individual assignments and we covered almost all of history and science for the day. I am hoping to finish up what we lacked tomorrow (Saturday) morning, but no promises!

History - the boys are still constructing a model of Jamestown. We studied about Pocahontas and Chief Powhatan this week. They started an Indian notebook.

Science - insects, mainly wings and antennae. The boys made some great drawing of wings.

Math - Robert - ratios, Jonathan - order of operations, Cameron - simple addition

Language Arts - Cameron is learning a new poem and did a narration on Pocahontas.

The boys are covering prepositions.

For a lazy week we still covered quite a bit! Raeley is still on her own exclusively, and I am two weeks behind on grading, so I'm not quite sure what she's been up to.

Just an Update

2009-09-24T18:53:00.000-05:00

You know how you have so much of life packed into such a short time that it seems like such a LONG time over which the events happened? That's where I am right now. Life right now is so jam-packed full, it's hard to find time to keep current.

We are having fun with school, having fun with after school activities, and are glad that even though we feel water logged, the rain has kept us from some after school activities so we can rest a little.

The kids are doing great. Raeley is babysitting more, and doing a fantastic job. Cameron is plugging along at school with a happy attitude, and the boys are getting along well and keeping up with school.

This past week my parents came in to take care of the kids while Mark and I had a conference with work. While they were here, Big Daddy and Robert built a hermit crab cage. It is a great looking cage! Big Daddy and Jonathan worked on the ladder for his loft bed that had broken, and worked on a scouting badge. I enjoyed walking around the house looking at all the things my dad fixed while I was away!

No menu this week!

2009-09-23T12:11:00.007-05:00

This week I am taking a break from healthy food planning. I have had such a busy week so far that I am doing my best to make sure there is at least food in the house so we don't starve. Last night I worked so I grabbed a Quizno's and Mark and the kids had pizza. Thursday night Mark works so we will have tonight's leftovers and Friday night is a picnic (the kids will make a dessert). I told the kids they could have any dish that they wanted that didn't involve grilling out. The top picks? French Toast and sausage; pork loin or baked porkchops and baked potatoes with english peas and baked fruit; Chicken and dumplings with english peas and baked fruit. Dad made the final choice of Chicken and Dumplings, but it was fun to see what the kids thought of. Saturday and Sunday I will probably fix the other choices the kids came up with. Next week I will be back in the swing of my low fat, low carb, high protein cooking! By the way, in my hiatus from healthy, I found flipz crackers, cracker on one side, pretzel on the other - yum!