Clothes

While trying to decide what to wear hiking to Caney Falls, I quickly realized I did't have appropriate hiking apparel. My clothes that fit me last year shrank? Yeah, I'll go with that. What I had on first, well...let's just say that the Polish blood still runs strong in me:) I ended up wearing a pair of Bobby's old, worn out shorts and one of his t-shirts. I look like him in that picture where Cody's on my shoulders. Go look. I'm serious. Especially with his sunglasses on, too. Anyway, I know I'm overweight but I don't want to look like a dude. So Cody and I went to Academy yesterday and I bought clothes. None of the pants on the clearance rack fit me. My size was too small and the next size up was too big. Bummer. I ended up with a pair of pants that roll up and button to make capris, or I can unzip to make into shorts. I'm really liking them. I also bought a pair of lightweight capris that are super comfy. I did find a pair of pants for Brit on the clearance rack. I hope they fit her.

Up at the cash registers are watches. Cody went over to look at them, and found one he REALLY liked. He asked me to take a picture of it so he could show Bobby. I took the picture and realized the package was open, so I yanked the watch out and tried it on him. Guys, it fit! I don't think he could have been any happier. All night he was telling me how much he loves his watch and thanking me over and over for buying it for him. I can only hope Brit is as excited about her pants:)

Progress?

I was doing so great with my weight loss and get healthy goals. I was eating healthy foods and exercising every single day. I had mastered the Pilates DVD. I was lifting weights and I swear I could see a love handle shrinkage. I was feeling better and had lost a few pounds. Then everyone got sick and I have been focused on taking care of them and in the mix, have neglected taking care of myself. The diet has been shot to hell and I haven't worked out in about four days. I'm not complaining. Just stating a fact. I want those three Lackeys of mine to feel better, and I'll retain/gain weight for a week if I have to:)

However, I'm ready to get back to it. I was making progress and I want to continue in that direction. I'm excited about being healthier - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.


Update on the family:
Brit and Cody are coughing...A LOT so their throats are raw. Britney had a bad night last night. Cody got up with a fever and neither one of them can stop coughing. Bobby said he's feeling a little better. I am still without flu. Thank you everyone for your prayers and get well wishes:)

Creative

I love photography. I really like to sew. Sometimes. I've recently discovered that I enjoy baking. But I want to be more creative. I want to make things with my hands. I'm just not sure by doing what exactly. I could learn how to play an instrument. I've always wanted to do that. Is it painting? Maybe. Making jewelry? Nah...I've tried that. That doesn't hold my interest for very long. Although, Cody saw the beads last night and wants to make something today.

I think I'll go with painting. Our china hutch is very old. We bought it at a yard sale several years ago from a couple that purchased it in Alaska. I could redo that. Of course, it's snowing right now. Well...flaking. I'll have to wait for the weather to cooperate. At this rate, I'll get to start painting that in June.

Just about every room in the house needs to be painted. Well, that's not true. The den, hallway and hall bathroom could REALLY use a couple coats.

I want an herb garden in the kitchen. I'd like to have a window box with little planters lined up that the kids paint and label. We could build the box, too. Plus, we're going to have a vegetable garden this year. If I want to make things with my hands, I don't think I could do any better than growing food for our family.

I don't know. I've just been feeling arts and crafts lately with no idea what to do with it. Suggestions welcome:)

The Weighting Game

Do you know how you feel when you KNOW you're ready for something? That feeling, that understanding you have when you realize change is coming?

I think I'll let you in on a little secret. Are you listening? whispers I'm overweight. I know you couldn't tell. I'm tired of being overweight and I'm tired of saying I'm ready to make a change. It's time to actually DO something about it.

I've been eating less and much healthier, except during my trek to Tennessee this weekend. Did I mention how much I enjoyed Red Robin? Brit and I have been sweating and laughing our calories off exercising in the living room. Not that she needs to lose an ounce. It's been fun doing it with her. I love my Britney.

A couple weeks ago, Cathy sent out an email telling everyone about Scale Back Alabama. She wanted to get a team together and I felt like it was a great opportunity to challenge myself. It's also awesome to have a group trying to accomplish the same goal. We will support each other. We will push each other. Even if we fail, we will continue to love each other.

We weighed in today. We have 10 weeks to lose 10 pounds. The GinSu BobCats are going to be Little Skinny Losers!

GO

Despite the fact that they have predicted 4 to 8" of snow in our area, all I can think about is traveling. I want to go! I want to camp. I want to go see things...new places, waterfalls, springs, rivers and animals. I want to hike and swim. I want to photograph these things along with the landscape and sunsets. Oh, how I love to photograph sunsets. I want to do all of these things with my family and friends. Bobby, go make fire so we can have s'mores...please.

I know these things will have to wait, which isn't as bad as I'm making it seem in my head. I will get to photograph the allusive Alabama snow instead. Well, usually allusive. We will hopefully get to create another snowman...a less leafy snowman at that. Bobby got the leaves up in preparation for the snow. Our previous snowman was quiet leafy :)

Today, we are doing our school work, cleaning, getting laundry caught up and waiting for snowzilla 2011. I know we will have a blast in the snow. In fact, we have friends who have a horse and one horse open sleigh poised and ready. IF we get the snow that's predicted, they are all set up to give rides...and we're invited! How awesome would that be?! Of course I would need to get to their house. That could be challenging.

I hope everyone is safe and has lots of fun in the snow!

church

I don't talk about church very much. I haven't belonged to a church family in a long time. We've visited churches and stayed at one place for several months, but I never felt like it was 'my' church. We loved (most of) the people, but their beliefs just don't jive with ours. And then that thing happened...that thing that's not really that big of a thing, but a thing nonetheless.

The only time I truly felt like I belonged to a church was back in 1998. Kitty went to a church and got me to go with her. Please keep in mind that this was when I was 16 and pregnant. They accepted me. I loved their music, I loved the people and what the pastor had to say. After I had Britney, everyone immediately fell for her. I really felt like we fit in somewhere...finally. I continued going to church there until Bobby and I got married a year and a half later. Brit and I went to church the following Sunday, and as soon as we walked in the door, the pastor cornered me. He started spouting off his crap, which basically came down to him thinking I had lost my mind. "How could you get married to someone his age?! He's almost my age! And you're so young! You should have talked to me first! I could have talked you out of it. I could have helped you see this is a mistake!....BLAH BLAH BLAH" Never once did he ask me if I was happy, or that he would like to meet Bobby. He just judged. He judged Bobby without ever laying eyes on him. He judged me and it was crushing. He was everything I was afraid he would be the first day I walked into his church pregnant and nervous. I never walked through those doors again.

The kids and I (Bobby had to work) went to church this morning. Karen has been inviting me to Epic for at least a year. I've heard amazing things about this church. I've wanted to go. I really have, but I've been afraid I guess. I don't want to fall in love with a place, the people, the music, the feelings and then have that ripped away from me again. That hurt. A lot. But I feel like it's something I need...something we need as a family. I'm really glad we went today. When the service was over, I didn't want it to be. It's the kind of place my old church was...great atmosphere, great music, great message, great people. It was one of those times when I felt like everything the pastor said was being said directly to me. It's the kind of place I've been wanting to be a part of again.

It's time to give another church a try. A real try. I can't be afraid of the 'what if's' anymore. So Karen, thank you for inviting us 3,671 times. I'm glad you are a persistent woman:) I will see you at church next Sunday.