Tuesday, November 30, 2010
A break...
So, as you can tell, I have taken a little vacation from blogging... I was determined to blog 30 times in 30 days, but life has caught up to me. Besides enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving with family, we have also had my college roommate come visit with her family, black friday shopping, an overnight trip to Richmond that included The Cheesecake Factory and more shopping, our vacuum broke - yep haven't vacuumed in a week now, drs appointment, trip to the pharmacy to get some medicine for Carter's rash on his face, school for Emma, my car battery died and now that it's working again - I can't listen to anything until I figure out the code to get into the system, and Jon's car is totally on the fritz again and the reason why it is sitting at an autobody shop at the moment. Shwew! All that in LESS THAN A WEEK! Oh yes, and did I mention I have a cold and I have yet to put away my fall decorations and put up Christmas ones??? So, as I was saying - I'm taking a little vacation. Be back when I'm no longer behind on my massive to do list and have caught up on some sleep. Let's just say that baby Carter is having a growth spurt... ahhhh! :) Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
7. Favorite song and why
The first time I heard this song was in our church. The words are, in a word, amazing. I considered all of the songs that I would consider "favorites" even including secular songs - but honestly, none qualified as my favorite favorite. It's not a complicated song and I know it is more of an outreach song than a subjective song just for me. But there is no other song that reminds me how much God is in control. I'm the type of person who enjoys being in control - and this song reminds me that I am not in control - God is. Even though the last year I lost my beloved uncle to cancer, had job and money issues, birthed a perfect baby boy whom we initially thought may have Down Syndrome, and things happened that were out of our control - God was and is still there for us through it all. He was there for myself and my family and He will be there for you. He will use MY story for His glory. It's amazing to me that I am just a tiny, itty bitty intricate piece of a whole. God is here. Can you feel Him?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
6. Earliest thing you can remember
The earliest thing that I can remember is in the very first house my family lived in. I can't remember very much of it, but I can mostly remember the layout. I know my bedroom was down a hallway, and that right across from my room was my parent's bedroom. I remember some of the living room and for some reason, I can remember distinct 80's decor... haha! Most everything else that comes to mind, I believe come from pictures from when I was little. There are many times that I really wished that we could go back to that house. We moved out when I was like 3 or 4 I think - I'm not really quite sure. I have driven past it many times, but never have had the privilege of being inside it since we lived there. Maybe someday I'll get that chance! :)
5. A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life
Dear Emma and Carter:
You would think that if I were writing a letter to someone who has changed my life, you might automatically think that it would be to someone who is older or maybe to someone who has had many, many years of wisdom behind their belt. But of all the people who I have interacted with in my lifetime, there are no two more beautiful and wonderful children as you two. The moment I realized that I had the privilege of being a mother to you both, my life was forever changed - and for the better!
I spent 9+ months for each of you waiting in wonder and imagining what you might look like. I dreamt of the wonderful baby smell (and the not so wonderful smell of stinky diapers) and the cooing sounds you would make. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a child and everytime I looked into your eyes, I was reminded how blessed I was and am now. I dream and plan about the days you would learn new things, your first day of school, your first date, when you got married, and someday, Lord willing - become parents yourselves. I loved you from the moment you were created.
You both have made me a better person and a better mother. The way I feel about you every single day reminds me how much more God loves me and loves each of you. It's so amazing to know that God placed both of you on this earth to glorify Him. I pray for the day you both realize the wonderful Gift that God offers to each of us and for the moment you accept it! I'm the most blessed mother in the world to be the one God appointed to guide you and help you grow in His image.
I love you both so much.
Praying for you each and every day,
Mommy
You would think that if I were writing a letter to someone who has changed my life, you might automatically think that it would be to someone who is older or maybe to someone who has had many, many years of wisdom behind their belt. But of all the people who I have interacted with in my lifetime, there are no two more beautiful and wonderful children as you two. The moment I realized that I had the privilege of being a mother to you both, my life was forever changed - and for the better!
I spent 9+ months for each of you waiting in wonder and imagining what you might look like. I dreamt of the wonderful baby smell (and the not so wonderful smell of stinky diapers) and the cooing sounds you would make. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a child and everytime I looked into your eyes, I was reminded how blessed I was and am now. I dream and plan about the days you would learn new things, your first day of school, your first date, when you got married, and someday, Lord willing - become parents yourselves. I loved you from the moment you were created.
You both have made me a better person and a better mother. The way I feel about you every single day reminds me how much more God loves me and loves each of you. It's so amazing to know that God placed both of you on this earth to glorify Him. I pray for the day you both realize the wonderful Gift that God offers to each of us and for the moment you accept it! I'm the most blessed mother in the world to be the one God appointed to guide you and help you grow in His image.
I love you both so much.
Praying for you each and every day,
Mommy
Thursday, November 18, 2010
4. What you imagine paradise to be like
Revelation 21:
"2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children...
27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life."
Now that's what I imagine true paradise to be like!
"2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children...
27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life."
Now that's what I imagine true paradise to be like!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
3. The five songs you would have with you on a desert island and why
This is a tough one. There aren't too many songs out there that I think I could listen to over and over and not get tired of listening to it. But anyways, that is besides the point! Seriously... who would take songs with them on a desert island? I mean, yeah - books maybe. Or as my husband suggested - "podcasts - like "How to Survive on a Deserted Island"... haha! And even if our boat or plane was crashing, the iPod would NOT be my first choice to grab! If I did happen to grab my iPod instead of let's say, a raft or supply of water, how would I even listen to my music? I'm not supposing that there are electric sockets to charge my iPod in. I'm thinkin that when someone thought this question up, they may have been a little loopy. Just sayin'. :)
1. So What by Pink: I don't know why, but this song always gets me movin'. No matter the circumstances (like being on a deserted island), it's always good to remember "I'm still a rock star!"
2. She's Everything by Brad Paisley: Jon's favorite song and one of mine!
3. I Think We're Alone Now by Tiffany: Just a classic... lol
4. Someday by Sugar Ray: To reminisce.
5. How Great Thou Art: To always remind me how amazing my Savior is and that I am here only for His glory. :)
1. So What by Pink: I don't know why, but this song always gets me movin'. No matter the circumstances (like being on a deserted island), it's always good to remember "I'm still a rock star!"
2. She's Everything by Brad Paisley: Jon's favorite song and one of mine!
3. I Think We're Alone Now by Tiffany: Just a classic... lol
4. Someday by Sugar Ray: To reminisce.
5. How Great Thou Art: To always remind me how amazing my Savior is and that I am here only for His glory. :)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
2. Something that inspires you
There is no one on this earth who inspires me as a parent more than my best friend. He is dependable, smart, funny, and the best parent I know. I love my husband. Above all else, he is my bestest and truest friend. Every moment I see that he spends with Emma and Carter inspire me to be a better parent. He is so patient with Emma - even when she is stretching us to our limits. He plays with Carter and gets up with him at night to change his diaper and soothe him. On days when I feel as though I'm ready to crash and have been stretched thin, I remember how much love and patience my husband has for our children. Men like my husband are few and far between. I thank God everyday for putting Jonathan in my life and making him the man/husband/father he is today.
Monday, November 15, 2010
30 Posts in 30 Days - Day One
In my quest for bettering myself, I have come to the realization that I enjoy challenges. Growing up, I was mostly an only child. I had a much older brother (12 years older) and a much younger brother (16 years younger), so I never had anyone to compete with.
I do remember in my junior year in high school that my goal was always to beat the grades my friend Shalee received in the classes we had together. It was the best year in my whole school career. The challenge - which she may never know until now even existed - made me a better person and of course, proved my mother right - "See! I knew if you applied yourself you could be an A+ student!"
Even to this day, Jon and I have competitions - even though they are mostly dumb and trivial and I almost always lose, they can be so much fun! So here is my new challenge. 30 posts in 30 days. (I tried posting every day with the soda challenge, but didn't quite make it ;) I found some topics to write about in these next 30 days. Not only will I get to learn a little about myself - but you will too! I'm even going to go so far as to challenge YOU to do this also. Who knows? It may even be fun. :)
Day...
1. Guilty pleasure
2. Something that inspires you
3. The five songs you would have with you on a desert island and why
4. What you imagine paradise to be like
5. A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life
6. Earliest thing you can remember
7. Favorite song and why
8. Someone you think would make a good president
9. Five things you want to see change
10. A dream you had this past week described in detail
11. Favorite picture ever taken of yourself
12. Your favorite story
13. A memory that never fails to make you laugh
14. Best meal you've ever had
15. Amoment, phrase, or song that has changed your life the most
16. Something that you want to do within the next five years
17. What you want to be remembered for
18. A picture that makes you feel
19. A passage from a book that has touched you
20. A person that you immediately liked upon first meeting them
21. Your favorite medium of art
22. Someone you would give your life up for without question
23. Most awkward first impression you feel you’ve ever given
24. Something you did as a child that other people remember you for
25. Something you would do if no one stopped you or if you knew you wouldn’t fail
26. Your definition of love
27. Your definition of the meaning of life
28. A moment you remember being completely happy in and a description of why you believe you were
29. What you live for
30. Ways you believe you have grown over the past thirty days
DAY ONE: Guilty Pleasure
My husband asked me one time what my guilty pleasure was and I promptly responded "reading!". To which he laughed and then had to explain that reading is NOT a guilty pleasure. Up until this point, I had not given it much more thought. And the more and more I thought about it, I couldn't come up with a good answer. So the googling person that I am, I looked it up. The definitition of guilty pleasure is this...
"A guilty pleasure is something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it. Often, the "guilt" involved is simply fear of others discovering one's lowbrow or otherwise embarrassing tastes, rather than actual moral guilt. Fashion, music, and food (especially unhealthier foods high in sugar and/or fat) can be examples of guilty pleasures."
My guilty pleasure is SHOPPING. Yep. I love to shop. No, I'm not exceptionally good at it - I can't always find great deals, I get frustrated when I can't find what I'm looking for, and I'm not really fashionably ahead of the game. But I love to buy things - for the house and the kids mostly. I think I may just make us go bankrupt...! I'm just kidding! However, I always have things on my mind that I think I "need" and the word "buy" has become a bad word in our house. The worst part is that my husband is the most content person in the world. He still wears the same t-shirts as he did in high school. So we are hugely different. When the word "buy" comes up in my sentences, I think my husband lovingly wants to strangle me! ;)
What is your guilty pleasure?
I do remember in my junior year in high school that my goal was always to beat the grades my friend Shalee received in the classes we had together. It was the best year in my whole school career. The challenge - which she may never know until now even existed - made me a better person and of course, proved my mother right - "See! I knew if you applied yourself you could be an A+ student!"
Even to this day, Jon and I have competitions - even though they are mostly dumb and trivial and I almost always lose, they can be so much fun! So here is my new challenge. 30 posts in 30 days. (I tried posting every day with the soda challenge, but didn't quite make it ;) I found some topics to write about in these next 30 days. Not only will I get to learn a little about myself - but you will too! I'm even going to go so far as to challenge YOU to do this also. Who knows? It may even be fun. :)
Day...
1. Guilty pleasure
2. Something that inspires you
3. The five songs you would have with you on a desert island and why
4. What you imagine paradise to be like
5. A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life
6. Earliest thing you can remember
7. Favorite song and why
8. Someone you think would make a good president
9. Five things you want to see change
10. A dream you had this past week described in detail
11. Favorite picture ever taken of yourself
12. Your favorite story
13. A memory that never fails to make you laugh
14. Best meal you've ever had
15. Amoment, phrase, or song that has changed your life the most
16. Something that you want to do within the next five years
17. What you want to be remembered for
18. A picture that makes you feel
19. A passage from a book that has touched you
20. A person that you immediately liked upon first meeting them
21. Your favorite medium of art
22. Someone you would give your life up for without question
23. Most awkward first impression you feel you’ve ever given
24. Something you did as a child that other people remember you for
25. Something you would do if no one stopped you or if you knew you wouldn’t fail
26. Your definition of love
27. Your definition of the meaning of life
28. A moment you remember being completely happy in and a description of why you believe you were
29. What you live for
30. Ways you believe you have grown over the past thirty days
DAY ONE: Guilty Pleasure
My husband asked me one time what my guilty pleasure was and I promptly responded "reading!". To which he laughed and then had to explain that reading is NOT a guilty pleasure. Up until this point, I had not given it much more thought. And the more and more I thought about it, I couldn't come up with a good answer. So the googling person that I am, I looked it up. The definitition of guilty pleasure is this...
"A guilty pleasure is something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it. Often, the "guilt" involved is simply fear of others discovering one's lowbrow or otherwise embarrassing tastes, rather than actual moral guilt. Fashion, music, and food (especially unhealthier foods high in sugar and/or fat) can be examples of guilty pleasures."
My guilty pleasure is SHOPPING. Yep. I love to shop. No, I'm not exceptionally good at it - I can't always find great deals, I get frustrated when I can't find what I'm looking for, and I'm not really fashionably ahead of the game. But I love to buy things - for the house and the kids mostly. I think I may just make us go bankrupt...! I'm just kidding! However, I always have things on my mind that I think I "need" and the word "buy" has become a bad word in our house. The worst part is that my husband is the most content person in the world. He still wears the same t-shirts as he did in high school. So we are hugely different. When the word "buy" comes up in my sentences, I think my husband lovingly wants to strangle me! ;)
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sunday, November 14, 2010
28 days of no soda...
So here I am on the opposite side of 28 days of absolutely no soda of any kind. And the question is whether or not I am all the better for it. Now I'll be honest... I totally said that I would blog every day and obviously I did not. I have no excuse. Life is busy. I get tired. Annnnd I'm lazy. But I have kept up with weighing myself every day and Jon and I both have an ending weight that is different from our starting weight. However, it is not what I expected, and I will let you take from it what you will.
Here is our beginning weight:
Jonathan: 169.0
Gina: 140.4
And... drumroll please -
Jonathan: 166.6 (-2.4 lbs)
Gina: 136.8 (-3.6 lbs)
As you can see, both Jon and I did lose some weight. Now if this loss was because we weighed ourself first thing in the morning or if mine is because I am breastfeeding - I will let you decide. Honestly? I thought I would lose like 10 lbs because I drink at least a soda or two a day normally. I was a little disappointed. However, it is a little less than a pound a week which in actuality isn't too bad. My weight has fluctuated up and down since I've started, (one day 139 the next 137 then back up to 140) so it's pretty hard to say that it's all from a lack of soda. In the end though - the good thing is that I didn't GAIN any weight. Which I have to say is a good benefit!
I think the best thing that came from this for me is the fact that I now know that I can set a goal for myself and make it. No soda for 28 days. That's pretty good for me. I'm proud of myself! However, Jon and I will be breaking the "soda fast" tonight. We normally would have done it tomorrow - but since he will be out of town (and it's a whole lot more fun to do this together) we will watch a movie, eat some popcorn, and enjoy a nice cold one - soda of course!
I think my next goal is to watch my portions. I think for the next couple of months, I'm going to try weight watchers. My goal is to lose 10% of my weight which is about 13 lbs which will take me to about 124 lbs. I don't personally think that I'm overweight, but I do know that I have some extra poundage that I would love to lose from having two kids. I want to feel more comfortable and more confident, and since I could go 28 days with no soda, I think I can go a couple of months counting calories to see how much I really intake. (I love my sweets!) I'm motivated by a friend of mine who lost 25 lbs in 10 weeks. How awesome is that?! And she looks amazing. What better motivation is that than a friend with a great success story?!
Thank you to those who have followed a long on the few blog posts I've written and for all of your encouragement. It was knowing that you were there cheering me on that kept me going!
Here is our beginning weight:
Jonathan: 169.0
Gina: 140.4
And... drumroll please -
Jonathan: 166.6 (-2.4 lbs)
Gina: 136.8 (-3.6 lbs)
As you can see, both Jon and I did lose some weight. Now if this loss was because we weighed ourself first thing in the morning or if mine is because I am breastfeeding - I will let you decide. Honestly? I thought I would lose like 10 lbs because I drink at least a soda or two a day normally. I was a little disappointed. However, it is a little less than a pound a week which in actuality isn't too bad. My weight has fluctuated up and down since I've started, (one day 139 the next 137 then back up to 140) so it's pretty hard to say that it's all from a lack of soda. In the end though - the good thing is that I didn't GAIN any weight. Which I have to say is a good benefit!
I think the best thing that came from this for me is the fact that I now know that I can set a goal for myself and make it. No soda for 28 days. That's pretty good for me. I'm proud of myself! However, Jon and I will be breaking the "soda fast" tonight. We normally would have done it tomorrow - but since he will be out of town (and it's a whole lot more fun to do this together) we will watch a movie, eat some popcorn, and enjoy a nice cold one - soda of course!
I think my next goal is to watch my portions. I think for the next couple of months, I'm going to try weight watchers. My goal is to lose 10% of my weight which is about 13 lbs which will take me to about 124 lbs. I don't personally think that I'm overweight, but I do know that I have some extra poundage that I would love to lose from having two kids. I want to feel more comfortable and more confident, and since I could go 28 days with no soda, I think I can go a couple of months counting calories to see how much I really intake. (I love my sweets!) I'm motivated by a friend of mine who lost 25 lbs in 10 weeks. How awesome is that?! And she looks amazing. What better motivation is that than a friend with a great success story?!
Thank you to those who have followed a long on the few blog posts I've written and for all of your encouragement. It was knowing that you were there cheering me on that kept me going!
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