Revamping and Remodeling~Methods and House

It was failing to work.  Really.  In fact, it was becoming more and more work, and I was beginning to wonder IF we were gonna make it.  Seriously wonder IF my kids were going to graduate high school b/c they were struggling, and so was I.  But WHAT to do?  Quit?  Take time off?  Go at it harder? CHANGE?  Revamp?  Options loomed in my head for days, weeks...and all the while I was hearing that inner voice say that I have to act and do something BIG.  I'm not one for change, much.  Sister really doesn't like that word because it usually puts me in a mindset if not in a complete state of being uncomfortable for a while, at least...BUT change that will come as a matter of revamping is perhaps just what we need~NEED.  I do not believe this coming change is a WANT, but a true and definite need.

Worry can take on a life of it's own that can reek havoc with the mind, body and spirit.  Oh this is no fun! I just had to make some decisions NOW before it was 'too late!' Sooo I began some research.  I began with TRUTH~I knew that our current methods of homeschooling were taking us down a path that was at the very least, stressful.  STRESS-FILLED would be a better word~so in looking for truth, again I needed to HEAR my children.  What were their long-term goals and dreams? Where are THEY PLANNING to go in life?  These are no longer 'little people' who Mama has to guide, protect and shield~They're like race horses chomping at the gate of life and AM I THE GATE holding them in?  Some self examination reveals that I am fearful for them~like most any Mom is this day and time, but I am even more willing to be there for them as they navigate new and strange waters~and why not NOW? Navigating newness while they have support is much better than when they are out on their own with so much to push through and adapt to~

Sooo in that research, I came to believe that because my daughter particularly is so worried and consumed, really with negative thoughts concerning being homeschooled, I needed to look deeper. I WELL remember the age of 16 and how actually MATURE this age is above the other stages in growth~so I want to listen closely and HEAR just what she is saying to me.  Do I stop homeschooling altogether and put them in public or private school or what?  HOW can I help her with her nagging fears of inadequacy?  Her particular goals are VERY high, so I want to make sure they are a place we can head in the next phase, that we adequately planned and plodded to accomplish what we need to now, so that those dreams of a bright future are a reality...but how?

SisterT is working on some dual/virtual schooling for them~that will ultimately provide high school diplomas just as real as if they attended a public or private school FOR THEM~in fact, I can deny it all day long, but unless they go right into university or community college after homeschooling, their homeschool diploma that I might issue may not be as credible (in some circles) as one that is 'recognized.' Jobs are hard to get right now in our economy, and I know that no employer with a choice over so many is going to necessarily look at all the pluses in a  kiddo who well~call it a nagging fear, but I believe I am hearing the voice of the Lord~yeah, it's radical.  AND in the past, I was well satisfied that I am doing what is needful~but WHY do I have this nagging voice? Is it evil or the Lord?  Well, in restructuring some of what we are doing, it will provide for all the goals and dreams~AND satisfies the recurring voice, but MOST IMPORTANT~my child will find herself...himself...in this experience?  I hope so~I'm still HERE~we're still homeschooling, but it is taking on a new dimension~we are going to operate more like a traditional classroom so that there is some confidence built~

I have really worried that somehow these changes were not going to be all positive~but I am giving them to the Lord as we believe we are following His will for our lives~it's a learning curve for sure!

In this new adventure, we needed desktop space~hence a room redo~oh my! It's not that the room didn't need this done, but just a matter of timing~oh that precious element in life~TIME!

Here are some pics of what we began with and where we're going~oh it's been a nasty mess...but remember we live in a repo'd ole house that was inhabitable that we're rehabing~HOPING to paint by next wkend~
The first four are befores and the rest are the process~

Sooo, HOW are you doing this cold blustery January? Hanging? Revampn'??

Sooo Cool~1670 Bible Found in WI ~AMAZING!!

I absolutely LOVE History and just came across a news story that a 1670 Bible has been found in Wisconsin~HOW COOL is THAT~whoot!

WLUK Story: 340-Year-Old Bible Found @ Yahoo! Video

REVIEW: Positive Action For Christ (JR/SR High School Curriculum)

Student wkbook

Positive Action For Christ~Life of Christ by Frank Hamrick
Ages: 12 & up
Cost:  $17.95 (Student Delux Workbook) and Teacher's Manual ($41.95)
Web:  HERE 
I say:  Very complete and I LOVE IT!

I received Positive Action For Christ's study, Life of Christ (book of the Gospel of John) as The Old Schoolhouse Crew member for my honest opinions without monetary compensation.

The Life of Christ is a teen Bible study on the gospel of John.  I was sent the teacher's binder and student workbook which are a beautiful product~so well done, easy to navigate~I fell in love~and actually have been using the study myself.  The workbook isn't workbooky, but engages the learner in thinking and applying the concepts discussed.  I especially love the geography helps with the beautiful maps and the study aids.  My kids have enjoyed this study as well.  As teens Bible curriculum that provides a platform for continued discussions is soo good, and the Life of Christ accomplishes this aim~

The study is laid out in 35 weeks of study with  a workbook which is the Student Deluxe Edition~It is not only beautiful but written to the student.  We really enjoyed this timely study as we began during the Christmas season, and learning of Jesus Christ during that time was very meaningful.

I like the Teacher's Manual b/c it's well laid out with tabs and in a sturdy binder which makes it an overall very nice notebook of resources~there are maps, overhead masters and more.  The teacher's notes are helpful and engaging.  It was easy to read. I got really excited with the maps of the region and how they were laid out by events and areas~VERY USEFUL!

Here's what you can get for this study~

• Teacher's manual available
• Student Deluxe Workbook available
• Gospel of John Multimedia DVD available (didn't review)
• Student Outline Workbook avaliable (for church use/didn't review)
• Overheads on CD available

Details on the Student Deluxe Wkbook:

• Content age-appropriate for middle school or high school
• Illustrations and notes from the teacher's lesson
• An introductory section with reading and homework to be completed in advance
• Additional student research for each lesson
• A Digging Deeper section with further ideas for expanding each lesson
• A recommended reading list
• Original artwork to introduce each lesson
• Full-color pages with charts, maps, and photos
• 8 x 10 inch size
• 277 pages (from the website)

Details on the Teacher's Manual:

• 35 lessons (one lesson per week)
• Plans for 3, 4, or 5-day a week Bible classes
• Full copy of student's manual with answers
• Reproducible quizzes and unit tests that use a variety of testing techniques
• Overhead transparency masters
• 342 pages (from the website)

The Life of Christ from Positive Action For Christ is a very good Bible study for this age with enough practical application and historical perspective to make it a well rounded study for teens.  It will definitely deepen their knowledge and hopefully their faith~I salivated over all the additional resources available and can see this as useful for group study as well as homeschooling~woot!

Read the Crew HERE!

Fit Mommy Friday: WK2: Sick/Weigh In and POE Change~

Okay, I've been participating with Fit Mommy Fri since the 10 Week Challenge, and this is Week 2 of the New Year~wooot!  Okay...Here's my thang~I got sick!  Yeah, I really began feeling sooo bad by last Fri that I couldn't make it to the Y to swim and do the water aerobics; even tried to head there on Sat but it was a no go...So on Monday I called the doc for a Rx and ended up going in... ... ... and facing.... .... ... ... the dreaded .... ... ... ... ...S C A L E~

Now you gotta know something.  First off~the scale IS NOT the measure of my success!  My measurement IS how I've eaten and taken care of ME~BUT...BUT ....  .... BUT.... It DOES SHOW how overall my plan of eating POE is measuring up (literally)! Soo with this said, I was facing the scale...and BIG TIME~

I got on it, and it revealed another 7lb loss~total 39lbs since beginning! WHOOT!~ Now in all honesty, this is a very very very very very  very ...you get the idea ;-)) VERY sloooooooooow wt loss plan evidently, b/c I had not weighed in 6 weeks. But I KNOW during that time to the present I've consumed no more than 2200 calories and no white sugars/flour, so just because it's slow doesn't mean I am off the plan...it means I AM on the plan~taking care to eat whole foods~foods prepared from their freshest state and not in boxes or cans...and OFTEN not even from a jar..unless we fresh preserved it OR froze it ourselves!  Anyway, I was sick and had to go in and began on an antibiotic~pfui!

Tues~ I went to the YMCA and swam 40 minutes with hard aerobic jogging/laps/exercises with wts...went grocery shopping too~woot!

The new POE came about b/c I want to drop some wt fairly fast, and so I am dropping my calories to about 1600 for one week.  I don't think I can do it long term as the feelings of deprivation with get me, but in a short spurt I know I can with the Lord's help.  I am eating 6 small meals a day and drinking loads of water.  I hope this will jump start my metabolism so that I can get some weight off in the short run pretty fast!  THIS IS NOT a candybar OR grapefruit OR an all meat food plan~it's balanced with ALL the food groups in the freshest most whole state possible.  I will consume protein, bread (whole grain), milk(or milk products), fresh fruit, and fresh veggies along with good distilled water from our distiller.  It really tastes wonderful!  I hope to weigh in a few days to see how I've done~

Wed~POE going fine~doing light housekeeping and homeschooling today~got out to Youth group that night. Can't believe we are going sledding next week~oh well, Sister is NOT getting down the hill on a sled~THIS YEAR...but maybe next, Lord willing! I can DREAM!
Thurs~POE went fine although I did end up getting more food earlier than I had thought so when dinner was finished, I was DONE eating for the day having max'd out my calories for the day~Went to the YMCA to work out and then ran errands.  Loads of moving and grooving~I was beat, but I feel confident that my energy will improve over time and continued effort.
Fri~Okay, gonna slap this day right in here b/c I'm most likely to forget MY GOOD progress by next week's update~LOL...Headed to the YMCA and exercised in the water for 45 min and feel great~headed to the grocery(gotta get out and get that fresh stuff so it IS fresh!)...One thing is AMAZING~MY JEANS ARE LOOSER!! whhoooot! I'm eaten my food plan too~oh yeah!

Okay, this is my week~I have exercised 3/7 days which isn't too shabby for a fat girl~LOL!
How are you doing?  I'm taking it one day at a time~And you?

Read mo FMF (Fit Mommy Fri)  HERE!

Review: Virtual Nerd

VIRTUAL NERD

~Real Help in Math and Science

Website:  http://www.virtualnerd.com/
Ages: Jr/Sr High School
Cost:  $49 mo subscription/$5 one day use/ $19 1x wk use

I say:  Awesome!  Very helpful!

I received a trial period of Virtual Nerd as part of The Old Schoolhouse Crew review group in exchange for my honest opinions without monetary compensation.

Math is just not my long suit and Virtual Nerd is a gem! If you have a child in PreAlg, Alg I or II or even Intro Physics who could use a little help or additional content, then give Virtual Nerd a try~and you can try it for FREE HERE~They offer a FREE  2HR TRIAL to their basic service for anyone~woot! Their subscription premium is $49 a mo or other pricing as I listed above, but you can check it out to see if it's a good fit for your child without obligation first~even purchase a one day pass if necessary~this is a win-win situation! Of course, I think Virtual Nerd makes great supplement to our regular math curriculum~my daughter taking Alg I used it to review some concepts and my son as well~The videos are GREAT! They are modern young adults who definitely teach to the student with great persona and energy as well as THEY ARE SHORT and to the point! Nobody but nobody wants to listen to ... 'uh, well...first you...and then ...and...uh...' from ANYBODY who is teaching~B O R I N G~but not so with Virtual Nerd~it's very engaging! No dumbed down kiddified teaching techniques or routines~WOOT!

Features Include:

New Dynamic Whiteboard
Multimedia presentations
FAQs, terms and definitions
Personalized interaction and control

Robust search capabilities
24/7 Access

For subjects:

PreAlg
Alg I
Alg II
Intro Physics

Go check out that 2 HR trial  HERE!

See what the rest of the Crew says HERE!

FREE: ACT prep site

ACT student

Blog Cruise: SisterT's Talking About HS Schedules...

Cking out the new space being made!

Structured days or not, we have a schedule.  But overall I'd say we are nontraditional.  For about the last 10 of the ten years, we've held pretty much to our own schedule of doing things.  Our daily schedule will depend upon the day, but we are likely to take Dec and birthdays off but do school on every other day or holiday~including Saturdays and some Sundays.  Sound funny? Well, we have moved and done a great deal of home renovation these past few years, so it's been pretty non traditional.  When hub was doing a few classes, he got them up and going by eight while I slept in.  Last year and the year before he taught science and Bible this way as well as music.  Since I'm doing all the classes this year, we begin at ten and keep going til we are done.  I'd say we are pretty flexible!  Tomorrow we are heading to the YMCA for gym first thing~drama group after which will take about 3-4 hrs including travel, and THEN we will hit some academics in the later afternoon/early evening to round out the day.  Anytime we go to drama it's a chunk of time as the class is an hour each way~sometimes they bring work with them~and when one is required and the other isn't~the one who isn't brings MORE schoolwork.  It's a rough schedule, but we make it work.  Getting in 900 hrs of instruction isn't hard~but boy it's timed all over the place...what was that word?  FLEXIBLE!

Not happy about a pic taken!

Other TOS Crewmates are offering up their brand of this topic~head     HERE!

Review: See N Read: Reading Tools

SEE N READ~Reading Tools

See-N-Read.com
Ages:  Preschool and up
Price: $2.99-3.49 (mulitiples and combo pricing available) $29.99 for eSee-N-Read
I say: very useful for a struggling reader with tracking issues.

I received three See-N-Read tools as part of The Old Schoolhouse Crew review group in exchange for my honest opinion without monetary compensation.

I had a struggling reader, that despite his improved fluency, does not like to read much at all even now.  But had I been introduced to See-Read Memory Mark(s) and the computer aid eSee-N-Read our struggles could have been decreased. My son had tracking difficulties that led to fluency issues that made reading a torture in his younger days of learning to read.  Way back when, this mama tried all kinds of stuff~but honestly nothing really fixed our issues~I cut a hole in a note card so that he was not distracted or taken off the line as his eyes learned to scan the printed page and we could attack the words one at a time~what a nice product and so handy for these issues.  It's a thick plastic glare resistant file card side tool that has a clear line where someone with this problem can view just what line or groups of words or numbers they are tying to read~this is awesome!  There are a couple of sizes available and you can even write on these so your child can have his own personalized if you have several in the family using them.  The anti glare is a gray-blue tone, and the window is clear to highlight small amounts of standard text so a child isn't overwhelmed by tracking and decoding~this is a win-win situation!

Benefits include:

reduces eye strain
the color is least distracting for people according to ophthalmology research
reduces line skipping
reduces word jumping
reduces pattern glace



These little reading tools are well worth trying if your child is a struggling reader like mine was~

Products Available:

MemoryMark™ book size reading tool (5.5 inch X 3 inch) for smaller-size books and reading materials
MemoryMark™ document size reading tool (8.5 inch X 3 inch) for full-size books, documents and reading materials
eSee-N-Read™ electronic Reading and Instruction Tool for PCs~ From the website:
...an electronic version of our top-selling See-N-Read® Reading Tool. It is designed to enhance reading on personal computers and is an effective on-screen instruction and presentation tool. 


The Crew says                  about See-N-Read!

Struggles~Fit Mommy Fri Week 1:~NEW Beginnings: Exercise: Water Aerobics

Christmas was just lovely and I think I've burned out on some stuff~I am worn out mentally and physically.  My food plan has been sustained and continued and having added a 3X week trip to water aerobics has really made me exhausted...add up all the OTHER stuff I do..and where does blogging and tipter-life come in?  I am going to make some room to continue all the good things in my life~ALL of them...

We are looking at some educational changes as well~

I am continuing to participate in Fit Mommy Friday for accountability and support as well as the reviews and inspirations~LIFE is just moving a bit fast for me right now~

HOW I've done~

I did some super duper introspection this weekend all surrounding NEW beginnings with a brand new baby year and decided that something would definitely have to change.  On Monday, the family went to the YMCA and we swam/exercised as a family so we would pursue health a little more aggressively and even has committed to our continued healthy eating for the New Year~

We went Monday and Wednesday~my activity levels have increased~I'm having some health issues like numbness and nerve pain as well as muscle and joint paint too~not fun~but I'm still going at it~

My food is clean, but my portions need some more work.  I find that I can overeat celery~ha! SSSsssssssssoo don't let anybody kid you that veggies won't make you fat~it's a lie! LOL...I just may begin carrying around that measuring cup yet~

I'm also taking better care of my skin b/c living in a cold brisk climate where wind chills are zero or below can really chap and dry~THIS IS NEW!

Well, this is it for my week.  I continue to work the 12 step recovery model and work with my eating plan...no white stuff/sugars..I feel GREAT other than the forementioned ilks!

Check out the other Fit Mommys                    !

Happy New Year AND LOOKING FORWARD...

RIP 2010...LOL

New Year's Eve is a time of reflection for many of us, and I guess I've just not given it much thought until today when I began reading all the thoughtful and hopeful posts on several blogs I follow...seems like a great idea to do some reflecting myself...

Sooo I had to think a minute about last year~wow.
WE MADE IT...one more year...one more time...one more of everything...and
this past year was better...Better in that our home is coming together, our marriage is improving, and our kiddos are still great...and well, God has preserved our health...Well, just overall it's been pretty good, not perfect, but definitely good.

I am soo thankful for:
My family~I have a good husband who can drive me crazy and IS also my sanity...my kids who are so good and kind~what a gift from God...my mother who is very important in my life...my animals~just love those critters!
Our home~it's not perfect, but it's ours...and well on its way to better...making some changes and working a plan!
My friends~I have some incredible friends.  Without my girlfriends, I'd be lost. I have several who I've known for over 25 years who are my sisters...I have others who I haven't known as long who I treasure too~I deeply love my friends who God has given me...
My health~WHAT would I have IF I didn't have this? Little, indeed...very precious little without health.
My God~Without Him, I'd be nothing; I'd surely fail...fall...freakout! He's everything!

Soooo looking forward:

CHANGE:  Life is going to be different.

I am going to continue working at getting in bed earlier. This nightowlish stuff has GOT TO GO...lol...and so it will!

I am going to continue healthy eating patterns and working on becoming spiritually fit in all my life.  I am working a 12 step recovery program for compulsive over eating, and this will continue.  No sugar or white flour~working to weigh and measure all my food. I will remain caffeine free and pork free. I will eat mostly fruit and veggies with lean meats and low salt...

I will add into my life exercise. I have the opportunity tonight to walk and I'm going to do it~I will ask God for the strength to do this daily...

I am hoping for some changes in our homeschooling~that my children gain the needed things and that we grow closer as a family...

I am looking to gain some knowledge in some craft areas~I want to learn to quilt...yes, I do! And so I shall, Lord willing!

Maybe by next year this time I will be healthy enough to have tubed down a hill or made a snow angel~MY FIRST EVER...I'd like to...

I am sooo looking forward to what good things God has in store for us~
Thank you, God...

Happy New Year to you and your family!

Fit Mommy Friday: WK10: TouchDown...

It's HERE~The last post of the Fit Mommy Friday 10 Week Fitness Challenge~whoohoo! I've MADE IT~yes, it's been a ride! AND I will have successfully been sugar/white flour-starches-rice FREE 12 weeks on Saturday...also been increasing my activity and drinking my water...FEELING soo much better..and now adding exercise to the mix...planning some stuff, but not totally sure what ALL yet~have a YMCA membership so want to swim (indoor pool) and walk the track..yeah, I NEED to do this..little overwhelmed by the thought, but gonna take it slow and steady...three sizes down...Lord KNOWS I have so far to go, but in His power~all things are possible! AMEN!

Here's some pics taken of me the first was in August and the last just a few days ago...my face is a little slimmer~THANK the LORD..but like I've said, the journey has JUST begun! (Probably can't tell it much in these pics, but the shirt is smaller...so is the belly...lol!)

Need a laugh? Here's one~FOR our progress! HUGS!
Thanks Chai Mommy for hosting this challenge and you can read mo HERE!

FREE: Charles Dickins resource page

Charles Dickins Page

Holiday Bliss: Days 27 and 28~SNOW

We STILL have snow here~in fact, it's been on the ground three weeks~but yesterday we had a lovely time tubing on Mad River Mt.  SisterT didn't tube, but her kiddos and the youth group did~woot! Loads of fun for them...I got the play MOM and hold stuff while they went at it~here's some pics:  BTW~THANKS for praying me up a NEW camera~woot!  Read Mo BLISS
HERE

Youth Group...

Girl Thing One cold~brrr....!

Girl Thing One Tubing...

Sunday on our way to church.

Winter countryside...

Roads were pretty bad...

Holiday Bliss Day 26: AFTERMATH...lol!

Yo, it's SisterT here~Christmas Survivor reporting that the family represented by this faithful, artful, FULL..LOL..blogger has just returned from the slipperyslide of auto travel via US I-   returning home from morning worship~Yeah, you GOT THAT RIGHT~ but we are home safe and sound...

Christmas was relaxing~I crocheted and hand sewed most of the day...kiddos interneted...the rest of 'em just did the day..ha!

Here's a funny~Atlanta ROCKS!  Enjoy!  Mo Bliss                 !

Holiday Bliss Day 25: Christmas Day

Merry Christmas to you and your precious family!

Right now, my little ppl are snug in their beds thinking Santa just doesn't come around much anymore b/c they are soo grown up~HA! Not sooooooooooo...we opened gifts last night, but this morning they have some surprises to find! I can't wait!! They will really be excited! Shhh,,,don't tell 'em, okay?

It's going to be a lazy, easy day today.  No big meals~No muss or fuss...biggest thing will be homemade waffles for breakfast for the kiddos~their request!  SisterT is going to relax~hitting the last bit of shopping yesterday causes ME to get a day OFF today~ha! LOL...wonder if one of Santa's elves will keep the kitchen clean?

Sooo what are you doing today?

Merry Christmas! God rest ye merry gentlemen (women-folk too ;-))

Mo BLISS                   !

Holiday Bliss Day 24: Christmas Lights and Caroling

SisterT loves music~loves to sing, despite her voice being all messed up these days~but last night we rode looking at pretty Christmas lights singing in the car as we went~EVERYONE...was such fun!

Tonight we are going to our Christmas Eve service at our church...I just love our church family...my son will be doing a trumpet solo~Away In a Manger..LOVE this song!

Merry Christmas dear Friends! You all mean so much to me...sending you all a GREAT BIG HUG!!

Oops~heading out to shop some mo~

Read MO BLISS HERE!

Fit Mommy Friday: Week 9~ALMOST There...Well, Sorta~

This is week nine of the Fit Mommy Friday 10 Week Fitness Challenge.  I've faithfully participated and worked to get these ummmm~EVERYTHING pounds off...I have lots of weight to loose...In fact, it's probably more than the whole gang put together...does this make me a winner? No. In fact, I've lost so much because of being morbidly obese in my life...I've been overweight since childhood, and was over 200 lbs by 7th grade~probably 6th, but good ole public school gym class confirmed it when we were publicly weighed (HUMILIATED) by having our heights and weights done for the class~Anywho~who hasn't suffered a little?  But so am I looking at winning this challenge? No.  I am not able to truly do the kinds of exercising that others can accomplish...With several hundred pounds to loose~I've almost said it, now haven't I? I am certainly ashamed...you see, dear friends~you can't really SEE me~but only KNOW what I share...and a tad more honest~I really have pretty much lived a sedentary life up until the challenge of moving each day~and my life~just getting from point A to point B makes me more active...try carrying around a few hundred pounds!  Okay, so my progress:

I continue to eat only what is on my plan of eating.  Today makes 11 weeks eating healthy~addressing my obesity. Of course, a ten week challenge of any kind will not take care of my problems nor yours. We will ALL no matter your size or goals, have to address healthy consumptions moment by moment~day by day~so that in this lifetime, our habits and lives will change.  I'm on this path.  I thank God for it.  Just last night I took the kiddos of our youth group out to snowball fight. They had such a good time and my activity was slightly increased by the extra walking and moving I did~and NO~I didn't snowball fight...was afraid I'd fall down..which in all honesty would have hurt me very badly...nope, so no snowball fights for me this year~but prayerfully next year.

This continued path I am on~is for the first time EVER a solid reliable way to live.  You see, diets never worked. I've been on them ALL my life. But of course, I'd find myself tempted or excusing or just being blah enough to overeat and the pattern would continue...fat on top of fat...until you sorta KNOW the story...one obese middle aged woman attempting to change her life~without surgery or other worse health affecting methods.

You see, I have to share just quickly WHY obesity surgery is not an option for me. With this amount to lose, you might think that it would be the solution for me.  But almost nine years ago I lost my only sibling, my little brother to obesity surgery via a itty bitty medical~surgical mistake that unfortunately was not caught, but cost him his life at age 35.  It took eight hours for him to die, and the medical recovery nurses nor ICU nurse nor two doctors didn't catch it..tragic for sure~and what's worse, is that there is NO way that even if he had survived the procedure and lived~while thin~he would've been healthy.  Remember all that water we try to gulp down each day? Well, the ppl who've had this procedure like he had find it nearly IMPOSSIBLE to maintain their electrolytes naturally b/c they no longer have the physical space nor absorbtion to handle even NORMAL amounts of volume.  Imagine a morbidly obese body that is now stressed by lack of adequate hydration and nutrition (fuel.)  Okay, so now ya know...

But my victory will be all the SWEETER! God has been so good to me.  I am moving..and another fact you didn't know~I've already lost 90 lbs...yeah, you have that number correct.  NINETY...but when I said I have hundreds more to go~getting the picture, yet?  I know that God is going to use my testimony if He allows me to live.  SisterT isn't usually this morbid, but I want to be more transparent by sharing. I want to encourage you to continue your journey of HEALTH (moderation in all things!) so you don't find yourself like I have done.  I am definitely blessed to have found a new way of life...new tools for my journey of life...and HOPEFULLY a new life in a smaller body.

Please pray for me...humiliation comes in so many forms, and fear of failure, fear of loss, fear of just ole fear often tries to consume me.  But as I ONE day at a time~walk this new path...no, I'm not able to just go walking around my block YET..but it's coming!  Just being able to LIVE LIFE is amazing if you have ever EVER lost that.

Thanks so much for your prayers and support.  I have at least this next year or two to KEEP going...so while our challenge will end for some of us~I'm still going to be plugging away~bit by bit~pound by pound~movement by movement. Did I ever share my secret dreams of wanting to be a ballerina as a child? It's such a beautiful art form, and I really wanted to when very young...well, no money and not the correct body...ha! Okay, so you can see there's a dancer here~INSIDE...dancing...in my heart, and ONE DAY in my body!

Hopping off here to head out shopping AGAIN today~what a blessing to have such energy...God is sooo good! Walking the stores is a boost!

Thanks again~sooo how are you doing? Don't give up~EVEN THO it's Christmas! What better gift to yourself and the ppl who love YOU other than taking CARE of the body God gave you? Join me?

Hugs!

Read mo of the Fit Mommy Fri ladies  HERE!

Holiday Bliss: Day 22 &23~Youth Group

Well, the shopping's done and  all wrapped up~friends came over~wow this was fun! Tonight the youth group met for Bible study and then a snowball fight~woot! How about some hot chocochip cookies and cocoa??  Feeling pretty blessed and BLISSfilled...

Cookies~fresh and hot!

Cookies didn't last long!!

Hey, it's all counting down...just a few mo days til Christmas!

Suiting up for snow!

WHAT are you doing??

Read MO Bliss                 !

Holiday Bliss: Day 21~Company Coming

No need to panic when inviting friends over~they'll be here pretty soon! Sharing a meal and spending time..IMPORTANT!

Sooo who's coming to YOUR house this week?  ENJOY!

Merry Christmas!
Read mo BLISS             !

Holiday Bliss: Day 20~Shop Till I Drop

SisterT HATES to admit it~but she loves to shop...only problem~money! LOL...Got any spare bucks hanging around? NO? Didn't think so...most of us are short on cash this time of year~sooo I get creative in my shopping. I like to begin early and will most likely start right after Christmas for next year~purchasing cards for the church card exchange and gifts that will hold all year long...I let my fingers do the walking too~I internet research most things~Coupons and money backs are great~I make stuff too..but this is another post...But my shopping definitely consumes me~like today hub and I are heading to the stores~for some last minute deal finding~AND I am hitting the web too~our kids don't mind if it comes a day or two behind the frey...

Sooo did you finish your Christmas shopping blitz yet?

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