Some women don’t like to share their age.

I’m not one of those women.

I’m pleased with the fact that I’ve lived a whopping 41 years. With age comes wisdom and the ability to look at life differently. Things that seemed so important in my teen years, just seem silly now. Stuff I HAD to worry about in my 20’s are all but a distant memory. And now that I’m 41, I don’t have to live my 30’s in fear of being 40. I’ve already arrived.

So this morning, I’m taking a few quiet moments to reflect on this life God has given me.

I started out as this…

 

 

 

 

 

 

That’s me in the middle. Since I’m the youngest child I have few pictures of me by myself.

My Mom was a young Mom. She had my oldest sister when she was only 18. As a new bride and Mother, I’m sure having 4 kids (I had a sister that passed away when she was 6 weeks old) in 7 years was a shock to that young Mother and we basically grew up as my Mom grew up.

I was 16 when my Mom turned 41.  Wow!

We lived a simple country life in south Georgia. My Dad owned a used car lot and my Mom stayed home with us, until I was 2 or 3 (but my oldest sister was 8 or 9). She went back to work and I spent a lot of summers with a Nanny, babysitter or at the YMCA.

I don’t ever remember feeling cheated by that. The babysitters were fun, we would swim all morning and watch soap operas all afternoon. And when I got old enough to be dropped off at the YMCA, I would spend my summer days there.

I became an expert swimmer, I could play racquetball with the best of them and even learned a little gymnastics.

There was a lot of turmoil in my family when I was young. My parents divorced and remarried, only to divorce again when I was 13.  My Father was an alcoholic and I remember spending a lot of my childhood afraid of him.  And being the youngest of 3 girls, was no picnic at times.

But, I also have a lot of good memories as well. My Dad was a lot of fun when he was sober. We always took fun trips and I loved growing up in the country. I developed a love of bare feet, bicycles, trampolines, fishing, exploring, pine trees, bon fires, fish fries, boating, swimming, BB guns, ducks and chickens. Simple things, in a simple time.

I spent most of my childhood outdoors. We didn’t have cable and had few neighbors, so I spent a lot of time daydreaming, pretend playing and making up plays and songs. I used to sit up in a tree by the creek and would sing my heart out, hoping a boat would come by and they would “discover” me and make me a star. That never happened, but it didn’t keep me from dreaming.

After my parents second divorce my Mom moved us to the Big City where I finished high school. I think that was a good thing as well. Small Town Georgia doesn’t lend itself to higher education or not becoming a single Mother.

I was introduced to the suburbs, middle class America, motivated students and limitless possibilities.  I was far behind the other students, but for the first time I actually cared about learning and applied myself to education.

But, by the time I finished high school, my Mom was a single Mother barely making ends meet and I had no motivation or money for college.  This is my life’s regret.

When I was 20 I met Jesus and that radically changed the course of my life.

I went from being hopeless to hopeful. From a person with low-self esteem to knowing how much I was loved by my Heavenly Father. From few friends to a whole host of new Christian friends. 

The Lord changed my path, my thoughts, my purpose and my destiny.

I was motivated to go back to school and even though I didn’t finished, I’m thankful for that short college experience.

The Lord healed my relationships with my family and ultimately lead to meet my sweet husband.

We met in church some 16 years ago. We had an instant connection and I now believe in “love at first site”.  He was funny, kind, caring, sweet, Godly and made my life whole.  He truly is my better half.

On July 9, 1994 I entered into a covenant before the Lord, family and friends. I promised to be true to him and never leave or forsake him. I made a solemn vow that has held true for almost 15 years.

Did I mention funny? My husband is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. We’re still laughing all these years later.  If I could give any advice to my girls, it would be only marry a man that puts God first and makes you laugh. Pretty much everything else will work itself out.

Hubby and I spent 5 years together before our love and God’s grace produced these sweet things…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And let me tell you, them girls are some sweet thangs!!

Well, that brings you up to today.

Yes, I turn 41 today, but there’s so much more.

At this age you start to realize that you’ll never win a Noble Peace Prize, a Pulitzer or American Idol.  Dreams of being rich and famous begin to slip away and you’ve long since let go of the Cover Girl Model fantasy.

When get in your 40’s you start to lament everything you haven’t accomplished and you begin to wonder if your life will ever count for anything.

You have to face the cold hard reality of your own weaknesses.

And I have many.

I have a short temper, I’m not a great housekeeper, I frustrate my husband, I have little patience at times, I’m clumsy, I don’t read my Bible enough and I’m only an average cook. I also talk on the phone too much, check Facebook too often and watch too much TV.

I’m far from perfect or even close to where I want to be.

But being forty also makes you realize you’ve got some good stuff too… I’m a pretty good Mom, I’m devoted to my family, I’m well liked by most people, my friends seek my advice, I’ve been a good daughter and sister, I’m honest, hardworking, fun and trustworthy.

I was asked this question a while back and had to take a hard look at myself - “Would I be pleased if my girls turned out just like me?” Truthfully, I hope they turn out better than me, but honestly if they turned out just like me I would be pleased.  I’m not being boastful, I fully accept that the only thing worth anything in me, is my relationship with Lord.  But, if my girls have that, then I’ll be happy.

I know there’s much more life for me to live. I feel like I’ve only just begun. But, I also have much to feel grateful for. My life is blessed. It’s not perfect, but very blessed.  There are some things in my past I wish I could change, but it’s those life experiences that have make the women I am today. And for today, I’m okay with that.

 

 

So, when I look at that face, the face of a 41 year old women, I am pleased. It’s not a perfect face, yes there are some crooked teeth, smiles lines and age spots, but it’s my face. It’s the face the Lord chose to give me and I can be content with that.

So, Happy Birthday 41st to me! I pray God grants me many more.

Blessings,

Lara

I wrote the following post and later came back to upload it to my blog. After rereading this completely boring post, full of whining and complaining it further reminds me why my blog readers have dropped to just about nothing. So, if you are one of the 2 or 3 people that follow my blog, I apologize in advance for the Whining Fest you are about to read.

Blah… Blah… Blah… 

My plan was to take June completely off from school. I got home that last day of school, I unloaded the girls back packs from the car, I dumped the back packs and all their stuff in the classroom and haven’t looked back since.

I wouldn’t be surprised if when I go look, their lunch boxes will still have stuff in them from that last day.

If you remember the day after school got out, we got “the dog” and those 10 days have thrown my summer on it’s head. And now I’m having surgery in a few weeks. So, my summer got off to bad start and it’s ending with a not-so-great finish.

Which leaves me in the middle.

I have 3 weeks until I’m out of commission for the rest of the summer and my To Do List just got really long!

I have household projects to get finished, I have to completely clean out my home classroom, pack away last years books and materials, clean out my art supply closet, restock everything for this school year, have the carpets cleaned, reorganized my pantry, closets and do some deep cleaning. I have the classroom at school to get cleaned, organized and ready for the first day on August 18th . I have books to read (which I will do while I’m laid up in bed for 2 weeks), I have filing to get caught up, bills to get organized and uniforms to get purchased and ready to go.

I’ve had to cancel and rearrange vacations, squeeze in Doctor appt (I need a mammogram and the girls need physicals) and I’m still wanting to get some more weight off and get into an exercise routine.

So, with all that said, I was not able take the entire month of June off.

Bummer!

I’m actually headed to school today. I have files to organize and I’m meeting with the new teacher for this year to start working on the classroom.

And on top of all of this, I’m just coming off of having 5 kids in my house for a week (I haven’t cleaned my kitchen in 2 days and have no glasses in the cabinet), somehow I’ve pulled a muscle behind my knee and I’m having trouble walking (but after 2 days I think it’s a little better), I think half the light bulbs in my house have blown and need to be replaced, and I’ve gained 4 lbs this week.

Can you tell I’m in a funk today?

On the good side of things…

My new iphone is arriving today (birthday present from my hubby), my birthday is on Monday; I’m going to Cheesecake Factory and getting my own slice of White Chocolate Macadamia nut Cheese Cake, I just booked a week for us at the beach in September, I was able to hobble around 2 excellent museums yesterday with the girls, I still have 3.5 weeks left of summer (before I’m laid up in the bed recuperating) to get everything accomplished and the thought of getting ready for school actually excites me.

There’s always a silver lining.

Can you believe that Ed McMann, Farrah Faucett and Michael Jackson all died in the same week?

I wasn’t a real fan of any of these people, but I can appreciate the loss.

Well, I’m off to finally clean the kitchen and get myself organized so I can get over to school today.

Blessings,

Lara

It’s Camp Cousins at my house.

I have my 2 nieces from Michigan, my niece that lives an hour away and my 2 girls here this week (well, for a few days). If you’re counting that makes a total of 5 girls between the ages of 11 and 7. They are having a blast.

Reminds me of all those summers I spent with my cousins when I was kid. Good times!

So far we’ve swam, played, watched movies, made T-Shirts, gone out to eat, shopped and now we’re headed to a little beach near a lake to do some swimming today.

The only problem is, IT’S SO HOT HERE!!! It’s been hard to do anything outside due to the heat, but it rained yesterday, so maybe it will be cooler today.

Doesn’t this look like fun…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My girls have LOVED having their cousins here and will be sad to see them go home at the end of the week.

In the midst of all of this I’ve had another issue come up.

I’ve been having a lot of female related problems. All the ladies know what “female” related problems are. Not pleasant!

I went to the Dr. last week, ended up having an ultrasound last Friday and got a call from my Dr. yesterday (while, I’m at the pool with 5 girls!).

Turns out I have the fibroid, that I’ve known about since well before having kids, and it has doubled in size in the past 2 years. It’s a little smaller than a baseball and completely explains why I’ve been in pain for the past 2 years.

So, my Dr. gives my options. I’ll list them here…

1. Go back on the pill – it will not shrink the fibroid, but could stop it from growing, it will help with the heavy bleeding and some of my other problems, but is only a short term solution. And I’ve never had a good experience on the pill. Basically I get so cranky you would not want me near a shot gun for fear of use.

2. I could have the fibroid removed – that would require cutting me and taking the fibroid out. It would keep my uterus in tacked and I could have more children. But, my baby making days are over, so there’s not need to save the hotel. There will be no future occupants.

3. I could do nothing and live with the pain, agony, heavy bleeding, cramping and flat out misery. Not a great option.

4. I could have a hysterectomy.

After looking at all my options, I’m leaning toward number 4.

Number 1 was my first choice, but after a talk with my Mom and Mother-in-Law they both convinced me to just have the surgery and get it over with.

I did some online research, called my Dr. back and asked a lot questions and prayed about it.  Turns out a hysterectomy is the second most common surgery done on women, just under c-sections.

I will have the surgery done vaginally, so no cutting on the outside of my body. I’m liking that idea! God put those holes there for a reason, I’m glad Dr.’s are finally figuring out how to use them! They will leave my ovaries, so no hormone replacement therapy and I’ll go through menopause like normal. Joy! The surgery will take about an hour and half and should be fairly easy.

That all puts me in the Hyster-Sisters Club that my friend started. When she had her hysterectomy she had a big party. She made the girls wear maxi-pad flip flops to dinner and tampon corsages. And the only people that could attend had to be uterusless (not really a word). I couldn’t have such a party because I would be one of the first of my friends to have this done. But, the idea sounds fun!

At this point I’m waiting for the Dr. to call me back with her surgical schedule. And if all goes as planned I may be spending my 15th wedding anniversary getting my female parts removed.  She told me yesterday that July 9th was their first available day, but she still has to check with the hospital.

I didn’t really plan on spending my anniversary in that  particular compromising position, but since it takes 4-6 weeks to recover, I need to get it done before school starts back. The sooner the better.

My Mom has offered to keep the girls while I’m in the hospital and for the first few days afterwards and then my Mother-in-Law has offered to come up and take care of me the first week home and other than changing some other things around in July, I’m all set.

The worst part of it all is I would have to put off The Biggest Loser. I can’t exercise for at least 4 weeks after having it done. I guess I can continue to weigh in and watch what I eat, but won’t be able to do as much as I hoped. But, I’m thinking an almost baseball sized fibroid has to weigh something!!! Maybe I’ll lose a little weight having those body parts taken out!

Okay, I need to run. I feel sure these girls are going to wake up soon and then my day is off and running!

Blessings,

Lara

I thought it would be fun to go back and look at other blog entries from this date in years past. I ran across this one from 2 years ago right after I started blogging. I thought I would share it again, just for fun!.

Lara

June 20, 2007

I’ve been all into blogging these past few days. Thanks to summer and having a more relaxed schedule I’ve been able to have a little more computer time.

Man, there is a whole world of blogging going on, that I knew nothing about. I’ve heard of My Space and blogging, but it just never occurred to me that it might be interesting. I find my families life interesting. I enjoy hearing the daily events of my sisters and their kids. I love talking to my MIL and SIL to find out what’s going on with them. And I get really excited when a friend, that I haven’t talked to for while, gives me a call; I could spend hours catching up. But, what is it that draws us to read about the comings and goings of people we’ve never meet, or most likely ever will?

And I’ve come to realize there is even a new vocabulary and lingo that comes with blogging. I knew about DH, DD and SAHM for years (remember I was online journaling before it was so cool!). But, it’s gotten so much bigger in the past few years. Where did the time go and where was I when this big explosion happened? Oh yeah, I was home educating and raising a family. That’s where the past 4 years have gone.

But, now that I’ve gotten a taste of it, I’m addicted! Most of the blogs I’m running across are Christian Moms and I have much in common with those posters. But, I feel like I’m so behind. I could read from now til Jesus comes and I won’t scratch the service of the blogs that are out there.

Well, I guess I better get started!

Blessings,
Georgia Mom

So, the other night I’m tucking the Bear into bed. She’s complaining about how she always gets hurt; that she got hurt “like 50 million times today” (yes, she gets her drama from her Momma).

And I responded (sounding just like my Mother), “Well, there are people a lot worse off that you sweetie”.

And Bear, after a few moments of contemplation, replies “yeah, I think hobo kids have it worse than me. It would be terrible to be a hobo family. You have to sleep on the ground with the bugs and all”.

Not sure where she got “hobo kid” from, but I agree sleeping outdoors on the ground, with the bugs would be terrible.

Then yesterday MayMay, Bear and myself have to grab a quick bit to eat in between afternoon activities.

MayMay is refilling her sweet peach tea (this is the south folks), and the spout comes off the tea container and a huge stream of SWEET peach tea comes shooting straight out towards MayMay and all over the carpet and floor. IT’S POURING OUT! I try to get the spout back on, only to knock over my newly filled cup of unsweet tea and my tea goes everywhere.

We are a classy family, let me tell you.

Thankfully, I had a change of clothes for MayMay because she was soaked from head to toe.

Later The Bear was telling her Dad this story and when she gets to the part about the clean clothes she said “And Praise the Lord Daddy, Momma had clean clothes in the car”.

Yes Baby, Praise the Lord that Momma was prepared!

Have a great day and I plan on staying out this outrageous heat we’re having in the south!

Blessings,

Lara

Week two is going pretty well.

I’ve got to gym everyday (but it’s only Tuesday), my workout’s have been productive, my eating has been under 1,400 calories and I’m enjoying some much needed “me” time.

My oldest daughter is in AL visiting with my sister-in-law and my youngest daughter is at Sports Camp all week (from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, it’s a long day for her.)

So, I have had time to relax, read, workout, pray, plan my meals and catch up with friends. The time has been great, but it reminds me how much I love being with my girls! I miss them during the day.

I had my annual gyn appt. yesterday. Don’t we women just love that once a year visit. NOPE! I sure don’t, but I’ve been having lots of female related problems – the joys of turning 40… I need bifocals, my knees crack and my pelvic floor often feels like it’s going to fall out.  Lovely.

Anywho…

My OB recommends I get on birth control pills. Really? Is that the answer. Well, she seems to think it will calm everything down. But, I’m having an ultrasound (without looking at a cute baby) on Friday, to check everything out and then we’ll come up with a course of action after that.  I did some research and discovered that the “pill” has come a long way and is fine for women over 40 to take and there maybe some other health benefits.

If you have any information or experience to share about this subject, I’m all ears?

Well, I’m off to take The Bear to camp. I’m really struggling with sending her. She’s been having some experiences at camp that have really been bothering her and she flat begged me not to send her back.

We’ve been praying about it and we feel it’s best for her to go back. I may post more about this later. But, I feel like she needs try one more day to see if she can conquer these fears (keep in mind that she’s not in any danger and the things bothering her will not harm her in anyway. They are just 7 year old fears that I’m praying she can work through).

If you think about it, say a prayer for my sweet baby today :o)

Blessings,

Lara

So, how did my first week on The Biggest Loser go? Well, I’m so glad you asked…

I lost a whopping 3.8 lbs!

Normally, I would be happy with this, but as much work as I did last week, I guess I was hoping for more.

And I faced my biggest fear on the very first week.

What is my biggest fear you ask…

You might think it’s ladies in leotards… no, that doesn’t bother me. Or maybe the scales… Nah, I weigh myself all the time. Or even having to confess to a big group of women how I did that week… doesn’t bother me one bit.

My biggest fear is other peoples success.

You see, I’ve been working at this weight loss thing for a REALLY long time. And it’s VERY discouraging when other people are successful with not near as much effort as I put into it.

In the past 3 years I have completely changed my relationship with food.

I don’t binge eat. I don’t “emotion” eat. I don’t use food for comfort. I’ve learned to control my portions. I got over feeling like I “deserved” certain foods. I got rid of most if not all “white foods”.

I’ve embraced salads, low fat dressing, egg whites, lots of veggies, small portions, complex carbs, lean meats, skim milk, water and fruit. I usually know what I’m going to order at a restaurant before I step foot in the door. I can tell you just about any calorie count on most food items.  And I’m even okay skipping a meal from time to time. And it doesn’t even bother me to feel hungry occasionally.

I accept that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and I must treat it as such.

I like to exercise (but due to some physical limitations and working during the school year, I do struggle to get into a good routine).  I don’t care about what people think of me while I’m sweating away on the old treadmill at the gym. I’ll wear my bathing suit to the pool and actually get in, so I can get some exercise in. I refuse to consider weight loss surgery, it either comes off naturally or not at all. I’m not overly concerned with the latest fashions or the newest diet craze. 

I don’t want to be anyone other than myself. I actually like the person the Lord created me to be.

I’m about bringing honor to the Lord and being physically able to accomplish whatever He calls me to do. I want to be a good example to my children, I want to live a long life, I want to grow old with my husband. I want to laugh, travel, fit in an airline seat, and explore new places without pooping out too soon.

I haven’t conquered all my challenges and I still stumble, but I’ve made great strides in the past 3 years.

So, when I say I’m fearful of other peoples success, it’s because after all the work I’ve done, I feel like I should have that same success.

I’ve put off joining The Biggest Loser group at church for this very reason. It’s been my number one stumbling block. I’ve watched as these ladies have been shrinking over the past year and instead of it motivating me, it’s just made me more frustrated.

I’m SOOOO proud of my husband and his 90 lb weight loss. But, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t jealous.

I’m being brutally honest here people!

I have not ruled out the possibility that something is just not functioning properly with my body. And I’ve pursued several things and this week I have yet another appt with a Dr. to see if we can get to the bottom of why it’s been so hard for me to lose any weight.

I also realized that there’s a deep spiritual lesson in this journey for me as well. But, I’m still working through all of that.

So, I’ll face another week. My plan it to just step it up a few notches. Obviously what I’ve been doing over the past few years is not enough.  So, I’m dropping down to 1,400 calories and working out at least 5 days a week.

I also have a few other areas I need to fine tune and I’m going to work on those as well.

So, if you’ve lost weight before, have you kept it off and how? What motivates you to continue loosing weight? What do you do when you get discouraged?

Have a great week and I’m hoping to become a loser this week.

Blessings,

Lara

I have family in town so this will have to be brief (and I’ve been at the mall all day shopping and I’m tired!)

So far this week…

- I resisted a cinnamon roll from IKEA (well, I ate a bite)

- I resisted pretzels from Aunt Annie’s at the mall today (okay, I did have a small bite.)

- I resisted ordering bad at Cheesecake Factory (I had grilled chicken and steamed broccoli.)

- I resisted cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory (well, I did try one bite of each one, but think of all the overall calories I saved myself this week!)

- I’ve stayed under 1,400 calories each day.

- I’ve exercised or walk really long distances everyday this week!

- I really don’t think I’ve lost a pound.

Time will tell.

Blessings,

Lara

There are days a girl just has to “rant”.

I know nobody likes it. People find it offensive and it’s a sure fire way to kill your blog traffic.

Oh wait, I don’t have any blog traffic, so I’m in the clear!

I’m watching Good Morning America this morning (okay, that was my first mistake) and they were doing a very moving interview with Sonia Sotomayor’s brother (if you don’t know who Sonia Sotomayor is, then go do some Google research and come back later, this post will mean nothing to you without that information).

He’s visiting their old “hood” in the projects and getting all weepy about how far he and his sister have come. They were a poor Latino family that began here with nothing but a dream. They worked hard and made something of themselves. Sonia is now nominated for the Supreme Court by Obama and her brother is a Doctor.

That’s not bad for this sibling duo and to be honest they should be proud. I have great siblings, but we’re no Doctors or Judges (well, my sister is a Zumba instructor, which is kind of like practicing a form of medicine, but I don’t think anyone would let her operate on her them or anything).

So, this little interview is moving and makes you feel so proud of this family. And then I got to the thinking about the medias treatment of another female that’s been making headlines lately. Does anyone remember this sweet lady?

 

Sure, you know who she is.

She came very close to having the second highest ranking position in the country.

I liked her then. I like her now.

 

 

 

But, I sat watching this interview with Sonia’s brother Juan and couldn’t believe what I read under his picture (and I’ll paraphrase) Sonia’s brother calls her critics “insulting” and he goes on to say that “angry is just beginning of the emotion that I could describe” as he talks about the people who are saying not-so-flattering things about his sister.

So, he’s mad about the treatment his sister has received and I think he should be . No one wants to hear their loved one talked about poorly, especially by the media (unless you had a crappy sibling and then you might not care).

But, then I got to thinking about media coverage of Sarah Palin. The liberal media (basically everyone other than Fox News) raked that poor women over the coals for months!!!

I don’t remember seeing any interviews with her family members speaking out about how unfairly she was treated.  No, the media was doing everything it could to trip her up, find her out and make her out to be a fraud.

They obsessed about her clothes and how much money was spent (but they barely said about word about Michelle Obama’s 500.00 shoes she wore to a homeless shelter), they ridiculed her family, they accused her of lying about her Down’s Syndrome child, they judged her, they did everything both throw physical sticks and stones at her.

And months after the election they are still harsh to her.

Here’s what David Letterman said just the other day…

Hollywood Feuds

David Letterman’s latest target? Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska and former Republican vice-presidential candidate. Letterman took aim at Palin in his June 8, 2009 monologue, making fun of her recent trip to New York City. The late-night comic joked that she bought makeup at Bloomingdales to "update her slutty flight attendant" look and keyed the car of her famous doppelganger, Tina Fey.

Where was Sarah Palin’s siblings speaking on her behalf? Where were the sweet interviews with her family members talking about her achievements and how proud they were of her.

WHERE I ASK, WHERE???

And did the media report that Sarah Palin was cleared this week of all those ridicules ethical charges that were brought against her last fall? They certainly covered when the charges were brought against her.

I did find this article in the Washington post…

“The accusations made news, but with another dismissal of an ethics charge last week against Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential nominee has quietly been cleared of every ethics complaint filed since the torrent of allegations began in 2008.”

Does this seem unfair to anyone other than me?

I’m so saddened and sickened by the media bias that is going on in this country today. It’s obvious, it’s harsh, it’s ridicules, it’s shameful and it’s a disgrace.

But, so few people care and so few people have any actual control over what is happening. When the President of the United States starts having the ultimate authority and control over what is shown on TV, we are only step away from this guy…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does this bother anyone else?

And I’m not upset about Obama today (that was yesterday), I’m just upset at the media’s blatant bias towards conservatives.

And watching that interview this morning just got me fired up.

Okay, I think I’m done with my rant. I really should spent more time reading these blogs…

http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/

www.fabric.com

Maybe a little more time spent on my decorating skills and healthy cooking and less on world events, would do me some good.

Oh wait…

I’m a homeschool Mom, a history buff, a concerned American, news junky and a conservative. So, I guess it’s kind of my duty to be informed, aware and educated about current world events.

But after the bad taste I got in my mouth this morning, I think I need to go camp out in Psalms and remind myself that the Lord is my comforter, my Helper in time of need, my Rock, my Fortress, my Covering, my Shield.  He holds me up, protects me from my enemies and owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He is not moved, shaken or surprised. He is strong and mighty, the Alpha and Omega, the Creator of all, the giver of Life, the Healer and King.

I don’t have to fear or be transformed by this “world”, but I guess it’s okay to be concerned if it calls me to prayer or action. So, I think I’ll spend sometime in prayer for our country today. I’ll pray for Sarah Palin, that she can remain strong and keep her integrity intake under all the pressure and slander.

Soap box has been officially dismantled.

Biggest Loser updates will return tomorrow :o)

Blessings,

Lara

I’m hungry!

1,400 calories is not as much as it seems. But, I’m not complaining. It’s just a fact.

My day started off slow. I had a horrible nights sleep last night. I tossed and turned until around midnight. Finally I decided to get up, take some Tylenol and just crashed on the couch all night.  I think my legs were just restless, but sleeping on the couch never affords me a good nights sleep.

Two cups of coffee, the Biggest Loser Oatmeal, prayer time and some Fox News got me up and going – Eventually.

A close friend came over this morning. I was taking her on an inaugural trip to IKEA. You just haven’t shopped, until you’ve shopped IKEA.

I knew it would be a while before I would eat lunch, so I grab a bag of grapes, blueberries and raw almonds, about 2 Tbls each. It was the perfect snack!

We had a WONDERFUL time at IKEA. Our younger girls got to play in the childcare area, while MayMay acted as our personal shopper and carried our bags (that sounds bad, but it was what she wanted).

We got the girls from the kids area and had lunch. Lunch at IKEA is cheap! But, it wasn’t on my Biggest Loser plan, so I had some choices to make. I got a small greek salad and the kids meal of Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes. I ate all of it! I should/could have left the potatoes, but it was such a small portion.

A few hours and 2 shopping carts full later, we left. But, not without stopping to partake in IKEA’s cinnamon rolls. I firmly believe that they pipe that cinnamony roll goodness smell right to the cash registers. You can’t escape its pull! And we did not resist the temptation. But I, however, only ate one bite of my friends and 1 bite of the Bear’s. I enjoyed my cup of coffee and felt like I dodge a bullet.

After a long trip home and a short rest period, I took the girls to the pool for a couple of hours (hubby was at the shooting range with some guys from church).

I fully intended to get into the pool and swim some laps. I hadn’t made it to the gym and despite having walked almost a quarter of a half marathon, I still wanted to get a work out in.

Unfortunately, the pool was packed and this Momma doesn’t do packed pools. So, I sat at my table and enjoyed my book.

I have to admit it was just short of FANTASTIC. The evening was nice, the kids had a blast and I enjoyed hiding in the corner with a good book.

So, all and all I had a good day. I’m sure I stayed under 1,400 calories and did get a good walk in, despite not getting a good workout.

Tomorrow is another story and I have a big challenge to face – my inlaws.

My inlaws are great, but I sometimes have a hard time sticking to a strict eating plan with company here. But, I will do my best, I will try my hardest and come Saturday we’ll see it all shakes down.

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
         For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:10

My question of the day is…

Do you have any good strategies for dealing with eating out?

Blessings,

Lara