Yeah, fiber is important but so is fat...because you'd think as much fiber as this girl eats and as much water as I drink....well...things would always go smoothly shall we say....but nope....body does need a certain amount of fat...the healthy kind. So gotta make sure I get plenty of that and am not scrimpin!
We leave tomorrow for Mississippi for New Years. I have my plans for what I am going to eat and my snacks all fixed up. I have whole wheat bread rising and I am going to going to grill some chicken this afternoon for snacks and chicken salad for the road. The trip should be a 8 hour trip but always takes MUCH longer. I wish we could all wear depends and pretend we are astronauts in love and just get there........hahahahahaha.
I made some Mojito Chicken the other night that was the bomb! I miss a store we had in California and MA called Trader Joes. They had a simmering sauce called Mojito Sauce. I understand they don't sell it anymore. Well, I did my best to imitate it and I must say...it was a pretty close match. It was a mixture of fresh orange juice, lime juice, lots of garlic, onion, cilantro, cumin, oregano, black pepper and sea salt with a small amount of olive oil, and some cider vinegar. We had it with black beans and rice. Well, they had the rice...I had mine with wheat berries of course.....no white rice for me.
I was telling Kent this morning since I have changed what I eat and workout everyday...I can't sleep in anymore. I am just really tired. I am definitely tired at night and sleep very well at night. In the mornings however...I just don't feel like I used to and can't go back to sleep or sleep late. Energy makes energy. That's a good thing. He says he noticed I don't snore either. Funny how just 20 pounds can change something like that. I remember when I used to wake up sort of catching my breath as if I had been crying or something....that doesn't happen any more. Change is good...It's all good.
I am looking forward to Mississippi. I do love being out in the country and it seems like there is nothing to worry about. We don't really mess with the internet because it's not worth it...it's too slow. TV isn't worth watching. My inlaws have a horse now...there is cows...a pony...chickens.....My mother in law lets the kids just have fun and be kids.....not much is off limits to them. She's a fun grandma...and fixes all their favorites. I'll have to get creative in my workout....find a road to walk up and down but I'll do it....no problems there. I am getting up at 5 in the morning to go work out before we leave so that takes care of tomorrow. I will work out after we get back...on Friday....so just have to make sure I work out Wednesday and Thursday while we are there.
Off to pack and clean out the car and get everything ready to rock and roll!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
More Thoughts!
When we were in Cape Cod I saw a councilor who I really thought the world of and he taught me a lot in a very short time. He seemed like one of those people who has spent a lot of time searching for his soul or zen or whatever you might call it. He's Jewish and I loved his perspective on the Savior and how he knows that we as Christians talk about loving one another but we have such a hard time loving ourselves. This has to come first. Self love is really, really hard because we are so critical of ourselves and we see our every flaw and imperfection.
He always had wonderful stories and antidotes to tell me and I hope I don't butcher them but I'd like to share a couple.
One of the things he always told me was to learn to observe instead of push away, push down, forget.....just observe....learn to say...."okay....yeah....I am frustrated, I am sad, I am angry, I am whatever I am".....acknowledge it, and then go from there. It's kind of like if we think if we pretend something isn't really isn't there....we think it really won't be but reality is...it is there. So hey...acknowledge it...and then move forward.
On that same note...he gave me an analogy. He said one day...."what happens when there is a muddy, stinky puddle of water on the ground and we just throw a tarp over it to try to cover it up to make it appear as if it's not there?" To that I replied..."well, it gets gross, and green, and nastier under there."
Then he said...."What happens if you just let the puddle alone, and let it be where the sun can shine down on it?" And I said...."Eventually, it'll dry up and you'll never know it was there....there might be a small hint of it but it won't be such a muddy mess."
Lastly.....he told me a little story...and I might mess it up but you'll get the gist of it.
He said...Napoleon and his Generals were high on there horses riding up and down inspecting thousands of troops before a huge battle they were going to fight. It was very cold and conditions were bad and odds weren't favorable. They came to a man who was standing there shaking and crying but not out of formation. Napoleon stopped and got down off his horse and walked up to the man and spoke to him. Napoleon's other General could not hear the conversation but was irritated that it was holding up the march. He noticed Napoleon take his warm coat and wrap it around the man, pat his shoulders and then he left him climbed back on his horse and the march continued. The General could not stand it any longer and and finally asked what Napoleon had said to that "blithering coward". Napoleon answered him..."That is not a blithering coward. That is the bravest man I know. The bravest man I know is one who knows what his fears are yet continues to march forward in the face of them."
So I am trying to march...........................
He always had wonderful stories and antidotes to tell me and I hope I don't butcher them but I'd like to share a couple.
One of the things he always told me was to learn to observe instead of push away, push down, forget.....just observe....learn to say...."okay....yeah....I am frustrated, I am sad, I am angry, I am whatever I am".....acknowledge it, and then go from there. It's kind of like if we think if we pretend something isn't really isn't there....we think it really won't be but reality is...it is there. So hey...acknowledge it...and then move forward.
On that same note...he gave me an analogy. He said one day...."what happens when there is a muddy, stinky puddle of water on the ground and we just throw a tarp over it to try to cover it up to make it appear as if it's not there?" To that I replied..."well, it gets gross, and green, and nastier under there."
Then he said...."What happens if you just let the puddle alone, and let it be where the sun can shine down on it?" And I said...."Eventually, it'll dry up and you'll never know it was there....there might be a small hint of it but it won't be such a muddy mess."
Lastly.....he told me a little story...and I might mess it up but you'll get the gist of it.
He said...Napoleon and his Generals were high on there horses riding up and down inspecting thousands of troops before a huge battle they were going to fight. It was very cold and conditions were bad and odds weren't favorable. They came to a man who was standing there shaking and crying but not out of formation. Napoleon stopped and got down off his horse and walked up to the man and spoke to him. Napoleon's other General could not hear the conversation but was irritated that it was holding up the march. He noticed Napoleon take his warm coat and wrap it around the man, pat his shoulders and then he left him climbed back on his horse and the march continued. The General could not stand it any longer and and finally asked what Napoleon had said to that "blithering coward". Napoleon answered him..."That is not a blithering coward. That is the bravest man I know. The bravest man I know is one who knows what his fears are yet continues to march forward in the face of them."
So I am trying to march...........................
Wonder why I post so much?
Because it's now like a journal....and once upon a time...I liked to journal....so this is the new "techno journal" and me likey!
Greediness Never Was Happiness.....
You know I have said all along this isn't about wanting to be a certain size or weight. I have really had to give myself a certain tsk...tsking lately because I sit around thinking in my head...."well if I have lost this much in this amount of time...then at that rate...if I can lose this much more by such and such date, and blah blah blah...." getting greedy. Okay...maybe not greedy but I need to be careful. Doing stuff like that is good and bad. It is good because it shows hope and motivation... It is bad because it sets me up for failure because losing at the rate I am is not normal and it's not going to last...it is going to slow down eventually and that is okay....I need to remember that is what is good and healthy. A slow, steady weight loss is what is best for me and my goals.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Oh yeah, and one more thing....or two
About the power.
Another thing I was thinking about "power". While I was walking the day after Christmas....when I was pondering power...is that right now....I am not diabetic...I do not have heart disease or high blood pressure and for that I am so lucky because being as overweight as I am...I easily could....
So I need to do something while I can...while I have the power to do it. If I waited until I have serious health conditions that have pushed me to a whole other level well I have given some of that power away and I don't want to do that. I do have high cholesterol but I am busting my butt to get that down and I believe I will. I am a POWER RANGER......arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
(you have to have a sense of humor here!)
Oh yeah...and I got on the scale this morning and I have lost 20.4 pounds since the 1st of December and it's only the 27th. Nope, I am not starving myself...far from it. I eat and well....I just eat lots of lean turkey, chicken, very little red meat, lots of HIGH fiber foods, no sugar, lots of water, no soda, coffee, tea, alcohol, lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and dried beans (cooked of course) nuts, good oils, and I work out 6 days a week at the gym. I eat small snacks with a protein and veg or fruit in between meals to keep my metabolism going. No diet pills or anything like that....and I think fiber keeps me satisfied. No diet here....just changed how I cook and how we eat.
Toodles!
Another thing I was thinking about "power". While I was walking the day after Christmas....when I was pondering power...is that right now....I am not diabetic...I do not have heart disease or high blood pressure and for that I am so lucky because being as overweight as I am...I easily could....
So I need to do something while I can...while I have the power to do it. If I waited until I have serious health conditions that have pushed me to a whole other level well I have given some of that power away and I don't want to do that. I do have high cholesterol but I am busting my butt to get that down and I believe I will. I am a POWER RANGER......arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
(you have to have a sense of humor here!)
Oh yeah...and I got on the scale this morning and I have lost 20.4 pounds since the 1st of December and it's only the 27th. Nope, I am not starving myself...far from it. I eat and well....I just eat lots of lean turkey, chicken, very little red meat, lots of HIGH fiber foods, no sugar, lots of water, no soda, coffee, tea, alcohol, lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and dried beans (cooked of course) nuts, good oils, and I work out 6 days a week at the gym. I eat small snacks with a protein and veg or fruit in between meals to keep my metabolism going. No diet pills or anything like that....and I think fiber keeps me satisfied. No diet here....just changed how I cook and how we eat.
Toodles!
NOTHING HALF ASSED!
NO HALF ASSED!
Nope, not doing it this time. I have spent my life doing half assed. I definitely am not one with half an ass! I am a full ass kind of girl....big giant one at that right now. Hopefully by the time I work my ass off in about a year I will be truly half assed but for now...nope! But....I am not doing this half assed.....not doing the dipping the toe in the water to test it out....I am a bowling ball dead center down the isle ready to make my strike! I am a linebacker...knocking all the little guys out of my way. I will do this....no half ass about it....I will do this!
Someone asked me what my goal weight is. Well, my goal is to be no longer considered "medically overweight". How's that for an answer. So I have a huge mountain to climb but climbing is good for the ass...I mean gluts.....hahahahahahaha...I had to say that...(you know I had to)
Nope, not doing it this time. I have spent my life doing half assed. I definitely am not one with half an ass! I am a full ass kind of girl....big giant one at that right now. Hopefully by the time I work my ass off in about a year I will be truly half assed but for now...nope! But....I am not doing this half assed.....not doing the dipping the toe in the water to test it out....I am a bowling ball dead center down the isle ready to make my strike! I am a linebacker...knocking all the little guys out of my way. I will do this....no half ass about it....I will do this!
Someone asked me what my goal weight is. Well, my goal is to be no longer considered "medically overweight". How's that for an answer. So I have a huge mountain to climb but climbing is good for the ass...I mean gluts.....hahahahahahaha...I had to say that...(you know I had to)
I can be salty sometimes!
I was driving back from taking my daughter to the airport and it was just me and my thoughts. Dangerous...I know. My kids laugh at me sometimes...because I am such a big thinker.....
I thought for some who may read this...they may think I am a bit salty or turse in my chose of words...and for that I will just publicly apologize now and after that...well you've been warned and I just have to say get over it. So I will make this short and sweet and move on to my next post....and you'll get my saltiness....and for those who know me and love me...well you'll just say...yeah...that's Amy!
I thought for some who may read this...they may think I am a bit salty or turse in my chose of words...and for that I will just publicly apologize now and after that...well you've been warned and I just have to say get over it. So I will make this short and sweet and move on to my next post....and you'll get my saltiness....and for those who know me and love me...well you'll just say...yeah...that's Amy!
Friday, December 26, 2008
I am going to type fast because I need to get to bed but I have thoughts...thoughts...thoughts....racing round my head. I am going to work on this blog. I am changing the name....so stay tuned. I wanted to at least put words not paper but in space I suppose...internet space....some things that came to me today while I was walking. Yeah...today...day after Christmas I was power walking. I did my 45 minutes....I had to....I was thinking about "Power" and "Blame"....and how...I suppose in my life....I have given too much of that to other people....you know? Okay...perhaps you don't...whoever "you" are...the invisible "you" are that might read this. What I mean is.....No one is to blame for why I am the way I am.....that gives people power and I realise that no one has any power over me. I have it all....yep....I have the POWER.....it's all inside me....to change who I am....to become who I want to become....to be the sculpture. I am not giving anyone....not ANYONE in my past, present...future that kind of power in my life....it's mine....yeah....I am finally selfish....my life to direct....
The other observation I made was I was on this road and there was a sign at the end of it with an arrow that turn right. The sign let me know that there was a change ahead. I was starting to get tired..it was nearing the end of my walk and my heart rate was up and as I look toward the sign...I said to myself...well I can see that sign...it's not that far...the change is not that too far away....I'll push ahead....and wouldn't you know.....as I got up to the sign I realized that it was just a warning to me....that the sign was placed a little early in the road....I was going to have a go just a little further before the the big change....so I had to push on. Some may think it's corney but I saw something in that arrow pointing to the right. My life right now is full of them and I have to keep my eye on them...because I am working so hard on making lots of big changes. My history has proven that I get really scared when I get close to the prize and I back up and start backing up. I am doing all I can to keep up the momentum and motivation. I am saving my life. I am one selfish lady! That's me!
That's all for tonight!
The other observation I made was I was on this road and there was a sign at the end of it with an arrow that turn right. The sign let me know that there was a change ahead. I was starting to get tired..it was nearing the end of my walk and my heart rate was up and as I look toward the sign...I said to myself...well I can see that sign...it's not that far...the change is not that too far away....I'll push ahead....and wouldn't you know.....as I got up to the sign I realized that it was just a warning to me....that the sign was placed a little early in the road....I was going to have a go just a little further before the the big change....so I had to push on. Some may think it's corney but I saw something in that arrow pointing to the right. My life right now is full of them and I have to keep my eye on them...because I am working so hard on making lots of big changes. My history has proven that I get really scared when I get close to the prize and I back up and start backing up. I am doing all I can to keep up the momentum and motivation. I am saving my life. I am one selfish lady! That's me!
That's all for tonight!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Goo Gone is my friend!
You'd have "thunk" the kids would be the first to do it but no...........I did it! I admit it...I DID IT!
I have this cool candle warmer and I have it setting on the "bar" above my kitchen sink. I have a nice smelling pumpkin candle warming there. I was cleaning and decided to dust and wouldn't you know...I knocked it over and spilled wax everywhere including my carpet. THANK YOU GOO GONE! You got up most of it and I am amazed and ticked at myself for not being more careful!
I have this cool candle warmer and I have it setting on the "bar" above my kitchen sink. I have a nice smelling pumpkin candle warming there. I was cleaning and decided to dust and wouldn't you know...I knocked it over and spilled wax everywhere including my carpet. THANK YOU GOO GONE! You got up most of it and I am amazed and ticked at myself for not being more careful!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
It's in the 50's outside...Nice
After experiencing "true cold" last fall and winter in MA....Fall here is shaping up nicely. It's crisp and dry outside today and not suppose to get out of the 60's.
Have I said that Fall and Spring are my two favorite seasons of the year? Of course I had never experienced a real "Fall" until last year on Cape Cod. That was amazing...the colors of the leaves were spectacular....the cranberry bogs....floating the berries...I'll miss that. At least I have the memories, huh?
I have decorated a little bit for the season already. I miss my dear friend Tammy and how she would have her home so decked out. Yes, I have the pumpkin spice candles on warmers...the fake leaves on the entertainment center....my little Pilgrams and Indians that Pretty T was going to give away to the thrift store but I rescued them. I even made a cornicopia with flowers in it.
Outside Justin and I spread out the spider webs, put some "gravestones" in the flower bed and set out the blow up ghost on a pumpkin. It looks so cool and of course Justin is a fan....so if he's happy....the whole world should be happy.
Have I said that Fall and Spring are my two favorite seasons of the year? Of course I had never experienced a real "Fall" until last year on Cape Cod. That was amazing...the colors of the leaves were spectacular....the cranberry bogs....floating the berries...I'll miss that. At least I have the memories, huh?
I have decorated a little bit for the season already. I miss my dear friend Tammy and how she would have her home so decked out. Yes, I have the pumpkin spice candles on warmers...the fake leaves on the entertainment center....my little Pilgrams and Indians that Pretty T was going to give away to the thrift store but I rescued them. I even made a cornicopia with flowers in it.
Outside Justin and I spread out the spider webs, put some "gravestones" in the flower bed and set out the blow up ghost on a pumpkin. It looks so cool and of course Justin is a fan....so if he's happy....the whole world should be happy.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Let the blogging begin.
So here I am....I am finally going to take this leap and start a blog. I am willing to give it a whirl. I have enjoyed reading the blogs of so many talented and creative people that I know. I wonder if I'll figure it out and be able to make my look all snazzy.....time will tell huh.
I thought I would begin by telling a bit about myself for those who have forgotten about me....hahahaha...just kidding. For those whom I have lost touch with (my bad)...here's a quick synopsis of the past couple of years......I am definitely not going to go to far back in to the past because I don't think I like blogging THAT MUCH! (grin)
We moved to Houston back in June of this year after having lived on Cape Cod, MA for a year. That was an amazing experience and though we thought it was a beautiful place....we were glad to only be there a year. I always thought I'd love to live in a place where it snows in the winter. The snow was magical but digging out the driveway only to have the snow plows push it all back was no fun. It was cool though to especially see Justin get so excited when those flakes would fall from the sky...he'd open the door and watch it come down.
Before we were in Cape Cod....we lived in Concord, CA where my husband was stationed on a Coast Guard Cutter out of Alameda, CA. So we lived in the East Bay Area. California was fun....and beautiful.....way too liberal for me but it was an amazing experience. After a couple of years of trying...we were finally blessed with our Justin there. He's our "tubal reversal" baby so living proof it can be done. He's been such a wonderful addition to our family. I love how each one of the older kids has such a special relationship with him. It's fun....and being a little bit older having him ....it just seems easier. He'll turn 3 in just two weeks and time is going by too fast.
So back to Houston.....our eldest Kelley is a junior in high school. She's that lovely "dating" age and has no shortage of suitors. We just got her dress for the Homecoming Dance. I told Kent I am going to have to practice on her hair for the dance. I have a feeling I'll be doing lots of "hair doos" over the next couple of years between Kelley and Katie. I think he needs to get to polishing his guns! Ha!Ha! Kelley is beautiful and is really talented. She has taught herself to play guitar, she is an awesome artist and is a crazy blast to be around unless she is moody.......then it's just "whatever or fine" and a shoulder shrugg! Can anyone relate?
Katie is in 7th grade. When she was born she was called "beauty" and she truly is. She's a character and has horse blinders when it comes to school and what she wants to accomplish. I don't think I have ever met a kid so self motivated. She told me this summer that she wants to make straight A's this year. So far she has accomplished that even with taking 3 honors classes. She did have an 88 in band which really made her sour. I don't exactly how that happened because this kid practices (percussion) like crazy. She says she doesn't want to be in the band next year because she isn't good at it. I think it's more because she's mad about that 88 they gave her. She has an amazing spirit and is very dedicated to the gospel.....she keeps me on my toes.
Logan is in 5th grade. I wonder how to describe Logan......he's got a quirky sense of humor....a bad temper....enjoys a good "whine" without the cheese of course (hahahaha) He is in to his video games...and has discovered a flair for writing. He's really good. Logan is very loving and does very well in school but makes sure we know that he hates school.....I wonder what the future holds....hmmmmmmmmmmmm He recently turned 11 so is in the 11 year old scouts and is going on his first overnight camp out next week. He is so excited. I am excited for him.
Justin's birthday is 2 weeks from today. He is a mess....He can hold a conversation with anyone....he loves to read and sing and play outside. It's scary how he has this amazing comprehension of things....he gets "it".....doesn't matter what "it" is....he understands. He's a joy...and keeps us on our toes. At this age he has gotten to that fiercly independent stage. He was completely potty trained by age two and now insists on picking out his own clothes and dressing himself. Pockets don't always belong on the back of the pants do they? And shirts backwards just make it possibly for the folks to read all those cute sayings or look at the pictures too...right? He's fun....his favorite book is "Chica Chica Boom Boom".
Kent is in the Coast Guard. He's got over 16 years in. He's been in Alaska twice, Corpus twice, then CA, MA and now in Houston. He's happy to be in a place where he can actually hunt again. He went two weeks ago and got his first deer in I don't know how long. He's my hunter, fisherman and it's nice to see him get back to that and have something to think about other than work. He lights up when he talks about it ....he grew up in the country and doing the things he loves. I know he wishes we had a couple of acres now with a stocked pond and deer roaming freely....but that day will come.
So we finally bought our first home here in Houston. After years of cookie cutter military houses....we finally bit the bullet and bought one. We actually had it built for us which was an exciting adventure. I have to admit...it's no fun buying a home and having it built while your thousands of miles away. Kent flew down and picked out the house. (so if there is ever anything I don't like about it...I can say..."well, you picked it!"....Just kidding) He looked at a bunch in different areas but decided on this neighborhood and floor plan. I got to fly down....3 days alone...amazing....and I picked out the brick color, house color, interior colors, granite, fixtures, etc. I guess I had a part in the plan too.......hahahahah. We love the house....we don't love the power bills and plenty of "do nots and won't haves" on our list for our next home....It's a beautiful home though and the kids love being here without that feeling of ..."we'll be moving again" in 4 years. Kelley will graduate, Katie will and perhaps even Logan before we move again to that "rocking chair" home.....Hopefully that home will be somewhere in the Texas Hill country on a couple of acres with a tin roof, wrap around porch and stone fireplace. We have those dreams in the works.
What about me? Who am I? I am still working on that.....I have a medical coding class that I am supposed to be taking but need a good kick in the rear....to get back to it. I spend way too much time on the computer....need to lose weight.....have all kinds of projects I'd like to start but don't know where to begin. I recently became a "great aunt" for the first time so want to meet my new great nephew soon. I love to cook and bake. I consider myself a "jack of all trades...master of none" and I am usually pretty good at most things I try....just don't ever wrap myself around one thing long enough to get amazing at it. I have learned a lot in the past couple of years. I think the biggest lesson is how strong I am...There have been some experiences that have really thrown me for a loop but I know I am not along....I have my faith...I have prayer...I have my family, my church family and my military family. When Kent was on the ship for months at a time....all hell would break loose at home...it never failed....but somehow everything always worked out. I am very grateful for those times....they strenghthened me....and taught me how to be a better mother and wife....and NO..........wouldn't want to do it again in a million years. :)
I do love living back in Texas. It's nice being so close to family again where we can get to know them better........especially the kids. We took a trip to Mississippi to visit Kent's family over the long Columbus Day weekend and then my parents came by for Saturday night and stayed until Sunday this weekend. We have missed everyone being so far away and all the holidays and such. We want the kids to know their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...etc....it's important. That is one of the hardest things about being in the military....it's really hard to maintain that familiarity with family when your so far away.
So there's my jumping off point....a little about me and the family. I have no idea where this blog will take me....it's just another project I suppose....but hopefully one I can actually master. I can become the "Queen Blogger".....LOL
Much Love To All!!!!
I thought I would begin by telling a bit about myself for those who have forgotten about me....hahahaha...just kidding. For those whom I have lost touch with (my bad)...here's a quick synopsis of the past couple of years......I am definitely not going to go to far back in to the past because I don't think I like blogging THAT MUCH! (grin)
We moved to Houston back in June of this year after having lived on Cape Cod, MA for a year. That was an amazing experience and though we thought it was a beautiful place....we were glad to only be there a year. I always thought I'd love to live in a place where it snows in the winter. The snow was magical but digging out the driveway only to have the snow plows push it all back was no fun. It was cool though to especially see Justin get so excited when those flakes would fall from the sky...he'd open the door and watch it come down.
Before we were in Cape Cod....we lived in Concord, CA where my husband was stationed on a Coast Guard Cutter out of Alameda, CA. So we lived in the East Bay Area. California was fun....and beautiful.....way too liberal for me but it was an amazing experience. After a couple of years of trying...we were finally blessed with our Justin there. He's our "tubal reversal" baby so living proof it can be done. He's been such a wonderful addition to our family. I love how each one of the older kids has such a special relationship with him. It's fun....and being a little bit older having him ....it just seems easier. He'll turn 3 in just two weeks and time is going by too fast.
So back to Houston.....our eldest Kelley is a junior in high school. She's that lovely "dating" age and has no shortage of suitors. We just got her dress for the Homecoming Dance. I told Kent I am going to have to practice on her hair for the dance. I have a feeling I'll be doing lots of "hair doos" over the next couple of years between Kelley and Katie. I think he needs to get to polishing his guns! Ha!Ha! Kelley is beautiful and is really talented. She has taught herself to play guitar, she is an awesome artist and is a crazy blast to be around unless she is moody.......then it's just "whatever or fine" and a shoulder shrugg! Can anyone relate?
Katie is in 7th grade. When she was born she was called "beauty" and she truly is. She's a character and has horse blinders when it comes to school and what she wants to accomplish. I don't think I have ever met a kid so self motivated. She told me this summer that she wants to make straight A's this year. So far she has accomplished that even with taking 3 honors classes. She did have an 88 in band which really made her sour. I don't exactly how that happened because this kid practices (percussion) like crazy. She says she doesn't want to be in the band next year because she isn't good at it. I think it's more because she's mad about that 88 they gave her. She has an amazing spirit and is very dedicated to the gospel.....she keeps me on my toes.
Logan is in 5th grade. I wonder how to describe Logan......he's got a quirky sense of humor....a bad temper....enjoys a good "whine" without the cheese of course (hahahaha) He is in to his video games...and has discovered a flair for writing. He's really good. Logan is very loving and does very well in school but makes sure we know that he hates school.....I wonder what the future holds....hmmmmmmmmmmmm He recently turned 11 so is in the 11 year old scouts and is going on his first overnight camp out next week. He is so excited. I am excited for him.
Justin's birthday is 2 weeks from today. He is a mess....He can hold a conversation with anyone....he loves to read and sing and play outside. It's scary how he has this amazing comprehension of things....he gets "it".....doesn't matter what "it" is....he understands. He's a joy...and keeps us on our toes. At this age he has gotten to that fiercly independent stage. He was completely potty trained by age two and now insists on picking out his own clothes and dressing himself. Pockets don't always belong on the back of the pants do they? And shirts backwards just make it possibly for the folks to read all those cute sayings or look at the pictures too...right? He's fun....his favorite book is "Chica Chica Boom Boom".
Kent is in the Coast Guard. He's got over 16 years in. He's been in Alaska twice, Corpus twice, then CA, MA and now in Houston. He's happy to be in a place where he can actually hunt again. He went two weeks ago and got his first deer in I don't know how long. He's my hunter, fisherman and it's nice to see him get back to that and have something to think about other than work. He lights up when he talks about it ....he grew up in the country and doing the things he loves. I know he wishes we had a couple of acres now with a stocked pond and deer roaming freely....but that day will come.
So we finally bought our first home here in Houston. After years of cookie cutter military houses....we finally bit the bullet and bought one. We actually had it built for us which was an exciting adventure. I have to admit...it's no fun buying a home and having it built while your thousands of miles away. Kent flew down and picked out the house. (so if there is ever anything I don't like about it...I can say..."well, you picked it!"....Just kidding) He looked at a bunch in different areas but decided on this neighborhood and floor plan. I got to fly down....3 days alone...amazing....and I picked out the brick color, house color, interior colors, granite, fixtures, etc. I guess I had a part in the plan too.......hahahahah. We love the house....we don't love the power bills and plenty of "do nots and won't haves" on our list for our next home....It's a beautiful home though and the kids love being here without that feeling of ..."we'll be moving again" in 4 years. Kelley will graduate, Katie will and perhaps even Logan before we move again to that "rocking chair" home.....Hopefully that home will be somewhere in the Texas Hill country on a couple of acres with a tin roof, wrap around porch and stone fireplace. We have those dreams in the works.
What about me? Who am I? I am still working on that.....I have a medical coding class that I am supposed to be taking but need a good kick in the rear....to get back to it. I spend way too much time on the computer....need to lose weight.....have all kinds of projects I'd like to start but don't know where to begin. I recently became a "great aunt" for the first time so want to meet my new great nephew soon. I love to cook and bake. I consider myself a "jack of all trades...master of none" and I am usually pretty good at most things I try....just don't ever wrap myself around one thing long enough to get amazing at it. I have learned a lot in the past couple of years. I think the biggest lesson is how strong I am...There have been some experiences that have really thrown me for a loop but I know I am not along....I have my faith...I have prayer...I have my family, my church family and my military family. When Kent was on the ship for months at a time....all hell would break loose at home...it never failed....but somehow everything always worked out. I am very grateful for those times....they strenghthened me....and taught me how to be a better mother and wife....and NO..........wouldn't want to do it again in a million years. :)
I do love living back in Texas. It's nice being so close to family again where we can get to know them better........especially the kids. We took a trip to Mississippi to visit Kent's family over the long Columbus Day weekend and then my parents came by for Saturday night and stayed until Sunday this weekend. We have missed everyone being so far away and all the holidays and such. We want the kids to know their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...etc....it's important. That is one of the hardest things about being in the military....it's really hard to maintain that familiarity with family when your so far away.
So there's my jumping off point....a little about me and the family. I have no idea where this blog will take me....it's just another project I suppose....but hopefully one I can actually master. I can become the "Queen Blogger".....LOL
Much Love To All!!!!
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