Day 1 of Noah's Potty Training!!

Noah has been showing some interest in the potty but normally tells me 'potty' after he's gone or as he's going. Today I just happened to look over at him & see him trying to go poo, so I put him on the potty. I was real happy to see that his diaper was poop free :D After a couple minutes he went both poo & pee in the potty!!! I was so excited & I let him know what a good job that was so hopefully it will encourage him to go on the potty more :D

I am NOT Fake... But I am NOT Perfect!!

I am NOT fake... But I am NOT perfect.

I try to be kind to ALL God's creatures... But it's not always easy to be nice to those who are rude to you.

I do my best not to cuss... But I will admit one slips my lips every now & then.

I try to love everyone... But its hard to love those who hurt you.

I try not to judge those around me... But sometimes I feel better when I see the flaws of others rather than my own.

I try not to be a hypocrite... But tell me one person who is not.

I try to read my Bible & pray every day... But sometimes it's easier just to turn on the TV.

I try to live for God daily... But sometimes I just want to do what I want & not what HE wants for me.

I try to go to church every Sunday & Wednesday services... but sometimes it's easier to sleep in or sit back.

I am NOT fake, what you see is what you get... But I am NOT perfect, what you see is what you get!!

written by: Shannon M. Graham May 16, 2010

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:

YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES

You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
( Philippians 4:13)

You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
( Philippians 4:19)

You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

If I Had My Life To Live Over...

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.


I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.'

There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute ~ look at it and really see it ~ live it and never give it back.

STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Blog

For those of you who read my blog, Thank you. There will be more to come soon. However in the meantime I am recommending a newly formed blog that I absolutely enjoy reading :D My mom Karen(who I think is a talented writer) is the owner of this blog.. http://karen-karensrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/

Today

Very overwhelmed today. A little depressed feeling. Missed church tonight, which didn't help. Gonna go read my Bible & pray, after I put the kids too bed. They have been a little frustrating today but I love them and wouldn't trade my frustrating days with them for anything. Thank you God for another day to spend with my precious little blessings!

Haven't exercised yet today, hoping to summon the energy to do a little something tonight, not sure though.

Fitness Log

This morning Richard & I did a workout geared towards our abs & legs for about 40min. I also just finished a 27min workout with Biggest Loser video concentrating on upper & lower body strength.

Fitness Log

Well, I just finished a 30min workout with my Biggest Loser Last Chance Workout Video. It was really 40mins long but I started feeling queasy & I didn't want to push myself too much considering I was so weak most of yesterday.

Weight Journal

I weighed myself this morning & I now weigh 211.2lbs. Unfortunately I lost weight by being sick but now all I have to do is continue to loose the weight the healthy way. I was not able to workout this past weekend but hope to do some today.

Fitness Log

Wednesday March 10th-Richard had me outside jogging & sprinting, which the kids enjoyed being pushed by daddy while he was jogging :D. Then we did push-ups, dips & a couple other arm exercises. Two days later & I'm still sore.

Thursday March 11-Yesterday was a busy day so we didn't get a chance to workout. My mom babysat for us while we went to an early lunch then a movie, followed by good ole grocery shopping. Then we took mom to Donna's Birthday party (sorry I couldn't stay) & ran a couple more errands, came home, ate dinner & were in bed by 10. Didn't get to spend a whole lot of quality time with Emily & Noah so hoping to make up for that today. Oh I also weighed myself & I am currently at 213lbs.

Friday March 12th-Haven't exercised yet today but will be doing so later, will post then.

Fitness Log

So Richard became my 'workout trainer' today. It was nice because I enjoy having someone to workout with & he won't let me slack off. We did 30min of ab & leg workouts. I feel a little sore but it felt great, we'll see what he has planned for tomorrow.

Fitness Log

So yesterday I wasn't really able to workout but I did do a lot of running back & forth doing things. Today I mowed the lawn which I had to go over twice to get it done as short as I want it. That took about an hour & was a good workout with our lawn mower.

Well...

I know I have been really bad about keeping up with my blog. It is more out of guilt then anything else. I have been making obesity jokes about myself lately to let people know that I am OK with how big I am, but if you really know me you can see right through those. I have gained 15lbs since Christmas. That really isn't far enough away to ever gain that much. I have been going through some things mentally & spiritually that I hope with God's grace that I(We) are finally over coming these obstacles. If you think of it, please pray for my long journey mentally, spiritually & physically.

Weight Journal: I now weigh a grand total of 210.6lbs.

Fitness Journal: Richard & I took the kids on a 30min walk today around the neighborhood. I also have a new workout video called, The Biggest Loser: Last Chance Workout that I did today. So my total workout time(including the walk) was 1hr & 10min.

RED MARBLES

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.

I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.
Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.

'Hello Barry, how are you today?'

'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'

'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'

'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'

'Good. Anything I can help you with?'

'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'

'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller.

'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'

'All I got's my prize marble here.'

'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller.

'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'

'I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.

'Not zackley but almost..'

'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.

'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves
to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'

I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.

They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.

Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket.

Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly , wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.

'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt.'

'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho '

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her
deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

The Moral : We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath..

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself...An unexpected phone call from an old friend...Green stoplights on your way to work...The fastest line at the grocery store...A good sing-along song on the radio...Your keys found right where you left them.

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED

Week #1{Again}

Well I felt the need to start my weight loss journal & fitness journal over since I have worked out only a handful of times the past 1 1/2 months & I haven't weighed myself until this morning. I regretfully say that I am now 204.6lbs. This is another area in my life that I know I NEED to change. So, here it is. I am starting this weight loss journal again & prayerfully I will have weight LOSS to show every week.

A New Look On Life

Last night I went to a conference at Faith Baptist Church in Tacoma. My 'old' Pastor from Hopewell Baptist in Napa, CA was preaching. He preached a great sermon about Fishing for Jesus & to not take your pole out of the water when things get tough or you get discouraged, you don't know what blessings are coming down stream. God spoke to my heart through that sermon. I feel like I pulled my pole out of the water a long time ago.

Watching the sunrise this morning I couldn't help but think about my relationship with God or the lack thereof. I had a real urge to read my Bible which honestly I have struggled with that want for a long time. I read today Matt. 13-15 & it truly spoke to my heart. It made me think about what kind of Christian am I. I still go to church, I still love God, I still learn new things but my life is not where I should be.

I haven't spoken up about God outside of church in a while because I've been to 'scared' of what people would think. I haven't led anyone to the Lord in a very long time. My heart just hasn't been in the right place. I don't know exactly what God has in store for my life, but I do know that I am finally ready to listen & go where He wants me.

Please pray for me in this time as I know Satan will be attacking me & my family as I grow stronger with the Lord. I want to be the type of Christian that people can see it on my face, hear it in my words & feel it from my heart. I don't want to be afraid to stand up for Jesus.