Slow down!

Holy cow, it's already a week into February which means that in a few short days...I'll be a mom to a 4 yr old! Where has the time gone?

We had a good weekend. Friday night was Kids Night Out at church so we dropped the boys off and headed to dinner with some good friends. Was so nice to see my girlfriend and actually be able to visit! And i think the hubbies had fun too!

Saturday was a rainy day so we attempted to take the boys to the movies to see Chipwrecked...Zachary did fine but mark is just not ready. Thankfully kids were free to get in because mark and I spent an hour in the lobby playing around :)

And Superbowl Sunday, great morning in worship, afternoon of lunch and family time and ended up the evening at home. Probably the first time in years we haven't gone to some kind of party, but mark was not feeling well and was asleep before 6:30! I think Zachary enjoyed the alone time with mom and dad and learning football plays from daddy!

All in all, a good weekend! Oh, and my planner arrived! I spent the weekend starting to fill it out and am vowing to be more organized! Mission #1...remember to send Zachary to school in PJs on Thursday! And I have a whole list of things to bring to church on Sunday too...I can do it!

Hope you had a good weekend too and happy Monday to all!

disgrace and grace....

Okay, so it wasn't SO bad that I felt "disgraced" (just made a good blog title, lol), but bad enough where I sure felt crummy.  Lately, I cannot seem to stay organized.  We have more and more going on these days which leaves more opportunities for forgetfulness!  I don't even consider myself a super busy person, but I guess when you add in 2 full time working parents, the occasional social event, and full time family...the calendar fills up!

In the last 4 days I have forgotten two big things.  Although neither was life altering, it was definitely a "bad mommy/person" moment.  The first one was on Sunday. I was due to bring a meal to a friend at church who's daughter recently had to have surgery.  I had seen the email reminders sent to me, talked about it on Saturday...and then partially I think due to a rough morning Sunday, I just completely and TOTALLY forgot.  Until about 5:45 when I started cooking my OWN children's meals and realized I was supposed to be supplying someone else's too.....  I.FELT.AWFUL.  I called her immediately and apologized profusely but I was still mortified.  We are new to our little church circle still and I feel like I am still getting into the group and this was definitely not a great way to make a good impression.  And to top it off, about an hour later, I checked my cell phone and noticed she had called me around 4 to see what time I was coming and give me directions.  UGH.  Thankfully, she is a very kind woman and mom and understands that these things happen but that surely did not lessen my embarrassment.  I am making it up today by bringing TWO meals tonight.  That helps, right?? :)

The second kicker was today when our nanny called to inform me that I had forgotten to send Zachary to school today with his favorite stuffed animal...and that he was the only one without one.  Thankfully again, Maria is great and we don't live that far away, so she was able to go home and get Nemo...but man, in my mind I think, "of course the working mom forgets the stuffed animal.".  Double Ugh. 

And that's where Grace comes in....mercy, forgiveness, kindness, love.  What in the world would we do without GRACE??  Thankful for friends who show grace when we goof up.  Thankful for children who show grace by not remembering all the times Mommy has forgotten something or messed who knows what up.  Thankful for husbands who hug us when we cry over said mess ups.  Thankful for family who shows grace when they just sit and listen.  And thankful for Jesus who gives me grace every single day, hour, and minute for all the times I do not do as I should. 

One of our goals week from our church sermon was to slow down and be quiet.  I must admit, I have not yet.  A mini goal was for 5 minutes before getting out of bed and 5 minutes before going to bed, take some time to pray and write down things you are thankful for.  I have overslept in the morning and fallen asleep on the couch before bed and it has not happened.  But I am committing to do it tonight and for the rest of the week. 

I also order a day planner today.  You know, a real old fashioned paper one.  That I can open any time and see things written down and carry with me at all times.  Because clearly the fridge one and work computer calendar are not cutting it.  Let's hope I survive the next 2 weeks before it arrives.

I am also going to more prayerful consider each obligation and event I take on.  I don't enjoy the feeling of always being two steps behind.  And maybe I am overbooking myself and/or my family?  Definitely something to think about.

What do you to help stay organized and focused?  Will the day planner and quiet time fix me up? :)

The Hunger Games

My love and enthusiasm was reignited this past weekend.  From lunch time Friday afternoon....to Monday afternoon, every free moment I was reading the Hunger Games trilogy!  The Hunger Games was selected for our February Book Club book.  I had heard a lot about it but based on the description and that it was in the Young Adult genre....I wasn't sure if it would be something I would like!  I was thinking it would be a series like Twilight, totally different subject matter, just meaning so hyped up and one I never got into.  But boy was I wrong.

I devoured the first one.  The characters are so well written.  Every chapter ends on a cliff hanger making you want to know more.  And then, the book just ends.  I don't know how people just read the first book and not finish the series.

And each book is just as good as the next. I cried when I finished the last one.  Partly because of the story but also because I was sad it was over!  It has been a long time since I have read like that.

Best thing about it?  I remember how much I absolutely love to read.  I used to be such a voracious reader, but once kids came along, I just read less and less.  And then things like sleep, Pinterest, Facebook, tv take over too...and the time to read becomes less and less.  But honestly, I didn't miss them all that much :) 

So now onto the challenge of finding some more books that will keep me going.  I have several on my Nook library that I have downloaded on not read yet so I may start there.  I really enjoyed a series though so am pondering starting The Harry Potter series.  I have never read any of them or seen the movies so maybe that would be a good place to start?  Any suggestions are appreciated!

If you have NOT read The Hunger Games yet...go read it now.  If you have...what did you think?  Did you love it too?

january happenings

Wow, it has really been a long time since we have caught up here, hasn't it people??  I guess since the holidays, we have been on auto-pilot and just trying to get back into the swing of things. 

The biggest adventure we have had since the new year is Matt completed his first 1/2 Marathon last Sunday!  It was so exciting and I was so very proud of him.  He completed the race in  2 hrs 18 min which was under his goal so that was awesome too.  My parents were kind enough to watch the boys Saturday night so I could go watch the race.  He needed to be checked in by 6am so too early for the littles to be with me.  I got caught up in the excitement and signed up for the 5K when we were picking up Matt's packet. 

It actually worked out really well since it started 30 minutes after the marathon and half marathon...I was able to run, eat my free breakfast, and then head out back to the course so I could see my honey finish the race!  I had a great spot about 1/4 mile from the finish and it was so fun to see matt closing in on the finish line.  I think I gave him that extra boost! :)  He looked really strong at the end and said he felt like he could have even gone a little longer!  So very proud of him! 

He has caught the racing bug now and wants to continue...and I want to do it now too...so we will be entering the 2012 1/2 marathon lottery as a pair!  I hope we get picked!  And as a nice surprise, our friends the Agnews even showed up to congratulate matt.  He was definitely suprised to see them too and I know it meant a lot to see them there at the end as well.

Other than that, not too much to report.  I am trying still to get back into the swing of things exercise-wise.  Taking a break at the holidays has proved difficult to get back going.  That is going to be my goal for next week. I completed the 5k in about 34 minutes still so after 2 weeks of not running at all, I felt good with that.  But...I know it is good for me, so must get back into a routine!

Hope 2012 is treating you all well so far! 

Cooking

I have made a couple of new dishes lately and all have turned out pretty good so far.  I am telling you, I am loving Pinterest for that! 

The first one was a crockpot meal...Lemon Artichoke Chicken.  I used canned mushrooms (cause that's what I had on hand) and forgot the dijon mustard...but it turned out delish.  I liked this one too cause it cooked in like 3-4 hours so I could start it late and still have it ready for dinner.  I think I only cooked for 3 hrs first and then maybe 30 minutes for the last part and my chicken was frozen too.  Matt and I really enjoyed this one and it was requested to be made again!

Another tasty crockpot meal was Angel Chicken.  It was very simple and very tasty.  I happened to buy mushrooms when I went to the grocery store as I knew I wanted to make this one.  The only other thing for this one I did not have on hand was the golden mushroom soup.  Other than that and the mushrooms, pretty standard stuff!

This one I made last night.  I modified it slightly by what I had on hand and it turned out just fine.  It was a chicken and spinach baked ziti!  One of our favorite meals is my friend, Roxanne's, Baked Ziti and this was a nice spin on the traditional beef one.  I used canned chicken and frozen spinach and my pasta was a mix of penne and rotini.  Based on how much was left...I think we both enjoyed it!

I even used Pinterest for my Christmas Book Club meal where I served Chicken Rollatini, salad, some yummy dinner rolls, and this delicious Chocolate Trifle!  All were pretty simple and presented very well...and of course what matters most...tasted good!

Christmas Eve tradition is enchiladas for us.  It is what Matt grew up having and we have adapted it to our own.  I found this recipe for White Chicken Enchiladas ALL over Pinterest and decided it was a must try.  It did not disappoint.  I made a batch of these and a batch of chicken enchiladas with a more traditional red sauce as well.  I need to find the recipe I used for that because the filling for it was soo good...it could almost be a dip!!  Both were good but I was suprised that I enjoyed the white ones more.  I cooked the chicken all day in the crockpot with a bottle of lime marinade.  Delcious...and easy!

I will post all these in full form on my recipe blog.  If you are on pinterest, have you tried any new yummy recipes to share??

I did it!!

I lost that measley 0.2lbs and have officially reached my ww goal.  You know me, I cried at the meeting!  Just so very thankful for the encouragement of my family, friends, and my ww leader!  I know that just by reaching goal does NOT mean that I have completed my journey.  In fact, I think maintaining may be the hardest part yet.  But I have worked too hard to go back to how I used to be...and my new goal is to keep that from happening ;-)

I am so looking forward to 2012 and all the new things I can accomplish!  Here is to a wonderful new year with the new me!

Merry Christmas!

Hope you all had a very Merry and Blessed Christmas with your family and friends!!  

48.8 down... 0.2 to go!

It was a big day today...bigger than I figured but hey, I will take it.  Lost 3.2lbs this week, am into a new number range (which is always fun...will add that to my thankful list!), and am now just a mere 0.2 lbs away from my goal.  I joked with my leader that maybe I should have stripped down a little more or not had my morning coffee!  I am beyond excited.  And truly, still a little in disbelief that I have accomplished this much so far.  I will totally reach my goal by the end of the year...and will be ringing in 2012 with a "new Lisa" for sure.  I love Weight Watchers for giving me the gift of my health back!

Speaking of weight watchers...our leader told us today that WW will be revealing a new MALE spokesperson on Christmas...Charles Barkley!  Campaign will be called "Lose Like A Man".  I think that is so great and think it will attract more men.  It is such a great program but I think some men think it is just for women but it's not.

The thing that I love about ww the most is that nothing is off limits.  I love pizza.  I love wine.  I love cheese.  I love ice cream.  And I can still have all of those things, just in moderation.  Every friday we order pizza.  But now I plan for it.  Eat lighter during the day.  Get a workout in.  And then my pizza...I get thin crust and veggies.  And I love it just as much!  And do not feel deprived.  It works for me, and I am so happy I finally found something that does!

I still indulge.  I still have weeks that I gain.  I stil have days or weekends when I KNOW I eat way more than I should.  The difference is that now I recognize that and make sure I don't do it every day.  I am human after all, and no one can be good all the time.  Everything in moderation! :)

Anyway, good day today.  Got some other things in the works too and I am just really excited for 2012 and what all is in store!!

Thankful Tuesday

I am reading Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts right now for our Book Club.  I have heard nothing but great things about the book.  Her writing style challenges me, but as I am getting deeper into the book, I am following along better.  The premise of the book is about being Thankful in all that we do.  Not a blanket, "Thank you Lord for all the blessings you give to me" but rather the tiny every day moments that build into a joyful life.  I love this line in her book..."God gives gifts and I give thanks and I unwrap the gift given: joy."

So here are a few things I am thankful for today:
*My husband, my boys, my parents, my family...always at top of my list!
1) Listening to Christmas carols on the way to work...and loving verses that move me to tears.  Thank you, Jesus for your gifts...
2) The sound of Christmas harp music being played when I walked into my lobby this morning.
3) Possibility of new opportunities.
4) For a friend who is pregnant having a watchful doctor and knowing that she is in His hands....and her doctor's hands.
5) For a friend from high school who is undergoing surgery today for cancer and so far a successful surgery. 
6) Watching my boys enjoy the nature around us...who knew watching a bird dip his head into water and pulling out fish would entertain us for 30+ minutes!
7) Crock Pot.  Nuff said. 
8) Pinterest....for helping me find recipes for said above appliance.
9) Maria.  Who is one of the only reasons I can get to work and not worry about my boys all day.
10) Anticipation...for book club this Friday and seeing my Dallas family this weekend!
11) Grace.
12) My youngest's snorts when he laughs...seriously, it's beautiful.  He has the kind of infectious laugh that you cannot help but laugh too!
13) My oldest's sheer wonderment in everything Christmas.
14) A meal at Freebird's on Saturday night.  I can't remember the last time we went out to eat (besides after church).  And they both ate all their meals.
15)  Christmas lights. 

I could go on but I should be working..15 is a good start to 1000.  And that's just for today. 

Hope you all are enjoying this time as we approach Christmas.  I am happy to say I am about 90% finished with everything and am not going to stress about the last 10%.  The gift is most surely not in the gifts we will receive on Christmas day.  May you enjoy this most blessed time of year! 

A Prayer for December
Dearest God,
Please never let me
Crowd my life
Full to the brim.
So like the keeper of Bethlehem's Inn,
I find no room for Him.
Instead, let my heart's door
Be ever open,
Ready to welcome
The newborn King.
Let me offer the best I have
To Him
Who gives me everything.
-author unknown

weigh in

Finally made it back to ww yesterday.  My last weigh in was 11/16 which was the week before Thanksgiving.  I had missed the last 2 Wednesday meetings.  Happy to see I only gained .6lbs.  Which means 3.4lbs to go.  That is just over 1lb a week.  I have a LOT of activities coming up this month with the holidays.  But I would really like to reach my goal weight before the end of the year. 

My plan of action??  WORK IT HARD during the week...so I can enjoy the weekends!  I am really tracking again and going to try to get back into a more dedicated exercise routine again. I have been hit or miss and not in a really good schedule this last couple of weeks.  But I am going to do it.

And thinking about running a half marathon again.  After running 5 miles already...what's 8 more, right? ;-)