Thursday, January 28, 2010

Thursday

This morning was a little odd for me. I did get up at 5:30am. I ate my breakfast with Eric. He left and I did my Bible study. Then I decided I was going to do a video instead of doing the treadmill. I didn't want to put tennis shoes on. So I did about 20 minutes of the video then I started to feel nauseous and light headed. It was weird so I sat down and drank some of my water and I am feeling better. It was just so weird.

Oh well. I don't feel like I did much in the working out department but I don't want to start again and possibly get sick. Maybe I will get on the treadmill this afternoon...yeah I know, doubtful.

I did manage to clean my kitchen yesterday and put together my new craft storage cabinet and start on cleaning the craft room. Trust me, that will have me sweating this evening when I work on it!! I also got a pretty good start on laundry. Now to fold that gigantic mountain...

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Wednesday

Well, I can't tell you much good news this morning besides the fact that I did study the bible this morning. Sadly, I laid in bed for an hour hitting the snooze button every 5 minutes. Yeah, that is a little hard to admit but it is the truth. So, Monday night I didn't pay about getting up and I could barely drag myself out of bed at 7am. Last night however I did pray. So does it mean God didn't answer my prayer because I didn't get up until 6:45 this morning. Nope!! That one is completely my laziness. I was awake at 5:30. I was awake every 5 minutes after that but... I chose not to get out of bed. I chose to be lazy. So, I have to deal with the consequences of finding time today to get on the treadmill.
I had read a scripture in the past, and when I say the past I mean like 8-9 years ago that left me a little confused about prayer. You see I had read  Matthew 6:7-8 "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." And what I had stuck in my head was to not be repetitive in prayer. But after doing some praying and studying I know that God means for us not to just pray words over and over but to pray from our hearts. He wants me to be sincere with every prayer. Just saying words isn't what he desires. He wants me to pray in a way that is honest, true, and on my heart. So, if I am praying for something that is honest, true, and really on my heart enough to pray it often, that is ok. He knows my heart anyways and wants me to share it with Him.
Well, after two mornings of no treadmill I am not very pleased with myself but I want to fix that this evening. I guess we will see whether I choose to be lazy or not. If you have read any Proverbs, you know how God feels about sluggards so that should be my motivation...right?!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Monday

This morning I was able to get up at 5:30am again. Let me re-phase that, I prayed and God was able to kick my BUTT out of bed this morning. I did my bible study and was reminded about priorities. I was reminded that these are what is truly important:
  1. God-really truly seeking HIM!
  2. Serving my family and others. What can I do to serve my husband and my family and others daily?
  3. Taking care of myself. Taking the time to take care of me so that I can take care of others. 
These priorities are not easy by any means but they are do able when I set them at the Lords feet and ask him to help me. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Speaking of strength...I did some Tae-Bo this morning. I did not have time to do the whole Tae-Bo, Bible study was really good so it took longer than normal. But I did get my 20 minutes in. I am still working on reading The Eat Clean Diet.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Friday

Thursday morning I got up at 5:35am, ate, did my bible study, and sewed. Then I did 10 minutes at 6% incline on the treadmill because I didn't have time to do the full twenty minutes. I had intentions of getting back on there last night but that didn't happen. It was a lot harder getting up that early the second day.

This morning I hit my snooze but it never went off again so I slept in until 6:30. That still is way earlier than I usually get up. I was able to finish sewing the blanket together except for the border which I will get done tonight. I was so glad to get that much done.
My bible study this morning was in Proverbs 22-24. A lot of 22 talks about raising children and disciple. This had a lot of dual meaning to me. For one, I teach school so the discipline part applies at school. I also found some hope that one day I would need to know those verses in raising my own children. I was thankful that God gave a little glimmer of hope this morning. Sometimes that is all you need to get you through the day :)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Felt Heart Wreath Tutorial

Here is my tutorial for my version of the heart wreath. I got a few ideas from these two blogs- The Idea Room , Blog N' Tell, and Design Sponge. I took ideas from each Blog and made my own creation. Let me tell you, ANYONE CAN DO THIS!! I promise!

So, I ended up using two piece of red felt that were each 36in by 36in from Michaels. I used a few coupons but the original price was $2.99 for one piece. I got the heart from Hobby Lobby and it was like $3 or $4. The pins I had got at a Super JoAnn's in California. It was like $3 for 750 pins but Wal-Mart has pins pretty cheap but you will need A LOT. I only had like maybe 150 left from the 750. Oh and you need some ribbon to display it.

I decided that I did not want to cut a million circles out so thank you to Blog N' Tell for using squares. I decided to fold mine like she does at Design Sponge where she folds the circles into quarters but I actually do it a little sloppy if you will like this.
Fold it in half.
Then in half again.

Then you put the pin in the corner.

I found that in order to save my thumb from hurting I would press the pin into the heart by starting it and then pressing it in using the felt. Trust me after you do a few of these, it can be painful.

I went around the heart and filled in. I did mine closer together than some but I love it.

This is the back. I just pinned some ribbon on the back.

And the finished product.

Displayed on my door....I LOVE IT!!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Wow...prayer...

Sooo...when you pray that God will wake you up in the morning don't be surprised when it is 5:11am or when you feel guilty for sleeping to 5:27am. Last night I prayed that God would not let me sleep too late. That he would wake me up so that I could get some stuff done this morning... I was completely aware that it would probably be early but I wasn't expecting that early. So, I finally got up, made breakfast for my husband, who was so confused as to why I was awake and that I was cooking! Once he left I had a really good bible study. How appropriate is it that I read Proverbs 20 and in verse 13 "Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;        stay awake and you will have food to spare."Ouch... I do love my sleep! But I know God is working on that.
After some great time with my King, I embroidered a little, then I got on the treadmill. Yes!!! You read that correctly, I finally got back on the treadmill! I even did some incline this morning. I did my little over a mile and then embroidered some more. I have a self imposed deadline to get my niece's blanket done by Saturday. So, I am having to do a lot of sewing between now and then but let me tell you it will be worth it because it will be one of a kind! I love it already!
I also read 1 Samuel 15 where it talks about Abigail who was a wise wife. I am always amazed at how wise my husband is and I thank God for that often. I am blessed to have his wisdom as my guidance. So, I am going to be reading my Proverbs a day and keep reading about wise people in the Bible.
I am also reading "The Eat Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno. I have only read like 15 pages but I know that this is what I need to be doing. Oh and I finished my wreath yesterday! It is hanging on my door and I LOVE IT!!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

My "Craft" List

My list of things to do craftywise is a little long...

  • Felt heart wreath January 20
  • Fabric key chains
  • Diaper Bag (John Deere)
  • Diaper wipes case (polka dot)
  • Ainsley's adorable pink, zebra, and Minky dot quilt
  • Cute brown and teal baby quilt with Minky dot too of course
  • Finish covering kitchen chairs January 17
  • Pot holder and oven mitt for Sarah
  • Kitchen towels-maybe
I have started on the heart wreath....soo cute... I will have pictures to follow soon. I took the ideas from two blogs and made my own version. One came from the Idea Room. The other from Blog n' Tell. But you will have to wait until I am done to see the final product.

Onto other news...I was nominated for a blog award by my bff Sarah. Now I have to think of 5 women that are Simply Fabulous. That won't be hard. But I also have to write about one women that "Rocks." Who to choose....hmm. Well, I haven't decided yet but that post will be soon to come.

I am thinking about making a tutorial about the diaper bag that I make to accompany the McCalls pattern but we will see.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The first step....

Well, the first step is to admit that I have a problem, and I do... I LOVE (unhealthy) FOOD! Which does not help in the whole...eat healthy...loose some pounds battle...
What to do, what to do....well, lets just say I will be starting with a clean slate tomorrow...Tomorrow I will not have to do errands in town, I will be eating at home, and I will have time to get on the treadmill. The only accomplishment I can think of today is that I did manage to have some Bible Study time this morning. I read Psalms 144 and re-read Psalms 145. It is amazing how God takes care of us and some days we never think to thank Him. Well, I have to thank Him or I might loose sight of how is actually deserving. Because I know I'm not.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Paper Covered ClipBoard

I have to give credit where credit is due. My dear husband did just about all of this project besides supply the idea which came from here. So, this is pretty easy.
What you need:
  • Clipboard
  • Scrapbook paper
  • Spray Adhesive
  • Exacto Knife
  • Magnetic Tape
Since I had all this laying around my house this project was FREE!!

Step 1: We covered the the table with a towel that we didn't want any more because the over-spray will ruin the towel. I put my cutting board under the towel for future use.

Step 2: Decide the layout and where you want your paper. It would be a lot easier to use a full sheet of scrapbook paper that messing with individual pieces.

Step 3: Spray the back of the paper and the clipboard with the spray adhesive. Follow the directions on the adhesive but basically wait a few minutes until they are tacky. 
Step 4: Place the paper on the clipboard. THIS IS THE STEP YOU DON'T WANT TO MESS UP! Place the paper exactly where it needs to be because it will not be moveable.

Step 5: Place all the paper on one side and smooth with a credit card or hard plastic card that you don't want anymore.  The sticky will get on the card. Then let the clipboard dry for a few minutes.

Step 6: Take the exacto knife and cut around the clipboard.

Step 7: On the side with the clipboard part, we placed the paper right up next to the bottom of the clip. Then we put two more pieces on the edges rather than trying to cut out for the clip. Then trim the edges.

Step 8: Enjoy your masterpiece.

New Pot Grabber Thingy

Well, I have fallen in love with a new blog!! Imagine that...I am a little obsessed with "Crafty Blogs." So the new blog is TheIdeaRoom.blogspot.com. And this idea came from here. I had been wanting to make some new pot holders and when I ran across these I thought they would be even better.

So, I followed her instructions and made super cute pot grabbers. I got the fabric from the Interior Mall in Barling, Arkansas.  I only paid $6.50 a yard for this upholstery fabric. I had fun with the bias tape on the edge but it is for me so it doesn't have to be perfect. Enjoy the pictures.

Tired

Well, the last two nights I have stayed up WAY too late and so I am dragging again today. I did not get on the treadmill yesterday but will be getting on there tonight!! 
The goals for today include:
  • 25 minutes on treadmill
  • 1.5 bottles of water (an increase from just one) I better get a bottle out right now ;)
  • clean kitchen
  • embroider scrub jacket
  • Make banana bread to get rid of the very ripe bananas left over from my fruit basket
  •  Grill steaks :) And include veggies of course
  • Post pictures of the covered clipboard I made when I am back home with my Mac...that actually works...grr (my laptop at school won't read my camera card)
On an awesome note, I sold a diaper bag that you can see here. It is the second diaper bag on the page with the paisley and polka dot fabric. This is the one I originally made for me but I decided I wanted to sell it. The girl that is getting it loves it...so it is worth it. Now I just have to cover the diaper wipes case and I am going to personalize it with an A for his name :) Sooo cute. Can't wait to have a final picture of the final product!


Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Tuesday's Bible Study

Well, after getting up too late to read my Bible this morning I read my Streams in the Desert devotional which talked about how God places a hedge around us and that he knows every time we are hurting, every cruel word that is said, every instance our feelings are hurt. And how the hedge can be painful, but in the pain our faith grows. We grow stronger by leaning on God who gets the glory for taking care of our hurts and needs. And even sometimes our wants. Then, I prayed for someone who asked me to pray for them yesterday and it dawned on me that they really needed to read today's devotion even though I am not sure how deep their faith is, it will help to read this devotion. Since I feel like God is leading me to give it to them I will.
When I got on my blog the verse was "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4" And as normal, God decided to reiterate the point by giving me more scripture that tells me to be patient!! And to rely on Him in the process that my faith may grow and that I will indeed grow closer to him. 
So, thank you God for giving me scripture to lean on but also to share with someone else in need. <3 

Monday, January 11, 2010

I did it!!

I accomplished my goal of getting on the treadmill, even though it was past 10pm...I still did it. I even finished laundry! So, I was on the treadmill for 23minutes. I did 1.3 miles. This is an improvement from last time, only 20 minutes, I think and 1 mile or a little over. So, as always God gets the credit for motivating me!! Oh I drank a full bottle of water today! And I had another serving while working out. We aren't going to mention the popcorn or Cherry Coke at the movies...but it was my belated b-day present from my sis-so it is ok. Moderation ;)
This was my bible study reading this morning and I thought I would share. I wanted to read scripture on praise because God seriously deserved some praise from me. You see, when I first got married and up until a couple years ago I prayed all the time for God to let Eric be a little more affectionate and helpful around the house. Now, mind you, when I am not working it doesn't bother me to do all the house work but when I am teaching full time it is only fair that he help share the load. Well, I never saw any changes and pretty much gave up in the prayer department on that one. So, since I got back from California on Christmas day, Eric has been really helpful around the house. Like not just sweeping here and there but truly helping me with all the cleaning!! Now, if you know my husband, you know how shocking that is!! So, God showed me through my husband that He does answer prayers, that He does it in His own time, and that He loves me enough to answer that selfish prayer. So, that made me think about the whole kid situation. And well, God loves me, He will answer my prayers, and it will be on His time. So, in the mean time, I still need to pray and be thankful and praise Him in the process. 
A huge praise for God is also that I got up this morning and read my bible before I did anything else. This is a principal I learned while doing First Place a couple years ago. God should get my time before anything else. I know that is another one of those "duh" kind of things but still. I allowed God to feed me this morning before I ate anything which is how it should be anyways. 
On a different note, I was able to share my devotional book, Steams in the Desert with a friend who the devotion was clearly speaking to. Turns out the main scripture from the devotion today is one I had texted her a while ago. God works! God uses people to show other people how He is working and remind us He is still there, comforting us when we need Him.
 
Psalm 145
A psalm of praise. Of David.
 1  I will exalt you, my God the King;
       I will praise your name for ever and ever.
 2 Every day I will praise you
       and extol your name for ever and ever.
 3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
       his greatness no one can fathom.

 4 One generation will commend your works to another;
       they will tell of your mighty acts.
 5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
       and I will meditate on your wonderful works. [b]
 6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
       and I will proclaim your great deeds.
 7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
       and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
 8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
       slow to anger and rich in love.

 9 The LORD is good to all;
       he has compassion on all he has made.
 10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
       your saints will extol you.
 11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
       and speak of your might,
 12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
       and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
       and your dominion endures through all generations.
       The LORD is faithful to all his promises
       and loving toward all he has made. [c]
 14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
       and lifts up all who are bowed down.
 15 The eyes of all look to you,
       and you give them their food at the proper time.
 16 You open your hand
       and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
       and loving toward all he has made.
 18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
       to all who call on him in truth.
 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
       he hears their cry and saves them.
 20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
       but all the wicked he will destroy.
 21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
       Let every creature praise his holy name
       for ever and ever.

Eric has a fire department meeting tonight so I am going to spend time with him when I get home but I will be getting on the treadmill this evening. Thank You God for motivating me!! I needed it and You always deserve the Glory!!

Monday's Goals:
  1. Bible Study
  2. Get on treadmill for 25 minutes at least
  3. Finish laundry
  4. Clean bathroom- I swept...
  5. Take embroidery out of scrub jacket- I did this Tuesday
  6. Dinner
  7. Clean kitchen

Sunday, January 10, 2010

:) Sunday

Well, today is Sunday. I did not get on the treadmill Friday, Saturday or Today. However, I am motivated. Friday I went duck hunting with Eric, which requires quite a bit of walking. So, it isn't like I sat on the couch all day. I shopped all day as well. Not that I am making excuses but there are some Saturday's where I don't do a thing.

Today at church my pastor's wife told me that she had a dream I was pregnant and that it was a baby boy. I have to admit I was a little excited to hear that. My friend Angie had a dream that she and I were washing my newborn son in my kitchen sink a few months ago. After my dad passed away in November 08 I had a feeling that I would have a little boy and we would name him after my dad. Did I mention that the song I put with my dad's memorial dvd just came on Itunes? How fitting. So, I have to admit that even though I have no idea whether I will have a little boy or a little girl...I still get excited when I hear that people have dreams that it does happen. After trying for several months and hearing that like 5 billion people you know are pregnant it can be trying and depressing some days. God has been getting a hold of me lately and reminding me who is really in charge and who creates life. He also reminded me that in Psalms 127:3 he says that Children are a reward from God.....he politely tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I had been following him closely lately or taking care of my temple...I had to admit that no I had not been and that I was so grateful that he loves me so much that he forgives me for not being what He wants me to be that I do have more than one chance to change and do better. So, I am still motivated to take care of my temple more and not be a glutton. I am also starting to get back into a Bible study. Because, if I am not close to God and following Him daily how to I expect to be encouraged and motivated? How do I expect to not be depressed and have no hope. How do I expect to get any rewards...not that God works that way and I know it is all in his time, but you know what I mean. 
So, this week, I am going to get up, do my bible study in the morning and then get on the treadmill when I get home from school. I will have to try really hard to get up with it being sooo cold but I can do it with God's help :) Wish me luck and say a prayer :)

Friday, January 8, 2010

Thursday & Friday

Yay!! I accomplished my goals (20 minutes on Treadmill, Bible study, water) for Thursday.....but now it is Friday and honestly I don't wanna!!! I don't wanna move from comfy warm couch, with my phone to my ear...talking to Sarah....who also doesn't wanna. So, my question....why....why do we do this to ourselves. Why do we do this...why do we procrastinate...why do we start, or restart only to not wanna the next day. Well, maybe I will get up and get motivated, but maybe not....we will see.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Almost a year later...

Well, I guess it is better to be late than never...or that is what they say.
So, here I am again saying that I am going to use this blog. And I really am!! So, my goal is to use this goal as a way for me to keep track of my journey of my weight-loss. :)
So, wish me luck.

Goal for Thursday:
  1. Un-pile the treadmill. 
  2. Break out the work out clothes and shoes.
  3. Get on the treadmill for at least 15 minutes going no slower than 3.5 or it doesn't count.
  4. Drink at least 1 full bottle of water-plain water. 
  5. Start keeping track of everything I eat- to help me be accountable. 
So, starting off, I am a size 16 in maurices jeans. My ultimate goal would be to be a size 10. Well, my realistic goal at least.  That is where I am starting.