Day 31 Oh What a Wonderful Feeling

A beautiful pink and golden sky greeted us this morning. It was a great way to start a new day!
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But the morning was not the only beautiful part of the day! It was so warm and pleasant after school that Lydia (on her bike), Roxie and I went to the park. The park is about a half mile away and we enjoyed the time together. Lydia found a classmate at the park and they played tag for a while. It was so fun to see her play tag. Then we couldn't leave without swinging on the swings. I remember loving the free feeling that you get from swinging. I am grateful for an afternoon play time with Lydia and a beautiful day.

Day 30 No School Happy Day

No School means Emily and Lydia slept in their fort they created in Emily's bedroom. They slept in and had bonding time!

It was a mild day so the kids enjoyed going to the park. It was fun to have the kids home for the day! Tomorrow starts their new semester. Emily's and Kaitlins last semester in high school. What an awesome feeling!

Day 29 Sky Lines to Home

I know it's 12:30 am and yes it is really the 30th day, but I haven't been to bed yet to so for me it's still Sunday. I also will admit that I took this picture a different day but I saved it for a day like today. All I need are a couple of hugs one from Jessy and one from my parents. It's as if the sky lines are calling please come. Tonight it was great to hear Jessy and then my mom! I'm so grateful for a wonderful daughter and wonderful parents. I thought how fun it would be to surprise you and knock on your doors and hug you both. Leaving skylines on your hearts will have to do for today!

Hiking with the 11 year olds

This post is from Bill. Today I went with the 11 year old scouts to provide a second 'adult' so the hike could go on. The intent was to hike about 12 miles but I'm sure with a couple of side loops we added at least 1 and maybe 2 miles. I was really struggling up the last long hill to the car but it was a great time. Aaron Gregory is such a cool guy and the boys really did a fine job.

They were all very brave and felt a sense of accomplishment after the hike. One was even pressing for a 5 miler next week.

Here are a couple of shots from the view in the morning, before we got muddy and tired. The temp today was beautiful and the trails were busy with runners, hikers and dog walkers. It was great!

This is the view we had as we came down to the last mile. The white builting in the distance is our target and this hill persists from when we cross the road below almost all the way to the parking lot.

Bill

Day 27 What's with the Crazy Weather?

It's strange how the weather is so Spring like but it is only January. This morning started out with a thunderous rain storm and grey foreboding clouds. But the air felt warm not cold. by mid day the clouds were gone and the sun came out and the walks and streets dried out. The daffodils and tulips are up and the crocus have been blooming for a while. I won't pray for snow but somehow I know all the warm will mean lots and lots of bugs come May and June. For now I'll be happy! And pray that I am wrong about bugs because there is only one thing worse then bugs, SNAKES!

Friday weigh in results:
Loss for this week 4 lbs.
Total loss for 3 weeks 12 lbs.
Made my 5% goal.
I worked out 4 times this week. Soon it will be time for a new smaller size pair of pants! Feeling great! I noticed that I don't huff and puff up the stairs!
I AM DOING THE HAPPY DANCE RIGHT NOW!

Day 26 Who Knows?

Who knows? Lydia went to the Doctor today but who really knows what is causing the seizures, but Doctor Chambers thinks they are what is known as fatigue seizures. She only gets them when she is tired. However, we will be visiting a neurologist to see if it may be something else. We will have a 6 month wait before we can see one. So who knows. Hoping to know more then.

Who knows what Willy is really listening to. I do know that he listens to a lot of it loudly and for as much time as he possibly can. At least the dog likes it.

Who knows what Emily and Kaitlyn are studying? I think they are refining the fine art of face making and laughing.

Who knows where Austin is? Where ever he is he is quiet so I won't disturb that.

Day 25 Earning Poker Chips

We started a new reward system. It's been a little challenging to get our children to do after school chores, so we started the poker chip challenge. Each day after school each child draws a chore to do around the house. A chore that takes 15-30 minutes to complete. After they complete the chore they get a buddy check from one of their siblings and then they can earn a chip. They can also earn the chips by keeping their rooms clean and doing dishes without argument. It's been working out so far! I have high hopes that it will work long term. They can earn items determined by them after a jar is full of chips thus helping them work together and helping eachto encourage each other. Love trying something new!

Day 24 It's Finally Done

Wow!!! This t-shirt order for our Ward cubs turned out so cute. But boy has it taken so much time and effort. Everything that possibly could go wrong went wrong. But I don't want to get into the details. I'm just happy that this order is signed sealed and delivered! I hope the boys love them.

Day 23 I Should Have

It's one of those cloudy grey days that shows its feelings by keeping the sun from shining. And I usually keep my house chores for a day like today, but I've ran all day. So I should have had my camera with me and then there would be a picture of my exercise group at the freedom center. Then a picture of me with two phones up to my ears and my eyes on the computer screen researching about seizures. I think Lydia is having seizures so I got her a doctors appointment for Thursday. A picture of my good friend Sister Morris would have been another picture I should have. Mondays I take her to therapy. Today she didn't really want to go because of the weather and she didn't have any food in the pantry. I told her that is when she needed her therapist the most to help her work through her feelings. While she was in therapy I stopped by the store and bought her a few staples to help her out. The next picture should have been me washing dishes by hand because the dishes from the dishwasher came out dirtier then they went in. And there were lots of dishes. Picture this next Willy walking into the house with only socks on his feet. He explained that he had worn his slippers to school and didn't want to ruin them so he walked home in his socks. My favorite picture comes next, all of the children home from school some doing chores some doing homework. So wonderful to have them home safe. I love when Bill walks in the door and my heart does a little leap so I give him a long kiss, and the kids moan thats so gross. The next picture I would have is all of us gathered for family home evening. Yes I should have had my camera all day but instead just before the light left the sky I managed to get a picture of our little wet weeping cherry tree. Now it will remind me to grab my camera and not have should ofs.

Day 22 100 Year of Seminary Fireside

Bill and Emily attended the broadcast celebrating the 100 years of Seminary. This is a big deal for the church. A 100 years wow just think of all the people who have attended seminary through the years. I know that it has effected our family greatly.
We use the scripture mastery scriptures, that we learned in seminary, for scripture study because we see how important they are to learn. We want our children to use them in their lives and when they go on missions. I remember The Tom Trail series my first year of seminary and then instead of lessons from a lesson book it was reading and learning from the scriptures. It's been a blessing to have the kids attend early morning seminary and feel the spirit each day before school. A big thanks goes out to the seminary teachers in our ward who sacrifice to teach our children. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn the gospel each day in seminary now and then.

Day 21 Crazy Saturday

Last night we had a little snow fall which turned to ice over night. The kids could pass up getting the sleds out and sliding down the neighbors icy driveway. The snow crunched everywhere under their feet it was neat to see the kids stomp all over leaving their footprints over the yard.

Hair coloring for Emily was a top priority to be beautiful for the dance tonight.

Here is an interesting photo Austin took as the sun set through our back window.

It's been a crazy day with many activities printing shirts, basketball, the dance, Bill going to do visits. It never seems to stop so we just keep going smiling and finding joy in what is happening. I'm thankful for moments of quiet and moments of busy and moments of everything in between(variety in life).

Friday I forgot to post about my weigh in

Lost this week 3.6 lbs

Total lost 8 lbs.

Exercised 3 times.

Hard week with the exercise because of Lydia being home 4 of the 5 school day. This week I want to work out 5 days.

Day 20 A House Full of Teenagers

The pictures tell it all! Invasion of the greatest teenages around! I had to get a picture of them after they took a walk to the nearby coffee shop for a hot chocolate. Now Lydia has them all watching Dora the Explora. Who knew a 6 year old could have so much control over them. They even sing along to Dora Songs. They also sing along to 80's songs, not good but they try. It should be a fun evening. So much for our date but it's a fun group to hang out with.

Left to Right Jason, Austin, Ibriham, Emily, Kaitlyn, and Willy is being held.

Day 19 Ice Skating

Tonight the Young men and women went to the Harris Pavilion and went ice skating, Austin even gave it try. With some help from Emily and her friend Kaitlyn he seems to be doing okay. I'm so glad he would try doing something he has never done before.

Here's Willy having Kaitlyn and Emily help lace up his skates. It was a very cold evening but they looked like they were all having a good time. According to Bill they seem to be enjoying themselves. Thanks to Bill who took these pictures!

Day 18 Sleeping Beauty or Sickly Sally

The question is: Is she sleeping beauty or sickly Sally?

Lydia stayed home now for two days from school with a stomach ache. I know it must really hurt but she has not had a fever or thrown up. Right now she is chasing Austin around a laughing. I take that as indication that all will be well for school tomorrow.

Day 17 It's Just Fruity

Kiwi is an interesting fruit. If you look at the outside you may think you are getting something brown and hairy, when in reality it's this perfect green color, juicy with little seeds and a light green center, with a unique tasty flavor. Days are sometimes like kiwi brown and dark and hairy and then they turn out just right. Some days start out nice and perfect and then turn into a hairy mess. Either way life is like a Kiwi. Just a thought.

I loved the way this Kiwi tasted and just like the Kiwi this day has been a little hairy but there has been some perfectly green tasty moments. Like when my friend Barbra called to see how my weight watcher day has been and if I had any questions. It was so nice to know that she cares and that she thought about me. I'm thankful for fruit because it has 0 points, and a friend that called to just ask how I was doing!

Day 16 Friends Friends Friends

There is nothing better then having your best friend come over paint sun catchers, eat lunch, and play together. Lydia has been asking to get together with Claire for so long so we were glad that she came over today. They get along so well and have so much fun together

Willy, Hansen and Austin had a fun day together playing on their DS's, and basketball. Then they all went over to play Ultimate Frisbee with other young men and ward members. They had a great time.

Emily went with her friend Regan to the movies so she got in on the fun too! What a fun day for the kids. It's great to have a 3 day weekend dedicated to a great hero in American History, Martin Luther King JR. I'm grateful for a day off of school and the opportunity to have the kids at home!

Day 15 Beautiful Bluebirds on a Busy Sabbath Day

Sundays are wonderful days full of all types of church meetings. Bill left this morning with Emily before 7:00am. He came home in time for dinner at 5:00 and left again at 6:00 for home teaching. I had fun doing sharing time with the children in Primary . Emily and I had fun trying a new recipe for dinner Caribbean Jerk Pork. It was awesome. This great recipe I found on Spark people.

Before dinner I saw Austin take the camera and was looking out the window by our front door. I went over to see what he was taking a picture of and he showed me the two birds drinking from our flower pot. He took a few shots and I took a few. I loved this one! The birds are such a beautiful blue.

Today my heart is full of gratitude for so many things but especially for the children in our ward and our children at home. I am so blessed to serve all of them and share my testimony of the Savior and the plan of happiness with them.

Day 14 Busy Busy Day

I love when the day ends and Bill is a sleep in his chair. We all had a busy day! The boys and Bill went to a baptism and then helped a family move. Emily and Lydia went shopping and then to basketball practice. I had a Tupperware party. It was so much fun to have friends over. I just don't do that hardly at all. Then we enjoyed the movie Forest Gump as a family. I am grateful for things to do and people to be with.

Day 13 Friday Friend and 4.4 pounds

It so much fun to have friends come over. We love when Emily brings her friend Ibriham to visit. He helps Lydia put on her game face. He likes to show his guns and challenge Willy. He is so much fun and always polite. We are grateful for the great friends our children have. They are an inspiration to us. The world is a challenging place for kids to grow up in and good friends help each other make good decisions. We are so blessed when they come to our home and share with us their lives.

I weighed in at weight watchers and I lost 4.4 pounds this week. I worked hard I did water aerobics 4 days elliptical one day and a hike on Saturday. I stayed under my points and didn't use any of the floater points or activity points. I like having a big start. I have also put into place some reminders so that when I have crucial moments I can make the right choice. Awesome week ahead!

Day 12 Returns

Roxie and I spend a few minutes waiting enjoying the 70 degree weather. Waiting at the bus stop a daily occurrence, morning and afternoon. Roxie somehow senses the time of day and stands at the door and looks patiently at me while I grab a jacket. When I pull the leash out of the drawer she goes wild begging for me to put it on her. Roxie loves the walk and the other children love to pet her and walk her part way home. At first sight of the bus Roxie stands and patiently waits.

When Lydia gets off the bus she doesn't saunter over, or walk slowly, or walk at all. She runs at full speed from the door to curb, puts her arms out and hugs me tight. As she jets across the street I feel this rush of gratefulness that she is home again. Another day that she has safely found my arms. I feeling of relief over comes me after each of the children are home it's as if someone has borrowed them and now they are returned.

Day 11 Sunrise and Seminary

What a beautiful sunrise I was able to view as I waited to take seminary students to school. What a blessing to see! And to think I would have gone through the whole day without seeing this spectacular sight had I not had the opportunity to drive today. Thanks for the view!

Day 10 Still Winter?

Is it Spring? The little crocus asks as it blooms. The earth has warmed by the bright sun. But the timing is all wrong. For now I will stay in all my little glory adding beauty to all those who care to notice.

The angel glowing in the garden corner watching over all the early bloomers. Hoping for others to take notice of how the earth is giving us, showing us, Gods love in a simple but meaningful way. Thank you for this too early bloom that filled my heart with joy and a put a smile to my lips.

Day 9 First Snow

The snow came down in beautiful wet large snowflakes. Dancing, twirling slowly gracefully down to change. Snow became water droplets instantly until the earth cooled and white stayed. Sadly, it will soon do a disappearing act, leaving behind green grass once again. But oh what a beautiful sight.

Day 8 Home Teachers

We love our Home teachers! We are grateful that Brother Shawn King and Brother Jay Ford visit us each month. We love to hear the messages that are shared and the kind words of encouragement and concern that are shared with us. This month Brother Ford shared with us the happiness he felt as he saw his two newly adopted grandchildren sealed to his son and his wife. He shared pictures of there family. How wonderful! Thanks for being our home teachers!

Day 7 Hike 2 and Basketball

What a beautiful day ! We enjoyed a hike on the Occoquan trail. We hiked 3.2 miles in one hour and forty-five minutes. This trail was more difficult then the Blue Bell trail with many climbs and descents. We crossed creeks on pylons and bridges. I played a game with Lydia by having her find the blue trail markers on the trees to keep us on the right trail and to keep her moving quickly. Emily and Austin hung out and chatted along the way. It was great to see Austin make it across a stream when he thought he couldn't do it. At the end of the hike he told us how much he liked the hike. I think it is good for us to accomplish something we thought we could not do. It gives you confidence. As for the weather it was warm enough that we took off our jackets at the turn around point. It was disappointing that Willy chose not to come with us. His loss. Loved the morning.

Emily had her first church basketball game of the season. The girls need some practice but they did pretty well for the first game of the season. However they lost 10-33. They did a great job and had a lot of fun.

Day 6 Two Gifts an investment in me

This is a hard page to write. It makes me cringe to put a picture of me on this blog for all to see, but I'm doing it for me! To help me change and grow, I share with you a personal goal a plan to see me be less of a person. I share as a way to be held accountable and as a place to share my successes and challenges. I am not one to share myself, my dissappointments, problems, or challenges. I am not one to share my accomplishments, or bright ideas, or my joy. But today I put that behind me. I am going to share my journey of working through the fat. Today I stepped on the scale at weight watchers and there is no where to go but down. Each week I will share how much I lose. So stay tuned for my journey each Friday.

I thank Bill that for Christmas he gave me the two gifts I asked for, an investment in me: gift one a membership to the Freedom Center and gift two a weight watchers membership. Here I am watch me change.

Day 5 Homework Awaits

Sometimes homework can wait. It can wait for an hour of outdoor fun at the nearby park. It can wait for visits with teenage friends. It can wait for snacks and potty breaks. It can wait for mom to help. Homework can wait for a short nap and dinner too. But before bed it will be done. Lydia usually comes home opens her backpack does her worksheet and then reads her book. But tonight it waited on the kitchen table, so she could have some fun! I loved the way her studies were set out all ready for her to come back saying to me, "Where is Lydia?"

Day 4 Grooving to DDR

We are working on earning a fitness scout badge which requires us to exercise 5 day a week for an hour for six weeks. This is our second week of working out. Emily and Austin's work out for the day was grooving to dance dance revolution. They had a lot of fun and were working hard. Emily had to coax Austin to finish the entire hour.