Nurturing Hearts, Heads, & Hands

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ July 26

2009-07-26T11:35:00.002-04:00

For Today... July 26th

Outside my window... BEAUTIFUL! Sunny, with a blue sky! Looks GREAT outside today!

I am thinking... About sending a note via Facebook to my nephew because I have not talked to him in a while.

From the learning rooms... We will be starting just a little today! I'm excited! Arlee and Frosty will be starting their first of four novels today. Arlee will be reading The Outsiders, and Frost will be reading The Cricket in Time Square. I'm going to to to set up a routine of certain things that I will go over with Zach daily. Like read thru the alphabet with sounds, counting to 100, counting by 2's, 5's, 10's, math facts, sight words, and reading from a book. Then we might do some Math worksheets, or jump on Study Island {offered thru our virtual school}. With Liam, I have a learning bag from the library to work with him on. We are mostly working on colors right now. He knows the basic Red, Blue, Green...but we are working on others like purple, yellow, black, brown, etc. I would also like for everyone to watch the ABC's Signing Time today. And work our way thru Arlee, Frosty's, and Zachary's daily 3 a day {read to self, read to someone else, listen to reading}.

I am thankful for... Well, since we are getting started with our school today, I would like to mention how thankful I am for the opportunity to home school them!!

From the kitchen... I'm hoping to get some bread started today for the week. I also had a friend of Husband's and IL's give me some zucchinis...so I would like to get some zucchini bread made today, as well.

I am wearing... Capris and shirt...like usual. {I didn't even have to change this from last week! LOL...it's what I am usually wearing!}

I am reading... Really nothing at the moment...I am anxiously waiting for Arlee to get started and finish up with The Outsiders! It was one of my favs to read growing up! I'm looking forward to reading it again! It won't take her long to get thru it. After spending the last week or so working her way thru the Harry Potter series {she's on book 6}, this book is nothing! She'll probably tear thru it all in one afternoon!

I am hoping... To work on the front of our house this week. We ran out of time on Friday, and Saturday was just way to wet! SO maybe over the course of this week we can get it spruced up!

I am creating... A pot of coffee here in just a minute! LOL!...does that count??

I am hearing... The kids watching the Disney Channel. I think it's like Lilo and Stitch.

Around the house... Well, like I mentioned above, I'm hoping to spruce up the outside this week. Also, we finally got paint for the back room!! So, {hopefully} we will get some painting done either this week or this upcoming weekend! YIPEE...I'm so happy!!

One of my favorite things... One of my NEW favorite things is my new earrings!! Yesterday, I noticed that Danny's earring just didn't have much of any luster left. So when we were out and about at the store, we bought a pack of earrings...basically just for the ONE for him! But, I get all the rest that came with it! YEAH ME! They ended up being hypo allergenic...and I don't know if that is why, but when I put them in my 2nd holes I forget they are there! Which is a lovely thing! All my other earrings, for the past few years, when I put them in my 2nd holes, they will just bug the crap out of me!! They itch and feel weird and all. So, I was VERY happy last night when I didn't have any of those problems!!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Just work around the house sprucing it up. Tomorrow is Kids' Day at our County Fair...we talked about going, but don't know for sure if we will go or not after Danny gets home from work. Danny and Cooper has their last obedience class on Thursday, and Arlee has her guitar lesson on Thursday as well. Friday Arlee has a dr appointment. And, we will have to get things together for Frosty because he will leave for overnight Boy Scout Camp next Monday morning.

Here is a picture I wanted to share with you..

Here is Liam when we went up to the park a week or so ago. He's soo cute!

LOL....I remember that on this day, everytime Zach would come down the slide his hair would stand on end because of the static! It was SOOOO funny, but I didn't get a picture of that one! But, I think I have an old one of that happening to Liam...and I think it was at this same park....

Oh yes...here it is....LOL

Look at how short his hair is there!!! WOW! Here's one from just a few weeks ago to compare better! Funny, because back last summer, when the top pic was taken, we thought his hair was long then!

*I just noticed...he's even wearing the same shirt! LOL!

Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook to read other entries.

Upside Down Baked Pancake & Just Catching Up

2009-07-05T11:58:00.002-04:00

I don't remember if I shared this one back at Christmas time or not. This was one of Liam's favorite gifts! LoL! A battery powered toothbrush! In between every present after opening this one, he had to stop and go "brush his teeth"...just like in the pic above! He's so cute!

Friday evening, we all ran up to Wal Mart to pick up a few things we needed around here. While we were there, we came across a nice grill that Danny really liked. He very much needed a new one. So, since we were already piled up with stuff, I suggested he come back the next day to buy it. That way he can have the whole van to haul it in! And so he did!

Last night he grilled out for the first time on his new grill. We marinated some yummy steaks! OOOOOOOH, they were SO GOOD! Along with the steak, I had some green beans in the crock pot for most of the day with some bacon & onions! I even made a delicious chocolate cake. I had some strawberry glaze up in my cabinet, and I cut up some strawberries, mixed them together and put it all on top of the cake! I snuck a little piece...and it was AWESOME!!

I also wanted to share another recipe I tried out. Upside Down Oven Pancake. EVERYONE liked this one! Danny liked it because it wasn't too sweet, but had just a hint of sweetness to it.

First off, I had to make some syrup!

After melting the butter in the dish, I added some bacon...

Then the crushed pineapple...

Mixed up the pancake mix, added to the top...

Then baked it!

While I was waiting to it to bake, I got a little creative. I decided to fan out some strawberries, and find my powdered sugar to sift some on top! I even sliced some bananas to add on the side as well!

Well, that's really all I have time for today. It's Sunday, again, obviously, and so Danny is back to work. Catch up day here for me.

Here's wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday!

Oh, and BTW...here is the recipe for the...

Upside-Down Oven Pancake Prep: 15 min, Cook: 20 min.

1 Tbs. unsalted butter
6 ounces Canadian bacon, sliced
1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
2 Tbs. brown sugar, packed
1-1/2 cups buttermilk baking mix
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup maple syrup

Preheat oven to 400°F. Melt butter in a 9 inch round oven-proof skillet in oven until melted. Arrange bacon slices, overlapping slightly, on butter. Spoon pineapple evenly over bacon. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Combine baking mix, milk and egg in a bowl. Beat vigorously 30 seconds (batter will be slightly lumpy). Carefully spread over pineapple. Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Run knife around edge to loosen. Immediately invert onto serving platter. Serve with maple syrup.

This recipe serves 4 people. Due to the nature of this recipe, it adjusts the number of servings in multiples of 4 only.

Per serving: calories 575, fat 15.6g, 24% calories from fat, cholesterol 80mg, protein 15.0g, carbohydrates 96.3g, fiber 1.4g, sugar 67.1g, sodium 1213mg, diet points 13.0.

Dietary Exchanges: Milk: 0.1, Vegetable: 0.0, Fruit: 0.3, Bread: 1.9, Lean meat: 1.4, Fat: 1.8, Sugar: 3.5, Very lean meat protein: 0.0

Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal

2009-07-02T12:24:00.002-04:00

Tried another recipe yesterday morning. Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal. This is the first time I have ever "baked" oatmeal. I thought it turned out pretty yummy, Arlee & Frosty both really liked it {even got 2nds}, Zach and Liam ate a little but wasn't too much impressed, and Danny thought it was kinda bland. SO there are our reviews.

~ Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal ~

Here's mine...

and in the bowl. I added a small sprinkle of choco chips, as well...

This will be a short entry today. It's Thursday, Danny's last day of work for the week, so I would like to get as much cleaning done as I can...1st because I want it to look 1/2 way decent when he gets home, and 2nd because I am not one to do a whole lot of cleaning while he's home!

I have LOTS to do...much more that what I could ever get done today. But, I'm going to give it my best shot to get as much done as I can in the time I have left today!

And, with that, I bid you all farewell...for I am off to the land of dishes, laundry, & messies! I will write again as soon as I can! If you don't hear from me in some time...please send a search party!

Have a great day all! And, enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend! Be safe, and have fun!

Oven Omelet & Looking Into Asperger Syndrome

2009-07-01T13:29:00.002-04:00

I decided on having breakfast for dinner last night. I really wanted to try out another one of the recipes on The Five J's blog. {I'm so happy I came upon this blog! If I have not mentioned it lately!}

Cooking is such a magical art isn't it? How you can turn a bunch of ingredients, like in the picture above, into a filling delicious meal for a family! It is just amazing!

First off, I had to get my buns started...

Put it in the bread maker for it to "do it's thing" while I got some other things ready to go.

Like I shredded the cheese...

...and cubed the ham...

I also went ahead and sliced the sausage and got that ready to cook...

About an hour later, the dough was ready to come out of the bread machine...

After letting the dough rest for a few minutes...it was time to get my buns into shape...

I sat these on my preheating oven to rise while I put together the Oven Omelet.

Here is mine BEFORE it went into the oven with the buns...

When the buns were done, I buttered them. Then started to put the rest of the breakfast/dinner together. I heated up some hash brown patties and some applesauce.

Danny, Arlee, Frosty, and I really liked the Oven Omelet. The two younger boys are a little pickier, so they were not too crazy about it....but that really was not too big of a surprise.

Last night, late last night, I was IMing back and forth with another mom on Cafe Mom. I mentioned about what the Dr had said about Zach possibly having Autism. I talked just a little about him, and she thought that maybe it sounded to her more like Asperger Syndrome.

So, just like any other respectable Digital Mom would do, I hit the internet this morning looking it up to find out more. I came across many different websites, naturally, with lists of symptoms...and I do think that they describe Zachary much better!

I have only begun looking into this, and am very anxious for when we can go back to the Dr and discuss this more with him.

If anyone reading this has any helpful links for me about Asperger, parenting a Asperger child, and/or home schooling a Asperger child, I would VERY MUCH APPRECIATE them!

Well, that's all I have time for today. Have a great day All!

Chicken Strips, Sugar Cookies, & FREE Home Ec Handbook Online...

2009-06-30T11:49:00.002-04:00

This is a picture that Danny took of the lilly out in our habitat garden.

Yesterday, after I got done with all the kids' pancakes, Danny gave me a call to let me know he'll be able to swing by home for a little bit! YEAH! I love it when he gets to stop by during his day! I made him a HUGE plate of pancakes, strawberries, and whipped cream.

Some of you probably noticed my thought bubble yesterday that said that it was our 7th wedding anniversary! So, I'm really excited I got to see him a little extra yesterday on such a special day! I just love being married to this man SO MUCH! Can not get enough time with him!

And, I wanted to also mention how PROUD OF DANNY I AM!! Today marks 5 days of him NOT smoking!! {Round of Applause!} He is doing so good! He is using the patch, lollipops, and Starbursts to curve those cravings and habits! LoL! YEAH DANNY!!

Ooooh, I told you yesterday that I was trying a new recipe for lunch. Well, the older kids went swimming after Danny left to go finish up work, and by the time they came back in it was about time to start dinner! So we all just had a quick snack, and I moved the new recipe to dinner!

Here is what I will be turning into our dinner...

The recipe came from the blog I shared with everyone yesterday {The Five J's}. Here is the recipe...

Oven Baked Chicken Strips

Well, actually, it is the entry on The Five J's blog about it, then you will need to follow the link on there to the actual recipe...sorry! But, I did more like what they did on The Five J's website.

I used skinless boneless chicken breasts, which after thawed, I cut into strips. Dipped in the melted butter, covered with the crumb mixture, and arranged in a couple of my casserole dishes...

After they cooked for about 30 mins...finding out I probably should have flipped them about 1/2 way thru the cooking time...I put them onto our plates with our sides...whole corn, and baked beans...

They were a HUGE hit with everyone! I couldn't help myself but to try one...I mean two...well, in the end I think I had three! Whoops! Just couldn't help myself because I thought they were SO YUMMY!

After dinner, Arlee wanted to make some cookies. So we went looking for a sugar cookie recipe for her to make. We came across the recipe for Easy Sugar Cookies, and she decided to try these.

They turned out REALLY good! She has turned into quite the little baker around here! Here is her plate of cookies...

So thanks to Miss Arlee, we had dessert!

And, on a side note here...I came across a link to a Home Ec program online for FREE! Whoo Hoo! It is Christian based, but mainly focuses on the topic at hand. The Future Christian Homemakers Hanbook looks really great, and VERY close to what I was hoping to find to work thru with the kids...especially Arlee!!

Okay...well, that is about all I have time for today! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and read! It is VERY appreciated!

Have a wonderful day!!

Zach's Dr. Appt, Arlee Camp, Breakfast

2009-06-29T15:45:00.002-04:00

Good afternoon, friends! I'm getting a late start to my day! We all didn't get up until after 10am, then I got hooked on my computer...I really need to work on that one! Danny has me now addicted to Mobsters on MySpace! Ugh! We are in a competition on how many mobbies we each have! LoL!

I'm just now getting to making our breakfast. This morning it will be pancakes with strawberries, whipped cream, and syrup! Unfortunately, I won't be having any! I'll be having my two scrambled eggs!

While I'm waiting for my griddle to heat up, I wanted to share a blog with you all that I stumbled across, The Five J's. I found it the other day while doing some looking on the net. I've only looked thru it a little, but have found a few things of interests...so I wanted to pass it on to everyone!

Okay, well, my pancakes are cooking now, and the strawberries are already cut up...so what can I share with you now that I'm flipping the pancakes?? Oh, how about Zach's Dr's appointment this past Friday?

Here he is when we went to pick Arlee up from her Girl Scout Overnight Camp...

So, this past Friday, Arlee, Zachary, & I went to the Dr's office. It was an appointment for Zachary...Arlee tagged along because we were picking up one of her friends on the way home. We were at the Dr's to discuss Zachary maybe having ADHD.

The Dr asked me why I think he may have ADHD. He also asked me more specific questions about some of Zach's behaviors. In the end, and mind you this was our FIRST and ONLY appointment discussing these things with our Dr. He says he suspects that Zach does have ADHD, and possibly some ODD {Oppositional Defiance Disorder}, and maybe even be on the spectrum of Autism. WOW.

The Dr suggested that Danny & I take the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale test. I actually will need to take it twice...one as to what he does in our "home" environment, and one as to what he does in our "school" environment. Here are the links to the parents test...

Vanderbilt Assessment Scale ~ Parent Test

The parents test and teachers tests are similar...you can do a google search for Vanderbilt Assessment Scale to find MANY different links to them.

We have to make another appointment to go back to talk with the Dr. We are hoping, after Arlee's guitar lessons are over, and Cooper's puppy classes are over, Danny & I will be able to get a Thursday Evening appointment. That way, maybe, we can get Danny's mom to watch the other 3 kids...and the two of us can go together with Zach. Dr Reynolds says he will be able to better see what we are dealing with once he sees our completed tests.

Okay...well, I've still got a few more batches of pancakes to go...I did mention Arlee's Girl Scout Overnight Camp a little earlier...how about a couple pictures from that? All these pics are from her last day when we came to pick her up to bring her home!

She was SO TIRED!!

Here is when Arlee's group leader was telling about how Arlee was always with her, and always ready to help out all during camp.

All the girls learned the dance moves to the Hoedown Throwdown and they all danced it for all the parents!

Oh yeah...the pancakes are all finally done and together! Don't they look yummy?

Well, now that breakfast is finally out, I guess I better start my day! I'll be trying a new recipe for lunch today...I'll update you all on them tomorrow!

Have a great day all!

Butterfly Show, 2009

2009-06-15T11:22:00.001-04:00

Went to the Butterfly Show last week. It is held downtown Cincy at the Krohn Conservatory. It has been quite a few years since the last time we have been. This will be Liam's first time going!

We had a very wonderful day together! Everyone had a pretty good time...we even got to bring home a new friend, Archie...he's a Venus fly trap! LOL! He's already had his first meal, too! {Gross, but cool!}

So here are some pics that I would like to share with you...

{Zachary wanted to go home to play Wii...that's why he was looking all upset in the above pic.}

{The light was BRIGHT in there...Look at Liam, he's like glowing!!}

{Liam had SUCH a good time...Zach, well, it took some convincing but he did enjoy himself!}

{Awwww...I think this turned out SO very cute!!}

{Whoo Hoo...Liam got one!!}

{...and he was SO excited about it!!}

{Guess Arlee got one too...ON TOP OF HER HEAD!!}

{This is coming out from behind the waterfall}

{This one is for everyone who always says, "why are there no pics of Mom?"....here is ONE! Usually I'm the one behind the camera!}

{The BOYS!}

{This is a pic from the overlook that is right down from the Krohn. That is Kentucky across the river.}

{There is the Purple People Bridge}

{Someone was very tuckered out on the ride home!}

Thanks for stopping by to check out our photos.

Weight Loss Journal ~ End of Week 2

2009-05-31T14:29:00.003-04:00

Just to recap the week...

*Last Sunday I weighed in at 193.5

*Was working on week 2 with the Atkins Diet.

*I stuck pretty close to my menu this week...a couple days were a little off, but this is close to what I had...

Breakfast will still be 2 scrambled eggs with butter, garlic powder, pepper
Lunch will still be a salad {lettuce, cheese, tomato, cucumber, 1000 Island Dressing} with 1 can of tuna mixed with a couple spoonfuls of the Aldi brand of Miracle Whip.
Dinner will have a salad each night {lettuce, cheese, tomato, cucumber, 1000 Island dressing....main meat will be steak 3 nights, chicken 3 nights with marinade, taco "fillings" {everything but the shell} 1 night. I will also be adding green beans, broccoli with cheese, and another broccoli recipe I found for extra options for adding a side to my dinner.
I also picked up a case of Diet Rite. From the last time I did the Atkins diet, I found this is the BEST diet pop for me. I will allow myself 1 pop a night with dinner....which then I usually can just sip on for the rest of the evening.
I picked up some salami so I could make salami rolls with cream cheese. And I have been making deviled eggs for a snack. I've also been eating sugar free jello with a dab of whipped cream on top!

* I did not get to walk as much as I would have liked. My ankle got twisted by sorta tripping over a toy...go figure...so I had to wrap it for one of my early in the week walks, but it really didn't help. My yard is not flat...so it was really hard on my ankle walking around. And by Tuesday...my knees hurt so bad! They just ached. So I took some time off of walking. {Everything feels MUCH better now!}

*Still drinking water. Still drinking coffee, too! I did get some store brand Splenda to use in my coffee. So the only "cheat" on my diet now is the bit of milk I use in my coffee.

*Energy check this week was good, not like last week though. I think because I was not walking like I was...but am VERY happy that I opted for the break with it.

So that brings us up to today....my weigh in for May 31st...end of week 2... is....189.0...that is a 11.5 lb loss since May 17 when I got serious!!!! I'm STILL excited!!! Probably would have been more if I would have been able to walk, but I'm still very happy with the results!!

Goals for the Week Ahead...

*Keep up walking for 30 mins every morning. Starting tomorrow!

*Make it a priority for an evening walking at least 3 times this week. I wanted really bad to do this this past week, but just couldn't. SO, I'm going to try again for this coming week!

*Add more water.

*Menu will be a little different...again

Breakfast ~ 2 eggs, scrambled, with butter, pepper, garlic powder.
Lunch ~ Most days this week will be tuna with Aldi brand Miracle Whip with my usual salad...but, since I was not able to go to the grocery store this past weekend, the last couple days may just be a salad...maybe with some chicken breast.
Dinner ~ 3 nights will be steak with green beans and salad, 1 night will be a cheese burger {minus the bun for me} with a salad, 1 night I'm making breakfast for dinner, so I'll be able to have the eggs and bacon, and by then I should be able to hit the grocery store for a little more variety of stuff.

*Technically, I'm finished with the induction part of the Atkins Diet and would be allowed to add a bit more to my diet.....but I am choosing to stick with the induction for a while longer. Not sure how long....guess we will just wait to see what happens!

Thanks for reading and for all the support!!

~Weight Loss Journal ~

2009-05-24T11:17:00.004-04:00

Just to recap the week...

*Last Sunday I weighed in at 200.5

*Started Atkins diet Sunday morning.

Breakfast each day was 2 eggs, scrambled, with a dab of butter, garlic powder, and pepper
Lunch each day was a salad {lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, 1000 Island dressing} and 1 can of tuna with a couple spoonfuls of the Aldi brand of Miracle Whip mixed in.
Dinner for 5 nights had a salad {like above} I changed up the main course a little 1 chicken breast dipped in Ranch dressing about 3 nights, 1 hamburger patty with cheese and a little mayo on top 1 night, one evening I made wraps out of the lettuce with the sliced chicken breasts inside with cheese, tomato, and Ranch dressing. Last night I made a HUGE salad...then chopped up the chicken breast to add to the salad. The night I went grocery shopping I was SOOOO tired when I got home, I made a few deviled eggs and those filled me up, and I ended up going to bed early because I was just so tired!

* Walked Daily. For 6 days, every morning, I walked for 30 mins around our yard. A couple days, I walked again in the evening. On Friday, I went grocery shopping at Aldi, Meijer, and WalMart. Along with just walking arounf in the store, I also park FAR back in the parking lot so I get a good walk just walking to the front door! So I do count that Friday I took my walk.

*I have slowly, over the week, started drinking more water. Seems like I didn't really need it as much the beginning of my week, as I do now at the end. I just crave it more.

*I have had added energy this week! Which feels GREAT!!

So that brings us up to today....my weigh in for May 24th...end of week 1... is....193.5...that is a 7lb loss!!!! I'm SO excited!!!

Goals for the Week Ahead...

*Keep up walking for 30 mins every morning.

*Make it a priority for an evening walking at least 3 times this week.

*Add more water.

*Menu will be a little different...

Breakfast will still be 2 scrambled eggs with butter, garlic powder, pepper
Lunch will still be a salad {lettuce, cheese, tomato, cucumber, 1000 Island Dressing} with 1 can of tuna mixed with a couple spoonfuls of the Aldi brand of Miracle Whip.
Dinner will have a salad each night {lettuce, cheese, tomato, cucumber, 1000 Island dressing....main meat will be steak 3 nights, chicken 3 nights with marinade, taco "fillings" {everything but the shell} 1 night.
I also picked up a case of Diet Rite. From the last time I did the Atkins diet, I found this is the BEST diet pop for me. I will allow myself 1 pop a night with dinner....which then I usually can just sip on for the rest of the evening.

Thanks for reading....I'm off to get ready for my walk!

A Visit to the Dr & A Night Out with Husband!

2009-05-17T12:32:00.003-04:00

Well, in my last entry...which I know has been a while back...I was talking about how I had a hard time finding motivation for my weight loss. A few years back, I had my wedding to get ready for...perfect motivation there! But, these days, don't really have anything like that to really pump myself up for and keep me focused.

I know usually you put the moral of the story at the end, but I've never been one to do things in the right order. My moral happens to be age old advice...be careful what you wish for.

As some of you reading who are on my friend's list on CafeMom may know, I had a doctor's appointment on Friday. It has been FOREVER {like 4 years} since my last visit with our family doctor. So we had A LOT of catching up to do.

The big thing was that my doctor is suspecting that I may have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome {pcos}. And like any other respectable "digital mom" would do...as soon as I got home I hopped on the internet to find out what that really means.

I found out that pcos explains a lot of the things that I have dealt with most of my life.

SO, now I have the motivation to loose my weight. Not exactly what I was hoping for or even looking for...but, whatever works I guess. My doctor and I talked about loosing weight. I told him that I had done the Atkin's diet before, and he is a supporter of this diet...so Atkins will be my "diet" of choice this time around.

Last night, Danny took me out as a kick off to my new diet. So I stuffed myself BIG TIME!!!

We started off by dropping off all four kids at my in-laws' house. Next we headed to Aldi....exciting stuff huh? What a place to go when you drop off all your kids! LoL! I had to pick up a few things for the week...we were in and out of there in like 10 mins! Then we headed over to Applebees...but there were pretty crowded...so we decided to go to Golden Corral. It was busy there too, but we waited. It was all SO YUMMY! It has been quite some time since I've been there.

After that we ran over to Meijer to pick up a couple few more things I needed for groceries. Although we did errands on our "date" night...it was great to be able to do it together...ALONE! We held hands almost the entire time we were together! It was just wonderful!

This morning I weighed myself on my scale...200.5 {which weighs in at like 7lb less than my doctors scale???}...I have walked for 30 mins around our yard, drank a 16.9 fl oz water bottle, and when Frosty is done making his breakfast...I will be making myself 2 scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Before I eat lunch today, I will walk for another 30 mins, drink another 16.9 fl oz water bottle, and will be having tuna and a salad to eat.

Sadly, I have to make cupcakes today, but can not eat any of them. {sniff sniff} Arlee has her bridging today uptown at the park. She will be a cadette now in Girl Scouts...I'm SO proud of her!

Hopefully, before dinner I will be able to walk again for 30 mins, drink another 16.9 fl oz water bottle, and will be having baked chicken breasts and a salad to eat.

This will be the same {except for the making of cupcakes} each day for a week...until next Monday.

Well, I must hop off of here and get started on those cupcakes and make sure Arlee has the outfit she wanted to wear today washed.

Thanks for dropping by!

Weight Loss Journal ~ Week 1

2009-04-22T11:17:00.005-04:00

Back on April 1st, I added a weight loss ticker to my profile page on CafeMom. My goal was to loose 5lbs by the end of the month. Well, here it is April 22, and...brutal honesty here...I'm actually 2.5 pounds heavier!! YIKES! Granted I'm just coming off of "that time of the month", so I'm just going to do some wishful thinking and chalk it up to water gain!

Grrr...I'm so ready to loose this weight, but I just have a hard time holding on to my willpower and motivation. I mean, I would love to get back down to my 140, that is what I weighed when I got married...that is a LOOOONG way from 202.5! Like 62.5 looooong! That will take lots, lots, and LOTS of willpower and motivation! Will I be strong enough to hold on for the long haul?

I'm planning on posting some of my old pictures to help motivate myself as well. The picture on this entry is from my honeymoon in Tenn. It is on the beauiful porch of our chalet.

A friend of mine is wanting to start walking. I'm hoping to be able to hook up with her to walk about 3x a week. I think this will be great fun! Not only are we working together to get healthier, but I think it will be a great time to walk with her and talk together. I'm really looking forward to this.

My plan is to update my Weight Loss Journal once a week.

My goal for this week is to...drink at least 1 big glass of water each day, eggs for breakfast each day, and walking at least 3 times a week.

This & That from Around the Homefront

2009-04-20T08:57:00.010-04:00

Our Furbabies...

Arlee & I yesterday went on an Internet search to try and find out what type of dog is Sissy, and what mix is Shakes. It was fun trying to figure it all out together! Some of the names they have out there for mixed breeds are quite humorous! Arlee was really getting a kick out of them!

We came to find out, Sissy seems to be a Catalan Sheepdog. Although, at the moment she's not really looking like it! LOL! We took her up to the groomers this past Saturday and she got SHAVED down for summer! She is still a pretty girl though! And it won't be long before her hair grows out a bit.

When we first got Sissy, we had just moved into our current house not long before she arrived. A friend of ours, whom we worked with, was moving from out in the country to an apartment. She knew that Sissy would not be happy with new living arrangements. So, since we just moved into our new house, which has a decent sized yard, she asked us if we were willing to take Sissy to live with us.

Danny fell for her almost instantly because she looked just like a dog he had growing up. And Sissy has been a joy...for the most part...ever since! Except for when she sits on my flowers or get mud covered...YUCK! But, she is a dog after all, I guess!

She loves to be outside. With her long sheepdog coat, she is virtual waterproof, and even loves just sitting in the rain! She likes just watching what all is happening in our yard and actually all up and down the neighborhood for that matter! Before we got our chain link fence, she would roam all over the place. Our neighbor across the street went out to his garage once to find her sleeping on a couch he had out there...Ooops! {She's only gotten out once or twice...have not figured out how or where...since we really started enforcing her staying in the fence.}

When Sissy first came to us she was 4 years old. That was back in '02. So now, in 2009 that would make her about 11 years old. Pretty "senior citizen" for a dog. She's our "old lady". We found out yesterday, looking up Sissy's breed, that their life span is on average 10 to 14 years, if I remember correctly.

Next would be Shakes. We found out yesterday that he has a lot of Rat Terrier in him. He has to mixed with something else, we think, because of all the ticking he has on him {his black splotching}. We sort of are leaning toward Blue Heeler...if we had to guess.

One day, a few summers back, we went over to Danny's parent's house for a visit. The neighbor had found a dog whom neighborhood children were tormenting by throwing skateboards and such at. Neither the neighbor or Danny's parents had remembered seeing him around the neighborhood, he had no tags, and he was looking pretty skinny...even for him! I just fell in love with his coloring and how pretty he was...sorry Shakes...how handsome he was.

Over the years we've had issues with housebreaking him. So mostly, he lived outside. He was a runner, and before we got our fence there was no way of keeping him close to home. After we put up the fence, he dug his way out underneath. We've always felt bad for keeping him chained up, but we just did not know what else to do to keep him safe. We tried several times with him inside, but he always had accidents.

Now he's older, and I guess understands better. We've had him in the house for some time now with NO accidents! YEAH! He has become to total lap dog I always wanted for him!! LOL! Spoiled rotten and happy!

And so that brings us to Cooper. We just got Cooper last October...I believe it was Halloween weekend, if I'm not mistaken, but I don't remember exactly. He was 6 weeks old at the time we got him. Which would make him now about 7 1/2 months old. And he is ALL puppy. Now mix that with the fact that he is a Black Lab and WATCH OUT!

I have never seen a puppy grow so fast!! He is HUGE...56 lbs HUGE! And he is a brick wall! He has all the normal puppy issues with biting, chewing, not coming when called, jumping up on a person, etc, etc, etc...so we have decided to sign him up {well, Danny up..LOL} for Dog Training classes. It should be starting middle of May. I'm REALLY looking forward to a better behaved Cooper!! They welcome family involvement in the training process. So Danny will be taking Arlee and Frosty with him to the training classes.

I made the appointment for Coop this morning to be fixed. We hope this might help calm him down a bit as well...at least that is what you hear that will happen, and we hope that it is TRUE!

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Weight Loss Journal...

I will be starting yet another Weight Loss Journal on Wednesday. This is the day that I am going to try, again, to loose this extra weight that I've been carrying around for way too long!! A friend of mine and myself will be starting to walk together that day...so I'm hoping this will keep me motivated!

Here is Danny & I in one of our engagement pictures that a photography friend of ours took for us. Ooooh, to be that size again!

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Thinking about Summer Lessons...

I've been thinking about what we can do, educational wise, this summer. I've had a few different ideas running thru my head. Now all I have to do is get them put down on paper and organize them. Then start the planning!

I will post more on this soon.

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Modest Changes ~ Wearing Dresses More Often

2009-04-16T07:30:00.011-04:00

Do you wear dresses a lot? The girls in this house {my daughter, Arlee & I} do not. But I, after talking a couple few times with my Husband, have decided that we should try to do so more often. This is a big change for us gals who have been wearing pants, capris, jeans, and shorts for the majority of our whole lives. I have decided this change needs to be a slow gradual one...but, especially when you are 12, no matter go slow and gradual changes comes about...it's hard.

I've asked Arlee quite a few times about wearing dresses all the time, or even just more often. She's always been against it. Said she just loves her jeans. Okay, I can understand that especially since that is what she is used to wearing. Just like me and my comfy Capri's. And, I'm not one big on changes to my regular routine either.

I've read many a blogs and articles about Ladies who wear dresses all the time, sometimes along with their daughters...and it is so intriguing to me. But, I think the biggest inspiration for me is just been watching the 18 and Counting episodes about the Duggars. Reading about this lifestyle choice is one thing, but being able to see it makes it that much more interesting.

When I see all the long skirts on all their daughters, what I see being portrayed is not only femininity, but modesty as well. Defiantly two things which I would love to be able to teach to and instill in my daughter, and also bring more of it into my own life as well.

I tried once before to make the change to wearing only dresses. But, I believe I tried to change too fast for my own liking. After only a few days, I was ready to hang up my dresses for good. It just didn't feel right. So I happily returned my dresses and skirts to the dark corners of my closet and slipped right back into my comfy capri's...very happy to be back into my own comfort zone as well! I feel that I made the mistake of trying to change all at once. I'm one that needs to slowly get used to something new...not jump in with both feet!

I will also admit that I am MUCH more excited about this change than Arlee is...and this is an understatement! I was being a little too excited last night talking about it, and she got upset. {Hormones...aren't the lovely! Especially at her age!} Danny and I practically had to force her to sit down and tell us her thoughts. After some convincing she just let go. She explained to us that we made this decision without her. That no one asked her what she thought on the matter. That she was wanting to be able to express herself the way she wanted to. WOW...I was thinking...those are some pretty grown up thoughts she has been having! I was proud of her for finally letting go and expressing her emotions and feelings on the matter.

She did have some good points. She was upset because we made the decision without her. True. We did. We then explained to her that she is only 12, and we are still the parents...and that we will most times make decisions without her...and that sometimes these decisions will not be easy for her to accept, but she must trust us that we are only doing them with her best interest at heart.

She even called me out on trying to be like the Duggars. I was impressed with her honesty. I asked her, when she is looking thru her Girls Life Magazine and sees a cute hairdo, and she goes and tries it out on herself, why does she do this? She blurted out, "Because it's cool." We went on to explain that we are NOT trying to be just like the Duggars. Just as she is not trying to be just like the girl in the magazine. But, unlike her, we are not doing this "because it's cool". That we see their family as an inspiration. We see SOME of the things that they do, that we would like to try with our own family to help teach our own set of values.

We went on to share with her the why's of this decision. I started off by telling her that by being a young lady it is important for her to learn how to be feminine. To know how to wear skirts and dresses along with how to hold herself and carry herself while wearing them. I shared with her, that although she has always been very conscious of being modest, wearing long dresses and skirts is also another way to do so. Some may even argue that is is the best way, due to the fact that jeans and pants show more contours of your body than long skirts or dresses would. We want to make sure, especially with her getting a little older, when and if boys are looking at her that they are SEEING HER. Dressing modestly demands this.

After our talk with Arlee, Danny talked with me. He was thinking that maybe she feels singled out since Frost, and the other boys for that matter, do not have the same changes going on. And, to be honest, I never really thought about it with the boys! Just like I never thought about asking my Husband to dress up for me on a certain day either. But, Danny and I talked and he said that it would be only fair that the boys must "dress up" as well.

So with today being Thursday, the day I decided would be good for us to start "dressing up" once a week, I set Arlee off this morning to put on her dress and fix her hair. I went to the younger two boys closet and found 2 collared shirts, two under shirts, and pants. As I was getting them dressed and brushing their long locks...Frost was off finding his own dress shirt! He chose to do this all on his own when he saw that everyone else was getting dressed.

After Arlee and Frost were ready for the day, the three of us were in the kitchen talking. I had Arlee really look at Frosty's outfit. It was a yellow undershirt with a dragon on it, and his dress shirt was a very soft blue material with dragons. He was able to look very respectable and still express himself at the same time. And that when we are able to go buy her some new skirts and such, she will be able to do the same thing. Right now she is sort of stuck with the one dress and one skirt that she has right now. She seemed ok with this idea...are we maybe making progress with her accepting this change?

New Dishwasher & Pics from Easter

2009-04-15T07:46:00.002-04:00

First off, I want to tell everyone within reading distance how wonderful my Husband is! Last week, Thursday I believe, he went hunting to find me a new dishwasher! YIPPEE! Gosh I love this man! He found me one over at HH Gregg. They did not have one in the store, so they would have to get one delivered, and said Danny could pick it up on Saturday! I couldn't wait!

Well, Saturday arrives...Danny calls to HH Gregg...they, for some reason, do not have the dishwasher! YIKES! So they tell Danny that he can have the floor model and they will refund us $30! Ok, we'll take it!

So...I'd like to introduce my newest "helper" around the house...

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Danny had to work on Easter, but was still able to arrive about 30 mins or so after the rest of us at his parent's house. Sunday was also Zach's birthday. I have a couple few pics from that day to share, too...

Arlee & Frost

Arlee, Frost, & Liam

Zach {up front} Danny, & Liam hunting eggs!

Liam looking for eggs.

Danny & Zach

Arlee during the egg hunt.

Danny, Arlee, Frosty, & Liam...Zach walked away too quickly for me to get him in the pic, too!

Zach going thru his Easter basket from Me'Maw.

Zach's birthday cake that Me'Maw made for him!

He was SOOOO excited when we were all singing "Happy Birthday" to him!

Taking a deep breath so he can blow out ALL six of those candles!

Just lookin' cute!

Frosty eating one of the cupcakes I made.

Arlee looking beautiful...as usual!

Big Smile!

Zach playing with one of his birthday presents from Me'Maw!

Liam getting a big hug from Me'Maw!

Frosty coloring in his book that he got in his Easter basket.

Danny coloring in Frosty's book that he got in his Easter basket. LOL!

Frosty {with bunny ears} playing GameCube at Me'Maw's house.

What a cool dude! I can't believe he's 6 years old now!

Awww, poor guy was pouting, so I thought I would take a pic of how long his hair has gotten!!!

Zach playing ball outside!

It was a good day visiting with Danny's parents for Easter. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins!

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Have a great week, Ladies!

From the Beginning

2009-04-15T07:43:00.002-04:00

I've always heard that it is best to start from the beginning. Here are the basics about myself and my family.

My name is Jennifer. I have been married to my wonderful Husband, Danny, since June 2002. We Home School using, but not limited only to, a virtual school in our home state. Ohio Virtual Academy {OHVA} has been a wonderful adventure for our family! We enjoy the opportunity to have our children at home so we can, with our family's values, nurture their hearts, heads, and hands!

We have four brilliant children.

Arlee is our oldest. She is 12 years old and in the 6th grade. She enjoys reading, singing, and drawing. Arlee is in Girl Scouts. She also volunteers at our local library usually a couple days a week.

Frost is our oldest son. He is 10 years old and in the 4th grade. He is our sensitive boy who enjoys being at home. Frost is in Boy Scouts. He loves his video games, camping, and laser tag.

Zachary is next in line. He is 5 years old and in Kindergarten. He is our spirited boy who is always moving! Zach enjoys playing video games, playing at the park, and building things.

Liam is our youngest. He is 3 years old. He is our high needs son who requires a lot of love to make it through his day. Liam loves watching Imagination Movers, cuddling, playing, and his blue blanket {named Kee-Kee}.

Here is my favorite picture of my family...

I know they look a little worn out, don't they? We just got done spending the evening playing at a nearby park!

Well, that is the basics of who we are.

I'm looking forward to blogging here about our Home Schooling!

Thanks for dropping by! Stop by again soon, please!