From the Land of Elvis

New Website

2011-02-16T15:01:00.000-06:00

Hi friends. I have been learing a lot about social media and how it can help to grow my Beachbody business. The first thing I've learned is you MUST USE Wordpress! So sorry Blogspot, I've set up a new site and blog. Please follow me over at http://www.beckybouldienfitness.com/.

And if anyone needs help or advice on setting up a new website/blog, just ask. I might as well share what I've learned!

I may from time to time still post here for personal thoughts, but please follow me at my new site!

First YouTube Video

2011-01-16T19:34:00.000-06:00

Check out my first YouTube video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9Xh4xWceDg

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel BeckyTn10

What is Beachbody?

2010-12-28T12:30:00.000-06:00

Beachbody has changed the lives of many people I know. They are in the best shape of their lives, free from medication they were once dependent upon, financially free, able to spend more time with their families and helping others achieve their own goals. Larry Zimberg puts it this way, "This business is not about sales, nor will it ever be. It is about perseverance. It is about desire and the will to achieve something more, something greater than the status quo. It is a journey, not of what you get along the way, but of who you become; reaching out in the service of others and helping the person next to you. And it is about heart." I am inspired by the people I have met through Beachbody to live a better life. I am looking forward to 2011 and how Beachbody will change my life. Anyone want to join me?

What is your New Years Resolution?

2010-12-28T12:26:00.000-06:00

2011 is only a few days away. I am planning to make it my best year ever. My best fitness, best career advancement, best relationships and best commitment to seeking Christ. I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. It only takes the desire to change, commitment to act and the perseverance to not give up. You can only fail if you quit. Is anyone ready to join me in making 2011 a year to remember?

Winter Shakeology Recipes

2010-12-17T07:49:00.000-06:00

So as you know I'm a HUGE fan of Shakeology. I love the taste, it's the healthiest thing I eat, and it helps me to lose weight. Drinking it every day, I like to be able to add some variety. Some of my favorite recipes include adding peanut butter, mint extract, hazelnut instant coffee and coconut extract. But with this new Winter recipe calendar, I have many more variations to try! What is your favorite Shakeology recipe?

http://bit.ly/fGxtgn

Do you really need Beachbody or can you get fit on your own?

2010-11-30T09:58:00.000-06:00

Many people I talk to about Beachbody don't see the need. They think they can make their own shakes and do their own routines to get in shape. And you know what, they can. But do they have the motivation and determination to forge a plan of their own and stick to it? Usually not. What Beachbody offers is a set nutrition plan and a specific daily workout plan that anyone can follow. You also get a coach to hold you accountable and encourage you. There are thousands of success stories from people who have used these programs and nutrition supplements. You could also make your own laundry detergent, sew your own clothes and cook everything from scratch. But do you? What is holding you back? Make the committment to get healthy with Beachbody in 2011! You won't regret it.

How to have a healthy holiday

2010-11-18T09:33:00.000-06:00

How did it get to be November so quickly? Thanksgiving is one week from today! And how do we celebrate, by eating lots and lots of food! We need to adjust our mindset 95% of the time to believe that food is merely fuel for our bodies. It is not love. Some folks mistakenly believe that it is loving to make extremely unhealthy food for our families. If you do that, you are setting your kids up for a life long struggle. I'll leave that 5% for special celebrations when you can indulge but that shouldn't be the norm.

America is quickly becoming the most obese nation in the world. More and more folks are struggling with diabetes. Good health is one of your most prized possessions and many of us don't realize that until it is taken away. This holiday season, try to substitute ingredients in your favorite recipe. Try applesauce instead of butter or plain yogurt instead of sour cream. Ground turkey is great in many recipes instead of ground beef. You can find lots of ideas just by searching on the internet.

I'm going to try to make these Shakeology oatmeal bars as a healthy dessert option.

Shakeology Oatmeal bars
Ingredients:
3 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup skim milk
dash cinnamon
splash of vanilla
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
4 scoops chocolate shakeology

Mix all dry ingredients, then add skim milk and vanilla. Blend. Add peanut butter and mix with hands. Put mixture in an 8X8 pan, press flat and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Cut into squares.

Hope you all have a happy and healthy holiday!

Multi-level Marketing

2010-11-02T12:17:00.003-05:00

I know we've all heard terrible things about Multi-level marketing. We run when we hear someone talk about a MLM opportunity. They try to suck us in with their success stories. Why would an already successful Health & Fitness Company want to turn to MLM? Because with weight loss, those who have been successful are INSPIRING! If they can do it why can't I? That is how I got involved with Beachbody. I knew some people who were moderately overweight. They had found success with workouts from Beachbody. They look awesome now! If they can do it why can't I? So I ordered ChaLEAN Extreme in January of 2009. I followed the program for 4 months and found I am smaller and feel better than ever! Yes, better than high school!

So if they can make a living by helping others get fit and encouraging people to live healthy lives, why can't I? So I started my journey of building my business to help and encourage folks to get healthy in October of 2010. Why? Because I believe in the products, use the products and know they work. Because our health costs are skyrocketing from people making poor health choices. Because our bodies are the temple of God and should be treated as such. I also want more freedom to spend time with my kids. I don't want to look back after 40 years in an office/cube and wonder how I missed it all. And, if I can do it, why can't you??? www.beachbodycoach.com/beckytn

The Original Lie

2010-09-20T14:53:00.000-05:00

I found this post very thought provoking from Mark Batterson. I need to let God's truth sink in to my heart. Do I really believe Psalm 84:11?

Evotional.com

God Still Speaks

2010-08-17T10:54:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to seek the face of God this summer rather than just seeking His plan for my life. Honestly, I don't feel like it's been too productive. I'm wondering if God has stopped speaking since I haven't been listening or obeying. But I read a post from Rachel Rowell today that reminded me that God still wants to speak and does. We just need to be silent to hear it. She reminded me that He is speaking all the time. His spirit is the one that makes me want to read my bible and seek Him. His spirit is the one convicting me of my sins. He is the one who brings pure joy to my heart and gives me a hope. He just doesn't necessarily speak in the way I expect Him to. So for now, I will just make more time for silence.

Usefullness

2010-08-12T16:09:00.002-05:00

Lately I've been feeling that I'm not very useful where I am right now. I spend most of my day at work and don't feel like I'm making any difference or glorifying the Lord. My prayer has been that I will be used by the Lord as he wishes. But when is he going to move me? As Oswald Chambers says "Jesus never estimated His life along the line of the greatest use. God puts His saints where they will glorify Him, and we are no judges at all of where that is." So I will continue to focus on knowing Him and being obedient when He calls me. To God be the glory!

Thoughts on Health & Fitness

2010-06-22T19:57:00.001-05:00

I am not perfect. I make mistakes. I sometimes make bad choices. I do not love to exercise. I hate cardio. BUT, I want to take care of myself. I realize that my health is a gift from God and I want to be a good steward of what he’s given me. I want to set a good example for my children. I want to be healthy enough to enjoy life. I want to feel good about myself. I have learned the benefits of proper exercise and ways to get the most impact for the smallest amount of time. I have learned that food is primarily for fuel and not simply for pleasure. I have learned that small adjustments in my lifestyle can have a huge impact on my health. I lost 25 lbs and dropped 2-3 sizes by incorporating 35 min of exercise into my schedule 5 times a week. I also try to make smarter food choices. You don’t have to be perfect. Anybody can improve their health! You don’t have to love exercise and you don’t have to make your life revolve around it. You just have to commit to making a few small changes. Start adding some form of exercise to your schedule. Could just be walking around the block daily! But find something you can stick with. And start thinking before you eat whatever is in front of you! Anybody can do it! Why not you? Why not start today?

Suffering

2010-05-02T17:32:00.003-05:00

I definitely think God has been at work in my heart these past few months. He is showing me what it means to die to my own desires and I believe he uses suffering to do that. I've been reading The Upside of Adversity by Os Hillman and it seems it was written for me at this time. Bill Hamm is quoted in the book saying "Failure brings you to the point of surrender. Most of us aren't ready to surrender until we reach a point of desperation." How true is that? We all know that as Christians suffering will be a part of life. But to know that the suffering is for a purpose, to change our hearts is encouraging. We can respond to suffering with anger, suck it up, or embrace it. I've realized that I have had the suck it up attitude for awhile. I simply think I can persevere through it and pray for it to end. But that is not the way to learn the lesson of suffering. I hope I am learning the lesson to be content in whatever circumstances and to embrace suffering. Hopefully I will move forward with a much deeper relationship with Christ.

2010

2010-01-07T22:02:00.001-06:00

So, I decided to try to keep this blog going for awhile. I've been thinking about the new year, what I was and wasn't able to accomplish last year. I did manage to lose weight and get in shape, however I have not been set free of my current job just yet. I do have a better attitude with my kids, but still don't put enough time into my marriage. My heart wants to spend more time with the Lord, it just often gets squeezed out by the louder things.

I've also been thinking more about what has become my "idol". What do I desire more than God? I pat myself on the back because I feel that I have material possessions in control. When we moved to a much smaller and older house a few years back, I had to deal with the importance my home and "stuff" held in my heart. But now I've been reminded that anything you want more than God can become an idol. I'm realizing that me wanting to be able to quit my job really has taken precedence in my life these last couple of years. Do I really not want to work more than I want to walk with God? Of course not! But I need to be careful to remind myself of that. The goal is not to lead a comfortable life and save as much for retirement as possible. It's to walk with my God through any circumstances he chooses. So I'm going to try to judge this next year by my walk with the Lord rather than my position at work, the size of my house or how many friends I keep up with.

What has captured your heart other than the one who created you?

The difference between men and women

2009-10-12T18:55:00.001-05:00

Well, we know there are several, but since my husband gets the kids ready for school, their hair is always a mess. And I recently bought several cute outfits from Gymboree for the girls. He put the girls in one new outfit on Friday. I did laundry over the weekend and found out at pick up line on Tues that he had put one in the same outfit from Friday! So I'm forced to either wait at least a week to do laundry or lay out outfits the night before! I've also bought lots of headbands for them to do their own hair, but they always seem to forget. Oh well.

God's mercy, love and forgiveness

2009-10-07T19:14:00.000-05:00

I have always felt a bit sorry for Judas. I mean did he really have a choice to betray Jesus? Was that his destiny and he had no control? Of course he did. Jesus knew he would betray him but it was Judas who made the decision. What hit me recently though was that it didn't have to be the end. Many of the disciples betrayed Jesus or denied him. Peter famously denied him 3 times yet still was the rock from which the church was built. If Judas had repented, wouldn't the Lord have forgiven him? What sets him apart from the other twelve is his lack of acceptance of the mercy that was offered. He could not seem to repent and accept God's amazing grace. You are never too far gone to be accepted into the family of God. If we only understood how great His love is for us.

Amazing Love

2009-10-05T21:33:00.003-05:00

"The cross redefines God as One who was willing to relinquish power for the sake of love. Power, no matter how well-intentioned, tends to cause suffering. Love, being vulnerable, absorbs it. In a point of convergence on a hill called Calvary, God renounced the one for the sake of the other."

Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew

Pride - the respectable sin

2009-09-21T16:18:00.000-05:00

I'm about half way through reading The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey. I'm enjoying it and seeing Jesus through new eyes. Today this hit me hard...

"the more unsavory the characters, the more at ease they seemed to feel around Jesus. In contrast, Jesus got a chilly response from more respectable types....the Christian church now attracts respectable types who closely resemble the people most suspicious of Jesus. What has happened to reverse the pattern...?"

This is another reminder to me of how dangerous it is to be viewed as successful in the eyes of this world. Dangerous because we are tempted to feel that we don't need a savior at all, that we can take care of ourselves. The blatant sinner can't hide his need, but the respectable folks hide our "respectable sins" very well. He quotes C.S. Lewis, "Prostitutes are in no danger of finding their present life so satisfactory that they cannot turn to God: the proud, the avaricious, the self-righteous, are in that danger."

Is anyone reading this?

2009-08-18T18:44:00.001-05:00

I wonder if anyone reads this. Leave me a comment if you do.

Floss Picks

2009-08-18T18:41:00.000-05:00

Ok, I've always heard that you should floss every day. But who really takes the time to do it??? I get on a kick but it never sticks. But the girls' dentist really wants them to floss, but we can't get our large fingers in their mouths. So I bought floss picks. They really aren't expensive, you can get about 100 for $3. They are wonderful! Everyone should use them. It makes flossing so much fun and easy! Now we all floss every day! I've heard that people with the healthiest gums live the longest. So now that I floss every day and drink Shakeology, maybe I'll live to 100!

Live NOW

2009-08-13T16:19:00.002-05:00

God has been reminding me of something lately. That he is in the business of character building. He cares much more about who we are becoming rather than where we're headed. I'm trying to stop living for that someday... someday when I can quit my job and be a stay at home mom... someday when my kids won't be so messy and my house will be clean... someday when I'll have time to exercise... someday when I can focus on my marriage. Life is to be lived NOW! Lord, help me to stop focusing on what I don't have that I desire and focus on all the blessings you've put in my life. Help me take steps today to meet the needs of others, love my kids, love my husband, and look for your hand on my life. Amen.

I hope you use every moment you're given TODAY!

Summertime Summertime Sum Sum Summertime!

2009-07-26T17:15:00.002-05:00

Can it seriously be August this week? Where has the time gone? I have really enjoyed this summer... Heading to the beach with my family, swimming with the girls and my friends when I can swing it, and the slower pace of life. I still can't believe Campbell will start school in 2 weeks from tomorrow! I'm excited for her to learn to read and experience school. We've already got our supplies and our new backpacks ready to go. I think it will be much easier this time around with an older sister to show her the ropes. I'm also excited for the routine that comes along with school and fall. Hope you all enjoy these last 2 weeks of SUMMER!

One Child

2009-07-11T12:07:00.000-05:00

The girls went home with my mom to KC this week so it's just been Shane, Baylor and I. Quite a change from the usual chaos. However, you forget how you become "the playmate" when you have only one child. So I've been spending a lot of one on one time with Baylor. He was asking where the girls were a lot at the beginning of the week. But I don't think he's mentioned them in the last few days. I think he's enjoying being numero uno. And it seems like Shane and I have gotten to spend more time alone as well. I pick them up tomorrow and am excited to see them but this week has been a nice change of pace. School is only a month away, and I've got to start getting the girls ready. Hope you enjoy the last month of summer!

Beach Trip

2009-07-05T21:31:00.002-05:00

We just returned from our week at Destin with my extended family. I love a beach vacation. It seems much more relaxed than going anywhere else. We just alternated between the beach and the pool all week and had a great time. I finished a great book and got to work out every day with my sister! We did try to have our pictures taken by a photographer one morning and it did not go well. It was BLAZING HOT and Mallory and Baylor were crying! But here are some of the better ones. We also got to celebrate Mallory's 7th birthday! We had a party at the pool and the Hanna's drove down from Seaside. It was a great time. Hope you find time to relax this summer!

2009-06-11T20:26:00.002-05:00

We are still waiting for the full mattress we ordered 3 weeks ago! So you'll have to wait a little longer before I unveil pics of Baylor's new big boy room. Still working on a bedside table, lamp and stuff for the walls. But my sister-in-law gave me a bunch of great ideas today and my friend Beth agreed to paint a canvas. Whoohoo!

I also just finished reading Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges. I felt convicted more than once while reading about the sins most of us Christians tend to overlook... judgmentalism, discontentment, pride of achievement and moral superiority, worldliness and sins of the tongue! Ouch! It was a good read and I recommend it!!

I also just started a facebook page to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle. Check it out. It's called Beachbody Fitness. One of the respectable sins I read about is self-control. And I'm glad to have more self-control with my body. It feels good to take care of what God has given me and hopefully be an example for others.

Big Boy Room

2009-05-26T19:15:00.003-05:00

I've been working on turning Baylor's room into a big boy room. I've had the same nursery for 7 years and I'm sooooo sick of it! I painted the room, painted his new bed and dresser, bought a new rug and hung new shades. Once we get the mattress, a new lamp, and night stand, I should be set. Look for the final pics to come soon!

Fairy Tale Ball

2009-05-26T19:12:00.002-05:00

The first graders at Dogwood had a Fairy Tale Ball last Friday. They had several stations that the kids rotated through. It was very fun and the kids looked adorable. Here are a few pics.

The Big One

2009-05-18T19:27:00.003-05:00

Campbell's dance recital was tonight. She did a great job! She remembered the dance and kept smiling. We were so proud of her! She is a natural! She even got to wear make up. Notice our friend Ava on the back left and our friend Maggie right behind Campbell. Way to go girls!

Season Finale

2009-05-16T18:31:00.002-05:00

Ok, I'm so embarrassed that it's been over a month since my last post. I guess I just haven't had a lot to say. I will say that Cinco de Mayo has become one of my favorite holidays! Things are pretty hectic with school winding down and summer fast approaching. I'm looking forward to it and only pray that soon I'll be able to spend summer at home with my kiddos! Campbell's dance recital is Monday night so maybe i'll have pics to post next week, and Mallory has Fairy Tale Ball at school so I'll have those as well.

For now, the tv season wrapping up is my big news. I thoroughly enjoyed the finale of LOST and can't wait until next season! The Private Practice finale was almost too horrifying to watch and Grey's Anatomy finally pulled off a great season after a few meager ones. But my favorite so far is American Idol! I just can't believe how great the singers have been this season. Adam and Kris have been my 2 favorites and I can't wait to see them in the finals this week!!!

He is Risen Indeed!

2009-04-12T11:21:00.002-05:00

HAPPY EASTER!!!

A Whole Lot of Baking Going On

2009-04-10T16:53:00.002-05:00

With Campbell's birthday party tomorrow and Easter on Sunday, we've been doing a lot of baking today. First I made a Barbie cake for Campbell. I used fondant for the first time and probably the last. I think it tastes awful and just don't think it's worth the trouble. We'll probably peel it off before we eat the cake. Then I tried cupcake pops from Bakerella to take to Popsy's for Easter. I think they are adorable and not too difficult although mine don't look as great as Bakerella. But that's what you get when you let a 5 & 6 year old help.

First Soccer Game

2009-04-06T19:45:00.002-05:00

I've been encouraging Mallory to try some extracurricular activities. I thought she'd get to know some girls better and find some confidence. I finally got her to try tap/jazz for 3 months last fall. I had to drag her to the recital in tears. When I returned an hour later for the performance, she was all smiles and the leader of her class. However, she didn't want to do it again. So when 2 of her friends signed up for soccer this spring, she wanted to give it a try. Her first game was Sunday and they lost 11-1. But she had a great time!

Lots and lots of rain

2009-04-04T18:55:00.002-05:00

Our yard is lined with tall pine trees on both sides. The trees must be at least 30 years old. It has also rained here probably every other day if not every day for the past 2 weeks. The ground has become so soft that one of the pine trees couldn't stand any longer. Glad it didn't land on our shed or the playset!

Wild Goose Chase

2009-03-31T18:24:00.002-05:00

I'm currently reading Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. I think Mark captures so well why I feel that Christians today fall so short of God's plan for our lives. Mark outlines 6 cages that keep us from living the life I think God has called us to live. They are the Cage of Responsibility, the Cage of Routine, the Cage of Assumptions, the Cage of Guilt, the Cage of Failure and the Cage of Fear. He starts by talking about how bored Christians have become. We are looking to fit God into our lives rather than molding our lives around Him and His purposes. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something more. What an incredible God we serve. I think we would find unimaginable joy if we'd only come out of our cages. Do we really think he has called us to be safe and comfortable? I'm ready for the chase!

Wedding Bells

2009-03-28T20:01:00.003-05:00

Popsy married Barbara Freels today. We wish them a wonderful life together! It was a beautiful wedding. The girls had a blast at their first wedding and did a great job as flower girls.

Let the Madness Begin!

2009-03-17T21:28:00.002-05:00

I grew up in a family of college basketball fanatics and can't remember a time when I did not watch the NCAA March Madness selection show. No matter where we were, even on a layover between flights, we'd find a tv. I love the excitement and the fact that unheard of teams get a chance to win it all. After all, any team can win on any given day. So congrats to all the teams who made the Big Dance and I'll be tracking it all from my computer! Go Jayhawks!

Pictures from the Aquarium

2009-03-02T17:47:00.005-06:00

We were ready to move on from the very first exhibit, but this boy could not take his eyes off the tank filled with "Dory" fish.

My camera battery died after the first 15 minutes. Go figure.

Good Mother or Godly Mother?

2009-03-01T12:07:00.003-06:00

I read this the other day on a blog and found it so true. This is an excerpt from "She's Gonna Blow" by Julie Ann Barnhill.

I wish I could wave a magic wand and make the term “good mother” disappear forever. Not because it’s wrong for us to want to be the very best we can be, but because I believe we as mothers have allowed ourselves to be sidetracked by an impossible standard of “good”.

We keep a checklist of mothering perfections, yet overlook one ironic fact - which is that God doesn’t ever really call us to be “good mothers,” at least not as we tend to define it. Instead, He calls us to love Him, to become more like Him - that is, to be “godly” mothers.

God doesn’t want us to be “good mothers”; He simply wants us! He wants us to be His children, to draw on His strength, to learn from Him what it means to be a successful human being.

Isn't it so true how easily we believe the lies of the Deceiver? That we are never good enough? I have to fight daily to not fall into self-pity of not eating healthy enough, not reading my bible enough, not loving my family enough and on and on. But isn't that the best way to keep me from living in victory? I will never be good enough and that is why I need a savior. And Jesus Christ in his loving mercy, erased my sins and will give me the power through the Holy Spirit to do all he asks of me if only I will receive it. May we not believe the lies of Satan but only "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

What A Weekend!

2009-03-01T11:37:00.002-06:00

Well, my husband had a grand idea on Friday to head to Chattanooga this weekend and visit the aquarium. I knew our kids would enjoy it and I needed to catch up on reading and thought it would be good time to practice all the communication we learned last week at the marriage conference (which was amazing by the way). So we threw a few clothes into a bag and headed out around 6pm. We spent the night in Murfreesboro and headed to the aquarium the next day. The light drizzle wasn't enough to dampen our fun. We hit the Ocean Journey building first and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Then we headed to a little Mexican restaurant nearby to grab a bite. It didn't quite live up to our expectations, but I was happy to be eating something other than Lean Cuisine so I wasn't complaining. Next we hit the River Journey building and were thoroughly exhausted afterwards. We decided to just head home Sat afternoon and try out the Children's museum on our next visit. We tried to stop at Cheesecake Factory in Nashville, but of course it was an hour wait at 4:30. Crazy! So we settled for Panera and then got back on the road expecting to be home around 8:30pm. Well, just north of Jackson it started to snow. By the time we got to Jackson, so many cars were stuck trying to get up the exit ramps that it didn't seem like an option to stop. We had no idea snow was even in the forecast! It was 60 degrees on Friday. We trekked on but the highway stopped about halfway between Jackson & Memphis. We were in the same spot on the packed highway for 11 1/2 hours!!! Luckily the kids seemed to not mind and all slept relatively well from 11-6. Shane and I however didn't fare as well. We maybe got 2 hours. The highway finally started to move this morning around 7:45 am. There were SOOO many cars stuck and actually buried in the snow! Where we were I'm sure it was more than a foot of snow! I was thankful that we weren't one of the ones off the road, thankful that we had enough gas, and thankful that my kids fell asleep! Going to the bathroom was another story that I won't go into now, but we all made it safely home around 10:30 this morning! And now I need a nap!

Changes

2009-02-12T18:19:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to update everyone on my 2009 resolution to become healthier. I have been doing Chalean Extreme now for 5 1/2 weeks. I LOVE it!!! That is weird for me to say... love working out??? I love getting up and doing my weight training first thing each morning. I love my clothes fitting better and feeling better about myself. I love that I'm seeing my body change while only doing cardio twice a week! I still hate the cardio, but oh well. I have never done weight training before and I'm finding this is how to change your body. It has become a part of my routine now. I'm happy to show my kids a healthier way to live. And I want to tell everyone that this is doable. If I can do it, you can too. I hope you won't recognize me in a another 6 1/2 weeks!

Mid 60's in Feb

2009-02-07T16:09:00.003-06:00

There's nothing like enjoying an afternoon out side in February!

Lost

2009-02-05T19:39:00.002-06:00

One of the things I was looking forward to in 2009 was the new season of ABC's Lost. It's one of the few shows to premier in January. Last season was a bit of a letdown. Too many loose ends and moving between the U.S. and the island. However, the cliffhanger last season was a good one. The first 2 episodes this season left me a bit bored. Even more loose ends and switching now between the U.S., the island and time travel. I did enjoy the episode this week however. I'm ready for the gang to just go back. Enough of the misery in the real world. My favorite characters are Charlie and Desmond. You don't see much of them these days. I have to watch alone as my husband is trying to catch up. He has been watching the episodes online, starting with season one. He is finally in season 3, but who knows if he'll catch up before this season is over. His favorite part so far is when Rose knew that her husband was still alive even though no one knew about the back of the plane survivors. She mentions that there is a fine line between faith and denial. Isn't that so true? The world makes us doubt so much of our faith and can cause us to question if we are just in denial. I am thankful for God's promises in His word and for those who live out their faith even when others may think they are just in denial.

25 Things Cont.

2009-01-28T20:07:00.002-06:00

Ok, I'll give it another go.

16. I'm terrible about interrupting people.
17. I love road trips but prefer to be a passenger rather than the driver.
18. It's hard for me to make new friends, but once I have em, I keep em.
19. I LOVE getting Christmas cards with pictures or letters.
20. I enjoy living in the South.
21. I never hit snooze.
22. My favorite shows are Brothers & Sisters, Dirty Sexy Money and LOST.
23. I love everything in the Ballard Designs catalogue.
24. I hate shopping by myself.
25. I got engaged on the Empire State Building.

RELIEF!!!

25 Random Things About Me

2009-01-27T21:23:00.002-06:00

Everyone is posting 25 random things on Faceboook and tagging all their friends. I enjoy reading them about others, but it stresses me out a bit trying to think of 25 things about myself. But here it goes....

1. I can touch my nose with my tongue.
2. I love holiday m&m's.
3. I like to be on time.
4. I like others to be on time : )
5. I am a doer rather than a thinker.
6. I enjoy the national news but HATE local news.
7. I love reading blogs!
8. I usually pass out when giving blood.
9. I hate even talking about blood!
10. I still keep in touch with several friends from kindergarten.
11. I prefer email or im over talking on the phone.
12. I love my Samsung Instinct.
13. I love Guitar Hero!
14. I like to eat licorice while at the movies or traveling.
15. I like to have access to a nail file at all times.
16. Starting to have trouble... can anyone help me finish off the list???

Eat Your Veggies!

2009-01-14T20:01:00.002-06:00

I have never been fond of vegetables. Well, with the exception of the potato. Can you really call that a vegetable? My mom made a salad with dinner every night but rarely a vegetable other than potatoes. Occasionally we had peas which I swallowed as if taking a pill, or green beans straight from the can. And sometimes broccoli smothered in cheese sauce which was my favorite. But I never recall seeing most of the stuff you see down here in the South: squash, okra, greens, asparagus or brussel sprouts. Anyway, along with my weight loss/health resolution I've been trying to make healthier meals for the family and even attempting to offer a vegetable every night! So last night, was our second night with steamed broccoli. And to my surprise my son loves it! He downed an entire bowl of broccoli. Of course my daughter C loves all fruit and vegetables, so she has really been enjoying this new routine. But M cries if a tiny piece of broccoli touches her mouth. We also had squash and zucchini this week which I found I love too! I'm going to go for asparagus tomorrow night. I will never come around to brussel sprouts or greens though. They look and smell too gross!

New Year Resolutions

2009-01-05T18:22:00.003-06:00

I have many resolutions for 2009. To pray more specifically for my family, to spend more quality time with my children, and to love my husband more selflessly. But what I'm very excited about is the weight loss challenge that me and 7 friends started last Saturday. We've all committed to exercise and eat healthy for three months. The person with the greatest percentage weight and body fat loss will win! I've lost weight before and know how to do it. But I'm excited this time to try to tone my body and build muscle. I've ordered the Chalean Extreme workout videos and will start next week. Hopefully you won't believe your eyes when you see me in three months : )

2 Days Left

2008-12-29T18:06:00.002-06:00

2008 has been a year of seeking direction from the Lord for our family. I have been praying for direction basically all year, mainly related to Shane's and my careers. You see, I long to stay home and be a full time wife and mother while Shane is struggling in this terrible real estate market. I still believe God will answer us, just in his timing. Although He has 2 more days in 2008!

Regardless, we have learned so much this year. To be content in all circumstances, and to come to the end of ourselves and realize that His ways truly are best. Wishing you all sweet encounters with the Lord in 2009!

Updating my winter wardrobe

2008-12-23T16:08:00.002-06:00

I have noticed lately that my winter attire seems to be from the 90's. I continue to wear extremely outdated outfits for the sake of variety. For some reason I prefer to shop in the spring and summertime. Therefore my sad winter closet has not been updated in a decade.

So I decided to hit JCrew at lunch this week since my sister in law always claims to get great items on clearance. And sure enough, all their cords were on clearance. An $88 pair of cords for only $26!! Unfortunately, they only had one pair in my size. So I snapped up the off white cords and went home to check out their online sales. They were offering free shipping to go along with the clearance cords so I ordered 2 more pairs in chocolate and some golden color. They arrived the next day (gasp) and I am delighted with my new pants. Now maybe I can retire a few pairs to goodwill since I can't seem to zip a couple anymore.

So if you are in need of winter corduroys, I suggest you check out JCrew!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2008-12-20T13:50:00.004-06:00

We busted out making Christmas cookies this past week. It seems to put everyone in the holiday spirit and has become a tradition. My annual Christmas CD from my friend DeDe in Salina came in the mail too. Thanks DeDe!

I managed to get my Christmas cards in the mail yesterday so they'll arrive before Christmas! What a relief! I also have ALL my shopping done, so I really feel like I can pause and enjoy the smells, sights and sounds of the holiday. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas filled with the love of Christ!

Time flies

2008-11-27T20:18:00.002-06:00

So, it's been over a month since I've posted. Where does the time go??? Shane & I enjoyed a Weekend to Remember a few weekends ago. It was a great chance to focus on us. It was nice and confirmed that we communicate and have a pretty healthy marriage. If I could just stop comparing us to those around me. Then a week later we packed up to come to Palm Desert to meet my family for Thanksgiving. I'm hoping things will slow down soon but with Christmas a mere 3 weeks away, it's not likely. But I'm very thankful for a beautiful, healthy family and a God who saves! Happy Thanksgiving!

Jack-o-lanterns

2008-10-23T19:22:00.002-05:00

Last weekend the weather was so nice that the girls and I sat out back and carved pumpkins. Although I never liked doing that as a child, these kits they have now make it soooo easy. The teeny tiny knives are the way to go! I even made the girls dig out the goop with their hands this year. Here are the results.

Minky Dot Pants

2008-10-23T19:19:00.002-05:00

Although Shane says they are hideous and better off as pj's, I am proud to show off my newest creation. I made the pants and Carrie Ditter did the shirt.

Fall Break

2008-10-18T12:08:00.003-05:00

Since the kids had 2 days off from school, I thought we'd take a drive to K.C. in to break in the new YukonXL. I also thought it was another chance for me to get my name out and have a home party for my stamps. We had a fun time at the pumpkin patch and my sale turned out great. Here are a few pics from the weekend.

Hello again

2008-10-07T16:23:00.002-05:00

I'm embarrassed that it's been a month since I've posted. It's been a busy month! We launched my new website and I think it looks fantastic! Thanks Chris! I also debuted my new stamps at Hope Market Square. It was a lot of fun and I did great for my first time out.

The Women's retreat at church was this past weekend and I enjoyed meeting new folks and meditating on God's word. The theme was Desire and I was reminded that I will be most satisfied when my desires line up with God's. Christ did not come to take away our challenges but to change us on the inside and to empower us to deal with problems from God's perspective. I guess that means that I can still be joyful and satisfied even though everything in life isn't as I would desire right now.

I also have to throw in a comment about Fireproof. Shane and I saw it a week ago and I thought it was fantastic. I think it can be life changing for some. I recommend that everyone, especially those who are married, go see it.

Curly Top Kids 2

2008-09-06T12:06:00.002-05:00

I am investigating adding a line of note cards to go with my stamps. Check it out!

Curly Top Kids

2008-08-27T17:55:00.004-05:00

I started a business back in 2005 called Curly Top Kids. It was created to sell vintage pillowcase dresses that my sister in law taught me to make. They are adorable but it's hard to get your name out there. So I quit last fall. However I need something to focus my creative energy on so I've been working on adding a new line of custom stamps. I'm very excited about this and will launch my new website in a week or so. Here's a preview. You can order at www.curlytopkids.com and tell all your friends!

I can make that!

2008-08-15T20:14:00.004-05:00

Recently Shane's influence has gotten ahold of me and everything I see I think I can make myself for a fraction of the cost. My most recent projects were first seen on the cover of Kelly's Kids catalogue (dress, leggings and matching headband)and in A Little Something Extra (wall plaque). I think they came out pretty good and they only cost me a small fraction of the cost! I also managed to inspire my sisters to give it a try.

A Short and Sweet Visit to K.C.

2008-08-08T16:47:00.006-05:00

We had a great time visiting friends and family in KC this past weekend. I enjoyed seeing the Royals scrape out a win against the Boston Redsox. Sorry Shane! The kids had fun playing at an indoor amusement park too and got to go swim a few times. And we got to meet our sweet new cousin Cami! Thanks for babysitting Nana!

Refugee Empowerment Program

2008-07-30T16:53:00.003-05:00

Our church has recently started helping out with the Refugee Empowerment Program in Memphis. Many families from Burundi, Sudan, Somalia and the Congo are brought to the U.S. by the UN and Catholic Charities to escape the oppression in their countries. REP works to address the needs of the most under resourced people through education, leadership development, community building, cultural adjustment, and spiritual enrichment. Our small group has been paired with a family to help them make the adjustment. We are very excited to be able to help and to get to know them!

Design Star

2008-07-29T19:01:00.002-05:00

My sister's sorority sister is a finalist on Design Star. Her name is Jen Bertrand. If she wins she'll get to host her own show on HGTV. You can vote once a day online and 5 times via text. Please VOTE! Voting ends tomorrow morning and the winner is announced Sunday, August 3rd.

An artist in the family

2008-07-29T18:56:00.003-05:00

Mallory went to Art Camp last week and had a wonderful time. Here are some of her masterpieces. Maybe next year Campbell : )

Loose tooth

2008-07-21T20:03:00.002-05:00

Mallory has had a dangling tooth for the past several days so Popsy came over to help her pull it out. She did it all by herself and is very excited to use her tooth fairy pillow tonight!

Camille Elizabeth Garrett

2008-07-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

2008-07-18T19:32:00.000-05:00

She has arrived! Cami Elizabeth Garrett weighed 6lbs 14oz and was 21 inches long. Congratulations Mindy & Chris!

Learning

2008-07-18T09:02:00.000-05:00

Now I've learned the importance of reading the post or doing spell check ahead of time. Once you post, it's too late to correct it. : )

New Niece

2008-07-18T07:48:00.000-05:00

I'm anxiously waiting for the call from my sister in KC to announce my new niece has arrived. She checked in to the hospital last night. This will be my 5th niece. I already have 9 newphews so it will help a little with the balance. And I don't mean that my sister has 14 children. They are spread out amoung several siblings and in-laws.

It's hard being the only one that lives away from home. But I'm counting on the new technology and my brother-in-law to send me photo updates throughout the day. I'll post a pic once she arrives.