Shine Like Finger Nails

My finger nails have been looking rough lately. Between my working with preschoolers at work, and my usual activities at home, the finger nails get neglected.  You know, washing dishes, laundry, cleaning, and even taking care of flowers in the yard (Yes, even in November I still have flowers blooming), my nails start looking very used.  So I sat down to groom my very weathered nails.  I cut off the rough edges, cleaned the dirt from under the nails, and smoothed them into a nice curve by filing them.  Lastly I  put a few coats of clear polish on my nails to make them shine. My nails show how much I'm keeping busy and their dirtiness made me think how our Christian lives can take on that same rough look if we don't groom ourselves, or check ourselves regularly.  Clean that dirt out! Get rid of the rough edges! That little seemingly insignificant sin that we commit daily is like that broken nail that could cut and hurt.   That lie that keeps popping up and being told. It's just a little white lie. Or that person that just gets under our skin so we go to gossip about them, or wish them to get the flu under our breaths.  Why not quickly cut the sin away, clean the dirt out and shine for our father again.  Pray for God to strengthen yourself so that whatever is tempting us will go away. Pick up that Bible and read of the love that God has for us and then continue to keep busy being a light for our heavenly father. That's what He wants. Show, share, give His love.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:16

Harvest 5K 2011

On October 1st 2011 this little family of four did an official 5k fun run. The money from this race to Meals On Wheels.   It took place in Georgetown Texas at 8:30 am.  I was loving every minute of it!


Here are the boys ready to go.  Brian was ready to see how well he could do. G was also ready to give it his all.

I had hoped for a fun picture with my daughter but the little one just wouldn't cooperate.  This event was the one place she did not want to be.

This was a small race, not crowded, but enough people around (90 some) to make it exciting and fun.  Many people walked, including M.  She walked with a few woman who stayed near the back. I had hoped to do what I could.  My training as I neared this race had not been so great. So finishing in less than an hour was on my mind.   I did my best to pass a speed walker who was always in front of me and I'm sorry to say he was just too fast for me. LOL!  But what an inspiration.  He was in his 70's and was a cancer survivor.  I was glad to have come in right behind him. 


Brian finished in 3rd place for the men in his age group.  25:58.45

Gabriel came in 2nd place for the boys in his age group.   41:04  Not really dressed as a runner and always with a goofy facial expression. Love this kid!

I didn't place for my age group but I was very happy with my time.  While I trained I never got this good a time.  43:24

Sweet Michaela, who did not want to be here. Placed 3rd place for the girls in her age group 49:19.  Didn't even try. Just had to show up. ;-)  I pray she grows close to God and gets rid of this rebelious tween attitude. SOON!  No picture for her finish as she came in with a group and was behind them all.

It was a fun day and I hope to talk them all into participating in this event again next year.

In a Nut Shell

I've had many blog thoughts running through my head in the past few weeks.  I've just been too lazy, busy, lazy to actually sit down and type in my thoughts and happenings.  I also just remembered that I really need to change my blog background.  It's not July anymore.

I have been keeping up with my jogging and walking..... Okay. You caught me.  I've kept up with jogging and took two weeks off from the walking part. ;-)  Three days a week of jogging just felt good enough for a while.  I really wanted to loose 10 lbs over the Summer but only lost 5.  And that's better than nothing.  The Couch to 5k has not been done in a few weeks.  My stubborn kids are well, stubborn.  Their PE is to jog/walk for two miles and time themselves.  G is awesome.  He can do the two miles in 30 minutes. M is only doing 1.5 miles and she's pretty slow.  But I get to do my 3.1 miles so I'm happy.  I'll be even more happy when we no longer have to run in 85 to 90 degree temps.  Oh, and I still need to sign up for that 5k in October. Procrastinator. ;-)

School has started. The first week has gone ok.  I can tell I will be doing lots of work with M.  I hate that I have to walk her through the studying and finding aswers to questions.  She's just not a hard worker. G has done well.  I went over a histroy test with him yesterday before he took it and he did great even when he hadn't studied yet.  I'm thinking of making M's 'fill in the blank' tests multiple choice. M is taking on Japanese this year. We'll see how that goes. So far so good.  G is really digging into his computer course and wants to do more.  And then there is Language arts.  I'm really trying to make them do reports this year.  I hate reports.  Especially research reports. 

And lastly, work starts next week.  It's only three days a week but I can tell with how much work I put in this week with homeschool next week will wear me out. And I won't even have the kids in class next week.  I'll need lots of prayers for strength to get through each busy day. And that's what's up in a nut shell.

Computer Programming course

We searched for a computer course for our son to go through last school year.  All I could find were books that were written for adults who already knew about computer programming. This year we are going to try TeenCoder.  I think my 13 year old will really enjoy this. He may even fly through the first semester that is about Windows Programming just so he can get to the semester about Game Programming.  Once we have been through this course I'll do a second blog on how this program went for him.  I am so glad that he doesn't need prior programming experience and I don't have to know much about computers to help him. His computer knowledge has already surpassed my knowledge anyway. =)

I am copying and pasting this description from their web site:

The TeenCoder Series of C# courses is aimed at older students looking for a more in-depth study of computer programming. These courses can be used for high school computer elective credit, enhancing transcripts, and preparing a college-bound student for a technical degree.

Topics covered in Windows Programming:

• Introduction to the C# programming language
• Creating Windows Forms
• Using dialog controls
• C# data types and variables
• User input and flow control
• Math functions and string operations
• C# debugging and exception handling
• Object-oriented programming concepts
• Classes, inheritance, and polymorphism
• Collections, sorting, and recursion
• File Input/Output

Topics covered in Game Programming:

• Introduction to the XNA Game Studio
• Game design, game engines, and timer loops
• Screen coordinates and color concepts
• Drawing, scaling, and rotating images
• Handling keyboard, mouse, and XBox 360 Gamepad controller inputs
• Creating Sprite objects
• Collision detection
• 2D animation techniques
• Playing music and sound effects
• Game physics
• Maze generation and solution algorithms
• Menus, overlays, and deployment models
• Multi-player scrolling games
• Game artificial intelligence (AI)

Looks like a TeenCoder Year Pack will cost about 155. + shipping and handling.  I'm hoping to win it though!!

There is also a pack for elementary age kids called KidCoder.

Piece of Cake

   I think it's possible that I am getting slower with my jogs, not faster.  This heat is wearing me down and honestly it's really not that bad.  When we got home from the jog this morning it was 86 and the heat index was 90.  I guess the heat is just very draining.  Not to mention that fact that it's just depressing since it's day after day of 100+ degree weather.  I'm really looking forward to Winter.  Yes, I skipped Fall, South Texas skips Fall weather.  Winter is Fall. =)  But I digress.  See?  This weather is soooo distracting!
   I will be moving on to week two of C25k on Wednesday.  Alexander is doing very well and Celeste, um. Not sure what to say about her.  I'd say she has given up but she never really gave her best to begin with.  I'm thinking grounding her from the phone might help to get her rear in gear.
   What got me through today's jog?  A phrase.  This is a piece of cake. I do have not cake to eat but I just kept telling myself, "Piece of cake, you can do this."

Distance 1.8

Pace 16:52

Time 30:21

Still on Week One

Alexander is doing well with the jog.  I really thing he is ready to move to week two.  I'll do that Friday.  Celeste.  I don't know what to say? Push her? Make her jog?  It is good for her.  She needs this kind of activity.  But, she is just soooooo STUBBORN!  Wonder where she gets that from?  (Don't tell anyone but, it's true, she got it from me.)  I'll keep at it.  As for myself and today's jog. I did okay.  This heat is a killer and I'm pretty sure it's slowin' me down.  My shin did not hurt today and I didn't wrap it up so that is a good thing!  Just need this heat to go away.  Think I'll move to the North Pole. :-/

10 Things You Might Not Know About Me

1. In 5th grade I put a tack in a substitute teachers chair. 
2.  I like the movie "Dogma ".  My favorite part was "God" hanging upside down from the tree branch. Least favorite was the cursing. I hate that one word in particular was used over and over.
3.   I enjoy watching ghost shows like Ghost Hunters. I would love to go to a haunted location some day. Brian hates that I enjoy these shows. 
4.   I really REALLY want to go storm chasing some day.  I like thunder storms and it would be cool to see a tornado. But only one that's in an empty field.
5. I like Pop Tarts! Sometimes I eat them for breakfast and sometimes for a snack. Favorites are cherry, wild grape, and cookies n cream.
6.  Sr. Year in high school I took a bunch of unknown pills to kill myself. I remember not fitting in with any group, and feeling majorly stressed out about a research paper that was due. To this day I feel stress when either child has some kind of research paper to do. 
7.  At the age of  6 or 7 I hit my older (by 2 years) cousin in the back with a brick. 
8.  At the age of 11 I put a second piercing in both my ears. I also pierced my younger cousins ears. Without permission. 
9.   I do my best to constantly show that I am a disciple for God. I do fail sometimes. 
10.   My favorite childhood memories are of picnicking, hiking, and camping in Colorado.

Still Jogging With The Kids

Joy!!!!!!!!!!! Yes. Total sarcasm.  Shhhh. Don't tell them I said that!  Celeste is REALLY trying my patience.  Every day we jog it's something new, "My head hurts." "My leg hurts."  "I'm too tired." Ahhhhhhh!  And then sweet Alexander. (Yea, I'm thinking of switching to their middle names.)  The first week he didn't quite make it but today he made it!  He jogged all 8 segments.  Now if I can just get Celeste to join in....joyfully.  I'm not holding my breath.  I didn't blog about our jog Friday cause I was just to pissed that I had go through this journey with my kids.  Today I felt a little better.  But still unhappy at the heat.  Go away Summer!!!!!!!!!  I guess I'm done whining. We'll stick with week one of the C25k for this week as well.  I'll move them on to week two next week.  Pray for Celeste to get her rear in gear! Thanks. ;-)

Another Do Over

Yep. That's what I said. Starting over again. Not because I need to but because my kids really need to get out and exercise.  They sit at their computers or sit and read or sit and talk on the phone. Really need to get them out and doing things. It's too hot in Texas to kick them out the door and force them to play, and we have no money to go do fun activities inside cool buildings. So they get to run with Mom.  All three of us are not excited about this.  Today we started with day one, week one of C25k.  Gabe didn't even make it through the last segment of jogging before he just left and went straight home. Both need help with form but who wants to listen to Mommy?!  This could be a frustrating 9 weeks. :-/ Not to mention hot.  The heat index when we got home was 92. I'm trying to get them excited about doing a 5k in October.  Hopefully once we've seen the web site for the run and actually sign up, they will straighten up.....your probably right, doubtful.  But on we go.

Total Distance 1.9 miles

Average Pace 15:41

Total Workout Time 29:51

Fastest Pace 10:05

Just in case....

your interested.  I started two other blogs and just put the links on the right over there.  One is about my journey through the book 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae.  And the other is my thoughts while reading The One Year Love Language Minute Devo. by Gary Chapman.  Just so ya know. =)  Nothing mind boggling or life changing. But it's there. And my kitchen is looking great!! =D

Day Four

I got out again this morning a jogged. Today was day one of week 2 of C25k.  I did ok. Would love to feel stronger and just jog.  It's so hot, 80 degrees at 7:30 in the morning.  It wouldn't be so bad if more of my jog was in the shade.  I did make it though.  The faster jogging time was increased this go round. 90 seconds of fast jogging (6 segments) and 2 minutes of my "granny jog'. ;-)  I also had my lower leg wrapped but that didn't really bother me to day. Yay!!

Total Distance was 1.8 miles

Average Pace was 16:44

Total Workout Time was 30:10

Fastest Pace was 10:12

Day Three

Today I finished day 3 of the first week of C25k.  I did well. Not as comfortable as I want to be.  I'm wondering if I should move on to week 2 or do more of week 1 in order to get stronger.  I'm thinking that if it wasn't so hot out there I would be able to run stronger and not feel so worn out near the end of the jog.  Anyone have thoughts on this?

I did have my lower leg wrapped.  I know I had shin pain but it wasn't as bad as it would have been if I hadn't wrapped it.  I hate that I am having this pain.  My next jog will be on Monday.  Monday's are usually when I am my strongest. =)

Total Distance was 1.76 miles

Average Pace was 16:25

Total Workout time was 28:58

Fastest Pace  11:06

Day Two

  Yesterday I did a Leslie DVD.  5k with a twist!  Made the whole 5k.  Good workout and I loved being in the air conditioning. =)  Today I made my goal of jogging and sprinting.  I did all 8 segments.  The only thing I did different today was I walked the 5 min. warm up and the 5 minute cool down.  I went a shorter distance but I was happy to have made it.  I did start out slow and sore.  My legs were heavy and tired and really didn't want to go. Then by the last sprint I was ready to quit.  I was really happy to hear that it was time to cool down. The bad news is that I had some pretty bad pain in my shin afterwards.  I iced it but it still hurts. Going to have to wrap it for the day and make sure I wrap it during the jogs. Even though I don't like that, it makes me hotter, and I just don't want to.  Not liking this aging body. Gotta fight back!!

Total distance was 1.68 miles

Average pace was 16:53

Total workout time was 28.20

Fastest 11:34  Slow Pace 14 to 16 min/mi

Day One

Today I began my Couch to 5k do over.  Week 1 Day 1 has a 5 minute warm up walk and a 5 minute cool down walk.  My warm up walk started before I started my workout time and I used the 5 minute warm up portion of the walk to do my granny jog. ;-P   I alternated 60 seconds of a granny jog (approx. a 16 to 18 min. mile pace) and 90 seconds of  an 11 min.mile pace jog for 20 minutes. I did very well in the beginning and after the one mile mark I was sure that I was about done.  But when I had 3 more jog segments to do I petered out.  I walked one of the jog segments and granny jogged the last two jog segments.  Didn't do as well as I had hoped but, I did pretty good all in all.  Tomorrow is a Leslie DVD day and I'll do the next C25K jog on Wednesday. =)

The total distance was 1.9 miles

 Average pace was 16:33 

Total workout time was 31:07

History

 I started my get fit journey 10 years ago after my daughter was born.  I bought an eliptical and worked out on it 5 days a week for 30 minutes.  I watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the TV show, while I worked out. Then I saw an infomercial about Pilates, ordered a DVD set and got into Pilates work outs.  I got down to 140 lbs back then.  I felt good and was happy with my weight  Then Brian got layed off and I gained about 10 lbs a year after that. Even while continuing to work out I slowly gained weight.  After settling in Cedar Park TX back in 2005 I started walking with Leslie Sansone.  Loved these walks and over the last 4 years I have collected a bunch of her work outs.  In 6 months I lost 5 lbs. and then gained 15 lbs. over the next 6 months. =(  Failed again.  So now!!  Now I am jogging.  I began the jogging journey (about a year ago) when a few friends had posted about their journeys using the Couch to 5K program.  So I did it!! =)  It took me longer than the 9 weeks to complete because of a foot injury but, I made it.  I did what I call a granny jog. LOL.  I still do that granny jog too. =)  I am happy to say I have lost 5 lbs. by continuing my jogging and I still do Leslie walk's once or twice a week.

Now, I want to try a race. A 5K race.  I'm shooting to do one in October.  It'll be easier to jog when the temps aren't in the 80's anymore.  However in Texas there is no guarantee that it will be cooler than 80 in October.  That's the goal and here is where I am at.  This morning I started the Couch to 5k all over.  The goal being, to stop this granny jog. =D

Change!

Had to make a change. Wasn't liking my blog title.  The link and my verse will stay the same but I think this title is a little more positive. =)

Moving Forward

   Back in January I was gung ho to read all these books to become a better wife. FAIL! The reading lasted all of two weeks. Maybe. I guess I tried to read to many books at once. So lets pretend it's January and start over. I will continue with my daily Bible reading. However I don't really read it daily and I will not have read through it in a year. Currently I have read 39.5% of the Bible via the Historical reading plan on You Version for android.  My favorite part of this reading plan is that Bubba sits outside in the back with me while we read. We are both doing are second read through the Bible. I wish Mini Me would come out to read with us. She prefers the recliner and the dog while she reads. Though I wonder if she truly reads. I feel I am failing at installing the love for God into her little heart. But I still have a few years to get her hooked.

   I have narrowed my 'becoming a better wife' books down. I'm going to put two on the side till later. Creative Counterpart and The Power of a Praying Wife (with workbook) will be shelved. I'm going to concentrate on reading, learning, and growing from The One Year Love Language Minute Devotional.

 

   A book that I keep seeing in my Twitter feed is 31 Days To Clean. 

 I kept seeing Tweeters post about how great this was working for them and I was curious. I really need to get a handle on my lack of keeping a clean house. Years ago when I had one toddler I did the Fly Lady thing.  I really got my house in shape back then!  But 10 years and 3 different homes later I am back to failing.  What is really crazy is that in this rent house that we are in now I just don't have the 'want' to get things clean. I guess my mind is thinking, "This isn't MY house".  Or, I'm just to depressed about where we are in life to care.  Either way I need to get over this hump. Six year hump.  So here we go!

   Oh yea, and I want to really get in to jogging.  I'm thinking I may redo the Couch to 5K and then do a 5K race.  I've been looking a the races in the area, I just need to narrow it down and actually sign up!! =)

   Now I shall hop to it and begin with the devotional because who wants to clean on a Sunday afternoon!! =)

Hebrews 6:3 And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

He's Home

Well, my boy came back on Saturday.  It was so nice to see him!  Almost didn't recognize him.  He dawned a dark tan (some red) and a blue baseball cap.  He wasn't a baseball cap wearing kid when he left.  He thoroughly loved camp and made some new friends.  His response to the question, "Did you have fun?" was, "I don't want to go back next year. I want to go back next week."  He thought it was a bummer to make new friends and then have to leave them. I'll do my best to help him keep in touch with them.

It has become very evident that he is home.  You know the rude noises that boys make, (eye roll) those noises are all back.  The popping noise of his nerf guns are back. (another eye roll) However, it is nice to walk by his computer and see him at work instead of passing by his empty chair.

The one thing that is nice to have back.  And I still think it's a little odd coming from a teenage boy. HUGS!!  He loves to just walk by and give everyone in the house a hug. =)  So yes, he's back and all is right in our house yet again.

To compete or not to compete

Ok, so.  I'm thinking about signing up for a fun run or marathon of some type.  I've thought about in the past and chickened out.  And with the last few days of shin pain I'm not sure I should. But wouldn't it be FUN!!  I looked at some events in the area. Found two that look interesting.  Both look doable.  for one I need a friend to go with me or I could do it with Mini Me. It's called the Woman's Race and it's in Cedar Park but, it's expensive.  The other is in Georgetown, it's not on a Sunday and it's not expensive.  What  to do what to do. I do need to discuss this with Hubby.  I know he'll be supportive for the cheaper of the two but the Woman's Race would be so much more fun.  Can you tell I'm thinking out loud here?  I know this may not be blog worthy but it's what is going on at this moment in time. More discussing and praying I guess.

I Corinthians 9:24   Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Dear Lord

This is my baby boy. I sent him to a week long Christian Camp Sunday morning. 

 Ok so he's really almost 13. 

But he will always be my baby and I've told him that since he was 2 years old.  I specifically remember saying, "You'll always be my baby. Even when your a mean teenager, you'll still be my baby."

So the day leading up to his departure we spent time making sure he was ready.  Thankfully, we had a check list to help remember what to pack. Here is kinda how things went.

Me: Your going to need your Bible and here is a notebook. Lets get a pen.
Bubba: Why do I need a notebook?
M: So you can take notes during the class sessions.
B: Oh. Ok. But I'm taking this notebook too so I can draw.

Lord please help him to listen and learn about you so he will always keep you in his.

M: Next up is bedding. Here are your sheets. Are you sure you don't want a sleeping bag for cushioning?
B: No mom. The sheets will be enough.
M: Okayeeee. (you know, the mommy knows better tone) But the sleeping bag will make the thin mattress more comfy.
B: Mom. No.

Dear Lord please help him sleep well.

M: Towels. You want 2 or 3 bath towels?  I'll get 2 wash clothes.
B: 1 towel is enough mom.
M: Really? Are you sure? Let's pack 2.
B:Mom. Just 1.
M: Ok. Please make sure you use the soap to wash your hair and body.
B: I know mom.
M: And please use the deodorant.
B: Mom. I know.
M: And please rinse out the wash cloths and hang then to dry.
B: Ok! I know how to do this!

Dear Lord please help him to remember good hygiene. I pray that we have trained him well. If not. Please be with those who have to smell him.

M: Rain gear?  Yea right like it's going to rain.

Dear Lord, we really need some rain.  He won't melt if he gets wet.

M: Shoes.  What shoes are you wearing to church tomorrow?

B: My tennis shoes.  I'm just going to wear them all week. Not taking my sandals.

M: But you might need them.

B: No the tennis shoes will be enough. 

M:  But what about when you go to swim. You may want them then.

B:  You've made a good point. Pack 'em.

M: Two cans of bug spray.

B:  I just need one. I don't need 50 gallons. I'm only going for week.

Smart mouth.

M:  You can use your sandals in the shower.

B:  I don't need shoes in the shower.

M: But the floor will be gross.

B:  Mom, I'm a boy. It will be fine.

Dear Lord, keep him healthy.

M: Sunscreen.

B: Check.

We packed all that he needed, well, later that night we remembered he would need shorts to sleep in. But he was ready.  He had all the belongings that he needed.  But my main worry. Did we train him well to take care of himself.  He is a good minded Christian boy and I don't worry about him getting in to trouble. Just. Can he care for himself?  

Proverbs 22:6  Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Dear Father in Heaven please be with my boy while he is away from home. Love him and lead him. I pray that I have trained him to listen and to follow  You.

Family Walk

    We walk every night.  Most of the time we goof off and play.  Occasionally we just walk and talk among ourselves. Tonights family walk was FULL of laughter. So I thought, what a wonderful memory to share in my first blog.
  The walk started out like any other. I walk Josey,(our white miniature schnauzer) Brian and Mini Me are walking behind me while Bubba rides his scooter.  The fun begins when Mini walks behind some bushes and Brian hides at the opposite end of the bushes and at just the right moment he jumps out to scare Mini. She screams, we all laugh. I'm sure the neighbors right there truely enjoyed all the noise.
  We walk on and Mini Me decides to tell a joke that she has enjoyed telling this week. I roll my eyes but play along. Again. Mini--"Are you my mom?"  Me--"Yes."  Mini--"Really? I thought moms were supposed to be cool."  At which point she laughs. I laughed the first time she told this joke. A week ago.
   And along we walk getting closer to home. I'm walking hand in hand with Mini Me. She wipes her nose on my shirt sleeve so, (I know she was just scratching her nose) I decided to wipe my nose on her sleeve. At which point Brian, who is behind us, takes my pony tail and wipes his nose on my hair. That was all it took for Mini and I to fall on the ground in complete, and full bodied laughter. We laughed a lot tonight, maybe we were just so tired that everything seemed funny.
Job 8:21 NLT
He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

I did it!!

That is all. I can't believe I got so obessed with how this looked.  I'm not too happy with the white outline up there but I can't for the life of me get rid of it.  And that "My Style" stamp is in a bad spot.  Thank you Nicole I couldn't have done it without you. ;-)