Happy New Year! Let's Work-Out!

Happy New Year!

I really hope 2014 is a good one for you all!  Anyone make any New Year's resolutions?  Anyone stick to the ones they made in the beginning of 2013?  I for one am not one to make resolutions because I know by February or March those promises will be a thing of the past.  I did, however, say a few years ago I'd start working out and I've been able to stick with that.  Not consistently but I've been pretty proud of myself for the efforts I have been making.  I love working out.  It gives me energy and makes me feel great afterward.  A lot of people don't want to hear all that workout "crap" but I do want to use this blog to document any workout routines and challenges I do.  If you're willing to join in go for it!

It's the beginning of the month and the start of a new year so let's do this right.  I started this morning with the popular squat challenge I've been doing for awhile.  You start the month by doing 50 and end doing 250.  Easy enough, right?  Next month I've got an even bigger squat challenge.  I thought I'd start the year a little simple.

I also added an ab challenge.  

 Of course I didn't stop there.  I did some more squats (some with weights) and more crunches, reverse crunches, bicycle crunches, leg lifts and I also lifted weights for my arms.  

My husband always tells me the best way to lose weight is to build muscle and there is no better way to build muscle then by strength training.  I have muscles growing in my arms and legs that never existed before (ha ha!)  I love it!  It's become more determination to keep me going.  

I will add more challenges and document my achievements (including pictures).  I'm doing this for me but if you are interested in joining in please do.  If I can motivate others then that's just an added bonus. 

I also found this on Pinterest which is great.  I not only want to work on my physical health but my mental health as well.

Here are my goals for 2014:

• Get fit/eat healthier
• Run at least one 5K
• Greet every experience and challenge with a positive attitude
• Work on bettering my relationship with God
• Less time on the internet
• Work on bettering my attitude
• Letting go of things in the past and things I have no control over
• Attending church more
• Focusing more on what makes my husband and children happier
• Renovate kitchen 
• Write a book (yes my dream in life is to be a writer and I have an idea for a novel.  Time to sit down and make that dream happen).  

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!  Make it a good one!

I'll be back tomorrow to update on our Christmas.  Today is my husband and son's last day of vacation so we're going to soak up every moment of it together. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/16/13

Good morning!

I said I wasn't going to do this for the rest of December because of being so busy but I have some time to kill this morning so I will.  Joining in with Sandra at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.  I will not be participating in this next week and will be going on a blogging and Facebook hiatus while I enjoy time with family.  My son and husband will both be on vacation and so I have decided to go on an internet vacation and give them all my full attention.  So I will go ahead and wish you all a Merry Christmas and look forward to finding more things to write about in the new year.  See y'all in 2014!

As I look outside my window::

Snow lays on the ground as well as some icy spots.  It's freezing outside this morning.  More snow in the forecast tomorrow.  Snow is pretty but I'm ready for it to be over.  

Right now I am::

Sitting on the couch watching the local news and drinking a cup of coffee.  Waiting for my little princess to wake up so we can get on with our day.  

Thinking and pondering::

About Christmas and all the shopping that needs to be done.  I hate being a last minute shopper but that's how it is every year.  We have only purchased a few things for the kids and that's it.  Terrible, isn't it?  Shopping for others is so hard.  I don't know what to get my parents or my husband's parents.  What do you get for people who already have everything they need?  

On my bedside table::

My Bible which I have to remember to pick up and read more often than I do.  Sometimes I just read the Bible that is downloaded on my Kindle.  

A Thousand Tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury on my Kindle.  

On my TV tonight::

I imagine it will be a Christmas movie.  I love Christmas movies!

Playing on the radio::

A variety of Christmas music.  

On the menu::

Still have to decide for the week ...

Monday - kielbasa and pierogies

Tuesday - chicken and dumplings

Wednesday - 

Thursday - tacos and spanish rice

Friday - pizza

Saturday - 

Sunday - 

On my to do list::

Clean and organize the mess that has accumulated in this house.  

Laundry

Meal plan for the remainder of the week

Buy groceries

Christmas shopping

Looking around the house::

The beautiful Christmas tree sits in the corner of the living room, a few other holiday decorations around, toys everywhere, dishes on the kitchen counter ready to dry and put away. 

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating::

This weekend I baked lots of cookies and Christmas shaped Jell-O jigglers.

My simple pleasure::

A cup of hot chocolate or hot cappuccino after being out in the cold weather

Lesson learned the past week::

My son is very sensitive and always cries so easily over the smallest issues.  My daughter, on the other hand, seems to be very strong-willed and bossy.  It's been tough trying to find ways to parent these two but I am figuring out that I have to accept them for who they are and embrace it. 

From the camera::

 

Prayer list::

My husband who has been dealing with a lot of hip pain and also the typical pain and soreness from his arthritis.  It's hard for a wife to see her husband in so much pain all the time and not being able to do anything for him.  

My other family and friends that their needs will be met.  

Bible verse/Devotional::

 "And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus." -- Luke 1:30 - 31

Snow

I'm not going to participate in the Happy Homemaker Monday today.  I'm just not organized enough for that today.  I will probably take a break from it for the rest of this month.  December is a busy time.  Preparing for Christmas, my husband is using a lot of vacation days throughout the month and I've been so caught up with trying to get this house in some type of organized order.

I did decide, however, to write about the snow that graced us yesterday.  I'm not a winter weather person because I do not like the cold at all; however, the kids seem to enjoy the snow and it was a nice change.  It was nice particularly because the snow came on a Sunday when there was no work and no school.  We were all able to just stay at home and enjoy the falling snow from the warmth of our home.  Of course, we took some time to enjoy it outdoors as well.

My son is already a veteran with playing in the puffy white stuff but this was the first time for my daughter.  As cold as it was she really seemed to enjoy it and kept saying, "I love snow!"

 

We only had a few inches and it's all starting to melt.  My son had a two hour delay from school today and fell once on the way to the bus stop all because of some icy spots.  The other kids fell too.  More snow in the forecast tomorrow.  

Snow was never my favorite thing but it really is nice seeing the joy in my children's eyes as they play and have fun with it.  That's enough to make me enjoy it ... a little bit.  

The Season Has Begun

Can you believe that it's almost Christmas?  22 days to be exact!  My son is counting down and reminds me every morning of how many days we have.  He's so excited.  My daughter, being only two, still doesn't quite understand what Christmas is all about but seeing the tree and the decorations are enough to get her excited.  When she sees Santa she'll say "Jesus" but that's okay.  It's the best time of the year for these children and I love seeing the holidays through their eyes.

The day after Thanksgiving we took all the decorations out of the attic and started to set everything up.  The artificial pre-lit tree we've had for the last 7 or so years had a few strands of lights that stopped working.  My husband,who already tried fixing it last year, decided instead of fussing over it again it was time to get a new one.  The new one is smaller than the other but it's perfect.  The kids busied themselves decorating most of it.  There are still plenty of bare spots around the tree but that just leaves more room to add onto our ornament collection in the years to come.  We have a tradition of buying a new ornament or two each year and that's something we still have to do for this year.  We don't have many decorations for the house but what we have is enough.

 

 The angel that sits on top of our tree was a gift from my mother-in-law years ago.  She keeps watch over us during the Christmas season.  

The stockings are hanging from a shelf in our living room.  In the middle is our porcelain nativity scene, also from Mother-In-Law. 

 A little garland wraps around the bannister.  Excuse the boxes.  They have to go back in the attic.

And here's my homemade snowman behind the door.  I love this!  Thank you Pinterest!  

We have a collection of stuffed toys too.  The children had fun adding window cling stickers to the living room window.

Our next step is getting the outside decorating done but since my husband has been fighting a horrible cold he hasn't had the chance.  I love how the neighborhood homes are already setting up.

I started a new tradition with the kids.  I bought them each an advent calendar.  Every day you open up a door and there is a small chocolate candy surprise.  My uncle bought one for me when I was little and I've been wanting to do the same for my kids.  I also found an advent calendar you can do with Bible verses but we have some catching up to do there.

Also, this time of year means lots of food, candy, cake, pies, etc. will be consumed.  A good reason to break a sweat with the 30 Day Challenge.

Happy Homemaker Monday - 12/2/13

Good afternoon!  I wasn't going to participate in this today because I'm so busy and it is the last day off for my son before he heads back to school but I figured I might as well try and take a little break.  We've been so busy around the house with Thanksgiving, cleaning up after Thanksgiving, decorating for Christmas and enjoying each others company while my son and husband were off.  This is my first time getting on here in days.  So here I go joining Diary of A Stay At Home Mom again. 

  As I look outside my window::
Cold.  Bitter.  Maybe some snow this week?

Right now I am::
Taking a break from the cleaning.  My son is playing across the street at a friend's house while the little one is napping.  

Thinking and pondering::
Of the fun I had yesterday with three friends from middle school/high school.  I met them right after moving here from Long Island and they've been great friends to have.  We lost touch for awhile but got back together thanks to social media.  We met up for brunch and had a good time.  Hoping to do it again soon.  

On my bedside table::
I finished reading Just Beyond the Clouds by Karen Kingsbury and I'd like to download another book to my Kindle this week.
My Bible

On my tv tonight::
Bakery Boss

Playing on the radio::
A mix of Christmas music

On the menu::
We are turkeyed out.  We've had leftovers every day since Thanksgiving, except yesterday when we treated ourselves to pizza.  Unsure of what to cook tonight and the rest of the week.  I must decide!

On my to do list::
Clean, clean, clean!
Create a Christmas present for my hubby.  One he knows he gets every year.
Figuring out what to get everyone for Christmas.
More decorating.  
Parent/Teacher conference - my first one as the parent instead of the student.  

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating::

Saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it would look cute on the inside of our plain white front door.  I cut out the eyes, mouth, buttons and nose with construction paper and made the scarf from wrapping paper.  A little corny but I'm happy with it and the kids love it.  

My simple pleasure::
On these cold almost winter nights it's been great curling up on the couch with a hot cup of tea, a book or my Kindle and my husband rubbing my feet ... yes I'm SPOILED!  

Lesson learned the past week::
I've allowed certain people and certain situations to bother me too much and I've held onto the pain it's caused for quite some time.  My husband, who is so easy going and able to brush things off his shoulders, has reminded me that it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.  Aside from him and our children no one else and nothing else should matter.  It seems so much easier for him to have that thought process but not so much for me but I have to learn to let it all go and live the life I need to live regardless of how others are going to judge me.

From the camera::

Prayer list::
My husband who is having a rough time getting over a cold that we've all been passing around.
My mom who is also sick. 

Bible verse/Devotional::
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" -- Romans 8:38-39

A Way To Spend A Rainy Day

It's the day before Thanksgiving and my son's first day off of a six day vacation.  It's rainy and cold outside so we're stuck in the house.  We have no plans except for getting the house clean and organized since we're entertaining a house full of family tomorrow.  I came up with a great idea that made the kids happy and are keeping them occupied. 

I am not the best fort maker but the kids love it.  We also popped some popcorn and my son is drinking hot chocolate while my daughter is drinking chocolate milk.  Her first time drinking chocolate milk.  Toy Story 3 is playing on the television and they are both is awe.  I'm glad I can make them happy and it's a good way to occupy them while I get some cleaning done. 

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/25/13

I wasn't going to participate in this today because I have so much to do today.  The house is a mess and there is a lot that needs done to prepare for Thanksgiving in three days.  We're expecting 9 or 10 people for dinner so I'd like this house cleaned and reorganized so we can fit an extra table and chairs in the dining room/ living room area.  Also, because of my son's birthday there are new toys all over the living room.  It's a mess, mess mess ... but I'd love to take a little break and write this up.  Plus my son only has two days of school before having six days off so I'll be even busier when he's home.

For his birthday we went to a few places he chose and then my parents as well as sister-in-law came over for pizza and cake.  I didn't have a big party with friends this year and that seemed to be okay with him.  Maybe next year.  This morning I delivered some cupcakes to his class.  

As I look outside my window::

It's cold, windy, chilly ... everything I despise about this time of year.  

Right now I am::

Typing this up while cooking my lunch.  Little one is napping which makes it a perfect time to get things done.  

Thinking and pondering::

Of all the things that need done around the house and the menu planning for Thanksgiving.  I can't believe the year is almost over.  

On my bedside table::

My Bible

Just Beyond the Clouds by Karen Kingsbury on my Kindle.  

Both baby books still in need of updating.  

On my TV tonight::

I'm not sure but I'd love to snuggle on the couch and watch a movie with the family

Playing on the radio::

I hate to admit this because I usually wait until AFTER Thanksgiving but lately I've been listening to Christmas music.  It's hard to get in the spirit so early but hey, why not?

On the menu for this week::

Tonight we are having leftover chicken noodle soup.  Hubby made it the other day and there's a lot left.  It's so good.  Then there's the big Thanksgiving meal on Thursday - turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, fried mushrooms, corn, stuffing, rolls, cranberry sauce and desserts.  Did I leave anything out?  The rest of the week is to be determined.  I'm sure it will be lots of leftovers to help clear the refrigerator.  

On my to do list::

Clean, dry and put away the dishes that are currently soaking in the sink

Laundry

Call the pediatrician for my son's 6 year check up.  Just tried calling but I was on hold for so long.

Clean, clean, clean!

Shop for all things needed for Thanksgiving

Then after Thanksgiving get all the Christmas decorations out of storage and start decorating.  

Maybe, just maybe, take the family to the amusement park that sets up for Christmas.  

What I am sewing, knitting, crocheting or creating::

Nothing at the moment but I will be baking up some good desserts for dinner on Thursday.  

My simple pleasure::

Last night my hubby and I snuggled together on the couch drinking hot cocoa and sharing a candy cane flavored Hershey bar we bought at the chocolate factory.  Oh that was sooooo good!

Lesson learned the past week::

That no matter how I try to forget certain things in my past the Lord always has a reason for bringing it back up in my mind again.  I don't want to go into detail, and it's not so bad.  Sometimes I just need these reminders. 

Looking around the house::

A mess of toys and children's books.  My slice of pizza sitting next to me waiting to be devoured.  7th Heaven on the TV.  

From the camera::

Prayer list::

My family - we've all been passing around colds.  Hoping we don't keep passing it on all winter long.

Other family members and friends

Bible verse/Devotional::
"Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." -- Psalm 106:1