Friday, June 15, 2018
Monday, June 3, 2013
Perspectives (part 2)
In my last post, I ended by talking about prayer. Prayer during a storm. Storms happens frequently in this part of the country (especially this year, in this particular spot.) Since I'm talking about perspectives, I'll let you in on a little secret:
Everybody has one--a perspective, that is.
And it's different, not only from person to person, but also from time to time. An overweight mother of four does not have the same perspective that a skinny, single, college girl has. Does that make one of them wrong? Not necessarily. That makes them different.
The sticky thing you get into with perspectives is when you decide that someone else is wrong because of the perspective they have. Some call it judgement, but I call it not holding your tongue. "Just because you can say something (and it might be truthful), doesn't mean you should say something."
It seems as though everyone and their grandmother have an opinion about these storms, about the storm chasers, about those who lost everything, about the teachers who prayed. No problem. Does everyone need to share those opinions with the ones who just went through this horrible tragedy? Not so much.
I'm going to give a little rebuttal to some of the things I've heard in the last couple of weeks.
(Disclaimer: I am writing this from my perspective....on the fringe. I haven't lost everything. I didn't lose a loved one. This time, I didn't even have any damage. But my friends did, and these are some things I learned by listening--not talking--to them.)
For the teacher who prayed: Good for you! Not because you went "against the rules about prayer in schools", but because you protected those kids to the best of your ability. You didn't force your students to pray (as if there was time for that!), and you didn't lose your job because of it (contrary to the unbelievable Internet rumor spreading wildly.)
For those who would protest at a child's funeral: I won't mention you by name because that would just give you the publicity you desire (even though there's only 3 people who read this blog.) What you are doing does not accomplish anything. You are not what you say you are, and you turn others toward your hate by inciting them to anger. I wish I could say that I would be the one to give a cup of cold water in the name of Christ, but I'm afraid that I would only accomplish your purpose, not God's, if I ever meet any of you. All I can do is pray for you--that you don't turn anyone else to hate with your religion.
For those who criticize people who live here: You've obviously never weathered a storm of any kind. While these storms are the most brutal thing nature can bring, they also bring something amazing--the helpers.
There is nothing that can swallow you up with both pride and humility at the same time as being approached by a stranger who says, "I am here to help you." There are those who do this for a "living" like the policemen, firemen, and military; and there are some who stop what they are doing just to make sure their neighbor is okay. ALL of them come together, work together, and accomplish great things together for the benefit of someone other than themselves. You should try it sometime--putting someone else before yourself--it is truly an amazing thing.
For those who come to sightsee: Go home! If you are here to help cleanup, thank you, but please put your cameras away. If someone wants to take pictures of their destroyed home so they have a memorial of what they survived, they have that right. And, while you have the right to take pictures of their stuff, it is incredibly tacky to film their loss for your pleasure. I know the devastation is incredible, and it is hard to turn your eyes away when it stretches as far as you can see. Please don't take for granted, though, that this is someone else's home turned inside out. If you wouldn't normally see it driving down the street, don't take pictures of it laying out in their neighbor's yard.
For those who criticize the weatherman: Storms like this cover miles and miles. They damage or destroy thousands and thousands of homes, businesses, and sometimes schools. Every single life lost is a tragic thing, but if you look at the storm's path, it is truly unbelievable that there weren't more lives lost. Truly. Had it not been for the scientists, the weather reporters, and the storm chasers that number could have been so much higher. And, while I know the feeling I get in my gut when there's going to be a bad storm, and I know the look of the sky when the clouds get black and start to swirl; there is no way I could warn others on where to go, how bad it might be, or what direction it's heading. That's why I listen to someone else with a more experienced perspective.
For those who want to introduce immediate legislation to get everyone a shelter less than 24 hours after a storm (and this is where I'm probably going to make people mad): It's not the government's job to get everyone a shelter. When you live in this part of the country, you have to make choices based on what is important to you. Do storms like this happen every week, every month, or every year? No. These storms are rare, but they do incredible damage. From my perspective, this is another opportunity for neighbor to help neighbor. If you have shelter, let someone else in. It's as simple as that. You have to decide if a shelter is worth the money you'll have to spend. What is a life worth? What is it worth if this only happens once every 10-15 years?
As far as the schools, those teachers are not to blame. Neither are the administrators. Nor the school board, builders, etc. We learn from history. Unfortunately, we learn when we lose lives. These storms don't happen every day. We also knew from the time we woke up that these storms were going to be bad. While you can't keep your children home every time there's a risk, there are times you get to be the parent and override any other deadline you may have. Some parents kept their kids home, some picked theirs up early, and some left their children there. None are wrong. Not even the ones who are now grieving. They did the best they could, and they don't need our criticism or our suggestions right now. They need our friendship and our love. We'll learn from this, and maybe we'll make different decisions, but now is not the time.
Wow! This turned into a long post. I'm guessing you probably get where I'm going with this. During times like these, it's easy to have all the answers--especially when you're sitting hundreds of miles away. This isn't the first time this has happened, and I'm sure it won't be the last. We don't need answers right now. We need helpers, love, and a little time to make sure we keep things in the right perspective.
Everybody has one--a perspective, that is.
And it's different, not only from person to person, but also from time to time. An overweight mother of four does not have the same perspective that a skinny, single, college girl has. Does that make one of them wrong? Not necessarily. That makes them different.
The sticky thing you get into with perspectives is when you decide that someone else is wrong because of the perspective they have. Some call it judgement, but I call it not holding your tongue. "Just because you can say something (and it might be truthful), doesn't mean you should say something."
It seems as though everyone and their grandmother have an opinion about these storms, about the storm chasers, about those who lost everything, about the teachers who prayed. No problem. Does everyone need to share those opinions with the ones who just went through this horrible tragedy? Not so much.
I'm going to give a little rebuttal to some of the things I've heard in the last couple of weeks.
(Disclaimer: I am writing this from my perspective....on the fringe. I haven't lost everything. I didn't lose a loved one. This time, I didn't even have any damage. But my friends did, and these are some things I learned by listening--not talking--to them.)
For the teacher who prayed: Good for you! Not because you went "against the rules about prayer in schools", but because you protected those kids to the best of your ability. You didn't force your students to pray (as if there was time for that!), and you didn't lose your job because of it (contrary to the unbelievable Internet rumor spreading wildly.)
For those who would protest at a child's funeral: I won't mention you by name because that would just give you the publicity you desire (even though there's only 3 people who read this blog.) What you are doing does not accomplish anything. You are not what you say you are, and you turn others toward your hate by inciting them to anger. I wish I could say that I would be the one to give a cup of cold water in the name of Christ, but I'm afraid that I would only accomplish your purpose, not God's, if I ever meet any of you. All I can do is pray for you--that you don't turn anyone else to hate with your religion.
For those who criticize people who live here: You've obviously never weathered a storm of any kind. While these storms are the most brutal thing nature can bring, they also bring something amazing--the helpers.
For those who come to sightsee: Go home! If you are here to help cleanup, thank you, but please put your cameras away. If someone wants to take pictures of their destroyed home so they have a memorial of what they survived, they have that right. And, while you have the right to take pictures of their stuff, it is incredibly tacky to film their loss for your pleasure. I know the devastation is incredible, and it is hard to turn your eyes away when it stretches as far as you can see. Please don't take for granted, though, that this is someone else's home turned inside out. If you wouldn't normally see it driving down the street, don't take pictures of it laying out in their neighbor's yard.
For those who criticize the weatherman: Storms like this cover miles and miles. They damage or destroy thousands and thousands of homes, businesses, and sometimes schools. Every single life lost is a tragic thing, but if you look at the storm's path, it is truly unbelievable that there weren't more lives lost. Truly. Had it not been for the scientists, the weather reporters, and the storm chasers that number could have been so much higher. And, while I know the feeling I get in my gut when there's going to be a bad storm, and I know the look of the sky when the clouds get black and start to swirl; there is no way I could warn others on where to go, how bad it might be, or what direction it's heading. That's why I listen to someone else with a more experienced perspective.
For those who want to introduce immediate legislation to get everyone a shelter less than 24 hours after a storm (and this is where I'm probably going to make people mad): It's not the government's job to get everyone a shelter. When you live in this part of the country, you have to make choices based on what is important to you. Do storms like this happen every week, every month, or every year? No. These storms are rare, but they do incredible damage. From my perspective, this is another opportunity for neighbor to help neighbor. If you have shelter, let someone else in. It's as simple as that. You have to decide if a shelter is worth the money you'll have to spend. What is a life worth? What is it worth if this only happens once every 10-15 years?
As far as the schools, those teachers are not to blame. Neither are the administrators. Nor the school board, builders, etc. We learn from history. Unfortunately, we learn when we lose lives. These storms don't happen every day. We also knew from the time we woke up that these storms were going to be bad. While you can't keep your children home every time there's a risk, there are times you get to be the parent and override any other deadline you may have. Some parents kept their kids home, some picked theirs up early, and some left their children there. None are wrong. Not even the ones who are now grieving. They did the best they could, and they don't need our criticism or our suggestions right now. They need our friendship and our love. We'll learn from this, and maybe we'll make different decisions, but now is not the time.
Wow! This turned into a long post. I'm guessing you probably get where I'm going with this. During times like these, it's easy to have all the answers--especially when you're sitting hundreds of miles away. This isn't the first time this has happened, and I'm sure it won't be the last. We don't need answers right now. We need helpers, love, and a little time to make sure we keep things in the right perspective.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Perspectives (part 1)
Since most of the people who read this blog are friends of mine, you all know where I live. Most everyone who doesn't live under a rock knows what happened on Sunday and Monday. Something that happens when you live in this part of the country--tornadoes. Since then, I've seen all kinds of posts: from "what are they thinking..." to "why don't they..." to "don't mess with us". I'm here to tell you that people have all kinds of different perspectives when it comes to events like this. These are some that I've seen, some that are my own, and some that come from some wise friends of mine.
First, a little history....
I was born in Pueblo, CO, but I have lived 30 of my 35 years in Oklahoma (3 of the other 5, I lived in Kansas--another state in "tornado alley") so I have experienced my share of severe weather. Four tornado events have made an impact on my memories so I base most of my tornado knowledge on those. The first was when I was in 1st or 2nd grade. I do not know exactly when it was or how powerful. I know it hit in Ardmore, OK where we were gathered with another family in their hallway. Their daughter was dropped off from a school event, and she received a nasty gash on the head when she fell over a fence that had been flung into their yard. But, she did make it in safely, and their house did not sustain any damage.
The second tornado that made an impact on my life was on May 3, 1999. I lived and worked in Blanchard, OK at the time, and I watched the storm from the south as it tracked across the county. I had friend living in Bridge Creek, Newcastle, and Moore at the time, and it completely rocked our little communities. A young man that was a good friend stopped by my house a few days later. He had first aid training so he had volunteered in Bridge Creek, only to be put to work in the makeshift morgue. He stopped by to "talk" and tell me about some of the things he had seen, and he wept as he recounted the stories. Thankful that God had shown me this young man's heart, I married him the very next year :)
The third tornado was only two short years ago (on this very day). I blogged about it here. After a day with lots of kiddos at my house, I was left with only my four children. Thankfully, my father-in-law was also there to get into the cellar with me. Seeing the tornado headed straight for us, we locked the door, prayed and waited. When we emerged, we saw that it had taken a sharp right turn, missing us, but hitting our neighbors, friends, and family. It's hard to describe how we can be thankful that something so powerful missed us but still so very heartbroken about the devastation to those who we love. Those are amazingly complex emotions.
This last tornado has also made a profound imprint on my life. It dropped out of the sky just three short miles north of my Mom's house. Once again, that complex mix of thankfulness and sadness are flooding my home. We are close enough to be affected emotionally, but far enough that we weren't affected physically.
Now for the perspectives:
This is my home, where I grew up, and where I make my life now. I drive down the highway that first felt this monster on a weekly basis (my husband drives it on a daily basis.) As we follow its path, I see that it destroyed the place where my Mom used to work when we first moved to this town. I see that it narrowly missed the part of town where the Walmart, Braum's, my bank, the first place I held a job, and several other often highly populated areas (thankfulness, because it could have been so much worse.), but then it ripped through the homes that were sitting right behind those stores (sadness for those who were losing everything--possibly even loved ones.) I see that it ripped down the old bridge--the one that has stood for years, the one that we used to sneak onto when we would go out with the girls, the one that has been a landmark seemingly forever. I see that, as it passed over the current bridge, that it tossed cars off of it like they were children's toys. It's path traveled down 149th, "the shortcut to Moore", took out the farm where my daughter was at a field trip less than a week before (MAJOR thankfulness), and then it headed for more homes, one of which belonged to my very best friend, and still a list of others who lost their homes or sustained major and minor damage. It tore through schools, neighborhoods, a hospital, and the movie theater. It scattered debris along side streets, main streets, and across two major interstates. And then, it just spun out...fizzled...gone....as quickly as it came. And you turned around, and all you could see was destruction in its wake.
That is my perspective. How I saw it from the outskirts. I imagine that the feelings were magnified 100-fold for those who had to ride it out in the closets, cellars, hallways, bank vaults, and even cars racing out of its path. Minor damage or major damage, it would be absolutely terrifying to know that monster was heading in your direction. People will be insensitive, derogatory, and questioning; but the fact is, until you've been in that situation, you can't tell anyone else what to do. Yes, there are right things and wrong things, but sometimes the right things aren't available, so you have to do the next best thing. Just ask the teachers that did the best that they could, but still lost their students. Ask the family of the mother and child who sought shelter, but that shelter didn't protect them. Everyone in the state of Oklahoma knows that you shouldn't try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle (except the storm chasers, but that's a whole different story!), but when a vehicle is all you have to get you out of the storm's path, then you do what you have to do.
And you pray...
A school teacher is getting a lot of publicity for what she said about prayer in schools, but it's true. When a storm is bearing down on you, you pray. You pray OUT LOUD. You pray until it's over. And when it's done, if you're still around to pray, you pray some more. Period. At least, that's how we do it here, in tornado alley, where the storms come.
First, a little history....
I was born in Pueblo, CO, but I have lived 30 of my 35 years in Oklahoma (3 of the other 5, I lived in Kansas--another state in "tornado alley") so I have experienced my share of severe weather. Four tornado events have made an impact on my memories so I base most of my tornado knowledge on those. The first was when I was in 1st or 2nd grade. I do not know exactly when it was or how powerful. I know it hit in Ardmore, OK where we were gathered with another family in their hallway. Their daughter was dropped off from a school event, and she received a nasty gash on the head when she fell over a fence that had been flung into their yard. But, she did make it in safely, and their house did not sustain any damage.
The second tornado that made an impact on my life was on May 3, 1999. I lived and worked in Blanchard, OK at the time, and I watched the storm from the south as it tracked across the county. I had friend living in Bridge Creek, Newcastle, and Moore at the time, and it completely rocked our little communities. A young man that was a good friend stopped by my house a few days later. He had first aid training so he had volunteered in Bridge Creek, only to be put to work in the makeshift morgue. He stopped by to "talk" and tell me about some of the things he had seen, and he wept as he recounted the stories. Thankful that God had shown me this young man's heart, I married him the very next year :)
The third tornado was only two short years ago (on this very day). I blogged about it here. After a day with lots of kiddos at my house, I was left with only my four children. Thankfully, my father-in-law was also there to get into the cellar with me. Seeing the tornado headed straight for us, we locked the door, prayed and waited. When we emerged, we saw that it had taken a sharp right turn, missing us, but hitting our neighbors, friends, and family. It's hard to describe how we can be thankful that something so powerful missed us but still so very heartbroken about the devastation to those who we love. Those are amazingly complex emotions.
This last tornado has also made a profound imprint on my life. It dropped out of the sky just three short miles north of my Mom's house. Once again, that complex mix of thankfulness and sadness are flooding my home. We are close enough to be affected emotionally, but far enough that we weren't affected physically.
Now for the perspectives:
This is my home, where I grew up, and where I make my life now. I drive down the highway that first felt this monster on a weekly basis (my husband drives it on a daily basis.) As we follow its path, I see that it destroyed the place where my Mom used to work when we first moved to this town. I see that it narrowly missed the part of town where the Walmart, Braum's, my bank, the first place I held a job, and several other often highly populated areas (thankfulness, because it could have been so much worse.), but then it ripped through the homes that were sitting right behind those stores (sadness for those who were losing everything--possibly even loved ones.) I see that it ripped down the old bridge--the one that has stood for years, the one that we used to sneak onto when we would go out with the girls, the one that has been a landmark seemingly forever. I see that, as it passed over the current bridge, that it tossed cars off of it like they were children's toys. It's path traveled down 149th, "the shortcut to Moore", took out the farm where my daughter was at a field trip less than a week before (MAJOR thankfulness), and then it headed for more homes, one of which belonged to my very best friend, and still a list of others who lost their homes or sustained major and minor damage. It tore through schools, neighborhoods, a hospital, and the movie theater. It scattered debris along side streets, main streets, and across two major interstates. And then, it just spun out...fizzled...gone....as quickly as it came. And you turned around, and all you could see was destruction in its wake.
That is my perspective. How I saw it from the outskirts. I imagine that the feelings were magnified 100-fold for those who had to ride it out in the closets, cellars, hallways, bank vaults, and even cars racing out of its path. Minor damage or major damage, it would be absolutely terrifying to know that monster was heading in your direction. People will be insensitive, derogatory, and questioning; but the fact is, until you've been in that situation, you can't tell anyone else what to do. Yes, there are right things and wrong things, but sometimes the right things aren't available, so you have to do the next best thing. Just ask the teachers that did the best that they could, but still lost their students. Ask the family of the mother and child who sought shelter, but that shelter didn't protect them. Everyone in the state of Oklahoma knows that you shouldn't try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle (except the storm chasers, but that's a whole different story!), but when a vehicle is all you have to get you out of the storm's path, then you do what you have to do.
And you pray...
A school teacher is getting a lot of publicity for what she said about prayer in schools, but it's true. When a storm is bearing down on you, you pray. You pray OUT LOUD. You pray until it's over. And when it's done, if you're still around to pray, you pray some more. Period. At least, that's how we do it here, in tornado alley, where the storms come.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Disappointed? Not so much!
Yesterday, was the day of my second half-marathon. Last year, I ran the Oklahoma City Memorial Half-Marathon just 20 days after my Dad passed away. I had trained hard for it, and I ran it for him :) This year, life was a little more complicated (hard to believe, but true) so I didn't train as faithfully*** This is an important note to remember as you read this post. These are the completely random thoughts that I had as I ran/jogged/walked/limped my 13.1 miles yesterday.
1. I've never been to any other "big" races before so I don't have much to base this on, but the OKC Memorial Marathon is the most moving and amazing race. It truly honors and remembers those who were lost on 4/19/95.
2. Almost 25,000 runners in downtown OKC. If that won't motivate you, nothing will!
3. Everything about this race is amazing: the runners (top-notch!), the spectators (unbelievable), the volunteers (completely selfless, really!) Yes, I'm gushing, but there was not a single bad moment at all in the whole time I was downtown. From the guy who let me park for free because I was a runner to the woman who handed me my finishers medals to the people along the course who were holding signs to cheer on complete strangers, the whole experience was inspiring.
4. I totally believe God had complete control of my playlist. As I got to the bottom of Gorilla Hill, and I was looking at the banner above it wondering if I would make it, "Dear X, You Don't Own Me" by Disciple came on. Not my normal music, but it works great on a running playlist. Just passed mile 9 (the EXACT same place as last year), I heard "God's Not Dead" by Newsboys--exactly what I needed to get me on to those last few miles. And, as I rounded the corner to head to the finish line, "The Final Countdown" by Europe--no lie! It was awesome, and I'm really thankful that I managed to get music before the race, because the little training I did, I didn't have music.
5. There were amazing people along the race course. We honestly didn't go fifteen feet without someone holding a sign and cheering. I LOVE those people who came out on a Sunday morning to cheer us on. No, they weren't running, but they were a HUGE part of helping so many people finish.
6. I don't know the name of the neighborhood, but it is one of the nicest in OKC. There are people who sit out on the sidewalk, offer water bottles, and hold signs for the runners. Of course, they don't have many options: leave the neighborhood before the race starts and the road is closed, or stay and enjoy the festivities. Thank you!
7. The sea of red sox--completely moving!
8. I didn't get to see an old friend because of the mass of people, but he saw me running and cheered for me. There's just something about knowing someone is cheering you on (even if you don't see them) that motivates you to keep going.
9. He was there cheering for his brother, who finished 3rd in the half-marathon just a couple weeks after an amazing finish at Boston.
10. Even though I am a totally slow half-marathoner, the moment that I hear the sirens to tell me to move over because the super-fast marathoners are PASSING me, I am so excited. I do not think, "Oh, running is so easy for them." All I can think is how much blood, sweat, and tears they have put into training, and I cry and cheer them on. (Yes, I cry while running. Don't judge me.)
11. My husband, who does not run, always says that he is going to start running after I finish a big race. That makes me smile to know that even though he sees me hurting or bummed about a slow finish, I have inspired him to do what I love.
12. My husband also takes on the huge task on that Sunday morning of taking our four children, getting them ready, and off to church on time without me. He does it without complaint, and he is always encouraging me along the race course by text. I am so thankful for him and his support!
13. My kids, four of the many reasons why I run, are amazing! They are ALWAYS asking when they can do a race with me, and I love getting to run with them.
14. Back to Gorilla Hill....I know if I can make it to that yellow house on the corner, the rest of the race is downhill (for the most part.) Best water stop ever!
15. This year I did the race completely alone. I had friends that were running it, but we had different paces so we just did our own thing. It was nice, but hard to get pics! However, when I approached a total stranger to take my picture at the finish line, he happily obliged. I'm telling you, EVERYONE was amazingly kind at this race.
16. To the firefighters in full gear, I applaud you. I was so happy to see the people cheering you on, patting your shoulders, and showing you respect.
17. To the officers, in uniform and in plain clothes, thank you for allowing us to feel safer. I tried to thank as many as I could, but there were just too many.
18. To the volunteers, thank you for giving of your time to work at this event. You made it great!
19. To the survivors and family members of the victims, thank you for allowing us to run in memory of your losses.
20. To the runners who finished before me, great job! I have no grand illusions of a first place finish (although those who know my competitive nature might argue), but hopefully next year, I'll be hot on your heels.
21. To the runners who finished behind me, great job! Even if you finish in the very last place, you did more than millions of Americans yesterday morning. Be proud of your accomplishment, and wear your medal with pride.
22. To all my friends and family who offered prayers and encouraging words yesterday, thank you! I received so much more support than I deserve or expected, and you all made me feel so special. I truly have an amazing support system, and you make me want to do the same for others.
23. Since I still can't find anything bad about the race, I will say that the muscles on the ride side of my body from the waist down completely locked up around mile 12. I really had no choice but to keep going, but I'm sure I looked awful to those who were watching. Thankfully, they were numb by the finish line, and I managed to run/hobble across. ***See note above, and remind me of it when I start training next year!
Having said all of that (and it was a lot, but you have a lot of things run through your head when you run that far), I just want to say my finish could have been disappointing. I finished 30 minutes slower than last year, but I can't be disappointed. Someday, I'll run for time, but right now, I just run. So if any of you want to run it with me next year, I'll totally be ready!
1. I've never been to any other "big" races before so I don't have much to base this on, but the OKC Memorial Marathon is the most moving and amazing race. It truly honors and remembers those who were lost on 4/19/95.
2. Almost 25,000 runners in downtown OKC. If that won't motivate you, nothing will!
3. Everything about this race is amazing: the runners (top-notch!), the spectators (unbelievable), the volunteers (completely selfless, really!) Yes, I'm gushing, but there was not a single bad moment at all in the whole time I was downtown. From the guy who let me park for free because I was a runner to the woman who handed me my finishers medals to the people along the course who were holding signs to cheer on complete strangers, the whole experience was inspiring.
4. I totally believe God had complete control of my playlist. As I got to the bottom of Gorilla Hill, and I was looking at the banner above it wondering if I would make it, "Dear X, You Don't Own Me" by Disciple came on. Not my normal music, but it works great on a running playlist. Just passed mile 9 (the EXACT same place as last year), I heard "God's Not Dead" by Newsboys--exactly what I needed to get me on to those last few miles. And, as I rounded the corner to head to the finish line, "The Final Countdown" by Europe--no lie! It was awesome, and I'm really thankful that I managed to get music before the race, because the little training I did, I didn't have music.
5. There were amazing people along the race course. We honestly didn't go fifteen feet without someone holding a sign and cheering. I LOVE those people who came out on a Sunday morning to cheer us on. No, they weren't running, but they were a HUGE part of helping so many people finish.
6. I don't know the name of the neighborhood, but it is one of the nicest in OKC. There are people who sit out on the sidewalk, offer water bottles, and hold signs for the runners. Of course, they don't have many options: leave the neighborhood before the race starts and the road is closed, or stay and enjoy the festivities. Thank you!
7. The sea of red sox--completely moving!
8. I didn't get to see an old friend because of the mass of people, but he saw me running and cheered for me. There's just something about knowing someone is cheering you on (even if you don't see them) that motivates you to keep going.
9. He was there cheering for his brother, who finished 3rd in the half-marathon just a couple weeks after an amazing finish at Boston.
10. Even though I am a totally slow half-marathoner, the moment that I hear the sirens to tell me to move over because the super-fast marathoners are PASSING me, I am so excited. I do not think, "Oh, running is so easy for them." All I can think is how much blood, sweat, and tears they have put into training, and I cry and cheer them on. (Yes, I cry while running. Don't judge me.)
11. My husband, who does not run, always says that he is going to start running after I finish a big race. That makes me smile to know that even though he sees me hurting or bummed about a slow finish, I have inspired him to do what I love.
12. My husband also takes on the huge task on that Sunday morning of taking our four children, getting them ready, and off to church on time without me. He does it without complaint, and he is always encouraging me along the race course by text. I am so thankful for him and his support!
13. My kids, four of the many reasons why I run, are amazing! They are ALWAYS asking when they can do a race with me, and I love getting to run with them.
14. Back to Gorilla Hill....I know if I can make it to that yellow house on the corner, the rest of the race is downhill (for the most part.) Best water stop ever!
15. This year I did the race completely alone. I had friends that were running it, but we had different paces so we just did our own thing. It was nice, but hard to get pics! However, when I approached a total stranger to take my picture at the finish line, he happily obliged. I'm telling you, EVERYONE was amazingly kind at this race.
16. To the firefighters in full gear, I applaud you. I was so happy to see the people cheering you on, patting your shoulders, and showing you respect.
17. To the officers, in uniform and in plain clothes, thank you for allowing us to feel safer. I tried to thank as many as I could, but there were just too many.
18. To the volunteers, thank you for giving of your time to work at this event. You made it great!
19. To the survivors and family members of the victims, thank you for allowing us to run in memory of your losses.
20. To the runners who finished before me, great job! I have no grand illusions of a first place finish (although those who know my competitive nature might argue), but hopefully next year, I'll be hot on your heels.
21. To the runners who finished behind me, great job! Even if you finish in the very last place, you did more than millions of Americans yesterday morning. Be proud of your accomplishment, and wear your medal with pride.
22. To all my friends and family who offered prayers and encouraging words yesterday, thank you! I received so much more support than I deserve or expected, and you all made me feel so special. I truly have an amazing support system, and you make me want to do the same for others.
23. Since I still can't find anything bad about the race, I will say that the muscles on the ride side of my body from the waist down completely locked up around mile 12. I really had no choice but to keep going, but I'm sure I looked awful to those who were watching. Thankfully, they were numb by the finish line, and I managed to run/hobble across. ***See note above, and remind me of it when I start training next year!
Having said all of that (and it was a lot, but you have a lot of things run through your head when you run that far), I just want to say my finish could have been disappointing. I finished 30 minutes slower than last year, but I can't be disappointed. Someday, I'll run for time, but right now, I just run. So if any of you want to run it with me next year, I'll totally be ready!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Vegan Forever
About 2 months ago, I decided to embark on this wild & crazy adventure--a vegan adventure! After some friends mentioned their success on the Engine 2 Diet, I decided to try it for myself. Being the skeptic that I am, I wasn't just going to see what happened. I needed documentation. So, I went to the doctor and had some basic blood work done.
That was the first eye-opener. For a fairly young mother of four, who exercises semi-regularly, and has even done crazy things like running a half-marathon; I was not as fit as my body tried to tell me! My beginning numbers looked like this:
*And, anyone who knows me also knows that I'm just not very good at accepting the "normal" label.
I tried this Engine 2 Diet for 7 1/2 weeks, and I liked it. Now, there were some recipes that we are definitely NOT trying again. I did find some that are now weekly dinners, and I have some others that I can go to in a pinch. I have even become confident enough to look at recipes online and find the ones that apply to the way I want to eat. (I'm not quite to the point of being able to craft my own recipes, but I might be willing to attempt one soon!)
After my time was up, I went back to the doctor to have my bloodwork redrawn. Because my glucose was normal and the insurance wouldn't pay for a new test, I just did the lipid profile. When the PA called with the test results, she was obviously excited. Not only had I lost weight, but my choloesterol had dropped significantly. So, for those who are interested, these are my NEW, shiny numbers:
That was the first eye-opener. For a fairly young mother of four, who exercises semi-regularly, and has even done crazy things like running a half-marathon; I was not as fit as my body tried to tell me! My beginning numbers looked like this:
- Weight--149 pounds
- Height--5ft 4in
- Glucose--99
- Triglyceride--88
- Cholesterol--197
- LDL--131
- HDL--52
- BMI--25.6 (overweight)
*And, anyone who knows me also knows that I'm just not very good at accepting the "normal" label.
I tried this Engine 2 Diet for 7 1/2 weeks, and I liked it. Now, there were some recipes that we are definitely NOT trying again. I did find some that are now weekly dinners, and I have some others that I can go to in a pinch. I have even become confident enough to look at recipes online and find the ones that apply to the way I want to eat. (I'm not quite to the point of being able to craft my own recipes, but I might be willing to attempt one soon!)
After my time was up, I went back to the doctor to have my bloodwork redrawn. Because my glucose was normal and the insurance wouldn't pay for a new test, I just did the lipid profile. When the PA called with the test results, she was obviously excited. Not only had I lost weight, but my choloesterol had dropped significantly. So, for those who are interested, these are my NEW, shiny numbers:
- Weight--134 pounds
- Height--5ft 4in
- Glucose--***
- Triglyceride--34
- Cholesterol--148
- LDL--96
- HDL--47
- BMI--23.0 (Healthy)
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
You Don't Eat Meat?!?!
A few weeks ago, some friends of mine were posting absolutely yummilicious recipes on Facebook. So yummy that I was inspired to start asking some questions. These weren't your regular, butter & cream, Southern recipes that I was used to seeing. These included words like vegan, flourless, and heart-healthy. So, I did some research.
It turns out that my friends had tried a diet called the Engine 2 Diet.
First of all, let me say that this is NOT some fad diet. It is a plant-based, whole foods, meat products-free, heart healthy diet. People have done this for years--they're the crunchy ones that everyone looks at strangely. Doctors have promoted this for years--the author's father is actually a notable cardiologist who makes a convincing argument. Even Biblical figures have used this diet--think Daniel refusing the king's meat!
I didn't want this to be some rash decision that I just jumped into so I asked my husband to read the book. My carnivore husband. Imagine my shock and surprise when he agreed with the author and even agreed to try this new diet with me ("It's only for 28 days!") We decided this would just be a family event, and we promoted it to the kiddos who were fairly enthusiastic.
We spent our last meat-filled week "cleaning out" our cabinets and refrigerator of all the bad foods mentioned in the book. (And by cleaning out, I mean eating them up because my family doesn't like to throw food away!) I also went to my family PA, and I asked her to get me some basic numbers (Height, Weight, Blood Sugar, Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides). Then, I printed out a Week One menu and shopping list from the website, and off to Whole Foods I went.
I'm not gonna lie. That first week was pricey! I spent about 2 1/2 times our normal weekly grocery budget, but I had anticipated a pretty big price jump. What I didn't realize is that we didn't use some of that stuff. Some of the recipes on the site included soy, and we had opted to keep the soy out of our diet. Also, after making some of the recipes, we decided that we won't be making them again! We have found lots of ways that we can alter our "regular" recipes to make them vegan, and we've also found tons of great new recipes that we love.
After some encouragement from some of my friends to blog about my adventure, I decided to start writing about my daily struggles and victories during this "diet". The biggest thing so far has been explaining to people what we're doing. When we say we've given up meat and are eating whole foods, the answer is always, "You don't eat meat?! You have to eat meat! Your body can't survive without meat!"
Every.
Single.
Time.
You don't realize how ingrained it is for Americans to eat heavily processed foods including meat products. The first week I sort of missed some of our regular foods, but the newness of the adventure was still there. The second week, I realized that I was eating really great food, and I didn't miss that stuff as much. The third week, it made me almost physically ill to walk down some of the aisles in the grocery store and realize how much of that food was not only not very tasty, but also dangerously bad for my body.
I've realize that my way of thinking is changing, and my body is changing, too! I guess that means this "diet" is working. I'm three weeks into it, but I plan on doing it full-force for at least six weeks. After that, I'm hoping to keep it up as much as possible, but we will see with the holidays rapidly approaching. I'll end this post with my beginning stats, and I'll try to update as much as possible. Leave me a comment and tell me the things you'd like for me to tell you or questions that you might have!
It turns out that my friends had tried a diet called the Engine 2 Diet.
I didn't want this to be some rash decision that I just jumped into so I asked my husband to read the book. My carnivore husband. Imagine my shock and surprise when he agreed with the author and even agreed to try this new diet with me ("It's only for 28 days!") We decided this would just be a family event, and we promoted it to the kiddos who were fairly enthusiastic.
We spent our last meat-filled week "cleaning out" our cabinets and refrigerator of all the bad foods mentioned in the book. (And by cleaning out, I mean eating them up because my family doesn't like to throw food away!) I also went to my family PA, and I asked her to get me some basic numbers (Height, Weight, Blood Sugar, Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides). Then, I printed out a Week One menu and shopping list from the website, and off to Whole Foods I went.
I'm not gonna lie. That first week was pricey! I spent about 2 1/2 times our normal weekly grocery budget, but I had anticipated a pretty big price jump. What I didn't realize is that we didn't use some of that stuff. Some of the recipes on the site included soy, and we had opted to keep the soy out of our diet. Also, after making some of the recipes, we decided that we won't be making them again! We have found lots of ways that we can alter our "regular" recipes to make them vegan, and we've also found tons of great new recipes that we love.
After some encouragement from some of my friends to blog about my adventure, I decided to start writing about my daily struggles and victories during this "diet". The biggest thing so far has been explaining to people what we're doing. When we say we've given up meat and are eating whole foods, the answer is always, "You don't eat meat?! You have to eat meat! Your body can't survive without meat!"
Every.
Single.
Time.
You don't realize how ingrained it is for Americans to eat heavily processed foods including meat products. The first week I sort of missed some of our regular foods, but the newness of the adventure was still there. The second week, I realized that I was eating really great food, and I didn't miss that stuff as much. The third week, it made me almost physically ill to walk down some of the aisles in the grocery store and realize how much of that food was not only not very tasty, but also dangerously bad for my body.
I've realize that my way of thinking is changing, and my body is changing, too! I guess that means this "diet" is working. I'm three weeks into it, but I plan on doing it full-force for at least six weeks. After that, I'm hoping to keep it up as much as possible, but we will see with the holidays rapidly approaching. I'll end this post with my beginning stats, and I'll try to update as much as possible. Leave me a comment and tell me the things you'd like for me to tell you or questions that you might have!
- Weight--149 pounds
- Height--5ft 4in
- Glucose--99
- Triglyceride--88
- Cholesterol--197
- LDL--131
- HDL--52
- BMI--25.6 (overweight)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Getting Fit
Last year, in June, I posted about my goals of running a few 5ks and my desire to lose weight. I half-hearted did it the last part of June and some of July, but in August, something inside of me clicked. I honestly cannot tell you what it was, but I knew that if I was EVER going to do anything for my health, it would have to be NOW.
So, on August 15th, I started the C25K (Couch to 5k) plan. I worked the whole plan, sometimes repeating a week so I could catch up. I finished it, and I ran my first 5k for real in 40 minutes. I realized I loved running, and my husband realized I was serious. What a strange combination!
I lost 20 pounds in the process, and I began sleeping better and eating better. It was a natural progression, and it just morphed into a total lifestyle change.
In 2012, I ran a 5k in January, and a 10k in Febuary. I was supposed to run a 15k in March, but for personal reasons, I had a friend run that race for me. I did, however, finish my first half-marathon on April 29th in 2 hours and 40 minutes. You'd think after all that running that I would be done.
Not anywhere close!!
I did take a running break to relax a little and catch up with my kids, but I'm back on track now. I'm doing some of the last half of my half-marathon training program, and I'll start my marathon training during the next month.
Yes, I said (typed) MARATHON.
26.2 miles.....not meters.....miles
One year ago, I would never have imagined that I could run a marathon (and there are definitely days that I still have my doubts!) But, I am going to try. I'm so excited and scared.
I'm so thankful for all the runners who have encouraged me along the way. They say that running is a solitary sport, and it is. But, while you may physically run alone, you never run alone. It is very difficult to stay motivated and on-track all by yourself. Thankfully, the running community is filled with people who are always willing to give a "Good job!", "Way to go!" or "You can do this!" at just the needed time!
I'm also thankful for my non-running friends who have encouraged me even though they think they could "never do it" (even though I'm sure most of the could. After all, I did!) Not one time did anyone tell me that I was wasting my time or that I wouldn't succeed. All those fears I had about myself were just in my head. No one ever spoke those things I thought about myself. (Do you think there's some sort of lesson there?!)
Now, I'm going to name some names!
First, I had an awesome race partner, CJ. I've known her since high school, and she's an awesome motivator and friend. I could not have finished any of my races this year without her--she's awesome.
Second, my family is beyond words. My Mom & Dad totally supported me running. Babysitting for long runs or races was always ok, and they always had Academy gift cards so I could buy running gear. My husband, Kevin, was a little hesitant at first, but he is ALWAYS 100% supportive! And my beautiful children, Abi, Hannah, Connor, & Jada, are the absolute best cheerleaders!!
Third, I have friends online and in real life that offered the kindest words of encouragement. Katie Cook (who ran the marathon when I did the half), Stefanie Shockley, Tara, Brette & Joel, Mary Ellen, Amanda, Lucretia, Connie, Amber, Tammy, Chandelle, Crystal, Jennifer, Jenn, Shannon, Cassie, Laura, Charlie, Deborah, and all the other "Sistas" whose names I cannot always remember.
I have a few people that I consider running "mentors". Some I have never met. Some inspired me to begin running. Some I met after I began running, but they have encouraged me to keep pushing myself to new challenges. So, Jenn & Barbie, we will meet some day and run together! Jodie, you'll always be younger (& probably faster), but I'll race with you any day! Erin Henderson, I am totally rooting for you to qualify in 2016! Jason Butler, we don't live that far from each other and we are bound to finally meet at a race this year, but you are going to do awesome in Boston!
What about you? Are you running? Swimming? Encouraging? Being encouraged? Let me know about your goals and mentors.
So, on August 15th, I started the C25K (Couch to 5k) plan. I worked the whole plan, sometimes repeating a week so I could catch up. I finished it, and I ran my first 5k for real in 40 minutes. I realized I loved running, and my husband realized I was serious. What a strange combination!
I lost 20 pounds in the process, and I began sleeping better and eating better. It was a natural progression, and it just morphed into a total lifestyle change.
In 2012, I ran a 5k in January, and a 10k in Febuary. I was supposed to run a 15k in March, but for personal reasons, I had a friend run that race for me. I did, however, finish my first half-marathon on April 29th in 2 hours and 40 minutes. You'd think after all that running that I would be done.
Not anywhere close!!
I did take a running break to relax a little and catch up with my kids, but I'm back on track now. I'm doing some of the last half of my half-marathon training program, and I'll start my marathon training during the next month.
Yes, I said (typed) MARATHON.
26.2 miles.....not meters.....miles
One year ago, I would never have imagined that I could run a marathon (and there are definitely days that I still have my doubts!) But, I am going to try. I'm so excited and scared.
I'm so thankful for all the runners who have encouraged me along the way. They say that running is a solitary sport, and it is. But, while you may physically run alone, you never run alone. It is very difficult to stay motivated and on-track all by yourself. Thankfully, the running community is filled with people who are always willing to give a "Good job!", "Way to go!" or "You can do this!" at just the needed time!
I'm also thankful for my non-running friends who have encouraged me even though they think they could "never do it" (even though I'm sure most of the could. After all, I did!) Not one time did anyone tell me that I was wasting my time or that I wouldn't succeed. All those fears I had about myself were just in my head. No one ever spoke those things I thought about myself. (Do you think there's some sort of lesson there?!)
Now, I'm going to name some names!
First, I had an awesome race partner, CJ. I've known her since high school, and she's an awesome motivator and friend. I could not have finished any of my races this year without her--she's awesome.
Second, my family is beyond words. My Mom & Dad totally supported me running. Babysitting for long runs or races was always ok, and they always had Academy gift cards so I could buy running gear. My husband, Kevin, was a little hesitant at first, but he is ALWAYS 100% supportive! And my beautiful children, Abi, Hannah, Connor, & Jada, are the absolute best cheerleaders!!
Third, I have friends online and in real life that offered the kindest words of encouragement. Katie Cook (who ran the marathon when I did the half), Stefanie Shockley, Tara, Brette & Joel, Mary Ellen, Amanda, Lucretia, Connie, Amber, Tammy, Chandelle, Crystal, Jennifer, Jenn, Shannon, Cassie, Laura, Charlie, Deborah, and all the other "Sistas" whose names I cannot always remember.
I have a few people that I consider running "mentors". Some I have never met. Some inspired me to begin running. Some I met after I began running, but they have encouraged me to keep pushing myself to new challenges. So, Jenn & Barbie, we will meet some day and run together! Jodie, you'll always be younger (& probably faster), but I'll race with you any day! Erin Henderson, I am totally rooting for you to qualify in 2016! Jason Butler, we don't live that far from each other and we are bound to finally meet at a race this year, but you are going to do awesome in Boston!
What about you? Are you running? Swimming? Encouraging? Being encouraged? Let me know about your goals and mentors.
Fading Scars
One year ago (and a few days), I posted about a vicious storm that ripped through my area. I showed the pictures of the devastion just one-quarter mile from my home. I spoke of the faith and generosity of the people in this area that jumped to help one another. What an amazing and terrifying time!
Now, it is one year later. New homes sit where the old ones had been wiped away. Storm shelters are inside or outside most of the new houses. The trees are green and so is the grass. A new oil rig sits whirring every hour of the day (much to the annoyance of the neighbors--me included!) It seems as though healing has begun....
And it has, but...
There are scars. Lots of 'em.
There are the trees that will never have leaves again. There are the expanses of land that still have no grass--just a fine covering of topsoil where the grass was sucked from the ground. There are the giant balls of twisted metal that no one has had time to remove from the pastures.
Then, there are the people. Some were injured physically during the storm, but they all have a mental battle to fight.
Storms don't stop in Oklahoma. Just last week, while at the ball game, my kids and I had to race to the van and drive the opposite way of the house just to avoid a hail storm. When you've weathered a tornado, you might think you wouldn't be afraid any more, but it doesn't quite work that way.
Anytime someone faces a major battle in life, there are scars. It doesn't matter if it is physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, God gives a reminder--a memorial, so to speak--of the battle that was fought. In Joshua chapter 4, God has the Israelites make a memorial of stones in the place where they crossed into the Promised Land. God gives us these scars as a reminder of the work He has done in our lives. Some reminders everyone can see, like the place where the metal has sliced open a man's head. Some reminders no one can see, like the memory of that loved one that was ripped from your arms by the twirling wind.
Some scars never change, but most begin to fade with the passing of time.
As I drive by the properties affected by last year's storm, I pray that God will let me use the scars in my life as a memorial for all the work He has done in the last year. So many things, so many lessons, so many reasons to praise Him for His faithfulness. In every situation, His hand was upon me. I pray for the families who deal daily with the scars from this particular storm, and I pray for those whose scars cannot be seen. "Treat everyone you meet with the love of Christ for you do not know the battle they are fighting." seems so appropriate when I'm reminded of the grace and mercy that people have shown me during my battles this year.
Do you have scars? Visible? Invisible? I pray that you will not see them as a reminder of all that is bad that you experienced in life, but as a reminder of the ways that God has worked in your life.
Now, it is one year later. New homes sit where the old ones had been wiped away. Storm shelters are inside or outside most of the new houses. The trees are green and so is the grass. A new oil rig sits whirring every hour of the day (much to the annoyance of the neighbors--me included!) It seems as though healing has begun....
And it has, but...
There are scars. Lots of 'em.
There are the trees that will never have leaves again. There are the expanses of land that still have no grass--just a fine covering of topsoil where the grass was sucked from the ground. There are the giant balls of twisted metal that no one has had time to remove from the pastures.
Then, there are the people. Some were injured physically during the storm, but they all have a mental battle to fight.
Storms don't stop in Oklahoma. Just last week, while at the ball game, my kids and I had to race to the van and drive the opposite way of the house just to avoid a hail storm. When you've weathered a tornado, you might think you wouldn't be afraid any more, but it doesn't quite work that way.
Anytime someone faces a major battle in life, there are scars. It doesn't matter if it is physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, God gives a reminder--a memorial, so to speak--of the battle that was fought. In Joshua chapter 4, God has the Israelites make a memorial of stones in the place where they crossed into the Promised Land. God gives us these scars as a reminder of the work He has done in our lives. Some reminders everyone can see, like the place where the metal has sliced open a man's head. Some reminders no one can see, like the memory of that loved one that was ripped from your arms by the twirling wind.
Some scars never change, but most begin to fade with the passing of time.
As I drive by the properties affected by last year's storm, I pray that God will let me use the scars in my life as a memorial for all the work He has done in the last year. So many things, so many lessons, so many reasons to praise Him for His faithfulness. In every situation, His hand was upon me. I pray for the families who deal daily with the scars from this particular storm, and I pray for those whose scars cannot be seen. "Treat everyone you meet with the love of Christ for you do not know the battle they are fighting." seems so appropriate when I'm reminded of the grace and mercy that people have shown me during my battles this year.
Do you have scars? Visible? Invisible? I pray that you will not see them as a reminder of all that is bad that you experienced in life, but as a reminder of the ways that God has worked in your life.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Blogging Bug
I really should blog more often! I want to, and then I forget. Or, I get too busy. Or, I think someone won't want to read what I have to say. Whatever the reason, I tend to put it off. One of my goals last year was to write more, and it is still very much a goal of mine. I have managed to conquer most of my goals from last year so I'm just going to carry this one for awhile and keep plugging away at it!
So much has happened since the first of this year, since my last post even. I am going to try to organize my thoughts just a bit before I type them all out. Even with that bit of organization, I'm sure I'll be all over the place with my posts. Just bear with me, and I'll try not to be too random with my writing. (I hope!)
So much has happened since the first of this year, since my last post even. I am going to try to organize my thoughts just a bit before I type them all out. Even with that bit of organization, I'm sure I'll be all over the place with my posts. Just bear with me, and I'll try not to be too random with my writing. (I hope!)
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Meal-Planning: "How do you do it?"
I LOVE to plan things: baby showers, birthday parties, youth rallies, meals, etc. Almost NOTHING goes according to "the plan", but there is something therapeutic to me about the planning itself. I try to make what I call "flexible plans". You have everything available if the plan is going right, but, if it's not, you can change things up in an instant for Plan B (or C, D, or the rest of the alphabet--depending on the the day!)
I've often talked to my friends and family about doing weekly, monthly, and (most recently) yearly meal-planning. I love knowing that a few hours of quiet planning results in less stress throughout the rest of the year for me. When I first saw the idea on another blog, I was a little intimidated. "Meal plan for a year? I don't even know for sure what I'm doing in 3 days, much less in 3 months!!" It's not really as hard as it sounds, so I'll tell you how I do it.
(DISCLAIMER: This is how I do it, and how it works for our family. If you are completely intimated by this, hate to plan, or don't want to do it, DON'T! If it's not something that you can work with or that will work in your family dynamic, then it isn't worth the time involved to do it. If you want to do it for a week, two weeks, or a month; try that first. The important thing is to find what works for you (the cook) and your family. You can take this whole plan, part of this plan, or none of this plan, and still figure out a workable option for your situation. Trust me!)
I used to menu plan for two weeks because the paychecks came every two weeks. (Pretty smart, huh?!) Then, I decided to go for a month. Even though I grocery shop weekly or bi-weekly, the menu was already planned. I stumbled across a blog on Pinterest that had a yearly menu-planning guide (with free printables--SCORE!) so I decided to try it.
Here is my menu binder with the printables I found on www.boldturquoise.wordpress.com
It's just a plain binder with one of bold turquoise's neat printables on the front. Inside are plastic sleeves with monthly calendars. I sat down at the beginning of February (We're going to forget about January because I didn't find all this stuff until February.) and looked at our general schedule. We generally eat more crock pot meals, soups, stews, and chili's during the colder months. We eat more fresh fruit, fresh veggies, and grilled meats during the hotter months. The kids' birthdays all fall around the same time each year (Imagine that!) so I have a general idea when the party will be. Our church has a mission's conference and a revival during the year where we have dinner at church every night. We usually know about the time we'll be taking vacation or going away to visit family for a weekend. The same holds true for the major holidays. Our family is very habitual--Independence, Memorial, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving Day, we're home. Christmas Day, we're away. See, it's easy to plan. I may not know the exact date of each event when I do my planning, but I can tweak things as they get closer. Besides, if you've planned something, and you end up away from home, you can always fix that meal for someone else (a shut-in, new parents, someone who's just had surgery, or "just because" you want to bless someone.)
This is my major project for this year--my recipe book:
I've often talked to my friends and family about doing weekly, monthly, and (most recently) yearly meal-planning. I love knowing that a few hours of quiet planning results in less stress throughout the rest of the year for me. When I first saw the idea on another blog, I was a little intimidated. "Meal plan for a year? I don't even know for sure what I'm doing in 3 days, much less in 3 months!!" It's not really as hard as it sounds, so I'll tell you how I do it.
(DISCLAIMER: This is how I do it, and how it works for our family. If you are completely intimated by this, hate to plan, or don't want to do it, DON'T! If it's not something that you can work with or that will work in your family dynamic, then it isn't worth the time involved to do it. If you want to do it for a week, two weeks, or a month; try that first. The important thing is to find what works for you (the cook) and your family. You can take this whole plan, part of this plan, or none of this plan, and still figure out a workable option for your situation. Trust me!)
I used to menu plan for two weeks because the paychecks came every two weeks. (Pretty smart, huh?!) Then, I decided to go for a month. Even though I grocery shop weekly or bi-weekly, the menu was already planned. I stumbled across a blog on Pinterest that had a yearly menu-planning guide (with free printables--SCORE!) so I decided to try it.
Here is my menu binder with the printables I found on www.boldturquoise.wordpress.com
It's just a plain binder with one of bold turquoise's neat printables on the front. Inside are plastic sleeves with monthly calendars. I sat down at the beginning of February (We're going to forget about January because I didn't find all this stuff until February.) and looked at our general schedule. We generally eat more crock pot meals, soups, stews, and chili's during the colder months. We eat more fresh fruit, fresh veggies, and grilled meats during the hotter months. The kids' birthdays all fall around the same time each year (Imagine that!) so I have a general idea when the party will be. Our church has a mission's conference and a revival during the year where we have dinner at church every night. We usually know about the time we'll be taking vacation or going away to visit family for a weekend. The same holds true for the major holidays. Our family is very habitual--Independence, Memorial, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving Day, we're home. Christmas Day, we're away. See, it's easy to plan. I may not know the exact date of each event when I do my planning, but I can tweak things as they get closer. Besides, if you've planned something, and you end up away from home, you can always fix that meal for someone else (a shut-in, new parents, someone who's just had surgery, or "just because" you want to bless someone.) I basically have between 30 and 50 meals that I have memorized or have the recipes for (that I can cook and my family can eat.) Thanks to the generous gifts of my friends and family, I also have subscriptions to Runner's World, Better Homes & Gardens, and Eating Well (Thank goodness for new recipes when the old ones get boring!!) I simply write a recipe down on each space on the calendar. Yes, recipes get repeated! Some get repeated monthly because they are that good! My family has their favorites so I try to make them more often, but I try not to repeat a meal twice in a month.
Some recipes are painfully simple: Tacos=meat, taco seasoning, shells or tortillas, fixings. No recipe required! Some are a little more difficult, but none are top-chef worthy feats. I try to keep things healthy, but during times like softball season, Frito chili pie wins every time on a busy night. We're learning to eat more fish and less cheese (Moment of silence, please.........) I rarely fry foods, but when I do, it's homemade fried; not some processed blob from a bag.
This is my major project for this year--my recipe book:
That's it. It really is that easy. Nothing is set in stone. It is a plan, not a contract. You have an idea of what you are going to cook, but you can always change it. Hubby goes out of town, and you're left with the kids? Order pizza! Every one's sick for three days? Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup, it is! You might think it's a waste of time if you aren't going to stick to it, or even a waste of paper. Even if you only use it 50% of the time, it is well worth it. I'd say we stick to ours about 95% of the time, just because it's so easy for me just to see what I'm supposed to be cooking instead of having to make a decision. Try it, and let me know how it goes!
Happy planning, everyone!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Fish Tacos!!!
My husband bugged me for months to try fish tacos, but I hesitated because it sounded so.....fishy. I looked at a couple of recipes on the internet, but none caught my eye (mostly because they all seemed so fatty and unhealthy.) One day, he opened his Muscle & Fitness magazine (whole other post, I know!!), and said, "We are making these tomorrow!" So, I tried the recipe, tweaked it a little, and now we have a family fave! I'm going to try not to comment, and just give you the recipe straight. Here goes:
Ingredients:
6-8 frozen tilapia filets
salt & pepper
1 avacado
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup cilantro
1 Tbsp sambol or Sri Racha
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Flour or whole wheat tortillas
Thaw the fish, and cut into 6 inch pieces. Salt & pepper, and place in a non-stick baking pan. Cook for 10-12 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
While the fish is cooking, mix the avacado, tomatoes, cilantro, and Sri Racha. Blend together until creamy.
Once the fish is cooked, place it on warmed tortillas. Top with cabbage, spicy guacamole, and sliced onions. No cheese necessary, but you can add it if you like (along with sour cream or salsa, if you prefer.) We love these without the added cheese and sour cream. Oh, so yummy, and healthy too!!
Disclaimer: The photo is the original photo from the Sept 2011 issue of M & F. I take horrible food photos, and I ate all the fish tacos before I could even attempt a picture today. The original recipe (before my tweaking) was from Chef Robert Irvine. Now, you can return to your scheduled programming.
Ingredients:
6-8 frozen tilapia filets
salt & pepper
1 avacado
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup cilantro
1 Tbsp sambol or Sri Racha
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Flour or whole wheat tortillas
Thaw the fish, and cut into 6 inch pieces. Salt & pepper, and place in a non-stick baking pan. Cook for 10-12 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
While the fish is cooking, mix the avacado, tomatoes, cilantro, and Sri Racha. Blend together until creamy.
Once the fish is cooked, place it on warmed tortillas. Top with cabbage, spicy guacamole, and sliced onions. No cheese necessary, but you can add it if you like (along with sour cream or salsa, if you prefer.) We love these without the added cheese and sour cream. Oh, so yummy, and healthy too!!
Why Wait? Update!
I felt the sudden urge to blog today (with a little encouragement from a friend!) Imagine my surprise, when I looked at my blog, and I realized that I haven't written anything since June--7 1/2 months!! It's amazing how time flies, and we don't realize the things we have put aside. God has been doing some wonderful work in my life, and I have found some new hobbies and books to hold my interest.
My last post in June was to set some new goals. How have I done? Let's see.....
My last post in June was to set some new goals. How have I done? Let's see.....
- Get outside (weather permitting) or get on the floor and play with my kids for 30 minutes more every day. I'd say I'm doing pretty good with this one. The kids and I are reading together, playing together, and even cooking together. I love this time with my kids more than almost anything!
- Eat a salad with at least one meal a day, plus all my other veggies. I've definitely been doing this one, and I can tell the difference in how I feel each day. Eating healthy can be tasty, but it does require some preparation! Luckily, once you get going, you have more energy to do the preparing and the planning. It's a win/win cycle!
- Run a 5k this year (maybe two), and get a schedule set for next year. (Have to start running 3x's a week to obtain this goal. Gonna need some help!!) YES! I ran two 5ks last year, and I've already run one this year. I have a 10k, a 15k, and a half-marathon scheduled also. I'm running 3-4 times a week, and I've lost 20 pounds. It has been a great thing for me physically, emotionally, mentally, but most of all, spiritually. I truly love to run!
- Start writing once a week (blog, book, anything to keep my writing skills up.) Um, this is a definite FAIL! While I have been doing some sporadic writing, I definitely haven't kept up with my blog or written once a week. I'm not giving up, though. After all, I'm writing now, aren't I?
- Spend at least one hour a week devoted to the ministries that I am personally involved with at my church (calling my class, working on lessons, tending to the classroom, writing cards, etc.) I have been able to do this, and it is such a blessing to me! If you don't have the privilege of serving others in any type of ministry, you should find one. You would be surprised at how much it will bless your heart. Seems a little backward, doesn't it? You get the blessing when you are serving others? Well, if you aren't trying to get something out of it, but are trying to be a blessing to others; you almost always get a more wonderful blessing yourself. It's God's amazing way of showing us how His ways are above our ways. (Isaiah 55:8) And I'm so thankful for that!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Why wait?
New Years Resolutions.
Do you make them?
........
Do you keep them?
I've never been one to make resolutions, but I do try to have goals to strive for every year. Something to continually motivate me to do better: physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally. I am in a constant state of growth (or, at least, I hope I am. If I'm not growing, then I'm slowly dying.)
I've noticed some things in the last few months that I need to take care of, but instead of waiting until a new year rolls around, I'm going to start right now. (Once again, I'm striving for that public accountability thing. Try not to be do hard on me when I fail, but please be generous with the encouragement! wink wink!)
Do you make them?
........
Do you keep them?
I've never been one to make resolutions, but I do try to have goals to strive for every year. Something to continually motivate me to do better: physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally. I am in a constant state of growth (or, at least, I hope I am. If I'm not growing, then I'm slowly dying.)
I've noticed some things in the last few months that I need to take care of, but instead of waiting until a new year rolls around, I'm going to start right now. (Once again, I'm striving for that public accountability thing. Try not to be do hard on me when I fail, but please be generous with the encouragement! wink wink!)
- Get outside (weather permitting) or get on the floor and play with my kids for 30 minutes more every day.
- Eat a salad with at least one meal a day, plus all my other veggies.
- Run a 5k this year (maybe two), and get a schedule set for next year. (Have to start running 3x's a week to obtain this goal. Gonna need some help!!)
- Start writing once a week (blog, book, anything to keep my writing skills up.)
- Spend at least one hour a week devoted to the ministries that I am personally involved with at my church (calling my class, working on lessons, tending to the classroom, writing cards, etc.)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
May in Oklahoma
"April Showers Bring May Flowers" That's how the old saying goes. In Oklahoma, though, April showers (or drought, depending on the year) bring May showers. The bulk of our rain seems to come in May, and oftentimes, it comes with some pretty severe weather. The state song of Oklahoma is "Oklahoma" from the musical, Oklahoma. (Very easy to remember!) Part of the song talks about how the "wind comes right behind the rain." For anyone outside of the Oklahoma or the bordering states, that's a fancy, show-tunes way of saying, "When it rains, your gonna get some really nasty wind."
Rain + Wind = Tornado
Now, that's not the technical formula, but it's pretty close! I've lived in Oklahoma most of my life, and I'm well-versed in tornado precautions. I've been near them, and I've had close friends and family lose everything (including loved ones) because of them. They are nothing to play around with. And when you've lived in Oklahoma as long as me, everyone has their tornado story. I have two--both with happy endings. This is the second one:
On Tuesday, May 24th, I had 10 children in my daycare--four of my own children and six extras. Since we are required to monthly tornado drills anyway, I decided to take them all out to the storm shelter. I knew there was a chance of severe weather later in the day, and I wanted to be prepared. They did a great job, and actually thought it was pretty fun.
As it got later into the afternoon, the forecasters started giving more intense and frequent updates, and parents began coming to pickup children. Slowly, the ten dwindled down to six. As the last dad came for his two boys, my father-in-law and mother-in-law came over prepared to head to the shelter. Memaw came from next door too. It was just minutes after the last child left that Poppy (my father-in-law) told us to head out. Each child had an adult (plus one dog!) and we piled in just about the time our cousin arrived with her three children.
Down into the storm shelter we went. Poppy manned the door, and I was right next to him. (I'ma little extremely claustrophobic.) Being the true Okies that we are, we were waiting for the very last minute to shut the door. As he and I looked out at the sky, we couldn't see this horrible monster that they said was coming our way. We just saw a big black rain cloud. It wasn't until we looked straight over our heads at the grey outer clouds spinning around that we realized that rain cloud WAS the tornado.
We locked the door tight and listened.
No hail. No freight train.
Our ears popped and we waited until the wind began to die down, and then we waited just a little more. Poppy peeked out to see if it was safe to come out. The storm was over. As quickly as it had come, it was gone--off to continue its path of destruction. The first sight we saw was another cousin's house:
Rain + Wind = Tornado
Now, that's not the technical formula, but it's pretty close! I've lived in Oklahoma most of my life, and I'm well-versed in tornado precautions. I've been near them, and I've had close friends and family lose everything (including loved ones) because of them. They are nothing to play around with. And when you've lived in Oklahoma as long as me, everyone has their tornado story. I have two--both with happy endings. This is the second one:
On Tuesday, May 24th, I had 10 children in my daycare--four of my own children and six extras. Since we are required to monthly tornado drills anyway, I decided to take them all out to the storm shelter. I knew there was a chance of severe weather later in the day, and I wanted to be prepared. They did a great job, and actually thought it was pretty fun.
As it got later into the afternoon, the forecasters started giving more intense and frequent updates, and parents began coming to pickup children. Slowly, the ten dwindled down to six. As the last dad came for his two boys, my father-in-law and mother-in-law came over prepared to head to the shelter. Memaw came from next door too. It was just minutes after the last child left that Poppy (my father-in-law) told us to head out. Each child had an adult (plus one dog!) and we piled in just about the time our cousin arrived with her three children.
Down into the storm shelter we went. Poppy manned the door, and I was right next to him. (I'm
We locked the door tight and listened.
No hail. No freight train.
Our ears popped and we waited until the wind began to die down, and then we waited just a little more. Poppy peeked out to see if it was safe to come out. The storm was over. As quickly as it had come, it was gone--off to continue its path of destruction. The first sight we saw was another cousin's house:
Then there was the neighbor's shed:
So much damage in so little time. We were spared. Not only our lives, but also our home and vehicles. Some were not. Just a half mile down the road, some very dear friends lost all their worldly possessions, and they nearly lost their lives. Thankfully, they are alive, but it will take a long time to heal and rebuild. I cannot fathom, nor do I even want to ask why.
The storm took a path that spared some and destroyed some, but, in all of it, God is good. He gave us each a place to be, a prayer to say, and a way to be a blessing to someone else. Some bring chainsaws, some bring food, some bring water, and some take the children for the afternoon. Strangers helping strangers, friends and family coming together to help, a community united around those who lost it all.
It just makes me wonder how much better we could make the lives of those around us if we lived each day like it was the day after a tragedy like this. What if we always prayed fervently for others? What if we were willing to offer food, water or a change of clothes to someone in need? What if we took a meal to our neighbors just because we wanted to be there for them? How much would they see God every day--not just on the bad days?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sausage & Lentils
A friend of mine is having a frugal recipe contest on her blog, Coupon Newbie. I remember a lot of things that my Mom used to cook for us, Roast & Potatoes (yummy!!), Breakfast for Dinner (my fave!) and Hot Dogs (always my birthday pick!). Being the kid I was, I didn't know when she was serving a "frugal" meal, though. I just knew what I liked and what I didn't.
So, I called her to find out what she fixed when money was a little tight. This is the one I remember and am going to start feeding my family (even if money isn't tight.) It's that yummy!
I'm adding in prices so you can see just howmuch little it costs.
1 pkg. smoked sausage ($2.50-$3.00)
1 lb. lentils ($1)
Start cooking lentils according to package. When lentils are almost done, cut smoked sausage on a diagonal and cook for just a few minutes in a skillet. Drain on paper towels. Add to the lentils. Salt and pepper to taste. (You can experiment with different seasonings to fit your family's taste. My husband loves to spice it up with peppers & Tabasco; I prefer it with just some seasoning salt and onion.)
You can fix this with potatoes ($3.00/5 lb.) or pita bread ($2/8) or a tossed salad. Even if you fixed all of this (which would feed 6-8 people), you would probably have a meal for about $11. Definitely frugal fare!!
Yum! Now I'm hungry, and I know what we're having for dinner!
So, I called her to find out what she fixed when money was a little tight. This is the one I remember and am going to start feeding my family (even if money isn't tight.) It's that yummy!
I'm adding in prices so you can see just how
1 pkg. smoked sausage ($2.50-$3.00)
1 lb. lentils ($1)
Start cooking lentils according to package. When lentils are almost done, cut smoked sausage on a diagonal and cook for just a few minutes in a skillet. Drain on paper towels. Add to the lentils. Salt and pepper to taste. (You can experiment with different seasonings to fit your family's taste. My husband loves to spice it up with peppers & Tabasco; I prefer it with just some seasoning salt and onion.)
You can fix this with potatoes ($3.00/5 lb.) or pita bread ($2/8) or a tossed salad. Even if you fixed all of this (which would feed 6-8 people), you would probably have a meal for about $11. Definitely frugal fare!!
Yum! Now I'm hungry, and I know what we're having for dinner!
Monday, May 2, 2011
I'm Guilty, and Now I'm Doing the Time!
As a teenager and young adult, I was fairly (maybe even extremely) healthy. I worked out often, ate moderately healthy (because I couldn't resist pepperoni pizza!), and maintained a healthy weight. After I got married, I continued this lifestyle even after I had children. With each subsequent pregnancy--5 in all--I used my "condition" as an excuse to eat unhealthy instead of one to eat healthier. You've probably heard this excuse. I said, "I'm pregnant so those extra three or four cookies won't matter. After all, I'm eating for two!!" When I should have been saying, "I'm pregnant so I should skip the cookies and have some veggies sticks instead." I know we all have our little indulgences and those are fine in moderation, but pregnancy seemed to release all my inhibitions when it came to food!
So, after five pregnancies--one miscarriage and four healthy babies--I'm sitting here looking down at my scale.
It's scary......really scary.
For someone who's always been fairly healthy to realize that I am 32 pounds overweight is a very SCARY thing. That's like carrying around a jumbo size bag of dog food on my body---ewwww! There is absolutely no reason why I couldn't weigh the same as I did when I began having babies. It was a healthy weight for my height.
Now, do I expect my body to look the same as it did before I started having babies?
Oh my, NO!
That is physically impossible. My body has borne children, and it has the scars, stretches, bruises and bags to prove it. Honestly, the bearing of the children isn't even the hardest part. It's the raising of the children that's really hard, and there is bodily damage that goes along with that too!
So, being the crazy numbers person that I am, I figured out just what I need to lose. I need to lose the birth weights of all four of my children. 8lbs. 1oz., 7lbs. 13oz., 7lbs. 9oz., and 8lbs. 1oz.=31lbs. 8oz. (I'm really not sure which is scarier--the fact that I let myself go like that or the fact that I sat and figured that out!)
Thankfully, my children's birthdays are spaced out pretty well, and I'm beginning my journey TODAY. I need to lose Abi (8lbs. 1oz.) by her birthday on June 12th. I started making better food choices today, and hopefully that will get easier the longer I do it. PALEEESEE let it get easier!!! I got up and did a mini-workout this morning with the free weights. Mini, because I didn't get up early like I had planned to, but I wasn't going to NOT workout. Weather-permitting, I will start running again this week, and I will get in at least three 5k runs before the end of the year.
Why am I telling all of you this? Because you all care so deeply about my health and body image!
Ok, not really!
ACCOUNTABILITY
I am horrible about being accountable to myself. I tried being accountable to my husband on this particular subject and it didn't turn out so well. <Picture flying free-weights and someone strapped to the TotalGym being tortured with Whey protein powder!> So, I am making myself accountable to you. Thankfully, this blog only has a handful of followers so I'm hoping you'll be nice about it! *Hint!Hint* I need some encouragment and someone to watch my kids (Ok, I'm just kidding about that last part. Sometimes.)
These are my goals:
Saving the best for last, I have at least three people that have inspired me:
So, after five pregnancies--one miscarriage and four healthy babies--I'm sitting here looking down at my scale.
It's scary......really scary.
For someone who's always been fairly healthy to realize that I am 32 pounds overweight is a very SCARY thing. That's like carrying around a jumbo size bag of dog food on my body---ewwww! There is absolutely no reason why I couldn't weigh the same as I did when I began having babies. It was a healthy weight for my height.
Now, do I expect my body to look the same as it did before I started having babies?
Oh my, NO!
That is physically impossible. My body has borne children, and it has the scars, stretches, bruises and bags to prove it. Honestly, the bearing of the children isn't even the hardest part. It's the raising of the children that's really hard, and there is bodily damage that goes along with that too!
So, being the crazy numbers person that I am, I figured out just what I need to lose. I need to lose the birth weights of all four of my children. 8lbs. 1oz., 7lbs. 13oz., 7lbs. 9oz., and 8lbs. 1oz.=31lbs. 8oz. (I'm really not sure which is scarier--the fact that I let myself go like that or the fact that I sat and figured that out!)
Thankfully, my children's birthdays are spaced out pretty well, and I'm beginning my journey TODAY. I need to lose Abi (8lbs. 1oz.) by her birthday on June 12th. I started making better food choices today, and hopefully that will get easier the longer I do it. PALEEESEE let it get easier!!! I got up and did a mini-workout this morning with the free weights. Mini, because I didn't get up early like I had planned to, but I wasn't going to NOT workout. Weather-permitting, I will start running again this week, and I will get in at least three 5k runs before the end of the year.
Why am I telling all of you this? Because you all care so deeply about my health and body image!
Ok, not really!
ACCOUNTABILITY
I am horrible about being accountable to myself. I tried being accountable to my husband on this particular subject and it didn't turn out so well. <Picture flying free-weights and someone strapped to the TotalGym being tortured with Whey protein powder!> So, I am making myself accountable to you. Thankfully, this blog only has a handful of followers so I'm hoping you'll be nice about it! *Hint!Hint* I need some encouragment and someone to watch my kids (Ok, I'm just kidding about that last part. Sometimes.)
These are my goals:
- Lose each one of my kids' birth weights by their birthday: (Abi-June 12th-8lbs.1oz; Jada-August 1st-8lbs. 1oz; Hannah-November 16th-7lbs.13oz; Connor-April 24th-7lbs.9oz) That gives me roughly a year to lose 32 pounds. I think I'm being very generous with myself.
- Get into a regular routine of exercise (3-4x's a week) and running a consistent 5k(3-4x's a week.)
- Bring back those healthy eating habits! I am not brave enough to post my food diary on the internet, but I want to bring back my healthy recipes. Thankfully, grilling weather is now upon us, and it's so easy to grill healthy!
- Run a half-marathon. I'm not setting a definite date on this one, but I watched the Memorial marathon on TV this year and just about cried because I was sitting on my behind. I would love to do it by next year, but we will have to wait and see.....
Saving the best for last, I have at least three people that have inspired me:
- First, a little girl from my old youth group who is all grown up now. She's a runner, and she's amazing. Jodie Smith makes me want to be young again!
- Second, a woman I've never met, but I know through many conversations on the net, that is winning her own battle for her health. Jenn Carr inspired me to get started, even a little step is a step forward!
- Third, another woman I've never met, but has had three children and she ran a triathalon after her third. Barbie Smith would be running another one this summer if she wasn't pregnant with her fourth, but I know she'll do another one soon!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Almost an Hour Late!
I posted earlier about the ladies' retreat that I was able to attend a few weeks ago. This was the retreat where I was reminded to keep a "gratitude attitude". I and another lady from my church rode separately in her car because I wasn't able to get off work in time to leave with the church ladies in the van.
First off, my husband calls about the time I had planned to be leaving. "What time was I supposed to be home?" he asks. "I was hoping to be gone in a few minutes, honey." I replied. He still needed to leave work, drive home and turn around to take me to meet my friend. That set us back half an hour, but I wasn't upset (too much.)
We met, loaded the suitcase, and got on the road. Almost halfway there, I couldn't take it anymore. This body that has birthed four children cannot travel very far without a potty break! (I use this as my excuse even though I've been this way since I was a child.) Thankfully, my friend was extremely understanding, and we stopped for a quick break. In fact, she needed a candy fix and, since there were no price tags on anything, had a tough time making a decision. That set us back another 15 minutes or so.
About a mile up the road from the gas station where we stopped, traffic was almost at a standstill. There were cars off to the side of the road, and no apparent reason for it at all. As we were trying to forge ahead through the slow traffic, I looked out at the fields we were passing....
HAIL--the size of quarters and golf balls. We'd missed it by about 5 or 10 minutes. Or, by about the time it takes to make a pit stop. This is God's way of helping me to give thanks in everything!
First off, my husband calls about the time I had planned to be leaving. "What time was I supposed to be home?" he asks. "I was hoping to be gone in a few minutes, honey." I replied. He still needed to leave work, drive home and turn around to take me to meet my friend. That set us back half an hour, but I wasn't upset (too much.)
We met, loaded the suitcase, and got on the road. Almost halfway there, I couldn't take it anymore. This body that has birthed four children cannot travel very far without a potty break! (I use this as my excuse even though I've been this way since I was a child.) Thankfully, my friend was extremely understanding, and we stopped for a quick break. In fact, she needed a candy fix and, since there were no price tags on anything, had a tough time making a decision. That set us back another 15 minutes or so.
About a mile up the road from the gas station where we stopped, traffic was almost at a standstill. There were cars off to the side of the road, and no apparent reason for it at all. As we were trying to forge ahead through the slow traffic, I looked out at the fields we were passing....
Gratitude Attitude
I had the privilege a few weekend's ago of attending a ladies' retreat with my church. It was at the same church that my Grandma, my Aunt and other members of my family have attended for years. I wasn't able to get off work early enough to ride with my church ladies, but I got to spend some amazing one-on-one time with a sweet member of our church who drove separately. I would have to say that it was a wonderful weekend filled with friends and family (although I did miss the husband and kids a little lot!)
There were so many excellent lessons packed into such a short period of time, I really think I could type for weeks and still not do this meeting justice. Let's just say, I have a year's worth of things on which to meditate and WORK!
Two specific things were JOY and THANKFULNESS!
Although the main speaker was exceptional and brought to mind many thought-provoking points (not attacking fellow sisters with "friendly" fire, being prepared for the battle, etc.), I was challenged by the testimony of two different ladies from the host church.
We walked in (almost an hour late) just as the first lady, Mrs. Amy Paget spoke about having joy in your life. "Why would anyone want to be a Christian if you are always glum?" She was truly the friendliest person I have ever met, and I feel like I've met quite a few. Such a challenge to consistently exhibit the joy of the Lord in my life no matter what the circumstances.
The next day, a young lady that I have watched for years gave her special testimony. Miss Kacie Johnson talked very candidly about being thankful for the things with which God has so abundantly blessed his children. Whether we choose to be thankful or not, He HAS blessed us. It's up to us whether we have the right attitude about it. The one thing that stuck with me the most was this, "What if God took away everything that you had not thanked Him for today?"
WOW!
Am I thankful for the things God has given me?
The red light that made me late (& kept me from being in the 3-car pileup?) The leftover casserole that spilled on the freshly-mopped floor? The extremely slow computer that never loads anything quickly? The children who are constantly being corrected for talking back? The husband who doesn't pick up after himself?
Am I truly thankful for the blessings in my life or just the blessings that come out the way I had planned?
Like I said, lots of good stuff, and so much to work on....
There were so many excellent lessons packed into such a short period of time, I really think I could type for weeks and still not do this meeting justice. Let's just say, I have a year's worth of things on which to meditate and WORK!
Two specific things were JOY and THANKFULNESS!
Although the main speaker was exceptional and brought to mind many thought-provoking points (not attacking fellow sisters with "friendly" fire, being prepared for the battle, etc.), I was challenged by the testimony of two different ladies from the host church.
We walked in (almost an hour late) just as the first lady, Mrs. Amy Paget spoke about having joy in your life. "Why would anyone want to be a Christian if you are always glum?" She was truly the friendliest person I have ever met, and I feel like I've met quite a few. Such a challenge to consistently exhibit the joy of the Lord in my life no matter what the circumstances.
The next day, a young lady that I have watched for years gave her special testimony. Miss Kacie Johnson talked very candidly about being thankful for the things with which God has so abundantly blessed his children. Whether we choose to be thankful or not, He HAS blessed us. It's up to us whether we have the right attitude about it. The one thing that stuck with me the most was this, "What if God took away everything that you had not thanked Him for today?"
WOW!
Am I thankful for the things God has given me?
The red light that made me late (& kept me from being in the 3-car pileup?) The leftover casserole that spilled on the freshly-mopped floor? The extremely slow computer that never loads anything quickly? The children who are constantly being corrected for talking back? The husband who doesn't pick up after himself?
Am I truly thankful for the blessings in my life or just the blessings that come out the way I had planned?
Like I said, lots of good stuff, and so much to work on....
Friday, April 8, 2011
Daddy Duty
That's what my husband has this weekend. That's right. I'm leaving. I'm not taking a single child with me, and he gets to take care of everything this weekend.
First of all, let me say that my husband is a great Daddy! Our kids adore him and the time they get to spend with him. His job allows him to be at home with us every single night, and he doesn't often have to work extremely long hours. Secondly, I don't want anyone to get the impression that I am in charge of our household. He is definitely in charge! But, let's face it, when it comes to cooking, cleaning, scheduling, etc., I'm the one who takes care of all that.
With that being said, I have been running around for the past two daysalmost like a crazy woman like a total maniac trying to get everything done so his weekend will run smoothly. Laundry, dishes, cooking, etc. are all taken care of so all he has to do is be with the kids.
After all, a lot can go wrong in 24 hours. Oh yes, for those of you who were starting to feel sorry for my poor husband left who I'm leaving with my four children, my "weekend away" consists of just a little over 24 hours. Really.
It's ok. I'm sure he'll do fine. After all, he is their Daddy, and he's a good one. I don't do this often (no blame on anyone else, it's by my own choice.) So, when I have the chance to get away, I truly appreciate it. And, my family appreciates me when I come home :)
For those of you who are starting to feel sorry for me, I'm leaving him with four kids--one of whom has a softball tournament smack dab in the middle of the weekend.
I'm sure he'll figure it out...
First of all, let me say that my husband is a great Daddy! Our kids adore him and the time they get to spend with him. His job allows him to be at home with us every single night, and he doesn't often have to work extremely long hours. Secondly, I don't want anyone to get the impression that I am in charge of our household. He is definitely in charge! But, let's face it, when it comes to cooking, cleaning, scheduling, etc., I'm the one who takes care of all that.
With that being said, I have been running around for the past two days
After all, a lot can go wrong in 24 hours. Oh yes, for those of you who were starting to feel sorry for my poor husband left who I'm leaving with my four children, my "weekend away" consists of just a little over 24 hours. Really.
It's ok. I'm sure he'll do fine. After all, he is their Daddy, and he's a good one. I don't do this often (no blame on anyone else, it's by my own choice.) So, when I have the chance to get away, I truly appreciate it. And, my family appreciates me when I come home :)
For those of you who are starting to feel sorry for me, I'm leaving him with four kids--one of whom has a softball tournament smack dab in the middle of the weekend.
I'm sure he'll figure it out...
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Lazy Italian
Now, before someone gets all offended with me, let me explain. We have this little restaurant here in Oklahoma City called Zio's. Not the best restaurant I've ever been too, but it's good. My husband started taking me there when we were dating. Oh, the memories!
I found a dish I absolutely loved there. LOVED. As in, loved to point that not much would stop me from getting to this dish.
EXAMPLE: One night my newlywed husband had gone to the motorcross races with his dad and brother so his mother and I (Yes, we're great friends--that's a whole other story!)decided to go eat something yummy. We picked Zio's and headed that way. Unfortunately, while we were headed that way in the right hand lane, a truck in the left hand lane decided to make a hard right turn right into the side of my husband's prized possession--the truck!
The first words out of my mouth, "Kevin's gonna kill me!" Several times.
That story should prove the point that I love Artichoke and Spinach Pasta. I never even thought I could possibly attempt to make it until tonight. I had chicken, spinach & artichokes--what could go wrong?! So, I decided to make the version from my kitchen--the lazy way...
First, I sliced the chicken at an angle just like at the restaurant. Then, I cooked it just until it was done in my favorite skillet. Zio's grills the chicken, but I have no grilling capabilities without my husband home.
Then, I started on the veggies. I only had fresh spinach so I steamed it while the chicken was cooking. (Note to self: Keep a box of frozen spinach on hand for recipes like this.) Drained it well, and chopped it in my handy-dandy, little-bitty food chopper. Then, I popped open a can of artichoke hearts, drained them, rinsed them, and chopped them up.
To the healthy veggies, I added parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Kevin says I like everything better with cheese. (I think
drumroll.......
Philly Cooking Creme. I cheated--no homemade sauce. Mixed that all together into a very nasty looking soup. Added my soupy mixture to the chicken and poured it all over some penne pasta. I topped it with some fresh, diced tomatoes, and Voila! Homemade Artichoke & Spinach Pasta. Yummy!
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