Write. Create. Be.

My New Home

2009-01-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

I have decided to combine my hobby, my weight loss and other stuff to my new Blog "aka Wonder Woman". Please stop by!!!

Blog Frog

2008-12-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd let you know about this cool site I found several months ago called Blog Frog. Check it out here!!!!

You gotta see Scrooged!!

2008-12-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

We spent last Sunday afternoon and evening putting up our Christmas tree and decorations. We also baked cookies and watched all sorts of Christmas shows like Rudolph and Cricket on the Hearth. We watched our favorite one in the evening when we were all finished-"Scrooged". This has been a family tradition for over a decade!!

I first saw this hysterical movie back in college. My roommate and I went to Lincoln, Nebraska Christmas shopping and decided to go to the movies. I loved this movie then and I love it even more now!! Check out a clip here.

2008-12-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

Check this out. This amazing woman is giving away 29 things in 29 days!! This is so inspiring. Check it out!!!

Coke-It's the Real Thing

2008-12-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Do you remember that old Coke commercial "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing"? I LOVED that ad and waited anxiously for it to play in between "The Year Without a Santa Claus" and "Bing Crosby's Christmas Special".
Check it out on YOUTUBE.

Good Grief, Charlie Brown!

2008-12-02T11:09:00.001-08:00

With Christmas just 23 days away I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite holiday television specials from Christmas Past.
I grew up in the 60's and 70's and as much as I love today's Christmas shows there's nothing like those puppet animation shows from that time. So be sure and check in all season long for a look back at the oldie but goodie shows from my childhood. It will be a trip down Memory Lane!

One of the best shows of the season is "A Charlie Brown Christmas". I couldn't wait for this now holiday classic to be on television. Here's a bit of fun trivia about the show courtesy of tvparty.com

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (1965)
Of all the Charlie Brown specials, this was the Charlie Browniest.

Debuted in December of 1965. At the heart of the cartoon was the message that Christmas is really about the joyful miracle of Jesus's birth. Charles Schulz was after an inspired innocence but most Christmas specials since have moved away from that central message - but look how successful this program was.

When the special was finished, the producers thought they had blown it and CBS executives hated it from the start. It was criticized by the network as being too religious (Linus quotes straight from the King James Bible, specifically Luke 2:8-14), for featuring a contemporary jazz by an unknown Vince Guaraldi (an offbeat choice for a cartoon) and for not having a laugh track (how would people know if it was funny or not)?

The first year alone the special was seen in more than 15 million homes, capturing nearly 50% of the possible audience - number two in the ratings that week, after Bonanza - and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program and a Peabody Award.

If you haven't seen this one in awhile I highly recommend it.

Twilight Movie Review

2008-11-24T07:59:00.000-08:00

So, I saw Twilight this weekend...here are my thoughts...

My 11 year old daughter and I have been anxiously awaiting this movie for months. After standing in line for 45 minutes we had our tickets and were excited to see the movie in just a few hours.
Was the movie worth the wait and the money? YES!

1) Edward- Rob does an amazing job of playing the main character in Twilight. From the moment he arrives on screen to the very end you just can't get enough of him. In the showing I was at as soon as Edward came on the screen everyone squealed just a bit. Too funny! He is dark, funny, romantic, protective and ferocious all in one. He is every woman's dream *sigh*!!

2) Bella-I know some people were disappointed in this pick. However, from the moment I began reading Twilight this is the actress I would think of. I've seen Kristin in other movies and have always liked her. She brings Bella to life in every sense. From her sarcasm to her no-nonsense approach to things...Kristin is perfect.

3) Alice-I've never seen this actress before but she is cute, perky and spritely. Just how I envisioned Alice to be.

4) Jasper-Not impressed with this guy although one of my friends thought he played the part well. I had pictured a stronger, handsome Jasper. This one is quirky and nerdy.

5) Esme-No real opinion here. She was okay.

6) Carlisle. At first I was like...who the heck is he? Thought he was kind of cheesy. But as the movie progressed he grew on me. I think he looks a bit too young to play the part.

7) Rosalie-I thought she was supposed to be the prettiest woman alive. She's not.

8) Emmet-Strong, rugged and gorgeous. Nice casting here.

9) Jacob Black-Okay, if you've read the series you know the key role he plays in the books to come. At first I didn't think this actor was the right one. But as I've pictured him in the later books I can see him playing this role. I think he should be bigger though. I'm assuming he will be when New Moon comes out.

10) Mike and the rest of Bella's high school friends-They all work just fine. Mike is nice and annoying just like the book.

11) Loved the part of Bella's dad, Charlie.

I've been thinking if I hadn't read the books I don't think I would have enjoyed this movie. I mean most of the book is written so we know Bella's thoughts. We can almost feel her passion and love for Edward. We understand where she is coming from. Not so sure the movie portrays that. At the beginning of the movie when Bella sits by Edward in Biology, his reaction to her caused the theater audience to laugh. If you've never read the book...you would certainly be clueless.

My wonderful husband is taking me again this week. He is curious to see what the fuss is all about. I'm not so sure he'll enjoy it but I know I can't wait to see it again!!

**Have you seen the movie? If so I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment.

Twilight is here

2008-11-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

So it's FINALLY HERE!! The premiere of Twilight!! Tonight my daughter and I along with a few friends are headed to our local library for a fun Twilight party!! We have a chance to win free movie tickets and other cool prizes.

I haven't looked forward to seeing a movie this much-ever.I know in some major cities you can see the movie at midnight but we have to wait until tomorrow. That's okay!! As soon as school is out Friday my DD and I are headed to the theatre to stand in line for our tickets. We are so excited!!!

My son and I have a $50 bet on the opening of this movie. I say it will beat the first Harry Potter opening. He says "No way, Mom". I think I'm gonna win! I've already decided to buy the last 2 books in the series as I had to borrow these when I was reading the series.

So what about you? Any Twilight plans?

2008-11-15T15:22:00.001-08:00

There is still time to check out Scrapwords Autumn Crop tonight!!!!!!!

So I've been tagged by friend Kelli...

2008-11-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

Like her I am answering these questions about me and not my DH. Here goes...:)

5 Things I love

1. My family
2. The Twilight Series (Edward!!)
3. When all the kids are at home, Dave, too and it's snowing outside and we are all warm and cozy.
4. Scrapping with friends and laughing like CRAZY!!!:)
5. Date Nights with Dave

5 Snacks I love

1. popcorn
2. Sterzings chips with onion dip
3. La Bonita chips and salsa
4. Cheese-Its
5. A huge bag of Doritos

5 Things you may not know about me

1. I LOVE playing tennis and dreamed of becoming the next Billy Jean King
2. I was a DJ on KNIM for 3 years
3. I have had every lead in my school plays
4. I won first in State for a speech I gave then placed 6th in Nationals
5. I've met the Monkees (yes, the group from the 60's. Davey Jones!!)

5 Quirky things about me

1. I put Vicks Vapo rub on my nose EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. Drives Dave nuts!! It helps me fall asleep!!
2. I count everything(how many drinks I take, etc.) in either 3's, 4's or 7's. No 6's...I hate the number 6!!
3. I'm a scary movie buff.
4. I'm a piler. I leave stuff in piles all over my house.
5. I never put DVD's back in their proper case.

5 Places I've lived

1. Fort Madison, Iowa
2. Maryville, Mo.

5 People I tag

1. Kristen
2. Megan
3. Alexa
4. Sandy
5. Amber

Zero

2008-11-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night we had the pleasure of welcoming two of our favorite couple friends over for a fun night of playing games, eating food and laughing ourselves silly. I am happy to say we did all three really well:)!

One of the games we played was called "Loaded Questions" (or something like that). We were all asked the same question then had to write our answer down, give our answers to one person then that person read them to one person and they had to guess who said what.

One of the questions went something like this...

"You are in a room with 50 other people. Out of those 50 people how many of them are happier than you?"

We all started thinking and writing our answers down, handed them in and waited to see if Vince could figure out who said what. The first card said "Zero". To my surprise he smiled and pointed at me immediately. He knew I'd said zero. I was really surprised by that!

Yes, it is true I said zero and yes, it is true I was the only one who said zero (although my 4 other friends said just 3 or 4). I've been thinking about not the question so much as what is it that others see in me so they just know I'm content with my life. That yes, I am happy.

Whatever it is I'm so glad I'm an optimistic and happy person. I do see the glass as half full. I do try to see the best in everything I do.

Last week 2 of my friends, on separate occasions, called me enthusiastic. Maybe, that's what it is...that's why people see me as happy.

So, what about you? What if you were in that room with 50 other people...how many of them are happier than you?

Scrapwords 5Things Album

2008-11-12T05:33:00.000-08:00

Hello, girls!! So, this is November and Thanksgiving is coming our way. I have always loved this month...the colder weather, shorter days and thoughts of the holidays make for a perfect month for me.

This month always gets me to thinking about all that I am blessed with. {readmore}And while my family is my number one blessing there are other things in my life that I am so happy to have.

It's been nearly 2 years ago that my DH surprised me with our brand new home. To say I was grateful is an understatement. While I loved our old Victorian we had been living in for nearly 5 years...it needed lots of work and didn't have many amenities. No dishwasher, no carpet, holes in my kitchen counter, an old and stained sink, broken shower door, and the list goes on!!

The first time we walked into our new home I was overwhelmed with all the beautiful things!! Dishwasher, plush carpet, real tile floors, gorgeous hardwood, everything working, etc. There isn't a day that goes by I don't give a little thank you to my fabulous dishwasher!! What a blessing that little piece of equipment has been!!:)

**Challenge for the week at Scrapwords: I want you to take photos of 5 items in your home you are grateful for. It can be your cozy blanket you snuggle up with while watching TV every night, the view from your kitchen window or like me your dishwasher. Whatever it is, take 5 photos of 5 items. Print these photos, choose a cute little mini book and, if you want to begin gathering up some supplies. I plan on using word stickers, stamps, buttons and flowers in my book. Have everything ready by our Saturday Crop!! Be sure and post your book in your Blog. I'll pick a favorite by the end of the night and give away a cool prize!!! This should be easy and fun!!!

Any questions just post them here. Have fun!!!

2008-11-11T11:52:00.000-08:00

With the Holidays almost here I am totally loving life. All the holiday prep, parties, Christmas music and cards, baking and the friendly cheer that seems to be everywhere...I intend on making the most of it. I'm still debating on what to do for cards this year. While the creative part of me would love to take the time and make each one, the sensible side of me is saying, "Don't stress yourself out this year, Les." What to do...

I think the main thing I want to accomplish this season is creating some sort of crafty thing with Em and Jacks. That has always been my favorite part of the holidays...creating ornaments and baking treats with my family. We take one Saturday in December and invite Grandma Jackson over for a full blown, cookie baking fest. It is so fun and something we've been doing since my kids were 3 years old.

Last year Em and I took one full day to paint Christmas ornaments. I cherish those times with my family.

*********************************************************************************************************************************
I spent last Saturday at an all day crop with friends. What fun we had!! The best part of the deal was it was right here in Maryville. That was so nice since I left a whole bag of stuff at my house!! I had planned my pages for the day and was ready to be creative. I got approx. 10 pages finished with a creative flair. Very happy with the outcome.

Be sure and check out my Scrapwords Blog Wednesday for my "5 Days of Gratitude" mini album idea. And be sure and stop by this Saturday the 15th for our 12 hour Atumn crop!!!

Upcoming Inspiration at Scrapwords

2008-11-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

Join us in November for “Simple Abundance”. Spend the month creating an attitude of gratitude with the Scrapwords community! Be sure and create your Blog by Wednesday, November 12^th for our “5 Things I’m Thankful For” contest. The last 3 Wednesdays in November are dedicated to sharing with others what it is that makes us truly thankful. Post your top five in your Scrapwords Blogs by Wednesday nights at 10PM. We’ll pick our favorite Blogger each Thursday and post. Winners receive a $15.00 gift pack from the Scrapwords store!!!

Join Scrapwords for a fun and festive Autumn Crop on Saturday November 15^th from 10:00 AM CST to 10 PM CST.

Spend the day being inspired with hourly journaling challenges, inspirational layouts and ideas, prizes and more!!! The first 10 people to register on the site in our Scrapwords Forums gets a FREE gift pack! (Wordsmiths not eligible) Register for our Autumn Crop by Wednesday, November 13^th to be eligible for the FREE gift.

Warning: Political but please read to the end!!

2008-11-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

I gotta tell you...I'm not in the least bit happy this man will be the 44th President of the United States. To say I'm shocked...well, I'm not. I had my doubts about McCain pulling this off. I mean, look at all the new voters we had this year. In one way it's just great we had the largest voter turn out ever. I'm all about voting (see my post yesterday). And I'm not going to sit here and spew hateful things towards Barack Obama or his supporters (lots of them are my friends, after all). But what I am going to say is my husband and I have been small business owners for nearly 20 years. We believe with all our heart that with our new President Elect we will have to give up our business due to over taxing, mandated health care and an increase in the minimum wage.

This past year we raised our prices 3 times. THREE times!!! Did we want to charge our friends and neighbors more for our product??? NO!! We live in a small community and know many of our customers by name. We know that during tough, economic times the last thing people want to do is spend more money on something. But let me tell you, people...we had no choice. With the rising cost of everything my family and I were struggling to make our payments. We have cut back dramatically in every area of our life in order to meet our financial responsibilities.

By electing Barack Obamba as our next President we fully expect our taxes will be raised, wages, and that mandated health care plan of his. Guess what? My family and I don't have health care!! Why? We can't afford it every month! Yeah, we own a business and we can't afford health care for ourselves!! How in the heck are we gonna pay for our employees??!

Okay, I promised myself I wouldn't go on and on. Like I said, some of my dearest friends supported this man...I don't want to make any enemies. I just wanted to get my view out there. Yes, I agree we needed change. But this is not the change I wanted.

My husband and I hope and pray we are wrong about President Elect Obama. We hope we can look back at our hesitation in supporting this man and one day be able to say...

"And to think we didn't vote for him. What were we thinking?!"

2008-11-04T05:09:00.000-08:00

Today is the day we vote for President of the United States. I remember turning 18 in the fall of 1984. I was so EXCITED I finally got to vote!! That was the year Geraldine Ferraro was Mondale's running mate. What an exciting election that was!! I even got to meet Mondale and shake his hand.

Through the years my political views have changed a lot. But the one thing that remains the same is I NEVER, EVER pass up my right to vote...NEVER.

So, people regardless of who you vote for...even though I may not pick your candidate...get out there and VOTE!!!! It is not just our right but it is our responsibility.

What's up at Scrapwords in November

2008-11-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes I know I've been gone a bunch this week. I was just putting the finishing touches on SW here in the Ville, plus Em had her last soccer game, the kids started bowling and our Sunday was full with church, a baby blessing get together and a baptism last night...WHEW!! All GOOD, GOOD{readmore}stuff!!

It's November!! And I am soooo excited! Ilove this time of year...LOVE it!! Here's what's coming up this month at Scrapwords!!!

1) Every Monday and Thursday I'll post "Simple Abundance"Gems in my Blog. Mondays's we'll share gratitude quotes in our blogs, too. So if you know of 1, 2 or 42 gratitude list them in your blogs for all of us to share.

2) Wednesdays-I'd like to take this day and list 5 things you are thankful for in your Blogs. You can do something scrappy with this or just write them down.

3) Fridays we will continue Retro Fridays

4) This month we are going to create an "I am grateful" mini book. More details later...

5) Contest TBA!!

6) Scrapwords On-Line Crop Saturday the 15th!

A New Day

2008-10-28T08:46:00.001-07:00

Life just looks different today. It looks

promising

creative

full

blessed

grateful

smiley

sunny

beautiful

content

peaceful

organized

Life has been looking...

chaotic

overwhelming

sad

down

grumpy

Today is different because I had a BAD migraine yesterday. I've been having them waaaay too much. My body is telling me to...

quit stressing about the little things

prioritize my daily to-do's

slow down

sleep more

eat healthy

exercise

meditate

stretch

spend time with friends

pray/spend time with scriptures

just be

This month our theme here at Scrapwords has been "Take time to enjoy the View". I don't think I've done a great job of that. I have kept myself so busy worrying that I didn't even get my beloved fall decorations out this year. I feel like a Fall Scrooge!!

With all the pain yesterday came lots of reflection. I just layed in bed, crying off and on, praying for relief. I began thinking about those things truly important to me. I've really let them go. And I haven't taken time to enjoy anything fully.

With just a few days left in October I want you to make the time to think about what would really make you happy this month. Here is what my picks are...

carving pumpkins with the family

trick or treating/passing out candy

scary movie night with the kids Friday and hot cocoa

Getting my Autumn stuff out this weekend for Thanksgiving

Okay so I really prcrastinated on this theme!!! LOL!:)

========================================

November's Theme will be "For this I am grateful". We'll focus on grateful journaling, create a fabulous mini book and help you find more gratitude in your days.

I know one thing I am grateful for already...all of you.

Happy Halloween!!!

Mondays

2008-10-27T07:36:00.001-07:00

What glorious Sunday we all had. Church was the BEST!! I am Primary President (in charge of all the kids from Nursery to 12 years old) and most Sunday's are pretty hectic. While that is okay it's so important for me to have the Spirit with me so the kids can then have it with them. Well this Sunday it all just worked!! We talked about serving others then created cards for the children we haven't seen at church in awhile. There little faces were so excited! One of my little Sunbeams (Sophie) kept saying..."Sister Ackman, when are we gonna pass these all to ALL the kids? We gotta get these passed out so we can get them to all come to CHURCH!!"

One of the older boys just summed it up like this "Don't be stupid. Come to our church."
Oh, my heck the things kids say!!! I LOVE serving these children!!!!

On another note...I've got one killer migraine today. They seem to be getting worse. Thought I'd give my Doctor a ring and ask her about this new migraine med I saw on TV a few weeks ago. Somethings got to happen as they are becoming way more intense.

Lots going on this week...

Scrapwords stuff
friends over for dinner
Young Women movie night at our house
carving pumpkins
cleaning house
grocery shop
making birthday cards for the Primary kids at my house
passing out candy at my new shop Scrapwords Thursday night for Halloween
and about 30 other things!!!

Yeah, Scrapwords is going to have a home in Maryville on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I think it will be fun.

Okay, well nothing too exciting, inspiring or creative but this is life and I LOVE it!! I could do without the migraine though...

It will be just fine

2008-10-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

I have a tendency to over react. REALLY over react. This morning, as I was getting around for the day I started listing everything BAD that was going to happen to me today and tomorrow to my husband. As I ranted and raved my head started to pound, my shoulders got all tight and I felt miserable. Dave kept telling me to calm down, that I was waaaay over reacting...

You see tomorrow I got to Kansas City with my daughter to a soccer tournament. Dave usually goes with me but can't. So I'm going someplace I don't know how to get to and I get freaked out by stuff like that sooo...

Dave told me to call a friend of ours...he thought for sure he'd let me follow them down to the fields. Guess what? They are going to do one better!! Marcia has invited Em and I to just ride along!!!! WHEW! All that worrying for nothing.

Just another reminder why it is soooo important to keep the faith.

Here's to keeping the faith this weekend. Happy Friday!!

2008-10-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today is rainy and windy. I sometimes love days like this...today is that day. They make me stop and think about my life. I somehow get all homey, I wanna cook, clean, be creative, organize my closets. It's a weird thing for sure. Do you ever get this way during a drizzly day?

Instead of working out I took Em to school, came home, made a warm cup of Pero and cream, curled up with my kitty and a blanket and watched the news. My idea of heaven on days like this. Finally at 10:oo am I decided I'd better shower and get dressed. So now I'm surfing the net, checking out my usual inspirational blogs and my own site Scrapwords.

Speaking of inspiratinal blogs...look what I found this morning. I am so loving this Blog. Gonna make sure I check in often and try her recipes.

Been thinking a lot lately about my weight. When don't I think about that subject? Why can't I just be happy with what I look like? Okay, so I need to lose 10 pounds. I can do that, know I can. I just wanna know why I have to get so obsessive about it? Constantly worried about what I eat, how much I work out and judging myself at every meal on whether or not I was good or bad. I am seriously sick of this way of thinking!

The past few weeks I've been keeping track of what I eat and when/what I do for exercise. On days I worry and obsess over what I eat I tend to do worse. Usually by the end of the day I'm standing at the kitchen counter devouring a cookie, chips or ice cream right out of the box.

Now I realize I must keep an eye on what I eat. I want to be healthy. I also know that working out is something I not only need but enjoy. So, for now I'm taking the approach of "I like me and I'm gonna do all I can to be healthy and take care of my body". There ya' go.

Happy Wednesday...

What did you say about Edward Cullen??!!!?

2008-10-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am a HUGE-O fan of the Twilight Series. And I LOVE Edward!! Jacob is okay...but Edward...well we have had that talk before!!:) I have Twilight shirts, wallpaper and anything else I can get my hands on that is Twilight. So the other day my wonderful husband Dave is on the computer doing his work. Okay, right? That night we're hanging out, catching up on our week and he says to me...

"That Edward guy is a bit feminine, don't you think?"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"
"That guy they have playing Edward looks a bit girly to me. They need a nice manly man...like me to play Edward."
"Uh, no, they don't honny. Sorry, I absolutely adore you but they picked the PERFECT Edward. He is just so....Edward."
"So, that's what women like? Girly men?"
"No, we don't want girly men but the actor playing Edward, regardless of whether or not you think he's girly is EDWARD!!"
"So, Edward, your beloved vampire is girly? I thought vampires were rough, tough and scary."

We went back and forth like this for 20 minutes. At last I sighed, gave him a big and said...

"Honny, you would have made the perfect Jacob. You big werewolf you."

That seemed to make him happy.:)

Plain and Simple

2008-10-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

It's Friday. Usually I am so happy about that but today...well, the week just went by too, too fast.
I'm in a BAD mood, too. Hate that! So not like me. It's raining like crazy, my hair is a mess (got a bad haircut in August, too layered and now I hate it!!) Anyway, I'm just GRUMPY!

Our house is messy, my to-do list is a mile long, I feel fat, I've got mounds of laundry, bills to pay, groceries to buy, BLAH! All I want to do is hide under my blanket.

Okay, now that I got that out...

Good things that happened this week...

1-We enjoyed watching Dayn and Logan. Two little boys from our church. Their Daddy had a heart attack and we helped out. That felt GOOD. When we serve others it is so pleasing to our Father in Heaven. I love to serve and need to do it more.

2-Got to hang out with my friend Kristen. We sure had fun chatting while babies crawled all over us!:)

3-My DH arrived safely home from his elk hunting trip

4-I worked out this week and made wiser food choices.

There was more good stuff this week, too. So see my week wasn't bad just this day. BUT as soon as I'm done writing this post I'm gonna get all my stuff done. That will help my mood, I think. When I'm overwhelmed...that is when I'm not so happy. Ya' know?

Happy Friday.

Today is my Birthday!!

2008-10-12T05:15:00.000-07:00

You know that song by the Beatles- "Today is your Birthday"? I always sing that song to myself on my special day. Lots of years ago when I was a Broadcast major at Northwest Missouri State University my friends all got together and requested that song for me. Since I was on the campus radio station and knew everyone that worked there it was fun having my friend Tony dedicate that song to me. I think I recorded it but don't know where it is.

I LOVE Birthdays:) I consider them to be the start of my very own personal New Year. Today after church I'm gonna sit down and write out all that I'm grateful for. I'm gonna scrap it so I can remember it always. Then I'm sit down and come up with 10 new Birthday goals for myself. I've done this now for the past 15 years and look forward to it each year.

No major plans today. I'm off to church meetings this morning then I teach the little ones in Primary. I'm Primary President. I'm putting a turkey in the crockpot for my dinner and having mashed potatoes, too. Instead of cake we're having mini banana splits with Redi Whip!! Gonna treat myself today then got back on my plan Monday. Hopefully my Mom and Roger will come over then the kids and I are gonna play a few games and watch a family movie. It's gonna be rainy here all day which is fine with me.

I have much to be thankful for today.

How did I get here?

2008-10-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

Do you believe that a stranger can come into your life for just a brief moment in time and totally change the way you view your life?

As you probably already know (or have figured out) I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). Yesterday my husband and I along with the Missionaries from our church invited a 22 year old college student into our home, Emily. She has been learning about our church and even attending services for the past 6 months or so. Since my DH is one of the Branch Mission leaders we get to meet a lot of people when they are investigating our church, often having them over to share our testimonies and our faith in our Heavenly Father. These people are always nice and we enjoy sharing our home with them. Yesterday was different...

The minute I opened the door to welcome our Missionaries and Emily in I sensed their was something extra special about this young woman. Vibrant, joyful and outgoing I sensed we were in for a special afternoon. I had no idea she was about to change my perspective on my life...

While we waited for my DH to get home, Emily asked if she could tour our home. I laughed and said sure so off we went. As we went from room to room we laughed and talked like old friends. She enjoyed looking at the various photos of my family on the walls and end tables. I loved sharing stories that went along with each one. As we were entering my scrap space she paused a moment, looked at me and asked

"How did you get here?"

I was a bit surprised by her question, not quite sure what she meant. "You mean the house?"

"No, I mean how did you get here. How is it you have this wonderful, glorious life with 2 kids, a loving husband, your own business, this beautiful home...how do I get here?"

I only thought for a moment and replied with a big lump in my throat...

"I got here by the faith that I have and have always had in the Lord. I got here because I married the man I'm in love with. I got here by my faith."

The past 6 months have been non-stop in the Ackman household. We've had some major downs and have been extrememly stressed out and tired. There were days I'd think "how can I possibly do it all?"

Then, this young woman whom I had just met comes along and asks the humdinger of them all...
"How did I get here?" What a defining moment in my life. What an important question to ask myself on a regular basis to remind me to look at all the blessings in my life. I have been blessed there is no doubt. I'm here, living this life of mine (flaws, chaos and all) because of the faith I have. I will forever be grateful to you Emily. Thank you.

Week One so far

2008-10-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

So far, so good as the saying goes. It's amazing what just 2 days of clean eating can do for a person. I'm losing that "full" feeling. Loving that.

Be sure to stop by Scrapwords today for the start of our Scrapwords Star Design Team Search. The round one challenge is on the homepage today!!

Ready for a Brand New Challenge

2008-10-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get that feeling in your tummy, that warm, swelling feeling that something grand is about to happen? I did this morning as I was going on my morning walk. Everything just clicked this morning. Got up ON TIME!! Early, the way I like it at 5:45. Finished "Breaking Dawn" (I can't believe I'm done with Edward *sigh*), got Em up for school, I ate a healthy bowl of oatmeal with almonds and water. Walked Em to the bus stop then went on a walk myself. Ahhhh, I love mornings like this.

As I posted the other day I'm ready to begin my next Body for Life Challenge. I was a bit successful in June and July during my first round but gave up when I let food control my life once again. Sadly I've watched my pants grow tighter, my waist develop those nasty love handles again and my confidence and good feeling dwindle. I've had enough and ready to begin again.

Much of this wanting to start over comes in light of my 42nd birthday coming up this Sunday, October 12th. I"ll be 42. Honestly, I'm not one bit happy with the way I feel about turning another year older. Too much fat on my body, too lethargic feeling and I look old. So, I'm gonna go back to something that is familiar and works for me-the BFL program.

12 weeks from today is December 29th. That is when I hope to be at my goal which for now is in a happier, energetic place. No love handles. 10 pounds lighter. No more addiction to food.

As before I'll share my ups and downs with you here. If you'd like to comment on anything I say please do. If you'd like to join me-feel free. I would welcome the company!!

I'm off to get ready for the day. Have lots of work to do on Scrapwords. You'll have to stop by and see all the cool stuff I have planned for this week as well as the new Fancy Pants products that I'm putting in the store today!!

Happy Monday!

Last of my Week in the Life series

2008-10-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

LOVE this photo of Em and her best friend Maddie!! This was taken Saturday at a HUGE Halloween store in Kansas City (KC{readmore}).

Here are the rest of my Week in the Life Photos...

Here are the ones I shot Thursday...

Em up for school just wanting to stay all cozy in her blanket.

Here is what she's watching...

And eating...

Thursday Dave and I left for KC for our anniversary and I forgot my camera!!! So no pics for our mini trip but still lots of memories.

Here are pics from Friday night...

Me in my new t-shirt. You can't see the front of it...It's Twilight!! It's got the entire Cullen Clan and Bella on the front!!

Our church had a weenie roast Friday night...so much FUN!!

Here are the girls creating crafts.

Oh, here's Dave and Em driving to the roast...

More weenie roast fun...apple picking...

apple eating...

Saturday morning we were up at 4:45 AM and off to KC again for an 8:oo soccer game for Em.

That's her with the ponytail. I love this shot with the sun!!

Maddie was there, too and her folks. We all ended up shopping at a big Halloween costume shop. The girls had a blast!!

At lunch...

Afternoon game...

That's her with the ball!!

A secret pic of Em and Maddie...

Then last night we traveled to Savannah for Jackson's football game.

Dave filming

We threw a surprise pizza party for Jackson's team!!!

No photos today but lots of journaling.

This has been one of the best projects I've ever done!! This week I'll start creating the book. Can't wait!! I'll be sure and post the finished book!!!!

Body For Life-Round 2

2008-10-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

I've done a lot of thinking and I know what I need to do...Body for Life. It has been calling my name, begging me to come back to its simple and do-able approach to weight loss. When I'm on this plan I just feel GREAT! Haven't felt that great since I quit in late summer. So I'm gearing up for this Monday Oct. 6th. Taking photos again and everything.

I'm back.

Week in the Life Day 3

2008-10-02T07:10:00.001-07:00

Here ya' go girls...my Wednesday!!

Yesterday was my Mom's 70th birthday. We took her to one of our fave restaurant's La Bonita. Here she is with Jacks outside...

I so want that sun!!

Inside La Bonita. They sang her a birthday song in Spanish!

It's a tradition to wear the sombrero, they take a pic and hang on their birthday wall!:)

My Mom maybe 70 but she is still young at heart!!:)

Packing a few Scrapwords packages at the office...

Picking up Em at school...

We stopped at Wal-Mart after to get Mom a pretty mum.

Stopped at Sonic for 1/2 price drinks...our fave!!!

Here is Mom with Em and her mum!

Aren't they just so pretty?? And that mum!!

Made sure to get my McCain/Palin stuff today...

And our yard sign...

The next house over has Obamba stuff plastered all over his yard including his pic. Oh, well...I'm sure he'll love seeing this!! LOL! It is a free country and that is what makes us America!! Love that we can all have our own opionions!!!!!

Hope you enjoyed seeing my day!

Week in the Life Day 2

2008-10-01T08:23:00.001-07:00

I am so loving doing Ali Edward's Week in the Life Challenge. It has literally forced me to take photos and write everything down. I was becoming pretty lax about all of that! Check out my photos from yesterday AND my fun, fresh haircut from this morning!! The first few photos {readmore}are from late afternoon on Monday.

Here is the supper Jackson made himself before football practice Monday night...

Em and Jacks wrestle around...

These were fun photos to snap!:)

Em's fave show she watched after school "ICarly"

Now here are yesterday's photos...

Dave watching the Markets, eating breakfast and trying to get geared up for work...

My walking shoes...I had just finished...

I can't believe how old I look after my workout, no makeup, YUCK!! LOL!

Jacks and Hyrum on the computer after their finance class...

Em getting her water jug ready for soccer practice.

Driving my her soccer practice I took this random (out of focus) shot.

Driving home from dropping Em off I thought it would be fun to take photos of the streets I travel everyday, 4 to 5 times a day...

Here's the one right before the street to my house. I love the tree-lined street.

Here's a shot of our house as I'm driving up the small hill to my driveway...

Here is my home!!

Yes, we have a HUGE watertower in our backyard!!

Jackson and I are headed for Savannah for football practice. We travel 30 miles one way...

A scene from his practice. It was a gorgeous night.

I took this silly photo last night.

Okay, here is my fun, new cut from THIS morning...

Ta-Da!!

I love how it's all flippy and fun!

Ali suggests that when putting our books together we use a square punch so we can fit a lot of photos on a page. That's why I'm not too worried about the far away shots of some of these. I'm actually planning it that way!

I want to get photos of our Wal-Mart, the movie theater, our church and more today!!

October Kit at Scrapwords!!

2008-09-29T12:43:00.001-07:00

It's been a few months but the Scrapwords Kits are BACK{readmore}!! This one "Clearly Autumn" is filled with new products Meg, Missy and I found at CHA. I think you're gonna LOVE this kit!!! Here's what you get along with up-close photos to show off the goods!

-4 sheets of Sassafrass Lass double sided paper.

-4 sheets coordinating cardstock

-3 Calendar cards from JBS

-3 Mini Black Bingo cards form JBS

-1 Thickers "Jewelry Box" Brown

-1 Pink Paislee "Holly Doodle" Aqua

-1 Sassafrass Lass Cardstock Stickers "Fawn'd of You, too

-1 sheet of JBS label stickers in red

-20 Prima flowers

-2 mini kraft paper bags

-3 white tags

-6 Fancy Pants Buttons in Harvest colors

-3 pieces ribbon

-12 Bookworks epoxy sentiments by EK Success

-3 JBS Label papers

-10 pieces Fancy Pants felt shapes

-2 full sheets of chipboad shapes (various shapes and sizes)

-1 full pack of "In a Stitch Green Blossoms" from Sass Lass

1 full package of 12x12 acrylic Deco sheets from Clear Scraps

1 full size Zip Dry Glue

You also get 5 herbal tea bags from Celestial Seasonings "Tension Tamer". This tea is a personal favorite of mine and is the perfect way to relax at the end of a long day. This soothing tea is full of peppermint, cinnamon, chamomile, lemongrass and more. Like the box says "indulge in a moment of relaxation with a cup of this flavorful and restorative tea."

You also get journaling prompts to help you on your journey to become inspired and boost your creativity. I'll throw in several ideas to help you relax and enjoy the view, too!

You get all this for just $36.99!!

You can buy them here!! Limited quantities so order soon!!!

My life is coming together

2008-09-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

You would think at almost 42 years of age I'd already have it all together, right? So very, very wrong. BUT, it seems like finally, at last I'm getting there or at least understanding how to get there.

I have tried for years to have some kind of routine. You know like Flylady or something. I tried to have it in my home, my weight loss struggles, with my kids and their schedules, etc, etc. Nothing has worked for very long. I never understood why. I mean I crave routine but I hadn't been able to come up with something that actually stuck...until now.

It was just recently I noticed my days evolving into one mad dash after another. It was like each day was a race and at the end of the day their was no winner. So I took a step back and wrote down everything that was working and those things that were not. I noticed if I tried to do it all in one day I wasn't accomplishing a thing. You know those days... Today I will: clean, make a gourmet meal, sort through all my papers, scrap 2 layouts, pick up my kids from school with a smile, help them with homework, grocery shop, get ready for our yard sale...oh, and while I'm at it I might as well clean and organize the linen closet. Do you know what I'm talking about here? Have you ever done something as insane as this? And then beat yourself up at the end of the day because you didn't get it all done?!!? How looney is that? The looniest, for sure!

So I noticed that every Friday I was doing ONE thing. I was taking a few hours and cleaning my home. I love to have a clean space for the weekend so I thought this sounded logical. Turns out I really got my house clean when I focused only on that! I loved it!! Then I thought well, you know Mondays are always busy business days for me. Lots of catching up to do on Scrapwords, blogging, challenges to post, etc. So I decided Okay Mondays I will focus on my business. So, now for the first time I'm figuring out several things...First off it pays to focus on one subject at a time. This is so hard for me as I'm a multi-tasker but seriously focus works out so much better! Second-I'm not just sitting down one afternoon and coming up with my life schedule. Rather I'm seeing what works, trying stuff out and when it works I go "Okay, this needs to stay.".

When I woke up this morning instead of feeling overwhelmed I thought...you know the house is still pretty clean and honestly I don't have to worry about that today...it's Monday and I need to get my computer work done.

Yeah, I still do daily housework. I mean we have mountains of laundry, dishes, etc. to do but by just picking up a bit I'm not overloading my day by saying "I'm gonna clean every bathroom in my home today along with blogging, working, vacuuming and saving the planet from pollution."

How do you make it all work? Do you struggle? Tell me what works/doesn't work for you.

Scrapwords Star Design Team Search

2008-09-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Do you have what it takes to be a Scrapwords Star? We are looking for 3 talented ladies to design and write for one of the fastest growing sites on the web-Scrapwords.com

Our community is full of amazingly talented and friendly women, daily journaling challenges to help you tell your story and preserve your precious memories, artistic pages and tips as well as inspirational prompts and ideas for helping you be your creative best.

We currently have 4 Wordsmiths (designers) creating layouts and altered items as well as sharing Challenges in the Forum. We are looking for 3 more designers to share their talents on Scrapwords!

Here's how Scrapwords Star is going to work...

The search begins Wednesday October 8th and runs through December 17th. The new Wordsmiths will be announced no later than December 20th with duties beginning January 1st, 2009.

Scrapwords Star is an Elimination type contest consisting of 5 rounds. Each participant will have 2 weeks per round to finish their project.

Round 1 will be announced on October 8th and be due October 22nd.

You will be judged on the following:

1-Your interpretation of each round theme

2-The overall look of the page, design, etc.

3-How well you told the story using words, products and photo(s). Do the products used and the photo(s) support the story being told?

4-Participation on Scrapwords. We'd love to see a minimum of 30 posts a week. Each participant should create a Scrapword's Blog and share layouts, thoughts on life and anything else relevant to our community. This is an excellent way for us to get to know you and see your writing style.

Term runs from January 1st, 2009 through June 1st, 2009.

As a Wordsmith you must...

-come up with monthly challenges

-post at least 30 times a week in our forums. Be active!!

-LOVE the Scrapwords community and share on other message boards and in your Blogs with your own Wordsmith Scrapwords Blinkie. We want our site to GROW!!!

-Create layouts and altered items to share in your Scrapwords Blogs

-Come up with 1 contest during your time as a Wordsmith

-Be positive with everyone on the board

As a Wordsmith you will receive...

*15% off products in the Scrapwords store

*A Scrappy Kit every other month filled with products to create your pages...plus I always throw in a few extra goodies!

*First chance at our monthly Kits with a 10% discount on those

*The chance to show off your artistic talents, make friends and have fun

I will announce Round 1 October 8th-STAY TUNED and tell your friends!!!!

Pink Paislee at Scrapwords!!

2008-09-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Check out just one of the new alphabets from Pink Paislee!! We have 8 different/styles and colors to choose from. And the price is great...just $2.00!!!!!

2008-09-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe another week has gone by and it's near the end of the month. My father in law told me this weekend that time just keeps flying by the older we get. :( Don't like that.

Okay, so we had some pages from last week's challenge. Thanks for posting ladies. Here is this week's...

"Scrap a 3 photo layout using only cardstock and handwritten journaling."

You know the drill...scrap your layout and send to me at les262@embarqmail.com bySunday at 3pm. You can win $15 bucks to spend in the store!

**This week I'll finish getting the new stuff on and we should have the NEW Fancy Pants by Friday and Pink Paislee shipped last Friday!! I purchased all their letters!!!:)

**Thanks to Megan and Missy for all they do for me. You girls have no idea how much behind the scenes stuff these ladies do for me. I appreciate them so much:)

I spent my weekend finishing up the third book in the Twilight series "Eclipse". It is due at the library today. I'm buying "Breaking Dawn" today!!

This week I'll be posting our "Scrapwords Star" challenge. It is a 5 round scrappy challenge that starts October 1st and runs through December 12th. Stay tuned for details!!!

Retro Friday Challenge on Scrapwords

2008-09-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

This layout was first put on Scrapwords Homepage back in January. Our{readmore}Creative Director Megan created and posted. As always I find inspiration in her work.

This page just makes me want to dive right into my scrapping supplies and get to work! The colors, the ribbon strips and I'm so loving that white background!

**The challenge for this weekend is to take some time to gather itty bitty photos and use them on your layout. Meg has 5 mini photos of her layouts on this page...love that. It seems like everyone in the industry uses 2x2 and smaller size photos, I think it's time we try it, too!! Heck if you don't want to go to all the work of having them printed that way why not find a few wallet size photos you have lying around and use them in some creative way on your pages? We all have those whether they are our kid's school photos or Christmas card photos from friends...we got 'em!

Remember, we LOVE to see what you create! Be sure and post in your Blog. Don't have a Blog? Create one! It's easy and fun. Just go to the Forum area...you'll find out how to create one there.

Happy Friday!

2008-09-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

There is just something about a morning walk in 60 degree weather that puts me in a happy place! Ahhhh, I love the fall. The smells, the sound, the crisp, clean air...LOVE IT!

So, what's going on with me? Well, I've decided that Body for Life may not be the way to go for me. It works-I know. But honestly I'm tired of trying to eat chicken, sweet potatoes and broccoli 24/7. Kind get old-KWIM?? Soooo, the past few days I've been thinking what to do what to do. I know I love to exercise. I mean I've been doing it now faithfully for 11 years! I enjoy food, all kinds but at the moment I'm just eating too much.

A few weeks ago I ran into an old friend of mine I hadn't seen in a couple of years. I hardly recognized her. She had gotten so thin. I just kept staring at her in awe. When I hugged her my first question was, "How did you lose all that weight?" Her reply, "I quit eating so much.". Duh! That makes sense, doesn't it!!?? So, I've just got to quit eating so darn much. That seems pretty simple.

It's all gonna go back to that plan I was talking about in my last post. When we plan we succeed-pretty simple. So today I'm back to keeping a food journal and gonna work on just eating enough-not too much. And, this is a biggie, I'm gonna try really, really hard to quit drinking so much diet soda. Lately I've been drinking like 3 a day. I used to drink just 1. I'd like to not drink any...it is so bad for you!

Speaking of my plan, it is going great! I've been planning my days not just letting them happen. I'm getting more done without becoming overwhelmed. Truly a genuis plan of mine!!:)

Went shoppin last night at Kohl's. Found so many cool shirts 60 to 80% off!! Hooray! And when I got to the checkout the guy he was feeling generous and gave me 20% more off!! I got like 10 shirts for less than $100!!!! I'm all set.

I've got to run. Scrapwords things to take care of today. You should stop by and shop and see all our new products!!!

Plan

2008-09-15T04:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday!! What a glorious day it is. I had a WONDERFUL weekend. Just totally relaxed, spent time with my family and got organized. I'm ready for the week and well on my way to "making a fresh start" this month!

First let{readmore}'s get to the Challenge for the week. Last week I had so much fun scrapping "Embrace Imperfection". I finished up my layout on Saturday and am so pleased with it. I'll share later in the week. Here is this week's Challenge: "Scrap a moment in your life that brought you pure joy."

**Remember to share your creativity here with us in your Blogs!! We want to see what you come up with!! If you'd like to enter the contest mail me your work to les262@embarqmail.com by Sunday afternoon at 3pm September 21st. The winner receives $15 to spend in the store.

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I will post my taco soup recipe this week. It was delicious, warm and comforting. Nothing like a pot of soup on a chilly day to warm the soul.:)

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Saturday was Jammie Day at our house. We spent the entire day in our jammies. We played Uno, watched several movies, scrapped, laughed, snuggled and ended the night by watching our old family movies...specifically Dave and I's wedding reception. We got a kick out of seeing ourselves so much younger and the kids had a blast, too!! Plus I got to see my Dad who died in 1996. What great memories. We have decided to have Jammie Day at least every 2 months but will try hard to have it once a month (especially this winter). It is exactly what I needed!

That night as I was laying in bed thinking about the days events as well as all that was still on my to-do list I had a "lightbulb moment". An "A-Ha moment" as Oprah calls it. I was trying to figure out what I could differently with my days to make them run smoother, be more productive and be happier. The word PLAN popped in my head and just sort of stayed there until I fell asleep. I woke up Sunday super excited as it was still there. I thought back to my marathon training days and remembered how meticulously I would plan my daily runs, what I ate and the routes I would take. I PLANNED everything out in order to be able to finish my marathon successfully. This is what I realized I needed to do in my daily life in order to be a success with homeschooling, my diet, my website, my family time and everything else in between. After church I gathered all my stuff to do, my calendar and anything else I needed and got to work. 5 hours later I had my plan for the week and felt great!!! This morning during Jackson' school time I'm gonna finish up with planning our meals for the week and shopping list. This is gonna be one great week!

I'm sure many of you already plan. I used to plan but lately I've just been flying by the seat of my pants. This, I realized Saturday night is why I've been failing in several areas of my life. I'm tired of that. I'm making a fresh start for September and looking forward to my busy life without all the stress. I'll let you know how it's going.

Jammie Day

2008-09-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

Today I have decided is Jammie Day. We are going to just hang out, play games, watch old movies, eat popcorn, drink Diet Pepsi's and scrapbook in our jammies!!! We were supposed to have a football game and a soccer game today but it has been flooding here so those were canceled. I'm seizing the day and enjoying my kids. Can't wait!

Happy Weekend.

It's Retro Friday at Scrapwords

2008-09-12T08:10:00.001-07:00

Not only do I LOVE these colors that Premiere Wordsmith Susan used in this layout {readmore}but I love her photo! I've never scrapped a photo of something like shoes or my favorite outfit. This is so cool and lots of scrappers are doing it. Soooo...if you haven't scrapped an object yet NOW IS THE TIME!!

Check out my website this weekend

Cleaning Up

2008-09-11T12:39:00.001-07:00

Cleaning Up

11 Sep, 2008

"The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest." -Thomas Moore

I am currently in the middle of cleaning and organizing my office. It is a MESS! I truly do hate clutter but I'm usuallythe one causing it! I have so many books, pieces of paper I jot ideas down on, article I've ripped out of magazines, things the kids have written, etc., etc. that the piles add up quick around here. Ugh. What am I supposed to do? Change? I don't think I can. BUT I do have to get my space clean and orderly or I go NUTS!!

The past week my office has been torn up. I had thought about moving my SW products back here but today decided against it. I just have too much. My goal today is to get this space de-junked!! I've got a good start going...I can already see life will be easier.

Ever since we moved in our new hom nearly 2 years ago I've wanted to let go of the clutter...it hasn't happened yet. Oh, I do throw stuff out but it seems we are always adding-KWIM?

Once and for all I want my office CLEAN!! I can work so much faster, better and creatively when my space is the way I want it. I'm constantly losing things including my train of thought?

How about you guys? Do you have problems with clutter? How do you go about getting rid of it? I'm thinking I need to start of FlyLady again. I would love to hear your thoughts!!

Trying my best

2008-09-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

I am overwhelmed, tired, strong, happy, blessed, overwhelmed, creative, sassy, content, overwhelmed...I am living my life the best way I know how. One Day At A Time.

Please keep praying for Nie. This family and their tragedy is weighing on my heart. Pray for them PLEASE.

Challenge 2 Week 1

2008-09-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm gonna give this Body for Life Challenge another GO. Yeah, I should have got it right the first time...but I'm only human. So I fell, I stumbled but I'm back on my feet and ready for action.

Started out strong yesterday with good food, awesome cardio and a "can-do" attitude. I'll keep you posted on my progress and my failings...you know I always do.

Please check out c jane's blog today. They were interviewed on the Today show and you can see the clip. What great coverage they are getting! What an amazing strong family they are. Keep praying for them. And please read Nie's blog!!

Jenni Bowlin and Webster's Pages!!

2008-09-08T13:48:00.001-07:00

Check out all the new products at Scrapwords.

Scalloped journaling labels, fun Vintage labels in black or red (shown),
plus mini chipboard albums (check one out on the lower left with the cute teeny heart!) and lots more! Those GORGEOUS papers you see are from Webster's Pages. Love them! We have 9 papers in the Scrapwords store!! Also Clear Scraps acrylic albums and 12x12 sheets. More to come this week. Check us out!!

Angel Network

2008-09-05T22:18:00.001-07:00

Stephanie or "Nie" is on the right. She was in a plane crash just weeks ago and burned horribly. Her face is badly burned and she will never look this way again.

I believe in doing good things. I believe in helping those in need. I believe in helping those people I don't even know in hopes to help them understand that their are people in the world who genuinely care for others. I'd like to think if tragedy ever struck my family, there would be dozensof caring souls who would send a card, call on the phone or stop by to see what they could do to help.

Several months ago (like last winter) my friend Lisa Bearnson started an Angel Network on her Blog. I enjoyed helping two people she featured there-one whom occasionally stops by Scrapwords, quietly "lurking in the shadows". My heart goes out to Nadine on the tragic loss of her sweet little boy. Lisa invited her Blog readers to send her cards and letters in hopes they would bring some sort of happiness to Nadine's life. Not only did I mail her a card but I sent a surprise box full of Scrapwords products. My heart felt such joy.

I have been waiting for the right time to join Lisa's "Angel" efforts so we, too can help others in their time of need. I have found someone we can help and ask each of you to take a moment this weekend to drop Stephanie or "Nie Nie" as she's lovingly known to her friends and Blog readers a note of encouragement.

I found out about Nie's sad story on Ali's Blog yesterday. It touched my heart so much that I went back and read through the story again. I know I am supposed to do my small part and help this young woman any way I can. I believe that along with the power of our words and the kindness each of you has she will know that she's not alone in her fight.

Nie and her husband were in a plane crash just weeks ago. She suffered severe burns. Please take time to read her sister's Blog and be sure and take a peak at Nie's blog as well.

Here is the address to mail your cards and letters:

C Jane

2250 North University Parkway #4876

Provo, Utah 84604-1590

Thank you guys so much.

**P.S. If you know of someone or a family that needs encouragement please PM. Thank you so much!!!! Together we CAN and WILL make a difference!!!

Retro Friday Challenge

2008-09-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

Retro Friday Challenge

**Here's our Friday Challenge over at Scrapwords. Every Friday I share one layout that was posted on the site in the past year. It's fun and inspirational. Check this out!!

05 Sep, 2008

While this layout by Wordsmith Grace isn't that old I was struck by it today while perusing through the hundreds of layouts I have saved on my computer. Here is a list of what I love:

1) So easy to do

2) bold colors

3) the different shapes of journaling "cards"

4) the big arrows

5) the fact it's a "list". I love lists!!

**Challenge: Your challenge this weekend is to create your own fave list, or daughter's fave list, hubbies, son's, etc. and create a layout using this one as your inspiration. Be sure and share in your Blog's next week (or whenever you get it done!)

Let's have a "scrappy"weekend!! LOL!

Making a Fresh Start

2008-09-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

**This month on my website Scrapwords we are talking about "Making a Fresh Start". Monday I posted 6 questions to ask yourself in hopes of making you see what direction you need to go in your life. Here is what I found out about myself...

I took time Tuesday night during my son's football practice to work on the questions I posted in my Blog Monday. Some of my answers I already knew but others I was surprised by. Here is a bit of what I've learned about myself and what my heart wants.

When did I last feel connected to myself? A few weeks ago when I was in my scraproom with Jackson. It was late at night and we were laughing, chatting and scrappin! I finished 2 pages and felt such a sense of joy and peace. I also feel this way during my walks outside or my weight sessions.

What desires want to be heard? 1-a shorter, hip haircut 2-fun, meaningful scrapbook pages 3-to be creative daily. Alter a few projects. 4-get pics and knick knacks up in our home (I still haven't done in our new home!) 5-to be fit and athletic and nourish my body with healthy foods 6-to have Scrapwords be a large community dedicated to inspiring women around the world 7-to write for inspiration 8-write an E-book

When I've trusted my desires in the past I have found that...

I've been able to accomplish large, life-long goals/dreams of mine! Examples include...

1) ran 2 marathons

2) finished a triathlon and learned how to swim

3) started Scrapwords

4) married my husband and had two great kids

5) I become an athlete

6) I found the Church I'd been searching for whole life and am at last at PEACE!!

Other insights I learned from answering Monday's questions...

1) I have been reacting to others and letting their actions stress me out

2) I have missed being truly happy to my core

3) To find my center again I need to read scriptures, scrap once a week at least, continue writing, nourish my body with healthy foods and exercise, create, finish getting our home decorated so it feels warm and cozy!

**I really enjoyed this exercise and hope you did, too. I will post more thought provoking questions and information Friday.

Week 12-Day 2

2008-09-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm in the Homestretch of this 12 week Body For Life Challenge. Wow!! What an incredible rollercoaster it has been. So good, so bad and everything in between. The next few days I'll share with you what I've learned, what I've accomplished, what I can do better next time and why, no matter what I'm never, never gonna quit till I reach my goal.

Let's start with this week. I have wanted to give up this challenge for the past 3 weeks. Just start over. But as my good friend Kristen shared with me-it's best to finish what you start. I am sooo glad I listened to her advice and am finishing this challenge no matter how not perfect it has been. The old me would start something then 2 weeks later stop and start all over again. This time it is different and I feel differently about it. Like I have actually accomplished something.

Sunday I began my clean eating again. I haven't been doing so well at that. Yeah, I'd go until evening then slip up with chips or some sweet treat. So like I said Sunday I said Eat clean!! Did well that day and yesterday. Today I have started on the right path. Had a good arm workout (lifting heavier weights today and doing a bit more complicated moves!!) and I've had my protien smoothie.

Just a reminder to check out Scrapwords. Today in my Blog over there I'm gonna share some great journaling prompts and ideas from author Jennifer Louden. Hope you'll join us!

It's been a long time coming...

2008-09-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

I just feel good today. It's been awhile. Oh, I've had some really great and happy moments but today is different. Today I feel hopeful and excited about what lies ahead. These past few months have been some of the most stressful in my life. I won't go into the details but let's just say we are finally seeing a glimmer of light in a very long tunnel. I have a spring in my step today and just feel smiley!!:)

Over at Scrapwords we are talking about "Making a Fresh Start". It is truly perfect timing for me as I totally feel the need to start anew and rejoice in the new season that lies ahead. I hope you'll join us!

Began my morning with a looooong walk-1 hour. I love getting outside, listening to the late summer sounds, smelling fresh cut grass and flowers. Somedays I get to hear the Bearcat Marching Band practicing...that is my favorite sound. This morning I listened to my IPOD mostly and just enjoyed the movement of my body. I am strong.

This is Week 12 in my BFL Challenge. Can't say that I'm happy with the past 4 weeks. I've only been half on my plan. But I am going to finish out the week then reflect on my success as well as my failure. I plan on starting a new Challenge September 15th.

Happy Monday!

Ready for a Change

2008-08-31T05:54:00.000-07:00

I love Sundays. We have church, come home to a family meal then just relax. We try not to do laundry, housework, etc. on Sundays. I usually take this day to re-group for the week and organize the week ahead. Today I plan on setting new goals in several areas of my life including my Body For Life Challenge.

Over at Scrapwords we are talking about change the whole month of September. Challenges start Monday, September 1st. Please join us! Make September 2008 the start of something big!! Check out my Scrapwords logo. I've had my website for over a year now...time just flies! It's been lots of hard work but more fun and more gratifying than I imagined. I've made so many dear friends there and been inspired not only to scrap more but to live a more creative life everyday. We'd love to have you stop by and join our community!!

2008-08-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

One guess where I was last night?! The American Idols Live Tour in Kansas City!!! I did more screaming than I've ever done at a concert...WOW! Here were last nights standouts...

1) Michael Johns-I loved him from day one and thought for sure he'd make it to the Top3. After last night there is no doubt he should have. He came out on stage singing We Will Rock You by Queen...AWESOME! His voice...I will buy his album as soon as it hits the shelves. He not only is a talented singer but his interaction with us was right on. Several of the idols had ZERO personality last night (think Ramielle...she is a terrible singer btw and Kristy Lee Cook had zip when talking with the audience).

2) Carly Smithson-HOLY COW this girl can SING!! If I hadn't been a fan before I would have been after last night. She belted out Heart's Crazy on You and rocked the house. She is so pretty in person, too.

3) Brooke White-What a sweet heart! She opened with her piano playing the Beatles song she did on the show Let It Be. This was so cool for me as that is one of my favorite songs-EVER! She was super cute with all of us, too. She played fun, light, folksy songs after Let It Be.

4) Jason Castro-A disappointment. After last night I realized he never should have made it to the Top 4. I mean he had a few good songs on American Idol but actually hearing him live-not so good. His first song was the BEST!! he sang Over the Rainbow. After that the singing and the songs turned amateurish. Too bad.

5) David Archuletta-His voice is so PURE. This kid can sing the pants off anybody. What an amazing gift he has been given!! He is so sweet, down to earth and you just want to hug him!!:) My daughter adores him and about fainted when he came out. I was very disappointed though...he didn't sing John Lennon's Imagine.

6) David Cook-One word STAR!!! I have been a David Cook fan since day one and it was obvious last night that when Paula, Randy and Simon heard him along with Dave Archuletta they knew they had two stars on their hands. David can sing, he plays the guitar, he puts on one amazing show, he interacts with the audience like a pro and he is humble. This guy is going to be the biggest selling idol EVER!!! That is just my opinion of course. You should have heard the crowd last night. First of all we were in his hometown. He's from Blue Springs which is Kansas City...so we met people last night who knew him personally and they all had these shirts made...it was fun seeing that! David came out in a Kansas Chiefs jersey singing his version of Lionel Ritchie's song Hello. Oh, man I love that song!! We all screamed so long and so loud. He finally cracked, just stood there looking at all of us and began crying. He was so overwhelmed with the reaction of his hometown. He is just so sweet *sigh*.

All in all this was my favorite Idol concert to date. I've been to Season 3 and Season 5 concerts. Season 3 was the year of John Peter Lewis or fondly called JPL. We saw George Huff and Fantasia, too. Season 5 was Carrie Underwood and my favorite Bo Bice.

With another Idol season over my family and I eagerly await for January when the new season begins. No doubt there will be another concert in our future!

Edward Cullen

2008-08-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

So just 1 month ago I had never heard of Edward Cullen. I had never "been" to Forks, Washington and I did not understand what all the hoopla was about regarding the "Twilight" series. But now, it seems, I am hopelessly hooked on not just Edward but the entire Cullen family, Bella and her dad Charlie and the thought of living in rain-soaked Forks is sounding more appealing all the time. *Sigh*. I am 100% addicted to Stephanie Meyers "Twilight" series. How and when did this happen?

I bought "Twilight" (the first book in the series) for Emma last summer while in Utah. Every teenager we knew had read it and said it was the best. Emma ended up reading about a 1/4 of it then quit. I never gave it another thought. This past July while cleaning out my daughter's room I found the book in the floor of her closet. I decided to take it with me for something to read while on my flight to Chicago. Honestly I never even thought I'd finish it...just use it while in the air and give it back. Generally I don't care for fiction books so why would I start now?

As it turned out I did read "Twilight" briefly on the flight. Once I got home it just sat on my bed stand. I wasn't interested. Fortunately for me (not so much for my family) I was having trouble falling asleep one night a few weeks ago and decided to pick it up again. Surely this will bore me enough to fall asleep! Well, it did not bore me...no, no quite the opposite! I began reading page after page, as fast as I could. This was getting good. And Edward the Vampire? Ahhhhh, what a dreamy kind of guy *sigh*. Within days I had devoured "Twilight" and was hungry for more (pardon the pun). I found Meyer's second book in the series "New Moon" at Wal-Mart...Hooray!!!!! Currently I'm savoring every page not wanting it to end yet anxious to begin "Eclipse". What will happen to Edward and Bella?? I'm so excited to find out!

So since reading the first book I've become obsessed with it all. The movie coming out in November, searching on the web for anything and everything "Twilight". I even have Edward wallpaper on my computer!!:)

How about you? Are you or have you read the "Twilight" series? Would love to hear from you!!

So I changed...

2008-08-25T07:44:00.001-07:00

my Blog colors again. Yeah, I get bored easily with the same old stuff...so hence the change.

Speaking of change we are in need of a NEW Design Team over at Scrapwords. I'm looking for super talented writers and designers. Check back here or on Scrapwords for all the details later this week!

I'm in Week 11 of my Challenge. I had a terrible Week 10. The way I look at it I'm starting a new week so there is no looking back. I began morning with my usual Balance Bar.
These things ROCK! Seriously the caramel nut ones taste like a Snickers bar. Yum-o. The best part though is NO High Fructose Corn Syrup. My blood sugar stays stable and I'm able to workout hard without getting all shaky. Went outside for my walk...what PERFECT weather. Bright blue skies, a slight breeze and in the upper 60's. Fabulous! Now I'm sipping on a Pina Colada Protein shake with a dollop of fat free cool whip. These are my favorite! I promise to keep you posted on how I do this week.

Guess where I'm going on Friday?! ?????????????
I cannot wait to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please be sure to check out Scrapwords this week. We'll have a new word of the week to focus on, a few new challenges and as always you'll find a friendly community!!

Happy Monday!

Keepin' It Real

2008-08-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

Like Dr. Phil says..."I'm just keepin' it real, folks." When started my BFL Challenge I told not only myself but you guys that I would tell the truth no matter what. No sugar coating this challenge. So here goes...(takes a deep breath)...

I am so not happy with the way the past two weeks have gone. I am falling into my old habits and I can feel it. The self-loathing (that is a bit too harsh of a statement but right now that is how I feel), the not caring what I put in my mouth...the bloated waist...ACK!!!!

3 weeks back a dear family friend passed away. We went back to my hometown for the funeral and I ate my way through Fort Madison...fried taco's and all! :( I came home with every intent of starting back on the right foot. That lasted for one day (usually one meal) then I'd snitch a handful of Doritos (DARN chips!) here and a cookie or 2 there. All the while hating myself and thinking about the Challenge.

This past week has been the worst. I've had three migraine headaches, I've been stressed (due in a BIG way to me NOT following the Challenge) and my mood has been GRUMPSVILLE! My family has had enough...

So with Week 10 and the big finish looming up ahead I'm no where near where I had envisioned myself to be. However there is a quote (actually 2 quotes) that hang in my office that I gain strength from everytime I read...

"You are NOT finished when you lose. You are finished when you QUIT"

"Never, never quit"

This is not an entry to tell you I'm giving in to food, to my weakness's, that I'm gonna quit. Oh no. This is just the truth. I'm struggling right now...but "this too shall pass". I'm gonna win...it's just gonna take some time.

This will be short...

2008-08-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

and sweet as I have so much to do today. First I AM BACK ON THE INTERNET!! I can't even begin to tell you how much I missed the internet!! My writing, my website, my friends...so glad to be back!

BFL is not going so good with the eating. I have been so stressed the past two weeks. Still working out...but the food. I am recommitting to finishing the next weeks strong...I so want to do this. Already know I'm starting a new challenge the second week of September.

This is short but I've got lots to do!!!

Week 9

2008-08-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Guess what? STILL NO INTERNET!!!!!! I'm at the Library. Thank goodness for that. If you've been to my website Scrapwords lately you know not a lot is going on...so sorry for that. Without internet running my business properly has been nearly impossible. Please know we have lots of new CHA products coming in weekly...I will have those on the site once I get my internet back. They tell me this week...it's such a long story as to why we don't have it. Let' just say I'm frustrated!!

Okay, it's WEEK 9 on my Body For Life Challenge. Can you believe??!! I can't! I am recommitting to finishing strong in these next 3 weeks. My goal is to lose 5 more pounds and keep up workouts and making them more intense!! My good friend Kristin reminded me I must keep going!! Thanks!

I have so much more I'd love to write, photos I'd live to post, etc...that will have to wait for the computer to come back on at my house. It's just weird writing at the library!!:) Have a happy Monday!

I am going crazy...

2008-08-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

Still no internet at my house. Ugh! Embarq (our provider) said maybe by Wednesday. Okay. In the meantime I've been rearranging my house. Decided to put the computer in my scrapspace. I have always wanted to do that but because the family uses the computer I didn't. Well now that my son Jacks is getting his own laptop and he was the one that used it almost as much as me...I moved it. This way I know I'll scrap more simply because I'll already be in my space...ya' know? So excited. Will be glad when the net is back!! I'm currently at the library writing this and they have a time limit...

We have been enjoying cooler weather here. Makes me think of Fall and football and soccer and long sleeve tee's and soup and all those yummy Fall things we love to do!! This is my favorite time of the year without a doubt!!

My BFL Challenge is going okay. I'm exercising but the eating...can I just tell you I'm not loving vegtables at the moment? I mean I just don't want them...they don't even sound good. So while I'm not eating chips, etc. I'm not eating veggies. I'm also eating rather sporadically...meaning I'll eat my Balance bar for breakfast and some fruit after my workout...then lunch. Okay, but by late afternoon I'm just snacking. And for dinner I'm just snacking. Granted I'm snacking on good things, protein and healthy carbs...but not like the plan says. Needless to say I'm not dropping pounds and my body is just staying the same. I'm frustrated. Oh, how I'd hoped to be farther along than I am. The good thing is I'm getting stronger.

Enough for now. The Library police are about to come over and kick me off!!

Week 8

2008-08-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hey, everyone...I have been without internet at my house for 6 days!!!!!!!!!!! Those goofs turned off my internet when they were upgrading my husband's business...ugh! It should be back on tonight. So today I'm using my Mom's computer...not the same but I can use it.

This is Week 8 on the BFL Challenge. Still struggling with not eating on plan. Was doing great then we left for the funeral and I used that as an excuse to eat. Life is always going to just happen...I've got to know that, plan for that and not use that as an excuse!!! I did take my supper Friday night to this festival I was at...I didn't eat the fair food at all. So that made me feel in control and pretty good about myself!!!

It feels like Fall today. I am so loving that. Enjoyed a cup of Perro with my DH outside after my workout. Still on track for not missing one workout during this Challenge.

More later...Happy Monday!!

Week 7, Contest and more...

2008-08-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday. Life has been pretty hectic lately. Very stressful, I've felt out of sorts. This time of year is my least favorite...not because I don't like August but because of the type of business we're in everything just gets tight...our business dwindles down to almost nothing...so it tends to put us all in bad moods. :( Thankfully the college students will be back in three weeks and we will be able to breathe once again.

It's Week 7 in my Body for Life Challenge. I don't know that I'm losing anything right now but I'll tell you I'm determined not to go off this plan!! In many ways I'm kicking myself for not being as diligent as I should have been about my food but on the other hand when I look at how far I've come emotionally I really have improved my life. My pants still fit the same as they did in Week 4...which is better than Week 1 but not where I'd hoped to be by Week 7. The main thing is this...with all this stress that is swirling around me I'm not giving up this Challenge!! In the past when I've tried this plan, life would get in the way and I'd just say FORGET IT!! This time I've come too far to throw in the towel.

I haven't missed one workout yet. So proud of that. I'm eating great this week!! Do not eat off plan for the next 5 weeks is my goal. I can do that!

So check out my new hairstyle. What do you think? I'm learning to love it. It's shorter than I wanted but it is fun and easy to wear. So I think the change is good!! I wear it all poofy and cute...so I'm using more styling products...Aussie will love that.

We're having a cool contest over at Scrapwords. You should check it out TODAY. "100 Adjectives that Describe You". Really makes you stop and think about what you think of yourself. I'm loving that!

I am so thankful for my friends!! This morning I called my good friend Amber. She is getting ready to have her 6th child...wow!! Anyway, she really helped me this morning...I needed to be reminded that everything would be okay. For being so fabulous to me I offered to take 4 of her children along with me and Emma to the FREE movie this afternoon. I am looking forward to that. Friends are God's gift to us...for sure.

My Mom and I had some super sad news thrown our way yesterday...our dear family friend passed away suddenly Monday night. Her name was Palmyra but everyone called her Pal. She was one of the sweetest, most giving people I've ever known. Mom, Em and I will be traveling to Fort Madison Wednesday for the funeral.

Take time today to enjoy your family, your friends and all that you love. We never know when our life here on earth will be no more.

Enjoy the day!

Ugh!!

2008-08-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

As I enter Week 7 of my BFL Challenge several things...

1) Week 6 was really bad. Too much FOOD. Enough said.

Soooo...here's what I'm gonna do...

One of my top 3 goals for the Challenge was to never miss a workout. I'm proud to say that in nearly 7 weeks I haven't missed one...Hooray for me! So for the next 5 weeks of the Challenge I will not eat off plan. I won't do it. No way. NO!!!
I sat down tonight with my Eating for Life recipe book and created a week's worth of menus. I'll share them here with you this week. I WILL not go off plan!!!

One supportive Mom, sweet daughter and a dog

2008-08-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

This has just been a crappy week. I can't think of a week that has been this much of a downer. I woke up yesterday morning going...I just need to get away from the craziness. Decided to call my Mom (there she is my kitchen last Thanksgiving) and invite her to the movies with me and Emme!! Monday through Friday our local theater has FREE movies. Granted they are older ones but who cares... THEY ARE FREE!!! And right now the Ackmans can use a little free...so Mom drives over to pick me and Em up and we are off to the movies!

Here is my sweet Emma. LOVE her soooo very much. What a joy she is in my life!! Heavenly Father blessed me dearly with her sweet spirit.

So as the lights dim I'm looking to my left and see Mom and turn to my right to see my Emme girl. A smile lit up my face and a peaceful feeling washed over me. All was right with the world.:)

What movie did we see? One of my personal favorite family movies.

Movies have always made me feel better and going to the movies is the ultimate feel good adventure for me.

Almost at the end of Week 6 for me and the BFL Challenge. Can't believe it. I've lost another pound as of this morning. Power walked/ran for 30 minutes. Pretty hot and steamy here. I made sure and did more hills than normal since I was short on time. Wanted to get a good workout in. In the morning I'll do arms and my goal is to get another 30-40 minutes of cardio in. I love the feeling after I've been outside, walking, running and sweating.

My food is going so-so. Not on plan so much...but not overeating. Just eating healthy foods with sensible portions. And still able to put food out of my mind even though today sweets have been calling out to ME.

We are looking for a Guest Designer on Scrapwords. Be sure and check out what we need on Pubcalls. You may be the next designer!!

Have a healthy and happy weekend!!!

Day 38 and New Hair (ugh!)

2008-07-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

So today I woke up early and got my bum out the door. It was cardio day and I was on a mission! Today I ran/walked 62 minutes!!! I've run two marathons in my life and a third one is on my horizon. I've always wanted to run the Disney Marathon .

Anyway, I ran and I walked and I had a blast! I must have shed at least a pound or two :).

Let me tell you...I was sooo excited yesterday as Emma and I were off to get brand new do's. Mine is absolutely the worst haircut I've ever received!! It's AWFUL! I look like Carol Brady in the 70's. Soooo bad. Trying to figure out what to do. I think the best bet is just cut it all layered and short so I can at least wear it flippy and fun. This is awful I even went to my regular hairdresser. Not sure what she was seeing but it wasn't the photo I brought in. *Sigh*. Oh, well things could be worse...

Happy Middle of the Week!

Day 36 & colors

2008-07-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Today is Day 36 in my BFL Challenge. I can't believe I've made it this far. Wow, I'm half way finished!!! Here's a bit from BFL founder Bill Phillips...

"One of the interesting contradictions of life is that we want to change, and yet at some level, we want to stay the same. But you can't do both. You have to want change more than you want to stay the same..."

I know I'm at that point where I do want that change. I've come so far...this morning during my leg workout I took time to write down what has changed about me in the last 6 weeks. Here ya' go.

1) Activities are now revolving around the people, the event and not the food.
2) I eat smaller portions
3) I get full faster
4) My blood sugar is more even throughout the day. Hardly any of those highs and lows. I rarely eat or crave sugar these days!!
5) I'm not tempted by foods and on those rare occasions I am I just think about my nice, lean waist I'm after.
6) I am using up to 12 lb. weights where before I was only using 3-6 pounds
7) less head and neck aches!!
8) I look forward to my strength training
9) I am calmer, more focused and feel happier and more at peace with each day I'm on the Challenge
10) I have lost 3 pounds since starting the Challenge
11) I can feel my upper body, back and legs getting tighter
12) My waist is shrinking
13) Seeing definition in my legs for the first time in years!!

The next 6 weeks I want to push it up a notch. I'm ready to get really serious. Here are my goals for the next 6 weeks...

1) Put more into each workout. Heavier weights, 45 to 60 minutes of cardio each workout
2) Plan my meals (I haven't been so good at this and it does make a difference)
3) More veggies.
4) Whey protein shakes once a day
5) Myoplex bars once a day
6) Only 1 FREE DAY...this past week I've had a few too many of my fave foods spread throughout the week that aren't so good for me
7) Remember the American Idol Concert on August 29th and the shirt I bought that I so want to be able to wear!!!

Just found out my dear friend Kristen will be starting the Challenge soon. I am so excited for her and me so we can cheer each other on!!!!

Oh, one more thing...I've decided to go a bit different with my Blog colors and layout. I am so loving this summery feel.

Make it a great day...oh, be sure and head over to Scrapwords this week. New Chatterbox will be coming in this week!!!

2008-07-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my Blog isn't finished yet but it's getting there. Been having fun putting my fave links back on, playing with the colors and fonts, etc. I hope to have it all back to normal by Monday.

Happy Friday!!

2008-07-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

OKay, so my Blog still looks WEIRD and it is all my fault!! UGH! I was trying to do something cool and artsy with it and I erased all my stuff, messed up the whole look of it!! For now it will look this way until I decide what I'm gonna do with it.

Thought I'd still keep you updated on my BFL experience. I'm nearing the end of Week 5. Can't believe it. My waist keeps shrinking, my legs have definition and I just feel "tighter" everywhere. I'm still not excited about how my pants fit. Nothing major happening there but I just gotta stay the course!! As of this morning I think I've lost one more pound. Since January I've lost 7 and since the Challenge I've lost 3. See, nothing major but the fat is melting off my body so I should begin seeing changes in the scale and my clothing soon!

Today I power walked nearly 50 minutes. Enjoying being outside for these walks. They energize me. I've been sick lately and today I'm really sick. Sore throat, headache...I just don't feel good.

Stop by Scrapwords today and check out this weekend's challenge. You can win $10 to use in the store!!!

Please excuse my Blog...

2008-07-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was going for a new Blog template and I erased all my cool stuff... I am soooo mad but have no time to fiddle with it now. Soooo hang in there until tomorrow...I'll be back to my old Blog in no time. (What was I thinking?!)

Really it is

2008-07-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

Why not take a part of your day and head over to my site Scrapwords? This week we are focusing on Ali Edwards' mantra "It is okay...". Love that! With a gazillion and one things to do this week and with taking the day off yesterday because of a cold I keep repeating to myself "It is okay...".

In case you didn't know we try to take one word or one phrase and focus on that for 7 days. During and after that week you can write in your journal how, by focusing on that one particular saying/word, it helped you get through a difficult time, helped you remain sane and productive for the week...or whatever. I am a big fan of Ali's work and philosophy. She inspires me daily. Be sure and check out her blog here.

Feeling fabulous and back on track with my Challenge. Tummy flatter, legs stronger, back and shoulders firmer. I'm to do my cardio. Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Lazy Day

2008-07-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

It's after 1:00 in the afternoon here and I'm just now getting around for the day. I'm feeling a bit "off" today. Ever have one of those days?? I'm really, really tired and don't feel good. Think I'm coming down with a cold...sore throat and everything.

I did my BFL leg exercises this morning...I am getting so strong in my legs. At the beginning of the Challenge I could barely do a lunge. Today I was doing perfect lunges...some with 6lb. weights. I am loving this progress!! What I'm not loving is my eating. While I didn't overeat by any means yesterday...I didn't stay on plan. Not a lot of protein...no real dinner. And I ate theater popcorn for my dinner. Sooo, not on plan. I haven't planned my meals for 2 days...must plan this evening for tomorrow...

I'm off to check on Scrapwords...I'm usually on first thing after my shower...but like I said I had a super late start to my day.

Ali Edwards, CHA & Week 5

2008-07-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

As you can tell from my title...I've got lots to talk about!! Just got back from CHA-Chicago. WOW, what fun we had!! Here are some highlights...That's me with one of my favorite scrappers EVER Ali Edwards!! I was one of the first people in line to meet her. She is soooo fun. She gave me a copy of her latest book on mini albums (not even released in stores yet). So cool and a great book!!

The next photo is Meg and I with the founder of Chatterbox Melody Ross. I have been a fan of this lady for years. When she was just starting out I actually visited with her over the phone. It has been neat seeing her become so successful. Plus she is as nice in person as I imagined. I picked up lots of Chatterbox for the Scrapwords store!!

Here is one of my favorite photos from the weekend...me and my cousin Missy at Gibson's Steakhouse in Chicago. We had a blast!!

I am sooooo loving these acrylic 12x12 shaped pages from Clearscraps. I picked up several for the Scrapwords store. They should be in stock in just a few weeks!!

Okay, this company was one of my faves of the weekend "Webster's Pages". Just look at these luscious papers!!! I picked up most of these plus journaling tags, Christmas papers and one calendar page. The possibilities are endless here!!

Okay, enough of CHA for a moment. Today is the beginning of Week 5 of the Body For Life Challenge. I am proud to say that last week I did not miss one workout!! From Thursday through Sunday my eating was not the plan (so many good foods in Chicago) but it wasn't just a free for all either. I did use restraint!! LOL! This weekend taught me that eating clean is as important for my body as my spirit. It was fun eating some "forbidden" foods but I'm back on plan and ready to drop some more inches!! I woke up this morning with a tall glass of ice water, an EAS protein bar and a brisk 40 minute walk. I'm gonna make Week 5 COUNT!!!

Day 24

2008-07-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning sore and tired. Also have a migraine "simmering". But I got up anyway, put my tennis shoes on and got out the door. It's cardio day and I don't want to blow it. My main goal for 12 weeks has been the same...DON'T MISS A WORKOUT! I haven't yet and I'm not going to.

Tomorrow I'll do double workouts before boarding my plane to Chicago. My flight leaves at 2:55. I am sooooo excited to have a girls only weekend!!!!

Bill Phillips says the heart of Body for Life is developing self-trust. He's right. I've got to trust myself to not miss a workout. I've got to trust myself that I won't pig out on crap. I've got to trust myself that I am going to follow through with this challenge and become a force to be reckoned with!

Week1-Week4 Photos

2008-07-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Here we go...photos taken the first week and today (Day 23!!)

Day 23

2008-07-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with the flattest tummy I've had in YEARS!! My waist is shrinking, too. Tried on a pair of size 10 jeans...they not only fit nicely but I can see where they'll soon be too big around the waist!! I'm gonna wear these to Chicago!!

Oh, speaking of Chicago...that's where I'm headed in just 2 days!! Going to the big Craft and Hobby Show for Scrapwords. Can't wait! I have been doubling my workouts up so I can have two days without working out. I know eating will be a bit of a challenge so I'm bringing my own meal replacement bars, snacks and saving up for 3 nights of interesting Chicago food.

Week 4

2008-07-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

I've been doing lots of thinking about what I was feeling just 4 short weeks ago. We had just got back from Utah and I was determined to start my Challenge
the Monday after we got home. I remember being committed, determined and scared. I had started so many weight loss programs this past year without one success. I'd go strong for 2 or 3 days then fall right back into my old habits.

Now here I am in WEEK 4!!! I haven't missed one workout, I'm eating healthy, not giving in to junk food, taking this seriously and being successful. I keep thinking if I've changed this much mentally in 4 weeks I can't imagine what I'll feel by September!!

Here's an excerpt from the new BFL Champions book. This is what I needed to read this morning...

"For some people, especially women, any recognizable physical changes may take between 6 and 8 weeks. People who've been making little or no progress wake up one day in Week 8 to discover something astonishing: The long-awaited transformation has begun. Their bodies are changing. Their fat is beginning to disappear. Their muscles are beginning to show. Their clothes no longer fit. It's as if a switch has been thrown. It's when your body, after weeks of stubborn resistance, not only surrenders but eagerly embraces your transformation."

The old me would have quit by now. I mean the scale isn't moving so this isn't working right? Okay, so the scale isn't moving like I'd like...but my clothes are fitting better, in fact they are beginning to get loose. I have more energy, I'm not craving sweets, my upper body and head pain is diminshing...this program is working and the above paragraph assures me that I will begin seeing major results very soon!!

Week 4-almost

2008-07-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow officially kicks off Week 4 of the Body For Life Challenge...WOW! I can't believe it!! Here's what's going on so far...

-I still haven't lost pounds
-I wore a skirt to church today that was waaaaay tooo tight last spring
-my tummy is getting flatter
-my upper body just feels firmer. Especially my back and shoulders
-my headaches and neck pain has dropped dramatically!!
-I'm not craving sweets
-still drinking one Diet Coke a day...still would like to stop this.
-I'm actually doing this. I am committed. I am not going to quit this time!!
-I haven't missed one workout!!
-I am making a life change

I'll post more tomorrow. Happy Sunday!

2008-07-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

Check out this inspiring acrylic mini album from Scrapwords Wordsmith Becca. She is soooo talented!! If you'd like to find inspiration just like this be sure and stop our first ever *official* on-line crop at Scrapwords. We'll scrap Saturday, July 12th from9 am to 9 pm and enjoy challenges from the talented Wordsmiths. PLUS you can win $75 worth of scrappy supplies and get the "Queen of the Crop" blinkie!!!!

Day 18

2008-07-10T07:51:00.001-07:00

I've turned a corner. I'm really into this Challenge, weightlifting, drinking my EAS shakes, no junk food, etc. I mean I AM INTO THIS!!

Today I used a 12 pound weight for my triceps!!! I am in shock. At the beginning of Week 1 I was struggling to lift 8 pounds. I had the best upper body workout today...I just feel stronger, more confident, like this is really working...this is really happening. I could actually look like one of the "after" pics!!!

**My favorite protein drink...

1 scoop vanilla EAS 100% Whey Protein Powder
a few handfuls frozen peaches
1/2 cup skim milk
3/4-1 cup water

Blend together, serve in tall glass with 1 dollop of frozen fat free cool whip. Yum-O!

Day 17

2008-07-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

I did a lot of thinking during my walk this morning. It's a beautiful, hot, muggy morning in Missouri...I love that!! Reminds me of my lazy days in Iowa during my childhood...anyway...I was thinking about my plan and realized this is the first time in years I haven't even been tempted to cheat. Not once! And it's Day 17!!! Oh, sure I've thought things like "I'm so hungry, more food sounds good" but even though I'm thinking that I'm not doing that. I don't even think about actually doing it...know what I mean?

I forgot to post on Monday that I had a super cool thing happen to me...I actually was using 12 pound weights!! This is huge for me. I injured my neck years ago and have lots of pain with that. Haven't been able to even really lift much past a 5 pound weight. But...I told myself I would get past that pain, improve my neck strength and finish this challenge weights and all. So now look at me just after 2 weeks I'm beyond anything I ever imagined!! I am just so pleased with that!

In the BFL journal here is part of the entry from Bill Phillips for Day 17

"Reading your goals every morning and night will help you stay on course. Committing your goals to memory helps even more as it harnesses the power of a part of your mind called the "frontal cortex". Quite simply, the frontal cortex is a guidance system that directs your concious and subconscious thoughts, patterns and actions. When your mind is focused on achieving specific goals, you will notice reduced stress and increased clarity, satisfaction, and peace of mind."

I guess it would be pretty easy for me to get frustrated and want to quit right now. I haven't lost any significant weight, I'm not wearing a size smaller and my fat is still there (LOL!). However, everything I read about this Challenge assures me that if I stay the course, eat right, exercise and all that I will see results in week 6 - 8. So, I'm staying the course, I'm not giving in and I'm gonna look at those goals DAILY!

**BTW, I will share my goals with you tomorrow.

Week 3

2008-07-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend!! We left Friday morning (the 4th of July) for my hometown of Fort Madison. We got there around 2:30 in the afternoon and headed straight for one of our favorite restaurants The Parthenon. I knew that this would be my FREE DAY on the plan so I indulged in a plate of hot, crispy fries and a tenderloin...finished it off with a small vanilla cone.
**Just so you know it was a real challenge eating today. Even though it was my free day I didn't want to have a free for all type of day. It ended up okay.

Saturday proved to be the hardest regarding my Challenge.

We headed over to Carthage, Illinois for the Kern Family Reunion. We had not all been together since I was 10 or 11 so this was a real treat!! I knew there would be food and for me food, fun and family all go hand in hand. I had decided earlier in the week I would focus on the people rather than the food. For the most part this worked! So while I came away eating more off plan than on and honestly taking another FREE DAY for the week I did so much better than I would have in the past. I consider that a victory over making food the priority rather than the reunion.
**Check out all the fun reunion photos at the top of this post!!!

The top photo is of me with my cousins...Andy is on the left and Dale is on the right. We were all born in a row in 1966...August, September and October!! Throughout our childhood we were called the Three Muskateers and were never apart during family gatherings. I hadn't seen Andy in 6 or 7 years...we had such a blast!! The next photo is most everyone that came to the reunion. The third photo is my cousin Dale's wife Missy. We are very good friends and I am so blessed she is my family, too. She is my Design Team Queen on Scrapwords. The fourth photo is me and Dale off on a motorcycle adventure. I was scared here...but it turned out to be fun!!

What I learned this past week being on the Challenge and traveling is it is hard, you have to plan and keep up with your workouts!! I worked out Saturday morning in the hotel gym. I did 40 minutes of high intensity cardio on the treadmill...felt GREAT!! Also be sure and pack clean eating food. I didn't do that...so it was easier to not stay on plan. I have learned my lesson.

**The number one thing I learned while gone this weekend is that I AM committed to finishing the Challenge. It would have been so easy for me to just pig-out and say...oh, what the heck. But I didn't and I got right back into this morning doing my upper body workout as well as 28 minutes of cardio.

I am going to post a Week 3 photo of myself this Friday. This will give me an incentive to keep eating clean!!

On-Line CROP July 12th!!

2008-07-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hey, girls!! I'm in the mood to SCRAP, CREATE and WIN!!! Saturday, July 12 from 10 am to 10 pm join us here at Scrapwords for a fun Summer Crop!! Our theme this month is Finding and Embracing Your Style so you can expect cool challenges to hel pyou do just that!!

Join us every hour for different challenges, cool prizes and maybe even a few surprises! Our BIGGIE prize of the weekend will be a $75 prize pack!! Holy Cow!

Come on and let's have some fun!! Invite your friends over, pull out your scrap stuff, snacks and SCRAP! Be sure and keep your computer handy for more inspirational than you can imagine!!!

Be sure and check back next week for more details!! Mark your calendars and I hope to see you there!!

Day 11

2008-07-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

My stomach is getting flat! I can see a faint outline of my obliques! This is really happening...I am doing this!!

Be sure and check out Scrapwords for the new July Kit "Perfectly Clear". If you like clear albums that are all the rage right now this kit is for you!!

**Just got done doing my upper body today. Can't believe how much stronger I am!

On another note...while my tummy is definitely getting flatter...my lower tummy is not. Tried on some pants today with hopes they'd be comfortable...they weren't. Must be patient!! I know if I stay the course on this plan I will see results!

Day 10

2008-07-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

WOW! I feel so alive. Just finished 41 minutes of intense cardio outside. Loved it!! I forgot how good it feels to be outside when I'm working hard. What a perfect start to my day.

I wanted to share a few thoughts from BFL founder Bill Phillips. In the BFL journal
Phillips says this... "No matter who you are, this much I promise: YOU have the power to change!"
Think about that. He doesn't say "I have the power to change you." But rather "YOU have the power to change YOU." How many times have we spent money on some new gadget, book or DVD hoping "it" will change us, help us lose weight, break a bad habit or whatever. This is what I love about the BFL program...it empowers YOU.

Another thought from Phillips..."Sometimes you may feel as if you're having a tug of war between your old self and your new self. It's not easy to make the type of changes in your life that you've decided to make. In your moments of decision, when you feel like eating ice cream at night or don't want to work out in the morning, ask yourself this, "Who do I want to be today: the old me or the new me?" Your body and your life are being shaped by these moment-to-moment decisions. It's those decisions that brought you to where you were at the beginning of this Program. And if you continue to make decisions the old way, you're going to continue to produce the same results. To create different results, you have to take a different approach. It's not easy to stand up to yourself, but you can do it!"

I read this yesterday and it put everything in perspective. In the past I would start a diet, a plan, whatever...go great guns for a week then we'd go to my favorite restaurant, a movie or make cookies and I'd just go off plan, telling myself I deserved because I'd been so good.

Like Bill says it's those moment-to-moment decisions that matter...they shape us. They reveal who we are and what we want. I've decided that this is my moment. My moment to be true to myself, to give it my all, to change.

Week 2

2008-06-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

This BFL thing is getting easier. Feeling more confident about my ability to get this thing done...see it through to the finish. We were invited to dinner after church yesterday and I said...no, I've got to eat on plan. So we went home, grilled up some marvelous pork chops, corn on the cob and a salad. Then we hung out at our friends house. They all had ice cream while I enjoyed a big glass of ice water. Honestly I was perfectly okay with that. Wasn't even hungry.

This morning I got up and worked my arms and did 28 minutes of high intensity cardio. Hills outside. I did both workouts today simply because I skipped Sunday's arms. Really great workouts this morning.

I feel happier today. Like there is so much to look forward to. My shorts aren't tight this morning. Not loose either...they fit which is nice. Don't have that muffin top hanging over both sides...know what I mean? My stomach is just flatter. No real weight loss, but just a flatter tummy and waist. SWEET!! Everything I have read about the challenge tells me by Week 6 or 7 the weight just starts to melt off. I'm looking forward to that!

In between my weight sets this morning I was reading "Make Your Creative Dreams Real" by Sark. I LOVED what she said about Energy and being creative...

"Energy is our creative dream-making power source. We measure energy by how we feel in our minds, bodies and spirits. Our creative dreams are run my and on our energy. If energy is high, we feel refreshed, and energized, and our creative dreams will be fed and expanded upon."

Here's what she says makes our energy expand...

Oxygen
Sunlight
Water
Love
Support
Visualizing

I am going to add the following...

Exercising
Eating healthy
getting plenty of rest

This Body For Life Plan is giving me energy to pursue other dreams of mine. It is giving me energy to focus on my site Scrapwords, create a beautiful home, spend time with my children and serve in my church. This plan is going to change my life.

2008-06-28T22:54:00.000-07:00

What a perfect Free Day I had. I enjoyed some of my favorite foods without over indulging. For the first time in years I ate just one slice of pie and said no to another handful of movie popcorn. This is quite a step for me.

The pants I wore out to dinner tonight were loose!! Oh, my heck was I one happy woman!!:) I felt so confident. Tonight I planned out my meals for tomorrow as well as my upper body workout and I reread my goals (which I will post here soon) and looked at those amazing before and after photos in the BFL book. I am on my way...

Free Day

2008-06-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday!! Today I am taking my first Free Day on the Challenge. I slept in, enjoyed two cups of Perro with cream, 1 bagel with cream cheese, two eggs and one peach. I'm not doing anything too nutty. I've worked too hard this week and I love the empty feeling I have. Don't want to get all bloated.

I am in the mood to create. I so want to scrap, write articles and just hang out. But my messy house is in need of my attention!! Plus at 2 pm we are having our missionaries over for lunch. Looking forward to the spirit they bring to our home.

I'm off to do the "everyday of life" and hoping to find lots of joy in that today!! :)

Day 5

2008-06-27T12:27:00.001-07:00

At first I thought it was going to be a rough morning on program. I am Primary President at church and we had our Quarterly Activity this morning. Good thing was we talked about being healthy, exercised and ate a wonderful healthy lunch. The thing I was worried about most was the fabulous banana muffins and fruit dip. I am happy to say...I did not have even one bite of muffin and only 1/2 tsp. of the fruit dip!! Whoo Hoo!!!!! I was really starved for carbs today. With lunch I had one serving of pretzels. Just 17 tiny pretzels. That helped a bunch.

When I did this program several years ago I kept a detailed journal. What a help that has been. I'm experiencing the same type of cravings and physical feelings I did back then. The good news is by Week 3 they had disappeared and I was on my way to weight loss!!!

If you are doing the challenge please let me know. I would love to hear how you are doing!!

I am taking Saturday as my FREE DAY. I am so looking forward to it. I have decided not to gorge myself. In fact I'm going to follow plan with just a few tweaks. I may have protein pancakes with syrup instead of without. I am going to enjoy some yummy meal...gonna see if we can go out!!

I want this plan to work...it is. Oh, I did my 20 minutes of cardio this morning. Intended on doing more but on my walk I ended up finding my dog Thor!! He had gotten loose and I didn't know it...so I had to get him home.

Happy Weekend!!

Day 4

2008-06-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh, I've made it to Day 4 and I just got finished with my lower body/ab workout. My legs are my least favorite things to work. Unfortunately they are what need the most work!! LOL!:)

I've made a decision...my gym pass expired today so instead of spending money we really don't have I've decided to make a cute little workout spot in our downstairs. I have several (make that dozens) of strength exercises and ab workouts. Also I have one of those big stability balls and a book...so instead of spending more money I thought I'd utilize what I already have and try some new exercises!! That will keep it fresh and fun!

Today will be a bit of a challenge for me. We are headed to St. Joe for our monthly shopping trip and the kids have ortho appointments. That means we'll be eating out. I'm going to suggest someplace I can get a chicken breast and salad...maybe Wendy's. They have baked potatoes which are on plan. Just add some protein and I'm good to go.

More on Day 3...

2008-06-25T18:24:00.001-07:00

Man I love this family!!! We had such a fun day at Lagoon near Salt Lake City. I can't believe how blessed I am...truly grateful for all that I have.

I've been so hungry all day. Need to plan my meals tonight for tomorrow and the next few days. Bill Phillips the inventor of BFL says planning is crucial to success. I believe that with all my heart. Tonight I just didn't know what I was going to eat and I was starving!! I ended up doing good...chicken breast in a whole wheat tortilla with fat free cheese melted on top and salsa. Pretty satisfying. I did end up drinking a Coke Zero. Not too happy about that...really don't want to make soda a part of my daily routine. I know it's diet...but it's not on plan. I won't have any tomorrow. Just my water. Speaking of that I've been drinking more water than ever. Love it with lemon and lots of ice. So refreshing in this humidity!!

Em and I found one of my favorite movies from childhood...Meatballs. Have you ever seen it? Oh, man it is soooooo funny! Came out in like 1981. Be sure and check it out here. We are going to watch it tonight. It will be hard not to have my usual popcorn...I made a protein pudding instead so looking forward to that.

I am just so happy right now. I feel like for once in a very long time I'm getting control of my eating, my workouts which makes me feel in control of my life. I'm hoping this attitude spills into other areas of my life that need my attention. Scrapbooking, my photos organized and the biggie...getting ready to homeschool my almost 14 year old son.

Have a wonderful night everyone!!

Day 3

2008-06-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

Woke up kind of late today. I was exhausted. Got into the gym around 815 AM. Cardio today. I definitely hit my "10's". So excited about that!! Ran on the treadmill and powerwalked. I felt so in control and powerful today. AWESOME!

My new best friend has become my blender and my EAS vanilla protein powder. The past few meals have either been smoothies or pudding. Really looking forward to chicken wraps tonight with salsa and ff cheese. Yum-o! Going to enjoy a big salad and /or broccoli, too.

Went to the afternoon free movie with Emme and my mom. NO POPCORN!! This is so huge for me. I wasn't even tempted!! Hooray! I had 1/2 an EAS bar in my bag so I enjoyed that. Had my first diet Pepsi today. A child-size at the movies. Did not finish it.

I am so happy to be on this plan.

Day 2

2008-06-24T07:46:00.001-07:00

Here we go...my front and back photos. I am not super happy to be sharing them here...but I've got to keep it real!

Last night I ended up STARVING! Very, very tired, too. I munched on cucumbers in vinegar to help me not eat chips or popcorn then headed to bed early.

I was up by 6 this morning to make out my menu for the day and get my upper body workout ready. That went so well at the gym this morning. After that came home and whipped up a yummy BFL shake. You take 12 ounces of cold water and add one scoop of EAS Vanilla Protein Powder, frozen pineapple, 1/4 tsp. coconut extract and ice. Blend all together and enjoy. This was very tasty!

Day 1

2008-06-23T13:40:00.001-07:00

Okay, here I am almost done with my first BFL day. It's been great so far. I woke up before 6, ate a healthy breakfast...1/2 banana, 1 60 calorie-high protein pita with a serving of Natural PB. Did my 34 minutes of cardio then came home, showered and enjoyed 1/2 of an EAS Myoplex bar. Very yummy! I can see these things really helping me get through this thing without craving cake or something like that.

I've had a busy day...but so far it's been easy to stay on plan. My energy has stayed up all day. Tonight I'm planning chicken with vegetables and for dessert a protein smoothie with some kind of fruit. Yum-o.

I went to the gym to get my body fat tested. I'm at 31%-YIKES. Also had waist, legs and arms measured. My daughter will be taking my photo this evening...so I still need to post that.

Hope your day is going well, too!

Scrapwords Contest

2008-06-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

What in the World Contest

22 Jun, 2008

**Here is a fun, new contest I've started at my site Scrapwords. Come and play with us!!

Here's a fun little idea I found on my friend Lisa's blog. Every now and then she will ask a question about herself, where she's been who she's met, etc. and run a contest. I love this idea so starting today that's what we're gonna do, too. I don't think she'll mind:)!

As many of you know I've been in Utah for 2 weeks. We had a blast, saw lots of friends and enjoyed many adventures. Last week as we were driving along, I was just looking out my window when I saw IT!! I couldn't believe it!!! I turned around, screaming at my sweet daughter Em..."Emma, look!! It's_______!! I wonder if we'll see_____??!" My daughter replied, "Oh, that would be so cool, Mom! Do you think_____ is there?? Maybe we'll see _____ at the Boys and Girls Club of America with Vanessa!!!"

What did we see in Utah that got us soooo excited? And who do you think may have been at the Boys and Girls Club of America?

Just leave your guess's here. The first one to get it right gets $10 to spend in the store!!!!!

**If no one knows I'll give more clues later on in the week. :)

The Day Before

2008-06-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

We are finally HOME!! Rolled in from Laramie, Wy. at 8 PM last night. What a long drive! My husband was not feeling well at all so I ended up driving the whole way with a nasty headache...ugh!

Just thought I'd post about my BFL Challenge that begins officially tomorrow...HOORAY! I spent last night reading the new BFL Champion book. Excellent resource...be sure and check that out here. I am sooo ready to begin. Em and I went grocery shopping late last night, picking up fresh fruit and veggies, Greek Yogurt (sooo yummy!) chicken, turkey and other healthy, challenge approved foods. I'm eating healthy today and drinking lots of water. Tomorrow I will take my "before" photo, measure myself, weigh and check my body fat. I will post my stats and photo tomorrow even though I'm a bit scared to do that!!

Scrapbook Inspiration

2008-06-15T23:49:00.000-07:00

A few days ago while visiting our friends in Utah for their daughter's wedding I was asked, on the spot, to create her wedding scrapbook/guest book. Wow! What pressure!! Heidi (the bride) gave me 22 photos and said...get to it!

With just a few supplies in hand I was sent to the neighbor's house (thanks, Kara!!). She was so sweet and generous. Kara had turned her kitchen table into a scrapping zone with scissors, rub-ons, stamps and glue dots. Having just a handful of wedding type supplies I got down to the task at hand...creating a scrapbook worthy of a lifetime of memories for Heidi and Preston. At first I was overwhelmed and a bit worried. I only had 4 "wedding" type products to choose from. How in the heck was I going to make this work?

Two hours later as I was finishing up the final page I realized that sometimes working with less supplies is better than having dozens of products to choose from. For one my mind wasn't on creative overload. I was forced to think outside of the box and use only what I had. Secondly, it was so refreshing creating something with a "simple" theme. Looking back through the pages I was so happy with the results. The important question though was...Would Heidi love it?

When I brough the book back to the Van Leers I nervously let her family check it out. They LOVED it! But would Heidi? I am so happy to say...she did!!

I learned one very important thing creating that book...simple is best. I promise when I get home to scrap so much more...focusing not on the design or the products or "look" of the page but rather the fun, the joy and the pleasure of creating something so special!!

Here's to finding the joy in scrapping again...

We're in Mapleton!

2008-06-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Utah after 16 years of driving on Monday. So glad we are here!! Woke up this morning so tired but ready for a walk. There is just something about walking when all you can see are mountains. My idea of heaven on earth!! We have been enjoying our stay with the Crandall's. Today we are off to the Planetarium in Salt Lake City. We are ready to do something vacation-y:)

I think I'm gonna have another friend do the Challenge with me. My friend Lisa we are staying with is very interested. I hope she decides. The more the merrier. While I haven't been over eating here I have been choosing waaaay too many sweets! Last night we had a cake to die for. Oh, man vacations are hard on the waistline!!

Watched the Bucket List again last night. You know that movie starring Morgan Freeman and Jacks Nicholson. There is a line from that movie I want to leave you with today.

"When you get to heaven you will be ask two questions. The first one is: How much joy did you have while on earth? The second one is: How much joy did you give others? I love this!! I for sure need to be working on my "joy" quotient. Not just for me but for others. So just for today I'm gonna work on giving more joy to my family, my friends and everyone I meet.

Happy Wednesday!

Finally bought my blender and Utah

2008-06-07T06:23:00.000-07:00

I know, what a strange title...but when you're getting ready to do the BFL challenge ya' gotta have a blender!! There are dozens of totally delicious smoothies you make with protein powder on the plan...hence the reason for a blender.

We are getting ready to leave for our beloved Utah. First we'll be in Mapleton staying with the Crandall's. Can't wait to see Lisa and Lou along with Kam and all the rest of their children and grandchildren. They are like our family. We love them. By Friday we'll be in Huntsville (our future new home) for Heidi's wedding. She is getting married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 14th. I can't wait!! She is such an amazing girl. After the wedding we plan on staying at the Van Leers for a few days then heading back home. I'll spend the remainder of that week buying food for my challenge and gearing myself up.

I usually have plenty of computer time when I'm in Utah so hopefully I'll be able to post.

Oh, I almost forgot...my wonderful son found my Nikon battery charger!! It's been missing since December. That explains why I rarely post photos! Well, no more thanks to my son. Thanks, Jacks!! (BTW, the charger was in our suitcase from our last trip to Utah)

Clean Eating Books

2008-06-06T07:00:00.001-07:00

oh, how I love Fridays. I'm sure I've mentioned that here before...but it is sooo true! Enjoyed some quiet time with my husband, drinking Pero and eating fresh strawberries. Yum-o!! We have a HUGE strawberry patch and went picking yesterday. Lots of fun and what a great reward...Strawberries!

I am so happy that three of my friends will be joining me on the Body For Life Challenge. My cousin Missy and my friend Meg. Soooo happy about their support. I know I will need it. I've went through all my clean eating cookbooks, picked out my meals and wrote them in my BFL binder. I'd love to share the books I'm using with you...so here ya' go. My favorite one is from the BFL guy Bill Phillips "Eating For Life". This book has a photo of every recipe and is HUGE. Plus the meals are truly delicious! I've even tried them out on my family and they loved them.

Another awesome book is by Tosca Reno. She is my hero. Read her story here!! I have two of her books...both of which I'll be using in this challenge. Check them out here. I have the Eat Clean Diet and the Eat Clean Cookbook. Her recipes are wonderful and fairly easy to do. Although Eating for Life is the easiest. One more thing about Tosca...you've gotta see her before photo...UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Check it out.

The other cookbook I'm gonna use is brand new. It's from Hungry Girl...love her!! I have received her daily newsletter for over a year now and have learned so much from her. She just wrote a book...here it is...

The last tool I'm using for eating clean is the latest magazine called Clean Eating. The current issue is out on newsstands now.

There ya' go...now you know what I'm using during this challenge. My next plan is working on my exercises. Thought I'd use index cards so I have a nice rotation of weight exercises. I'll keep you posted on what I decide.

My challenge begins June 23rd!! I am sooo excited!!!

2008-06-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Is it true? Is it already June 4th? What in the heck have I been doing? No summer yet. I've got lots to on my Summer Fun List!!

It seems like all I've been doing is worrying. Gotta hate that. Summer is supposed to be carefree you know like when we were kids. Ahhhh, I remember waking up, putting my OP shirt and shorts on and heading outside to grab my neighbors Jamie and John. We'd hang out at the pool, ride our bikes, go to Pony League baseball games, walk to the "Little Store" for frozen Charleston Chews and glass bottles of Coke. We played from morning till way late at night. Summer nights seemed to be the best. Midnight Ghost, long walks talking about stuff and night tag. I lived for summer!!

When you are a grown-up real life gets in the way of all your carefree fun. Bills to pay, jobs to do, houses to clean, blah, blah, blah!!

My kids and Dave are in Bethany today doorhanging coupons for our store. I'm gonna finish getting my BFL plan ready then scrap. I just put together Scrapwords June kit and I need to do some pages!! Check out Botanical Bliss.

Here's to finding some carefree in your day today!!!

2008-06-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Went shopping for healthy foods this morning. Enjoyed a bowl of fresh strawberries with Greek Yogurt this afternoon. Oh, my heck. Have you ever tried Greek Yogurt? It is good stuff!!

My friend Meg has decided to do the Challenge with me. I am so excited to have a friend take the journey with me. If you'd like to take the plunge and do this to just e-mail at les262@embarqmail.com

The Weeks Before

2008-06-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

Challenge Day isn't until June 30th but I want to "practice" before the actual start by eating better and of course continuing my exercise. I try to log 60 minutes a day 4 or 5 days a week. Exercise just makes me feel better both physically and mentally.

Woke up with a BAD migraine type headache and a terrible sore neck. Still made it to the gym but I could just barely get 30 minutes in. Got home and headed to the "car doctor". My Dodge Ram isn't running right...got super bad news and good news. Seems the truck is under warranty so that is a huge blessing BUT looks like it could be in the shop for over a week. We leave for Utah one week from today. UGH! OH, well I'm not gonna stress. Just gonna pray.

So much to do and now I don't have my truck and it's gloomy outside. I better put on a happy face or my day will surely continue to go downhill. Won't let that happen!!