tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77252186355349503582024-03-05T09:31:55.251-08:00Mommy's HeartAll the things that are on this Mommy's heart.Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-45675669680516297452013-12-31T20:56:00.000-08:002013-12-31T20:56:08.141-08:00A Reflection of 2013
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:77679420;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-81119916 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most years on New Year’s Eve I sit and reflect and it is
easy to remember all the great things that that year brought. As I sit and
think about 2013, I have a hard time not thinking of all the not-so-good
things. We buried GaGa. We buried my Nana. My parents’ house was broken into.
My dad was involved in a pretty bad car accident (thankfully no one was badly
injured). I lost my job of four years due to budget cuts. I took another job
where I worked for almost 6 months with no pay. I spent my 30<sup>th</sup>
birthday having food poisoning. I gained back about 15 pounds of the weight I
worked so hard to lose. My daddy spent the last three months of the year in and
out of the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our home was broken
into. When I think of those things, it is easy to think that 2013 was a
terrible year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But 2013 also brought positive things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started the year with a ski trip. I
finished my first half-marathon. We celebrated our sweet precious Addisyn’s
first birthday with BOTH of our families there. Ansleigh graduated from VPK.
Lolli helped us enjoy Ansleigh’s dance recital. I ran my fastest 5K ever. We spent a week at the beach
and got to see both famiIies. I presented at a summer workshop and people
actually liked what I had to say. We started working with the youth group at
church. I got to take and pick up my daughter from school and experience the
car loop. We made many Disney memories with lots of Disney magic, including a
FREE trip for four to Night of Joy and trips later in the year with both sets
of grandparents. I was able to go on a life-changing vision trip to Boston with
our church. I got an incredible job teaching at an incredible school with
incredible people. We have developed a deep bond with our Life Group at church.
We watched Ansleigh’s faith flourish through sweet precious late night (late
for her) talks and the ministries of our church (AWANA, Kids Choir, Sunday
School, etc.). We watched Addi bloom into an adorable cuddly little fireball.
We had the opportunity to sponsor a child through Compassion International and
even got our first letter from her. Ansleigh ran her first two races. I began
being discipled by a very Godly woman in our church who has been in my shoes. I
was blessed to see another solo performance of Anthony’s in our church’s annual
Christmas concert. We celebrated Ansleigh’s 6<sup>th</sup> birthday with a trip
to Legoland. We spent Thanksgiving AND Christmas with family. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2013 was a year that we were shaped and molded by the
Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a year where He taught us
to trust him, even when we can’t see where He is taking us. It was a year where
we struggled, but grew closer to the Lord. It was a year where I really began
to realize that things that come from money are a luxury and that so many other
things are just more important. Spending this holiday season with our families
was just so much more important to me because we won’t always have them with
us. That is a hard pill to swallow, but it is truth. This world is not our
home and we belong with Jesus. We are just visiting and while my selfish
desires are to keep my loved ones here with me always, I have realized that
every moment I have with them is precious and should be valued. Each memory
being made is a precious gift from the Lord and is more valuable than any
“thing” I could be given or purchase. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we begin 2014, there are a few things I’d like to try and
focus on this year:</div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:77679420;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-81119916 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Pray more, complain less</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Work as hard at home as I do at school</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Be a blessing to others—I want to try to be as
selfless as my parents have always been</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Get back into the habit of exercising </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Drink more water</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Be more patient with my children</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Care more, not less</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Be more compassionate</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These aren’t really "resolutions", but just goals I want to
work toward. We should all always be working on bettering ourselves in some
way. I’d love for you to ask me how it is going throughout the year, especially
with the drinking more water thing, as I almost always have a Coca-Cola in my
hand. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope your 2014 is full of blessings and that you make an abundance of memories that will mean a lot to you. I wish you health and happiness in the year to come. </div>
Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-7751960385210104592013-09-23T14:43:00.000-07:002013-09-23T14:43:32.081-07:00Boston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6oauxENqCxEDhRxZNKZwCmH2JLlAWHhnl0DYdVWU32RGvgfN7qeHClsX5LiA3GHxlEURdkBYyGZIVisWxRFMmsHPbI_wbHPivUuB9P-d7XU-TI5aQlmot153Yj60RELpNvG6tTxolB4/s1600/IMG_3249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
A lot of things have happened recently that I've been meaning to post about but today, I wanted to write about my recent trip to Boston.<br />
<br />
My little family is a part of an incredible church here in Melbourne where we are constantly being presented with God's word and sound theology, where we are challenged, and where we are loved. Our church often sends teams of people on mission trips to Panama, Romania, and places all over the world, but Anthony and I have never gone because of the finances involved, not having leave from work, or not having anyone to leave our kids with. A little over a month ago, I heard our church was sending a small team of people (10) to Boston on a church planting trip. Immediately I felt the Lord tugging at my heart to go. I asked about the cost and wasn't sure we could swing it. Fortunately, our families are people who love Jesus and love me. Since the trip was just a week before my birthday, several family members were gracious enough to give me birthday money early (extra money, might I add) and with what the church paid towards it, my trip was covered.<br />
<br />
At first I thought we were going to scope out a location to plant a church of our own, but quickly found out that that wasn't the plan. We were a "Vision" team going to meet with two church planters who are already there to find out how our church can partner with them and to get a feel for the city.<br />
<br />
We flew into Boston on a Saturday, leaving Florida where the temperature was just a few degrees shy of the surface of the sun, and landed in Boston where it was in the 60's most of the week. Saturday night we explored Davis square with some of the interns from Redemption Hill Church (one of the church plants we were meeting with) and ate at an awesome place called Boston Burger. If you are ever in Boston, go there. Sunday, we attended RH's church service in Medford--it was their first Sunday in a new location to accommodate more people. We helped where we could with set up and clean up, and then had lunch at an ice cream shop that also serves food (Colleen's) in Medford Square. We attended a community group Sunday night in Charlestown at the other church planter's home. Monday we had a breakfast meeting with one church plant group and lunch with the other church plant, just to hear their stories, what they are doing, what their needs are, etc. Todd, the Charlestown church planter, took us on a tour of Boston and he was incredible. He has only lived in Boston about two months and he already knows the city incredibly well. Tuesday we toured Medford and attended a NAMB church planting session before catching a Red Sox game at Fenway. Wednesday morning we explored Harvard before heading to the airport.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6oauxENqCxEDhRxZNKZwCmH2JLlAWHhnl0DYdVWU32RGvgfN7qeHClsX5LiA3GHxlEURdkBYyGZIVisWxRFMmsHPbI_wbHPivUuB9P-d7XU-TI5aQlmot153Yj60RELpNvG6tTxolB4/s1600/IMG_3249.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6oauxENqCxEDhRxZNKZwCmH2JLlAWHhnl0DYdVWU32RGvgfN7qeHClsX5LiA3GHxlEURdkBYyGZIVisWxRFMmsHPbI_wbHPivUuB9P-d7XU-TI5aQlmot153Yj60RELpNvG6tTxolB4/s320/IMG_3249.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwizhabI08mDUdGNht_tXOzuNgD98ar1UaaRyKLNw2MTp-KH_MPeMLH4M5s9oGiFKM29JRehSFIgTWhnE1wZnXi0TLwDU8kRilbfhQh4-SNF_783eLx4RmPeADnpFGHR1HiEHpfKGudwM/s1600/IMG_3337.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwizhabI08mDUdGNht_tXOzuNgD98ar1UaaRyKLNw2MTp-KH_MPeMLH4M5s9oGiFKM29JRehSFIgTWhnE1wZnXi0TLwDU8kRilbfhQh4-SNF_783eLx4RmPeADnpFGHR1HiEHpfKGudwM/s320/IMG_3337.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touring Boston--The Boston Massacre Site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTa-_NwBcJKnvTW-2Gk6Seu6zqx7k3gFJ8C4Isn7y7y3YijjqRauaZd9i7H9-nnzHCw_RLntwu2Co3qyt49JvHXXN-O2qKQ8hPUGEO_PlOkEj_ctwhaUe67adxSPLQS_XgC_UfPwE_xcY/s1600/IMG_3369.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTa-_NwBcJKnvTW-2Gk6Seu6zqx7k3gFJ8C4Isn7y7y3YijjqRauaZd9i7H9-nnzHCw_RLntwu2Co3qyt49JvHXXN-O2qKQ8hPUGEO_PlOkEj_ctwhaUe67adxSPLQS_XgC_UfPwE_xcY/s320/IMG_3369.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front gate of Harvard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwT1Z8WHEs9HND-8PACpTjmMs1h6N4QdiRVN8FbobtF08VBWabejlbmLAY-0Q4SY_G13-jRCmIae2hgmPTZXagDtr90KQPwoGBrLBhoBzSx7TiYCluQimvSBmiHev6NYEyiYDU05EldOM/s1600/IMG_3363.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwT1Z8WHEs9HND-8PACpTjmMs1h6N4QdiRVN8FbobtF08VBWabejlbmLAY-0Q4SY_G13-jRCmIae2hgmPTZXagDtr90KQPwoGBrLBhoBzSx7TiYCluQimvSBmiHev6NYEyiYDU05EldOM/s320/IMG_3363.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fenway Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I could give you a million details of all the awesome things we saw, food we ate, memories that were made, and if you want some of them, just ask me, but what is really on my heart, doesn't involve all that.<br />
<br />
Why Boston? That was my first thought. Boston is a city that has a deep history of Christianity. Harvard was founded as a seminary. The thing is, Boston was founded on the principles of our faith, but only about 2% of the churches there are evangelical (meaning they spread the gospel). Most of the people in Boston are non-practicing Catholics, are Universal Unitarians, or don't believe at all. What's so wrong with that? <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_unitarianism" target="_blank">Universal Unitarians</a> are very free and liberal in their faith. You can read more about it by following the link. Overall, the churches that are still in Boston, are not teaching all of what the Bible says, but bits and pieces of it. Most of the Catholics there are non-practicing and have been deeply wounded by the scandals in the Catholic church. <br />
<br />
What I saw while I was there was a lot of old, beautiful church buildings that are empty. People who used to have faith in Christ but are dead inside. People who want to feel better about their life choices and want to pick and choose what parts of the Bible are acceptable. Several of the churches in the Boston area boldly proclaim their acceptance of all and that non-biblical lifestyles are welcome and accepted. While I believe everyone should be welcomed into a church and should be loved, not all lifestyles are biblical and churches should not embrace sinfulness in any of us (no matter the sin). One church we saw in Medford had three different signs proclaiming this. I got a picture of two of the three signs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswqVpXk85VZp_sPNxSF1mUyIvVvvCyVZIZoNb1FMmR_7mnn3zDrSqhBGxf_wf36Br89WAWjZ_lu6EzaSBFzu9x_Ulvi2-Qbb6y8iHPt0TcAR000tGoRGhGburBLDLKFK_k0v675T2vUQ/s1600/IMG_3350.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswqVpXk85VZp_sPNxSF1mUyIvVvvCyVZIZoNb1FMmR_7mnn3zDrSqhBGxf_wf36Br89WAWjZ_lu6EzaSBFzu9x_Ulvi2-Qbb6y8iHPt0TcAR000tGoRGhGburBLDLKFK_k0v675T2vUQ/s320/IMG_3350.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign says, "Our faith is over 2000 years old. Our thinking is not."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5K5u1ZmPdQkgqPZdyLC67vKxy1IV0Kb41VXeJVQC_zvO95J2ugzkgnRW44_-_TZ3G8fVP-ljfR9RMgNZ3Cli-1DtyDWcQwjEMRTmyTyelWI7IeQMesHD_R5RfVFlvY3Qbti0q_Sv1yJA/s1600/IMG_3349.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5K5u1ZmPdQkgqPZdyLC67vKxy1IV0Kb41VXeJVQC_zvO95J2ugzkgnRW44_-_TZ3G8fVP-ljfR9RMgNZ3Cli-1DtyDWcQwjEMRTmyTyelWI7IeQMesHD_R5RfVFlvY3Qbti0q_Sv1yJA/s320/IMG_3349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the rainbow in the bottom corner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
People in Boston are not against you believing in Christ, they just don't want to because it doesn't suit their needs, it isn't convenient, or they just "aren't into it." People in Boston seem to just sort of want everyone to be happy and everyone can do/believe whatever they want to. While that is a nice thought to think, it isn't what the Bible says we should do. <br />
<br />
Boston is a beautiful place that is a perfect blend of history and modern life. We talked to a lot of people who live there and most of them are hurting and desperate for Christ's love. While a lot of the sight-seeing we did doesn't seem very missionary-like, it was important for our team to get an idea of what the city is really like, see what is there, what the people are like, and what the culture is. Being a Red Sox fan is quite possibly the biggest part of their culture there. A lot of the people there won't accept you or listen to you if they know you aren't a Sox fan...seriously. <br />
<br />
Our trip was very sobering for me. I grew up in the Bible belt and in a family of believers. I have always been around believers. When I've been around people who don't believe in Christ, I've just sort of walked on egg shells so I don't offend them--after all, most non-believers are that way because they think we are full of hate towards people who have different ideas and views than we do when actually, those were the people Christ approached first, with love. I have never viewed myself as a missionary. To me, an missionary was some obscure person who goes to live in the jungles of Africa to translate Bibles and is never seen again. Missionaries can be those people, but that isn't the only type of person who is a missionary. We all are. Jesus called us to that and that is something I seemed to have conveniently pushed aside and forgotten about. Just spending time every day with the Godly women who went really
changed my perspective. It showed me just how lazy I have become in my
faith. <br />
<br />
My team and the church planters we met with really opened my eyes and challenged my heart. Before we got off the plane, one of the flight attendants spoke with us and said she'd been talking with the other half of our group almost the whole flight. They'd ask her what they could pray for her about, where she went to church, and just took time to listen to what she said. Some of the church interns picked us up at the airport to help us find our way on the subway and bus system. Before we ever got on the first train, Joel (an intern), was asked by a man to help him with his luggage. In the five minutes it took to do that and wait on the train, he'd shared Christ with him. People were asking our waiters and waitresses if they had any needs we could pray for. People in the elevator of the hotel were being invited to Redemption Hill's church service. It made me think about when the last time was that I had Christ on my mind when I talked to someone outside that church building. When was the last time I invested in strangers? When was the last time I put other people's prayer needs before my own? <br />
<br />
While I was in Boston, I realized that every single person who goes to help with a church plant or who attends a church plant is a missionary in their daily lives. Everyday their job is to love people and show them Jesus. There is a guy at Redemption Hill who leads their praise team. He works at MIT and uses that as his mission field. One of the pastors of RH up until recently worked at P.F. Chang's to help supplement his income and to make connections with people. Everyone there is constantly thinking about furthering the kingdom of God. I am constantly thinking about myself and my needs. Yes, I pray for friends and family who have needs. Yes, I go to church and study my Bible. But up until this trip, I never viewed Melbourne as a mission field.<br />
<br />
Another thing that God showed me is that I have never thought of myself as missionary material but the Lord showed me that I could be. I don't think Anthony and I are called into the ministry as pastor and wife or anything of the such, but God showed me that if He calls us to go be a part of a church plant, we could do that. Church planters need people who have regular jobs to be a part of their church planting effort. They need teachers to be in the schools and be Christ to those who will never see him otherwise. They need engineers who work for companies and spend time with the lost at work everyday. They need bankers, photographers, construction workers, and stay-at-home moms. Anyone with any job can serve. All you have to do is be willing to go, willing to serve, and willing to spread the love of Christ.<br />
<br />
I don't know if God is leading our family go to serve somewhere. I have always wanted to move back home to be closer to our families because that is what I want and that is where I feel comfortable, but God showed me that we are already pretty far away from our families and He has taken care of us. Could that be God preparing us to serve in a <a href="https://www.namb.net/cities/" target="_blank">SEND</a> city? Maybe one day. What I do know is that where He leads, we will follow, even if it is out of our comfort zones. I also know that when He needs us to serve, He opens the doors and that hasn't happened yet. I think we were placed in Melbourne/Palm Bay for so many reasons, many of which we still don't know.<br />
<br />
I love that we live somewhere that has such a gospel-centered church. By going on this trip, I was awakened to what life should really be like, even in Melbourne, or the Bible belt (Atlanta is one of the cities on the list!). My goal is to be discipled, make disciples, and follow Christ. I am so thankful for the opportunity to go (thanks family and FBC Melbourne!) and to serve our church. I have been blessed. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhb6sJ5qnQmO8_wcBxk9TMQIhpiGbQya5GRKrMfPPOQNwuvSJTLGK7IUFni3eMTfQE4hIWPNaYXFxtYrEnvtOH9H5g1zFhNM80ZdnzYXKc9If2yizKECkwBJuqnvze25nYLpZ71_1RcYk/s1600/IMG_3249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwizhabI08mDUdGNht_tXOzuNgD98ar1UaaRyKLNw2MTp-KH_MPeMLH4M5s9oGiFKM29JRehSFIgTWhnE1wZnXi0TLwDU8kRilbfhQh4-SNF_783eLx4RmPeADnpFGHR1HiEHpfKGudwM/s1600/IMG_3337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwT1Z8WHEs9HND-8PACpTjmMs1h6N4QdiRVN8FbobtF08VBWabejlbmLAY-0Q4SY_G13-jRCmIae2hgmPTZXagDtr90KQPwoGBrLBhoBzSx7TiYCluQimvSBmiHev6NYEyiYDU05EldOM/s1600/IMG_3363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTa-_NwBcJKnvTW-2Gk6Seu6zqx7k3gFJ8C4Isn7y7y3YijjqRauaZd9i7H9-nnzHCw_RLntwu2Co3qyt49JvHXXN-O2qKQ8hPUGEO_PlOkEj_ctwhaUe67adxSPLQS_XgC_UfPwE_xcY/s1600/IMG_3369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5K5u1ZmPdQkgqPZdyLC67vKxy1IV0Kb41VXeJVQC_zvO95J2ugzkgnRW44_-_TZ3G8fVP-ljfR9RMgNZ3Cli-1DtyDWcQwjEMRTmyTyelWI7IeQMesHD_R5RfVFlvY3Qbti0q_Sv1yJA/s1600/IMG_3349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswqVpXk85VZp_sPNxSF1mUyIvVvvCyVZIZoNb1FMmR_7mnn3zDrSqhBGxf_wf36Br89WAWjZ_lu6EzaSBFzu9x_Ulvi2-Qbb6y8iHPt0TcAR000tGoRGhGburBLDLKFK_k0v675T2vUQ/s1600/IMG_3350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-61286277313605981212013-07-15T11:01:00.000-07:002013-07-15T13:09:52.791-07:00Mean Girls, Mean MommiesRecently a blog post by a woman named Lisa Jo Baker blew up my news feed. It was titled, "What I Want My Daughter to Know About Mean Girls."<br />
<br />
I loved it! I really did. It was beautiful, heartfelt writing about how to teach her daughters to deal with mean girls. But it got me to thinking...<br />
<br />
We all want to protect our daughters from mean girls, but mean girls come from somewhere, right? Who are these mean girls? Where did they come from? Why are they like that? I'm no expert, but thinking back to my life experiences and stories shared with friends, I have come to a few conclusions:<br />
<br />
1. Mean girls often, but not always, are the popular kids in school.<br />
2. Mean girls, often, but not always, come from mean mommies.<br />
3. Mean girls are mean because it gives them power over others and attention.<br />
<br />
Before you get all, "I was popular in high school and I wasn't mean!" on me, hold your horses. I said, often, not always.<br />
<br />
Let's think about this. Think about the mean girls you knew. Were they popular? Most of the ones I know were. I was in an awkward position in high school. I was semi-popular. I grew up in a small community, played three sports, and was in a lot of clubs. People knew who I was. I was a cheerleader. That can often make a big difference in the popularity race. I also was "friends" with all the popular girls. Except that I wasn't. I was friends with one or two of the popular girls, but always associated with them. They were friends with me when it was convenient to them--when they needed something creative and artsy done, when they needed someone who could talk to the other athletes who hated the cheerleaders, or even better, when they needed my parents to do something. They would invite me places, or pose in pictures with me during those times. The rest of the year, they talked about me behind my back to each other and the rest of the school, and always had something to say about my clothes or who I was/was not dating. They knew what to do to get what they wanted while maintaining what they thought was power over me. My secret weapon? I didn't care. I didn't like them and never pretended that I did. If I wanted my parents to do what they were asking, I'd ask my parents. If I didn't, I tell them my parents said no. The athletes they wanted me to talk to when they wanted something didn't like them and wouldn't have done it anyway. I didn't care. I was involved in enough things that I was never one who was tortured and if I had been the one chosen for torture, I would have made a big stink about it. They were too smart to choose me.<br />
<br />
What about the mean people who aren't popular or have a lot of friends? There are those people, but I think they are mean because they have been burned by someone else who is popular.<br />
<br />
Mean girls come from mean mommies. I know, I just made someone really angry, but think about it. How often do you talk hurtfully about someone else when you are with your friends? How often do you comment on someone's wardrobe, or can you believe she let her kid do so-and-so, or mention how many bottles of wine she had in her cart at the grocery store? How often do you have these conversations in groups of other women? Are your children within hearing distance? Children are very observant. Growing up, I watched people all the time. I still do. Those mean girls, their mommas would sit at our practices or slumber parties and talk trash about everyone who wasn't there, or even the kids whose parents weren't there. It takes a special kind of woman to talk hatefully about a child. Where do you think these mean girls pick up on this stuff? It doesn't come from thin air. Your kids (and my kids) see YOU do it. Then, they take those skills they've acquired from Mommy and her friends and apply it to get what they want. When it works, they try it again, and again until your daughter is the mean girl. They learn this stuff from somewhere, and I'm convinced (maybe I'm wrong) that they learn it from us. <br />
<br />
Let me be the first to say that I'm sure I have hurt people and I know I can be mean. We are all sinners by nature. It is easy to fall into gossip--I'm the world's worst. But gossip turns into meanness with our intentions. Are you trying to belittle someone? Do you make comments to make yourself look better than them? Are you trying to hurt someone? Do you want other people to think that you have more money, or run faster, or weigh less, or have a nicer home/car/clothes than someone else? Are you trying to make your children appear better than someone else's child? "I know your son scored a three on FCAT this year...that's so great! My daughter scored a four." What are your intentions? For myself, I am often oblivious that I am hurting someone. I am not the kind of person who intentionally hurts others. I'm just not. I'm sensitive to those things because I often find myself on the receiving end of it. I hurt others unintentionally--foot-in-mouth disease, if you will. But I know a lot people who take pride in knowing they are better than someone else. And from what I gather, a lot of those people were raised that way. Their parents wanted them to have better things than other people so their kids could be the best. We all want our kids to have the things they want and to have nice things. It comes with being a parent, but what is in our hearts when we buy our daughters the $100 American Girl doll? Is it because she wants the doll and it is good quality so it will last for a while? Or are we buying the doll because her other friends don't have one so she'll be the only one with an expensive doll?<br />
<br />
Mean girls and mean mommies are mean because it gives them power over others and attention. When a mean girl hurts someone else, they have power over that person's heart. Often, people bow down to the mean girls because they don't want to be hurt again. They have power. They also get attention when they belittle someone. When you tell someone how much better you are at something than they are, you bring attention to yourself. All of a sudden people are noticing your nice car that is better than Jennifer's, or how much faster you are when you run--poor Miranda has to walk. You bring positive attention to yourself and negative attention to someone else. You are lifted above them. It is nice to feel like we are good at something and it is alright to be proud of what you've gotten with your hard work. The thing that is hard for me to sometimes remember is that no one cares how fast I run or how cool my minivan is, but if my child mimics my behavior and hurts someone else, I'm accountable to God and the world for her actions. My pride has hurt someone else.<br />
<br />
How can we best teach our daughters about mean girls? Explain to them why mean girls are mean.<br />
<br />
How can we prevent our daughters from becoming mean girls? Don't be one. Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-4519527745125323982013-05-08T19:07:00.001-07:002013-05-08T19:08:12.810-07:00A Lack of AppreciationMy oldest daughter is five. She is incredibly smart and mature for her age, but she's five. Today I picked her up late from school (for reasons that could not really be helped). On the way from school to church, she proceeded to tell me that the gift we are planning to give her teachers (which I haven't had time to finish yet because I work a full-time job outside of the home) is not going to be enough. Someone else in her class has been giving the teachers presents every day and not just her teachers, but the other teachers she is with for part of the day too. I was told that I needed to do more so we can appreciate her teachers as much as the other little girl does. I tried not to lose it with her and tried to explain that some mothers have more time than other mothers and some families have more money to spend than other families. That we have to buy gifts for her teachers and Addisyn's teachers and that we just can't spend that kind of money. I thought that was the end of that.<br />
<br />
Then, when I was putting her to bed an hour late (we had to stop at Walmart and pick up invitations for her graduation party with some friends from school, I let her watch tv while I got sister ready for bed and asleep, and then I let her watch an EXTRA tv show while I got the dishes washed), she got upset with me that I wouldn't read her a story. I told her that she had gotten to stay up late already and there wasn't time for a story tonight. She told me that I'm not as good at putting her to bed as Daddy is and that if I did it like Daddy, she would get to have a story. Then she jumped back on the subject of our teacher presents not being good enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
I know I'm taking it personally, and I know she is just five, but it made me wonder how many times I treated my mother like dirt because she wasn't doing something I wanted her to do. I know I did it. Several times. Especially when I was a teenager. <br />
<br />
My mother worked hard all day everyday. She worked a full-time job outside the home, kept our house clean, our tummies full, took us all over the county for tap, jazz, ballet, gymnastics, and cheerleader practice when we were younger and then gymnastics, cheerleading, basketball, and softball when I was older. She threw the best birthday parties ever, made sure we had cute clothes to wear, awesome presents to give, and made sure our homework was done. She would get up early to braid my hair for softball games (and two of my best friends), take me to buy new books when I finished the one I was reading, and spent all her weekends doing things my sister and I wanted to do.<br />
<br />
I honestly do not recall a single time past the age of 8ish where my mother did what she wanted to do regardless of what our plans were. She coached my little league cheer team. She took us shopping. She used her lunch hour late so she could be at all our pep rallies. She did without so that we could fit in.<br />
<br />
I was a tad bit self-absorbed as a teenager. I was only interested in what I wanted to do and stayed locked in my room if I was at home. I ignored my mother when she wanted to talk. I expected her to feed me, wash my clothes (and NASTY softball uniforms), and bring me everything I forgot to school. Everybody loved my mom. They called her Martha. I knew how awesome my mom was but that never stopped me from rolling my eyes or having an attitude.<br />
<br />
Most of my actions were typical teenage actions--things to be expected. But I was wrong. I should have thanked her. I should have not blown her off when she wanted to talk to me about my dates or what my friends were going through.<br />
<br />
When I was a senior, I was accepted into two colleges and one of those schools awarded me a full scholarship renewable for four years. I had a big decision to make and I don't know if my mom realizes it or not, but she is the reason I chose to go to Auburn (where I did not have a scholarship). One night we were talking, or rather, she was trying to talk to me while I was talking to multiple friends on AOL, and she asked me what I was going to do. I told her I'd probably just go to the school that was free and she looked at me and said that she always wanted to go to Auburn. She went instead to the school that was closer and cost less (and I think she had a scholarship too). Her plan was to transfer to Auburn, but she never did, and if that was my plan, I probably never would either. She said that if it was my dream to go there, I should go--don't worry about the money, they would find a way.<br />
<br />
I listened to her and went to Auburn. That decision changed the course of my life.<br />
<br />
And when I went to Auburn, she stocked my apartment and made it the cutest apartment around. She bought me all the things I liked about home so I'd feel comfortable. When finals came, she took a few days off work and came to stay with me. She did my laundry and cooked for me and cleaned my apartment so that I could just worry about studying.<br />
<br />
That first year of college, I realized how awesome my momma really was.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3-EnGxxvohWY8HBqloIBk1lZSrqsb93sYP5Ms6p8A_vi9weVWo_P-RmMdMjr4kQs-U7AlsHGkoA_HYu31zBvdtSM2GQoNA9_efztnz9cKASTOu_Pf7iobAVxkDLP9FJgYidfaL7yJnU/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3-EnGxxvohWY8HBqloIBk1lZSrqsb93sYP5Ms6p8A_vi9weVWo_P-RmMdMjr4kQs-U7AlsHGkoA_HYu31zBvdtSM2GQoNA9_efztnz9cKASTOu_Pf7iobAVxkDLP9FJgYidfaL7yJnU/s320/IMG_3302.JPG" width="213" /></a> </div>
<br />
And even now, years later, she is still amazing, and everyone still knows it. Even Ansleigh knows it. I'm ok with not being as good as Lolli, because Lolli's shoes are hard to fill.<br />
<br />
Momma, I am so sorry for all those times I treated you terribly. You are honest-to-goodness the world's best mother. I hope, you didn't take it personally, but I fear that you did. Just know that all my friends have always appreciated you and even though it took me a while to catch on, I know it now and my girls know it too.<br />
<br />
You are awesome and I am blessed. <br />
<br />
I love you. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3-EnGxxvohWY8HBqloIBk1lZSrqsb93sYP5Ms6p8A_vi9weVWo_P-RmMdMjr4kQs-U7AlsHGkoA_HYu31zBvdtSM2GQoNA9_efztnz9cKASTOu_Pf7iobAVxkDLP9FJgYidfaL7yJnU/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3-EnGxxvohWY8HBqloIBk1lZSrqsb93sYP5Ms6p8A_vi9weVWo_P-RmMdMjr4kQs-U7AlsHGkoA_HYu31zBvdtSM2GQoNA9_efztnz9cKASTOu_Pf7iobAVxkDLP9FJgYidfaL7yJnU/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-43793748215847891492013-02-27T19:37:00.001-08:002013-02-27T19:37:10.761-08:00My NanaYesterday, my Nana died.<br />
<br />
I don't know how old she was, but she was old and her body had given out on her.<br />
<br />
When I think about who she was, I can't help but to smile. She was a feisty old lady with a heart of gold. She was very opinionated and she liked to talk a lot (see...it is genetic!).<br />
<br />
During football season, she'd get so worked up about Auburn football that on Saturday nights, she wouldn't be able to sleep at all.<br />
<br />
Up until she was no longer able, every Wednesday she did a "tape" ministry with her church. I never had any idea what this was except that it had something to do with cassette tapes and visiting shut-ins. She never missed it.<br />
<br />
She kept an immaculately clean house. No finger prints on the fridge and no vacuum marks in the carpet. She would take a broom and sweep the carpet after she vacuumed so there weren't any marks in the carpet. Once I asked her, "Nana, why would you do that? How is anybody supposed to know you vacuumed if you can't see the vacuum lines?" and she told me that she lived by herself and she didn't care if anybody knew that she had vacuumed.<br />
<br />
She was known all over the community for her beautiful yard with the white picket fence. She had beautiful azalea bushes and incredible dogwood trees. We always took our Easter pictures at her house in her front yard and every year, she'd have my dad and my uncle go hide a huge garbage bag full of eggs so that the four of us grandkids could go hunt them.<br />
<br />
She was also known as the wart lady. She had magical voodoo powers (well that's what I called it) that could remove warts. She would take a potato, cut it in half, rub the potato all over your warts, and then plant it in her garden. In a couple of weeks, the warts would be gone. My momma took half my cheerleading team over to her house once so she could work her magic on all my friends. <br />
<br />
She was very strong in her faith and every day she read her Sunday School lesson out of a little book. She kept it right beside her monthly copy of Southern Living.<br />
<br />
She collected tea pots and bird houses.<br />
<br />
She also had a big, breakable rooster in her dining room. I asked her once why she had a big ol' chicken in her dining room and she told me it wasn't a chicken, it was a rooster, and she thought it was pretty.<br />
<br />
She told stories of my Papa Louis and stories of when she worked at Flowers Bakery.<br />
<br />
She wore sweat suits and white Keds during the winter, and seersucker pants outfits during the summer. To church, she always wore a suit, a beautiful necklace, and a butterfly broach. She has two display frames of them in her room. I was always fascinated by her butterflies. I wore one pinned inside my wedding gown as my something borrowed, although, I'm pretty sure I never gave it back.<br />
<br />
She was stubborn and hard-headed. She was kind and she was loving.<br />
<br />
She always had candy and enjoyed having visitors.<br />
<br />
She loved her brothers and sisters and talked to them often.<br />
<br />
She makes the best chicken-n-dressing you'll ever have.<br />
<br />
She never missed an occasion to give a card to someone. When Ansleigh was a baby (a mere two months old) she sent her a Valentine's card with a $5 bill in it and told me to buy that baby some chocolate. <br />
<br />
She forced me to learn how to make macaroni and cheese when I was fourteen or fifteen because I needed to learn to do something for myself (she was right, I did need to learn).<br />
<br />
She was a wonderful grandmother. She helped take care of us when we were sick, called us, kept the family together, and remembered us, even when we were too busy to remember her.<br />
<br />
I'm sure she is much like every other grandmother in the world, except to me, she is different. She's my Nana. I am so thankful that she is not suffering anymore, but I will miss her dearly. Life will not be the same without her, but we are all better people for having known her. Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-53521636233925287652013-02-25T08:09:00.000-08:002013-02-25T08:09:46.949-08:0013.1--I did it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66BCVHSYSMCCfJL_oyp-w8HVQnvBnMchT4nD04upO5fFu-_npd5dg7MzElmDYrXmgeEGcmqkU-jNWc3ua4kJGvXuaQLHkdXCGCalPIp-0J4LxxWIsJ3e9ZioZy2_Ny5jco-3sspPZHUI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66BCVHSYSMCCfJL_oyp-w8HVQnvBnMchT4nD04upO5fFu-_npd5dg7MzElmDYrXmgeEGcmqkU-jNWc3ua4kJGvXuaQLHkdXCGCalPIp-0J4LxxWIsJ3e9ZioZy2_Ny5jco-3sspPZHUI/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
This weekend I completed my first half marathon.<br />
<br />
You may remember almost a year ago, I posted that I was determined to do it as part of my weight loss goal.<br />
<br />
<b>Side note:</b> I haven't posted in a while about where I am now with my goal to lose the weight. Addisyn will be one in a few weeks and I am at the goal weight I set for myself (137 pounds). I've been there since October-ish. I gained some weight over Thanksgiving an Christmas (about 8 pounds) but I'm back down. I do have what I have always called an unrealistic goal weight and I'm about 10 pounds shy of that. Maybe I can get there this summer when I have more time.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Training:</b><br />
I did great all summer training. I started with the Couch to 5K app and loved it. Once I completed that, I downloaded a half marathon training app made by the same makers and used that. Once school got back into swing, my running became less frequent, and eventually, I was only doing my long runs because something was always coming up during the short runs where I couldn't do them. Some were legitimate reasons and some were just excuses. In January, I did The Color Run in Orlando. While I was running, my knee really started bothering me. I stayed off it a week and then did 10 miles. After that, I was miserable. I finally got it checked out and I have I.T. Band Syndrome. Basically what that means is that my I.T. band is too tight and it creates friction in my knee when I run, which causes irritation, which feels like someone is jabbing a knife in my knee and twisting every step I take. Since then I have stayed off of it a lot and just done some short runs here and there, mostly on the treadmill where I thought there would be less impact. <br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure I caused the knee problem myself by not training accurately. Now, I just need to do the stretches and exercises needed to help it get better and then, I'm going to train correctly. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Trip: </b><br />
We went over to Disney on Saturday morning. The Health & Fitness Expo was at the Coronado Springs Resort. You couldn't park there and had to park at Downtown Disney and take a bus. Rather than drag the kids over there, my awesome hubby entertained them at Downtown Disney while I went over to the expo. I expected long lines but by the time I got there, it wasn't bad at all. There were tons of people there but I walked right up and got my race number and my race shirt. I waited a long time (close to an hour maybe) in line to go through the official runDisney store. I also scored my hunny a pair of limited edition runDisney New Balances (last pair in his size!) but was sad they didn't have my size. After the expo we went over to Hollywood Studios for the day to catch the newest version of the Disney Junior show. I tried not to walk too much (a mere five miles, which is nothing compared to what we usually do) and went back and checked in to the hotel (All Star Sports). They got us a preferred room (close to the lobby and on the bottom floor) so I'd be close to the bus pick up. <br />
<br />
My sweet hubby and kids chased me all over during the race, and afterward, we checked out of the hotel and went to Magic Kingdom for the day where we ended up walking about 10 miles (on top of the 13.1 that I did yesterday morning). Needless to say, I'm pretty sore and tired today. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Costume:</b><br />
I saw a picture of a sleeping beauty running costume on Etsy and it was ridiculously expensive but it didn't look that hard to make. I had the running skirt and I had the tank top already so my amazing mother took what I had and made it into an even better one than the one I saw. She is awesome! :) Thanks, Mommy!<br />
<br />
Do you have to wear a costume? No, not at all. Did a lot of people have them on? I'd be willing to say that most people had some kind of costume on, even if it was just Minnie ears. Even a lot of the thousand or so guys that ran had costumes on. :) They were good sports! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtQOvLDosUb9D2wXsIB5VG_9QfUWnsAvKywE5pds23THmga_M2iQf3jOna-4EojiRhCJOXS3BYOoa4rh-psMi9mdaJshzfMpGCMe6GN4_za_jlDLWCBG0hPxjGi6ZXvCRqhZMec4tyH0/s1600/photo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtQOvLDosUb9D2wXsIB5VG_9QfUWnsAvKywE5pds23THmga_M2iQf3jOna-4EojiRhCJOXS3BYOoa4rh-psMi9mdaJshzfMpGCMe6GN4_za_jlDLWCBG0hPxjGi6ZXvCRqhZMec4tyH0/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Race:</b><br />
I barely slept the night before (which almost always happens to me). I woke up at 2:30 and got up at 2:45. I got on the bus around 3:00 where I started sipping a gatorade, ate half a banana, and took some tylenol (for the knee). I got to Epcot and the runner's area around 3:30 am. I took pictures with Princess Jasmine and Princess Ariel and then stood around until my corral was called to go line up. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcEb8nvOiSbuj0UBP_QejOWVjtXS4rID2NA352llyTF2SjwmGrPKdfN6fkMNbmdrFT-6sLgbY12sn6HywaJCiQPVJm_ftWfV5I2s5X899zuorjmC3MB77CQjQpVh8ol6eawaKIo1EH0c/s1600/photo(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcEb8nvOiSbuj0UBP_QejOWVjtXS4rID2NA352llyTF2SjwmGrPKdfN6fkMNbmdrFT-6sLgbY12sn6HywaJCiQPVJm_ftWfV5I2s5X899zuorjmC3MB77CQjQpVh8ol6eawaKIo1EH0c/s320/photo(4).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi786WjBcuY5pBKVL2RkBFY8hVWoiv7tJkMzqHoJq1ibfZ4c_1VeYF9o_pdhIYqusIAgCwj-JnqDQbCer2ea49lO8vUckbbOEfcxJsyyBfvD9KbynD4o4Iqo807EyoLuMJlCm-AKMWaFlg/s1600/photo(5).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi786WjBcuY5pBKVL2RkBFY8hVWoiv7tJkMzqHoJq1ibfZ4c_1VeYF9o_pdhIYqusIAgCwj-JnqDQbCer2ea49lO8vUckbbOEfcxJsyyBfvD9KbynD4o4Iqo807EyoLuMJlCm-AKMWaFlg/s320/photo(5).JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
I had a few friends running, but none running with me. It would have been better and a little easier if I'd had someone with me, but it was still a blast! There were 26,000 other runners there! <br />
<br />
Once they call your corral (I was next-to-last!), you walk about 20 minutes away through the secret hidden spots of Disney to line up. I stood in my corral for a small eternity. I was worried because my feet were already hurting a little from the day before. At 6:17, my corral got to start. I was somewhere around two miles when the winner of the race passed us on her way back. She finished in 1:17!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQuR00LYGtn5Ee7ap8KuvtC2ShkER0NS6q7pcBW5VrKUpfZJV8As8eZJHG1AR_peFbgiJJKQu5CmxySTnRdKVO5pYUhfrqzbs0AZIpYGNgWWkmfTx68yiFRoSpIOzO0oK7YB2OuFhMBI/s1600/photo(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQuR00LYGtn5Ee7ap8KuvtC2ShkER0NS6q7pcBW5VrKUpfZJV8As8eZJHG1AR_peFbgiJJKQu5CmxySTnRdKVO5pYUhfrqzbs0AZIpYGNgWWkmfTx68yiFRoSpIOzO0oK7YB2OuFhMBI/s320/photo(1).JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
I stuck to what I had trained to do which was run 4 minutes, walk 1. I could have done more but I was really worried about my knee. My plan was one of those, "Slow and steady finishes the race" sort of things. I took some spray Icy Hot with me and continually hosed myself down as aches and pains popped up. My knee did eventually start bothering me around mile 7 but that was much better than I expected.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1lRxNSIwZs915KnDqLLA2zdGP3FRM7ncDYU25DrSRPG9WJ-1mUXmQnu9U5y8rUzeJnimzEiKoTYp2TnOke7VsRmesObM5njEhkYWqBzcqG6EYEji_jHnapRCj8vEUSwpJrsN1-UOG8U/s1600/photo(8).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1lRxNSIwZs915KnDqLLA2zdGP3FRM7ncDYU25DrSRPG9WJ-1mUXmQnu9U5y8rUzeJnimzEiKoTYp2TnOke7VsRmesObM5njEhkYWqBzcqG6EYEji_jHnapRCj8vEUSwpJrsN1-UOG8U/s320/photo(8).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I started seeing characters around the 3 mile mark. The first ones I saw were all the princes (even Mulan's!) and Captain Jack Sparrow with a big pirate ship. I didn't stop because the lines were about 30 people deep and I wanted to get a good jump on the sweepers (the people who will pick you up if you are behind pace). We got to Magic Kingdom around mile 5 or so and as we were coming through the parking lot I saw my sweet husband there with my two little girls. Ansleigh wanted them to both have on Sleeping Beauty because that is what I was dressed like. Ansleigh was holding up a sign she'd made that said "Go Mommy!" and had princess stickers all over it. It was just what I needed to remind me that I was not alone.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Running through Magic Kingdom is amazing. Seriously amazing. Gaston was out, Belle was out, and Prince Mickey and Princess Minnie were there too. The castle creates a HUGE bottle neck and it was impossible to run or even walk fast until you were well out of the castle.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajWqmsKVLKUd6-BesMCQn5s8O3hHKLWZ6EAAvOZb4Rd8sEuSC2IfNMzkFkOIz043vBssTdnF6xr0aqoOfwxCN-x7VdAiSclI9FZmpDvap3rDzpmX_8XXpp6lmPgU5rTTwNa5H1AlQS48/s1600/photo(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajWqmsKVLKUd6-BesMCQn5s8O3hHKLWZ6EAAvOZb4Rd8sEuSC2IfNMzkFkOIz043vBssTdnF6xr0aqoOfwxCN-x7VdAiSclI9FZmpDvap3rDzpmX_8XXpp6lmPgU5rTTwNa5H1AlQS48/s320/photo(2).JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<br />
From there, I just kept chugging along. Disney has people set up all along the way with people cheering you on, music blasting, medical tents (with ice, tylenol, and biofreeze), lots of water and powerade, and they make it easy to keep going. I passed Villian characters, Mulan, and a ton of other characters (and photo op stops) but I never stopped. Especially on the back half of the run because I was hurting and I was afraid if I stopped, I'd never start back or I'd lose what little momentum I had.<br />
<br />
My husband was awesome. He got up early, got the kids dressed, and chased me around. He was watching my gps location from his phone and when I started slowing down some, he'd send me the sweetest text messages checking on me, asking how I was doing, motivating me, and once, he even texted me a picture of the finish line telling me I could do it! Each time I got a text from him, it was the exact moment I needed it. He will never know how much that meant to me.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTjajhk1K98mEG6A1lHg_f0BWgzjj5wpWmqtY7ihCbWrE5nkemEtmGBTkqK1U0eqpzA4rufkOQlZxmD6SaQYmpdJvcjhEa2Gk9dcN3sD4jv-WSBtoLIoyT_G4rzhiotoRcoin94OFJUQ/s1600/DSC_5784.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTjajhk1K98mEG6A1lHg_f0BWgzjj5wpWmqtY7ihCbWrE5nkemEtmGBTkqK1U0eqpzA4rufkOQlZxmD6SaQYmpdJvcjhEa2Gk9dcN3sD4jv-WSBtoLIoyT_G4rzhiotoRcoin94OFJUQ/s320/DSC_5784.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
I never looked at my runkeeper app with my pace. I knew I couldn't set a time goal for myself because my knee was so unpredictable. I just wanted to finish. Every book or article you read about running distance running tells you that your first race, your only goal should be to finish and have fun that that is what I did. My split times sucked (I checked them this morning) and I averaged a 13 minute mile. Am I happy with that? No, but I did what I needed to do to be able to finish. My time wasn't good (3:11) but I finished. A year ago, I thought I was setting an impossible goal and I did it. 13 miles is a LONG way and a lot of people never have the courage to try. I will not diminish my accomplishment because my time wasn't good or because I was slow or because I walked some. Of the 26,000 something people that ran, only 21,000 finished and I was 14,000 something in overall finish so I was still faster than 7,000 people! :) <br />
<br />
The race was a blast and a blur. I told my husband that it was the shortest, longest three hours of my life. It seems like it went by so quickly and it is all kind of a blur, but in the moment it felt like an eternity. I honestly thought I'd never get to the finish line. When I did, I choked up a bit. It seems silly that I'd cry at the finish line, but I couldn't believe I had done it. Did I do it well? No, but I did it.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8aNp0I5nf6vy-LKJwK1X0WZ6rl57hDlFUdZKNmcdVW1F3kUD_n-mOV27cHoZlZGca8oMdrfMn4OcFkEeNavrEluTV6rAGsfuXmEpLGo-9uoiXyu-mt-_TrdbT9y1Ls3Gkgsv7ZvnIJ4/s1600/DSC_5787.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8aNp0I5nf6vy-LKJwK1X0WZ6rl57hDlFUdZKNmcdVW1F3kUD_n-mOV27cHoZlZGca8oMdrfMn4OcFkEeNavrEluTV6rAGsfuXmEpLGo-9uoiXyu-mt-_TrdbT9y1Ls3Gkgsv7ZvnIJ4/s320/DSC_5787.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme_UtaOzY6IqUlSpU7OzIR9h0inyBs0g9Wcrq3cKkRNtZP8xux-gBV0Bnu0f-ZDL17605Ll_EKuY7hfWcihAcmqQM-qzuyoIX7-nLopetbIUkSiIn5AtwzPq7uqn6nFu17NV6D5yB4V0/s1600/DSC_5804.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme_UtaOzY6IqUlSpU7OzIR9h0inyBs0g9Wcrq3cKkRNtZP8xux-gBV0Bnu0f-ZDL17605Ll_EKuY7hfWcihAcmqQM-qzuyoIX7-nLopetbIUkSiIn5AtwzPq7uqn6nFu17NV6D5yB4V0/s320/DSC_5804.JPG" width="214" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwVhjf3B0ttBMSSJbr57aKm2kdB94BbPUDh6CwmO6kj6cSsq1RdBec6uVvoEyAdkDy5um6_XFZl6XvVW7YVr5iU5bJ6BNGXlhXGzshqq2_1bhCsPkMTr9u2R1TjkfoYvgO-_xPwZjuck/s1600/photo(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwVhjf3B0ttBMSSJbr57aKm2kdB94BbPUDh6CwmO6kj6cSsq1RdBec6uVvoEyAdkDy5um6_XFZl6XvVW7YVr5iU5bJ6BNGXlhXGzshqq2_1bhCsPkMTr9u2R1TjkfoYvgO-_xPwZjuck/s320/photo(3).JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGdCV8QgRZ2LsDUApV38IY6PmfrvNrjRxV8-xDW04jtFYZZzQYHRh6mL43abNJ_pNshat2wWjC96KwX7xsW6dKVVnC0DMfv3BsWy4z9wtaNVP2sGl6KMwOVSYzkrbD0JsE9xM0Ig0WZ0/s1600/DSC_5811.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGdCV8QgRZ2LsDUApV38IY6PmfrvNrjRxV8-xDW04jtFYZZzQYHRh6mL43abNJ_pNshat2wWjC96KwX7xsW6dKVVnC0DMfv3BsWy4z9wtaNVP2sGl6KMwOVSYzkrbD0JsE9xM0Ig0WZ0/s320/DSC_5811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>The Future:</b><br />
Do I plan on doing another half marathon? Crap, yes! It was fun and now, I want to be better. I am going to slow down a bit and let me knee stop hating me. I'm going to do a couple of 5k's. Then, I'm going to train correctly over the summer and fall. Hubby and I are going to do the Disney Wine & Dine half marathon in November. He has started training too :) and wants to do the Disney Marathon and eventually the Goofy Challenge. I also want to do the Coast-to-Coast challenge. I want to run the Tinkerbell Half at Disneyland and then the Princess Half (again) at Disney World. I doubt I can come up with enough money to do both next year. I also would like to do the Princess Half with a friend that I've trained with and someone that we can stay together the whole time because honestly, that was the hardest part--not having someone beside to you talk to and cheer you on and share the experience with you. <br />
<br />
Anyone want to join me in the Coast-to-Coast challenge? I promise I can run a little faster that what I did! :) <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTjajhk1K98mEG6A1lHg_f0BWgzjj5wpWmqtY7ihCbWrE5nkemEtmGBTkqK1U0eqpzA4rufkOQlZxmD6SaQYmpdJvcjhEa2Gk9dcN3sD4jv-WSBtoLIoyT_G4rzhiotoRcoin94OFJUQ/s1600/DSC_5784.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-74805512670403095102012-10-24T18:39:00.000-07:002012-10-24T18:39:54.795-07:00My HeartI started this blog as a place to write about the things that were on/in my heart, thus the title of Mommy Friday's Heart. Well, lately I've had a couple of things on my heart and in the next few posts I'm going to share them with you, but today I want to write about the first thing that has been on my heart lately: orphans.<br />
<br />
James 1:27 says that, "<span class="text Jas-1-27" id="en-NIV-30294">Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."</span><br />
<br />
Jesus says in Matthew 25: 40, "<span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-NIV-24049"><span class="woj">The
King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the
least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"</span></span><br />
<br />
If orphans aren't the least of these, then I don't know who is. I don't think all of us are called to the adoption of orphans, but it is clear that God wants us to love orphans and help them in any way that we can.<br />
<br />
I do not feel the call of adoption and I don't have a ton of money laying around to donate to orphans so what can I do? Well, I have this little blog here that has about 200 readers (an astonishing amount to me but not that many compared to other blogs) that can read what I write about orphans. I can show my readers ways they can help.<br />
<br />
We have several friends who either recently adopted or are currently in the adoption process and it can be tedious and frustrating and at times, very heartbreaking. I do not want to diminish anyone's adoption process and we certainly have tried to help out as we could, but right now, we have very dear friends who have recently been called by God to adopt a little girl out of Ethiopia and her name will be Josie.<br />
<br />
The costs of adoption, especially international adoption, are astronomical and our friends cannot even begin to really get started until they've raised about $6000.<br />
<br />
I am not asking you to donate, but I am asking you to go to their blog and follow along with them on their journey. If nothing else, maybe you can see what it like to go through this process. They have a Facebook page that you can "like" and get updates that way too.<br />
<br />
Right now, they have two things going on. They are selling tshirts, which are incredibly adorable, and the only reason why I haven't purchased one yet is because I can't decide which one I want more. They also have a giveaway going on.<br />
<br />
The basics of this giveaway is that you donate money and based on the amount you donate, you get a certain number of entries, and these entries give you chance to win an American Girl doll of YOUR CHOICE!!!! That's right, you get to choose. Even a donation of a mere $10 can get you entered. You don't have a little girl to give a doll to? Donate it to some needy child. Your little girl isn't old enough for one? Put it up for later when she is old enough. I promise you that you can find someone to give this doll to, all while helping bring Josie home to the family God has called her to.<br />
<br />
To read their story from the beginning, go to: <a href="http://findingourjosie.blogspot.com/">http://findingourjosie.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
To check out the awesome shirts, go to:<a href="http://www.adoptionbug.com/findingourjosie/" target="_blank"> http://www.adoptionbug.com/findingourjosie/</a><br />
<br />
To get in on the American Girl doll action, go to: <a href="http://findingourjosie.blogspot.com/2012/10/fundraiser-announcement-american-girl.html">http://findingourjosie.blogspot.com/2012/10/fundraiser-announcement-american-girl.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-68131897007906296652012-10-09T18:57:00.002-07:002012-10-09T18:57:31.163-07:00An Update of SortsIt has been a while since I posted. Do I start all my blog posts that way? I feel like I do. Anyway...<br />
<br />
What have I been up to lately? A lot.<br />
<br />
Today I gave a grammar mini-lesson on how "a lot" is not one word. Actually, I do that at least once a week. If these kids don't learn ANY thing else, they will leave my room knowing that a lot is not one word, which is more than I can say for a lot of people. :)<br />
<br />
Right now I'm looking at a pile of 9th grade essays that need to be graded. Oh the joys of being an English teacher. <br />
<br />
Last week my great aunt passed away. The week before that she was perfectly delightful. She went in for a regular stress test, had an allergic reaction and then she went 12 minutes without oxygen. The next day she was declared brain dead and they took her off the machines. Three days later she went to be with Jesus.<br />
<br />
The day after the machines were turned off, my grandmother was found unconscious on her bathroom floor bleeding. She had an upper GI bleed and has been hospitalized since then. Yesterday she was finally moved to a physical therapy facility.<br />
<br />
In the midst of all that, I have felt God's pull to apply to grad school. I would like to get my masters degree in Educational Technology, which is really just a fancy term for a Media Specialist/School Librarian. I can see God opening several doors for me so I am following his lead. I have finished my application and just have a few things left to tie up loose ends with that process. I feel like a high school senior all over again. I'm so nervous!<br />
<br />
I've been attending a mom's Bible study on Wednesday nights and that has been such a breath of fresh air.<br />
<br />
In other news, we are traveling up to Alabama the first weekend in November to attend Anthony's cousin's wedding. The second weekend in November I will be running a 5K at Animal Kingdom. The third weekend in November we are attending the Auburn vs. Alabama A & M game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This will be the first time we've been back to Auburn since Ansleigh was about 4 months old. We are spending the week of Thanksgiving in Alabama and then heading back to good old hot Florida to wrap up the semester, celebrate Ansleigh's 5th birthday (FIVE!?!?!?! Already???? How did that happen?), and begin our many Christmas celebrations.<br />
<br />
I've been figuring out what the girls are going to be for Halloween. Halloween is expensive when you need TWO costumes. Addisyn is going to be Rapunzel (Ansleigh picked it out for her) and who knows what Ansleigh will be but it will be some princess that she already has the costume for. <br />
<br />
I've also been figuring out what the girls are getting for Christmas from Santa. I always buy the Santa presents in October, and everyone else's Christmas presents in November, and then we just have to pay for Ansleigh's birthday and all our holiday travel costs in December. I do this so we aren't spending so much money all at one time. Addisyn's is getting a convertible car seat and a few toys. Ansleigh will be getting a bunk bed for her Carly doll and her McKenna doll (she's getting that one from Lolli & PopPop) plus a few other things she wants. <br />
<br />
In the middle of writing this blog, I've stopped twice to rock a fussy baby who got her shots today. She had her 6 month check up and I left work early to take her to the doctor and then we had a little Mommy & Addi time.<br />
<br />
Some days, I'm just exhausted. Most days I'm just exhausted. I get tired of doing laundry and washing bottles and grading papers, but at the end of the day, I love my life, and more importantly, I love my kids and I love my husband. And that, my friends, is what it is all about. Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-84847611917004728402012-08-28T14:34:00.003-07:002012-08-28T14:34:49.242-07:00Flattery Will Get You Everywhere...Or The Dean's Office<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaXP3qoYw0w8UvkTT8ZU_wAJlCarhpzdpBRaE7SPejuusprx-b0E5GEHsvMH0RZdNRZjtZw9i0eltGyf9VCBBZI7iL5JsIqD_eqK8klKWcdPWbUd-SEO-c1tN3e7lbrLXDzCvIfAsB3I/s1600/teacherbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaXP3qoYw0w8UvkTT8ZU_wAJlCarhpzdpBRaE7SPejuusprx-b0E5GEHsvMH0RZdNRZjtZw9i0eltGyf9VCBBZI7iL5JsIqD_eqK8klKWcdPWbUd-SEO-c1tN3e7lbrLXDzCvIfAsB3I/s1600/teacherbooks.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have one class of freshmen, and 4 classes of SENIORS this year. I cannot even begin to describe how much I love them. My seniors brighten my day and crack me up all day long. They are awesome. Several of them I taught when they were in tenth grade so that might be why I feel a little more connected.<br />
<br />
Last year I was super pregnant all year long.<br />
<br />
This year I've come back to compliments galore.<br />
<br />
"Mrs. Friday, you look great!"<br />
"Mrs. Friday, you've lost a lot of weight!"<br />
"Mrs. Friday, you're so skinny!"<br />
"Mrs. Friday, there is no way you've had TWO kids!" <br />
<br />
I've also gotten a lot of comments from my 18-year-old boys.<br />
<br />
"Mrs. Friday, you look NIIIIIIICE today!"<br />
"Mrs. Friday, I'm legal now, you know?"<br />
"Mrs. Friday, you can't come in the classroom. You look too pretty today. We won't learn anything."<br />
"Mrs. Friday, those eyes, you can't look at me with those eyes." <br />
"Mrs. Friday, you can't get glasses. Angels don't need glasses." <br />
<br />
These kids are harmless and they say<b> ridiculous</b> things to me (such as suggesting I should quit teaching and be a Victoria's Secret model) mostly just to get a rise out of me, and partially because they have no filters on their mouths and no understanding of what is appropriate and inappropriate.<br />
<br />
I appreciate a kid telling me how nice I look or how thin I am just like the next girl, but I'm working on teaching these young gentlemen that being married means something, and if/when they go into the work field, they can't treat their bosses this way. They are reminding me to be VERY cautious in how I dress, not bending over, where I position myself when I'm helping a student, etc.<br />
<br />
And just to be clear, I'm not the only teacher that gets hit on. Pretty much if you teach and aren't 85 years old, you'll get hit on. I am not writing this to let people know how hot kids think I am or how popular I am at school. I realize I am not the only one that this happens to. My point is, these kids have really made me feel good about myself and when they say this stuff to me, I can't help but laugh at them because they are so funny when they say it.<br />
<br />
I've decided to keep a log of all the insane things they say to me so that one day when I'm fat, and old, and ugly, I can read it and remember all these things and laugh.Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-79588104930195878802012-08-27T17:08:00.000-07:002012-08-27T17:08:47.545-07:00Tell It Like It Is...I'm a tell-it-like-it-is kind of a girl so here is what's up with me:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnxX1sdisFgPFKwsOQs5X48TthqEal4zFkS12F2gcLsMLew21EMwNt2E3uKY3YFSSlwJTwN3pf2CAqT5akhngDo96BKfF3g8R0BI4IEKFOqi-1G1zaUkX9CXQPmY2Nq6GGE1KHzZubFI/s1600/10735718-jogging-or-running-woman--vector-illustration-isolated-on-white.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnxX1sdisFgPFKwsOQs5X48TthqEal4zFkS12F2gcLsMLew21EMwNt2E3uKY3YFSSlwJTwN3pf2CAqT5akhngDo96BKfF3g8R0BI4IEKFOqi-1G1zaUkX9CXQPmY2Nq6GGE1KHzZubFI/s1600/10735718-jogging-or-running-woman--vector-illustration-isolated-on-white.jpg" /></a> </div>
<br />
I have found it harder to keep up with all my workouts and running since I've gone back to work.<br />
<br />
I completely stopped the 30 day shred about a week before I went back to work because I found that running and doing that was putting too much stress on my body (well maybe not too much, but a LOT more than I could handle at the time and I was starting to get injured).<br />
<br />
I've still been running. I completed the Couch to 5K training and just ran to run for a couple of weeks. I find it difficult to do that--to just run without anyone telling me what to do. Then I started the Couch to 13.1 training program. I'm a week into it, but instead of running 3 days a week and being done, it has me (well I'm supposed to be) running one day, cross training one day, running one day, cross training one day for all seven days a week. Yikes!<br />
<br />
Fitting in the time for running is harder now that I work all day outside of the home. Life is back, full-swing, and it seems like there is something every night of the week. I can't run (outside) on Mondays because Ansleigh has dance class on Monday nights and homework EVERY NIGHT (the kid is in pre-kindergarten and has homework EVERY night!) and dinner and bath. I can't run (outside) Tuesday nights my husband plays church league softball unless it is pouring rain. If it is raining that much, I can't run outside and if he's gone, I have both kids to feed, bath, etc. and don't forget the homework. Wednesday nights is church dinner, kids choir, and my mom's bible study. When I get home with the girls (Hubs has praise team and choir practice), we still have to do homework, bath, and tiny tot needs her bottle. Thursdays I can run outside. We actually have nothing those days. Fridays I could run outside too but by then, I'm just so dang tired.<br />
<br />
My goal has been to run Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday mornings. I usually have to do Tuesday nights on the treadmill my mom gave me (Thanks, Mom!!!). Thursdays and Saturdays I like to run outside, but the weather often dictates if it is outdoors or on the screened-in porch on the treadmill.<br />
<br />
I like to run outside, but I've recently run into some interesting "experiences" that have made me question running near my home. When I run outside I'm almost always spotted by one of my students (they are seniors who drive and where we live is zoned for the school I teach at). Two weeks ago, I had a guy (not a student!) literally hanging out his truck window whistling at me, while another guy raced by on a bike and said, "I bet you get that all the time." Just a few days ago, I had a guy ride alongside of me for half a mile asking me strange questions like how often I jog and can he jog with me.<br />
<br />
Yes, my husband could run with me, but that implies that he wants to go run three days a week. If he did, we'd have to take both of the kids with us, just so I could be safe while I'm running. Yes, I could run with a friend, but I don't have many friends who live in my area of town who would want to run with me and could run on my schedule. Where does that leave me? I don't know.<br />
<br />
On the other side, I have found that it is easier to control what I eat when I'm working all day and don't have time to think about how hungry I am. Plus, even if I do get hungry, I don't have anything to eat there aside from what I bring with me from home. I bring a morning snack (granola bar) and my lunch (sandwich and chocolate pudding). You can't eat what you don't have. :) I have eaten a little too much pasta lately on the weekends and then I've had to work it off.<br />
<br />
I'm still losing weight, but it is slower than when I could kill myself this summer. I find myself longing for the summer days of waiting for my husband to get home so I could fly out the door running. In my mind, I thought that since I'm not coaching anymore, I'd be able to come home and work out or run before the kids came home but that hasn't happened one single time since I went back to work. I've found that I stay later at work trying to get papers graded and things prepared for the next day, working hard not to get behind. When I do get home, it is time to start dinner, or go pick up the kids and then start dinner. Or go pick up the kids and get to ballet or church.<br />
<br />
I keep telling myself that I'm going to start getting up at 5:15 (YIKES!) in the morning to run once the time changes and it is daylight then. I'm not a morning person and I LOVE to sleep so we'll see if that actually happens. Plus, I could still get abducted at 5:30 in the morning just like I can at 7:30 at night.<br />
<br />
I have the Mickey's Jingle Run (or whatever it is called) November 10th coming up and I am going to do the Color Run in December. February is the Princess 1/2 Marathon. I am committed. I haven't registered yet because it costs money, lots of money, but I will as soon as I get a few more pay checks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnxX1sdisFgPFKwsOQs5X48TthqEal4zFkS12F2gcLsMLew21EMwNt2E3uKY3YFSSlwJTwN3pf2CAqT5akhngDo96BKfF3g8R0BI4IEKFOqi-1G1zaUkX9CXQPmY2Nq6GGE1KHzZubFI/s1600/10735718-jogging-or-running-woman--vector-illustration-isolated-on-white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Anyone want to run with me? Anyone have any tips on how to stay safe running alone? Anyone have any motivating thoughts/advice for me? Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-9427157828237650522012-07-24T14:11:00.002-07:002012-07-24T14:11:14.660-07:00Fitness & Weight Loss Journey: 30 Day Shred<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Fitness & Weight Loss Journey: 30 Day Shred</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Overview:</b> This is
a 20 minute intense workout by Jillian Micheals, one of the Biggest Loser
trainers. The workout has three levels and she suggests starting at level 1 and
working your way to level three. Since the workout is supposed to be for 30
days, I plan to spend 10 days on each level. Her workouts are based on what she
calls the 3-2-1 method—3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, 1 minute of
abs. The only required equipment is a set of hand weights and a mat if you are
going to work out on a hard floor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 1, Level 1:</b>
This was not the first time I have done this workout. The first time I did it,
I couldn’t even do the whole thing. Today, I struggled with the push-ups but
I’ve always had a hard time with that, even when I was a three sport, super
fit, teenage athlete. There is a cardio series where you do jumping jacks, then
jump rope, then jumping jacks, and then jump rope again. I had to go pee right
in the middle of it, even though I went to the bathroom right before I started.
I’m going to blame this on birthing a child less than 4 months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should note that I also ran 2.5 miles today
(several hours after completing this workout).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;">
</span></div>
<table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td height="0" width="135"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 2, Level 1:</b>
Today my oldest child was watching her favorite tv show, so I popped the DVD
into my laptop and took it out on our screened in porch. I got a little
sweatier than I did yesterday when I was in the air-conditioned house with a
fan blowing on me. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>
I made it all the way through the first set of push-ups today but did have to
take a short (super short!) break on the second round of push-ups. I also had
to go pee during the jumping jacks/jump rope section again. I tried to hold it
but for some reason, I just really had to pee. I stopped the DVD long enough to
run in the house and go to the bathroom. I came right back out and picked it
right back up. I was a little bit sore today and I definitely felt the burn a
little more today than I did yesterday. Overall it was a good workout and I am
seeing progress with my endurance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Day 3, Level 1:</b> I
liked being out on the porch yesterday so I did that again today. The humidity
makes me sweat a little more. I like to imagine I’m sweating off all my fat.
Ha! Today I did all the push-ups except 1 (for both sets) which is a major
improvement. I’m essentially doing all the more difficult level moves as
opposed to the modified version offered with the exception of push-ups. Even in
my teenage prime, I could not do a “man” push-up and I certainly don’t expect
to be able to do one now. Another accomplishment of the day, I didn’t have to
leave to go to the bathroom during the jumping jack/jump rope segment. Because
of this, I definitely felt the burn more today than I have the past two days. I
can see improvement and that gives me encouragement to keep at it. Also, I
thought I saw a vague glimpse of a muscle in my arm. Score! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 4, Level 1</b>:
Today I was in a foul mood. I started this workout hoping that it would clear
my mind and help ease my mood. It didn’t. Eldest Tot kept coming out and asking
me questions every three minutes. I must admit that I didn’t give 100% today
but I did do it and I did complete it. The cardio part (jumping jacks/jump
rope) was still killer on my legs and the push-ups were a struggle but I did
them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 5, Level 1:</b>
Today I spent 11 hours in the car. It was 9:30 (but 10:30 for what my body is
used to) before I started the workout, but it felt great to do it. The cardio
was tough but I made it through. The push-ups were easier (not easy, just
easier). I made it all the way through with no complaints. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 6, Level 1:</b> I
skipped Saturday and Sunday <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span>
I feel like a failure. I could give you a list of excuses, but that is just it,
they are all excuses. Today I did my workout in the living room of my mom’s
house while watching 3 kids. The kids did the workout with me and I ended up
having to use Addisyn as hand weights the last 5 minutes because she was only
happy if I was holding her. The cardio section with jumping jacks and jump rope
was still very difficult but the rest of it was not so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I also ran a mile and a half. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 7, Level 1:</b>
My nephew hid my hand weights from me so I had to hunt for about 20 minutes to
find them. Ansleigh and Tyler did the workout with me while Addisyn napped in
the swing. The cardio part was still difficult but I managed it without
completely dying. Everything was much easier at the end-not sure why. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 8, Level 1:</b>
Everything was pretty much the same today except that I had to use Addisyn as
my weights for some of it because she was fussing so much. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 9, Level 1:</b>
Did the workout from memory today. Did not play the DVD at all. I went back and
checked and I definitely got all of it in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also ran 2.5 miles today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 10, Level 1:</b>
Finished level 1!!!! Did it all! Some of it was still a little bit of a
struggle but I’m really excited to be moving on to Level 2—partially because
I’m sick of doing the same things over and over again, and partially because I
have compared to pictures from Day 1 to Day 10 and there is a difference. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So far, I have lost 6 more pounds since I start the 30 Day Shred, but that could be because I am still counting calories, or because I've been amping up my running, or a combination of all three. I will have to say that I've begun to notice a lot more fatigue on my body. I'm not sure if my body just isn't used to this much exertion or if it really is a bit too much. I think it would be best suited to do on my days off of running as cross training but I'm going to try to stick to it and finish out my 30 days. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-68595179471707622092012-07-19T18:39:00.001-07:002012-07-19T18:39:16.565-07:00Excuses, Excuses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtI52dxjxYS7NPjdjEfkQEJzgMRKj5OvajRGxrwP4E11K6quxlPUiWWbZ2RvHIVxxav9m9jCi3mVYrRDw6KfsDEbSlwNWRBZvqFRVfkaSGsOaDbVW8Bs9Sj797RWMjqCGCrBnxd1QNW4I/s1600/yoga2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtI52dxjxYS7NPjdjEfkQEJzgMRKj5OvajRGxrwP4E11K6quxlPUiWWbZ2RvHIVxxav9m9jCi3mVYrRDw6KfsDEbSlwNWRBZvqFRVfkaSGsOaDbVW8Bs9Sj797RWMjqCGCrBnxd1QNW4I/s1600/yoga2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I struggle with making excuses. I make excuses and make excuses and then whatever I'm making an excuse for or about never gets done.<br />
<br />
My excuse making isn't limited to just one area of my life. I make excuses for why I'm too busy to wash those bottles or excuses for why I shouldn't make the bed. I make excuses for why it is ok if I'm late to work or why it will be fine if I don't grade those papers today. I make excuses about calling friends or helping somebody out. <br />
<br />
Lately though, not to brag, but I've been totally rocking in the house cleaning, chore doing, dinner cooking department. Ok, maybe I'm bragging a little bit. Our beds have been made and clothes washed and put away, bottles clean, dinner cooked and ready to eat when hubs gets home, etc. It is easy for me (notice I said me, not everyone else--we all have different situations) to get all this done when I'm at home and not working my full-time job.<br />
<br />
So what's the excuse problem? My workouts.<br />
<br />
No, seriously. I often find myself making excuses, especially now that I've started the 30 Day Shred Challenge. Instead of doing it in the morning when I have time, I think, "No, I'll do it later when the kids are sleeping." But then the kids aren't all sleeping at the same time. Or facebook and Pinterest really need my attention ;) Then it doesn't get done and it is 9 or 10 o'clock at night and I'm trying to talk myself out of doing it. I do this with my running too. Because I only run three times a week, I find myself saying, "I'll do it tomorrow." Eventually, the runs get done, but not the way they are intended to be. <br />
<br />
I have eventually talked myself into doing the workouts, but I have found, that the excuses are the most difficult part of losing weight for me. <br />
<br />
The one thing I have discovered though, is that you have to want to be healthy/skinny/toned/etc. MORE than you want to watch tv or play on the computer or go to bed early. This is something I'm still struggling with, but I know what the solution is.<br />
<br />
I'm not perfect and I haven't met my goal yet, but I'm working on it, which is more than I was doing last summer. <br />Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-42639144971074081872012-07-17T21:11:00.001-07:002012-07-17T21:11:30.874-07:00Weight Loss & Fitness: My Decisions & My OpinionThere are a million ways out there for people to lose weight. Why did I chose the methods I've chosen?<br />
<br />
Mostly, because they are free. Also, because they are lifestyle changes and I don't really have to leave my house (or at least not go very far) to do any of it. <br />
<br />
From what I can tell, one of the most popular methods people use are diet pills. Well, that's great for you, but I don't care how many infomercials tell you it works, it doesn't. And even IF you lose weight, it will come right back. Plus, you have to buy all those stupid things and they can get expensive.<br />
<br />
Another common method is joining a gym. I think joining a gym is a GREAT idea if you are actually going to go. I joined a gym once when I was in college. I went twice and paid for that stupid thing for a year. What a waste of money! I won't pay for a gym membership, even if it is only $10 a month, because I know I won't go. Plus, seriously, when am I going to go to a gym with two kids, a full-time job, and a husband? I won't. <br />
<br />
I've read about detox diets that make you drink all these disgusting juices and then you poop for however many days straight. If I wanted to lose weight that way, I'd just go get myself some food poisoning.<br />
<br />
There are people who pay to go to nutritionists once a week and people who pay to get personal trainers. That crap cost money! I can get all that same nutritional information off the internet for free and I have a personal trainer--her name is Jillian Michael's and that woman is a beast. She cost me a one-time-fee of $9.99 two years ago. <br />
<br />
I don't do Weight Watchers or Nutrisystem either. It cost money! I know it helps to have that accountability but if you have a good friend or a spouse, you have accountability; you don't need to pay for it. It also helps to have someone telling you what you can eat and what you can't, but I've never liked to be bossed around and I'm not about to start now.<br />
<br />
I use Lose It. It is an app that I downloaded on my phone. I don't know how much it cost now but when I got it, I'm pretty sure it was free. This is how it works: you enter your current weight, then you enter your desired weight, then you choose between losing one pound, one and a half pounds, or two pounds a week. From there, it will tell you how many calories you are allowed to have in a day. You enter the food (and drinks) you have throughout the day and it does the math for you. It has an incredible database of things already entered for you and if whatever you are eating has a code on it, you can just scan it into your phone. Easy peasy. If you are over your calories for the day, you have to do something (exercise type thing) to get back down under your limit. Hand washing dishes and even cleaning the house burn calories. Play the Wii. Do situps during commercials. It counts!<br />
<br />
I also run. Running is something a lot of people think they can't do. Unless you have a physical reason from a doctor, you can run. It is your attitude that stops you. I hated it at first and then all of a sudden, I realized one day that I loved it. You may not love it, but it will get you into shape. Will you lose weight from just running? Only if you are controlling what you eat. If you run but have a milkshake everyday (hello 1000 calories!), you won't lose any weight unless you are running a good 13 miles a day. You don't have to be fast to run. By the end of my workout/training session, I can walk faster than I run. I've also gotten better though and now I can do a 9 minute mile when I need to, you know, if I see creepers in the neighborhood or big scary dogs.<br />
<br />
I've said this before, but when I run, I use three apps on my phone. I know, that seems a bit excessive, but let me explain. Right now I'm in week 7 of the 9 week Couch to 5K training program. I *think* it was a free app too but I could be wrong. It tells you exactly what to do and exactly when to do it. It starts you out walking and then running. Over time, you increase your running and decrease your walking. When it is time to run, your screen goes red and it beeps at you. Awesome. :) The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't keep up with mileage or your pace, so I use Run Keeper for that. It was free too. Run Keeper has coaching on it too but I don't use it. The third app I use is a new one for me--Jog FM. This one indexes all the songs on your phone and then plays songs based on the pace you are going. You can blacklist songs (like all my Christmas music), choose "Pump Up" songs, and favorites. I love it. I think it was $2.<br />
<br />
All in all, my weight loss methods have cost me a whopping $2 this go around and total (over past 5 years) maybe $20.<br />
<br />
I do have to tell you that I need motivation to run, which is why I enter races. When I know I've paid to do something like that, it makes me more inclined to train for it. It is really hard for me to just train for nothing except fitness. So the races cost money, but they are SO much fun, especially the Disney races, and since we have passes, it turns into a Disney weekend for my whole family. Races are not necessary and I spread them out over the year, plus, when you pay to enter a race, you are donating to charity! :) <br />
<br />
Yes, you can spend money on cute running clothes, or hats, or watches, or apps, but you don't have to. Losing weight can be free.<br />
<br />
If you are really motivated, you don't need to spend a crap-load of money so a bunch of people can tell you 82 ways to lose weight. In the end, the only thing that is going to work (and help you keep it off) is to do the work--hard work. Eat right and exercise. You can drink all the "smoothies" and take all the pills you want, but in the end, the weight will come back if you don't keep it up. People say they don't have time to run--BULL CRAP! If you have time for facebook and pinterest, you have time to run. Time isn't the issue, your "want to" is the issue. Get off your butt and go do something that makes you sweaty! :) <br />
<br />
<br />Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-80985440800685096012012-07-11T19:54:00.000-07:002012-07-11T19:54:42.638-07:00Losing the Weight: Step 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpyiD3gpu1rjLiGgpnP0U-fGqbofNBUNRG9GmTvaHaB4IAwjTsCasRGjGHv8l7_fHf4knAVCFnZKgydlfJGv6KmLztgYBx_ADVQsYYavmG7CekZRUXNjVyFM_aqkTqP4Y6dvTh_aBoks/s1600/carrie+and+anthony+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfP8szxWOPLCME-zKzAwk7ljpDN3eV98W_ZpurkCH-vbUKhspMd6nWz55v1j3AJCOCcI2iyUzXmPB3us-Np4NX0aFufR5FirgvpW-FsMVzgGyyFBKi134tnJe54rRBfvQ-LqWLk_HUZs/s1600/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfP8szxWOPLCME-zKzAwk7ljpDN3eV98W_ZpurkCH-vbUKhspMd6nWz55v1j3AJCOCcI2iyUzXmPB3us-Np4NX0aFufR5FirgvpW-FsMVzgGyyFBKi134tnJe54rRBfvQ-LqWLk_HUZs/s1600/images.jpg" /></a> </div>
The first step in weight loss is the motivation it takes to get started. Everyone wishes they could lose 10 pounds or be as skinny as so-and-so or be as toned as someone else. It is easy to want to lose weight, but the hardest part is wanting to lose the weight badly enough to actually start.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfP8szxWOPLCME-zKzAwk7ljpDN3eV98W_ZpurkCH-vbUKhspMd6nWz55v1j3AJCOCcI2iyUzXmPB3us-Np4NX0aFufR5FirgvpW-FsMVzgGyyFBKi134tnJe54rRBfvQ-LqWLk_HUZs/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
The first time I ever really gained any weight was our first year of marriage but you must know that when we got married, I was 21 years old, was 5'6", and weighed somewhere around 115-120 pounds. The picture below was the day we got engaged. Would I like to look like that again? Of course I would! Who wouldn't? I was thin, toned, and totally healthy and happy....and 21. The weight gain was only about 10 pounds so it wasn't that big of a deal.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpyiD3gpu1rjLiGgpnP0U-fGqbofNBUNRG9GmTvaHaB4IAwjTsCasRGjGHv8l7_fHf4knAVCFnZKgydlfJGv6KmLztgYBx_ADVQsYYavmG7CekZRUXNjVyFM_aqkTqP4Y6dvTh_aBoks/s1600/carrie+and+anthony+13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpyiD3gpu1rjLiGgpnP0U-fGqbofNBUNRG9GmTvaHaB4IAwjTsCasRGjGHv8l7_fHf4knAVCFnZKgydlfJGv6KmLztgYBx_ADVQsYYavmG7CekZRUXNjVyFM_aqkTqP4Y6dvTh_aBoks/s320/carrie+and+anthony+13.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
Then, two years after we got married, I got pregnant with Ansleigh. I only gained 22 pounds with her (excessive vomiting will do that to you!) but that muffin top was a beast to get rid of and I never really did. It took around two years to really get that 22 pounds off. I finally did and I felt GREAT! I used Lose It and ran my first 5K (The Disney Princess 5K) and my second 5K (The Flamingo Run). I ran some and walked some. The weight was off, I went back to work, and stopped caring.<br />
<br />
I mostly kept it off for about a year and then I really stopped caring because the talks were beginning about having a second baby. Who cares about a few pounds here and there? Well those few pounds turned into about 25 in just one semester and summer. Yikes!<br />
<br />
Once you put on the weight, you feel almost defeated. It is there. You see it in the mirror, you see it with your clothes that you can't wear, you see it the most in pictures of yourself. It was sickening for me.<br />
<br />
Throughout my pregnancy, I kept thinking about the first time I lost the weight, how I did it, and how I could do it again.<br />
<br />
It is one thing to think, "I'm going to lose this weight." It is another thing to actually do it. It is so much easier to sit on the couch than to get up and do something.<br />
<br />
How did I motivate myself? I looked at pictures of myself when I was thin and happy. I also looked at pictures of myself when I was a Fatty McButter Pants. When you have a new baby in the house, you take pictures constantly and as we uploaded them, I kept seeing myself and wanted to throw up.<br />
<br />
I started with food. That is easier (to me) to control. I was careful about what I put in my mouth. Mostly just the amount, not what I was eating.<br />
<br />
Then I got out of the house and started walking.<br />
<br />
Honestly, my biggest motivation was that I'd be seeing my sister-in-law (who I LOVE! and who weighs like...10 pounds) in a few months and I'm always worried about what I look like when I see her because she always looks so great. My motivation was that I didn't want to be fat when I saw my SIL. She would never judge me, and for sure, not out loud, but it is just one of those things. Plus, I knew I had no more excuses. No pregnancy, nothing. No excuses!<br />
<br />
I also was motivated by the fact that I had gestational diabetes. When you have that, it makes you much more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Pair that with the fact that BOTH of my parents and one of my grandmothers all have type 2 diabetes and it makes me like the poster child for someone who will likely develop it. I love pasta and I love Coke and I love chocolate. I cannot have diabetes.<br />
<br />
Another motivator was the fact that we teach our children by example. If I'm always shoving my mouth full of crap and never exercising, what am I teaching my children? Ansleigh is at such an impressionable age. I want her to think that a healthy lifestyle is the only option. Nothing will motivate you like your babies can.<br />
<br />
My sweet husband would never say anything to me about my weight or what I'm eating--he values his life too much ;) and respects me more than that, but I knew he was concerned about my odds of having diabetes later in life. Plus, who would really want a fat spouse? I mean seriously! Especially when that spouse was a mere size 2 when you married her? I know he doesn't love me for my weight or my size but I love him enough that I should be healthy. I need to be healthy enough to raise our kids and spend my life with him. <br />
<br />
What are some other ways to motivate yourself?<br />
<ul>
<li>ask yourself why you want to lose the weight </li>
<li>look at pictures of the you that you want to be</li>
<li>talk with other people who have been in your shoes</li>
<li>find a buddy who is going through the same thing you are RIGHT NOW</li>
<li>find a friend that can be mean to you and by mean, I mean honest. </li>
<li>enlist your spouse or roommate--make them tell you to put that cookie back</li>
<li>link up your running app or your weight tracking app with facebook so EVERYONE you are friends with, all 800 of them, can see that you went out and walked, or ran, or maybe went over your calories for the day.</li>
<li>ask your friends to encourage you, because they will. They are your friends and they love you!</li>
<li>GET OUT THE DOOR! That is the hardest part. </li>
<li>Put on your workout clothes. Wear them all the time. Why? If you have them on, you are more likely to do something that makes you sweat. Promise!</li>
<li>If your kids can't read yet, put a sign on the fridge that says, "Put that back, Fatty!" :) Or better yet, train your kid to tell you that you can't have that or to remind you that you need to exercise that day. Kids are relentless. </li>
<li>If you are on Pinterest, do some searches for fitness, healthy foods, running, whatever and follow lots of those board. Your feed will fill up with things that remind you to "Just do it, even if you suck!" Or it will tell you "You're not hungry, you are just bored. Drink some water and learn the difference." If that isn't motivation, I don't know what is. </li>
<li>If you like to read, read books on nutrition, or losing weight, or running, or whatever you are interested in that is active. Not only will it improve your knowledge on the subject, but it will also keep you focused on what you are doing. </li>
<li>Listen to your workout music when you are in the car or washing the dishes. If it pumps you up, it might make you want to go do something. </li>
</ul>
What motivates you? <br />
<br />Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-34704922124131025162012-07-10T08:13:00.001-07:002012-07-10T08:13:29.725-07:00My Weight Loss and Fitness JourneyLast summer I was fat. Fatter than I've ever been. And then....I got pregnant (on purpose, might I add!).<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT4pRPr8AqkSfYhPYuZNMXv89X9m5uAvsNPyhP0s-B4xK4tXEQw8Pq0ecDwKWW6ai8W9TojfpAJSP-GND1uM24Zq3fD6Vlojuh9Zyn2LI_zXt_GBGylfSmP29xU_Xs8tIfxYpFGGZ6EE/s1600/263383_10100319604127631_3992069_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT4pRPr8AqkSfYhPYuZNMXv89X9m5uAvsNPyhP0s-B4xK4tXEQw8Pq0ecDwKWW6ai8W9TojfpAJSP-GND1uM24Zq3fD6Vlojuh9Zyn2LI_zXt_GBGylfSmP29xU_Xs8tIfxYpFGGZ6EE/s320/263383_10100319604127631_3992069_n.jpg" width="213" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This was one year ago. See? I told you I was fat.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
When I got pregnant I weighed 164. Hold on...I just threw up a little.<br />
<br />
Ok, better now. When I went for my first doctor's appointment she told me that I was officially overweight and on the verge of obese. OBESE!!!!!!! But I was pregnant so it wasn't like I could do some insane diet. I decided to just not care. I'd worry about it later and blame it on being pregnant. <br />
<br />
As my doctor's appointments continued and I adamantly refused to look at the scale. I did not want to know what I weighed. Only at the very end of my pregnancy did I ask how much weight I had gained. I was told I had gained 22 pounds. Not bad for pregnancy but that just added to the extra weight I was carrying around. If you add those numbers together, you get 186 pounds. That means I weighed 186 pounds when I walked into the hospital to have Addisyn. Yes, almost 8 of those pounds were her, but still...<br />
<br />
When I came home from the hospital, I was determined not to be fat anymore. Not just that, but I wanted to be healthy and toned and I wanted to keep it that way.<br />
<br />
I decided to run a half-marathon. I knew I'd need a while to get ready for it so the 2013 Disney Princess 1/2 is what I chose.<br />
<br />
I started out just going for walks until I got tired (I'd been on bed rest for 5 weeks prior to delivery) and then I started making those walks a little longer. Then, I started trying to jog a little here and a little there. Six weeks postpartum, I started Lose It (a calorie counting weight loss app). By this point I had lost the 22 so I was back to 164. Again, barf.<br />
<br />
My goal is to lose two pounds each week (the maximum the app will allow) and this allows me roughly 1200 calories a day. The more I did each physically, the more I could eat. Which means I often found myself scrubbing an already clean house just so I could burn all those calories...haha! That is a first in our house, I promise!<br />
<br />
I might need to also tell you that I'm a smidge bit addicted to Coca-Cola. I LOVE it! It is the one thing I refuse to give up. I know I could drop the weight much quicker if I'd stop drinking soda and only drink water but that wouldn't last long. I'd pick the Coke back up and the weight would come back. I'd rather lose it while still indulging in my one bad habit. I usually only have 2 canned cokes in one day anyway-one for breakfast (I don't drink coffee) and one with lunch. That's only 24 ounces in one day. <br />
<br />
When Addisyn was 9 weeks old, we went to Disney for a week. When we came back, I started my training (running). I registered for a 5K at Animal Kingdom in November and started using the Couch 2 5K app. I am currently starting week 6 of the 9 week program and now run 19 of the 30 minutes which includes a 5 minute walking warm up and a 5 minute walking cool down.<br />
<br />
I have become addicted. I love to run. I love the peace and quiet I get for 30 minutes. I love the sound of my feet hitting the pavement. I love the feeling I get when I get tired and want to quit, but don't and pick up the pace. I love the feeling of accomplishment I have when I get home covered in sweat. I love it.<br />
<br />
The training program has you run 3 days a week. Ideally, you'd run Monday, Wednesday, Friday and rest on Tuesday and Thursday. I HATE taking the kids in the stroller, simply because I want to be child-free and it is much easier without pushing 50 extra pounds. Because of this, I usually go on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. My husband isn't home on Wednesday nights so that is why I run on Tuesdays. Plus, who wants to spend their Friday night running?<br />
<br />
I have to tell you though, on the days I don't run, I find myself desperately trying to find a way to fit it in. My neighborhood isn't really a place a young woman my age would feel safe running in when it is dark outside so I have to go before then.<br />
<br />
I have also done the Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred a few times. The first time I did it, I couldn't do all of it, even on the easy level. Now I can do all of it except all the push-ups, but that is because my 4-year-old has more arm strength than I do.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrqDINo690PhqL_wWjqgemx7qlHKOzRoSMkxEMRQZ-XU2fryokUE73XjafrDCCWyeUhH_y77JjGRcWwqUeQob0NqBz7vOYD0BLYm2uZ-Wf1YFhZ_aBomvhydTv5dpureDgG2-cDVsE7c/s1600/51QlqI3yaOL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrqDINo690PhqL_wWjqgemx7qlHKOzRoSMkxEMRQZ-XU2fryokUE73XjafrDCCWyeUhH_y77JjGRcWwqUeQob0NqBz7vOYD0BLYm2uZ-Wf1YFhZ_aBomvhydTv5dpureDgG2-cDVsE7c/s1600/51QlqI3yaOL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I've also started to read a new book and I love it. The author is a former Olympian runner and she makes things so simple and it is really set up for beginners which is very helpful for someone like me. She has tons of great tips and a great story and personality. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVgSnM0EH3ZZ1KEx2pvxu6Z926EYoXYkeV-sHc3RzkWWLjKtCKAVI6zaHL6GelPLzRXH3Q-eeoILaBAm-UxS0DeWLEAnhOVT-hPwHEkSy_gKaF4z1ZVkQIQum44SQH1SGhK2jJrRz87s/s1600/51SbrfGIMtL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVgSnM0EH3ZZ1KEx2pvxu6Z926EYoXYkeV-sHc3RzkWWLjKtCKAVI6zaHL6GelPLzRXH3Q-eeoILaBAm-UxS0DeWLEAnhOVT-hPwHEkSy_gKaF4z1ZVkQIQum44SQH1SGhK2jJrRz87s/s1600/51SbrfGIMtL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
I have become much more interested in eating healthy foods and finding substitutes to make things better for us and lower calorie. When we go out to eat, I beg to go to Panera Bread (only if it is a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday) because they have the most amazing garden vegetable soup with pesto and the big bowl of it is only 160 calories!!! I have also found myself searching out fitness tips and healthy recipes on Pinterest. Being healthy has become an obsession. <br />
<br />
I don't deprive myself of food I like. I ate a Kit Kat last night. I love pasta. I just try to find a healthier way to make the foods I like. I use whole wheat noodles and fresh vegetables. I watch my portion sizes and try to eat only one serving of food instead of three of four. One of the things I do so that I can still eat what I like is that I find a way to burn off the calories. I run it off or I do a work out DVD or wash the dishes that are sitting in the sink. Or cut the grass for the hubs. Something. Anything. Losing weight isn't impossible and you don't have to starve yourself and only eat egg whites and carrots. <br />
<br />
Being healthy is an addiction. The more you work at it, the more you want to work at it. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAnNWczJT4WleD1vgHYxcmSOYdEXWUH-exUfCiq5GpFy4p1RRsOB6sOnCwBW0lP06WSXb1owSv1I2xS58HsKSIugcB5f6zS1-Kp82Mel6JaO0cp6IkqrDjDE9ChDmUvTxYsKNLNJJSHg/s1600/168802_10100861202405341_1434250096_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAnNWczJT4WleD1vgHYxcmSOYdEXWUH-exUfCiq5GpFy4p1RRsOB6sOnCwBW0lP06WSXb1owSv1I2xS58HsKSIugcB5f6zS1-Kp82Mel6JaO0cp6IkqrDjDE9ChDmUvTxYsKNLNJJSHg/s320/168802_10100861202405341_1434250096_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The picture on the left is at the hospital right before delivery. The picture on the right is at Disney World 13 weeks later. </i></div>
<br />
I currently weigh 141 which means I have lost 45 pounds since I went into the hospital. I still have around 10 or so to go, but my focus isn't on what the scale says. My focus is on what I look like. People can't see what my scale says but they can see what I look like in my clothes. I know I'm not finished yet, but I've never been more motivated.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I started a new goal. I'm going to do the 30 Day Shred for 30 days in a row. It has 3 levels so I figure 10 days per level. I took a picture of myself yesterday (Day 1) and will take a picture on Day 10, Day 20, and Day 30. Assuming that I reach my goal, when I do, I will post pictures and update you guys. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrqDINo690PhqL_wWjqgemx7qlHKOzRoSMkxEMRQZ-XU2fryokUE73XjafrDCCWyeUhH_y77JjGRcWwqUeQob0NqBz7vOYD0BLYm2uZ-Wf1YFhZ_aBomvhydTv5dpureDgG2-cDVsE7c/s1600/51QlqI3yaOL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Do you have any fitness tips to share? A great weight-loss story? Any good healthy recipes? I'd love to hear from you!Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-92207303970660750832012-06-28T14:01:00.000-07:002012-06-28T14:01:07.395-07:00Packing and PreparationI am compulsive. Obsessive compulsive. Not in the everyone claims they are kind of way, but in the I take medication for it kind of way. I get it from my momma :)<br />
<br />
Tomorrow we are leaving to go spend 10 days in Pensacola/Navarre. This is quite possibly my favorite week of the year EVERY year. My family has gone every summer of my life (with the exception of two summers). 25 of those 26 summers have been spent at Pensacola Beach (the other was a trip to Savannah/Tybee Island).<br />
<br />
We are traveling and vacationing and that means I have a lot to pack. I mean, I'm packing for a 4-year-old, a 3-month-old, my husband (yes, I do most of his packing), and myself.<br />
<br />
I always see all these blogs with tips and tricks for packing and most of them are well...stupid. These people are flipping idiots really. Some of the tips are things like making drawings of all the places you'll stop. That might be fine for some family that will spend 4 hours in a car and it will feel like they have spent a week in the car. That's cool and all, but uh, every year we drive 7-10 hours multiple times a year to visit our families. I'm not letting Ansleigh draw pictures of all the places we'll stop because we don't stop. We pee, eat, and get gas all on the same visit. We are hard-core.<br />
<br />
ANYWAY, people seem to be interested in my organizational skills and my craziness so I thought I'd post about it.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Packing</u></b><br />
Packing for the girls:<br />
<ul>
<li>Their clothes have been packed for approximately 3 weeks now. Seriously. </li>
<li>They have matching outfits for EVERY day. </li>
<li>They have bows to go with those matching outfits. </li>
<li>They have swimsuits for EVERY day, most of them matching.</li>
<li>They have bows to go with those swimsuits. </li>
<li>They have pajamas.</li>
<li>Ansleigh has underwear, Addi has her blankets, diapers, etc. </li>
</ul>
The way I packed for them is that I got out all the clothes I knew I wanted to take with us and took them to Addisyn's room where I could spread out in the floor. I got several gallon-sized ziplock bags (a whole box to be precise). I got the outfits that I wanted them to wear the first day out. I found bows to match. Got out the shoes Ansleigh would wear with that outfit and a pair of underwear. Outfit, shoes, underwear, bow, hair tie/headband all went into a ziplock bag (one per child) and labeled for the first day. I did the same thing for all of the other days. If a bow I needed for one outfit was already packed with another outfit, I made a note on the ziplock bag of which bow it was and what bag it was already in. When I finished with all the outfits (one per day), I put them in their bags, but not just in any order. I packed them with the last day we will be there on the bottom and then the day before that on top. That way, all the clothes are packed in the bag in the order they will wear them with the first day's clothes on top.<br />
<br />
Next, I did the same thing for swimsuits. I found their matching (or coordinating) swimsuits and put them into baggies with the bows that go with them. Each one is labeled for each day. Those bags got packed into the duffle bags the same way--last day on bottom, first day on top. My husband wanted to know why they needed bows to go with their swimsuits. While my first reaction was to say, "DUH. Why wouldn't they need bows?" I realized, this probably wouldn't sufficiently answer his question. My girls are bow girls. They do not leave the house without one. Period. They aren't leaving a condo without one either. I don't care if the ribbon gets wet; it will dry. They will look gorgeous and southern at all times. He smiled, nodded, and accepted the crazy that he chose to marry. :) <br />
<br />
Then, pajamas. Here is the thing about being obsessive compulsive: you aren't that way about everything, just some things. I don't care about their pajamas. I don't care what day they wear them; I don't care which ones they have packed; I don't even care if they wear the same pair twice. I let Ansleigh pick out which p.j.'s she wanted to take (the only thing I could let her choose because I can't handle letting her pick the other stuff) and then I grabbed enough sleepers for Addisyn. Those all got put into the duffle bags.<br />
<br />
I should mention that the inside of the duffle bags are packed in stacks. The far right stack is their pajamas (both bags). The middle stack is swimsuits. The left stack is their matching outfits. I should also mention their bags are monogrammed because pretty much everything we own is. <br />
<br />
I packed a few extra outfits for Ansleigh that are more what I would consider play clothes, just in case she needed them. I packed an extra outfit for Addi for each day because well, babies spit up and their diapers explode so...extra clothes are needed. I *might* have gone a little far with packing an extra outfit for her for EVERY day. Sue me. <br />
<br />
Extra stuff I had to pack (in a different, monogrammed bag):<br />
<ul>
<li>enough diapers to last 10 days</li>
<li>wipes</li>
<li>formula</li>
<li>bottles (those have not been packed yet as we are using them)</li>
<li>bottle brush</li>
<li>dish soap to wash bottles (Palmolive Free & Clear. Only Palmolive Free & Clear)</li>
<li>Sponge to wash the bottles. The purple one that I always use. I only buy the purple ones. </li>
<li>pack n play</li>
<li>baby tub</li>
<li>bumbo</li>
<li>boppy</li>
<li>the kitchen sink (just kidding...mostly.) </li>
</ul>
I also had to pack for myself and the hubs. Our packing is fairly simple. One outfit (I always pack in outfits so I know exactly what we will wear and what goes together and I don't forget anything I need for that outfit) per day. Pajamas. Running clothes (both of us run so we both need them). Shoes and socks (for running). Swimsuits. Underwear. The basics plus my hair dryer, straightener, make up, meds, etc. <br />
<br />
We are staying with Anthony's brother's family tomorrow night, so unless we want to take EVERYTHING in, I needed to pack stuff in different bags. The girls have a small bag to share. Their outfits (in ziplock bags), pajamas, and their toiletries are all packed in that bag. Anthony and I have a small suitcase with what we'll need for that first night/day packed. I keep a Vera Bradley (duh!) travel case packed with travel sizes of all our toiletries so that is thrown in there too. <br />
<br />
All our beach towels (two per person) are packed in an old diaper box. All the other things we need to take with us to the beach/pool are packed in our beach bag. Ansleigh's sand toys are packed in a rubbermaid tub that has a handle. The whole tub will just get carried over to the beach. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Preparation</b></u><br />
I prefilled all the bottles with nursery water so they are ready to be used. As many as possible are in the diaper bag. The others are in another bag.<br />
<br />
You know those little crib things that you put up that light up and play music? I mounted one of those to the headrest of Addisyn's seat in the car so she will have something to look at. She also got a car seat toy to grab at.<br />
<br />
Our minivan has a third seat in the second row that you can take out. We usually have it out but since the third row will be folded down, I put the seat back into the car so I can climb back there and still be seated and buckled to feed the baby to prevent unnecessary stopping.<br />
<br />
I took a shoe organizer and attached it to the back of the driver's seat to put all Ansleigh's crap in. Coloring book, colored pencils, crayons, markers, other coloring book, sunglasses, leap pad, random toys she NEEDS to have. You know, 4-year-old kid crap. It is all right there where she can reach it. I saw this on pinterest. I cannot take credit for the genius that this is. <br />
<br />
Since the DVD's have to be changed up front, ALL her DVD's are in a cd case in the front so I can easily change the movie when she wants to watch something different.<br />
<br />
One idea I did steal from a blog, was taking a craft tray (or tackle box) and filling the little compartments with various snacks. The idea is that it gives them a variety, it is all crap you have in your pantry, and once it is gone, it is gone, and no more snacks. I will say that it is a BUTT TON of food for a kid. I think it is intended for kids to share but Addi can't have people food yet so....<br />
<br />
The car is already filled up with gas (Hubs did that last night). I cleaned out all the trash, 90% if which came from Ansleigh; shocker, I know. I also wiped down all surfaces and intend on vacuuming the car floor and rugs tonight when I have a little extra help with the kiddos.<br />
<br />
We have chargers in the car for our iphones, his ipad, and my kindle. I have already charged up my kindle so I shouldn't have any battery issues. Ansleigh, Anthony, and I all have headphones. Mine are mostly for ignoring the "Mommy! Mommy. Mommy. Mommy!" from Ansleigh and the "WAAAAAHHHHHHH" from Addisyn (if she is just crying out of boredom).<br />
<br />
I have a list of last-minute things to pack such as:<br />
<ul>
<li>Ansleigh's sleeping toys</li>
<li>Addi's bottles</li>
<li>Our computers, phones, chargers, camera (all that stuff Anthony takes care of)</li>
<li>drinks for the ride</li>
<li>my pillow and blanket</li>
<li>my kindle</li>
</ul>
Tonight and in the morning, I will load the car. My husband is great at it, but I am better :) and too controlling and I NEED to know exactly where everything is. I already have where everything will go planned out in my head.<br />
<br />
Also, I don't want it to seem like my loving husband is useless and doesn't help. He does, but when I get into this mode, I'm kind of like a tornado. It is best to just get out of the way. He helps me check off my lists, tries clothes on that he only wears once a year (because I want him to wear those and that is the beauty of me packing his stuff, he has to wear what I choose...hahahaha). He also takes care of the kids and packs up all things electronic. He fills the car up with gas and best of all, he drives. Even when we travel at night, after he has worked all day. <br />
<br />
<br />
In my spare time, I made Ansleigh a necklace to wear with our outfits for beach pictures. :)<br />
<br />
I need help, I know. Can you think of anything I might have forgotten?Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-83661459158818250762012-06-14T05:19:00.002-07:002012-06-14T05:19:25.143-07:00Ansleigh's Rapunzel Party-Better Late Than NeverI realized recently that I never updated on my blog post regarding <a href="http://mommyfridaysheart.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-newest-project.html" target="_blank">Ansleigh's 4th Birthday</a>--Rapunzel style.<br />
<br />
Here you go:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg70v6eBxXXU6lUWf-GPS7NmZKf52Hj4s1hu2XAYdgTRmFJeUrsYe2lF1CQYFLaz4_Bq9J8opayKYXeLU4LvFqmhyCUqQ1c9ZLt751zGGMnEMyWC6odIbcuE1iwP3k5nlfs62i448GABM/s1600/braid" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg70v6eBxXXU6lUWf-GPS7NmZKf52Hj4s1hu2XAYdgTRmFJeUrsYe2lF1CQYFLaz4_Bq9J8opayKYXeLU4LvFqmhyCUqQ1c9ZLt751zGGMnEMyWC6odIbcuE1iwP3k5nlfs62i448GABM/s320/braid" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Plates, cups, utensils, and the Rapunzel braid :) (braid came from Etsy)<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEuirMM75h7mr1cuO5MVTwH3OOe_9HFhSk69f1lw1aEDfyqwA0DqTZrNmOA5aA0jo9FMzElpcDHJw7-uBew2RrN_Y3z1n3YhyphenhyphenGdyj9Sxy133vDgiqAUMD5pv6PO09Ndh1DDg3vw0-gPk/s1600/candles" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEuirMM75h7mr1cuO5MVTwH3OOe_9HFhSk69f1lw1aEDfyqwA0DqTZrNmOA5aA0jo9FMzElpcDHJw7-uBew2RrN_Y3z1n3YhyphenhyphenGdyj9Sxy133vDgiqAUMD5pv6PO09Ndh1DDg3vw0-gPk/s320/candles" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Birthday girl blowing out her candles on her Rapunzel Cake (made by my mother)<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX391BBw6sNlXAFxdJyjOCyJX-iEG34rc4mrs2IGOMld6WLZJsCJ3l52Yw4nzLj3x-NdY9g76HOh8jkIwRhCjM7Pe0rM-K1gn2s-cAM3FggHKx5ygQZfjP_3l5UejB44Jg6obq1yGdJCo/s1600/candy+bar" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX391BBw6sNlXAFxdJyjOCyJX-iEG34rc4mrs2IGOMld6WLZJsCJ3l52Yw4nzLj3x-NdY9g76HOh8jkIwRhCjM7Pe0rM-K1gn2s-cAM3FggHKx5ygQZfjP_3l5UejB44Jg6obq1yGdJCo/s320/candy+bar" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Candy Bar and Rapunzel dress name banner (banner from Etsy)<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3w5jFC7eb3rJCqt47pOiimQWlQXoOHYH8StCR0WcaTFE_UXsaevKrDVYR4us1wUbfJIG9iyb8d_ZAJsvnq5CeeyNssGGQqAfa_p4FcqsOx1QmKDUp4gcUWEuFmZGNI1acywmgmtFCbvI/s1600/cupcakes" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3w5jFC7eb3rJCqt47pOiimQWlQXoOHYH8StCR0WcaTFE_UXsaevKrDVYR4us1wUbfJIG9iyb8d_ZAJsvnq5CeeyNssGGQqAfa_p4FcqsOx1QmKDUp4gcUWEuFmZGNI1acywmgmtFCbvI/s320/cupcakes" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cupcake "tower"<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u5m9dCU_ZL_IWtxiFw_c9KIWl9d54Hc_Hh3GIsTOwneTIM6Os5ASUyaefYFEe5ZkHjdjid0YWx0GsRRJd-iDlXW4PK3O6Zripi7bcLZJOkcFm4CZEyRkp7K1NBXUXTsrTO0rbp4O-aM/s1600/food" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u5m9dCU_ZL_IWtxiFw_c9KIWl9d54Hc_Hh3GIsTOwneTIM6Os5ASUyaefYFEe5ZkHjdjid0YWx0GsRRJd-iDlXW4PK3O6Zripi7bcLZJOkcFm4CZEyRkp7K1NBXUXTsrTO0rbp4O-aM/s320/food" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Food--I served food from the movie that would be pub food<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3MQX9_3IDvsNSn3wN07omV-MrDxtheHPvjMUuyw-ToMEWYno1XtHRYPivseOgpzvMwNhzGHZUpfoiq18KbHOnz_wwVrOoL1pXklpyHZhRalbo1MUy1pBndfytGNtchMT38WB52UqjRU/s1600/food+table" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3MQX9_3IDvsNSn3wN07omV-MrDxtheHPvjMUuyw-ToMEWYno1XtHRYPivseOgpzvMwNhzGHZUpfoiq18KbHOnz_wwVrOoL1pXklpyHZhRalbo1MUy1pBndfytGNtchMT38WB52UqjRU/s320/food+table" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another view of the food table<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUhXFg45BMfWXZGm5EiG-znWihHIdHUYpT_uzxwEnyzz5bZqr-wp6AlSj12LLh0Mdw08YTInvUsJT6gOxqrBsHIMzeTQ-dSUMe3NEfB7P5no_4hXSySpBOr97Th83-_Dv8hPSbEvnErM/s1600/party+blowers" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUhXFg45BMfWXZGm5EiG-znWihHIdHUYpT_uzxwEnyzz5bZqr-wp6AlSj12LLh0Mdw08YTInvUsJT6gOxqrBsHIMzeTQ-dSUMe3NEfB7P5no_4hXSySpBOr97Th83-_Dv8hPSbEvnErM/s320/party+blowers" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pascal Party Blowers--these were a HUGE hit<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZK1PvdWkBpiKC1LC8CNh15cjKMHVCMD0-W_HzqfiCYYM5iICRke4Lq9TfpztQen2b3KPUSKleHj59gLuDBuffhEtyGwLLueDHDOTgsLFNqTGqGjiX4ptZpKJdjFfSSdHXNwunTgHzJM/s1600/porch" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZK1PvdWkBpiKC1LC8CNh15cjKMHVCMD0-W_HzqfiCYYM5iICRke4Lq9TfpztQen2b3KPUSKleHj59gLuDBuffhEtyGwLLueDHDOTgsLFNqTGqGjiX4ptZpKJdjFfSSdHXNwunTgHzJM/s320/porch" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
View of the porch<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW4AlrkoDt3DoMDQtB7EEsWXyURDq9jD4iFRIC3wEnKDjx4L_TpVgZVpT7wCOECasRmUVlEl1t6BvcA1j2ljA7EDnLr5k_vzWJtYzoViSWd8JlJ_kaH2f2iSDB2JuIfQG5OVPsWUu1CM/s1600/princess+bounce+house" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW4AlrkoDt3DoMDQtB7EEsWXyURDq9jD4iFRIC3wEnKDjx4L_TpVgZVpT7wCOECasRmUVlEl1t6BvcA1j2ljA7EDnLr5k_vzWJtYzoViSWd8JlJ_kaH2f2iSDB2JuIfQG5OVPsWUu1CM/s320/princess+bounce+house" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Princess bounce house--best money ever spent<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQn0ZygtB6R2EkzAIYfrUGoFe0hCN9sMQbyIGgbiiBevRLaNUo_MurFoPsk6LTR-l7gHn4dxfe5BmGqpBS81Tq9PIbo3dEqYm4kBuQm5t1cToSBSXOdcXBE7keHSC5Vg3Lf8aTFmNeAs/s1600/rapunzel+cake" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQn0ZygtB6R2EkzAIYfrUGoFe0hCN9sMQbyIGgbiiBevRLaNUo_MurFoPsk6LTR-l7gHn4dxfe5BmGqpBS81Tq9PIbo3dEqYm4kBuQm5t1cToSBSXOdcXBE7keHSC5Vg3Lf8aTFmNeAs/s320/rapunzel+cake" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rapunzel Cake--yep, she's edible. Thanks Lolli! :)<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnRiJVFPDzSAqZt7PFpiGwTlIWFWjTWibM5XKR_0rY1DiTOgr6Oop_dkTIR-WppW0ZvGRbw59nxXE9y8o-VLv7A1wEn6ztTemEXlzofRPrwDtYfEczhhg_THPUsm4Q7yBerSVAxPKA-o/s1600/rapunzel+shirt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnRiJVFPDzSAqZt7PFpiGwTlIWFWjTWibM5XKR_0rY1DiTOgr6Oop_dkTIR-WppW0ZvGRbw59nxXE9y8o-VLv7A1wEn6ztTemEXlzofRPrwDtYfEczhhg_THPUsm4Q7yBerSVAxPKA-o/s320/rapunzel+shirt" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Birthday girl in her Rapunzel Birthday shirt--made by Lolli<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbdegR2eCBr2gGRnpidmwAmoGISFPhYvOxBJ7DRO095vzQ8kQCsbCAp8Nev6h0qN5cGrs3OOeVrKNtP6R5HsQcYlv23ABMyODIhW-vb-_rs765_8jcG3Ea1GYpcSz3ehjuO9pZhT5GyY/s1600/wreath+door+hanger" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbdegR2eCBr2gGRnpidmwAmoGISFPhYvOxBJ7DRO095vzQ8kQCsbCAp8Nev6h0qN5cGrs3OOeVrKNtP6R5HsQcYlv23ABMyODIhW-vb-_rs765_8jcG3Ea1GYpcSz3ehjuO9pZhT5GyY/s320/wreath+door+hanger" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made the wreath and I purchased the door hanger from Etsy</div>Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-71557144560078767142012-06-06T15:01:00.000-07:002012-06-06T15:01:23.178-07:00You Just Never Know...Today my oldest girl had a playdate after VBS at our beloved Chick-fil-a with some sweet church friends. While the girls were playing on the playground, we got to have some time to just talk.<br />
<br />
<u>The Back Story</u> <br />
Sarah (the friend I was eating with) was my first real friend in Melbourne. We met at a church function and then kept running into each other. She was so sweet and kept inviting me to things and checking up on me. She had her first child during the summer and when I went into early labor with Ansleigh, she was the first one to come to the hospital. She offered to bring me an iccee and stayed with Anthony and me while I worried that my parents wouldn't make it on time (they didn't but they sure tried their best!).<br />
<br />
Ansleigh was a terrible baby. She was beautiful, but a terrible baby. She had colic and acid reflux and cried all the time. My dear, sweet husband was working second shift building a satellite that went into space so he was hardly ever here. Sarah would come over with her baby to visit with me and would do my laundry for me and offer to do any and all other chores.<br />
<br />
Sarah was my friend when I didn't have many, or at least any that could drop by for a visit.<br />
<br />
<u>Today</u><br />
As Sarah and I were sitting there talking, all I could think was that I wished we spent more time together and that I love how easy she is to talk to. We were just chatting away about living away from our families, our girls, church, VPK and homeschooling, and really just jumping all over. I started noticing that Sarah kept mentioning things about how crafty I am, or how honest I am, and then she blew me away. She said that she was talking to another friend of ours the other day and asked her if she had seen me lately. When our friend said no, Sarah said she told her that I'd lost a ton of weight and how great I looked.<br />
<br />
It's true. Not the amazing part or the great-looking part, but the weight loss part. When I got pregnant with Addisyn, I weighed 164 pounds--more than I've ever weighed in my life. That is more than I weighed when I walked into the hospital to have Ansleigh. I only gained 22 pounds with Addisyn but that 22 made me a robust 186 the day I delivered.<br />
<br />
Since I came home from the hospital, I've been carefully portioning my food, started counting calories again, and have started training for a 5K that I'm running at Animal Kingdom in November. Monday, Addisyn was 12 weeks old and in that 12 weeks, I've lost down to 148. My Easter dress that I wore 4 weeks after she was born was a size 12 and last week, I got into a pair of adorable size 6 capri pants.<br />
<br />
I still have about 12 pounds to go, but that's not the point. The point is, nobody has noticed. Or at least, I thought no one had noticed. I would casually mention it in conversation, secretly (or not-so-secretly) bragging and people would look at me with a "You are such a liar" look and say something like, "Oh, that's great."<br />
<br />
Even I can't really notice a difference. I can with my clothes, but not when I see picture of myself. I still feel fat. And jiggly. And pretty much just all around gross. But someone noticed.<br />
<br />
My sweet friend Sarah, who lifted me up in other ways today, noticed. And not only did she noticed, but she bragged on me to someone else.<br />
<br />
I may not look like my 125 pound, not a stretch mark, always perfect hair, sister-in-law (whom I love dearly!!!!), but today I realized that even though I'm not as tiny as I once was, that does not diminish the fact that I have lost 38 pounds in 12 weeks. I'm proud of myself, but more importantly, I'm glad I have a friend that pays attention and cares enough to make sure I know she has paid attention.<br />
<br />
You just never know who is noticing you or the effort you are putting in.<br />
<br />
LOVE YOU SARAH!!!! Thanks for making my day!Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-70227895172772905762012-05-30T20:08:00.000-07:002012-05-30T20:08:00.099-07:00Disney with a BabyWe have lived on the east coast of Central Florida for five years now and this is our third year to have annual passes to Disney. We love going (obviously)!<br />
<br />
When we first bought passes, our oldest daughter had just turned two. Disney with a two-year-old isn't that difficult. Take a sippy cup, a stroller, and plenty of pull-ups and wipes and you'll be fine.<br />
<br />
The older she has gotten, the easier is has been. We have always taken the stroller with us because even now that she's four, she still won't walk the whole time. Heck, our nine year old nephew took advantage of the stroller. :)<br />
<br />
We even went to Disney up until I was a good six months pregnant with our newest addition. Disney pregnant wasn't that difficult either. You just rest when you need to. I would often request going to one of the shows when I needed to sit for a bit and it was not uncommon for me to just sit down on the ground while in line for things.<br />
<br />
I am sure there are people who go to Disney more than we do, but we feel like we've mastered the art of going to Disney World for a day or two.<br />
<br />
In March, I delivered our second little girl and we waited until she was 8 weeks old before we attempted to go. We had a week long trip planned with Anthony's family a week later. We went to Magic Kingdom for her first trip and then a week later we went for the week.<br />
<br />
Now we have always had a few things we always take with us: camera, stroller, small cooler/lunch box with drinks and snacks, Ansleigh's blanket she always wants when she gets sleepy, and her autograph book with a sharpie attached. You never know when you will see one of those rare characters :)<br />
<br />
Taking a baby was a lot easier than I expected. Disney is very accommodating for anyone, especially someone with a baby. They have baby care centers at each park where you can nurse, use changing tables, etc.<br />
<br />
Going just for the day, these are the extra things I took: diapers and wipes, 8 bottles pre-filled with the right amount of water, 8 travel packs of formula, baby sunscreen, double stroller, Moby wrap, cold compresses, clip on stroller fan, my Itzbeen baby timer (I don't leave home without it), a bib, gas drops, a thin blanket, and refillable water bottles.<br />
<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<ul>
<li>Dipers--a given. I took 10-12 (just in case) and a travel pack of wipes</li>
<li>Pre-filled botles--I didn't want to have to look around Disney for water to fill the bottles, plus, I wanted them to be as ready to use as possible. We don't heat the bottles (You don't need to!!!!) so warm water was not an issue but you can ask any Cast Member where you can get warm water and they will find it for you. Your best bet is a restaurant, not the bathrooms. </li>
<li>Travel formula packets--these take up WAY less space in the diaper bag than those bulky containers that hold enough formula for three bottles. </li>
<li>Baby sunscreen--she really didn't need it because she stayed covered up so much but I put it on her just in case</li>
<li>Double Stroller-we have two kiddos now so we need to be able to push both kids. We have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Jogger-Double-Stroller-Orange/dp/B003WIYO2C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338423339&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Baby Jogger City Mini double</a> stroller and it is amazing. We have the stone color (khaki) one which I chose on purpose. I knew we'd mostly be using it for Disney and we didn't want a dark colored stroller to leave sitting out all day in the Central Florida heat.We also have two <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JFEV1K/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00" target="_blank">Mommy hooks</a> on our stroller to hold the diaper bag and cooler/lunchbox. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moby-Wrap-Original-Carrier-Chocolate/dp/B000X4WORU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338423280&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Moby wrap</a>-my sister gave me that thing and it was wonderful to have. I wrapped her up in that thing and could stand in lines without having the weight of holding her, plus I had both arms free to constantly germ-x my oldest child. </li>
<li>Cold Compresses--I used these in one of the layers of the Moby wrap (you could also do the same thing with a sling or baby carrier) to help keep Tiny Tot cool. It worked perfectly. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043IS18I/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00" target="_blank">Clip on Stroller Fan</a>--I knew it would be hot. This thing is awesome. We ended up getting two (one for each kid). The batteries lasted an entire week of being constantly used. I would even take it off the stroller and hold it blowing on the baby while we were in line. Several people stopped me and asked me where I got it-they were totally jealous. </li>
<li>I<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P4GIHY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00" target="_blank">tzbeen Baby Timer</a>--when Ansleigh was a baby I wrote everything down in a log (when she ate, was changed, etc.). This little timer does all that for you. It also has a nightlight and all kinds of other amazing features. I have a hard time keeping track of time anyway at Disney so this timer was clutch for us because we could just glance at it to see when she needed to eat again. </li>
<li>Bib--my sweet little love leaks out of the side of her mouth. I took <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53905888/princess-infant-bib" target="_blank">this one</a> and it was ADORABLE! This lady also made one with Minnie Mouse on it for me :) </li>
<li>Gas Drops--we have the world's gassiest baby so I took those with us just in case we needed them </li>
<li>Thin Blanket--I used this to keep the sun off any parts not covered by the stroller or to put between my skin and her skin so she wouldn't stick to me. A think blanket will make them too hot but a thin one worked great. I used our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Biscotti-Baby-girls-Newborn-Tickled-Blanket/dp/B006SFQD5W/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1338431062&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Baby Biscotti</a> blanket (it was the softest, thinest one we had) but since then I have gotten a pack of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/aden-anais-Boutique-Muslin-Swaddle/dp/B002V8HOMG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1338430965&sr=8-5" target="_blank">Aden & Anais</a> muslin blankets and those would have been perfect too. </li>
<li>Refillable Water Bottles--These were for the other three of us, not baby. I recently found out that you can go to any quick service place at any Disney park and ask for a cup of ice water (or three in our case) and they'll just give it to you....for FREE and then you just pour it in your water bottle. Disney also has water fountains but they are mostly disgusting so go for the ice water. </li>
</ul>
<br />
For the week, there were a few other things that I made sure I had with us.<br />
<ul>
<li>Nursery Water--we use this anyway for our bottles but I didn't want to use the tap water at the hotel.</li>
<li>Bottle Drying Rack--I knew I was going to need to wash bottles and this just makes it easier, especially with all the parts that go with our Dr. Brown's bottles</li>
<li>Bottle Brush and sponge--to wash the bottles</li>
<li>Dish Soap--I found a small bottle of Palmolive baby dish soap so I took that with me</li>
<li>Pack n Play-- Disney will provide one for you free of charge but since we're only an hour and a half away and I had a newborn, I wanted my own. Plus, sometimes those things frustrate me and I was scared I might break the Disney one. </li>
<li>Bibs--I packed every cute bib we own, just in case</li>
<li>Boppy--I always use this to feed her (not at the parks, of course) but she was still taking several bottles during the night and I knew I'd be so tired so having something I could rest her on helped a lot. </li>
</ul>
Other tips:<br />
<ul>
<li>I packed using a lot of ziplock bags. I put the bottle brush in a ziplock bag, the soap in a bag, the sponge in a bag, and then put all those in one bag together. I also used these for hairbows, underwear for Ansleigh, socks for both girls, to keep all the travel formula packs together, etc.</li>
<li>I found out quickly that the hotel sink isn't really intended for washing bottles. I ended up washing the bottles and all their parts in the bathtub and that worked much better.</li>
<li>Even at the "Value" resorts, they have a fridge in every room. We brought canned drinks, bottled waters, juice boxes, etc. to keep in there and then we'd load up the cooler each morning before we went to the park. We also took Uncrustable sandwiches with us and threw them in the cooler each morning along with a lunch pack of chips and our drinks. This kept us from spending money on Disney food for lunch. </li>
<li>If you need a microwave or need to sterilize bottles, some resorts have them in the rooms and some don't. Our resort did not but they did have one I could use at the cafeteria. I didn't sterilize the bottles while I was there but wanted to know just in case. </li>
<li>To prevent over-packing, I packed our clothes by outfits. I did this for my husband, both girls, and myself. The girls were wearing matching outfits each day (I mean...I am breathing so that is a given!) so I packed their outfits from the bottom up, meaning the last day's clothes were on the bottom, Friday's on top of that, Thursday's on top of that, etc. I did pack extra clothes for the girls but just two outfits for Ansleigh and three for Addisyn (the baby). </li>
<li>When you are going during warm weather (here that's March-November), I recommend wearing comfortable clothes. I wore running shorts and a tshirt or dry-fit shirt almost every day. I wasn't there to impress anyone. Plus, you have the advantage of all your sweat not being AS noticeable, and the added bonus of drying off more quickly when you get off Splash Mountain where your butt WILL be soaked. Promise. </li>
<li>Anthony carried a backpack with him the whole time. This is the first time he's done this and he says he is a fan. He kept the camera, snacks, ponchos, etc. in his handy dandy backpack. He also had a few extra ziplock bags in there in case it rained or to put his phone in while riding Splash Mountain.</li>
<li>Be prepared to spend a few minutes going through Security at each park although if you are prepared and ready, it will go much quicker. We had our bags out and unzipped when we stepped up. The security people seemed to appreciate that. </li>
<li>When you go through the ticket gate, have one adult (usually hubs) have all the tickets and the other person push the stroller through the gate. We always put Ansleigh's ticket in first (no finger print scanning for her), then mine, and then while I'm going through, Anthony puts his ticket in and walks through. </li>
<li>Most rides you can take infants on. The only ones you cannot do that with are ones that have a height requirement (Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Railroad, Tower of Terror, Rockin Rollercoaster, Everest, Soarin, Mission Space, Test Track, etc.). You can do Peter Pan with a baby, Winnie the Pooh, Teacups (although I don't recommend it), It's a Small World, Buzz Lightyear, Nemo, pretty much everything. For those rides that you can't take Tiny Tot on and you REALLY want to ride, Disney offers rider swap. You go through the line together and then one parent gets on the ride and one parent stays with the kid(s). When parent #1 gets off, parent #2 gets to ride. You won't get to ride together but at least you'll get to ride. </li>
</ul>
<br />
It really was fairly easy to have a newborn at Disney. I fed her while my husband and daughter were on a ride I didn't want to do, or during a show, or even walking through the park while Hubs pushed the stroller with Ansleigh in it. I changed her diaper when I went to the bathroom or more often in the stroller. I tried to be discreet about it but I really suck at stuff like that and I didn't really care if someone saw me changing her diaper. I'd rather get a nasty look from someone than have to stand in line behind five people who need to change their children's diapers. I pulled the hood down super far and put the stroller where most people couldn't see and did what I had to do. I don't nurse my daughter but I know a lot of people do. If you have a nursing cape, you could do this anywhere at the park. If you have a MobyWrap, you can nurse with that too, or you can always use the Baby Care Centers.<br />
<br />
Are there other things you want to know about? Have you been with a baby and have a suggestion? Let me know! <br />Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-24873685077079894292012-05-12T20:51:00.001-07:002012-05-12T20:51:25.623-07:00My MotherI have the most amazing mother. No seriously, I do. I know a lot of you are thinking that you have the most amazing mother too, but you don't unless you are my sister.<br />
<br />
Not only is my mom super smart (she was salutatorian of her graduating class), but she is beautiful (and looks like she's 35!), and she is talented (she cooks, bakes, paints, sews, creates). Any of those things would make someone special, but the most special thing about my mother isn't any of those qualities; the most special thing about my mother is that she is selfless.<br />
<br />
I didn't realize how much my mother did for me until I was a mother myself. When I was growing up, my mother (and father) worked herself to the bone to be able to put us in tap, ballet, jazz, and gymnastics. She was the adviser/sponsor of my little league cheer team so we would have someone to coach us. When I was in high school, my mother would take her lunch break during 7th period so she could come to ALL our pep rallys and watch us cheer. She spent her weekends all over the state of Alabama braiding the hair of my softball team at various tournaments and keeping the book for our team. She sat in snow and sleet and even extreme heat just to watch me, even if I was only riding the bench.<br />
<br />
When I was a senior in high school I was accepted to the only school I wanted to go to, Auburn. A few months later I was accepted and received a full scholarship to the local university. I told my parents I'd go to the local school because it was free. My mom knew I didn't want to go there, and if it hadn't been for her and the many conversations she had with me about it, I never would have gone to Auburn. If I had not gone to Auburn, I would not be the person I am today and I would have never met my husband.<br />
<br />
The summer after I graduated high school, my mother and sister spent the summer finding things to stock my apartment. My mother even searched high and low to find me the exact same bedding that I had in my room at home so I'd feel more comfortable. My parents moved me in and then my mother stocked my fridge and cabinets. When finals came around my first semester, my mother took off work and came and stayed with me to cook me good meals and clean my apartment so I could spend my time studying. When I started dating Anthony, she immediately took him in as if he was her own. My sophomore year of college I started having some health issues and she got me in with various doctors and then even came to stay with me when I was having some tests done. When I got engaged, she helped me plan an amazing wedding all while planning my sister's amazing (and completely different) wedding. She even made Anthony a cake shaped like Jordan-Hare Stadium.<br />
<br />
When I told her I wanted to have a baby, she took me to Walmart and bought pregnancy tests and ovulation kits for me. When we moved, she came and helped me set up my first house. When I went into labor a month early with Ansleigh, she killed herself to get here and then stayed with me for a little over two weeks to help me recover and to cook and clean for me and learn how to be a mother. She even missed spending Christmas with my dad and sister and all the rest of our family because I needed her.<br />
<br />
All of Ansleigh's life she has loved on her more than I thought any person possibly could. She makes sure she has the best of everything. She has been here for her for all the major things in her life and made sure she had the cutest clothes on while those things happened.<br />
<br />
When I was pregnant with Addisyn, my mom came and helped me throw Ansleigh an amazing birthday party. Then, when I was put on bedrest, she called and checked on me everyday. She made my dad drive her down here one weekend to turn a guest room into a nursery for the baby. When Addisyn was born, she jumped in the car and got here as soon as she could and then took care of Ansleigh while I was in the hospital. When we came home from the hospital, she stayed with me for a week, cooking, cleaning, and entertaining Ansleigh while I recovered and spent time with my new baby. She even repaired one of Ansleigh's stuffed animals.<br />
<br />
My mom does anything and everything for me and never tells me no and never ever tells Ansleigh no.<br />
<br />
In fact, my mom overnighted a box of clothes to Ansleigh and Addisyn for us to take on our Disney trip.<br />
<br />
No one has a mom as amazing as my mom. I didn't appreciate her when I was a teenager, but she means the world to me now and if I could live next door to her, I totally would. If I can be even 1/4 the mother she was/is to my girls, they will be blessed beyond measure. I hope I can be that kind of a mother to my girls and that they will grow up knowing just how much they are loved, the way I always have. <br />
<br />
<br />Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-56902894934018811912012-04-18T07:58:00.004-07:002012-04-19T04:49:57.277-07:00Taking Them a Meal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9gHPSgOZAvhwwufecSZoOLQQWaTghdjmteWXDOdAlAJFApiixNUS4lvwS_fUuMAdXWa1mD3JsCk-E40twCPr4wXcy0NbiQhnhJ87eJ0VUGiSw_Vs2syZ_hyfLyCHAQN91dNH3hms7HI/s1600/babyseat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9gHPSgOZAvhwwufecSZoOLQQWaTghdjmteWXDOdAlAJFApiixNUS4lvwS_fUuMAdXWa1mD3JsCk-E40twCPr4wXcy0NbiQhnhJ87eJ0VUGiSw_Vs2syZ_hyfLyCHAQN91dNH3hms7HI/s400/babyseat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732771138674417154" border="0" /></a><br />5 weeks ago I had a baby. 5 weeks prior to having a baby I was put on bedrest.<br /><br />The people in our church have loved on us and blessed us beyond measure. Almost immediately after news was out that I was on bedrest, a list was started, people started signing up, and meals started being delivered. Not only did they bring meals, they came over and cleaned my house, helped me clean out the room that was going to be the nursery, and even took things to Goodwill for me.<br /><br />One week after having the baby (family was here for a week to take care of us), the meals picked back up.<br /><br />I totaled it up and we have had 8 weeks worth of meals delivered to us, 3 times a week. Again, I cannot stress what a blessing it has been to have this.<br /><br />Now I'm a prideful person and really didn't want to let people help me, especially when I was on bedrest, but thankfully, these people know us and love us and wouldn't take no for an answer. I've always been honest on here so I need to tell you that for the past two years or so (since I started back to work), I've been terrible about bringing meals to people, even people I'm friends with. I didn't have time to cook for my own family, much less someone else's. After people taking such good care of us, I am ashamed of myself. I was always too busy or didn't have time or they lived "too far" from our house...you know, across town. Even when I did take a meal to someone, I did it terribly. One person I cooked two bags of one of those skillet meals (the frozen ones) to take. Another person I even took them two pans of Pizza Hut pasta. I don't think there is anything wrong with taking people already prepared meals, but I do think there was something wrong with my attitude and laziness regarding the situation. I am ashamed.<br /><br />Never again will that happen. In fact, I've even made Hubs promise me he wouldn't let me make ANY excuse the next time someone needs a meal, or their house vacuumed, or their laundry folded.<br /><br />With all these people bringing us meals, I had several moments when I thought, "What an awesome idea!" Because of this, I have decided to make a list of suggestions and ideas (mostly for myself) for the next time someone needs a meal. Feel free to use these yourself, share them with others, or even pin it if you feel like it is worthy of that. Please keep in mind, these are just things I saw when people brought us a meal and I wanted to remember the good ideas. This does not mean I wasn't INCREDIBLY grateful for anything and everything people brought us, but really it is just tips for myself for the future.<br /><br />First of all, disposable containers are such a blessing. Don't get me wrong, people (myself included) will be extremely grateful for whatever you bring them, but it seems that everyone has the same kind of tupperware and it is really difficult to remember which container belongs to which person and there is the added bonus that the person doesn't have to worry about the clean up.<br /><br />Second, speaking of dishes, throw in some paper plates and plastic utensils. We had so many people do this for us and it was such a blessing to be able to just throw everything away and be done with it.<br /><br />Third, if you have time, put the recipe(s) with each container, so that when they LOVE what you brought them (they will!), they can store the recipe and make it at a later time for their family. Plus, the added bonus is that if they have any kind of allergy or are just curious about what all is in it, they have the list of ingredients at the tip of their fingers. This doesn't have to take a lot of time. If you got the recipe off pinterest, just print a copy of it and throw it in with the stuff you are bringing. If it is a family recipe (or one you just have on a recipe card), you can use your printer/copier/scanner (if you have one) and make a quick copy. The same thing would go if you got it out of a cook book, just make a copy.<br /><br />Here is an adorable printable package you can get to go with the meal you are bringing: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75046413/from-the-kitchen-gifting-dinner">Gifting Dinner Printable Package</a><br /><br />Another awesome idea is if the recipe makes a fairly large dish, use two smaller containers; one for now and one to freeze for later when the meals stop coming. On the frozen one, be sure to write what the dish is and the cooking instructions because it may be a while before they get to it and they might forget.I still have probably two weeks worth of meals in my freezer thanks to our amazing church family.<br /><br />If you bring a salad, throw in a bottle of dressing too. They may have their own favorite that they'd prefer to use, but they might not have any dressing on hand, or in our case, what they have might have expired in 2007...LOL.<br /><br />If you know the mom is nursing, feel free to bring a higher calorie meal. If the mom is bottle-feeding, you might want to skip bringing something slathered in mayonaise or grease. We never had an issue with this and I wouldn't have turned ANYTHING away, but it is a nice idea to remember. We had several people ask if we wanted something a little healthier or if it mattered and to me, at that point, food was food and as long as it wasn't McDonald's, I'd gladly eat it.<br /><br />People usually bring a main dish, some sort of veggie (usually a salad), and a dessert (cookies, brownies, or my favorite-rice krispy treats). A couple of people were so thoughtful and also included something we/I could have for breakfast. Now this doesn't mean you also have to throw together a breakfast casserole along with all the other stuff you are cooking. Our Pastor's wife brought us a bag of bagels, a thing of cream cheese, and some fresh fruit. Several other people brought us muffins of various varieties. It doesn't need to be anything difficult.<br /><br />We even had several people bring us a gallon of tea. Now, with us being as southern as we are, we were overjoyed to have tea delivered to us. Now, not to brag, but I make some almost perfect sweet tea, so I think I would just make some and throw it in a jug to take over instead of buying some at Publix, but if you are in a hurry, some from the supermarket would work just fine, especially if you live where you can buy a gallon of Milo's sweet tea.<br /><br />Also, most people have gone to using <a href="http://www.takethemameal.com/">takethemameal.com</a> . If your group/person is using this site, go look at what the others who are signed up for that week are bringing. Now often, it will say TBD (to be determined) but if the other people for that week are all bringing chicken, maybe you should make something with beef or pork. Again, they will be so thankful for whatever you bring, but it is something to consider.<br /><br />If you are taking a gift for the baby (which is not necessary) and there is an older sibling, you might consider taking something small for the sibling too. So many people were so sweet to include our Ansleigh. It doesn't have to be anything big or flashy--just something to show that you remember the other kid exists too.<br /><br />Second (and third) time moms, often have a little bit of an easier time than first time moms. I think it has something to do with knowing what to expect and having a little experience. But just because they already have one child, doesn't mean they don't need help. I am learning that with two, there is a fine balance in making sure both kids have what they need, are taken care of, and are both getting plenty of your attention.<br /><br />If you are going to have a little bit of extra time, ask the mom if there is anything you can do to help around the house. Most of us don't want to clean our own house, much less someone else's house, but it doesn't take long to wipe down the counters for them or run the vacuum over the main living space. I would NEVER have asked anyone to clean my house for me, and even when they asked, I often said there was nothing to do, but I was blessed just by the offer. Plus, most people that wanted to clean for me knew me and knew I would say no so they just came in and washed the dishes in the sink really quickly or grabbed a Clorox wipe and wiped down the counters.<br /><br />Everyone, even stay-at-home moms (who sometimes have a little more time to cook), are busy. Sometimes taking someone a meal can seem like a lot of work that we often don't have the time for. If you can plan ahead for a few of these little extra things, it might make it easier to do a little more. And a lot of people need to bring the kids with them when they drop the meal off so don't feel bad if you can't clean up for them. No one expects someone to bring them a meal and clean their house, but it can be an added blessing so if you can plan ahead to maybe have the hubs watch the kids, you might have time for it. Or, bring the whole family along. We LOVED it when the doorbell rang and the whole family was there for a quick visit. I'd have people stay hours if they could have so they company was a wonderful blessing as well.<br /><br />If you really do not have time, or are going to be out of town, or there is some other reason why you can't help out, grab a gift card to a local restaurant and put it in the mail for them. We got a couple of gift cards and are using them now. It is awesome to be able to get out of the house for a meal and not have to pay (or not have to pay as much).<br /><br />Hopefully you will enjoy these tips and someone will be as blessed as we have been, and hopefully, I'll be able to return the blessing to someone soon.Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-17130280580458099582012-02-12T12:19:00.000-08:002012-02-12T13:23:03.581-08:00Confessions From a Mom on Bed RestLast week I went into preterm labor. I knew from the beginning of this pregnancy that I would. I just knew in my gut that I would although I didn't think it would be at 33 weeks.<br /><br />I was dilated 2 centimeters and having contractions every 3-4 minutes. My doctor got the contractions stopped, gave me two awesomely painful shots in the butt to speed up the development of Addisyn's lungs, and send me home on bed rest until I go into labor again.<br /><br />Secretly, some parts of bed rest are awesome. No more alarms in the morning, you can wear pajamas (or clothes that might as well be pajamas) all day, you can catch up on all those books you've been meaning to read, make good use of your netflix account, etc.<br /><br />But I'm starting to discover that there are other parts of bed rest that frankly, just blow. For example, I'm sitting here with a list of 82 things I need/want to do right now and even though I'm on bed rest, I could do some of them (nobody would know!) and then I picture my sweet baby girl too scrawny, with tubes and wires attached to her, with an IV in her head all because I wanted to check off a few things on my ever-growing list of things to do.<br /><br />Or explaining to your 4-year-old for the 8th time that Mommy can't do this or Mommy can't do that because Mommy needs to keep Addisyn in her tummy a little longer.<br /><br />Or watching your exhausted husband come home from a long day at work, take care of your over-energized kid, figure out dinner, and then do all the other things, like taking said child to birthday parties and church and dance class, buying groceries, and running errands that need to be done because you can't do any of it. I'd suggest a support group for the husbands, but then they'd be too busy to receive any of the support.<br /><br />Also, add in the paranoia that every little back pain, gas bubble, or normal contraction throws you into complete panic. "Am I in labor? Is this labor? No, it can't be. Is it? It really doesn't need to be. Should I call the doctor? Go straight to the hospital? Wait it out?"<br /><br />Plus, there are only so many decent movies to watch on instant watch, only so much daytime tv one person can reasonably tolerate, and only so much sitting/laying that one can do before your butt really hurts.<br /><br />I'm not trying to complain. Trust me. I know I am blessed each extra day she has in here to get a little bigger and a little stronger because there are babies that don't have those extra days, but the fact is, I'm on bed rest and sometimes, it sucks.<br /><br />We've been so blessed with so many people offering to help. At the same time, it is so difficult to tell somebody, "Yes! I'd love to watch you come clean up the mess I've been avoiding while I sit on my butt and watch you." Or "Yes! I'd love for you to bring us dinner because I've neglected buying groceries to make meals for months." But the fact is, I may have avoided the mess or neglected the groceries but that doesn't make the need for it now any less and I certainly can't do any of it. Poor hubs, he's trying. He doesn't like accepting help from people when he is capable of doing it either, but I'm afraid I'm running him ragged. I mean, how is he supposed to get anything done when I keep sending him to get me ice that I can eat?<br /><br />So here you have it, some thoughts from a crazy pregnant lady that has been benched for the rest of the game.Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-62746726323935845612011-07-28T20:20:00.000-07:002011-07-28T20:44:54.939-07:00I have an idea...I keep seeing all these things for a hospital survival kit for moms and a hospital survival kit for dads but I've yet to see anything for sweet little siblings.<br /><br />I've been talking a lot lately to a good friend of mine who is also pregnant and due just two days before me. She has a daughter about Ansleigh's age and we both want to do something for the girls so they don't feel left out of this momentous occasion.<br /><br />Therefore, I've decided to do a "Big Sister Gift Bag" or a "New Arrival Present" or something like that. I don't know what to call it. Do you have any ideas?<br /><br />I know I'm going to get her some little books about being a big sister and put a big sister shirt in there. Maybe a coloring book and a box of crayons for times of boredom. A special snack and juice box? A Barbie/Little Sister combo? I'm still (OBVIOUSLY) developing this idea but I want it to be great. I want her to feel loved while I'm busy pushing a large object out of a very small place.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_e_qhlE4sXNmagAQKocq6irmKy7rJAA54DLszqV8hIipRvQc7sStUY0nQoCyxfgxEIzbfahQKSxZogxKNVu8t0RspsIJwpyY11P7N0zWWTSjHRQA7CrF0__1eyDtdGtwHD5UK0X9Fw4/s1600/book"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_e_qhlE4sXNmagAQKocq6irmKy7rJAA54DLszqV8hIipRvQc7sStUY0nQoCyxfgxEIzbfahQKSxZogxKNVu8t0RspsIJwpyY11P7N0zWWTSjHRQA7CrF0__1eyDtdGtwHD5UK0X9Fw4/s400/book" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634612606482049394" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanSgzYM1So8HgHp_8Mc6mLO7t7pw5sbIvo-G1ZOBrRK5AeCPu3oOyQRiUK6NXUASUjC3Rw9xH9rOch2SvUDBCXOTgZpghY5jSkSK9gtdkCLmvyao9r2keiHb52XjOkr-5Up5txXkOQzU/s1600/book1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanSgzYM1So8HgHp_8Mc6mLO7t7pw5sbIvo-G1ZOBrRK5AeCPu3oOyQRiUK6NXUASUjC3Rw9xH9rOch2SvUDBCXOTgZpghY5jSkSK9gtdkCLmvyao9r2keiHb52XjOkr-5Up5txXkOQzU/s400/book1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634612606012272018" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX859rtmppB1DdrPy7lgQVrBWgwnCY7ZXErlK1qK5_LnPik6byzVvW41yzjZweMFanZg6_7OB8Igr4TMxtPJSIHKEidZewSLmnBUn8vtp5XAE23iK8E78UpfNOX8ldh7dkhGrZHs4k3I/s1600/barbie"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX859rtmppB1DdrPy7lgQVrBWgwnCY7ZXErlK1qK5_LnPik6byzVvW41yzjZweMFanZg6_7OB8Igr4TMxtPJSIHKEidZewSLmnBUn8vtp5XAE23iK8E78UpfNOX8ldh7dkhGrZHs4k3I/s400/barbie" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634612599335717250" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIo31M__5eIPGZ0fz3Cqdqi7SEfLAxyJbuGTI2Efe_tbhe9U_wQdm3CNkoebaKbFrK-OWN2hHQb-FRPGIpdHlclre_b8jULfvCR2xN4CiK-4QZCeEksHX3DZjLbhZqwN5tjRkdFvsZu0/s1600/shirt"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIo31M__5eIPGZ0fz3Cqdqi7SEfLAxyJbuGTI2Efe_tbhe9U_wQdm3CNkoebaKbFrK-OWN2hHQb-FRPGIpdHlclre_b8jULfvCR2xN4CiK-4QZCeEksHX3DZjLbhZqwN5tjRkdFvsZu0/s400/shirt" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634615103847362610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What would you put in there for your older child?<br /><br />My mom said she's going to bring Ansleigh a present for her that she can use for her baby (she's getting a Bitty Baby from Lolli & Pop Pop for Christmas.Shhh...don't tell.) like a bottle and a sleeper or something. My mom is a genius. Really, she is.Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-9926793476170552822011-07-14T12:02:00.000-07:002011-07-14T12:03:23.953-07:00Random Journaling<style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }@font-face { font-family: "MS 明朝"; }@font-face { font-family: "MS 明朝"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }@font-face { font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }a:link, span.MsoHyperlink { color: blue; text-decoration: underline; }a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed { color: purple; text-decoration: underline; }p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }.MsoChpDefault { font-family: Cambria; }div.WordSection1 { page: WordSection1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</style> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold";">Random Journaling</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I found some templates for daily journaling that I plan on using with my students this year but I thought it would be fun to test them out. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Three animals that I often see around my neighborhood:</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=""><span style="">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>A mostly black cat with some white on it. Ansleigh says she wants it to be her kitty and has named it Izzy. It is terrified of us but loves our front porch.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=""><span style="">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>My neighbor’s scanky dogs. They are disgusting and mean and bark all the time and poop in my yard. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=""><span style="">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Red Birds which remind me of my great-grandmother. I miss her terribly. She was such an awesome old lady and she would adore Ansleigh. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Right now it is summer.</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">The best things to eat at this time of the year</b>: watermelon, pineapple, fresh steamed veggies, and seafood.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">A few of the things I do only at this time of the year:</b> get a tan, catch up on my sleep, and work on projects around the house. I never have time to do any of this during the school year. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">To Do: </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">One stuffy, dull, administrative-type thing:</b> lesson plans</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">One marginally interesting thing:</b> working on getting together stuff for my classroom (supplies/decorations/etc.)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">One exciting thing (that I will think about while doing the other two things): </b>Ansleigh’s birthday party!!!!! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">These are the things that matter:</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">In my life:</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>My faith</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>My child</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>My family (including the husband)</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>My team and my students—knowing that I am making a difference</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Auburn—can’t wait to visit in October!!!!</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Pinterest. I have a problem.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Out there in the world:</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Sweet children who need good homes</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>People who are going hungry and without homes</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>The environment</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Lightning Round:<span style=""> </span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Dishwasher or hand wash?</b> Dishwasher—I HATE WASHING DISHES!!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Mini-golf or bowling?</b> I love mini-golf but I also like to go bowling</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Drive-in movie or DVD at home? </b>I’ve never been to the drive-in. I’m a loser, I know.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Road trip or ocean cruise? </b>I hate long trips in cars (have to take anxiety meds) so definitely ocean cruise</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Burger and fries or fish and chips? </b>Burger and fries! What kind of weirdo would eat fish and chips?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">T-shirt or tank top?</b> T-shirt, preferably an Auburn one</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Hoodie or cardigan?</b> Hoodie</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Moonlight or candle light? </b>moon</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Jogging around the track or down the street?</b> Down the street</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Hair: blow dry or air dry?</b> Looks better when I blow it dry but I always air dry it b/c I’m lazy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Slippers or thick socks? </b>Thick socks</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Nose ring or toe ring? </b>Nose</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Rainbow or shooting star? </b>Rainbow b/c that means my yard probably just got watered for free!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Paperwork or housework? </b>Paperwork any day!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">To find this and more like it, visit <a href="http://www.graceisoverrated.com/">www.graceisoverrated.com</a>. </p>Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7725218635534950358.post-49319721628722341092011-07-12T19:34:00.000-07:002011-07-12T20:01:27.769-07:00These are my Confessions...<ol><li>The compulsive part of me is really struggling right now because I'm writing these and it isn't a Friday.<br /></li><li>The sane part of me thinks, "Who cares? Nobody is going to remember I used to do these every Friday anyway."</li><li>Summer has made me extremely productive and also extremely lazy. I've gotten a lot done for Ansleigh's party and a lot done this week for the upcoming school year, but I also have been watching tv all day while I do these things.</li><li>I've been <span style="font-style: italic;">Keeping up with the Kardashians.</span> I know. You might as well kill me now but I'm hooked. In about a weeks' time length I watched 30+ episodes of Keeping up with the Kardashians AND the whole season of <span style="font-style: italic;">Kourtney and Khole Take Miami</span>.<br /></li><li>I'm such a sucker for celebrity-filmed lives. I need an intervention.</li><li>Kourtney, Khole, and Kris did an intervention for Kim. But that was for shopping.<br /></li><li>I've also become OBSESSED with a website my sister and mom told me about. <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. When I first saw it, I was like, um...what is this thing? Basically it is like an online version of all your favorite magazine clippings, but when you click on them, it takes you to the websites. You create your own "boards" and then "pin" things to them. It is awesome. It has wonderful ideas for birthday parties, awesome clothes, incredible recipes, and tons of pictures of things to go in the house I"ll never be rich enough to own.<br /></li><li>Also, I'm such a fame whore because I'm obsessed with having people follow my boards. Every time I get an email saying I have new followers, I feel giddy.<br /></li><li>Those people may or may not be following me because I followed them first. You know, tracked them down by searching for things I like and then stalking all their boards.<br /></li><li>I found out today that I'm teaching 11th grade Honors English next year and a class of seniors.<br /></li><li>I've always dreamed of teaching seniors. Always. I mean, who wouldn't want to help them learn how to write essays for college, create resumes, fill out college applications, all the while witnessing that senior excitement? </li><li>Once school starts, I will have officially taught all grades 7-12. That is CRAZY to me. I taught 7th & 8th, then 7th, then 10th, then 9th and 10th, and now 11th and 12th.<br /></li><li>We just got back from vacation. It is amazing how having an AWESOME tan makes you feel so much better about yourself. I wonder if I'll still be so happy about my tan when I have skin that looks like beef jerky? Probably. I'll be tan beef jerky. Because that's hot. </li><li>If you have been wondering why you are missing your usual zits you find, it is because they've changed zip codes and have made a permanent residence on MY FACE.</li><li>I tried to count them all, but I lost count.<br /></li><li>One day, I'm going to own a children's clothing store. It's going to be called <span style="font-style: italic;">Friday Afternoon</span>. My first location will be right next door to a <span style="font-style: italic;">Tuesday Morning</span>. I'm going to sell all the stuff my mom makes and brands I want for my child but can't afford so I can get wholesale discounts on all her clothes. </li><li>I'm not kidding.</li></ol>Carrie Fridayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05565291741336177070noreply@blogger.com0