30 day Challenge:Days 10 and 11

Whooey! What a busy couple of days I have had. Tomorrow will be another one, but after that...VACATION HERE I COME!!! I have to say that I am 11 days in and feeling super about it. For me, this is a big accomplishment. I am typically not a person who tries very hard and I easily give up if things are tough or don't fit into my life easily. God has really given me victory this year in quite a few of my bad habits and I have to shout praises to him for it. He is growing and shaping me as he conforms me to be more like Christ.

Thank you, thank you, thank you God for showing me the areas of my life that I need to be challenged in and for giving me the dedication and strength to walk in the direction you are guiding me. 

I love you!

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your path straight.

Proverbs 3:6

Challenge 1: Time in Gods Word
Yesterday and today I spent some time in Ephesians. I love Ephesians! For me it is a feel good book. I just love being reminded through the Word how God lavishes his love on me. I am Chosen, adopted, forgiven, redeemed and blessed!

Confession-last night I actually went to bed without doing this challenge! I laid there for a couple minutes before I realized it. So I hopped out of bed and did my reading. Whew! That was a close one.

Challenged 2: Exercise
After running around like a mad women yesterday I finally found the time to get on the Wii and do 20 minutes of exercise. I would have much rather gone to the gym but time did not allow it. Today after yet another busy day at 8:30 I put on my kicks and headed out the door to speed walk the neighborhood. I've got a great hill in the back of my neighborhood so I huffed it up and down that thing a few times and it felt great! I have been pleasantly surprised with exercise turning out to be a great stress reliever for me. It also has given me more opportunity to spend time thinking and praying. Today on my walk God revealed to me a big thing that I have been holding onto and reminded me that Jesus will carry my burdens and that I need to give it to him. God is so faithful!

Updates over the next week-
Since I will be out of town it will be a bit tough to blog. I am hoping to try but no promises :) If I am unable to update you while I am gone a will fill ya in when I get back.

I want to hear how the rest of you are doing. I hope God is using your challenge to grow and shape you and that you are be blessed though it. Please leave a comment or do a post and share with us.

30 day Challenge: Day 9

Sweet! I can't believe its already day 9! Just about a 1/3 of the way through.

Challenge 1: Time in Gods Word
Read Proverbs again today. I read chapters 12 and 13. The verse I would like to share with you is

Proverbs 13:24

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but whoever loves him is diligent to discipline him.

I know that seems like kind of a weird one to share but I have a good reason. Drew was sitting next to me while I was doing my reading and I decided to share that verse with her. It started a short, but good conversation on how discipline is not fun but necessary because God requires us to do it.

Challenge 2: Exercise

I didn't think I was going to get the the gym today but I did!!! 1 hour a cardio split between the elliptical and the treadmill and I feel great! I heart the elliptical.

How is your challenge going? 

Homemade ice cream fun!

My Aunt found a fun and simple recipe for homemade ice cream from Family Fun Magazine so yesterday we gave it a shot! The kids had fun and more importantly, the ice cream was yummers. At first bite the taste was so familiar to me. I knew I had had this ice cream before but I couldn't figure out when or where. Then last night while my brain was thinking instead of sleeping (grrrrrrr) it came to me. I had it when I was a kid!!! You see my grandma bought me a Barbie ice cream maker and this ice cream tasted exactly the same. Nothing like doing something for my kids that brings back memories of my childhood. Things are always better the second time around!

So here is the directions for this super fun and WAY better then that stuff "they" call ice cream that comes in a carton :)

Forget endlessly cranking the handle of an ice-cream maker. After combining the ingredients, each guest can simply shake up his or her own pouch of soft serve--and it's done in just 5 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup salt (The bigger the granules, the better. Kosher or rock salt works best, but table salt is fine.)

• Ice cubes (enough to fill each gallon-size bag about half full)
• 1 pint-size ziplock bag
• 1 gallon-size ziplock bag

Instructions

1. Combine the sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract in the pint-size bag and seal it tightly.
   
2. Place the salt and ice in the gallon-size bag, then place the sealed smaller bag inside as well. Seal the larger bag. Now shake the bags until the mixture hardens (about 5 minutes). Feel the small bag to determine when it's done.
   
3. Take the smaller bag out of the larger one, add mix-ins, and eat the ice cream right out of the bag. Easy cleanup too! Serves 1.
   
   My additional tips-
   1.The rock salt makes the ice really cold so you may want to offer gloves to the little ones. 2.We had made a few batches right away and a few batches after the ice had melted a bit and it seemed to work the second time so I would recommend making up the ice bags first and letting them sit a bit while you make the ice cream bag.
   3. We double bagged our pint size bags just in case.
   
   
   
    
   

30 Day Challenge: Day 8

Want to take a 30 Day Challenge with me? Click here for more details.

Challenge 1: Time in Gods Word

I am loving Proverbs! There are way to many gold nuggets in each chapter to take them all in. I read 10 again today and read 11 too. I had a hard time choosing a verse to share with you but I finally settled on this one.  

Proverbs 11:24 

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

Hmmmmmmmm... If your anything like me you have suffered want. This verse was very convicting to me and left me with lots to think about.

Challenge 2: Exercise

Today I went to the YMCA and took the Cardio Step Class. Woooooey, did I feel like a fool! It was a tough work out and a lot of fun but man am I ever uncoordinated. That guy moved so fast and was all over the place. Up and down and all around. After class I asked him how many times does one usually need to take the class before having an idea about what the heck I'm doing? He said I'm gonna need to give it about 8 classes. So 7 more before I decided whether or not Step is for me. I am hoping it is. I like it better then Zumba cause I don't have to shake my boobs or rump :) I do have to ad though that I dislike working out in front of all those mirrors!!! Is anybody with me??? I feel much thinner on a treadmill where I cannot see myself :) Not sure what my workout plans are for tomorrow cause it will be a busy day. I would love to make it to the gym but might have to settle for a walk around the track.

Toodles,

30 Day Challenge: Day 7

Whoooo hoooo 1 week in!!! This will be quick cause I'm posting yesterdays stats and I'm about to head out the door for the gym to work on todays :)

Challenge 1: Time in Gods Word
I read Proverbs 30. Always good reminders in this gem!!!

Challenge 2: Exercise
I did 35 minutes on the elliptical and another 23 minutes on the treadmill. (did I spell that right?)

Off to the Y :)

30 Day Challenge: Days 5 and 6

6 days in!!! Whoot whoot! I am SO glad I decided to do this. I am already thinking about what I might do for another 30 day challenge once I finish this one. I was also thinking today that I would LOVE to have a little get together once we are all finished with our first 30 days. What do ya say Abbey, Kaitlyn, Heather, Rachel, and Carrie?!?!

Challenge 1: Time in Gods Word
Well I must admit yesterday and today I was just getting through with this challenge. Yesterday I read Proverbs 9 and today Proverbs 10. Proverbs 10 was REALLY good but I was not in the mood to dig deep so I am planning on rereading it again and in a couple different versions too.

Challenge 2: Exercise
I can honestly say that exercising everyday feels GREAT! Today was the first day I didn't exercise first thing when I woke up and I was craving it all day. I could have just got on the Wii but I was craving more. First I better start with yesterday though. In the morning I felt like it was time to do some arm exercises so I can work on getting rid of my "bingo arms".Ha! So I did push ups and various arm exercises with light weights (soup cans) and I also did sit ups and leg exercises. Did it all for 20 minutes. Today the whole fam went over to the MHS track. Clint and I walked while the kids played. I have no idea how many laps or how long but it was definitely longer then my required 20. We walked at a very fast pace and it was a good work out. It felt great! I was so glad hubby joined me and the kids had fun. You can't beat fresh air either :)

30 Day Challenge: Day 4

Day 4 has been my BEST day on the challenge yet!!!

Challenge 1: Time in Gods Word
On the way to the convention from the hotel I read aloud in the car with Clint Chapters 4-8 of Proverbs. I am loving Proverbs! Who couldn't use some wisdom right? It is challenging me to seek first the wisdom God has for me rather then trying to figure it all out on my own. Gods wisdom is amazing, powerful, truthful and so much more!!! Maybe later this eve I'll do a little more reading in Exodus.

Challenge 2: Exercise

I had an absolute BLAST working out today!!! I got up just after 6am and headed down to the hotel gym where I found Carrie on the treadmill. I hopped on the one right next to hear and a chatting and walking we went. I was only planning on doing 30 minutes but the conversation was so good I didn't get off the treadmill for over an hour! The workout felt great and time with my dear friend Carrie was a huge blessing! I am now a total fan of having a workout buddy cause the time flies. I hope I get the chance to workout with her again soon.

How is the 30 Day Challenge going for you? It's never to late to join us! :)

30 Day Challenge: Day 3

Well I thought that day 3 would be the hardest because I am down in Puyallup at the WHO convention, but I completed both my challenges by 9am!

Challenge 1: Time in Gods Word
On the way to the convention I read the 1st 3 chapters in Proverbs. It was nice because I read it out loud So Clint can listen too.

Challenge 2: Exercise
I got up at 6am and did 21 minutes on the WII.

Well I better go cause we are off to go have dinner with our awesome friends Carrie and Kyle :)

30 Day Challenge: Day 2

Not sure what the 30 Day Challenge is? Click here (I would love for you to join me)

Challenge 1: Time in Gods Word
I am beginning to think God is trying to teach me something about Fearing Him. I pray I can learn it. Today I read Exodus 5,6 and 7. I'll admit I skimmed the section in 6 recording Moses and Aaron genealogy. =/ I also felt lead to read Proverbs because I am needing some wisdom. I read the 1st chapter. The verse I would like to share is

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Challenge 2: Exercise

I did the fit again today. I did the advanced step a couple times and then the hula hoop a couple times. Man is that hula hooping a good calorie burner! Now I just need to get better at catching the hoops tossed at me. After the 22 minutes I got on the fit I went ahead and did 100 sit ups. 

Its not to late to start the 30 Day Challenge!!! I hope you decide to join us :)

30 Day Challenge: Day 1

Not sure what the 30 Day Challenge is? Click here

To be expected my first day on the challenge went great! I think day 3 will pose to be a challenging one...but I'll worry about that then. Here is how day 1 went.

Challenge #1: Time in Gods Word
I read the first 4 chapters in Exodus. You see, at the beginning of the year I decided I wanted to read the Bible cover to cover throughout the year. Needless to say I only got through Genesis. So today I picked up where I left off. (note:I have read the Bible more, just not in order)

What I enjoyed most about what I read today was the part about the midwives. Exodus 1:17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let let the male children live. Basically because the Israelites had increased in number so much the Pharaoh wanted the midwives to kill all the boys born to Hebrew woman. But because they feared God rather than men, they didn't. It challenges me to think about what I would do or not do if I was truly fearing God rather than man.

Challenge #2: Exercise
Today I got 22 minutes of exercise on the WII Fit. I did 2 sets of basic step aerobics and 1 advanced. Then i did 2 short runs and 1 long run. I got my heart rate uo and was breathing heavy during the long run. Overall it wasn't to hard and felt good. I'll probably do something similar tomorrow unless I can fit the gym in.

30 Day Challenge

For Who: Anyone willing to join me...YOU :)

What: Whatever you would like to challenge yourself to do or not do for 30 days

How it works: Pick your challenge, decide when you will start, post/comment about it or let someone know who can encourage you or help keep you accountable throughout your 30 days. Or keep it between you and God is good too. And GO FOR IT!!!!

The History: Clint and I recently watched "Super Size Me". You know that movie where the guy ate McDonalds and only McDonalds for 30 days straight. Well Clint and I decided to do our own 30 day Challenge. We decided to NOT eat ANY fast food for 30 days. We classified fast food as anything that had a drive through. Anyways, WE DID IT and it wasn't hard at all.

So as I have recently been challenged about taking better care of my body and also feeling like I need more time in the Word I decided to take on 2 30 Day Challenges.

My 30 Day Challenge #1

I am going to crack open the bible and read everyday from God's Word. Some days it will be a little and some days a lot. No matter what, I will be cataloging it on this blog.

My rules for this challenge are...

1) This reading must take place in the bible. That bible could be in my hand, online or on my phone.

My kids story bibles, verses read on FB, text messages, or scattered around my house will not count.

2) I must read a minimum of one paragraph (I hope I will do more but not committing)

My 30 Day Challenge #2
I am going to get at least 20 minutes of exercise everyday. Some days I will go to the gym, others day I might just walk in my neighborhood or do the WII Fit. Just like the other challenge no matter what, I will catalog it on this blog.
My Rules for this challenge are...
1) The exercise must be purposeful. I cannot stroll Target for 20 minutes looking for a gift and call it exercise. But I can purposefully play tag with my kids in order to get 20 minutes of exercise.
2) I must be elevating my heart rate. You may call this rule a no brainer but I can easily be a cheater and take a leisurely stroll without much effort so I must give myself parameters.

Will you take the 30 Day Challenge with me??? It can be anything. I hope you decide to join me. I look forward to hearing about how you will challenge yourself.

Testing

Testing out this cute new signature thing. Click on it if you wanna get one too :)

Welcome to the blogging world

My sweet Drew has started a blog. She is one creative cat so I can't wait to see what she'll do with it.

I am sure it will include funny stories of her days and feature some of her art and school work.

She would LOVE for you to check it out but we have made her blog private so just comment or email me if you would like to be invited to follow her.

Loving (and having way too much fun with) the new blog designs

Feeling blessed to have an amazing homeschooling community

Thankful my hubby loves me so much and has been expressing it so often

Happy to take a break from school for the rest of the month

Being challenge on taking better care of my self

Thinking and praying through what that might look like

Wondering if the girls will get into the classes I registered them for

Glad it has rains often enough for my garden

Realizing I need to be better at using sunscreen (ya happy Heather?) =)

Needing more time in Gods word

Ecstatic that Lilly is loving gymnastics team

Praising God for bringing Drew some new friends

Looking forward to all the summer activities I have planned

Hoping I can fit it all in

Wishing my Dad wasn't so busy so we could hang out more

Watching the LOST series with hubby and loving it

Needing to get off the computer and go make his lunch

Goodbye =)

Weekend Review (enjoying the sun while it lasts)

This weekend we tried to make the most a the sunny days.

Activities included...

A Car Show

A little Didly Bo

Playing in the backyard!!!

 Do you think maybe we need a bigger pool???

                    And of course a little yard work

  "Don't take my picture lady"

 And I can't forget FREE Groceries!

Everything in this picture was... ABSOLUTELY FREE!!! And those juice boxes you see...ya, there is 60 more not pictured that I got all for FREE too! Oh, did I mention it was all FREE?!?! (I'm just having fun now) But seriously, its all FREE. Okay, I'll shut up now.

Those are all my highlights from the weekend but I had some low lights to...Like turning into a lobster!!! Not good. Did you know sunscreen starts loosing its potency after about a year? I didn't, but I sure do now.

How was your weekend? Did you get out and enjoy the Sunshine?

Wishful Wednesday

Thoughts on 30

Definition: 30(thirty) is the natural number following 29 and preceding 31.

Thoughts on 30: I am pleasantly surprised to say I LOVE 30! When I turned 29 I was depressed at the thought of being in my last year of the 20's. But the closer 30 got the better it looked. I couldn't help but think of all the amazing things I have to look forward to in my 30's!

Clint and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage!! (w/ a trip to Mexico I will add. Thanks Dad)

Our first child will not only graduate high school but also enter her 20's. (that's a shocker)

We will have 2 teenage girls and a teenage boy before my 30's are up!!! (help us Lord)

2 kids driving

I will likely get to ditch the mini van. (though I do love it)

Another trip to Disneyland

I will change my LAST DIAPER!!!! (at least of my own children =/)

I am sure their are so many more amazing things to come that I haven't even thought of but the thing I look forward to the most is something a dear friend once said. She said that her relationship w/ Christ got better then ever in her 30's. More steady, consistent, deeper and richer. I only pray I will be able to say the same thing a few years form now.


Quotes on 30: At 30 we finally know a little something about how life works but the sparks of youth are still flying. -some designer guy named Tyler

The thirties are great--old enough to know better, but young enough to do it anyway!-Sharon Clifton

Last but not least, the quote that has spoke to me the most making the transition from my 20's to my 30's

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.-Mark Twain