Hasta Luego

Well, I did it! When Peter got home last night I had him help me fiddle with the Wordpress world and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be to switch things over. I was able to relatively easily (once we sorted it out) transfer this blog there and get things set up. So, what's done is done! I really really hope all my fabulous buddies will meet me over there. I would hate to lose any of you gals. I truly appreciate the support from each and every one of you.

With that being said - come check me out now!

Faith Fitness Fun!!!

Blogger's Remorse?

 

This seems so silly, but lately I have been having some blogger's remorse. I am getting increasingly annoyed with the features of Blogger when compared to Wordpress and sometimes wish I could just redo my blog and start it over with Wordpress. I love the organization of their blogs - the pages, the layout, how you can easily reply to an individual's comment, even the smilies. LOL I had no idea there were other blog formats out there when I started, so I went with what I knew. I know that if I had looked more into it, I would have been a wordpress blog. *le sigh*

What to do? What to do? Suck it up and enjoy my blog? Let it be enough? Or take the time to start fresh? I don't want to lose readers though and maybe Wordpress has its own perils?

Shout Outs!

Shout Out #1 - I have to give a shout out to another lovely blogger who was so kind as to give me another blogger award. Cherish at the blog Southern Soulmates. Check her out. She is the real deal. A genuine, super kind person and a true southern lady. Thanks for the recognition, girl!

Shout Out #2 - This shout out goes to an awesome blogger, having an awesome giveaway. Danica's Daily is a blog that is truly about healthy living. Love reading it! You will too. Give her a visit and look into what her yummy giveaway is. 

Shout Out #3 - Now the blogger shout outs sadly stop here. But, there are still a few different things I want to recognize. Sound good? First off, a shout out for an author I am really really digging lately. Sue Grafton. She is the author of the Kinsey Millhone mystery series. I'm sure you have seen the books. The "alphabet series". A is for Alibi, B is for Burglar, C is for Corpse, etc. books. I just started this one...

And I am already in love with it. These books are quick to read and I love love love the whodunit suspense of the novels. They aren't too intense to freak you out either. Perfect balance! And the first ones even have some humor since the first few are copyrighted in the mid 80s and its fun to think back to some of the things she mentions in the novels. Big, plastic jewelry used to describe part of a nice outfit? Gotta love it! LOL

Shout Out #4 - Jennie-O!! Her ready to cook, seasoned turkey burger patties are delish. They were a lifesaver tonight since neither Peter or I were much in the mood to cook. I had just finished tutoring and he had worked on the house all day so we knew it needed to be an easy dinner. We had some of these in the freezer...

...and went for it. Yum yum. Served on an Arnold Thin with some roasted broccoli on the side was perfection. Quick, easy, delicious.

Shout Out #5 - The most important shout out. To each and every one of my readers. Knowing you all are out there listening to my ramblings, supporting me, leaving me comments that seriously make my day, and entertaining me with your blogs as well is so awesome. Thank you to every one of you!!!

Time to enjoy some trashiness a'la ze Bachelor. If I wasn't married, I think I would have tried out for the show. I'm loving the Jake man 

Love, Tina

Goodlife (Belated) Sunday

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am loving the series we are currently doing in our Sunday group. I figured it was time to bring back my Goodlife Sunday posts to share a bit about what we're studying. Disclaimer: I do not intend to force my beliefs on anyone, but I do believe it is part of my "job" as a Christian to share what I can. Each of you can take what you want from anything I write. Fortunately, the Bible and the topics it covers are very relative to everyone. Plus, I know some of you reading may not get to church as regularly as you might like or be wondering what there is to being a "Jesus lover" and what exactly faith is all about. It's not always the stereotype you might think of.

Currently we are studying a video series by Ray Vander Laan called Faith Lessons on the Promised Land.

This series focuses on different historical facts about the time period and events in which important people such as Abraham, Moses, and Joshua lived. The concept behind the study is the more we are able to understand the context in which the events of the Bible occurred, the more we will be able to accurately apply them to our lives and use the lessons to strengthen our own faith and understanding of who God is and all He can do. And I would have to agree with this. I have never been big into history, but the things I have been learning in this study are so helpful and have certainly worked to aide my understanding of the Bible and things I am expected and desired to do in order to more fully live the walk of a believer.

The thing that stuck out to me the most from this past Sunday's lesson was how God can and will use even the meekest and seemingly unworthy of people. We looked at the genealogy of Jesus that is listed in Matthew 1:1-16. In the genealogy there are 42 generations. Of those,  not including Mary, only four of them list the mother. You would probably think that the women listed were mighty believers, women of an immense faith who had done no wrong, who were "worthy" of God's grace and being included in such a masterful plan. Ummm.....wrong!! Let's take a quick run down of who these women are. Tamar = pretended to be a prostitute and slept with her father-in-law to pay him back for not marrying her to his other son when her husband died. Rahab = actually was a prostitute for her living. Ruth = worshiped other gods and was part of a people who God despised. Bathsheba = committed adultery with a king (king David in fact) and didn't get too upset when her lover murdered her husband. Sounds like these ladies should be The Real Housewives of the Bible instead of the women Jesus would eventually come from, eh?

Now, have you ever thought poorly of yourself? Come on! We're ladies here. Of course we all have!! I think it's 100% in our nature to think something negative about ourselves or doubt ourselves on a daily basis. Why do we do this? If we consider that God can turn around the lives of women like Ruth, Rahab, Bathsheba, and Tamar (come on - sleeping with your hubby's daddy??!!?)....then why can we not accept that we are loved by the most important man EVER? God CREATED us, carefully and with pure love. He allowed his one and only son to DIE for us, so he could save us. He wants you to be fulfilled more than any person could ever do so. You are worthy. You are so worthy that the creator of the universe is always by your side, whispering to your heart that He loves you and will do great things for you. So, lift up your chin....pull those shoulders back....stand up straight....smile big....and know that no matter what your past looks like. No matter what you are struggling with now. No matter what anyone else tells you. You are special. You are worthy. Amazing, huh? Who doesn't want to hear a message like that? Right on sister!!! Be beautiful! Be strong! Be who God created you to be....100% YOU!

Catching Up to Do

This weekend was a whirlwind! Where exactly did it go? Thank goodness it is a three day one for the hubs. Which I guess doesn't mean a ton for a stay at home mommy like me. But just having the hubs around helps out...even if he is busy occupying himself with the various household projects on his annoyingly never ending ambitious list.

Back to the point. What have I been up to the past two days? I know you all are just yeah whatever positively dying to know. Right? Right! Well, Saturday started off with a nice cardio sweat session. 10 minutes on the crosstrainer plus a 45 minute spin class. Awesomeness. Canceled out the cardio with a nice serving of homemade blueberry waffles. Yum! Note: those are not all mine. I did have three of those bad boys, though.

After that, some plans changed with Peter's family, which opened up my afternoon. It was a nice change because I was able to finish my book which I was anxious to do.

Although predictable, it was a sweet story that just made me feel good. If you're looking for a good chick book that is easy reading, give it a shot. Now time to devour another.

Saturday night, we headed out to drop M off at my parents' place and visit for a few before heading out for a fun evening.

Why does that dress look like a tent on me? Sorry...moving on. Peter's best friend is getting married in about 2 weeks and they had a couple's shower going on. It was a nice time catching up. Some wine was enjoyed - 2 glasses of some uh-maz-ing Spanish wine. I soooo wish I had taken more note of specifics of it because I would have a bottle in my fridge regularly if I did. And if it was cheap. I'm not afraid to admit I can be a "three buck chuck" kind of vino gal. Sometimes it is good stuff! Who knows how much this kind was. My guess would be $$$$$. The host's place was fancy schmancy. Like a $5000 chair that you can't even sit on kind of schmancy. For the record - it wasn't made of gold. The night ended because we were lame and tired at 10 o'clock had to pick Makenzie up, so we headed out and crashed at home.

Sunday was yet another eventful day. Started off right with some Sunday school teaching action. I always feel odd calling myself a Sunday school leader or teacher. I'm not teaching kiddos. I'm "teaching" my peers....most of whom are older than me. I guess it is more just facilitating discussion and figuring out/organizing topics for different series. Well, Sunday school was a goodie. I'm loving the series we are currently in (post on that coming soon). Unfortunately, after class, we did have to dip out of the worship and sermon service to drive an hour for some family celebration with Peter's side. It was our niece's 7th birthday this past week and we had a gathering of gluttony craziness to celebrate.

It was lots of fun watching all the kiddos play and laughing with family. Also, I didn't mind the ice cream cake. Although, oddly I think I would have preferred normal cake with gobs of yummy icing. I used to always be a cookie cake or ice cream cake lover, but then being preggo changed all that. Makenzie made me a fat kid at heart. Aw, heck! Who am I kidding? I've always been a fat kid at heart. Now, there are just more things to love.

The weekend eventually ended with the hour drive back home, then plopping on the couch for a movie. The Taking of Pelham 123 with John Travolta & Denzel Washington - not bad, but not great either. The end.

• What good movies have you seen recently? 
• What is your favorite type of cake?
• Do you ever drink or like the cheap-o stuff? 

How It Went Down

Here's how my Friday went down. Not that it was too thrilling. Woke up, did the Bible/prayer thing, got the little stinker darling up from bed and downed some breakfast. Peanut butter protein oats for me, peanut butter waffle for the doll. After food, it was time to have a tea party.

Other mommyhood activities occurred. Like kicking the ball and waving our hands above our heads. Do I belong in something like this???

Maybe, if it wasn't for a certain blue eyed tot. Or perhaps she is what will send me to such a room? I kid, I kid!! That girl is the light of my life and I would do anything for her. Including watching another episode of these guys...

During morning naptime, I got in another one of my new Cathe DVD's. Athletic Step. Check it out. It was hardcore, tough stuff. Don't think step workouts are always super duper fancy choreography. This was a bunch of athletic, plyo style drills. And just when I thought she had killed me enough, NOPE! There was more. That woman is evil I tell ya. And it always amazes me how much new workouts will work you in ways you couldn't imagine. Yowza!

The remainder of the day included another walk, lunch (arnold thin ham & swiss sandwich, gala apple, 100 cal popcorn), more fun with the little girl, and my favorite part...food! Grocery shopping. I love love love stocking up for the week. There were no super interesting food finds or buys this week though. Bummer.

One thing that was of interest today, however, was trying to decide whether or not to enjoy a local Moms Group. It would be to meet other moms, socialize with people in the area, let M meet new friends, and find more ways to get out and about and do different activities. The only thing that would keep me back is I am unsure how many of the activities would be extra money, which we are trying to manage closely. Do you think it would be worth it? Should I check it out? 

It's a busy day tomorrow so I will have to update on later this weekend. Hopefully with some pictures for you lovely ladies. Anyhoo. I'll leave you off there since I've rambled on plenty already. Night!

Special Visitor

Well, today started off not on the best of feet. I woke up exhausted and I know just what to blame. I'm not so sure you would call it a special visitor, rather than a monthly one....but nevertheless, I was still relatively happy to have my visit from Auntie Flo to know that things are still in working order in my body. Although, she is a pain! Yesterday it was tummy ailments and today it was that hit by a bus exhaustion that plagued me. I think I looked like this until about noon...

Just sub the beer for coffee and the remote for my book. Which, by the way, I finished  It was one of the Sookie Stackhouse novels and was as entertaining as always. The Sookie Stackhouse series is the series that the TV show True Blood is based off of. It's about a girl (Sookie) who gets involved in all sorts of crazy antics in the supernatural world and it is a very fun, easy read. There are 3 more for me to read and I'm looking forward to them. But to take a break and get something different in the mix, I am now reading The Accidental Mother by Rowan Coleman. So far I am enjoying it. It's a predicatble storyline of a working lady who is left with her best friend who died's 2 little girls and the battles she faces with it. As you can probably tell, I am not one for serious themes in my reading.

All that book talk reminds me to get back to my day. Oops! Well, I was a lazy bunch until around 11 in the morning when M woke up from her morning nap (she was sleepy too and napped a total of 4.5 hours today!). Then, we got dressed and headed out to the library for a visit. I picked up 4 books to read, including the one I mentioned above. Then, since it was nice out and not too cold when we got home, we headed out for a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood. It's a nice stroll and works well for a mini workout since our neighborhood consists of one hill after another like this...

And when you're pushing 40 or so pounds of baby, stroller, library haul, etc it is quite effective for getting the heart rate up. And it's fun when you have a face like this looking at you half the time like a goober.

After the walk, it was lunch, torture the dog play time, etc with Makenzie until her next nap. That was when I got a bit productive and tackled 1/3 of my book and cleaned some. The productivity continued upon hubby's arrival home as we headed out to the gym. Full body weights + 20 minutes on the treadmill = quick, to the point, but effective and just challenging enough workout. Perfection. And we finish off the night with some pork chops, sweet potato, blogging, and reading. I would like to watch Grey's Anatomy but staying  up until 11 just won't happen so it will be DVR'ed for tomorrow night's viewing pleasure. 

Before you leave - please check out this awesome blog and her cool giveaway. Finding Happiness & Health

A Day in Pictures

To play off the common "Wordless Wednesday" posts I love, here is a fairly basic day of my life in photo form 

Woke up & spent some quality time with the #1 Book

Whipped up some yums for M's tum (and mine too of course)

Chased Makenzie, who was chasing our dog with her push toy

Traded in this book...

for this book and some delicious coffee during naptime

Had a tea party and got annoyed watched an episode of these guys

During naptime 2, attempted this

But ended up with tummy issues and instead did this

and this

I also watched a video to finish Sunday's lesson (no joke folks - VHS!!)

And made some of these plus practice work for tutoring

When Peter gets home we will be going here for this month's shower & wedding gifts

Then chilling with some meatloaf and either...

or...

Catch up with you all latah!!!!

Please Have Mercy

Hello my dear dear friends! I promise that you all are still very dear to me and I hope that you will have mercy on my absence the past month or so. It all started off with me wanting to take time away from the computer to spend more time with loved ones during the holidays and then it was just one thing after the other with keeping me away. The biggest thing that kept me off the computer since the New Year was my darling Makenzie was sick with some sort of virus. It was not pretty in our household and I believe I spent every one of her waking moments snuggled up on the couch with books, coloring, and on occasion some of her favorite show The Imagination Movers (think the new school Wiggles - I got some very annoying songs stuck in my head that week LOL). Now things have calmed down and I got just the kick in the butt I needed to start back up to blogging.

I received a Beautiful Blogger award from a very wonderful gal and inspiring mother, Krystal from the blog Musings from Mom School. How can I not accept such a recognition, despite the fact that I haven't been the best of a blogger recently. So, thank you Krys! And I want you all to know that her blog is so great. She has tons of useful information and product reviews on things ranging from mommy and children items to healthy eats and workouts, interesting stories about her family and life as a mom, and very genuine insights into life in general. Her blog is always a pleasure to read so be sure to check her out HERE!

So some things you may be wondering about...what I've been up to...here's a real quick recap...

• Faith = Really, really wanting to put this at the forefront of my life. I'm starting each day with some Bible and prayer time and trying to talk to God as much as possible during the day. This has got to be number one in my life, and usually it is, but I am human and the diligence it takes to keep God first can slip. In the Sunday school class which I lead discussion we are doing a series that looks at some of the historical facts of the Bible and how it applies to help better understand the context and how it can be applied to our lives as well. I am enjoying it and what it is teaching. 
• Family = Spending lots of time watching Makenzie grown and learn. She amazes me every day! I can hardly believe how smart she is (who cares if I am biased)! I hope that whatever sickies were ailing her have passed now. I love love love my family and we are hoping to be working on adding to it by the end of this year. No, that does not mean I am pregnant already before inquiring minds start putting words in my mouth ;)
• Friends = We have had some fun times with friends over the holidays, from different Christmas and NYE parties to visits with good friends who were home for the holidays and just little quick get-togethers. I feel blessed for all the support and fellowship I have. I am also excited that this year we will be traveling to Indiana to visit one of my closest friends (Mandy) and also traveling to the Philadelphia area for my oldest friend's wedding (Thomas) to a wonderful woman (Jen). 
• Fitness = Nothing exciting here, folks! I'm doing regular workouts that aren't anything major at all. Not even an hour a day usually. I'm doing 3 cardio workout DVDs at home per week since they are fun and make it easy to not have to haul M out to the gym in the cold and flu weather. I'm also doing 2 full body workouts a week with some walking or elliptical thrown in, and 1 cycle class per week. It's pretty different than normal since I'm not really focusing on weight workouts as much. I just have been over them lately and I'm not going to force myself to do workouts I don't enjoy. It is pretty unlike me to not care for weight workouts but I've learned to go with the flow. 
• Body Image = I am feeling really really great! I feel healthy and have a normal, balanced mindset with food and working out again. I still have occasional times where I feel a bit blah, but they are minimal and it's more just adjusting to the changes. I was advised to put on about 15 lbs from show weight so that way when we are ready for baby #2 I am at a good place physically. I am there now and knowing that it is the best interest of my health and the pursuit to get pregnant (when that time comes) makes it worthwhile, even if sometimes it is uncomfortable and I wonder if other people think I've let myself go. I know those thoughts are silly because I know I haven't let myself go and that I am caring for myself, so I try to slap myself out of them quickly. Fortunately, I don't have to do so very often these days. I know my body is back in working order and that is fabulous to me. 

I guess that about wraps it up. As for today - I am going to do some reading (both for our Sunday school class and enjoyment), some bathroom cleaning, playing with Makenzie, perhaps a bundled up walk around the neighborhood, and then dinner and The Biggest Loser tonight with my sister and hubs.

To finish off this post - I must finish up the requirements for the blogger award I received. So I will list 7 random facts about me and 7 other blogs I wish to give this award to :) Thanks again Krys!!!

7 Random Truths

1. I tend to eat the same things almost every day, week after week. I am a creature of habit, don't have time to figure out what to have for lunch with a 15 month old pulling on my legs, and just get on food kicks where I want a certain food every day.
2. I was a cheerleader and gymnast growing up, but have never in my life been flexible and despite my wishes to be more flexible, I never ever have the dedication to do yoga or anything beyond simple stretching that could improve it
3. I was hit by a car going 55 mph (yes, myself...not me in a car) when I was 16 years old. I ended up with a big gash across my bum, a gash in my head, a hole where my elbow should have been, and sever road rash. Surprisingly, the road rash hurt the worst. The butt cut just made me laugh and I told all the doctors they were lucky to see my butt and I was screaming "I have two holes in my butt" to everyone in the hospital. I still have a dent in my head and a tiny bald spot from it. 
4. Besides my husband, my sister is my best friend because she gets me like no one else. I wish we could see each other every day like we used to. 
5. I am so bad at talking on the phone and keeping up with people more regularly. I find it much easier to stay in touch via the computer, which saddens me a bit because the true interaction from talking is so much more real. 
6. I wish I could really know how a certain someone of my past really felt about me. It is no doubt we were completely wrong for each other and I never would want to be with anyone else besides Peter, but I can't help but sometimes wonder about him. I completely blame it on the lack of closure from the 7-8 years of on again/off again madness we had and never knowing if he cared as much as I did. It's not often, but very randomly when things remind me of him/us I hate having to wonder.
7. I spend most days in sweats or workout clothes, especially now that it is cold. I hate being uncomfortable and if I'm not going anywhere then I wonder what the point is? I should probably make more of an effort to look nice for Peter. But he says he doesn't mind and I stay clean so it's okay...right? LOL

Now the 7 Blogs I wish to award!

1. Julie at Peanut Butter Fingers - She is so great about updating on the fun things in her life, her wedding plans, and fun food finds. 
2. Lindsey at The Balanced Way - She is a true example to balanced, healthy living. She has great workout tips and recipes. 
3. Faith Food & Fitness - Another great example of balanced living. She is funny, gorgeous, and a wonderful person. 
4. Genie at Third Wish - She is inspiring with what she can do with her determination. She is going to be an amazing national level figure competitor one day! 
5. Jessica at How Sweet It Is - I love her writing style, her recipes (YUM!), her workout ideas, and her love of life. 
6. Marcia at Mission: Possible - This lady is amazing with her workout intensity.
7. Heather at The Long & Winding Road - She is one of the most genuine, sweetest, amazing women I have known and what she shares is so worth reading. Her journey is inspiring and her heart is full.