Thursday, September 30, 2010

The third week

It's go time.  This was my third week of spinning class.  As with everything else, the third week is the hardest.  I have noticed, in my life at least.  Once I can push past the third week I am usually good.  The first week of any new workout is the week of discovery.  I'm excited for something new.  The second week is the week of trying to do better than the first and push it just a bit further.  Then week three comes.  And I just want to lay in bed.

Thankfully though, I kept with it.  The fact that I invested $36 into this Spin class has a bit to do with it.  And honestly to say, I do really really enjoy spinning.  The fact that I have enjoyed the class and that it makes me feel great has been the main factor of me keeping with it.

These past 3 weeks have also been kind of a experimental workout time.  The first week I did spin 2 days a week, and swam once.  Then the next week I just did spin.  This week I have done something each day.  Ran on Monday, Spin on Tuesday, workout video on Wednesday, Spin on Thursday, and I will be running again tomorrow morning, and hopefully swimming on Saturday.

So far this week has worked out the best.  I am finally "mad".  If you have ever taken Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace, you will know what I mean. You have to get mad about your situation in order to really start stepping it up and doing something about it.  I am applying this idea to my physical fitness.  I am mad about this muffin top.  Why?  because it just doesn't belong there.  And it's not baby weight people....1.my children are 2 1/2 yrs old...you can only use the baby weight card for the first few months really, and 2. This ghastly thing was not there this time last year.  And it is time that it hit the road.  For good.  For reals.  See ya.  Wasn't nice knowing ya.  Don't bother coming back. bye.

Hence, my new workout schedule of doing something each day.  Except Sunday.  I am also cutting down major on my snackage.   My children eat and snack practically all stinkin' day and I got in a really bad BAD habit of snackin' it up with 'em.  Obviously not a smart idea.  And if I am going to be a better steward of my body, something has to change.

So schedule will be as such....
Monday - morning run @615am, workout video during nap time
Tuesday - Spinning @ 520am
Wednesday - workout video during nap time
Thursday - Spinning @ 520am
Friday - morning run @615am, workout video during nap time
Saturday - morning swim
Sunday - off day

After another week or two of this schedule I will change it up a bit.  Maybe add running to Wed morning as well and a dif workout video for naps on same day as spin.  We will just see.

I have slowly been working myself up to this.  Before spinning started I was swimming 3-4 days per week.  So, if you are looking for a schedule and thinking mine looks full, just remember it didn't start that way.  When it comes to a fitness plan I have learned to not start out doing everything.  It's way too exhausting.....and I notice that I eat more when I'm tired for some strange reason....SO, do what you can handle...then take it up a notch.  Always make sure you are challenged.  But make sure you get enough sleep!


a few of my motivational verses.....
1 Corinthians 6:19-20...Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 
2 Timothy 1:7....For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.*
Galatians 5:22-25.... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self‑control.*  Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

*self-discipline and self-control are the biggest issues with getting fit.  At least for me.  It is a battle of my mind.  If I am to succeed I must become self-disciplined so that I may have self-control and be able to stick with my plan.  

And in the end it's all about being a good steward and honoring God with my body...as it is His temple.  And His temple doesn't need any extra lavishes that I have graciously bestowed upon it, such as this muffin top.   
:) 

And I'll end with a pic a friend of mine took of us leaving work! Thanks Kelly!
 Our kiddos have been doing SO great at holding hands!  I'm so proud of them!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Sweet pics by Sweet Portrayal

Hey all!  So I gave you all a sneak peak at a couple pics from our photo-shoot for the Peekaboo Mag a couple posts ago, and now I have the rest of our fave's!  Kimberly with Sweet Portrayal Photography was gracious enough to send us our fave's so that I could put them up for blogging purposes for you all!  Hope you enjoy!

Gabriel ready to jump :)...
 baha..I absolutely love this one.....


 Peek-a-boo!




  For those of you in the NWArkansas area, check out her page! With digital camera's everywhere, everyone these days calls themselves a photographer...especially if they can use a photo editing program...but few really are good and passionate at what they do.  It's all about capturing that moment.  That photo that screams personality.  Especially with children.  As a parent you want to see those familiar looks that you can look at and laugh about.  And of course, with children it takes patience and the ability to change things up and really capture them naturally.  And Kimberly did a great job at all of this.  Thanks again Sweet Portrayal and Peekaboo Mag!

Not sure when the Oct issue is coming out.  I'd assume Oct 1st but haven't heard.Be on the lookout!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Let's put the tree up!

We have had a busy week here at the Howard hizzie.  Friday afternoon I drove down with our other pastor's wives to a Woman Conference at New Life Church in Little Rock.  It was absolutely amazing.  And the best part was that I got to know the other ladies even better.  None of us rarely have a chance to stop and hang out, so this was a great chance for that and also to hear some powerful Word.  Priscilla Shire was amazing.  As was Michelle Bezet.  In a later post I will condense and type up some of my notes.  I took like 7pages! lol good.stuff.

While there I got a couple things from the booths that were out.  I got 2 tutu's for Trinity and a sports headband for each of the boys.  Funding for this purchase went towards a community dance and sporting program.  Here is a pic of T in one of her tutu's...
def not the best picture quality and cruddy color, but you get the idea.  I LOVE tutu's.  I think they are just crazy cute.  Unfortunately my wonderful husband doesn't think they need to be worn outside the house.  I really don't see why not.  I honestly think they are WAY too crazy ridiculously adorable to not wear out.  But that's me :P lol

On Monday of this week Chris went into work just a little bit later than usual, so I got the kiddos ready and took him into work so me and the kids could get out of the house and do some shopping!  And oh was it fun!  We went to Target first.  Was there for I kid you not...2hours.  And I did something I have never been brave enough to do.  I walked my children in.  Yep, that's right. 3 2year olds.parking lot.no stroller.  I prayed the whole way there that God would either put one of those ginormous kid carts in the cart corral in the parking lot so I could just take them in that way....OR that I would be able to get them to all hold hands and walk in together without me having to chase one down, one get hit by a car,...etc.  As you can tell I'm a little paranoid about parking lots :) I also prayed that a spirit of comfort, patience, and peace would be on them (and me) as we shopped and that attitudes would glorify God and not send us running out of the store, ditching the cart. HA!  Seriously though....God heard my prayers loud and clear!  We made into the store with no issues, then they just climbed up into the ginormous limo cart!  They had never rode in one of those b4 so it was kinda exciting for them.  I brought some apple slices and fruit snacks for them to snack on and also let them snack on some choc cov doughnuts while there which kept them pretty happy!

Then on Tues, we made one more trip to Wal-Mart after we got out of work and finished our shopping!  Holler for being done with Christmas for our kiddos!  I have seriously never been done with Christmas early.  And to be quite honest, we haven't done anything in so long.  Since Chris and I have been married we have not really done a lot with gifts for Christmas.  We know it is not about the gifts, it's about Jesus.  Last year we ended up buying one small gift for each child b/c we just didn't have the money.  This year, with us getting out of debt and being able to Budget for Christmas it was pretty wonderful feeling.  Chris mentioned the last time we did our budget that he wanted presents under our tree this year. lol  And presents there will be!  For our children anyway lol.  We still have to find each other's gifts.  That is budgeted in a later month :)
the loot.  Found SO much of this on clearance and sale.  Love me a good clearance sale!  Although what I am most excited about are the Leap Frog laptops.....which weren't on sale.  But I'm ok with that.  and yes, that is the Shaun the Sheep I won for .99 on ebay!  Now really was a great time to get stuff on clearance sale at target and wal-mart especially.

I do have to say our find of the day were these...
Just as soft and cuddly as the real Pillow Pets, but only $7.99 at Gordman's.  They were going a bit crazy over these in the store, so we just let them have them early.  Getting these alone saved us over $40!  The cat is Gabriel's, the turtle is Asher's, and the dog is Trinity's.

So now we just need the Christmas tree up!  

Work....
I am back working Tuesday morning again!  Yesterday was my 2nd week back.  I love that I can take my kiddos with me and they get their own lesson each week!  I love seeing their lesson topic and craft.  makes my heart smile....and I get to make a little dough while at it!
This week's lesson was about the church praying for Peter while he was in prison and how God sent an angel to free him!

I thought it especialy cute how Trinity colored the finger nails :) baha
Awesomeness....
Chris got me this thing for my bra's b/c one of my good VS one's got mangled in the dryer and I was not very happy about it.  The best practical gift a girl could ask for! 
....And now it is serving another purpose!  I have started throwing all the kiddos socks into it to wash them.  We just bought them all new socks and I didn't want them, like most of their others, getting eaten by the sock monster.  So just so you know....this works wonderful for that :) lol

Some random pics....

Friday, September 17, 2010

Sneak Peak

Here is a sneak peak at some pics done by Kimberly Ginn of Sweet Portrayal.  I am absolutely going insane waiting to see the other pics! aaaak.  just breath....lol

She hasn't posted one of Gabriel yet, but when she does I will post it!  Should also be getting some via email that also has her logo on them, but perfect for just showing on here!  As soon as I get those I will put them up!

And don't forget to get your October issue of Peekaboo Magazine when they come out!

Addicted

That's right....to Spinning
I am LOVEing this class.  The first day was rough, not gonna lie.  I sat for many of the "jumps" and didn't go all out on the sprints.  My legs were just not having it.  Not to mention I was watching the clock and couldn't wait till it was over.  And I didn't have padded shorts.  ouch!  But yesterday, I gave myself a challenge to not stop, and to do every jump and go all out on my sprints.  And I accomplished my goal!!!!  And I had padded shorts. lol. And glad I did, b/c my booty was still hurting a little from Tues.  But,  on my way home I thought to myself, "wow, that was so much fun.  I'm ready to do it again!"  Seriously!  I absolutely love a good challenge, and this is apparently just what my body is needing.  I would recommend Spinning to anyone.

Some phone pics of Gabriel vacuuming
He seriously, really likes to vacuum.lol

Asher in the "big" chair.  Apparently he thought he was going to lead the pre-marital counseling we were getting ready for that night
He really likes this chair in one of our offices at church.  he he

I am super excited about this weekend.  I am leaving today to go to a Woman Conference!  And I am totally pumped about it.  Me and 3 other staff wives are taking a road trip to Little Rock to New Life Church.  Pricsilla Shirer is the speaker.  I have never heard her, but was told great things about her.  Can't wait!  We leave today at 3pm and will get back tomorrow (Sat) evening around 8pm or so. 
Then on Sunday we are finishing up our Confidence series!  Gonna be a great weekend!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Unwind

To unwind each day I have been listening to a lot of classical music lately.  Primarily piano...
Clay Giberson, Robin Spielberg, George Winston, Ludovico Einaudi, Dustin O'Halloran,and David Lanz just to name a few.  Pandora has been my besty lately.  We are able to have it stream through our DVD player to our TV and it is awesome!  No add interruptions like on the computer. SO. NICE.

The music not only helps me to unwind, but also the kids.  Gabriel especially loves piano, and classical in general.  He has been a bit grouchy and whinny lately, so this helps us all :)  His molars are S.T.I.L.L. coming in.  Holy goodness these things take foooooorreeeeeeverrrrrrrrrrr.  At least it is just in little spurts....a week here, a week there.  Although I wish they'd just pop in and be done already! Allergy/headache season is apparently setting in again with the weather having all the changes lately.  So this too has been taking it's toll.

I have really had to be even more aware of my own emotions and general grrrr-ness this week.  Been in more prayer and study which has helped so much.  I started doing more study while the kiddos are napping too.  Just as a pick me up, refresher, to get myself back on track and in check.  Because if mama gets testy, everyone will be grouchy-er.  Even though sometimes all I really want to do is through a fit too. lol  Unfortunately I'm not 2 and would really have no excuse.  oh well. HA!  So as my own words ring in my mind "an out of control parent cannot teach a child self control" I breathe, turn on some worship or some classical music and get back to Parenting.  The right way.  The way God wants me to.  Taking captive my emotions and thoughts and giving them to Him each and every morning...and all day long.  

I have another saying that I have told the girls in my life group and that is "remember your morning attitude".  I came up with this after a couple of my first real challenging stay at home mama days.  I would notice that I was so cheery in the morning, nothing much bothered me, whatever was being whinned about or fussed about wouldn't get to me, we'd just move on, patience that reaches the sky, it's a new day.....but by the time that 3pm or 4pm came around...not so much.  Then I would notice that when Chris got home around 6pm, he would be so excited and loving....kissing and cuddling, tickling and wrestling with the kids.  It really made me think.  He is acting like I do.... in the morning!  Hence my "remember my morning attitude" saying.

Being a stay at home mama is literally one of the greatest gifts God has given me.  Yes, there are great days and other days that are a challenge, and it's SO CRAZY worth it.  All of it.  The laughter. the cuddles. the whining. the crying. the joy. the tears. the fort building. train choo choo-ing. the time outs. the picnic parties.  You name it.  It's all good.  And I believe one of the biggest, greatest callings a woman can have.  Think about it.  We have been trusted by God to raise His children...all day long.  Isn't that amazing?  Wow, really! so cool

And this is probably why I never say I'm having a bad day.   Even when my patience may be dwindling from telling Gabriel, Asher or Trinity for the zillion-pagillionth time to not leave there sippy cups lying around on the floor....b/c they know that they belong on the table, or to stop using the ottoman as a high jump, or the chairs as a means to reach anything and everything they aren't s'possed to......I may get a smidge aggravated or annoyed....but that never makes my day bad.  It may be a bit more challenging that others, that's for sure.  But not bad.  Everyday I wake up and have nothing better to do than spend time with our instant little family God gave us is always a good day.  A blessed day.  A day to be thankful.  A gift and treasure. 

And may I never forget it.


Love me some good Word!
Psalm 119:5  Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes to see  the wonderful truths in your instructions
Ephesians 4:29 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 
2 Corinthians 6:6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Vacation Week

So I've been waiting the past 3 days to post this b/c I wanted the pics taken by Chris' phone....BUT, I can't seem to remember to get them when we are actually both home this week, which has pretty much been not at all....so this will have to do! lol 

This past week Chris was on vaca!  It was a lot of fun.  Our anniversary was last Tuesday, and that is why he took off that week.  We ended up just hanging out around here and it was very nice and relaxing.  We watched movies, played outside, went to parks, got some ice cream, talked to some horses, and smelled some flowers!

All pics where taken with our phone camera's 'cus that's all we had with us.

On my way home from the WLFC one morning... going down hwy 102. This was at like 645am or so.  SOOOOOO thankful I do not have to drive in this traffic anymore!  I don't miss it a bit.  bumper to bumper almost clear to Centerton.  not fun for these peeps....see ya :)
On this note, I am really liking swimming in the mornings.  Sometimes it is hard to get up, but I am so glad that I do.  I may also start spinning....depending on when the class is offered. 

We visited Garden City's little garden area.  The kids absolutely love it!  What can I say, they like flowers.  And butterflies.  And there was plenty of each!  They also have horses right next to the garden, so they got to see some "horsy" up close and personal.  It was pretty awesome.  I have to say that I love the fact that we have children that are so easy to please!  Sure, they like reg parks with slides and swings and all that, but they are equally as happy just going somewhere and looking at plants, flowers, animals and butterflies.  Love them!

We also went to Andy's and got the kids some free "sample cones".  Super excited to get something free!  This was literally the first time our kiddos have ever eaten ice cream from a cone.  It was pretty awesome!  We usually just share our cups with them... a lot less messy that way.  But this day we were just hanging out, and had no plans afterward besides going to a park, so wasn't worried about the mess.  And they did surprisingly well.

Memorial Park...  they are starting to get curious about the "big kid" area.  So they decided to play a bit over there too...