Catch up

Big things that have happened since my last post:

• Thanksgiving
• Little man turned 3
• Finals
• Christmas

But the thing I'm most excited about is I am still at thirty pounds down!  YAY!!!

The holidays tend to be a bad time for most.  Birthdays and the stress of finals can be bad for the scale as well.  YET I am really doing this!  I got this :-)

I know I did not make the best choices with all that was going on however I was able to keep off the weight.  This feels amazing.

For Christmas I went up north to visit my family and although it was great being with them and so close to everyone, I am happy to be home.  This next semester will be incredible since I'll have night class.  I am back to working out on the elliptical and I'm working on cleaning the house big time!  I already have seven bags of stuff that needs to go to the thrift store and have thrown away quite a bit.

Being home feels good because I can get back into my eating routine.  Today I've already had 12 cups of water.  

Life is good :-D

love

anc

Little Man Monday

To make up for the LMMs I've missed here is an extended edition :-) Enjoy!

Taken November 1, 2008

Just over 3 years ago

Taken November 29, 2008

Little Man at a few days old

Taken November 21, 2009

LM at one year old

Taken October 19, 2010

LM at almost two years old

Taken November 12, 2011

LM at almost 3 years old

90 days

"You have logged in for 90 days in a row!"

This is what I saw when I logged my breakfast this morning :-D

Not going to lie, I'm proud of this.  Have they all been good days?  Nope not a chance but it is a slow change and I'm working on it.

My exercise has pretty much fallen to the wayside and I'm working to get back into the habit.  Some of my neighbors and I got together to workout at the women's only area on campus.  It was good working out with others and I enjoyed the fellowship however I do not think I'll be doing that equipment again.  I believe I have planter fasciitis.  I could barely walk all day Tuesday due to the pain I was in.  Not fun is an understatement.  It honestly felt like my heal was cracked and I would not like to experience that again if at all possible.  I've had the pain before but never to that degree.

Last night I finally got back on my "friend".  My 21 day habit forming did not happen however I will get up and try again!  I hadn't been to work out on my friend in months but it was great to be back.  I rocked it to the sound of 45 minutes and 270 calories later!

It is a daily battle not to eat all day or to sit around and not get my body moving.  I'm working on leaning on the Lord for my needs because I know He will lead me through.  He wants me to be at my best...even if that means tough times of working on my health and mind.  His grace is sufficient in all things!

Workout Program

I started doing C25K (Couch to 5k).  So far I am really liking the workouts.  It starts you out running for just one minute at a time and over the nine weeks it builds you up to running for thirty minutes.  This is good for me since I've never been much of a runner but I decided I needed something to help get me moving!

I'm looking forward to running with little man when he gets back from his dad's.  I like this because I could even do it while pushing the stroller if needed!!

Picture taken after Week 2 Day 2

Don't mind the pasty whiteness...

the flash went off and didn't feel like retaking

Little Man Monday

Up to no good!

Counseling and Such

This blog will make very little sense to the outside reader; however I am writing it for me and using this more as a journal.  Yeah the whole world can see it but that's okay.

Counseling is a powerful thing.  My school offers it free to students and decided to take advantage of the offer.

It is amazing how someone with nothing invested in your life can look in from the outside and give an observation that is really very clear.  Why don't we see that for ourselves?

Well I was challenged by my counselor Wednesday afternoon.  She gets to hear lots about my life and background.  I'm going mostly for career counseling, to help me figure out the direction I should head in.  After taking over half the session to talk about one topic she stopped me and said, "You just talked about that for twenty-five minutes and got animated and excited.  Why don't you do something with that?"  Wow.  I didn't realize how passionate I can be about this.  I don't want to go into the details at the moment, maybe another time.  I was then given the challenge.

I was scared to death.  BUT I did it!  I actually did it!  Granted I could hear my heart beat in my ears and was shaking but I accomplished my challenge.

On a completely unrelated note, I have been staying up really late this week.  I don't know what has come over me.  I can't seem to get myself to bed before one.  Even when I need to be up early I still go to bed late and then stay up the next night.  Craziness.

So far I've logged in to My Fitness Pal 55 days in a row.  I'm pleased with myself.  I am down 26 with my first goal being minus 35.  Why 35 you ask...that is how much little man weighs and I want to be able to say "I am minus my son!"  :-D

This week and last has not been the greatest diet wise.  I bought chocolate, which I shouldn't have even done but we all make mistakes.  I've been over almost everyday and am learning not to beat myself up so much but learn from it and try to make better choices next time.

School has been going well.  This week is mid-term week and I had a few tests but nothing bad.  This semester is proving to be quite easy.  I spoke to my counselor about this and she said maybe there is a reason for that.  At first I felt really bad and guilty that I wasn't really having to study or work hard but it is freeing up time in other areas for things like my challenge.

There is a season for everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

 ¹ There is a time for everything, 

   and a season for every activity under heaven:

 ² a time to be born and a time to die, 

   a time to plant and a time to uproot, 

 ³ a time to kill and a time to heal, 

   a time to tear down and a time to build, 

 ⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh, 

   a time to mourn and a time to dance, 

 ⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 

   a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 

 ⁶ a time to search and a time to give up, 

   a time to keep and a time to throw away, 

 ⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend, 

   a time to be silent and a time to speak,

 ⁸ a time to love and a time to hate, 

   a time for war and a time for peace.

love 

anc

Goals

I know the importance of goals but I hadn't really set any for my weight loss besides the main goal weight. Well I finally did!


Take a look!


SW = 287 lbs 
GW = 175 lbs 
1.5 lbs lost per week 

Mini Goals: (developed 10/9/11) 
Goal 1: -35lbs (aka the weight my son is) = 252 lbs 
Complete by 11/19/11 

Goal 2: -60 lbs = 227 lbs 
Complete by 3/10/12 

Goal 3: -88 lbs = 199!!! "ONE"derland! 
Complete by 7/14/12 

Goal 4: -100 lbs = 187 lbs 
Complete by 9/8/12 

Goal 5 -112 lbs = GOAL WEIGHT of 175lbs 
Complete by 11/3/12


So if I did all my counting right I should be under 200 by July!  Sweet beans!


I set myself up to have 1.5 lbs gone per week.  I want to do this for good and in a healthy way.  

Little Man Monday

Yes I am in the picture to but his face is too cute not to post for the LMM!  Plus I look pretty silly too!

Before and After

Everyone loves good before and after photo.  Here is mine.

BEFORE

AFTER

Products Used:
Miracle Set
Foundation Primer
Ivory 6 Luminous and Matte Foundations mixed
A touch of Beige 1 Sheer Pressed Powder
Cream Eye Color in Beach Blonde as a base and primer
Desert Sun Bronzing Powder used as eye color
Steely Eyeliner
Ultimate Mascara
Hazelnut to fill in brows
Brow Gel to set
Berry Sparkle NouriShine Lip Gloss

Normally I wouldn't use the lip gloss but it was fun to play with!  Plus this was my first time doing something with my brows.  I love my job!!!!

Little Man Monday

Ham and Potatoes

Crockpot style ham and scalloped potatoes
This a great recipe!  My crockpot couldn't even hold all the ingredients so at the end I had to cut some of the onions and potatoes.  It was very good but I would change something if I knew what it was that was a bit off.  Maybe I had a bit too much onion?  Not sure.  I'll have to experiment with this one.

I did not calculate this on my own but according to the recipe it is 310 calories per serving and 8 servings.  I figured the serving size was one cup.  Next time I make it I'll figure this out.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb 98% fat free ham [I used Jenni-o turkey ham] cut into pieces
• 9 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 large onion sliced thinly
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup shredded fat free cheddar cheese
• 1 can low fat cream of celery soup

Layer into crockpot:

• 1/2 the potatoes
• 1/2 the onion
• 1/2 the salt and pepper
• 1/2 the cheese
• 1/2 the ham
• rest of the potatoes
• rest of the onion
• rest of the salt and pepper
• rest of the cheese
• all of the soup
• rest of the ham

Cook time:

Low 8-10 hours

OR

High 4 hours

The finished product!

When feeling blue...

When feeling blue, simply rearrange your rooms!

I did not take a before picture but I am very pleased with these results!

Little Man's play room

I moved his bed into my room, since he usually sleeps in my bed anyway and moved the white dresser back to the big room (pictured is the master bedroom).  Yes my son does have the master bedroom for a playroom.  I like it that way.  

love
anc

Chicken Enchiladas

Crockpot style chicken enchiladas

This recipe was good.  I was not able to make many enchiladas to freeze because the corn tortillas I had would not fold without breaking so I improvised and a dish for the oven.  The tortillas became like chips so it was very nice!

I froze the extra and plan to do a chicken enchilada bake type dish with it.

This makes six 1 cup servings at 292 calories.  This amount is just for the messy mix.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz cream cheese [I used fat free]
• 2 cans of enchilada sauce, red or green OR salsa [I used both!]
• 1 can black beans 
• 1 can corn
• tortilla shells
• shredded cheese
• sour cream, black olives, lettuce, etc to taste

I did not use any sour cream etc.  I drained both the beans and the corn and rinsed them.

Directions:

• Place chicken breasts in crockpot
• smother with one can enchilada sauce
• add cream cheese
• add black beans
• add corn
• Cook on low 8 hours
• Stir to shred chicken [I took out the chicken to cut it]

Now this is where my experience did not follow the directions.  

• spread chicken mixture on tortilla
• roll up and place seam side down in pan
• pour second can of enchilada sauce 
• cover with cheese
• bake at 325-350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes
• serve with whatever toppings you wish

I just placed tortillas in the pan, covered with mixture, put more tortillas on top with some cheese, and cooked.  I never used the second can of sauce.  

The yummy sloppy mess of chicken enchilada crockpot style!

Chicken Enchilada Bake

Chili with a Pizza Twist

UPDATE:  I've also made this without the pepperoni so there would be less sodium and it is still amazing!

This is probably my favorite crockpot recipe so far!  It is so good and I am happy to have leftovers still in the freezer!

Makes six 1 cup servings at 264 calories.  I personally like mine better without the parmesan.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 (15oz) can kidney beans - and the goop!
• 1 (14oz) jar premade pizza sauce [you could totally make your own but I'm not that adventurous yet ;-)]
• 1 (14.5oz) can Italian stewed tomatoes
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded, and diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 25 turkey pepperoni slices [cut smaller]
• shredded mozzarella and/or parmesan cheese for serving - optional

The Directions:

• brown meat, drain off grease
• put meat into slow cooker
• add entire can of beans
• add pizza sauce
• add tomatoes (cut smaller if desired)
• add diced bell pepper
• stir in Italian seasoning and pepperoni
• I did not stir the first time I cooked this and it was still amazing!  Second time I made this I did stir and it was still amazing!  Hehe

Cooking Time:

Low for six to eight hours

OR

High for four hours

Now this picture isn't the best, I forgot to take one when it was in the nice crockpot so this is one in a baggy before being sealed and put into the freezer.

Pizza Chili!

Helping Others

I am loving my classes this semester!  They are all very interesting and thought provoking.  It is so nice to have classes that relate to life and have a purpose.

For my course in Missions and Evangelism, we are doing an evangelism practicum.  No this does not mean we are to go out to the streets and hand out gospel tracts.  It is about building relationships with others so we can then share our story about how God found led us to Him.

The teacher did not leave us hanging for places to go.  He had several different organizations come in telling us about their work and how we could help.  The vast majority were youth centered.  I do not mind youth but I would rather not have to work with them if there is another option.  While it was beginning to look like that would be the only thing that would fit into my schedule.  Boy was I wrong!  God brought a speaker in just at the right time to rip my heart open . . .  Teaching English pronunciation to international students and sharing about Jesus!  These are adults who have come from places like China and Korea to study in the States.  They are smart brilliant people, most are doing doctorate work at a local university.  Well I qualify!  I speak English and know our customs!

I was not able to go last week because little man and I were just not feeling up to it and honestly I wanted to check it out before he came.

It was amazing!  Before I left I was praying this would be a fun and good experience for me.  It was more than I could have ever imagined!  I cannot wait to go back!  The students are so kind and really have a desire to learn!

Now is this were I will end up, helping international students with English?  I honestly do not know but I like the possibility of it :-)  I will continue to pray and would love other's prayers as well about it.  My school does have a program for ESL/EFL Education so it could happen!

I mostly watched while I was there to see how things go.  The lady I got to know is from Korea and it was so fun to learn about her and the culture.  She is so friendly and opened up a lot.

I'll definitely be updating more about this experience!

love
anc

Little Man Monday

Papaw Chew and Little Man

LM did not know we were going to see him and was so surprised and excited!

Two Three

So far on my journey to a healthier me I am at 23 pounds lost.  Woohoo!

I have over 35 days in a row of logging in to my fitness pal.  This site is incredible.  Plus there is a handy little app for my phone and I can scan the foods for easy input!

Today I got back to mister elliptical in the first time in weeks.  With little man visiting his dad it made it possible to go.  The workout felt amazing.  I rocked it out to the tune of 45 minutes!

I am learning to make better choices and I am limiting the amount of bad stuff I allow into my house.

This past week (or maybe this week since its still Saturday, not sure), I used my lovely crockpot THREE times!  It was so easy!  A bonus was the leftover that are in the freezer!

In the coming days I shall be posting about the low-calorie crockpot recipes I tried out.  :-)

Little Man Monday

My Journey

Wow.

Today is weigh-in day.

I just did that.

I am down TWENTY POUNDS!!!!!!!!

It feels amazing!

I haven't been exercising as much as I'd like but I go for walks with little man and walk to classes (unless it is pouring rain).  I limit my intake of not so good foods but I haven't cut anything out except sweet tea and pop.  I miss it sometimes but I have my water to drink!  I truly believe that has what has helped me to loose this twenty pounds.  I drink anywhere from six to fifteen cups of water a day.  I average about ten a day.

As I type this sentence LM is now in my lap.  He just got up and said in the sweetest voice possible "I wanna sit on your lap."  Therefore typing is now a little more difficult but so worth it :-)

I am loving this journey I'm on to become a healthier overall person.  As I said I still eat what I want.  For example last night a neighbor had a cookout and I had a hamburger.  Yes I skipped on the cheese but I make sure to track everything, including the mustard and ketchup!

Well LM and I need to go to the store.  We are out of some staples and he is calling me to go!

love
anc

Good day!

My 21 day habit is still going strong on the food tracking side.  The exercise component got put to the side with little man coming home and classes/homework.  I'm happy that I am just watching what I eat.  I do get exercise but not in the same way I was before.  I walk to class and most days go on a walk with LM.  I would love to be back on the elliptical but kids come first.

I tried out a local gym that has a kid's room but the people there were very pushy to try and get me to sign up for things that I cannot afford to spend money on.  It was very rude and they will not be getting my business no matter how nice the facility was.

I am getting back to being 100% health wise.  I still have some sort of cough but I can breath much better and the sinus pain is gone.

Classes are going well.  So far I'm doing great at keeping on top of everything.  I really like all my classes this semester.

I have one more class for the day then LM and I will probably be taking a walk around campus.

Oh!  I almost forgot!  God is so good!!  A few days ago I checked my mail and I had received a letter from one of the professors on campus.  I do not know the professor, nor have I had him.  Inside the letter basically said I've heard you are having a rough time and some friends wanted to encourage you.  Hope this love gift helps in some way.  So glad God brought you to this university.  WOW!  It was exactly what I needed at that time!  God knows what we need.  He listens to us and encourages us so much.  I had been thinking is this really where I am meant to be.  I have three and a half years left before I get my degree and I've already been in school for three years.  It was very hard to think about it like that.  College is great but I don't want to be here forever studying.  That card helped me to see that yes God did bring me here and I am meant to be here.

Also since I'm very unsure of where I am being called in terms of a major, I am going to be getting some counseling in regards to this.  I am looking forward to any insight that comes.  Mary Kay is still my business and I love it however I am prayerfully wondering if it is my life career or a season one.  We shall see what God has to say in the coming months and years :-)

Love
anc

Little Man Monday

His new size 11 shoes.

Not doing much

Well I made it though the first week of little man being here for the fall semester.  It went pretty good.

I ended the week with being sick.  Yesterday and today consisted of laying low and not doing much.  I can hardly breath right now.

I am still tracking my food intake but actually exercising hasn't really happened.  Although that last part makes me sad, this makes me happy:  I'm 13 pounds down total so far!  I lost another couple pounds just by tracking my food and running after LM.

Hopefully I will be back to 100% health by Tuesday for classes.

love
anc

Little Man Monday

Rockin' it!

The first week of classes is done!  Yay!  I survived!  I knew I would ;-)

I'm looking forward to this semester.  It will be a challenge but a good one.  I know it will be full of growth and stretching!

Today was day 10!  I rocked it out to the tune of forty-five minutes on mister elliptical at level two!

So I decided to buy a scale so I could weigh myself in the privacy of my own home.  Ten days ago I weighed myself at the scale the school has in one of the buildings.  I knew I was heavy and it pretty much confirmed that.  I did not get back on the scale because I wanted to wait until some results could be seen because weight fluctuates so much.  

Well I bought my own scale yesterday.  I got on it as soon as I was home and didn't believe the number it was telling me.  I knew it had to be off somehow.  I made a walk over to the first scale because maybe there was a difference in them.  NOPE!!!!!  They were the same!

I am very proud to announce and to give GOD all the glory for helping me to get moving, that I have lost 7 pounds!  It is a start. :-)  I realize it is water-weight and that most weeks will not be this dramatic and it will be hard work the rest of the way but WE (God and myself) got this!

"I got this!" is something I've been telling myself over and over because I do.  HE has equipped me with all the tools, I only must get to work.  

Another happy note:  I am picking up little man tomorrow!  Woohoo!

Exercise

As said in this post, exercise is part of one of my classes.   God has given us these miraculous bodies and we need to care and get the most use out of them!

When in ministry or better yet just plain ol' life, a lot of sitting is typically done.  Now there are jobs that involve more than sitting but the majority do not.  It is easy, especially as a college student to forgot about taking care of our bodies and only eat, sleep, and study.  I think it is awesome that a professor is encouraging us to get up for a few times a week and get the heart rate going.  I have no problem with this!  In fact, it helps me with my lifestyle changes!

Our bodies reflect (to some extent) how we care about ourselves.  Looking good and feeling good shows to those around us.

First Day of School - take two

Today was the second first day of school. :-)


The first chapel of the year happened and I greatly enjoyed it.  I had a three hour break in between chapel and my first and only class of the day.


Pentateuch seems like it will be a good class.  It will consist of routine, which I enjoy.  It is just a matter of getting into the routine!  Lots of quizzes and reading but it won't be difficult.


Tomorrow I have two of my three classes, as one is not meeting.  I'm excited for things to be rolling along.


Little man will be coming home Sunday and I'm very ready to see him again.  These two weeks have been an odd one.  It is slightly stressful thinking about trying to work with him here but I got this :-D


I ended up taking a two hour nap today and then went on a walk to read some.  Here is what spoke to me:

I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake

      and will never think of them again.

Isaiah 43:25 NLT

We are forgiven.  I love this!

Oh I almost forgot to put this!  Today was day 8!

First Day of School

Today was the first day of classes.  I went to bed at 9:30 last night, which is very early for me.  I knew I wanted to be up early so I could complete day 7 of my 21 day habit forming activity!  I am one week in!  Two more to go!

I had to force myself out of bed.  I figured I'd have no problems getting up since I went to bed so early but apparently I got too much sleep!  I made my way to the gym at a very slow pace.  I decided on only thirty minutes on the elliptical because I wanted to be sure to have plenty of time to shower, dress, and eat.  Plus I was just exhausted and didn't feel like going longer ;-)

As it turns out chapel was not happening today so I was up and going much earlier than needed.  I ended up just going to my first class an hour early and reading my bible.  It was a nice quiet time.

First on the class agenda for the day was Gospel Narratives.  My professor is very funny and I think the class will be a good one.  It will be the intellectual side of the gospels so its different.

Immediately following was World Missions and Evangelism.  This professor is great as well!  There will be a great chance to grow in this class with an evangelism practicum.  Although this course is required for everyone it is going to give me the first glimpses into my major.  Very exciting to be learning about world missions!

A lunch break is set before my next course.  I headed home very hungry.  I changed out my books and got some food.  Then off to Basic Christian Beliefs (BCB).  Now this is probably the class I have been most excited about.  The teacher is also a pastor at a local church and I have heard part of his story during a chapel last semester.  His daughter was a missionary in the Middle East and was killed one year ago this August.  When he went over the syllabus, honestly I was expecting the same thing I had in my other courses.  "This is a college class.  We are here to learn.  It will be intellectual."  I was so very wrong.  The professor wants us to grow in our Walk with Christ, not just read about basic beliefs.  Yes there will be studying involved but we need to remember Him in everything we do.  Also we are asked to exercise at least seven times every two weeks for thirty minutes!  I got this!  We are to be good stewards of our body and as 1 Timothy 4:8 says, "For physical training is of some value..."  I'll post more on this later!

Wow.  I was completely blown away!  I then got to thinking about where I am in life.  My last college was a great school but I must say I love where I am so much more.  All of my courses this semester center around the bible and I couldn't be more happy!  The school is so understanding of who I am and that I am not only concerned about school.  I do have a little one to take care of and they truly get that!  This is going to be a fantastic year!

I have one more professor to meet tomorrow but so far they are all amazing!  Now it is time to write a short half page response paper to the first chapter of the wonderful book Radical.  I have already read this book but it was nice picking it up again.  Then I will be getting everything I can done for the week and maybe getting ahead before Little Man comes home Sunday.  Can't wait to see him!

love
anc

Missing MOPS

It is that time of year again.  When MOPS starts up.  Don't know what MOPS is?  Well let me share!  MOPS stands for Mothers of PreSchoolers.  Any mom who is pregnant to a child in kindergarden can join.  Yes you may have children older but at least one child is to be under the first grade.  It is a time to relax, have someone watch the kid(s) while you talk to other adults!  At my local group we had a speaker, small group time, and craft time!  I still have many of my crafts!

Here is the website! Find one near you!

I had an amazing group up north and I miss them all dearly.  There is a new one starting at a church close to campus but sadly I have class during their meeting time.  Hopefully I will be able to be involved with this amazing ministry another time in my life!

Because of the MOPS group at my church back home, I was able to find my way back to the Lord and He showed me how much He loves me.  He turned my mistakes and mess-ups into a glorious healing and life with Him!!!

New Start

Today was registration day for school.  I was done by 10:30 am because of living on campus all summer and having completed everything that needed done :-D

Last night I did not want to sleep so I ended up staying awake until one am.  Normally this wouldn't be a problem but I wanted to be up before school things needed done to go workout.  I woke up with no problems at seven!  I was very proud of myself!

I walked over the the workout room and it was so nice out!  A bit chilly but I loved it.  I hoped no one would be on my dear friend mister elliptical and I was happy to find no one!  I spent 45 minutes in silence (there is no cd player, just a radio that doesn't get stations).  Woohoo for day six!  I didn't think I'd like the elliptical that much but it is really great and I haven't been sore from it!

Tomorrow is the first day of classes.  I have three so I'll be jumping right in!

love
anc

Little Man Monday

We spend a lot of time in the car.  This past car trip was made amazing by some firemen who gave LM a fire chief hat!

the curse

Migraine: wanting to cut ones head off to decrease the pain.

Headache: varies in intensity but can be anywhere from tolerable to almost the above.

Both of the above run in my family.  It is genetics and there isn't much that one can do.

Saturday morning I awoke with a headache.  This was slightly unusual.  Normally I'm pretty sure of the cause of my headaches - typically it is from weather fronts or eating a different or trigger food.  This one had me stumped.  I had thirty minutes of workout with my friend mister elliptical and had a pretty low-key day but could not shake the pain.  I finally went on a walk around five and that helped to keep my mind off the pain.  It stayed with me all night and I had trouble getting to sleep

Sunday morning it was still there but almost to the point of migraine.  Now if you have never experienced a migraine consider yourself very blessed!  It is some of the worst pain I have ever experienced.  I had plans on going to church but my head was telling me nope.  It was all I could do to make it to the restroom and back without feeling like my head would pop off.  

Sadly I had to stay home but I am guessing my body needed the rest because I slept until almost 1:30pm!  Once awake I felt much better.  I decided to workout (even though Sunday was going to be my off day, what can I say I'm loving it).  It feels amazing to do the thirty minutes on mister elliptical and not feel like passing out!  

After working out I showered and got ready for the new and returning non-traditional student picnic.  It was really fun chatting with old and new friends.  Being a non-traditional student puts you in an odd place for college but the school is so supportive of us and helps us with any needs we may have.  I love it!  I've never experienced a school quite like mine :-)

Once home I was able to see some of my good friends for a quick minute before heading to the store for some fruits and bread.  I ended up with some new things so we shall see how I like them.  A friend came over about midnight and we talked for two hours!  Good thing we didn't have classes to worry about today!  I felt the pain coming back last night but was hoping it was just from being tired.

Today, Monday, I woke up with a migraine and a slightly swollen eye.  I was in horrible pain and finally found some Excedrin Migraine.  I decided to suck it up and go workout with mister elliptical.  On the way there I was still in pain and hoping no one would be on the machine since the school only has one.  Amazingly there was no one on it so I hoped on and set to work for 45 minutes.

I have only done 30 minutes up until today but wanted to burn some extra time and calories ;-)  It was a great workout with lots of sweating!  My eye is no longer swollen and my migraine has died down to a tolerable (if not almost gone! *fingers crossed*) headache.  Thank you working out!

I wonder if my change in exercise and increased intake of water has anything to do with the headaches.  Not really sure but I hope my body adjusts quickly so I won't be waking up in pain.

A shower is in order most definitely.  I have my lovely MK meeting tonight and I am in charge of snacks so I need to figure that one out!  Tomorrow is the first day of school activities.  No actual classes but just making sure everything is in order.  Fun times!

love

anc

21 times

Well I mentioned I was working on health and fitness in this post.  I write down everything that goes into my mouth.  Even that piece of chocolate ;-)  It has been helping me to watch what I am taking in.  I also right down the calories so I have an idea of how much I am putting in to my body.  Eventually I will be cutting back and really watching the that number but for now it is a time to just get in the habit of writing it down!

Have you ever heard that when you do something 21 times it becomes a habit?  That is either good or bad. It can be in a day, week, month, etc.  My goal is to write down what I eat and to exercise 21 days in a row. Of course I will have a rest day from working out because our bodies need to recoup but you get the idea.  Once I have done this for three weeks, I will have a habit!  With school starting it will be a  challenge to workout every day but with more people on campus it will be fun!

I'd like you to meet my new "friend".

I am sure it will be a love - hate relationship but I'm excited!  My school has a small workout room with one of these babies so it will be easy to access.

Yesterday was a slight off day for eating because a great friend who has started this amazing ministry had me and many others over for dinner.  We had a traditional african dish and it was wonderful!  In the past I would have been upset with myself for eating so much (it was really really good!) but I wrote it down and I'm moving on!  This is huge for me!

love
anc

A catch up

This summer has been an interesting one.  I cannot really say it has been fast or slow.  School starts in less than a week for me and I am ready but I could also wait.

I will be continuing to work my business during the school year to provide for my son and myself.  I will have four classes, chapel to attend, and service hours this semester.  It should be a good one.

Little man is growing up so quickly.  He is done with diapers! YAY!!! WOOHOO!!! (well at night we still use them...just in case!)  He speaks so clearly and many think he is much older than two.  They seem to not believe me when I tell them.  He does appear much older and technically he is two years and nine months old but many think he is at least four.  His father and I are getting along wonderfully.  That made this summer go very smooth.

A picture of us

My business is amazing!  I love everything about it!  Five years ago if you would have told me I would be running my own business I'd have thought you were crazy.  The flexibility and unlimited income is phenomenal!

My inspiration poster for this seminar year!

I am going to be working on a dream book for my family in the next few weeks.  I will be sure to post it here!

Over the summer LM and I traveled back to my hometown to have family camping.  My mom's side extending out to cousins gets together and goes camping.  We took up eight camp sites and LM had a blast riding his tricycle all over.  I ended up with chiggers or something on my foot/leg that itched like crazy.  We went to the beach lake with some sand.  Family played cornhole and overall everyone seemed to have a great time.

Family at camping

Although I love my family dearly, I was happy to be home down south with LM.  Sadly we had left a house a little mess when we left and the cleaning fairies did not get around to our house ;-)

Currently I am working on my health and fitness.  I am in the process of eating healthy foods and exercising more!  So far I am loving it!  I am not one that likes to cook so I'm trying to find healthy alternatives from the not so healthy, heavily processed, quick meals I was eating.  LM is with his dad for the next week so I'll be able to get a jump start on it.

OH!  Also while I was up north in the hometown, I got to see my freshman roommate roomie!  We had some ups and downs but I love that girl!  She is so amazing!  She LOVES to cook and experiment with new recipes.  I'm hoping to learn something form her.  I call her dar - short for darling, which I always called her.  Here is her blog.

We had to have our picture together since it had been ages!  

While there her boyfriend and LM hit it off!  LM loves spending time with others since he is with mommy so much.

They played cars,

 looked out the balcony at all the construction and cars, 

and then LM really liked him when the tablet was brought out and Angry Birds was turned on!  (sadly no picture was taken of this event)  You see, LM enjoys playing this game on my phone and when he had it on the big screen he loved it!  He talks about it still!

Back to talking about school.  At my current school I am considered a freshman.  I was a transfer but many of my credits did not transfer in because of all my science courses.  I have been in college since fall 2006.  There was a semester break in there but I'm definitely putting in my time.

I am unsure of what the Lord wants for me at the moment but I am very happy where I am.  Even if school is getting a little old.  I am where He wants and that is all that truly matters.  I am still single.  At times it is difficult but I know God knows what's best better than I do.  It is just a time to lean on Him for everything and work hard.

love
anc

Little Man Monday

This picture is two years old.

Life Lately

I know more than ever that my Father is always with me.  I am working on focusing more on being positive about life and listening for whatever God asks.

I have scripture around my house to remind me along with questions from the great little book The 4:8 Principle.  These help to get my mind on positive things.

I also have some affirmations that I created and I say them a lot :-)

I am a child of God.

I am beautiful.

I am strong.

I am a hard worker.

I love meeting new contacts.

My business is a gift from above.

I make the most of every opportunity the Lord sends my way.

They help to remind me of who I am and who is in charge of my life.

For the longest time I was thinking and dwelling on how my business was awful and brining me down.  Then He started to change my thinking!  For this season of my life, my business is a gift.  God will not bless me with more if I cannot take care of what I currently have!  That has been huge for me!

I have a birthday coming up at the end of this week.  The "golden" one they say.  I do love birthdays but I'm just going to let this one pass by because I don't really have family around.  Its odd being okay with not celebrating!  Very refreshing!

Speaking of birthdays!!!!!  Filemon just celebrated his eleventh birthday last week!  Filemon is my sponsored child through Compassion.

Little man is getting so smart.  He is off diapers now and is in strictly underwear!  Woohoo!!!!  Today has been a bad day though, we've gone through about 3 pairs due to accidents.  Its okay though!  He is learning.

Little Man Monday

Authentic Beauty

This book is a must read for any woman.

Leslie Ludy gives an amazing account of how to truly live a set-apart life for our true Prince, Jesus Christ.  Reading this book opened up my eyes to some things I had been holding on to and not giving up to Him.  I need a sanctuary to meet my Prince and it cannot be dirty from other lovers or trash I have let collect there.

I wrote a note to my future husband (that is if that is in His plan!).  I know if God wants me to be married He will bring someone into my life who will forgive me for my past just as He has done.  It will not matter what I did but who I am in Christ now.

Jesus is my personal Prince!  I do not need to look to the world for anything!  Through Jesus I can become a lily-white princess and only through Him!

There is so much to learn and know about Christ!  It is an every growing relationship that never grows dull!

We need to live and walk with Jesus daily.  We need to truly know Him and what He is about.  The only way to do this is to dig into the Word and study.  The more we do, the more we want to!

Falling hard into sin does not just suddenly happen.  It is a process that we allow.  One little thing that we do not feel needs to be repented of and it slowly snowballs.

I have gotten rid of some things in my life that can be little stumbling blocks.  I know God will honor what I am doing because I am getting deeper with Him.

I am very excited to see how God uses me as His princess!

God is good!

I just finished a couple of amazing books.

Been reading more in the Word lately and LOVE it!

Getting to know my Savior more.

He provides :-)

Mary Kay has change a lot of lives!

And it is changing mine!

I had an amazing conversation with a godly woman who I admire a week or so ago.

I told her my struggles with life, God, my business.  She helped me to see that I am so blessed!

I was having trouble trying to figure out why God brought Mary Kay into my life.  I still do not know exactly why but I know I can try to make it work for bettering His kingdom!

This business allows me the opportunity to support myself and little man yet still keep our values of God first, family second, and career third.  No where else would this be so easy.

My business allows me the chance to enter women's homes and bless them.  I can show them compassion and love in ways that some with only a bible cannot.  Mary Kay is my mission field!

Ready or not world here I come!  God is my business partner and my Lord!  We got this :-)

at once

Matthew 4:20 "At once they left their nets and followed HIM"

Matthew 4:22 "And immediately they left the boat and their father and followed HIM"

Mark 1:18 "At once they left their nets and followed HIM"

So imagine you are going about your daily lives when bam, a man asks you to stop your work and follow him.  Really think about this.  Would we stop our work for someone and just follow?

God has placed this on my heart lately.  Would I be willing to stop immediately, at once, no questions ask and follow Him?

I have to remember that He is in control and is Lord.

Fellowship

Lately I have been blessed with the chance to hang out more with friends.  It is truly amazing.  Godly friends are the best.  Sitting back for hours and just talking about our One True God is incredible!

Try talking about Him with your friends.  It opens up so cool doors for fellowship with one another.

I am so thankful for the people He has placed in my life.  They are such an encouragement to me when I think I can't make it.

Thank you friends!

Little Man Monday

M to the K

Mary Kay was brought into my life but I don't know what is meant from it. Does God want me to make mk my whole career? Does He want it to be a stepping stone? I enjoy my business.  Just need to know where it fits.
Lost.
But in prayer.

Friends

I love my friends. Bring included is such a wonderful feeling. Yesterday some friends came over to hang out and do laundry. I made brownies and we enjoyed strawberries.

Seems so simple but it made my day.

When summer break comes it is going to be weird not having people all over campus or coming to my house. But God is good!

Word

Today's application is the word "speck". Looking for a speck in someones eye while we have a plank is not the way to go. We do not need to be judgmental. God wants us to first fix ourselves then we can help, not judge, our brothers.

Phone posting

I got to talk to a dear friend today. We are both struggling in our walk. God is good though. I have a major addiction under my feet thanks to Him. Now I'm just struggling with being lonely. But that is just it, I'm not alone!

I'm learning I need to lean more on my Heavenly Father and I don't need a relationship to make me someone. Seems so simple but its hard to live. God has big plans for my life. I know that is true. He haas  brought  me out of a nasty  past and His plans are always better than we can imagine.

We like to think we have a grasp on life but in all reality we do not.

Little Children

Jesus loves the little children.

Why don't more of us?

Children are the future.

Little Man Monday

A Little Lonely

Feeling a little lonely lately.  Little man is with his dad until Sunday.  I am ready for him to be home.

I do know I am never alone but it is still hard.

I'm just going to be honest here.  I am jealous of what others have.  God knows and we are working on fixing me.  I envy those that are expanding their families.

I know God will provide for me.  Just being open here.  It's my blog so I can do that.

I need to be content with what He has given me and I am working on it.




Father God I know you will provide all I need.  I thank you for Your Love and how much You truly care for me.  I love you.  Amen

Where I need to be

I am not where I need to be.

No I don't mean physically.  I know I'm meant to be in school here in Tennessee.

I'm not where I need to be with God.  And it just recently hit me that I am not.

I haven't been spending time with Him much at all and I can really feel that.

Time to get back to the basics. 

Career Conference

My business is wonderful!

Just this weekend I had a fabulous career conference that is hosted by our terrific company!

Here are a few pictures!

I learned a ton!  I have great new ideas to bring my business to a higher level! Woohoo!!!