Memorial Day Weekend~

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

Amidst the backyard BBQ'ing and hanging with friends and family, I take time to say a prayer for all who gave their life for my freedom and yours.

And I'm proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me. -Lee Greenwood

A Kick in the Hiney

A new challenge from the "Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans"... this is what I need to kick start my commitment to a healthier lifestyle of eating and exercising!



Over the past two years I have gradually gained some unhealthy weight. I have become aware of my declining health and lack of energy for quite some time, but my efforts of making a change seem to fail every time.

My healthy, happy weight for my body frame and height is 125-130. This is where I feel optimum; this is where I was two years ago. I remember feel'in great and being energetic! I want that back.

Today, for "WEIGH IN WEDNESDAY", I start this challenge at 155 pounds. Over the next 8 weeks I am setting a goal to get down to 145. To achieve this goal, I plan to follow the 9 commitments of the First Place 4 Health Program (minus the actual group meeting) with the "Sisterhood" as one of my accountability's; and my real life sister, Traci, as my other.

As the saying goes... "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired". I'm ready to get serious and do something about my health!

As I was in prayer this week, God reminded me that not only am I in the middle of a renovation of my entire house (La vieja casa)... I am to also begin renovations on my body, His temple... this Summer Challenge is a God send.

Memory verses for the next two weeks~

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. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)

Facing my Fears

Over the past 5 weeks I have continued to be "freaked out" over my fear of snakes. As of May 18 (this past Tuesday), we have encountered a total of 5 rattle snakes around our 2 acre property... having killed 4 of the 5 (one got away, slithering under our house). Out of the 5, 3 of them were discovered in our front yard within a foot or two from the foundation of the house.

#5 was a baby rattler that Kirk and Andrew killed which I had discovered after getting home from a Girl Scout meeting. After decapitating the thing, the kids made an observation that is was "kinda thick looking".

Had it just eaten something? ...we wondered~

Kelsie and Andrew decided it would be interesting to dissect it. Their motives... Kelsie, my academic prodigy says, "for the sake of science"; while Andrew, my typical curious boy, says, "because it's cool".
Sure enough!...

...this baby rattler had just eaten a lizard about the same size of it's own body- about 10-12" long.

EEEWWWWW! So gross!

As far as my personal fear of snakes, I'm still fearful; but am facing my fear with a proactive attitude. We all are carefully watching and looking when ever we go outside. We're keeping the grass cut short. and de-cluttering low growing landscape. We still haven't gotten any "barn cats" for our property, but plan to real soon. Having some outdoor kitties we're told will help keep the snakes away. We'll see about that!

Amazing!

Amazing how THE KID'S KEEP ME YOUNG AND MAKE ME FEEL OLD ALL AT THE SAME TIME...

Amazing how AT THE END OF EACH DAY I FEEL LIKE I'VE BEEN ON A TREADMILL- RUNNING ALL DAY LONG BUT NOT SEEMING TO GET ANYWHERE...

Amazing how TIME FLIES...

Amazing how I HAVE ALL THESE GOOD INTENTIONS... (but that's all many remain)

Amazing how COFFEE USED TO BE MY "WAKE UP JUICE" IN THE MORNING, BUT NOW IT'S MY "KEEP ME AWAKE JUICE" EACH AFTERNOON.

Amazing how GOD IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL EVEN WHEN I'M NOT!

That's my last couple months in a nut shell. Busy with the kids, many school activities, leading our school's Girl Scout Troop, and trying to keep up with all the everyday life demands at home (cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc.). Feeling like all the things I want to get done, especially with this new house and our home renovation- "La Vieja casa"- isn't happening because of all the other busyness. Feeling like I'm constantly on the go, but not really going anywhere. I'm exhausted... ALL THE TIME! Feeling like I've let "a full plate" of busyness crowd out quality family time and my quiet time with God. I realize I must be careful, because at a blink of the eye, another day, week, & month will pass and I could still be in this same place. Heaven forbid! I KNOW MANY READING THIS POST CAN RELATE.

I reflect over the craziness of life these past couple months, and recognize that through it all, God is always faithful! He never leaves me; He gives me strength when I need it; He gives me constant peace and comfort even though I don't deserve it. He loves me more than I can comprehend, again, nothing I did to deserve. Even though I haven't been faithful in seeking Him, He is forever faithful in seeking me.

Today I stop and bow to Him in AWE! I think "Amazing"...

...Amazing how GOD IS AMAZING!