Hurry!! CBD sent me a code that is good until Dec. 11 at 11:59 p.m.. It is good for 10% off an order of $50 or more. This code CAN be used more than once. The code is 289305.
And if you can, please go through my CBD link on my side bar. I do get $$ if you do.
Thanks : )
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
What a Great Difference
Today I went to see my Nurse Practitioner at the Family Practice I go to. I have been having high blood pressure issues for the last couple of months. I have been exercising atleast 2-3 times a week for the last month. I know it needs to be more, but it is a start. I have also lost (according to my scale this morning) 4 pounds over the month too. I have been trying to cut back here and there (like not getting a Frapacinno from Starbucks every time I go to Target--or drive by Target for that matter). The blood pressure was slightly better but still high. I have a physical scheduled for the end of January and we will recheck it then. My goal is to lose 5 more pounds by the time I see her.
I spoke to her about my winter depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. for short). I told her that after having two great years where I wasn't even fazed by winter this year it has been tough. I would say I started to feel the affects around October. I told her that some days I feel like I do everything I can just to hold it together. I can start crying very easily, crave carbs (and chocolate) more than usual, and just straight up don't want to get up before 7:30...but yet I would love to crawl in bed by 8 p.m., energy is gone. And my poor kids have gotten the blunt end with my mood (big time grabby patty). So after telling my NP, Kathy, all this she asked me how I was doing with getting into the Word. Uh, well....not so much. I feel at times very distant from God...very unworthy. She reminded me how a few years ago I told her that God used the S.A.D. to draw me closer to Him.
During that time I was getting up early before anybody else in the house. I would use a light box for atleast 30 minutes and during this time I would meditate on His word and pray. After that I would put worship music on. I would fill myself up with Him instead of looking to myself to get through this. Kathy reminded me of this today. I left feeling a little better and I know what I need to be doing.
Depression is very lonely. There is one song that sums up how I feel. Take a listen. This was the best video of the song I could find on youtube. His mouth and the words don't line up. Pay that no mind. Instead, close your eyes and just listen to the words.
I thank God that I have the N.P. that I do. Most would have quickly just written a prescription and sent me on my way. What a great difference it makes to go to someone that can gently remind you to look to the Lord.
I spoke to her about my winter depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. for short). I told her that after having two great years where I wasn't even fazed by winter this year it has been tough. I would say I started to feel the affects around October. I told her that some days I feel like I do everything I can just to hold it together. I can start crying very easily, crave carbs (and chocolate) more than usual, and just straight up don't want to get up before 7:30...but yet I would love to crawl in bed by 8 p.m., energy is gone. And my poor kids have gotten the blunt end with my mood (big time grabby patty). So after telling my NP, Kathy, all this she asked me how I was doing with getting into the Word. Uh, well....not so much. I feel at times very distant from God...very unworthy. She reminded me how a few years ago I told her that God used the S.A.D. to draw me closer to Him.
During that time I was getting up early before anybody else in the house. I would use a light box for atleast 30 minutes and during this time I would meditate on His word and pray. After that I would put worship music on. I would fill myself up with Him instead of looking to myself to get through this. Kathy reminded me of this today. I left feeling a little better and I know what I need to be doing.
Depression is very lonely. There is one song that sums up how I feel. Take a listen. This was the best video of the song I could find on youtube. His mouth and the words don't line up. Pay that no mind. Instead, close your eyes and just listen to the words.
I thank God that I have the N.P. that I do. Most would have quickly just written a prescription and sent me on my way. What a great difference it makes to go to someone that can gently remind you to look to the Lord.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Menu Plan Monday, December 8th
We did pretty good sticking to our meals last. Especially considering the lack of organization I had to them. You see, I had planned on going to the market on Monday (which for me consists of about 4 different stores). Chris ended up working overtime so I didn't go. Everyday since then it has been a "run to the store and I will go and do the regular shopping tomorrow". However, I never made it to the store. Chris would either stop on his way home and pick up the few things we needed for that day or I would run to a small convenience type store. Needless to say I am sure we blew the budget. But this is a new week, right : )Last week's homemade pizza was not as homemade as I would have liked. Chris ended up picking up one of those pre-made shells. Still cost alot less than if we had ordered out.
So here goes....
Breakfast--Blueberry muffins, oatmeal, banana bread, french toast, eggs with bacon, cereal (on Sunday before church). Saturday will be OYO (Own Your Own).
Lunch--L.O. Portuguese Soup, turkey sandwiches, BLTs, grilled cheese, mac & cheese, PB&J and Sunday will either be OYO or take-out since I will most likely stay close the church since the kids are in a play at 3 p.m..
Dinner--
Monday--Chicken Pot Pie. Got this recipe from Happy to be at Home. They have a great e-recipe book with 50 recipes in it for only $4.95. Well worth the money!!! This will be my first time making a homemade crust. I will let you know how it comes out.
Tuesday--It's Taco Tuesday!!! Tacos, Rice and veggie tray
Wednesday--Red Chicken with potatoes and carrots
Thursday--Steak, baked potatoes with some sort of veggie. I am not sure what I will be having for dinner this night since I don't eat red meat.
Friday--Chicken and Bean Burritos. We were suppose to have this last week but didn't get a chance. I can't wait to have this.
Saturday--Homemade pizza. This time I am going for the homemade crust and all. Again, I got the crust recipe from Happy to be at Home.
Sunday--Cheesy Chicken Shells, salad, garlic bread.
I going to attempt at some point to make homemade bread. I am still looking for an easy recipe. I don't have a bread machine but I do have a Kitchen Aide mixer. If you know of a great recipe PLEASE let me know. I will make sure I give you credit for it : )
Head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more Monday Menu Plans.
Weekly Wrap-up---December Off?
Do you school in December? I have decided to officially take the month off. Originally I figured I would school until December 12th. Then we took Thanksgiving week off and I changed it to December 19th with the thought that we needed to make up the week we took off. Then last week hit.
Monday the house was a mess from the weekend. I used the morning for us to clean and do chores we should have done over the weekend. Chris picked up an overtime and wasn't getting home until 7:30 p.m. (he left the house at 3:30 a.m.). While it is Fantastic that he was able to make some extra money (especially in the state of our economy) I had to make changes to our day. While CJ was at guitar lessons I brought the other 4 kids to Target and BJ's for a few groceries (the original plan was to do a complete shopping that day when Chris got home). We picked CJ up and dropped him off at the highschool for football practice. At 3 I was finally able to put a very cranky toddler down for a nap. By now I needed a break and sent the kids outside while Emily slept. Believe it or not but as crazy as it may sound, at 5 p.m. when the kids came in I actually tried doing school. This probably would have worked out better than it did but Emily then woke up from her nap and she was in a worse mood than when she went to bed. I tried putting Blue's Clue on but she would only watch it if I held her. After almost an hour of this I raised the white flag in defeat. The rest of the night consisted of both Emily and I in tears. When Chris got home at 7:30 he said we could just order Pizza from down the street or cereal. I was determined at this point to give him a good meal after working such a long day. After a few more bumps in the road we finally sat down for dinner at 8:45 p.m.!!!! Thank goodness, it tasted great and it was worth the wait (chicken parmesan, spaghetti and a salad). I went to bed with a very heavy heart and felt like (again) I was a failure.
Tuesday I felt slightly better but I knew something had to change. First up....schools cancelled until January. I don't know why I keep thinking it would be a good idea to school through December. Life in general is busy added to it birthdays and special events. Now when I say no school I mean not in the traditional sense. We will be using this time to do Christmas crafts, bake cookies for neighbors and friends and spend time together as a family playing games and watching movies. I am hoping we could do a nursing home trip.
Next, I need to do some serious planning for January. There is the saying "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." We have been working without any set structure to our day or me planning things out. I keep saying these are things I need to do but then life gets busy and I don't. I am re-reading Managers of Their Home right now. Good stuff. I believe this is just what we need.
Wednesday Chris and I did our Christmas shopping : ) Except for a CBD order I believe we are done (except for each other). A lovely friend of mine has volunteered her daughters to help me wrap. Last year she made the same offer and passed on it. Boy was that dumb. There I was Christmas Eve finishing the wrapping. I won't do that again.
Thursday and Friday were better days even though I was feeling under the weather with a cold. Thursday we went to high school co-op. It is real hard to stay focused this time of year (and the cold didn't help). It was decided this week that we will make this coming Thursday our last co-op until January. Yahoo!!! I think we could ALL use the break.
Friday we made our first craft. It was a Christmas snowman. The project itself didn't go all that well. The glue wasn't holding very well. But you know what.....he Christmas CD that was playing made up for it. While the kids were finishing up I made Chocolate Crinkle cookies. We were then suppose to decorate the tree but we hit a snag (this is for another post). This was gonna have to wait. CJ has been in a play at the church this weekend so Jessie, my mother and sister and myself went to go see it. TALK ABOUT FANTASTIC!!!! Again, I am hoping to do a post of it tomorrow.
Saturday the middle kids had play practice in the morning, CJ had the play at night and in between we were able to decorate the tree. Chris brought the boys to see the play and I stayed home with the girlies. I love watching how the two sisters (or sissy's as we call them) interact. Emily went to bed around 7:30, Jessica 8:30 and then I had almost 2 hours of quietness. I love these stolen moments.
Monday the house was a mess from the weekend. I used the morning for us to clean and do chores we should have done over the weekend. Chris picked up an overtime and wasn't getting home until 7:30 p.m. (he left the house at 3:30 a.m.). While it is Fantastic that he was able to make some extra money (especially in the state of our economy) I had to make changes to our day. While CJ was at guitar lessons I brought the other 4 kids to Target and BJ's for a few groceries (the original plan was to do a complete shopping that day when Chris got home). We picked CJ up and dropped him off at the highschool for football practice. At 3 I was finally able to put a very cranky toddler down for a nap. By now I needed a break and sent the kids outside while Emily slept. Believe it or not but as crazy as it may sound, at 5 p.m. when the kids came in I actually tried doing school. This probably would have worked out better than it did but Emily then woke up from her nap and she was in a worse mood than when she went to bed. I tried putting Blue's Clue on but she would only watch it if I held her. After almost an hour of this I raised the white flag in defeat. The rest of the night consisted of both Emily and I in tears. When Chris got home at 7:30 he said we could just order Pizza from down the street or cereal. I was determined at this point to give him a good meal after working such a long day. After a few more bumps in the road we finally sat down for dinner at 8:45 p.m.!!!! Thank goodness, it tasted great and it was worth the wait (chicken parmesan, spaghetti and a salad). I went to bed with a very heavy heart and felt like (again) I was a failure.
Tuesday I felt slightly better but I knew something had to change. First up....schools cancelled until January. I don't know why I keep thinking it would be a good idea to school through December. Life in general is busy added to it birthdays and special events. Now when I say no school I mean not in the traditional sense. We will be using this time to do Christmas crafts, bake cookies for neighbors and friends and spend time together as a family playing games and watching movies. I am hoping we could do a nursing home trip.
Next, I need to do some serious planning for January. There is the saying "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." We have been working without any set structure to our day or me planning things out. I keep saying these are things I need to do but then life gets busy and I don't. I am re-reading Managers of Their Home right now. Good stuff. I believe this is just what we need.
Wednesday Chris and I did our Christmas shopping : ) Except for a CBD order I believe we are done (except for each other). A lovely friend of mine has volunteered her daughters to help me wrap. Last year she made the same offer and passed on it. Boy was that dumb. There I was Christmas Eve finishing the wrapping. I won't do that again.
Thursday and Friday were better days even though I was feeling under the weather with a cold. Thursday we went to high school co-op. It is real hard to stay focused this time of year (and the cold didn't help). It was decided this week that we will make this coming Thursday our last co-op until January. Yahoo!!! I think we could ALL use the break.
Friday we made our first craft. It was a Christmas snowman. The project itself didn't go all that well. The glue wasn't holding very well. But you know what.....he Christmas CD that was playing made up for it. While the kids were finishing up I made Chocolate Crinkle cookies. We were then suppose to decorate the tree but we hit a snag (this is for another post). This was gonna have to wait. CJ has been in a play at the church this weekend so Jessie, my mother and sister and myself went to go see it. TALK ABOUT FANTASTIC!!!! Again, I am hoping to do a post of it tomorrow.
Saturday the middle kids had play practice in the morning, CJ had the play at night and in between we were able to decorate the tree. Chris brought the boys to see the play and I stayed home with the girlies. I love watching how the two sisters (or sissy's as we call them) interact. Emily went to bed around 7:30, Jessica 8:30 and then I had almost 2 hours of quietness. I love these stolen moments.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Target Fun
The 3 middle kids had practice today for a play they are going to be in at church. On the way home I stopped at Target to pick up 1 package of lights for our tree. CJ went off with Alex to get the lights and I, along with the other 3, headed over to the shoe department in search of a pair of black shoes for Emily. When the boys caught up to me this is what they were wearing....
Alex
CJ and I both think he looks like one of the Wendy's commercials.
CJ
Not to be out done, Jessica and Zachary had to get in on it(yes, I gave them permission to go over and find hats...it looked like fun!).
Jessica "I love you" signs
Zachary
AlexCJ and I both think he looks like one of the Wendy's commercials.
CJNot to be out done, Jessica and Zachary had to get in on it(yes, I gave them permission to go over and find hats...it looked like fun!).
Jessica "I love you" signs
ZacharyDo you think they are ready for the cover of the homeschooling magazine yet?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Merry Christmas
Tomorrow we head out Christmas Shopping. A little something to get us in the Christmas Spirit.
Send your own ElfYourself eCards
Monday, December 1, 2008
Monday Menu Planning, Dec 1
Boy is it hard to get back into the swing of things. There are still lots of projects around the house that I want to get to. First things first. I will start with meal planning and shopping lists. I plan to go grocery shopping this afternoon after I drop CJ off at the highschool for football practice. Wednesday is our annual Christmas shopping trip (I wrote about it in a previous post). I want to make things as easy as possible for my mother that day so I am going to throw a roast in the crockpot before we leave. Zachary should be able to make the grill cheese so all she will have to worry about is breakfast (which Zachary could probably make too).
Hope everyone has a great week! : )
Monday--Oatmeal
English Muffin pizza
Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Basil Bread (thanks for the recipe Kate!!)
Tuesday--LaMuffins (like McMuffins you get at McDonald's but since our last name starts with La we call them LaMuffins)
Turkey Sandwiches
Ck. Stir-fry with Rice
Wednesday--Pancakes
Grill Cheese
Roast, potatoes, carrots (and a piece of chicken for me)
Thursday--French Toast (made by Chris)
Left overs or sandwiches
Chicken and Bean Burritos with Rice (again, I got this recipe from Kate's wonderful website)
Friday--Blueberry muffins
Not sure for lunch
Homemade Pizza (This will be a first!!!)
Saturday---OYO (Own Your Own) breakfast
Pasta with Kidney beans
Pork Chops, Baked Potato, green beans (since I will be at a Cookie Exchange)
Sunday--Cereal
OYO Lunch
Portugese Soup
Head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more Monday Menu Plans.
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