Tisk, Tisk

Do you ever feel the need to write and just cannot put anything into words?  I would love to discuss the fact that school is out in 14 days and I still have no child care arrangements for my child; that my back is still hurting after Five months; that I am so upset the morning after pill is available to ages 15 and up now (prescription free); that I no longer believe "once saved, always saved" and so on, yet, as I sit here, nothing is flowing and my mind is a jumble of thoughts.  Perhaps I need caffeine, perhaps I need a nap....who knows?

So, I will leave it short and sweet.  Welcome to the month of May.  May it bring us all many blessings ;)

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it within us or we will find it not." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Derby Time is Quickly Approaching....

I am not really a Derby lover.  The hubs and I don't party it up, but I realize the importance of accepting/promoting the culture of our State.  Sooo....I have been teaching a Derby unit at work.  Being a Children's Librarian is so much more than helping a child choose an appropriate book.  We are constantly looking for ways to educate while promoting culture and literacy enrichment.  Again, the Derby is not my thing, but.....I will admit that I am enjoying this unit very much.  Yesterday, my homeschool group, did stipple art with an impressionism vibe.  We stippled lovely thoroughbred horses adorned with red rose garlands.  We listened to the University of Ky. chorale sing "My Old Ky. Home" and we created virgin mint juleps.  On Friday, my Toddler group will make jockeys our of leftover Easter eggs and we will continue our horse theme.  Next week, I have a local presenter coming who has miniature horses....:)

Below are a couple ideas for educating children on the Ky. Derby:

~ Read "Gaston Goes to the Kentucky Derby" by James Rice
~Make Jockey Eggs (appropriate for ages 3-8)

~Make virgin mint juleps.  I didn't use any particular recipe.  I used a combo of unsweet tea, mint, ice and powdered sugar.  The kids had fun shaking their own concoction.
~Derby Hat Making Contest!  This can be so fun.  Gather materials such as glitter, ribbon, rhinestones, etc. and use old hats to come up with a unique creation.

My crazy, wonderful, amazing hubby ;)

Don't you just love a husband who is amazing, yet humble.  My hubby is one of those who loves to laugh, is intensely macho, yet has a serious sensitive side.  He isn't really the jealous type but can be fiercely possessive at the same time.  We have such interesting text sessions...lol.  Here is our most recent....

Hubby: The back of my neck is sweating....I hate that crap. 
Me:  What?  Do you feel sick?
Hubby: NO, I think my hormones are changing.....Love you, baby!  (He is making fun of me because at 32, I am entering into perimenapause, and he has been hearing this from me lately).
Me: I love you more, and let it be said that I dig your sarcastic bullcrap.
Hubby: Never forget who rocks your boat! 

Haha!  I love this man.  15 years and going on strong :)

Just Another Manic Monday

Oh. Emmm.  Geeee.  I am finally posting after a ridiculous sabbatical. As I've said in the past, blogging is somewhat therapeutic for me and I need some therapy!  Lol.  On a serious note, depression and anxiety runs in my family on both sides, so I feel like I get a double dose of this illness.  I've really never medicated myself, but I have learned how vital it is to recognize the symptoms of my downward spiral and to take action.  For me, exercise, prayer, music and writing really, really help.  As of late, my typical grumpiness and negativity have returned with a vengeance, so here I sit, forcing myself to make time for something I enjoy.  As busy moms, wives and daughters, we often (always) neglect ourselves, and while are intentions are good, we SUFFER.  This week will be very busy with soccer FOUR nights this week.....ugh.  I work late two nights, have to work in allergy shots and the countless other normal activities.  So, this post will be short and simple ;)

From my window: I see our lovely green grass that my hubby has worked so hard on this Spring. I also see that my windows could use a quick cleaning :)

From my kitchen: Despite two loads of dishes yesterday, my sink runneth over (this is typical for me), otherwise, clean and organized!

I am cooking: Made a big Mexican feast last night and still have some leftovers, but I will stick a huge roast in the oven shortly, and am hoping for at least two meals from this roast.  Will barbeque a portion of it.  Mashed potatoes and green beans will round out tonights meal along with peach cobbler for dessert.

I am reading: Psalm 91 by Peggy Joyce Ruth and the book of Ezekial.

I am listening to:  The sound of a John Deere tractor in the field across from our home. A boom sprayer is attached to the back...not sure what they are spraying, but am thankful the wind isn't up and blowing the spray our way.

I am watching: Just finished up Tyler Perry's "Good Deeds". Very good movie!

I am thinking: How much I miss my family on Monday's and how much I dread going to work tomorrow.

Be blessed! Our weather is going to be fantastic this week and I pray for the same for all my readers :)

On weight loss and menu planning...

As of today, my friends, I have only Seven more lbs. to lose to reach my wedding weight!  Woohoo.  Of course, when hubby and I wed, I had already gained quite a few lbs and lost major muscle tone, but it's still pretty darn huge.  A month or so ago, I mentioned joining a gym.  I have been going to Curves 4 times a week for 30 minutes at a time.  My family and I also try to walk a couple times per week.  Curves has helped me tone up a bit, but is not responsible for the weight loss--diet is.  I've often heard "get fit in the gym, lose weight in the kitchen."  I wholeheartedly agree. 

There are a few things that I always keep on hand and ready to go.  When I diet, I feel borderline unsatisfied at all times, so for me, if I don't have something healthy and ready to munch on when a craving hits....well, I bomb. 

Here's my list of must haves:

1)  Dill pickles-no calories and a pleasant crunch!  These are often my go to when I need a snack.  The only downside is sodium content. 
2)  Good, fresh apples.  Buy the best quality apples you can....from a farmers market of local orchard.  They are great, provide the something sweet we often desire and can be a meal if paired with a bit of peanut butter.
3)  Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning.  My family goes through so much of this and to save money, I started buying the large bottle of mix at Sams Club.  I always keep fresh dip and salad dressing in the fridge.
4)  Pudding and jello mixes- Chocolate pudding made with skim milk will do just fine when a gal needs some chocolate.  While the taste isn't Barefoot Contessa quality, it's still okay.  The same goes for jello mixes.  I often add canned fruit and after the jello is set, I will add a dollop of fat-free cool whip on top and you have an instant dessert.  Again, not gourmet, but when you've gone quite sometime without dessert, this tastes pretty darn good.

Just a few ideas I had.....stay tuned for this weeks meal plan!

School is back in session...

This week I have returned to class and my daughter will start tomorrow as a big 1st grader.  While I set and stew and contemplate how she managed to turn 6 overnight, I am having to follow a tight schedule this week.  Adding to my normal chaos is my quest to become healthier.  Being healthy is a worthwhile goal, but lets face it--it can be very time consuming.  Time consuming = stress in my already busy life.  I have to be diligent with food prep and planning in order to keep things going and allow myself time to go to the gym every day.  This is my meal plan for the week:

Monday:
Boston butt roast (4 lbs for multiple meals)
carrots, onion and potatoes cooked with roast
large pot of green beans

Tuesday:
Barbecue made from yesterday's roast
oven roasted new red-skinned potatoes with garlic
large green salad with homemade ranch dressing

Wednesday:
bacon and tomato sandwiches (church night)
baked potato

Thursday:
Grill night!
Grilling two pounds each of chicken breast and hamburgers
baked french fries
veggies and dip

Friday:
Caesar salad with grilled chicken

Saturday:
Sensible meal out as we will be at Holiday World!!

Sunday:

Spaghetti
Steamed broccoli
garlic bread


Breakfast is usually either a yogurt parfait or oatmeal.  Lunch for me is usually a large apple and a TBSP of peanut butter and a bag of 100 calorie popcorn.

I joined a gym.....bleck!

Since good ole Kentucky has turned into a desert in the last couple weeks, I have not been able to get outside and exercise.  After a long day at work, I do not feel like walking in 90+ degree temps.  Nuff said!  Determined not to lose any ground (healthwise), I made a gut wrenching decision.  I joined a fitness center.  I am still cringing......this is so not me.  Lol.  I do not like the whole idea, yet I seem to have fallen victim to the easy factor.  The gym is air-conditioned, open 24 hours a day and somewhat allergen-free.  Great, great and GREAT!! I hate every minute that I am there, but my hubby reinforced my positive trend last night.  We were snuggling and he actually told me that he could see and feel my body changing.  Woohoo. This is big time, friends!!!  My hubby is not one to throw around compliments.  If he says it, he means it.  Sigh.....to top things off, I tried on a skirt this morning that had been deep in the bowels of my "hopeless, just go ahead a give me to Goodwill" section of my closet.  You gals know this section, it's the one that no matter what we do, we will probably never be able to revisit :(  Well let me tell ya, that skirt fit well.  Happy Friday to me!