Choose To Be

I saw this picture on my cousin's Facebook page today and thought, this is exactly what I needed. Exactly what I am feeling today. I could harp on about how I don't feel good and am frustrated with the up in the air diagnosis of possible arthritis that I have or that my house is a wreck and needs cleaned or that I can't get my kids to clean their rooms or do their chores, but today I choose to be.....
I choose to laugh. I choose to love.
I love to smile and laugh. I love to be an active part in my life. To live life at its fullest, despite. Some days I don't feel like doing anything, but that's not who I am choosing to be today.
God gives us each day as a new gift. He provides for us and shows us where the positives are. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 it says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. God calls us to not dwell on that negative and focus on being positive despite the rain.

Maybe it has been raining for you for a very long time. It's not just a day. It's turned into a year or two. Maybe you have just started on a new path and can't see in front of you because of the darkness. Maybe the light feels too far away. Maybe it has been right there all along and you just didn't know it. God gives us all the answers, in His time (not ours). Choose to be positive. Choose to renew and choose to be that.

Dearest Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the true blessing of a new day. I have nothing without you, and today I choose to be that. I choose to accept that despite the fact that life can be hard, you are always there. You open my eyes and bless me if only I choose to listen. Thank you for all of the gifts you provide, not just those I see, but those I feel in my heart. I pray that you use those gifts in me to help others around me to see they also have special gifts from You who brings them life eternal. In your Son's most precious name, Amen.

Rest Stop

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

I'm tired, weak and even a little weary. It's been a rough week, and I feel this urge to ask for a pity party. But the sad truth is that I don't really want anyone to feel sorry for me. I really dislike having someone look at me with that sad face and say, Oh, I'm so sorry, come as close to say I hate it.
I went to the gym to workout today for the first time since Monday. I made excuses the rest of the week, good ones, but excuses nonetheless. I hurt. I felt like I had been hit by a truck and in turn felt sorry for myself. I was blessed enough to be encouraged by my wonderful friend Brandi yesterday who left me knowing what I had to do. Accept and move on. No matter what IT is, I have to accept before it drives me insane.
So, today, I showed up and after 13 minutes I wanted to quit. I called out for help to my sweet husband who sent me a nice message of put on your big girl pants and get over yourself. I knew he was right because, well I wouldn't have asked him for a pep talk if I didn't already know he could give me one. Then I called for a pep talk from someone else that can drop me to my knees in an instant. I called on The Lord, my Father! As I sat listening to my playlist, I began to pray. It was a simple prayer for the simple ability to push through and make it through the workout. Then I realized I was asking for more without even knowing it. I needed His reassurance, but He couldn't give it to me until I gave it all up to Him.
As I continued my workout on the row machine, I overheard a conversation next to me and couldn't help but hear the Lord's words in my heart. These wonderful Ladies that I have watched over the past few months on my journey to a healthier lifestyle were pushing through pain to feel better. WHAT? God are you talking to me? One of them was diagnosed with a rare form of arthritis that no one in the area really treats, but she can't afford to drive to Kentucky for the treatments she needs. Another was continuing to move despite her battle against MS, which is such a horribly painful disease. And despite the tales they were sharing, I saw smiles on their faces!! I saw them encouraging each other and moving despite what they were going through and I heard HIM! I remembered the verse that I shared above and was brought to tears as I rowed (I maintained my composure, but I was on the verge). Not only was that verse in my head, but a song that I just can't seem to find online to play for you. I can share the words for you.

There is peace in this world of war
There's hope in the wreckage of my grief
There's a love that cuts me to the core
And faith in the face of disbelief

CHORUS:
'Cause Jesus never let me down
Jesus never let me down
Oh, He would never leave me now
'Cause Jesus never let me down

I am scared, Oh I am petrified
I think of what tomorrow has in store
But there is grace to make it through the day
And the strength to make it through a million more

(Chorus)

There's no place to hide
That He will not climb
And no hell too low to hide me

He won't turn away
From one he saved
His promises remind me
That Jesus never let me down
Jesus never let me down
Oh, He would never leave me now

(Chorus)

No, He'll never let me down
Oh, Jesus never let me down
No, He'll never let me down

I have had things happen in my life and over the years there has always been the constant of God. Jesus truly has never let me down!! Things haven't always gone my way and the road is sometimes rocky, but Jesus never let me know. Never.
He will always be there; He promises me that. I've come to Him. I am weary and burdened. I'm tired and at times helpless, but Jesus has promised to bring me rest. He promises to bring me peace (not necessarily relief, but peace with what I am dealing with).
He promises the same to all who believe. He saved us all from our horrible sin. He saved us from ourselves. It's never too late to turn to Him to ask Him for forgiveness and the reassurance that He's got your back! My friends, today, I encourage you to turn to the Lord, YOUR Father. Our Father. He has all the answers, whether we like them or not, and he will give you rest when you need it most.

My Heavenly Father,
Today I come to you for both myself and those who need you most. I ask that those brothers and sister out there that do not have you in their heart keep an open mind and feel your presence no matter what their circumstances might be. I am so very tired and weak. I am heavily burdened by not only my sin but also my pain. I need rest and ask that you take over this. I will no longer worry about my troubles because they are not mine but yours to handle. I feel your arms around me and will continue to walk this path with you knowing that you have all the answers.    I love you, my Lord and know that your will shall be done.  In your Son's name, Amen.

Having Fun Being Good

Do you enjoy going to a grocery store alone (yeah, rare moment) and hear a child in the next aisle screaming they want something or a parent screaming (don't get me started on that topic) at their child for misbehaving or having a can of corn flung at you as you walk down that same aisle never suspecting a temper tantrum is in progress? That is just not cool for anyone to have to deal with, but we all see it in the stores. No one really wants to be that parent in the aisle with the child who is just not understanding not now or we have to buy these groceries but we can't buy everything in the store. And no one wants to have to listen to those children not understand. *I am using a grocery store as an example rather than get into the whole ban children from restaurants rant.*
So we, as parents, are responsible to discipline our children so that we never have to deal with that situation, but that word is almost as bad as a four letter word in most households. You don't want to be the bad guy. You don't want to play good cop/bad cop. You just don't want to deal with it for the most part, but you have to!! We all do.
Discipline is defined as training to act in accordance with rules. But we have to make things fun for our children because a 3 year old does not understand that the grocery store is not a place to remove all of his clothing and a 5 year old does not understand that the chocolate bars are not there for her to open and eat right there in the store. My version of discipline is a bit of avoidance. I want to avoid the situation so that I, quite honestly, do not have to deal with it! Lazy? Maybe, but hear me out and see if you support it.
Let's move away from the store to a park. Fun place for a child, but have you had a little one have that meltdown before leaving? We all have, don't say you didn't cause you are just telling a fib! ;-) So, what I do to avoid that is a few things..
First of all, some people enjoy impromptu visits to the park, but I find them miserable. Go in with a plan and have a "park kit" in your vehicle if you choose to do this.
Bring your water. Always have water for your children (a bottle for each to prevent a fight) so that they can keep hydrated no matter what the weather. You can keep bottles in your car, but I always recommend bringing water along whenever we go somewhere cause it's Murphy's Law for me ;-)
When you get to the park, take a moment and make eye contact. Establish rules and guidelines that must be followed when you are at the park. I get out of my van and stand at the side door to do that. Rules can include things such as, we need to be kind to our friends while we are at the park and do not eat mulch. I also include things such as do not walk in front of the swings unless you want to end up on the ground. And I am also known to tell them if they behave like fools and ignore that last rule, they will get hurt and (as is frequently quoted in our home) "I'm not taking you to the emergency room." We also include the rules for leaving....
We are leaving the park at 11:15 this morning. It is (get out your phone) now 10. That is an hour and 15 minutes from now. I have set an alarm to give you your 5 minute warning. No one is allowed to whine when the warning is issued. Nor is there any whining allowed when it is time to leave. And the best rule is Have fun! ;-)
You say, good rules Kim but do they work. For the most part, yes, but you have to be willing to stop talking to the other Mom's and push on the swing. You also have to be willing to climb when you don't want to and slide when you are wondering if the slide will really hold all that weight! And you have to be willing to enforce the rules. I give my children their 5 minute warning and another one at three and two. At one minute, I tell them it is time to tell their friends goodbye and to start moving towards our van. For the most part, the trips are successful with few boo boos and hopefully without meltdowns. 
Have my children ended up in timeout because of behavior? Yup. Have my children ended up on their butts from walking in front of a swing? Yup ;-) But if you come in with structure, you get structure. If you come in with nothing, you get nothing.
Come up with a plan, no matter where you are going. Moms should all have crayons and paper in their purse as well as a pen and pencil. Small toys should be in there and a snack should ALWAYS be part of your trip.
Discipline can be fun and easy. You just have to have a plan and stick to it. I wish you all well trying to keep peace :-)

Today is the Day

I am a 38 year old Mom, and I have arthritis. I feel like I am attending one of those meetings with the twelve step plan when I say that, but I am in denial about it and have decided that today is the day.
Amidst all this pain and feelings of failure, I must admit that not only am I human, but I'm aging faster than I ever imagined because of a horrible disease. Arthritis. Up until a few weeks ago, I just thought that was for the elderly or my Daddy (who will never age in my eyes).
I offhandedly received a diagnosis a few weeks ago and despite the fact that current tests have all come back negative, my doctor is still holding onto this diagnosis. I even get to go to one of them there special doctors to have them figure out the cause. But as part of this day that I own this pain and I step up to the plate regarding it, I want to tell you about a typical day.
Yesterday was an awesome day! I woke up and my pain level before my medication was about a 4 or 5. Yeah!!! I continued through my day and even with my medications, I would say that I never did get down below that 4. But it was still a good day. Today I got a slap in the face. Sometime overnight a Mac truck came into my home and ran me over and over and over and over and over, you get my point? I awoke at 3:30 this morning to this horrible pain in my arms and hands. I got up to go to the bathroom and found that the pain was also in my left knee and my hip. I hobbled to the bathroom and debated on if I go back to bed, take more pain medication or just get up for the day. Afraid that taking the pain medication would mess up my schedule, I just went back to bed. I don't wish I had done differently, but I do wish for a different outcome.
I took my pain medications this morning and took the two that is normally prescribed because the pain was that bad. As I keep moving, it does lessen the pain a little but I am still at an 8 even 3 hours after taking the pain medication. But life moves on. I had a few victories today. I started my van by myself this morning! Not once, but several times. That's a victory! I walked Owen up to the building today and made it back to my van without crying. That's a victory! I typed up a story that was on deadline for the paper and was only an hour late. That's a victory!
But let me share a few others that you wouldn't even think of. I brushed my hair today. I opened the lid on a cup as my 10 year old watched and waited to see if I needed his help. I put on my socks and only cried a little when my Daddy asked me if I needed his help. I tied my shoes as my 7 year old looked at me and said, "Mommy, I can do that for you if it is too hard." I took clothing out of the dryer and made it to the bottom of the steps before I couldn't carry them any further. I walked down the steps to do that. I typed this blog.
How humbling an experience it is to feel so helpless.  As I left the preschool this morning thankful that Sofia had helped me both buckle and unbuckle her seat belt, I was floored by the Glory of God. As I struggle to have strength to do even the small things that I have taken for granted, a song came on the radio, Sufficient by Adie Camp. I sat in the van and cried out to Him for the strength just to make it through even one day and He enveloped me in His arms and reminded me that He is always there for me. He is truly all that I need. So those clothes that are at the bottom of the stairs, they better watch out cause I'm going to carry them up the steps! And those dishes that are sitting in there are going to be washed. Today is the day that I face this head on and do not let it defeat me. Today is the day.

Funny, Odd

I have found that my children have an odd thing that seems to drive them crazy and to the point of them actually doing what I've asked them to do. I find they aren't good listeners the first time. And typically the second or third time either. Essentially, they aren't any different than any other child out there, but let me share where I go to the edge and they listen.
Today is a perfect example. My 10 year old was doing his math homework and asked if he could be finished for the day. He had done two sheets out of five after all. I asked him to show me the sheets and found that there were several problems left undone. He said he was going to do those another time when he did the other sheets, but I spoke logically that if he doesn't do them now, he might not realize the sheets that are partially done when it comes time to turn it all in. He didn't understand my logic, and tried to argue.
Out of that frustrated feeling that all Moms feel from time to time, I immediately broke out into prayer out loud. It went something like this,
"Dear Lord, Please give me patience and peace that I do not spank this child in front of me who is doing his best to push me to the edge as he refuses to listen to logic and do what has been simply asked of him."
How surprising it was when I opened my eyes to find that not only was the culprit no longer standing in front of me, but he was sitting at the desk completing those problems that were left blank on his homework sheet.

Odd, in a funny sort of way, that outward spoken words of frustration would cause a child to immediately start listening rather than anger or punishment. I have tried lately to not show my children anger when their behavior is at its worst. Instead, I focus on finding a peaceful frame of mind to promote that peace in our household. It's working, for the most part, but I will keep openly putting myself into timeout and praying for that patience that will show my children that I am only human.

Loving me In spite

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
                                                                                            Jeremiah 31:3

Shocking headline here: I'm not perfect. GASP! I know; calm down. There's more. You are not perfect either. Okay, pick up your jaw from the floor. Chill out for a moment and hear me out. There is hope for  both of us if we just believe! Every day, I wonder at the goodness that is the Lord and the fact that no matter what I do, no matter how horrible I am as a human being, He still loves me! In spite of my flaws He loves me. I dare say, because of my flaws He loves me.

I woke up this morning and sinned from the get go. I'm sure I did because that is my nature. We were created with flaws, and Eve, the mother of sin, started the pattern of how we were going to behave, yesterday, today and even tomorrow. God made us with His love and He created us knowing that one day we would sin and He would have to love us in spite.

How humbling that feeling is for me! I know that He loves me. I just can't quite grasp why. I am an overall decent person, but I really do have my bad habits. I yell a little too much at my children some days. I am a horrible housekeeper. I get mad at my husband when he is impatient with me. I am addicted to food. I am just flawed, a diamond in the rough. And Praise the Lord because He loves me in spite!

Fear of Running Fat

For quite sometime now, I have watched my friends and their progress moving from a sedentary life to being active, some even running. I have always said the same thing... "I don't run unless there is something big, ugly and mean chasing after me." It has always been my coping with being overweight. I don't want to run because I'm afraid what others might say.
For several weeks now I have been thinking about it and realized the other day that I've reached my upper threshold for walking on the treadmill and am running low on options. Yes, I can change the incline. I do that. Did I increase the speed? Well, I have short legs and strides, so 3.4 is the fastest I can go on there without running. We all know what I think about running.
But today was different. I am fed up. I have been dealing with pain from possible arthritis and am beyond ready to find relief. I find it when I workout, not 100 percent but close enough to at least make it through the day. Sitting still is no longer an option for me. I planned to go to the Y to workout after dropping my ornery monkeypants at preschool.  So, imagine my surprise when I didn't turn to go to the Y. Didn't even slow down for the yellow light, shhhhh. ;-) I drove right past and went straight to the park. I don't even know what I was thinking to be honest. 
I parked the car and as I got my music ready, another car pulled in. My thoughts immediately went to crap. I can't do this. Then I was like, I can go walk and go from there. I got out and proceeded to the trail. It is a wide open space where my brain sent me to walk today. Every car that goes past can see!! The neighborhood around can see!! And worst of all, I can see :(
As I got started walking around that first lap, my brain kept saying just walk, Kim, That's all you are going to do. I walk and I watch as cars drive past (not many as it is a slower road), the woman from the parking lot is now running on the trail, a man from the  neighborhood has brought his dog over to the park. Just walk Kim. And I did just that, I walked. As I got close to the end of my first lap (It's a 0.7 mile path- I looked it up when I got home), I said, Just keep walking. A song came on and something snapped. No, I hadn't hurt myself. Something in my brain just said,stupid head, no one else gives a crap what you are doing! Yeah, there is a guy walking his dog, a lady running and a car just went by, but YOU are the fat chick who is stopping yourself from running just because you are the fat chick! Pull up your big girl pants and DO IT!! There are stations along the path that allow people to stop and do particular physical exercises, so I started at the first station and ran to the second. I RAN!! I walked to the second station, ran to the next, walked to the next, ran to the next. Lap after lap after lap. I did it and I realized, YES! I AM the fat chick that just ran!!! And I'm really excited about that.
I ended up running 1.4 miles! I walked a total of 2.8 miles for a total of 4.2 miles. I learned some valuable lessons this morning about running and me....1. I can do it!! I'm not a speed runner, but I have started.
2. I am stronger than I thought.
3. I am the only one paying attention to myself.
4. Someone should have told me to wear a pair of pants with a drawstring!!
5. I can do it!!
6. Running/ jogging is not as bad as I imagined.
7. I am my worst critic.
8. Running doesn't hurt my asthma nor my joint pain that I've been dealing with.
9. I made my husband smile today at the thought of me doing something that I know he loves to do.
10. I CAN DO IT!!


I really can do it. I'm the fat chick you might have seen running in the park today. I didn't break any world records, nor did I break any bones! But I did it. Today, I made some fat cry and feel better than I have all week, but most importantly I got over my fear of running fat!

What lengths we go to

My heart is heavy this morning after hearing a news story of a mother's sacrifice. Amidst the horrible storms and tornadoes throughout the Midwest last week, Stephenie Decker did what any Mom would do. She survived for her kids! And she saved their lives. We are hearing so many stories of heros in the aftermath of the storms, but Stephenie's story stands out for me as one of the lengths we go to for our children.
As the tornado approached, she covered her children with a blanket and used her body to shield them from the wind and flying debris. She felt the house falling on top of her, piece by piece, and reassured her babies that they would be okay. As her children screamed things such as, "I can't live without you." and "Please don't let me die." She kept telling them they were not going to die. She kept them safe and in return she lost her legs.
But this Mom is so much more blessed than her current circumstances appear. She acted like I would hope many Moms would act by protecting her babies. And yes, her sacrifice comes at a price, but her children came out without as much as a scratch when so many others lost their lives. God granted this mother safety for her children and spared her life for a reason.

Proverbs 31:26-31 "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many woman do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive , and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

This verse comes to mind with this mother's noble act. She took care of her children and was courageous to the end. As she sits in the hospital healing from her wounds, but physical and emotional, I pray for her peace to know that when she finally meets our Maker, He will look to her and say, "well done, good and faithful one."

Issue 8

I know some of you have already voted and some of you have already decided how you are going to vote. In our area, we are looking at Issue 8 for school improvements. Many are probably thinking I am insane to even take on and comment about this political issue, but I believe there are some things that need to be said and if you haven't looked at the name of the blog then you might want to do that before calling me crazy (since I already admit that I am).
First of all, those of you who think that this is an issue simply because the school district is money hungry and don't know how to handle its money, you really need to look once more at the bond issue and see what it is all about. Also, if you think that households that have children are all that need to be taxed, let me remind you that someone paid for your education somewhere down the line and therefore if you want your social security check, you need to help pay for my children(s) educations. Also, others who think cutting teachers or teacher salaries should take a look at a teacher's job first and foremost and realize that about half of what is in his/her room was purchased by that teacher, not the taxpayers. And when thinking about that also realize that if you put large number of individuals out of a job you are definitely not working to stimulate your own economy.
Somewhere down the road, we all became idiots. I have to admit, I'm one. I have been known to say that this area doesn't need this money and what is this company or this government branch really doing for me. Here is when I have to take a step back and say, let's let the issue speak for itself.
Below is some information on this school issue that I hope sheds light for those who are still on the fence or those who just have their eyes closed to reality....

*The district and community will become partners with the Ohio School Facilities Commission to replace 13 aging elementary school buildings, provide minor renovations for the two other elementary buildings and replace Franklin Heights High School, which is the oldest high school in the district.
*There will be NO INCREASE to our annual taxes. Some are thinking they want to lower the taxes a
and prevent them from staying the same, but passage of this issue will not make a difference in your taxes, but it will make a difference in your community!
*It is estimated that the replacement schools will eliminate $40 million in deferred maintenance and provide the most up-to-date buildings for our students. This will SAVE the district, and you, as taxpayers, money in the long run.
*With community support, the state of Ohio will provide money to the district to do this. Not just money, but MORE THAN $120 million to go toward the project. Seriously!! That is incredible.
*No money from this issue will go towards salaries or other operating costs. We are looking at construction only.
*While some maintenance has been done on the buildings, the district is running more than one and the extra money for some changes just isn't there.
*Many of these school buildings are beyond old. We are talking buildings built in the 1960s. Have you done any major repairs to your home? Have you looked at what kinds of things need done to a home built in the 1960s? How about a school building?

So, those are just some of the highlights. Let me tell you about one building that is clearly close to my heart. JC Sommer Elementary. My boys are there right now. I just voted there actually. On hot summer days my children go to a non-air conditioned building to which I would  normally just say suck it up and deal with it cause my school didn't have air conditioning and I turned out okay. Here is the problem. The electrical system. If you look in my house, it is a nightmare at how old the wiring is. My sweet hubby and I even talked of upgrading our wiring and realized the cost would be quite a lot to run new wires through the entire house. Guess what, that building has the exact same wiring.
That wiring has to take quite a bit of a hit on a daily basis to run everything that is in the building, and have you ever had an outlet that you had to not only not use but unplug something to use another appliance (like I have a friend who cannot turn on her hair dryer in the bathroom when someone is using the microwave in the kitchen). JC is like that. We have teachers trying to run fans during the hot days but there are issues there. The fire department was out last year because of sparks that came from the outlet. Were they able to do much with it? Nope, and it happens all the time.
Computers? Well forget that! There isn't enough electricity for any kind of upgrade for that school. It reminds me of an old nautical boat where the first mate says, "She's giving it all she got, Capt'n." That's just it. The building has given all it has, and our children are the ones left to suffer the consequences. I would love for my children to have access to a computer, but they just can't have it right now. Our children are going to be passed up for jobs because of this one day!! There are children in our district who aren't blessed enough to have computers at home to use. Those children don't have the advantages that some of us can provide to our kids. And without computers in the school, there is no positive outlook in our world of booming technology.

So when you go vote today, put your checkbook aside. Stop thinking of how to spend that "tax refund."  Think of the matching money provided by the state to allow for a better location, a better atmosphere for the children that will be coming through these buildings in years to come.

The Devil's Keep by C.A. Deyton: A Review

Good Afternoon everyone :-) I decided it was time to see who is reading this thing ;-) I am going to mix things up a bit and change what happens on what days and when I post just to test the waters. That is going to be helpful as I determine the course of things in the long run for Insanity.

So today is a discussion about a book I am reading. I'm in the middle of it, but I wanted to share it with you. Not so long ago, I told you about my friend, C.A. Deyton and that she wrote a book, The Devil's Keep. I haven't even told her at this point anything about my opinion, but I do encourage you to take a look at the book to decide if it is right for you to read.

I proudly bought her first book and was so excited to get started reading it. I didn't have a clue when I bought it what it was about, but as I read the blurb, I thought, uh oh. How in the world am I going to read this? And how am I going to tell my friend that I don't read these kinds of books? I was worried more about hurting her feelings than anything, so I did what all good friends do. I put it off. :(
Let me be perfectly honest here, I'm not one for vampires or books about vampires. I've never read that ever so popular book or seen any of the movies that are out there that you all know what I am talking about. I won't even mention it for fear that someone might scream in my ear about those characters that are both deadly and apparently intriguing for people other than me. I don't see what others do in the book. I just don't get it.

So imagine my feelings when I realized that this close friend of mine had written her first book about vampires. I remember talking to my sweet hubby about it and saying what in the world do I do. His response was so classic to him. He said, uhhh read it! hee hee. What! and do the obvious?

So a few weeks ago, I met Michael Bartlett. Oh Michael. This dreamy and dangerous individual that I picture as Johnny Depp. I see him as this dark character with innocent roots that while not directly linked to his occupation at the beginning of the book, those roots do play an integral part in the process of moving through the book to further develop both him and those characters around him. And here I am rambling on about a vampire!! ME! I can hardly believe it as these words leave my fingertips.
Then beautiful Miren comes into the picture. All in white with the most incredible iridescent butterflies floating around here. She brings this presence of peace into a world of chaos and death. And she brings love. This angel and my vampire quickly develop a love that is so deep and so powerful that it requires the attention of Ultio, the devil, himself.

As C.A. Deyton, weaves her tale, you feel the strength of this love and the pain of these characters as they face the inevitable wrath of Ultio in their forbidden love story. You become personally invested in this book and find yourself rooting for the two to overcome all obstacles they encounter. This novel begs to be read! And I for one, cannot wait to finish to find out how everyone comes out and to read the sequel which is slated out this year!

Bravo, My dear friend! You have an incredible talent and a wonderful book here. To all my friends reading this review, please consider purchasing the book. Don't have a Kindle? Don't have a Nook? Did you know you can download the app to your smart phone or on your computer to be able to read books offered by those two sources? Look into it! This book should be shared by all.
Check out C.A. Deyton's site for the book trailer and any updates on An Angel's Revenge, the much anticipated sequel!

Date Night

How important is date night in your family? Wait, stop, step back a second. Wrong question. How important is date night with Mom or Dad in your family? Not sure what I'm talking about? Let me explain.
In our home, we find that the children thrive on alone time with just Mom or Dad. We make it a priority to have one on one time with each of the children each month. For instance, Sofia and Mommy went to Disney on Ice for our February date. We took the boys to Winter Jam in January. Wade takes the boys to hockey games and basketball games and football games. Getting the point?
We decided after Owen was born that it was very important to spend time with the children individually to show them our time with them is special. Since I get to see Sofia more often than the boys, it's nice to let Sofia have her special time with Daddy, but we aren't particular about it.
I wanted to devote this post to cost effective ways to have Parent Date nights for your children.

*Picnic with Pops. Time to get a lunch together (or dinner) for Daddy to take someone to the park. Doesn't matter which child as this is something that can be for any of the kids.

*Mealtime with Momma. I love to cook with my children. I'm not the best cook, but I really enjoy the personal time I get with the children when we spend time together in the kitchen. What I try to do is plan a meal that someone can help me with and while Dad keeps the other two occupied without getting tied up we do our magic in the kitchen. It can be a lot of fun that you can turn into a science, math, English (any kind of educational) lesson.

*Sporting Events. We do these quite frequently. Find out the local high school's schedule and go watch a game together. These events tend to be low cost and a ton of fun.

*Matinee Movie Day. These are cheaper when you go in the afternoon, but a wonderful activity to do on a weekend when the littlest one is napping :-)

*Take someone for a walk or a bike ride. Do you have a toddler? Oh my, those are some of my favorite memories-- walking with a little one who has no sense of direction. Let your toddler decide which direction you go. So much fun to look at the world through the eyes of a youngun.

*Zoo. If you have a zoo pass and a zoo close by ;-), this is a cost effective thing to do. Nice for exercise around the zoo and nice to spend quality time together.

*Miniature Golf. This is always a great family activity as well as a great date event.

*Tea Party. This is a fun time with our princess. Empty out the house and let her host you in a special tea party.

*Reading time. Quiet time with a child at the library just reading can be a lot of fun.

*Go to the local coffee shop for hot chocolate. This is fun, especially with our local place that we love. They have musicians on Friday and Saturday nights that really give a special dimension to date night. :-)

There are numerous other things that you can do with your children. See what kinds of things they want to do and go from there. :-) Enjoy your special date nights!

How do you do it?

I realized today that many of my friends have been asking me how I am eating in my weight loss journey. I'm not a nutritionist. I'm not a dietician. I don't have the use of one, nor do I pretend to be any of those to get through this.
Am I a magician? Sometimes I feel like it. There are so many days that I just want to say, hey I'm sorry I want to eat out. But Wade is right there and what does he say? No Babe, what did we plan so that I can get in there and work on it. Then I feel like dessert and I mean a LOT of dessert and a friend steps up and asks me on Facebook how I'm doing or what I'm doing or how I manage to eat well, and that talks me off yet another ledge.
After one question, I thought it was definitely time to share and to be encouraged by that sharing. First of all, let me tell you that I am FAR from perfect!! Oh, heavens am I far from perfect. And guess what! I ate ice cream last night. No joke. But what did I do different this time that I didn't 6 months ago? I measured out 67g of ice cream. Yes, just a measly 67 g. But I also made some green tea to go with it to help fill me up when I think that is just not enough. It really is.
Little tips that have helped me, and I hope help those friends struggling.
*Portion. Portion. Portion. People say it all the time. I mean, until they are blue in the face. Do not use a regular size plate. They are too big. I went out and bought several kid's size plates to use. I try not to use regular size plates when I can help it. I find myself more full when I see this plate that is so full. It's a mental thing. ;-)
*Meal Plan. I know that I'm repeating things you probably already know, but if you don't plan it, you won't eat it! You have to come in with a plan and go with it. Plan for those busy nights with crockpot meals or leftover nights. Don't have time to meal plan? Well suck it up, Sister (or Brother)! It does take time, but it is worth it. I also cheat. I use e-mealz.com and love it. I don't use all of their meals, but they help us to have a plan and go with it.
*Snack. 3 meals a day doesn't work. You have to have healthy snack options that will help you get to your next meal without hunger. Come in not hungry to eat less. Below are some of the snacks that are my favorite.
                      mini rice cakes (caramel and cheddar cheese are my favorites)
                      carrot sticks (you can use ranch)
                      beef or turkey jerky
                      cottage cheese
                      greek yogurt
                      protein bars
                      granola bars (working on my own recipe that is allergen friendly, check back for that)
                      fresh fruit (but I try to do those in the afternoon only)
                      cheese sticks
*Track Calories. Keep track of what you eat. I am finding that I don't eat enough food some days to continue losing weight. It surprises me sometimes how little I am eating. I have to work hard to make my calories.
*Get an accountability partner or two or three or four or a dozen!! Get as many people surrounding you as you need. And use them! When they ask you how you are doing, be honest. When you are having a tough day, you need to tell your accountability partner. I send pictures of my meals to my sweet hubby, especially on days that I feel like I want to eat more. It keeps me accountable for what I am putting into my body.
*Get active. Do not park in the front parking spot. Park in the back and walk farther and don't mosey! Pretend like it is raining and you don't want to get wet. Working out is not something I considered fun before, but let me tell you what, I plug in my music (which is normally Praise and Worship music) and make my fat cry (sweat). It is beautiful to go and workout and feel each and every milestone success.

And guess what, when you mess up, just get back on track the next day and keep moving! Do I feel guilty about dessert? Nope, I ate consciously and I had plenty of calories to spare. Focus on each day and know that you can be a success. I wake each morning praising the Lord that I have another day to try to make things right. I get moving no matter if it hurts. I fight through and I do what I can to succeed. And each day, I show up. I just show up and live my life. Don't stop living and don't stop fighting :-)