My cousin invited me to join her small group for the Women of Faith conference this past weekend in Atlanta. And boy, oh boy, am I glad I went. So many things from the days absolutely touched me to my core. I'm still processing much of it, and I imagine I will write about different parts to come.
Today, though, I am compelled to share this incredible song with you. Mandisa performed, and she was just AWESOME! What a beautiful woman of God she is! As she performed this song, I sat and soaked every single word in. As tears streamed down my face, I thought of so many of my friends. So many of you. There are so many different struggles I know my friends are going through. There are so many more that I don't know about. Regardless, He is With You.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
My New Running Coach
I went for a run Sunday afternoon with Ellie, and let me assure you, she is my newest running coach! It was the first time she'd been in her running stroller, and while she might look a little unsure of what's shakin' here, I assure you she loved it!
Sorry the quality is pretty bad; I took this on my phone and on the move! So, what makes this precious little girl my newest running coach? Because while running, she'd laugh and jabber away. But when her Aunt B slowed to a walk, Ellie was pushing her little head forward, moving her feet and grunting, "Uhh, uhh," doing whatever she could to get me to run again!
And if you know anything at all about this Aunt B, it's that I do whatever I can to make Ellie Grace smile. . . .
Probably why I'm still tired and sore two days later!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Not Me Monday: Weekend Fun and Dogs
McMama over at My Charming Kids says it best. . . . I don't think I'll ever be as creative as her in my Not Me posts, but here's my best shot. . .
Friday we most certainly did not end RESET one meal early and did not find our way to the nearest Outback for Alice Springs Chicken and baked potatoes. We didn't wake up Saturday early enough to grab bagels and coffee at Panera, either. Nope, not us.
While Tim played golf, Saturday, I did not enjoy some girly time at a baby shower. It did not intensify the already burning desire inside of me to have a baby of my own. After the shower, I did not take my Memommie to Charming Charlie's for her first look-see. And it was not an experience worthy of its own blog post, either!
Big decisions weren't made this weekend as we didn't celebrate Tim's 30th birthday at all. We didn't enjoy church and I didn't cry during the service. To which, Tim didn't respond, "what in the world did he [preacher] say to upset you?" When I tried to explain, Tim did not say, "It's official; I have the most tender hearted wife on this planet." And I didn't smile. Through tears.
And today? To top off a Not Me Monday? I didn't find one lone tomato on our living room floor upon coming home from work. And I did not realize that three other perfectly good tomatoes just bought yesterday are missing. GONE. I didn't immediately turn to our puppies demanding a good explanation either.
These pups? Definitely did not respond. And that? Ain't a Not Me Monday Statement either, friends.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Ready RESET Done!
We are finished!!!
Wahoooo!!!
No more chocolate protein shake that’s actually half way yummy (think Ovaltine-tasting)! No more semi-icky Vanilla protein shakes! And Praise the Lord above, no more gross gross gross strawberry shakes!
The nutrition bars? They grew on me. But I won’t miss ‘em. I do wonder if I’ll miss the vitamins. It’s kind of a pain taking 6 vitamins in the morning and 6 in the evening. But I think they helped us to feel better.
To best tell you how the week went, I’m gonna do a day-by-day. . . .
I first wrote about RESET Tuesday evening. Monday was Day 1, and it was a breeze. Nobody (remember Tim did it with me!) was hungry and we really felt fine. What worried us then was the 4 days ahead.
Tuesday was also okay. I mentioned I had a nagging headache, but that was really it.
Wednesday? Welcome to RESET Hell. It. Was. Terrible. That nagging headache was now a full blown pounder. I woke up feeling hollow; I know that’s strange but I don’t know how else to explain it. I just felt hungry, unhealthy, and sick. Hubs wasn’t much better. I don’t know that he had the physical side effects I did, but I think that’s because his body’s not as used to sugar as mine was. Tim was just mad. He was about as frustrated as I’ve ever seen him. If you know Tim, you already know this, but it’s important for me to explain that he’s one of the most even-tempered people I know. It takes a lot to get Tim mad. But he was honery as all get out Wednesday night (love ya mean it, bug!). He even gagged on his vanilla shake Wednesday!! That’s how bad it was. Remember me saying that on top of the RESET, we both decided to nix caffeine? Well, I must admit that I had a Diet Coke Wednesday in an attempt to ease the headache. . . it wasn’t really as tasty as I expected it to be either.
Thursday was much better, and no caffeine again! We both felt like new people on Thursday.
Friday? The Home stretch!! We just knew we could finish and were ready to be done! Heck, I even went to Sam’s on my lunch break and bought goodies (i.e., candy bars, skittles, muffins, pop tarts, etc.) for my office’s snack box! And it didn’t bother me one iota!
Well. . . except for the sweet little ole man trying his best to get me taste his coffee. I might have been a little snippy to him. He even offered to swap a muffin for a cup of coffee. If only he knew how badly I would’ve LOVED that bit of coffee!
Now that we’re done, I must say I’m really glad we did it. while I’m only down 3.2 pounds, that is DOWN, and I’ll take it! Tim lost over 5.5 pounds. He wore a dress shirt to work yesterday he’s not worn in a while, and I must say. . . hubs was lookin’ goooooood!!!
And I’m planning dinner tomorrow night to celebrate Tim’s 30th birthday! Steak? YUM! Or chicken? Sounds just as yummy! Perhaps some asparagus on the grill as well. . . hmm. Let me think, what other kinds of goods should I be cookin’ up now that we can eat again!?!?!?!?
Wahoooo!!!
No more chocolate protein shake that’s actually half way yummy (think Ovaltine-tasting)! No more semi-icky Vanilla protein shakes! And Praise the Lord above, no more gross gross gross strawberry shakes!
The nutrition bars? They grew on me. But I won’t miss ‘em. I do wonder if I’ll miss the vitamins. It’s kind of a pain taking 6 vitamins in the morning and 6 in the evening. But I think they helped us to feel better.
To best tell you how the week went, I’m gonna do a day-by-day. . . .
I first wrote about RESET Tuesday evening. Monday was Day 1, and it was a breeze. Nobody (remember Tim did it with me!) was hungry and we really felt fine. What worried us then was the 4 days ahead.
Tuesday was also okay. I mentioned I had a nagging headache, but that was really it.
Wednesday? Welcome to RESET Hell. It. Was. Terrible. That nagging headache was now a full blown pounder. I woke up feeling hollow; I know that’s strange but I don’t know how else to explain it. I just felt hungry, unhealthy, and sick. Hubs wasn’t much better. I don’t know that he had the physical side effects I did, but I think that’s because his body’s not as used to sugar as mine was. Tim was just mad. He was about as frustrated as I’ve ever seen him. If you know Tim, you already know this, but it’s important for me to explain that he’s one of the most even-tempered people I know. It takes a lot to get Tim mad. But he was honery as all get out Wednesday night (love ya mean it, bug!). He even gagged on his vanilla shake Wednesday!! That’s how bad it was. Remember me saying that on top of the RESET, we both decided to nix caffeine? Well, I must admit that I had a Diet Coke Wednesday in an attempt to ease the headache. . . it wasn’t really as tasty as I expected it to be either.
Thursday was much better, and no caffeine again! We both felt like new people on Thursday.
Friday? The Home stretch!! We just knew we could finish and were ready to be done! Heck, I even went to Sam’s on my lunch break and bought goodies (i.e., candy bars, skittles, muffins, pop tarts, etc.) for my office’s snack box! And it didn’t bother me one iota!
Well. . . except for the sweet little ole man trying his best to get me taste his coffee. I might have been a little snippy to him. He even offered to swap a muffin for a cup of coffee. If only he knew how badly I would’ve LOVED that bit of coffee!
Now that we’re done, I must say I’m really glad we did it. while I’m only down 3.2 pounds, that is DOWN, and I’ll take it! Tim lost over 5.5 pounds. He wore a dress shirt to work yesterday he’s not worn in a while, and I must say. . . hubs was lookin’ goooooood!!!
And I’m planning dinner tomorrow night to celebrate Tim’s 30th birthday! Steak? YUM! Or chicken? Sounds just as yummy! Perhaps some asparagus on the grill as well. . . hmm. Let me think, what other kinds of goods should I be cookin’ up now that we can eat again!?!?!?!?
* * * * * *
Interested in RESET? Let me know, and I'll get you hooked up!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Newer Slocums
Tim's younger brother, Josh, married his college sweetheart this past weekend in Birmingham, Alabama. It was a fantastic weekend full of sweet moments, laughter, and love. We had a ball! Here are a few pictures highlighting the weekend. . .
The New Slocums
The Parents groovin' to the music!
The Not-new-anymore Slocums
Wedding PartyBest wishes for a long, happy life together, Josh and Kelli! We love you dearly!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
On Your Mark, RESET, Go!
It's no secret I battle my weight. I have even declared war on these pesky pounds I can't seem to shed before. And I have a friend who is very health conscious and fit. I often look to her for running tips, workout advice, weight management insight, and the like. So, when she shed 8 pounds following a relatively easy plan, I was interested in what she'd done.
It's called RESET. It's a program that boasts "5 Days to a New You". It's designed to reset your metabolism, teaching your body that it doesn't need carbs and sugars and such. It's supposed to help your body to crave "healthy foods". Considering I seem to find myself craving diet coke, sugar, and terribly unhealthy treats, I was really anxious to try this out!
So, during these five days, we have protein shakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We are to eat one health bar mid-morning and one mid-afternoon. Also during the day we're allowed 1 serving of fruit and 1 serving of vegetable. Add in as much water as your body can handle, and you've got yourself a day!
Two days in, and I must say I feel really good. Minus the nagging headache that I'm pretty sure is due to lack of caffeine, I'm really okay.
Oh, and the weight? The same today as I was yesterday morning. But, it's just day two, so I'm hanging in there with the hubs and hoping to see that weight drop drop drop!!!
I'll keep you posted!
It's called RESET. It's a program that boasts "5 Days to a New You". It's designed to reset your metabolism, teaching your body that it doesn't need carbs and sugars and such. It's supposed to help your body to crave "healthy foods". Considering I seem to find myself craving diet coke, sugar, and terribly unhealthy treats, I was really anxious to try this out!
So, during these five days, we have protein shakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We are to eat one health bar mid-morning and one mid-afternoon. Also during the day we're allowed 1 serving of fruit and 1 serving of vegetable. Add in as much water as your body can handle, and you've got yourself a day!
Two days in, and I must say I feel really good. Minus the nagging headache that I'm pretty sure is due to lack of caffeine, I'm really okay.
Oh, and the weight? The same today as I was yesterday morning. But, it's just day two, so I'm hanging in there with the hubs and hoping to see that weight drop drop drop!!!
I'll keep you posted!
Monday, August 3, 2009
In Memory of Pepoppie
Missing My Pepop
It’s only been a year today
Some days it seems a lifetime away
But then, I’ll swear just yesterday
I talked to you about my day
We miss you more than you can know
Pepop, you helped our lives to glow
With love and laughter year after year
And now we miss you with every shed tear.
Heaven’s much sweeter with you up there
We continue to live life, just wishing you could share
The laughter and love of Ellie Grace
The sweet times of family in one place.
Our hearts will always ache for you
While we live on earth, continuing to do
The living and loving you taught us to know
As you helped us all to learn and grow.
I love you more than words can say
So know I’ll always remember you this way,
With a smile and a hand, as we danced away
To a song whose words hold so true today. . .
Some days it seems a lifetime away
But then, I’ll swear just yesterday
I talked to you about my day
We miss you more than you can know
Pepop, you helped our lives to glow
With love and laughter year after year
And now we miss you with every shed tear.
Heaven’s much sweeter with you up there
We continue to live life, just wishing you could share
The laughter and love of Ellie Grace
The sweet times of family in one place.
Our hearts will always ache for you
While we live on earth, continuing to do
The living and loving you taught us to know
As you helped us all to learn and grow.
I love you more than words can say
So know I’ll always remember you this way,
With a smile and a hand, as we danced away
To a song whose words hold so true today. . .
Some day, when I'm awfully low,
When the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you...
And the way you look tonight.
Yes you're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft,
There is nothing for me but to love you,
And the way you look tonight.
With each word your tenderness grows,
Tearing my fear apart...
And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,
It touches my foolish heart.
Lovely ... Never, ever change.
Keep that breathless charm.
Won't you please arrange it ?
'Cause I love you ...
Just the way you look tonight.
Mm, Mm, Mm, Mm, Just the way you look to-night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)