I know that I haven't posted in quite a while dear blog friends. The truth is that my family has come into a crisis phase. It's deep and its hard and I am praying, praying.
Eventually, I will be able to talk about and share this journey but while in the depths, my eyes have to be upon the Lord and to the blessings that I still have. Giving special time to my children and my home and spending time with dear family and friends, and prayer is my current priorities.
I am sure some little posts will filter out from time to time here, just nothing super personal until I have time to grow and heal from the blind-sided perspective I am currently in. I am not walking away and I am not MIA but my blog will be slow for a little while.
For now, I will leave you with some of my favorite passages that I have been cleaving to:
"I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my
weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort
me Psalm 23:4
Finding fitness (note to self)
I have to admit, I have not been a huge fan of fitness. When surfing on pinterest, I would glace at the fitness pins and quickly dismiss or even scoff at them. I store-typed people into a mold of Fitness people tend to be vain, arrogant even narcissistic sometimes (some people, all the time LOL ). I wanted my heart to remain humble. To be meek and to follow more of, what I thought was, a Biblical view on it. I would think to myself random thoughts about their vanity and continue surfing on with recipes or schooling pins.
It wasn't until my best friend said she was going to get certified as a scuba diver. Her class requires you to run a mile in under 12 (?) minutes as well as swim some laps and such. This idea made me furious. I do not have to RUN in order to swim! But, she took in stride and took on the challenge.
Around the same time this happened I randomly came across this blog Runs for Cookies (ironically enough, it was from a post of her before & after picture on pinterest). Her testimonial of how she went from being larger than I am to where she is today (down 125 lbs in 16 months). She openly admits her struggles, her truth and I saw a LOT of similarities in her that I see in me. Here was a fat woman, now skinny who struggles with eating temptations and who STILL loves dessert!, She has made it; not just to weight goal but also to maintenance!
Her journey and my best friend's newest adventure inspired me to take my first walk. I went for one mile simply so I could try to support and grow with the 1 mile challenge my friend was going though. My goal; be able to run one mile, in about 15 minutes, without stopping.
It wasn't until my best friend said she was going to get certified as a scuba diver. Her class requires you to run a mile in under 12 (?) minutes as well as swim some laps and such. This idea made me furious. I do not have to RUN in order to swim! But, she took in stride and took on the challenge.
Her journey and my best friend's newest adventure inspired me to take my first walk. I went for one mile simply so I could try to support and grow with the 1 mile challenge my friend was going though. My goal; be able to run one mile, in about 15 minutes, without stopping.
On
January 11 at 15:09
·Diana Sullivan
was out walking. She tracked 1.28 mi in 36m:53s..
No, it held no records. It wasn't at all glamorous or something to brag about but, it changed me. I found that I LOVED the way I felt after it was done and I wanted to do it again!. The problem was that I needed time for me to re-coop. My body was SORE the day after and it took a couple of days before I could get back out there again.
But I did! Jan. 20th was when I started my every other day rotation and have, more or less kept to it since. And then some marital issues came to the surface that long needed addressing. It caused a lot of emotional turmoil and I found that my workouts helped me emotionally as well. I am watching as my body looses weight but is also sculpting into something new. I FEEL the muscles underneath the fat that still needs to be shed. I feel stronger.
Right now the only thing holding me back is my body. I want
to do MORE, run longer, be stronger! However, when I do my body lets me
know that I am pushing too hard. I now walk 2 miles every other day but
its a walk / run interval. Unfortunately the running portion has lead
me to shin splints so I am back on my gazelle for the heavy work. Fortunately the cross trainer burns more calories and builds my muscles at a faster rate; it's just not as fun.
Now I am turning into "one of those people". I moved my workout up to 2 miles, every other day and just started adding some additional interval training to it. *I* am seeking workouts, looking at craigslist for equipment, and yes, posting pins on pinterest! LOL But I am still not vain, I am not narcissistic, and I prefer modesty and humility.Apparently stereotypes don't work (duh) LOL.
I have had phases like this before in my life where I have worked out and lost a lot of weight but I did it mostly to fill lonely holes after lost relationships or because I had to (had to ride my bike to work and school, and walking got me out of the house). The difference now is that I am not working out because I am angry or "to make him jealous" or the because I have to. I am working out for ME! I am not embarrassed of my efforts as I used to be, having to hide away while I worked out. Now I am working for me. For my body. For my strength, For my health.
I have no specific goals per say... I just want to continue... well?...continuing. Ultimately I guess my goal is to be able to wear those cute yet modest summer dresses. So... perhaps a size 14? Or maybe a 12? Perhaps whatever size I end up that looks cute in a sundress. hehe
For now, I am very much enjoying the journey. I adore the way I feel after I exercise and those post workout endorphins aren't too bad either! :) I pray this time, it will be a lifetime love and equal commitment because this time everything about the journey is different. :D
Party like a 5 year old
As a product of a super busy, immensely judgmental, material driven lifestyle in San Diego, we ALWAYS had birthday parties at a fun (ahem, expensive) birthday venue. (To have it at your house was atypical, unless your home was large, beautifully furnished, spotless, and setup to accommodate parties) [which ours was not. I'd rather raise my kiddos, lead them to a love of learning and give them character qualities that this world is sorely lacking, than work endless hours to accumulate STUFF]). ANYWAY...this year, we had my littlest turning FIVE! (sniff) and I wanted to do something extra special for him.
Of course, I turned to the idea that we'd need to have some venue. I searched for a long time to find something that was reasonable and offered value and fun but wasn't too far away. Well, that just didn't happen (one bouncy house indoor facility was nice but only allowed 2 hours for the full party, including setup time!). I grew very frustrated and considered renting a bouncy house or two, so we could do a party at home but outside, with all the bells and whistles of a venue.
Well one of my girlfriends suggested that I just do a party at home, make a special cake, have games and make it fun at home. No bouncy, no venue, no extra crazy expenditures. And here's the funny thing; it never dawned upon me that I COULD do that!
I brainstormed quite a bit and with the help of friends, pinterest, and my Mom, we brought the concept together. I have never been happier! We didn't spend $300-$400 on a single party (no including gifts) and everyone had a wonderful time!
![[Image: BG]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t7zB6eE2ZXMPJPzl9de9FruraZpesm3s-oevoYHBrpLFTan2TAMrImoa00MdWwzoss5FKboSRCNrNJ-dO19rKosTjd3YtoYJrU4cZ54VT68N9l16w81i2fhWTHpYF8aVJ7tWT4CDIUAAvigB1hlMjb0g=s0-d)
I made the Wubbzy cake in the center of the table. He's white cake AND chocolate cake (alternating layers) because Mason couldn't make up his mind which one he wanted. There is a chocolate mousse for filling.
This was my first time making and using marshmallow fondant. It was easy to make but I found it somewhat difficult to work with; the fondant dried out easy, was more difficult to roll and it required heating to get it workable (often). On the brighter side of things, it cracked less as it settled, tasted decent, and can be rolled super thin, so its awesome for making sculptures or sugar flowers. It'll definitely be in my recipe collection, but perhaps, not as my main cake covering like traditional fondant.
Closer of the cake and marshmallow pops I made...
![[Image: BG]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tbe_z81eFhQWwfwAndUXbt7z-Eb3FvkaJEt63unbmRSd_dIiyQu81tbCGG-3bAU1HCY-ym0Lt2zSWLqfq8nph27dJtN5xZbvZ65UF_m4CrMKjU9tT1oEgIQzkFNLvnZ5pTkuJYcGwjb40rIORbriE5kA=s0-d)
I had to really try to source ingredients here since I am used to professional bakery supply. For the buttercream I didn't have 10x powdered sugar nor did I have high ratio shortening. The high butterfat whipped cream I typically use wasn't available and I had to make my mousse quite a bit differently. One very cool change to my buttercream though was that I used 1 cup of real butter, 1 cup of coconut oil, and 1/2 cup of Crisco. The butter and the coconut oil made the buttercream melt in your mouth! Oh it was delightful. I only wish I could use it when its hot outside. (coconut oil is solid in temps under 75 degrees, anything higher and it begins to liquify).
Here is a closeup of the cake, the marshmallow pops and the chocolate dipped pretzels...
![[Image: BG]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vk5DfZGUUjvj2VXQ3AKV3NWBrTsYMnPt5k49W0Sa9r7pydg4AaWAAGJLrfddY9M6m1GEsC0x4t99WcoiuSqHPVauVkDZ26gUkcmaQ_LwRdSyuRCZeIVau_iVsUmjpCwJaoFkAXgDpQSjY_Ku3m8fLx-w=s0-d)
We played a cotton ball game, pin the tail on the wubbzy, a cup stacked "bowling" game, and pop the balloons game. Mason had a BLAST and we were complimented repeatedly for a success day!
Overall, I spent about $180.00 on the party since I had NOTHING to start with and because we supplied hot dogs and hamburgers for the guests. Our next birthday celebration should be even more affordable because now I have things I didn't have before. (Bags, streamers, balloons, banners, bowls, candles, etc.). Zander is beside himself for his turn to "party at home". Yay!
Of course, I turned to the idea that we'd need to have some venue. I searched for a long time to find something that was reasonable and offered value and fun but wasn't too far away. Well, that just didn't happen (one bouncy house indoor facility was nice but only allowed 2 hours for the full party, including setup time!). I grew very frustrated and considered renting a bouncy house or two, so we could do a party at home but outside, with all the bells and whistles of a venue.
Well one of my girlfriends suggested that I just do a party at home, make a special cake, have games and make it fun at home. No bouncy, no venue, no extra crazy expenditures. And here's the funny thing; it never dawned upon me that I COULD do that!
I brainstormed quite a bit and with the help of friends, pinterest, and my Mom, we brought the concept together. I have never been happier! We didn't spend $300-$400 on a single party (no including gifts) and everyone had a wonderful time!
I made the Wubbzy cake in the center of the table. He's white cake AND chocolate cake (alternating layers) because Mason couldn't make up his mind which one he wanted. There is a chocolate mousse for filling.
This was my first time making and using marshmallow fondant. It was easy to make but I found it somewhat difficult to work with; the fondant dried out easy, was more difficult to roll and it required heating to get it workable (often). On the brighter side of things, it cracked less as it settled, tasted decent, and can be rolled super thin, so its awesome for making sculptures or sugar flowers. It'll definitely be in my recipe collection, but perhaps, not as my main cake covering like traditional fondant.
Closer of the cake and marshmallow pops I made...
I had to really try to source ingredients here since I am used to professional bakery supply. For the buttercream I didn't have 10x powdered sugar nor did I have high ratio shortening. The high butterfat whipped cream I typically use wasn't available and I had to make my mousse quite a bit differently. One very cool change to my buttercream though was that I used 1 cup of real butter, 1 cup of coconut oil, and 1/2 cup of Crisco. The butter and the coconut oil made the buttercream melt in your mouth! Oh it was delightful. I only wish I could use it when its hot outside. (coconut oil is solid in temps under 75 degrees, anything higher and it begins to liquify).
Here is a closeup of the cake, the marshmallow pops and the chocolate dipped pretzels...
We played a cotton ball game, pin the tail on the wubbzy, a cup stacked "bowling" game, and pop the balloons game. Mason had a BLAST and we were complimented repeatedly for a success day!
Overall, I spent about $180.00 on the party since I had NOTHING to start with and because we supplied hot dogs and hamburgers for the guests. Our next birthday celebration should be even more affordable because now I have things I didn't have before. (Bags, streamers, balloons, banners, bowls, candles, etc.). Zander is beside himself for his turn to "party at home". Yay!
A great recipe for marshmallow fondant.
Ingredients
- the recipe
• 16 ounces mini marshmallows
• 2 pounds powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons water
• shortening for greasing the bowl etc.
• (This makes 3 lbs)Instructions
the method
This method uses a strong stand mixer, like a kitchen-aid, but you can also knead the fondant by hand.1. Put the marshmallows and water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for about 1 minute, until the marshmallows are all melted. The mixture will expand. Stir to incorporate.
2. Grease the dough hook and bowl of your mixer really well with shortening.
3. Put about 3/4 of the powdered sugar to the mixer bowl and add all of the melted marshmallows.
4. Mix on low speed for a few minutes then check the consistency of the fondant. It will probably still be a little sticky at this point. If it is, add some of the remaining powdered sugar and mix again for a minute or so. repeat this step until the fondant is firm and neither dry or sticky.5.Turn out on to a clean, firm work surface and knead by hand just for a minute until there are no flecks of dry powdered sugar remaining. Wrap in cling wrap and let the fondant rest for at least 30 minutes before using.
Scheduling blues...
 |
| Varying shades of eggs from our girls! |
Thankfully all critters have been safe, and Sarah is laying her uber
cool greenish blueish eggs more frequently. We've had rain
and warmer weather the past couple of days but its grey and 32 today.
Not quite cold but for a high today, its a tad bit on the chilly side (especially when yesterday was nearly 60!).I find that I am missing the bi-weekly karate classes though. Somehow the distraction was nice; it was great to see the kiddos doing their thing, and somehow, adding them to our schedule helped me keep track of time better. When you are in a rural area with just kiddos and yourself, it is much too easy to have a full
I STILL need to get my life into a better schedule! The problem is I get all happy and detailed and make this super shiny, magnificent schedule.
That alone takes me a couple days. Then I am joyful and proud of my amazing shiny schedule 
and "take a break" for a couple of days since crafting it was apparently equal to taking on a marathon. 
Then I admire said schedule. Marveling at its engineering.. at it's magnificence. Delighting in how genius it is and how it will fix all that is wrong with the world.
Finally, the day comes! I am going to IMPLEMENT the schedule!
Initially it works well, but maybe just a bit binding if not "pinchy". A week later I grow weary because the schedule is just not working, but it
should! Just a few weeks into it I grow to resent that shiny schedule. It
is all that is wrong with the world! Evil and demanding!! 
Finally, irritated and resentful I return to the old schedule...
I think I will try a somewhat modified version of fly-lady. Not the whole program (I hate shoes!) but I will modify it to make for a more consistent schedule, and to be able to add more FUN to our daily schooling. (I always want to do more fun projects during their day but rarely actually DO it. I'd also like to add Art as an official subject.)
OR.... do you have any suggestions of something better?? I need it to be free or very nearly free.
Renewing & Refreshing
I typically try to stay away from New Year Resolutions, mostly because it seems like I am resolving to have some more failure in my life LOL. I now take the time to try to review for me what is working and what is not.
Homelife....
I also want to be on a more regular schedule with keep the house. I tend to clean in waves which doesn't always work well if you get distracted from the regular schedule. (Plus if you swing by during a end of a wave, you will have some clutter to contend with.) I am trying for a easy daily schedule, I can stay on top without being too thrown with a life interruption. Does anybody have a great weekly list they can share?
Budget...
We were making headway with the budget but it all fell apart with Christmas buying, paying bills, and the two week paycheck omission and travel expenses from having dear husband back home for the Christmas break (and New Years this year!).
Break the budget to a savings powerhouse so we can feel comfortable with hubby moving away from San Diego headquarter job and to one closer to home, hopefully for good! I am growing oh so weary of his out of town work. We call it deployment since he can be gone for months at a time. I feel like a military wife but without any of the military perks!
Homeschooling...
This year I want to refocus on homeschooling - doing more than minimal and going further into library book use (as soon as the library goes state wide - yay!) and fun, hands-on learning. I will also be adding spelling to my 2nd graders curriculum and hopefully some fun learning games as well.
I just discovered Math Blaster and Reader Rabbit for free online and the kids seem to enjoy it quite a bit as well. Of course, they do offer paid subscriptions with more benefits but for now, I think we will stick with the free. If it proves to be an enormous resource that is worth the subscriptions, then I will look into it further.
Begin to bring the youngest into a more steady school schedule with his handwriting and reading elements.
I would also like to find a co-op or a homeschooling family out there still. Karate is great and it does give us time with others in our community - I just want a bit more.
Well, those are my goals for the upcoming year... what are yours?
Homelife....
I also want to be on a more regular schedule with keep the house. I tend to clean in waves which doesn't always work well if you get distracted from the regular schedule. (Plus if you swing by during a end of a wave, you will have some clutter to contend with.) I am trying for a easy daily schedule, I can stay on top without being too thrown with a life interruption. Does anybody have a great weekly list they can share?
Budget...
We were making headway with the budget but it all fell apart with Christmas buying, paying bills, and the two week paycheck omission and travel expenses from having dear husband back home for the Christmas break (and New Years this year!).
Break the budget to a savings powerhouse so we can feel comfortable with hubby moving away from San Diego headquarter job and to one closer to home, hopefully for good! I am growing oh so weary of his out of town work. We call it deployment since he can be gone for months at a time. I feel like a military wife but without any of the military perks!
Homeschooling...
This year I want to refocus on homeschooling - doing more than minimal and going further into library book use (as soon as the library goes state wide - yay!) and fun, hands-on learning. I will also be adding spelling to my 2nd graders curriculum and hopefully some fun learning games as well.
I just discovered Math Blaster and Reader Rabbit for free online and the kids seem to enjoy it quite a bit as well. Of course, they do offer paid subscriptions with more benefits but for now, I think we will stick with the free. If it proves to be an enormous resource that is worth the subscriptions, then I will look into it further.
Begin to bring the youngest into a more steady school schedule with his handwriting and reading elements.
I would also like to find a co-op or a homeschooling family out there still. Karate is great and it does give us time with others in our community - I just want a bit more.
Well, those are my goals for the upcoming year... what are yours?
Mommy musings
Today has started out fantastic! I got another egg (#3) from my amerucana chicken (she lays greenish blue eggs!) today, all my critters are safe and sound this morning, I have coffee and creamer, and I slept well even though I keep going to bed far too late.
We also opened a new game we got the kids for Christmas. Its Called Active Life: Explorer With Mat
and it is AWESOME!
First of all, it is only $19.99. It comes the game AND a fully interactive controller mat. :crazyb: (I bought it off Amazon simply because of the reviews and the price.)
The game is a BLAST! The graphics are good and it is engaging! You don't even realize you are working out! (I feel refreshed, invigorated and happy! [well, expect my legs which are wobbly right now hehe])
Each challenge adds rewards and opens levels for the open play area as well (but we have really only played the full game thus far).
I LOVE that the game can have up to four players! We typically play just two and the boys and I will share since Mason is still young and "shorts out" after a while. Some of the challenges are harder than others but we had a blast. For those with a Wii, I cannot recommend it more! :hehe:
I didn't mean to make that sound like an advertisement or something but it really IS so much fun, I HAD to share it!
*(no, I did not get this for review nor am I encouraged to share the product. I bought it on my own, without incentive)
We also opened a new game we got the kids for Christmas. Its Called Active Life: Explorer With Mat
First of all, it is only $19.99. It comes the game AND a fully interactive controller mat. :crazyb: (I bought it off Amazon simply because of the reviews and the price.)
The game is a BLAST! The graphics are good and it is engaging! You don't even realize you are working out! (I feel refreshed, invigorated and happy! [well, expect my legs which are wobbly right now hehe])
Each challenge adds rewards and opens levels for the open play area as well (but we have really only played the full game thus far).
I LOVE that the game can have up to four players! We typically play just two and the boys and I will share since Mason is still young and "shorts out" after a while. Some of the challenges are harder than others but we had a blast. For those with a Wii, I cannot recommend it more! :hehe:
I didn't mean to make that sound like an advertisement or something but it really IS so much fun, I HAD to share it!
*(no, I did not get this for review nor am I encouraged to share the product. I bought it on my own, without incentive)
Merry Christmas (just a bit early)
Merry Christmas to all of my blogging friends!
I am especially thankful this year as my husband's job has a hiatus and will be coming back into town tomorrow!!
I have been a bit of a slacker with my blog lately. We took on Martial Arts for both kiddos and we have been adjusting to that new part of our schedule, but also Christmas shopping and such. It's taken my time elsewhere.
I just wanted to take the opportunity before DH is home (and we are otherwise distracted) to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I will return after the new year. May the Lord God Almighty Bless you and keep you and yours this Christmas season and beyond. <3
I am especially thankful this year as my husband's job has a hiatus and will be coming back into town tomorrow!!
I have been a bit of a slacker with my blog lately. We took on Martial Arts for both kiddos and we have been adjusting to that new part of our schedule, but also Christmas shopping and such. It's taken my time elsewhere.
I just wanted to take the opportunity before DH is home (and we are otherwise distracted) to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I will return after the new year. May the Lord God Almighty Bless you and keep you and yours this Christmas season and beyond. <3
Homeschooling Resources
Other Resources I Love
Our favorite FREE Curriculum
