Trying to be healthy

I have struggled for years with my weight. And now as I approach the big 50 ( in 18 months) I am finding it extremely difficult to lose those nasty extra pounds. Instead of focusing on weight loss, I am focusing on being healthier. I cook healthier meals, healthier sweets and walk A LOT!! I love where we live. There are so many options for walking/hiking. Last Spring my oldest son and I hiked a 6 mile trail at least once a week. We have yet to do it this year-hopefully soon. The view is breathtaking on a clear day:
 
And there is the occasional goofing around:

Lately, I have been taking my faithful companion (Max) on walks on a paved trail close to our house. We walk 3-4 miles and  are exhausted (in a good way) by the time we get back to the car.  Here is Max patiently waiting to leave for our walk:

Today Vinnie joined us. Max was in Heaven having someone who can actually run with him. I want to run or jog, unfortunately, my body doesn't always cooperate with that desire. I get painful shin splints. I have been using a brace that past few days and it is helping. Don't know that I will be ready for a marathon anytime soon but it is an improvement.  Anyway, on our way back to the car today we say a crane (kind of weird to see it right across from a Pavilions):


Not the greatest picture, I was trying to be quick before Max scared it away.

Valentine's Day

 

Now that Stephen is in middle school, we no longer do the class Valentine Day's cards :( I decided I would make something special for a few special kids. I found these great kraft paper french fry boxes from Pick Your Plum. I had so much fun decorating these with washi tape and twine.

     

I also made red velvet cookies. Recipe here

I love making the holidays fun, even if it is something simple. Besides, it gives me an excuse to bake ;)

Honor Society

Tonight was the Induction Ceremony for the Honor Society at Stephen's school. The transition to Middle School can often be challenging. Stephen was only in our local elementary school for one year. It was amazing how quickly he made friends from the beginning and those friendships (with the exception of a few) continue. I truly believe that the environment of a school makes a world of difference in a child's education. Granted, it is not the only factor, but I believe it has serious impact. Our hope is that these friendships partnered with a good school and positive influences will result in continued success for Stephen. The Honor Society expects outstanding performance in scholastics, service, leadership, character and citizenship. It is encouraging to see approximately 400 kids in one school qualify for this honor. I am proud of our community, our schools, our kids. I am especially proud of this boy:

 

                                  

 

Valentine's Day table

Being in a relationship makes all the difference when Valentine's Day rolls around. For many years, I hated the day. Now I enjoy doing small things of love for the special men in my life. It's usually a nice dinner and some yummy baked goods. This year I am making treat packages for my favorite neighborhood kids and yummy red velvet cookies for my guys. I'm not a flowers and chocolate kind of girl. Wait, don't get me wrong, I LOVE chocolate but don't necessarily need it for Valentine's Day. I'm perfectly content getting a card from my sweetheart and sharing the day with special people.
Since we don't have a mantle for me to decorate, I have a holiday table. It usually houses all of our family photos. For Valentine's Day I wanted to keep it simple. I am obsessed with subway art. I have a frame that I use for every holiday. I found my favorite bible verse (1 Corinthians 13) in subway art form here: http://www.oneartsymama.com/2012/01/love-is-subway-art.html  Perfect for Valentine's Day.
I needed to do something creative-I feel like I haven't had much time for this outlet. I saw this on pinterest: http://onlyfromscratch.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentines-day-mantel-that-cost-me.html

I had the twigs, I bought some felt, cut out the hearts and improvised.
Here is what I ended up with:
                                         

Kid Stuff

 

 As a parent, we always want what is best for our kids. Sometimes life throws curve balls and you do the best you can.. I raised my oldest son alone. I always wanted what was best for him but wasn’t always able to provide him with extra perks.. I did the best I could keeping him active in sports and encouraging scholastics. ( maybe someday I will dedicate a post to the trials and tribulations of being a single parent).  I am proud of the adult he has become. He’s hard working and making his way in life in spite of some struggles.. Life changes.. Today I am fortunate to have a wonderful man in my life who is very supporting and provides a wonderful life for us. My youngest son has been living with us full time for the past 18 months., his father and I had previously shared custody. As a result, we were able to put him in a better school district.  Sometimes I look at my youngest and forget that he is 11. He has experienced so many things at such a young age. Things we don’t want our children to have to go through. I see how these  experiences have changed him. He’s wise, funny, smart, loyal, and intolerant when it comes to things he knows are wrong. Someday I hope he realizes how important forgiveness is. Anyway, this is his f,irst year in middle school. At the beginning of the school year we told him he could earn $$ for good grades. No D’s, F’s or U’s allowed. I love that I can check his grades on a daily basis and catch any problems before they get out of control. As a result of his hard work, his first report card consisted of all A’s with the exception of P.E. and invitation to join the honor society. WOW!! I am so excited for him. This is a great opportunity. Oh, and that $$$, I believe we are going shopping for an Ipad this weekend.. We are so very proud of him.

                                   

Small Changes

 

I love when I can change something in our home for next to nothing. Months ago, I  bought some red fabric tape. I wasn’t sure what I was going to use it for and put it away. The crystal lamps in our bedroom belonged to Mike’s mom and I have yet to find lampshades I like. A few years ago, I added burgundy ribbon to the shades. It was ok but I knew I wanted to do something different.

 

Last week I had an Aha! moment….a purpose for the red fabric tape.

I Love it. Just that one little change can make a huge difference.

New Year, New Goals

 

I decided to do away with New Year’s resolutions this year. I think setting goals is a better approach. I noticed that many of the blogs I follow were using one word for their goal for 2013. That got me thinking that maybe I should do the same. I want 2013 to be the year that I finish my Quickbooks Pro Advisor program and get my bookkeeping business going. I decided that if I was going to choose one word to motivate me, it was going to be success. A few days ago, I came across this printable on http://www.poofycheeks.com/ (thank you)

Perfect!!! Framed and sitting on the desk where I will see it every day.