weight loss

So, I have to brag for a minute. A few months ago, I went to the doctor and literally CRIED when I stepped onto the scale. I couldn't believe how much I'd gained. It didn't seem as if I'd changed anything in my eating habits, but something was definitely off. For about a month, I tried to keep an eye on what I was eating/drinking, but it didn't seem to be making much of a difference. Anyone who knows me, knows that I HATE exercise so I was really hoping to do it w/just a diet change. So about two months ago, I started back using sparkpeople I'd used it before, but not very religiously. This time I was bound and determined I was going to make it work. But after less than a month, I was at a stand still. I'd lost 5lbs but that was it. My goal was a whopping 22lbs which still seems a little unobtainable. So for Christmas, I broke down, bought a Wii, and w/the Wii active my mom got me, started working out! Yes, I still can't believe it myself. I can't believe that I'm up to working out 4days a week, or that I've stuck w/it so long. The results are what keep me going though bc in 2mos, I've lost a grand total of 11pounds! I'm half way to my goal and just had to brag :)

after the surgery

I realize I never posted the b4 and after of J's eye surgery.

Everyone is amazed at how well it turned out!

church challenge

I love Sundays when I'm not in nursery bc I have such an awesome church and hate missing out on the services! Today I found out that my church has started a read the Bible in a year challenge. Last year, if you remember, we did a 14day fast. I think I made it half way or a little over, but this year, I'd really like to make it all the way! So, I'm a week behind and will have some catching up to do, but I'm ready for the challenge :)
Then, today's message was regarding tithing, and the different aspects that tithing plays in our life. The amazing thing is, my pastor feels SO strongly that if people would trust God w/his finances that He would bless them, that he's challenging everyone. He's challenging the whole church (at least those who aren't already tithing), to tithe 10% of their gross income for the next 90days and if they don't feel that God came through at the end, the church will REFUND everything they tithed! How radical is that?!? I must say, I LOVE my church, and I love how far they are willing to go to prove that God is faithful if we just trust Him w/our all!!

my prayer

When it came time to be laid off from work, I fought it w/everything I had w/in me! I feared there was no way I was going to be able to make it financially. And, had it not been for unemployment, I'm not sure I would have been able to make it. But even w/unemployment, my fears were very real that there was no way we could survive.

But, after being laid off, Asher was diagnosed w/his sensory integration dysfunction. He stared OT and speech therapy. And, this month he gets diagnosed w/a mood disorder which may or may not mean more appointments. Either way, being at home w/them has been a really good thing for all of us. The boys love being home, Asher's attitude is improving, and I really feel fulfilled being able to be there for them.

So, my goal really has been to be able to stay home for good. I was told that I would be able to get disability for Asher based on his new diagnosis, and I was told by another friend who's child got disability that would be a rather good size amount. So, I'd been praying that this was God's way of allowing me to stay home w/the boys.

Well, today we met w/Asher's worker, and she told me that the amount I thought I'd be getting for his disability is probably WAY off! She can't believe the amount my friend's friend got. So, as you can imagine, today has been a very discouraging day for me. I honestly at this point, can not imagine going back to work. I literally would see my boys in the morning long enough to take them to preschool or an appointment (Asher has appointments every day they don't have preschool), and then I'd have to take them to daycare only to pick them up in time to put them to bed every night. That is not the life I had envisioned for my family. And, I realize there's a lot in my life that I hadn't envisioned, but from a very young age, I've always been convicted that when having children, my place is to be at home w/them.

So now, I'm back to square one. The conviction that I need to be home w/my boys has only grown w/all of Asher's increasing appointments and seeing how well the boys have adjusted to me being home. But what I thought would be my solution, no longer looks to be the solution. So I'm asking that everyone will join me in my prayer:

God, I am claiming that you are big enough and will provide the needs of my family! And unless the conviction in my heart is changed, I'm claiming that You will provide a way for me to stay home w/my boys. God, I clearly have no idea how You will bring that about, but You haven't failed me yet. I'm placing my full faith and totally relying that You will hear my prayer and provide my needs!
Amen

I realize this is a big step of faith, and I'm praying that everyone will join their prayers w/mine! Or that if I am wrong, and God does want me to go back to work, that He will provide me a peace about it all.

New Years Eve in pictures

waiting for the jolly trolley:










here's the trolley









kwings w/Jaden & my bro












ice-skating afterward



watching the ball drop

Happy New Year!!!