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Monday, January 28, 2008

Some Things Going on in My World

I know, I haven't posted anything in a few days. I have been incredibly busy. The weekend was a blur - heck, January was mostly a blur. It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that Friday is February 1!!


So - here are some things going on in my world..
  • I helped my friend, Faythe, do a Bridal Expo on Saturday, January 19. It was pretty fun. Met a lot of brides-to-be and talked to some pretty neat people.
  • I started a couple new books. This one and this one. Both seem really good so far... but when I am going to learn to not read 2 at a time?
  • Got to eat at this place on Saturday night with my hubby, daughter and my parents. YUM-O. It's only my favorite place on the planet!
  • Played a game of "Would you Rather?" with my family this week. Hilarious game! You should get it if you don't have it!
  • Got to serve with my amazing CLASS Serving team this past Sunday night. What a great group of people! They give so much so selflessly and it's something to see!
  • My hubby won the door prize at the Bridal Expo. How funny is that? He just stopped by to see Faythe and I and upon coming through the door had to register. We got a call this week that he had won! I picked it up today... 84 Crest Teeth Whitening Strips! I'll be checking those out! Look for my brighter smile soon! :)
  • Stepped on the scale this morning and I've lost 6 pounds in a little over a week! YEAH! Feeling good. Feeling energized. If I could continue to lose like that - heck yeah, I'd be in my bikini by May! (yeah right!)
  • I've discovered that Taco Bell has a new "Fresco" menu. It's actually 9 items for all under 8 grams of fat! Loving it! (I'm a Taco Bell junky!)
  • Anyone ever tried that Airborne stuff? You know - those little tablets (effervescent) created by a school teacher? Their packed with vitamins and good to take to build your immune system. I have been taking them for the past week in addition to my B-Complex and my energy has sky rocketed. With all the sickness going around, I figured I could use all the help I could get to try to remain as healthy as can be. No time for sickness in this house!
  • I'm taking my daughter along with my niece this weekend to see Hannah Montana in 3D at the movie theatre. Should be lots of fun and the tickets were nothing close to what seeing her live would have cost us! Holy Cow!
  • Getting ready for the upcoming Volunteer Celebration at church. Crossroaders - you don't want to miss out on a great night celebrating... YOU! February 9 at 7 p.m. RSVP by calling me at the office or sending an email to: volunteercelebration@ilovemychurch.org. We're planning a fun night - hope to see you there!

That's about it for now. Have a great week!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Week Two and Three

THANKS to the many people who have been following my blog and supporting my quest to get healthy in '08. It's because of the amazing relationships I have with so many of you who support me on a regular basis that I am able to push through every week.

I have to say - it's not been as bad as I thought it would have been. I have found that making wiser choices is getting easier every day. It's a mind game, for me... it really is. AND it's planning ahead! When I know there's a time when I'm not going to get home to eat, I play it all out in my mind... Where should I go where I won't be tempted to eat something I shouldn't? What will I order when I get there? I actually find that having this all planned out before I even get to the restaurant helps. Actually, I don't even look at the menu, as not be to discouraged by all the yummy LOOKING things I can't have. Eating, for me, is all in my mind, so I just have to play tricks on it is all! :)

The other thing that has helped is having a couple people with whom I am regularly accountable to. Michele - you're awesome! THANK you for checking up on me weekly to get the low-down on my progress. That means more to me than you will ever know! Having the support is something that is truly making a difference.

Here are my latest healthy alternatives and tricks I have learned these last couple weeks:
  • I have stopped eating after 7:30 p.m. It helps me to not be as hungry in the morning. If I find myself getting hungry past this time, I just drink a glass of water!
  • I LOVE crumbled Bleu Cheese on my salads. I found a really good (and inexpensive) Meijerbrand that is low fat. And it's more than 1/2 the fat of regular!
  • Croutons make a good little snack.
  • I've never been a yogurt eater - but I have found those little things really fill you up. Harvest Peach Yoplait rocks!
  • Still loving the lettuce wraps at Jimmy Johns. I actually think I'm enjoying them better than the sandwiches on bread! (Wow - I never thought I would say that!) My favorite is the tuna with sprouts and cucumbers! YUM!

I'm learning and taking baby steps every day. Thanks for the prayers. Thanks for the support. Thanks for the emails and keep 'em coming! :)

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Making Wise Choices

So last night on our way home from gymnastics class, Chloe says to me, "Mom, I have something to tell you. Please don't be made at me. I'm sorry." A bit intrigued, I said, "OK, baby, what is it?" "Well, at lunch today, I went up to get a milk and I saw some chocolate pudding sitting on the counter. So I bought one. When I got to the table I realized that I forgot that we were making wise choices, so I threw it away." "You threw it away?" I asked, now a little puzzled. "Yes, because it wasn't the wise choice and I felt badly for it, so I just got rid of it." Realizing that our life change was definitely having an impact on our 7-year-old daughter, I couldn't resist responding to her by saying, "Well, honey, you made the wise choice and I'm proud of you. But you know why I'm even prouder of you? Because you made the wise choice to be honest and tell me about it. Thank you for being such a wonderful little girl! God will reward you for being obedient. I love you."

I relish in these moments to be able to speak love into my daughters life. I realize that these days are precious. She's learning how to be the girl that God wants her to be and I couldn't be more proud to be her mom!

Monday, January 14, 2008

Quirks!

We all have them - - those little special things that make us who we are. I like to call them gifts - but maybe the real name for them is quirks! :0 I got to thinking about this at lunch today and I've come up with quite a list of my own quirks I'd like to share with all of you. Here's that list:
  • For some reason when I'm at a fast food restaurant and I'm getting a lid for my drink, I can NEVER grab the one that's on top. YUCK! I have to find one in the middle - that way I know no hands have touched it (well, unless there's others like me out there who also grab from the middle - then I'm doomed! Maybe I ought to start carrying around my OWN lids and straws!).
  • I NEVER drink ice water in restaurants. I won't go into the reason for this - I'd rather not say - but for some reason drinking ice water at restaurants makes me feel like I'm drinking toilet water! (I know - I have issues!)
  • All of my dollar bills MUST be facing the same way in my wallet! (I know many others share the same feeling about this as I do!)
  • I use loose change whenever possible. ie: bill comes to $6.44 - and all I have is $10's or higher - I will try my hardest to pay $10.44 - so I don't get the $.56 back! (My niece has made fun of me for years b/c of this!)
  • I can't burp. Don't ask me why - I just can't. It's physically NOT possible. I can count on one hand the times in my life when I've actually burped on accident. It's just the weirdest thing... I know!
  • I cannot bring myself to drink after anyone has used my glass! Even my own family. I just can't do it! If you take a drink of my beverage, you'd better plan on keeping it and drinking the whole thing - I just can't drink after anyone.
  • When I get home at night I have a "ritual" for turning on my house lights. I turn on the curio cabinet first, then the 2 lamps in the living room and then I burn a candle. EVERY night. Doesn't matter if we are having company or not - the same lights have to be on and a candle atop of the T.V. must be burning. I like a warm, cozy environment - it's very important to me!
  • After opening a straw from it's plastic or paper wrap - I must blow inside of it to make sure that there is nothing obstructing the straws path. (This is getting weirder by the minute!)
  • I always put my socks and shoes on beginning with the LEFT leg. Always!!
  • I cannot stand to have my belly button touched!! Even certain pants bother me if they rub the wrong way! Chloe used to be obsessed with my belly button as a baby and although it was very sweet - it bothered me so bad! Likes nails on a chalkboard!
  • Talk about blood clots makes my wrists hurt! Literally! Ask those who really know me well and they'll tell you! I can't stand it!
  • When I get home from work - the first thing I do is pony-tail my hair! (well, I guess that's after I turn on the house lights!) It's just in my way too much when I'm trying to cook, clean and get kids ready for bedtime!
  • I have to have the T.V. on at night in order to fall asleep. My hubby hates this!
  • I'm obsessed with organizational tubs. Small tubs, medium tubs, large tubs. Everything in my house that needs to be stored away is in tubs. I love tubs and I label them by season in my storage room in my basement.

These are just a FEW of the many things that make me who I am. What kind of quirks do you have?? I would love to hear from you! Make a comment and share yours!

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Week One Is Behind Me!

Well... week one of my new "lifestyle change" is behind me! I have to say, I'm pretty proud of myself. I did really well. It wasn't easy every day - there were times I REALLY wanted a piece of chocolate - but all-in-all, it was a successful 7 days.

Here's some changes I've made and some things I've discovered...
  • I'm now eating breakfast. I've never been much of a breakfast eater, and I have to say, this has been a challenge for me to place into my daily routine, but it's really helped. What I have noticed is that I'm not as hungry at DINNER time when I eat breakfast. That's just weird?
  • I've cut down my caffeine intake dramatically. I'll admit it - I'm addicted to pop. It's something I typically begin and end my day with. I have cut my intake to one a day - IF that.
  • Two days this week I've eaten salmon for dinner. Wow - the energy I got from this fish dish was amazing. I'll be learning how to prepare it at home now for sure!
  • Unwiches at Jimmy Johns ROCK. These are sandwich replicas simply done on whole pieces of lettuce. YUM-O! As good as their bread is - you really don't miss it. These lettuce wraps are pretty tasty!
  • Juicing is pretty cool! We bought this machine last weekend and I really like it! Trevor made a new creation yesterday morning... carrots, grapefruit and apples. I know it sounds gross - but boy, was it good! We'll be making that one regularly for sure!
I have to say one thing I didn't expect was - my migraines are back. Some people have told me that this is actually my body detoxing from all the junk I had become accustomed to eating. I guess that makes sense. My body is asking for fries and I'm feeding it slivered almonds. It's craving a snickers bar and I've replaced that with a caramel corn rice cake. I can see why body is reacting this way! :)

Continued prayers for me are appreciated! Anyone who makes life-altering changes, knows that there are challenges and stumbling blocks, but with Him, I know all things are possible.

I will continue to update you on my progress.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Friends!





We were blessed this week with one of my favorite little guys... Diego. His mom and dad are away this week, so we had him overnight on Wednesday and Thursday. What a great time! It was nice having him and I know Chloe enjoyed herself! They did really well. That is - aside from the lack of sleep the first night! But - by round two the next night, we knew where we had gone wrong and all was well!


Here are some pictures of the little rascals.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Resolutions - It Has to be Done

Okay - everyone in blog world is doing it - so I must comply... (wow, that's a new thing for me). So - I've been thinking - and here are the top 10 things I hope to accomplish in 2008:
  • Become a better wife.
  • Become a better mom.
  • Become a better daughter.
  • Set aside at least 3 nights a month for a date night with my husband!
  • Eat healthier foods.
  • Exercise more! (isn't that everyone's?)
  • Devote more time to focused prayer every day.
  • Write a children's book. (this has secretly been a goal of mine for several years!)
  • Listen more and talk less.
  • Identify 3 things each day that I am thankful for and BE THANKFUL for them!

Okay - it's not extremely profound - but I needed real attainable goals and I think I'm good.

What goals do YOU have for the new year?

Sunday, January 06, 2008

How We Roll

My new favorite saying is...

"That's how I roll!"

Don't know why I'm sharing that, just felt like bloggin'. :0

Have a great week!

The Last Supper

It feels like we're going to our Last Supper. Tomorrow starts a new life-change for the Bender family. We will be eating healthier and exercising a LOT more! Pray for me. It's NOT something I do well.... these "New Year's Resolutions", but I know with Christ, all things are possible.

So - tonight is Small Group night and we will be eating spaghetti. I know, I know... it's not like that would have been my choice for our Last Supper. I would have made it something fried, but none-the-less, it is what it is. Tomorrow, January 7, is the beginning of a new life for us. I have a hefty goal... I will share that with you sometime later this month on this blog. I believe 2008 is going to be a great year.

Pray for us, will you?

Friday, January 04, 2008

Call Me Crazy!

Call me crazy - but I just am NOT the same person unless I am "planning" something. OK - like I'm one of those moms who LOVES to plan birthday parties. I remember when I was planning my wedding - I was in heaven. I love to "plan" anything... Fourth of July Parties, New Year's Parties, Baby Showers, Wedding Showers, Engagement Parties, Christmas Gatherings. Anything that requires lots of work and tons of stress - - I'm there. My husband thinks I'm nuts. Perhaps I am, but nonetheless, I love events planning.

So - holiday time for me is HUGE excitement. I even "plan" our tree decorating day. I "plan" cookie-baking time, I "plan" shopping outings and yes - I even "plan" gift wrapping nights. It's truly a sickness.

The bummer is - the holidays are now behind us and I'm left with nothing to "plan". Well... at home that is. At work, there's always lots to plan and that's the part of my job I TOTALLY DIG!

So - in an effort to somewhat feed my "planning" passion, I have decided to throw a huge Sleepover Party for my daughter. Although she has had one friend overnight several times, she's never had an official "Sleepover" before. She's almost 8 - now's the perfect time! :0

So - first things first... we had to decide on a "theme". My brilliant 7 year-old daughter says, "How about a Star Theme!" Like - Starlight, Starbright? Sounds fun! So - we're off and running. I picked up the invitations already - man are they cute. I told her she could have 7 girls come over and stay and we would do a "campout" in the living room. I'm now on a hunt for those glow-in-the-dark stars and moons to hang all over the ceiling. It's going to be a great time!

Honestly, I'm not sure who's looking forward to it more - - Chloe, or mom!

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Down Time!

So... I'm back! I know I haven't posted in a while... but I was enjoying some serious DOWN time with the fam! And man was it nice! I don't do down time very often, but when I do - look out! Trevor and I were actually off for a little over a week. I did work on Sunday and Monday at church, but I didn't have to go to the office (except for an hour and a half on Monday morning). The rest of the time I:
  • Stayed up late.
  • Slept in late.
  • Ate lots of Christmas goodies.
  • Took naps
  • Played with my new MacBook.
  • Played with my new Nikon Digital camera.
  • Hung out with family and friends.
  • Went to the movies to see this flick. What a hoot! I gotta own that one!
  • Played games with my daughter.
  • Had dinner with my husband. (that's seriously been a rare-idy lately!)
  • Took my daughter sledding.
  • Went shopping at the Apple store in Ann Arbor!

All in all, it was a GREAT Christmas. I am so thankful for down time! It was JUST what the doctor ordered!

Happy New Year ya'll!