Belly Fat

(not a picture of me)

Over the past 5-6 months I have noticed something growing, it's my darn belly.  I joked to my sister a sister who is 12 weeks pregnant, that I am a good 14-15 weeks myself.  I have made it into a little joke with my family just to ease the blow.  It has become something that haunts me daily because I can feel it jiggle when I walk (I am sure you wanted to know that).  It's not like I don't exercise.  In fact, Monday I exercised 45 before attending a weight lifting class, body pump and Tuesday I attending body flow and played volleyball at the church.

I am convinced my metabolism is slowing down because I haven't done anything differently.  I still exercise regularly at the gym and eat mostly healthy (I do like sweets).

Monday night I was showing Paul my gross belly and I had him feel it.  Yuck!  He said in his very own words, "Why do you have to gross me out?"  Then he proceeded to say, "We need to go on a vigorous walk tonight (that was after my long day at the gym), so we walked two miles with Hal, the dog.

Anyone else have this dilemma?   Oh, I guess I need to watch my eating more carefully.

He'll Find a Way to Say, I Love You

I pulled out this album and have been listening to it the past couple days.  One song in particular really struck home for me because I am starting to recognize the love that surrounds me.  It has been a particularly rough last year for our family (that is the reason I quit blogging because everything seemed too painful, too overwhelming, too hard, and I didn't know how much I should share).  The song, He'll Find A Way, really spoke to my heart.  I am beginning to recognize God's love in my life "which can been seen in all directions....He'll find a way to say 'I love you'."  His love is always there.  I have learned that I need to humble myself and accept that love from everyone.  Also I have learned that I need to do all that I can and then turn it over to Him.

When life gets crazy and you've had enough,
and the more you search for some kind of meaning
the more you feel you're out of luck;

When your mind tries to reason and nothing adds up,
lay it all down.
Take a good look around.

Chorus:
His love can be seen in all directions!
His infinite peace longs to hold you every second.
From the thorns in His crown to the sunset colored clouds
He'll find a way to say 'I love you.'

When tears won't relieve you, when your heart feels numb
and your mind keeps replaying the painful,
thoughtless things you've done;

And you're starting to wonder just who you've become,
believe you'll make it!
Give your worry up-
let Him take it.

Chorus

Feel His love with each breath you're breathing.
It's as sure as your heart is beating!

Chorus

He'll find a way to say 'I love you.'
He'll find a way."

At the Shooting Range

We went to the shooting range with Tina & Steve, something that I had been nervous about all day.  I told them that I didn't really want to be there.  Although I like the "idea" of having guns in our home  for protection, I didn't think I would like handling them myself.  I thought I would feel more comfortable with a baby gun, something that is harmless and weak.

With all that said and explained to Steve and Tina, I was truly amazed that I left the shooting range feeling confident and empowered.  I know that I owe my positive experience to the great lesson that Steve (a current police officer) gave me.  Step by step he taught me the parts of a gun and how they work, he taught me safety skills and showed me all the safety features on the gun, he taught me how to properly grip a gun and to site in a target.  First he trained me on a 22 semi-automatic hand gun that we rented from the range.  Then after feeling confident with that gun, he said I was ready for Paul's 9mm.  The first video below shows me shooting it for the first time!  I had a huge smile after that!

They (Steve, Paul, and Tina) were all amazed at my first time - I hit that target dead in the center.  Steve joked that if I ever wanted a job as an officer that he would give me a good reference!  I guess I have an amazing aim (check out my target below - that was all me!)

I look forward to going shooting again.  I feel more confident that I could protect myself after learning how to properly handle the gun.  I know I have more to learn and I look forward to some more lessons from Steve.  And I think I want to get my concealed weapons permit.

Here is my first time shooting Paul's 9mm (I have been telling everybody it was the 40 - but I was just corrected by Paul).

Here are a few shots in a row, I am getting the hang of it - now!

Why Exercise at Home

The Mayo Clinic suggests seven reasons why exercise is important.  The reasons include:

1. Exercise controls weight

2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases

3. Exercise improves moods

4. Exercise boosts energy

5. Exercise promotes better sleep

6. Exercise enhances intimacy

7. Exercise can be fun

Almost a year ago next month, I let my gym membership expire.  I love exercising at gyms, but after the most recent move I was too far from the YMCA.  I tried exercising at a small, nearby gym but was frustrated that it didn't have more classes, more room, more equipment, better instructors, a pool, or anything for my children (although I loved my time visiting with Jennifer).  I really was spoiled at the YMCA.  I felt like it offered something for everyone in the family and that we could make exercising a fun, family affair.

So after a year of frustration, I decided to try exercising on my own - at home!  I wasn't sure how long this would last.  Last summer I exercised with a group of ladies from church every morning from 6-7 am at the church doing the Insanity videos - those really kicked my behind!  But then with school resuming in the fall, that workout schedule didn't work with our family morning schedule.  So I had to think of something else, really quick.

So I looked around and found a friend that wanted to exercise with me.  So we set a time to meet at the church three mornings a week.  This has been wonderful because it motivates both of us to be there and on the other two days it gives me the flexibility to do other things, whether it be lifting weights at home, playing volleyball with a group at the church, going for a run with the dog, or trying different exercise videos on Youtube & Pinterest.  Plus other benefits of this new routine include:  I am saving a lot of money because of no monthly gym fees, I get to explore the library for exercise videos, I save time and money on gas (church is closer and two days a week I don't leave my house), and I get to visit with friends (which I LOVE)....plus I am healthy!

The biggest key to my success in being consistent with exercise is to schedule the same time each day for exercise.  I will not schedule anything else during my exercise time (unless it is absolutely necessary- which is rare).  Everything else can wait!

Need some help?  Check out the Cooper Clinic website for health tips, recipes, exercises, etc.

Nephi's Answer to my Prayer

I love this printable, go here for the free download.

Yesterday I had a child come to me with deep concerns of feeling inadequate and lonely.  It broke my heart to hear that this child felt friendless and that this child didn't think he/she was prepared for future obligations and opportunities.  But these feelings are also very real to me.  I often get weighed down with feelings of despair as I sometimes feel alone in my quest to be the mother that I should be for my children.  With all the children in school, I have found that it takes a focused, diligent effort to achieve a sense of purpose in my roles as a mother, wife, friend, sister, teacher....and the list continues.  I find that I will do well for a while, and then the world seems to come crashing down beside me with extreme feelings of loneliness and inadequacies.  I totally relate to this child.  So my question is: How do I provide support and strength when this is one of my own challenges?  

Of course, I rattled off some quick answers and encouragement to the child, but they didn't seem to be the answer that we needed.  (I find that we all can get easily discouraged when we focus on the big picture or challenge without breaking it down into small-bite size  manageable chunks).

So with that, I prayed for direction in helping this child.  And the answer came this morning as we were reading the Book of Mormon in 2nd Nephi 4:15-35, also known as the Psalm of Nephi.

Nephi shared his feelings of discouragement and despair even though he had seen angels, heard the voice of the Lord, and delighted in the scriptures.   "O wretched man that I am!  Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.  I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me."

In the Gospel Doctrine Sunday School class, one man commented that his imperfections become more clearer to him as he studies the scriptures and applies them to his life.  At first this sounded depressing to me.  But now I realize from Nephi that this is something that I can rejoice in because it shows that I am drawing closer to Christ and realizing more and more the need for Christ and His atonement in my life as I submit my will to His.

In the remaining versus in 2nd Nephi 4, Nephi shows a progression from being weighed down with these shortcomings to relying completely upon the "Rock of our salvation " who is Christ the Lord.

v 20 " My God hath been my support"
v 21 "He hath filled me with his love"
v 22 "He hath confounded mine enemies"
v 23 "He hath heard my cry by day and he hath given me knowledge"

After giving proof that the Lord has continually been with him, Nephi asks "why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow....why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh?  ...why would I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul?  Why am I angry because of mine enemy?  (Or in other words, why am I so human?)

What does Nephi teach me next on how to solve these feelings of discouragement? (This is the answer!)

"Awake, my soul!  No longer droop in sin.  Rejoice, O my heart and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.  Do not anger again because of mine enemies.  Do not slacken strength because of mine afflictions.  Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord and say:  O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.  O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul?  Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies?  Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?  May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because my heart is broken and  my spirit is contrite!  O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness!   O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies!  Wilt thou make my path straight before me!  Wilt thou not place a stumbling block in my way but that thou wouldst clear my way before me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy.  O Lord, I have trusted in thee and I will trust in thee forever.  I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh.  Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.  Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh Yea, my God will give to me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness.  Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God."

There was a great message in the Ensign titled, "What Nephi Teaches About Overcoming Discouragement".  In this article the author lists things that we can learn from Nephi.
1- Keep a journal to write down feelings and thoughts.
2- Ponder about the things you read and learn from the scriptures.
3- Study the scriptures and delight in them.
4- Count the blessings the Lord has given you.
5- Discard negative feelings with positive ones.
6- Pray
7- Praise and trust in the Lord
8- Seek repentance from the Lord's atonement for you.

I am grateful for this answer to my prayer, one that will help me personally and one that will help a child.  I know that we can be shown answers to our questions and challenges as we study the scriptures and make them a part of our life.  I want to delight in them like Nephi, that is my goal.

Below is a video of a song performed by the BYU Men's Chorus during the April 2007 General Conference.  The song titled, Nephi's Psalm, takes its words from 2 Nephi Chapter 4 and it's melody from the song, Be Still My Soul.

I hope that your spirits are lifted and you know that you are not alone.  

The Daily 10 Point Challenge

Paul and I are doing a daily 10 point challenge with each other.    This originated with my sisters and mom doing these small daily habits to keep them spiritually and physically active.  Paul and I added a couple items to the list.  Each item is worth 1 point, with the exception of bedtime.  At the end of each week, we will count up our points.  Sunday we will not have the exercise point and it's a free day for sweets - yeah!

Morning Prayer

Book of Mormon reading (10 minute minimum)

Journal Entry

64 oz of water

No fried foods (this includes tortilla chips, my favorite)

No sweets/desserts

Exercise 20 minute minimum

Hug each child

Get in bed by 9:30pm, lights out at 10:00pm (WORTH 2 PTS)

I recently heard that Tonya (my sis) and Ryan are doing the challenge as a couple, and that's when I got the idea to do it with Paul.  If Tonya wins the weekly challenge, Ryan will spotlessly detail her van.  If Ryan wins, then Tonya has to get up early and make him breakfast before he leaves for work.  She lost one week and quickly learned her lesson!

Yesterday was our first day.  I did great and pulled off ten points by the skin of my teeth.  I played church volleyball last night with two games, one at 7:15 and another at 8:00pm.  I then found out that we had a third game at 8:45!  Oh, no!  We played two matches and then were about to start our rally-scored third match, when I told the team that I had to hurry home to get my last points for bedtime.  I left at 9:15 and pulled it off, to the surprise of Paul. Sorry team!

Now I just need to think about what my reward should be and what the reward should be if we "tie".  If we tie, then we both win, right!?

Ideas for reward:
Money amount
The other person makes the bed everyday
Clean my van

Both Win:
Lunch date
Shopping together

My Big Birthday

Today I turn 40 years old, can you believe it?  I just thought this birthday would be like any of the others, but NO -this one is different and memorable (already).  Paul skillfully planned a surprise party - it really was a surprise!  

It started out with Jody calling to ask if she could take my girls home after school to play.  Of course, my girls loved the chance to play but I was a little hesitant.  I really didn't want to drive across town later to pick them up because I had a terrible headache (result of my long nap).  But I thought I better let Jody "have her way" because we take turns being the "bossy one".  (Thanks Jody for assisting Paul with his secret plans).

So I drove to pick up the girls and Jody told me that we were going to drop off the girls at my house and then meet the guys somewhere.  I didn't know any better so I went along with the plan. But I did remind her that I don't really like surprises, because I like to be in control  (isn't that true!).  However, in the mean time, her and Paul had talked on the phone.  Paul warned her that I might not be in a good mood.  I didn't know I was upset, just not feeling my best.

So we came to my house to drop off the girls and I asked if she would like to see my newly painted living room.  When I opened the front door (it got stuck on the rug) I saw the Merrills just standing there by the fireplace!  Then I said, "OH NO!"  because it was all registering that something was amiss.  Then everyone yelled - SURPRISE and the party began!

The party was total hit!  Paul did such a great job with the food, the decorations, the games - everything!  I was totally amazed at his party throwing skills.  The party began with me blowing out all 48 candles - Porter didn't count.  But at least I know I can blow that many!

 We divided into teams and played several "Minute-to-win-it" games, including: chocolate unicorn, elephant march, bottoms up, defying gravity, paper dragon, ping tic tac, hanky panky, dance with me baby, use the backboard, and face the cookie.  

They gave me some funny gifts.  Of course, the depends from Tisha and David are going to come in handy really soon along with the walker from the Turleys!  Everyone was very kind and thoughtful - thanks for making my birthday a big one!

And a special thanks to my dear husband, Paul.  He threw me an over-the-top birthday even when I have been rotten all week!  I love you, honey.

 More pics and birthday news to come.....

Cake Boss to the Rescue

Yesterday was one of "those" days.  It just wasn't a happy day.  Usually I blog about the best parts of my life, the happy times, because who wants to see the laundry room piled high in clothes, the dirty bathrooms, the messy bedrooms, and the untidy kitchen?  But life isn't picture perfect, at least not in my home.

A couple weeks ago I dropped off Olivia at a friend's home.  On their front door they had a sign that read "Excuse the mess, our children are making memories".  I commented to the mother how much I liked the sign.  To my surprise, she made me a sign and sent it home with Olivia!  Now I have that sign on my front door for all to see.

Do you all have tough days?  I don't know what triggered my depressing emotions and unhappy day.

Was it:

• because a child told me that morning how much she hated me and that she always had?
• that I was tired (even though I had a long Sunday nap)?
• that I was jealous of other people's accomplishments?
• because my house was a mess?
• because I have heard enough complaining and whining from my children?
• because I felt like a family member didn't care to spend time with me after I drove a long ways to see her (this constantly bothers me)?
• because I am tired of being the initiator in some relationships?
• because I have felt "out of sync" in my calling lately?
• because my candidate lost the presidential election and that I am grieving that loss?
• because the weather turned cold and gloomy?
• because I am searching for my purpose and watching others find theirs?
• because I am lonely from spending day after day by myself with little social interaction?
• because I want more out of my relationships?
• because I am not spending enough time reading my scriptures and feeling the spirit?
• because I am cold and not liking our wood stove (a reminder of all the work it takes just to keep our home a little bit warm - I feel like a pioneer sometimes)?

Yesterday I had to fight off the urge from staying in bed all day.  I did try getting in bed at noon, but after laying there for 30 minutes and not falling asleep, I decided to get up.  That is when I had a tug of war with myself.  I forced myself to do something.  So I canned 7 more quarts of salsa - the last ones of the season and made dinner.  To help fight through my discouragement and gloom, I watched several episodes of the Cake Boss from Netflix while working in the kitchen.

Then I looked forward to dinner being over and the kids going to bed.  We had a quick FHE from Paul.  He might have been surprised when I asked if he could give a "one scripture verse lesson"!  After everyone was in bed, I crawled back into my bed by 8 pm.  Then I just cried my little eyes out.  Paul could tell that something was wrong.  He tried to comfort me (but nothing was working because I couldn't pin point why I was sad).   In the end all I wanted to do was be held in his arms and watch the Cake Boss with him!  We watched two episodes in bed and that brought a smile to my face.  I love their passion for cake decorating and for their creativeness.  I also like the love that they have for one another and their fun pranks.  This reminds me that a visitor in Sunday School reminded the class to take the time to show love and appreciation for family and friends.  When he shared his feelings, my heart was touched.  I think that is what I am needing...to just feel loved and appreciated.  I know I need to share my love with others so that they know how much they mean to me.  So today I will start counting my blessings.

This morning I knew that I needed to work through these feelings.....slowly.  I have battled with depression years ago and know where it can lead, so I don't want to go there.  Yet it is so hard to fight off those feelings.

Today's Blessing:  I am thankful for a healthy body.  As I went on a run with the dog this morning, I was thankful for the dog's constant pull of the leash.  He got me through the run.

Attempting a Ruffle Scarf

Today I got my sewing machine out for the first time in years!  I thought this would be a 15 minute project, but it wasn't, isn't that always the case.  I saw this ruffle scarf (or a similar one) at My Girlfriend's Quilt Shoppe in Logan, Utah. I thought it was cute so I bought some ruffle fabric and attempted it today (just in time for Halloween).  I followed the directions found here (click on the photo) that they demonstrated for Studio 5.  I thought I knew what I was doing from the short video.  However, it took me a phone call to the quilt shop to understand that there are slight variations that you can do with this scarf.  On my scarf (5 ruffles wide), I sewed down the scarf three times with the stretchy elastic in my bobbin (I wouldn't have known to do that from the video....I thought it was one time down.  But when my scarf looked a little strange I called the store for further instruction).  The one shown on display was down with a narrower scarf (only two ruffles wide) just doubled up with another scarf.  

I made a flower out of a sweater (that shrunk) using the technique she used in the video segment to make fabric pumpkins.  My flower turned out a little big with the 5" square, next time I would reduce it to a 3 or 4" square.

A Visit to the Burg

Corbin and I managed to get away for a couple days while the younger three stayed at the grandparents.  We stayed with Chase and Danielle at their apartment (I remember the good ol' days of newly married life).  Here we are enjoying lunch at Sammies - a favorite college hangout.

 We were able to attend a devotional.  They now have a huge conference center, like a mini version of the one in Salt Lake City.  It was pretty amazing.  It made the old hart gym, look so small!

Here is a picture of the Hart Gym - lots of memories here!

 This is a view out of the windows at the Hart gym - it overlooks the track and old football field.  And if you look in the background you see my old college living quarters, Carriage House.  I ran many miles on this track!

 

The University has expanded so much over the past 20 years, it is really impressive and beautiful.

 Danielle and I had fun in the kitchen making BBQ chicken pizza, Blue Ribbon Brownies, and Cinnamon Rolls, as well as a salad!

 We took Chase some dinner at work.  He worked until the wee hours of the morning.

I caught Chase with his eyes closed.  These two watched plenty of Psych - it was fun hanging out with Chase and Danielle.  Corbin was even able to attend two college classes with Chase.

 Danielle and I squeezed in time to attend the Rexburg Temple.  It was wonderful.  I have missed going frequently to the temple, our is currently being re-modeled.

 This was my home for the my first year of college!  Lots of great roommates and memories here.

We celebrated 18 years!

Today we celebrated the creation of our family, which began 18 years ago in the Salt Lake Temple.  Two years ago I decided that instead of celebrating our anniversary with just the two of us, that we would make it a family event because it really is what it's all about.

This morning in sacrament meeting I found my first note hidden in the hymn book - Paul is so clever!  I continued finding little notes throughout the day.  Over 18 years ago on Dec 20, 1993, Paul surprised me with another note that he wrote in my scriptures, specifically in Doctrine & Covenants 132 (where it talks about the everlasting covenant of marriage).  He wrote "Will you marry me, Tiffani?" 

We kept it simple this year.

The girls and I made paper flowers to decorate the table!

Paul pulled out some old letters that I wrote to him.  This one dates back to August of 1989.  It was fun reading and sharing them with the kids.  Wow, they were sure funny - we were all shocked at how bold I was in my affection for young Mr. Winward.  We have letters from when I was 15 years old and up (through his mission).

Another Year Wiser

For quite some time, I have been telling Paul that all I want for my birthday is a shower cap!  And not just any shower cap, I specifically asked for a pink or green polka dotted one!  I have wanted this because I use a shower cap several times a week because I wash my hair every 3-4 days because it is very dry. 

Paul was very pleased that for once he got me a gift that he knew would make me happy!  I used it for the first time today and I have to say that it works great.  It totally beats all the little crappy disposable caps that I have been using.  And I have to say that it is quite cute.

In addition to my new shower cap, I treated myself to a shopping trip to the mall and stopped at a few stores (Williams Sonoma - love all things in the kitchen, The Body Shop, Sephora, and See's Candy) to grab some fun things for myself.  And the kids topped it off with some yummy chocolates.  I had several nice phone calls, cards. gifts, and thoughtful friends.  Thank you all for sharing your love with me!  In case, you are wondering I am 39 years young!  It's my last year to live it up.

The Cow Whisperer

Some people might find that it is strange that I stop and talk with the cows (after my walks).  I plomp myself down on the ground and try to have a little conversation with them.  I know they don't talk back, but they are just as curious about me as I am about them.  They inch closer and closer and continue to trade places with each other to try and get a better view!  Their noses are busy as they try to catch my scent.  I think they are recognizing me now.

After my visit with them, I decided to hurry back home (just two houses over) and grab my camera.  As soon as I returned, they came jogging over to the fence!  I think we are becoming friends. 

 Isn't he cute?

We have a curious sniffer here!

Good bye cows, I will see you later.

New Church Calling

Sunday I was called to be the new 2nd counselor in the Relief Society (third time in this calling...otherwise I am usually the Enrichment leader).  I love serving in the Relief Society with the women of the ward.  Since I am usually involved with the monthly RS meetings (also known as Enrichment nights), this will be right up my alley.  Yesterday was our first presidency meeting.  So we are figuring out our responsibilities and getting things in order.  This will definitely keep me busy and involved with our new ward.

YMCA vs. Home Exercise?

 Yesterday was my last day at the YMCA.  I canceled my membership after going strong for the past 4 1/2 years since I have been in the suburbs.  I can always reinstate my membership if I want to within the next 30 days without paying the start-up fee (they said they would be flexible if it was later).  I have loved the YMCA, especially the other location because they had great instructors and classes.  But since our move I have been going to another location that is closer.  The disadvantage to this one is that they don't have a Youth Activity Center (YAC) for my children, no indoor pool, and a crumby Pilates instructor (and I love Pilates).  So my family membership pass was only being used by myself.  It was questioning whether it was worth the drive/gas, my time and approx. $75 per month.

So I have decided to try and exercise at home.  I bought the PX90 exercise program to give me some structure.  Today I worked in the yard and walked a few laps around our place for a total of 45 minutes.  Yesterday Paul got my ipod nano downloading again so I am set for some long walks outside!  I will let you know how it goes, tomorrow I am going to dive into PX90!

Fun in Galveston

We had a great time on the beach in Galveston - it was perfect weather.  Not too hot for a girl from a cooler-than Texas-state!  The boys raced back and forth in the water, dug in the sand, searched for shells and had a ball.

 

 We had our own little photo shoot (prompted by a photo-shoot we watched of an engaged couple).  Wow, look at my jump- it was harder than I thought to get all the body weight up into the air.  Then we have Jesse and Jaren, my two little buddies! 

 We parked our selves right under/next to the Murdoch's store that extends over the water.  It was totally destroyed in Hurricane Ike - it has been rebuilt since then.  

 Here we are making a souvenir penny at Murdoch's store.  We also took a look through the telescope to see the huge barges way out in the Gulf of Mexico.

 After our fun at the beach, we took a stroll through the touristy area of Galveston.  We found solar panel parking meters, a yummy candy store, on over priced Army surplus store, and lots of historical markers talking about the history of each building (we didn't have time to soak that in).

 

Here are more pics of us.  I just loved the red phone booth and the giant chess game!  Also I took a picture of the stone sculpture which explains that the building of a sea wall after the devastating hurricane of 1900, which killed 6,000 residents.

  Beach Bums for a day. I copied (stole) this from Tonya's blog -  she has some pictures that I don't.

Here's what she says:
Tiffani came to visit and we did a day trip to Galveston. The weather was just right for a Idaho Girl. At 10am, there also was no crowd on a week day. The boys loved running in the water and getting sea shells. Tiffani did some hunting and found a 2 nice crab shells and an inhabitant too.

We watched a couple get their engagement pictures taken. We had no problems people watching! Then we had fun doing our own photo session (when they left). Tiff did some shots running in the water, initials etched in sand, jumps, etc. Here is one of my jumps.

When the boys changed shorts, sand was everywhere. So I had them rinse off in the water with just beach bums. Tiffani was shocked by the cuteness! (or embarrassed of bareness) The boys have no problems in skins. Again, no people around except for 1 sunbather / 1 dog.

Home Again

Last night I flew in from Houston, Texas after spending the last 6 days with Tonya, my sister, and her family.  When I got home the kids were in bed, but waiting for a goodnight hug and kiss from mom.  I found this welcome home sign waiting for me.  They were happy to have me home, but I think Paul managed just fine with everything including the last week of soccer games and practices, ballet, meals, plus everything else including his own office work. Thank you sweetie.

On Monday I flew out in my comfortable workout capri pants, a couple layered t-shirts, and tennis shoes.  I told Paul that I wanted to be comfortable.  He was appalled that I would dress like that in public, but oh well I did anyway (I looked fine).  He said, "next time you will be wearing a Muumuu (which he does not find pleasing)!" 

So at one garage sale (we only hit a couple) we found a dress that I could substitute for a Muumuu.  On my return flight, I actually dressed nicer with high heels - no workout clothes on me (now I have sores on the back of each of my heels where the strap rubbed from all the airport walking - not a good idea, leave the heels packed)!  But before I met Paul at the pick-up curb, I made a quick detour to the restroom where I changed out of my clothes into the dress (shown below) with flip-flops.  While I was doing this, I heard over the intercom "if you see anyone with any suspicious activity please report them to security."  I felt like I was acting a little suspicious to totally change my outfit, but I was not reported.

I met Paul at the curb with a big smile.  His first comment was "nice dress, I like the colors."  I had to explain that I was actually playing a joke on him.  I guess the dress didn't pass as a Muumuu, it wasn't baggy enough.  Oh well, at least I tried.

Paying the Price

Last night I made sugar cookie dough.  It's my favorite recipe because even the dough is so yummy! Before diving into the dough that I was going to chill in the refrigerator for baking cookies the following day, I had a thought "Tiffani, don't eat the dough because it contains raw eggs."  I thought oh that is a silly thought, because I have eaten dough my whole life without getting sick. So I had a generous sampling!

The funny thing was that I wouldn't allow the kids to taste the dough.  I said "you might get sick because it has raw eggs."  It's not like there wasn't enough dough to share because I doubled the batch.  (Well at least they aren't experiencing what I am because they heeded my counsel.  But why didn't I listen to the thoughts that came to my mind?)

So this morning I wake up with a queasy stomach.  I still attend my Pilates class and then come home because I don't think I can take anymore with my stomach churning.  I haven't done much since except soak in the tub and lay in bed.  Oh, that darn cookie dough.  I don't think I got it as bad as it could have been.  But I definitely have the bodily symptoms of a stomach revolting against something bad, plus I have yucky, rotten egg burps (yeah, I know  - you probably all want to stay away from me).

The lessons I learned: 1)- stay away from raw eggs (can I really do that?) and 2)- listen to the still small voice, even when you think it is silly.

Silence in the Face of Evil Is Itself Evil

SILENCE IN THE FACE OF EVIL IS ITSELF EVIL,

GOD WILL NOT HOLD US GUILTLESS,

NOT TO SPEAK IS TO SPEAK,

NOT TO ACT IS TO ACT.

DIETRICH BONHOEFFER

This man was one of the first to openly speak out against the Nazi Regime.  I am wanting to learn more about him and his courage to stand up against such wickedness.  I know very little about him but am interested in learning more because I totally agree with his statement above.

I had an interesting experience this week in a Pilates class at the gym. Many of the ladies in the class chat with each other while we are doing our Pilates moves - which I am totally fine with. This time they were talking about their older children, those in high school or just barely in college.  I heard about how some of these kids are living with girls and boys in the same house (not a good idea), how one son told his mom that he has never seen so many uncensored movies in his life (what, is that something to brag about?), another mother told me about her step-daughter that was painting a picture with other boys (some group project) of a naked mermaid with super large breasts (okay, that is a little weird) and so on.  After all this news from the ladies of which none of it was actually positive or noteworthy, the class instructor then says, "Okay, come on - how many of us were actually virgins when we got married?"  

What?  I couldn't believe what I just heard - but I lifted my hand as if to answer "I was."  Was I the only one in the room that was totally appalled by her comment?  The instructor then said, "There isn't a right and wrong anymore, it is just what is."  After all of this and especially her last comment, I was very disturbed.  

After class I approached the teacher and said, "I just want you to know that I disagree with what you said about there not being a right and a wrong because there is a right and wrong." I then said something about how parents have the duty to teach their children so that when they leave the house they can make good choices.  (I know that some children still leave home after being taught well and have to test the waters and make poor choices- there are always those exceptions).  

I felt like I had to say something to her because by not saying anything I felt like I was agreeing her.  So when I later came across the quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I felt like it was an answer to my dilemma. I made the right choice - I had to say something and I had to take a stand.

The Old Mower Dies after a Long Hard Life

A few weeks ago as I was mowing the lawn, one of the front wheels just fell off! I had completed the front yard and had 2/3 of the backyard left. What should I do? The grass was long and overdue so I made the decision to finish mowing. It took all my strength to counter balance the mower as I pushed it back and forth. This mower is extremely laborious when it is working correctly, so just imagine my predicament.

Later Paul repaired the wheel and the body several times before we finally broke down and bought a brand-new mower. The old mower was a purchase from a garage sale 10 years ago.


Here is a picture of happy Porter and the new mower. He has mowed the lawn several times this summer with our terrible non-propelled workout mower. This new self propelled mower makes mowing enjoyable and a breeze. I just have to be sure to hang on tight because it wants to take me for a ride. It is almost zero effort compared to the beast before. This morning I almost mowed the whole front yard in 15 minutes without one bead of sweat - truly miraculous! We should have bought a mower like this years ago.