The Towel Test

So, as everyone knows, I lost 50 lb in 2012 on Weight Watchers (193 lb to 143 lb)...go me!!! I absolutely loved having all of that excess weight gone...goodbye!! My clothes fit better, I had more energy to run around with my kids, etc...but what was the best thing in the world? Are you ready for this?!! My towel actually went all the way around me when I got out of the shower!

I know that to most people, this means nothing, but it was one of those "take for granted" things that meant the world to me!

We have decent sized bath towels, not pool towels, but not puny bath towels. Anytime I would ever get out of the shower, I would pull the towel from front to back and tuck it in right at my chest area to keep it on while I did my facial routine. I had major issues with the fact that it would tuck well on top, but when I would look downward towards my hip area, I could see that the towel was not fully shut in the front. Shut to where I was covered, but not evenly measured shut from the top of the towel down. Once my weight came off, it was completely even all the way. Aaah!!!! Like a breath of fresh air!

After getting pregnant with my 7th child and wanting to enjoy the pregnancy (and I did ;), I put back on that 50 lb (+1). I have since lost 25 lb of it and am working to get off the other 26 still hanging around like a house guest that overstays his welcome....get out!!

I am now using "The Towel Test" as my inspiration to get it all back off again. I am back on Weight Watchers, have made another goal chart and am doing 15 minute cleanings along with Just Dance to get it all off once again and am as determined as always! Starting at 25 lb lighter this time around, I have found that the towel is once again open, but not nearly as much as a few years back. Pressing forward and awaiting the day that the towel will be fully closed once again :)

Wordless Wednesday....Focused.

Oh man...do I have a lot of kids!!

Could it be possible to not even realize how many kids you actually have until clean out season comes and you begin to see it. Right it front of you. Stuff. Boom!

After taking down the Christmas decorations this year, once again I decided to continue with my new found tradition of an early "Spring Cleaning." I can't believe how much junk I have found in drawers, cabinets, closets, toy boxes, etc... Has all of this stuff been here all along and I never noticed or am I walking down a different road, one always looked down, but never truly walked....Purge Blvd. Yes, my house is usually very clean and yes, I clean out often, but still maybe not often enough? I am a huge yard sale seller, but also a buyer which sometimes totally cancel each other out. Do they really need a toy that they are lucky to pick up twice in one year? Do they need to keep every single art project complete with toilet paper roll display? Just how many tissue box banjo's can we have in one house?

At this point in my life, I am so ready to just sell it, donate it, burn it.....whichever mood I am in first that day! I cannot believe how in the midst of giving my kids everything, I have packed in quite a bit and it is finally starting to hit me that there are, in fact, seven children (and their stuff) living in this house.

Do you think I could get away with boxing it all up and shipping it off on the first random truck I see and them be none the wiser or would I have a fight on my hands by seven "I always use that" little hoarders?!!

Book Review: A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid

Book Review: A Miracle of Hope...An Amish Wonders Novel by Ruth Reid

"I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for this review”.

Book Review: She's heard about forgiveness all her life, but how far does God's mercy truly reach? 

Lindie Wyse thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her unborn child. Josiah Plank is certain he''ll never be in love again, but he needs someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined. After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes the child's special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building--and the love that is growing between them. Will their marriage survive their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?

My Review: Like most Amish novels, the cover of this book shows a beautiful young Amish woman, this one, red haired and with the skin of a porcelain doll....already you are in for a wonderful story before the book is even cracked. The author had one heck of a mind of thoughts when she came up with this one. I love the way that she created a story around a girl who had done wrong, or so it seems and spun it into a completely intriguing story! I could not put this book down!! Though both characters in this story were very cold to each other in the beginning, it was amazing how they warmed up...especially him in a small amount of time. The father-in-law in this book was a great example of explaining how the Amish wives are supposed to be when it comes to their husbands. What a breath of fresh air Josiah brought to this story being nothing of the sort! Seeing him wait on Lindie, putting her on a pedestal, even when his feelings did not go the way a marriage should. It gave you that feeling that you wanted to have through every inch of this book...that Lindie would come out of her shell, Josiah would have a change of heart and they would fall madly in love! Want to find out just exactly what happens....read this book :)

Book Review: What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Review: What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer


"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Book Review: A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart--can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?

On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out leaving the home uninhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear "family." With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Johnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees, with reluctance, but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up, Christina begins to wonder if she can fulfill the mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally--or more--in the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God? 

My Review: This book was like entering a far off place from the second I looked at the cover. With softened edges, the photo takes you back to the Victorian era. A woman, Christina Willems, running a home for the poor has become family with each and every member living there. After a fire, they all have to temporarily go in different directions and deal with life as they do not know it with caretakers that are very different than Christina. While Christina tries her best to find ways to get the house rebuilt, family members are slowly falling away to other places. Will she be able to find a way to rebuild before she loses all family members? Will she make new family members in the process as brought on by God and will she be ready for them?  A very good book that I could not put down once I picked it up. Highly recommend! 

2014 Resolutions...

 

For my 2014 New Year's Resolutions, I decided to look back at last year's resolutions and see how well I did and how I could change or make any better somehow, give you all an update per se. Here goes!

1. Find a Church. Why is this so unbelievably hard? Almost 13 years in PA and none! It is so strange that you actually start to think that your religion can be a problem in some instances until you come across someone from another religion who puts it right into your face that they are so much more "holier than thou" and they judge you and your ways. I would rather be a clean, true Catholic than a wolf in sheep's clothing other religion any day and trust me, there are quite a few that showed themselves to me in the past year. I am not saying anything against any other religion...those specific people that I have dealt with will have God to answer to. Maybe some should re-evaluate themselves a little and remember that only God has the right to judge. God, please point me down the correct path to your home, but until then, I will remain your faithful servant teaching myself and my family your ways.

2014 Update: Can you believe that we still have not found one in almost 14 years?!!! God, I still have all of my faith in you that you will lead us to your house, the one that all of us fits into :)

2. Greet my Facebook friends. I have over 1,000 FB friends. These are all people I have encountered at one point in my life whether they be friends I see everyday, high school friends, acquaintances, etc... I do notice, however, that there are many that I do not interact with very often...so why are they even on my list entitled "friends?" I want to make it a point to contact each every so often to let them know they are in my thoughts...you never know what positivity could come out of a few kind words :)
2014 Update: I did this last year and loved the way it turned out. I did go through my friend list and weed out a few which helped.There were quite a few friends that were so happy to hear from me out of the blue. I want to continue this one (and already have!)

3. Lose 10 more lb. I made one of my resolutions last year to lose 50 lb...and I did it!!!! I would love to lose 10 more and be at my pre-pregnancy weight. it will be hard, but I have the same willpower to continue and hope to pull the hubby along as well. I also want to set a goal to do some sort of exercise 5 days a week. My 9 year old daughter is a great partner in this!

2014 Update: Got down 3 of those 10 more lb for a total of 53 lb down and ended up pregnant with #7...guess I just looked TOO good ;) After giving birth to my baby girl in October, I had to make a plan to lose the 51 lb that I gained. 20 lb just dropped off of my body. 31 more lb to go to get back to my goal weight and then we will see about that extra 10 lb. I am making a new chart to help me get there (the first one worked magic!) I would love to lose it with my husband and daughter. Wish me luck!

4. Kids/Family Time. We currently have story nights every Wednesday which I would like to continue, but cut back to only twice a month. It was a little overwhelming to try to get it in every week. Along with this, we need to get back on board with our "Family Fun Box" and "Parent/Child Day Out." These are memories in the making and a thrifty way to spend some quality time together :)

2014 Update: I did cut back on these and it went much more smoothly. We did a few family things over the months, but did not get back to the actual Family Fun Box. Still want to do that, even added more things to do in the box. We did a lot of Parent/Child days out and had a ton of fun! When it comes to the kids, I would like to allow them to have more sleepovers and/or play dates.

5. Me. I need me time! I would love to have 1 day a month of time to myself...shopping, reading, etc...Even I need that little breather every now and then.

2014 Update: I did get these days some, but then after getting pregnant with #7, I wanted my hubby to spoil me (which he did) so I stayed around him a ton! Want to try to get some private shopping time in, maybe a few girls days out. I would also like to learn something new a few times a year, maybe even every quarter (every 3 months.) Just liked to be a very well-rounded person. Having some new skills would do that for me!

6. Dede and Greg. We are currently doing date night twice a month and are loving every second. Would like to stick to this and maybe even plan a few mini trips a year with just us. Even overnight at a B&B would mean the world! Prayers that we can get someone to volunteer with the kids on these days.

2014 Update: We continued our dates every other week, but are thinking of making a change. Still every 2 weeks, but this year, 1 out and 1 at home. When you mix 2 dates a month and 2 family days and parent/child day out together, you end up with an empty wallet! So, we will have one date out and two weeks later, another date in (movie, dinner, etc..) This will also keep us home near the kids which they like better. We did not end up doing any "us" trips this year as we just decided that we really did not want to be away from the kids...we are crazy about them!!

7. Extended Family. I would like to make a once a month trip to WV and stick to it! I am so out of the loop with family. I know that my family can just as easily come here, but for some reason, I am the only person with that realization. I would like to start a once a month dinner for the family at each house. Maybe this idea will get some play :)

2014 Update: This didn't happen. I ended up in WV just as much as usual due to gas prices. Am I the only one that can even mention trying to make an effort?

8. Crafting/Upcycling/Hobbies. Where does my time go? I used to be the biggest crafter. Now, it takes a year of planning to get one idea done. I have so many ideas and just not enough hours in the day. Scrap booking is a must! Let me get passed the year 2,000 please!!!

2014 Update: Still on the year 2000 for scrap booking, but am determined!! Definitely could not do much with the pregnancy anyway. Sleeping got in the way. Just this week, I pulled out some scrap booking bags and have started organizing. Hope this gets me moving. I did a few Halloween crafts and a Christmas one this year. Small amount, but hey, it's a start :)

9. Saving $$$. We need a new idea on a savings account. We have so many going in different directions that they can sometimes be very confusing :/ I want one place and a designated amount from all aspects. I also would like money deposited into the kids' accounts every quarter. Just having those nests gives me peace of mind. Speaking of saving, back on the coupon train!! It is easy to fall off when you don't have the time. I need to get a day scheduled back in along with a computer time schedule and do not veer from it. While I'm on schedules, a new chore chart for all would be next on the list. Giving the kids some lessons once a month could prepare them for that hard road ahead called "life." Menu plans have been re-added as well :)

2014 Update: We made it back on the coupon train and stayed on! Got a ton of good deals over the year and fed this huge family well. A new chore list went great this year. Kids learned some new skills and took on more responsibility for their ages. I have decided to stick with this system for 2014 and have added a surprise gift incentive (along with their allowance) every 2 weeks to keep them on track.

10. Helping Others. I am always coming up with ways to help others that I actually think I do that more than anything else in my life. Not a problem really, but would love to be more scheduled and once every quarter, do something larger, maybe even with the kids. After all, isn't helping others what makes everyone happy :) I know it does me. I will continue by recycling, doing projects that help others and add where I can. After I recruit others to do some projects as well, maybe we could do a girl's day/night out to discuss new possibilities. We will see...

2014 Update: The kids and I were involved in a few projects this year including 2 angels at Christmas, making meals for families, cleaning roads and recycling. Glad to continue this resolution!

I have updated my 2013 Resolutions list with all that I have done. I will be referring back even more this year to stay on track. Fingers crossed!!!

Book Review: Stones for Bread..A Novel by Christa Parrish

 

Book Review: Stones for Bread...A Novel by Christa Parrish

 

"I received this book for free from BookSneeze for this review”.

Book Review: A solitary artisan. A legacy of bread-baking. And one secret that could collapse her entire identity.

 

Liesl McNamara's life can be described in one word: bread. From her earliest memory, her mother and grandmother passed down the mystery of baking and the importance of this deceptively simple food. And now, as the owner of Wild Rise bake house, Liesl spends every day up to her elbows in dough, nourishing and perfecting her craft.

 

But the simple life she has cultivated is becoming quite complicated. Her head baker brings his troubled grandson into the bakeshop as an apprentice. Her waitress submits Liesl's recipes to a popular cable cooking show. And the man who delivers her flour--a single father with strange culinary habits--seems determined to win Liesl's affection.

 

When Wild Rise is featured on television, her quiet existence appears a thing of the past. And then a phone call from a woman claiming to be her half-sister forces Liesl to confront long-hidden secrets in her family's past. With her precious heritage crumbling around her, the baker must make a choice: allow herself to be buried in detachment and remorse, or take a leap of faith into a new life.

 

Filled with both spiritual and literal nourishment, Stones for Bread provides a feast for the senses from award-winning author Christa Parrish.

 

My Review: A very comfortable cover draws you in to the book immediately...flour covered hands with a heart shaped piece of bread dough. This book has it all; a life story from childhood to adulthood, a budding romance and a mother/child relationship and bread recipes!! While Liesl McNamara had a life that she loved growing up, she did have some sadness throughout that she soon finds out that some minor twists and turns could have prevented. Still, the life she led was the hand she was dealt and she made the very most of it. Once on television to prove her breads are the very best, she encounters some decisions that could take her life in many different directions...which road shall she take? After getting a phone call from a woman claiming to be her half-sister, it throws her in yet another direction of a life she was not familiar with and is unsure that she wants to deal with. Can her decisions put her down the path that she wants to take?!!