Friday, April 30, 2010

The Y Factor

I'm slowly learning about male DNA
And why my sons act a certain way
For instance with my two little boys
Every puddle around is seen as a toy
I think it is a Y chromosome trait
Their little brains process puddles as great!
Like just today in a parking lot
My boys thought they had hit the jackpot
Puddles here...and puddles there...
Puddles pudd'ling everywhere!
Though we parked right by the store
It took TWENTY minutes to reach the door
And then, as if taken by complete surprise
My oldest son yelled out this cry:
"Oh no! Mom, now my pants are wet!"

Another Y trait? Males are quick to forget.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

KINDERGARTEN!!

My oldest son starts kindergarten next year
He is so excited -- it is me who has fears
I worry about his first ride on the bus
Will the big kids be nice or be scary and cuss?
What about when he gets to school?
Will the other kids think my kid is cool?
Will he behave? And what about his teacher?
Will she see my son as sweet or a menacing creature?
Will he be good? A conscientious student?
Will he understand? Will he be prudent?

Oh this day! I dread in my mind!
But when I am rational (?) I (think) he'll be fine...

Just yesterday was kindergarten round up
His two concerns he openly 'fessed up
"Does the big school have bathrooms if I need to pee?"
"Will we play outside? What time will that be?"
These are the worries of my five-year-old son
I suppose they are logical for a wee little one
For him - the most important things to know
Are where to play and where to "go"
I'm sure my kid will do just fine
I am the one who will worry and whine
Lord, be with my son as he starts school next year
(And be with his mother, as she deals with her fears!)

Junior can count!

My two year old can count to ten
The way he learned may shock you when --
I tell you that what we do in our house
Is count to ten before punishment is doused
While we count, the kids must go to their room
There they wait for discipline's doom
I've been counting quite a bit these days
My oldest is struggling in his "behaving" ways
So little Junior did learn from his mother
How to count to ten because of an ill-behaved brother
Have any of you ever "taught" in this way?
An unintentional lesson through what you say?

I've got to admit, when his counting I heard...
It made me wonder, what's louder? Actions or words?

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 17

Ever had to break bad news to someone? Ever had to break the bad news to yourself? Neither are fun, and today I feel like I'm doing both. Breaking bad news to my readers and to myself. It's probably easier for you to hear/read than it is for me to write.

I am unchanged in my weight as of this morning. I am frustrated with myself that I continue to allow my greed to overtake me. I have been trying to figure out where I keep failing. I actually do quite well during the day. I always wait for hunger. Usually, during the day my boys keep me pretty busy so I don't have much time to even think about food. My biggest struggle comes from eating at night with the family. I do wait until I'm hungry, but when the meal is placed before me, I do not stop when I am full.....I just keep shoveling it in. (And honestly, I don't know why - the food isn't that good as I'm not a good cook!) But that's what I'm doing. I can give you every excuse in the world:

1) It's the end of the day and I'm tired....I let my guard down

2) I am so distracted by the million things that always seem to happen once the hubby comes home

3) I like sitting at the table as long as I can so that Mr. Wonderful and I can catch up...as I do, I feel like I must keep eating

4) Excuses

5) Excuses

6) Excuses



Should I go on?

I have GOT to change things up. I feel like I have been sleeping these past three weeks. ENOUGH! Time to WAKE UP! Here's what I am going to do to be more alert.

ONE, I ordered the Gwen Shamblin's book Rise Above and it arrived on Monday. I have yet to read it, but I am starting today. I know that any time I'm reading a book, the words tend to linger in my mind throughout the day. That's why I like reading my Bible first thing in the morning. The words stay with me throughout the day.

TWO, thus far I have only weighed once a week. I was afraid if I weighed daily I would get discouraged when I saw no change on the scales. I am going start weighing every morning first thing (and then follow it with a STRONG cup of coffee!) I hope this will also help keep me more focused.

THREE, I have a new verse I am going to memorize. It's not long. It's not profound. It is something I feel I can continually say to myself throughout the day.

1 Thessalonians 5:6
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled

Until we meet again, my friends!

21 POUNDS LOST 30 DAYS TO GO!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The "Uh-huh" Syndrome

Those with small children
Do you suffer from this disease?
When your child is non-stop-talking
Do you “uh-huh” them just to please?
My oldest is a talker
Of this there is no doubt
He can ramble on forever
When there’s nothing to talk about
“Mom, did you know there’s a bird on our tree?”
“It’s black….no, it's blue….wait, it's red!”
My lips call out “uh-huh” to my boy
And I systematically nod my head
“Mom do you know what my favorite animal is?”
“It’s a bird…no a dog…can we get some fish?”
I reply back “uh-huh” once again
As I finish my grocery list
Off to the store he talks from the back seat
“That cloud looks like a car in the sky”
“When we’re at the store can we look at the toys?”
“There’s some Hot Wheels I’d like to buy”
Once again I reply “uh-huh” to his words
Unaware of my disease’s progression
Until at the Walmart in the pet food aisle
Do I learn a most dreadful lesson….

“Can we get my little fish now? I want to hold him while we shop.”
“I think I like the red ones the best. See them in the aquarium at the top?”
For some reason these statements jerk me awake
Why does my son assume there are fish we will take???

Then I think back --
I remember some of his words
Favorite animals listed….
The colors of birds…
Oh, no I didn’t!
I agreed to buy fish!
Did he also say Hot Wheels?
Tell me I didn’t do this!!
How do I fix the predicament I’m in?
Do I lie, or back out?
In defeat, I give in.

TAKE HEED TO THIS STORY
Don’t let this syndrome get you
Or you could end up like me
With a bowl of red fish too.

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 16

Okay, I was scared to do it, but I got on the scales today. My fears were confirmed, I was up four pounds. Uuuugggghhhh! But, what can I do? I could mope about it (I kind of did this morning....) Or, realize that I haven't been keeping my eyes on Him and turn things around!

I have been reading in Matthew and this mornings scriptures SCREAMED at me! I was reading Matthew 23....verse 25 hit me right between the eyeballs

"Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence."

Now, who ever wants to be compared to a Pharisee? Not I! And yet, this is how I have been acting. I hate to leave the house without my hair done or my make-up on, but when I sit down to the dinner table, I don't think twice about stuffing my face even when my body has given me a clear sign that I am full. Hmmm.....maybe Jaime has some house-keeping issues. Take the vacuum to the greed and dust down the self-indulgence. Be gone!

I will be back next week - with a "cleaner" inside and hopefully better news to report!

Lamentations 3: 22-23 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!"

21 POUNDS LOST 36 DAYS TO GO

Thursday, April 15, 2010

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 15

Do you ever feel like you just can't catch a break? Sometimes I feel like so much is being thrown at me, even if I were microscopically-sized - I'd still get hit. Though the stresses of the world may get me down, I am always to go to Him. However, there are days....and sometimes those days are in consecutive order, where I don't. I mope. I cry. I ignore God and I eat. OUCH!

Here's the thing. My grandpa recently had a soccer-ball sized tumor removed from his abdominal area. We have also learned it is malignant. He is slowly (but surely) recovering. Last weekend I drove down to where he was hospitalized from Friday evening until Monday afternoon. Have any of you ever watched a loved one suffer? Let me tell you, it is a hard thing to watch. I would sit and watch my Grandpa grimace and sometimes even let out audible groans. All I could do was hold his hand and pray.

While I was visiting, my best friend's son was also hospitalized. (Same town, different hospital). Her son has been in and out of hospitals since the day he was born. In the last six months he has had six different hospital stays. He is now there yet again. How hard it is for us as parents to watch our children suffer!!! For my friend, she has watched her child suffer for six years.

My heart has been aching for days. I wonder how God can use all this pain for his glory. I hate to see the people I love suffer. I question God (and even I get mad at Him from time to time too.) Why all this pain? My tiny brain can't understand God's perfect plan. Needless to say, I have been in a funk since Friday.

Today however, I had the opportunity to encourage my friend/relative. She has been a girl that has been there for me so many times throughout my life. Today however, she was discouraged about some past hurt. Despite my own recent pain and worry, God gave me the opportunity to lift her up and you know what, friends? In encouraging her, I was encouraged. It was amazing.

It reminded me of my new friend Margery. She has been a HUGE "encourager" for me in the past month or so with my weight loss. In fact, I told her today that I was going to consider her my "jewel of the day!" What a blessing it is to have people like Margery in your life!! (Thank you Margery for all you have done for my spirits!)

I write all this to get you to guys a thinkin'.....who have you encouraged today? What has God blessed you with that you could, in turn, pass on to another? Even in our hurting moments, how can we lift someone else up? Many of you reading my blog have told me you are also Weigh Down Dieters. When people see you and ask, "How have you lost all that weight?" What is your answer? Do you give God the glory and then encourage others that they can do the same? No matter our situation - God places people in our lives we are to encourage. Are we doing it? It could be your child, your husband, your friend, your fellow Weigh Down Dieter.....God has put us in specific situations that we might help and encourage others.

I didn't weigh again this week. Unfortunately, I know I went to food instead of God too many times to count this week. But as that old Bill Gather song goes, I am a "kid under construction" and "my paint is still wet." However, even being a "kid under construction" I must remember, "the Lord ain't through with me yet!" I will weigh next Wednesday and I promise to report back to you then.

This week, I feel that God has put my weight loss on display to give me the opportunity to 1) give Him the glory and 2) encourage others. I do not want to let Him down. Tomorrow is a new day. May He be with us all!

Philippians 1:6
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

Proverbs 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

Romans 12: 6...8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us....if it is encouraging, let him encourage.

Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

My Girlfriend

My girlfriend...
Knows me inside out
My girlfriend...
Knows what my hurt is all about
My girlfriend...
Loves me through those crabby days
My girlfriend...
Won't run in darkness - but stay

And yet...

No matter how much my girlfriend loves
It is uncomparable to HIM above
I am blessed because she knows this
She directs my eyes to HE who lifts
God bless my precious girlfriend today
Because of HIM - she can help me along the way

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 14

Well, the good news is I am not up any “poundage.” I am encouraged by this. My fast went well, and I started up again with my friend Margery today. I know that when I am fasting with another person, I am much more likely to stay committed and not cheat. (I have to admit it is so easy to grab a cracker off the kids’ lunch plate or nibble as I cook….please do not think less of me!) However, when I know there is another person fasting with me, I don’t want to let her down! Why is it that I will cheat on myself (or worse, God) but I won’t cheat on another individual? What does this say about my psyche? (Check that – I don’t think I want to know the answer!)

Margery shared with me a quote from Gwen Shamblin that was mentioned in one of the online Weigh Down classes. (Margery is currently enrolled in these online classes. Way to go Margery!!) I thought it was very encouraging and wanted to share with all you what Margery relayed to me.
When you feel an urge to eat and you are not hungry, it is hunger for God! Go to His Word! Do not hang out near food. Do not long for the food. Do not look for the food. Pray, “God, clean up my mind.” Pray, “God, in the name of Jesus Christ, take away this nagging head hunger, this longing, and turn that back into a longing to be inside Your will and to have Your approval. Amen.”

If you are one who struggles with “head hunger” (defined: wanting to eat, but not feeling any physiological hunger) like I do, I think this prayer is perfect! I know I will be praying it.
Though I mainly write about my struggles with weight, I do have other areas in my life I struggle with as well (surely, I didn’t have you all completely fooled!) This prayer from the Weigh Down class got me thinking about all my areas of struggle. No matter what the issue might be, I am to take EVERYTHING to God. He is the one who can fill me up where I am lacking. I get frustrated with my children (gasp!) I get irritated with my husband (double gasp!) I don’t understand why I can’t always have my way especially when my desires seem like very “Christian” needs (are you hyperventilating yet?) Tell me I not alone in wanting things that can only be filled by God? My issue with food is simply ONE of many struggles – all of which must be taken directly to God for help, comfort, and guidance.

I will leave you with these verses….I hope you find them and the above prayer encouraging for this next week!

John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Luke 18:27
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

Isaiah 65:24
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

25 POUNDS LOST 51 DAYS TO GO

Friday, April 2, 2010

Dialing 911

Junior struck again this last Saturday
Though this time he had not a thing to say
Just picked up the phone while with his Grandma
Pushed three little puttons to make a call
But then instead of hanging up
He left the phone on -- the silly duck
As the police walked to my mother-in-law's door
She wondered what in the world they were knocking for?
Opened the door - greeted them with a sweet smile
They asked, "By chance, did you give 9-1-1 a dial?"
Immediately her eyes turned back to her grandson
Taking in just what he had done
Gave a little chuckle and let out a sigh
Thanked the police and waved them goodbye
Realizing now she has another story to tell
About how her little Junior is as onery as ....heck.

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 13

There has been a lot going on in our home the last few weeks. That coupled with the arrival of my monthly FedEx package (as my husband so lovingly puts it...) has not been good with my desire for food. I have not weighed myself this week. (And I am going to refrain until next week). I know that I can still fit into my smaller clothes, but I also know I need to slow down shoveling the food into my mouth as I have been these last two weeks. I am going on a fast again. Those seem to always get me back on track -- getting my comfort from God, not from food.

??? POUNDS LOST 63 DAYS TO GO