Gifts!

This has been a couple of weeks for gifts.
AND....I am liking it...LOL

Firstly, a pal I made on knitting parents and then flyingselfchallenge.
Claudiais a doll!
She has been one of my greatest supporters in my quest for health. So she sent me a small gift to reward me for my efforts.
The card and stitch markers are awesome...stitch markers have dragonflies on them for luck.





Onto friend number two.....
In today's mail was a package from my Southern SP.
What a pick-me-up!!!
It was like Christmas....
First this is what I saw......
And then after the fury of ripping open all the little packages....I found a cute card complete with made-for-me poem, a knitting clam, wool wash, stitch markers, soap and 2 balls of a soft red wool called Beautiful by Sensations.


I see a nice fuzzy scarf in my near future...stay tuned for futher pictures.

So to my dear pals out there...THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

What you don't know

When I started this blog, it was to document the changes I had decided to make in my life. It is only through change that our spirit can grow.
First it was physical. One of the easier changes...lol
But I, also, hoped to include my mental and emotional changes as well.

Many of you know that I am the proud mom of a beautiful almost 10 year old daughter. And even though we clash on many occassions, she is my greatest joy!
What you don't know is that I am also the mom of two beautiful boys who now run with the angels.

The reason I posted the picture below is to introduce you to my first son, Matthew.
When Sheridan was 22 months old our home was expanded my one....this beautiful boy.
I believed that my family was complete. Boy and girl, husband and wife. Who could ask for anything more perfect. He was gorgeous...huge blue eyes surrounded by the longest eyelashes and the joy of all who met him...especially his big sister.
The two would just sit for hours, in the silence and you could see their contentment.

However, one week before Christmas, we took Matthew to emergency for dehydration, only to have him have a seizure. We were admitted and all seemed clear 2 days later.

3 weeks later, we went to emergency again and he once again had a couple of seizures. We were admitted to the Children's hospital...put with a neurologist and numerous tests were completed. By only God's luck we were paired with a neurologist who had dealt with Matthew's illness, 16 years before. He was diagnosed with Menkes or kinky hair syndrome.

We were brought into the doctor's office and informed that the disease our precious son had was terminal. They had no clue what would happen over time or how long he had, all they could say was that he was only ours for a short time.

Menkes

We were blessed with knowing this beautiful little boy for 14 months. August 26, 1997 to October 15, 1998. Yesterday was his birthday into heaven.

I often think of the scene in "Steel Magnolias" where the mom says she was blessed to be there when that beautiful creature came into the world and when she left. I was blessed in such a way.

My husband and I made his comfort our mission. He was only in the hospital one more time and that was to insert a feeding tube which they thought he would not recover from. But his spirit fought back and he stayed another 2 months.

After 3 years of grieving, and having the genetics doctors tell us that I couldn't be a carrier...we tried again...only to find out at 17 weeks that Zachary too had the disease. Making the most difficult choice of my life, I decided I couldn't let him suffer as much or worse than Matthew had, so I terminated the pregnancy. This was difficult on more than one level because I truly am a Pro-lifer for myself. But motherhood won out over my value system.

I am not telling you this tale to make you sad or have you feel pity for me.
Knowing these two boys has been a double-edged sword. I was privileged to know them and I wouldn't wish away any of my time with them, because that would be the same as not wanting them...and that would be a true crime.

I want the world to know about these two precious souls.
I still struggle daily with the lost and don't know if I will ever totally heal but there are days when I can go without thinking every hour about them.
This also has placed me on another journey with my husband...but that is another day's discussion.

So tonight as you tuck your children into bed, realize what a gift you have.
Yes they drove you insane and they will again tomorrow. They know how to push our buttons and how to say the nastiest of things. But at the same time...they are only ours for such a small amount of time.

Treasure the gift while you have it....and remember two precious angels now and then.

Meet Matthew 

Sunday check in

Good Morning everyone :-)

Its Thanksgiving here in Canada and I am thankful for so many things.
But the main thing is that I have finally started to take my health seriously.
This exercising and changing of lifestyle will in the long run improve my life in so many different ways.

Hitch your wagon to a star!
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, American philosopher and poet

Weekly Update
1. What is your current weight?
159 (160)(166)(166)(165)(166)

2. What have you done well this week? What makes you proud of you?
I have exercised 7 days this week...even when my mood has not been really focused on the task. Once I start, I always start enjoying the movement.
I have also been watching my snacking intake. Its amazing how I really don't miss the snacks. If I do indulge I have a taste over a bowlful.

3. What could you be doing better or improving?
I need to look into increasing my weight level. Right now I am using 2lb weights and it is getting a bit too easy. Time for 5lbers.
Also, I really need to look more at getting my water intake up.

4. What is your game plan for next week?
Increase intake of water, eat breakfast everyday and increase weights.


Now take the time and think about what you are thankful for!!!

Finally!!!!

So after a month of struggling to get the scale to move, I finally reached success!
I never thought this day would come, or that it would mean so much...lol
Exercise and good eating obviously do lead to good things - in time.


When you alwasy do your best, you take action.
Doing your best is taking action because you love it, not because you're expecting a reward.
- Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements

Weekly Update

1. What is your current weight?
160 (166)(166)(165)(166)

2. What have you done well this week? What makes you proud of you?
I am so proud of my eating...even though there has been major stress this week, food has not been my first course of action. That is a huge step to success!

3. What could you be doing better or improving?
My intact of food and water is something that still needs lots of managing.

4. What is your game plan for the next week?
8 glasses of water and breakfast daily


This week I also took measurements. Hopefully when the scale doesn't move these figures might show me some change.

Chest - 0ver- 41"
under- 33 1/2"
waist - 35"
hip - 37"
calf - 15"
bicep - 13"
thigh - 22 3/4"

A lightbulb moment

Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who
believed that something inside of them was superior to circumstance - Bruce Barton, American advertising executive, writer and congressman


Today as I was preparing to give my weekly update on my health challenge, I was very disheartened to read my scale. 166lbs again! How can that be?
I have exercised every day religiously for 1 full month.

Almost on the verge of tears I hear a little voice say (hubby sounding) "you know muscle weighs more than fat!" I just wanted to box his ears. Is this what I wanted to hear....no!....I wanted that silly dial on the scale to read differently.

And then the lightbulb flew up. Yes muscle does weigh more than fat. I had decided to focus mostly on my exercise this month and I had done that. Looking at my body in the mirror (not always an easy task) I noticed my stomach flattening, my arms are more defined in their tone and my butt is lifting. Isn't that lots? Then as I contemplated this futher, I realized that it had taken me 17 years to get where I am at now...so what made me think that one month would take me to where I need to go.

This revelation was a true lightbulb explosion. I am now psyched to move forward.

Week 4 Update
Finished the book...will start again tomorrow

1. What is your current weight?
166 (166) (165) (166)

2. What have you done well this week? What makes you proud of you?
I have exercised 7 days this week. Even on the day when life was so hectic that it would have been easier just to skip....I buckled down and exercised after my daughter was in bed. That is a huge step for me...guilt for not exercising...it makes me feel energized and proud of myself.

3. What could you be doing better or improving?
I think it is easier to focus on one change a month. So I will continue to exercise but increase my treadmill by 10 mins and my crunches by 2 more sets.
I will also make it my intent for the next month to try and get my daily 8-8oz glasses of water.

4. What is your game plan for week 5?
I will exercise 7 days this week....drink 8 glasses of water each day and try and remember to eat breakfast each day.

Forward to a better me.....

Its official!

As of 10:30pm, on Wednesday, September 21, I have knitted my first sock.
I made it out of Knitpicks Simple Stripes.
For a first attempt, I think it is alright. However, the crafter in me is seeing all the mistakes...lol The sock is a bit long and the heel just doesn't sit right when the sock is flat, but when it is on all is fine.

I am thrilled to say I have entered the world of sock knitters. Now to move onto two so that I can have a pair and actually wear my creation.

Promise pictures will be posted soon. Hubby has the camera on his vacation. I put a word into the Christmas fairy that it sure would be nice to have my own digital...let's see what Christmas brings.

Sunday weigh in and quote

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.
-Les Brown, motivational author


1. What is your current weight? (165)(166) 166lbs
2. what have you done well this week? What makes you proud of you?
I have exercised 7 days this week...even on the days when I am busy I have fit exercise somewhere into the day. This is a big step for me....I am heading back on track.

3. what could you be doing better or improving?
I really must focus more on my food intake. I need to find healthier snacks and most definitely start eating breakfast again. Food and I need to find a better working relationship...enough tug of war stuff

4. What is your game plan for week4?
I need to make a menu and stick to it. Also, I need to find jobs to keep my hands busy and full so there is no room for the snacks...lol

This has been a difficult week for me. I hate when Hubby is away...all focus goes out the window...but I deserve what I am striving for...its time to remember what my goal is and shoot for that moon.

SP6 and SP5 bragging

Hi ya'll...that greeting is in honor of my new SP...the one spoiling me.
She is a southern gal...now how did I get so lucky?!?!?!
I am a die-hard southern wannabe. I love Gone with the Wind...one and two....I love the era of ladies and gentlemen...anything civil war based...I can listen to someone with a southern accent talk for hours and my favorite family vacation was a tour around Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I am really looking forward to getting to know you.

As for the one I am spoiling...I received her name today as well. I won't be saying much about her until the spoiling is done. Don't want to ruin the surprize, but let it be known I am looking forward to that blossoming friendship as well.

The SP5 experience was such a positive experience for me...my spoiler was Cindy She is guiding me in my sock journey. I have to admit my first attempt has resulted in a pile of pulled apart yarn on the floor but I have not been broken and will try again tomorrow.

The one I was spoiling was Jennifer
Now I want to take this moment to brag a bit about her. I am so proud to call this lady my friend. She will be leaving in a few days time to coucil those who have survived Hurricane Katrina. It just amazes me! We all try to help in our own way...sending money, making survival kits, gathering clothing and the list goes on...but Jennifer is the first person I know that is leaving the comfort of her own home to go into the unknown and offer a helping hand. She has no clue what to expect when she gets there but that is not stopping her from helping. So if you get a moment...stop by her blog and give her some words of support or prayers for this challenge ahead.

The SPs has been such a blessing for me. It is like the Penpals of my childhood. Getting to meet women from all corners of the world and walks of life is such a great experience. I look forward to doing this as long as they are around....a person can never have too many friends!!!

Sunday weigh in and quote

Knowing is not enough;
We must Apply.
Willing is not enough;
We must Do.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet, novelist, and playwright

Its been a full week of conscious thought for health and exercise...how did I do?

1. What is your current weight?
165lbs (166lbs)

2. What have you done well this week? What makes your proud of you?
This week I did intentional exercise 6 days this week...30 mins of cardio (either treadmill or exercise tape) and then my other exercises.
I am proud that I care enough for myself to keep my goal and put me first.

3. What could you be doing better or improving?
I need to be more conscious about what I am eating and drinking

4. What is your game plan for week 3?
I plan on doing intentional exercise everyday and increasing my water intake...aim for 8 - 8oz glasses each day

So now to move forward....

Expanding the mind

Well I sure have done it now...lol
My latest past time has been to read the knitting blogs. I have found a file full of new project ideas and I get a peek into other people's lives (which is always a hoot).

While I was browsing the other day I came across
knittheclassics

This is a great group that combines the reading of classic novels with knitting.
My September goal was to start reading daily...and while the fiction I have been reading has been good...a classic is always better.

So of course - I joined!

Right now we are voting on what to read for October and November...I can't wait to see what my first book will be...and then to find a knitting project that goes with the book...hhmmm! Now that should be interesting!!!!

SP6 questionnaire

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!!!!! I love to experiment with all yarn types.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I crochet but have never tried my hand at spinning...however I am starting to think I might in the future

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No allergies at all...just sensitivities to smoke and textures

4. How long have you been knitting?
I have been knitting since I was about 7...over 30 years

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I don't have one yet but am thinking it is time I check into it

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I love lavendar, jasmine, vanilla and musk scents
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes I do...especially hard candies and chocolate

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I like to try all things...cross stitch, scrapbooking, sewing, painting, beadwork, and am thinking strongly about starting to do some quilting

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like all types of music...country, rock, pop, classical...you name it.
My machine can play MP3s

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like red, red and oh ya...red!!! LOL
I like bright true colors....blue, green, red, pink, orange, etc.
I am not a black, white or gray person...find them non-colors

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am a SAHM for one motorcycling loving hubby, an energetic 9 yr-old daughter, one huskey (Scout), two cats (Patches and Sierra), and one beta fish (Ming)

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Life dreams...hmmmmm....travel...spend time with my family....pursue my interests...always learning new things...hopefully take an aromatherapy class soon...but most of all I am trying to be happy in the moment.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Anything that is soft to the touch

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Anything scratchy to the touch

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I am trying my hand at knitting socks

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
As long as I am knitting...I am happy!

17. What are you knitting right now?
Socks, a stole, cardigan and a cami

18. What do you think about ponchos?
Am looking for a nice light pattern poncho for the cooler months.
Have made a poncho for my daughter as well

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Either is fine with me


20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I have them all...but am finding I like bamboo the best

21. Are you a sock knitter?
Trying it right now for the first time thanks to my SP5 buddy

22. How did you learn to knit?
My dear sweet grandmother who passed away this summer

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
(hanging my head in shame)...as I was cleaning up my craft room, I found a Christmas sweater I started over 16 years ago...needless to say it isn't finished...lol


24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I love Eeyore, Elmo and Spike the dog

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas all the way

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Angels

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Not yet but am thinking about subscribing to "Cast ON"

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Stitch 'n Bitch Nation, Knitting without tears, Last Minute Knitted gifts,and Knit along with Debbie Macomber (either book)

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
The Cutaway, Scoop du Jour and Ribby Cardi on Chicknits

30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?
Foot measurements??? 8 1/4 inches long...wear size 7-8 shoe
Like light cotton or fuzzy, soft and warm socks

Sunday weigh in and quote

You will never find time for anything.
If you want time, you must make it.
- Charles Buxton, American writer

Isn't this the truth!

How many times have you said to yourself....I don't have the time....to visit with friends, to exercise, to eat right, to play more with your children, to spend quality time with your significant other or to do something for yourself.

We all get so caught up in the every day activities that we forget that time is in our control. I fall into this trap quite often I must sadly say.

So today is a new day.
I will make time for the things that are most important to me.
Today it is exercise.....


Week 1 Update
1. What is your current weight? 166lbs
2. What have you done well this week? what makes you proud of yourself?
I have exercised 3 days this week and watched most days to limit the snacks.
I also have worked on my mental image...something that sabatoges my progress.
3. What could you be doing to better or improving?
I need to exercise more, and make more conscious choices for the foods I
choose.
4. What is your game plan for week 2?
I plan on exercising 6 days next week (30mins cardio each day)
I am making a menu plan and sticking with it....chosing water instead of pop
to drink

Well its official

As of today....my baby is in Grade five.
When I use to hear parents cry and moan about how the years flew by, I would roll my eyes and sigh.
Fast forward 10 years and here I am...crying and moaning myself.
Somewhere in that time, the tiny fragile china doll (only 5lbs 7oz and 18inches long) has grown into a young lady....I enjoy the time watching all the changes that she has encountered and fear the changes still to come.....

Hhhhmmmmmmmm

Now just what should these treasure become when they grow up???



Guess what? I'm not telling....LOL
Stay tuned in to find out!

It's like Christmas

Today I found in my lonely mailbox a parcel from my sweet SP.
She just made my day.

First each small gift was specially wrapped.


Then after I opened each of the special treasures this is what I found


My newfound gifts are a lavender candle, jasmine scented oil and a lightbulb ring, a mini scrapbook, a notepad that says "just for today....be happy", a x-stitch pattern for angel bookmarks and my prize possession "Stitch 'N Bitch" book.

Thank you so much for you generosity and kindness.
Now can you reveal yourself?

Lazy days of summer are ending

Yes you read that right....sigh
Summer is coming to an end, the days are getting shorter, the evenings cooler and school starts in 3 days. Where did the time go?

Well this realization is giving me the kick in the butt that I need.
Time to get back to what I started back in March....me and my health.

So this morning I started the exercising and healthy eating again.

My "8 minutes in the Morning" exercise book had a good quote this morning.
I think I might just put it on another paper by my computer, so that I can read it daily.

When health is absent
Wisdom cannot reveal itself,
Art cannot become manifest,
Strength cannot be exerted,
Wealth is useless, and
Reason is powerless.

-Herophilies, 300 B.C.

Creative time

Recently I was able to acquire a dresser and nightstand, gently used, from the local freecycle. My intent was to do something with it for my daughter's room.
Well regretfully the objects just sat in my garage gathering dust and my daughter became increasingly annoyed!

So then a creative urge came over me and in the span of 4 days, I created a masterpiece.






Naturally I was pleased with the experience. I had fun! I got to be creative! And finally the items were finished! My daughter was thrilled!!!!

Then the neighbor came over....she just had to see she said.
Once she left, she had gooshed over the items, hired me to paint her daughter's set and has encouraged me to branch out and do this for some extra cash.

Can you believe that?
Getting paid to play????
What a thought!!!!

The old saying goes....

Pride goeth before a fall...LOL
And so it seems to be true!
Today I decided to get my act together and paint the furniture I had promised to finish for my daughter. The day was going well...primer done...coat one done....coat two finished....off I went to check my e-mail thinking to myself what a great job I was doing

BUT when I returned I found Kitty footprints on the top of the furniture which led down to the coach and proceded onto the hardwood and towards the stairs. Either the paint had dried by the time she met the carpet or she took a detour to the basement. Not sure yet..LOL

Easier to laugh now then before...as I was scrubbing and repainting.

So my cat now has purple feet...isn't she fancy!!!

apology to my SP

So sorry to my secret pal from SP5. In all the craziness of this summer I forgot to post a picture of the wonderful package she sent me last month. It included sock yarn, bamboo needles to make the socks, a journal to keep track of my projects, a pack of playing cards with a Harley on it, a wonderful hand-knit hat and a bracelet for my daughter. This package made my day...thank you so much SP!