Weight loss Wednesday No More

Ok, so you may have noticed that I'm not doing a very good job of keeping up on DIY Friday.  I'm getting stuff done, but really, how many pictures of painted cupboard doors can you post! ;)  Also, I'm trying hard not to focus on just the "weight loss" aspect of it, but more of the fitness.  So, Weight Loss Wednesday is going to be moving to Fitness Friday and Wednesday is now going to become Whatever Wednesday, giving me a day to write about whatever I feel like!

Judging from Lisha's comment on yesterday's post, I didn't post about James' job, so I will now!  In case you don't know, James has been studying corrections.  Mostly, this means a job as a corrections officer at a jail, but could also lead to a parole or probation officer job.  He did a couple of practicums and really enjoyed working in the jails, so thats where he decided to start off.  At some point, he may become a parole officer, but who knows!  Did you know there are both federal and provincial jails and that they have different hiring criteria?  Neither did I!  He  applied at quite a few places, most of which are provincially run.  He applied fedrally as well (actually, the Warden at one of the places he did his practicum requested he apply) but it takes an average of a year from when you apply to actually begin working fedrally. 

Provincially, you only have to interview at one place and then your interview is scored and the score is passed on to everywhere else.  They then deicde who is going to offer you a job (if anyone) and then your name goes on a list at the other places you applied to be contacted if they are hiring later.  Long story short, James got offered a job in Calgary. 

Here's something else you may not know.  Provincially, when you are hired, you are only hired on as casual/part time.  Meaning now set hours.  We're really torn because he could pick up way more shifts if we lived up there, but we also don't want to get stuck with a Calgary sized rent and bills and a month with little or no shifts.  There are a lot of other reasons that I'm not really keen on the idea of moving, but if we have to, at least Calgary is close.  In the meantime, we're praying, talking and headed to the temple.  Now I just have to make sure I'm ready for whatever answer comes!

10 on Tuesday

{1} I feel like garbage still.  To make matters worse, I did something to my back today and now I can barely move. I almost cried several times while teaching today. 

{2} Due to #1, my plans for the evening involve a hot shower, back rub and bed.

{3} Honestly though, how bad can a day be when you get to enjoy this...

{4} And of course, brother wanted his turn...

{5} I saw this quote and I laughed.  A lot.

{6} Honestly, though, I'm REALLY needing to get back into the swing of things with weight loss.  My friend's mom is having to have her foot amputated because of complications with her diabetes, and with all the health complications in my family, it's just stupid not to be healthier.  Having the energy to move or any desire to eat would help, though.

{7} I love teaching piano & voice lessons.  I love it like crazy.  But I'm really struggling with whether or not to teach again next year.  Before we moved in here, the smallest number of students I ever had was 21.  Now I'm down to 8.  I understand a lot of people didn't want their kids coming to our house (it has improved, but its still not anywhere near what I want it to be) but I can't change the fact that this is where we were needed.  I hate that people judged me and my teaching ability because of it, but I can't change that either.  The thing is, I don't know if we're going to be living here in the fall or in our own house.  Either way, I now have a stigma I have to overcome and I don't know if I want to try.  I tried offering that I would come teach at other people's houses this year, but I really hate doing it.  Ah well, I guess I've got a few month's to figure it out!

{8} James starts his new job next week!!!! I'm so excited and nervous!  I have no idea what it will mean for our life, but I'm hoping its all good!

{9} I love that feeling you get when something new you try turns out right.  Hasn't happened lately, but I still love it!

{10} I love this...

So excited to hear more from President Monson this weekend!

Mommy Monday - The Sickies

Our house is full of sickies today and has been all weekend!  Myles and Daddy both got sick last week on Wednesday.  Baby girl joined in on Friday, Papa on Saturday and TJ & Mommy yesterday.  Daddy
 is feeling mostly better, but thats about it.  Needless to say, not too much is happening around here excpet for a lot of snuggles, movie watching and chicken noodle soup eating.  Blech.

Good thing we have a Papa who love to snuggle, even when faces are boogery!

Self reliant Saturday

This is a great article, read it!
http://www.mrsjanuary.com/personal-finance/take-charge-of-your-debt/

(ps, anyone know how to link from an iPhone? Is it even possible?)

Thankful Thursday

My computer with my quotes on it is having a mental breakdown, so today you just get boring old me!

This is one of my favourite quotes of all time.

I love the simple truth in it.  It is very easy to say thank you, to express our appreciation for something or someone.  It is often more difficult to live in a way that speaks for us.  It's a great challenge!  Try it!

Weight loss Wednesday

I don't even want to talk about weight loss today. I've lost 15lbs in the last 6 weeks but I'm 100% sure it is ALL in my bra!!!!! In fact, two weeks ago, one of my closet friends asked me if things were ok because it was evident I was gaining weight. I'm not, but my stomach looks WAY bigger because my chest looks WAY smaller!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

10 on Tuesday

{1} all three of my children napped today for a minimum of 3 hours. Pure Bliss

{2} I'm getting my nails done tomorrow for the first time in over 7 weeks. Beyond excited.

{3} waged war on my house today. Got lots done, but now I'm exhausted!

{4} I had to teach in Relief Society this past week and it was by far the hardest lesson I've had to teach yet. I still love teaching though!

{5} I'm ready for spring and warm weather so I can get back to finish some projects!

{6} I love Diet Dr Pepper. I'm not ashamed to say it. (even though I know there are some among my readers who equate it to drinking dish water!)

{7} did I mention that TJ had a nap today, making it 2 days in a row he has napped? That hasn't happened since he was less than 18 months old!

{8} I'm starting to really enjoy my ward (only took 4 years!) and actually feel like I kind of belong. It's a nice feeling.

{9} the muppets came out today!!!! I'm a little excited! TJ calls it "the muppets fantasicular". It's pretty cute.

{10} took the hubby on a date tonight! Had some delish sushi, watched a great movie and then ruined by talking about if/when to move.

Mommy Mondays - Hug your babies

On Thursday, I mentioned friends of ours who's son was not doing well.  Yesterday, he returned to live with our Heavenly Father.  Today, I took a few extra minutes to hug my babies a little tighter and thank my Heavenly Father for the blessing they are in my life.  Be a little more patient with them, love them a little more and try not to take the time you are blessed with for granted.

This quote is hitting extremely close to home today.  So many people in my life have been affected by sudden, unexpected loss lately.  Most recently, close friends of ours had their boy who is slightly younger than Myles have to be rushed to the hospital with what is suspected to be meningitis.  He died on the way to the hospital and is currently on life support with very little hope.  My heart is breaking for them. 

There are many things in my life that I am not happy with.  I would love my house to be done, I would love for James to have a job and to be able to comfortably pay my bills, ect.  But overall we are so blessed.  I have 3 wonderful, healthy children, a husband who loves me and I love him, a roof over our heads and food on our table.  Just to name a few.  For that, I am eternally grateful.

Weight Loss Wednesday

I heard this today and it was fabulous.  You need to read it.  Really.  What are you waiting for, go read it!!

Ten on Tuesday

Today's Ten on Tuesday is brought to you by my trip to Kalispell this past Black Friday.  I wrote it back then, but didn't get around to posting it.

Things I've learned

{1} When looking at a map to get directions, it is helpful to look at where you're going to end up.

{2} The way to win your spouses heart is not to pee on them.

{3} While an Audi may be a lovely car, it doesn't hold nearly as much as a minivan.

{4} A simple fart can lead to great chaos.

{5} No matter what they say, energy drinks change you.

{6} Sometimes, pancakes can make you cry

{7} Card games can break up marriages and destroy friendships, especially if you're a cheater! ;)

{8} Lotion on your hands will freeze some men in their tracks

{9} Everyone has irrational fears, like pudding or cotton balls

{10} Some people will drink any kind of tea

Good memories!

Self Reliant Saturday



I wish, right!
image from here

You would think it would be common sense that part of self reliance would be being financially responsible.  Sadly, common sense is not always common.  I'm not professing to be anything close to a financial whiz or even  close to being financially comfortable.  In fact, both James and I had our fair share of financial issues coming into our marriage. It has taken a lot of hard work and a lot of budgeting, but I'm proud to say that within 18 months, we will have only our car payment left. It has taken a REALLY long time, but in that time, we have had 3 children, bought a house, bout a new car, done some renovations, put James through school and a host of other things.  One of the biggest keys for us has been to budget and then track our spending.  I review our spending monthly and make any adjustments that need to be made.  It kind of drives James crazy, but its really helpful.  I'm a on paper kind of girl, but have recently been thinking it would be nice to have an app on my phone to help simplify things.  I'm stil researching, but will keep you posted on the findings!  In the meantime, here are a couple of really good sites to help you set up a budget.

www.budgettracker.com

http://www.youneedabudget.com/

http://www.gailvazoxlade.com/resources.html

Gail's is one of my favorites.  She's pretty much an idol of mine. 

DIY Friday

I REALLY want to make these in the next couple of weeks.  Heres hoping!

Thankful Thursday

*I'm cranky about weight loss right now, so I skipped yesterday.  You know that whole "if you don't have anything nice to say" business!*

Life is supremely stressful right now, but this quote has really helped me put things into perspective.  Even though there are SO many things I wish were different in my life, there are even more things that are small miracles.  For those I am greatful.

Ten on Tuesday

{1} I see this at some point each day and I love it

Sadly, it's usually followed by thus when he gets his meds.

{2} I am feeling like I'm doing nothing but playing catch up for being do sick last week

{3} I NEED to craft soon!!

{4} Rhonda gave an AMAZING lesson on Sunday about sisterhood. I have never really felt like I belonged or was very welcomed in my ward. The sisters who are close to my age are all great, but for whatever reason, I don't get involved in things with them. The older sisters almost all know me from growing up and it's awkward. {to those in my ward, this is not a cry for help or meant to in any way be a slight against you. Truthfully, most of it is probably me! I tend to come across quite stand offish apparently!}

{5} I have 7 purses of our initial 20 left! Woo hoo!

{6} James has an interview in Calgary tomorrow. Pray hard.

{7} Did I mention I really am feeling the need to craft?

{8} My sister Jessica spent the last two days visiting us. I super love her. I especially love how much my kids love her!

{9} I am feeling really blessed. Even though we barely don't have enough to pay things we need to, our house is full of food, there are clothes in my kid's closets {although if TJ keeps growing, that may not be the case for long! ;) } we have a reliable vehicle and things are on track with the business and James' job. See, blessed.

{10} I kind of really love this guy ... even if he rarely does his hair {sigh}

Mommy Monday

St. Patrick's Day is coming, do you have any plans?  Here are some of my favorites, courtesy of Pinterest.  I'm sure I won't get to all of them, but at least one or two!

This site has a ton of great ideas, including this one...

Here is a bunch of great ideas for some Leprechan Mischeif...

I can't wait until Kezia's hair is long enough to do stuff like this...

And if I had of decorated this year, I would have used these...

DIY Friday

Ok, so this month my list was...

{1} hang closet doors that have been in my living room for months

{2} paint and hang doors for entertainment unit

{3} clean/declutter/rearrange my bedroom & sewing room

{4} paint TJ's room green

{5} get Dad to commit to changing the color of the kitchen cabinets, then do it before he changes his mind!

{6} use my newly organized sewing room to do something crafty!
Want to know what I actually got done?

#3 is a mere 1/2 hour from being completely finished.  Took about 80 times longer than I anticipated.  But its done!

#5 wash partially accomplished.  He has officially committed to change and we've narrowed it down to two options.  The actual doing will wait til spring so we can open the windows while doing all the chemical stuff.

Other than that, my list was a big ol bust!  Better step it up this month!

Thankful Thursday Week 4

Looks like I've got a good reason to make some cute cards this week!