The Day's of My Life...

Oh Daniel...why you treat me so bad?

2010-01-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

Every year my church participates in a 21-day fast. This year I decided to participate, it began on Jan 10th and goes thru Jan 31st. So my choice of fasting was to try the Daniel Fast.

Mind you, I am not a faster, per say. Not that I don't like it, but I just never have been a faster. So, this year I needed some prayers answered, and the word says that these things come by prayer and fasting.

Let me tell you...the Daniel Fast is no walk in the park! It is tough, especially when you are trying to exercise at the same time! The Daniel Fast requires you to only eat vegetables, fruit, whole grain items, beans and water. Daniel chose not to eat like the king and only have necessities.
This means no meat, dairy products, SUGAR, white flour...all of the good stuff!

Since starting this fast, I have become crabby, moody, even feel like one of my kidneys is about to bust through my skin and pop out! It is killing me! But, I will try to keep perservering because I know that answers on on the way!

I may modify it a little bit like incorparating chicken or fish to accomodate my exercising as well. The reason for the exercise is because I agreed to be on my friend's team in a "Battle of the Bulge Weight Loss Competition." She also recruited my Sis and a good friend. So, we shall see if I can battle this bulge!!!

I will update you...if I do good!! Hehehehe!

2009 Year In Review...

2010-01-01T22:05:00.000-08:00

1. Was 2009 good for you? In a word...YES. I was so blessed this year I had some highs and lows in 2009 but the highs definitely overshadow the lows.

2. What was your favorite moment of the year? Witnessing my last single cousin get married in May.

3. What was your worst moment of the year? My purse was stolen the day after my 30th birthday and the thief wrote over $6000 in checks to herself and actually cashed them at a bank! The bank fully refunded my account thank God!

4. Where were you when 2009 began? At my home eating good food and popping fireworks.

5. Who were you with? Hubby, kids, parents, sister and her fam, aunt and uncle, lots of cousins.

6. Where were you when 2009 ended? In my bed!

7. Did you keep your New Year's resolution in 2009? Yes, I lost weight this year. By october I had lost 52 lbs, but I must admit that I have gained a few back over the holidays. I am not sure how many though, I have dreaded weighing in.

8. Do you have a New Year's resolution for 2010? Yes! The first one is: to be as faithful to Jesus this year as he was to me last year. He never fails me! The second one is to lose 30 additional lbs.

9. Did you fall in love in 2009? I stayed in love...

10. Did you make any new friends in 2009? Yes.

11. What was your favorite month of 2009? September...

12. Why this month? I went on my first cruise with my husband, friends-Kim and Willis, and my Mema. I went on the cruise weighing the lowest of all year, and I felt the best and most healthy this month.

13. Did you travel outside of the USA in 2009? Yes...on my cruise I traveled to Montego Bay & Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island, and Cozumel, Mexico.

14. How many places did you travel to in 2009? Dallas, San Antonio, New Braunfels, Kemah, Orlando Florida, and the places mentioned above from the cruise.

15. Did you miss anybody in the past year? I miss my bestie Holly. We don't live very far from each, but life has pulled us in different directions and it is so hard to make time to meet up.

16. What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2009? The Proposal - with Sandra Bullock. One of the funniest movies of the year, in my opinion!

17. What was your favorite song from 2009? Fallin' for You - Colbie Caillat

18. How many concerts or plays did you see in 2009? 2....Celine Dion @ Toyota Center and Jonas Bros and the Rodeo (took one for the team...Jenna wanted to go!)

19. Did you have a favorite concert in 2009? Celine Dion by far! If you haven't seen her in concert, you are missing out...she's really good!

20. What was your favorite book of 2009? I'm just gonna be honest...I didn't read any books. But I did read about a million health and fitness magazines this year.

21. Did you do anything your were ashamed of this year? Probably, I can't think of anything major, but I do have a tendancy to say things that I wish I wouldn't have.

22. What was the biggest lie you told this year? I'm no saint, but I really can't think of a big lie...I'm pretty transparent and I sing like a canary.

23. Did you treat someone badly in 2009? I don't think I did...I do know that my family gets the brunt of any frustration that I may have on occasion. I hope they wouldn't think that I treated them badly.

24. Did someone treat you badly in 2009? Maybe a little, but I will let that person remain anonymous...

25. What was your proudest moment of 2009? Watching my little girl graduate kindergarden and my son playing awesome baseball over the summer.

26. What was your most embarassing moment in 2009? Falling and busting my @$$ at the gym while trying to balance on a foam roller!

27. If you could go back and change anything in 2009, what would it be? I would have read my bible more and I would have stayed more disciplined in my eating and working out since October. In October, I stopped having a trainer at the gym and it has been such a challenge for me to get back up there and workout!

28. Where did you work in 2009? Choice Fasteners, my parents company

29. Favorite TV show(s) of 2009? The Biggest Loser

30. Favorite Bands of 2009? No specific band that I can think of...like more solo artists like John Mayer,
Michael Buble', Rob Thomas...

31. Favorite food in 2009? Olive Garden's chicken alfredo...maybe that's why my weight loss hit a plateau!

32. Favorite drink in 2009? Sweet tea :-(

33. Favorite place in 2009? None other than... Disneyworld! Went in November for the 3rd time in 3 years and I just have totally fallen in love with that place. I wish I could take a permanent vacation there!

34. Favorite person to be with in 2009? my husband and kids

35. Favorite person(s) to talk to in 2009? Mom, sister Rachel, Mema, Ginny, Kelli

36. Favorite trip in 2009? Disneyworld...but my cruise came in a very close 2nd!

37. Favorite stores in 2009? Gap, New York and Co.

38. Hardest thing you had to go through in 2009? The lows of marriage, trying to keep the flame burning and trying to keep traveling in the same direction....it gets challenging.

39. Most exciting moment(s) in 2009? Taking a girls only trip with my daughter, mom, sis and niece to Disneyworld that my mom totally paid for...my mom rocks! Climbing a waterfall in Jamaica with James and my friends-Kim and Willis, and singing karaoke at my mom's 50th birthday party.

40. Funniest moments in 2009? watching my family dance to 50's music at mom's birthday party, watching my sister waddle back to the resort because her feet hurt so bad after walking around Magic Kingdom for over 13 hrs, my friend Kim had me laughing hysterically when she wore one brown shoe and one black shoe to dinner on the ship one night and she didn't realize it!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-12-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

Today, my family is celebrating with my Mom as she marks her 50th birthday! Yes, I did say 50! No, I am not lying...Yes, I know she doesn't look it at all!

It all started 50 years ago today! My grandmother gave birth at the age of 16 to a baby girl that would be the most important person in my life. I mean, when I think about my Mom, I can't even think of all the words to say how much she means to me. She has hands-down, without a doubt, become my best friend. I have friends, but Mom is my go-to girl! I cannot imagine a day without her and pray that I never ever have to.

My Mom is pretty amazing! She is one of the most self-less people I know. I truly mean it. This is the lady that is always giving out. Let me tell just how amazing she is...she just took me, Jenna, Rachel and Chloe on an all-expense paid trip to Disneyworld. How awesome is that!?!? She constantly picks up things for us while shopping because she remembers us saying we wanted it. She always finds ways to bless others.

Mom is the glue that binds our family. She is our Prayer Warrior. The thing that I am most thankful about my mom is that when I have something going on in my life and I need God to work a miracle, I know I can go to Mom and she immediately start praying over the situation. I can't tell you how many prayers have been answered because she agreed in prayer with me or was praying over me and my family!

I have so many memories of her as I was growing up. One found memory is all of the oldies and 70's music she would listen to while, cooking, cleaning and even exercising in our home. I can remember her letting my drive Dad's truck home from school and she was in the passenger seat and I pulled out and we got broadsided. She was nice about it, but probably wanted to kill me at the same time! I can remember countless times her and her cousin Eddie "cheating" in pictionary to beat my Dad and Eddie's wife Connie. I remember her wrestling my cousin Shannon in an elevator of a hotel for a quarter! Most recently, I thought I was going to pee my parents when Rachel and I got her on the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios and she just kept screaming. The whole time up and the whole time down on the ride, she was screaming! I will post a picture of her just to let you see how funny it was!

Mom, you are a super, tremendous, special lady and I love you more than words can say! I hope you have a boogie woogie 50th birthday!!! ;-)

Wow...Time Flies when your having fun!

2009-12-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Where has the time gone? It just blew past and life has been a blur for a few months. So many different things have happened since I last blogged.

My kids went to their school Harvest Festival on Halloween day and were two of the custest dressed kids, if I must say! ;-) Jenna went as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, and Jacob went as a cowboy.

The next day, we went to the Wings Over Houston airshow and it was amazing. The weather couldn't have been any better and we went with great friends. The Blue Angels were the highlight of the show and they never cease to amaze me. There is just something about the roar of a jet engine...
Here are a few pics of the day:

Next...on Nov. 14th, James and I celebrated our 11th year of marriage. Marriage is a tricky thing, and noone ever told me how hard it would be, and what great rewards there were as well. We had to cut our celebration a little short because Jacob had a baseball game, but we had fun.

We ate our main course at PF Changs and then stepped over to Cheesecake Factory for dessert. The red velvet cheesecake was yummy!

After the lunch we caught a quick movie and then off to the baseball fields!

Thanksgiving came and went! We are drove up to Livingston, to my aunt's house and made a day of it. I wish I could post pictures of the day, but my aunt has not emailed me any pictures!

On Dec 4th, it SNOWED in Conroe! Can you believe it?!?!?! 2 years in a row! We picked the kids up from school early that day and went home and played in it and topped it off with hot chocolate! It started to feel like Christmas! I will post pictures soon!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

2009-10-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Today my parents are celebrating their 33rd (i think) anniversary. Wow! What an accomplishment! In 1980 the avarage marriage life span was about 37 years, and today its about 24 years.

I hope my parents are enjoying their time away from work and enjoying the Florida sun! My parents have been such a rock for me over the past 30 years. They have shown me what it is to stick together through thick and thin and how to wade out the storm in my marriage.

I love you guys and am so thankful that you have stuck together for 33 years and look forward to watching you stick together for 33 more years!!!

Love Ya,
Jenny

30 years! Wow!

2009-10-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

Well, not use is delaying the inevitable...today I am 30. My friends and family have made me feel special yet again, with all the birthday wishes and presents and love! Got the best family and friends in the world!!!

So here is a little before and after for ya:

below is a pic of me in 2008 on my b-day...

and below is a pic from today - 50lbs lighter!

What a difference 365 days makes huh!?!??!

Pre Birthday Celebration...and turning 30!

2009-10-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

My awesome Mom and Sister have planned a "pre-birthday" celebration for me tonight! I am so excited and can't wait for 6:00pm. My actual birthday is monday, Oct 5th.

Evening plans are a girl's only dinner and movie. They've invited my closest and best friends and family to celebrate my turning 30. Yes, I did say 30! I can't believe the time has arrived for me to graduate to my 30's.
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I have mixed emotions about turning 30.

Part of me is excited because I feel like the older I get, the more confident I become in who I am. I feel confident in who I have become and where I am going in life. I feel confident in my looks. While I acknowledge that I am not a super model, I also realize that even supermodels aren't really even supermodels. I've started viewing beauty in different aspects other than looks. Beauty is so much more than that. For me, it's strength, god'grace, honest people and integrity. I have also noticed that my emotions have settled down a little bit. I don't take things so personal and I've noticed that I can handle rejection a little better. I appreciate and love my kids more and more every day. I am thankful for the way my parents raised me and how they've supported me through many good and bad decisions, yet still loved me the same. I am thankful, that while my marriage has been a journey, that James has hung in there with me.

The not so happy part of me is thinking "Oh man, I'm not in my twenties anymore. It was always so nice to say, " I'm twenty----something." I have also heard things like: your metabolism slows down one you hit 30 (which in my case was 20!)

It's ok though. I am entering a new phase of my adulthood and I will embrace it! Besides, I don't really have an option, it's coming for me ready or not! ;-)

Sailing the ocean Blue...

2009-09-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

So, James & I ventured out into the world of cruises, and took our first ever cruise with a couple of friends. It was fantastic, awesome, fun, etc... We went on a Carnival cruise out of Galveston.

The ship was the Carnival Conquest.

We took a 7 day that went to Montego Bay, Jamaica then to Grand Cayman then to our final stop of Cozumel. We had a blast. The first 2 1/2 days we were at sea, so we took advantage of the boat and tried to experience most of what it had to offer...volleyball, putt-putt, fitness center, lido deck where we just layed out in the sun, bean bag toss, name that tune, bingo, texas trivia and buffets. So much food!!!

In Jamaica we paid for an excursion that allowed us to bobsled and climb Dunn's river waterfall. What an experience they both were. To get to them, we had to take a shuttle to Ocho Rios and saw some great roadside scenery. We even past the school that the Jamaican track star, Usain Bolt.

Here are a few highlights from Ocho Rios, Jamaica:

The next port of call was Grand Cayman and this was, in my opinion, the most beautiful beach I'd seen. The water was so blue and the sand so soft. We went to Seven Mile Beach and kayaked, swam and even shopped a little bit. Of the three ports of call, I would definitely go back to Grand Cayman first!

Here are a few pics of the highlights of Grand Cayman:

The last port of call was Cozumel and we had so much fun with our friends in Cozumel. We took a taxi to Playa Mia beach and did a lot of fun stuff, after the hour long rain storm! We snorkeled, jumped on the water trampoline, tried our luck at paddle boats and ate lots of food.

Here is our picture proof of Cozumel! ;-)

So, I guess the moral of my story is this...

If you are debating taking a cruise, JUST DO IT! Unless you don't like people, food and tons of fun!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-08-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

52 years ago today, my grandmother gave birth to a beautiful little boy that would grow up to be such an awesome father, husband, poppa, brother, son, friend and co-worker. Little did she know what a remarkable man this baby would grow up to be. Or maybe she did know!

My Dad is the most importmant man in my life (besides my hubby) and I am so thankful for him. He has taught me so many things about life and love and most importantly about Jesus. He's has shown me the importance of giving to others, being kind to others, trusting in the Lord and so much more.

Dad has given me memories to last a lifetime! I can recall story after story of things we did together when I was a child! Some were as simple as him tripping on a sidewalk in front of the Compaq Center years ago, or spitting out an onion as we ate a cheeseburger while I laid in a hospital bed (for 12 days) and later noticing the same onion stuck on the wall! That was pretty entertaining to an 11 year old! I can remember the time we rented a pontoon boat in Arkansas and my sister wanted to jump in the lake and swim, and being the cautious and protective dad that he is, insisted he jump first to make sure everything was ok. Little did we realize that the boat had no ladder to use to climb back in the boat and it took about an hour for us to get him back in the boat!

My Dad is hands-down, the BEST dad on earth. Dad, I love you and am so thankful for you. I don't even think there are words or gestures to show you how truly important you are to me. I hope you have a wonderful day and are showered with love today!

Oh, and I hope you enjoy that new birthday truck!!!

Love You Always,

Jennifer

Mini Vacay Update

2009-08-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

So we did go to San Antonio a couple of weeks ago and it was a blast! I don't have any pics from Schlitterbaun because I used a waterproof disposable camera, but I have lots of pics from Sea World and the Riverwalk.

We had a blast with my sis and her family! I will just let the pictures speak for them self!!!

Mini Vacation...Just what the Dr. ordered!!!

2009-08-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the start of a mini-vacay for us and the kids.

Friday will be an all-day affair at Schlitterbaun-New Braunfels. James and I haven't been there in about 9 years. My kiddos have never been. Very excited!

Saturday will be Sea World day! We took Jacob when he was about a year old and haven't been back since. Jenna is sooooo excited, as this will be her first time!

Sunday we are taking the kids to the Riverwalk!

Will post lots of updates and pics when we get back!

Hasta la Vista!!!

Happy 6th Birthday Jenna!!!

2009-08-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY JENNA!

8/4/09

Yesterday was my baby girl's 6th birthday and what a day she had! We started our celebration on Monday evening at the local skating rink for her "official" birthday party. She had a blast as well as everyone else. Jen's Nana & Poppa rented the entire skating rink just for Jen and her friends and family. How great are they!?!?!?! We skated, ate food, ate cake, watched Jen open her presents and then we even raced each other.

The first part of the skating included playing "Simon Says" which is really hard to do on skates! Poor Ginny Morrison, she was one of the 1st was out! Jenna made it to the end, but Jacob pulled out the win! After that we did the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken Dance, which was lots of fun because even the people who weren't skating participated in their shoes or socks.

After the pizza and cake, we skated some more. I think this is where most people had the most fun because we did a few relay races. All girl's raced first and Taylor Coker blew away the competition. Reagan and Jenna came in 2nd and 3rd place followed by Bibiana, Chloe', and Gabby. That Chloe'...you have to watch her, she is a little cheat! ;-) The boys raced next, and Jacob came in 1st then Devin and Jaxon.

I would have to say that the adult race was the highlight though!!! The contestants were: Chip, Heidi, Sheldon, Christine, Me, James, Rachel, Ginny, Misty, Mr. Stockton and Kelli Coker. Sheldon was the winner and I don't even know who was next. I do know that Kelli did the splits upon takeoff and Misty fell too! Have you ever watched adults try to re-live their younger days on skates??? Oh man, it is really funny! The last race was the skooter race that I think Sheldon and Christine won, followed by a close second of Misty and Chloe'!

Jenna you have wonderful friends and family that love you very much!

The next day, her actual birthday, James and I woke up and took her, Reagan (her friend), and Jacob to Incredible Pizza. That was an interesting event too. We went on Senior Citizen day. Have you ever had to fight an old person at a buffet line? We almost did!!! No, but seriously, they were serious pizza eaters and they were everywhere!

After that, we took Reagan home and then went swimming with Rae, JD and Chloe'. Jenna had tons of fun and I think her favorite part is when the lifeguard blows the whistle for the kids to get out of the pool so the adults can swim...she hits the concession stand everytime that whistle blows!

After all the swimming, we finished off her birthday at Cracker Barrell. (Not at her request, but at mine...we have free kids meal coupons!!!) But, she loved it. Nana, Poppa and Mema even joined us there and the waitstaff sang Happy Birthday to her.

I hope that we made Jenna fell special on her birthday. I grew in a family that just doted on you the whole day of your birthday. They just really make a big deal about it and make you feel so special and that is one thing that I hope to pass on to my kids.

Jenna, we love you, are thankful for you and hope that you know how much each one of us love you. Jenna, you bring spunk, spark and sass to our family and we can't imagine our family without you!!!

Love You Bunches, Mom

Skating is awesome fun excercise!!!

2009-07-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

The other day, my kiddos were invited to a birthday party at the local skating rink. I took them and low and behold, I found myself skating right along beside them. It was a blast. So, a few days later I loaded up the kids and my hubby and got my sis, bro-in-law and niece to go back with us.

We had so much fun! Skating just makes you feel like a kid again! There is nothing better during a hot Texas summer than going to the skating rink and skating while the wind blows in your face!!! Jacob decided to participate in the 8 and under race for boys and blew away the competition! He was awesome and even won a free drink! Jenna raced in the girl's 8 and under and I was extremely proud of her too! She is about to be 6, so she was younger than most of the girl's, but she still tried. She came in about 7th out of probably 10 or 11 girls, which isn't too shabby. She didn't fall at all and that is huge for her!! My girl loves to skate. She wants to take skating lessons and is even having her birthday party at the rink next week. Here is a video of her dancing on her skates. I love this video, it cracks me up everytime I watch it!

Hope you all enjoy this as much as I did!!!

Weigh-In Update...

2009-07-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

WOW! This is what I thought when I stepped on the scale at the gym this evening! I fooled myself. I thought I was having a really crappy month but the last few days I kicked it into overdrive!

Total lbs lost from 6/17 - 7/16 = 6lbs
Total Weight loss from Oct '08 = 52lbs

Every month, my trainer takes measurements and calculates my BMI (body mass index), on 12-29-8 my BMI was 42% which is considered morbidly obese (that's embarassing!) but tonight he informed me that is has dropped to 25.6% which is only .6%from being in the average range. So pumped and excited! He actually had the nerve to say, "Dang Jen, you were fat when you came in here, but look at you now!" I did punch him in the arm for that one though!

I am so thankful and excited that I got off the vicious cycle I had been on of wanting to lose weight but doing nothing about it, to finally getting off of my butt and doing something about it. Before I started my diet and exercise routine I had some health issues that started to worry me. I snored so bad that James would have to sleep in the other room many nights. My son told me that he would get scared because he thought I would stop breathing at times, which I did thanks to the sleep apnea from my weight. I also had severe heartburn every single night, it didn't matter what I ate or didn't eat. Every morning I would wake up tired and my lower back would be hurting me so bad. It sucked! I was tired all of the time and never felt good. Also my triglycerides and cholesterol were way to high and my doctor suggested that I start take medicine to get them down. All of these symptoms at the young age of 29...I was way to young for that!

Well, after the first 25-30lbs, every symptom had vanished and my cholesterol and try's were back down to normal. Every lb I've lost after that has just helped me feel even better, not to mention my dress size keeps decreasing (Yay!). So if you are reading this post and wondering what in the world I am ranting for, it is simply because for tonight, I am going to let me be proud of me! I don't do that very often, I am probably most own worst critic, but not tonight. Also, if anyone can relate to the vicious cycle I was talking about, contact me. I would LOVE to help you get off of that cycle. I feel like I am getting my life back after a whole decade of wasted time!

Life Gets in the Way!

2009-07-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

This past month has not been a very good month for weight-loss. With celebrating birthdays and more birthdays, being at baseball tourneys every weekend and just simply not making good eating choices, I have only seen a very slight budge of the scale.

The bright side is that I have gotten in all of my training sessions and have done my extra cardio! Btw, if any of you need a good trainer in The Woodlands area, I have the best! I will hook you up! ;-)

So frustrated how I have just let life dictate my food choices the last few weeks. Sometimes it seems like the closer I get to my goal, the more I sabotage myself. Why? Why? Why?

This is the time for me to just dig in my heels and keep pressing on...and that is exactly what I intend to do. So, this time next month, I hope to have a good report!!

American Patriots

2009-07-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

My newest cousin Heidi (who just married my cousin Chip) took some really good pictures of my kids and my niece before the 4th of July. She is very talented and I think the pictures turned out great (even if all 3 kids were major toots that day!) I'm probably a little partial, but I think these 3 kiddos are the most beautiful and smartest kids around! ;-)

So here are a few of my fave's...

My Fave Mema turned 66...

2009-06-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday we celebrated my Mema's 66th birthday at Babin's Seafood with my family. I love family time, but it just seems like we don't get together nearly enough anymore. I guess that's why it's so important to embrace any time that you do get. Here is my beautiful Mema:

And here are a few more picts of my beautiful family!
(M.I.A. were my Uncle and Bro-n-law)

Happy 25th to My Lil' Sister!

2009-06-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Rachel!

I hope that your day is everything you wanted and more!

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

This year for Father's Day, as usual, we attended church and had lunch with my Dad. After church, we went to eat at Hyden's, which was delicious. After lunch, we all went our seperate ways for a couple of hours and then met up again at the pool in my parent's neighborhood. Gotta love pools in this hot Texas heat!!! I got a few good pics of my fam on Father's Day, but didn't get any with my own Dad. I 'm not sure what I was thinking.

I am so thankful that my kids have a wonderful Dad that is very involved and vital in their lives. Here are a few pics from the day.

Weigh-in Update

2009-06-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

Well, the weekly weigh-in thing is not working for me to well. I keep forgetting to post every Thursday. So I am just going to update monthly. Every month my trainer takes measurements and my weight, so I am just going to post on that day, which was actually yesterday.

Weight loss for May 16 - June 16 = 7 lbs

Total Weight Loss since Oct 16, 2008 = 45lbs

On another note, I opted out of Disneyworld this year. We just went in September and so I thought it might be a little overkill (for hubby).

So on Monday, I booked a 7 night cruise for me and hubby that leaves in September. This will be our first cruise and I am really excited about it! I told my trainer that he is going to have to really push me hard these next few months to help get me in tip top shape for the trip. His response was "No prob Jen, we gotta keep those beaches beautiful!" Now, I am really not sure how to take that response! But I guess I'm not going to take it too personal, we joke with each other a lot.

Have any of you been on a cruise? Do you have any tricks-of-the-trade that I should know? Fill me in with all your thoughts, suggestions and comments! PLEASE!!!

Girls Just Wanna...SHOP!

2009-06-13T19:27:00.001-07:00

I had a fantastic evening yesterday and even better day today! I was flying solo yesterday and today because hubby and kids went camping overnight. I hate to sound selfish, but I absolutely HATE camping! I hate everything about camping! My idea of camping involves a hotel room!

So while they were away, I had the chance to go to dinner and a movie with my Mom, Sis, Aunt and friend Courtney last night. We met at La Madeleine's for dinner, our favorite place! We watched a movie last night called My Life In Ruins. I had not heard of it at all and my mom and sis were wanting to see it. So, I went in with no expectations, but I loved it! It was funny and a little romantic (who doesn't like romance, right?). If you are debating on if you should watch it, definitely go! It will be worth you while!

Today was all about the benjamins! We drove to Cypress this morning because there is a premium outlet mall we were wanting to visit. So we strolled through the stores and made a few purchases ;-) that I am excited about. Now, I know you will not understand this if you've never been overweight, but it is so exciting to be able to walk into a clothing store and buy in the "normal size" section! For many years after having kids, this was not the case for me. It was so disgusting and discouraging that in the prime of my life I was having to shop at plus size stores. Now, don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it if you are happy with yourself, but for me it was miserable. I always felt like I was always the fun, loving, happy Jen, but I just didn't recognize the body. I look at picts and think I know it's me, but it wasn't me, you know? I just felt trapped in a body that I hated. I wanted sooo bad to get fit and healthy, but there was a mental block or something. I just couldn't make it happen for me. I have not reached my goal yet, but it just seems so reachable now. I feel like, "Ok Jen, you lost almost 50 lbs, you are over half way there...just keep moving!" So anyway, after shopping we went to TGI Friday's for lunch and then to Wal Mart for a few things.

On the way home from Cypress, my Aunt tells us that she needs a pedi and we all headed to the nail shop. I just really indulged today, which is not something I feel like I typically do, but I know James will disagree! I opted for the Tropical foot massage and pedi and eyebrow threading. Holy cow was that nice! They put a mango scrub on your feet and up to your calves and then massage. After they rinse it off they put some hot lotion stuff on your legs and rub that in and apply HOT towels to your legs and feet. After that, the lady took the same lotion and put in on the black stones that were HOT and rub your legs and feet with the stones. It was amazing! Now I know what people mean when they say treat yourself to something other than food when you need a reward! Next was the pedicure. That is always nice. Am I the only one that LOVES the chairs!?!? I keep that puppy massaging my back the entire time I am sitting there.

On the way to the nail salon, I told Rachel that I need to get a wax to clean up my eyebrows and her and Mom said I should do threading, it lasts longer. OMG! Have any of you ever had that done? It was torture, and my brows weren't even that bad. I told my Mom that I think the military should use threading as a form of torture and punishment to terrorists!!! It feels ok when they are just threading the shorter hairs, but crap, when they grab a longer hair it is painful! I am not sure if I will do it again...but the 1 good thing about it was I didn't come out looking like a red tomato!

I think I am going to encourage the hubby and kiddos to go camping more often!!! ;-)

They just keep getting older!

2009-06-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

Another school year has come and gone and my babies aren't babies anymore.

Jacob just completed 2nd grade and it still seems like just yesterday that I was rushed to the emergency room on a wednesday night because I was having contractions. Seriously, where DOES the time go? My Pastor made a statement the other day that almost brought me to tears. He said, "Realistically, you will only have your child living in your home for approximately 18-20 years." I looked at James and said, "Do you realize Jacob is already 8? We don't have that much more time left!" It was good to hear though, because it re-prioritized my time with him and makes me aware that I need to appreciate every moment I have with him. Boy, he just brings me joy that I never realized having a little boy would bring. I could not have asked for a better son. He is extremely smart, athletic, musically gifted and gorgeous!!! The picture below is him in his 4th wedding. He is a pro at weddings!

Jenna just graduated kindergarten. She is really smart and did excellent this year! She received an award in Physical Education, Spanish and Reading. Oh man, Jenna keeps me on my toes with her witty comments. She can make an adult feel so stupid with some of her comments. And it's not in a disrespectful way (for the most part...). She just informed me yesterday that she doesn't want to get older, she wants to stay little forever. I wish she could too! They grow up so fast. Jenna is such a homebody, she reminds me of myself so much. I rarely left home when I was young. I love Jenna's character, she plays with the girls and plays with all of the girly stuff, but yet with the boys, she can hang with the best of them! And she requested the other day that I throw away ALL of her clothes except that I keep ONE dress for her to wear everyday. I guess I still haven't developed the shopper in her yet. We will keep working on that!!! I can honestly say that everyday with Jenna is an adventure! I can't wait to see what God has in store for her life.

Long Awaited Wedding Weekend: Wedding Day!

2009-05-26T19:46:00.001-07:00

The wedding was beautiful. Weston Hinson sang "When I Fall In Love" and did an outstanding job. Honestly though, it is sooo hard to watch him sing a serious love song because he is such a goofball! I want to laugh the whole time, but I didn't...I maintained some sort of composure! David Crowson sang "Love Me Tender", who doesn't love Elvis, right?

The ceremony was very sweet and they left down the aisle as Mr and Mrs to Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life". I was just glad to see that Chip didn't use the song he has always said he would use, Marvin Gaye "Let's Get it On"!!!

Here are some picts of the big day:

Chip and Heidi left for their Honeymoon in style:

And...this is about the best family picture we took. I'll eventually get everyone to smile at the same time!!!

Long Awaited Wedding Weekend: Rehearsal & Dinner

2009-05-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

The next item on our agenda was the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. Jacob was the Jr. groomsman and James was a groomsman. The rehearsal was short and sweet. We were in and out in about an hour.

The groomsman: Sheldon Borden, Jason Forsman, Shannon Steward, Jimmy Young, Jeremy Hendrix, James Day (hubby), Shane Zimmerman, Chase Konderla.

The Jr Groomsman : Jacob Day (my kiddo)
Ring Boy: Jesse Morrison (Jen's best bud)

The Bridesmaids: Not sure of any of them except my cousin's wife Christine (in yellow).

It was so cool seeing Chip participate at his own rehearsal and knowing that he was about to get married. He has always been so supportive of any family or friends that have gotten married and always helped in any way that he could to help others have a great wedding. He is only 3 months younger than me, and he and I have always been pretty close. It was really exciting to see him in this season of his life. He looked great and didn't seem nervous at all!

The rehearsal dinner was awesome too. Diet went out the window!
Menu: Beef & Chicken Fajitas and ALL that comes with it! Yum!

Long Awaited Wedding Weekend: Pre-Rehearsal

2009-05-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was my cousin's, Chip, wedding weekend. We started the festivities on friday. Around noon mi familia headed up to Lufkin a little early to check in to our hotel so that the kiddos could swim. They had a blast! I think they had as much fun as James (hubby) and JD (bro-n-law)! See Below! :-)

Jacob spent most of his time in the pool being thrown like superman, helicopters or anything else he could get James to throw him as! Memories...I hope that we are creating memories for Jen and Jake that will last them a lifetime!

After all of the fun at the pool, we had to go to the rehearsal.

Weekly Weigh-In...

2009-05-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like I forgot to weigh in last week...ooops!
So here are todays results...

-4 lbs

This gives me a total weight loss of 42lbs since October 16, 2008.

I am pretty excited about this! My goal I made in January was to lose 40lbs before my cousin's wedding on May 23rd.

GOAL MET!!! And EXCEEDED!

Now, I have to lose 7 lbs to get my happy butt to Disneyworld.

I will keep ya posted!!!

Cardio Kick...err, I mean Circuit Training?!?!?

2009-05-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

So last night was pretty fun...Not!!!

My sis convinced me to go to what was supposed to be a cardio kick class at our gym. I was hesistant, being as though we had worked out already that day with my PT, Odis. But, I decided to go.

When we walk into the room, I notice all these weird names written on the mirror in order with a dry erase marker and there were only 2 ladies and an instructor, Adrienne. So we tell her "Hi" and that we are there for the cardio kick class and Adrienne says "oh, I don't do that one anymore, now I do the circuit training class." Rachel asked her what the circuit training class is and she starts spouting out the words that were written on the mirror, ex: scissor lunges, squat thrusts, burpees, chair dips, blah, blah, blah!!! I guess we looked a little dumbfounded, because she says, "let me show you how to do them" and after we'll start. Each lady starts at a station and you do the excercise of that station for 1 minute straight, then quickly move to the next, and the next, and so on.

I am already looking at Rachel and she can she that I am not excited at all. So Adrienne starts showing us these excercises like they are nothing. Keep in mind, this lady is probably 5'2 and probably weighs 100 lbs with NO body fat!!!

So we start, and I get the sit-ups station...which was not so bad. 1 min later we switch to the next and I have to do the following: Push up, pull knees to legs (quickly), stand up and jump and then back to push out position. At this point I am already ticked because Lil Miss 100lbs is just walking around the room telling us "Go", "Faster", "Get Down" as she walks to room not breaking a sweat. A minute later, I am a the tricep dips and thinking, "Are you kidding me, all of 3 minutes and I am already tired?" So I finish them and move to the next. Burpees. Has anyone ever even heard of that before? Apparently a Burpee is to get in a plank position and then bring both knees up to chest quickly and then back out, repeat over and over and over!

After that minute was up, I got up, quietly walked over to my keys, phone and bottled water, grabbed them and high-tailed it outta there!!! Circuit training is NOT for me...YET!!! Maybe 20 more lbs off of me and then maybe, just maybe!!! Give me Zumba in the meantime!!!

FYI...
My sis did complete the class!!! My props to you Rachel!

Mother's Day 2009 & My New Wheels!

2009-05-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day, once again!

This year was kinda different though. Normally I attend church with my mom, but this year I was performing my own mommy duties and was at the baseball field with Jacob, James & Jenna. Jake played on Sunday at 10:30am. I love watching Jacob play baseball (or any sport for that matter), it truly does bring me such joy! It is so awesome having a son and a daughter. I guess you could say "I get the Best of Both Worlds!" So after the game, all of the boys presented their mom's with a rose and a signed baseball. I finally get a "Game Ball"!

After the game, we went to my Mom and Dad's house to eat lunch with them. Good, good food! James, me and Rachel took the kiddos swimming at the pool in RP and I have to say that I really had fun! This time last year, I would have not even dared to put on a swimsuit! But I did this year, and I had a great time. I am not at my goal yet, but it is amazing what losing a little weight will do to your confidence. I also realized that while I may not be the smallest at the pool, I am definitely not the biggest either! After swimming I did indulge in a few slices of Papa John's!!!

I got a pretty sweet Mom's Day present. I would like to introduce you all to my newest workout buddy, Roxie!!!

Isn't she awesome?!?!? I just need to air up the tires a little and then I am off! I can't wait to start riding my bike! I will be accessorizing her with a bell and basket ;-) that I am really excited about!!!

Thank you James, Jacob & Jenna for a great Mom's Day!

Weekly Weigh-in...

2009-05-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

And results are in...

2.5 lbs lost this week.

Grand total of 37.5 lbs since October 16, 2008.
*Maybe one day I will be brave enough to tell you all my starting weight ;-) *
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Just a small tidbit of info...
Last September (08), my fam went to Disneyworld. While I enjoyed it tremendously, I was at my all-time heaviest weight and really couldn't allow myself to enjoy it as much as our '06 trip. I just hate looking at those pictures and I didn't even have any of them printed from my computer. I was so discouraged when I saw them.

So, I told James that I was going to try to lose weight. James then challenged me, he said when I lose 50 lbs, we'll go back to disneyworld. Well, I have held him to it and I keep reminding him of his promise.

So, after today's weigh-in, I am only about 12.5 lbs from Disneyworld!!!

Disneyworld...here we come!!!

Weekly Weigh-In...

2009-04-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I guess that Thursdays will be my "official" weigh-in day.

I weighed today and was down 3lbs since my last weigh in, which was almost 2 weeks ago.

This tells me 2 things:

1.) I am still moving in the right direction!

2.) I need to pick up the pace!!!

I WILL conquer my horrible eating habits! I WILL! Eventually! ;-)

Recession? What Recession????

2009-04-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

So, Odis (my trainer) has been on me for weeks to give him a list of everything I eat for a week so that he can check out my eating. Well, I already knew that I wasn't eating quite like I should, but I went ahead and sent him the list.

I thought he was going to kill me over my food choices, but to my surprise he only made 1 comment that cracked me up. He said, "Jen, how you be eatin at Kobe Steakhouse, we be in a recession!!!!" Too funny!

He did tell me that I wasn't eating too badly...just not enough throughout the day. And that is to blame for my plateau that I have been stuck at. Apparently my body is trying to hold on the every bit of food that enters it!

So, he also tells me he made a bet that he will have me looking hot in 3 months.
Um, let's hope for the best!!! Anyway, I am going to start weekly weigh-ins and blog my loss or gain to hold me more accountable. AND, I will try to stay away from steakhouses! :-0

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

2009-04-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY JACOB!!!

Today is my favorite boy's birthday! He is such an awesome and blessed kid!

Jacob, I love you and Hope you have a wonderful birthday!!!

Love, Mom

Weekend in Dallas

2009-04-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we traveled to Dallas for a baseball tournament. The poor boys got their tails kicked, but we had fun anyway. We got to do several fun things. James, me & the kids left early friday morning and got there earlier than the team. We took that opportunity to take the kids(mainly Jenna) to see the Hannah Montana movie, again. I actually like the movie...it has several funny scenes. After the movie we went back to the hotel and the kids got to swim in the pool. By that afternoon the kids were starving so they chose for us to eat ot Olive Garden, which is nothing new or exciting. We eat at Olive Garden ALL the time! But, James and I conceeded and went anyway!

Jacob's first game was at 3:30 and we won, but we lost the next game at 7:00 and the Sunday morning game. The boys played decent, but not like they normally do. These picts are from the game.

After Jacob's last game saturday night, we went to watch his hitting coach play against the Frisco Roughriders in McKinney, Texas. Darrel Jones plays AA baseball for St. Louis Cardinals. It was really nice getting to watch the game and afterwards all of the boys went down and got his autograph and took pictures and just to to hang out with him for a few minutes. He was key in developing their hitting. I can definitely see a difference with him being gone. The boys had an awesome time!

We finished off our trip with a ride over to see Mr. Jimmy Stockton's property and horses. He has gorgeous horses. The kids loved feeding the horses the hay and petting them. Mr. Stockton has a very nice property and I just WISH he would sell it all and start over down here, so I could get Jenna a horse! Here are just a few of his 19 horses!!!

Dallas was such a fun get-a-way weekend and I enjoyed it so much! I was so glad that my parents, Rae and Chloe' joined us! We all had a fun time and I can't wait for the next one!!!

Bluebonnets

2009-04-20T20:55:00.001-07:00

So, why is it instinct for most little kids to pick a bluebonnet? It is like their first reaction! It is illegal, isn't it? (or so my parents told me and my sis when we were little) I finally made the time to take Jen to get a few shots in the bluebonnets, but Jacob wouldn't join her. He is too big, he thinks! He is about to be 8 and he thinks he's too big for a lot of stuff! So, here are a few pictures:

Easter 2009

2009-04-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since bloggging...so much too say, so little time to say it! Boy, have we been busy lately. Easter was a nice day to relax and celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. Here are a few pictures of Easter Sunday:

Muscles and Mayhem!

2009-03-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

Wow...3 weeks since my last blog. Life is cruising by! We have been so busy. This is the time of year that the Day fam is on the go almost every night! Last week (Sun - Wed) we went to church every night watching the "John Jacob's Power Force" team. I was pleasantly surprised by them. Some people are skeptical of their ministry, which is understandable, but they just reach out to the unsaved like nobody's business.

We saw well over 500 salvations over the course of 4 nights...Men, Women, Children. Jacob has been raised in church his entire life, attends a christian school and still got saved...every night! Thinking it may have been for the free cookies though! Just joking! He loves Jesus with all of his heart!

Anyway, here are a few picts of the team:

The pict above is "Big Russ". He was known as the meanest prisoner in America at one time.

Wow, what a testimony.

Weight Loss Update...

2009-03-08T08:05:00.001-07:00

Well, here is the latest and greatest on my weight loss journey...

I am down 5 more lbs since this past Tuesday's weigh in.

That is a total weight loss of 33 lbs since October 16, 2008.

What a journey...

Here are a few before and after picts.

(I am a little disgusted to show you all how big I let myself get, but I am excited that I feel like I have taken control over this battle and I am not to my goal weight yet, but I see the finishline and little more clearly everyday!)

BEFORE:

Pict taken in Sept '08

AFTER:
Pict taken Mar '08

My Little Legend!

2009-03-02T19:23:00.001-08:00

This past weekend was the 1st tournament for Jacob since joining the Legend's Dragon Baseball team. We had a really fun weekend watching him play with his new team. He plays shortstop and does a heck of job at it. So fun watching him play at this level, it is so different from league ball.

The Dragon's placed 2nd in the Pre-Spring Classic in Katy. Here are a few pictures of my little Jacob in his new uniform.

Go Texan Day

2009-03-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

This year the kids got to sport their cowboy/cowgirl duds at school. They looked pretty sweet too! Jacob is a kinda-sort-a-cowboy and Jenna is the real deal! They all looked so cute in the clothes.

And here they are...

Things I Learned This Week...

2009-02-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

1) It is actually possible for a child to get kidnapped at Chuck E Cheese's!
A very sad reality indeed, but I don't think any security measure is better than you actually

watching your kids instead of them running around unsupervised. So much for the stamp and blaklight theory!

Here are a few picts from our trip to CEC on Monday.

Aren't they so sweet and innocent looking?!?!?!?

2) I'm Getting Older!

My knees have recently started hurting on a daily basis since I started working out. I am definitely not in high school anymore! I also have come to realize that I don't recover from soreness after workouts as quickly as I used to. Oh man, after a "legs" workout, it hurts to sit for 4-5 days. No Pain No Gain, Right?!?

3) I am Extremely Blessed!

I recently read over 100 prayer requests and realized that I am blessed beyond compare. My little annoyances in life are nothing compared to what people face on a daily basis. I read about deaths of spouses, children, parents, etc. I am so thankful that God has kept his hand over each one of my family members and friends! I am most thankful for my healthy kids. Lord, I thank you for keeping a hedge of protection around my kids each and every day!

4.) Viruses Spread Like Wildfire!

Yesterday, a little boy in Jenna's class vomited in the classroom during school and well....yep, Jenna started throwing up at 3:00am and went until about 11:00am. Her best friend, Jesse, who is also in her class also started doing the same thing at 2:30am. And those are just the kids I know if that were sick! Sometimes it seems like schools and daycares are breeding grounds for these kinds of things!

5.)It is Hard To Eat Healthy, for me anyway!

I have the hardest time making healthy food choices. I think it is because of a routine I have established over the past 10 years of eating whatever I wanted. It doesn't seem to be a challenge for some people (i.e. James!) but boy do I struggle. I know that this is something can CAN and WILL be accomplished with Jesus' help!

Family Valentine's Day Fun!

2009-02-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

Today was definitely one for the books! This year on v-day, James and I celebrated with the kiddos. It was hands down, one of the best Valentine's Day I have ever had. No gifts, no fancy dinner, just family and lots of fun!

We started the day off by Jenna waking us up because she saw 2 gifts in the living room with her name and Jake's name and woke us up so she could open her's. She is our early bird...goes to bed early, wakes up early!

Next, we went to watch Paul Blart: Mall Cop. What a funny movie! I was very pleased because it was pretty kid friendly and Jacob loved it. Jenna too, but she did get a little antsy! We all got popcorn and coke...don't tell my trainer :). The kids (and James) were all on their best behavior and the day went so smooth!

After the movie we went to Johnny Rockets. It is not my fave place to go, but it is loud, which means Jacob and Jenna can be loud! We just hung out and enjoyed the music. Jacob and Jenna were so surprised that I knew most of the songs they played, but I am a little old school! I remember my Mema and Mom listening to Diana Ross, Marvin Gay, Chubby Checkers, and the list could go on for days!!!!

After lunch we went home for a little bit to clean house and rest up for the final "event" of our v-day. We ended our day at our gym - Legends! So, so, so much fun up there tonight. It was pretty dead, so we had the turf field pretty much to ourselves. Jacob, James and I played catch for about an hour. Grounders, pop-ups and any other game you can make up with a ball and glove. Jenna put balls on a tee and hit baseballs for a while. She always kinda just does her own thing! She did shag balls for us when someone would make a lousy throw though!

After an hour or so, we bought good 'ole Gatorade and took a 10 minute break before we headed to the other side of the gym to the batting cages. Proud to say, "Yep, I've still got it!" Just joking! But really, I LOVE going to the batting cages. I tried my hand at baseball and softball. Softball was a breeze, but a baseball coming at me 65mph is a little (o.k., a lot!) un-nerving! I must say, I couldn't hack it...I bolted out of there and made James finish my round. Give me a big round softball and I am in my "element"! James is a show-off though. He goes into the very fast b-ball cage which is like 70mph and he walks out saying, "Man, that was too easy." So I say, "Yeah well, well... try the softball one, betcha can't hit those!!!" Yep, he can.

Jacob and Jenna had fun too! Jacob does pretty good and Jenna, well, atleast she tries! She is so funny! She is not scared of anything!!! She puts the helmet on, walks in the cage, and starts swinging away. She made contact a few times, which was fun to watch. I really hope one day she decides that she wants to play softball!

I wish I had the camera with me to take some picts, but oh well. We finished off the night by stopping in at my Mom and Dad's and got to visit with Chloe for a little bit.

Today I felt so blessed and thankful for my family. So many times it is easy to get caught up in the routine of life and not enjoy your blessings, but I am so happy that today was not one of those days! James, Jacob and Jenna are wonderful blessings from the Lord and I love each one of them so much! If they weren't asleep right now, I'd give them a big bear hug! Hope you all had a great day and felt the love!

Happy 31st James!

2009-02-08T17:34:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday James!

I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday and you enjoyed your "special day". It probably wasn't the idea way to spend your day, but you did your Daddy duties and I know Jacob and Jenna appreciate that. Baseball, basketball and horses all in one day...oh my!

Just want you to know that I appreciate your non-stop working, fathering and being a hubby. I know I probably don't give you near enough thanks, but I am thankful that you have come into your own as a father, husband and a provider for our family. You never cease to amaze me with the talent and knowledge that God has given you!

You are loved!

Love,

Jennifer

Happy Belated Birthday, Aunt Tina!

2009-02-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

We celebrated my Aunt's birthday on Feb. 3rd at Olive Garden this last week.

I hope Aunt Tina had a wonderful day and was showered with love and presents!!!

I love you Aunt Tina and am thankful for you!

Love,
Jennifer

5 lbs down...

2009-02-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

So, today was d-day...time to see how I did.

I was fairly pleased with my results. I mean, it wasn't a biggest loser type loss, but it was good.

I am down 5 lbs after 1 month of 2-a-week sessions with Odis. I lost almost 2 inches in my waist, so that was good.

I still have much more to go, but if I could lose 5lbs every month, I would be pleased!

Mom and Rachel did great too! Way to lose those inches ladies! Keep up the good work!

4 weeks down - 12 to go!

2009-01-29T20:37:00.000-08:00

So, today was our 8th session with Odis and I am starting to see some changes in my appearance. Although I have only lost 3 lbs since starting with him, I am pretty confident that I have lost inches. It is nice to put on jeans that are too baggy and remember how tight they used to be.

Tuesday will be the tell-all though, because he is re-measuring us. I am a little anxious and nervous! Today was a tough session. Odis uses circuit training on me, Mom, and Rachel. Circuit training pretty much means that you do many different exercises with little or no rest in between. He had us doing so many different stations, but I really liked it! I felt like I was in softball off-season in high-school. He actually had us pulling a sled while he sat on it!!! Yes, we did it!!

I think all 3 of us walked out of Legends today with our head held a little higher today! We accomplished some great things today and I can't wait to keep getting stronger and leaner!

I will say though, my lower back is killing me!!! No pain, no gain, right?

We are signing up with Odis for another 12 weeks and I will keep you all updated with our progress!!!

Happy Birthday to You...and You!

2009-01-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Chip & Heidi!!!

An interesting tid bit...

Chip and his love have the same birthday...

as though they were meant for each other!!!

Hope you both have a wonderful day and get lots of presents!!!!

Love,

Jennifer

Jenna, Tracy McGrady & Supercross...

2009-01-25T17:13:00.000-08:00

So, last night was my very first experience of going to a Supercross, as well as Jenna's. Jacob and James were wanting to go, so she and I took one for the team and joined them. I have to say that I actually had a really good time. I never thought I would enjoy going to one, but I want to experience new things this year and I was pleasantly surprised.

My little Miss Priss is so into High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, horses and such that she knows nothing about sports or guy things. As we were sitting there watching the first heat of racers, Jenna innocently and seriously looked at me at asked me, "Mom, which one of them is Tracy McGrady?" I busted out laughing and said, "Jen...Tracy McGrady plays basketball!!!" She politely said "Oh" and continued watching the race. Bless her little heart! Atleast she was trying to show an interest in something that her brother loves so much!!!

Jacob never took his eyes off the race. He loves dirt bikes and believes that he is getting one in April for his birthday and is going to start racing! Well, we'll see! He has wanted one since he was 5, I guess we've stalled long enough. I hear overtime in my future!!! I was telling James just this morning that when I look at Jacob I see soooo much potential and amazement. God has blessed him with so many talents that it excites me to think about what he is going to become when he grows up, should the Lord tarry. He is a great musician for his age, he rocks at sports and he is very smart. I look at him and know that his future is limitless provided that he keeps Jesus #1 in his heart and life!

Jacob is officially a "Legend's Dragon". He made their select baseball team this season and we are excited to see what that has in store for him!

Jenna continues to take horseback riding lessons every Thursday and she is progressing very nicely. She "upgraded" to the next horse named Rocky and boy was he a big change. She went from riding an old horse that never wanted to trot, to a new horse that gets excited to trot. She was bouncing all of that saddle. Her goal is to enter barrel racing and poles competitions, so I will definitely keep everyone updated.

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In other news, I (with Mom and Rachel) am training with a trainer at Legends. I am really enjoying it, although at times I want to kick him in the chins! He pushes me to do things that I haven't done since high-school softball! I'm talking Crab walk and push-ups amongst many others! I was recently introduced to spin bikes and ellipticals, and I do not care if the machines like me or not, because frankly, I HATE them!!! It is really fun training with my girls, there are times me and mom laugh so hard we can't work out, but Odis still makes us! Rachel has the least amount of weight to lose and I secretly am hoping it takes her a long time so that we 3 can keep working together! Sorry Rae! We work arms on Tuesdays and legs on Thursdays. So, about 2 weeks ago we had an extreme leg workout and I have to say that I could barely walk for about 5 days! I was sooooo sore! Don't really like that feeling too much but I did feel accomplished. After workouts I'll ask Mom and Rachel, "Are you sore here or here?" They usually are too!

I lost 20lbs before I started working out with Odis, and since Odis I have dropped about 3 more lbs, which is in about 3 weeks, but I feel like I am toning and building muscle. I will be tracking my weight loss on this blog to encourage me and others, but also to document my accomplishments.

So everyone be praying for all 3 of us!!! My previous post was about D-World and so James and I made a little wager... If and when I lose 50 lbs total...Disneyworld here we come! So, I have a lot of work to do, but I am almost half-way to Mickey Mouse!!!!

Itching for The Mouse!

2009-01-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

So, I am not sure if any of you have been to the "D World" lately, but I just love, love, love going to see Mickey and Minnie. I actually think I like going there more than my kids do! :-) Don't get me wrong though, they love it too!

But man, lately, I have been itching to go again! I know... we went in September and had a blast, but I just really want to go again! James told me to take a hike when I mentioned it to him, so I may just do that! I may hike to Orlando!!! Just Joking! But seriously, Disney is having some great offers right now!

I think I like it so much because it is so diverse. People of all ages, sizes, colors, cultures and even countries can enjoy the parks! Each park has something for everyone. As an adult, you just feel like a kid again and when I go with my kiddos I feel like it really gives us a chance to bond. Riding the rides with Jacob or seeing Mickey and watching the excitement on Jenna's face is sooooooo rewarding!!!

Well, anyway I just had to get that off my chest!!! Whew, I feel much better!

Celine Dion or Bust!!

2009-01-10T21:43:00.000-08:00

James and I went to Vegas exactly 5 years and got to see Celine Dion perform at Cesar's Palace. She was amazing! James was not really excited about it all, he thought it would be a waste of our time...on the contrary! We both loved her!

5 years later...Celine was performing in Houston on Jan 9, 2009. My Dad bought my mom tickets for her birthday back in December and so I knew that they would be going and I wanted to go too. Well, I am a huge procrastinator and I couldn't decide if I wanted to fork over the money and go see her. I knew that if I passed up this chance, who knew when she would be back. So, on Tuesday night, I got on Craigs List, ebay and Woodlands Online and began searching for tickets to a sold-out concert. Well, none of the seats for sale were that great and I just really hated shelling out $400 on tickets.

I decided I would just check the Toyota Center website to see if they had any tickets left (just in case, you know) and they did. Dad and Mom had floor seats and I knew I wasn't going to pay that much for seats, so I settle on the lower level at Section 107, which is on the side of an oval shaped seating chart. Well, the closest I could get was Row 7 and so I thought, "Well, those should be pretty good, it is not real close but I think it should be good."

BOY WAS I RIGHT!!! Her stage was a square shaped stage with a walkway and a mini-circle stage coming off two sides of the main square. Guess what?!?!? We were about 10 feet from her as she performed!!! Our seats were amazing! I mean, literally, the people on the row right in front of us were shaking her hands and touching her! Granted, she didn't perform there the entire concert, but she did for many, many songs!!! I mean, we were up close and personal with her!

What a concert she put on! Once again, she did not disappoint me or James!!! Even he had a great time! I think this concert was definitely one for the books!!

Normally my procrastination bites me in the butt, but this time I was somehow rewarded for it!?!?!? Well, probably not...I think I just got extremely lucky!!! But, I prefer to call it "The favor of God!"

P.S. James & I are actually in a YOUTUBE video that someone took last night...Pretty cool I guess (in my Napoleon Dynamite voice!).

Kids!?!?!?

2009-01-05T19:10:00.001-08:00

So the reason for me blogging is for historical purposes. I want to look back and read this and remind my kids of the crazy things they actually have done!

Yesterday morning, James & I were in our room getting ready for church and Jacob & Jenna were watching t.v. in the living room. I didn't think anything about it, they normally will watch cartoons before church anyway. So, after church, on the way to Outback, Jacob just blurts out, "Mom, while you were getting dressed this morning, I tried to buy you a spinning mascara brush so you can have beautiful eyelashes. I called the number on the commercial but it said you had to have a card number and you have to be 18, so I hung up really fast." I starting laughing and was like "Are you serious"? He said Yes he was and that you get 2 brushes and a mirror and he was going to give his Nana one of the 2 brushes. He is such a goofball! I think that is just so funny! The bad things was he was dead serious. He really thought he was doing a nice thing so that I would have beautiful eyelashes!

Today after school, James picked up the kids and Jenna's teacher told him the following story: today her class was learning about Judas and how he betrayed Jesus for an insignificant amount of money. She related it to it would be like them selling a sibling for maybe $15 or so. She went around the class and asked each student if they would sell their brother or sister for that little amount of money. Each student very seriously answered "No, I would never sell my brother," except who? Of course, Jenna! She quickly said, "Yes ma'm I would sell my brother!!!" Apparently we need family counseling or something!!!

Jenna also informed me it was very bad for little girls to smoke cigarettes because they will get fire in their mouth! (Hey, if that's what it takes to keep her away from them... ) :-)

I'm sure each of you Mom's out there have a million stories just like this! These stories and the fun part of being a parent! I can't wait to preserve stories like this for Jacob and Jenna to look back on!

2009-01-03T19:36:00.000-08:00

So here I am...I have finally ventured into the Blogger World. I have to say, this is pretty fun. I hope that if nothing else, my kids can have a place to go one day and read all the things that we experienced on a daily basis. I have made a pact to myself that no matter what, I will not sugar coat my life! Yes, I have a great life...but, No, it is not perfect. I want people to see the "real" Day Family and not some fairytale family.

I can't even believe it is 2009. Where has time gone? Jacob is almost 8 years old, Jenna almost 6 and I just wish time would stand still for a while! Life gets so busy and you forget to embrace moments that you will never get back. It is so funny that when you have a baby, you want him or her to sit up, start crawling, start walking and once they do it is like you wish you could make them infants again so you can hold them, hug them, kiss them without them saying "Yuck Mom, that's embarassing"! Someone once said that "Variety is the Spice of Life", I say "Children are the Spice of Life!"

New Year's Resolution anyone? I usually always say that I am going to lose weight and I am not going to make it that this year! This year my resolution is to enjoy each day and to dig deeper in God and his word. I want people to know that I am a Christian without me telling them. I have really felt like God compelling me to let me life be my testimony and not my mouth.

I hope each of you have have a blessed, prosperous & safe 2009!