Day 10 - Laundry Day

Good Evening!  Not too much going on today.  I just had to catch up on the laundry that has been accumulating for the last few weeks.  Feels good to get it done, but takes so much time. 

Pretty successful day today.  Not much on the exercise, but did it.  Tomorrow is Timothy's last Monday as a first grader.  I am so proud of him.

God Bless

~~  Trina


Day 10
Daily Points 10/10
Free Points used for the week - (exercise)
Weekly Points 30/70
Challenge Total  99/900

Day 9 - Birthday Bash

Today may be a challenge as we have a birthday celebration for our nephew.  I know that there will be yummy food and some sort of goodies after.  I am going to remain strong and am asking for God's strength to remain strong.  I will write some more later...

Well, later came and went and I forgot to publish for yesterday.  So I have not lost a point for not journaling, since I journaled yesterday, just forgot to post.  I was so tired after getting home last night, I fell asleep and never woke bake up until this morning.

See you later for today's post.

~~ Trina

Day 9
Daily Points 10/10
Free Points used for the week - (exercise)
Weekly Points 20/70
Challenge Total  89/900

Day 8 - Cruzin' Along

Good Evening!  Well, I thought I was going to have a rough day since I had to go to the office, but NOPE!!  It was another great day for my challenge.  I took my breakfast, ate a salad and small turkey sandwich for lunch.  Lots and Lots of water.  Success!! 

When I got home Timothy and I spent 90 minutes in the pool chasing each other around.  It was great.  I have so much fun spending time with that crazy kid of mine.  I cannot wait to have the kind of energy I will need to keep up with him in a few years.

My weekly goal this week is to spend 15 minutes a day talking to Timothy about God.

Have a great night!!

~~  Trina

Day 8
Daily Points 10/10
Free Points used for the week  - none
Weekly Points 10/70
Challenge Total  79/900

Day 7 - One Week Down

It feels so good to know that I have made it one week in this personal challenge.  I have had a few days where I felt like using my free points, but then remembered why I am doing this challenge.  This challenge is a way for me to get to know myself again.  To know that I have the ability to control what decisions I make and that with the strength God has blessed me with, I am going to see this through.  I am not just wanting to do a 90 day challenge, I am wanting to make a complete inner transformation and with that I know that the outer transformation will follow.

I have always thought that I was not strong enough to get through this on my own, but I am finally starting to see that I am not alone.  I have my Creator there to lift me in the times I need Him, and comfort me instead of the food being my counselor.  My new motto is that food is for energy and sustenance, not for comfort and pleasure.  Yes, do not get me wrong, food can be enjoyable, but should not hold any power over my life.

Thank you to all of you that are constantly there to lift me when I need it and the highest praises to my Heavenly Father!

~~Trina


Day 7
Daily Points 10/10
Free Points used for the week (exercise, under 8 hrs sleep)
Weekly Points 69/70
Challenge Total  69/900

Day 6 - Creative Cardio

Today I was determined to get in my 45 minutes of exercise, so I got up and hosed down the entire back yard, pulled some weeds and cleaned the lawn furniture.  So maybe that was a little too much since I am still supposed to be resting my hip, but it felt good.  I did get to enjoy the beautiful flowers.

 I have been good with my water, food, no sweets, etc.  I have cut it close on the 8 hours sleep, but managed.  Whew!  I am going to go tuck myself in and get my glorious 8 hours sleep.  :)

God Bless,

~~ Trina

Day 6
Daily Points 10/10
Free Points used for the week (exercise, under 8 hrs sleep)
Weekly Points 59/70
Challenge Total  59/900

Day 5 - Getting in the Groove

My day has been pretty good.  I am not running into too many challenges in earning my points for the day.  I have found myself planning my days a bit better and I know that helps.  I took it easy on my hip again today so I will not get my exercise point today.  I have to use my free point yesterday for not getting 8 hours sleep as I ended up working for several hours after my bedtime last night and Timothy was up extra early this morning.

I am feeling overall much better following this Challenge than the routine I was in, so I am taking that as a success.

Night
~~  Trina

Day 5
Daily Points 9/10
Free Points used for the week (exercise, under 8 hrs sleep)
Weekly Points 49/70

Day 4 - Doctor Day

I had a great day today.  I feel good not wanting to have the sweets and the junk food.  There has been no desire to have any fast food either.  I had a doctor appointment today to try and figure out what has been going on with my hip.  I found out today that I have Trochanteric bursitis and I have been told to rest my hip and I am only allowed to exercise in the pool for a few weeks.  I was instructed to stay off my feet as much as possible to try and reduce the swelling.

So I am going to take my free point for the day on exercise as it has been raining all day.  Very strange weather.  One day it is 95 and hot and the next day it is 70 and raining.  If my hip is feeling a little better tomorrow, I am going to try some stretching and some arm band work tomorrow.

Well, I guess I need to wrap it up for tonight as I need to be in bed by 10pm to get my 8 hours sleep.  Rest well and feel well.

~~  Trina

Day 4
Daily Points 10/10
Free Points used for the week (exercise)
Weekly Points 40/70

Day 3 - Birthday Party Day

Today I have surprisingly made my 10/10 points again.  Timothy and I swam in the pool for 2 hours and it felt great.  Hard to think that the weather is supposed to bring rain tomorrow.  Timothy had a birthday party at his school buddies house and there was yummy looking cupcakes that I politely declined.  We also went out to dinner and I opted for tea, salad as my side, and no dessert. It has felt really good knowing I have been able to be strong and not cheat.

I have been able to get more than 8 hours of sleep each night and the water has not been a challenge.  Thank you God for the strength to stay on track each day.  I am so glad I am precious to God, so precious He only wants what is best for me.

“‘They shall be Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels.’” Malachi 3:17

~~ Trina

Day 3
Daily Points 10/10
Weekly Points 30/70

Day 2 - Day of Many Challlenges

Today I have been able to earn all 10 points for the day again.  I am going to count this as a huge success.  We celebrated the Graduation of 2 nieces at my in-laws and there was what seemed like enough food to feed an army.  The food was all very yummy and I managed to have no sweets (which was difficult as there was homemade ice cream and cake with lots of frosting) and had no chips or other junk food.  I only drank water and tea. 

About 20 minutes ago, I was thinking I was hungry, but then checked the time and realized it was past 8, so I am going to have MORE water!!  I figured it was better than using my free point...

More tomorrow.

~~  Trina

Day 1 - Wellness Challenge

I can honestly say that I am VERY excited to start this wellness challenge.  I am ready for a change and it has to start inside.  This is a great way to get that going.  Here is a reminder of what I will be challenging myself to every day:

1. Drink 48 ounces of water
2. 45 minutes of exercise daily
3. Consume 2 servings of veggies and 2 servings of fruit
4. NO soda or alcohol
5. No sweets (desserts, pastries, candy, sugary snacks or cereals - but sugar free alternatives are fine) NO fast food or unhealthy snacks (potato chips,etc.)
6. NO eating after 8:00pm
7. Read 15 minutes of spiritual or uplifting text
8. Write in your journal
9. Express specific appreciation, love or praise to another person
10. Set a weekly personal goal to accomplish daily (read to your kids 15 minutes a day, get 8 hrs of sleep per night, etc.)

Looks like I am off to a good start... I have the journal point earned.   I have been thinking about what I want to have as my weekly personal goal and have decided that I need to get at least 8 hours of sleep.  Since I am up at 7 am every morning, I need to be in sleep mode by 11pm. 

For those of you that know me, this is really a challenge, but I am sure I can stick to it.

Happy Wellness!!

~~ Trina

Merrill Gardens Mother's Day Tea

I recently helped the family with a Mother's Day Tea for the senior apartment facility that Mike's Grams lives in.  My responsibility generally falls into the craft area.  One, because I do not trust myself cooking yet, and two, because it is a passion of mine. 

This year we decided on a beautiful shoe pattern I found from Ellen Hutson's web site at 
www.ellenhutson.com. I found a sale at Joann's on 2-sided paper that I felt would be perfect for shoe patterns.  They turned out perfect.

We needed to finish them off with something special, so we added a scalloped label as a flower to the front and a pretty hanky in the shoe.

The ladies all loved them and I am so happy that we were able to get them all finished.

More to come.

~~  Trina



Fresh New Start

I am thinking about starting up on the Wellness Challenge that Jen Wingfield introduced to me awhile back.
Wellness Challenge Parameters

Points are earned in 10 categories each day (70 points per week)

1. Drink 48 ounces of water
2. 45 minutes of exercise daily
3. Consume 2 servings of veggies and 2 servings of fruit
4. NO soda or alcohol
5. No sweets (desserts, pastries, candy, sugary snacks or cereals - but sugar free alternatives are fine) NO fast food or unhealthy snacks (potato chips,etc.)
6. NO eating after 8:00pm
7. Read 15 minutes of spiritual or uplifting text
8. Write in your journal
9. Express specific appreciation, love or praise to another person
10. Set a weekly personal goal to accomplish daily (read to your kids 15 minutes a day, get 8 hrs of sleep per night, etc.)

There are free days (Valentine's Day, birthday, etc.) and you get one free point per week in each of the 10 categories that you do not have to use unless you want to. (They do not carry over week to week)
This is a 90 day challenge, so here I go... I will be updating my blog as my journal

Today is a new day!

I have two new creations to show you. I am getting back into the swing of things now that my craft room is cleaned and taking shape. I have created two cards that I will be giving to two incredible ladies.

More to come soon.

~~ Trina

Guess Who!!

Well, it has been a long time since I have posted. I cannot believe where the time has gone. Good News!! I have re-joined Stampin' Up! I was gone for almost 2 years and missed it all the time. I am going to start small, but loving the new developments they have made since I was gone.

Timothy has started first grade and doing well. Kindergarten went by so fast, but we love his school and his teacher last year was a true gift from God! Looking for a great year this year.

I will be posting some of the new stuff I have made in the next day or so and plan on trying to make one thing per week.

God Bless and stay tuned!

Trina

Mother's Day Creations

I am still working on the craft room, but I was able to get in a little crafting before Mother's Day. Here are a few of the cards I created:

Here is one I created on a whim... It pivots open and closed.

Hope you liked them. I am getting ready to order my Cricut. I am sooo excited!!!

God Bless~~ Trina

Missing in Action

Ok, sorry for disappearing for the last couple weeks. It started with a horrible stomach flu and has been catch up since then. I am back and I am pleased to let you know that I finished the Wellness Challenge. I lost a total of 24 pounds while on the challenge for 3 months and looking forward to losing more. I can tell the difference in my attitude towards food and have developed a few good habits.

I hope all of you had a great and relaxing Mother's Day. I certainly did. I will be posting pictures of all the cards I created for Mother's Day as well as a special treat to be able to see the cards my hubby made for me and his mother. It was great! I enjoyed spending the day with so many family members, just wish there was more weekend... :)

Stay tuned for pictures coming soon.

God Bless ~~ Trina

Good Week!

It is so great when we hit little milestones and today was another one of those days. I went to Jenny this morning and was down another 3.5 pounds! Whoo Hoo!! Back on track and losing again.

Timothy also successfully had 5 days straight of "good" days at school. Now, if you have been following my blog, You will know that this has been a hard task to complete. If you are new to my blog, first welcome and second, Timothy is a very... hmmm... how shall we say... "spirited" 5 year old with a heart of gold, fidgety hands and a lot of things he needs to say. This combination tends to get himself into situations that are less than favorable in a classroom setting, so when we have a complete week that is 100% successful, we are going to celebrate.

Timothy knew that he earned a trip to Leatherby's (best ice cream ever) and was able to get a junior sundae. He had to eat lunch first and boy did that go down quick. He was so happy when they finally arrived with his chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream and cherry that I thought he was going to pass out. He started to dig in and was going at a feverish pace when we had to remind him to breathe and slow down. He said he had to hurry because hi tummy was filling up too fast. He got through all the ice cream and Mike looked over at him and he looked as if he were going to get sick and then Mike let him know that he did not need to eat all of it and he sighed, sat back, wiped his brow and whispered, "Whew, I thought I was gonna puke!."

He leaned into me and snuggled next to me with a blissful, happy, ice cream grin on his face. I sure do love that little stinker.

Have a great night. ~~ Trina

Melting Heart

Good evening blogging world. I had to work from the office today, so I have been prepping Timothy that he was going to be at school for the whole day today, which is not too tragic on Thursdays because instead of napping, they get to watch a movie.

When I work from the office, it can be as late as 5:30pm before I can pick him up. Today, I left the office, stopped by the bank ATM and went to the school. I was there at 4:45pm and walked to his classroom and was old he was outside playing. It was a beautiful day and I was happy he was taking advantage of being in the sunshine. I went out to get him and could not see him anywhere, but the teachers called for him and I finally caught sight of him walking toward me.

Bless his little heart-- I had to call him so he would see me, as he was looking around all lost and when he finally made it over to me, he was crying. I picked him up (which is pretty hard to do these days) and asked him why he was crying and if he was okay and all he could muster was that I left him there too long. I reminded him of our conversations about being there all day and he said he knew he was going to be there longer, but thought I needed to pick him up after the movie. It melted my heart that he was that emotional about being there that long.

When we were on our way home I asked him if he was having fun on the playground and you know what that stinker said to me?? I was having fun until you made me leave early... I cannot win... lol

Have a great evening. I am going to get to be early. ~~ Trina

5 Year Old with Tude!!

I believe I have a 5 year old that is going on 60. He is so set in his ways and his little routines, that he cannot handle the silliest of changes. He is all good when it comes to major changes, but not the little ones. I was not aware that it is a crime to get dressed before we eat breakfast, or that the world is going to end if we take a bath in the morning.

I fear that I now have two little old men living in this house now and they are both VERY set in their ways. I love both of them dearly, but UGH... Sometimes it needs to be alright that we do things on a different schedule and it not have to signify the end times.

Well, I need to go get caught up on my laundry, so have a great evening.

~~ Trina

Craft Room Progress

Okay, I am so excited that my craft area is almost completed. Today Mike installed the counter top. I love how it looks and how much storage and organization I am going to have. I just need to start the cleaning process and Mike will be finishing the drawers and doors soon. (He wants his garage back.)

Here is what I have been working from(removing one of the white cabinets from my sitting area):

Here is where my new area looks like:

I will still keep my white desk as a work area, but I will have all this other wonderful space. I also will have a nice large table in this room so I can invite people over to stamp with me. I will post more pictures as the room develops.

Have a GREAT Day!! ~~ Trina