Thunder in May!

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Abbie

If you do not have a local Thunder Over…event in your area, you must seek them out. We were blessed to be able to attend the one in our area for the first time this year. The kids loved seeing the vehicles and demonstrations. The soldiers who were there to help and answer questions were simply amazing and super sweet with our kids. We had a blast honoring them and seeing a little bit of what they do.

We got there late in the afternoon and were able to watch people jump from planes. With flags. They came right over our heads.

I think these were the minesweepers. Except they use sonar or something so it’s a bit safer than the traditional minesweepers. Okay, I give. I haven’t a clue what they are or do. But the boys loved climbing in to them.

We were walking to see the motor cross bike demonstration and just happened upon a helicopter taking off. I’ve never been that close to any kind of aircraft taking off without being inside of it.

Then we made it to the motorcross demonstration.

That black dot below the clouds and above the trees is a guy. On a bike. Holding on to the back. Yeah.

And this is my kids reaction to the guy letting go of the handlebars to grab the seat.

Yep. Totally amazing.

Flipping over.

Thunder Over…always has some great musicians who come to honor our troops and this year it was Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. Cranky tired kids kept us from going to the concert but we heard it from the parking lot and it sounded good. It was truly a wonderful fun time with our crew. Oh yeah, and it was free!

Week 4…A Little Late

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Abbie

I know you thought I had fallen off the bandwagon. I haven’t. We have just been busy celebrating one of two birthdays this week. And school. And Lilla Rose. And getting ready for guests.

So, here is my progress.

The HIIT was utter torture. Really. But well worth it because it helped me shed two pounds last week.

I love cycling! The hills in my neighborhood are not big (okay, not in our little section) but definitely a challenge. But, after two weeks of cycling, I can already see an improvement in my legs. They are getting easier and, hopefully, by the end of the year, I can tackle the giant hill in the back of our subdivision (not for the faint of heart ya’ll…tell ya about that one next week). My goal was to get 3 miles in 20 minutes. I did it on Sunday with 3.1 miles in 20 minutes. Then it took me five minutes to go .6 miles (that were up hill on the way home…I thought I might die). We are also blessed with two dear friends who, after a facebook plea, are offering us their bike trailers so that our whole family can enjoy biking. I can’t wait to go out with our crew!

I stayed true to my diet restrictions (not eating three hours before bedtime has been the biggest food challenge by far). And I even restrained from desserts until Sunday at our Family Day. It was so worth that tiny piece of dessert I allowed myself to have.

My measurements are not changing which is hard and makes me wonder where in the world the weight is coming off. But I love that scale o’ mine and seeing the numbers fly off is making it so much easier.

This week is more about balance in the food department. And as far as exercise, I’m adding cardio into strength training (my legs are going to fall off, I just know it), along with HIIT one day a week and planks once a week. I should start looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger…Only a little more jiggly. And female. And brunette. Okay never mind.

And guess what, if you want to see what 42 Days to Fit is all about, head over to Amazon where you can get the ebook for 99 cents! If you don’t have an Amazon ereader no problem. Amazon Kindle makes apps for all sorts of electronic devices inlcuding your desktop!

And we’re off

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Abbie

After our camping trip, we packed it up and headed to see Ge and Granddaddy over Mother’s Day weekend. It was a bonus weekend because it was also my sister’s birthday. She claims she is 29 but I have it on good authority that I was born after which means she’s not. Either that or I’m stuck at 27. Which wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

BRAG SPOT: We haven’t seen my sister in a while because she’s been busy getting her MASTER’s degree in Special Education. Nope. I’m not proud one bit. Whatever. I know she has worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices and we are so excited to see her dream fulfilled. Because she’s my sister. And she rocks! Congratulations Aunt Yaya!

Okay, enough bragging. Now on to all the fun pictures of cousins and whatnot.

At the end of the day, hanging out watching a bit of tv is nice as long as you are with friends.

Yes, I do believe Bryant is doing what you think he is doing. Let’s look passed that at the adorable baby in a diaper playing on his Aunt Yaya’s ipad. Photobombed by a two year old. Man!

Ethan and Ceili Rain decided to snuggle on Ge’s bed for a movie. I heart that nephew of mine and love how he just loves his cousins no matter what!

I told Ethan I was putting this on the blog. I’m not sure he believed me.

Not to be outdone, Ceili Rain had to sit in the little chair.

Can you say, “wrapped around her finger?”

Not to be outdone, Ceili Rain had Jacie at her bidding too. Jacie dressed her up and applied Ge’s makeup.

My mama on Mother’s Day with my sister, Aunt Yaya! Easily two of the most amazing and beautiful women I know.

Camping-May 2013

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Abbie

Before it got hot. Okay, nevermind. It’s just now getting hot here. Before the monsoon season (seriously, 40 plus days of rain here). We made a trip to FDR State Park.

It was a beautiful park. Despite the ticks. There were a few on Zoe, Ceili Rain and Mark. And we had a wonderful time camping. We were one of very few who were tent camping so we had a great area on sites to select from. However, the first night, we chose a site right by the bathrooms. And the street lamp. Malachi had a cold and couldn’t sleep. I wound up putting him in the van, clearing out a seat and throwing towels up over the street lamp side of the van. And scoped out the rest of the area to find a better spot. We moved right after breakfast the next morning and slept much better the second night.

We hiked a few miles too.

And rested a bit. Malachi had it sooo easy.

Family portrait on a pretty bridge over a creek. We’re all there., I promise.

This was a “fairy” house we found on one of the trails. Too cute of a discovery and so thankful that my children take time to explore. My type A had a goal in mind to just hike the trail and be done.

Malachi tried to clean up the campsite (with a wipe no less).

We stopped at Dowdell’s Knob on the way down the mountain. Absolutely gorgeous views. Dowdell’s Knob was the place F.D. Roosevelt picked out as a prime picnicking spot. He didn’t believe in roughing it though. He had a grill and stone table built and would only eat when a white table cloth and china were brought out.

Camping sure makes some people tired.

We also stopped in Warm Springs, Georgia to check out the Little White House. That was just as fun as camping and really neat to learn about one of our president’s who called Georgia his home (at least for a little while). Quite an interesting man and family. And, of course, I have zero pictures from that. We were herding seven children in and out as they completed a scavenger hunt with the park worksheet.

By the way, if you ever go to a state or national historic site or park, stop in at the ranger station to pick up a scavenger hunt or worksheet. The national parks have amazing booklets and the kids get really cool ranger badges with the historic site name on it. And it’s free! I believe that a lot of museums are using them as well now. For us, it’s a great way to make sure that our children are actually stopping to read what’s before them and they are learning a bit.

And one last thing. There was a gentleman who was dressed up as FDR. So we stopped by to talk. Of course, he was totally impressed with the kids but he kept saying, “Ah, a bunch of Little Democrats.” We just chuckled and didn’t say much else. I was waiting for one of the kids to say, “Nope, not at all.” But they didn’t, thankfully. He definitely stayed in character though.

Week Three…No big change

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Abbie

So, I’ve lost .6 pounds and an inch in the thighs. That’s it. I knew I probably wouldn’t lose much weight. I know that I’m building muscle so I’m a bit surprised that I haven’t actually gained. Bigger diet changes are coming this week.

The thigh loss has got to be from our inclines that I have biked around the neighborhood this week. I think I’ve found my cardio. I biked three times last week (with one leading to the pool where I did a few laps). I’m keeping track with the Runkeeper app and so far have been able to shave two minutes off my mile time. I’m biking around 20 minutes at a time. I’ll bump it to thirty minutes this week. Maybe. If my legs can stand it. We have a few hills around the neighborhood but there are a couple of deceiving spots that look straight but are really inclined. Pure. Evil.

Anyway, so I’m on track with 42 Days to Fit. Still working the diet and not too thrilled about giving up my evening snack (or just having it earlier) this week. But I hope this will help me see inches melt away. I love this because it’s not a fad diet but a way to change my lifestyle.

I know pictures here would be nice but I’ve forgotten to take them so I’m going to get Mark to do that tonight. But I’m just not ready to share them quite yet.

Conference Time

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Abbie

In May, we traveled to a Teach Them Diligently Conference. It was absolutely awesome. We loved meeting other home schoolers and we were totally encouraged in our endeavors to press on. We didn’t get to hear nearly half the sessions we wanted so we’re enjoying listening to all the mp3s. And they are awesome. Teach Them Diligently has some amazing top quality speakers who seek to honor the Lord in all they do. We highly recommend this convention and can’t wait until next year!

The kids had fun too (they’ve recently informed me that staying in a hotel is awesome).

These planks are one of those “why didn’t I think of that toys” and our kids totally loved them. We have a small set at home and they have gotten them out over the past couple of weeks and enjoyed building with them.

But we definitely don’t have enough to do this:

The owners of this booth made an opening for Zoe to walk through and then they got to tear it down.

Conveniently located next to this booth was the chess booth. Liam planted at a table and waited ever so patiently for an opponent. He loved chatting and talking to his worthy opponent (actually it was a kid about his age and Liam was enjoying patiently teaching him) and my nerdy heart mama melted. But not enough to try and figure out chess.

Week 2…Just getting started

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Abbie

I confess, I didn’t strictly follow the diet plan in 42 Days to Fit. I have a couple of lemonades and the onslaught of a cold met me a moment of weakness for a coke. And Mark’s birthday. But I do confess, it was all in moderation.

And I didn’t gain anything. I lost a pound and about an inch in my arms, thighs, waist and hips. That’s a good thing.

This week starts three days of strength training and three days of cardio. Honestly, I really enjoy the strength training. I can feel the difference and my muscles ache the next day but I know I’m doing something. Still trying to find my niche in the cardio arena. Today, I was able to bike for my 20 minutes and enjoyed that much more than trying to dance or follow a video. And then there’s the pool. Which is a junior olympic and I’m out of breath after one measley lap. I’ll get there though.

On a whim, I tried on “the dress” and was able to actually get a bit more over my hips. Slow going, but we’ll get there.

Anyone else on the journey to lose and get in shape?

April Randoms

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Abbie

Get ready for a photo dump…but it’s full of all kinds of cuteness.

Zoe testing out the creek in our neighborhood. We went the next week with friends and had a blast.

Mark was trying to get some yardwork done (with kids in tow) before a downpour. He didn’t make it. Neither did the kids. Thankfully, they had the shed to seek shelter in.

This is how best friends hang out. Love seeing Ceili Rain and Megan (on the right) finally playing together (they spent most of their babyhood crying whenever they were beside each other).

Big kids at testing. Little kids got to hang out with mama. I tried to plan something fun each of the three days. We hit a local park and discovered they had installed a playground section for all kids. My kids loved it!

This is what happens when a baby comes to visit. Our neighbor, A, asked us to watch her 3 year old and “wittle” baby. Of course, my kids did not have a problem watching a baby.

Rite of passage. Ace is now one of our grass cutters.

We went to a home school conference in May and the week before, I realized somebody needed to learn to sit still. Let blanket training commence.

Zoe is my designated Lilla Rose partner. She enjoys going to shows with me and she gets better every time with talking to customers and showing some Lilla Rose Love when needed. But on the way to shows, we must play with the phone. I think this picture shows the real me.

Our conversation about the glasses goes like this.
Me: Bryant your glasses are on upside down buddy.
Bryant: But dey hurt my nose the other way. See? Dey don’t hurt anymore.

It all started…

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Abbie

It all started with a plea from me to Mark to take a cruise. We have had a very busy, stressful spring and summer and I really wanted a chance to just get away with my love and relax and, well, just breathe deeply.

He agreed and we started looking.

And then I realized, a cruise means a formal night.

I like getting fancied up, but I believe the last time I truly did that was thirteen years ago. When I got married. Yeah.

Needless to say, I can’t quite fit in to my wedding gown anymore (hips + seven children…got it?). And I don’t think that is the formal they were talking about.

I have a beautiful formal dress but, again, it was from a time ago and I don’t have enough time to get back in to it.

The search was on. The dress was found. And I ordered it. I’m not quite at pre-pregnancy weight (for this last baby…the others added on their own weight too, don’t worry) so, obviously, it doesn’t fit. I knew this when I purchased it but because our cruise is not for a few months, I know I have some time to go to make it fit.

And now it’s on. The idea that brought the dress that is now bringing the weight loss.

I started, unofficially, last week. Which means, for four days I did T-tapp with Organs in Place and Half Frogs. I did not really change my eating habits because I knew that was coming this week.

So, my unofficial start brought 4 1/2 inches off my waist and down a pound.

Today starts 42 Days to Fit. I’ll do three days cardio, two days strength, and then two days T-tapp. All of that while following along with the suggestions in the book.

I’m looking forward to getting healthier. Not just because I want to fit in to a dress, but because I know that being healthy will help me to be a better mom and wife.

My first goal is the formal evening gown I purchased. After that…we’ll see.

I’ll try and post my progress each Monday. So, stay tuned. I’ll post before and after pictures after the 42 days are up.

Project Fair 2013

Posted on June 29, 2013 by Abbie

Our local home school care group puts on a big project and performance fair every year. The first year the kids just did a performance (handbells). Last year, I made them do a performance and a project (they quoted poems they had memorized and then did the project). This year, I gave them a choice.

Liam chose dinosaurs. We had a shoe box that had plaster of paris from another project. He painted it and created his own diorama (or dinorama…haha) using some plastic figures we had. I had high hopes of helping him sculpt them out of clay and then realized that I’m not that artsy and the best I can do with clay is a snowman. Plus, this was his project not mine. I was the printer and that was about it. He even chose to wear his monster shirt because it looked like a dinosaur. Then we picked out different dinosaurs and he colored pictures. Of course, my ever social boy loved telling others all about his project.

For over a year now, Ace has said he wants to be a geologist. Except now. Now he wants to be a comedian. I digress. So, he chose to do a project on rocks, gems, and minerals. He brought out his display. Researched what he had and wrote up a bit on each. He chose to type up the info and print it out (all on his own) and we found several cool kid sites that showed how rocks were created and such. Pretty neat stuff.

Zoe decided to quote a poem by Ellen Watkins Harper called “Learnin’ to Read” This was a great poem by an abolitionist. Zoe had to memorize it as part of her language lessons this year. I love First Language Lessons of the Well Trained Mind. She did an amazing job as always. That kid would be able to memorize the dictionary if given enough time!

Just a Bunch of Characters

Musings of everyday life in a house full of Characters.

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