Gym Fitness

I'll post more soon but for now I'm finding most of the days in the gym.  Not losing a single pound but trying to tone up.

This kind lady was in the bathroom and offered to take my picture.  Kinda digging her outfit.  A little bit of this pattern, a little

Bit of that.  But she may have convinced me to start buying some protein shakes.  She brightened my day by acting surprised that this was supposed to be my before picture and not after.  She touched my heart.  I need more people like that in my life.

My mini me.  I love him!!

That's it for today.  Enjoying our summer break!!  

Making the best of small spaces

So I recently moved into a much smaller place which meant I had to downsize.  

What it also meant was I had to be creative with storage solutions.  One idea was in the bedroom.  When it came to the closet in the master bedroom it only had one small door leading into the closet.  

And as you can see above, a very small space for hanging clothes.  Thank Goodness I already had this over the door hanger where I could place coats and other sweaters.

But I also knew I needed even more room. So I went to Walmart and picked up this closet organizer.  It was only about $50 but made a huge difference.

Now I have room for all my clothes, shoes, scarves and hats.  Because it has 3 rather large bins that pull out for storage.  Great option on a budget!!

 I'll post more pics of other rooms as I get them finished. 

Here's a sneak pic of the kids room.  Still had a few things to finish in this room.  

I'll keep you posted!!

Check back again!

James Award Presentation

Of course the ending of the school year means awards and celebrations.  

This little guy never lacks for receiving an award usually based on athletic performance in PE or such.  

His award was titled Mr Sports.  His teacher was Mrs Collins and she was so good with James. James could always push himself further: he really has got to want that for himself too.  He'll get there!

For now, he is on to 5th grade and we are celebrating!

And here's a quick pic of Sue wearing her dress for the 8th grade dance.  She didn't end up wearing this dress but she picked it out, we bought it and it is cute nonetheless.

And Sue is moving on to 9th grade.  All is well!  😊

Jacob's Day!

Yesterday we went to Jacob's birthday party.  He turned 8.  Can not even believe that.  He was a highly energetic boy yesterday so I wasn't able to get a picture of the birthday boy alone but here are some cute pics from the day.  

Above - picture of Ethan about to swing at the piñata.

Jacob about to take a swing.

And the piñata broke.  There are my kids scrambling for candy.

Susan and Colette

Jacob about to blow out candles on the birthday cake. 

Finally, a group picture of all the kiddos.  What a fun time!

Happy Birthday Jake!  🎉

Quick healthy snacks

I'm on a health kick lately to really eat healthier and smaller portions.  Typically staying around 1200 calories a day.  

Here are some snacks I am loving.

This recipe works best with plum tomatoes.  Cut plum tomato in half, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and place in oven.  Broil for 5 minutes.

Kalamata Olives

Cucumbers in Apple Cider vinegar.

All of these are great to snack on and you don't feel bad afterwards.  

A typical meal plan is: now this is just for me, others can mix it up.

Breakfast: Cheesestick (part Skim low moisture)

Half of avocado

Lunch: 10 Kalamata olives

Small baked potato with pico and light sour cream

Chicken breast

Dinner: cup of steamed broccoli

1 Tilapia fillet

Cucumbers with apple cider vinegar

Weight watchers toffee ice cream bar

At the end of the day you don't feel hungry and you've mixed up you're palette of foods.

You could always have the olives and cucumbers as a snack throughout the day if you don't want it served with dinner.

And Oulah, you have a great meal plan!

TGIF!!

Ready for a fantastic weekend with my 2 beautiful children!  Love them so much!  😍😍

First up - Movie in the Park

Just Praise Him!

On the days I don't know what to do...I praise him!

I recently went through a divorce, was married for 20 years.  Never would have thought my husband would ever file.  It turned out to be one of the best things that happened in my life.  It opened my eyes to things I never knew about people in my immediate circle.  

God brought me through that time.  It's still ongoing hurt and trying to learn how to cope but God will give you the strength to persevere through any storm he sends your way.  

The little blessings that get me through the day...

Texts from my son!  He is such a sweetheart!  Puts an instant smile on my face.

Going to the gym!  If you're feeling good physically, you'll be emotionally and mentally healthy too.

Spending time with these two!  Always laughter.  Laughter is the best medicine!

And shopping!  I love this one piece romper.  And also attending church!  Which is where this picture was taken.

I'm not the strongest I can be everyday because I'm human.  Some days my kids see me cry but I know I'll get through it with God's help.  I'm not the only one in this life trying to push a boulder up a hill.

I recently got a notice back from the doctor that could be pretty serious but I'm praying and believing for complete healing.  Again, praying for complete healing!

I pray that anything someone else may be going through out there that they find the strength to keep going and believing God is in control!

Some encouragement!