Breaking Free

Tonight at church our Bible study group started Beth Moore's Breaking Free which "leads you through a study of the Scriptures to discover the transforming power of freedom in Jesus Christ." In the first session, she talked about freedom from strongholds. It couldn't have come at a better time... exactly what I need right now.

Happy Wednesday!
Jeanna

The Big Reveal

Our adoption profile and facebook page just went live.


.... and I'm a nervous wreck. I mean, I've prayed about it for MONTHS and I know it's the right thing to do. But it's still SUPER SCARY to put yourself out there like that. At least with this blog, there's a sort of anonymity - now all our business is out there for the world to see. Which I guess is the point - how do people know if we don't tell them, right? Anyway, this has been pretty difficult so prayers are appreciated. Thanks! Love you all!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

Unless someone like you

cares a whole awful lot,

nothing is going to get better.

It's not.

From The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Weight Loss Wednesday - Week ONE is DONE and Lent

The first week of Summer Slim-down is behind me! I was really worried about weighing-in because, although I started out great, the little prince's birthday festivities were this weekend. That means cupcakes on Friday, cake on Saturday, and even more cake on Sunday for my neice's birthday. After all that birthday cake, I just knew I didn't lose any weight.

Turns out I lost 1.3 lbs!!! Now I realize that I'll have to do better than that to reach my goal of 25 lbs in 12 weeks, but I was happy to have lost anything!

In other news, I'm participating in Lent again this year. Like last year, I've given up Coke. Unlike last year, I've also given up Coke Zero and Diet Coke as well. I'm really hoping to use this time of sacrifice (as silly as it is to consider giving up Coke a "sacrifice") to grow spiritually.

P.S. Pics from the little prince's birthday coming soon!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Summer Slim-down

My "Summer Slim-down" weighloss challenge starts today! I'm so blessed that so many people have joined the group and that we can do it together! So far, at day 1, here's where I am:

• I'm not going to reveal my weight/measurements. At this point, I'm too embarrassed by those numbers. I'm tracking my weight and bmi using wii fit.
• I bought a journal to track my progress. I'm going to write down my daily food intake and exercise, and also weekly weight/measurements.
• As far as exercise, for right now I'm going to be doing a mix of walking, wii fit, and 30 day shred.
• As far as diet, I'm not a diet-y person. I don't like feeling too restricted about what I can eat (meaning that I end up "cheating" and then feeling guilty, etc). So instead I've just made an overall goal to eat healthier - less processed foods and more aware of calories (that means not drinking my calories! something I'm very guilty of!). I think my journal will help with this.

My "BIG" goal is to lose around 65 lbs and make a lifestyle change to be healthier. My 12-week goal is to lose 25 lbs. I hope it's not too unrealistic...

What about you?

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just popping in to wish all the mockingbirds a Happy Valentine's Day. Hope everyone is feeling loved!

(image courtesy of the graphics fairy)

New Goals part 2

Yesterday's post was a hit! I'm taking suggestions for a name for our group. My awesome sis-in-law found this list of team names for ideas. We have 10 days before our "challenge" begins, so I'd like to start the group in the next few days. That way it'll give people plenty of time to join.


*Disclaimer: I know this isn't really a weight loss blog. But it's definitely something I need to do, and I've talked to so many other women (and men) who feel the same way. Also, I'm embarrassed to admit this, but when the little prince was born I didn't do the mother/newborn portraits that so many women do now because I wasn't happy about the way I looked (I actually weighed less than I do now, but I was really puffy and swollen because - even though we didn't know at the time - I was very sick). Anyway, when we adopt this baby - hopefully soon! - I want to be able to do those portraits. That may seem a little silly - and it's not the only reason - but it is a motivator.

weightloss wednesday - new goals!

Yes, I realize today is Thursday. I meant to post this last night, but got some new ideas today.

So I haven't done a Weightloss Wednesday in a while. Mostly because I haven't lost any weight :(
But I'm gonna try again. And this time I'm inviting my friends to do it with me! I think I'll make facebook group or something so we can track our progress.

Here's how it'll work:

We'll begin on Feb. 20. (I chose this day because it'll give me 12 full weeks before my 30th birthday). Sometime on before that day, weigh and take measurements (bonus points if you take before/after photos too). Each person will make her own plan and goal (again you don't have to share if you don't want to).

Right now, my plan is to walk every day plus to Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred (under $10 at Walmart and free on youtube) 6 days a week. I'll also be drinking lots of water and trying to eat healthier (I think I'm allergic to the word "diet." I've never been able to stick with one). And my goal is to lose 25 pounds in those 12 weeks. I know that will be tough to do, but I'm at least going to try.

I'll post more info before we begin!

Lately

Well, I'm not sure if I'm 100% happy with the blog design, but this is how it's gonna stay for a little while (with some minor tweaks of course).

Here's a quick run-down of what's going on in the Mockingbird home:

I've been subbing a lot. And I really like it! The hours are amazing and I just love all the sweet kids! I'm also working on my 3rd Beth Moore Bible study. This time we're doing "James: Mercy rimphs" and so far it's amazing! Oh, and I recently gave blood for the 2nd time. Go me!

Hubby is coaching JV baseball and they'll have their first game this month.
Go Tigers! He also just purchased his dream vehicle - a 1978 Jeep! He's wanted one for a really long time and he finally found one that we could afford ;) He's excited to "fix it up" and I'm excited for him. I love seeing my boys happy!

The little prince just signed up for Little League baseball. This will be his 2nd year. He's doing great in school and has already finished his AWANA handbook AND review at church! He's really into video games lately, something mama isn't as excited about. Also, this month he will turn SIX! Can you believe it? My baby will need 2 hands to show his age!

In baby news, the hubs and I will be attending a pre-adoption conference this month. I'm not quite sure what to expect, but I'm really looking forward to it.

Pardon my Progress

Things are looking a little wonky around here at Mama's blog. Don't worry - it'll be worked out soon.

I'm getting a blog makeover! The old design just wasn't "me" anymore. I hope to debut the completed new design by Feb. 1! Stay tuned!

Back to school

The little prince went back to school today. It sure was nice having my whole family at home together every day during Christmas break. I miss him.

Time for Action

Let me start by stating the obvious:

I am a terrible blogger.

But........... I promise I'm going to do better.....

Because this year I'm determined to have some news to report!

Up until the last few days, we've done a lot of talking about having another baby, but really haven't done anything about it. Well mockingbirds, 2012 is the year we will take action! No real news to report yet, but I am working on an adoption profile and another facebook page. Keep those prayers coming!

Links coming soon.

Hope you all had a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Give.

Blood, that is. Today, I gave blood for the first time. Here are my thoughts :)

1. I was a nervous wreck! I was so scared and I prayed the whole way there for God to give me strength to get through it. And guess what? It really wasn't bad at all! I can't believe I've been such a baby and let my own fears get in the way of helping others in need! So if I can do it, anyone can! No excuses!

2. There is a great need. The Red Cross's blood supply is really low right now. I know that when most people hear that, it affects them for a second and then they quickly move on. It's one of those "anonymous" things that we become numb to. Well folks, if you're reading this - you know a blood recipient. Blood donors saved my life. So please give. It could save someone you know.

Be nice to me, I gave blood today!

Mama Monday - Back to School

Mrs. Raccoon smiled. "Now,"

she told Chester,

"whenever you feel lonely

and need a little loving

from home,

just press your hand

to your cheek and think,

'Mommy loves you.

Mommy loves you.'

And that very kiss will jump

to your face and fill you with

toasty warm thoughts."

-From The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn

This morning the little prince started his 2nd week of kindergarten! He is such a big boy now! He did great every day last week, although this morning there were a few tears (I think lots of us want to cry on Monday mornings though, right?!).

Here's a picture of him on his first day of school.

Precious, huh?

My dear husband (let's call him "DH" from now on, mkay?) also started his 2nd week of school. He's teaching middle school World History and coaching football. He wouldn't let me get a pic of him on his 1st day. Men! Anyway, last Thursday, the football team had a jamboree game (a pre-season game for all you non-sporty folks) and they WON! They'll have their 1st regular season game this Thursday. I'm so proud.

I know both of my boys are going to have a great year!

****Disclaimer: You may have noticed that I didn't blog ALL SUMMER! I do apologize for being MIA but I was busy spending time with my sweet family. Now, I hope to be back to regular scheduled blogging ;)****

He is Risen!

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter! Here's a quick recap of ours:

The little prince had an Easter party and egg hunt at Pre-k


Easter morning


My boys at church. They got so many compliments on their matching outfits (bow ties made by yours truly, of course!).


Ready to find some more eggs!


So blessed!

Kindergarten

I registered the little prince for kindergarten today.

KINDERGARTEN!

I am so not ready for this, although he was very excited. Especially because we ran into several of his friends while we were there. And he thought the playground was "giant".

I guess it's so hard for me because I equate starting school with not being a baby anymore. I mean, I know he's not technically a baby now, but he is my baby. It's gonna be a HUGE transition in our lives. Now where is that pause button ;)

Grow Your Own Easter Basket Grass

Do you hate dislike that tacky, plastic Easter grass as much as I do? Thought so.

A quick search will yield tons of tutorials on how to grow your own real grass for an Easter basket. But I think THIS is one I'm going to use. Cute, right?

If you plan to do it, get started right away because it takes a week to 10 days for the grass to grow.

I'll let you know how it goes. And please let me know your results too, mkay?

Lent and Project H2O

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I don't normally participate in Lent, mostly because I don't think about it. But this year - New Year. New You. - I'm doing it. For the next 40 days, I'm giving up Coke; it will be difficult but so worth it. Which I guess is kind of the point.

Also, as part of the Lenton season, I'm participating in Project H20. I've ordered a kit for 10 people. Basically, we'll pick a day (or maybe 2) and for that entire day, we'll drink nothing but water. Then, we'll send the money we would have spent on drinks that day to Project H20 to help provide clean drinking water to people in need. Pretty neat, huh? Let me know if you want to do it too :)

February Recap

February was a great month. Here's a quick recap:

February was mostly filled with party planning and the little prince's pirate birthday party. Aside from him being under the weather, everything went very well. We got him a membership to the zoo and we can wait to put it to use!

I started Spring Cleaning, but at my pace I won't be finished until April ;)

This time of year also means that it's time for the hubby to start on job applications for next fall.

Lastly, I ordered the little prince a BOOSTER SEAT. Those of you who know me well know that car seat safety is a big deal to me. He's 5 years old AND at the weight limit on his convertible seat. After a ton of research (I'm just a little obsessive), I settled on this one:

He's so excited!

Can't wait to see what March has in store!

Weight Loss Wednesday and Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

I forgot to weigh-in this morning (oops!) so I will do it tomorrow am.

This week I joined myfitnesspal.com, a free online program that helps you track your calories and exercise. Yep, I'm countin' calories... and let me tell you - it's no fun.

My motto for this week has been "calorie counting = my new enemy :("

Hoping to see results soon though! Wish me luck!

-----------------------

Also, this week is Read Across America Week and today is Dr. Seuss's Birthday!

The little prince has been celebrating all week at pre-k.

Monday was wear a hat day

Tuesday was team shirt day (he wore his Braves jersey)

Today (Wednesday) was sunglasses day and they visited the local high school library where they enjoyed a Dr. Seuss book as well as cookies and juice boxes

Thursday is pajamas day - the day the little prince is most excited about. we even bought new pjs for the occasion :)

Friday is crazy sock day

We love Dr. Seuss around here so this week has been fun!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
- from Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday!