Home Decor in My Woods

Hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Easter! You know, for those of us who base all our hopes & faith on the resurrection of Christ, Easter actually means so much more to us than Christmas, yet we celebrate it much more quietly. In my house, we certainly decorate less than we do during the Christmas season - but my Hudman did it up right this year!

Using some decorations that we already had, mixing them with some "new" yard sale finds - he made quite the little scene for our family - and it was BEAUTIFUL! Such simple things, when paired can become the focus of the whole room.
In this, he has used some of my prized glassware, silk flower stems & a great topiary he made last year, added some simple candle sticks (some topped with plastic eggs) and one even made a bit more elegant with a bow tie napkin ring! My sister Ick gave us some wonderful old plates...and just look how that adds to the whole "look" of Easter! BRILLIANT job Hudman!

Even on my quilt rack that displays my favorite pictures of my precious boys, Hudman added dainty "Forget-Me-Not" silk flowers to some Flea Market found silver goblets - so pretty!

My Flowering Almond bush was just stunning this year! It's a plant that comes originally from my Hubby's grandmother's yard - love LOVE plants that have history & stories!

As we continue to celebrate SPRING in our woods, why not take a few minutes to enjoy Spring in your woods?! Where ever you live, I'm sure there are beautiful things just waiting to be seen; things that normally you pass by daily and take for granted. We all need those little moments in our lives to appreciate the beauty of nature OR the beauty in our own little seemingly unnoticeable items in our homes.
(Thanks to Pintrest for some of our home decor items.)

...now go out and make it a great day!

Hard times in the Woods

It's now February 3rd and I am staying strong as far as no sodas or Sonic. Now I will have to say I have cooked speghetti (which was AMAZING when you are as hungry as I was!!) and had store bought/cooked pizza - Ahhh heaven in a bite!! - but other than that, I'm staying on a clear path to better health and I'm o.k.

Next week, I will celebrate 45 years on this Earth and let me tell ya, when I think back about what all I have put in my mouth and whether or not it was actually "good" for me - I'm amazed that I've gone this long without major health problems. God is good - that's all I have to say about that. I have seen fit to claim God' mercy for my health - something that my Seester Ick can't say fully... or my Sister JoDee. I'm the baby (of 3 girls) and the biggest of them all! Ick has had diabetes since she was 17, she has Crohns Disease and a few other issues like allergies, but honestly - she is such a strong person; I have ALWAYS said God knew which one of us to give the health issues to, because up until this point in my life - I don't know that I could have put up with all she has had to and change my eating habits. I was willing to. JoDee, the eldest of us all, has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and although it has gotten her down at times, she is determined to not let it rule her life and I applaud her for that. She is an active woman - a real life Chef (WOO HOO!!!) and tries to stay within her limitations of stress & overexertion.

Growing up with a diabetic in the family was a little tough, but nothing like I'm sure it was for Ick. My Hubby was declared a Type 1 diabetic 2 years ago, but has managed to not have to have meds because he was so focused on his weight loss and the diet plan the Dietician gave him (he lost over 60 lbs!!!) He has let just a few grains of sugar pass his lips in those 2 years and watched his carb intake well. I pray he can continue this journey and continue to enjoy the health he now has.

Many others are with me in my adventure to be healthier and to be wiser about what we put in our bodies. It's hard and a constant struggle for some - but with a group of people with the same common goal in mind, it sure is easier. I still am not able to exercise like I'd like to, but I'm doing what I can and hopefully it will contribute to the well being and overall weigh loss for me. I may not win any "Biggest Loser" competitions, but I will be one of the biggest winners by losing weight, being more healthy and ultimately - learning how to replace my desires with spiritual things such as prayer, Bible study and just more time with my Heavenly Father - who created us all!

If you're struggling with diet - may I suggest PINTREST! It's been a wonderful thing for me and a wonderful resource for new recipes. If you're not on Pintrest - request an invite, but beware!! It is TOTALLY ADDICTING!!! May God bless us all and may God shine his favor down in my neck of the woods!

Changing the Scenery of My Woods!

Well, it's been 24 days since I have graced the drive thru of my favorite fast food place, Sonic and let me tell ya, although at times - I could taste the juicy goodness of my mayo slathered cheeseburger - I have PREVAILED and not stepped even as much as a little toe in that lot! My car is even doing very well not wanting to turn left into that driveway!

24 days, also of NO SODAS! There have been 2 definite times that I could have slapped someone silly for a sip of a good, cold Dr. Pepper - but I have overcome those cravings. Me and my bottle of water (flavorings added at times) are doing quite well these days, I must say.

WHY, you ask, do without sodas and Sonic? Did they do something to harm me? My first thought is "no" BUT YES THEY DID! They have contributed to my rather soft middle of a muffin top, my way too 'fluffy' appearance. What did I replace the craving with - PRAYER! Plain and simple!

Prayer is the answer that EVERYONE is needing. From the simple things of life, to the big global problems our world seems ever increasingly facing! Got a "giant" in your way - face it with PRAYER!

...oh and all this has allowed me to drop about 7 lbs so far. Not a whopping amount, but ya gotta start somewhere! :)

New Year - New Thoughts

Happy 2012 Everyone! Being inspired by the desire to be a little smaller come June (my son's wedding) and the hope of being a better me, I have started my own 40 days of Purpose. As of January 1st, I have stopped consuming all sodas and stopped going to my FAVORITE drive-in, Sonic. :(
You may ask why...and why call it my 40 days of purpose and I'll be more than happy to share parts of it with you on this blog for the next few months. Remember, my blog is therapeutic to me at times and hopefully entertaining to the masses! LOL!!!

My 40 days that began Jan. 1, will subsequently end on February 9, the day BEFORE my birthday...so that's reason #1. It's a "do-able" time frame, AND (most importantly) it's a time for me to replace those things with prayer. Prayer for my son and his future, for his job search...for his marriage. Prayer for my younger son, for protection and guidance. Prayer for myself, to be closer to God & to always seeks God's will in my life. What BETTER thing to do than to replace sustenance that I can live without with a spiritual thing I can't - prayer!!

What would you purpose in your heart to give up so that God could fill you with something you need??? Are you willing to take a 40 day challenge?? No time like the present to start!