We're BAAAACCCKKK

And I am give out. It was sooooo hard to get up and get ready for work yesterday morning, and it didn't get any easier today. But I do have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my time off. We had a safe and enjoyable trip, and most importantly we all had fun. Each of us got to do at least one thing that we really wanted to do. I guess I need to get to work now(there is nothing quite like the feeling of being a week behind) so I will write about all of our adventures over the next few days.

On the challenge front - I am very proud of myself. I only gained 1/2 pound over the course of our trip. I did not make the best choices (that fried catfish sure was good), but we did get a lot of exercise - I even managed to visit the gym in the hotel. I was very pleased with the results, especially since they could have been a whole lot worse.

And We're Off

Well as you are reading this we are headed off to Tennessee for a little rest and relaxation. Wait we are traveling with two kids - guess the whole R&R thing is out. I am just glad to be off work and out of the house. I have spent the last two days at home doing laundry, cleaning, doing laundry, packing, doing laundry, refereeing the kids, and well did I mention doing laundry - who knew a family of four could dirty so much laundry. But the good thing is when we left the house EVERYTHING was clean. Unfortunately I will have to start all over when we get home.

We really have no set plans for our vacation. I always end up disappointed when I make too many plans. We either don't get to do the things we have planned, or they don't live up to my expectations. That is why I decided we would just play this whole trip by ear, which has been a challenge for me, since I tend to be a planner by nature. It's not that I don't like to be spontaneous, it's just that I like to plan my spontaneous moments...

So say a prayer for us that we have a safe trip, and that all goes as unplanned...

Challenge Update

Well I am smack dab right in the middle of my comfort zone again. Right where I want to be. I have also quit taking the prescription that I think was the culprit of the sudden gain. In fact as soon as I stopped taking it, the pounds started coming off immediately. Now I just hope being on vacation this week doesn't pack on too many pounds. I plan to make good choices, but will not deny myself a few vacation treats. I will let you know the damage next challenge update.

I am enjoying my time off so far. Of course over the weekend we had all of the usual stuff going on, so yesterday was the first day I really got to enjoy my time off. I slept in until 6:15 - go ahead and tell me how lazy I was. I spent most of the morning cleaning house. I really have a hard time enjoying doing nothing when I know there is something I really should get done, so I decided to get that out of the way first. After lunch, the kids and I went to the library - I know I am a nerd. They got some books on CD to listen to in the van, and I got a book to read by the pool. Problem is I started reading it last night, and if I am not careful I will finish it before we ever get near the pool. Today we will be packing and running last minute errands, so maybe I won't get too much reading done.

A Special Night

Last night was a very special night for our family - especially for Brian, as it was his deacon ordination service. Our church and church family mean so much to us, and it is hard to put into words the way they make us feel. There were so many kind words said as our former and current pastors spoke to us and about us. Both of these men have special places in our hearts, as they have both guided us in our spiritual growth over the years. And I felt such a peace come over me as they prayed over us. I know this is not a job to be taken lightly as I have read and meditated over the scriptures Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13 many times in the six months since Brian was set aside for ordination. It will not always be easy, but I truly feel that this is what Brian is called to do, and as long as we always seek and follow God's will in every decision that we make, then things will go according to His plan.

Bro. Robert Williams (former pastor), Bro. Arthur Harrell (deacon), Brian, Bro. Wayne Brown (current pastor), Bro. Bobby Cooper (deacon & Brian's dad)

Thankful Thursday

I missed posting last week but for sure wanted to express my thankfulness today.

• I am very thankful that tonight is the last night of VBS.
• I am thankful for the blessings I have received this week at VBS - even though it is a lot of hard work, there is really no feeling like seeing young children rejoicing in the Lord.
• I am thankful that as of tomorrow at 11 am I will be off work for the next 9 days.
• I am thankful that I am back in my comfort zone with my weight.
• I am thankful for my new Wednesday and Friday babysitter. The kids really love spending time with their "Aunt" Regennia. She is really good with them, going above the call of duty by bathing them and getting them ready for VBS.
• I am thankful that the Lord has blessed me with a wonderful family, a wonderful church, and a wonderful workplace. I am truly blessed in every part of my life.

Laurel is hosting Thankful Thursday today...Go run see her and get in on the Gratitude! :)