Never a good sign

You know it's going to be a long day when your child comes in the room at 3 am and says "I feel like I'm going to throw up." (Bright side...at least she's a big kid, and hadn't just puked all in her bed, carpet, etc.) Proceed to throw up, she did...again and again. And then it got worse, but I'll spare you the details.

I hated to go to work. My mommy senses were so sad to leave her, but I knew she'd be in good hands with Patrick. He's an excellent and sensitive care-giver. I told him to be a good mama, and went off to work. I called to check on her at 10 am, and she was sleeping. He called me at 11 am and said "guess who's throwing up?" I said "Shannon?" and he said "No. I am." Oh geez.

At this point I considered going home with one of my co-workers for the weekend. When school was over, I ran to Kroger and bought all the good sickie foods...ginger ale, jello, applesauce, bananas, bread (because we were running low), and gatorade. I didn't buy saltines because we already had lots. I bought myself a bag of Doritos, because I know at some point during all of this I am going to want a fun food, lol.

I got home to two pitiful people...fevers over 101 and still sick as dogs. For now (10 pm) the barfing has stopped...but they both are still feverish and feeling yucky.

I am sympathetic and taking good care of them...but please God, oh please don't let me get it!

Another way of looking at it

I was talking to Patrick this morning about "quitting" the Shred challenge, etc.

He said "Babe, instead of feeling bad about "quitting," why not feel GREAT that you've exercised 4-5 times a week for the last 3 weeks? That's fantastic!"

Um. Wow. Yeah, why DON'T I do that? He's so smart.

Not a quitter...but

I love doing The Shred. And I love the results it's bringing. But I have to be honest...it's a bit too intense of a work out for me right now. I know the people on The Biggest Loser show are even less in shape and I am, and work out harder and longer than this DVD...but I'm not them. I still have a family to take care of, and a job to go to, etc...and I don't have massage and physical therapists to take care of me each night. Each time I do the DVD, I physically hurt and feel run down for days afterward.

I am going to work on building my fitness level and stamina by doing my elliptical machine and walking. I think I may even throw in some Shred workouts once or twice a week, because I really do love them.

I am wanting to continue to work out and get healthier...but trying to force myself to Shred EVERY day is actually having the opposite effect!

I hope you all will continue to support me...but I'm sorry to drop out of the 30 Day Challenge.

Friend Makin' Monday

OK, it's 8 minutes into Tuesday, but I was just browsing through my reader, and found this fun carnival at ae filkins. I just felt like I needed to do it!



Outside my window...it is dark and windy. Earlier, we had a teeny flurry of snow.

I am thinking....that I need to be more forgiving to myself. I am not perfect, and I don't expect that of anyone but myself!

I am thankful...that Patrick and I are moving toward accomplishing some of our goals.

I am praying..."The Finger Prayer"...in a nutshell:

• My thumb is closest to my heart – pray for my family.
• My index finger points out things we don’t always see; it instructs me – pray for teachers.
• My middle finger stands taller than the rest – remember to pray for the president and leaders around the world.
• My ring finger is weak and cannot stand alone well – pray for the weak and the sick.
• My pinkie finger is the smallest – remember to pray for myself.

I am reading...Cleaving by Julie Powell (the Julie & Julia girl)

I am creating...a cleaner, simpler, more organized home.

From the kitchen...Nice and tidy. Hubby made dinner tonight!

Around the house...All are quiet and sleeping...except me!

One of my favorite things...Snuggling up with Patrick and my two littlest dogs and going to sleep for the night.

A few plans for the rest of the week...do preschool prep for February (calendars, newsletters, progress reports), appointment with Patrick on Wednesday afternoon, awards breakfast at Shan's school on Friday. Babysitting each afternoon except Wednesday. Blood drive on Friday afternoon.

Spelling Bee Recap

We haven't stopped smiling about it, so I thought I'd tell you about Shannon's cool Spelling Bee day.

We got to the High School, and Shannon got all registered. She drew her number...16...and then was given a trophy for winning at the school level.

Then, it was time for the Bee:

It was a really good Bee...lots of good words. This was Shannon's 3rd year at the county level; up til this year she has placed 8th in the county. As soon as she was guaranteed to be at least 7th, she shot us this huge smile. Well, pretty soon, she was in the top 4. The top 3 go to the district bee, plus there's an alternate…so that was exciting! And just a minute later, she was top 3...then two!

These two girls were a perfect match for each other. They went 16 rounds back and forth before Shannon missed a word (acumen). (I was CERTAIN Shannon knew that word, but she told me afterward that she didn't. She assumed it had the same root as "accurate" and spelled it "accumen." Oh well.) The other girl spelled it correctly, and then spelled her own word (ardency) correctly...so she was the winner! Shannon was SO thrilled to earn 2nd place!

Shannon won a $150 Visa gift card, a trophy, and will get to go to the District Bee in late February!


So proud of this girl!

Getting to Know YOU Sunday

Keely over at MannLand5 does something called Getting to know you on Sundays. So, here are my answers! I'm looking forward to reading everyone's answers!

1. Waffles, pancakes or french toast?
Yes, please! Seriously, I love them all. I grew up with my dad being the family waffle-master...so waffles have a special place in my heart. I am the pancake queen of the family...so I CAN'T leave them out. And then, my home-made french toast is never quite the way I want it...so it's the one I'm most apt to order when we go out for breakfast. So...I'll just answer YES!

2. Dream home..What would it look like?
Mmm...An older, yet well maintained farm house with a large porch. Located in rustic surroundings...pasture land, large trees, barn, workshop, etc. Hardwood floors, beadboard walls, tons of charm and character!

3. Favorite sport to watch during the Winter Olympics?
Oooh, there are so many! I'm an Olympics JUNKIE!!! I love everything from alpine skiing, to pairs figure skating, to ski jumping, to luge, etc. I just love it all!

4. The first word that comes to mind when describing yourself? Dedicated

5. Dresses, pants (jeans, leggings, etc.) or skirts? Definitely pants. I teach two-year-old preschool for a living. Comfort and durability are the most important.

6. What is your favorite time of day? Well, I'm a night owl, but I also love to sleep. This is a problem if I actually have goals to accomplish anything, lol.

7. Beach or Mountains..which do you prefer? I grew up in California, so I do love the beach. But I also love the mountains. I think I prefer the mountains. The crisp air, green trees, brilliant blue skies...ahhhhh. Yes, please.

8.Will you watch the Super Bowl? Oh, probably. I'm one of those people that enjoys the spectacle of it, plus the commercials are a hoot.

Coming up later...The Shred, Day 14.

My kid rocks!

Remember a few weeks ago, when Shannon won her school spelling bee? Well, this morning was our County Bee, and she came in second place!!! We are sooo very proud of her!!! Shannon is a great speller, and has won her school spelling bee every year (except 4th grade, when she was absent with scarlet fever). This was Shannon's third trip to the county bee. Both her 5th and 6th grade year, she placed 8th in the county. She was thrilled to improve her standing...and THEN she found out she won a $150 Visa gift card, a trophy...AND she gets to continue on to the district Bee in February!!! Woot!