I can't believe it's almost been a year!

Life is crazy....seemed like just yesterday I was in the habit of blogging. Guess not, huh? Been wayyyyyy too busy. The older my kids get the busier they become. I've become "mother taxi". I've also gone back to school--which is something I've talked about doing for years.

Well ~ hopefully my hiatus is over!

I thought I'd give an update of my life over the last year and where I am now:
1) supremely happy in my marriage;
2) amazingly proud of my four children;
3) profoundly thrilled to be called a child of God;
4) cautiously aware of my limitations in every aspect of my life;
5) vaguely conscious of storms heading my way (I'll explain later);
6) completely surrendered to what God has in store for me.

To explain further:
1) My husband, Robert, is truly an amazing person. He has weathered some pretty incredible storms throughout his life and he's fought his way through them. It has been a year since he settled his doubt about his salvation. Since that day, he has developed a desire to know God's Will and execute it.
2) My four children are absolutely incredible. My two oldest are at church camp this week having a blast, I'm sure. My daughter just returned from camp yesterday and is still trying to recuperate! My youngest is on a skating field trip today with his pre-school.
3) God is ever-present in my life. I do my best daily to reflect Him in all I do. He is first and foremost and I find myself having to "die to self" constantly. Regardless, He is an awesome God and Friend.
4) My need for more than 24 hours a day has increased. There's just so much to be done! Now that I'm back in school, I have to devote much time to reading and studying (which I don't have).
5) The storms that I am referring to are yet another court battle with my ex-husband. He's a sad, bitter man who, from all I can tell, doesn't know the Lord.
6) I feel that I'm at a crossroad in my life. I am completely unchallenged and BORED at my career and feel I am being called elsewhere......where--I don't know. Either way, I have to surrender to God and ask for His guidance on where I need to be.

The fam:

I must sign off for now-----back to work!
fondly,
fit

Power of the Mind...

Good grief! Where did my willpower go?

I LOVE SWEETS----simply said. Could it be genetic I wonder? Give me a hot chocolate chip cookie with a BIG OLE glass of milk and I'm in heaven........[my mouth is watering]

The latest fetish of mine is dark chocolate covered almonds. Yum. I found some at the store the other day and quickly grabbed them and put in my basket. I figure--almonds are good for you and dark chocolate is good for you.....how can I go wrong?!? Well, I could eat the whole can in one sitting...that's what I could do!

I'm doing well with my exercise. I started doing "2's" on the treadmill...two minutes running following by 2 minutes walking, etc. I'm also focusing on strengthening my quads as that will help with my knee problems.

Well--better get back to work.
fondly,
fit

Determination!!

I've decided it's time to get serious. Serious about my diet, that is.

Initially, I lost about 60 pounds (7 years ago), but it's been slowing making its comeback. In reality, I need to lose about 15 pounds to be where I feel good, look good; optimum performance. I think if I get back to exercising like I was, it should be attainable. But, therein lies the problem. Getting back into the groove of exercising seems to be difficult for me! Either way.....it's gonna happen!

My goal is to lose 15 pounds. How I'm going to do it? Establish accountability and get busy.

Wish me luck!
fondly,
fit

MFFL

Dirk is the MAN!

Long time; no type

Seems like I've been gone forever.....okay, maybe not forever---but definitely a while. I've been a tad busy with my new job (promotion). I really like it, so far....[knock on wood].

I have to say, though, that I REALLY miss the guys I worked with before I moved up the ladder. They (except for one!) made my day fun. Even when things were extremely stressful, I could always laugh it off with them...or better yet--laugh AT one of them. Fortunately, this position is within the same business unit, so I can "watch out" for them (I report to the BIG boss now).

I've decided that I miss blogging.

I'm going to do better.

I'll start Monday.
fondly,
fitafter4

Something's in the air.......

Something that's making me feel awful! I'm not sure if it's Mountain Cedar or some other tree or grass; but it's taking its toll on me.

I wanna go home and get in bed!

Fit

Storms make trees take deeper roots.
- Dolly Parton

I found the above quote and really liked it. Feels like it describes the continuation of my life! Kinda goes along with, "What doesn't kill ya makes you stronger..." which I've heard countless number of times. If that's the case, then I'm the female Hercules! Just kidding...Honestly, I am very blessed. God doesn't promise His children a life void of problems, just the support and love to make it through them. {I like that quote much better, thank you.}

Well, today is our official 5 year anniversary. Whew! There were a few times I didn't think we'd make it to this point, but I'm glad we did. I referred in my post yesterday about how difficult our journey has been up until now, so I don't want to repeat myself other than to say that I give God the credit for bringing us together and keeping us together. I have learned so much in this marriage; much more than I learned in the 1st! Maybe it's maturity; maybe it's personalities; maybe it's timing---I don't know. All I can say is, I have discovered that I am a very difficult person to live with! [just being honest] Fortunately, my husband has learned how to get through all my issues and help me learn how to be realistic with myself.

New subject. . . . . .

*****

I found this picture this morning and thought it was funny.

Have a wonderful day, world!
Be blessed and give blessings.
Fondly,
Fit

Got a major headache today! I attempted to go without my caffeinated coffee this morning and BAM! ...headache central. What was I thinking?!?!? How pathetic am I that I have to have caffeine to jump-start my day?

It probably doesn't help that I've been dealing with condescending jerks today either. I normally have patience for "that type of person" but NOT today.

I can't wait until tomorrow! It's our 5th anniversary and I'm taking a vacation day on Friday so we can go to our special anniversary spot. No kids, No stress, No work....BLISS. I will miss the kids, especially Nicholas, but parents have to take care of their marriage, right?

The last five years have been extremely difficult but extremely fulfilling at the same time. My husband and I have handled unbelieveable stress, including custody battles (FOUR), loss of employment (for 3 years!), foreclosure, health issues, etc. There is NO DOUBT in my mind whatsoever, that most marriages could not endure the trials and hardships we have been through. I can't say I haven't thought about just "walking away" when things seemed unbearable, but I knew that God was ultimately in control of our lives and our situation. I cling to the promise that "all things work together for good..."

Actually I try to remember that every day.......
Fondly,
Fit

Countdown to Lobsterville

Welcome to Lobsterville!

It's our 5th anniversary next Thursday (Feb 1st) and our tradition is to "get away" (NO kids!) and relax. We have found a quaint little cabin in the woods in Oklahoma with absolutely no one around---and it's WONDERFUL! The cabin is fully equipped, including large t.v. and DVD player and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, a hottub on the back porch. We usually sit in the hottub just about the whole weekend and drink wine. The best time is at night with all the stars shining above--that's our favorite. When not in the hottub, we take a bunch of DVD's and chill out on the couch.

However, one of the biggest highlights of the weekend is our traditional lobster dinner we prepare. We bring live lobsters with us (we usually name them--haha) and on Saturday night, we boil them up and enjoy!! I would venture to say this is one of our biggest highlights of the year. All I can say is...bring it on, I'm ready!

"The moment of victory is much too short to live for that and nothing else."
-Martina Navratilova

Well....I've got my class tonight at the gym. 60 minutes of intense cardio-fitness. Ugh.

It's hard while I'm going through it, but I feel great afterwards!! This class, called "Team Weight Loss", meets three (3) times a week and includes a Nutritionist (aka Summer) and a Personal Trainer (aka Rob). There are about 6 consistent people in my class, one of which is my "buddy", Gretchen. She's seems to be really nice, but I'm starting to see a chip on her shoulder. The first few classes,I thought her negativity was most likely attributed to the difficult regime we were being put through; however, it has certainly intensified and I don't think it's far from her normal state-of-mind. Here's why I say that: One of our other classmates is "cute", "blond", and "thin" [not to mention airheaded]. Our Trainer, Rob, tends to show her alot of attention, much to my buddy's dismay, who is NOT "cute", "blond", and "thin". This scenario has caused much discussion on her part, and I seem to be the likely listener, since I am her buddy and work along side her. I try to be a good listener and show her I care...but the fact is---I DON'T. Get over it already. I'm so done with the "I'm-not-cute-so-anyone-who-is-stinks" attitude!

Truth is, I'm there to get in shape and feel good (and hopefully lose some pounds along the way!). I'm not there to win a contest or compete with others while I'm gettin' sweaty!! Puleez!

Well, I've gotta run for now......

Fondly,

Fit

"Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you

are a good person
is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you

because you are a vegetarian."

-Dennis Wholey

[I've decided to try to have a different quote every day.....we'll see how it goes!]

Today has been a really weird day. After arriving to work and do my normal, every day kinda things, I came back to my desk to see a group of my teammates standing around, arms folded, giving me this "what-do-you-know" look. [You see--I'm the "Administrator"--which means I have the inside scoop to many things...] It turns out, my boss was F-I-R-E-D this morning. Yep. Gone. I was asked to pack up his office and send his things. As you can imagine, it came as a real shock to everyone; not because there wasn't just cause, but rather surprise that management FINALLY did something about it!

It's my belief that said-boss is bi-polar. He had extreme temperments and you never really knew which boss you would see at any given time! He had made MANY enemies and I think it finally caught up with him. It's sad to see anyone get canned; but sometimes you have to come to the conclusion that someone brought it upon themselves.

Either way, it's been a strange day!
Fondly,
Fit

Mom Desiring Normal Routine!

Thank goodness school started back today! My kids were going stir-crazy. Whether or not they will admit it or not, they were glad to be back at school. At least--I was. There's only so much television and PS2 that's good for them, ya know [although they would beg to differ].

I'm not sure our new PUPPY likes that he's back to being all alone again. [pic below]

I was able to download a few pictures from Christmas and New Years. Here are some of them:

I will post some more tomorrow.

Fondly,

Fit

Random numbers for the Day!

Random numbers:

2 - Extra kids at my house right now. My friend's kids, Alex, 16, and Emily, 14, decided to stay with us a couple extra days;

5 - days until my children return to school!

19 - people in my family that gathered on New Year's Eve to play games and bring in the new year;

19 - people who were in a family photo shoot. This is the first time we've all been present for a family picture.

200 - dollars spent on our cat, Simba, who had an abcess in his leg when we returned from vacation! Yuk!

0 - pounds lost over the holidays...even though I'm in a contest to lose weight! Weigh in is next Tuesday--doesn't look too good, huh?

2 - days until my in-laws come to visit.

Happy 2007!

Happy 2007!!!

It seems that every year I say, "I can't believe it's 200_!" Well, in order to fulfill the prophecy, here goes..."I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S 2007!" Seriously, this past year literally FLEW by. It's pretty much a blurr; although that's not necessarily a bad thing. 2006 was a very difficult year. In fact, probably the most difficult I can ever remember. Welcoming in the new year is really a blessing. It signifies a "new beginning". I pray that God will bless us this year.

Not to be "clique-ish" but it IS the time of year for resolutions. I'm not real good about keeping my newfound commitments, but even if I can keep them for a little bit, that's good, right?!?!

1) I resolve to work on reading my Bible every day. I'm not going to commit to a certain time, but rather just the act of reading itself.

2) I resolve to be a "half-glass-full" person and look at the blessings of life rather than the trials.

3) I commit to making sure my children know EVERY DAY that they are loved more than words can show.

4) I commit to being a good friend.

5) I pledge to learn to love myself - good and bad.

6) I pledge to be a faithful person in ALL things.

7) I will strive to read more!

I don't want to overdo it, so I'll leave it at the seven above.

I'll go for now....

fondly,

fit

Get in my way and I WILL throw an elbow.... but Merry Christmas anyway!

It's time to brave the crowds and get some Christmas shopping done. Ugh! I'm not a big fan of shopping, mostly because I don't have any money to spend and I want just about everything I see! I DO enjoy buying gifts for people, but it's the shopping part I have an issue with. I simply cannot stand people who think "it's all about them". [Examples: those that take their time walking down the CENTER of the aisle or those that allow their children to run lose throughout the store, etc.] I'm NOT a scrooge, I just don't have patience for inconsiderate people. I have four children, so I feel I can confidently give my opinion----Parent, control your kids or get a babysitter! I have done that plenty of times. In fact, it's quite relaxing to just be able to "stroll" around and shop (never minding those that I've knocked over...).

Anyway, this weekend we are going to try and get most of our shopping done. I've written and re-written the "list" numerous times. Actually, the list isn't as long as most people's (from what I hear), but when you ain't got money....well, you know how it goes!

Hubby and I are not going to exchange gifts (as usual), but that's no big deal. The older kids will be at their dad's over Christmas, so we don't give them their gifts until we pick them up on the 26th at noon. I'm off work the WHOLE WEEK between Christmas and New Year's and I'm very excited. We've got so much traveling to do, that I'm sure the time will whizz by.....

Well, I'd better sign off. So much to do, so little time!

fondly,

fit

Can I go back to sleep?

Ever have one
of these days?!?!?

Random Numbers:

100 - percent sure I'm tired today!

3 - Times I had to go back home to get things I forgot on the way to work.

4 - times I've had to fix my make-up because my eyes won't stop watering!

50 - dollars we are giving each of the kids to buy Christmas presents for family. Last year, we gave the kids money and a list of each person they were buying for and set them loose in Target. It was very interesting seeing them budget their money and their creativity in their choices of gifts! It was FUN for all! They are already looking forward to doing it again this year.

13.5 - ounces of Olay Body Quench lotion my husband bought me to keep at my desk at work. My skin gets SO dry during winter!! ouch.

The heat will kill you...

Funny!!

Random Numbers for the Week

Here are my random numbers for the week (so far!):

41 - Number of minutes I was late to work! Left the house late and had a parking lot on George Bush Freeway.

2 - Weeks until Christmas!

3 - number of gifts bought...

1 - paycheck left until Christmas.

99 - dollars spent on new Christmas tree. HAD to buy one this year. Fortunately, we found a great deal at Lowes for a pre-lit tree.

10 - number of loads of laundry I have to do tonight!

0 - number of my niece/nephews' basketball games I've been to this year. Gonna try to make one very soon.

2 - helpings of dinner I had at our ABF Christmas party last night. The food was catered and was DELICIOUS!

41 - percentage of space used on TIVO; I must catch up on all my shows!

670 - miles to travel at Christmas to see family!

Weirdness galore...

In another blog, I noticed an interesting topic:
List six (6) things about yourself that might be considered weird or unique. This prompted me to contemplate what I would consider those 6 things to be and quite frankly, I don't know! Regardless, here is my attempt:

1) I love sushi; however, I can ONLY eat it in the evenings. Why? I don't know. How do I know this? My husband took me to have sushi for lunch one day and it just didn't taste good. I eve felt a little naseau. Had it the next day at dinner---loved it. In fact, that's happened a couple of times. Weird?

2) I CAN'T STAND to unload the dishwasher----but I can load it all day!

3) I am a "coffee snob". There--I said it. I prefer only high quality, artsy-fartsy coffee. Basically, you'll never see me drinking coffee out of the office coffee pot. Yuck. No can do. Maybe I'm this way because I didn't start drinking coffee until I was 34 years old!

4) I could travel around basically every weekend! I love making little road trips and staying in quaint little hotels. I love finding neat little out-of-the-way places to tell others about.

5) I want to go back to school, but I'm too chicken. I've been considering it for several years, but I'm so out of practice as far as studying and retaining (key word), I'm afraid of failure.

6) I'm scared to death about forgetting people's names in public! For instance, I'm introducing my husband to someone I work with and, BAM!, their name is totally lost! I would almost say I am somewhat compulsive in my fear of it. Not sure where it stems from...

****************

Well, that was my stab at it. Who knows, I might add more as I contemplate longer.
Fondly,
Fit

Whew...it's FINALLY Friday!

It's almost party time!

AND----------

Arrived to a CLEAN HOME last night....pure bliss! I was actually able to just "sit" on the couch and relax with no visions of the list of house chores to be done. I could REALLY get used to that feeling..........

I realized that I forgot to upload pictures from our Thanksgiving "Turkey Bowl". It's our family tradition to have a football game every year. We always have a lot of fun.

The gang!

One of my favs...my son and nephew gettin' some height!

Me and my neice! (I'm the older one)

Here's another picture of my neice (and nephew), all dressed up for her Christmas choir concert.

Seems like they were just toddlers running around the house!

I see pictures like this and I feel OLD! But, completely blessed.....

I have a great family. A family that knows how to love each other and have fun, too. I'm so thankful that my kids have such a great relationship with their cousins. They LOVE spending time with them and look forward to holidays, especially, because we have extended time to get together.

Well, better get to work! I'll post more later!

Fondly, Fit

Is it Friday yet?!?!?!

Why does this week seem to be dragging on and on?

Maybe because I have an AWESOME weekend planned! It starts with TONIGHT... I have the housecleaner coming today--so I will be going home to a CLEAN HOUSE! Yippee! Tomorrow night is somewhat uneventful (see previous statement re: clean house!).

Saturday afternoon, hubby and I check into a really nice hotel and get ready for my work Christmas party (at the hotel). Party starts at 7:30pm and ends at 2:00am! Lots of food, fun, dancing, casino games, etc! Getting all dolled up (I'll post a pic later) and going to party!! Whew hoo! Our favorite babysitter is coming over and have a slumber party with the kids. I think they may be more excited about the evening than me!?!

Check out time is noon on Sunday. Then, that evening is the Christmas party for our ABF (adult Bible fellowship). It will be fun! So..................you can see how much I'm looking forward to the weekend and WHY this work week seems to be dragging on and on! *sighs*

I've gotta get back to work......post more later!

Fondly, Fit

Remember me?

Sorry it's been so long! Not sure where all the time has gone...........

But - as my kids keep reminding me, it's 20 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS! Ugh! I have no clue and no money; not a good combination. Such is my life! In looking for some great gift ideas for the kiddos, I came across some hilarious websites, one of them being www.choiceshirts.com. My oldest son is into funny t-shirts, so this seemed very appropriate. Here are few captions:

There are many more...and they're hilarious! In fact, there are a few I'd like to have!

This day has passed way too quickly! I will have to write more tomorrow.

Fondly,

Fit

10.31.06

Happy Halloween!!

I enjoy this holiday so much.....
I love seeing all the creative ideas that people come up with. In fact, I usually find myself laughing and saying to myself, "I need to do that next year!" If I were smart, I would write all the great ideas down and file them away somewhere. Ya know, I think that's what I'll do. Here are a few ideas:
1) Bubble gum - Pink sweatsuite with balloons stuffed inside with a shoe on top of your head;
2) Grapes - purple balloons taped all over with a green stem hat;
3) Grandma Hooter's Girl - need I say more?
4) Marge Simpson - Put an object on the top of your head and pull your hair up around. Spray paint your hair blue and your face yellow.
5) Energizer Bunny - Pink sweatsuit with drum in front that says "Energizer";
That's all I can think of for now. I'll post more later.

I haven't been able to post the last couple weeks---been really busy. Busy with work; busy at home; busy with kids; busy with church; etc...

Tomorrow I'll post pictures from our eventful Halloween night!
Fondly,
Fit

Let's pretend it's yesterday - 10.16.06

Since I missed my posting yesterday, I am going to pretend I didn't and it's actually Monday, October 16th. That's permissable, right?
***********************************************************************************

Happy Birthday to me!!!! Okay, so it's not MY birthday, but I DID give birth on this very day 14 years ago! I can't believe it...seems like it was just yesterday! [I know that sounds very clique, but it's true] Here's the birthday boy:
Handsome, huh? He's awesome. It's amazing how much I've seen him grow, physically AND emotionally! I enjoy his company immensely........

Happy Birthday, Baby!!

It's Friday----and Monday's coming....

Doing the happy friday dance! I can't wait until quittin' time. The weather is going to be great and I hope to have some fun family time outdoors; maybe a walk to the park. My oldest has a birthday on Monday, so he will be doing "birthday stuff" this weekend.

On a more serious note, I just heard from my parents that my little brother is in the emergency with heart issues. He was born with several congenitive heart defects and is, actually, a walking miracle. He was born with two (2) major holes in his heart as well as tychardia/disrythmia and something else (I'm not a dr.). I just know that his condition went unknown until right before he went to college. He was told that it was unheard of someone with his multitude of problems to still be alive! He ended up having several heart surgeries, with one of them being open heart. The last year he has been having problems with tychardia (sp?) and has been under Dr.'s care. He was rushed to the ER this morning and that's all I really know. I'm very concerned, but trust the Lord to take care of him. My brother is a minister and has lived to tell his story and witness to others. He's very young to be having severe heart issues (age 30) and has a beautiful wife, three young children and one on the way!

Great buttons!

10.13.06

This is my precious little man.

New Me

vs.

Old me

Which is better???? Duh!

This is my sweetie. He's incredible. God gave me an extra special gift in him. He is incredibly supportive of me. He married me with lots of "baggage" and took on my three older kids as well as an ex with issues.

I have seen him grow leaps and bounds within himself as well as his relationship with God. I find strength in him when I can't find it within myself. I am truly blessed to have found such a wonderful man.

I love you, BooBoo.

Here is my stepson. This is a very interesting situation. We didn't know if his existence until he was almost 4. It's been a very difficult scenario, as his mother doesn't want us to be in the picture. It's my opinion that she only wants the child support. We tried very hard to get to know him, but it was a DAILY struggle. She wouldn't tell him we called; she was completely unresponsive when we would try to come visit (4 hours away); she expected us to drop everything and come see him on HER timeframe; etc.

It's unfortunate that we haven't seen him since Easter. My husband was so tired of the whole deal that he decided he would try again later. Whether or not I agree, it's his son and I have to respect my husband. I can't say that I blame him, though. She has made it extremely challenging to have any type of relationship with him. Bless his heart----HE'S the one that suffers as a result.

Here are my three older children.........Ages 14, 12, and 9. They are truly amazing kids. I can't imagine my life without them.

The oldest is so much fun to be around. It's been really neat watching him grow into a young man! He's has "discovered" girls---------not sure how I feel about that. I knew it would happen some day, but...... He's a real athlete. He's currently playing football and can't wait for basketball season to arrive.

My middle son is the creative type. He's musically inclined (french horn) and loves to put things together. He's extremely compassionate and is a good friend to people. Aside from all that---he's really funny. He can be real quick with the one-liners!

My one and only daughter is a real Princess. She loves "fru-fru" stuff and is a girl through and through! She loves "snuggling" and demands lots of attention (of course, she's a Princess, remember?). She's precious!

My youngest son. What a cutie, huh?

He's such a joy...

FitAfter4 Family

Here we are!!

10.04.06

I'm hoping that by posting today, I can reap some of the declared theraputic benefits you hear about so often regarding blogging.

I find myself in a "funk" today. Not sure why, really... Part of it my be my hubby's unforseen "breadwinner" career. [I still find myself being in the breadwinner position--and I don't like it. He doesn't either. I'm not sure WHY a man with all his education and experience can't find a job making more than $10 to $12 an hour!! He's got a masters degree and a pending MBA...what gives?!?] Part of it may be my weight loss plateau. Part of it might be that I'm missing my older kids who have been at their dad's house. Etc...

I'm just BLAH today. Guess it could be worse, huh? You have to have "blah" days to have a basis of comparison for the "good" days. Sounds good---yeah, I'll go with that.

Tomorrow will be better.................
Fit

10.03.06

Happy October!! Can't believe we are talking about Trick or Treat and it's 97 degrees outside.........

Had a good weekend; volleyball tournament. We did much better than I expected actually. We lost the first match, but played VERY well and only lost by a few points. In fact, I think that the team that beat us may have actually won the tournament. We won our 2nd match (barely) and lost our 3rd (we stunk it up!). Overall, it was fun and I feel I was able to get to know some people that otherwise I wouldn't have met!

I think I may have injured my foot, however. It's sore at the joint of the big toe on my left foot. May need to have it looked at........

My oldest celebrates his birthday this month! I can't believe he's going to be 14. He's a great kid.

Well, I know it's short, but I've gotta run.

Fondly,
Fit