Ouch!

Ok, I was brave and tried something new today...spin class...and all I can say is ouch! And not in a good workout kind of way...more like a "I just gave birth and can't sit down" kind of way. The instructor said it would take two weeks for our rear ends to get used to it, but I'm not sure I'll be able to sit or stand tomorrow to find out if I can even try it again Friday. On the other hand, it burns 500 calories in 45 minutes! I really hope I've lost something when I weigh in for the Holiday Trimmings thing on Wednesday.

Yummy!

Ok, tried a new recipe today and loved it! It was originally Karen Johnson's crockpot chicken enchiladas, but I'm lazy and didn't want to roll the chicken in tortillas and then put them in another dish I'd have to wash. So here's what I did instead (with my alterations):
Southwestern Chicken'N'Dumplings
4 frozen chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can of green chiles
8 or 9 small flour tortillas

Put the chicken breasts (yes, frozen) in the crockpot. Top with soups and green chiles. Cook on low all day. Shred the chicken in the crockpot and add the tortillas (cut in half and then into strips) into the mixture (stir). Let cook on low another 30 minutes to an hour. Top with shredded cheese if you want and let it melt before serving.

This was so easy and so good!

Procrastination

I had grand plans of getting things done today...wrapping gifts, hanging up clothes, laundry, dishes, etc...but I didn't. I did get to go to my first Zumba class! It was a blast! And at 500 calories burned for the hour, so worth it! So now the question is, do I rush around and get it done now or sit back and relax and enjoy the rest of the day anyway?

Me

Ok, so I like my logo above (created by my lil brother)...but just fyi, I'm not into the craft business on a regular basis! I did have a booth at the craft show we organized to benefit Faith Mission...which we did, in excess of $3400...but I'm not doing it as a side business...takes too much time, as much as I liked my the way most of my items turned out. However, I like my logo for a couple of reasons. First, the fleur de lis is representative of an iris, and most people that know me, know that irises have a special meaning to my family. We transplanted some irises from my grandmother's yard to my mom's at some point in time (before she moved to an assisted living place would be my guess). Then I got some when I moved into our home we have now. I guess all of my siblings have some now. Mine bloomed both times I found out I was pregnant...my reminder that my Gomie is still watching over us.

And second, the name itself...Gomie used to call me Christabelle...no reason why, she just did. I like the "belle" part of it...sounds Southern, and in a good way...like strong women, strong faith, family oriented, good nurturers. I like those things.

I've been reminded of my grandmother a lot here lately. I went to my parents' house Friday night for Family Movie Night, where the kids and I would all stay the night, which reminded me of the many, many nights I stayed with my grandmother. I was laughing at how much stuff we were taking for one night, when I realized we took very little to her house. We didn't need sleeping bags or pillows...the big, soft, old quilt and the pillows off the couch were just fine with us...or we slept in her tall bed with her and listened to her snore as she propped herself up on a throw people to keep her hair "fixed" for the week...usually watching Golden Girls or some dating show (what was the name of that one?) as we drifted off to sleep. And then, in the morning...breakfast. Eggs, bacon, toast...and coffee. How I loved drinking coffee with her. Even as I grew older, I'd still stop by for a cup and a chat...much like the one my momma and I got to have this morning before anyone else woke up. I crawled up in her big, tall bed and drank my coffee and just talked. Wow, full circle. I miss my Gomie.

Beautiful tees!

Check this site out: www.wildolivetees.com These tshirts are gorgeous and contain beautiful messages from verses in the Bible. I love the Beauty from Ashes one!

Frustration sets in

Ok, why is that the best plans are the surest to disappoint...had this evening all planned, and all went well til dinner. That family dinner that sounded like such a good idea was one fight after another with the kids. They never settled down after dinner either, so even trying to watch Rudolph for a little family time didn't go so hot. I'm still listening to Ryan crying in bed, which he never does. I just don't get it.

Another frustration is not being able to work out regularly...made worse by me putting on a new pair of workout pants that are a little too form fitting...why do I still look pregnant two years after having my last baby AND after losing 20 pounds?! I'm really thinking surgery is going to have to happen! And sooner than later!

Baby, it's cold outside...

Winter is here...it's cold and yucky outside. All I want to do is light a fire, make a pot of soup (better than the one I made last night), and cuddle up under the blankets.

However, that is not what needs to be done. Instead, we are heading to the Y to sign up for the Holiday Trimmings program...$6 for 6 weeks...can't beat that! I'm looking forward to being able to work out again...and maybe losing those last few pounds.

Besides that, I really need to get started on the Christmas shopping! I have a few gifts, more than I actually realized, to be honest. But I haven't made a dent in the list!