Saturday, May 30, 2009
Well, that was fun, except for the part where I was terrified.
Today we went to Fidalgo Island, which is next to Whidbey Island. We had a good time hiking with a big group of sixteen friends, and the day was gorgeous in a very Pacific Northwestern kind of way: huge trees, mountains, the ocean, and fog. The only thing is I realized something about myself. I realized that when it comes to me and heights, I'm fine. No problem. But when it comes to seeing my kids walking on a trail with a 100-foot sheer cliff (I'm so not exaggerating.) on one side, I become absolutely panic stricken. At one point Zach wouldn't get away from the edge of a dropoff which plunged straight down into the ocean, and I had to stop, crouch down (Because lowering my center of gravity would somehow help him, of course.), and just beg him to come away. "Please, Zach. Please, please, please. For me. Get away from there." People were watching me have my little meltdown and I just couldn't help it. I couldn't stop panicking. Mike wanted Patty to take a picture of us together, and I was all wild-eyed, pretending to smile for the camera while actually freaking out wondering where my daughter wandered off to. "Where's Baylee? Where's Baylee?! No..just...take the...Where's Baylee!" Sigh. What can I say. I'm not a true Washingtonian. I'm from a nice, flat state where we have a little thing called guardrails.
Aside from that, though, and the nightmares that I'm sure will follow, it was fun.
Sue
PS: There's tons of kayakers in the pictures, because the water between the islands is called Deception Pass, and it's a great place to do adventurous stuff. The currents shoot you through there really fast.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Our Own Little Miracle
Zach's been at the clinic for one year now, and for the past 3 weeks his teacher has been giving him the same series of tests that she gave him when he started. He's not finished yet, because he hasn't taken the math portion, but as far as all the reading/language related stuff..........
He scored in the average range on every test he took but spelling!!!!!!!!! Granted, it was on the low side of average, but still!!!!!!!!!
I can't even tell you. It's...incredible and wonderful and amazing. I've known for quite a few days now, but today I finally told Zach. I wasn't keeping his achievement from him exactly, but when it comes to his dyslexia we have to tread lightly with him. He still struggles with wanting to be "normal," and he doesn't like to be reminded of his challenges even in a positive way. And he's a moody teen, which just exacerbates the whole thing. Anyway, I mentioned it to him and I could see the relief wash over him.
Thank you, Lord.
Sue
He scored in the average range on every test he took but spelling!!!!!!!!! Granted, it was on the low side of average, but still!!!!!!!!!
I can't even tell you. It's...incredible and wonderful and amazing. I've known for quite a few days now, but today I finally told Zach. I wasn't keeping his achievement from him exactly, but when it comes to his dyslexia we have to tread lightly with him. He still struggles with wanting to be "normal," and he doesn't like to be reminded of his challenges even in a positive way. And he's a moody teen, which just exacerbates the whole thing. Anyway, I mentioned it to him and I could see the relief wash over him.
Thank you, Lord.
Sue
Monday, May 25, 2009
Simple Woman's Daybook
For Today...May 25, 2009
Outside my window...it's dark since it's 10:40 at night, but during the day today it was beautiful. The weather has been calling me to be out in it, enjoying it.I am thinking...about how we had a great, relaxing weekend. Mike got in a couple long bike rides, we went hiking in the mountains, we went to church, we hung out at home. It was perfect.
From the learning rooms...Zach's about two weeks from being done with school for the year, and Drew and Baylee...well...they have awhile. I think they're going to be doing a little every morning through the summer. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, as it'll keep them sharp. Standardized testing is coming up, too, in a couple weeks.
I am thankful for...spring!
From the kitchen...Mike made banana bread today. It made the whole house smell delicious.
I am wearing...jeans and a green and brown...what do you call it? Babydoll shirt? That sounds like something I'd never wear, but what can I say. That's what it's called.
I am reading...a cozy mystery called Goodbye Ms. Chips, and I just finished an autobiography called Raw Family. It's about a family that only eats vegan, raw food. It was interesting, but you couldn't pay me a million bucks to do that.
I am hoping...to get a bike helmet, pump up my tires, and start riding my own bike. I was given a bike a long, long time ago by a friend who got a newer one, but I've never ridden it. Seeing Mike so into riding has inspired me, though! Plus there's something about living here. This whole area is filled with crazy, active health nuts. People are out moving all the time, everywhere: walking, running, biking, hiking, whatever. It rubs off on you after awhile.
I am creating...today I was thinking that I've got to start planning the little class I'm going to teach during VBS this year. I'm doing a session on acting with a group of kids and I need to figure that all out.
Around the house...it's a little messy after a long weekend, but we'll get back into the regular swing of things tomorrow.
One of my favorite things...is a ripe peach.
A few plans for the rest of the week...clinic tomorrow, Zach has youth group on Wednesday, Bible study on Thursday, swimming on Saturday, and a hike on Whidbey Island with a couple other families on Saturday.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
The cat's dislike of Baylee goes way back.
To read the Daybooks of others join Peggy at her website here.
Sue
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend, '09
We're not planning on doing much this weekend, but we did take a day trip up into the Cascade Mountains for some hiking. It was gorgeous! I'll never get used to the beauty of this state.
Sue
Sue
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Question
I was asked this question recently:
"Hi. Noticed the change in your 'ticker'. How do you make the points system work for you? Is there a chart that helps you keep track? Still thinking about doing WW."
Good question! The points system sounds a lot more complicated then it really is, and I think it scares people off sometimes. Actually, it's easy once you get the hang of it, and in my experience it takes about a week to get the hang of it. You go into a meeting and you're given a little booklet that explains the program: The types of foods you should be trying to eat, what your personal weight loss range might look like, this and that healthy lifestyle info, and a little thingie telling how many points a day you should be eating based on your height, weight, gender, age, and activity level. You're also given a sliding scale thing-a-ma-jig (Yes, that's its scientific name.) which calculates for you how many points are in a serving of food.
So, say you join and you find out that you get to eat 27 points a day. The hard part is that first week when you have no idea how many points anything is worth. You go to have breakfast and you have to look at the nutrition info on the side of the cereal box, then use your sliding scale (Which you're literally taught how to work in your first meeting. Piece of cake.) to find out that the cereal is 3 points, then you look at the nutrition info on the milk carton and find out that milk will be another point. Also, you want a piece of fruit. The booklet they gave you tells you a piece of fruit is a point. So that's a 5 point breakfast, and you've got 22 points left to spend that day. Like I said, once you've done it for a few days it becomes second nature. You start knowing the points of things from memory, and even if you don't it's really quick to figure them out.
They way I work a day is I plan it around supper. I decide in the morning what I'll be making that night and how many points it'll take up. Then I know I have whatever is left to split between breakfast, lunch, and a snack or two.
Another little trick I figured out is that you really need to budget your points throughout a day and not blow your whole wad in one or two sittings. The best thing for me is to eat something, not necessarily a meal but maybe a snack like a cheese stick or a piece of fruit, every 3 to 3 1/2 hours. It keeps me from crashing.
Oh, one more piece of advice. I HATE trying to figure out how many points are in a complicated recipe. I can do it, but it's more calculating than I'm usually in the mood for. What I do to get around that is I've been using recipes where the points are already calculated for me, and I'm finding them at a website called Halfmysize.com. There's a lot of great recipes over there!
I hope that answers the question. I really like Weight Watchers, because, when it comes down to it, it's the only thing that's ever worked for me. Yeah, it gets old sometimes to be so mindful of what I'm eating...to measure Doritoes to make sure I'm only eating an ounce, to keep a running tally of points every day, to make sure I'm drinking enough water, etc. But I can't argue with success, and I've had success here.
Also, I know people really like the online WW, but I have say that if you're in an area with a good leader, it can be a huge motivator to go to meetings. Again, though, the leader can make or break that. I love my leader. She's a great speaker and lives a really inspiring lifestyle. I love hearing what she has to say every week and just being a part of a group of people with the same goals. It's also really, really helpful to have the accountability of stepping on that "official" scale.
I think that's it. Man, I said a lot. It's like, wow, somebody is asking me questions about WW! Woo hoo! Let me vomit words all over and give everyone more information than they ever wanted! LOL
Sue
"Hi. Noticed the change in your 'ticker'. How do you make the points system work for you? Is there a chart that helps you keep track? Still thinking about doing WW."
Good question! The points system sounds a lot more complicated then it really is, and I think it scares people off sometimes. Actually, it's easy once you get the hang of it, and in my experience it takes about a week to get the hang of it. You go into a meeting and you're given a little booklet that explains the program: The types of foods you should be trying to eat, what your personal weight loss range might look like, this and that healthy lifestyle info, and a little thingie telling how many points a day you should be eating based on your height, weight, gender, age, and activity level. You're also given a sliding scale thing-a-ma-jig (Yes, that's its scientific name.) which calculates for you how many points are in a serving of food.
So, say you join and you find out that you get to eat 27 points a day. The hard part is that first week when you have no idea how many points anything is worth. You go to have breakfast and you have to look at the nutrition info on the side of the cereal box, then use your sliding scale (Which you're literally taught how to work in your first meeting. Piece of cake.) to find out that the cereal is 3 points, then you look at the nutrition info on the milk carton and find out that milk will be another point. Also, you want a piece of fruit. The booklet they gave you tells you a piece of fruit is a point. So that's a 5 point breakfast, and you've got 22 points left to spend that day. Like I said, once you've done it for a few days it becomes second nature. You start knowing the points of things from memory, and even if you don't it's really quick to figure them out.
They way I work a day is I plan it around supper. I decide in the morning what I'll be making that night and how many points it'll take up. Then I know I have whatever is left to split between breakfast, lunch, and a snack or two.
Another little trick I figured out is that you really need to budget your points throughout a day and not blow your whole wad in one or two sittings. The best thing for me is to eat something, not necessarily a meal but maybe a snack like a cheese stick or a piece of fruit, every 3 to 3 1/2 hours. It keeps me from crashing.
Oh, one more piece of advice. I HATE trying to figure out how many points are in a complicated recipe. I can do it, but it's more calculating than I'm usually in the mood for. What I do to get around that is I've been using recipes where the points are already calculated for me, and I'm finding them at a website called Halfmysize.com. There's a lot of great recipes over there!
I hope that answers the question. I really like Weight Watchers, because, when it comes down to it, it's the only thing that's ever worked for me. Yeah, it gets old sometimes to be so mindful of what I'm eating...to measure Doritoes to make sure I'm only eating an ounce, to keep a running tally of points every day, to make sure I'm drinking enough water, etc. But I can't argue with success, and I've had success here.
Also, I know people really like the online WW, but I have say that if you're in an area with a good leader, it can be a huge motivator to go to meetings. Again, though, the leader can make or break that. I love my leader. She's a great speaker and lives a really inspiring lifestyle. I love hearing what she has to say every week and just being a part of a group of people with the same goals. It's also really, really helpful to have the accountability of stepping on that "official" scale.
I think that's it. Man, I said a lot. It's like, wow, somebody is asking me questions about WW! Woo hoo! Let me vomit words all over and give everyone more information than they ever wanted! LOL
Sue
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Nothing Major, But...
I've been thinking for awhile now that maybe I want to lose more than 40 pounds. It's hard, when you're 40 pounds heavier, to judge what your final goal is going to be. You can't really know. Anyway, I'm almost there and I'm feeling great, but I decided to tack another 10 pounds onto that goal, making it 50. The only reason I'm even mentioning it is I'll be changing my ticker in just a minute and it might be noticed. And don't worry, I'll still be well within my healthy weight range.
Sue
Sue
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Goodbye Sparkies
Baylee finally graduated and she's not an Awana Sparky anymore. I'm kinda sad. She learned so much. She learned all the books of the Bible, a ka-trillion Bible verses, two long passages (including the 23rd Psalm), and she did several projects. What a great program for kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade! Last night at the awards ceremony Baylee was given a ribbon for completing the Hiker book and a plaque for finishing the Climber book.
Now she's done with Awana completely, since at our church girls in 3rd grade move into a program called Pioneer Girls. It's like Christian Girl Scouts, I think. It'll be fun and she's looking forward to it as many of her friends have already moved up.
Drew also finished another year of Awana. He's at the Truth and Training level and has one more year to go. He was given awards for club attendence and Sunday school attendence. Look how cute he looks in that neckerchief!
Now she's done with Awana completely, since at our church girls in 3rd grade move into a program called Pioneer Girls. It's like Christian Girl Scouts, I think. It'll be fun and she's looking forward to it as many of her friends have already moved up.
Drew also finished another year of Awana. He's at the Truth and Training level and has one more year to go. He was given awards for club attendence and Sunday school attendence. Look how cute he looks in that neckerchief!
Sue
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I Think This is So Cool
I found out something. I found out that while I'm at work in the evenings, Mike's been reading to the boys. They wait until Baylee is all tucked into bed, then they gather on the couches in the living room and read a book called The Last Thing I Remember, by Andrew Klavan. On the back of the book it says:
Charlie West just woke up in some else's nightmare.
He's strapped to a chair. He's covered in blood and bruises. He hurts all over. And a strange voice outside the door just ordered his death.
The last thing he can remember, he was a normal high-school kid doing normal things--working on his homework, practicing karate, daydreaming of becoming an air force pilot, writing a pretty girl's number on his hand. How long ago was that? Where is he now? Who is he really?
And more to the point...how is he going to get out of this room alive?
Sounds like a guy book alright. LOL I love that they're sharing this together!
Sue
Charlie West just woke up in some else's nightmare.
He's strapped to a chair. He's covered in blood and bruises. He hurts all over. And a strange voice outside the door just ordered his death.
The last thing he can remember, he was a normal high-school kid doing normal things--working on his homework, practicing karate, daydreaming of becoming an air force pilot, writing a pretty girl's number on his hand. How long ago was that? Where is he now? Who is he really?
And more to the point...how is he going to get out of this room alive?
Sounds like a guy book alright. LOL I love that they're sharing this together!
Sue
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I Feel Like I Need a Shower
I just sat in the waiting room at the Learning and Language Clinic listening to a woman and her parents (Her parents were visiting from out of state, best I could figure.) go on and on about the woman's busy and oh-so-very-successful life. They talked about the "Seattle house" and how when she and her family are living in their Seattle house they like to eat at a certain restaurant where one of the kids always orders the escargot. They discussed how the woman is on the verge of putting out her own couture clothing line. Her parents "poor babied" her because she's just so busy; she even has to do her own laundry since the maid has requested some time off. Somehow the conversation even managed to swing around to the woman's educational background. Berkeley, if you're wondering.
I feel...weird and unsettled. Tainted, kind of. I don't mind people having a lot of money, but when a stranger sitting in a waiting room can tell from your conversation that you base all your success in life on material things and fleeting achievements, something is wrong. I don't often have that "We're not in Kansas anymore" feeling, but today...wow. Yuck.
Sue
I feel...weird and unsettled. Tainted, kind of. I don't mind people having a lot of money, but when a stranger sitting in a waiting room can tell from your conversation that you base all your success in life on material things and fleeting achievements, something is wrong. I don't often have that "We're not in Kansas anymore" feeling, but today...wow. Yuck.
Sue
Monday, May 11, 2009
Simple Woman's Daybook
For Today...May 11, 2009
Outside my window... the weather can't decide how it wants to be today. Sometimes it's rainy, sometimes it's sunny. It's a chilly 53 degrees either way, though. I made a quick run to the grocery store awhile ago and everyone there was wearing a coat, including me.
I am thinking...about my diet lately. My poor ticker girl hasn't moved along that beach in ages. The good news is I haven't gained all kinds of weight. I'm just barely behaved enough to hold steady, but not behaved enough to lose. Sigh. I want to change that this week.
From the learning rooms...today Zach got a B on a "Statistics and Probability" math test, Drew got an A+ on a test about dinosaurs/fossils, and Baylee took a pretest in spelling and did well. I think she'll ace it tomorrow when she takes the real test.
I am thankful for...a husband who has a great relationship with his parents. It's a blessing! Today he's helping his mom do yardwork, then taking her out to lunch.
From the kitchen...I think tonight we'll have black beans and rice with turkey smoked sausage.
I am wearing...jeans that I don't like much. I hate to admit that, too, because I just bought them. (I ordered them online, which I'm figuring out has its drawbacks. You can't try things on for one thing.) Maybe losing another 5-10 pounds will make me like them better. We'll see.
I am reading...Queste, by Angie Sage. It's the fourth book in a children's series which is sort of Harry Potterish, but I think this series is much more charming.
I am hoping...to get back into the habit of walking. I walked a mile yesterday and that felt so good. And it was easy. I think I could pretty quickly work back up to the 4 miles a day I was doing before.
I am creating... umm...nothing I can think of.
Around the house... things are relaxed, but I really need to finish this daybook entry and get the kids going with school. Lunch break should be over.
One of my favorite things... is a yard with tulips.
A few plans for the rest of the week... clinic tomorrow, youth group and the Awana awards ceremony on Wednesday, kid exchange Wednesday, Bible study Thursday, swimming on Friday, Drew's going to a birthday party on Saturday, and on Saturday night we're all going to a game night/potluck at church.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Drew LOVES playing Life and he's hard to beat!
To read the Daybooks of others, join Peggy at her website here.
Sue
Sue
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
I love gifts from my kids. These are from Baylee, handmade with Grandma's help. I'm blessed to celebrate this day surrounded by love, relaxation, and family. I hope you are, too.
Sue
Friday, May 8, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Conversation I Had at Church
Woman Who Notices Everything: You're wearing different jeans. I've never seen those.
Me: Yeah.
WWNE: They make you look thinner.
Me: [laughing and making a little joke] Right, because it couldn't just be me.
WWNE: [Long pause] No. It's the jeans.
Monday, May 4, 2009
A Simple Woman's Daybook
For Today... May 4, 2009
I am thinking...that I'm glad school is almost done for the day, and that I've got quite a bit more to do before I go to bed tonight.
From the learning rooms...today Zach used the computer to spell/grammar check two pieces of his writing, Drew learned about fossilization in science, and Baylee studied capitalization rules in English.
I am thankful for...my mom and mother-in-law. They're on my mind today because one of the errands I need to run is to pick up my mom's Mother's Day present and send it off.
From the kitchen...Drew is learning how to cook and seems to enjoy it. Here's a breakfast he made for himself the other day.
I am wearing...jeans and a cream and pink shirt chosen for warmth.
From the kitchen...Drew is learning how to cook and seems to enjoy it. Here's a breakfast he made for himself the other day.
I am wearing...jeans and a cream and pink shirt chosen for warmth.
I am reading...just finished a book called Physik.
I am hoping...that all the kids do well on their standardized testing coming up next month.
I am creating...a home where the friends of our kids feel welcome.
I am hearing...silence. Baylee is down the street at her friend Joshua's house, Zach is on the other side of the house with his friend Alex playing Mario Cart, and Drew is upstairs in the schoolroom finishing English. Poor Drew.
I am hearing...silence. Baylee is down the street at her friend Joshua's house, Zach is on the other side of the house with his friend Alex playing Mario Cart, and Drew is upstairs in the schoolroom finishing English. Poor Drew.
Around the house...I have to say that because of my part-time job I'm slowly losing the battle to keep up with the housework. It just takes away any desire I have to do the extra things. Today I saw dirty fingerprints all over one of the kitchen cupboards, which made me look around and realize that all the cupboards are disgusting.
One of my favorite things...is seeing my kids play so freely outside with their scooters and bikes and things. I love that we live in this kid-friendly neighborhood.
A few plans for the rest of the week...clinic on Tuesday, the last Awana before awards night on Wednesday, kid exchange on Wednesday, Bible study on Thursday, swimming on Friday, a possible open house on Saturday, Mother's Day on Sunday.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
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