Encourage

I was recently asked to come visit and talk with a local Iron Tribe owner.  I met Crystal almost a year ago one morning while running with my Sole2Soul running group.  I happen to run my fastest six miles ever that morning.  I remember just really enjoying talking with her.  I was shocked when she reached out to me to come visit and talk.  Okay, if you've never priced Iron Tribe before, just know it's really expensive.  But for people like me, it's all about accountability and sometimes it cost....like a lot!  Anyway, Iron Tribe is unlike any other gym type organization I've ever seen.  Crystal and her husband are super involved in church, go on mission trips and things like that.  We actually attend the same church but had never met each other.  It's a big church.  A lot of the tribe members go to out church.  They pray with each other, encourage each other.  She reached out to me because she wants people like me who encourage others.  It made me feel so good for her to pick that quality out of me.  I'm so proud someone sees me as an encourager.  Recently, I noticed Parker being so encouraging.  WOW, he got it from somewhere and it was probably me.  We will play games like Go Fish and he'll say "Good Job, Mom!" or "That's okay, you'll do better next time."  Lee and Parker love to play Hill Climb on his IPad.  It's a friendly competition between each other to see who will get the most points.  I just heard him in the living room encouraging his daddy.  I'm almost in tears.  All I want to be is a great example to my son and I think I've accomplished just that.

I recently told a friend that I have never felt more of a need to pray for our country as I have recently.  So many things going on and it's a little scary.  We live in a society where people look out only for themselves.  Maybe if we set out to encourage one another,  we can make a difference. 

Masters Degree in Accounting

If you would have asked me five years ago where I thought I would be in the next five years, I never in my wildest dream would have thought I would be going back to school for my masters, much less a Masters in Accounting!  It's been a crazy ride lately but I'm so excited for what the future holds.  God is doing so much in my life right now and I really don't deserve it.  He keeps showing up in everything I do.

I'm loving my job and learning so much.  Busy is an understatement.  I never thought you could stay so busy in accounting.  I guess it's because I work for the number one Indian casino .  My first week there, I knew I was working for the company will retire out.  They treat their employees like gold.  I've worked for some big name banks and they say they will, but it not true.  

What does my day look like?  Well, I go to work, come home and cook dinner and then I hit the books.  Yes, I just completed my second week of my masters class.  I'm really trying to find a good balance.  It's getting better but I sure miss all my time with Parker.  

Well, there you have it.  I'm going to do my best to post once a week.  I love my little blog.  

Family and Baseball

Grammy and James flew in from Dallas late Wednesday afternoon.  Parker was so excited that they were going to watch him play baseball.  He's doing great.  Everyone talks about what an arm he has.  The boy can throw a ball.  I'm so excited to watch him every week.  

Grammy and James!

Mommy and Parker!

He loves his Daddy being on the field with him.

ReRe, Uncle Wiggam & Hunter.  

Okay, all caught up!

Let's Play Ball

Opening day!  I'm officially a baseball mom and love it.  Parker is doing really well.  He hits pretty good and has an arm on him.  I love to hear people talk about how good he can throw.  

All dressed and ready for the opening ceremony.  

Killing time before the game!  What baseball player doesn't like pizza?

Parker with his team and coaches.  Lee isn't an official coach but he helps out.  He's going to sign up to coach next year.

The Bay Bear made an appearance!

My sister, brother-in-law and nieces came!

Yes, that's MY SON at pitchers mound!!!  I'm so proud!!!

Catching Up

We met friendsandwatched Home.  Such a great movie!

Lee took Parker fishing at his cousins pond!  Parker was so proud of his fish!

My cute baseball player!

A wild Saturday night! We love Hungry Hippo and Go Fish!!!

Siblings Day! So thankful for my sister and brother!

5 on Friday

It's been a while since I've linked up for Five on Friday but lots of great things happening.  So, here we go!

1-Can you say CRAZY???  We were suppose to run 5-6 miles this morning but it was so cold.  We ran 3 and then went to Waffle House!!! 

2- My church is having Serve Day  tomorrow.  I'm in a small group and our group is having a Family Fun Day at a local park to share the Love of Christ with our community.  There will be hot dogs, music, games, prizes and face painting.  I feel so blessed to be part of a church that gives so much back to our community.

 

3-  Today is a big day for Parker and I.  I've accepted a new job so I will start my new job Monday and Parker will start his new school.  I will have a 20 minute commute instead of 45 minutes.  Parker has been a champ.  I really thought he would be upset to start a new school but instead he's been soooo excited.  This is a great sign that I made the right decision.

 

4-  Daylight Savings.  I'm so excited that we will have extra light in the afternoon.  Now that I will be working closer to home, we will have more time to play outside.

 

5-  Date Night!!!  Lee and I are going to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate my new job.  I can't tell you the last time we went out just the two of us. 

 

Okay, have a fantastic weekend!

Weight Watcher Wednesday

Starting Weight: 169.8
Current Weight: 167.4

Finally, the is starting to come off.  I'm down a total of 2.4 pounds.  My goal is a pound per week so I'm starting to get on track.  I've shacked things up a little the past week.  First, I haven't had the first darn Little Debbie Easter cake.  Two come in a pack so I would eat one (4 pt) per day. 

 

 

Second, I've been following the 3 day diet, also know as the military diet.  I know crash diets are no good but this has really helped me learn a few things like I eat way to much.  I was having a problem with going over my points each day.  I know it's not rocket science to know just don't eat something and things like that but I have been eating too much and heavy foods. 

 

Okay, that's enough for today.  Have a great week. 

 



Weight Watchers Wednesday

Starting Weight: 169.8
Current Weight: 168.4

Well, I'm officially down 1.4 pounds.  The weight is coming off slower than I would like but it's coming off.

I'm sticking to my points but boy am I hungry around 3:00.  I've got to find a lunch that will hold me over.  It just seems like I can use up my points so fast. 

My husband was out of town last weekend so I wasn't able to run.  I told myself I was going to do PiYo everyday but that hasn't happen yet.  I'm still going to YouTube for those workouts but really need to order the DVD. 

I would love to be at 167 for next weeks weigh in.  Have a great week.

Weight Watcher Wednesday

Well, I have two weeks behind me.  Mardi Gras has been in full swing so I'm going to blame the three moon pies I inhaled. 

Starting Weight: 169.8
Current Weight:  169.4

Yes, only .2, but I'll take it.  We ate out Friday night, Saturday for lunch and Sunday for lunch.  I told my husband that he was very bad for my diet.  We typically eat out only once, if any on the weekends.  I ran 3 miles on Monday morning and I'm continuing to use a PiYo ab and Lower Body video that I found on YouTube.  I can already tell a difference in my abs.

Have a great week!

Happy Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is in full swing here in the South.  We went to our first parade of the year on Saturday night.  But first, look at this picture of Parker.  The teacher turned her back for a minute and he grabbed the smiley face stamp and stamped his head.  I had to scrub his face hard to get it off.  He also told the teacher that he fell out of his crib when he was a baby and broke his arm and leg.  Naturally, the teacher asked me about it and I had to inform her that he has never (knock on wood) broken a bone nor fell out of his crib.  He's so funny. 

 

We had fun at the Shadow Barron's parade in Daphne.  My sister and her family drove across the bay to take part in the festivities!  We had a really good time and the kids caught a ton of stuff. 

 

Would it kill for him to smile? 

My sweet boy!  Love him to pieces.

Parker and his cousins!

 

We spent Saturday morning searching for Parker a new pair of shoes but had no luck.  Sunday, we went to Mobile hoping we could find a pair.  Thank goodness we did.  $52 for a pair of Nike shoes.  His shoes cost as much as adult shoes do.   

Shoe shopping will wear you out!

 

Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Weight Watcher Wednesday: Week 1

Starting Weight: 169.8
2/11/15 Weight: 169.6

Yes, I only lost .2.  When I signed up last week, I wasn't prepared.  You know the old saying "failure to plan is planning to fail", well, it's true.  Yesterday was the first day that I think I really stuck to the plan.  I wasn't able to run over the weekend but I've started PiYo.  Let me tell you, PiYo will work parts of my body that I didn't know would hurt, but it feels so good.  HA! 

WEIGHT WATCHERS-ROUND 2

Well, I jumped back on the WW bandwagon.  I lost weight in the past with it and I'm hoping to do the same thing again.  I was down to 168.6 when I officially stopped back in 2013.  I called the local WW office and they didn't have my records to tell me how much I lost total.  I think it was around 12 pounds.  That's not important because I'm all about TODAY.

I will start weighing on Wednesday and have a weekly Weight Watcher  Wednesday post.  I'm excited to see what I can accomplish this time around.

I hate putting this stuff out there, but love reading when others do it so here you go.  I have nothing to hide. Height: 5'2''
Current Weight:  169.8 pounds
Current Size: 10/12 or Large
Daily Points:  26
Weekly Flex Points: 49

Goal Weight: 155 pounds
Starting Weight when 8 weeks 4 days pregnant with Parker(1/21/10): 155 pounds
Ending Pregnancy Weight at 40 weeks pregnant: 187 pounds

He's Still with Me

Have you lost a loved one?  Do you long for them to be near you?

 

A little back story.  My dad passed away on March 13, 1986 when I was just 5 years old.  It's hard to believe that next month will be 29 years since my dad went to be with the Lord.  I will sit here and tell you that the pain NEVER goes away, no matter how old you were.  My dads name was Donald but every one called him "Dew Drop."  It was a nickname given to him in his high school football days. 

 

On Friday, I was on my way to meet Lee and drive down to the beach so that I could meet a client to sign some loan documents and look what I got behind.  It was a motorcycle pulling this dog house type of structure.  It made me smile and cry.  I've needed this.  I needed to know that Daddy was still with me.  I long for the day that we will meet again but until then, keep showing me you are here, daddy.

JR turns 5: Curious George Party

On Saturday, we spent the day in Chesnut so that we could help celebrate our friend JR's 5th birthday.  It was a great party.  JR's daddy is Lee's best friend.  Joe's mom loves to plan a party.  Mrs. Sandra did an excellent job.  Oh, and guess who made an appearance?  Non other that the man in the yellow hat.  The children were so excited when he came in the room. 
 

 

 

Joe bought a sled to pull behind the golf cart.  Parker had a blast.  I was actually surprised that he took turns with everyone else. 

 

 

Mrs. Sandra had to spoil Parker.  She bought JR a George monkey and had to buy one for Parker too.  She's so sweet.

 

We had a wonderful.  Joe's family is like family to us so it was great to visit with everyone.

2015-Who Am I

I've thought a lot about this post and wasn't sure if I should put this out there or not.  This post is a little deep for me but maybe someone can relate and give me advice.  Who knows! 

Okay, I've decided that my one resolution for 2015 is to focus more on myself.  I'm so guilty of putting everyone else ahead of my needs, especially since I had Parker.  I think that is actually normal.  I remember telling my mom when I was in high school that she didn't have to buy me stuff and that I wanted her to spend some money on herself.  The same goes for my sister.  I didn't realize just how hard that would actually be until I became a mother.  See, somewhere in the past 5 years, I lost myself.  Really, I have.  I've often found my self saying "who am I?" 

I've always been pretty strong in my faith, or at least I thought I was.  The past 5 years have been really hard.  You know the old saying, what doesn't kill you will make you stronger?  Well, it's actually true.  God has put us through some pretty hard things and we've had to make some of the hardest decisions we've ever had to make.  But, I, well WE, have learned a lot.  I do feel that I'm stronger and still getting stronger.  I couldn't have asked for a better partner to do this life with.  Lee really has been my rock when I needed him the most.

Since 2010, I've made decisions to make my family happy.  What was best for my family of three.  But, did those decisions actually make Christy happy?  Mostly, yes, but partly no.  If you're getting my drift, you can figure out that the making me happy part has a lot to do with my job.  I've been in finance sales for 13 years.  I have a Bachelors in Business Administration.  I love finance but in the past few years, I have found that my heart really isn't in to the sales piece anymore.  I love, like really love, people but part of me is tired of dealing with the customer service part it.  If you don't deal with the direct public, you really don't know what you're missing.  Let me tell you, 60 & 70 year old people should be ashamed by how they act.  I'm also a people pleaser and hate to rock the boat.  I'm working on this part of my life my trying to make some changes to make me happy 8-5, Monday-Friday.  Hopefully, I will report back on this in a few weeks with some great news.  We shall see.

While trying to discover who I am this year, I hoping to grow my faith even deeper.  I finally took a step to get more involved in my church.  Most churches have small groups, bible study, etc., but our church calls them Fusion Groups.  I've joined an all women's group that will meet on Monday's at 8:00PM at Panera Bread.  This really fits my schedule.  I can come home, cook dinner, clean and still spend time with Parker before I have to leave.  I'm praying this group will help me find myself also. 

I know this is kind of all over the place but it's real.  I'm also reading "You're Already Amazing".  This book came highly recommended and I'm loving it so far.  So, here's to 2015, a year about Christy! 


 

Friday Night Fun

Parker is at such a fun age and is big enough to do lots of fun things.  Friday night, we met the Johnston's at Mellow Mushroom for dinner.  Parker and Briley are best buddies, just like their Mommy's.  I love that my best friend and I had children close in age so that they could play together. 
 

After dinner, we headed over to Eastern Shore Lanes for a game of Laser Tag and played in the arcade room.  The big boys had just as much fun as the little ones. 

 

Parker's school was closed on Monday so I took the day off.  It's always fun to have a little one-on-one time with my sweet boy.  We started the day off with a visit to the Dermatologist.  Parker has been having some really dry skin and also some little bumps on his legs.  She suggested we start using a cream instead of a lotion and to stop using the kids smell good type bath wash.  She wants me to use regular Dove soap.  Parker is so funny about the cream.  After his bath, I will tell him to bring me the lotion and he says "No, Mommy, it's cream!"  He also had a bump that appeared close to his elbow on Friday and was complaining that it hurt.  We had decided to just keep it covered since he had the appointment on Monday.  Dermatologist confirmed it was Staph, for the THIRD time.  So, she wrote him out a prescription for an antibiotic to take for the next 7 days. 

 

 

Work has been crazy but I'm thankful for a 4 day work week and already looking forward to the weekend.

Running Buddy

Last week my niece called to ask me if I would run a 1.2 mile fun run with her.  I was so honored that she asked me.  She recently joined her schools running club because she wants to run like her Aunt Chris.  She's so sweet.  Emilee is my sister's oldest daughter.  When she was younger, she would come to my house to visit and would go missing.  We could always find her in my closest wearing my high heel shoes.  She's always been "my girl!"  My sister swears she could have been my child.  LOL, acts just like me too. 

 

Before the race.  She was a little nervous but excited.

I'm happy, she's about to pass out!

We finished!!!

I was so proud of her accomplishment.  She didn't think she would finish but I just kelp encouraging her.

The after picture! 

 

I hope I didn't push her to hard and that she'll ask me to join her for another race.  Love this sweet girl so much and I'm so proud of her.