September Potpourri

Out of the Mouths of Babes

The topic of the sermon at church this past Sunday was authority. The children's sermon was centered around this too. When the children were asked who they knew that had authority, one responded, "God." Another responded, "Jesus." When asked who had authority in the home, Rachel replied, "our parents." When asked if anyone else could name someone with authority, Anna blurted out, "the banks." With that, the entire congregation laughed. Who knows why she came up with that one....you never know what she'll say.

One Hundred and Twenty-Eight

What is the significance of that number? That is my current weight. I have lost 11 pounds since August. Do you want to know the last time I saw a weight in the 120s? That would be prior to my first pregnancy. I weighed 124 pounds when I became pregnant with Rachel. Since that time, I have not seen anything in the 120-130 range. I finally decided to shed the "pregnancy weight." It has taken being a bit more disciplined with what I eat (minimize the bad carbs) and exercising more. You know, the things we are supposed to do...exercise and eat a balanced, healthy diet. Yes, I've cheated. I've had my share of junk. I just don't over do it anymore. Plus, I have found that I really enjoy riding my bike. So, I do that a few nights a week for about 7 miles per ride. My goal was to get to 125 lbs. I'm quite happy where I'm at though and really think toning up more is my next goal. I don't know that my stomach will ever be the way it was pre-pregnancy after two c-sections, two laproscopys, and two pregnancies where my belly was HUGE back to back. And, things have shifted after pregnancies and due to old age but my primary goal is to be a bit healthier. And, I think I've achieved that much.

People that I see daily don't seem to notice much but people I haven't seen in a while can tell and usually ask if I have lost weight. Although, one of my coworkers was offering me cake to "fatten me up a bit." I think people have gotten used to me having a little bit more meat on me so some think I look too skinny now. I am by no way too skinny but compared to what people are used to seeing, I could see how some might think I look different now. I'm just thrilled to actually fit in a size 4 again. I never thought I'd ever see that day again. Of course, I need new clothes now. Jeff loves that! Of course, he gets a wife who is in better shape than she has been physically in quite some time and he has his pricey hobbies so I don't expect any complaints from him when I shop. :-)

Brisingr

Brisingr is the title of the book I'm currently reading when time allows. It is the third installment in Paolini's books. Some of you may have seen the movie Eragon. It is the third book following Eragon which was the first book.

There are so many things in Paolini's books that remind me of Tolkien's books (Lord of the Rings). But, I find them mildly entertaining so I was looking forward to reading Brisingr which was released earlier this month.

It'll take me a while to read it though. It's not like I have hours to sit around and read a book.

Heading to Alabama

I plan to go to Alabama this coming weekend to visit with my Mom. I figured I'd better do it while I can since we'll be gone or have visitors in our home for the next few weekends after in the month of October. I'll post an update on my Mom when I get back for those wondering about her.

Got Contacts

I've been wearing glasses for years and I finally grew sick of dealing with them. I tried contacts years ago; eight years ago to be exact. They seemed to bother me at that time. But, the ones I have now don't seem to bother me at all. I got them yesterday and have a follow up appointment with my optometrist next week. So far, so good. I love them actually! And, I'm grateful to not have to deal with glasses. Of course, I wanted to smack the optometrist yesterday when we discussed the need to change my prescription since I was "approaching middle age." Well, thanks doc! Like I need to be reminded. GEEEESSH! Oh, and did I mention that someone in church on Sunday mentioned they liked my "Sarah glasses?" I didn't understand what he meant. Then he said, "your glasses look like Sarah Palin's." I guess even beyond the glasses, I do favor her a bit. Kind of funny really when I started thinking about it. That's not the reason I wanted to shed the glasses though. Just thought it was a humorous point to share.

Trip Back Home

A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature. ~~Ralph Waldo Emerson

My Aunt Ethelene lives in Gardendale, AL. Since I was driving through that area on the way to visit with some friends and my Mom and Grandma, I make a quick pit stop to visit with her.

Anna, Kyle, Aunt Ethelene and Rachel

I was glad I stopped. I was able to meet her great-grandson, Kyle. Kyle's Dad is serving in the Army and is currently deployed to the Middle East. His son, my cousin, is just a little doll. I took some photos of Kyle and of the family and will be mailing those to Joey.

Me, Kim, Tracy and Maggie

Me, Kim, Tracy, Maggie and our children

Me, Kim, Maggie and Karen

*Note to self....must work on a tan!

I try to see my friends from home when time allows. Unfortunately, there usually isn't that much free time. Or, we all have such busy lives, that it is simply hard to coordinate a time where we are all free at the same time. I was able to schedule a visit with Maggie, Tracy, Kim and Karen on this visit. We all met at Maggie's house along with our children. We spent a nice afternoon catching up on life while the kids played. I have not seen Tracy since we graduated from high school; 20 years ago. I have, however, kept up a bit more regularly with Maggie, Kim and Karen through the years. Maggie has a beautiful home. She started a home decorating business a year or so ago and I say she definitely has the talent to do it.

I really wish I had more time to visit with my friends and family. I do miss them all so much. However, I seem to have even less time for friends than for family. It was so great seeing all of them; as well as Pete and Gabrielle while I was in Huntsville.

After visiting with my friends, we visited with my Aunt Josephine and her family; as well as my Mom and Grandma. The girls went swimming with their cousins while I visited with my Mom and Grandma for a while.

My Mom, Rachel, Anna and Grandma

After a lot of driving and a very long day, we retired to the hotel for a well deserved night of rest. Against my better judgement, I reserved a single king-sized bed room. I slept in between Rachel and Anna. I may has well have offered myself as a punching bag for the evening. They kicked. They punched. In a nutshell, I didn't get hardly any sleep last night. I won't be doing that again.

We made it back to Georgia safe and sound. I couldn't get back home quickly enough. I feel like I've been gone forever. It's good to be back home!