SUCCESS! I'd just like to boast for a moment about an accomplishment...
I am 30 pounds lighter!
It's a good day. A very good day.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Rambling about teeth and such.
Hello Spring. Nope, hey Summer! Got to love wacky Midwest weather. I've learned no matter where one lives they'll ALWAYS complain about the weather. It's a conversation starter, ice breaker, and something everyone can talk about. Today is cloudy with a chance of potentially awesome moments ahead.
How are you? I am fantastic! I swear I have A.D.D when it comes to writing and keeping focus long enough to stay on one subject. I feel like I'm writing to myself so who cares if I'm all over the place, right? Right.
The 2010-2011 school years are coming to an end. Covenant Harvest School ends tomorrow. Joplin schools end June 3rd. Seems like that school year whizzed on bye. I am looking forward to taking a last-day-of-school photo of the boys in the same spot I snapped their first-day-of-school photo. Those boys have grown like weeds this school year and I'm curious to see photographic proof.
John is in the process of losing his second front tooth. Sadly he isn't going through that toothless phase--which is adorable!--since his big teeth are already growing in behind the baby teeth. It'll be good to see him with a tooth-filled mouth. Poor kid has been a few teeth shy of a full mouth of teeth since he was three. Due to all the medicine he was on and acid reflux his teeth were bad. He is OBSESSED with keeping his teeth white and clean. It's actually comical when he asks "Kerri, these cookies don't have sugar in them...do they?" I have to laugh and say "Actually, they do." He almost stopped eating them because he's convinced they'll rot his "grown up teeth." He always wants to be bigger than Jake and since he isn't he says "I will have better teeth than Jake. Mine are whiter right? Jake's are yellow." Oh boys and competition. John does have whiter teeth now. But we'll keep that between us.
I am looking forward to summer and it's potential for memory-making moments. I am planning on going back to Boston (solo) for a whole week in July. That will be a nice getaway. The beach is one of my absolute favorite places in all of God's creation. So relaxing, breath-taking, and serene. Did I mention I'm going alone? Alone and relaxing go hand-in-hand. I will miss Phil and the boys. I hate being away for more than four days or I get really homesick. I am rambling.
Today: brush your teeth so they're whiter than John's and do something kind for yourself and another.
How are you? I am fantastic! I swear I have A.D.D when it comes to writing and keeping focus long enough to stay on one subject. I feel like I'm writing to myself so who cares if I'm all over the place, right? Right.
The 2010-2011 school years are coming to an end. Covenant Harvest School ends tomorrow. Joplin schools end June 3rd. Seems like that school year whizzed on bye. I am looking forward to taking a last-day-of-school photo of the boys in the same spot I snapped their first-day-of-school photo. Those boys have grown like weeds this school year and I'm curious to see photographic proof.
John is in the process of losing his second front tooth. Sadly he isn't going through that toothless phase--which is adorable!--since his big teeth are already growing in behind the baby teeth. It'll be good to see him with a tooth-filled mouth. Poor kid has been a few teeth shy of a full mouth of teeth since he was three. Due to all the medicine he was on and acid reflux his teeth were bad. He is OBSESSED with keeping his teeth white and clean. It's actually comical when he asks "Kerri, these cookies don't have sugar in them...do they?" I have to laugh and say "Actually, they do." He almost stopped eating them because he's convinced they'll rot his "grown up teeth." He always wants to be bigger than Jake and since he isn't he says "I will have better teeth than Jake. Mine are whiter right? Jake's are yellow." Oh boys and competition. John does have whiter teeth now. But we'll keep that between us.
I am looking forward to summer and it's potential for memory-making moments. I am planning on going back to Boston (solo) for a whole week in July. That will be a nice getaway. The beach is one of my absolute favorite places in all of God's creation. So relaxing, breath-taking, and serene. Did I mention I'm going alone? Alone and relaxing go hand-in-hand. I will miss Phil and the boys. I hate being away for more than four days or I get really homesick. I am rambling.
Today: brush your teeth so they're whiter than John's and do something kind for yourself and another.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Turkey Meatballs, yum!
I am cooking at home these days and for those who know me, well, you know I am not so great in the kitchen. "I've got to admit it's getting better...A little better all the time" - The Beatles
I recently made what could be the most simple recipe ever of turkey meatballs. They were FANTASTIC, and not just according to me - Phil, Jake, and John ate all 18 meatballs in one sitting. I was shocked. I made them again a week later and all but 5 were left between Phil and myself. That means Phil ate 10 meatballs himself!
Here's the super simple recipe:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 package ground turkey
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon of oregano, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning
Preheat oven to 350
Coat 9x13 dish with 2 tbsp. olive oil and place in oven.
In large bowl combine beaten egg, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, turkey, and seasonings. Mix well by hand until ingredients are mixed completely together. Roll into balls and place into preheated baking dish. Push down so bottom of meatballs are flat. Bake for 15 minutes then flip meatballs. Bake for five more minutes. Makes 18 meatballs.
Voila! They're delicious. I didn't have pasta with mine, just sauce (or gravy) and they were scrumptious.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
A months' time
On March 3, 2011 I started working out and started a fairly strict low-carbohydrate diet. I hit the gym four-to-five times a week. I eat enough salad to keep even the oldest of ladies regular (sorry, that was gross.) I am making a conscious lifestyle change. I feel stronger. I lose my breath less quickly. I've lost 3.5 inches from my waist! And...wait for it...19 lbs!!! I am writing this to remain accountable to myself.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Growing up...growing apart
I never thought I would be in a situation where a friend and I break up...until recently.
One of my longest friendship is, painstakingly, coming to a bitter end. OK, that's a bit dramatic but it really does hurt something fierce. It feels like I got dumped...which is a horrific feeling. Rejection is brutal, especially coming from someone who was the closest person in your life for a decade.
I noticed my friend was growing more and more distant over the past few weeks, months, perhaps years. I, too, am a changed person and was not consciously distancing myself but it appears I wasn't exactly moving towards a stronger, more connected friendship either. We met in the eight grade; we were kids then. We became "best friends" in the ninth grade. We purposely took the same classes in high school so we'd be in them together. We went to the same college and skipped the same classes. We bought the same brands of shoes/jeans/clothing, etc. We learned how to drive and got cars the same year. We were inseparable. We were like sisters. She met a guy. I moved to the Midwest. She visited me twice. She moved to Florida then back to Massachusetts. I never visited her in the four or so years she was in Florida. Phone calls were less and less often made. Texts started to decrease as well. We'd Facebook message each other here and there and send Christmas and birthday cards. We just...grew apart. It was obvious we weren't the same best friends we once were but I guess holding onto what we had was worth the strain to me.
Then I asked her if she was purposely pushing away and she said yes. I think bitterness, resentment, and the fact that we're totally different people who lives so far apart caused a rift. It's only been a week or so but I am at a loss. I guess you must let go sometime.
I'm sure we'll reconnect in time.
One of my longest friendship is, painstakingly, coming to a bitter end. OK, that's a bit dramatic but it really does hurt something fierce. It feels like I got dumped...which is a horrific feeling. Rejection is brutal, especially coming from someone who was the closest person in your life for a decade.
I noticed my friend was growing more and more distant over the past few weeks, months, perhaps years. I, too, am a changed person and was not consciously distancing myself but it appears I wasn't exactly moving towards a stronger, more connected friendship either. We met in the eight grade; we were kids then. We became "best friends" in the ninth grade. We purposely took the same classes in high school so we'd be in them together. We went to the same college and skipped the same classes. We bought the same brands of shoes/jeans/clothing, etc. We learned how to drive and got cars the same year. We were inseparable. We were like sisters. She met a guy. I moved to the Midwest. She visited me twice. She moved to Florida then back to Massachusetts. I never visited her in the four or so years she was in Florida. Phone calls were less and less often made. Texts started to decrease as well. We'd Facebook message each other here and there and send Christmas and birthday cards. We just...grew apart. It was obvious we weren't the same best friends we once were but I guess holding onto what we had was worth the strain to me.
Then I asked her if she was purposely pushing away and she said yes. I think bitterness, resentment, and the fact that we're totally different people who lives so far apart caused a rift. It's only been a week or so but I am at a loss. I guess you must let go sometime.
I'm sure we'll reconnect in time.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Seasons Greetings
Recently I heard a friend ask "If you compared your life to a season which would you be right now?" That is an excellent question. I tucked it away and gave it little thought, until now.
I am certainly not muggy, warm, sticky, sunny, unbearable summer. Well, I am warm and sunny most days.
As much as I love fall I don't feel like I am dying like the leaves, thankfully. There are times in life when I do feel dried up, crunchy, and like I'm being trampled over like autumn leaves. Then again, those leaves are so breathtakingly beautiful and picturesque. At any rate, I'm not felling very fall-like right now.
With it being winter and all you'd think that's where I am in this season of life. Though I'm not in a "winter stage" of cold, dark, and dreary hibernation. I was there a few weeks ago for a few weeks, perhaps months. I felt so blah and sluggish.
These days I am feeling exceptionally spring-like. I am starting to feel fresh, alive, like things are blossoming and blooming before me. That God has great things in store for my near future. That I just have to walk the path He lays before me and things will be much more breezy and fresh. I am hopeful. I am eager.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Embracing Baby Carrots
I am not a fan of change.
When I was fifteen I lived in a group home in Lynn, Massachusetts just across the street from Lynn Commons. (Distracting thought: why aren't there "commons" in the four states area? You know, an oval shaped area of grass, a paved sidewalk, benches, and a gazebo usually in the middle of heavily-trafficked streets?) The group home was in a huge Victorian house with four bathrooms and five bedrooms. It was a beautiful house, maybe the nicest on the street, but everyone knew the house was a group home even without it being labeled on the outside. People just knew. I wish I just knew things sometimes. I am rarely ever thankful about being blindsided, unless of course there is some type of surprise party planned - which is nearly impossible with me. Wow I am really all over the place today. Focus Kerri, focus!
Back to the lovely group home. There were five of us teenagers that lived there at the time and every one of us had a goal of sorts. I felt like everyone in the house, with the exception of myself, had real goals whereas my goals were just silly. A few examples of others' goals were to take their medications (which I wasn't on), shower daily and have better hygiene (which I always did/do), control their anger, go to school and get good grades (I was on the honor roll then), don't do drugs (didn't), stay out of trouble, etc.
I had two goals:
1. Eat. Yes, eat food. That is something I have always struggled with. Then, I never ate enough food if any. Now I eat terrible things and too much of them.
2. Embrace change. Ha! Seriously. Accept and embrace change was my goal. Other kids were doing drugs, getting in fights, hitting staff, and skipped school almost every day and I had to eat food and embrace change.
Thirteen years later those could still be considered goals of mine. 1. Eat less. 2. Embrace and accept what God has in store for me. I am praying to be stretched, to be taken out of my comfort zone, and used for His will and purpose. Here's to stepping out in faith. And snacking on baby carrots more.
When I was fifteen I lived in a group home in Lynn, Massachusetts just across the street from Lynn Commons. (Distracting thought: why aren't there "commons" in the four states area? You know, an oval shaped area of grass, a paved sidewalk, benches, and a gazebo usually in the middle of heavily-trafficked streets?) The group home was in a huge Victorian house with four bathrooms and five bedrooms. It was a beautiful house, maybe the nicest on the street, but everyone knew the house was a group home even without it being labeled on the outside. People just knew. I wish I just knew things sometimes. I am rarely ever thankful about being blindsided, unless of course there is some type of surprise party planned - which is nearly impossible with me. Wow I am really all over the place today. Focus Kerri, focus!
Back to the lovely group home. There were five of us teenagers that lived there at the time and every one of us had a goal of sorts. I felt like everyone in the house, with the exception of myself, had real goals whereas my goals were just silly. A few examples of others' goals were to take their medications (which I wasn't on), shower daily and have better hygiene (which I always did/do), control their anger, go to school and get good grades (I was on the honor roll then), don't do drugs (didn't), stay out of trouble, etc.
I had two goals:
1. Eat. Yes, eat food. That is something I have always struggled with. Then, I never ate enough food if any. Now I eat terrible things and too much of them.
2. Embrace change. Ha! Seriously. Accept and embrace change was my goal. Other kids were doing drugs, getting in fights, hitting staff, and skipped school almost every day and I had to eat food and embrace change.
Thirteen years later those could still be considered goals of mine. 1. Eat less. 2. Embrace and accept what God has in store for me. I am praying to be stretched, to be taken out of my comfort zone, and used for His will and purpose. Here's to stepping out in faith. And snacking on baby carrots more.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Winter Wonderland
It's beginning to look a lot like New England outside. Frosted window panes...oh wait, this isn't Christmas though it sure feels like it. It is one degree outside. One degree. Missouri is in a state of emergency due to road conditions that the state just doesn't deal with enough to properly clear it fast enough.
Today is Groundhog Day and as tradition goes Punxsutawney Phil emerges at sunrise and we determine winters length based on Phil seeing his shadow or not. Phil did NOT see his shadow today, therefore Spring will shortly be upon us. It's hard to imagine blooming flowers, green grass, and Spring showers with so much snow on the ground and single-digit temps. Most people are wishing Winter away while I am elated that I have a snow day; my workplace is closed! Yesterday was a pleasant surprise as I was off work and Phil's work was closed due to weather. We stayed home all day and did little of note. It was simply lovely getting to hang in together. Summer is awesome but when do you get a day off work because it's too hot outside? Rarely. I am enjoying Winter while it's here - you should too! Stay safe and warm.
Today is Groundhog Day and as tradition goes Punxsutawney Phil emerges at sunrise and we determine winters length based on Phil seeing his shadow or not. Phil did NOT see his shadow today, therefore Spring will shortly be upon us. It's hard to imagine blooming flowers, green grass, and Spring showers with so much snow on the ground and single-digit temps. Most people are wishing Winter away while I am elated that I have a snow day; my workplace is closed! Yesterday was a pleasant surprise as I was off work and Phil's work was closed due to weather. We stayed home all day and did little of note. It was simply lovely getting to hang in together. Summer is awesome but when do you get a day off work because it's too hot outside? Rarely. I am enjoying Winter while it's here - you should too! Stay safe and warm.
Monday, January 10, 2011
First Snow Day of 2011
First snow day of this winter
Posing for the camera
John hit Jake in the face with this shot
Revenge is sweet
Face shot!
John running for his life
Preparing an awesome snowball
Throwing a snowball at me. Thankfully he missed though I snapped a great shot.
They had a blast. I even let them play in the snow BEFORE doing their homework. Happy Winter everyone!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Not a good start to 2011
I have been sick the whole year so far. Nine days. This is brutal.
I was praying for a healthy 2011. It's only nine days in, let's hope the remaining 356 are healthier.
I was praying for a healthy 2011. It's only nine days in, let's hope the remaining 356 are healthier.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Let's Give Thanks
For twenty days leading up to Thanksgiving I have been writing what I'm thankful for in my Facebook status. So far I've been thankful for....
Jake and John (that's two but they're a package deal)
Having a job, and a fun one at that!
An extra hour of sleep (day light savings ended)
Music. Especially live music. "Music is an outburst of the soul"
The little things in life. Like a smile from a stranger.
Coffee. Yum.
Three years of marriage!
Veterans and those that help serve and protect our American rights.
Good hair days.
Pizza. Happy National Pizza Day! (11/12)
The grace of God.
Smoke-free establishments.
Laughing so hard, you cry!
The arts. Music, painting, photography, dancing, etc.
All the people who acted as mom and dad in my life throughout my 28 years.
Selfless giving. For volunteering.
I am thankful for the boost in the economy (from the holidays.)
Covenant Harvest School and the teachers who so humbly sacrifice.
For people who can go with the flow.
Technology.
Lunch with friends.
What are you thankful for? I am thankful for you, too.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Splashing around in uncharted waters
Three years of marriage is under both me and Phillip's belts! That may seem like a silly statement to make but being Phil's third wife it's his first third wedding anniversary; and that is something to boast about! The saying is definitely true that the third time is a charm. I even joked with him saying a charm necklace would make a great Christmas present. He smirked.
We left Monday night for Eureka Springs, Arkansas and just got back a few hours ago today (Thursday.) While it was off-season in E.S., AR we had a blast and caught a few neat photos with our cell phones. Enjoy.
We left Monday night for Eureka Springs, Arkansas and just got back a few hours ago today (Thursday.) While it was off-season in E.S., AR we had a blast and caught a few neat photos with our cell phones. Enjoy.
Teeny tiny cabin and an awesome VW Beatle
Outside of a restaurant on the street (neat photo)
The gigantic Jesus statue near The Great Passion Play
See that little person in front of the bushes? That is Phil to show just how large this statue is
Feeding time a Turpentine Creek, a big cat refuge - very cool to watch this lion eat
This is Zena one of three white tigers at the refuge. Her species is nearing extinction.
The view of Table Rock Lake from Phil's boyhood home.
Our last night in E.S. we ate at a local restaurant, Sparky's, where I ordered chicken, and...
...Phil ordered chipotle sauce for his pork. It was insanely spicy even though the waitress called it mild.
And a reminder of three years ago....
Monday, October 11, 2010
Greater than self....How are you selfless?
Being a parent is an obvious answer - there is another life that is reliant on you to change them, feed them, clean them, and make them your top priority. Another example is when volunteering and sacrificing your time to help those less fortunate. Or even something so small as holding the door open for someone behind me. Most importantly, following Jesus and living life as he would and putting my fleshly thoughts and ways on the back burner.
How are some ways you are selfless?
"Truly great leaders in life become so because they cause others to be greater than themselves." - Steve Farber
How are some ways you are selfless?
"Truly great leaders in life become so because they cause others to be greater than themselves." - Steve Farber
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Inside my head
Often I am thinking a million thoughts a minute.
For example right now I am thinking "Is this bite of chicken going to be too hot to eat? I'll bite it anyway. It's probably going to burn my tongue and leave a sore on the roof of my mouth like too-hot pizza does. I wonder how the conference will flow this year? I hope Gods presence is thick. I've had a word the last two Sundays I've been at church. Perhaps God wants me to speak up and get out of my slouching-in-my-seat stance? Why do I get on Facebook so often? I think it's my insatiable need to connect to others. That, and I get bored easily. Then I get bored when I'm on Facebook and I think of iced lattes. Mmm, lattes! Oh snap I need to make a phone call."
That's pretty much how my mind works all the time.
What's on your mind?
For example right now I am thinking "Is this bite of chicken going to be too hot to eat? I'll bite it anyway. It's probably going to burn my tongue and leave a sore on the roof of my mouth like too-hot pizza does. I wonder how the conference will flow this year? I hope Gods presence is thick. I've had a word the last two Sundays I've been at church. Perhaps God wants me to speak up and get out of my slouching-in-my-seat stance? Why do I get on Facebook so often? I think it's my insatiable need to connect to others. That, and I get bored easily. Then I get bored when I'm on Facebook and I think of iced lattes. Mmm, lattes! Oh snap I need to make a phone call."
That's pretty much how my mind works all the time.
What's on your mind?
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