aka Wonder Woman

2009-07-15T20:06:00.001-07:00

I am BAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More Saturday as I am leaving one more time to Nauvoo!!!

Just a quick update...

2009-07-11T15:28:00.001-07:00

I'm in Utah again. I know...it's like we live here :)!! STILL no computer but my DH assures me I will have one by next week.

Something big is coming your way. I am so excited about my new business venture!! AND my NEW Blog challenge!! Stay tuned...

Yeah, I was a fan...

2009-06-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

So, Michael Jackson died. WOW. I was such a HUGE fan of his during his Thriller days. I memorized every single song from that album including my favorite PYT (Pretty Young Thing). My friends Pats and Chella and I used to cruise the strip in Fort Madison, Iowa with our heads hanging out the window singing that song.
I know there were so many rumors swirling about him and yes, he was odd...but there was something about him I loved. He was a musical mastermind and sings some of my favorite music ever.

We still don't have a computer...getting used to it now. I actually get more done during the day without one but I can't wait till we pick a new one out and get it ready to go!!

My new GOAL for the summer is this...
Walk/jog 250 miles by September 1st. I am so pumped about this!! The past week I've put in nearly 16 miles. So excited about that.

There is a time limit on this thing so I've gotta run. Have a great weekend!!

I'm just all out of sorts but oh well...

2009-06-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

Still can't get used to being at the library that is why my posts haven't been creative or inspiring. BUT since our funds our limited I better get used to it. I don't think a new computer is in our future till Fall.

Been doing pretty well with my Challenge #2. Started last Monday. Ate clean most days and did 6 days of workouts. This week my goals are to walk outside 4 days at 50 to 60 minutes each time and do 2 weight sessions for at least 45 minutes. Abs, too. Eating has been okay but still having trouble saying NO to treats!! My goal this week is to take smaller portions.

Spent Saturday and yesterday going through my creative space. Decided to organize my little stuff like flowers, brads and buttons and some ribbon by COLOR. I can't believe how that inspires me!! A few months ago we did a green swap at Scrapwords and just by having that bag of all green embellishments got me to thinking outside of the box. So thought I'd do all my colors that way. Going to scrap a bit later today.

Scrapwords is still off-line and truthfully I don't know when it will be back on. I'm in a transition phase with the site so not sure I want to take time or money to get it back. This maybe the answer I have been praying for.

My Mom, Jackson and I head back to Utah next Thursday the 2nd. Looking forward to spending time with dear friends and showing Mom my favorite place-Utah!!

I have been so blessed these past few weeks. Just so happy with what is going on in my life. Not perfect...but pretty darn good:)!

Please keep coming by...one of these days I'll be uploaded photos and adding more fun creative stuff. Thanks for being patient.

Oh, speaking of being patient...remember to be patient with YOURSELF. When I got back from vacation I had overeaten and not worked out a whole lot. Getting back into was difficult...but just after 6 days of consistent workouts I'm back in form and power walking like a madwoman!! Feels so good to workout and sweat!!

Hope June has been good for you...let me know what you have been up to.

Getting my Groove Back

2009-06-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

So, I may not have a computer yet but I'm not gonna let that stop me. I had been in such a funk about everything but last night I just told myself to snap out of it and get back on track. I had let vacation, not having my Transformation site and a few other obstacles get me off my weight loss and writing path. NO MORE!! Soon I will have my computer, be able to upload photos and be able to write at home but for now this will do.

Have you got off your path? By path I mean many things...reading Scriptures daily, working out, eating right, focusing on a life long dream or 100's of other things. When this happens it is CRUCIAL we get back on our path with GUSTO!! Last night I took out a few quotes and books that have inspired me through the years. I also took out my planner and set some new, realistic goals...ones I'm excited about and ones I know I can reach.

I must go for now. I've been on the computer longer than I should and the librarian is giving me dirty looks..LOL!

It's a virus! And yes, Scrapwords is off-line...

2009-06-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

So, after being without a computer for a month we have found out what is wrong. We were so lucky to have had the Trojan Horse virus infilltrate it's way into our computer!!!!!! We have a computer friend who is researching a new computer for us and should have one SOON! I'm at the library still...

In case you have stopped by my site Scrapwords this week...yes, I know it is off-line. Not sure why. Haven't been able to deal with that without a computer. I hope to be up soon.

Back home

2009-06-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

It is GOOD to be HOME!! I love home. Nothing like it. I like the daily routines, making dinner and just puttering around. I LOVE it!

Sitting at the computer in the Maryville Library...still no internet at home. We did call our friend Nick to come over...I hope he can figure something out.

Not a lot to chat about today...my main goal is to get back into my Transformation. Vacation was hard on my plan. Too many carbs, sweets and not enough exercise!!

Hope your having a great week...see ya' soon with photos and inspiration.

What a nice Super 8 you have...NOT!!

2009-06-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

Yep, we are sitting in a Super 8 motel in Blackfoot, Idaho!! Now, I'm no motel snob. I have stayed and I will stay in most motel chains...but this one is kind of...gross. Not nice I know. It smells like smoke, is really old and dingy. No pool either...it was cheap and cheap is good (I guess).

As our vacation draws to a close I am sad yet excited by all the NEW possibilites that await me when I get home. My husband and I have been inspired by amazing LDS families to change our lives a bit, improving our family life and living more in tune with the spirit. Taking these words from our great pioneers "All is Well" (or it will be!!)I'd like to thank the Owens, Williams, VanLeers, Bearsons and Crandalls for setting the bar high and challenging us to become more Christ-like. We needed all your love and support and look forward to becoming more like all of you!! Just tremendous Gospel families. I am speechless and in awe of each one of you!!

I was presented with an amazing business opportunity today and can't wait to share it with all of you. More to come later...

Our Missionary's wedding is tomorrow in the Idaho Falls Temple. I am so happy for Kam and Abby. They have a wonderful life awaiting them.

When we get home early next week the first thing we are doing is getting our computer fixed. I miss my blog, Transformation and reading all the blogs that inspire me daily.

Have a wonderful weekend!! I am so excited to share all our photos and creative ideas I learned while on vacation.

We are in Utah

2009-06-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

So, yes, I haven't written a post in WEEKS! No computer AND I'm in UTAH!! We have been here a week so far and are having a BLAST!! We are in Huntsville (about an hour north of Salt Lake City) with our dearest friends the VanLeers. We went to Logan and spent time with one of our missionaries families and spent last night with another ones. AWESOME people!!

My kids are out boating right now while I stay in to type on my Blog and catch up on laundry.

I haven't done so great with my eating and my Transformation challenge has gone out the window. BUT today is a new week, a new month and I'm ready for a fresh start. Plus I've pigged out on every vacation food there is so I'm done!!

We are all headed to Salt Lake Temple tomorrow then off to the Bearnson's Wednesday thru Friday. Can't wait for all the fun to continue!!

When I get home I have a few new plans with this place. I'm ready to make new goals for myself and start a new Transformation challenge.

Oh, yeah, we still don't have a computer at home...*sigh*. Gotta do all that first...

Just know I am alive and looking forwardt to catching up here and with all your blogs...have a great week.

PS...I'll post pics when I can!!

Almost back 100%

2009-05-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

After nearly a week of sickness I'm almost back 100%. Still taking it easy but feeling soooo much better. Man, this thing got me so down. I know I was being a big baby!!

We are taking this week to get ready for our annual 2 week trip to Utah. So much fun is awaiting us! We leave Monday and plan on visiting this wonderful friends of ours...

Owens
Williams
Crandalls
Bearnsons
Griffins
VanLeers

WHOO HOO!! We can't wait!!!! Our family has been blessed with such amazing friends.

Later this summer (when I get back) I'm gonna change up "aka Wonder Woman". I am really excited and hope you will be too!

I'm off to check my e-mails and get some MapQuesting done. Our computer is still down and I'm at the library. Have a gorgeous day!

Life is so funny...

2009-05-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

So, I've been without a computer and sick all week. When it rains it pours. But, like everything else in my life I try to find a silver lining in everything I do or that happens to me. This past week has reminded me just how much I adore writing. Just when I think I have nothing else to say I am reminded that I see a story in nearly every circumstance I'm in. This past week has allowed me to reflect on why I write and has me to thinking how much I miss writng my weekly newspaper column "View from the Front Porch". While I don't intend on reviving that (just yet) I do plan on becoming active on my own website Scrapwords.com very soon.

This down week has also reminded me why I so desparately want to get in shape and lose weight. Now that I'm done with my first 18 week challenge I'm ready with new goals and enthusiasm to begin Round 2 Monday. I'm calling this round "Taking Flight".

I'm still sneezing like crazy and feeling so congested but you know what? That's okay. I'm alive, I'm healthy most days and I have the most amazing family. Plus we have such a FUN summer coming up. Lots of traveling, new beginnigs and time spent with my family. I'm so loving that!!

Without sounding preachy I must say that I am so very happy to have the Lord in my life. He makes all the differance for me. Have a wonderful Sunday!!

I sure do miss Blogland!!

2009-05-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm without a computer...I do still have my son's laptop but I rarely use it since he is always on it!!:) I kind have enjoyed this time-out from the computer...plus I've been sick for the past 2 days so I wouldn't have been here anyway.

What the heck have I been up to? Reading the May Ensign, working on my Transformation packet, watching movies (we've seen Star Trek and The Soloist), scrapbooking, cleaning our home and getting ready for our Utah trip. We leave in just a week and a half!!

My Transformation ended Monday. I have been eating so bad lately. I mean I go for 18 weeks doing so well and now just eating. Today I said no more, bought a bunch of clean foods and have been enjoying fresh strawberries, grapse, Laughinhg Cow cheese and tonight having a fresh, good for us salad bar!

I am so excited about summer coming. I love not having to get up so early for school, having my kids home and running around in t-shirts all day. Let's hear it for summer!!

2009-05-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

I am without a computer...again. Calling people today so hopefully it will be fixed this week. Hope everyone is doing great. Wonder Woman will be back!!!

70's Movies

2009-05-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

I was a kid in the 1970's. I LOVED the 70's!! From the clothes, the TV shows, the music and especially the movies...my memories of that decade are great. Today, just for fun I thought I'd share a few of my faves...

Star Wars- The buzz surrounding this movie was HUGE. Touted as the first movie of its kind...Star Wars didn't disappoint. My family and I were first in line to buy tickets. One of my fondest memories with this flick was my friends and I...you were either a Hans Solo girl or Luke Skywalker. I was, hands down in love with Luke *sigh*.

Rocky-Although I wasn't allowed to see Rocky in the theaters because my parents said I wasn't old enough I finally got the chance to watch it on HBO in 1980 or so. I think I fell in love with Sylvester Stallone the moment I saw him. I continue to enjoy the theme song from this movie each morning as I workout at my gym.

Jaws-Quite possibly the most life-altering movie of the decade for me. To this day I am petrified of water-even bathtubs!!

There are so many 70's films I loved and continue to enjoy on DVD today. I'd love to hear your favorites...please leave a comment!!

Manic Monday-It's been CRAZY!

2009-05-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

So sorry I haven't posted in almost a week. Very unlike "chatty" me!! Life is going 100 mph and while I like it that way...I haven't been taking time to blog and take care of me. I crave quiet time daily and that just isn't happening. *sigh*

One of the issues weighing so heavily on my heart are my kids. This past week we have been dealing with back-talking along with other issues. I tend to take everything they say very personally. It wasn't until this morning, on my way to the gym I realized one of my problems with them is that I keep seeing them as 8 and 10 years old. This was a time when I was the center of their world...I'm not that anymore. I will admit I'm not dealing well with this fact. So this morning I headed to the Library and found a book called "Going on 13". I'm hoping to gain a bit more insight on the teenager's mind. If you have any ideas for me...please let me know!!

I'm in the final week of my Transformation Challenge!! Unbelievable that I've made it this long...nearly 18 weeks of dedicated workouts and eating clean. I can so feel a difference!! I'll start Challenge 2 the third week of May.

Have a great day and I promise I'll be back...

Oh, one more thing...find me on Facebook. Just look under Leslie Jackson Ackman.

Totally Tuesdays-80's Hair

2009-04-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, so let's talk about 80's hair. Remember all that BIG hair? I never did get into that hairstyle in high school but boy do I remember those girls that did. Those BANGS! The higher the better. When I think about all the Dippity Do that must have been used. Do you even remember Dippity Do? I admit I used that stuff by the barrel fulls...not to tease my hair but to slick back my sides...yes, I had a MULLET!! How embarrassing. But everyone had one, you know?

So, hope you all had a great weekend. Ours was great but sooo rainy and windy. Emma had a soccer tournament in Council Bluffs where it poured and the wind howled. You should have seen all the parents bravely sitting in the storm just to cheer our girls on!! True love for sure. Sunday we ended up hanging out with Dave's family. We enjoyed our visit then headed back to Maryville. It stormed and rained clear through Monday. Thankfully today is sunny. So happy about that.

Got my workout in this morning...43 minutes of cardio. Ate clean yesterday and plan on that today. Only 2 weeks left of my first Transformation Challenge. So excited at the changes in my body!! My goal was to be able to wear my capri's and shorts. Not only can I wear them but they are loose!!! I haven't been able to wear these things for 2 years!! WHOO HOO!!

Oh, before I go...let me know what kind of crazy 80's hair you had in the comment section.

Therapy Thursday-I'm ready!

2009-04-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

So, how has your week been so far? Mine is pretty good. Yesterday I spent several hours cleaning our bedroom so I could put the new quilt comforter I bought on our bed. I also hung up pics of just Dave and I. Thought I'd really make our space a place of tranquility...my goal is to keep the clothes put away, everything off the floor and everything neat and tidy. We'll see how I do as I hate putting clothes away!!:)

Here's something to think about today from Life Coach Cheryl Richardson. I've been a fan of hers since the early 90's when she first appeared on the Oprah Show.
In her book "Life Makeovers" she devotes an entire chapter to having fun. She says...
"Fun is a vital nutrient for a high-quality life, and for most of us this nutrient is in shorty supply. Wouldn't it be great if we could buy "fun powder" at the local health food store, much like a protein drink, and mix up a serving before heading off to work? Until then you'll have to work a little harder to make fun a part of your daily diet. Doing something out of the ordinary can be a great way to add some fun to your life."

Richardson goes on to say we all should make a sign that says "AM I HAVING FUN YET?" and place it on our mirrors, in our cars or wherever we spend most of our time.

I love having fun but I do know that I don't do it near enough. So today for fun I'm going to

1-have lunch with my Mom!!
2-go through my scrap supplies and listen to my favorite music
3-have a delicious,healthy BBQ with my wonderful family:)!

What about you? What can you do today for FUN?

Welcome Wedneday!!

2009-04-22T05:19:00.000-07:00

Oh, goodie...it's Wednesday...I love Wednesdays...it's the middle of the week and I usually I time to clean my house like I want to as well as take a time out for a lunch date or some scrappy fun. Today I may call Mom and ask her to lunch!:)

I LOVE reading blogs. It is just so fun for me to take a peek into others lives. I have made several friends this way...too cool. Anyway, when I was contemplating different article ideas I thought of Welcome Wednesdays-a way for you to share your blog with us here.

So, today whether you're a regular reader of aka Wonder Woman, a "lurker", someone who posts on a regular basis or just happen to find it today...please leave a comment TODAY along with a link to your blog or website!!

Make it a GREAT day!!

Like, Totally Tuesday-70's TV Shows

2009-04-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about my favorite old television shows from my childhood. We were such a TV family!! Not a week went by when we didn't have these shows on..."All in the Family", "One Day at a Time" and "Love Boat".

Out of these three I'd have to say, at the time my favorite was "One Day at a Time". I think it was the fact I sooo wanted to be just like Valerie Bertinelli. Heck, I still want to be just like her...have you seen her lately?! That show just spoke to me and all my teenage problems.

"All in the Family" was a family favorite. Archie was just like my Dad!! I still enjoy watching old reruns on TVLand.

And the "Love Boat:. Who wanted to be Julie raise your hand? Gopher? What the heck was I thinking??!

So, what about you? I'd love to hear what your favorite old TV shows are or thoughts on mine!

Fun & Fab Friday

2009-04-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

Here are all the photos I promised!! Enjoy!!!!

1-Our Twilight Party from a few weeks back. Had it at our local Movie Store "Movie Magic".
2-Em at her soccer match in Kansas City 2 weeks ago. So cold!!
3-Our missionaries Elder Owens and Elder Williams with Jackson at my Mom's Easter Sunday.
4-Here I am yesterday on T-shirt day!! I love this pic of me!
5-Jackson and I coloring Easter eggs last Saturday night.
6-Dave with the card I made him for his birthday last Saturday.

Hey, fellow Bloggers!!! Okay, so yesterday here is what I did for some ME time...

1-TOOK A NAP!! Yep, for 1 hour between 2 and 3 I curled up on my bed with my sweet cat Little and my little dog Gizmo and slept. Ah that felt so good!!! True therapy for me.
2-I tried and tried to settle in to my scrap space...but seriously, folks everytime I tried the phone would ring...I'm not kidding. In the hour and a half I tried to be there I was on the phone at least an hour of it!!! All good though as I needed to talk to each of them. I ended up going through a few things in my space and finished a 12x12 layout. My goal is to spend more time in there today!!
I don't have time at the moment (got to get Em to school) but I'll be posting pics of my T-shirt day later on this morning...

Okay, so it's FRIDAY. Let's jump and sing shall we? Fridays are MY DAY. (I seem to be all about me lately). Anyways, tonight we are headed to see the new Zac Efron movie with Rochelle and Auburn...looking forward to that. Good friends and a fun movie. Can't beat it. The one thing I must share with you this day is a F A B U L O U S site I found this week. I had been there before but never paid much attention I guess because I found it again this week and can't get enough. The site is called "Pioneer Woman". She is just sooo funny and has tons of helpful tips!! Check it out!

I'm off to school with Emma. But I'll be back to post lots of photos today. So much to share!!

Happy Friday!!!

Therapy Thursdays-It's T-Shirt Day!

2009-04-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first themed post. I hope you'll stop by every Thursday for a little "therapy":)

ther⋅a⋅py
/ˈθɛrəpi/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [ther-uh-pee] Show IPA
–noun, plural -pies.
1. the treatment of disease or disorders, as by some remedial, rehabilitating, or curative process: speech therapy.
2. a curative power or quality.
3. psychotherapy.
4. any act, hobby, task, program, etc., that relieves tension.
Origin:

Life around the Ackman household is NEVER dull. With a 14 year old about to enter High School and an 11 year old busy with competitive soccer there is never a dull moment. Add my charming, business owner husband, 2 cats, 1 lab, 1 bunny and a 31/2 pound Pom with an attitude there is barely enough time for ME!!

I used to think taking time for myself was somehow wrong. You know, I'd replay it over and over in my head..."you don't deserve to lock yourself in the bathroom with a trashy novel, Les. The baby is crying..."

I always thought as my kids got older it would be easy, peasy lemon squeezy to find ME time. HA! Talk about fantasizing!! LOL!!!!!! So, now more than ever I'm determined to cut out a little piece of my day or even better a big chunk of my week and devote it soley to ME. Does than make me a bad Mom? Ask my kids after I've spent a day slogging around the house, cleaning, wiping up messes, shuttling them from here to there OR after I've spent 60 minutes in my craft room...

So today is a "T-shirt" day for me. It's casual. It's comfy. And I am making time to do the things I would like to do. Part of the day will be spent cleaning...but today I'm okay with that. I'll treat myself to XM Radio tunes and get to work. I'm gonna whip up a few healthy dishes, too. And later this afternoon I'm hiding in my scrap space for at least 2 hours!!!!!

It is time to take an hour or 2 for YOU!! Whether it's walking outside, crafting, blogging or just reading a book while curled up on the couch...spend some time with JUST YOU today!! Your outlook on life will improve dramatically!!

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard

Here is the scoop...

2009-04-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

Each day of the week will be themed. I am so loving this...Here is what you can expect...

Manic Mondays-rants and raves of my life, the weekend, whatever happens to be on my mind. I'll try and throw some inspiration in there, too:)!

Like, Totally Tuesdays-I'm SUCH a retro girl. I have so much fun surfing the net and finding all those silly toys, shows an tunes we had way back when. You can expect a treasure from the past on this day. Looking forward to your comments!!

Welcome Wednesdays-I am sooo loving this day. I enjoy finding new blogs daily and helping others out with links, etc. So on Wednesdays feel free to leave me a comment and a link to your blog or website.

Therapy Thursdays-This is the day we talk about ways to take care of ourselves. Afterall Wonder Woman couldn't do it all-all of the time!

Fun & Fabulous Fridays-My thoughts, give-aways and anything else I'm inspired to say or do!!

I hope you'll join me for all the fun and pass it on!!!!

Hooray it'a a Tuesday!!

2009-04-14T05:32:00.000-07:00

Why is it we never say that very much? I mean when Friday rolls around most of us our doing the Happy Dance...BUT when Tuesday rolls around most of us maybe going...ugh, it's Tuesday-WHOO HOO! I love Tuesdays!!!!!! Can you guess why, hmmmmm??????????

Today the sun will shine and the temps will be in the 60's. That is something to smile about for sure.

I've been pondering a lot. You know, just staring off, in a daze, eyes all glazed over and just letting my mind wonder. What is it I'm pondering?? Lots of things as usual. The main theme, though seems to be "self-care". When I'm taking better care of ME, I 99% of the time take better care of my family and all the responsibilites I've been given. The latest issue of Body & Soul just came in the mail yesterday and there was an excellent article on that very subject. It has inspired me to start writing a weekly piece here about the art of taking care of oneself. I'm still thinking about a title and what day I'm gonna do this...thinking about Thursdays...I've always loved Thursdays...

Stay Tuned...

The Next 8 Weeks...

2009-04-11T22:54:00.000-07:00

I am re-committing myself to the next 8 weeks. I will hold myself more accountable in the next 8 weeks. Here are my GOALS...

1) I will write down at least 3 things I can do each day that will help me move forward to my Transformation

2) I will write down at least 2 things I can do to support and encourage others DAILY

3) I will write down at least 3 things I did very well today that helped me move forward to my Transformation

4) I will write down at least 1 thing that I will do even better tomorrow

I will share my food and workouts here on my Blog.

I will be able to wear my capri's and shorts by the time we go to Utah on May 25th!!!

Fun and Fabulous Friday

2009-04-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

Happy FRIDAY!! I LOVE Fridays and today is extra special. It is Good Friday. We have no school so my daughter and I are headed out with friends to shop all day!!:) Leaving my worries behind.

Just had to share a few things this fabulous day with you...

1) If you are a Christian please take time to remember what this Easter Sunday really means. I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and what He did for me and all of you!!

2) I spent several hours surfing the net this week. Found a few new cool blogs I wanted to share..."Home Sanctuary" & "Trying to Stay Calm". These are fun sites full of great tips. Check them out.

3) Scott got the boot on American Idol this week. Just wanted to say how much he inspired me. What a beautiful and talented young man he is. My favorites are still left on AI: Allison, Danny and ADAM!!:)

I gotta run...Peace Out!

I'm ready to GO!

2009-04-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, here I sit again in a hospital waiting room. My MIL is having throat surgery again. I feel so sorry for her. She has to have this (possibly) every month for a year! What a pain.

I've spent the time in the cafeteria. Chose a healthy breakfast of fruit, a bagel with light cream cheese and peanut butter. Didn't eat the pb though. Saved it for later. I know, my breakfast did need more protein.

This has been a great week. I am feeling so creative on so many levels. Writing, scrapping, cooking. My mood is great and I'm so much more patient. I did start taking these Black Cohosh tablets for my menopausal sypmtoms...I am wondering if that is it?

I am so ready for a NEW goal when it comes to my weight-loss and fitness. I'm thinking about training for something big. I've always had this dream of trekking up Mt. Kilimanjaro. ALWAYS. My wonderful husband even gave me a trek package for my 40th birthday (we were going to do it together in January of 2007). Why didn't we go? Well, we ended up buying our dream home-Hooray!! AND because I was in no shape to do the trek. The way my mindset is now, though...I am considering it a possibility in a year or so. Just saying that is getting me so excited!!

I have always been one to really step it up and EXCEL when I have a specific goal. So we'll see.

What about you? Do you have this M A J O R GOAL you have been secretly trying for? I'd love to hear about it!!!

Yes, I'm a Writer

2009-04-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

"I gave up chocolate. I gave up expresso. I gave up the Count and his little house in Cap Ferrat. This Waterman pen, however, is not negotiable. I must have something thrilling with which to record my boredom." -Waterman Pen Company advertisement

Oh, what a treat it is to get back to writing. I've been gone for the past few days due to my internet company. It seems like they had really botched up our internet connection...for like the past 2 years. Told us they can't believe we ever even had a connection! Anyway, it is so good to be back.

I began writing for fun back in the 5th grade. My dear Grandma Kern gave me the sweetest, little yellow diary I had ever seen. The sides of the pages were gold. I LOVED it! Each and every night I would sit on my floor, leaning up against my bed, diligently writing all that was on my mind. Most of my entries consist of a boy named Donnie Beger and the ups and downs of 5th grade. I keep that beloved book near my bed for those times I need a pick me up. It's nice to remind myself every now and then why it is I write. I mean, let's face it...we write because we have to. I learned that all those years ago. Once I began I couldn't stop and I've been journaling/writing ever since.

Way back in 1977 when I began this journey I never imagined I would one day be "writing" my thoughts on a computer for all the world to see. A part of me, though always suspected I would one day write for others to read. From 1999 to 2006 I wrote a weekly column in the " Maryville Daily Forum".
"View from the Front Porch" was the name of it. I must say, writing, every week for 5 years really stretches you. Looking back I can't believe I came up with a different topic each week! Writing that column changed the way I view the world around me. I am so grateful to the Editors of the Forum for allowing me to indulge in my passion.

As much as I loved "View" I was ready to move on. So in May of 2006 I launched my scrapbook journaling website "Scrapwords". The goal of Scrapwords is to encourage you to share and tell your story. I hope you'll check it out.

So, yeah, it's good to be back. As long as I have the internet, I'll be here, in my own little corner of the world, writing my heart out.

New at Scrapwords!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Word of the Week

I have really missed our "Word of the Month". When Scrapwords was still in the planning phase that was one of my main reasons for the site...to have a Word of the Month!! I love the idea of focusing on ONE Word for a certain period of time.

While there won't be a different Word every week, you can expect one every 2 weeks. I think that gives us plenty of time to ponder on the word, apply it to our lives and create a layout with it in mind.

So with that being set our word for April2nd-April 15th is "Challenge".

There has been a bit of "Challenge" in my life this past few months...all good stuff for sure. Afterall "Challenge" can mean good rather than difficult. And usually good comes out of those "Challenges" ya' know?

So, get creative, get to journaling and creating. I would LOVE for you to create something magnificent using "Challenge" as your springboard. The word does not have to be your title. We would love to see your work, too. So when your finished be sure and post it in our Scrapwords Gallery!!

**Just so you know...I WILL be looking!! I will pick my favorite 2 "Challenge" layouts. The winner receives the latest issue (May/June) from Memory Makers Magazine. Please have your layouts in the Gallery by Noon on April 15th.

What a nice morning

2009-04-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

It started yesterday around 3:30. I just was tired. Emma decided to go on the walk with me which turned out to be so good...I could barely get through it. I felt like a zombie. We made it 30 minutes then headed back home. I was POOPED!! I sat on the couch watching American Idol (recorded). My wonderful husband came home and announced we were going out for dinner...hooray! Went to one of our fave places...the local movie theatre "The Hangar". They have great food. And no, it wasn't all on plan. I had the munchies terribly. While nothing too bad I decided to just use my Free Day. That means I'll have to be good throughout the weekend. Honestly I think I'll be fine!

Anyway, I was just so tired. Woke up this morning to SNOW!!!!!!! It's 10:30 and I still have my jammies on. I didn't go to the gym...instead I curled up on the couch and read "The Shack", drank my Pero and enjoyed some quiet, comforting time. Then I made my family breakfast (I homeschool Jackson). Yes, mine was healthy:)!! Now, I'm blogging and almost ready to shower and get on with my day.

I've had a much needed morning of rest. I am so grateful.

"I thank You God for this most amazing day; for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes." -e.e. cummings

Back on-line

2009-04-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

Excuse my absence but you see we have been off-line for the past few days. Since Friday afternoon we have been without internet...oh, how I missed my computer. You just don't realize all you do on-line until it is gone!

I have been in the cleaning mood this week. So ready to organize, throw clutter out and deep clean. I can't say that I've done much of that but I've been thinking. This afternoon I'm going to help my daughter get her room squared away. She is a collector and ready to bust out of her space. Oh, my what that girl saves!!:)

My Transformation is coming along. I decided to kick my cardio up a notch and set a goal to do "2 a days" for the next 9 weeks. One cardio session in the morning and one at night. I'll be in the gym in the AM and outside in the PM. Walking outside is one of my favorite ways to spend time. It's even better when a friend or loved one comes along.

Fun & Fab Friday

2009-03-27T11:18:00.001-07:00

Since my computer is working now (thanks, Will) I am able to show off some pics. This is a photo from my scrapping trip a few weekends ago. Oh, what fun we had. That's me and Em in the front row on the right.

Can't believe it is another fun and fab Friday.

1) Just discovered the 60's on Sirius/XM radio. I always listen to the 70's and 80's or the Blend or Love but today my son put it on the 60's and I'm loving the funkiness of it!! I'll listen to it all afternoon while I clean house.

2) Thought I'd share this link with you for mizfit.com. Carla stops by here and I appreciate her comments. Check out her fitness blog this weekend!!

3) I've got some exciting news. For the past 2 years I've owned a scrappy community and site called Scrapwords. I was moving right along but then the recession hit. For the past few months I've been at a crossroads with it. Not sure if I should keep it up or give in to the economy. After much praying and thinking I've decided to keep my dream alive!! You can find a link to my site on MemoryMakers.com and Craftivity.com. Of course you can always find the link here. Once you visit be sure and bookmark it for tons of journaling and scrapbooking inspiration!!! Check it out.

4) Today is my monthly Girl's Night In. I've got lots of friends coming over for food, games and lots of talk. Can't wait!!

Have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hair Photos-FINALLY!!!!

2009-03-24T14:42:00.001-07:00

Okay, here ya' go. My NEW haircut!! The first 2 pics are right after I got it cut 3 weeks ago. The others I just took this afternoon!!

Fun Photos

2009-03-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some photos with you on this Tuesday. Over the weekend we were able to spend time with my darling little nephew Zeph. He is very ill. He has Menkes disease. It is a rare and always fatal disease. Any time we get to spend with Zeph is a gift. I hope you enjoy his sweet photo!

Last month Emma had her first tuba contest. Yep, my sweet, 80 pound daughter plays the tuba!! She got a 1!!!

The other pic is one of my scrap pages I created last year. That's me holding Jackson the python in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Speaking of scrapbooking please check out my website Scrapwords. I haven't been talking about it much because I wasn't sure I was going to be able to continue with it. We have made a decision and we are going to advertise and try to keep on going!! I am excited as this is one of my big dreams-to inspire others through scrapbooking and journaling. Please check it out!!

Twilight was a Success!

2009-03-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Amber and her wonderful family our little Twilight party was a SUCCESS!! We were in competition with Wal-mart and it seems like they may have won in the number department but I bet you we won in the fun department!!:) If and when my computer works (grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr) I will post pics from the event.

After the party my daughter and her friend, my son and I stayed up till 3am watching the DVD. *sigh* I just LOVE that movie.

Today I woke up ready to workout and make some strong, new goals for my Transformation. I'm coming up on Week 12-6 weeks left. I want to lose more inches and some weight by then...actually I want to do better in the next 6 weeks than in the past 12. Sure, I've come a LONG way since January 5th, but I truly feel like I can do so much better. It's like the past 12 weeks have been more for my mindset-ya' know. Now I'm ready for the true physical transformation to begin.

Em has her fist soccer game this spring in St. Joe at 2:30 today. We have to get right back for our church's talent show tonight at 6pm. Did I mention I'm in charge of that:). Afterwards we will either come home or go see the new film "Knowing".

Happy Weekend!

Fun & Fab Friday

2009-03-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Oh, it's a bit late, I know! Almost 5PM here but I've been busy all day. Tomorrow night is our Primary Talent Show so my friend Rochelle and I have been busy getting ready for that all day. Lots of fun AND we had to stop for an All My Children break:).

So very, very glad it is Friday. Here is my Fab list for the week...

1) Em and I are helping host a Twilight party tonight from 10 to midnight at Movie Magic. The DVD goes on sale at midnight!!! Can't wait! I am surprising Em with a "Team Jacob" shirt I found at Wal-Mart today. She will just scream:). (I'm Team Edward, btw)

2) I LOVE my IPOD. Truly, I don't know what I would do without during my workouts. Just recently I learned how to download the songs myself so I've been having way too much fun with that. Today I thought I'd share a few of my personal favorite workout songs from my IPOD. These are the songs I turn to time and time again when I'm at the end of my cardio session and just can't seem to finish. These always help me push hard right until the end.

Rocky's Theme
So What by Pink
Hot and Cold by Katy Perry
My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson
Mamma Mia and Waterloo by ABBA
Barbie Girl
Thunderstruck by ACDC
Womanizer, Pieces of Me and Circus by Brittany Spears
Breathless by The Corrs
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
The Best of Both Worlds and Who Said by Hannah Montanna
Since U Been Gone and Walk Away by Kelly Clarkson
Born to Be Alive
Highway to the Danger Zone and Playing with the Boys from Top Gun Soundtrack
I also love Def Leppard, Van Halen, Poison and music from the Rocky IV Soundtrack. Jock Jams is great, too.

I'm always looking to add to my library. So if there is a song that really pumps you up please leave it in the comment section.

Have a fab weekend!!

Learning to eat "normal" food

2009-03-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

I realized something pretty major to my life last night. Eating and social events are just a part of life. There is no getting around them. And honestly who would want to? I mean nothing is funner than getting together with friends and/or family, enjoying a yummy meal together while laughing, chatting and hanging out. Food will always be there. No one cares that I'm on a plan or that I am supposed to eat only one carb with my protein, no rolls with corn or potatoes, etc. And why should they?

If I'm gonna stay on my plan and live this lifestyle for the rest of my life...then I'm gonna have to learn how to be in those enviroments and still enjoy myself.

Last night my son had a Young Men's activity where they prepared supper for the Young Women. So sweet, right? At first I was going to take my own meal but then I thought "No, you have to start learning portion control and restraint so go." The menu was spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, garlic toast and chocolate cake. Here is how I fared...

1 portion pasta with 1 cup sauce
1 small piece of toast (half the normal size)
1 big salad with FF dressing
NO CAKE!!!!

I never felt deprived, I felt in control, satisfied and I was so pleased to have eaten what my son had prepared!!

It's all about choices, girls. I chose the right foods and kept the bad ones at bay. I focused on the company rather than the food. I really feel like I'm on my way to a much healthier me both inside and out!!!

Wednesday's Thoughts

2009-03-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my darling Emmie got her braces put on. She is just so cute. If my computer was working properly (GRRRRR) I'd post a pic. But that will have to wait till another day:)Instead I posted a pic of my beauty before braces.

I'm in Week 11 of my Transformation-WOW! I'm eating clean, working out and just humming along. I feel the need to journal about it more though. There are 14 spiritual exercises that go along with the plan and I've only gone through 12 of them. Each question really makes you stop and think about why it is you want to lose weight, get in shape, etc. So worth the time. This morning I worked out my back, arms and legs. I'm getting into wall squats now. Those are so good for your legs and I remember a time I could barely "sit" against the wall for 10 seconds. Now I'm squatting all the way down and holding for a minute! It is just so cool seeing myself get stronger.

Last week I shared my views and ranted a bit about how "Big Love" was going to show our sacred Temple ordinances. I am still upset about it but instead of dwelling on that I wanted to share this clip I found on YouTube. I would love it if you'd watch it. It's very short but explains the TRUTH about our Temples. Thanks for looking!

*I appreciate all my readers here so much! Thanks for reading and posting!!:) And Happy Wednesday!:)

Glad to be HOME!

2009-03-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful weekend of scrapping. I got so much done including...a 40 page 8x8 album with our reunion pics, 12- 12x12 layouts and a mini book filled with photos of mom and me from our vacations we took in the 1070's.

Weekend getaways are good but I'm always so ready to get back HOME!! I must say I didn't eat the best...actually I ate pretty bad. By last night I just felt so sick. Too much sugar, grease and no workouts. So this morning I headed to the gym, sweat buckets, kicked butt in abs then tanned for 10 minutes. Came home to a healthy apple and 2 string cheeses and WATER.

So much going on this week. There is no room for just sitting. WHEW! I hope to post several blogs this week...but if I can't please know that I'm running around like a NUT!

Em gets her braces on tomorrow...she is so excited.

BTW, I've been trying to upload pics of my hair...but my computer just won't do it. It's been on the blink for several weeks and I'm ready to scream!!

Enjoy your week.:)

Fun & Fab Friday

2009-03-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

Today is truly a fun and fab day for me. My daughter and I along with friends are headed to Kansas City for a 3 day scrappy retreat!! I have so many fun scrapbook projects just waiting to be SCRAPPED!! We leave a 1pm!!

I did lots of surfing the net this week, mostly my usual blogs. So many things inspired me this week, too.

Here are few things I just loved about last week...

1-Scott on American Idol. See him above...he's the guy with the curly hair in front. Why do I like him so much? He is blind. And I don't just like him cause of that...I am so inspired by him. He sings, he plays piano...he DANCES all on live TV. Whenever I watch him I get so emotional thinking what he has overcome and how successful he is. Scott is my current inspiration!

2- I'm in love with Kelly Clarkson's new single "My Life Would Suck Without You". LOVE that song!! Of course I love Kelly. She was the first American Idol back when I had never even heard of the show. My, how things have changed:)

3-I love how the blogging world works. Just a few days ago an old friend commented here. Didn't even know she read my blog!! So good to hear from Linzi!! Check out her Blog here.

Have a wonderful weekend!! I'm off to finish packing then hitting the road.

Two Things

2009-03-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

First of all I wanted to apologize. Yesterday I stated that ever since I've become a member of the LDS church I have been focused on service. I really think after reading that it may sound like I don't think other churches/organizations focus on that, too. Please know I did not mean that!! For me, though I was never that focused before and my church has really helped me with that!! Okay, I feel better!!:)

My second thing today is a RANT!! I just read this article about how HBO is going to take a sacred ceremony that my church performs in our temples and broadcast in their show "Big Love". I am FURIOUS!!!!!!!!! For the complete article read it here.

I just can't believe HBO is being so disrespectful. I am also mad because that show "Big Love" doesn't even depict a true Mormon family but rather a fundamentalist family. We DO NOT believe in polygamy!!

Ya' know I don't care what church it is...we should NEVER, EVER be so disrespectful and make fun of something they do. Whether it's Hindu's, Buddha's, Baptists or whoever...making fun of how people worship is just plain WRONG!

Okay, now that I have that off my chest...

So much to do today. So I'm off to get busy. Have a great day everyone:)

Here I sit...

2009-03-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

Today, as I write this, I'm in a hospital waiting room. Been here since 7:15 this morning...it's almost 11 now. My mother-in-law, Bonnie is having surgery on her throat. A few moments ago the kindest nurse came in to inform me the normal procedure isn't working so they are trying something else. Looks like I'm gonna be in here awhile. I'm just so glad I can be here for her today!!

You know when we serve others we are bringing a little piece of heaven here on earth. After all Christ says when we are in the service of our fellow beings we are in fact in the prescence of our Lord.

Ever since my family and I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I have become more aware of this concept than at any other time in my life. Our church makes serving others a priority. We teach it in Primary, we learn about it in Relief Society and during our Sacrament Meeting. Serving others takes on so many forms. Whether it's taking someone to the hospital, sharing meal during a time of need or just mailing off a card...serving others touches not only others lives...but our own.

Hanging out here today I've taken it as a chance to catch up on some writing and reflection. This weekend I'm heading to a scrapbook retreat in Kanasas City. This morning was the perfect time to journal a few pages. I've also been to the hospital gift shop and found my way to the cafeteria-twice. So happy to report I passed up the sugary doughnuts for a healthy turkey/cheese sandwhich on wheat bread.
I'm downing 20 ounces of water as I write.

Speaking of food...WOW! I'm noticing more changes in my body. This is Week 10 for me on my Transformation journey. I have my waist back and my tummy is the flattest it's been in YEARS. Keep in mind...I have a ways to go...but I'm changing in big ways. Feeling more confident and I know for sure I'm making it to May 11th!!

I think I'll surf the web a bit then see how Bonnie is doing. I'm hoping to be home by 3:00 this afternoon.

Take care and Happy Tuesday!!!

And the winner is...

2009-03-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Sherre!! You have won the fabulous "My Book"! Thanks so much for your posts (and thanks to everyone else!!).

Just e-mail me at les262@embarqmail.com with your complete name and addy. I'll mail out this week!!!

Monday, Monday

2009-03-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

So, the weekend was AWESOME! Saturday my DH told the kids I needed a break from housework!! They cleaned while I spent the afternoon in my creative space. What a joy!! I lost myself in memories and music for almost 3 hours. Loved it!

So cold and blustery here today. Where in the heck did spring go? Supposed to even snow by the end of the week. RATS!

There is still time to win the "My Book" I'm giving away. Just post a comment by 5pm CST tonight!!! The "My Book" is valued at $25!!!

I don't think I've blogged much about my haircut yet. I did get it cut...I mean SHORT. Short, short, short. *sigh*. It is taking a lot to get used to. This morning I just blow dried it, flat-ironed and sprayed. It was super easy...I was out of the bathroom in mere minutes. So that part I like...but I just look weird to me. I know I still need to post a pic...kind of nervous (LOL!).

Kicked it up a notch at the gym this morning. Got the step bench out and put 3 blocks on each side. Did legs...sooo fun! And my ABS...WOW! I used to barely eek out 7 abs on the stability ball and was left with pain shooting up my back and neck. Today I did nearly 100!! NO PAIN! Freaking amazing to me!! Oh, BTW I'm in Week 10 of my Transformation...cool!

I'm off to eat lunch. Post those comments!!!

Fabulous Friday and GIVE-AWAY!!!

2009-03-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Fridays. But then again you may already know that since I have written about it often. So, I was thinking on my way from the gym this morning...why not take my love of Fridays and do something "fun & fab" every Friday? Good idea, yep!

So, this Friday, next Friday, every Friday from this day forward will be known as Fun & Fabulous Fridays. What does that mean?
Each Friday I'll share a few of my favorite things...maybe a new blog I found or post I read. It could be a recipe I tried or my latest favorite pair of shoes. Some Fridays we'll have GIVE AWAYS!! Yeah, ya' gotta love those. AND what a great bribe to get you to come back and read aka Wonder Woman, right?

So without further waiting here is today's FUN & FABULOUS FRIDAY post...

**One of my favorite blogs of late is Annette's Awakenings. Annette is a young woman from Kansas who has lost over 85 pounds!! I love reading what is going on in her little corner of the world and I really loved this post from yesterday...

**Scrapbooking is my favorite hobby (besides writing). I need to make more time for it...but it can be so hard with everything else going on. After reading this post today from Stacy Julian I think I'll be able to justify spending time in my space. This post made my day!!

** With this talk about scrapping and writing...I have a GIVE AWAY!! I have the cutest book on the planet just waiting to be altered. It's called a MY Book. Tell me what you think about my Fun & Fab Fridays in the comments section. I'll choose one person to win this fabulous book valued at $25!!!

**I will choose a winner by Monday at 5 PM!!

Happy Friday!

My Profound Moment

2009-03-05T12:24:00.001-08:00

We all have them...profound moments...ligtbulb moments if you will. They usually come at the least expected moments and the least expected places...for me it was this morning at the gym.

I know as I share this with you I will begin crying...for you see...I am transforming like I only dreamed of 9 short weeks ago.

"We conquer by continuing." -George Matheson

So, I'm at the gym feeling AWESOME. I was doing my leg work then hopping over to do some abs. All of a sudden it just hit me. Wow! I was doing more reps, with higher weights than I'd ever done. I was strong. I was alive. Here I was at the gym, sweating my buns and tears began to well up in my eyes. I realized, that no matter what the scale says, how many inches I've lost, etc. I have transformed. I'm thinking differently. I'm reacting differently. I stand differently. I dress differently. I think differently. I eat differently. Life is just different.

For the past four years I've struggled with my weight. I've binged, I've been lazy, I've felt sorry for myself. But not anymore.

Today I realized I am so proud of me. I love me.

I still have 9 weeks to go. I can't begin to imagine the changes to come.

BTW, I have dropped 3 pounds this week and everything is just getting tighter. It's amazing!!

Give Me My 70'S!!

2009-03-04T07:36:00.000-08:00

Ah, the magic of XM/Sirius Satellite radio...thanks to them I can listen to my 70's music all day long!! It's funny, I go in spurts. Some days it's all 80's or The Blend. Some days I'm all about the Hot 20 songs of today or Love Songs. But lately, I've been craving the 70's.

We have a stereo system throughout our entire home which makes it so fun to listen.
Music has always been a huge part of my life and I've realized as I get older it becomes a sort of walk down memory lane for me. I find myself being comforted by Supertramp, Pablo Cruise, The Bee Gees and Helen Reddy. As I go about my day, these songs come on that remind me of a simpler time. A time when I all I had to do was hang out in my room with friends or my journal. H.R. Puffin' Stuff and The Bananasplits were on every Saturday morning and my parents took care of me. It was a time when I didn't even know what an economy was and the war on terror was 30 years away.

Today, I'll have my XM radio on all day to my favorite, funky music. I'm gonna enjoy this day:)

Where do I sign up?

2009-03-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

Nobody told me raising kids was gonna be hard. I mean, I am an only child so I didn't have a ton of experience with children growing up...but I never imagined it would be so hard. Rewarding, but HARD.

We home school my 14 year old son. This has been the hardest, most frustrating thing I've ever tried. We spent yesterday non-stop arguing. It is so tiring. *Sigh*. Jackson is so fiercely independent...it's getting a bit annoying! We argue over chores, school, what to eat for lunch and at what age he can move out of the house. Last night I was so mad I told him as soon as he can afford it!! (Of course before bed I gave him a hug, told him I loved him and reminded him he has to live here until he graduates!!).

And then there's Em. Love her to pieces...but boy, does she HATE cleaning her room!! We have been on her since before CHRISTMAS about taking her things out of the hall and putting them in her room...she still has yet to do it. I have told her...NO SOCCER until it's done...soccer starts THURSDAY.

I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong as a mom. Am I too nice (my DH says YES, do I give in too easily? Kids don't come with instructions...I truly feel like I need a parenting class about now. Seriuosly, I want to be the best mom I can. I want my kids to grow up to be successful adults. But at this point in my life...I feel like quite the failure.

On another note...I'm in Week 9 of my Transformation. Yesterday I spent the afternoon trying on everything I own. I'm wearing a few pants I haven't been able to wear for nearly 3 years!!!!!!!!! AND I'm so close on several others. I ended up getting rid of 3 big bags of clothes and I totally organized my closet and drawers. Pretty happy with myself!:) Like I said...Week 9 is going GREAT! I am getting so strong. I can really start to tell in my waist and legs that all this hard work is paying off!!

BTW, any parenting tips you have...PLEASE post!!!

You Gotta Have Friends

2009-03-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

"It is that my friends have made the story of my life. In a thousand ways they have turned my limitations into beautiful privileges, and enabled me to walk serene and happy in the shadow cast by my deprivation." -Helen Keller

I've done a lot of thinking about my friends over the weekend. I was inspired by our Relief Society "Girls Night Out" at my home on Friday night. Oh, what fun we had! We ate great food, laughed and giggled (there is a difference), played "Outburst" and shared our pasts with one another. Before we knew it, it was midnight and time to call it quits. We have vowed to make this a monthly event!

Throughout my life I've been touched by dozens of friends. Honestly there are too many to count and I can't name them all here so I won't even try. I just know that without the love and support of my many friends throughout my 42 years life wouldn't have been so sweet and I would have probably ended up Prozac!:)

I feel blessed that my children have such great friends. The photo is of my girl Em with her best friend for the past 4 years-Maddie Jones. These two have a blast when they are together!! I love listening to them during sleep-overs (oh, the drama!). They also play on the same soccer team which makes for fun Saturdays!! My son Jacks has had the same friend for 4 years, too. Alex. We love Alex. They are like brothers. It has been so awesome to watch these two help each other out.

Friends are gifts from heaven and I a thankful for each one!!! If you haven't talked to an old friend lately...why not put that on your to-do list this week?

Vacuum Steve

2009-02-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

So, I know I promised to post more photos on my Blog. I LOVE seeing your photos on your blogs...so expect to see some oldies but goodies in the weeks to come!

This particular photo today was taken a year ago last December. My then 12 year old son had been growing his hair for months. It was so shaggy but he loved it. We ended up traveling to Huntsville, Utah last December for our Missionaries Homecoming talk. We stayed with one of our favorite families on the planet...the VanLeers. Now the VanLeers DO NOT LIKE SHAGGY HAIR ON YOUNG MEN!!! So one night after Scripture study one of their daughters (Heather) and our missionary (Kam) said..."Hey, Jacks let us trim your hair up a bit." Being the good sport he is, my wonderful son agreed. What ended up happening was a botched up mess...but boy was it FUNNY!! The hair was flying, we were all in stitches and poor Jacks was just sitting there looking at me and saying...Mom, what have I done??? Steve ended up coming in with this vacuum to get all the hair up. When he walked in with that vacuum...we all just lost it!! Too funny!!!:)

The next day we ended up going to a REAL hairdresser so Jacks could get a nice haircut...the gal took one look at it and exclaimed.."What the heck happened to your hair?" We all just cracked up again.

And Jackson? He was amazing throughout the whole ordeal:)

Busy Tuesday

2009-02-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

So, I hope your weekend was fabulous. I had a spirit filled one!! Saturday was our Relief Society Day at our Stake Center in Platte City. We had a "Spiritual Spa". We learned about ways we can walk with our Savior, Jesus Christ, how to manage our time wisely, magnifying our talents and more. We ended the day ice skating with the Young Men and Young Women from our church in St. Joe. I had never been on ice skates before and I am soooo happy to report that I DID IT!! I skated and truly enjoyed myself!!

Awhile back I shared with you here my sadness regarding comments about my church. I've done a lot of thinking about that since and realize that instead of weakening my faith it strengthened it. I'd just like to say a big Thank You to so many of you who, even though you may not agree with my religious views, have supported me and loved me. Christ has commanded us to love one another. Thank you so much!!

I'd like to leave you with this thought today...

"We're all only fragile threads, but what a tapestry we make." -Jerry Ellis

Fridays Thoughts

2009-02-20T07:13:00.000-08:00

I know I've shared this link before but if you haven't PLEASE visit here TODAY!!! This amazing woman warms my heart. She has been through so much yet she continues to move forward. Her faith in the world, our Heavenly Father and her courage ASTOUND me. When I'm having a bad day I think of Nie and say to myself..."Shame on you, Les!!!"

I am in the creative mood today. Ready to write, to scrap, to do something cool, something life-changing. Not sure what that is at the moment but...(Ha, Ha).

I had the most incredible gym workout this morning. I ran and ran and ran till I couldn't run anymore. I wanted to quit more times than not...but I didn't and that made all the difference.

I am in love with this book called "Journal to the Self". Not sure if you can fall in love with a book...but I did. I found it at a yardsale a few summers ago for a quarter. The best 25 cents ever spent. It's full of ways to journal to help you get in touch with who you are, what you want and other cool stuff. I'd like to give you an assignment for the weekend (or next week, or today). This is taken directly from the book by Kathleen Adams...

"Take a moment to become comfortable in your body. Relax...close your eyes... and take a slow, deep breath...hold it...release it...do it again...and again...And as you breathe deeply and relax, imagine that there is a calendar before you...and you are looking at today's date. Now imagine that this calendar is for NEXT year. 12 months...52 weks...365 days from now... And in your imagination, begin to turn the pages forward...until you reach today's date once again. It is one year from today. And now begin to place yourself in space and time one year from today...Begin to imagine yourself as you are one year from now. You are one year older...And as you review the year just past you can stop to take note...of the journey you traveled. You can recall the most enjoyable parts of the year (write those down) the challenging spots
the lessons learned.
Take time to notice how you are one year from now...
where you live
the work you do
the challenges that lie ahead
the opportunities in view
the parts of life that make it joyful..."

Enjoy dreaming about your life one year from today. Enjoy the accomplishments you met and the future goals you will set. I totally love this idea and plan on completing this assignment myself.

Oh, one more thing...I did something TOTALLY crazy yesterday...I went back to my original color...so for those of you that know me as a light brown/dark blonde...be prepared...my haircolor is back to the way nature intended...almost black. Whew! It is taking some getting used to and my family just keeps giving me funny looks...but I feel like a new woman!! I promise to post some pics.

Happy Friday!

My NEW office space

2009-02-18T16:52:00.000-08:00

So, I spent the day cleaning and organizing my office!! Check out the photos above!!

The first one is the before of course. A MESS! Below that are my two magnetic boards from Making Memories. I hang things on there that inspire me.
Under that is my favorite sun votive candle holder Emmie gave me for Christmas 2 years ago. Next is my basket I put in today filled with books that inspire to Blog!! And the last photo is my FINISHED space!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE this!!!

NO MORE!!

2009-02-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

On a serious note today...my husband and I have made a vow to each other to STOP WATCHING THE NEWS!!! I am so serious. I will wake up all happy, workout, come home and there is the news...well, it's at the gym, too. It is so depressing right now. What is going on in our country? Scary stuff people!! Scary stuff...

I choose to focus on the positive and do what I can do HERE in my own little part of the world.

How about you? Are news obsessed? What are your plans in these scary economic times?

Photos!!!

2009-02-17T07:36:00.001-08:00

Don't ask me why but I rarely post photos in my Blog. Sad, because I mean to and because I love seeing your photos in your blogs...so I'm gonna try to be better at this. Thought I'd start today with these photos above.

That's me with ROSES from my darling husband and son. Oh, how I love my guys!!! The next one is one of our crazy missionaries...Elder Owens. We have taken him into our heart and treat him just like a son. This summer we'll be meeting his family in Logan, Utah!!

And then you gotta love my sweet doggie- Gizmo!!!

The other 2 were taken on February 6th. My husband and daughter Emma have been going to the Daddy/Daughter Dance since she was 5. She is 11 now! I love these photos. The close-up is them in front of our house and the other one is of them going into the restaurant. Dave always treats Em like a little princess this night. He buys her a special necklace or other piece of jewelry, takes her out to eat then they are off to the dance.

I hope you have enjoyed taking a peek into my world today!! Make it a great one.

I feel the need...

2009-02-16T14:26:00.001-08:00

I so feel the need to get on the "365" bandwagon. I mean everywhere I go everyone is doing it. Taking a photo a day for a year. WOW!

Last October I took Ali's Week in the life challenge. It was wonderful!! And so much fun. So, I think (taking a deep breath) I am gonna add this to my life and just DO IT! Gonna start next week...I'll keep you posted.:)

I finally made the connection...

2009-02-13T07:42:00.001-08:00

Last night at 11pm I had this sudden burst of creative energy that I had not experienced in several months. I spent an hour jotting down creative ideas for scrapping, creating my very first visual art journal and inspiration for Scrapwords. I have not felt like this in MONTHS!!

So, as{readmore}I was thinking about all my creativity I was thinking back to last fall. Things were just so crazy back then and I began eating and eating. Between stresses at home and all my responsibilites and starting work again...I was just a mess.

Fast forward to today...I'm in Week 6 of my Transformation...with no emotional eating...just eating clean and exercising DAILY! Also work is going so well. I've learned how to balance my time there and here and ways I can make healthy meals even though I don't get home until 8 at night. (Love my crockpot!). I'm also organizing our home, getting rid of stuff and I've created several binders. I have one for my Transformation, Primary, Scrapwords and my role as a mom. These are really helping me stay organized...Oh, and I have one for Homeschooling.

So what I realized last night is now that I'm starting to take care of me again and taking charge of my stress rather than letting it consume me...my creativity is BACK! I'm writing more, coming up with fun ideas again and just generally feeling HAPPY!!

Girls, if you are feeling in a rut and just need a boost...trust me. SELF CARE is ESSENTIAL!! Also remember to take it one step at a time!!! This has taken me several months to get back to what I love!!

Have a wonderful Friday. Jackson and I have to head to St. Joe for an ortho appointment in just a bit!!!

Here is my Emmie!!

2009-02-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunshine

2009-02-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

Oh, the sun is so pretty today!!
I have been so happy this week. I feel like the fog has lifted and I'm living life again. Much of this has to do with how incredibly well my Transformation Challenge is going. It is unreal how baggy my shirts are getting. And I put my new winter coat on today and, um it's a bit too big in the shoulders!! WHOO HOO!

My girlie Emmie is home sick today. Poor little sweetness. Check out her photo above...isn't she just lovely?!

I love my kiddo-s, my husband and my life. Sure, I get grumpy, we have mountains of bills to pay, the house is far from perfect and I don't get to create the way I want to...but wow! I am so grateful for my life!!

On a positive note...

2009-02-10T07:06:00.000-08:00

So my last post was a bit gloomy. Thanks so much to everyone that called, posted here and saw me at Church to give me a hug, an upbeat thought or a smile. You all did wonders for my soul...Heavenly Father has blessed me beyond measure. I am grateful for my friends whether they are here in Maryville or on the Web.

"Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better." -Emile Coue

This quote just sort of leaped off the page at me today. It fits so well with what is currently going on in my life. Every day, I'm growing, I'm stretching myself, I'm getting better. At the time I don't feel like that so much...but looking back on it-I am.

Please, if you have time stop by my website today Scrapwords. I miss that place so much. Lots has been going on in my life so I haven't put much time or effort into that wonderful community. However, with the help of many dear friends...it's moving right along. Today I woke up, refreshed and ready to move on. Lately my creativity has taken a backseat to life. With work, homeschooling and everything else I do (all us Wonder Women do-*wink *wink) my creative process has all but withered away.

There is hope though. I found the most inspirational book last week at Borders all about creative journaling and journals. Flipping through the pages my mind began to think in fun, colorful ways. I could literally feel creative thoughts begin percolating in my soul. The art journals just spoke to me and I realized how much I miss playing with paper, ink, paints, pens, stickers and all my other scrappy goodies. So, today is the day I take a baby step to put what I love so much back into my life!!

My Transformation journey is so unbelievable. This is Week 6 for me and I'm going strong. I haven't been this confident about finishing what I set out to do since I trained and ran my first marathon back in 1999. Hooray for ME!!

I intend on writing more and posting more photos and projects in the coming weeks. This will be so fun!!

Why are women so cruel to one another?

2009-02-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

Well, Wonder Woman was a bit deflated last night.
Couldn't sleep last night so I decided to just visit a few blogs. Well, one blog led to another blog which led to blogs I've never read/or seldom read...you know how that goes...usually lots of fun! Not so much last night.
I hate to admit this but every now and then I go to a blog called ScrapSmack. It is a terrible place where catty, pathetic women sit around and bash other women in the scrapbook industry. Their goal in life is to find all the dirt on scrap celebs, blogs about scrapping, etc then dish about it on their blog. I know I shouldn't read it...but it's like the National Enquirer...sometimes you just got to.
Anyway...as I was nosing around I found someone had posted a blog entry I had written last May on my site Scrapwords. It was an entry I had wrote about my how my family and I had found the LDS church, my faith in God and how through that I had become friends with Creating Keepsakes founding Editor Lisa Bearnson. Oh, my. Do the ladies on Scrapsmack hate us Mormons!! I couldn't believe the things I was reading...and they had a field day making fun of me and my faith in the Lord.
I was just stunned. I had to fight back tears as I read comment after after comment from women, who supposedly love the hobby of scrapbooking, making fun of my family and I.
I could barely get to sleep last night. I just lay in bed wondering how people could be so cruel. And questioning myself. Am I just a "polyanna" type person that everyone hates to be around? Yes, I am a happy person. I am always smiling, upbeat and perky. I am 42 years old but probably act more like a 20 something year old. Is is wrong of me to believe that most people are like me? In the sense they don't go around trashing others. They are happy and light-hearted and NICE.
This morning I can't get those ladies cruel comments out of my head. Do most people make fun of me? Like I'm thinking right now...this Wonder Woman blog is pretty stupid-huh? I bet people who stop by just snicker when they see it. I don't know.

The bottom line is this...I will never be a back-stabbing, unhappy, mean-spirited person. I just won't. I never have been and I refuse to be one now. I will also never apologize for being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. If you are not a member of my church...big deal. I'll be your friend anyway. I mean come on people...we are all Americans. We live in a free country. We can worship as we choose. I respect you no matter where you go to church...Please don't judge me because of where I go to church.
Okay, so I'm going off a bit...sorry. So not like me...

I leave you with this quote by Henry Emerson Fosdick...

"I would rather live in a world where my life is surrouned by mystery than live in a world so small that my mind could comprehend it."

Needful Things

2009-02-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

So, I have about 10 things I've been putting off in a major way. If you read my post before this one you know that my driver's license has been expired since October 12th and I have yet to renew it. I have packages to mail, a brownie pan to find for my MIL and a few other things I've been putting off. All of these loose ends have been weighing on my mind and I'm tired. So today is the day I work on tying up 4 of my "ends". Wish me luck!!

What about you? Do you have a list of things you know you need to do but for whatever reason you keep putting them off? Please share them here and make me feel better!!:)

I have a confession to make...

2009-02-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

My driver's license has expired. Yeah, even the 60 day sticker on the back. I know, I know...I gotta take care of this. *sigh*.
I only have one ticket to my name. Years and years ago I got a speeding ticket. That's it. I obey the law, wear my seatbelt, all that junk...but now, here I am with an expired license.
Why, you might ask. Well, it started with the fact I needed my Social Security card. I had lost mine so I had to go apply for a new one. Then I needed my birth certificate...had to order that, too. Lastly I have to show them a bill receipt with my name and address on it. Easy stuff, right? If you're Leslie Ackman...then no. I tend to procrastinate on stuff like this. One week led to one month which has now led to this...I am going to have to take a silly traffic test!! ACK! And to top it off the ladies at the License Bureau are never that friendly...

So, this Friday my husband's secretary and I are headed to the License Bureau before I head to court!!:) Wish me luck...

So much to do...

2009-01-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

So, you know I called my Blog "aka Wonder Woman" because, seriously isn't that what all women are? I mean think about...we work, take care of our families, clean our homes, serve in our Church, take care of our friends and so much more. When I really stop to think about all it is I do...I get overwhelmed!

Today I have spent the morning and early afternoon cleaning our home. When the house is a mess I am a mess! But with homeschooling Jackson, my calling, working at the pizza shop, trying to keep up with my website Scrapwords, exercising and cooking meals for my family, sometimes our home is the last thing on my list. Needless to say this is why I'm so grumpy most days!! LOL!:)
It has just felt so good to do laundry, fold clothes (no, they aren't put away yet!), wipe down counters, dust, vacuum and mop. When I get home from work tonight I will be so happy!

How do we do it all, ladies? Remember, it is imperative we get some ME TIME. Read your fave mag, scrapbook, watch your fav TV show, do a crossword puzzle...anything that takes some time away from your day just for you!

I'll leave you with this quote...

"We need time to dream, time to remember, and time to reach the infinite. Time to be." -Gladys Taber

What to write...

2009-01-27T11:17:00.000-08:00

Honestly nothing is really inspiring me today. It is snowing here, I need to work with Jackson on some homeschool stuff and there are still groceries in my truck that need to be put away.

My Transformation is going well. I'm Week 4 and still going strong. If you haven't already please check out transformation.com. It is an amazing place!!

I'm off to clean house, do some laundry, make a few meals for later in the week and hang out with my family.

Oh, American Idol is on tonight...now that's inspiring!!!

Happy Hair

2009-01-22T07:38:00.000-08:00

Man, I am having a good hair day!! Isn't it funny how our hair can define who we are and how we feel? We can either be so happy we could twirl and whirl around for hours and hours, making ourselves deliciously dizzy and sick OR we can become the monster that lives in the closet. You know the one, that scares our children and causes them to clutch their blanket so tight to their necks, their tiny fingers turn white.

I've had long hair, boy-short hair, curly hair, messy hair, straight hair, wild hair and flippy hair. I've felt happy, sad, depressed, sassy, bold, confident, angry, foolish and more due to how my hair looks.

Today I feel fun, light-hearted, cute and good about me all because of my hair.

Here's hoping you are having a good hair day, too!!

Historic Day

2009-01-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

How is it going on this amazing, historic day? I hope you took time today to watch the swearing in of our 44th President. I mean even if you didn't vote for the guy (I didn't) it is still quite a day!!

Tears came to my eyes as I watched the 104 year old African American gentleman being wheeled to his seat. His parents were slaves and here he was, able to witness a black man become the nation's President!! I think that is just pretty cool!! I don't care what party he's from!!!

Congratulations to President Obama and his family. I wish them the best as they begin a very big new chapter in their lives.

Okay, I read a Scripture chapter today...hooray! It's Philippians 2:3...

"...in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."style="font-weight:bold;">

When I read that I think about what it is Jesus would do if he were here with me right now. He would be humble, peaceful and ready to put me first. He would never take credit for doing something, rather praise me and lift me up for doing it.
I serve as Primary President in our little Branch. I'd like to think I am pretty good at "esteeming others better than me". While I may lead the Primary it is the hard work and creative minds of my counselors that do most of the work.

This is a lesson I can use in my daily life and intend on working on it this week.

I truly hope you have an amazing week!! I'll be here tomorrow...hope you will, too!

Yeah, I know...

2009-01-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

It's Monday. I've eaten breakfast, worked out, posted on my site and read through all my fave blogs. But the one thing I haven't done yet (geesh, I gotta get better at this) is read my Scriptures. But, alas...do not fear...I WILL read them and I WILL post a verse that reaches out and grabs me today. So, please come back:)

Happy Monday!

Make it a Good One

2009-01-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

Please today while you are running around in cyberspace take the time to visit this courageous and inspirational young woman and her Blog- The NieNie Dialogues. We won't be sorry!

So not eating massive quantities of food is getting easier for me. This new way of eating is really paying off. My blood sugar is better, my tummy is shrinking and those pesky love handles are wasting away!!

Today I read from Numbers 16. That is a pretty intense chapter!! I did find one verse I wanted to share with you today.

Numbers 16:28
"And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind."

When I sit and ponder on this verse I understand what Moses was saying...We are, as children of our Heavenly Father, supposed to be obedient to His will for us. We are to surrender our wants and needs for ourselves and ask Him what He would have us do. This year I have decided to do that. It's not easy but I know if I listen to His will for my life I will be happier, healthier and doing what it is I was put on earth to do. I love that!!

So, it's Friday and I'm ready for the weekend. Gearing up for a few days of girl talk with my cousin. Looking forward to that and my Free Day is Saturday. Still thinking about what I'm gonna indulge in!!

Happy Weekend!

Just so happy...

2009-01-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

It seems like I have all my great, inspiring, life-altering ideas while I'm in the shower or doing my hair. I read somewhere a long time ago that is because at that time we just kind of zone out. Our minds can wander free, dream and goal-set without all the clutter getting in the way.

So, this morning as I'm doing my hair (which, btw, is in the awful growing out layers phase!!) this thought just consumed me.
"You choose the life you lead". Hmmmm. Yes, I do. I can either drink my water, eat right, be nice to my kids and husband and everyone I meet, read my Scriptures, go to Church, serve in my Calling, clean my house, be positive and energetic and quit procrastinating...or not.

I love to write...I mean love it!! Writing has been my passion since the 5th grade. I miss writing the way I used to. For over 5 years I had a weekly column in the newspaper called "View from the Front Porch". I loved that. I wrote so much better then. I was aware of everything around me. Everyone and everything I witnessed became a story in my eyes. I haven't done that in years.

So, to honor my passion of writing...I'm try looking at situations differently again. I'll see the story in everyone and everything I meet. I will try to learn a lesson as I did so many times before with every word, paragraph and thought I write down.

My word for 2009 is POTENTIAL. I chose this word because I know deep within me lies POTENTIAL to become all that I dream about. One of those things I dream about is writing. Becoming published, inspiring others and so much more.

The other day, while going through my scrap space I came across a letter from a dear friend's husband. Becky passed away 3 years ago now. Out of the hundreds of people that read my column...she was my biggest cheerleader. Whenever one of my articles touched her life she would take the time, write me a sweet note and mail it. I've kept everyone of those letters. I cherish them, I re-read them. The other day...I came across a letter her husband wrote me about a year after she died. He explained to me how MY writing had touched his life, his wife's life. He thanked me for my writing. He said it made him want to be a better person.

In Becky's last letter before she passed from Breast Cancer she told me with conviction...never, ever stop writing. She told me that God had given me a talent and that I was never to stop. I will never forget Becky or her words of encouragement.

So, I post this little note today, ready to begin. Ready to be more aware. Ready to really and truly write. I have a choice. I choose to live the life I've been blessed with fully.

This morning I made another commitment to myself. Scripture Study. I read 1 Chronicles 16:1-43. I'd like to share a verse here daily that touches my heart in some way...
"Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord."
I like the imagery of that. Can't you just see crowds of people, rejoicing and praising our Heavenly Father?
When I read the Scriptures I don't always understand them. But, I know the more I read...the I will understand .

Make it a fabulous day!!!

Wow!!

2009-01-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd let you know about this amazing contest going on here.
One lucky winner will win a Creating Keepsakes Kit Project:365!! Good Luck!

1 Down/17 to Go

2009-01-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

So, can I just brag about how incredibly elated I am? I have stayed true and faithful to my Transformation plan all week long!

For 6 days I have ran, walked, lifted, jumped, pedaled, sweat and fatigued every muscle in my body. I have reached my highpoints. I have gone the extra mile in hope of becoming the change I so want to be in the world. This is nothing short of remarkable.

Instead of pigging out on chips, sweets and one too many slices of bread...I'm eating 6 small meals a day with a balance of carbs and proteins. My blood sugar isn't bouncing all over the place. I'm drinking over 2 liters of water a day with a goal of drinking twice that in the next few weeks.

I'm saying no to cookies and brownies at parties. I'm watching as my family eats pizza and I'm satisfied with a lean and tasty turkey burger.

I'm planning my meals, cooking them all at once, and always being prepared. Such a new concept for me.

I'm encouraging others to do the same by setting an example. I'm encouraging my family, friends and my T.com friends.

Life just keeps getting better...

It's Been Awhile

2009-01-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

I know, know...it's been awhile since I've really, truly kept up with my Blog. First it was the holidays and now it's the New Year. As you know I have embarked on a new adventure in my life...I'm now working at our Pizza Shop!! HA!! While this is so good for business and I do get to hang out with my guy 5 afternoons a week, it seriously cuts into my Bog time:)!

Life is going along pretty well these days. I'm on Day 5 of my Transformation. Can't believe I'm actually committed and doing it this time. What a difference support makes.

In the weeks to come I hope to post more photos, ideas (both creative ones and healthy ones) workout ideas, home stuff and more. One of my goals this year is to improve my Blogging...yes, I've got a ways to go.

So, with all that being said I must hurry, get a shower, clean the downstairs, make a grocery list, go pick up my daughter and head to St.Joe for an appointment. All this must be done in just one hour and a half.

Wonder Woman indeed.

Words of Me album project

2009-01-05T09:11:00.001-08:00

Please check out the Words of Me project at my site Scrapwords.

This could change your life

2009-01-05T08:29:00.000-08:00

Here is a life-changing thought from my favorite author Sarah Ban Breathnach. I hope you enjoy!!

"It's time we put thoughts of lack behind us. It's time for us to discover the secrets of the stars, to sail to an uncharted land, to open up a new heaven where our spirits can soar. But first we'll have to make changes. And lasting change does not come overnight. Lasting change happens in infinetesimal increments: a day, an hour, a minute, a heartbeat at a time. And the change I'm encouraging you to make with me is fundamental. Take a deep breath. We're going to learn to become optimists. Today smile at everyone you meet. Expect something good to happen to you no matter what occurred yesterday. Realize the past no longer holds you captive. It can only continue to hurt you if you hold on to it. Let the past go. A simple abundant world awaits."
-Sarah Ban Breathnach

May we all become optimists. May we expect greatness from ourselves today and everyday.

My New Look

2009-01-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

So, if you are a regular reader of my Blog you'll notice a big change!! First of all I've changed the name from "60 Days" to "aka Wonder Woman'. Why you might ask? For several reasons...

I wanted this to be more than just a weight loss blog. I knew I'd be blogging about my life, my weight loss, my creative endeavors and my site. It seems that, like most women, I tend to do it all. I work, I serve at church, I am a mom, I have hobbies, oh, so many things!!! Last night after my husband and I got home from work (we own a pizza shop and just recently started working together again)while he sat down to watch TV, I had to clean up after the kids, get supper then clean the kitchen. It was nearly 9 PM when I finally got to sit down! While finishing up the last of the dishes I mumbled to myself "I am Wonder Woman!". At that moment I had an "A-Ha" moment, came running upstairs to the computer room and proceeded to take my Blog and revamp it to look like my favorite super hero (and obviously me) Wonder Woman. I really love how it turned out!!

So, for now (and forever I think) this is "aka Wonder Woman" a place for me to rant and rave, to inspire, to educate and to just be Me. I hope you join me and feel free to comment and share your opinions on life.

My 2009 Tranformation Goals

2009-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

My 2009 Transformation Goals

Goal #1-To Finish this 18 Week Transformation Challenge

Plan of Action: I will plan my meals each week as well as pre-cook as many meals as I can on Sunday evenings so I can always be ready with a healthy meal. Planning is key for me to actually finish this challenge!! I will NEVER miss a workout. If I have to do arms and cardio on the same day I will. I REFUSE to skip a workout!! I will keep my Transformation Binder with me, keep track of my food, workouts and thoughts and feelings in it. Remember, PLANNING is EVERYTHING!!! I also will write down every event (wedding, sport activity, trip) that I think may derail my plan and come up with some way to handle it before it actually gets here.

Obstacles: My procrastination. My initial excitement usually fades after a couple of weeks. When "life happens" I tend to get overwhelmed and use this as an excuse to EAT junk!!! No more! Telling myself that one little bite won't hurt or "I deserve it." type mentality.

Resources: My Heavenly Father. I will pray for His strength to bless me daily. EFL and BFL Champions Book, this amazing site and my friends here! Also my dear friend Kristen who is taking this journey with me. My family who supports me and is tagging along!

Reward: PEACE. With myself, my family, my friends, my LIFE. PEACE.

Goal #2-To lose 30 Pounds of FAT!

Plan of Action: To eat the BFL way 6 days a week. Take one FREE Day to enjoy a few treats I may miss. No little cheats throughout the week like I've done in the past. Plan my meals, have a mini cooler to take healthy meals and snacks to work so I don't eat what's at the pizza shop. Try new and exciting clean eating recipes from my various magazines and recipe books. Make clean eating fun!

Obstacles: The main one I can see is running out of clean food by not preparing ahead of time. Not PLANNING! Being tempted when we eat out or go to the movies.

Resources: My Eat Clean books by Tosca Reno, EFL book (LOVE this book!!), Clean Eating Magazine, weight loss blogs, my Transformation Community!

Reward: At last weighing 130 pounds something I haven't done since I was in grade school!! Having energy, looking good in anything I wear, going on a HUGE shopping spree in Utah for NEW clothes at my favorite shops!!!!

Goal #3-To be Cheerful, Loving and Patient on Most Days

Plan of Action: I will read my Scriptures and pray daily. Instead of taking out my emotions on food and my family I will keep my journal, blog and hang out in the forums here. I will surround myself with positive people, ideas and reading materials so I can be the change on the inside which in turn will help me feel better about me which will help me be a more loving, cheerful person to my loved ones and everyone I meet.

Obstacles: Lack of time, motivation and just sheer laziness. I always tell myself I'll read my Scriptures then find an excuse not to.

Resources: My Scriptures, Church, uplifting magazines, this community and enjoying my hobby with my daughter...scrapbooking. Creating helps me not eat and helps me slow down. I love hanging out with my daughter!! She can bring out the best in me.

Reward: The reward from accomplishing all these things will make my Transformation 100%. Yes, I want the lean body, smaller size jeans and to look good, but I know my Transformation won't be complete without the spiritual and mental change as well.

A New Year

2008-12-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

Weel, a new year is just around the corner. I love that. Oh, the possibilities that await.

Around this time of year I enjoy making lists, organizational charts and resolutions. This year I have a beautiful binder my 11 year old daughter Emma created just for me to put all my weight loss and exercise stuff in. Wasn't that the most thoughtful present ever? I sure thought so.

With a new year comes my new word of the year. I am really excited about it and will be posting that along with last years word later on in the week.

Along with the word will come my goals for 2009. I would love to hear all about yours, too. Be thinking about them...

We are what we think we are

2008-12-26T08:19:00.001-08:00

I have had a morning of self-loathing. I woke up bloated and sick. This past week I've literally stuffed myself with fudge, cookies, fatty cheeses and meats, cake, chips and more. Last night I sat down with a tin of butter cookies and ate a 1/4 of it!!!! I mean what in the heck????

When I was taking my shower I got to thinking about my body, the self hate I have for it, the binge eating. I was just getting more and more depressed. Then I just said out loud...STOP!!! Yes, I've over indulged. Yes, physically I feel like CRUD! But guess what? Still, after all of this I like myself. I have some great qualities I love about ME. So outloud I began listing those things about me I liked. I could feel the depression lift, my mind come into a better place.

I got dressed, am getting ready to do my hair way cute and go after Christmas shopping. I'm gonna make a big batch of EFL turkey joes and enjoy them with a huge glass of water and maybe a salad.

I am gonna get my physical body back. I'm gonna take care of me. But, in order to do that I gotta take care of my mind. I get that now. Ding, Ding, Ding...I had a light bulb moment.

It has begun (well, almost)

2008-12-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks I have been getting ready for my Transformation Challenge. Not only am I excited about this but I am confident I'm gonna do it!!!!

Did you notice my ticker up top? I am going to make my goal of 500 minutes by Christmas!!! It's amazing how that one thing has kept me motivated all month long!! Now I've just got to decide what my next fitness goal will be.

With this new challenge I'm undertaking...while, it doesn't officially start till January 5th, I'm getting a head start on it!! Starting to eat better, workout harder, get to bed sooner and journal.

You can expect updates here as I plan to document my entire Transformation journey!!

The Bug

2008-12-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

So, I had this darn flu bug for the past 24 hours. Sat around all day and watched "Law & Order" reruns and "SVU". Did you know that there is some "Law & Order" show on like every cable channel at any given time? Seriously!!

Feeling better this morning but still not up to working out. I hardly ate anything yesterday and my appetite is still not back today. Now that is a good thing!

What a Christmas Gift!!

2008-12-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

So, my hubby surprised me this morning. We all went to the GYM as a family and WORKED OUT!!! This has been my sincere wish for years and years and today we did it!

My wonderful husband said Merry Christmas as he was paying an extradordinary amount for our 1 year family pass. So I guess that is what I'm getting...a one year membership to sweat, huff & puff, relieve stress, get in shape and spend time with my family.

Sounds good to me...

Pain in the neck

2008-12-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I started lifting again. I have worked with weights off and on for over 10 years. I know the benefits of weight lifting...it's just I've got to keep at it.

Last June when I began my BFL journey I began reaping the strength weights bring after just a few weeks. My groceries were lighter, my neck hurt less and my headaches virtually disappeared.

Once I got out of the habit my neck began aching again and I everything just started going down hill. It's always a bit scary for me when I begin a weight program because my neck and shoulders ache for days. However, when I stick with a plan, my neck and shoulders become stronger until, at last, the pain disappears. So yesterday, I got out my BFL book and did my first weight session in months. Can I just tell you it was great! But I will also tell you I looked much like the ladies above...I had to start out using just 3 pound weights and if I'm being 100% honest on some of the shoulder moves I had to just set the weights down.

I'm all good though and know, if I remain faithful in no time at all I'll be stronger, experiencing less neck pain and happier.

**Here is a challenge for you today. What is it that you've been putting off that would benefit your health immensely? Why not gather up the courage and do that one thing TODAY. I bet you'll be glad you did!

Cold Weather Tips

2008-12-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

So far I've had a fabulous week. The past 2 mornings I've bundled up in my winter coat, hat and mittens for my morning walk. The chilly mornings remind me of my marathon training 10 years ago. Call me crazy but I LOVE walking and running in the winter months! This would be my dream coat...how cute!!

Here's a tip for walking outside...wear a hat!! Seriously, even if you normally don't wear one...please put one on while exercising out in the cold. Just like our Mom's told us...heat goes out through our heads, so in order to stay warm enough and walk longer than just 5 minutes you must wear one! Another cold weather tip...mittens, long socks and when it's super windy something over your face.

I find that walking outside not only is good for my heart but also my mood. There is nothing like cold air to wake you up and feel alive! Try it. I promise if you give it a few days (maybe even weeks) you'll learn to love it, too.

Tomorrow is a NEW day!

2008-11-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

Well, this has been a hard week for me to eat and exercise well. Although I'm happy to say I worked out on Thanksgiving. Went for a cool, brisk walk with my daughter and mom after dinner. And on Friday night I hit the gym at the Hampton Inn we were staying in. Had a sweat fest there! Did some power walking, elliptical work and used the weighted balls. Those are just fun.

You must check out this story here. It says everything I'm thinking!

Tomorrow is a NEW DAY and a brand new month. Love it when that happens. We have 24 days till Christmas and 30 days till the start of 2009. This year I want to get a jumpstart on my New Year's resolutions. My friend Kristen and I have decided to embark on this January 5th.We are going to be starting a women's group along with it in our Relief Society at church, too. We thought it would be fun to empower other women as well as ourselves. Of course I'll be keeping track of everything here!

Here are my list of goals for this "New Month's Eve"...

1. Reach my goal of exercise "500 minutes by Christmas".
2. Make menus for my week so I know what I'm eating for the day.
3. Drink lots and lots of water daily.
4. Stop eating when I'm full.
5. Take time to keep up my blog, read inspirational weight loss blogs and write in my journal.

I would love for you to join me on this "New Month's Eve". Tell me your 5 goals for the next 24 days. Come on! Let's motivate each other and be ready for 2009!!!

2008-11-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving just 2 days away, I am well on my way to once again being in control. I've not been craving fat and sugar simply because I'm making an effort and choosing to eat healthy. I keep pumping water into me, too.

I read a really awesome article on "Annette's Awakening" (see the link on the right side of my blog) regarding the Thanksgiving feast. She says we should go ahead and let ourselves indulge in all the goodies. After all it wasn't just one meal that made us overweight and unhealthy. I would add to that if you don't think you can recover from eating a meal like that with pie and everything...don't do it. There are times I can control my urge to eat everything in sight but then there are times I'm doing so well so I do decide to indulge and I end up eating waaaay over my limit. You be the judge.

I'm off to work at Scrapwords in town then tonight Em and I are headed to get all the goodies for our feast on Thursday. I love this time of year!!

Turning Point

2008-11-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

I woke up Sunday at 2:30 a.m. I just lay in bed, tossing and turning, thinking about my life. I decided to wake up at 3, grabbed my faith journal, my Ensign Magazine, a few other inspirational things and headed downstairs.

I felt the overwhelming sense I needed to pray...so I did. After my prayer I took out my faith journal and began writing. I wrote things like "time for a new beginning", "start fresh" and "time to take care of me".

The past few months I've been plagued with headaches, neck pain and face pain. Some days it has been debilitating. I'm really tired of that.

What I realized in those early morning hours yesterday was ultimately I choose. I choose what I put in my mouth. I choose to drink water or pop or nothing. I choose to get out of bed an hour early to exercise. I choose my own fate. Can I choose not to have the pain, too? I think so.

My faith has always been strong. I know my Heavenly Father is here for me. And I know He chooses for me to be healthy, eat wisely and live life to the fullest. At the same time He also gave me complete agency. I have a choice.

Lots happened yesterday to help me grow spiritually. In fact yesterday was one of the most spiritual of my life. Yesterday was a turning point for me. I know now where it is I want to go. I know now that I choose. I'm in total control.

You'll notice I posted one of those cute exercise tickers on the right hand side of my Blog. I decided to shoot for 500 minutes of exercise between now and Christmas Day. I think this will be a fun way for me to track my progress and keep me on track.

What about you? What do you choose to do today?

Commit

2008-11-20T13:27:00.001-08:00

So, I've been doing a lot of thinking today. It's really a nice sunny day but for some reason I'm kind of gloomy. My stomach is hurting today and my jeans aren't fitting so well. Can I telly you instead of getting off the couch after lunch I sat there, watched "Maury" (what a joke) and ate 1/3 bad of cheese curls. This was after lunch!!! What in the heck?

I'm such an emotional eater. When all is well, I tend to eat healthy. When our life gets a bit stressful I just give in and eat. I've given this a lot of thought this afternoon because honestly I'm sick of feeling this way. It never fails...I always end of self-sabotaging myself.

I envision myself with a nice, lean stomach, shapely arms, small waist and full of energy. I used to be like that. When I first began my fitness journey I chose 2 words to use as my mantra "Discipline & Perseverance". Those 2 words meant so much to me I had them put on a sweatshirt to remind me of how far I'd come. There was a time I went for 1 whole year without fast food, a candy bar or one potato chip. Now when I tell myself I'm just going to go 1 day without sugar...I seem to fail. I have 2 posters that hang in my office. One says "Never, never quit." The other one says "You are not finished when you lose. You are finished when you quit." I repeat these two quotes to myself daily. No, I'm not quitting but I'm not moving forward. I just keep repeating goals without ever successfully finishing them. Soooo frustrating.

This post is my way of keeping track of what I'm thinking of at this moment.Heck that is why I started this Blog. A way for me to get my thoughts and feelings about food down as well as motivate and inspire.

I'm no stranger to helping others lose weight. When I was in good shape I started a local group for women called Momfit. There were about a dozen of us that met once a week to discuss our struggles, our triumphs and to build one another up. We focused on exercising and being healthy. I loved that group!

Today, at this moment I want to commit not only to myself but to you the following things...

1. I will always be honest about what I'm eating and doing.
2. I will try my hardest to say no to sugar and fat. If I do decided to indulge, eat half of what I would normally.
3. Exercise is a priority in my life. I will workout most mornings for at least 30 minutes. I will lift weights, do tapes, walk and stretch to help me lose weight and to lower my stress levels.
4. I will not gain 1 pound between today and January 1st, 2009
5. I will stop stressing about all the little things and focus on being healthy.

These are do-able commitments for the holiday season.

If you have any commitments you'd like to share here...please post!

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-11-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

So, I'm not doing perfect but I am doing. Trying not to eat sugar till Thanksgiving. Was doing okay then yesterday after school Em says, "Hey, mom let's go get ice-cream." Hmmm, I thought to myself. "Okay, honnie, let's go!!" I replied all too enthusiastically while literally running to the truck ready for a giant hot fudge and caramel sundae (with whip cream, nuts and a cherry on top).
There I sat with my giant ooey, gooey sundae. Not just eating it but loving it. Halfway through my stomach was screaming "I'm full!!". But with all that love, that hot fudge...I couldn't stop. So, just minutes later, empty sundae cup in hand I turned to my daughter and asked, "Em, why did I eat all that? I am soooo full."
We agreed next time to just share a treat rather than stuff ourselves. Good idea.So, not happy with that decision. But we move on, learn from it and say just share next time.
Okay!

Picked up one of my favorite non-food treats yesterday. Read it last night and was sooo inspired! Check it out.

I am so loving these Fiber One pop tarts right now. They have 5 grams of fiber per tart and they are sooo good! I don't eat them for breakfast but rather during that afternoon slump or when I feel like eating a hot fudge sundae!! Should have done that yesterday. Oh, well...move on!! I found these wonderful treats at my local Wal-Mart for around $2.00. Try them!

Popped in one of my Leslie Sansone tapes this morning then lifted a few light weights and stretched. My goal is to add stretching daily. This helps so much with my headaches.

I'm getting nervous about all the food next week for Thanksgiving. Would love to hear your strategies for not eating like a mad, crazy woman!! Post here if you have any suggestions.

Happy Thursday!

Monday, Monday

2008-11-17T07:26:00.000-08:00

Looky what I found today. Love this so much! And I am so going to do it:)

Woke with a big glass of water, 1 piece of PB toast and one banana. Did my Leslie Sansone Walking 15 minute power mile tape then came upstairs and got ready for the day. It's been a good one so far...

**Be sure and check my new favorite exerciser out. LOVE this!!