Life Altered

Dear Friends,

Our family has received bad news this week. My step-father, Tom, has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Doctors have been trying to understand why my Dad's back pain was so severe and the last couple of tests have revealed the news. Now he must meet with an oncologist to discuss his treatment. Stage 4, is ultimately "end stage cancer." Our hearts are broken yet we must continue down the road with this dear man who means so much to so many. Tom married my Mother when I was just finishing high school. He treats me like a princess.

I always try to keep things light on my blog, but with this going on in our lives, there will obviously be some down times. I plan to post regular updates as we muddle through. Tom's attitude is amazing. He lives on faith and trusts in our Lord. We can all takes some cues from him. Maybe our story can be a blessing to you in some way. I've started a Discussion over at my BlogFrog community and I'm hoping that you'll join in if you have a similar story to share. I would love to have a community of support right here! Click here to add your thoughts or story.

Toot Your Horn Tuesday - Back to my old self

Hi All! It's time again to step into the limelight. I hope you'll step in with me!

Today, I'm gleaming, because after 2 years of failed attempts, I have finally reached my weight loss goal. Yes, I've shed 10 pounds!! I hadn't felt comfortable in my body since Glynis was born. (Mostly because I refused to buy a new wardrobe to fit my larger self and my clothes were restricting my breathing.) Now I can breath freely again. =) I really must tell you how I did it too.

I cut all sugar and carbs! I only ate lean meat, vegetables, nuts and low fat cheeses. I ate whenever I was hungry. I must have been pretty determined too, because I have a huge sweet tooth. It's not unlike me to sit and eat 10 chocolate chip cookies in one sitting. So, they call this the South Beach diet in case you're interested. It works in phases and the first two weeks are very restrictive. Slowly you can add more variety, but the idea of the restrictive phase is to curb your cravings. I believe that is the main key! After a week, I had no problem resisting those M & M's! I'd like to add, that my exercise regimen only consisted of several walks a week and a few quick exercises in the living room. Not to mention chasing a toddler around tirelessly!

Also, here's a picture of our family from last night. (I was happy to pose!!)

We had some very special visitors. Two lovely couples, all the way from California. They are parents of some of Chris' best friends. They've been vacationing here in the area. It always means so much to Chris when someone from home comes to visit.

Ok now it's your turn. Write a "toot" about yourself on your blog, add the Toot Your Horn Tuesday button from my sidebar to your post then come back to sign Mister Linky. Leave some "chirps" below too. Then be prepared for our AWE. Whether it's a large feat or a small accomplishment, we'll be there to support you!!

Not Me Monday - Dead Crab

I love MckMama's new Not Me Monday logo, don't you?!

Here's another short post for you. It's Monday for goodness sakes. I'm sure you don't have time to read about all of my stupid antics! Just make sure you're back here tomorrow for Toot Your Horn Tuesday!! And this time, play along!!


I did not let Chandler bring home this adorable, yet dead, crab from the beach. Who knew he would take it to church with him?

I did not make 5lbs of mac & cheese for our small (3 family) July 4th gathering. That's a ridiculous amount don't you think? My teenagers decided at the last minute to skip our party and attend another one. I was totally relying on them to eat it all up. Now it sits in the fridge taking up a whole shelf! I suppose it'll be gone soon enough, but it's not helping my diet any.

I did not smash my head on the door when I found a dead cockroach lying on the floor. I swear I don't know how I did it. Bugs don't frighten me at all, especially dead ones. And even so, how could I do that? (Don't worry friends, it's just a small bump.)

I did not get up this morning at 6am! Last week I stayed in bed every day until well after 7. Why would I bother getting up so early? Isn't it summer?

Photostory Friday - VBS

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Vacation Bible School

Toot Your Horn Tuesday - New friends are a special gift

It's time again to toot our horns!

In fact, I'll toot two horns this time. Mimi, from He & Me +3, came to my house for a visit! How cool is that? She lives in Michigan, but was here in Virginia on vacation. I understand she was to have a meeting with some other bloggers in North Carolina too.

We had a great visit! My oldest son was working, but the rest of my kids, plus her 3 were all under the same roof. While the kids jumped on the trampoline and bowled on the Wii, Mimi and I just chatted away. What a wonderful lady she is. Her smile just lit up my living room. We only visited for a couple of hours, and of course we were interrupted by all those active kiddos, but boy did we hit a lot of topics. Family, blogging, weight loss, faith, decorating, health issues and more. She has family here in Virginia, so I look forward to seeing her again. And next time, we'll get a pedicure together! (ok Mimi?)

This was my first experience meeting one of my blogging buddies in person. I'd love to meet a few more. So if you're ever in Virginia, Let Me Know!

And one more toot...
Vacation Bible School has begun. I'm teaching 2nd grade this year along with several other brave ladies. 2nd grade happens to be the largest group this week. I think there are about 16 kids. 3 more days left and let me tell you, it's quite tiring. But it's just as much a blessing for the adults as it is for the children.

Ok, I'm signing off. Hoping that many of you are ready to join in the fun and write a post about how special you are. Sometimes even the smallest task needs a little recognition. So write away! Whether you conquered a pile of laundry or ran a marathon, let's hear about it!

Include the cute little TYHT button on the left side bar in your post and then sign Mister Linky. And most importantly, Cheer each other on!!

Doesn't look like I'll be writing much of a post for Monday. I'm EXHAUSTED!
Vacation Bible School started tonight. It was a blast. Wish we had it in the morning though. I'm much more with it in the morning.

Really the only reason I'm even taking the time to write right now is because I wanted to announce that Glynis went poop in the potty.

Aren't you just jumping for joy?! I know...sorry...I'm a Mom of a toddler. This is a real highlight for me.

I will be writing more interesting things on Tuesday. For one, my great blogging friend, Mimi, came for a visit! I'll post a picture and write the rest of my "toots" then. That's right, I'm looking forward to everyone joining in for another week of Toot Your Horn Tuesday. Make sure you're here!

G'day Mates! (VBS has an Australian theme)

Photostory Friday - Safety First

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Here's what you do with those independent teens and toddlers who think they don't need Mommy anymore...

Bubblewrap!