FOR TODAY

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...my grass looks so thick and green thanks to Lawn Magic and the LORD sending us some rain.

I AM THINKING...that I feel gross from cleaning Jon's Covington house today, but at least the weight equipment will be in the garage.

FROM THE KITCHEN...we had Papa Jon's tonight.

I AM CREATING...a clean house before we go on vacation.

I AM GOING...to the beach on Wednesday.

I AM WEARING...a running shirt and some GA Bulldog workout pants that are so nasty from cleaning that house.

I AM READING...my Bible (trying to read it in a year, but I'm a little behind). The Shack by William Young - it is wonderful, a must read.

I AM HOPING...that my foot will heal in time for a race this Friday. It will be my son's first 5K and I am supposed to be running it with him.

I AM HEARING...Jon read things to me about my extensor tendinitis.

AROUND THE HOUSE...I will be packing for vacation and trying to get things in order before we leave on Wednesday.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...the beach. I am a total beach bum. I can't wait to go!!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF MY WEEK...head to St. Simons on Wednesday, celebrate Alec's birthday on Thursday, race on Friday (hopefully) and watch fireworks from the beach, enjoy being at the beach with my family.

Weekend Recap

First of all, for those wondering what I decided to do about "tempted" my brother-in-law did not get here until 2:00, so that threw all of my plans out the window. I guess it was for the best. Thanks for all of your advice though. I have made a deal with my hubby though. He has 2 house that need cleaning in order to be put on the market. Normally he cleans them, but I told him I would clean one if he would agree to move the exercise equipment monster into the garage. He had to think about it for awhile, but, he agreed to it. So today I will be cleaning a house that is not my own. Oh well, it will be SOOOO worth it to have my family room back. We had a rather eventful weekend, which was very nice. I decided on Saturday that since my plans for "tempted" were out the window then I would do something special at home with each of the children. My son and I started putting together a 500 piece puzzle. I have a friend who loves puzzles. I 've always snickered at her about this but on Saturday I had to apologize to her because I have now entered the world of puzzle lover. I had so much fun with this. My son got frustrated after awhile, but I could not stop. I did decide to leave the last pieces for the children to finish up (which the puzzle is still sitting on the dining room table unfinished). My middle daughter and I made a stepping stone, which she loved doing. She is very crafty. My youngest daughter and I painted, which is what she said she wanted to do. The children then surprised Jon and I with a "romantic dinner" and show. Posted below is the table they set up for use. They made us salad with banana and cheese, peanut butter and crackers, and some sort of lemon drink. I really played along with them and played it up like it was all delicious. Jon, on the other hand, was having no part of the salad or the drink. He did thank them for their thoughtfulness. They then put on a dancing and singing show. It was precious. I have to say my son is usually the ringleader when they do these sorts of things. They truly make life SO MUCH FUN!!!

Sunday was very restful, which I always try to make it a habit to rest on Sundays. I know God calls for us to do this, and I have really found it makes my week go much better if I do. After a great Sunday service at our church we came home and had leftover taco soup (which everyone huffed and puffed about). I cuddled up on my sofa in our family room with "The Shack" and read until I fell asleep. The girls played Wii Fit and my hubby and son watched a movie together. We then went out to have Mexican for dinner, came home and played a board game, finished our Junie B. Jones "Toothless Wonder", said our prayers, put the kids to bed, then Jon and I watched a movie until we fell asleep. A weekend a home, but a great weekend at that!!!

The Entertainment

Our "romantic dinner" (the children knew I would be mad if anything got on the carpet). Notice the place cards and the menu.

Hanna's Painting

Ashley's Stepping Stone

Alec's unfinished puzzle

Tempted

I decided that if I get this off my chest and out into the open that I can, or maybe some of you can, talk me out of what I am very tempted to do today. In our family room we have this body weight exercise equipment up. It has been there probably since January, with all intentions of one day moving it out. During January my husband actually bought it for me because he was really not into fitness at that time. Fast forward to March, hubby gets really into running and into this body weight machine. I bought 2 new chairs specifically for our family room, and I absolutely LOVE them. My room is now complete with the addition of these 2 chairs. It looks so good, very warm and welcoming (which is what I desire my home to be) EXCEPT for this huge piece of exercise equipment. Father's Day weekend I spent almost all of my Saturday cleaning out our garage all by myself so we could put this equipment in there - to be used, but not seen by company. Well hubby and I have been going around and around about this machine. He wants to leave it in the family room so he can watch TV while he exercises. I have tried to convince him that he will get a much better workout if he is not distracted by the TV and also I have told him that watching TV hinders muscle growth:) It's not working!!!!! So, here comes the temptation part - most days my hubby is in and out of the house throughout the day, but today, and today only, he will be gone pretty much all day. It will require me removing a few nuts and bolts in order to move this equipment and then put it back together in the garage. He will be SOOOO upset with me if I do it. I have even threatened to do it, and he said, "If you do, then I will get your sewing machine and take it apart, and then you will have to put it together again." Please understand all of this is done in jest with lots of laughter and picking. None is done with an ill-intent or a mean spirit. I am trying really, really hard to be submissive, but I am so tired of looking at this monster in my family room. It hinders the decor. I have prayed for many, many years that my husband would develop healthier eating habits and exercise, and God has truly answered my prayers. So I keep telling myself to be grateful that he is using the equipment and don't nag him about putting it somewhere he doesn't want it, but today that is not working. I really, really want it out in the garage. Help!!! - somebody, anybody. Any suggestions as to how I can get this equipment out of there without defiance?

Salute to our Soldiers

Teaching my children to be proud of our country is very important to me. When we see a man or woman in uniform I encourage the children to tell them, "Thank you for serving our country." I have even gotten into the habit of doing it myself when I do not have the children with me. I think freedom is something we all take for granted. We got together with some of our homeschooling friends to make cards for a soldier that is related to one of the homeschooling moms. We had a great time. My friend Lisa provided ice cream and the fixings to go with it. The children played, and we moms got to catch up. It was good being with our friends and doing something nice for those who fight for our freedom.

Camp Nanna and Papa

This weekend the children went camping with my parents. This had been a much anticipated trip, and all of them (including Nanna and Papa) couldn't wait. Hanna would ask me everyday, at least 3 times a day, "How many more days until we go camping with Nanna and Papa?" Mama got special snacks for the children of their choosing, cereal (which they love and I NEVER buy - they consider it such a treat), a new bathing suit, and, of course, lots of little extras. I took them to the lake to drop them off Friday and stayed and rode in the boat and had lunch with everyone. Then it was time for me to get back home to hubby. I had a teary goodbye from my Ashley. She is a BIG Mama's girl and does not like to spend the night away from me. She wanted Jon and I to come back to camp the next night. I told her I would talk with Daddy, and she said, "Mama, if he says no, will you just keep asking him?" That is exactly what she does to everyone. She has a hard time taking No for an answer. It really is almost like she doesn't understand the word.

The next morning they all were very chatty and had lots to tell me when they called me. Alec caught 13 fish and drove the boat (whoa- glad I wasn't there. I would have said no), but Papa taught him how to do it and he did a great job. The girls swam and swam and found lake shells (AKA seashells) as they called them. They built a fire and roasted marshmallows and made smores. Day 2 was just as good. They road to the middle of the lake with the boat and all jumped out of the boat and swam. They all had so much fun.

Meanwhile, back at home Jon and I had a great weekend (other than me hurting my foot). Friday night we played Wii Fit and competed against one another, which we love. Then watched a movie. Saturday morning we went and ran in "Run for Romania" which was our best race yet. Then we spent the next 3 hours at "doc in a box" and the pharmacy getting my medicine.

Ash kept calling and calling wanting to know if we were coming down for the night. My foot was really throbbing, but I couldn't disappoint her. I know there will come a day when she may no longer beg and beg me to come, so as long as she is begging then I am coming. Jon and I did sneak a dinner date at Carabba's before we went to the camp site. I was loopy from my medicine, but it was still a good time sitting around and laughing. Sunday morning Jon helped my parents pack everything up while I sat with my foot elevated, and we came home. Camp Nanna and Papa was a huge success. The children can't wait until they do it again.

The Camping Crew

Alec getting ready to drive the boat

Boy Versus Wild

No Fear Camping Girl

Prissy Camping Girl

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...I see my neighbor's grass that really needs cutting. I'm thinking about sending my son over there to cut it.

I am thinking... watch my foot, watchm my foot.

I am thankful for...that hopefully we will be closing on the Thomaston house tomorrow.

From the kitchen...hubby was in charge of dinner and we had a "Make Your Own Pizza Night."

I am creating... nothing. I have given my mind and body the month of June off.

I am going... to go and prop up my foot so that I can start back running and read a book.

I am wearing...blue jeans, a red shirt, and some funky red earrings.

I am reading... my Bible (I'm trying to read it all the way through), and I am about to start The Shack by William Young.

I am hoping... that both of our houses will close this week.

I am hearing... Jon talk to me about kayaks and the kids playing Wii Fit.

Around the house... it is a mess, but for today who cares. My house is not defined by its cleanliness or the lack there of, but by the people who are in it.

One of my favorite things..my husband being self employed. (For 7 years our family life was hard, as he had a 3-hour commute everyday). We are very blessed with the opportunity the LORD has given us to have our own business.

A few plans for the rest of my week...hopefully we will have 2 houses close (we are in the real estate flipping business), my foot to heal, a couple of days at the pool, kid swap with some friends this weekend.

Here is a picture thought to share with you:

Run for Romania

First Place in our age group 30-39

After the race- we're drenched like 2 kids who've been running in the rain

Before the Race - Can you see the rain?

Today my husband and I ran the 5K Race for Romania. Our goal is to do one 5K a month at least until soccer season gets here. Both of our girls play soccer, so races are harder to run when soccer season is here. It was our BEST RACE YET!!! It was pouring down rain and wonderful. I really felt like a 10-year-old little girl running in the rain. I felt so FREE! God reminded me that that is how He desires me to feel all the time because in His eyes I am a little girl splashing through the mud puddles of life and it is for freedom that He came to set me free (Galatians 5:1). He reminded me that I needed to stop being bogged down with fear, worry, and doubt, and those things that truly hinder my freedom, and to just run this race of life with JOY and FREEDOM!! It was really a great race! I especially was proud of my hubby. He's only been running since March and has really been training hard. He finished 5th in the race and won his age group. His time was 22:23. I finished 9th in the race and won my age group also. My time was 23:21. My feet started hurting me after the race and to make a long story short my foot was hurting me so badly when I got home my hubby had to carry me down our stairs. I ended up at "doc in a box" thinking I had broken my foot. I tend to overexaggerate and immediately panic, so I kept telling myself all was going to be fine. Come to find out I have aggravated some tendons in my foot. I am so grateful though because I really thought it was broken. I have to be "no running for a week" the doc said. Oh well, a good excuse to be lazy - right?

The Best Invention Since the Coffee Pot

I am a coffeeholic. The one thing I cannot live without is my coffee pot. To me is one of the best inventions EVER made. However, last night I discovered something that comes in a very close second. My husband is not one to spend money on himself. He is truly the type of person who would rather us have things and really just wants very little. The things that he does want we can't afford (like a house on the beach). So anytime I have the chance to splurge on him I just get plain giddy. He has really become a workout guru over the past 3 months. He has taken up running and body weight exercises and he has really shed some pounds. I'm so proud of him!! At the swimming pool last week one of my "pool friends" asked me if we had a Wii Fit. I went on to tell her that we did not have one, and that I have worked out for years and I really didn't think it was worth the money. (I actually thought it would be too easy for me:)) Well she works out too and told me she was so sore in muscles she didn't even know that she had. After talking with her she convinced me it was so worth it. So for a week now I have been frantically searching for my husband a Wii Fit. I thought, "What a perfect Father's Day gift." Well obviously Father's Day is here and gone, but I told him his present was on order, but we did not tell him what it was. Well yesterday I got one. We opened it up last night, and IT IS GREAT!!! So much fun. It really gets your heart to racing also, and this is coming from someone who gets around 25 miles of running in in a week. Our whole family had a ball!!!! We all laughed and laughed and laughed. I was so glad my hubby liked it! It was worth every penny. In fact, my daughter woke up at 4:00 a.m. this morning so that she could play it and not have to take turns.

Mama in high heels

Me, my hubby, my 3 children, and my high heels in Disney World

Okay, I have to admit I have been wanting to do this blogging thing for quite a while. I have been a blogger reader, but not a blogger writer. So now I am entering the world of blogger writing. I am so excited. I love how you can really get to know someone through a computer screen. I also am excited about this new blogging adventure, as I think it will be a way to keep up with my life. Life sometimes is so busy that we rush through it and never take time to stop and think about what actually has happened and what really matters. I feel like this blog also will keep my friends and family who live far away from me feel more connected to me and my children.

Okay, I am totally being a copy cat and copying my very dear friend Tiff's blog, so I will start by explaining where "Mama in High Heels" came from. For those of you know me best I really don't have to explain. For the others of you, I MUST tell you about my passion for high heel shoes. I am 5 foot 8 inches tall, so I don't wear heels for height. My passion for these shoes that kill my feet all started soon after my first child was born. I had always noticed how after women had children they really started to let themselves go. No way, not me! I absolutely refused!!! So in my refusal to become frumpy I go to the n'th (is n'th a word?) degree and I wear high heels with just about everything. To the grocery store? Yes. To the soccer field? Yes. To the library? Yes. On homeschool field trips? Yes. You name it and just about anywhere you see me you will see my high heels!!!! In fact, there are actually people who I have met once or twice and hardly know me at all and they will tell me that they think about me when they put on their high heels. I must confess though, there is one place where I don't wear high heels - on the road when I run. I am an avid runner and the shoes I wear are so ugly they are actually the nemesis of my high heels!!! Other than those times out running, when you see me, you will most likely see a mama in high heels.