SUMTHINGSPECIAL's SparkPeople Blog

Do what YOU need to SUCCEED

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:54:34 EST

For those that wonder - no, I do not count calories. There, I've said it. If anyone has fainted - please pick them up. It is okay - I understand, because it goes against conventional wisdom. It is not because it doesn't work for weight loss - because it does help (a lot for some people) - it is because it doesn't work for me. Perhaps you are the kind of person who is de-motivated by the scale (every time y...

Say It Isn't So . . .

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:54:02 EST

Today - in my mind - it is the first day of summer. I talked with our teacher - and while I have some things I need to accomplish over the summer - WE ARE DONE!!!! I am so excited - and don't read that as "I am so excited" - say it with a sing-song voice because that's the way I wrote it! Woohoo!

So, today we learned about our new challenge for next week on the 5% Challenge. If you didn'...

Oatmeal-Almond Topped Blueberry Greek Yogurt

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:58:31 EST

I know I told you that I grew up with unhealthy habits. It's so funny, when I think of it - where I am now. I used to think I was healthy eating oatmeal - you know, those little packets that I grew up with. It's good for your health - isn't that what they say on those commercials? But have you ever seen the amount of sugar in one of those packets? I haven't eaten them since and I struggle to eat homemade -...

Warning - Unhealthy Foods You Might Not Know About . . .

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:25:49 EST

Sorry - had no intention of making another blog today. I stopped by weather.com to look up the weather (yes, SparkFriends - I'm going to cut grass to get my steps in today!) While there - an article there was just begging to be clicked on - oh, and another.

I just had to share - for all of you who truly care about your health:

The Worst Foods at Restaurants:
htt...

Spring into Summer 5% Challenge # 1 - COMPLETE

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:20:50 EST

In my lazy days - a vacation meant just that - a vacation. We would go to some nice hotel - lounge around and perhaps even see some sights. There was no work involved. Nowadays - though - I have a different perspective. A vacation is a chance to explore - discover and have adventures you couldn't have where you normally live. We go hiking - boating - fun stuff. I usually stay away from doing too many t...

Why Does it Matter?

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:44:44 EST

I wrote my post in a bit of a hurry yesterday - as dh wanted to watch a movie. Sorry, I probably didn't pay as much attention to what I was writing as I normally do. Sorry. . . So, Yesterday was surprising. I guess I was trying to get rid of all that pent up energy from being sick last week and taking care of sick kids the week before. Seriously - I was stuck in the house for 2 weeks! Last night I just ...

My FitBit Should Be Considered a Dangerous Weapon!

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:42:10 EST

I am starting to think that I am the kind of person that likes a challenge. I work hard – I do quite a bit, but I don’t always see the stronger side of me – or at least, perhaps I am usually blind to it. I kinda like seeing that side of me – pushing toward a goal and actually achieving something more tangible. I mean 1– as a Mom you can’t really say “Okay, today I am going to change 5 diapers. Wow! I ac...

Not So Skinny - Girlfriends Guide - to Exercise on a Budget

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:38:52 EST

I know not everyone can afford the latest and greatest exercise gear - me neither. I am fortunate that I have found the things I need with a limited budget. It has taken a few years - but it was worth the wait.

My biggest secret is how to find exercise videos on the cheap. Now, I know my suggestion is going to seem archaic - especially for those who quickly embrace the newest gadgets - b...

Day 1 ~ Spring into Summer 5% Challenge

Sat, 11 May 2013 22:40:36 EST

Today is the first day of the Spring into Summer 5% Challenge. I'm on the Firecrackers Team! I am excited - this is my first challenge. However, I am a bit sad because I've been sick for most of the week and taking care of sick people for 2 weeks now. I'm "feeling better" - well, a bit better - but I am not completely. Still having lots of drainage - sinus headache - sore throat.

This w...

Finding Our Inner Warrior

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:05:19 EST

Most of us are on this journey - for the long haul. This is not a party of people just doing what it takes to fit into a smaller dress size just for a special occasion - or so that we can strut our stuff at our high school reunion. I mean, it's great too look good - but that's not all there is to it. At some point - we came to realize that this is serious - we made a commitment - for better health - good food, ex...

Lookin for Love in All the Wrong Places . . .

Thu, 9 May 2013 14:35:31 EST

As everyone knows - we've been sick here. The kids were sick first (last week) and still are sick this week - and now Mom's down. Oh, don't worry - it's not the end of the world and fortunately we were hardly sick at all this winter. I can't complain.

My darling oldest daughter volunteered to make breakfast this morning and she is doing an awesome job. She wants to learn how to cook - so I'm al...

Sweet Dreams are Made of These . . .

Tue, 7 May 2013 18:43:54 EST

Okay - I'm sick, but I can't help but dream of what I am going to do when I get better. Now, everyone here should know by now that I love me an elliptical (pardon my English - it is for effect alone). I want one so bad - I think my addiction for one is worse than someone's addiction for cheesy fries or chocolate lovers cake. I mean - I love that thing.

All that aside - I won't be getting o...

Re-Energized - okay, not really

Tue, 7 May 2013 12:36:42 EST

Man - for all you moms and dads out there with young kids - a word of advice:

(1) never - ever - let you kids lay their sick little heads on your chest and then allow them to cough right in your face

(2) never - ever - let your kids use your shirt - your neck - your arm or any other thing that you plan to keep near you - as a tissue

(3) never - ever - leav...

Reborn - Re-energized - Renewed - Really!

Sun, 5 May 2013 20:15:40 EST

I am a woman reborn! I have cool, fresh air racing through my lungs and I have blood pumping through my veins. This is the most alive I have felt in a long time. There is no feeling quite like this - and I feel I can tackle anything today!

I was sitting around waiting for these kiddos to get going (we were going to do a lesson or two this weekend) and they were just going so slow. Serious...

Learning to Sail in Stormy Weather . . .

Sun, 5 May 2013 16:31:55 EST

Man - yesterday was rough! I guess I'm used to older kids being sick. When they are young - ouch! My little guy is a mama's boy - I would be lying if I said I didn't love every minute of it. Love my little man to pieces. He sure is whiny when sick - though (not much different from dad). He clung to me yesterday like you would not believe!

I sat stretched out on the couch and he laid in...

Even the Best Laid Plans of Mothers Can Be Derailed . . .

Fri, 3 May 2013 18:41:32 EST

So, DH came home last night with my new bike. He had to drive 30 minutes to another town to pick it up. You could say he was working hard - but he also got to stop at our favorite Indian restaurant (by himself) and enjoy a great meal there - so I think we evened things out there. Can you believe that man called me 3 times since picking up the bike to brag about it? The bike is 6 years old but the woman to...

Welcoming my New Baby . . .

Thu, 2 May 2013 14:03:27 EST

It may seem strange - but I actually think of my machines as my babies. Well, not all of them - the treadmill is something the kids enjoy. I put up with it. Now I sound like a bad mother! What I mean is - I appreciate them and take care of them the best that I can. In turn - they take care of me - allowing me to do what I need to live a healthier life. Strange, I know - but I've never been one to foll...

Recipe for Stuffed Naan (As Promised). . .

Wed, 1 May 2013 14:00:09 EST

As promised in an earlier post, I will share the recipe for Stuffed Naan:

Now, I want to start by saying - this is not going to taste exactly like the Naan you will have at a restaurant - those are made with white flour. This recipe is 100% Whole Wheat. For those of you who do not know - whole wheat does not taste like products made with white flour. In my mind - they taste better - but I know t...

Being Thankful . . .

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:00:07 EST

Tonight I need to start with the fact of how wonderful it can be to be a positive influence in someone's life. If you haven't done so already - you should definitely try it. It is truly a gift and a blessing. While we worry about our struggles - we look sadly at our situation - we fail to realize that no matter where we are - there is always someone else who is much worse off than we are. Why not try to f...

Learning to Challenge Myself - More

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:29:36 EST

I've signed up for the 2013 Spring into Summer Challenge thanks to the invitation by a dear friend, CRUISEBOUND2013. I would never have gotten around to finding out about it on my own - or would have heard about it just before it ended - so thank you!

One of the things we were tasked with doing is to make a meal plan. Why bother? Well, because when your meals are planned - you have more po...

Eat and Be Merry!

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 23:53:13 EST

Tonight dh decided he wanted to test my skills. I've never made it before - but I have made Naan. We love to make bread to sop up the juices sometimes and this recipe seems to be a family favorite - it is Whole Wheat Naan (sorry for those with gluten intolerance!)

Well, tonight dh says, "Boy, I'd love to have some stuffed naan like we've had before in Indian restaurants. Could you make so...

Does Your Food Make You Want to Dance?

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:54:59 EST

This morning we are eating French toast. Dh brought some delicious whole wheat bread and we made that for breakfast this morning I would prefer to make my own bread - but sometimes I have to realize that I need a break too! Now, it's not our healthiest breakfast (in fact, I am going to make myself an egg sandwich) but the kids love it - so every once in a while. . . One of the girls actually made it - they ...

Be Inspired to Move!

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:28:08 EST

I am one of those people who feel more comfortable moving - just don't tell the "old me" who was happy enough to sit all day. Since getting the FitBit I have been moving more - and it is great! I am not only moving - but it has inspired me to move to feel it - not just to move. Now, what do I mean? I mean - I could move my steps slowly side to side - but now I am jogging around, jogging in place, walking...

I May Not Move Mountains

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:30:55 EST

Okay . . . I don't know if I have ever told you this - but I HATE taking medicine. I hate taking medicine unless I really need it - you will more likely find me taking a nap for a headache or drinking water than you will find me grabbing medicine. It is my tool of last resort (and usually when I am dying). When I was younger - Dad remarried to a lady that popped pills and drank. She "taught" me that you ...

I Hate Being Selfish

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:09:36 EST

This past week has passed rather uneventfully. I was able to get in "some" steps running around the house barefoot - but there's nothing like going full-speed on the bike - or whatever might be your exercise addiction. I missed it. A lot.

Fortunately I guess, my foot is good enough to wear shoes again. Yesterday I already had 2000 steps by the afternoon. I was teaching the kids - jogging...

Didn't Plan on Going There . . .

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:13:46 EST

I cut my foot at the beginning of this week - it's not serious - I didn't need stitches or anything. However, it means I don't feel comfortable wearing shoes until it heals. It's been looking better and then my little 2 year old decided to stomp on it tonight. Then - when he saw my reaction - he thought it was funny and did it 2 more times! Fortunately for me - I'm a homeschool mom so I can be flexible. ...

Poem in My Pocket: Humor

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:57:28 EST

For those of you who don't know it - today is Poem in My Pocket Day.
Go to: www.poets.org/pocket to learn more.
www.poets.org/pocket

So, today I shall share what I would put in my pocket:

We wanted to play - but the snow was so deep
so inside our house - we were told we must keep.
We painted with brushes - in colors so bright
but boredom ...

Poem in My Pocket: Have a Heart

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:54:01 EST

For those of you who don't know it - today is Poem in My Pocket Day.
Go to: www.poets.org/pocket to learn more.
www.poets.org/pocket

So, today I shall share what I would put in my pocket:

Why is it that in times of plenty
so may live in dire need
sleep on the ground, and cry i hunger
while others are consumed by greed.
Why can't our eyes ...

What You Strive For, Is Possible . . .

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:19:40 EST

Thought this would be fun - here's a poem - from me, to you!

Lady Mc Grady
Thought that just maybe
Today she should exercise an hour or two.

With weights in her hands
And active sweat glands
She sweated and panted until she turned blue.

She still kept on going
Each day it was showing
Her new-found confidence amazingly grew.
...

In Defense of the FitBit

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:35:52 EST

Before I get started, I have to get one thing out of the way. Spring is here! Wait - what - what is it I see in my backyard? It's snow! Yes, once again it has snowed in April. What fun! Well, I decided to share a picture of the beautiful scene - straight from my back yard. Except that I will be inside sipping a cup of tea and dreaming of warmer days so I can go roller skating with the kids and hiking in the ...

Before it's Too Late

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:48:17 EST

I remember when I was a teenager - hearing a story about a woman and her husband who fought one another. It was something like - they fought and said painful things to one another. The husband left the house in his car. He then decides to turn around to apologize. His wife gets in her car to go to her husband to apologize. As she is driving, she sees a horrible accident on the other side of the road. It...

My FitBit is Dying a Slow Death

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:35:47 EST

I must have been exercising too much. Perhaps it was the Step Aerobics that I love to do - or perhaps it was just from chasing the kids all around. I don't know - but my little green man (my FitBit Zip) has decided to give up on me. Dude, seriously? I mean, haven't you little green guys worked with a mom of 4 before - who homeschools - folds clothes while doing step aerobics routines - who cooks dinner while da...

In Any Court of Law - My Scale Would be Found Guilty

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 14:31:59 EST

This week, I found out that you can't really use the FitBit on the bicycle. I've been using it on the spinbike - but I've read that it is truly meant for counting steps and when it counts your movements on a bike - the count is usually higher than it should be. So, I got on the bike yesterday and just put my little green guy (yes, my FitBit Zip is green) aside for a little while. Instead, I just counted t...

OUTSIDE!!!

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:29:29 EST

Seriously, being a mom can be an enlightening job sometimes. I've been a mom of all girls for quite a while now and was blessed with a little boy (soon to be 2 years ago). Can we say that things are different? I mean, I never would have guessed that a lot of what makes a woman and man disagree starts out at birth! We are wired sooooo differently! It makes me understand my dh a little more - and appreciate him ...

Still learning . . .

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:19:13 EST

This week has been okay – not monumental, but okay. We did school for the past two weeks during Spring Break. It has only been necessary because with all the learning difficulties the kids have been having this year – it took them a lot longer to get things completed. Next year should be much better.

We didn’t kill ourselves or anything – we just did school each day and didn’t really sweat how much we...

Getting Fit with FitBit

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 12:16:13 EST

This past week has been quite busy - but not in a bad way.

I got my FitBit last week and I've been loving it ever since. I can't recommend it highly enough - seriously. I've been exercising each week since starting SparkPeople but haven't made a dent in my weight-loss (well, not a serious one). I found that I just wasn't challenging myself as much as I needed to. That's where the FitBit came in. ...

Dr. Seuss Knew What He Was Talking About

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:09:05 EST

Ever read Dr. Seuss and realize that even in those fun stories from childhood - there were messages hidden in there for us to learn? Every once in a while I get inspired to write in that rhyming style - it brings back such memories - but I want it to say something important too.

Care not upon the things you chew?
Yet tired of feeling bloated and blue?
No matter what you say or do

Snowed Under Sometimes, but I Refuse to Give Up

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:45:19 EST

Well, it has been a pretty good week. I have been "snowed under" with some things - but I have made progress in others. All in all - I haven't given up and that is what it is all about.

Last time when I lost all the weight - I was minus one kiddo - and homeschooling them wasn't as difficult. As they have gotten older - that's when the AD/HD has really presented itself. It is so hard for them to sta...

Never Quit Pledge

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:16:29 EST

Today, I promise I will not quit.

I pledge that no matter, how many ups and downs I pass through, I will continue on my journey.

I pledge to make a NEW START today, and forgive myself for my past, and to stop being so critical of myself.

I pledge to take control of myself, to stop making excuses, and stop blaming other people or situations.

I pledge to treat myself as I w...

AD/HD Party - Did You Forget to Come?

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 19:04:29 EST

Yes - I am still alive - and still committed - I promise! I've been sneaking around here a bit here and there - but I have been quite busy. It has been a rough month for me - more than usual. Yes - I homeschool 3 kiddos and take care of a very busy toddler boy - so I am usually busy. I am usually stressed. I am usually trying to figure out ways to be better at everything. Some days are good . . . and s...

My Sparkle is not lost - just put away this week

Tue, 5 Mar 2013 13:53:48 EST

This week has been a bit harder than normal. I'm not depressed - but just a bit down - more in my thoughts (not negative or positive - just thoughts).

A lot has been happening - or is going to.

A very dear friend of mine - I met her 10 or more years ago. She is my grandmother's age - but yes, we are friends - and we consider one another family. She was the first person - aside from my hus...

Being Flexible Myself

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:56:32 EST

Beautiful flower
wavering in the wind
your stem quivers
your leaves shake
but you still stand firm
against the weight of the wind.

You may not stand tall
like the mighty pine
but why strive to be
what you are not?
Let the warmth of the sun
your face - gently kiss
and cool, Spring rains
hold in soft embrace

and know - dear flower
...

Lessons I Learned from a Baby

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:20:55 EST

I don't know about everyone else - but I have high hopes - I have goals for myself and dreams of things I'd like to do. I figure I'm not alone. Being a mom of 4 - a homeschool parent - and a wife - makes it hard to make time for myself. It is hard to make plans - because how your day turns out depends on how your day turns out (if you know what I mean).

Did you set a goal to get more sleep - and th...

Never Too Late to Dream a Dream

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:04:53 EST

Well - yesterday's blog said that I was going to start making a goal of going to bed earlier. Unfortunately - I didn't do that - at least not yesterday. Well, I take that back - I did go to bed 1 hour earlier than normal - but my goal is earlier than that. I know it's not going to happen overnight - so I'm going to keep striving - at least having it written down as a goal is going to motivate me to keep at it! <...

Challenging Myself

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:09:37 EST

I have said before - under normal circumstances - I eat healthy. I also love to exercise - at least I am able to find several ways to not only like it - but I can also find ways to "pretend" I am not exercising by having fun too.

My biggest challenge is time 128 .

I cannot overlook that in the two weeks I have been a SparkleGurl I have exercised a minimum of 3 days each week (an...

You are SPARKING my Interest!

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:03:13 EST

I have dabbled in different exercises over the years - added often to my collection of exercise videos - and have had success, mind you - besides that (but at the gym). My heart has always been in the right place.

Being a mom of 4 - and homeschooling changes everything. I can't afford to go to the gym - because getting everyone ready - going there - working out for 1 1/2 hours - just can't fit into my schedule. So - I am learning to go it alone - without all those wonderful mach...

Lovin' It

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:56:21 EST

This past week went by fast - and I almost didn't make my goal of working out 3 times. Fortunately, I was able to fit it in on the last day! I'd love to be more regular in my schedule - but things really depend so much on how our week plays out. I am making it a sincere goal to at least work out 3 times - and more than that would be great! So, I achieved a smaller goal I have set.

Along with cardio,...

Breakfast was Delicious

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:20:11 EST

This morning was a bit out of the ordinary. Being a homeschool mom means you have to make the most of your time. I love love love cooking - and cooking healthier - but I also have to manage my time. So, on weekdays I opt for something quicker - and reserve a nice breakfast with the family for the weekends.

We had an eye appointment this morning - we left the house with just a snack - and expected to r...

Don't Strive For Your Name in Lights

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:30:35 EST

Well - I've been quiet - perhaps it seems like no progress is being made. However, behind the scenes - and perhaps not obviously - things have been improving. Slowly . . . but surely.

Lost one pound so far - haven't weighed myself yet since the beginning of this week - but I have set a goal to weigh myself only once a week. Last time I lost weight I weighed myself each day and some days it was good and oth...

Hiking and Walking - Great ways to beat Exercise Boredom

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:49:13 EST

So - just getting moving a little this week had positive impacts. Usually, by the weekend - I need to rest from all the demands of homeschooling the kids - chasing after the messes they make - and taking care of the house. However, something amazing happened yesterday that shocked me. Every weekend we have the same routine - I make a good, healthy breakfast for everyone - dh makes us coffee and he says "So, what do y...