Starting the Christmas Season Right

Well, since I lost my job at the beginning of November, I haven't done much running. Last week I started doing EA Active 2 on the PS3 again. I did that for a week...until I found my copy of Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred. I started that yesterday.

This time around, Jillian Michael's isn't as hard as the last time I tried doing it. The only thing I struggled with on Level 1 this times, was push ups...who doesn't struggle with push ups? I'm feeling the burn today. I didn't have a chance to do Jillian today, but am going back again tomorrow. I'd like to do it at least 5 days a week. I read somewhere online that if you do it every day for 30 days straight, you can lose 10 lbs. I'm okay with not losing 10 lbs., but I want to lose something. So, I'll probably take weekends off - which is good because our weekends our swamped for the rest of the month.

Just a little seasonal picture...this is our house decorated this year. Last year we just had the PacMan ghost - which our neighbor across the street thought was a sad face, so she decorated one of her bushes with a happy face.

2012 Christmas Card

Paper Supplies

• Bazzill Basics paper 12x12 Sparkle (hereafter referred to as BB Sparkle)
• Vellum (8.5x11, you can use any size you like)
• 12x12 White Card stock
• Blue card stock of choice for die cutting into snowflakes (I got my snowflakes at work from a job we printed and die cut)

Stamps

• 3 snowflakes stamp by Stamp of Excellence (any snowflake stamps will do)
• Christmas greeting of choice for front
• Christmas saying of choice for inside

Ink

• Adirondack Lights Cloudy Blue
• StazOn Teal Blue

Tools

• Tim Holtz Alterations 3 snowflakes embossing folder
• Creative Memories (CM) Small Circle Cutter with Green Blade
• Die cutter and/or embossing tool
• Snowflake die cut of your choice
• Adhesive of choice
• Glue dots small
• Silver thread 

When I create my Christmas cards, I go into mass production mode. For me this means cutting everything down, stamping as much as I can, folding, cutting, embossing, etc. and then assembling everything together. Some steps in this card I performed together to make it easier in case I left the project for several hours (or days).

Step 1
Cut 12x12 white card stock into thirds. Your final trimmed piece will be 4x12". Fold in half to 4x6". Cut additional white card stock to 4" wide by 1" high (or higher, depending on the size of your Christmas greeting). Stamp your Christmas greeting on the 4x1" pieces of white card stock.

Step 2
Cut BB Sparkle (background for inside and outside) to 4x6".

Left side shows the vellum on top of white paper.

Step 3
Stamp snowflakes randomly on vellum using the Adirondack Lights Cloudy Blue ink. This ink does not dry fast on vellum, so make sure you are careful and set it aside to dry before doing anything else with the vellum (you can stamp and entire 8.5x11/12x12 sheet before setting it aside).


Step 4
Cut vellum down so it's 4" wide (top right photo). From here you will just gently tear the sheet to get the strips you will need for the final design (bottom two photos). Gently tear 1 1/2" strips of vellum.


Step 5
Die cut your snowflakes. Once your snowflakes are cut, you can attach two together with some thread (approximately 3") in between, using a glue dot (below: first photo). I aligned the thread down one of the spikes of one of the snowflakes (to make it less noticeable) before attaching the second one (below: second photo). I didn't align my snowflakes, but you can if you want to. My snowflakes were not the same color on the front and back, so I chose to have them face opposite directions, so I had blue and white on both sides (below: last photo).

From left to right: attach glue dot; add thread along one of spikes in snowflake,
attaching at glue dot; place second snowflake on top either in the same position
as main snowflake or off to make it look bigger.

Step 6
Using a removable adhesive, attach the BB Sparkle paper to the front of the card. (If you do not have a removable adhesive, you can attach the bottom half of the BB Sparkle to the white card stock - make sure you only do the edges on the bottom so you can still access between the two card stocks.) Unfold white card stock so paper lays flat. Align CM circle cutter in desired position on BB Sparkle attached to front of the white card stock (I positioned mine towards the top and centered), using the green blade cut a circle through the BB Sparkle and white card stock.

Step 7
Align the snowflake in the center of the circle and attach one side of the thread at a time*, make sure to pull thread tight, but not too tight (you don't want to break the thread). Cut excess thread from top of card. Make sure snowflake is centered horizontally and vertically before permanently adhering BB Sparkle paper.
*If your card is vertical, your thread should go vertical and the if it's horizontal, should align horizontally (this will allow free spinning and less likelihood of the thread stretching too much causing the snowflake to hit the sides of your circle).

Holding BB Sparkle somewhat in place, add snowflake, pulling thread tight
and center in the circle. Attach BB Sparkle once snowflake is in place.

Step 8
Attach vellum to front side of card, use the adhesive along top edge only (below: first photo). You don't have to use a clear adhesive since your Christmas greeting will cover up where your adhesive is. Attach Christmas greeting at top of vellum (below: last photo). I attached my greeting approximately 1/4" below circle.

Step 9
Emboss dull side of BB Sparkle using the Tim Holtz snowflake embossing folder. Attach on the inside of the card. Stamp Christmas greeting starting halfway down on the inside (this way the greeting can't be seen through the hole where the snowflake is).

You're done! Great job! Hope you enjoyed this how-to. If you have any suggestions or questions, please let me know! Happy card making!

I included a little handwritten note on the inside under the circle which said: To spin snowflake blow on left or right side of snowflake.

Here's a link to a video of how the spinner works (although you can't see it very well).

Running Update: November 2012

Well, since the beginning of November I have only run 5 times...which really doesn't make any sense because I lost my job on November 2. I have more time, but I'm not doing the things I should be doing (exercise). I've been eating better, however, I still do need to increase my fiber.

I borrowed a vegetarian cookbook from the library. I'm also going to borrow a book on increasing fiber. I know what I need to do, I just need better ways to implement them.

I didn't meet my goal of 15 lbs. by Thanksgiving...I missed it by 4 lbs. I'm okay with that.

My two new goals, set for 8 weeks from now (January 19), are:

1. lose 7 lbs
2. run 3 miles (I've completed the couch to 5k app I was using, but I have yet to run the full 3.1 miles.)

I set my goal for just before my birthday, that would bring my total weight loss to 18 lbs. and I'd reach my goal of running 3 miles straight. I don't care how long it takes me to run those 3 miles. I've gotten close in the past, 2.45 miles and 2.6 miles running and walking, respectively. So, I know I can do it. I just need to make it a priority.

When I had a daily schedule: work, run, dinner, relax, it worked for me, now that I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, it's harder. So, I need to get back on a schedule. I do certain things around the house each day, I need to add running, pick a time of day to do it, and do it then...I think that will help me get back on track.

Irony & Latest Runs

So, I've just been reviewing my archives...I downloaded the Get Running app in August 2010...I started actually using the app, for the purpose it was created, August 2012. If you'd like to read that first post, feel free...you can find it here. I just thought it was ironic that almost 2 years later, I implemented the program.

It's gotten colder, as I'm sure you've noticed. It's really hard to go out in the cold and start running. Once I get going (a.k.a. get warm enough), it's not so bad. My past two runs I've only run for 20 minutes. We should've gone for our run on Sunday - last warm day for awhile. Today was really cold, so I didn't run, but tomorrow, I plan on picking back up at running for 30 minutes straight.

Today, I tried a couple of new recipes and I did my grocery shopping which had a lot of new foods that I don't regularly eat - sweet potatoes, nappa cabbage, acorn squash.

Today's recipe came from All Recipes. Lunch was Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onions...I didn't have Thyme, so I just left it out, I also did not add the almonds. It was really good...I'm excited to have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. It was also VERY filling.

Tomorrow night for dinner, we are going vegetarian - with a lasagna...Artichoke Spinach Lasagna. I can't wait to try this! I know I like spinach artichoke dip, I also like spinach lasagna, so I'm really looking forward to this yummy goodness. I'll let you know how it is.

Weeks 11 & 12 - Keep On Keepin' On

Well, I've only run 2 times in the past 2 weeks. I'm okay with that because my muscle was sore. Last time I ran (Sunday, October 28) my muscle was fine, no pain or soreness. So, I'm back on to running again. I was going to run today, but realized I probably shouldn't run on Halloween - who knows how many people will be out and about and I'd rather avoid running into anyone (literally!). :D

My last two runs were 30 minutes. Although after a week off, I couldn't do the full 30 minutes, but I did do 25 minutes, which isn't bad for a full week off...I'm certainly not complaining. I just need to make sure I get back on track with the running, otherwise, I may just stop completely...and I don't want to do that. I'm so close to that 5k...got to keep on keepin' on. :)

Tomorrow I have another 30 minute run scheduled and I'm all ready for doing it. We are in the process of looking into a gym membership - that way weather is not an excuse for skipping our runs.

A few weeks ago, I gave up Splenda in my coffee. I went cold turkey and I haven't gone back. I'd like to cut cream out of my coffee, but I tried my coffee black one day, and ended up adding Splenda in. So, I can drink coffee with sugar or cream, but not without one or the other. I think it's a step in the right direction.

I've also done a lot of reading lately. I've read two vegetarian books: Plant Based Diet Simplified: A Concise & Easy to Read Guide on How to Lose Weight with Plant-Based Nutrition and Forks Over Knives (I've also seen this documentary). Watching the Forks Over Knives Documentary really got me thinking about what I really put into my body. Can you really prevent diseases with a plant-based diet? I'm going to keep reading and researching...I have one thought I'd like to share. In Genesis 1:29-30 it says, "Then God said, 'I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.'” (youversion, emphasis mine)

This tells me that God created us to be vegetarians. The only reason meat became an option is because of the fall...when sin entered the world, so did death/eating meat.

I have at least one more vegetarian book on my kindle to read, "How to Successfully Become a Vegetarian or Vegan" by Rudy Hadisentosa. I'll keep you posted!

Week 10: Running along

Well, my last run was Monday and I don't plan on running again until Sunday. My left calf muscle has been sore. I felt it in my last run, and since then I feel it every day just walking. My chiropractor worked some magic on it and taped it up for me. It has gotten better. What stinks for me, I don't do a desk job, so I'm on my feet and walking around a lot...needless to say, my muscle has really only gotten rest at night when I get home from work.

Sunday will be my first 30 minute run, which concerns me a little, because I haven't run all week, but I'm sure it will be fine.

This week has been very encouraging. Last week I tightened my belt a notch. This week, I tightened my belt another notch and I'm even wearing a belt with my jeans (which I didn't have to do at all, previously). This is very encouraging. I can't wait to weigh in in Monday this week.

On Sunday I also start tracking my foods in more detail to help my aunt (my mother's sister) out. She went back to school to become a dietician and she needed a case study. Having high cholesterol, I offered to help in anyway I could. There are many dietary issues on my mother's side of the family (as well as my father's - hence the high cholesterol) - including diabetes & Crohn's disease, so she had many choices of family members for her case study. I'm just glad to help and can't wait for her evaluation.

Week 9: Runs 27 & 28

I didn't run for 3 days in a row this week, which I was a little worried about today, as I was doing my second 25 minute run.

Somehow, I am off on my run schedule. When I started I was doing whatever week I was on run 1 on the first day I ran for the week (Sunday), now my first run is falling at the end of the week. Today was the first run for week 7 - which is running for 25 minutes straight. I will do this same run for my next 2 runs, then move up to 28 minutes (week 8), then 30 minutes (week 9), this should all culminate into my being able to run a 5k...I'm almost there and I'm so excited! :)

In just 9 weeks, I've gone from struggling to run 1 minute to running 25 minutes straight! It can be done, even if you're overweight (I know this because I am and I'm doing it). You can do anything you put your put your mind to. If you believe you can do it, you can!

Before I've been running my 25s, I just say a little prayer asking God to help me run for the entire 25 minutes. I'm hoping, soon, to be able to do 4 laps (including the warm up and cool down) at our running spot.

Week 8: Runs 24-26

 Somewhere I didn't count my runs right, but I checked my activity on Runkeeper and I'm about to move on to run 27. I can't believe I've been running for 8 weeks and almost 30 runs! Eight weeks ago I was struggling to run 1 minute, now I'm running for 10 minutes straight! I feel great!

Today we went to Dick Pond Athletics, our local mom & pop running store. They evaluated Terry and found out he is an overpronator (to learn more about overpronation, check out this article on Runner's World). Terry's been experiencing some pain in his ankle when running, so it was recommended that he visit a running store to get evaluated for the right shoes. Better to find out now before he injures himself. Needless to say, he did get new shoes. We went running and he didn't have any problems or pain. YAY!

Since we were at the store, figured I might as well make sure I have the right shoes too. And I do, I'm neutral.

This week I had to go downtown for training for work, so I got to walk downtown for two days. The second day we got out a little early, so I was able to do a little touring (been awhile since I did the tourist thing downtown). I visited the Bean and Buckingham Fountain....it was a nice 2+ mile walk.

This week's runs went well. I started out the week with 20 minutes of running, no walking (although I did walk, and didn't run the full 20 minutes. I ended up running 18 minutes); next run was 18 minutes of running (run 5, walk 3, run 8, walk 3, run 5) - which I did without any troubles; today's run was 10 minutes running, 3 minutes walking, 10 minutes running...and I did it! and it felt great! I'm running for 10 minutes straight! The next run, 20 minutes of running no walking, outside of warm up and cool down. Then the amount of time running just increases from there. I can't wait! Three weeks away from my 5K goal! (since i repeated a few weeks.)

Week 7: Runs 19-21

It was a good week of runs. I opted to run the 5 minutes 3 times twice. However, I wasn't expecting run 2 to be two 8 minute runs. I did a 5 minute warm up, 8 minute run, then walked for 8 minutes (was only supposed to be 5), then ran for 5 (was supposed to be 8), then a 5 minute cool down. Today's run - the actual third run for the week I'm on (which is week 5) is supposed to be running for 20 minutes. 

Run 23 is 1 5 minute warm up, 5 minute run, 3 minute walk, 8 minute run, 3 minute walk, 5 minute run, 5 minute cool down.

Run 24 is 5 minute warm up, 10 minute run, 3 minute walk, 10 minute run, 5 minute cool down.

Run 25 is 5 minute warm up, 25 minute run, 5 minute cool down.

I know you build up as you go, it just seems weird that I would run 20 minutes, then go back to running week 5 run 1.

The 5 minute warm up, 8 minute run, 5 minute walk, 8 minute run, 5 minute cool down that i did on Saturday was done at a Ladies' Retreat in Northern Wisconsin. It was cold! I am so thankful that I had bought a running jacket and gloves and brought them with me. As I was running I lost layers. I ran laps around a circle on which our cabin was located...I ran 8 loops. I thought my next run would be the same all week long (5 minute cool down/warm up, run 5 minutes 3 times with 3 minute walks in between), so I was surprised and unprepared to run the two 8 minute runs. I feel like I need to run the second run of the week again, since I didn't successfully complete the second 8 minute run. I know I can do anything I put my mind to...so I'm ready to re-run that run and next time move on to running 20 minutes straight.

One thing I've been enjoying, since we've been doing our own runs at the park, is seeing the other runners. We see the same people every time we go. The funny thing is, there's a speed walker too...and when I'm running, he walks passed me. :D I think it's hilarious! And I'm not discouraged at all...some day, I'll be running faster than his speed walk. (He just brings out my competitive nature.) Oh! And he is an older gentleman - 60-ish.

Week 6: Runs 16-18

This week my husband started running. So, my first run this week, I did at his pace - the first week on the Get Running app. Doing this run with him, I realized how far I've come...six weeks ago, I was struggling to run for 1 minute straight (8 times)...now, 1 minute runs are a breeze and I barely break a sweat. After seeking advice from other runners who run and a spouse has joined up later, I decided to run my runs on alternate days (i.e., Monday run with hubby, Tuesday run my week in the Get Running app, Wednesday run with hubby, Thursday...you get the picture). So, that's what I've done so far this week. The way I see it, running with the hubby helps build my endurance and I can work on running faster for 1 minute. Right now, though, I'm not pushing myself too hard as I'm still new to this whole running thing. Maybe once I'm able to run a 5k, I'll work on running faster when running the hubby...by then, he'll probably be where I am right now. :)

I'm really enjoying my time running. However, I don't feel energized yet. Maybe once I lose more weight, I'll start feeling like I have more energy. I can tell you a couple of things, since I started running...

1. I sleep all night long, I don't wake up from hearing things in the night (my husband snores).
2. I'm not as hungry as I used to be....especially after running.
3.  I feel better all around. I mean, I'm running! I can't tell you the last time I ran (especially for fun)...high school soccer team - maybe?

Anyway, it's a great way to reduce stress. I find that I don't really think about much while running. I only really have my iPod with me so I know when to run/walk...I don't really pay attention to the music I'm listening too (today was Journey, since I'm on one).

Next week's runs are 5 minutes with 3 minutes walking in between, plus warm up and cool down. I may do one more of this week's runs to give myself some reassurance that I can do the 5 minute runs. After all, I did it tonight for the first time all the way through, so I think an extra day won't hurt. :)

Week 5: Runs 13-14

My first run this week was hard...5 minute warm up, 3 minute walk/run & 5 minute walk run (2 times each), and 5 minute cool down. The first two runs were no problem. The second 3 minute run...I could only do 2 minutes. The second 5 minute run, I only ran 3 minutes. My calf muscle was sore afterwards, so I iced it.

Today's run, I went back to week fours runs: 1.5 minute run/walk, 3 minute run/walk (2 times each) + 5 minute warm up/cool down. My muscle did not hurt while running, but feels a little sore now. Next run will be a repeat of this one...maybe next week I'll run for 5 minutes straight twice...Nevermind, make that "I will" run for 5 minutes twice next week. :)

Week 4: Runs 10-12

Run #10 was the first 5 min warm up, 1.5 min run/walk, 3 min run/walk, 1.5 min run, 5 min cool down. I survived the first 3 minute run, but only ran 2 minutes of the second 3 minute run.

Run #11: I did both 3 minute runs. Since I couldn't do it the first time, I psyched myself up for it and nothing was going to keep me from doing it. After I did the second 3 minute run, I lifted both hands up in triumph - in sure if people saw me they must have thought I was crazy. I was proud of myself for running for 3 minutes straight.

Run #12: again, I made it through both 3 minute runs.

The one thing I did not do well this was strength train. I didn't do any days of strength...I have no excuse, I don't even know what kept me from doing them. Back on track with strength training this week.

Week 3: Run 8 & 9

Both runs went great! Because of traveling, I switched my schedule up to ensure I got my runs in...didn't get all my strength training days in, but I'm okay with that, since I'm working on running anyway.

Run 9 I did in Michigan on the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail. It's a paved path, it's listed on the rails to trails website (www.railstotrails.org). I've wanted to run a trail by home, but I have to drive to them - kind of defeats the purpose of running, in my opinion. But it was a really nice, smooth run. I'm definitely going to check out running on a trail by home...at least while the weather's still good.

Next week is run for 1.5 minutes/walk for 1.5 minutes (2 times) and then a 3 minute run/3 minute walk. Wonder why they skipped running for 2.5 minutes? :) well, I'll keep you posted on how it goes...it's going to be good!

Week 3: Run 7 - Moving on up!

Well, today was the day. I moved on to week 2 in Get Running. That's 5 minute warm/cool down and 1.5 min run/2 min walk 6 times each. Overall it went well. I feel great...just need to get some breakfast into me now. :)

I struggled with the last two runs...my footfalls were harder for the last two, I was getting tired. I did try to not land so hard, but that did take some effort. Can't wait for run 2 on Wednesday! Tomorrow's weigh-in day, so we'll see how that goes.

I'm going to put a bar on the side of my blog showing weight loss to date and miles run. Keep in mind, weigh-ins are once/week on Monday.

Week 2: Run 6 - moving up

Today's run went well. Considering after I got to work I realized I had a sore area on my left side, lower back. I rubbed it and stretched it all morning. Finally I didn't feel it anymore. I was a little worried that I might not be able to run because of it, but it all worked out.

I went to a local park and ran there. It was nice to see fountains and run across bridges. It was not crowded at all, but then again, I went earlier than I usually do...had a snack in the car ride home, which allowed me to come home, change and run.

I've been noticing my muscles a lot more lately...I can feel the strength training in my abs and arms.

Week 2: Runs 4 & 5

Ooops! Missed a day of posting. Oh well. Could have done it yesterday...it was a rest day.

This week I'm repeating week 1's runs in Get Running (that's the app I'm using). Week 1 is 5 minutes of warming up; 1 minute running to 1.5 minutes walking (repeat 8 times); and 5 minutes of cool down.

Run 4: I felt great afterwards. It was a little later than I would have liked to run, but that's okay...there was enough light. Definitely going to need to find a treadmill...don't want to run when it's pitch black outside in the winter.

Run 5: I tried a new route, since every where says to change up your route and I've been running the same route, so far. It was a little rough...lots of uneven sidewalks, not the kind you trip on, the kind that makes one leg go lower than the other (unnaturally) when running. If I do this route again, I'll be taken to the streets, except the busy road (I think I'll run the grass there (it's wide enough). I think I'm starting my runs too fast...so runs 1, 2, maybe 3 are a little faster than runs 4-8. So, I think I need to slow down on runs 1 and 2 definitely...I feel winded after those 2 runs. I think it's the second one that makes me realize my running pace is too fast and then from there on I slow it down. I'll learn what works for me soon enough. :) That's what this learning to run stuff is all about, isn't it? :D

Overall, running is going well. I'm sticking to 1400 calories or less. Monday is weigh-in day, which I missed blogging about this week. So, I'll report that I'm down 2 lbs. since beginning this running program...16% towards my goal of 15 lbs by Thanksgiving Day.

Weight training tomorrow and Run 6 on Friday. Can't wait!

Week 1: Run 3 - 1 week of running complete

Yesterday I did my third and final run for the week. I didn't feel any soreness in my muscles after my run or the next day. Yay! I think I will repeat week 1's runs as I did feel a little winded after my runs. (week 2 increases to 1.5 minute runs/2 minute walks (8 times each).)

Today I did a crunch workout...lots and lots of crunches. Not feeling it yet, but I'm sure I will tomorrow.

One thing I've noticed, I'm fuller sooner. For example, yesterday we picked up one of our favorite teriyaki fast foods for dinner. I usually eat half of what's in the container and have one day of leftovers. Well, I only ate about a quarter of it when I stopped eating because I was full. Same thing happened today with another meal. Believe me, I'm not complaining, I just didn't realize my appetite would decrease so much with exercise. :)

Week 1: Run 2 - Progress

Tuesday I did some strength training (arms and abs mostly, I tried hard not to do squats and lunges). Wednesday I did my second run...I did all 8-1 minute runs! Quite the accomplishment, IMHO. :) Thursday I took the night off. This evening I did more strength training g (avoiding squats & lunges). My leg muscle have been a little sore, but not uncomfortably sore (part of why I avoided squats & crunches...didn't want to overdue the leg muscles and not be able to run). Any suggestions on good non-running day routines? I'm open for anything...I just want to keep on going!

So, my journey began this past Monday, August 6. My goal is to lose 15 lbs by Thanksgiving, November 22 - - that gives me 15 weeks...so 1 lb/week. I think that's highly doable.

Week 1: Run 1 - Yay! I did it!

Yesterday I did my first couch to 5k training session. It was 5 minutes for warm up; then run 1 minute, walk 1.5 minutes (8 times); then walk for 5 minutes. Overall, I think it went well. My legs started to feel a little jelly like after my fifth 1 minute run, so runs 6-8 were shortened about 10 seconds or so. I'm okay with that...I'm listening to my body and I don't want to overdo it my first day(/week/month either).

Why did I choose this week to start running? Well, my niece and nephew lent us a book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Running" (their first book about running)...in the book it said if you can walk a mile (which I can and then some), then you can start running. So, that's what I did.

I started reading the idiot's guide this past weekend...finished part 1 of the book. Very helpful and informative. It's given a bunch of ideas, including looking into the rails for trails (or something like that)...I wrote the URL down on a piece of paper. Looking forward to finding fun and different places to run in the area, rather than just the neighborhood. As a matter of fact, I'm going to see if I can find a place for my Saturday morning run...I'll keep you posted! Stay tuned for more running updates!

Baby Shower Invites

Here's a baby shower invite I created.

What you need:
Baby Diaper template (this link takes you to the website where I got the template, below is a direct link to the PDF)
Pencil
Printer with paper/computer to print template
Ribbon (2 colors of your choice)
Ink colors of your choice
Card stock with design
Blank colored card stock
White card stock
Adhesive
Scissors
Scoring tool
Ruler
Cutter
Glue Dots
Invitation stamp (or you can print something on the card stock)
Thank you stamp

How to:
Since I created a gender neutral card, I went with green and yellow for the theme.

1. Download the baby diaper template (PDF) here and print out one. Cut it out and trace onto white card stock. Use the scoring tool to score card stock where you should fold (dotted lines on template). To do this I kept my printed sheet over top and lined my ruler up with the templates score marks. You can also find where the "corners" are and score a straight line down and across.

2. Once you're done scoring, cut out the diaper. Fold on score lines and adhere so that the flaps stay down. Only adhere flaps (3 pieces). DO NOT adhere to base

3. Cut down various card stock for main invitation. I cut my yellow waffle paper to 4" square, the green polka dot paper to 3.5" square and the main invitation paper to 3" square. Round corners on the base paper (largest card stock).

4. Stamp your invitation information if you didn't print it on the card stock. Adhere all three of the papers to create a layered effect.

5. Tie your two ribbon colors into a bow and attach to front of diaper using a Glue Dot.
6. Insert invitation and voila! You're done.

 Optional Thank You for the mom-to-be. Since I had some leftover scraps and ribbon, I created this Thank You for the mom-to-be to send to those who come and bring a gift.

Christmas sayings stamps

1st stamp: May the true spirit of Christmas fill your heart with peace, your home with love.
2nd stamp: and the Angel said unto them I bring you good tidings of great joy!

 May your Christmas be warm with love, blessed with joy and bright with promises.

 Luke 2:7-11, 13-14

Top stamp: May the miracle of Christmas fill your heart with joy.
Left stamp: May all the joys of the season be yours in abundance.
Right stamp: Joy to the world the Lord has come!

Walking Program Update 1

Well, we took just over a week off. We were going to walk on June 28, but we got a thunderstorm, which kept us from doing our walk. Friday and Saturday we did a lot of yard work, including cutting branches from our tree...a lot of hard work, so we felt that was good enough for our exercise. We were really sore. Then Sunday we got a bad storm which knocked out neighbors tree down...it rested against our tree, roof and gutters...so, we had another day of cutting tree limbs. All this previous week was extremely hot, so we didn't walk. Saturday morning, when we were still in the heat wave, we went for our first walk, again, for the first time in over a week (unfortunately we didn't know it was going to cool off in the evening, otherwise we would've held off on walking until it was cooler). Today we did our walk again...back on track with walking. We agreed that next week, Sunday, we would add one minute of running to our routine. Although, our town carnival starts this week Wednesday, so we will walk two miles round trip there, plus the walking at the carnival...and we'll do the same thing next Sunday (we go for the fireworks, okay, and the funnel cake too). :) this will be a food week for getting more active and back on track.

"From that point forward, if I was going somewhere, I was running!"

If you've seen the movie Forest Gump, I'm sure you remember the scene where he's getting picked on while walking home from school. He starts to run and his braces fall off. In case you need a refresher:

Just over a week ago, I made the decision to start running. This isn't the first time I've made this decision. However, this is the first time I did something about it. Thursday night my husband and I bought our first pair of running shoes. (I also needed regular sneakers, so I picked up a pair of those as well.)

Friday evening we started our journey. This is our starting plan: walking at least 1 mile for the first week, just to get used to do some form of exercise regularly. Week 2 we will add at least 1 minute of running during that mile. Once we've learned to run a little while walking, we'll keep adding to that in the weeks/days to come. Until we can run a full 3 miles (or 5K). At some point during my weeks of training, I will start doing a Couch to 5K-type running program (I have two apps on my iPod Touch - Get Running, which is the Couch to 5K app; and RunKeeper, which has similar plans, plus I can make custom plans).

Slow and steady wins the race...that's what we've been taught. And, in the case of starting a running program, slow and steady is the way to go to help you start and maintain a program and help prevent injury.

Just for fun, here's a humorous clip about the Tortoise and the Hare:

Last night, while I was trying to fall asleep, I thought to myself that I could just start running today. I walked 2 miles yesterday! If I can walk 2 miles, I can certainly start running. Well, I decided that wasn't the way to go. My original plan was to start out walking 1 mile for a week. If I change it to running right away, I may discourage myself by starting too fast and causing an injury or overexerting myself to the point that I don't want to do it anymore. So, I'm sticking with my original plan - walk 1 mile, or more, for the first week, then add running the second week, with more running the following weeks. After all, slow and steady does win in the long run! No pun intended there, :)

You're Beautiful

I heard the song "Beautiful Things" by Gungor on my way to work the other day, and it got me thinking. It doesn't matter what you think of yourself, what others think of you or say about you...You are BEAUTIFUL.

We often think that our worth comes from our job (janitor), our class status (middle class), our family (whether you have kids or not), our spouse (or lack thereof). Your worth does not come from any of those things! Your worth comes from God; and God, through His son Jesus, paid for your sins with His life on the cross. You are precious and valuable to God, so much so that He gave His one and only son for you (John 3:16). You are one of his beautiful creations.

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 Here's a video of the song.

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Here are the lyrics (abridged):

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all

All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us (repeat 1x)

You make me new, You are making me new
You make me new, You are making me new
You are making me new

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I know a lot of Christian songs. I don't say that to brag, I say that because lately, and after hearing this song, I realized that I know these lyrics...I sing them, but I don't hear them. How often do I just sing the lyrics and not pay attention to what I'm saying? what the words REALLY mean?

After I heard this song, I incorporated it into a prayer. I asked God to help me remember that I am one of His beautiful creations. I thanked Him for creating me, in His likeness, out of the dust. I asked Him to help me know that my worth doesn't come from others, but from Him...I am beautiful to Him.

Saved by His Life

For if while we were enemies,
we were reconciled to God through
the death of His Son,
much more, having been reconciled,
we shall be saved by His life.

How many sermons did it take? How many years did I refuse to even consider Christianity? Poor Mom and Dad--they tried so hard to put me in places where I'd hear the gospel, everything from private Christian schools, to Vacation Bible School to church camp. Well, I wish they were here to see me now. I finally made that decision and started a new life. Jesus is my Savior and I'm trying to allow Him to be my Lord, but I keep falling flat on my face. What's wrong? I try and try--but I keep falling. You talk about miserable! Oh, my family doesn't know and I'm keeping up a good front with my accountability buddy. But I'm about ready to throw in the towel. There's got to be more to Christianity than I've tapped into. (Anonymous)

Can you relate? How many of us have said, "There's GOT to be more to the Christian life than I'm experiencing!" How many people sitting in the pew on Sunday simply made their weekly pilgrimage and will face next week just like they faced last week--in their strength, carrying their burdens, basking in their achievements, minimizing their failures? They're doing it their way. But go on down the pew where others are wrestling with their failures. Anger. Smoldering pain. Depression. The magazine with the centerfold. Selfish. Foul language. And there are times when both groups think about how disappointing they must be to God--how they want to do better and wonder if there isn't more to Christianity than this.

If you identify, you are a disappointment to God. Not because you picked up the pornographic magazine or did things your way. He is disappointed for you because you haven't gone far enough in your relationship with Him. Yes, He's your Savior and you're trying to let Him be your Lord. But there's another step. You see, you can never walk consistently with Him as your Lord until you take up your cross (and you die on a cross) and allow Christ to be your life! He longs to walk past the magazine rack for you. He wants to face life for you all week long. You can't overcome the gossip and lust--but He can. Jesus Christ is the only one who has ever lived or will ever live the Christian life. We choose--our way or His way!

Let's say that you are a promising tennis player. Your coach is a pro who says you've got the makings of a champ! Now, would you rather have your coach on the sidelines shouting instructions or, if possible, would you have him crawl inside your body where he could make the shots through you while sizing up your opponent's weaknesses? Oh, you'd still be you with your unique talents and gifts, but He would be your source. Hey, you really would be a champ!

This is the gospel that God initiated when we asked Jesus to come into us to save us. "For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." If we have been saved by Jesus' death, then what is His life saving us from? From the pressures of life on Earth! Christ living the Christian life through us is just as much a part of the gospel as Christ dying for us.

Don't throw in the towel! You need Christ as life. This is your answer. God has no plan to "help" you meet your circumstances. Jesus living through you is God's provision to meet every circumstance! But if you keep trying to stay in control, you'll keep failing or lack His peace. And it won't change...not until you say:

Jesus, blessed Savior and Lord, I can't make life work and I need You to make it work for me, through me. I need You to be my life, to handle the backhand blows, the smashes, the lobs, the serves, the wins and the losses. Show me how to let You do it all for me--through me, please Lord.

Taken from the Lifetime Daily Devotion, day 179, on www.youversion.com

The Difference - A Prayer

I don't know who wrote this, I got it from a friend on Facebook and don't know where she got it.

The Difference
I got up early one morning
and rushed into
the day; I had so much
to accomplish, that I
didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled
about me; and heavier
came each task.
"Why doesn't God help me?"
I wondered. He answered,
"You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,
but the day toiled on,
gray and bleak; I wondered
why God didn't show me.
He said, "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence,
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning,
and paused before entering
the day; I had so much to
accomplish that I had to
take time to pray.

Prayer - February's Goal

So, I didn't think I was doing well with this one. I'm not doing it the way I had planned, but I am doing it. One of my devotions today talked about prayer and made me realize that I pray a lot more than I thought I did.

Here is the devotion, it's from www.youversion.com and it's from the "Lifetime Daily Devotions" Day 170:

What is Prayer?

Now there was a certain man at Caesarea names Cornelius,
a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, a devout man,
and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many
alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually.          

- Acts 10: 1-2

Cornelius "prayed to God continually." How did he do that? We are told to "pray without ceasing" in I Thessalonians 5:17. How can we do that? We have so many other things to do--other activities and responsibilities. I don't understand, but then maybe I don't understand just what prayer is?

Prayer is simply recognizing/acknowledging the presence of God in my life. That recognition may come in times of stress or times of joy; at a funeral or at a wedding. It may be acknowledged through a song, through reverence, through meditation, or through constant communication with Him during my day. It may come as I consider the heavens, the song of a bird, the aroma of the flowers around me, or the soft touch of an infant's hand.

Jesus put considerable emphasis on secret prayer but gave us no instructions about when to pray or specifics about where to pray, except in our own secret place at times. And that "secret place" may be the swing in your backyard, your closet, your car, your bike, your bed, or your bathroom. It might be where you sit when you visit the Botanic Gardens or in your jail cell. The only requirement is acknowledging His presence--He is here with me as I talk to Him right now!

Matt. 6:6 - But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

Luke 5:16 - But He slipped quietly away to deserted places for prayer.

Mark 1:35 - And in the early morning while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there.

Many of us have been taught that saying your prayers just before you go to bed at night is the right time. Or going to the "Prayer Room" for your assigned hour; meeting with others on Wednesday night for "prayer meeting." To think that prayer is limited to an idyllic setting as I kneel by my bed, prostrate myself at the altar or in a dedicated hour is to radically limit my relationship with my Companion. Prayer is simply talking to God through an avenue opened to us because of His Son and spoken through the Holy Spirit.

Conversations with God (prayer) can take place on the gurney as you're heading for surgery, in the courtroom as you sit there listening, realizing that your marriage is falling apart, in the office taking dictation, or in an important company meeting.

The more time you spend with someone sharing your thoughts, your dreams, your burdens--the more at ease you become with that person. Well, the more time we spend "talking" to the Lord the more comfortable we become in His presence. We can do this "without ceasing." We can "pray continually."

What is prayer? Prayer is the "lifeline" of our faith, our passport into God's presence, and our common denominator with Him, the One who loves us beyond our wildest hopes or expectations and understands all of our idiosyncrasies. Who else could possibly hold that position? Talk to Him. Praise Him. Tell Him that you love Him right in the middle of the cereal aisle at the grocery store!
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So, I do little popcorn prayers throughout the day. This morning I actually spent about half my drive to work praying. I often pray while driving - when I see an accident or an emergency vehicle go by, when I'm feeling irritated by another driver, when I see other drivers irritated at others. I also pray a lot in the shower. I've found that my shower prayers are more focused. I'm not really thinking about anything during my shower...I know, it's weird, but it works for me.

I'm also reading "Praying God's Word" by Beth Moore which teaches/shows you how to pray Scripture. I'll post another little thing in a couple of days about prayer...it's good. :)

Progress

During the month of January I lost 6 lbs. I'm at that weight right now, that always seems to stick...I think of it as my plateau weight. It's always where I seem to stay for quite awhile and often maintain at this weight. I'm hoping to push through it, even if it's just getting some walks in regularly and maybe, even, doing a regular routine on the weekend...until next month when my goal is to start exercising daily. I've already got my workouts planned through an app on my iPod, Workout Trainer by Skimble...it's free, but there is a paid version that gets you more stuff. I'm happy with all the basic stuff that it comes with (with the exception of the robot voice, but what can you expect for free?). :)

I am a member at Spark People, although I don't really do much there, besides read articles. Anyway, I thought the article that was emailed today was pretty good. It's titled, "When Numbers Aren't Enough". You can read it here.

I also forgot to mention that I'm reading Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst again. Although this time, I'm doing it as part on an online group through Proverbs 31 Ministry. If you want to know more, check out Melissa Taylor's Made to Crave blog here (you can access the rest of her blog there too, I'm just pointing you directly to the Made to Crave part).

January 2012 Goals Update

Since January 2, 2012 I have logged my calories every day for all my meals and snacks. I even tracked my calories on those days I didn't want to (because I knew I was over). I tracked them anyway and now I know what to expect next month. I will be prepared for whatever comes my way so i don't go over my calories like that - it was several days in a row and unrelated to anything, except eating out and not choosing the right thing.

February starts my daily prayer. i will get up when my husband gets in the shower and do at least one of my daily devotions and start my day with prayer. At the end of the day, I will do another daily devotion and end my day with prayer.

Mother's Day & Father's Day

I know it's a little early, but I've had some inspiration.

Here are the cards for the parents this year:

I used the embossing sleeves that come with the Texture Boutique to emboss the card. Red card stock for one side and white for the other. I pop dotted the oval that the tulips are stamped on (this is a discontinued Stampin' Up stamp). Just added my one Happy Mother's Day stamp and voila!

I got my inspiration for this card from Hero Arts. You can't really see it in this picture, but I did print out a ruler on the yellow card stock. I used The Craft Lounge's Nailed It stamp set for the tools. White card stock and a Happy Father's day stamp (stamped in black Staz-On ink) is attached with duct tape. The gray and red/white card stock is part of the Paper Studio's A Boy's Universe pad.

I also made a male birthday card similar to the father's day card, but I used Versamark ink and embossed it in silver.

2012 - New Year, New Trust

So, last year, I resolved to memorize Philippians 4....that did not happen. I didn't even attempt to do it. I actually forgot about it. I did this because I couldn't come up with my one word (www.myoneword.org).

This year, my one word is trust. There are so many people and things to trust in, I need to put my trust in the right people and things. Trust... where do you put your trust? what are you trusting in?

Since 2012 has already started and, I'm sure, many of you have your resolutions all ready to go and have started working on them already. I am still working through mine. I know what I'm already working on. So, without further adieu...

Part of my problem with New Year's resolutions is that I set too many goals all at once and lose sight of those goals. I'm not letting that happen again this year. I'm tired of gaining and losing the same 10 lbs., starting the year exercising and then stopping three weeks in, doing a daily devotion and skipping an entire week, etc. This year I'm making 30-day goals and then adding to them. After all, doesn't it take 30 days to form a habit? (or something like that?) Hopefully this will help me work through them and build up the habits I want for a healthy lifestyle change.

I saw this on Pinterest and thought it was appropriate to put in this post. 

Here is another one that I may attempt one month.

 2012 Goals
January: tracking my calories daily. I use the MyFitnessPal app on my iPod. i usually only track breakfast and lunch and skip writing down dinner, but this year, I'm doing it all (breakfast, lunch and dinner...even that one Frango Mint). While tracking my calories, one calorie item I am working on weaning myself off of is added table sugar. I usually take 2 tsp. of sugar in my coffee, since the beginning of January, I have only been doing 1 tsp. My goal is to work my way down to 0 added table sugar in my coffee.

February: pray and get up earlier - maybe the same time as my husband (since he gets in the shower first, this time would be uninterrupted). I have a daily devotion that I do through the youversion Bible app on my iPod, but I severely lack in my prayer time. I'm not consistent. I would like to set aside at least 15 minutes/day to spend praying about what's going on in my life, the lives of my family and friends, as well as the world and what I'm learning about in God's Word.

Lent: February 22-April 5 is Lent. I am not Catholic, but I find that it is a good practice to give up something. After all, Jesus gave himself for me, the least I can do is give up something I enjoy during this time. So, during the Lent season, I will not be drinking soda. (And, hopefully, I will have given up added sugar to my coffee be then too.)

March: exercise...daily. Every day I must do some form of exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. I need to decide if I'm doing this in the morning or evening, but whichever i decide, it will always be the same. I will update this post with the time of day at a later date (before February). I am looking into getting a treadmill - so if you know anyone with a foldable treadmill for a good price, keep me in mind. :)

April: Eat one vegetarian meal per week...besides pasta.

May: goal

June: goal

July: goal

August: goal

September: goal

October: goal

November: goal

December: goal

Analyze what may be behind bad eating habits and lack of exercise and address those issues as you come up with your weight loss plan. Observe and write down certain circumstances, attitudes and habits in your life that may threaten your maintaining a healthy weight. As you create a diet and exercise plan, consider changing certain variables that may be a hindrance to you, or come up with coping mechanisms for things you can’t control.  - Source

Original Publish Date: 1/15/2012

Come As You Are

That is a title of a song, not just by the popular '90s band Nirvana, but by a Christian group known as Pocket Full of Rocks. You can read the lyrics or listen/watch the video below.

I heard the song on the radio this morning on my way into work and it got me thinking...we can come to Jesus, no matter what. Your past doesn't matter...if you've had sex before marriage, murdered someone, said a bad word...you can still come to Jesus. He's not a big bully looking down upon us. He loves us and wants us to come to Him, He wants to help us carry our burdens. His arms are open wide and waiting for you to come to Him, no matter what's in your past, you can bring it to Him.

Matthew 11: 28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” With all the day-to-day, I don't know about you, but I often feel weary, I worry about tomorrow and what the future brings. Rest, that is something I long for. Which brings me right into my next verse,

I Peter 5:7 tells us, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Whatever is troubling you, no matter how big or small, bring it to Him. If there is something in your past that you are ashamed of and nobody knows about it, you haven't told anyone...Jesus knows. You can bring this burden to Him. He wants you to come to Him. He is there, listening, waiting...for you. All you have to do is call upon him, confess your sins, and, if you haven't already done so, accept him into your heart. here is a short prayer you can pray: Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Savior.

Just remember, nothing is too big or small for Jesus to help you through. That little disagreement with your spouse/significant other/child/co-worker, a hand gesture while driving (or road rage), stealing...Jesus can handle anything you bring to Him.


Watch the video here:

LYRICS: COME AS YOU ARE
He's not mad at you
He's not disappointed
His grace is greater still,
than all of your wrong choices
He is full of mercy and he is ever kind
Hear his invitation, His arms are open wide

You can come as you are,
with all your broken pieces
And all your shameful scars
The pain you hold in your heart,
bring it all to Jesus
You can come as you are

Louder than the voice that whispers your unworthy
Hear the sound of love,
that tells a different story
Shattering your darkness and pushing through the lies
How tenderly he calls you,
His arms are open wide

You can come as you are,
with all your broken pieces
And all your shameful scars
The pain you hold in your heart,
bring it all to Jesus
You can come as you are

You can come as you are

You can come as you are with all your broken pieces
And all your shameful scars
The pain you hold in your heart,
bring it all to Jesus
You can come as you are