Finally...A Parenting Tip That Works!

"MOOOOOOOOM, can I...

...watch TV?"

...play the Wii?"

...play on the iPod?"

I don't know about you, but these are questions I hear constantly. I don't hear it much during the school year because we are so busy, but this summer I have heard it A LOT. I really don't like my kids to watch a lot of TV or play too many video games, but I hate to feel like a "meanie" all the time by constantly saying NO.

So, I decided to implement a card system (that I have probably seen somewhere along the way in a magazine or website) that allows them so much TV/Media time each week. I made up cards for each boy in 30 minute increments. They get a set amount of TV time each week and a set amount of time for "media" which is to be used for video games, iPod, computer, etc. I put all the cards in a jar on the counter and when they want to use one, they bring it to me and I put it in another jar on the counter. So far, I have to say, it is working like a dream! No more Mrs. Bad Guy. They know based on how many cards are in the jar whether or not they can watch or play.

We have also set up ways that they can earn more time by playing outside, reading, or general good behavior, etc. This has been great because they have been motivated to do those "good for you" things as a result.

If you are like me, you probably have a ton of ideas like this stored in your brain, but have never actually implemented. Bite the bullet. Give it a try. What do you have to lose? I just wrote it out with a sharpie on index cards. Super easy and (so far) VERY MUCH worth the effort! Or you could print out some of these.

Now, I should probably make or print some for myself! :-)

Top Ten Reasons I Have Not Updated My Blog Recently

1) I tend to be an all or nothing person. Either I do it all the time or not at all. It happens with all sorts of things including, but not limited to, laundry, cleaning, eating, exercising, blogging. It can be a problem, but hey...I am a work in progress.

2) I currently don't have a computer of my own (I am using Rich's). If anyone would like to set up an iBook fund for me, I promise I would blog more (that is unless reason #1 continues to be an issue). I'll be honest, it's a gamble.

3) I have been (literally) working by bottom off to the tune of 15 pounds so far! And yes I said "bottom". I have an aversion to the other b word for that body part, you know the one with two t's at the end (shudder). Didn't know that about me, huh? Well, it's true.

4) I am still not drinking soda! Okay that has nothing to do with why I have not been blogging, but I thought you should know. And in the interest of full disclosure, I do have a sip now and then, but for all intents and purposes---SODA FREE!

5) Rich was out of town for two weeks in June. Enough said.

6) There are some days that I just don't have much to say...awkward.

7) There are some days that I just have too much to say...overwhelming.

8) I am too lazy to download pictures and a blog without pictures is kind of sad.

9) I didn't think I could get by with writing every post as a Haiku, although I did consider it.

10) And last, but not least...(Okay, here is where I would insert a cute picture of my boys as another reason I haven't been blogging, but alas there is reason #8 to keep me from doing that). Soooo, I will just say they do keep me busy and promise to post some new pics of them soon!

Surrender

Surrender

Surrender I find,
is a place not an action.

Abiding rest, peace in Christ.

A Haiku by Alana Cummings

The Big D Revisited

If you have read this blog for some time, you might remember a time when I journaled my progress on what I like to call The Big D (aka diet, weight loss journey, healthy lifestyle, cruel and unusual punishment...choose whatever semantical choice that works for you). During that time I lost about 15 pounds (my most successful attempt at weight loss ever). After some time, my motivation and resolve dissipated and that journey (successful, but unfinished) ended.

Fast forward to three weeks ago, when (by the grace of God), I picked it back up again (the journey). I hesitate to say this on my blog because this creates a whole new level of pressure for me, but I experienced a victory in this area today that is worth being told.

Let me catch you up a little bit. I have completed three weeks of this journey so far which has included eating only 1200-1300 calories a day and exercising 4-5 times during the week (not to mention giving up soda!).

The first week I lost 2 lbs. Right, not great for a first week, but I'll take it.

Last week, 1/2 lb. Discouraging, but I pressed on.

This week. 1/2 lb. (that is one half of a pound, not 1-2, just to clarify ; ).

My initial reaction(s) after my dreaded visit to the scale?

Heap of tears on bed.

Defeat.

Hopelessness.

Distinct impulse to make muffins and gorge myself on them.

Just to name a few.

Thankfully, Rich (my husband) came over and gave me a hug, and even though he didn't do it out loud, I know he started to pray for me because I felt God's sweet peace come over me. So, I dried my tears, got off the bed and finished getting the boys off to school. After they left, I decided to forgo the muffins, and opted for something more substantial (the bread of life). I am so grateful that I did because He gave me such a beautiful, victorious perspective to replace my defeated one.

You see, one of my goals in all of this (aside from losing weight) has been to stop running to food for my needs and instead run to God (Inspired by reading the book, Made To Crave by Lysa Terkeurst...get it, read it).

About halfway through my time with Him this morning, I realized I did just that (okay, I am bawling now), but you see, every other time I have experienced this point in a weight loss journey (defeat), I have thrown my hands up in the air and said, "Well, I might as well eat whatever I want, because, what is the point?!".

Well, friends....

Today, I see the point.

The point is that I need...

GOD (NOT food)

EVERY.
SINGLE.
MINUTE.
OF.
EVERY.
SINGLE.
DAY.

THAT is the point.

VICTORY.

The View From Where I Sit This Sunday Afternoon

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Prepare To Be Shocked

17 days.

That is how long I have gone without a COKE or soda of any kind!

If you know me at all, you know that this is...

HUGE.

MONUMENTAL.

UNHEARD OF.

Need proof? This is the Mother's Day card William made for me last year. 



Yeah. I have never gone more than 5 days without a soda before. I can hardly believe it myself. I have committed to being soda free until Easter. My hope is by then I won't want it anymore after that. Possible? Maybe. The jury is still out. It was actually not as difficult as I expected. The first week was the hardest, but since then it hasn't been so bad. I am trying to figure out exactly how I feel about it all. I don't necessarily feel like I want one, but I think my mind still thinks I should? It is all kinds of weird.

Stay tuned...

William The Artist