December 17, 2008
Just wanted to post my weigh in today. I've said good or bad, I will post. I lost .6 lbs. Not a lot to mention but for those of us trying to survive during the Christmas temptations, it was a blessing. I had prayed for 2 days, "Lord, let me have lost, not gained." I have a "mind game" going on with myself that I just cannot see a + sign on the scale. I think that would just be a stumbling block that would definitely bring discouragement to me. I could and would get past it, but it would be hard. I'm not so unrealistic that I don't believe the day will come when I post a gain; I just don't want it to be so early in the journey. I should have more time this week to focus on my exercising and meals so hopefully next Wednesday will be better. My coach will hold weigh-in session on Christmas Eve and I will attend. I have to hold myself accountable. The week of the 24th through 31st will be the hardest for me. We have several things planned including a trip and I may take a weigh in pass on the 31st. At weight watchers you are allowed one weigh in pass and I think for me, this may be the week I use it. Unless I can get some good exercise in before we leave and during the time we are away, I just don't know how well I can maintain. I look forward to the week especially with getting away for work and just being able to spend time with family and friends. My kitchen is a wreck but for a good reason. Jimmy gave me an early Christmas present. We are having the walls underneath the kitchen cabinets tiled so that my entire back splash in my kitchen will be tile. I cannot wait to see the finished product. David Beverly, one of the missionaries in our church that is home on furlough, is doing the work and he is doing an awesome job. He is taking his time and is very articulate with his work. I am pleased with the work so far but having any meals out of the kitchen have been difficult. I have managed to do some things in our crock pot but tonight will be eat out night. The teens are Christmas caroling tonight for the elderly and we are going to take them out to eat afterwards. I will try and get my girls to go to Subway. (good healthy choice)
I will quickly tell you about our picture experience this past Sunday. I've learned 2 things. First, don't have pictures done at a portrait studio anytime in the month of December. Our appointment was at 3:00 pm and it was 4:45 pm before we were taken back for pictures. We left the place at 6:15 pm and Rachael was the only one who managed to make it back to service late. She had a YAAC after church and really wanted to go so we dropped her off on the way back home. Second, when you have a good photographer that you have used before, don't stray. Andrea, I love you and wish I could have gotten you to take our pictures. I really did not know if you would even have time to do the pictures with such short notice so I scheduled them at a studio. I definitely will call you for the next ones if you're willing to take me back! We took a change of clothes and out of 39 poses, we only chose around 6. The pictures were rushed and Jimmy was not happy at all with the finished products. There is so many flaws in our poses and in some pictures we just looked outright ridiculous. We chose what we could find to be the most decent out of the 39 simply because it was so hard to bring everyone together for a family portrait. It took 6 months for me to find a date that everyone could agree on. I called the portrait studio on Monday and filed a complaint. They called me back today and said they would be sending me a "voucher" for a free retake and pictures. I don't know that I will be able to get everyone back together. For those of you that receive our Christmas cards, you will see one of the family portraits. Just keep in mind as you are looking at the picture, it is just another day in the life of the "Griswolds" or I mean the Tullocks.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
What we did not know...
December 10,2008
Today has been a good day! I went to weigh in this morning and lost 3.4 lbs. This brings my total to 28.4 lbs and I am feeling good. It is so refreshing to feel energetic again and not so sluggish all the time. For the first time in a long time, I can lean over, tie my shoes, and not feel as though I am going to pass out! Laugh if you need to, but I am serious. I had gotten to the point where I could not even sit and cross my legs without being uncomfortable. I noticed last night as Jimmy and I were watching The Biggest Loser (my favorite show now) that I had my legs crossed as I was sitting on the sofa. It's amazing at what a 28 lb difference can do. I was walking and jogging on the treadmill last night and before I had realized what I was doing, I was already 2 miles into my exercise. I say all this to encourage others. Thin does feel as good as thin looks. Even if it is not "pencil thin" it still feels great! Just to have more mobility and to breathe without feeling faint. I am excited about the upcoming months and I still pray each morning for God to continue to give Jimmy and me the strength that only HE CAN GIVE to continue this journey. Jimmy lost another 1.5 lbs and he is doing well too. He is walking again on the treadmill and is increasing his time. I pray for him and his knees. They tend to bother him when he walks on the treadmill so he is doing a slower pace. I keep wearing my baggy clothes because I would like to hold out until spring to really start looking for some new ones. I am on the last belt loop and really need a new one but I am trying "bag & sag" for now until Spring. I have committed myself to losing for a year and then maintenance for the rest of my life. I will have to go to the meetings every week just to stay accountable. Maybe I'll go to work for Weight Watchers. HaHa! Today was my 10th week so I still have plenty of weeks left to lose additional weight. Union Grove played basketball at home on Monday and for anyone who was not able to be there, you missed some really good games. The JV team won, the boys JV team won, and the Varsity girls team won. The boys Varsity team came back from a 15 point deficit to gain a 5 point lead but still lost the game by 2. It was an intense game. Rachael really surprised us in the game and because she plays both JV and Varsity, she does not get much Varsity Play time which is expected for an 8th grader. However, the Varsity game itself was a very good game against Woodland Christian School. Our girls trailed for the first 3 quarters and towards the end of the 3rd quarter, Mr.Steinhaus subbed Rachael in for Allison. Rachael stole the ball and made a long pass to assist Laura Beaver in a 2 point shot. This tied the game up and we entered the 4th quarter. Allison came back in but Tiffany fouled again so Rachael was subbed back in. She stole the ball again and this time came down court all the way, weaving herself in and out between girls like a bullet and shot a lay up. It was awesome and Union Grove lead for the first time in the game. A few minutes later, I see Rachael coming up court again, having gotten the rebound, she shot up court and scored another lay up shot. It was a very proud moment for her parents and her brother who came to the game. Nick said later, "I did not know Rachael could play such good ball." After the games, the coach from Woodland spoke to me near the concessions and asked me if Rachael was indeed an 8th grader. I responded with a yes and he said, "she turned that game around and did it very well." He said she was a tall as the senior players out there and she would only continue to improve her skills. I thought that was very nice of him. It makes you feel proud as parents when others pay your children compliments. T.W.Bailey walked over to us at the game and asked us why we were hiding Rachael's talents. I asked him what he meant and he said that he had came over to the church Monday and heard singing from the Chapel. He went inside and he said Rachael was on stage practicing. He said that she had the prettiest voice and could not understand why she was not singing in church. I told him that we did not know she was singing and that if she knew we were ever listening to her sing, she would stop. I asked Rachael about coming to watch her sing on Thursday of this week because she is singing for Chapel services for Honor Society and she said that she did not want us there. She told me it would make her nervous if we were watching her sing. It is amazing at the things you do not know as parents about your children that you learn as they grow. I am going to go to the Church in the morning but stay in the vestibule so that she does not see me. I would just love to hear her sing just once. I met my sis today and we picked out a nice Mother's ring for our mother. We are giving it to her at Christmas. Her wedding ring from my dad and her mother's ring were stolen 3 years ago in a break in and never recovered. All four of us decided to purchase her a new mother's ring for Christmas. We are excited about giving it to her. Tonight is WOL teens and I am looking forward to seeing my girls. It is nice to talk with them and share God's word. I am studying in the book of Mark and just read passage this morning where Jesus is speaking of the breaking of bread and passing and drinking from the cup and he refers to his broken body and blood that will be shed for the sacrifice he will make for our sins. He and the disciples are at the Last Supper and he is speaking of his crucifixion that will soon come. He also refers to the betrayal that will occur (regarding Judas) and the denial from Peter. It has been an awesome message and I have enjoyed studying in Mark. It also goes to show each of us that we all can fall. Just as Peter said he would never deny the Lord, he did. We have to be careful about saying the word "never". We can stumble if we are not careful. That is why it is so important to hide God's word in our hearts. I love the LORD and I love being in his word. He is my Great Guide and Comforter! It is raining to beat the band so I am going to get some work done inside the office while I can. We have a busy week ahead. Church tonight, a Christmas play tomorrow night with friends, an outing with Friends on Friday, ball tournament Saturday morning, Grove Girls outing Saturday night, Lunch Sunday after church with family & friends, and family portraits Sunday afternoon. Wow, I will need lots of energy for all of this!
Today has been a good day! I went to weigh in this morning and lost 3.4 lbs. This brings my total to 28.4 lbs and I am feeling good. It is so refreshing to feel energetic again and not so sluggish all the time. For the first time in a long time, I can lean over, tie my shoes, and not feel as though I am going to pass out! Laugh if you need to, but I am serious. I had gotten to the point where I could not even sit and cross my legs without being uncomfortable. I noticed last night as Jimmy and I were watching The Biggest Loser (my favorite show now) that I had my legs crossed as I was sitting on the sofa. It's amazing at what a 28 lb difference can do. I was walking and jogging on the treadmill last night and before I had realized what I was doing, I was already 2 miles into my exercise. I say all this to encourage others. Thin does feel as good as thin looks. Even if it is not "pencil thin" it still feels great! Just to have more mobility and to breathe without feeling faint. I am excited about the upcoming months and I still pray each morning for God to continue to give Jimmy and me the strength that only HE CAN GIVE to continue this journey. Jimmy lost another 1.5 lbs and he is doing well too. He is walking again on the treadmill and is increasing his time. I pray for him and his knees. They tend to bother him when he walks on the treadmill so he is doing a slower pace. I keep wearing my baggy clothes because I would like to hold out until spring to really start looking for some new ones. I am on the last belt loop and really need a new one but I am trying "bag & sag" for now until Spring. I have committed myself to losing for a year and then maintenance for the rest of my life. I will have to go to the meetings every week just to stay accountable. Maybe I'll go to work for Weight Watchers. HaHa! Today was my 10th week so I still have plenty of weeks left to lose additional weight. Union Grove played basketball at home on Monday and for anyone who was not able to be there, you missed some really good games. The JV team won, the boys JV team won, and the Varsity girls team won. The boys Varsity team came back from a 15 point deficit to gain a 5 point lead but still lost the game by 2. It was an intense game. Rachael really surprised us in the game and because she plays both JV and Varsity, she does not get much Varsity Play time which is expected for an 8th grader. However, the Varsity game itself was a very good game against Woodland Christian School. Our girls trailed for the first 3 quarters and towards the end of the 3rd quarter, Mr.Steinhaus subbed Rachael in for Allison. Rachael stole the ball and made a long pass to assist Laura Beaver in a 2 point shot. This tied the game up and we entered the 4th quarter. Allison came back in but Tiffany fouled again so Rachael was subbed back in. She stole the ball again and this time came down court all the way, weaving herself in and out between girls like a bullet and shot a lay up. It was awesome and Union Grove lead for the first time in the game. A few minutes later, I see Rachael coming up court again, having gotten the rebound, she shot up court and scored another lay up shot. It was a very proud moment for her parents and her brother who came to the game. Nick said later, "I did not know Rachael could play such good ball." After the games, the coach from Woodland spoke to me near the concessions and asked me if Rachael was indeed an 8th grader. I responded with a yes and he said, "she turned that game around and did it very well." He said she was a tall as the senior players out there and she would only continue to improve her skills. I thought that was very nice of him. It makes you feel proud as parents when others pay your children compliments. T.W.Bailey walked over to us at the game and asked us why we were hiding Rachael's talents. I asked him what he meant and he said that he had came over to the church Monday and heard singing from the Chapel. He went inside and he said Rachael was on stage practicing. He said that she had the prettiest voice and could not understand why she was not singing in church. I told him that we did not know she was singing and that if she knew we were ever listening to her sing, she would stop. I asked Rachael about coming to watch her sing on Thursday of this week because she is singing for Chapel services for Honor Society and she said that she did not want us there. She told me it would make her nervous if we were watching her sing. It is amazing at the things you do not know as parents about your children that you learn as they grow. I am going to go to the Church in the morning but stay in the vestibule so that she does not see me. I would just love to hear her sing just once. I met my sis today and we picked out a nice Mother's ring for our mother. We are giving it to her at Christmas. Her wedding ring from my dad and her mother's ring were stolen 3 years ago in a break in and never recovered. All four of us decided to purchase her a new mother's ring for Christmas. We are excited about giving it to her. Tonight is WOL teens and I am looking forward to seeing my girls. It is nice to talk with them and share God's word. I am studying in the book of Mark and just read passage this morning where Jesus is speaking of the breaking of bread and passing and drinking from the cup and he refers to his broken body and blood that will be shed for the sacrifice he will make for our sins. He and the disciples are at the Last Supper and he is speaking of his crucifixion that will soon come. He also refers to the betrayal that will occur (regarding Judas) and the denial from Peter. It has been an awesome message and I have enjoyed studying in Mark. It also goes to show each of us that we all can fall. Just as Peter said he would never deny the Lord, he did. We have to be careful about saying the word "never". We can stumble if we are not careful. That is why it is so important to hide God's word in our hearts. I love the LORD and I love being in his word. He is my Great Guide and Comforter! It is raining to beat the band so I am going to get some work done inside the office while I can. We have a busy week ahead. Church tonight, a Christmas play tomorrow night with friends, an outing with Friends on Friday, ball tournament Saturday morning, Grove Girls outing Saturday night, Lunch Sunday after church with family & friends, and family portraits Sunday afternoon. Wow, I will need lots of energy for all of this!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 04,2008
Just wanted to post an update. I went to weigh in yesterday and lost an additional 1.4 lbs which brought my new total weight loss to 25 lbs. I met my first goal and my coach was very excited. She gave me a BIG HIGH-FIVE and at our meeting called me up and presented me with a bronze key chain. The key chain has the initials WW on it and I placed in on my key chain so I would always see a reminder of the success and encouragement to continue my journey. I was excited that I had lost weight over the Thanksgiving holiday and especially knowing that I had indulged in some really good food. I am still struggling with this cold crud and realized it has not been too long ago that I had this very same thing. I must attract any "bug" flying in the air. I am working on breaking this stuff up and getting it out of my system. I went to teens last night and I have to admit, it was different. It will take some time before I will get adjusted to not seeing the Pollards in the gym and having Jeremy as our leader. It is hard for all of us but I know God is holding us in the palm of his hands. Our lesson last night was on how we have an interceder through the Holy Spirit and that sometimes while we don't pray, the Holy Spirit is already interceding on our behalf. We don't even understand sometimes why some prayers are answered and the outcome of the answered prayer but down the road, the Lord makes it clear to us. Rachael gave me some news last night and it was confirmed this morning that our dear friends, the Browns will be moving to Asheville. I was quite devastated and cried when I first spoke with Yuri. I really had refused to believe all this time that it was even a possibility that they would move. I guess I just thought that if I didn't believe it would happen, then it would not. I struggle with showing emotions when people start talking about things that I know will bring sadness into my life. So when Jon and Yuri first mentioned the possibility of a move, I just refused to acknowledge it was even a possibility. I told Jon that we would be praying for God's will and we did. But I will admit, even in my prayers, I asked the Lord to leave them here because it was my own selfish desire for them to stay. I have no words to express the blessings that have been brought into our lives through our friendship with them. We alternate Sunday dinners at our house and I cannot even come to terms with them not coming. I know Rachael will struggle as well and my heart is heavy for her too. She has been going home with Yuri and the boys on Wednesday for years and she calls them her brothers. I cry even as I write this because we call them our family. I know that God leads us in directions sometimes that we don't even understand and I have to admit, I don't understand this. I know God has a plan but I don't see it yet. Yuri and I talked about how if our friendship is as deep as we have made it, then the distance will not change this. Hickory is a little over an hour for us and an hour for them. We can maintain this friendship and still enjoy the blessings of what God brought together. We will miss them more than any words will express but we will not let this be good-bye.
To Jon, Yuri, Mckinley, Seth and Wilson
Just wanted you to know
How special you really are
A friend I’ve relied upon
And hold dear to my heart
May God bless your day
In whatever you may do
And wherever you may be, my friend
I will say a prayer for you.
I'd like to think that we
Remain as friends for life
No matter what we go through
May our friendship never die
For true friends stick together
Whatever comes their way
And through it all, the friendship grows
Becoming stronger each new day.
God has brought you
across our path
That we may become friends
Kindred spirits
Knitted together
In Christ until the end.
John 15: 12-14 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
To Jon, Yuri, Mckinley, Seth and Wilson
Just wanted you to know
How special you really are
A friend I’ve relied upon
And hold dear to my heart
May God bless your day
In whatever you may do
And wherever you may be, my friend
I will say a prayer for you.
I'd like to think that we
Remain as friends for life
No matter what we go through
May our friendship never die
For true friends stick together
Whatever comes their way
And through it all, the friendship grows
Becoming stronger each new day.
God has brought you
across our path
That we may become friends
Kindred spirits
Knitted together
In Christ until the end.
John 15: 12-14 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
DECEMBER 2, 2008
It has been an extremely busy time since Thanksgiving in my house. We have put up the Christmas tree and decorations, (well almost all decorations), put up the fall decorations, worked concessions for the ball game, and entertained some friends. I started feeling sick on Sunday morning as though I were catching a cold and by Monday morning, I was feeling pretty bad. I have what Jimmy and Rachael were fighting during Thanksgiving. I have continued to work but today have not been able to make any customer calls because I have no voice. Thanksgiving was very nice at our home and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We took a few pictures and I'll post as soon as my niece sends them to me via email. My mother came and seem to really enjoy her afternoon with Rachael. They seem to get along so well. I just wish she would come over more often. She shocked me by saying she wanted to buy me some new clothes when I reached my goal weight. I know she loves me, but she doesn't spend a lot of time with us so I was pleasantly surprised when she suggested we go shopping soon. I took Rachael shopping on Friday for her birthday. I know what you're thinking. "How is the world could I go out on Black Friday in that mob?" Well, we did not leave the house until around 10:00 am so the big crowds were already gone. The mall was still quite crowded but not unbearable. Rachael had birthday money and bought her some new shirts and sweaters. I took her to lunch and also bought her a white chocolate mocha cappuchino (her favorite drink). She really seemed to enjoy her birthday. We also met up with her dad, sister, and cousin at dinner and took her to Texas Roadhouse. She loves steak so she got all her birthday favorites. They made her sit on the horse saddle and they sang Happy Birthday to her. She was so embarrassed and the lady would not let her off the saddle until she motioned her hands like she was throwing a lasso. It was funny. We went to Best Buy afterwards and then headed home. We did not get back to our home until 9:30 pm. It was a long day. For the final birthday present, we had her a mini chocolate molten cake with vanilla ice cream (her favorite dessert). I think her birthday was nice and she seemed to enjoy herself. My mom came back over on Saturday and spent some time with Rachael and gave her a birthday gift too. The rest of the weekend was spent getting the tree together and decorated. Rachael has an away game today and I will not be attending. I wish they did not have to travel so far for some of the games but I know in order for them to play a lot of games, they have to travel. I would like to see all of her games but I cannot leave work each time. I am going to take vacation and will have a week off at Christmas and some time after Christmas. I enjoy being at home during the Christmas week. We are not going on the youth Gatlinburg trip after putting brand new brakes on my car. We just financially do not need to spend the money. My other expense is the tiling of the back splash in my kitchen. We are having David Beverly to tile the back splash in our kitchen and I am excited to see the finished product. He is supposed to start this weekend. Yuri and I picked out 2 different tile colors from Lowe's and I cannot wait to see them on the kitchen wall. I told Jimmy not to get me anything for Christmas since we were having the kitchen tile installed. I go to weigh in tomorrow and I am praying that I have lost. I don't care if it is one ounce as long as I have lost and not gained. Thanksgiving was the hardest temptation yet. I enjoyed all my foods as well as Rachael's birthday celebration. I have been walking on the treadmill so I am praying for positive results. I'll post tomorrow good or bad.
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