tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13363531698359747712024-03-13T12:56:10.540-04:00DIXIE CHICK...GETTING FIT!Dixiechick...that's me.. Transplanted from the South to live in Indiana....42 and trying to hang on to that 21 year old body, through diet, exercise and my new passion..running!!!! 4 years ago, I lost 40 lbs....follow me on my journey to stay fit...while hanging onto that inner Southern Belle....Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.comBlogger731125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-65605621552197962542012-12-18T13:48:00.001-05:002012-12-18T13:48:44.571-05:00God Bless the Little Children....My heart and prayers go out to the people of Newtown Connecticut...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was posted on Facebook:
Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that …day.
“Where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“This is heaven.” declared a small boy. “we’re spending Christmas at God’s house.”
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
Those children all flew into the arms of their King
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”
“May this country be delivered from the hands of fools”
“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!”
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
“Come now my children, let me show you around.”
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
“In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.
~ An Unknown Angel
Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-39744436452768739312012-12-15T09:47:00.001-05:002012-12-15T09:48:43.222-05:00Awesome.....well done Tim!<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/400538960579005334/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/270990102547775983_PusDtigH_c.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/200908/tebow-florida-heisman-nfl-photos-quarterback-injury-concussion" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">gq.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/dhatke42/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Donna</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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when he wore John 3:16 on his eye black to a certain game, over 92 million people looked that verse up on Google. That means over 92 million people heard the Gospel just because one man took a stand. Thank you Tim Tebow.
Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-58211697280113311742012-12-12T15:22:00.001-05:002012-12-12T15:23:25.500-05:00Work Out Fail....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHu2MZ-05XmVoclGPG-ArorVXJ1XiMXupt_NxDerS-hl2CzpDupS9kCfnuPD4lrioc-7IWa6wIkYN4EXhZCQyj6KY77gWo2AThLeTRwcm86BGXTiceG41LMwGpIVsS5p6DU8aN4GM5H4/s1600/workout_fail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHu2MZ-05XmVoclGPG-ArorVXJ1XiMXupt_NxDerS-hl2CzpDupS9kCfnuPD4lrioc-7IWa6wIkYN4EXhZCQyj6KY77gWo2AThLeTRwcm86BGXTiceG41LMwGpIVsS5p6DU8aN4GM5H4/s320/workout_fail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was all geared up to head to the gym for a run after work....but once again, derailed by the husband....it seems like he constantly throws my workout plans out the window....he just doesn't get it. He wants to pick up take out for supper, because he needs to get out of the house. I could run outside I guess, while he is gone to get dinner..but I don't want to..I hate running in the cold, by the time I get off work, get home and get changed, it will be dark and I don't want to run in the dark....I am a scardy cat! Oh, well...there are 4 more days left in the week. Guess I will have to work out the next four without taking a break. I hate that too! Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-29578380537403758082012-12-12T11:09:00.001-05:002012-12-12T11:09:51.639-05:00Bah Humbug.....Well, Christmas is almost upon us..that is if the end of the world doesn't come first....According to the Mayans, as I am sure many of you have heard, predicts the end of the world is to occur on 12/21...that is also my husband's birthday....guess if it happens he will be going out with a bang...lol...just kidding. I don't believe in all that hogwash...seems like it was just yesterday we were celebrating Christmas, and here it is upon us once again. I am so not ready for it....as always, it is just a money issue. I don't have it...when you have little kids, they just don't understand it. I did put our tree up on Sunday....didn't want to bother, but I wasn't going to disappoint the two younger kids. Last night, one of them looked at me and asked where the presents were....I felt like crying...there are none yet. Not sure where the money is going to come from to get them. We have been behind the eight ball all year long since our trip to Florida in June...why? Well, they cut out all of my husband's over time...we had become dependent upon that to get by on....we had to get a new car this year, and our payments almost tripled...that hurt us a lot...and the list goes on. I missed some work a couple weeks ago, due to having surgery, with no pay....that was another big ouch...We never should have went to Florida...I know that now...my husband regretfully knows that too....we went on borrowed money and we just now have got it paid back. Never again....I am so tired of being stressed over it. It makes me hate Christmas.....<br />
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Max, my nine year old wants a guitar...we put one on lay away for him....that is all he is really getting..the guitar, a case and he asked for a video game. I told the boys 3 presents this year..as that is what the wise men brought to baby Jesus....I think they understand. Aaron, the 13 year old only asked for some headphones for his XBox Live and to renew his XBox Live subscription for another year, as well as new MP3 player and a C.D....The two older boys, well..they are adults now...22 and 19 respectfully, so they have to understand....I will just give them a little money and that will have to suffice. It is what it is....basically, I have to "borrow" money from the Mother in law until I get my tax refund check in the Spring...I don't know what I would do without her...she has been awesome. <br />
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As I said, I had surgery a couple weeks ago...no, not a hysterectomy..although that is probably coming sometime in the future..I had a laparoscopy done, to look for endometriosis, which the doctor found and cauterized....then he did a D & C and found a huge mass of stuff that he removed and sent to pathology....he said the likely hood that it was cancerous was less then 5%....I have been a huge bundle of nerves over that for the past two weeks...I never heard anything back about it, so I assume no news is good news. I go see him tomorrow for a follow up from my surgery and to have my stitches removed..so, I hope that it all goes well. I can't handle anymore bad news or stress....that would just put me over the edge. <br />
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On the workout front, I still do not have my stamina back and because of that and hormone therapy (birth control pills), I have gained 8 lbs....I am literally sick over it. I am so unhappy with myself right now...2 years ago, I was this muscular tight ass woman that in no way looked 40 years old....well, time has caught up with me and it sucks..let me tell ya! I went to the gym last night, ran 5 1/2 miles and took a Body Pump class..it literally kicked my ass....my endurance has dropped considerably...I am thinking of hiring a personal trainer at my gym., after the New Year..see if they can help me get my tired old self back in shape again. At least that is the plan...<br />
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If I don't post between now and Christmas...I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-67149841645008228412012-11-14T10:54:00.000-05:002012-11-14T10:54:02.213-05:00Wow...Over 3 months since my last post!Hi, bloggers...Readers or anyone that just stumbled upon this lazy blog by accident! Where oh where have I been you ask? Taking an extremely long break obviously....just being lazy and disinterested in this blog I guess. What is been going on since my last post? <br />
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Well...got the kids off to school...We have already had one grading period complete and Max and Aaron both did well. The older two boys are doing well also. My oldest Tim is just working right now..he took a semester off from college, his Junior year and not sure where that is going to lead. I really do hope that he goes back and finishes at some point..I would hate to see 3 years and all that money wasted and no degree to show for it. Justin, my 18 year old has started his Freshman year of college and is doing well. Grades are good and he works all the time. So that leaves me hardly anytime to talk or see either one of them. <br />
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I finally ran my 2nd Half Marathon...I ran the Purdue inaugural Half-Marathon in October...it was by far the best Half I have ever done....I didn't stop running the entire Half..all 13.1 miles with no walk breaks and I felt fantastic! I wanted to beat my previous half time of 2:22 and I killed it...my official race time was 2:04! I was runner 705 out of 1510 people....I can't wait to next year to do it again. <br />
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My fitness level, time at the gym has really dropped over the past few months...I have gained some weight and I am far from happy with my physcial appearance right now. Not a lot....10 lbs....but enough...I couldn't figure out why, as I was still going to the gym 4 times a week minimum, still watching what I ate, with an occasional splurge every now and then...but nothing extreme...then I started noticing my stomach was really bloated, like 4 months pregnant bloated...I was starting to freak out...now, I am going to get a little personal here so if any guys are reading, you might want to stop right here....I have noticed along with the weight gain, my periods were coming earlier every month and were lasting longer....then a month ago, I started my period 10 days earlier then I was supposed to and I have had my period now, non-stop for 30 days..I did go to the Doctor (which is an entirely different story-had to find a new doctor) after 2 weeks off it...they tried to stop it with birth control pills (which made me sick as hell) and to no avail....my doctor couldn't see me until November, and because I felt that he just didn't give a shit, I did some research and found another doctor, who is awesome by the way. I called them and they got me in the very next day. I was feeling like poo and had no energy, felt exhausted and could barely eek out a 3 mile run...the bleeding was so severe that I had to wear a pad and an ultra tampon and change every hour....this was 2 weeks in.....so, anyway, I go to this new doctor and he checks me and confirms that I have uterine fibroids, determines I am also probably anemic due to the excessive blood loss and says the word no woman at my age wants to hear...HYSTERECTOMY!!! Oh My....he ordered an ultrasound and blood work, had those done last Friday and now I am just waiting on him to call me back with the results and figure out a plan....<br />
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I am not going to lie, I am really scared...for a lot of reasons...the surgery, being out of work, the early onset of menopause and what will happen to my sex life....yes, my sex life...I am concerned, after all the horror stories I have heard, that I will no longer have one....I am only 42 and sometimes, I still feel like I am 22...not ready to close the door and be a total old woman in that area. If you have ever had that done, please email me and tell me your experiences and how things are for you now. I could use the advise. <br />
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Enough of that..so, next week is Thanksgiving....and again, the big meal falls on my shoulders....don't get me wrong...I enjoy having my family all together..it is just that I spend all my time for 2 days straight in the kitchen and there is no enjoyment/rest for me....come Thanksgiving night, I am exhausted, being that I have to work the day before and after plus do all the cooking/clean-up....my family (the older boys especially) are going to have to step up and help me....I just can't do it all on my own this year. <br />
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So...I will stop here....if anyone has any advice for me regarding the hysterectomy, I would love to hear from you. <br />
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!<br />
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DixieDixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-48651141141945655192012-08-13T12:20:00.000-04:002012-08-13T12:23:54.677-04:00Well..it has been awhile hasn't it? I can't believe that it has been well over two months since I last posted on this here old blog...what a busy Summer we have had. Tomorrow, the boys start back to school....Max is heading into third grade and Aaron is heading off to Junior High....class changes, lockers and an entire new world for him. Justin, the 18 year old is starting his Freshman year of college as well....Damn, am I getting old. I feel it too....these pre-menopause hormones are wreaking havoc and throw in work stress...well, some things never change I guess. <br />
I really hope the boys had a good Summer...I think that they did....we went to Florida the second week of June and a fun time was had by all..except for the drive...man oh man, that was tough. We drove home, straight from Florida to Indiana without stopping...18 1/2 hours by car and by the end of that trip, I was so ready to lose it....I will never do that again. That is way too long to be in a car driving...I was crying in misery by the time we finally got home. <br />
The rest of our Summer was spent with me and the hubby working and the kids splitting up their time..Max with Keith's parents at their lake property and Aaron with his Dad in Terre Haute. My older two boys visits were limited, as they are working full time and have their friends and social life...so seeing Mom, well, that is not too much of a priority. I did have one good visit with them over the Summer and hopefully another by Labor Day....<br />
I am currently training for my 2nd half marathon...the Purdue inaugural half marathon...I am very excited for the chance to do this, as my 18 year old is training to run it with me. Should be an exciting and fun time to be able to share such an experience with my son. I am still working out 5-6 days a week....and every day fighting to lose this 5 plus pounds I have gained since the Spring..I just don't get it....to work out as much as I do, not really eating any differently and still gain weight....pisses me off! Not sure if it is a health issue, or just getting older....hard on us women! Sucks....anyway, hope all of you, that still read my blog, if any..well, hope you had a great Summer as well...we have a few weeks left, then it's time for Fall...pumpkins, Halloween, football, campfires and Thanksgiving..then on to Christmas! Well, that is if we make it through 12/21 without nationwide death and destruction...lol...who believes that is going to happen? I really don't..but, in the back of my mind..there is just a tad of "could it be".......I pray the Mayans are wrong...I'm not ready for this to end. I hope to have at least another 40 plus years...Lord willing. Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-88100836458245512282012-06-04T11:55:00.000-04:002012-06-04T11:55:44.369-04:00I'm back......scary thought, huh?Hi, everyone...good ol' Dixie is still alive and well..just been so busy...taking a break from this blog has been good for me..no expectations to "have to post"....I have been working every day, busy as can be and still spending as much time as I can trying to maintain my fitness....which has not been going very well....I have gained about 8 lbs, haven't changed the way I eat too much and still working out about 4-5 days a week....not sure what is going on...middle age I expect..IT sucks BIG TIME....and I am so exasperated with the whole thing....
Anyway, my kids are all doing great...My second oldest just graduated from High School yesterday.....I am so very proud of him..two kids down, two to go..lol..anyway, he is starting College this Fall..majoring in Criminology....I am very excited to see what he does with his life in the future.
Here are a couple Graduation photos:
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmN45h4C5zuUcqJsW5cK6OpYWEUY6gix5YXxZoemzwo4Dylx-WwE1lFu_xlHwb3JaCp2V5sZbSGiC8bYGbLcqeNFeXsVjtojzlHGcIrUkXJncI4XkVX6S34YYJlR31l7QY1-GWkc8B2vw/s1600/DSC_0004_4841%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmN45h4C5zuUcqJsW5cK6OpYWEUY6gix5YXxZoemzwo4Dylx-WwE1lFu_xlHwb3JaCp2V5sZbSGiC8bYGbLcqeNFeXsVjtojzlHGcIrUkXJncI4XkVX6S34YYJlR31l7QY1-GWkc8B2vw/s320/DSC_0004_4841%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-lKkZ5RYDI3hr6ZfSBNVqBKJXTPPJJ4qKEtliZ-j1cSVB47rNP-82X9ra_ygWaRqH9qc5SLXnyQrI0bNGo0zh8N0IBd0GMghjX6eOk614ovGfoOYaQckTKQe9Ej7PIXvR1E1xn9bHQQ/s1600/DSC_0009_4846%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-lKkZ5RYDI3hr6ZfSBNVqBKJXTPPJJ4qKEtliZ-j1cSVB47rNP-82X9ra_ygWaRqH9qc5SLXnyQrI0bNGo0zh8N0IBd0GMghjX6eOk614ovGfoOYaQckTKQe9Ej7PIXvR1E1xn9bHQQ/s320/DSC_0009_4846%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>
We are taking him to Florida this upcoming Friday....a brief stop in SC to see my Mom and family down there for a couple days, then driving to Sarasota....I am so looking forward to it....10 days of vacation...a lot of driving, but it will be so worth it....
Happy Summer everyone!Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-75111308854984026912012-04-27T10:12:00.001-04:002012-04-27T10:12:49.407-04:00Yes..I am a slacker.....Wow, it has really been a long time since I have blogged last...just not much to talk about. Same old story with me....no one reads this thing any longer anyway, so I feel like why bother. I have nothing to say..so this blog is now on a hiatus...maybe forever....Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-5080661440301011412012-03-07T11:12:00.003-05:002012-03-07T11:49:05.433-05:00Spring is in the air....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyMVj3DSk6u_t2fMD6LgeHwUVArgMcd4TBLDwZ465qhFV4cs1xlYSRSoFpzbP1PxJkdOgCc8Hsf3NA9LVzKQckd2QmjlBtPqddFNYCVjq84g4ESzGa5z7082hzXFbyIL7Csel6fbuN9s/s1600/Spring-is-in-the-air.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyMVj3DSk6u_t2fMD6LgeHwUVArgMcd4TBLDwZ465qhFV4cs1xlYSRSoFpzbP1PxJkdOgCc8Hsf3NA9LVzKQckd2QmjlBtPqddFNYCVjq84g4ESzGa5z7082hzXFbyIL7Csel6fbuN9s/s320/Spring-is-in-the-air.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717191366741998002" /></a><br /><br />And that totally puts a spring in my step....I have been so down in the dumps with winter...I am looking forward to Spring and Summer...we are planning a trip to Florida in June and it is so needed. The hubby and I are counting the days. <br /><br />I know it has been a month since I last posted..but no news is good news and I have really not had anything to blog about. Everyone is doing good, with the exception of a recent death in the family. My husbands Grandmother passed away last Friday night...kind of unexpected but imminent...she was 97 years old and had lived a long and happy life. Regardless, it was still upsetting for everyone and the funeral yesterday was difficult...I know she is in a better place..and I only hope that when my time is up, that I too can live that long of a life and my children, family and friends will be as proud of me as we all were of Grandma Pete....<br /><br />As it stands, at 41 years old....I feel less and less energetic then I did even 1 year ago....Working out as become such a chore to me...I got so lazy over the winter and getting back into the swing of things with healthy eating and exercise is really hard...I have gained 7 lbs and for the life of me, I just can't get rid of it...I try, then I over indulge in food and wine and the scale creeps back up..then I will drop a few and then it creeps back up again! It is so exasperating! Currently I am 115 lbs, 5 ft 2....and a 7 lb gain is very noticeable....So, I am going to hire a trainer at my gym...try to incorporate some new workouts for me, new diet plan...I think I have just reached a plateau and just running is not doing it anymore...I need to mix it up a little....<br /><br />In other news....I have totally gotten hooked on The Hunger Games series...I read the first 2 books in 2 days each...and currently reading the 3rd...OMG...they are awesome and I can't wait to see the movie on March 23rd....Have any of you read the books? If not, you don't know what you are missing...I am also caught up with American Idol this year..there seems to be a lot of really good contenders this season, but it is way too early to tell who the front runners are going to be....<br /><br />On the work-front...things have improved for me somewhat..."Mr. Burns" quit, kind of left me holding the bag, doing his job and my own right now...of course, no more pay for it....but, what can I expect...the good thing about it is my nerves are calmer then they have been in five years, no more stomach upsets or pain, so I know it was because of him and the stress I had to endure working with him...outside of the office, I had no problems with him, but he was a very difficult person to work with. Now, I still have stress, just a "better" kind, if there is such a thing..just from too much work and not enough time to get it all done. But..you can't have it all..if I could, I would be a stay at home Mom and Wife, working out during the day, keeping a much cleaner house, and cooking awesome meals for my family..ahhhhh, that would be the life....<br /><br />Have a good rest of the week everyone and here is counting down the days until the weekend.....I am spending it sans kids, cleaning out our basement and working in the yard....let these 67 degree days continue.....Whoot! Whoot!Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-12969764251061804022012-02-10T13:48:00.004-05:002012-02-10T14:16:12.939-05:00My Baby...he is no longer....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYmDBKko_sR7FuNET9EjcCq6sY2Cx-wS2Aja6LNSkMJDKmgD7G0eVyQ0GAQ2jTxL_78ll2Tae60mHum1EMnrm2pZJRFppPObmreVGi9Waw_kDSjXZST-8r3SRLzV6qo0awBwLOy0dP6s/s1600/scan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYmDBKko_sR7FuNET9EjcCq6sY2Cx-wS2Aja6LNSkMJDKmgD7G0eVyQ0GAQ2jTxL_78ll2Tae60mHum1EMnrm2pZJRFppPObmreVGi9Waw_kDSjXZST-8r3SRLzV6qo0awBwLOy0dP6s/s320/scan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707580835868619938" /></a><br /><br />Today....I celebrate the 9th birthday of my youngest..Maxwell....oh, my how time has flown....I remember the beginning...down to the very moment he was conceived..the near loss of my pregnancy with him, not once, but twice...and his premature birth...how scared I was through it all...but how much I knew I loved him and wanted him...how much his Daddy, who at 39 years old, had never been a Father before...who thought he would never ever have a child, met me...fell in love instantly and we conceived this wonderful,funny, inspiring handsome little man....the little man that makes us laugh, when he begs to listen to the 50's channel in the car on XM radio...singing along to the Big Bopper, Jerry Lewis and the like...the same little man that goes to sleep at night..whose covers have to be "just so"...this pillow here and this one there and who is lullabied to sleep with his favorite Elvis CD softly coming from his own little boom box....and without fail..every single time, gets up again to tell me something, just one last thing, after I have already tucked him in...just like last night, to tell me you wanted a guitar for Christmas (and it is just now February..lol) and how you are going to dress all in black, and be in the talent show at school and sing Johnny Cash's I walk the line...your mind never stops working and I adore that about you...even though I may order you back to bed, I listen, I hear you....and I love you for it!<br /><br />It is amazing to see how you have grown, to see what your interests are: You love your weekends at Grandma and Grandpa's...you are his little "butch" and you follow him everywhere...your 2nd home down there, especially in the Summer, you absolutely love...the fishing, the bike riding, the swimming..going to the Sprint Car Races with Grandpa...you are without a doubt, the light of their life...they can't stand to be without you...the same goes for me and your Dad...but those cherished weekends and Summers down at the lake, with your Grandparents are treasured times indeed and although I miss you on those weekends, and summer weeks, I know that the time you have to spend with them won't last forever...so those memories you will have and cherish one day...so, I let you go..and every time you come back, you seem to have grown up just a little more...<br /><br />He has had his struggles in his short little live...his diagnosis with ADHD...and having to struggle his first two years in school while we tried to figure things out...how sometimes, our patience is stretched thin by his hyperactivity...his incessant talking, at home and in school...then there are mornings like today, his birthday...he is happy, taking his shower, singing Johnny Cash, I Walk The Line and Ring of Fire...just like the man in black himself..and I honestly laugh out loud at his innocence and his zest for life...and I realize, he is happy....and that sound, that laughter, his little voice truly resonates deep down in my soul...and I thank God for this little boy, and I hug him as he steps out of the shower, his wet little bony butt, with his towel wrapped snug and I breathe him in and wish time could stop...he is growing up too fast....he may no longer physically be a baby..but in my heart, my baby he will always be..<br /><br />Happy Birthday Maxter....your Daddy and I love you to pieces...you are without a doubt a true Gift from God...and I can't wait to celebrate your birthday, tonight with your Birthday dinner at Red Lobster, your favorite restaurant and your family party at Grandma's and Grandpa's tomorrow.<br /><br />You rock kiddo! Happy 9th Birthday!Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-39910127142285303942012-02-06T15:38:00.003-05:002012-02-06T15:53:27.627-05:00February huh?Wow...I can't believe that it is February already...and I admit, I have not been very good at keeping up with this here blog...Life has truly become so busy for me that blogging and I just don't mix much anymore. Besides...there has not been a whole lot to blog about...that is pretty much the same line I write with each blog post as of late, so I figured why bother....<br /><br />My family and I are all doing well, so to speak...the kids are good, the hubby is good and I am doing just "ok"....I pretty much fell off the fitness wagon the entire month of January....so, I hope to get back in the swing of things this month. Last week, I worked out 4 times, ran 20.5 miles....only took 1 Body Pump class and I really need to focus on my strength training again...a year ago, I was "ripped" and I have totally lost all of the muscle tone I worked so hard for....I just have felt off for quite some time, health wise....I had some serious stomach issues last month as well...went to the doctor, thought maybe it was my gallbladder, had an ultrasound and blood work done and both came back fine...I was never given an alternative answer to my problem by the doctor other than "possible IBS"....so, I started taking Metamucil, upped my fiber, cut out alcohol ( I had gotten to where I was drinking a lot of wine-not on an alcoholic level..but enough I knew was not good for my body) and changed some of the foods I was eating. I had a strange fluttering sensation for over two weeks beneath my right rib cage and it was literally driving me nuts...and it scared me...as I had no idea what the heck it was...Never got an answer from the Doctor on that either..but, surprisingly, it has stopped as of Saturday. No idea what it was. I can't help but wonder if it stress/anxiety....I have been dealing with a lot...My oldest son got into a little bit of trouble, My Mom is homeless and refuses to move to Indiana to live with me.....as is my brother....Both of them are temporarily staying with her best friend but it is not a long term answer....On top of that my 16 year old niece (my brothers daughter) is pregnant...I am so worried about her and how she is going to cope, as her Mother is trash and worthless and my brother has pretty much checked out of the whole situation...Everything seems as if it is such a mess and I feel totally helpless...We have had car problems and had to buy a new car, so of course lots of stress went hand in hand with that...sigh....I just don't know....<br /><br />Anyway, I am so ready for Spring..I think I have a serious case of the Winter Blues....things have got to start looking up!Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-76319489723514219992012-01-25T09:39:00.002-05:002012-01-25T09:43:29.555-05:00Happy Birthday.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyVI10fu5JRoyb1bKukZQKKu7XDyVgos-rlnlhfF1nJBwEOYkc46ahQuAWlxpSv0wGYYv1OUFM87lCFKEVeJVu3sY930Wi2M-adixRSSsA-eEHA4Ug69RNRD0jYQAzUBnpLFunyOwEvk/s1600/justin.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyVI10fu5JRoyb1bKukZQKKu7XDyVgos-rlnlhfF1nJBwEOYkc46ahQuAWlxpSv0wGYYv1OUFM87lCFKEVeJVu3sY930Wi2M-adixRSSsA-eEHA4Ug69RNRD0jYQAzUBnpLFunyOwEvk/s320/justin.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701580083351099810" /></a><br />Today is my 2nd oldest son's 18th birthday...my Gosh...where has the time gone? I can't believe he is now considered an "adult"....I am so very proud of him and love him so very much. I hate that I can't be with him today....as he lives with his dad 2 hours away...but, I called him this morning and wished him Happy Birthday...<br /><br />He spent last Saturday night with me and we took him out to the Olive Garden to celebrate and had cake and ice cream when we got home...he is such a special and wonderful young man and I know that the life ahead of him is going to be a good one. He is hard working, caring and things only of others above and beyond himself. <br /><br />He is going to do great things...I just know it! Happy Birthday my son!Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-22466397914212669632012-01-03T11:41:00.003-05:002012-01-03T12:03:22.778-05:00Happy New Year Everyone....Wow, another month has past since my last post...the holidays are officially over and we are headed into another year....and I plan on this being the best year ever! Regardless of the 12/21 prediction..lol. How many of you are believing in that hype? <br /><br />With the New Year comes New Year's resolutions for a lot of people...and I usually make them myself...but not this year...this year I am going to be motivated to make some changes, for my overall well being, mind body and soul...not just to be "making resolutions".....I am going to live every day, to be the best person I can be and be grateful for every morning that I wake up...be more thankful for what I have and more motivated to achieve those things I don't......<br /><br />I had a good Christmas with my kids this year....The two oldest drove up from Terre Haute and spent an evening with Keith and I and there younger 2 brothers... and we celebrated our Christmas with our gift exchange and a nice dinner out. They went home the next day and the two youngest went to their Dads and to the grandparents....Aaron to his Dad's, and Max to Keith's parents. <br /><br />Keith and I also spent Christmas Eve with Max at Keith's parents and Christmas day..they were very generous to us as well as to Max....the best present I had was that it was actually warm enough Christmas day to go on a 5 mile run...it was awesome to be out in the country in Rockville Indiana, the sun was shining...it was chilly, but very exhilarating....I loved it! As well as the Monday after Christmas, I was able to run outside again, another 5 miles and I was grateful for that opportunity...I have never ran outside in December before. <br /><br />Last year for 2011 I made a goal to run 1000 miles for the year...unfortunately, I fell short; I ended my year with 923.35 miles...:( Oh, well...that is above and beyond 2010 so I guess I should be proud...41 years old and over 900 miles in a year...that is a lot of time spent pounding the pavement and on a treadmill...So, again, I will make the goal to meet that 1000 miles for the year 2012...along with running another 5 k in April, a 10 k at some point and the Indy half Marathon in May...and maybe, just maybe....I will be motivated enough to train for a full marathon sometime late this fall. That distance really intimidates me, but it is something I must check off my bucket list, as I am not getting any younger...<br /><br />I am going to amp up my fitness to an entire other level....no less than 5 workouts a week and increase my strength training...with 4 kids-six pack abs have been almost impossible to acquire, but I feel if I get with a trainer this year, increase improving my core strength, change my supplements, and tweak my diet (no refined sugars/carbs-especially wine-boo), then I will have my dream abs by the time we go to Florida this June...I am ready to kick start it. <br /><br />How about you? What are you looking forward to achieving this new year? <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyv2lVnjttcLjZzn1qLf8Cl1PTtKwOPsPaIw5BZGtliYJrXafk3t_Npjr5KaZyUY5mdx4bmxOmSkq6GvF86uBRdcHTbSnZo0Sw0rT3bIJYu0yDkX-1qaUx4LSr3NEjStgPuWI4Rj6dVc/s1600/69524387967086738_KivCcQQF_c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyv2lVnjttcLjZzn1qLf8Cl1PTtKwOPsPaIw5BZGtliYJrXafk3t_Npjr5KaZyUY5mdx4bmxOmSkq6GvF86uBRdcHTbSnZo0Sw0rT3bIJYu0yDkX-1qaUx4LSr3NEjStgPuWI4Rj6dVc/s320/69524387967086738_KivCcQQF_c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693451739421978306" /></a>Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-90198929773677391772011-12-07T14:02:00.002-05:002011-12-07T14:16:52.013-05:00The most delicious cake ever!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqJbWGzwzTcHCZ2fDD8ucy3JyHtaLqEaEmdzwoQ55V2oYZwKwhqj1lUvJ_VvRDt80nh5JP6ZR9YczCMECeikHQVlZTxu-1_xglmWIrvXQX9G_PnCyr_eWdDD9tgTtRjY6qVtVXNDOnBw/s1600/3813141939_a7f62e4697.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqJbWGzwzTcHCZ2fDD8ucy3JyHtaLqEaEmdzwoQ55V2oYZwKwhqj1lUvJ_VvRDt80nh5JP6ZR9YczCMECeikHQVlZTxu-1_xglmWIrvXQX9G_PnCyr_eWdDD9tgTtRjY6qVtVXNDOnBw/s320/3813141939_a7f62e4697.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683467352471557794" /></a><br />I never post recipes on my blog....especially when it comes to food that is "not so good for you"...lol....but I love making treats for my family..when I do, I may have just a bite or two.....no more no less, leaving it for the kids and hubby to enjoy. A few days ago, I stumbled across this recipe on a blog...howsweeteats.com...I just love her blog, she is downright hilarious and has some amazing recipes....<br /><br />Anyway, the recipe is for a chocolate cake and it is without a doubt, the most moist and delectable chocolate cake I have ever, ever, ever put into my mouth...even hubby, who is a cake connoisseur, and very seldom eats anything chocolate said it was the best he had ever had...amazing! <br /><br />So, here is the recipe: <br /><br />1 box Devils food cake mix<br />1 20 oz can apple pie filling<br />3 eggs<br />1 tsp vanilla flavoring<br /><br />Combine all ingredients, mix for 2 1/2 minutes (I used a hand mixer) and pour into a 9 x 13 greased and floured baking pan. The mixture will be thick, so don't panic...<br /><br />Bake according to pkg directions...I baked at 350 for 38 minutes....and then after it cooled, I frosted with regular canned chocolate frosting...in a few words.."To Die For".....<br /><br />It was so hard for me to stop with two bites....so, if you are looking for a dessert that is quick and easy, taste delicious...and have everyone literally fighting to get the last piece..go..bake this now! <br /><br />Enjoy!<br />DixieDixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-24552852638419506982011-12-05T14:27:00.002-05:002011-12-05T14:36:04.390-05:00Total Running Miles for the year...thus far....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJgYGOArZ8dTNMr-W9JeU5ihCf3MVDpYfXbLmxhFLFgxJo34Hf8wD3Xd9699zJMoJYr4is9QyWpwkI6-WVn1SEWnz7FSMCYP1k7D3jVzMjfoOLtEkRW6dsNLa7Hu_k2x7lE4hrFeXODY/s1600/5207355788680675_ynjxDPao_c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJgYGOArZ8dTNMr-W9JeU5ihCf3MVDpYfXbLmxhFLFgxJo34Hf8wD3Xd9699zJMoJYr4is9QyWpwkI6-WVn1SEWnz7FSMCYP1k7D3jVzMjfoOLtEkRW6dsNLa7Hu_k2x7lE4hrFeXODY/s320/5207355788680675_ynjxDPao_c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682730138607891314" /></a><br />841...that is the number of miles I have ran this far. I so wanted to hit 1000 for the year, but I am going to fall short..:(<br /><br />I am sure I will be over 900...but, I had a couple of not so stellar months...on average 18-20 miles a week is pretty good....<br /><br />I could hang it up right now..be pleased that I have run as much as I have..but, I won't....maybe I can hit a 100 for the month of December....that would be pretty sweet.....let it be my highest mileage month...as it is, I am well ahead of where I was last year....by around 150 miles....so, I will take it...I feel pretty darn good about it too!Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-58900676796331515922011-11-30T13:36:00.014-05:002011-11-30T14:14:29.362-05:00Almost December......Wow, hard to believe today is the last day of November..where the heck did this month go? And again...a week since my last post. I have just been busy,ya'll..no, seriously...one day has blurred into the next and I feel like my life is passing by at warp speed...anyways, Thanksgiving at my house was quite the success...although, Mama here was one tired cookie once all was said and done....I cooked for two days straight and Thanksgiving evening, after everyone left, all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch in my comfy robe, with a glass of wine and a piece of pie in one hand and the t.v. remote in the other. Needless to say, I gained 5 lbs from all the "sampling" I did when I was cooking....I am usually very diligent about my diet, with one treat meal a week, but I threw everything, even exercise out the window last week and pretty much pushed the self-destruct button on my fitness and healthy eating regime...but, although I kind of fell of the wagon, I hopped right back on this week and I am already down 3 lbs of the 5...I ran six miles on Monday, and had planned on a full body weight sesh..but, jeez Louise...that gym was packed with all the guilty over eaters in Lafayette and finding a space to squeeze into to work with the weights was nare impossible....so, after a few minutes of huffing and puffing, walking around and getting exasperated waiting on the meat heads and gym bunnies to get done, I threw in the towel and came home...<br /><br />Last night, we had our first snow "storm"...of the winter season here in Indiana and although it was really not that bad, the roads were not in the best condition, and several accidents had already been reported before I left for work at 5 pm, so the hubby advised me that it would be in my best interest to get my little fanny home, so that is what I did....so tonight, since the sun is shining and all the snow has melted, I am headed to the gym...my plan is 4.5 miles on the tread mill, 15 on the eliptical, 15 min abs, 45 minutes for weights....a good solid 2 hour workout...and here is hoping to finding the space to get this accomplished. <br /><br />Now, without further adieu...here are the pictures of me and the fam on Thanksgiving...I was so grateful and so thrilled to have all four of my boys together, my hubby and his parents....it truly filled my tired worn out heart with pure happiness. <br /><br />The most wonderful juicy and moist stuffed turkey I do believe I have cooked...Paula Deen would have even been proud....along with just some of the side dishes...it truly was enough food for an army.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsQFWediriq4DihUri0DNkwfCN8V6b-NHOteEZFYr-cx1Vn0BMQv1SGDjlv8sKGMfIeqRMXE9VctG5cO_2VUfNE8wPnZ1PhrmZR2ezeaJYD8ZJtxmq9ejLJYWsMSNnHbAxbsOWV97RzI/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsQFWediriq4DihUri0DNkwfCN8V6b-NHOteEZFYr-cx1Vn0BMQv1SGDjlv8sKGMfIeqRMXE9VctG5cO_2VUfNE8wPnZ1PhrmZR2ezeaJYD8ZJtxmq9ejLJYWsMSNnHbAxbsOWV97RzI/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680862442961929554" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuphIBzdEQqdIBCp7dkQl-NjZAcL_MoKS24-X-W7XQ6MubTf6K3aNQ9ZpKJmGaGnvZj5jreIcibUAHlYN0ES-TQMh0daUXe_7JidRl6qIf5VoNg03Nh2O0OOq5cdH9JYKUZbeBbF2b4E/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuphIBzdEQqdIBCp7dkQl-NjZAcL_MoKS24-X-W7XQ6MubTf6K3aNQ9ZpKJmGaGnvZj5jreIcibUAHlYN0ES-TQMh0daUXe_7JidRl6qIf5VoNg03Nh2O0OOq5cdH9JYKUZbeBbF2b4E/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680862270339031586" /></a><br />Not really sure what is going on in this picture..I do know they were watching the fooz ball....lol...not sure what Tim is doing with his mouth..but, I do know they were waiting on me to yell, "Come and get it"....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SLA3s9Em-viSWSJZyR3l6voX-nUG87Mz-7W838hlPpxdZGj3ULJGmfnov_pHLIqyAlomV2QOAtTdcmlKgsPrVOaAvXFVrFrpTQyG-QLZxI5f-IfvwGDcAM0Uw5KIUHM1_Dptjnrj1KM/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SLA3s9Em-viSWSJZyR3l6voX-nUG87Mz-7W838hlPpxdZGj3ULJGmfnov_pHLIqyAlomV2QOAtTdcmlKgsPrVOaAvXFVrFrpTQyG-QLZxI5f-IfvwGDcAM0Uw5KIUHM1_Dptjnrj1KM/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680863563342027698" /></a><br />The aftermath....does this mean they enjoyed it? I would like to think so...lol.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAt_CCXxRoSFd05UkfU9mQYMeIJFCpEQ1IGG0061alPy569KmOo0k7Td1Owy8SlGBWLyruAivYk-oV3QzDqyRJ8a3a95PorBWAO5F1YGKKwqGLStyN42x6UeRE8ks1ZmM0nk2PIMRPD0/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAt_CCXxRoSFd05UkfU9mQYMeIJFCpEQ1IGG0061alPy569KmOo0k7Td1Owy8SlGBWLyruAivYk-oV3QzDqyRJ8a3a95PorBWAO5F1YGKKwqGLStyN42x6UeRE8ks1ZmM0nk2PIMRPD0/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680864413771308866" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPpkClg6P5VoBe6ZfqXi9OX6u8DiZwm6AocudvPa1-9dhgqfn0xbyqlNS15l_ZEysA2jONS_U9KcAl_ffoxhs-PiE_FUxwt2fe6PmFpX2dD5m6qV64Lsg6P3bSu5N2BjYI_LwRHatbx4/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPpkClg6P5VoBe6ZfqXi9OX6u8DiZwm6AocudvPa1-9dhgqfn0xbyqlNS15l_ZEysA2jONS_U9KcAl_ffoxhs-PiE_FUxwt2fe6PmFpX2dD5m6qV64Lsg6P3bSu5N2BjYI_LwRHatbx4/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680864228590450434" /></a><br />Me, Justin and the Mother-in-law....(before Dinner I think)....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJhaS9hXjT0qPYyX60J0tzBS_FqhIGSybL6G1ebBUFlzHGyCGnLMh-fMqctTrrF-ezOTsE1XUAjvMsWdU9oNOUS-8apPXG265bSV5ZqT_c7QzYdhbVUl_gMNSUf-3m8TZ07osooItnbA/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJhaS9hXjT0qPYyX60J0tzBS_FqhIGSybL6G1ebBUFlzHGyCGnLMh-fMqctTrrF-ezOTsE1XUAjvMsWdU9oNOUS-8apPXG265bSV5ZqT_c7QzYdhbVUl_gMNSUf-3m8TZ07osooItnbA/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680864820230080082" /></a><br />Tim and I...I look at this picture and can't believe I have a 21 year old son...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG2Ik3bLteRuvFLFxVgrb668QuLkTP1WsNDyUsiBfTMFDg9_YzQN7kLUJuyyS2aQ15Dji2icgcYY7Et1jWjudonKC5svEzZT6yq_gRAT7s_xfoD1OqkxK45mCKlX4LkT8VqdjR9rs5BY/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG2Ik3bLteRuvFLFxVgrb668QuLkTP1WsNDyUsiBfTMFDg9_YzQN7kLUJuyyS2aQ15Dji2icgcYY7Et1jWjudonKC5svEzZT6yq_gRAT7s_xfoD1OqkxK45mCKlX4LkT8VqdjR9rs5BY/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680865736108527682" /></a><br />Max and Tim..he just loves his big brothers to pieces...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvE4g1LwciFaXMIcykvb4pqINNSUm3OkgETbzmqSj9sSGP6FEd0QJ4HaQ1JR_ODoQEcEwH-cvxmqFMm46y0j2x3zZ-LZlT5rGIPKC_uXdqYipU2j9cBk8EBiOXB0BjSjyWdQvy-gQLVo/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvE4g1LwciFaXMIcykvb4pqINNSUm3OkgETbzmqSj9sSGP6FEd0QJ4HaQ1JR_ODoQEcEwH-cvxmqFMm46y0j2x3zZ-LZlT5rGIPKC_uXdqYipU2j9cBk8EBiOXB0BjSjyWdQvy-gQLVo/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680866271536691058" /></a><br />Max, Justin and Grandma....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E7Z5WLO6Qzs82_qZnIh3F8o6cdS-gKD3UOYgI4iTwhkA6_j6T4ZsK7vr-UHhYBK1peBJY7IKD8At4GmaZlLG3DvBJbB9SzyVwFihzMwbnOU0_jGHaLOghoA0beSYPS5wlirLTsKsEME/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E7Z5WLO6Qzs82_qZnIh3F8o6cdS-gKD3UOYgI4iTwhkA6_j6T4ZsK7vr-UHhYBK1peBJY7IKD8At4GmaZlLG3DvBJbB9SzyVwFihzMwbnOU0_jGHaLOghoA0beSYPS5wlirLTsKsEME/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680866760893269474" /></a><br />Aaron, Tim and Justin...I think they were supposed to make goofy faces, but Tim was the only one that came through on that...lol..<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-94O6BkjZHKQf2QIuT-5yhJzSvGkY-XKj633lZD8mf1GGzxp5P285WNE5uI8-H7vUdPs8AFGMFtkKmKbabCg3qsGmSIIQjOwzSeuvSPw4bsURRtnySG7EeCnn_tfYOidOwFBh3Vbr3ik/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-94O6BkjZHKQf2QIuT-5yhJzSvGkY-XKj633lZD8mf1GGzxp5P285WNE5uI8-H7vUdPs8AFGMFtkKmKbabCg3qsGmSIIQjOwzSeuvSPw4bsURRtnySG7EeCnn_tfYOidOwFBh3Vbr3ik/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680867119120732306" /></a><br />Total posers these two....they crack me up!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlD6jvUXR8fTvXpQsk1316uEhuYVZ8EOhQuBEEWZjmItblDUdNNx5RIzUhIy2nKrtlDx0OUDGWg02b3POeRNCKEpVdCbAJjr6gKAgO5sMio3qk05vz8xgqHIEp7gygz6IVqA42fnbpxk/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlD6jvUXR8fTvXpQsk1316uEhuYVZ8EOhQuBEEWZjmItblDUdNNx5RIzUhIy2nKrtlDx0OUDGWg02b3POeRNCKEpVdCbAJjr6gKAgO5sMio3qk05vz8xgqHIEp7gygz6IVqA42fnbpxk/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680867542323799618" /></a><br />They snuck this one in on me...taken I am sure right before they left me for the evening...Love you boys!!!!! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBa7aUSq0tCp3Nif0FDqJh1oV_8K-zcNiNfk2bEfpXSNPgCVm2RBRm5RYbWT125aaRToBP-8O0G_B2-SSMbRCp_oJGSqmYYGFS2rqq_QkgI01-vpLCv-5-1Wg824sCtltModfej-Tsrw/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBa7aUSq0tCp3Nif0FDqJh1oV_8K-zcNiNfk2bEfpXSNPgCVm2RBRm5RYbWT125aaRToBP-8O0G_B2-SSMbRCp_oJGSqmYYGFS2rqq_QkgI01-vpLCv-5-1Wg824sCtltModfej-Tsrw/s320/Thanksgiving+2011+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680868509273427922" /></a><br /><br />Well, now that I am sure I seriously bored all of you to death, I am going to wrap up this post...hope you enjoyed it, because it may be a day, a week, a month or more before you hear from me again...what with the wonderful holiday of Christmas around the corner (bah humbug)...and all the whirlwind of activity that entails, on top of that, I have to work every freaking day,plus try to maintain my fitness at least 4-5 days a week....blogging kind of takes a back seat...although I do try to stay up to date on reading all of my favorite bloggers....<br /><br />Dixiechick...out....Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-74615430096875973142011-11-16T13:59:00.003-05:002011-11-17T09:52:06.244-05:00Let the Holidays begin.....It's hard to believe, but in exactly one week, I will be putting one of these on the table:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsks-LHOb-v0AVcoYN58J64AHB267vS-ZXBmfy_XvRXQ-L3RBia6FO1Fgz1_pRFckdxL5c0p7pM2BvM1C2NF4Jll7fMwxvLwu40eDw5ObMhyphenhyphenpwJH1rLcUoUTyGi856UpmOMabrUFwLy8/s1600/RoastTurkey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675971455006967874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsks-LHOb-v0AVcoYN58J64AHB267vS-ZXBmfy_XvRXQ-L3RBia6FO1Fgz1_pRFckdxL5c0p7pM2BvM1C2NF4Jll7fMwxvLwu40eDw5ObMhyphenhyphenpwJH1rLcUoUTyGi856UpmOMabrUFwLy8/s320/RoastTurkey.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Where has this year gone? Seriously...I am not ready for the Holidays, for Winter...the cold and the snow...<br /><br />I am looking forward to having my family together next Week....minus one kid. It is Aaron's fathers turn to have him for Thanksgiving, so it will just be my older two boys and my youngest, along with the hubby and his parents...I am planning to cook an entire feast, just like I did last year. I have next Wednesday off of work, and am in a debacle...I need to stay home and clean, start food prep and pick up my two oldest boys in Terre Haute, but my youngest son has a field trip that day to the Children's Museum in Indianapolis and I would like to go with him on that...so, I don't know what to do....there are just not enough hours in the day, not enough of me to go around...<br /><br />Which has been causing some major stress....resulting in chest pain and tightness/shortness of breath that I have had going on since last Monday night...I couldn't sleep Monday night because of it..it got so bad at one point, I had the wits scared out of me...thinking I was having a heart attack....still have the constant pressure and tightness right now and I don't know what to do...go to the Dr/E.R or not go....maybe it is a chest cold, but I have no other symptoms of a cold, other than sinus drainage...in fact last night, I ran 4 miles in 36 minutes, walked another half mile, did 15 minutes on the eliptical and actually felt ok for a while....but, it is still there, along with pain in the middle of my back....I don't want to be a hypocondriac but I am really starting to get worried....<br /><br />Moving on...life is still just as hectic and busy as ever....I honestly feel like I can never slow down....they are starting to lay people off here at work, so there are only two of us left here in the office...which makes it extremely busy, more so than usual....on top of my heavy work load that I already have, and my Manager, who is a complete jerk sometimes, loud and obnoxious...I would almost give anything to be one of the few left to be laid off....they did last year, laid me off...2 weeks before Christmas...I was devestated over it last year, but this year..I dont' think it would be so bad....I could use the break, use the rest from this place. <br /><br />The hubby has been working a lot of overtime as well and has totally worn himself down...he gets short tempered and mean with me and the kids...and its only because of being over worked, stressed himself and he never gets enough sleep......that in itsef is a recipe for disaster....now, to top it off, he has the flu and has felt horrible the last couple of days....between the two of us, I swear we are falling apart...this getting older shit sucks! <br /><br />For instance, I have totally not felt like working out the past month..I mean, I have...I have forced myself too, but my energy level is low and the desire to do so is just gone...poof! This week, I have worked out one time! Last night for an hour....since the Hubby is sick, I am not going tonight, so that I can take over kid and dinner duties...probably a good idea anyway, with this chest pain stuff I have going on. I just wish it would go away...I dont' like when things are out of sync with me...<br /><br />I am so glad tomorrow is Friday though....I am ready to relax this weekend, finish reading this book I have been trying to get through for two months..as I want to go buy The Help and read it....I have heard it is really good and I am anxious to find out if it measures up to the hype...I also want to finish a show I have been watching on Netflix...Breaking Bad....if you haven't seen this series check it out...it is full of drama about the drug world....the drug cartel and a high school chemistry teacher named Walt, that finds out he has lung cancer and decides to cook meth to make money for his family before he dies....and he has a brother in law that is a DEA agent and he seriously gets in over his head...good stuff! <br /><br />So, there you have it...the goings on in the life of Dixie....boring, huh? If I dont' post again for awhile, I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday/Holidays and count your blessings!Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-72284282703369479582011-11-02T10:01:00.002-04:002011-11-02T10:04:39.373-04:00When it rains....It pours....I haven't been around in awhile...basically, because there is too much negative shit going on in my life and blogging about it, well...just wouldn't serve any purpose. So, I have avoided this blog....My personal life is full of stress, my work life is full of stress and I am at my wit's end....just wanted the 2 of you that still read my blog, to know I hadn't died or anything...lol. Hopefully, I will be back soon with interesting worthwhile things to blog about...if not, maybe this blog has come to an end...haven't decided yet...<br /><br />Stay tuned...Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-44291013103880759542011-10-12T09:54:00.005-04:002011-10-14T10:43:13.542-04:00Shallow People....I am so tired of shallow people...that claim to be your freind one minute, then the next...poof! Oh, well...the only true friend I have is my hubby....I count my blessings there every day. (With the exception of one or two others, but one doesnt' live close, out of state)...<br /><br />I went to the gym last night...first work out I have had in 3 days....I ran 6 miles in 58 minutes...slow, slow, slow...I just wasn't feeling it. I have been kind of depressed and sluggish since last weekends fiasco with our "friend" and was just not feeling it...with a cool down walk, I ended up completing a 10k...6. 2 miles. Then I proceeded to stretch for 10 minutes and then did 15 minutes of abs...followed that with a full hour of upper body weights....man, I am feeling it today. <br /><br />Didn't sleep too well last night....got a lot of crap going on with my two oldest sons....and their Dad, as well as with My Mom and Brother in S.C....between worrying about all of them, screwing things up with our friend, car problems, money issues...I feel as if I am about to crack the hell up! I feel like sometimes, there is just no point to things....how come some people, can have it so damn good...and me and my family do nothing but struggle every single day! Makes no sense sometimes....sigh. Oh, well...just continue to plod along...day in and day out, always hoping for a better today tomorrow.Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-68410103974922495762011-10-11T11:36:00.003-04:002011-10-11T11:51:21.904-04:00Interview with Childrens Book Author...Anna DeskinsI recently received an email from a wonderful childrens book author, who just happened to read my blog....her name is Anna Deskins and she recently just published her first book.<br /><br />Here is a picture of Anna and her beautiful children...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa-AiQg48yRu6sslJbAkZsC8TnaTRSv4v_JgJb0-bOFgKSKPaK4SNy12k-pZxd4Kc9FUU9gfZgOG_ml0vLHTjyIFaWvbut6QsbzVe0-3xOE9O_dt_BAYL7xx7QK1EtPPnJW2gpBI591Q/s1600/Anna.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662260631870981826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa-AiQg48yRu6sslJbAkZsC8TnaTRSv4v_JgJb0-bOFgKSKPaK4SNy12k-pZxd4Kc9FUU9gfZgOG_ml0vLHTjyIFaWvbut6QsbzVe0-3xOE9O_dt_BAYL7xx7QK1EtPPnJW2gpBI591Q/s320/Anna.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The book is called The Adventures of Smitty...and it looks adorable....I am sure my kids will love it and yours will too!<br /><a href="http://www.divshare.com/download/15894685-3d7"><img src="http://www.divshare.com/img/midsize/15894685-3d7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Here is an interview with Anna that I have the oppurtunity to post on my blog:<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Your children's book, The Adventures of Smitty looks magically. Tell us about it.<br /></span></strong>It's the story of a magical island of little creatures called Smilies and the mischievous little main character, Smitty. He's such a naughty boy. Haha! All the moms and kids I've shared it with have been giving me such a wonderful reaction. I cannot believe it. I have to tell you how excited I am to finally have a life-long dream come true. Writing The Adventures of Smitty was really about finding a story that I would want to read to my children at night. It has to be exciting but not scary so that my two daughters can go to sleep. Basically, I was looking for that perfect blend to read to my kids at night and decided, "Why not try writing my own?"<br /><br />We've had a lot of changes in our life recently, so I want to make sure that when I put my daughters to sleep that they feel safe. I have short chapters because I know how busy we moms are but if you can just sacrifice 5 minutes at night reading to your kids, it makes a world of difference. Your kids will never forget it. And although we're running around the whirlwind of life, our kids grow up so fast, and that time that we'd rather finish watching what happened in our favorite soap opera instead of reading to our kids will never come again. I hope that The Adventures of Smitty and books like it help moms do exactly that.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">And it's only 99 cents this week. That's what I love about it. Now, You are recently divorced. How have you been able to continue writing when going through such a change?<br /></span></strong>Yes, it is by far one of the most challenging points in my life. To see a marriage you thought would last forever to not last forever was difficult for the two of us. I really learned a lot about myself and most importantly, it's brought me closer to my daughters. I think that's what really motivated me to finish this children's book no matter what. When you're going through changes in your life like this, you need something to hold on to. There's a part of you that wants to prove that you can make it, that you will be a success even if it's not with the partner you originally imagined building a life with. I had to keep writing, for my kids. I want to show them that they have to keep strong, no matter what.<br /><br />We as women, as moms really need to stick together to support each other and our dreams. We're living in an age when I think we're finally realizing, although we want love, the men in our life aren't the answer to everything. We have to stand up on our own two feet and keep going. True love will happen, but until then, we have to keep moving forward. Our children depend on us and we depend on us.<br /><br /><br />I<strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">n addition to being a children's book author, you're also a small business owner. How do you juggle taking care of two daughters and at the same time running a business?<br /></span></strong>Yes, I am a fashion designer and have a retail store. Any type of creativity is what I'm passionate about. That's why writing The Adventures of Smitty was so important to me. Let me tell you, running a small business in today's economy isn't easy especially when raising two girls at the same time. But somehow, it seems someone's watching over me because my dreams are coming true no matter what. To have that many moms glowing about my children's book, means so much to me. And I know my girls are proud.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">When do you ever have time to write?<br /></span></strong>You mean, in between laundry, running a business, chasing my girls around the house, cleaning the house, and flying back and forth fromMiami to New York? Haha? That's one thing I've learned, when you really want to do something, you find a way. Things fall into place if you just go for it and that's what I want to encourage all the moms who are reading this right now. Whatever your goal is, you can do it. Don't let the challenges in your personal life stop you from going for your dreams. Just go for it and it's almost magical how things fall into place.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Where can we get a copy of "The Adventures of Smitty"?<br /></span></strong>Right now, it's available online by going to: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94655 You can also visit my website:http://www.AnnaDeskins.com where you can read more about my writing process, my recommendations for other books and my own adventures in Mommyhood.<br /><br />I'm so grateful for your support and the support I'm getting from so many wonderful moms who dream of writing children's books one day too. Writing The Adventures of Smitty has been such an emotional experience for me, a true journey as I was going through so many changes while writing it. It's truly been a blessing in my life. It, along with my daughters, and that guy upstairs have really pulled me through a challenging time.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Thanks for the interview, Anna. And let's go out and support a fellow mom by getting a copy of The Adventures of Smitty today. I know I will!</span></strong>Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-27046044063288668182011-10-10T13:47:00.004-04:002011-10-10T13:55:17.915-04:00Don't need no drama....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ-r7MAQ6Af7lzAr5l6aYQMUCONXR4q786C_qBBp0a6IKV8gos56SKYCKaESR8xAj57F797vQ4aluikfXwsJTRXkLXna88Y-O9AwkLqYinMl6tE62e5MIirBLWO3ouNAUK3Mf9hjt260/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ-r7MAQ6Af7lzAr5l6aYQMUCONXR4q786C_qBBp0a6IKV8gos56SKYCKaESR8xAj57F797vQ4aluikfXwsJTRXkLXna88Y-O9AwkLqYinMl6tE62e5MIirBLWO3ouNAUK3Mf9hjt260/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661922014538695266" /></a><br /><br />This has been a Monday from hell..all because I had a weekend from hell. Started out with car problems, a trip out of town with the hubby...I made some poor decisions with the hubby and a friend of ours, which just about caused the friendship to be dissolved...way too much drama for my nerves to take...caused quite a rift between the hubby and I as well...I am too old for this crap.<br /><br />Things are on the mend now...I think...not so bad the damage can't be repaired...although I did learn some valuable lessons from it. I will never drink too much again, where I lose all sensibilites and I will never crawl on the back of a motorcycle with a friend again...lessons learned! <br />I know this post is all over the place and kind of vague...but, details are not worth mentioning...just hate losing friends over unnecessary drama...<br /><br />Here's to a better week! I hope....Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-56474568774876680772011-10-04T08:36:00.003-04:002011-10-04T08:55:18.907-04:00Fall is here.....Well, Fall is officially here...the mornings are chillier...and I am sad that Summer is gone..but, with the cooler temps, comes more glorious outdoor runs...I am definitely a fan of that! <br /><br />What I am not a fan of is that I am not going to be able to run the Indy Half Marathon on October 15th...the one that I have trained the past ten weeks for. Reason being, finances...the entry fee (of which I always wait until the last minute to pay) and I need new cooler weather running clothes and new shoes....I am getting shin splints from the old shoes that I have and without the money to replace and buy those other things, I am not going to risk injury....there is a 10 k in my neighboorhood in a few weeks, so I plan on doing that and then next Spring, maybe throwing caution to the wind and training for a Full Marathon....the decision to not run this half has depressed me quite a bit..but, I have to do what is best for my me and my family at the moment.<br /><br />On another note...all four boys are doing well....the older two, as usual, I never see....they are so busy with school and thier jobs, the 17 year old with football as well, makes it hard on me to see them. Next Friday, is my 17 year olds Senior night at school, so for that football game, I have to be in Terre Haute to "walk" with him and his father as they announce his name and position on the football field...I wouldn't miss it for the world...that is another expense that keeps me from running my half marathon, as his Senior night is the night before the race, in order for me to go to that, I have to rent a car for the weekend...so, my son is more important. There will be other races. :)<br /><br />I can't believe that Halloween is around the corner....the season seem to come and go so quickly...I feel so old lately...old and tired. We have already made one visit to the local Halloween stores...the little kids are pumped up for new costumes, decorating and trips to a corn maze with pumpkin picking. We have been trying for a couple weeks to plan a trip to an apple orchard, but is seems like there is always something preventing us from actually doing it...on our weekends with our kids, the hubby seems to work 7 days a week, and it takes the entire weekend for me to clean and grocery shop, fit in my long runs. Then in our off weekends, when it's just the hubby and I...we tend to make short little get aways to try and keep the spark alive in our relationship....which is a good thing...it does a couple good to get away with one another, be romantic....here is a picture of me from our last weekend get away <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqsBltbX99opRWmnIVMdt_v3NuWXcmEUBYUNrAMMo4gdAqkI0NH026ybhxgxoLcxpq9Ul5DXehNkcEYuJndgu31hyxahl7jnurfcf6JFPnfu7xhelIOx1Ifo8_FOklfgyRZ3bKihmf3g/s1600/DSCF0340.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqsBltbX99opRWmnIVMdt_v3NuWXcmEUBYUNrAMMo4gdAqkI0NH026ybhxgxoLcxpq9Ul5DXehNkcEYuJndgu31hyxahl7jnurfcf6JFPnfu7xhelIOx1Ifo8_FOklfgyRZ3bKihmf3g/s320/DSCF0340.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659618609093439954" /></a><br />Not too crazy about it...my head is at an odd angle...but, hubby can't take pictures very well with my camera either. We spent the night dining on Sushi, first time for me and I LOVED IT!!!!! Then we went to a couple of clubs with a friend and got back to our hotel in the wee hours of the morning...from this, I have learned how old I really am and I am finding it more and more difficult to keep these kind of wild and late nights...getting close to the time for me to hang up my dancing shoes...lol. <br /><br />Well, I have lots of work to do, so I better get to it...Happy Fall everyone!Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-12921508355046705282011-09-16T11:04:00.002-04:002011-09-16T11:14:47.589-04:00Been a while....Wow, I just seem to get worse over time with posting on this blog....I don't have any excuse...just not a lot to talk about, no one reads this thing anymore anyway...more of a place for me to reflect any major life things I want to document...but that's about it....<br /><br />So, nothing new...working, taking care of my family, and running/gym...consumes my time....the hubby and I have been having some awesome weekend adventures...we have never been so close and it has been awesome...the kids are all doing good. I don't get to see the two oldest enough..what with college/school and their jobs..plus the 17 year old has football, so he is stretched thin on time as well...<br /><br />Glad Fall is finally here..the temps have cooled down....so, it makes for some enjoyable runs outside. I have one month of training left before my next half marathon...I pray that it will be cool out, but not too cold. Last year, in October, I ran my first 10 k and it was quite chilly....not sure how I will do if it is like that for 13 entire miles. <br /><br />Glad the weekend is here and hope my two readers out there enjoy it. I plan too!Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-87714832628087531802011-09-07T09:14:00.003-04:002011-09-07T09:22:27.487-04:00Time....keeps on slipping....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uw3gntVkCflbvs-epqpGv8QHxGdYA6gzwmuUNT6GsUm_RIE1y96xvPi3S0WBsTRvpvukyeijuKtNhBOpBioxEiV0HwnfhHmp5S7wkXerW8mo6BSGmieN7Iv4OCjPcD_2UL3cM4C_ENI/s1600/time+slipping+away.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uw3gntVkCflbvs-epqpGv8QHxGdYA6gzwmuUNT6GsUm_RIE1y96xvPi3S0WBsTRvpvukyeijuKtNhBOpBioxEiV0HwnfhHmp5S7wkXerW8mo6BSGmieN7Iv4OCjPcD_2UL3cM4C_ENI/s320/time+slipping+away.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649605596012066770" /></a><br /><br />Today...I turn another year older...can't say that I am too happy about it..but, it is what it is....grateful to be alive. Thankful for all the many blessings I have in my life. Life hasn't always been easy for me, but each experience, weather good or bad, have shaped me and made me into who I am today. I have a wonderful husband, 4 smart, loving handsome sons, my extended family and friends. I am very lucky indeed...Thank you Lord for another year...Dixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1336353169835974771.post-88881867465532870292011-09-06T15:59:00.002-04:002011-09-06T16:02:53.344-04:00Good news.....I think....Hi, ya'll.....back to work today, after being off since last Thursday...been super busy and no time for computer time, but just wanted to let the few of you know, that are concerned, I did go to the Doctor Friday, and after several mammograms, and an ultrasound, by the tech and then again by the doctor, the doctor is pretty sure the lump I found is a cyst..about 97% sure....although she did find some calcifications that concerned her....so, they are going to check me again in 2 months with another ultrasound, if the cyst and the calcifications have not changed, then they are either going to aspirate the cyst are do biopsy.....so, for now...I wait. Good news is it has gotten smaller, so that is a good sign. Thanks for all the well wishes. Really meant a lot to me. <br />DixieDixiechickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06258759783581665460noreply@blogger.com0