Weigh in

Well, part of my loss from being sick must have been the water, because now that I am back to normal, I have gained back two pounds.
The official weigh in though was down 4 lbs!! Woohoo!!! It kinda helps to get me motivated for over the holidays since I know that is going to be rough! I really dont' think I would be a great sales rep for the flu diet either... ug... it wasn't fun! Love those silver linings though!

I am right there with you Monica though! If I can maintain, I will be happy over the holiday!
How is everyone else doing?

SO Grateful!!

Thank you to all of you were so thoughtful this past week! I have had the flu! Ug! I am definitely getting that shot next year!!!
I had the flu on Tuesday and stayed home from school. I didn't feel quite right, but had to get back to work for science fair club and student council on Wednesday and Thursday! Then I thought I was feelign much better and ate real food again... big mistake! I felt terrible and came home sick on Friday!
Thank you Monica for making the delicious chicken noodle soup! It really helped! It also helped jumped start my 6lb weight loss the past week from eating combinations of soup, crackers, and and unheard of amout of orange juice! I am surprised my skin didnt' take on the orange glow, and get the texture de orange rind!

I am feeling much better, and really looking forward to a Christmas break... with out the flu!! :P

WOW!!!

Our first winter storm of the year, and it was quite a storm. They called off school the night before, so that we didn't have school on Friday! That is unheard of around here!! It started raining early in the day, and by 2:30 had begun to sleet along with freezing rain, by 9 p.m it was still at it, but leaning more toward the freezing rain. By this time friends we reporting power out and Monica and Allen were unfortunately having roof problems from the ice with leaking into their house! Yikes!!!

It was kind of eeerie out. It was freezing rain, and you could hear the creaking of the frozen tree limbs, and then once then I was listen out my window... yes open during the storm to listen :), and I heard a branch up the street break and shatter to the ground! It was a pretty devasting storm, by morning we only had about an inch of snow maybe, but the ground, and everything was completely cover in the ice that came before it! WOW!! What a storm! Here are some pics! Trees are down everywhere, and the ice hasn't completely melted yet!
This is a tree right next to my apartment building!
This is the main stree coming into town. There were trees down all along this street!! crews were out cleaning up Friday, Saturday, and even this morning!

This is several trees across the road from me.

Hope everyone is doning well, and is recovering from the ice storm!

Love this weather

I hope everyone has been able to enjoy the gorgeous weather we have been having! ... and my Dad wonders why I pack everything but the kitchen sink (my car on the way home looked like I had even that!) I never know what to wear when the weather is changing like this!

Just some pics from Thanksgiving!

Wade (too cute!) Brian, Erica, and Tori (growing too fast, I am sure she is taller than me now!) Just enjoying the outdoors!

Love the weather! This is a grassy bush... can't think of the name, outside in the circle drive at my parents.

Watching still...

Oops... forget to let you all know that I am still posting points. I did much better today with food, and points but I am still struggling with all the sweets around. Ug. I did get in quite a bit of walking that helped, and tomorrow I plan on working on Mom and Dad's elliptical machine.
Monica, how are you doing??
Everyone else, I know that there are several on WW, how are you doing! Hope you all have made it through the holiday with lots of points left!
May God help you through your struggles and mine!!
Bless you all!

AAAH!

I love break time. It has been so relaxing today. I got to sleep in, enjoyed the outdoors for a while, talked to dad who was burning out in the field. We ran to town to return somethings (No we did not attempt to shop... yeah... we don't do that on the busiest shopping day of the year! :P I think we only attempted it once at one store.... I am not sure that I will ever do it again! Any other brave shoppers out there??

I went to a movie with my cousin. I am a James Bond fan (love the gadgets) and we went to the new one Casino Royale! It was really good. I didn't mind watching this one at all... boy is that new James Bond guy a hottie! Matthew McConahey move over, this guy will give you a run for your money! :) We did actually do a little shopping I guess. We went to few stores, and ate. While we were eating, Darren apparently noticed the kid sitting behind us who was whinning and crying the whole time. After we ate he commented on our seats. I was like what do you mean? He asked if I heard the kid behind us... I heard him once, and Darren said he was whiing the whole time... he was like ... you are a teacher! You tuned out that noise!

My cousins from Cahokia were up for their Thanksgiving tomorrow. It's funny how I see them more here three hours away rather than 20-25 minutes from me in Waterloo!!!

I haev also enjoyed reading this weekend. I have a pile of books at home that I want to get read! It is nice to have time to do it!

Well, I am off! Hope everyone is enjoying the great weather and time with families!

Thanksgiving!

Gobble Gobble.... almost literally! Food was soooooo yummy, and it showed. You can see Wade peeking... I am sure he is thinking the food it good too! :) My Aunt Ruthy and Tori are pouring out drinks!

I was going to be good, and I wasnt' as bad as I have been in the past, but I have to say after posting points, I went way over today, and I am out of flex, and even over. I will needless to say be doing more excerise the next couple of days!

I do have a praise though, I weighed myself this morning after eating, and I had lost a pound. I know it is not the official weigh in, but I was excited to see that after only a couple of days that I could be losing weight, and such and encouragement to me to keep it up! I am sure that is why today wasn't as bad as it could have been!

I hope everyone else had a great day! I got to spend it with family, and we had a great Thanksgiving! Granny came out and we had a good day with her! My aunt Ruth came down as well! It was great to see her too! Brian and Erica and the kids came out, and we ate, talked, took the traditional after dinner walk and picked up cans along the road, and enjoyed the unbelievably warm weather! Such a relaxing day!

Here is a pic of all the family! I love them dearly!

From Left: Mom, Brian, Tori, Erica, Me!, Dad, and Granny and Wade in the middle!

More Thanksgiving pics! Wade and Tori are getting so big and being goofy!! Tori is in 6th grade and Wade just turned 5!!! We had a great Thanksgiving, and we were so blessed and happy that Granny was feeling well to join us! Here she really looks tiny compared to the tallest member of out family!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Watching

Hey! Just a quick update, and then I will post more over my break! THANK the Lord it is break time! Whew! This year has flown by, and I am tired! Time for relaxing!
I posted today on WW. It wasn't pretty, but I did it. I am really trying to get back to WW after being so busy, but this week of all weeks to pick! Geesh! I am praying for help because I am going to need it! Needless to say, I may be excercising more that I thought I was going to tomorrow, because it will be pretty hard to avoid all that food!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Love,
Karen

My week

This week has been hectic and a bit stressfull! I started a station rotation project with the kids, and was also evaluated, and finishing up the end of the quarter (parent/ teacher conferences were saved for next week!! :P). It is always a bit nerve wracking to be evaluated even if I am a tenured teacher! This year we also have Mrs. Yagge returning as our principal, and I wasn't evaluated last year, so you never really know that someone new is looking for!
Here a couple of pics of my room!

Picture taking wonder

My friend Sandy is the best photographer and I have gotten some hints from her (even though she may not know it!) She has the best eye, and is creative in her shots! Those pics of Sami on your blog are terrific!!!! They do look like professional shots! I really encourage you Sandy to consider using your passion and talent for doing this in that business venture! I really think people would be very impressed with your work, and I am not just saying that because you are my friend... you know I wouldn't do that!
Here is Sandy with her little cutie patutie Sami! She is just a doll, and you should hear her laugh too! :)

I love fall

Bonfires, hay rides, pumpkin pie, pumpkin

muffins, pumpkin spice coffee... well anything pumpkin,

changing colors on trees, sweatshirt and jeans,

crisp cool breezes, and snuggling under the blankets.

There are so many things I love about fall.

Continuing the trip - pumpkins here we come!

After the train ride we went in search of the pumpkin patch, well they weren't really in a patch, but pumkins and fall stuff everywhere, scarecrows, hay, pumpkins, mum, gords, and cornhusks! I LOVE THE FALL!!! Here are pics of three of the cutest Kish's (no offense Monica and Allen :P)

We had such a great time there! There were animals to pet, a hay maze, a corn grinder, big tire swings, pumpkins, and more! The kids loved it, and everyone had great time. Problem, I forgot to get a pumpkin... ok... more like I couldn't make up my mind by the time we left and didnt' get one! :)

Here are more pics of the cuties for the Kish house! Monica and Allen are amazing parents and are raising three beautiful children! I have learned so much from them about being parents!

Train Ride - All Aboard!

Last Sunday my southern IL family, Monica, Allen, Hannah, Emily, Joseph, Sandy, Vella, Sami, Clarence, and Jane, and I all went to MO for a train ride. Not just any train ride, but this was the neatest little train you ever saw. It wasn't fast, but it was relaxing to just enjoy the ride through the woods and part of it along the river!

Hannah absolutely loves trains, and looks very transfixed by somthing in this picture! Too cute, love the hat Hannah! :)

I couldn't resist a picture of this cutie, Emily was enjoying the train ride!

It was a train of small cars where people rode sitting and basically in single file! It was a nice day, cool, not sunny, but no wind and just right. It was a two mile ride at least I thought so! :)
The kids loved it too! They are too cute!

The girls

Here's a pic of two of my dearest friends. Sandy and Monica! We were at a pumpkin place over in MO. What fun!! There is only one problem, my other dear friend Tammy, was unable to go! We missed you Tammy!

Long time no write..:)

It's me again... I know, I know, finally!
Just a short update before a long week, and back to my grading!

I am doing better with my blood pressure, I am double checking with my doctor to see what she thinks I need to do since I occasionally still have the palpitations.

I have been pre-approved for getting a house!!! WAAAAAHOOOOOO!!! I can't tell you how exciting this is for me!!!!!! (Not to mention the puke left of the stairs to the apartments has been a sign to leave! Yup... been there all day... no one has claimed it to clean it up! I am calling Paul if it's not... disgusting!!) My own house, here I come!

What else... I had a great time today with family down here, but I want to finally post pics, so I will tell more about that next time!

Weigh in is tomorrow! I have been off track and not keeping track, but I haven't gained either, so that is encouraging! I need to keep it up though!

Until next time.... :)

Weigh in

It's not looking good this week. I have gained 2 lbs, but know that I haven't been watching as I should the past couple of weeks of stressful school days!

I did start doing pilates, which I really like, but i am doing that for two reasons. One to loose weight, but also to destress. I have recently been to the doctor because of higher blood pressure and heart palpitations, although to not sound so bad, I call them flip-flop thingys. I am monitoring my blood pressure, and then going to report back to see what to do from there.
As my parents say, I am burning the candle at both ends, and I am trying to cut back on that too! I have been praying for God's strength and know that he is there! Please pray for me as well, I appriate all your support and prayers already!!

To be or not to be??

Please pray for me. I have been thinking about getting a house for a while now, but recently felt more motived to pursue it further. I feel God leading, but please pray that I listen to what He wants for me and that He will make it clear (some times my hearing is a little muffled :)
I talked with a relator and have filled out forms to get pre-approval from the bank. I am going to try to get in this next week to talk to someone!
I was pretty scared to just jump into this, but God is helping with that as well and I don't feel as overwhelmed and scared, but more excited than even before to start to house hunt!
Thank you for all your prayers! I love you all!

Thank goodness for weekends!!

I love my weekends, but they go way to fast! I have kept busy with cleaning my car, apartment, taking a nap, watching a movie, several trips to the store (because I didn't make a list and forgot things!!! rrrr!) and I did the 3 mile walk this morning sponsoring the Loving Touch Pregnancy Care Center with a group from church! It was fun to do, and it was a gorgeous day out!!
Monica and Sandy, when is our next bike ride, and Tammy do you guys have bikes?

I also got inspired again, and have the urge to cook (mainly due to the fact that I have washed all of my dishes finally and the sink is clean! I hate washing dishes... my next place.... I seriously have to look into a dish washer!!! :)

Tomorrow's menu for lunch... Monterey Jack Turkey Burgers (with bun and turkey bacon) and oven baked onion rings (6 rings per serving)!! Point total: 8 points
My mouth is watering thinking about it!

New neighbors

I have new neighbors. They seem nice, but haven't talked with them much. There is guy and his grandma living there now. It sure seems strange to have someone new there and not Mark, Shawna, and Parker!

Weight Update

Well, I have lost another pound.

At one point, (not the official weigh in date) I had lost 30 lbs, but I still like to count it!

Please pray for me, it has been quite a stuggle to keep up with points since school has been back in!

School's in!

When school starts, it is in full force! I can't believe that it is the end of the 4th week already! It has busy as ever of course.

It was a rough start to school, our new saying at school is "Just keep swimming! Bloop Bloop! :) Sometimes it would be nice to just teach. I also know that I am so critical of myself wanting to do the best job that I can.

I love my kids! They are immature, and cute, and make me laugh! They are so much fun, yet challenging at the same time! Please pray for our year together that I don't drive them to insanity and vice versa! :)


Monica and fam it's so good to have you back!
Sandy when is our next bike ride?
Tammy how did it go this week with work?
Shawna how are those kiddos doing?

Love to you all! i will try to update more often!!

P.S. for all you C.S.I. fans the season premiere is next Thursday!!!!!! WAAAHOOOO!!!

WeightWatchers

For those of you who don't know, I have started weightwatchers, and weigh in every Monday. I really like the easy way that WW helps you, and teaches you about eating. I found out I was not eating the right foods... uh I know... big surprise, but some of the things I thought might be better, weren't always.
Anyway, since I started WW I have lost 8 1\2 pounds and since I started losing weight, 28 1/2 pounds. I have much more to go, but I feel so much better since I have started this, and I wanted to share in hopes that you would support my efforts (I truly appreciate it)! For those who already know, you have been more helpful and supportive that you know! Thank you soo much!

I found a really great, EASY recipe on WW, and thought you might like to try it!

Blueberry Squares

Points Value 2
Servings 24
Prp 5 min
Cook 30

Ingrediants
1 Package angel food cake mix, about 14 1/2 oz.
22 oz light fruit pie filling, blueberry (or you could try others)

1. Preheat
2. Combine cake mix with filling (do not add any other ingrediants)
3. Pour batter into an ungreased 9 X 13 in pan
4. Bake for 30 min
5. Cool and cut into 24 pieces

THIS IS SOOOO GOOD!!

Back to School!

Well, what a week of ups and downs this has been. Back to school and in full swing already! Monday was full of meetings, and presentations, as if getting back to school wasn't enough, I had to present too! That was a little nerve-wracking!
Tuesday was more meetings, but some time to work. Wednesday the kiddies arrived and I met them fist thing during recess duty. After a whirlwind day, I was a bit frazzled and wasn't too sure how this year was going to go! As always, my dearest friends had guidance and reassurance for me. Especially Monica, who is always encouraging, reminded me that God would not have put me in that situation if I couldn't handle it, and that He is there helping me along the way! Thank you Monica! You are such a blessing! Hannah also picked out a bouquet of flowers that Monica delivered! They are so pretty Hannah!!! They brighten up my room so much! It means so much to me to know that I have family here that is so comforting when I need it most! Thursday and Friday were wonderful and I had a great first week with my students!

This weekend was busy, rainy, and relaxing too! Hope everyone had a get one too!

Biking for Hannah's Birthday!

I had super time this past Saturday celebrating Hannah's birthday! We (Monica, Allen, Hannah, Emily, Joseph, Sandy, Bob, and Clarence) all rode on Grant's trail! It was so much fun! It was a bit hot at the end though! Afterward we went to get a new bike seat! woooohooo!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!! I can't wait to ride again! After that we came back to Clarence and Jane's for Hannah's birthday and the best lasagna!!! It's the kind with spinach and Monica also made it with turkey meat. It was so yummy!
Emily and Hannah were too cute late playing with their new trucks in the gravel, and Emily giggled and giggled when the rocks got poured out of the scoop! Joseph is getting so big too, and sitting up so well! It is hard to believe he has changed so much in 3 months!

Last Friday!

It's the last Friday before school starts.... wow! I am ready, but not. My room is done, and I am excited, but I don't know about that getting up early thing! :)

Busy day today at school, kids came in to get packets organized and had a bit of a panic... thought we were short on packets only to realize they were in the wrong room! Whew!

It was the last Friday before school starts so I thought it was fitting that I got to get a nap in! :)

The relaxation was short lived when I got my utility bill today. I am sure that there is something wrong with my air conditioner to have made it go up so much. God is good though, he provided a great laugh later this evening when I was trying to tell Mom about my blog. I am sure anyone listening to the conversation would have thought we were speaking Spanish and Japanese to one another. The phone was slightly muffly and so telling Mom the address atduvallsdoor.blogspot.com was quite interesting and took about what seemed like forever! What... no d not b.... no p not b!! hehehehehe! Love you Mom! :)

I don't have to many pics to post yet, so I thought I would put on a couple of pictures that I took over the summer!

I love technology!

I can't believe I haven't published a blog sooner! I love working on computers and have yet to do this! Thanks Monica and Sandy for getting me to do this! Hopefully I will be able to keep up with everyone better!
I had a great day today. I got so much done with filing away papers at school (sounds boring and it is...), but it's a great feeling to have so much of it done, and to be organized for the year to start. As it gets closer to school it's always exciting and a little nerve wracking with meeting the new kiddos! I am looking forward to it, we start on this Monday, but the kids start on Wednesday!
I also went to Pam's Stamping party with Monica! I loved the notecard holder thingymabobber we made... oh yeah... I loved it so much I left it in Monica's van! No really it is one of my favorites! I love stamping! I could just buy and buy and buy... (whoa gotta watch that habit! hehe :) Jenny always has great ideas and does a great job putting up with me and showing us how to do it. I get so distracted talking to everyone! :) I can't believe the changes in Tammy's Audrey already, she's so cute!
Well, that's all for now, and hope this works and everyone can see it!