During the past 10 days Martin has been on two separate business trips. He was gone for 7 of those days. He missed the game of pass the puke bucket, let's wake mommy at 4am, and how many buttons do you think we can press before Mommy loses it! Not to mention the game of how many times can the cat puke!
Today, we were all very happy to have Martin back home. Despite his long journey yesterday, and getting in at midnight, my loving husband made the sacrifice to wake up at 4 am with Jacob this morning so I could sleep. Very noble of him! I will ignore the fact that I could not go back to sleep after 4am!
Throughout all of Martin's travelling, I have been doing my best to be the supportive wife, and courageous mom. Some days are obviously harder than others, but I am starting to get used to it. To be fair I know that it is also hard on Martin being away from us. He also loses sleep because of all the time changes and sleeping in different hotels.
Martin is a wonderful man and I applaud him for taking this step in his career. Many times we have to make sacrifices in life in order to get to the place where we really want to be. As long as he enjoys what he is doing and keeps moving forward then I will support him. I know he does his best to schedule his travels as far apart as possible and that sometimes there will be emergency trips.
Thank goodness for my in-laws. Grandmaman brought me eggs and milk when I couldn't get out. Grandpapa picked up Logan from school when Jacob and Mason were in a deep sleep during an afternoon nap. The two of them are saints! Not to mention Adele is always there for emotional support. She raised 4 kids in this very house so she knows where I am coming from!
I am also grateful for the PACE playgroup. It is just one more place to be able to get away and hang out with other moms. I am very isolated in the country, but the more I get to know the moms and the area I live in the less isolated I feel. Like everything else it just takes time.
Now if only the snow would stop!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
When times are good, be happy;
but when times are bad, consider:
God has made the one as well as the other...
Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NIV)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Take My Hand
At the young age of 19 months, Mr. Jacob has already mastered the art of communicating without words.
Over the past couple weeks he has been coming up to me and gently grabbing my hand . He then leads me to where he wants to go. Sometimes it is just a walk around the house. Sometimes, he has a stinky diaper. Sometimes he wants something out of reach.
Of course he isn't always gentle about it. Many times he uses his head or his hands to push me away from what I am doing. I choose to accept all forms of communication, except the high pitch scream when he just isn't satisfied with a situation. If cuddling him doesn't work I do my best to let him have his little melt down on his own. This may take 2 minutes or 15 minutes. Either way I let him be. Yes he will follow me around screaming sometimes, so this is when I lock myself in a bathroom!
His brotherly communication has become more aggressive because that is what he sees between his older brothers. He can dish out the punches! He is a tough cookie. Unfortunately the hits are usually unwarranted and it is usually my sensitive Logan that takes it!
Needless to say, Jacob has been having his share of time outs on the stairs. Actually, a couple weeks ago he did something and I told him to go sit on the stairs and that is exactly where he went. He even stayed for at least 2 minutes! That is way more than any of the older siblings will do without complaining or squirming!
Mr. Jacob has a minor rough side, but the majority of his character is very loving and gentle. He has the sweetest smile, the cutest little giggle, and gives the best cuddles. Sure many of the cuddles are during the wee hours of the night, or after nap time but I will take them while I can get them!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Do all things lovingly. That is the secret to quality and excellence.
- Gary Ryan Blair
Over the past couple weeks he has been coming up to me and gently grabbing my hand . He then leads me to where he wants to go. Sometimes it is just a walk around the house. Sometimes, he has a stinky diaper. Sometimes he wants something out of reach.
Of course he isn't always gentle about it. Many times he uses his head or his hands to push me away from what I am doing. I choose to accept all forms of communication, except the high pitch scream when he just isn't satisfied with a situation. If cuddling him doesn't work I do my best to let him have his little melt down on his own. This may take 2 minutes or 15 minutes. Either way I let him be. Yes he will follow me around screaming sometimes, so this is when I lock myself in a bathroom!
His brotherly communication has become more aggressive because that is what he sees between his older brothers. He can dish out the punches! He is a tough cookie. Unfortunately the hits are usually unwarranted and it is usually my sensitive Logan that takes it!
Needless to say, Jacob has been having his share of time outs on the stairs. Actually, a couple weeks ago he did something and I told him to go sit on the stairs and that is exactly where he went. He even stayed for at least 2 minutes! That is way more than any of the older siblings will do without complaining or squirming!
Mr. Jacob has a minor rough side, but the majority of his character is very loving and gentle. He has the sweetest smile, the cutest little giggle, and gives the best cuddles. Sure many of the cuddles are during the wee hours of the night, or after nap time but I will take them while I can get them!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Do all things lovingly. That is the secret to quality and excellence.
- Gary Ryan Blair
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Because of K&A
It was no accident that Klemmer and Associates was bought into my life. Through a fellow USANA associate, I was introduced to a wonderful woman named Amber. I lived in Snohomish, WA at the time and she was in the Kent, WA. I was heading to the airport one morning to pick up my husband, so Logan and I met with Amber for breakfast at a restaurant close to the airport. I was then about 7 months pregnant with Mason. We really connected and I knew the moment we met that there was something extra special about her.
In the spring of 2008 Amber asked if I wanted to attend a Champion's Workshop that she was hosting in the Kent area. She sent me an email with more information so I could look into it before I gave her an answer. I read up on Klemmer and was intrigued by what I read. At the time I really wanted to bring my business to the next level and that seemed to be the focus of the event.
I went to the workshop and was easily convinced that I should take the first Klemmer and Associates course, Personal Mastery, which was happening the month after. Not only did I sign up, but I signed my husband up to. I even made a 90 day business goal in front of everyone at the workshop. Which by the way NEVER happened.
What I didn't realise was it wasn't my business that was going to go to the next level, it was ME. After PM I went on to do Advanced Leadership, Heart of the Samurai, and then Samurai Camp. During the time span of a year, from April 2008-March 2009, I participated in all 4 Klemmer courses!
Each course brought something new to my life and changed me forever! With the inspirational teachings from Klemmer and the amazing people that surrounded me during the courses I was able to start being the woman that God created me to be. After Heart I became a Youth Group Leader at church because I knew that th teens were our future leaders and I wanted to be a art of that transition! However, after Sam Camp was when I really stepped up.
Before the MOPS year ended in May, it was announced that there was a new Outreach position that needed to be filled for the following MOPS year in 2009-2010 . I had just finished Samurai Camp and I was feeling led to fill the role so I signed up! Somewhere in the paperwork, the change in Coordinators, and lack of communication I was never contacted about the position during the summer. But, guess what, the amazing new coordinator, who is also my wonderful friend, Alayne, thought of me for the position and called me to fill the shoes! The job was always meant for me!
One of my most memorable moments over the year of personal developement was during Heart of the Samurai. I had always been a believer of God, but an experience during Heart made me realise that I had doubts. When I went back to my room I talked about it with my three lovely, Godly roomies. (Whom I had only first met when I walked into our hotel room for this course.)
They all jumped up, grabbed their bibles and recited verses that would literally save me and bring me closer to God. It was such a spiritual moment. I know God placed me in the room with those girls for a reason! I now have unshakeable faith that just keeps growing. What I am also realising is I have no problem talking about God or my beliefs because I feel so strongly about my faith and I attract those who have strong faith as well. My entire Sam Camp Team was very spiritual!
Throughout all the courses, I experienced life situations in such dramatic ways that I cannot explain. Most of all I learned to surrender and allow God to take the reigns instead of trying to control everything. I do admit that sometimes I slip, but I know when it happens and I learn from the experience and most of the time I can move on.
In this one year with K&A I made dream boards, vision statements, a 20 year plan, wrote and illustrated a children's book, and discovered my purpose in life! I danced, laughed, cried, and made so many valuable friends that will be with me forever.
Life changes, people change, and obstacles get in the way, but the purpose of why I am on earth always remains a constant. Is what I am doing in life coinciding with my purpose? This is a question that I constantly have to stop and ask myself. (The song below is a favourite of mine)
Matthew West - The Motions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk
I get stuck sometimes and sit and whine about silly things. Mostly because I am scared to leave my box and I do not want to get trampled on by the big scary world! I just have to remind myself that I have God on my side and through Him anything is possible. I also have a wonderful supportive family who will stand by me through thick and thin. So I am doubly blessed!
Mr. Klemmer was a true insipration to me. He didn't let fear get the best of him. In fact he thrived on it because it meant he was getting out of the box! It is time to open my box and take the lead!
Thank you Mr. Klemmer for creating an opportunity for me to discover the real me and for helping me to look to God at all times.
Blessings
Bold, Passionate, Elegant, and Surrenderd Lee-Anne
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you, and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
To him be the power forever and ever. Amen
1 Peter 5:10,11(NIV)
The following pics are from Sam Camp in March of 2009. I was 4 months pregnant with Jacob!
In the spring of 2008 Amber asked if I wanted to attend a Champion's Workshop that she was hosting in the Kent area. She sent me an email with more information so I could look into it before I gave her an answer. I read up on Klemmer and was intrigued by what I read. At the time I really wanted to bring my business to the next level and that seemed to be the focus of the event.
I went to the workshop and was easily convinced that I should take the first Klemmer and Associates course, Personal Mastery, which was happening the month after. Not only did I sign up, but I signed my husband up to. I even made a 90 day business goal in front of everyone at the workshop. Which by the way NEVER happened.
What I didn't realise was it wasn't my business that was going to go to the next level, it was ME. After PM I went on to do Advanced Leadership, Heart of the Samurai, and then Samurai Camp. During the time span of a year, from April 2008-March 2009, I participated in all 4 Klemmer courses!
Each course brought something new to my life and changed me forever! With the inspirational teachings from Klemmer and the amazing people that surrounded me during the courses I was able to start being the woman that God created me to be. After Heart I became a Youth Group Leader at church because I knew that th teens were our future leaders and I wanted to be a art of that transition! However, after Sam Camp was when I really stepped up.
Before the MOPS year ended in May, it was announced that there was a new Outreach position that needed to be filled for the following MOPS year in 2009-2010 . I had just finished Samurai Camp and I was feeling led to fill the role so I signed up! Somewhere in the paperwork, the change in Coordinators, and lack of communication I was never contacted about the position during the summer. But, guess what, the amazing new coordinator, who is also my wonderful friend, Alayne, thought of me for the position and called me to fill the shoes! The job was always meant for me!
One of my most memorable moments over the year of personal developement was during Heart of the Samurai. I had always been a believer of God, but an experience during Heart made me realise that I had doubts. When I went back to my room I talked about it with my three lovely, Godly roomies. (Whom I had only first met when I walked into our hotel room for this course.)
They all jumped up, grabbed their bibles and recited verses that would literally save me and bring me closer to God. It was such a spiritual moment. I know God placed me in the room with those girls for a reason! I now have unshakeable faith that just keeps growing. What I am also realising is I have no problem talking about God or my beliefs because I feel so strongly about my faith and I attract those who have strong faith as well. My entire Sam Camp Team was very spiritual!
Throughout all the courses, I experienced life situations in such dramatic ways that I cannot explain. Most of all I learned to surrender and allow God to take the reigns instead of trying to control everything. I do admit that sometimes I slip, but I know when it happens and I learn from the experience and most of the time I can move on.
In this one year with K&A I made dream boards, vision statements, a 20 year plan, wrote and illustrated a children's book, and discovered my purpose in life! I danced, laughed, cried, and made so many valuable friends that will be with me forever.
Life changes, people change, and obstacles get in the way, but the purpose of why I am on earth always remains a constant. Is what I am doing in life coinciding with my purpose? This is a question that I constantly have to stop and ask myself. (The song below is a favourite of mine)
Matthew West - The Motions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk
I get stuck sometimes and sit and whine about silly things. Mostly because I am scared to leave my box and I do not want to get trampled on by the big scary world! I just have to remind myself that I have God on my side and through Him anything is possible. I also have a wonderful supportive family who will stand by me through thick and thin. So I am doubly blessed!
Mr. Klemmer was a true insipration to me. He didn't let fear get the best of him. In fact he thrived on it because it meant he was getting out of the box! It is time to open my box and take the lead!
Thank you Mr. Klemmer for creating an opportunity for me to discover the real me and for helping me to look to God at all times.
Blessings
Bold, Passionate, Elegant, and Surrenderd Lee-Anne
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you, and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
To him be the power forever and ever. Amen
1 Peter 5:10,11(NIV)
The following pics are from Sam Camp in March of 2009. I was 4 months pregnant with Jacob!
 |
| Jimbo and I dancing at the Sam Camp talent show! |
 |
| Samurai Camp Team-OBC Jim T., me, Jamie, Jimbo, Alisha, Craig (our fearless leader) |
 |
| Kim and Kim, two Godly faith changers! |
Monday, April 11, 2011
In Loving Memory of Brian Klemmer
Thursday April 7th, marked a sad, yet memorable day for me. 
The following is a press release which was sent out on the 8th announcing the death of a true Compassionate Samurai:
Klemmer & Associates headquartered in Petaluma, CA announced today that the founder & CEO Brian Klemmer passed away yesterday as the result of a torn carotid artery. Like Brian, this condition is extremely rare - one in a million. Mr. Klemmer was at the office in Petaluma, CA when he initially suffered the results of this medical condition.
When Brian Klemmer founded Klemmer & Associates, his dream was to create an army of compassionate Samurai to make a difference in this world. The greatest way that those who know and loved Brian can honor him is by stepping into that role. Brian has assembled a management team in the fulfillment of his '500 year business plan' dedicated to delivering that dream. In dealing with this unexpected and tragic event, the employees of Klemmer & Associates are committed to the company mission which is to 'produce bold, ethical, compassionate leaders who will take action to create a world that works for everyone with no one left out.'
Mr. Klemmer was not affraid to take chances. He was very prepared in his life planning to make sure his plans wouldn't stop with just him. He made a 500 year business plan. I think that says it all! He built a solid company by giving people what they needed. A better understanding of themselves and a sense of personal responsibility so they could make a positive difference in whatever they do in this lifetime.
He was a Christian man and was never ashamed or affraid to say so. Most of his teachings come straight from the bible. It was amazing to see how many "non believers" or "fence sitters" came out of the course as true BELIEVERS. You couldn't help but feel God working through Mr. Klemmer.
Brian Klemmer was a true Compassionate Samurai and he will be dearly missed. Heaven is blesed with one more angel. He truly helped to create a countless number of amazing leaders and now it is up to the us to continue his dream.
Blessings
Lee-Anne
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Psalm 33:11(NIV)
The following is a press release which was sent out on the 8th announcing the death of a true Compassionate Samurai:
Klemmer & Associates headquartered in Petaluma, CA announced today that the founder & CEO Brian Klemmer passed away yesterday as the result of a torn carotid artery. Like Brian, this condition is extremely rare - one in a million. Mr. Klemmer was at the office in Petaluma, CA when he initially suffered the results of this medical condition.
When Brian Klemmer founded Klemmer & Associates, his dream was to create an army of compassionate Samurai to make a difference in this world. The greatest way that those who know and loved Brian can honor him is by stepping into that role. Brian has assembled a management team in the fulfillment of his '500 year business plan' dedicated to delivering that dream. In dealing with this unexpected and tragic event, the employees of Klemmer & Associates are committed to the company mission which is to 'produce bold, ethical, compassionate leaders who will take action to create a world that works for everyone with no one left out.'
Mr. Klemmer was not affraid to take chances. He was very prepared in his life planning to make sure his plans wouldn't stop with just him. He made a 500 year business plan. I think that says it all! He built a solid company by giving people what they needed. A better understanding of themselves and a sense of personal responsibility so they could make a positive difference in whatever they do in this lifetime.
He was a Christian man and was never ashamed or affraid to say so. Most of his teachings come straight from the bible. It was amazing to see how many "non believers" or "fence sitters" came out of the course as true BELIEVERS. You couldn't help but feel God working through Mr. Klemmer.
Brian Klemmer was a true Compassionate Samurai and he will be dearly missed. Heaven is blesed with one more angel. He truly helped to create a countless number of amazing leaders and now it is up to the us to continue his dream.
Blessings
Lee-Anne
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Psalm 33:11(NIV)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
#20 Logan Beasse
I live in a land where hockey is the main sport throughout the winter season. Some play all year round! What else would you do when you are buried in snow for 5-6 months of the year?
Logan played his first season of hockey this year and took a huge liking to it. With only being on skates approximately 4 times before about 2 years ago, he started with barely being able to stand on his feet and finished by skating circles and blocking pucks!
He had his final tournament for the season last weekend and even though he had fun I know he is just as happy for it to be over until September. I know the rest of us are ready for another sport!
Nonetheless, I am impressed with his improvement on the ice since he began in October. When I wasn't chasing after the other 2 kids, I loved watching him play. He has a lot of grace on the ice and heart for the game. It was fun closer to the end of the season to see him actually go after the puck and and pass, or shoot or sometimes even score!
The youngest player on the team was quite often sprawled out on the ice because she was too tired, and probably not as interested in the game. The best player on the team, who was also a girl, skated better than everyone on the team and actually was a top scorer from the beginning. It helps that her older brother plays hockey as well and her mom was the coach! Even though there was a big difference in levels on the team, everyone improved dramatically. They may have only won one game and tied one all season, but next year I have a feeling they will kick some butt!
In any case Logan finished the hockey season strong. He received two medals from the tournaments he played in and now has his first team trophy to account for all his efforts! This is obviously the coolest part of playing hockey!
Next year Logan moves up a level because of his age, but Mason will take over where Logan left off. Mason is already a great skater after all his practicing this winter, so he has an advantage. I just hope he isn't more interested in rough housing than getting the puck! Hahaha
Blessings
Lee-Anne
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
- Philippians 4:13
Friday, April 1, 2011
A New Me
One month ago I had my first real workout in a very long time. It was with the ladies at PACE and we worked out with Wii Active. Since that day I have been challenging myself to make exercise a part of most of my days of the week.
That day also sparked a conversation about my past job as a group fitness instructor. One thing led to another and two weeks later I taught my first aerobics class after almost 7 years! It was a salsa aerobics class with 5 ladies from PACE. I warned them that I was a little rusty, in more ways than one, but it was a successful experience for the most part. I am teaching another class next week!
Once we were done the girls recommended I start up a class somewhere in town. Maria got a contact for me and I was told of a couple other options to check out. Honestly, I am pumped to start up again. At the same time I am a little nervous! I can barely remember what I was doing 5 minutes ago let alone remember an entire aerobic sequence! Some days I feel like my once very coordinated body just doesn't move like it used to!
Nevertheless, I have been pulling out my workout videos of Paula Abdul and the buff Billy Blanks hoping to get inspired and into better shape. I am literally still 30 pounds heavier than I was before I had Jacob. I haven't quite been living the low carbs way for at least 2 years.
When I got pregnant with Jacob I craved carbs a lot! I gained almost 20 pounds more than with the other two and I suffered with back issues for many months after Jacob's birth. I did hot yoga for 6 months to resolve that, but then we moved to the country where hot yoga is unheard of. The stress of moving took a toll on me emotionally and physically so of course I craved comfort foods. Then when the winter hit I went into hibernation! All of these things add up to an unhealthy me. I know they are all just excuses, and it doesn't excuse the neglect I have given to my body!
My main work outs have been with the Wii Active doing the 30 day challenge. It is fun because of the variety of exercises. There are a lot of band exercises and fun inline skating jumps, but it is definitely not a huge cardio work out. I have also gone for a few walks on the bike trail, but most work outs are done at home. A lot of the times 1 or all of my kids have been present and that is another obstacle which I have had to overcome. I once did sit ups with Jacob sitting on me! Sometimes they like to join in, but most times I have to just shut out the noise of the "brotherly love" and move on.
My body needs a big makeover, I want to improve what kinds of foods go into my mouth and the mouths of the rest of my family, and I want to start helping other people get back into shape and feeling good about themselves. It all sounds great, but old habits die hard! I know it is going to take a lot of discipline on my part and I will need a lot of support along the way. I also know I have to ask for help. Another stepping stone!
I already have two programs in place to help me achieve all this. The first is USANA's RESET, a 5 day cleanse to help me stop craving the carbs. http://www.usana.com/ This is a fabulous program to release weight and start eating low Glycemic foods. I have been taking USANA products and been an associate for almost 5 years now. Obviously,other than the vitamins, I haven't taken full advantage of the products in the past two years. Lately I have certainly been starting to work my shakes and bars back into my daily routine!
The second is called The Healthy Edge, http://getthehealthyedge.com/ . My good friend Amber and her sister April developed the program a few years ago. Ironically enough, I have had all the knowledge at my fingertips for 2 years, and I still have resisted the program. Not a big surprise! Something about cleaning out the cupboards is a little scary!
Now I am making a choice to get on the ball and allow my body to experience all the greatness THE and USANA has to provide. I am praying to keep my mind clear and hands off the cookies! After I had Mason it only took me 10 months to get back to my weight before I had kids! I know I can do it, I just have to choose to do it!
I heard on the radio once about a woman who lost over 100 pounds. Along with her exercising she kept her thoughts with God and read the bible for encouragement. Something to seriously think about giving a try! I am already reading the One Year Bible, and now I will just have to do some research to check out the verses that are truly inspiring and encouraging for me. My body is a shell that God has given to me and I am going to start treating it with the love and care that it deserves, both inside and out!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"
1 Corinthians 3:16
That day also sparked a conversation about my past job as a group fitness instructor. One thing led to another and two weeks later I taught my first aerobics class after almost 7 years! It was a salsa aerobics class with 5 ladies from PACE. I warned them that I was a little rusty, in more ways than one, but it was a successful experience for the most part. I am teaching another class next week!
Once we were done the girls recommended I start up a class somewhere in town. Maria got a contact for me and I was told of a couple other options to check out. Honestly, I am pumped to start up again. At the same time I am a little nervous! I can barely remember what I was doing 5 minutes ago let alone remember an entire aerobic sequence! Some days I feel like my once very coordinated body just doesn't move like it used to!
Nevertheless, I have been pulling out my workout videos of Paula Abdul and the buff Billy Blanks hoping to get inspired and into better shape. I am literally still 30 pounds heavier than I was before I had Jacob. I haven't quite been living the low carbs way for at least 2 years.
When I got pregnant with Jacob I craved carbs a lot! I gained almost 20 pounds more than with the other two and I suffered with back issues for many months after Jacob's birth. I did hot yoga for 6 months to resolve that, but then we moved to the country where hot yoga is unheard of. The stress of moving took a toll on me emotionally and physically so of course I craved comfort foods. Then when the winter hit I went into hibernation! All of these things add up to an unhealthy me. I know they are all just excuses, and it doesn't excuse the neglect I have given to my body!
My main work outs have been with the Wii Active doing the 30 day challenge. It is fun because of the variety of exercises. There are a lot of band exercises and fun inline skating jumps, but it is definitely not a huge cardio work out. I have also gone for a few walks on the bike trail, but most work outs are done at home. A lot of the times 1 or all of my kids have been present and that is another obstacle which I have had to overcome. I once did sit ups with Jacob sitting on me! Sometimes they like to join in, but most times I have to just shut out the noise of the "brotherly love" and move on.
My body needs a big makeover, I want to improve what kinds of foods go into my mouth and the mouths of the rest of my family, and I want to start helping other people get back into shape and feeling good about themselves. It all sounds great, but old habits die hard! I know it is going to take a lot of discipline on my part and I will need a lot of support along the way. I also know I have to ask for help. Another stepping stone!
I already have two programs in place to help me achieve all this. The first is USANA's RESET, a 5 day cleanse to help me stop craving the carbs. http://www.usana.com/ This is a fabulous program to release weight and start eating low Glycemic foods. I have been taking USANA products and been an associate for almost 5 years now. Obviously,other than the vitamins, I haven't taken full advantage of the products in the past two years. Lately I have certainly been starting to work my shakes and bars back into my daily routine!
The second is called The Healthy Edge, http://getthehealthyedge.com/ . My good friend Amber and her sister April developed the program a few years ago. Ironically enough, I have had all the knowledge at my fingertips for 2 years, and I still have resisted the program. Not a big surprise! Something about cleaning out the cupboards is a little scary!
Now I am making a choice to get on the ball and allow my body to experience all the greatness THE and USANA has to provide. I am praying to keep my mind clear and hands off the cookies! After I had Mason it only took me 10 months to get back to my weight before I had kids! I know I can do it, I just have to choose to do it!
I heard on the radio once about a woman who lost over 100 pounds. Along with her exercising she kept her thoughts with God and read the bible for encouragement. Something to seriously think about giving a try! I am already reading the One Year Bible, and now I will just have to do some research to check out the verses that are truly inspiring and encouraging for me. My body is a shell that God has given to me and I am going to start treating it with the love and care that it deserves, both inside and out!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"
1 Corinthians 3:16
More Sugar!
Well, Logan got his chance to taste fresh maple syrup before the weekend even began! Our neighbours down the road, Paula and Joey, have a mini maple syrup operation right on their property. They have about 120 trees that they collect sap from to make the syrup. Joey was in the boiling phase so he invited us over to take a look.
I picked Logan and Joey's kids up from school and we headed to their house to start working. The boys were collecting sap from all the buckets on the maple trees and carrying it back to the garage where all the boiling process is done. They carried a few gallons back and then once the novelty wore off they decided to just play in the snow.
Martin and Mason showed up a little while afterwards to give a helping hand as well. I gathered a couple buckets, but I also had to run after Jacob so I wasn't much of a help with the loads. At least I kept Jakers occupied!
I was informed that the sugaring season can run anywhere from 3-5 weeks depending how early you want to begin and how thawed the trees are. It can take anywhere from 25-80 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of maple syrup! It takes 2-5 hours to boil a large vat of sap depending how thick you want the syrup. We got to taste the sap as well and it actually just tastes and looks like water! The whole process of boiling the sap is to boil off the water so just the sugar remains.
Once all the collecting was complete we stayed in the sugar shack for an impromptu dinner. Paula, on her way home from work, had picked up a couple of pizzas to chow down on. It was so yummy!!!! She bought it at a place in Newport, VT called Hoagies. It was my first time having this pizza and you can be sure that it won't be my last! Although Steve's pizza in town is starting to grow on me, Hoagies wins hands down!
The real treat was the dessert. We made sure to leave the crust of our pizza to soak in the boiling syrup! Yes!!!! They actually dunked the crust into the syrup that was boiling off the water. The sugar gave it a fresh donut taste which was very delicious! Gotta love maple syrup!
Jacob held on tight to two pieces of crust. The one in his right hand was dunked in syrup and the one in his left hand was plain. I think he liked the sweet and salty effect! Paula told me that they even cook the hot dogs in the syrup some nights and steam the buns right over what is being boiled. MMMMMMMM Maybe one night next week we will check that out!
 |
| Maple Trees with their buckets to collect sap |
Well, Logan got his chance to taste fresh maple syrup before the weekend even began! Our neighbours down the road, Paula and Joey, have a mini maple syrup operation right on their property. They have about 120 trees that they collect sap from to make the syrup. Joey was in the boiling phase so he invited us over to take a look.
I picked Logan and Joey's kids up from school and we headed to their house to start working. The boys were collecting sap from all the buckets on the maple trees and carrying it back to the garage where all the boiling process is done. They carried a few gallons back and then once the novelty wore off they decided to just play in the snow.
 |
| Logan and Korey gathering sap |
 |
| dumping the sap |
Martin and Mason showed up a little while afterwards to give a helping hand as well. I gathered a couple buckets, but I also had to run after Jacob so I wasn't much of a help with the loads. At least I kept Jakers occupied!
 |
| Joey pouring the syrup to be boiled one more time |
Once all the collecting was complete we stayed in the sugar shack for an impromptu dinner. Paula, on her way home from work, had picked up a couple of pizzas to chow down on. It was so yummy!!!! She bought it at a place in Newport, VT called Hoagies. It was my first time having this pizza and you can be sure that it won't be my last! Although Steve's pizza in town is starting to grow on me, Hoagies wins hands down!
The real treat was the dessert. We made sure to leave the crust of our pizza to soak in the boiling syrup! Yes!!!! They actually dunked the crust into the syrup that was boiling off the water. The sugar gave it a fresh donut taste which was very delicious! Gotta love maple syrup!
Jacob held on tight to two pieces of crust. The one in his right hand was dunked in syrup and the one in his left hand was plain. I think he liked the sweet and salty effect! Paula told me that they even cook the hot dogs in the syrup some nights and steam the buns right over what is being boiled. MMMMMMMM Maybe one night next week we will check that out!
It was 7:15pm when we actually left the shack. Between being outside and getting warmed up by the fire inside the shack, we had spent 4 hours enjoying syrup and conversation with our neighbours! Thankfully it was wonderful spring like weather so the cold didn't really chill us. Sure beat the snow storm we have been getting all day today!
With all the fresh air and running around the boys slept very well last night. Jacob did wake up at 4 am this morning, but he took a 3 hour nap in the morning and another 1hour nap in the afternoon! That meant I got to work out, have a shower and catch up on some house chores in the morning, then in the afternoon I took a nap too! Woohooo!
Okay now I am ready for the spring to begin!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. - Psalms 33:5
.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)