It's time to see how special you are.
For too long you have been
down playing your gifts,
overlooking your strengths,
and ignoring the obvious.

You are AMAZING!!

Today take a fresh look at
everything you are
and everything you do
and let your self be impressed.

Because you have every reason to be proud of yourself.
And no reason not to be.

Missy and I spent the afternoon before I left to work, creating 62 Hero Candy Ggrams for stephan and his Platoon. Mailing them out on Saturday. I hope they like them.

Inside Each Baggie:
3 Musketeers; to remind you that's you are "Our Hero"
Mounds Bar: to remind you of the mounds of love and support that you have from family and friends.
Mint: because you are worth a mint
Snickers: to remind you to laugh
Hearts: because your family's Hearts swell with pride of your loyal service to Country
Hugs & Kisses Candy: because we love and support you, and are always on your side

This last one was added, because my Son is always telling me how much he is getting "smoked" for someone's comments.
Sucker: to help you keep your mouth shut, and not get "smoked".

I am participaing in an online study group and we are beginning the Women of Faith Series, starting with "Understandng Purpose."

The first chapter discusses understanding your Purpose and attempting to define it in a clear and precise manner, so that you can better understand who, what and where you want to be. So here is the start of my Purpose Statement...... It still needs a few things added and some tweaking. I want to work on the other aspects of my life as well, especially work and personal comittment................

I will be a loving spouse to my husband. I will strive to love him by practicing selfless love, striving to put his needs before my own.

As a parent, I will strive to be loving and accepting. I realize that my kids are different, each possessing different talents and abilities given to them by God, and I will strive to treat them accordingly. I will discipline them with love. I will strive to be a good role model for them.

I made the first card without any embellishments.
And then the second card I added ribbon and a clip.

Hope you like them.

I wish you Enough !

Recently I overheard a Father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the Father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'

The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed.. I wish you enough, too, Dad.'

They kissed and the daughter left. The Father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'.

'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said..

'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'

He began to smile.. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone..' He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good- bye.

He then began to cry and walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.

The winner of 2009's " Ukraine's Got Talent"

This video shows the winner of 2009s " Ukraine's Got Talent", Kseniya Simonova, 24, draws a series of pictures on an illuminated sand table showing how ordinary people were affected by the German invasion during World War II. Her talent, which admittedly is a strange one, is mesmeric to watch.

The images, projected onto a large screen, moved many in the audience to tears and she won the top prize of about $75,000.

She begins by creating a scene showing a couple, sitting holding hands on a bench under a starry sky, but then warplanes appear and the happy scene is obliterated.

It is replaced by a woman's face crying, but then a baby arrives and the woman smiles again. Once again war returns and Miss Simonova throws the sand into chaos from which a young woman's face appears.

She quickly becomes an old widow, her face wrinkled and sad, before the image turns into a monument to an Unknown Soldier.

This outdoor scene becomes framed by a window as if the viewer is looking out on the monument from within a house.

In the final scene, a mother and child appear inside and a man appears standing outside, with his hands pressed against the glass, saying goodbye.

The Great Patriotic War, as it is called in Ukraine , resulted in one in four of the population being killed, with eight to 11 million deaths out of a population of 42 million.

Kseniya Simonova says:

"I find it difficult enough to create art using paper and pencils or paintbrushes, but using sand and fingers is beyond me. The art, especially when the war is used as the subject matter, even brings some audience members to tears. And there's surely no bigger compliment."

Please take time out to see this amazing piece of art.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOhf3OvRXKg&feature=player_embedded

From my friend Roxanne:

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things
were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and
wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as
one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and
placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil... In the first she
placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed
ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word..

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots
out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a
bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her
daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and
noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg
and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter
smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it
mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same
adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in
strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling
water, it softened and became weak... The egg had been fragile. Its thin
outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the
boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were
unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the
water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door
how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain
and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat?
Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial
hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my
shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff
spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the
very circumstance that brings the pain.. When the water gets hot, it releases
the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their
worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate
yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an
egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you
strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they
just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest
future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in
life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.

Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone
around you is crying.

You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to
you (I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life in one way or another;
to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you
see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose
friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

If you don't send it, you will just miss out on the opportunity to brighten
someone's day with this message!

May we all be COFFEE!!!

"I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle.
But if you can't handle me at my worst,
then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

Marilyn Monroe...

Here is the first sketch challenge for Operation Write Home. Feel free to participate and then post a link on their blog. I will be working on mine on Tuesday!!

OWH Blogs site: http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org

On the weekends that I work there never seem to be enough time, to get everything done. You work 12 hours and sleep 8 (hopefully). Gotta figure in personal time and travel time, and the day is gone.

I have so much that I wanted to accomplish this weekend and didn't. I did get to the gym on Saturday for a 90 min workout, did not make it today though. Will make it up tomorrow.

Heard from Stephan, he is settling in and making some good friends. Sounds like he is having a good time, when he is not training to go to Afghanistan. He is actually excited tha Pete and i are going to go see him in Germany. Can't wait.

Michael is working so hard on his first semester at college. he is studying hard and doing very well on his papers. He has a job interview next week with Game Stop. His dream job, if there ever was one.

Missy is fairing better this semester with school, and is trying out Honors Science. She is working hard on staying atop of things.

Pete is studying away. Aced his first anat & phys class test. Had to laugh, I took Micro and A&P at the same time, worked part time and had two toddlers at home. But I am proud of him and how successful he is at school. Hopefully soon we will hear about grad school.

Have a great day everyone.
Blessings to all,
Judianne

And it kicked my butt. Even an hour later, I can still feel my abs engaged. Hopefully this will help to get rid of my muffin top. It was relaxing, lots of stretching, which I don't think I have done in a very long time.

Scene Set up: Very busy Wife/Mom/Employee. who is involved in two weekly card swaps and needed to get the cards in the mail.


Ok, on Tuesday morning, he asks...."Can I do anything for you today?"
"Yes," I reply, "you can mail these cards for me."
"Did you make one for my Grandmother too? She likes receiving mail."
"Yes, there is one for her in there. I appreciate you doing this, It really helps me today."
He takes the bag of cards and wallks out the door.

Today.... I go out to his car, to get his wallet.
Need to use his debit card to pay for plane tickets.
Guess what I found on his seat.

"Honey, I just want to thank you for mailing the cards the other day. It was so helpful. I know it took you out of your way." Kiss on the cheek.
As he grabs his keys, he replies, "Gotta go get gas before we leave, I'll be back in a few."

Now, where do you think he went?

We got our tickets today and will be leaving May 12th to see Stephan in Germany. We are going to be spending 12 days with Stephan before he ships out.

It is so exciting, have not been there in over 20 plus years. Gotta brush up on my German!!

Pete is excited because Stephan is currently serving at one of the bases he did. So we will be getting alot of now and then picture opportunities.

And we get to see my brother Steve and his family. Have not been to his home yet and he has lived there since at least 1978.

Gotta start planning!!!

I spent Monday creating cards for two weekly swap groups that I am in and for a few friends & family members.

Have never used the Mojo Monday sketches before, as they don't have mueasurements and you really got kinda eyeball it. But I made 3 slight variations with ribbons.

I had such a productive day yesterday, and now I am just sittin around and looking at the mess in my craft area. Well, off to clean it in a few. So much to do for some swaps I am in, and of course all do on the 26th. I have a week!!

Need to make 16 card stoday for wo weekly swaps that I am in. Each Mnday we take turns mailing a card to everyone on the list. It's nice, because usually by Friday I have a real live card in my mailbox from someone!! Both groups are related to CTMH; CTMH Big Losers and CTMH Not so secret Sisters. Both groups lift me up so much, it's amazing.

Pete and Michael are home from college today and Missy is at school. Forgot I would not have much quiet time today. Suppose to work tonight, but looks like I might get canceled. we only have 12 beds full.

I now have two followers! Yeah. It makes me feel really great about myself. I am a follower of both of their blogs too.

Off to clean the craft area and then to mess it up again.

What you will need
1.two pieces of the same colored 12X12 Cardstock, cut both to 6x12 (4 pieces)
2.three different types of coordinating Patterned paper
3.You will also need a variety of embellishments
4.some co-coordinating Cardstock
5.ribbon for a closure if you wish or whatever type of closure you choose.

Two pieces of 6x12 pieces of Cardstock:
1. Along the 12 inch side: score it at 2, 4, 8 and 10 inches.
2. along 6 inch edge: 1 cut at 1.5 inches from the both edges, between the 2" score line and the 10 inch score line.

Third piece of 6x12 Card Stock: Cut each into three pieces
1. 4 X 6 inch piece, this is the inside middle
2. 6.25 x 6 inch piece: score it at 4.25 inches - Right side Outside Cover
3. 1.75 x 6 inch piece: Scrap, set it aside

Fourth 6X12 piece: Cut into two pieces
1. 4 x 6 inch piece: this is outside middle (back of album)
2. 6.25 x 6 inch piece: you will score at 2 inches -- Left Outside Cover
3. 1.75 x 6 inch piece: scrap, set it aside


Now lets take the two first pieces we set aside and do the folding.

Using the two 4 x 6 inch middle pieces
1. apply the glue all over the back of this piece
2. apply the inside cover piece on the end piece of side 1 and the first piece of side 2 to join them
3. Make sure to line up the top and bottom and fold in the sides to ensure it is lined up correctly.
4. Adhere the second 4x6 piece to the back, creating a sandwich effect.


Using your 6.25 x 6 inch cover pieces
1. fold on the score line we created and apply the glue to the backside of the 2 inch piece
2. attach to the start and end pieces of the album, at the back,
3. making sure to line up the top and bottom and fold to ensure you have it in the right place.


Now you will decorate the book...

I generally use one paper for the inside covers and the middle inside mats for photos and then I use a different one for the outside covers

To do the Patterned papers, take the size of each panel and take off 0.25 of an inch from the width and the length. This will give you a solid edge around each pattern piece

Then you will decorate your cover with a closure you can use a scrap of Cardstock and embelishments of choice.

You will notice that there may be a slight overlap in the cover "doors" you can either trim this before adding your closure or just close it so the left side is on the top.

I sandwich my ribbon tie underneath this so I can tie it closed.

I am needing a bit of a boost today. Am feeling very lacks-a-daisy-a-cle (spelling??).

I want to make the right choices but having a hard time finding the energy to even care about it.
For some reason, my body is not adjusting to switching back to nights and I am dong nothing but sitting in front of the computer at work and munching.
I know I should be packing some healthy snacks, but I look into the fridge, and all I see is "yuck, Mom, there is nothing any good to eat in here."

I am so in need of an attitude adjustment, have not been able to work out either. Mostly because all I want to do is be avegetable, an not a healthy one either.

So, send up a prayer, and send me a swift kick.
Thanks for your support,
Judianne

Found this card on the Cricut Message Board, isn't it cute.
I now need to purchase this Cricut Cartridge: Forever Young.

Like the bling?



Helping Missy to learn to use the Cricut.
Used Sweet Treats Cartridge.

Weight Wathcers (WW) has started a new 10 week program, called Weight Watcher Weekly.

If you attend a meeting, you will receive an 6-8 page newsletter, to help guide you through the meeting topic, a recipe, small snipets of advice and a column about a new member and her WW journey.

This week's topic was on tracking and how it helps you eat smarter and better. It stated that research shows how an individual can under estimate how much they eat in a day by up to 1,000 calories a day. But those that record their daily input tend to eat less.

I find that tracking benefits me in alot of ways.
1) it helps me to make wiser choices on food,
2) helps me to track what times of day I am hungriest
3) is a reference. I can repeat a successful week, when needed, or stay away from weeks that didn't.

Because I work the night shift. I have chosen to track from midnight to midnight. It makes things easier for me. As I have noticed that I tend to eat more between 2am-4am, when we ahve down time at work.

Tracking Tools I use:
1) etools
2) I have a 2 page daily planner: one side is my schedule, the other I track my Pts for activities and food
3) WW pedometer - it keeps track of my walking and how many pts I have earned.
4) My blog to publically track my journey.

Support Tools I use:
1) WW measuring spoons - though I would like shorter handles, they are decorative enough to use as serving spoons.
2) food scale - it is supervising how much a potato actually weights. I like my WW digital scale as it also tells me how many points each item is.
3) Prepackaged snacks and servings. It helps me grab a quick bite within my point limit.
4) Cookbooks: Love my WW "Comfort Foods" and "Now and later" cookbooks. Family does not even realize they are eating healthy. The mac & cheese is their favorite.

Recipe for this week: Am going to try it one night this next week, but maybe add some high fiber noodles too.

I found a video on how to create the back pack!!! Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYjMeGj95xU
Also, here is a link to her template!! http://www.stamphappens.com/stamp_happens/instructions/

Author Unknown, but I think it is cute....

Twas the month before Christmas
and what lies ahead?
three weeks of parties,
the baking I dread

The cookies. The shortbread.
fondue with great dippings
the fruitcake is yucky
but nuts make great pickings

When children are nestled
all snug in their bed
the pantry starts calling
treats dance in my head

Pound cake seems light.
I'll check it, I mutter
300+ fat grams
in one pound of butter?

TV ads peddle
the grandest new toys
my daughter wants earings
new sleds for my boys

Away to the mall
I fly like a flash
through food courts enroute
to machines for more cash

The budget is tight now
I'll pass on my meeting
but how can I make it
all week without cheating?

The shopping and wrapping
I really don't mind
but that leaves less time
to plan and unwind

When what to my wondering
eyes should appear
my neighbors have strung out
their lights for the year

Two weeks till Christmas
my house is still plain
I wanted to journal
not trim in the rain

Each day I start with the
best of intentions
but fast food wins out
I've got water retention!

The parties are coming
at least two a week
buffets and hors deuvres
my weight loss looks bleak

One little cookie,
than two, three and four
now that I've blown it
I'll just eat some more

Those people who weigh me
are just but a dream
and my leader, her name
escapes me it seems

It's just not the time
to try this solution
I'll wait till the New Year
-- a fresh resolution

An order on-line
I sit down to send
when I find in my e-mail
a note from a friend

She's lost two more pounds
she's written to tell
she missed me at weigh in
and hopes that I'm well

She says that I've helped her
so often it seems
when she wasn't feeling
like she'd reach her dream

She knows I've been busy
but wanted to say
my health was more crucial
than this holiday

I sit and remember
how far I have come
thirty pounds, thunder thighs
flabby arms, half my bum!

With firm resolution
I journal my day
grab my keys, leave a note
and head on my way

I speak not a word
but go straight to the gym
I'll no longer skip it
nor eat on a whim

The air seems much clearer
my world is alright
I'll get through the season
I'll finish this fight

And I think to myself
as I go to bed sighing
I'll stop losing weight
the day I stop trying.

I began WW in January of 2008 at 220 lbs, with a goal of 155. Which would put me at a BMI of 25%. Just sitting on the fence of being healthy vs over wieght, but my Doc thought that was a good goal to start with.

I continued with the program until I reach 180 pounds, and then I just fizzled out. No interest, no energy. Working alot of hours, and trying to take care of everyone but myself. I looked better but was still overweight and not really happy with how I looked, but didn't really care enough to continue to make the changes needed.

On April 9, 2009: I got on the scale at the Doc's office, I was at 180.5 pounds, in 7 months, I had only gained 0.5 pounds. But I looked like I weighed alot more. I also felt older and dragged out. So I made a promise to myself, to dedicate at least an hour a day to myself. Though I have to work hard at learning to say "no", I am a much happier person.

Today, I weighed in at 155 pounds. And have been sitting at this weight since Sept. I have not made much effort towards losing more, but have worked on maintaining, my first goal weight of 155 pounds, through the holidays. I didn't want to stress myself out, or deprive myself too much. I was afraid that I would become frustrated and lose sight of my goals.

25 pounds lost since I restarted in April 2009, and a total of 65 pounds since I orignally began in January of 2008.

I feel better about myself and I think my family is benefiting from me taking the time to be nice to myself.

As I set forth into the New Year, I am gong to strive towards my final weight loss goal of those last 25 pounds. I have to remember it took me 21 years to put it on, it is not going to come off over night and without some challenges.

So I want to thank everyone in advance for your support and patience with me. And if I whine to much, please reach through your computer and slap me.

Prayers and positive thoughts to everyone,
Judianne

Preparing Myself:
Good plans shape good decisions. ANd a good plan starts with goals and an action plan. I have decided what I wanted to accomplish, and now I need to develope my action plan. My goals are specific, realistic and attainable. Now I need to develope some short term goals to help me reach my long term goals. I need to begin, be flexible, in case something doesn't work and might need to be adjusted to benefit the process of achieving my goal. "Expect the unexpected." Recognize areas of difficulty and prepare a plan t work through those obstacles.

Ask for Help:
I need to surround myself with supportive people & the tools to encourage success. Assertively ask for assistance, as I need it. Speak up. When I make an effort to ask for what I need, I will be more actively thinking about achieving.
(tough one for me, I usually give help, not ask for it)

Managing my thoughts:
Positive Thinking causes positive results. Reflect on what I can do, praise myself for what I have done.

Manage My Feelings:
Working through my emotions without over eating or over reacting. Make myself aware of the feelngs that trigger these reactions. Discover healthy ways to handle emotions.

Take care of myself:I deserve some attention too. I need to value myself more and my personal needs more. Make time to do the things that I enjoy. I need to learn to say "no" and to not feel guilty about it. (Though there are a few people I can never say "no" to.)
When I make a habit of taking care of myself, I will feel empowered and rejueninaed. My goals will become more important to me as an individual.

Managing My Environment:
Surrounding myself with means and motivation to be successful. Minimize the "triggers", and minimize the temptations to stray.

Monitoring Myself:
Awareness works and can motivate me to suceed. Keep track of what I am eatng and doing. This will help me rein myself in, when I get off track. It will help me to sense patterns and triggers Help me to be prepared. Success is the sum of small parts, repeated daily.

Learn from Experience:
Mine and others; past, present and future. When I recognize what works and what doesn't, I can move forward accordingly. Recognizing my "failures", as feedback and understand the benefit that they have to offer. Make adjustments as needed. Don't be afraid to start again. Learn from the past, it empowers us to make better decisions in the present. Be aware that every experience is valuable, when we are able to pt them into cntext. Understand the behaviors that encourage me towards my goals and helps to create a confidence that reinforces your progress and success. When I evaluate my past, I empower myself to repeat the success and avoid the obstacles.

1) Weight Goal of 130 pounds.
That is within my Body Mass Index (BMI)and would place me at the weight I was when I got married, 21 plus years ago.

2) Increase and maintain an exercise routine or program, at least 3-4 times/week.
This will improve my physical health, mental health and encourage weight loss & maintenance.

3)Add More Fun.
a) Attend one activity of choice each week, either alone or with someone else.
b) Will work on my crafts at least 5 hours a week.

4) Improve Relationship with Family
a) Pete: Date night, at least once a week. Encourage & support his goal of Grad School
b) Stephan: Write a letter at least once a week, package once a month.
c) Michael: Assist with college classes and finding a job
d) Melissa: Work on having more patience

5) Take time for myself

6) Be still and listen.

7) Study towards Critical Care Nurse Certification (2 year process)

8) Take Action, have an adventure, face a fear, seize a moment, and reach beyond the immediate.

I am very excited about this new year and all of the opportunities that I can participate in. Over the next few days, I will be creating my Goals for 2010. Trying to keep it simple, so that I am able to enjoy my achievements, not stress to much and make it realistic to achieve.

So more in a day or two Hope everyone is having a great day.