Well, Fall is in the air.  Temps are going into the low 40s at night and upper 60s during the day and I'm ready for that.


Today I realized that my weekend is a wee bit busier than previously thought.  I have Tom home sick with a bad cold or a sinus infection so I'm having to run some errands to help him out.  We also have a church wide yard sale in the morning. I don't have to be there per se but do need to put in an appearance.


Today we had co-op and that was fun.  I agreed to go early and help with sign ins every other week so we had to be there 20 minutes early.  You should have heard my teens whine, lol.  They got up with a cheerful attitude, though, and were glad they got there to learn a bit and hang out with their friends.


Not much else going on here.  I got some dinner for the kids and am looking forward to doing a nice, stretchy yoga practice and then relaxing for the evening.


Today's workout:  I wanted something quick and efficient that hit the upper body well in about 30 minutes since I had to be at co-op early. I did Karen Voight's Slim Toning on a Ball. I love how well it works the core since you use the stability ball and it didn't hit my glutes too much. After my Wednesday and Thursday workouts that hit the lower body big time my rear end is SORE, lol.  And, I had to climb up and down three flights of stairs about a million times at co-op today, ouchie!!

Tom will be home around dinner and I'm so excited!  Tyler has soccer tonight and we have Homeschool Co-op tomorrow and then it's the weekend with no plans!  After the busy week and weekend we have had I'm so excited. Oh, we do have Ty's soccer game on Saturday but that's it.  Aaah.....what will I do with free "Cheri" time??????


Today we spent time working in Tyler's Astronomy book for his class tomorrow.  He is studying the sun, light waves and lengths, eclipses, etc.  And I love that the book incorporates Scripture in it when appropriate.  It's a lovely blend of traditional science and God's word and it doesn't "demand" that you believe a certain way but that you think biblically about all of life.  I just love that.


We also finished up our regular, written work and Maddie and Tyler asked if they could chose topics for a book report.  Maddie is going to take on a big project, reading Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility (her choice entirely) and Tyler is going to read and report on A Tale of Two Cities  by Charles Dickens (Great Illustrated Classics edition).  And they ARE great, I love all the "classic" books the kids have read since they were 8 using these marvelous books.  


Today's workout:  Tracie Long Better Burn, Better Body, which I always call BBBB.  It's a mix of medicine ball and athletic sports drill cardio, standing, unweighted lower body work (often using a rag on the floor~now that's a burner) and abdominal work. Plus, a lovely stretch at the end.  Tonight I'm doing Rodney Yee's AMYFYW, Back Bends.

I see I forgot to post yesterday.  Hmm, it's not like I was super busy either!  


The last two days we've been talking a lot about living out what you believe.  Do you believe in Jesus?  You don't need to fear the future (brought on by catastrophic predictions about the future of the universe). Do you believe in Jesus?  Then, should you tell the truth even if it costs you(brought on by an article about Bruce Pearl, the former Tennessee basketball coach, and his staff).  Do you believe in Jesus?  Then how should we treat people we don't agree with, who hurt us(brought on by a discussion of Eric The Red, a Viking known for his retaliatory actions).  It's amazing how God permeates all of history, it's truly His Story.


We had a good laugh today when discussing Astronomy. The astronomers on a certain NOVA show were talking about how amazing it was when they realized that everything in the universe started at one point in time.  Umm, the Bible said that long before!  How amazing it is that DNA suggests we all descended from the same woman.  Umm, the Bible said too!  Truly amazing, huh??


We've also been studying creativity and writing this week. Tyler and Maddie have been taking stories that were begun for them and finishing them.  For example, Maddie had to write a story about what happened to the missing red stripes on the candy cane.  Tyler is studying syntax and grammar, totally into it~and totally his idea!  Wes had to write everything that popped into his head in 1 minute and then tie them together the best he could into a short story. No hard task, most of his thoughts were about food, LOL. That's my 15 year old eating machine for you.


Tonight we have Church Dinner and Program and we just got back from Piano.  I pray you all have a wonderful day in the Lord as we have and never forget~He is in all, Through All, Over All, Above All and IS ALL.  Now THAT is good news!!


Yesterday's workout:  Jessica Smith's 10 Pounds Down Weigthloss Cardio Mix; PM~Dog Walk and AM Yoga for Your Week, Forward Bends.  Forward Bends do a great job working the kinks out of your back and it felt great.


Today's workout:  Tracie Long Leaning Out~mostly weights, with a short cardio section.

The weekend was busy but a lot of fun. We got Tyler off to scouts early on Saturday a.m.  I stopped and got a cup of coffee and still came home and fell asleep for 30 minutes!  Oh well, it felt good.  I got my workout in and ran an errand and then Wes and I watched a bit of football that afternoon and I did some cleaning~dusting, etc.


That night we had a game night at church.  That was a lot of fun.  I played Mexican Train Dominos with some folks and had a good time.  I'd never played before but it was easy to catch on~at least to the "church rules" they play by!


Wes and I came home at 8pm to watch the LSU Tigers play football.  Maddie wanted to stay so I asked a couple that lives two streets over to drop her off.  Well, about 9:30 she came in with two whole pizzas, tortilla chips and spinach dip, several 2 liters of soft drinks, several pieces of fried chicken and some whipped cream.  LOL, weird assortment, but everyone piled the stuff they didn't want to take home on Maddie, who of course loved it.


Sunday we went to church and that afternoon picked up a tired but happy Tyler. Tom got home about 6 pm.  Today he's getting ready to head back to Atlanta for a three day conference, and will be home again Thursday in time for dinner.


I pray you all had a wonderful weekend, complete with time to worship.  After all, worship is the true air of life for every Christian~and it just makes things better, doesn't it?


Saturday's workout:  Denise Austin Sculpt and Burn Body Blitz:  Warmup, Kickboxing, Athletic Cardio; Karen Voight Sweat Effect (cardio, lower body, abs, stretch).


Today's workout:  Karen Voight Strength Effect


What I'm reading:  Death in a Difficult Position by Diana Killian.  I've read all the books in this yoga mystery series and really enjoy them. They're light, fun, easy reading.  Here's an amazon link (although I got mine from our library).  http://www.amazon.com/Difficult-Position-Mantra-Murder-Mystery/dp/0425243818/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1317074175&sr=8-5

What a difference 24 hours makes. I went to bed early and slept well.  Tom and I had a quick "date" for coffee at McDonald's before co-op this morning.  I even got up early enough to get my workout in before leaving for coffee!


Co-op was GREAT.  I think there are nearly 150 kids now from 45ish families, including 25 in the Middle and High School group. Their classes are fun, enrichment type activities.  Tyler's 3rd thorough 5th grade group is studying Astronomy, Brain Games, PE, and Legos.  My older two are studying Current Events, Board Games, Shakespeare, and PE.  I wish my classes at school had been that much fun!  But it's great because they work so hard at home it's fun to get together with friends.  And I enjoy hanging out with other like-minded moms too.


After a quick nap(the secret to my success many days, along with a morning cup of caffeine) I ran some things back to the library, went by Walmart for a couple of food items for the weekend, and spent time browsing at a consignment store.  Lots of nice clothing, no bargains this time.


Now the kids are kicking back eating pizza and watching Jack Black in Gulliver's Travels.  Then we'll pack Ty's stuff in the car so he'll be ready to hop in and leave for his overnight camping trip at 6:45~eek!


Thanks be to God for the grace he gives.  For my husband, kids, cats, and dogs.  For friends, family, coffee, dark chocolate, hugs, and answered prayers.  He truly is so good to me.


Today's workout:  Amy Dixon Give Me 10 More Upper Body Sculpt and Tracie Long Focus Lift Higher (lower body).

You know the verses from Romans. What I don't want to do I do and the very thing I want to do I don't do?  It sounds like an exercise in rhetoric but I unfortunately identify with Paul on this one all too much.  Especially today.


Tom is leaving tomorrow and will be gone all weekend until Sunday evening at Rock Eagle United Methodist Men's retreat.  Tyler has a camp out Saturday through Sunday and we spent part of the day shopping for all the items he has to take for his pack to do cooking. We're also looking at his list of things to pack, Astronomy lists for things he needs for Co-op tomorrow, etc.  And, Ty's been easily distracted today. I think the all day rain fest has had something to do with us all being a bit off~we just wanted top get out.


So, I maintained my cool okay until Tom came home and began asking some questions. They were innocent but I took them wrong, due to all the stress I'm facing~most of it of my own doing.  None of this has to be perfect.  None of it has to be done all by me.  I need to learn the art of delegating and, gasp, asking for help.  And, getting more sleep~this week that's been in short supply for various reasons (mostly allergies keeping me up).  


I guess it's good for kids to see their parents sin and then have to ask for forgiveness.  They know that it's okay to blow it, offer and receive grace, and still be a part of a family. And that's the most important lesson we learned in the McElroy homeschooling  family today!!


Today's workout:  Leslie Sansone's 5 Really Big Miles~Miles 1, 3, 5 and Cool down and stretch.


Oh and P.S.  Mom's other solution to feeling a bit stressed and down?  Chocolate.  Yep, I ate a brownie, part of a cupcake and a bite of Wes' candy bar.  YIKES that's not my normal fare. But some days chocolate makes things better, LOL.

Well, after I went to sleep at 8:30 last night and slept until 6:30 I definitely felt better!  My allergies are still bugging me a bit but it's drying out now and that will help.  But, it's gotten really hot again~at least 83 and sunny feels really hot after the low 70s we've been having.


Today was a busy day.  I met a friend from church for lunch~can you say Mexican???  Yummy.  Then I took Maddie and Tyler to piano. While they were practicing I worked on our budget for a bit. Tom and I are neither one great at that but I said I'd take a first stab at it.  My secret weapon is my dad, whom I called and asked a few questions of this afternoon.


After that we stopped by the bread store and then I dropped the kids off while I made a Walmart run.  I then squeezed in a 20 minute hip opening yoga practice and in 15 minutes we're off for church program and dinner.  Whew~I'm glad I don't have to cook tonight.


The kids and I ended up doing some of Tyler's Astronomy reading and lesson together this morning.  It was funny to let Wes be the sun, I was the earth revolving and rotating around Wes, and Tyler was the moon, revolving around me and being sure I only ever saw the same front side of him.  I bet if it had been videotaped it would have brought some laughs.


Today's workout:  Amy Dixon Give Me 10 More Lower Body(not your same ole' lower body stuff and I felt it in only 12 minutes) and then KV Slim Toning on a Ball. Love that one.  I also walked Tucker for a mile and did Rodney Yee's AM Yoga for your Week, Hip Openers.


Oh and P.S. I ran to the store for Tom yesterday and got the things he decided to cook for dinner.  The kids LOVED it.  It was a strange combo to me but everyone was happy. Eggs, Pancakes, Mixed Veggies and Hamburgers, LOL!!!

God is definitely good because we've gotten some rain today. Not a lot but enough to wet the ground and we've needed it. But, rain, shine, or anything else, I'm realizing more and more that God is good all the time.


Today was a strange day.  Once again I didn't sleep well~doggie stuff and I'm just struggling with allergies.  The weather information on the Internet tells me pollen, specifically weed, is high in my area. Well, duh, I'm a personal ragweed/Goldenrod monitor.  When it's high my throat is itchy and I sneeze, etc.  Yuck.


So, I slept in until about 7:30 and then got the kids up about 8 and we got going.  They've been doing some major deep cleaning with me and then I let them have one of their favorite types of days:  GO LEARN SOMETHING and share it with me.  Well, they've been studying so many things it would make your head spin.  Maddie loves these days because she sneaks in more art. Ty sneaks in more reading. And Wes, of course, sneaks in more Astronomy!


Tonight I have United Methodist Women dinner and meeting and Tom is in charge of the kids' dinner.  Wonder if Kroger Rotisserie Chicken is on the menu???


Today's Workout:  Jessica Smith's 10 Pounds Down Weightloss Cardio Mix.  Fun mix of kickboxing, athletic and dance inspired cardio~fun new mixes. There was also a total body toning segment that in 12 minutes hit the inner thighs, glutes and triceps using body weight exercises.  The ab section was tough and hit the inner thighs at the same time.  The stretch at the end was thorough and nice.  A friend sent it to me to try and I definitely give it a big thumbs up!

Okay, if it's going to be gray and overcast why can't it go ahead and rain?  Heaven knows we need it!  But the good news is that it's keeping the heat down and it's a lovely 74 degrees right now.


Tom and I both overslept and it made us a tad grumpy.  We had a long night last night with one or both of us getting up every hour or so.  Ugh.  The good news is that some caffeine and exercise helped our dispositions!!


The kids began working on school things today and generally cleaning up the house. We tend to let some chores slide over the weekend and Mondays are catch-up days.  Hopefully we'll get to some more fun types of projects tomorrow.


Tonight Wes and Tyler have Scouts.  I ran out and got Dog and Cat Food and a couple of other staples so hopefully I'll be able to drop Wes off at scouts and come home and read a bit.  


Today's workout:  Karen Voight Strength Effect; Doggie Walk

My post from Friday has taught me humility.  Never brag before the final score, lol.  I even wrote my post in red for the Louisville Cardinals.  Don't like them, never will, but they deserved the game.


I'm doing some planning for this week of school and hoping things are a bit calmer this week.  We had a lovely time at worship today and I pray you all did as well.  "See" you tomorrow!

In honor of the Kentucky and Louisville football game tomorrow, LOL.  I know it's not technically a football picture but I couldn't resist.


We had our first class of Astronomy today at co-op. Tyler loved it.  I don't have teaching or assisting duties this eight week period so I hung out for an hour or so helping set up other things.  Then we had our orientation.  I can't believe how we've grown. We had about 28 families in the spring and now have 44. The exciting thing is that we have a lot more middle and high school kids, boys and girls, which is great for Maddie and Wes.


After that was done we did some math, chores, etc. My kitchen floor is mopped and Ty cleaned the kids' bathroom, which was really needed.  They got that done without much fussing because they wanted to go out and swing on the new hammock type swing Tom had set up for them.


Tyler has been working on a duty roster for his camping trip next weekend since he was voted Assistant Patrol leader for the trip. He also has a camp out tonight through tomorrow evening as well.  He's also very excited that he's finally old enough to go on the camping trips without a parent.


As I look back on a hectic week that seemed to fly by in a blur, I am grateful to the Father who has provided all things we need.  As Wes has encouraged us all to study Astronomy and look into a telescope with him, we've all been looking up more, literally and spiritually.  The vastness of the sky reminds me how secure I am in the hands of a Father, who has an entire cosmos in his hands and still cares about the concerns, joys, and daily events of this homeschooling mom of three.  And that, my friends, is a cause for celebration.


Today's workout:  Karen Voight Slim Toning on a Ball; Denise Austin 5 Minute Target Toners:  Hips and Inner Thighs.  One thing I love about my workouts is that the more I get used to them, the harder the seem to become.  This is especially true of Karen's workouts on a foam roller or a stability ball (this one uses a ball). It has a learning curve but that's half of the fun to me!

This is the closest thing I can find to the color of the sky most of the day. The good news is that it only hit about 79 since it's overcast.


Today was interesting since I had a crazy night last night.   I got up at 1 am to let Penny go out~we all forgot to take her before we went to bed~oops.  Then I heard something at 1:30 am and I'd left the computer on and Ty was up playing a game. When he saw me standing there he jumped up with the look on his face as if to say, "I just got nabbed."  I told him very quietly that he was in trouble and he said, "Yeah, I bet!"  By then I couldn't sleep and was up until 3:30. Then a little after 6 the dogs wanted out, lol.  Oh well.  I took a cat nap around 10:30 after starting some school stuff with the kids.  I do have wonderful kids, by the way, who will let their momma have a nap.


This afternoon we went to the library. Wes found an entertaining book about why Pluto was "demoted" as a planet.  Tyler got an audio book and a Goosebumps book. That would be fine if the crazy book didn't scream every time you opened the cover~it's driving us nuts, lol. Mary Madison chose books on Ancient Greece and sea critters.  


Tonight Ty starts soccer practice and we have our co-op orientation/Tyler's first Astronomy class in the morning. It should be fun.


Today's workout: Karen Voight Sweat Effect. 35 minutes of lower impact cardio that is kickboxing focused.  It then ends with 15 minutes of very targeted floorwork for the glutes (a huge ouchie) and the abs, using a foam roller. Then a lovely stretch.  I really need to get yoga and foam rolling in tonight, I've not done much of it this week.


What I'm reading:  Tim Tebow, Through My Eyes.  ( http://www.amazon.com/Through-My-Eyes-Tim-Tebow/dp/0062007289/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316121242&sr=8-1). I got this from the library and it just came in today.  I'm not a Florida Gator fan but am a huge college football fan. And everyone who knows me knows this fact:  I LOVES me some Tim Tebow!  He was homeschooled for a bit, his parents are/were missionaries, and his   faith simply shines through.  I could care less whether or not he ever takes another snap as an NFL Quarterback, he's just a stand-up young man and I'm excited to read the book.

Today ended up being so hectic we were lucky to finish regular school work.  Wes had a broken bracket on his back top teeth and we had to take him in to get it fixed.  The good news is that they just left it off, saying he didn't need it anymore.  


Wes had accumulated enough "wooden nickels" at the orthodontist to get a Chick Fil A card so I drove him there after the appointment and he got a spicy chicken sandwich.  I had a small bowl of chicken soup and then came home and ate some fruit with it.  


This afternoon Tom took Maddie and Tyler to piano so I could run an errand to CVS and do the grocery shopping.  Not my favorite task, but it feels good to get the big trip out of the way for the week.


By that time it was 4pm and I was in need of a treat.  So, I used the last money I had on a Starbucks card to get an iced coffee, decaf, with non-fat milk and two pumps of Pumpkin Spice.  That, my friends, is heavenly.


Tonight we have church dinner and program. The people at church are trying to get me to start singing in the choir but frankly, I don't want to be at church each Wednesday from 6-8:30.  I have scout obligations on Mondays, Ty's soccer practices on Thursdays, Co-op starting on Friday mornings, and soccer games on Saturday.  I may tell them that once soccer season is over in November will just be a better time for me.  I have to find some time to do my yoga and prepare for our school days!!


Today's workout:  Karen Voight Complete Sleek II.  50 minutes broken down as follows:  Cardio , 20 minutes; Weight Training, 20 minutes; pilates/yoga blend and stretch, 15 minutes.  The problem with going through my older workouts is that I'm not finding enough to get rid of, lol.  

Sometimes I think that I live in the loudest house in America.  Tucker and Penny love to play by barking loudly at one another and my kids think they should all speak at the same time.  Okay, usually it's not terrible but today has just been a LOUD day.


Tyler got his Astronomy book for his Studying God's Creation through Astronomy class he's going to take at co-op this year.  Their first class is this Friday, during co-op orientation.  I love the book.  It's based on Charlotte Mason methods of notebooking, narration, and experiments. And, the text is written directly to the student and is interesting.  Both of the older children wan to read it too. They will be doing some notebooking and the experiments together at co-op, which should be fun.


We also spent time talking about Nature Journaling and John Muir.  Tyler read his history lesson about Japanese Samurai so we can begin reading and doing some fun work with that tomorrow.  


I asked Wes to write a paragraph for me to check on spelling, punctuation, etc.  I told him he could write on any topic he chose.  Well, he chose CHOCOLATE and it just made me laugh. But, he did a good job with it.


Maddie continues to work in her general science book and is really enjoying her pre-Algebra. What a blessing that is since she was so math-phobic for so many years.


No other big notes of interest from the McElroy homeschool today.  I did make chore charts for the kids to tic off as they do their weekly chores.  Let's see if that stops some of the "Oh Sorry, Mom, I forgot" choruses I hear from a couple of them. 


Today's workout:  Petra Kolber Bootcamp Boogie.  One hour of cardio alternating bootcamp style work (mostly kickboxing), dance inspired work, and 45 seconds of intervals.  Very fun.  I  plan to do some Rodney Yee yoga tonight too.

Okay, so my goal is to get Maddie and Tyler to take more pictures of things we do during the school day. That way I can post them here in the blog for everyone to see, which might make things more fun.  


Today we checked out Everything Homeschooling for the week and it's ALL about Nature Journaling.  Maddie and Tyler were very excited and did some leaf rubbings, bark rubbings, and classification of trees in our front yard.  Wes thinks he can't draw but did say he'll incorporate this with his telescope work and see about drawing some constellations.


Speaking of Wes, he got this GREAT telescope at my mother and father in laws.  Man, it's really powerful.  He set it up the other night and I couldn't believe the things we were seeing on the surface of the moon~craters, rocky patches, etc.  It was so neat and just reminded us all of how awesome God is!!!


I also spent time working with Tyler on long division. He's slowly getting there but just HATES it. Well, so did the other two. It's definitely a process and I'm looking forward to that big "AHA" moment with him that I had with Maddie and Wes.


Tom has a meeting tonight and Tyler has scouts so it's off to the races.  I pray God's blessing on each person reading about our journey today.


Today's workout:  I am trying desperately to cycle through old DVDs and see what I want to keep. Today I did a strength training workout with Karen Voight from 2006.  It's called Strength Effect and I loved it. It has a dynamic warmup, 5 minutes of cardio to increase circulation and calorie burn, and the body of the workout uses a foam roller to increase the core work and balance challenge.  I'll definitely be pulling it out again soon.


I also walked Tucker about 8 am when it was 60 degrees.  I'm so glad I did, it's about 87 now!

I just haven't felt like writing much, I don't know why.  But I did want to say that I pray everyone has had a wonderful weekend in the Lord and is comforted in all the memories this weekend has brought up~since we know the true end of the story.


Workouts:  Friday  I did two Denise Austin workouts to provide cardio and weight training.  3 Week Bootcamp had a nice kettlebell inspired workout and then I did Quick Cardio Burn the Cardio Sculpting and Stretch sections.


Saturday I did 1 mile with Leslie Sansone from Walk it Off and Tone it Up and then 30 minutes of low impact with Karen Voight's Calorie Burn.  I finished it off with a flexibility and relaxation section of 10 Minute Solution Yoga.

Somehow I forgot to post yesterday.  We were busy with the usual school things and Wes and I did some extra grammar lessons online.  We also had our first Wednesday night dinner at church after taking the summer off.


Today we did the usual round of school and then Maddie and Wes chose some American History lessons to do online. They studied about the early Alaskan peoples, the War of 1812, and the first people at Plymouth colony.


Wes has spent time talking to us about astronomy and watching old episodes of The Universe online from the History Channel every chance he gets.  Tyler has still been designing things with his Legos and Maddie has been designing jewelry.  Who says cooler, rainy weather isn't good for kids' inspirations?


Workouts:  Yesterday was Denise Austin Shrink the Fat Zones Pilates Upper Body and Molly Fox Skinny Jeans Conditioning with Weights; Today was cardio so I did Denise Austin's Sculpt and Burn Body Blitz and will do a 20 minute section of Rodney Yee's AM Yoga for your Week tonight.

I suddenly realized that the picture of Wes, Ty and I on the boat cut Tyler off when I downloaded it. Well, how about this as a good picture of Ty~eating his chicken, lol.  And, of course I had to put Tom in there.  He specifically wanted to eat at this restaurant in South Carolina, right across the border from the lake house in Toccoa.  They claim their chicken is "broasted", whatever that is.  I'm not a fried chicken fan but theirs is always really hot and really good. The skin isn't greasy, etc.  I always remove my skin but do admit to having a bite or two of theirs.  The next time I post a picture of Tom it needs to be flattering, lol. I need to get some from his 50th birthday on here soon.


Today it rained all day again, but it had slowed to a drizzle. I think our high was about 64 degrees~crazy when Saturday it was 97. I thoroughly enjoyed the change.  


Tom took his car to be fixed by our wonderful Christian, go-to guy/mechanic extraordinaire, Eddie.  Well, he already has it fixed and ready to go, thank goodness.  Tom had my car most of the day so we hung out here getting our work done and settling back into routine after a long weekend.  


Tyler has been into YouTube and has been making some movies/videos to post there~how to create Lego creations, Lego battles, etc.  Maddie spent a good part of the day after finishing her work reading a book and Wes has been checking out some astronomy sites, his latest passion.


Right now the boys are watching something I taped on PBS for them about old amusement park rides~Coney Island anyone?  They're fascinated by all the wooden coasters and how they were built without computers!!


Today's workout:  Gin Miller's Ramping Up Cardio (50 minutes); tonight will be Molly Fox' Skinny Jeans Deep Yoga Flow.


What I'm reading:  I've been neglecting this. Right now I'm reading this great book by Linda Dillow, Calm My Anxious Heart (http://www.amazon.com/Calm-My-Anxious-Heart-Contentment/dp/1600061419/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1315344045&sr=8-4)  I've had it for years and am re-reading it since I tend to be an anxious/worrywart kind of a gal. (Mom and Dad stop laughing and saying that's an  understatement)!  Thorough the grace of God, I've come a long, long way, and all the praise goes to him for SURE!  I'm also wanting to read Satisfy My Soul:  For I am Thirsty for Your Presence soon too.


I'm also reading through one of Leslie Sansone's books again.  I've been reading a Fitness devotional each evening lately as we all need the encouragement to find the balance of healthy living to honor God with our bodies as temples of his Holy Spirit.  Here's a link to this one, which also comes with a DVD.  Again, I've had it for several years.(http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Walk-DVD-Getting-Faith/dp/0446581046/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315344369&sr=1-1)

Okay, a few more pictures as promised.  The first one is tubing on Lake Hartwell, which the kids loved.  Next is my honey driving the boat and he will KILL me for posting the picture of him without a shirt and a shave, LOL.  Maddie in her bedroom because I couldn't find any pictures loaded yet of her from vaca.  Finally, Tom and I in Maggie Valley. We're in those really weird poses because each of  us was holding a dog on a leash and trying to keep them from dragging us off from the camera!


Tom and the kids are on the way home BUT it's pouring rain so they're having to drive slowly.  I'm praying for them to get home safe and sound soon.


This morning I didn't sleep in that much since the doggies wanted to go out and eat about 7am.  It poured overnight and most of the day, praise God, we so need the rain.  


After my exercise, I ate lunch and decided to get out of the house. I left my umbrella in my car so I found a short sleeve shirt with a hood and got my Bible/Bible Study book and walked to Captain D's. It's seriously about three minutes walk tops and the rain was not bad at that time (unlike the downpour that's going on now).  I bought a Diet Coke and had a lovely time reading and writing.


When I got home I discovered I'd made a strategic error.  I'd left one of my yoga mats out for Tucker to sleep on~he was snoozing on it when I left.  Umm, Cheri, he's a 7 month old pup. You guessed it, there was a small hole chewed in the middle of it.  Oh well, I was going to purchase another one at Ross soon anyway because I need a double thick one.  I have one double thick and love it and need another one since I put them under my puzzle mats to hold them in place when I do cardio.  Since one is double thick and one isn't I notice the difference when working out and it's a little strange to feel like the floor is uneven.


Praying that you are having a safe Labor Day.  I'm kicking back and watching my fave baseball team, the Cincy Reds, play.  I never get to see them but since they are in Chicago it's being shown on WGN, which we get on our TV.  


Today's workout:  Karen Voight Slim Toning on a Ball (30 minute weight workout using a stability ball)~love, love this workout. It hits the upper body and core so well.  Since it's light on lower body I tacked on 20 minutes of 10 Minute Solution Pilates for Beginners, Lower Body and Flexibility Segments.

These are some vacation pictures I've promised for a month.  The first is of poor Tucker dressed in a Harry Potter shirt. Next up is the wonderful lake house we stayed in~weren't we blessed??  The third is on a boat ride as the sun set.  The scenery was gorgeous but I think Wes was telling Tyler and I a tall tale we refused to believe!!  Finally there is Penny up on the seat of the boat, enjoying the feel of the wind in her fur, lol.  I'll try to post a few more tomorrow including Tom and Maddie, although they were usually behind the camera.


It's Sunday.  I got to worship with the body of Christ.  My son Wes is feeling a wee bit better and got to go to the reunion.  It has rained steadily all afternoon.  I have a wonderful husband and three terrific kids who make life an adventure.  Add to the mix three cats and two dogs who keep me from being lazy.  And, above all, a Savior.  Who looks into my eyes, knows everything about me, and is crazy about me.  I am truly blessed.


I pray you are counting your blessings this Sunday and all holiday weekend.

Last night I got a call about 10:30 to come pick up Tom and Wes at church as Tom's car had quit working.  So much for the new battery being all that was wrong.  So, he will take the kids in my little car tomorrow to the family reunion while I stay home with the dogs since we don't have dog sitters and they won't fit in the car.  Don't tell a soul that I'm actually looking forward to a few hours alone~I enjoy that so much and it totally recharges my batteries.


Wes seems to be fighting a cold~he may be remaining behind depending on how he is feeling. While Tom took Tyler to get a hair cut and run errands, Wes and I walked to Zaxby's for a drink and then spent some time watching football. Wes actually slept for about an hour, totally unlike him.  I think he's just gearing up to watch his favorite football team, the LSU Tigers, play football tonight at 8pm.


I'm getting ready to make sure my car is cleaned out and take Tucker on a short walk. It's still in the 90s and I can't tell you how I'm looking forward to the cool, 70s and the rain that's supposed to be coming into our area beginning on Monday.


Today's workout:  A Denise Austin mish-mosh.  I admit I enjoy working out with women who are my age and older sometimes!  I also think Denise's newer workouts are nice because she's less of a cheerleader and more subdued.


So I did the following:Quick Burn Cardio:  Warm Up and Cardio Intervals; 3 Week Bootcamp, Cardio Sculpt

I got to go shopping all alone today!  I hit my favorite thrift store and got a great pair of Lucky Brand Jeans, a shirt for church this fall (Liz Claiborn) and an Ann Taylor v neck knit shirt all for $11~it made my day, lol.  


Tom and Wes spent a large part of the day cleaning out the basement.  Our mouse quit working so the guys said they'd get a new one when they took a load of give away to another thrift store near our house. Well, they came back with a really cool computer desk. It was a great price and fits into the corner of our room much better than the other one did.  Plus, the design makes it much more comfortable on the wrists.  


Tonight Wes and his dad have gone to see the Rome Wolves play football.  Tyler and I walked the dog and then I ran an errand.  Right now Maddie and Tyler are watching some TV and the dogs have settled in for the night.  I'm going to read a bit and then try to have an early night in bed since I was up later watching that sorry UK football game!


Today's Workout:  Kelly Coffey Meyer's LIFT Power Sculpting workout.  In 30 minutes she hits every muscle non-stop~it's like cardio and sculpting all in one.


Monday I'm starting a new Bible Study.  It's called Live Deeply and is a study of the parables of Jesus.  (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434799867)

This day is sort of a blur.  I'm sitting here wondering what in the world to post about!  It's been full but not in a way that's easy to write about.


Tom has been gone to a funeral south of Atlanta all day.  The kids and I decided to watch a show DVRd from the History Channel during lunch as a treat and chose one about the Aztecs.  Not a good choice for those with a weak stomach~lots of blood and sacrifice!!  


After school work was done I had to go to the grocery store.  Then Tyler and Wes wanted to look in Walmart for some things. They didn't find what they wanted and walked out without spending a dime~a feat in itself where Wally World is concerned.


Now I'm relaxing a minute before fixing burgers and fresh broccoli for Tom and the kids.  Wes says that broccoli doesn't go with burgers as well as fries do!


Tonight is the University of Kentucky's first football game and it doesn't start until 9:15 pm.  Wish me luck staying awake!


As we start a new month I pray you experience the love of God in a way that warms your heart.


Today's workout:  An oldie, Tamilee Webb's Defy Gravity, 45 minutes of low impact cardio.  The setting is outdoors in Hawaii, so that was fun.  I've been collecting workouts since I bought my first step and VHS tape at age 27 so I really need to get rid of some things.  I tease my husband mercilessly about all the stuff he has but I have quite a collection of books and exercise workouts and I need to weed them ASAP~kind of walking the talk, so to speak.


Tonight I plan to walk the dog and then relax to the game!