We had a really nice Christmas. I enjoyed our trip to Atlanta and our church's Candlelight Christmas Eve Service. Christmas Day we watched A Christmas Carol (1999 version with Patrick Stewart, my favorite) together. And, it would not be Christmas in our house without watching A Christmas Story!!

We adults napped while the kids read, built Legos, listened to music, and had a fun Xbox tournament with friends they've made all over Georgia. Technology is great for helping the kids keep in touch with their friends!

In the evening we had some lovely center cut pork chops that had been slow cooked in a delicious apple cider salsa; broccoli, corn, baked potatoes, and bread. The culmination was a Candy Cane Pie (with a chocolate french silk base) that Tom had found at Aldi's for our dessert. (Aldi's is a discount grocers that is in Gainesville and is Tom's latest obsession).  While watching the movies, we also baked sugar cookies.  Yes, lots of  sweets but it's only one day a year.  

We also spent time on Christmas Eve doing devotions, lighting our Advent Wreath, and talking about how blessed our lives are because of Jesus.  He is everything, isn't he?

Now for some fun stuff.  I thought I'd do a little Christmas survey on my blog.  Take time to answer this questions for yourself~or send me your answers. Id' love to see them!!

Favorite Christmas Song/Album:  O Holy Night and O Come, O Come Emmanuel.  My favorite CD is one we got years ago from Franklin Graham's ministry. It has great songs on it you don't find a lot of other places, with unique arrangements. I love Carol of the Bells, One Small Child, I Wonder As I Wander, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and Some Children See Him, to name a few.

Exercise on Christmas Day or take the day off?  Totally depends. This year Tom ran and I exercised and it was quite enjoyable.

What do you usually eat on Christmas morning?  The last 5 years we had French Toast made with a delicious Cinnamon Raisin Bread from Panera.  The nearest Panera Bread to us is in Gainesville so we got a frozen Monkey Bread from Walmart. It can be cooked in the oven or microwave and costs all of  $2.98 per loaf.  My dad had it for the kids several years ago at his house and they simply LOVE it. Tom and I had some homemade cinnamon pecan bread that a church member sent us too.

Favorite Holiday or Christmas Tradition?  I have several.  One is being home on Christmas day without traveling. Very laid back and so much fun. A second would be our Christmas Eve Candelight Church Service. I love having communion on this holy night and being in the church with only light from everyone's candles at the end while singing Silent Night.  I also love our week long adventure to stay with my family in Kentucky. I see them so rarely and this is a big treat for all of us.

Real Tree or Fake Tree?  Well, since I'm allergic to all pine trees...

Christmas Pajamas...yay or nay?  Yay just because they were a gift from my Mother in Law several years ago and I pretty much wear them all winter long.  I have one other pair of winter PJs but these are the warmest. Plus they have snowmen on them and I am crazy about snowmen!

Where do you spend the holidays?  Sort of already answered that. In Atlanta at my inlaws the weekend before Christmas; home on Christmas Eve and Day; Kentucky after Christmas at my parents' home.

Foods that you always have?  The dinner in Atlanta is very traditional~turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, squash casserole, sweet potato casserole, beans, dirty rice, rolls, and a frozen fruit salad to die for.  At home we usually have baked ham and french toast but tried something entirely different this  year and that was fun. At my parents, I always, always get authentic Scottish Shortbread made by my father....yummy!  

Favorite Sweet of the Season?  Hands down, Peanut Butter Cookies made with Hershey's Dark Chocolate Kisses (I made them gluten free this year and they were fabulous) and my dad's Shortbread.  (I'm allergic to wheat and there is so much of it around at this time of year. That's why Maddie did the PB cookies gluten free for me and they were wonderful~and saved me a few sneezes and headaches in the process).  :D

Open Presents on Christmas Eve or Day?  Christmas Day.

Favorite Christmas Movie?

Goofy:  Scrooged; Christmas Vacation
Literary:  A Christmas Carol
Family Tradition:  A Christmas Story
Animated:  Rudolph

Favorite Christmas Book or Story?

Short Story:  Agatha Christie's The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding

Classic:  Dicken's A Christmas Carol

Other:  Agatha Christie's Hercule Poiroit's Christmas

Exercise:  Here's what I've done since Sunday.

Sunday:  LBN Strength Workout; Firm Get Chisle'd Cardio (15 minute)

Monday: LBN Metabolic Cardio (intervals)

Christmas Day:  Firm Get Chisel'd (weight workout)

Today:  Karen Voight Steady State, lower impact cardio day wtih Quick and Slim Cardio and Complete Sleek Cardio.

We've had a really nice week. Maddie has made a lot of cookies. She even made gluten-free Peanut Butter Kisses (dark chocolate kisses, of course) for me and sugar cookies with M&Ms for my Bible Study gals tonight.  We've done some deeper cleaning of the house.  Tyler and Wes had a Scout party and Tyler had a birthday party. We've also slept in, watched A Christmas Carol together, and simply hung out.  

I've also had fun cooking!  I downloaded a couple of new cookbooks for free on my Kindle Fire and tried two new recipes. Neither have meat and both include items my kids ordinarily won't touch~and they liked both. Now that's an accomplishment.

Today my Mother in Law and Father in Law picked the kids up and took them to Atlanta. Maddie is going to help Grandmom make the turkey and do some cooking to prepare for our Christmas dinner on Friday night.  Wes and Tyler are going to help Big Daddy in the yard and just hang out.  They took several card games to play at night because Big Daddy is a card fiend and they love that about him. They should have a great time.

Tom and I have a lunch tomorrow with a Sunday School class and I have to take Tucker in for his shots.  Then we'll leave for Atlanta on Friday and be home on Saturday. It's fun to travel for the holidays but truly, there's no place like home to me.

I think that God placed that yearning for home in our hearts. A place to dig in, make it ours, be free to be who we truly are.  Not wear makeup, put on nice clothing, and just BE.  Won't it be wonderful some day to shed the trappings of this world and the focus on appearance and stand in the presence of the One whose appearance will be the most beautiful thing we've ever seen?

I think about that a lot this time of year.  Probably why "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is a favorite hymn of mine. It captures the longing and pathos of a desire to have Christ come and be present in the most tangible way possible. 

In the meantime, we wait.  And live, love, and have joy fill our hearts as each day we draw closer to the time when we will open our eyes and see.  

P.S.  And, lest you think otherwise, I like it here. I am overjoyed that I'm getting to watch my children grow, be a part of our church, see the changing seasons, and simply live. I thank God for these gifts which are reminders of the true living to come.

Workouts:  Hmmm, I've been doing a tough schedule this week. The Firm Express Kickstart Your Metabolism rotation. You do 40-50 minutes of high intensity workouts a day, including some bursts where you go all-out.  I feel good about getting so much accomplished in a shorter time~and less guilty about taking Friday, and maybe Saturday, off from exercise. And, eating a few more treats!! :D  Oh, I've also walked Tucker a couple of days this week too. We missed getting to do that with the rain we had at the first of the week.

What I've been reading:  I'm on book 4 of the Missing Series, Taken. So far, Sent is my favorite. This is the story of Henry Hudson's crew kicking him and his son out of their ship in a mutiny in Canada. As a side note, I've learned more about scurvy than I ever wanted to know and am EXTREMELY grateful for the navel orange I've eaten each day this week. ;)

Today I sat down to blog and suddenly writing about all the neat things we did this week (and we did some), the fun we had, the books we read, the workouts I did, seemed unimportant. The death of innocent children in an elementary school has taken over my mind.  I've prayed.  Cried. Talked to my children and hugged them.    

There is no sense in anything like this but the realization that the world needs Jesus.  I pray this causes us to commit even more to being the hands and feet of Christ and reaching out with his story of  hope to a dying, desperate world.

I posted the link below on my Facebook page this afternoon. I hope this prayer from Max Lucado gives you hope, as it did me. 

Oh, how the world needs Jesus. All I can do is, in fact, the most important thing: weep and pray.

A Christmas Prayer

www.huffingtonpost.com

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.

I've been thinking about our beagle, Penny, lately. She died at the end of July and was about 14.5 years old.  She had been through illnesses, a tornado, falls from a 10 foot porch, and other things that would have killed lesser beasts. This is her picture taken last Christmas.  I sure do miss her.  

She reminds me of how I want to pursue Jesus. She would be dead asleep but aware of my every move. When I left the room for any length of time, I'd hear her claws pattering after me. She'd find me and hang out, just to be near me. She was my girl.

I want to do the same with God~be so close I'm always where he is, following fast on his heels. Where he is, close to his heart, is my place.  

So thanks for the lessons, Penny.  And thanks for the memories,

On Saturday I got a chance to go see the play A Christmas Story with a friend from church. We had a BALL.  The funny thing is Tyler wanted to go so we got him a ticket. I told him he had to sit all alone with two unknown people and he didn't care as long as he got to see it~it's a favorite of his. It was fabulous and Ty loved all the kids his age in the show.

Today Wes and I went out for an end of semester review. We talked about his accomplishments and his goals for next semester.  We outlined how he should work on his Scarlet Letter paper.  And, we picked out some American lit books to read next year too.  Ty and Maddie will each go over the next two days.  We go to McDonald's and they have an Egg Nog shake, Holiday Mint McFlurry, etc. and just enjoy a rare treat.  Lots of fun.

Today's workout:  FINALLY!  Not a workout since last Monday. I did Firm Dangerous Curves Ahead as my light weight/body weight workout.  Added bonus was 25 minutes of cardio and some nice abs in the mix.

What I'm reading:  Book Three of the Missing Series:  Sabotaged.  In this installment, the kids are back in North Carolina trying to return the original Virginia Dare to Roanoke Colony. I've got to get done tonight because Ty's reading the books and is chomping at the bit to start this one!

Well, I've not been exercising and it's bugging me!  My upper back felt awful yesterday and not very good today~I guess I slept on it wrong. It's a pain to get old. :))  

Tonight we have Bible Study and the kids are throwing a party for the younger children at church. Tomorrow is the day the kids volunteer and Maddie has her last basketball practice of the year.  Tom and I have a District Christmas Party for Pastors in Gainesville. Friday we're heading to Atlanta to celebrate my mother in law and father in law's birthdays, which are a week apart, and won't be back until Saturday. Whew!  I'll probably be walking and stretching a lot and not worrying about formal exercise until next week.

What I've been reading:  I finished Found and am getting ready to start on Sent, of the same Missing series. A fun read for sure!

P.S. Wanted to share this because I just love it!

Here are my "elves" and the tree they put up on Saturday.  Looks like elf Junior is not happy(actually he had a ball and is just mugging for the camera).  Now if we can just find our angel that goes on top!

Last week we ended up having a basketball game, parade, decorating, etc. The kids had a blast.  I'm just glad they love to decorate as I don't like it. I'd much rather bake cookies.

This week we're pushing to get some work finished before the holidays. Wes is writing a paper comparing and contrasting the two men in Hester Prynn's life in The Scarlet Letter.  Tyler is petitioning us to pay him for school work since I told him that's his job as a kid and he says you're supposed to get PAID for a job. Oh Tyler, I hope you never stop being the funny creature that  you are!

Workouts:  Thursday~WHFN Lean; Friday~Ellen Barrett Power Fusion; Saturday~Holiday Workout(yes, it's a real workout); Sunday~3/4 mile walk to and from Burger King as I locked my keys in my car there in the morning when I ran there to get an iced coffee. Tom keeps telling me it's close enough to walk, lol~just wish I hadn't had to do that in my nice boots.

Today~Jessica Smith's 10 Pounds Down Better Body Blast (light weight/bodyweight/cardio and ab circuits).

What I'm reading:  I just finished Bill O'Reilly's Killing Kennedy. I've always been fascinated with the murder of John F. Kennedy and this book is well done and worth the read. It's historical but reads more like a novel.  I'm getting ready to read Killing Lincoln by O'Reilly but may read The Missing series book one Found first (a YA novel with historical settings that looks GREAT).  I think I need something lighter to break up O'Reilly's books.

I love that the Christmas season is almost here. I love that sticking together as families, members of the Body of Christ, and friends, brings such joy!  And, I just love snowmen! <3

So this year I've decided to rejoice in Jesus, celebrate all the small and large miracles in my life, and not worry about presents, food, money spent, etc.  None of that matters in light of the greatest gifts I've been given.  I get to see and be with family for yet another year and experience true worship with the Body of Christ. THAT is truly something to celebrate!

Maddie had a basketball game last night and one on Friday and we're doing school, youth group and Bible Study, volunteer work, and piano in the mix. And taking the time to talk, pray, and laugh together.  

Workouts:  Tuesday was Firm Cardio Sculpt Fusion (light weights, pilates, yoga, and cardio)~just lovely.

Today:  Ellen Barrett Grace and Gusto (standing and floor pilates and ballet moves with a light cardio effect); Dog Walk.

My week last week wasn't as planned.  I was sick almost all week. But, I watched some documentaries, slept, prayed, and, in general, waited for my body to heal.  Today I feel better and am so grateful for my normally good health.

The kids and I did a fun project for school.  We talked about names for the Civil War and causes of the war.  Then they each wrote an article for a newspaper choosing a name for the war and a point of view to talk about why the war was coming. They did a great job.

I got my grocery shopping done and Wes and I walked Tucker on a short jaunt.  All in all, I feel blessed to have some normalcy back in my life.

Oh, and random cuteness of the day. When my kids were little I think my trees looked a teeny bit like this as the loved to "help" decorate.  When I have had a puppy or kitten around, it was the opposite~most of the ornaments up high, lol.

Today's workout:  Powerfit Legs and Shoulders and Powerfit Harmony Cardio, Move it!; Dog Walk

P.S.  I updated the blog color to reflect the coming Christmas season!

I am grateful for many things.  Family, Friends, Health, Fitness.  Books, Pets My Husband,, Kids I get to live my life with day by day.  Iced Coffee, Dark Chocolate and Pizza (my favorite splurge food). Great Movies, like Gone with The Wind, on nights like this when I'm stuffy and have a hard time sleeping.  The Body of Christ, my Bible, Grace and Mercy.  Jesus.  For me, all thanksgiving begins and ends with Him.  

Have a blessed, Happy Thanksgiving.

I got some great workouts in and had a pretty good weekend.  Good thing I did, though~Tom got sick Thursday night and Wes got sick Friday night.  And, I got sick today.  Good thing Tyler is so cute since he gave us this cold!  And, thank goodness for Thanksgiving break week so I don't have to worry about school.

Today's workout?  Going grocery shopping with Wes. :D

Tom and I finally got our belated anniversary lunch.  We went to a new Mexican restaurant and it was quite yummy.  I had a great chicken salad and then indulged in some queso dip and tortillas. Yummy!  

Maddie woke up with Ty's head cold so she stayed home and rested while Wes went to work at the Thrift Store. Tyler and Tom picked up Ty's popcorn from his Boy Scout sales and now everyone is here, ready to call it a night. I think we're going to play cards~at least that's what Tyler says we're doing.

I'm glad next week is Thanksgiving for many reasons.  I will enjoy the rhythms of sleeping in just a bit, reading more, and not feeling pressured to go to piano, scouts, basketball, etc.  I'm praying it will be a week of rejuvenation.

Workouts:  Dog walk with Tom and Tucker before dinner; Fuse Dance Cardio Melt (barefoot cardio and light weight workout).

I want to leave you with this thought, as it's been much on my mind and heart this week.
Ephesians 4:29, New Century Version  When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need -- words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.

Thanks to my wonderful husband, Tom McElroy, for his sermon on just this passage last week.

Mary Madison has spent all day since about 11 am at the church helping them fix a big turkey dinner for tonight's church dinner. The rest of us have been running errands to get some Thanksgiving boxes ready to be picked up today.  Somehow, in between all of that, we did get lessons done and a dog walked. Will wonders never cease!

Workouts:  Tuesday:  Firm Ultimate Calorie Blaster plus bonus abs

Today~Firm Aerobic Body Shaping, cardio and weight workout; Dog Walk

Reading lists:  Well, I finished Unenchanted and Fairest, the second book in the series. The third book still hasn't been written. Gasp!  I hope it comes out soon.  I sense a kindred spirit in Chandra Hahn, the author. She likes her coffee iced, not hot(me too!) and she's a former Children's Minister (me too~although only in an assistant position for about 8 months).

I did download a couple of other free YA books to read and am thinking I'll start a new one tonight, after the Church dinner and meeting.

Here's a picture of Wes, Maddie, and Ty after last night's performance of "It's Cool in the Furnace."  Ty, of course, had to put on his macho, "I'm the king on my throne" face. :D

This is for my fabulous Father and all the men who served our country so I can enjoy freedom. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Finally, this is in celebration of 18 years of marriage to my husband, Tom.  As I said earlier:  It's not always been fun and it's not always been easy, but it's always an adventure.  I'm grateful for Tom adding laughter and joy to my life and encouraging me to be more like Christ. I truly see Jesus in him.

Today's workout:  Jessica Smith's Sole Sculpt.  45 minute high rep/low weights that challenges your cardiovascular system as well. I love her workouts and so many are free on YouTube!

What I'm reading:  Unenchanted (half way through); Trusting God by Jerry Bridges (just started this one).

Random cuteness for the day.  I almost never get Peanut to stand still for a picture.  He will, however, curl up and sleep for 20 out of 24 hours each day, lol.  Notice Gracie coming into the scene at the last minute. She was CONVINCED treats were being doled out.

Tyler had a great time on his camping trip.  Thursday and Friday were a blur getting ready for that and having piano, basketball, etc.  Wes got home and has settled back into his routine of harassing Maddie and Tyler so all is well. ;)

Workouts:  Thursday~Ellen Barrett Low Impact Cardio Strength; Doggie Walk(so glad to be able to do these again)
Friday~Firm Supercharged Sculpting; Doggie Walk
Saturday~Firm Rock Solid Cardio; Jessica Smith Cardio Mat.  No dog walk as Tom and Tucker went hiking together.

What I'm reading:  I've been reading some YA books again. Just borrowed one called Scarlette from Kindle's Lending Library. Great take on the Red Riding Hood story.  Now I'm reading one called Unenchanted.  It's sort of a fairy tale type book too but I'm not far enough into it yet to tell you much about it.

Oh, p.s. YA is Young Adult literature. Yes, I still love things like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, etc.

I'm not feeling my best today.  I am tired and didn't get enough sleep~and got up way too early. Thank the Lord for my McDonald's mixture of Coke and Diet Coke.  (Hey, don't judge me for my little vice. It keeps me sane and pleasant). :D

Tyler did not have Physics class today, thank goodness. So, he, Mary Madison and I went to the library. We hadn't done that in a while and it was fun to get new books.  Now those two are at church getting the stage ready for the children and youth production of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Firey Furnace in Sunday evening.  They also have Youth tonight and I have Bible Study.

Oh, and for all of you who know Wes well and are prone to fainting, take heed:  Wes is participating in Youth Choir. And, he tried out for a speaking part in the Easter play~and got it.  About the speaking part, he said he felt the need to push himself out of his comfort zone. About youth choir, he said he inherited his vocal skills from my Dad so he simply mutters lowly under his breath. ;)

Tomorrow my in laws are bringing Wes all the way home for me.  That's so nice because Maddie has piano and basketball practice in the afternoon. Friday afternoon Ty leaves for a weekend camp out.  Friday night I relax and breathe!!

Today's workout:  Firm Hard Core Fusion (weight and cardio intervals).

A few quick updates:

Maddie spent all day Friday in Atlanta shopping at a mall and going to her first basketball game with buddies. She had a blast.

Saturday was her birthday. The highlight was a family meal at a Mexican restaurant for lunch. We so rarely eat out that it was a treat.  

Monday Wes took off for Atlanta to help his grandparents with yard work. That's the beauty of homeschooling~he can work anywhere!  Maddie had another basketball game and we got to visit with good friends from Lavonia who were there.

And....Tyler got a haircut over the weekend!!!

Isn't the birthday girl so cute! <3

Workouts:  I've started a new rotation.   I'm such a geek and love making and following rotations.

Monday~light weights
Tuesday~cardio; abs
Wednesday~circuit workout with moderate weights
Thursday~Ellen Barrett type cardio (standing pilates/yoga moves, done with light cardio, hard to explain); abs
Friday~Sculpt with heavier weights
Saturday~cardio; abs

So far I've done:

Monday~Jessica Smith Fusion Sculpt (light weight sculpting with yoga, pilates, and kickboxing, fabulous)
Today~Firm Maximum Cardio and Ab Sculpt

The funniest story is that Jessica Smith did some of these workouts at home and put them on YouTube for free. I downloaded them onto a disc and so they're not live, polished workouts. Her small french bulldog, Peanut, showed up in this workout and chewed the edge of her mat.  I had to post this picture for her on Facebook of the hole Tucker ate in my mat when he was a puppy.  Animals can be fun, huh? ;)

I have a confession to make:  Didn't take a single picture yesterday at Trunk or Treat.  Maddie was the only one sort of dressed up much and I was more worried about getting things together for the first true Women's Bible Study last night. I'd run errands in the morning and had to take Tyler to Physics class in Clarkesville so it made for a busy day.

Today we played a bit of catch up around the house since we've been busy. Wes and Maddie usually volunteer at the Thrift Store but had the day off so that was great.  We were able to catch up on a bit of work and then treat ourselves to part of a documentary on Machu Pichu and the Inca.

Maddie has basketball practice tonight and a game tomorrow and then Saturday is her birthday. Where in the WORLD does time go? I can't believe she will be 15.  Yikes.

Workouts:  Wednesday~Firm Jiggle Free Buns and Jiggle Free Abs

Today~Firm Advanced Cardio Blast and Firm Hips, Thighs, and Abs

What I'm reading:  Some sort of YA book Tyler gave me.  Just getting started and can't remember the name, lol.

The weekend was really nice. Good weather and the boys and I got out on Saturday and walked Tucker together for about a mile. Ty had a camp out at a friend's house for a birthday part on Friday. Sunday was regular church kinds of things and Tom and the kids went hiking a bit before the cold settled in.

Monday and Today were brutally cold. Okay, low 40s, felt like upper 30s because of the high winds from Sandy.  But nothing here like the destruction in the NE from this monster storm. I've been praying for the people in the path.

Yesterday we "unschooled."  Maddie practiced piano, read a book she's into, and wrote. She also got interested in finding out information on Grandma Moses. She and Tyler were fascinated that someone with such beautiful paintings didn't start that phase of her life until her late 70s.  The decided that it's never too late to learn something new. Good lesson for me!

Wes, of course, studied Astronomy. We all watched a documentary on Medieval life(fascinating to see how the could gut and skin a sheep~and yes, we saw it being done); later we watched a documentary on Halloween.  Then it was time to take Maddie to basketball while toe boys went to scouts.  I stayed for the hour and a half practice and did some Beth Moore study and reading.  

Today we got back to regular school work and errands. The good news is that the wind is supposed to die down by 8pm or so and slowly warm up. Good think since Trunk or Treat is at the church from 4-6 tomorrow night. Maddie is making a costume to wear and planning how to decorate the car. Pictures to follow.

Workouts:  Friday:  Firm Body Sculpt Blaster; walk

Saturday:  Firm Fat Blaster; Walk

Monday~Firm Upper Body Sculpt; stretching

Today~Jessica Smith Cardio Abs; WHFN Floor Burn

I haven't been talking about reading much but I've been doing it. This time of year I always re-read Agatha Christie's Halloween Party. That Poirot is one smart dude!  Off to finish it now!

Sometimes I don't post because I'm tired.  Or the days seem mundane and I don't have much to share.  But I realize that every day has significance in the eyes of the Father.  Every day matters. And so it is with homeschooling. In the midst of things going along, lessons being studied, meals being cooked, pets being fed, learning  occurs. Grace pours in. And we are changed.  And I pray that change is making us more like Jesus.

So this week has been filled with the mundane.  Chores, school work, basketball practice, Scouts, Youth, Bible Studies.  Life.  And yet, looking back, these are the things I'll miss when the kids are grown. Not the grand and glorious vacations. Not the Christmas mornings. But the days lived together, with one another, laughing, crying, being.  For all of this, Father, I am truly thankful.

Workouts:  Tuesday:  Firm Pump it Up; Jessica Smith Cardio Quick (20 minutes of tougher cardio intervals); WHFN Floor Burn; Dog Walk

Wednesday~Firm Lower Body Sculpt I; Jessica Smith 10 Minute Stress and Destress

Today:  Firm Cardio Sculpt Blaster; Firm Lower Body Sculpt II; dog walk

We had such a nice weekend. Relaxed a bit, did some cleaning and Tom worked in the carport, watched some football, etc. Yesterday afternoon Tom and the kids went hiking on part of the Appalachian Trail on Blood Mountain. I intended to go but ended up here doing laundry and enjoying the sounds of silence before another busy week.

Today Wes cut the grass while Maddie and I went grocery shopping. It always amazes her that three paper bags of groceries can cost $67. Mission Accomplished!!

Maddie has basketball from 5-6:30 and Tom and the boys have scouts at 7. Thank goodness for my crock pot on nights like this.

Saturday's workout:  Firm Cardio Inferno; Firm Hips, Thighs and Ab; walk with Tucker

Today:  Firm Jiggle Free Abs; Firm Power Sculpt(uses a 9 pound body bar).  Our step challenge is over tomorrow, yippee!

What started out as a gray, drizzly, chilly-feeling day has ended with some beautiful sunshine. Isn't God just like that?  It was good to get out around 5pm and walk Tucker and enjoy the weather a bit.  I took a couple of pictures on our walk. Fall is FINALLY here.  We went from all green about a week ago to lots of color. Here are a couple of examples.

Maddie and Wes worked at the Thrift Store this morning.  Maddie came home with these GREAT boots that look new. They have 4 inch heels so she towers over me when she wears them~which she loves, being only about 5'3".  (Hey, I'm "almost" 5'2" so she still beats me)!  She's still a couple of inches shorter than Wes in them, which she hates.

Maddie's piano was cancelled so she was able to attend all of her basketball practice.  At the last minute Tom had to cancel on taking her so I ran her there and then came home to run an errand with Wes and then walk Tucker.  I realize that if Wes got his license he could help some, but Tom is sure happy from a financial standpoint~it's UNREAL what our insurance will jump to when the kids start driving!

As far as school, we got things that we had to have done in between volunteer work and other things.  The boys have been very diligent lately because some great update came for one of the games they like to play on Wes' Xbox. That has given them the mojo to finish school work, help with house work, etc., in order to be allowed some time on that.  It's okay, though, they'd not played on the thing in about a month~some kind of record!

Workout:  Firm Calorie Killer(cardio with light weights); Firm Lower Body Sculpt II (lower body and ab work, mostly done on the floor); 1.5 mile walk with Tucker

With Tom being a United Methodist pastor(and since I have a graduate degree from Asbury Seminary in Christian Education), I've spent a LOT of time studying John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. I saw this posted on Facebook today and find it too good not to share. Once again, as Solomon said in Ecclesiastes,
"there is nothing new under the sun."  Political turmoil has obviously been around a long time.  

Can I just say how much Tyler LOVED this physics class? This gal taught for 16 years and has a GREAT house. Large, huge back yard with garden and green house, rabbits they raise, etc. They did tons of hands on stuff while studying Newton's Laws. My older two went with me and we ran an errand and then took books to McDonald's. Next week we'll explore the town as it has some quaint shops, including a little coffee shop that looks good.

Off to church in a bit. This is my last week before I begin taking care of teaching Bible Study (Beth Moore's Esther study, for inquiring minds).  When  you think of it, please pray for me as the facilitator of this group of women!

Workout:   Firm Complete Aerobics and Weight Training; 1.5 mile walk with Tucker.  I don't get to walk with Tucker as much with all the running around I do so the kids are taking up the slack. I guess it's win/win because it's good for them to walk with him too.

I often wonder when things will slow down. I thought that moving to a smaller town meant that would happen. Actually, things have picked up.  I guess that's good because the kids are learning so many things by being in relationships, volunteering, participating in classes and sports, etc.  

After running to the post office, I had to take Maddie to basketball. The good news is that Tom agreed to pick her up so I could come home and start dinner.  I had a deep "hankerin'", as they say here in the south, for something made with pumpkin. I found a wonderful gluten-free recipe for the crock pot and stopped by the store to pick up the three items I didn't have for that. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Another great event taking place in the McElroy home these days is the Annual Baseball Play-Offs Snack Fest.  We really only watch some baseball during October and when that starts we have a traditional treat. We don't buy it at any other time of year and no, it's not autumnal at all. It's Wheat Thins and Pimento Cheese. Why? I have no idea. But when October hits, the kids bring it up and put both things on the shopping list. 

So, what traditions do you have in your home, be they large or small?  Celebrate them and give thanks to the Father for his goodness.  I'm grateful for the big things and the small ones~like some pimento cheese on a Wheat Thin cracker.

Workout:  Jessica Smith Cardio Blast; WHFN Floor Burn. My Meta is wonky so for the last Level 9 I'm substituting in other floor type workouts.

Tyler is home. He missed me so much that the first thing he did was check his email. He said that he missed not having electronic devices since Thursday.  He can't imagine how I survived my childhood without them. LOL!

Today was filled with errands such as grocery shopping, getting dog food at Walmart, picking up Ty from scouts.  Tom ended up taking Maddie to basketball, which is great. It's mine turn tomorrow!

Our leaves are finally starting to change and the kids and I seriously need to get out of the house/classroom and go do something out doors while we can.  It's one of the reasons I love homeschool and I've been really bad about taking advantage of our surroundings.

Speaking of beauties in nature, check out this tree in our back yard. I think it's between 40 and 50 feet tall. I sat on the porch with Tucker, watching the leaves sway in the breeze and felt so grateful that God gives us beauty to behold. Just a glimpse of what it will be like to stand and see him face to face.

P.S.  I just hope the tree doesn't fall on the house one day~our carport would be toast!!  Also, it's a weird angle because I was sitting on the porch and taking the picture from below.  I'll post another one when the leaves turn~they're just starting to now.

Oh, and click on the picture to get the large view~much more impressive that way.

Workouts:  Firm Upper Body Sculpt and Firm Express Total Body Shaping.

I didn't get to see Midnight Madness at all so I hope it was great!  I did, however, get to see LSU pull out a victory over South Carolina in football.  I thin Wes would have gone into mourning if they'd lost two in a row!

Maddie has decided to play basketball and that means practice from 4-5:30 three days a week. Tyler is taking a 4 week physics class from 1-2:30 now too. Both of those mean driving about 15-20 minutes, one way.  I was just saying how much money I'd saved on gas so now I get to eat my words.

Tomorrow we're going to do something fun in the middle of our school day since Ty won't be back until about 7.  Other than that, we're just praising God for the gift of another week to live and learn together.  I pray you had a blessed Sunday of worship.

Workout:  Saturday was TA Meta Ab L8D7 (done with that level. I'm so ready to be done with Meta and on to Continiuty or something else so it's on to the last level, number 9)!  I also did Firm 500 Calorie Workout (cardio only) and Jessica Smith's Thin in 10 Cardio Intervals.

P.S.  I SWEAR this is why Wes is an LSU Tiger fan. When he was 5 he saw a game on TV with the eye of the Tiger, aka Mike, on the center of the field and thought it was cool. So, this picture is just for you, Wes!

I'm excited to see that it's finally here~2012 Big Blue Midnight Madness. I love the start of a new basketball season in the Bluegrass, even though I'm far from My Old Kentucky Home!

Tom is in Atlanta for the day. Tyler got away for his scout trip. Maddie has basketball practice from 3:30-5:30 and Wes is attending the local high school football game with friends.  Other than that, just your average school day here!  While Wes and Tom work at the church tomorrow, Maddie and I are looking forward to doing some girl things~like hitting a few consignment stores.  I pray you all have a wonderful weekend.

Today's workout:  An all-time favorite:  Firm Total Sculpt.  Combines weight training, cardio, and great ab work,  Gotta love the Firm!

Just found they have this Dunkin' Donuts Pumpkin Spice Coffee at Walkmart.  Must. Have. :D

Crazy day here.  Maddie and Wes worked longer than usual at the Thrift Store. They had a huge sale of summer merchandise on Tuesday and the place was a mess!  I had to go to Walmart to get some things for Tyler's upcoming trip while they were gone and Ty was at home doing his work online.

When the older two got home they wanted to eat lunch out. I had some coupons for free Chicken Strips and Chicken Wraps at Burger King so off we went.  One of the Assistant Managers was asking me why I wasn't ordering my usual iced coffee (note:  I LOVE their iced coffee) and I told him that I was buying some fries and drinks for the kids instead and that he should just give me one.  We both laughed about it and he brought me one about 5 minutes later.  What a nice treat.  (Burger King is a regular Bible Study morning haunt for me so I know most of the staff.  Really nice people work there).

This afternoon we spent time getting all of Ty's things together for his trip while the older two caught up on some school work.  I also went out and walked Tucker right before dinner.  It was so nice to take a break and just be outdoors in the perfect, 70 degree weather. Frankly, no other month's skies can compare to the beautiful blue you see in October.

Workout:  Firm Fat Blasting Cardio; TA Meta Ab L8D6

P.S. To all my fellow Cincinnati Reds fans:  Mr. Red is not dead.  We hope he is just hibernating for the winter.  I hope next season is even better.

We've had a busy week here but I love it when we get out and learning occurs outside the "house,"  aka classroom.  Today we went on a field trip to a local corn maze.  I posted a picture of it because I love the view of Mt. Yonah in the background. It was just for teens and the kids had a great time meeting new people.

Tonight we have church and Maddie is helping the women cook dinner. Then we have Bible Study, Youth, etc.  Maddie volunteers a lot at church because she helps with Children's Choir before her youth activities.  

Tomorrow is the day Wes and Maddie volunteer to work several hours at Mildred's Thrift Store (run by the church and proceeds go to mission projects).  Miss Maddie, the busy bee, also has piano in the afternoon. And, she may play basketball with a local Christian School and that practice will be on Fridays, yikes!

Tyler's Scout Troop is going on a trip for Fall Break to the Okefenokee Swamp Friday through Monday. It's down on the GA/FL border. Check out a picture of their campsite for Saturday night, right in the swamp.   Yikes!!

We have a Church Work Day on Saturday and Wes will be helping there from 9-2.  After that, he's hanging out with a friend. He also needs to cut the grass again.  7" of rain that we had last Monday means it grew quickly.

Workouts:  Yes, I've done one each day this week. Here's my recap:

Monday~Jiggle Free Buns; Dog Walk

Tuesday~Firm Express Cardio; WHFN Floor Burn; Dog Walk

Today~Jessica Smith 20 minute Cardio Blast; Firm Jiggle Free Arms; walking around the corn maze.

Funny story of the day.  Tyler was cleaning out some old toys to give away and ran across some Rescue Heroes.  Does anyone remember these guys?  Well, Wes said he'd forgotten how cool they were and how much fun he had had with them. So, for the next 30 minutes, those two "boys", aged 16 and 12, played with these guys and laughed and carried on.  

It reminded me that God has made men to long to be heroes.  To fight epic battles, to win victories, and to use their imagination for him.  If you've never read  John Eldredge's Wild At Heart, it's a great read for moms with sons~and for men themselves!

As far as the rest of the day Maddie and I FEEL better but we're still coughing a lot~the primary part of the cold it seems. So, no exercise for me other than walking the dog a mile and a half.

Went on vacation to Hilton Head Island, SC for a week. Came home and Maddie had a head cold.  Now I have the head cold.  So, that's what has been going on here and why I've not been blogging.  But, God is good in the midst of things and we've still gotten work done and felt his presence.  I sure hope to be able to write more soon~especially that we're all healthy!!

I got to walk the dog today, yippee.  It was about 61 but still felt great. Tom and I had a breakfast date (just had iced coffee, I was good) and then worked on Algebra and Grammar with Maddie.  Later I checked up on Tyler and Wes.  Ty's easy to check as he does a lot of written work he hands in and other things on Time4Learning on the web.  Wes is independent and wants to come to me with problems only.  Maddie, on the other hand, likes to work more with me.  So it's all good!

Wes, Tom, and, to a lesser extent Ty, spent a good deal of time cleaning out the carport.  Maddie and I hit the grocery and then fixed pizza for dinner.  Wes also had to mow the grass yesterday.  I bought him a Chocolate Chip Frappe from McDonalds for mowing and Tom bought him dinner at Zaxby's for working in the carport for hours so I think he's happy to volunteer!

P.S.   I posted a UK joke yesterday so here's our redemption in college football so far:  LSU Tigers.  This is a picture of the real "Mike the Tiger" mascot.  I have to admit that Mike is the Coolest. Mascot. Ever.


Today's workout:  WHFN Pump, which contains intervals of cardio and weights and core work. I know some people don't like the WHFN Fitprimes but I find you can go heavy and concentrate on form with them.  The older I get I have decided I like working out "smarter, not harder."

My laugh out loud moment of the day.  Thanks, Mom.

Oh, well, basketball season will be here before we know it!

I also wanted to post a link to an article.  I've been saying something similar for years. Frankly, it's one of the reasons I home school.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kim-john-payne/simplicity-parenting_b_1833632.html

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Workouts!

Friday~WHFN Lower Body Burn (lower body cardio/weight intervals); Dog Walk

Saturday~No dog walk~went on an overnight trip to see friends in Blue Ridge, GA.  TA Meta Ab Level 7, Day 9; Jessica Smith Thin in 10 Walks and her long, yoga-inspired stretch.

Monday~WHFN Lean (light weights and cardio)

Tuesday~TA Meta Ab Level 8, Day 1~hard stuff!  WHFN Fast Cheetah (warm up, cardio, yoga, stretch)

Wednesday~Dog Walk (finally no rain); WHFN Upper Body Burn (upper body weight and cardio intervals)

Today~TA Meta Ab Level 8, Day 2; Jessica Smith Barefoot Sunset Indoor Walk (lovely, low-impact cardio).  I didn't walk Tucker today because I had an early dental appointment.  I hope to go walking with him soon.

Update!  Gracie has turned her back on The United Methodist Book of Discipline. Wes is convinced that she's becoming a Baptist!  LOL!

Okay, enough silliness~wishing my Mom a Happy 70th Birthday~!  She's been a blessing to me all these years and I know she loves me unconditionally~unless you guys tell her that I gave away her age!!!

I had Wes, Maddie, and Tyler read Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" short story yesterday. They were all disturbed and HATED it.  Wes, however, has to write a 5 paragraph paper on the use of irony in the story and has gotten into it now!  He keeps coming to me and telling me more instances of  irony he has found.

Other than that, nothing too exciting has been going on.  Oh, I did have a wonderful serendipity today though!  I ran to Ingles and the Starbucks in there has Pumpkin Spice Lattes out now~my favorite. And, I had a gift card!  Doing a happy dance.  

Wes had to get a new phone today since his was totally dead. So, if any of you have tried to call and he ignored you, he's sorry. And, he's ready to chat now!

Wednesday's workout:  WHFN Push Pull(I used moderate weights in this cardio and weight interval workout); walk with Tucker and Tom; yoga on my own.

Today:  Walk with Tucker and Tom; yoga on my own; abs and some stretching with Tom (he's been asking me to show him some things to do); TA Meta Abcentric Level 7 Day 8; WHFN Steamin' Cardio (warmup, cardio, both stretch segments).

Funny picture of the day for all of my United Methodist readers.  Bet you don't have a cat as FASCINATED with The Book of Discipline as our cat Gracie is!!!  Sometimes we do silly things at our house.

Haven't the faintest idea why I didn't blog after last Thursday.  Just got busy and forgot, I guess.  We did have some things going on Friday~I remember Tom and the boys taking the dog creek hiking that afternoon.  Saturday we had a dinner at a member's house with other people~another "get to know the pastor" event. And, of course football!  Sunday was busy with church and a meeting that Tom had.

Oh well.  Yesterday we started back with school~a full week after two shorter weeks.  I had a lot of errands to run. The kids love it when I go grocery shopping. The stand over me like hawks watching things come out of the bag to be put away so they'll know what goodies we have to eat, LOL!  Tyler had a County Council to attend with the Scout troop to help with a merit badge and then he and Wes had a scout meeting.

Today I got my hair cut and had to go to the hardware store. We spent a good deal of time talking with Tom tonight about what we've been learning this week. The best presentation included a Lego Mario. He was used to illustrate the meaning of the words decapitation(loosing your head) and defenestration(being thrown out a window)!! :D

Friday's workout:  Tracie Long Endurance For Movement (one hour cardio/weight intervals); walk with Tucker; yoga on my own

Saturday~Walk with Tucker and Tyler; yoga on my own; TA Meta Ab L7D6; Jessica Smith Barefoot Cardio Flow

Monday~Tracie Long Mix:  Focus 30 Butt; Weightless (all body weight cardio and strength workout); walk with Tucker; yoga on my own

Today~Walk with DH and Tucker; yoga on my own; FitPrime Lean (warm up, cardio, stretch)

Tom ended up going back to Rome today for the funeral of a man we just adored in our church there. He was asked to participate in the service as we were very close to his family.  I'll never think of the University of Georgia football without seeing Mr. George in his Red sports coat on a Sunday after a win.

The kids and I did some regular school, talked a lot about Chemistry and the periodic table and did some research with that, and spent time outdoors!  It was glorious to have a warm, sunny day again.

After Tom got home tonight, we all went out and played a game of basketball.  Don't ask me the name but it was a lot of fun~and good exercise too.  Now we're winding down for the night~reading, watching some football, etc.  

Today's workout:  1.5 mile dog walk; yoga on my own; TA Meta Ab L7D5; Tracie Long TLT Better Burn, Better Buns:  warmup and active stretch; cardio (uses a medicine ball a lot, tons of fun); planks; stretch.

Happy Wednesday from the McElroy clan.  Isn't it fun having two short weeks in a row?

The rain stopped enough this morning for Tom and I to get out and walk Tucker. That dog was MOVING!  I can tell he missed getting out and taking his cruise around the neighborhood.  One of the best parts of the whole thing is just having time to chat with Tom or one of the kids who comes with me. Although, walking Tucker alone is a great way to catch up on prayer time as well.

One of the funniest parts of our day has been dealing with Peanut, our 11 yo Siamese cat mix. He's the one who had the awful abscess at the end of July. Well, it's almost completely gone and is scabbed over so he can go back outdoors. The thing is, he likes being in now. Every time we put him out he waits by the door to run in the second it's open. I could care less if he's in or not but for some reason it drives Maddie and Tom crazy. It's their new personal crusade to defeat that cat but so far he's winning. :p

Today's workout:  1.5 mile walk; 10 minutes of yoga on my own; Tracie Long Staying Power for my medium weight day (cardio and weight intervals).