Category Archives: Family

Today I Spent Time With Miss B

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Today, I spent time with just Miss B.

I honesty can’t remember the last time I did that. Or, in fact, if I’ve ever done that. Back when her mama was sick, I always grabbed both kids for outings to give her time to rest or see the doctor. Then, when Katie went to be with Jesus too soon, it was all hands on deck and again it was always both kids together along with my own.

Children grow, schedules get busy and whenever we get together now it’s as whole families. The sisters and their husbands and their kids… it’s kinda chaos actually. The good kind of chaos, but crazy just the same.

This week, God whispered to me that Miss B needed some girl time – some time without big brother – some time not with the grandmothers (I mean they’re girls, but come on, they’re grandmas.) My girl had plans, the hubby had plans, I was available so I schedule a girl day. And, we had a blast.

Lunch.

And a movie.

And then a little shopping.

I took multiple pictures today because I want to remember that smile – the fun we had. I want to remember that I need want to do it again.

I want to hear this sweet girl, who lost her mother so young, bubble with joy and babble like tween girls do about nothing and everything all at once.

I want to look at her face and see glimpses of her mama and remember how much fun we had before our babies were even born. We too went out to lunch and to the movies and giggled and talked about nothing and everything all in the same breath.

I want to remember that God made this precious, precious girl – a miracle child – to continue Katie’s legacy and make the world an even better place.

I want to remember that I made a promise to my Katie to love her babies like my own and that can’t be done at arms length.

You see, I kinda wonder if the reason I’ve not scheduled a girl’s day before is that I was afraid – so very afraid – that it was going to be hard. That it was going to hurt. That I would miss Katie even more when I spent time with her mini-me and remembered the plans we had to raise our kids together.

I was right to be afraid.

It hurt. It continues to hurt. Like a dull ache around my heart.
It’s an ache I recognize as one that will never fully go away.
The pain ebbs and flows, but it will always be.

Do you know what’s greater than the pain?

That girl’s smile.

I can’t wait to see it again.

Going on a Disney Cruise Again!

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We’re about to set sail on the Disney Wonder for the second time and couldn’t be more excited! We sailed on the Wonder way back in the fall of 2010! It was actually our first cruise so we have MANY fond memories of the boat.

I’m telling you… there is nothing better than seeing this sign…

Disney Cruise - Port Canaveral Sign

And then going over the bridge and seeing this out of the corner of your eye. (Don’t worry. I saw it out of the corner of my eye because I was driving. Maggie was madly taking pictures every time she saw a glance of the ship.)

Disney Cruise - Disney Dream in Port Canaveral

Then, you finally get into the port and you can see the ship. Right there in front of you. It’s the ship! It’s the ship! The real bouncing in the seat happens at this point – even when you’re a cruise veteran.

Disney Cruise - Disney Dream in Port Canaveral 2

You get the car parked in the parking deck. You jump out and run to the railing and look at your home for the next few days. And, you’re just GIDDY with excitement. (Really, giddy is the best word. Overcome with joy works too.)

Disney Cruise - Disney Dream Port Canaveral

This just kinda sums up all the feels.

Disney Cruise - The joy

We can’t wait to have all those feels again in just a few short weeks!!

This time, we’re actually sailing out of Miami, but I’m sure the experience will be similar to the last time we were on the Dream (thus the pictures) out of Port Canaveral. We’re excited to try a different port and are going to be documenting our journey to share with all of you. Maggie has visions of a House of Hills YouTube channel dancing in her head.

Because we’re going back on a small ship that we haven’t been on in awhile, we’ll be experience some things as if they’re all new again.

For those of you that have been on the Wonder recently, what’s one thing we shouldn’t miss?

And, for those of you that haven’t sailed the Wonder (or any Disney ship), what would you like us to investigate and report back on? 

We can’t wait to enjoy FIVE NIGHTS on the Disney Wonder together as a family. Disney Cruises truly are our favorite form of vacation! Happy Spring Break to us!

No First Day of School Picture… Yet

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It’s the first day of school for our county, but there is no first day of school picture for Maggie. That won’t happen until Monday, and it will look very different.

After much prayer, discussion, seeking of wise counsel, meetings, coffee dates, conversations, tears, “what-ifs” and more, the House of Hills has decided to homeschool.

This year.
Eighth grade.

HOH

The HOH Academy is born. (Yes, Maggie created the logo.)

Now, as you pick up the coffee cup you’ve just dropped on the floor, let me try to answer all the questions.

What are you doing? How are you doing it? Aren’t you working?

  • Yes, I am still working full-time. I am blessed to have an office super close to the house and flexible hours. We see it working the way my summer hours do. I get stuff done in the early hours before anyone arises. In fact, I can get more done between 5am and 7am then I can in four hours at the actual office. (Can I get an amen?) I will go into the office for part of the day. She’s totally capable of taking care of this herself. I’m just facilitating.
  • We will be doing our county’s online education system. We are so blessed to live in a county where they actually have all the classes (even the advanced ones) available for her to do online. She’s still considered a student of the county. Her teachers just communicate with her via the county’s online system rather then in an actual classroom. We’re not confident on how it completely works as everything pretty much just went live yesterday. And, we’re obviously still learning. For those that live in our county, think of it as “snow days.” All the assignments go up on the system with deadlines. My understanding is that she’ll have her work given to her on a weekly basis by Sunday night and have to turn it in by Friday night. I’ve already seen some of what she has to accomplish for next week, and it looks pretty cool.
  • Yes, I know there are TONS of different homeschooling models that she would love. Believe me, I’ve researched. We think this is best for the HOH because it gives her the flexibility she’s craving but allows her to slide back into the public school setting with ease when she’s ready.

Why? 
AKA: Did something happen? Is everything okay? You swore you never would homeschool – so what is up? 

  • Maggie begged us for over a year. Seriously. She has been asking since the sixth grade to homeschooled. It might even have started in the fifth grade. She finally made enough great arguments that we started to listen. She’s willing to take on the responsibility for it and is excited for the independence.
  • Maggie is not wired to sit in a desk all day. I honestly don’t think any kid is, but for my little kinesthetic learner, it’s almost painful. Ironically, the first few weeks of middle school, she took a quiz in study skills class to determine what type of learning she was, and she was off the charts kinesthetic. I could have told you that without a test. I’ve known that since she was little. The middle school learning environment is not set up for kinesthetic learners. It’s just not. Yes, there is movement between classes, but when the actual learning is going on (which is when she needs to move), they are to sit and face the board or teacher. She even had one teacher that fussed at her for doodling. Kinesthetic learners have to move. The only “safe” way to move in that environment is to doodle. It actually helps them learn to be moving something. (Please note that not only am I a mom of a child with a different learning style than my own – so I’ve researched it – I also have an education degree and they taught us this stuff.) By being at home, Maggie will be allowed to move all she wants. And, I’m pretty sure as much learning will be done standing at the kitchen counter where she can bounce around on her feet as will be done at her new desk.
  • Maggie discovered how much wasted time there is at school. My girl may not have my learning style, but she is similar to me in some ways. She and I share the “can we just get this done and move on to the next thing” ideal when doing something we know we have to do. She has other things she would like to do with her time, but knows the education part is necessary. By pulling her out of a brick and mortar school, we anticipate shortening her school day by several hours. This will allow for more time to practice what she really loves and wants to spend her life doing – singing, dancing, acting. We’ve already moved several lessons to during the day, and because we won’t have to rush around after school (which ends SO LATE), are looking into different opportunities. When your daughter tells you she feels like God has made her to do a certain thing, you want to help her attain that goal.
  • There are health issues to consider. Maggie was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome last year. She’s not shy about it, so I can share. It has changed our lives here at the HOH. She is on a restricted diet, and that’s easier to do at home. She missed over thirty days of school last year for illness. That’s a lot. There are just some days that she needs to have easier access to the restroom and good toilet paper. (I have Crohn’s Disease, and she has IBS. Good toilet paper is very important to the HOH.) She can still learn on those days. She just needs to feel comfortable in her surroundings. Home is much more comfortable.

What about her socialization?

  • Have you met her? Have you met me? We like people. She’s got plenty of friends and plenty of activities. We’ve had conversations about having to work harder at friendships now, and she’s listened. Given the amount of texting that was going on last night with people swapping first day of school outfits, I think we’re okay right now.
  • Being home during the day means she can babysit during the day. Maggie is looking forward to adding the role of babysitter to her life. We have a few friends that are thinking of using her during the day for different things, and she’s going to be actively seeking more employment. That’s a whole different kind of socialization.
  • Are kids today ever really disconnected from one another? There are some upsides to modern technology. She won’t be isolated as long as nobody is grounded from their smart phone. In addition, from what I understand, there will be group discussions via her online classes. She may even make some new friends that are in the county.

So, that’s why there’s not first day of school picture today. But, there will be one on Monday, because that’s when her school starts.

We’re going into this year with open hands and allowing God to lead us where He wants us. This is where we feel He wants us to be right now. It could change next year, next semester, next week. We don’t know. But, today, this is what we’re doing.

Maggie gets two more days of summer.

Attempting a Family Selfie at Woodlands Camp

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We picked Maggie up at Woodlands Camp this morning. Before we left, I wanted to get a family selfie so I could Instagram that we were back together. The family selfie taker of the group is David, because his arms are the longest – obviously.

Here is how it progressed…

HOH Woodlands Camp 1

YAY! A good family pick with the lake in the background.

HOH Woodlands Camp 2

Maggie makes a crazy face as David zooms in a little.

HOH Woodlands Camp 3

Yay! Another one of everyone smiling, but my husband has cropped out all his hair.

HOH Woodlands Camp 4

My husband seems to be disappearing.

HOH Woodlands Camp 5

And, Maggie makes another face.

HOH Woodlands Camp 6

We all make crazy faces.

HOH Woodlands Camp 7

I’m laughing. Maggie is looking bored. David is still in crazy face mode.

HOH Woodlands Camp 8

I’m now cracking up just waiting to see what happens next.

HOH Woodlands Camp 9

I love them.

Sometimes it’s the littlest things that bring the biggest smiles. So glad to have the girl home again. Although, I did enjoy five straight date nights.

 

 

21 Day Fix : Day 15

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Today was weigh in day number two for the 21 Day Fix. Remember, when I weighed in after week one, I’d lost FOUR POUNDS. I was so excited. I was very sure I wouldn’t lose another four pounds, but I was hoping I’d at least lost a little bit. I was pleased to see I was down another TWO POUNDS when I got on the scales this morning. That’s SIX POUNDS in two weeks. Oh my wow! So awesome.

This is what I ate on Day 15.

Meal 1: 1 Red  1 Yellow  
2 Eggs
Sandwich Thin

21 Day Fix Day 15 Meal 1

 

Meal 4: 1 Blue 1 Red 2 Yellow 1 Orange 2 Green 3 Tsp
Salad
Chicken
Beans/Corn
Dressing
Chips (Yes, I admit to eating the chips. Not many, but I did eat some.)

21 Day Fix Day 15 Meal 2

 

Meal 3: 1 Red 1 Purple 1 Yellow
Yogurt
Strawberries
Skinny Pop

21 Day Fix Day 15 Meal 3

 

Meal 4: 1 Red
Deviled Eggs

Yes, I know there is all kinds of other stuff in there. We’re just ignoring that for a minute. Bad me. Bad me.

21 Day Fix Day 15 Meal 4

 

Meal 5: 1 Red 2 Green 1 Purple .5 Yellow  2 Tsp
LOADED SHAKE
1 Scoop Shakeology
1 Cup Berries
1 Cup Almond Milk
1 Cup Spinach
1 Cup Kale
2 Tsp peanut butter powder

21 Day Fix Day 15 meal 5

 

Totals for the day:
4 Green (short 1 )
2 Purple (short 1)
4.5 Red (under .5)
4.5  Yellow (over .5)
1 Blue
1 Orange 
5 Tsp

Workout: Gym Time

21 Day Fix Day 15 Elliptical and Bike

 

Takeaways:

  • I cannot each just one chip at a Mexican restaurant. Nope, can’t do it.
  • I truly have a weakness for my deviled eggs.

The 21 Day Fix Series (June 2015)

21 Day Fix : Day 14

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Day 14 of the 21 Day Fix. I can’t believe two weeks are done already! Tomorrow is weigh in day two. I don’t expect to do as well as last week, but I’m hopeful for some more change.

Meal 1: 1 Red    
1 Scoop Shakeology

21 Day Fix Day 14 Meal 1

 

Meal 2: 1 Red 1 Purple
Greek Yogurt
Strawberries

This has become my go to snack for at church. I serve at the first service and then attend the 2nd. So, I enjoy this in between. I just throw it in a cooler bag to keep it cool. I will confess that Maggie usually steals some of my strawberries. They’re her favorite.

21 Day Fix Day 14 Meal 2

 

Meal 3: 1 Red
I ate a chicken leg fresh off the Big Green Egg when I got home. Could not even help myself. I love when the hubby smokes meat.

No Picture. 🙁

Meal 4: 1 Red 2 Green 1 Purple .5 Yellow  2 Tsp
LOADED SHAKE:
1 Scoop Shakeology
1 Cup Berries
1 Cup Almond Milk
1 Cup Spinach
1 Cup Kale
2 Tsp peanut butter powder

21 Day Fix Day 14 Meal 3

 

Meal 5:  1 Yellow
Skinny Pop

21 Day Fix Day 10 Meal 4

 

Meal 6: 3 Red 1 Purple 1 Yellow 1 Green 1 Blue 1 Orange 1 Brownie
Turkey Burger
Whole Wheat Bun
Fruit
Veggies
Multiple Deviled Eggs
Brownie

Our small group had a cookout with all the families. It was a BLAST! And, there was lots of amazing food. However, most of the food was pretty good for you. Oh, we had some chips and such, but there was plenty for us 21 Day Fix folks to eat. There were two of us there. Unfortunately, I made deviled eggs and brownies – two of my all time favorite recipes that I make. (No, I don’t have the brownie recipe posted. Maggie has decided it’s a family secret.) So, I did a little indulging there. Weigh in day is tomorrow. Oops.

21 Day Fix Day 14 Meal 6

 

 

Totals for the day:
3 Green (short 2 )
3 Purple 
6 Red (over at least 1)
3.5  Yellow (short .5)
1 Blue
1 Orange 
5 Tsp
1 Brownie

Workout: Gym Time – Elliptical and Bike
I really do enjoy working out in the gym. I feel like it uses totally different muscles than the videos. And, there is no pressure on my knees. That I really like.

21 Day Fix Day 15 Elliptical and Bike

Takeaways:

  • Don’t make my brownies and then be around them. They are like a siren’s call.
  • It’s more fun when you’re working out and doing a weight loss challenge with a friend. You can then rely on each other when times get tough.

The 21 Day Fix Series (June 2015)

21 Day Fix : Day 13

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We’re entering into the second weekend on the 21 Day Fix. Weekends are hard friends. Your routine is different. Your family is around. You go out more. Weekends take planning.

Meal 1: 1 Red  1 Yellow  
2 Eggs
Sandwich Thin

21 Day Fix Day 15 Meal 1

 

Meal 2: 1 Red 2 Green 1 Purple .5 Yellow  2 Tsp
Shakeology
1 Cup Berries
1 Cup Almond Milk
1 Cup Spinach
1 Cup Kale
2 Tsp peanut butter powder

I LOVE my loaded shake!

21 Day Fix Day 13 Meal 2

 

Meal 3: 1 Red 2 Green 1 Orange 1 Tsp  
Chicken
Lettuce and Veggies
Sunflower Seeds
Dressing

21 Day Fix Day 13 Meal 3

 

Meal 4: 1 Red 1 Purple
Light Ricotta
Peach
Cinnamon 

21 Day Fix Day 10 Meal 5

 

Meal 5:  1 Yellow
Skinny Pop

21 Day Fix Day 10 Meal 4

 

Totals for the day:
4 Green (short 1 )
2 Purple (short 1)
4 Red (short 1)
2.5  Yellow (short 1.5)
0 Blue
1 Orange 
4 Tsp

Workout: Dirty Thirty
This might be my favorite workout of the DVDs. I didn’t do it last week because we were tromping through the woods on Saturday. So, today was my first time doing it. It was the first workout that I didn’t have to stop before the full 60 seconds were up. That felt awesome. I really felt like I accomplished a lot. I kinda can’t wait to do this one again.

Oh, and please notice my new workout pants. I <3 them.


21 Day Fix Day 13 Dirty 30

 

Takeaways:

  • New workout clothes can make you feel good about yourself. Who knew?
  • Having a Facebook group via your Beachbody coach is kinda awesome. I showed them my whole new workout outfit, and they all appreciated it much more than folks who are not in the middle of this crazy struggle would.

 

The 21 Day Fix Series (June 2015)

#HOHGetsFit – A Comparison Picture

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Last night at Legally Blonde Jr, we snapped a family selfie. We like family selfies.

FullSizeRender

I posted it to Instagram – like I do all good pictures of the family, and immediately got all kinds of response! Everyone was saying how much thinner I looked.

Here’s the thing. When you look at yourself in the mirror every day, it’s hard to see big differences. You see some of course, but not the full picture.

So, I went back in the iPhoto archives to find another family selfie. I believe in comparing the same angle of picture. In some pictures I look like I have five chins. In others, I only have two. So, the angle is important.

I found this one from early January before we started #HOHGetsFit

IMG_7757

So, um, yes. there is a difference wouldn’t you say.  IN ALL OF US!

I’m so proud of my family for being on this journey.

Oh, and if you didn’t get the full effect. Here’s the comparison pictures I put on Instagram later that night.

HOHGetsFit Comparison

Can’t wait to see the difference another few months brings.

21 Day Fix : Day 12

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Day 12 of the 21 Day Fix was a Friday. And, it was opening night for my girl in her camp production of “Legally Blonde, Jr.” where she absolutely killed it as Vivian. And, she looked too old…

LegallyBlondeOpeningNight

But, you’re not here to see pictures of my beautiful daughter. Or, maybe you are. There are plenty to be had on House of Hills.

Let’s get down to what I ate on Day 12 of the 21 Day Fix!

Meal 1: 1 Red 2 Green 1 Purple .5 Yellow  2 Tsp
Shakeology
1 Cup Berries
1 Cup Almond Milk
1 Cup Spinach
1 Cup Kale
2 Tsp peanut butter powder

I have begun in my note taking to call this a loaded shake. It is LOADED with veggies and fruit and typically takes up an extra cup besides the Shakeology container. Y’all, it’s so good. Like, the other day I truly just wanted to eat these all day.

21 Day Fix Day 12 Meal 1

 

Meal 2: 1 Red  2 Yellow  
Chicken
Rice
Corn (1/2 yellow)
Black beans (1/2 yellow)

I remembered I had some black beans in the freezer and pulled those out to have with the chicken and rice. Then, I went on a hunt for corn. For some reason I wanted corn with it. It was mighty tasty. So thankful my husband smokes chicken on the Big Green Egg for me (well us) on the weekends. It’s so great to have on hand all week long.

Oh, and I took a picture of these apart (I mixed them to eat them) so you could see HOW MUCH CHICKEN is in one red container. If you’re thinking about doing the 21 Day Fix but are afraid you won’t get enough food. Don’t be. There is enough.

21 Day Fix Day 12 Meal 2A

 

Meal 3: 1 Red 1 Purple
Light Ricotta
Peach
Cinnamon 

I know. I know. This is typically what I eat last. However, I knew I was going out to eat with the hubby for dinner, and I started getting hungry around 3:00. I have learned that if I don’t feed myself once I start to get hungry it becomes an issue pretty quickly. So, I had this as a quick snack. Plus, the peach was about to go so it needed to be eaten.

21 Day Fix Day 10 Meal 5

 

Meal 4: 1 Blue 2 Red 1 Yellow1 Orange 2 Green 3 Tsp
Taco Mac (yes, I just had it the other day)
Roasted Wings
Side Salad

Hubby and I went out to dinner after we dropped the girl at the theater so she could get ready for the show. Any other Drama Mamas out there? You know that early call time on the first show – right? So, we headed over to Taco Mac, which is close to the theater. I ordered 6 roasted wings (rather than fried) and a side salad. I’m pretty sure I paid extra for that side salad, but it was worth it. This meal was a very tasty and satisfying and probably about half of what I would have eaten there five months ago. Yes, I did have some blue cheese dressing on my wings, but not a ton. A girl’s gotta live – right!

21 Day Fix Meal 4 Taco Mac

 

Totals for the day:
4 Green (short 1 )
2 Purple (short 1)
5 Red 
3.5  Yellow (short .5)
1 Blue
1 Orange 
5 Tsp

I’m sure that by eating wings I got more blue, orange and tsp than that, but, like I said above, it was way less than I would have eaten at Taco Mac a few months ago. So, I still call it a win!

Workout: Cardio Fix
I die. Sweaty selfie proves it.

21 Day Fix Day 12 Cardio Fix

 

Takeaways:

  • You can go on your date with your husband, eat real food, and not feel guilty. WIN!
  • My daughter is one talented girl, and she didn’t get it from me.

The 21 Day Fix Series (June 2015)

21 Day Fix : Day 11

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The 21 Day Fix continues! Come along for the ride.

Today was the 2nd to last day doing the early carpool run for camp. Let me tell you… having this shift really messed with my schedule. But, it was worth it as the girl is having a BLAST!

Meal 1: 1 Red
Shakeology (nothing added)

And in the car on the way to the studio no less. Let’s just say it was a rather rushed morning.

21 Day Fix Day 11 Meal 1

Meal 2: 1 Red 1 Purple  1 Yellow
Greek yogurt
Strawberries
Skinny Pop

Thankfully I brought snacks to work.

21 Day Fix Day 11 Meal 2

21 Day Fix Day 10 Meal 4

 

Meal 3: 1 Red 1 Yellow 2 Tsp
2 Eggs
Oatmeal with Almond Butter

21 Day Fix Day 11 Meal 3

 

Meal 4: 1 Red
2 Hard Boiled Eggs

Yes, I seem to eat a lot of eggs. They’re just so handy and quick. I should probably reign that in.

21 Day Fix Day 2

 

Meal 5: 1 Red 2 Green 1 Purple .5 Yellow  2 Tsp
Shakeology
1 Cup Berries
1 Cup Almond Milk
1 Cup Spinach
1 Cup Kale
2 Tsp peanut butter powder

Got my workout in late today (because of the aforementioned crazy morning) so had my packed shakeology later in the day. It really is my after I sweat treat. Excuse the sweaty selfie. We take a lot of those in the challenge group and share them with each other on our private Facebook group. BEST part of doing this 21 Day Fix thing – the Facebook group of awesome ladies I’ve “met.”

21 Day Fix Day 11 Meal 5

 

Totals for the day:
2 Green (short 3 – ya, that’s not good. Did I mention the bad start to the day?)
2 Purple (short 1)
5 Red 
2.5  Yellow (short 1.5)
0 Blue (short 1)
0 Orange (short 1)
4 Tsp (short 1)

Workout: Elliptical and Weight Machines at the gym.
I realized at about 6pm that I hadn’t worked out. (I told you. Nutty day.) So, I had two choices. I could change clothes and do something about it. Or, I could just ignore it all together. I decided to do something, and I headed to the gym. Sometimes it’s nice NOT to do the DVDs that come with the 21 Day Fix. I mean, I do like Autumn and all she’s taught me, but you can only listen to her talk for so much. So, off to the gym I went. I did 25 minutes on the elliptical and got my heart rate to a nice place. Then, I went upstairs and did the weight machines. I worked. Believe me.

21 Day Fix Day 11 Workout At Gym

 

Takeaways:

  • Don’t ever give up. Ever. This is a journey. And, a crazy day being either at work or with family does not excuse you from taking care of yourself. (Yes, I am writing this down so that my own words can come back to haunt me on a day I want to give up.)
  • Always have a sweat rag. Always.

The 21 Day Fix Series (June 2015)