Contentment Issues...

I think I need to paste this on my forehead or something...so I see it and internalize it...ALL. THE. TIME.

"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength."
-Philippians 4:11-13

RagamuffinTop Challenge...My Week 2

Well, we have entered my second week of the RagamuffinTop Challenge and I lost...drum roll...a pound! I am now at 131 lbs.

Last Monday (I think) it was very mild here in OK (read: in the 70s instead of the 90s), so when I got home from work I realized I had no excuse not to take advantage of it and get out for a run. My running buddy for the evening was Norman (our devoted dog...always willing to "take one for the team" when there is a walk/run involved).

I also got out for a walk/run on Thursday, despite the mid-90s temps. On Saturday, my new Nike Ipod Sports kit came in the mail, so I anticipate some more motivation as I can track my walks/runs each week!

This next couple weeks will be tough for me in terms of the Challenge. I will be heading straight from work to rehearsals (this week) and performances (next week) for The Sound of Music. However, I will try to get some good brisk walks in during the workday, so I can get some physical activity in...must keep pressing on toward the goal!

I also apologize for lack of picture with this post. I bought a new camera battery yesterday, but it turned out to be the wrong one! Here's a quick summary, though:

Starting Weight: 132 lbs
Current Weight: 131 lbs
Goal Weight: 120 lbs (or less!)

My more non-quantitative goal, however, is just to get better at working out to keep my body healthy...the weight loss numbers help (just ask the buttons on my pants), but they are simply numbers to track my goal.

To see how other RagamuffinTop Challengers are doing...check this out if you'd like to send them some encouragement!

P.S. I would like to give a shout-out to my SIL Dawn, who celebrates a birthday today! Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister-in-law! And also, Happy Birthday to my friend Rebecca! Go wish them both a fabulous day!

The Hills Are Alive!

Yesterday I had my first rehearsal as a member of the Nun Chorus for Lyric Theatre's The Sound of Music. It was amazing to be a part of such a professional theatre atmosphere. There are 40 of us in the Nun Chorus and my goodness, these ladies sounded AMAZING! We were pulling off some 6-part harmony in some songs. Very cool. I'm so excited to be a part of this group.

We have the rest of this week off, and will pick up rehearsals most days next week. The show runs from Tuesday, June 24th to Saturday, June 28th. If you are in the Oklahoma City area and need a fun night out, I invite you to come see the show. Ticket information is available here.

Funny Story about the nuns...we met at the theatre yesterday to get into costume for a publicity photo shoot before our rehearsal. We then drove to a church in the area to take the pictures. The looks we received were priceless...a caravan of cars full of nuns driving down the road. And as we were running across the street from the parking lot to the church courtyard, I felt like I was in Sister Act! Fun times.

RagamuffinTop Challenge...Who's With Me?

So in my blog reading, I stumbled upon this fun challenge--The RagamuffinTop Challenge. Before we found out we were pregnant, Steve and I were finally starting to run again. I currently sit at 132 lbs and being 5'1" (and that's generous), that puts me into the higher part of normal to lower part of overweight. No good. So, I thought that maybe by posting on my blog weekly, I would be more accountable to start getting into better shape before our next baby attempt happens in...well, whenever that happens.

I bought one of those Nike iPod sports kits, which will help me track my runs and allow for more progress (well, between that and this blog of accountability, I bet I will have more progress!!).

Since I'm kinda starting late (the challenge started 2 weeks ago), bear with my first post:

Starting Weight: 132 lbs
Goal Weight: 120 lbs.

Here, the founder of the RagamuffinTop Challenge explains how it all works.

The rules are simply this:
1. You must have a measurable goal.
2. You must place a photo or video on your blog each weekend and give us the scoop on how you did.

Easy as that. Who's with me? Go Check it Out!!

How About Some Fun??

Having the last two posts as somewhat depressing, I decided it's time for some fun. Check out this CD, and also this cool giveaway!

Check this out! You'll like it!



You can also go here and leave your link for a chance to win some great music!

Hardest Days So Far...

I hadn't even officially announced our pregnancy yet on this blog, but I must now share some disheartening news. We lost our first baby 10 weeks 1 day into our pregnancy, and I had surgery yesterday to "finish the job." Everything was going perfectly, we had seen a strong heartbeat at 6 1/2 weeks along, and there was really nothing to prepare us for what has happened. We are obviously heart broken over our loss, but have been carried through by the prayers of many. Since we discovered that we were expecting, we have said that this baby is not ours to hold onto, but a gift from God for as long as His timing allows. Of course that was easier to say when there was still a little one inside, but we still cling to the truth that God is good...all the time. We have received so much support from loved ones (most of which are far away, but their prayers are felt in a very real way). We are thankful for the short time we had with our little one (of course the heartbreak kinda trumps the thankfulness right now, but that will ease), and we are hopeful for the future.

I must say that Steve has been my rock during this ordeal. This is very much his loss, too, yet he has carried me with such grace. I am amazed by him more and more...and cannot even describe how thankful I am for my wonderful husband. He sure will make a great Daddy someday.

Please Pray

I just heard on the radio that Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter Maria was killed in a horrible car accident yesterday evening. The Chapman family is an amazing example of God's work in the American family, and they are huge advocates for adoption (which I am passionate about as well). Steven Curtis Chapman's music touches many, and I know their family could use some prayers of their own right now.