One Little Duckling Has Left The Pond

Quack, you say!  I'm talking about my oldest duckling...he has gone off into the wide world on his own, 'tis the way it should be, I suppose!

Oldest Duckling

He's 19, after all, and it's only right he should strike out on his own and find his own journey, apart from mom and dad.  I cried, like a silly llama mama, as all llama mamas do, I suppose. This morning as I walked into his now empty room, I immediately cried again...and then I started to clean and rearrange it into the computer/x-box/storage room/laundry room that it was always destined to be. (In fact, I'm sitting there right now typing this blog post, quite cozy I might add, the tumbling of the dryer a sort of lullaby to soothe my sad heart)  

It has always been the laundry room since that is where the builders of the house designed it to be...but it is an extra long room, and because of that it served as a bedroom/laundry room/storage room. Now, have I made this information as clear as mud? Good!

Anyhoodles, I miss my oldest duckling already, even though he only lives about a mile (if that) away, in a beautiful neighborhood on a private drive...he also works at our family business so we will see him often. Yet in my heart I can feel that it's never going to be the same. 

The hubby has gone and fetched the other boys from their grandparents (because I begged him to, the house seemed empty without them) and our house is now back to our new normal, sans the oldest. As I sit and type this I can hear my daughter playing the new keyboard piano and the boys voices as they work to clean their bedroom to dads satisfaction. Lovely sounds, indeed! 

This week has been a bust, as far as running outside anyway...I have worked out at the YMCA a few times, mostly on the AMT, the Arc Trainer and one session in the weight room.  My running has been almost non-existent, due to the weather mostly...it was snowing, then icy, then pouring rain so I took to running indoors on the aforementioned machines.  

AMT Machine

ARC Trainer

My eating as been horrible, due to all the luscious and oh so flavorful food I have been surrounded with. Anyone feel my pain? Anyone? Good, it isn't just me..Whew!  That all stops right now, come on willpower! I have absolutely no willpower whatsoever.  If there's junk food around my house, I'm gonna eat it. I may hold out for a day or two but after that, all's fair in love and hunger.

Over the last several months I have learned that as I age I cannot eat like I could when I was a teenager, shocking, right! I am now going to have to watch, very carefully, what I bring home and what I eat when I'm out and about.  Waaaaa, somebody call me the waaaam-bulance!

 (As I type this my daughter is playing with our R2-D2 voice commanded robot, dance mode)  

Now back to the issue at hand...Do any of you women out there have this problem (with food) as you get older? Any advice you can give me? I am reading that we need to take in about 200 less calories that we did before menopause...aging...etc, while still exercising the same amount or gasp, more! 

I am feeling frustrated and disheartened. I love food but I know that it's time to focus on my health and family rather that what I can and cannot eat.  While I am still exercising just as much, I am throwing a temper tantrum like a four year old having problems changing my eating habits from that of my teenage self. Any advice is welcome, and thanks in advance. I shall stop whining now and end this rant. I bid you farewell blessings and hugs...May you all have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Christmas Was Fam-Tastic

Hello everyone, I had a FABULOUS Christmas Day, spent mostly enjoying family time, good food, and favorite Christmas movies. We had a turkey and a ham, all the side dishes...and pies galore...oy vey! 

We opened many presents and exclaimed with joy and rapture at the gifts before us...

  

 Can you see the rapture on my girlies face? Well can you?

Even the puppies (they are 8yrs old) had a great time inspecting the gifts...lol! I think you can see a great and joyous time was had by all! Later today we are all going to the movies to see "The Hobbit". My hubby and I received not one but two movie gift cards as gifts, so we are set, for awhile. 

How was your Christmas Day? Tell me all about it! Did you run or take the day off?  Was it a white Christmas? (Mine was not) Blessings and hugs y'all.

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Rejoice, It's The Christmas Season

It's my favorite time of the year, bar none.  How about y'all? I just love the feeling of this season...the lights on the houses, cutting our own tree (every year)...the weather...red and green colors everywhere...Christmas music, movies and even the tingling of the Salvation Army bells.  Can you tell I love everything about this season? Yup, I do. 

Christmas @The King Family Casa

Christmas Village

Grinch looking out for good boys & girls

As you can see, I love to decorate for Christmas at my house.  How about you?  Also every year I read a Youversion Christmas Bible reading plan, and this year is no different.  I am reading a new one this year and if your interested, here it is...It's Christmas-Devotions from Mandisa.  Enjoy your winter break and cherish the time you have with your loved ones!

I just wanted to stop in and say The King Family wishes you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!


Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them"

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Another Senseless Tragedy

The only words I can think of to say are "Please pray for the families and friends of the victims of the Newtown CT tragedy."  There is too much sadness today. 

Don't ask, why do these things happen, for there are no "good enough" reasons, it is all just so senseless and tragic.

Hug your loved ones, tell them that you love them...now, not later. Spend time today making memories, don't wait for a tomorrow that may never come.  When these tragedies happen, turn to God in prayer, don't blame Him or ask why He allowed such a thing to happen, reach out your hands to those who are hurting, or to someone else in need and in turn you will make the world a better place.

May God be with all those affected by this tragedy and May He bring comfort, healing and peace to them as well.

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

 "Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Health Update and Healthy Living

Hey y'all...just wanted to update you on my health.  As you may remember I was going through some tests not related to my Thyroid cancer...well, those tests show that I am having pvc's.

PVC's are (according to the Mayo Clinic) premature ventricular contractions.

This basically means my heart is beating prematurely or earlier that it is supposed to. As far as the doctors know it isn't going to kill me, even though it may affect my quality of life and how I feel.  They are dead-on, I do not feel well, it's as if my heart is spastic, it makes me short of breath and a bit cranky as I just feel...ick. On top of this I am also having what they call sinus tachycardia when I exercise...my heart will beat at 198 bpm...not what they want, especially when I've been working out for years and should have better cardio health.

 

It makes it hard to breathe, so I sound like I'm a complete newbie (huffing and puffing) even though I feel normal...just a bit out of breath...no fainting but sometimes I do have pain in my chest and left-side of neck. (sad face) 

I am now taking a beta-blocker to slow the heart down and hopefully control the pvc's. So far I have not really gotten any relief, ugh...it's only been a week so I am not sure I can complain yet! (Smiley face) Last night as I lay in bed trying to feel better, I was seriously this (-) close to breaking down in tears...then I had to remind myself...it can always be worse.  There is a reason I'm going through all this and God has a plan and a purpose for everything.  I am thankful that as far as doctors know, there is nothing mechanically wrong with my heart (that they can find), and that it probably won't kill me.

Okay, enough whining from me...let's talk about healthy living for awhile. Did you like that segway (no, not the one you stand on)?

What are y'all doing to live as healthfully as you can during the Christmas season?  I am trying to eat more yogurt, smaller helpings...less red meat...and drink more water.

Here as some tips I am going to use this Christmas season...I'll let you know how it works out!

• 1. Drink more water, to combat all the foods that are rich in fat and sodium.

• 2. Eat less meat, enough said.

• 3. Eat smaller helpings, use a smaller plate and fill it up with veggies, fruit and generally healthier choices.

• 4. Eat the goodies, just in smaller servings. 

• 5. Find time to fit in exercise, even if that means taking a walk/jog around the block (up the street, through town) etc...Go to gym when time permits and do at least 30 minutes of exercise or weight training 3 days a week, during the weeks leading up to Christmas. 

• 6. Smile and be happy, let my inner joy shine through to the outside so others can see and be blessed.

Have a great week y'all! Let me know how your week turned out! Blessings and hugs!      

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Days of Giving Thanks...Days 26-30

Day # 26...Today I'm so very thankful for our local YMCA, oh how I've missed it!

Day # 27...Today I'm thankful for warm and cozy hugs from my loved ones...

Day # 28...Today I'm thankful for my ears, for they hear such wonder-gut sounds, like the whisper of the wind and jingle bells jingling...

Day # 29...Today I'm thankful for inventions like the umbrella, it's pouring outside!

 Day # 30...Today I'm thankful for all that God has seen fit to bless me with and for those that have participated in my "Count Your Many Blessings" event for November! It was just as I thought, we DO have much to be thankful for!

Thank you, all of you that participated in some way or another...We do have so much to be thankful for! Blessings and hugs to everyone.

    

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. "Limitations only exist if you let them" © 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Days of Giving Thanks...Days 19-25

Day # 19...Today I'm thankful I'm still in remission!

Day # 20...Today I'm thankful for the outage of our cable, Internet and phone...silence is golden!

Day # 21...Today I'm thankful for my miracle, Jacob!

Day # 22...I'm thankful for time spent with family I rarely see.

Day # 23...I'm thankful that its time to decorate for Christmas.

Day # 24...Today I'm thankful for Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, Brothers, Sisters, Moms and Dads, Children, Friends and my fur babies...My life is great and I sincerely love the people in it!

Day # 25...Today I'm thankful for the Youversion Bible App, for scripture and the ability to see well enough to read!

Hope y'all had a great time visiting with family and loved ones. Have a fantastic week.
  

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Happy Thanksgiving 2012

May your day be one of blessing and joy! Happy Thanksgiving my friends!
 

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. "Limitations only exist if you let them" © 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Days of Giving Thanks...Days 12-18

Day # 12... Today I'm thankful for classic movies like...M is For Murder...and White Christmas...these are some of my favorite things...la la lala la la....Nothing better than being sick in bed and watching old classic movies! Now if only I could have some soup and not have to go to the hospital for injection today, lol! Luckily it'll be quick and I can get right back into my warm bed and rest!

Day #13...Today I am thankful for the internet...it is a highway of information...some of it is actually useful and helpful for those of us going through special medical testing.

Day #14...Today I'm thankful for the Liquid radiation i received this morning, as it will be helpful in seeing any thyroid or cancer cells during my whole body scans Thursday and Friday...

Day # 15...Today I am thankful for missionaries who go out into the world and reach people for God, feed them and love them.

Day # 16...Today I'm thankful for The Dove TV and Radio Christian programming...

Day # 17...Today I'm thankful for God's unfailing mercy and grace...

Day # 18...Today I'm thankful for the wind and rain! Natures leaf blower and shower! The wind comes in and moves the leaves and debris around and then the rain gives it all a nice shower and some much needed water!

I have been super sick with a chest cold and not been able to exercise at all for the whole week...ugh! Thankfully the doctor's office called and I'm still in remission.  Blessings and hugs to you all...May you have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.      

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. "Limitations only exist if you let them" © 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Days of Giving Thanks November 5-11 2012

Day # 5...Today I choose to be thankful for the honor of being a MOM...it's a hard and often thankless job, with little monetary value (to some) and there are many days I'd like to pull my hair out, mornings I'd like to get a do-over...but through all the spit-up, dirty diapers, temper-tantrums, teen angst, and general moodiness that all kids display...I absolutely love being a mom and wouldn't trade it in for anything.

Day #6...Today I am thankful for my son, Jesse's safe trip home from Bend, Oregon OLI 2012 FBLA Event! He made it safely home last night tired and starving after not having eaten in 8 hours...he is home sick today but will be fine as I am sure it just from being in a hotel room with 20 others guys for the last 3 days and then on a bus for several hours with 2 other sick kids!

(Me and my son Jesse 4/2012 post 5k)

Day # 7...Today I am thankful for life...it may not always be fun, or fantastic...I may be going through health issues... It is what I allow God to make of it, when I put my faith and trust in God it always works out His way! I am alive today, I choose to be thankful for each day I am given, I am thankful for today! 

Day #8...Today I am thankful for a simple pleasure, COFFEE, in all its glory...I look forward to it every morning with excitement and with anticipation every night at bedtime! I am thankful for this very simple pleasure.  Sometimes I think it's important to remember, it can be a little thing that brings us to thankfulness...it doesn't have to be deep or personal.

Day # 9...Today I am thankful for medical technology and testing...even when it is time consuming and often painful/annoying...it is what helps to diagnose and treat my illnesses...so thankful! I do know that I have what they call pvc's that are very frequent but generally not life threatening as long as they are not due to another disease within the heart.  We are not sure what, if anything, we will do about it!

Day # 10...Today I'm thankful for the sounds of morning in our house! Brewing coffee...Children yawning, quiet conversations...cuddles with the furry members of our family! Life is good!

Day # 11...Today I'm thankful for the people in my life who truly care about and for me, especially when I'm sick! I have been sick all week on top of all the medical tests I am going through so it's been a rough week all around. I am alive...it's all relative. I will survive and move forward.

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Days of Giving Thanks November 1-4, 2012

Each week I will be sharing with you all that I am thankful for.  This week's installment will be November 1st through November 4th.

I have been so blessed with so much and feel it's great to take time to remember those blessings (*I borrowed this idea from my beautiful cousin who has her own lovely blog*)...and then share them with others.  When you are being thankful it's hard to feel sorry for yourself and not only that, but it serves as a reminder of just how many blessings one truly has! I even created a Facebook EVENT.

I wonder if we bloggers can get a "Count your many blessings" movement going for the month of November...Anyone interested in doing this with your fellow bloggers, just to show how very blessed we all are?  Spread the word, let's see how far this can go! Link back to me if you would like.

Thursday November 1, 2012
#1...Today I'm thankful for the beauty of fall! I was blessed this morning on my run with all the colors of Autumn! Gods beauty awes me!

Friday November 2, 2012
#2...Today I am thankful for a God who loved me enough to die on an old wooden cross...who loves me in spite of my many failures and shortcomings....who loves me enough to forgive and forget my sins when I repent, what a loving Heavenly Father I have! 

Saturday November 3, 21012
#3...I am thankful to live in a country where we are able to vote in a new President...freely say what we want, or believe in whom we believe...where it is still okay to go to Church and pray to God...God bless AMERICA!!! 

Sunday November 4th, 2012
#4...Today I am thankful for my legs that carried me safely on my run yesterday...I am thankful I have legs that are healthy and strong and I Praise God for His healing...My thanks isn't one of sarcasm it is a sincere and heartfelt thanks! Thank you Heavenly Father for bringing me through my injury to a healthy and strong resolution...

Y'all may have noticed that I haven't used the obvious "I'm thankful for..." that is simply because I am always thankful for my husband who has unwaveringly stood by me through thick (literally) and thin, sickness (literally) and health, richer and poorer...and God willing til death do us part.  

I am also continually thankful for my 4 loving children, who are each amazing, smart, and accomplished in their own way, both of my parents and each and every one of my friends who choose to share in my crazy life...that includes each of YOU! I am blessed (undeservedly) beyond belief and it humbles me when I think on the enormity of it all. 

For the month of November I am choosing to state what I am thankful on each particular day, it is as simple as that!  Feel free to follow and participate, I would love to read what you have to be thankful for, as I am sure it will be diverse, humbling, and amazing.  



Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. 

 "Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.