It is in the air around here! This feeling that things are different, new. No, I did not change my hair color again (yet). Strangely enough, in our house, it has nothing to do with the fact that a NEW year has just begun. I think ours is more exciting!
We found out about a week ago that we get to stay in our sweet little home in Logan County, America. We were ready to move, to walk away thankfully, but God made it possible for us to stay. Praise Him!
In other news, Joe and I realized right after Christmas that we don't like being fluffy,,, it's highly over-rated. His sister contacted us the day after our realization, noting she felt much the same, so we all joined this great healthy -living site called and committed to making healthier choices. For us, as an added incentive, we are training to go back to where it all began for the Chlebanowskis in America, and run the Chicago Marathon in October. It could be scary, folks.
the lifestyle change is going great so far- noone has pulled any major muscles or fainted from calorie restriction, yet.
The last news I will share with you for now is about our family. Ever since my princess was born, I knew I was done having children. But, I also felt like our family was meant to have one more member. Moose has helped (he's like a perpetual toddler with his antics) but it isn't the same.
In a few short days, our family will be growing! A new child will call this house home!! YAY!
Another sweet laugh will fill the air, and another pair of feet will drag Oklahoma clay through the livingroom.
But, I won't have to potty train this one. He already sleeps through the night. Weaning is also a non-issue.
This sounds like the perfect child, no?
I think so! Too bad we are only "borrowing" him for 6 weeks.
Okay, fine, here is the truth- We are hosting a student from Panama for 6 weeks that is coming to Oklahoma to learn English through an immersion program. (Still wondering who thought Oklahoma was a great place for that, but will gladly reap the benefits!) I hope to be sharing the experience with you through my blog. Should prove to be pretty entertaining! I can only imagine the antics that will ensue when my children have a new "in-home" friend. I also hope I can provide his Madre y Padre a slight sense of relief that their baby ( 13 is still a baby ya'll!) is safe and sound here in the Good 'Ole USA...

Other things are in the works, but not ready to share, so keep checking back!
Blessed,
Carrie

1. I am fat.
2. I am fat because I love food.
3. I love food too much. My butt is a good voucher for this.
4. I think I subconsciously think the food is going to love me back.
5. The food doesn't love me back. It only loves the space it inhabits on my aforementioned butt.
6. I actually notice myself craving exercise lately. Think maybe my butt is trying to tell me something?
7. I am much more productive at doing laundry and other household chores while listening to music on my ipod.
8. Alvin and The Chipmucks has a great soundtrack.
9. I may actually get in shape with this workout routine- my house may stay clean too!
10. I am more than likely certifiable.

Here is to the close to another year, and to the blessings that are sure to come in 2009! God Bless You!
Love,
Carrie

The men in suits at the big food companies have done their jobs well! My 10 yr. old has fallen for their claims that Fruit Loops are healthy because they are made with whole grains, and Sunny Delight has lots of good vitamins, so I should buy it instead of juicy Juice. Oy Vey!

We are in the process of changing our eating habits in our household. In a HUGE way. Gradually, we are eliminating processed foods, and trying to buy only whole, raw, organic products. Anyone on a budget can understand how frustrating this can be. And I would be lying if there weren't days I wanted to stand in the middle of Super Walmart and scream, "YOU ARE MAKING PEOPLE FAT!!!!!!!" Because truth be told, the "cheap" foods that are accessible to people on limited incomes are killing them. They are laden with chemicals, processed beyond recognition and the preserved for longer shelf life. I am a transparent person. My family qualifies for assistance, and right now, we are using it. How crazy I must look to the cashier getting my free cheese and eggs and milk, and then filing the rest of my cart with expensive organic foods. Why is this country so unhealthy? Why can't I get free range eggs that are better for me kids for free? Why does it cost $10 a lb to buy chicken and beef that hasn't been bred to be "plumper" or fed soy??? 100 years ago our food sources weren't genetically altered or bred for production, chemicals weren't sprayed all over vegetables to make sure more got to the production plants, and guess what.. less cancer, less obesity, ADD was UNHEARD of as was autism, food allergies and a long list of other problems. OH! and they ATE ANIMAL FAT!!!! and hardly any of them had heart disease. Thank goodness in our modern age of science and technology, things ARE SO MUCH BETTER!!! Oy vey!
I think I need to go have a big glass of milk that came from a cow roaming around somewhere in a field in Asher, OK and take a nap! :)