The girls were about nine months old in this picture. They loved laying around together. They played with each other’s hands and it looked as if they were whispering secrets as they turned towards each other.

I just love looking back and remembering these sweet moments!!

Post linked to: Finer Things Friday at Amy’s Finer Things

Credits: Saffron Blues by Trixie Scraps and Bella Gypsy
Scraps by Number: Just Call Me Alli by Stolen Moments

Credits: Tuesday Template 7/27/2010 from Scrap Matters; Saffron Blues page kit Colab by Bella Gypsy and Trixie Scraps

A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them.
~Victor Hugo

Post linked to: Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom

Hey Jenny!

Whatcha lookin’ at?

“The three bears, Mommy”

Post linked to: Wordful Wednesday at Seven Clown Circus

It’s just too hot to go camping outside, so the kids went indoor camping this weekend!

A fun time was had by all….

Post linked to: Mamarazzi Monday at Household 6 Diva and Sweet Shot Tuesday at Life with My 3 Boybarians, and You Capture at I Should be Folding Laundry

For my first Weight Watchers weigh-in, I was shocked to find out that I lost FIVE pounds!

I was thinking that I lost about two, so five was a huge accomplishment.

Now, in no way am I expecting to do that every week. It wouldn’t be healthy, but it was a great boost to my weight loss journey.

I had been stuck in the same number range for my weight for weeks.

A lot of weeks.

So I am also thrilled to move down and continue moving down!

The meeting yesterday was focused on what you can do to jump start weight loss again after being stuck in a plateau.

Weight Watchers defines a plateau as an average weight loss less of less than half a pound. My leader explained to figure out if you’re in a plateau you should take your last four weigh-ins and divide that by four. If the result is less than a half a pound then you’re in a plateau.

Most people consider themselves to be in a plateau when they’re really experiencing a healthy weight loss (1/2-2 lbs. a week).

To overcome and get out of the plateau, the explained that you should go back to the things you did when you were in the “honeymoon” stage of the program.

That would be when you first joined and you were excited about everything, following the plan to a T.

Things like…

measuring your food

tracking everything that you eat or drink

even tracking BLT’s (bites, licks, and tastes)

planning meals with your point allowance in mind

using accurate measuring tools

As I thought about this, it occurred to me that the same principle applies to many areas of our lives.

When we reach a lull or a plateau in any area of our life, we should go back, remember and put in place those things that we did when we were in our “honeymoon” stage.

When you find yourself in a plateau in your marriage….go back to the things you did when you were in the honeymoon period.

Things like…

dating

taking your spouses needs into consideration

cuddling and cherishing physical touch

having meaningful conversations with one another

When you’re in a plateau in your walk with God…go back to the things you did when you were in the “honeymoon” period in your faith.

Things like…

reading your Bible

participating in Bible study

praying

listening to God

fellowshipping with other believers

Can you think of other areas in which this principle applies?

Is there a specific area in your life in which you need to put this principle in to practice?

I would love to pray for you as you do this.

Leave a comment and let me know how I can pray for you as you tackle your plateaus this week.

“Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1, ESV)

And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. (Luke 11:5-8, ESV)

From this week…

1. I found a walking partner! After writing about my workout plan last week, I got an e-mail asking if I would like an early morning walking (eventually running) partner. It did not take long for me to respond with YES!!!!!! I’m so excited to have some company during early morning walks and someone to encourage me to start running. I even have a goal of doing an 8K in November.

2. Jenny slept through the night last night. Now, I know it may or may not just be a random occurrence, but SHE DID IT! I fed her last night at 8 and she went to sleep. I went to bed around 10 and slept until I heart her stirring at 4 am this morning. What a blessing!!

3. Will is starting to show more interest in potty training. Training him has been such a long drawn out, on again, off again, frustrating process. I’ve tried several times and have been forced to throw in the towel because he just did not care. But this week he has started to ask to go potty…something that he’s never done. And he’s catching himself when he goes and telling me. Again, something he’s never done. I’ve decided that he’s not going to do it one minute before he is good and ready. But I’m so thankful for some glimmers of hope.

Favorite links…

The Importance of a Summer Schedule by The Homeschool Classroom

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Layered Krispie Treats by Picky Palate

Have a New Kid by Friday series by OhAmanda

The Way To a Man’s Heart is Through His Stomach by Women Living Well

I Need This by Love Well

Book Lists for Daughters by Raising Homemakers

A Lighthearted Summer Reading List for Kids (and Moms, too) by Simple Homeschool

Back to School Shopping for Homeschool Families by Heart of the Matter {Online}

If Blogging Makes You Feel Small by (In)Courage

Have a great weekend!

Post linked to: Saturday Stumbles at It’s Come 2 This