This weekend ... John, Jen, Payne, & Hadley Brereton style

Good morning!  Little of this and a little of that make for a wonderful weekend.  Hope all of you had the same.  Enjoying your family and friends along with everything this time of the year brings along.  Well not everything....we all run into "those people" out shopping.  You know the ones!  Next time you run into one look them straight in the eye and say "What a beautiful day!  I hope you are having a spectacular time and are enjoying everything life has to offer!"  Trust me, that is sure to irritate the crap out of them.  I started this weekend out with a new outlook.  Trust me, the situation that I was talking about in my last blog put unnecessary "weight on my shoulders" and I feel great now! 

We started our weekend Christmas tree shopping.......

Good ole' Copes Christmas Trees!  I've been going here for the vast majority of my life .... can you beat a 2 to 5 mile drive? 






We're ready!  I explained what the pics were for but my husband has no idea what a "blog" is.  The kids tried to explain ..... 6 & 8 explaining that!

THIS ONE?  

THIS ONE?

THIS ONE? 

MAYBE THIS ONE??


NOPE!  This is the winner ..... it has complete Brereton family approval.  His name is Leroy.

One thing about John and I, we see the possibilities in everything.  And we are passing that along to our children.  With a little work, time, love, and sometimes money ... anything can be great!  And beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  We truly do love Leroy

The daylight pics don't do it justice.  I will take more in the dark.  The trunk and each branch is wrapped with lights.  With over 600 lights, 150 gingerbread men (both homemade and store bought), and 55 yards of ribbon ..... we love our tree! 

On Saturday, we spent the afternoon and evening shopping.  Our annual Grimm family shopping trip.  For as long as I can remember, Grandma and Pap Grimm have taken one day and headed off to Canton to shop.  Yes, I know it isn't that far but we have always done it.  When John came along he joined in the fun.  And then the kids!  We all pile into the Yukon and get close.  Sometimes to close!  JK  We laughed that about this trip ... Payne blew his nose constantly and coughed every so often, Hadley began well then started coughing all the time and progressed down hill, and lets' just say there were some gastrointestinal issues.  I KNOW TMI!  You had to be there! 

On Sunday, the kids decided that wrestling was a GO!  There was a family discussion held on it.  You see we believe wrestling is important but school is more important.  They were no 100% but wanted to go.  So off we went.  During warm-ups, one teammate threw up right in the middle of a mat.  NICE!  And we noticed that about 10 of them were not there.  Muscles was pinned both times, quickly.  You could tell that by the time the matches came around the meds had worn off!  And he had no fight, no fight at all.  He is normally pale but WOW!  GHOSTLY was the word to use.  Killers weight group was last.  We waited and waited.  Then I saw one of the coaches looking.  Here she came.  There would be no wrestling for Killer today.  She was standing in front of me teary eyed, shaking from being cold, and saying her belly and head hurt.  So, we packed it in and headed home.  Live and learn.  Mom and Dad should have known not to take them.  Oh well!  We came home, made some dinner, meds were taken, and the tree was decorated.  And all is good today!  They are off to school....

Hope your weekend was event packed!  This week brings wrestling, Rice Krispy houses, pizza fundraiser, company Christmas party, and what ever else this crazy world throws at the Brereton family! 

Character flaw or attribute?

Perseverance ..... continued steady belief or efforts, withstanding discouragement or

                             difficulty; persistence. 

Synonyms ..... doggedness, steadfastness, perseverance, persistence, tenacity, pertinacity.

The "Never Give Up" attitude ....

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.  The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."  Thomas Edison

"Never give in.  Never give in.  Never, never, never, never, never...in nothing, great or small, large or petty...never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense.  Never yield to force.  Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."  Winston Churchill

Persistence and perseverance are key ingredients to success.  Always live your life by the old saying, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." 

A character trait is something that everyone has.  In fact everyone has quite a few.  They can be either positive or negative.  The character trait of perseverance is a positive.  It means the ability to persevere or see something through.  Life can be difficult, having perseverance can make it more manageable.

When does perseverance and the never give up attitude become a character flaw?  I don't give up on things.  Even after being told NUMEROUS times too.  It just isn't in me.  I believe that it will change.  I believe that I can do.  I believe that this time will be different.  I believe I can "conquer this hill".  I believe I can "slay this dragon".  I believe.  I believe.  I believe. 

That is how I live my life.  Everyone and everything deserves one more chance.  One more try.  One more go around.  But when is enough, really enough?  When does it become just like "beating your head against a wall"?  I have given my all.  I have fought the good fight.  I have believed this time will be different.  I want to prove the "nay-sayers" wrong.   

Today a friend, Carla Ls Jett Riemer, shared this passage sent to her from a friend .......

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts..

God knows how hard you have tried. 

When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish..

God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by..

God is waiting with you.

When you're lonely and your friends are too busy for a phone call..

God is by your side.

When you think you've tried everything and you dont' know where to turn..

God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope..

God has whispered to you. 

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for..

God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe..

God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow..

God has opened your eyes and called your name.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing ... GOD KNOWS! 

He knows how I have tried.  How I have been persistent to no avail.  He knows what I have faced.  And I say today is the day.   I wipe my hands one over the other and bid farewell.  It pains me to believe the "nay-sayers" were right.  But I will live every second, minute, hour, day, month, and year knowing that my perseverance and persistence is not a flaw but an attribute.      

I wish each and everyone one of you a wonderful evening.  Let those you love know it!  Laugh as much as possible!  Live life!  And remember never allow someone to be a priority to you when you are just an option to them! 



What is on your Christmas list?

I'm a Christmas list kinda girl.  I figure this gives people a guide to your desires.  I'm also a pretty practical.  I want things that I am going to use.  Now don't get me wrong, there are many that don't purchase from the list.  And trust me, I've gotten my share of clothing that doesn't fit or is another persons style.  Cheap "running" shoes that I wouldn't run to the mailbox in.  And the list could go on! 

This is my 2011 Wish List.................

1.  Road bike - realized that for longer distances the mountain bike just doesn't get it.

2.  Proform 290 SPX Spin Bike

3.  3 Piece Cast Iron Kettlebell set (20, 25, and 30 lbs.)

4.  P90X2 workout

5.  Insanity workout

6.  Chanel No. 5

7.  Gift certificates from Second Sole, GNC, and Saucony Website

9.  Honey Stingers Organic Energy Chews

10.  Magazine subscription for Shape  

11.  Kindle/Kindle Fire

There were two additional items, Runners World magazine and the Nike running pants, but I purchased the magazine and plan to get the pants this weekend.  I know it sounds like a lot.  And most of the items are pricey.  I don't expect to see much of it.  Do you see a theme?  Yeah, I may not look like what some people think health and fitness is but I work my a@@ off. 

WHAT IS ON YOUR WISH LIST? 

 

 

Beginning of Why the "Fuel" ......

I'm starting with a disclaimer.  I will only say this once and it stands from here on out.  On food days, I'm expressing my opinions and choices.  I'm not saying anyone chooses to eat badly.  That your choices are not good.  That my family eats better than yours.  That you don't care about your family.  Needless to say, I've heard it all before.  This is my life and my choice.  I may repeat some things that you don't agree with.  I may believe things that you don't.  If you are offended by my thoughts on food then my suggestion would be .... STOP READING!  And do not read any of my future posts on food.  Thank you!




Why, why, why?  I ask myself that almost every time I go grocery shopping.  Why is it so hard to get quality food?  Why do I have to go to 6 or 7 different stores?  Why don't I just go to one and call it a day?  Some would say it is just Jen being Jen.  Always doing it the hard way.  I say it is because I care.  As said in my first "fuel" post, we really don't eat that differently than anyone else.  We are not starving.  I made this choice after reading many, many things.  And I continue to read.  Out of hope it would improve my health and my families health ..... I made the change.  Everyone can stand to get healthier! 

I've read about preservatives, growth hormones, added flavors, and numerous other things involving genetically modified, manufactured, processed, and frankenfoods.  Studies on children's behavior, autoimmune disorders, how this crap can affect the body, and the general state of Americas health. 

Yes, we as a nation don't SWEAT enough.  But we also don't consume much real food.  Ever look at a package of chicken?  Look at the ingredients list.  WAIT!  Why is there an ingredients list?  Chicken is chicken, right?  NOT!  Some brands, who will remain nameless, have up to 12% added water, saline, and natural chicken flavors.  Why do you have to flavor chicken with natural chicken flavor?  Shouldn't it already taste like chicken. 

Growth hormones used for animals.  Gotta get them bigger faster!  The hormones are then in the meat and milk we consume.  Studies are starting to show a link between the growth hormones in meat and the early development of girls.  The amount of antibiotics given to animals at factory farms is unbelievable.  It is estimated that 75 to 85% of the antibiotics consumed in the United States are consumed by the animals that we eat.  Think that might have something to do with why some diseases seem to be drug resistant?  Can't help. 

How much "food" at the store is based on corn?  More than you would ever think.  You know that slogan "You can't eat just one".  They are manufactured for that.  Why can't you stop over-eating?  Because the "food" is engineered so you will crave it.  Corn that is genetically modified to be pest, drought, and weed resistant.  It has Round-up in it.  Do you think maybe, just maybe that chemical is finding its way into your system little by little? 

Why can't I freeze a potato but they sell them in the freezer section at the store?  I can mash them and freeze them but nothing else.  Always turns to mush.  I thought about that for a little while.  What exactly is on them?  Why can they be in the freezer for a year and still turn out yummy?  Bet it is safe for our bodies. 

And the story will be CONTINUED................... 

  

 

Short and sweet ... it's been an interesting day!

Day 1 of my challenges!  YIPPEE!  YAHOO!  I really need a life.  So, today my plan was to do my challenge workout and have someone take a few pics of me doing them.  That didn't happen!  Here is my breakdown......150 chair dips - day 1 level 3 - completed 61 total, 200 squats - day 1 level 3 - completed 77 total, and 100 push ups - day 1 level 3 - completed 61 total.  I'm happy!  The chair dips are what worries me the most.  Our chairs are not comfortable for doing them.  And my workout bench was moved to make room for the tree.

Picked up some lights at Grandma and Pap Breretons' today.  Hadley had to go with us since she was home from school.  She picked out a star for our garage.  And Grandma gave her a few "dolls".  We put them on her shelf and she just loves them.  Lights will be going up later in the week.  Hopefully, the rain will stop at some point. 

Learned today that things always seem to "haunt" you.  Crazy world we live in.  And lord knows ... there are some crazy people in this world.  Hadley is going back to school tomorrow.  Working on tree decorations tomorrow night!  Kids are excited!  HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT AND WONDERFUL DAY!     

More Muscles and Killer

Well today Muscles and Killer had their second wrestling match.  The excitement.  The drama.  The tension.  Where was I at?  There was noise.  There was a smell of sweat in the air.  There was sickness.  And then there was vomit. 

Killers group was up at the beginning.  She was pumped early in the day.  But as we got closer to match time, honestly, she just wasn't herself.  She told me her belly hurt.  I, of course, blew it off as nerves.  She got ready for this.......

She was pinned in the first round and then walked quietly back to wait her turn.  Was a little odd because she was more subdued than normal.  And then here we go again.........

She was pinned again in the first round.  Went to get her and she didn't really want to talk.  HADLEY NOT WANT TO TALK!  Something is a brewing.  We sat down and she laid her head on my lap.  Again, told me she wasn't feeling good.  After a few minutes, she sat on Grandma Grimms lap.  And this happened......

She fell asleep!  WHAT!  She slept the rest of the time. 

In the meantime, Muscles was up.  We have issues that we are working on.  Size wise they were pretty evenly matched.  Hadley was sleeping.  Grandma was trying to yell without waking her up.  She turned and told me "You had better yell!"  Well, let me just say that I made heads turn.  Yes!  That is right.  People turned just to see who was yelling that loud.  Trust me.....we Grimms' can yell.  Uncle Norm would have been proud!  After some maneuvering ..... HE GOT A PIN!  HE PINNED HIS GUY!  I don't know what period.  I think the second but don't hold me to that.  He was THRILLED!  I didn't take pics but lets' just say he had a grin from ear to ear.  It was great!  After long wait and moving to another ring, he was up again.  This fella looked a lot older and was bigger.  But that is okay!  We have to learn.  Unfortunately, he was pinned in the first period.  After all was said and done, he had a great time.  And we headed out. 

We stopped for dinner.  Hadley kept saying her belly hurt BUT she kept eating.  She turned down dessert, a cookie.  Another ODD thing!  We returned home and headed for the showers.  Only to get derailed by Killer puking up everything and anything she may have had in her body.  Guess she was telling the truth all along!  I felt bad.  My girl was telling me all day she didn't feel good AND I DIDN'T BELIEVE HER!  We are all looking forward to next week and whatever it may bring! 

Tomorrow starts my challenges.....100 push-ups, 150 chair dips, and 200 squats.  I'm weirdly excited!  Ready for my early morning dates and looking forward to adding up some miles! 

Holiday "randomness"

This week/weekend has been all about getting ready for the holidays.  All done Brereton style.  The "big tree" comes next weekend.  There is much prep involved with it.  See we do a different tree every year.  Yes, that means we have had 13 distinctively different trees.  Here are a just a few pics of our holiday preparations..............


Gingerbread houses

 Hadleys' fine work!

 Paynes' beautiful house! 

Yes, I was in charge of the icicles.  After putting on some icing, I realized it would be much easier with an icing bag and tip.  BUT we didn't cheat!  I told the kids we were using the items in the kit only!  Now, we are taking bets as to when the dog will consume one.  They smell quite tasty! 

The kids growing nutcracker collection

They are afraid of a stuffed elf but LOVE these things!  Explain that!

Hadleys' beautiful purple Christmas tree 

Paynes' blue & gold Christmas tree.....he takes school colors seriously! 

Mom and Dads' Christmas tree

I love a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree! 

Our little nativity

Just wait for the pictures of our main tree.  Should be good!  The kids and I will be making the decorations this week.  Hope you all had a great and wonderful Saturday! 



I'm thankful for ........... that I can sit and write this with a little bird reading everything out loud to me.  Maybe I can teach him to proof read for me.  Check my grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.  NOT!