The Keierleber Characters

Blogger Fail

2012-01-31T17:18:00.002-06:00

I've been trying to post all day, but Blogger is not letting me. BOO!

Just stopping by to say, JESUS LOVES YOU! :)

5 years

2012-01-30T16:01:00.005-06:00

This year Mr. Incredible and I will be celebrating 5 years of marriage!

{August 2006, celebrating our engagement, admit it, you love my red eyes lol}

I felt convicted awhile back about taking vacations. People in Africa are starving to death, why should I drop thousands just for pleasure? Just plain wrong.

I decided that we would vacay just for big anniversaries, and other trips would be mission trips, (with maybe one family trip for pleasure, say Disney, one day).

We were planning on a trip for our 5th and 10th anniversaries, and so forth.

Well here we are a few short months away from our anniversary: buying/fixing up/decorating a new house, and starting our second adoption. Obviously both of these are very exciting and totally worth it, but it leaves our hands tied for our anniversary this April.

I think it is very important to make a big celebration of our anniversaries. Marriage is worth celebrating!

Any ideas as to how we can celebrate our anniversary without spending big bucks? I really wanted to go to Boston or Disney, but both trips would cost about 2k, (and that's only for a weekend trip). I want it to be really special since its our 5th...

2 going on 12

2012-01-29T17:37:00.001-06:00

Sweetpea is such a toddler! Loves her independence! Here she is brushing her teeth. :)

Penguin Pals

2012-01-28T22:56:00.001-06:00

Sweetpea has been cuddling more and more and I knew she needed a stuffed animal. She has some, but they're all packed, so I had to buy her a new one. I found a mini penguin pillow pal at walmart and she's in love! Definitely helps at bed time! Here she is early in the morning, notice her sleepy eyes? :)

Flash Forward Friday

2012-01-27T01:32:00.001-06:00

This pic from last week of Sweetpea weirds me out because she looks so old. Something about her smile...

Kisses for Kissa

2012-01-26T13:15:00.014-06:00

Last night I asked Sweetpea for kisses, and after she gave me a kiss, she decided to ask for kisses. She said, "kisses," and I was so proud! Usually she says "kithes" but last night she was able to say "kisses," loud and clear! She has always been really good at annunciation, but her s's have been a little harder- common for this age.

I was so proud of her, I made her repeat it over and over again.

She then switched to a word that is similar...

"Kissa"

This is our pastor's daughter Caryssa. Sweetpea refers to her as "Kissa." Caryssa is a difficult name to say for a 2 year old. :) Sweetpea love Caryssa!

Sweetpea loves to group people. If you say Nana Nell, she'll finish with Nick, Pop, Taylor, Auntay, (Taylor is known as Auntay and Sweetpea has taken to calling her both names). :) Sometimes with this group she includes Paige, (Nick's girlfriend).

After saying Kissa, she followed up with "Byce," (Bryce, Caryssa's brother). She loves them both and commonly says their names randomly.*

She added a new name this time. She rounded out the group with "Freckle." I about fell out of the bed! Caryssa and Bryce's dog's name is Freckles. The last time she saw Freckles was about 2 weeks ago, and she has never been included in Sweetpea's recitation of her friends before.

She is getting so smart to remember not only the name Freckles, but to remember she goes with Caryssa and Bryce! She said "Freckle," but I had her repeat herself and she said "Freckles!" :)

*Sweetpea lists her friends at random times.

Besides my family she'll say:

MaMa and PaPa (Mr. Incredible's parents- she named them herself). :)

Emma, Joy, Gace (Grace), Tina

Leese, AH-leese, Nafen, (my BFF Elise... she usually says Leese, but she is starting to add the E and says AH-leese lol and her son is Nathan).

Book (Brooke), Corey, and Mudge (Mudge is commonly grouped with Jersey). :)

Sell-ka, Sammy, Elwie, (my mom's dogs Angelica, Sammy and Ellie)

Briar Rose

2012-01-25T12:40:00.002-06:00

Like my new layout/header? It is just a picture of our lives right now. So much joy and excitement! :)

I spoke with an adoption agency Monday, and we meet with them today to sign some paperwork. I am ecstatic to bring home our second princess! We are requesting a little girl age 0-5. I can't wait to see who God has for our family!

I have been planning her room for quite some time now.

Click here to see Briar Rose's room inspiration.

It could take awhile to get her since we are not in our house yet, but I am hoping by spring Briar Rose may be home with us! :)

Loud and Clear

2012-01-24T09:00:00.003-06:00

Read through all of this- there is pretty exciting news...

Don't you just love knowing you are exactly where God wants you to be?!

I promised weeks ago that I would recap how loud and clear God was about our move, and He has gotten louder and cleared now that we are here so I guess I better share now. :)

In September we began looking for a new job. Any job, anywhere. Mr. Incredible worked for a wonderful company, but wasn't enjoying it. Working behind a desk is certainly not enjoyable for him.

We had offers all over the country and were praying for where we should go.

Then Mr. Incredible got info on a job in West Texas. He gave the ok for his resume to be submitted on Monday. Tuesday they already called to set up an interview. That next week we went for the interview. We arrived on Sunday and went to dinner with someone from the company. We hit it off right away, and we discussed their church. The youth group, the possibility of an adoption ministry we could start, etc. Could this be a fit for us? The day after the interview they offered us the job.

God was loud and clear! We were moving!

We have been here a week, and it has been very clear we are supposed to be here. Mr. Incredible LOVES his job! He comes home everyday for lunch which we are ecstatic about! Seeing Daddy midday is awesome! Sunday we visited our friend's church and we think it is a fit!

We are living in a hotel and after about a day I was done. Imagine staying in a hotel bed with your 2 year old and dog. Yeah, we need a house.

Since we still have our old house, paying for a second home could be really costly. We looked anyway with hopes God would be loud and clear. Well, we found a home on Saturday that is very affordable- like the monthly payments are less than a car note or than rent for an apartment. We put in an offer and they accepted it on Monday! Loud and clear. We are hoping to move in asap- close date is a month away, but we hope to move in sooner than that!

Now for the really exciting part...

We were planning on starting our second adoption once we got settled here. We were planning on an international adoption this time around. For the last few months I had made inquiries with many different agencies and doors continued to close. I was getting tired and anxious waiting for God to be loud and clear. Yesterday we looked into domestic adoption locally and I had a hard time finding an agency. Finally I found a local agency and submitted a request, and Monday morning we got a response!

We are starting an adoption of another little girl! Loud and clear!

We love our new lives in our new tiny town, and can't wait to see what else is in store! :)

Christmas Day 2011

2012-01-23T14:48:00.000-06:00

We had a very relaxed and laid back Christmas day...

A few days before Christmas, Sweetpea got her first taste of canycane :)

Christmas day in Dallas, on the road to visit with family :)

Sweetpea with 2 of her new besties :)

You think they are a hit? ;)

Pure Joy.

Someone is getting to be such a big girl

Loving on her friends:

Playing the, umm, drums...

Family Christmas

2012-01-22T12:12:00.000-06:00

In mid December we had a family Christmas with my mom's side of the family.

Princess Sweetpea! (I think this is a crown for my mom's dogs. lol) Perfect fit for our princess!
Sweetpea and Leah, (my first cousin, Sweetpea's second cousin).

They are a month apart in age :)

Pretty girl about to open presents

She got a baby Cabbage Patch Kid from my aunt, (her great aunt).

The baby was a hit among the 2 year olds :)

Sweetpea loves her new baby :)

My sister, Sweetpea's Auntay bought her this Tiana. Obviously we love her!

In awe of her newest Tiana :)

Taking a break from opening to play with her baby

In mid sentence- so cute! lol

Pretty girl. :)

The next day Sweetpea showing off her new Tiana

Kisses

Going in for the kiss :)

Kisses of gratitude for Auntay :)

"Nose"

"Where are Tiana's eyes?" HA!

greatest.picture.ever.

in awe again of her awesome Tiana :)

Thanks again, Auntay!

Playing with her baby from her great aunt.

She kept asking to "stand up"... she knows she has to stand to push her stroller. :)

Her legs may not work properly, but her brain sure does. She'll be walking before we know it folks. :) (ps notice her funky smile) lol

Bye for now!

She's Back!

2012-01-21T12:21:00.001-06:00

Hey Bloggy friends! Can you believe I am actually on a computer composing a real blog spot?! I know, it's crazy!

My computer crashed and I still haven't recovered my pictures- still praying I can recover them. We got a new computer for Christmas. :) I have some pictures on my camera that I have downloaded from Christmas which I will be posting soon. :)

Here is a fun CRAFT post. MAN, it feels good to post about crafts again! :)

Here are some Christmas gifts I made using my Cricut.

Tiles:

Coasters:

When we were packing to move I took a break to do this below project. I had put it on hold for sooo long, and I knew if I didn't do it before we packed my sewing machine that it could be a long long time until I was able to tackle it.

For my 21st birthday, Mr. Incredible bought me this princess jacket. I was ecstatic! Princess clothes for adults! I love Belle, but I am not really a fan of Snow White and I DO NOT like Aladdin. This jacket is very comfortable and I wear it all the time. I also started to feel uncomfortable wearing a half naked Jasmine to church. Then I had a tshirt that I was in love with but it didn't fit that well. So, I pulled out my sewing machine...

Goodbye sweet princesses- well sweet Belle. Peace out, Jasmine.

Fabric pinned in place...

All done :)

I had to make it big to cover all the princesses- normally I would not have made the layout so large

Proof that I am not perfect, (did you really need proof lol). I was so nervous sewing this project. I had no instruction or anything I just ran with it, (pretty much how I do everything lol). Everything went perfectly. Until the Africa part. It was the most important part of this and that is the part that messed up! BUMMER! Of well! Still cute! :)

ten

2012-01-20T15:35:00.002-06:00

Sweetpea has been able to count for awhile now, but it is usually spotty. Yesterday she counted to 10 perfectly, all by herself!

Here she is today- she gets a little distracted but still finishes strong :)

All Girl

2012-01-20T10:18:00.001-06:00

I cut Sweetpea's nails the other day and she loved it! She wanted me to keep doing her nails. So, I knew it was time. Time for get first manicure! At 25mths, she loved her manicure and keeps saying, "nails." I just love having a little girl!

Ok, I'm adding another pic. I did her toenails too and she loved it! She bent low towards her feet to get a closet look. :) love it!

Friendship Flashback

2012-01-19T10:28:00.000-06:00

My bestie posted pics of us through the years, so I am reposting some! :)

At breakfast... circa 06?
My 20th birthday

Celebrating our engagemnet in San Antonio, August 06

My wedding day with my matron of honor. :) April 07Circa 05... my makeup looks funky lol

Fall 10/winter 11

Earliest picture of us that I have seen- 2004 :)Most recent, May 11

Vanilla Ice

2012-01-18T10:46:00.001-06:00

We aren't exactly enjoying ourselves in our hotel. We're ready to have a house. Someone please buy our house! (see post below)

My absolute favorite part of living here is that Mr. Incredible spends his lunch break with us everyday!

Yesterday Mr. Incredible's coworker took us to lunch at one of the many mom-n-pop places our little town has. After lunch you get free homemade vanilla ice cream. Sweetpea loved it! :)

Just waiting for him to call to go to lunch today. :) We love seeing him midday! EVERYDAY :)

BUY OUR HOUSE

2012-01-17T13:29:00.002-06:00

Someone please buy our house! We are living in a hotel for the time being, and with a puppy and two year old- well, lets just say we are ready to get out! PLEASE BUY OUR HOUSE!!! or at least get the word out for us. :)

Dream Come True

2012-01-16T00:18:00.001-06:00

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

-MLK

My family is forever blessed by MLK. :) Here is a pic of Sweetpea and me, on the eve of this man's day. It was also the day we arrived in our new home(town)...still waiting to move into our actual new home. We are sharing a bed in the hotel and she requested taking pics. :)

Love my sweet baby, and she makes me extra thankful for this day and what it symbolizes. :)

Thirteen

2012-01-15T11:30:00.001-06:00

I got 13 hours of sleep last night. I sure needed it! Today we are leaving Dallas and heading to our new home in West Texas! I drink Starbucks maybe twice a year, def needed it today!

On our way

2012-01-14T17:41:00.001-06:00

We finally left my hometown today. We have arrived in Dallas to visit Mr. Incredible's parents and rest, and we'll finish our trek to our new home tomorrow. Well, not home yet-we'll be in a hotel until our house sells.

Here is a (not so great) pic of Sweetpea and me in her (empty) room for the last time yesterday.

Moving Day

2012-01-13T14:01:00.001-06:00

Very surreal to be leaving my hometown for the first time in 25 years! And we're leaving our first home! &hearts;

Somebody please buy our house asap! We will be living in a hotel till its sold, so yeah, please buy it! :)

Toddler Free Thursday

2012-01-12T15:48:00.001-06:00

Not to mention parts of Wednesday and Friday...

Sweetpea has been with her Nana Nell and Auntay since yesterday and we're not picking her up till tomorrow because we're packing, painting, etc.

We're moving tomorrow!

One Love Wednesday

2012-01-11T00:17:00.001-06:00

Raising Cane's is one of my favorite places to eat- quite possibly my favorite. There isn't one in my new town, so for the last while I've been eating there as much as I possibly could. Seriously, I've eaten there everyday for the last week, possibly the last two. I won't get to eat there again until April so I'm getting my fill now!

Something great about my "Lose It" app is it keeps track of your calories, so I'm able to still eat at places like Raising Cane's-just smaller portions. :)

Two days Tuesday

2012-01-10T00:43:00.001-06:00

Sunday we were busy packing, and Sweetpea makes it almost impossible to work-she loves to be with me. :) So, my mom and sister kept her for the day. She had a blast! Here are some pics of her waiting for them to pick her up. I heard her saying, "hug, kisses," and I looked up to see what she was loving on. Notice her hugging and kissing her leg. Goober!

So much packing still to do, not to mention appointments, therapies, painting, etc. Two days till we leave my home town for the first time in my life. Two days till our new adventure! :)

MTCM: 15 weeks

2012-01-09T12:08:00.001-06:00

15 weeks, almost 25lbs.

The move and the holidays put my exercise on hold, but not my eating! :)

I can't wait to get settled in our new town do I can get back into my routine and start dropping more pounds. :)

Sweetpea Strolling, Shadow Showing, Sunday

2012-01-08T00:11:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, Mr. Incredible worked in the yard ALL DAY! Poor guy! At one point we came outside to keep him company. I put Sweetpea in her walker, and she accompanied me to the mailbox. I love seeing her shadow :)

Sweetpea Loves Simon Saturday

2012-01-07T00:03:00.001-06:00

Sweetpea got Simon in her Happy Meal the other day and I loved realizing that they both wore glasses. :)

We're super super busy preparing to move... T minus 5 days!

Flashback Friday

2012-01-06T00:57:00.001-06:00

Here is a pic of Sweetpea, circa Dec 10-Jan 11. We were at Walmart and she was just starting solid foods, (still only had 2 teeth). I took this pic cause it was so cute watching her eat. :) Now looking at it, I still love it because of her sweet eyes. :) 1 year ago, *sigh*

Thoughtless Thursday

2012-01-05T09:15:00.001-06:00

Sweetpea and I playing with the camera-her favorite thing to do!

A week and a day Wednesday

2012-01-04T16:39:00.001-06:00

We're a week and a day away from moving. Today sweetpea and I had a movie marathon with my sister. :) Tonight we have dinner with friends. Savoring our last week in our hometown.

Aunt & Uncle

2012-01-03T21:18:00.001-06:00

We spent the day shopping with Auntay. Tonight we had dinner and played games with my family. Sweetpea got passed around and loved on as usual. :) Here she is lovin' on her Uncle Nick. :)

MTCM: Seeing Results

2012-01-02T15:03:00.001-06:00

14 weeks: almost 25lbs

I meant to post this last week but forgot.

Remember this post from back in November?

http://keierleber.blogspot.com/2011/11/mtcm-overcoming-discouragement.html

I could fit into a 6, but wasn't a true 6 yet.

Well, right before Christmas I went shopping for jeans- my size 10s were barely hanging on, I couldn't wait any longer. I went to Burlington Coat Factory and grabbed about 10 different brands of jeans, all size 8. I also grabbed a few 6s in the thought that if the 8s had fit nicely, then I would buy the same pair in a 6 for when I got to that size.

Imagine my excitement when I found out all the 8s were too big- I'm a 6 y'all!

In the post mentioned earlier I said that I assumed I'd be a 6 at the end of my journey, maybe fitting into an occasional 4. Seeing as I have a little more than 20 pounds still left to lose, I think it's safe to say I'll be a 4 in the end, maybe fitting into an occasional 2. I'm ecstatic!

Something even better than my pant size occurred around the same time. I had some blood work done. When I was 18 I was in pretty bad health- borderline diabetes, cholesterol level of 280, etc. I have not taken medication or precautions for those issues in 7 years, so as I sat in the drs office awaiting my results, you can imagine my worry. She came in and said I was in pretty good health. I was surprised when she said my sugars were perfect. Seriously, perfect? Yep! :) My cholesterol is slightly high, but no where near the 280 it was 7 years prior, (she's not even worried about the # and just prescribed fish oil instead of prescription meds!).

Lower weight, smaller pant size and good blood results, what better way to start 2012!?

Seeing as it's the 2nd day of 2012, wouldn't it be a perfect time to join me on this journey? It has only taken me 14 weeks to lose 25 pounds and to get in better shape/health.

I just glanced at the calendar and if I counted correctly, 14 weeks from now is April. How awesome would it be if you could possibly drop 25lbs by April?!

New

2012-01-01T16:53:00.001-06:00

Mr. Incredible and I watched a movie while 2011 ended and 2012 began.

I began 2012 by beginning a book I've been putting off. Kisses from Katie...this book will get its own post, and the reasons why I put it off proved true when I found myself reading into the wee hours of the new year. New post on that soon!

Today we said goodbye to our church family today. *sniff* I'll miss my home of over 7 years! Cornerstone Community Bible Church has been a huge blessing and will be deeply missed!

Church family: we'll still be in town for awhile so let's get together again before we leave!

Notice Sweetpea's shirt...it says "one of a kind." She sure is! Reppin' that on the first day of 2012. ;)

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T09:08:00.001-06:00

Normally on New Years, I'm excited to see the year end and the new one begin. This year was so awesome having Sweetpea with us everyday, it's almost bittersweet saying goodbye to it. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic for 2012: WE'RE MOVING!, celebrating 5 years of marriage, celebrating one year of Sweetpea's adoption, and of course the prospect of bringing home our second daughter, (more on that later).

I'm just really thankful that the Lord blessed us so abundantly in 2011. There were no really big vacations or anything monumental like that, but I cherish every minute that our little family was just that, a family. :)

Here is pic of Sweetpea from yesterday. Notice her shirt, both of them are wearing glasses. ;) She sure made 2011 joyous, here's to 2012!

The Ring Saga Ends

2011-12-30T16:26:00.003-06:00

My wedding ring has gone through a few changes over the years... Read http://keierleber.blogspot.com/2010/04/evolution-of-ring.html

I felt like people saw my small ring and thought I didn't value my marriage or was trying to hide it or something.

I thought getting a more pronounced ring would help it be more obvious that it indeed was a wedding ring.

Mr. Incredible was willing to spend a good amount on the new band, but I was able to find this new one for a very good, very low price.

Mission accomplished! I was finally able to find a good band and I was able to keep it cheap as to not spend to much money when there are over 147 million orphans in the world.

My original wedding bangs around my new band. Thanks babe!

MTCM: 13 weeks

2011-12-26T15:42:00.001-06:00

13 weeks: 24 lbs :)

Been super busy, hopefully a true post tomorrow. :)

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T09:48:00.007-06:00

BORN FOR US

BORNE FOR US

Prince of Peace

Yeshua

Messiah

Son of Man

Holy One

King of Kings

Lord of Lords

The Great I AM

Comforter

Counselor

Author and Finisher

Divine Truth Revealer

Deliever

Healer

Jesus YOU ARE GOD

You're Here

2011-12-24T09:48:00.000-06:00

From the perspective of Jesus's mother. Beautiful!

I believe

2011-12-23T09:40:00.000-06:00

Forget the Fat Man

2011-12-22T12:38:00.001-06:00

Forget about Santa, share this with your kids... LIKE NOW! :)

Anniearctica: decor and food

2011-12-21T12:28:00.004-06:00

Get our your scarves and put on your parkas!

You're invited to the land of Anniearctica!

Come play with the penguins and dance in the snowflakes!

Have some yummy food and of course lots of cake!

Come help us celebrate Annie turning two- join us on December 10th from 12-2!

"Bolt" sitting on a snow drift ;)
Some penguins in the entry

Another snow drift ;) and the ornaments on the tree were the party favors :)

I found these little guys at Home Goods- too cute to pass!
This is my second party to use a balloon banner, and it won't be my last!

I had 16 of these balloons around the house. I found them here before I ever found pinterest, (I've been planning this party since last year lol). I had bodies cut out for them, but my helper did not blow up the balloons as big as I asked so they just have faces, (still cute though).
Punch Station
Punch recipe from here, (I didn't have an ice cream scooper, so please excuse the wonky clumps).

I am creative, but not artistic. I cannot draw or sculpt to save my life. So, I found these little marshmallow penguins from Oriental Trading.

I tie-dyed the inside, but it wasn't quite as cute as my layered cake. Def will be doing layered cakes instead in the future.
I had a coupon for a free cookie cake- 2 penguins for her second birthday and while they misspelled Anniearctica, it still gets the point across.
Snowflake Peanut Butter and PB&J Sandwhiches
Snowflake Rice Krispie Treats

Chex Mix sells premade muddie buddies, but they are not as good, so I made these fresh. :)
It may be hard to see, but this is a cheese igloo. :)
with Ritz snowflake crackers :)

I discovewred gingerbread houses were more of a pain than they are worth! So I barely decorated it! lol

Part 2 tomorrow! :)

We're Moving!

2011-12-20T14:16:00.007-06:00

Literally!

I have lived in the same area my entire life, (lived at my parent's house while I got my degree).

Mr. Incredible and I have been ready to move for some time now, and we have just been waiting on God's will to be clear. We have had opportunities all over America, but last week we traveled to our new home and God made it very clear that this was where He wanted us! So exciting when you get to see God in a clear way!

In a few weeks we will be moving to a small town in West Texas, (which is located by a bigger city).

Sad thing, our calendar is so full, we will not be able to go to our church for our last few Sundays here in town. :( We were excited to have a few Sundays to say goodbye, but it looks like last Sunday was our last day, (we may be able to attend on Jan 1, but we're not sure yet). :(
Welcome to our small town, (this pic is right outside of the town, so I promise its bigger than it appears here!). It is home to about 20,000 people, has many restaurants and a great Walmart, (the only stipulation I had for living in a small town!). 30 minutes away is a larger town that has everything else I need, (and honestly, it takes me 20 minutes to get Hobby Lobby now anyway, so what is 10 more minutes?).
The drive in between the two towns is nothing but wide open space! I LOVE IT!
AND, you will see many of these little Pump Jacks- so cute! :) Totally Texas!

Waiting for our room key in the lobby :) Someone has become a great smiler!
Hanging in the hotel- Sweetpea's first hotel stay! :)
Ready for dinner with our new friends :)
I just love that she smiles now! :)
She stayed up pretty late, but no matter how tired her eyes were...
...she was still having too much fun to sleep!
Tired baby...
silly baby! {I look like a fool- I promise I don't do kissy lips, this was strictly because Sweetpea did it!}
Though she stayed up late, she was still bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning! :)
Wishing Daddy good luck at his interview!
After the interview we went exploring :)

She asked for the camera to take a picture :)

Bolt didn't come with us, but he was there in spirit, and on Sweetpea's outfit! :)
Playing with Daddy on our last night

Sweetpea playing:
Making her baby play with her computer
Feeding her baby :)

Playing with her twin ;)

She gave herself a hug

She was tickling her reflection

MTCM: 12 weeks

2011-12-19T08:50:00.001-06:00

12 weeks: 22 pounds

So so busy! Party post and BIG NEWS soon! :)

MTCM: 11 weeks

2011-12-14T00:05:00.001-06:00

11 weeks: 21 pounds

I have been out of town so I forgot to post this on Monday. We just drove across Texas, (literally), so I'm off to bed. Exhausted!

Two birthdays!

2011-12-10T17:46:00.001-06:00

Today is Sweetpea's second birthday, and 4 years ago this blog was born! :) Sweetpea's party posts coming soon!

Praise Jesus for this day! We didn't know her when she was born, but we're so thankful we get to celebrate with her from her first to her hundredth! ;)

I'm on my phone so I'm having an issue linking this...enjoy my debut post from 4 years ago...

http://keierleber.blogspot.com/2007/12/i-give-up.html

Hold Her

2011-12-09T13:40:00.002-06:00

Sweetpea asks to hold Bolt all day long. It's not an easy task! LOL pic from yesterday

We dog sat over Thanksgiving- a mastiff- huge dog! She wanted to hold her too- impossible! Lol

Any dog, baby or child she sees, she wants to "hold her."

Pint Sized Player

2011-12-08T17:42:00.001-06:00

Sweetpea discovered her playroom last week. Every time we pass it she exclaims, "playroom!" I'm busy working on her party so I put on her adoption video on in the playroom, (the only thing I let her watch-buys me 30 min lol).

Well half way through she decided she NEEDED me. So I put her up in the chair next to me and we finished her video together. :)

This playroom had existed for years, so I'm happy it's finally getting used again, (hasn't been regularly used since July '10 when we lost the boys).

Happy New Year?

2011-12-07T08:33:00.001-06:00

Ok, so yes, I have access to a computer, but I also have much work tho do before Sweetpea's second birthday party on Saturday.

So, please accept this phone post. :)

Here is a pic of Mr. Incredible and Ms. Beauty goofing off at Party City last night. :)

Panda Love

2011-12-06T22:50:00.003-06:00

Y'all, I have a computer at my disposal! Praise God!

It is crawling as I type, so I will stop now and I will begin my picture catch up...

Starting with November 3/4:

Outfit, minus the shoes, is from Gymboree- my FAV place to get her clothes!

MTCM: 10 weeks

2011-12-05T17:40:00.001-06:00

10 weeks: 20 pounds

I guess today will be the day I start truly weighing in with y'all. Yep, major pride swallowing about to happen...

Ok, my starting weight was 181, I am now 161.

The healthy weight range for my height is 140-121.

My goal is 134

My dr said to get to 145 and reevaluate, (my goal weight may leave me too skinny), but as of now, I have...

27 pounds to go!

That's a high number, BUT it took me 10 weeks to lose 20, so in close to 10 weeks I'll almost be at my goal. That's not too long!

KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

This can't wait till Monday!

2011-12-03T08:54:00.001-06:00

I know I save my weight progress for Made to Crave Mondays, but this milestone deserves its own post. After weeks of no change, I am proud to announce that today I have officially lost 20lbs since I began almost 10 weeks ago! TWENTY POUNDS! I am pretty much half way there!

It feels so good knowing I'm being obedient to God, knowing I'm getting healthy, and knowing I have stuck with it! Praise Jesus!

I couldn't do it without my little walking buddy... (I love waking with Mr. Incredible, but seeing as I walk in the mornings as well, its nice to have her along for the ride at that time). We go on walks everyday- now that its colder (at least at night), we've had to hook her up so she could stick with it. ;)

Photobooth

2011-11-30T16:20:00.001-06:00

My mom and I introduced Sweetpea to photobooth today, enjoy! :)

Turkey Day Preview

2011-11-29T08:23:00.001-06:00

Ok, I must accept the fact that I have been/will be computerless for awhile, so I need to buck up and blog!

My new blogger app on my phone upload the pics really small and they become all pixelated- not great but better than nothing until I can download the real pics from my camera, right?

Here are some pics of Sweetpea and Yours Truly at Thanksgiving. We bright get walker and raised her up to the height if the table- mommy was tickled by this! :)

And here is proof that while she may be under weight, it is not for lack of trying- that girl can eat! She eats more than I do usually! :)

MTCM: Surviving Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T10:10:00.001-06:00

9 weeks: 17lbs

My computer is still out! :(

While I haven't had weight change in a few weeks, I'm still encouraged...

1. I'm not doing this to lose weight in the first place.

2. I'm not gaining weight.

3. I survived Thanksgiving- I still counted calories and stayed under, and I didn't gain weight. :)

If you haven't downloaded the "lose it" app yet, you must! Its the secret to my success!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T11:04:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Look at my little turkey's face! So thankful for her! Praise Jesus for saving me and sending me Mr. Incredible and Sweetpea!

Excuse the pic of a pic off my camera...can't wait to get my computer fixed!

MTCM: 8 WEEKS

2011-11-21T13:32:00.001-06:00

8 weeks: 17lbs

My computer is still out! :(

I'll leave you with a little encouragement for you from one of my favorite movies:

KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

That's how she rolls

2011-11-17T12:58:00.001-06:00

Y'all, my computer is still out and we haven't taken it in to get fixed yet. :( Get used to phone posts cause that's all I'll be able to post for awhile. :(

Yesterday I raised Sweetpea in her new walker high enough to where her feet wouldn't touch the ground. This allowed get to push herself around with the wheels- this took her seconds to master and she spent all night rolling around the church. Such a joy to see! Praise Jesus!

MTCM: 7 weeks

2011-11-14T08:30:00.001-06:00

7 weeks, 17 lbs.

As I said last week, I have seen results, but to encourage the rest of you who may be seeing less... I still have 30 to go! I'm not even half way there yet! I'm not losing heart because I know I'm doing this for God's glory first, then my health, then how I look.

Sorry for my short post and my lack of posting. My computer bit the dust- like I'm praying all the stuff on my hard drive will not be lost forever! :/

twenty kids

2011-11-08T08:49:00.002-06:00

The Duggars announced today that they are expecting their 20th child.

Now, when she experienced trauma with her 19th child I felt kinda bad- you can't stop at 19! You have to make it to 20, ya know? :)

Now that number 20 is on its way, I am a little annoyed.

There are over 147 million orphans in the world!

Kids that cry for and dream of mom and dad.

Kids that pray and fast for THEIR FRIENDS to get adopted. How much more selfless can you get?

Mr. Incredible and I are not pursuing birth children because that would be one less orphan we could give a home to.

Now, don't misunderstand, we, like the Duggars, are relying on God in that department. If He decides for me to get pregnant, then we will be THRILLED. We are just not pursing it.

I understand that the Duggars are being blessed by God, but they could be blessed by God through adoption as well if they so chose.

I am not saying it is wrong to have birth children- never! They are a gift from God for sure. BUT so are the kids waiting around the world crying for a mommy. Why not have both?

Many look up to Michelle, and I understand why. Let me introduce you to someone I look up to even more- Linny at A Place Called Simplicity. Go read her story, now!

The Bible proves God's love for the orphan. How are you obeying? Adoption, fostering, donating to someones adoption, donating to an orphanage... how are you caring for orphans? James 1:27

MTCM: Overcoming Discouragement

2011-11-07T09:01:00.004-06:00

6 weeks: 15 pounds and a few ounces :)

I use an old school scale that does not tell you the ounces you lose. That makes it difficult when the line is in between two numbers. This morning it was a little below the 15 lb mark, but not close enough to call it 16 lbs... so I am still counting those ounces, because they are in fact gone! :)

When I first started I lost almost 10 pounds in 2 weeks, and the last 5 took all of these last 4 weeks! That could really quickly become discouraging! As I have said before, I am not doing this for weight lost, but still... discouraging.

DO NOT get discouraged my friends! Pounds coming off- heck ounces coming off- is still weight lost!

In spite of my little discouragement, I got huge encouragement this weekend! Totally did away with the discouragement let me tell ya!

See the pictures below... scroll down to look then scroll back up here... I'll wait...

Ok, what size do you think those shorts are?

SIZE 6!!! Now, I am not saying I am a size 6 yet, but I fit into them! Wahoo! Honestly, I thought that by the end of my journey I would get into a size 6 and that would be the smallest I could be. Now, I think I could easily be a comfortable 4 when this is all said and done! :)

Remember this post about how my jeans were too tight 6 weeks ago, and then 2 weeks ago they fit really well? Well, do you know what size they were? 10! So I went from barely fitting into a 10 6 weeks ago, (like I could snap the button, but I had lots of fat hanging over the top), to fitting comfortably into a size 6! Encouraged indeed! Praise Jesus!

Here I am ready for a party on Saturday- notice my inner thighs- once those are gone, none of my legs will touch! :) My legs are almost back to normal! Praise God! (Does anyone have attractive knee caps? I've always hated mine! lol).
Ok, so my elbow is totally awkward... moving on...

See where my hand is- that is my waist, not where the shirt ends... don't you love layered sweaters? Not! lol Oh, and the way I am standing makes my thighs look bigger and the shorts look a little tighter...it is the way I am standing! :) Self timers don't allow for time to pose properly! lol

I know some of you have had great results as well! Keep up the good work and keep sharing your stories! Let me know if I can pray for any of your journeys!

Birth Photography

2011-11-03T09:14:00.005-05:00

I do not even know where to begin. I honestly have not even been able to think of anything else but this birth since I shot it last week!

It was a natural, at home birth. Like most people, I thought she was crazy.

If I ever give birth, this will be what I choose too! I think every woman should see a birth like this- it will change your thinking immediately, (and apparently this was a really tough labor for mom and it still didn't scare me away).

Her midwife was AMAZING! Totally changed my thinking about midwives as well! She is a Christian midwife in the Katy area, click here. I have many pictures of her praying over mom! So amazing!

I will let the pics speak for themselves- when you see husband and wife together you will see why I first fell in love with this idea of home birth.

I edited these to cut out some body parts and such, so this slideshow is safe for all to see, (I let Mr. Incredible view it). Warning: it does show the head coming out, but nothing gory or anything. :) BUT I must warn you- you may have a huge urge to diet and exercise after you see this video. Even though she is 40+ weeks pregnant and giving birth- mom has a rocking bod! You are going to be jealous, that's ok, you're not alone! lol

Need a photographer? CLICK HERE for my business/photography blog :)

This free photo slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T11:33:00.003-05:00

Trick or Treat Tuesday

2011-11-01T10:14:00.014-05:00

I updated a post from a few days ago with real pics, as opposed to phone pics. HERE

Did you notice that I blogged everyday for the month of October? I actually had blogged everyday a few days leading up to that as well, but once I posted on the first, I decided to try to post everyday! I was successful! I hope you enjoyed all the posts, and I promise to try to keep it up as much as possible! :)

We do not celebrate Halloween, but I do not see a problem letting our kids dress up and get candy. So we go Trick or Treating- we do not say the "H" word. :)

We're one "hapbee" family!
October 30, 2010. Our first trip to the pumpkin patch...
A year and a day later- we didn't make it to a patch this year, so this will have to do. :)
Mr. Incredible is such a trooper- he dressed up as well. Oh the things we do for love :)
see- trooper! :)

10.31.11
10.31.10 :)
cutest little bee you ever did see!

SweetBEE and Nana Nell!
Thanks for buying her costume! :)
The Cokes joined us :)
SweetBEE loves her Cokes :)

SweetBEE had a blast! She learned very quickly that she got lots and lots of...
C.A.N.D.Y.

Not the best of mommy, but look at SweetBEE's smile! :)
SweetBEE's first stop. :) She was given a snickers and shocked us all when she opened it all by herself :)

SweetBEE giving Mr. Incredible squeezes and pat pats. :)
Notice the chocolate mouth! :)

I love my beeutiful babee and am so thankful for her! I can't wait for all the years to come! :) Praise Jesus!

MTCM: Perserverance

2011-10-31T16:50:00.003-05:00

5 weeks: 14 pounds.

Friday October 22, I finally dropped a pound which I referenced last week.

That Tuesday I dropped another pound, then another pound, then another! Well, my last pound I think I lost on Friday before we headed out of town cause I had Mr. Incredible confirm the number.

After a frustrated week or two, I finally was back to regular weight loss. 3 pounds in one week, not bad.

I wasn't able to work out since last Tuesday, and I went out of town. I kept up with my Lose It app, but I was still worried my scale this morning would be mean to me, (not to mention Aunt Flow will be officially be in town by tonight).

Well, I was the exact weight as when I left on Friday! Wahoo! Praise God! I persevered and it was all worth it!

This pic is from my phone and it may be hard to see... in Dallas there is a place called Brahms that has THE BEST banana splits! I HAVE to get on every time I go since we do not have them here. Well, they are LOADED with calories! I could NOT justify getting one! Well, we went and I got this small version- 1 scoop as apposed to 3, and much less hot fudge, nuts and bananas. I had enough calories to eat this and I must say, it never tasted better! I was staying within my goals and was able to indulge in a treat! Definitely a huge step towards defeating gluttony forever! Praise Jesus!

Sweetpea Sunday

2011-10-30T15:02:00.001-05:00

Pardon my fresh milk spot on my romper!

1st Gotchaversary

2011-10-29T17:28:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we went to Dallas for an adoption conference, and we visited Mr. Incredible's parents. Sweetpea was thrilled to see her PaPa and MaMa, (she picked their names). The conference fell on her Gotcha Day so we were our shirts in celebration! After we got home we all went to dinner to celebrate Sweetpea! Next year it will be fun to take her to a fun place to celebrate- she was still a little too young to appreciate a place like Chuck E Cheese! :)

10.29.10
10.29.11

What a difference a year makes! Look at that baby! Praise God for this wonderful year!

(excuse my face...not the best of me, but this wast the perfect recreation of last year) :)

The shirts say "Adoption Rocks!" and can be purchased here. All proceeds go towards the sellers adoption! Great cause, cute shirts! :)

First Gotcha Day Anniversary

2011-10-29T07:43:00.001-05:00

Happy first Gotchaversary to our Sweetpea Beauty! It has been an amazing year! We loved you when we got you, but we had no idea you would be this amazing! Praise Jesus, from whom all blessings flow!

(pic is of Ms. Beauty eating her first cheeseburger while waiting for the tow truck yesterday. Is it just me, or do all moms get excited/choked up when their child eats new food?) :)

Angels among us

2011-10-28T14:12:00.001-05:00

I'm about to burst into tears! God is so good! Our car stopped working just now... Mr. Incredible had to push us to safety, (Mr. Incredible- fitting name huh?), and thankfully God sent a stranger who jumped out of his car to help! I was worried someone would rear end us and with Sweetpea in the car-well, lets just say that man was a huge blessing! So thankful this did not happen when I was alone or in downtown or something! Praise God! We weren't able to meet or thank that man so please pray for extra blessings for him!

Furry Friday

2011-10-28T11:01:00.001-05:00

The {not so} Terrible Twos

2011-10-27T17:29:00.002-05:00

I photographed a home birth yesterday! It was amazing- post and pics to come soon!

For now, I leave you with this little gem.

Sweetpea will be 2 this December and it shows in good and bad ways. In one good way it showed itself today:

Sweetpea took my phone, brought it to her ear and said, "Hello, hey, dodin." {dodin is whatcha doing in toddlerese}

Apparently mommy tends to use too many greetings when she answers the phone, (its true), and no matter how aware I am of what they are doing, I do always ask that question- redundant I know. :)

Just can't get enough...

2011-10-26T11:59:00.001-05:00

Look at this beautiful girl! How did we get so lucky? Praise Jesus!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T09:28:00.001-05:00

Nature vs. Nurture

2011-10-25T08:33:00.001-05:00

With all children, (though especially adopted children), there is a great debate. What makes them who they are- nature, (genetics), or nurture, (their environment they are raised in)?

Honestly, the debate is dumb. The truth is we are ALL products of nature and nurture!

Now, I an not here to discuss the nature vs. nurture of adopted children. No, today I am taking about the nature vs. nurture of girls. A lot of women, (not this one), do not want their little girls to"succumb" to girly "stereotypes." (what is wrong with that?!) Regardless of what you do, (what you encourage or discourage), little girls become little girls.

Pics below- I rest my case. Sweetpea found my shoes and without my prompting put them on. You should also see her with her baby dolls. I encouraged her to like baby dolls, (for awhile she was scared lol), but that was the extent of my encouragement. She mommies them out of her girlie nature.

(if you have a son who puts on your shoes or a daughter who only likes boy things- that is not a problem either. I'm just using Sweetpea to make a point. I was a little bit of a tomboy when I was little and I'm VERY girly now. All children will play with ALL things, but they do gravitate to their gender specific roles naturally, (by their very nature, regardless of your nurture).)

MTCM: 4 weeks

2011-10-24T08:01:00.004-05:00

Today marks 4 weeks since I began my journey. I have lost 11 pounds.

If I was doing this to lost weight I would be discouraged. I lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks and 2 days, and then I didn't lose another pound in a over a week!

BUT, I have not gained, AND I have seen many results!!

ALSO, and most importantly, I am NOT doing this to lose weight. This is out of obedience to God and to kill my gluttony sin! So, this keeps me from losing heart- I am focused on my "why."

My saving grace is the "Lose It" app.

That, and exercise. I walk about 6 miles a day on most days. A few times Mr. Incredible and I have done Tae Bo. I used to love running, but I do not have the will power for it right now, so walking has been something I can stick with and I do not succumb to the same excuses I did when I was running. I hope that encourages all of you non runners! I can burn almost 200 calories in 30 minutes of walking. So can you! Get up and MOVE!! The great thing of the app is that it tells you how much you are burning and it does all the math for you!

Sweetpea and I last Sunday, October 16th. I love NOT seeing any rolls on my tummy. And, my mom bought me this skirt recently- size medium. :)

The bottom pic, my face looks terrible. These two pics were not intended to be posted here. I took these two pics just to show my mom. She bought this top for me as well, and I was feeling really good in this outfit!

The Sunday before I began my journey, (4 weeks from yesterday), I put on these jeans for church and wanted to cry. I had a very sizable amount of fat hanging over the top of the jeans and I am sure a pound or two more and I would not have been able to zip them. Here I am above, a day short of 3 weeks since the last time I wore them and NO fat hanging over the top! NONE! I may not have a 6 pack, I may not be skinny, but I have a flat tummy, (in these two outfits at least- does that even make sense? lol At least there are no rolls when I am standing! lol)!

How are you doing in your journey? Can I be praying for you?

Sweetpea Standin' in the Sanctuary on Sunday

2011-10-23T17:16:00.001-05:00

As in the post below, Sweetpea is reppin' Texas Tech after their big upset in Norman last night! I made her this dress...it is double sided and the other side is a cute floral print. :) Here she is standing in the sanctuary at church today during a business meeting. A month or 2 ago, Sweetpea pulled herself up to this standing position using these same chairs all.by.herself.without.braces. Mommy was quite proud, and even with braces the pride doesn't diminish. :)

Wrecked Streak

2011-10-23T09:41:00.001-05:00

We don't have tv, nor do we really watch sports. Last night was a big game, Mr. Incredible "watched" the game via updates on espn.com. :) He was ecstatic last night! Sweetpea wore her Tech dress that I made for her today to church. :) Wreck 'em Tech!

Silly Saturday

2011-10-22T09:16:00.001-05:00

Sweetpea loves to steal hats! :)

Flashback Friday

2011-10-21T00:06:00.001-05:00

My uncle posted this to his facebook yesterday and it made me cry. :)

Qaddafi is dead!!! I remember almost 25 years ago a day that still brings tears to my eyes. We were at the airport awaiting my Brother-in-law Tom Hester coming home from being near LIBYA helping fight off Qaddafi. We all lined the walls of the airport with Apple IIe banners portraying our disdain for Libya and "welcome home" signs for Tom. But what really stands out is that he hadn't met his daughter Tricia Keierleber yet. I'll never forget his expression as he hugged his first baby girl for the first time. A mixed expression of joy and pride that was unmatched until nearly 4 years later when he announced from the hospital room, "It's a boy!"

Twenty Year Gift

2011-10-20T11:19:00.004-05:00

Back in July, I watched our pastor's children while they were out of town- performing a wedding and celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary! Their daughter wanted to get them a gift, so we began our quest. We began collecting images from the last 20+ years and considered a scrapbook- but that is pretty costly and time consuming. So we thought of a collage, then I thought of this:In the 2 yo will find pictures from their courtship, engagement, wedding, and newlywed years. In the 0 you will find the later years. :) {with flash}
On Pinterest, I have seen many collages like this one, but I thought of it all on my own, well before I ever joined Pinterest. (Yes, I feel that is necessary to say that! lol I have copied from Pinterest, but when I think of something without help from that addictive site, I feel creative. lol) Their daughter helped me make this... getting the pictures together, copying them, cutting them out, painting the canvas- took forever! She also cut out the bottom scroll by hand! I didn't have the deep cut blade for the Cricut yet so she had to help out the scroll! {without flash}

Follow me on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-19T09:37:00.001-05:00

3 Men and a Little Lady

2011-10-18T09:45:00.008-05:00

Last week we had a Pumpkin Patch Playdate. On Sunday I gave a sneak peek of my pics, but here are the rest of the pics from that day. :) The title is very fitting... while the boys are far from being actual men, Sweetpea is the epitome of a LITTLE lady! Just know, she has at least 15 months on all the boys, but is smaller than some, (and I'm sure she'll be passed by the littlest soon!).

Notice Sweetpea and Nathan reaching for each other behind Danny... L♥VE ;)
Nathan Smiles

Nathan and Mommy

You may remember this baby when he was in the womb, but sadly this is his blog debut, (sad because it took me this long to put him on here!).
Meet Wyatt! (Mama, I have 3 versions of this pic, so if you don't like this artwork, never fear). :)

(Mama, I didn't take out your hand- if you want me to I will)! :)

Danny and Nathan, (Danny's mom had her camera so I didn't get many of him).
Someone get this child a sibling- stat! She is READY!
Wyatt and Sweetpea. Considering there is a 21 month age difference between these two, you'd never guess that by looking at them!

Wyatt
Nathan
Poor Nater Tot, but still so cute! :)

MTCM: How Do You...

2011-10-17T12:06:00.003-05:00

Today has been 3 weeks, and I have lost 10 pounds so far! :)

I get many questions about how I am losing the weight.

First of all, the book Made to Crave! This is the biggest encouragement on my journey- it keeps me focused as to WHY I am doing this.

Next, and almost equally as important- I have a free app called "Lose It." Download it NOW! You put in your weight, etc and how much you want to lose and it does the rest for you! This app is what will allow me to continue and not "forget" what I am doing.

I work out everyday- mostly just walking. Lots of walking. I also do Tae Bo with Mr. Incredible.

Have you decided to join me? I would love to hear your stories and add you to my prayer list. :)

Sneak Peek Sunday

2011-10-16T08:17:00.002-05:00

This weekend has been jam packed with so many fun things- individual posts are a must! But for now, here is a sneak peek from a play date we had where we went to a pumpkin patch. More pics to come later. :)

Sibling Saturday

2011-10-15T09:23:00.001-05:00

Adoption Rocks!

2011-10-14T13:49:00.000-05:00

Grab your tissues...

not a fan of this song- can't stand it actually. BUT I LOVE his voice and HIS STORY!!

Mr. Incredible's date with 5 girls

2011-10-13T08:33:00.006-05:00

The giveaway is closed- thanks for entering!! Brandi is the winner!

On a Sunday two weeks ago, we kept our friends kiddos. We decided to take them to the zoo.
Sweetpea and I fed the giraffes- def something we will be doing every time we go to the zoo. :) We love it!
Grace had the courage to feed the giraffes- her sisters were too scared.
You must take your kids to do this if you haven't- its awesome!

Love this pic- everyone is looking! HA! So rare with 3 kids and a baby in a pic! lol

Spoiled Sweetpea

2011-10-12T23:02:00.001-05:00

My mom and I went shopping today and as usual she soiled Sweetpea, myself, and even my sis who is away at college! :) We saw these little stuffed animals that I promise are cuter and less creepy in person. And best yet, Sweetpea LOVES them! The faces, if you can't tell, are 3d! She sure got a kick out if it and so did we! Thanks for everything Nana Nell!

Worship Wednesday

2011-10-12T09:14:00.001-05:00

Go buy this cd now! Every track is amazing! Def one of my fav cds! Go worship our King who Was, and Is, a and Is to come!

Concrete Facial

2011-10-11T12:14:00.001-05:00

Our sweet Bolt, out of excitement, jumped face first off a table outside straight onto the concrete! It was scary and heartbreaking, but he seems to be just fine! Praise God! Man, we sure love that dog!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below! :)

Made to Crave Mondays

2011-10-10T00:04:00.008-05:00

I am excited to create Made to Crave Mondays! Every Monday I will blog about my journey and would love those of you that have joined me to blog about it as well, (if you are not a blogger you can leave your comments on each post). :) {when you blog about it, be sure to include the above image in your post (just right click on the image and save it to your computer).}

As of right now, I have lost 8 pounds in 13 days! (it is after Midnight on Sunday as I type this)... Monday marks 2 weeks into my journey, and whether or not I wake up to another pound gone, I think 8 pounds is pretty significant!

I bought two copies of Lysa's book to give to friends who have already joined me! Both have already experienced significant weight loss as well! I can't buy a book for all of you sisters joining me, so I bought one to giveaway!

Starting Monday, and ending Thursday evening, you can enter my giveaway...

1. Blog about the giveaway with this picture in the post (just right click on the image and save it to your computer).
2. You can post a link to the giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or any other social network. http://keierleber.blogspot.com/2011/10/made-to-crave-mondays.html

3. Leave me a comment here or on my Facebook.

Each post will earn you two entries into the giveaway, and each comment will earn you one. (be sure to let me know if you post it)

I am ending the giveaway on Thursday so I can get you the book before Monday... as you can tell, I like to begin things like this on Monday-so I figured if you receive the book before Monday you can start Monday as well. :)

Good Luck!

Siblings Swinging Saturday

2011-10-09T12:36:00.001-05:00

Last night we joined Mr. Incredible while he worked out on the jungle gym. The kiddos swung together and had a blast!

Feed the Animals

2011-10-08T09:42:00.001-05:00

I'm sure these pics will be all out of order...thanks phone!

Yesterday we walked Hermann Park for the first time and discovered the Japanese Garden. Loved it! I also really enjoyed the "wildlife."

We walked in and saw the fattest little squirrel that was missing a tail. He let us get really close to him so I reached out my hand like I had something and he approached me! I started frantically searching for food and found some puffs. He loved them!

Every squirrel I passed I fed and it was a blast!

Later I fed the ducks too. One duck, (the black one), was the most peculiar duck I have ever met. First I noticed his little mohawk. :) I named him Puck. ;) Y'all, if I let him, I think he would have come home with me. He was more interested in me than the food, (which he ate after we left).

I have been surrounded by God's creatures this past week. It started with the countless bunnies at Oyster Creek Park last week, (pics to come), the post from the 6th and now this post. I could live without the snakes, but I love all the other animals we passed and played with. :)

Radical

2011-10-07T10:33:00.003-05:00

I just finished reading the book Radical, and Mr. Incredible is reading it now. You MUST read it! We will be rereading and rereading it so we will not forget the convictions we took away from this book! Stay tuned for what God is doing in our lives from the truths in this book!

12 hours of Critters

2011-10-06T20:13:00.001-05:00

We started this morning with a walk with our besties, and came across a black cat. This cat followed us everywhere-all over the neighborhood! We ran to see if it would leave, and it ran after us! It even followed us home-and made a home under my van for awhile!

12 hours later, Mr. Incredible and I went for a walk and came across this (dead) snake-creepy! Later I found that sweet frog- I wanted to keep it as a pet but Mr. Incredible said no. :/ Right in front of our house we saw the last snake coiled up! Mr. Incredible grabbed a shovel and killed it, (sorry K Mac). :)

Oh the joys of living in the (quasi) country. :)

5 years

2011-10-06T07:12:00.002-05:00

On October 6, 2006, my 18 year old sister Tracie began her journey home from SFA University for the second time since she started that fall. I was very excited this weekend because two of my besties from high school were, (finally), coming down to stay with me, (I stayed home during college). I spent all morning cleaning my room and getting ready to have company!

I had been seeing a Christian counselor at the time, and while I was in counseling I got a phone call from my Mom, two actually. It was very common for her to call during the day like that, (join me for shopping, question about ____, did you hear about so and so, etc).

{because of this, to this day I never let me cell phone out of my sight}

When I left counseling, I called her and she informed me that Tracie had been in a car accident, but she was conscience. She was a little panicky, and was back and forth about going to Nac to get her. I told her to stay where she was, (at my aunt and uncle's), and I would go with her to get Tracie.

On my 15 minute drive to my aunt's house I called my boss and told him I would late to work that day. I had to leave him a message, and in that message I started to cry as I said, "she could have a broken leg or be dead for all we know." As I said that, I knew I was being dramatic, and that couldn't be true. I also called Mr. Incredible to fill him in on everything.

When I got to my uncle's house, I saw him on the phone outside. He must have not heard/seen me because right as I got in ear shot of him I heard him say, "Linda, she didn't make it!"

UMMM, WHAT????

I walked up to him crying and he hugged me, unknowing what he had just told me. I opened the door and met my mom's embrace and began to wail...

Now let me back up a bit. I was always "strong" in my family. I was the oldest of 4 kids, so I had to be an example. I was strong for them, (and my mom), when my parents got divorced and my grandma died, etc.

So when I met my mom in the entry way, I completely lost it! I never thought I would cry like that. ever. Just like in the movies. Then we let go of each other, and it stopped. I never cried that hard again. For a while I was a little worried how my emotion at that minute affected my mom, but do you know what? To this day she does not remember that. She only remembers me taking it, "rather well." ThankYou God, again!

For the next 30 minutes or so, I was still in shock and denial. I wasn't sure if I heard my uncle right or not. Did she die, or did I misunderstand. I called Mr. Incredible, and he asked him to come to me, (he was in Lubbock finishing school). I felt bad asking him to come to me, (I don't know why because losing your sister is a very big deal). I called one of my friends that was going to stay with me, and I said, "Kristina, I think my sister died." She told me not to say that, thought I was just worrying too much, but I told her, "No, I really think she did, I heard my uncle say so." Finally my uncle asked if I knew what was going on. I told him that I had overheard, but I needed to hear from him to make sure because it isn't something you easily digest. So he told me, and to this day it is unreal to me.

The next couple days I neither slept nor ate. Until about the third day, God calmed my spirit. You see, I wasn't sure if Tracie was in Heaven. Contrary to popular belief, being a good person will not get you into Heaven. You must give your life to Christ to enter into Heaven. Period. I wasn't sure if she had done that. So three days later, God revealed to me that she had in fact given her life to Him, and she was with Him in Heaven. God does not lie, so I knew she was in Heaven. After that I was able to eat, sleep, and function much better.

Last month, God reminded me of this truth and it was so comforting. :)

Something beautiful I experienced through all this was on the Sunday after her accident, (she died on Friday). I went to Church as usual, and got loved on by my Brothers and Sisters there. During the service, and during the second song in worship, I started to cry. Not because of her death, but because I was WORSHIPING GOD! I was able to worship God in spite of losing my sister! It was a wonderful gift that God gave me that day. Once I knew Tracie was in Heaven, that and my moment of worship helped my get through the loss to this day!

"He is Lord of Lords! He is King of Kings! He is Mighty God, Lord of Everything! He is Emmanuel! He is the Great I Am! He is the Prince of Peace, who is the Lamb! He is the Living God! He is my Saving Grace! He will reign forever, He is the Ancient of Days! He is Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End! He's my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and Friend! He's my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for Him!!!"

On our way to church this past Sunday, we heard this song. I was in the middle of a conversation, and I could no longer focus because I heard that song. I knew the anniversary was coming this week, and so I was happy God was reminding me of His character. I almost turned to Mr. Incredible and said, "bet ya 50 bucks they sing this today in worship." I didn't though- I kept that to myself. We walked in for worship, and take a guess to the first song they played...

Y'all, God is so amazing! I just knew we'd sing this song because God is just so faithful like that!

Here are some of my old posts about Tracie:

2 year anniversary

reoccuring nightmare

Struggle

Reality

3 year anniversary

22nd birthday

Beauty will rise

4 year anniversary part one and two

I posted all of these to show you the grief, coping, and truth I experienced over the last 5 years. Please take the time to read them all! I sure miss my sister, but I know I'll see get again someday in Heaven.

2 months till 2

2011-10-05T07:59:00.001-05:00

October 10 marks 2 months until Sweetpea turns 2. I think its safe to say the terrible 2s are already here. Monday she threw her first tantrum at the dr and last night she cried at bed time- not cause she was sad/hurting, but because she wanted to stay up.

Being 2 has its advantages too. On Sunday I brought her to Sunday school and she pointed to the kid's table. I put her in the chair, gave her a snack and she was happy as can be. Such a cute big girl! :)

Made to Crave

2011-10-04T08:41:00.004-05:00

I have a confession to make. While we are all sinners, (Romans 3:23), and those of us saved by Jesus are forgiven of our sins, that does not mean we will never sin again. The Holy Spirit daily aids us in our turning away from sinning and turning us to holiness.

Most sinning that occurs is something "little" that we are working on, but not necessarily struggling with. For instance, you say a curse word. "Oops! Sorry God! Please help me to stop this!" You go another year without cursing then you slip up. You see, the sin is not a huge struggle, but it is something you work on.

Then you hear of someone, say having an affair. That is blatantly indulging in their sin! What redeemed, forgiven, saved Christian could blatantly indulge in their sin? They must not be saved!

Well, I am no better than that person! God revealed to me awhile back about a sin in my life that I was indulging in and I have been struggling with it ever since.

Gluttony.

Really, gluttony? I compare gluttony to adultery and it is the same thing?

Yes, to God it is! You see, I am indulging in a sin, even though I know it is wrong!

Now, I have tried to stop it, but not hard enough.

Then I heard of this book:
I knew it would be perfect for me. This, along with daily quiet time and prayer, would help me in killing my sin once and for all.

I am half way through with the book and it is wonderful. When I am done I will be rereading it. And rereading it. And rereading it.

Obviously understanding the severity of my sin was not enough to overcome it, so why would reading this book once be enough? I am fighting more than just my flesh here, I am fighting satan himself! I need to bring in the heavy artillery and this book has been officially added to my arsenal!

Last Monday I began reading this book, as well as a diet/exercise routine. I even took before pics, which I will gain the courage to post those on here eventually!

So far I have lost 6 pounds! 6 pounds in 8 days, (today is number 8)!

{I am eating a healthy amount of calories along with exercise- no starving here. I am not cutting specific foods out of my diet- I am eating normal foods in moderation and along with exercise it is doing the trick}

Now, I am not doing this to look good, as I would have wanted to do in the past. I am doing this first and foremost for God's glory, then my health, then my mirror. Totally different from most of the times in the past: mirror then health and God wasn't even a part of it.

I want to kill this sin forever! That is why I am writing this today! I need y'all, dear readers, to join me as accountability partners. Knowing this is more than a diet, but a God glorifying lifestyle change, where I sin no more!

Prayers and random check ins are greatly appreciated! I will be posting often on how I am doing!

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

These Boots Were Made for Walkin'

2011-10-03T16:53:00.004-05:00

Sweetpea got her stylin' new braces that will help her stand and walk...

How cute are they? (yes she needs different socks, but you get the idea) :)

Do not adjust your computer screens... and there was no photoshop involved...

SHE'S STANDING ALL BY HERSELF, (well with the help of the ottoman- but its her first time so it counts) :)

Sweetpea will be walking before we know it :) Praise Jesus for technology!

Tuckered Teether

2011-10-02T22:16:00.001-05:00

Sweetpea's bottom I teeth, (aka vampire teeth or k9s), have been coming in for months! They are FINALLY breaking through, but they are taking their sweet time. These are the last of her teeth to come in, (until her big girl molars come in of course- she already has her baby molars).

Poor baby girl is SO CLOSE to relief! She was not feeling well tonight. We got home, and she had fallen asleep in the car. Usually she wakes right up when I take her out, but not today!

I layed her down to change her diaper...so sweet, so funny, but so sad all at the same time!

Watchdog

2011-10-01T20:34:00.001-05:00

Y'all, I'm having trouble breathing and I want to vomit because I am so freaked out.

I was with the fam at walmart tonight. Mr. Incredible was looking at magazines and Sweetpea and I were across the aisle looking at cute clothes for her. I spotted a cute outfit, turned my back away from Sweetpea, grabbed the outfit, turned around...and she was GONE!

PANIC!

A (literal) split second passes and I see Mr. Incredible with her coming around the corner. That split second has had long residual effects. I am so shaken at the feeling that my baby was taken.

Do you know how easy it would have been if it was someone tying to take her? Mr. Incredible wasn't even trying to scare me...her didn't sneak up and run off. He just casally walked off with her without me knowing, while I was literally one step away.

Y'all, I will never, ever let her leave my field of vision again. I'm praising God that it was my husband that took her and not a bad person.

Mommies, don't ever ever let your guard down!

180 the movie

2011-09-30T20:16:00.000-05:00

CHECK THIS MOVIE OUT! It is only 30 minutes long...