New F3 blog

I started a new blog for F3....to try to help my clients and others get HEALTHY in 2009. Check it out.....and tell everyone else about it.....

http://f3funfamilyfitness.blogspot.com/

Excited......and then......heartbroken....

Is it possible to be the most excited you have ever been(other than getting married, engaged, and having babies, of course)....and the most you have ever been disappointed all in 24 hours....Well, lets just say it can.....and I am still recovering.....

Now it is time to share my story.... I have been busy......not only with my family, F3 here in Childress.......but I was working on making one of my life GOALS and DREAM come true. I was opening a gym in an area town......everything was going almost too good....and then I got the news Wednesday morning.....that.....someone else.....had the same idea.....and offered $2000 more a month for the building......a big franchise gym wanted the same building and was will to pay much more for the space......my heart was broken......

This is how it all began.....many of you might know that the month before I found out about our 3rd blessing I was about to open another gym....and that happily got put to the back burner....then I felt that this was the time to open another one (or two). At first I was going to open 2 at the same time. I had family support to help me with the kids (my main concern) and I was just going to get it done before I was tied down with Kaitlyn being in school...(little did I know the Good Lord had other plans).... I have been up working and meeting with EVERYONE....from T-shirts to construction to security and workers.....the last couple of weeks. Tuesday I spent all day working on this project....then RUSHED back to get back for a Christmas party for Women's Council....came home and was telling Toby all about what was going to happen...(did I mention that I even went that day to the Chamber of COmmerce Luncheon and was introduced as the woman bringing in F3 to their community in the next month)....

Then I got the most devestating news around 9:10 Wednesday morning. I had just pulled up Ms. Carol's for Caden's Christmas Party....and my cell phone rang....and Mississippi gentlemen was on the phone and gave me the blow....he told me they had a written contract on the table to present to the board and he also told me it was for another gym.....(are you kidding me?) I called my accountant immediately (he was in a meeting) I called Toby....at this time the emotions were running out of control down my face....(keep in mind I had to put on a happy face for my little one and his friends) and for some reason my cell phone went completely dead at that time, so I just took it as a sign to forget about it for second and go and enjoy my little one....

After the party, I talked to a couple of people dealing with the business.....and then I made some personal calls just to talk and CRY....

I know everything happens for a reason. It could have been worse.... I could have made the huge investment (risk my family's well being) and then the franchise gym come in and run me out of town....I could not have done it any faster....I have a 4 month old....some people thought I was even crazy doing it with my kids NOW....

So my fire isn't out....but I might sit back and enjoy the holidays... I was looking on opening the new gym by last of January or February (early).....and it was taking its toll on me.....

I really appreciate everyone that was CONCERNED about me during that last couple of weeks....not knowing what was going on....so I wish everyone a happy and HEALTHY holiday....I know that I will.....just not as busy as I was thinking that I was going to have...haha

take time to enjoy this.....

I haven't really had an opportunity to calm down and relax.....( I will explain more later) but please check this out....it only takes a second and it is worth it....
> http://ecard.ashland.edu/media/2004adm_card.swf
enjoy the season....

love you - steph

Family is what makes LIFE worth living for.....

If you know me....I love to be surrounded by people.....friends and FAMILY. I am lucky to have a healthy immediate family.... and not to mention EXTENDED family.... Not many people can say that they still get together with their extended family....3 generations....My aunts and uncles, cousins, and now the next generation. It is so much family and fun. This weekend I look forward every year. We designated the FIRST SUNDAY of DECEMBER as OLLINGER DAY. We get together and eat....eat.....laugh.....eat......and then laugh some more. We started a new tradition this year since we have lots of little ones. We had a birthday party with Jesus with all the bells and whistles and of course CUPCAKES... We read the Christmas story...and had a special visitor....SANTA. He made a special visit from the North Pole just to come and see what all the excitement is...in GROOM this weekend. It was great....the kids loved it....

My poor mom....she had 13 hunters or so to cook for this weekend (Toby says he loves you GRAMZ) and then she had to cook and clean up for about 35 people on Sunday. Then did I mention that she went to Amarillo with me today to help me with the THREE kids at the doctor's office...while she was supposed to be working on the books for the FARM and everything else. She is AWESOME.... we don't tell her enough.... unselfish....and giving....

Pictures will follow...but I just wanted to let you know that FAMILY is EVERYTHING.....

I know this is long...but it is worth it...it will make you smile and cry

Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. WhileI was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behindme beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around andwitnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen
Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. Asthey began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) wasabruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applaudedand cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the onlyred-blooded American who still loves this country and supports ourtroops and their families.
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these youngunsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for usso we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or ofour service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 yearsold, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said'hi.'
The little girl then asked him if he would give something to herdaddy for her.
The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself,said he would try and what did she want to give to her Daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave himthe biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine andhad been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining howmuch her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier beganto tear up.
When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation,all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one ofthe other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie.They started playing with the device and talking back and forth onit.
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked backover to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to yourdaddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this littlegirl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Hefinished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves youmore than anything and he is coming home very soon.'The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as theyoung soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. Iwas standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event
As the soldiers began to leave, heading towa rds their gate, peopleresumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and lookedaround, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That youngsoldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew akiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their familiesand thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day ,it's good to be an American

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many peoplewearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support ourtroops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longersilent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in recordbreaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberalmedia coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.. ManyAmericans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognizethat the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops withdignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and everyFriday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening messagethat.. Every red-blooded America n who supports our men and womenafar will wear some thing red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States onevery Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in thebleachers If every one of us who loves this country will share this withacquaintances, co-worker s, friends, and family. It will not be longbefore the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know theonce 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever; certainlymore than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to makethings better for you?' is...We need your support and your prayers.> > Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example;and wear something red every Friday. > > IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON. > > I F YOU COULD CARE LESS THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON --- IT IS YOURCHOICE. > > WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.> THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED!

New and Healthy treats and eats that I want to share!

Many of you might know....I have recently had a baby, Toby lost 40 lbs, and we as a family have changed our eating habits. Here are some tricks and TREATS that we have used to help us become more healthy.

1. JELLO - fat free pudding - banana fudge - it is only 60 calories and is delicious (and yes, I found this out before they announced it on Biggest Loser) You can only find this at Walmart here is Childress, not UNITED yet.

2. ZONE bars - We eat a ZONE bar for breakfast. This has really saved TOBY. We eat these during the weekdays and then maybe enjoy a breakfast on the weekends.

3. Ezekiel bread - It is a great bread. As I have told many of you.....FLOUR is your enemy....but I love bread for sandwiches. (this is ONLY at United in the freezer section)

4. 2% Milk Cheese - This is my saving grace. You can still have cheese but why not take away some of the calories and fat without taking away the taste and melt.

5. Nature's Path Organic Hot Oatmeal Flax Plus - THIS IS MY FAVORITE. I also put in fresh and/or frozen blueberries and it is great.

6. Airborne PIXIE STICKS - they are awesome for kids and adults..

7. Pampered Chef Aerosol Oil Sprayer - you put in your own oil and then you manually pump it.....instead of PAM.

8. Floss Sticks - Who likes to floss? But it is so good for you.... I found these and it makes it easy and convenient.

9. Pledge Multi-Surface - I know that this isn't food....but it sure makes my life easier. I love it. Be Careful using it on some surfaces though...

10. I got my Christmas present early. Many of you might know of MONICA SMART and her company Joye-ful. She can do anything. It is using Sticker letters...you can put it on the wall, tiles, or anything. I will show pictures soon. You can put inspirational quotes on the wall. They make my day....I love them. CLICK ON the SMART family link on my blog to see her website. She can do anything that you want. It is awesome. And great present ideas.

11. Turkey bacon, Turkey PEPPERONI.......and Turkey Sausage....It still tastes great but doesn't have all that grease and unwanted fat.....THE PEPPERONI is the one that made me the happiest....it has 70% less fat than usual pepperoni.

My last a final - ORGANIC apples.....they are so good for you....and so good....also...I use my Pampered Chef apple slicer almost everyday. Check it out.... ( i have only found the organic apples at Walmart here in town)

And another last hint.....the gym.....come and check out our new machines....and all the fun that you will have at the gym....it will sure make you feel better.

What are some of your favorite things? Or is there anything that you use daily that makes your life easier? We all need to make our lifes easier so we can spend more time with our families and doing things that we love.

Update from the Tucker household

Kaitlyn and Caden at Ms. Angie's Thanksgiving Feast.
Colton also enjoyed his first feast....It was green beans. A FEAST for him. He loved it.

Kaitlyn and Caden really enjoyed helping put up the Christmas this year. This year they were really a help...

Kaitlyn, Caden, and Toby playing at the Cake Walk.

Caden TOTALLY enjoying his cotton candy. Let's just say they had a great time at the Festival at the park.

Kaitlyn and Caden showing off their new park bench that Granna and Pa gave them for Christmas. Granna and Pa were thinking....3 kids and everything else in that car would have been tight...they love it

More great memories....Some one reminded me today.....I am going to miss these days. And the only way to remember them is through pictures....and he is right....

in the CHRISTMAS spirit - EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER - Groom Edition

There is something to say about a small town....and I am going to brag about the one that I grew up in. It is filled with good people....and this is just an example. There is a lady in town that has MD...mom remembers her getting bad in high school. The last time that she walked was at her high school graduation. She volunteers to help in the community where ever she can. So a group of GROOMites got together to fix up her house she was living in. They decided their time and money would be better spent if they just got her a NEW house. So everyone in town pinched in time and/or money. They ran the story last night on the local TV channels but in case you didn't get to see it...check it out....

The story goes like this....

GROOM -- Paula Brown suffers from muscular dystrophy. We were told that the last time she walked was at her high school graduation.
Friends told us that Paula is just thankful to have what the Lord has given her, even though her house was so dilapidated that wind and snow would blow into her bathroom.
Organizer Dondra Downs said, "This whole community, there's just hundreds of people here and outside of Groom that wanted to give to her because she's so giving, and she deals with muscular dystrophy so gracefully ever since she was a teenager."
"She's just touched everyone's hearts and she doesn't even try," friend Vonnie Baker told us, "she does it by just being Paula."
So the Groom community came together, in the panhandle spirit, to give Paula Brown a new home.
"I don't deserve this I'm the type of person that makes due with what I have, because I'm happy to have it." Brown said, "but I never thought God would bless me like this."
Downs said, "When they told her that the community has done something for her she said, 'Someone else needs this more than me!' that's just Paula."
"I just can't believe this I didn't realize people loved me here in Groom and I didn't realize that I'd touched so many lives because I'm just be wherever I go." Brown said.
Brown says she will continue to work hard to give back to the community that has given her so much.

My mom said she overheard Paula saying, "I don't have to be cold anymore."
If that doesn't make you sad and happy... They said that the house would let the snow and rain come in. They raised over $40,000 for the project. And the neat part to me was they got 2 big grain trucks to park in front of the house.....and they said "MOVE THOSE TRUCKS!" instead of move that bus. It was great..... Everyone in Groom should be proud of their efforts. It changed and touched so many.

Check out the story from KFDA on this link.
http://www.newschannel10.com/global/story.asp?s=9434424

You can't hear TOO many GOOD HEARTED stories.