Weekly Weigh In and other News

Well, I was right about gaining back some of the weight from being sick, but I've still met my goal for the time being. I am now 207.6. I think that's pretty darn awesome considering the time of year and all the FOOD! But I also started running again. It felt amazing to know that I CAN still run! I started out at 4 mph for 5-8 minutes. Then 2 days later I bumped it up to 4.3 mph for 10 minutes. I didn't die either time, and my asthma was kept in check! I'm really excited for this progress! I have to run on a treadmill for now, until the air warms up again. But when it does, I think I'll be able to do what I love and run in the great outdoors!

In other news, Christmas is fast approaching, but we are totally prepared and ready! Also, we are VERY excited because we get to see some of our family from out-of-state. They are coming right after Christmas! Yesterday I went a little OCD and rearranged our kitchen and dining room to allow for more "counter space" and better flow of traffic. I find that I have these days where I have tons of motivation and energy, and then I have days where I can barely get out of bed...any advice? I am on Lexapro for Depression and vitamin D for Seasonal Affective Disorder, but sometimes I wonder if it is something more...Bi-polar, manic depression...anyway, I LOVE the days when I feel so great and get so much accomplished!

Well, I think that's enough ranting and raving for the moment...

Merry Christmas!

Icky Icky Sicky Sicky!

Tall Boy hasn't been feeling well for almost a week now, and last night, I joined the party. Although, I do feel pretty good now, I guess only time will tell. But as for the feeling icky, it prevented me from eating or doing much of anything else today. I was really surprised though when I stepped on the scale this morning and saw 207. But imagine my bigger surprise when I stepped on it again this afternoon and it said 205! I know it's probably mostly water and I'll probably gain some back, but I just thought that it was amazing that I could lose 2 lbs in a few hours just by feeling a little icky! Anyway, I'll have to post more another day, like Super Boys super cool Polar express party at school...but like I said, another day...

Weekly Weigh-In

OK, so I am changing how I weigh in from now on. I will be relying on my trusty home scale instead of the one at the gym because I can't guarantee that I'll be at the gym on 1 consistent day every week! So, the dreaded weigh in today wasn't horrible...I'm 209.6. Up from my low of 208, but not unmanageable. So wish me luck as we head for Christmas, New Year's, My anniversary, Valentines day, Easter...you get the picture!

Salutations from Slackerville!

Ok, I know...total slacker. My last post was super easy and kinda a cheat cause I was sending out Christmas cards/letters anyway. So here's a real post! This is what I've been up to...
Yes...that's right...Christmas Shopping and wrapping are DONE!!!

That even includes all of our Neighbor Presents!


My note says "May your 'daisy' be marry and bright, and may all you truffles be a delight!"
Anyway, Christmas is done! Now I can relax and enjoy the snow (the whole inch we got last night) and the crisp air. And maybe, just maybe, I can get back on track for my weight loss goal! I haven't been wearing my body bugg very often lately. I also haven't made it to the gym very often. So, I'm scared for my next weigh in tomorrow, I probably gained some weight back, just how much I don't know!

I also have been dealing with some medical issues that have been exhausting physically and mentally. As soon as the weather got cold, my body wanted to go into hibernation mode...eat eat eat sleep sleep sleep. I have also had a very long and light menstrual cycle since October. So I finally went to my OB last Thursday for my yearly exam and to talk about those issues and my current medication. She had some concerns and did some blood work. I still don't have the results back...it is so frustrating and nerve-racking to sit and wait! I hope I'm back to my normal self VERY SOON!

I've slacked off so much that I haven't done my Thankful Thursday, so today I'm doing Thankful Tuesday!

I'm thankful for:
Being able to pay bills, buy presents, and reserve library books online! Family who make everyday life easier and more fun too! Friends who keep me on track emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. Doctors and medical insurance that allows me to make sure my body and mind are healthy and strong. TV shows that uplift and inspire. Jesus Christ, the TRUE reason for this season. The gospel of Jesus Christ for the hope, and guidance it provides me and my family. Plenty of food for my family, there are so many with so much less. A home that stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer and plenty of weather appropriate clothes to wear when we aren't in our home year-round.

I think that's all for today! Don't forget to check out our other blogs! Take care and enjoy this wonderful season of love!

Our Christmas Letter 08

We can’t believe that another year has passed us by! Time for our annual Christmas letter and family update! We took our 1st family vacation with Super Girl this year! It’s been a long time since we went on an official vacation! In September, we went to Disneyland. The kids had a blast. Super Boy loved riding the Dumbo ride, and Super Girl’s favorite was the carousel I think. We had park hopper tickets, so we visited the California Adventure as well. We rode the Soaring over California ride, and took the kids to the Bug’s Life area to ride all the little kid rides. They had fun, but there wasn’t much else there, so we went back to Disneyland. The kids got Mickey and Minnie ears and lollipops as souvenirs. We had a really great time together. I hope we’ll be able to do something like this again next year.

We also have been doing more work on our home. In late August, we put sod in our front yard; and in late October we extended our driveway with concrete being laid all the way to the corner. So our front yard is 1/3 grass and 2/3 concrete! It really looks great. We have plans for a vinyl fence around the back yard and rose bushes along the east side of our front yard. I also hope to be able to put some raised beds for a vegetable garden in the back yard.

Tall Boy is still working at his same job. They switched to a 4 day work week and he seems to enjoy that better. He went hunting every weekend in October and shot an elk on the 19^th of October. Yippee! Meat for another year! The elk from last year ran out shortly after he brought home the new elk. Good timing!

Oh how time flies! I turned 29 this year! YIKES! That means I’ll turn 29 again next year! Just kidding, I’m looking forward to my 30’s! I have seriously slacked on the scrapbooking front this year, but have renewed my efforts lately and started up again. Thank you Tasha for helping me get my mojo back!!! I have also been working on losing weight since mid September. I purchased a Body Bugg through my gym, 24 hour fitness. I have had a lot of success with this program. I am well on my way to my ultimate goal of weighing 160 by my 10th wedding anniversary at the pace of about 1/2 - 1 lb per week. Slowly but surely…that’s my motto. In other news, I have been thinking about going back to school more and more lately. I keep coming back to teaching Math and Sign Language, but I’ve recently felt that it should be in Middle School instead of High School. ! I have also been busy with Super Boy's class as a room mom. It is so fun to see how Super Boy flourishes at school.

Speaking of Super Boy, he turned 6 on April 2nd. He loves his teacher and school in general. His teacher is amazing. He loves doing homework, math box activities, making up songs and games, and playing video or computer games. He comes up with ideas and experiments that are interesting to say the least! His mind and body are growing by leaps and bounds. He has such a sweet spirit still and I hope that never goes away. He is more frustrated with Super Girl lately, but it’s just because she wants to do everything like Super Boy does. He is a great big brother and a joy to us!

Super Girl is getting so big! She turned 2 on September 1st. Her vocabulary has exploded since we had tubes put in her ears back in June. She loves dogs, monkeys and elephants. She loves to dress up and play outside in the dirt. She is so anxious to go to school! She cried every time Super Boy went to school in the beginning of the school year, and now has her very own backpack too! She is learning more letters, shapes and numbers everyday and has started potty training too. She is getting so big!

Well, that’s about all for us.Thanks for stopping by our blog! Please continue to follow us throughout this next year.

Love,

Tall Boy, Scrap Happy Mommy, Super Boy and Super Girl

Family Blog: http://iseeyoumommyof2.blogspot.com

Super Boy’s Blog: http://themanyadventuresofsuperboy.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving and Christmas!

I'm a horrible blogger! I didn't take very many pictures of Thanksgiving! It's my FAVORITE holiday! But I did take pictures of decorations!

Little guy hangin out on our door

Our table before the feast

We had Hot Mama's family over to our house this year. We had the traditional turkey and all the fixins! To finish it all off, we had decadent chocolate layered pie, pumpkin pie and apple crumble pie! The kids had fun with some packets I made and foam visor decorating fun. The adults had fun relaxing, watching a movie and playing "Ticket to ride". It was a great holiday!

The next day I pulled out our Christmas stuff and began deciding what to put up this year. Then yesterday we set up the tree and put up a few decorations and stockings. Then today we decorated the tree. We already have a few presents under the tree too! I hate waiting to the last minute to get all the shopping done! So, hopefully I'll be done sometime in the next couple of weeks so I can relax! Anyway, I took some pictures of our little tree and some of our decorations. Hope you enjoy!

PS...as per my dad's request, here are some photos of our completed concrete project!

New Blog Background

I stole this background from my friend's blog! It has all the colors I was wishing for in my last background, and it has one of my FAVORITE sayings in it! I don't know where she got it, but I'll link you to her blog here!

Thankful Thurs...I mean Saturday!:)

Sorry I'm such a slacker...this month is getting away from me!

Today I am thankful for date nights, winter weather, football rivalry games, massages, mommy's day off, Rumbi Island Grill, cute fabric, and California pizza kitchen! My hubby and I had our date night last night. We went to California Pizza Kitchen and had DELICIOUS STUFF! I had 1/2 of my BBQ chicken salad and 1/2 of my hubby's roasted garlic chicken pizza...YUM! Then we walked around Gallivan Plaza (we were thinking about ice skating, but decided that another day would be better) It was fun to just get away and enjoy the peace and quiet in each other's company. Then I had a massage today and it was HEAVENLY! Then I found ADORABLE fabric to make a blanket for super boy with elephants! Also, it's BYU vs UofU football! It's always a good, close game...I am Switzerland...I wear PURPLE! Anyway, I love being able to cozy up in this winter weather and have someone else (Rumbi) make my lunch too! So, that's all on my thankful list today!

Weekly Weigh In

With my birthday and other stuff this week, I didn't lose my goal weight, but I did gain muscle and lose some fat. I am one pound heavier than my last weigh in...I'm 209. But now I'm .8% lighter in fat...I'm 34% even! Anyway, that's all for now, hopefully I turn this around this week and get back on track! Thanks for tuning in!

Great Christmas Ideas for Friends/Neighbors!

I had a comment on my last blog from someone I didn't know, so I went to her blog and she had this amazing list of gift ideas! Her Blog is here. The post for the Christmas ideas was on Nov 13, 2008. Anyway, she gave me permission to re-post the ideas here! So here they are!

1. Pen: "Draw" near unto the Lord this Holiday season!
2. Twizzlers Licorice: "Twiz" the season to be jolly!
3. M&M's: "Have a Merry and Most wonderful Holiday Season!!"
4. Soup or soup mix: Wishing you a "Souper" Holiday Season!!
5. Frozen pizza: "Warm up to a wonderful Holiday Season "Topped" with Christmas cheer!"
6. Apples and Hershey's Hugs: A teacher can't live by apples alone...She needs "Hugs" too!!
7. Popcorn Balls: Hoping you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season!
8. Loaf of Bread: For being there when you were "Kneaded", for "Rising" to the occasion, large or small. For never "Loafing" on the job, for helping others to "Heel" with TLC. No matter how you "Slice it", you do a terrific job loving Others. Merry Christmas!!
9. Jolly Ranchers - Have a Holly "Jolly" Christmas!!
10. Rootbeer: We're "Root"ing for you to have a Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year!!
11. Chex Party Mix: Remember Santa "Chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice...so be good for goodness sake!! Merry Christmas!!
12. Box of Hostess Ho-Ho's: Hope a merry "HO - HO - H0" fills your heart the whole year through! (Put a santa sticker on the label)
13. Wire wisk: (Filled with Chocolate kisses) "We WHISK you a Merry KISSmas!!"
14. Jar of Jelly: jelly is like love - you can't spread it around without getting some on yourself! Merry Christmas!! Jam: "Hoping your Christmas is "jam" packed with cheer"
15. Christmas Tray: We "Tray"sure your friendship! Merry Christmas!!
16. Bell: With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true. And bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through! Merry Christmas!
17. Yule Log: "We send you warm greetings this Christmas Season!!"
18. Potpourri: "May this sweet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmasses long ago!" Merry Christmas!
19. Cleaners: "You add sparkle and make our life brighter!" Merry Christmas!
20. Nuts: "We're nuts about you!" Merry Christmas! Love, your "nutty" neighbors!
21. Lifesavers: " You've been a life saver!" Have a great Christmas!
22. A juice pitcher filled with candy canes: "We pitcher you raising a little "cane" during the holidays!" Have a merry Christmas!!
23. Broom: You're "Dust" the finest neighbors we know! Merry Christmas!
24. Paper Towels: "Blot out your troubles; absorb the Christmas Spirit!"
25. Measuring Cup or Glass Measure: "Wishing you Joy Beyond Measure!
26. Bananas: If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go bananas trying to find a better bunch than you!!"
27. Any Star ornament: "Remember the reason for the season!" "Wise men still seek Him!"
28. Chocolate Mousse Mix: "Merry Christmousse" to our "Deer" Friends!
29. Wooden spoon: Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles; You'll find this spoon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, it says, "Merry Merry Christmas from us to you!"
30. Flower: "If friends were flowers, we'd pick you! Happy Holidays!! Or "You make friendship bloom all year round!"
31. Heart Christmas Ornament: "May the Joy and Love you give away, come back to you on Christmas day!"
32. Cinnamon Sprinkles: (Cinnamon & Sugar, or cookie sprinkles) "May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter and love!" Merry Christmas!
33. Hersheys Hugs: "A friend always knows when you need a little hug!"
34. Christmas music..CD or Tape - "May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice!" Or "May the merry sounds of Christmas bring a Joyful Melody to your holiday season" Merry Christmas!!
35. Filled Basket: "Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings"
36. Salsa: "Add a little Spice to your Holidays!" Merry Christmas!
37. Stocking or filled Jar - "Have a fun filled christmas this year!"
38. Lamb: "Have "eweself" a Merry little Chistmas!!"
39. Candle: "May the you feel the light of our Savior this Christmas & always"! "You Light up my Life!" Thanks for your friendship! May your Christmas be Merry and Bright!" "Hope your Christmas is full of light" "May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year Bright!!
40. Holly: "Happy Hollydays!"
41. Calendar: "Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!"
42. Shaped Sugar Cookies: "Rolling out a batch of Christmas Cheer, for Someone we think is very dear!!"
43. Cherry 7-up: "Just a Little Christmas Cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year!! Merry Christmas!!"
44. Sparkling Cider: "Wishing you a Sparkling Holiday Season!"
45. Warm Casserole or Bread: "Bundled up with warm wishes!!"
46. Popcorn or Carmel Corn: "Just "Popping" by with a Holiday Hi!" Or "May your Holidays be Poppin'!"
47. Seasoning Mix: "Seasoned with Love" Merry Christmas!!
48. Eggbeater: "Have an "Eggstra" Special Holiday!!"
49. Hersheys Hugs and Kisses: "Christmas Hugs and Kisses to You " Or "Holiday Hugs and Kisses to you!"
50. Apple Pie of Apple Crisp: "Wishing you a Srumptuous Christmas!"
51. Fruit Basket: "May your New Year be Festive and Fruitful!!"
52. Any Sweet Treat: "Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!"
53. Oranges: " Orange" you glad we're Friends!?" Merry Christmas!!
54. Chocolate Orange: "Orange" you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a Sweet one!
55. Sprite: " May your Christmas be Merry and Sprite!"
56. Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge: " Here's some packaged"snowball" treats - Just Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat!...Enjoy!!"
57. Snicker Bar: "Don't "Snicker", just be glad you got Something!!"
58. Mints: "Friends like you are worth a Mint!!" Merry Christmas!! "We "mint" to wish you a Merry Christmas"
59. Matches: "No one Matches you as neighbors!" Merry Christmas! "To our matchless friends"
60. Strainer: (With a christmas bow) " We could'nt restrain ourselves from wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!"
61. Box of Light Bulbs: "Have a bright and radiant Christmas"
62. Bubble Gum or Bubble Bath: "May your holidays "Bubble" over with fun!!
63. Pencil and Notepad: "Merry Christmas from our pad to yours!!" or Merry Christmas to a "noteworthy" friend!" "Hope your Christmas is something to write home about!"
64. Jar of Pickles: "Just in brine, Our wish for a merry Christmas!!"
65. Grater and Cheese: " To a Grate Neighbor! Merry Christmas!"
66. Ice Cream: "Have a "Cool" Yule!!"
67. Bear shaped Honey: "Have a Bear Sweet Christmas!!" "Have a honey of a Christmas"
68. Santa: "Ho - Ho - Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!"
69. Angel: "Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!!"
70. Eggnog: " Have an "Udderly Moovalous" Christmas!!"
71. Gingerbread House: "Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, We hope you'll nibble at this house!" Merry Christmas!!
72. Mugs with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!" (One Mug would be a special gift for a aTeacher. "To a Special Teacher dear, wishing you a "Cup of Cheer"!"
73. Cocoa Mix: "Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!"
74. Muffins or Muffin mix: " You're getting "Muffin" for Christmas!!"
75. Gum: "By Gum, You're a great Neighbor!! "Have a Merry Christmas" We hope you chews to have a very Merry Christmas!
76. Veggies and Dip: "Dip into a wonderful Holiday season and a Healthy New Year!"
77. Christmas Shapped pasta: ( Or any Pasta and a bottle of Sauce ) " Have a Pasta-tively Happy Holiday!"
78. Jar of Jam: "Hoping you have a Holiday "Jammed" packed with fun!!" "Have a "Berry" nice holiday season!!" Or "Hoping your Christmas is "Jam-packed" with Christmas Cheer!!"
79. Cookie Dough: "Here's a little extre "Dough" for Christmas! Or "Everyone Needs a little extra "Dough" for Christmas!!"
80. Homemade Frozen Rolls: "Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that's all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you"
81. Brownie Mix: (Or any Mix) "Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a "rich" Holiday Season!!" (Be sure to attatch the recipe!)
82. Homemade carmels: Hoping you have a "Rich" and "wonderful" Holiday!!"
83. Pie: "Just a "Holiday Hi" and a tasty Pie!! Happy Holidays!!"
84. Divinity: "May your Christmas be "Devine" and your Holidays so Fine! Sweet Christmas Wishes!"
85. Rice Krispie Treats: "Snap, Crackle, Pop" We think You're really Tops! "
86. Toffee or Brittle: "Any way you break it, We think you're the greatest!"
87. Fudge: "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!"
88. Cheese Ball and Crackers: "We don't mean to sound "Cheesey", we just hope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! Or "Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!"
89. Apple Anything: (Pie,Cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.) "Sending you a "Bushel" of love this holiday Season!!" Or " You are the apple of my eye, Teacher!"
90. Banana Bread: "Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to do... We also love youa whole "Bunch" too! Merry Christmas!"
91. Cinnamon Rolls: "Here's a sweet treat "Rolled" up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!"
92. Homemade Chocolates: " You're so Sweet...having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!"
93. Cake or Cupcakes: "You take the "Cake" neighbor, We think you're first rate! Happy Holidays to you!!"
94. Cornbread or Mix: "We're not trying to be "Corny" we just want you to have Merry Christmas!"
95. Carrot Cake: " I Really "Carrot" alot about you!! Merry Christmas"
96. Spiced Drink Mixes: " Hoping your Holidays are "Spiced" Just right!"
97. Homemade Ice cream of a Frozen Treat: "Here's the Scoop,,,,Hoping your Holidays are a "Blizzard" of fun!"
98. Recipe: "Just like you friend...it's tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!"
99. Pizza: "Hope your Holiday has a touch of "Pizza - z!!" Merry Christmas!!"
100. Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are Colorful!
101. Plant: " The kindness you showmakes our friendship grow and grow! Hope you have a Happy Holiday!!"
102. Soda Pop: "I'd "Soda" like to wish you a merry Christmas!
103. Stuffed animal: (Beanie Baby) "Pawsing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
104. Dounuts: "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday
105. A plate of cookies: "Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, from your "crummy" neighbors.
106. Any soda: "We're "soda-lighted" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
107. Popcorn: "We just "popped" in to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
108. Bear Shaped Honey: "Hoping our "honey" of a friend has a "beary" Merry Christmas".
109. Microwave Popcorn and 2-liter of soda: "Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a good friend you is!"
110. Mug with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends so dear, wishing you a cup of cheer."
111. Eggnog: "Have an "udderly moovalous" holiday!"
112. 7Up: "7 Up ideas for a wonderful holiday season" (include 7 uplifting thoughts/ideas)
113. Chocolate Covered Cherries: "Wishing you a very "cherry" Christmas"
114. Pasta: Have a "pasta-tively" happy holiday!"
115. Basket of Bath Items: "When you feel like a basket case, take a break...and slow your pace"
116. Bath oils, bubbles, salts: "The holidays can be a strain on our body and brain, so when you feel stressed, a hot bath is best, it truly will help keep you sane!"
117. Sweets brand ANYTHING!:Let us remember our sweet Savior during this holiday season and always!

There are so many great ideas that I wish I had 117 friends and the money to do ALL OF THEM! Thanks "Trying to stay calm" for all your hard work and awesome ideas!

More Birthday Fun!

I had the BEST Birthday! It was so much fun!
I started out by going to the gym to work out with my trainer. unfortunately, he had to cancel, but I got $10 gift card for their pro shop! When I came home, Gma and Gpa presented me with some gorgeous Mums.
When Tall Boy got home from work, he helped the kids make my birthday cake. They made a fudge marble cake. It was yellow cake with chocolate cake marble and chocolate frosting with sprinkles!
After that, we went to dinner at the Olive Garden. I got the Chicken Carbonara. It was delicious and probably WAY TOO MANY CALORIES! Tall Boy had the Pork Filettino and their Zuppa Toscana soup. He had 2 bowls of the soup cause it was THAT GOOD! So he was too full for most of his dinner! As usual, the salad and breadsticks were divine! But I also had a Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri that was Heavenly too! I'd had one before and so I knew what I was getting, but my tastebuds were very happy anyway! We also got some special treatment in that we got a $4 off our next visit and the kids got coupons for free kids meals! Cha Ching! After we came home (with a LARGE doggy bag in tow) we had cake and present time! For candles, Tall Boy and Super Boy decided that it should be a subtraction problem! They put 3 candles on one side representing 3 tens, then left a space for the 0 ones, then added 1 more candle for the -1! 30-1=29! Too funny! 4 candles in all, sure hope I got my wish!

Then I got to open presents. Super Girl gave me a card that sang "Celebrate good times, come on!" when I opened it. Then Super Boy gave me a Ghiradeli chocolate bar with carmel center that he bought with his very own hard earned money!

Then Tall Boy gave me a GORGEOUS journey necklace!



I even had a present from the Young Women leader of my ward, Jasmine body lotion, spray and soap...YUMMY! I was seriously spoiled! My day was perfect!


It got even better today when my friend J came over with some fun presents...YOU ROCK! 1st (and most important) were the truffles. The powdered sugar ones are peanut butter flavor, and the sprinkled ones are pure chocolate...mmmmmmmm!


She also brought me pretty barrettes & yummy lip gloss,



a candle,


chocolate in many varieties,




and some yummy smelling soap!

Weekly Weigh In, Thankful Thursday and Happy Birthday to me all rolled into 1!

Sorry for the slacking this week...but I have good news, I lost .9lbs! I now weigh 208.3! I started this program back in mid-September at 220lbs. 2 months later I am almost 12 lbs lighter! Things I am Thankful for this week:

1. A wonderful husband to me & father to our children
2. A (kid-free) night out on the town tomorrow night!
3. A birthday dinner tonight with the family
4. Birthday cake tonight with the family!
5. Thanksgiving plans with friends that feel like family (I love ya Hot Mama!)
6. 12 lbs and counting!
7. 29 years and NOT COUNTING ANY MORE!!! Hahahahahaha!
8. Technology that helps us (ie: digital photos=scrapbooking, blogs; Body Bugg= weight loss and health)
9. Precious Tender Moments with Loved Ones (you never know just how much time you have)
10. A loving Heavenly Father who knows me personally and spiritually, who knows my needs, wants, limits, strengths and weaknesses.

I think my lists usually go in order from most recent/superficial to deepest. They are in no particular order, just what comes to me when I'm counting my blessings!

I've Been Tagged!

I've Been Tagged****8 things

Rules:
1) Post rules on your blog
2)Answer the six "8" items
3)Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving them a comment

8 Favorite TV shows
1-Big Bang
2-Chuck
3-CSI (all of them, although Miami is my least favorite)
4-Criminal Minds
6-Without A Trace
7-Cold Case
8-Smallville

8 Things I did yesterday
1-Worked out with my trainer at the gym
2-Walked 1/2 a mile at the gym
3-Went Shopping at Walmart
4-Went Shopping at D.I.
5-Blogged on 3 blogs!
6-Made Dinner for kids
7-Made Dinner for Hubby and me
8-Cuddled with hubby watching shows

8 THings I look forward to
1-Being 160lbs again!
2-Twilight the movie
3-Twilight from Edward's point of view!
4-Super Girl being potty trained
5-Super Girl going to school
6-Thanksgiving with friends
7-My birthday 11/13
8-Christmas

8 Favorite Restaurants
1-Good Wood
2-Olive Garden
3-Claim Jumper
4-Chili's
5-Red Robin
6-Friday's
7-Del Taco
8-Chick Filet

8 Things on my wishlist
1-I wish my house could be spotless with the twitch of my nose or snap of my finger
2-I wish I could be a better organizer
3-I wish I could be a perfect wife and mother
4-I wish I could travel in Europe
5-I wish I could get all of my scrapbooking done or at least caught up
6-I wish I could go to Australia
7-I wish I could get my Bachelor's Degree without doing any of the school work!
8-I wish my family will always know just how much I love them

8 people to tag
1-Stephanie T.
2-Erka
3-Alicia
4-Amber S.
5-Mandy W.
6-Rose
7-Zoie
8-Kambree

Our cool turkey decoration, and my new winter wardrobe!!!

Super Boy and I made this awesome turkey decoration today! We used his pumpkin from his field trip and some feathers I bought. We just punched 3 rows of holes and put in the feathers. Then Super Boy had the awesome idea to use the cat's ear from our Halloween pumpkin decorations for the turkey's beak! The I used a red feather for the turkey's thing that hangs down from his chin (warble? gobble? I can't remember what it's called!) We picked the brown eyes from the bear Halloween decoration for our turkey and VOILA! It turned out SO COOL!!! Take a look for yourself!
I also did some personal shopping today. I LOVE WINTER! I went to D.I. and hit the jackpot! Here's the run down and a slide show!

Brown Corduroy Jacket ~ $4
Black Dress Jacket ~ $12
Brown Top with Bow ~ $4
Red Sequin Top ~ $4
Magenta Scoop Top ~ $4
Yellow Button-up Sweater ~ $3
Gray Sweater ~ $3
White Fluffy Sweater ~ $4
Sage Green Zip Sweater ~ $3
Long Brown Skirt ~ $4
Short Purple Striped Skirt ~ $4
Short Gray Skirt ~ $4
---------------------------
Total ~ $53
New wardrobe for a skinnier body...PRICELESS!!!

Super Girl is Super Smart!

Super Girl has been talking so much more lately, and she's picking up words and actually understanding them and using them properly after hearing them only once or twice! 2 days ago we had our 1st real snow. Super Girl didn't know what it was, so I told her it was Snow. Ever since she's been saying, "I go get the snow" "I go play the snow" "The snow is white" "It's MY snow!" Then today I was out to lunch with a friend, and there was some spicy BBQ sauce on the table. i told my friend that I liked the sweet one better than the spicy. A few minutes later, Super Girl wanted some sauce for her hotdog. She said "I want the spicy!" And now, any time we talk about it she says "It's yummy spicy!" It's just too cute! She also started calling Super Boy and his friend "guys". I also just figured out a couple of days the way she says her own name! She's been saying it for 2 weeks and I just couldn't figure it out! There are too many of these kinds of occurrences to keep track, but my favorite has to be what she calls Gma...it's "Papa not"! She is in love with her Papa, and everyone else pales in comaprison, so it's only right that Gma is NOT PAPA!!! Too funny for words! Poor Gma! Other fun words she knows and uses now are:
pink, white, circle, color, paper, pen, and buckle.
She is growing up way too fast!

Also, there have been a couple of requests for a new picture of me now that I've lost 10 lbs. So I let Super Boy take a picture, it's not the greatest, but it's me right noe. I got all dolled up to go to lunch with my friend today...it was fun to do something with my hair and face! I think I'll have to do it more often!

Here's my close up!
And the whole shebang!

Thankful thursday, a little early!

Today I am thankful for some fun stuff that I actually have pictures for!

1: SNOW!!! Our first real snow of the year came today...and it's still coming! It's so beautiful outside with everything blanketed in white!


2: The BEST APPLE PIE FILLING RECIPE EVER!!! Makes 25 cups filling (5 very full pies, or 6 normal)




24 cups thinly sliced apples
3 TBS lemon juice
5 cups water
4 2/3 cups sugar
1 cup cornstarch
3 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg

Toss the apples with the lemon juice. Set aside. Put the water in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. Add to water. Stir well and bring to boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then add the apples. Return to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer until apples are tender about 6-12 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes. Ladle into freezer containers, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Cool at room temperature no longer than 1 1/2 hours. Seal and freeze. Can be stored for up to 1 year!

3. Cute babies that grow up and want to help with everything!



4. I've lost 10 lbs in less than 2 months! (My friend J's husband even noticed the difference!)

5. A wonderful husband. I'll leave it at that for fear of getting too personal for the internet.

6. Date nights!

7. Snuggling

8. The right and ability to vote for new government leadership

9. The 1st African American President of the United States of America, I hope you live up to your promises!

10. The seasons of Thanks and gift giving...both selfless and Christlike.

That's all for today...Hope you enjoy the yummies!

Weekly Weigh In

I'm officially in the single digits! That is 209.2! My new eta on my ultimate goal for weight loss is mid-summer 09! Hope I can keep it up!

Concrete Update

Well, Halloween passed and our concrete still is in tact! No footprints, names, tire tracks etc in our pretty, new concrete! Here are some pics from all the fun on Wednesday and Friday!

The huge-but-awesome cement truck...

Starting the 1st pour

It's a messy job, but someone's gotta do it!

The 1st slab done!

On to the next slab!
Just finishing up!We also have some Halloween pics for your viewing pleasure! Here are our decorations...

Super Girl's FRANKEN PUNKIN!!!

Our black cat and Super Boy's pumpkin from his field trip

The big piggy pumpkin...

Here are the cutie pies all dressed up. 2 of my friend J's kids are in the pic too...aren't they adorable!?

Super Boy is Elephant-licious!

My Super girl Punkin!

Hope you had a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween...I know we did! Kids have enough candy to last until next year! Hope I can keep my hands off it all!!!