tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30299482818070070672024-03-13T09:40:28.069-05:00LITTLE PIECES...In A Great Big Life.Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-59990960059743399412010-07-18T21:13:00.004-05:002010-07-18T22:00:26.916-05:00New Beginnings<div align="left">I so aspire to blog... I really do. I occasionally have the chance to read others and am always so impressed not always by the blog itself or what they wrote, but that they were organized enough to find time to do it! <br /><br />We are entering a "new beginning" so to speak... a "regrouping season" as we are calling it around here, and on the priority list is "finding time"... or in reality "making time". Not just time to blog, but to do so many things I aspire towards and never do. *Sigh*<br /><br />So, as a quick catch up.... Since I last posted, I have been to Colorado and back. It was beautiful... so much fun... and SO COLD! A great trip with some sweet and beautiful friends! I'll have to make a whole blog post just on that.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/TEO2IfSA5ZI/AAAAAAAACB0/rME5PgctXug/s1600/Amanda.B.Day.JPG"></a><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495436202910530226" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/TEO2HEhNurI/AAAAAAAACBU/Ktv14CviYYg/s320/allgirls.JPG" /><br /><br />And then last month, we moved. A series of events made it abundantly clear that it was time to move on, and luckily, we were able to. Like I said, we are "regrouping" at the moment - trying to figure out how to get from Point A to Point B... we have a plan... now if only God will jump on board, that'd be great. HA! We'll see... It's been a good summer so far. Lots of adjustments, and more to come, but we're managing, and in the meantime partaking of the swimming pool whenever possible!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495436223136611794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/TEO2IP3fPdI/AAAAAAAACBs/tnWes5NhhwY/s320/Kid.Swim.bmp" /><br /><br />And I am starting a "new beginning" with my "fitness". I've been at 155 since my birthday, and last month I made it to 152... and I'm pretty sure I could get to 145 and re-evaluate after that if 140 is attainable (and maintainable). So, I am running... like actually running, without anyone chasing me with a knife, and for longer than 30 seconds. It's amazing what you can do when you try. HA!<br /><br />Long story, short - last year my sister read a book (more on that later) and decided she would start running. And... she did. My dad already ran at least a few times week, but once my sister came onboard, she decided everyone could kick it up a notch (my dad was so pleased)... and she and BOTH my parents would run a half marathon together... and they did. And did GREAT!! <br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495436211324963458" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/TEO2Hj3XyoI/AAAAAAAACBc/puB1AZKdzM0/s320/marathon.JPG" /><br /><br />They spent months training for it... and by the time it got here, my sister had completely shrank! I mean, tiny... So in the spirit of "challenging myself" and "trying new things," plus, the hope that this will be what helps take off this last 10 pounds... my running shoes are laced and ready! And fortunately, I have my favorite cheerleader helping me out! Bless her!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495436218585194434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/TEO2H-6WH8I/AAAAAAAACBk/vKUG_WzgPMY/s320/Amanda.B.Day.JPG" /><br /><p align="center"><br /><em>"The miracle isn't that I finished.<br />The miracle is that I had the courage to start."<br />John Bingham</em></p>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-59077357768812664772010-04-19T23:02:00.005-05:002010-04-19T23:53:39.380-05:00Spring Forward!Okay... so it has been a while...<br /><br />About a week ago I got an email from my friend, Cindy, who I started the UAMS program with back in 2007.... the subject line was "fat again?". She said, "you've stopped blogging, I'm worried you're fat again!" HA!!!<br /><br />Fortunately, I've just been behind, as usual... and haven't had the chance to collect enough thoughts to even put into a blog hardly at all this year... and it's almost May!<br /><br />Here is a little bit of what's been going on...<br /><br />Tessa turned 5 in February. Here she is blowing the candles out on her ice cream dish! She doesn't like cake, so we saved a few bucks and just had an "ice cream party". It really hurt for her to turn 5. It just doesn't seem possible that she'll be in kindergarten next year.<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462066221950371154" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S80oSiMDBVI/AAAAAAAAB_k/eR84-eMSYHg/s320/tess.n.icecream.JPG" /></p><br /><p></p><p><br />Tanner turned 3 in March... OUCH! As you can see, he is all about Spiderman and superheros at large. He's also a big fan of firetrucks and drums. HA! He finally has some hair, and those curls are SO CUTE I just cannot bear to cut them (sorry, Dad). I'll likely have to break down and get him a trim before summer... but not too much!</p><p><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462066229125692130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S80oS86xuuI/AAAAAAAAB_s/jJryEA6MaLQ/s320/tanner.cake..JPG" /></p><br />In between the two of them... Trav and I crossed over to the downward spiral to 40, turning 37 and 36... and aisde from the fact that it beats the alternative, neither one of us is happy about it!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 255px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462066235994384162" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S80oTWgZpyI/AAAAAAAAB_0/t3M14O2ESao/s320/April.2010.JPG" /><br /><br /><br />And then of course, there was Easter... and for the first time in at least five years, we, meaning ALL FIVE OF US, together, dressed, and marginally on time, made it to church. And turns out, we may even go back! <br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462066239842259234" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S80oTk1zkSI/AAAAAAAAB_8/1zC95waoQhg/s320/family.1.JPG" /><br /><br />In between all of that I have been taking Microbiology, which has left me completely grossed out, feeling the need to forever avoiding buffets (as if there aren't enough reasons to do that already), and an compulsive need to wash my hands even more than I already deemed necessary (which was quite a bit). Wash your hands, people... wash, wash! There's some gross stuff out there! HA!<br /><br />And no, Cindy, not fat again. On the contrary, I made it to 155 the week after my birthday, and have STAYED THERE ever since! Woo Hoo! That's 65 pounds total if you're keeping track! And I wear a size 12... which hasn't been the case since sometime in the early '90's (I'm guessing).<br /><br />AND if I might add... the last 25 pounds I lost ALL BY MYSELF! I mean, no weight watchers, no Jenny, no UAMS "meal replacements", no fad crazy diets, no Slim Fast... just me making better choices. Not that there is anything wrong with "programs," I mean, I've practically used them all... and lost my first 40 at UAMS... But for me, personally, it was so rewarding go into the "back nine" of the game here doing what I needed on my own. To feel my way through and figure out how it is I'm going to have to live to make this work for me over the long haul.<br /><br />I can't say I've got it "all figured out", but I can say I'm getting there. It's still a weird feeling to me when I think about it... I look in the mirror sometimes and think, "I'm actually doing this... it's actually happening". Go figure!<br /><br />And Thursday I'm doing something I haven't done in FOREVER... I'm taking some time (four days)... some quiet time! I'm even going all the way to the Colorado mountains to do it! HA! More on that when I get back....<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 277px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462074803403599890" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S80wGCl7sBI/AAAAAAAACAE/aWjUI_T1qCk/s320/STP67241.JPG" /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />And in the meantime, I'll leave you with an encouraging verse via my sweet sister, and a thought for the day... and one I'll be thinking on as I go. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div align="center"><em>"Now, faith is being sure of what we hope for,</em></div><div align="center"><em>and certain of what we do not see..." </em></div><div align="center"><em>Hebrews 11:1</em></div><div></div><div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-62600664993243228822010-02-14T09:55:00.003-06:002010-02-14T10:19:37.145-06:00My Funny Valentines...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438130922432466562" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S3gfQvGnjoI/AAAAAAAAB_c/9qQjCRvdEyY/s320/STP66892.JPG" /><br /><div><br />Yes.... still here. Can't believe it's been so long. February started off with lots unexpected stuff, not the least of which was a snow storm, or two!! </div><div></div><div><br /><br />And we've spent our valentine weekend celebrating a birthday...with more birthdays on the way. Post more on that this week. But for now... </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><br /><br />Valentine Thought For The Day...<br /><br /><em>Love is patient, love is kind. </em></div><div align="center"><em>It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. </em></div><div align="center"><em>It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. </em></div><div align="center"><em>It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. </em></div><div align="center"><em>Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.</em></div><div align="center"><em>It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.<br /><br />Love never fails. </em></div><div align="center"><em><br />I Corinthians 13:4-8 </em></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-32912682141281514132010-01-09T18:52:00.006-06:002010-01-09T23:14:38.032-06:00She's Just Being Miley...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S0kmRK159II/AAAAAAAAB-0/vZyBxfKPNSg/s1600-h/Miley.1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424909302554555522" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S0kmRK159II/AAAAAAAAB-0/vZyBxfKPNSg/s320/Miley.1.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br />Our Gracie turned 7 in December, and as an early birthday present/reward for her exceptional performance in the 1st Grade, I took her to see the Miley Cyrus concert. Gracie reminded me this week that I had never put those pictures up on my blog.... so here they are.<br /><div></div><br /><div>I knew that this being the "Miley Cyrus Tour" we could except more Miley versus her "Hannah" alter ego from the TV show. I debated a while before getting the tickets since "Miley" gets mixed reviews from parents... but I ultimately decided that with the tour being sponsored by Wal-Mart that Miley would probably be on good behavior and that Gracie would enjoy it and see it as a real treat - and of course, she did.<br /><div></div><br />I'd sum up the show by saying that Gracie loved it, and I thought it was okay - but unfortunately a bit more "Brittany Spears" than I would have hoped for. But, I was relieved to see that Miley kept her chest covered, although she was very proud to show off her legs.... HA! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You may think I'm terrible, but I specifically didn't get Tessa a ticket because I just decided at 4 years old, she would just fidget and not sit still for the show, plus she hardly knew who Miley was, and therefore wouldn't enjoy the show $40 bucks worth regardless, and based on what I saw - I was right. I was floored by the number of parents who took (and paid a minimum of $40 a ticket) for 4 and 5 year old little girls to attend the show who cried, had to be held, or slept the whole time. It was crazy...<br /><div></div><br /></div><div>The arena was offering several "activities" to pass the time before the show started. Gracie was very excited about her free digital picture of her and Miley together.... </div><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424909297843532562" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S0kmQ5StcxI/AAAAAAAAB-s/mVbatUL2JCs/s320/gracie.miley.jpg" /><br />After the 45 minute wait for the picture, a $3.00 drink, a $10 glow stick, and a $35 t-shirt... we made it to our seats... Gracie was completely annoyed (as was the entire audience) with the opening act (who was Miley's sort of scary older brother and his band). But finally, after we arrived at 6:00, Miley took the stage at 8:30.<br /><br />Luckily she did a little "Hoe Down/Thrown Down" which is Gracie's favorite... and of course, finally she whipped out Party In the USA... Gracie danced and waved her glow stick like a concert regular! HA! She got a bit annoyed with my picture taking...<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424909292998191410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S0kmQnPfaTI/AAAAAAAAB-k/NBVg63HuOSA/s320/Miley3.JPG" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>So that was Miley... and Gracie certainly has gotten the $35 out of that t-shirt, as she wears it to school at least once a week! <div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424909289412899442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S0kmQZ4sMnI/AAAAAAAAB-c/oz2kyyDQs4I/s320/Miely8.JPG" /></div><div><br /><div></div><br />But anyway... moving on... I had "weigh-in Wednesday" this week, and I was at 162! WOO HOO!<br /><div></div><br />And I started watching the Biggest Loser of course, and this looks like it's going to be an interesting season. However, as usual, they have annoyed me right off the bat in that I thought the public weigh-in was HORRIBLE! I realize it's a "show" and they want to keep stuff new, but how awful... and totally unnecessary in my opinion.<br /><div></div><br />Furthermore, then to put everyone through the pubic weigh-in, bring'em to the ranch, and not even let them unpack before sending two teams home... seriously? That's just wrong! I don't care if Bob and Jillian jumped out with the good news that there still was some hope... it was just MEAN!<br /><div></div><br />I think the married couple will be interesting to watch... and so far my favorite is the biggest guy who is there with his mom (I can't remember his name), and the other mother/son team with the kid with the curly hair.<br /><div></div><br />And... I am following along and participating in the "shredding" extravaganza... <a href="http://www.amberfilkins.blogspot.com/">Amber </a>is also doing this and has a blog group who is working at it as well. I'll have to blog more about my shredding experience soon. It's hard! I took some "before" pics (but will have to wait to share until there are "after" pics to distract you...HA!) Amber is already working on level 2! I think I'll stick with level 1 for 30 days... and go from there. I can't get all the way through it yet without stopping as it is!</div></div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-24347865009560965852010-01-03T15:03:00.008-06:002010-01-03T16:04:50.794-06:00January So SoonSo, we are back from Hawaii (which was beautiful and so fun - more blogging on that later). And of course, we have celebrated Christmas and New Year, and today it hardly seems possible that it has all flown by already. Not just the holiday season... but the year at large.<br /><br />Here are some pics from our Christmas with Nana and Papa and Aunt Mandy... I hate to post without pics! HA!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 199px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422634974505280450" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S0ERx2n_I8I/AAAAAAAAB-M/Vs-f4MLdpzE/s320/Kids.N.Santa.2009.JPG" /><br /><div>2009... full of good things... and some bad. We had a lot of adjustments, new job, new schools, new chuch venture, new friends... and just as I thought that we had done all the adjusting we would need to do for a while... turns out there will be more in store for 2010. I anticipate that 2010 will be a year of holding my breath and hoping it all works out (much like many years before, only this time in my life at large, versus just our bank account). We have a lot to accomplish, on big and small scales. It will be interesting... and possibly a little scary.<br /><br /><br />And speaking of interesting and scary, I have taken some excellent advice, and to kick off 2010 I have put myself back on the nursing school track - complete with plans to actually finally go! This spring I will be taking the last pre-req class necessary for me to actually start. The program starts in July... and there are SEVERAL things that will need to fall into place in order for this to work out. Otherwise, I may have to opt for the three-year plan versus the two-year... but regardless, this time, I'M GOING!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422634971790936130" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S0ERxsg1iEI/AAAAAAAAB-E/KPvdBNndBO0/s320/SAM_0586.JPG" /><br /><br /><div>Also in store sooner than later will be the drama of (for the last time) taking a pacifier away from a child. Tanner will be 3 in March, and like his sisters, loves the "Nah." He doesn't just like one - he likes two - one to hold in his hand, and one to stick in his mouth. Yes, yes, I know... we should have done it earlier... but well, I didn't... so there.<br /><br /><br />On top of that, we have Potty Training in store for us by spring. It went pretty smoothly with both of my girls, but I am also a firm believer in waiting until they are ready, versus deciding it is time because someone else tells you that it is. None of those people with all the opinions have to deal with the mess and the drama, and you do... I haven't trained a boy, and am wondering how much different it'll be... I see a Spiderman Potty Seat in our future.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422634963035804834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S0ERxL5c1KI/AAAAAAAAB98/XNdoSM_ToHQ/s320/Mandy.N.Girls.2009.JPG" /><br /><br />And last, but not least (or sort of least), I am starting off the year at 163 pounds! That's right! I managed to get through my vacation AND the holidays without gaining back what I had lost and even losing a little more! I didn't "deprive" myself necessarily, but I made an effort, and was SO FREAKIN EXCITED to see that on the scale. My next goal is 155, which I'd like to see by my birthday, in 7 weeks. Truthfully, I hope to see 150 in 7 weeks, but I won't push it.<br /><br /><br />I have solicited the help of Gillian and her "OMG, hurts like hell - 30 Day Shred" video to assist me in the next phase. And I'm so excited about the new Biggest Loser starting up. They didn't waste any time did they? I was thrilled to see Danny win last season. He was my fav... and I was incredibly proud of Amanda, who I thought looked great - although her whiny attitude really got on my nerves. HA!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422634958843719762" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/S0ERw8R-sFI/AAAAAAAAB90/H5RIYdUnfNM/s320/Santa.Brought.2009.JPG" /> <div><br />So Happy New Year, friends! I hope 2010 brings many blessings your way. </div></div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-55613714943984117672009-12-13T05:53:00.004-06:002009-12-13T06:01:31.699-06:00Blogger Interrupted...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SyTV4KJ5vkI/AAAAAAAAB9s/6tEHyo-FW9U/s1600-h/Girls.at.Frog.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414687812781456962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SyTV4KJ5vkI/AAAAAAAAB9s/6tEHyo-FW9U/s320/Girls.at.Frog.jpg" /></a><br />So I interrupted this unintentional blogging hiatus to tell you that, guess what? I'm leaving again! <br /><br />In just an hour or so, we are flying out to Hawaii! Woo Hoo! <br /><br />It's been a busy, crazy month leading up to this trip, but we are excited to be going! Luckily, sweet Aunt Mandy is staying with the kiddos all week, and so it'll be seven days of "grown up" activities. <br /><br />But before we go, here are a few things to catch up. First... the picture is from today. Our sweet Gracie turned 7 earlier this month, and today we celebrated with friends by going to see the Princess and the Frog. It was good.... but there was some dark "voo doo" stuff in there that sort of freaked me out. <br /><br />Next, The Biggest Loser ended - and I was SO HAPPY that Danny won. I just loved that guy. And following along with them, I managed to get to my "pre-trip" goal and hit 165 this week - FINALLY! So, now if I can just "stay" until after the holidays, I'll be thrilled. <br /><br />And with that - we're off. I promise to get back to blogging this month. I wouldn't want my two loyal readers to be worried! HA!Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-82226251653599804212009-11-05T22:15:00.002-06:002009-11-05T22:45:57.494-06:00So it's been one of those weeks.... Halloween came and went with lots of fun and WAY too much candy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400839930907434658" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SvOjTWJ7nqI/AAAAAAAAB9c/bByI5TKjCzU/s320/STP66220.JPG" /><br /><div>After discussing what their costume would be since June, deciding, changing their mind, and then changing it back... and weeks of wanting to wear the costumes, but having to save them for Halloween.... finally, we set out Halloween night as a "glamour" Witch (complete with broom), Batgirl (who had fabulous accessories), and Spiderman (who loved his hat)!<br /><br /></div><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400840084741638850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SvOjcTO3SsI/AAAAAAAAB9k/7AQvGLlqiV8/s320/STP66230.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 248px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400839927822360738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SvOjTKqZIKI/AAAAAAAAB9U/he1LJoIMs-c/s320/STP66226.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 236px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400839922670684962" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SvOjS3eIyyI/AAAAAAAAB9M/d_TGVOtMBxs/s320/STP66236.JPG" /><br />We trick or treated with the usual gang who heads to the Greers on Halloween. And it was great fun. Gracie has the trick or treat thing down pat, was running with the big kids, and probably could have taken on another couple of streets. Tessa and Tanner kept up okay, but were both exhausted by the time we finished with the loop...<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400839924435996674" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SvOjS-DBUAI/AAAAAAAAB9E/9YxAqDDCqmE/s320/STP66246.JPG" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br />It has been one of those weeks of struggling trying to get it all in... and luckily I pilfered threw the Halloween pumpkins right away and made sure all the Reese cups were gone (and by gone, I mean I ate them). HA! And once those were out of the way, I could refocus on the fact that I seriously want to lose at least 15 pounds in six weeks before I go on vacation!!<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>I've kicked the workouts up a notch... and am eating by the book, but have been struggling with wanting to "snack" at night some. It's hard... I like a little "treat" while I watch my shows. HA! But this week, I am officially 4 pounds away from a new "milestone" which would be getting below the "170" mark. So... fingers crossed.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>And so I'll end this and get a head start on my first "grateful" post for November by saying I'm incredibly GRATEFUL that October is OVER! October is always a crappy month for us (for some reason), and 2009 was no exception! So... here's to November bringing good things... and hopefully one of them being the loss of that 15 pounds. I know it's a stretch... I'd settle for 10. HA!</div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-91518791306944730592009-10-26T22:33:00.005-05:002009-10-26T23:19:18.157-05:00The Lucky Ones!Adding to my “funk” recently, I mentioned, was the rain… and the rain… and the rain! And what do you think it did all day today too - RAIN!<br /><br />And in between the rain, there was lots of mud! That being the case, we had not had the chance to go to the pumpkin patch this year.<br /><br />And of course, this past weekend was beautiful, perfect fall weather – and I had to work! BOO! However, fortunately for me, and my kiddos, Nana and Papa, along with Aunt Mandy (of course) came to our rescue and loaded them up for a trip to the pumpkin patch. I was so sad to miss all the fun, but it looks like they had a great time.<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397118409702488898" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZqmTUJu0I/AAAAAAAAB6M/spO__W3x6Eg/s320/STP62149.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397118429715517858" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZqnd3oUaI/AAAAAAAAB6s/xwB4eXORl34/s320/STP62133.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397119144813896514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZrRF0Xo0I/AAAAAAAAB7U/Xjgv6Gk9T8c/s320/STP62172.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397118415950306354" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZqmqlv3DI/AAAAAAAAB6U/PKm9TY6drSk/s320/STP62108.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397118757071572626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZq6hXZTpI/AAAAAAAAB60/aZt-CAIIiI0/s320/STP62135.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 211px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397118419544172994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZqm3-l6cI/AAAAAAAAB6c/ZdQdmOhJ1bk/s320/STP62123.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397118422083285986" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZqnBb9s-I/AAAAAAAAB6k/w4VUmEwwX5w/s320/STP62126.JPG" /></p><p></p><p>And new this year... after picking out your pumpkin you could ride a horse! It looks like no one was afraid to give it a try! </p><p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397119142158623122" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZrQ77TYZI/AAAAAAAAB7E/T5KYXWbon_8/s320/STP62160.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397119146097834802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZrRKme-zI/AAAAAAAAB7M/hx1I7cTOSso/s320/STP62161.JPG" /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397118764049215282" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZq67W_rzI/AAAAAAAAB68/Vscubt4ruSQ/s320/STP62158.JPG" /><br /><br />And then after the horse ride, there were apparently even more animals to see. I understand Tessa became quite fond of this particular donkey.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397119150918497794" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZrRcj0dgI/AAAAAAAAB7c/lcuNnbiMijs/s320/STP62193.JPG" /><br /><div><div>And of course, last but not least, there was lots of room to run around and stuff to jump on!<br /><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397119317966791810" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZrbK3PJII/AAAAAAAAB7s/kbaDJ26sZ1Q/s320/STP62196.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397119155894748386" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZrRvGQBOI/AAAAAAAAB7k/RDZieiJAExU/s320/STP62191.JPG" /><br />So they had a blast... clearly, Tanner played hard! </div><div><br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397119316074324738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuZrbD0CYwI/AAAAAAAAB70/Ioj3TmG-RpA/s320/STP62219.JPG" /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>The next day Gracie was telling me about some of the stuff they did at the pumpkin patch, and that it was too bad I had to miss it... sniff, sniff. I told her yes, it was... but reminded her how great is it to have such a sweet Nana and Papa and Aunt Mandy to take you places when Mommy has to work. "I know," she said, "And Papa got a funnel cake too." HA!! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>I make a big effort to focus my kids on, as Madame Blueberry would say, having a "a grateful heart." I said, "You know, Gracie, not all kids are lucky enough to have extra people around who love them and want to look after them, AND who want to go out and have fun with them too." She said, "Yeah, Momma, I guess we really are the lucky ones." No doubt about that.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>So thanks to Nana, Papa, and Aunt Mandy for giving the kids a great time at the patch. Such a blessing you are to all of us! Our hearts are most definitely grateful! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-12639724651476922452009-10-25T22:50:00.004-05:002009-10-25T23:16:40.911-05:00So I had not intended to be away so long. I wish I could be one of those people who “blogged for a living”. That’d be a fun job… HA!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396751763486482322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SuUdIruTH5I/AAAAAAAAB6E/NWfobmeot2I/s320/parade.1.JPG" /><br />Here are my sweeties putting on a parade in the living room… that coffee table is so versatile. I’ve seen it go from being a stage, to a baby bed, to a school table, dinner table, shop counter, row boat, and here a parade float (notice the inflatable cats decorating the edge) all in one day… who knew??<br /><br /><br /><br />But anyway… so that gigantic and resounding THUD you probably heard a week or so ago was the sound of my fat ass falling off the wagon… several factors were involved (aside from generalized laziness). I mean, I think it rained here for like a week and a half straight, which sucks the “get up and go” right out of me, and between that and a few personal pity parties I was throwing – let’s just say… I ate too much.<br /><br />So, “weigh-in Wednesday” didn’t happen… I didn’t wanna know. I’ve been so frustrated with myself these days. I’ve wondered sometimes if I ever will really “conquer” my habits so that they are no longer my “habits”, and permanently reel in my “addiction”. I want to be one of those people who craves dry lettuce and more miles on the treadmill. HA! Sometimes it seems just as I begin to think I’ve got this down, my wagon easily topples. The *distractions* have gotten the best of me lately. But... I intend to drag myself back atop the wagon this week and try again… and I will.<br /><div></div><br /><br />Of course, this week the “season of candy” begins, and after one event we already have an insane amount floating about! I will have to muster up some serious will power to focus while there are Reese cups everywhere! They are Tessa’s favorite… along with the Skittles, of course. Gracie seems most interested in the tootsie suckers and starbursts this round. And Tanner… well, he likes it all!<br /><br />I don’t remember how much Halloween candy I collected as a kid… but last year my three brought in enough to celebrate on into New Year’s with. And that’s not counting all the jaw breaks, sour balls, blow pops, and questionable “gummy” stuff I threw out! Yikes!<br /><br />I have like three blog posts I've already written... and so I'll have to catch up this week... I just read a blog from one of the ladies doing the EMME, where she referred to how long it's been since her "last confession". HA! I'm hoping next week I'll have a good report... and not a sad confession!Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-33116071065079145352009-09-30T23:13:00.003-05:002009-09-30T23:42:01.089-05:00It's Back!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SsQsmjz5LbI/AAAAAAAAB58/QjaUoVes_kc/s1600-h/biggest.loser.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387480095201504690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SsQsmjz5LbI/AAAAAAAAB58/QjaUoVes_kc/s320/biggest.loser.gif" /></a><br />Okay - so I am waayyy behind on all I've been needing to do - blogging is just one of them. And alas... here it is already - the LAST day of September. What?? <br /><br />So, I have not abandoned my EMME extravaganza. The hostess did get pregnant (and congrats to you, Amber), but I believe she is still hosting. However, I've been so busy keeping all the plates spinning this month, I haven't had a chance to actually check. But, I will...<br /><br />In the meantime, THE BIGGEST LOSER is back! And I love that show! Last season was my first season to watch it - and originally, I didn't love it. I thought they were mean (and sometimes I think they still are), but I have developed an appreciation for it. Taking the whole "game" aspect out of it, it's a very motivational show and the constestants accomplish some great things. Thus far, this season I'm pulling for Abby. And of course, Shay... <br /><br />So, on the Biggest Loser schedule, since the show comes on Tuesday nights, and I will not have a chance to watch it ever until Wednesday night - I'm having my own "Weigh In Wednesday". I started two weeks ago at 179 (still), and this week was 176. Woo Hoo!! Maybe I'll accomplish something by the end of the year and the Biggest Loser finale. <br /><br />Random Updates:<br />I have been doing the Jazzercise (although, not as much as I would like). And it's not easy. It has been a good eye-opening experience into how much I still need to accomplish - for sure!<br /><br />We're doing well... I think we're finally in the swing of the "school schedule". Gracie and Tanner are doing great - loving it. And Tessa is much better. She still complains daily about her uniform, but I did come across some Strawberry Shortcake headbands at Target last week, which matched the shoes she picked out. And she loves them! Having some accessories she is pleased with has helped ease the pain of having to put on the dreaded uniform each morning... at least a little. HA!<br /><br />And we have officially committed to a new church - and are actually attending it as well. HA!<br /><br />We're praying the fall is off to many great beginnings.... we'll see. And hopefully next month I can be more organized and back to more blogging. Thanks, friends, for all your sweet comments!Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-77242792906330378062009-09-13T22:22:00.004-05:002009-09-13T23:15:46.916-05:00The Boy!<div align="center">So, here is a long overdue moment to talk about Tanner! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381158917159963202" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sq23hkk-ykI/AAAAAAAAB5s/AsXyCvmC898/s320/STP66041.JPG" /><br /></div><p align="left">Tanner will be officially 2 and a HALF later this month. And finally got to start back to his "school" last week. His school started later than the girls, and he was pretty bitter about it... and on top of that, the poor thing was sick the first day and had to miss. </p><p align="left">I bought his backpack actually last year on clearance... so I've had it a while. Once I showed it to him... well, he has had it out and ready since late July. He requested it frequently, and would wear it around the house. Here he is ready to load up for school in one of his three favorite "ball shirts", and his new "race car" shoes that he has been patiently waiting to wear.</p><p align="left">He loves his school... thank goodness. It's a sweet little preschool, and he is always referred to as a "joy to have in class". I really hope that theme continues... HA! With my job, he is in five days now. Sort of sad... he doesn't bat an eye when I leave. As soon as he's in the door..."Bye, Mamma." I even had to drag him crying from the open house. He wanted to stay and play! </p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381158998157001954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sq23mSULhOI/AAAAAAAAB50/p_KqW1kIhus/s320/STP65521.JPG" /></p><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Tanner had a big summer.... and wanted to spend all of it in the pool! "Pool Today?" I heard that every morning. He took right to swimming, and was jumping off the diving board before I could even try to stop him. He puts his face in the water and everything, and was just itching to ditch those floaties. His fearless attitude would either impress the other pool members or make them think I was crazy.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">And he is also very into music these days. He loves to drum, and will make a drum out of anything that can bang, or be banged on... which as you can imagine, is a wide variety of things. We also learned what an IPOD is... and that Daddy is not a fan of Hannah Montana, but Tanner kind of liked her - especially the "Hoe Down" song. </div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381158912400148386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sq23hS2Jx6I/AAAAAAAAB5k/ce-RCUDbnIQ/s320/STP65834.JPG" /><br /><div align="left">In addition to him joining Tessa for the super hero kick this summer... he has really embraced the whole "car" thing. He loves his cars, lines them up on his bed, and likes to sleep with his trucks. He will also call specialty vehicles to your attention... with his favorite thing to point out being a fire truck. Between the fire trucks, school buses, and passing Chick-Fil-A... there is never a dull moment with Tanner in the car. He will also let you know if you should be stopping or going at the light... and he's sort of bossy about it! HA!<br /><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381158903680228146" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sq23gyXKWzI/AAAAAAAAB5c/v0JqlHqAcf0/s320/STP66045.JPG" /><br /><div align="left">And of course, unlike either of his sisters at this age, he loves to have his picture taken... and any time he finds something he deems worthy of snap shot, he will let you know or just bring you the camera. </div><br /><br /><div align="left">He felt very strongly that we get a shot of him in this Krispy Kreme hat. A friend had brought us these donuts that day... when we get donuts, we usually do Shipley. And so Tanner wasn't used to the donuts coming with a new hat. Big fun.<br /><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381158899177887026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sq23ghluFTI/AAAAAAAAB5U/0TtERQ-UDWk/s320/STP65676.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="left">And with so much for him to do and be excited about... he does usually sleep pretty good. Although, he has taken a new liking to climbing into our bed around 4:00 AM, and literally shoving me over. "Max Ruby, Mamma," he'll say... requesting I flip the TV on to his favorite show (well, next to "Dora Boots" HA!) </div><br /><div align="left">He is, like the other two, growing up too fast... This last week we sold the last of our "baby" stuff at a consignment sale. We parted with several things that made it through almost seven years and three babies... hard to believe. I had a friend post on FB the other day, "Parenting: What else makes you so sad to watch go by, while being so rewarding." </div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381158893068984210" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sq23gK1Pn5I/AAAAAAAAB5M/-uMFNt_oLPI/s320/STP64962.JPG" /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">And speaking of rewarding, our next major milestone project on the horizon where The Boy will be concerned is Potty Training - and I'm afraid... very afraid.<br /></div><p align="center"><br /><em><strong>"When I grow up I want to be a little boy," </strong></em><em><strong>Joseph Heller</strong><br /></em><br /></p>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-79466582379716357592009-09-11T14:00:00.004-05:002009-09-11T21:34:50.691-05:00A Moment To Remember...<div></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380402260427257346" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SqsHWWl5tgI/AAAAAAAAB5E/1A1u6s8Pys8/s320/09.11.2009.JPG" /><br /><div>Today was my day off. And it was lovely… I’ve had a bit of time to “regroup”, and will get one more day to do so next week as well. I have to work one weekend every five or six weeks, and am granted a day off before and after.<br /><br />So, this morning after kissing everyone good-bye for the day, I ate my breakfast in peace and flipped on GMA to see what the world was up to via Charlie and Diane… and on this sad anniversary, as many others I’m sure, I could not help but reflect on where I was this day, eight years ago.<br /><br />I had a very different life eight years ago. I was a secretary at a law firm – with no kids. I didn’t watch the news in the morning. Instead I watched Designing Women on Lifetime while I got dressed for work. I headed off - late, as usual - with my typical morning-drive company, Heather and DC. As I pulled on to I-630 and began to try to plug into what they were saying I realized, Heather was crying. This wasn’t funny – something was wrong. I listened all the way work… trying to figure out what had happened. They kept talking about New York, airplanes, Twin Towers… could this be an accident, or not… </div><br /><div></div><div><br />When I arrived at work, my coworkers filled in the gaps… Everyone on my floor was gathered around a small T.V. in one of the attorney’s offices. We watched in silence, listening for some sort of explanation that wasn’t coming. We heard all air traffic had been grounded and a panicked mood took over. The managing partner closed the office for the day – sent everyone home. So within an hour of leaving home, I was back… glued to the TV, watching in disbelief… </div><br /><div><br />Of course, we were never the same… and along with the fear and outrage that came post 9/11 – I also remember that sweet spirit of “humanity” our country seemed to suddenly have for one another. Compassion, kindness, understanding – all in abundance. We saw the world differently now … and had hearts more likely to serve and love than to judge and hate. We looked out for one another… we cared! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Of course, I'm not saying that spirit is not there now... but today, as we partake in political drama that gets downright hateful, navigate heated debates and difficult decisions about healthcare and the economy, and any of the other umpteen hundred items we could disagree on…. here is to hoping that this date serves not only as a reminder of our sorrows and suffering, but of our ability to recover and to move forward. </div><br /><div><br /><em>“Let us remember how we came together as one nation, as one people, as Americans, united not only in our grief, but in our resolve to stand with one another, to stand up for the country we all love". President Obama, from the Pentagon 09/11/2009. </em></div><br /><div><br />And on a random side note, but along the lines of that serving spirit – you must watch <a href="http://www.oprah.com/media/20090416-tows-dr-bell-free-health-care">this Oprah Video </a>where she spotlights Dr. Dan and Suzie Bell, from Eureka Springs, AR. Heroes in Hard Times. This couple has started a free medical clinical in their town… Dr. Oz pays them a visit. It’s great. </div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-83261268952612385302009-08-19T21:29:00.006-05:002009-08-19T22:48:08.196-05:00Back In The Swing...<div>Well, I didn't mean to be away so long... but it's been crazy. There has been a lot to get in order the last couple of weeks, plus the "keeping up" that has gone on all summer finally caught up with me... but I'm pleased to announce - TODAY WAS THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! We made it! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371875730765949170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Soy8hAXYqPI/AAAAAAAAB4k/7WuYWEUuWtU/s320/STP66009.JPG" /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>I feel overall we did okay this summer. I managed to keep my head above water with the job (and didn't miss my quota once) and the kids still got in plenty of swim and play time, etc (which was a group effort a lot of the time - THANK YOU, Aunt Mandy). </div><br /><div><br />Of course, some days were better than others, and at times (probably too many) we did, indeed, take in way too much Disney Channel, Red Box movies, and pizza for dinner... but oh well. Some days we needed it! HA! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Gracie is in 1st grade today. Sniff... Sniff... She was bright eyed this AM, ready to hit the door in her new hot pink patton leather shoes, and the outfit she has had picked out for two weeks. </div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 194px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371875721420397314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Soy8gdjO2wI/AAAAAAAAB4U/Hb-KgIljHnw/s320/STP66005.JPG" /><br /><br />The first of August, we ordered new backpacks and lunch boxes... while Tessa wanted Ariel (all about the mermaids), Gracie said, "princesses are more for kindergartners," and she opted for a "Wizards of Waverly Place" backpack/lunch box. (Again, too much Disney Channel, and this is now her favorite show...).<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 197px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371875748049865794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Soy8iAwMTEI/AAAAAAAAB40/p22DXcr5HHs/s320/STP66026.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And while Gracie was anxious to head out this morning... Tessa woke up twice last night, and did not take too kindly to her 6:30 AM wake up call this morning. Luckily, we managed a few smiles for pictures this morning... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Tessa is in Pre-K this year - full time. She's at this sweet little school where Gracie went too. We love it. However, they require the kids to a wear a uniform. You know navy/khaki skirt or pants, blue, yellow, or red shirt. This really cramps Tessa's style - she prefers a little more "flair" to her wardrobe.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So after lengthy negotiations, she agreed she would wear a blue skirt and yellow (which is her favorite color) shirt. I bought five... and if she wears only blue and yellow the rest of the year, I don't care! HA! </div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371875728354692354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Soy8g3YfzQI/AAAAAAAAB4c/ZoP-eal1juo/s320/STP66006.JPG" /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><div>And while we discussed the uniform at length, and I even got it back out and showed it to her before bed, Tessa started crying as soon as we put it on her. And she cried all the way to school.... all the way down the hall.... and had to be carried into the classroom. She finally stopped when she was presented with a fabulous new name badge to wear. Bless her! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But they had a good first day. Gracie said her teacher was "the coolest", and she seemed nice (which thankfully, she did). And Tessa said "playing outside was fun," and she would go back tomorrow... So, first day - done! Success!<br /><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371875741257661826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Soy8hnczfYI/AAAAAAAAB4s/gh1RS1UAEaQ/s320/STP66022.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><div></div><div>Gracie and Tessa started school today. However, Tanner's preschool doesn't start until after Labor Day... although, as you can see - he is ready!! </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371881256994949874" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SozBirLDSvI/AAAAAAAAB48/rw9ARi1Bod0/s320/STP65952.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div>And the next two weeks will probably be the REAL challenge. That little boy of mine is SO BUSY! And bless his heart - he is really going to be missing Tessa, his superhero partner, and Gracie who always finds his trucks for him when he can't remember where he left them, and of course, who is also always on "diaper patrol" and is sure to let me know if anything smells amiss... HA! <div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>And randomly in other news... on the EM:ME front -I haven't lost a freakin pound! NOTHING! It's my fault, of course. I've been to the gym, but the consistently eating "better/less" has had its hits and misses. Hopefully, the start of school will bring some much needed organization!! I have managed to not gain any weight... but I'm ready to move forward! </div><div> </div><br /><div></div><div>And on that note, deciding I needed a new challenge to motivate me - I signed up for... are you ready... wait for it... JAZZERCISE! HA! I was inspired by some Facebook interaction... and well, they were running a special, and the price was a great deal! So I decided to try, and of course, I talked Amanda into doing it too. HA! We've been to two classes this week... and it's fun. Although, I immediately remembered why Amanda was on the drill team... and I was in the choir! HA! <div></div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>But anyway... Another summer.... gone too fast in some ways - and not fast enough in others! September will bring a whole new phase for me... and on this, the first day of school - as I heard it put today, it's "a bit sad... and a bit liberating." So true.... so true. </div></div></div></div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-30675274730050735402009-07-26T21:16:00.004-05:002009-07-26T21:37:24.288-05:00So Long Froggy....Well... we had to say goodbye to Froggy today... and luckily, it was in the front yard instead of over a toilet.<br /><br /><br />This was him the other morning in his box... see the "stink eye". Do you think he wanted out? HA!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362961835590353090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sm0RYBJXAMI/AAAAAAAAB30/xi_90S07niI/s320/STP65811.JPG" /><br /><br />We decided it would be best to let him go because over the last few days I didn't think he was looking very well... I mean, as best as I can assess the overall health of a frog... but more importantly he wasn't eating his "frog bites", and that I deemed legitimately worrisome for the chance of waking up to a dead frog in a box in the near future. So... we "released" him back into the wild - our front yard.<br /><br /><br /><br />Gracie was SOOO upset! She cried some real tears over Froggy's departure. So we had to break out the camera and document his leaving us appropriately. Tessa wanted Froggy to say bye to her blanket... and Tanner was giddy waiting for Trav to pop the top of that box so he could try to catch him.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362961851318222530" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sm0RY7vLPsI/AAAAAAAAB4E/hn7UcwXy4Ow/s320/STP65822.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362961848970002930" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sm0RYy_UQfI/AAAAAAAAB38/VSEtFJ3H7zs/s320/STP65824.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br />In the end... we think he made a nice little frog nest by the tree in our front yard, and we encouraged Gracie that she might, in fact, see him hopping around again sometime soon.... bless.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362961855731819746" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sm0RZMLdZOI/AAAAAAAAB4M/gcUfu9LxgpM/s320/STP65829.JPG" /><br /><br />And so we went inside with Gracie's sad little face, and my continued resolve that we WILL NOT have pets. :-)Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-63588724960331000112009-07-24T23:08:00.008-05:002009-07-26T21:44:20.369-05:00The Caped Crusader...I would say on the "nature vs. nuture" argument I would have probably always said, "it's clearly both" but yes, of course, boys, by nature, are different from girls. And now, well... I know that for a fact, it's true.<br /><br /><br /><br />Not too long ago, Tessa checked out a Super Friends DVD (the old school Justice League) from the library. Since then, the Super Friends have been a big hit around here. Tessa loves them... and Tanner has become a fan as well.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 237px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362951092684326450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sm0Hmss-BjI/AAAAAAAAB3k/GbSnb8dMttw/s320/STP65778.JPG" /><br /><br />In fact, here is my little caped crusader... that is Tanner's "blanket" made special for him by Ms. Bridget, the dearest of friends, who also happens to know all about little boys.<br /><br />He's been sleeping with it since he was probably 6 months old, and now it doubles as his all important Superman cape. He spends at least half the day with it tied around his neck... running about the house, jumping off anything he has manged to climb on without me noticing while hollering "Superman... To The Resue," and then he charges off... of course, saving the day.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362951096832118146" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sm0Hm8J4TYI/AAAAAAAAB3s/rRFm0_bcGlk/s320/STP65779.JPG" /><br /><br /><br />I know you may think I'm bias, but I promise it's THE CUTEST thing EVERY time he does it - and it always makes me laugh.<br /><br />I have been heavily reminded this week of the importance of finding the "joy," on the grand and small scales... taking some when you can get it... and being grateful for it.<br /><br /><br />I pray I am always able to notice that which God gives us, clearly for no other reason than to bring us "joy".Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-37613096083199365342009-07-18T14:39:00.006-05:002009-07-18T15:37:45.867-05:00Feeling Froggy...<div>So, let me introduce you to the newest member of our family... Froggy.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now, if you know me, then you know my very strict NO PETS policy. So how did they slip this one by me?? Well... last weekend we attended Trav's family reunion in Mississippi. The facility was near a wooded area, where there was supposedly a nearby "creek". As the kids ran about, it wasn't long before one of the little girl cousins (who was Gracie's age), who was fearless when it came to bugs or critters (of any sort, from what I heard), had captured herself a small frog. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As she proudly showed it off.. Gracie decided she would like one too. Of course, she is my child, and had NO intention of touching the frog... so she asked her cousin if she would mind catching one for her, who was only too happy to find and fetch another slimy little hopper!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Once caught, the frog was housed in a water bottle that Gracie had carefully prepared for him. When I wasn't looking, Trav punched some air holes in the top of it and told Gracie she could bring it home. I was annoyed... but I figured the life expectancy of some poor frog trapped in a bottle would surely not surpass the two hour car ride home. But I was wrong... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359890912510965874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmIoYxMPeHI/AAAAAAAAB20/Y-wcZ2Nl3HI/s320/STP65758.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>By the time we pulled in the drive way... he had been officially named "Froggy," I know... quite original. And he was still hopping away in that bottle by the next morning. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>While I'm patiently waiting on the frog to "croak," so to speak, so that I can give my carefully planned speech about how pets do die... and that is why sometimes it is best to just not have them.... Aunt Mandy pops in and thinks that is a horrible idea, and decides to take all three kids on a field trip to the pet store to find Froggy some more suitable accommodations. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359890921377590498" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmIoZSONbOI/AAAAAAAAB3M/GxosfN0CP0M/s320/STP65764.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So... I'll be damn, if one hour and $12.50 later... they didn't arrive home with a proper box for our new pet... and some frog food as well. Frog food? Who knew? </div><div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359894638411782802" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmIrxpQOGpI/AAAAAAAAB3c/LZY_pAWd-bw/s320/STP65773.JPG" /></div><div><br /><br />So now I have to live with this creepy little frog hopping around his box, giving me the stink eye all day (especially after I accidentally left his box in Tanner's reach, who gave it a good shaking). I tell the kids we have to keep Froggy up and away so Tanner can't get it (which is true), but also because I can just feel those bug eyes staring at me... begging to get out.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br />When he hopes around his box in a frenzy... Trav tells the kids he's just "happy." I'm like, yeah, that's what he is... happy. But of course, the kids love him... in fact, he is now officially included in Tanner's "nite nite tour" as we call it, where everyone in the house has to get an official "nite nite" hug and kiss (although Froggy gets his kisses blown to him). So, I suppose as pets go, it could be worse. Thank goodness Gracie's little cousin didn't bring her a snake! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359890923696600130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmIoZa3GtEI/AAAAAAAAB3E/pVK6V1cH594/s320/STP65789.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359890920433891218" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmIoZOtNt5I/AAAAAAAAB28/s4p1nlLKn4M/s320/STP65768.JPG" /><br /><div>I have a friend whose girls got a goldfish as a "take home treat" from a birthday party a while back (which I bet that mom was not very popular afterwards). We were hanging out one night and the fish died... and her girls were so devastated she had to leave and rush home to comfort them. </div><div><br /></div><div><br />So... keeping that in mind with no idea how long a well fed frog in a box might actually live, I am trying to lay the ground work now that at some point... it may be time to let Froggy go. You know, giving the spill about how he might not like to be cooped up in the box forever... yada, yada, yada... let's free him. I'm thinking now that we're all attached to Froggy, when he does eventually croak, it'll be bad... very bad. So, at this point, I'm hoping we can have a "going away party" for him versus a funeral.<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359890927188592738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmIoZn3qSGI/AAAAAAAAB3U/DV9DKEXAHz0/s320/STP65786.JPG" /><br /><br />So, we'll see what happens. But in the meantime... this whole thing just solidifies my NOT PETS rule even more. As much as they LOVE the frog... who do you think has to remember to shake the frog food in box everyday??Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-90987481359657434262009-07-17T12:13:00.010-05:002009-07-18T00:07:53.866-05:00Inspired.<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359651989236250770" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmFPFmokeJI/AAAAAAAAB2U/E3oim0_VDYU/s320/Extreme+Makeover--Me+Edition.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>So it's been another week.... and I finally decided to face the scale... and of course, it hadn't moved. It hadn't moved in either direction, which considering how disorganized I was this week, I suppose that was a gift. </div><div></div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>So... here we go again. <a href="http://www.amberfilkins.blogspot.com/">Amber's </a>question this week:</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>What is inspiring you?</em></strong></div><div><br /> </div><div>Oh... so many things. </div><br /><br /><p>Let's see... On TV these days, the show Ruby is quite inspiring... I love that show. I love her! She seems so genuine, and just the fact that she is willing to do so much, in front of so many... God bless her. I'm rooting for her! </p><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 206px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359657916643938034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmFUen8sDvI/AAAAAAAAB2s/hNkyBpYY6_s/s320/Ruby.png" /><br /><br /><div>And of course, nothing puts a kick in your workouts like a shopping trip to Target where you found something you totally loved... but it looked terrible on you because it was "too small". </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>And of course, by my husband... he likes to "go and do", and you know, overweight people don't like to "go and do" so much. Plus, just overall, I want to have a marriage that remains happy and "healthy" and I know that part of keeping that intact relies heavily on how I feel about myself. </div><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359651972377004242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmFPEn1AyNI/AAAAAAAAB10/aM1g6-xBjIw/s320/STP63856.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359651975725849090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmFPE0TcGgI/AAAAAAAAB18/V7g_2GFj_gE/s320/STP63858.JPG" /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div>But most of all... my biggest inspiration to not only lose weight, but be HEALTHY, and just in general "better" is, of course, my kids. They deserve to have the mom who can "go and do". HA!</div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 174px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359653840357639010" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmFQxWmTQ2I/AAAAAAAAB2c/_notrgnKZeE/s320/STP64928.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div></div><div>Nobody wants to have OR to be the "fat mom" who can't climb up and/or fit in the slide at the Jump Zone, or ride the rides at the amusement parks, or fit in the seats at the movies and/or shows... or any of the other, shall we say, more "athletic" things it might be necessary for me to do in the process of keeping up with my kids. HA! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 293px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359651979180137442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmFPFBLAW-I/AAAAAAAAB2E/vx3HQnhmWqE/s320/STP65621.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359651983812090866" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmFPFSbWW_I/AAAAAAAAB2M/feoWY9JLmJo/s320/STP63464.JPG" /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Plus... looking ahead, I hope to set a good example for them and encourage them in what it means to be "healthy" versus just "thin", and hopefully they'll pay attention and in the long run avoid my mistakes. I want them to grow up active and busy... versus addicted to video games or television shows. And that can't happen if I can't do it with them. </div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359653846722557378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SmFQxuT0NcI/AAAAAAAAB2k/4qg_Rd5yvR4/s320/STP64947.JPG" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>But speaking of inspired... I hope this week is more so than the last. I think this past week the overall pace of the last several weeks has finally caught up to me, and I am TIRED! So hopefully the weekend will bring some rest and organization! I'll keep you posted. :-)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-11656704866930293682009-07-08T22:42:00.011-05:002009-07-09T23:51:53.291-05:00July Already??<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SlbGGICdWaI/AAAAAAAAB1k/YuTFTn5WehQ/s1600-h/Extreme+Makeover--Me+Edition.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356686615343094178" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SlbGGICdWaI/AAAAAAAAB1k/YuTFTn5WehQ/s320/Extreme+Makeover--Me+Edition.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.amberfilkins.blogspot.com/">Amber's </a>question this week was pertaining to vacation strategies for eating - which is a great topic, and I wish I could contribute something to it... but not so much. It has been TOO LONG since we went on anything that would remotely qualify as a "vacation". But... we do actually have one planned for December.... but I just can't talk about it too much because (if you remember) I am not much of an optimist, and it is really one of those things I don't think I'll believe or really dare to get excited about it until it is actually happening! HA! </div><div></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>So, my primary strategies these days pertain to maintaining the balance of kids and work... and whatever else comes along. <strong>My main goal for the next week</strong> <strong>is to GET UP in the morning and get to the gym</strong>, versus having to try to get it in later in the day... when there are too many other things I'm trying to get in. That hour and a half of "sweating" is SO important to me, but I always forget that at 5:30 AM... and think, "Oh, I'll just get there later." And come "later," I'm always regretting putting it off. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have not stepped on the scale again yet.... I'm doing okay, but I'm not thinking it has been enough to send the scale moving in the right direction yet... and so I haven't checked. Maybe Monday I will. </div><div><br /><br />The summer has been hectic. But on the bright side, it's July, and thus far all is well and intact! So... hopefully, we'll continue to hang in there. Truthfully, overall, the last month has gone much better than I had anticipated. I've managed to work and still "entertain" my kids so they don't spend their entire summer with the Disney Channel (of course, some days are better than others). </div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>When we are not at home, we are typically SWIMMING! The kids LOVE to swim. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356686612993186258" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SlbGF_SMmdI/AAAAAAAAB1c/IVFNISLfsQo/s320/kids.06.21.09.JPG" /><br /></div><div>The girls are on the swim team again. Gracie is actually learning her strokes and is doing really good, and Tessa just sort of jumps in and kicks like hell until she gets to the other end... smiling like she already won the WHOLE time. It's hilarious. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Tanner, as expected, has taken to the pool with much enthusiasm. He thinks he is unstoppable in his floaties... and of course, is very eager to do everything his sisters are doing (including jump off the diving board), which yes, is great... but sometimes drives me nuts! He's so BUSY! Luckily, he hasn't quite figured out how to terrorize them with the water gun... yet... </div><div> </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 223px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356686585223196194" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SlbGEX1ULiI/AAAAAAAAB1U/hUgQhx13rd8/s320/family.2.06.21.09..jpg" /></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="center">Hope you and yours are enjoying your summer!!</div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-21380854404714993812009-07-03T13:46:00.016-05:002009-07-03T23:41:25.753-05:00More EM:ME<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354318521928005058" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sk5cU8nQNcI/AAAAAAAAB0I/5ym7IOJQpJA/s320/Extreme+Makeover--Me+Edition.jpg" /><br /><br /><div> </div><div>So this week Amber's question was:</div><div><div></div><div></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em>Share with us how you're feeling about your progress?<br /></div></em></strong><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Well, first let me say THANK YOU, to my friend, <a href="http://seriouslykeepinitreal.blogspot.com/">Lynn</a>, and the warm welcome to the group! The last five days have gone pretty good. I have made it to the gym, and with the exception of a Chick-Fil-A trip (where I did get the grilled sandwhich, but couldn't skip the fries), I would give myself an overall B+. </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><br /><div></div><div>Overall progress? Well, I've avoided this thus far, but inspired by some of the brave ladies who are willing to put visual aides and numbers into their weight loss blogs... I will add some details here, and give the "story" of my progress for you... but mainly for me. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div>In December of 1997, is the first time I remember stepping on the scale and seeing 200 plus show up and thinking "Wow, that's not good." I was 24. The next several years were riddled with various attempts at Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Slim Fast, Lean Cuisine's, etc., etc... and I probably stayed in between 200 and 210 until I was 28. At 28, I had Gracie. I'd estimate myself from then on to have been closer to 220-ish. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Tessa was born in February of 2005. Two months later, trying to pay off some hospital bills and acquire some extra cash, I take a job at an Italian restaurant (The Villa) as a cashier. This picture was from June of 2005 (and it's a horrible picture). I don't know what I weighed... clearly, a lot... I'd guess close to 230. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354416602379345266" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sk61h-xGXXI/AAAAAAAAB0w/V-t908p117U/s320/Before.4..jpg" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><div><div><div>One month later, in July of 2005, Trav lost his job. It was the first "thing" that seemed to kick off a string of events causing the remainder of that year to be best characterized as "profoundly stressful," marked with some significant personal heartaches, struggles, disappointment, and continued losses. </div><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, I didn't see it at the time, but as the year progressed, The Villa sort of became my "drug dealer" so to speak. Between the freebies we got, and their generous "employee disount," looking back now, I am nothing short of appalled at the amount of food I was consuming on a REGULAR BASIS while I worked there. There are continued setbacks into 2006.... and it is not a happy new year.</div><div><br /><br />This picture is THE WORST, and I almost cannot believe I'm putting it up here. This is me in February of 2006 holding Tessa as she turns 1. About six weeks later, I am at the doctor's office, and learn I weigh 246 pounds. Somehow, I am shocked. </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div>By May, it really hits me.... I am huge and miserable.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354416604765676146" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sk61iHqC4nI/AAAAAAAAB04/cUJ_P-0v0ig/s320/Copy+of+IM000346.JPG" /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Somewhere in the middle of all that I had been told about or read about the UAMS Clinic. I quit The Villa in May of 2006, thinking this will help. Instead I swap pizza/pasta for more cheeseburgers... and it doesn't help. I begin to give the UAMS idea some thought. I have to do something... I remember feeling very desperate about it, and totally embarrassed that it has come to this.<br /><br /></div><div>By June, having no idea how I would actually pay for it, I sign up. I am set to start in the second week of August. In July, I learn I am pregnant, again.... </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Fast forward to May of 2007. Tanner is 2 months old, and I'm breastfeeding and weigh 210 pounds. Woo Hoo! I am encouraged. I begin to walk some, make an effort at eating better, and think I might be able to pull this off on my own and avoid UAMS altogether. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>This is me, and then our family picture, from June of 2007. By the end of that month, I am back up to 220. I sign up for UAMS. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354318523403409570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sk5cVCHBGKI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/hdqcvJkuOiA/s320/IMG_1609+5x7+2.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354318533743928770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sk5cVooY5cI/AAAAAAAAB0g/v9fegMgNoAg/s320/IMG_1678+4x6.jpg" /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><br /><div>I started UAMS in September of 2007 - I weighed 220 my first day there. I lost 40 pounds (actually 42) ending at 178, which I had not weighed anywhere close to since probably 1996.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>So now... fast forward again, this is a family picture from December of last year, 2008. I've maintained what I lost for a year, but have not lost anything else.<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 243px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354438224817608354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sk7JMkoG1qI/AAAAAAAAB1A/x3o8s2oBx9I/s320/STP64092.JPG" /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>And this is me now... still 179. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 135px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354438226797039906" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sk7JMsACkSI/AAAAAAAAB1I/MNjO96KRwqE/s320/STP64750.JPG" /><br /><br /><div>So.. there is it, progress, in living color. 246 was the biggest number I ever saw on the scale, and since then, 172 has been the lowest, which was earlier in the year around February. I currently weigh 179, and think that 150 is attainable. I hope.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>How do I feel? Overall, good. Clearly, 179 is better than 220 (and especially 246). However, I am obviously disappointed that I have come so far, yet am still not finished. I'm so annoyed that I am spending yet another summer for the most part unhappy with how I look. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But... Must. Remain. Postive. And so yesterday in the gym I found myself on the treadmill between two "extremes". To the left I saw where I was, and to the right, where I wanted to be (minus the spandex outfit she had on because it was insanely inappropriate). </div><br /><br /><div></div><div><em><strong>"I can't believe I wasted so much time being that person... when I could have been this person all along." Kristin, from the Biggest Loser, Season 7.</strong></em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div></div><div><em></em></div><div> </div><div>Thanks for your encouragement... hope everyone has a great week, and a Happy 4th! </div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-44102995977703247162009-06-28T19:50:00.009-05:002009-06-28T21:03:18.840-05:00Come Monday...<span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352546863893506434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SkgRA4IA6YI/AAAAAAAABzI/mDHnzfJ7bQ4/s320/Extreme+Makeover--Me+Edition.jpg" /><br /></span><div><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Okay – so I think I mentioned a while ago that I planned to jump in with this blog support group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My friend, </span><a href="http://seriouslykeepinitreal.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Lynn</span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">, is participating, and so I think I’ll give it shot.</span></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">And so here, I’m jumping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><a href="http://www.amberfilkins.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Amber Filkins </span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">is the host of this group, and I really like her blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She calls this group the “Extreme Makover, Me Edition”, and posts a question each week on her blog for you to answer on your blog, along with an update of how you’re doing, etc., etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here is this weeks’ question (or maybe it was last week’s question… but either way).</span></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000000;">"Who is your biggest supporter/motivator in your weight loss?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Do you have anyone around you that tries to sabotage you by “talking” you in to eating the not so good stuff?"</span></i></b></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I can’t say that I have anyone who looks to “sabotage” me - at least no one I know of. And that is helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m really lucky that I work from home where I don’t have to manage the “out to lunch” stuff, or free doughnuts, or that person in every office who drags in baked good once a week! </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">My biggest support… hum… well, in my ongoing weight loss goals, I have been very well “supported” to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">When I started my UAMS program in 2007, my parents were always encouraging, and both Trav and Amanda provided a great deal of help along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Trav didn’t bring home Taco Bell…. he either ate salad or away from home, and Amanda wasn’t inviting me to lunch or dinner either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span> </p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">My friends even volunteered to “suspend” dinners at our get-togethers in order to keep me on track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And everyone was always anxiously awaiting my weekly updates on how things were going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I never felt like anyone was waiting for me to fail or running along beside me offering fries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Most people in my life knew this was a "moment" for me... and it needed to work. </span></span></p></div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span></div><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352550329748927730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SkgUKncVtPI/AAAAAAAABz4/yoITSDaL7V0/s320/STP62458.JPG" /><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">God bless Trav... very encouraging and eager to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Never pushy or scolding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No obnoxious “are you gonna eat that” or “did you go the gym today” remarks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And most importantly, he never argued or gave me any grief along the lines of “this better work” or extra pressure when I told him I wanted to shell out a small fortune for the UAMS program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Day to day I am fortunate in that he does not really care that much about food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He’s more the “eat to live” variety versus my “live to eat”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>HA!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He does love Mexican food and a good steak every now and then… but overall, whatever is quick and convenient for him is fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He has always had that “good metabolism” thing going for him, coupled by being relatively active his whole life… although as we’ve gotten older, he’s beginning to realize that he might have to trade in some of those tacos for a few more salads – even when I’m not around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>HA!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352551506700921842" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SkgVPH7j6_I/AAAAAAAAB0A/FvEGYcd7USg/s320/me.mandy.jpg" /><br /></span><div></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">But at this point, my sister is for sure my biggest encourager though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Amanda and I take after opposite sides of our family, both of which have “weight issues”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And by that I don’t mean a family full of fat people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I mean families where “weight” was an upfront and highly visible issue, as well as topic of discussion - really no matter what size you were. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">My mom completely missed the fat gene, and aside from pregnancies has probably never weighed more than 130 pounds - if that. Amanda and I have had similar weight struggles as teenagers and adults, but she has always been much, much smaller than me, and our bodies are “shaped” completely differently. When I woke up one day and realized I was eating myself into a early grave… she jumped on board with encouragement and some goals of her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352546882235713426" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SkgRB8dIx5I/AAAAAAAABzg/9_GXsdZP4QQ/s320/STP64195.JPG" /><br /></span><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Since then, which started in 2007, we have both had accomplishments… and some setbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At this point, we are trying to work together with a hope/goal to take the emphasis out of appearances and focus on overall “health”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One day at a time, we’re hoping to “do better” for our own wellbeing (inside and out), and to set a good example for our girls in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Of course, if I came out on the other end of it looking like Valerie Bertinelli did in that bikini – that’d be great too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>HA! </span></p><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 297px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352546872919399458" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SkgRBZv9HCI/AAAAAAAABzY/iyXPfHRVjU4/s320/me.n.mandy.jpg" /><br /><br /></span><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I’m lucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are truly best friends, and want the best for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are quite blessed that as our upbringing carried out, we never were or ever became “competitive” with each other about anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is no, drama about how many pounds she lost versus me, and we don’t keep notes on who went to the gym when and who didn’t, and I’m not in the dressing room trying to beat her to a size 6 (as if I even could).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And thank goodness… because how exhausting would that be!</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">We are each other’s biggest supporters… and sometimes (while not in the spirit of sabotage) can also be each other’s biggest downfall!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>HA!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But overall, we take turns at keeping each other on track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I might pass on some fries today that inspires her to skip them tomorrow… and vice versa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> She might call me at 6:00 AM to go to the gym... when I would have otherwise slept in.</span></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I finished the 12 weeks at UAMS in December of 2007 – just in time for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was to start the new session in January, but the schedule wasn’t kid friendly for me, which delayed me some… and then I grew weary of the “meal replacements” and was also running out of money to pay for all the “requirements” of the program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I kept intending to go back… but I haven’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352546987631567570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SkgRIFFd4tI/AAAAAAAABzw/mSg1rdUQjz8/s320/STP65576.JPG" /><br /></span><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I have meal replacements left… they mocked me from the cabinet until I finally pulled them out last month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I kept thinking I would get them out and use them again… you know, just for a week or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But every time I try to eat them again.. it lasts just long enough for the smell to hit me, and I walk away wondering how on earth I ever ate those for a solid 12 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">However, since December of '07, making better overall choices and exercising, I have kept the 40 pounds I lost OFF, for going on over 18 months now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m smarter than I was then in 2007.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> I have pulled away from who I was then, and am keeping my head above water. </span>Nowadays I look better, I feel better, and I am, most definitely, better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But… I know there is more I need to do - that I want to do - for me. </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">While an expert now at "maintaining", and just as I was thinking it might be best if I could just get through the summer without gaining any weight... I've decided why wait, and to begin again - so to speak. </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">So here we go.... come Monday, my sister and I both are “rededicating our efforts”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am going to participate in the EMME group as a means of accountability and hope that that too helps keep me organized and consistent. Amanda – aren’t you glad I dragged you into this blog?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>HA! </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352546884263682178" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SkgRCEApIII/AAAAAAAABzo/qhVsy68bUgk/s320/STP64799.JPG" /></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><div><br /><div><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-: minor-bidifont-family:lucida grande;" ></span></div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I read today on </span><a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/event/twoweekturnaround/the-best-day-for-weight-loss-477915/"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Yahoo </span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">that Monday is, in fact, the best "trigger day" to start any new plans. And that most people do fare better if they start the week off fresh. So it's nice to know that it isn't just me and my ability to pracrastinate that always wants to start on Monday... it's makes sense! </span></div></div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-67646445286162337502009-06-21T22:03:00.006-05:002009-06-21T22:39:06.116-05:00Happy Father's Day!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349983213798423842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sj71YzTB_SI/AAAAAAAAByo/PwZGP1gTt2Y/s320/Father.Day.2009.JPG" /><br /><br /><br />Well, the summer has left my blog a bit neglected! It's been so hectic I've hardly had time to put two thoughts together, let alone sit down and type them out! But... I certainly didn't want to miss giving a Happy Father's Day blog shout out to Trav! We love you - and are so grateful for all that you do for us - work AND play!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>And then, while I somehow missed snapping a picture of him today - we have to give a shout out to PaPa too! We love him too - and again, are incredibly grateful for all the does for ALL of us.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349986349112596898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sj74PTQLmaI/AAAAAAAABzA/ylFpO1ORJdo/s320/STP65028.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349985510153904370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sj73ed414PI/AAAAAAAABy4/zwxmzpEV5Z8/s320/STP63294.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 223px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349985508685389282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sj73eYauHeI/AAAAAAAAByw/LQgPqrtffDY/s320/STP64094.JPG" /><br /><p> </p><p align="center">Happy Father's Day To You Both!</p><p align="center">We Love You!<br /></p>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-40917083220572285702009-06-01T22:31:00.006-05:002009-06-01T22:59:33.532-05:00It Has BegunSo it has arrived... or at least it will "officially" as of Friday. SUMMER!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342572782526923922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SiSho7kwBJI/AAAAAAAAByQ/vHdePRFA1zI/s320/STP65508.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342572785335369138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SiShpGCVfbI/AAAAAAAAByY/w2DfI-fEptc/s320/STP65520.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342572789009969906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SiShpTubcvI/AAAAAAAAByg/jZKV21R9NNU/s320/STP65527.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><div>We had our 2009 inaugural visit to the pool this past weekend. Tessa put her swimsuit on first thing that morning and impatiently waited for time to go! I was anxious to see how Tanner would do... and as expected... he "dove right in". Gracie was eager to show me that even though it's been several months - she could still swim "floatie free". </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>It was a big day... as we also had a visitor to our house this weekend who has not been here before... THE TOOTH FAIRY! After we got home, Gracie came running down the hall with her hand cupping her mouth saying her tooth had fallen out when she bit into one of her "gummy straws". I was alarmed at first... and then realized that was supposed to happen! HA! She hadn't mentioned her tooth being loose... so I wasn't expecting it. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342572416603516594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SiShToZz7rI/AAAAAAAAByI/KL1wSLkY3y0/s320/STP65510.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>The tooth, however, was missing... and I was afraid she had swallowed it. But luckily, Aunt Mandy did a search and rescue mission in the alleged area where the tooth fell out... and it was recovered! </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>Gracie quickly busied herself writing a letter to the tooth fairy to make her aware of what kind of figures she had in mind as to what her tooth was worth (which also included a request to please leave something for Tessa too...). And then 24 hours, and $5.00 later...she was very excited to have her "her own money" and was anxious to learn what items might be in her "price range" at Wal-Mart. </div><br /><div></div><div>And then after our busy weekend - we kicked off the week with the Kindergarten graduation this morning... sniff... sniff... Gracie received an Academic Excellence and Outstanding Behavior Award. </div><div></div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342572409413214946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 248px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SiShTNngouI/AAAAAAAABx4/mYrynIW9Q78/s320/STP65568.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>I don't know how this happened, but Gracie will officially be a 1st Grader next year. Although... I'm not sure where. I've grown increasingly concerned with various aspects of Gracie's school. So... I'm keeping my fingers crossed that some better options will present themselves soon. </div><div><br /></div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342572410082018498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SiShTQG9xMI/AAAAAAAAByA/iq4XVYYM1ls/s320/STP65564.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>But in the meantime... we're going to enjoy the summer... and try not to go crazy in the process! I'll keep you posted. :-)</div></div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-447926961544622742009-05-24T08:48:00.009-05:002009-05-24T14:24:00.562-05:00May Flowers?<div><div><div><div><div>Anyone else sick of the rain?? I'm thinking we've seen maybe three days of "scattered sunshine" among what feels like a month now of rain! </div><div></div><br /><br /><div>I had so been so been looking forward to this weekend... even though Trav has to work (heaven forbid car dealerships acknowledge a holiday other than Thanksgiving or Christmas), I was hoping to enjoy some fun outdoor time with the kids. The pool is opening and Riverfest is in town. But oh, no... I woke this morning to thunder, and by now it's pouring - AGAIN! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I cannot believe though that May is almost over... I looked at my blog yesterday and then the calendar and couldn't believe where the month had gone. Tanner had his last week of MDO last week, Tessa's preschool is done after this week, and Gracie will leave kindergarten behind the week after that. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>As the school year has progressed, our walls have become covered with artwork, crafts, and various other "homework" projects as they occurred. I realize the typical place for these is on the fridge, but our fridge is already covered in pictures... and half of them are too big to fit anyway.</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339464924982705570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/ShmXD0BAfaI/AAAAAAAABxw/u_C6qrnjg5k/s320/STP65502.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div>So one day when Gracie had a piece of artwork she was particularly proud of, she picked up the scotch tape and stuck it to the wall in the kitchen... I'm sure I had intended to take it down after a few days, but... I never did. So as the year went on, here is what the walls and cabinets of our kitchen ultimately turned in to. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339464915698436978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/ShmXDRbdy3I/AAAAAAAABxY/5XygfTyyV8I/s320/STP65497.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339464919896592498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/ShmXDhEYkHI/AAAAAAAABxo/aoIWQXqoWpQ/s320/STP65499.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339464922490189314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/ShmXDquvtgI/AAAAAAAABxg/WI-RAmM3Cp4/s320/STP65498.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>These ones were part of my mother's day gifts, and they're by my computer... Gracie taped them there so I could "enjoy them while I worked" she said. </div><div></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339464917224596018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/ShmXDXHVIjI/AAAAAAAABxQ/m6zYc6YU1BA/s320/STP65481.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>On some random side notes for those of you who care... </div><div></div><br /><br /><div>American Idol: Woo Hoo for Kris Allen!! I could not stop smiling watching him win AI last week. I literally beamed with pride as if I knew him. HA! I liked Adam too... well, sort of - but Kris was clearly the whole package. I hope his future is very, very bright. </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div>And then there was the Biggest Loser. After initially thinking the show was terrible and mean... I hung in with it the whole season 7, and became a fan. I mean, I still think some of their antics are not necessary, and sort of cruel... but I get it - it's a game too. I cannot believe that Helen pulled that out win. I had her counted out by week two... and over the season, she was NOT my favorite. I wish Kristin had prevailed... but on well. She did good anyway, 167 pounds worth of good. <br /><br /></div><div>And speaking of being the Biggest Loser, I'm joining up with a new blog, that of <a href="http://www.amberfilkins.blogspot.com/">Amber Filkins</a>, which I discovered via my friend, <a href="http://seriouslykeepinitreal.blogspot.com/">Lynn</a>. Anyway - Amber has a themed "Extreme Makeover - Me Edition" that I'm going to join the posting on, in hopes to continue to stay motivated... well, I am motivated, it's consistency that is my issue. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've been struggling to find the "balance" these days... and I've had some set backs. I gained three pounds back of the 8 I lost between January and February, but it could have been worse. While trying trying to get "work" figured out, and all that involves, I've been doing extremes... eating whatever I want one week, and eating nothing but boiled chicken the next week. It's not good. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So anyway... there will be more to come on that. In the meantime... I'm hoping all of this rain means lots of sunshine in June. Although, I don't know if it has occurred to anyone else, but apparently bathing suit season starts, like, TOMORROW! Good grief... </div></div></div></div></div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-37204444350780149252009-05-10T22:15:00.004-05:002009-05-10T23:46:57.434-05:00The Major AwardWell, I've been very busy these past few weeks - doing my best. And with the exception of this weekend where I took on an extra project in hopes to accumulate the money for some Hawaii tickets (yes, I said Hawaii - but more on that later), it has been going better.<br /><br />But this blog is not about me... I'm posting today to give a belated MAJOR AWARD shout out on this Mother's Day to MY MOM!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334420981969919026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SgernsC1HDI/AAAAAAAABw4/XaaECQB-iDk/s320/STP65453.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Trav and I are big fans of "A Christmas Story" and joke often about receiving "a major award" around here, but in this case someone in our family did actually receive one... and it was my mother (a/k/a Nana).<br /><br />This past week my mom was awarded Nurse Assistant of THE YEAR at the VA Hospital, for BOTH CAMPUSES. We are so incredibly proud of her!! <br /><br />It's not a great picture... but here she is receiving her award at the ceremony last week.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334420983594578594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SgernyGLcqI/AAAAAAAABxA/yDnGP3z9DOA/s320/STP65450.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><br />My family attended the awards ceremony, and as we already knew, my mom is greatly loved and respected by her coworkers and patients, who gushed over her repeatedly. She works in restorative health and rehabilitation at the VA with dementia patients, and is just truly gifted at working with and caring for the elderly. </p><p>Mom's award included having her picture in the paper, which Gracie thought was really cool... and told her friends on Friday that her Nana was famous! HA! </p><br />So congratulations to Nana on your hard earned and much deserved recognition! Not to mention, wishing you a Happy Mother's Day!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334420985723016706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/Sgern6Bo1gI/AAAAAAAABxI/HkODrf6BWZE/s320/STP65448.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">WE LOVE YOU!</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029948281807007067.post-15569817129324207982009-04-28T22:00:00.007-05:002009-04-28T23:28:11.043-05:00Doing "The Best"<div>I know... again, the blog is being neglected! Unfortunately, so have a few other things these days, but I'm trying to do better! I have many things to "blog" about, but just haven't gotten to it... next month will be better. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I cannot believe this is the last week of April... and in just over a month summertime will have officially arrived. I'm looking forward to the summer - I usually do. But this one is going to be quite the new challenge, working with my kiddos literally underfoot. </div><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329957407463124274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SffQBdPNLTI/AAAAAAAABwo/BokYVGoplbg/s320/STP65431.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>My job is going well... it's gonna work - I'm grateful. But as I'm sure any mom who works knows, it can be pretty tricky some days... and emotionally and physically exhausting. As soon as I get up in the morning, I can literally hear the clock ticking in my head and feel myself running out of time. I've only got so many hours to get it all in... and as we all know, there is just <u>never</u> enough time. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>Of course, on the bright side.... thank the Lord I work from home because if I had to add "look presentable and be on time daily" to my list... I'm thinking I'd be fired already. HA! </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>As I've gone about these last few weeks, I was glad to have checked in at an old friend's blog a while back (<a href="http://www.rainbowdull.blogspot.com/">Janna</a>) where while writing about being a mom in a portion of her post, she had written about "doing her best" and that ultimately, that's all we can do. She writes how "no one can do better than his/her best". I loved what she wrote, and decided to adopt her words and thoughts as my motto these days - and especially as I head into the summer.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As I go about my day and those inevitable moments of frustration arise when the laundry is piled high, everything in the house needs cleaned, dinner is probably going to be hot dogs or PB&J (again), Tanner is making the sad face (the one with the lip), Tessa needs me to help her find her pink high-heeled dress up shoes and listen to her sing, and Gracie wants help reading a book or writing a letter, and everybody needs more juice.... and all I can think about is how I've got to get at least four more hours in at that computer or I won't hit my quota and then the world, as we now know it, might absolutely fall apart... </div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>It is then that I am going to stop and ask myself... "Am I doing my best?" And if the answer is yes... well then, so be it. That is all I can do. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329957410733592594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ULV13sT2mEQ/SffQBpa8kBI/AAAAAAAABww/3oISm3hEXxI/s320/STP65432.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Of course... the difficult and scary part of my saying, "yes, this is my best, and it is all I can do," is when it isn't enough. And let's face it - so often it isn't. And I worry that while I'm trying so hard some days to do everything... my <em>three</em> <em>most important</em> things may end up feeling lost in the shuffle. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>Janna closed her post with these words:</div><div></div><br /><div><em>For God is the only One capable of perfect love. May His perfect love drive out our fears of failing as a mother and free us all up to do the very best we can.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div>And that is most certainly my prayer these days... more to come. :-)</div>Triciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827741479526114646noreply@blogger.com3