New Beginnings

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!

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*

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.

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!




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!

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!!




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!

"The miracle isn't that I finished.
The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
John Bingham

Spring Forward!

Okay... so it has been a while...

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!!!

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!

Here is a little bit of what's been going on...

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.

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!

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!





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!



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!

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).

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.

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!

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....

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.

"Now, faith is being sure of what we hope for,

and certain of what we do not see..."

Hebrews 11:1

My Funny Valentines...

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!!

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...

Valentine Thought For The Day...

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.

It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

I Corinthians 13:4-8

She's Just Being Miley...

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.

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.

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!

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...

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....

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.

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...

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!

But anyway... moving on... I had "weigh-in Wednesday" this week, and I was at 162! WOO HOO!

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.

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!

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.

And... I am following along and participating in the "shredding" extravaganza... Amber 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!

January So Soon

So, 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.

Here are some pics from our Christmas with Nana and Papa and Aunt Mandy... I hate to post without pics! HA!

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.


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!

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.


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.





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.


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!

So Happy New Year, friends! I hope 2010 brings many blessings your way.

Blogger Interrupted...

So I interrupted this unintentional blogging hiatus to tell you that, guess what? I'm leaving again!

In just an hour or so, we are flying out to Hawaii! Woo Hoo!

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.

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.

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.

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!

So it's been one of those weeks.... Halloween came and went with lots of fun and WAY too much candy!

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)!

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...

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!!

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.

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!