Jumping on the Grateful Train...

Well, since it is the official time of year to be grateful, and of course, in response to Jerusalem's grateful blogging extravaganza.... here is my first post.

I was playing around with my new IPOD tonight listening to a few songs I've always wanted to have but never wanted to spend $13 bucks on the whole album to listen to... I bought Faith Hill's "Fireflies" which is just the sweetest song... But anyway, as I was listening to it I was trying to go through some old pictures on my computer and attempt to organize some older ones into nicer/neater folders. I came across these and noticed all three of my babies enjoying the same exersaucer (and they're all about the same age in these pics).

I was remembering when we bought that exersaucer. We stumbled across it at almost half price on sale at Sears because someone had brought it back and it had no box. We were so excited to have it for Gracie, and I think it was at least another month before she could actually use it and enjoy it. As you can see, we've gotten our money's worth out of it....

I'd make you guess which baby is which, but our upgraded photo technology from Gracie to Tanner makes it pretty obvious anyway...


Here's Gracie... we still had all the toys perfectly attached when she was using it!

And Tessa... missing one or two of those toys, but still playing its music and working fine!

And of course, Tanner... by now I'd found the toys we lost when Tessa was using it, and I think only one of them is now missing.

As I clicked around in my old pictures, I'm reminded how Gracie will turn five in less than a month! In five years Trav and I went from being a "couple" to a party of five! And these three babies have been a lot alike, and yet, of course, are so different - and thank goodness!! Last night as I was knee-deep in the chaos that comes with managing the differences in the personalities of my children, my dad was reminding me how boring it would be if they were all three the same! And yes, I'd certainly agree. (Of course, there are days it sure would make it easier! - Ha!).

So, tonight I am off to bed and am very grateful for my IPOD with songs that make me smile, pictures I love and cherish, digital cameras that take better pictures for me to love and cherish, and most importantly my three adorable babies, where some things have been the same, but each of them are very special and unique!

"Family Friendly"

Well, another week, and another THREE (and a half, actually) pounds!! Grand total is 27.5 lost. YEAH! I was thinking yesterday that 27.5 pounds was great... but with 50 plus left on the chopping block, my focus has been more on what's left. However, it occured to me yesterday that Tessa weighs 26.5 pounds... In 7 weeks I've lost as much as Tessa weighs!

So, on that note, I decided to reward myself with a new video IPOD. For a bargain of $137 dollars at Sam's, I can now watch TV shows I like at the gym (here's a pic of my favorite elliptical machine there - yeah, I have a favorite), as opposed to just having to stare at the big TV they have where apparently the only thing they can watch is Fox News or, of all things, the freakin Food Channel where Paula Dean is constantly whipping up something fried! I was using my favorite celebrity trash mags to get through the gym time, but I convinced Trav that in the long run - the IPOD would actually be cheaper!

Oh... and FYI, there are some random kid pics to accompany this post. :-)

Obviously, as you could imagine, my exercise efforts are a major focus of my "program". I visit the gym pretty much every day - and even after seven weeks, I admit there are several days still when I have to force myself to go. Much to my convenience, a new gym opened up this summer very close to us, all new, lots of equipment, very resonably priced, and with childcare available. In fact, they promote themselves as "bringing family friendly fitness to your neighborhood." Well.... I don't know about that.

They do have childcare available M-F, in the morning and then again in the evening. But... I use the term "childcare" loosely. They have a nice big room with some toys, a TV, and a few movies where for like $2.25 per hour (and, of course, per child - cost not included in your membership) your kids can be contained and somewhat supervised (but not entertained) by a 20-ish
receptionist/babysitter/diva while you sweat.

They do not, however, change diapers, or make potty runs. So, if you're in the home streatch of your workout and your kid needs changed... you will be interrupted to "take care of it", and don't expect any credit on your check out time either.

The first time I brought Tanner and Tessa there, as soon as we walked in, the receptionist who was was doing double duty that morning as the childcare person, was less than thrilled to see us arrive.

As I checked the kids in, I was debating on whether or not she maybe just wasn't a real "kid" person, or if she was just annoyed to be pulled away from her perch at the receptionist desk (where she had clearly been busy texting when we got there... ). But regardless, I had already made the effort to get there, so I decided for the next 35 minutes, even if she wasn't exactly "Mary Poppins" she could surely keep'em happy and alive.

I was high atop the elliptical with 12 minutes left to go, moving right along to my own personal version of "sexyback" playing in my head. Just as I was about to "take it to the chorus," suddenly "Scary Poppins" is standing in front of me, arms folded with an attitude. "Your baby is crying," she says.

Resisting my sudden urge to lunge at her, I instead explained between gasps for breath that Tanner had a pacifier in his seat, and maybe if that didn't work, and she felt comfortable, she could, you know, maybe try holding him.... hell, just smiling at him might have helped! She made a strange face and walked away. But she apparently did possess some problem-solving skills and must have found the pacifier, as I was able to finish my 12 minutes without her coming back. Bless her...

In addition to their "childcare," here is the large sign posted above the changing table in the women's restroom. There's a glare in the picture, but it says, "PARENTS, PLEASE DO NOT THROW DIAPERS IN THE TRASH RECEPTACLES. PLEASE TAKE THEM WITH YOU OFF THE PREMISES."


Off the premises... are you kidding me?? You want me to wad up this dirty diaper and stick it in my bag and/or pocket to dispose of elsewhere? I'm not saying there aren't times/places when that would be most appropriate... there are. But to post some gigantic sign asking parents to do that here, where "family friendly fitness" is supposed to be in my neighborhood.... well, I'm sorry, but how very "family unfriendly."

I realize that in addition to sweat and body odor, they likely don't want poop diaper smell permeating throughout the gym (and hey, neither do it), but then why not buy a diaper genie, or just empty the trash more often - you know, like if you notice a person walk back there with a baby. I mean, I realize it would be a real tragedy for one of those diva-esque employees of theirs to have to haul a trash bag that contained some soiled diapers... but seriously - off the premises - WHATEVER!! Oddly enough, I actually noticed the sign after I chunked Tanner's loaded diaper in their trash can... Opps.

But anyway, be that as it may, I'm glad the gym is in our neighborhood... even if Mr. Rogers isn't exactly running it. I've only taken the kids a few times. Obviously, I try not to, but in one of my most dedicated moments last week I hauled all three'em up there. "Scary Poppin's" was trying to read a book when we checked in. Gracie immediately was in her face, "I'm Gracie. I go to Pre-K in Ms. Ross's class. I like your shirt. What's your favorite princess..." and then asking about her book, her hair, her nail polish, what's this, what's that.... I'm sure she talked to her nonstop the whole time. HA!

Halloween Adventures of Jasmine and the Pink Fairy!

Happy Halloween To All!

In our usual princess theme, Gracie was Jasmine. She's really into Jasmine these days, and her favorite part of the costume was the crown, but then she only wore it for like 30 minutes after this picture. I bought Tessa a Snow White costume back in August. It was adorable... and she is usually a big fan of Snow White, so I was sure she'd love it, but... not so much. Tessa informed us Friday she wanted to be "the mermaid". Of course, by then there were no mermaid costumes to be found in her size... and so luckily (very luckily) she spotted this "pink fairy" costume for $10 bucks on the Target clearance rack and loved it! The wings sealed the deal! Thank goodness!

We had a big Halloween this year! We started off with Gracie's school carnival last Friday, and then hit Boo at the Zoo on Sunday, and finished strong with our friend Karsen's Halloween birthday party and trick or treating to follow!

Here is Gracie jumping from the steps of one house and ready to race to another!




And here is Tessa quite excited to be returning victorious from a trick or treat stop with her favorite candy, Skittles!



Tanner skipped the trick or treat festivities and stayed with Nana and Papa... but this picture of him is really cute!!

As for me, I went to UAMS today and had lost another two pounds! WOO HOO! That brings my grand total up to 24 so far. 16 more to go, and I'm half way! :-)

More Pumpkins.... Less Pounds

Here is a picture of our finished jack-o-lanterns from our pumpkin patch adventures! Gracie's had three eyes, which she thought would be extra scary. Tessa wasn't much into the carving, but she did want her finished pumpkin to sleep in her bed and was rather distraught that it had to remain outside.




Here is a picture of the girls hard at work on scooping the "goop". Tessa was more interested in stirring the goop than scooping it from the pumpkin. (Please note that I do realize Tessa has no clothes on in this picture, I apologize... you see, she feels very strongly about her wardrobe and simply could not find a suitable ensemble for pumpkin carving since, as you can see, Gracie was wearing the dress Tessa wanted first, and so consequently, Tessa decided to wear nothing... I know... but at that point, I was like, whatever....)



Tanner watched from his exersaucer... :-)

So moving right along. After the hectic start to our week, on a bright note (at least for me), I left UAMS today officially three pounds lighter (22 total now), and seeing a number below 200 for the first time since.... well, a really long time! WOO HOO!!

Our class today was about "emotional eating". It was not new information to me... I'm far from in denial about my stress/emotional eating issues. Exhibit A - Monday was a day full of "crazy" all across the board. It was one of those days where when it was all said and done I would have typically exhaled in front of the TV with a 9:30 PM "french fry fix" from the nearest golden arches drive thru! But, I didn't... and I don't know that I even thought that much about it!

So while there will still be no miniture Resse cups allowed anywhere near my house this Halloween (once an addict... you know), I think (at least I hope) I'm starting to "get it" and am more easily diverting from what my typical patterns have been and am focusing on what I'm choosing to do now. Of course, we'll just take that one day and/or one crisis at a time!

Poor Trav...

Well, after months of suffering through with Ibuprofen, Travis finally had surgery on his shoulder yesterday.

Growing up playing every sport under the sun, he probably initially injured his shoulder years ago because it's bothered him on and off since I've known him. But getting it looked at was always put off... sometimes due to necessity, but mostly due to stubborness, and then, of course, others because it was the middle of softball season, and heaven forbid a doctor tell us he needed to sit out a season and let it heal...

But anyway... despite his efforts to stay off the "injured" list, this past softball season sealed the deal on what turned out to be offically diagnosed as a torn rotator cuff injury that he finally had no choice but to get "fixed".

It's the end of day two, and he's doing better. At least he's down to taking one pain pill every four hours instead of two... His recovery won't be fun for him (or us). We've been warned the PT is "rough" for this type of injury. Plus, as you can see, that is quite the cumbersome shoulder sling he'll be donning for at least the next three weeks. And as you can imagine, he can't pick anything up (you know, like a baby or a two year old) for probably the same amount of time as well, if not longer.

So we certainly appreciate your prayers for Trav's quick (and hopefully less painful than expected) recovery, and for my patience and sanity while he gets well!

Happy Birthday Amy!!!

Here is a "blog shout out" to my sweet friend, and birthday girl today, Amy!! Happy 35th, and here's to many more!!

Here she is blowing out her candles on her cake (which looked quite yummy) courtsey of Bridget (who always helps us celebrate in fine fashion), that was also complete with homemade whip cream on top...

I've known Amy, I'm thinking 8 years (at least...), maybe 9! And I'm so grateful to have her as a friend! Thank you for always being such a great encourager to me! I hope this year is full of many FABULOUS things for you, Darrell and Pax!

So on behalf of all your "girls" - WE LOVE YOU!!

At The Four Week Mark!

Here are some random pictures of my kiddos (Tanner in his favorite towel after bath, and the girls playing dress up) for you to enjoy while I tell you that today marks the end of my fourth week on the UAMS plan.

According to their "patient profile" of me, I was expected to lose 16 to 18 pounds within the first four weeks. Aspiring (for once) to be an over-achiever, I had hoped to lose 20.

But... after weighing in today and dropping another 4 pounds for this week, I'll just have to settle for 19 pounds so far. Not bad... no complaints.

Today's class session was all about putting a good support system in place for yourself while pursuing your goals. So many in my group talked of their struggles with unsupportive family and friends. I felt so lucky to not have had to put a support system "in place" because it was already there! Such a blessing!

So a BIG thank you to my dear friends and family (especially to Trav for being so considerate and flexible) for all your support as I've ventured out from the starting gate these past few weeks. I have so appreciated all your encouragement and will continue to need it as something tells me... the really hard part is probably yet to come!

So... four weeks in and I feel good, very proud, encouraged, and most of all relieved to know that yes, this is possible - I can actually do this. I'm still oh so very far from where I hope to be, but it's wonderful to be able to say, 19 down.... only 61 to go.