The Sunday Blues.....

So yesterday started out wanderful. Hubby, the girls and I lounged around in our pajamas ALL day. They my father in law came by... and was the bearer of good news and bad. First the bad, because it is a sore subject with me and I want to get it over with... we are not going to PR in January...and it does not look promising that we are going at all now thanks to my husbands idiotic brothers who have managed to ruin it for the rest of us. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... (deep breath.....**sigh**) The good news is that means we will be here for my hubbys oldest brothers wedding on January 27th. So what does that mean? I need to lose 20 lbs in 27 days. Think that is possible?? I do! I did it once when I wanted to join the army 6 years ago. Granted, I had my recruiter picking me up at 4 a.m to run 5 miles, and then again in the evening... and he had me on a strict 500 calories a day diet... but in 3 weeks I went from 192 to 170.5! (that .5 is what kept me from shipping out that day... long story short they sent me home to lose half a pound.. .but ended up realizing that I did not want to go into the army at all... and didnt!)

No worries.. I am not going to do the 500 calorie diet becuase I know now that that is rediculus... and unhealthy. But I am going to work my butt off at shedding the weight. I wont be a bridesmaid...no part in the wedding..... dang it I just want to look GOOD! So today is day 1...

What are we doing for New Years Eve?? NOTHING... I am not taking off my pajamas again today... except for maybe a bubble bath... but I am in such a terrible mood this weekend that I think it best to keep me out of the public eye! Sorry mama... no lunch today. Thanks for the invite though!

I do hope everyone stays safe tonight.. as it will be another wild one... and I will see you NEXT year!
Have a Blessed Day

The Curse of the leftover Christmas cookies...

I woke up this morning before anyone else to work out... it felt great... but it only made up for the 5 chocolate chip cookies I ate when I found the box of leftover cookies in the cubboard yesterday. grrrrrrrrr.

The ground is still covered in snow, and the temperature is freezing.. so today is a day of staying indoors... I am hoping to get some cleaning done and then workout again tonight when hubby gets home.

I cant wait to start the 2007 challenge... I think in the back of my mind I see it as the starting line. Like I havent been doing my best because there was never a day, hour or minute.. declared as the start of the race. Ok, so maybe not a race... but it is sure one heck of a marathon. So Monday morning... January 1st, 2007... is my starting line. At 6 a.m. I will hear the gun shot ring out in my mind... and I am going to lose this wieght... I am going to eat healthy... I am going to excersize daily... I am going to find Tigerlilly once and for all!!


Have a Blessed Day!

Trusting God

Good Morning Ya'll!! Its snowing....again. LOL (Onepinkfuzzy... you should bring Ash up to play in it if it sticks!!)

So I don't want to step on anyone's toes.. but I came across this book that I want to share with everyone. Its called "Devotions for Nibblers" by Kristen Johnson Ingram. I started the first day today and I want to share it with everyone... for those of you who are Christian.. it may help you!

Trusting God

He rained down on them manna to eat, and gave them the grain of heaven. Mortals ate of the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance.
-Psalm 78:24,25

I know God will supply what I need - but that isn't ever enough for me. I overeat, or I eat the wrong things, or both, and I think God wants me to look at what that behavior means.
I'm like one of the children of Isreal in the wilderness. God sends me manna and I ask for meat; God sends me meat and I ask for a banana split. And at the core of all this asking and wanting is the mysterious fear that somehow I won't have enough - so I eat as much as I can whenever food is around.
Manna was good for only one day; you couldn't stock up on it because it spoiled. I think God is showing me that I'm saving my manna as body fat, which is spoiling my health, my appearence, and my dignity. What I have to do now is really believe that God wants the best for me.

For Further Reflection:

1. Are you willing to let God satisfy your needs today?
2. Do you trust God to guide you about food?
3. Can you remember to gather God's love anew each morning, and not try to store it up?

Prayer

God, I need to believe You will take care of my relationship with food. Teach me real trust. Amen

I hope this might help some of you... I will post a page from the Devotional every Thursday.... if you want me too share more of it with you let me know and I'll email it to you every morning.

Anyway... because of the snow my hubby is still home.. which has affected my workout time... but thats ok.. I can do it a little bit later. My diet was a little off last night.. so I really need to buckle down for the next 4 days so that I can have a great Weigh In day on the 1st day of 2007!

Dont forget to check out the 2007 Challenge... the link is under 'my fav blogs'.

Have A Blessed Day!

Hump Day

Hi ya'll!

So hubby finally went back to work today and I took the girls to Granny's house to play. It was great. Granny got out the shaving cream and we dove right in! Here are some pics....






So I signed up for Michelle's 2007 Challenge today. Go check it out.. I think it will be alot of fun.. and a great way to challenge yourself every month!

I am feeling really good this week. I dont know if it is because I got clothes that actually fit me for Christmas... or if its because I am finally losing weight! One of the best things I've discovered is that my wedding ring finally fits! I have been taking it off while I'm at home because it was so tight.. but now, I am wearing it with room to wiggle!!! I can finally leave it on!!

I am doing my Tae Bo tonight... which brings me to this question. How much time do you work out everyday?? I was reading some of The Biggest Loser blogs and noticed that none of them excersized less then 3 hours a day!!! WOW... where am I going to find 2 more hours in my day to excersize... and what am I going to do WITH those 2 hours??? Am I not doing enough? Should I be working out morning ,noon and night?? hmmmmm ... let me know what you are doing.. Keep in mind that I dont go to a gym (the closest one is 40 minutes away).

Well... with that... I will see ya'll tomorrow!!

Have a Blessed Day!

Christmas Day AND Weigh In Day!!

I am down 2 pounds!! 207... even after eating my wieght in cookies yesterday! LOL..


Merry Christmas!!

It was wanderful.






The girls got a million toys, clothes and goodies.







Hubby got a pontoon boat to go fly fishing in that breaks down and fits into a backpack!! And I got some beautiful jewelry, clothes and goodies... It couldn't have been better!

Hope everyone had as much fun as we did... can't wait to hear what everyone got!

Have a Blessed Day and share the spirit of Christmas with someone less fortunate!

Christmas Eve

Yesterday Christmas party was a blast. Had a great time and I scored a beautiful silver bracelet from my father in law. Of course, half way there I realized I had forgotten my camera... so no pics... Today is a day of cleaning house and doing laundry and getting ready for the big day tomorrow.

I hope everyone has a WANDERFUL day tomorrow surrounded by loved ones!

Merry Christmas... Happy Holidays! See you on Tuesday!

The Most Stressful Day Of The Year..... Thank God It's Almost Over!!

Ok, so today started out great. We all got up extra early, got dressed and headed out to town to finish our Christmas shopping. My hubby had to do a little bit of work so he dropped the girls and I off at Kmart to start shopping without him. My mom works there, so the girls got to see Granny for a little bit too! While I usually have Amber in her Monkey suite (a monkey backpack wich doubles as leash and harness so she cant run off) we had come in Hubbys car and had left the Monkey Suite in my car. So I made sure she stayed close by. There were not alot of people there yet, so I thought it was pretty safe. We visited with Granny for a little while and when she went back to work, we went to start shopping. About 10 minutes later, Amber and I are looking at something.. I dont remember what anymore... when she decided that it would be fun to play hide and seek. As I called for her to come back by me... she gave me a grin and RAN. I grabbed the cart.. which had Bailey sitting like an Angel in it.. and chased after her... as I rounded the corner... she was gone. I ran down two more isles and then started to panic. I ran to my mom who was working jewelry and told her she had run off. My mom, the quick thinker that she is, ran to the front of the store to block the door so she couldn't get out......but she had already run out the doors!!! My mom saw her on the sidewalk. She was running back toward the store with a terrified look on her face.... matching the one on my face! I took a BIG sigh of relief when I saw my mom carrying her towards me.... from now on.. she is wearing that halter and leash 24/7!!!

Anway... about 20 min later my cell phone rings and its my hubby asking where in the store I am... I tell him and he comes and finds me with that look on his face that I know well as the 'I've got bad news' look. He tells me we have to go home NOW because our dog has attacked my pet goat Billy tearing one ear in half and slicing his back legs. (Billy is a special goat because he was born disfigured, no one wanted him because he could not walk on all 4 legs.... he walks on his front legs like he's doing a hand stand) So we rushed home, I felt better once I saw that our neighbor was standing watch by Billys house to make sure Jasmine did not attack him again. I was able to clean Billy up and bandage him... but it broke my heart that Jasmine would do this. Having two small children, we could not keep a dog that had such a mean streak... especially since she has never shown aggresion for Billy before.... Hubby took Jasmine and got rid of her...

So ... needless to say... it has been hours since I've been able to take a deep breath and relax today. My heart is heavy for both Billy and Jasmine. Amber has recieved a couple extra hugs today... and the bottle of Baileys Irish Creme with Caramel that is sitting on the top of the fridge is about to be opened and poored over some ice!

Tomorrow is my father-in-laws Christmas party....sunday...I think is a day of staying in bed for me!! ... and then it's Christmas!!




Hope everyone is having a better day then I am!! Merry Christmas... Happy Holiday!! I will see ya'll tomorrow!!

Christmas Tree

So hubby has the rest of the week off... which means today we are finally getting our Christmas Tree!! Yeah!

I'll post pics when we are done!

My diet went great yesterday, even did my Ultimate workout last night! Today I am hoping for the same!! I feel great... Yeeeeeeeeehawwwwwww!

Going to keep this short, but will post pics tonight!

Have a Blessed Day!

My Buddy

Hump Day

Old picture... but same snow!


It is another cold morning. Another 2 inches of snow fell last night. I am up early again this morning. For some reason when I workout the night before, I wake up early ready to go! So here I sit at 4:30am writing my blog... it is nice to have a little time to myself in the morning. I was debating working out this morning because I am sore from last nights Ultimate Tae Bo workout. I'll see how I feel a little later on. My diet went well yesterday. Tried a new WW recipe for soup. Slow Cooking Manhattan Clam Chowder. Its a two point soup, very filling and yummy. Even hubby loved it, and he is pretty picky about his soups.

Today is a day for staying home. Family will be coming by for lunch and play time with the girls. I have a little more cleaning to do, and some crafty christmas presents to put together.

I tend to do well when I set goals for myself... I have made a new mini goal. I want to be under 200 lbs when we leave for Puerto Rico. Because we dont have a set date yet I can only estimate that we are leaving in 2 or 3 weeks. I hopped on the scale really quick this morning to see how I was doing.. and I was down another 2 lbs !! 207!! I am not posting that until Monday, you never know what will happen between now and then.... but it was a great motivator! So, I have 2 weeks to lose 7 lbs...8 if I want to be UNDER 200 lbs!

I also raised my total goal weight. I had 140 on here, but after thinking about it I realized that I would be happy at 160... not because it means not losing the other 20 lbs, but because I have NEVER been 140 in my life, I was 160 in high school and because of my athletic build, that was very comfortable... so I will go for 160 and when I reach it, if I think I should keep going... then I will! But for now, it seems more do-able to me.

Ok... so I bought a pair of pants before I started dieting. A size 18! Yesterday I wore them, and every couple of minutes I had to pull them back up!!! They are too big! Woooohoooo. I hate to say it, but I think I can throw those bad boys away and get out my 16's!

Last nights workout was hard to get started. But once I got going I started feeling better about it. It was one of those workouts that you needed to do to remind you how good it feels. Today I will do an Ab workout and my tae bo tonight.

Have a Blessed Day

Tuesday

It snowed last night...ick. But luckily the only place I need to go today is the grocery store here in town. I got all my Christmas shopping done yesterday, thank goodness. They are all wrapped and stuffed into the closet until Sunday night! We havent gotten a tree yet, maybe on Friday. I would have had one last weekend, but the thought of keeping the girls out of it all week exhausted me...

My diet went ok yesterday.. not as good as it has been. I didn't work out last night like I had hoped, but today I will make up for it! I am feeling better and have a little more energy. Today is a new day.. and I'm starting the day with a HUGE glass of water.

So it looks like Puerto Rico is right around the corner for us. We will be leaving in a couple of weeks! Yeah.. I am soooooooo ready for the warm weather.

I posted a count down to my 29th birthday on here because that is my new date set to reach my goal of 180. That gives me 4 months...16 weeks... to really buckle down and do this thing right. How hard is it to really commit for 16 weeks? Hard, I'm sure... but I have to do it. I am not going to end my 20's being unhealthy and uncomfortable. I want to be that mom that gets mistaken for a sister! LOL (20 years down the road, of course) So... week 1 starts today... I'm buckling down a little harder... I'm going to do this!!

Speaking of buckles... my hubby gave me a silver belt buckle on our first Christmas.. its a special buckle because it is the family trade mark. As much as I could just put it on a bigger belt... I dont wear belts because that means tucking in a shirt.. and I definatley dont do that. So part of my goal is to be able to lose enought weight to be able to tuck in my shirt and wear the family buckle.

I hope everyone is having a wanderful week. Share the spirit of the holiday. Share a smile in the stores. If nothing else, give love.

Have a Blessed Day

Weigh In Day

I am down another pound!

I did my tae bo this morning and will do it again tonight. Today is a day of paying bills and cleaning house.. ugh. It is FREEZING outside... definatley not going for a ride today.

Hubby made it thru the weekend without chew...and is a little grumpy.. but not too bad. Both of us are feeling a little under the weather... so I'm going to make this short. Hope everyone doesn't have too much of a manic monday!

Have a Blessed Day!

Me And The Family

Sunday

Good Morning! I had a wanderful time at the Christmas party last night. It was a girls only party that ended in a Christmas present x-change that was fun. We all ended up with really nice presents.. and nobody switched! The food was delicious and I did grrrrrreat. I went to the table ONCE and filled a plate with a tiny bit of everything.. including one piece of my Honey Cake which turned out delicious. So here is the recipe:

Honey Cake

cake

3 large eggs
1 cup honey
2/3 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

syrup

1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup water
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1. Preheat the oven to 350*F . Spray a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick spray, then dust lightly with flour.

2. To prepare the cake, in a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Whisk in the honey, orange juice, sugar, oil and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt: mix well. Add the flour mixture to the honey mixture and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the pan.

3. Bake in the lower third of the oven until the center of the cake is firm when pressed, and a cake tester comes out free of crumbs, 50-55 minutes. cool in the pan on a wire rack.

4. To prepare the syrup, in a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, sugar, orange juice and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook 1 minute. Cool 15 minutes. Pour the syrup over the warm cake in the pan and let soak 30 minutes. Turn cake out onto a serving plate - There may be some syrup that was not absorbed.

Per Serving (1/12 of cake):311 cal, 5 g fat, 1 g Sat fat, 0 g trans fat, 53 mg chol, 145 mg sod, 64 g carb, 1 g fib, 5 g prot, 18 mg calc.
POINTS value : 6

(This cake is eaten to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. Honey is a symbol of hope that the coming year will be sweat and fruitful.)


Today it is cold an windy... so another day of no bike riding :(

I am going to do my Tae Bo Abs workout today and then the Ulitmate workout tonight before bed... hubby promised to do it with me today!!

I saw progress in the mirror this morning!!! It might have been my imagination.. but I dont care.. my tummy is shrinking!!

We took tons of pictures last night, but I dont have them on the computer yet.. so will post them as soon as I do! I also made a new friend last night who lives right across the street from my mom... Hi Alycia!!

Have a Blessed Day and I will be back tomorrow morning for Weigh In Day!! Woooohooo!

J-E-L-L-O

Whooooooooo.... my legs are wiggly and jiggly... they are sore! I LOVE it! I was on track with the diet yesterday, drank tons of water and tea, rode the bike and did a 45 min Tae Bo workout last night before bed. Today the weather is warm.. which means possible snow... but I am keeping my hopes up that we can get in a good bike ride before it starts falling.

Tonight is my grandmothers Christmas party.. which means I'll be cooking a cake this afternoon... if it turns out yummy I'll post the recipe! All my WW blog friends will like it.. its out of my WW cook book.

I am having to tell myself, everytime I pass a mirror, that its not going to be an overnight thing. Nice and slow is the way to go!

Meanwhile, hubby decided yesterday that he was going to quit chewing tobacco. Today is day number two and he is doing great! I am so proud of him for doing this. I quit smoking 4 years ago when I found out I was pregnant and never started again... so I know how hard it is.. but he is becoming so health conscious that he is really getting his body and life in shape!! It inspires me every morning to keep losing weight.

Have a great weekend. Monday is Weigh In day... so I'm going to do my best this weekend so I see great results!!

Yeah! It was soooo much fun! I'm hoping that hubby will want to do a family bike ride tomorrow!! The girls loved it , giggling all the way! It was actually easier then I had thought it would be... still a workout.. but easier!

TGIF

Good Morning! I hurt! Yeah... LOL

Yesterday was another PD! I stayed on track with food, drank tons of water and tea, excersized for 30 min last night to Tae Bo Cardio. My legs are killing me.. but its a good hurt! DE emailed me and told me that the bicycle trailer got here, so I am off this morning to go pick it up.. and then, if the weather is nice, I will take the girls for a ride! I can't wait to try it out.

So I was talking to my aunt, who is a very health conscious person. She is going thru menapause right now.. and trying to lose weight at the same time. She found out that woman going thru menapause lose tons of calcium.. and calcium is actually a fat burner. Who knew? So yesterday I went and bought those calcium chews by Viactive I am not going thru menapause, but because of my hysterectomy, my body does not have as much of it as it should. I also started taking my vitemans again... not that I ever should not take them.. but I always forget about them. I guess part of getting healthier is actually remembering all this stuff!

Tomorrow night is a Christmas party at my grandmothers house. Lots of food... no doubt. We were all asked to bring something so I am making a Honey Cake. I found the recipe in the Weight Watchers cook book.. so at least there will be ONE dessert I can have a slice of without completely going off the charts!

I have to add this quote that I got from Poppy's blog Melting Away. I think it is exactly my problem when it comes to dieting:

"The chief cause of failure & unhapiness is trading what we want MOST, for what we want at the moment."

Thanks Poppy!

I am excited that I have finally found my diet mojo! I have faith now that I can do this.... and if I can do this.. you can too!

Have a Blessed Day

Hmmmmmmm

So yesterday was FANTASTIC!! I ate small portions... 1 piece of bread....tons of water AND I did Tae Bo cardio in the morning, ab work out in the afternoon and after watching the Biggest Loser I did a 1 hour ULTIMATE Tae Bo work out. Needless to say, I am sore... but I feel great. This morning I have a massive glass of water sitting in front of me and my water is boiling for tea. I plan on having another egg white / onion omlette this morning. I am totally on top of this today! Yeah.. I love it when I feel like this. The bicycle trailer is due to arrive today...and if it is not too late I am hoping to take the girls on a ride around the park! Thanks DE!

So I tend to do alot of thinking when I'm cleaning. Yesterday, as I was washing dishes, I was wandering what it was that scared me about losing wieght. In a way, I think it is the thought of reaching my goal....because then what? What will I have to worry about? What goals will I have after that? After awhile I saw my reflection in the window and thought... how wanderful to have a goal other then losing weight! So I think I am starting to get my mind on the right track to do this.

Biggest Loser last night... HOLY COW.. I cried! Can you believe Poppi? She was amazing. Kai (was that her name?).. she kinda annoyed me with all the stupid gestures she was making. I know its exciting but... was she drunk you think? Anyway, that was amazing... every single person on that stage had lost weight.. how inspiring. I almost signed up for the next season, but it means being away from my girls too much.. so I didn't. But I am VERY determined now to do a poppi!

I hope everyone is doing well and be strong today... we can do this!!

Have a Blessed Day!

Sleepless in Arizona

Last night my youngest could not sleep. I dont know why. No fever, no aches or pains that I could find. She just woke up at 10:30pm and that was it. She was up! So I was up until 3:30am when she finally passed out on my shoulder. I got to watch all the terrible midnight shows that are on...nothing really to brag about. I did watch the original Iron Chef...that was silly. I like the Iron Chef America MUCH better. So, anyway, I am exhausted. I was thinking of spending the day on the couch, but that would only mean fighting off sleep as my girls destroyed the house.. so I am going to try and do some excersize this morning and get the blood going. I am also going to arrange my books.... I've got enough books to start my own library, only they are all piled up on the floor of my closet. So, today I'm going to try and find a place for them. I love books... all kinds. So much so, that I am actually writing one. I won't say more then that in fear of jinxing myself.

My diet went kapoot yesterday. I baked cookies.... WHAT WAS I THINKING?? First of all.. cookies are the only thing that I cannot bake! I always burn them, and they never rise. Second of all... since no one else will eat them... I always do. So yesterday I ate a dozen peanut butter cookies, burnt. So, lets try again today, shall we? Starting with a big glass of water and 100 sit ups!

I saw a commercial for some trendy clothing. The body on the model was disgustingly perfect... I know... they airbrush... but still. Not a single ounce of flab...perfect boobs...and a tan that did not come naturally. The only thing I could think was... that is what I want to look like. But why? believe it or not.. because I want to look that good in clothes too! LOL My chances of doing that? Well... all mothers will tell you that the perfect boobs disappear after the second child. If I lose 50lbs... I MIGHT look that good... but will definatley be doing some extra sit ups. I know, its not realistic to have that body as my goal... but whatever works right?

Well.. I think I am rambling.. and I'm not sure, but I think my daughters are wearing my good jewelry.. so I better go.

Have a Blessed Day.

Wiegh In Day

Good Monday morning! It was a great weekend. Hopefully a great interlude to a great week. So, today is weight in day and to my disbelief I lost 3 lbs. I can honestly say that I did NOT stick to my diet at all the past week... and the only exercises I got was walking up and down the Vegas strip...which can actually be a lot of walking... but nothing like what I was trying to do. So YEAH!!

On another note, I have been told by more then one person that I focus too much on the number on the scale. To that I have to say this, yes, on this blog I do focus everything on my weight...because this is my outlet. Where else can I keep track of my weight and talk about what I think I'm doing wrong or right? I realize that everyone reading my blog is hearing the same thing over and over again....I'm fat...but this really does not consume my life. I have two kids that do that!! LOL... just kidding. But honestly, I enjoy my life. I have almost lost it too many times to not enjoy every second. Yes, my weight does bother me...and I do talk about it a lot.. but that is because in my quest to enjoy my life, it has become a hindrance. So, like everything else in my life, if it is bothering me, I get rid of it. I don't focus on the negative....but losing weight is not a negative to me...this is something that I can focus on that I know will make me happy.

Ok ... so now I am just rambling. The thing is, that most of you only know the side of me that is fighting this battle of the bulge.... but don't think that that is all I think about! Please! I do enjoy the help...and Lisa, you totally have the right idea. Being happy is the key to losing weight....and I will definitely be looking up alot of those links you put up for me (thanks for the blog note on your site) but I just wanted you to know that for me dieting is simply living healthy...I know I have mentioned starvation.. but that was in a moment of sheer frustration..which is perfectly healthy to feel. I have a thing called "I want it now" syndrome. When I see something, or want something... then I want it NOW... and losing weight is the one thing that I cant get instant gratification with...and that is the hardest part for me to deal with. So, with little steps, I will continue on.....

Thanks to all my blog friends... I look forward to reading your daily life journeys everyday... and hope you will continue with me....

Have a Blessed Day

A Fresh Start

Ok, so the vacation was a blast, but now its time to get back on track. I didn't splurge too badly, so I dont think I have gained too much... although I am sure I have gained. We will find out on Monday....today, I am getting back to reallity! I have decided that the best thing for me to start with is a pure veggie and fruit diet. No carbs, no meat....at least for the first week or two. That way I can load my body back up on all the vitamens it needs....and water, lots of water. I am so bloated that my wedding ring is tight..ugh.

My hubby, as I write this, is lifting weights. In the 2 months he has been doing this I have seen a tremendous change in his body. So, as I am looking at him, I think, what would my body look like in 2 months if I put in as much effort as he does? ..... I think I could be in a much better place if I try. So... for two months I am going to match my hubbys effort.

I am hoping that my bicycle trailer came in while we were gone so that I can take the girls for a bike ride in the park tomorrow. I think it will be fun... and what a work out.

Well, today is not planned yet, but I think I will hop on my bike and go for a ride while hubby watches the girls. Tonight is my grandmothers 80th birthday party...another terrible cake temptation I'm sure.... but should be fun.

Have a Blessed Day... and I missed all of you...I'm glad to be home!

Home Sweet Home

It was a fantastic vacation. The girls sat in the back of the car for 6 hours without a peep. Thank God for portable DVD players!! The drive was long but fun...we took tons of pictures of the Hoover Damn and Lake Mead. Once in Vegas, we stayed away from the casinos as much as possible. I could not believe the amount of smoke! Unfortunatley you have to walk thru a casino before going anywhere...even the restaurants... so I tried to teach the girls how to hold their breath.. but I dont think I succeeded. Oh well... I guess 2 days a year is not too bad to be around that much smoke.




The NFR was exciting, but a little hectic. First we had to take a taxi to the Thomas and Mack center....no car seats? good grief, the girls got buckled in with mom and dad, and we all held on for dear life. Our driver was a little impatient with all the traffic... what do you expect when over 100,000 people are expected to be there? ... Once there... it was packed. I was nervous having such young girls around all the drunk cowboys...but everything turned out fine.





We spent one whole day just cruising the strip and checking out all the major hotels...Excalibur was great for kids...

I have a full day of laundry and cleaning to catch up on... this weekend will be busy..but should include alot of excersize!

Have a Blessed Day!

Viva Las Vegas!

I appreciate the help from all my friends..and mama! I have taken in all your advice and will be thinking about it on my 3 day trip to LAS VEGAS!! We are going to the rodeo, and I cant wait. So this will have to be a short note, for we have to leave in minutes! I have promised myself that I will focus on having a good time while we are there.. whether I am eating fruit salad.. or cheesecake! I will see you all when we get back on Thursday.. will definatley have pictures!! Lisa.. I will write you as soon as we get back, I am anxious to talk to you!!


God Bless You All...

Wiegh In Day

I sat here for about 10 minutes staring at a blank page. Do I dare admit my wieght? For my own sanity, I did not want to... but who on earth is sane while on a diet? So after debating with myself I have given in to myself and will admit that my wieght this morning was 213. What is going on? I swear I am eating right..maybe too much? I have been excersizing...maybe not enough? What am I doing wrong??? I know that my metabolism is shot since I had a hysterectomy. Doc said my body aged from 26 to 50 overnight...grrrrrrrrrreat. So, with a shot metabolism... what do I do?? I need help! I am still ready to lose the weight... I just have to accept the fact that it is going to be harder then I planned. I dont know what else to do accept drink nothing but water and eat nothing but protein shakes. Startvation... is that the solution? I can't be, but I'm starting to wander. Does anyone else have my problem?? Please help...

Addicted to Sugar??

Some might laugh, but after going thru a small binge on fruit snacks I decided to look it up and see if there is any truth to it. And guess what? It can happen! I also found some other disturbing information on what food makes do with the sugar... did you know that glucose is not a natural sugar? Its chemically made. In other words, all that candy you eat, and you feed your kids.. is actually a bunch of chemicals that, if consumed enough, can cause a list full of health problems that we see every day...ie: obesity, diabetes..etc. Now I know that it seems like common sense, but until I read this (http://www.medical-library.net/sites/framer.html?/sites/_sugar_addiction.html) , it hadn't quite hit home.
.........................................................................................
quoted from that site:

The purpose of outlining this process for you is to allow you to see for yourself just how unnatural commercial sucrose — table sugar — really is. It would be a miracle if the body were prepared to deal with this stuff, given that nothing like it exists in nature.

The unfortunate fact of life is that this stuff also adds good taste to whatever it is added to and, to make matters even worse, it is strongly addicting. It can be no surprise that sucrose is used as an almost universal constituent of processed foods, all with government approval as long as the package is clearly marked to indicate the presence of sucrose. This is a classic example of the government's hands-off attitude toward the food industry: caveat emptor — let the buyer beware.

When this process of purification of sucrose was first invented, it was carried out by hand and only small quantities of table sugar could be made. It was so expensive, only royalty and other very rich people could afford to consume it as regular fare. Degenerative diseases were once the privilege of the rich. Now everyone can afford them.

To make matters worse, all food manufacturers know of the taste and addiction qualities of sucrose, and almost all of them are willing to use sucrose, or its breakdown product glucose, as a food additive without discrimination to increase their sales of processed foods. Glucose is used as a cheap filler and tastes less sweet than sucrose, disguising from your taste buds the large amount of simple sugar you are introducing into your body. On the label, all this masquerades as "syrup," usually "corn syrup." Thus your mind is deceived, along with your sense of taste.

It is very likely that you are addicted to sugar. A sugar addict can find ways to rationalize the addiction. Sugar addiction is so common in industrialized Western nations as to be unrecognizable. If you grew up in a culture where everyone — every single person from the time a cigarette could be held in the hand — smoked and where practically nothing was said about it, you would come to accept it as a natural fact of life. (Europe is almost such a place.) You would not think of yourself as addicted to tobacco, as there would be no one in your environment with whom to compare yourself. They would all be busy smoking, just like you. Thus, it is with sugar. Fish in the ocean ask no questions about dry land.
.........................................................................................


Anyway, I thought it was interesting....
Today I have too much to do.. and hubby is working... so I am sad. Will be happy for this day to end.

Hope all is well with everyone. (Is anyone else having problems with their blog?? I dont have any of my buttons...links,bold,italic,picture...etc)
Have a Blessed Day...

TGIF

This morning I had to take our dog Woodroe to the vet to get fixed. Poor little guy. As we drove into the town that my vet is in, the temperature dropped to 15*F and the snow got deeper and deeper. Ugh... First of all, the snow at our house had already melted yesterday so the streets were clear and the weather was actually around 29*F. Second of all, I have a fear of driving in snow...and there was ice all over the place ...so it took me a little longer then it should have.... but I made it. I have to go back around 3pm to pick him up, but hopefully the roads will be a little better as the day goes on.

I wanted to thank EVERYONE that has left comments on my blog... you guys help me more then you know. The support is amazing.... I feel the love! LOL

I was SO happy it was friday, until my hubby told me he had to work saturday.grrrrr. But I am still looking forward to our trip to Vegas. Even though the girls are going with us, it will be nice to spend some more time with hubby. Looks like we will also be in Puerto Rico for Christmas.. which I am now feeling like I dont really want to go. I know that if the offer is there, we will go... but I also feel like if we stayed home I would be just as happy. I guess all the stress of getting ready to go has made me lose my excitement about going. Maybe I'll feel differently when I am sitting on the beach in the 90*F degree weather.... yeah.. I think I'll feel better then.

Sunday my mom is coming back over to stay with the girls while my hubby tries to kill me again on the bicycles. LOL. I think I will do a little bit better... but we'll have to wait and see.

well, time to start my morning chores...5 hours late... but the goal is to get the house clean so that the weekend will be a little more relaxing.... who am I kidding, I have two toddlers!!

HAve a Blessed Day

Learn How To Pause

Yesterday was not a PD#3.. but I really didnt do too bad either. Nothing to beat myself up over.. I just didnt drink enough water, or excersize.. I had a small piece of Sweet Potatoe Pie for dessert and a couple of fruit snacks that the girls were eating. I didn't BINGE.. but I did cheat on my diet. So.. today we will have to work on PD#3... and for those who were not around when I started PD.. its stand for Perfect Day... meaning no cheating on the diet, excersize and plenty of water. Sounds easy... but if it was, I would have been skinny along time ago!!

So for some reason last night I saw myself in a new light.. to be specific, it was the bathroom light. I stood naked in front of the mirror and gasped as I started to see how my curves were not curvy.. just blobby. (only word I could think of to describe it) I saw myself, but it was me wearing a fat suit... I think I have been kidding myself for years.. thinking that I was merely chubby. I know it sounds terrible, but it actually helped me realize how baddly I need to lose weight. I promised myself right then and there that I was going to do this. I know that I eat too many carbs, I eat bigger then diet portions, and I dont do enough excersize.. so I am going to quit kidding myself and start doing this right. Good grief, I am not going to be 200 lbs the rest of my life... and I am NOT going to gain more weight. So.. today starts a new determination for me. I want to take this fat suit off and see the real me again. I know my body.. and what has worked in the past. It was not easy, but if I did it then, I can do it now.


Tea Quote:

"Harmony is the inner cadence of contentment we feel when the melody of life is in tune. When somehow we're able to strike the right chord - to balance the expectations of our families and our responsibilities in the world on the one hand with our inner needs for spiritual growth and personal expression on the other... Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we need the most: quiet, reflective time. Time to dream, time to think, time to contemplate what's working and what's not, so that we can make changes for the better....Learn how to pause."
-Sarah Ban Breathnach

So today starts new for me...

Have a Blessed Day.. and pause today.. just for a minute, for yourself!

PD#2

Yeeee-hawwwww... I'm on a roll! Yesterday was fantastic! Drank 10 glasses of water, 3 glasses of tea. Ate around 1400 calories..guessing.. but I think I'm pretty close. I did my pilates in the morning and Tae Bo Flex last night. I feel great this morning and would love to go out and do something, but Murphys Law....ITS SNOWING! grrrrrr. The only thing snow is good for right now is entertaining the girls as they sit in the window watching it fall. I guess I can be thankful for a peaceful morning!

I think today is another day of indoor activities. I didn't get to ride my bike yesterday because the wind was blowing 40mph and was FREEZING.... and today doesn't look any better. :( Go figure, I finally find something I want to do outside, and it turns to winter in a flash.

My sweater is coming along beautifully... I am not following a pattern and guessing all the way.. so it may come out like nothing you've ever seen.. but thats ok.. I'll still wear it with pride! LOL Here is my baby holding it up for all to see!




I am ready to do PD#3.. someone told me that once you get one whole week under your belt it is smooth sailing! Lets hope so!

Have a Blessedly Sunny Day!!

I've been tagged...

One of my favorite blogers... Flip this body... tagged me. This is what she has passed along....

CHRISTMAS SONG MEME: This one is pretty easy. List (at least) five of your favorite Christmas songs and tag (at least) five of your favorite blog friends to keep your MEME going.

1. White Christmas:(Bing Crosby) This song always gets me in the holiday mood.
2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: (Judy Garland) Gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside
3. Santa Baby: (not sure) just love to sing it to my kids
4.. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus: (not sure) One of those songs that get stuck in your head.
5. Jingle bells: fun song to sing with the kids while riding the horses!!

Now my 5 tagged bloggers: Jeanie,Michelle,Cory,Totegirl and Amanda Jane

Drop me a note when you've put yours up, and contact Mimi so she can add you to her meme blog.

PD#1

Yesterday was great.. I did pilates in the morning, rode my bike for about 10 min and tried to make it up the hill next to our house (only made it half way), and did tae bo before bed. I drank 12 glasses of water, 4 glasses of green tea and stayed on track with my food.

I woke up this morning feeling a little bit sore.. but not too bad. I am hoping to get the same workout routine today that I did yesterday.. I am looking at dark and low clouds this morning, so snow will be falling today.

So I ran out of 'tea quotes' until I buy more tea... so I found this little thing and thought it would be fun.

FOUR THINGS ABOUT ME:

4 jobs I've had:
Operating room tech
Anesthesiology technician
EMT
Dialysis Tech


4 movies I watch over and over:
The Goonies
Princess Bride
Finding Nemo
Cars


4 Places I have lived:
Palm Springs , CA
Tucson, Az
Irving, Tx
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

4 TV shows I watch:
CSI... any of them
Jericho
Without a Trace
Close To Home


4 Places I've been on Vacation:
Alberta, Canada
Prt. Vallarta, Mx
Denver, Co
Prt. Penasco, Mx

4 Websites I visit everyday:
Blogspot
yahoo
myspace
literary Guild


4 Favorite Foods:
Pasta
Chocolate
Fresh Fruit.. any kind
Pizza


4 Places I'd rather be right now:
There is no place like home!

4 Favorite Bands/Singers:
KT Tunstall
Bailey Rae Corrin
Don Williams
BB King


4 Bloggers I'll tag:
Dragon Loss
Finding Lisa
Pear Shaped Girl
Points and Pounds
Living to Feel Good
Onwards....

Ok.. so all of you!!!

I am going to have to copy some of my favorite bloggers... Points and Pounds, Dragon Loss and Onwards... have all started a Christmas Card list so that we can send out Christmas cards to all our beloved fellow bloggers.. so if you would like to get on my Christmas Card List.. please email your address to whereistigerlilly@yahoo.com


The clouds are slowly letting the sun peak thru.. so it might be a gorgeous day after all!! Have a Blessed day and stay strong..

Weigh In Day

I am so sore I could barely get up this morning. Hubby and I went on a 4 mile bike ride, which sounds really easy.. but it was mostly uphill!! I was dying. When we got home I was trying not to throw up.. which is really embarresing, considering my hubby was barely out of breath. grrrrr. I am definatley going to ride my bike everyday.. even if it is just up the hill by our house.. so that by next weekend, maybe I can keep up with him a little better.

Yesterday was definatley a PD#6.. which I am very proud of! Today we start over again and am going for PD#1 again! I weighed in at 209 which is a loss.. but again, not as much as I was hoping. BUT.. I am looking much better. My posture has changed and my torso is slimming down... even though my measurements are not changing much either... hmmm is that possible, or am I just seeing things? This week I am going to work extra hard so that I can fit into my wranglers once again.. we are headed to Las Vegas next week for 3 days of the NFR!! (National Finals Rodeo) YEEEEEEHAWWWWW. We didnt know if we would be able to go because we thought we would be in Puerto Rico.. but so far we have not heard anything, so we are just going to plan on going to vegas. Hubby is a retired Bull rider.. so he is thrilled to be going. Its pretty hard to get tickets.. they are usually sold out the year before, but my father-in-law somehow managed to get us some.

Anyway, I woke up this morning and did my Pilates and some upper body strength conditioning.. so I am off to a good start. Now if I can just keep it going all day. I want to take the girls for a walk, but the news says we are going to get snow this afternoon... YUCK! I am the worst person to live in the mountains, I absolutley HATE snow. I cant drive in it so it gives me terrible cabin fever. I also hate being cold, so that just does not help. So I will have to find something to do with the girls... maybe a dance workout?

My bulldog Jaz is doing better. They said that because of her age she is bleeding a little bit more then normal. They put pressure bandages on her and my mom said the bleeding has stopped. So it looks like she will be fine. My basset hound , Woodroe, is missing his friend though. He has been at my feet since she left... so we are both looking forward to her return, which should be in a couple of days. Then it is Woodroe's turn.. poor guy.




Looks like a day of knitting, reading and playing!! Hope everyone has a great start to their week...

Have a Blessed Day

Sunday

Ok, so yesterday wasn't all that bad. I ignored the MIL which made it easy to just enjoy the rest of the family. I have TWO new (soon to be) sister-in-laws. Both the oldest and the youngest brothers proposed to their girlfriends last week, and we got to meet them for the first time yesterday. Thanks goodness they are both wanderful ladies. They were very easy to talk to , and a wanderful addition to the family. I did wish them luck though... this family is not an easy one to marry into!

Here is Leslie and her two year old daughter.. she will be marrying the youngest brother...




Here is Heather.. she will be marrying the oldest brother.




As usual... I come up with great plans,but have a hard time following thru with them. I did eat there... only because it was 3:30 by the time the food was ready and I was starving.. if I had waited until we got home, I might have eaten a whole pie! So I served myself a plate of fruit salad, sweet potatoes, turkey and a roll. All tiny portions, but enough to quiet the rumbling tummy. Here are some pics of the girls.. and once again I forgot to take pictures of myself.





Here is the youngest brother home on leave from the Marines..with one of the cousins.




Today my mama is coming to watch the girls while hubby and I go for our first long bike ride... wooohooo... maybe I can lose 5 lbs before weigh in day tomorrow!! I think it would make me even though.. with all the food I ate!

I am off to drink a gallon of water so that I dont get dehydrated biking... and no, I did not get a PD#6... I did not drink any water yesterday.. and no excersize.. but hopefully today will make a great #6. Tomorrow is Weigh in day, so I will start my count over again.. that way I focus on the # of PD's in a week... and the goal is still 7!!

Have a blessed Day

Thanksgiving #2

Ok.. so I thought I was going to be safe now that thanksgiving was over...but! I was wrong. My hubbys mom is doing Thanksgiving dinner today, and although we had agreed that we were not going to go (the monster-in-law and I don't get along) my hubby found out that his littlest brother will be there on leave from the Marines. So.. I guess I can hold my tongue long enough to see him! I did tell my husband that I was going to eat my lunch here so that I do not eat anything there!! I am also going to take a protein shake with me , as the drive is 2 hours long.

My dog Jaz is having complications from her surgery yesterday. Her blood is so thin that she is bleeding excesively. She is at the vet but am waiting to here some good news soon. Because the vet is in another town my mom is taking care of her for me.. so at least she will be there while we are out of town at the in-laws.

I have to get ready, and my morning is already shot... so I will write again tomorrow.

Have a Blessed Day

Lousy Leftovers

Yesterday was fantastic! All my dishes came out yummy, family was in a good mood, kids were happy AND I worked out... which is good because I pigged out at dinner. LOL . Oh Well.. at least Thanksgiving is only once a year. I just had to vow to have a REALLY good day today. Now I just have to figure out what to do with all the leftovers. I have pies, stuffing, turkey and potatoes.... I tried to talk the hubby into taking one of the pies to work with him, but it didnt work. So.. what to do?? So as much as I worked out and drank water.. I cant count Thanksgiving day as my PD#6. Oh well.. today will just have to do!

I have to do some running around this morning, unfortunately it will be in the car, but once home I am hoping I can get in an aerobic workout.. at least pilates... .and a bike ride once hubby gets home from work.

Granny has offered to take the girls on sunday, so hubby and I will be going up the mountain to try out our new bikes.I am excited.. but hopefully it won't be too cold!!

I've got to run, we are getting our bulldog Jaz fixed this morning, so I have to get her to the vet. ugh... its going to be a workout just getting her into the door at the vet!

Have a Blessed Day!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

It is a great day! I already did my aerobic workout and abs... am going to do my upper body conditioning with my hubby when he wakes up!! So I am on track so far for PD#6... thats right...yesterday qualified as PD#5!! Woooohooo. It was great. The weather was warm enough that I packed the girls into their stroller and took a walk around our house. Sounds easy, but we are surrounded by hills.. so my BOOTY is SORE!! but it felt great, and the girls enjoyed it. Then... my grandmother and aunt found out we were looking to buy some bikes, they both had one that they did not use so they gave them to us as an early Christmas present.. bike rack for the car included!!! WOOOHOOO (again!) So I brought them home and hubby filled the tires up and we rode them up and down our driveway.. we would have gone for a ride, but we thought the girls might get to tired chasing after us! hahaha Now I am going to go in search of some kids bike seats to attach to them so that we can ALL go for a ride when we want to!

I drank a TON of water.. no really.. I think it was a ton of water!! I was in the bathroom the majority of the day.. but it made me feel so much better. I stayed on my diet, even with Pizza for dinner!

So today, I am going to be in the kitchen all morning.. but am hoping I can escape for a little while for another bike ride! I am planning on only eating a little bit of everything, but I am only giving myself a dessert plate to eat on .. that way I dont overdo it... and NO SECONDS!!

I am adding a 'Recommended Reading' list to my blog.. I have been reading alot lately and have really enjoyed the books I've been reading.. so I thought I would share! If you have any books that you would recommend, let me know...

I hope everyone is surrounded with family, friends and love. Happy Thanksgiving and ..have a blessed day!

Baking and Bikes...

So today is a beautiful day...cold, but beautiful. There is not alot planned today so I will most likely just clean house for tomorrows company. I have some great dishes planned... like, stuffing made with sausage, apple and dried cranberries. Mashed potatoes with chives. Green bean salad and of course two turkeys that my hubby will be frying. I am also going to be very busy in the morning baking an Apple Pie, Pumkin Pie and Sweet Potatoe Pie...all on request from my hubby. So that will be my priority first thing in the morning. Its going to make the rest of the day hard on the diet with the smell of all those pies drifting thru the house. Oh well...its worth it.

I found two mountain bikes that we can afford...unfortunatley it is at a stores 'black friday' sale. which means that if we want them I will have to head out at 4am to stand in line. I dont understand these one day sales..let alone this 4 HOUR sale that this store is having... Oh well... they are selling their Mountain Bikes for $40 each from 5 am to 11 am... and it is the only way we can afford to buy TWO of them. My husband was excited about starting our weekend biking trips.. so we agreed that the bikes would be our christmas gift to each other. YEAH!!

I am lacking my usual energy this morning... I think I have neglected my water intake and am feeling a little dry. I am going to try and do a pilates workout this morning with the girls.. wish me luck! I HAVE to get this body moving.. at this point I think I am just maintaining weight.. NOT the plan. So, today I am going to focus on making it PD#5.

Thanks to all my blogging friends for being so supportive. Your friendship means alot to me.. I hope you all have a wanderful day and a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hectic Morning

I am a little late posting my blog this morning... I woke up at 4 am with a cranky kid and decided that if I was up I might as well beat the rush at the grocery store and get all the food I need for Thanksgiving. Amazingly, half the town had the same idea... so it was still hectic, but much better then it will be later on today. I love this time of year, but people always make me so mad. It never fails that when I go to the store, or out in public, people are RUDE. People cutting me off driving, getting impatient in the isles at the market. No smiles, just stressed out people that have forgotten the meaning of these holidays. I think times have changed soo much that we no longer Know the meaning of holidays.. Thanksgiving is when we have to cook of a bunch of family that we only see once a year, Christmas is when we get everything we want at a great price. Easter is simply a day to hunt for candy. Maybe it is because I am christian that I have a hard time with all of this. God has been replaced with cooking and great deals. Now you cant even say Merry Christmas without the chance of offending someone... what has happend with this world?

Anyway, I am off to organize the house and figure out my plan for Thanksgiving.
Hope you all have a blessed day... and remember.. its Thanksgiving.. so share a SMILE!

Weigh In Day

I lost 1 lb!!! Not as much as I was hoping for, but it is still a loss none the less. My measurements are jumping around...I think it depends on how much I work on a certain area... when I do alot of sit ups my waist shrinks, but if I dont keep it up, it bubbles back out! hmmmm... I am still gung-ho about it , I feel good and am determined to get this done. In the same breath, I cheated terribley on my diet yesterday.. so no PD#5 today :( I dont know what gets into me, but whenever I KNOW I have to do well on my diet, I tend to want to cheat MORE... and yesterday I gave into the temptation...

M&M's
lollipop
chips
cookies

UGH... I probably could have lost a whole other pound.. but ate it back on. Well..I am back on the wagon and today is going to be an outdoors day... the park, trail walk, and yard work. Hopefully, if the weather is as warm as it was all weekend.

Yesterdays food:

oatmeal and strawberries
lollipop
M&M's
salad
chips
spaghetti
cookies

NO EXCERSIZE... hmmmm, notice that on my PD's those snacks are filled in with protein shakes?? I really need to start packing a shake with me in my purse..

I am trying to get recipes together for Thanksgiving dinner. It was going to be a simple dinner with just me , the hubby, kids and father-in-law... but NOW we are having 12! people over... good grief. I am going to try and keep everything fat free (since I am doing all the cooking, that should be easy) If anyone has any good recipes they want to share please let me know!! I need some side dish ideas! OH.. and does anyone know how to make giblet gravy?? My husband is begging me to learn how to make it.. and I dont know where to start.(obviously NOT a fat free dish)

Hope everyone has a beautiful monday... and have a blessed day!

PD#4 and Mountain Biking...

Yesterday was fantastic. The birthday party was a blast and Amber got showered with presents..everything from the entire doll set of Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses to a Doodle Pony to a box full of princess dress up costumes. I think she will be busy until next year!! Who needs Christmas presents?? LOL Here are some pictures of the party.. My youngest recieved some presents too. Everyone was worried she would get jealous, or just feel left out.. so even she made out well!!









I had ONE piece of cake and a small scoop of strawberry fat free yogurt ice cream. I then sent what was left of the cake home with my mom to give to DE (hope you like it!!). I did have another scoop of the yogurt ice cream after dinner, but then threw the rest away.. I was tired, so for dinner I went to the grocery store (big mistake, as I remembered it is the weekend before thanksgiving) and since it was soooo busy, I grabbed a roasted chicken that was in the front of the store and left! I drank a ton of water and tea and did my tae bo workout that morning... so I am calling it my PD#4!! Even with the cake and ice cream, I think I came out well.

Today I have to really stay strict. Tomorrow is weigh day and I would like to have at least lost one pound!! So lots of water and NO sweets.

My hubby and I were thinking of getting some mountain bikes so that when we have a babysitter, he and I can go riding along the mountain... We live on one, so we might as well take advantage of it!! I am going to start looking around for some good prices...probably used ones!

I am off to start cleaning the house...enjoy your sunday!!

Have a Blessed Day

Birthday Party!!

At 7:11 am today, my little girl will turn 3 yrs old. She is so excited..yesterday all she could talk about in her broken toddler vocabulary, was "party,cake,see(three), nanny party??" LOL... So I am sure she will be a happy girl today. She is a real blessing to me. If she had not come along...I would not have anything I have now. That is a long story that I would like to keep private... but, she is a true blessing to me and I am a proud mama.

We are celebrating this afternoon with family...and of course cake and ice cream. As much as I tried to talk the lady into it..the store where I bought the cake (Cinderella) does not make fat free cake...hmph. That might be a good business to start!! Fat Free Cakes for Every Occasion!! I might have to look into that! Anyway, my mom...who is also on a diet...offered to bring the ice cream...she is going to bring the fat free, sugar free, taste free stuff. LOL... but that is okay.. we can always pretend!! LOL

So yesterday was an ok PD..but not good enough for me to count it. I had pizza for dinner, and of course strayed from my promise to only eat one slice. I did not drink enough water..only 3 glasses... and I did not do any excersize...(but I felt guilty this morning so woke up at 4:15am and did 45 min cardio tae bo) So.. it was not TOO bad of a cheat.. but definatley not a PD#4.... I am going to try again today. I will have a small piece of cake, but will keep it to one piece and small. I will also find something to do tonight to get my cardio in. I am also going to drink the 124 oz of water that I am supposed to drink everyday. As long as I stick to that, I will have PD#4 done today!!

Yesterdays food:

oatmeal and strawberries
protein shake
tuna salad w/ light vinegret
protein shake
pizza
protein shake

no excersize (fell asleep on the couch with the baby...my hubby rudely told me to go to bed because I was snoring so loud he could not hear his T.V. show...hmph)

I am feeling good today though.. working out this early gives me a good start to my day... but I can only do it on the weekends because I will need a nap in the middle of the day! LOL Well, I am off to start cleaning and decorating so that Amber can wake up to a festive house for her birthday!!

Have a Blessed Day

TGIF

Oh Yeah...I did it! PD#3 was a piece of cake...I mean, uh, a piece of broccoli? LOL. Anyway, whatever it was, it was good. I did not cheat.. did my upper body workout and my pilates. Woooohoooo. I am feeling good about it.

I am trying to figure out how to get some more cardio in...the only time I can do my cardio dvd's are at night after everyone has gone to bed..and by then I am exhausted. I am enjoying not having the treadmill take up so much room, but am missing my walks.. and all excuses aside, it IS too cold to go walking with the girls now. I will just have to figure out something... any ideas??

I am getting ready for my daughters 3rd birthday tomorrow...(*sniff,sniff*) I cant beleive its been that long...she is such a princess.. and as much as I look forward to seeing her get older and explore life.. I sure will miss her baby years. For those who havent been reading my blog since the beginning, I had a hysterectomy last year after they found a 5lb tumor connected to one of my ovaries. Thank the Lord it was not cancer, but I sometimes get the baby blues... I know it just was not meant to be, but once a mother.. always a mother! I have two precious girls who, hopefully, will give me a bunch of grandchildren one day!!! LOL

Yesterdays food:

oatmeal and strawberries
protein shake
tuna salad w/corn and peas
popcorn
chicken and dumplings soup
protein shake

upper body conditioning / pilates
today I will try to find some way of doing some cardio...even if I have to stay up late.. I also have to focus on my water intake.. I did better yesterday but need to keep it up!

PearShapedGirl: I am totally still up for our challenge...

Jeannie: hope you made it home safe for the holidays..not too many delays!

Mom: you are such a beautiful woman, I am proud of you for deciding to lose weight too... WE can do this!! (would you like to start your own blog??)


Have a Blessed Day

and the battle continues...

Perfect Day #2 went great. It was even a little easier too! So what IS a perfect day??? Well, most things will never be perfect.... unless you look at them a different way. A perfect day for me is waking up to my family. Thats it! Just being able to see their faces (happy,sad, sick or dirty!) when I wake up. However my day goes from there...well it doesn't really matter...it started perfect and as long as I can kiss my girls and hubby goodnight..then it ends perfect! The perfect days I post are days that I tried 100% on my diet...that I did my workout..and that I felt good about the whole day. THAT is my perfect day. My short term goal is 7 perfect days in a row... that should bring me to when we move to the island.

My hubby...the wanderful man that he is.. has taken up his weight lifting again. He is back on his diet ... which motivates me! I cant let him get in shape and leave me behind!! LOL .. He has promised that we will find a gym on the island and we can keep up our routine.... I am not too worried about a gym when there is a beautiful beach waiting for me to walk on everyday! He said OUR goal will be to come back fit, tan and looking like models.. LOL.. I can do that!!

Yesterdays food:

Oatmeal and strawberries
protein shake
broccoli and tuna w/ light vinegret
protein shake
popcorn
salad, corn and half a grilled cheese sandwich

45 min. Pilates


I didnt get the tae bo in , but the pilates was a great workout so I am not worried. Today is upper body workout w/ weights..

I found a way to make myself drink more water.... while I am waiting for the water to boil for my tea, I drink one glass of water... maybe that will help me? If I dont do something like that, then I just dont drink water. Yesterday I went all afternoon without even thinking about drinking water...

Well... I'm off to start my perfect day.

Have a Blessed Day

Protein Shake Recipes...

Ok.. so my hubby is on the Abs diet.. and they believe that there are certain foods that trigger the fat burning switch...so this is their recipe for protein shakes and they are YUMMY... you can try different combos.. but these are my favorite..

PBJ

1/3 c. non fat yogurt
1/2 c. non fat milk
1 scoop whey protein (I use chocolate, it gets rid of my sweet tooth)
1 tblspn Flax Seed powder
1 tblspn all natural peanut butter
4-6 frozen strawberries

Blend it all together and you get a yummy shake...

You can take out the berries and use a bananna, or take out the peanut butter and use pineapple and mango...mmmmmmm.. just make sure it is WHEY protein powder you are using (I actually can buy it here at Walmart) and dont forget the Flax seed powder..that is fantastic for you.. Enjoy!

I'm on my way!!

FINALLY!! A perfect day under my belt! Yesterday went GREAT! I didn't take the girls on the walk, it really was too cold and the wind had picked up....BUT...I did do a 30 min. upper body workout in the morning, followed by a 1 hour Tae Bo workout last night!! I am S-O-R-E this morning..but it feels great! My diet went great.. the protein shakes really filled me up AND satisfied my sweet tooth at the same time! I think I will start listing my food intake..that way I can keep track of my good days and what I ate:

1 cup oatmeal w/ fresh strawberries
protein shake w/ flax
soup and salad
protein shake w/ flax
Turkey stroganoff..Low carb, low sugar recipe
protein shake

I kept up on water, but need to still drink MORE... All together.. I FEEL GREAT.. and back on track!!

Today I am off to see my mom.. home from texas!! Which means that we will probably spend the morning there.. but will do an afternoon pilates class when we get home, its the only workout that I can do with the girls in the room...although it is a little more challenging doing the ab workout when you have two toddlers sitting on you!! ..followed by another Tae Bo class tonight... I am going to make a protein shake to take with me and put in her fridge, just in case I get hungary later!! I am soooo ready to get Perfect Day #2 !!!

Have a Blessed Day

Look Out World.... Here I Come

First thing I have to do is thank Cory, Totegirl,TC,and Lisa Jane for being SO supportive... without you guys I would probably have given in yet again. BUT this morning I am determined to have a perfect day.. I am going to do this, and do it right. I am planning on going on the trail walk this afternoon. It is freezing outside, but the girls need the fresh air and I can bundle them up with blankets in the stroller. I have realized that I have fallen into my old way of excuses. "I'm too tired", "The girls won't let me", "Its too cold/hot outside", "I dont have time"... I know that all of these are balony, because I was working out twice a day and none of these got in the way before. Its just my 'fat side' whispering in my ear! Well.. I'm not listening anymore. Once again, I am going to do this...and eventually I WILL WIN!

As for water intake.. I bought a sport bottle that I can carry around with me..and I will just make sure that I take sips as often as I can. I still drink alot of hot tea, and in this weather that is NOT going to stop anytime soon, but I am making sure that they are all decaf now.

I found some YUMMY recipes for protein shakes.. and I can definatley replace my 'snacks' with one of those!

Why is it so difficult to do something that is good for you? Its not that I dont love myself.. I do! And I love my family and want to be around for them for as long as I can, but for some reason, food and laziness takes over everytime. I fall into the whole..'they should love me the way I am'... Well.. THEY DO! but that is not what I want. I dream of having the beautiful body that looks good in clothes right off the hanger! The healthy body that can roll around on the floor with my girls instead of sitting on the couch and just watching all the fun. The healthy body that would look good standing next to my gorgeous hubby. When I think about it, my body is not THAT far from its goal. 70lbs... people on here have lost twice, even triple that weight.. so why cant I lose it? I CAN, I CAN, I CAN... and I am starting today. Look out world... I'M TAKING OVER!!!!

Monday Morning

I had an awsome time with my friend this weekend. We did alot of chatting, shopping and just enjoying the company!! We went out to dinner with some of her friends and I had a wanderful time. Here is a picture of her and I at the restaruant...




It was her friends daughters 18th birthday.. .at the restaruant we went to, they make the birthday person hop on the traveling saddle and they embarrase them completely!!





I was sad to leave so soon, but was excited to get home to my girls and hubby. They seemed to have had an uneventful weekend...thank goodness... so I came home to smothering kisses and hugs. It was great!




So , today is weigh in day... and the news is bad. I am at 211 ... not really surprised..my diet had been pretty shaky and drinking water is few and far between! So.. I will take the humiliation of admitting to gaining weight on my weight LOSS blog. ugh... I am not going to give up though... this is for ME... and I need to figure it out.

Have a Blessed Day

Girls WEEKEND out!!!

This will be short and sweet... I am off to visit one of my bestest friends.She lives in a neighboring city..about 4 hours away and we are going to spend the whole weekend together!!! YAY!!!! Hubby has offered to take the kidlets all weekend, so I get to be kid free..I havent had a weekend without the kids since... well, since I had them! LOL. I'm going to miss them.. but I think I also need the vacation. Will be back tomorrow evening to post pics...

Have a Blessed Day

TGIF

Thank goodness.. another week is done.. which means we are another week closer to leaving! I know.. I cant make up my mind. First I am stressed out about the whole thing, and now I am being impatient. The truth is , my husbands brother called yesterday. (The one who is already there) He was bragging.. not really.. but when someone mentions that they are sitting on the beach watching the waves roll in while enjoying the warm 80 degree weather... while we are sitting inside to avoid the freezing wind outside... grrrrrrr. He described everything to us.. and now I am SO excited to go that I can hardly wait. One more week.. I think.. and we will be able to go. WOOOOOOOOHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Yesterday went well. Didn't cheat too much on my diet... had a little too many carbs.. will have to watch that today. I am still having a problem drinking enough water.. for some reason I just cant swallow it. No excersize again , but will make up for it this morning. somehow.....

the girls are feeling better today.. in fact they are getting into their normal morning trouble routine.. so I think we are back to our old selves again. Ahhh.. kids!

Okay.. so my new short term goal is to lose 10 lbs before the new year. That way I will be under my 200 lb mark.. I really need a new tea pot when we get to the island. I just need to be strong... my weak point. LOL I can be so competitive, but when it comes to myself, I just give in.. why? Well, not this time.. I am going to lose this fat, I am going to win this race... I am going to be HEALTHY!!!


It isn't the big pleasures that count the most;
it's making a great deal out of the little ones.
-Jean Webster

(*cough*, *cough*,*cough*)

Ugh... these stupid colds last forever. I thought I was feeling better, but woke up this morning with a sore throat and a terrible sinus headache. My girl is coughing her little heart out and runny noses all around. I did't excersize yesterday...by the time the kids got to bed it was WAY past my bedtime, and I was exhausted... so I will definatley make up for it today. My diet has been pretty good... the great thing is that I haven't been binging.. or even feeling the need to .. believe it or not, this knitting thing is TOTALLY helping me. I can just sit and knit, and food never enters my mind!!

I bought a whole pineapple last night... and it was the sweetest most delicious one I've ever had... the girls and I ate the whole thing last night.. and we were sticky from head to toe from all the juice!! What a treat!!

I have to thank my friend Ivy for being such a great supporter... she has made this move to PR a whole lot less stressful... knowing that I already have a friend waiting for me to play on the island... makes everything so much better!! mmmmmmm Mango smoothies.... we will definatley have to have Mango smoothies...

So today is probably another day of sitting on the couch and cuddling up to the girls. Not a bad day when you think about it!!

Have a Blessed Day!

Trampoline

I had a GREAT day yesterady!!! I did not take the girls on a trail hike, mostly because they were coughing and I was worried they would get cold.. but I DID do my trampoline workout last night and I am soooooo sore!!! It was GREAT!!! It took awhile to get used to, but once I did I felt EVERY muscle in my legs working.. and my knees never even got sore. I did a little bit of Pilates to work my 'core'. I am feeling great this morning.. and as much as I am ready to workout this morning, I am covered with sicklings so will probably have to wait until tonight again. Oh well.

So I decided that I needed 'another' hobby. I went out yesterday and bought 10 thingies of yarn and some knitting needles. I found a great pattern for a purse and some cute house socks... and I am going to try and knit a copy of my favorite sweater. I finally learned the pearl stitch last night and I am ready to start my sweater!! wooohooo. Maybe it will burn calories!!! My husband made fun of me and called me 'old'. I just replied that I had to do something to match my grey streak!!

I am ready for another perfect day...and LOTS of water. Hope everyone is doing well!

Have a Blessed Day

Perfect Day #1

Ok.. so today will be the day. A perfect day... on-track diet, lots of water and excersize!! Besides.. I cant let Totegirl get ahead of me!! (I'm so competitive...)
It looks like it might be a nice day today, so I am planning on taking the girls for a trail walk.. will have to bundle them up.. they still have a yucky nose.. but I think it will do them good to get some fresh air. I think my cold was 'stress induced' because I am feeling much better today.

I was online and found something called 'Urban Bound' its basically a 40" single trampoline that fits in front of your tv and comes with workout dvd's. THEY say it is better on the joints then jogging.. and since I dont have the treadmill anymore.. and my knees have finally healed from the running I was doing on it.. I thought I might like it... has anyone tried it??

So I have to share with everyone my 'christian moment'I had yesterday. I was upset that we were not leaving on wednesday... so I turned to the bible for advice.. and the page that my bible opened to was James 4:13-17...

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. what is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then , who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

So.. I have calmed down alot and realized that if it is meant to be.. and the Lord wants it to be.. then we will go when the time is right. In all reality, it does work out better for us to leave in two weeks. 1.. the kids will hopefully be over this wretched cold... 2.. we will be going at the same time as my father in law and sister in law and her 14 yr old son.. (built in baby watchers!!) 3... we are ready.. and it is less stressful to have to run off so fast.

Anyway.. I am off to start my perfect day.. hope all is well with everyone and am glad to see my friends are doing so well in their weight loss..

Have a Blessed Day