Mahalo, 2010...

This year started out with four bouts of pre-term labor, my birthday (on which I received a heart-shaped funfetti cake made with love by my son and his grandma and a promise of a date when I was no longer pregnant by my husband which he has still yet to comply with), and the arrival of my baby girl, Ava Layne.

I'll never forget each and every day I've had with Ava. It started out rough with post-partum depression, but with help quickly turned into the most joyous months I've had in a long time. Before Ava arrived, I wondered how I'd ever love another baby as much as I love Ryan. God knows though...somehow, you do. The human heart has an eerie way of going all Grinch (at the end of the book) and growing three sizes in one day. My children are such a blessing.

Ryan has grown from a child into a young little man. It breaks my heart but makes me so proud at the same time. He's witty, funny, mischievous, lovable, and sharp as a tack. It was he and I against the world for a long time, and I hope we never lose the close bond that we have. I am immensely proud of him and his accomplishments: Accelerated Reader, Football MVP in his first year playing, all-around athlete (the kid plays baseball, football, soccer, basketball, and takes swimming lessons), wonderful son, grandson and nephew, and above all....child of GOD. It kinda makes me think I must be doing something right.

My husband Stephen is chugging along in school full-time (with a virtual 4.0 mind you), while all the while working full-time. I remember working and being in school with a 2-3 year old, and it ain't easy. I can't tell him enough how much I appreciate what he's doing for our family. With all he has gone through last year and this year, a weaker person would have crumbled. But not one of the strongest men I know. He has grown in the Lord as well, and that is something I'm thankful that this year brought for him.

God, my husband, and my children are my world. Yes, there have been plenty of setbacks this year. But I might as well throw that out with the trash tonight....no sense in dwelling, right? There are a lot of changes ahead for me and my family. (One for me will be getting to my goal weight, but that is so not a New Year's Resolution, it's a life resolution. That journey is just that....a journey, not a destination.)

I'm just gonna do my best to be the best wife, mommy, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, co-worker, and friend that I can possibly be.

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming......

:)

Happy New Year, folks....here's to 2011.

I'm Back!

I will resume my 30 Day Challenge soon, but I wanted to start my return back with a picture of my sweetie. She decided that the day after Christmas would be a good time to show her Mommy and Papa that she could pull herself up in her Pack-N-Play...it's a sad day when you realize your last baby is growing up, but how could I be mad at this face?!

30 Day Challenge Hiatus

So if you haven't noticed, I've been having a bit of a problem sticking to my 30 Day Challenge. I should have made it a 30 Blog Post Challenge instead. Have no fear, I still plan on completing the challenge, I've just had a lot going on lately.

Case in point? I'm having surgery tomorrow. Tonsillectomy and sinus surgery, simultaneously. Yikes, right?

I just want to let you all know that I will most likely be drugged up for a good few days, and won't be doing anything for awhile.

Just hold tight, and I will return in all my blogging wonder.

P.S. All prayers and well wishes for tomorrow are not only accepted but GREATLY appreciated.

Love all of you!

And so the Christmas season begins!

Let's start it out with a picture that will make you smile for sure :)

30 Day Challenge- Day Eight

DAY EIGHT

*Two favorite movies, and why*

My numero uno, bestest, most favorite movie of all time?

Oooooooo yeah. Make fun of me all you want, but I DARE you to watch this movie, and NOT sing along. I own the soundtrack as well, and listen to it on a consistent basis. I can even (on a good day) hit the high note that Ryan Toby does in "Oh Happy Day". Plus, I adore Whoopi Goldberg in this, and Lauryn Hill is beyond, beyond amazing. THIS makes me so happy, and I instantly am in a better mood, and I feel closer to God. I mean, how could you not be? If you have not seen this movie, you must watch it ASAP. It's a tragedy if you already haven't. What are you waiting for? Go, watch it! Now!

Okay, on to my second all-time favorite. (By the way, as a movie lover, this is super hard to pick only two movies.) Yeaaaaaahhhh...here we go...

Office Space. Doesn't that sum it up? It came out in 1999, has Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston in it (one of her first movies) and it is utterly and completely hilarious. If you have worked or currently work in an office, this movie is for you. If you like comedies, this movie is for you. If you plain ole' just like to LAUGH, this movie is for you. I will share some tasty little morsels with you:

Dom Portwood: Hi, Peter. What's happening? We need to talk about your TPS reports.

Peter Gibbons: Yeah. The coversheet. I know, I know. Uh, Bill talked to me about it.
Dom Portwood: Yeah. Did you get that memo?
Peter Gibbons: Yeah. I got the memo. And I understand the policy. And the problem is just that I forgot the one time. And I've already taken care of it so it's not even really a problem anymore.
Dom Portwood: Ah! Yeah. It's just we're putting new coversheets on all the TPS reports before they go out now. So if you could go ahead and try to remember to do that from now on, that'd be great. All right! 

and... (sorry about the language on this next one)

Samir: No one in this country can ever pronounce my name right. It's not that hard: Na-ghee-na-na-jar. Nagheenanajar.

Michael Bolton: Yeah, well, at least your name isn't Michael Bolton.
Samir: You know, there's nothing wrong with that name.
Michael Bolton: There *was* nothing wrong with it... until I was about twelve years old and that no-talent ass clown became famous and started winning Grammys.
Samir: Hmm... well, why don't you just go by Mike instead of Michael?
Michael Bolton: No way! Why should I change? He's the one who sucks.

hahaha, I totally could see this happening...

Bob Slydell: Milton Waddams.

Dom Portwood: Who's he?
Bob Porter: You know, squirrely looking guy, mumbles a lot.
Dom Portwood: Oh, yeah.
Bob Slydell: Yeah, we can't actually find a record of him being a current employee here.
Bob Porter: I looked into it more deeply and I found that apparently what happened is that he was laid off five years ago and no one ever told him about it; but through some kind of glitch in the payroll department, he still gets a paycheck.
Bob Slydell: So we just went ahead and fixed the glitch.
Bill Lumbergh: Great.
Dom Portwood: So, uh, Milton has been let go?
Bob Slydell: Well, just a second there, professor. We, uh, we fixed the *glitch*. So he won't be receiving a paycheck anymore, so it'll just work itself out naturally.
Bob Porter: We always like to avoid confrontation, whenever possible. Problem is solved from your end.

Oh, Milton...

Bill Lumbergh: Milt, we're gonna need to go ahead and move you downstairs into storage B. We have some new people coming in, and we need all the space we can get. So if you could just go ahead and pack up your stuff and move it down there, that would be terrific, OK?

Milton Waddams: Excuse me, I believe you have my stapler...

Best for last...

Milton Waddams: [talking on the phone] And I said, I don't care if they lay me off either, because I told, I told Bill that if they move my desk one more time, then, then I'm, I'm quitting, I'm going to quit. And, and I told Don too, because they've moved my desk four times already this year, and I used to be over by the window, and I could see the squirrels, and they were married, but then, they switched from the Swingline to the Boston stapler, but I kept my Swingline stapler because it didn't bind up as much, and I kept the staples for the Swingline stapler and it's not okay because if they take my stapler then I'll set the building on fire...

If you have no idea what the quotes are saying, or just (shockingly) have not seen "Office Space", this is a must see. I even have two copies in case one burns out. Seriously. I leave you with a picture that is an ode to Milton and his stapler (which I have a collector's item replica on my office desk)...Enjoy, and go watch some movies!

 



30 Day Challenge- Day Seven

DAY SEVEN

*A sport you love to watch/play*

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!

Oh yes, I love me some football. I didn't use to, it's the weirdest thing. I believe it all began during a dark time in my life when the only sense of normalcy I had was when I was "allowed" to watch football on Sundays. That's when I started to love it, and Jerry Rice, simultaneously. (The rest is history, and no longer important in the grand scheme of things.)

I am now an avid Tennessee Titans fan, and watch them religiously. I know for a fact that my husband was astonished when we met. A girl who likes football, actually knows what 1st and 10 means, and can hold her own in a conversation about Tom Brady and why he's a jerk? Oh yes. That may just be the reason why he started to like me. :)

Football aside, my other favorite sports are any sports that my son plays. Even if he decided to play croquet competitively, I would watch it and cheer, and it would become my new favorite sport. I enjoy watching him play sports, because I see the sparkle in his eyes and the pure joy he radiates when he's on the field. It's so fun to see him grow as an athlete and as a boy. He truly enjoys what he does, and he does it well.

Bottom line? I love most all sports, but anything Ryan plays holds a special place in my heart.

Awwww.

30 Day Challenge- Day Six

DAY SIX

*Your favorite season, and why*

I bet you're expecting me to say spring, summer, fall, or winter. NOPE! My favorite season is.....

CHRISTMAS!

I have been absolutely and completely in love with the Christmas season since I was a little girl. There was always a sense of magic surrounding it, and the magic has continued well into my adulthood. I always get happier and more nostalgic at this time of year, and I try to instill in my children the "reason for the season", which is God. Baby Jesus was born on Christmas Day, first and foremost. Santa Claus came later. In fact, I told Ryan last year that Santa is Jesus's helper. Oh yeah, who's the best mom now?! But really, in all seriousness, I felt it was important to tie the two together. There's such a focus on presents, shopping, and Santa, that I felt I had to somehow merge my two favorite reasons for Christmas together. One that is very much real, and the other that is all in fun. I almost even believe myself. This is our tradition: we all gather together at my parent's house and eat homemade pizza, watch "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation", and open gifts that we give to each other. We then go home, lay out cookies and milk for Santa, "reindeer food" for Rudolph and the gang, and get snuggled up in our beds and go to sleep so Santa will come. I thought Christmas morning as a child was fun, but nothing compares to Christmas morning as a mother. The twinkle in your child's eyes as they see what Santa brought them under the tree, (all wrapped up though, that's how Santa rolls in my house) and as they open each and every present to see what it is.

There's just nothing better.

I look forward to this Christmas season with Ava, (last year didn't count because she was still in my belly) and seeing what she thinks about the lights, the tree, and her gifts. Everything is better through a child's eyes. Now I see why my parents made Christmas such a big holiday at our house, and why I will continue to do the same. :)



It's MAEVA time!

Yes, you heard me right! My sister and I have effectively given our daughters a superhero team name or celeb name, if you will. They are the dynamic duo, only 1 year (and some change) apart. The above picture is Maeve (my niece) giving Ava (my daughter) a kiss! They are sooooo sweet together. Feast your eyes on some more cuteness!







30 Day Challenge- Day Five

DAY FIVE

*Tell us your three favorite colors*

1. Baby Blue. I've always loved this color, and I always will. It's really my only favorite color. When I was a little girl, my room was painted baby blue, and on my walls were posters of Disney movies. That was probably the catalyst for me wanting to be a Disney Animator at one point...Anyhow, not only does the color take me back to the wonderfulness that was my childhood, but it also reminds me of the ocean. Seriously, the older I get, the more I love the serenity of the ocean. If only I could breathe underwater, I'd live there. Like Ariel. (Again with the Disney reference) There is just something about listening to the waves and looking out over the baby blue surface of the water that bring me closer to God. Need another reason why I love baby blue? Look at my children's eyes. 'Nuff said.
2. Black. I'm putting this on my list, because I wear it alot. It's slimming, it's professional, and I can hide behind it. And doesn't everybody want to hide every now and then.
3. Rainbow. Is it really a color? I don't think so, but it is now. Rainbows are a symbol of God's love for us and his promise to never flood the earth again. Rainbows pop up all over Hawai'i...I mean, they're on their license plate. I have to love them. Rainbow is the color of sunsets, which I need to take more time out to watch. Another fun fact about me? I love looking at oil spots on concrete to "see the rainbow". Yeah, I'm kooky. But you have to admit that it is kinda cool.



My Mini-Shopaholic

Doesn't she look excited?!

30 Day Challenge- Day Four

DAY FOUR

*Ten places you want to visit*

Whew. Where to begin? Well, we ALL know the place I want to re-visit. So some of my 10 places are actually a part of that phenomenal place called Hawai'i.

1. Maui, Hawaii.  The love of my life. (Ok, other than my husband and my children.) This is my favorite place on EARTH and I would move there in a hot minute if I had the money, and if I could take all of my family with me. I could write an entire blog (or five) about the beauty of Maui, but I will just leave it for another time, only saying that you MUST go to Cheeseburger in Paradise in Lahaina. Period. The End.
2. Oahu, Hawaii. There's a little place there called the International Marketplace. Bianca and Laura...you would go crazy here. Shopping, shopping, shopping. Best part? Bartering. The price of that necklace is $60? No problem... Me: "Um, I only have $25." (start to walk away) Lady at booth: "Ma'am! Special for you! I can do $30, but only today." SCORE!! Also, you really can't beat Waikiki Beach, but you have to get McDonald's breakfast and take it over there and eat it on the beach. It's a Mitchell tradition. Again, I could go on and on...
3.  Hawai'i, the Big Island. And all the other ones too... Yes, I'd love to visit all of the islands in my favorite place on earth. It's kinda like going home, you know? Well, not really. I guess I'd stick out a bit with my blonde hair and blue eyes, but I have the Aloha Spirit in me and I think that's what really counts.
4. Australia. No, I don't just want to go because Hugh Jackman is from there, but I suppose it is a very good reason all on its own. I really want to see some kangaroos, the Sydney Opera House, and do people watching. If for no other reason than to listen to them talk. I think Australian accents are wicked. I'm weird, I know.
5. Ireland. Again with the accents. Love em'. I once listened to a group of girls on the L in Chicago talk for a good 30 minutes because I just loved listening to them talk. Half of what they said I had no clue, it was just cool. I want to have to get out of my rental car in Ireland and yell at the sheep in the road, and herd them into the field. I want to go an Irish pub (a real one) and do karaoke. The list goes on...
6. Scotland. Birthplace of Gerard Butler. Enough said, I believe.
7. Italy. My sister Lora has been there, and does nothing but brag and brag about how beautiful it is. Plus I need to get some genuine Italian food. Yummy.
8. Greece. Just watch the movie Mama Mia and tell me you don't want to go there, I mean come on!
9. England. There are so many places that I want to visit, and I would most definitely without a doubt try out my English accent at each and every place.
10. India. I have always, always ALWAYS wanted to see the Taj Mahal in person. I would sit there at the reflecting pool and read a book for days. (slipping into fantasy here)

I made the rules I suppose, so I can only list 10 places. There are so many more...another blog entry perhaps?

30 Day Challenge- Day Three

DAY THREE

*Your favorite television program*

First of all, I have to apologize for totally blowing the 30 consecutive days challenge. My sweet baby got very very sick, and what kind of mommy would I be if I were blogging instead of snuggling? (She's MUCH better now!)

Anyhow, back to the subject at hand. My friend Laura beat me to this, and knowing that we had the same idea just solidifies even further the reasons why were are such good friends :) So....here it is.

Oh yes, it's true. Like Laura, I'm THAT girl. Although I could go on and on about my many favorite TV shows, this holds the most emotional meaning for me. And truth be told, it has very little to do with the actual show. (Although I do love it.) It's a little thing we like to call "Grey's Night." This ritual started years ago with the original McLovelies (the name of our group, don't judge) and now has whittled down to only three, due to Laura, Jessica, and Anna moving. I'm still in denial about the three of them, I like to think that they are just on an extended vacation. I know at some point I will have to come to grips with it.

Anyhow, here's what we do: We rotate and go to each other's house on "Grey's night" and we eat dinner together, and watch the show. Now that we have DVR, we can pause the show at any point to talk, and I just love it. Ever since my husband started school, his classes were on MWF, and so going to "Grey's night" on Thursdays wasn't a big deal at all. He completely understands my need for it. But recently, his last two semesters have had him in class on Tu and Th, which does NOT work for me. I have 2 kids, one of which needs to get in bed for school the next day, and one who has a strict schedule and turns in super early. So I can't exactly leave the kiddos home alone while he's in class....so we do a rotation. One Thursday at my house, and then the next two weeks we delay it until the following Monday when my husband can keep the kids and I skip out to the girl's houses. It's a bit confusing, but we've got it down pat. Not to mention that I have super awesome friends that actually wait 4 whole days to watch a new episode of Grey's so that I can watch it with them.

Now, the reason for all of this. I need it. We need it. We all have crazybusy lives, and need that night every week to decompress, complain, talk about world events or celebrities, what have you. It's our version of a "girl's night", and it is essential to my emotional well-being. You think I'm kidding, but I'm not...

So you see, it's not so much about "Grey's", as it is my girls. I am just hoping and praying that I can get all of the McLovelies back together one day. Then and only then will it be a true "Grey's night".

*To my McLovelies--I miss the ones of you that aren't here, and love all of you. You are a part of who I am, and I am so blessed to have each and every one of you in my life. I mean that.*

Ok, I'm done with my good cry for the morning.....Maybe.

30 Day Challenge- Day Two

DAY TWO

*Talk about your piercings or tattoos, if you have any*

Plain Jane. Yep, that's me! I only have my ears pierced, one hole in each ear. I went through a phase in school where I wanted the upper cartilage in my ear pierced, but my mom wouldn't let me. So me being the semi-rebellious teenager that I was, I went to none other than Claire's in the mall, and got the clip in earring. It totally looked like I had my cartilage pierced, but in fact, I did not. My mom thought it looked ridiculous, but I loved it. And like most all things in my teenage years, the fad wore off, and I removed my fake cartilage ring.

How this brings me to piercing Ava's ears or not, I have no idea, but I figured this is as good a place as any to discuss it. Many people have asked me if I'm going to pierce her ears, and the answer is.....NO. Not because I think there is anything wrong with piercing a baby's ears, but I just want her to have the choice. I want her to feel the same excitement and exhilaration that I felt when I was finally allowed to get my ears pierced for the first time. And like a wise friend told me, that especially in these times, if "Pre-teen Ava" decides to rebel and get her ears pierced on her own before I'm ready to allow her, I will secretly be OK with it. After all, if that's the WORST thing she does to rebel, I will be in Heaven. Right?! Anyhow, she may even decide she doesn't want her ears pierced at all. Somehow I doubt that though, because she is already showing signs of fascination with jewelry. Imagine that. :)

Now onto the tattoos...I have none, nor will I probably get any. I'll admit to thinking about it at times, but the more I think about it and see how much  my body has already changed from having kids, the more I don't want some sagging picture on my body when I'm 70. Lots of my friends have them, and they look great. I'm secretly envious of my sister Kimberly's "Aloha" tattoo. (Guess it's not a secret anymore.) I've always thought this was kinda cool too...

The Hawaiian island chain, where my heart is. Probably not on the foot though...

But I digress...so the verdict is no tattoos. I will ooh and aah at friend's and family's, and that should be good enough for me!

30 Day Challenge- Day One

DAY ONE

*Your middle name, and how you feel about it*

Yep, Suzanne. I've never thought a whole lot about it, other than the occasional passing thought.  I still swear that I was named after Suzanne Harris, the mother of my best childhood friend. My mom says that's not so, that she just liked the name. Maybe that's true, but it wouldn't be so bad if I were named after her. She's a great woman, one of the strongest I know.

Anyhow, I've always kind of cherished my middle name. It's different. It's got character. You wouldn't expect it to follow "Allison". I often wonder what middle names other "Allison's" have, and if they are as cool as mine. :)

I used to think it sounded like an old lady name, but I've grown to love it, (or outwardly show my love for it).  It's just like those babies that you hear about whose names are Herbert or Ernie.(which by the way I'm partial to "Ernie" because that is my great uncle's name and he was an amazing man, and I miss him each and every day, especially when I give my kids "Eskimo kisses"...) But I digress..."Suzanne" is like the "older" baby names....the ones that don't really "fit" the baby, but they grow into later in life. Does that makes sense? Okay, picture Bertha as a baby. Now as an adult. Get it?

In my twentysomething's, (yes, I'm almost 30, don't remind me) I think I've grown into my name, even though Mitchell is now my legal middle name, according to Social Security anyways. Suzanne is now, and always will be, a part of me.

And I kinda like that.

My 30 Day Challenge

Alright, alright. I'm jumping on the bandwagon. "30 Day Challenge", here I come! The object of this is for me to blog about completely different subjects every day for 30 days. This will in turn (I hope) help you get to know me better...my quirks, my everyday life, and what hopes and dreams I have for my children. There are so many different "30 DAY CHALLENGES" out there, but I kind of took from them all and made my own. Here we go, here's the list, and you can look for my first blog in the challenge either tonight or in the morning!

Day 1: Your middle name, and how you feel about it.

Day 2: Talk about your piercings or tattoos, if you have any.

Day 3: Your favorite television program.

Day 4: Ten places you want to visit.

Day 5: Tell us your three favorite colors.

Day 6: Your favorite season, and why.

Day 7: A sport you love to watch/play..

Day 8: Two favorite movies, and why.

Day 9: Talk about your pets, past and present, or the ones you'd like to have.
Day 10: What you wanted to be as a child.
Day 11: Do you have siblings? Talk about them, or talk about what it's like to be an only child.
Day 12: Tell us your favorite junk food.
Day 13: Random fact about you.
Day 14: Your favorite Disney Princess movie.
Day 15: Your thoughts on UGG boots.
Day 16: Do you drink soda more often than milk?
Day 17: Do you wear glasses? If so, what are they for?
Day 18: Tell us about your parents.
Day 19: Your opinions on Lady Gaga.
Day 20: Tell us about the last movie you saw in theatres.
Day 21: Tell us about the last book you read.
Day 22: Your first celebrity crush(s).
Day 23: Your opinions on the television show Glee.
Day 24: Describe your mood with a picture and explain.
Day 25: What decade do you think you should have been born in?
Day 26: If you were a teacher, what subject would you teach?
Day 27: Five items you'd grab in a fire.
Day 28: Tell us about your first movie experience that you remember.
Day 29: Tell us your hopes and dreams for your child(ren). What/Who do you see them becoming, and why?
Day 30: Cap it off with a picture of your family.

Babylegs

I'll admit it, I'm obsessed. I mean, look at these!

I think Ava has 10 pairs now, but I can't help myself. These are leggings, but can be used on their arms too, when she gets older. They make changing her diapers super easy, protect her knees (when she starts taking off crawling) and they are SUPER CUTE!!

Alright, I'm done with my baby product soap box for the time being, I just thought all of you mommies should know about these! (P.S. They have boy ones too...feast your eyes, moms of boys!)

Animals, Fire Trucks, Trains, you name it. Boys can rock em' too... ok, I'm done now. :) Enjoy!

Babylegs!

Daily Motivation...(you HAVE to see this)

Maybe I should do this every morning before work. Can't hurt, right? :)

I like myself!

*Props to my sister Kimberly for introducing me to this.

Preview of our FAMILY FALL PICTURES!

Here is a one picture preview of the fall pictures that were taken by Austin Kilcullen. I am so pleased with his work, and I am so fortunate to have him record these memories for my family, and hopefully will continue to do so for years to come!

So without further adieu...

Are you following me?

Sometimes I feel like I'm writing, and very few people are reading. Or is it that they are reading, but just not commenting? Yeah, I'm fairly new to this whole blogging thing.

Give me feedback people, or I will sick my rabid dog on you. (Ok, so I don't have a rabid dog per say, but I do have a very hyper one.)

So for those of you reading, thank you! If you have any topics you'd like me to cover, or any challenges to throw my way, bring it on!

To the rest of you...follow me!

FOOD is not the Enemy...my addiction to it is.

Yeah, you heard me right. I. AM. ADDICTED. TO. FOOD.

I use it as a way to cope with my emotions, to celebrate, to wallow in self-pity, to quash boredom...

You name it, I use food to deal with it.

I'm gonna get real honest here and say that I constantly think about food, what my next meal will be, and when the next celebration will be that I can go out and eat. Does that make me crazy? Only if 43% of America is too.

Here's some scary statistics on Emotional Eating:

• One in every 100 women in the US is a victim of compulsive eating
• 5-20% of all college-going women have eating disorders
• One in three of all the dieters in the world develop compulsive eating disorders over the course of a few years
• Americans are spending more than $150 million on products relating to weight loss. Interestingly, most of these products have no medical backing and little to show by way of proven results.

http://www.emotionaleatingsolution.com/compulsive-eating-statistics.html

Scary huh? Here are some questions to ask yourself if you too, think you are addicted to food:

• Do you eat when you are not hungry or when you feel low or depressed?

• Do you eat in secret or eat differently in front of others than when you’re alone?

• Do you consume inordinate amounts of food and then purge later with vomiting or laxatives to get rid of the excess?

• Are there foods that are harmful to you, but you eat them anyway?

• Do you feel guilty after eating?

Is it sad that I answered yes to some of those questions? Yes. Is it better than I realize this, and am admitting it? Yes. But only if I do something about it. That means that whenever I look at a big fat cheeseburger, I need to see the heart attack.  When I see a bag of candy or a bar of chocolate, I need to see my children running ahead of me, and there I am collapsed on the ground. I realize that it's a bit of a stretch to put such graphic images in my head when looking at food, but I think it's necessary. Now, I'm not saying that you can never treat yourself or enjoy food. Food is meant to be enjoyed. However, you have to know how to choose the right foods to enjoy, and to do it with a happy heart. All the while knowing that you are consciously making the decision to turn down foods that are bad for you in exchange for a happy, healthy life. 

Like I said on Facebook, I'm doing this for me, but even more so for my family. I want to see my children get married and have children of their own. I want to sit in a rocking chair side-by-side with my husband when I'm old and grey. I want to live. If I continue on the path I've been on , my quality of life will suffer, and most likely my lifespan will too.

It's a battle. I will struggle every single day for the rest of my life. One day at time, right?

Thank you for allowing me to be completely open and honest, with no judgement. I leave you with this:

"The journey is the destination"

Goin' for a Walk, Mommy!

The Hatchlings class at The Red Barn goes for walk in a quadruple stroller (don't know what else to call it, it seats four. Whatever.) everyday if the weather is nice enough.

Ava just loves it. They say she is either smiley the whole time, or she falls asleep. Isn't that the life though? Layin' back, getting pushed around in beautiful weather? I'd be happy as a lark too.

 I just thought I would share a picture of her from after yesterday's walk...

(P.S. Check out those baby blues!)

Brother/Sisterly Love

Don't you think so? This is how she shows her love right now...pulling on his hair :)

Today's Ryan-ism

The other morning, Ava was playing in her bouncy seat, and getting adventurous.  Instead of just sitting correctly and playing with the plastic keys I had given her, she proceeded to twist her body around and half of her body was sticking over the side and she was straining her neck to see what was going on...(it's real cute, by the way)

So I go in there and playfully get on to her.

Me: "Ava Layne! Sit down in your chair, you silly girl!"

Ryan: (from the kitchen, while eating his breakfast) "She's just not respecting me, and she's not respecting you."

What?! Hahahaha. Oh, the things kids say.

The Dancing Sisters!

Man, these were the days. I wanted to share these because I miss dancing, and I'm feeling nostalgic. And gosh darn it, we're so cute! My sister Lora is in the white dress with the princess crown, Kimberly is in the fantastic PINK polka dotted tutu, and I'm in my favorite costume ever....the duck! (Emily, I don't even think you were here at this point. If you were, you were a wee babe, so don't feel left out---Love you!)

Enjoy!

I love you too, sweetheart.

Today's Ryan-ism

Last week, it was a day like every other.  I took Ryan to his before/after school care, and I dropped him off in his class.  I took Ava to her class, and as I walked back to my car I saw Ryan lining up with the rest of his class to get ready for the bus to come.  He already doesn't like to hug or kiss me in front of his friends (sad, I know) so instead of going up to him, I blew him a kiss from my car. He saw me, caught the kiss, and threw "it" down.  His friends were watching and giggled, because he was oh-so-cool for throwing his mommy's kiss on the ground. I laughed and then I frowned, jokingly. (Inside, I was crying!)  Well when we got home that night, I asked him why he threw my kiss away.

Ryan: "I didn't throw it away Mommy, I threw it in my heart."

That boy sure knows how to turn a sad situation into one that melts my heart. How could I be upset after that?

Weight Watchers Meetings vs. Weight Watchers Online

Sadly, I had to stop going to my weekly Weight Watchers meeting awhile back because Stephen's classes this semester were on Tuesday and Thursday nights. My regular meeting is at 6:30pm on Tuesday night, and since I have both kids, it's impossible. I hear you already: "Why don't you just take the kids with you?" Well, on Tuesdays, my mom picks up Ryan and takes him to swimming lessons and then to football practice until 7:30pm. Okay, so at this point, I only have Ava. Yeah, Yeah: "If you only have her, why don't you just take her with you?" Because her bedtime is 7pm. Call me crazy, and maybe I am, but I believe in having my kids in bed every night at the same time whenever humanly possible. I don't like to drag them around places for things that I want to do, especially when it interferes with their bedtimes.  I suppose that's why I don't go out much or do things at night, because I'm at home, with my kids in bed. I guess I'm old-fashioned that way, thinking that my place is at home with my family...

Anyhow, back to the subject at hand. Since I've had to give up my Tuesday meetings, my weight has suffered. Yes, I can follow the Weight Watchers plan on my own, but the support, recognition, and tips that I get from my meetings are what really drives me to greatness.  So as a result, I've actually gained back a bit of my weight. I truly believe that accountability is a HUGE part of weight loss.  I am so incredibly lucky to have Brigitte at work that is joining me on this journey. We are both following the Weight Watchers plan, and are doing excellent so far. But, I need that extra little push.

So, if I did WW online, I could track my weight, points, measurements, etc... They also have an online community that I could become a part of, and talk with folks like me, everyday. I already spend most of my day on a computer, so this just might be ideal.  However, I wouldn't get my "5 lb stickers" or my "10% key chain", and so forth. It may sounds dumb and so grade-school-ish, but I like being rewarded with WOW stickers every week for something that I did (or a food that I turned down).

I want this to be the LAST time that I START to lose weight. I just need to figure out which way to go.

"Lose for Good"...that's Weight Watchers motto, and now it's mine too.

Oh, honey.

How I love you...

Uh oh.

I've been drinking a little bit of Diet Coke lately, because I told myself that if I went out to eat, I would NOT get regular sprite if they didn't have Diet Mt.Dew or Sprite Zero. So since I wanted something with taste, I've been ordering Diet Coke. Now, since I had Ava, Diet Coke has tasted nasty to me. So I swore it off, only sticking to water, FF milk, Sprite Zero, and Diet Mt. Dew.

But...

Now it tastes kinda good.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Today's Ryan-ism

Ryan, Ava and I headed out on Sunday to go to Ryan's football game. This was after church, so we didn't have time to do anything for lunch besides stop at a drive-thru.  McDonald's was the closest and there was no line, so I ordered him a Happy Meal with a hamburger, apples, and Powerade.  The woman over the speaker asked me, "Is this for a boy or girl?" I of course answered, "Boy." So we got up to the window and I paid and then got his food at the next window.  I passed it back to him, and he immediately got a disgusted look on his face as he opened his bag.

Ryan: "They gave me a girl toy! What am I supposed to do with this?"

Me: (laughing) "I don't know, Ryan. I guess you can give it Ava when she gets older."

Ryan: "Great JOB McDonald's. I didn't want a girl toy, I wanted a BOY toy."

Today's Ryan-ism

This morning, I told Ryan to please go comb his hair. I heard "Ugh!" from the bathroom, and he comes into the kitchen.

Ryan:  "Mommy! I can't stand this house! It doesn't do what I want it to!" 

Me: "What are you talking about?"

Ryan: "If this doesn't quit, I'm moving."

Me: "And just where do you think you're going to be moving to?"

Ryan: "Grandma's."

Hahahaha.

**I still have no idea what he was talking about.**

My son is a nut, but I love him.

So this morning, I was running late because we all woke up late. I kept telling Ryan to: put on his shoes, put on his jacket, turn out his light in bedroom, etc....He kept coming up with excuses as to why he had to do something else first before doing what I asked him to do. I finally had to say, "RYAN! NOW!!" He did it, but then got mad and went into his room and closed the door. I went about my business and got Ava in her clothes, changed her diaper, etc. I went to get Ryan, and there was a note outside of his closed door.:







PRICELESS.

I love that boy, even if he IS mad at me :)

A new High Pointe....maybe?!

So tonight I'm doing something different. Thanks to Wendy, I'm going to meet with Jacob Finn, personal trainer extraordinaire (so I've heard!) for a consultation at High Pointe.  High Pointe is primarily a full-service physical therapy clinic. But apparently they have wellness service too, such as personal training, and that's something that I have always wanted to do, but could never afford. Well, I still can't. But apparently there are different programs and/or options that I can choose from.  I am so excited!

I'll admit, I'm a little embarrassed to even go in the first place. I know, I know. Personal training is about getting me into shape. I realize that they are not expecting me to show up all hard-bodied and such. I just hate this weight that I have on me, and I feel like a different person than what I see in the mirror. I hate clothes, and I want to love them.

I'm hoping that this turns out to be something great!

**Special shout out to David Griffin, who I love. His Cowboy's Bootcamp helped me in more ways that I can even write here. I definitely plan on going back when I can afford it/when the time of the class is to where I can make it.**

So Long, Fiber One Strawberry Poptarts...

Ok, this is one more food I need to cut out, because I can't help myself. I craved strawberry pop tarts when I was pregnant with Ava, and I allowed myself to have them. But.....I'm not pregnant anymore! I did switch from Poptarts brand to Fiber One, justifying to myself that it was ok, that these were somehow healthier. And maybe they are in some way, with the extra fiber and all, but when I eat both pop tarts in the package, it is 7 WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS. SEVEN! Yeah, the nutritional facts on the box say serving size is 1 pastry, and that is only 3 points. So do they really think that by packaging two of them together, I'm only going to eat one? Gah.

I need to just swear these off. My husband eats them for breakfast sometimes, so they will still be in the house. So how do I get away from them? Picture my son saying what he said a few months ago, about my weight? Picture myself with diabetes like my dad? That should do it. I'm disgusted with myself. I used to have so much willpower before I got pregnant! In fact, I was more than halfway to my goal. Now I'm starting all over. Not much fun, I tell ya. Having Ava was DEFINITELY worth it, but it doesn't make it easy.

Do you have any foods that you swear off, because you know you'll go overboard? Or have you learned how to manage it?

(Ummm, on second thought....I think I need to add Weight Watchers Ice Cream Candy Bars to my banned list too.....)

"Women"

My dear friend Christen posted this, and I just had to share. I think it's fantastic.

                                                                                    

God doesn't give you the people you want, He gives you the people you NEED. To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be.



One Flaw In Women



Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.



They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.



They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.



They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.



They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.



They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.



Women come in all shapes, sizes and colours.



They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.



The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.



They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.



Women have vital things to say and everything to give.



HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,


IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Nature Walk!

I had a great time this weekend with my family.  On Saturday I took Ryan and Ava on a "nature walk" around the neighborhood.  I say nature walk because I let Ryan take his "collection box" and pick up rocks, sticks, plastic bits, old glasses, earrings, whatever he could find.  He thought this was the most awesome thing ever.  He kept holding things up for me to see and he would say, "Mommy! Look! This one is interesting."

I love that kid.

I have been meaning to take the kids on a walk for quite some time, but we finally ventured out.  Ava was happy as a lark in her stroller, just chewing away on Sophie. See?




After about half an hour, Ryan had to run into the house and grab a plastic bag to gather more stuff. He had already filled his box up! Ava was starting to get tired and hungry, so we headed back to the house. After situating Ava, Ryan went on the back deck and sorted all of his "interesting stuff". He has quite a collection!


And no, he didn't find that little green hamster.  That is the newest addition to our family, Chickadoodle. He's a Ninja Kung Zhu pet. Oh yes. He even has ninja armor and swords too. I guess he was taking a breather in this picture.  All in all, our walk was a great success, and I can't wait to take the kids out again.  I just hope there's more stuff built up along the way for Ryan to pick up, because I seriously think he got it all on our first round.

This is what life's about. Enjoying the wonderful weather, spending good, quality time with your kids, and being thankful for all God has blessed you with. I certainly did:)