The Martin's never a dull moment

Happy New Year!

2011-01-08T09:55:00.006-05:00

First off. Wondering where I have been??

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

How has everyone been enjoying your new year so far? I have enjoyed the holidays, even though I worked the entire holiday. It is my job, I chose it. I knew that when I started this career that it involved working holidays. My family also knew that.

It was my year to host Christmas and of course I also had to work. Thank goodness for my Mother in law. She got everything ready while I was at work. We had a house full which made for an enjoyable Christmas. There were 14 of us in all.

The kids had a ball. The got enough (some would say too much) stuff but I think it was the first year that they have actually played with everything that they got. They got things that they wanted so I think that, that made a big difference. Things on their list that were big hits were, DSI for Ty and imaginext. Dalton's big thing was his remote control helicopter, and a couple new video games. Both of them got the stampede Nerf gun so all I have been doing is picking up darts. Here area few pictures of Christmas morning, before everyone arrived.

We had real fun with Dalton this year. He has been looking so forward to going downhill skiing this year. There are usually two school trips in January. One is around $30 the other is around $65. I told him that we would pay for the cheaper one and that if he wanted to go on the second trip he would have to pay for the second. So he has been saving his money to go. Even though he was finding things that he could have better spent his money on so he thought. But he didn't, he saved it.

On the last day of school before the holidays, I called the teacher in charge of the school trips and arranged to have Dalton's big ski trip paid for. It would be one of his Christmas gifts. So she made up a big gift certificate for him and it was to be brought home to me. He always brings important stuff home from school. Guess what. This time he forgets. The one and only time. Figures right? Lucky for us the janitor was in the school so I could get it out of his desk. So Idecided after that I was going to have a little fun with him.

I wrapped it up three times. First, in a small cereal box. Then a Kraft dinner box. Then a nutragrain box. Finishing off with a pizza box. The outside box was labeled "Dalton's coolest Christmas present". After he took off the first wrapper, he had instructions that he had to follow. I will try to attach the video if I can. ( success I think) We were more amused than I think he was, but at the same time he was thrilled to death. So now you can get some amusement too.

I think we all ate too much, snacked too much and didn't get enough exercise. The kids spent a lot of time outside in the garage with their Dad. Riding skidoo's in the earlier part of the holidays. Now all the snow is long gone with our high temperatures and rainy weather.

Our New Year started out with a bang and a scream. Literally. We had company for the evening, friends, played cards, had a drink, some snacks and some laughs. Good time had by all I think. We headed to bed around 1:30am. Then around 3am. I heard a bone shrilling scream. I jump up to find Dalton standing in his room crying and bleeding everywhere. He had fallen and cut himself quite badly on a remote control skidoo. I quickly rushed him to the bathroom found him a rag and saw how bad the cut was. It was about 3 1/2 inches wide and flesh was hanging out. Quite a nasty cut actually. So we cleaned it up, got a tight sock and bandaged it up. He cried and tried to be tough, but he is only 10 and it was a dandy.

I cleaned up the blood on the carpet. Quickly. Got him out to the van and to the hospital. We waited from 3:30am until 5:50am. Then they came and stitched him up. Ten stitches in all. It amazed me how long it takes when no one came in or out from the time we got there till the time we got called in yet it still took 2 3/4 hours to be seen. New Year's Day was a write off. Dalton and I laid around all day napping. Pretty isn't it??

So now that we have all gained 5 or so pounds from the holidays, it is time to get back at it. I got a new elliptical. New to me that is. So I am excited to get at it. I have to figure out a way to find the time again for myself with working, being a wife and mother, kids’ activities and actually getting time to fit it in with some sleep. I am determined to get it done and to be down at least another 40 pounds by the end of the summer. I haven't got "big" goals but I feel that they are actually realistic. That is an average of 5 pounds a month. If it is more that is good but if I make the 5 a month I am thrilled. If I continue to be realistic than I will be successful and not beat myself up about it.

Do you believe in making resolutions? I don't. I figure if you want to do something you shouldn't have to wait for a new year to do it. Promises that you make to others are important however, it seems that promises we make to ourselves aren't so important. With that said....

I will make the best of this healthiness journey in 2011. Not a promise. Not a resolution. A statement to my family. A lifestyle for my family. An investment for my family.

How will you start out your 2011?

Do you make resolutions??

New toy.... LOVE IT!

2010-08-06T07:05:00.006-05:00

So I got me a new toy. A mio watch. I love it. It tells me how many calories I have burned after I exercise. You set it before you go with your heart rate and then randomly several times during your exercise and it calculates how many calories you urned. The more often you check your heart rate the more accurate it is.

Today when I walked I burned 584 calories. 6kms in an hour. I like it. It was seen on the Dr.Phil show. It was on sale at Canadian tire so that was also a bonus. I have been watching for a while now for something like this. keeps you motivated. Helps you burn.

Some have a polar watch... Do you have one? How do you calculate your caloric burn?

Look out Billy the kid....

2010-07-31T18:13:00.002-05:00

When Darin is home we try to spend sometime together as a family. He doesn't get holidays per say because he is a seasonal employee so if he wants time off it is unpaid time. So this happens rarely. But it has been known to happen.

This is one of the things recently that we went to as a family. A town not too far from us has a wild west weekend. So we decided that we would take to boys and see if they would like it. No question, they did.

First thing.... cowboy hats.... Good price really only $10.00 each.

Then the parade..... this was just one of the things they had... The stage coach.

Then a little drink at the Saloon..... Tyson had to fight off the show girl..."awww shucks he's cute".

Then a little panning for gold as the sun got hot!! Look Mom I got some!!

Then a visit to the petting zoo.... goats, crocodiles, and lemurs....oh my!

They even had the worlds smallest pony.... only a foot and a half tall!

Tyson thought the best part was the pony ride!

Then the boys waited for the train that only passed through once a week...... long wait! Tyson was not impressed when the actually thought he had to wait a week!!

Then the old west shoot out!!

Then we waited... and waited.... For what you might ask...

(Doesn't Ty look just like a farmer in this pic..exclude the buzz light year. He loves John Deere and the hat so suits him. My little cowboy!)

The Wild West bank robbery...Billy the kid and his gang robbed the bank...

after a little chase, shoot out,and round up the gang was arrested by the sheriff and his deputies...

Billy the kid.., you ask..... He didn't fair out too well..

All in all the kids had a good time. They had a great day.

happy birthday Grandma

2010-07-31T06:46:00.002-05:00

This is a very old picture as you can tell by the size of Tyson and Dalton however I like this picture.

Happy birthday to my mother in law. Not only is she turning 65 today but she found out that her boss is closing up shop and so she is retired. She intended to anyway but now she has earlier than she planned.

Honestly, I don't think she is complaining.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

WE LOVE YOU!

oh and happy retirement too!

Hey fattie wanna get a burger??

2010-07-28T20:22:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you have been running so much that you finally take a day to stay home? I did today.

I had all of Dalton's wet camp stuff to go and wash, laundry to put away. Our regular laundry, the stuff from the cottage to finish putting away. The dog is shedding in a big way, so vacuuming is a must. I have dishes from last night. Beds to change since everyone has been away. I haven't dusted in a month. Needless to say I am sure that you get the point.

So after supper I finally sat my fanny on the couch and just was too tired to move. I had everything on my list done. And a few extra things. I though that I was just too tired to venture out on a walk.

So there I sat when Darin asks...." not going for a walk?".

I say...."gosh I am tired, I had a busy day."

Darin says...." Hey fattie wanna go get a burger?"

( most people right now who are reading this, their jaw just dropped but for anyone who knows Darin you are probably laughing because you can totally hear him saying that)

I say... "thanks smart ass!"

Darin says.. " I knew you'd get sick of it and we would grow old and fat together".

I said..." Old maybe but not fat, again smart ass!"

Darin then says...." are you mad enough yet to go for your walk?"

I smiled, kissed him, thanked him and got my shoes on and left for my walk. Then had a swim afterwards.

One thing about Darin, he has such a suttle way to make a point doncha think??

guess who came for dinner..

2010-07-27T06:12:00.001-05:00

Scott and Colleen came for dinner. Dalton made Scott a marble cake for his birthday last Friday. The boys were so happy to see them. Dalton was so proud that he managed to swirl the cake perfectly.

It was great. We all had a piece, some of us even had 2! We had roasted potatoes, salad, corn on the cob ( which was Divine) and steak on the BBQ it was the perfect super!

Love you Scotty, Happy Birthday!

pick up Dalton & cottage

2010-07-24T07:27:00.005-05:00

Today we headed out early to pick Dalton up from camp. I have to be there around 11 am to get him. So we headed out early to go so I could drop Darin and Tyson off at terry and Steph 's cottage. It is about 10 or so minutes from Dalton's camp.

So then I headed out to get Dalton. As always he was a challenge to find, running with his friends and doing last minute crafts, packing stuff, etc. He was excited to see me and after the short get together service so we can enjoy a taste of what they have been up to all week and have lunch together we headed back to the cottage.

I wanted to go and get my walk in so after a swim, I changed and got on my way. i was sort of sorry after about the first 10minutes but there was no way I was turning back once I had set off. the reason you ask? I think I fed every horse fly in Sharbot lake. They were non stop at me but it just encouraged me to walk faster. It was ridiculous! Seriously. terry said I could have warned you but you were gone before I realized it!!

When I returned, they had started supper. I knew we were having beef ribs for supper that was one of the reasons that I didn't want to miss my walk. they were so stinking good. But you know what? I so paid for it later. Now that I don't eat that way (greasy food) so much anymore, I though I was going to die. I was awake at 2am wishing I could get sick so I could feel just a bit better. Can't see me eating them again for a long time!

So there was a new pup at the cottage this year. He name is Abby. Terry and Steph have had her only a few days now. Max had to be put down. he was a great dog and adored by all. But they couldn't let him suffer any longer with his breathing condition and heat and humidity made it worst. Steph was just so lonely without him that she got Abby. These are a few pics of how spoiled she will be and what a nut she is already.

Seriously have you ever seen a dog sleep like this??? How crazy is that?

The funniest part of the whole weekend was the crazy pup. We would fill up King's water dish ( our dog, the Shepherd in the background) and she would play in it.

I posted the video of her and she would do this every time we filled up the dish and she noticed it! Crazy pup.

Thanks for the weekend Terry and Steph as always we had a great time on the boat and in the lake and in general with you guys!

how did you spend your week??

2010-07-23T07:26:00.002-05:00

Well , it was a quiet week with no kids here. I haven't walked since Monday. I have been out staining everyday. I just felt the deck was so important and without Tyson here it was so much easier and I worked everyday 3-11pm so it was difficult to fit it in. I feel OK since it is work but not cardio. I had to get it done while I could. Steph came down to help and we will be doing theirs once ours is complete. Easy way to work together and get them done. The spindles are the worst part. but generally I think it looks pretty darn good. I have to admit though I am glad it is done. ( almost)
Happy Birthday to Scotty today too. We love you very much and are glad that you are such an important part of our life!! Love you tons!

called home

2010-07-20T07:15:00.001-05:00

Birthdays. Not such a big deal. In fact I spent the morning painting with Tyson.

Steph came by today to see me with Lauryn. They brought me a gift. A beautiful picture of he that Leslie took. My favorite one. One of my many faves. And a gift card. I love it. Thanks Williams family.

Tyson had lots of hugs and kisses for me this morning too.

I have to work today, but first I have to drop Tyson off at Mom's and then a lovely staff meeting. Mom also had a gift card for me. I asked for them because I wanted to finish off the white stone in my front flower beds. I'll post a picture later when I finish them.

Once I got to work all the girls wished me a happy birthday and Angela gave me a mall gift card too. And lots more hugs from my friends that I have at work.

After that, I got to work and into the meeting when the phone rang. The girls gave me the phone and on the other end was Dalton calling from camp to wish me a happy birthday. He sang it to me. I cried. Silly I know but I did. The girls all commented on how he is such a special kid. I loved that and it was probably the best gift I got all day.

I found out after that Dalton had a lonesome night that night. Andrea told me he was homesick after calling. Last year when he called home he talked to Dad. He was fine. So as much as I loved it, I think next year he will have to not call home. I can't be selfish and put him through that. Not fair to him. even though I didn't make him call, I can't have him upset. He is there to have fun and learn not worry about all of us at home and what he is missing.

Kids gone....

2010-07-18T06:10:00.004-05:00

So today was the day. Dalton was up at 6am. Normal for Tyson but not Dalton. We had breakfast and got ready for church and a way we went. Dalton knew as soon as church was over it was time to soon head out to camp. I had packed all his stuff last night and finished it up this morning. Dalton can't wait to go. He is hoping his camp leader is there again this year. Andrea travels from New Brunswick with her entire family to run the camp for a couple of weeks. Dalton adores her but we are unsure if she will be there again this year. Dalton is also unsure of how many of his friends will be there from last year. He is hoping to see some of them again, especially Cole and Josh.

This year he is taking another camper with him, Brock. He is also from our church. Dalton is going crazy today. It has to be the single most thing he loves to do that doesn't involve video games, television and riding his bike. His favorite things all left behind for camp. And he can't wait.

At church his was wished a safe and happy trip, and given lots of hugs. And away we went. We arrived home had some lunch and packed up the van and we were on our way. A soon as we pulled in all we heard from the back seat was.... Mom... there's Andrea... there's Cole.... there's Josh. He was so excited. I don't know how to tell you that he was thrilled. I have never seen Dalton so excited. Not even on Christmas. I teared up. I couldn't believe that this camp has impacted him so greatly that he has made such a connection here with these special people. I believe it is one of the things that makes Dalton who he is. You can't even bottle the joy that he had.

He wandered around for a bit, found more of his friends, talked with Andrea and then got his cabin number. He was Jr camper this year so he got to be above the hill. He was excited and ran up to pick his bed and meet his counsellors and cabin mates.

Dalton found his bed and quickly unpacked his stuff. And I mean quickly. So he could find his friends again!

It may have taken him 2 minutes tops! Then we got him a few new camp shirts and he was telling me I could go, he was good. I love the independence but hate that he doesn't need me so much anymore. One last stop to tag his shirts, put them away and grab his friends for a picture and we were gone.

Dalton's cabin was the corner one but most of his friends were in the cabin room next to him. Didn't matter to him though he was at camp with them that was enough.

Tyson couldn't then wait to get back home because he was going to Scott and Colleens for the night. So we got home had some supper and headed over there. Do you think he was in a hurry? Looking back saying come on Mom. I had a visit with them too, they gave me a lovely bath set for my birthday and then I went home to bed. I have to work in the am early. Then I will scoop Tyson up to go back home for the night then off to the trailer with him Tuesday. I am glad that I have such independent children with so many special people in their lives. Life isn't about having money, stuff and popularity. This is what life is all about. And I am thankful for it.

Maybe it took losing everything to figure that out when we had the house fire, or maybe it is just realizing that we are appreciative of what we have now, since stuff is just that stuff. And the things that matter most are the things that are closest to you that have no monetary value at all.

good Day...

2010-07-17T06:09:00.002-05:00

My Birthday is Tuesday but the kids will both be gone. Dalton leaves for camp (which he can't wait) tomorrow and Tyson leaves on Tuesday afternoon to go to the trailer with my parents. I work all this week so the kids are going on vacation without us. They both love going to the trailer with my parents. My Mom used to babysit them but now they are older Dalton only goes to visit, and Tyson only gets there on his non school days. for both of them it isn't nearly enough.

So we decided to have a little special evening tonight. We started out with getting pizza, after supper we headed over to dairy queen. I know that supper was already out of my calories but it was my birthday. Well kinda. Don't get me wrong, I haven't given up but for one day I am going to let myself enjoy food. Enjoy life, and indulge with my kids. It won't be a habit but if I don't let go once in a while, I will never make it through anything because I feel deprived and give in.

We decided to go to Dairy Queen because cake just means we all eat that crap for a week till it's gone. This way we all got what we wanted, ate what we wanted and when it was gone there was no leftovers to munch on. I had a blizzard. Calories for the day in that puppy alone. But I didn't stress I enjoyed every bit of it.

We went to the park and ate our treats and then we came back home.

I was feeling very full and hadn't walked yet today so Dalton and headed out Kerri was just getting home so we asked her to come with us. She did. She walked right along like a trooper and did a great job. (even though I had no doubts.) She questioned the distance of the walk. I thought it was 5kms we were walking. Kerri pointed out that it had to be more, she had clocked it part way with her car one day. So guess what I did it and it turns out that we have been walking 6. 1 kms everyday. Yay us! Thanks Kerri what a great no cost gift for my Birthday. LOVE IT!!

So I got home and we had company. Tina and Mike were here. Had a little visit with them and I found that I felt a lot better after my walk.

So I had a great day even though it was only kinda my birthday!! We were together and happy and enjoying the life that we share.

I love my family.

pool baby!!

2010-07-16T22:54:00.005-05:00

One thing is for sure this little gal loves the pool. We have been taking her in regularly now. She has started to kick her feet and let us know she is in there. She doesn't even mind the boys splashing so much. After the first few days and all the sun, even though we were careful, we got her a hat.

Dalton picked this one out. Pink with flowers. We added the ribbons after. I am still on a mission to find her a bonnet. She can't help looking so darn cute!The heat has been so warm and with Steph and I walking everyday, she is just as warm as we are when we get back so, she goes in the pool with us. Not to mention the few extra calories burnt in the pool. There has also been days where she is just so darn fussy about the heat that we have put her in the pool. Never fails that after her head is wet and she has cooled down a bit we know her fist is at her mouth and she is for sure ready to eat.

Doesn't she looked so relaxed after the pool and some chow?

Now wait a sec..or a least a few minutes....this is relaxed!!!The pool has many benefits for Lauryn. ( shh and Mom!!)

We loves that darn babe!! How could you not?

going to the trailer ...

2010-07-15T22:50:00.005-05:00

We went to my parents trailer today. It was a beautiful day. My kids had a great time. Dalton was there about 2 minutes and realized his friend Katelyn was there and he was gone down to her water trampoline. Tyson on the other hand wasn't so lucky. He got stuck back at the trailer with us. My Mom had purchased a little pool for Tyson so we filled it up. He did his darnest to get everybody in it with him!! He managed to convince a few!!

Auntie Angino ( as he calls her)

And Dalton....

But then he was all on his own... and by the looks of it he managed quite well. because he spent the next 2 hours doing this...it's sideways but you'll manage and get the point.

On the lifestyle front, I have given up on the scale. I have decided it is not my friend. I feel good, I am walking everyday almost and I have been keeping my food on tact. No emotional or bored eating happening. So whatever it says is just a number. I am doing what I need to do and I have just decided that the scale will not determine how I will let myself feel.

don't get me wrong I am still going to weigh myself but I am not going to let it determine my mood. Or how good I feel.

Proud Momma and Daddy!

2010-07-14T18:39:00.003-05:00

Here is my little man sporting his new trophy! Last night was his last night at soccer. I would have gotten a picture of it at the soccer field but, I had to work. I left at 6:30pm. His Auntie Tracy came and got him. So she got to see him play and get his trophy.

He also got to go to Reid's and get a treat so for that he was thrilled.

Here is the animated face......

Here is the "I am just so darned cute face!"

He is so proud of himself, almost as proud as we are of him!

Thanks Auntie, I don't know what we would do without you coming to the rescue. Tyson would have missed this great day! Love you!!

Me inspiring...... I think not... well maybe???

2010-07-14T17:06:00.001-05:00

I had an interesting phone call today. I was surprised to hear the voice on the other end. It was Kerri. She is our neighbour down the street. Our kids all go to school together, they have been in the same classes. They play together and generally we have intertwining lives at times.

I wasn't so much surprised to hear from Kerri, but actually surprised at what she said. She had been talking to another friend of ours and had been discussing this blog. Kerri has been trying to get her health straight ( and her weight) and she got reading here. She said I was an inspiration to her.....really me???? Never thought of that. I just did it for me. at no point did I think that I might inspire anyone. I am glad that I have but, it doesn't seem possible that I did. I am thrilled for Kerri.

She has offered to come walking with me at anytime she can, and I think that is great. There are days that Steph can't walk or I can't at a good time that suits us both so it will work out great!

Thanks Kerri, that phone call was just to boot in the fanny I needed to! Funny how we don't realize the impact that we have on others good or bad until it happens.

So this is what we had for supper tonight and it was good. Low on the calories side too!

It is sliced zucchini ( in matchsticks), diced onion and tomatoes. Some rice noodles and bake in the oven with 1/2 cup cheese (ground with a small grater) for 30 minutes and this is what you get. It was good and quite filling too. Even Darin and the kids ate it.

So just to put it out there... think about how your actions and reactions effect others because maybe just maybe we all could effect someone in the same negative or positive way and not think of it.

Thanks Kerri, I will be smiling for the next few days with that esteem boost from you!!

off to the movie again...

2010-07-13T21:59:00.005-05:00

Well Dalton wanted to go see Eclipse so bad....that well.... a certain 19 year old just kinda offered to take him. Can you tell by the smile on his face that he was oh so excited to go?? I took this picture after the movie and he was still just as happy.

Unfortunately we never seem to get to spend enough time with our families. Everybody has their own things going on but this week has sure been fun! Thanks Leah! Anytime your feeling lonely and blue just call us we'll take up some of your time!

Dalton loved going to the movie with you! He will go anytime. If you want to go Friday he can go too. We'll see what we can work out.

We love you! Dalton says a BIG THANKS!! AND BIG HUGS!!

bestfriends..fun and ice cream...

2010-07-12T20:24:00.002-05:00

So after our picnic lunch Dalton couldn't wait to get home. He had called his bud Keaton to come down this afternoon. they had planned a fun afternoon playing games, swimming in the pool and playing with Star wars stuff.

However not too long after Keaton got there the clouds opened up and the rain came. heavy rain. Very heavy rain. It was nice, cooled everything off a bit but man did it rain.

So we had some supper and the kids decided that they were going to make some ice cream sundaes. ( Les look away lol) Sprinkles and all. They had fun. I even had a little one minus the sprinkles and extra stuff. Part of this journey is to enjoy life. it isn't all about losing weight. It's about learning how to live my life with food. Not to live my life without it. And gosh darn it it WILL include a little sundae once in a while.

They ate it all right up too then they had a game of James Bond with Darin. All I can hear upstairs is Keaton's giggle, Dalton complaining that Darin is kicking their butts and Darin devilishly laughing along with Keaton. I am glad that Dalton has such special friends in his life that he can make memories with.

The boys posing for the camera with ice cream faces!! lol

Picnic and a walk

2010-07-12T14:33:00.004-05:00

The boys have been missing their Grandma and so they decided that we would do something special for her today. Dalton called her last Friday and told her not to make any plans for lunch today. That was all he told her.

We arrived at her house about 12:15pm and we had a special surprise for her. We had a picnic packed. We had stopped at the walmart and picked up a BBQ chicken dinner. It had chicken, taters, salad and some rolls. We brought the drinks, water desert and some little things like grapes, and crackers and cheese. The boys had also brought her a small plant. Because Grandma loves flowers and plants.

She was surprised.

So we went to the park not too far from her house and had our picnic. We had some lunch and then we decided that since they had finished the little boardwalk that we would take a little walk and try it out.

The kids of course looked over the edge and saw some turtles and fish. Giving their mother a panic attack the whole time, and then they would complain about the walking it was about 2 miles of walking. They did well, we just strolled but it was warm.

Funny how kids can play in a park all day getting sweaty and never notice the heat, but they notice when they aren't doing something as fun.

We stopped a couple of times in the shade for the kids to cuddle her hot or not then we dropped her off back at home. It was a good time and we had fun with Grandma. I am glad that my boys have such a good relationship with their families. One day they will need them.
So after our sensible and practical lunch and burning a few extra calories to add to my walk this morning, we had a great day!

Thanks for spending the day with us Grandma!

We love you!

pool party!!

2010-07-11T08:37:00.001-05:00

After a full few days we were invited to go over to Scott and Colleen's for a small pool party. So with Leah and the kids in tow away we went.

The kids were excited to see Sean and Leslie and Mason there as well. They spent the entire afternoon in the pool swimming. Poor Sean must have been tired out from towing Dalton around in the pool all afternoon.

We had some great fajitas and snacks. most of all we had a great time. Thanks for having us. We love you guys terribly and don't know what we would ever do without you in our lives!!

After we got home, I tucked the kids into bed and I went for my walk. It was still warm but it was good. It makes me feel so much better when I walk everyday.

Leah and Lauryn

2010-07-10T08:42:00.004-05:00

Todd and Steph went to a Wedding tonight. Congrats Mark and Jamie.

Darin and Dalton went to the sprint car races. Tyson, Leah and I had the best fun though.

We had some company. Which we loved. Lauryn came to visit and so did Leah. Lets just say by the smile on Leah's face that she had a good evening.

Thanks for the great time and to Todd and Steph for entrusting pumpkin to us for the evening...even if it didn't turn out how you had planned it!

Despicable Me.......

2010-07-09T08:44:00.005-05:00

Today was a rushed day. The boys wanted to go and see "Despicable me". It came out today at the movie theatre. It said SOLD OUT on the Internet yesterday but when I was there last night with Leah I asked and they said it wasn't.

So up I got this morning. I walked before it got too hot, came home we went in the pool for a bit. Ran into town got our tickets for the 1:30pm showing. Ran to pizza Hut to meet Nick and Evelyn for lunch. ( Thank you Evelyn by the way). Went to Canadian Tire to get a clothes line. Which I love. Then off to the movie.

The kids loved it. It was very cute for the kids. They were glued to their seats for the entire movie. i am just hoping that Tyson didn't get too many bad ideas from it! Some days I think I could write a movie with the same title for him!

I made good choices as far as the pizza went but gosh darn it I love the cinnibites!! Never the less still glad I walked this am. Not an excuse but I just don't feel as guilty if I hadn't.

Eclipse

2010-07-08T08:43:00.003-05:00

Tonight I went to Eclipse with my niece Leah. She was looking for someone to go and I was available. Lucky me! We saw the movie. My favorite part was when Edward says..." I guess he's never heard of a shirt" I laughed and thought it was quite amusing.

Now I have to watch New Moon. Yes it is the second movie and yes I should have seen it first but oops. Nope. Good thing Leah had it for me to borrow. I'm not sure when I'll get a sec but it is here for me to do that.

On the weight loss, lifestyle change front. I have been finding it so hard to stay focused food wise. It is so hot. I hate getting everything ready. Everything seems a challenge. I am walking everyday almost. I try not to miss a day. I am not overeating but I am eating the wrong stuff because by the time I get the meal ready for everyone else I just couldn't be bothered to eat it and later when it has cooled off a bit in the evening, then I want to eat but I know I shouldn't.

My weight hasn't gone up or down. But I certainly wish it would! This is the frustrating part and I wish my body was normal like other people! But unfortunately it is what it is.

I love summer because of the great weather, the pool, the outdoors but this is the one thing I hate about it!

Out visiting......

2010-07-07T13:36:00.002-05:00

So after soccer, we headed over to Scott and Colleen's house. The boys had gotten Scotty a chrome licence plate cover for his motorcycle for father's day. It just arrived yesterday so they wanted to take it over. They weren't home so we were in the neighbourhood of some of my kids other favorite people and Dalton hadn't seen them to give them his big news.

We stopped over at Nicole and Mike's house. They are both teachers. Dalton was at their door knocking and Mike seemed surprised to see him but happy. So we went in and visited for a while. Dalton gave them his news of passing, who would be his teacher next year ( not Nicole's mom :( who is a teacher at his school) and how he brought his math mark back up to an A. They were thrilled. He whined a bit because I bought him a comprehension book to work on over the summer and that kinda backfired, forgetting they are both teachers and they said good for your mom. Yeah, he wasn't happy.

Nicole gave Tyson the hose, yea that was fun for 20 minutes till he turned on us! Then ya, not so much. Mike got some good belly giggles out of him. We had a good visit but we had to run. We love them so much and am glad that we can still be a part of their lives and them ours even though they have moved away from our school and teaching our kids. Hopefully Nicole will come back in time to teach Tyson. We are hoping and it might be a possibility so our fingers and toes are crossed.

So then we headed back to Scott's & Colleens. since they were both already wet from the hose, they jumped right in their pool. After a swim, some snuggles and some treats we were finally on our way back home. What a long day, water park, soccer, visit Nicole and mike, then swimming, and Scott & colleen. Just a great fun filled day all the way around.

Did I mention how much I love summer nights?

Soccor boy...

2010-07-06T22:45:00.003-05:00

It took Tyson a bit but he seems to have finally gotten the hang of this soccer thing. He likes to go. even though it is so hot out, he runs around that field sweat just a running down his little face. I will kinda secretly be glad when he is done because it has been so hot that I worry about them passing out.

I don't know if he will play again next year but I am so proud of how well he has done now near then end.

Considering we went to the water park all day I was surprised that he was so energetic tonight in the heat.

Way to go little man you are my soccer star!

Mom and Dad a proud of you!

water park

2010-07-06T07:11:00.008-05:00

Today after our walk we ventured out to the local water park. We had made plans to meet up with some other friends. the Pottiers. Sidney and Dalton have been in the same class since jk. And her little brother Ryan is in Tyson's class now. So how perfect that we spend the day together.This is Ryan smiling on purpose. Funny boy!

Tyson loves it the most. His class came here for their field trip at the end of the year. Dalton is getting a bit older but as you can see him in the back ground of this picture I think that he made it work.

The kids had a great time going from the park back to the water park. They would have wet bums and they would really go on the slides that are plastic. in fact I had to stand at the bottom and catch them because they were sliding off right into the playground on their bums. I was only in the sun 20 minutes and got burnt to a crisp I might add.

Nick, Dalton's friend also came with us. As you can see even though they complained that they were too big to "play" in the park, I think they had some fun!

As you can see Tyson loves it!!

So we had a picnic and then went to the dairy for an ice cream treat.
I was wishing that I had brought my camera in the dairy. Ryan was damp from the park. He had a big dish of ice cream, and his lips were blue. He was shivering like crazy and we were laughing but there was no way he was giving up that ice cream it was hilarious.

Thank you for the great day Suzanne and Sidney and Ryan we had a ton of fun!!

Walking and pool!!

2010-07-05T22:49:00.002-05:00

After walking on these hot hot days. I am so glad that we have a pool. When your skin is grimy, sweaty and gross there is nothing better than jumping into that pool.

Steph has been bringing Lauryn. She is loving the pool too. She kickes her little legs and had a great time. We will get her a hat today though because she hates the sun and I am worried about her little skin even though I cover her from the sun. Steph took pics but I will have to get her to post them so I can scoop them up and show you!

So I am walking and getting extra movement in the pool and I am feeling great. What more could I ask for!

School is out!!

2010-07-04T08:05:00.002-05:00

And my kids couldn't be more thrilled. Both of them passing and making long list of what they would like to do this summer.

Dalton's list......

church camp
Nan's trailer
beach
wonderland
go carts
drive in

Tyson's list

eat
nan's trailer
eat
pool
eat
water park
eat
play with his friends
eat.

It's a good thing Tyson is a goer because he likes to eat a lot!! lol I am glad he picks good things to munch on even if it isn't fruit and veggies. He picks baked crackers, low fat cheese strings, baby bells, cereal bars. He is also growing and he likes water so he is doing OK.

I am happy on the other hand to report that I am walking at least 5 days a week and at least 5kms. most I walk 6 but if I can't get it in I don't stress. it is what it is. Steph pushes me to go and since my feet are still good in my new shoes we have managed to drop 10 minutes off our time.

I am also happy to report that I have sworn off the scale. I obsess about it too much and tucked it away for a week or so and just see if I can manage to not drive myself crazy.

Then again your probably thinking... how far can she possibly go, that she isn't already?? lol

Apple note.

2010-07-04T08:04:00.001-05:00

Since my scanner is giving me grief.... I guess I'll just have to tell you instead of show you.

Dalton's teacher had little apple notes that she left for each of them on their desks on the last day of school.

Dalton's read....."You are a respectful person. You are quick to help me with the smart board and I appreciate it. I also think that it's awesome how kind you are to the younger grades."

Maybe I should bring ms. Van Huizen home to meet the Dalton that lives with Tyson. Maybe she would see another side.

Never the less it means a lot to the kids that she took the time to leave them all notes.

New shoes...

2010-06-24T22:07:00.003-05:00

Have you seen these shoes?? I have seen the commercials. I watched that beautiful fanny prance around half naked, tanned legs and all that. Thinking the whole time. Yeah that chick hasn't had kids yet. Regardless, a friend of mine has them, I teased her about them at first. I have looked at them before at Sport check but could not imagine paying over $100.00 for a pair of shoes.

Well I was at Costco on Thursday and they were only $49.99 so I decided to try them. I read all the benefit's for your legs, calf's, fanny, abs etc. I read about all the good things it helps. I know I will never have and *ss like the one on television but... here is the thing. I have issues with my feet. I have what the Dr described as carpel tunnel but in my feet. My toes burn and get numb when I walk or stand for any time at all. So I walk everyday for the exercise. At least 5kms. It bothers my feet. I have shin splints in my left leg too. I can't win.

I purchased these shoes. I have wore them walking three days now. First day...shins splints were non existent. (they happen everyday when I walk) The heat and numbness in my toes, they get hot still but the numbness is gone. Do I think it's the shoes. You bet. Because when I put my old shoes on I can feel my calf's. They feel different. I wear New Balance runners all the time, so I generally have good shoes on my feet. My stomach muscles this morning are sore too! So it means these shoes actually do what they say. I am just grateful for my feet! Steph says that I am even walking faster ( probably because I am not in so much pain).

So I must say, I like my new shoes. Have you got a pair? What so you think? If you don't and you walk or run... I suggest get a pair!!

report cards...

2010-06-24T11:46:00.001-05:00

So school is out for another year. My kids are thrilled to be done. today was their last day. Tyson asked for chocolate suckers for his class meanwhile Dalton wanted me to make chocolate cupcakes.

I always try to make and participate in all the stuff for school with my kids but when they ask you for extra special treats for their classes it makes it harder for me. I did well and didn't eat anything.

The treats made it to school untouched and in tact. Even with a few to spare but I still didn't eat any. I am doing my best trying to make the best of those 5km walks everyday!

The boys report cards were as good as expected. Dalton always does well. tyson's teacher who is an absolute doll and I am thrilled will have him again next year even though she is going back to teaching part time. Made great comments but my favorite was Tyson passes JK with assistance. I read between the lines and that means..... Tyson made it through because Julie has excellent patience.

I appreciate all those teachers donate and do to assist my kids in thier development and learning. I love our little school!

What did your day sound like....

2010-06-23T21:46:00.004-05:00

What was your day like today?

I had a busy day from start to finish with never ending things coming up. Started with a phone call to come to work an hour earlier. Going to work, having a earthquake.Then having to stop on my way home from work at Walmart because there is no dog food. Getting supper, getting Tyson ready for soccer, my 9 year old telling me at 6pm he needs a costume for school tomorrow, going to soccer, cleaning up supper, picking up supplies for the costume, making a costume and packing lunches and going to bed.

No walk, no exercise. Nothing... not something that made me happy but again, real life.

My kids come first so it was important to Dalton to have a costume and so once we got home from soccer a costume we made.

Dalton googled easy knight costume ideas and this was one he liked that we could swing together pretty easily.

He liked it and was pretty proud that he had such a great helmet.

It was made with heavy felt and crafting foam. I sewed it which gave it shape and character. The uniform was his Dad's old sleeveless shirt, his belt and sword. I had some thin packing material that we cut a neck out of and he wore it over top of the black shirt.

He also needed a crest to complete the costume. So this is what he and I came up with. He was happy with the results no matter. Earlier I mentioned an earthquake. We had one here. I didn't feel it, but many did. The weather is so weird anymore you can never predict it!

So basically it was a busy day. No exercise but my calories were right on track so I am as happy as I can be with that.

Busy day..

2010-06-22T20:41:00.003-05:00

So after working nights last night, and having Tyson home with me all day we had to decide what we were going to get accomplished today. I told both kids that if they were good today that we would go to the movie tonight. It was cheap night and I also had a pay one get one free pass. So The three of us got in for just over $10.00. Call me cheap, call me frugal, call me whatever you like but I gotta love when you can get a deal like that!

So after Dalton got off to school, Tyson and I decided that we were going to go and pick some strawberries. Have you ever taken a 4 year old strawberry picking? Not fun. We made out OK though. I made it into a contest to see who could find the biggest berry. Then he would pick one, and bring it to me and compare. If it was bigger he was happy if not it went in the basket. Either way, I win. We picked 6 quarts. That should last a day or two. They never last around here.

after that we came home, vacuumed and cleaned up the house. Got some supper ready and headed out to the movies. We saw...It was very cute and the boys both like it very much. Tyson got fidgety near the end but he did a good job for the fella that can't sit long. We got some popcorn so that helped.

Popcorn... food of champions...not... especially when it is covered in a ton of butter. I ate some but we ended up bringing quite a bit of it home. I didn't get a walk today. I was hoping to get one but with the rain, being busy today and having Tyson home it just didn't happen. Not to mention I was exhausted by the afternoon from working last night.

I don't get upset if I don't walk, or have some sort of activity everyday. I try to , it makes me feel better but life happens and I am finding that I just have to find a way to merge the two together. It can't be an all or nothing situation this time. So I do my best and don't get hung up over it.

But you can bet that it will happen tomorrow!!

Brown Belt it is....

2010-06-22T06:42:00.002-05:00

Dalton achieved his brown belt tonight at karate class. Hard to believe that it is almost done ( and school that matter) for another year. As you can see by his little grin he was quite proud of himself too. He does a good job. He won't be returning to this class next year though. he has learned all he can here now and will be joining the class at the base that incorporates kick boxing. He is looking forward to that.

We might start at some point this summer but we will see how busy we are otherwise it will wait until fall. For him though it can't start soon enough. But I also tried to remind him that it will somewhat interfere with the activities that we plan on going and doing this summer. So he decided to pass until September.

He spent most of the year this year as a sempai. Helping to teach the others in the class. He enjoyed that too. Now all the kids are looking forward to the end of year pizza party next week!

He kills me with his proud little grin. Afraid to show how happy he is but just having a hard time containing himself.

So after the belts were all done the boys had their picture taken with Sensai. Tyson had to join in too!! Nick also got his brown belt and I expect that he might join Dalton in the fall too. We'll have to wait and see.

Mom and Dad are so proud of you Dalton!! We love you so much! XO

Guess what we did last night....and how good I felt

2010-06-20T07:27:00.008-05:00

Well last night proved to be a bunch of fun. We went to see ZZTop. We were suppose to meet up with a bunch of people but those plans kinda flopped. But you know what we met up with other friends. We saved money by not drinking and probably had just as much fun.

By not drinking, I saved a ton of calories that I didn't need to be drinking anyway. I did have one beer, but I don't think that one will kill me. That and I don't want diet to over rule real life.

We watched so many "Young" people power drink and I thought of my own two boys. I can only hope that I can teach them better than that. I know it is different when they are older, when they are around their friends but I still can only hope.I think that this is so dangerous and kids have no idea what they are doing to themselves.

I didn't walk yesterday. I felt terrible. Not physically but emotionally.Because, I have been going everyday whether I felt like it or not. It all worked out though for the best because I got it in. my Parents live about 3 kms from where the concert was. We took our van to their house and took a cab from there to the concert. Darin has a very bad back and can't walk to far without being in total pain. However, afterwards it was so jammed packed with people that I told him to just walk up the hill to Tim Horton's, and I would walk to get the van. He didn't like me walking at 11pm all alone in the dark. Seriously, I said there are 10000 people walking the same way.

Ended up though, that I walked there with 2 young 16 year old girls who were kinda spooked because it was thunder and lightening out.It took my less than 20 mins to walk the 3 kms. But trust me (Steph) my feet and calf was killing me and it was almost an all uphill grade!The two girls were glad to have the company. We were lucky, it didn't rain until after I got the van and picked up Darin.

We did something bad after that though, we were both starving and we went and got subs. I ate tons of veggies and made it as healthy as I could but I am hoping that I really don't pay for eating so late at night.

So after all that we had a great time and I got my exercise in and all was good. It didn't start out too bad either though. I had bought some new jeans way back at Christmas. They were tight and I could barely do them up. Well last night I hemmed them and put them on. They have been washed and dried in the dryer. And they fit. They were loose. I couldn't believe it.I needed a belt to hold them up! I was one happy girl. When this happens and I feel good I forget about the scale.

Sometimes I drive myself crazy and can weigh myself up to 3 times a day. I know that isn't good, but I get fixed on something and too late. But after that I realized. The scale doesn't matter as much as how I feel. I feel great so if I just keep doing what I am doing then the scale will start to see it like I do. Maybe it is time to give Darin the scale to put away for a few weeks and forget about it.

So today is father's day.Here is an old pic I am sharing. It is when Tyson was 10 months old Dalton was 6. It is at Canada's wonderland. It was probably the last time that we went there as a family. Since that, I have gone with Dalton alone up till last year Tyson and Colleen came with us.

Happy Father's day. To my wonderful husband. You drive me crazy... With your silly songs, your foolish ways, when you don't pick up after yourself, when you make more work for me, when you are selfish, and when your the only one who thinks your funny.

But here's the thing. I wouldn't have you any other way. I love you till death. You have turned out to be a great father. For the guy who didn't want any. Our kids adore you. You are gentle and kind, and love them for who they are( even though some days Ty is a challenge). You take the time to make their childhood the best that they could have and that is why I love you. Their lives wouldn't be the same with out you.

And to my own Father and Grandfather. Thank you for making me into the woman I am I hope I didn't turn out too bad either!!

I love you.

Love, love, Love them....

2010-06-19T05:56:00.005-05:00

I have to put this post in pink. Just for Lauryn.

Dalton has a friend Keaton. They are really good buds. Like best friends. Keaton has a great sense of humour and is so kind that sometimes it gets him into trouble. (ie. he does something wrong, knows it and tells on himself. LOL) He comes from a great family. Over the years we have all become friends through our kids. Keaton's mother is a very creative woman.

Creative in so many ways. She scrapbooks for a major American magazine, she works for a scrap booking company, she does demonstrations all over the USA, and she is a photographer. Just recently Leslie has started her own business. It was a long time coming and she is such a talent at it.

Stephanie and Todd went to the funfair with us back in May and Leslie was offering a photo shoot as one of the silent auction items. I told Steph it was so worth it because Les is so good at what she does. So she bid and she won.

Well Leslie definitely didn't disappoint. She posting just a few pics so far on her web page. I am so in love with them. She did a fabulous job! I am sure that Todd and Steph are not disappointed either. Steph told me what a good job Les did before she even saw any of the pictures.

Leslie is coming to the east cost in August so if you want her to take some pictures for you call her and book her quick!!

Here is her link!! Check our all her beautiful photo's and of course the little pumpkins photo's too!!

http://leslielightfootphotography.com/

Thanks Les for doing such a wonderful job. I know that Todd and Steph will cherish them forever.

( photo is copy written and is used for advertisement for Leslie Lightfoot photography only)

It all takes an effort.

2010-06-18T10:00:00.004-05:00

Did you ever notice that anything that is ever worthwhile in your life takes an effort?

Your kids bring you so much love, grief, comfort, pain, happiness, unhappiness but most of all Love. They take so much effort. They need people to take the time to make them into good human beings. Caring human beings. Not selfish, not hurtful, just all around good people. It all takes time. In the end if you have taught them right it will be worthwhile.

Your job. If you don't put some kind of worthwhile effort into it and you don't enjoy it and then your unhappy, struggling and miserable. It takes an effort to be happy and good at it. No matter what the job may be.

Friendships. If you want a friendship to last for a lifetime, you have to put an effort in. If you don't the friends distance themselves and the friendship fades and people move on. Friendships are 50/50 both people need to make the effort or it won't last.

Marriage. It works alot the same way as a friendship. If it is going to last then you have to make an effort. It has to be 50/50 whether it is money, kids, time, housework all the things that come in a relationship, it has to be an honest effort by both people or it just doesn't work. And divorce is inevitable.

My health is finally one of those things that I am going to make an effort. I have been making an effort. It is a priority. Pain or no pain, if it is worthwhile then I have to make and effort.

So I guess with that being stated that I must think......

THAT I AM WORTH IT!

It takes a lot to admit it but as I have been feeling better I think I have become better at all the things I said above. whether it is because I am not tired, sluggish and exhausted I don't know but whatever it is I am glad that after 38 years that I am finally not afraid to say it!

9.5 inches...

2010-06-16T13:06:00.003-05:00

9.5 inches....

Do you measure yourself? I have to admit. I normally don't. I haven't in the past. I have noticed though that since the new year when I decided enough was enough and that I wanted to get this done, accomplished and start reliving and enjoying all my life. That I figured I would just take some measurements to start out with.

Well. since January 7Th it would appear that I have lost a total of 9.5 inches over all.

I have lost 6 in my waist. hips was 1. Neck was 1.5. And my arms were 1. I knew that my pant were loose but holy am I happy about that.

Steph has been keeping me going. I have walked everyday this week with or without her. My feet and one calf are giving me struggles but I am going to win. I have to win. She is a real goer which I love, but holy. My feet are glad to shed those shoes once we get home. THANKS STEPH!!

I just think. 9.5 inches. That's something to be proud of.

And I am.

Looking forward to summer...

2010-06-13T06:14:00.002-05:00

Summer has always been my favorite time of year. We spend lots of time outside. LOTS. We have a pool and the kids bug to go everyday, rain or shine. Which is good easy exercise. Lots of days while they play and swim I jog around the outside of the pool. They think that I am doing it for their benefit, and for many reasons I am. My health, easier on the bones and joints and they love the cyclone effect they get.

I have to admit though, I think that even though I look terrible in pictures. I am feeling much better even when I put that swimsuit on and it is loose. Not tight sucked to every inch of my body.

I still don't look good in a swimsuit. Compared to last year at this time, I certainly feel better in it. I feel better in it and I feel better emotionally in it.

It's no bikini body, and I am not ever wanting it to be. I just want to be comfortable in the skin I wear and whatever I wear over it.

Then...then I'll be totally happy.

pictures....

2010-06-12T17:56:00.004-05:00

Pictures..... Why is it in pictures that large people look larger and small people look the same?

Does it have anything to do with the way we see ourselves? Do we really look that bad? I know that all my life I have been a bigger girl. I know that all my life I have hated having people take my pictures.

I know that I have made progress, I can see it in my shape, my clothes, and the way I feel. my pants are loose, my shirts are too big, my gut doesn't hold my breasts up, my bra cup is too big but still...

Somehow though I am still not happy with what I see in pictures!

Drop me a comment , click on the little "comment" below

Amanda The graduate!

2010-06-11T08:11:00.003-05:00

This is Amanda. She is such a wonderful young woman. Hard to believe I can say that now. We have had the privilege to be a part of this wonderful girls life since she was just 4. It is amazing over the years how the kids have grown and become their own people.

Well she graduated from Loyalist college this week. She had excellent marks. She has finally finished her child and youth worker and has already found a job.

Her parents had a small party for her on Thursday night. This was her opening her gifts.
She will unfortunately be moving out of Ontario but she will be with Ethel's family ( her Mom's) she has already got and apartment and is starting her life. One day her parents will move down east and be with her again when the retire but until then we look forward to seeing her when she comes home.

So Amanda. We cannot tell you how much you mean to us, how incredibly proud we are of you and what a wonderful young woman you have turned out to be.

We all love you very much and will miss you!

Sweet Baby Lauryn!

2010-06-10T06:18:00.003-05:00

Sweet Baby Lauryn. We finally got to meet her. Nine days late but totally worth the wait. We had Todd and Steph down for supper. She was born last Thursday, we saw her at the hospital on Friday. Dalton was in school and Tyson spent and hour with Nanny, they weren't allowed on the maternity floor anyway. They were so pushy to see the pics we took of her at the hospital. SOOO Cute they said.

So on Tuesday that is all I heard all day. When is she coming. What time are they going to get here. Is it time yet. Can you text Steph. and so on.....

So they got here and as you can see from the pictures I had two super excited boys. Tyson couldn't wait to hold her. Steph didn't even have her in the house and they were all over them. He told Todd that he is going to marry her. Todd just said figures, better get my shotgun now!! We all laughed.

Dalton was the exact opposite. He held her like a pro. He was so attentive to her. Coddling her and making sure she was safe. He recently did the babysitting course so he knows all about what to do. I said he was just securing himself a job. (LOL) But he kept an eye on her all evening telling Tyson to stay away.

Regardless, I think that we all think she is pretty neat. I don't think she knows yet but she has a ton of fans already. I also don't think she knows yet how many people love her and what great parents she has. Someday, someday she'll know.

But in the meantime, we'll be spending all kinds of time together. Tell Mom to get that stroller out we have to get that pre-baby body back! Her and I both ( even though my baby will be five in August).

So to our friends new little pumpkin... we look forward to watching you grow and be a part of our lives. And can't wait to give you really loud toys!!

Love you Lauryn ( and your Mom and Dad well, :) they ain't so bad either )

GIVE AWAY!!!

2010-06-10T06:12:00.004-05:00

Skin MD is having a give away. Just click on this link to try and win. Canadians can apply too!!
http://www.skinmdnatural.com/july-4-giveaway.php

It is great stuff!! I hope you don't win so I can!! But give it a go anyway!

Don't look back!!

2010-06-09T09:46:00.002-05:00

So a few weeks ago I was looking for some newer summer clothes. My husband calls me cheap. Cheap because I don't spend money on myself. Cheap because I spend money on other people, my kids, him, everything but myself. I haven't bought any new clothes in two years since the fire happened.

So I decided that I was going to go and look around for some new stuff that might catch my eye for summer. I first went into Pennington's. I like their clothes, they wash up great for work and withstand the wear. Here is the thing though. Everything I tried on in there was so damn big that it looked sloppy. Even the XL. Trust me I am not that small and I know it but I think their sizes are bigger. or something. Because, there was no buying that stuff.

Even when I look in the mirror I see changes but I still see that fat person looking back. How do you change your self impression. When you don't see what others see? Why do women find it so hard to find the good in themselves or just not care what they appear like. most men don't. They don't have the self consciousness that woman have. Some do. Most don't.

I plan on trying to turn my head to the fat person looking back, but it's going to be hard. We are so critical of ourselves.

It did feel good to know that I didn't have to shop there anymore. I can go to a regular store and purchase something that might fit a bit better. But until then I'm happy with my XL and 2XL old stuff. Call me cheap. or call me the girl working her way into that smaller size.

Until then. I'm good. I am also happy that when I put my clothes on now, it isn't too tight, it isn't snug, and that most of it falls away from my body. Maybe with the new clothes I can shed that self conscious behavior that clothes aren't suppose to be tight!!

Hmmmm....in the meantime though I won't be looking back at the fact that I don't HAVE to shop there again because I have no other options.

Maybe my husband won't like the fact when I love myself more, that I might spend much more of our money on me..... after all don't I have to make up for lost time??

All things soccor!

2010-06-09T05:50:00.009-05:00

The day has finally come. The day that Tyson can start to play soccer. He has been waiting to do some sort of activity that involved and organised sport. I am sure it has been because he watches his big brother go to basketball all the time and karate so he was just waiting for his turn.

I am so glad that my children want to be so active. when I was a kid we played outside, rode bikes and all that kinda stuff but kids now a days want to be tied to a video game, computer or television.

Don't get me wrong my kids love all that stuff too, but I am glad that they also enjoy to do all the other things. Tyson would be outside all the time if he could. So here are a few pics of his first night at soccer. Dalton wasn't ugly even though he looks that way, he just forgot his hat and it was so bright and so hot!

Of course Auntie Ethel was there to support him in everything they do!! Thanks Auntie Ethel for the timbits and for just loving us unconditionally! We LOVE you!

Tonight he managed to get a goal and a SHINER! First ever for both. We don't know how but it must have been from an elbow, shoe or a soccor ball. At one point he thought he'd do a David Beckham but yeah....not so much!

Here he is sporting his shiner, a dirty face and the new short hair!

Great Job Ty Ty, we love you!

back in the groove.

2010-06-07T08:38:00.002-05:00

Even though I was having a hard go there for a while I have been back at it. Journaling my food. Weighing, measuring making myself accountable. I have trying to get more activity in here and there but I am hoping that once school is done for the kids that we can spend more time at the parks, beach and in our own pool that it will be easier to get into. Tyson loves activity but gets bored with it very quickly. if we go to the school playground and he has Dalton to keep him busy and to play with he keeps his stamina going and I can walk on the track while they play.

I am back down to 206 but it makes me mad that I was so close to being out of the 200's and that I let stress and frustration get to me.

I am not anorexic. I am not bulimic. But I defiantly know that I have issues with food. Issues in the sense that I think it is my friend that doesn't talk back. Comforts me when I need it. I need to start looking at it that it is a friendship that is killing me. And we all know when you have a friend like that in your life that makes you feel bad about yourself, makes you feel worse to be around in the long haul, kills your self esteem that you so get them out of your life. I can't get rid of the food, but I can certainly change my relationship with it. And that is what I plan on doing.

I don't want my kids learning that food is their friend. To rely on it for comfort. I want them to be strong, and secure enough in themselves that they can deal with anything.

We've been at it.

2010-05-21T09:05:00.006-05:00

So this is my friend Steph. And her wonderful husband Todd. We have know Todd since Dalton was a little over 8 months old. Way back when Darin worked at Cooney.

This is their wedding photo from last year. Last June to be exact. Steph was absolutely beautiful. Todd didn't look too bad himself either. Steph lost around (not sure exact) 60lbs for her wedding. She looked great. She always looks great though. She is the all around nice girl. I think she could get ugly if she tried. ( LOL I know she is reading this)

Steph wasn't always the skinny girl. That is why she gets how hard it is. I adore them both. You have heard me talk about the baby that it coming, well it is theirs. And since Steph is due is just a few days, we have been hard at it walking and trying to get that sweet baby going and ready to come. I can't wait to meet her.

Todd and Steph are just a little apprehensive about the whole thing but after all who is every ready until that baby actually gets here!

So we'll keep walking and getting the baby ready and after that Steph, I look forward to walking with you and baby girl to get that body back. If you think your stride is slow now lord help me keeping up once you aren't carrying her!! We shed 10 minutes off our 5 km walk in just a couple days

UGGG ( just kidding) I love that you keep me motivated and moving. And besides it's a good excuse to love her up!

Walking just isn't the same or as much fun without you!

How do you do it.....

2010-05-03T12:57:00.007-05:00

I know I haven't posted much at all lately. it seems that I never have the time. It seems that we are so busy. But I wanna know how do you do it?

I read blogs. I read cookbooks. I am inspired by so many people who have been and continue to be on this journey.

But I wanna know... if you are so much like me and struggle with so many of the same issues... How do you....

Get over seeing the "fat" person in the mirror
Find the time for yourself when you have two kids doing their own activities that requires you to be there.
Work a full time job - shifts at that
stick to it when you don't have all the support you need
avoid food when your mind tells you you need it the most even though you KNOW you don't
change your thinking
exercise - without taking away from your kids- your responsibilities as a parent- losing sleep and effecting everything else you do
find the way to fill yourself with the healthy things and avoid the so called comfort foods.
be happy with yourself when you feel it isn't enough.
Not fall back.

Stay focused on the life ahead.

These are the things that I have to think about everyday. I haven't been walking. I haven't been eating right. I have become frustrated. I need to know how you just pick yourself up and keep going. I know I have to do it. I know no one can do it for me.

The biggest thing that I do know..... is that I have to do it for this....

And I guess if it means taking a little bit of time away from them, it will mean a whole lot of life for me to share with them. Also that I have to reach them how important it is to get fit and healthy and stay that way. So you can enjoy life and not be restricted by your body.

Someone told me once what a good mother they thought I was. I remember thinking. Really... am I? I look in the mirror and think. How can I be? Don't get me wrong. i think I am a good Mom but I don't lead by example. I nurture them and love them and teach them but I know I can do more. I have to just find that motivation to get going and stay that way.

Does 2 make a difference??

2010-02-03T22:45:00.004-05:00

lost 2 lbs.

Does it make a difference?

You bet it does.

Can I see it???

NOPE

Can I feel it??

NOPE, Not in my clothes.

How could it possibly make a difference then?

Oh baby!! My heart is all a flutter. I weigh 204. So close to being under 200. I feel great. I am not lethargic, sloppy, tired, I could go on but I'm good with just that.

So do I feel it?? Again I ask.

YOU BET I DO!!!

Sick Mom

2010-01-31T22:44:00.002-05:00

Guess What??

So I am feeling good , Tyson is feeling better and I head out to work on my midnight shift. Hate midnights but manage through them. When all of the sudden I had the same feeling as Tyson...
"I'm gunna puke".

Needless to say the last place you want to be when that happens is at work. Where your stuck and can't go home till your eight hours are up. Mostly because you would have to call someone in at 3am.

So I am dying.. and going to bed. I have to call my Mom though, Dalton is suppose to come home today and I hope she can keep him after church and since tomorrow is a pa day keep him the night.

Sick boy

2010-01-29T22:44:00.003-05:00

Today was an interesting day... Tyson was home from school today and being his normal run around, get into stuff, see if I can get Mom crazy self.....when all of the sudden he says to me...."Mom I'm gunna puke!!" My reply was "run to the washroom...QUICK!"

And that he did. He got sick and then told me that he "peed out of his bum while he puked". I laughed but at the time he failed to see the humour.

My little man was oh so sick for the whole rest of the day and half of Saturday. But he feels better now and I am happy about that.

Even more happy that Dalton went to my brother's for the weekend so he won't get it!! I am hoping that he doesn't get it. He will miss his ski trip next week with school. He is gone to my brother's to head to Toronto for the monster trucks. He got a ticket for Christmas from them. He was so excited to go.

Miss P

2010-01-28T22:43:00.002-05:00

I am happy to report that Miss P has finally checked in and since she has started this journey with me she has lost 13 lbs. She is doing it the weight watchers route but she is doing a great job. It seems that she is swimming, going to curves, and generally just more active.
So thanks for joining me Miss P, I can't wait till we shop for skinny jeans together!!
WOOT WOOT!

Here is the bathroom

2010-01-28T22:41:00.002-05:00

Here it is, just not quite done. Lights are still on the floor and the painting needs a few touch ups but in general I am glad that it is done and ready to use. With 4 of us in the house two bathrooms can never be a bad thing! Especially when in a few years they will be teens!!

NOT A stinking thing!

2010-01-27T22:35:00.002-05:00

Not a thing lost this week.

My own fault.

I didn't get my fanny moving too much. I know I need to. We just were so busy this week getting stuff done and there didn't seem to be enough hours in the day. It isn't an excuse this time.

Scott was here doing the tiles in the bathroom and the shower. And the mess was crazy. I would clean up everyday when I got home from work and then try to get the regular things done and go on the field trip skating and bowling with my kids classes!

Ugg. Not discouraged though just know that I have to make the time. I;m just as important as the kids and the house!!

I know it but sometimes I think that sleep just needs to win!

Supper visit!

2010-01-24T22:30:00.000-05:00

Baby Belly!!!

Steph is getting a baby belly!!

Todd and Steph, friends of ours came for supper tonight. We killed the guys at sequence. After supper. Too Funny!!!

They are expecting a baby in the spring and Steph is coming right along in the baby department. She and Todd are so excited to have a baby. They will make great parents, I just see how they are with my two terrors. lol

We had a great supper of turkey with all the fix ins which make for great leftovers for the rest of the week while I'm at work!

Thanks Todd and Steph we had a great time. I can't believe that I forgot to look at those baby pics!!

Next time.
Love ya's

Dietician...

2010-01-20T06:12:00.002-05:00

Today we saw a dietitian for Darin's diabetes. We were suppose to go a year ago but it just never happened. They never called. So it was off to go today. We learned a lot. He did. I have read all the books and know what he/ we should be doing. He had to track his meals for 4 days before he went to see her. 2 days I planned and 2 days he planned. She laughed and said to him.... Do you know what 2 says of meals that I am going to pick??
Darin..... I dunno?

Nurse.... it isn't the day with the clam chowder and a sleeve of white soda crackers or the day of Kraft dinner and 8 oz steak. Oh and no veggies to be seen..

Darin... really?? Sounds good to me.

Nurse.... I think that you should eat to what your wife makes you and kinda stick to that... maybe just maybe your blood sugar wouldn't be 22. Then she smiled.

That was how he appointment went. Explaining what he should and shouldn't eat. How much, when etc.

So now I just have to plan the week out a bit better and get rid of A LOT of stuff in my cupboards that he tends to grab for quick ,easy,and convenient snacks.

We go back in the end of Feb to see how he makes out.

The weigh in..

2010-01-20T06:07:00.000-05:00

Was sceptical about it today because of the Chinese food and the cake. For Mom's party. However. I didn't overeat. I had everything I wanted, and a piece of cake. So I was satisfied but hoped it would not show up today.
Well. I lost a pound! Just one. One is better than nothing. Nothing... sucks. It happens but it sucks.
1
So happy that gets me down one more....

Good bye one pound. Hate to lose and old friend but well you know.......

SEE YA!!!

Happy Birthday MOM!!

2010-01-18T05:58:00.001-05:00

Today is my Mom's 65Th Birthday. She has been looking forward to it for a couple if years now. Not looking forward to getting older but to the pension. She hasn't been able to work and Workers comp really screwed her so now she is finally entitled to the pension she paid into for so many years!
So she deserves it! We are going out for supper then back to their house for cake and coffee. Yes, I will have cake but.... It will be small and after all it is carrot cake so it can't be all bad can it??? I hate to know.
So, I love my Mom dearly and can't thank her enough for all she does for our family. The babysitting, the grandparents weekends, the get the kids to activities when Mom's at work, the call her up to vent, the can ya??, times I've called her. Just in general for being there and loving us as much as she possibly can!
Even if she doesn't understand she might shake her head and make some dumb look but she'll always come through!
WE LOVE YOU MOM! Happy Birthday!

P.s. Thanks for not telling us you won the cake on the radio!! lol

Yeah......off to a good start!!

2010-01-13T12:56:00.002-05:00

So the scale was good to me this week. Or I was good to myself it depends on how you wanna look at it. I think the weigh in on Wednesdays will be a good thing. So even though, it has been9 days since my last scale date. I want to tell you!!!!

207 lbs!!

that means... down again since before the Christmas splurge. Not that I am forgiving myself, just a learning experience on hard hard it is ti get back. We have to learn form example. Too bad I just learned from my own. But that's OK.

I was one happy camper again this am!

Woo hoot!!!

Life Changes

2010-01-09T10:05:00.002-05:00

Isn't it funny when we find it easy to make poor choices but when it comes time to "change" the way we think all of the sudden you hear people say how hard it is?? It is hard, hard because we have to rethink the way we have made bad choices that got us here to begin with.

My husband's Dr. visit wasn't as easy as mine. He was told if he doesn't get it together that he will soon have to start taking insulin. That is not what he wants and he is trying to make the change. It is harder for him because he loves all the things he cannot have. That and they are tainted with sugar. He has to make choices now based on circumstance not choice.

I have no doubt he will. He loves his kids too much not to . But I have told him for many years that the stuff he puts in his mouth will kill him. he hates the Dr. But now they are soon to be best friends. His blood sugar was 22. Normal is around 7. He has to get it together. This is the worst he has felt since I have known him. We go to the dietitian next week. I am looking forward to it for our entire family. I think it's about time we all get it together as a family instead of individually.

On another note. I have managed to keep myself together. My Grandma is very ill and has been in the hospital for a week or so. I know that she is 84 and that he time is nearing an end. I was there to visit her this summer in Manitoba and I notice hos her body is failing her. I love her dearly and dread......"the call". I know she is ready. She told me. I know that it is what she wants. She told me. I just hate being here instead of there. It makes it hard. It is in the back of my head all day long eating at me.

But I have managed to keep it together. Eating has been good and exercise is coming along. I hope this week we'll see a change in the scale again. I have changed my weigh in day to Wednesday as a suggestion from the doctor. Mondays were hard because of changing eating patterns to to shifts. So he suggested doing it on a day that my patterns are always the same. So Wednesdays seem to be a regular eating day always and give me a day between my midnights and evenings to get me back on track!

I hope you are all having a great weekend!! I think Tyson and I are going to go tobogganing!
Have a good day!

Dr. visit.....

2010-01-06T15:59:00.003-05:00

So I weighed in at the Dr. today. I was 210. I am ok with that. Means I am back to 2 lbs. I am happy. Not so much happy but ok with that.

He is looking at my Thyroid. I guess I took pills for this years ago but since Tyson I have kinda "forgot" about it. So he sent me home with a new prescription and a blood lab form.

So now to get back on track and get some sense about this eating thing.

New year, New habits, New way of thinking!!

We are going to make the best of 2010 aren't we!!

Accountablilty....

2010-01-05T02:37:00.002-05:00

It means so much doesn't it??

I am about to touch a couple of subjects that Ive encountered over the holidays that make me mad and others that make me wonder??? Hmmm

First... Gastric Bypass...

If you have been effected by this stop reading now you might be totally PO'd by my comments.

A few of my in law's have had this done. I have to admit, that the effects have been apparent in both cases. But after spending sometime with them over the holidays I have to wonder. I wonder how this effects their bodies. I wonder what exactly they have learned from their eating habits. ( Because from where I sat, it didn't seem like much) . I adore these people dearly and I don't want to hurt anyone but if you are in your midlife and feel like you have no other recourse because of health and size and all the other effects that your Dr actually thinks it is a good idea than I can sympathize. However if you are in your 20's and just want the easy way out than I'm not so sure that I agree.
From my perspective. And it is mine alone. I saw that the patterns of eating went from way over eating to eating non stop. I have to wonder. I have read lots on this subject and you can stretch it out, in time. So if you have not learned anything from having to have it done that you now eat non stop and can't control it because you are always hungry then how has it helped you? Is there not some sort of counselling that should be required when you feel the need to alter you body in order to control your eating? The way I see it it just gives you another excuse to eat in a different way. Still garbage, still too much, but now instead of big meals....it's non stop still using the excuse your hungry.
I'm sorry if I offend those of you who have been effected by this. I am sorry if your story is different. I hope it is. I just think that if you want to lose weight you have to suffer the consequence of what you have done to your body in order to realize that only you can change the effects of the choices you made! it is how we learn. It shouldn't be easy. Easy is how we got FAT in the first place!
So if your mad. I can't help that. People don't mind sharing their feelings with me. Vocally. I just have a little more respect for people by sharing here and if you don't like it leave. That simple. It's my opinion.

Second. Accountability. Funny word. Funny to me because if I fall off the food wagon... who am I accountable to?? You? I hope you all would leave inspiring messages to get my *ss in gear. Which you do (thanks so much) I appreciate it greatly. I wish that I had someone that lived close to me that could walk with me. Take time to kick my *ss in gear. I work shifts, it's hard. I have small kids, it's hard. It is bad weather, it's hard. I can make excuses all day.

I have gained another 2 lbs this week. It's depressing. I can overcome this now that life is back to normal. But how do we learn to manage? How do we find the momentum to kick ourselves in the fanny to get our stuff together. It's mental thinking. I know. Finding that thing that fits!

I look forward to june for so many reasons! A friend is having a baby. She will be on maturnity. I am looking forward to seeing/ meeting that baby.. pushing that stroller and getting her/his mommy over or me there for walks in the nice warm fresh air! HINT HINT!! I know she will want to be getting back on track to so with her off which normally she works shifts it will be a buit easier for us to go together.

Wednesday I go to the Dr. Nothing wrong...no gastric bypass in sight...lol ! Just the physical I have been putting off since Tyson was born four years ago. So maybe I will make that a new starting point.

Hmmm.... Accountabilty. Thing is guess if I don't take control of my own accountability then I have no one to blame but myself.

Any ideas on how to keep yourself accountable other than blogging? How do you keep on track? I read you blogs, I know what you tell us. Any secrets methods you have that you don't share. You would think that the joy of the scale and smaller pants would be enough? Why is it that food fills such a void.

Ugg you could go crazy going around and around about it!!

Have a great day! See you tommorrow after the DR!!

I look forward to your comments on this not so light subject. What do you think??

How have you all made out??

2009-12-30T11:28:00.002-05:00

Sorry for not posting...or posting so late.

I hope that you all made it through the holidays. I did OK. I was proud of myself for the most part. I had a couple of rough and rocky days where the temptation took over but I am not taking advantage and giving up. I am getting back on track and getting back into the groove of everyday life again.

So over the holidays I gained 1.5 pounds bringing me back up to 209.5. I'm OK with that. I didn't exercise and was very busy the entire time with temptation and food everywhere. I don't want to beat myself up over it so I'll just be proud that it wasn't more and just go back to doing what works and feels better.

Cruddy food makes me feel just that cruddy. Tastes good and makes you feel better at the time because your brain tells you you want it. Truth is it's just telling you ,you do want it but are going to pay for it later.

So back to the good eating mode, the water drinking mode, and the moving mode. How did you all make out over the holidays??

am I really??

2009-12-18T11:00:00.002-05:00

1 more... gone forever.

I knew it wouldn't be good but I am still happy with 1.

1 pound is better than +1. So I'm good with it.

Christmas is a week away and I haven't gained so I can live with it.

Especially since I have snuck in a few treats.

But I have to realize that a few are not failure but just not a fall back either.

I have to learn how to live life and be successful at this in order to make it a new lifestyle.

If anyone can do it, I can. I will.

Do you figure i I read it back enough times I will??

Am I the only one that struggles with this. I know I am not. I often wonder though how we ever began to think it was OK to begin with??

it must be christmas!!

2009-12-14T08:35:00.002-05:00

It must be getting closer to Christmas. I didn't think that I had time to do much before but now it seems even less.

I often wonder how lazy I was before I had kids. I was either lazy or had way too much time on my hands and just didn't know what to do with it. Anyway, over the past week this is what I have been up to.

Monday, Christmas luncheon for work. I enjoyed a seafood wrap and a nice salad for lunch it was all really good and could fit it into my budget for just under 450 calories. A lot for lunch but I made it fit into my day with and egg white omelet for breakfast and a chicken salad for supper. It was all good and totally worth it!

Tuesday, early am, kids off to school. Had CPI at 1200pm so I didn't have much time to do anything before work today.

Wednesday was my day off but I so totally missed it. I was so busy running around getting all my Christmas stuff completed so that I didn't have to go back into and mall or store other than the grocery store for necessities. Thank goodness. I hate waiting 30 minutes to check out for just a few things and that is how it goes at the walmart here. It sucks!

Thursday, I wrapped presents. Almost all done but not quite yet. then went to work and spend 6 1/2 hours at the hospital with one of my people from work. All for nothing he had to go back on Friday for the same thing!! It is so hard to plan ahead for these types of things.

Friday was a total waste. I went to work for a staff meeting at 1pm. Ended up going to that appointment at the hospital with my individual. Then as he finished another person from where I work brought another individual I support to the hospital because he was quite sick as well. So I had to stay with him. Well, I couldn't leave him alone at all because he was so sick and uncompliant and he didn't want to come with me to do anything. IE eat. So we waited. We waited 6 hours to be seen by a Dr. Then he was immediately admitted. then I couldn't leave him for one second because he was trying to pull the iv out even though he so desperately needed it.

To make a long story short, I finished work, Saturday morning at 830am!! Yes that's right went Friday at 1 finished sat at 8:30. Wanna know what I had for supper, a snickers bar and a coffee at 1130pm. Nice eh. It was all the nurse could round up. The kitchen and all the cafeteria's were closed at 8pm. But I was so preoccupied with the person I was with it totally slipped my mind. If I knew that I was going to be there sooooo long I could have prepared better but who knew.

Regardless once I got home, guess what, Dalton was so sick that I ended up going right back to the hospital and was there until 2pm. I should just have them give me a bed there! LOL

He is better now and on the mend but home from school today.

Sunday, baked in the am, went to church had company mid afternoon and in the evening!

So I think I will be glad to settle down now. Get back to the things I need to be doing!

So today is weigh in day and once I eat and shower I will get to it. I am hoping for the best but expecting the worst. especially after that snickers supper. I don't even really like snickers that was the worst part!

We'll see what the scale tells us after. How has your holidays been so far??? Ad busy as mine??

2 more

2009-12-07T10:19:00.002-05:00

So this weekend we were out alot!! ALOT!! and you eat what is offered but you try to eat wisely and try to guess and think out your calories.

Well, this Christmas I think that I can finally handle the holidays.

I made 8 dozen chocolate cookies and ate 1. I was happy. I made 64 peanut butter balls and ate 1. Again I was happy. I made a point of eating them the day after I made then to fight off the temptation. It worked. After one I was satisfied.

So today was a bit of a monumental moment. 2 more pounds gone forever. bringing the total to ....drum roll please.... 209 which exactly 20 pounds.

Yay me!!

So I proved I can handle the holidays so far. but I'm sure it will be a piece of cake....er...celery!!

How about you guys are you making out ok so far??

Mix97 | Teacher of the Week

2009-12-02T10:07:00.000-05:00

Mix97 Teacher of the Week: "Mrs. Zennette is such a wonderful person. I appreciate her kindness for the children she teaches. She makes it a point of making each and every one of her students to feel great about themselves. She not only teaches them the literal teachings of school but the kindness, self esteem and love that helps to make this world a better place. I wish all teachers could have the passion that Nicole brings to work with her each day.
Thank you for touching our kids hearts and minds ,Nicole you are one special woman!!"

That was the nomination letter that we sent into Mix 97 for 12 full weeks. Finally she was picked this am. Dalton was so thrilled. She isn't Dalton's teacher anymore she was his teacher from last year. But he loves her so much that he has nominated her every week since the first day of the contest in September.
Nicole has changed schools now and no longer teaches at Dalton's current school. I hope that she comes back over the next two years. She has that option and I hope she does. As do so many other parents. I posted it on face book and there were many comments from the parents of our school so happy that she won!
Nicole's mom does teach at Dalton's school still and came up to him and gave him a little hug and thanked him for making her daughter fell like the most important person ever! Dalton was so happy.
Nicole also called ( still crying) after she heard Dalton on the radio talking about how great she was. And begged her to come back. Her birthday is next Friday and he has something special also planned for her!

So that made Dalton's day. He was walking around with a smile all day. I also want to add that her dad won a few weeks ago and Dalton said at the radio..."seriously, Mr LeSage! What does he need flower's for!"

Kids ya gotta love'em

1 lb....

2009-12-01T11:37:00.003-05:00

1lb...

One lousey pound. You eat so well and drink your water and that is all you get???

Is that how I feel NOPE!!

I am glad at least it's something!! Woo Hoo me! I have to admit I was a little disappointed at first and it took me a few minutes of thinking and not going to the fridge or cupboard. But then I thought about it and realized that I didn't get this way overnight and it isn't going to come off that quick either. I have just been spoiled over the last five weeks with the rapid drop that it finally caught up with me.

But I am good with that. I am happy. 1 pound I'll take and be just as happy as if it was a 5!!

Woot hoo!!

Thinking positive that next week might be another ...... at least 1!!

Santa emails????

2009-11-29T08:20:00.006-05:00

Have you seen or heard about the Santa email?? Santa will send your child a personalized email in regards to Christmas. It is really cool. You upload your child's picture and age, eye colour and a gift that he/she wants. Your postal code . Santa shows the child where the north pole is and how far it is to your house. He shows their picture in the naughty and nice book. And points out that he knows what your child wants for Christmas.

Dalton is at the age where he kinda believes but isn't sure, He got an email and was amazed at how he knew the stuff he did. But then he saw Tyson's and said "you had something to do with this didn't you?" I said I just gave him the email addresses he did the rest. So he is still unsure.
Tyson watched his 4 times he was amazed. He sat and watched intently. I'm not sure if it was because Santa is totally snowballed on his behavior and told him he was good or just the email message itself. It is called Santa's PNP. Here he was watching with Daddy. Over'n' over.

Tomorrow is weigh in day. I 'm sure I'll be OK but I really have to try to get some more activity into my Day. I hate to do it before I go to bed at night but I am starting to think that I am going to have to to fit it in. I find I don't settle in as well after working up a sweat!!

Ugg how do we make the day longer??

For anyone interested.... the page to get to SANTA EMAILS IS.....

http://santa.sympatico.ca

give it a try your kids will love it!!

Kids..... christmas...

2009-11-28T22:15:00.006-05:00

It is hard to believe that we influence our children as much as we do. I am amazed some days at the things that Tyson spits out. I know that he has heard it somewhere or is repeating what he has heard someone say. Sometimes I laugh and sometimes I just have to bite my tongue because it is funny but not for a four year old to be have it coming out of his mouth. Then I have to remind myself that he doesn't understand what he is saying and correct him or give him a warning on his behavior.

My favorite holiday of the year is Christmas. It was my birthday but that sucks now for so many reasons, I hate to bring them up. Regardless, we took the boys out for a drive tonight to see all the Christmas lights. I only have one more weekend off before Christmas. And I work a LOT of evenings. Works for our family. While we were out, Dalton asked about our Christmas tree. So we went looking for them while we were out. We didn't end up getting one tonight, but Dalton did.

He is nine now and wanted a tree for his room. A real tree!! I thought i'd die laughing. He went into home depot and bought himself one. Then asked his Dad to take him to dollarama to get some decorations and lights for it. So he did. Shaking his head, but he did it.

Dalton came right home and decorated it up and put it on his desk. Darin whispered to me that night after the kids went to bed. Looks like a Charlie Brown tree but he loves it!!He plugs it in as soon as he gets up in the morning and when he gets home from school. What a kid. he's his Mommy's boy!!

We we'll probably get a tree tomorrow after church. We'll see. Are you all starting to prepare for Christmas at your homes??

seriously.....

2009-11-27T22:14:00.001-05:00

Don't ya wanna just punch somebody when they note what your eating???

We decided to have pizza for supper tonight. We were rushing and needing to get things done. I was starving. I mean tummy growling starving. Not good.

So I ate one piece. Not so good for the healthy eating, I know but better than burgers and fries. Then still hungry. Ate another. Then my (not so) better half , says " isn't that enough?", "not really part of the diet is it?"

Did you ever want to just smack someone? He came close. I wouldn't but Jeez. I have been so good. I was done. I had been good all day and only went over my calories by 149. I just wanted to reach across grab his shirt and say.....REALLY??? Have you looked in the mirror lately. Are you some kinda perfect?? Did I miss something??

For those of you who know me.. your shocked aren't you. I was good. I refrained from slapping and commenting and just walked away. So NOT me!! Really I wouldn't have slapped him but ohh his is so lucky I was quiet! LOL

Just for note though, I was up sick at 3:30am so it so wasn't worth it!! But I wouldn't dare tell him that!! Ahhhh, Rolaids.

SMACK !!! lol

Congrats 266

2009-11-26T07:25:00.002-05:00

I am a regular reader of a blog called 266. This wonderful woman has reached a great mild stone in her blogging with her readers. She has reached 100 readers. Not to mention all the while losing a pile of weight.
So in commemoration of this she is doing a not so give away give away. She is donating a $1.00 if you leave a comment on her blog and $1.00 if you leave a link back to her blog from yours. These donations will help to feed the homeless in her community.
So because I am so proud of her and think that it is a great thing she is doing. Here is the link so you can help her out. She does have a limit for her donation ( which I understand, all to well. Because of the economy) but the way I see it she is changing people's lives one person at a time. And for that alone, I am proud to be a part if it.
So here is the link to her blog. Please leave a comment and link back to her blog too so you can do your part in helping her pay it forward!
So congrats 266!!

Just click on 266 and it will send you right to her blog!!

Have a great day!

Learning a new way.

2009-11-25T07:39:00.001-05:00

For a long as I can remember, I have always subdued things with food.

upset = eat
pain = eat
things not going good = eat
family issues = eat
anything stress = eat
bored = eat
sad = eat

I can't remember doing anything else but eating to manage things. So today is the day. I am not going to succumb to pressure and the regular bad habit I once would just let myself fall into. It's easier to fall back into a pattern again but I won't.

Darin will soon be laid off and with Christmas coming it becomes a stressful time. Money isn't the problem we will be fine until his unemployment comes in. He is home and unhappy about it ( even though he gets tons done and gets to spend time with Ty, that part he loves) and today was just the beginning. It was a hard morning.

I have been so busy and just haven't gotten around to a few thing he would like and that started the day off to a rough start. Thing settled after a bit but it would have been quite easy to fall back. This isn't about anyone but me. Time for me. Time to find me again. Time for Mom to start looking after MOM.

TIME FOR MOM TO BE HAPPY AND HEALTHY.

Therefore I WON"T fall back.

Did I make myself clear?? I won't!

There is a better way I just have to learn it. And I can and will.

Food is NOT my friend is is a way to keep me nourished and healthy only.

measure......measure...measure...

2009-11-24T10:50:00.002-05:00

So I measured myself this morning. I have lost 4 inches overall. I thought it would be more the way my pants feel but nope. I'm happy with that so I'm not complaining.

I spent most of the day cleaning up my sad affair of a house so that I can get some decorations up this weekend. I find that when I work nights everything sacrifices. The house, the sleep, the patience. Ugg glad they are over for another 3 weeks. I know they say it takes years off your life. I believe it.

So tomorrow is Thanksgiving for all my American friends. Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your day and try to stick to the plan. You can do it. Thanksgiving is being thankful for the family, friends and your life. YOUR LIFE!! Eating tons of stuff that will make you feel like crap in the long run is what got us here in the first place.

Enjoy your day and indulge a little but remember Christmas is not that far away!!

Have A Great Day!!

Weigh in Day....

2009-11-23T00:23:00.001-05:00

So with working nights and everything being backwards this week I was a bit concerned on how things were looking. Scale wise but.......It was good. I weighed in this am at 212 lbs. Woo Hoo I was/ am thrilled about that. That is a total of 17 lbs in 5 weeks.

I didn't measure myself though today. I was too tired and once I got the kids off to school. I dragged my fanny into bed. I slept or tried to sleep today but I really only got about 4 hours of solid sleep. The rest I just laid there. I hate that. Tomorrow Ty is home so I will have sometime to get that measuring in. Kinda sorta. Hmmm.

My biggest thing is I haven't had any "exercise" of sorta to think of. I have to be more diligent to fit that in but when everything goes backwards with nights it seems hard to get it in. I could give up more sleep but if healthy is the way to be that isn't really an option now is it. One more night then afternoons the rest of the week so even if I only get in my 30 day shred I will be happy with that. 30 mins of "Hard" work and I can at least say that I "did" some exercise.

Have you tried that Jillian Micheal's 30day shred?? You wanna work out. Try that. Ugg for the first few days. Better now but still hard to find the energy, even though I have more, to fit it in on nights.

If you haven't tried Spark people I suggest that too. I love the fact that I can journal my food, keep track automatically and am accountable like a bank book. I credit some of that to my success. I think that is why it takes time to learn to eat properly again. Try it. If you haven't I like it!!

Is there any suggestions like spark people or Jillian's 30 day shred that you have that you haven't mentioned on your blogs?? What has been the best part of assisting you on your journey?? Is it...exercise, the support, the food journals, your family, what is it?? Care to share??

Oh one more thing, made the salsa chicken from The prior fat girl cookbook!! Tonight for supper, just tweaked it a bit!! LOVED it!! Have you got your cookbook yet?? Stop by and see Jen and get yours now.

pics as promised and the SCALE!!!

2009-11-22T03:53:00.000-05:00

Here are the pics of my house as I said the top one is without the flash. It glows in the dark. In the bedrooms and living area you don't need lights on because it glows like a night club inside. We don't even needs lights on for the back deck it lights it up too! My boys think it's COOL!!

The bottom is with the flash on it doesn't have the same effect but you get the point. You can see the house 2 blocks away. I like it. I like it a lot!!

The SCALE....

The dreaded scale.

I try to stay away from it. People have told me that they weigh themselves a couple of times a week, others tell me they weigh themselves once a month. I like the once a week method. Same approximate time. Same day. No confusion. I think I will begin to measure once a month staring tomorrow.

I could easily get discouraged if I weighed myself every few days with no results. Don't get me wrong. If it works for you, good stuff. I know for me it spells disaster. If I was to weigh in and gain then I would know why and spend the next few days until I weighed in again stressing about everything. If I gain it's because my body is fighting me or because I wasn't taking care to count and measure. I don't want to obsess and I know I can get to that point, I have done it before and the failed. This time I am succeeding, and plan to win the fight. To get healthy and stay there.

What works for you?? Daily....Weekly....Monthly??? How often should you measure yourself??

Lights are up......

2009-11-21T04:47:00.000-05:00

Well I got home from work this morning and it was warm...(kinda) out and I decided that it was time to get our Christmas lights up on our house. As some of you know, we had a house fire last year and we just moved into our new house last October.
Well we were so busy getting things for the insurance, Christmas, and getting all the household items purchased so we could live in it, that we didn't get much of a chance to get Christmas lights up before the holidays had arrived. So today, even though I should have went to bed, I worked away at them until they were done. And I must say they look fantastic. I may be prejudice. I'll post a pic tomorrow night and you can make your own opinion keeping in mind that they look better in person!
I finally fell into bed at 6pm. Thing is I was over tired by then and couldn't sleep I laid there for a couple hours, seemed pointless so I got up at 8:30pm. I know sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle but if I was to sleep as much as I felt I should I would never get anything done.
I can come right home and fall into bed in the morning. Darin and the boys are going away for the day and shouldn't be home until after lunch. Then I will have to get up because he will be doing a brake job for his uncle. I get supper ready while I am up and then once he comes in I can go back to bed until I have to get up and head to work. I have a feeling that I will need that much sleep by then!!
Monday Ty is off to chool so I can sleep all day that day too. Hey I am getting spoiled I am not use to that much sleep.......then again we'll see what tommorrow brings.

Never seems to work out how it is planned. :)

I think I got my work out in today. Up and down that latter. At least 60 times today. Goot exercise for the legs. Trust me I can feel it!

Today is also my next door neighbours 50th birthday!! Happy Birthday Gloria. Thank you for the help with my kids. I hope you have a great day!! XO

I'll post a pic tomorrow of my house so you can give me your opinion!!... of the lights that is

PRIOR FAT GIRL COOKBOOK !!!! LOVE IT!!

2009-11-20T00:50:00.001-05:00

Have you ordered yours yet?? I got mine on Friday afternoon!! It has tons of great recipes in it. I submitted one but it didn't get in there and I am guessing that with the popularity of it that Jen may make another. Maybe next year.
If your looking for a healthy meal, generally easy to prepare, you can find one in there. With lots to choose from.
Jen is donating proceeds, $4.00 from the $5.00 she collects to the USA YMCA. Good Cause.

If you would like her cookbook, you can get one here @ http://priorfatgirl.com I am going to make some of the eggplant Parmesan next week. Maybe I can sneak it onto the kids plates and they won't know???

We'll see. :)

LOOOOOve it!!

2009-11-19T10:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was at Walm*art with my Mom and I found a new treat. It is yummy. At only 5 calories per serving it is such a good treat that you can squeeze into any day. It is Cherry Pomegranate Sugar free Jello!! It was soo good. Did I say that already. Why can all things be this easy. But that isn't what this about getting it done easy.

It took me many years of getting overweight and eating unhealthy that this is going to be work. Hard work, work that I will be proud of, work that I did just me no one else. I did it for ME! So it shouldn't be easy. It should be work. Easy is what got me here to begin with.

I start my midnights tommorrow so I am back to switching my eating around. It is so hard to organize your eating day when your sleeping when you should be eating. So I eat my breakfast at suppertime. Eat my lunch when I get to work. And Eat my supper about 4am so that it is long digested before I fall into bed at 8am. It is the only way that I can manage because it I try to eat meals "normally" when i work nights, I find that I am hungry all night and fight to stay away from it. This way it works for me.

Anybody have any better ideas?? I am open to suggestions. I just don't know what else to do, it isn't about will power it's about going to bed not on a full stomach and not gorging at work on midnights.

DOO, DOO, DOO, DOO CHANGES!!

2009-11-18T09:13:00.003-05:00

My kids are growing up. Wanting to do things on their own. That's OK I get it I was a kid once. Dalton enjoys doing things on his own. He gets that from Darin. He gets his love of computers, books and learning from me. Both good and bad mixed together. He loves Tyson don't get me wrong but with the 5 years between them, he also gets so frustrated too. He came home with a basketball slip the other day. Wanting to go because he loves basketball and a plus to it is that Tyson isn't old enough.
He played Charger hoops which was only for 8 weeks and loved it but this session is longer from Dec to may. So I guess we are off to register him next Wednesday night. I hate to see them grow up but what are you going to do. There is good and bad in everything.

The things that make me feel good. ( these bullets are for you Jen)

I have noticed a few of changes over the last few days. By shirts aren't so tight. Neither are my pants. The most annoying thing is my underwear are falling down with my pants. I wear a belt for the pants but.... yup they are sliding down. Makes me feel good but at the same time ugg what a pain. Good pain though! :)
I have carpel tunnel. But since I began I noticed that my hand is going less numb all the time. I used to wake up at night and have pain because it was asleep. Hasn't happened in a long time.
I feel way better. I not too long ago was feeling exhausted and was falling asleep in the middle of the day. I would fight sleep while doing everything. Working, driving, and watching TV. ( not that I do that much). I felt like crap not to mention how unsafe it was. Tyson is staying in his own room, which helps and I think that the exercise and a few less pounds is putting in some bonus too. yay me!!
I have energy. I can go longer and do more than I could just a month ago. It feels like the day got longer even though it didn't. I can find time to do things. Maybe because I am not so sluggish????
Reading about other people success make me want to be just like them. Giving me the strength and ambition to go on. Thank you Jen, Jack Sh*t, Lindsay, Friend of the bear and Sean. You help push me even though you are great distance away. Not even knowing your doing it, just by reading and learning about your journey. Giving us ideas, tips and sharing your strength, makes me grateful. I search around through your comments to find other stories just like mine. Thank you for being honest, open and sharing. I don't know how many times I have read something one of you have wrote and I think.....BEEN THERE, how did they know it was me. But now too I can say.... doing that!!

Things that frustrate me...

A lot of the recipes on the Internet are for Americans. We are not able to get alot of the things that they have available to them. Eg... vita muffins, Flat out bread just to mention a few. We have to look harder or make your own to find low calorie alternatives.
I find that planning my meals for the day is so time consuming. I am going to start planning out my week on one night so I know what to buy, have and prepare for the week. hopefully this will make it easier. With Ty home every other day, it is tedious to sit and figure it out. Then there is too much room for error. i 'll leave so many calories for misc then if something comes up I have some room to change things.
Not having time to exercise as much as I'd like. I think that I may join the gym after Christmas again. They have a daycare there so I can go with Tyson. And I can go before work the days he is at school. Right now with Christmas it isn't in the cards. Darin will soon be laid off too. So till then I will do my DVDs and walk as often as I can. Shift work doesn't help much either. Especially nights, your day seems wasted sleeping and you actually need more sleep because your body is backwards.

Regardless of all these things I will persevere. Find the way. I will be here to be a grandmother. I will watch my kids grow up! If I don't, it won't be because I didn't do something about it. It will be an act of god.

ENCOURAGING>>>>> You bet!!

2009-11-17T22:36:00.002-05:00

Over the past few weeks since I started my healthy lifestyle, I have never once looked back at what I could be eating. I make meals that my family will eat. This does not include veggies. Darin and both boys hate them. If I can manage to hide them somehow then they get eaten but otherwise forget it. So I make one meal and just tweak mine a bit or totally eat different. It becomes a difficult road and I continue to try to add veggies to their life but it doesn't seem to happen very quick.
I find I have to plan ahead. Make sure that I know what I have planned to eat for the day so I can keep a balance. Know my ranges and stay within them. Weigh, measure and count everything. Seems tedious right now but once I know what, how much and what it looks like then I can learn to moderate.
Today I came home from work to find the most inspirational message from a friend. She reads this blog and didn't know what I had been up to. Till today. She told me what a great job I was doing and offered to join me walking. That is what I need to stay focused. I cried.big baby I know. But those words that Steph wrote just hit me right there. I know I am doing the right thing no matter how I got here, I know where I am headed. And that is healthy.
The impact of others sometimes has more of an effect that we'd like. I'm glad that Steph took the time to encourage me. It meant alot. She knows how hard it is she's been there done that.
The weight doesn't seem like much but I can feel it in my clothes, the dryer didn't shrink them this time!! lol I can see that one of my chins looks smaller. LOl. Little things like that.

I did get a few minutes of exercise in today. Not as many as I'd like it is hard when I work 1-9pm to get things into my day that I would like. And Ty is home tomorrow so I'll try but it isn't always easy.

So thanks again Steph. I appreciate it more than you know.

Friend.... for life!! And weigh in day!

2009-11-16T21:14:00.005-05:00

So I have managed to recruit a friend/ family member on this healthy little life changing journey. I am going to call her Lady P. I don't know what she would like me to share and I know she reads this blog so until I get the go ahead I will just give you tidbits of info.

Lady P is a beautiful woman. She is a cousin in law. I have only met her once but talked to her many times on facebook etc. I adore her. What I do know. She is a woman who is a bit "fluffy" like myself. She loves all the comfort foods, pasta, cheese, and bread , again like myself. She has tried many diets to no avail. ( This info I hear from others in the fam). She needs support like me and I think together because we both have a bad side that we can puch each other to a less "fluffy" version of each of us. I think that the bad side in easch of us, will cause us both to make the other accountable. To encourage and to understand. Then together we can shop for new clothes when we see each other next year. I see no downside. Other than we live so far apart. But email/ facebook will keep us connected.

We can do it Lady P!! I know it!!

On another note. Today was total weigh in day and I am happy to write that I hit the scale at a lighter 216.5lbs. That makes me happy. Not thrilled but happy.

I haven't managed any exercise since last week. I'l have to get on that tommorrow when the boys head out to school. Some days I find with shift work that it is difficult to get a work out in unless I am doing it before I go to bed....then who can sleep??

Any advise for that??? Working shifts, small kids and regular life just thrown in??

Well that's it for today. Got a few christmas presents in today. Only like 31 days or something. UGG!

So thanks again Lady P, I am so looking forward to you and I pushing forward together!!

Nice Day...

2009-11-14T22:19:00.002-05:00

It was a perfect day for 4 wheeling.

Darin's Mom, her friend and the four of us went on our bikes for a ride. It was a great day. The kids had a ton of fun. We went out for lunch and it was a bit difficult having everyone around you eating hamburgers and fries, chicken nuggets and fries, and you have to choose a turkey sandwich. I love turkey so it wasn't that difficult. It isn't as good without Mayo and butter but it was good. It is also more difficult to control the calorie count. You don't know how it is prepared and all the extras that they put into it.

I used my best possible guesstimate. I was quite liberal with it better more than less. I also had a bowl of turkey soup. It was good. It warmed the belly on a cool fall day.

I just can't get past the whole "black" coffee thing. I like my cream. I love my Tim Horton's but too have learned to drive by instead of drive thru. If I told you that an extra large double double was over 200 calories would you be surprised? I figure I should have an extra $ 10.00 in my pocket each week if I continue to Drive by. Maybe it's a good thing "black" coffee doesn't taste so good? Kinda makes you think doesn't it. A few little changes can make a BIG difference.

Some thing's are easier than others. Trust me though I still have a LONG way to go.

Santa is coming to town.....

2009-11-13T21:57:00.000-05:00

My legs feel good today. No pain. stiff a bit but the pain when I bend has passed. (That's a good thing). No exercise today :( I had Tyson home, no excuse I know. But I had many other things more important to get done. That had to be done.

I can have a day off I just have to be sure to stick to my calories and push that water into me. I find it easier to drink it at work when I am busy and get my few minute breaks, than at home when I have so many people needing different things all at once.

I took Dalton out of school early this afternoon. He went to see his teacher from last year, Ms. LeSage. He loves her. I guess that she was really happy to see him. Surprised and happy!! He was too. Thank you Nicole for making such a wonderful dent in my son's life and for giving him back the love of school. Your one special woman... and you hubby is not too bad either...:).

Nanny and Poppa took the boys to the Santa Claus parade. It is at night, and lots of lights. I met up with them after work and finished watching the end of it with them. Pastor Mark was sure to stop by and drop a TON of treats at their feet. I said no but apparently he forgot that Halloween was just 2 weeks ago. He always spoils them.( on the up side though, I have been good to stay out of the treats. If you know me personally, you know how good it is that I have not eaten the chocolate bars, it calls me but I resist! Yay Me!)

Tyson was so excited this year, I was surprised. It will be fun this year at Christmas. It's fun ever year! Just more interactive this year.

THANKS Mom and Dad!! We all Love you so much! The things you do for us we can't say thank you enough.

Ugg the pain...

2009-11-12T21:40:00.002-05:00

Well, if I thought that Jillian was hard yesterday. I didn't know what today was going to bring! I am sore. My legs are killing me. I thought I had good muscles in my legs but boy was I wrong. I fought through it again today. Pain and grimacing aside it was OK. But I am sure walking funny I am sure.

Not much to report, it is a beautiful day again today but I cannot walk outside. I have way too many things to do and not enough time to do it! I managed the workout so I'm happy.

I have to go to Wal*art and I think I am going to pick up some weights to go along with the workout.

On the food side. I am doing pretty good to stick to my calories and fat. I am looking more and more for things at the grocery store that are healthier. Thing is.... most of the stuff i love there is no way it can be lower calories. lol

I found the best recipe for some muffins and my kids LOVE them. And they are healthy. It's a devil's food cake mix and a 15 oz can of pumpkin. That's it. Mix them together and bake for 30 minutes making 24 muffins. It is just like brownies. They are 87.5 calories each and very little fat and LOTS of fibre!! I wish everything on this new way of thinking was that easy.

Try it out!!

another nice day....

2009-11-11T10:51:00.004-05:00

I did it I made it for a walk like I said I was. I walked for 40 minutes at a healthy pace. We only have sidewalks so far down our streets so I walked to the end and back. It's about 2.5kms. Far enough for my first day. It was nice not too hat and just enough vitamin D to make me feel good.

I was tired I have to admit or I would have went farther. I worked 4 midnights and it makes me so tired with not enough sleep. I don't care how much energy people think that they can get from being healthy but you know midnights can kill you no matter how healthy you are.

Last night I had a prepackaged Salmon steak. Let me tell you at 700 calories per portion it isn't very healthy. Companies sure know how to wreak a nice thing.

Today i did the Jillian Micheal's 30 day shred. For anyone who is trying to lose weight or exercise. It will kill you!! Holy Hannah. I was stiff when I was done and it was only a 20 minute work out. Ugg I am out of shape. I can't walk today my little man is home it's not his school day.

I hope everyone takes a few minutes today to remember all the brave soldiers that have and are fighting to keep our country as well as others safe. I appreciate all you have done, are and will do to keep me and my family in a safe, free and war free place. You are a special breed of people that I admire and remember.

Well I need to get a few things done before I head out to work. So have a great day and remember to take a few minutes to.......

Remember the soldiers that have given their lives so your families can be safe....

Long time.....no post..

2009-11-10T13:08:00.003-05:00

So, as you can see I have been over neglectful on this blog. I will try to be more accountable in the future. For those who know us we are quite busy and having two boys a full time shift working job and trying to keep a house in one piece can be a lot some days.

I will post the pics of the house from the past year that some of you have been wanting to see the competed project. It is nice I must admit having a new house. It is unfortunate but I am glad now that all things transpired as they did. At the time and for the last year I could not say that but now that things have settled and I have not lost my mind. I am greatful. And thank the powers that be everyday.

On the kid front, Dalton has recently turned the big nine and Tyson turned four. Dalton went into grade four and Tyson started in Jr Kindergarden. He loves it. I find that he is starting to settle down and develop the personality with wisdom. He was such a character before and now he can use the bigger words to make us laugh more. Only because he now knows what they mean. He has a great teacher and I adore her. She is so attentive to all the kids. And patient. I am glad that Tyson got her for his first year of school.

Dalton is not enjoying school this year as much as last. He does not have as nice of a teacher as last year and apparently she is a screamer. It seems that every year that he is in the portable that he ends up having a teacher that is. Then again no teacher is as great to him a the teacher he had last year. ahe is hoping that she returns to his school next year to teach him in grade 5. But he will most likely get her mother instead.

Darin is Darin and he is well. Nothing much changes with him. He is busy with work and when he is home he is busy in his garage. When he isn't busy with his kids.

Me well I have embarked on a new adventure and will share with you along the way. Hoping for encouragement and kind words. I am starting the long struggle to get healthy. I am not going to "preach" about diet and exercise but be aware that if your coming here, you may find me venting about it sometimes. Or looking for help. Either way I look for your feedback.

This blog is about our family and health is a part of that. It is a long journey that I have entered in. Looking about 90lb journey for me. So feel free to give your 2 cents.

90 lbs. Seriously. I can't believe I let it get to that. I am ashamed as well as happy that I have decided to stop here. It was 99lbs. I have struggled through 2 weeks of eating better and lost 9 lbs. Doesn't seem like much and becomes hard to find a way through your eating habits when I go to work. I take things with me but when you have the will power at home and remove all temptation, then go to work and it awaits you it is a challenge. Not to mention the shifts. It is hard to totally switch your days and nights around and still eat healthy. Excuses. I know I can do it.

So I am about to do it. I can't believe that I am but.... I weigh 220.0 lbs today. Hard to believe but I do. It makes me sick to look at that. Upsets me. tears me up. But not anymore I can do it. I can do it for me. I can do it for my family. I can be an example to my kids. Whom I love more than anything.

On that note. I am going. Saddened and flustrated. But I am going to go for a walk it is a beautiful day, my kids are at school and I CAN!!

Thanks for reading!

kaboose

2009-01-02T03:03:00.003-05:00

sweet!! All the way around

2008-12-24T02:59:00.001-05:00

basket dorann/ tina xmas surprise

Happy B day Mike

2008-12-17T02:53:00.001-05:00

no more diapers

2008-12-15T02:53:00.001-05:00

Pagent/ Candle/ Auntie Tracy/ Uncle Ken & Auntie Ethel...

2008-12-14T02:44:00.004-05:00

Early Christmas

2008-12-13T02:41:00.003-05:00

Christmas concert

2008-12-09T02:40:00.001-05:00

and then came the snow

2008-12-07T02:38:00.002-05:00

pastor & wii

2008-12-04T02:37:00.001-05:00

Up to decorate

2008-12-03T02:34:00.002-05:00

Foxboro Parade

2008-11-29T02:31:00.002-05:00

Santa calls....

2008-11-26T02:30:00.001-05:00

Bros

2008-11-22T02:29:00.001-05:00

making cookies

2008-11-15T02:28:00.001-05:00