Some Good News

My dad called me this afternoon and told me he had "good news". I don't know about you but I can always use some good news in the middle of the afternoon, especially when it's wet, hot, and humid outside!

His "good news" was a letter from the VA Hospital informing him that his recent colonoscopy came back showing "NO SIGNS OF CANCER"!! Thank you, JESUS!!! God is so good to us!!

On to other news, last night/early this morning we had a incredible lightening and thunder storm. This storm woke That Other Kid, and it took me about 45 minutes to get him settled and back to sleep. About 45 minutes later he comes running, and crying into my room saying he had a "terrible nightmare". At this point all I wanted to do was sleep, so I said climb into bed with me and daddy and go back to sleep. Nothing bad can happen when you are with mom, ya know? I finally got him to sleep (of course he was crushing my arm), and we slept about another hour!!!

Since I didn't get enough sleep last night I have been tired all day and really didn't want to do anything today or tonight, but I managed to do my 30 Day Shred DVD, Day 5 of Level 3!! DH was shocked that I pushed through it...as tired as I was he figured I would bail....NO WAY!! I'm doing so good and I don't want to quit!!
I did my WiiFit Hula, too....not too good...not even 1300 spins and I almost dropped it 2 times, but I did make it through the whole 6 minutes.

Ya know, when I don't drink enough water throughout the day, I can really tell it now. My joints hurt during my exercise and I get a "stitch" in my side during the Hula, that absolutely makes me want to stop and cry! Just one more reason to drink more water!!

I'm doing pretty good with the "dairy challenge" this week. Yesterday I had all 3 servings....today one 2 servings, unless I decide to go get a "dairy" snack in a few minutes...not sure about that one, though.

Guess that's all for tonight...gonna go get some sleep!! I pray we don't have the storms tonight like last night!

A Bit Personal -- For Other Shredders!!

Ok...so I gotta question for all you other Shredders. It's a bit personal so maybe you'll just want to forget you ever came over here tonight, but I gotta ask. K??? I've been doing Level 3, for 4 nights now and I'm struggling with those stupid sit ups. Not only can I NOT do them without putting my feet under the couch for support, but I pee a little every time I try to sit up. Am I the only one with such weak muscles I can't even do a stinkin' sit up? How can I avoid peeing my pants every night and still do these stupid things?? I'm about ready to just skip this part, but I'm really trying to do the whole routine, ya know?

So besides buying diapers for myself and wearing them while I exercise, what can I do? and don't suggest Kegel's cuz I do them all the time and they don't help me in the slightest!!

So, Sisters....HELP!! PLEASE!!

Weigh In Wednesday --- Bummer!!

Last week weigh in: 216.3
This week weigh in: 216.6

Starting weight: 225.8

I'm kinda bummed out that I gained weight this week instead of losing it but I guess muscle tone does account for some of this weight. I can actually see some of my muscles bulging; biceps, and calf muscles!! My stomach is definitely smaller than it was in weeks past, but I really want my NUMBERS to go DOWN, NOT UP!! My numbers have gone up enough over the past 10 years....I don't like seeing bigger numbers!

I will not be discouraged!! I will keep working out and shredding!! Tonight I will do Day 24 of the 30 Day Shred!! Yeah!! I will continue to NOT drink Coke or have caffeine as this was a major contributing factor to my weight gain in the past! I will not eat so much for dinner, which could also be contributing to my weight gain! Dinner seems to be the time I'm eating way more than I should....as I am finally cooking on a regular basis and I like to eat if I've cooked, ya know???

The sisters are challenging us to make sure we have 3 servings of dairy a day, so I'm working on that this week. So far, so good! Having yogurt and cheese on hand that I like is helping with that.

Hope ya'll are having a successful week!!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday celebrates our children and their view of the world. They continually make us laugh and by recording their Tiny Talk we can focus on one of the many JOYS of parenting! If your kiddos made you laugh this week (don't they always), then feel free to share the humor! Check out more Tiny Talks with Mary.



It's time for another edition of the Tiny Talks from my kids....

Today both my boys were playing the Wii together and they were starting to get a little bit TOO competitive. I told them they needed to remember this was 'just a game'...That doesn't go over too well with my two very competitive boys!

They continued playing while I was preparing dinner, when I hear That Kid say to That Other Kid, "I don't want to play this game anymore! You keep winning, and that's not FAIR!!"

They were playing a bowling training game -- I don't know much about it, but they play it a lot....basically I think it's to train for the 'real' games.

That Other Kid told his brother, "I know a shorter way to count from 1 - 100!"

That Kid says, "Ok, tell me."

That Other Kid replies, "One, five, ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety, one hundred!"

That Kid is totally shocked and speechless!

Honestly, so was I!! I asked him how he learned that and he said he "just knew it"!

I have a feeling math is gonna be the hardest subject for me to keep him challenged with when it comes time to actually start school this fall!!

I Got Nothin'

My day was so uneventful I got nothin' to talk about except to tell you that YES, I did do my day 22 of the 30 Day Shred!! And I followed Anita pretty well, except I absolutely can not do SIT UPS!! I gotta figure out how to modify it a little more so I can do them...maybe hold down my feet or something!!

I also did the WiiFit Hula...once again not as good as previous nights, but I did the whole 6 minutes. I'm glad that I sticking with it....

Well that's all I got so I'm gonna go get ready for bed! Night..

Day 21...Level 3, Day 1 Shredding

I just finished my workout for the night....and let me tell you Level 3 is a Killer in some ways and not as bad as I thought for others. Sit Ups--I just can't do!! I did 1 out of maybe 15....and those were the easier ones!! After resting for a bit, I can tell that my legs are gonna be really sore tomorrow...they already are kinda sore! Some of those moves are just too hard on my ol' knees so I do the easier ones with Anita. This 20 minute routine goes A LOT FASTER than Level 2...which is probably a good thing or I would just give up....ya know??

I also did the WiiFit Hula..not as good tonight...but not bad with 1709 spins in 6 minutes! I figure that was pretty good since I did move up with the Shred DVD.

That Other Kid started back with ice hockey today and he was so excited to be out there skating and having a great time. That did relay races and he did great. He fell down 1 time, but got right back up and almost caught up with his opponent. He absolutely LOVES hockey and thrives on the fast pace of it! It's fun to watch, too!!

Well that was the excitement of my day...how was yours??

Do You Want To Be Blessed?

Read these stories this week and sponser a child who has no hope!! These kids that Compassion International go minister have NO HOPE, yet they are able to be blessed by us in America, just by sponsoring a child for $32 a month. Ya know, most of us waste that much money every month buying cokes, fast food, or coffee! $32 is not a lot of money but it helps these kids soooooo much!!

Go check them out!! Just click on the picture on my sidebar and they'll tell you all about helping out these kids....

May 23, 2009 .... One Month From Today...

my son, That Kid, should be celebrating his high school graduation with family and friends. This day should be such a special day for our family. It should be a day to remember for years to come. A day I have dreamed of for the past 13 years. A day to celebrate his accomplishments as a homeschooled student, and a day for me to reflect back over the years of hard work that we both made it through.

This day is also significant because I graduated on May 23, 1983...I have great memories of graduating high school. Walking up to the stage and getting my diploma. Celebrating with friends and family. I'm sure it's a day my parents still remember, too. I was their first child to graduate from high school and I had plans to go to college in a few short months. I still remember the gift my mom presented me that night...a scrapbook with pictures of myself throughout my childhood and my Senior Yearbook. Neither gift cost much money (they didn't have much), but they both were given to me with great love.

However, he has decided that he doesn't see the significance of a graduation ceremony, especially since he has been homeschooled his whole life. To him this has caused him to be social outcast to society; although he has far more friends than I could even imagine having. Since he is (in his eyes) a social outcast why would he participate in a ceremony that is nationally recognized as an important milestone in a teen's life? Since he is (once again, in his eyes) not really graduating why go through the ceremony and get a "fake" diploma?

I guess I should just move past this and not let it bug me, but ya know when you put forth more time and effort than you ever dreamed possible I feel that it should be marked by a ceremony of some sort. So as of right now, we aren't doing anything to even remember all those years of hard work and it is emotionally very frustrating.

I just had to get it off my chest....before I followed the title of my blog and blew up!! Thanks for listening!!


Edited tonight --- I finished Day 20 of the 30 Day Shred and looked ahead to Level 3 which starts tomorrow!! Doing these routines for 10 days straight gets a little boring so I'm kinda looking forward to moving on to Level 3, but OMG it's gonna kill me with all the plank moves!! But the weight loss and toned muscles is a great bonus!! Just thought ya'll would like to know!!

Just Do It!!

To steal a slogan from Nike, Just do it!! By 'it' I mean exercise!! Get off that couch and EXERCISE!! Tonight I didn't really want to do either of my exercises, but I told myself I would feel better if I did the 30 Day Shred DVD, and besides my sisters are counting on me, right?! So I put That Other Kid to bed, put the dvd in, changed clothes and DID IT!! Not only did I manage to do the exercises I even managed to do better tonight! Immediately after doing the DVD I usually take a few minutes to rest before I move on the WiiFit Hula exercises, but I could tell my desire to exercise was waning....I have a pile of laundry to do, my back hurts, blah, blah, blah!

So instead of sitting down I moved right into it...I just refilled my water and got moving with it. I always (or almost always) start with the body test, to check my balance and weight...according to WiiFit. Tonight it told me my balance was off and my weight was up, which didn't really surprise me much, since I splurged and had a double dip ice cream cone and 4 chocolate chip cookies...on top of a not so great dinner....This made me decide to go ahead and push myself and do the 70 second Hula. Once I was done with that I figured what the heck, if I can't make for the 6 minute duration, then at least I tried, right??

Well not only did I make the entire 6 minutes but I set a new record!! 1797 spins!! So as I said before, JUST DO IT!! You might even feel better when you are done!!

Day 18 or Day 25 or Day 29...

Depending on what you are counting. Today was day 18 of the 30 Day Shred that I am doing with the Sisters.

Today was Day 25 of me exercising consistently with my WiiFit that my dh gave me for Christmas. Before I started doing the Hula every night with the WiiFit I had used it exactly 2 times. That is terribly sad considering what he had to go through to get it for me. But he has forgiven me and I am using it EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT now and I feel so much better, physically and mentally! I am losing weight and I am improving my health. I bought 3 pound weights today so that I can continue doing the Shred with weights that really will work for me.

If you have been putting off working out....STOP!! You'll feel so much better and you'll start looking better, too!!

You are probably wondering what the Day 29 is, huh?? Well that is how long I have gone without COKE or CAFFEINE!!! Now I don't even miss it and that is saying something since I was truly addicted to them both!! The first week was miserable, but I got past it and now I no that I CAN live without both of these addictions!!

Letters....

Beth over at I Should Be Folding Laundry hosts a weekly photo meme and I've been trying to get my camera out and participate. I love the idea of finding new pictures to take and this gives just that chance. Today it was 'LETTERS'....When I heard about it I wondered what in the world would I possibly choose for this weeks picture. So I started looking....


I went out to get the mail when I noticed a book laying on the half wall by the entry that I bought for That Other Kid this weekend for school starting this fall....All about writing LETTERS



After looking through the mail I realized it was time to refill his juice cup, so I went to the refrigerator where I saw this...



After refilling his drink I went out to the living room where he had been creating a 'prise for me. When he was done with it this is what he presented to me....



All in all, I would say that I found 3 pretty decent pictures of Letters! Thanks for the challenge, Beth!!

Weigh In Wednesday

Well today was weigh in Wednesday so I went to the gym and hopped on the scale. I wasn't really dreading it, but I wasn't really looking forward to it either, ya know what I mean??
Start weight: 225.8 pounds
Todays weight: 216.3 pounds

That's 9.5 pounds that I am no longer carrying on my body!! Not only that but my jeans are feeling baggy. Not so much that I need to go buy new ones yet, but they are getting pretty close. Maybe by the time next week comes around I can safely go buy some new clothes. I love being able to see that I do have a waist, and some muscle tone. They are all still buried under a lot of flab and blubber, but they are starting to show up!!

I was exhausted after working out last night, so I didn't get a post done, but I did the DVD and the WiiFit Hula and set another new record with 1503 spins in 6 minutes!!
I really love doing this now...and I look forward to it, to the point of I'm not letting anything get in the way!

Tonight I have to go to the grocery store and workout, so I need to figure out how to do both in about 3 hours of time! I think I'm gonna workout while the boys are at church then get That Other Kid to bed and then go to the grocery store!

Edited tonight 11:30 p.m. -- Just finished working out...did 1576 spins on WiiFit Hula and completed Day 7 of Level 2 30 Day Shred...that means I've done 17 straight days of the DVD...except for the night I had to help That Kid with taxes, but the next day I did it 2 times to make up for it!! I don't think I have ever put this much into and exercise program! yeah for me!!

True Confessions....

Over at the Shrinking Jeansblog they asked for True Confessions today, so now I give you my true confession. It's not life changing, unless you are talking about my life, but it is TRUE!!

I LOVE DOING THIS EXERCISE ROUTINE EVERY NIGHT!!!

I LOVE THAT I AM ACTUALLY LOSING WEIGHT!! as of today 10:30 a.m. 10 pounds!!

I LOVE THAT I HAVE GONE NEARLY 4 WEEKS WITHOUT A COKE, and I no longer miss it!!

I LOVE THAT WHEN I AM STRESSED OUT, I CAN EXERCISE, OR CLEAN SOMETHING AND I FEEL BETTER!!

Tonight I did my 30 Day Shred DVD and my WiiFit Hula...and although I am tired, scanky, and sore I feel GREAT!! Day 5, Level 2, which means I am done with Day 15 and half way done with my 30 days!! Yeah!!!

Time to hit the showers and then bed!!

A Way to Cure Stress

Start cleaning....something that is going to require a lot of attention and work. I worked out in the garage today to relief some of my stress from the week. I also charged my Ipod and listened to Worship music really LOUD and I sang OUT LOUD!! Which I don't do well, so it's a good thing I was all alone!!

We have lived in this house (a rental) for 5 1/2 years and I was 9 months pregnant with That Other Kid when we moved in, so boxes that were not necessary for everyday living went to the garage. Guess where they are still?? In the garage!! Yes, we had so many boxes of 'stuff' in the garage we could only park 1 of our 2 cars in there (sometimes that car would fit)!! I have been tackling it over the past couple of weeks, and I am happy to say I'm almost done! It has not been an easy task. I am a pack rat by nature, so I like to hang on to LOTS of STUFF, but I'm doing pretty good. I have most everything organized. I have thrown away or given away a TON of curriculum from That Kid's school years, and been brutal about what I want to save! Now most everything I'm saving will fit on the tire well (you know that place in the garage that keeps you from running into the house with your car???) What won't fit on there will fit along the side of the garage where there are shelves to stack things on. All hockey equipment has to be neatly laid out on the tables provided, instead of just thrown whereever! That in itself will help a lot!!

Anywhoooo, since I used my muscles today instead of just letting them sit around, I only did my 30 Day Shred DVD! Today was Day 4, Level 2 or Day 14!! I'm starting to get the hang of everything, but still struggle with all those planks! But I can feel my abs working HARD!! and my jeans are LOSE!! Yeah!! That makes it all worthwhile!!

I Had A Great Day!!

Early this afternoon I got to spend several hours with a friend of mine just "being us". No kids, no agenda, no real plans, except to go EAT!! We didn't even have a EATING place in mind! It was great! We ate at a mexican place that we had heard of but never eaten at, then decided to go look at some educational toys. She's getting ready to go see her mom with her little boy and they will be in the plane for at least 3 hours each way, not to mention the wait times at the airport. So she needed quiet activities for a NON-QUIET little boy. We finally found a game cartridge for his LeapPad Handheld game.

Mission accomplished!! We ate, we talked non-stop, and we found something to entertain a 6 year old boy on a plane!!

Once I got home we ate dinner, got That Other Kid in bed and did my exercise routine!
I did Level 2, Day 3 of the 30 Day Shred. I tell ya I thought Level 1 was a killer, but this Level 2 is absolutely kickin' my b*tt!!! I'm at least finally getting to the point where I know what the moves are, and I can do at least most of the moves in completion (although they are the easier versions).

So here is my rundown of tonight's workout! I did ALL THE JUMPING JACKS in the warmup!! I've always had problems with jumping jacks, even as a kid, so I was HAPPY!! Those plank jacks are killing me!! and I was sweating so bad tonight I had dh turn ac on, cuz I was afraid I wouldn't be able to breathe with all my sweat and the heat and humidity that was in my house! But I did it!! Then I did the WiiFit Hula immediately afterwards with a new 6 minute record -- 1451 spins!! So I am improving....3 1/2 weeks ago I could only do 4 spins in 70 seconds!!

And get this -- my jeans are getting REALLY BAGGY!! Finally results I can see!! I told dh I would like to go down at least 1, but preferrably 2 sizes of pants when we go to Kansas Mother's Day Weekend! So that's my goal right now!! Keep cheering for me, huh?

I Will NOT Pass Out...

while doing Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred! This was day 2 and it wasn't any easier today than it was yesterday, except I knew what to expect tonight. This is so challenging for me, both physically and emotionally. I am a not very coordinated person, never have been; even as a child, and I am no longer a child...Some of these moves, even the 'easier' routines are so difficult for me and I am having a hard time not feeling like a big blob! I will keep it up though because I know I have to push myself to get all this blubber off of my body.

Last night I couldn't do the WiiFit Hula, but I'm gonna give it a shot tonight. I have no idea how I'll do, but it is fun and tonight I need some fun, ya know what I mean??!!

I hope ya'll have a good weekend...I got nothing big...except hopefully an afternoon out with a good friend tomorrow! That is if I can get someone to keep That Other Kid entertained for a few hours!!

This Made Me Cry!!

This week's You Capture was 'Rustic'....and honestly I can't find anything around my house that fits this category any better than these pictures that we had taken for That Kid's Senior Pictures. I have to admit that I didn't take these pictures.

Tiffany Davis Photography took these pictures, but they fit the bill perfectly and they fit this poem that I just received in an email, so here is my "You Capture" entry...even though it's really Tiffany's "You Capture"!!






This is the point in my life that I am in with That Kid and it soooo much applies to me right now....Everyday is a moment that I know will pass sooner than I want....



Let me Hold you Longer

"Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts;
First smiles and teeth and baby steps, a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away and leave to me your past
And I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts.
The last time that I held a bottle to your baby lips
The last time that I lifted you and held you on my hip,
The last night when you woke up crying,
Needing to be walked,
When last you crawled up with your blanket
Wanting to be rocked.
The last time when you ran to me still small enough to hold
The last time when you said you'd marry me when you grew old.
Precious simple moments and bright flashes from your past
Would I have held on longer if I'd known they were your last?
Our last adventure to the park, your final midday nap
The last time when you wore your favorite faded baseball cap.
Your last few hours of kindergarten, last days of first grade,
Your last at bat in Little League, last colored picture made.
I never said goodbye to all your yesterdays long past
So what about tomorrow? Will I recognize your lasts?
The last time that you catch a frog in that old backyard pond
The last that you ran barefoot across our fresh-cut lawn
Silly, scattered moments and bright flashes from your past
I keep on taking pictures, never quite sure of your last.
The last time that I comb your hair or stop a pillow fight,
The last time that I tuck you in and pray with you at night.
The last time when we cuddled with a book just me and you,
The last time you jump in our bed and sleep between us two.
The last piano lesson, the last vacation to the lake
Your last few weeks of middle school, last soccer goal you make.
I look ahead and dream of days that haven't come to pass
But as I do I sometimes miss today's sweet precious lasts.
The last time that I help you with a math or spelling test
The last time when I shout that "Yes! Your room is still a mess!"
The last time that you need me for a ride from here to there
The last time that you spend the night with your old tattered bear.
My life keeps moving faster, stealing precious days that pass
I want to hold on longer, want to recognize your lasts.
The last thing that you need my help with, details of a dance,
And the last time that you asked me for advice about romance.
The last time that you talked to me about your hopes and dreams
The last time that you wear a jersey for your high school team.
I've watched you grow and barely noticed seasons as they pass
If I could freeze the hands of time, I'd hold onto your lasts.
For come some bright fall morning, you'll be going far away
College life will beckon in a brilliant sort of way
One last hug, one last goodbye, one quick and hurried kiss,
One last time to understand just how much you'll be missed.
I'll watch you leave and think how fast our time together passed
So let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last."

Another Time Waster for Teens....

My husband heard this report yesterday on the Mike Huckabee Report and it made me think about how much time is spent on Facebook by That Kid. I know that he spends a lot of his spare time on there just wasting time. This may be one of the reasons why he is struggling with a couple of his classes.

I mentioned that I know adults that spend a lot of time on there too. Maybe it's something we all need to think about....We all have too much stuff to do and most of us complain that we don't have "enough time" to get it done. I know that for me spending time on the computer reading blogs is a big time waster for me. Once I get on here I just can't seem to pull myself off unless something really important comes up. Facebook could easily become that, but right now I get bored with it pretty fast. Hopefully, I won't get hooked and "lose more brain cells"! I can't afford to lose any, ya know what I mean?!!

Well time to get off here and do something productive!! I'll check back in tonight with my workout results....Today is Day 11 -- 1st day of Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred! From what I heard it's pretty difficult...!!

Down 3.5 Pounds!!

Today is Weigh-In Wednesday with the Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans. So I loaded up and went to the gym, where I know they have a reliable scale and got on! I'm down 3.5 pounds from last week!! And my jeans are feeling looser!! Yeah!!

Last night was the first night since this challenge started 3 weeks ago that I haven't exercised and I really felt it. I was bummed and didn't sleep as well...exercising is helping me mentally, as well as physically.

I had to help That Kid with his taxes last night, since he will be in classes all day today and then church tonight. He started about 8 p.m. then I joined him at 9:15 and we were done about 12:30! Not bad, all things considered! However, this is my exercise time so I was a bit miffed, and I just wanted to exercise!! Imagine me saying that??!!! Anywhooo, we are done with his. Now I need to concentrate on the grown up taxes! They will not be done today, but at least I can have an idea on what we're gonna owe this year. I'll finish them this week, then I can apply for the financial aid packages for That Kid's College tuition for next year.

BUT I'm not giving up my exercise time again!! I'm going to try and do day 9 and day 10 of the Shred tonight too....I don't know if I can manage it, but I'm gonna try. I don't want to miss any of the 30 Day routine, so I need to give it a shot. If I don't get it done 2 times tonight, then I'll just be a day off and end 1 day late!

Edited tonight 11:45 p.m. Just finished Day 9 and Day 10 of the 30 Day Shred! I'm glad I did it, but I'm sore...and tired. I'm ready for bed and a good night of sleep!! Tomorrow starts level 2 of the 30 Day Shred! I'm ready to kick some butt!!

Tiny Talk - Easter

Tiny Talk Tuesday celebrates our children and their view of the world. They continually make us laugh and by recording their Tiny Talk we can focus on one of the many JOYS of parenting! If your kiddos made you laugh this week (don't they always), then feel free to share the humor! Check out more Tiny Talks with Mary.




This week's Tiny Talk is gonna feature a discussion held on the way to our annual Easter Egg Hunt and Dinner with a family that opens their house for a huge group of friends. We've been doing this since That Kid was around 10 -- so around 8 years! We always have a blast catching up, eating, and hiding and hunting Easter Eggs!

That Other Kid: "Where are we going to have lunch?"
Me: "At the 'blanks' house. We will eat, play and then hunt easter eggs."
TOK: "Have I ever been at this restuarant?"
Me: "Yes, you have been there, but it isn't a restuarant it is a house."
TOK: "Well I'm hungry, will there be any food there?"
Me: "Yes, there will be lots of food there and lots of people, just like at a restuarant only it is a house. Just like we have lots of food at our house."
TOK: "Well I don't remmeber this restuarant...."

At this point I realized he wasn't getting it...We arrived at their home and he remembered being there before and went around getting into mischief, just like at home!

Here are some pictures from our day...There were so many eggs to hide, so some of the eggs had to find creative hiding places!

Day 8 of the 30 Day Shred

Yeah...another day down and hopefully more weight down! WiiFit Hula was good, too-- I hit another record spin -- 6 minutes and 1336 spins!! The Wii board told me that I'm down another pound, of course I don't really believe what it says, cuz they say I weigh about 15 pounds less than what I know I weigh! I'll find out Wednesday how I'm doing as far as the numbers.

That's all I got for tonight...I'm beat and need to hit the showers. I know I promised pictures from the weekend, but you'll just have to wait! Tomorrow will be a busy day, cuz I gotta get the ol' taxes done. Only 49 hours to get'em done and sent off, ya know?!!

Day 7!!

I just completed Day 7 of my 30 Day Shred!! I'm happy to say that it is indeed getting easier and I'm planning to go up to Level 2 later this week...I may regret it for the 1st couple of days, but I'm sure I will adapt and conquer!! I also did the WiiFit Hula and set a new record!! 1305 spins in 6 minutes and I actually made it through the entire 6 minutes!

I wondered if I would be able to do the complete workout tonight since I did eat WAY too much food...I didn't do too bad while I was at my friend's house...just grazed a bit, but it was once I got home that I blew it! DH wanted to eat at a new burger place called Freddy's and I just felt rebellious....so I got a double cheeseburger, fries and a LEMONADE!! Note I said a LEMONADE....NOT A COKE!! I even managed to avoid cokes this afternoon at my friend's house!! I'm starting my 3rd week with no coke or caffeine and I'm feeling good! I've got the exercise down pretty good, so now I just need to watch the FOOD!!

Hope ya'll had a great Easter...I'll share some pictures tomorrow!! They should be a great way to start the week.

Pre-Easter Workout and Other News...

I did my 30 Day Shred tonight (Day 6) and actually did it all the way through with only 1 drink and NO breaks. I did each exercise as many times as I was instructed to and for as long as I was told to. It felt so good to finally be able to do the whole session without thinking I was truly going to collaspe by the time it was over!

Then I proceeded to do my Hula session and just didn't have it together....I was so bummed. I did well on my 70 second warmup with 243 spins (my highest yet), but then bombed the 6 minute session miserably. I did 485 spins total...and didn't complete either side of the 3 minutes. I'm disappointed in myself, but know that I will have nights like this...I just need to dust myself off and go ahead and continue working on it tomorrow night. I think part of the problem was that it is kind of warm in the house and I had pants on that were too warm for the weather conditions.

Oh well, there's always tomorrow night! and I gotta say it is getting easier to do each night. I'm starting to look forward to this time in my day and can hardly wait to get That Other Kid to bed so I can workout! This is a GOOD THING for sure!

On to the other news....That Other Kid went to a roller skating birthday party today and he had a BLAST!! As soon as we left he asked when we could go roller skating again. It was so fun to watch him have fun with his teammates and friends in a fun activity. Ya know that smell that roller rinks had 20 + years ago?? This one had it and it was a very STRANGE feeling to walk in there and remember when I used to go roller skating with my friends. One of the employees said the building was built "a long time ago, like 1972!! My friends and I just laughed....yeah I guess that is "a long time ago" to a person that was born in the '90's!!

Anyway....here are a couple of pictures of my roller skating boy...







Enjoy your Easter Sunday and I'll be back tomorrow night with highlights of our day!

Day 5 Is Over...

on my 30 Day Shred DVD. I have to admit it was easier tonight than the previous nights this week and I managed to do every exercise with the exception of 2 jumping jacks, when I had to take a breather and get a quick drink! How these women do this without even hardly breakin' a sweat is just beyond me. But then again they are not 80 pounds overweight! I'm getting there though. Yeah for me!

I also got the WiiFit Hula done...I did 234 spins on the 70 second setting. Then I rested about 1 minute for a drink and MANAGED TO DO THE WHOLE 6 MINUTE HULA!! Yeah for me, I did 999 spins, which is 86 spins short of my record, but I did manage to do the whole 6 minutes so I feel good about that.

I felt tired and rather "blah" today and didn't get much done. About 3 p.m. I realized I had not had ANY WATER all day long...duh, ya think my body was trying to tell me something? Oh well I made up for it the rest of the day...I have had at least 5- 20 oz glasses since then! I feel better since I started drinking my water, but I also realize I didn't get enough sleep last night, so I need to change both of these things for tomorrow; which will be a busy day for me.

Tomorrow morning That Other Kid has a birthday party to attend for one of his hockey team mates and we have to leave our house at 9 a.m. which for most of ya'll that is no big deal but for us it is HUGE!! I am planning for us to attend Easter services tomorrow night since That Kid has plans for Sunday morning, so that will pretty much take care of our Saturday. Hope your Saturday is good....

Today's Workout

I just finished my workout for today, with the 30 Day Shred. I'm also continuing to workout with my WiiFit doing the Hula. It's fun and a huge CHALLENGE and who can't use some fun at the end of a long day?

So for today's results...the DVD was not so killer today and I only had to take 2 quick drink breaks. I managed to do all the jumping jacks and even increased the "bounce" to my other cardio things. I'm gonna need heavier weights soon, I think. I'm only using 1 1/4 pounds right now and some of the exercises are getting easier.

DH watched me do my workout tonight, which I was not too sure about. He usually is working back in his office, but decided to come to the living room and do some things on his computer. He's not feeling good and I think he was wanting to be around other people....He told me I was doing a good job! He looked impossible, and how did I manage to do all those exercises??!! I was pretty happy that he wasn't critical..in fact he was very supportive!! Yeah!!

After doing my DVD, I got the WiiFit out and rested for a couple of minutes and jumped on and did my Yoga stretches and then the Hula. Not so good on the Hula tonight...only got 865 on the 6 minute session. Did 233 on the 70 second one which I'm using as a warm up! Oh well there is always tomorrow, right??

After my workout I went in and took a quick shower...and looked down at my tummy which I usually avoid doing...ya know what I mean?? Anywhooo, I looked down and I can see some formation of a WAIST!! I mean there is a ton of fat and blumber around it but it is starting to come back! I haven't had one of those in about 10 years!!
So all this hard work is paying off already!! Yeah!!

Post 300 -- Yeah for Me!! Pictures for FUN!!

Beth over at I Should Be Folding Laundry is hosting a photo meme. This weeks photo opportunity was for FUN...now that could mean just about anything...of course when you have children it usually means something with or for your kids!

Most of the fun in my life has come from my kids over almost 19 years! Therefore, the fun I show comes from them...

So now I give you, my internet friends, my FUN!!



















So yesterday I told you that this post, being my 300th post would be something "FUN" and I try not to lie, ya know? So here's what makes this more fun than just lookin' at my wonderful kids...GIVE ME CAPTIONS to go with these pictures. I have my own ideas but would love to hear yours. So leave your captions in the comments and I'll choose my favorites and give you credit for it!! Good 'nough??

So caption away!! And I'll be back tonight to give you my exercise update cuz I know you are on the edge of your chair just waiting for that, huh?

Weigh In Wednesday -- Post 299!!

I'm happy to announce that my very next post will be #300!! I'm hoping to make it something special...not just my normal grovel...

But for now I just came home from the gym where I weighed myself, wearing the same clothes and shoes from last week and the numbers were the same as last week! I have to say I am soooo disappointed. I thought with all the exercise that I'm doing I would have gone down at least SOME, but no the scales deny me that pleasure!

As of today around 1:30 CST I have not had any coke/caffeine for 2 ENTIRE WEEKS!! Please be proud of me! You have no idea how hard this has been... But I've been strong and have not even been tempted...except 1 time this weekend when I was out by myself...but I didn't stop! Yeah for me!!

I'm doing a LOT of exercise...which is good for me...but I obviously need to watch what I'm eating...increase my fiber intake, my water intake, and watch my serving sizes for dinner. I'm just gonna say the reason I didn't lose any pounds is cuz I'm gaining muscles!

So for this week:
Starting weight 2 weeks ago today: 225
Last week: 220
This week: 220

Total this week -- 0 pounds lost
Total weight lost -- 5 pounds!

*** Edited tonight 9 p.m. -- I just finished my 30 Day Shred DVD and my WiiFit Hulas!
I was able to do them a bit earlier tonight since the boys went to church together. That left me a couple of hours to do a couple of things. I usually sit around on my duff, but tonight I cooked dinner, then cleaned up the leftovers, checked emails, then got my butt moving!! I did my DVD then took a 20 minute break, then did my WiiFit Hula...didn't do so good tonight but still accomplished a good bit -- did the 6 minutes and bombed on the first round, only going 131 and crashed. Then I did 425 on the second round! I took a couple minutes to rest then did the 3 minutes...and made it all the way through! My abs are crying!! and my arms are crying!! and my legs are crying!!

Exercise Progress....

I know ya'll are tired of all this exercise talk but this is like my journal, ya know? So here goes today's progress: 25 minute SLOW walk on the treadmill at the gym (I know...I actually went and exercised...SHOCKING!!), my 30 Day Shred DVD, which is 22 minutes of pure misery! I absolutely HATE with a passion JUMPING JACKS and she has us doing them for what feels like FOREVER!! But I did it, just not as intensely as the girls on the DVD! I'm proud of myself for actually doing it again tonight, since I was already sore. Then I rested about 15 minutes and get this...I did the WiiFit Hula Hoop and in 6 minutes I did 1185 SPINS!! Then I sat down on the couch and tried to make my heart slow down to a normal pace while drinking water SLOWLY! I think I drank about 20 ounces when the Hula was over!

I'm beyond pooped now and just wanna crash! Which is what I'm getting ready to do...
Let's see if I can walk tomorrow, huh?

Tiny Talk -- Park Day

Tiny Talk Tuesday celebrates our children and their view of the world. They continually make us laugh and by recording their Tiny Talk we can focus on one of the many JOYS of parenting! If your kiddos made you laugh this week (don't they always), then feel free to share the humor! Check out more Tiny Talks with Mary.


Last Friday was a glorious, spring day in North Texas so we took advantage of it and went to the park. That Other Kid absolutely LOVES to be outside and around other kids. He started anticipating it from the moment I told him about it...We were scheduled to leave a little after 12 noon...and I didn't tell him about it till about 11 :))

On the way to the park (which was not our normal park) he started getting antsy. He wanted to know where the park was, why we were going to this one, etc. I told him to relax he would have a great time, there were going to be TONS of kids there!

Then he said something so uncharacteristic for him, he said, "Will I know anyone there?" He normally doesn't have any problems around new people as long as I'm around, but all of a sudden he wanted to make sure he would have "friends" there!

As it turned out we met some people there that had a little boy just a tad bit older than he and they played for a solid hour without taking a breathe! Then a few minutes later his bff showed up and so he had the "bestest time ever" at the park!
When it was time to leave, after he was in the car with a drink, he asked, "When can we come back and play with my new friend?"

He never ceases to amaze me!!

Hope ya'll get a chance to get the park soon!! It will be good for everyone! Ya know sunlight is the best cure for the blahs and a great source of Vitamin D!! Not to mention it is a great way to exhaust those "little bundles of energy".

More Exercising...

I'm doing the 30 Day Shred DVD with the girls over at the Sisterhood and I just finished with it a few minutes ago. It was the longest 20 minutes I have felt in FOREVER!! I didn't think those 20 minutes would ever be over! This is one killer workout. I better look GOOD when these 30 days are over....Not that I'm expecting much, ya know?!!

Ya'll are probably tired of me talking about all this exercising and weight loss cr*p but I have been FAT far too long! This weight has to come off cuz I don't wanna die of diabetes or heart attack or some other preventable disease just because I'm too lazy to watch what I eat or drink and don't want to get off the couch to exercise.

In other news...I cleaned the den/playroom like a mad woman yesterday afternoon and evening and except for the extra junk I gotta find places for it looks good. I even washed the walls and polished the hard wood floor like I should do weekly! I also managed to wash, dry, and fold and put away the laundry all in one day!! Now that has to be a miracle of some sort, dontcha think? My living room is devoid of any laundry...what a strange feeling!

And one more ...in other news...I found a long lost friend from my childhood this weekend on FaceBook. I was kinda leary of signing up for Facebook, cuz I don't really need another time waster, ya know? But I would like to see what people I know are doing with their life so I did it...It was fun to catch up a little and see what she's doing with her life. So...if you are on FaceBook and would like to "be my friend" let me know...you can see my info at the bottom of the page!

Well I'm off to kill some more of my ab muscles with the WiiFit, Hula...hopefully I can at least tie my last record from Saturday!

Tonight's Hula Hoop

I just finished with my last night of the Hula Hoop contest over at the Sisterhood and I have to say I'm proud of how much I have improved.

Tonight I did it for 3 whole minutes and got up to 543 spins. Then I decided to see how well I could do and went up to the 6 minute duration! It flat kicked my b*tt... but I got 522 spins before I pooped out. So between the 2 settings I did over 1000 spins, just not all at once! I took a couple of minutes breather between the 2. I tried to redo the 6 minutes and got on there and just couldn't do anything. I think I did 25 spins for both sides combined. Of course at the beginning of the week that's all I could do period, so I've come along way baby!

Thanks for motivating me to get on my WiiFit and do something!! I had a blast and plan to keep it up...now that I have the hang of it I want to see how far I can go!

Another Sisterhood Giveaway!

The Sisterhood is hosting another giveaway...this time you can read about it here. These ladies are giving away a t-shirt or tank with these cool slogans on them. You'll have to go check them out here.

I'm not a runner but I sure would like to win this t-shirt...it may help keep me motivated, cuz I think the next 30 Day Shred Challenge that I'm about to embark on will cause me to need the motivation. From what I've heard it is TOUGH... and I'm a wimp!

I'm finishing up with my Hula Hoop Challenge tonight...wish me luck!! I'll post my results tonight when I'm done...I have till 11:59 p.m. to log my results!

Another WiiFit Success

I just finished doing my nightly WiiFit Hula Hoop Challenge...Whooohoo!!! I did 511 spins in 3 minutes tonight!! I'm proud of myself even if no one else is! I'm pooped right now and ready to hit the showers...and go to bed at a moderately reasonable time of 12 midnight!! The Wii released my 6 minute duration and my 10 minute duration tonight, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for those yet. The challenge was supposed to be done in the 10 minute slot...but as old and out of shape as I'm in I think I better just take it a little slower.

Considering earlier this week I had only done 2 spins in the 70 second time slot and I have progressed to the 3 minute slot and up to 511 I think I'm moving along just fine.

I'll check back in tomorrow and tell ya'll about our park day that we had today! But before I leave I'll just give you a teaser with this cute picture of That Other Kid and his bff on the "spider" jungle gym!

WiiFit Challenge

Ok, so I told ya'll that I was taking the Hula Challenge over at the Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans, right? Well here's how I'm progressing....I started at 2 spins, moved up to 21 spins, then progressed all the way to 98 spins all at the 70 seconds that is allowed in the first Hula Hoop setting. Tonight I did 108 in 70 seconds and decided to move to the Super Hula setting which starts you off at 3 minutes! Gosh 3 minutes is a long time!! Anyhooo I did 228 spins in the 3 minutes allotted to me!! Yeah for me! Let me tell you I can already feel it in my abs and butt!! I'm gonna be sore tomorrow but I'm gonna feel good, too, ya know what I mean??

And even better news...my WiiFit told me that I have lost another pound since Tuesday night when I worked out last time! That would soooo cool if that is accurate, but I haven't figured out if it is yet or not.

This Describes That Other Kid...

I saw this over at Melanie's and it really made me think of That Other Kid...it's his favorite place to eat and he gets upset when it's Sunday!

Goodbye Mack....

We had to say goodbye to Mack this afternoon. He was such a cute, sweet looking puppy, but he had a really ugly side. That side showed up anytime dh or That Kid walked into the room. He would growl, snap, and bark profusely till they left his site. It was getting scary for them to walk into the room.

I called the lady that we got him from and they didn't want to take him back, so I took him to the animal shelter. He even growled at the ladies there. It will be awhile before I go get another puppy from "just an ad".

Soooo, anyone know of a cute newborn puppy that we can raise from infancy that won't growl, bark or snap at anyone in our house?

Weekly Weigh-In

WhoooHoooo!! I'm soo excited! I lost 5 entire pounds this week!! Yeah for me! and I managed to get through 7 days without cokes and caffeine! So Double Yeah!! I know this may seem trivial to some but ya gotta know that some days I was drinking 2 - 32 ounce cups of coke! That's a lot of extra unnecessary calories and a lot of caffeine that I obviously can live without....I can also live without those 5 pounds!!!

My weight last week: 225
My weight this week: 220

I'm going for 215 next week. Think I can do it?!!