Hello Again

I know it's been a while since I've last posted, but I've been busy! I've been trying to get myself back on the road to healthier things. I started back at weight watchers and with my trainer at the gym. The trainer wasn't an expected thing, but rather, an added bonus for me right now.

I've been working hard for a few weeks and I'm already down over 6 lbs! Hell yeah... that feels good :o) I will also be running a 5k in about 4 weeks, so I'm pretty nervous and excited. I will be conquering a hill that took me down big time in high school. It's funny, I think back to high school and I remember being in great shape... just figured that I was a bad runner. Come to find out I was in awful shape, just really strong... lmao!

So now, I am working on the strength, the speed, the endurance, and the nutrition. I am going to make it to my goal weight and I will stay there!! If you want to check in to see how I am doing, feel free to stop by my other blog. I have been much better at posting over there. I blog about workouts, weigh-ins, and most importantly - recipes!! The healthy type!

Anyway, we are expecting company soon. I hope that everyone is having a great night!!

An Epiphany...

Growing up, my house was full. It was my brother and I, but on the weekends my stepbrothers would come too. Yes there were the struggles of the blended family. My brother and my older stepbrother were only 1 month apart in age, so sparks flew there a bit. My younger stepbrother and I were about 1 yr apart and we would have our fair share of throw downs, as well... BUT, for the most part, we were a family and we played, and laughed, and had fun. At least, that's how I remember it.

I also remember that every year we went on our camping trip. It was 4th of july weekend and we would pack our stuff and head up to Sharon, VT. The boys were all there for each other, but I got to bring a friend. I think that whole trip would cost us about $150 for gas and food. It wasn't the type of camping trip that you camped at night and visited the stores and parks in the area during the day. We played in the White River, swimming, rafting, catching Crawfish, trying to fish. We would cook the crawfish and eat them with dinner. Usually hot dogs cooked on a stick, but sometimes even the occasional trout. These are the times that I remember so well.

I think that I always "knew" that we were never going to go to Disney, although, like most kids, I probably asked. It didn't really matter though, as long as we went camping. We all had bikes and for christmas each year, we all each got that 1 BIG thing. One year it was a TV. One year a stereo. My friends would laugh and tell me that my parents were secretly preparing to kick us out... one year we actually got dishes and pans. hehe. Hey, we asked for them!

So, I don't know what happened, but I started getting to the point, where if I could have it, I got it. I wanted a simple desk for our computer. Ok... actually, I went to the store to look at desks so maybe I could make one, but what happened?? I bought this big armoire that hides everything when not in use, blah blah blah...

Got the Wii, got the Playstation, got the cameras, got the mp3 player... got it all.

I started volunteering at the kids school this year. I went every Thursday and Friday for 6 weeks to sort nonperishables for families in need. Each week I hoped that more stuff would come in. I thought... "How are these kids going to eat breakfast if people don't bring in cereal??" or "What are these families going to do with 15 cans of chicken soup?". Then each of the kids classes picked a charity to help. Payton's class shopped for a family. We were going to be giving them the only gifts they were going to get this year. Phoebe's class collected new baby clothes for new or due mommies.

I started coming home and seeing all this "stuff" around. Is it strange that all of a sudden I don't care? I actually sold the Wii because we haven't used it in quite some time. Chef Hubby is selling his paintball gun and PS2. I've started cleaning out the basement more aggressively, thinking, "If we had a fire, would I even know that I lost this item?". I don't know what happened that made me change my views, but I wish that it would rub off on some people. I hope that I can instill this in my children.

I've already told them that this weekend is time for the annual, clean out the toy bins. It's when they go through their games and toys and decide which ones that no longer use or want. They are given to the charities in the area "for boys and girls who have no toys". They are actually very good at this activity.

I'm trying to bring back that feeling of "enough". I wish you and your families "enough" this holiday! Merry Christmas!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the "super mom's" out there!! While I was in undergrad, the Head Athletic Trainer gave me a poem called the Athletic Trainer's Lament. I have no idea where it came from, but I loved it! As an athletic trainer we are expected to have it all, to do it all, at all times, no matter what. Well, now that I'm a mom, I have to admit... the poem is even more fitting. To all of the mom's out there...

The Athletic Trainer's Lament

We the willing
Led by the unknowing
Are doing the impossible
For the ungrateful.
We have done so much
For so long
With so little.
We are now qualified
To do anything
With nothing.

I think that I'm back...

Ok, I know that I've seriously sucked at keeping this blog up the past few months now, and I want to apologize. It's been a little insane and I've been a lot overwhelmed but I think that I'm starting to settle in again.

I started doing my tracking for Weight Watchers again this week and that seemed to help me a lot, as crazy as it seems. It actually helps me start to feel in control again. I worked out 3 times this week, but it was hard, not a worked out but didn't break a sweat... I did the elliptical, I jogged, and I worked out with my trainer, William. He's awesome. He reminds me a lot of the athletes I worked with while I was still working at the college level. He's a good kid - Sorry William... it's true. He keeps me motivated and he really pushes me during our sessions.

It's during those sessions that I don't have to worry about anything else but getting the set done. I don't have to worry about trying to get shows, or how to pay for the school my kids just got into, or what to make for dinner, or how many friggin loads of clothes I have to do when I get home. I go to the gym and I'm there for me. I've been working out with a trainer for 56 sessions now and I am the exact same weight as I started?!

I would work out and then I come home and eat... whatever the hell I wanted. WHY!? I worked for more than 2 yrs to lose over 60lbs and once I got into my size 10 jeans, I stopped. I don't know why. It wasn't really planned. I just got comfortable. So now, I decided that I need to find some control. I need to get things done... my poor husband has been looking at an almost done bathroom for more than 2 yrs now! Sorry babe! He actually put a hault on all projects. I am not allowed to start any new projects or demolitions until the molding and painting and everything is finally done. Can't really say I blame him.

My mom thinks that I'm afraid to finish these things. She thinks that I won't know what to work on after I finally reach my weight goal, finish my bathroom, etc. I've been working so long to get somewhere that maybe she's right... what will I focus on then? Well, this week I decided that I'm going to give it a try. I'm going to finish what I started. I'm going to show my girls that when you make a commitment you have to follow through.

I'm going to actually take some pressure off my shoulders and let myself focus on something else. I think that I could really be a great business person once I get my feet under me. I know I can finish the 5k I signed up for in October. I want to be involved in my kids school when they start in September. I need to pull it all together.

Summer is going to be here soon and I don't want to miss it. I'm so afraid that I'm going to fill the days with projects and chores and stupid shit, like I always do and miss those amazing times with my little girls and absolutely amazing husband. I'm committing myself... now watch and see what happens!!

I can't wait to see either....

I messed up...

It's been a while since I posted, so yesterday I decided to catch up. I uploaded pics and all that fun stuff. Anyway, to make a long story short... I put it on the wrong blog!! I tried to cut and paste it, but it has links and stuff and it didn't work. I'm not about to redo it all, so if you'd like to check out what's been going on with me, the girls and the hubby... feel free to check out my other website One with the Scale.

Sorry about the mix up. Hey you never know, maybe you'll like the other one too! lmao :o)

Wedding Pics...

So a while back, I was so excited that I was able to wear my maid of honor's dress from my wedding to the renaissance fair. At the time, I wasn't able to show any of the pics from the actual wedding, but I found some!! So here they are...

This was the seating display that my maid of honor painted for us. It was so cool, I have to say. We had decided that each table would be a country, so she made us a map. The bride's room was the "Maiden's Den", dance floor was "Dancing Waters", and the entrance was the "Kingdom of Entree". It was really neat! We still have it!

This was the wedding party. The groomsmen all wore tuxedos at the church, then changed. All of the swords are actually Henry's. We were going to display them someday, then we had kids... someday just hasn't happened yet.

This is our cake. I love, love, love, love this cake!! It was as delicious as it was stunning! Each stone and tree was made individually with sugar. The rope bridge was authentic and the castle towers were perfect. I actually came across the amazing talent who created this on the web. She was just starting out on her own and she did not disappoint. Unfortunately, upon finding the picture, I tried googling her to say "hi" and once again thank her for her amazing work, and she seems to have stepped away. Well, wedding cake wonders will be missed! Thank you, Dottie!

Well, that was my little tour down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed it! I will be back soon with some more updates. I promise!

Holiday Cooking...

So I'm still cooking for the holiday swap, more recipes to come soon - I promise!! I'm so behind on everything right now though!! I have to pull it together! Wish me luck, but in the meantime, feel free to check out Talk About Tuesday over at the Lazy Organizer today. It's pretty cool some of the things people come up with; maybe you even have something to add!

Athletic Training

So right now I'm in the process of completing my continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain my certifications in Athletic Training and as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. On top of that, I have to work the Thanksgiving day Football game, have the family over for dinner that afternoon (thank goodness, hubby is a chef!!), and prepare for an open house in a week. Oh yeah, and I'm doing a cookie swap so I need to get the invites out and decorate the little books I will be sending everyone home with, including all of the recipes! Wish me luck!!

But this is something that I think is hilarious. If you don't know who an Athletic Trainer is, a simple, very basic description would be the person who runs out onto the field whenever you see an athlete go down. We evaluate, treat, rehabilitate, and educate the athletes. It's fun!

Holiday Cooking

I don't know about anyone else, but my hubby and I love love love the holidays!! Actually, my hubby will be cooking Thanksgiving for my family this year. I get out of all the cooking and cleaning stuff that day because I get to stand in the cold, on the side of the football field, hoping that no one gets hurt so that I don't have to actually work!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me! Thank goodness for Mom though, because while I'm working and Chef Hubby is cooking, she'll be dressing and monitoring the kids. It's a great little setup.

Then that weekend my mom and I get both houses all glammed out for christmas! Follow that a week later with a HUGE holiday party complete with food, drinks, and great company... did I mention we have a two tenament house? My mom lives downstairs so we open both houses and let people roam... fun! Then we finish up before Christmas with a cookie swap, the following weekend.

I've actually started decorating little books I got at Target. I figure that I will give one to each person who comes with all the recipes, and a few extras that will be served at the parties. Phew... wish me luck!! Keeping watching for some of those recipes!! I start posting some of them!

Just Vote!!

Ok, this is my little plea for everyone who's registered (those who aren't, well, I'm not gonna go there!!) be sure to get out there tomorrow and VOTE!! I know that everyone has different views and opinions on this election and that's what is so great about our country... that's what is supposed to happen!!

So which ever Candidate you think is the right choice, VOTE! Local and national, it's all important to have our voices heard. Oh yeah, and if you don't actually make it to the polls, please do me a favor and don't complain about the outcome. You had your chance.

I found it...

I've been looking for a winter hat for some time now, with no luck. BUT today I found it... the perfect hat!

So, what do you think?! Is it too young? Phoebe thinks that now I'm "Dectective Mommy"... lmao!

Too much Couch

So have I ever mentioned that every time I buy new furniture, it's too big? Here's one example:
Yes, it is the only piece of furniture in the room! Nothing else fits!! They had to take completely apart in order to get it into the house. I felt so bad for them. The only good thing is that if it were 1" bigger in any direction, it would not have fit in the room... lol. Lucky me!!


So now is the other dilemma... the walls were a raspberry color venetian plaster. It looked awesome because we had an olive green couch with golden accents. The rug had all of the colors and it didn't seem that dungeon like. Now it feels like a cave!!

I had bought this putty color a while ago and painted the one wall to see if I liked it. I do, but haven't finished painting. I think I need to do it now. And before, near the window on the left was a media cabinet, so the picture on the wall looked far bigger. Now it's just floating there in limbo... ugh!! Well, at least there's plenty of room to stretch out...

This was our lazy morning! I cancelled my appointment at the gym, didn't go walking, and haven't gotten dressed yet, but I got some stuff done that I've been struggling to do...

Put away some clothes that have been folded and sitting in the baskets for days

Cleaned the kitchen

Washed and cleared the front of my refrigerator - small but important!!

Vacuumed the whole house

Finally put the AC in the attic

Worked on some swaps that have been breathing down my neck and couldn't get to them!

Anyway, I still have 2 more hours before I leave for work so now I have to feed and dress the kids and me, wipe down the bathroom, and finish cleaning off the top of the bar... it's our catch all place, that I dread!

Hope your day is going well!

Wow it's been a while!!

I knew that I hadn't made a post in a little while, but I had no idea that 2 weeks had already past!! I've been very busy, but after thinking about it, I'm not sure why. I've definitely been more productive in the mornings. I've decided that I'm making me a priority again... go me!!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was going to be meeting with a personal trainer, right? Well, I met, I worked, I hurt, I loved it!!! I signed up for 2 sessions a week for the year. I figure that hopefully in that time I will finally get down to where I want to be. I pretty much stayed at the same weight now for almost 6 months.

I know that isn't all the bad after losing close to 70 pounds, but seriously, I'm only 25 pounds from my goal weight, why not just get it done? Right?!

I've done 5 sessions now and I've already dropped 3 lbs and noticed a big improvement in how my pants fit. It's so exciting!! I was going to post pics to show just how far I've come, until I realized the only real pics I have of me are when I'm wearing a really big t-shirt. I swear I don't always wear them, but it seems that way in our photo library!!

Now I have to get sorta cute and take a pic! Anyway, I'm back!

BTW - I know I was tagged and I will post that, I promise!!

I made it!!

OK, so I made it through my crazy day... but not without a little extra stress. The personal trainer thing was awesome, so I decided to sign up for 2 sessions a week. It was a bit more expensive than I had expected, but you what, I'm worth it, right?!?! Anyway, so that starts tomorrow. I'm actually still a little sore from Tuesday, but I'm tough - I hope!

I got to the zoo late because instead of leaving the gym at 10:30 like I had told them I had to, I got in my car at 10:56... not good! Supposed to meet LH and EL at 11:00 at the zoo... EL wasn't able to make it, we missed her and the boys, but we rescheduled... lol. So LH and the girls went for a stroll. The weather started looking not so good, so when we finished up, we headed to the cars, fast!

I was able to pack lunches and shower and change before having to leave to pick up Phoebe at pre-school. Got there just as they were letting the kids and flew over to work. Of course, both kids fell asleep in the car AND it was downpouring!! I'm not talking a little rain... it was bobcats and coyotes!!! Anyway, I had to make the decision to wake them up and drag them through the rain half awake or run into the school, grab my babysitter and have her watch them in the car. Being the insanely paranoid mommy that I am, I chose to wake them... not good!!!!

When we got through the rain, after Phoebe fell in a puddle fighting to gain control of the umbrella that I was carrying, there were no lights in the school!!! The darn power was out and no one called me to let me know that all the sports had been cancelled! The kids could have stayed sleeping and woken up nice and refreshed... but no... that would have been way too easy!!!

So we made it home, dried off, had a picnic lunch in front of the television, and waited for Chef Daddy to come home. In the end, we all survived and both kids were in bed by 7:45pm... hooray! Well, at least until Payton woke up sick at 11:00pm, but that's another story... lol

Have a great night! I have an appointment with my trainer tomorrow morning, so I need some rest. Wish me luck!!

Check List

Ok... so while blog hopping last night I was reading The Lazy Organizer and she had a punch list called Mommies Mission Impossible. It's all the stuff that wants/needs to get done. She made it last year and then had an updated one recently. I decided that I need to go through everything that I've done just within the last few months and maybe I'll feel better. Right now I just feel like a big slug!!

Things that we've done in the past year(ish):

1. Completely re-did Payton's room
2. Completely re-did Phoebe's room
3. painted one wall of my living (2 to go)
4. bathroom wallpapered
5. bathroom ceiling wallpapered - it looks soo cool!
6. bathroom panelling almost done - one more piece left
7. bathroom woodwork painted
8. had professional install ceiling fan in dining room and on porch
9. rearranged 4 rooms!
10. bought new couch, a sectional... hehe (still waiting for it to get delivered though!)
11. bought new computer
12. finally hung wall mirror in my room

Just a few things that need to get done:

1. Replace vanities in both apartments
2. Replace oil tank
3. Yard sale in september to get rid of all of our stuff!!
4. Empty sunroom to turn it into my work zone
5. Finish the bathroom
6. Finish the walls in the living room
7. Paint cabinet in Kitchen
8. Stain the deck
9. Somehow set up an organizational system Chef Hubby can work with!!
10. Find a new rug for the bedroom

OK - that's all my little brain can come up with for now, but I'm sure there's more! I will try to keep it updated... wish me luck!

Cool Ideas!

So I don't really feel well but don't want to go to bed... Chef Hubby already let me take a nap, so I'm blog surfing again. I just wanted to share some of the stuff that I've found:

1. Cheap and free toys for young children by Simple Mom
2. Stapleless Paper Chains by World Press Mom
3. Scrabble Tile Pendant Tutorial by Make and Takes

OK - so those are a few... I ended up reading a whole bunch of stuff in hopping from place to place forgetting that I was making my list... lol! Anyway, Chef just shut off the tv and did the "Goin to bed?" groan, so I guess I'm done for the night now too. Have a good one!

I have tons of pics that I have to post... Lots of the kids outside, with ice cream, with their future boyfriends... hehe, Muffin Tin stuff, and even a few recipes. We also have Phoebe's birthday party tomorrow so definitely more to come! Everything has been so insane, I even had to pm one of my swap-bot partners to ask for an extension... man I'm tired!!! I will take pics of that stuff too!

Good night!

Breakfast Muffin Tin

Can I once again profess my love for the muffin tin idea?!?! I love this thing! We do it all of the time actually. I think breakfast is actually the most popular just because I never know what I will be able to get the kids to eat. Today Payton had a banana before she ate breakfast because she got up a lot earlier than Phoebe and she only nibbled at the muffin tin, but man, Phoebe made up for that!!

I was going to make a blueberry coffee cake for breakfast, but I remembered that it was Breakfast Muffin Tin day, so I made some mini chocolate chip corn muffins instead. (They only took 10mins to cook instead of 45-50mins... don't think the kids would have waited) I still have to make the coffee cake now before the blueberries go bad, but I'm going to ship it out tonight with Chef Hubby when he goes to play cards with his buddies.

Anyway, here it is...

chocolate chip mini muffins, ham and egg scramble, bacon

Peanut butter english muffin, watermelon, waffle with cinnamon and sugar

They ate a LOT of it today too!! I'm very excited... hehe. Ever made a muffin tin, or even a meal that your kids just won't touch? I go through that just about everyday... it's so defeating after a while! Well, one meal down today. I actually bought the english muffins so the kids could make their own little individual pizzas for lunch or dinner. We have some cheeses and meats they can use. Hey, I should just make that into another muffin tin!! lol... I'm on a roll!

Hope you all have a great day - I get to start pre-season conditioning at the High School today. OK, well, I don't actually do the conditioning. I make sure that everyone has clearance, and there aren't any medical conditions, etc. I also get to take care of all of the athletes who decided they weren't going to prepare themselves over the summer for the fall sport. The first two weeks are AWFUL!!!

Commercial Break...

OK... so I am an athletic trainer. I get to help protect against injuries, as well as, care for all of the injuries that do occur at the high school I work at. I've worked in the collegiate level in both Division I and III... and I have to say, after seeing all I've seen, I can't figure out what sports to get my kids involved in!

I was thinking maybe soccer, but then there's year round soccer camps that I've had to cover, but not much equipment to buy. The same pretty much goes for volleyball and basketball. I love my athletes and think that girls should have the same opportunity for variety in sports... can we please get rid of the skirts in field hockey and girl's lacrosse though?!?! I mean come on, they have to wear goggles and mouthguards, they're tough sports, wear shorts!!

Then there's dance and cheering. Both are awesome physically, but dance has all these specialities and cheering has the bimbo stigma. Gymnastics is cute when they are little, with the tumbling and cartwheels, but Chelsie in the olympics was supposedly competing with a fractured ankle... what the heck is up with that?! I think this sport takes it a little too far. I mean, in China they take the kids away from their family when they are just 3 yrs old! Isn't the cruel?

Right now, I'm thinking that maybe I will put them both into Karate so at least they will always be able to protect themselves. I guess my big fear is that later in life they won't just be arguing over who stole who's shoes, but instead duking it out! OK - I guess that I won't be able to protect them from everything so I should just be thankful that football, at least in high school, is just for boys, and at this point, there are no rugby teams prior to college.

Am I alone in my concerns? I might just have different views because of my position on the sidelines for so long now. Who knows? All I know is I have 2 little kids with lots and lots of energy and at some point, I am going to have to chose an outlet for them to release it all!! Aaahhh!!

I NEED TIVO!!

OK, so this week I have been completely exhausted! I mean, I am dragging some serious butt! It's the olympics... I'm hooked! Sorry, I'm a little stressed. It's 10:45pm right now and they just said "Girl's gymnastics all around begins live, in 40 minutes"...

LIVE IN 40 MINUTES - are they serious?!! I have kids that get up in the morning. I haven't even really snuggled this week. I have a few swaps that end next Friday and I am trying like hell to force myself to get those done by the end of the weekend. I'm writing this while they are doing yet another background story of Michael Phelps... not that I'm complaining, this guys is freaking amazing!!

Well, I have to go - race is starting! Wish me luck!!

We made it!!

So Chef Hubby and I were able to get away for almost 5 full days... hehe!! It was so much fun :o)

We went to Kansas State for a few days and then spent a few days in Kansas City, Missouri with my brother and sister in law. It was fun, restful, and much needed! Thank guys for a great time - it was awesome!

I also was able to fly without incident. I wore what are called "Sea Bands" instead of having to resort to dramamine or Kava Kava, a natural relaxant, so I actually felt normal and highly recommend them to anyone who gets motion sickness!! I bought them a few years ago when I had to go on a boat while I was pregnant and unable to take the meds. They cost less than 10 bucks and are reusable... and as I stated - YOU FEEL NORMAL!! No recovery period or grogginess... it was great!

See how awesome the sky looked while we flew... and yes that is another plane. We saw it while we were flying. I think we were over Washington DC or something. We saw 4 or 5 other planes, but it took a little while before it ocurred to me that it might make a cool pic.










So there, I flew and felt good. I missed the kids, but I wasn't stressed... well, not the whole time anyway. We called them one day when they were going to bed and Phoebe cried, that made us feel really bad, but she was just tired.

We saw the Red Sox too!! Not at a game, but walking from the hotel to a restaurant on the streets of Kansas City. Here is where I have to admit that I had no idea who they were. Actually none of us did, except my brother... and it didn't register with him until they had walked by, so I was only able to get a picture of their butts... lol!! Oh well, I can still say, I saw the Red Sox!

My brother would be so disappointed in me for not remembering any of their names, but all I can say is one of the two guys in the back is Tim Wakefield. I know, I know, I definitely would not make a good journalist or anything, but at least we had fun!! I actually felt bad for the players though. We were staying in the same hotel and when we were heading back, there were a bunch of people camped out with bags of balls and piles of bats. I don't think that would make for a fun trip, what do you think?

Shouldn't these guys be able to walk down the street without getting stopped? Should there be a one item limit? Would it be rude for them to walk by without signing? Why isn't it considered rude when people chase them? I don't know, I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts?

Well, we've been back for a few hours and I need some recovery time from my time away... lol. Good night everyone!