My sister and her family came down for a visit this past weekend. I miss them all so much and we never get to see each other nearly enough. My niece and my son are both 2 years old. They are so joyful and hilarious when they get together. I could watch them for days just laughing and playing. Plus they tend to wear each other out and sleep pretty good by Saturday night! ha ha
My sister is about 7 and a half months pregnant. She's having another little girl around Christmas. I keep saying that Santa will be bringing me a new niece to spoil this year! heehee I can't wait and I am soooo happy for her.
They came down so that she could raid my baby stuff and get what she might need or did not have the first time around. Which means I spent a good chunk of the weekend packing up and getting rid of my baby stuff.... which is the bittersweet part.
You see I'd love to have another baby. I have 2 sisters and would not trade in my siblings for anything... even though we spent way too much time fighting and being annoyed at each other. They are still the two people who get it simply because they come from the same place. I want that for my son. I want him to know what its like. I don't know its still hard to verbalize why, it just is how I feel.
My husband on the other hand is more than happy with our family as is. We've had that discussion I've pleaded my case, he's explained his, again it is what it is. He's not going to change his mind. So I knew packing up and giving away the baby stuff make sense... and I love being able to help my sister and friends out. There's just still that little part of me that wants to cry a bit.... just a bit... but I suppose that is life and the Rolling Stones say "you don't always get what you want..."
Of course the funny thing is that my son would now tell you that it's not the Stones who say that... Its the Yo Dazzlerz on Yo Gabba Gabba! =)
So I will enjoy my son and take pleasure in what I do have. I will spoil both my nieces wickedly rotten, and remind myself that there are benefits to not having another child when my sister is exhausted and pulling her hair out with her two battling daughters! At least if they are anything like the 3 of us were for my poor mother!
Time for an update
Wow I've been a bad blogger again. I keep saying I need to work on that, then life catches up and I slack off. Oh well, I will work on it! =)
So I happened to notice my profile picture today and it made me laugh. It is definitely time to update that since it is over 4 years old! The funny thing is that picture was taken about a month before my wedding and I was the thinnest I had ever been as an adult. That fancy white dress is an awesome motivator!
After the wedding I gained about 10 pounds.. then got pregnant and gained about 40! That was 2 years ago.
Today while looking at the picture I realized that I am back to that same size and shape.... and on my way to getting even smaller! Not only am I thinner, but I am working out regularly and eating healthy! My relationship with food and my weight have actually changed. So I may not loose that much more weight, but I know that I will at least go through this life healthier.... and even better is the knowledge that my son will learn from it!
I'll have to see if I have a better picture for you all, but now that life catching up thing is going off and I need to go and pick up my little bear from day care!
So I happened to notice my profile picture today and it made me laugh. It is definitely time to update that since it is over 4 years old! The funny thing is that picture was taken about a month before my wedding and I was the thinnest I had ever been as an adult. That fancy white dress is an awesome motivator!
After the wedding I gained about 10 pounds.. then got pregnant and gained about 40! That was 2 years ago.
Today while looking at the picture I realized that I am back to that same size and shape.... and on my way to getting even smaller! Not only am I thinner, but I am working out regularly and eating healthy! My relationship with food and my weight have actually changed. So I may not loose that much more weight, but I know that I will at least go through this life healthier.... and even better is the knowledge that my son will learn from it!
I'll have to see if I have a better picture for you all, but now that life catching up thing is going off and I need to go and pick up my little bear from day care!
The little things in life...
It may not seem like much, but as I type, the city is here re-opening my drive way! We had a slight water main break back on New Years Eve. They had to dig up the end of my driveway and apron. It has basically been a muddy, gravely mess since then. They poured the concrete last Tuesday and told us not to drive on it for at least a week. Parking on the street is not the worst thing to complain about... I know, but man it will be nice to be able to pull up to the house again. No more trying to juggle too many bags in my hands, a crazy dog on a leash, and a toddler who wants to explore everything but getting into the car!
Ahhh Sunday...
Today was a spectacular day, even if I did spend most of it on my hands and knees crawling around in dirt and mulch! It was well into the 80's today here in Chicagoland... which is unheard of for April. We haven't even made it to Easter yet! The hubs and I took advantage of the nice weather and decided to tackle some much needed yard work.
We moved into this house, which we lease, two November's ago with a 4 month old son. Needless to say, last year's yard work was just about getting the bare minimum done to keep our yard respectable and not get our landlords in trouble. This year I'm determined to clean up and spruce up the old house. It really is the ugliest house on our block. The roof needs to be replaced and the poor old gal is in a desperate need of new paint or siding. Again, we are only renting, so that's not my bill or decision to make.
I can at least make sure the flower beds are clean and pretty. So today we gutted the front flower beds and put down weed blocking fabric and all new mulch. I must say it does look nice, well at least 2/3rds of it looks nice. A toddler will only entertain himself for so long before he starts getting into trouble! We ran out of time and energy to get all the front done.
Not even Easter and I have my first sunburn of the year, and a very good start on the spring cleaning in the gardens.... definitely a good weekend! Must be why as I sit here tonight with the windows open as a wonderful breeze tickles my toes and my old muscles slightly ache, I have a very peaceful and content smile on my face. It was a very long and very cold winter, but it seems like we may have survived yet another.
We moved into this house, which we lease, two November's ago with a 4 month old son. Needless to say, last year's yard work was just about getting the bare minimum done to keep our yard respectable and not get our landlords in trouble. This year I'm determined to clean up and spruce up the old house. It really is the ugliest house on our block. The roof needs to be replaced and the poor old gal is in a desperate need of new paint or siding. Again, we are only renting, so that's not my bill or decision to make.
I can at least make sure the flower beds are clean and pretty. So today we gutted the front flower beds and put down weed blocking fabric and all new mulch. I must say it does look nice, well at least 2/3rds of it looks nice. A toddler will only entertain himself for so long before he starts getting into trouble! We ran out of time and energy to get all the front done.
Not even Easter and I have my first sunburn of the year, and a very good start on the spring cleaning in the gardens.... definitely a good weekend! Must be why as I sit here tonight with the windows open as a wonderful breeze tickles my toes and my old muscles slightly ache, I have a very peaceful and content smile on my face. It was a very long and very cold winter, but it seems like we may have survived yet another.
I am a bread maker!
Yes, little old me. I baked my first loaf of bread this past weekend.... and I must say it turned out great! Seriously, good bread. My lunch time turkey sandwiches are SO much better this week.
I have always been a member of the "what is the point of making bread when I can just as easily buy it at the store" camp... actually its easier to buy it the store. There are no dishes to wash after a trip to the store... no flour covered kitchen to clean up... no 7 minutes of kneading or 3 hours of proofing... nope just a trip to the store and you have bread for a week.
Oh, but that is so not the same type of bread... so not the same joy. Even the mess was well worth it and the kneading was therapeutic. I could definitely spend another Sunday afternoon making that mess... in fact, perhaps I will the next time I find myself sitting with nothing to do and looking for an adventure!
For those of you that care the recipe I used is from my go-to cook book: Better Homes and Gardens "New Cook Book". I have the 14th edition and I must say its a good basic recipe source with lots of hints and tips thrown in. I made the Whole Wheat Bread that is found on page 144 of my edition. I started to type up the recipe, but to tell the truth that seems like it might be part of their copyright infringement... so I figured I better do some more research first! =)
I went with the whole wheat, because that is the type of flour that I had. In order to get more whole wheat into everything I make, I use a 50/50 blend of all purpose flour and whole wheat flour. I buy a big bag of each and just pre-mix them when I get home into my big old flour canister. That way its there and ready to go when I need it. I have yet to run into a recipe that did like or even noticed the whole wheat mixed in!
Ummm, I could go for another slice of bread right now.....
I have always been a member of the "what is the point of making bread when I can just as easily buy it at the store" camp... actually its easier to buy it the store. There are no dishes to wash after a trip to the store... no flour covered kitchen to clean up... no 7 minutes of kneading or 3 hours of proofing... nope just a trip to the store and you have bread for a week.
Oh, but that is so not the same type of bread... so not the same joy. Even the mess was well worth it and the kneading was therapeutic. I could definitely spend another Sunday afternoon making that mess... in fact, perhaps I will the next time I find myself sitting with nothing to do and looking for an adventure!
For those of you that care the recipe I used is from my go-to cook book: Better Homes and Gardens "New Cook Book". I have the 14th edition and I must say its a good basic recipe source with lots of hints and tips thrown in. I made the Whole Wheat Bread that is found on page 144 of my edition. I started to type up the recipe, but to tell the truth that seems like it might be part of their copyright infringement... so I figured I better do some more research first! =)
I went with the whole wheat, because that is the type of flour that I had. In order to get more whole wheat into everything I make, I use a 50/50 blend of all purpose flour and whole wheat flour. I buy a big bag of each and just pre-mix them when I get home into my big old flour canister. That way its there and ready to go when I need it. I have yet to run into a recipe that did like or even noticed the whole wheat mixed in!
Ummm, I could go for another slice of bread right now.....
Notes from Dr. Doom....
Don't worry its not as ominous as it sounds. I had my annual check up on Monday with my wonderful OB/GYN. I know, fun day.... I must say though, that I have the best OB/GYN in the world. He got me through a down right awful pregnancy. Seriously, multiple hospital stays, weekly check-ups the whole time, for two months they had to feed me through a PIC line... the only way my baby and I were getting any nutrients was through an IV. So believe me when I say it was awful.
Dr. Doom (as I lovingly call him) was my hero. My husband was the one to actually give him the nick name. When ever I asked even a simple question, Dr. Doom was there to tell me in way too many details just what exactly could go wrong. The first appointment I had with him lasted all of 5 minutes... he walked into the room took one look at me and told me to get my butt to the ER because I was severely dehydrated.
Dr. Doom is all about the full truth all of the time. He has no problems telling you like it is and not sugar coating anything. It sounds scary and not at all what you would think you want to hear when pregnant, feeling miserable, and already scared out of your mind.... but to tell the truth it was exactly what I needed. I needed to be scared and to take this very complicated pregnancy even more seriously then normal. With the world laughing and telling me that's just just what being pregnant was, Dr. Doom was the one who was taking everything seriously and helping me. Hence the little bit of hero worship! =)
So, back to Monday's appointment... which like I said was just a routine annual check-up. In the 10 maybe 15 minuted that Dr. Doom was with me and doing his exam thing, he told me at least 6 times the following tidbit:
"It is very important to do monthly breast self exams. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death in women aged 35-50, and the earlier we catch it the better our options are".
Which I think is something we all know; but don't really take to heart. Seriously, he told me 6 times. When Dr. Doom makes that big of a deal about something, I figure I better take note... and pass it along.
This is me taking note and working on a new habit. Per my "hero" you are to do your self exam 3-7 days after your period bleeding stops. Sweep with 3 fingers. The arm on the side your are checking should be bent at the elbow with your hand behind your head. This should be done both standing up and laying down.
Dr. Doom (as I lovingly call him) was my hero. My husband was the one to actually give him the nick name. When ever I asked even a simple question, Dr. Doom was there to tell me in way too many details just what exactly could go wrong. The first appointment I had with him lasted all of 5 minutes... he walked into the room took one look at me and told me to get my butt to the ER because I was severely dehydrated.
Dr. Doom is all about the full truth all of the time. He has no problems telling you like it is and not sugar coating anything. It sounds scary and not at all what you would think you want to hear when pregnant, feeling miserable, and already scared out of your mind.... but to tell the truth it was exactly what I needed. I needed to be scared and to take this very complicated pregnancy even more seriously then normal. With the world laughing and telling me that's just just what being pregnant was, Dr. Doom was the one who was taking everything seriously and helping me. Hence the little bit of hero worship! =)
So, back to Monday's appointment... which like I said was just a routine annual check-up. In the 10 maybe 15 minuted that Dr. Doom was with me and doing his exam thing, he told me at least 6 times the following tidbit:
"It is very important to do monthly breast self exams. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death in women aged 35-50, and the earlier we catch it the better our options are".
Which I think is something we all know; but don't really take to heart. Seriously, he told me 6 times. When Dr. Doom makes that big of a deal about something, I figure I better take note... and pass it along.
This is me taking note and working on a new habit. Per my "hero" you are to do your self exam 3-7 days after your period bleeding stops. Sweep with 3 fingers. The arm on the side your are checking should be bent at the elbow with your hand behind your head. This should be done both standing up and laying down.
New words!
Last night I taught my son a new word. I've been so worried about the swearing and keeping that in check around him. In stead I corrupt him with talk about going to the bar! He was asking for Grandma (like he does constantly lately in a loop he just keeps asking for all 3 of his grandparents... who all live out of state so its not like I can even so OK let's go.... even if all I want to do is say that! ).
Any whol.... I told him it was month end and Grandma (who's job is insane at month end) was probably at the bar right now. This is what happens when you take cold medicine and try to talk to a toddler while making dinner!
Ten minutes later my son was asking his daddy to go to the Bar! Daddy brought him into to me and asked where did he learn that? Oops, bad mommy!
Don't worry Grandma... I told him you liked salad bars the best! Oh lord in heaven... the crazy thing is I only said the word once... I so need to get rid of this cold so I can think more clearly! I'm currently being out witted by a 19 month old! =)
Any whol.... I told him it was month end and Grandma (who's job is insane at month end) was probably at the bar right now. This is what happens when you take cold medicine and try to talk to a toddler while making dinner!
Ten minutes later my son was asking his daddy to go to the Bar! Daddy brought him into to me and asked where did he learn that? Oops, bad mommy!
Don't worry Grandma... I told him you liked salad bars the best! Oh lord in heaven... the crazy thing is I only said the word once... I so need to get rid of this cold so I can think more clearly! I'm currently being out witted by a 19 month old! =)
Mr. Perfect.... my sister's version
OK, so my 33 year old little sister just asked me a fully loaded question. I started to tell her what I really thought, but then decided that's not what she wanted to hear... just wanted me to understand and commiserate with her. I was a good big sister and did what she wanted.
The thing is its so frustrating sometimes. She is currently on a mission to find her Mr. Perfect. The problem is he does not exist. NO MAN can live up to her idea of a perfect mate. She has this picture in her head of what a perfect husband will look like. He will be smart, funny, passionate about art and life in general. He will have a bigger than life personality that will make her feel both important and special to be married to. She's not looking for a perfect mate, she's looking for some one to save her from her current life.... and therein lies the problem.
Even if she could find this ideal man, there's no way he alone can make her happy. SHE's the only one who can do that. He will bring joy and can even help her to find happiness... but she's the one who has to do it.
There is no Mr. Perfect out there... only a Mr. Just Right for ME... and most of the time, he's not the guy you were expecting him to be.
Maybe, if the time is right and my little sis is in the right mood, I might actually have the courage to tell her that!
The thing is its so frustrating sometimes. She is currently on a mission to find her Mr. Perfect. The problem is he does not exist. NO MAN can live up to her idea of a perfect mate. She has this picture in her head of what a perfect husband will look like. He will be smart, funny, passionate about art and life in general. He will have a bigger than life personality that will make her feel both important and special to be married to. She's not looking for a perfect mate, she's looking for some one to save her from her current life.... and therein lies the problem.
Even if she could find this ideal man, there's no way he alone can make her happy. SHE's the only one who can do that. He will bring joy and can even help her to find happiness... but she's the one who has to do it.
There is no Mr. Perfect out there... only a Mr. Just Right for ME... and most of the time, he's not the guy you were expecting him to be.
Maybe, if the time is right and my little sis is in the right mood, I might actually have the courage to tell her that!
Another round of colds
Oh my goodness this has been one heck of a winter. Everyone told us that the first year that my son was in day care was going to be a killer with the germ invasion. I expected him to be sick, but not my husband and me. I'm one of those people that usually has at most one cold a winter... I think I'm going on cold 4 or 5... who knows they all just keep blending together.
My poor husband has had a nasty head cold for the last 2 weeks. He even went to the Dr without me having to nag him into it. Now its my turn I guess. Nothing like a completely stuffed up head, sore throat, and runny nose to make this already crazy week even more lovely!
The good news is that my depression cycle seems to be backing off a bit this week. Of course the busier I am the less time I have to think about things.... which helps. Plus I get to have a massage today, so I've had something to look forward to... and yes I am going even with my cold!
My poor husband has had a nasty head cold for the last 2 weeks. He even went to the Dr without me having to nag him into it. Now its my turn I guess. Nothing like a completely stuffed up head, sore throat, and runny nose to make this already crazy week even more lovely!
The good news is that my depression cycle seems to be backing off a bit this week. Of course the busier I am the less time I have to think about things.... which helps. Plus I get to have a massage today, so I've had something to look forward to... and yes I am going even with my cold!
Time to get real....
I am a horrible blogger. Seriously, i have these great ideas and goals, but nothing ever comes out of them. I never seem to be able to put this poor, neglected blog at the beginning of my "to-do list". Not that I have even been organized enough lately to make a to do list...
In any case, one of the problems I think that I have been having is that I am not really being me on this thing. I'm trying to present some made-up ideal of who I want everyone to think I am.... who I want to be, rather than just being honest and accepting the me I am.
I am in some desperate need of some serious inspiration in my life. I've been depressed and run down for the last few months. There is a little voice in my head that keeps telling me I already have everything that I need to be happy... and I am desperately trying to ignore her. If I already have everything I need then my depression is on me.... and I'll have to do something about it. Seems much easier and a way lot less work to try to live in ignorance.
But that's not who I am either. I'm a problem solver. I thrive on finding solutions when no one else can. Not to mention the fact that my husband and son deserve so much more than a wife and partner who is not even trying any more. Heck, I deserve so much more.
So here it is, the new me.... maybe being more honest here will be a jumping off point for the rest of the parts of my life!
ps - spell check found no misspellings the first time through.... maybe things are a' changing! haha
In any case, one of the problems I think that I have been having is that I am not really being me on this thing. I'm trying to present some made-up ideal of who I want everyone to think I am.... who I want to be, rather than just being honest and accepting the me I am.
I am in some desperate need of some serious inspiration in my life. I've been depressed and run down for the last few months. There is a little voice in my head that keeps telling me I already have everything that I need to be happy... and I am desperately trying to ignore her. If I already have everything I need then my depression is on me.... and I'll have to do something about it. Seems much easier and a way lot less work to try to live in ignorance.
But that's not who I am either. I'm a problem solver. I thrive on finding solutions when no one else can. Not to mention the fact that my husband and son deserve so much more than a wife and partner who is not even trying any more. Heck, I deserve so much more.
So here it is, the new me.... maybe being more honest here will be a jumping off point for the rest of the parts of my life!
ps - spell check found no misspellings the first time through.... maybe things are a' changing! haha
Changing Plans….
Today is my 2nd wedding anniversary. As I sit here and ponder this new life, I have to chuckle a bit.
I was never one of those little girls who dreamed of her wedding one day. It never occurred to me as a child. I dreamed of having a job, going away to college, maybe living in a big city; but never of this life or that big white dress.
Then I met my husband, and everything changed. All of a sudden I knew I was meant to be his wife and we were meant to be a family. It was actually a little bizarre at the time. I remember thinking to myself that I was falling hard for this new guy, but being scared. For the first time I realized that letting myself love and be loved meant giving up all my old dreams. Well maybe not giving up, but definitely re-writing.
The funny thing is he never wanted to get married. He said to me again and again that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, but for some unexplained reason I needed it to be “official”. So he finally popped the question. Of course once engaged he was going to go all out with the wedding. I tried to talk him into eloping somewhere… just having it be our immediate family and nothing fancy. Ah changing dreams….
Two years ago today we stood in front of 150 of our closest friends and family and had the full shindig… big white dress and all. I would not trade it in for anything in the world!
To my wonderful hubby – thanks for being you and letting me be me… for making me get that big dress… for loving me no matter what… for dragging me all across this country… for letting me get the crazy dog… for our beautiful son and for our even better than I could have imagined life!
I was never one of those little girls who dreamed of her wedding one day. It never occurred to me as a child. I dreamed of having a job, going away to college, maybe living in a big city; but never of this life or that big white dress.
Then I met my husband, and everything changed. All of a sudden I knew I was meant to be his wife and we were meant to be a family. It was actually a little bizarre at the time. I remember thinking to myself that I was falling hard for this new guy, but being scared. For the first time I realized that letting myself love and be loved meant giving up all my old dreams. Well maybe not giving up, but definitely re-writing.
The funny thing is he never wanted to get married. He said to me again and again that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, but for some unexplained reason I needed it to be “official”. So he finally popped the question. Of course once engaged he was going to go all out with the wedding. I tried to talk him into eloping somewhere… just having it be our immediate family and nothing fancy. Ah changing dreams….
Two years ago today we stood in front of 150 of our closest friends and family and had the full shindig… big white dress and all. I would not trade it in for anything in the world!
To my wonderful hubby – thanks for being you and letting me be me… for making me get that big dress… for loving me no matter what… for dragging me all across this country… for letting me get the crazy dog… for our beautiful son and for our even better than I could have imagined life!
Friday Weigh In
Well another week down and another weigh in. I ate well this past week and exercised every day, but I did not log points once all week. Plus I have candy corn in the house... which means I sneak a mini handful at least twice a day! This week's numbers are as follows:
Current Weight = 206.4
Weekly Change = 0.0
Total Weight Change = -25.4
I guess the good thing is that I stayed the same. The bad thing is that I am so not motivated to do anything different. I have a goal and I am still only half way there, but at the same time I can't seem to make any more significant changes. The tired part of my brain keeps whispering that 25 pounds in one year is enough..... but that is a slippery slope I am trying not to fall down!!!
Current Weight = 206.4
Weekly Change = 0.0
Total Weight Change = -25.4
I guess the good thing is that I stayed the same. The bad thing is that I am so not motivated to do anything different. I have a goal and I am still only half way there, but at the same time I can't seem to make any more significant changes. The tired part of my brain keeps whispering that 25 pounds in one year is enough..... but that is a slippery slope I am trying not to fall down!!!
WorkOut Notes
I have to give a shout out to my new favorite work out video… and I am so not a person who does the work out video thing. I’m more of a go to a class so that I have an instructor there to keep me honest kind of girl.
Ever since my c-section last year, my core has been in sad, sad shape. Even taking a yoga class twice a week for the last 4 months has only done minimal help. My theory is that my core has been so weak that all my other muscles have gotten all too good at compensating. So even though I thought I was working on core strength, I was really just getting by: meaning that my hips and back have still been hurting… even with losing 25 pounds and exercising just about every day.
This past weekend I decided I needed a new plan. While wandering around Meijer’s doing my normal grocery shopping on Saturday, I picked up the “Core Fusion PilatesPlus” DVD from Exhale. I’ve only done the work out twice, and really only 3 of the segments; but I have to say I like it already.
The best part is that the DVD is broken into 5 10-minute work outs. You can run the whole thing or just pick and choose. Since I don’t have time to do a 50 minute workout, I’ve been doing the last 3 segments. Even after the first day, I noticed a difference. Plus it has just made me so much more aware of my core. I now keep it tight and working all throughout the day. My hips and back are starting to like it too! =)
The work outs are challenging, but doable. They make sure to give you advanced and beginning moves through out, as well as reminding you on proper form and what you should be doing to achieve the best results. The pace is good and I’ve worked up a sweat every time.
A quick online search today found Exhale’s website. They have spa and classes in many locations. I have never visited any, so I cannot speak to how they are. Here is their website so you can check out more info on the DVD and core fusion program: http://www.exhalespa.com
This and That...
Hi All -
It's been kind of hectic around my homestead lately. Nothing much to report, just one of those times when there's always something that needs to be done. Of course a nice round of fall colds that we all are sharing is not helping the matter! At least it has been fairly minor and the hubby and I seem to have coordinated our sick days well and not both been down at the same time!
I thought I would share a few odds and ends that I have been collecting lately....
While flipping through the Sept 2010 issue of Better Homes and Gardens, I spotted a quick little blurb on "Safe Plastics". Since having my little one I am always on the look out for help in identifying which plastics I can use for what, specially when it comes to food storage. The article pointed out that you can use the Recycle Code on the plastic as a general guide: "Those labeled 1, 2, 4, and 5 are safer; 3, 6, and 7 less safe". Thanks BHG!!!! www.bhg.com
Also, while on vacation in Traverse City MI I found two very cool stores... which have websites! yea!!! The first one is the NEST of Grand Traverse. It has cool, traditional and funky house hold stuff as well as gift ideas. I love the coffee mug towers! Check them out at www.NESTofGrandTraverse.com.
The second shop is Holiday Traditions inc. Again what I would describe as household decorating stuff and gifts. I got my niece an adorable elephant doll for Christmas. Don't let the name fool you though... when they say Holiday, they mean all of them year round... not just the December one! Their website is www.HolidayTraditionsTC.com.
Hope you all enjoy these as much as I do! =)
It's been kind of hectic around my homestead lately. Nothing much to report, just one of those times when there's always something that needs to be done. Of course a nice round of fall colds that we all are sharing is not helping the matter! At least it has been fairly minor and the hubby and I seem to have coordinated our sick days well and not both been down at the same time!
I thought I would share a few odds and ends that I have been collecting lately....
While flipping through the Sept 2010 issue of Better Homes and Gardens, I spotted a quick little blurb on "Safe Plastics". Since having my little one I am always on the look out for help in identifying which plastics I can use for what, specially when it comes to food storage. The article pointed out that you can use the Recycle Code on the plastic as a general guide: "Those labeled 1, 2, 4, and 5 are safer; 3, 6, and 7 less safe". Thanks BHG!!!! www.bhg.com
Also, while on vacation in Traverse City MI I found two very cool stores... which have websites! yea!!! The first one is the NEST of Grand Traverse. It has cool, traditional and funky house hold stuff as well as gift ideas. I love the coffee mug towers! Check them out at www.NESTofGrandTraverse.com.
The second shop is Holiday Traditions inc. Again what I would describe as household decorating stuff and gifts. I got my niece an adorable elephant doll for Christmas. Don't let the name fool you though... when they say Holiday, they mean all of them year round... not just the December one! Their website is www.HolidayTraditionsTC.com.
Hope you all enjoy these as much as I do! =)
Friday Weigh In
My sister and I have been doing a Fitness Challenge this year. We decided it was time to finally get serious about our over all health and weight issues. We both joined Weight Watchers and have been counting points and motivating each other since January. Friday morning we do our weigh ins.... so here are my numbers for today:
Current Weight = 206.8
Weekly Change = -3
Total Weight Change = -25
I've been slacking for the last month and a half and finally got myself back on track this week... hence the big loss. Now I just have to keep it up! =)
Current Weight = 206.8
Weekly Change = -3
Total Weight Change = -25
I've been slacking for the last month and a half and finally got myself back on track this week... hence the big loss. Now I just have to keep it up! =)
Picture frame gift
Here is a great idea for a quick and easy gift. I am lucky these days and always have the fall back of giving adorable pictures of my son to all those people in our lives who you never know what to give them as gifts. You know the type... great aunts and great grand parents. They rarely want anything or need anything... but I always feel like I should still get them something small at least for birthdays or what nots.
In any case, the boring picture frames were getting old... and the fancy ones are just too expesive. So I bought a nice cheap frame and dug through my scrapbooking stuff.... applied a little creativity and here you go.... a personalize picture frame that my son's Great Auntie LOVED!
DB's birthday wagon
Last week was also my son's 1st birthday. We had a big party with all the family. DB loved his cake, but of course I did not get any good pictures! I'm sure his Aunties did though and I have sent out a call to them!
Here's the best one I have. DB enjoying a wagon ride with all his balloons! I can't believe he is a year old already!
Green lake
Hi All... back from Vacation last week. I tried to post this from my cell phone, but I don't seem to be that technologically advanced yet! ha ha This was my view last Monday morning, sitting with my son snoozing on my lap. Oh what I would not give to be back there right now.
The only saving grace is that it is at least Tuesday today! Back to reality, I guess... but I still have my day dreams! =)
My sister and the Cariologist
My little sister has to go to the Cardiologist today. The whole thing seems kind of weird. She's my baby sister, she's not suppose to be dealing with this stuff yet. She's only 32!
They think she had some sort of episode this weekend. Episode... that's a kind of funny euphemism... but even now I don't want to call it what it probably really was! She blew it off as just a bad reaction to food, but with her high blood pressure and our family history of heart problems... I told her to call her Dr just in case. Thank god she did! Now we get to wait and see what the new Dr will find.
Just another reminder to us all that we only have this one body, and its always better to be extra careful with it!
Of course the funny thing is that even today, she would yell at me for calling her "my LITTLE" sister. ha ha She said she outgrew that tag a long time ago. I keep telling her she will always be my little sister... no matter how much she grows!
They think she had some sort of episode this weekend. Episode... that's a kind of funny euphemism... but even now I don't want to call it what it probably really was! She blew it off as just a bad reaction to food, but with her high blood pressure and our family history of heart problems... I told her to call her Dr just in case. Thank god she did! Now we get to wait and see what the new Dr will find.
Just another reminder to us all that we only have this one body, and its always better to be extra careful with it!
Of course the funny thing is that even today, she would yell at me for calling her "my LITTLE" sister. ha ha She said she outgrew that tag a long time ago. I keep telling her she will always be my little sister... no matter how much she grows!
Here we go again....
Its been a while since I posted anything. I view this blog as my outlet to express myself in what ever manner I may need. The past year and a half has been a fun adventure. I had a baby! A wonderful little boy who I can't believe is turning ONE this weekend. Oh my goodness where does time go?
In any case... I think its time to get my goals, hopes, dreams... and what ifs back on track. That is what I hope this blog will help me do. Of course this is only the first step of many to come.... but I am looking forward to the journey!
In any case... I think its time to get my goals, hopes, dreams... and what ifs back on track. That is what I hope this blog will help me do. Of course this is only the first step of many to come.... but I am looking forward to the journey!
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