Christmas photos

Since I've not much time to talk about it, I will post the photos instead. We had a great Christmas!

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat!

Nothing like tons of work to take away a Christmas spirit eh? I'm thinking I should have asked for more time off so I could forget about it all until later, but then I'd be more depressed, right? I admit I get depressed after Christmas is over. It's not good in that it usually happens that evening. I think it's a chemical thing cause it happens like clock work. Reminds me of baby blues. All that excitement building up and then all surprises opened in only minutes. Of course with a baby though, you keep getting surprised, that's for sure. Savannah opened one of her gifts already and saw that it was in one of her old shoe boxes and when I asked her about it se told me, "eh. My Dora boots." So close call cause she didn't open it any further than that.

Well, I think I'm ready! We plan to have my sister and brother and their families over for dinner. I have never had a Christmas dinner other than just my immediate family and so I'm excited to have a house full. Normally we've done the traditional ham but this year we had bought a large turkey during the Thanksgiving sales and the idea from the movie A Christmas Story has been really rubbed off on me. Now whether or not we have a glass of wine after opening presents, who knows. Maybe champagne would be better?

Speaking of food, I haven't been faithful to my diet as of late. I've not attended a meeting for a couple of weeks nor have I weighed in. I guess I will really regret all those extra nuts and cookies and goodies I've been sneaking here and there when I finally do weigh in. Yikes! But hey, I look at it like this. I am still watching what I am eating. I mean last year I ate at least three times what I've eaten now in goodies. So I still have to pat myself on the back.

Have a Merry Christmas everybody!

Stink, Stank, Stunk!

I just love the classic Grinch! Savannah and I both chuckled at the part where he is going down the chimney and gets stuck while watching it last night.

So it's been sooooo busy here at work. Usually this is the slow time of the year which makes it even harder to be here but not this year, oh no. I guess I can't complain but sure makes time fly by too fast. I guess that's why you all haven't seen me mark on your blogs lately, but don't worry, I plan to soon! Until then, have a great week everyone!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas...

and if not, think of one that was better. You'll be surprised what it does to your mood!

Every time I see a cute holiday decoration or hear an old time holiday carol I think to myself of how I just want to go home and bake cookies. Now truth be told that if I were really to leave work early that's the last thing I'd do. But obviously the sights and sounds of Christmas bring lovely memories of Christmases past that create distractions and less productivity at work. That is why I love this time of year for that, not because it's a holiday and permission to mess around at work, but because it reminds me of being young, innocent, and always so full of hope. And even though I find such relish from each moment of reminiscing, I am reminded of what I have today; the making of new traditions, thoughts of the nice little surprises to come to those I love, and a fresh beginning with the start of a new year. Isn't it heartwarming how thought provoking Christmas can be and can change our attitude? It seems to make things alright at the end of a what has been a long year for us. I never realized this until now how true the song is that goes,

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight"

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away."

If only for a while, Christmas takes all the worries away, doesn't it?

Today's Work Peeves

So recently we had another person leave our team leaving us with four people short and no go on permission from the direct to interview yet. State red tape is on tight right now with our governor and since other agencies are consolidating also, they want to preserve what positions there are in order to transfer people so they won't let us hire anyone until they decide what they are doing for sure. Meanwhile the work still needs to be done.

I have been cross trained in about every area of finance and can help out where needed and when I was asked yesterday to help with our medical billings I was more than accepting knowing that no one else could step in. So the lady that sits next to me, who's been working in government for 30 years and has no plans for retiring so she can continue to buy her medication that keeps her alive from all the smoking she does, grumbles and is going around telling people that they are "making" me do all this additional work. No, I volunteered and don't really mind. They did ask. And like I've told her, I'd rather have stuff to do to make the drive worthwhile, especially today's 2 hour drive from all the snow (another peeve). It's not like I am doing it all for nothing, I did tell management that I would probably need overtime during the temporary help.

When the first few people left I volunteered to take on some more duties permanently (because remember I was so bored stiff and didn't have enough to do?) and of course this same lady made negative comments so I told her that there are some people that take on challenges and are team players and then there are those that don't do anything above and beyond. Funny how she shut up. Besides, she wouldn't have offered. She's always saying how she doesn't have time to do what she has yet she has been visiting with people at the office ALL morning.

I get so sick of people who say they are swamped but yet you rarely see them working. Maybe I'm just a work horse, and maybe things will change when I get as old as she is, but until then, Shut Up! Don't say negative things to me because I am willing to help my team out and can handle it. Don't be sarcastic and tell me that I'm a butt kisser! And most of all, don't decide offer to help me with my workload all the while complaining about your own job.

Then there is our "end of year" work party. We can't call it a Christmas party or even a holiday party. I think that it's wrong that because one person doesn't celebrate holidays that we who do don't get to. So of course we can't do a gift exchange and make gift giving easier for those of us that want to give and have some spirit around here. So it's pretty boring in this office, but at least the lady that doesn't celebrate gets respect. I think it should be the majority that gets favored, don't you?

Thanksgiving Weekend

Our feast with mom was grand - what Thanksgiving dinner isn't? Next year I'm offering to have it at my house and plan to do just as much. I can't imagine having it at a restaraunt or somewhere other than family and I can't imagine not having tons of food otherwise, what's the point of giving thanks?

Our prime rib roast turned out great only it didn't get done at the same time as the turkey. I didn't get to eat as much as I had wanted to (probably from my dieting?) nor did I think about bringing dishes to take leftovers home so luckily since we bought our own turkey while they were on sale I can soon have more. Savannah didn't eat well at all. She would have done better had I brought her high chair and kept the olives out of reach plus I think she was antsy with all that was going on. My husband never eats a lot or finishes his plate for dinner in the first place so it was no surprise when he didn't all that he took. My boys ate two dinners, one with their other grandma and one with us. They're still complaining that they are full!

Friday we chose our tree, it's pretty close to perfect. I love the smell of pine in the house and the shadows it casts on our walls when the lights are on at night. I think I'm finally ready for Christmas now and can you believe I'm ready for a big snow storm to finish off my Christmas mood?

So as an afterthought of our lovely weekend, I'm finding I'm puzzled about a few food items in relation to Thanksgiving...

1. Why must the cranberries be in such a large can? Why isn't there a miniature can for those parties that only have one person who wants them? How much cranberries really get thrown away for this very reason?

2. Why don't gravy mixes actually make gravy? You'd have to buy 5 mixes in order to thicken it to the right consistency and if you did that it would taste icky! And what is the purpose of having gravy once it's been ruined it with stale corn starch?

3. Why does my husband insist that I make a certain type of pie and then not eat any of it? This year it was peach, the last two were blueberry. No more asking, from now on it will strictly be my favorites, pumpkin and cherry.

4. Did I miss something or does it seem that every year the one thing that does not get offered to people to take home as a leftover is the pumpkin pie?

5. Isn't the point of having a relish tray to keep you from dying of hunger while the kitchen smells of beautiful brown-skinned turkey? After all how can you eat off a relish tray when you have a plate full of food in front of you.

Hope you all had a good one. Back to work tomorrow. Ahh well.

Happy Turkey Week!

Can you believe it's 63 degrees outside over here? I love it! But hold up, it will be freezing before we know it.

We're having Thanksgiving with my mom and brother and sister this year. Of course I hope all the others can stop by to visit at least for a while. We don't really get together much anymore, or at least not this year we haven't. Charlie's going to try to make a prime rib roast from his memory of working as a chef in Reno. I hope it will work. Sometimes it's harder to cook when you are not in your own kitchen. I am so ready for turkey though! I can't wait!

Friday we will be making our annual trip to a local neighborhood where we get our Christmas tree. We have vaulted ceilings and this guy has tall trees and at a good price. Plus he's a nice old guy, reminds me of my dad in his overalls. I just found out that Charlie has the day off too, so I'm really excited now.

It's been hard to be thankful as of late, but I am. Really. I am thankful for the usual stuff - my job, my family, and my health, but I'm mostly thankful this year for my decision to try and lose weight and succeeding. I never made it a new year's resolution or anything, but it's always been on that list in my head. So I'm thankful I've lost a total of 29 lbs as of today. My goal is to maintain what I've lost so far during the holidays. So I've been thinking that I won't be using WW any longer to save money by not renewing. I think I can use a similar online program that is offered for free, so we'll see. I just need a good scale and some self discipline.

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and holiday! I know I will! ;)

Bah Humbug!

Never, ever go to post office if you just need stamps! Nothing like waiting in line for 30 minutes with a toddler on your side who informs you that she needs to go potty right as you are about to get your turn. And then to top it off, you ask for holiday stamps and they don't have any until the postmaster comes back from vacation. And that they only care two types, but yet they have several to choose from online?!?! I knew I should have paid the extra $1 and bought them online.

Let's just say my day off went terrible! I slept in too late barely making it in time to get to the portrait studio for Savannah's photos. Then when I get there the lady informs me she's a trainee and that the person who was supposed to train her didn't show up. So I got my intro package for free for coming back in an hour after the manager came, but needless to say try keeping a toddler clean and happy while we wait is not fun! What's the point of making appointments if the people you make them with can't keep them?!

So the day's shot, I wanted to get the Christmas party invitations finished and ready to go in the mail, but I haven't even started on them, and I haven't had anything to eat since breakfast and still need to make my bed, start the chili, and get some laundry done. Maybe it would have been better had I gone to work! I'm not in a very good mood let's put it that way.

AAAARRRGGG!

Now that I have that out...

Christmas Poll

I was thinking of how next week is already Thanksgiving and as I started to get excited and hungrier than ever I decided to focus my thoughts on Christmas instead.

So what gets you in the Christmas spirit? I find that I've been wondering if mine will come this year but as I walk by people's offices and hear their Christmas music, it seems to be sparking some excitement after all. That and the fact that I'm off tomorrow and can finally start some shopping! Woo hoo! For me, it's music, memories, and movies that get me in the spirit.

I guess the reason for my doubt of having spirit this year is that I have been reflecting and taking inventory of all the disappointing things that has happened during the year. That and not knowing what next year will hold. My poor husband has not been able to really settle down since he moved here from Wyoming and it seems that the problem is not finding a job when his plant shuts down, but finding one that he can retire with and like. Yes, we found out a couple of weeks ago that they are consolidating and will be closing in January. At least it's after Christmas, right?

I'm a loser.

Am I just getting overly relaxed? Is it because the button up shirts that once could not be buttoned up are now fitting so well that I think I am God? No. I know I'm not finished losing weight and yet I've somehow lost my overzealous drive to work my weight loss program and exercise regime to get the best weekly results. Weird, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just scared to get to my goal and then not have any more fun watching the scale go down. It's like watching a series of The Biggest Loser y'all. I often wonder what I will feel like once I've finished off these 15+ pounds to go? Will I be let down? No more excitement? Just maintenance? No more awards or encouragement. What's wrong with me?

Soggy Saturday

Savannah's not feeling well today. She woke up with a nasty cough and is congested. I feel so bad she has only drank one cup of juice and had three bites of her breakfast. She is down for her second nap already and I hope she will not be worse tomorrow than she is today. But I do love how cuddly she is when she's sick. It's nice to have my baby back for a little while at least.

Sure doesn't feel like 54 degrees to me today. I look outside and it's gray and soggy. I just feel like staying in my PJ's all day and dragging my blankie around like Savannah does. So I am! When's the last time I did that? I'm allowed every so often, and for no reason at all.

Hope you all are having a sunnier Saturday than I am.

It's November already?

Michael broke his foot while playing kick ball in PE last week. It turned out to be only a fracture and nothing is displaced, so he needs to wear a walking cast for the next four weeks. It's in a place where the tendon pulls in the area of the fracture so the cast will stop him from using the muscle and keeping it to heal correctly. The other option is to put a screw in place. I think it will heal fine and I have no idea why he is excited about wearing the thing. He obviously thinks he needs sympathy and attention, probably from girls at school.

Savannah thoroughly enjoyed trick or treating! She would tell us, "Let's go to 'nother house, 'nother house!" And then she'd say "tricktreat" before the door would open and I'd have to remind her to say it again. As we left each house she'd say "thank you." It was so cute. If the neighbors allowed her to choose her own candy she would pick and pick and at one stop she wasn't finished and yelled out, "I want sucker I want sucker!"

We went to my mom's to visit, but forget about the pizza. Savannah requested soda and happy cake as soon as she saw them sitting on the counter. And before we left, Grandma gave us some cookie dough free from the pizza place and put it in Savannah's little pumpkin bucket so we wouldn't forget it when we left. In no time, Savannah had it open. That girl loves sweets! I feel so bad cause we live so far away that none of us kids are together with Mom on Halloween any more. It was fun to see my neices and nephews and their costumes and have doughnuts and cider. It seems there are always those same memories that we will always miss and dream to have again.

Good job for Jacob though. He originally wanted to go trick or treating with his buddy, I know what you are thinking, too old. I told him that too. But then when I asked him why he didn't go, he stated that his friend decided to bring along another kid. A kid that he referred to as a pot head. So Jake told me he didn't want to hang around him. Good choice.

Lunch with my sister last week was nice. We got to catch up on a lot of things and hopefully we'll start to get together more often. Oh, and the dessert was heaven! Thanks Tina!

Thursday Thoughts

I'm sooo not ready for snow! When I said I was looking forward to Fall, I didn't mean a short one! Last year was perfect. Halloween was warm and great for trick or treating. I was hoping it would be the same this year, but I should know better. After all I live in Utah. Last night I couldn't believe my eyes. I was astounded as I looked out the kitchen window sure that the snow turned into rain when to my surprise there were huge flakes falling slowly. The kind you wish for on Christmas Day and then I thought to myself, "Christmas? I'm really not ready for that either!"

So my sister, Tina, is taking me for lunch tomorrow for my birthday. I know, I know, it's passed, but she is very busy and I have been as of late. I chose to go to the Macaroni Grill, it's close to where I work, and they have a dish called Skinny Chicken that I want to try. Can't wait! Tina has always been so generous to me and I appreciate and love her so I'm looking forward to some sister time. It seems she and I don't get together much, so it is much needed.

Today was weigh in....I reached my 25 lb goal! Can you believe it? I can't. 26.2 lbs gone! Wow, that seems like a lot, almost as much as Savannah weighs! How did I ever let myself gain so much??

So we bought some hot dogs and got the larger ones cause Charlie was craving a quarter pound cheese and chili dog from 7-11, well Savannah pulls them out of the freezer, holds them up looks at both of us with big eyes and says, "BIG hog-oggs!" and then neatly places them back where they were. It was hysterical! When she sees all the Halloween decorations in the neighborhood she'll say, "Spoooooky." I think Halloween is her favorite holiday so far. We'll see. She is entering that age of realization so maybe her favorite will change as they come about. I think kids love all holidays, didn't you?

I'm hoping Michael makes it to graduation. He seems to have lost his ambition and drive for keeping his grades up like he did last year. And now he's also changing his mind about the Army, which I don't know if he can really do since he had a verbal agreement with the recruiter to join. I don't know that kids are really ready to grow up at 18, I think it takes a lot longer than that to decide what you want to do in life and how to do it. Who made the legal adult age 18 anyway?

It's been great having Jake back at home again. Since football ended, it seems there is a lot more life around the house now. I never realized how much he made a difference in our family's interaction. Plus, he's the only one in our house besides me that will sit down and play toys with Savannah. She loves it. She calls out when he gets home, "My Jacob, my Jacob!"

Oh, and one more thought....I want to make note, what kind of person steals an electric Jack O'Lantern off your porch when it's about the only decoration you have? And why would they leave their mop in place of it? Probably neighborhood kids I tell ya. Aargh!

Annual Pumpkinland visit.

So we've been going to this little nursey for the past 4 years to visit Pumpkinlnad. It's located in a small town that has the nicest people you'll ever meet and they've really done a lot of additions this year for the kids. Savannah had a lot of fun and she wanted to buy every pumpkin there was!

Need a job?

My supervisor quit a month ago, one of the Financial Analysts' last day is Friday, and two more will be leaving in a week. Hence the lack of comments, reading, and writing on my part. No one has been replaced as of yet and the work is really starting to pile on. Anyone need a job?

We're back!

Phew! Well we're home now from our fun filled four days in St. George and Mesquite. I gotta say Cats was a great performance and no better way than to have it in the red rocks of warm and sunny southern Utah. We were lucky that it didn't rain and started to pour, and I mean pour, at the very moment the show ended, so thank goodness. We also went to a wildlife museum, bowling, and had all you can eat seafood buffet. (Hmmmm...didn't count my points of course.)

I can't believe how well Savannah did on this trip. I don't think she's been on an extensive trip since she was a baby, so this is something we didn't know how she'd take to. The first couple of days she kept asking if we could go home, but on the way home today she said, "No, go bye bye." It was great, and I wish I could write more now, but I'm raked for time.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes, I can't believe you all remembered!

Here are some fun shots of the 4 day weekend:

What fun!

Thank you to my sister and her husband for the nice time Saturday night and the cute birthday gift! I love it! How'd she know I love candles? I got a ceramic pumpkin with a scented candle inside and a cute card that sang to me! After dinner we saw Open Season, it was hilarous. The time went by too fast though. I think next time we should plan a double "day" date.

The day off today has been nice, but boy did my house need cleaning! I guess that's what I get for putting off doing it knowing I had the day off. It's been fun being at home with Savannah today. Love three day weekends!

Quick entry.

Jake's pretty much done with football now. Next week is his last game, so it will be nice to get back to simple Saturdays where we don't have to rush out the door to get to the game or grab something to eat while we are our errand running.

So we're going out on a double date with my sister and her husband tonight. She lives two hours away, but we've been talking about doing this since last February. Funny how now it's finally happening. Guess that's the way it is when life is busy and people are so far apart. We're meeting at Famous Dave's. I'm sure it's more the men's choice than us women's, but that's okay. Maybe we'll get to pick the movie - a chick flick at that!

TGIF

Thank God it's Friday AND it's a 3 day weekend for me. Sometimes I just have to revel in working for the government. Not even the public schools get Columbus day off. (Ahhh....) last year I got Savannah's portraits taken, but this year I think I'll catch up on housework, spend time at home, and of course go out for lunch with my mom on my birthday. It will be good cause I'll also have time to prepare for our getaway on Thursday.

I'm starting to get antsy about next week and not just from all the fun we'll have in Mesquite and St. George, but with all the dining out we'll be doing. I can't wait to go. I'm even preparing what I'll eat as I can to help prevent spur of the moment decisions I may later regret. I really need to make myself a note to pack my food guide and point tracker so I can at least try to stay OP.

Sure hope the weather will be nice down there, nice enough to swim at least. I'm starting to get tire of the rain. I can't wait! Hee!

Interesting facts about my birthday...

Found at: Birthday Calculator for 11 October 1972

Your date of conception was on or about 19 January 1972 which was a Wednesday.

You were born on a Wednesday under the astrological sign Libra.

The year 1972 was a leap year.

Your Native American Zodiac sign is Raven; your plant is Ivy.

As of 10/4/2006 11:43:55 AM EDT
You are 33 years old.
You are 408 months old.
You are 1,773 weeks old.
You are 12,411 days old.
You are 297,875 hours old.
You are 17,872,543 minutes old.
You are 1,072,352,635 seconds old.

Celebrities who share your birthday:
Michelle Wie (1989) Michelle Trachtenberg (1985) Artie Lange (1967) Luke Perry (1966) Joan Cusack (1962) Steve Young (1961) Dawn French (1957) Elmore Leonard (1925) Art Blakey (1919) Jerome Robbins (1918) Eleanor Roosevelt (1884) Henry John Heinz (1844)

Top songs of 1972
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack Alone Again (Naturally) by Gilbert O'Sullivan
American Pie by Don McLean Without You by Nilsson
I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash A Horse with No Name by America
Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me by Mac Davis Me and Mrs. Jones by BillyPaul
The Candy Man by Sammy Davis, Jr. Lean On Me by Bill Withers

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 4.85753424657534 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)

There are 7 days till your next birthday on which your cake will have 34 candles.

Those 34 candles produce 34 BTUs, or 8,568 calories of heat (that's only 8.5680 food Calories!) .
You can boil 3.89 US ounces of water with that many candles.

In 1972 there were approximately 3.7 million births in the US. The population was approximately 203,302,031 people, 57.4 persons per square mile. There were approximately 2,158,802 marriages (10.6%) and 708,000 divorces (3.5%). There were approximately 1,921,000 deaths (9.5 per 1000.) In the US a new person is born approximately every 8 seconds and one person dies approximately every 12 seconds.

Your birthstone is Tourmaline. The Mystical properties of Tourmaline: Pink Tourmaline promotes female balance and protection. Green Toumaline promotes male balance.

Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone, (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources) Opal, Jasper

Your birth tree is Rowan, the Sensitivity, full of charm, cheerful, gifted, without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

The moon's phase on the day you were born was waxing crescent.

Excerpts from a two year old...

When Charlie started the shower the other night to warm the water, Savannah informed us, "It's Raining!"

When her brothers enter her bedroom, our bedroom, Jake's bedroom, or any bedroom, Savannah instantly tells them, "Get out of my room!" I think she's gone into the boys' rooms uninvited one to many times to learn this one.

Popsicles are "Pockles."

Dragon Tales training pants are "Dragonflies."

Savannah tells everyone to "Have a good day!" or "See you marnow," when saying goodbye.

When I put on my tennis shoes, Savannah asks, "Walk mommy? Walk?" And when I turn off the treadmill it's, "Done Mommy? Done?"

More to come, I'm sure...

Oh Baby!

Then & Now: 1973 & 2006 Baby Alive

Is it really so wrong to live your childhood through your kids?

I remember wanting a Baby Alive for Christmas one year, so bad I can still taste it. But when I didn't get one, I stopped believing in Santa and never really asked for anything specific again.

So we were starting some early Christmas shopping the other night when my eyes came across the new box. My mouth dropped in awe from being so excited that Charlie said I had to get it for Savannah. That's how much of an impression I made on him I guess. The doll is for ages 3 and up and by Christmas time Savannah will be almost 3. So it's not too far out of her league, right? Besides she really liked it from the aisle to the Layaway department, but most of all I'm so happy to found it! I always wondered when they were going to bring her back! See this link.

Update

Been kind of busy for blogging...but no worries. Here's a quick update:

So it's been 14 weeks since I started my journey to getting fit and guess what? I'm over half way there! Yes! I've lost 23 lbs total. That's an average of 1.64 lbs per week. I'm really surprised since I ate fried chicken, chocolate cake, french fries, and all my flex points during the last two weeks. Been hungry more than usual, so must be my metabolism working.

Only two more weeks until we hit the road for Mesquite! I will really have to be careful then. It's so easy to fall off the wagon when you are having fun!

TTFN

Monsters and Juice!

There's some pretty cute growing stages going on right now with Savannah...

This one I'm pretty sure she got the idea from the kids she plays with at her babysitter's as it seems our house becomes full of scary monsters when the sun goes down. But she isn't at the sitter's when it's night time so maybe they have just been pretending? Lately when we've been preparing for bed she comes running to me saying, "Scary!" or asks me to come see with her cause she won't go down the hallway to her room to get her blankie even though her night light is on. Two weeks ago she never thought of such a thing and walking in the dark never would have bothered her. So as we walk toward her bedroom I often don't bother to turn the light on since we have such a short hallway, and she attempts to form a spray bottle with the shape of her hand to "spray" the monsters away.

The other day when she and I were getting ready to go somewhere, we had just finished brushing our teeth when Savannah saw her orange juice sitting on the table, leftover from breakfast. She quickly took a swig and the next thing out of her mouth was a loud, "NASTY!!!!" I look over and she's throwing her cup, juice and all, in the sink as if disgusted and mad because of it. Little does she know that it wasn't the juice at all!

Brrr!

It's hard to believe that a month ago we were sitting on Sandy Beach soaking up the sun. Now there is snow on the mountains! This isn't supposed to happen until November 1st! I just hope it will warm back up, especially for Halloween. Guess I wasn't as ready for fall as I thought!

In other news, Michael's studying for the ASVAB to get accepted in the Army, Jake's still in football, and Savannah is in love with Dora. I'm looking forward to going to Mesquite in October! Can't wait to get outta here for a while!

We're having my mom over for dinner today. Mmmm...basil rub roasted chicken. No other food could be as comforting as that tender juicy chicken and mashed tatoes and gravy! I'm willing to sacrifice all of my extra WW points for the week without a blink of the eye for this meal. Can't wait!

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend.

I'm back!

To my pre-pregnancy weight with Savannah that is! I've lost 20.8 lbs to date and am proud of it! And I thought I was fat when I was pregnant with Jake at 116 lbs! Hah! Probably had a lot to do with what my ex used to pump in my brain. Jerk.

HOORAY FOR ME!

What were you doing in 2001?

I was getting ready for work when I hear this pounding on my front door. "What was going on?" I thought. I ran down the stairs and opened the door where I was instantly confused as to why I was getting a rambled on story from my moochy neighbor who was not very commendable in the first place. After he excitedly said something about a plane crashing into some World Center somewhere, I simply said, "Oh really?" And then said, "I've got to get ready to work," and quickly shut the door thinking, "Who has time for this? Doesn't he know that real people really work? So a plane crashed and hit a building. Don't planes accidentally crash all the time? What building is he talking about like I'm supposed to know where this is?" Yes, I'm a little naive and obviously haven't been much out of Utah for my whole life, so I figured I'd hear about it on the way to work and left it at that. I really heard the shocking news once I got in the car and turned the radio on as I was pullihng out the driveway. I was thinking to myself, "Terrorists? In my country? NO WAY! And where is this World Trade Center, what are the Two Towers? Why isn't anyone telling us to stay inside? No wonder my neighbor was freaking out." I couldn't believe what I was hearing and little did I know that wasn't all that was to happen that day. I can't believe five years have passed. Five years!

God bless the families who lost loved ones from horrible death...I know your pain, but the reason for it less comprehensible and without purpose than the reason for mine.

Go Joe!

Michael is going to enlist early in the Army. When I tell people this, they freak out. He has been dreaming of being in the Army since he was 10 years old, and as he was making his decision to call the recruiter, I reminded him of that. He was too nervous to accept but on the other hand really wanted it. So he decided to go for it. And now that the time has finally come, he is nervous about it, but even more he is excited. If he gets accepted, he won't be able to do anything for another year, so that is a relief for me. Until then, I will savor the time before he leaves.

Little Stinker!

Savannah has been mimicking me for some time now, but it is funnier than ever. I know babies and toddlers do this as a way to learn, that they follow our behaviors, but sometimes they find out that what we do is not always something they want.

Last night as we were eating dinner, Michael pulled out the Jack Daniels No. 7 Mustard for his burger. He originally bought the mustard for some bratwurst he and his friend were cooking the other night for dinner and now uses it on everything. Well I hadn't ever tried it, so I took a little off the top with my fingertip to taste it. Just as soon as you can imagine, Savannah cries, "I want to try!" So I do the same for her, she tastes it looks up at me and says, "Mmmm," then after a
second she scrunches up her nose pulling a look on her face I will not forget and said, "Ewwww." Yep, "ew" is one of her most frequently used words right now. Wonder if it's a girl thing to think so many things are gross.

The other day Charlie was doing dishes and cleaning the counters. I looked over and saw Savannah wiping down all the kitchen chairs mimicking him. It was so cute. I only hope she stays as helpful and willing as she is now.

Another funny things she's been doing lately is after I get done with walking on the treadmill, I like to stretch and tone. So there she is, on the floor with me following everything I do. She tries to do her sit ups and insists that I count for her. She gives up after the second sit up and decides she's done. It's hilarious to watch!

What I want for my birthday...

The title of this post reminds me of the theme the kids in A Christmas Story were required to write about what they wanted for Christmas. Funny. But it turns out this entry is really about personal change, and not about my upcoming birthday at all.

Recently I've realized that my goal for losing weight is working and I could apply the same idea on other goals with self talk. I decided I wanted to lose weight and I'm doing it aren't I? I didn't think I could before, but now wish I would have started sooner. As a result, I finally bought a treadmill after wanting one for so many years, and I bought it without feeling guilty for spending the money. (for the most part.) So to help my positive thinking and efforts to keep my self worth up, I need to really treat my needs and wants better than I have in the past.

Being an adult for the last umpteenth years, I've always said I don't want anything or I don't need anything for my birthday. But I've been thinking of how I cheat myself out of so many things by having that attitude, that by not letting myself discover what I want for a simple birthday gift has made me become habitually indecisive about everything in life. Besides, if I can't read my own mind, what makes me think other people can?

So in order to practice identifying what I really do want (not just for my birthday but in life) and to not feel selfish for wanting it, I've made this list. And what I don't get, I will learn to make an honest effort to get myself without feeling guilty about it.

What I want for my birthday...

1. New pajamas, robe, and slippers.
2. Chocolate cake with chocolate icing.
3. A gift certificate to a nice salon to get my hair colored and cut.
4. Money for new clothes.
5. Small radio for my desk at work.

Relish: a pleasing or enjoyable quality.

Ahhhh....I love three day weekends. The thought of Sunday evening approaching isn't bothering me at all. What rest and relaxation. Got my major housework done, my shopping done, and now all that's left is just free time! What a lovely thought! Hope you all are having a good holiday weekend as well.

What's in your Lunchbox?

I recommend Stouffer's Lean Cuisine Chicken, Spinach, & Mushrooms Panini sandwich. Who knew a frozen sandwich could be so good? I'd like to try and make one home made. That paired with a bunch of red grapes, you can't lose! (Except weight of course!)

News of the day

Can a get a woot woot? Today was weigh in day at my WW meeting and I've met my first goal! Lost 10% of my starting weight goal and then some for a total of 18.8 lbs! All in 10 weeks! Yep, I'm doin' the happy dance!

In other news, the president of the United States of America was in town today. But I think my weight loss is much more credible!

Happy Hump Day!

Work has been pretty slow this week. I think I've received 50 junk email and 10 work related email. We moved to a new accounting system beginning fiscal year and because of it I am behind on my bank reconciliation. I could be working on them if only our Finance office could figure out how to get us the reports. Glad they aren't the only ones finding out that this new system wasn't going to be ready and working like they thought.

Labor Day is coming up already! We'll be BBQ'ing at mom's so that will probably be the last one for the year now that fall is arriving. Only thing is that I tend to spend all my flex points at once at those things. I offered to make the potato salad, so maybe I can make it a little less fattening for my sake. I love potato salad if it's mom's recipe, and I think I might have it down almost exact to hers.

I've been trying WW recipes three or so times a week. Tonight is broccoli cheese soup. Only 4 pts for dinner? Wow! So now I will need to find things to eat to fill in order to get all my points in today. If I don't, my body will think I'm depriving it and hold on to whatever fat there is! Weird how eating more makes you lose more weight, but it makes sense. Efficiency sense I guess.

Last night FOX premiered Celebrity Duets. Can I just say that these people need to keep acting and not singing! And I can't believe how old Cheech Marin and Randy Travis have gotten. In essence, how old I've gotten! And yet Marie Osmond seems to look like a teenager. Blah! I like her better before the obvious face lift. In fact I sat right behind her at my sons choir performance in Jr. High close to where she lives, so I know what she looks like without the wonders of camera technology. She was much prettier than what I saw of her on the show.

Savannah's been talking so much lately that her vocabulary has improved dramatically. She's so silly too. I asked her to tell the boys to come and eat dinner last night and she yells at the top of her little lungs while standing at the top of the stairs, "Come an eat!" The other day I was explaining to her that Daddy was at work and that mommy needed to go to work too and she's replies with, "I want to work." She also likes to talk on the phone and now remembers things that happen during the day to tell other people. She told Grandma the other day, "I play at 'Donalds." I just love it!

Well back to work, if you want to call it that.

Cross your fingers!

I am so crossing my fingers! I have only .4 lbs left to go to reach my first weight loss goal with WW! You see, for those that are just starting the program, you work toward attaining a loss goal of 10% of your first weigh in. That way the pounds to lose isn't as overwhelming. So if I get mine, I'll get my 10% key chain! Yay! Wish me luck on Thursday!

Other stuff going on....the boys started school last week, isn't that weird? This summer came and went without me even realizing it! And as I was going through my old blog entries I noticed where I talk about the winter and the spring and it makes me realize how fast time goes by. That and we cleaned out some of our drawers today. Savannah has outgrown so many things in such little time. What happened to my little baby girl? :(

Just Thinking...

Only in Utah do you have to turn the heat on in the morning and the AC on in the afternoon. I can't believe how chili the morning have gotten these past couple of weeks. Tells me fall is on the way. I'm excited too! I can't wait to smell the air and see the leaves turn brown. I have never been excited for fall so much as I am this year. Not sure why. Maybe it has to do with fond memories of autumns passed.

However I am in a dilemma about my wardrobe. As fall gets closer and I lose more weight, I am finding I better get in gear and go shopping. Problem is I hate to buy clothes if I'm going to not fit in them during the middle of winter either. So I'm biding my time and maybe will just have to wear the same outfit twice in a week or mix and match tops with a couple pairs of pants. That should wear them out for the next time I'll need a smaller size. My weight loss has been good so far and you'd think I'd be in two sizes smaller by now, but I'm not. My "mommy pouch" is what's holding me back, either that or I was wearing too small of size pants to begin with. Of course it will be the last and the hardest to go if it even goes at all.

Going South! Going South!

Yep, going south for my birthday! My mom invited me and my family down to St George and Mesquite in October. We're going to see Cats at the Tuacahn theatre and stay a few nights in warm Mesquite. We'll all buckle up in her new van and hit the road. Unfortunately she has to have surgery on her shoulder now so that she will be healed by then. I hope it goes better this time than the first and stays fixed. I am starting to really look forward to it since we haven't gone anywhere all summer and school's starting just around the corner. No time for camping or anything when your husband works every weekend.

We did however go down to Utah Lake and the kids had a blast. Even the dog loved it. What she didn't like though was when we had to wash the cow pie off her after she rolled around in it. Why do dogs do that?

Football 101

Charlie and Jacob got into a good session of "Football 101" after we got home from his first game. Well, a scrimmage game that is. But still a game nonetheless. I feel bad that he didn't get to play but for only the first 10 minutes of the game. I didn't realize there were so many players that needed to be on the sidelines, so I guess I will learn a lot this year about football myself. I think Jacob has already learned a lot and seems to really enjoy the sport so far. He sure has a lot of bruises though!

Scrimmaged!

Well today was Jacob's first game. A scrimmage game that is. I didn't know what that meant until he told me. I felt bad that he only got to play for the first 10 minutes of the game. I didn't realize how football worked and that there are so many players standing on the sidelines. It was a good practice for their real first game that is next Saturday. Only I'm not sure that Jake will get to play. I was just informed today that he has to have a physical before the first game. Like that's gonna happen this week. Usually physicals are scheduled two months out! Guess we'll see...

Life Should be Lived Backwards

I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should start out dead and get it out of the way. Then, you wake up in an old age home feeling better every day. You get kicked out for being too healthy; go collect your pension, then when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day. You work 40 years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You drink alcohol, you party, you're generally promiscuous and you get ready for High School. You go to primary school, you become a kid , you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a baby, and then...you spend your last 9 months floating peacefully in luxury, in spa-like conditions; central heating, room service on tap, larger quarters every day, and then, you finish off as an orgasm.
I rest my case!

Weigh to go!

So I started Weight Watchers a little less than two months ago and am so pleased with it I signed up for the next session. What's even better than losing weight? Someone to pay you for losing weight! Yep, that's right! My health insurance company holds a program that pays people incentives to being more healthy. So looks like I will be banking in on $150 or so by the end of the year when my rebates have been completed.

Funny how I started this to get to feeling better, not just to lose the weight. Don't get me wrong though, I like that aspect too. But to feel more alive like I should for my age is worth so much more to me. I took for granted that I could eat whatever I wanted and whenever and forever, but I've gotten a lot of information and support through WW and am now 16.6 lbs lighter! The hardest part isn't so much cutting back or eating healthier, it's the exercise. I have to talk myself into walking every day. Once I do it though, I feel good. That's the key point to remember.

Yeah, I'm patting myself on the back. So?

Flour and Water

How come when you mix water and flour together you get glue? But when you add eggs and sugar, you get cake? Where did the glue go? NEED AN ANSWER? You know darned well where it went! That's what makes the cake stick to your BUTT!


Mmmm..that cake looks good but the 1.6 lbs I lost this week looks even better!

Rain! Rain! Come to stay!

Yeah, I got a funny look this morning from the people at my office when they saw how giddy I became of the gray clouds outside that promised rain. So I've decided I'm ready for fall, what's wrong with that? I've already grown tired of summer and am looking forward to the smell of autumn air, traditions and time spent with family, and what seems like endless holidays.

I'm really looking forward to Halloween this year. I don't know why, but the only thing I can figure is Savannah's reactions to things. She understands so much more now than she did a year ago, that I love the thought of seeing her soak it all in. The caramel apples, the Jack O'Lanterns, and the pile of leaves. Or maybe it's cause I was born in October and that is just when things seem new for me again. Either way, I'm looking forward to it!

Monday Blues

Kind of started the day out depressed, but it seems to have gotten better. I was so close to calling in sick this morning too. Just unmotivated. Guess it's from being on the lower end of the financial pole this month creating a tight spot. Yep. These last few weeks, we've paid over $700 to get the boys ready for school and I'm sure there is still stuff they will need. Also bought senior pics for Michael, $175. But they're not to blame, I've had time to prepare. We've also had to replace some parts for both cars and the truck so add another $400. In addition to that my husband is in need of glasses. He hasn't had his replaced since I met him 4 years ago and they are constantly falling apart and are scratched so bad. If I had thought of all these expenses I would have waited to get my treadmill, but I suppose it's just stuff happening all at once, that's all. We'll be back on track next month.

Speaking of treadmill, that reminds me of my diet. It's kind of funny how I'm not overly zealous about it like I was before last week. I dunno why. Maybe cause I realize it will be a while before I reach my goal and as long as I follow it, that's good. But where did my excitement go? I don't know, but I hope it doesn't diminish completely or I'll never get to goal (135). Maybe it will start up again when I actually need to buy new clothes from not fitting into the ones I have any more.

Just feeling like Eeyore today. Hopefully I will snap out of it before tomorrow.

Great Recipe!

My husband is a fanatic of peanut butter cookies so my good neighbor gave this recipe to us about a year ago and it is awesome! Since then she's moved out of the neighborhood., therefore I am publishing it here to share with you all and also to make sure I have a permanent record of it before it gets lost as I don't anticipate making cookies anytime soon (They are not part of my diet.) Needless to say I am afraid I might lose this recipe if I don't do something about it now! Enjoy!

World's Greatest Peanut Butter Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
1 1/4 c flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:
1/2 c butter
1/2 c peanut butter
1 c sugar
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Beat butter for 30 seconds to soften then add peanut butter and sugars. When well blended (light in color) add egg and vanilla.

Pre-mix dry ingredients together and then slowly add dry ingredients to wet. Blend well. Spoon onto ungreased cookie sheets. Do Not Flatten the cookie dough with a fork dipped in sugar like most PB cookie recipes. This will make them hard and crunchy (unless you like them that way).

Bake for 9 minutes on light colored pan or 8 minutes on dark pan. When done baking, take baking sheet out of oven and drop from height of about 3 inches on the top of the oven or a flat surface. This gives the cookies just the right amount of chewiness.

Today's Dilemma

It's one of those "I don't feel like working today" days. Seriously. I complain when I don't have enough work and when I have it I don't feel like doing it. Why is it that I'm never happy? Maybe it's true after all. Maybe my brother who calls me a "cardboard cutout" is right. Maybe I have become the stereotypical government worker and have gotten too used to "leaning on a shovel" all day. Or maybe, just maybe, it's cause I took a day off in the middle of the week and am good for nothing now. Maybe that's it! There you have it. Problem solved!

Have a good weekend!

So you say it's your birthday!

So it's my biggest brother John's birthday today. He was my Sesame Street watching pal growing up. I remember all his cool Fisher Price toys, his Lite Brite, and watching Flinstones with him after school. John remembers about every day in the calendar after he writes it down. You could ask him what year did we go to Yellowstone last and who was there and what did we eat and what date it was and he would know just about every little detail. And I mean everything! In some senses he's like a boy still, I don't know if he is part Autistic or what, but if you knew him, you'd agree that he's always good ole' John. He used to get made fun of on the bus going to elementary school and my sister yelled at all the kids for it. Even though he's had mental problems his whole life, he's still always so thoughtful and childlike that sometimes I envy his innocense.

Happy Birthday John!

Savvy?

So I just found out that Johnny Depp has been in town filming for Pirates III! Damn! Utah always get the news after it happens! He's probably gone by now. Wonder what he thought of Utah?

One point for me, no points for the dentist.

Today some lady brought in home made chocolate chip cookies - my favorite thing in the world! I guess she couldn't sleep early this morning so she baked cookies. How about that? I'd probably never think to bake if I couldn't sleep. Anyway, I took one but then proceeded quickly to the next person who is also a sucker for food and offered it to them. One point for me for not eating a cookie when I had the chance. (Which is more than I can say for what I did on Saturday!)

So about a month ago I had a tooth filled that was cracked, right? Well a couple weeks went by no problem until I popped in some sugarless gum and started to chew on it. That first bite sent my tooth in pain and since then it's been hurting! Not really bad, but it definitely is not okay. My dentist seems to think it's just sensitive from the filling but I am able to differentiate between sensitivity and something that is not coming from hot or cold. I'm tired of babying it. So I have an appointment tomorrow with a new dentist. It's about time for some change of scenery and this one's a lot closer to my house than the other one is. Besides, if my husband feels comfortable there, I will too! (Yes, he hates dentists even more than I do.)

Toddler Talk & Politically Incorrect Cows

We went to see Barnyard at the Megaplex big screen on Saturday night. It was a very cool theater! We got there not knowing what wewere going to see during the time frame we had and just chose the closest one. The movie was cute and funny, more than I expected, so we had a good time. Only thing is I wonder if they realized they put udders on the male cows when they were almost done producing the movie and it was too late to fix it. Male cows with udders...I thought that was funny! But one thing I'm not sure of, are all male cows considered bulls? What's the politically correct term anyway?

Savannah is getting to the point that as long as she has her blankie, binkie, munchies and drinks at the movie, she stays pretty entertained and allows us to watch the movie. But we haven't really tried taking her to a movie that wasn't for kids either. She sang "Tinkle, Tinkle, Tinkle star, ow I under ah you are," all the way home, so I'm pretty sure she had a good time too. The funniest thing though is when she said goodbye to the movie screen after it was over and we were walking out. "Bye. See you marnow." Also yesterday when church service was over, she looked up at the podium and said the same thing, it was so hilarious! Lately when her babysitter says goodbye after I pick her up at night, she'll tell Savannah, "See you tomorrow." So I think Savannah likes to repeat this only it comes out as "marnow" instead of tomorrow.

Another thing she's come up with is "Happy Cake." Happy cake is any cake that is decorated and served at a party, I think. I don't know since we don't have cake at home and usually it is at a party when we do. She hears everyone sing Happy Birthday when there are these parties with cake so now every cake is a "Happy Cake" and her word for all cake. And of course she asks for "Happy Cake" as soon as she sees it. Pretty cute stuff though! I just love a toddler's version of life!

Celebrating

Yep, pretty much didn't follow my diet this weekend. Weekends are always the hardest, especially with stuff to do. Why I didn't remember that there was salad on the menu at the taco joint we stopped at? I don't know. Why did I revert back to my old habit and just quickly order off the combo menu without thinking about it? And then today, after my nephew's Christening there was food. I knew there would be lots of the wrong kind of food there - the kind I like two and three helpings of if I could, but I also ate the right stuff too - the fruit, the salad, the carrot sticks, the stuff I never used to bother with. In order for me to not beat myself up about it, I compare what I do now to what I did 7 weeks ago. At least this way I filled on both. Two days won't wreck what I've done so far, I know, but weekends are definitely an obstacle I need to get control over.

Now that I've vented about that, you should have seen my my cute baby nephew, Cash, Marty, my brother, and his wife, Cherise. Cash had such a hard time to start with, he's such a little miracle. It's pretty cool, we needed another Carrillo boy to carry on the name.

Oh, and happy birthday tomorrow Marty! How's it feel to be over the 35 hump? Don't worry, I'll be there soon myself...

Mmmm... Frappuccino and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Ahh the days of stopping for coffee and a doughnut are gone for me...or at least mostly. Sure I can have whatever I want on my diet, but it depends on if I want three squares a day and the healthier they are the more I get to eat! My little indulgences once in a while are fine but I can't live on sugar alone, even though I'd like to, in fact I think I used to! Whenever I pass by that convenient store on my way to work, I pat myself on the back for not stopping and entering a world of opportunity for Frappuccino's and Krispy Kreme doughnuts that existed inside.

Today was weigh in day, now my total loss is 13.2 lbs. I think I'm doing pretty good and have found some links to my pattern. As long as I don't have ANY desserts, whether or not I cut back elsewhere, I will be fine. Two weeks ago I had three desserts during the week and during that week I only lost .4 lbs. Even though they were legally eaten, my body likes to hold on to every little bit of it! This week I didn't have any desserts (just like the others) and lost my regular 1.5-2.5 range again. Woo hoo! It's been seven weeks since I started but I feel great and it will only get better! Plus when I look in the mirror and compare to my picture from last Thanksgiving I can really see the difference too! Yes, I'm a little excited!

Nice to meet you!

So I'm thinking about switching over to Blogspot, MSN has pissed me off. Tell me which place you like better? See my other home.

Recapturing the weekend

I got off a little early on Friday - well only 15 mins early - but I was able to stop at the Take N Bake pizza and rent a few DVD's before the crowds hit the stores. It was all too smooth. Wish I could get off early every day. I haven't had pizza in so long that it really sounded good, especially since it was Friday night. I used to have the habit when I was single to get a pizza and movies EVERY Friday...that and beer. Got home, baked the pizza and we all watched Benchwarmers (not good as we thought it would be) and Final Destination 3 while we ate our pizza. Something I also haven't done in since the start of my diet - eating while watching TV. So I splurged. Hey, I only had one piece of pizza and one bread stick and the rest was salad, so I was still good!

Saturday was nice too. It seems like since I've started walking on my treadmill that I am more ambitious to clean up and do chores around the house. So I got the house spotless just in time for Charlie to get home from work, got all my grocery shopping done, and when I came home, it felt like a good to come home and be able to relax. He finally got the rotisserie attachment for his grill that were back-ordered from Father's Day so we made rotisserie chicken with my basil rub recipe. It was so f-ing good! I can't even tell you! (And I meant to take a pic - sorry) Next we are going to try his lemon dill recipe for salmon.

Sunday we went with my mom to my sister's in Tremonton but made a quick stop to swim at the Hot Springs. The boys got to ride with her in her new van and watch DVD's the way up so they thought that was pretty cool. I've been dying to do more swimming this year but not in a crowded pool, so Sunday at the hot springs was a much better fare. This is only the second time we've taken Savannah in a big pool this year and last time she kind of floated and clung to me not knowing what to do or trusting her floaties but yesterday she learned how to kick and get around a little, so we've made some progress.

She was so funny in the warm water, tasting it on purpose. She loved the salty flavor and we had to encourage her to stop so she wouldn't get sick. I think she liked it much better than the chlorinated pool we went to last time. As Charlie and I were bathing her last night, I asked her if she liked going swimming, she replied with a big long, "YYyyyyy-aaaaaa-hhh!" It was so cute! We had so much fun, I forgot to take pics! :(

That was my weekend in a nutshell and back to reality Monday. Ugh. Looks like work is getting back to normal. No more hecticness or deadlines. It's a nice feeling, but also can get pretty drab too. I'll have more time for blogging at least!

Keeping focused...

So I didn't lose much weight this week. Heh, not even a pound - not even half a pound. This is where some of what I've learned this past month needs to be put to use with positive thinking by reminding myself that my diet is not about the weight but about feeling better, healthier, and alive. It's about being more knowledgeable and conscientious of my eating and activity habits. I think my self esteem could do better without that scale! I didn't start this change of lifestyle to look better or fit into a smaller size, I did it to improve my health so when I grow older it will not be sooner than expected.

Speaking of improvement, notice how you never realize how much junk you have collected until you are trying to find something that is lost? I really need to take a day off and de-junkify my house! I think I will schedule a day before the boys go back to school. I never realized how much crap I have! Of course unfinished basements seem to be a popular place for storing things in dark places that you forget about.

Forget candy, where's the sour cream and butter?

Around my house after dinner if you leave the table and dishes for a quick TV break you know you are in for a treat if the atmosphere becomes suddenly quiet. At first I thought it was baby rash ointment or lotion from how white it was and the way on Savannah rubbed it on her belly, but turns out the girl loves sour cream as well as butter!!! The other day I found the chair pulled up to the cabinet where my butter dish is and little bite marks all around it. Anytime we are cooking she tries to take bites out of it too. I guess we need to start calling her baked tator that little stinker!

Ahh, the relentless veiwpiont of a husband...

Note From a Thoughtful Husband (Humor)

It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger. When you notice this, try not to yell at them. Some are oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an oversensitive woman.

My name is Ron. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Julie. When I took "early retirement" last year, it became necessary for Julie to get a full-time job, both for the extra income and for the health benefits that we needed.

Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from the golf course about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table. I generally have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club so eating out is not reasonable. I'm ready for some home cooked grub when I hit that door.

She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating. But now it's not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won't clean themselves. I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.

Another symptom of aging is complaining, I think. For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. But, boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days. That way she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you know what I mean). I like to think tact is one of my strong points.

When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I try not to make a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me too.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Julie. I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible!
Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older. However, guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other... Ron

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ron died suddenly Thursday May 26. He was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver rammed up his backside with only 2 inches of grip showing... His wife Julie was arrested, but the all-woman Grand Jury accepted her defense, that he accidentally sat down on it.

3 years

Our 3rd anniversary is tomorrow. Funny, it's felt like a lot longer than that. Probably because we've accomplished so much in such a small time, as well as going through a lot with my grandparents and dad's funerals. Three years ago we got married in a little court house, then went to a nice dinner at Mimi's Cafe with my parents. After that we went to see the Pirates of the Caribbean. I remember it had just come out to theaters. This year we contemplated about going to Nevada or somewhere to spend the night, but I am happy enough to go to dinner and a movie. So I chose Mimi's and Pirates! What a de ja vous it will be. Besides, our 5th will be something we will plan for a big to do and by that time Savannah will be 4 1/2 and not as hard for me to leave over night. (Yes that is the main reason I don't want to go anywhere overnight, or at least not without her.)

So if you get a chance to read this, Happy Anniversary Charlie! I know we've been through a lot already and if you're patient enought we will be able to get through the rest. I know sometimes it feels easier to run away from problems, but if we conquer them together, we will make it through a lot stronger. When we are old and gray we will look back on what we went through and the good times will out weigh the bad. I love you, happy 3rd anniversary.

This week's weigh in...

Add another 2.6 lbs of my loss to date for a total of 9.4! The key is being more thoughtful of what you eat and your activity more than anything. I've really had to be constantly aware and proactive in making choices all the time, where before I would just eat whatever was there to offer. And eating isn't bad I have found out. I have learned you can be overweight for not eating enough. It's all about metabolism. Many of you are probably thinking ahead of me; that I may not use my treadmill as much as I intend or always eat right. Yes I may even gain weight back, but it's better that I think of small victories one at a time, one week at a time to keep moving forward and reaching my goal.

Who's making more money here?

So I went in to the dentist's office yesterday to get the crack in my tooth filled. I even got there early. My appointment was at 4 and I didn't get in until 5! I was not happy about waiting. I could have stayed at work and still made the appointment alright but instead I had asked to take off early and use my sick leave. Oh sure they apologized over and over about the wait and then the dentist added humorously that it was the secretary's fault for putting down a chipped tooth instead of a root canal on the appointment before me, but come on guys, that's tacky to play the blame game. Just fess up that as usual you over-booked and fit in too many emergency appointments, don't give me an excuse. Usually I would say, "That's okay, no big deal," but not this time. I didn't accept their apology and if patients have to wait that long the dentists office should charge them half the amount of the co-pay. The least they could have done was call me, then I wouldn't have wasted an hour of my time. And to add to that, when all was said and done, I ended up stuck in rush hour traffic trying to get home. That's my two cents. Really. Who's making more money here anyway?

Kids, kids, kids.

Michael gets his senior pictures taken today...I can't believe it. Even the sound of the word senior sounds so prestigious and I never thought it would be so soon to hear it. I can't wait to see them. I've been waiting for the day to come to see him wearing a cap and gown. If all goes well, I will see it in person next May too! As you know, and those of you that don't, Michael's been driving a little over 3 months now. I think the thrill of having his own car has gotten to his head though. At least up until last Friday. He officially had his first speeding ticket and now is realizing that driving fast isn't as fun as he thought. Oh well, you live, you learn.

Jacob just signed up for the fall tackle football league through the local recreation center along with his best friend. Their first practice is tonight. They have also been weight training three days a week with a professional weight trainer who lives in the neighborhood. I hope the lifting he's done so far will help him get ready for what lies ahead of him!

Savannah has recently decided that there isn't such a thing as potty training. Nope, not even a little. Of course this is after I decided to no longer buy diapers and have bought what I thought would be a few weeks worth of Pull Ups. She has also mastered the words "chocolate milk," "band aid," and "honey." Yep, caught her drinking from the honey bottle yesterday. Time to move it to a different cupboard. We took her swimming Saturday and she was so excited that as we pulled in the parking lot, she shouted, "Wimming! Wimming! Swimsuit!" The kiddie pools were cool, but it's like being in a shower and she hates anything that gets in her eyes so we didn't spend too much time there. I've been really bad about taking photos lately. I don't know what the deal is. I usually can't get enough picture taking. I don't think I've picked up my camera since the baby bird pic. That's pretty sad.

Speaking of our baby birds, Savannah doesn't understand why they aren't in their nest any longer. She doesn't know what "all grown up" means and keeps asking us to take down the planter to let her see them. So we just have to tell her they went bye bye. Kids, you gotta love 'em.

Bummer Sunday

It's kind of been a melancholy bummer Sunday...don't know why, but at least we found the treadmill we like and it's on sale until the 15th. My brother and his wife offered to let me borrow theirs and when I told them I would rather buy it , they declined. I guess I just want to have something of my own it's part of a gift to myself to getting better and healthier. I like the idea I don't have to go out in the heat to walk or in the snow, and I can go whenever I want even when it's dark out.

TGIF

But even more so, TG for hair straighteners. Any of you out there with semi-long hair and natural curl will know what I'm talking about! Ever go to bed with your hair wet and wake up the next morning looking like an old time country star? You know, the big curly hair? I did today, and it was like watching a scene from Coal Miner's Daughter.

Another weird thing that happened this morning was that we had fog outside! Can you believe that? I had to take another quick look out my window before I believed it myself. Weird. Fog in the summer. Who knew?

Ever shoot olive oil? Ugh, it reminds me of taking castor oil all over again when I was trying to get my labor to start with Michael. Anyway, my diet requires me to have at least 2 teaspoons of healthy oil per day in order to help me lose weight. Kind of weird that your body actually needs oil. Guess it just has to be the right kind and not too much. When I can't use it for cooking, guess I'll have to take shots of it!

Tomorrow is packed...we have a wedding luncheon, swimming, and I want to go look at treadmills. I need your advice on that. I don't want to buy something that I will regret. So please help!

This hostess doesn't have the most!

This week has been a killer for my diet. I haven't weighed in yet, but I can tell I'm not doing as good as I was last week. I haven't gone over my points or anything, I'm just not as hungry. Maybe my body has adjusted somewhat or maybe I'm not eating as well as I suspect. I need to learn how to hold back during holidays and this is a good practice for me. I know I'm just starting my diet and that this could be a disaster so I'm going to have to learn to throw food away that is left on my and Savannah's plates if it kills me!

We are planning to have a BBQ with my babysitter and her family. They are also a mixed family with a teenager from a previous marraige and little ones of their own and since she's been babysitting for nearly a year, our kids have become good friends and we also get along with them well. After the BBQ our plan is to go see the local firework show and do a few of our own. Utah fireworks suck, so hopefully the show will be good. I need to find out how we can get Charlie's license for Class B fireworks renewed so we could put on one of our own!

I was just thinking this morning as I was buying some supplies for the BBQ, "What is my problem with company? Why do I feel so insecure that they are not having a good time and that my paper cups or my food will not be good enough? Why do I feel most comfortable being invited to someone else's house than inviting company to ours?" I have always been that way. I worry too much, I know, but when it comes to this, what is wrong with me? I get afraid that they are bored, too hot, uncomfortable, etc. I don't get it and maybe that is why I never liked having company over. It's terrible.

All in a week...

A lot has happened this week. To recap, I've been featured on MSN Spaces, lost 5 lbs, and got a raise at work. The bad stuff? Well the car started acting up, our budget is tight this week, I found out I have a cracked tooth (this is why I hate going to the dentist), and things have surfaced as a result of being a mixed family. Let's just say skeletons are out of the closet as we speak. I won't go in details but some if it involves the case of the estranged "so called father" that has been out of my boys' lives almost their whole lives and all of a sudden now that he's out of prison, certain children of mine think he's God and are back to idolizing him all the while concocting a very cocky attitude around the house.

Is it bad that in these times of stress I often entertain the idea of what my life would be like had I never got in a relationship that wouldn't work out? That all this extra stress of having an ex haunt my life through my children wouldn't be happening right now? And the same for getting into another relationship and the stresses of mixed family issues that step relationships bring because of the first relationship I had? Yes, life would be easier, but I'd be alone.

Sometimes when stress occurs I just want to run away and be alone thinking it will make things simpler. It doesn't. The problems won 't really go away, they'll be back to haunt me again. So I have learned to take life one day at a time and not overwhelm myself with the stress. This way it is easier to bear and I will be over the hump before I know it. This too shall pass.

Must be a Utah thing...

So I've noticed recently people around me say, "Mun-dee" and "Whens-dee" for Monday and Wednesday. What's up with that?

5 lbs lighter!

1st week on diet report: 5.2 lbs lighter and I knew I could feel a difference! Even when I walk I don't feel so wiped out or out of breath and the seatbelt fits a little less snug than it used to. I'm pretty excited!

Hump Day!

Today I get to stay home with my kids! Yay! Of course not good for my babysitter who is sick, but good for me. I had to take a half day off anyway so it's actually better to not have to go in at all. I hate working a half day, it disrupts my whole routine not to mention the long commute is not worth it. I, along with the boys, have a dentist appointment this afternoon. Ugh. I hate going to the dentist, but doesn't everybody?

Having unexpected days off like this is a good chance to get the house cleaned to a point where we won't have to do anything this weekend with it. So my flower pot baby birds have all left the nest. I was able to get a picture of one of them before he was gone for good. I suspect he wasn't able to fly right off the bat since the nest was empty and saw his brothers and sisters watching me take his picture along with their momma from the rooftop next door. The way she was chirping at me you'd think I was going to harm the little fella. "Poor little feller. He's just a boy."

What is Happy?

Happy is when your tears well up inside you out of the blue when you realize your family is all together and on the same page. Happy is everyone eating watermelon and spitting the seeds in the same direction as we are doing tonight. Happy is being able to provide for you and your family all the while keeping a balanced home, whether you are there full time or not. Happy is the time of day you love most. For me happy is cooking with my husband, watching a movie with Michael, playing with Savannah, and wrestling with Jacob. Happy is teaching them important lessons and seeing them grow even if it is through tough love. Happy is knowing you did a pretty damn good job at raising what are now two respectable young men while you were single and lost in your own life. Happy is petting the cats and they love you back. Happy is the dog who never fails to greet you when you walk in the door. Happy isn't measured by the time you spend with someone, but how you spend the time you do have. To be a working mom does not entail that one has a new SUV or a large house, to be a working mom means that we have a future, a hope for our children that when we are no longer physically able to work on this earth, they will not have to take care of us. From one working mom to another, we make every minute of every day count! for all purposes in life!

Just a lazy Sunday evening...

The smell of peanut butter cookies is torture to my starving belly, or at least it thinks it's starving. I never realized how much I ate before until now. Yes, I'm officially "dieting." Can you believe it? My family doesn't think I'm overweight so I have to remind them that it's important to me to eat better regardless of it. Come to think of it, I would have eaten cookies until my little heart desired no more. I would have also had seconds on dinner and snacks in between each meal today. So here I am, blogging to try to get the scent from my husband's peanut butter cookies out of my mind while it's still fresh in the air. I may be wrong, but I think his desire to make cookies is more of a test than a craving. I'm not sure if they take me serious quite yet.

On a better note we just got a freezer for the basement and attempted to fill it up with two month's worth of meat and bread. It's still got plenty of room and I'm happy to say we took advantage of some good stuff on sale and will not have to worry about it on our next grocery list. It's been our goal to get a freezer for a while and this one just fell in our lap for free. A little cleaning up goes a long way and as soon as we order some replacement shelves, it will look as good as new; well almost new considering how old it is. Glad we waited as long as we did. I'm sure the popsicles will disappear in no time being that they are easy access for the boys during video playing time. Gotta love summer and the endless popsicle sticks that fill the trash, right? Hope you all had a good weekend.

Week One and 43 lbs To Go!

No more excuses for not putting forth the effort to getting healthy again! Last week I found out that a group of people in our office put together weekly Weight Watchers meetings for employees next door for our office during lunch hour! How odd that only two weeks ago I was looking online at the program and considering my membership but put it off contemplating the extra time spent away from home and spending the money on something for me. I like to go straight home from work, and not have to stop for another meeting let alone running errands. I'm away from home 11 hrs a day as it is, so this is great news!

To put it bluntly, I'm 19 lbs heavier than when I got pregnant with Savannah making my weight loss goal today, twice as much as it was then. No more government employee attitiude for me. Sure I might sit at a desk all day number crunching federal and state funding amounts into a gazillion Excel spreadsheets but that doesn't mean I need to slack off about getting back to feeling good about myself. And like I've told the others, it's not about losing weight so much as it is just to feel good again. Of course I need to excercise and plan to, but even more so I need to be better educated about food and change my eating habits. I feel this program will help and support me and I'm excited to get going! I even turned down the "what's become almost a daily thing" cheese danish my coworker offered to me this morning! I don't know why others like to encourage the people around them to eat up by bringing doughnuts, bagels, and other crap. I guess it's the highlight of the day for us state workers? Maybe...

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Charlie! Didn't get much time to blog yesterday but just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all you do and have done for the kids' sake. Hopefully the rest of your gift to go with your grill cover and cookbook will arrive soon and we will be eating that rotisserie style chicken sooner than you know! p.s. Thank you for going to Dad's grave with me yesterday too. I love you!

Talking about Surprise!

Remember that little surprise we found in my hanging flower pot on the front porch? Yep! You guessed it! I didn't kill them after all, even with all the watering!

You know you work in government when...

You sat at the same desk for 4 years and worked for three different departments.

You worked for the same department for 4 years and sat at more than 10 different desks.

You've been in the same job for 4 years and have had 10 different supervisors.

You order your business cards in "half orders" instead of whole boxes.

When someone asks about what you do for a living, you can't explain it in one sentence.

You get really excited about a 2% pay raise.

You use acronyms in your sentences.

Your biggest loss from a system crash is that you lose your best jokes.

You sit in a cubicle smaller than your bedroom closet.

It's dark when you drive to and from work.

Fun is when issues are assigned to someone else.

The words "challenge" and "opportunity" makes you shiver in fear.

You see a "good-looking" person and know it is a visitor.

Free food left over from meetings is your main staple.

Weekends are those days your significant other makes you stay home.

Art involves a white board.

You're already late on the assignment you just got.

Dilbert cartoons hang outside every cube and are read by your co-workers only.

Your boss' favorite lines are "when you get a few minutes" or "when you're freed up."

You read this entire list and understood it.

Thoughts.

Been missing my dad lately. Like a little kid I keep telling myself, "It's not fair!" and am heartbroken that I can't see him or take Savannah over to play with him. It's not fair that someone who has a family that loves him has to lose him when there are others out there without already who could have gone just as easily. Our garden didn't quite make it with the frost on Memorial Day weekend, but a few plants survived and our corn is sprouting. Gardening reminds me so much of my dad; pulling the weeds, the feel of dirt in my hands, the sound of the roto tiller, the seeds, the smells. His truck sits in front of my house so empty and alone. Even when we're driving it, it is not full and never will be. I just long to see him during this time of year the most.

Will you sign my yearbook?

Can you believe another school year has gone by? When the boys bring home their yearbook each year we have fun comparing mine to theirs. I can't believe the difference in hairstyles. There are a few "fros" on some of the guys but for the girls it's ultimately straight hair. And of course in mine there was curl, volume, and what we thought was "style." (Including my own mullet. ) Their yearbooks have much better photos and all the students in high school, Freshman to Senior, are in color. For the seniors they had baby pictures and cute little excerpts about each of them. (Probably a Utah thing?) I think it would have been better to do a then and now photo and have the kids talk about what they did during the school year.

The biggest difference between their books and mine though, is in the way the kids signed them. Maybe it's just cause I'm a girl and had 99% girls sign mine, but 75% of the kids who signed Jacob's mention sex, swear words, and other profanity. I think was embarrassed by it and crossed it all out. I guess they wanted something for him to remember them by? Pretty pathetic that they can't think of something better and that is all that is in their hormonal heads. I'm glad I'm not a teenager anymore for that very reason! What was funniest was when the boys made a comment that I had a lot of signatures. I admitted that I wrote a lot of them to myself and added a lot of other graffiti when I would get bored. Mainly it was about the guys I liked back then, practicing signing my name with their surname on the end. What a dork, but we all did it, right girls?

I'm an aunt again!

My brother and his wife delivered their little boy last night. He is 6 weeks premature weighing 3 lbs and 9 oz! Since he has had a struggle with life so far, I was hoping he would be wait for another few weeks but I am glad he is here. In the beginning he was having trouble making amniotic fluid and they weren't sure he was going to make it this far so this is truly a miracle. We have never had a preemie in the family so bless his little heart. They named him Cash and I assume after Johnny Cash but I am not sure. He's doing well so far and I can't wait to see him! CONGRATULATIONS MARTY AND CHERISE!

Letter to my pets

After writing how my pets were for sale earlier this week and since there were no bids, I couldn't help but clear a few things up with them as they are indefinitely staying with me:

Dear Dog and Cats,
Your dishes can be found in the same spot every day and will contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate of food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest. (This doesn't include you Muffers, you keep a good distance.)
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine or feline attendance is not mandatory.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

Rules for Non-Pet Owners Who Visit and Like to Complain About Our Pets:

1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.(That's why they call it "fur"niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly. Dogs and cats are better than kids ...they eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive your car, don't hang out with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink, don't worry about having to buy the latest fashions, don't wear your clothes, and don't need a gazillion dollars for college.

Surprise!

So I got a couple of hanging flowers for Mother's Day for my front porch and it seems that a little momma has made her home there. She has four little eggs nested and protected, how cute! I am just afraid she will abandon them with all the attention I need to give to the flowers so they don't die. I don't want the plants to thirst, but on the other hand I don't want to disturb the babies either so we'll see what happens. We'll have to be really careful when watering. I guess since there aren't enough trees or shelter in our new subdivision, the birds need to make ends meet somehow.