On my way!

I have been on my migraine medicine since the beginning of September, and it has jump started my weight loss, but it is not the continued catalyst that has brought me to my 32 pound weight loss so far.
I still have a ways to go, but the difference this time more than any of the times before is I can smell it. I can see the ending, and I can taste it!
My goal is to lose 40-45 pounds by Christmas. I am starting to fit into my smaller clothes again. Although they aren't technically small clothes - they are small for me, and I will take that. That is a triumph. I have not seen them since Noah was in third grade - before I got pregnant with Amelia.
So, perhaps my migraine medicine is helping, but I have also changeed the whole way that I eat. I eat SO much healthier now than I did before. I am so nervous about the diabetes that i knocking on my door. With both Toby and Amelia (and I am sure Noah too - although it was too early to have been tested) I was insulin dependant. My family has a history of type 2 diabetes, and if I can keep it away even for a small amount of time with my diet I will.
Last night was the first time in a LONG time that I ate anything with flour and or sugar in it. Even when we were in Las Vegas I skipped on dessert. I will have a bite now and then, but not a whole amount of something. And, you know, I find I am not missing out on it one bit. I made raspberry almond muffins. I ate one - was happy eating it, and sent the rest to my moms. It was good. I was happy, and I don't miss or want them.
I am not craving things like that either. Chips, no thanks. If I want them - I'll take a handful, but then I am ok and done. Honestly, I am enjoying it, and I feel so much better for it!

Sea Turtles and such....

At the end of this summer we were fortunate enough to goto Fort Lauderdale on a business trip with Todd. While we were there, we saw the tape marking off the sea turtle nests. How exciting to see.

We watched one morning as a four wheeler moved to a nest and stayed there. Noah and I ran down out of the hotel to see what was going on. During the night the nest had hatched and the volunteers were helping the turtles that were alive get out of the nest. It was an amazing experience to see these amazing turtles start their journey.
Also amazing, because you don't think of it until you see it for yourself is the amount of turtles that do not make it at all. So very sad.

Welcome back!

Today was the first day of school for my two guys. Noah, minus part if his tooth, is in the seventh grade. Toby, is now in second! Amelia, I get to hold onto her a bit longer. Lucky Mommy.

OUCH!

This is Noah on August 3rd, 2010. He had only been at his friends house for about 20 minutes when I got the call that he had hit the diving board and knocked out one of his permanent teeth.

I thank God for being with him that day as it could have been SO much worse than what it was. He could be paralyzed right now.

His friend and his friend's dad were able to get the tooth, and the dentist was able to stick it back in. Noah was WAY better at handling this whole mess than I was. I was a wreck. I probably said a few things that I shouldn't have. (O.k. make that definitely!), but I was scared, nervous, and shocked. Our regular dentist was away on vacation, and the dentist that helped out was wonderful. He really put me in my place. When I walked into the room with Noah he said to me, "Mom, either get yourself together, or get out!" Of course, I pulled it together!

We have had afew dentist appointments through these past three weeks. Noah had to have his real tooth bonded to his other teeth to try and help it stay in. He had a root canal without novocaine. (Brave boy!), and he just recently got the bonding off. He is nervous because the tooth is loose, but our dentist said it is like a broken bone once the cast comes off. Weak. In two weeks we take him back for another appointment and hopefully that will be when they can build the tooth back up.

Fingers crossed that said tooth stays in!

5 pounds and counting

So, I to buy some clothes for myself for when we go on our big trip - I looked like a beached whale. I became so depressed and upset with myself that I decided to take action. I joined south beach diet online and week one i am down 5 pounds. I feel good about my dieting this time. I am doing it for myself, i am doing i for my kids.

I know that I am not going to have more kids, and it is time for me to do something for myself. I am happy to stat this new phase in my life, and i really feel like thistime is going to be the time. I am finding south beach easier this time around - thankfully, and i am happy with it for me.

I am not beating yself up if i have a slice of pizza - i just don't overdo it. I will get there, and i will be happier when i am!

please.....

don't let me be getting sick again.....please don't let me be sick!!! UGGGGGG!!!!

Time gets away from you!!

We have been so busy with Todd traveling and the boys being in the Variety show for the church that I have neglected my blog! I am going to try and post my video of the boys singing "heal the World" for the variety show. They were amazing!!! (If I could brag for a minute! LOL)

We are getting ready to have Easter here at the house. Looking forward to it - just wish I could stay on top of the housework so that I wouldn't stress myself out over it. I need definite help with organizing and such! :(

Last night was awards at the school for band and chorus. Amelia was way overtired because she didn't have a nap all day; so, she proceeded to yell out during it, "Look at me!" and she flipped her dress up over her head! OMG! She is a firecracker for sure!

Fingers crossed that I can post my video - new camera - still trying to figure it all out.

Garlic Bread

I am trying this tonight. I was a little nervous putting it on rapid setting, so I put it on regular cycle. It all ready smells spectacular!

Garlic Bread: "Garlic Bread




Ingredients for one large loaf:
1 1/8 cups water
2 tbsp olive oil
3/4 tbsp finely minced garlic or garlice paste
3 cups white bread flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp grated parmesan
3/4 tsp sweet basil
3/4 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp dried/chopped chives
3/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
2 tsp fast rise yeast or 2 tsp active dry yeast

Directions:
Add ingredients according to the manufacturer's instructions. Set your machine for the Rapid, Delay or White cycle and start. For the best flavor, serve this bread warm."

i am a slacker

I am a slacker! can not believe it has been so long since I have written in the blog. Mimi had her second birthday, and it is nearly Valentine's Day! ( I should say I had my birthday as well - although mine isn't nearly as exciting as Mimi's!)
We are getting ready to go to Orlndo next weekend for the week. I am looking forward to getting away with Todd and the kids for one whole week. It hs been too long. Although this winter really hasn't been bad - we can't complain about the snow or cold too much.
Our fish tank has been driving us nuts! We keep losing fish....I think another one died today, but I don't want to stick my hand in there and move where I think it is! YUCK!
We redid the tv room last weekend into this week. It has a rustic decor. It was a lot of fun to do. I love painting!

A New Year, a new decade!

It is the first day of the new year to a new decade! I am hopeful that this is going to be a good year. Todd and I have made some decisions that are the right ones for our family, and we are traveling with the kids on some really big trips this year alone.

We just got back from the Great Escape Lodge where we spent our New Year. Aside from being noisy in our room, it was magnificent. A whole lot better than either of us expected. The kids had a blast, and it was small enough that we felt comfortable with the bigger ones being able to run around.

We got the kids their fish today. My daughter only wanted an African Dwarf frog which she promptly named Tinkerbell! Ah, the joys of having kids!!!


Happy 2010 everyone. Here is to health and happiness throughout! God Bless us every one!