A New Chapter

15 grams to a healthier me....

2012-01-09T16:18:00.002-06:00

I wasn't sure if I was going to pull off a post today. To be honest I didn't have any inspiration FOR a post. But, I watched Live with Kelly this morning, and the inspiration hit me like a frying pan upside the head! For those that know me, you know that A) that's how most of my inspirational ideas hit me.... Oprah has her aha moments, some have a light bulb moment I however have a frying pan moment! ;) and B) well, I had a point b, and now I can't remember it, so we will just go with A.
Moving on, the health guru she had on his mining was talking about our sugar intake. He says you should aim for 15 grams of sugar a day in your diet.
Ok, I would like to think that I'm a smart girl. I'm pretty knowledgable in health and nutrition. It doesn't mean that I always listen, but it's always on my radar. I eat whole wheat, I try to stay away from processed food and limit my eating out. But for some reason I never really looked at my sugar. I have looked at my carb intake, and understand the whole simple sugar/ complex carb break down. (thank you to my biochemistry AND organic chemistry classes.) I have even watched my calories, and balanced my carb/protein intake (which I'm a fan of). For some reason I just never thought to look at my sugar. I've illuminated sugar before, but never thought to actually watch it. Or "track it" really.
I do watch the sugar that my children eat. If it has too much I won't let them eat it, or I limit the amount. Not for health issues but for "bouncing off the walls and making mom crazy" issues.
However, it makes perfect sense to me to watch the amount of sugar I take in. He didn't suggest you watch anything else, but you really don't have to if you cut your sugar. Most sugar is in your "not so good for you" foods anyway. However some items can be deceptive as well. I look at my Greek yogurt that I am getting ready to try. 19 grams of sugar!! Eek! Not good!
I'm not sure if I'll be able to cut down all the way to 15 immediately, but I can be more mindful of what I am eating, and dwindle it down to the 15 eventually. (I'm not a cold turkey type of person. I'm not a fan of the side effects to quitting something cold turkey. So the dwindle works for me!)

Here's to 15 grams of sugar to a healthier me my friends! Oh, and to those frying pan moments! ;)

2012-01-04T21:50:00.001-06:00

Daring to Love
During our Birthday and Christmas celebrations there was an explosion of HUGE proportion at the Mitchell house. With out going into the fine details, I will say I lost my temper, saw red and said some extremely horrible things to my husband (in front of my children and my family) that, while I don't remember what I said exactly, he does. And it wasn't pretty. For those of you that know me, you know I don't loose my temper like that. I don't scream and drop 'f' bombs ever! But this time I was pushed too far. Just to clarify, I have already sat my children and husband down and apologized for my outrageous behavior. I did explain to them that Mommy should have NEVER said those things to Daddy. Nor should I have lost my temper to the extreme that I did. Lucky for me, my parents did not hear it, and my children did not hear the exact words. (in fact they thought I said something so different they were really lost as to what I was yelling about.)
With that all being said, I of corse did some self reflecting, and prayed for some understanding as to why my husband could have been so horrible and pushed me so far causing me to explode (I hope some of you are catching on to the irony of what I just said). The answer I got really dropped me on my butt. It's a lesson that God has tried to teach me over and over and over again. And he is patient with me as I keep forgetting over and over and over again. This lesson kind of hit me like this, maybe it's not Matt. Maybe.... It's me. Yes, that stings because I so want it to be someone else's issue for once! But, it's not Matt. If Matt is one thing, it's consistent. I always know how he will react. Pretty much know what he is going to say or think about a situation before he says it. He too is patient with me as I learn over and over and over again my life lessons. (praise the Lord for that!)
During this time of self reflection it occurred to me that I need to work on being a better wife to my husband. I expect him to be a better husband, and really, but what kind of investment am I making in him? It seems being a wife has been bypassed for being a mother, and a pto chair person and a church member and well more things then I can count to volunteer for. I really have not tried to be a wife, but I expect Matt to be a husband, and a father AND support me in all of my activities. That's not real fair. So, I'm making an investment in my marriage. I'm taking the next few months to really focus on how I can be a better spouse. I'm not doing it alone. I'm walking down Gods path for this one. Many years ago when the movie Fireproof came out(a must see!! Kind if lacking in the acting part, but an amazing message)Matt and I got the Love Dare book and attempted to do it together. I forced him to do it with me, because he needed to treat me better (again the irony). I of corse did not need to do it, but he did so I did it with him to encourage him. Ya... And I wonder why it didn't work, or why we stopped doing it. I watched the movie again a few weeks ago, and God laid it on my heart to pick up the book again, and do it by myself this time. So, I am. I love my husband, and I think it's time I start treating him that way.
So here goes nothing! I love how the very first day (which I have read before mind you) states these three verses:
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. (Ephesians 4:2 NLT)

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. (1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT)

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. (James 1:19 NLT)

Yep.... Wish I would have read these before my explosion!
Wish me luck folks! It's going to be an interesting journey.

Bursting that pop bubble

2012-01-02T16:55:00.002-06:00

Hello, my name is Micah and I am addicted to soda pop. (AGAIN!!) I have gone through periods where I have stopped drinking it, and for some reason the pesky stuff always finds its self right back in my life. I know that it is not healthy, and yet I still drink it. It really hasn't mattered if I stop, because I just go back, and I LOVE it, so I am horrible when it comes to will power. However, this year, I am not going to drink it!
On my way home from my parents house yesterday I heard that the lead singer in one of my favorite bands, Casting Crowns, gave up soda and sweet tea for a whole year, not to get healthy, but because he was giving back. He decided to save the money that he was spending on the beverages and give them to a charity. That is when it hit me! HELLO!!! I can do that!! I am all about doing things to help other people! So, as bad as it sounds, I am not giving up soda because it is better for my health, nope, I am giving up soda to save the money! I am going to donate my beverage fund to St. Judes at the end of this year! I am so excited!!! So much so that I have asked my daughters if they are willing to do the same. They don't drink nearly the pop that I do, but they are willing to drink water when we go out to eat instead of ordering that non caffeinated fizzy drink. ;)
I can't wait to give back to an organization that I LOVE!!
Happy New Year everyone! I hope that 2012 brings many blessings to you all! (And Ill keep you updated on my collection!)

Stuck in Granny Panty Land

2011-12-12T08:59:00.002-06:00

It seems as though I have encountered a new phenomenon. And based on this discovery, I now understand the need for granny panties. I used to not really get the point of these hideously ginormous panties. Now I get it! After having Mason, I needed some underwear that would not sit on my incision, remember I had a c section. I thought it weird that this being my 3rd c section I waited until now to need them, but I did, and they were fabulous. However that is not how i drew my conclusion. Mason will be 1 in just a few weeks, and my incision is healed up now. No, I have a far different reason for needing them now.
This new phenomenon is, wait for it, my panties keep falling down, but only in the back! Seriously! It is the stupidest thing ever! At first I thought, AWESOME! I'm loosing weight! But that doesn't seem to be the reason. What I discovered is when I wear the large granny panties, I don't have that problem. If I was indeed loosing weight, the granny panties would be big on me, and that is not the case. This issue seems to only be an issue when I wear the smaller undies more like the briefs. It is starting to get serious too, have you ever tried to Zumba while your panties are falling off your butt? Ya... Big issues! (Now think about trying to correct the problem discreetly while in a class full of 30 or so strangers).
So, the only reason I can think of as to why this keeps happening, is that I don't have a big butt, but I do have that lovely muffin shelf from having 3 kids and 3 c sections. And, these little cute briefs can't go over the "mufelf" (I believe Kate Gosslen called it the butt in the front) so therefore they can not sit high enough to keep them from falling off my rear. I could get bigger briefs, but they would still be too big around the back, but fit fine in the front. Hence the reason for the granny panty!
This highly distresses me. I don't care what you do to them, granny panties are not cute, nor sexy. But, I'm afraid I am going to be stuck in granny panty land for awhile.

Gobble Gag...

2011-11-21T13:48:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving is just days away. Where did the time go? I have a secret that I am getting ready to share. A secret that not only could get my birth rights a US citizen revoked, but also my tribal membership striped away as well. (yes... I am Indian,Choctaw to be exact.) You see.... I.... don't like..... Thanksgiving food! Whew... There I said it! Now, the funny thing about my unleashed secret is that all the food by itself isn't that bad. I can eat turkey on a sandwich any day of the week. I can enjoy some stuffing for a side dish on occasion, and I love mashed potatoes and gravy all the time! I appreciate sweet potatoes and their healthy goodness, and I can even choke down broccoli cheese casserole. Dinner rolls are my friends, and well if we are being honest I could eat pie everyday of the week if it was around. And i can even tolerate green bean casserole on occasion. My husbands grandmother makes the most amazing homemade chicken and noodles for part of their traditional holiday fare. I could eat that for every meal! But.... When you put it all together something strange happens. I would rather eat ANYTHING but that food. All of it together makes my stomach turn, and makes me mean. I just do not like the traditional thanksgiving meal. In fact, just thinking about it now gives me a nervous twitch and makes me want to run and pay homage to the porcelain God. (yes it literally makes me want to vomit)Now, don't think it's just limited to Thanksgiving, because in our families, we have this same feast at Christmas and Easter as well. Add a ham in there.... And its good for several holidays. I say bleck! Please... Please don't torture me. I really have no idea why this gives me such an unpleasant response, but I would just rather sleep through the whole ordeal. :)
Now, obviously this is not possible, so I have to get creative. This year, thanks to my mother, we are eating out! This makes me extremely happy!!! No left overs for days, no smelling the food for hours, no over indulgence. No fake smiles trying to enjoy a meal that I would rather fling across the room to see how it splats rather than eat it (I have found people do not appreciate food being thrown at their house). No insane heat, because for some reason people forget that just because it's cold outside, we don't need to keep our house at 100 degrees, does anyone one else notice that it's all of a sudden like the middle of July during family gatherings? It's like a freakish global warming in the house. It's crazy! And does not make for a palatable eating environment.
So, for this thanksgiving, while I am so very thankful for my wonderful family, I am just as thankful for the restaurant that gets to feed my family. And... My mother for the idea! Thank you Mom!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Crabby Patty

2011-11-12T15:04:00.003-06:00

My mother told me the other day that if we wanted to have a date night when we go up to see them for Thanksgiving they would watch the kids for us. When I told my husband this exciting news, he told me good, now I have to find a date. Ahhh my husband, so sweet I could just punch him in the face. LOL! Just kidding! We all know I LOVE him! That was his not so subtle way of telling me I have been a little cranky lately. I did inform him that I was EXHAUSTED (the baby is teething and has not been sleeping unless I am holding him, or well...I am holding him, on top of keeping up with the girls and their activities) and in pain (from the arthritis in my knees and from carrying around a 23 pound bundle of baby boy....plus the weather change has just flared my asthma and allergies...pretty sure that is what is up with my knees too) and so I have not been the most fabulous wife in all the land. But I did remind him for better OR for worse. :) Right now is just not the best Micah I can be. I must say though, he does see me at my worst which is either first thing in the morning BEFORE my coffee, or in the evening when I am hardly able to move and need to just fall into bed. He told me I wasn't doing a very good job at hiding the fact that I was cranky, so I shouldn't even try. HA HA HA!!! Oh well, I guess it is a good thing he can't read my mind...Now that would be a test. Although I must say that these days not a whole lot of bad mumbo jumbo runs through my mind, in fact, I am not real clear that my mind still works, what with the lack of sleep and the running after kids 24-7.
ANYWAY, I was really down this last week because I did not get to finish my 2 week Challenge. I was so proud of myself for competing the 1st week, and thought for sure I was going to finish strong for 2 weeks, after all it was JUST 2 weeks. However, when life happens, there is not much you can do but grab on and go with it. I was also sad that one of my poor neighbors (the house down the street that watches Bubba for me while I do water aerobics) has the shingles. So, this last week I skipped my beloved water aerobics. :( (Thats life again)
So you see, I have been a little crabby, and for good reason. But, when your family wants to date a new mom because the one they have is a little cranky, you better go back to the drawing board before they have you conducting the interviews. LOL!!!

So, back to the drawing board for me means this week, I have found a good friend to substitute for my neighbor while I head back to the the land of aqua exercise. AND, I will finish strong on week 3 of the 2 week challenge! BRING IT! All of this should adjust my attitude a little. PLUS, I will try and catch a nap here and there as Mason does so I can get caught up on my sleep.

Therefore, I have an announcement to make....CRABBY PATTY HAS LEFT THE BUILDING! ;)

Im not feeling it

2011-10-30T22:19:00.003-05:00

I'm not feeling it
When you are in a water aerobics class, and the instructor tells you "you should start to feel warm." or "can you feel the burn?" and you can't feel it... You might be in trouble! I speak from experience my friends. I LOVE my water aerobics classes! You get what you give in water aerobics. I give my all, and usually sweat buckets and get my butt kicked! (Yes it's possible in the water.) So when I get asked these questions by my instructors, I get very worried when I can't feel it. I want to feel it! I love knowing I'm getting a good work out.
Recently I have learned a very valuable lesson. Just because you can't feel it, it doesn't mean you aren't working hard enough. I tend to think, hmmm I must not be working hard enough, let's push it harder. This plan backfired horribly the next day when I discovered I could NOT move because I worked so hard. Lol!!! Ooops! My bad! Lesson learned.
On a side note, for the next two weeks I'm adding the #2weekchallenge to my list of things to do. Thought it might help with my fitness program.
Happy Monday to all!
For those that are reading, and are wondering what in the world is this post all about, hop over to Mamavation.com and check it out! ;)

Amazing Grace

2011-10-26T21:02:00.002-05:00

That phrase has a whole knew meaning to me after the birth of my 3rd child. I know I blogged, and facebooked about being pregnant with Mason, but since I have had him, I really haven't spoken about it. I really haven't allowed myself to think about it. To be honest, it still takes my breath away. Takes me to my knees and makes me Praise the Lord that he gave me the grace to do it.
I think I should back up and explain why, after 10 months am I just now writing about it. I guess you could say its catching up to me. And, after years of therapy I learned to be present, and to feel. So everything that happened while I was pregnant with Mason, I felt, and allowing myself to remember, means I feel it again. Today, I had a friend reply on my Facebook "remember this time last year?" and that innocent comment took me back. It brought me to my knees and the tears started flowing.
God blessed us with an amazing gift, to have not 2 children, but 3. When we thought we were all done, he stepped in and said wait. One would think that since it was his plan, that he would have made it easy. But looking back he needed to show me that I needed to practice what he taught me. To not just be obedient to his word, but to have faith in him that he would provide all my needs. That is very hard to remember when you think you are miscarrying, or your unborn child might have a life altering medical condition, or your spouse moves to New Orleans for their job, or you hurt so bad you can barely move and you are in a constant state of nausea or vomiting, but you have to take care of your other children, or your Dr tragically dies from a massive heart attack weeks before your due date, or you go into labor while your husband is on the road and is 12 hours away (or that's what I thought until 12 hours later when the contractions stopped) or you only gain 5 pounds during your pregnancy, or your husband goes back to New Orleans leaving you with a new born and 2 kids and you just had a c section. Faith. I had unwavering faith that God would provide.
I would love to say that I was graceful in how I handled these obstacles, but that wasn't always the case. I had my moments. I remember on several occasions being on the phone with Matt, usually after weeks of him being gone, and him not knowing when he would get to come home, and me crying "I think I'm doing pretty good considering I don't handle change or uncertainty very well. And remember I'm not on medication anymore!" I also remember that horrible phone call when the Dr told me that my test results came back for Mason showing he was positive for spina bifida. That was a bad phone call. I would have liked to have shown more grace in that instant, but I crumbled. It took me about 15 min of being completely numb before I hit my knees and prayed to God. He provided the clarity I needed to move forward. The guidance to call my Pastor and his wife to pray with me. And the knowledge that "baby m" would be perfectly healthy. And the re-test and ultra sound that proved it.
It is very hard to look back on that time and to remember the parts that I was not certain i would make it through. The day my husband pulled out of the driveway to leave for New Orleans, was just days after we found out something "might" be wrong with Mason. That meant Matt would not be there for any of the tests or ultra sounds. How do you face that alone? How do you take care of your 2 healthy daughters by yourself and be "ok"? Faith. Unwavering faith.
I serve an awesome God. One that lead me to get off anti depressants because I didn't need them anymore. One that blessed us with a baby boy just 1 month after I got off the medication, the same medication that could have hurt him. One that gave me the gift of water aerobics so I could walk and remain mobile so I could take care of my girls. One that kept us all safe and free from having a baby until Matt could make it home. One that provided us with a way for us to support 3 children on one income. I believed in Gods promises the WHOLE time, and he provided. I had faith, and got us to the other side. Clearly it was not always easy, but he never said it would be. He just asks us to have faith and trust in him. So, you see that is why I fall to my knees and cry. I praise the Lord that he walked with me the whole way. That he gave me the grace to handle what kept coming at me. Because that was such a traumatic time, and without him, I would be nothing.

Not the Beez-knees

2011-10-24T09:00:00.002-05:00

Mamavation Monday Post

I am over this while knee injury thing. Or, at least I really want to be! Sadly, I don't think that matters a bit. It has become like a game, which knee can feel the worst on any given day. I was about a week away from getting to rejoin regular Zumba again, and then yesterday happened and now my right knee is hurting, swollen and tight. Really???? Why? I guess I'm just destine to walk. Oh well. I am still doing water aerobics, but I have learned a valuable lesson after baby number 3, you NEVER know what the day is going to bring. Therefore, water aerobics isn't always an option. I usually have 4 days of possible classes, and last week I was good to make one. Lol!
Anyway, enough whining! If that's all my body can do, then Praise the Lord I can do that! Although I have decided I'm not sure I really dig this whole getting older thing. :)

Im back!

2011-10-10T15:01:00.002-05:00

I am back!
I got a refurbished iPhone from AT&T for $10! And this phone is changing my life! I wish I was kidding, but being able to chase after Mason, and schlepping the girls to their activities means not being able to sit at my computer for long. So having this phone let's me tweet, Facebook, blog, and well let's face it if there is an app, I'm checking out! So, here I am, blogging on the phone! I feel so sneaky! Lol! Like I'm cheating on my computer.
Anywhoo... So my title is kind of two fold, because the last month or so I have been nursing a knee injury. Last Thursday was my first day in about 3 weeks to get back to water aerobics. I tried aqua Zumba. I LOVED it! I realized real fast my knee is not ready for land Zumba just yet, but that's ok. Before I killed my knee I was doing 3 land Zumba classes a week and 2 water aerobics classes. Now I hope to ease back into things with 3 water aerobics classes. And walking.
That's my fun times. Good luck to the new mamavation moms tonight! And 10 campaigns! Wow!
(if you are not familiar with mamavation, go take a peak! I have a link on the side of my blog!)

Hero or Zero, You be the judge

2011-08-26T15:00:00.003-05:00

This morning Meredith took her lunch to school. She has a new lunch box, and was so excited about taking it to school that she was instructing me last night on what to put in it, even down to the little note that I needed to write to her. She was very proud to be able to finally take her lunch to school.

When I looked over at the kitchen table after the girls had left for the bus this morning, I noticed the cute polka doted lunch box still sitting there. Being the quick thinking Mom that I am, I scooped Mason up, grabbed the lunch box and headed down to the bus stop to catch her before she left. The bus was coming around the corner, so I flagged down the bus driver and asked if he could give Meredith her lunch. He took it, and cooed over what a cute baby Mason was. As the bus drove by Mason and I waved at our girls. I saw Maya pop her head out the bus window, and she had a look of complete horror on her face. As I smiled and waved and she said "Oh mom".

It was at this point I realized I was still in my black leggens and tee shirt that I wore to bed last night, barefoot, bed head and no bra, standing in the middle of the street with my baby that also still had his jammies on.

Yep! Hero to Zero with one horrific look from an 11 year old!

Summer program

2011-07-11T22:50:00.003-05:00

I had such high hopes for this summer. I had my themes, my schedule and activities all planned out. Now ask me how many themes we actually stuck to, and how the schedules and activities went. I do have to admit, we have been very busy. I look at the schedule as more of an outline now. We haven't done a lot of sitting around doing nothing, which I am thankful for. The girls (more Meredith) read this summer, we did some crafts, we did a little Bible studying. So, all in all it wasn't a total wash. Not much writing got done. Meredith did a good job trying to journal. Maya hates writing, so I had to force her twice.
I think for the remainder of the summer I will attempt to at least have them read and write a little more. It won't kill them. :) I will try to read and write more as well. It won't kill me either.

Oh Monday...which means Mamavation!

2011-07-10T22:48:00.002-05:00

Oh my dear friends last week was a dud! With the holiday there was no water aerobics or zumba. I did go swimming several times. However we also went on vacation. I could bore you with the details, but I won't this time (but only because I have video diary from when we were gone that I will be posting soon!). What I can say is, I didn't drink enough water AT ALL, and I had way too much pop. Whatever...Im not melting down or anything over it.

Since having Mason I have to say, I am over the weight thing. I was so worried about it before I had him (loosing it that is), and then while I was pregnant with him (gaining it this time) that I feel like I just can't worry about it anymore. I only gained 5 pounds while i was pregnant, I lost 20 pounds while breast feeding him, and now my body has bounced back and I am right back to where I started before I had him (for those that don't know, Mason is almost 7 months old). I have NO IDEA what is going on, I just know I have to keep moving. So, thats what I do. I keep moving...and try to keep up with my 3 children. I LOVE the fact that I have muscle ton in my legs and arms even though my stomach is well.....not a pretty sight. But, again I just keep moving. I feel pretty positive about this. I don't get on a scale but maybe once a month, and I eat fairly healthy and work out at least 4 times a week. This will all change, I am sure, once I am able to get more sleep, and Mason isn't as little. I call this survival mode. At this point I feel proud that I get to go work out! It took years after both girls. However with Mason I know if I want to get my hormones in check, and my serotonin levels evened out I MUST work out. I have come a long way since my first child (almost 11 years ago). YAY ME!

I want to wish the Mamavation Mom finalists good luck! And...I am going to try and make it tomorrow night to the carnival...but Zumba is 6:30-7:30pm (central) soooo....it might not happen. But SO EXCITED THAT WE ARE 2 YEARS OLD!!! YAY!!! Thank you Leah for creating such a wonderful support system!

Oh Drat! So not bootylicious....

2011-06-14T23:20:00.005-05:00

I was doing so well at posting, and then life happened I missed a whole week. Where does the time go I ask you? Swim lessons and doctors appointments it would seem. At least that is what has been taking control of my life the last week, and this one as well. However, in the mist of kid friendly activities, I am happy to report I started ZUMBA! Yay! I was just going to have that as my summer activity since my water aerobics class takes a break for the summer. However I miss being in the water. So, thanks to my fabulous neighbors, I get to go back to water aerobics 2x a week, and do Zumba!
So, lets talk about my first Zumba experience shall we. Last week Zumba about killed me...literally. I was having so much fun in the class, I really thought hey, I can do this. And then the warm up was over, and we started really doing it. In between my gasps for air and the reality that I am 33 and not 23 anymore, I realized that this activity might just kill me. I have really never experienced that feeling before. While others were yelling when our fantabulous instructor cued us, I was trying to breath and wipe away the very annoying sweat that was causing me to glisten like a PIG! I was so freakin hot I wanted to tear all my clothes off. I finally understood the meaning of the song its hot in hear so take off all your clothes (even if that wasn't what he had in mind). However this body is not bootylicious, and that class was not ready for this jelly (or what comes with it)! So...I refrained from striping down into my skivvies. I did however manage a WOO WHO when she called last song. (I saw the humor in this, however I got some dirty looks from the Zumbonians, as I like to refer to them as). After the butt kicking that I paid for, I took my sore, sweaty, tired buns home. Well, my friend took me home. I am so glad I had a driver, because I think I would have had to spend the night in my car otherwise. Lucky for me Mason didn't need a bath that night, and I was able to take a shower and go to bed. I wish that was the end of my story. But, you see the 1 hour class on monday night that I paid a meer (seriously HOW THE HECK DO YOU SPELL THIS FLIPPIN WORD?) $5.00 for is only the beginning of my story. The next day was extremely painful. When my friend asked me if I was sore, I told her that sore was NOT the word I would use. But since I could not find the right word, I went ahead and went with sore. I was hoping this pain would subside by wed, however by Sat, I was all good.
Because I am out of my mind, I really did love this class. So, I decided to try it again this week. I was happy to not be able to make last Thursday's class, only because I still could not move, however I was confident that I would do some butt kickin of my own the next class. Here is where the water aerobics comes in. I had a 45 min class Monday afternoon that really stretched me out, and just felt awesome. So when it came time for Zumba...I was ready! This time I put on a tank top, and brought a towel. I must say, the tank was a tad form fitting, and with that and the very embracing sports bra I had on, I felt like a can of biscuits just waiting to be pop. But...I was not going to get hot. I also stretched a lot more than the previous class. So, when she started up the music...I was ready! I did get hot, and I wanted to "pop" out of my shirt again, but again I refrained. I at least had a towel. This time, I was able to Woo Who some. And shake my money maker a little more than last week. The best part about yesterday's class is today. I am proud to say I can walk! YES! And my legs are not sore at all like last week. My upper body is a tad sore, but nothing that I can't manage.
So, I guess after all of that, all I have to say is, watch out world, This momma is turning into a Zumbonian!

One handed

2011-06-07T23:03:00.003-05:00

Mason is having a hard time sleeping, so I find myself doing this entry one handed while he snoozes. I don't mind so much...he's so peaceful and cute! Plus it gives me something to write about. That was it...hope you enjoyed it! LOL! (you really didn't expect it to be lengthy with only having the one hand did you?)

Good Night, sleep tight,

Thank you Starbucks!

2011-06-06T20:11:00.009-05:00

For being a member of the Starbucks reward club they sent me a free drink for my birthday! I chose the cocoanut mocha frapachino (venti of corse). And....IT WAS FABULOUS!

Red Box sent me free movie rental for my Birthday. I love it that all these companies have this awesome thing with freebies for your Birthday! It made turning 33 not to shabby!

Sweet thoughts

2011-06-05T23:15:00.006-05:00

I was reflecting earlier today about some pretty heavy stuff that my family has gone through the last 3 years. By family I don't mean just my core group, I mean one side of MY family. This reflection came after hearing the sermon this morning at church. I thought I would write about this family strife because it was weighing pretty heavy on my heart. Then I realized by still having a heavy heart, I was still allowing the enemy to mess with my head. Therefore allowing God's grace to not take over because earlier today I prayed that God would bind these feelings and this spirit of unforgiveness and remove them from MY family. Thus giving the enemy the power AGAIN. (tricky little devil) So, rather than poor my heart and soul out, I am standing on God's word and am believing that God released me and my family from all that crap. (WOW...that was a mouthful!)

So...instead of writing about that.....I wanted to share with you a mushy thought.....

This afternoon after taking a nap with my baby boy, I was watching TV while my most perfect for me partner was outside watering the yard. I started to miss my husband.....and I thought he is just outside watering. Since a few months ago I was not able to just walk outside and talk to him.... I decided to do just that. After 11 years the man still makes me smile, and still makes my heart go pitter pat. Later I smooched him in the kitchen! Something else I couldn't do whenever I wanted to a few months ago. ;)

Oh how I love this man!

It is hot!

2011-06-04T19:50:00.002-05:00

So, it's not Monday...but I had a little time in front of the computer, so I thought I would share my thoughts. So far all I seem to be thinking about it the fact that it is 93 degrees outside. It is only the beginning of June and they have heat advisories out. What is up with that? I just got back from a church function that was outside. It was hot, but I really could not complain, and please don't think that this post is a complaint because it is by no means me complaining. You see, there is a girl that I go to church with that was there and she is pregnant....and I all could think of was "PRAISE THE LORD THAT IS NOT ME!" Well, lets face it, if it was me we all know I would not have been there! LOL! Oh it is so nice to not be pregnant anymore. I'm glad I am not an elephant. They have to be pregnant WAY LONGER than I could EVER be! So, bring on the heat, I am now able to handle it! :)

My Summer Challenge...should I choose to accept it.

2011-06-03T15:50:00.006-05:00

The summer has officially started! YAY! For me, that means I am a full time mom of 3! (That is a new thing for me.) In order to keep things interesting for the girls, (since Maya asked if she could go to the day camp at the Salvation Army because she DID NOT have fun last summer) I have decided to go back to my daycare/summer camp days. I have mapped out our days, and weeks. We are going to have a theme each week, and I actually have a loose schedule for how things are going to go during the day. My hope is that the girls will stay entertained, and out of trouble, and not be so hateful to each other as well. Everyday will include a morning family meeting during breakfast, chores (boo) reading, Bible study and journaling. The girls and I sat down and decided on our themes, and how we wanted the day to look. We talked about keeping our skills fresh over the summer so we could pick right back up where we started from once school starts again. All parties agreed, at least for the time being, so today marks our first day of journaling and reading. Because I have asked them to journal, I thought that would give me the opportunity to do the same. I have not been able to actually sit down and poor my heart out since before Mason arrived. I know you missed that! LOL! But, even if you didn't, I did, so here I am!

So, there you go! I did it! Day 1, and I am done! Our themes don't actually start until next week. We just got back from vacation, so we didn't actually get a full week. Next week we will have Botanical week. (They get better I promise) We will learn about flowers and such. I haven't decided what our "field trip" will be yet, but i think it will involve going to the splash pad at Sooner park!

SInce we did go on vacation, I thought I would share a few pictures from our trip. We went to Kansas City to see my parents, and to celebrate 11 years of marriage. Then we took the kids to St. Louis so we could go to Six Flags, and I got to see one of my oldest and dearest friends. It had been 15 years since we had seen each other! It was fabulous to see her again! Then we went back to Kansas City to celebrate my Birthday. Enjoy, and I will be back on Monday!

Mini Golfing and Go Carting with Whitney in St. Louis!

Six Flags! For those that were not following on Facebook that day, Maya and Matt were ride buddies, and Meredith, Mason and I were ride buddies. (the last one is Matt and Maya...if you look close you can see them on the log ride! LOL!)

Playing checkers at Bass Pro in Kansas City

While we were in Kansas City we went to the court house in Independence, MO where Matt and I got married. This is where Harry Truman resided.

No time to talk...er type

2011-02-22T14:26:00.005-06:00

Matt comes home officially March 19th! YAY! And, because I have a 3 children, one being an infant (Mason was 2 months yesterday), and no husband at home, I would like to best express myself with pictures. :)

Hopefully I will be writing soon.
Much love to all!
MMM

PS. I am down 20 pounds! Only gained 5 total for the pregnancy and am back to water aerobics. Breast Feeding is helping with the weight loss.

"They will know you by your fruit" and mine is a "firework"!

2010-12-16T09:27:00.008-06:00

The Bible says they will know you by your fruit, and I can't hep but think that I am a collaborative fruit. It wasn't that long ago that I was challenged during a work shop to figure out what one thing from my families history did I feel sculpted me to be what I am today. It was not really easy to look back at family history and decide, hmmm what makes me, me. But it hit me that my families "legacy" is our faith. In fact, it is the root of our family history. My great grandmother Nina Hawkins instilled it in my grandmother Joyce, who in turn handed it down to my mother Diana and with the help of the other 2, she taught me. Our faith is the one central theme in our family history. And it is with this legacy of faith in our amazing Jesus Christ, and the ability to draw on his strength that we have prevailed. With that said, I do have a debt of gratitude to others in my life that have helped grow me. But since this post isn't really about me, I won't go into detail about who contributed to my "fruitiness".

I too have fruit that I am helping to cultivate, and the major fruit at this time are my children. My husband (the lobster) and I are raising them to know the Lord, and to stand on God's word. We are raising them to walk in faith, and read their Bibles and to understand God's word. I will say, it is not an easy task in today's world to be a Christian, and to raise your children with those beliefs. Even in Dewey, America. For example (by the way, if we were going strictly on examples, I could write for DAYS about how hard it is.) explaining to my 10 year old why it is not ok for her to talk back to the teachers, or have a bad attitude, or any type of attitude with the exception of respect, and to be nice to our friends while the rest of the 10 year olds seem to be doing it/or not doing it...well that is a battle. One that I felt like I was losing, until I realized the other day that I needed to explain it to her with "it's not my way, it's God's way" and then show her the scripture to back up what I am saying. Therefore, that is how we are doing things now. It has been interesting, but helpful. She tends to not argue and back down when I tell her what God says.

With that being said, Maya is my fruit, and a very passionate one at that. (yes...she is a passion fruit LOL!) She will fight to the ends of the earth to make you see her point. She does not back down from anything if she believes in it. And that makes going to school, and being a 5th grader hard. She speaks her mind with a strong voice, and that too makes it hard to be a 5th grader. She fights her peers daily because she knows that God wants her to be a respectful, and obedient servant. It is hard for her to see her peers acting the way they do, and not join in. Which means, when she comes home, she fights her mother because she is lashing out from the daily stress of being a 5th grader. Maya and I go round and round about her behavior at home. Again, it is a battle that some days I feel like I am losing.

The other day I heard Katy Perry's song Firework. I am sure that you NEVER thought you would hear the Bible being quoted along with a Katy Perry song, but just go with me here. This song moves me to tears every time I hear it because it is how I see my daughter. She is a firework. She is bubbly and bright, and she shines! But, it is hard to be a firework. She gets very down on her self, and very upset with others. She is passionate positive, and passionate negative as well. As her mom, that hurts. To see her struggle with why people are so mean just kills me. Children question why she is the way she is, and why she acts the way that she does, and that hurts even more. The more they question, the more she thinks she is not right, and that something is wrong with her. That is why this song means so much to me. The words are exactly what I want Maya to remember everyday so she doesn't get so down. " You just got to ignite the light and let it shine just own the night like the fourth of July! Cause Baby you' re a Firework. Come on show 'em what you' re worth. Make them go Oh, oh, oh as you shoot across the sky!" I will put the video in the blog so you all can see what I am talking about, and so you can get to know my daughter. She is amazing. I love her, and I know that God has big things in store for that little girl. So watch out world...here comes Maya! My little firework!

Baby bump drama?

2010-11-23T09:53:00.005-06:00

For those that are keeping track, I am now 35 weeks and 3 days. I have a date set for December 20th, which we would like to make the 16th...and are working on. That would be where the drama comes in. I hate to use the word drama really, because it is not anyone's fault. But I am not sure what word to use. Here, let me tell you the story, and you can decide what word to use.

In August, since Matt was leaving for New Orleans, and the Indian Clinic was just giving me fits every time I went in (3 hour office visits, tests run incorrectly, tests not run at all...and on an on) I chose an OB/GYN in Bartlesville that was not associated with the Indians. (For those that know my husband...that is a HUGE deal because the Indians are free...and going to an actual Dr's Office is not). For my sanity and stress level, I thought that was the best thing to do.
I chose a Dr. based on many people's recommendations. I went in to see him in August, and it was a perfect match. It was a stress free, laid back environment about 10 min from my house, and seconds away from the hospital.

My last appointment with Dr. Miller was last Wed. All was good, I measured good, and the baby sounds good. We are still set for the 20th, but maybe a little before if he can get a surgery date for then. I did notice that he smelled like smoke, and I thought that was funny that my Dr. smoked...but oh well. As I was leaving I thought to myself, if he smokes, I hope he takes care of himself. He has a bit of a belly, and I see him always drinking coffee, and now if he smokes, he is old enough he could have a heart attack. (Just to clarify, the reason my mind goes there, is because 10 years ago, about a month after I had Maya, my dad had a heart attack. He smoked, had the belly, did not take care of himself, and well we are blessed that he survived, because not everyone does. That is why I have these thoughts, or feelings about people that I come into contact with. Before Dad's heart attack, I didn't just walk around thinking that.) With that being said, you can imagine my reaction when I received a phone call on Friday morning from a good friend of mine telling me that my new beloved Dr. had passed away the night before from a massive heart attack. Honestly I am still in shock. His poor family, and friends, and office. This man delivered babies in this community for 30 years. It has just been a real hard blow to our community.

I had a double edged sword to deal with really. On one hand, the emotions I was feeling for his family, and on the other hand I was now 34 weeks pregnant with out a Dr. What do you do? How do you handle that? I promise you, it is not in the book. And not many people can tell you what to do in that kind of situation. I just decided to pray about it, and wait to see what happened.

The newspaper said his office would be in contact with his patients to let them know what to do, and the other Doctors in the community were working on a plan. Then, on Sunday there was a beautiful ad in the paper from the hospital and the other Doctors expressing their condolences, and giving everyone a phone number if they needed assistance. If that wasn't an answer, I don't know what would be.

I was able to get a new Doctor, and even keep the same appointment day and time. I was then transfered to Dr Miller's office to get my file transfered. The poor girl they had answering the phone was very emotional, and started crying as I was talking to her. My heart really goes out to them. I did not know Dr. Miller for a long time, but I do know the bond that a mother has with the Doctor that delivers her baby. I know how devastated I would be if the Dr. that delivered both of the girls passed away. And I really liked Dr. Miller.

As you can see, it has been a very dramatic few days. So, here I am now, 35 weeks and 3 days. I have a new Doctor, which I will get to meet on Dec 1st. And, I don't know when Mason will be born. Its kind of like a natural birth. It is all up in the air at this point. But, I am sure that my new Dr will let me know when "D" day will be. So for now, I will wait. I have decided that the theme of this pregnancy has been uncertainty. I think I have handled everything that has been tossed at me well, considering that I have a whole plethora of proof from the past that uncertainty and change are not my cup of tea.

With that, I will say Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone has a blessed day with whom ever they chose to spend it with. This year I am thankful for not just my family and friends, but for God delivering me from inability to handle stress, and uncertainty and change. Boy have I come a long way!

Halloween fun (a bit late)

2010-11-12T14:44:00.008-06:00

It's the middle of November, and as usual I am behind. However, it is really not a big surprise. It seems to be the theme of this pregnancy. Even though Matt was not home for Halloween (or most of October), and I was big and pregnant, we still managed to celebrate Fall.

We went to the ConocoPhillips Halloween event, and the girls got to show off their crazy costumes, dance, do some arts and crafts and even get some candy.

This year the girls decided they would go as a Mad Scientist, and the Butterfly Princess. (I am sure you can tell which is which)

Showing off on the stage. They LOVED it!

For fall break, Matt got to come home, and we made the trek up to Kansas City to visit family. While we were there, the girls got to go to the Bass Pro Shop, and participate in Halloween activities.

For the actual halloween week end, Dewey celebrated on Saturday. The girls got to go to Trunk or Treat, thanks to Di Di.

Maya decided not to go trick or treating this year because she was a little under the weather. She did hand out candy and as a special treat, we made popcorn balls. I also decided not to waddle my baby making buns around town. I was happy staying at home in my chair trying to figure out how to get to the door in enough time to hand out candy. Thanks to Maya, that problem was solved.
On the actual day of Halloween, we went to a fall harvest festival that our church had. The girls got to enjoy fishing and a paddle boat, while I sat around and chatted. Seems to be what I do best these days. :)

I LOVE the way this picture turned out. Thank you to Ms Karen for taking it for us!

BMI can suck it!

2010-10-11T10:00:00.008-05:00

I really have something that I need to get off of my chest. I am sick to death of hearing about BMI and weight. I am very tired of reading about it, and seeing it on TV and living it. I have been concerned about a stupid number for 29 weeks now, and I am done! It has been 29 weeks of I can't gain that much weight because my BMI is too high. 29 weeks of being super careful about how many calories I take in so I don't go over that "number". Do you know that if your BMI is what mine is (which mine says I am obese, even after I lost 40 pounds before I got pregnant) I am only supposed to gain 15-20 pounds? I have been obsessed with the number 15 since day one! So here I am at week 29, and I have only gained 7 pounds. ( I do go to the Dr. on Wed, and I am pretty sure that that number is going to have gone up maybe 2 pounds or so....but still, under 10 pounds.) With that said I think it is important to say, I am not starving myself. I am getting the right amount of food, and have not been going over board with exercise to make sure that I am not gaining. (Thank you to TLC for providing me with I am pregnant and have an eating disorder.) I am not sure why I haven't gained weight. Maybe its because I am sick all the time. In fact I still vomit at least once a week from something or other. I think another reason for this 7 pounds is because I haven't been going crazy on the food choices. That, and sugar makes me SICK! So, I watch the amount of that I eat. I can drink sweet tea on occasion, so I might suck down one of those once or twice a week. (But I haven't been able to get a whole 32 oz drink down yet...so I guess it is all about portion control). I also try to go to water aerobics at least once a week. I was going 3-5 times, but as I got further along...that has been cut down.

So, back to my point. BMI can suck it. I have been watching the Biggest Loser, and I Didn't Know I was Pregnant, and I am Obese and Pregnant, and reading articles about being obese and pregnant. And you know what I have discovered? I do not resemble ANY of these women. In fact, I looked at a picture of when I was pregnant with Meredith (5 years ago) and Maya (10 years ago) and i think I resemble the girl from 10 years ago a lot more than any of those women, or even the me of 5 years ago for that matter. And that girl 10 years ago was only 145 before she got pregnant. Now, by the time Maya got here, I was 210...which guess what, is about what I am now. (217 to be exact). Here is my beef....I am tired about hearing how if your BMI is high, and you are obese, and pregnant, you might not be able to hear the heart beat because of all the fat layers the Doppler has to go through. (That did not happen for me) and they might have a hard time getting a good ultra sound of your baby because of all the fat layers the equipment has to go through (again, not a problem for me) and you have a high chance of Gestational Diabetes, and high blood pressure... and on an on an on.....Guess what folks....I don't have any of those problems! In fact, I now have people telling me that they can not believe that I am so far along, because I am so small. SO WHY DOES THE BMI SAY I AM OBESE??????? I hate that word! It makes me ill. We need to have a new name for over weight I think, because obese is just way too gross of a word. Just like fat. I hate that word too. It makes me think of beef, and connective tissue and that fatty piece of steak that some people like, but just makes me vomit. (Y-U-C-K).

Just to prove my point, I am posting a picture, this is my 29 week pregnant body. Now... please keep in mind I have had 2 children, so the stretch marks are HORRID, but the point is, am I wrong? Does this look like an obese pregnant women? Do I match what the BMI is telling me? Perhaps the hormones have clouded my eye sight, but I really do not see that obese women looking back at me in the mirror.

Not to say that I haven't, because I have!( this is the picture that started Fatty-bo-batty momma) About a year ago she slapped my right in the face and told me to start taking better care of myself. So I did, and now she is gone. So, if I don't see her anymore, why do I still have to wear the label?

A true inspiration

2010-08-12T13:58:00.005-05:00

During my college days, I met a girl that just oozed radiance. Have you ever known someone like that? Someone that had this spirit about them, and it just made you want to know them, and be around them? Being around her made me smile, and made me feel like a better person. Chrissy Whitten was/is that someone. We were close for a few years during college, and then life happened, and we lost touch. I always smiled when I thought about her and our adventures. Several times I wondered what she was up to. Thanks to Facebook we were able to re-connect! I was so excited to get caught up on her life.

We followed each others lives on facebook and our blogs and stayed in touch that way. Then Chrissy became pregnant, and life became a little bumpy for her. But she amazed me with how she handled it with such grace, and how despite her troubles, she still praised God in everything that she did. She was actually told that her daughters first breath would be her last breath, and yet she was still able to see the gift and blessings that God had given her. Then, her daughter Lilian was born very early, and she took the first of many breaths! The Dr's discovered Lily had Trisomy 18. Still Chrissy climbed her mountain all the while standing on God's word, and letting God take control. After 103 days, Lilian Grace received her wings, and went to live with our Lord and Savior.

I experienced the most amazing thing the day we celebrated Lily's life. Chrissy got up and spoke to everyone, on a stage, for over 45 minuets. She talked about her faith in God, and how she was in his hands, and how much of a blessing Lily was, all the while laughing and smiling because of her faith. Not one tear shed. I wanted to share with you one of Chrissy's blog posts about her time with Lily. I will also link up to her blog, because it something that everyone should read.

My heart is smiling, because God is taking care of us. I've heard the saying over and over "God will not give you more than you can handle". Every time I would hear this statement, I definitely didn't understand it. I usually would say something like "well, I think he is pushing it" or "does he really stop when I've had enough". I even would talk to Him and say we need to define just what I can handle, because this or that is really hard....you may have me confused with someone else!

Oh, how my Father decided to help me learn hands-on what He can do for me and you. He taught me that He won't ever give me or you more than we can handle. Though there are times we will question and argue about how much we think we can handle...He will always provide just what we need.

I look back at this journey...and I realize that it took almost 32 years to prepare me for this exact journey. Every heartache and joy were meant to give me tools to climb the biggest mountain in life. On Wednesday, August 4, 2010, Lilian Grace, Michael and I were almost to the top of this mountain.

Lilian Grace looked the best she had looked in a long time on that day. I took pictures of her and texted them to her daddy, grandparents and aunts/uncles. I knew this was the calm before the storm. I went to eat with Michael...and when I came back...Lily looked at me and I knew we were going to go through the last storm together.

It wasn't long after the look we exchanged that Lily started her decline. Breathing problems increased...heart rate soared...we tried a flow by, which worked for just a little bit. We couldn't get even her nose cannula to help keep her oxygenation up.

We had to make a decision...to intubate or not. I prayed so hard. I needed someone to tell me what to do. We had a couple of doctors who said it would give her a chance to fight the virus...so did our Pastor and he's even against assistance...so I knew this would help us know we tried everything to give her a chance to fight.

That night after being intubated...Lily crashed a couple of times. It was hard, which I have posted about...I knew at 3:00 or so in the morning that this was going to be the end. I just didn't know how much longer, but I know we were at our end...no more rope...no more candle to burn....as was for Lily. I could tell.

When she coded and they did chest compressions my heart sunk. Had it really gotten to this? Well, thought I wasn't wanting them to do that extreme...I'm glad they did, because Michael ended up getting to make it back to us before Lily was going to earn her wings.

We ended up talking to the doctor and getting our options for her, which all lead to death. We had to pick the best option for her, which was pulling her completely off the support. Now, this was the hardest thing we've had to face. We were told we were doing things to her instead of for her.

Michael and I drove home to take some of her stuff back. Rough ride at it's finest yet I knew this was for the best. When Lilian Grace had hugged me the day before and patted me on the back...I knew then that this was it for our journey together. We were tired...the energy was leaving all of us.

When we got back to her at the hospital, we brought many clothes. We waited for the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Photographer, Kelli, so she could take our pics together. I'm so glad we waited. We haven't seen all the pictures, but we were there. It was phenomenal. God has been so big in all this. He gave me extra special moments and miracles with our baby girl...she really is our Warrior Princess...our missionary to kick our butts and get us in the right direction.

When they unplugged Lilian Grace, she was in my arms first, then Michaels. I got to sing to our sweet baby girl as she left this earth...earned her wings...and flew. Many emotions were displayed, but what was incredible...God healed our baby girl. He gave her, us and all of you exactly what we needed...and He will continue to do so.

Taking pictures with her...breathtaking...we got to dress her up in gorgeous clothes without wires, cords and nose cannula. It was just perfect. I know that she has a new body. I can't wait till the day we get to join her with our Heavenly Father. Lilian had an amazing send off. I'm super happy that God gave us only what we could handle.

His promises have rung loud and clear in our journey together. Lilia Grace and God continue to make us smile. I do miss her. I still feel her on my chest.

When I got to walk her through the hallways, down the elevator to place her in the van, I rejoiced. I didn't have to carry 3 machines. I just got to carry my baby girl. She will always be in our hearts. She will continue to change life's, because I want to share her with as many as I can...but more importantly share God!

When we planned her Celebration, we were sharing a dream God gave me...and oh how beautiful and glorious it was. God has made sure we know what our next chapter will be. He is taking care of us. May we all step aside and let God Be Big!

I love you all!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/liliangracewhitten/mystory

First day of school

2010-08-12T12:53:00.003-05:00

Today was the Big day. The day both girls, and myself have been waiting for. Meredith started Kindergarden, and Maya started the 5th grade. For the last few days, I have had a smile on my face knowing that my children would leave my house for hours at a time. And, excuse me if you find that insulting, however my children have been trying to kill each other for about a week now. Really....choking, slapping, yelling, the whole nine yards. So, my prayer for the last week has been, "God, please keep them alive! Please don't let them kill each other before they start school! And please give me the grace to not hang them up in their closets in order to prevent world war 3 in our house hold." Praise the Lord, they survived! :)

Last night Meredith started asking my about why she couldn't bring her "bankie" (blanket) with her. (The first signs of nerves.) This morning went pretty smooth. We only had a few minor melt downs, but I think that we can attribute the lack of drama to to picking out our out fits last night, "this ain't my first rodeo"! As the morning went on, and Maya kept explaining more about the day, and what Meredith had to look forward too, she kept getting quieter and quieter. When we left the house she was all about me dropping her off at the door. By the time we got there, and she realized that Maya would not be with her to help her at lunch, I was going in to the school with her. I tried to let her know that there wasn't any parking holes for me to park in, but she said I could park anywhere, and I could get my exercise too! That was my sign she needed Mom for just a few more minuets.

As always, Maya jumped out of the car and gave a little wave behind her as she bounced off. (she has never been one for mom coming in with her.) Meredith and I went into her school, hand in hand ready for her new class. Her teacher greeted us at the door, and told us (parents that is) "We are big people now, we need to do it on our own." WOW! my baby is a big girl. That was ok, I was not crying! This was good. So, with a big hug and kiss, I let Meredith handle her new class, and I headed for the door.

I was so proud of myself for not crying, this was the first time in 7 years I did not cry for the first day of school. I do think the fact that I was highly annoyed at all the crowding, and rudeness of the other parents and grandparents had something to do with it. I was busy biting my tongue and trying not to "throw down" in the middle of the hall. I really almost had words with a grandparent because she was trying to plow over a group of pre-kers and kindergardeners who were trying to come in, as she was trying to get out. REALLY LADY?

Now I am home. I have had my peaceful morning alone, and I am reflecting on the morning, and as great as that peace and quiet was, I miss my girls. I wonder how lunch went for my baby girl, and I wonder how my big girl did getting to "change classes" like the jr high does. And...well I almost made it without crying for the first time in 7 years! Maybe next year! :) (sniff, sniff)

Getting bigger, and having a....

2010-08-06T15:45:00.011-05:00

News flash, the baby is getting bigger. And as of yesterday we have learned that baby M is a boy! However that does not mean that we have a name. I just hope we can find something before our little bundle of boy joy makes his appearance.

I have done well, and have still only gained 5 pounds total. I am starting to feel extremely uncomfortable though. I guess I am glad that I am almost half way there.

We had a bit of a scare last week when my triple screen came back positive for Spina Bifida. However, we had re-screen done, and the results came back negative. Just in case, we also had an ultra sound done yesterday. I should know the results today or Monday. I can tell you that I am not concerned, and know that God is taking care of this baby, and he will be fine.

So, Meredith is very excited that she is having a little brother. Maya, not so much. She said "NO!" and put her face in her hands. Then later that evening, Meredith was talking about how her daddy would have to potty train our little boy, and Maya told her not to get so excited because she still had plenty of time to pray really hard and make it a girl. Oh dear!

Well....enjoy our pictures of baby boy M and of my baby bump.

What's in a name?

2010-07-15T13:53:00.002-05:00

16 weeks in, and baby M is still baby M. We do not even know whether the little one will be a girl or a boy yet but I feel very bad that it's name is so up in the air. With Maya, the minute I was pregnant, I knew what her name was going to be. No boy name, because I KNEW she was girl. With Meredith, I was franticly heading to the doctors office because I thought I was miscarrying at 8 weeks into it, literally hit a bump in the road, and the name Meredith came to me. I knew from that point on, Meredith was her name. Again...I knew I was having a girl from that point forward.
With this little peanut, I just don't have a feel for it. I think/thought it is/was a girl, but I don't know if that is just because that is my preference. (For selfish reasons.... I already have two girls, a third will fit in just nicely.) But, as the pregnancy gets farther along, my mind is changing. Both girls want a boy, the Lobster is CONVINCED it is a boy (which he does not care either way), as is my dad and Grandmother. So maybe I am giving into "peer pressure", not that I have any control over the sex of this child.

For all of you that do the fun "prediction games" and follow the old wives tales, here is what we know:
The Chinese say it's a boy.
The Lobster remembers his needle being a boy with the third. (What is he, a fricken elephant? We did that over 10 years ago!!! I can't even remember to turn the lights off when I leave a room... never mind what the needle said ten years ago.)
Haven't peed in the Drano because I can't remember what kind and what the answer means.
I am carrying low, placenta is high and right.
The heart beat is 153 (at least it was at 13 weeks)
I have motion sickness
This pregnancy is exactly the same as the last two.
And statistics say 75% of 3rd children born with same sex older siblings, are the same sex as the older siblings.

With all that said, let's get back to the name game. The topic of most baby name conversations in the Mitchell household results in boys names. The lobster and I have agreed that I get to give the first name of a girl, and he the middle, and he gets to give the first name of a boy with me giving the middle. However, each has Veto power. (only because he has come up with some, well lets just say interesting, names for our poor child...and Maya has come up with nicknames for all boys names he has suggested... causing VETO power to be used.) Meredith has asked us to please "think outside the box" for our baby"s name. (Yes...she is only five! Can you tell her mommy used to be in the newspaper advertising business?) She has requested us to name the baby butterfly, or something that does not start with an "M", like Kaylie, or Kylie. (All names from friends of hers in school.) Maya said Marshall, so she could call him marshmallow. Or Maurice, so she could use quotes from Madagascar to talk to him. Currently she has just resorted to calling the baby "Snot Ball", and even though it bothers her mother, she doesn't seem to mind. (Fabulous!)

I do have a couple of girls names picked out, with middle names. Both of which the lobster has approved of. And we kind of have a name picked out for a boy, but we are not "sold" on it. (Especially after we heard there was a not so nice rhyme out there for the little boy's name we picked out. Not sure that the rhyme is yet...but rumor has it's not good.) But, its all pretty wishy washy right now.

So, there you have it. Right now we have Butterfly Snot ball Mitchell. Pleasant isnt it? Maybe babies should be born with tags, like Cabbage Patch Kids.

Sista Hood!

2010-07-12T14:36:00.006-05:00

Happy Monday to all! You know what Monday means right.... laundry day! Just kidding.... Mamavation Monday post. I have decided since I am not loosing weight right now, at least if I am I am not supposed to be, and it is not on purpose, that I will post every few weeks with my progress.

So, at my last Dr. appointment I gained 1 pound! YAY me! That is good considering that I lost 4 pounds prior. She did decide to give me some nausea meds (Finally) since I was still having major sickness. So far so good...I have one more left and we will see once I am out if I will go back to the way it was before the meds. I have to say...(And most of you will already guess from past posts) I am still having problems. So I hope all goes well without the pills.
I also got my first ultra sound since the ER. This was WEEKS longer than it should have been. To let you all know, I started spotting at week 6, had to go to the ER because I had still not found a Dr in this area. All looked well in the ER, however my HCG levels kept going down every 48 hours instead of going up. So the ER Dr told me I must have another ultra sound done to make sure there was a heart beat. When I finally got into the Indian Clinic (which is a JOKE!) they would not let me have one until 14 weeks. RETARDED! So, now I have my first and only ultra sound done with the Indian Clinic... and guess what, there is a heart beat! (which I was pretty happy about, because otherwise I had major problems). I am still uncertain if all went well at the ultra sound, because my next appointment isn't until next week... and of course the lovely Nurse Practitioner that sees me (yep... not a Dr) has not called to let me know about the tests. Why haven't I called her you ask, because getting one of those people on the phone is like an act of Congress. So...I wait. I was able to determine that my baby has feet, and hands, and kidneys and a spine and a face with a nose....so I think that is a pretty successful ultra sound. (The other good news is I have chosen a different Dr, one that is not related to the tribe, and is an actual OBGYN. I will be going there starting in August. So forget the stupid, irritating red tape, 3 hour office visit waits, forget to have me pee in a cup and forget to ask if I am RH- while spotting at the Indian CLinic... I AM OUT OF THERE!)

I am getting a bit of a bump...which I have included on this post. Its a HORRIFIC picture of me, but it shows what it is supposed to.

That is what has been going on since my last post. I have been eating really well, because sugar makes me sick, pop makes me sick, coffee makes me sick....and this is all good because I am not supposed to be eating/drinking it anyway! Really, since the fast, my eating habits have changed completely....so I am eating the best I have in my life. YAY!

As for exercising ... well I try.... and that is about all I can say. I find it hard to do simple house hold chores....yet alone walk. But...I try.

So, I will skip next week (my appointment is on Wed.) and will post the following week with my progress!

Good luck to all!

Nesting....seems to be everywhere

2010-07-11T19:43:00.003-05:00

I have been "nesting" up a storm these days, well, as much as baby M will let me. Let's say nesting in spurts. With the help of my lobster and the girls, we are getting the house in shape for baby number 3. (CRAZY!) It seems that I am not the only one going through the nesting routine. One of my favorite people in the WORLD is expecting baby number 4, or as her family call it "Quarttro". You can go check her out over at Opus Vita. I love reading her blog and to hear about what she goes through with her group. (As a side note, I can honestly say that she is one of my favorite people because I actually KNOW her....she is beauty in and out).
So, back to nesting...while my Bon-Bon gets her stuff together, Team Mitchell prepares for it's new arrival. Since the Lobster's temporary position is quickly nearing, I have TONS for us/him to do before our little one gets here. One thing I know about being pregnant....I am an organizational queen! (Or annal retentive organize freak...they would both work) The girl's rooms are clean, tidy and well organized....and now on to the hall closets and garage. Right now I am putting baby stuff into storage. (There is irony for you.) We have a few items, like a pack and play, swing, high chair (yep thats about it). I just cannot stand seeing these few items sit in my garage or in a closet just "cluttering". I would feel better, as I'm sure everyone else would,if all items went away so I could breath and figure out where I am going to put everything that is on my list to get for baby M. It all makes sense in my head....I have a plan! (Don't have a plan for getting it back out yet...but I am sure that will come.) And to me, that is all that matters. So, clean, clean, de-clutter-de-clutter! That is the Mitchell way these days. Well, that and where the next meal is coming from, since baby M has been reeking havoc with my ability to eat (tonight at dinner I almost spewed the Lobster's very sweet attempt at making a chicken/noodle/veggie concoction all over the dinner table...he was NOT pleased...I tried to apologize, but that did not seem to help.) I have been planning meals, or, one might call it "organizing" dinner. (or annal retentive organizing freak...both work.) I have been freezing stuff, and crock-potting things so when I do feel a little green, my family is fed. Seems to be working well. So far no one has complained....but I do think they are a little scared to complain, I have not seen it, but I am pretty sure my head spins in a complete 360 degree circle at times. (nasty pregnancy hormones).
So... pregnancy nesting is going well, and with any luck, by December everything/one will be ready for the little "snot ball", as Maya and Meredith have been calling it. (I like the Opus Vita's name better.)

My break down

2010-07-09T16:44:00.003-05:00

I keep thinking I am going to do a year in review for my lovely blog, because the Mitchell's have officially been in Dewey for a year now. But it just isn't working out. So, no year in review for me...or you. :) Instead I will say it has only been a year, and I never thought I would be talking about another possible move. I knew the time would come when we would leave Dewey, but in like 3-5 years, not one.
My lobster went to Alaska a few weeks ago for a business trip, and while he was there he was asked to fill in for a temporary assignment in Louisiana starting in August. Just for 4 months or so. You can imagine what fun that conversation was when he was in Alaska (Not just Alaska, but the NORTHERN TIP of fricken Alaska) and I am knocked up and hot in good ol' Oklahoma. Anyway, he had to give an answer right then, and after talking to him about it, I did not feel like it would be that big of a deal. So, he said if they needed him, he could do it. (Not four months straight. 2 weeks there, a week end home...that kind of thing). I know that does not sound like moving, because of the whole temporary thing, but he is filling for someone out on sick leave. If said person does not come back after his leave, the job becomes open...and well the Mitchell's transfer to Louisiana.
Apparently when you are pregnant you become RETARDED! Now that we are only a few weeks away from this event, I am ready to say never mind. The thing that frightens me the most is he has to be gone from Oct-Nov for 6 weeks straight. For those that haven't done the math yet, that makes me smack in the middle of trimester number 3...alone....with 2 children and NO Daddy.
The realization of it hit me a few days ago, while sitting at the dinner table with my family. It was all I could do to not start bawling while eating my noodles. Luckily I was able to contain myself in front of the children. I did not think that would sit too well with the children. (especially because these days when I get emotional I start dry heaving...its a pregnancy thing...I got nothing) I kept thinking back to what a wise women (whom I paid a lot of money for therapy) once said " as long as you are ok, they are ok" and Mommy bawling and dry heaving in the middle of dinner over nothing (because we were not even talking about that topic) is a little weird. So I sucked it up, finished my noodles and headed to the bathroom. That is where all mom's go to cry...I am sure of it. :)
I still had not said anything to my lobster about his trip, but he knew something was up because every time we talked I wanted to punch him in the face. (Again I think that is a pregnancy thing.) I finally got it all off my chest last night, after I nearly ripped his head off over a vacuum cleaner belt. I feel better now. (as does he) You would think that I would learn to not keep those things inside. I should have just told him how I felt as soon as the tears started coming. He understands. But I was trying to be a macho mom.... able to leap tall buildings in a single bound (although not right now...I have this pain that makes it hard to walk... again pregnancy... ugh). I know we are going to be ok. And I keep thinking about all of those soldiers wives that have it WAY harder than I do. So...Im sucking it up and taking one for the team.
Lesson learned.... again?

16 comments....

2010-06-22T22:04:00.003-05:00

I am so blown away by how many comments were made about my post Monday. Thank you ladies for your support!

With that said...I don't have a lot to say today. I am not feeling so well. I have ups and downs. Today would be a down. I went to the grocery store this afternoon, and they were smoking meat. The smell was AWEFUL! I gagged and dry heaved the whole way through the store. (lucky me it was a short trip). Still feeling like crap, I took the girls to a movie thinking what better way to spend a ridiculously hot day. I almost tossed my cookies in the bathroom while wiping Meredith's bottom. (This might be TMI for some.... but Im a mom and this is what moms do, and talk about.) I know she is five... but the poor thing just can't get the hang of wiping. The rule is however, wipe as much as you can, then flush before mommy comes in to help. Most of the time that works, today... not so much.
It is now 11 hours after the unfortunate grocery store fiasco, and my stomach is still doing flip flops. I believe that tomorrow will be better.

So, until tomorrow....

WOW! How many months?

2010-06-20T20:24:00.003-05:00

So...April was my last post. Time flies when you're having fun....or not. As you all remember (or can go back and re-read) my last post had me crying because my baby girl turned 5. And then, nothing for months. Why you ask did I disappear so rudely and abruptly? Well my friends, it seems that our family is growing. Turns out that I am pregnant, and will have another baby in December! And well.... I have been so stinking sick I have not been able to do much. I was able to get in bed, get out of bed, watch TV in the chair....and hold back the random, all the time urge to spew at anything and everything.
Good points, hey I lost weight. Bad point...oh ya stupid you are not supposed to lose weight when you are pregnant!
So, here I sit, knocked up, and really feeling soooo much better! I am 13 weeks tomorrow! Yay!
I am so excited to be feeling better. Monday hit, and I felt normal again. I thought it was the weather, but when the same thing happened tues-fri I knew it meant the sickness was over! WoW! The first trimester really kicked my butt! My family's too. Many times the lobster would look at me and say he was worried about me. (which NEVER happens). And poor Meredith was cuddle bugging with me all the time. Hugging and kissing and I love you Mommies and patting my belly. She did not know what to do. How did I forget that this happens? Really? Happened both time with both girls....and I just forgot how bad it was? How?
I will say, that this little booger has not been without stressful times either. We had spotting and ER visits and declining HCG levels (again happened with both girls). But....we made it. So....that is what I have been up too. Im back for awhile!
Fill me in....what's been going on with you?

Say it ain't so

2010-04-23T16:14:00.003-05:00

My baby girl celebrated her 5th birthday on Wednesday. That deal we made back when she was a wee little Meredith Cay was broken. She promised me she would be small forever, and not get older... darn deal! As it is, I am the mother of a proud 5 year old. (sniff sniff)

We had a carnival for her on Saturday, and we went out to dinner and I made her a cake on her Birthday. All in all I think she enjoyed her accomplishment.

Monday....really LATE!

2010-04-12T21:23:00.002-05:00

I am so sorry that I have not been so good with keeping up on my posts for Monday. With church on Sundays and then choir practice on Monday nights.... I just kinda cruZ into Tuesday. Well, that and I am watching the most adorable little girl now! She is only about 12 weeks old... and I am in love! It is the perfect situation, I get her all day to cuddle with and love on, and then she gets to go home with mom and dad....and I get to sleep and not do hormone or body issues because I had a baby! Not sure why I did not think of this before! Although.... I would not trade my two little angels for anything.

So... challenges, I am PMSing hard core this week, so I am VERY TIRED and VERY cranky. Plus, I am still two weeks out on being done with my meds (because I decided to add a week) and this every third day thing is KICKING MY KEESTER! But, I will get through it. I just need to keep moving and shaking...and it will all be good. Oh, and lay off the chocolate covered marshmallow eggs the girls got for Easter. I love those things! I have not been to the gym in WEEKS. So, strength training is not existent. That needs to change. So, I need to do home stuff until I can get back.

As far as success goes, I am ROCKEN it! I am down 41 pounds, and I hope to get rid of 9 more by the 24th, when we head to a wedding. And, I went "shopping" in my closet and have been able to wear clothes that I have not seen in about 4 years!!!! LOVE IT! In fact, I am getting to wear old clothes to the wedding, and got to wear it for Easter service... and I LOOKED GOOD!

So...that is it for now! Love you all.... hope you are all doing well!
Much Love,
Fatty-bo-batty momma (FBBMOMMA) soon to not be so fatty bo batty!

I am shrinking....and other odds and ins

2010-04-08T19:41:00.003-05:00

So, I am losing weight. So much so, I am now smaller than I have been since Meredith was born! Yay me!!!

Ok, so enough about that... I know, I know I usually share how and why... but really, the thing is since my fast, God showed me that food had control over me, and well, now it doesn't. Easy as that. And, since I got that into my head, the pounds they keep a falling! I am also getting off of my crazy pills, because I don't want to be controlled by pills anymore either. I want God to have full control of my life.... and I feel like this HUGE weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. It is amazing!

So, that is what is going on these days. My fast was amazing! And, it is really hard to explain it, other than to say, go try it for your self! It is such an amazing feeling to sacrifice things for our Lord, and to feel his presence in your life. I highly recommend it.

More later!

And for those that are keeping track... thats 41 FREAKING POUNDS!!! What! What!!!!

Good Bye Beloved....

2010-03-16T08:54:00.009-05:00

It is time to say good bye to a good friend. One that has supported me over the last few months. The one that got the WHOLE weight loss thing started for me. Yes, it is time for my beloved size 18's to move on to the next Fatty-Bo- Batty. I did take some parting pictures, with the help of my little assistant.

(Meredith took some extra pictures, and I just love her little boots, so I had to share!)

And now, as we say good bye, I am happy to say that I have lost 28 pounds! So, I am not too sad to see the jeans go. But, I think that is fitting to give them a nice send off. So, I decided to put together a little summary of my time with the jeans. So, Good Bye Jeans! And Good Luck Lori! I hope you have as much fun with them as I did!

"Parting is such sweet sorrow..."

And....it is supposed to say Good Bye Jeans. It took me so long to upload this thing, I am not changing it! LOL! But, you get the gist!

(Editors note, I really wanted to have Never Say Goodbye....but I do not have it. So, you use what you have!)

Back on track...in more than one way!

2010-03-15T14:28:00.002-05:00

Hello Mamavation moms, and friends!!!
It has been 22 days since I last updated, and it has been an absolutely amazing spiritual journey for me. God is Awesome! And he has blessed me in so many ways.
For those of you that are new to Mamavation, or are not sure what has been going on, I have been fasting. I did the Daniel Fast with my church for the last 21 days. (Go check it out, we will wait...) And, along with fasting certain foods, I have not been on facebook, twitter or on a blog (unless it provided spiritual enlightenment). I will post later about what I have learned, and what God has shown me, but today I will just go right into the Mamamvation Monday routine!
My challenges this week will be to listen to my body, and to not over stuff myself. I have not eaten meat, or cheese, or had anything but juice or water to drink for 21 days, and I feel like a kid in the candy store! So, I need to limit what I eat, and remember that I am not supposed to be gluttonous. Another challenge will be to stay active, and get back into my work out routine. It is spring break this week, and I will be gone, so I need to work out!
As for my success, I am now ranging between 208-205. Which is awesome! I have gone down in sizes, I feel good, and I can see changes in my body! I have lost 28 pounds, and that makes me smile! I know once I start getting back on track with my working out, nothing will stop me!
That is about all that I have today. I am excited to be back!!!
God Bless you all!!!!

It's time to say good bye....

2010-02-21T20:16:00.005-06:00

Dear fellow bloggerhood jeans,
The time has come for me to say good bye to my fatty. It is hard to believe that is has been two months since I arrived, but fatty says its time, and well she might be CRAZY, but she doesn't lie! Since it is time for me to move on to my next adventure in fatty land, I thought I would take this time to reminisce. I arrived to a super excited fatty! I got to go to a christmas party (Fatty gets confused. LOL!) I survived a blizzard, and fatty loses a "butt load" of weight!

The long and short of it is: It all started at the fourth grade Christmas party, and it all ended at the PTO school carnival. Seems fitting that fatty would chose to wear me for the last time to the school carnival. There was a little change however. About 24 pounds worth of change that is. Apparently my fatty was serious about this whole weight loss thing. I am proud to say that she has stuck to her guns, and worked her butt off.... literally! She even has one pair of jeans living here that are sooo baggy, she could fit another butt in it with her.

So, now come the pictures:

I call this one...Wrinkle butt! See how many folds are in the fabric?

This one is called side... yep, she is now down to a "mini muffin top"

and last I call this Sexy middle... now notice how she wears her mom belly with pride! (please note that Fatty was REALLY going out on a limb by posting such close ups of her stretch marks)

Now come the fun pictures.... see how good she looks in her tee-shirt and jeans, sans muffin! :)

And the best picture of all, I have talked about how awesome my fatty's buns look, and so I made her take a picture in them. TA DA!!!! Boody-licious fatty! LOL!!!

Well, thats my tale! Hope all you other jeans are doing awesome! Can't wait to move on to my new home! And, my fatty is ready for her next size...16!

Much love,
Size 18 jeans

Mamavation Monday (posted on Sunday)

2010-02-21T19:55:00.004-06:00

Good morning/evening to all! I realized I skipped last week, and I am sorry about that. I was having a rough week, and really was not feeling well. But, here I am today, and ready to let you all in on my progress. And, well then I have an announcement.

So, I have not been working out, lets get that out of the way right away. I have been having a really hard time with my lungs, and asthma (all do to the pneumonia... which I must say has been a year since I survived it!! YAY ME!). So, I have not been able to hit the gym, because I can barely hit the couch. LOL! But, I have still been eating well. And, therefore I have not gained, but I have maintained! YAY ME! (Ok, I watch WAY too much Disney Channel with the girls.)

Now, for my announcement. I mentioned the fact that I am going on a fast, and my friends the time has come. Starting tomorrow (Or today... whenever you are reading) I am going on the Daniel Fast. And, with that I have decided to take sometime away from things that are not related to God. So, I will still be a part of the sisterhood, however my concentration and focus needs to be on God right now. Therefore I will not be posting for at least the next 21 days, nor will I be tweeting, or on Facebook, or going on to sights that do not have to with my Spiritual journey. I say at least 21 days, because the food part is 21 days, but the fast with my church is 40 days. At this point I am not sure what my plan is.... but it is possible that I will be gone for 40 days.

So, as I start my journey, I just want to tell you all, good luck!!! Stay focused on your weight loss journey!! And much love!!!!

Fbbmomma
Micah Marie

The Fast....

2010-02-19T10:15:00.003-06:00

It has been awhile since I have been on my blog. I even skipped my Mamavation Monday Blog. It has been a busy few weeks. Besides the kids, I had some stuff going on at Church this week. And, well I am preparing for the Daniel fast that starts on Monday. That is kind of why I decided to do a post today. God has put something on my heart, and I kind of hit on it a small bit on Facebook (for those that follow me there) and well, you can kind of tell in a few older blog post that I was coming to this decision. Let me start from the beginning.... (dream music.... fuzzy images.... see Micah 2 years ago.... and scene)

Two years ago the Church I was attending in Ark City, Ks did a corporate Fast with the women's group. I did participate with that Fast, and during the process, I decided that I was going to stop watching TV during the time of the fast. It was not easy, I even ended up getting sick during that time, and having to stay home from work, but I did not succumb to the temptation. I did not watch TV. Before that Fast, the TV had control of me. It really took me away from God, and my family. And after the fast, even to this day, it does not have control over me. (dream music... fuzzy images....see Micah sitting in front of her computer today... and scene)

Now that we are coming up to the fast at church, I decided not only would I fast all pleasurable foods and drinks for 21 days, but I really felt like there was something else that I should be doing. After thinking, and praying about it, I truly believe that the computer has control of me. Facebook and blogging and Twitter REALLY have me. Or, let's say I have let it. So, after much thinking and praying, I have decided that I will be taking a hiatus from the blog world, and facebook, at least for 21 days. I have not decided if I am going to do it during my food fast, or after, but I am going to do it. The biggest challenge is going to be Facebook. I LOVE it! I love being in contact with all of the friends that I have made in the last 31 years of my life. And I do mean all of them! Facebook has really opened up doors to people that have meant something to me, but because of moving around so much, I lost touch with them. Now, I can talk to them, and keep up with them. I love that! But, the point of the Fast is to grow closer to God. To go on a spiritual walk with him. And, well I really can not do that if I am distracted. So, that is why I am going to Fast it.

I have found that I am not the only one that has come to this conclusion. For the past few days, A warm cup of coffee has been talking about it as well. (Go check them out....AWESOME!!!) In fact, this is a picture that she posted:

This is exactly how I feel at times! So, there you have it. I am still working on the exact plan.... and I know I will figure it out. And, I might even share with you what my plan is. But.... then again, I might not. (again, my blog... my rules! LOL!!!)

Much love to all my readers! I would LOVE to hear what you all have to say! Please share with my your thoughts, and of corse any experience you have had with this!

Chocolate Covered Sherbet, Misread Pregnancy Tests and a Sheriff Mini Van?

2010-02-09T12:45:00.004-06:00

It's Tuesday! And what a day it has been so far. I will start with the chocolate covered orange sherbert. At first it might sound gross, but after pure desperation, I have discovered not only will it do in a pinch it is not half bad. The deal is, my lobster (in case you don't know who I am talking about) has us on a strick budget, which totaly messes with my implusive sugar needs. Today I could have KILLED for a twinkie, or a jr. candy bar sundae from Sonic (from the dollar menu). But, because I am supposed to be NOT spending, which includes drinks at the sonic, or tea at the Q-T, I figured he would not understand the need for ice cream, or the hot chocolate that I thought would work in it's place. Since all that I have at the house is orange sherbet (his idea of ice cream subsitute) and chocolate sauce, I dediced to combine the two. I traditionaly like the combo of orange and chocalate, so why not marry them this time. It is not a twinkie, nor is it ice cream, but it works.

Moving on, last night I saw a commercial for a pregnancy test that stated 1 in 4 women misread pregnancy tests. So they have made it where the test now says pregnant when you are expecting, or not pregnant when you are not. Um...ok, (and please excuse me if you are the 1 in 4 that has misread the test) but if you can not read the test with lines, chances are you are not going to be able to read the stick that says Pregnant. My guess is you can't read! And, what if you can't speak english? Then are you screwed! Oh, wait, no you aren't because the test comes with an english/spanish insert for your convenience! Does this company really think that women are that dumb? They need to spell it out for us now. Hey stupid...you are going to have a kid! I take offense to this. Women are NOT stupid! And, if you are one of those 1 in 4 that misread the test, sorry, maybe you should not be having a kid! LOL! Just kidding!!!! If that is you, please respond and tell us your story. I am sure that there is a perfectly good reason for it. I am sure that you are not dumb, and do not need it spelled out for you. (in english or spanish) (ok...stepping down off the soap box now)

(please note that I am not sure if the commercial was for this companies product)

My last item for conversation today is the new Sheriff's department vehicle I passed on the way home from taking Meredith to school (I read THAT test right! LOL!! Ok.... I will stop). I wish I would have been able to take a picture of it, but flipping a u-ie to follow a sheriff while almost running off the road because I was gawking at said car might be cause for a ticket. And as previously stated, we are on a budget. I say car, but it was not a car at all (maybe I do need the hey stupid you are pregnant pregnancy test after all) it was a mini van. (dun..dun...DUN!) I did not know they made such a thing. It was FUNNY!!!! And yes, I almost ran off the road. I was like a deer in headlights. I could not stop staring at it. I think because I was trying to process the fact that this white mini van actually was a vehicle that said Sheriff on it. I started wondering if it was because of budget issues, or because they have SOO many crimes to work, they need a mini van to haul all the criminals around. Either way, I do think I have seen it all now!

So, to recap, I really still want a twinkie!
LOL!!!

Monday.....

2010-02-08T11:05:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday to all! I am going to try and keep today's post short and sweet (again....the word is try). I weighed in, and I am happy to report the scale was kind, it was at 212. Yay me! That is 24 pounds lost so far. I can tell in my clothes, and I can feel muscle tone! Woo Whoo!!

Last weeks challenges:

So, let's talk challenges this week:
• Get back into the swing of things, get back to the gym
• Stay with in my calories that sparkpeople tells me
• Keep talking ( communication is the key)
• Get my blog updated all week....twitter to my Mamavation moms and watch Mom TV tonight! :)

I did not make it back to the gym, instead I got sick, and was lucky to make it at all. LOL! I had the CRUD, and it was/is not fun. I am getting better, slowly but surely, but the crud is in my chest, and my ears are still hurting and my nose is STILL stuffy. And therefore, the gym was the last thing on my list last week.

I did manage to eat well, and stick to my calories. I do want to say that felt good. Usually I want to run to the sugar, but I did not do that. I have managed to cut out most refined sugars, and I have not had a pop in about two weeks, or sweet tea, so I feel like I am really giving my body the right nutrients that it needs to fight this crud. And, that makes me happy.

I communicated! A lot. Which of corse means there were heated words exchanged with my lobster. And, the fact that I did not feel good did not help matters. However, I must say we had a science fair incidentt with our 4th grader, and we did not get upset with each other. Nor did I yell or scream at said 4th grader. That a wonderful start for me! We are doing good with that aspect! (I tend be a yeller... a thing I am trying to change. In the past when I tried to change it, I stopped talking all together in order to avoid the conflict, and well then I would eat... not good...so I am talking about the conflict with out yelling. A work in progress!)

I managed to update my blog three out of the 7 days. That is good... especially since (lets all say it together) I had the crud! :)

Now lets focus on the challenges this week:
• Start phasing our coffee. Yep, my life line to the morning. My church is getting ready to go on a corporate fast, the Daniel Fast, and therefore coffee is out for 21 days. (I am happy to say that is really going to be the hardest part of the fast, because I have already started eliminating refined sugar and flour) I will post the Daniel fast stuff at the end.
• Start incorporating working out into my schedule again. (Baby steps here... my chest really hurts! Breathing is more essential at this point then working out)
• Communicate, communicate, communicate
• Update blog 4 times this week
• Tweet, tweet, twitter tweet. (I have slacked off since I got sick)
• Try to get on MomTV this week, and not get kicked off! :)

I think that is about all for the week.
It is wonderful reading about how everyone else is doing! Keep up the good work my sistas! And, for those that are not familiar with what Mamavation is, go check it out! It is awesome to have support.

Much love,
Fbbmomma

Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast

All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon

All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.

All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.

All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.

Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast

All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.

All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.

All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.

All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.

All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

Remember, READ THE LABELS!

What if there is a momma spider in there that laid her eggs???

2010-02-03T12:47:00.003-06:00

Clearly that is not a sane thought, but I must admit, the "What If" game is my specialty. I can play it with anything, and about anyone, hence the reason for medication and years of therapy. Turns out it is not healthy to have a fight in your head with your spouse without including him. Who knew? :)
I am nicely medicated now, and therefor the what if game does not play out quit as much. I am able to shut it down. I realize that there are normal what ifs, and then there are extremely RIDICULOUS what ifs. But, then there is that time when some kind of illness hits our house. It is unfortunate that when an illness comes around, whether it be mine, or any one of my family members, the what if game runs rampant. Praise the Lord that I have my husband, because he is really good at helping me shut down the what ifs. In my house, it might look like I have the ability to shake off a little red bump that has appeared on my child's leg, when really my mind is telling me that the little red pimple is really some kind of tick bite. That tick bite most certainly will cause lime disease, so now my child is going to have lime disease. We must take her to the ER immediately. Or, it could be some kind of sign that a parasite has infested their body, and that bump is the place where the parasite has laid its eggs. But really, it is just a bump, and it disappears the next day. :) (Sure... I knew that.) Again, it is a good thing that I have my husband to look at the bump and keep me from wigging out over my child's sensitive skin issues with the new dryer sheets.
That would be why I am writing today. You see, I have this pesky ear/headache thing going on. I believe it has been trying to come up for about two or three weeks now, but now it is a full fledged issue. It all started when I was using a Q-tip (GASP) to get the water out of my ear. During that process, something moved in my ear, thus causing blockage. Now, I cannot be certain if it was just wax causing the blockage, or if it was me removing wax and causing the fluid that was trying to get out actually get stuck. What I am fairly certain of, is that it was not some kind of spider and/or bug. :) Now, let us fast forward two/three weeks to last friday. My head stopped up horribly! I did have the opportunity to see a chiropractor on Sat, so that helped some with the stuffy nose, and runny nose (which still baffles me how A) one person can produce so much snot, and B) how can your nose run and be stuffed up at the same time?) Anyway, I thought the adjustment would help, but what it did was cause major body aches, my right ear to start hurting, the right side of my face to start hurting and a major headache. Not all in one day, but by Monday I was in bed.... and not able to function. At that point I thought the best option was to let someone pop my head off, because that would stop the pain. Alas, I could not persuade anyone else to along with my plan. So, I sucked it up, and whined about it. I find that helps!
Now, here we are on Wed. and the headache has vanished, Praise the LORD, however I am still weak, my right ear is still clogged and hurting, my nose is still runny, I am dizzy and the right side of my face hurts. Ugh.....
The good news is, I am pretty sure that I have some kind of sinus/cold gunk. Although I suppose it could be some kind of momma spider that went in my ear and laid eggs, and they are trying to hatch. Hey it COULD happen! :)
Until I see the babies, I will just admit to the fact that I sick, and I hate being sick! And I will whine.

So not exciting I just had to share it

2010-02-02T21:11:00.002-06:00

Today is not just any Tuesday, it is the day before Maya's science fair project is due. It is not like we did not know that there was a project, nor have we not been working on it, or at least been reminding Maya to work on it everyday for at least 3 weeks. That should mean that today would just be last minute details. OH NO! That would be too easy. Instead I get a phone call from Maya's teacher at 2:30 telling me that Maya is not going to be able to stay after school today, like was originally offered to finish her project. Ok, well how much does she have left... oh THE WHOLE THING! She has been telling me that she is working on it at school, that she has time to type it up at school, and that she is supposed to do it at school. We even got some notes home saying that they had opportunities to work on the project at school. But, at 2:30 this afternoon, which happens to be the same day that I have been dealing with a killer headache that has lasted two days, an ear ache, face ache, stuffy nose and upset stomach, plus basketball practice and choir practice and oh ya, I have a little work to do for a client, (Oh...I should finish my sentence) my Maya is not a procrastinator world came crashing down.

So, after a panicked angry call to my husband, a plan was made and science fair project was under way. Maya started typing up her power point presentation (Yep... in the 4th grade) at 3:30 and finally finished glueing and summarizing at 9:00.

Praise the Lord that is over with! Can I just remind the elementary school that I am not in the 4th grade, and therefore do not enjoy doing a 4th grade science fair project. I did enjoy helping Maya when she needed it.... but not at the last minute. That was not so much fun.

Well, since I am still ill, and very gripey, I will stop... and go to bed.
Good night all.

Monday, Monday...Mamavation Monday

2010-02-01T07:36:00.002-06:00

Ah... I made it! That should be today's theme. I will start with the challenges from last week, and we will discuss how I Kicked them in the BUTT. Please refresh your memory if you would like
• keeping up the work out's despite the dot at the end of the sentence
• keep the calories to the specified caloric intake that sparkpeople tells me too
• not stress eating this next week end. (I am going home on Thurs. my grandmother is having a pretty major surgery.... and if that is not a reason to eat, I don't know what is)
• getting my work outs in while at home
• communicate with the Lobster... he likes that :)

I am very excited with how I handled the stress related with my Grandma's surgery. Despite my lack of energy, I worked out HARD Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday I was not able to do much but pack, and worry about the weather, but Thursday I was able to attend my mom's work out class at her church. As in, she TEACHES the class. And I am hear to tell you, she kicked my butt. I am still hurting in areas. Thanks MOM! Now for the food part, I ate well. I had one really bad day, where I ate an excess of 3,000 calories. I watched my portions all week, and tried to stay as active as possible. And, I prayed a WHOLE lot! And I made it. As did my Grandmother. She did a wonderful job, and her surgery was successful.

So, let's talk challenges this week:
• Get back into the swing of things, get back to the gym
• Stay with in my calories that sparkpeople tells me
• Keep talking ( communication is the key)
• Get my blog updated all week....twitter to my Mamavation moms and watch Mom TV tonight! :)

I would love to share my weight with you, but I am avoiding the scale today....and have for the past few weeks. As Jillian said on Biggest Loser last week, stress will keep you from losing. So....let's focus on next week, shall we.
Much love to all
And...I want to give a big Happy Birthday to Terdfer, and both my Gma's. Much love to you all!

MMM
Fbbmomma

Momavation Monday...what the heck is up with PMS???

2010-01-24T21:18:00.003-06:00

Happy Monday morning (although I am cheating and am writing this on Sunday evening!

Lets just say A LOT has happened over the last week. I know that the past two weeks I have started out with my challenges, however this week, I think I should focus on the success that I have had this last week.

First and for most, I had a HUGE break through on Tuesday, or Wed, I cannot remember what day, but I can SO remember the moment. I wrote a lovely blog about this, and posted it, but then chickened out and took it down. Well my friends, I am PUTTING IT BACK UP! Because I talked to the lobster about it, let him read it, and well.... we are working together on it. I love that man! He is really being supportive! And I am so proud to be married to him. So, my first success of the week was identifying a core reason why I eat, and then sharing it with my lobster.

Another success was working out. I set up an account on sparkpeople.com (go there now!!!) and I have stuck to it for the whole week. I did strength training three times this past week, including Sunday, and did some form of Cardio five times this last week!!!!! YAY FATTY!!!! And, drum roll please, I have not had a soda since Monday! Oh Ya ... Go Fatty, it's your birthday! (Cabbage Patch happenin in the living room!) Ok... and for the icing on the cake (yum...icing), I weighed in on the AWEFUL scale at the gym and it said I was 216.5 pounds! KISS IT SCALE! Boo YA!!! That is a loss of 19.5 pounds! (Running man at the computer! Now cabbage patch, cabbage patch...now butt shake! butt shake..... ok I will stop dancing now!) :)

So the crappy part..... (and please be for warned, I am getting ready to talk women talk) So, I started my stupid period today, which TOTALY explains the attitude last week, the craving sugar last week, and well.... the emotional roller coaster. But, what REALLY sucks, is that I got back on the dang scale at the gym today, and, well let's just say that it was not the same euphoric experience as Tuesday. As if having to go through the emotional trauma, and hormonal cravings wasn't enough...I also get to feel like a fricken WHALE! Fatty, so not happy about this. (I am waving THE finger in the air right now....good thing you can not see it). So, that is a challenge this week. Well, that and the pure EXHAUSTION that the darn period brings with it. Here are some more challenges for the week

• keeping up the work out's despite the dot at the end of the sentence

• keep the calories to the specified caloric intake that sparkpeople tells me too

• not stress eating this next week end. (I am going home on Thurs. my grandmother is having a pretty major surgery.... and if that is not a reason to eat, I don't know what is)

• getting my work outs in while at home

• communicate with the Lobster... he likes that :)

Ok, that is it! I am going to re-post the "post" previously talked about right after this one.

And....be expecting an update from the jeans this week bloggerhood sisters!

Much love!!!

Life according to Meredith Cay

2010-01-23T19:08:00.008-06:00

Today was basketball day. Maya has been playing basketball for with her school on the 4th/5th grade team. I decided that I would wear my AWESOME bloggerhood jeans to the game and take some pictures. That way I could show off said jeans, and said weight loss on this weeks Bloggerhood post. I thought it would be fun to let Meredith have the camera, and let her record what she sees at the game...and let her take pictures of my jeans.

So, with out further adu (I think that is french, and I can not figure out how to spell it, let alone get my computer to figure it out...so let's just assume it is spelled that way, K! Remember, my blog, my rules) Life according to Meredith Cay

Love it!!! Notice how when I said make sure you take a picture of the jeans....she did not disappoint! LOL!

Thank you to our models, Scott, Dana, Maya, Matt, Joyce, Maya's basketball team and John's Basketball team!

Fantabulous Friday

2010-01-22T22:04:00.002-06:00

So, the short and sweet of it, I had a whole lovely blog to post up today.... and it is gone. I have NO idea where it is, the girls got on my computer to feed the webkinz...and therefore I have NO fantabulous Friday blog.

Now, I am tired, and really am not all about it. So.... let's do it again next Friday!

(that will give me more time to really come up with what Fantabulous Friday truly means to me! LOL! )

Hey, while I am thinking about it, why don't you tell me what Fantabulous Friday means to you!!! I wanna know! So...do tell! *wink wink*

Bearing my heart and soul.....(Biting nails)...a little too much

2010-01-20T21:34:00.001-06:00

I wrote this post, and then after such an overwhelming response, I took it down. I really love those that commented, but I think it might have been too much. Quit frankly it made me a nervous wreck.

So, for now, I have it saved... for me to look at and remember. Perhaps I will share it again someday.

Bearing my heart and soul.....(Biting nails)

2010-01-20T14:00:00.005-06:00

(Previously posted and deleted and now... re-posted Loud and proud where it belongs!)

Today I had a break through. Not that I didn't already know what the problem was, but I sure don't like to talk about it. I like the elephant in the room. But, then I guess that is why I am 75 pounds over weight, and on medication for being crazy. I like to avoid! So, in an effort to get over that, I will blog about it. (Much to my husbands chagrin I am sure)

**writers note** I am getting ready to share some very personal issues, so please do not judge, or form opinions, or if you do, please only leave positive feed back** (Hey, my blog, my rules!)

Ok, here goes:

I am not very happy with how my life has turned out thus far, therefore I eat. I am married to a man that I love SOOO much, but I can't help but question if we should have ever gotten married, therefore I eat. When I say, I never should have married him, it is not because he is not a good person, or a good man, but I feel like we are on two paths. Therefore i eat. We got pregnant before we got married, therefore I eat. I can not forgive myself for abandoning my moral code, therefore I eat. I cannot forgive myself for getting pregnant and ruining my husbands life, and now my children's life therefore I eat. I was once a motivated, happy career oriented young girl, and now I am not, therefore I eat. I cannot forgive myself for the guilt that I feel when these emotions come up, therefore I eat.

So, now that my tears are streaming, I need to clarify a few things. I love my family, very much. And I am very good at hiding from these emotions when they come up, because I just eat. You see, not that it is any big surprise, but being married is hard enough when you are on the same path, but when you are two completely different people, well it is ten times harder. And having children is the most awesome thing I have ever done, and is the best thing I have ever done, but sometimes, I get that feeling like the walls are closing in around me, that I have to get out of the house. Then, the guilt sets in, because good moms aren't supposed to need to get away. Good moms and wives aren't supposed to not want to clean the house, or do the laundry or cook dinner. Good mom's aren't supposed to want to just crawl in bed with a book and shut out the world, or turn on the TV and turn off their brain. So, I eat because the guilt consumes me.

The last ten years of my marriage I have spent eating through the confusion. And, three years ago when that wasn't working anymore, I started having panic attacks spurred on by depression. It didn't JUST start ten years ago, I have always had the depression and anxiety issues, but it was just me, so I could deal, but when you add a family to it well, you have a problem. And then you get to play the anti depressant game, and the therapy game. (Boy would my counselor be PROUD of me right now)

So, now my big grand break through, because we all knew the reason I eat, but now I will go even further by explaining why I think I do that. I grew up in a very supportive household. They had to be, you know, I was crazy. But, I was a good crazy, because i was an only child that at first was raised by a single mom because my real father died right before I was born, but my mom remarried a WONDERFUL man that I call Dad, so..... (I know that was a lot, and HUGE run on) all I wanted was acceptance. (To sum up, only child that was crazy but in a good way because she wanted to please everyone.... so she was a good kid!) Everything I did, I did because I wanted to make my parents proud. Or, rather that man that I did not know, you know because he died and everyone talked about him, but I didn't know him, ya that one, I wanted to make him proud! So I succeeded. Up until the point that I got knocked up (which is such a tacky term for such a beautiful little girl... because she is amazing!!!) and then, the world stood still. I wanted to be the best mother for her that I could be. And I knew that her father and I would be wonderful and everything would be great! Only, he doesn't like to communicate, and I am depressed mess all the time. And he doesn't like to tell me I am special, or that he loves me, or that I did good, and I am a depressed mess all the time. And well..... plain and simple it SUCKS! So, I eat!!!!!!!!!!! Not because he is mean, or horrible, but because I need that from him, and he does not want to give it to me. He feels it, at least that is what he says, but he doesn't say it.

(Big moment) I EAT BECAUSE IT IS THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD!

WOW! That was freeing.....

Ok... well I really don't know what else to say at this moment. So I am going to wrap it up. That was a lot....but it felt good.

Thanks!

The hateful scale Part 2 (and an update for my bloggerhood sisters)

2010-01-19T14:40:00.002-06:00

Have you ever felt the need to put your arms out to your side, turn in circles and yell WEEEEE!!! Ok, recently? Today, I wanted to SOOOO bad! Some of you may remember a few weeks ago I decided to weigh in at the gym, just to see if my scale at home was off. And, BOY was it EVER! It had me well over 330. It was at that time that I waged a war with the ding dong scale. I swore I would never touch it again, if it was going to be so hateful. But, alas I could not stay away from it. I kept weighing in under 230 at home, and over that at the gym. Instead of being discouraged, I just took a step back, and started going with the scale at home. (I mean please, it had a better weight, who wants to deal with reality)

It has been about 3 or 4 week since I got on the scale at the gym. But, then it has been about 3 weeks since I have been at the gym consistently. I have had frigid cold temps, and sick kids, and no time to go the gym. So, today when I moseyed on into the lovely gym to do my work out, I thought I would tackle the dumb scale today. I'm not scared! So, on my way out, I put my stuff down, hopped on the scale.... and.....I almost passed out AGAIN! Only this time, I am proud to announce, the scale happened to be at 216.5!!!!!!! I skipped the 220's! If I could have done cartwheels with out seriously hurting myself (because when you are 30 or over, you just should not do them anymore) I so would have!

I am so excited!!!!

As for the jeans (you know, the fabulous size 18's that MrsFatAss sent me from the bloggerhood) that I like to strut around in, well they are still doing good! However, I can still wear them, and they are NOT falling off yet, which bums me out. I really would like to be in a smaller size once I send them on in a month. (can you believe that it has been a month already?)

But, I cannot be to upset, 19.5 pounds in a month.... not to shabby!

Mamavation Monday Post

2010-01-18T11:42:00.002-06:00

Good Monday Morning to all! I would like to say that i am motivated, and cheery and ready to GET.IN.SHAPE. ya....I am just not feeling it this morning. To be honest, I am aggravated because it is Monday, and I am just bla... I will not waste your time on my attitude, because that might take all day. So, lets move on....

Let's talk about my week last week, Hmmmm

Challenge List for the week:

• Not being overly cranky because I am not eating as much refined sugar. It seems as though I am addicted to the refined sugar, and it has caused a pretty bad attitude. :) (just ask my lobster, he will confirm)

• Not letting the pain in my chest, and the low energy that I have keep me from staying active. (I had pneumonia a year ago, and I can tell you I really thought I was dying, and I think my mom would tell you that she thought it was pretty touch and go as well. At any rate, I have issues. But then, who doesn't right?)

• Keeping my soda intake limited

I would LOVE to say that I kicked all of these in the BUTT! Alas, I had a hard week. I had a sick little girl, and I did not leave the house from Sunday -Friday. (And for those that are new to around here, the week before the girls were out 3 out of the 5 days because of the weather) So, I have EXTREM cabin fever. I did not go work out, which would have helped, but by the end of the day I was so drained I just wanted to fall into bed. So, I had some other challenges that I was not aware of on Monday. As for my refined sugar attitude, I ate a package of christmas cookies that we had left over, I finished off the small amount of icing that we had left in the fridge. (Seriously, my lobster threw the container away because to him, it looked empty, however to me, it had one good scraping left. So, honestly, I dug it out of the trash can! It was on the top....and the lid was on it, so it was fine, however I was mad... because how DARE he through away my icing!!!) Then, the next night, in my desperation, I mixed cream cheese with sugar and had a few bites. So, when I mentioned last week that I had a problem.... I think I proved that pretty well! I did not have a proud week. I drank pop too, ALOT! And was GOOOOOOD!

Sucess

So, now that I have ratted on my week, I will move on and talk about the success that I had last week! Because, yes I did have some. Despite my coke-aholic tendency (and I mean Coca-Cola) I managed to drink LOTS of water each day!!! So I kept very hydrated. And, even though I went refined sugar crazy, I did eat well otherwise. My binges did not take place until mid afternoon or mid evening, and if I had to break it down, I would say that I managed to keep it to 500 calories or less. (and that is daily...not every day, just a few) Not ideal, but at least I did not binge 1000's of calories a day. I did get to do some Cardio Hip Hop, and I cleaned the house, and had to stay on that due to the illness. So, I had activity. I ate out on Sunday for lunch, and had a very healthy 400 calorie lunch. And, I was able to fit into my nice pants for church, and....drum roll please.... despite my bingeing, I did not gain weight. WHEW!

So, let us talk about my challenges for this week (because if it was not obvious to you before, it should be now, I have challenges)

• Keep my refined sugar addiction to a minimum

• Keep active even when I do not have the ability to leave the house to work out. (The other kiddo is now sick)

• Stay focused! I need to keep my eye on the prize! I can not get down on myself if I have a bad moment, just pick up and reevaluate.

• Limit, not stop (this week at least) my pop intake

• And I think the number one, do not take out my frustrations on my lobster (or my husband for those that missed last week....but go check out last week....please!) I get so frustrated because he tries to keep me focused, and I want to punch him in the face. sometimes think he just needs to know when to back away from the fatty! But, I must give him kudos, because he will not back away, and he pushes forward to keep me focused no matter how ugly I get. So, I should not be so ugly to him :)

Ok my friends, that is my Monday morning Mamavation blog. Heres to a good week!!!!!!!

Love to all!

MMM

Fbbmomma

Can this really be happening all ready?

2010-01-12T16:21:00.003-06:00

Today has been a big challenge to my mothering patience. And really made me do a gut check. It all started nine years ago when I had this beautiful little bundle of joy come into my world. Maya Diana has been a blessing ever since, and all I have ever wanted for her is the best. All in all I can't complain about her. She is a normal nine year old, with a normal nine year old attitude. She is a developing Christian, and she is growing in the Spirit daily. I have to say that we are pretty strict when it comes to our girls, and what they can and can't do. Not to the point of sheltering them, but helping them understand the emotions that they have, and how to properly handle them.

With that said, boys have been a HUGE issue in the Mitchell house hold. At an early age, Maya would flirt with cute boys, and go to strange men. (Im not stupid though...I would not just give any old tom, dick or harry my kid) I knew we were going to have issues when at 3 she told me that she did not want to have a boyfriend. Turns out that a young 7 year old at day care thought a lot of my little wee one, and wanted to be her boyfriend. Thankfully, we nipped that in the bud, and it was at that point we decided to make the rule.

The rule states "You are not allowed to have a boyfriend at this time. You are not going to be allowed to have a boyfriend for a LONG time. At the point that you think you are old enough to either want, or have a boyfriend, you may come and talk to us, and we will talk about it."

In first grade, Maya came home with a ring from a boy, and we made her take it back to him. This boy wanted Maya to be his boyfriend, and she was simply not old enough. (first grade...really?) In third grade we had a young man follow us all over the grocery store helping us with our groceries because he loved Maya. Again, not a boyfriend. Sweet kid, LOVED this kid, but way to young to be a boyfriend. So... problem taken care of right. Maya knows the rules, and is all about it.

Or so I thought until today. (Honestly right now my stomach is flip flopping and I want to hurl) Maya came home explaining how a boy that rides her bus was relaying messages to her from a friend that is in his class . (Long story short Maya left items at a friends house during a slumber party, and at the same party an item got of this friends got misplaced. So... parents are coordinating trying to find and return items. Not a big deal) What I was having a hard time understanding, was why this boy was even involved. The way Maya was explaining it to me, it sounded as if she was being accused of taking something. So, being the momma bear that I am, I called the friends mom, just to see if the item had been found, and follow up. I told her that this boy had said something to Maya, and I did not know why he was involved. "Oh, well isn't that Maya's boyfriend?" she says easy breezy. (Now is the part where the flip flop started, and I felt items from lunch walk up my stomach. My ears were ringing, and anger immediately came on the scene.) "Boyfriend....oh, well that would explain it. Maya is not allowed to have boyfriends, so thank you for sharing that with me." (Of corse I was polite to her, it was not her fault my daughter had a secret boyfriend)

Enter Maya into the conversation. (After I hung up) I calmly asked Maya why her friend's mom just told me that this boy was her boyfriend. Maya started crying, "He is not my boyfriend! He is just my friend! I would never do that! I told him no! He keeps telling people I am his girlfriend and I am not!" Ok, so time for plan B. I got a hold of a parent (a partner in crime) of another child in Maya's class to see what they said. The same name was brought up, yes it was confirmed that he was indeed her boyfriend. (Ugh) Ok, after explaining why I wanted to know, the next question was "who said it, the boy, or Maya." The boy. YIPEE!!! Oh thank the Lord!!! Maya is being honest (not that she wouldn't be, when the tears come, that is a good sign she is being honest, but I have found that nine year olds have a lot of tricks up their sleeves.)

Really, finding out that Maya told this young man she was not allowed to be his girlfriend did not feel as good as it should have. The real issue is not the boy, it is the fact that my baby is growing up. Although she has the ability to tell them that she isn't allowed, the time is coming where she is not going to want to say that. Where she is going to want a boyfriend. It just does not seem possible that the little bundle of joy that I held in my arms 9 1/2 years ago is old enough to be chased by boys. Im not sure if Im ready for that. And, that is why my stomach is doing flip flops. *big sigh*

(On a side note, Meredith, not one to be out done by her sister, has twin boys at school that want to be her boyfriend. The teacher told me she made them pictures, and they have her stand in line between them, and sit in between them during circle time.)

Ugh...Monday Morning blog

2010-01-11T09:05:00.004-06:00

I am really not awake right now, but I am going to attempt to blog because it is Momavation Monday. This is new for those that have been following me. I know you have heard me talk about the bloggerhood sisters, and you have heard me gripe about my twitter experience. They all go hand and hand! You see my new friend Mrsfatass over at Did I just eat that out loud joined Momavation to help get her buns moving and motivated. I am so proud of her, and after reading what it was all about, decided that it might be a good thing for me to get my fatty buns involved. So, there you go in a nutshell. ( I know, I really suck at this so early.... eh whataya gonna do?)

One of my requirements for being apart of this new sistahood (with one helpful brother) is to blog about what my challenges and success are for the week, and talk a little bit about myself so that others can get to know me. So...here we go! In the interest of time, I will just make a list of the challenges and success, but I will write a brief paragraph about "me"

Brief paragraph about me

I am a 31 year old fatty-bo-batty (Fbb) momma of two beautiful little girls. Meredith Cay is 4 and Maya Diana is 9. I always forget to mention the fact that I am married to the love of my life, or my "lobster" as I refer to him, thanks to Phebee on Friends. (So loved that show!) My husband wishes to remain out of my blogs and tweets and facebook comments, and sometimes I am good at that...other times I am not. However it is always fun to come up with fun and creative ways to mention him, without really mentioning him. ;)

So, the long and skinny of it, is that I have gained instead of lost with each baby, and am now at my current fatty weight. To add insult to injury, I am on medication for this lovely thing called Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which causes my "genetically low serotonin" levels to turn into depression. I call it crazy, and therefore I am taking crazy pills that help me refrain from being crazy, but it adds to my fatty weight.

Woo...ok now for...

Challenge List for the week:

• Keeping my soda intake limited

Success from Last week:

• I lost weight! WEEEEEE!!!

• I was able to get to the gym and work out (at least one day), despite the weather and the girls being home for 3 out of 5 days and I even took them to Mall walk on one of the days as well

• I went to the library and checked out work out DVDs and Videos

• My husband decided to join me and get healthy! (Thanks to Alton Brown on Good Eats)

Ok, so last week was a good week. I am ready for this week! Bring it on!

HAPPY MONDAY!

GO RED for Women!

2010-01-08T20:21:00.004-06:00

I know that it is not customary for me to make to posts in one day, however after reading Christy in Seatle's latest blog, I just could not help but blog again! :)

So, here is the deal, check out her post, because she does a WONDERFUL job explaining why this is important. And then, tell everyone! Make this as important of a cause as breast cancer awareness. Know how it affects you, or your family. (umm...is that the right affect? or is it effect?...sorry, sticking to the point)

Ok...GO!

Tweet...Tweeting... Twurp!

2010-01-08T09:44:00.003-06:00

So, I did it. I started a twitter account. I did it to support my bloggerhood sister, MrsFatass, over at Did I just eat that out loud. At this point, I am not sure what to think. I like the fact that I can talk to the other ladies that I have been following for the last few months, but something happened yesterday that makes me re-think keeping my twitter account after the momavation contest is over. (You must go read to see what I am talking about).

Here is my story:

For those that do not know, I am an old school NKOTB fan. (Yes that means New Kids on the Block) Last year I went to 3 of the "come back tour" concerts. I hear them! (giggle) When I think about them, or see them, it makes me feel like a little girl again! (giggle) So, naturally I would follow them on twitter! At first I thought it was really fun, I get real time updates from five of my favorite guys, follow fans, get connected! (Hmmm....is that stockerish?) But then, some the things they were posting (or tweeting?) were just stupid. Like I care that they just took a shower! And then there was a description of what was going on in the shower. And then something about Humping...because it was hump day...I really don't know I was confused, and really put out that this was what they chose to talk about. I mean, come on, I am married and have two kids, you are married and have kids, or divorced with kids. Why the heck would I care if you are taking a shower, or humping or dancing or whatever! STUPID! Anyway, I just rolled my eyes, and kept trying for figure out how to use the ding-dong twitter thing. (No worries,I am getting better)

Then yesterday, one of the boys posted about a women that's husband had been killed. I guess he was a firefighter, and there was an accident while he was on the job, and she was on her way to say good bye and pull the plug. (I know all of this, because once I saw his post, I was curious about what he meant, so I found her and started to follow her, and she had posted what was going on.) I have not met this girl, but my heart just broke for her. The way she was posting things, it was so intimate, and I felt connected because she was texting while all of this was happening. You know, sometimes you just need to verbalize things to try and make sense of things, even if it is to a bunch of people that you don't know. I understand this, so I decided to be supportive, and message her, tell her I am praying for her and her family even though I did not know her. It hit me hard!

Later on that evening she posted about being angry because people were accusing her of lying about what was going on to get the NKOTB's attention. WHAT!!! HOLD ON! Who does such a thing? Why??? So, I started investigating what she was talking about, and sure enough there are women doing research about where she was from, and searching to see if the area lost anyone. OK.... come again? You are researching to see if this women, who claims her husband was killed, actually had this happen to them? WHY? And then it became clear, because one of the "kids" posted something to her, and they wanted to make sure she was not taking advantage of him. Hmmmmm..... someone has WAY to much time on there hands.

Still, after all of this, I really don't know if the women's husband died. And I decided I did not care anymore. I prayed for her and her family (whether it happened or not), and then I prayed for the other catty women on this list, (it's a twitter thing) and then I "unfollowed" all of them. You see, after all of that investigating, i spent about two or three hours of my life last night trying to figure out what was going on in somebody's life that I do not even know! Better yet, that I had not even heard of until yesterday evening. And, I had such an emotional attachment to this poor women that lost her husband, that I could not stop thinking about what she must be going through. And then to hear that it might, or might not be true, and well....who needs that kind of drama?

I think the real lesson that I got out of it, is that because of this twitter distraction, I missed out on time with my family. I missed conversations with my husband, playing with my kids, helping with dinner, watching most of the football game.... time that is valuable that I can not get back now. Is that really how I want to spend my time? Is that really how I want my kids to remember spending time with me? I am the first to admit that Facebook steals so much time from my day already, and now I have my blog that I LOVE, and others that I find myself waiting to read updates from. So, is twitter something that I want to add to my distractions?

It is something to think about!

We will see....

The Dewey trend

2010-01-05T19:35:00.004-06:00

This is Scott, sporting the trend. (Thank you Dana for the picture)

So, the girls are following a new trend here in Dewey. It involves these horrible hats. I am not a fan, but it is getting to the point that they are so ugly they are cute. The culprit is our friend Scott (pictured above)...he started it. Then his kids had to have them, and the kids at church. Naturally my kids had to have them as well. While they were in Kansas City, they conned my mom to buy some for them.

I am amused though, because they have "stylish so ugly they

are cute" hats. Those are MY girls! LOL!

Fatty has a good Christmas

2010-01-01T13:37:00.006-06:00

My dearest comrades, (otherwise known as the bloggerhood jeans)

I come to you today, after about two weeks of family fun, food and craziness to tell you my fatty has lost 11 pounds. It is unheard of I know for a fatty to loose weight during the holiday season, but mine did!

Ok, so lets back up a bit, and I will tell you the adventures that I have been on in the last two weeks. After our trip to the 4th grade Christmas party, fatty had a much needed vacation at home with her two adorable little non-fatty kids. They had Christmas cheer at Church, where fatty wore me to dinner. And her little Christian buns owned that sanctuary! And yes, she showed it to her friends. (Please note tho, I might say she "owned it" but she did not strut or flaunt, because that is not like MY fatty, she is way to proper for that.) The week leading up to Christmas consisted of shopping for the little non -fattys with her fabulous "other half of we" a trip to her favorite Mexican Restaurant, PMS (which, despite a few much needed, get out of my way or I will hurt you trips to Sonic Happy Hour for a large Cherry Coke, was very uneventful as far as the high caloric, high fructose corn syrup cravings are concerned) and a trip in a blizzard to Kansas City,Missouri with the whole fatty clan. That was fun! She wore me out to a fun dinner with her clan for Christmas dinner, in a blizzard in which she walked for three blocks to a restaurant that was supposed to be open

but due to weather was not, and then back another two blocks to the place that she ended up eating (but only because it was the ONLY place crazy enough to be open). All was not lost though, it turned out to be a fun memory making trip, and the dinner was even good. She ate a spinach salad! And then walked back to the

and WORKED OUT! I was so proud of my fatty!

Then, the next week she wore me out for New Years Eve! Where again, she ate a spinach salad. She rocked the buns with her "other half of we" to hear her favorite local band of all time Bakerville.

Boy, what a fun couple of weeks this fatty and I have had together. My friends, I hope that you all have had an equally good time sporting your fatty's buns during this holiday season. Here's to a fabulous 2010!

Until next time my friends.

Size 18 jeans (not 16)

Fatty and her two adorable non-fatty's (i'm there, you just can't see me)

Fatty and her fabulous parents!

Fatty and her goofy "other half of we" for New Years Eve

Real Fast....

2009-12-28T15:57:00.001-06:00

I had to share, because I am very excited! I have lost 6 pounds so far!!!!!! I am now 230!!!! And that is even with the holidays. I am super excited to see the scale go the opposite direction. Watch out 220, here come fatty!

I will update more later.... and my jeans will weigh in on our Christmas!

Love to all!

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T21:18:00.005-06:00

Well, it is almost time for the jolly fat man to come. The girls have put out the cookies and milk, and the carrots out for the flying livestock. And we are going to have a white Christmas after all, or in Oklahoma's

case (because we can't do anything easy) a blizzard!

Today we have watched movies, played games and hung out. It has been nice.

Here's hoping that the fat man makes it with any issues with the snow!

Much love and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Cheer

2009-12-23T23:46:00.003-06:00

It is 10 min. til Christmas Eve.... and I am super excited! I love Christmas. This year we have decided to try and keep it low key. Instead of my spazing out because we have to travel everywhere, because thats my MO, we are going to a hotel. How, might you be asking, is Santa supposed to know that we are going to be at a hotel? Im glad you asked, you see we are spending Christmas eve here at our new house, waking up on Christmas morning to see what wonderful surprises Santa has left for us, and then we will travel to our hotel. We have researched (well... not me the other part of we) and we have found somewhere to have dinner on Christmas night. Because I am not a huge fan of turkey and all the trimmings, eating out is great for me! So, the Mitchell family will be having a nice, relaxing family Christmas. I am pretty excited about this new turn of events. The other part of "we" is happy too, because we don't have to cook, or clean, or drive everywhere, or worry about other peoples schedules. No hustle and bustle for this crew! The girls are excited too. But then, as long as Santa shows up, they are all good! :) I will keep you all posted how it turned out. Right now we are waiting on 8 inches of snow to fall tomorrow, so we are hopeful that mother nature doesn't poop on our parade.

Anyway, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Many Blessing to each and everyone. And I thank the Lord for the time that my little family gets to spend with each other.

Love you all!

MMM

I hate the scale!

2009-12-21T19:49:00.002-06:00

The scale I have in our house ought to be taken out and tortured! I HATE that thing. I don't think it is healthy to be so upset with an inanimate object, but if I don't take my frustration out on it, then I will be upset with my self... and I beat myself up enough as it is. So, the point, tonight at the gym I decided to check out the scale that they have (get this) in FRONT of the desk. Nobody was sitting there, so I thought, what the heck. I should have skipped that step. It says I weigh about ten pounds more than my scale at home. I have always been suspicious of my home scale, because it never matches up with the Dr. office, but sometimes you just want to believe. You know what I am talking about, you want to believe that the pop you guzzle down, or the ice cream you can't live without, or the wee-little donuts that taste so good and that call your name is not having any effect on your weight. :)

Why am I believing the gym scale is right and not the one at home you ask? Because the one at the gym matches closer to the stupid scale at the Dr. office. And, my home scale did not match up with me not fitting into my clothes. You see, if I would have actually weighed 226 (which I have weighed before) then my clothes would have fit. But, they did not fit, and the scale at the gym saying that I weighed (gulp) 234 explains the clothes. What that means, is I started out at 236. Which actually means that I was probably more like 240 before I started working out... because I would not even attempt to get on the scale before that. Isn't that pleasant! I think what makes me the maddest is that I let myself get this big. Ugh!

Ok so the pity party is now over. I just want to say I am doing much better. Portion control and caloric intake are my new friends, as well as working out and staying "up and moving" all day.

But it still helps to say: "STUPID SCALE"!!!!!

Oops...so not a 16

2009-12-21T14:45:00.003-06:00

The jeans I got are not 16's as I posted earlier, but they are 18. Wishful thinking I guess. But I still look darn good in them. I think people are really tired of me showing them my butt! I make a point to "point" it out to them. They don't seem to be as impressed as I do. Oh well...

I do have a question though, these are size 18M misses. Does that mean short? Not petite, and not regular? I am just trying to make sure that they will make these jeans in size 16 longs????(because I am sooo getting some of these in two months when I get done with the 18's) And yes that means that the jeans are short, but i don't care! They are darn cute. Hmmm food for thought.

Thank you for anyone that can help me out with that!

Fatty wears me to a Christmas party

2009-12-18T19:20:00.003-06:00

My fellow comrades,

Today my Fatty-bo-batty (or FBB for short) wore me out of the house for the first time since I arrived, and it was about stinkin time! Where did my FBB take me you ask? Out for a Sonic Happy Hour drink? Out to eat? Out for ice cream? Out to shop? Nope.... she took me to a fourth grade Christmas party. At first I was appalled. Why would I, fabulous jeans, you know, the ones that make her buns look squeezable and AWESOME want to go to a fourth grade party? I mean come on! Fourth graders have not had two kids. They could care less that I have to squeeze some full figured 5'10" 220 something pound FBB into my outstanding material. But, oh well. I walked her fabulous buns into that class room, and followed every move she made. And, to top it all off, she did not even enjoy the buffet of high fructose corn syrup. (well, maybe just one little cookie). She did not drink a soda today, or eat wee little donuts. No sweet tea, chocolate candy, suckers, potato chips, dips or anything. I tell you what fellow bloggerhood jeans, my FBB kicked some major high fructose corn syrup butt today! I felt honored to make her buns look good!

Well, it is time for her to take me off now....she needs to put on her sweat pants and big baggy shirt, because she can't breath! I will write more the next time she decides to take me out. And I will try to get her to take a picture of me....and her buns! :)

Until then, good luck!

With love,

Bloggerhood size 18 jeans

Fatty-Bo-Batty in them jeans!

2009-12-17T22:13:00.007-06:00

They are here!! Said jeans appeared in my mailbox on Monday, and it was so fun! I felt like a little kid seeing that package. I hurried inside and opened my package from Sue. She is so sweet! She put fun confetti in the package, and some candy canes (which if you saw the video, you know I don't have to feel bad for eating them). I took pictures...I just could not help myself.

So, now we get down to business. Can she fit into the size 18 jeans, as hoped. *** SIDE NOTE*** I really wanted to take some

pictures in the jeans out in Dewey so you all could see our cute little town, and so you could see all the fun thing that the jeans are getting to do... but it was REALLY cold when they got here, and I was not doing muffin top shots outside...so you get to see my bedroom instead! :) With promises to see fun places with me in the jeans!

Ok, so here goes (and I really can not believe that I took these pictures, and I really can not believe that I am SHOWING them online!

Ok...so there you go! They fit, but snug. I could wear them, but would really be comfortable after about day three when they are nice and stretched. But, I have incredible support here at home, and some really supportive friends, so FATTY BO BATTY BE GONE! Can't wait to see what happens after two months.

Good luck to all the other Bloggerhood sisters!

The pants are in the mail...

2009-12-02T19:17:00.002-06:00

I saw the video... they are in the mail! This Fatty-bo-batty is getting ready to get her 18's on!! And in two months... I will so be taking them off for 16's! Of corse that means that I should really stop eating chocolate chip ice cream with extra added chips and chocolate syrup (being a girl can really suck sometimes. These hormones will kill someone if they don't get their ice cream). And perhaps I should stop eating the wee little donuts and twinkies (again... I saved a life by eating them) that my neighbor sent over. BUT, I must say, even though I had a slight down word slide (because, again I am all about making life better for people instead of taking it away from them), I am still working out regularly. Every Tuesday and Thursday I am at the gym, and now that it is cold outside, I am going on extra days for my Cardio. The good news is, I know I will be able to wear the 18's I am getting, because I can FIT INTO MY 18's NOW!!!! The ding dong jeans that I could not wear before, yep... they fit! And they fit despite the food folly!

So, BRING ON THE JEANS! This Fatty-bo-batty is R E A D Y! :)

The 18's are coming, the 18's are coming!!!

2009-11-29T20:39:00.002-06:00

I am so excited to announce that I am the next to get the 18's in the Bloggerhood of the traveling not so fat pants!!!!!!!!! Jen over at Ex-hot girl, and Sue at Did I just eat that out loud, let me know while we were in Kansas City. What a wonderful present that was!

So my friends... be prepared, I will be blogging lots with the pants! I have a fun idea for them!

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!

Slow Fade

2009-11-18T10:02:00.003-06:00

I happened upon this video today, while I was on my favorite radio stations website the house fm.

It is powerful and amazing. I love Casting Crowns, and I hope the point is not lost...

Ugh.... fatty-bo-batty

2009-11-17T10:25:00.005-06:00

So... I really hate talking publicly about weight. I go to great lengths not to talk about it. I even go to great lengths to try to not look in the mirror. You see the muffin of muffin tops is groing at great lengths. This picture pretty much says it all.

A few months ago I started following a blog called ex hot girl, about weight loss, and the trials that the blogger goes through is so funny! I even joined her bloggerhood of the traveling not so fat pants blog. But, I just linked up, and have said nothing about it since I put the lovely link on my blog. Well, today my friends, I am talking. (Or typing, however you want to look at it) And, I am letting it all hang out.... so to speak! (Oh dear I must be insane!)

Here goes:

I am not a little girl. I am not a fat girl. I am a fatty-bo-batty girl! Only, I am tall, so I "carry it well". I just love it when people tell me that, as if that helps. I say fattybo-batty, because, when I met my husband 10 years ago, I was very fit! And thin! I was 5" 10" and weighed 145 pounds. I was also in a size 10.... ah the days. (I so wish I had a scanner so I could post the old pictures... but you will just have to picture it in your minds eye LOL!) Now, 10 years later, and 2 kids later, I am still 5" 10", only (can I really do it... can I really say what I weigh) now I weigh 226 pounds, and I am in an 18W. BLECK!!!!! ( But I'm tall remember!) LOL!

About 3 years ago, I was put on a lovely medication for "crazy" issues (that is what I call them. You see I have generalized anxiety disorder, and with the meds I really do feel crazy... btw I don't REALLY think that people that suffer with this disorder are crazy). With that medication came weight gain. I guess I should stop right there, and say it was not just the meds.... I was already into fatty-bo-batty mode, only, I did not realize this until a few months ago, when my fatty-bo-batty body tried to get back into last years jeans. The funny, not ha ha, thing about it is that I am not working. Not working leads to not eating out, not eating from vending machines, no stress eating, and working out A LOT more! And yet... the ding dong scale does not believe me, nor do the ding dong jeans that I cannot even squeeze into when laying down and sucking in. Blasted jeans!

That is when I discovered that perhaps I am going about it all wrong. I was just walking to help my cause. I walk about 3-5 miles a day. Still... nothing.

So... here is the new plan. I started it 3 weeks ago, after reading Jen's blog. It basically hit me that I need to do what is best for me, and not what is best, or what has worked for other people. Against my daily addictions orders, I gave up pop, and sweet tea. I also go to the gym twice a week and do weights plus cardio. I still walk 3-5 miles, but only on the days I am not go to the gym. Is it working? Well, the biggest thing I have noticed is my boobs are higher. My arms and legs are showing muscle definition. However the muffin of muffin tops it not any smaller. And the blasted jeans are still not fitting. And the blasted scale has not FRICKEN budged!!! MOst would let this get them down, but I am not going to. You see, that is what us fatty-bo-battys have on our side dedication! I am re-routing my dedication from pop, sweet tea, and vending machine junk, to working out and limiting my calories.

Wish this fatty luck! LOL!

Kathryn's Journey... please read and learn

2009-11-09T17:26:00.002-06:00

Please visit this blog to learn more about Kathryn.

http://kathrynirwin.blogspot.com/

Then log on to Kathryn's mom's site and order candles.

www.scentsy.com/kathrynsjo urney

Thank you!

Stop beating your donkey. The memoirs of my Anxiety.

2009-11-05T10:08:00.003-06:00

PART ONE

The girls and I have not only started a new chapter in our physical life, but we have also started a new chapter in our celestial life. I have waited to write about our new Church, and our new church family in detail, because I was waiting for the right time. Now is the time my friends.

In trying to figure out where to start, I decided what better way then at the beginning...

Our fist encounter with Life Church was at the end of July, while we were looking for our beloved cat Max. For those that followed my Super Mom blog, you might remember Max as our feline friend that the girls and I "rescued" on a week-end when Matt was gone. He is the BEST cat ever. With that being said, Max survived the move to Dewey, but on the second night we were here, he left and has not been back since. In an effort to find our cat, the girls and I took flyers around our new neighborhood. The second day of our plight, we met up with some other flyer bearing people. It seems that a local church was having a get together at the park by our house.

Since we did not know anyone in our new community, I decided that we should go. What I always forget when I decide to do these things, is that I have social anxiety issues! And I HATE meeting new people, and getting out of my comfort zone. But, for the kids sake, I sucked it up and took them.

As we started towards the park, we took a very fast pace, confident and excited to meet new people. It is funny how the pace became slower and slower as we got closer , and the grip that the girls had on my hand got tighter and tighter. Along with a snail speed, and the circulation being cut from both hands, I had several things running through not only my mind, but my body. Throwing up was at the top of the list. I was pretty sure that the shaking and rattling of my insides was the cause of my poor stomachs revolt. I just prayed that it would not blow all over those "new to us" people. When the girls looked up at me and gave me nervous smiles, I knew that I had to be strong and confident. I was "on" and they were watching my every move. It was time to be mom, and I could not transfer my issues to them. That stupid voice in my head would NOT shut up about "you must teach them that it is ok to meet new people." And " if you are ok, they will be ok". It kept urging me to keep moving forward. That did not help the puking situation. But, I knew it was too late to turn back, so I stood up straight, put the "mom" smile on, took my girls hands and walked up to the group of strangers.

To be honest, I really do not remember much about the rest of the evening. I remember the girls singing on a carpet, fishing for candy, eating watermelon. I know I met Jason.

Jason is the pastor of the church. We had a pretty lengthy conversation, and he was very nice. Jason is from the Dewey area, and it turned out he grew up with our friend "Bagger". That helped me relax a little bit. What really helped was he knew the pastor from our Church at home, and his sons. After hearing that, I thought that perhaps God new what he was doing by sending us to this little party.

As the evening came to a conclusion, we were invited to service the next day. I had done a little research about Life Church in historical downtown Dewey. I wanted to know what we would be getting into by going to this dinner thing. I had been praying about a new church, and when we moved here I had one all lined up. I was pretty sure that God wanted us to go to New Hope's (thats our old church) sister church. It was about 30 min away from us, but I had already met people there, and it had a cool place for the girls. However the girls really wanted to try Life Church. Again I prayed about this decision, and i had a feeling of peace about trying this church. And besides, it's not like we had to go all the time. We could try it out once, and go to our "real" church the next Sunday.

To be continued....

Please check this out...

2009-11-04T23:14:00.004-06:00

www.dcronic.etsy.com is donating 10% of sales to

Kathryn's Journey. This fundraiser is for one my BEST friends daughters. Please visit the site, and purchase something if you can.

Read her story at www.kathrynirwin.blogspot.com PLS RT #cerebral #palsy

How fun is this???

2009-11-02T11:35:00.002-06:00

I am the featured listener for The House FM this week!!! I am so excited! I will be interviewed on Wed. morning at 10. Here is the link to check me out! LOL!

http://www.thehousefm.com/thehouse.asp?ID=contests/featuredlistener/fl41&s=0&b=1

Green beans are evil!

2009-10-28T19:54:00.002-05:00

After today's Meals for Mission at church, I would have to say that there is no other explanation for green beans other than green beans are evil. If you would have asked me last night, I would have told you that the green beans were the LEAST of my worries, but that is only because I was elbow deep in billions of burned chicken and noodles smelling up the neighborhood. I am soo not kidding either, I did not even know it was possible to burn chicken and noodles... but now I know. (Looking back on it, I am sure it was the green beans plan all along.)

This morning, after being up until midnight trying to salvage my scorched concoction(which eventually ended up being trashed), I had to get up bright and early to get Maya to school, my car loaded, and wait for our little baby friend Isaac (the cutest little boy that I have been babysitting the last two weeks) to arrive. Now, I am not sure how the green beans knew that I had a plan of action today, and I am not sure how they knew that I was going to have Meredith and Isaac with me... but they did, and they were waiting for me and anticipated my every move. All was going well up until 9:45 am. It was at this time that one of my co-chicken and noodle-cohorts decided that we did not have enough green beans, nor enough chicken and noodles to feed the surplus of people that were coming (might I add that if the whole blackened chicken and noodles rebellion would not have occurred, this all would have gone just fine. These green beans were GOOD!) So, off she went to the Walmart.

In the mean time, another cohort picked up the donated green beans (oh yes... two big cans) and rolls, and headed back to base so that we could start putting together the 37 to go orders (20 to one place, 17 to another and both at 11:00, the same time as we started to serve the public).

After several promises to remember to pick up my walmart bound friends little girl at 11:00, multiple phone calls to figure out we also needed more dessert and to figure out what kind of dessert,a crying baby and a mishap with my rear end and the floor the 37 to go orders were underway. I scooped green beans with one hand, and held Isaac with the other, while behind me my noodle scooper prepared the main corse. At this point I should step in and say that I do not know how the green beans caused time to move faster than it was supposed to, but that is just what it did. All of a sudden it was 11:10, and one of the orders is calling me wanting to know if I had delivered yet. (Really, is it that hard to see that 20 plates of chicken and noodles has not arrived yet?) After assuring them I was out the door, the unthinkable happened. The green beans decided to go on strike. They all walked out. Not one single bean left in the building. Did I mention that it was just a little after 11:00 am, and we served until 2? Oh, and that 7 orders came through the door right at 11:05, and we did not have a bean to feed them. However, I would not be outsmarted by a green bean. Strike if you like fellas, I had line crossers on the way from Bartlesville. So, with the help of my Pastor's wife (so I would not have a melt down because I had the cranky, hungry baby, two crazy four year olds, 3 people waiting for 6 orders in the lobby, 20 orders that were supposed to be delivered 20 min ago, 17 orders that were 15 min behind schedule, and NO GREAN BEANS) off we went to deliver, leaving the 7 people in the lobby to wait on the green beans that were on route.

At this point I will break away and start telling what happened while I was gone (with out my knowledge), it seems that my scabbers from Bartlesville had been left behind at the Walmart, a discovery that was not made until our Pastor called my trustee friend that was almost back to tell her we were already out of green beans. (See... tricky little suckers). So, while I was gone for 10 minutes, thinking that the green bean debacle was over, I returned to NO GREAN BEANS.

Once the green beans arrived, all was still not well. It seems that the green beans and the can opener have the same union rep, and there was not an opener to be found. So, we had 3 big cans of beautiful green beans ready to be heated up and served... and noway to get them out of the can. (I think we should have given the whole can to the people in the lobby... but that was not a popular solution.) Thank the Lord that our Pastor found the electric can opener. The contract with it was fine, but apparently they were in support of the beans as well, because they spilled all OVER the pastors shirt and pants. I did not stick around for that, I scooped some beans into a microwave container, and went to the lobby to show the green beans who was boss. Oh no... they were not going to win! And, win they did not!

I am happy to report, that despite every attempt to thwart our lunch, the green beans did not succeed. Shortly after the Pastor poured the last can of green beans out, the hand held can opener decided to give up, and come back. We found it up front in the front of the church. And, with all of that work we had plenty of green beans, and even had leftovers. I did decide that if there was ever a reason to cuss in church, it would have been this day, and that is what leads me to the conclusion that the green beans are not only crafty, selfish vegetables, but they are also EVIL.

Of, corse, it does not help that 4-5 hours after the event a friend from church asked my why I didn't go to the food pantry at the church and get some green beans. SEE!!!! EVIL!!!!!

This just says it all!

2009-10-21T18:48:00.002-05:00

This was emailed to me today... and it is sooo true!

I NEED YOUR HELP!
I'm trying to find out what store sells this mirror!!!

Cowboy Forever...

2009-10-19T20:34:00.000-05:00

I am a Cowboy Forever! Go Pokes!!

Im not single!

2009-10-09T14:47:00.002-05:00

When I worked at the Traveler we were always getting spam. Not just a little spam either, I mean like 100's of spam emails a day. For awhile we did not have a spam guard, so we got to see it all. And when I say all... that means porn, penis pumps, boob enlargement, bank account change, mortgage loans, weight loss pills, hey your long lost relative is dying and wants to give you money, I mean everything! My particular favorite was the day we had a customer come in, and the computer I was on showed on of the spam emails... and it was a naked girl trying to get me on a date, or enlarge my penis or something outrageous like that. The poor guy that came in! Well, now that I think about it, Im sure he really wasn't that upset, but I wanted to crawl under my desk!

Now, I am only opening with this interesting story because I have not been at the Traveler for 5 months now, and I do not get the junk mail like I used to, thank the Lord. But, that does not mean I am not getting any. The most recent group of spam is trying to give me gift certificates, send me to college, do some kind of survey. I am sure you are all getting them too. The one that I am really fed up with though, is email about setting me up on a date. Really? Oh, and what really annoys me is when I get the "Mr Micah Mitchell". Come on, at least do your research people!!! If you are trying to set me up, even though I have been married for the past nine years, at least figure out that I am a women.

So, here goes: STOP TRYING TO SET ME UP! No, I am not single, and no I do not want to meet singles on your stupid site! And further more, if I was, I would not go to your site because you sent it out to me, and 1,000's more at random!! LEAVE ME ALONE!

Ok, that is my soap box for today.... you may return to your life now.

2009-10-09T10:25:00.001-05:00

I love this!

An amazing story

2009-10-08T13:02:00.002-05:00

My mom sent this email to me earlier today. It is very inspirational.

The Crocheted Tablecloth

beautiful story.... makes you

understand that things happen for a reason .

The brand new pastor and his wife,

newly assigned to their first ministry,

to reopen a church in suburban

Brooklyn, arrived in early October

excited about their opportunities.

When they saw their church, it was

very run down and needed much

work. They set a goal to have everything

done in time to have their first service

on Christmas Eve.

They worked hard, repairing pews,

plastering walls, painting, etc., and

on December 18 were ahead of schedule

and just about finished.

On December 19 a terrible tempest -

a driving rainstorm hit the area and

lasted for two days.

On the 21st, the pastor went over

to the church. His heart sank when he

saw that the roof had leaked, causing a

large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet

to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary

just behind the pulpit, beginning about

head high.

The pastor cleaned up the mess on

the floor, and not knowing what else

to do but postpone the Christmas Eve

service, headed home.

On the way he noticed that a local business

was having a flea market type sale for

charity so he stopped in. One of the items

was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored,

crocheted tablecloth with exquisite

work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered

right in the center. It was just the right

size to cover up the hole in the front

wall. He bought it and headed back

to the church.

By this time it had started to snow.

An older woman running from the

opposite direction was trying to catch

the bus... She missed it... The pastor

invited her to wait in the warm church for

the next bus 45 minutes later.

She sat in a pew and paid no attention to

the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers,

etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall

tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe

how beautiful it looked and it covered

up the entire problem area.

Then he noticed the woman walking down

the center aisle. Her face was like a

sheet... 'Pastor,' she asked, 'where did

you get that tablecloth?'

The pastor explained. The woman

asked him to check the lower right

corner to see if the initials, 'EBG'

were crocheted into it there. They

were. These were the initials of the

woman, and she had made this

tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria .

The woman could hardly believe it

as the pastor told how he had just gotten

the Tablecloth. The woman explained

that before the war she and her husband

were well-to-do people in Austria .

When the Nazis came, she was forced

to leave. Her husband was going to

follow her the next week.

He was captured, sent to prison and

never saw her husband or her home again.

The pastor wanted to give her the

tablecloth, but she made the pastor

keep it for the church.

The pastor insisted on driving her home,

that was the least he could do... She

lived on the other side of Staten Island

and was only in Brooklyn for the day

for a housecleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on

Christmas Eve. The church was almost

full. The music and the spirit were

great. At the end of the service, the

pastor and his wife greeted everyone

at the door and many said that they

would return.

One older man, whom the pastor

recognized from the neighborhood

continued to sit in one of the pews

and stare, and the pastor wondered

why he wasn't leaving.

The man asked him where he got the

tablecloth on the front wall because

it was identical to one that his wife had

made years ago when they lived in

Austria before the war and how could

there be two tablecloths so much alike.

He told the pastor how the Nazis came,

how he forced his wife to flee for her

safety and he was supposed to follow

her, but he was arrested and put in a

prison... He never saw his wife or his

home again all the 35 years in between.

The pastor asked him if he would allow

him to take him for a little ride. They

drove to Staten Island and to the same

house where the pastor had taken the

woman three days earlier.

He helped the man climb the three

flights of stairs to the woman's

apartment, knocked on the door and

he saw the greatest Christmas reunion

he could ever imagine.

True story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid

Who says God does not work in mysterious ways.....

My new morning motto

2009-10-07T08:20:00.003-05:00

Over the years my morning motto has been "it's not noon, go away", "will someone shut that stupid alarm off", "when can I take a nap", "do not speak to me until at least 10:00 am", and my personal favorite "coffee!". It should come as no surprise to those that know me that I have yet again found a new morning motto. This one really sums up my morning plight, "if you make the bed as soon as you get out of it, you won't get back in it". It seems to be working. (the last two days that is)

By the way, although I have changed my motto, I have made "do not talk to me until 10:00 am" a rule. Oh, and in order to make my bed in the morning, I must have had to start drinking the coffee.

Tulsa State Fair

2009-10-03T21:17:00.002-05:00

Today was my first experience at the Tulsa State Fair. I still find it funny that Oklahoma has two state fairs. The Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City, and the Tulsa State Fair in Tulsa... wish I knew the answer the that one, but it's Oklahoma, who knows. I was very happy that Matt and I were able to take the girls to the fair. I loved going to the fair as a kid! But, I kinda remember it being bigger. Matt says that was because I was smaller. (Whatever)

I of corse enjoyed the FOOD!!! That is the real reason why I wanted to go. I am bummed out that this year I will not be right down the street from the food vendors at Arkalalah.

For those that don't know, Arkansas City has a festival every year called Arkalalah. It is amazing! It is homecoming for the whole town. Everyone comes back, they have food vendors on every street of downtown Ark City from Wed- Sat. A night parade on Wed, Thursday is the Cowley Cup were Winfield and Ark City play, Friday is the kiddi parade, where all the kids dress up in Halloween costumes and parade down the street. And that night they crown Queen Alah. Sat. is the BIG parade, we are talking like a two hour, if not longer, parade. And of corse during all of these days is the carnival with the rides. It is just good food, good entertainment, and good family fun.

Now, getting back to my point, the newspaper office is just one block away from the food! So, it is always a big deal about what kind of food you get. Not only do you wait all year for it, but then you go back to work, and talk about what you ate... what was good... and watch everyone else eat! SO FUN!!!! My favorite are the chicken and noodles that are on the same street as the office. You just can't get enough of them. And then, there are the fried peaches, roasted corn, cheese cake on a stick... last year we tried the fried twinkee... SIN on a Stick is what they should call it... WOW!!! So, this year Arkalalah is on Halloween. If we go, the girls will be so worn out we will miss taking part in the festivities in our own town. And for the first year ever, we live in an awesome neighbor hood where there are kids everywhere... and I have heard trick or treating is AWESOME in Dewey! So, we are going to miss the fun in Ark City. Which means, we are going to miss the food. But, we got to go to the fair today, and although they did not have the chicken and noodles, they did have gyro's and corn dogs and funnel cakes, and fried green tomatoes and gator on a stick and spiral potatoes and SO MUCH MORE!!!! I was good though, I just had a gyro. Maya had pizza, and Meredith and Matt had corn dogs. But to see the giant turkey legs, and roasted corn and cotton candy, and the carmel apples, and the frozen lemonade, and the brats,and to be able to breath in the fair food, well that was enough for me. It's not like being right down the street from it, but it will work!

Oh yea... and we also did other things too... like see animals and the 4-H stuff, and the petting zoo, and some baby pigs that were just born, and some sows getting ready to have a litter of pigs like any minute, and we even saw a puppy getting spayed. (Who knew they did that kind of stuff at the fair? They DO NOT do that at Arkalalah.) The girls fished from what was almost like a barrel. We saw the Sugar Show, which was a bunch of cakes that were AWESOME! And we checked out all the booths... which were like an as seen on TV a-thon. You name it, they had it. From cookware to sham wow, to orthopedic insoles. They even had those hair removal things that you are just supposed to rub this sand paper like stuff on your skin, and never will you have to shave again. (On a side note, I did get one from a different location, and it is just like rubbing sand paper on your leg. It took my hair off because it took my skin off too.... LOL!)

All in all, it was a very family friendly fun fair. LOL! We had fun together. We all talked about our food favorites, and the animals. We did not go on any of the rides, because we did not win the lottery, and I am pretty sure that is what kind of crowd they were expecting to be there, and that is why they were charing like $2-$3 per ride. But, what we did do was educational and fun. It will do for filling in for Arkalalah, this time. :) (please Ark City people, when it is time take pictures, and post what you ate on my blog... just so I can live the experience through you all! Love you and miss you!)

Just had to share...

2009-10-02T17:33:00.002-05:00

Don’t laugh! Maybe her granddaughter borrowed her Uggs and mini-skirt. Sometimes you just have to make do.
Texas

I have know idea where these emails are coming from, or for that matter who is writing the comments... but I am still laughing about this. Gotta love Walmart!

The word of today is Booger...

2009-10-02T17:20:00.002-05:00

Yep, it is a funny word to say, and spell. Booger! The reason why I say it is the word of the day is because that pesky little word just kept popping up today. It started when the girls and I were in the car listening to some tunes. Lady Ga Ga's Poker Face came on, and very proudly Meredith sings "Can't read my Booger Face!" I almost wrecked the car. Yes... she really thought the words were booger face. Later in the day, the girls were at the NEW McDonalds in Ponca City, playing on the inside play ground. As I was sitting in the corner at the small tables, I looked through the nets to see what the girls were doing, only instead of seeing the girls, I noticed a little boy, about 3 or 4, sitting down digging in his nose. Yes sir he was going to town! Not just one finger, but both fingers, both sides. And as if the food at McDonalds wasn't bad enough... he decided to snack on the tasty little boogers in his nose! I almost hurled!

So... Booger is the word! Say it loud and say it proud my friends! And as my dad always says "you can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friends nose!"

If you love them... set them free

2009-10-01T16:23:00.009-05:00

Of corse I am talking about the lovely caterpillars that are living in my house, thanks to Meredith and her search for a new pet. We are now up to three little green captives. Butterfly, Lucy and Abby. I think that the tribe got tired of sending spies for the rescue mission, and not having any one return. All though I am fully prepared for the raid of little green cut worms showing up at my back door trying to regain what is theirs. Because I fear for our safety, and we are a peaceful house hold, I convinced Meredith to set her captives free. I had her put them on the back porch with the little door to the box open, in hopes that they would run away. So far... Abby hightailed it out. With any luck, by morning the other two will either be evacuated by the tribe, or leave all on their own.

Check this out too...

2009-10-01T10:18:00.001-05:00

This is another friend of mine and she has awesome stuff too! Take a look if you are a new mom... or know someone who is going to be... or that has a baby! www.diaperbagwrangler.com

Cute, cute stuff...

2009-10-01T09:01:00.002-05:00

I have a friend that has just started making the cutest hair bows and fun girly stuff. You should check it out! http://littlecurlzcouture.blogspot.com.

Go now!

A caterpillar named Butterfly, and his side kick Lucy

2009-09-30T10:54:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Meredith Cay was on the back porch when a little green caterpillar strolled by. Poor thing did not know what it was getting into. Meredith immediately decided it was going to become her new pet. (The kid needs a dog or our cat to come home.) So, she found the bug box that was storing sponge insects, threw the sponge insects out on floor, and kidnapped the poor little fellow. She collected twigs, grass and leaves, then had me scoop him up and put him in the box. I convinced her that he needed to stay outside on the back porch for most of the day, but somehow he ended up sleeping in the house. I discovered this this morning when I was on the phone with my mom, and his little hatch was opened... and he was outta there! No worries, I found him hoofing it across the dinning room floor. Much to his chagrin, he was put back in the box. Meredith decided he needed to go back outside for a walk. Upon putting him back on the table on the back porch, she found another little caterpillar. I guess he was leading the rescue mission. But, he too has been kidnapped, and has been named Lucy. I really hope they don't send more... we don't have enough room for a colony!

Official Residents

2009-09-29T16:31:00.003-05:00

I know we have lived in Dewey since July, however today makes our move here official. We sold our house in Newkirk, the paper work is signed and we are now Dewey Residents!

I think that we are truly blessed to be apart of this community. This neighborhood as opened its arms to us. We have grown very close to our neighbors and church family very fast. God has really guided and provided during this opportunity.

I miss my church, friends, house and job back home.... but I feel like this has been an amazing opportunity for us.

So, Thank you Newkirk and Ark City for loving us, and Thank you Dewey for our new chapter!

Shocks me to the core

2009-09-29T14:01:00.003-05:00

My Pastor posted this on his facebook this afternoon. It shakes me to my core. Not just because I want to take the narrow path, but because I want my family and friends to be apart of that path too. I pray over all that read this post, and over all that watch this, that they will come to truly know what it means to be a Christian, and that Jesus will come to know them.

Memories...

2009-09-28T18:27:00.004-05:00

Meredith's first Easter at Matt's Grandma's house with her new cousin Brilie. So cute and little!

I've been working

2009-09-28T16:10:00.004-05:00

Some of you know that Matt is a groupie. I guess you could say that I kind of am too. We have befriended a wonderful little band called Bakerville. We love them! They are awesome. Anyway, they have a website, and I helped them design it. It is still a work in progress, but it sure has been fun doing it. Here it is... go to it, and let me know what you think of it. Then go to their myspace page and listen! (I am working on getting the music on it...)

http://www.bkrvll.com

(Go now!)

Sales are down...

2009-09-28T13:12:00.002-05:00

It is a sad day in the Mitchell household. For the first time since the girls have been in school (9 years) we turned in blank fund raiser forms. I am not used to that. I am an over achiever by nature, and when you give me something to sell, I go for it. And it comes very naturally to me. I just show the books, say "the girls are selling this, if you are interested, great, if not, not a big deal". People either order, or they don't, but more often than not they do.

This year however, we bombed out big time. I no longer have an office to take the book around to, and we just moved to this area... so it's not like we can just ask people. Matt took it to his office, but they have a policy, put it on table and leave it, if someone wants somethings, they will order. (So stupid... like someone is going to go to the table and order something from a guy they don't even know!) I even made a cute little sell sheet to help the girls out... that way people would look at it at the office and want to pick it up and look. NOPE! NOTHING!

I had Maya write a letter to friends and family that I typed up and emailed to everyone, plus I emailed it on face book, posted it on face book.. I even posted it on my blog. NOT ONE SINGLE SALE! This blows! I have never tried to do something and not succeeded.

The interesting part is going to be when they see that the girls did not have an order... especially since the fund raiser was for the PTO, and I am a new board member of the PTO. LOL! Oh well. There is always next time.

Shameless Plug for fund raiser...

2009-09-23T20:38:00.006-05:00

So, the girls are fund raising for PTO, and I am not at work, and we are new to the area... so we have to use any means necessary to get the 25 items so Maya can take the limo ride to Mazzio's for lunch! So... here is the website www.fundraisingworks.org. Go to the Shop Friends & Family Fundraiser section and put in either girls name, and Dewey Elementary.

It is yummy food and treats! I have done the honors of putting up some pictures that they have on the site... YOU KNOW YOU WANNA! LOL!

Not your typical day in the neighborhood...

2009-09-23T19:59:00.005-05:00

My dear friend Chrissy posted this on her blog... and it is one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time! Ah the swine flu! Poor little guy!

Hard lessons learned and a $2,000 vacuum

2009-09-22T07:55:00.003-05:00

The end of last week was very interesting. As Meredith was having her mid afternoon melt down on Thursday, the doorbell rings. I had NO idea who it was, but I was sure that someone heard her screaming and carrying on from outside, and the police were there to ask questions. (paranoid much LOL!). I say this, because all I can make out in the door is a rather large male that looks like he has something on his hip, perhaps dressed like a police man. So, I answered the door (and of corse as soon as I did, Meredith's fit disappeared.) The rather large male with a uniform and something on his hip, was in fact not a policeman at all, but it was vacuum sales man, and his wife (who was in the car waiting). He was dressed up, and the thing on his hip... a phone! Perfect. I won't go into the details, but I let them in, listened, Matt came home, listened, and no, we did not buy the vacuum. (But yes... I REALLY wanted it!)

After they left, Matt reminded me that it was not a good idea to invite strangers into the house, they could have come in and hit me over the head, and taken everything. Or worse! (now that is paranoid LOL!) He succeeded in scaring my silly! All I could think about is the vacuum guy coming back and getting in. Maybe he wasn't trying to sell his vacuum at all, but instead he was casing the joint, so he could come back and take everything. (I watch WAY to much Law and Order)

Let's forward to the next afternoon when I got "the call" from a concerned neighbor and new friend informing me that 12 cars had been broken into around the neighborhood the night before. WOW! I called Matt, and he reminded me of the conversation we had that morning, when he asked me if I had let the kids play in his truck. It seems that his stuff was all over the inside of his truck, and he thought the girls got into it. But... guess what... his truck got hit too. They did not get anything, thank God. But, I was also reminded of the fact that I forgot to lock the front door the night before. Boy did my head start racing! They could have gotten in the house, what if it was the vacuum cleaner guy... what if... what if..... what if.... (I have sense calmed down a bit)

Matt seems to be handling this really well, I am still a little freaked out. I have lived in Kansas City, Denver, and St. Louis, (and some other small towns in Oklahoma) and have never been "broken in to". But I am in Dewey for a little over 2 months, and it happens? Hmm....

The strange part is, although I am still a little irritated by the fact that our truck got it, I am still more freaked out at the fact that I let the stupid vacuum sales man come into our house. LOL!

A WHOLE new Labor Day

2009-09-08T12:46:00.003-05:00

For the past 7 years, Labor day has caused me stress. You see, when you work in the newspaper business, the news never stops. Even if you sell ads, or direct those that sell ads, the news still does not stop. Therefore we always worked. Now, we did get lucky because we did get a half day holiday, but, that does not mean you get to choose which half. You still got to work at 8:00 am you just left at 12:00. That is unless you work in the news department, circulation department, press room, mail room or composing department. So... that means the advertising department got to leave at noon, and really... why would they stay anyway. It's not like we could go out and do anything. Our cliental was all at home... so there is no business happening for us. That brings me to the stress part. We had a handbook, and in this handbook are rules. The rules are, you get a half day holiday on Labor day. They also give us vacation. So, if you have vacation, you can take it. UNLESS someone else in your department has already taken off on that same day. So, on this very lazy day, without anything going on, my department, and myself, had to be at work. We always tried to work around each other, and when one person had memorial day off, then the other could have labor day off... stuff like that. And I always tried to get two people off at a time, instead of one (much to a certain boss's chagrin.. wink,wink nudge,nudge). But... no matter how hard I tried to make everything fair... there were always the whiners. Every year I got the "why do we even have to be here?". And, no matter how long I worked in the newspaper business, Matt would always ask, "You have the day off right?" Just thinking about it makes me want to flick someone in the ear! And then you have the daycare problem, because they are not open on a holiday. Truth be known, I rarely had to work on Labor day, or Memorial day. I saved my vacation, and since Matt always had SOMETHING going on that would not allow him to be home, I needed to be home with the kids (and I can hear the whining again... this time it would be something about not having kids, or having kids but not having vacation). Ahh... life in the newspaper business. Which brings me to my point. (Finally right?) I don't work in the newspaper business anymore.... so this year, no whining, no "read your handbook", no arguing with my boss, no having to work out in the monday department head meeting if we were closed at noon, and who had to work, because even though it was not new, we did it every year... we ALWAYS had to talk about it, and it does not matter, because it is never handled the same (6 years at the Traveler folks... and 6 years we had the same talk... and 6 years we did something different... I think I actually miss that! It makes me chuckle). Please don't misunderstand me when I talk about my old place of employment. You see, I do miss my old life at the Traveler, but looking back on it, the little things that used to stress me out, just make me laugh... because I would get so worked up over it, and so would the rest of the department.

So, this year, I slept in, watched TV with the kids, did laundry. What I didn't do was feel a bit of guilt for not being at work, or feel a bit of guilt for my staff being at work, or did not fight with Matt over daycare, or did not feel a bit of guilt for working while the kids were at home... and life was relaxed..... Ahhhhhh

Feeding a football team

2009-09-03T20:45:00.002-05:00

Tonight the girls and I helped feed the Dewey football team. Well, not just the team, but the coaches, and the coaches families. Our youth group helped serve the boys brisket, beans, potato salad, sheet cake and ice cream. I worked my buns off, but it was worth it. Not only do I love working with the gang at church, but the team was so polite. A bunch of teenage boys... all hungry... and they were so gracious. Everyone used Please's, thank you's. And when they left they told us all thank you for inviting them. I am impressed. I really think that they were sincere. Maya loved it because it was "the football team mom". And she was super excited that our next door neighbor, Hunter, said hi to her, and thank you. Well, he actually said "hi Maya, thanks for having us". That made her night. Meredith was just excited to be there with everyone.

I have to say, I know it is small, but I really feel like we becoming a part of this community. I am proud to have those boys represent the town that I live in. And... I am proud to be in a town of Bulldoggers. I even wore... a red shirt. Now, it was not crimson! But it was red. And... I am proud to be in a town of Bulldoggers. GO TEAM!!!!

A new chapter; a new school

2009-09-01T11:30:00.004-05:00

(CHEERING LOUD WITH HAND MOTIONS) "Newkirk Tigers, lets win! Spell it out W I N! say it W I N!" That little cheer will be forever burned into my memories. Pretty much every year since pre-K, Maya participated in the Newkirk cheer clinics for football and basketball. Being a tiger was pretty easy, and fun I might add. Blue and Yellow, cute little tiger paws all over town. Newkirk had huge school spirit you could not help but feel.

Now, we change gears. We are now the Dewey Bulldoggers! Spell it out B U L L D o g g e r s! Ok , besides the fact that is a HUGE word... what the heck is a Bulldogger? How do I get excited about something that I have no clue what it is, and what kinda catchy cheer can you make with the word Bulldogger? Just when I thought I had the definition of a bulldogger figured out, I find out I am VERY wrong. I was "schooled" by a former bulldogger after my last blog. So, here is what I do know a bulldogger is not a dog, and this title has something do with a rodeo and a cowboy. :) As much as I would love to take the time to log on to the school website and read the definition (really proving the point that I am not the only one in the world that is clueless) , I will use the words of my dear friend "dewey alum". So, here is the definition of a bulldogger, according to someone "smarter" than I! LOL! : After readin your blog, Mrs. Mitchell, you need some much needed schooling on what a Bulldogger is. First of all, it has nothing to do with team roping. That is a different event at the rodeo. Bulldogging, also known as steer wrestling, is when two cowboys and horses parallel a steer down the arena, one cowboy is the contestant, the other is known as a hazer. The hazers job is to keep the steer traveling straight down the arena so the contestant can stay beside the steer and slide off his horse onto the side of the steer and wrap his arms around the horns. He plants his feet in the ground and twists the steer's head around, "wrestling" him to the ground and rolling him on his back. The object is to do this in the quickest time. The hazer is not part of the contest, other than to help his buddy get the steer.

Wow! That is a mouth full! Who knew? And trust me, I REALLY want to care for my kids sake! They are bulldoggers now! And if they are steer wrestling cowboys wearing crimson and cream... then so am I! (well... maybe not the color, but I can be a cowboy and wear orange and black... kinda sure that is how it supposed to be anyway). Here is what I find funny about the whole bulldogger mascot thing (other than the word... but I love it say it Bulldogger... Arg!), they are apparently the ONLY bulldogger mascot in the nation. Hmm wonder why that is? But, at least there is such a thing as a Bulldogger. I have another friend, who shall remain nameless, that routes for a team with a mythical bird as the mascot! ( Yee-Haw Chicken Hawks! ) So we are COWBOYS!!! Or, if you want to be technical, bulldoggers.

All kidding aside though, I think it is kinda cool that we are unique. How many tigers are there out there? How many Bulldogs are there out there? I personally was a Raptor, and a Colt! (two different high schools). There is not a whole lot of creativity there. But they had a lot of really catchy cheers. I am pretty anxious to hear what kind of cheers we have for our beloved bulldoggers. I have an idea:

Go BULLDOGGERS! WRESTLE... THAT... STEER! (now that is catchy!)

I will get used to it, we are not tigers, we are bulldoggers. I must admit though, it is fun being in Dewey, but life was a little bit simpler as a Tiger. At least I knew what it was! LOL!

The School colors are what?

2009-08-26T13:20:00.003-05:00

1 Corinthians13:4-7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is no not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres."

I love the above scripture! I loved it when I recited it at my wedding, I love it when others recite it, and I love to read it. I also enjoy "Love thy neighbor". I think that both of those things are very hard to do in the state of Oklahoma if you are an Oklahoma State Fan. Let me take you back for a min...

My family is from Oklahoma, and the majority of my family ( and I so will not go into the family dynamic that I have... way too much time) is from the Stillwater area. I bleed orange and black. I have such a family connection to Oklahoma State, that I went to the college on a legacy scholarship (I might have family from this state... but I am from Missouri). Since I was in the 3rd grade my goal was to go the OSU. So, that is what I did. I graduated from there, and it is my school, my team, my colors!

Living in Newkirk, we were the Newkirk Tigers, and the kids school colors where Blue and Gold (or yellow). It was great! Everyone looks good in blue and gold, and it did not conflict with the Orange and Black! So, all was well.

We decided when we came to this area, we wanted to continue our children's education at a smaller school, and at some very good friends urging, we settled on Dewey. We have several friends that grew up here, and it came highly recommended. We found our little house, loved the area and neighborhood, and so, here we are Dewey Bulldoggers. (For those that do not know what a bulldogger it, don't feel bad, I did not either. From what I can tell it is the lead roper in team roping. The one that wrestles the cow to the ground. Nice and humane I am sure!)

All was going well for the most part at the new school. (I will talk about the first day of school and such in a later blog) The girls are making friends, they like their teachers, I have even become part of the PTO. And that is when it all came crashing down...

"The first order of business this year for the PTO is to sell tee shirts and polo shirts. They have the Bulldogger logo on them, and they will be the same price as last year. We also wanted to keep them the same color as last year, if that is ok with all of you." At this point I am thinking cool, we can get shirts also to support the girls. And Matt can get a polo shirt to wear to work, this will be good. Then the bomb shell "So, if anyone does not have any problems with that, the shirts will be crimson and cream". Excuse me??????????? (I really think I might have thrown up in my mouth just a little bit) Did she just say crimson and cream? Why would we want shirts that color? Who else in this world would want those colors except that team down in Norman which I will not even promote on my blog. Then it hit me... our new school colors are crimson and cream. Not red and white , which I can handle (Go Parkway Central Colts!) But the actual color of crimson and cream.

Why did I not even think to check that out before we moved here? I mean, really who thinks about that kind of thing when they are moving some place. But COME ON! A little hint would have been nice. We are not talking about just elementary school colors here people, we are talking about pre-k - 12th grade. Matt won't even let me get a car that is red, or paint the kitchen red. He won't even wear a red shirt! So you would think that someone would have told him what the stupid school colors were!

Here is the plan, I will sell the shirts, and the kids want one, but Matt and I just can not bring ourselves to buy them for ourselves and wear them. Maybe someday that will change. But right now, we will just not be able to support our school colors. (They could have at least made the shirts white! I can handle white with a little red logo... that is more doable)

So, here I sit, reading the above scripture, trying to be a good Christian, and am trying to think that this must be a sign from God that I need to get over my issues with that other school. I am trying... I really am! Good thing God forgives us! Because this is going to be a LONG process! I am still looking for the scripture that says "Love thy neighbor, unless they are OU fans". (Great, now I have to pray for forgiveness about that... this is going to be harder than I thought)