Happily Homemaking...in Texas

Weekly Weigh In

2012-01-27T08:20:00.001-06:00

Starting Weight (1/23)-172.4

Last Weeks Weight- 172.4

This Weeks Weight- 169.3

Weight Gain/Loss This Week- -3.1

Total: -3.1

I'm going with last weeks weight as my starting weight. That way I already have a loss. This week I did the Shred, level 1, 3 times, drank lots of water, nursed Lily a ton and didn't eat everything in the house.

I need to set a Goal. I have 4 weeks until I pack up my scale for The Move. If I can do 3lbs per week that's 12lbs. Let's say my 2/24 Goal is 157.3. I can do it!

Okay, now that that is done I can tell you I'm not really into losing weight right now. I just want to eat everything and don't really care. I do care how I look and my big belly and love handles make me feel bad about myself. I'm mostly doing it because I want to fell better and be able to do yoga (see last week) and I don't want to get to Oregon and be the Fat Girl from Texas.

Hopefully that will be enough motivation to keep exercising and not eating cheese dip.

Link up to Brandy:

30 Day Shred... Starting Again

2012-01-23T08:34:00.000-06:00

Here I go again. Day 1 of the 30 Day Shred.

I am pretty stressed over The Move. And with me Stress = Eating. I have been feeling really bad about my body and I've been very short tempered with both my kids and my husband.

I tried to start back on Weight Watchers but I only got as far as weighing and writing down my breakfast. Then I ate cheese dip.

I've gone to yoga a few times the last couple of weeks and I've been surprised at how weak my body is. I can't do some of the positions I've done in the past and I can'd hold any of them as long as I use to.

I went to yoga yesterday and did the "easy" class. It was much more comfortable for me but I still wanted to leave during the middle of it. I decided then even if I don't write down everything I'm eating, I'm going to start working out again.

I already feel better this morning. Ethan even did the whole thing with me. He had to use my hand weights (1 1/2lbs) so it forced me to to go up to the 3lb ones. It's super cute watching him do jump-n-jacks and crunches.

Starting Weight (1/13)- 163.6

Last Weeks Weight- None

This Weeks Weight- 172.4 (WHAT???)

Weight Gain/Loss This Week- ?

Total: +8

Hmmm. +8lbs in 10 days. Maybe I ought to lay off the cheese dip. I need to set a goal. Maybe my goal should be to lose and NOT gain.

Linked up to:

Ethan Lukas- 3 & Lillian Dawn 1

2012-01-12T13:22:00.000-06:00

Ethan Lukas

December 28, 2008

Ethan just hours old.

Loves to pretend and acts out every movie he watches.

Trains

Loves going to school.

Knows and can identify the alphabet.

Can trace around letters.

Can count to 15 and *almost* 20

Repeats everything we say and is starting to use 3 and 4 word sentences on his own (yea!!)

Loves playing outside. I see him out there telling stories to the yard and the birds and squirrels.

1 Year Old

Movies we are Watching:
Willy Wonka the original

The Santa Clause

The Polar Express

Peanuts Charlie Brown Christmas

The Grinch
All Veggie Tales' Christmas
(We're really into Christmas movies!)
The Lion King
Cat in the Hat
Geo Track

2 Years Old

Says "Merry Chris"!
Says "please", "thank you" and "bless you"

Will open the fridge or cabinet to get out something to eat.

Loves all fruit and will eat a little of most veggies.

Yogurt and cheese is a daily snack.

Is still not potty trained :( But is showing signs of readiness.

Puts his socks in the dirty clothes basket

(His future wife can thank me for that one.)

Likes to pick out his own clothes; matching is not required.

He will not wear pjs to sleep in.
Is wearing 3T.

Ht-36 1/2, 28%
Wt- 31 1/2, 50%

3 Years Old

Ethan's Birth Story

Lillian Dawn

January 11, 2011

Birth Day

Took her first steps at 10 1/2 Months

Waves and says Bye Bye to Daddy

Loves to play with Big Brother
Loves watching Brother play outside. She (and I) can't wait till she can go out there with him.

Tells "stories"- non stop babbling
Words I've heard her say:
Shoes
Fish
Bye Bye
Hi
Mama
Dada
Oh, Oh

Points at things

Loves to pull fabric/clothing out/off of anything:

boxes, hampers, drawers closets,

Especially as Mom is folding laundry.
Love ~~getting into~~ exploring everything.
Like the Trash and Recycling cans.

Loves Shoes!

Everywhere we go she is watching people's shoes as they walk by.

Loves to Eat and mostly enjoys self feeding

Loves all veggies especially Cauliflower
Loves tomatoes just like her big brother.

Eats Cheese and Crackers as an afternoon snack
In fact, she loves to eat so much that she puts everything in her mouth.
Everything.
Her favorite thing to eat:
my shoes.
(I feel like I'm describing a puppy dog. A very cute puppy dog :)

Knows her shoes and socks go on her feet. It is too cute to watch her try to get them on.

Stills sucks her thumb when she is tired or over stimulated.
Breastfeeding is still going strong. We nurse to sleep for naps and bedtime and sometimes when we just need a cuddle.

She has blond hair and Green Eyes.

1st Birthday!

Wt: 21lbs 1oz 50%
Ht: 28 1/2 in 29%
Head: 46cm 76%

Lillian's Birth Story

Ethan's 3rd Birthday at MDO

2011-12-14T11:27:00.002-06:00

Ethan had his Birthday party at MDO yesterday. I sent cookies and my camera so the teacher could capture the moment. Last year they got to wear a crown. I guess they are too old for the crown this year :(.

Do you see how my son's plate is empty except for a cookie and a celery stick? I'm a good Mom and send him all his favorites to school. That and he won't eat much before going to school so I'm sure he is starving by the time 12 rolls around.

My boy is growing up!

Upcycled Christmas Stockings

2011-12-14T07:54:00.004-06:00

This is the first year Ethan will be getting a Christmas stocking and this is Lily's first Christmas. I couldn't let them use store bought stockings!

I have been scouring the web to find ideas and tutorials to make upcycled Christmas stocking from sweaters. I found several good ones and finally talked myself into cutting into the thrifted sweaters I bought a few weeks ago.

It didn't turn out perfect and I may end up making another one next year but it will work for this year! I used sweater material for the front, back and cuff. I lined it with green polyester and used the same for the hanging tab. I machine zigzagged the 'E' on.

I knew Lily's had to be pink after seeing the pink stocking from MADE's pattern.

My sweater wasn't 100% wool so it didn't felt up much but I love it just the same. I won't win any awards for hand embroidery but I did get the 'L' on. Do you recognize the 'L'?

HeeHee!!

I can't wait to see the kids on Christmas morning and discover all the goodies inside! Maybe I'll get Eli and I one made before next year.

Tutorials:

ReSweater

The rest can be found here under Christmas:

Lily's Walking!

2011-12-12T15:52:00.001-06:00

The Christmas/Birthday Pettiskirt

2011-12-07T06:52:00.001-06:00

A few months ago I found a cute, Christmas, long sleeved onesy for Lily to wear. I knew she had to have a Pettiskirt to go with it.

(This is not the onesy.)

I found some red w/ white polka dot tulle and some red silky material in the remnants at Joann's. Then I de-constructed her Halloween tutu, stealing all the white pieces.

Using this tutorial I began what I thought to be an easy, one night project. I mean, I know it seems like it would be a lot of work after reading through the tutorial but I was making this one on a much smaller scale. Only 1 skirt instead of 2 and not nearly as much fabric. So it should be much easier, right?

Wrong.

But after 2 trips to Wal*mart and one to Hobby Lobby we now have a full and fluffy Pettiskirt that she will be wearing for both her Christmas and Birthday photos because I'm not making another one....Right away. Not until I invest in one of these ruffle feet for my sewing machine.

Oh, and Lily took her first steps the other day! And she is getting her 7th tooth! Such a big girl :)

Linked to:

Cold Day= Soup

2011-12-05T15:35:00.001-06:00

Because it's turned cold here in Texas, I'm re-posting some of my soup recipes. So bundle up, turn on a Christmas movie and get to cooking!

Low Fat Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 cans Chicken Broth (or 5 cups homemade)
1 can of water
1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
1 can 12.5oz Chicken (or 1 cup homemade)
1 can corn (I used frozen. Remember all that corn I cooked and froze (here and here)? I still have it, a lot of it! I don't think I'll have to buy corn until the summer when I can get the good deals on fresh corn again.)
1 can Black Beans (I cooked my own.)
1tsp cumin
1/2tsp chili powder
1/2tsp garlic powder
1/2tsp onion powder
salt and pepper
I was just thinking about it and you could also add a can of Rotel (tomatoes and chilies) to it.
Bring the chicken broth and water to a boil. Add the rice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover until rice is done. Add everything else and boil on med with lid off until the liquid has reduced a bit. This is really yummy!

Broccoli and Potato Soup

2T butter

1 Onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1lb potatoes, cubed

1 bag broccoli (I also used some cauliflower)

3c chicken broth

3c water

1/2 low fat milk

1/2 grated Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper (white if you've got it)

Heat butter in a pot big enough for all your ingredients. Cook onion and garlic until transparent. Add potatoes, broccoli, broth, salt and pepper and water. Cook until vegs are soft. Blend until smooth ( I used my immersion blender). Add milk and cheese. Cook until melted. You could leave out some of the broccoli until after you blended it up, just add it in and cook a bit longer before adding milk and cheese.

Potato and Cheese Soup

3 T butter

1/2 onion chopped

4 med potatoes chopped

2 carrots chopped

3 T flour

salt and pepper

1 T rosemary

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup water

1 cup grated cheese

milk to thin

This one is made a lot like my Scallop Potatoes. Make a roux with the butter and flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Add a bit of the chicken broth and whisk it around until it starts to thicken. Add the potatoes, onions, carrots, rosemary and the rest of the chicken broth. You can use some water if the chicken broth is not enough to cover. Cook until the potatoes are falling apart. Blend with the immersion blender. Add cheese and melt. If it is too thick you can use milk to help thin it out.

Split Pea Soup- Crockpot

1/2 bag Split Peas

1/2 bag Lintels

3T butter

1/2 onion

3 cloves garlic (or 1 tsp powder)

3 carrots diced

2 small pots diced (I used red)

1/2 pound sausage (or ham or bacon)

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup water

salt/ pepper

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp curry powder

Rinse lentils and peas and add to crock pot.
Heat butter in skillet. Add onion and garlic and cook a bit. Then add potatoes, carrots, salt, pepper, oregano and curry powder. You are not really cooking the veggies, just browning them a little. Add to crock pot.

In same skillet cook sausage. You can use left over ham or bacon, just chop it up into little pieces. Add to crock pot.

Add broth and enough water to cover all. I add some more salt because I use homemade broth and I never get that salty enough.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high 4-5 or until lentils and peas are very soft. I used the immersion blender to make it more liquid.

Beware, this soup is not very pretty. It looks a lot like you've already eaten it but it is really tasty!

****When using an immersion blender always make sure to keep it below the liquid level. Splashing of hot liquid hurts!!

A Trip to the Zoo

2011-12-01T14:15:00.001-06:00

Craft Fair

2011-11-07T11:08:00.000-06:00

My first Craft Fair has come and gone! My Mom and I had a great time. I learned so much about setting up, breaking down and everything in between.

My Dad made me these beautiful stands that I will be using again and again.

All my items were well received and everyone loved getting a Free Reusable bag! I made lots of great contacts and hope to do another show before Christmas.

A special thanks to my Mom for all her support and the big containers of Vintage Fabric she gave me. A big thank you to Eli's Aunt Sue for sending me a great box of Vintage Fabric and Notions.

Halloween 2011...

2011-10-31T20:57:00.000-05:00

I took time out from working on my Craft Fair to whip up some Halloween costumes for the kids.

They both fell asleep on the way to the "Trunk n Treat" at Ethan's school.

Lily woke up happy and sweet as usual.

Ethan would not wake up. I put his hat on him to take the pic because he wouldn't keep it on when he was awake. He was the little drummer boy from Veggie Tales, his favorite movie of right now. He's so cute with his little drum and sticks (thanks Aunt Clair!) and his animals. He acts out the whole movie :)

When he finally woke up he would not walk up to anyone to get candy. Even his teachers. He only went up to one lady who was standing alone by her car. I think all the dressed up kids and strangers were confusing to him.

He did manage to open up all his candy (3 pieces) before we got home. So much for Eli and I getting to eat it all after he goes to bed.

Finished Dresses, Help me with Pricing!

2011-10-28T11:15:00.002-05:00

I have 9 Dresses totally done for my Craft Fair. I have 9 more to apply finishing touches/tags and I want to sew 2 more for a total of 20. I have 1 week. Wish me luck!

I need your help with pricing. What would you consider paying for these dresses? Should I keep them all one price or different depending on the fabric/accessories?

Let me know here or on my FB page.

Thanks!

Upcycled Green and Peach Linen with vintage buttons and removable ribbon flower.

Upcycled Pink Plaid with removable flower.

Vintage fabric with reversible Apron.

Upcycled with attached flowers.

Vintage Buttons and Fabric.

Attached Apron.

Vintage fabric with ribbons.

Removable flower and Hair clip.

Cool, Sunny Day

2011-10-19T14:45:00.000-05:00

I have been sewing none stop (almost) for 2 1/2 days now. Lily and I decided we needed some time out in the beautiful weather!

Like her brother, she loves the swing.

Speaking of brother....

He's gone to stay with my parents for a week. That's why I'm getting so much done.

But I wouldn't give up cleaning this face for all the sewing time in the world.

We miss him!

Craft Fair- Reusable Shopping Bags

2011-10-12T13:14:00.000-05:00

A few months ago I won a Reusable Shopping Bag and several produce bags from the Green Bag Lady!!

I have to say I love this bag. It is my new purse.

My Craft Fair is quickly approaching. TurtleBug Sewing is based off of upcycleing and re-purposing material so I couldn't very well send my customers off with their new items in a plastic bag!

I am sewing 20 of these Reusable Shopping Bags from this tutorial and giving 1 away free with each purchase!

If you are going to be in Austin on November 5 you should visit us at our Craft Fair! Contact me and I'll get you the info.

This week I received my Labels from JennifersJewels. I love them! It took me a few times to figure out the best way to sew them on and I think this is it. The only thing I will change the next time I order will be the colors. I think I would rather have purple and green. They are too pretty to hide on the inside so you will be seeing them on the outside of my products.

Lily Dawn 9 Months

2011-10-12T10:43:00.002-05:00

How sweet is this face???? And she has the sweetest personality to go with it. Every time we are out and about someone will tell me how calm and relaxed she is. When we are shopping she is looking around at the people or watching the ground as we walk and sometimes grabbing at the clothes when we pass by.

She now has 6 teeth. Yes, 6!! 4 on top and two on bottom.

The better to bite you with, My Dear.

She is nursing and eat a little bit of solid food including finger food.

Some of her favorites:

Yogurt w/fruit

Cheerios

Graham Crackers

Ripe Peaches. The whole thing. (I remove the skin.)

Do NOT think you are going to share with her.

She Loves playing with her brother, Ethan! She is getting tougher all the time.

I often find them playing in his room- Ethan singing and dancing while Lily keeps out of the way!

She is "talking" up a storm! She is saying: mama, dada, baba and lots of other sounds. She and Ethan "talk" to each other. They especially enjoy blowing bubbles with their spit while in the car.

Super sad but super sweet!

I think she needs some Leggings on!

As I said in my last post, she is crawling and standing, ever so close to walking.

At her 9 Month Check Up:

Wt- 19lbs/ 56%

Ht.- 26.5/ 18%

Head- 44.4cm/ 64%

She is wearing 18 month clothing but the pants are a bit too long. She is still in her onesize cloth diapers on the second setting and size 4 disposables.

We LOVE our Lily Bean!! She is growing too fast.

Join my FB page!

Miss Lily's on the Move!

2011-10-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Lily turns 9 months tomorrow! We go to her checkup tomorrow morning so I will post her stats and cute pics when we get home. Until then here are a few pics from the last month.

She has been pulling to her knees for awhile and has been pulling up to standing for the past few weeks.

This is the FIRST time she pulled to standing!

They grow too fast!

The Move- Binder

2011-10-06T11:43:00.001-05:00

I'm super excited to get started with The Move to Oregon but seeing as it is still 5 months away there is not much I can do. I thought I'd make my self feel better if I got a bit more organized. I bought a binder and some plastic dividers with pockets.

I labeled a few- Austin House, Packing, Travel and Corvallis House. Then I put some plan white paper behind each so I could write my thoughts and create some lists. I love lists. In the pockets I've placed the city maps we bought when we visited.

I ordered a visitors guide on the Corvallis City website. It has so much information in it!

All the hotels are listed as well as a map of the city.

I finished it off by placing a colorful label and placing it next to my other binders. It's so nice to start off a big project by being organized.

I have found several great web sites about organizing for a move:

Ellen's Blog

The Moving Planner Blog

Life of Justin

Associated Content

They all pretty much say the same thing: Be organized, do as much as you can ahead of time and sell everything you can buy there so you don't have to move it!

Do you have any good tips for organizing a cross country move?

Ethan's Letters

2011-10-03T14:12:00.000-05:00

This year at Ethan's School (Mother's Day Out) Ethan is learning so much! He already new all his letters and could count to 10 before school started but he is enjoying the "review". Each week he comes home with a new letter. Eli had the great idea to take a photo with the letter when he brings it home.

Here he is saying "C".

They also color a picture that goes with the letter of the week.

He just so happened to wear his dinosaur t shirt on "D" day!

I think E is his favorite so far! We have a great game where we say the letter and take it to his room to hang up.

Then he says each letter before we add the new one.

He's so smart!

Monthly Meal Planning/ Once a Month Shopping- October

2011-10-02T12:30:00.001-05:00

Things I learn last Month-

Account for ALL ingredients when making Monthly Shopping List. I ran out of canned tomatoes mid month.
Plan for "easy" meals i.e. frozen pizza, frozen leftovers from cooking. There were some nights I forgot about dinner until it was time to eat.
Plan on one take out night per month. By then end of the month I wanted a hamburger and french fries so bad! Thankfully my Mom came to visit and took us out for one :) Thanks Mom!
Divide Monthly Shopping Budget to include weekly $ for fresh produce and yogurt. I ran out of money at the end of the month. Again, thanks Mom for the last week fruit and yogurt! I think this is where a "cash only" system comes in handy. That way you can hide away the money for the next weeks budget.
Keep track of what you are spending while you shop. When you only have $X money to spend you only want to spend $X or less.

I hung my list on the fridge and each morning looked at it and decided what I wanted to cook for the day. I would mark it off when I cooked. I love that I have a list to pick from instead of having to make it up as I go.

After doing my shopping for October I had $13 left from my Budget plus my allotted $ for weekly fresh food. Of course I had forgotten a few things and had to go back the next day but over all a success.

I had 25 days to plan for this month. Once I got to the store I subed pork chops for ham because I found some on sale.

Monthly Meals
1. Hamburgers
2. Frozen Pizza
3. Spaghetti /Garlic Bread
4. Sloppy Joes, Ranch Style Beans CP
5. Pork Roast w/ Root Beer and BBQ Sauce CP
6. BBQ Sandwich CP
7. Stew
8. Chicken Curry
9. Salmon Patties
10. Chicken Velveeta Spaghetti
11. Beans and Fried Potatoes
12. Taco Soup CP
13. Burritos w/leftover Taco Soup, rice
14. Lima Bean Casserole CP
15. Chicken Mexi Casserole w/ beans, rice
16. Lentil Soup Moroccan CP
17. California Tamale Pie CP (As soon as I perfect this dish I'll share it!)
18. Stuffed Bell Peppers, Hummus, Homemade Pita
19. Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
20. Tator Tot Casserole
21. Chicken Velveeta broccoli and Mac
22. Chicken Stir Fry w. rice
23. Porkchops w/ scallop potatoes
24. Chicken pot pie
25. Beef Fajitas

I want to share with you my Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe. It all started with the pita bread. And then the Hummus. I'm on a real bread making kick and have explored several different types. I'll share more in another post.

But this is about Stuffed Bell Pepper goodness.

Ingredients

4-6 Bell Peppers

(I like the fat, short ones so they stand up on their own.)

1-2 Cups Cooked Chicken, chopped

1 Onion, chopped

3-4 Garlic cloves, chopped

1 can of Chopped Tomatoes and Chilies (Rotel)

1 cup Cooked Rice

1/2 cup Black Beans w/juice

(I cook my own but you can use canned.)

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

3 T of Greek Seasoning

I was going for a Greek feel to the meal with the pita and hummus but Eli tells me that they don't use tomatoes or beans in Greek cooking. It's still good.

Directions

Saute onions and garlic in 2 T oil on medium heat until onions are almost transparent. Add Chicken, Salt and Pepper to taste and 2 T of Greek Seasoning. Stir and cook till onions are all the way done or all the oil is absorbed. Add rice and mix. Add Tomatoes/ Chilies, Beans and another T of Greek Seasoning. Stir and cook until heated.

Preheat Oven to 350.

Wash Bells. Cut tops off, about 1 in below top. Remove core and seeds. I heard on a cooking show you should never rinse the inside of the bell because it takes away from the flavor. So just tap out any extra seed. If a few stay in that's really no problem. Rub oil over outside and place "cup" side up in glass dish.

Stuff with Chicken and Rice mixture. Place lids back on and place in oven for 25-30 mins or until outside of bell is starting to turn brown/black and soft.

Serve with homemade pita chips and Hummus!

Weekly Weigh In- Bike/Jogging Stroller

2011-09-16T11:24:00.001-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6

Last Weeks Weight: 160.6

Current Weight: 160

+/- Week: -.6

+/- Total: -25

ARRRRGGGGGG!!!!!!

Why can't I get out of the 160's?????

When I weighed yesterday I was 159.6 and sooooo excited! But not today.

I only exercised twice this week. I really need to shred everyday but the kids are on a "sleep till 8am" streak and I don't want to mess that up. We did go out in the bike trailer as a jogging stroller the other day. I can't wait for Lily to get a little bigger, get both kids a bike helmet and hook it up to the bike!

Here's before the walk/jog:

Here's after:

Poor Lily! There is not much support for her. Anyone have any ideas how to keep her from slouching? I was thinking a rolled up blanket under the belt between her legs.

Go link up with Brandy.

I'm not really sure why some of my text is highlighted in white. Sometimes I hate blogger.

Sew Sew Sew

2011-09-15T12:47:00.002-05:00

Sorry I've been a bad blogger but I'm sewing up a storm and haven't even taken time to upload the photos I've taken. I have almost 300 pics of the kids and my crafts on my camera. I haven't even done Miss Lily's 8 month update.

I am selling at a Craft Fair for the very first time in November!

I have gotten 4 dresses done (minus a few hems and some buttons) in the last week and a half. I want at least 20 done by the Fair.

I also made Lillian a tutu as part of her Halloween costume. (I made her stand up for these pics. She was only up for the little bit of time it took to snap the photos.)

I've been going to the thrift store at least once a week and finding great fabric skirts, dresses and material to upcycle. I have a whole list of stuff to sew!

Weekly Weigh In

2011-09-09T09:34:00.001-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6

Last Weeks Weight: 161.4

Current Weight: 160.6

+/- Week: -.8

+/- Total: -24.4

At this rate I'm never going to get out of the 160's! I exercised a few times this week.

I also started back to yoga on Saturday. This was my first class that wasn't pre-natal or post-natal since I was pregnant with Lily (around 17 months). It was a "flow" class so you do one move, hold and then "flow" into the next. I think we did about 20 downward dogs. It felt so good to be moving my body again. I love yoga.

I also discovered how my right side is seriously tight and stressed. I feel like I'm about 2 inches shorter on that side. Yoga will help. It's really amazing how it helps to really feel your whole body.

When you have monkeys climbing all over you all day it's nice to be alone not thinking about anything but not falling over.

Do you do Yoga?

Goal: 8lbs by end of Sept.

-2.4

Camping In

2011-09-05T10:20:00.002-05:00

I discoverd Ethan and Lily inside the Bear Tent the other morning.

Can you see her new two top teeth?

They were having so much fun!

It's so neat to watch them grow together and become friends.

Monthly Meal Planning/ Once a Month Shopping- September

2011-09-03T15:37:00.002-05:00

As I looked back through my old post for the recipe for Chicken Spaghetti I realized I use to write really long, detailed Meal Plan post with great recipes and photos. That was before I had a toddler and an infant!

I've been doing Once a Month Shopping for a few months now. I slacked off during the summer but I'm ready to hit it full force again and will be adding a Monthly Meal Plan to help me stay focused on what we truly need to buy.

I have 25 days to plan for this month. I don't include Fridays because we always have lots of leftovers. I also only plan for the evening meal (except on Sunday when it is Lunch). Eli takes leftovers to work and Ethan and I eat either leftovers or sandwiches and cottege cheese. I buy a ton of frozen veggies and cook them most nights.

Monthly Meals
1. BBQ Pulled Pork (CP)
2. BBQ Chicken (CP)
3. Pork Chops
4. Tuna Casserole
5. Black Eyed Pea Soup (CP)
6. Ck Mexi Casserole
7. HM Tomato Soup w/ Grilled Cheese
8. Pinto Beans w/ fried potatoes
9. Beef Fajitas
10. Spaghetti HM Sauce
11. BBQ Beef on HM Rolls
12. Hot Dogs w/Chili
13. Hamburgers
14. California Tamale Pie
15. Sloppy Joes (CP)
16. Cajun Pulled Pork Roast
17. Lentil Soup
18. CK Enchiladas
19. CK Parmesan (CP)
20. CK Curry (Box mix)
21. CK Pot Pie HM
22. Velveeta CK Spaghetti
23. CK Asparagus Casserole
24. CK Fried Rice
25. Cowboy Beans

Key
CK- Chicken
CP- Crock pot

Most of my recipes come from A Year of Slow Cooking and her first book. I also have a few other Crock pot cook books. If something on the list looks interesting just leave it in the comments and I'll post it!

I went to Target on the 1st and they had their hamburger meat 1.99/lb. I also found 3 pork roast (2lbs each) for 2.86 each! I need to find some bone in chicken to make shredded chicken and chicken broth. The only canned items I buy are canned tomatoes. I make my own chicken broth and cream of chicken and always use dried beans.

I like this method of Monthly Meal Planning instead of Weekly because I can pick anything off my list to make. I'm not "scheduled" to make a particular meal.

After completing my shopping (it did take me two trips) I have one thing I want to work on for next month. When I plan my meals I will start with the items I already have on hand. This time around I have meat in the freezer from last month that I have no plans on cooking this month. I would spend less on meat if I was using what I had on hand before buying something different.

Here are two blog post that helped me along:

Raising Arrows- Master Grocery List
We Scream Buttercream- How I Meal Plan

Happy Meal Planing!!

Weekly Weigh In

2011-09-02T08:19:00.000-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6

Last Weeks Weight: 162.6

Current Weight: 161.4

+/- Week: -1.2

+/- Total: -23.6

Yea!!! I did my shred twice this week. I'm really looking forward to getting out of the 160's.

I might have to do something special like buy some designer fabric. I love up-cycling but sometimes you just need something new, pretty with a high thread count.

I really like the way my thighs don't rub together as much when I walk.

It's the little things in life.

Goal: 8lbs by end of Sept.

-1.6

Go see Brandy at You Don't know and link up.

Boots for Lily

2011-08-30T14:33:00.001-05:00

Now that we are moving to Oregon, Lily needs a pair of pink Boots.

I found these at the thrift store for $1.50.

They won't fit until next fall/winter but they were so cute I couldn't pass them up!

She was a bit more interested in watching Ethan play in the water then in the Boots. But I know she will love them when she gets to wear them!

Happily Homemaking in......Oregon!!

2011-08-29T08:40:00.001-05:00

In case you haven't heard we will be moving to Oregon the first of
March 2012!!

Eli got a Faculty job at Oregon State University in Corvallis!!!!
This is a wonderful opportunity for him and our family. I know he will do a great job.

Go Beavers!

Although we are sad to be leaving our friends and family here in Texas

we are so excited to be moving to this beautiful State and wonderful City.

A little about Corvallis:

We are an award-winning City that has been recognized as one of the best college towns, one of the top ten places to live, and as having the highest Peace Corps volunteers per capita and the most green buildings per capita. The City was recognized for exceeding standards established by the International City Manager’s Association Center for Performance Measurement and was ranked #1 on the Environmental Protection Agency's national list of Green Power Communities. These are just a few examples of why we are a one-of-a-kind community that is sure to capture your heart! (Source)

Designated a "Bike-Friendly City", Corvallis has many miles of bike paths, trails, and roadside bicycle lanes. Many miles of mountain bike trails, ranging from easy to very technical, abound in the outskirts of the city, with the highest concentration present in the Oregon State University research forest. (Source)

According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency report on its “green power communities,” Corvallis buys more power from renewable resources than any other city in the nation. Corvallis purchases more than 100 million kilowatt-hours of green power annually, which amounts to 13 percent of the city’s total purchased electricity. (Source)

These among many other things makes Corvallis a great place to live and raise our children.

As of now, Eli will end work here at UT the end of February and we will leave the beginning of March. I'm sure it will take us at least 4 days to drive there. I don't like to drive after dark and we will have a 3 and a 1 year old!

Over the next few months I will keep you updated on "The Move" progress. There is not much we can plan and put into action this far in advance in regards to moving. As for now, we are just talking and dreaming of our new life!

First Day of "School"- MDO

2011-08-26T13:19:00.003-05:00

Ethan started back to his "school" today! He goes to a Mother's Day Out program twice a week for 4 hours.

I don't think he knew why I was taking his picture in the front yard. He didn't want to take his hand out of his mouth.

I finally got him to give me some what of a smile without his hand!

Hands in the mouth again, he turned for a moment to let me snap a photo before running off to the playground.

Here he was last year on the first day. Look how much he's grown! Oddly enough he is still wearing these clothes.

I can't wait to pick him up to see how his first day went.

*Teacher said he had a great day! He didn't say a word all day (not surprising) until story time. Then he stood off by himself and told his OWN story. To himself. She said she couldn't get him to sit down with the rest of the group. Then he wouldn't nap until about 15 minutes before I pick him up. I guess he was just too excited about his first day!

Weekly Weigh In

2011-08-26T12:20:00.001-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6

Last Weeks Weight: 163

Current Weight: 162.6

+/- Week: -.4

+/- Total: -22.4

Not much but more then nothing.

I think I ate too much cake this week.

No exercising.

A bit stressful.

Tomorrow is another day.

School Days

2011-08-25T06:57:00.003-05:00

While the kids and I were shopping at the thrift store we ran across this picture frame. I passed by it thinking that my babies were too little to need this right now.

But before we know it we will be here......

And not too long after that we will be here......

He loves it.

We will hang it in his room and add a new picture each year.

And when it is full and he has graduated from High School and moved on to College I will move it out into the Living Room so I can remember the day we bought it.

Wordless Wednesday- Lizard in the Bathroom

2011-08-24T10:29:00.000-05:00

When Dad's Away the Boy will Play

2011-08-21T13:51:00.002-05:00

Weekly Weigh In

2011-08-20T14:33:00.000-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6

Before I left for Vacation: 163.8

When I got back from Vacation: 165.6

Gained 1.8lbs on Vacation.

Current Weight:163

+/- Week: -2

+/- Total: -22

Not too bad. I gain a little while camping with my parents but managed to get it off again in one week. Now I just need to start exercising again.

And set another goal. Let's see...... How about I hit -30lbs total by end of September? That's 8lbs. I can do it!!!!

Now I really have to start exercising.

Hope everyone else did well!

Pink Sheets are for Girls

2011-08-18T14:30:00.000-05:00

Eli is gone to the Gulf to dive for Coral.

I am alone with both kids for the first time.

For 5 days.

Wish me luck.

Lily and I decided that while Daddy is out of town we will have pink sheets on our bed.

We love the softness.

And the pinkness.

Pink diapers go well with pink sheets.

Ethan Learns to Fish

2011-08-15T14:20:00.001-05:00

Grandpa Scotty teaches him to use the button. Drop, reel in, repeat.

"Hey! I got this!" (Don't you just love the crossed legs?)

Fishing takes concentration.

Maybe baby sister can help? No way!

Then Uncle AJ taught him to toss the line. This could go on all day if we let it.

But it was worth it to see how happy it made him!

I especially like the squatting position.

He even let Momma help!

Next time maybe we will let him tie a little minnow on the end. No hooks yet, though. Hopefully Daddy will be there to teach him that!

Lily Dawn 7 Months Old- A Trip to OZ

2011-08-11T12:24:00.001-05:00

We just returned from a family vacation to visit my sister April in Kansas. She took Lily and I to visit the OZ museum in Wamego, KS.

It all starts with the Ruby Slippers.

Do you see the Witch in the upper window?

This place was amazing!

The OZ museum was built with a major grant from the State of Kansas and the generosity of the people of this small community, who also provided thousands of hours of volunteer time. The museum houses more than just memorabilia from the famous 1939 MGM musical starring Judy Garland! It encompasses earlier silent films, one of which starred none other than Oliver Hardy (Laurel and Hardy fame) as the Tin Man as well as "The Wiz" starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

(Taken from the website.)

There was tons of memorabilia from everything OZ. Starting with the original L. Frank Baum books to all the movies and ending with the Broadway Musicals.

Return to OZ

Love this movie!

To end it all there is a little house that fell on the Witch!

Thank you Aunt April for taking us to OZ!!!

At 7 months Lily has her two bottom teeth and looks like the top may come in any day. She is really getting around now and is almost crawling with both her arms and legs. She is on the second rise of her One Size Cloth Diapers and wears a 4 (same size as Ethan!) when she is in disposables. She is wearing some 9 month clothes but mostly 12 month!

Everyone who meets her says she is such a peaceful and happy baby. She is growing up too fast!

Weekly Weigh In- Why does Stress make me want to Eat?

2011-07-29T11:50:00.000-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6
Goal: Not to Gain while on Vacation

Current Weight:163.8

+/- Week: -.2

+/- Total: -21.8

Negative

Our AC has been out for 2 days. It's been over 100 every day.

Ethan pooped in the bath tub.

Then I gave him grapefruit juice and it gave him diarrhea. For 2 days.

And a rash on his inner thigh that makes him walk funny.

Then he got stung by a wasp between his fingers.

Poor little boy.

AC guy just put his foot through the roof of the garage.

I've been eating so much crap plus the heat is making me nauseous.

We went to buy fans at Target and we left with a bag of Chips and cookies. Then we ate at Taco Bell. I ate the chips while in line at Taco Bell.

I haven't done the Shred in a week.

We leave for vacation on Tuesday and I no plans to do it before then.

I've let Ethan and Lily watch TV all day for the past 2 days. It's so hot I don't want them to have to move around too much. And I don't want to have to chase them.

Positive

We rent so at least we don't have to pay for the new AC!!

It was only out for 2 days.

The new unit is both AC and Heating! (we've been having problems with both since we moved in 4 years ago.)

I did lose .2lbs. Better then gaining.

I have increased my water to keep my self from getting dehydrated.

The kids don't seem to be too bothered by the heat. It's mostly Eli and I who are grumpy ;)

We get to go visit my sister next week!!!

Hope you are doing okay in this heat.

WW- Recycling- Start them early!

2011-07-27T13:18:00.000-05:00

Little Ethan is getting the hang of recycling! We have 2 trash cans in our kitchen: one with a bag for trash and one without a bag for recycling.

I found a paper stencil at Joann's for 50c and used a green sharpie to trace it on the can. Isn't it great! I can't wait to use the rest of the stencils in different projects.

Ethan seems to know what can and can't be recycled. He gets mad when I try to throw something away that should be recycled. He even knows it should be rinsed out before going in the can! Just goes to show you how little eyes are watching everything we do.

Coral from the Gulf

2011-07-25T12:38:00.000-05:00

This weekend we took a trip to Eli's lab to see the new Coral one of his co-workers collected from the Gulf of Mexico. (Thanks Sarah!) Lily didn't seem too interested but Ethan loved them!

Ethan's new favorite words are "coral" and "fish". He loves to watch them on u tube with his Daddy.

We must get a fish tank soon!

Remember the first time we took Ethan to see the Coral at Eli's lab (Augs 2009)? He loved it then, too!

Ethan and His Sister "Woolly"

2011-07-22T13:27:00.000-05:00

Ethan has a hard time saying his "L's". When you ask him "Where's Lily?" he points to her cheek and says "Woolly".

The name has kinda stuck because even I've found myself calling her Woolly!

He loves her so much. Sometime when I turn around for even a second I find him laying on top of her while she laughs hysterically.

They will talk back and forth with one another and just laugh!

30 Day Shred- Day 18

2011-07-22T08:47:00.000-05:00

I did Level 2 AGAIN today!! I can fell it in my arms. The weights really help (thanks mom).

The only reason I got up and did it is because I knew I had to post on my blog. Thanks for making me accountable.

Level 2 is not as intense as Level 1 but has more strength to it. I can really fell it in my arms. Or maybe I'm just in better shape then I was a few weeks ago.

I still can't stand looking at Jillian while doing the work out. Her top is really too low cut. You would think she would know her target audience ( middle aged, overweight, busy women) would not really want to look at her cleavage while almost passing out trying to get in shape. Please cover up, Jillian.

Weekly Weigh In- 30 Day Shred- Day 17

2011-07-21T09:12:00.000-05:00

I did Level 2 today and I'm so glad I did! Level 1 was getting "easy". This was the first time I did Level 2 with the weights vs the cans. Big difference.

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by July 28: 165

Current Weight:164

+/- Week: -2.6

+/- Total: -21.6!!!!

I haven't been counting my points but I seem to be doing okay. I've been keeping my self busy by sewing so I haven't been snacking as much.

We have a play date at the mall so I have to make this short.

Hope you had a great week!

(Join my FB page.)

30 Day Shred- Day 16-Tuesday

2011-07-20T14:49:00.001-05:00

I missed Four days!!! How did that happen???? Friday I met mom to pick up Ethan, who knows what I was doing on Saturday (being lazy) Sunday was church (again lazy for not getting up early enough) Monday I had to take my car in early to have the brakes fixed. I finally got around to working out yesterday (Tuesday).

Today was again a no go. I really enjoy the work out. It's just hard to get up, get dressed and do it.

Tomorrow is another day.

I have 11 days before we leave to visit my sister. If I hanker down and get all 11 in I can make it up to 27- that's pretty close to 30.

TurtleBug Sewing

2011-07-20T14:44:00.002-05:00

Take a look at my Sewing Blog- TurtleBug Sewing!! I'm adding new things all the time. I've also got a Facebook Fan Page!

Weekly Weigh In- 30 Day Shred- Day 15

2011-07-14T09:24:00.000-05:00

Half way there!!!!! I wonder what happens when the 30 days are over? Maybe I'll never have to work out again.

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by July 28: 165

Current Weight: 166.6

+/- Week: -2.6

+/- Total: -19!!!!

I'm totally going to make my Goal! In fact, 10% off my starting weight is 19lbs so I've hit 10%!

It feels really good.

I've decided to only do the Shred every other day. It's better on my knees. So I need something to do on the off days. Anyone have a great/fun workout they love to do? I'd like some kind of dance DVD that doesn't cost very much. The Zumba DVDs only come in big, expensive sets.

Go see Brandy @ You Don't Know-

Lily Dawn 6 Months Old

2011-07-13T11:50:00.023-05:00

Oh, Miss Lily! When did you get so big????

Not only are you rolling around everywhere, you are up on your hands and knees pushing or pulling yourself forward! I expect you to really start crawling any day now.

You have two bottom teeth. You are eating a little solid food (once a day) that includes bananas, avocados, yellow squash, butter nut squash, sweet potatoes, and plums. You love to eat!

At your check up (7/11/11) you weighed 17lbs 2.8oz (76%) and you were 25.5in long (42%).

You have moved into 9 month clothing but are still wearing some 6-9 month. It's so hot in Texas that sometimes we don't really even want to wear much!

30 Day Shred- Day 13 and 14

2011-07-12T10:07:00.000-05:00

I worked out on Saturday, skipped Sunday and Monday and was back at it today (Tuesday). I really don't want to skip 2 days in a row again. It was tough today.

My knee is feeling better but I could feel the strain on it today. The top of my right foot is feeling better because I changed shoes. I'm sure my shoe was rubbing it wrong.

My mom brought me her hand weights (thanks mom!). I used the 1.5 lb ones today. Big difference from the 14.5 oz cans I was using ;)

I did sneak a weigh in this morning and have lost 3lbs! But it doesn't count until I weigh Thursday on my official weigh in day. But it give me hope.

I'm thinking about mixing it up and adding in a different DVD exercise. Maybe some kind of dance or Zumba? What do you think? The only problem is I can't find a single DVD of Zumba. They only sell a big $50-100 sets.

Any great work out DVD's that you love?

Ethan's New Friend

2011-07-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

This is the second time he has been here today.

He stayed long enough for me to take 40 pictures!

Ethan thought he was so funny.

Until they both got distracted by Willy Wonka on the TV.

I think he wants to move in.

I really think he might be my Harry Dog reincarnated.

Harry would have loved to turn into a squirrel!

Weekly Weigh In- 30 Day Shred- Day 12

2011-07-07T08:32:00.000-05:00

Oh, how I did NOT want to work out this morning. My knee is feeling better but is still sore. I'm icing it now in hopes it doesn't get any worse.

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by July 28: 165

Current Weight: 169.2

+/- Week: -.4

+/- Total: -16.4

Well, it's better then gaining. And with all the cake and ice cream I ate this week I should be very glad I didn't gain.

With all this working out just think how much weight I could lose if I was not eating so much??????

30 Day Shred- Day 10 and 11

2011-07-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

1/3 of the way there! WHOOO!!! I did skip the 4th because I had company coming over and needed to do a lot of stuff.

My left knee hurts and the top of my right foot. So I went back down to Level 1 because it has less "knee" work. But now that I know some more advanced moves I can add them in as long as it doesn't involve the knees.

It sucks getting old.

Potty "Learning" Day 2

2011-07-03T08:13:00.000-05:00

Eli was with Ethan for the whole morning so he did the running back and forth to the potty. I took the afternoon shift.

He only peed in the potty once and that was because he was using it as a chair to watch Willy Wonka.

He pooped a tiny bit while I was feeding Lily her squash. Then he pooped in the bath tub.

Every time I ask him if he needs to pee pee on the potty he yells.

I think we will go with a different approach. We will put him on the potty when ever he is naked: first thing in the morning, diaper changes, before bath. Then once a week or so we can have pants free day.

Maybe he will be potty trained by college.

30 Day Shred- Day 9

2011-07-03T08:07:00.000-05:00

I skipped Saturday because Eli got up with the kids so I could sleep in. After that I didn't really feel like getting dressed to work out. I went to the grocery store instead.

I love this time of year. The produce is so cheap and fresh!

Today I was back to it. I didn't want to do it but I did.

Level 2 is a lot more work on your upper arms and shoulders. I hold a lot of tension and stress in my shoulders so it feels good to work it out.

Jillian's sports bra is cut way too low in Level 2.

Potty "Learning" Day 1

2011-07-02T14:08:00.001-05:00

I waited till after I did my Shred and had my coffee before I told Ethan he was going pants free all day. He was not amused.

He kept pointing to the diapers wanting me to put one on him. Then he laid down on the foot stool where we change him and would not get up. Nor would he wear a shirt. So he was naked all morning.

He peed on the floor a few time and I rushed him to the potty saying "Pee Pee goes in the potty. Yea, Ethan pee pee in the potty!!" No pee ever actually made it into the potty.

Then we would clean it up.

The first few times he looked at me like I was crazy and would jump up as soon as I put him on it. Then he looked down at himself and I asked him "Do you need to pee pee? Pee Pee on the potty!" So he sat down on it all on his own! And read the back of Willy Wonka DVD.

He sat there for quite awhile but never did anything. We went about an hour with nothing. Then it was time to put Lily down for her nap. I told him "If you have to pee pee get on the potty!".

As I nursed Lily to sleep I hear him yelling in the living room. He didn't make it to the potty. So we cleaned it up.

After lunch I see him thinking really hard about something. As soon as I knew it was coming I saw it, jumped up saying "Poo Poo on the potty!!!!!!!", pulled the potty toward us and tossed him onto it. We didn't make it.

I did a lot of laundry, lots of towels and sheets. Thankfully I had put cheap shower curtains under the sheets.

There was lots of dancing around the wet pee pee.

I let him go outside naked after that. He then came in and I put him down for his nap in a diaper.

After a few hours in a diaper he had peed so much! I guess he was holding it all in until the diaper went back on.

The rest of the afternoon was a blur of peeing and running to the potty and cleaning it up. I think he can hold it because I saw him peeing just a little so I put him on the potty and nothing. Then a few minuets later he peed again on the floor.

Eli came home for work about an hour before it was time for Ethan to go to bed. As soon as he got home Ethan started peeing and Eli ran him to the potty. That was the only time all day he got pee in the potty.

Here's hoping day 2 goes a bit better and Ethan get's the idea.

30 Day Shred- Day 8

2011-07-01T08:54:00.000-05:00

I moved to Level 2 today. It was harder with different moves then Level 1. I liked it because it worked different muscles then Level 1. I can see skipping around from level to level each day to work your whole body.

I have plastic shower curtains covered by sheets on the floor for Ethan's potty learning that starts today so I was slipping and sliding around the floor. I'm going to have to move them out of the way tomorrow so I don't fall and break something.

Weekly Weigh In, 30 Day Shred Day 7!!!

2011-06-30T09:29:00.000-05:00

One week down!!! I made it with out passing out. My body feels better. My skin looks better. I have more energy thorough out the day. I'm so glad I'm doing this.

I'll be moving to Level 2 tomorrow. Let's see if I am still as excited after I get through it. We are also starting "Pants free Weekend" with Ethan tomorrow to see if we can potty "learn" him. Wish us luck.

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by July 28: 165

Current Weight: 169.6

+/- Week: 0

+/- Total: -16

No loss this week but no gain. I haven't been super careful with what I've been eating but I haven't been too crazy either. I have not been tracking my points. Let's see if I can get back to that this week. I would probably see more of a loss if I did. Ethan's been watching Willy Wonka all week and I've really wanted some chocolate but have resisted the urge.

I am loving those freezer pops that come in the plastic. You know the ones you buy and they are still liquid and you bring them home and freeze? They are only 1 point each! Much needed treat on a hot day.

Wordless Wednesday- Bath Time!

2011-06-29T09:50:00.000-05:00

I couldn't get a shot with both of them smiling at the same time so you get two photos today!!

30 Day Shred- Day 6

2011-06-29T09:09:00.000-05:00

Wow! Day 6 already! My endurance is defiantly better and I am feeling less strain on my muscles while and after the workout.

I did not want to get up this morning. Lily was up normal times but was in her crib awake for awhile and I just couldn't go back to sleep knowing she was in there awake and alone.

But of course I did get up and I worked out and I'm glad I did!

Week 1 ends tomorrow!! We'll see how well I did on the scales.

Ethan Lukas 2 1/2 (30 months)

2011-06-28T15:18:00.001-05:00

Our sweet boy is 2 1/2!

Oh, how happy you make us and how we love you so!

He loves to run, jump, swing and slide. He love playing in the water and bubbles. He loves baths but NOT getting his hair washed or washing his ears.

We have discovered his love for tomatoes! He loves his red pillow with the frogs (but will only sleep on the red side), his light green blanket and his koala bear. He carries his LeapTop with him every where. He can count to 10 on his fingers, knows all his letters and will hold up 2 fingers when asked "How old are you?". He loves his little sister.

At 30 Months:

Weight- 30lbs

Height- 34.5in

Head- 49.6cm

My first born.

30 Day Shred- Day 5

2011-06-28T14:10:00.000-05:00

I know it is silly to think I can already see a change in my body after only 5 days but I really think I am less jiggly. I also can see my waist coming back! I can feel my arms are a bit more toned.

I am still getting a good workout with Level 1 but I can really tell it was much easier today then when I started. I think I will do Level 1 tomorrow and Thursday and then moved to Level 2 on Friday.

And my Mom is bringing me some weights when they visit in a few weeks! Until then I just keep using the cans.

30 Day Shred- Day 4

2011-06-27T09:22:00.000-05:00

I got a lot more sleep last night and woke up around 6:30. I forgot I had to do the Shred while I was doing a few things around the house. When I remembered I almost thought about talking myself out of it.

But I didn't. And I'm glad I got it over first thing.

I haven't bought any weights yet and have just been doing the motions empty handed. Today I grabbed 2 cans of tomatoes. They are a little less then a pound each but do provide a bit of resistance. And it did make a difference.

I'll be happy to get rid of my under arm fat so Ethan will stop pinching it.

30 Day Shred- Day 3

2011-06-26T16:19:00.000-05:00

I only got 2 hours of sleep last night and was up for the day at 6am with both kids. I tried to rest on the couch but between Lily getting her legs caught in her crib bars (the crib is in the living room) and Ethan wanting to watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and hitting me over the head with the DVD case, I did not get any more sleep.

So I got up and did the Shred.

Every day it gets easier. It's still a hard workout and I can feel muscles working I haven't used in 10 years. I know I am getting stronger and have more energy even with so little sleep. I even talked Eli into washing our cars by hand today!

I look forward to hitting one week.

30 Day Shred- Day 2

2011-06-25T08:01:00.000-05:00

Day 2 went much better then day 1. I don't feel as sick to my stomach as yesterday. I got up at 7am with the kids and thought I should get it over with before I ate anything and that seems to have helped.

I still wanted to fall down during the exercise but I didn't.

My arms and legs don't feel as much like jelly.

Ethan enjoyed it more today. He enjoyed crawling under me while I was doing squats and sitting on top of me while I did crunches.

I just keep thinking that maybe at the end of the 30 days I'll be able to fit into my clothes again.

30 Day Shred- Day 1

2011-06-24T15:46:00.000-05:00

After reading all of the links for Fat Ass Friday I felt the need to get up and exercise. I then remembered I had bought Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred DVD and I have NEVER done the workout.

So I did it.

And now I feel like my arms and legs are going to fall off. But that's the point right? The fat will just melt away? I also feel a little like I'm going to throw up.

It only takes 20 minutes but another 30 to get up off the couch.

I want to document it on here so I am accountable for doing it until the end.

It's cheaper and takes less time then going to the gym. I do need to get some hand weights. How much should I start out?

Wish me luck.

Starting Weight: 169.6

Weekly Weigh In

2011-06-24T14:23:00.002-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by June: 19lbs total

Current Weight: 169.6

+/- since my last post: -1.4

+/- Total: -16

Well, I'm back. I haven't been doing much "watching what I eat". I've gained and lost, gained and lost over the last month and thankfully I'm on the losing side for my total. I'm looking at joining a gym next month. They have a pretty good deal going on and I think I can get out of the house after the kids go to bed. I can even take them with me if I like the day care center. I really want to get these last 25lbs off!

My new goal: down to 165 by end of July. It's back to chicken every meal!!!!

I did just make 2 pies so maybe I'll start on Monday????

Lily Dawn 5 Months Old

2011-06-24T14:07:00.001-05:00

Miss Lily Dawn is 5 months old! (6/11/11)

She is the sweetest little girl.

As long as we keep up with her nap schedule and bed time, that is.

And as long as she gets to nurse whenever she wants.

Just like Big Brother, she loves music and loves for me to sing to her. She is more then ever fascinated with Ethan and lights up when he comes into the room. She is almost always grinning and will laugh out loud when I tickle her belly. Her favorite sound is to see how loud and high pitched she can get her voice to go. She doesn't like to have on socks and shoes. She will kick at them until she gets them off. She won't sit in anything but the walker. No Bumbo, kick-n-play, or swing. She would rather be on the floor rolling around and playing with her brother. Or being held by Mom or Dad. She will lay in her crib with the mobile on for a little bit.

I'm not sure what she weighs but she is still in 6/9 month clothes. They are a bit tight when she has her cloth diapers on. We are using a mix between cloth diapers (second snap for one size) and size 3 disposables. Sometime I just don't feel like washing diapers :(

See the tooth?

At the end of the month we started her on solid food. Just like Ethan, we started with avocados and bananas. The first few times she was confused but quickly got the hang of it. Sweet Potatoes are next. She started getting her first tooth (bottom front right) on June 11! She has started getting up on her hands and knees and trying to push herself forward. I don't remember Ethan ever doing that. He did his "crab crawl"!

Ethan's First "Real" Haircut

2011-06-19T18:48:00.000-05:00

I have cut Ethan's hair before but it was never very much at a time. I have not cut it since before Lily was born and she is 5 months! It was long over due. I really liked his hair long but I could tell it was starting to bother him.

Here he is before:

Here he is now:

It was really hard to get him to sit still to cut it even with Eli's help. I put on some music and we sang and danced while I cut a bit here and there. It's a little wonky in a few places but it will do!

It's taken me a few days to get use to it but he seems happy that it's not in his face anymore. It's nice and cool for our HOT Texas summer.

Lily Dawn 4 Months Old

2011-06-01T21:00:00.001-05:00

My Sweet Lily. 4 Months old already. (5/11/11)

She weighs 14lbs 11oz and is 24 inches long.

She is still sucking her thumb!

She is rolling both from belly to back and from back to belly.

She loves to smile. She loves her big brother.

She is reaching for toys and putting them right into her mouth.

She is wearing size 6-9 month clothes.

Her eyes are dark blue and sometimes I see some green.

We love our little Lily Bean!

Weekly Weigh In

2011-05-19T12:21:00.002-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by June: 19lbs total

Current Weight: 171

+/- for Week: +.8

+/- Total: -14.6

I fell off the wagon this week. I didn't count points. I didn't care what I ate. I ate chips and salsa. I ate ice cream and cake and I didn't even care. Not sure why I didn't care but I didn't. So I'm thankful I only gained .8. I guess everyone has these kinds of weeks.

We are off for vacation this Saturday so I won't post next week. I'm going to have a good time and not worry about the pounds!

Weekly Weigh In

2011-05-13T14:37:00.001-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by June: 19lbs total

Current Weight: 170.2

+/- for Week: -1.6

+/- Total: -15.8

I had my post written and published yesterday and I don't know where it went. If it shows up again please don't think I'm crazy for writing two Weekly Weigh In's this week!

I'm excited to hit 15lbs lost! Less then 4lbs away from my 10%. It was my birthday yesterday and I don't think I ate one vegetable. I did eat some fruit if you count the strawberries with sugar on top of my cake topped with real whipped cream (thanks Eli!).

I do want to start exercising so I walked a few times last week. Every little bit helps.

Brandy does Couch to K and Zumba. She inspires me :)

Weekly Weigh In

2011-05-12T12:23:00.000-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by June: 19lbs total

Current Weight: 170.2

+/- for Week: -1.6

+/- Total: -15.4

It feels good to hit that 15lb mark! Less then 4lbs away from 10%. Today's my Birthday so I'm going to eat whatever I want but I didn't plan well because I would have had more tasty things in the house. Like Funyuns. or brownies. That is probably good. I may stick the kids in the stroller and walk to the corner store to buy some. I'll burn most of the calories off that way!

I really need to start exercising. I know I would lose more/faster that way. Plus firm up the flabby parts.

Brandy does Couch to K and Zumba. She inspires me :)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T08:23:00.000-05:00

Weekly Weigh In

2011-05-06T09:08:00.000-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by June: 19lbs total

Current Weight: 171.8

+/- for Week: -1

+/- Total: -13.8

Well, I didn't make my 10% goal yesterday but I did lose 1 lb. I'm re-goaling myself for June 3. I'm sure I can lose 5lbs by then! I'm making it a long time because I have various vacations/reunions in the next month with lots of great food.

Go see Brandy- She gives away cool stuff!! I won!!!

Lily's Baby Shower

2011-04-29T16:29:00.003-05:00

The day before Easter we were given a Baby Shower for Lily by my church in Oklahoma. It was wonderful and we felt so loved by all those who attended and sent gifts. She will be the best dressed baby for the next year!

This beautiful quilt was made by a friend of my Moms.

Lily spent part of the time asleep.

It was really neat to have a baby shower with the baby there.

This is the yummy cake I've been eating on for the past week!

A special thanks goes to my Mother's cousins for setting everything up and making sure everyone had a great time.

After the shower we stopped by Great-Grandma's house to visit and show off some of the gifts we were given.

Thank you to all who attended and sent gifts!

Here a two of her new outfits:

The bonnet was mine and my sisters before me! So glad my little girl gets to wear it now.

Texas Blue Bonnets

2011-04-29T15:03:00.000-05:00

We took pictures of the kids in the Texas Blue Bonnets for our Easter card this year. I thought it would be fun to show you a few that didn't make the cut.

There were very few bad ones of Ethan. He has gotten really good at smiling for the camera.

There were many funny ones of Lily. I still working on her modeling training :)

This is right before Lily had a sneezing attack. But isn't her dress pretty? I got both her dress and Ethan's button down shirt at the thrift store for less then $2 each!

We never did get a good one of the two of them together. But they are still cute when they are upset.

Here's the final card. Hope you all had a great Easter!

Weekly Weigh In (2 weeks)

2011-04-29T11:45:00.000-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by May 5: 19lbs total

Current Weight: 172.8

+/- for Last Week: +1.2

+/- for This Week: -2

+/- Total: -12.8

I only gained 1.2lbs while traveling and lost the week of Easter so I am pretty even for the last 2 weeks. That is really saying something with all the great food and cake I ate! It looks like I won't make it to my 10% by my Goal of May 5 but I am still moving in the right direction. I wish I would get out and exercise more but the weathers been really hot here in Texas. I think I just need to catch up on my rest from all the traveling.

Hope you had a good week!

Weekly Weigh In

2011-04-14T09:53:00.002-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by May 5: 19lbs total

Current Weight: 173.6

+/- for Week: -2.6

+/- Total: -12

I'm super excited about my weight loss this week. I was not expecting to lose anything. I feel like I have lost the momentum I had when I started. I guess weight loss is like a road with lots of hills- up and down.

I still have motivation- to fit into my clothes. We are going on a trip this week and I need something to wear. Nothing fits..boo. I think I am going to go buy a new dress for Easter just so I don't have to wear the only dress I have that fits. It's black and I hate wearing black on Easter.

As for our trip- We will be eating out for 4 days, every meal- 2 days of that in an airport. Any tips on making good choices? I love fast food and I'm pretty sure I could eat cheese burgers and french fries for every meal. I really don't want to gain.

Link up with Brandy at You Don't Know-

Lily Dawn 3 Months Old

2011-04-12T15:55:00.001-05:00

Lillian Dawn is 3 months old!!

She is really a dream baby. She is happy most of the time, takes 2 good naps a day, is in bed by 6 or 7 and is sleeping 6 to 11!! hours without waking! I do miss having her nurse through the night but I am getting a lot of much needed rest.

When she is awake she is so much fun to have around. She loves her big brother Ethan and laughs every time he is around.

.She still weighs around 12lbs but has moved up to 6 month clothing. She is even wearing some 6-9 month! Her Easter dress is 9 month!

She is wearing size S cloth diapers and is fitting into her own one size cloth diapers. She is wearing a size 2 in disposables.

Such a sweet little girl!

Fun Weekend

2011-04-11T11:28:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of post lately. As I said before, Google was not letting me add any photos until I bought more space. I've taken care of that so now I have space for 20,000 photos! Let's see if I can fill it this year.

Ethan, Lily and I went to the Nature and Science Center with some friends last week. Ethan had so much fun playing in the huge "sand" pit. It is sectioned into 4 areas and each area had lots of toys for digging. Ethan decided we needed all the toys in our area so he worked on bringing them all over. Thankfully he didn't take any from any other kid.

Lily is doing great. She turns 3 months old today! I'll have an update on her tomorrow.

This weekend Eli carved Lily's name into the family cradle and we took photos of Lily in it. We couldn't get a good photo of the two of them together! Go here to see Ethan in the cradle. The cradle is now on it's way to the next little family member due to be born sometime at the end of this month.

Weekly Weigh In

2011-04-08T07:24:00.000-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6
10% Goal by May 5: 10lbs

Current Weight: 176.2

+/- for Week: -.6

+/- Total: -9.6

Not too exciting this week. At least I didn't gain! Hopefully this week will be better. I sometimes just don't want to watch what I eat but then I remember that none of my clothes fit and I'm going to the beach this summer.

On a side note, I haven't posted any baby updates because Google wants me to give them some money to store my photos. Every time I go in to pay them the site is down. Boo.

Go see Brandy.

Weekly Weigh In

2011-04-01T08:46:00.000-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6
5% Goal by April 1: 9lbs

Current Weight: 176.8

+/- for Week: -1

+/- Total: -9

Hit my 5% Goal!!!!!

New 10% Goal of 10lbs by May 5th

This week was another tough one. I didn't write down my points until the last few days. I weighed on Tuesday and had gained 2lbs so I started tracking and ended up losing 1lb. I'm pretty sure it's the breastmilk. I always weigh after I nurse Lily.

I ate a lot of Ice Cream. And this morning I opened up Blogger and saw this:

Oh, Pioneer Woman, how you make my mouth water.

These are Chicken Tacos. Fried. With the Chicken INSIDE. I would add guacamole.

Now onto my new goal of 10%. Is it 10% from your starting weight or from your current weight? I'm going to stick with 10lbs as a goal by May 5th, 5 weeks. I guess I won't be eating or cooking any of these tacos any time soon.

Link up with Brandy. You'll love her and she gives away cool stuff-

Weekly Weigh In

2011-03-25T16:05:00.000-05:00

Starting Weight: 185.6
5% Goal by April 1: 9lbs

Current Weight: 177.6

+/- for Week: -3

+/- Total: -8

Almost to my 5% Goal!!!

Because I'm Breastfeeding, WW says I shouldn't lose more then 1lb per week and that I should add more points on if I am losing more then that. I don't agree! I'm eating all my points plus my extra weekly points. My milk supply is great. I am going to start eating some oatmeal and drinking Mother's Milk Tea just to make sure it stays that way.

Yea for Weight Loss + Breastfeeding!!

Link up with Brandy-

Family Visit

2011-03-24T11:21:00.000-05:00

We've had an exciting week with both Jee Jee (my mom) and my sister April visiting! Jee Jee came down for the weekend to help with my garage sale and April came on Monday.

Aunt April taught Ethan how much fun it is to kick the ball around the back yard.

She also bought him a bear tent that he loves! He takes his stuffed animals and his books inside.

Hard Week

2011-03-17T19:58:00.001-05:00

This week was hard on me. I had several emotionally breakdowns and wanted to eat everything in site. We ate fast food TWICE this week because I didn't want to cook. The first time I did okay on points, only going over 5 for the day. But the second time I made the wrong choices and probably used all my extra points for the week and the food didn't even taste that good! I didn't walk at all this week.

We've been eating a lot of grilled chicken salads and chicken salad sandwiches. Flat Out bread has a lot of low point options. I've been using the Flat Out fold over for 3 points each. My mom said she found some that are 2 points and I'm keeping an eye out for those.

Salsa has become my friend. I make my own from Here and I eat it on everything because it's FREE! I hardly miss the chips ;)

Has anyone else noticed that the Weight Watcher 1 point Ice Cream Bars are now 3 points? I will not pay that much $ or points for them. I found the Blue Bell Chocolate Bars are also 3 points but a bit smaller and they are cheaper.

With all that being said, I lost 3lbs!!

Starting Weight: 185.6
5% Goal by April 1: 9lbs

Current Weight: 180.3

+/- for Week: 3

+/- Total: 5

I ordered Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred so I'll have a work out to do if I don't get to walk. I'll let you know how it goes.

Hook up with Brandy @ You Don't Know. She Rocks.

She's a Thumb Sucker!

2011-03-16T13:22:00.000-05:00

My sweet girl has started sucking her thumb! She even put herself to sleep today with it.

Spring Time!

2011-03-14T10:25:00.001-05:00

It's that time again! Time to get outside and get dirty. Eli "loves" when I suggest working outside because he always ends up doing most of the work. I take care of the babies.

Ethan loves planting and playing in the dirt.

Even though we didn't get one tomato last year we planted them again. We are only doing tomatoes and peppers. Got to love that Texas heat!

Eli loves to plant flowers in our flower bed even if they never survive and hardly ever make any more flowers. Ethan decided these flowers needed to be picked before they were planted. It's amazing how many flowers he pulled off before we caught him.

My herb "garden". I have mint, basil, cilantro, and yes, I am trying to grow rosemary again. I think this is my 5th time?

I love the spring!

Can you Afford that Cookie?

2011-03-11T07:46:00.000-06:00

*I like to look at my WW points as currency. When I start to eat something I think to myself a few things:

Can I afford this?
Is this worth spending my points?
If I eat this will I have enough left over for another snack? (I'm always thinking ahead to my next meal!)

I have thrown away food that did not taste good enough to waist points on (like some of those frozen "diet" meals). You may think you have "so many" points but by the end of the day there just are never enough.

The new PlusPoints program puts a higher weight on Carbs (except for fruit which is free) so the things I use to eat that were low in points are now higher in points. Sometimes as much as 3 times! Being a Carb (bread, chips, potatoes, beans) addict this has been hard on me. For example: I use to take a pita, cut it up and toast it in the oven and use it to dip beans and salsa for a total of 3 points. Now 1 pita is 3 points and 1/2 cup of beans are 3 points! I've had to change my eating habits which I guess is the whole point of the new program.

I've made sure to have veggies in our dinner every night, something I wasn't doing before. I buy a big bag of frozen and cook them in the microwave. Fill up on the veggies because they are free!!

I walked almost every day this week. It sometimes takes me 1/2 an hour just to get out of the house. After getting everyone ready then nurse the baby then someone needs a diaper change and then the other one needs a diaper change then strap the baby on in the Ergo and Ethan in the stroller then we are out the door. Whew!

Everyone else is doing it so I guess I will too. Here it is, my weight.

Starting Weight: 185.6

Current Weight: 183.6

+/- For week: -2

+/- Total: -2

I'm joining in with Brandy @ You Don't Know for her Fat Ass Fridays.

*I started WW when I was a Senior in College (2002) and have been doing the program off and on ever since then.

Lily Dawn- 2 Months Old

2011-03-10T09:45:00.000-06:00

Sweet Baby Lily is 2 months old! At her last weigh in she was 11lbs 12oz. We will go to the Doctor next week for her 2 month check up and shots.

Her eyes are still dark blue and look a little green to me in some light.

Big Brother is still enjoying playing with her and wants to be held by whoever is holding her!

She is smiling socially and is already loving the camera.

I am now starting to track her sleep patterns and working on getting her on a schedule. I'm still in love with the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth. She takes several naps in the day and sleeps for a long stretch (4-7 hours) at night in her own bed.

As soon as we got over RSV she got a clogged tear duct. Poor baby's eye swelled up and had goop coming out. I put breast milk in it every time we nursed and washed and massaged it with a cloth and she was good as new the next day.

She is starting to reach for toys that are in front of her and will grab on to them if I put them in her hand.

How fun it is to watch her grow and learn!

Losing It

2011-03-04T08:53:00.001-06:00

Weight, that is. I'm ready to start seeing the pounds drop off. I don't care where they go just as long as they are not on my thighs. I love being pregnant and having babies. I love eating. What I don't love is my thighs rubbing together when I walk and my clothes not fitting. I live in yoga pants because that's all I have that fit. I'm pretty sure the people at Walmart think I'm homeless. I refuse to buy any bigger clothes.

I started the new Weight Watchers program on Thursday. The new point system is a bit different then the old one but I love how many points I get. I get an extra 14 per day because I breastfeed Lily! I need them because I'm hungry all the time. Every time I do the WW plan I am amazed at what I put in my mouth. It makes me accountable to write everything down. When I do start to eat something I think about writing it down and it keeps me from over eating. I try to keep my water with me everywhere I go but still can't seem to get the 8 glasses in a day. Once Lily is all better I want to start walking at a near by park that has an excellent trail. I think I'll push Ethan in the walking stroller and have Lily in the Ergo carrier. We haven't gotten a double stroller yet.

I don't think I'm brave enough to post my weight on here but I will keep you updated on how much I lose (or gain).

*Updated to add:
I have a short term 5% goal of 9lbs I would like to be at by the first of April.

I'm joining in with Brandy @ You Don't Know for her Fat Ass Fridays.