So I've been thinking to myself. Self...what can I do that would help me to lose weight and stick to a plan? The idea I had. Join a weight loss group. A group of like minded people who are practically trying to lose weight in their every day busy life. No matter if you have kids or not, no matter if you have 100 pounds to lose or 5. A place where people won't judge you...and won't cost you an arm and a leg. THAT is what I need. A group that meets weekly, close to my home (or in my home) where we can talk about our weeks, our struggles and maybe talk about some new ideas and things we can do to help each other. Talk about some new foods we've tried and like.
So now I have the idea. Now I just need the people. So who's with me? I'll "Lead" the group! We can meet where ever but my house will always be open (provided you don't judge me by the fact that it looks like a bomb has gone off in there 3 minutes before you arrive) We can find a time that works for most people and we can have healthy snacks, hang out and talk about our struggles, our accomplishments and just in general have a safe place that we don't have to feel judged for our choices. (anyone who knows me I've been on and off the wagon 9 trillion times)
So WHO'S with me?! I don't care how many people. 1,2 or 20.
Either comment here, On Facebook or you can email me and we'll start getting things set up! I sure hope you join me. Lord knows I could use the help and I think that this could be just what I need!
You can EMAIL ME here by the way.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Weekly Wrap Up. An No I'm Not Talking About Lunch.
So I've been super busy at work lately. It's kinda nice. I mean it feels good to truly be needed here and know they they would struggle without me. I like feeling needed and like it matters if I am here or not. On the downside though, my COUPON book looks like someone attached it with a scissors and not in a good way. I also don't have much time for emails or keeping up with my blog. Though these days I don't feel like I have a whole lot to say anyway.
On the coupon front, I'm still managing to chug along. Last week I actually saved 47% of my bill using coupons! I got some great stuff including $.63 Hamburger Helper, a few deodorants and body washes and stuff that were on sale AND a buy one get one free coupon with them. So I stocked up on those. Let's just say Adam won't have any excuse to be smelly for a while as he now has SIX deodorants waiting for him in the cupboard. And No I don't think I'm turning into one of those people. I don't really buy much in qty's like that actually. Only stuff I know won't expire, soaps, diapers etc. Yes, I'm totally justifying it. It does make me sad though that I won't need to buy some stuff for a while but it's also a good thing, I can start moving into the "actually spending less money cause we are stocked up on stuff already" phase. Which is nice and will certainly make Adam happy. But it works out great that I can kinda pick and choose and my nerdy self started a spreadsheet for prices so that I know if I'm really getting a good deal or not, as I've been burned a few times on stuff and I want to avoid that if I can. Cause really, Just cause you HAVE a coupon for it doesn't make it a good deal. Do your research. Someday I hope to post some good deals on here when I can find the energy to get around to it. There are a few good deals this week at Coborns for General Mills cereals, Pillsbury croissants, and go-gurt and stuff.
Anyway. The girls are good. We took a few nights to really be strict with the Baby's sleeping schedule and that seems to be working so far, she has been sleeping a little better. Getting up earlier but at least she is sleeping all night so it's nice to get a few more hours in a row of sleep. But man we had a few rough nights in there. I can't believe how much she's changing every day. Adam and I have been taking videos of her like crazy lately but they are stuck on our phones. So one of these days I'll have to get those off and post them. That baby has an amazing laugh. Lily is still VERY much into the princesses. "*poof* I change you into a beautiful princess". Honestly I don't think I can count how many times I hear that in a day. I'm ok with this, I get to bat my eyelashes and be beautiful for a few minutes a day anyway.
We took Lily fishing a few weekends ago, of course we didn't catch any fish but she had fun trying I think.
Adams workplace just got sold to another large bank. So we aren't sure what that is going to mean for us...as of right now nothing I suppose. But gradually things will probably change. I just hope that our benefits stay awesome, but I guess we just won't know until the takeover is complete and all that.
Hmmm What else? We had a couple of really hot days but other than that it's been so nice. Lower 70's I'd be totally fine with that all summer. But eventually it's going to hit us hard I imagine. Hoping to get to the beach and go swimming with the girls this summer too but we'll see what it brings I guess.
On the coupon front, I'm still managing to chug along. Last week I actually saved 47% of my bill using coupons! I got some great stuff including $.63 Hamburger Helper, a few deodorants and body washes and stuff that were on sale AND a buy one get one free coupon with them. So I stocked up on those. Let's just say Adam won't have any excuse to be smelly for a while as he now has SIX deodorants waiting for him in the cupboard. And No I don't think I'm turning into one of those people. I don't really buy much in qty's like that actually. Only stuff I know won't expire, soaps, diapers etc. Yes, I'm totally justifying it. It does make me sad though that I won't need to buy some stuff for a while but it's also a good thing, I can start moving into the "actually spending less money cause we are stocked up on stuff already" phase. Which is nice and will certainly make Adam happy. But it works out great that I can kinda pick and choose and my nerdy self started a spreadsheet for prices so that I know if I'm really getting a good deal or not, as I've been burned a few times on stuff and I want to avoid that if I can. Cause really, Just cause you HAVE a coupon for it doesn't make it a good deal. Do your research. Someday I hope to post some good deals on here when I can find the energy to get around to it. There are a few good deals this week at Coborns for General Mills cereals, Pillsbury croissants, and go-gurt and stuff.
Anyway. The girls are good. We took a few nights to really be strict with the Baby's sleeping schedule and that seems to be working so far, she has been sleeping a little better. Getting up earlier but at least she is sleeping all night so it's nice to get a few more hours in a row of sleep. But man we had a few rough nights in there. I can't believe how much she's changing every day. Adam and I have been taking videos of her like crazy lately but they are stuck on our phones. So one of these days I'll have to get those off and post them. That baby has an amazing laugh. Lily is still VERY much into the princesses. "*poof* I change you into a beautiful princess". Honestly I don't think I can count how many times I hear that in a day. I'm ok with this, I get to bat my eyelashes and be beautiful for a few minutes a day anyway.
We took Lily fishing a few weekends ago, of course we didn't catch any fish but she had fun trying I think.
Adams workplace just got sold to another large bank. So we aren't sure what that is going to mean for us...as of right now nothing I suppose. But gradually things will probably change. I just hope that our benefits stay awesome, but I guess we just won't know until the takeover is complete and all that.
Hmmm What else? We had a couple of really hot days but other than that it's been so nice. Lower 70's I'd be totally fine with that all summer. But eventually it's going to hit us hard I imagine. Hoping to get to the beach and go swimming with the girls this summer too but we'll see what it brings I guess.
Friday, June 10, 2011
My take on Marriage
So take this with a grain of salt as I have only been married for 4 years, which isn't super long but it's pretty good so far.
Marriage is hard. People tell you that but sometimes you don't really realize just how hard it is until 3:00 in the morning when your second baby is screaming for the second time that night and you are both sleep deprived and want nothing more than to just run off to Mexico....wait....I digress. Couples fight, people fight. When you spend as much time with the same person as you do with a husband or a wife there are bound to be some times of tension. Times when maybe you could really just use a little vacation apart. There are times when you both take each other for granted and times when you both need to communicate a little better. No matter how much time passes sometimes things you say while arguing still sting and will remain a touchy subject forever.
Whoever thinks kids will fix problems in a marriage obviously don't have kids. While I would never trade my girls and my husband for anything. It is trying sometimes. It's hard to remain unselfish and to think of others more than you think of yourself. (for me anyway, if you're a saint this blog ain't for you) It's hard to remember to think positively and be kind. It's hard to tell someone how much you appreciate them.
But then again, nothing worth having comes easy. And marriage can be wonderful and fun. It's nice to have someone to complain to and to laugh with and cry with (ok so Adam isn't a cryer and he seems rather irritated when I do cry. but the point remains)
At the end of the day I need to learn to be more kind and patient and learn to communicate my feelings with everyone a little better and that will make for a happier me, and a happier marriage. Cause damn, I sure do love that man.
Marriage is hard. People tell you that but sometimes you don't really realize just how hard it is until 3:00 in the morning when your second baby is screaming for the second time that night and you are both sleep deprived and want nothing more than to just run off to Mexico....wait....I digress. Couples fight, people fight. When you spend as much time with the same person as you do with a husband or a wife there are bound to be some times of tension. Times when maybe you could really just use a little vacation apart. There are times when you both take each other for granted and times when you both need to communicate a little better. No matter how much time passes sometimes things you say while arguing still sting and will remain a touchy subject forever.
Whoever thinks kids will fix problems in a marriage obviously don't have kids. While I would never trade my girls and my husband for anything. It is trying sometimes. It's hard to remain unselfish and to think of others more than you think of yourself. (for me anyway, if you're a saint this blog ain't for you) It's hard to remember to think positively and be kind. It's hard to tell someone how much you appreciate them.
But then again, nothing worth having comes easy. And marriage can be wonderful and fun. It's nice to have someone to complain to and to laugh with and cry with (ok so Adam isn't a cryer and he seems rather irritated when I do cry. but the point remains)
At the end of the day I need to learn to be more kind and patient and learn to communicate my feelings with everyone a little better and that will make for a happier me, and a happier marriage. Cause damn, I sure do love that man.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Happy Half Birthday!
I can not believe how fast time is going these days. I can't believe that my baby is 6 months old. Honestly I knew it was going to go fast and yet it felt like this day would never get here. It's been a little bumpy at times but I think over all it's been worth it.
I don't have weight and length stats as her 6th month appointment is scheduled for next month. Blech.
At 6 months old Claire can...
...roll over both ways (a task that lily couldn't accomplish until she was 7 months old)
...is thisclose to sitting up by herself. (Lily sat up on her own on her 6 month date exactly)
...loves to eat. she'll eat anything you give her as well. (((My good eaters)))
...is so easy to get her to laugh.
...is incredibly ticklish.
...prefers mommy over anyone else.
...most of the time only wakes up once a night...but will sleep through the night occasionally.
...is a great sleeper but not so great of a napper (for me anyway) usually putting herself to sleep at night. (Something Lily really struggled with, she had to be OUT before you could put her in the crib)
...still thinks her big sister is the coolest little girl around.
...will hopefully not have to wear her helmet for much longer as she made a VAST improvement in the first month, going from 16mm to 8mm (anything under 6mm is normal) So she will hopefully go to part time wear sooner rather than later.
....thinks stuff feels weird without her helmet and rubs her head on the floor or you or whatever when she has it off. (I am hoping she'll adjust ok to not wearing it)
...is getting into a pretty good daily routine with her napping and eating which I think is helping a lot with her sleep at night as well.
...always wants to be a part of the action.
...puts everything in her mouth and is a faucet of drool
...isn't a big fan of "strangers"
...is a great baby that we are blessed to have in our lives!
Pictures to come.
I don't have weight and length stats as her 6th month appointment is scheduled for next month. Blech.
At 6 months old Claire can...
...roll over both ways (a task that lily couldn't accomplish until she was 7 months old)
...is thisclose to sitting up by herself. (Lily sat up on her own on her 6 month date exactly)
...loves to eat. she'll eat anything you give her as well. (((My good eaters)))
...is so easy to get her to laugh.
...is incredibly ticklish.
...prefers mommy over anyone else.
...most of the time only wakes up once a night...but will sleep through the night occasionally.
...is a great sleeper but not so great of a napper (for me anyway) usually putting herself to sleep at night. (Something Lily really struggled with, she had to be OUT before you could put her in the crib)
...still thinks her big sister is the coolest little girl around.
...will hopefully not have to wear her helmet for much longer as she made a VAST improvement in the first month, going from 16mm to 8mm (anything under 6mm is normal) So she will hopefully go to part time wear sooner rather than later.
....thinks stuff feels weird without her helmet and rubs her head on the floor or you or whatever when she has it off. (I am hoping she'll adjust ok to not wearing it)
...is getting into a pretty good daily routine with her napping and eating which I think is helping a lot with her sleep at night as well.
...always wants to be a part of the action.
...puts everything in her mouth and is a faucet of drool
...isn't a big fan of "strangers"
...is a great baby that we are blessed to have in our lives!
Pictures to come.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Happy Birthday Big Girl Lily!
Well it's been a while since I did a major update for Lily. Anyone who has kids will tell you that even though they do still change quickly and stuff but not quickly enough to really warrant a monthly update I guess. So here goes.
At 3 years old Lily....
...is completely, 100% potty trained. We don't even wear pull ups at night anymore.
...probably knows more words than I do.
...is so independent. Rarely wanting help of any kind.
...loves to read story books, and can remember stories almost word for word.
...recognizes probably half of the letters of the alphabet by sight.
...would wear pretty princess dresses every second, of every day if she could.
...is SUPER stubborn.
...cannot be told of things ahead of time because that girl is an elephant and remembers things, even the smallest most mundane details of things for MONTHS on end.
...absolutely loves her baby sister and very rarely has anything bad to say about her. (the feeling is mutual)
...is starting to give up her nap. It's about a 50/50 chance we can get her to take her naps now. Instead opting for "quiet time".
...loves all things edible. It's hard to find something she doesn't like, but like all kids, she goes through phases where she prefers things more than others.
...hates having water poured on her head in the bathtub.
...had her first dentist appointment, which went swimmingly. No cavities and her teeth look great, though the dentist said to prepare for braces. The poor girl has my overbite. Lucky her.
...thinks Max and Ruby is really just the bees knees.
...loves to help clean and do chores (if only it would last).
...says that when she grows taller she is going to have coffee with me and have a scissor and knives.
...gets pushed around a bit by other kids since she is so kind hearted and mostly soft spoken.
...is kinda klutzy.
...is not even remotely a baby anymore (unless you call the screaming tantrums baby-like) but a beautiful little girl instead.
And as much as some days I'd love nothing more than to run off to the Caribbean with the pool boy, I can think of no other little girl I'd rather spend my time with. She is amazing. Sweet, funny, bright, beautiful and such a wonderful ball of energy (if only she'd share that energy) We really are blessed to have such an amazing 3 year old in our lives.
Happy Birthday Princess Lillian! We love you!
At 3 years old Lily....
...is completely, 100% potty trained. We don't even wear pull ups at night anymore.
...probably knows more words than I do.
...is so independent. Rarely wanting help of any kind.
...loves to read story books, and can remember stories almost word for word.
...recognizes probably half of the letters of the alphabet by sight.
...would wear pretty princess dresses every second, of every day if she could.
...is SUPER stubborn.
...cannot be told of things ahead of time because that girl is an elephant and remembers things, even the smallest most mundane details of things for MONTHS on end.
...absolutely loves her baby sister and very rarely has anything bad to say about her. (the feeling is mutual)
...is starting to give up her nap. It's about a 50/50 chance we can get her to take her naps now. Instead opting for "quiet time".
...loves all things edible. It's hard to find something she doesn't like, but like all kids, she goes through phases where she prefers things more than others.
...hates having water poured on her head in the bathtub.
...had her first dentist appointment, which went swimmingly. No cavities and her teeth look great, though the dentist said to prepare for braces. The poor girl has my overbite. Lucky her.
...thinks Max and Ruby is really just the bees knees.
...loves to help clean and do chores (if only it would last).
...says that when she grows taller she is going to have coffee with me and have a scissor and knives.
...gets pushed around a bit by other kids since she is so kind hearted and mostly soft spoken.
...is kinda klutzy.
...is not even remotely a baby anymore (unless you call the screaming tantrums baby-like) but a beautiful little girl instead.
And as much as some days I'd love nothing more than to run off to the Caribbean with the pool boy, I can think of no other little girl I'd rather spend my time with. She is amazing. Sweet, funny, bright, beautiful and such a wonderful ball of energy (if only she'd share that energy) We really are blessed to have such an amazing 3 year old in our lives.
Snow Lily
Sleeping Lily
Monday, May 23, 2011
Good Morning Blog Followers
Wow, it's been a while. To put it the easy way. I'VE BEEN SO BUSY. 90% of the time at work I feel like I am a chicken running around with my head cut off. Which is ok really. It's nice to be busy and it's nice to be needed cause everyone who knows me, knows that I need to be needed. The only downside (besides not getting my daily nap...j/k) is that I don't have the time to keep up with my blog and all my other internets. So I've pretty much ONLY been keeping up with Facebook and my email. On the plus side, my days FLY by these days, I mean look at the date? It's already May 23rd. Where the heck did the rest of May go? I surely don't know.
So what's been going on you ask? Well not a whole lot. I don't want to update too much on Lily since her birthday is this week (Thursday) and I have a big post in the works for that. And Claire turns 6 months next week so I want to save stuff to add for that. So that leaves the children out. So what else is there to say.
We Adam has waged a war on the Squirrels around our house. With some clever pellet gun usage and a few live traps we are hoping to get this problem taken care of swiftly and get the holes in our house patched up. I'm so happy that after several years of this we are finally taking some action and getting some results! It's a good feeling even if it's not as instant as I'd like.
We're also having problems with our drain in the basement, heaven forbid you run two things at once (dishwasher and shower, or whatever) because the basement drain backs up all over the floor. It's really just not fun. Most likely tree roots in the line, which is not fun and we aren't looking forward to dishing out the money to have it fixed. Blech. But it has to be done I guess.
We've done some work out in our 3 season room too (or really Adam has) We got the TV working out there and he took the pellet stove out so that we can have more room for all of the girls' junk. It's really nice, and it's actually crazy to me how much space there is out there now without that in there. Adam plans to use it out in the garage, which will be a great use of it since our girls are so little and that thing is not exactly kid proof.
I'm still working diligently on the coupon front. I haven't posted many of my good deals, which I really should. LOL. Maybe I'll make Wednesday my Deal day here. I will post some of my local match ups and good deals. Usually by Wednesday I have my list together and have gone through most of my ads. It'll be nice to have the structure.
I think that is about all the updating I have for today. I have a ton of work as I just am here 3 days this week. Thursday is Lily's birthday and so we are going to do something special with her and then Friday I took off to get ready for lily's party on Saturday! I'll update on Thursday with lily's 3 year update!
So what's been going on you ask? Well not a whole lot. I don't want to update too much on Lily since her birthday is this week (Thursday) and I have a big post in the works for that. And Claire turns 6 months next week so I want to save stuff to add for that. So that leaves the children out. So what else is there to say.
We're also having problems with our drain in the basement, heaven forbid you run two things at once (dishwasher and shower, or whatever) because the basement drain backs up all over the floor. It's really just not fun. Most likely tree roots in the line, which is not fun and we aren't looking forward to dishing out the money to have it fixed. Blech. But it has to be done I guess.
We've done some work out in our 3 season room too (or really Adam has) We got the TV working out there and he took the pellet stove out so that we can have more room for all of the girls' junk. It's really nice, and it's actually crazy to me how much space there is out there now without that in there. Adam plans to use it out in the garage, which will be a great use of it since our girls are so little and that thing is not exactly kid proof.
I'm still working diligently on the coupon front. I haven't posted many of my good deals, which I really should. LOL. Maybe I'll make Wednesday my Deal day here. I will post some of my local match ups and good deals. Usually by Wednesday I have my list together and have gone through most of my ads. It'll be nice to have the structure.
I think that is about all the updating I have for today. I have a ton of work as I just am here 3 days this week. Thursday is Lily's birthday and so we are going to do something special with her and then Friday I took off to get ready for lily's party on Saturday! I'll update on Thursday with lily's 3 year update!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
This Just In...
Miss Lily is officially potty trained! She stays dry ALL day and even at night sometimes. She Poops in the potty and is Super excited about it! I couldn't be prouder of her. Only a few weeks til she turns 3 as well!
Miss Claire got her helmet! She doesn't mind the helmet itself but she isn't a big fan of getting it off and on. Which I can't say I blame her, it's a snug fit and seems to kind squish her head as it goes on.
I'm SUPER busy at work. It's crazy actually. In the entire almost 6 years I've worked here I've never been so busy. It's nice and a pain at the same time. The days go by pretty fast but sometimes it can be stressful. Or stressful for me anyway, any normal person who's used to having so much to do and managing projects would probably call it a cake walk. But I hate dealing with problems and trying to fix them. That isn't really my strong suit. But I'm doing good. At least I think so. It's also why I don't update as much as I should.
Adam is busy at work too, but he always is, so that's nothing new.
We got new phones. The upfront cost was rough because we didn't get a deal on the phones. BUT it will save us a ton of money in the long run as we went with a prepaid plan with no contracts and it's just $25 a person for unlimited data and messaging with 300 minutes. Perfect plans for us and it moved us into the current century with our phones so we're happy about that.
Easter was good. We had two Easters and both were great. Lily loved the Easter bunny and hunting for eggs and such. One of these days I'll post some pictures. As usual I'm really behind with that.
Hmmm. That's all I can think of for now, I just thought I would do a quick update so ya'll don't think I've forgotten about you.
Miss Claire got her helmet! She doesn't mind the helmet itself but she isn't a big fan of getting it off and on. Which I can't say I blame her, it's a snug fit and seems to kind squish her head as it goes on.
I'm SUPER busy at work. It's crazy actually. In the entire almost 6 years I've worked here I've never been so busy. It's nice and a pain at the same time. The days go by pretty fast but sometimes it can be stressful. Or stressful for me anyway, any normal person who's used to having so much to do and managing projects would probably call it a cake walk. But I hate dealing with problems and trying to fix them. That isn't really my strong suit. But I'm doing good. At least I think so. It's also why I don't update as much as I should.
Adam is busy at work too, but he always is, so that's nothing new.
We got new phones. The upfront cost was rough because we didn't get a deal on the phones. BUT it will save us a ton of money in the long run as we went with a prepaid plan with no contracts and it's just $25 a person for unlimited data and messaging with 300 minutes. Perfect plans for us and it moved us into the current century with our phones so we're happy about that.
Easter was good. We had two Easters and both were great. Lily loved the Easter bunny and hunting for eggs and such. One of these days I'll post some pictures. As usual I'm really behind with that.
Hmmm. That's all I can think of for now, I just thought I would do a quick update so ya'll don't think I've forgotten about you.
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