Gosh, remember Y2K? It seems like yesterday to me. Now we are four hours away from 2008!! Ca-RAZY. Our family decided to spend the last day of 2007 in the car, driving home from my parents' house. We made the trip safely, though our sound-ness is always in question. My children felt the need to wake up at 5:30 this morning and then NOT sleep at all during the day, so they have been in bed since 6:15. Yes, on New Years' Eve. We are lame and are doing our best to raise the next generation to be as lame as us. It's our duty. We can't all be party animals. The world would implode if there was no one getting a good night's sleep to guard the world from the dangerous sleep deprived zombies who stayed up too late banging pots and pans in the street. You can party your hearts out and sleep, knowing that the lame-os of the world will make sure that the sun rises at its normal time the next day. You're welcome.
And just so you know, I am posting from my beeyouteefull new computer. It is so pretty. And fast. And wireless. I have a webcam, but I have been too afraid to use it. I don't look too pretty after five hours in a car. Maybe I will ring in the new year with a shower.
And just so you don't think I am a COMPLETE loser, Brian and I will stay up until midnight playing Wii and watching Pirates of the Caribbean. Feel better now?
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Christmas 2007-- The Cliffs Notes Version
I know that in blogger years I am horribly late with my Christmas Recap, but we have been at my parents' house and there hasn't been much time to sit and update the blog. Plus, I left the camera cable at home, so I don't have any pictures. Oh, well.
We had two Christmases this year since we didn't want to schlep all of the gifts to grandma's house. So on Sunday we opened most of the gifts under our tree and just brought a choice few for the real day. Good thing, too. Since my siblings and parents had PLENTY of things to open. We had almost the entire family around. Megan and John drove up for a few days, and Katie and her husband Brandon live around here. Jacob and Emily are in Vegas and weren't able to make the trip, but hopefully we will see them this summer. They were missed.
The Favorite Gifts
The Family -- Santa brought a Wii. Jillise has already kicked everyone's hiney in bowling.
Brian -- His "big" gift was a trip to Vegas at Thanksgiving to see his beloved Tarheels play. He also got Guitar Hero for the Wii. He has been up until all hours of the night playing it and speeding the onset of arthritis.
Paige -- I got a new laptop computer. Woo hoo!! I am so excited. It was actually delivered AFTER Christmas (no -- it's not on my front porch, don't worry) so I haven't seen it yet, but I can't wait. And I am the proud owner of a Pioneer Woman 2008 calendar. SO very fun. ;)
Jillise -- Her Webkinz and Barbie Girl have been big hits -- making me that much more grateful that I will have my own computer so I don't have to be interrupted every 10 minutes by little girls asking me if they can play. She also got some books, the game Sorry (we've played multiple times this week), some art stuff, new pjs, and some dolls.
Joelle -- also got a Webkinz, though the website is still a bit advanced for her to navigate alone. She got a HUGE dollhouse, but it is still in the box back at home. She had asked Santa for a My Little Pony, but on Christmas morning all she saw was her Koala Webkinz and she burst into tears. SkyWishes the pony put a smile on her face though, and Christmas was saved. Phew. Santa needs to do a better job of putting the requested toys in plain sight. She also got some books, dolls, games, and new jammies.
Jaren -- he gave us a great gift by starting to WALK. Hip hip hooray! He can also get up and DOWN the stairs now (because I forgot to pack the baby gate) and loves to climb. For Christmas he got cars. And trucks. Lots of them. He is in heaven.
**As a side note, watching my children discovering their Santa treasures and other gifts I was reminded again of just how blessed we are. I feel so fortunate that we can give our children the things they asked for and then some. We were in a position this year where we were able to do some service to others to help make their Christmas memorable and I am thankful for that blessing. I think that our faith, stability, jobs, family, and friends are what made this Christmas so wonderful.
The Weight loss
I officially lost 23.4 lbs in the challenge. It worked out to be 15.?? % My mom lost something like .4 more than me, but our percentages were about the same. I haven't done as well AFTER the weigh in, though. Too many cookies and treats lying around. I can't wait to be over this cold and back in the gym.
Projects
I had some sewing gifts I was going to make, but since my last foray into the world of following patterns was the great Snow White Halloween Costume Fiasco of 2003 (where so much time, money, blood, sweat, and tears was put into making one stinking dress that I will now ALWAYS buy premade ones), I decided to wait until I had my mom around to help before I started them. So they will be New Years gifts. Or Martin Luther King day gifts, depending on how soon I get them in the mail. I have completed two and a half of them and I think they look SO cute. I am pleased with them, though my back is killing me . I would have finished the third, but the bobbin tension in my mom's sewing machine went wacko and she has to take it in. (She says it's not my fault -- it has needed to be tuned up for a while, but I can't help but feel guilty.)
The After Christmas Sales
I scored big this year. I can't wait to decorate next year. I just hope I have enough room in the car to get it home.
Sports
We are fitting our trip back home around basketball and bowl games. Brian and my dad have watched hours and hours of games every night. Thank goodness I had my projects to do.
And I think that about wraps it up. We should get home on Monday and we will pack everything up and continue on with life as we know it. I about passed out when I saw the Valentines stuff up at Target. How quickly we move on...
We had two Christmases this year since we didn't want to schlep all of the gifts to grandma's house. So on Sunday we opened most of the gifts under our tree and just brought a choice few for the real day. Good thing, too. Since my siblings and parents had PLENTY of things to open. We had almost the entire family around. Megan and John drove up for a few days, and Katie and her husband Brandon live around here. Jacob and Emily are in Vegas and weren't able to make the trip, but hopefully we will see them this summer. They were missed.
The Favorite Gifts
The Family -- Santa brought a Wii. Jillise has already kicked everyone's hiney in bowling.
Brian -- His "big" gift was a trip to Vegas at Thanksgiving to see his beloved Tarheels play. He also got Guitar Hero for the Wii. He has been up until all hours of the night playing it and speeding the onset of arthritis.
Paige -- I got a new laptop computer. Woo hoo!! I am so excited. It was actually delivered AFTER Christmas (no -- it's not on my front porch, don't worry) so I haven't seen it yet, but I can't wait. And I am the proud owner of a Pioneer Woman 2008 calendar. SO very fun. ;)
Jillise -- Her Webkinz and Barbie Girl have been big hits -- making me that much more grateful that I will have my own computer so I don't have to be interrupted every 10 minutes by little girls asking me if they can play. She also got some books, the game Sorry (we've played multiple times this week), some art stuff, new pjs, and some dolls.
Joelle -- also got a Webkinz, though the website is still a bit advanced for her to navigate alone. She got a HUGE dollhouse, but it is still in the box back at home. She had asked Santa for a My Little Pony, but on Christmas morning all she saw was her Koala Webkinz and she burst into tears. SkyWishes the pony put a smile on her face though, and Christmas was saved. Phew. Santa needs to do a better job of putting the requested toys in plain sight. She also got some books, dolls, games, and new jammies.
Jaren -- he gave us a great gift by starting to WALK. Hip hip hooray! He can also get up and DOWN the stairs now (because I forgot to pack the baby gate) and loves to climb. For Christmas he got cars. And trucks. Lots of them. He is in heaven.
**As a side note, watching my children discovering their Santa treasures and other gifts I was reminded again of just how blessed we are. I feel so fortunate that we can give our children the things they asked for and then some. We were in a position this year where we were able to do some service to others to help make their Christmas memorable and I am thankful for that blessing. I think that our faith, stability, jobs, family, and friends are what made this Christmas so wonderful.
The Weight loss
I officially lost 23.4 lbs in the challenge. It worked out to be 15.?? % My mom lost something like .4 more than me, but our percentages were about the same. I haven't done as well AFTER the weigh in, though. Too many cookies and treats lying around. I can't wait to be over this cold and back in the gym.
Projects
I had some sewing gifts I was going to make, but since my last foray into the world of following patterns was the great Snow White Halloween Costume Fiasco of 2003 (where so much time, money, blood, sweat, and tears was put into making one stinking dress that I will now ALWAYS buy premade ones), I decided to wait until I had my mom around to help before I started them. So they will be New Years gifts. Or Martin Luther King day gifts, depending on how soon I get them in the mail. I have completed two and a half of them and I think they look SO cute. I am pleased with them, though my back is killing me . I would have finished the third, but the bobbin tension in my mom's sewing machine went wacko and she has to take it in. (She says it's not my fault -- it has needed to be tuned up for a while, but I can't help but feel guilty.)
The After Christmas Sales
I scored big this year. I can't wait to decorate next year. I just hope I have enough room in the car to get it home.
Sports
We are fitting our trip back home around basketball and bowl games. Brian and my dad have watched hours and hours of games every night. Thank goodness I had my projects to do.
And I think that about wraps it up. We should get home on Monday and we will pack everything up and continue on with life as we know it. I about passed out when I saw the Valentines stuff up at Target. How quickly we move on...
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Seven Days...
The Countdown is on. Seven days until the fat man dumps his load of toys. The toys that will litter our stairs, toyroom floor, and van for the next 365 days. The toys that will be fought over, lost, broken, cherished, and played with until my kids outgrow them. Or I give them away. Whichever comes first.
I think I am as ready as I am going to get. I have my "list" of chores to do before we head over the river and through the woods (literally) to go to grandma's house. I am determined to leave (and consequentally come HOME to) a clean home. The bathrooms are done, I am in the middle of cleaning the toyroom (which will probably be destroyed during my piano lessons today), our bedroom and closet has been purged and organized. I still have the floors and the kids' bedrooms to do. And the fridge. And I have to type my program for Saturday's piano recital, organize my sharing time for Sunday, and attend Jillise's piano recital tonight, Childrens' Choir concert tomorrow, and both of the girls have a little dance recital on Friday. The holiday season is definitely not relaxing for mothers. And music people.
On the Jaren front, he has taken steps and is getting SO close to walking. When he feels like it. He has also figured out how to get up on the couch. Heaven help me. He says "This" and "That" as he points to things. He says "Hiiiiiii" to people and "Yummmmmmm" when he likes what he is eating. He cracks me up.
I'm heading back to clean the toyroom. If you don't hear from me in 18 hours, send in the Marines. Tell them to bring chocolate.
I think I am as ready as I am going to get. I have my "list" of chores to do before we head over the river and through the woods (literally) to go to grandma's house. I am determined to leave (and consequentally come HOME to) a clean home. The bathrooms are done, I am in the middle of cleaning the toyroom (which will probably be destroyed during my piano lessons today), our bedroom and closet has been purged and organized. I still have the floors and the kids' bedrooms to do. And the fridge. And I have to type my program for Saturday's piano recital, organize my sharing time for Sunday, and attend Jillise's piano recital tonight, Childrens' Choir concert tomorrow, and both of the girls have a little dance recital on Friday. The holiday season is definitely not relaxing for mothers. And music people.
On the Jaren front, he has taken steps and is getting SO close to walking. When he feels like it. He has also figured out how to get up on the couch. Heaven help me. He says "This" and "That" as he points to things. He says "Hiiiiiii" to people and "Yummmmmmm" when he likes what he is eating. He cracks me up.
I'm heading back to clean the toyroom. If you don't hear from me in 18 hours, send in the Marines. Tell them to bring chocolate.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Body Sculpting
Body Sculpting class KICKED MY BUTT. Literally. It was fun and I enjoyed the class. I was even feeling pretty good yesterday and I thinking I was all hot stuff. Then I woke up this morning. Doing lunges across a basketball court with weights on your shoulders will really do a number on your gluteus maximus. And doing the plank with a side twist will turn your obliques to jelly. Painful jelly. Just so you know.
But I am going back tomorrow and I CAN'T WAIT. I am just a glutton for punishment.
And Santa, you can cross the new workout shoes off my list. I found some today and treated myself. Instead, you can bring me a matching flatware set that won't bend when scooping icecream. Or some new pots and pans. Whatever. I'm not needy or anything.
But I am going back tomorrow and I CAN'T WAIT. I am just a glutton for punishment.
And Santa, you can cross the new workout shoes off my list. I found some today and treated myself. Instead, you can bring me a matching flatware set that won't bend when scooping icecream. Or some new pots and pans. Whatever. I'm not needy or anything.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Dear Santa...
I know I am too old to sit on Santa's lap and ask for special presents and treats. But it doesn't stop me from wishing. Here is my grown up Christmas list. And no, this isn't like the altruistic one in the song. This is purely materialistic and selfish. I am allowed that every once in a while, right?
1. New Workout Shoes (ones that won't slip on the floor and make doing the moves that. much. harder.)
2. New Workout Gear (if I am going to be sweaty and stinky I want to at least have cute clothes -- ones that make my butt look nice and not saggy would be a real plus)
3. A laptop computer.
4. A new camera
5. A new vacuum (I have been trying to run my other one into the ground, but it still isn't dead -- darn those Hoovers. And Santa, Brian has a family member that works for Dyson. You can get a sweet discount)
6. Clothes are always good.
7. A Maid. Hey, a girl can dream, right?
1. New Workout Shoes (ones that won't slip on the floor and make doing the moves that. much. harder.)
2. New Workout Gear (if I am going to be sweaty and stinky I want to at least have cute clothes -- ones that make my butt look nice and not saggy would be a real plus)
3. A laptop computer.
4. A new camera
5. A new vacuum (I have been trying to run my other one into the ground, but it still isn't dead -- darn those Hoovers. And Santa, Brian has a family member that works for Dyson. You can get a sweet discount)
6. Clothes are always good.
7. A Maid. Hey, a girl can dream, right?
Monday, December 10, 2007
Phase II
I have joined the gym. The only thing I hate more than getting all sweaty and stinky is doing it in front of other people. But it was becoming apparent that if I want to take this to the next level and get rid of this last layer of padding that I would have to have access to better equipment and more variety. So look out ladies -- there will be a new huffer and puffer in the body sculpt class. I am even going to give spinning a shot -- as soon as I get my hands on some padded shorts.
My new motivation is to be able to fit into my wedding dress. My 10th Wedding Anniversary is coming up in April and how cool would it be to be looking as good now as I did then?? I even have the capability of looking BETTER because I was thin then, but I was not in shape. I relied on my good genes and metabolism until they left me high and dry when I first got pregnant. Here is a picture of me on my wedding day (weight then: 115 weight now: not 115)
My new motivation is to be able to fit into my wedding dress. My 10th Wedding Anniversary is coming up in April and how cool would it be to be looking as good now as I did then?? I even have the capability of looking BETTER because I was thin then, but I was not in shape. I relied on my good genes and metabolism until they left me high and dry when I first got pregnant. Here is a picture of me on my wedding day (weight then: 115 weight now: not 115)
So here's to reaching old goals and setting new ones. Now I am going to go shower. I had my first date with the eliptical and I am beat.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
In Need of an Ark
My friend Michelle braved the torrential rain to take some photos today. I like being dry too much to do that, so I am "borrowing" her photos and posting them here so that all of my friends and family in dry locations can feel sorry for us.
The 'lake' by Joelle's school (it is usually all grass and trees).
The local "creek." I think some of the ducks needed Dramamine.
The tennis courts at the park.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Let It Snow...
I am looking out my window here by the computer and the snow is coming down HARD. I don't think it is cold enough for it to stick right now, but it sure is pretty to watch falling. And it is nice that it is happening on a Saturday. None of us have anywhere we need to be. We can just stay in and enjoy it.
We had a busy week as far as Christmas prep goes. The tree is up. The rest of the decorations are slowly making their way out of boxes. The Little People Nativity set is a huge hit, as always. Jaren will even stop trying to pull things off of the tree to play with it. Speaking of the tree, we have it up on a table this year. It worked as a deterrent for a few days. It was out of his direct line of site and Jaren didn't even NOTICE it for three days. Now I am going to have to be vigilant to make sure he doesn't destroy it. Every year I understand more and more why my mom wouldn't let us put up our tree until the middle of December. Once that tree is up the kids go CRAZY.
The outdoor lights aren't up yet, and I don't know when they WILL go up. We bought some new ones for this year, but I don't think I want Brian climbing around on the roof in the snow...
I am about 95% done with Christmas shopping and wrapping. Most of the things for people that live out of state were purchased online and sent directly to them. So when you get them, pretend that they are wrapped nice and pretty with a creative, hand made card, okay? The neighbor gifts were taken care of at Super Saturday (woo hoo!!!). The Christmas cards have been purchased and pictures printed, but I *do* still have to write the letter. Maybe I will do that today since I won't be going out to fight the crowds or the weather. I also have a little crafty gift that I wanted to make for a few people, but it requires sewing and I am a bit rusty on that. I'll have to see if I can get my act together before Christmas.
I uploaded the pictures from Vegas, but we both look so goofy in the ones of us (like the one of Brian grinning because he got a high five from most of the Tarheel team) that I don't think I'll post them. The "game" shots I tried to get are horrible and dark and blurry -- fueling my desire for a new camera. Oh, for the days when even an ambitious Christmas list capped out at about $200. Now I don't think one THING on my wish list costs as little as $200. And no, I have no delusions that I am getting anything from that list, anyway. So Brian, you can put away your inhaler and slow your heartrate down to a normal speed.
AND... (drumroll please)... I LOST THE VEGAS WEIGHT. I had to stand on the scale three times this morning before I could believe it. I am down to my lowest weight since before I got pregnant with Jillise. Now I move on to those stubborn last 10 that have been a part of my life for WAY too long. I ordered another bottle of Alli to help me out. I have learned (again) that I have very little willpower if I don't have something keeping me in check. The Alli does just that. So here's to a low fat Christmas and some new clothes on the other side of the holiday season. CHEERS!!
We had a busy week as far as Christmas prep goes. The tree is up. The rest of the decorations are slowly making their way out of boxes. The Little People Nativity set is a huge hit, as always. Jaren will even stop trying to pull things off of the tree to play with it. Speaking of the tree, we have it up on a table this year. It worked as a deterrent for a few days. It was out of his direct line of site and Jaren didn't even NOTICE it for three days. Now I am going to have to be vigilant to make sure he doesn't destroy it. Every year I understand more and more why my mom wouldn't let us put up our tree until the middle of December. Once that tree is up the kids go CRAZY.
The outdoor lights aren't up yet, and I don't know when they WILL go up. We bought some new ones for this year, but I don't think I want Brian climbing around on the roof in the snow...
I am about 95% done with Christmas shopping and wrapping. Most of the things for people that live out of state were purchased online and sent directly to them. So when you get them, pretend that they are wrapped nice and pretty with a creative, hand made card, okay? The neighbor gifts were taken care of at Super Saturday (woo hoo!!!). The Christmas cards have been purchased and pictures printed, but I *do* still have to write the letter. Maybe I will do that today since I won't be going out to fight the crowds or the weather. I also have a little crafty gift that I wanted to make for a few people, but it requires sewing and I am a bit rusty on that. I'll have to see if I can get my act together before Christmas.
I uploaded the pictures from Vegas, but we both look so goofy in the ones of us (like the one of Brian grinning because he got a high five from most of the Tarheel team) that I don't think I'll post them. The "game" shots I tried to get are horrible and dark and blurry -- fueling my desire for a new camera. Oh, for the days when even an ambitious Christmas list capped out at about $200. Now I don't think one THING on my wish list costs as little as $200. And no, I have no delusions that I am getting anything from that list, anyway. So Brian, you can put away your inhaler and slow your heartrate down to a normal speed.
AND... (drumroll please)... I LOST THE VEGAS WEIGHT. I had to stand on the scale three times this morning before I could believe it. I am down to my lowest weight since before I got pregnant with Jillise. Now I move on to those stubborn last 10 that have been a part of my life for WAY too long. I ordered another bottle of Alli to help me out. I have learned (again) that I have very little willpower if I don't have something keeping me in check. The Alli does just that. So here's to a low fat Christmas and some new clothes on the other side of the holiday season. CHEERS!!
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