JustKris

2012-01-02T20:18:00.005-05:00

So I thought I'd post a favorite recipe of mine now and then. This is one I discovered this past summer, who doesn't love a good oatmeal cookie? I'm a bit on the prejudice side when it comes to oatmeal cookies, I don't believe there should be chocolate chips in my oatmeal cookies. I'm deaply offended by that. I'm a raisins only type of girl!

One of my aunts gave me this cook book for Christmas one year:

The All American Cookie Book

I honestly hadn't used it much up till this past summer. I had found a good choc chip recipe in it and was interested b/c it gives history of the recipes in it which is kind of fun. But anyhoo, I wanted a good oatmeal raisin! And I found it! The best ever imho... and trust me, we made lot's of them! Took them to the beach all summer.

Dairy Hollow House Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 2/3 cup (1 stick + 2 2/3 TBL) unsalted butter soft

1 cup (5 oz) raisins 1/2 cup white shortening

3 cups old fashioned oats 1 cup packed brown sugar

2 cups flour 1 cup sugar

1 tsp cinn 2 large eggs

1/2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp baking soda 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1/2 tsp salt

preheat oven to 375 grease several cookie sheets

in a small bowl combine raisins and enough hot water to cover them, set aside

In a large bowl, stir together oats, flour, cinn, baking powder, soda and salt, set aside.

In another large bowl, with a mixer, beat butter and shortening till creamy, add sugars, mix, then eggs and vanilla till light and smooth. Stir or beat in all but 1 cup of oat mixture until even. Thoroughly drain the raisins. In a medium bowl, stir together the remaining oats and raisins, add to dough until evenly mixed.

Shape into balls about the size of golf balls. Place on greased sheets pat down slightly. Bake 8-10 minutes.

(I don't add nuts, and if I don't have shortening, I use butter)

If you try these, please let me know what you think:) They are brown sugary, buttery, chewy, and all around delish!!

btw, i added the nutrition tag, b/c i really do try to make as many of our snacks as possible instead of buying them.

2011-12-09T11:04:00.002-05:00

Tears for the Duggar family morning. I also pray that God would protect and shield them from any negativity that this will inevitably bring. It never ceases to amaze me how cruel people can be. Michelle did not have a miscarriage in the sense that people are thinking. They did an ultra sound at 6 months and found no heart beat. Now she will have to have a forced/induced delivery.

I'm so thankful that I can cry and my Father knows what to do with these tears. He knows how to comfort her. He knows how to protect her. He already had a plan for that baby. I'm most thankful that Michelle Duggar knows that as well.

2011-12-08T22:59:00.001-05:00

Cause when you're dead, you're dead, but until then there's ice cream. ~The Mentalist.

I LOVE IT!!

2011-12-07T13:23:00.003-05:00

An update on the hair.

I am def in the "oily stage" and I no likey. I'm washing everyday b/c of it. It's not a big deal tho. What is a big deal is that I was seeing flakes. That is not exceptable. Kristal does not have flakes in her hair. Ever. If that does not go away, I will have to go back to shampoo. But I will be buying something all natural. I am trying to give this a full month, I figure I haven't given it a full chance if I haven't done it for a month b/c I won't get out of the oily stage or see if my hair adjusts.

My husband is a rockstar. Plain and simple. He worked full time, and went to school full time for 2 years while still being an awesome husband and dad. Last night he did his last class of his bachelors degree. And I think he is going to graduate with honors. I could never do what he has done. Now we get 8 months off and then he starts on his Masters degree.

I did make the laundry detergent. Seems to be working fine and will last us forever. I also found a very similar recipe for dry detergent that I might try next time. And I found another bonus, the homemade stuff is better for the environment:) No phosphates.

2011-12-01T08:46:00.002-05:00

Changing the name of my blog yet again. I guess I just feel like a blog should fit the blogger, and it wasn't fitting anymore.

An update on the hair:

Day 4: washed and rinsed. As I was getting ready for work I noticed up toward my crown it looked oily. This could be the start of the oily period that they talked about, or it could be that I didn't do a good job washing, yes I scrubbed but maybe I didn't dispense it well. We'll see. But, since I'd about die before I'd go out of the house w/ oily/dirty looking hair, I quickly baby powdered the crown.

Today, even tho it was oil-ish last night, I will probably still not wash it today. I'm thinking it's a pony tail or braid day!

And on to other such life. I've gotten into this wanting to escape groove the last few days. It started when I went to the store with all the kids the other day and they were wretched! At this age, they usually aren't. It caught me off guard and to be quite honest, pissed me off. I have been in the house a lot lately, with every one being sick on and off. I was so thankful to go to work last night, just to get out with out the kids and be around adults! I've been begging people to DO something with me, something fun, but no one can lately. Mostly because it's like the middle of the week and they all have to work in the morning. I have to teach, but I guess it's a little easier for me to get up and deal than it is for them.

My point is that this escapism is a shaky path for me. I tend to be all or nothing with everything in my life, and when I feel this way I usually end up not being present in my head even when I'm here in body. Hoping I get out of the house soon and relieve a little stress before I go off the deep end!

that is the question...

2011-11-30T12:28:00.003-05:00

Day 1, I washed w/ the baking soda

Day 2, I did nothing.

Day 3 I washed w/ the backing soda and conditioned with the apple cider vinegar. I also dried my hair, and flat ironed it. I was concerned that b/c I am used to using shampoo and cond with smoothers in them that I would have an issue with it, but I didn't. It styled just fine. I ran into my cousin at the store and she commented on how pretty it looked.

Day 4, I had no intent of washing my hair today. Unless I work out and get sweaty, I typically wash it every other day. But last night I noticed flakes up by forehead. Then it occurred to me that when I had "washed" it, all I had really done was rinse with it. I didn't do the typical scrubbing that I am used to doing. So this morning, I did. Feels much better.

So, here's a pic of it after flat ironing. It smoothed out with out frizziness fine. I would like to add that this is an experiment. I don't know if I will do this forever. I wanted to try it, so I am:)

To poo or not to poo...

2011-11-28T13:52:00.003-05:00

So, I have always been slightly on the crunchy side on things. I sometimes think I like the idea of living that way more than the effort it takes to do it. But one step at time folks. Before I put my adhd kid on meds I spent 2 years making my own bread because I couldn't find any w/o high fructose corn syrup or food dies in it that cause my kid to react to it. We didn't buy ANYTHING with those things in it. SO, I can't say that is always true. But I do take my time b/c I do get overwhelmed with the effort these things take sometimes.

Anyhoo, I have been concerned lately with the things we use on our skin. I do believe that skin is our largest organ and we're constantly filling it with chemicals. This can't be good. So I am slowly turning us natural and organic. I read recently, and I have read this before and dismissed it b/c I loved my products too much, lol. But the time seems to be right now, about washing your hair with baking soda and water. I have decided to give it a try when I ran out of my shampoo and cond. I did it yesterday and it was fine. I used a mix of 1 TB soda, to 1 cup water. I concentrated it most at the roots and around my face which seems to be my most oily spots. At the end it still felt a bit oily, but then I realized that I am used to shampoo stripping my hair of it's natural oils. And quit. After my hair dried it didn't look oily at all. I didn't wash it today (gasp i don't wash it every day!) it doesn't look oily today. The blog I read about this said you may go thru an oily period of about 2 weeks. We'll see. To condition, she instructed the same mix of 1TB to 1 cup but apple cider vinegar, she said you can't smell it after you rinse. It is supposed to soften and detangle the ends. I know my mom has always told me when I run out of fabric softener to use vinegar. I didn't do this yesterday, but I plan on making the mix up today and using it tomorrow, I'll post about it later.

My future endeavors in this will hopefully be home made facial cleanser, body wash and laundry soap. I have to take them one at time or I will get over whelmed and quit.

Here is a link to the blog I read about this on, http://simplemom.net/how-to-clean-your-hair-without-shampoo/ She also gives a good explaination as to why not shampoo. NOT MENTION HOW MUCH CHEAPER IT IS TO NOT!! Also, her blog is simply amazing.

2011-10-13T13:15:00.005-04:00

So, what's new? Nothing exciting here. Thought I'd post some pix from when we went up to St. Joe to see the Nina and Pinta docked with out homeschool group. They were surprisingly smaller than I could have imagined. We were told that, but to see it was unbelievable, and to think of the amount of people that were on them. And the remake of the Pinta is even bigger than it was in real life. It's 8 feet wider and 12 feet longer than the original.

Above I think are all the Pinta. The Pinta is on the left below.

2011-10-07T09:59:00.002-04:00

I am crabby today. Just to be quite honest. I've been fighting a cold, I started my period, woke up w/ a headache, and am just plain crabby. Thankfully my kids are being ok. One of those days when I don't have a lot to do, so I can curl up on the couch, but I just can't comfortable! and being nice to the people around me is a real effort.

that is all.

wascally wabbit!

2011-10-04T11:27:00.003-04:00

We are thinking about getting a rabbit as a pet. In all our years of parenting, we've not had a lot of luck w/ pets. We had a cat, then found out that Zac was allergic to them, we sent him to live w/ his sister at my friends. We had a dog, but she was too much for us. Our kids were toddlers, literally, toddling, and she would knock them over all the time. I have trained dogs before and could NOT get this sweet dog to train. I also then found out I was expecting Sis. I took her back to the pound. I'm pretty sure she got adopted quickly b/c she already had all her shots, and I saw her on out local morning show. It broke my heart to take her back, but I had to keep my sanity. I knew I could not handle 2 toddlers, a hyper dog and a new baby. Then my little girl had a pet mouse, whom she named "Little Bert." He died about 3 months after she got him. BROKE HER HEART.

In order for us to have an animal that we don't have to pay a $250 deposit on, it has to be a caged animal. We would keep the rabbit outside. We have a pretty awesome hutch for it. We were thinking about getting 2, not wanting it to be alone, but then we have 3 kids. So, not sure yet. Anyone have any experience w/ rabbits??

2011-10-03T13:33:00.003-04:00

Remember when I used to update my blog w/o someone telling me, you need to update your blog?

We had a fantastic summer. I'm so glad that my kids are still at an age that they can be happy w/o huge summer vacation trips. We went to the beach every chance we had, and had SO much fun w/ it. This year we had lot's of friends join us. Last year it was pretty much the kids swam and I sat under a tree and relaxed. This year I swam some too, and we had friends there w/ us a lot.

This September 28th Scott and I celebrated our 15th anniversary. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again, it's been the best 15 years of my life. Even thru the not so fun times. We spent 4 days away, 1 in Chaboygan, MI. And 3 nights on Mackinac Island. I am in love with the place. Scott was so excited to show it to me. He had been up there plenty of times, but I had never been that far north. Michigan is truly a beautiful state. I've a

lways been apprecaitive of our local aggriculture, but seeing the whole sta

te made me appreciate it even more.

We are still loving our church and getting to know our new church family. One thing I do love? Lot's of Notre Dame fans:)

Speaking of Notre Dame... how bout them IRISH!? I knew this was gonna be a good year for them. I got to be part of history at the 1st game of the season when they kicked us out of the stadium 2x. 1st time in Irish history and marked down in the books as longest college game in history at 5 hrs, 59 minutes. Right now Rees and Floyd are on fire. I was so glad when Floyd chose to come back this year.

School this year is going well so far. I feel more organized than I've been in a long time. All the kids are involved in a co-op this year. On Wednesdays we meet at a local church that used to be a school, hence the classrooms. We have quite a few classes. Different parents teach them. Mine are all in the science class, and then Lily is in a cute little choir. During choir and in the hour before science, the boys do their other school work in study hall. It's a nice break during the week for us. And I love that there is such a huge age group in the science class.

I'm still volunteering at the PCC. It's def in my heart. I stopped counseling for a little while to work on a doula program. But have set that aside and started counseling again. I really do love it.

Can't think of anything else to talk about right now. take care! and see most of you on facebook:)

2011-06-09T07:16:00.002-04:00

Hi there!

Lot's going on here. School is done for the year!! I've been doing a lot of sleeping in:) We also took our 1st trip to the beach already! There's this great little beach about 15 minutes away. It's at a little campground, so it has facilities, even a little ice cream parlor. And they cator to homeschoolers(!) they have one day a week that it's only $1 to get in if u homeschool. How could we NOT go!? We plan on going about every week this summer. We went last summer lot's too.

Big changes here. If you know me at all you know I'm a committed Christian and church goer. (yes you can be one with out the other, but that's a whole other post...) I've been a part of our former church since I was in the 7th grade. We left for Bible college in 1997, went to a church in MO for almost 3 yrs, came back and pretty much settled right back in where we left off. Until last winter. Things started to change. My husband went thru a deep depression. He has been working and going to school full time. Not an easy time for any of us. But a time we needed to go thru. During this time we started praying and seeking God's will for our lives. A couple of months into it we decided to check out a few different churches. That was interesting.

We def found a great church, and the one the Lord lead us to. We all love it. Hubby get's so much out it every week. Something that wasn't happening anymore where we were. The kids have made new friends, so have I. I have felt like I was home from the 1st few minutes of walking thru the doors.

We've done 2 bday parties already this yr! Last yr I did none. I was in the simplify, simplify, simplify mode. I was not doing parties. We told the kids to pick a restaurant and we invited family and had a family dinner. They brought gifts and the kids loved it. Was it more expensive? I honestly don't know thinking about how much I've put into these parties. Here's the clincher, NO MAINTENANCE!!! The restaurants do all that:) And we got to hang out with family. It was great. I can honestly say I would love to do it again next yr. Sis had a craft party. Zai had a Star Wars party, and Zac wants to have a nerf gun party. I'm telling the boys to bring their guns and we're buying lot's of bullets. We have a black top parking lot across the street that it'll be perfect to shoot on. They won't loose the bullets:)

Another change is last yr when we were going thru so much, and were getting used to the new school schedule I backed off the birth seen. Was debating on renewing my website when it came up, but then prayed about it and received an email from someone who sounds like a very fun mama that I'm going to meet with next week as a potential client:) Happy times!!

2011-02-10T16:43:00.003-05:00

I'm updating w/o being asked, are you shocked?? ;)

This morning I ran into someone I haven't seen in ages. She asked me if I'd lost weight, (i said it'd been ages!) I told her ya, over 100lbs (106 to be exact) She asked me if I'd had bariatric, I said nope, just hard work.
"Really!? Wow!" She says, "I'm getting bariatric on Monday."
"Oh really?" I say.
"Ya, I'm caving."
We were in a line of people exiting a building so we couldn't have a real conversation. I responded by telling her I'd pray for her, and that what she was doing wasn't easy.

I have worked REALLY, REALLY hard to get where I am with my weight. I am STILL working hard. I still have weight to loose, and am thankfully starting to loose again. What I am learning thru this incredible (incredibly looong) journey is that it's a very personal thing, not only emotionally, but also physically. What works for one person, doesn't always work for another. I have had 100 people tell me this and that and it doesn't always work. Peoples bodies aren't the same.

Also, it is just that, a journey. It has taken me 2 years to get where I am. I had visions of it only taking me 1 more year to loose the other 100 lbs. That isn't going to happen. The 1st 100 came off rather quickly for whatever reason. I have no clue. This time around my body is completely different and it seems to want different things.

Bariatric was not for me. I have had 4 surgeries, I didn't want anyone cutting me open for any reason that I could prevent. I did read about it. I went to a meeting about the lapband years ago. The thing is, you have to loose a certain amount of weight to even get the surgery, then you have to learn to eat right after it's done. So, I figured, if I can eat right b4 and after having it, then why have it?? PLUS, people die from bariatric. I have a friend whose neighbor bled to death from a complication after having it. I've also seen people have it, loose weight, but not change the way they live, and gain the weight back. I just KNEW that if I was going to loose weight, I had to change my whole life. BUT, that is just me. I never want people to think that I judge them for their decisions. Bariatric isn't a picnic. I will pray for her, and wish her the best.

updates

2010-12-28T13:17:00.009-05:00

I've been asked to update my blog. (snicker) I told her that requires effort.I suppose since it's Xmas break I could bust out a little effort.

So what up... Still pressing on w/ living healthy. Took 10 minutes off my last years 5k time. Am pretty proud of that. My goal for next years turkey day race is to run the whole thing w/o intervals.

Homeschooling is ok. I will confess to strong feelings of wanting to send one of my children to school. Never thought I'd want to do that. But I have never been so miserable in teaching either. We're both miserable in it. On the other hand, me and my 6th grader read Where the Red Fern Grows this year and couldn't get enough of it. He bawled his eyes out at the end. Poor kid! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of that w/ him.

Christmas break has been quite nice. Have had more appts than I'd like to have, but that's life. We've had some nice days of baking, and reading winter stories. Many nights of cuddling. We hooked our netflix up to the wii and have had lot's of fun w/ it. I'm completely hooked on American Pickers! I don't know what I'm gonna do when I catch up w/ their current eps. But I've got a while, I'm not thru w/ season 1 yet. We could sure use more snow tho. And am not getting any soon. We're actually warming up to 50 this week. Good for me tho, I can run outside.

What'd you get for xmas? One of our Uncles got us the balance board for the wii and a snow board game, fun stuff! It also came w/ wii fit plus, so I've gotten a double blessing w/ it:)

Scotts still plugging along in school. We all enjoyed his break. I'll admit that it's been pretty rough at times tho. I don't like feeling like a single parent. I know he doesn't have it any easier. Not saying it's his fault. He's got a lot oh his shoulders. Stress is a hard thing to deal with, it affects us all in so many ways. Makes us unhappy when we don't even realize it. Sometimes I find myself checking out mentally and emotionally b/c I just feel like I can't take it. I'm extremely thankfull for these breaks. And will be praying for God to show me how to deal w/ it a healthier way:)Took a few road trips this summer/fall. Went to Kentucky and Arkansas. Here's some pics:

Ok, only 2. I loaded 4, but for some reason it only gave me 2, and as I said, it takes effort. Effort that I'm not willing to put forth... The 1st one is from this amazing wall in Kentucky. If you know me at all, go to my FB page and look in my 2010 album for the rest of the wall, it's AMAZING. The other pic is of my beautiful albeit hilbilly-ish looking bff Trish about to enjoy one of the must haves, a Lamberts THROWED ROLL! If your anywhere near a Lamberts:) (please, click the link!) They are the best! It's a fun and unique place to go. We had one close to us when we lived in Springfield. And when I realized how close we were on our way to Arkansas I knew we had to stop on our 2cd trip. They loved it, of course;)

I doubt if I'll be on b4 the new year, so here's me wishing you and yours a Happy Safe 2011!!

wordless wednesday...

2010-09-08T10:18:00.001-04:00

AT&T - Use Vinegar for All Your Health and Beauty Needs

2010-09-02T06:55:00.000-04:00

AT&T - Use Vinegar for All Your Health and Beauty Needs

If ya know me at all, you know how much I love vinegar! But I didn't know half of these, this is just cool!! I'm going to try the varicose veins, and the apple cider vinegar to curb sugar cravings.

For the sake of your emotional well-being and that of your loved ones, I pray your football team excels this year | Sports Ecard | someecards.com

2010-09-01T13:09:00.000-04:00

For the sake of your emotional well-being and that of your loved ones, I pray your football team excels this year | Sports Ecard | someecards.com

It is that time of year again!! GO IRISH!!!

Medical Student Won't Perform Pelvic Exams on Anesthetized Patients - The Unnecesarean -

2010-08-31T13:12:00.000-04:00

Medical Student Won't Perform Pelvic Exams on Anesthetized Patients - The Unnecesarean -

This practice is just horrific. But sounds as though it's another one of those things that has always been done, so will always be done.

squeeze, squish, stretch and otherwise fondle.

2010-08-26T13:20:00.003-04:00

I had my 1st mammogram. I'm only 35. Why you may ask?? B/c I'm adopted and I have no family history to look back on.

About a week later I get a call saying I need to back for a specialized pic of my left breast, and an ultrasound. My heart flutters. Nothing is wrong they reassure me, they just can't see as well as they would like. They schedule it, then I get a letter in the mail with not so reassuring wording, "your bilateral screening shows the need for further evaluation." That makes me feel lot's better.

I go back, they do more stretching and squishing and do the ultrasound, and are very tightlipped about it. I just think, 'this is my body, you can talk to me about it you know?' The ultrasound tech was the only one who actually did. At one point I actually thought, maybe ignorance was bliss. Which goes against my very being, as women we should know our bodies, we should know about our bodies, we should take care of our bodies.

It all turned out ok, it was a lymph node that they saw. Alas, I'm done for another year. But ladies, are you?? Are you getting your paps, and your mammos?? Are you doing your monthly self breast exams??

In defence of the amniotic sac | Midwife Thinking's Blog

2010-08-24T16:00:00.000-04:00

In defence of the amniotic sac | Midwife Thinking's Blog

2010-08-22T18:11:00.002-04:00

What a great day I had today. I really love my husbands family. He has an uncle that lives in Florida that doesn't come up very often. He is up for his 50th high school reunion and aunt had a picnic so we could all see him. We were there for hours! The kids played, the weather was beautiful, the food was good. So nice. Didn't want to come home... He really does have a great family. Lot's of them too, he has 9 aunts and uncles:) I didn't grow up with very much family, so marrying him was an adjustment. But the get togethers are wonderful. One of his cousins has a couple of kids and the only time we see each other is at family stuff, which makes it fun every time:) And he has a couple of uncles that get's down and plays with the kids sometimes. It's all out a great time:)

support

2010-08-19T19:41:00.003-04:00

to bear the weight of, especially from below
to hold in position so as to keep from falling, sinking, or slipping
to be capable of bearing, withstand
to keep from weakening or failing, strengthen
to provide for or maintain, by supplying with money or necessities
to furnish corroborating evidence for
to aide the cause, policy, or interests of

to argue in favor of, advocate

well doulas, are you supporting?? women in general, are you supporting each other??

2010-08-13T09:11:00.002-04:00

Ugh. So the much needed break we were all anticipating in between Scotts classes isn't happening. I keep trying to go with the flow, but I'm quickly loosing my mind. And to add to the mix, football has started, so we now have practice 2 or sometimes 3 times a week. And of course, one of those times had to be the one night a week that I work, which also had to be one of the nights this session that Scott had class. I'm so happy about this. Thankfully his parents are going to help out on that night.

I need more coffee.

mama, doula, girl:)

2010-08-02T08:04:00.004-04:00

So today I write a little bit of all. Mama, doula and girl stuff.

We'll start with the mama part. I have been wanting to go see Inception SO BAD!! Part of it was just me wanting to get o/o the house...Scott has homework, I have a few $, we have a cheap theater with decent movies this time around. What more could a girl ask for?? Except that lately none of my friends could go. I typically go to the late show so I can put the kids to bed, Scott can work on homework. I bother no one by going. I've tried for 2 weeks to get a girlfriend to go. Nada. I am SO bummed. Finally, last night I manage a babysitter and Scott and I go. Which is great, not that I never wanted to go with him, but like I said, he has homework. Plus if he goes, it costs us 2x as much. So we go, it was a great flick, he enjoyed it also. But we had this conversation that didn't go so well. He complains about all the time that the family asked of him this week, and the weekend. We did do a lot this weekend, Idk what he was talking about during the week. I tell him, why did you come then? You should have stayed home and did homework. "I came to be with you!" Ok, I'm thinking, I don't say, but if you're stressed out and not happy about it, I don't want you here.

So, I resign myself to single mom-mode. I won't ask for his help. I won't ask for him. I know this isn't the right attitude. But right now I am having a really hard time balancing the line between supporting him and keeping my own sanity. I felt so rejected when he complained about all the time we had asked of him. But I understand that he needs time to do homework. I also understand that he has SO much on his shoulders, but right now, I don't know how to help him bear it. I feel like what I am bearing is almost too much for me.

It's interesting b/c my cousin is in school full time, working I think full time as well. So when we walk together she get's to hear it from the other end, and so do I. It's hard on all of us. The 1st few sessions were ok, this one has been really rough for whatever reason. The other ones seemed to go by rather quickly and then we were in a much needed break, this one, not so much.

On the doula side of things, I have an appt this week with a possible client:) I am a back up for a friend of mine, both paying (yippee!!) I don't know if I have told you about how much volunteer work I've done lately... it's nice to get paid!

And while we're on the birthy side of things... congrats to my awesome friend Jenn who gave birth in her dinning room, in water. Her 2cd hbac:) She is the most amazing of mothers and birthers! The coolest thing happened, I dreamt the night that she gave birth that I had a baby in her living room. About the same time that she was having a baby in her dinning room.

And on the girl front, I did another 5k:) I'm really proud of myself. This one I actually ran. I took approx 7 minutes off my time from the 1st one. I run in intervals. It's really good for you:) Right now my intervals are 90 sec of running and 2.5 minutes of walking. This run meant a lot to me b/c I did it by myself and b/c it was the 1st one that I ran. I will do the Thanksgiving 5k this year again too, here's hoping I weigh less by then and that I am faster! I have been stuck at this weight for over 2 months. I am really frustrated by it and have heard every ones advice, none of which works. But I won't go there..

stupid cancer

2010-07-10T23:35:00.004-04:00

stupid cancer.
been home from relay for life for a little while now.
stuff mulling around in my head.
my friend that lost her son this year spoke.

i've often wondered how they go on.
how anyone in their shoes gets up in the morning and lives another day.
i know they do it b/c they have to.
they are alive in this world.
but as the days went on after the funeral i thought of them often.
and wondered.
how does your world keep spinning after this loss.

19 weeks and 5 days.
that's what she said.
it struck me,
it's only been 19 weeks?
it seems like longer.
i wondered if she knew how many hours also.
i bet she did.

tomorrow, while i will get up a little bleary eyed,
a little sore and tired.
i will gripe to myself that it's early.
i want coffee.
why can't church start at 3 in the afternoon.
she will get up, maybe bleary eyed,
and think to herself,
19 weeks, 6 days.

so i tell myself.
tomorrow, get up. hug my kids extra tight.
there are no guarantees in this world.
be thankful.

weight loss 101;)

2010-05-21T15:01:00.002-04:00

well, i did it:) 101lbs. can't believe it.
today i jogged for the 1st time in my life. at one point i had a very sureal moment. i was thinking i can't believe i'm jogging. i can't believe i've lost 101 lbs. i can't believe how healthy i am, how much i've accomplished. i laughed at myself lol!

thanks to everyone who keeps routing me on!! you mean the world to me!!

2010-05-01T10:46:00.001-04:00

Weigh-day didn't go as well as I would like it to. I lost another 2lbs. That put's me at 98, still not at my 100. I know, I know, that I know. But I want that 100 SO BAD!!! Maybe that's why it's taking me so long to get there. I will be honest and tell you I was pretty depressed yesterday. Didn't matter what anyone said to me, I didn't get what I wanted, lol. Still makes no sense, why is it one time a 7 lb loss and another time only 2, when I do and eat almost the exact same things?? The only thing I can say for yesterday, is that it is that precious time of the month. But it wasn't 2 weeks ago when I had a 2 lb loss.

I will keep trudging on. I have to, I have so far to go still! Even if I only loose it 2 lbs at a time, I'm still getting healthier and healthier. I walked 4 miles the other day, I've never done that before. I have this unofficial goal in my head. You know one of those things that someone says that just get's in you somehow and settles?? I was walking Wednesday and happened to see an acquaintance who told me the distance of this area I have been walking, only farther, it's 6 miles. I want that. I know I can do that. But, 3 miles still hurts sometimes. So, something I need to work up to.

Something cool that happened, I had to buy all new summer clothes this year, b/c everything from last year was too big:) In that process, one of my new shirts was ruined in the wash. (we won't go into how....) so I went to replace it and ended up buying a whole size smaller than even the one I just bought a month ago:)

2010-04-29T08:48:00.002-04:00

Ok, it's good to set goals right?? So, next week, if I have hit my weight goal, I'm going to start lifting weights 2 days a week again. When I started walking, for whatever reason, I quit the weights. I think b/c I just quit going down there to work out. But, weights should be part of the program, so I am going to get them in there again.

How much water do you drink? Or caffeine free liquid? I have been meeting my water intake. Even tho some days I feel like I'm fairly floating. I'm at 82 oz a day now. I was getting these dizzy spells, like every time I stood up, the whole room would spin, if I bent over, that type of thing. I mentioned them to a friend who is also a nurse and who knows what my lifestyle is like. She said, "oh, you're dehydrated." I said, "huh uh!" "How can a person who drinks 62 oz a day be dehydrated!?" She said it's not enough if I think about the amount of exercise I do, the fact I had that stomach bug, and I do still drink a couple of caffeinated beverages a day. She told me I need to add at least 2 more glasses. So, I begrudgingly took on her challenge. (grumble grumble...) The easiest way for me to get it down is to drink 2 32 oz bottles, then a 20 ouncer. Also 1 of the 32 oz is that tea mixture that I make. Anyhoo, the dizziness has gotten better.

Still not doing a great job getting in as much protein as I'm supposed to. I am doing better, but not great. Ah well, a little at a time right!?

2010-04-16T14:48:00.002-04:00

well, i didn't make the 6lb loss for my 100. only 2. don't you wish there was some magic formula? what makes one 14 day period a 7 lb loss and another a 2lb loss?? i sure don't know. especially when i do so many of the same things. our bodies are such mysterious things. 4 more!!

almost there...

2010-04-12T15:44:00.003-04:00

Well, I'm almost there. 6lbs away from loosing 100 lbs. I can hardly believe it. It will have taken me a year. Which is completely healthy. The loss really slowed down in the winter and has picked back up since I've been able to get outside and walk. I've also added some distance, protein and calories.

My body has changed so much. Sometimes I'll see things that surprise me. Like I'll just all of sudden notice that my hands look different. My fingers look longer. My wedding bands wiggle all over the place. Which is funny b/c I'm still not down to the weight I was when we got married.

Another thing that has caught me off guard is that I'm loosing hair. I guess it's normal. I'm trying to add more protein to my diet as that might help. But I've been told that it sometimes happens w/ weightloss. If anyone else has had this happen, I'd like to hear from you. When does it stop!? I could very well be bald by next year!

My kids and some friends have said they're planning a "100 party" for me whenever I get there. I'll letcha know when it is so you can come too;) (seriously, susan, you could come!)

in the doula chronicles...

had the most amazing birth on easter sunday!! which also happened to be my daughters bday:) i didn't get to see her till 4pm. i know that being a doula, it was inevitable that i'd miss something. we had celebrated her bday on friday. but i still felt a little bit bad about it. and i never got that chance to do what i usually do for at least a few minutes and sit and reflect on her birth at all. i did think about it a little in a few minutes of down time during the birth b/c we were at the same hospital, same day and all. but it wasn't the same. have a nice healthy mom and baby who are breastfeeding well tho!!

aHA!!

2010-03-08T17:05:00.001-05:00

Woman Charged for Squirting Breast Milk at Deputy

Monday, March 08, 2010

A Kentucky woman was charged with assault after she allegedly squirted breast milk into the face of a deputy, sparking online debate Sunday in the local media.

Toni Tramel, 31, was arrested Thursday for public intoxication in Owensboro, WYMT-TV reported, but it is what she did next which has attracted headlines.

As Tramel changed into an inmate uniform, she squirted a stream of breast milk into the face of the female deputy watching over her.

A press release from the Daviess County, Kentucky, Detention Center, said that after the deputy decontaminated herself from the "bio-hazard", Tramel was charged with third degree assault.

While the public drunkenness was merely a misdemeanor offense, the assault is a felony charge and a US$10,000 bond was set.

Reports of the case have sparked debates about whether using breast milk as a weapon should constitute a felony assault case, with many readers likening it to an accused person spitting on an officer.

Also sparking feedback has been the use of the term "bio-hazard" to describe breast milk.

ok, i know, this is completely inappropriate, and why she was drunk when she was lactating is a whole other issue, but i've had a really bad day, and it made me laugh, so i'm posting it! judge me if you will;)

2010-03-05T12:17:00.000-05:00

well, she moved, it appears the stomach flu is also good for weight loss...

2010-03-03T14:27:00.002-05:00

Ok, sorry. Been neglectful again. All is well. As well as can be. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. That was very difficult to go through. Still is.

If you'll notice, my girl has moved, a little. A normal, healthy 3 lbs. Getting closer to my goal:) Which, if I may remind you, b/c I have to constantly remind myself lately, will take me to my 100 lb loss:D I have to remind myself a lot lately b/c it seems to be happening so slowly now. But it's happening (keep telling myself that too!) so we're good. 100 lbs in a year isn't anything to complain about.

And, in the doula chronicles, I have 2 clients on deck:) 1 due in April and 1 in June. Very exciting. I met another doula at panera last night. That is so much fun. I'm getting better at it. I don't always like meeting new people, but lately, I'm feeling more confident, less nervous. She was great, we have a lot in common. She also homeschools.

Guess those are all my updates. If you're interested, watch for my girl to move, or not, on Friday:)

2010-02-24T19:07:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow and Friday I go to the memorial and funeral of an 8 year old. Dear Jesus help. I met this family thru the nonprofit that I volunteer for. The last few days I have thought to myself, I didn't sign up for this pain. I signed up to be around pregnant mamas and babies, to help young, underprivileged mothers learn how to birth and take care of their children, to doula for those who can't afford it otherwise. Not to get attached to families and then loose them. This hurts too much.

But I'm thankful for the time I've had with them. And the future I hope to still have with them. I hope to somehow ease their pain, even if in the slightest way. Altho I don't know how anyone can ease the pain of the loss of a child. God it hurts. I can't even begin to imagine the pain that they're going through.

2010-02-21T23:07:00.003-05:00

it's almost over cancer.
i hope you're happy.
but you don't really get him.
you may get his sick little body that you've been eating away at for 3 years, but Jesus get's his spirit.
and then, he'll be well, and whole, and have no more pain. no more fighting.
we will miss him. his family will mourn.
and then, we will fight some more, but he won't have to.

2010-02-17T17:42:00.004-05:00

cancer, will your appetite never be satisfied?
will you continue to devour and destroy the lives of the innocent and loved??
my heart aches, my body aches for the pain that others are going thru b/c of you.

will always hate you
will always fight you
will always support those who rage against you with their research and their tests and their blood draws, and their chemo, and their radiation, and their swollen bodies, and their bald heads.
will always pray.

2010-01-22T22:19:00.002-05:00

So, I work my bum off, or try to that is, for 2 weeks, loose 1 lb. Get ticked off and a little lazy, only exercise maybe 4 times at the most, eat more and 9 days later I've lost 2 lbs. What!? idontgetit.

Here's what I've come up w/. I think I had slowed my metabolism down b/c I was skipping that midmorning snack being too busy. I wasn't giving myself enough calories for the amount of exercising I had been doing. So, I need to add some calories, no idea how many, I'm going for about 100. And back to eating about every 2 hours.

anyhoo, that's all i got

how you guys feeling about haiti??

ughh.

2010-01-13T13:51:00.002-05:00

Well we have another loss. A small one at that. And I have to admit that I'm frustrated and discouraged. I know all the facts, I could plateau, altho from what I know about that, I don't' see how that could happen, I add to my cardio, I've added weights to my regimen and I don't do the same thing every day. But I've had at least 100 people tell me that since April, so I know it could, (said dripping w/ sarcasm).

I also know that since I've added weights, muscle weighs more than lbs. what I don't' get is that I'm still doing like 25-30 minutes of cardio a day, how am I not still loosing?? I guess I'm just impatient. I only started the weights about a week ago. Which doesn't make me feel any better b/c that still says to me that I only lost 1 lb in 2 weeks. 2 lbs in one month. I'm ticked. I worked really hard the last 2 weeks. I guess there are a few possibilities, that I have gained muscle, that b/c I am working o/ more, I need more calories, which is scary, that I just need to be patient and let my body catch up w/ me. I feel like that girl on biggest looser last night who said she was the last one in the gym at night and the 1st one in the morning and she only lost 4 lbs.

So be patient w/ me please and let me vent. And don't worry, I have come too far and have too far to go to give up.

2010-01-08T13:44:00.004-05:00

How's you 2010 treating you so far?? Ours isn't so bad. We have LOT'S of snow!! I mean, lot's. We didn't have half this much last year.

I don't know if you're paying attention to my girl on the side and the fact that she didn't move last week. She would have, a tiny bit, like 1lb... but when I went in to change it, apparently I had put in 1 too many lbs last time.. so, ya, I only had a 1lb loss over Christmas, surprise surprise!! But as I tell myself, a loss, is a loss, and it is not a gain!

Have some pics to show you of my weight gym:)

The last one is my elliptical, obviously. It's old and the electrical unit doesn't work, but that just makes it all the better for me b/c it's harder to use. (please ignore the totes and otherwise mess in the background, it is a basement after all!) But isn't it awesome!? And the best part? It was all FREE!!! The friend was downsizing and just wanted to get it o/o her house. I was surprised at how much of a weakling I am w/ those weights tho... I expected more o/o myself. And there are no numbers on them, so I'm not even sure how much I'm lifting.... The kids like it, but I only allow them on it when I'm down there. This has created an issue for me b/c I really like to be left alone when I'm on the elliptical. It is a real work o/ for me. I don't talk, I breath hard, I sweat, it's hard. But they want to be down there and I need to make sure they're using it properly and safely, so it's been rather irritating. I'm needing to figure something else out..

So fun!!

2010-01-01T12:32:00.003-05:00

Ran across this article and had to post it....

The dance move known round the world by every pre-pubescent girl in 1989

Full disclosure: we weren't always the immensely sophisticated and self-possessed adults who blog before you today. Once, some decades ago, we too had mouths full of metal; wore white Keds and hot pink socks; adorned our stone-washed denim jackets with badges that shouted "I ♥ NKOTB" and "The Future Mrs Jordan Knight". We got older; we got marginally less awkward. We traded up for Londonist badges, and our denim is always indigo blue.

So it was that when news of the New Kids on the Block's reunion tour reached us, some of us scoffed; one of us called it the 'sixth sign of the apocalypse'; and three of us (one of whom, a great big hypocrite and apocalypse prognosticator), through considerable peer pressure and perhaps one too many pints, covered our eyes and clicked "Buy Tickets Now". Strictly so we could bring you this Step By Step guide to getting through the night. But first you should ask yourself: are you tough enough?

Step 1: we can have lots of fun. Can we? We remain noncommittal until about 3 hours before the gig. Then we head over to YouTube for a quick review of the Kids' greatest hits. And start uncontrollably giggling like the 10-year-old girls we once were.

Step 2: there's so much we can do. And by "do" we mean "drink". Lager, bitter, whiskey, tequila, wine - you think we're going to willingly wander down pre-pubescent memory lane whilst sober?

Step 3: it's just you and me. Worryingly, a pre-concert ticket comparison among Londonistas reveals us to be the keepers of ticket numbers 33, 34 and 96 - and we think, oh dear god, we might very well indeed get personally serenaded by Joey McIntyre. The queue at the Hammersmith Apollo relieves us of our misapprehension. It's just you, me and 5,000 other women (and a smattering of blokes).

Step 4: I can give you more. More hits! More cheese! More brilliantly choreographed dance numbers! Our cheese factor? High. Jordan crooning "I'll Be Loving You Forever" as the wind machine nearly blows away his shirt almost crosses the line. Almost. But although we can't quite conjure up the same free-flowing emotion as the woman openly weeping during the Block's cover of the Jackson Five's "I'll Be There" - and nor do we fling bras that read "Donnie's Girls" across the cups onto the stage - our flailing arms have acquired a mind of their own by the time the "Hangin' Tough" finale comes around. All together now: oh-oh-oh-oh-oh.

Step 5: don't you know that the time has arrived! For putting our reservations to rest. The question, we realise by the end of the evening, isn't why we ever loved the New Kids; it's why we ever stopped.

Words and pics by ~~a closeted fan~~ Julie Palmer-Hoffman, with thanks to Londonistas Alice and Lindsey

here is the link for the entire article if you'd like to see all their pics, they have the best captions under them...

Christmas Miracle....

2009-12-30T10:05:00.000-05:00

love love love this!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-18T16:36:00.002-05:00

read this on tye-dyeds blog:

Because we are too short, too tall, too thin, too small of foot, too old, too young, too wide, and our pelvises are too narrow, too small, too untried, or unproven or the wrong shape, and our uteruses are too scarred, or pointing the wrong way, or we are too multiparous, too fertile, too infertile, too female, too small, too big, too fat, too emotional, too detached, too strong, too weak, too intelligent, too well designed to birth, not designed well enough, and our vaginas are too scarred, too unproven, not stretchy enough or too stretchy, and we’re too inconvenient, too unpredictable, too demanding, too informed, too loud, too messy, and our bodies labour too long or not long enough, and our cervices don’t dilate 1cm an hour on command and because when you hire a surgeon you get surgery and hospitals are for sick people… and so for these and many other reasons, we are part of the homebirth movement.

Merry Christmas and such!!

2009-12-16T13:20:00.002-05:00

So, it's been too long. I think about posting all the time, and never take the time to do it.

1st, a Happy Birthday to my awesome friend Susan tomorrow!! Luv ya and hope to see you soon and celebrate together!!

This is gonna be a little bit of nothing post too. But, how do you like my little ticker?? isn't she cute?? That is totally me too, only not on skates, I'd be flat on my bum. not that coordinated. But I rock o/ to my mp3 player on the elliptical and am a pretty fast walker these days:) She'll change as my goals change, they are a little at a time you know?? I met the 1st one, and am on my way to the 2cd then will come another, and another till I get to my long term...

Hope your holidays are going well so far! I've been to 3 Christmas parties so far already. And have 3 to go I think. We're having Christmas w/ my mom and the inlaws here this year. Which is a 2cd, but I'm actually cooking. So we'll see..... I do feel good about taking the burden off of my mil after her health issues this past year. Let's just hope I do the food justice!

So, with that, Merry Christmas!!

Happy Happy Turkey Day:)

2009-11-25T12:49:00.002-05:00

Here's wishing you all a safe, happy and yummy Thanksgiving. Filled w/ good food, no work and good times:) We have much to be thankful for. Even thru all the crud, we have much to be thankful for.

What are your plans? Thursday morning, dull, rainy and early, I am doing my 1st marathon, we'll call it a walkathon, b/c this bum isn't doing anything that one could construe as running. 5k. How did I get myself into this you might ask? This is my reward for reaching my 1st goal. Some reward. No, it's a great gift. Something that will keep me working toward my next goal, and make me able to eat 1, maybe 2 pieces of pie latter in the day....

Thursday afternoon we'll be at my cousins w/ relatives on my moms side. My 82 yo grandpa who recently moved here from Alabama that I hardly know, so I'm looking forward to getting to know him some. Should be fun, the kids will see their cousins too.

And Saturday, we're off to dh's side of the fam. Lot's more people and further away, but much fun will be had:)

Hope you all enjoy your holidays!! xoxo

..and a side order of breasts please?

2009-11-21T10:53:00.004-05:00

I went shopping last night. I got an unexpected check in the mail and dh and I agreed that I should use it to get a couple more pieces of clothes. It's a hard call when you know you're going to eventually outgrow them again. But I think I made good choices. Got to go w/ my bff and we had a good time. So, now I have a couple cute pairs of jeans, 4 shirts, and 1 pair of dress pants that fit just right. It's kind of like shopping for maternity clothes, you know you're only going to be in this place for a temporary period.

Anyhoo, A couple of the shirts I tried on, made very plain the fact that at least 10 of the lbs I've lost, have come from my boobs. The shirts would be much cuter on someone who still had breasts. Ronnie said I need a wonder bra. I was never really well endowed, but now, it's just sad. really. I never thought I'd be one of those woman who bought the bras w/ the padding in them. Now, I'll be 1st in line! That is the next thing on the list, new bras, complete w/ whatever it takes to make me at least appear to have breasts again.

As we were leaving the store I noticed a cute sweater on a manikin. I told Ronnie, "now if I could just get that sweater, and those boobs."

2009-11-13T22:20:00.003-05:00

I bought a new pair of jeans to day. For the 1st time in like, 2 years. It was so exciting. From what I can tell, they're 3 sizes smaller than my old jeans. Could be 4, but we'll go w/ 3. You know how weird sizing can be. And, they're a brand that caters to big girls, so they're made especially for my pair shaped self, who has most of my junk, in the trunk;0) ah, finally, a company that sees that most of america is plus sized... *sighs w/ contentment*

and in the doula chronicles, i ask for your help.
I need to write a tiny little statement about myself for a pamphlet that will set me apart from every other doula in the area. WHAT SHOULD I WRITE!? I was thinking about advertising the fact that I teach a Christian childbirth class. I dunno. But, it has to be short, tiny. Teensy weensy.

2009-11-10T11:17:00.002-05:00

Ok, something that sucks about loosing weight, not having clothes that fit! I have one shirt and one pair of pants that fit. That's it. Even my undies are loose. They don't count b/c ya can't see them. Thank God my bday and Christmas are coming up. Everyone who has asked me what I want, I tell them money, I need new clothes!

Yes, I know, this is a good problem to have. And at 1st, it was fun to have loose clothes. Something I've never had a problem w/, lol. But now, I just feel frumpy all the time. The one out fit that I do have is kind of dressy, so I don't wear it often. When I wore it recently one of my friends commented on how nice it looked. She said, "it looked like it fit. Everything I've seen you in recently has been so big on you."

It's so close to Christmas, and my bday. And both vehicles are in my name. Which is where all our extra money is going. I just don't have it in the budget to pick anything new up for myself you know? Plus, I'm still a plus sized girl, and plus sized clothes are more expensive. It's rough! I don't wanna complain, please understand. And, I know, I got myself into this mess. I will never blame my weight on anyone. I ate myself to where I am. But this is my blog, and I'm allowed to whine now and then right??

On the other hand, I can tell you something I am SUPER thankful for!! I was saving some money for a new pair of walking shoes. The pair I've been using I've had for 6 months now. And are just plane wore out! Anyhoo, I have this friend who is the master of knowledge of where the deals are. So I asked her where is the best place to get good shoes, GOOD shoes. She asked me what size I wore, we happen to wear the same size:) And she just bought a pair that are a little too loose. I tried them on and so for so good. Gonna wear them out of the house today. Hoping, if they work, I'll get to spend some of that on a pair of pants or somthin!!

little of this, little of that..

2009-11-05T12:37:00.004-05:00

Something that took me by surprise in all this was how many people have said that I have inspired them to do something. B4 I made a decision to get healthy I was never inspired by people when I saw them loosing weight. I would tell them great job or whatever. But I never felt inspired. I felt guilty and crappy. I knew I should be doing something about myself and I wasn't. I've met a couple people like that, I can see it their eyes. I know b/c I've been there. But like I said, it's something that has to happen in a persons own heart.

And for today, a little snippet of something else I love....Monday night I was called in to labor w/ a most awesome mama :0) who birthed a most adorable 7lb 15oz little man Tuesday morning...more of her story coming soon:)

my weightloss journey...

2009-10-30T15:28:00.004-04:00

I didn't talk about it for awhile Probably the 1st month. I emailed my friend. And walked w/ my partner, and of course, there was the dh. But I didn't really mention it to any one else. I have failed at this so many times b4. Why talk about it to any one this time?? What if this time isn't different?? I had to go back to the doc for a check up or some thing in 2 weeks, and of course, they want to weigh you, and I had lost 4 lbs. I was impressed. Then I had to go back again in 2 weeks, and I had lost 8 lbs. I was really impressed. 12 lbs!? When was the last time I had done that?? Probly when I was pregnant and puking, lol!

I figured I was on the right track w/ what I was doing. It was at that point that I had no more doc appts, and just asked if I could come back and get weighed. They were more than happy to oblige me.

A little more on the water. Yes, I do go more often than most people. But, it's a good thing, b/c your body has a lot of toxins in it. Drinking water flushes them out. I like to think about that when I go, I'm getting bad stuff o/o my body. Also, dehydration causes headaches, getting more water can get rid of some of those. I know that sometimes in my own kids when they complain of headaches, the 1st thing I do is ask them how much they've drank that day. I do get tired of water. It's then that I drink more of my own little concoction. I'ts just green tea w/ lemon. I sweeten it w/ stevia. But it's calorie free, caffeine free, so it won't dehydrate me, and it's still doing the same thing water was. Also, you can just pop in those little crystal light things into your bottles of water if you like. I try to stay away from aspartame and that though. (altho not always, i am still slightly addicted to diet dr. pepper, but that's a whole other post....)

And ya, sometimes 1500 calories a day just sucks. But I look at what I want my end result to be. And I can't get that any other way. Yes, I screw up sometimes. And in the beginning I beat myself up bad about it. I was so sure that b/c of the one time I ate a little too much, or went o/ to dinner the next time I got weighed I wasn't going to have lost anything. Which of course wasn't the case. If you screw up, you move on to the next day. Or the afternoon, or the evening.

At least that's what I do, on my journey....

more of my journey..

2009-10-28T15:03:00.003-04:00

As I said, that day I went home and was feeling rather introspective. I started thinking about how I wanted to do this. What I had heard other people say they had done to loose weight. What I thought would be doable for me.

I had one friend who had said he had lost about 40 lbs just by drinking a LOT of water. I figured, how hard could drinking water be? I knew it was good for you, I'd start there. I drink about 64 oz of water a day. And when I don't, I don't feel right. My skin looks great also:) I get less headaches, all around, water is my friend. Yes, I peed ALOT at 1st, but people kept saying, hang in there, it'll get better after a week or so, and it did.

Walking. I knew I needed to start walking. It just so happened that I lived 2 blocks from a great park. So, the kids could play, I could walk around the park, like laps. I'm not sure how I got my walking partner, but I'm SO thankful I had her for as long as I did. We walked EVERYDAY for probably 2 months. Then we moved and school started and I lost her, boo:( But by that time I was/am much more disciplined in myself to do it on my own. Altho, I still have days, that I get depressed and sad if I don't have someone to go w/ me, so I don't go. (I can't believe how honest I am w/ you guys!) I had a pedometer, and figured o/ how many times around the park was a mile and then we added to it once a month till we were up to 2 miles. Which, I gotta tell ya, sucked in the summer time!

Then I added the counting calories. I asked my friend how many I could have and loose weight. She said she ate 1500 calories a day. I thought that sounded strict, I was thinking more like 1800-2000. But w/ in 2 weeks, I was down to 1500, and I hardly even realized it. She hooked me up w/ fitday.com and I started plugging my numbers in there. I could also look up foods I didn't know on there. I set my 1st There's tons of cool stuff on there. I'm not so dependant on it now. But it was very helpful in the beginning. I do find myself going back when I feel like I've been lazy and am eating too much or something tho.

I know there are different ways, but like I said, this is my journey..and what has worked for me...and that goal that I mentioned?? was 60 lbs by Christmas. I passed that goal a week ago=0)

my journey..

2009-10-27T14:08:00.004-04:00

I haven't written about this on here at all, tho most of you are FBer's and know anyway. But I've been on a journey for a while now. I think I'd like to start at the beginning.

I went to the dr. on April 29th for some stuff. A whole bunch of stuff, lol. I had a BIG list! Nothing serious, just things that I had been wanting to talk to her about. But you know, the dreaded scale was coming. And when I saw the number, it was shocking, even to me. We don't have a scale here, thankfully. And something just clicked in me. I just told myself, I have to do something about this. I have to change now.

I talked to the dr. about it a little bit, but I didn't really want to talk to her, or anyone else at that time. I was feeling introspective.

That's when it all started for me. April 29th. Something inside me changed. I had a dr. ask me what inspired me to do it now? He thought my kids, or my husband. I said, no. It was just something in me. It has to happen inside a persons own heart, inside their own self. Otherwise, at least for me, it's not going to work, or it's going to be temporary.

That's the beginning. I have much to tell. I'll write a little at a time. The other day I called another friend who has recently lost over 100 lbs, I needed encouragement. She said it's a journey. I really like that. Journeys take time, they have hills and valleys and adventures:) This is definitely my journey.

our weekend...

2009-10-25T12:49:00.007-04:00

This weekend we had family come in from o/o town and we celebrated lot's of occasions! Dh's 2 brothers and niece came in, 1 from Ohio and 1 from New York. We celebrated his parents 40th wedding anniversary, his nieces and dh's bdays, and his dads retirement. We took them o/o to eat at The Blue Gate Restaurant in Shipshewana, Indiana. It was too yummy, walked around to a few shops, took lot's of pics and had a great time.

The funny thing was that, We went all the way to Shipshewana, to buy Webkins! My kids are SO into them. They only have a couple, but they LOVE them. (in case you haven't been subjected to them yet, they're little stuffed animals that you get a code to register and play w/ online. so you also get an only animal, it's great fun) I will admit, that I like them too. I sometimes late at night, get onto Sis' account and play games to earn her Kins cash (shshshs don't tell!) They're cute, they're fun, and it's a safe place online that my kids can play. I don't let them accept friend request from people that they don't know, and I check their accounts. Their cousins have them, so they can play w/ them, and their friends have them. Anyhoo, we were leaving this shop, and I see a big Webkins sign, I go over and look, and there is a half price box on the floor! How could I not!? Sis' was only $4.75! They are thrilled. The only thing is.... I have to share my computer....:( ha!

Here's a few pics..

Amish country...

a little family fun in the restaurant....

anyone guess who i took this pic for??

and last but not least, nanny, papa, the grandkids, and their webkins:)

the doula chronicles....

2009-10-22T23:24:00.003-04:00

i now have 2 clients:) 1 that is due the 1st week of nov, and one that is newly pregnant:) yippy!! funny thinking about total end of the spectrum's here you know?? one coming o/o her pregnancy and about to give birth, and one just barely done conceiving...

kid-bits...

2009-10-20T08:36:00.002-04:00

The other day Sis apparently wasn't getting "fed" quick enough, decides to take matters into her own hands. She opens the half empty/full pantry and in full drama says, "If you love someone, how can you let them starve!?"

Because, you know, she's wasting away right?? These kids, I tell ya, she could eat night and day. Zac, who is 10, and just started taking ADD meds, has lost 6 lbs in 2 months. As a result of decreased appetite from the meds. And Zai, he would eat about every 10 minutes if I'd let him too. In spite of all I do to teach them healthy eating habits....they at least prove to me they know what foods are healthy. I think Zac has leveled out now. And I am learning how to entice him w/ things he really likes. And, I know, it only get's worse from here right?? As they get older and bigger and eat more.....eyeyeye!

2009-10-19T08:30:00.003-04:00

it's 8:35. 2 of my kids brought me breakfast in bed. it was glorious. apple cinnamon oatmeal. i ate in the dark, nice since i woke up at about 4 this morning w/ a pounding head. haven't really had a headache in a couple of weeks, this one surprised me. so i sat in the dark and ate my oatmeal:)

now the rest of the day is upon me, and my hyper 10 yo is up being hyper and causing trouble...help!!

2009-10-17T13:10:00.003-04:00

my bff called me this morning, wanted to know if i was vibrating. she's so funny;)
(vibrating, as in the phone is on vibrate while it's in my bra--ha!! latter i went, 'they will get that won't they??')

moooo!

2009-10-16T13:29:00.001-04:00

To lighten the mood a bit, a friend of mine posted this on FB this morning and I think it's fricken hilarious and priceless....

2009-10-15T09:06:00.003-04:00

I HATE cancer.
Cancer, you are like
the devil, you
come to steal, kill
and destroy. And for
some, they are not
strong enough to hold
you off anymore.
Their tired
little bodies are almost
done in this world.
The cannot fight the
war much longer.

They will leave a void.
It will hurt so bad.
You will cause so much
pain.

I will always fight you,
cancer. I will always remember
the ones you take.

hmm......

2009-10-14T12:19:00.004-04:00

Think my bodies trying to tell me something??? I was dreaming of peanut butter last night/early this morning. In my dream, I was reading the nutritional qualities and all about it's protein and iron. Then I was telling someone how I was going to have peanut butter bread for breakfast!

Me thinks my subconscious thinks I'm low on iron and protein....how thoughtful of myself! tihi!!

2009-10-13T15:42:00.002-04:00

All is well. Our house is great:) The kids just love it. Sis loves having her own room and is driving me crazy w/ the way she keeps rearranging it. Someone said to me, "that's b/c she can. she's never had her own space b4!" So, I try to let her be. But every time I get it looking really cute, she moves it around...ah well, as long as it's fairly clean, I try not to complain. Since we have the space, and a place for him to go now, we've started letting our oldest, who is 10 stay up a little latter than the rest of the kids. He is thrilled, Sis, is less than understanding.

Fall is here. I bought some mums for the 1st time and they're just gorgeous. I never really like mums b4, but for some reason this year, they looked so pretty:0)

I have a doula client due at the beginning of November so I'm officially on call. I kept not hearing my phone tho, so I started sticking it on vibrate in my bra(!) I know, I know, joke all you want....but now I know when it rings.

Tonight dh and I are off to a banquet for the PCC. Looking forward to it, get to see lot's of friends, and be alone together woohoo!!

doulas, doulas every where!!

2009-09-14T22:34:00.003-04:00

It seems lately every where I go I'm meeting doulas! I met one at the dentist office the other day, in the last 2 weeks I've been to 2 doula meetings, and missed 2. I met a new midwife last month who told me she had started a volunteer doula program at a local hospital. (said local hospital shut it down.) One recent meeting I was at referred to another doula group in a nearby city. All of a sudden they are popping up all over the place!

That said, I have come to see just as there are many different kinds of women and different kinds of birth, there are different kinds of doulas. There are the doulas who are take charge and in your face, and some women need that. And there are doulas who are calm, quiet and reassuring. There are some that are a bit of both. (If you're on FB you could take a quiz to find out what kind of doula you are!)

That said, there are also doulas that feel they have to push their beliefs on women. It's such a turn off. As a doula, I believe I should offer choices, not beliefs. I believe I should make sure moms know what their options are, not push my agenda on them. Whatever she chooses, becomes the choice that I support in her birth.

Am I pro natural childbirth?
Yes.
Do I think natural childbirth is for every woman?
No.
As a doula can I support a woman in labor who chooses an epidural, just as well as one who goes w/o?
Yes.
Do women who get epidurals need the support of a doula in labor?
Yes. You typically don't get the epidural as soon as you walk in the door. And doula support is more than just physical.

Well, I hadn't intended on that little question and answer, but it was fun, we should do it again! Give me some questions, I'll give you some answers:)

we're in!

2009-08-21T15:46:00.003-04:00

Well, we've made it into the house, and hopefully tonight will be the very last load from the old house. I can not believe how much different this move has been than our others. In 13 years of marriage, we have moved plenty of times, but this has by far taken the longest, and been the hardest. We're on day 7 now I think. My poor husband is beat. The thing is, we have gone thru stuff and gone thru and gone thru. So it's not like we are hording. I don't get it.

The house is up for sale, and here's hoping. I have had dreams about people looking at it. It does need some work, but maybe one of those people who flip homes will buy it.

Anyhoo, just wanted to give you a quick update. We're here and things are moving along. So far the the kids are loving their new rooms. My family kept saying that Sis wouldn't sleep in her room alone, but she couldn't wait to get into bed and stayed there all night:)

Having a slight issue w/ the basement, but they are dealing w/ it, so I'm trying not to complain. It is something that should have been taken care of b4 we got into the house tho........but anyway.

2009-08-13T17:13:00.003-04:00

So, tomorrow is a big day for us. We sign the lease on our new house. After that we are gonna go paint the kids' rooms, and then move the beds over. Then Saturday is the real moving day. I will be w/o internet for a couple of days. (eegads!!)

I'll post pics when I can!! Thanx for all your congrats and well wishes on FB!! xoxo Kris

mercy.....

2009-08-08T17:27:00.002-04:00

MercyMe Tour Bus Involved In Fatal Accident

Early this morning in Lima Indiana a car struck their tour bus. 2 in the car didn't make it.

Following the accident, the band cancelled the sold out concert at 6 Flags that they were on their way to.

This is one of my FAVE Christian bands, and imho one of the all time best Christian bands ever. I'm sure you guys would know one of their songs, even if you don't listen to Christian music, they sing, I Can Only Imagine. I can't imagine the grief that they must be feeling, even tho it wasn't their fault.

Here is a link to article..

new beginnings......

2009-08-06T12:03:00.002-04:00

we have been in our house for 9 years. when we bought it, we were just about newly weds, and had 2 little boys, one of them a baby. it is a 2 bedroom house. then we had our baby girl. and we have still been in this 2 bedroom house for the last 6 years. with all 3 kids stuffed in one room.

and now, we have finally gotten a break! we are moving into a 3 bedroom house next friday:) the boys will still share a room, but i don't think they'd have it any other way. sis will finally have a girly room. we are going to paint it b4 we even move into the house. the boys' room we are painting gray, star wars gray. the house also has a full basement. we will have plenty of room to spread out and move around.

i can't tell you how much relief i feel. not sure what we are going to do w/ our current house yet. we obviously can't pay double payments, and we're not interested in renting it out either. pray for us, that we can get rid of it quickly.

totally off topic..

2009-08-03T18:03:00.003-04:00

but we have had some pretty bad neighbors for the last few years. I would use the racial slur if you will of calling them rednecks. dirty, white trash. and i mean that in every sense of the word. when we got our chickens, all 6 of them. they decided to get 15, plus ducks, rabbits, and dogs.

they had so many people living in their house that we thought there were 2 families, in a house slightly larger than ours. we never did figure out the family dynamics of them. one of their kids tried to steal from one of our friends. another one of them, a 6 yo took a pocket knife to their house and pocked wholes all over their sons blankie. you just don't mess w/ a kids blankie. we have seen him w/ lighters and all sorts of stuff.

so, about a month ago, i found o/ from a different neighbor that one of them men living in that house is on the sex offender registry, apparently for being w/ an under age girl. altho when i looked, i didn't see a reason. somehow, i wasn't shocked, but i was pretty unhappy to say the least. i told what neighbors i thought should know. and started praying.

what get's me is what i kept hearing from other people. i kept hearing, "well, you know, it could have been a 'mad dad' thing." or, "you don't know how old he was". you know what? i don't really care. from everything i've seen o/o these people, including smoking pot in the front yard w/ a toddler at their feet, i don't care how old he was or if someones dad was just ticked off, what he did was ILLEGAL and why is everyone trying to make it seem ok to me??

and btw, thank GOD, they moved!!! now i just have to pray for better people to move into that house...

What shall I do w/ myself??

2009-07-31T16:19:00.002-04:00

So, my husband and kids are going camping for the night. They're not roughing it too much though. They're going up to the cottage, but sleeping in a tent and cooking on an open fire. Some of his family is up there, including his parents, who said they want to make them pancakes in the morning. So sweet :) (and so spoiled!)

Ronnie and I are doing a lite dinner and sshopping :) And being sneaky, mooahh!! Gotta make cupcakes and get things ready for Zacs surprise 10th bday party while they're gone. I also have a very early Saturday morning thing that I need sleep for. Which is the original reason I didn't go, the sneakiness was a convenient after thought :)

I'll post pics after the party!

Danger! Danger Will Robinson!!!!

2009-07-28T22:36:00.004-04:00

This is disturbing in so many ways... I can't even begin to deal w/ all of them. It's bad enough that most students and doctors never see natural births, but this could mean them never seeing LIVE births. Till the get to YOU?? Who knows. I know, I could be exaggerating....I could be...but this is the present right here...ugh, this makes me sick.

Relay for Life 2009...

2009-07-26T20:01:00.005-04:00

We had the best time at Relay for Life this year. I even got my husband hooked.

We are both convinced we are going to be part of a team next year. B/c I came in at the last minute this year I wasn't able to be on a team. I kind of hooked up w/ one and put my sponsorship money w/ theirs but I wasn't really a part of their team. Here are some pics I took...

This is a group of Survivors. The survivors wore purple shirts, and had chain links of how many years they had survived and had colors that represented different things.

The Survivors did the 1st lap to start the Relay..

This is the King and Queen, aren't they adorable?

Then she put her crown on Sis:)

This is one of the kids' favorite people. She was all of their Sunday School teacher when they were younger. Sis just graduated o/o her class, I cried. Her family has had a team every year for years, wish I'd known sooner:)

My FAVE shirts!!! They had a team called BOWLING FOR BOOBIES! I never got a pic of the front, but it had 2 bowling balls, heehee...

Me and Scott home after walking for 2 hours..we don't look too bad do we?? We came home for a little while b/c the kids needed a break. (just the kids...ha ha)

The kids all got glow sticks as the sun went down. I had no idea it was so fair like. We walked all night, but there were games and so much stuff there to raise more money and have fun. It was great to be together as a family all day too.

Setting up for the luminaria (sp?) You can buy a bag and decorate it in honor of a loved on you've lost. They line them, put sand in the bottom and put a candle inside.

I was playing w/ my camera to try to get a good pic of them after the sun went down w/o a flash....I didn't do too well...it was actually much darker than this, and this is no flash, it was a different setting, I don't even know what I did.

Scott hanging out at the end of the night....

The thing I liked the most about this night was at the Survivors ceremony one of the woman that spoke she talked about carrying the torch for another. She gave practical examples that people did for her when she was fighting her battle. The whole day was so touching and it felt great to be a part of it.

Unbelievable...

2009-07-22T22:49:00.010-04:00

I don't get it.

So this kid Jamie Waylett of the Harry Potter movies was arrested after the car he was riding in was searched and found to have 8 bags of cannibis in it and then taken to court for growing marijauna plants in his apartment, THAT HE LIVES IN WITH HIS MOTHER!!

His lawyer "pleaded w/ the judge not to send him to jail for the sake of his career!!!" Here's the clincher for me..... in 2006, he was accused of snorting cocaine!!

And guess what!? The judge is just spineless enough to let him off w/ community service.

Here is the rest of the story:

District Judge Timothy Workman sentenced him to 120 hours of community service during a 15-minute hearing at City of Westminster Magistrates Court.

Judge Workman said: “Mr Waylett I accept that the cultivation of this cannabis was on a small scale, and this was not in any way a commercial venture on your part. Nevertheless you used a sophisticated growing system to do so.

“I give you credit for pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity, your co-operation with police and the fact that you are, until now, a man of good character.

“I propose to deal with this by imposing a sentence of 120 hours of unpaid work.”
What!? A man of good character!? Are we talking about the same kid here!? The one who was snorting cocaine a coupla years ago and who had 8 bags of pot in his car!? And who was GROWING IT in his APARTMENT!? I think maybe the judge was smoking some of it before he read this ruling!

That's funny right? But the part that's not funny is that this kid is on a slippery slope to Brittany-ville, or some other freaky sad celebrity whose parents don't care enough about them to get them help and the judges they go before don't give them real sentences because they're celebrities.

If this kid wasn't an actor his butt would be in jail right now. If he worked at a pizza joint, the judge wouldn't have been polite and said "you are until now a man of good character." Gimme a friggen break! A man of good character isn't someone who is accused of snorting cocaine 3 years ago.

This judge had an opportunity to change this boys life for the better and he didn't do it. He could have given him some kind of rehab or some other positive something or other place that he could have gone to, to get this guy the help he needs that he is not going to get in community service. It's only a matter of time before we see him and his weepy mother in headlines again b/c her little boy isn't making her any money any more, b/c now he really screwed up.

So sad.

For more on this story, go HERE and HERE. With thanx to Rosy from Accidental Sexiness for the story:)

Relay for Life

2009-07-20T22:28:00.003-04:00

As a last minute thing I am walking in the Relay for Life this weekend. I knew I wanted to do it, but didn't know it was this weekend. I don't feel like it was very well publicised. I had hardly heard about it. I know in the years past it was all over the place. This year some friends said that there was hardly any interest in the booth they were doing. That is so sad. I know that the economy is bad, and it's hard to ask for money, but I still don't mind doing the asking once in a while:D As a last minute plea, I'm out there begging for it!! I've gotten 4 sponsors so for:) Like I told 1 friend, I figure, whatever money I show up w/ is more than what they had b4 I got there:) You know what I mean though, having only a weeks notice, I won't get much, but every dollar counts!! And thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far!!

A Saturday Song.....

2009-07-18T13:13:00.000-04:00

I am completely in love w/ her. I discovered her on Regis and Kelly or something. She sang this song too. (originally made by bob dylan) I listen to this song over and over again. My kids haven't cringed yet tho... I only have this album, but I do luv it:)

Ok, so I just got a little curious and listened to a few of the other versions on youtube. I've decided I like just about everyones but Dylans(!) I don't love Kelly Clarcksons either. I like Adeles the best, and Billy Joel doesn't do a bad job...

Kid Bits..

2009-07-17T12:47:00.000-04:00

Sis says to me just now...

"Mom, my life would be a lot easier if Adam and Eve hadn't ever sinned!!"

Can I get an amen to that!?

a doula day..

2009-07-15T17:10:00.001-04:00

Next month I have a great opportunity. There is going to be this small fair in Niles. I am going to be kind of co-sponsoring a booth at it. I will be there w/ the nonprofit that I volunteer for, but I also get to advertise myself as a doula. I'm excited:)

I go back and forth. I don't do many births. There are times when I talk to other doulas and think, man, I wish I could get that many! But then, realistically, it wouldn't work for my family. I am not prepared to pay a baby sitter right now. And my kids are not prepared to spend the day w/ one. In a conversation w/ my daughter recently I asked her when she was going to stop sucking her thumb, she remarked that she had tried to stop, but then we had all those days at the baby sitters...we recently had some days at the sitters b/c dh's mom had to spend some time in the hospital.

I am a stay at home mom for a reason, b/c I feel I was called here. I also feel I was called to be a doula. And, if I go way back to the beginning, I can remember sitting in a church service and the Lord telling me that He would bring me the clients He wanted me to have. So, maybe I won't be a money making doula, which, let's face it, who is in it for the money?? And maybe I won't be a high number clientele doula, which, I couldn't handle anyway.. but, I'll keep doing what I'm doing. And I'll have the clients that I'm supposed to have, and the timing will be right for all of them.

But if I come across an opportunity to advertise, I'll do it! B/c who says God can't bring me someone that way?!

ho hum.

2009-07-12T22:11:00.000-04:00

Probably not a good time to write a blog post b/c I'm very tired, have pms, am slightly grumpy and lonely. My husband has deserted my for the greener grasses of the Buckeyes. I just realized I don't even know where he is in Ohio. Sad isn't it?? He is at a campmeeting for a week. We have a few little surprises planned for the kids, b/c they've never been away from him for this long, neither have I tho, not since we've been married. The kids have been bickering like crazy today. I'm worn out. As soon as they go to bed, I'm going too. One of them wants to sleep w/ me, I know it would be sweet, but I don't want to. I want to be alone. Maybe another night.

the end...

2009-07-10T11:42:00.000-04:00

Ok ladies, thank you for indulging my obsession:) This is the last, for a while at least, maybe till next year..

Last year, I read every thing I could get my eyes on about the concert. I knew every song they were going to sing. This year, I stayed away from the spoilers as much as possible. I happened upon a couple of things here and there, but was content to be suprised. I had read that at some point in the show they came o/ on individual stages, but had completely forgot. Then the lights went down, we saw them jump down into the audience and I saw this opening. I didn't know where they were, but I saw my chance. I went down there and stuck my arm thru a window between a little girl and a woman w/ a very large chest and just started shooting!! Like I said, at this point, I didn't know what was happening. I thought if they are going to run by here, I'm gonna get a pic.

Music and lights come back and I see Danny, WHO HAPPENS TO BE MY FAVORITE(!) in front of me!! I try to get some good pics, but he has his back turned a lot, I took this video and then I realize Donnie is coming over, RONNIE'S FAVE(!) so I took some of him, but you see the inner struggle that ensues here:D anyway, I was thrilled w/ this! It's not the best video, I was enjoying watching, not videoing, but for those of you who don't know, Danny is on the right, and Donnie is the one who climbs the pole..) The funny thing is that I thought Ronnie was right behind me, but when I went back to my seat, she had never left. I really just saw the chance and took off, wedged myself between the small one and the large chested one and went for it!

just piccies this time, and happy 4th!!!

2009-07-03T16:01:00.000-04:00

I got tired of playing, or rather fighting w/ wmm. so here are some pics:)

This is us waiting to get into the actual venue. This is Ronnie, and 2 great new friends we met b4 hand while we were stalking, come to find out, they just live about 45 minutes from us, so we plan to get together really soon:) and me.

Us in the venue, still waiting...

Coupla concert pics. This one shows how far back we were. Try as I might, I cannot get good seats. I actually had the money this time, I call as soon as the ticket line opens, but I still ended up w/ these seats. I know, people say wait and buy them right b4 the show, close seats open up and sure enough one of the girls we were w/ called and 5th row opened up. But how do you plan on going to a concert w/ no tickets till the day b4 the show?? That is scary. I did just find o/ about this blog that has like some kind of thing that let's you buy early, so hopefully next year....

Donnie..

Jon and Joe(?) Singing a medley of my all time fave NKOTB song Didn't I Blow Your Mind

Us singing I'll Be Lovin' You Forever..

That's all for now, I wish you all a safe and happy 4th of July tomorrow!!! We're going to watch our local fireworks at the airport tonight, should be fun! (not as much fun as an nkotb concert in chicago, but such is life....)

next stop, tinley park!!

2009-07-01T23:17:00.000-04:00

The night that we got to Tinley Park we really didn't have much to do, so we went wandering around. It's a nice place, but it's not like downtown Chicago. We decided we'd go hunt down the amphitheater so we would know where we were going the next day.

And, last year, when we met Donnie, we went early to the arena, found the buses, and he came out and signed autographs. So, we also wanted to see if we'd be able to see where the buses would be, you know, do a little stalking:)

Unfortunately for us, they were completely unaccesable this time around. But we still had a great time, as you can see:)

This pic and this video needs a little explaining. Ronnie says she's special b/c she is the star of all the videos since I'm the movie maker!! And you see, all of our boys are from Boston:) So....

Thanx for visiting me on my new blog, it's been immensly fun blogging again and hearing from your, and extremly frustrating trying to figure out windows movie maker, which is the only thing I have that will format them so I can upload them anywhere:) anyone want to come give me lessons??? more l8tr!!

more...

2009-06-29T14:50:00.000-04:00

Here's a little more..this is the back of my shirt.

And heeeere, is the sweet ride that we took:) we had to kick Ronnies dad o/ so we could take the pic. Her mom said, "get o/ they don't want any men in the pic. I said, "well, I wouldn't say that.."

The next stop, I believe will be Tinley park, village of Chicago;)

here i am again...

2009-06-29T00:13:00.000-04:00

On my own, goin' down the only road I've ever known.... oh wait, no. Sorry....

I can't believe I am back on blogger. It was such a pain in my bum. But to be honest, it has way more options than wordpress. Wordpress is prettier, and in some ways simpler, but blogger has more options, and it's easier to use. I can't even upload a video over there w/o paying for it?? No way. So here I am again. You like the name?? I like it much better, it's more me.

And for my 1st post here, I wanted to show you a little of the fun we had on our little road trip to Chicago. But I have to back up and give you a little back ground....

I thought I'd start from the beginning.... Ronnie and I went to Chicago to see our boys in concert this past weekend and had a blast!! We didn't get to meet any of them like last time, but we had a great time just hanging out and being girls anyway...
but like I said, we gotta back up....
Part of this is just silliness, but that's what makes it so much fun. And some of it you won't get, and I don't even care! BUT, here are some little talky blogs, or vlogs or w/e you wanna call 'em!! but let me explain a little bit....
on twitter, one of the new kids calls the fans soldiers, and started giving away free tickets and stuff, he also said to get creative and let him know you were a soldier and a fan on twitter, and no big signs...so this is us, making our shirts.....ok, well, this is ronnie making her shirt, and me recording and laughing @ her....heehee....

well, i had another one, but i am still learning windows movie maker program and for some reason it keeps saving that movie over and over. so, as soon as i figure it out, i'll load a bunch more of these, cuz i kind of went nutz w/ my little digital and like i said, we had FUN!!