The Rehan Family

What's Important?

2011-09-05T00:18:00.000-07:00

If you ask this beautiful little boy what the

most important thing

in this world is, he will tell you.

FAMILY

And then, he will tell you
how important it is to

LOVE

your family,

but most importantly...

To love

YOURSELF

25 things you don't know about...BLOG HOP

2011-08-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

I am linking up through Mama's Blog Hop...you can find her post and links to everyone else's posts HERE!

I had actually already written this post on another media forum, in January of 2009, but it still applies, so I just copied, pasted, and modified a few things that needed updating.

Things You Don't Know About ME:

1. I STILL have no idea what I am going to be when I grow up.

2. These are things I secretly yearn to be: photographer, designer (many types), dancer (I have studied Belly Dancing for many years, but would like to attempt some other forms, as well!), personal trainer (don't laugh), Babywearing Expert and consultant, WAHM,designer and maker of handmade items, an inspiration to others, organized and neat, SEXY, rich and not-quite-so-famous (who doesn't??), a successful business owner....the list really does go on and on...I'll stop here.

3. I swore I would never love more than 1 person in my life...I now love 3, heart and soul.

4. I hate cleaning...which is why...My HOUSE is always a disorganized (seriously cluttered) disaster.

5. When I worked in an office, I was anal retentive about cleanliness and organization...never anything out of place.

6. I have a degree in Interior Design...YET, my house is an un-decorated, cluttered, disorganized disaster.

7. I put on 60 pounds being a full-time student, while working full-time, running a volunteer organization to design and rebuild homes lost in the 2003 San Diego Wildfires, and becoming a home-owner...NOT by becoming a Mommy. Having a torn tendon in my ankle for the past 2 years has not helped.

8. I was studying to become an Architect when I got pregnant with my son, after 8 years of infertility.

9. I witnessed a horrific gang-related beating while I was 8 months pregnant with my son, and chased the attacker, and saved his victim's life. My heart aches to this day, thinking of how his mother must have felt seeing him broken and bloodied, and hanging onto life by a thread.

10. We conceived our daughter the first night we TALKED ABOUT becoming pregnant in future months.

11. I have way too many clothes (especially ones that don't fit), and bags...I LOVE BAGS....(especially my pretties from Bagonia!)

12. I love to read, write, draw, sew, craft, and lots more....I hope to find the time to pursue these things more frequently, in the near future.

13. I love to learn, but hate school....not ALL of it...just the homework part.

14. I've taken so many different classes for so many different things that my hubby called me a Professional Student. I still want to take more classes...and learn more trades...I really think it's an addiction.

15. I now have ALMOST everything I've ever wanted.

16. I have some of the most amazing women EVER as my friends...I hope they know how lucky I feel to have them.

17. I went into the military straight out of high school, and turned down a chance to be a search and rescue swimmer...I still regret that.

18. I have NO SYMPATHY for someone who would abuse a child...in ANY way, shape, or form. As a child, I was abused...one day, I will find the strength and courage to write about it. Today is not that day.

19. My Mom died in a car accident in 1979...Her boyfriend was driving drunk...My brother and I were in the car...He got away with murder...I AM FIRMLY AGAINST DRINKING AND DRIVING.

20. I miss my mom, and even though I was too young to remember her...I can't seem to let go.

21. I wish she could have met her grandkids.

22. I have THE 2 MOST BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN on the face of the earth....yes, I am biased.

23. I have a freckle on the bottom of my foot...now, so does my daughter.

24. There are 3 people in my life I can't live without...I hope I never have to.

25. I LOVE to help others.

Tutorial: Crafting our 4th of July (Re-purposing clothing)

2011-06-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July is just around the corner...literally! If you are like me, you love dressing your kids for the holidays. While I'd love to be able to buy my kids a new outfit for each holiday, it's just not affordable, especially for an outfit to be worn one or two times, then outgrown. Instead, I dress them in regular clothes and accessorize with a cute pair of sleeves made from socks! Our 4th of July sleeves are going to be made from socks purchased on sale at Joann's right after Memorial Day. They were priced at $4.99, but on sale, were 1/2 off, making them $2.50! I am also making SugarPlum a shirt from a onesie I found on clearance at Target earlier this year, for a WHOPPING $1.25! Tell me, WHERE could you buy an entire holiday outfit for $3.75?

In this post, I am going to walk you through 2 different processes. First, I will show you how to re-purpose a pair of knee high socks into a pair of sleeves (they can also be used as leggings) to be worn with a t-shirt. The second process is converting a onesie to a t-shirt!

Making Sleeves

You can typically find inexpensive knee high socks at Target for around $2.50, but you can also spend up to $8 for a pair you REALLY LOVE. The most I've spent is $7 for a 2-pack, which makes each pair $3.50. It's a far cry from the $8-$12 you'd spend on a ready-made pair of leggings or sleeves.

Lay your socks out flat, as they are already pressed.

Cut the toe off, leaving a straight opening. This is easiest when there is a pattern, since you can follow the pattern, as I have done with the stripes on these. Cut the foot off just forward of the heel, keeping it parallel with the first cut you made at the toe. This is the portion you will use for the cuff. Now, cut the heel out, straightening the bottom of the leg of the sock parallel with the top of the sock.

Toss the toe and heel clippings.

Fold one end of the cuff piece inward, matching wrong sides together, so that you can flip it over in either direction and only see the exterior. Match up the raw edges and pin. If there is a pattern, you will want to match it up before you pin, so the pattern continues to flow.

Take the leg of the sock and push through the center of the cuff, from the folded edge first, so that your raw edges are all on the same end. You will now have 3 layers of raw edges. If there is a pattern, make sure you pin it so that when the cuff is folded down, the pattern is still in the appropriate orientation. If it is not, flip the cuff in the other direction before inserting the leg. Pin these 3 raw edges together. As you can see, I have a blue stripe with stars down either side of the sock, so I matched the blue stripes on the cuff to the stripes on the leg of the sock.

Set your machine to zig-zag and zig-zag stitch around the entire ring of the raw edges. I use a medium length and width for my zig-zag stitches. DO NOT STRETCH THE SOCK. If you stretch it, it will end up looking funky...trust me! You are zig-zagging to allow for it to stretch as you put it on, therefore, you do not need to stretch it as you sew.

Once you are done sewing the first one, flip it, check it for pattern consistency one last time, and if you are happy, move on to the second sock. Repeat the above steps for the second sock!

Congratulations! You have just made your own leggings and/or sleeves from a pair of socks!

I've found that I can wear the same sleeves that I make for my kids, and they work perfectly. They are great to keep in my purse, in case it gets chilly in the evening time. I can just toss them on under my t-shirt sleeves!

Onesie to T-shirt Conversion

My husband HATES onesies. He always has. Whenever I leave the house for any length of time, I have to leave him t-shirts for the kids, since he has a strict NO ONESIE policy. Now that my kids are a little bit older, and both potty-trained, I NEED for them to have t-shirts, for easy access to get on the potty independently. My problem with this? I have tons of adorable onesies that still fit my daughter, but I can't put on her because she can't get them on and off by herself when she needs to use the potty. My solution is to cut the bottoms off and sew a hem, converting them to t-shirts.

First, make sure you have the right sewing machine needle! It needs to be ballpoint, and matched to the weight of the fabric. I am using a light to medium weight fabric, so I picked a size that is made for light to medium weight fabric. It doesn't need to be the most expensive needle, trust me...just pick one. You could spend all day shopping for a needle. I buy the cheapest, typically, because they might break, and you are going to end up needing to replace them eventually. More money. So...don't go top-dollar. Unless you are a pro, and NEED to.

Fold your onesie in half, length-wise, so the side seams are matched.

Cut across the bottom, just above the bottom seams, removing the seam or binding, along with the snaps.

You now have a raw edge on the bottom. I allowed mine to keep a slight curve, instead of cutting straight across.

Flip the raw edge upward, on the outside. You can choose how big you want your hem to be. Whatever that number is, double it for how much you are flipping upward. For example, if you want your hem to be 1/4", flip up 1/2" of the bottom fabric. Now, flip the raw edge downward, matching it to the original fold at the bottom.

Pin in place. I twist the pin as I insert it, to avoid pulling or tearing the knit fabric.

Once you've pinned all the way around your hem, set your machine to zig-zag. I use medium lengths and widths for my stitches. Place the raw edge (where it is pinned to the folded edge) on your machine, right in the middle of the presser foot opening. This will allow the zig-zag stitch to go on either size of the edge of the fabric, creating your hem, and securing the raw edge at the same time.

Now that you are done stitching the entire hem, flip the hem down and press it flat with your iron.

Congratulations! You've just converted a onesie into a t-shirt! Pretty simple, eh?

Your last step for BOTH of these tutorials is to find a model and take a photo of your completed outfit!

HOW CUTE IS THAT!?!

If you end up making these, please feel free to let me know in the comments, with a link to your post, or email me photos of your completed items!

Fo Fo Figgily's First Haircut: A Review and A Giveaway!

2011-06-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

UPDATE (7/5/2011): Out of 4 valid entries, Random.org drew #3. Congratulations, Angela! I've sent an email requesting your information! Thanks to everyone who entered!

When I first received the DVD from Mamarazzi Knows Best and opened it, my initial thought was "Oh no! This isn't going to go well!" You see, Pickle, my 5 year old son, has never had his hair cut! I was concerned that the show might somehow make him feel pressured into getting a haircut, or make him feel silly with his long hair.

I'm happy to report that my fears were put at ease as soon as the show started! Pickle watched it, interacted with it, and LOVED it!

In Fo-Fo Figgily's First Haircut, Fo-Fo Figgily and his friends Logan, Vivala Wee, Kendal Bootglow, Mr. Pinch, Ernest Earthworm, Fixle Bowstring and the Task Tinkers, took us on an adventure through Seabucklebark, where the motto is "Anything is possible when you work together!"

Fo-Fo Figgily was struggling to see his keyboard through his shaggy, thick, purple hair. His friends Logan and Vivala Wee try to help him find a solution. Their search leads them on a trek around town, where each of their friends attempts to help. The experience was a positive one, where Fo-Fo Figgily has a lot of fun learning what it means to get a haircut, instead of a new hair DO.

While the main lesson is about working together and making anything possible, there are several other lessons to be learned, such as what the different traffic light colors mean, healthy eating tips, fitness tips, and one that I felt was VERY important to teach your children: ONLY GROWN-UPS SHOULD CUT YOUR HAIR.

Speaking from my own childhood hair cutting experience, this is EXTREMELY important to teach our children. Granted, I still have my eyes, and yes, hair DOES grow back, the growing out process can be a bit challenging, when some chunks have been chopped nearly to the scalp! For this reason, I keep my scissors locked in my sewing room when they are not being used!

My children really had a fun time with Fo-Fo and his friends, dancing, singing, and learning...they have asked me to play it over and over and over again, and each time, they act as excited to see it as the very first time!

Find Fo-Fo Figgily on Facebook or Twitter! You can also check out Fo-Fo Figgily's Website, where you and your child can Meet the Characters, play games, and SO MUCH MORE!

You can purchase Fo-Fo Figgily's First Haircut or Fo-Fo Figgily's Surprise Birthday Adventure, OR you can purchase them as a set!

I'm giving away ONE copy of Fo-Fo Figgily's First Haircut! It's easy to enter!

Just leave a comment, telling me which character you think your child will LOVE, and WHY!

*Please leave a valid email address in your comment, or your comment will not count. OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY!

The winner will be drawn on Tuesday, July 5th, by Random.org and contacted via email (by TheRehanFamily) and asked to reply with a mailing address! The winner will have 48 hours to reply with a mailing address, or a new winner will be drawn!

For an EXTRA chance to win, visit Mamarazzi Knows Best, and enter HER giveaway!

Good Luck!

**Disclaimer: I received a copy of Fo-Fo Figgily's First Haircut to review, as well as one to give away! This has in no way affected my review of this product. My opinion is and always will be my own, and REAL.

20 Things That Excite Me

2011-06-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

I'd like to share with you 20 Things That Excite Me. These are not the ONLY 20 things that excite me...I could fill a book with EVERYTHING that excites me, so I limited it to 20! Enjoy!

Helping others.
Trying something fun for the first time.
Fresh, ripe fruit straight from the tree/bush.
A quiet morning to myself as the kids sleep in.
The sparkle in my children's eyes.
Designing something new.
Re-designing something old.
Activities that entertain my kids for more than 5 minutes.

Sharing a fresh pot of chocolate flavored coffee with my hubby on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Brainstorms.

Carnival mirrors that make me look skinny.

1/2 priced fabric remnants.

Time spent with friends, old and new.

Finding money in clothing pockets and old purses or wallets.

The idea of launching my own sewing business.

Networking with amazing people.

Getting a great deal on something I've wanted for a long time, but would never buy at full price.

The sound of my hubby's key in the door at the end of the day.

Friendly competition.

Getting the bed to myself, when hubby falls asleep on the couch.

What are some of the things that excite YOU most? Please share, but keep it family-friendly!

I'd Like to Introduce You to KidsCause

2011-05-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

We all love to shop a good deal, right? We all enjoy giving back to our community, right? So, why not combine the two and and shop while giving back to the community all in one easy click? Well folks, you can and it’s through a fantastic new non-profit online deal site called KidsCause.

The KidsCause Mission and Commitment:

KidsCause joins together with like-minded businesses and community partners to provide funding for organizations whose goals are to improve the lives of kids in their local community and around the world. KidsCause is a non-profit organization that utilizes for-profit business methods and cause marketing to benefit organizations serving children.

With every purchase, something good happens for a child. A single purchase may provide a child with a pair of shoes or food for a day; combined purchases may fund a clean water source for an entire village or a complete room-makeover for a child battling cancer. Whatever it is, we guarantee that with every purchase made at KidsCause.org, you will help improve the quality of life for children in your community and around the world.

How KidsCause Works

Get it:
Sign up to receive a great local daily deal via email, Twitter or Facebook.

Share it:
Share your deal with friends and family through e-mail or social networks. Sharing more means giving more!

Enjoy it:
Follow the instructions on your voucher and head out to your local merchant to get your deal.

and...

Kids benefit from it:
While getting a great local deal, you’re helping to raise money for kids!

While this alone is reason enough to start shopping with KidsCause, the benefits of KidsCause.org doesn’t end here. KidsCause also offers all of their members the chance to become KidsCause Champions through their amazingly simple and prosperous referral program. You don’t need your own blog or website to become a part of the KidsCause Crowd, all you need is a way to spread the word:

How it Works:

Please signup to get your personal referral link.
Share your personal referral link with your network of friends, family, co-workers, and associates through email, facebook, twitter, blogs, your website, etc.
When your friends join the KidsCause Crowd through your link, they will become part of your KidsCause network.
Each time one of your friends makes a purchase, we will credit your account with 10% of the KidsCause revenues from that sale.
Use your earnings to: 1. make purchases on KidsCause.org, 2. request a check from KidsCause when your earnings have reached $100 or more, 3. donate your earnings directly to a child in need through a special KidsCause Champion webpage.

KidsCause has a winning equation for everyone involved. We get to shop some great deals and we have peace of mind knowing that our purchase has a direct and very tangible effect on a child in need. We spread the word about KidsCause with the referral program and we make a direct and very tangible effect on our own wallets.

Let’s all support (KidsCause - the non-profit daily deal site) today and make an impact while we shop.

Sign up today!

Living Without Closure

2011-05-18T00:59:00.000-07:00

I've spent most of my life searching for answers to questions. I like to feel like there is an answer for everything, but I've learned that this isn't always the case. Or maybe it is, but nobody will speak it out loud. Some answers die with the person the questions are about. Some questions never get asked, or at least not to the person to whom they apply. And honestly, there are some questions I may NOT really want to hear the answer to.

Recently, I posted to a group of amazing women the question of what closure means to them. I was happy to know that I was not alone in feeling like I needed closure on some things, but I also started to feel like maybe I need a lesson in "Letting Go". While the big things definitely should gain their respected closure, there are certainly a lot of little things that I need to just let go of. This being said, I still know in my heart that there are several things I will probably NEVER find closure for, and I have to learn to be okay with that. I wish I knew how to do that.

Lack of closure has affected my ability to move forward, in some aspects of my life, and I have come to a point in my life where I am ready to break past those barriers and truly move on. It's definitely a difficult process, and one that requires some serious work, but I know that I will get there, somehow. I just don't know when. Or how.

Being a Mom: Devastation and Acceptance

2011-05-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

I’ve attempted to write this post over and over again, in the past nearly 3 years, but I’ve struggled with it. I mean, it’s really NOT that easy to hit PUBLISH on something that is so deep down and personal. Yet, it is something that I need to share. Partially, for the healing quality of sharing, and partially, because I may not be the only one who has been through, or is going through, this sort of devastation in my life. And if there is a teeny tiny chance that someone else might resonate with what I’ve been through, I’m happy to share with them and provide the support that I lacked while going through it.

If you read my blog regularly, you’ve probably already read “Being a Mom: Desperation and Celebration”. If not, you may want to read it…it explains a lot.

So, go get your cup of coffee, and a box of tissues, and join me on a trip down memory lane, as I say good-bye to a part of me forever...It's a long one, so get comfy!

I’m one of those “horrible women” who allowed her children to be born via C-section. Yes, I did. Both times. Pickle was an emergency c-section, delivered after 18 hours of labor, and several very scary moments. I didn’t want to do it, but because I knew by the look on the doctor’s face that there was no other way, I swallowed my self-pity and allowed them to do what needed to be done to bring my son safely to my arms. SugarPlum was scheduled, at the urging of my OB, due to her projected size of 9 lbs. I must say, I am VERY glad that I allowed this to happen, because she was a pound larger than predicted.

After SugarPlum’s birth, I opted for an IUD, due to previous difficulties with birth control options. As luck would have it, my IUD decided to migrate from my uterus into my right tube and ovary, where it had to be surgically removed. So much for birth control! That’s a whole other post for another day.

It was nearly 9 months after SugarPlum came that I fell ill. With the return of an old not-so-welcome friend, came crippling pain that took away every ounce of strength I had, and my will to live. I had to have my Hubby help me out of bed some mornings, because I couldn't even stand to walk to the bathroom. I felt like I was failing my children, because I couldn't play with them the way they deserved, and I didn't have the energy to go anywhere to let them run and play.

Each day was harder than the last, and as the months passed, we tried multiple medications, and nothing helped. I was tested for this, that, and the other, but nothing "appeared" to be out of the ordinary. It was a complete mystery to my doctor, but for me, it was complete misery.

In December, I broke down...I didn't want to live. If I couldn't care for myself or my children, what good would I be to keep around? I begged my husband...and yes, I even used "that" line. If you love me...please, just do it for me. Yes, it was selfish of me, and I am glad he refused, all said and done, but at that moment, all I wanted was for him to bring me peace and end my suffering. The realization that I had lost was upon me, and I was ready to wave my white flag in defeat.

At my next appointment, my doctor wanted to try another method of treatment. In his words, were I HIS spouse, this is what he would want for me...to avoid surgery and try everything possible. Only, nothing was working, and it had been nearly 5 months. I asked him, in all seriousness, if his wife asked him to take her life or her uterus, which he would take. He scheduled my surgery.

At this point, you are breathing a huge sigh of relief, but I wasn't. It was early December, and he could not do the surgery until late February. 2 1/2 months seemed like an eternity...and it was.

In those weeks, I searched desperately for an inexpensive method of child-care, for my return home, because I would be restricted from holding my children for a minimum of 6 weeks. Luckily, just days before my surgery, a close friend of mine mentioned that she was out of work, and when I proposed that she come help me with the kids, and use any down-time to draft up her resume and apply for jobs online, she immediately accepted.

The day of my surgery, my husband and I dropped Pickle and SugarPlum off with a dear friend, I said my good-byes, kissed them, and promised to be home in a couple of days. Hubby planned to drop me off and go to work, then pick the kids up each day, after work, and drop them off again the following mornings, so that he would not have to miss any work, aside from dropping me off and picking me up. Unfortunately, the kids fell ill with the flu almost immediately, so he ended up staying home after the first day, to care for them. I went into surgery feeling nervous and beyond scared, and nothing could have prepared me for the nightmarish experience I had.

The surgery itself went well...it's what happened AFTER my surgery that went wrong. I was given Dilaudid out of surgery, to help me with the pain I would feel upon waking. As I woke up, all I could do was cry and writhe in pain. I didn't understand. Why, if they had told me they would make me comfortable after surgery, did I feel worse than ever? And why wouldn't anyone help me? I didn't have my glasses on, so I could only make out blurs of color passing through the recovery room I shared with multiple other patients. I couldn't stop crying...it hurts, please, give me something for the pain! Finally, a blurry face hovered next to me, and explained that I could not have any pain medicine for a while, because there was still medication in my system...HUH!?! After that, blurs of people were coming and going, and speaking in hushed voices. "What happened?" "Who was it?" "Well, everyone better cover their ass!" Wait a minute...why did anyone need to cover their butt? What had happened? Was it me? Was it someone in the bed next to me? What had gone wrong?

I can't tell how long I lay there, crying in pain, wondering what was going on around me, but eventually, I drifted off to sleep again. When I woke, there was a gentleman by my bedside, standing quietly, watching me as I slowly came out of the haze. The nurse came over, and handed me my glasses and checked my vitals. It took a moment, but slowly, I realized I wasn't in the same place as when I had fallen asleep. It was dark and quiet, and my room opened out onto a large nurse's station. The nurse had a computer in the room, and stood quietly in the corner, charting as I took everything in.

The man next to me spoke in a gentle voice, and asked if I knew why I was transferred to D.O.U., and I shook my head and asked what D.O.U. meant. I felt as though I should have known, but nothing came to mind. He explained that I was in the Direct Observation Unit, and would remain there for the rest of my time in the hospital. He went on to inform me that something had gone wrong...it seems that when I was given my post-op dose of Dilaudid, my first dose went uncharted. So, someone else came by to check on me, and seeing nothing in the chart, gave me a second dose. I had been nearly unresponsive, and they didn't expect me to pull through. He was very emotional as he spoke about the incident, and expressed to me that he had personally made the decision, as the Director, to put me in D.O.U., because he did not want to face the task of explaining to two very small children that their Mother would not be coming home. What do you even SAY to something like that?

I felt like I was in a dream, and none of what was happening was real, that I was imagining it all, and I would wake up soon...it had to be that I was still sleeping, and had not even come out of surgery yet. So, I pinched myself. Yes, it hurt. But it still didn't seem real. I was in a fog of confusion, and I had no idea which way to go to get back to reality. I drifted in and out.

My husband had promised to come see me after work, and check on me, but he never came...I thought for sure, I would at least get a phone call...something! Panic started. Maybe something had gone wrong with one of the kids, what if he'd gotten into an accident...what TIME was it? It was nearly 1am. Maybe he is going to come see me in the morning.

Morning came...he never showed. Eventually, the doctors came to do their rounds. I have no idea what time it was at this point. I was in a dark room with no clocks, and my sleep was determined by the person with the needle. My doctor had spoken to my husband, and reassured me that he knew I was out of surgery. Why had nobody transferred the call to me, so I could talk to him?

Ah, it's been 32 hours since surgery, it's time for you to get out of bed by yourself and use the toilet! Prior to that 32 hour mark, I'd had some help to use the toilet, but suddenly, it was time to be a big girl and do it myself, to prove that I would be ready to go home the following day, if the doctor felt I was doing well enough. YES! I DID IT! And yes, it HURT! But I DID IT, and that was HUGE! I was proud of myself for being tough and pushing past the pain...I just wanted to go home and see my babies and kiss them and hug them, and smell their hair and hear their voices...I wanted so badly.

Back in the bed with a fresh set of sheets, and some ice in a cup. Then the nurse rushed in with paperwork and handed me the phone. It was my surgeon.

The nurse has a consent form...you need to sign it NOW. I'm on my way, I'll be there in 5 minutes. Sign the form, so the nurses can start the transfusion and prep you for the OR. I've already spoken to your husband. You're blood counts are low, which indicates you are bleeding internally, and we need to go back in and stop the bleeding. This may mean the loss of your ovaries, depending on where the bleeding is coming from.

WHAT? I don't understand! Everything went fine, I'm getting up and peeing by myself, I feel fine! So, I sign the paper, and they bring in a fresh bag of blood. I think back to all of those times in my life, starting as a young teen, and continuing even up until my pregnancies, when I had donated my own blood to possibly save someone else. Now, someone else's blood was going to save me. I got the rundown on risks of transfusion as I was receiving the transfusion...there are no guarantees. I received 4 units of blood in all...I wish I knew those donors, so I could thank them all personally. I just sat there. Numb. And before I knew it, I was being prepped for surgery, and disappearing back into the foggy sleep.

This time, when I woke up, I was in the ICU. It was FREEZING cold in there! And, of course, I didn't have my glasses with me, so I could only make out a distant blur of a person in the large room...I had no idea if there were other beds with other patients, or if I was the only one there, but I DO know I was the only one crying and begging for someone to please help me. I'm having a heart attack...my chest hurts, I can't breathe, please, what's happening to me? The blur comes closer, then disappears...WAIT! Come back! Please, can't you hear me? Why won't anybody help me!?!

Moments later, the nurse is at my side, telling me to calm down, that I've already had pain meds, and that I was fine. I didn't FEEL fine, though! Apparently, she didn't care, she walked away without another word. I cried and waited and cried and waited...I was exhausted, blind, scared, and alone. I wanted my family. I wanted my husband to hold my hand and tell me everything would be okay.

Eventually, a new nurse came on. I told her what I was feeling, and that I could not get the other nurse to respond to me, or help me...that she had stopped to tell me that I was fine, and had already had pain meds, and nothing more. She was extremely apologetic, and immediately jumped to action. Soon, a young fellow with bedhead stood next to me, still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes and attempting to hide a yawn. The new nurse had woken the Duty Doctor from his sleep to come care for me. I was sent for a scan. And more tests...it seemed like forever. Then it was over, and he was giving me my answer. In the midst of opening me back up, in a rush, my chest muscle had been pulled, and this was why I was having such horrible chest pain. Lovely. A little voice in the back of my head questioned why I hadn't just died when I had the chance...you know, when I was NUMB from the Dilaudid overdose.

Eventually, I was returned to my D.O.U. room to complete my recovery. Back at square one. The surgery had gone well...again. Amazingly, the bleeding had stopped by the time they got to it, so they were able to clean up the mess and I was able to keep my ovaries, since they were doing fine.

The rest of my days were a blur...my hubby finally came for me, and after picking up all of the necessary medications, we were headed for home. Several days later than anticipated. I was so happy to see my family, but it was so hard not to be able to hold my babies. It wasn't until the moment I laid eyes on them, smelled them, touched them, and heard their voices, that it hit me.

I almost didn't get to come home. That is when it truly sank in. I was THAT close. I had almost followed in my mother’s footsteps. I had almost left my children mother-less, to struggle with the same pain and emptiness I’ve lived with my entire life.

SugarPlum rejected me. It hurt. I ached to hold her. I had been pumping during my hospital stay, dumping the contaminated milk, so that I could continue nursing upon my return home. I had left her, and not come back for a long time, in her eyes. She was hurt, mad, confused. I tried to understand, but it still hurt. She wouldn't look at me. She wouldn't even hug me. My husband would hand her to me, so I could cradle her in my arms, but she would turn her head away and refuse me.

Two days after coming home, she turned her head to my chest and began to nuzzle me. Slowly, she began to nurse again. I was so happy. I didn't want her weaning to be a negative experience, so it was extremely important to me that we continue nursing at that point. Had she chosen against it, I would have accepted it, but I was so happy that she didn't.

Pickle had spoken to me on the phone while I was preparing to come home over the last two days of my stay, so I knew how he was doing...it was hard for him, he missed me, and cried for me, and I missed him and cried for him, too. But I didn't tell him. I just told him I loved him, and that I would be home soon, for him to take care of his baby sister until I got there, and be good for Daddy.

In the span of less than 3 years, I had given birth to two beautiful children, and basically had 5 c-sections. And? I would never be able to feel another child growing inside my body, and experience the joys of holding my own newborn child. My ability to create life had ceased to exist. I was devastated. Happy to be pain-free, and have the ability to enjoy the two children I already had…ABSOLUTELY. But still, it hurt…in my heart. I had been blessed with two amazing pregnancies, and in all honesty, I had planned for there to be more. But there never will be. I had refused a tubal ligation after SugarPlum’s birth, and again when my IUD had perforated, and yet, in the end, I had lost.

Each time a friend would announce their new pregnancy…some for the first time, some for the 3rd…the 3rd that I had been hoping for a couple of years down the line, my heart would sink into a dark place. I wasn’t NOT happy for them…I was overjoyed for them, but hurting for me. But I kept it to myself. I didn’t want friends to feel guilty about their joy, or to stop sharing their amazing news with me, simply because I couldn’t have any more children. Most of my friends don’t even know about it. The ones that I’ve been extremely close to know, and an odd friend here and there, when the topic came up, which isn’t often. But nothing hurts more than being asked when you are due with your baby, when you’ve just lost your ability to HAVE another. Even now, I still get asked if we are going to have another one soon. And I just smile and say “We are done.” And believe me, when my kids are having a particularly unruly day, I MEAN it, but in my heart, I know I wasn’t truly ready to say “never again”.

I remember at one point, while I was still healing from my hysterectomy, a woman approached me, pointing at both of my children, telling me how full I must have my hands with these two and WOW, a third one on the way! Her eyes were full of judgment, for this woman she assumed was simply a breeding factory, and I cried for nearly a week. I am overweight, and unlucky enough to carry my excess weight right in my belly…add to that the swelling of a recent surgery, and she was right! I looked as though I was carrying a third, and maybe even a fourth child in there! And I still, TO THIS DAY, get comments about when I’m due with my baby. I’ve learned to look them in the eye and tell them December 13th, 2007. That was my SugarPlum’s due date. My sarcastic side wants to get a shirt that shuts them up before they even open their mouths, but I’ve refrained. My nice side wins.

It has been just 3 1/2 years since I gave birth to my beautiful SugarPlum, and nearly 5 years since Pickle came into our lives. I have cherished each and every little moment, each special toy, outfit, favorite books, etc.

I held onto everything. I had every outfit they had ever owned, every toy, every piece of baby gear…nothing left my house. I couldn’t bear to part with any of it. I had originally held onto it, planning in the future, but after my surgery, I held onto it...not because I would be using it again, but because I would NEVER be able to use it again. And a part of me was still waiting to wake up from the nightmare I had been through, and find that I was pregnant again, and it had all truly been a bad dream. But it hadn’t been, and I never would be again, and about a year after my surgery, I managed to ACCEPT that this was my new life. And I began to let go. Not everything all at once, mind you! I’ve only JUST given away the majority of what remained from all of the newborn items. It’s been a process, letting go, and while I had a hard time doing it, it was a lot easier when I was able to see that what I had was going to people who truly needed the items, and would love them the way I had. It was more than just “stuff”. Those were my memories. Each of those things held a special moment in time with my babies, and I guess I was afraid of losing those memories. Some of them were never shared with anyone else, just special moments between me and my baby. Forever in my mind and in my heart. But I realized that the THINGS weren’t what had made the moments so special…it was the person I had shared those moments with. My child. My children.

I’ve accepted, I’ve learned to let go, and I’ve learned to cherish what I have. Does this mean I have stopped crying for what is lost? No. I cry all the time. I cry for my Mom, I cry for the babies I will never again carry in my womb. The womb I no longer have. I cry for the women who never experience the amazing gift that I was given, not once, but twice…I cry for the children who never know the kind of love my children will never live a day without. I cry for the children who know the pain of losing a parent, for the parents who know the pain of losing a child, even one that is unborn. I still hurt and I still cry.

Frequently, the first response to learning I've had a hysterectomy is..."Wow, you're so lucky!" Because I will never again have to deal with the dreaded monthly visitor that plagues women from puberty to menopause. And I think that EXACT SAME THING every time a friend shares news of a pregnancy or birth of a child.

Hitting Publish

2011-05-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

I sat down last night and wrote a post, while my blog was in a read-only status. I had to write it in Word, and save it. I felt like it was a post I had already written, yet it wasn't on my blog. Well, I was right. After I was able to access my posts again, I went back...to all the drafts sitting there, never published, waiting for their story to be told. So, today, I will be hitting publish on some old posts that never saw the light of day. Bear with me, as I catch you up on these posts. Some of them are very emotional, which is part of why they remained drafts for so long. I am finally ready to share them with others.

Thank you for hanging in there with me, as I struggle through these old memories, and as I face my fear of hitting publish!

Being a Mom: Desperation and Celebration

2011-05-08T02:50:00.000-07:00

All my life, I knew that I wanted to be a Mom...and I knew I wanted (at least) 2 children, close in age, boy first, then girl...and I wanted it all before I hit 30.

When I met "Mr. [I'm Always] Right", and things got more serious, children became a priority. One that rode shotgun for 8 solid years of my life, without becoming a reality. Month after month, I would wait and get excited, then my world would crash down around me, over and over again. I went through fertility testing, and was given statistics about how frequently women's chance of pregnancy went up after this specific procedure, yet months, and even years, passed without a change.

After graduating from college, FINALLY, I traveled home to spend a weekend with my Dad, and be present for a close friend's wedding. During this trip, I sadly informed my Dad that we had been unable to get pregnant, and that I could no longer handle the pain and disappointment of trying and waiting every month, and that we were giving up on that dream. It had been one of the hardest decisions of my life.

I decided to pursue a second degree, and began classes immediately upon returning home. I enjoyed these classes, and was looking forward to them, yet shortly after starting school that fall, I began having some very odd symptoms...so I went to my Doctor and explained that I had been falling asleep frequently, even while sitting up, reading course work or doing projects, and at times, would sleep for 18 hours. My longest span of sleep during this time was nearly 36 hours! My doctor chalked it up to depression, and recommended anti-depressants, which I refused. Instead, I followed the second set of instructions, and dropped all of my courses, in an effort to "Take Care of ME". In October, it wasn't until about 8 days after I was supposed to have my cycle that a lightbulb sparked, and I honestly thought it had to be due to the stress and strange sleep patterns, but I decided to take a home pregnancy test anyway. As I dejectedly sat, watching the stick and waiting for the time to lapse, and that second line faintly began to appear, I nearly jumped right out of my skin. And I'm pretty sure everyone within a 2 mile radius heard my excitement...in fact, I nearly caused my brother to go deaf, as he was sitting downstairs on the couch. He knew before anyone else, whether he had wanted to or not!

At that point in my life, THAT MOMENT, when the second line appeared in the little window...THAT was THE BEST MOMENT in my entire life. THE BEST. Nothing before that could even TOUCH that very moment. Nothing.

I WAS GOING TO BE A MOMMY! OH MY GOODNESS! A MOMMY! A BABY! ME!

Nothing would EVER top that moment, in my mind. Until...

We took our first snow-boarding trip with our little Pickle. He was 10 months old at the time. And on the drive there, we talked about trying for a second child later that year. We had serious doubts that we'd even be able to conceive again, after the difficulties we'd had previously. But we intended to try, and if it didn't happen, then we'd be okay with that, too. We got pregnant that very night. MONTHS before we'd intended to even try. Actually, 9 months before we'd intended to try, so instead of beginning to TRY, we were giving birth to our SugarPlum later that year.

After years and years of desperately trying, and being constantly disappointed, I'd managed to get pregnant, not ONCE, but TWICE!

I'd gotten everything I'd wanted. 2 children, check! Close in age, check! Boy first, check! Then a girl, check! Before I turned 30, CHECK!

I must be the luckiest girl in the world! Definitely feels like I'm the luckiest MOM in the world! NOTHING TOPS IT.

And I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am, when I hear the heart-breaking stories of women who dream of being a Mom, but never do, whether it be due to infertility or miscarriage.

I am also reminded of my gift when I hear of tales of loss. Nothing can prepare a parent for this, nor can anything ever take the pain of that loss away. It's forever.

I have been gifted two amazing and beautiful children. And I am now FOREVER a Mommy of Two. For Mother's Day, I don't need anything super expensive or flashy. No flowers or candies. I just want the love. THEIR love. Every day for the rest of my life.

Happy Mother's Day, to all of you amazing Moms out there. Whether you have been a Mom for YEARS, or just MINUTES. Whether you carried and birthed them, or adopted them. Whether they are present in your lives, or a presence (spiritual) in your lives. Once a Mom, Always a Mom.

Celebrate You. Celebrate your child(ren).

Happy Mother's Day, Momma...I wish you were here. Thank you for the gift of MY life. I see you every day, in my daughter. I wish you could meet her.

Built-in Radar

2011-04-23T01:51:00.000-07:00

Some people have it, some people don't. Some only have it SOME of the time, some have it ALL of the time. Some have it, but don't know how to use it. Some just don't care.

As for me, I have it. Frequently. And I know how to use it.

What is it? It's that built-in radar. You know, the one that nags at you, in the darkest corners of your mind, telling you that something just isn't right, and TODAY, you simply MUST call or message that certain someone to see if they are okay. Even a simple text, pretending you are just saying hi, but you are really looking for any sign of life.

Even when I feel a TINY nagging, I give into it, with a spontaneous and genuine message to let someone I am thinking of them. Sometimes I end up sending these messages to several people within a day...All because of my radar.

Recently, I had a big case of it. We went out of town for a few days, and upon our return, an urge came over me. I felt a strong need to call a friend...not MY friend, well, not DIRECTLY my friend. My hubby's friend...which, by all rights, MAKES him my friend, as well. It had been quite some time since hubby had spoken to his friend, and I had not heard his voice on our answering machine, either. So, while hubby was away for the morning, the urge grew stronger, and I gave in and called our friend.

I am SO GLAD I DID. He had been in a pretty horrible accident in the time that we had been gone, and was lucky to be alive. He's not the type to ask for anything, so I know he wouldn't have called us, which makes me even more relieved that my radar was functioning properly. Hubby was able to go visit him a couple of days later, and hearing about the injuries and circumstances of the accident choked me up. The "what if"s flooded my mind...I've managed to keep them at bay, but they still try to creep in. This is a person that we love dearly, and has had a huge presence in our lives, as well as our children's lives. Life without him would never be the same. There would be an enormous void that could never be filled. Ever.

Now you know what built-in radar is, and what it can do for you.

Next, I am going to tell you about how it has affected me in another way.

I'm very lucky to have some friends who also have built-in radar. Whether they realize what they have, I'm not sure. Some may just think they are being polite, and that the timing is just a coincidence. It's completely possible that THAT is the case. I like to think their radar is on, and alerting them.

It seems like a rarity that I get text messages these days, and it IS. With Twitter, Facebook, Email, blogs, etc., it is seldom I get a text that is TRULY a text, and not a DM alert from Twitter.

There are days when things go wrong...not necessarily HORRIBLY wrong, but sometimes that IS the case. Either way, I usually only divulge my smaller challenges to the public. My bigger challenges remain my own, and most never have a clue that they exist. Knowing this, I can't help but think that the radar has been ratting me out lately. Just when I feel like I may crack under the pressure of a stressful situation, I get an amazing text message or email from a friend (sometimes from multiple friends, within moments of each other...friends that are complete strangers to one another), checking in to see how I am doing, and sending me a virtual hug, without knowing I needed it RIGHT AT THAT VERY MOMENT.

So, let me take a moment to say "THANK YOU!". You know who you are. And you've brought the sunshine back to me in a moment where I thought it had ceased to exist. That little "hello" reminded me that there is still at least ONE person that is thinking of me, and would have missed me, had I never replied.

This week, I had an extremely big challenge, and I am not ready to share it...it's too fresh, and I am still hurting and shaking from it. Thank you for not prying. But thank you MORE for sending me that message and reminding me that someone else is thinking of me, and hoping that all is well in my world. It brought tears to my eyes, and inspired me to talk about our built-in radar. Even if it DID take me a couple of days to allow my head to stop spinning, and form a reply.

It reminds me of watching TV shows when an officer radios in "Officer down", but instead, the radar is flashing in big, bold letters:

FRIEND DOWN!

Listen to your radar.

At the end of the day, they are worth it.

2011-04-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

Things can get a little...who am I kidding...MORE THAN A LITTLE, challenging around here. Throw in a sick child, and extremely energetic and active child, two parents lacking in the sleep department (as well as some other departments), and things just get THAT much more challenging! Some days, it's easy to feel like a failure, when things seem to constantly go wrong. On days like this, it's nice to have a little reminder of WHY we go through all of these challenges.

Today was one of those days, and when I peeked in on my Pickle and SugarPlum, sleeping soundly in MY bed, I was reminded HOW worth it they are. After all of the fighting and screaming and jealousy, there's the love. Them. Nose to nose, lip to lip. Him. Holding her face as they sleep. Love. And my heart swells. And the feeling of success returns, stomping all over those feelings of failure. And that tear tugs at the corner of my eye, threatening to wet my cheek. SO. WORTH. IT.

I'm being impersonated...BUT...

2011-03-25T23:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm being impersonated, as some of you may already have read HERE.

No, not BUTT, BUT...

The eviction has finally begun. This past week, I finally took a major step in "remodeling". You could call it the beginning of my Mommy Makeover for myself. Either way, it's a HUGE STEP!

The person in the mirror is no longer taking away my optimism every second of every day. With this new change, I am forcing myself to face her DAILY...sometimes more than once daily! Instead of allowing her to defeat me, I am forcing her out. How did I decide, and what did I change, you ask?

Part of me knew that in some way, I would have to take the first step. I mean, seriously, if you had a rent-free life, where you were in control, would you want to leave? If you said yes, please see someone about that...you are in denial. I decided that no time was better than the present, and while I had high hopes of making the change sooner, things just didn't work out that way, and as a Mom, you do what you can with what you have sometimes. Money is always going out, and not necessarily the same amount is coming back in, so some months, you have to prioritize more than others. It wasn't exactly the best timing for spending, but I went ahead and splurged anyway, because I wanted to look good for Bloggy Boot Camp's arrival in San Diego!

Nothing could have prepared me for the onslaught of positive energy surrounding my new look! I felt AMAZING! Women I have known for some time, and see somewhat regularly DID NOT RECOGNIZE ME! Not kidding. It really kicked that self-confidence factor up a few notches! Thanks, Sugar, for the HUGE boost you gave me!

The rest of you are DYING to know: WHAT DID SHE DO!?! I'm not a fan of watching suspense, but writing it? Whole 'nother story! The answer is...I chopped off my hair and dyed it blue. Well, Black and Blue. Yes, yes I did. No, YOU shut up! I SO did! And I didn't just do it ONCE. I actually went back yesterday, and had it done again. The blue wasn't hanging around the way I wanted, so I went back and we tried a little something different, and at the same time, I let my stylist, Shelby, know I was needing to feel even lighter than I did, so we hacked off some more and thinned things out a little more. Now, the blue is more of a dark teal color, and is more visible than before due to the thinning and trimming process. (I went to a salon I used to frequent in my younger years, Hairspray, and they are awesome!)

So far, I haven't had the chance I hoped for, to style it up wild, but I think I will spend some time playing around with it this weekend. I bought a couple of products today to assist with the process, and can't wait to try them out!

So, you ponder...what exactly has she changed as a direct result of this fantastic new 'do? Well, folks, gone are the days of hastily tossing my hair up in a claw clip and running out the door without so much as a glance at the mirror. Now, I am forced to stand there , armed with a round brush to add some body and curl, along with my smokin' hot pistol of a blow-dryer. And? I've been wearing make-up. Shhh! And? I kinda like it! BUT...there's always a but, right? I am catching myself spending TOO MUCH TIME already, playing in front of the mirror...trying new eyeshadow colors, curling my hair this way and that, changing up my look a few times before finally settling on something, then just barely squeaking out the door at the last possible moment.

During all of this, I want you to know, the impersonator is there, still watching and mimicking, but she is losing her light, because mine is becoming so bright!

I have set a goal, and while I love the idea of sharing it and having you hold me accountable, I have to be realistic...Telling you doesn't make me any more accountable than telling my husband. HE will hound me to the death about this goal, and you? No, you really won't. TRUST ME. I will kick myself enough for just telling HIM. BUT...(MAN there are a lot of "buts" tonight!) I'm glad I shared it with him, because it helps to solidify the goal verbally, with someone who almost always has your best interest at heart. I'm totally kidding...he DOES always have it at heart, BUT...kidding again!

I know she is watching, listening, waiting, hoping there is a sliver of hope that she can sneak back into her comfy position without being noticed, and start controlling again. Not gonna happen.

I will continue to share my successes with you, as I defeat this impersonator, and I hope that you will aspire to take on your own impersonator, and show them the door!

Out With The Old, In With The New

2010-12-30T14:14:00.001-08:00

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say "Out with the old, in with the new", I'd be rolling in money.
This past couple of years has been challenging for me in more ways than I can ever express. There have been physical losses, physical, mental and emotional defeats, chaos, and more recently, a new-found level of clarity.

As the fog has begun to lift from my life, I've started to tackle things that I've been putting off, or simply refusing to acknowledge. I've begun to make peace with some of the changes in my life, and am now learning how to let go of some of the cluttered baggage that I've been holding onto for the "What might have been".

Don't get me wrong, there have been some amazing POSITIVES in my life in this past couple of years, but unfortunately, I have not allowed myself to really enjoy and embrace them the way I should have. This includes new friendships, old friendships, amazing opportunities...I have neglected them all. I am not proud of my neglectful behavior, at all. I am ashamed of it, and saddened to have to admit that I am at fault for failures of epic proportions. Yet, there have been two-way streets, and I cannot accept fault for anyone else's failures, only my own.

I have begun the process of "Outs and Ins". It consists of getting rid of physical clutter in my life, negative attitudes, toxic friendships (such an on-going task!), and bringing back a positive, organized, and productive environment, coupled with valuable and supportive relationships.

I am setting some new goals, and renewing some old goals that were never achieved. My goals? Another post for another day, because today, I have to play with my Pickle and my SugarPlum, then get ready for an evening out with Hubby and some friends! Making the most of my last 2 days of 2010!I wish you all a safe and happy New Year, this weekend! See you all next year!

Party Smart, Designate a Sober Driver...Thank You!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2010-11-30T01:13:00.000-08:00

Typically, you hear "like Mother, like Daughter", in reference to how alike a mother and her child are...for me, it means something completely different. Today (November 30th, 2010) marks the 31st year since my Mother's death, and earlier this year, I was lucky enough to go to Phoenix for Bloggy Boot Camp. I drove by myself, as I had made plans to stay with family while in town, and spend some extra special time with the extraordinary woman who had the misfortune of losing her niece (my Mom) on her birthday. My Great-Aunt Mary, although I've never called her anything but Aunt Mary...she IS a great Aunt. During my time with her, we went through piles of old family photos, and she named those she knew, and passed along some photos of my mother that she knew I would love to have. It was a day that I will never forget...one of those special moments in time that hold a place in your heart forever.

After spending my life asking questions, and never getting any answers, I was able to openly ask her a few questions about my mom...there were not a LOT of answers, but some that helped me to understand the actions of others in the wake of her passing, and the years to follow.

One of the photos she gave me was that of my Mom at the age of 2 yrs...taken in July of 1960. The first time Pickle and SugarPlum saw the photo, they spoke my thoughts aloud. It looks JUST like my Daughter. I have no photos of myself at that age, to compare, but the two of them look so much alike it's uncanny.


My Mother -- 2 yrs old -- July 20, 1960

My Daughter likes to carry it around and show us, while saying "Look at me!". I ask her "WHO is that?", to which she replies "It's my grandma. My momma's momma." My heart aches, and swells with love and pride for my daughter, and sadness that my Momma is not here to see her beautiful grand-daughter that loves her so deeply, without ever knowing her. Her Bubby loves to look at the photo with her, and ask me questions. I tell them honestly. She died a long time ago, and will never meet them, but had she been here, she would have loved them with every ounce of her being...just as I do. They tell me they miss her...and as I tell them "So do I", all I can think is "You have NO idea, baby...you have no idea." And I hope they never do.

Thank you, Mom, for giving me life, so that I could experience a love like this. I wish you could be here to enjoy their presence with me. You being here is the only gift that could top what I have in my life right now.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Mary...thank you for being the selfless, amazing woman that you have been. For caring for Grandma and Grandpa, and for never letting the physical distance keep you from holding us all so close. Your love warms us all, and we wish to return it tenfold.

A "No Sugar Added" Halloween

2010-10-31T02:20:00.000-07:00

The Supply Pile

When I set out to create a guest post of my Halloween Felt Magnet Tutorial, hosted by the oh-so-crafty Fire Wife Katie, I hit up Michael's for some supplies for the tutorial, as well as for our class goody bags. I came home with a plan, and although it took me two weeks to complete everything that I had in mind for the holiday, I finished it ALL! This alone is a HUGE accomplishment for me! I usually start with a plan to do multiple items, and complete MAYBE one or two, usually the night before or the day of. This time, I completed everything by noon the day prior to our class party. The one thing that I hadn't completed already the weekend prior, was the "Creepy Crayons". I managed to put them off until I could no longer, then I just whipped them out! And they turned out awesome! Huge "Thanks!" to one of my Biggest Inspirations in Crafting, Tonya, for her awesome tutorial, and the idea to do these in the first place! It set the wheels in my head into motion, and helped me brainstorm a "No Sugar Added" Halloween Goody Bag that the kids could really enjoy. I wanted something homemade and original.

Wooden Magnets and Coloring Page Scrolls

Wooden Painted Magnets
A simple painted wooden ornament, which I simply added a large button magnet to the back of, with my trusty E-6000...there were so many different spooky ornaments to choose from, and they were on clearance, so I bought a bunch, to make sure I would have enough for everyone to have one!

Coloring Page Scrolls
I bought a roll of coloring pages (also on clearance!), cut them apart, rolled them up like a scroll, and tied each one with a little decorative ribbon.

Felt Halloween Magnets
I created templates, cut everything out, glued the button magnets onto the backing pieces, and then bagged each set separately for our Mommy & Me Preschool class to do as a craft during our Halloween Party Class. I created one complete set as a Sample Set, for them to refer to. Because of the ages of the students (4-5 years), I tried to minimize the steps needed to complete the magnets, and all the children would need to do to create their very own magnet was glue the embellishment pieces onto a front piece, and then glue that to the backing piece, which already had the magnet attached. See My Tutorial! The felt sheets cost around 29 cents each, and I only ended up using one of each color, because I planned it out and traced all of the pieces onto each color before cutting, so I was able to eliminate waste and save money!

Frankenstein Crayons

Witch's Hat Crayons

Candy Corn Crayons


Ghost Crayons

Creepy Crayons
As mentioned above, I used Tonya's awesome tutorial for this one. Instead of using the candy molds and cookie molds, as originally intended, though, I used Halloween themed silicone molds. I had one that I had purchased last year after Halloween on clearance, and this past weekend, I came across the other two at Joann's, on clearance!

*Note: I have searched the web for the 3 pans I have, to link them, but have been unsuccessful in locating any listings for them, but have linked to a similar themed pan from Wilton.*

Frankenstein Mold

Ghost & Candy Corn Mold

Witch's Hat Mold

Using the themed molds cut out having to pour the melted crayons from one container to another, which also meant I could toss multiple colors into the same mold, and it wouldn't all mix together into a funky and possibly BLAH color during the pouring process.

Peeled and partially broken crayon bits to be recycled into new crayons!

Although I had purchased a handful of boxes of crayons to use, I found that I had plenty of old broken crayons that the kids had a blast tearing the paper off of, and breaking into smaller pieces for me. I let them cool in the molds overnight, and let the kids help me peel them out of the silicone pans that morning, and put them into the goody bags.

*Note: If you use my method, and toss multiple colors into the tins, do not panic when you take it out of the oven, and there is a solid odd color on top! I panicked a little, until I peeled them out, and they looked PERFECT on the front side...full of bright colors!*We had a great time playing fun games, crafting, and eating tons of yummy treats at our Potluck Halloween Party, and to be honest, the best part of all was putting my special treats into each of the goody bags the kids had decorated in class, along with all of the other wonderful treats everyone else had brought! I had some leftover goody bags, and plan to give them out to our trick-or-treaters!

*Wow, after reading this post, I realize JUST how many times I used the phrase "on clearance". Yes, I said it FOUR times...I really do love a great bargain, and what's NOT to love about the word CLEARANCE?

Come Visit Me

2010-10-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hey, everyone! Last week, I had a guest post here on my blog...written by the lovely FireWifeKatie! It was a pleasure to host her post, and not only did she create an amazing kid-friendly wreath craft, but if you've checked out her blog, you've also seen her AMAZING and versatile wreath tutorial. I've never been into wreaths much, but this one is a definite decorating staple for any holiday or party!

Today, Katie is hosting MY guest post! I've created a fun Halloween Felt Magnet tutorial, and hope you will go check it out! While you are visiting me there, please feel free to check out some of Katie's great posts, and leave her some additional comment love!

Happy Crafting!

Guest Post From Fire Wife Katie: Fall Wreath Tutorial

2010-10-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to have my very first guest post today, and am extremely honored that she has chosen to share with us a wonderful Fall Wreath Tutorial! This is such a great craft, and is perfect for my very independent and artistic preschoolers!

Please welcome Katie, and show her some comment love! And please feel free to check out her blog at "Fire Wife Katie".

Thanks so much, Katie, for sharing your craft with us!

*********************************************************************

Hi, my name is Katie, I'm so happy to be guest posting over here today!

I want to share with you all this fabulous, simple craft that my children, aged 4 and 6, made the other day. These wreaths are made with potpourri so it smells fantastic, and it's a great way to involve the children in decorating for the season. The best part? These wreaths can be made with supplies from the dollar store!

Here's what we used:

1 package of potpourri

Paper plates

Glue (any kind of liquid glue would work.)

Exact-o knife or scissors

Hole punch

Ribbon

We began by cutting the middle out of the paper plates to form our wreaths.

Then I placed a puddle of glue on a separate plate for each child to dip their bits of potpourri,

and glue at random to the plate.

They had a lot of fun with this. I encouraged them to keep piling on the potpourri, layering one piece on top of another. They were giving up way too early. :)

I challenged them to cover every bit of white plate.

When they were finished, I let the plates dry overnight. The next day, I punched two holes in each plate and strung a ribbon to hang the wreaths.

I also tied large decorative bows at the bottom of each one.

And that's it!

The children love that I hung these on our front doors. Every time they pass through, they feel so proud of their wreaths. And of course, as a mother, I love being able to proudly display something that they made!

--Fire Wife Katie

Brick or Treat: Lego My Skeleton

2010-10-03T00:43:00.000-07:00

Lego My Skeleton!

When we arrived at Legoland today, Pickle was just starting to nap, and upon reaching the gate and telling him we were at our destination, he replied, "I hope they have beds here!" He stated that it was time for him to have his nap. (You know, the one he NEVER EVER takes, but suddenly, he needs when we have plans to have a fun time! Funny how that works, isn't it?)

Apparently, the napping is contagious! But, thankfully, it was short-lived. Once they saw the entrance, all thoughts of nap-time had vanished. Nothing but fun times ahead!

1st ride of the day: Fairytale Land! Boys in front, girls in back...Love how they balance the ride by having one adult in front and one in back, AND on opposing sides of the boat!

They were waving as we went by!

So she waved back!

Holding hands to the next stop...a sight that will never stop making my heart skip a beat and my breath catch in my throat...the 3 people that make my world go 'round.

There's so much more fun to share with you, but for now, this Momma needs to get her rest!

To Be Continued...

Tomato Tuesday

2010-08-24T23:18:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Bloggy Boot Camp Blog Hop

2010-08-07T00:06:00.000-07:00

I'm joining in the San Fran Bloggy Boot Camp Blog Hop, and so can you! If you are coming to San Fran, please join in!

Our First Family Garden

2010-07-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

This year, we were finally able to plant our first real family garden. It was so much fun watching the kids get excited about planting seeds, watering, and eventually, picking the fruits (and veggies) of their labor.

I promised a friend a post with some photos of our homegrown veggies...here you go, Lolita! I can't wait to hear what all you grow in YOUR garden! I would love to see photos of your homegrown harvest!

Keep in mind, this was a small harvest from ONE evening of picking. The night before this, hubby picked HUNDREDS of green beans!

Hubby planted cucumbers. Not sure of the type, but they are all very unique in shape and size. I bet they'd make great pickles! Hubby likes to peel them and eat them straight from the garden!

Tomatoes, shallots and peppers, oh my! I'm a total tomato fiend, and LOVE to wash and eat the yellow squash tomatoes and red cherry tomatoes straight off the vines! Hubby ended up stuffing the jalapenos with cheese and wrapping them in bacon before grilling them. I didn't sample them, but everyone who did RAVED about the yummy flavors. Tomorrow, my brother and hubby are planning to make a HUGE batch of salsa with all of the tomatoes we have been picking in abundance! There are still more ripening on the vine, as I type this, that will be ready for the picking tomorrow just in time to become salsa!

Optimum Condition WINNERS

2010-07-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Chosen via Random.org, Comment #3 (Penny) and Comment #1 (Sara). Congratulations, Ladies! I will forward your email address to Melissa Allen of Optimum Condition, and she will contact you! Thanks to everyone who entered!

I'm being impersonated...

2010-06-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

I've tried to let it slide, and just push the simulacrum aside, but she just won't go away! I guess I haven't been clear enough about my lack of enthusiasm with her presence, but I'm officially fed up. She needs to pound sand...and never EVER come back.
She is silent and sneaky, creeping in and out of my view, from time to time, mocking me and taunting me. "Go AWAY!" I hiss, but she just stares back, eyebrow raised, as if to say "or WHAT?".

By now, you are wondering who this psychotic mimic is, tormenting me...I'll tell you. She's the one hiding in the mirror, pretending to be ME! But, really, she doesn't look a thing like me! I've tried to be nice, and I've even avoided mirrors, in hopes of escaping her annoying presence, but each time I catch a glimpse in the shiny paint of a new car, or freshly washed window, and YES, even my own bathroom mirror, she's there, waiting...watching...pretending.

Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE a vivid imagination, and even encourage it, but this pretend play has gone TOO FAR!

I didn't invite her into my space, nor did I request for her to MOVE IN and take up residence. But I'm sure going to be the one evicting her, and I hope never to have to see her again! We are talking 10 year home invasion, here, people! This crazy lady HAS to be stopped!

She has made me paranoid, insecure, and so much more! She brings out the worst in me. I used to love to try on clothes, shoes, everything, I even used to wear make-up pretty regularly, and fix my hair up daily. But now, I can't stand her peering back at me, imitating my every move. I try to check myself out in my favorite jeans, she teases back, attempting to squeeze her size ** into my size 5 jeans. I check the size on my pants again. **. Darn! Even THOSE look like I'm trying to squeeze it in! It can't be THAT bad, can it? Well, it probably wouldn't be, except someone had to go and invent a time-freezing machine called a camera, that spews these hideous images of this impersonator EVERYWHERE I go! I see HER in the photos, but WHERE AM I!?!? Nowhere to be found!

Deep breaths, now! She's really gotten under my skin!

**To be continued...**

EXTENDED: An Optimum Condition Giveaway!

2010-06-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

**THIS GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR ONE WEEK!**

Last week, I had my 2nd training session with Melissa at Optimum Condition in El Cajon. I wrote about my 1st session with Melissa in my previous blog post, here. Again, she worked me out, full body, and afterward, I felt as though we had targeted my abs. It is amazing that so much of what we do requires core strength! I am also amazed at the strength of my own core through the sessions, and secretly know there is a sexy, sculpted set of abs in there, beneath my (years and years worth of) winter layers and post-baby chub. Now, it is up to ME to melt off the outer layers and tone up the rest of this soft body I've come to know so well, and rediscover the FIT me!

Because I need accountability to keep me on track, as well as some guidance on what workouts to do, I have decided to do a maintenance package with Melissa, where I meet with her monthly for a check-in/assessment update and workout. At our monthly check-ins, I will learn new exercises to implement into my workout plan, to keep me motivated, and help avoid boredom.

After speaking about the challenges that face so many in finding a workout routine that works for them, and their schedule, Melissa told me about a new class she has added to the schedule, called Lunch Crunch. (I wish there had been a class like this when I was working! It would have fit perfectly into my schedule, and would have given me a great boost of energy to get through long afternoons sitting in front of a computer.) Melissa has graciously offered up 2 1-month* passes for the Lunch Crunch class. For your chance to win a 1-month* pass to Lunch Crunch, please visit Optimum Condition's WebSite and leave a comment below, telling me something you learned about Melissa and/or Optimum Condition that impresses you! In the same comment, I'd love for you to tell me what your current routine is, and if/how you manage to work fitness and healthy living into your daily schedule! *You MUST leave a VALID e-mail address for me to contact you, should you win!*

This giveaway is available to local San Diego residents only. 2 winners will be drawn on Thursday, July ~~1st~~ 8th, so go comment NOW, and tell your friends!

*Pass valid between July 8, 2010 and August 30, 2010. Pass EXPIRES on August 30, 2010.

Disclaimer: I received 2 complimentary training sessions from Optimum Condition. I will always give my complete and honest opinion, regardless of services or products received.

Working towards MY Optimum Condition

2010-06-10T01:48:00.000-07:00

I have had a few months of "rut" time, where I have slacked off on my eating habits, working out, blogging, and pretty much everything else in my life that doesn't have to do with my children. Although I have made several attempts to pull myself out of the rut, I have consistently slipped back in, further and further each time. I know what I need to do to get to MY Optimum Condition, but I also know that I need a little ~~kick in the rear~~ boost to get me started.

Lucky for me, I was introduced to Melissa Allen, fitness trainer and owner of Optimum Condition, located a few short minutes away, just off of the 8 and 67 freeways, in El Cajon. Our first meeting was strictly for assessment purposes, so that she could find out my history, and do my body fat measurements, as well as some tests of my current fitness level and range of motion. As of right now, I can say I am not at all comfortable with my body fat measurement, and refuse to post it at this time, simply because I need something that I can use to motivate me that nobody else can see...well, except for Melissa! That number ALONE is motivating for me to get back into a healthy routine again.

Having had an odd sort of "injury" during my pregnancy, I disclosed this to Melissa, and told her what specific things tend to irritate the injury. She is VERY attentive to my needs, and constantly checks to see if I am in pain, or need to modify an exercise. For me, this is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, because I have had so many personal trainers in the past who've asked for my medical history, and ignored those very things that add to my pain and injury. The fact that she asks me throughout my workout if something is bothering my injury speaks VOLUMES to me about the type of person she is. It tells me that she actually cares about how I feel, and wants me to be pain-free DURING and AFTER my workouts.

I had my first actual training session this past week, and throughout the session, I felt my quads working hard. We did such a variety of different exercises, and she kept me moving constantly. I felt pretty strong through the workout, other than the quivering of my thighs, reminding me of jiggling jello. I felt so at ease with Melissa, during the workout, that the hour literally FLEW by. Part of me wanted to keep going. That part was most definitely NOT my thighs! I was impressed with the amount of stretching she had me do after the workout. It wasn't just a 2 minute cool-down stretching session, and I was doing stretches that were completely new to me.

The next day, I went out fishing with my hubby and another couple we adore. I was reeling up a barracuda, and WOW! I felt my shoulder muscles screaming at me that if I didn't get the fish in the boat soon, I may be taking a guided tour of the ocean deep. Thankfully, I managed to get it to the boat. That barracuda turned into a "ski" fish with a quickness. I was reeling it in so fast that it was skiing across the top of the water, all the way up to the boat. I didn't give it a chance to take a dive, because I didn't WANT a guided tour. That was the only fish I reeled in all day. No, I am not sad about that.

Later in the afternoon, my abs started whining about EVERY SINGLE twist and turn, stretch and bend...I couldn't move in any direction without them chiming in that they were sore. How the heck did THAT happen?!? I don't recall us doing that much of an ab workout. And if I recall correctly, I didn't do a SINGLE CRUNCH...or did I? I know for a FACT, though, that there were NO sit-ups involved. It felt like a great full-body workout at the time, but if you'd asked my body that next day, it would have told you that I'd done nothing but shoulder and abdominal exercises for 3 days straight, without rest.

Believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to doing it all over again. And again. And again. Except for the fishing the day after working out with Melissa thing. I think I'll pass on that one.

I'm going to be meeting up with her again next week, for another great ~~kick~~ boost. In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to her, and invite you to visit her website Optimum Condition, where you can learn all about her amazing qualifications...they really are impressive...and check out the different classes and services she offers! I am going to be adding a great giveaway for a very lucky local reader, as well, so stay tuned!

Will you?

2010-04-20T23:05:00.001-07:00

Will you remember me with a smile,
regardless of whether we'd spoken in a while?
Will you remember me in a good way,
as one who'd been fun and full of play?
Will you praise the things I have done,

If you remember me when I've gone?
Will you share with them my reflection,
When my children seek answers to life's questions?

~A. Starkey

Have you thought about how you would be remembered by those who knew you in your life?

I have thought about it here and there, throughout my life, but over the past couple of years, with the passing of some very special people in my life, it has been taunting me more and more. Most of the lives that have touched me before their departure, I remember with a smile, and quite often, a few tears. Tears over never again sharing a special moment with them, or tears over a very special moment shared in their presence...just tears. And more tears. Because it hurts so much to miss them this way, and not hear their voice reassuring me that it's all going to be okay.

There are others whose lives I have wished I could touch, but the timing and sometimes even the PERSON were not right for this to happen. There are lives I touched just for a brief moment, and then the moment ended. Some of the briefest of encounters have affected me more deeply than some that I have been in contact with for extensive amounts of time.

I have no idea how each of the people I've met will remember me, but I hope they will remember me fondly, and with a smile.

Things tend to sneak up on you sometimes...

2010-04-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

I've experienced this quite a bit, lately. Not just with Pickle's impending 4th birthday! I am learning not to plan much these days. It seems every time I have something...or multiple things planned, something happens to spoil my plans. In February, I decided that March was going to be such a calm month, I was going to plan a few things to do...a little organizing party for a small group, outings with the kids, projects that I've been wanting to finish. What I wasn't planning for, was to be grieving the loss of a family member, or sitting in the ER for 6 hours, with both kids in tow, after Pickle had his 2nd Febrile Seizure, or the 2 weeks of staying home that we endured while BOTH kids fought off nasty viruses!

Now that things are calming down again, (or is it just an illusion?) I am hoping to catch back up over the next couple of weeks, and get back into the swing of things...and the swing of spring!

We've had some rather interesting weather, lately, and yesterday's earthquake definitely put us all on alert. We were also sent jumping out of our shaking bed at 415a this morning, as more earthquake activity occurred. I've always complained about not having a lot of pictures and decorations on the walls, but after yesterdays shaker, I was relieved that there was nothing to fall on the kids, as our house shake, rattled, and rolled! You can bet your buns I will be making some changes to our decorative shelving unit this week, as well! It was the sound of glass ornaments and vases shaking around and bumping into each other that alerted me to the beginnings of the rumbling that sent me scrambling for the kids and shooing them outside, where Daddy was in the yard, planting new flowers in our garden. There, I got to watch my SUV shake like it had been taken over by a couple of lust-stricken teenagers, all while the ground rolled beneath me, and kept me from quite catching my balance. This was not my first quake...I've lived in California for nearly 15 years, now...but it was the first one that put even a hint of fear into me. Mostly a fear of not being able to get my kids to safety quickly enough. And a reminder that we need to have a plan, in the event of a natural disaster, and now that the kids are old enough to understand, we need to teach them what to do if something were to happen!

Just when it seems you can sit back and relax, something else sneaks up on you...

So, when you haven't heard from me in a while, and I'm lagging on writing a post or review, please forgive the delays...I'm trying to dig my way through the rubble of all of the little AND BIG things that have been sneaking up on me.

Time has flown, and we've had fun!

2010-04-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

This year, Pickle will be 4...F-O-U-R...FOUR!!! As you can tell, I'm just a teensy weensy tiny little bit shocked at this news. Seriously, I can't believe it. Honestly, it only feels like yesterday, I was nick-naming the little baby in my belly, and only this morning that I fell in love with his little face. How on EARTH is it possible that it's been 4 whole years?!?!

I am still in love with his face, but it's not so little anymore, and HE'S not so little anymore...he's a full-fledged BOY. Running away from me every chance he gets, tackling his sister and making her cry, kissing her and soothing her when she is sad, conspiring with her to do something "forbidden", eating like he's never going to see food again, then refusing to eat the same foods he couldn't get enough of the day before. The list goes on, but really, you get the point...he is ALL BOY, and I am so proud of my little boy.

I remember taking him to see The Wiggles LIVE when they came to San Diego in April of 2008. He was so entranced by the show, and I spent most of the show in utter amazement of HIM. Don't get me wrong, I saw the show too, but I spent a large part watching his face light up, and watching the display of his emotions, as he watched the show, then, the disappointment as the show ended, and he watched the performers leave the stage, and NOT return! The performance was great, and we enjoyed all of the dancing and singing, and watching The Wiggles drive around in their Big Red Car! To be honest, I was sad to see the evening come to an end, as well. It was our first "date" night since Rayna had been born, and it was such a great bonding moment for us.

Even now, we still make time to do "date" nights, just Ryan and Mommy. As a matter of fact, our next night out is well over-due. I've been looking forward to taking him for lunch, then a movie, followed by an extra special trip to get some yummy frozen yogurt to bring home and share with Daddy and Rayna!

The Dan Takeover!@!?

2010-03-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Dan here! So Ali and her children have all been feeling a bit under the weather as of late, so I have volunteered to be the special guest blogger for the next few weeks!

So, where to begin, where to being....

Spring is here, and let me say THANK GOD! I am so horribly horribly sick of the snow, the cold, the cold and also the cold. Being as though most of my artwork is done outdoors, this winter has kicked me in the face, so to speak and I am excited to get back to writing on everything I dont own and possibly even getting some sun this summer.

What is everyone else looking forward to in the upcoming months?

Dan-

Starting Small and Letting Go

2010-01-30T11:46:00.000-08:00

Over the years of my life, I have lost a lot of things money, memories, material things. These things were often things that were taken from me. Stolen from me. But some were left behind, as I moved on in my life, and was not in the position to take them with me. Some of these things have never crossed my mind again, but others, I still feel the sadness of losing. Since finally settling into a home of my own, not quite 10 years ago, I've begun to aquire new belongings. Not all out of necessity, though. Some of those belongings were simply impulse purchases, because I was finally in the position to buy them, and they struck my fancy at THAT VERY MOMENT. Collecting has been the easy part, as I am sure many already know, from their own experiences. Letting go, however, has not been so easy.

RESCHEDULED: MARCH 6th, 2010: The Mike Herron Benefit, Baltimore, MD

2010-01-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

We have decided to reschedule The Mike Herron Benefit due to the upcoming weather. The new event date is March 6th, please check the event website for future updates regarding artists and DJs.

We are sorry for the delay but in the interest of everyone's safety, we feel it is the best call.

All the best,
www.themikeherronbenefit.com

To learn more, please visit: http://www.themikeherronbenefit.com/

You can find out more about the event itself on the Events page, including DJs that will be spinning for the event!

To donate, just follow the DONATE link on the site, and donate directly to Mike and his family!

If you are not able to attend the event itself, and would like to purchase something, you can check back after the event date, and any remaining items will be sold through the site!

Check out the amazing list of artists contributing to this benefit and contact the site contributors via email, P.O., or by joining them on Facebook!

Join SEA LIFE for a day of Celebration on Saturday, January 16th

2010-01-15T22:08:00.000-08:00

This week, I was invited to take part in the celebration of Underwater Parks Day, a family friendly festival being hosted by SEA LIFE this Saturday, January 16^th . This event is open to the public, and if you are interested in attending, SEA LIFE is generously offering a coupon (VALID ONLY ON JAN 16, 2010) good for 2 FREE child admissions with 1 PAID adult ticket.

Interested? CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR COUPON!!!

Fun features for the day include a Kids’ Conservation Expo with interactive exhibits, a take-home Habitat Build, a Happy Habitat Mural activity lead by a great local artist, as well as some great giveaways.

Scroll down to read the full details of this event and learn more about other locations participating in the celebration!

I will be taking plenty of photos, and possibly even some video, and will be sure to come back and share our memories with you all!

  
SEA LIFE™ Celebrates 2nd Annual Underwater Parks Day with Family Friendly Festival
Aquarium Offers Fun, Educational Activities for Families with Young Children

SEA LIFE™ Aquarium celebrates the second annual Underwater Parks Day January 16, 2010, with kid-friendly activities designed to raise awareness of soon-to-be designated “underwater parks” or Marine Protected Areas.  Guest will have a chance to create a personalized take-home habitat, add to the Happy Habitat Mural and visit a Kids’ Conservation Expo with hands-on exhibits to learn how their family can get involved in caring for our ocean locally. In celebration of Underwater Parks Day, SEA LIFE Aquarium is also offering an online coupon for free admission for two children with each paid adult. 
Underwater Parks Day is an effort by Southern California aquariums and marine science centers to educate Southern Californians about Underwater Parks and to communicate that marine protected areas are a critical tool in replenishing the fish populations and restoring the health of our coastal waters. 
Local ocean conservation organizations including Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, Coastkeeper, I Love A Clean San Diego, Ocean Discovery Institute, San Diego Oceans Foundation and San Elijo State Beach will be taking part in the Underwater Parks Day event at SEA LIFE Aquarium, hosting information booths and other activities for families throughout the day. 
Renowned local artist Teresa Espaniola, who is known for painting seascapes as well as for her unique works using found objects and beach trash, will be leading the Happy Habitat Mural project. With Espanola’s help, children will add their own sea creatures to a large ocean mural in the Discovery Zone, demonstrating what a healthy, happy underwater habitat should look like. 
Espaniola was born in California. Since childhood, she has enjoyed crafting, painting and exhibiting her work in art shows. The ocean has always been a love in her life, from tide pooling in California to living in Hawaii, immersing herself in surfing and diving and meeting many ocean dwellers face to face. Having experienced the best of the ocean, she now brings awareness about the worst of it through her art and working with children.  Nine of Espanola’s “gARTbage” works, using local beach trash to create beautiful art, will be on display during the event. 
Other Aquariums hosting Underwater Parks Day events include Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Ocean Institute in Dana Point, Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Ty Warner Sea Center, but SEA LIFE is the only one whose activities are focused on families with young children. 
Underwater Parks Day at SEA LIFE Aquarium takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and all activities are included in the cost of Aquarium admission – $19 for adults, $15 for seniors and $12 for kids 3 to 12. To take advantage of the special Underwater Parks Day ticket offer, visit www.sealifeus.com/whatsnew.
 SEA LIFE™ Aquarium at the LEGOLAND® California Resort
One LEGOLAND Drive | Carlsbad | CA | 92008 | USA

Parenting with Fear vs. Parenting with Love

2010-01-13T21:51:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, people find it too easy to pass judgment on a parent they see out in public. Or give parenting advice when it was clearly not requested.

Recently, we were at the mall, walking with friends, and I stopped at a kiosk, to ask about replacing a broken phone under warranty. The gentleman began to help me, and another customer walked up and started to talk over me. The other customer was politely asked to wait, while he finished assisting the customer before him. I was speaking with the clerk, and my son began to get loud, just being silly, and demanding attention, as he grew restless in the stroller. I gently put my hand over his lips and shushed him, but honestly, it was not a punishable behavior. The other customer clearly felt it his duty, in his impatience with waiting, to express LOUDLY, how he felt I should parent my child.

"F***ing smack him and tell him to shut up!". His wife tugged at his arm and couldn't hide her embarrassment as she tried to quiet him. I instantly spun around and looked him in the eye and said "Excuse me? Is that how you raised YOUR kids?" He said nothing more, and I walked away, amazed that I kept my cool, but thinking that I needed to set the correct example for my children, and not engage in a verbal battle with a narrow-minded man.

This encounter has not been far from my mind since its occurrence, and even as I rocked my SugarPlum to sleep tonight, I thought about the subject of discipline, and what's appropriate.

I grew up in an abusive situation, which is not what I want for my own children. I do not want to be the parent that uses fear to raise their child, rather than love. I love my Dad very much, but throughout most of my childhood, I was deathly afraid of him. I was even more afraid of his wife, and rightly so, as she was one source of the largest part of physical and emotional pain I experienced as a child.

It's been said that abuse is a cycle, and that you will abuse if you were abused. I don't believe this is true. After all of my own childhood experiences, I could never imagine doing those things to a child...EVER.

Just having to smack my child's hand as they reach for something that is HOT or SHARP puts me in tears. I'm not saying I've never swatted my child's bum, either, but a swat is a far cry from a BEATING. Each time I have had to swat my child, for whatever reason (usually endangering themselves or another), I am assaulted by visions of myself as a small child, enduring beating after beating, for petty reasons, and I am paralyzed by fear. I am so scared of becoming "that" parent.

I am so scared of that possibility that I have taken measures to LEARN to be a better parent, and have been trying out various forms of discipline, in a quest for EFFECTIVE discipline for my child. I say for my child, singularly, because each of my children are parented in a slightly different fashion. Not all children require the same form of parenting and/or discipline. My son requires a distinctively different method of parenting than does my daughter. Until I find the combination of techniques that work for us, I will continue to experiment with different techniques. Everyone has a different method, and having the internet at the tip of my fingers, along with the advices and experiences of countless other parents, as well as research and book recommendations, I am able to choose and test methods that I am comfortable with.

I like to think I parent with love, rather than fear, but I do know there is a certain amount of fear that is automatically in the equation...a child's fear of disappointing their parents. Because we are the people they look up to and admire the most at this tender age, and they are not looking to disappoint us, but rather to make us happy, and feel the warmth of our love. To parent with fear is to rob them of that admiration and innocent trust, and in turn, it robs the parent of that child's unconditional love...something some of us spend a great deal of time searching for in life. Something never to be taken for granted. I do not want my children to grow up thinking it's okay to walk all over me, like a doormat, but I also do not want them to grow up cowering in my presence because they are afraid I may reach out and smack them every time they walk past me. There has to be a happy medium, and I am making it my quest to FIND that happy medium.

All of this being said, I'd love to hear YOUR methods of parenting...yes, YOU, my readers! How do YOU parent? What methods have you found to be most successful with your child or children? Did you modify your methods of parenting to better fit each child's personality? Please share!

Prestige Beauty Review, Giveaway CLOSED*, and upcoming Girls Night Out Event

2010-01-08T16:22:00.001-08:00

A WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN! Congratulations, Becky @ misspriss! And thank you to all who entered! An email has been sent to notify the winner!

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Prestige Beauty is a local salon, here in San Diego, located in Santee. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Janet, at their December Girls Night Out event. Due to the success of their first event in December, they are going to begin holding this event MONTHLY! The next Girls Night Out event is coming up, on January 16th, from 1pm-6pm, and it's a great way to pamper yourself, or a friend or family member, without going broke! RSVP for the event via Facebook, or JUST SHOW UP!

In the time that I was in the salon, I got my hair trimmed, eyebrows waxed, a facial to prep me for bedtime (by a Mary Kay® consultant), a paraffin dip for my over-abused hands, and a chair massage. It was so nice to be pampered, after endless days as a stay-at-home mom who can ill afford the time OR the money to go to a full-service spa. I had a nice time chatting with each of these lovely ladies and walked away feeling as though I had known them all for a very long time. If you are looking for a new salon, or looking to change salons, and need affordable services and friendly personnel, then you should definitely visit Prestige Beauty Supply and Hair Design Studio, located at:

9740 Mission Gorge Rd. Ste. C

Santee CA 92071

(619)-258-2700

Prestige Beauty has provided me with a Gift Certificate $25 towards services, provided by Janet, in the Prestige Salon (does not include gratuity), to give away to one lucky LOCAL entrant!

EVERY comment must contain a valid email address. If no email address is posted in a comment, that comment will become void, and be deleted. (yourname at email dot com format will suffice).

Visit Prestige's Facebook Fan Page and become a fan. Come back here and leave a comment with your Facebook name, for confirmation. Don't forget to leave your email address in EVERY comment!

If you are on Twitter, FOLLOW @Prestige_Beauty for an additional entry, and leave your Twitter ID in your comment, for confirmation.

For an extra DAILY entry, you may tweet the following (this will only count for ONE EXTRA ENTRY PER DAY, but you may tweet as often as you like!):

#SanDiego: Win a $25 Gift Certificate from @Prestige_Beauty Ends 11:59pm PST on SUNDAY 1/17. http://bit.ly/8SPQPL

Be sure to come back and link to your tweet in a comment and leave your valid email address!

Leave ONE comment for EACH entry.

Contest entries will close on Sunday, January 17th at 11:59pm PST.

This giveaway is open to San Diego County residents ONLY!

Random.org will be used to draw the winner. Winner will be notified via email and a "winner" update will be made to the original post. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me with requested information, or another winner will be drawn.

Disclaimer: I received services free of charge, not including gratuity. This has, in no way, influenced my review.

Merry Christmas, Pickle & SugarPlum!

2009-12-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

To my darling Pickle and SugarPlum:

I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas this year, spending the day with family, and spreading the spirit of giving. It was a busy day, this Christmas Eve, packing up old toys to send to new homes, and preparing for the holiday with special holiday episodes of some of you favorite shows. One of those shows was Franklin, and I will never forget the excitement that overcame you, SugarPlum, as you shouted "Reindeer! Reindeer!" every time the reindeer came onto the screen. Standing there, with your hand on your hip, sassing us and making sure we knew what we were supposed to be paying attention to (the TV, of course, although we couldn't stop watching your face change in awe at what you were seeing).

We went to see Santa today, at the mall...there was a line, but Daddy took Pickle for a walk (turned into a trip into a candy store & a peppermint lollipop that Pickle wouldn't eat), while SugarPlum slept on my chest in a carrier. As we got closer to the front of the line, I started to wake my sleeping beauty, to sit on Santa's big red lap. Pickle climbed up, talking to Santa, and the INSTANT Daddy placed SugarPlum on Santa's lap, those little lips curled and let out a cry that continued even after Daddy had reclaimed his little girl and rushed off in a different direction. I stood off to the side, and Pickle smiled cheerily for his photos to be taken, then being rewarded with a couple of dum-dum suckers (one for his sister, of course), for sitting and smiling so dashingly! I can honestly say, we probably were the fastest family to get through the booth in the entire time we had been there.

Afterwards, we walked around the mall a bit, allowing the little legs to run. We got another lollipop in the candy store, and sat near some poinsettias to take some photos, first Daddy with R&R, then Mommy with R&R. The lollipops lasted all the way back to the car, and the entire ride home.

You likely will not remember this Christmas, but I will. I will remember feeling disappointed by how little I am able to give to you this year, and feeling happy knowing I am teaching you something more important than what you get: What you GIVE. And this year, we have been giving a lot...and we will continue to give into the new year, as well. We may not get all of the little "wants" this year, but we already have everything we NEED.

I love you both, and hope to be able to spend many, many more Christmas holidays watching you learn and display the true meaning of giving.

Merry Christmas, my Pickle and SugarPlum...I love you...Love, Mommy.

For my readers:

Word of advice: if you are in hopes of having even a teensy tiny little nap, DO NOT...I repeat DO NOT allow your hubby to walk around the mall with your son while you wait in line for photos with Santa. Especially when your son knows where the candy shop is (thank you, Grandma). Apparently, Daddy stopped next door to buy a lemonade, and Pickle took off to the candy store, picked out a lollipop and opened it up right there, and started licking it. "Um...SIR...I'm sorry, but you're gonna have to buy that one". DOH!!! Two seconds later, that peppermint lollipop is staring Daddy in the face, with a sad little boy behind it, saying "I don't LIKE peppermint, I want a different candy!"

Pickle actually asked to go to bed tonight, which is unheard of, these days! So, we got into our PJs and hiked up the stairs to the nursery. Pickle wanted SugarPlum to sleep in his bed with him, but I quickly put an end to that possibility by saying that Santa won't come unless we are in our OWN beds, asleep. I could hear him stirring around up there, for a bit, but not one time did he climb out of his bed and make an attempt to come down and stay up later.

As soon as I was sure they were down, I went to the back and brought their few gifts out to create my morning scene for them. I got out the box of train tracks and train pieces that a friend kindly bestowed upon us, Little Miss Santa that she is! Yes, this is our SANTA gift for both kids! I'm pretty sure they are going to be thrilled about having their very own train set. They spend a great deal of time begging for a trip to the bookstore, so they can play with the train set there. I am lucky enough to have a very crafty friend, who has blogged about creating a train table setup without going broke. In her blog post, she shows how to recycle items into useful pieces for your train table! Anytime I need some inspiration, I just head over to her blog and check out her past and present projects! I scored the train table second-hand, over the summer, via Craigslist, and it has been set up for the kids to play with cars and legos on it, since then, but never a train!

I want to wish every one of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, whatever fits your religion/lifestyle, and a VERY happy and prosperous New Year! I am looking forward to the new year, and the changes that it will bring for us all. I hope for all of you, a year full of health, love, and hope!

Christmas eve with my R&R

2009-12-21T00:42:00.000-08:00

As I sit here, I am eavesdropping on the adorable things happening between my children. They are sitting on the couch, sharing a pkg of saltines (their fave new snack...go figure!). I sat SugarPlum down with her water, and covered her legs with a blanket. Pickle climbed up next to her and asked if he could share with her, climbing under the other half of the blanket, and told her "YAY! This is the BEST PART! You know that, Rayna? Do you?" OMG (insert swelling mommy heart here). Then, he leaned over, brushed her hair out of her face and gave her big kisses and hugs. Right now, he is feeding the crackers to her, and snuggling her every chance he gets. This is totally out of the norm for him this early in the morning. He is usually full of energy, and terrorizing her over some toy, or who has more food on their breakfast plate...you get the idea. Instead, today, they are snuggling close together on the couch, sharing food and a blanket.

Last night was a strange night for us, with both kids not napping yesterday, they were both very much past the point of just being TIRED. They were crabby and irritable, and clingy. SugarPlum was fussing, so I asked her if she wanted in the carrier, since she had asked for it the night before, while teething. Of course, she instantly said yes, and I strapped her on. Then, Ryan started to have a meltdown, because HE wanted in the carrier, and he wanted in NOW. I made him put his jammies on first, which caused further melting down. You know that point where they're so tired that everything makes them cry as though the world has stopped spinning? Yeah, that's where we were.

Today is Christmas eve. It doesn't really seem like tomorrow will be Christmas Day, to me. Somehow, I guess I had pictured this year a lot differently. I had intentions of doing it up big this year, with decorations and a nice big family gift. Instead, we have only a lonely snowman on the mantle, and our 2' tall live tree out in the back yard, in a pot, decorated very simply, with a couple of strands of garland and some colored glass bulbs. Pickle was so excited when Daddy surprised us with the tree one day. He couldn't wait to "bring Christmas to our tree". We let him start helping with the bulbs, but he got a little over-eager and dropped the first one, which resulted in a complete melt-down about how he had "broken Christmas", and it was never coming back. Yes, it was tragic, and heart-wrenching. Needless to say, naptime wasn't far behind, and I decorated the little tree by myself, and used the broken bulb as a lesson in "no touching".

I also thought we would get family photos again, like we did the week after SugarPlum was born, 2 years ago. That didn't happen either, so we have no Christmas photos to send out Christmas cards...add that to the loss of my entire address book when my laptop died earlier this year. My apologies to anyone hoping to get a card in their mailbox this year. Nobody is as disappointed as I am that we weren't able to get them done. Maybe next year?

Every year, we go through the same thing with the family, everyone says to only buy for the kids, but nobody sticks to it. Of course, this year is no different. I can honestly say I am not buying for anyone...Hubby is in charge of his own buying. I got the kids a couple of items from dollar bins...things that would make their playtime more exciting, and that wouldn't break the first time we touch them. They got aprons, chefs hats, potholders, big stamps for little hands & stamp pads, as well as a little wooden peg toy with animals they could mix and match on the pegs. I spent less than $10 each on them, and I'm okay with that, because I know we need to hold back right now, and pay the bills first. I love that my brother and his wife buy the kids savings bonds each year, for their Birthday and Christmas, instead of wasting money on toys that they will only play with for a year or two.

An update on our morning...R&R are now snuggling up on ME, on the other couch...fighting over who gets to sit ON me. SugarPlum won, somehow, when Pickle got distracted by Elmo. I didn't have anything to do with who ended up on my lap, Pickle just stopped trying...but I got a "thank you, mommy" anyway, from my SugarPlum. It won't last long, so I'm going to sit and enjoy it for a bit, before I begin to tackle my day of laundry and chores.

Final Update for Earth Footwear & Exer-Walk

2009-12-20T16:48:00.000-08:00

My 30-day challenge has ended, and I am excited to say that I was lucky enough to be selected for a print ad in Weight Watchers, Lucky & More. While I have been wearing my Earth Footwear shoes, my legs and butt have been shrinking and toning steadily, and I was able to watch my progress in the mirror, as I tightened my belt every couple of weeks. Today was an EXTRA-special day for me, though. I finally had to admit that my belt could go no tighter (without punching new holes), and retire it for a smaller belt. So, today, I start with a new belt, set at the biggest size, and am looking forward to the continued shrinkage!

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the compliments that I have received by people I know IRL, who have not seen me for several weeks, and NOTICE the changes in my physical appearance! I will continue to wear my Earth Footwear shoes, and enjoy the benefit of increased calorie burn and toning of my muscles!

If you are at all interested in learning more about these lovely shoes, please visit the Earth Footwear website and read about the benefits, technology, and check out all the styles of shoes and boots they have available for women AND men!

My November Rambling...

2009-11-29T23:23:00.000-08:00

I have been taking a bit of a break recently, from most of my online posting. I am around, but rarely have anything to post. I have things to post, really...but haven't felt up to it, or have had a hard time wrapping my head around the things I want to write, and forming the words to write them. So, I have backed away and let my mind rest a little. I hope this proves to have been the right move, and that I can soon find myself in full swing again.

November 30th marks a very difficult day for me (especially this year), and I spent most of the month of November feeling the pressure of the inevitable crossing of our paths...

Take a little stroll down memory lane, although I was too young to actually remember...all I have of memories are those that have been passed on to me by others:

November 30th, 1979

A divorced mom of 2 toddlers, Linda worked as a bartender at night...her boyfriend came in at the end of her shift, to have a drink and drive her home. They stopped at the sitters house to pick up Linda's children...the younger of the two, a 16-month old girl, was being held in the lap of her mother, as they flew down back-roads in the country, to avoid being pulled over on the highway. Her boyfriend, driving the car, sped down the dirt road, missing his turn, and jerked the wheel to attempt to make the turn. Instead, he flipped the car multiple times, and landed it in a field, in the dark. Both children were thrown from the car. Her boyfriend walked away.

Yes, he did. He walked away, and left them all behind.

Later that morning, an elderly couple was driving down the road, and spotted the car out in the field, and stopped. There, they heard crying. Somehow, that 16-month old little girl, and her 3 year old brother had managed to survive the night, alone, in a field. Linda was found, still buckled in her seat.

There have been so many different stories and versions of stories...but none have ever brought me any closure...and I have a feeling that I am not the only one who wishes for some sort of closure from her death.

A day that should have been spent celebrating her Aunt's birthday, was instead spent mourning her death. She was 22 years old.

Linda was my Mother. I was that 16-month old little girl.

This is the 30th year since her passing, and although I never got to know my Mom, I miss her in ways many just don't understand.

Over the years, I have heard countless comments of how I reminded someone of my mother...my favorite: That I am stubborn and opinionated, just like my mother.

Nobody talks about her anymore...not that they really ever did, but it seems like everyone has locked her away. I have asked my Dad to tell me more about her, and my Grandpa, but nobody wants to talk about her. I understand that it is still painful, even 30 years later, but I have a hard time understanding wanting to hold it in, and not talk about her, not SHARE the beautiful memories that they have of her.

Is it selfish to want to know more about this person, after whom I take in so many ways? Am I wrong to want closure? Will I ever GET that closure? The man she loved, who took her life, got away with murder. I wonder...what did he do with the rest of HIS life, after he cut hers short? Did he go on and have a family, and find happiness? Did he do something MEANINGFUL with his life, in an effort to somehow right his wrong?

I have so many questions that I want to ask, and yet, I have nobody to ask.

I try to find comfort in my own children, and my love for them. I think about the fact that my children are similar in age to what my brother and I were, when our mother was taken from us. I spent much of my life paranoid of dying the same way she did, or at the same age...so, when I turned 23, I actually breathed a sigh of relief. I also spent a lot of time being a designated driver, and still do. And I have battled it out with the people in MY life NOT to let them drive drunk and risk taking the life of another, or their own.

I have tried very hard to turn this negative into a positive, but sometimes, it's hard to see past the tears and heartache of not having her in my life.

This year is not just hard because it has been 30 years. This year is hard because I have children now, and my children have just recently passed the ages that my brother and I were when she died...and I see the phases that they have gone through since those ages, and realize just how much she really missed out on. My daughter developed quite a personality around 16-18 months of age that she never really displayed before that. She has since begun to say "Love You"s and her vocabulary....WOW! She's a talker!

It has also been in these later phases that my toddlers have learned to show each other amazing affections...I watch as my son guides my daughter down the stairs, holding her hand, or helps her down from a chair, or hugs her and gives her kisses and apologies for taking a toy, or hurting her by being too rough. I watch as she gets tired of his constant toy-taking and "BOY-TUDE", and sneaks in a few punches and pinches, and an occasional scratch or bite. And though I may sometimes feel frustrated by these phases and stages they go through, I remember each day how lucky I am just to be here, alive, and playing my special role in developing them into the amazing people that I know they will be.

Although I had requested some stories and memories, as well as any recollection of my mother's ambitions, or favorites in life, and was met with no response, I understand that time doesn't always heal the pain of loss. Sometimes, we just learn to mask it and push past it, to live our lives the best we can. I just hope that I am able to get some answers to my questions before it is too late. I want my children to be able to read about my Mom...their Grandma, and know her in a way I still desire to know her.

Update for Earth Footwear & Exer-Walk

2009-11-22T20:26:00.000-08:00

Although I have really been wearing Earth Footwear shoes for much longer than 15 days, I HAVE only been wearing the Exer-Walks for just over 15 days, now.

We are working out together regularly, walking down the road, around the malls...it's kind of like having a cell phone...I never go anywhere without it, EXCEPT for bed, and the same applies to my shoes. At the end of the day, my shoes reside next to my bed, or at the top of my stairs, and my phone rests either on my bedside table, or on its charger, downstairs.

They are newer than my first pair of Earth Footwear shoes, but are showing more signs of wear, at this point, inside and out.

I asked a friend to take some photos for me, this week, to send in to Earth Footwear FOR the campaign...I will post them here, as well.

I also sent in a couple of my own quotes, to express how I feel about Earth Footwear's shoes, and the changes I have seen since beginning to wear them.

If you want to learn more about these lovely shoes, check out the Earth Footwear Website, for more info, and to shop around...this could take awhile, so hold all calls, so you can give it your full attention...and stock up on napkins for the drooling you will be doing!

Don't forget to join us on Twitter, for the Earth Footwear Launch Party, on December 1st!

MakeoverMomma Feature

2009-11-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, I was an overweight mom of two toddlers, who spent a little time online each day, not really DOING anything...basically unknown to most.

Now, a few short months later, I am more involved in fitness and health, which means I am also blogging about these things that are important to most of us, but don't always get the attention that they deserve. I am still overweight, but I HAVE lost 20 lbs, and last time I measured, I had lost a total of 8 inches since July.

I've met some amazing people online, via blogging, twitter, and Mamavation, as well as other online venues. I have been making connections that I hope will last! One of these lovely people I have had the pleasure of getting to know online is Bailey, of MakeoverMomma.com. I felt very honored when she asked for my permission to send me some questions, so that she could post my Q&A on her site! Because not everyone I know knows of her site, I am linking to it here on my blog, so that everyone can go check out my MakeoverMomma Feature!

Earth Footwear & Exer-Walk: Change your body in 30 days Campaign

2009-11-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

Recently, I won a pair of Earth Footwear (@EarthFootwear on Twitter) at the Mamavation 2nd Round Twitter Party. A couple of days later, I got an email inviting me to join in and be a part of a 30 day campaign. Of course, I said YES! You see, I had won my FIRST pair of Earth Footwear shoes a couple of months back, at the Round 1 Mamavation Twitter Party, so I had already had the privilege of wearing and and falling in love with the shoes. I've been wearing them for everything BUT my high intensity workouts over the last 2 months.

I received my shoes the day before yesterday, late in the afternoon, so yesterday was my first full day of wearing the new Exer-Walk shoes. Although they are not quite as CUSHY as my first pair, I do love how light-weight they are, and the widened fore-foot, which gives me more room for my wide feet to spread out and relax. They are made of genuine leather, and have soft blue accents, so they don't stick out like a sore thumb. They also come packaged in their own eco-friendly storage bags! I love this new addition, because it means I can keep them from getting dusty when I am not wearing them, and I can keep the dirt ON them contained when I toss them into my gym bag with clean clothes! Here are a few shots I took of my new shoes upon their arrival:

I will be blogging about my experience with the new Exer-Walk shoes, so stay tuned for more! You can also go to the Mamavation website to find a list of other moms who are trying the same shoe out for the next 30 days, and blogging about it!

If you would like to know more about these great shoes, visit Earth Footwear's site and read more about them! You can read about their Technology (which includes Product Features, Wearer Benefits, and Research), browse their Footwear for Women AND Men, as well as Accessories, and learn Where YOU can buy your own Earth Footwear! Once you GET your new shoes, you can visit the site to find out how to break them in and Strengthen and Tone, PLUS learn how to make them a part of your work-out routine!

I am very excited to be a part of this campaign, and look forward to sharing my experience with you all!

Thinking of Stellan...and his family

2009-10-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

McMama's Blog, with updated posts on Stellan. Keeping them in my thoughts this week, and hoping for the sun to shine down on them and keep them warm.

Mamavation Monday Weigh-In 10.19.09-10.25.09

2009-10-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

Weigh In Snapshot (10/26/09):

First off, I want to say WOW! I cannot believe it! I have lost over 16 lbs now! If you follow my blog, you can always see my updated weight loss ticker on the right hand side of the screen! I try to remember to update it when I do a new weigh-in, just to show how much I have lost! It's a great motivator to keep pushing along, when you see an actual NUMBER...telling you that you have done THIS MUCH WORK, to lose THIS MUCH WEIGHT...that's reason enough for me not to do the back-slide!

SHEESH! I REMEMBER how hard it has been to get here...having my booty kicked around before having it slapped upon a platter and handed back to me with a smile TWICE A WEEK, and more recently FOUR times in one week...that definitely puts it all into perspective!

Please be patient with me, I will be updating and adding in my food diary, but for now, I will leave you with these lovely snapshots of my scale over the past few days!

Weigh-In Snapshots for this week!

Last Monday, at our workout, I weighed in at 158.0 fully clothed, with shoes. Today, I weighed in at 155.2, fully clothed, with shoes...at home, though, BEFORE I got dressed for the day, my scale said:

October 19th, 2009 October 18th, 2009 October 16th, 2009

UPDATES TO POST:

Monday, October 19th, 2009 B: Oatmeal S: Apple/Almonds L: 1/2 pb on wg S: protein bar D: turkey wrap ACTIVITY: Lisa Druxman workout

Tuesday, October 20th,2009 B: oatmeal S: grapes/chs L: turkey wrap S: 1/2 pb on wg D: turkey (grilled), stm'd veggies ACTIVITY: X

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 B: Oatmeal S: apple/almonds L: turkey wrap S: banana/pb D: grilled chkn, stm'd vegs ACTIVITY: Lisa Druxman workout

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 B: Oatmeal S: yogurt/granola L: turkey wrap S: banana/pb D: egg/turkey wrap ACTIVITY: X

Friday, October 23rd, 2009 B: Oatmeal S: 1/2pb on wg L: turkey wrap S: a few corn chips with homemade dip (courtesy of my brother, for his homecoming dinner!) D: grilled tuna (thanks, hubby! It was DELICIOUS!) ACTIVITY: X

Saturday, October 24th, 2009 B: Oatmeal S: yogurt/berries L: turkey wrap S: banana/pb D: scrambled wrap (chipotle (organic) salsa, scrambled egg, turkey) YUM! ACTIVITY: X

Sunday, October 25th, 2009 B: Scramble leftovers (without the wrap) S: Coffee (with creamer) **1st cup of coffee since August. L: Turkey wrap Late Snack/Early Dinner: meatballs, 2 crackers w/cheese spread, small cup of juice. (at a friend's housewarming party) ACTIVITY: X

Due to a very minor and silly knee injury LAST week during a workout, I made a quick visit to my doctor this week, to have it checked, just to be sure I wasn't harming it by continuing to workout, because BELIEVE ME, I have not stopped working out on it! He recommended not doing quite so much HIGH IMPACT (temporarily), and giving it a little rest. I will say that I had to lighten up on the impact, not because I was being a good patient and listening to his advice, but because my knee forced me into it. After a very painful workout on Wednesday, I gave it a rest this weekend, and haven't had any pain since Wednesday. I go back to working out tomorrow morning, so I will find out if the rest did it good, which I am PRETTY SURE it did!

I've already buzzed my late night gym buddy to get back into the gym together this week, and am looking forward to our late night workouts and chats in the hot tub after!

This week, my belly-dancing class ends, but I plan to find out when the new session begins, and sign myself up again!

Many of you know that Thursday, the 22nd of October, was the day of announcing the 2 new Mamavation Moms. Those 2 lucky ladies are Alyssa and Stacie, and you can see their videos, and follow their journeys at www.mamavation.com. Please stop by and congratulate them, and show them your support!

I will continue to post my weekly updates, and link them to the Mamavation Follow Along Program, as well as show my support for the many moms involved in Mamavation, as well as the many moms I know who are NOT a part of Mamavation, but are aspiring to bring healthy habits to their own families.

I will also continue to look for new and exciting ways to stay motivated towards my goals, and inspire you to reach yours, so please stay tuned!

Never Give Up

2009-10-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I campaigned through the entire first round of Mamavation, and did NOT make the finals. I campaigned daily, and felt that I had worked very hard to make the cut...so, you can imagine I was devastated when I didn't even make it into the final 4. I was heart-broken, and threw myself a mini-pity-party...yes, I cried for a couple of days over what I thought was a missed opportunity.

Then, I stopped feeling sorry for myself, dusted myself off, and decided I would be the best Follow Along Mom on Mamavation that I possibly could be. I would journal my booty off, and start doing my own workouts and healthy eating. I didn't expect to WIN as the Follow Along Mom, but I certainly expected to LOSE some weight, and develop a good routine during that time.

By putting myself out there for everyone to see, and by remaining active on twitter, I made some friends, and connections that have proven to be extremely valuable to my goals. One of the friends I had connected with, and met while campaigning for the first round, messaged me when she found out about a testimonial group. We decided to "buddy" up and go together, to show one another support.

That first day of working out with Lisa Druxman, I looked at my friend and said "What have you gotten me into?" Now, a month and a half later, I can answer that question myself "a healthier routine and smaller clothes!" And what an amazing feeling when that friend told me that I looked 1/2 the size from when she had met me! BECAUSE I AM! But hearing someone (besides your randy hubby) SAY they can see the difference makes it so much more REAL, and gives you such an amazing boost in confidence!

I have been working out with the testimonial group since the beginning of September, and have PERSONALLY seen amazing changes, but not just my own! It's a real eye-opener when you can look at someone just a month and a half after meeting them, and they look completely different from day 1. Soon, we will find out which of us have been chosen to represent Lisa's workout on-screen, and regardless of whether or not I am selected, I have already begun a new life process that is PRICELESS, and it's very own reward.

I'm one of those who wants EVERYONE to win, and even though some people aren't "chosen" for a particular role, I believe that we have all won JUST by being a part of something amazing! This applies to both Mamavation AND my testimonial group right now! We have all been rewarded simply by having the opportunity to participate, and we choose whether we make that reward a big one or small one by what we decide to take away from that opportunity.

For the Mamavation Mom candidates, Leah has given us ALL an amazing chance to inspire others, and doing something meaningful while improving ourselves and the health of our families. If you were not chosen to be a finalist, and even if you WERE chosen as a finalist, but don't WIN the finals, you can still choose to be an inspiration and make a lifestyle change by joining the Follow Along Program. If you are at all confused about how to do this, go to Mamavation and read more about it. Or you could check out my Follow Along Journals to find some inspiration for doing your own!

My Journals:

Today's Stats Is it really that hard? Getting on the Right Schedule Setting Some Goals for the Week Food/Activity Log is UP! My First "Whoopin" from Lisa Druxman Weekly Mamavation Update 04SEP09 Mamavation Update 05SEP09-11SEP09 More, Please! Mamavation Update 12SEP09 Challenge in Change Weekly Update 19SEP09-25SEP09 How Exciting! Winning Feeling Mamavation Weekly Update 26SEP09 Weekly Weigh-In & Journal 03OCT09-09OCT09 Weekly Journal 10OCT09-16OCT09

Not only did I join Lisa's testimonial group, but I also signed up for a belly-dancing class at a community college near where I live. I bugged a couple of friends to join me for the classes, to make it more fun. One of my close friends decided to join me, and we also decided to make the gym part of our after-class routine. We had previously been doing some Jillian Michaels workouts, but that proved to be more challenging with 4 kids between us, all on different schedules. So the class and gym afterwards works great for us, and provides us with something we desperately need...time away from both of our homes (and families). This is the same friend I mentioned in my VLOG, that told me I had inspired her to begin her own health & fitness blog!

More recently, I met ANOTHER online friend, and we began talking about fitness, and decided to hit the gym together sometime. We talked about it for a couple of weeks or so, before I made it one of my Mamavation Monday Commitments to meet that friend at the gym at least twice that very week! We worked out 2 evenings that week, and did our socializing afterwards with a nice soak in the hot tub to relax before heading home for sleep. I have thoroughly enjoyed those late night workouts and chats, and am looking forward to continuing our little ritual!

So, you see, even when you don't make the cut for a "title", you've already committed yourself to making changes and becoming an inspiration...and what better way to support others while gaining support for yourself, than to do the Mamavation Follow Along Program (as a member of BookieBoo's Mamavation Group, and recruit yourself some workout "buddies" if that is what works for you! It has worked for me, along with committing myself to CLASSES, where I am also held accountable for showing up and participating. After my testimonial group has ended, I will be looking for more classes, possibly at my local gym, or another class through one of the local colleges, to take the place of those workouts.

A friend once posted a quote, and I found it at the perfect time...right after I was NOT chosen for the Round 1 Mamavation Finals. I feel compelled to share this quote with you:

"The highest reward for a persons improvement is not what they get because of it; it's what they become as a result of it"

Mamavation Finalists Chosen!

2009-10-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

PLEASE COME VOTE FOR ME DAILY NOW through OCTOBER 22nd!!! Thanks for all of the amazing support....keep it coming!

Weekly Weigh In & Journal for 03OCT09-09OCT09

2009-10-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

Last Weeks Weigh In Snapshot (10/04/09 *correction):

TODAY'S Weigh In Snapshot (10/09/09): *Correction made to weigh in Date, and Food/activity journal added

MY STARTING WEIGHT WAS 168.8, IN JULY 2009 TOTAL LOSS: 14.0 POUNDS!!! ******************************* Saturday, 03OCT09 oatmeal apple, almonds turkey wrap missed snack Outback for FIL's Bday dinner: chicken on the barbie with veggies *50 push-ups (knee)/50 crunches Sunday, 04OCT09 oatmeal strawberries, cheese turkey wrap banana/pb grilled chicken/veggies *100 crunches Monday, 05OCT09 oatmeal apple/almonds turkey wrap grapes/chs stick protein bar *Lisa Druxman workout/gym Tuesday, 06OCT09 oatmeal grapes/chs turkey wrap almonds/fruit&veggie snack bites (babysitting co-op playdate) Turkey spaghetti w/WHOLE GRAIN NOODLES!! *100 crunches Wednesday, 07OCT09 oatmeal apple/yogurt hummus & bell peppers chs stick/grapes tuna salad *Lisa Druxman workout/gym Thursday, 08OCT09 oatmeal berries/yogurt turkey wrap apples/chs tuna salad *belly dance class/gym Friday, 09OCT09 oatmeal apple/pb turkey wrap berries & yogurt tuna salad *100 lunges/side! Ryan & Mommy have begun to feel a little less than 100% in the past couple of days, but hoping the weekend will give us both a chance to recuperate and feel refreshed for the week ahead!

Before I VLOG...

2009-10-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

I want to send out a personal "THANK YOU!" to everyone who has followed my blog throughout the first round of Mamavation! It has been very inspiring and motivating to read all of your comments on my blog, and via twitter, as well as email!

You have all been awesome, and have played a huge roll in my success, just by supporting me along the way! I truly hope you will continue to comment and support me as I go into Round 2 of Mamavation...

I have posted some text in a previous post, that you can just copy and paste, and update into Twitter. You can do this for me as frequently as you like...the more often, the better, as it is a way to show support and get me a secured spot in the finals!

Thank you ALL in advance! Your support is a key role in my success, and I appreciate EVERY bit of it!

If you become a new Twitter member, please be sure to add me @PickleSugarPlum, and send me a message to add you back! Doesn't have to be anything fancy, just to the effect of:

@PickleSugarPlum I am here to support you in becoming a #Mamavation Mom! Please Follow back!

This helps me separate the real support from the spammers!

Thanks again, to everyone who has been supporting me over the past 9 weeks, and to those who are just joining in to show support!

Weight Loss Weekly Update 26SEP09-02OCT09

2009-10-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Weigh-in Snapshot taken: 10/02/09 Saturday, 26SEP09 had a late start to our morning eating, so breakfast was really at snacktime! Oatmeal turkey wrap hummus & bell peppers grilled tuna & veggies Sunday, 27SEP09 oatmeal apple/almonds turkey wrap hummus & bell peppers grilled tuna & veggies Monday, 28SEP09 Oatmeal apple/almonds turkey wrap yogurt/berries chicken breast/veggies *Lisa Druxman workout Tuesday, 29SEP09 oatmeal apple/cheese stick turkey wrap yogurt/berries turkey breast/veggies *did 100 squats!!! Wednesday, 30SEP09 oatmeal apple/almonds 1/2 pb on whole grain yogurt/berries grilled tuna/veggies *Lisa Druxman workout Thursday, 01OCT09 oatmeal banana/pb turkey wrap banana, pb grilled chicken breast/veggies Bellydance class & gym Friday, 02OCT09 oatmeal strawberries, cheese turkey wrap protein bar grilled tuna/veggies *50 crunches, plank ***Original Post*** Although the OFFICIAL 1st Round of Mamavation has ended, and Round 2 will not be starting for nearly a month, I am still going to be posting Mamavation Weekly Updates, as a way to keep myself on track, and hopefully to keep inspiring and motivating all of you to follow along, or create your own journey! Today is an extremely busy day, so most likely, my post for this week will not be complete until sometime tomorrow, but I want you to know that it IS COMING!!! I did my weigh-in, and have a snapshot of that to post, as well! Check back later this weekend for new posts and updates! I'm very excited for this month, and am hopeful for GREAT things to come! Join me here, or on www.bookieboo.com! To learn more about Mamavation, check out www.mamavation.com

A winning feeling...

2009-10-01T10:46:00.001-07:00

I got a taste of being a "winner" in my weight loss endeavors yesterday, when I tried on a pair of jean shorts that I have not yet worn...I didn't EXPECT them to fit, since about a month or so ago, I had tried to put them on, and they wouldn't even go up past the tops of my thick thighs...So, you can only imagine that when they slid up and over these thighs AND these hips, I was excited...but not nearly as excited as I was that they ACTUALLY ZIPPED all the way up and buttoned, to boot! I sat in them, walked in them, ALL COMFORTABLY! I am just bummed that it is now getting too cold for me to wear them and show off my shrinking figure! I guess I will just have to enjoy them in the warmth of my own home for now! I don't plan to "save" them for summer, because I'm aiming for them to be too big by then! My training sessions with Lisa end at the end of October, but she has set a goal for our group of lovely ladies, that we would each lose 10 more pounds before our workouts are complete. So, I am looking forward to reaching that goal! My personal goal for myself this fall, was to lose 20 pounds by the end of the year, and it looks like I am going to exceed that number, if all continues to go well! The next round of Mamavation will be starting right around the end of my training sessions, so I will have my accountability factor already set up! Whether or not I am one of the 2 chosen Mamavation Moms, I will continue to do the follow along program, as I have been doing over the past couple of months! I hope everyone will join me in committing to provide themselves and their families with healthy food choices and plenty of exercise! I will be posting, as I have been, in hopes of inspiring and motivating others to join me in creating a new healthier lifestyle! If you are interested in learning more, please go to www.mamavation.com and check it out! I will be campaigning for this 2nd round of Mamavation, as well, so please come support me by Tweeting on my behalf (if on Twitter)! You can copy and paste the following: @bookieboo @PickleSugarPlum is MY #mamavation Please RT! Let's get her into the finals, Everyone! or create your own tweet, as long as you remember to use the following: @bookieboo @PickleSugarPlum #mamavation in your tweets! COMING SOON! My VLOG entry for Mamavation Round 2!

Weekly Update 19SEP09-25SEP09

2009-09-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 19SEP09 Oatmeal almonds, grapes 1/2 pb on wg no snack corn chips with salsa Sunday, 20SEP09 oatmeal 1/2 pb on wg banana, cheese stick turkey wrap **Sometimes, the negative things in life tend to take over and get in the way of the positive things. It happens...but when it does, it's important to just let those things go, and try to put the positive things back out in front. This week was very disappointing to me, personally...more than the past weeks have been. Yes, I had a great loss this week, weight-wise, but I also lost some smaller battles that I feel I should have won. I broke down last night, and instead of eating a healthy dinner, I had a handful of chips and MASS amounts of salsa...you could barely see the chip beneath. The salsa was yummy...and I won't lie, so were the chips, but THEY ARE NOT IN THE MEAL PLAN. I knew before I put them in my mouth that I was being weak. Yes, it was a very difficult day, but NO, that is NO EXCUSE for putting JUNK in my diet, rather than something filling and nutritional. I did it anyway. Now, I have to put my guilty moment of weakness behind me and regain my composure. This is a new week, and I am going to get my act together and pull myself out of this rut. Monday, 21SEP09 Oatmeal *Workout with Lisa* 1hr Today we got an extra kick in the pants for not making great progress over our past few days...I think I needed it, even if it did almost kill me. apples, almonds wasn't up to eating much today...didn't end up having lunch OR my afternoon snack :( pb on whole grain Tuesday, 22SEP09 oatmeal *I didn't snack today, or have a lunch...I got a nap, instead. pb on whole grain w/banana Wednesday, 23SEP09 oatmeal *workout with Lisa* 1hr It was a hot day, so thankfully, we didn't do our usual LONG RUN away from the park today. We still worked hard, but managed to stick closer to the shady area for the most part...SO GRATEFUL for that...I would be so embarrassed if I fainted at a workout, because of the heat! apples, almonds chicken, lettuce, cheese wrap cheese stick, banana Power Bar *went grocery shopping...cupboards were getting bare. Thursday, 24SEP09 1/2 bran muffin 1/2 banana california chicken wrap from einstein's (met my MIL&FIL for lunch with the kids) 1/2 pb on whole grain Belly dancing class (1hr) and the gym (elliptical: 20min, weight training) Friday, 25SEP09 Weekly Weigh-In Photo: 1/2 bran muffin powerbar turkey wrap yogurt/berries grilled chicken breast/bell peppers & asparagus

All by myself!

2009-09-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday afternoon, I went to get my kids up from naptime...I walked into the aftermath of naptime war...every article of clothing in the entire room was strewn across the floor, some tossed over the dutch door, into the hallway outside the room. My son groggily sits up and looks at me with this little lopsided grin and says "I love your hair mommy!" "It's lit-a-ful" To which I respond, "thank you, it's a braid"...So he asks me "Did you make it yourself?" "Yes, I made it myself". The clothes are still on the floor. Today, we are sitting on the couch, and he tells me again "Wow, Mommy, your hair is lit-a-ful". So I tell him, "So is yours, baby! I love your curls!" And he says "Thanks, I made it all by myself!"

Mamavation Update: 12SEP09-18SEP09

2009-09-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Typically, I would wait until the end of the week to do my posting, but I am going to see how this works for me...Going to post my weekly update at the beginning of the new week, and add each new day's worth of intake/activity at the end of the day, and update it for you all to see. I am hoping it will keep me on top of my posting, which has consistently been behind schedule. It also means that I can say how I am feeling that day, and you can leave me comments daily, if you like, regarding what was done that day, or what you recommend for improvement upon that entry! So please feel free to comment multiple times, even though it is the same post...or even comment if you think I am forgetting to update! I moderate all comments, so if it is just a friendly reminder, I may not publish it, but I will know that you are looking for my update! Saturday, 12SEP09 Oatmeal egg & chipotle salsa scramble grapes pb on whole grain carrots & hummus antipasto salad (leftovers from Friday's dinner!) water, water, water! Jillian Michael's 30 day shred: level 1 & level 2 Sunday, 13SEP09 egg & chipotle salsa scramble 1/2 pb on wg, milk almonds, banana apple grilled tuna, corn, asparagus, zucchini, and red, yellow, & green bell peppers grapes water, water, water! Elliptical: 500cal (this will be a daily goal, as well, for days I am not already doing a workout routine! I will know tomorrow if this is not a high enough number, but it takes me nearly 45 minutes to do this at a level 5-7 range) *my anxiety level is very high tonight...tomorrow is day 4 of our training, and last week I was told to kick it up or go home...I hope my kicking it up has proved that I want to be there, and is rewarded by a nice loss in lbs on the scale! Please, Please, PLEASE don't let me get sent home, and dismissed from the program! I desperately NEED the twice weekly servings of my booty upon a platter! Monday, 14SEP09 oatmeal apples, almonds turkey wrap yogurt *I missed dinner...just wasn't up to the task of it... Going to eat some apple slices, drink some hot tea, take a relaxing bath, and hope that sleep comes for me quickly. **Just a quick note: Last Wed, the training scale said 164.0#...this week, **DRUMROLL PLEASE** 162.0# (oh yeah, baby...color me doing the happy dance on that one!) Today's workout was very intense, and at the end, I had a surge of emotion...which has pretty much been my entire day...just a lot of very emotional moments. On a positive note, I reconnected with an old friend, and actually got to have a nice little visit today, which makes me very happy. My friend had some rough times, and has been making life changes, to include health and fitness, which I fully support ANYONE for making the decision to do! And the one that made me SUPER PROUD...my friend quit smoking after 25 years of smoking...I burst out right then and there with "I'm so proud of you!" and I really am! Hoping to wake up tomorrow feeling rested and refreshed, and ready to tackle Mommy & Me preschool with my 2 toddlers. Hopefully it's enough to wear them out for a REAL nap! Tuesday, 15SEP09 No preschool today...R1 was under the weather, and so was Mommy...ALL DAY for Mommy, only 1/2 day for R1. I didn't eat nearly enough today, and my workout didn't happen...I could barely keep my eyes open, let alone move my feet. Oatmeal apple & almonds no lunch no snack grilled tuna, corn on the cob, asparagus & zucchini, and bell peppers (green, red, yellow) Water, Water, Water. Wednesday, 16SEP09 Had a great workout, definitely still very challenging, but I feel like I did a better job on the running portion of it...which, for me, is probably the hardest part. Oatmeal Apple Slices, almonds Turkey Wrap carrots, grapes Grilled Tuna, red bell peppers, corn on the cob Struggling to get it together and actually prep the food for the meal plan, and freeze some things for quicker eats. Made it one of my goals for this week, but still am having probs getting my poop in a group and doing it. Thursday, 17SEP09 Oatmeal almonds, grapes turkey wrap 1/2 pb on wg turkey wrap (yes, I had 1 for lunch AND dinner today...had a busy evening with the launching of MomsRockTheEconomy!!! This is one of the easy meals for me to follow from the program, because it doesn't require much effort to make!) I did my workout while standing at the computer during the online launch of MRE!! I did tons of squats, lunges, abdominal and glute workouts...Hubby was teasing me throughout it, but I just ignored his teasing and continued on with my workout, all the while, continuing to participate in the launch events online! Typically, Thursday nights are going to be my Belly-Dancing/Gym nights, but when I have online events to attend to, I make up for missing the class by doing my workout at home. Friday, 18SEP09 Weigh In Shot: Oatmeal almonds, grapes 1/2 pb on wg almonds, grapes turkey wrap *we went to my in-laws for dinner tonight...I ate before we left the house, and got to watch everyone eat mexican food...funny, but I didn't feel like I was missing out...which is unusual for me, since I LOOOOOOVE mexican food. It's the beaner in me! Activity: Today, I didn't do a dedicated workout, but instead, similar to yesterday, I fit in small stuff where I could. Since I missed my Thursday night Belly-dancing class, I practiced what they learned in Thursday's class...figure 8s and shimmy. I also practiced some more advanced belly-dancing, since I am more familiar with it. It is a great way to dance with the kids...they think I am crazy...or silly, who knows what they are thinking as mommy snaps and shakes her booty all over making crazy little hip "pops". I rather adore it when they try to mimic me!

More, please?

2009-09-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Had my second kick-butt workout session today, and again, felt like I may collapse at any given moment, but pushed through! Gaining confidence, even though I know I am HORRIBLY out of shape! Went shopping for some new groceries, to start changing some of my eating habits (a little more drastically), so I have an evening of cutting, cleaning, prepping, and freezing of foods ahead of me! Hubby is grilling veggies and meats right now, for our dinner...and entertaining Ry! A little bit ago, Ry brought me a very pretty flower from Daddy's garden...he can't resist breaking the flowers off and bringing them as gifts...*sigh* Tomorrow, we go back to preschool, and hope that this week is better than the last! Maybe this week, Ry will start LISTENING...*wishful thinking* Wednesday, I return to get my next serving of my booty on a platter, and believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to it. It is a double treat, in a way...I get some alone time in the car on the way there, get a GREAT workout in, and then, I get MORE alone time on the drive home! I just relax on the way there, and listen to some tunes, then on the way home, I chug my water, think about my workout, and how I feel from the workout, and what I would like to accomplish the rest of the day/week. I hope everyone has been enjoying their 3 day weekend...I'm enjoying my "second Sunday", relaxing at home while Daddy grills and chills with Ry...Did I mention Nap-time was a success today? And YESTERDAY? Hope this is the start of a new trend here! Happy Labor Day, Everyone!

Mamavation Update 05SEP09-11SEP09

2009-09-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 05SEP09 granola bar granola w/yogurt antipasto salad fish, red bell peppers, hummus water (~60 oz) Activity: JM Shred Level 1 Sunday, 06SEP09 **forgot to copy this one off of my food diary & turned into trainer on Monday...will have to get this day's intake from her Monday, and update! Monday, 07SEP09 Fruit Bar, Almonds Almonds 1/2 pb&j Tri-Tip (small piece), heinz57, corn on the cob, grilled bell peppers & onions Fluids: water 60oz. Activity: 1 hour group training session w/Lisa Druxman **Last week's workout, on Wednesday, I weighed in (fully clothed, with shoes) at 164#. This week, I weighed in (fully clothed, with shoes) at 163.4#. Happy that it is a LOSS and not a gain, but hoping for a bigger loss over the next week! Gonna have to kick it up a notch! Tuesday, 08SEP09 Yogurt, Almonds Banana 1/2pb on whole grain turkey wrap water, water, water! Wednesday, 09SEP09 protein shake (fat-free milk) gatorade mix/water, fruit bar almonds, fruit bar grapes turkey wrap pb & carrots grilled chicken, asparagus, carrots water, water, water! Activity: 1 hour group training session w/Lisa Druxman **weigh in at workout was 164# back at same as beginning number. Got told to kick it up, so I am! Thursday, 10SEP09 cream of wheat, almonds grapes, pb on whole grain turkey wrap hummus apple protein smoothie water, water, water! Bellydancing class (1hr), Gym: Elliptical (30min), Bike (20min) Friday, 11SEP09 pb on whole grain, milk hummus & wh. wht. pita grapes, almonds turkey wrap carrots antipasto salad (delivery...my fave...better than last week's from "that other place") water, water, water! Elliptical (500cal), 15 crunches, 15 reverse crunches, 15 obliques each side, & stretches! And my Friday weigh-in (taken after breakfast and several glasses of water, because I almost forgot!!):

Weekly Mamavation Update 04SEP09

2009-09-04T22:59:00.000-07:00

What a week...if you've been following my blog, you've already read about it, if not, GO READ my last 2 posts! Tonight, I was expecting a visit from a friend and her lovely friend Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred DVD. All said and done, we postponed until tomorrow...I was running a couple of errands, and her baby was not sleeping for her...yes, it's easy to let things get in the way of a workout. Call it one of my 2 days off for the week...thinking I will reserve the next "off" day for Tuesday. Have a feeling I am going to need it to recover from the next whoopin' that gets put on me! So, while you are doing family time, and yukkin' it up with your friends, think of me...I'll be sweating and wondering how crazy I must be not to just throw in the towel and go home! I'll also be wondering if everyone else in the class can see how weak I am, and how close I am to fainting on the ground in front of me. Or maybe they are wondering the same thing? I think we were all too busy worrying how weak we looked to notice anyone else's weaknesses! So, all in all, I am feeling pretty accomplished for having lost a solid 7 lbs, and implementing changes to my own eating strategies, as well as getting hubby on board for a few changes. Poptarts have been banned from our home, and replaced with Eat Right Fruit Bars. Would love to get them to eat oatmeal, but so far, that has been a no go here. I guess I should just be happy they love fruit, eh? The past 2 mornings have ended in R1 eating a bowl of strawberries...not the best, I am sure, since there is no protein, but better than sweet and sticky stuff! Thinking it's time to get them into some of my old workout videos or dance videos. They LOVE to dance, maybe I should go check the library for some dance instruction videos for them. Give them something to accelerate at, so they can stop driving me up the walls with their excess energy. *Desperately trying to stay awake to finish this post...seriously, didn't I just DO a post last night? WHERE did the week GO!?!?! Oh...that's right, I guess it's a good thing I blog things, so I remember what I did the day before, or week before, eh? Sleep deprivation does NOTHING GOOD for the memory banks in this mushy mommy brain. My Scale Shot: My Food/Activity were as follows: Saturday, 29AUG09 B: Turkey Sausage, Eggs (scrambled w/chs) L: 1/2 pb & j D: 1/2 cheeseburger, corn on the cob, french fries S: Yogurt Fluids: Coffee, Water Activity: typical Sunday, 30AUG09 B: Granola & Yogurt L: Corn Chips, cookie D: (Taco Bell) Bean & Chs Burrito, Soft Taco Fluids: Diet 7up, water, Diet Pepsi *I can already hear the "off with her HEAD!" from Leah, now! :)* Activity: Kayaking Monday, 31AUG09 B: none L: fruit bar SNACK: banana D: none Fluids: water Activity: Typical Tuesday, 1SEP09 B: none L: none D: none Fluids: water Activity: typical Wednesday, 2SEP09 B: none L: fruit bar (after workout) D: Grilled Tuna, bell peppers & onions Fluids: water Activity: typical, and *workout* (1 hr) Thursday, 3SEP09 B: granola & yogurt S: 1/2 banana & 1/2 chs stick & 1 pb granola (from pack of 2) L: 1/2 pb&j (whole grain white), 1 small banana S: handful of grapes D: grilled chs & tomato/basil soup Fluids: water Activity: Gym/Elliptical, 1 hr (527 cal.) Friday, SEP09 B: pb granola bar S: cheese stick L: granola & yogurt D: small slice pizza & antipasto salad (takeout) Fluids: Water Activity: Swim Lessons with 2 Toddlers, typical walking (shopping, and at home) *it honestly didn't dawn on me until I was typing this all in, how much I neglect to eat. That is definitely on the goal list for this week!

am I crazy?

2009-09-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

I, at some point, have lost my mind...maybe it was last week when I actually thought taking 2 toddlers (and their attitudes) to Mommy & Me Preschool twice a week? Or was it when I signed myself up to be punished by a fitness routine that takes you to the point of breaking...and beyond? And then, I must have thought "Hey! Swimming lessons with 2, that sounds like an AWESOME IDEA!!!". To top it all off, I am NOW considering signing up for 2 hours of belly-dancing classes each week, AND having a friend introduce me to Jillian Michaels! I really have gone off the deep end, folks! All I ask is that you bear with me, as I make the adjustments to this overwhelming schedule that I have inflicted upon myself! I promise not to disappoint you! I am still following along with the Mamavation program, and am hoping to enter into the next round when they begin taking applications again in October! I hope that everyone will jump in and support me this go-round, by tweeting for me, again, and voting for me if/when I make it into the final 4! Keep following, more to come! Have a wonderful night, everyone!

whoopin'

2009-09-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of a new fitness plan I am participating in. I got my booty handed to me on a platter. I knew I was out of shape, but I HONESTLY didn't realize HOW BADLY! I could barely keep up, and at several points during the workout, I thought I would collapse right there and die. I questioned my sanity in enrolling myself into a program like this, and doubted my ability to make it through the first session, let alone 2 whole months of working out like this multiple times a week! It was a great group, though, and the ladies were all very supportive and encouraging...I couldn't have asked for more! At the end, I was still feeling discouraged. It took 10 minutes before my body stopped shaking enough for me to stand up and make the hike back to my car to head home. I picked the morning apart and analyzed it the entire drive home. here are some of my thoughts from an email I sent out after I got home from the workout:

There were times I thought I would absolutely collapse during the session, but I pushed on, knowing that the pain is only temporary, and after that hour, I will be headed home to my babes, to a new kind of pain.

And by the time my hubby's birthday rolls around in November, I am going to feel confident and happy with my body, which is what he has asked me for as a gift each year, that I have been unsuccessful in achieving yet.

On my drive home, I took advantage of the almost 1 hour of solitude, and reflected on the session. I remember thinking (during the workout) that I am not cut out for this, and that I am in over my head...but after having some time to let it all sink it, I realize this is EXACTLY what I have been so desperately needing. Accountability, support, and someone who will push me and not let up.

Thanks, ladies, for your encouragement today! It helps to have that positive support!

{ I'm going back again on}... Monday, ready and willing to have my booty handed to me on a platter AGAIN!

the forgotten...

2009-08-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

This blog began as a place for me to journal family events, and share with my family and friends, yet it has become a bit more than that, recently. I began blogging for Mamavation, and it has been taking the focus from family to fitness...so, I have been considering the possibility of starting an additional blog, dedicated to my journey to a healthier happier me. Well, I started typing in possible urls for my new blog, but most of them were taken. My curiosity caused me to read some of those blogs, mostly about living a healthier life. Every single one of them had been abandoned and quite possibly forgotten by the owner. Some had begun in 2005, some in 2007, you get the picture...but the one thing I noticed about all of them was that there were only a couple of posts. That first post about starting a new life, in which they were going to take better care of themselves, eat better, change their habits, etc, etc...you get the point. None of them had many comments, if any, which I found to be very heart-breaking...here were these bloggers, putting their thoughts and dreams on the internet, for anyone to read, and from the looks of it, nobody was reading...and if they were, they were certainly not giving any encouragement or kudos where I felt it was needed. I commented on one, to see if the person is even still checking their own blog, and if so, how they are doing, since they have stopped blogging about their journey. What happens to these blogs? Do they sit, incomplete, for eternity? Do their owners ever come back to them? Or have they given up? Maybe they have moved on to another blogsite, or have purchased their own domain name? Whatever the case, I was very sad to see them sitting there, begging to be fulfilled with tales of the journey that was promised. I would have loved to have used one of those blog urls for my own journey, but there it sits, neglected and alone, and as I suspect, abandoned, along with the promises of a new life for the author. Part of me wants to send them all a message, asking them if they have given up, and part of me wants to request that they relinquish their url for others to use...Is that so bad? To be expected to give up your blog that you have left sitting, unattended, for several years? So that someone who is JUST starting their journey can bring new life and new dreams to it?

Food/Activity Log Is UP!

2009-08-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

First things first, today's number is back down to the number from 2 weeks ago. 161.8# Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to not let it get me down that I had "gained" .8#...I KNOW that fluctuations are not abnormal during diet change, but for some reason, I was focusing SO HARD on the number, when I know I shouldn't have been!

I know some people don't like to do a food diary...trust me, neither do I...but it really does help. I could cheat, and write something I know is not true, or I can be upfront with you (which is what I choose to do), and just tell you like it is...regardless of what I put into my mouth. My logging it is what makes me conscious of what is going into my mouth, and makes me question before eating (most times), as well as helps me see where it is that I am lacking in the nutritional chioces. Also helps me notice where I am skipping meals, which is my biggest issue. I am skipping less meals, but still not eating the BEST...but that is all about to get a lot better! That's another post, though, and for now, I am going to get this one done, and let you see! Just keep checking back for some super exciting stuff soon! SERIOUSLY! My Food/Activity were as follows: Saturday, 22AUG09 B: jamba juice smoothie (strawberries wild w/daily vit. boost) split lg with hubby. L: chicken sandwich (McD's--hubby's choice...not a fan!) D: Trader Joe's Pesto Tortellini Bowl (was NOT as good as the picture looked) Fluids: Coffee, water, hot tea, lemonade Activity: typical, mall-walking Sunday, 23AUG09 B: None L: chicken nugget/ff leftovers (kids McD's leftovers) D: grilled chicken, steak, corn on the cob Fluids: coffee, hot tea, monster, water Activity: yardwork, playtime Monday, 24AUG09 B: crm of wheat, made with milk L: pb&j SNACK: crackers D: Pizza, 2 pcs lg ravioli (Papa's Pizza...surprisingly yummy) Fluids: water, cranberry & vodka Activity: Playtime Tuesday, 25AUG09 B: none L: leftover slice of pizza D: bowl of fresh fruit Fluids: water Activity: typical Wednesday, 26AUG09 B: none L: pb&j D: didn't eat the pizza. No interest in eating. *D: small piece of homemade cake (nephew's bday!) Fluids: water, soda (yes, I did...had diet pepsi...of a flavored variety...whatever FIL had in fridge) Activity: playtime Thursday, 27Aug09 B: none L: Firehouse PB: chicken & brie sandwich w/fruit bowl (and a few fries from my kids!) D: none Fluids: water, coffee, iced tea with Splenda Activity: My norm. Friday, 28AUG09 B: none L: none D: Grilled cheese, pickle Fluids: water, corona (1) Activity: Toddler-wearing, pushed stroller (ugh...along with speed-walking), mall-walking

Love My Family...

2009-08-27T00:45:00.000-07:00

Some days, I have to take a moment to reflect on what I have, and how LUCKY I am to have it...and those days, I am reminded again what NOT to take for granted. We spent some time at the park, as a family, this past weekend, and here are some of the shots I got of the ones I love most! And yes, Pickle, you DO make my heart SUPER-HAPPY!

Setting some goals for the week...

2009-08-17T14:19:00.001-07:00

I am working on getting my food intake journal and activity log up on here, for the past week, but in the meantime, please watch my vlog to hear about my goals for this week! Wow, the way the screen stops is ghastly! Wish you could change that! lol. Total dork-face look! Oh well!

Is it really that hard?

2009-08-14T22:20:00.001-07:00

There are so many things in my life that I find "hard" to do...but when I sit back and think about it, I want to ask myself "Is it REALLY that hard?" Honestly, I don't think so, all said and done, but I have so many crutches that I have developed over the years, that I have MADE it THAT hard! I accept that my failures are just that...MY failures. My failure to stand up for myself, and demand nothing less than the best for ME. This isn't about any one aspect of my life, it's about EVERYTHING in my life. When you stop valuing yourself as a person, you begin to settle, and then you settle IN, get lazy, or comfy, whatever word you want to use will work, but you are settling either way. I feel like I have done this exact thing. Allowed myself to settle for an unhealthy lifestyle, where I learned to make excuses about anything and everything, in order NOT to do anything. Instead of being the motivated person I once was, I have gradually become this massive LUMP on a log, with no inclination towards anything specific. Don't get me wrong, I have tried to make changes over the years, and STOP this horrible self-sabotage, but for some reason, I never seemed to follow through. I like to think this time, I am following through, but if I am going to be honest here, there is still a HUGE part of me that doesn't think I have what it takes. There is, however, this itsy bitsy part of me that says I have been underestimated, not just by others, but by myself. I am a strong woman, somewhere, deep down, hiding beneath this weak shell...just waiting to be found again. Sometimes, she shows through in little victories, but more often than not, I keep her hidden, smothering her with my self-doubt. I know it is time to rescue her from the wreckage, clean her up, and put her back up on her pedestal, where she belongs. It really can't be that hard to do, can it? REALLY?

Monday, Monday...

2009-08-11T01:27:00.000-07:00

Both of my children have been boycotting naps on a regular basis, these days. They will fight it until they pass out of sheer exhaustion...LITERALLY! This was one of those moments where I couldn't seem to get the memory stick out of the computer fast enough, and back into the camera to start recording...almost 2 minutes of her eating an entire mini rice cake with her eyes closed, and I was fumbling to get the camera on the right setting, just in time for the last bite...something's better than nothing, right? I couldn't resist sharing her with you! Enjoy! **Tuckered Toddler** I carried her to bed shortly after filming this, and she took a SOLID 3 hour nap! Talk about tuckered! I then pounded a double serving Monster Energy drink to get me through the evening. During that 3 hour nap, I managed to entertain my son with games and tv, while I participated in Chat on MomTV, with the Mamavation crew! After that, I helped hubby get dinner together, which also means I have lunches packed for the week (and possibly part of next week). He grilled chicken and veggies, and cooked some turkey sausages with bell peppers and onions. MMMM....I LOVE BELL PEPPERS!!! I had a chicken breast and grilled veggies (asparagus, zucchini, squash, and garlic) for dinner, along with a double serving Monster Energy (LOW CARB) drink...yes, ANOTHER ONE! What on EARTH was I thinking?!?! Actually, I said..."I already had one, but what the heck!" Seriously, that's what I said. Must've been the brainwashing from the other can. We wore the kids out and put them to bed, and then I cracked the whip...I forced my hubby to get off his booty and help me move the elliptical out of the back room, into the living room, where it will serve as a constant reminder of my goals, and a tool in REACHING those goals. No, there are no cords or cables for my children to hang themselves on it, and I desperately hope they don't hurt themselves in any other way on this torturous device.

Because I need to practice my VLOGGING skills!

2009-08-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am going to post vlogs randomly, about whatever strikes me at that moment...this morning, just being about this morning...ha! I need to practice my camera presence, and could use some feedback from YOU!

It's Time...

2009-08-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

My journey is beginning. My most sincere Congratulations to Mommy Maria...and my continued support. She is almost done with her first week of being the 1st Mamavation Mom, and she has had a grueling schedule, and diet change. And she has been an absolute trooper through this past week. She has been posting her food plan, food diary, and exercise plan, and even with all the additions to her already busy schedule, she has not neglected her blog, which I love to follow and read! I made commitments and set goals, that I intend to fulfill, even though I didn't become the Mamavation Mom. I am still working on them, and I still need everyone to support me through this journey. I am following along with Maria, on her journey, but am also creating my own journey...one that includes my friends and family. I have invited my local mommy friends to join me on BookieBoo...and I have created 2 new groups on BookieBoo, one for LOCAL mommies who are "Getting Fit In San Diego", and one for Pedometer-wearing mommies who are "Stepping It UP!". I have also JUST NOW started a group for Diabetic Mommas & At Risk Mommas Diabetes Prevention. I invite you, if you are Diabetic or At Risk of Developing Diabetes, to come join this group, and share your stories and support! If you haven't been to my blog before, feel free to browse around and read more about me! Follow me, leave me comments, add me to your blogroll, and introduce yourself to me! I love meeting new people, and making new friends, so don't be shy!

Week in Fast Forward Rewind...

2009-07-31T09:36:00.001-07:00

Saturday 25July09 We went to Fiesta Island and watched the kids play in the sand, and played in the water with them. Yes, I got in the water and played with them, as well...no, there are no photos to prove it...I am the camera-mom, so all photos show everyone BUT ME! Sunday 26July09 We had a relaxed day, then went to the In-Laws for dinner...not a ride I will forget anytime soon. We got the joy of dealing with a very angry, aggressive driver, who decided to put all of our lives at risk by driving like an idiot. Called Grandpa (my Dad), to wish him a Happy Birthday! Monday 27July09 Met up with SIL, Auntie Lisa, to take the kids to Jamba Juice and B&N to play at the train table. Train table got postponed. Rayna decided she didn't want to leave JJ, and threw herself down while holding my hand, dislocating her left elbow...YAY! Gave Mommy a terrible fright, and we all rushed to the doctor to have it fixed...not my best day. Babysat a friend's 2-yr-old son, and plan to do the same soon, while she finds out her newest up-coming addition's gender! Called it an early night due to the very overwhelming/overstimulating day I had...and because Hubby was enjoying my misery WAY too much with comments of how I had broken our baby's arm, and what a mean Mommy I am...Isn't there a rule about not making jokes about stuff like that for at LEAST 24 hours?!?! I guess he didn't get the memo. Tuesday 28July09 Ran some errands and hung out with a great friend, and even had lunch together (w/my kids, of course). Spent the afternoon at home hanging low with the kids after our overly exciting Monday, then left the kids home with our sitter while Hubby and I went out for appetizers and drinks. Came home to a freshly baked pan of brownies...MMMM...the house smelled delish! Wednesday 29July09 Called Brandi to wish her a Happy Birthday! Met up with SIL, Auntie Sara, and her son, and went to a local playground with an awesome water feature...we LOVE that place! It's one of the only places I can take the kids that ISN'T gated in, and not have to worry that they will run off! They are total Water Babies! After that, we grabbed lunch and headed home for our NO-Nap time. Wednesday evening, we went to a park playdate to say farewell to a friend who came into town for the month of July, from Texas. We had a lot of fun hanging out and catching up with some of the Mommies from our Mom's Group...and even got to meet a couple of new Dads! Thursday 30July09 We hung low at home early in the day, and then headed north to Kidsville Playtown in Poway, for a Twerpup with some really awesome gals! It was great to meet some new friends, and put faces to the names of some I had already met online! What a great place to play! It got a little crazy a couple of times, but nothing a few kisses couldn't remedy! We had to leave in a hurry, or would have loved to stay and play with our new friends longer...but I HAD to get home for... The ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 1st Mamavation Mom!!! My heartfelt CONGRATS to Maria! I am so happy for you, and am ready to be here for you and take this journey right along with you! Mamavation and BookieBoo threw a great Twitter Party, and I was very lucky to win a pair of the EarthFootwear Shoes that were being given away that night! Just waiting to hear back about sizing...can't wait to see them IRL!!! Unfortunately, the P.O.R.N. peeps have managed to take nearly EVERY TWEET from that party, and hi-jack them and RT them...I can't count how many times I have blocked a new one over the past 2 days, and really, it's only a couple of people...they just keep changing their names and photos...the text is EXACTLY the same, for the most part. There are 2 messages I get, and each time I get them, the name and photo are different. One of the DISadvantages of PUBLIC social media, right? Hopefully they will get filtered out soon, and give up. Friday 31July09 Maria had her first interview, online, as well as her first Nutritional Review. I was able to listen to MOST of each of these, but Toddlers Rule, you know, so I missed out here and there! Thank goodness they are posting the information for the rest of us on BookieBoo! Again, neither wanted to take naps, so I let them stay up, and Ryan ended up passed out with his crackers in his hand, and Rayna still sitting there next to him stealing them one by one while he slept! We took the kids to dinner, after Daddy's late arrival home from work, and treated our little family with GC's from Grandpa S...Thanks, Dad! Saturday 01August09 Daddy went fishing, leaving in the wee hours of the morning (3am), and returning after 9pm, so I had the kids to myself...nothing unusual about that. Today was a particularly whiney day for the kids, wanting to "Find Daddy" seemed to be the theme of the day. Naptime was a No-Go, so I took them for a ride in the car, and got about 15 minute out of Ryan...but nothing from Rayna. Brought them home, thinking I would sneak him into bed, but he woke up right as we pulled into the driveway, and let me know that he was NOT tired, and didn't need a nap! Hmmm. Gave them some crackers to snack on for a bit, since it was too early for dinner, and went to do my dishes. Peeked around the corner 10 minutes later to find Rayna passed out on the couch...It lasted about 20 minutes. At least I got my dishwasher loaded, right? I fed them dinner, which neither of them would eat, and ended up giving Ryan yogurt, and Rayna decided she just wasn't hungry...she just wanted to hold Mommy. Managed to pick up the toys, vacuum the floors and get them dressed for bed in time to dance like fools to Jack's Big Music Show for an hour...Yes, the entire hour, I was forced, against my will, by 2 crazed lunatic toddlers, to "Keep Dancing, Mommy!!!" "No, Mommy, you have to STAND UP and DANCE!!!"...um...yeah, no sitting and dancing allowed. We stumbled up the stairs at 9p, and Mommy was 15 minutes into singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, when Daddy decides to come flying into the nursery with an excessive amount of energy, to wind the little buggers back up....JOY. An hour later...and after he finally quit trying to get Ry back into bed, and just gave up and let him climb into our bed and lay down, they are ALL sleeping....PHEW! And I am finally CATCHING UP ON MY BLOGGING, whirlwind style! No, I wasn't able to get on my elliptical last night, OR today/tonight...Hubby ignored my sweet request to assist in moving it so that I could make use of it, so it is still squashed into a corner, with the other lovely gym equipment all piled up against it, and the little stuff jammed in between! Quite the sight, let me tell you! I would post a pic, but my battery for my camera died while filming my silly kids earlier today...Great reminder to charge that...and I am off! Toodles, all! I'll see what I can do about adding in some photos soon....having trouble with the computer...loading/accessing photo files, but I will try to get it working properly, and stuff some shots in where they belong in this EVER-SO-LONG Fast Forward Rewind post!

Catching up...

2009-07-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

This week has been rather hectic, so you will see ONE BIG POST that IS about different events from this past week...This is ME trying to catch up on my blogging, so that I can start fresh this week, with blogging and following along with Maria, @BOREDmommy, our 1st Mamavation Mom, as she leads the way on BookieBoo! So, hang in there, and keep reading, because today is going to be my "CatchUp Friday"! Okay, so it ended up happening on Saturday...better late than never, right?

Stay tuned...

2009-07-24T00:27:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard (click here)! I have not given up or given in...I am simply clearing my head and preparing myself for the journey that awaits me. Thanks for all of the amazing support, please keep it coming! I will try to figure out how to set up a MrLinky, so that other moms can add their blog links here, and we can all follow each other and provide motivation, inspiration, and support to each other!! Please have patience with me, as I am still learning on here! Advice on HOW TO SET UP MrLinky IS WELCOME!!! :) Please keep checking back, and I will try to resume my blogging and everything else this coming week. I simply needed to take a break and gather myself and my thoughts. Thank you for your patience!

Can't type through the tears...

2009-07-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

Edited because:***I'm very confused right now...I thought the announcement of the Final 4 was to be online tomorrow, via a Twitter Party...MY BAD, the PARTY and FINALIST ANNOUNCEMENT is on the 30th, for the Winning Mamavation Mom. So, if you want to participate, please check out Mamavation.com for the details, because I am definitely not thinking very clearly right now, and am giving you the wrong information. Going to call it a night, turn off my phone, computer, etc, and leave them off tomorrow. My hubby and babies deserve some undivided attention after this past couple of weeks, and tomorrow, they will each get their share. I also want to send out my heartfelt sympathies to the other moms who campaigned their hearts out for this, and did not make it. I know how much we all wanted it, and how it feels to not be chosen. I also know that we are all very strong women, and will overcome this (I don't even know what to call it...a bump, a setback, a kick in the stomach, no words for it right now) moment of weakness, and show our genuine support for the moms who have been chosen for those 4 spots on the ballot...and eventually, for the ONE MAMAVATION MOM. If you have not already made the commitment to follow along and create your own journey, please do so now. I have already made this commitment, and would love for you to, as well! Original Post:***I am taking tomorrow off... I won't be at the Twitter Party, but feel free to go ahead and participate in it, if you are on twitter...hashtag is #mamavation. There will be giveaways and I am sure you will have a lot of fun! I have a prior engagement that I can now attend at the start time, instead of showing up late to, so I will be doing that instead, and enjoying some adult time out with my hubby. Thanks to everyone who has been supporting me and tweeting for me. I did not make it into the final 4. I WILL continue to keep my commitment, as I said I will, but for now, I just want to take some time away to re-compose myself. Thank You ALL!

Prepping for the Final 4...

2009-07-21T09:14:00.001-07:00

I am so eager to hear who will be the Mamavation Mom Final 4...My heart starts racing every time I let myself even THINK about it! *deep breath* I know that this decision is going to be hard for Leah, especially since I wanted to make EVERY person I saw VLOG the Mamavation Mom. I definitely don't envy her position in narrowing it down to only 4 Moms! I hope that she chooses to put me in the Final 4, but if she is not able to, I would still love for everyone who has been so supportive of me to go check out the videos and vote! Then, when a finalist is chosen, I would like for you all to follow HER journey, and show your support for her! At the same time, I would love to have your CONTINUED support, as I embark upon my own Journey to a Happier, Healthier ME! I have already committed myself to do this, with or without the title, and I intend to keep my word! Feel free to give me tips and encouragement along the way...I WELCOME IT!!! And feel free to join me and blog your OWN journey! It is said that it takes 21 days to develope a routine, or a habit...Leah is giving the Mamavation Mom 2 MONTHS to establish new healthier habits for herself and her family, all while motivating and inspiring others to make their own changes! Change doesn't happen overnight, and it is great that there is no expectation for that here! It is understood that this needs to happen gradually, so that it can be done in a manner that is healthy and HABIT-FORMING! As I have already said, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be THE Mamavation Mom, but titled or not, I would love for you to let me be YOUR Mamavation Mom! Don't forget, tomorrow is the BIG DAY!!! I will post to my blog the INSTANT I know if I make the Final 4, so check back for my post! I can't WAIT!!! I also want to add...I have committed to some smaller goals, and want you to help me to make them reality... Because SLEEP DEPRIVATION can affect weight loss, I have committed to not drink ANY COFFEE after 3pm. This is where you come in...if you know me, and see that I am not adhering to this commitment, PLEASE CALL ME OUT ON IT! Thanks in advance! Because your body needs constant fuel to boost your metabolism, I have committed to eating something small every 3 hours. So, feel free to ask me when I last ate, and what I had...this will help remind me, if I haven't already eaten, AND it will hold me accountable to eating frequent, HEALTHY mini-meals. Because I have hit a plateau of sorts, and need a boost, I have committed to boosting my workout regime from JUST walking/double toddler-wearing to at least 30 minutes of some OTHER type of activity each day! (Elliptical, weight training, dvd workouts, etc.) If you see me online, or IRL, ASK ME...what was your 30 minute activity today? Because I want YOU to get healthy WITH ME, I have committed to spreading the word about this amazing journey, AND have invited you all to join in and share your own struggles and successes with me! Please send me a link to your own blog, so that I can follow your posts and leave encouragement and support for YOU! Because I feel like TV has become too important to my children, and they are not getting enough physical and social interaction, I am committing to LIMITING TV and getting out more to participate in classes and playdates that stimulate them both mentally and physically. So, if you are a local mama, and are looking for company for a playdate, or just an outing to the mall, or a class, please CALL ME, or email me, and I'd be happy to meet up with you, and let our children wear each other out! I have so many more I could list, but for now, I would like to start with things that are realistic, and "short term" goals.

A Good Morning Gift...

2009-07-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I am campaigning to win the opportunity to become THE FIRST MAMAVATION MOM...I have been tweeting my booty off (for some reason, it's still following me, though), and blogging in hopes of rallying the troops, so to speak! I usually take a few minutes when I first log onto Twitter to Re-Tweet for other folks whose Tweets are of interest to me, or just strike me as something someone I know may find interest in. I came upon a post from one of my local Twitter friends, whom I have met IN PERSON several times, and truly enjoy being around...Sondra of Healthy Hip Parenting. The title spoke of Mamavation, so of course, I popped in to read... I'd like to share it with you, because...well, it's about ME! What an honor to have someone write such kind words about you, and support you in such an awesome manner as this! Please read it HERE! Thank you, everyone, for your awesome support, as I embark upon a journey of self-transformation and lifestyle changes for my family, as well! I hope that no matter what, you will follow along with me in this journey, even if I am not THE Mamavation Mom, I would still love to be YOUR Mamavation Mom! Let me inspire you to make changes in YOUR life, as well!

What to wear, what to wear...

2009-07-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I are joining another couple tonight, and heading out for a fun night. Sounds like fun, right? WRONG....now, I am stressing. WHAT AM I GONNA WEAR!!! I've already worn my skirt my max number of times before washing...was thinking jeans, but honestly, every pair I could wear leaves me with a massive muffin top, and that uncomfortably "Squeezed" feeling when I sit down. Don't want to wear a dress, as we may stop in at the ballgame at some point during the night, and dresses (to me), are NOT comfy for sporting events. So, casual, but NICE, because everyone wants to go to a nice dinner and go out for drinks later on in the evening... *sigh* No time for shopping (or $$), and not getting into my attic in 92 degree weather to dig something out...so I guess I am going to have to suck it up and find a shirt that covers the UN-BABY BELLY...AND the muffin top, because I will probably just have to suck it up and wear the jeans that Squeeze...GRRRR. Thanks for letting me vent. No idea what to wear...hope I can manage to find 5 minutes before hubby gets home to get ready, and am able to find something that works! I NEED to be ready before he gets here...or before the babysitter(s) arrive! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Seriously, need to find a pillow and scream right now...Gotta go!

Snack Time...

2009-07-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Instead of the usual animal crackers or pb&j snack in the middle of the morning, I pulled some things out of the pantry and fridge that had been opened and then left forgotten after the initial eating! Ryan has proved that anything...and I mean ANYTHING tastes good to him with a little peanut butter! They are actually being QUIET!!! OMG!

Preggie Panties and Nursing Bras

2009-07-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

*Deep Breath...and let it out...* My babies are now 3 years and 1 1/2 years, and I have not bought new undergarments since my first pregnancy, in late 2005/early 2006...and they were Preggie Panties and Nursing Bras. I weaned my daughter a little over a month ago, and haven't been pregnant in 19 months. And I STILL WEAR my preggie panties and nursing bras daily. *sigh* I am not willing to spend the money on nice undergarments if I am going to have to buy them in the sizes that I require still. I went to VS to get sized for a new bra, in hopes of good news, only to try the size they gave me, and STILL spill over. Not just in the front, but under the arms, and in the back, as well. This is NOT a good look. I won't even LOOK at underwear. So, again, I will say it...I still wear my preggie panties and nursing bras. My goal is to drop some weight and inches...most importantly, the inches. I desperately want to be able to wear the adorable underwear and bra sets that I had purchased just before my first pregnancy, and never got to wear. Yes, I kept them. Along with all of the other clothes I have ever owned. My attic could double as a clothing resale shop...I have a minimum of 12-18 GARGANTUAN Rubbermaid containers stuffed to the hilt with clothes ranging from size 0 to DARE I SAY IT 16...I used to have equally as many containers full of shoes, but due to the flattening and widening of my feet during pregnancy, I was not longer able to fit into ANY of them. I now have a couple of pairs of flip flops, sandals, and a pair of tennis shoes...and a horribly uncomfy pair of heels for special events (you know, that pair you have to wear band-aids with!). My feet are too wide to slide into any slinky sexy shoes anymore, so I opt for the more sensible, not quite so fashionable shoes, these days. If I kept ONLY the clothes that currently FIT me in my closet, I could count those items on one hand...instead, I have several items in different sizes, some kept in there to motivate me to lose the weight (so far, not very motivating, but definitely depressing!), and the rest kept there, simply because I am doing what I do best...PROCRASTINATING on cleaning them out and boxing them up and/or getting rid of them. *HUGE SIGH* I was supposed to go to a pool party the day after the 4th, but was GRATEFUL for the kids wanting to HANG onto Daddy, and not share him after a 1 day/2 night absence...I have NO IDEA what the hell I would've worn as a suit! I thought about it, briefly, and had determined I would wear a sports tank and gym shorts...I am glad I didn't have to dig them out...not even sure they would have fit anyway! Now, I REALLY REALLY want to go to some pool parties and join my family down at Fiesta Island for some summer bbqs, but ME in swimwear?!? Who am I kidding? NOBODY, and I DO mean NOBODY, wants to see the beached whale this summer, and at this point, that's pretty much what they are going to be seeing. Not to mention my skin alone could light up the night sky, I'm so pale! I tried on a swim top today...decided it would do, but OF COURSE, the detachable straps that were supposed to be with it were MIA! It was a size 14...a SNUG one, at that, but the biggest size they had available. So, what did I do? I literally STUFFED myself, roll by embarrassing roll, into the NEXT largest size they had...a 12...and bought it (it was on sale for 1/2 off and then an additional amount that I don't remember!), telling my gal pal that I will NEED a suit to wear as I am losing weight with Mamavation.com! Does it fit me now? No. Should I have bought it? Probably not, but I'm not one to pass up a bargain...especially when I AM going to need it in a couple of months, since I have nothing but Maternity Swimsuits that DO NOT cover up my UN-BABY BELLY. I promise to post photos when I am able to wear it without sending everyone fleeing for safety...please don't hold your breath for that time to come, it may be a couple of months! :) Again, if you have not had the pleasure of viewing my UBER-DORKY VideoBlog Entry for the Mamavation.com contest, please click on the link above (just under my blog header), and watch it! If you are on twitter, or know folks on twitter, please Tweet for me and have your friends/family tweet for me!! @bookieboo I would love to see @picklesugarplum become the VERY FIRST #Mamavation Mom! Be sure to check back on the 22nd of July for your chance to vote for me (if I am one of the 4 finalists!) at mamavation.com. Voting will continue DAILY from July 22nd through 30th, so please vote DAILY!!! Thanks so much IN ADVANCE! I truly hope to become the first ever Mamavation Mom, and have the opportunity to inspire everyone that follows along throughout my journey of transformation!

The Up Down Battleground...

2009-07-15T00:56:00.000-07:00

I often comment how much I hate doing laundry...Yes, I said HATE. It is a constant process that NEVER ENDS!!! Why DO I hate it so much, though? I started to think about it today. It's not a great reason, but rather an excuse for why...I have to go UP and DOWN 2 flights of stairs...7 steps each, on opposite ends of my house. No big deal, right? Wrong. For some reason, I can't find it in me to do the back and forth every day, which is how often I should be doing my laundry, in order to keep up with it and constantly have my closet and drawers filled with clean, fresh clothes. I started to reflect on this problem, and realize the issue goes much deeper than that. The BIGGEST PROBLEM? I am a Habitual Procrastinator...in the worst kind of way. I will do ANYTHING....yes, ANYTHING, to avoid doing what I SHOULD be doing. It kind of falls into the same category as my weight gains...it affects every part of my life...INCLUDING my weight! They pretty much go hand-in-hand in my life. You see, I don't just procrastinate with chores...I procrastinate with EVERYTHING...playdates/events ("we'll go next time"), clutter ("I'll go through my emails and read that later"), it really doesn't matter what it is, I am a professional procrastinator. Some due to my insecurity (mostly the social ones), but not ALL due to it! I am looking to break myself of these bad habits and develop new, healthy habits, NOT JUST nutrition/exercise habits, but ALL of my habits! Losing weight and changing my eating habits is a GREAT way to improve my life, but that is NOT enough! I need to change how I think, speak, act...everything! I need to start taking charge, rather than putting everything off until I can put it off no longer. Which is why I am hoping to become the 1st Mamavation Mom! It will give me the kick in the pants that I have been needing, and help me break the procrastination cycle that I have been in for far too long! I also think that it will help me rid my life of the OODLES of Clutter...emotional and physical. But that's a whole other blog! :)

I didn't know! More reasons to be motivated!

2009-07-13T08:31:00.001-07:00

Wow, I knew that I was at an increased risk for Type 2 Diabetes, but what I didn't know is that I was at HIGH risk for all of these additional health problems. I calculated my BMI this morning (no, I don't want to share the real number at this point), and when it calculated, it also brought up a screen detailing my level of risk and the conditions that I am susceptible to by being overweight. A couple of them, I will admit, I am going to have to google, because I have never even heard of them. Just wanted to share. If you haven't already checked it out, please check out my Mamavation.com VLOG for entry. Please feel free to leave a comment! I don't bite! Your risk for the following health conditions is: High

Hypertension
Dyslipidemia
Type 2 diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Stroke
Gallbladder disease
Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea
Endometrial, breast, and colon cancer

My commitment...

2009-07-09T14:59:00.001-07:00

I am EXTREMELY HOPEFUL that I will become the first Mamavation Mom, but the Negative Nelly in me says something this amazing could NEVER happen to me. I'm just not that lucky. Regardless of whether I get chosen for this amazing opportunity, I am committing to the same guidelines that are set for the Mamavation Mom. I will be blogging my Journey, I will even VLOG, as well, and talk about my struggles and successes...I may not PERSONALLY have a team of experts walking me through the process, but the Mamavation Mom will, and most of the same advice they give her will be available to the rest of us! I plan to support her, whomever she may be, and cheer her on, and I invite everyone who follows me to join in and support her as you do me! So, JOIN ME ON MY JOURNEY, as I transform myself, and make this LifeStyle change for myself and my family. Let me be YOUR Mamavation Mom, whether or not I am the OFFICIAL Mamavation Mom! Let me inspire you! Be my support system! We all need one!

What a week!?!

2009-07-08T23:20:00.001-07:00

This has been a busy, yet productive week for me. I took advantage of the 3 day weekend by "letting" hubby go on a fishing trip, so I could secretly start a project while he was away. It worked. It would have worked BETTER, had I been able to COMPLETE the project before he came home...oh, well! I have been pulling all-nighters for the better part of 6 nights, now, and living on Venti Quad-Shot White Chocolate Mochas (*Non-Fat, no Whip, thank you very much!) from Starbuck's Please don't bother telling me the nutritional info on this drink...I DON'T want to know. I started my long weekend by hitting up IKEA for some items I had discovered while browsing a couple of weeks back, in search of a computer desk for Ryan. Something that wouldn't take up too much room, but would be functional. I'm beginning to think I got bit by an IKEA bug. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IKEA, but their prices are a bit high on some things. I consider myself to be quite the thrifty gal, though, and seriously, I bargain shop my booty off! I went about 3 years ago, to find a desk to put in my bedroom, for my computer, since I lost my office to create a nursery. My search went horribly, the item I wanted was HUGE and not the best quality...especially for the price. So, we were on our way out of the store, walking past bedroom furniture, when I saw it...the MALM Dressing Table. It was regularly priced at $149, so I was very sad, and started walking away, when I saw a little sign on it with $40 scribbled across it! WHAT?!?! $40!!! I can afford THAT! And it is perfect in size! SOLD! It was supposed to hold my computer and my sewing machine, but I never did get my machine set up on it...I don't want to do crafting projects where I sleep...might wake up with my legs E-6000'd or a straight pin in my back...not good. So, I set up shop when I can, on my dining room table, or an end table, but have to clean up each time I get up from it and walk away....and by clean up, I mean....ALL OF IT. Very hard to function like that. A couple of months ago, I got an ad from IKEA, and started to toss it in the recycle pile when I saw the shelves I've been secretly oogling for soooo long. I've been eye-balling the biggest of them, but know my space restrictions, and since the sale was for the smallest set of 2 cubbies wide and 4 high, I decided to get them....I ended up with 2 shelf sets regularly priced at $89 for $49 each. Another bargain! Still on the hunt for a desk for Ryan, at this point, when I found the attachment for these shelves ON DISPLAY...it was a nice big desktop attachment, only 2 pieces (side panel and top panel), that mounts TO the shelves that I had! $50 each, I actually paid full price for these. Of course, in my FINAL PHASE of assembly, I had a damaged panel, and had to return to IKEA for a replacement part...without a receipt...If you talk to the guy on the phone, and he tells you that you don't need your receipt if you paid via Credit Card, DON'T LISTEN TO HIM!!! Lies, I tell you, LIES!!! I got there, and they took the damaged piece, and gave me a sheet of paper stating that IF and WHEN someone returned a damaged or unwanted unit, they would call me and I could come get the "spare piece" from it. This could be a while, though, because they usually take the pieces from these and pair them with pieces from OTHER returned sets, and make a complete one to sell in the AS-IS section. I came home on a mission....TO FIND THAT RECEIPT. I scoured my house, trying to tidy up my mess from the earlier hunt for that same receipt...I was NEAR TEARS, when I finally decided to look in ONE LAST PLACE (of course, isn't that how it always is?? It would not be the last place you looked if you looked there first, now, would it!?)...Oh, MY GOODNESS....to my very HUGE surprise, there it was! Crumpled up and fading, but it was there! I couldn't wait to go back and get my new piece (with receipt, they can open a new package and just give you the part from the new package). I got my new piece, and a few other things...Yes, I got sucked in and bitten by the darn bug AGAIN! I had spotted some lights the day before...On sale for $11.99, regularly $29.99. I bought 4...Not sure I need 4, but for that price, I snagged them right then and there. At least, this way I have them, and if the sale ends before I complete my project, I have saved myself the additional money! If I don't need all of them, I can return...Yes, I am keeping the receipt safe this time. At this point, we are just cruising around the store, and passing through the kitchen area, spot some shelves that hang on the wall...I had some things in mind for the walls, but didn't want anything overwhelming, but also needed something nice, with good support. I got closer and spotted a clearance tag!!! WOOHOO! Regularly $39, marked down to $14.99. I'll take 3 in white, please. What do you mean the clearance is only for the ones in black? Nevermind. Let's go look at fabric, friend, I will show you what I got yesterday, on CLEARANCE!!! Oooooh...these are NEW....and SOOOOO PRETTY! Guess what!?! I can cover those black shelves with fabric, and save money! Yep, went back and ordered up 3 in black. Decided to hold off on the fabrics I picked for the finale, because THOSE are full price $7.99/yard, and I have 2 prints picked out that I think will do nicely together...one for my curtains, and the other for the shelves! Maybe they will go on clearance next week! Doubtful, but a girl can hope, can't she? So, we get to "the project" I now have 2 shelf/desk combos set up...1 to be used for scrapping and crafting, the other for a sewing table/cutting table, and have decided to relocate MY computer to the same room, and put all of the computers on the dressing table! It's plenty long, and not too deep, so there is enough room for monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers, yet not enough space for any excess clutter, which is one of my biggest obstacles in life. There are a couple of large items that need to be found new homes in our house, or outside, on our patio, if I have my way about it, THEN, and only then, can I move the dressing table/computer desk into the room, and complete the FURNITURE portion of the project. Before then, though, I have a feeling I will be making use of my new sewing station! I have big plans for this room, and I can already feel it coming together. It has become my "baby", in a way...it will be my first design project in my own home, and hopefully, will be enough to convince hubby to give me free reign over further design projects! This project is my way of taking back a little space for ME. It will be a shared space, but it will give me the opportunity to entertain both kids and fulfill my need to express my creativity, via crafting and scrapping and sewing...and my newest outlet, online! Check back for photos of the before and after...but not TOO SOON, since it takes me a bit to get back around to posting photos! And since I am still in the midst of this project, the after photos are yet to be taken! *Side note: I am also hoping for this space to become the home of a future home-based business!

I want to be an inspiration to Moms

2009-07-08T17:23:00.001-07:00

Leah has created an AWESOME opportunity for one mom to become the VERY FIRST motivational mom...Fingers crossed, I want it to be me! BUT, I know there are going to be a lot of amazing women applying for this chance to inspire others, and regardless of the WHO becomes the first, I'd like to invite all of you to follow along on the journey to her fitness and new healthier lifestyle! This is my first EVER video blog, and WHEW! was IT HARD! I must have recorded and RE-recorded a few dozen times! Unfortunately, half of those times, probably more, I had a minimum of 1 child in my lap, or strapped to me, so I had to pick the one that I felt was the least distracting for YOU, the viewer! Thank you for taking the time to review my application and VLOG for the experience!

My baby has turned 3!

2009-06-23T00:01:00.001-07:00

Wow, it seems like JUST YESTERDAY, I was in the delivery room, for 18 LOOOOOONG hours, with several scary drops in Ryan's vital signs finally warranting an emergency C-section...I can still remember Daddy holding up our little Pickle, and he actually LIFTED HIS HEAD to look at me!!! And NOW, he's a 3-year-old with an attitude, stubborn like BOTH his Mommy AND his Daddy, but full of love and laughter, and a sense of adventure! He ADORES his baby sister, Rayna, and although he gets rough with her from time to time, he showers her with kisses and hugs and praise daily! He can go from "No! Baby, that's MINE!" to "You're so SWEET, Baby! I love you, too!" in less than a second. We spent his actual birthday with Mima and Papa (Daddy's Mommy & Daddy), a nice quiet celebration at home, with an ice cream cake that he tasted, then pushed away with a polite "No, thank you, Mommy, you eat it!". He then took it upon himself to FEED MOMMY his entire piece of cake...good thing we cut it extra small! We were in the midst of construction in our backyard, which was to be our party venue, so we postponed having his actual KID party until 2 weeks after his big day! Unfortunately, I was so busy helping the kids make handprints in PlayClay that I forgot to even get the camera out until it was too late! Go figure! I will add photos of the playclay name/handprint plaques we made, and also a link to the recipe/idea brochure! It was easy to make, and lots of fun, I just wish I had thought to make it the night before, as I spent quite a bit of time in the kitchen cooking it up! Check back for photos, I need some sleep, but will come back soon to post photos and additional updates!

Family Time...

2009-05-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

We took some MUCH needed time this past weekend, to spend as a family...enjoy!

Incoming!

2009-04-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

This week is a crazy one for us...helping a friend meet a deadline, cleaning our home, preparing for an onslaught of visitors! Arriving first, this coming Tuesday (April 21st), are our much-missed friends Kelly & Chloe...coming out from Florida. Can't WAIT for their arrival! Second to arrive, on Wednesday night (LATE LATE NIGHT), are my little brother Nick, and my Dad...it only took 15 months and a wedding to get them back out here, but hey, who's counting? We had a little visit with a close friend yesterday, who had her first child, Christian, in December...the kids LOVED him, and couldn't get enough of him! It had been a long time since we had seen each other, and she still looked as amazing as before! Well, not a lot to update this time around, maybe I will have some free time in a couple of weeks to pop some new photos up, and update everyone again...for now, I have some house-cleaning to take care of! G'Night!

How Green R U?

2009-03-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Late getting back to this, but better late than never, right? ;) I had a nanny/helper for the past 3 weeks, Stacy, a close friend of mine, and she was GREAT with the kids. If I ever needed a full-time nanny, she would definitely be my first choice. We took the kids to Mission Valley mall while she was helping me out, and I took some really cute pictures of her with the kids...

Walking on the concrete benches in the courtyard...after this, they ran around in the big open courtyard, giggling and chasing each other back and forth and around in circles... We stopped for snack-time on a bench in the mall, and Rayna had some yogurt covered raisins and water while Ryan played tag with Stacy. Later, while I was at an appt., Stacy took them to have lunch in the food court, and let them ride the rides inside the food court...it was a fun and exciting day for these two...they were tuckered out by the time I caught back up with them in the mall! We spent a lot of time in our backyard, playing in the afternoons, after the play area was shaded from the direct sun...they had SOOOO MUCH FUN! Playing basketball, riding tricycle, playing golf, and playing in the sandbox... For Saint Patrick's Day, I made the kids each a pair of leggings to wear with their matching green "JUNGLE" onesies...It was a VERY GREEN DAY for us!

Slacking...

2009-03-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have been seriously slacking on updating my blog...chalk it up to having recently had surgery, and I am still attempting to recover from it. My energy is not yet full-force, but I am getting there...slowly, but surely. I will post some new photos and captions sometime today or tomorrow, so please check back!

Little by Little...

2009-02-04T16:28:00.001-08:00

Every so often, there comes a time to "clean house"...in more ways that one. Little by little, I have been "cleaning house" in my life. Some of it is REALLY cleaning house, in the literal sense...getting rid of things that have been outgrown, underused, overused/abused, or just needlessly collected and lacking a real purpose. Some of my cleaning has to do with more personal issues, such as ridding myself of drama, drama-causing people, and lingering "friends" who have done nothing but waste my time...some who have taken advantage of my niceness, but refuse to return the kindness. Those friends who expect a friendship to be on THEIR terms, rather than finding a center ground. People who have been in my life for a long time, but not a PART of it for most of that time. So, that being said, LET THE CLEANING BEGIN!

Blog In!

2009-01-28T23:06:00.000-08:00

Tutu Monkey: Blog In This is going to affect ALL of us, so please check it out! Thanks! Ali, Ryan & Rayna (lovers of handmade items AND 2nd-hand items!)

December 2008/January 2009

2009-01-27T00:20:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone! I know, I am a little late. As I have posted, I have had some technical difficulties this month, and THANKFULLY, my brother has loaned me a laptop to use for the time being! Hopefully, this means I will be able to keep up with updates and posting of photos for everyone's enjoyment!

For now, here are a few photos from December and January! Enjoy!

Some tender love from "bubby".

Hugs are priceless.

Even the ones where you get squashed by your big brother!

"Being Cute Is A Full-Time Job"

So is being Cute's Mom!

My multi-tasker! Walking and drinking her brother's juice!

Fat & Happy, Ready 4 My Nappy!

Playing Mommy 2 My New Baby!!!

Pushing Baby in Her Pram! SOOOO FUN!!!

After my bath, I like to chill in my jammies, drink a cup of milk, and watch TV to wind down for bedtime.

Walking at the park with a friend! A little help down the slide! WEEEEEEE!

I'm a big boy, I can do it ALL BY MYSELF! Hmmm...something has caught my eye! When we go to the park, we ALL keep an eye on Ryan!

Cheese!

Okay, folks, I need some sleep now...it's almost 2am! More photos coming soon, so keep checking back!

UGH.

2009-01-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

So, I think it finally happened...my laptop was literally on its way out the door to the shop, when I went to shut it down and the screen went black. THE END. It shows that there is power from the power source, but beyond that little light coming on, nothing else happens. I have my fingers crossed that a computer genius can somehow bring back my computer...which I had not removed my emails/ie. attachments to emails or address books from before it decided to "black out". I am working on my DINOSAUR pc, but hey, something is better than nothing, right? I just hope I am able to get all those addresses and emails before all is said and done. That'll teach me to put things off until later, huh? Probably not, but at least I managed to transfer all of my photos and music to a backup drive before it happened! Gotta love how much we rely on technology.

Rayna's 1st Birthday...

2008-12-21T12:50:00.001-08:00

I'm a little delayed in posting this month, but Rayna turned 1 on the 7th of December, and here are a few photos of her big day! ENJOY!

I made her outfit, and our party favors (crowns & tutus). Thanks to Adrienne of BabyToolKit for the awesome Birthday Crown Tutorial! They turned out great! And to Dana for your advice and support! You ladies ROCK!

About Us

2008-12-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

We are forever a family of four. I am the Cherry (nicked by R1), wife to an Apple (nicked by R1), and Mommy to my Pickle (aka. R1) and my SugarPlum (aka. R2). I adore my family, and they are the reason I began blogging. To be able to share them with our out-of-state and out-of-country friends and family, without having to fight with emailing attachments and returned emails for errors in address or full email boxes! Now everyone is responsible for updating themselves by visiting our blog regularly. This takes some pressure and stress off of me, since there is so much pressure to "Keep Everyone Up-to-Date" on all of our goings-on!

I blog about my family, as well as fitness and anything else that strikes my fancy!

I am beginning to do reviews and giveaways, so be sure to come back and visit often to hear what I have to say, and to enter for your chance to win whatever it is I happen to be giving away!

Thanksgiving...

2008-11-26T00:19:00.000-08:00

I wish everyone a wonderful turkey day, and safe travels this holiday! Don't eat too much turkey...you are what you eat! ;) We will spend the holiday with family, and hopefully, so will you! I will be sure to take lots of photos, and update sometime over the weekend! GOBBLE GOBBLE, EVERYONE! Lots of love from our family to yours!

Sunday Fun...

2008-11-23T16:19:00.000-08:00

Today, we spent the morning hanging out, eating french toast, drinking coffee (daddy & mommy), and relaxing to Mickey Mouse and his buddies. Then, we decided to get the kids out of the house for a while, and do something as a family. So, we went to Walmart. We got a portable DVD set-up for the car, since we will be travelling to Phoenix with our two babes this week! I've heard they are a life-saver, and although I would never have purchased one myself, Daddy refuses to listen to 2 crying kids the whole way to Phoenix, so he bought one. Ryan didn't listen well, while we were there, so he had to go in the carrier, and ride with Mommy. He threw a fit for a bit, then I let him carry something, and he chilled. Rayna rode in the front carrier, and slept through most of the shopping trip!

Then, we went to Target, to get Ryan a 2nd CARS potty seat. We have one for our downstairs bathroom, but I am ready to transition him to a toddler bed, and want him to be able to use the upstairs bathroom at night, when he needs to, so we got another one. It has a great pee guard, compared to some of the ones I looked at, so I decided to just get the same one.

After all that shopping, it was time for the kiddos to have some fun, and get some fresh air before naptime, so we went to the park (Harry Griffen), and let Ry run around and play on the structures, while I pushed Rayna in the swing...then, Daddy came over and pushed both Ryan and Rayna in the swings, and I was able to get some cute pictures! I hope you enjoy them!

Some pictures and a quickie...

2008-11-20T22:35:00.001-08:00

It isn't always easy to find the time to sit and blog, so mine are few and far between. My apologies. I try, but it can be a challenge!

I am currently busy preparing for my baby to turn 1! Yes, already! It has really flown by! And here I am, asking...where did it go? We haven't DONE THAT MUCH!

Well, lots of time was spent at home, getting better...it seems like we managed to catch EVERY LITTLE BUG that went around this year, and somehow, we passed it back and forth and back and forth, prolonging our recovery times. When we WEREN'T sick, we were trying to catch back up with our friends...some of whom, we have yet to see since Rayna's birth!

We have done some playdates here and there, but have neglected to keep up with our once normal playdate schedule that used to consist of us having playtime several days a week.

We have made some awesome new friends this year, and sadly, we have lost touch with some. It is one of my wishes, this holiday season, that we are able to reconnect with our friends in the new year, once things have gotten less hectic again!

We have also been missing some of our closest friends who've had to move away from San Diego. Phone calls and email just don't come close to having our buddies here to talk to face-to-face, and just hang out with!

We are hoping that the new year brings with it new hope, new friends, rekindled friendships, and good health to us all!

Food, Friends & Fun

2008-10-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

We got to visit with some very close friends of ours, whom we have been missing dearly, due to all of our hectic, busy lives, and recent happenings. Carlee, Scott, and Brayden came over for dinner last night, and we got to hang out and watch the kids be silly.

I took tons of photos, as usual! Here are a select few! Enjoy!

Bubbles for Rayna!

Playing pool with friends! And Rayna snacking in the background!

Loving on Kitty and Laughing it up!

2008-10-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

Ryan LOVES his kitty, Tennille. She has an "owie" right now, so we are extra gentle and loving with her. Ryan kisses her a lot, trying to make her owie better. He is so sweet with her, but he also loves to "find kitty", and then chase her around the house. Usually, she will let him catch her and carry her around for a bit, but with her owie, she is a little more stand-offish right now. We are hoping to have our playful kitty back soon. Rayna is so full of energy, and has developed such a fun personality already! She loves to smile and laugh.

Ryan & Rayna spend a lot of time giggling and "talking" to one another at bedtime, and in the car! They love to play silly with Daddy, and most evenings, they are both begging for his attention, wanting to be goofy with him.

Kelly & Chloe came to visit...

2008-09-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

And what a great time we all had! Keep checking back for more pictures and description of our fun time together!