Elora Ellisyn Leigh age 6
Caleb Bryce Age 8
Andrew William Age 10
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Susie Home Maker
Been in a baking mood since all the fall decorations have come out and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Got my Taste of Home Magazine today and boy did it inspire me. I has these great Halloween lanterns I would love to try out this week, they look so simple too and super cute. I can't wait to do them! But also in this months Magazine there was some great Thanksgiving meal recipes. They have a whole section on "Sweet, Tart, & Tempting" can you guess what it is?? Caramel apples of course! Who can resist those? Man my eyes say yum and my brain says "just walk away, just walk away" but I can't sometimes. Self control is going to be a big issue I have to work on these holidays!
This Thanksgiving I want it all. I want the fancy traditional turkey slathered with butter & herbs, thrown in the oven to cook all day, stuffed with my mom's delicious stuffing recipe, with all the trimmings I remember as a kid. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, pumpkin pie and apple pie. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water and my stomach hurt =) Really hoping that I get to play hostess to some friends this year especially being it might be our last year here. If not then you know what I will do it all anyways! How bout that! I am a little nervous though. I haven't ever done a turkey on my own EVER. Mark and I have been married 11 yrs 2 months and 2 days and I have NEVER done my own whole turkey. I have done plenty of hams, plenty of turkey breasts but never my own turkey! Ohhhh Boy! I am looking forward to it though, just the whole day of the nice cool crisp air (yes it should be chilly by then), letting the kids play outside, getting all the food ready, having friends over, enjoying good food and good company! Did I mention I also want to go all out and decorate too?? My husband must think I am nuts sometimes and I admit I get an idea stuck in my head how things should look and how I want them to look, don't we all? Okay until another post! Love often, love much!
This Thanksgiving I want it all. I want the fancy traditional turkey slathered with butter & herbs, thrown in the oven to cook all day, stuffed with my mom's delicious stuffing recipe, with all the trimmings I remember as a kid. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, pumpkin pie and apple pie. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water and my stomach hurt =) Really hoping that I get to play hostess to some friends this year especially being it might be our last year here. If not then you know what I will do it all anyways! How bout that! I am a little nervous though. I haven't ever done a turkey on my own EVER. Mark and I have been married 11 yrs 2 months and 2 days and I have NEVER done my own whole turkey. I have done plenty of hams, plenty of turkey breasts but never my own turkey! Ohhhh Boy! I am looking forward to it though, just the whole day of the nice cool crisp air (yes it should be chilly by then), letting the kids play outside, getting all the food ready, having friends over, enjoying good food and good company! Did I mention I also want to go all out and decorate too?? My husband must think I am nuts sometimes and I admit I get an idea stuck in my head how things should look and how I want them to look, don't we all? Okay until another post! Love often, love much!
Autumn Splendor
It still hasn't quite hit that it is Fall here in Jacksonville Florida. It is our 3rd fall here in the city of Mayport. It's amazing to hear that parts of the Northern states are getting snow when we are in 80+ degree weather still enjoying our short sleeves, skirts, shorts, and flip flops. Autumn is my favorite season of them all. Winter usually is quite drab and cold with hardly any color but Christmas and Winter festivities are enjoyed none the less. Spring all the flowers bloom and the promise of Summer isn't very far behind. I do enjoy Spring though due to it kicking off our "Birthday Season" as I call it. Although I am sure our checking account/wallet cringe at the mere thought of "Birthday Season". But it's been "Fall" here since September when our calendar forces us to realize the weather should be changing. Not here apparently. I am wishing for cooler days, which don't get me wrong we have had a few, not many but a few. Nights are getting cooler, mornings are nice and breezy, just enough to want a light jacket. Although Mark says I am nuts since I am cold 98% of the time these days. Anyhow on with the updates...
We did our 3rd annual Autumn pictures last weekend. Went and found adorable matching outfits for all three kids,& yes we are THOSE parents LOL. Spent our small fortune and took some pics on the new nature trail out by the front of the Naval base. The children, bless their little hearts were all smiles and giggles about entertaining my demands for pictures. Thankfully they are quite used to me being "in their faces" for pictures. I got quite a few that I love. Our only down fall that day was the camera died, yup it just died, keeled over, kaput, dead, finito! Oh you should of seen me. I was not a happy Momma. Not to mention we still had to go to the Fall Festival! Can you imagine my panic about having to go with out a camera!! Oh yes. Not a pretty sight. But anyway, I got over it, let the kids enjoy their rides, games, & food. Had a GREAT day. This whole weekend was picturesque really. Sunday we went to the "farm" out in St.Augustine. Yeah it's pretty sad when you're farm contains 3 chickens, 1 pig, 1 goat, 1 donkey, a corn maze, and a sad looking pumpkin patch. Shoot never mind the dang patch all the kids wanted to do was jump on the popper! Ahhh to be young again LOL. So yeah we tried, won't ever go back and sadly it won't ever compare to the gorgeous setting of Belmont Farms out in Matthews County in VA. One of the only great things about VA we liked. We miss our little pumpkin patch out in East County San Diego where we lived in Lakeside, was adorable and fun not to mention FREE. So yes this farm was quite the disappointment and not to mention EXPENSIVE. WOOOWEEE it was expensive. After our trip to the farm we found "The Hyypo" which is a fresh little gourmet Popsicle shop in Old St.Augustine. They had delicious flavors of all kinds of freshly made Popsicle. Pricey but GREAT. We each got our Popsicle and devoured it right there in the store, even debated on getting a 2nd one. After deciding not to we walked around all the great little stores and decided to go to the S.W.I.N.G park. It was this great looking park with towers, swings, slides, bridges, cut outs for pictures, all sorts of things. We let the kids play and then took them home. Of course we were all tired so we enjoyed some nice Chinese take out from one of our local favorites and watched "How to Train your Dragon". We just love that movie.
This weekend we are keeping it low key for sure. Have bought Elora some cute but inexpensive fairy wings since that is what she would like to be for Halloween this year. I might make her another tulle skirt and have her wear some legging underneath, and a cute long sleeve shirt to match. Boys still haven't 100% decided what they wanted to be. So I might make Andrew his costume since he would really like to be Soren from Guardians of Ga'Hoole. Caleb wants to be another clone trooper. Again. LOL. I haven't been as excited for Halloween this year. I am not sure what is up with me. I haven't even bought a costume for myself this year. Not sure if I am going to?! I might be a witch or just slap on some fairy wings too. We'll see. You would think with all the weight loss I've just had that Id be out getting all sorts of new costumes, yeah not quite. ::shrugs::
New regs come out for us November 8th and guess what? It is our turn to choose. Am I excited. A little. Am I worried, not so much really. We'll make the best of where ever we end up. Sea Duty will suck that is for sure, usually does. Although we are on Shore Duty now and he works longer hours than he did when he was on Sea, which is ridiculous that is for sure. I am going to miss living on this base though, I am going to miss utilizing the Youth Center, the close friends the children have made, and the friendships I have looked forward to on a daily basis. Just have to make the best of what is to come. Until next time. Many laughs, hugs, & smiles.
We did our 3rd annual Autumn pictures last weekend. Went and found adorable matching outfits for all three kids,& yes we are THOSE parents LOL. Spent our small fortune and took some pics on the new nature trail out by the front of the Naval base. The children, bless their little hearts were all smiles and giggles about entertaining my demands for pictures. Thankfully they are quite used to me being "in their faces" for pictures. I got quite a few that I love. Our only down fall that day was the camera died, yup it just died, keeled over, kaput, dead, finito! Oh you should of seen me. I was not a happy Momma. Not to mention we still had to go to the Fall Festival! Can you imagine my panic about having to go with out a camera!! Oh yes. Not a pretty sight. But anyway, I got over it, let the kids enjoy their rides, games, & food. Had a GREAT day. This whole weekend was picturesque really. Sunday we went to the "farm" out in St.Augustine. Yeah it's pretty sad when you're farm contains 3 chickens, 1 pig, 1 goat, 1 donkey, a corn maze, and a sad looking pumpkin patch. Shoot never mind the dang patch all the kids wanted to do was jump on the popper! Ahhh to be young again LOL. So yeah we tried, won't ever go back and sadly it won't ever compare to the gorgeous setting of Belmont Farms out in Matthews County in VA. One of the only great things about VA we liked. We miss our little pumpkin patch out in East County San Diego where we lived in Lakeside, was adorable and fun not to mention FREE. So yes this farm was quite the disappointment and not to mention EXPENSIVE. WOOOWEEE it was expensive. After our trip to the farm we found "The Hyypo" which is a fresh little gourmet Popsicle shop in Old St.Augustine. They had delicious flavors of all kinds of freshly made Popsicle. Pricey but GREAT. We each got our Popsicle and devoured it right there in the store, even debated on getting a 2nd one. After deciding not to we walked around all the great little stores and decided to go to the S.W.I.N.G park. It was this great looking park with towers, swings, slides, bridges, cut outs for pictures, all sorts of things. We let the kids play and then took them home. Of course we were all tired so we enjoyed some nice Chinese take out from one of our local favorites and watched "How to Train your Dragon". We just love that movie.
This weekend we are keeping it low key for sure. Have bought Elora some cute but inexpensive fairy wings since that is what she would like to be for Halloween this year. I might make her another tulle skirt and have her wear some legging underneath, and a cute long sleeve shirt to match. Boys still haven't 100% decided what they wanted to be. So I might make Andrew his costume since he would really like to be Soren from Guardians of Ga'Hoole. Caleb wants to be another clone trooper. Again. LOL. I haven't been as excited for Halloween this year. I am not sure what is up with me. I haven't even bought a costume for myself this year. Not sure if I am going to?! I might be a witch or just slap on some fairy wings too. We'll see. You would think with all the weight loss I've just had that Id be out getting all sorts of new costumes, yeah not quite. ::shrugs::
New regs come out for us November 8th and guess what? It is our turn to choose. Am I excited. A little. Am I worried, not so much really. We'll make the best of where ever we end up. Sea Duty will suck that is for sure, usually does. Although we are on Shore Duty now and he works longer hours than he did when he was on Sea, which is ridiculous that is for sure. I am going to miss living on this base though, I am going to miss utilizing the Youth Center, the close friends the children have made, and the friendships I have looked forward to on a daily basis. Just have to make the best of what is to come. Until next time. Many laughs, hugs, & smiles.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
First school week down...many more to go
Well what can I say. School has already blasted off full speed. Andrew so far is doing fantastic. He is currently on ADD meds, the lowest dosage possible of 5 mg. He has been so proud of himself telling us he has been writting, and doing quite a bit of it. He has been raising his hands to ask questions about math problems and does his homework with out issue so far. We are very proud of the way he has carried himself and made himself want to be responsible. Elora is proud of herself as are we for being in the first grade and not wanting to stay home like so many of her classmates complain about in her class. Caleb was nervous at first, but who isn't on the first day of school? He is a bit better and even has a new friend who comes over just about every day to see if Caleb can play outside lol. Its been an interesting first week of school. Wish I could say I enjoyed it but I didn't not with consignment going on. I am sure once consignment is over I can get things back into a routine and done with. I am just so glad our first week of school went well for the kids and they are enjoying being back!
Sunday Morning
Good Morning!
I can't believe I am awake, but that is thanks to my husband who couldn't decide if he was coming or going. I've realized I haven't blogged in a long time. Just been so busy and got so caught up with our weight loss and then we had decided we were going to still go on somewhat of a vacation. Just foregoing Cali since we don't know our transfer status we decided to save the money and we went to Arkansas to see the grandparents instead. This trip was a much more pleasant experiance to say the least. Of course there was a couple little "hiccups" along the way but it wasn't anything to do with us and our immediate family, more like the in-laws or "out" laws as some people like to call them...I handled things a bit more graciously this time then I would of in the past, guess that means I am growing up some hu? Yeah don't laugh too hard, doubt it. Just have learned when to bite my tongue and when to let it go, this time it benefited me more than I could of thought or imagined.
Weight loss update:
I started February 26th 2010 and I was a whopping 203.6 lbs and climbing. I know my waist was over 46 inches. The weight has steadily but not always so easily dropped and I am currently now 150 lbs and dropping!!! I am feeling fabulous! I haven't exercised in a while being on vacation (I know its not an excuse) and I had gotten sick prior. I have lost a total of 53.6 pounds and still hoping to reach my ultimate goal of 140 by Christmas! I am so excited every time I try on a pair of clothes and it is a size 10 or an 8! It was great taking pictures on our 11 yr anniversary trip and not feeling like a fat blob and being able to walk and walk and walk and not feel so winded or tired, and man did we walk alot (I had three huge blisters to prove it).
Enough weight talk. I am sure I have annoyed people plenty with facebook statuses out the wahoo while dropping so many pounds and inches.
Summer vacation came to an end all too quickly in our opinions. Mark and I enjoyed having the kids home so much though it was great. Am I glad they are back in school, yes I would be lying if I said I wasn't, do I miss them most definitely. Our vacation was two week in AR but thankfully not all two weeks were spent in Dermott. No offense to my husband and his dear grandparents but there isn't much to do in Dermott let alone in heat that was 110 and heat index of 120 (yuck with a CAPITOL Y) lol. We got to go visit some friends in Hot Springs which was nice. It was nice for the kids to spread out some and run around and just to visit with friends and hang out in a not so tiny house. We thankfully got home safely and in one piece, barely had any time to unpack anything and went to Tampa 3 days later. We visited our coastie friends which made us desire living on an airforce base lol VERY Nice =)
Our friends were gracious enough to watch our three little monkies while we conquered Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure solo with out the kiddos. We got a very nice upscale hotel onsite to take advantage of their fast pass and it was GREAT. Being it was peak season those fast passes were a life saver, we never waited longer than 10 min on a ride and even the new Harry Potter ride that is in Hogwarts wasn't that long or at least didn't seem like it cause there were so many things to look out and take in. It was fantastic and now I dont think we can stay anywhere else BUT a universal hotel for just that reason! Hoping to have pictures uploaded to a website so that I can resize and upload onto the blog. Summer came to an end but it was a great one for sure.
Until next blog...
I can't believe I am awake, but that is thanks to my husband who couldn't decide if he was coming or going. I've realized I haven't blogged in a long time. Just been so busy and got so caught up with our weight loss and then we had decided we were going to still go on somewhat of a vacation. Just foregoing Cali since we don't know our transfer status we decided to save the money and we went to Arkansas to see the grandparents instead. This trip was a much more pleasant experiance to say the least. Of course there was a couple little "hiccups" along the way but it wasn't anything to do with us and our immediate family, more like the in-laws or "out" laws as some people like to call them...I handled things a bit more graciously this time then I would of in the past, guess that means I am growing up some hu? Yeah don't laugh too hard, doubt it. Just have learned when to bite my tongue and when to let it go, this time it benefited me more than I could of thought or imagined.
Weight loss update:
I started February 26th 2010 and I was a whopping 203.6 lbs and climbing. I know my waist was over 46 inches. The weight has steadily but not always so easily dropped and I am currently now 150 lbs and dropping!!! I am feeling fabulous! I haven't exercised in a while being on vacation (I know its not an excuse) and I had gotten sick prior. I have lost a total of 53.6 pounds and still hoping to reach my ultimate goal of 140 by Christmas! I am so excited every time I try on a pair of clothes and it is a size 10 or an 8! It was great taking pictures on our 11 yr anniversary trip and not feeling like a fat blob and being able to walk and walk and walk and not feel so winded or tired, and man did we walk alot (I had three huge blisters to prove it).
Enough weight talk. I am sure I have annoyed people plenty with facebook statuses out the wahoo while dropping so many pounds and inches.
Summer vacation came to an end all too quickly in our opinions. Mark and I enjoyed having the kids home so much though it was great. Am I glad they are back in school, yes I would be lying if I said I wasn't, do I miss them most definitely. Our vacation was two week in AR but thankfully not all two weeks were spent in Dermott. No offense to my husband and his dear grandparents but there isn't much to do in Dermott let alone in heat that was 110 and heat index of 120 (yuck with a CAPITOL Y) lol. We got to go visit some friends in Hot Springs which was nice. It was nice for the kids to spread out some and run around and just to visit with friends and hang out in a not so tiny house. We thankfully got home safely and in one piece, barely had any time to unpack anything and went to Tampa 3 days later. We visited our coastie friends which made us desire living on an airforce base lol VERY Nice =)
Our friends were gracious enough to watch our three little monkies while we conquered Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure solo with out the kiddos. We got a very nice upscale hotel onsite to take advantage of their fast pass and it was GREAT. Being it was peak season those fast passes were a life saver, we never waited longer than 10 min on a ride and even the new Harry Potter ride that is in Hogwarts wasn't that long or at least didn't seem like it cause there were so many things to look out and take in. It was fantastic and now I dont think we can stay anywhere else BUT a universal hotel for just that reason! Hoping to have pictures uploaded to a website so that I can resize and upload onto the blog. Summer came to an end but it was a great one for sure.
Until next blog...
Sunday, July 11, 2010
So close yet so far...
It hasn't seemed like it has been 19 weeks going on 20 but here we are, far from that first week of when I decided it was time to change my life, change our life and eating habits and time to get moving. 19 weeks ago I was 203.6 lbs, my waist was 47 inches, my hips some where in the high 40's as well. I haven't measured my waist and hips in a while but the last time it was 35 inches on my waist. I am currently 160 lbs which I haven't been in a very very long time. I am very proud that I have made it this far and continue to drop in weight. I used to wear a size 18 and was climbing. I am now a size 12 but sure I am a size 10, I just haven't tried any on and my size 12 pants are large indeed. I figured these last 10 pounds to my first goal were and are going to be the hardest to drop. I haven't yet started my journey on p90X just yet. Things just keep coming up but soon no more excuses will be acceptable for myself. I am on an exercising haitus. I can't wait to shock those we visit in AR. In june even at 165 our friend who hasn't seen us in 2 months was in utter shock and it was a great feeling, one I would like to experiance over and over again! Here are some updated pics for those who are curious:
Just have to keep on telling myself to keep on going! Until next time...
Just have to keep on telling myself to keep on going! Until next time...
Friday, June 4, 2010
It's been a Long time
It has been quite a while I have realized since last posting on this blog. I know I was supposed to keep up daily and weekly updates but what can I say, first and foremost I am a mother to 3 active children and a military wife to boot. SO things have suffered due to the course of which my life had taken me. But I am here for the time being and hopefully can keep up with the blog and updating even if sometimes it seems like no one really gives a crap.
Enough with the self wallowing lol
Just to put it out there in the world wide web, I know that once I send and post to the internet it is out there for ever. Thank you for reminding me "the Young and the restless" lol.
Yes I am full of humor this evening.
I went for my 14 week check up with the nutritionist. I am happy to report that my current weight is 169.6 I am down 34 pounds and dropping. I had lost 2 inches more off my hips than the last time I went which was about a month ago and that I am in a size 12 pant with plenty of wiggling room to drop, and excited to buy new clothes and definitely a new bathing suit this summer!!
Our plans for our california vacation ended up falling through for a number of reasons. 1) we have other expenses that need our attention now 2) Our oldest son was diagnosed with ADD which needs medical attention in the new up coming months and need to be close to GA to attend those.
3) we transfer next Sept and may end up at the west coast and will let the navy pay for our "vacation".
4) we are still going to AR and possibly to Atlanta to see the worlds largest Aquarium, which I bet is a sight to see!
My personal goal this summer is to
1) buy a new DSLR and start dabbling with photography more
2) teach all three kids how to swim since I am buying pool passes. Elora and Caleb are already getting the basics down and can swim a short distance of course with constant adult supervision.
3) Get Caleb and Andrew FCAT practice books to study over the summer
4) enjoy my family as much as possible.
5) buy plane ticket for my Mom to come visit during Christmas vacation
6) look into cruise prices from the ITT office
7) re-decorate both bathrooms lol
8) tone up my belly, arms, and thighs
9) Get to know my new friends better
10)to be happy and not regret anything as each day passes by.
Now note not all in that order lol
Enough with the self wallowing lol
Just to put it out there in the world wide web, I know that once I send and post to the internet it is out there for ever. Thank you for reminding me "the Young and the restless" lol.
Yes I am full of humor this evening.
I went for my 14 week check up with the nutritionist. I am happy to report that my current weight is 169.6 I am down 34 pounds and dropping. I had lost 2 inches more off my hips than the last time I went which was about a month ago and that I am in a size 12 pant with plenty of wiggling room to drop, and excited to buy new clothes and definitely a new bathing suit this summer!!
Our plans for our california vacation ended up falling through for a number of reasons. 1) we have other expenses that need our attention now 2) Our oldest son was diagnosed with ADD which needs medical attention in the new up coming months and need to be close to GA to attend those.
3) we transfer next Sept and may end up at the west coast and will let the navy pay for our "vacation".
4) we are still going to AR and possibly to Atlanta to see the worlds largest Aquarium, which I bet is a sight to see!
My personal goal this summer is to
1) buy a new DSLR and start dabbling with photography more
2) teach all three kids how to swim since I am buying pool passes. Elora and Caleb are already getting the basics down and can swim a short distance of course with constant adult supervision.
3) Get Caleb and Andrew FCAT practice books to study over the summer
4) enjoy my family as much as possible.
5) buy plane ticket for my Mom to come visit during Christmas vacation
6) look into cruise prices from the ITT office
7) re-decorate both bathrooms lol
8) tone up my belly, arms, and thighs
9) Get to know my new friends better
10)to be happy and not regret anything as each day passes by.
Now note not all in that order lol
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