A little me time ...

So I haven't been around in quite a while.  I started back to work/teaching in September and there were so many "lovely" changes that I really haven't been able to think of much else.  Soooo, I'm trying to re-prioritize what's important to me and what makes me happy and one of those things is blogging and posting pictures that make me happy.  So here is a picture/self-portrait that I just recently took and I must say, I quite like it.  It makes me happy and I've come to a place in my life where no one is going to make me happy but myself.  IF I'm not happy with myself, then how can others make me happy?  Right?

 

I'll have more to come in the near future including new recipes and other fun things so stayed tuned!

Eyes

They say your eyes are the window to your soul ...

... I hope you like what you see!



Reaching my goal ...

Hi everyone.  I know it's been quite a while since I last posted and a lot has happened.  In June we had a really bad storm and lost electric for about 40 hours and we were some of the lucky ones.  I had friends who were without electric, running water and well, everything for a week or more.  It was bad.  It was like a tornado hit the area. 

That was one of the reasons I haven't posted.  The other reason was that I have really been focusing on myself.  I teach so, I was finishing up that, and I was also focusing on a goal I just recently reached. 

I may have mentioned that I am on Weight Watchers, but I don't know if you knew how dedicated and focused I was about it.  See, I've been of WW in the past and for different reasons stopped going.  Well, I knew that this time when I signed up it was going to be different for a few reasons.  The first was that I was told that if I don't go on a low fat and cholesterol diet I was headed for some rough  times ahead with my health, like heart disease or even worse.  That was truly an eye opener.  The second reason was that I was in a better place in my life.  I go to counseling and have really been working on weeding out the negative and difficult people in my life, I have a better relationship with God and my husband and I was doing it for myself and not anyone else. 

Here is a picture taken of me in March of 2011.  When I look at that picture, I can't believe I let myself go that far.  I was pushing 200 pounds.  When I started WW I weighed 195.6 pounds. 

Crazy, right?  I cringe when I look at this picture, but remind myself that I don't ever want to get back to this. 

Anyway, the day after Memorial Day, this year, I reached my goal weight of 157 pounds.  Actually I exceeded that weight goal and weighed in at 155.6.  I was soooooooooo excited and proud!  It was an amazing feeling.  See, I don't usually follow through on many goals that I've set so to see this one through to goal was truly an amazing feeling. 

This is a picture that I took the day after I reached my goal weight.  What a difference.

After I reached goal, I then had to go on maintenance for six weeks.  This is where you find the right points balance to stay as close to your goal weight as possible.  This was by far the hardest time and the reason being was that your so in the zone to lose weight and to then be told to stop was a bit of a struggle.  My weight was like a yo-yo, but it wasn't that bad, just something new to train my brain to accept.  Here are my weights during that time.  157.2, 153.4, 159, 155 and 156.4. 

Well, I've reached "Lifetime" with WW and also applied and interviewed to be a part time employee for the company.  I was told last night that I got the job so that is a great bonus to my success story.

This has been a crazy, yet wonderful and amazing journey.  I have made some great friends on this journey and have even been told that I've inspired some people to start on WW.  I love what WW has done for me and love to share my knowledge and story.  If I can help just one person become healthy by sharing my story, then I have truly reached my goal. 

Mother's Day 2012

This Mother's Day I spent some time just me and B.  We went for a ride and ended up in a little fishing town called Shell Pile.  It lived up to it's name.  There were really piles of shells everywhere.  It was such a beautiful day. and I was glad to spend it doing what I love the best ... being a mom!

Happy Mother's Day!

Me & My Little Man

Just wanted to share a photo I took of me and my recently turned 12 year-old little man!  I just love this kid!

The Birthday Boy

I can't believe that 12 years ago this sweet and amazing bundle of joy came into my life.

He is such an wonderful young man.  He is kind and loving and oh so talented.  I love the boy he was and the young man he is becoming.  I am so blessed that God gave me the chance to be his mom. My life would be so empty without him. 

Happy Birthday "B"!

Sunday's Adventure

Today I went on a 9.5 mile bike ride with my son.  He loves to ride his bike and I do too, but there never seems to be enough time in the weekend to go.  Well today I decided that enough was enough and I dropped everything else on my plate to go for a ride with my son and we had a blast.  We brought a friend along, but that didn't take away from the joy of riding with my cool kid.  I can't wait to do it more and more this year.  I will say that my legs are hurting right now, but it's worth it.  I'm getting in shape and this will definitely help that! 

So I say to all of you on this beautiful sunny Sunday ... go riding with your kid.  They grow up to fast.  Happy riding!

finally friday

My life in photos from the past two weeks.

My favorite bunny decoration

Cupcakes for my pre-k kids

Easter flower from my hubby

Always remember our firefighters who risk their lives for us every day.

Romaine, grilled chicken, roasted tomatoes, barley, and a bit of Parmesan cheese.  Yum!

Carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, 

also my first attempt at using a piping bag.

Hot tea and the sun was shining.  What a great way to start a day off!

My favorite pretzels

Tuesday morning's entertainment

Weight loss update ~ lost 1.8 lbs. for a total of 32.4 lbs.

Crunchy Carrot Treats

I've seen this idea all over the web and decided to make them for my preschool class.  We're not aloud to give out candy, so I opted for this yummy, crunchy treat instead. 

I used:
1 large container of Gold Fish crackers
Disposable Wilton icing bags
Green curling ribbon

I scooped (1) one cup of Gold Fish crackers into 15 icing bags and then tied them up with the green curling ribbon.  Cost was about $12.00 and it took me all of an hour to make. 

The best part is that the kids loved them and so did my co-workers that I showed.  You still have time so go ahead and whip up a batch for family and friends!  Happy Easter!

weighing in

I've been on Weight Watchers since August 15, 2011 and have been slowly losing weight.  Once I reach my goal weight I am going to post a series of photos I've take while on this journey, but today I'm posting a picture taken of me yesterday before going to a friends wedding.  To date I have lost 28.6 pounds and want to lose 10 more. 

When I look at these pictures I can really see the transformation I'm going through.  I also love the dress I'm wearing.  I purchased it a t JC Pennys and love how it shows off my slimmer body.

what i like right now

Just a little collection of images that are inspiring me right now.

just because ...

the numbers

I've been going to Weight Watchers since August 15, 2011 and have since lost 26.2 pounds.  It has been a very special journey because I've stuck to it.  In the past when I've gone on a diet, I've sabotaged it, but not this time.  Why did I sabotage it, well, stress was the main reason.  When the other parts of my life weren't going so well, I would eat.  Well, not this time.  I've found other outlets to curb the desire to eat when I'm stressed or anxious or mad or ... you get the picture. 

This time around I've stuck to the plan for several reasons.  I like how I feel with the added weight gone. I love the Weight Watchers program!  I was told by my doctor that I needed to go on a strick low-fat and low cholesterol diet.  I don't want to be over-weight like other members of my family ( I just can't do it anymore).  It's something in my life that I have control of and the best reason ... is that my doctor called yesterday and said I don't have to take medication for my cholesterol and triglycerides because my numbers look really good.  Yea!!!

My numbers have been up in the past because, I ate what I wanted to, didn't take care of myself, and some of it was hereditary.  Well, no more.  I love the numbers I was given and am so looking forward to the best number yet.  My goal number.  The number I want to reach with my weight and maintain and that number is ...

I wasn't sure to long ago if I could reach this number, but I now know that it is so do-able.  So look our 157, cause' here I come!

valentine DIY

I love to create, because it fills a part of me that nothing else can fill.  To look at something I've made is so fulfilling and this project was no exception.  I came across this sweater DIY on one of my favorite blogs A Beautiful Mess and knew I had to give it a try.  It was super easy because Elsie and her staff/co-creators give such clear and easy directions.  I would suggest to anyone who loves creating and have sewing knowledge to give it a try.  I had so much fun that I also created one using a black sweater.  Oh and I almost forgot that the entire project (both sweaters and the red fabric hearts) only cost me $15.00.  Sweet!

I just love it!

Photo Editing

Ok, so I'm addicted to photo editing lately.  I can't get enough of taking and editing photos.  I am also, still loving the photo mosaic tool over at Big Huge Labs.  The other editing software I use are apps on my iPod.  I love Instagram the most.  Check out some of the stuff I've done recently.

Yes, I'm in my "happy place" and I love it.  

Weight Watchers Yogurt

I love Weight Watchers yogurt.  My favorite is Amaretto Cheesecake ... yum!  Well today I went to one of my local grocery stores to buy some and the store had them marked at $1.05.  Seriously?  Talk about price gouging.  I didn't buy it and left to hit a different store.  At the second store they were $.79, which was a bit better.  I didn't have any more time to go to store number three, so I bought two cups at $.79 each. 

This got me to thinking about how supermarkets can be quite the rip-off if your not careful.  I usually don't shop at either of these two stores unless there's a sale, but today I was in a pinch.  The first store was an Acme, which usually has higher prices that the other two, but if you find some good sales, you can definitely save some money.  The second store was a ShopRite, which is usually better on prices and this week they are having great sales, so I though I would do better.  The store I usually shop at is a Wal-Mart Superstore.  They have great prices, take coupons (which the other two also do) an have good quality products, and there Weight Watchers yogurt is only $.50. 

So what have I learned today?  Know your prices.  My plan is to save money this year and spend less.  In order to do that, this is one area where knowing prices, sales and the best places to shop will.  Also use coupons.  They may take come time to cut out, but the end result of more money in your pocket is worth it.

Hope Street

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  Psalms 62:5-6

 

My HOPE for 2012 is to ...

~ spend less and save/earn more

~ continue my journey with Weight Watchers

~ continue to strengthen my marriage

~ expand my photography business

~ stay more organized and not let needless clutter pile up

~ build 2 really good friendships

~ craft more

~ stress less

It's not a long list and some of the things listed I'm already working on, so attaining them or continuing to attain them is possible.  If fact anything is possible as long as you believe!  I do.

A year ago ...

     Today was hard for me.  I know that Christmas is just a few days away and for the most part I have been in great spirits about all the upcoming holiday preparations and celebrations that I will be having with family and friend, but today was hard.  The main reason was that a year ago "today" our house was robbed for the second time in less than three months and a lot of things were taken including the feeling of being safe in our own home.  So forgive me for not posting anything jolly.  It was hard enough getting through the day without thinking; "Is my house safe?"  "Did I lock the doors?"  "Did I hide all the gifts so they're not taken if the house is robbed again?" 

     Well, the day is almost over and I survived.  The neighbor parked his truck in our yard and I went a little crazy and pushed our iron picnic table against the back door.  A few precautions and a lot of hugs from my great teaching assistant Mia helped me through the day. 

     I now am looking forward to finishing up a few last minute gift preparations and having a great Christmas with Aaron and "B".  See you tomorrow!

   

The Spirit of Santa

I've always loved Santa.  The "real" Santa and anything Santa related.  Santa reminded me of all the wonderful things from my childhood Christmas's and what that entailed.

I remember when I was a child and someone told me that Santa wasn't real.  My parents were so mad that they went to the child's parents and gave them an earful.  Well, last year we told "B" that there wasn't a Santa.  We didn't want to lie to him or for him to find out from someone else.  We wanted to explain to him our thoughts about Santa.

See, I've always believed that there is a Santa, as in a Spirit of Santa.  What that means to me is being of a kind heart and spirit.  Have I always shown these characteristics ... no!  Do I wish that I could have ... yes!  Christmas is a time to give and not receive, but in the past I didn't feel that way.  I felt that if I gave a gift, I should receive one in return.  This mindset just set me up for a lot of disappointment and anger.  I would get mad at anyone who I felt mistreated me and became bitter and I would close off from both family and friend who I felt didn't really care for me. 

Well, lucky for me I have had my eyes opened by some very special people who have shown me that that kind of mindset was not healthy.  This year I have come to realize that there are going to be people and I mean close people in my life who are going to disappoint me.  It is my choice as to how I'm going to react to those disappointments, and they're not disappointments if I don't let them be.

Aaron and I didn't want "B" to be disappointed, so we told him that there wasn't a "real" Santa but Santa was in all of us in giving to others even when we don't receive the same in return.  It took me 43+ years to learn this and we didn't want Brent to have to struggle with what I, and maybe my hubby also,  had to deal with.  We also want "B" to be a loving and caring child and soon to be young man who is genuine and cares for others no matter how he is treated in return.  My hubby is famous for being genuine,  kind and caring even when others treat him the wrong way and I love him for that.

I think Santa or the "Spirit of Santa" is a great tool in teaching children to be kind and caring and to show them that disappointment is only a part of your life if you let it.  Trouble is going to be a part of your life, but it's how you deal with it that show your true Santa Spirit.  I can still say that Santa is a big part of my life and always will be.  Is he a part of your life?  If not, why?  How about this year, let the Spirit of Santa be with you.  It may surprise you.

A Handmade Christmas

I sometimes feel like I should have been born in another time and place.  I love the simplicity of Christmas's past and love the idea of making handmade gifts.  It just says something, when you give a gift you made.  I have a friend, Liz, who does the same thing.  She makes blankets and bags for family and friends and I like doing the same.  She also makes her own laundry detergent.  How cool is that.

This year is no different for me, in that I will be make something small for all my friends and family.  I can't show you til after Christmas what it is, but I can show you the materials I'm using.  If you leave a comment, I might tell you if your guess is right, but I may not.  You'll just have to take that chance.