I want to be a loser

I am heading in a new direction with this blog.  I still want to share my adventures with my girls but I also need to journal about my own weight loss story. 

A good friend and I have joined in a competition.  We have become part of the Largest Loser.  I had no idea what I was in for!  This is week 2 so we have weighed in twice after working out like I never thought that I could.  I have really pushed myself  and I am surprised at what I am capable of.  The reason I am starting on week two is because last week was rough.  Everything ached and it was difficult to even walk.  This week is better but I'm still feeling it.

I am not the gym kind of girl.  I don't like to run either.  I have to admit, I can be lazy.  I needed to make a healthy change in my life so I'm doing it and my team is helping me through it.  I have a feeling this experience will be life changing and I can't wait to share it.  Wish me luck.
 Results so far~
Week one-7.1 pounds
Week two-3.4 pounds

Holiday traditions

This year Alyssa was able to be an elf at the Christmas sing along with the bigger kids.  She was so happy and even though I was exhausted when we arrived, when she came out singing and skipping with a look of pure joy on her face my long day was forgotten.

Here's a holiday tradition that my mom started when my husband and I first got married. She would buy us a lenox ornament every year for our tree.  We have continued buying and now have enough to fill a little tree.  It makes me feel like she is still a part of our Christmas tradition but it makes me miss her too.

This year we made it the Fantasy of Lights.  It's not a very good picture but you get the idea.  My girls were amazed by all of the displays.  Honestly, I was too.  I've never been before and it was worth the trip.

A real tree and pinterest

After much debate we decided to get a real tree this year.  The plan was that we were actually going go and cut it but that never actually happened.  We were all feeling a little sick this weekend so a fresh tree that was precut was the best we could do.  Although a fake tree is not as messy I missed the smell when I walk in the house.  It smells like Christmas in my house this year.

Also are you on Pinterest?  If you're not then you should.  Just leave your email below and I'll send you an invite.  I have been obsessed inspired lately.  So many great ideas!  My latest finds have been homemade gifts for teachers at school and church, daycare providers, Secret Santa and whoever else is on your list.  Here's just a few of my favorites that I'll be making.  Go get inspired!

Cookie dough gift idea

Reindeer Food

Holiday pretzels

Make your own scarf

Check out her moves

This video makes me laugh and I just had to share. It is very clear that I am going to be in so much trouble during those teenage years. Either that or I have a super star on my hands.

Puppies and parties

I was at the vet's office this morning picking up medication for my dog. As I waited a lady walked in with her dog and the receptionist greeted her with, "Do you have an appointment?" The woman answered with yes, our last one ever. I wasn't expecting that and I felt my eyes starting to water. I tried to pretend like I was looking for something in my purse. As I left I couldn't shake the sad feeling so I let it out and cried for half my ride home. I know this may seem so silly but a few weeks earlier we had a scare with our own dog Sonny. He is fine and we just had to make adjustments to his medication. He's to hoping for many more years with my sweet boy and I just wish that I could have said something to comfort that woman. Some people may think it was just a dog but any pet owner knows that they become so much more.

On a happier note we've celebrated my daughters birthday at the zoo and it was a fantastic time!!! I love all the personalities in these pictures and the real friendships that she is starting to make now that she's in school. Not just tagging along with friends of mine who conveniently have kids. I have actually met some wonderful women who I am proud to call my friends through her. I love it!!!

Birthday at the zoo

Gillian celebrated her 7th birthday at the zoo. We had a great time and so did all the kids.Check out the girl to the left. I'm not sure why she's not happy but she's ruining my birthday photo, I'm kidding~well, kind of.Everyone got four rides on the carousel. Probably more since the lady checking them wasn't collecting them. All the kids loved this part. Then everyone got a free pass to the zoo to go check out on their own.

Plenty of cute photos. This was the easiest party by far. I don't know what I'll be in store for next year.

Gillian's 7th birthday interview

What is your favorite thing to do?

I like to draw

What do you not like to do?

I don't like to do homework.
What did you learn this year in school?

How to read.
What's your favorite...

movie

Cats and Dogs verses Kitty Galore
song

This Land is Your Land
book

Rainbow Fairy books
What do you like to do with your mom?

Play games
Your dad?

Play video games
Your sister?

Play squinkies
color?

purple
What will you be when you grow up?

Singer
Will you get married some day?

Yes but there will be no kissing.