Biggest Loser Meets Wii Fit

I know I haven't blogged about my working out in a lil' while. Last week was a big ol' mess. I didn't work out most of the week but last Thursday a new chapter of my life began. My hubby got not only got me a Wii but also added in a Wii Fit as a late V-Day present.

I have a few friends with Wii Fits so I was really excited. I have been on it everyday except Saturday for at least an hour. I don't think I've ever worked out so many days in a row for so long. It's amazing. I get so caught up in trying to beat my husbands scores (he more obsessed than me) that I don't realize I'm sweating and my legs are aching.

I started out at 147.8 and have gone down to 146.2 since Sunday. While it seems like nothing to you, to me it's a really really big deal. My BMI has finally gone down from Overweight to Normal and my Wii Fit age is down from 39 (I'm only 27) to my actual age of 27.

I love the Step Aerobics and am the master champion in Super Hula Hoop. However I can finish the Snowboarding to save my life. Yoga has become my friend. My husband is a fan of the Downward Dog. Hee hee. I like the Dance pose. It makes me feel like a pretty ballerina.

I'm excited to see if I lose more weight and I will update you guys next Thursday. The weather should be a little warm this weekend so I may take an outdoor run but my Wii Fit will be on my mind the whole time.

By Golly I Think She's Got It

I consider myself easy to please. I'm very low maintenance. It doesn't take much to make me happy. Little things like a sale at Target tickles me pink. Dinner being ready when I get home makes me give my husband a little sumin' sumin'. You see? Easy to please.

Lael is very aware of this. She knows that the smallest feat will cause me to break out in a song and dance. I can't believe how far she's come since October.

She is now reading EVERYTHING! She loves going to the library and loves trying to figure out how to spell new words. Amazing what can happen in a few months.


A few weeks ago I got her report card. It was very good but I noticed that she isn't doing as well in her math and counting as she is in reading a writing.


I was not a bit surprised by this. I. HATE. MATH. I hate everything about it. If I'm not counting money, I'm not counting at all. So you can imagine that I didn't really focus on that aspect of her learning until recently.


I feel guilty because I don't want to be the reason she isn't excelling in that area. I decided to make it a part of our everyday routine. Whether she's counting groceries or how many barbies she has I have been determined to steer her in the right direction.


She isn't bad at all. She can count to 100 by 10's and 5's. We have started counting by 2's and she can get up to 20.


She is even learning how to divide up food.


"Mom, can me and D have some Thin Mints as my snack."


"Sure, but not too many."


"Ummm...ok, is 5 too many?"


"No 5 is fine but no more than that okay?"


"Ok mom!"


She ran into the kitchen (Whispers: "D mom said we can have 5 cookies...both of us!)and then quickly ran back to me with the cookies in her hand.


"Mom, there is only 6 cookies left, how can we both eat 5, there's not enough!"


"Well Lael, you and D need to have the same amount so you figure it out."


"(Counting to herself out load) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...."


Silence.


"3! We both get 3! That's even and fair!"


"That's right honey! You figured it out!"


Oh how proud I was! I never thought she would have figured it out but she proved me dead wrong.


While she had made so much progress, she still could not manage to count from 1-100. She would get to 27 and then say "28, 29, 2010", or "46, 47, 48, 49, 4010. I would ask her what comes after the 20's and she would say 30's so I would say ok, so what comes after 29 and she would say 30 but if she started over she would say 2010 again!


Oh how I had been pulling my hair out. I have been practicing with her everyday. While she in the bath, on the way to the library, riding in the car. Still she would get stuck after the "9's".


That is until tonight. My little girl has finally got it. I had slacked off this week and before bed asked her to count, fully expecting to have to help her. She had gotten to 75 before I realize I hadn't had to help her one time! By the time she was on 94 I was on the floor on my knees. She got to 99 and then stopped. I sat there. Waiting. Thinking she had made such progress. Suddenly she looked up and me and gave me a little wink and said "100!"


I screamed at the top of my lungs. I did a little booty dance and she giggled until she couldn't catch her breath. You see, it doesn't take much to please me. Just count to 100 and watch me drop it like it's hot.


Good job Lael, mommy is so proud of you!

Anyone Can Brighten Your Day...Even Strangers

Last night was rough. Lael has a stank cold. Not bad enough to be paired with a fever and keep her home from school, but nasty enough to keep her from getting a good nights rest.

-Up a million times (ok maybe 3) in the middle of the night.

-In my bed for comfort.

-Humidifier pumped up to melt my skin off help my baby breath.

-Numerous cups of cold water.

6:30 came too fast. Add that with being out of work for a week and having to deal with work nobody would do while I was out and you have one annoyed person.

I had missed reading (a program where I read to a child once a week) program 3 weeks in a row and was determined not to disappoint my mentor (is that correct???).

I could just about cry because I forgot my gloves and scarf to go with my uniform and so I practically froze to death on the Metro because apparently the economy has forced them to say to hell with turning on the heat.

While making heat with my thighs rubbing walking to the Metro exit this older man starts to approach me. My mama taught me not to speak to stranger, at least ones that look strange.

However, something made me stop as this man reached is hand with a white leather glove on it.

I originally thought he would ask for money or directions or tell me I'm pretty (ok, not that one) or something like that.

He surprised me thought. What he said to me made my heart melt, while I had heard it before he seemed sincere and I think he's the first person to ever really make me PROUD of what I do.

He said: "Young lady, I want to thank you. I want to thank you for what you do. Serving your country and protecting us is deserving of thanks and we don't do it enough, I don't do it enough. So thank you . For all that you do."

I gave him the biggest smile and thanked him and told him that he had made my day. While sometimes I think of my job as no different than any other, the truth is that, it is. I have been to war and could be sent back at anytime.

While I still don't feel like I "protect" my country and it's people, I do feel that the work I do helps to make our country a better one that will remain free.

Thanks strange man for stopping me. Thanks for helping me remember. Thanks for making my day.

Grosgrain: Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

How cute would this look on Lael!

Not Me! Monday

Well hello! I took a week off but now I'm back to join in MckMama's blog carnival. You should too.

Oh the things I didn't do this and last week.

I did not forget my uniform in the Pentagon and have to call a co-worker on Saturday morning to unlock our office so I could get it for a ceremony. If I did, I so owe that somebody lunch.

I did not spend 3 days shut in my room to study for my big test and then when I finally tested I felt like I hadn't studied one bit. Wow, that sucked.

I did not completely ignore a birthday party and a Girl Scout event that I had RSVP'd for because I didn't want to leave the house and instead spend the morning on my Wii Fit. Nope not me.

I did not go out to eat with friends and completely overeat. I am not greedy like that!

I did not call my husband mean names because he bought ME the Wii Fit and has spent more time on it than me.

I did not just call my husband from work to find out he is currently on my Wii Fit AGAIN! Uggghh!!

I did not laugh this morning when this rude guy bumped into 4 or 5 people including myself and when we looked back at him he yelled out "Asshole!" to us. Sometimes you just have to laugh at people.

That's all I got for now! Happy Monday!!

Bet Yall Didn't Notice

Hey hey!

I'm back. Yall didn't even notice I was away huh?

Oh well. That's ok. I'm back now, kinda.

The test is over. Thank the Lord above. I'm still recuperating.

I'm still decompressing from my Power Study Week.

I'm trying to catch up on all of your blogs and I need to reconnect with my camera.

Here's a few notes on this week:

-I got my Valentine's present from my hubby: My Wii and Wii Fit! Hip Hip, Hooray, or hip hip, damn my hip hurts after doing the hula hoop.

-Some weird guy picked his ear next to me while I was testing. I threw up in my mouth a lil' bit.

-I took myself to the movies to see "He's Just Not That Into You". Super cute!

-I probably gained back the 2 lbs I lost by stress eating. It's ok though because I have the Wii Fit now!

That's all I have for now. See pretty boring huh? I'm sure this upcoming week will be more fun.

Lael had another loose tooth on it's last leg and Parent Teacher Conference is on Friday (enter dramatic music here). I'll let you know how that goes.

Ta Ta for Now!

I'll Return After This Short Break

To Whomever May Care,

I have to take a short blog break. Remember when I talked about this? Well, it's on Thursday and it's time to kick it into high gear.

I'm home from work all week and plan to spend every moment I can reviewing. This is my year. I can feel it.

Can yall feel it? Probably not, but I can! Ok, all I need are a few prayers. Well I need more than a few, a ton, but since only a few read this I'll take what I can get. Unless you want to send others over here to pray, or not.

Ok, enough rambling. Me and my nose are headed back into the books! Talk to yall Friday! Or maybe sooner, who knows!

Adios!

A Letter To My Daughter (My Sweet Valentine)

Dear Lael,

Spending time with you reminds me that life can be so busy I forget to appreciate the small things.

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. For the past 5 years you have been my favorite Valentine EVER!

The night before you wanted your hair braided and even though I was tired from work, I stayed up extra late to braid it and put in your favorite pink beads.

While doing your hair, you took a break and decided to pick out what you wanted to wear for our big day out. You picked closely matching shirts, because at this age you things it's cool to dress like your mom. (I'm sure that will change soon...real real soon.)

Our V-Day started off with me taking you to Gymnastics and watching you perfect your back roll and cartwheel. I love how after each try you look over at me for approval. I never miss a beat with a thumbs up or a silent clap of my hands.

Next we went off to get my hair done. I gave you the option of staying home with your dad, but you insisted on going with me because "We're supposed to be together all day mom!" Yes baby we are.

After my hair appointment, while coming through the gate on base, you screamed out "Happy Valentine's Day!" to the guard and was sad I didn't stop for you to give him some homemade cards you had stashed in the car. We got home to change and you made sure we put on our coordinated shirts and even the same color shoes. You explained how people would think we are the same person. There is still so much innocence left in you.

We headed to the train station and you decided that you were big enough to swipe the card without my help and charged ahead making sure that I was right behind you. You got on the train and chose the perfect seats for the both of us. You were quiet for the whole ride because you like to look out the windows and watch everything fly past us.

We got to the mall and she insisted on a Manicure and Pedicure just like mom. Even when they said you were too young, you insisted on soaking your feet in the tub. They knew better than to argue. You smiled the entire time and you made everyone else around you smile. There were a group of college girls in the nail spa and when they left they promised that you had the coolest nails and they were going get the same colors the next time they came. I believe they will keep that promise.





After our pampering we went of to eat Mexican because you insisted on rice and beans for lunch. I purchased a soft chicken taco platter with the intentions on us sharing. I must have forgotten how your appetite has increased because you ate all the rice and beans but did offer me a spoonful her and there. I had to purchase another so that I would die of hunger.

After filling your belly we got back on the train and headed downtown. I had tickets for Disneyland on Ice and you couldn't believe I had done so many cool things for you in one day. You ate your icee and cotton candy and watched the show with your mouth hanging open. I spend most of the show watching you watch it.





On the way home when coming back through the gate you were barely keeping your eyes awake. When I stopped to show my id card to the guard you popped your head up and insisted I give the guard your card that you had from earlier. I handed it to him and he couldn't stop smiling. You yelled "Happy Valentine's Day!" to him and I think you probably had made his day. You are sweet like that. I hope you stay that way forever.

I can't believe how fast you have grown. I can't believe the amount of love I have for such a little person.

I am blessed to be in your life. I am blessed to be your mommy. I am blessed to be your Valentine.

Happy Valentine's Day my love.

Nobody Will Buy What I Have Anyway

We all know that for some the current economy has been tough. It has surely affected some more than others. While I'm not quite desperate enough to start selling all of my household items on Ebay, things are definitely tough.


Chris from Notes from the Trenches talks about how BlogHer debuted a new web cast called Backtalk. They spoke about Facebook and how it relates to our children.


There a a few future issues coming up on Backtalk and one of them is in reference to our current economy.


The questions she asked are:

How is the economy affecting your family? Are you or your spouse out of a job? Are you saving in the event that one of you gets laid off down the road? Are you feeling anxiety or powerlessness over what’s happening?

Oh were do I begin! Hell yeah the economy has put a dent in the way me and my family live. My husband lost his contract in October 2007. Yes, he has been out of work for 16, hair-pulling, fight-starting, penny-pinching, months. It has been the biggest adjustment we've ever had t make as a couple. We have been together for 9 years and this has tested us down to the very core.


I am lucky that I am secure in the Air Force and though I had thought about separating before, the thought of it now scares the living hell out of me. This summer will be 10 years active for me and in 10 more I can retire and the wonderful age of 37. While the AF did have a few cutbacks recently, I once again, managed to dodge that bullet. In case I wasn't sure before, I now know that I will be retiring from the military.


We are living a new normal type of life. We had to cut back on excessive (my relationship with Target) spending. We sold our truck (2000 Ford Expedition)because when gas prices were at it's highest it cost $120 to fill it up. We now have a nice older (1994 BMW) car (courtesy of Ebay) that only takes about $40 to fill up. We don't eat out as much as we used to. We downgraded our cable and opted to join Netflix. I had to take more interest in the Thrift Shop and figured out how to use coupons. But more than anything our family has really helped us out.

We are surviving. We are making due with what we have. Lael is happy. Me and hubby are happy (when we aren't fighting) and we have adjusted to our new life. Do I miss unplanned Target runs? Of course! But I have come to realize that staying at home has given us more family time. My husband will eventually work again, and when he does we won't know what to do with the extra money. I'm sure our saving account would like some company. She's been lonely.

Me Funnies

Sometimes the wackiest things happen to me.

Me and Lael have a ritual of brushing our teeth together and rinsing with fluoride every morning before I leave. This morning she was a little ahead of me and as I was bent over spitting she was swishing fluoride around her little mouth. She must have gotten a little itch in her throat because the next thing I know she coughs and I have an ear full of bubblegum flavored fluoride. I was able to wipe off the side of my face but my ear was a little off all day.

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

Sometimes I forget that the grandparents want to see Lael's report card. After being smacked around about not giving them a copy I decided to take it to work with me to scan it. I scanned it yesterday and saved it to my desktop but hadn't gotten around to sending it. I took it off the scanner, stapled it and put it aside.

Well today I had to do actual work related scanning and email a form to another office. I proceeded to scan the form and and then once it saved to my desktop I emailed it to the other office. Now, I need to explain that I do this just about everyday. I've never had any problems before. That is until today.

I had forgot to send a copy to my coworker so I grabbed the form off my desktop and send it to her as well. I talk about Lael to this coworker all the time and constantly send her pictures. Anyway, a few minutes after I sent her the email she intercoms me.

"Hello?"

"She's doing so well?"

"What?"

"Lael she doing really good in her reading."

"What are you talking about?"

"Lael's report card that you just sent me with the other form...."

"What!? I didn't send you her report card just the form."

"No, it was all one big file, the report card was the first 4 pages and the form was behind it."

Oh the embarrassment. I didn't mind her having Lael's report card, I probably would have shown her anyway. What did have me blushing was the fact (and I checked my sent items) that I had indeed send my child's report card to another office. Not even a personal email address but an email address that the entire office could check.

I tried to recall it but it was too late. I called, but the guy there that I knew there didn't answer. Oh the shame. A few minutes later he returned my call.

"Hey..uh, did you check the inbox."

"Yeah, Lael has made some significant improvement since the beginning of the year."

Silence

"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. I don't know how the files got mixed together!"

"Oh, it's fine! I thought it was hilarious!"

Well I'm glad someone saw the humor in the situation! Oh the things I get myself into.

My New Hotness

I am now cool. Well my pictures will be, I'm still up for debate. I got my fresh new hotness in the mail yesterday. I haven't had much time to play with it but you can see that I've already up'd my color on one of my pictures.

Me and my new hotness will be real good friends. I can already foresee that this will be a long term relationship. I only got to go on a 20 minute date but look at the results.

I went from this:



To this:



Look how much cooler it is and I only played with the color blue. I haven't even touched the other functions yet. Oh I hope my husband doesn't get jealous. I had never experienced love at first sight...until now.

I have those butterflies in my stomach. You know the kind, when you first meet someone and you are filled with so much excitement and want to know everything about each other. Yeah. I'm so there. Yup.

Not Me! Monday

Do yall know about MckMama's blog carnival? If not check it out!

I did not stalk my co-workers to get me soda tops for Lael's school project. I don't use people's caffeine addictions for my child's homework.

I did not have to have my friend help me with said project because I CAN NOT touch cotton balls. They gross me out and that's all I have to say about that.

I did not get home one day this weekend and couldn't figure out what was taking D so long to get out of the car. I then didn't go outside to check on her and she was smiling at me because she was locked in the car. I may or may not have forgotten to open the door since it's child locked.

I did not convince Lael to eat steak this weekend by telling her it was the same as hamburger just a little bit chewier. She so did NOT fall for it.

I did not cry when coaching the 5 and 6 year old Cheerleaders Saturday during their first game because the were just that cute.

I did not go to take the girls to see Coraline and sit for 20 minutes in the wrong movie before I realized there were all adults there and no children. We missed the first 10 minutes but it was still a great movie!

Happy Monday!!

Biggest Loser-Week 3

This week has been pretty good for me. Last Friday I partied with friends so no working out. Saturday I took the day off. Sunday I walked 3 miles. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I ran 3 miles and did strength training. Last night I did strength training as well. I purchased a new Nike + kit (my last 2 sensors crapped out) so I have enjoyed tracking my miles ran and calories burned on Nike.com.

My husband has started me drinking protein shakes this week to help me burn calories and gain lean muscle. Man is that stuff gross. It also makes my stomach really bubbly. I apologize ahead of time to my friends if you are behind me and the air doesn't seem so fresh anymore.

He tells me it takes a few days for my body to get used to the extra fiber and stuff. Man I hope it's worth it.

So since I didn't work out at the gym last night I don't know if I've lost any weight but as soon as I go I will update (hopefully) my weight on the sidebar.

Whoo, hoo, I'm on a roll now!

100 More or Less

Lael has really perfected her homework skillz.

Because they have reached the 100th day of school, this week is focused around the number 100. She has a project due on Monday where she has to gather 100 of something and put it on a poster board. She decided that she wanted to do plastic soda tops. Cool. Except we don't buy soda. Ok. Well my co-workers do so they've managed to hook me up with 40-50 tops and my friends are helping me get the rest. Thanks guys!

Anyway, so Monday she had to write about something she likes so much she wants 100 of them.

"I want 100 dollars to buy lots of littlest pet shop"

What kind of child am I raising that is only concerned about money and Littlest Pet Shop toys?

Last night's homework she had to think of something she would never want 100 of.

"I don't like 100 crabs."

Why crabs? She has never been around a crab. Her type of crab looks pretty friendly.

If it were me I would ask for an extra 100 weekdays off of work per year and I would not want 100 arguments with the husband. I'm just sayin, if it were my assignment.

What about yall? What's 100 things you would and wouldn't want?

What Santa Forgot To Bring

It's amazing the things kids talk about. As much as we may avoid certain toys and fads somehow they manage to sneak their way into the hearts of our children.

My friends daughter got an American Girl doll for her birthday and when she went of a summer vacation she got to go to the American Girl Doll Store in NY. Great for her!
I didn't think much of it and Lael thought it was funny how she took her doll everywhere with her. I thought nothing else of it.

Then Christmas came. Guess what Lael's sister D got for Christmas from her mom? Yeah. She got one too. Guess where her mom and aunt took her for her birthday? Yup. New York to get clothes and things for her doll.

Guess who has been in tears everytime D and their friend gets together with their American Girl doll and only discuss American Girl doll things that Lael couldn't possibly know about since she. doesn't. have. one.

Yeah, I told her it was too expensive and it was for older girls. She didn't buy that excuse. I tried to hype up her Cabbage Patch baby doll but she wasn't fooled. The weekend before last D was with us and their friend came over for a sleepover. The older girls ran off with their dolls and did hair and spoke in American Girl Doll language and Lael practically melted from all the tears that came out.

I felt horrible. My husband felt horrible. We didn't know what to do. We talked about it and decided that we would not get a "big" item for ourselves with income tax, but instead make our baby a happy baby. Guess what came via UPS last night?









And she lived happily ever after. At least until she realized that now she has a doll and requested me to take her to New York City.

I guess we'll be eating Ramen noodles to save up for that trip.

Not Me! Monday

I did not hit myself in the head while trying to do weigh training and watch Lost at the same time. I am surely capable of multi-tasking.


I did not spill almost my whole cup of hot chocolate on the passenger seat car and when it dripped to the floor of the back seat use my husbands sweatshirt to wipe it up. Nope, you can't prove it.


I did not run 3 miles on the treadmill and pretend Jillian from Biggest Loser was yelling at me so that I wouldn't quit. I am not weird and I DO NOT hallucinate while working out.


I did not drink too many glasses of wine this weekend. I know my limits and would never get drunk around friends and co-workers. Nope.

I did not do a little giggy dance when I went to the mall and bought a new Nike + kit. I am not excited about being able to track the miles I run.

I did not feel like a part of me was missing while my mom had Lael for uh....29 hours. Yeah, I counted..or didn't.

I did not run to get in front of people in line today in Children's Place because there were that many people there. I am more mature that that.

I did not get stared down by my friends dog when I was at his house for Super Bowl party. Seriously, he was really in my face while I was sitting on the floor.

I did not cry like I had lost my own child when I found out Tuesday passed away. Please continue to pray for this precious family.

Cheers, Wreaths and Magazines

I can't believe I haven't blogged since Thursday. This weekend was full again. I have been so busy lately and can't wait for a weekend I don't have filled with....stuff.

Ok so Friday I left work early so that I could get Lael and the other girls I coach ready for the Youth Sports Opening Ceremony.

All the basketball players and cheerleaders were introduced as well as the coaches. They ran a lap around the gym and all the adults cheered and clapped for them.

Extra cute!

Later that night I went to a Tastefully Simple party and then moved on to a wine tasting party. The details are a little fuzzy. Ahem.

Moving on!

Saturday evening Lael went with my mom and I went over a girlfriends house and me and my girls made fabric wreaths. It was so much fun! We made some for Valentine's Day and some for St. Patricks Day. We were up really late drinking Starbucks (Spiced Apple Juicy thingy for me, I hate coffee) and listening to 80's and 90's music.





I love girl time. We end up having so much fun!

And for my last bit of news. I heard of a really cool family from MckMama and went to their blog.

They have this publication and I’m a part of it. It's called Serious.Life Magazine. They just published the February issue today, and I am in their Featured Blog Directory. It’s a very high quality magazine… you’ll really like it.

The magazine includes a lot of great content from bloggers you’ll appreciate, as well as great features, photos and other content. The magazine is owned and published by a family who have seven kids, three adopted and one who has Leukemia (www.riggsfamilyblog.com). The magazine gives away a bunch of ads to charities and ministries. Besides great articles on interesting people, there is a lot about family, adoption, personal finance, spiritual life, humor… all sorts of “life” topics.

Again, the subscription is free, and I know you’ll enjoy the magazine, so take a minute to check it out and sign up to get future issues. www.seriouslifemagazine.com