Crazy Day

Well, I apologize that it has been a few days since updating. I have so much to write about however, it's not going to happen for another day or two. Besides being busy with getting things back in order and then working, I managed to severely injure myself today. I've had an old foot injury from high school that I was told would eventually need surgery...well today I reinjured it even more. I fell on the ice on our back patio and boy, I am definitely paying the price tonight. I did manage to at least get myself back in the house and get my husband up to help me continue to get Bubba ready for school. I also went to work today. I just tried not to walk on it much, but now tonight I can't put much of any weight on it at all. I also managed to lightly sprain my wrist when I was trying to catch my fall. Then of course to top it all off...I woke up with an enourmous head cold that alone could have knocked me on my bum for awhile. So needless to say, I will be out of commission for the next day or two. Hope life is treating all of you much better than it is me.

Week Two: Food Diary

Monday:
Breakfast:
1 Can Diet Soda
1 Better MD Bar
F= 4.5
C= 160
Lunch:
6" Subway Club Sandwich w/ Cheese
F= 9.5
C= 375
Dinner:
1/2 C. Tortellini
Buffalo Chicken Strips
1 Tbsp. Fat-Free Ranch Dressing
12 oz. Skim Milk
F= 6
C= 372
Snack:
8 Pretzels
1 Can Regular Soda
F= 0
C= 290

Daily Totals:
F= 21
C= 1197

Tuesday:
Breakfast:
6" Subway Club Sandwich w/ Cheese
F= 9.5
C= 375
Lunch:
1 1/4 C. Tortellini
F= 12.5
C= 350
Dinner:
1 C. Tuna Helper
Dark Chocolate
1 Can Minute Maid Light
F= 12.25
C= 359

DailyTotals:
F= 34.25
C= 1084

Wednesday:
Breakfast:
4 Egg Whites
1 Slice American Cheese
12 oz. Milk
Melba Toast
1 Tbsp. Lite Cheese Spread
F= 5.75
C= 354
Lunch:
1 C. Hamburger Helper
1/2 Box Junior Mints
1 Can Minute Maid Lite
F= 13.25
C= 420
Dinner:
24oz. Diet Soda
1/2 Small Pizza Hut Light n Fit Cheese Pizza
1 Cocktail
F= 10
C= 590
Snack:
8 oz. Skim Milk
F= 0
C= 90

Daily Totals:
F= 29
C= 1454

Thursday:
Breakfast:
Melba Toast
2 Tbsp. Lite Spreadable Cheese
1 Can Minute Maid Lite
F= 8
C= 250
Lunch:
1/4 Egg Salad
F= 12
C= 300

For My Dear Friend Bethany

Bethany, I realize the hurt you are feeling now is a hurt like no other. I only wish there was more that I could say or do to help you in your time of grief. This is a poem I found several years ago after losing a child to miscarriage myself. I only hope it helps you the way it still helps me today. Love ya, B!

I thought of you, closed my eyes, and prayed to God today.
I asked "What makes a mother?" and I know I heard Him say...

"A mother has a baby, this we know is true."

"But God, can you be a mother when your baby's not with you?"

"Yes, you can", He replied with confidence in His voice. "I give many women babies. When they leave isn't' their choice. Some I send for a lifetime, others for a day, and some I send to feel your womb, but there's no need to stay."

"I just don't understand this God, I want my baby here."

He took a breath and cleared His throat and then I saw a tear.

"I wish I could show you what your child is doing today. If you could see your child smile with other children and say, 'We go to Earth to learn our lessons of love, life, and fear. My mommy loved me oh so much, I got to come straight here. I feel so lucky to have a mom, who had so much love for me. I learned my lessons quickly. My mommy set me free. I miss my mommy oh so much, but I visit her each day. When she goes to sleep on her pillow, there I lay. I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear, "Mommy don't be sad today, I am your baby and I'm here".'

So you see my sweet dear one, your child is OK. Your baby is here in My home and this where she'll stay. She will wait for you with Me, until your lessons' through and on the day that day arrives, she'll be at the gates for you. So now you see what makes a mother, it's the feelings in your heart. It's the love you had so much of right from the very start. Though some on Earth may not realize until their time is done. Remember all the love you have and know that you are a special mom."

Week:1 Weigh In

Well, I have lost 5 lbs. so far!! I'm pretty excited about that. I earned losing every single one of those pounds. I've had to give some things up, but I know it will be worth it in the end.

Amazing

Today was my first day at work and it went so well. I really think I'm going to love it! I was originally only supposed to be there for 2 hours, but ended up staying for 5!! I was going over several things with my boss for most of that time and then I did a couple of online training courses. I was so surprised when I was able to see my office. It's so wonderful. I have a HUGE bay window that lets in a ton of light and I even get to pick my own paint color and accessories like window treatments, paintings, etc. AND I'm getting all brand new furniture. I nice big wood desk and a comfy chair. I had no idea that I was going to be so spoiled. I can't wait until it's all ready to go.

Also, I went to get my picture taken today for my business cards. I added it to this page too since I liked the picture so well. Generally, I'm no where near photogenic, but I had a miraculous thing happen to me today... a good hair day!

Weekend Success

Yesterday was a complete success at the Model Train Show. I think we could have spent all day there. There was so much to look at. Bubba was just in train heaven. He couldn't get enough and it was so great seeing him so excited. It just melted my heart. I think it's definitely going to be a yearly tradition.

I got quite a bit accomplished today which was wonderful. My house is clean. The only thing to do now is get caught up on laundry which, hopefully, I will finally be able to accomplish this week.

Tomorrow is my first day at work and honestly, I couldn't be more terrified. I hate starting new jobs. I'm not one for not being in control. I also have to get my picture taken this week for my new business cards. I am REALLY excited about that (except for the fact that I got a HUGE zit on my face which would just figure, ya know!). I've never had my own business card and this may seem funny and even shallow, but it just makes me feel important in some strange way. I only work 2 hours tomorrow and only a total of 11 hours this week. I'm starting very slowly. I want there to be as little of a negative impact on me and my family.

Tomorrow's also a big day being that it's my first weigh in since being on weight loss medication. I'm really interested to see if my hard work has paid off at all. I sure am hoping it has. I found out I have a class reunion this year in June and it would be great to go looking better than I do now. I'm working very hard to make that happen.

Well it's time to go make dinner. I'll let you know how work goes! Say a prayer for me.

I Can't Wait!

We are taking Bubba here tomorrow. I'm so excited for him. He absolutely LOVES trains in any way shape or form. In our house, "X" doesn't stand for Xylophone, it stands for Trains (because of the railroad crossing sign). There is going to be 90,000 sq. ft. of trains there. He doesn't know yet either. I only wish hubby could go, but he has to work so I've recruited my parents and one of my sisters to go along with me.

Then after work on Thursday, Bubba and I are going to Michigan for a long weekend. It's quite likely that hubby will have to work then too, but if not then he's entitled to some much needed time alone or with friends if he chooses. I have an aunt and uncle and several cousins in Michigan. We'll be staying with one of my cousin's. She just had a baby a couple of weeks ago and has a 1 year old. Her husband works nights and she's having a hard time adjusting so we are going to go give her some help and support. Her sister (another cousin) has a son that is just a month younger than Bubba and they get along so great so it will be fun to let them spend some time together too. It gives me a really good excuse to go hold a baby or two for a few days too. LOL

I have so much to do before I leave. Thankfully my sister is coming over on Monday to help me get the house all cleaned up. She gave me a once-a-month cleaning for Christmas. Then I have a few days to work on laundry and get some cooking done. I'd really like to try to leave my hubby some good homemade food so he doesn't have to worry about cooking especially if he ends up working.

I'm just so excited!!! I can hardly contain myself.

Peanut Butter Recall

I'm so glad I don't use this brand. We go through so much peanut butter here it's unbelievable.

Read more here.

Camera Advice Needed

My digital camera bit the dust. I'm not sure what happened to it. It still works, but the shutter won't open so I'm not able to take pictures. So, I guess that means that I should probably get a new one since I haven't been able to take any pictures of my little Bubba for quite some time now. Does anyone have any thoughts one what a good one might be? I'd like to stay with a Sony since that's what I have now and I'd like to avoid having to purchase more memory cards and all that. Any thoughts?? Thanks!!!

Week 1: Food Diary

Monday:
Breakfast:
4 Egg Whites
1 Slice American Cheese
1 C. Skim Milk
F= 15
C= 359
Lunch:
1 C. Mac N Cheese (Light Prep)
1 Slice Beer Bread
1 Tbsp. Fat-Free Margarine
Diet Soda
F= 7
C= 455
Dinner:
1 Pouch Tuna
10 Saltine Crackers
1 Tbsp. Butter
1/3 C. Kashi GoLean Cereal
1 Can Regular Soda
F= 15
C= 614
Snack:
1 Better MD Bar
F= 4.5
C= 160

Daily Totals:
F= 41.5
C= 1588

Tuesday:
Breakfast:
1 Better MD Bar
1 Can Regular Soda
F= 4.5
C= 340
Lunch:
2 Servings Cheese Ravioli
Weight Watchers Dessert
Diet Soda
F= 12.5
C= 710
Dinner:
1 C. Orange Sherbet
1 Cheez-It Snack Pack
12 oz. Skim Milk
F= 6
C= 290

Daily Totals:
F= 23
C= 1340

Wednesday:
Breakfast:
2 Slices White Bread
4 Egg Whites
1 C. Skim Milk
2 Tbsp. Fat-Free Margarine
F= 3
C= 314
Lunch:
1.5 C. Green Beans
1/2 C. Hamburger Helper
12 oz. Skim Milk
1 Weight Watchers Dessert
F= 9.5
C= 515
Dinner:
2 Valentine Cookies
12 oz. Skim Milk
F= 15
C= 420

Daily Totals:
F= 27.5
C= 1249

Thursday:
Breakfast:
2 Valentine Cookies
12 oz. Skim Milk
F= 15
C= 420
Lunch:
Shrimp Scampi
1/2 c. Brown Rice
1 Can Regular Soda
Chocolate
F=5
C= 720
Dinner:
6 Pieces Melba Toast
2 Tbsp. Spreadable Cheddar Cheese
8 Pretzels
Chocolate
F= 9
C = 373

Daily Totals:
F= 29
C= 1513

Friday:
Breakfast:
1 pkg. Kashi Oatmeal
1 C. Skim Milk
2 tsp. Brown Sugar Splenda
F= 2
C= 300
Lunch:
1 Grilled Cheese Sandwich
8 Pretzels
1 Can Regular Soda
F= 11
C= 585
Dinner:
2 Cocktails
16 Pretzels
1/4 c. Pudding
F= 1
C= 920

Daily Totals:
F= 14
C= 1805

Saturday:
Breakfast:
1 Can Regular Soda
1 pkg. Quaker Mini Delights
F= 3.5
C= 280
Lunch:
6" Deli Sandwich
Diet Soda
F= 8.5
C= 335
Dinner:
1 Cocktail
6 Roasted Potatoes Pieces
Sauteed Chicken Breast
2 Tbsp. Fat-Free Ranch
2 Tbsp. Ketchup
F= 7
C= 606

Daily Totals:
F= 19
C= 1240

Sunday:
Breakfast:
1 Caramel Apple Cider
1 Reduced-Fat Cinnamon Coffee Cake
F= 9
C= 650
Lunch:
1/2 Baked Potato
2 Tbsp. Sour Cream
4 oz. Blackened Chicken
1/4 C. Cottage Cheese
F= 11.5
C= 392
Dinner:
3/4 C. Fettucini Alfredo w/ Chicken
1/2 C. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
12 oz. Skim Milk
F= 15
C= 628

Daily Totals:
F= 35.5
C= 1670

I Have Issues!!!

OK so over the past couple of weeks I have been seeing some doctors to attempt at getting me feeling better. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with moderately severe PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, more info here.) It's really something I tend to advise staying away from! (HA! If it were only that easy!!!) As a result, I'm currently have significant problems with my weight and getting my body ready to get pregnant. I currently have about 80 lbs. that I would like to remove from my body. It will, however, be harder than going uphill 20 miles each way to school in 20 ft. of snow! Barefoot!!! (As my grandpa used to say.) Needless to say I am taking advantage of a team of medical personnel to help me accomplish my goals. While I don't need to lose all of that weight to get pregnant, it would certainly help things work a little better. So for now, I'm going to work my butt off (literally I hope!) and pray that God will bless us again with another child.

To help in this endeavor, I was put on medication that will help reduce the amount of fat that my body can absorb at any given meal. It essentially has the same effects of have gastric bypass without the invasive aspect of surgery. My weight loss also won't be quite as dramatic as a surgical patient. Unfortunately many of the same side-effects are there though. Luckily, the side-effects that I will experience will be completely up to me. If I follow my diet to a tee, then there will be very little adverse effect from the medication. If I falter, I will pay.

Right now I'm allowed 15 grams of fat per meal and no more than 50 grams per day. So I can have 3 meals and then have 5 grams for any snacks I may need or want. I am also allowed 1400 calories per day. Most important to watch is the fat intake because of the medication effects.

This week, I'm going to get both my diet plan and my fitness plan. I was told what I could have in terms of fat and calories, but the nutritionist is just going to go over everything in depth and give me some resources.

I officially began yesterday, so I'm going to weigh in weekly and see how I do. I also plan to post on here not only my progress in weight on a weekly basis, but also, on what I've had to eat for the day. I need one central place to keep all my information and what better place than here.

I also saw a psychologist too, but I'll go over that meeting later.

Plan For Tomorrow

7:00 AM Shower
7:30 AM Get Bubba Up And Ready For The Day
7:40 AM Bubba Eats Breakfast/I Make His Lunch
7:55 AM Leave For School
8:20 AM Return Home And Have My Breakfast
9:00 AM Clean Laundry Room
9:20 AM Clean Office
9:40 AM Clean Living Room
10:00AM Clean Powder Room
10:10AM Clean Kitchen And Dining Room
11:00AM Vacuum And Mop All Floors Downstairs
11:30AM Clean Bubba's Room/Vacuum/Spot-Clean Carpet
12:30PM Make Lunch For Hubby And I/Hubby Picks Up Bubba
1:00 PM Eat Lunch And Relax With Hubby
2:15 PM Bubba Goes Down For Nap
2:30 PM Clean Upstairs Bathroom
2:45 PM Clean Master Bedroom
3:15 PM Clean Master Bathroom
3:45 PM Vacuum All Floors Upstairs
4:15 PM Spot-Clean All Carpet
5:00 PM Leave For Dinner @ Pizza Hut
6:30 PM Church
7:45 PM Get Home/Get Bubba Ready For Bed
8:00 PM Story Time For Bubba
8:15 PM Bubba's Bedtime
8:30 PM Start Laundry

I Passed!!

I am now licensed to sell property, casualty, life, and health insurance in the state of Wisconsin!!! That is 4, I repeat, 4 exams done and over with!!

Whew!!! That is one thing I'm glad is over! I just don't think my brain is cut out for this testing stuff the way it used to be. I just wish I could know what my actual score was. But it's either a score or a "pass", so I'm much better off not knowing. I think it should be the other way around. I think if you pass you should get your actual score and if you fail you should just get a "fail". Oh well. Hopefully, I won't need to worry about any more tests for a long long time.

Wish Me Luck Or You Could Just Pray Really Hard

Well my day today has been filled with studying. I'm taking my next set of exams (hopefully the last at least for a long while) for my insurance licenses. I have two so far and I will hopefully be receiving the next two tomorrow. I'm so nervous!!! I think I'm even more nervous this time than I was for the last tests. I just don't feel like I can retain information the way I was able to when I was younger. Probably because I am trying to juggle so much all the time that I just can't focus long enough on one thing. I have so much information that I need to remember it's ridiculous! If you think of me at all tomorrow, please say a prayer that God will help me to retain what I have learned.

Our weekend was very full and therefore I got absolutely nothing done. I'm taking my exams tomorrow early in the morning so hopefully I'll be able to come home and get some things accomplished before Bubba's done with school. My whole house is a complete disaster zone and I absolutly hate that!! It always makes my anxiety 10x worse than normal.

Saturday we went out to run some errands and ended up being gone for 8 hours!!! I have no idea how the time just slipped away from us. Sunday we dropped Bubba off at the inlaws for most of the day and we went to church and then to the dinner theater. We let Bubba go to the inlaws church this week since we were going to early service (which is generally way to early for us! LOL) and they have no childrens program or nursery for the early service and he's not quite old enough to sit through the adult service yet. Going to 2nd service would have made us late for the show. Speaking of which...

The show was wonderful! I've never really been to a dinner theater like that before. They were showing Grease and it was wonderful and the food was fantastic!!

Well that's all I have for now. Actually, I have a lot more, but I just don't have the time to write it. Plus, I have noodles boiling away on the stove! See you all tomorrow.

A Mom Like No Other

We had a great day today (despite that absolutely NOTHING was accomplished!). With bubba still feeling ill, we decided to have a "Snuggle Day". It's days like these, that I tend to remember just what a blessing it is to have this little being in my life. I sometimes get so caught up with life that I often forget to stop and really take advantage of all that I have. You know, I think sometimes, as a busy mom, I don't realize just what an impact I really have in my child's (and family's) life. I'm not sure if all moms feel this way or not, but I quite often feel replaceable. I feel as though many of the things I do for my family goes unnoticed and that I could easily be replaced by a cook and a nanny. What I have realized, however, is that it is the attention and intention that makes all the difference. It's not just the actions, but it's the love, committment, and devotion that goes into those actions that make me irreplaceable. Looking at my son, I'm overcome with a sense of unconditional love and great responsibility. I constantly question whether or not I'm doing all I can or whether I'm doing it "right". Honestly, most times I'm probably not on both counts, but again, my loving intentions are to give my son the greatest love and life-training possible and that's what makes me different from any nanny or cook in the world.

Menu Planning

If you need help with menu planning or just don't like to do it, then please use my link at the bottom of this page. I came across Dine Without Whine a few months ago and I absolutely love it!!! My son is so SO picky! (Who am I kidding, so am I!) I love nearly all the recipes that are used. It's so affordable too and it even gives you a very usable shopping list. Please use the button at the bottom of this page so I can earn credit towards my subscription.

Busy Busy Busy

It has been an insane week. I feel as though I haven't been able to breathe. I have been taking more classes to continue with my licensing process. As of today, I have finished the last of my classes (for the near future, at least) and will be taking my last set of exams on Tuesday. I have a lot of studying and reviewing to do before then. To start the week of though, "Bubba" came down with a nasty cold which he has still not been able to shake. He hasn't felt well enough to go to school. Thankfully my mom was willing to take care of him while I was at my class. Poor guy. My heart just aches for him when he is so miserable. Hopefully he'll be able to get a good amount of rest this weekend and start to feel a little better.

Here's my newest list of things that I need to get done between now and preferrably Saturday night.

Laundry.(I'm still not caught up!)
Dishes.
Wipe Kitchen Down.
Vacuum/Mop All Floors.
Pay Bills.
Dust Furniture (All Rooms)
Clean Bathrooms.

Considering the week I've had, I think I've done pretty well keeping up with the other things. I managed to even make lunches and dinners for my hubby despite not being home during meal times. It's a good thing he doesn't mind things reheated.

To end on a good note...

My parents got us tickets to a dinner theater for Sunday after church. My sister actually works there as a server (no discounts though which stinks!). Right now they are performing Grease and I'm so excited. I've never been to anything like this before!!! I can't wait.

My Family

Well, I thought it was time to give a little bit of info on my family. I'm married to the most wonderful man I've ever met. We are almost at our 6 year anniversary and I'm so excited!! We have a little boy, "bubba" as we generally call him, who is 3. He's by far the most amazing thing I've ever done. He makes me laugh every single day.


My hubby works 2nd shift at a factory. I'm not too keen on 2nd shift, but we have made it work for us as best as possible. We don't complain because the money he makes is what allows me to choose whether I want to stay at home or work. It's so wonderful to have that as an option. He really is such a great dad which I find so funny because he originaly did not want children. Now he wants as many as I'll agree to have. While we do have our "issues" like everyone else, I can truly say that he is the only man for me.

My bubba is the absolute joy of my life. I truly never knew that I could love anyone as much as I do him. He is constantly coming up with new and funny things to day and to say. I absolutely love being his mommy.

So there you have it. That's my family. We also have our parents, brothers, sisters and a heck of a lot of extended family between us, which we spend time with on a very regular basis.

Next to God, family is our first love and priority.

What I Want To Accomplish

Well, I really haven't gotten much done today. I had a few appointments earlier in the day and then wound up with a migraine and felt I needed to lay down and rest. I'm getting a very late start considering it's nearly 9, but there's no time like the present, I suppose.

Office/Playroom:
Pick Up Toys.
Empty Trash.
Organize Papers.


Living Room:
Pick Up Anything That Does Not Belong.


Kitchen:
Finish Dishes.
Wipe Off Counters And Stove-Top.


Powder Room:
Swish And Swipe.

Laundry Room:
Quick Pick-Up.


Upstairs:
Gather Any Dishes.
Pick Up Dirty Clothes.


Upstairs Bathrooms:
Swish And Swipe.

Last, but not least, make up grocery list for tomorrow.


Tomorrow:
Vacuum And Sweep All Floors.
Grocery Shopping.
Laundry.

God Provides

"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,a nd all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:31-34)

God amazes me more everyday. Once again God has showed me that He is faithful.