My Birthday "Month"

Me as a baby - can we say adorable!!  When did those rolls stop being so cute?

This past week on August 3rd I celebrated my birthday.  I've been debating for days whether to put how old I am on this post.  I've decided - it's no big secret!, everyone probably knows anyway, but I HATE the number so I'm not going to give it any power by saying it outloud.  I'm currently working on feeling better and younger so we'll just ignore it!

I had a great birthday.  I slept in, thanks to my boys fending for themselves and quietly watching TV and fixing themselves a snack (I know - Mother of the Year material).  When I woke up I found a note and a couple of magazine from my sweet husband.


The note reads "Happy Birthday! I want you to sit back, relax, put your feet up, read a book or... magazine.  I love you and will see you later.  XOXOXO Jason 

So I did exactly as the note said and did nothing!  It was fabulous!  Guilt free and a much enjoyed break.  Later that night Jason and the boys took me to Chili's for supper and gave me some body lotion, spray, and wash.  We then strolled around the mall and went to a couple of my favorite stores (Crate & Barrel, and Restoration Hardware) to window shop.

My family has always teased me that I don't just have a birthday - I have a birthday month!  I've always liked to stretch out the celebrations and seeing how no one else in my immediate family was born in August why shouldn't it just be my month.  Well, in keeping with that tradition on Saturday my mom came up and watched the boys for us while Jason took me for dinner and a movie.  We went to Red Lobster for a fabulous crab dinner - so yummy! (I hope I didn't do to much damage, we'll see on Weigh-In Friday) and then to my movie pick - "Crazy, Stupid Love".  The movie was really fun and we had a great time.  Jason even had another birthday card for me - for birthday "day 6".

Then yesterday, Sunday, we headed to my Aunt Sheila's for her annual backyard barbecue.  My birthday celebrations weren't over as my Aunt had presents for me as well as a birthday icecream cake for Sheri, Madi and I.  We had alot of fun visiting with family.

I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY MONTH!!

Friday Weigh-In - Week 2

So this morning when I weighed - this week I've lost ...

2 lbs

That makes my total down 5 lbs so far.  I think that is pretty good considering we were away on the weekend - to Jason's family - who let's admit it thinks gravy is a beverage, and it was also my birthday this week.  I exercised 3 times, although I stuck to my power walking DVD, haven't tried my Jillian Michaels DVD again - maybe this week.  My eating has gone really well.  I've been selecting things that are much healthier for me, but I have noticed I've been having more headaches - can we say sugar withdrawal!!  So onto week 3.  I think I'll try a couple of recipes from my "Eat Shrink and be Merry" cookbook that I haven't tried yet.  If anyone has a favorite low cal dinner I'd love to hear about it.  Let's hope my attitude stays positive and these numbers keep going in the right direction.  Til next Friday!!

My New Favorite Toy

In a previous post I mentioned that we purchased a "Magic Bullet" at our last trip to Costco.  Well, it has become my new favorite toy!!  With my recent weight loss efforts I'm on the lookout for yummy treats that are satisfying but still good for my waistline.  In the summer heat - nothing beats a fruit smoothie.  I take a handful of ice cubes, any fruit (today I chose blackberries, strawberries and a banana - delicious!!), a little
orange juice and a container of activia vanilla yogurt.

Blend and sip!!  So good!!  My boys love them too.  Bowen doesn't really like fruit so it is a great way to get him to have some.  I think I'll purchase some protein powder to add to my boys smoothies - anybody know a good brand?

If you've got a favorite smoothie recipe I'd love to hear it!



I'm in Love

Ever since we moved into our new house almost 4 years ago I've been wanting to replace my dining room chairs.  Our house has a combined living room /dining room and the chairs are very country kitchen and I never felt like they looked right.  Anytime I'm out shopping I always keep a look out but it seems any chairs I liked would be so expensive ($400 - 500 a chair). 

The other day we were out running some errands and we had been going to alot of stores Jason likes.  I think he could tell I was getting kinda bored so he suggested we go to Pier 1 (his first mistake).  I jumped at the chance and off we went.  Well I fell in love with a chair and low and behold it was even on sale and they had 2, just what I wanted.  We didn't buy them then and there as I wanted to make sure the seat height would be right with the table so we headed home.  I measured my old chairs and decided they would be perfect.  I could put them on the ends of the table and then later decide what to do for the other 4 chairs.

Later that night we were at Ty and Jill's for Ty's birthday dinner and I was telling Jill about these chairs I had found.  She mentioned that Costco had brown leather chairs for a really good price.  So after dinner I convinced Jason to go back to Pier 1 to buy my two chairs before they were gone and then Saturday morning we headed to Costco and bought 4 leather chairs.

I'M IN LOVE


See how perfectly they go with the living room couches!



I love how the back is upholstered in a different material!!!

Now to save enough money to replace our rose coloured carpet.  Imagine these chairs with a dark hardwood on the floor.  Be still my beating heart!!

My dining room before ...

My dining room after ...



Next project is to strip the table and stain it a bit darker!

I'm thinking a new place setting could be next!!

Not My Grandma's Flower Garden

When I was a little girl growing up on the farm in Champion we lived in the same yard as my Grandparents.  I adored my Grandma Hannah and spent many hours with her.  I could do an entire blog about her (maybe later) but one of my favorite memories is her flower garden.  Her yard was so beautiful.  Even today smelling flowers triggers memories of my grandma.  She spent hours in her yard, weeding and tending to her flowers.  She would pick beautiful bouquets to take to church each week during the summer.  I'm afraid I don't have her green thumb but I try to add a little beauty to my backyard each summer by planting some annuals. 

The planter off the garage window at the front of the house.

Planters on either side of the french doors from the kitchen going to the backyard.  Oh my, do we need a new mat!!

Planter under the trelis (spelling?)

Hanging pots on the gazebo

Planters on either side of the lower deck where we have our fire pit.  I think these begonias are my favorite!!

A couple extra planters around the yard.

I love all the hostas that come up each year!!

Roses from my little rose bush!

It's not my grandma's flower garden but I still enjoy sitting in my backyard and enjoying them.  I think next year I'll try to plant a few perennials.  I've got a little section under my family room window that needs some attention.  It gets almost full sun all day - any suggestions?  Maybe tulips??

Friday Weigh In - Week 1

Well I weighed in this morning and this week I lost ...... (drum roll please)

3 lbs!!

Not bad for my first week.  To be honest I only kinda started on Monday.  We had company on the weekend - I didn't eat horribly, but probably more than I should have.  I've been eating so much better.  I've added way more fruits and vegetables and been cooking more.  We bought a Magic Bullet at Costco on Saturday (I swear you go in there for a sweater and come out with a canoe), so I've made a couple of fruit smoothies and that has been a nice treat.  The boys love them too! 

I exercised 3 times this week.  Oh my goodness I am so out of shape.  My first day I did a Jillian Michaels DVD - Level 1 (it has 3 levels).  Let's just say I need a sports bra before I give myself a black eye (sorry for the mental image).  The jumping jacks about killed me.  The next two times I did a power walking DVD, bit lower impact.  My goal this week is to workout at least 4 times.  I know I'm starting off slow but I want to keep going and not give up.

Time for breakfast.  I'm going to have oatmeal with blueberries - yummy!

Asian Beef-Noodle Salad

To assist me in my recent weight-loss efforts I've been trying to make really delicious, healthy meals.  Not that I usually cook non delicious fattening meals, but I think if you feed yourself foods with lots of flavor you never feel deprived.  So last night I made an Asian Beef-Noodle Salad from the "Eat Shrink and Be Merry" cookbook.  I've made it a few times and it is always a favorite.

Dressing
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup hoisin sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp grated gingerroot
2 tsp grated orange zest
1 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp each salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes

Salad
8 oz uncooked spaghetti (I usually use rotini or penne)
1 lb sirloin steak, grilled and cut into strips
2 cups small broccoli florets
1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup grated carrots (I just slice thin)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves (I never seem to have this in the house, so I skip it)

Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cook spaghetti (or other pasta) according to package directions.  Drain.  Rise well with cold water and drain again.  Transfer noodles to a large salad bowl and toss with remaining ingredients.  Add dressing just before serving and toss again.

This recipe is so yummy and perfect for a hot summer day.  Enjoy!!

Family, Food and Smores

This past Sunday Jason's mom Debbie and brother Mitch were visiting from Cardston.  The weather was just gorgeous, so after church we invited Jason's other brother Tyler, his wife Jill and their little boy Dane to all join us for a barbecue.  I usually am not a big fan of eating outside.  The bugs, wind, etc. seem to bother me, but lately I've been warming up to it.  If I can find a piece of shade I'm good.  We ate hamburgers, potato salad (which was delicious, if I do say so myself), lemon lime delight salad, chips etc. and for dessert neopolitan icecream cones.  I think a good time was had by all!!

Dane chillin' in the gazebo

If you can't quite finish your cone - Ashton can finish it for you!!

Later that night we built a fire and roasted marshmallows and had smores.

Looks like somebody enjoyed their smore.

For the best gourmet smore on the planet - take 2 hazelnut wafer milk chocolate cookies and place one perfectly roasted marshmallow inbetween press and enjoy.  Just try to only eat one!!

Bottom Line is ....

This past week I finally made it to my doctor's office to get the test results from the plethera of tests I've been having lately.  My MRI showed that the extra spots on my liver that they weren't too sure about are just thicker fattier deposits.  My X-rays showed I have 3 vertibrae in my lower lumbar that are thinning, probably partially due to age and weight could be a factor.  Other tests came back great.  

Bottom line is .... I need to lose weight!! 

Not that that information is any big surprise to me, but it seems most of the things going on could be eliminated or at least improved by losing weight.  I was relieved that there was nothing major happening but feel like before there is, I really need to take a hold of my health and get fit.

So as my kickoff and to celebrate a bit my hubby took me out last night for a date.  We went to Chop Steakhouse by Chinook.  It was delicious, will definitely go there again.  I literally almost picked up my plate and licked it.  But I did pretty good at the movie - we saw "Harry Potter" - so good!!  I was a bit emotional that it is all over.  I only ate a couple of handfuls of popcorn and that was it.

So there it is - out in blog world my committment to improve my fitness.  How will this be accomplished?  Well, my goals are to blog every Friday on how much I have exercised during the week and whether or not I have seen any weight loss at my Friday morning weigh in.  I've belonged to Weight Watchers in the past - and even worked for them so I know I have the skills that I will need I just need to implement them.

I'm hoping by making this goal a public one it will make me more accountable.  You, my few faithful readers have now been recruited to be my own personal weight loss cheering section.  Til next Friday.  I'll see you, and hopefully you will see "less" of me!!

BEFORE SHOT- July 22nd, 2011 (Photo courtesy of Ashton Atwood)

Baby Jonas

JONAS DAVID HAGUE

My sister Rachel and her husband Jared welcomed their new baby boy to their family on July 6th.  We traveled down to Lethbridge on the 7th as I couldn't wait to meet my new little nephew.

He is so tiny at 5 lbs 10 ounces, and 18 1/2 inches long

Ashton loves babies so much and spent a great deal of time holding his new cousin.  I love to watch him with babies, he is so sweet with them.  He'll be a great daddy someday!

Rachel, Jonas, Jared and Liam

Congratulations Rachel and Jared on your sweet little family of four!!

Summer So Far

We've been busy enjoying mine and Jason's time off that I haven't had any time to blog.  So I'm warning you now this may be picture overload.  We've been having a great time so far this summer.  Before Jason had a couple of weeks off of work the boys seemed to be getting restless so I brought out a craft Sheri had bought them a couple of months ago and they got to work.

I was amazed at how well they did painting their dragons.  They both spent alot of time on them and they turned out terrific.

Another favorite activity for the boys is to have a friend over.  They were very excited when they learned that their friend Ashley was coming over to spend the morning with them.  I'm grateful Ashley is so kind and patient with them - they always seem to have a great time.

A highlight for me this summer thus far was a night out with my mom and sister Rachel.  We went for a delicious dinner at Joey Tomatoes and then to the Jubilee to see "Wicked".  The production was awesome, I want to go again!  We had a great time together.

We bought Calaway passes again this year so our holiday wouldn't be complete without a few trips to Calaway.  We were able to go twice while Jason was on holidays.  Once with Uncle Ty and little Dane, and then again with just us.  The boys really enjoy Calaway.  Ashton is our daredevil and will go on anything that he is tall enough for.  Bowen is more timid and still enjoys the little rides like the train, trucks, boat etc.

This was the one and only time Bowen was smiling on this ride.  We've decided it will be his "last" ride on the bumper cars.  He cries EVERY TIME!!  If somebody runs into him - he cries, if he gets stuck in the corner - he cries, if his car just goes in circles - he cries!  I give up!!

Jason's brother Ty and his little boy Dane



Ashton loves the swing - I'm always nervous he's going to slip out!



Ashton tried the new "Mindblaster" - I can't believe the rides he will go on!

I was proud of Bowen this year as he tried the little roller coaster again - and liked it!

Ashton was so excited as he was tall enough to ride the big roller coaster this year - good grief!

I'm sure we'll be back for a few more visits before the end of summer.   Jason was off work this year during Stampede so we decided to take the boys.  We were going to go to the parade, but with all the royal hoopla we decided to skip it.  Mom came up and we headed for the stampede grounds.  The boys tried a few rides that they don't have at Calaway.

We watched the "human canonball" which was quite exciting. 

The boys checked out all the military tanks - a highlight for Bowen.

Of course, no Stampede is complete without Corn dogs, cotton candy, caramel apples, elephant ears, etc.  The boys had a great time.

We were also able to celebrate Uncle Ty's birthday with him and his family.

And no "stay-cation" is complete without roasting hotdogs and marshmallows in the backyard, and lots of swimming in the backyard pool.

Bowen ate 3 hotdogs!!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous summer!!