Friday Weigh In - Week 1

Happy Friday morning everyone.  This first week in my weight loss efforts was a tough one.  I started having stomach pains Friday night so exercising or watching what I ate wasn't really a priority.  On Monday when I spent the day at the ER they pumped me full of so many fluids that for the next two days when I weighed at home I was up by 3 pounds.  I was a bit worried when I stepped on the scale this morning.  So I am therefore happy to report that this week I lost ...

1 lb

Not a huge number but an okay start considering.  Pleased it went in the right direction.  I'm feeling a lot better.  I get the odd twinge and a little pain at night when I lay down, but so much better.  I'm hoping to move more this week and that will help my weight loss as well.  Also, I really need to start drinking more water.  I am absolutely terrible at this.  I can go a whole day without drinking any.  So that will be another goal this week.  I'll report back next week.  

Stinker

As much as we love having Cadence in our family, we are all still adjusting to having a toddler in the house.  I really don't remember my boys getting into things the way she does.  She leaves her toys all over the house.  She is always wearing someone's shoes (including my students) and leaving them in random places.  Last night she got a hold of Ashton's homework and scribbled all over it.  The other morning Ashton forgot to take his hot chocolate mug back into the kitchen.  We love you Cadence - but you are a stinker!

600 Blog Post Contest Winner & Day in the ER

Since I'm already a day late announcing the winner of my 600 blog post contest I won't keep you waiting any longer.

The winner is ....

SHEILA

Congratulations Aunt Sheila.  You won 2 dozen homemade buns, a guacamole dip mix and soap from bath and body works.  As soon as I get your buns made Cadence and I will make a little trip up to your place for a visit and deliver your winnings.

So to explain why I am a day late in announcing.  I started having a pain in my right side on Friday night.  Wasn't a big deal, wasn't sure what it was.  Saturday it got a little worse and I didn't feel very well.  Then Sunday it was hurting quite a bit more and by the end of a busy Sunday I was feeling pretty crummy.  Then I went to bed.  I had a terrible sleep that night.  Really bad pain, couldn't get into a position that it didn't hurt.  I even went down to the sectional at about 4 am to see if I would be more comfortable sleeping in a semi sitting position.  I was able to get a couple hours.

That next morning we decided I better head to the hospital.  So we dropped off all the kids at Jason's brothers house.  Thought it would be easier to have them miss school than worry about drop offs and pick ups and we headed to the ER.  I got in pretty quick and after talking to and being examined by a doctor he was concerned it might be my appendix.  So I did urine and blood tests and then was sent for an ultrasound around 1 pm.

Then we waited.  My husband sat with me all day.  The only time he left my side was to grab a bite to eat a couple of times.  He doesn't like it when I'm sick, and he isn't the most patient but he did say the only thing that made it bearable was that he was spending time with me.  He wondered if we could take a selfie and post it on facebook with the caption "date night".  So the ultrasound showed something abnormal but they couldn't get a good enough look at it so decided I needed a CT scan.  They gave me 4 big glasses of water with dye in them to drink for 2 hours and then I went for the CT scan at 6:30 pm.

Back in the waiting room.  About 7:30 pm the doctor came with the results.  My appendix was fine - good.  Apparently we all have these little fatty balls in our bowels and one of mine had become twisted and had died and become inflamed and that is what was causing the pain.  Luckily the treatment is painkillers and time, no surgery required.  So at 7:40 pm, after a very long day we were able to leave.  I'm already feeling quite a bit better.  I had a much better sleep last night and the pills are helping with the pain.  I should be back to normal in no time.  I'm sure grateful it wasn't something more serious, and for everyone's concern and offers of help, for Ty and Jill to jump in and take our kids for the whole day, and for a 12 inch ham sub that night since I hadn't eaten since 6 pm the day before.

Cadence is happily watching her shows and drinking her milk so I'm going to take my painkillers and have a little rest.  Thanks everyone for entering my little contest and congrats again to Aunt Sheila on winning - see you soon.

Book Club & 600th Blog Post Contest

I love to read but it is hard to make the time which is why I love belonging to a book club.  It makes me make reading a priority at least to read one book per month.  My book club started last February. I can't believe it has almost been a year already.

February 2015 we read "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed

- I liked the book by the end.  I appreciated the main character's personal development and was an interesting adventure story.  The language was a bit rough.

March 2015 we read "Secret Daughter" by Shilipi Somaya Gowda

- Loved this book.  Definitely a page turner for me.  Kept my interest from beginning to end.

April 2015 we read "A Paris Apartment" by Michelle Gable

- Good book.  Enjoyed the fact it was based on true events.

May 2015 we read "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn

- Also a book with some rough language, but an interesting storyline and I enjoy books with twists I don't anticipate.

June 2015 we read "My Story" by Elizabeth Smart

- I enjoyed this book.  Elizabeth Smart is an amazing young woman and even though it was difficult to read the things she had to endure it has a beautiful message or endurance, faith and love.

July - no meeting

August 2015 we read "Confections of a Closet Master Baker" by Gesine Bullock-Prado

- I had trouble getting into this book, but was a fairly enjoyable read.  I was very fun that we met at the Cheesecake Cafe for this meeting.  

September 2015 we read "Wonder" by R.J. Palacios

- This is a wonderful book.  Written for middle graders, it is a great book for kids and adults alike.  Great story of tolerance and respect.

October 2015 we read "Alternate Beauty" by Andrea Rain Waggoner

- Enjoyed this book.  Brought up quite a few passionate thoughts for me and was one of our most animated discussions as a group.

November 2015 we read a book by author Martine Leavitt.  Martine was then able to attend our bookclub meeting.  It was wonderful to have her come and answer our many questions.  Martine is the mom of one of our bookclub members.

We been on a hiatus during the Christmas season and I'm excited to start up again next Saturday.  We have such a great group of ladies that meet and I'm been enjoying their association and the books so much.  Hope we have another great bookclub year!

So today's blog post is my ...

600th BLOG POST

To celebrate I'm having a little contest.  

To enter either comment on this blog post, or on the facebook link.  You have until Sunday at Midnight to enter.  The winner will be announced on Monday morning.  

The winner will receive 2 dozen homemade buns, a Guacamole Dip Mix from Epicure, and a anti-bacterial soap from Bath & Body Works.  Be sure to enter.  Good Luck!

Friday Weigh In

This isn't a New Year's resolution, or a diet rather a goal I have.  It's time to lose weight.  Unfortunately I have put on a considerable amount, but no sense dwelling on that I can only start from where I am today and pledge to not put on one more ounce.

So my goal is to lose weight and to become more healthy.  I'm not striving for a specific number or dress size.  I'm not quite sure where I will end up so for now I'll start off small and my first goal is to lose 10 pounds by Ashton's birthday (March 17th).

Each Friday morning I'll weigh and report my progress.  I've had success in the past so I know I'm capable of achieving it.  I'm a bit nervous posting my before picture here but its not like nobody can see what I currently look like.  So here is to making good choices, moving more and coming back lighter next week.  Wish me luck.  Here we go again!

Photo courtesy of Bowen - it's a little fuzzy.

BFFs

For Christmas mom bought Cadence and my sister's little girl Freya matching outfits.  I love it when they can dress the same - so cute!  They really are the most precious little girls and it is going to be fun to watch them grow up together.  I hope they will always be the best of friends.

Cadence kept trying to lay on Freya's shoulder - Freya was having none of it!

Trying to lay on her again - I don't know what she was doing.

I just can't get enough of these two!

Family Holiday Visits

After a relaxing, wonderful Christmas at home and a few days of hanging out as a family our next priority was to visit extended family.  We started by going to Cardston on December 31st.  It was so nice to see family.  Unfortunately we were missing Jill, Nicole, Dave and the rest of their family.  Jason's mom made a delicious lunch of chili, and soup.  Bowen especially enjoyed the chili.  Then we opened presents.  Kailee had our family's name this year and bought us a really fun game that we have played several times already, and all the supplies to have a really fun family game night.

The boys were spoiled by Grandma.  They were each given a handful of straws with slips of paper inside.  One at a time they took out a piece of paper and either had to do a dare, or received money.  They loved it and it was entertaining for the rest of us to watch.

Bowen feeding Ashton orange slices blindfolded.

After visiting for a bit it was off to Champion to get together with the Puzey's for New Years Eve.  Mom had quite the spread of munchies for us.  The older kids watched a Dr. Who episode, some who were tired headed to bed and the rest of us rang in the New Year and then headed to bed.  It was nice to all be together for New Years.  Mom made a delicious lunch of sour cream enchiladas, and chicken strips and fries for the kids.

Then it was time to open presents.  The cousins drew names again this year and bought gifts for each other.  Everyone seemed to be happy with their presents and I love that the kids need to think about their cousin and what they might like to receive.  Presents from Grandma were a huge hit and most spent the afternoon playing, or building lego.

Later that night we had our 2nd annual Puzey concert.  Mom, Rachel and I sang a trio (we really need to learn a new one for next year).  Sweet little Jonas sang, Liam sang for some of us in private (he was too nervous with all of us).  Emry sang "What Child is This" while her Dad accompanied her on the guitar.  Cora, Leah and Blake sang with their Dad on the guitar.  Cadence did the actions to Popcorn Popping, but she was pretty shy and only did a couple of them.  Bowen sang "Sleigh Bells", and I sang "My Grown Up Christmas List", and of course was emotional and couldn't get through it.

My kids love hanging out with their cousins.  I love all my family and it is important to me that we continue these traditions and always stay close.

Older ... and Wiser Too

Last night we celebrated Jason's birthday.  My mom had been up on the weekend so I took Jason out to the Keg for a birthday dinner and then to a movie (the new Star Wars - which he had seen already but was more than happy to see it again as I hadn't seen it yet).  So on his actual birthday last night we just stayed home and celebrated with the kids.  After teaching piano I made one of Jason's favorite dinners - Singapore Noodles.  After dinner Jason watched hockey (the Oilers won!).  Then it was time for cake.  I had made a spice cake with cream cheese icing.

The boys had made cards for their dad and Ashton made a little gift for him.  (His real present he hasn't purchased yet as he wants a new mat cutter and needs to pick that out himself).

What do you think?  Pretty good likeness?

We sure love you Jason!  You are the best husband and father and we appreciate how hard you work to take care of us.

Hope this upcoming year is wonderful!  Happy Birthday!

One Lucky Mom

My beautiful kids ready for church.  Is it just me or does Cadence look like she is hatching an evil plan!  Feeling so blessed.

Christmas Day 2015

Still slowing trying to get my blog up to date.  Christmas was relaxing and fun at our house.  My mom had joined us which was wonderful and the kids loved having her.  Christmas morning started with Ashton throwing up all over his bed around midnight before Jason and I were even able to get to bed.  My saint of a husband took care of the mess and Ashton was back into bed with no further incident.

At 8 am I felt a little poke on my shoulder.  I looked up and it was Bowen saying it was 8 am and could we all please get up.  I couldn't believe everyone had slept so late.  I guess Bowen had been up for a while but was hanging out in his room til he thought it was safe to ask.  We got everyone up and headed downstairs.  Cadence didn't quite know what was going on but enjoyed opening her presents. We all got spoiled and loved everything we got.

The boys favorite gifts - Ashton got a metal detector, and Bowen got a 3DS.  They were both excited.  My favorite gift was an abstract painting that my very talented husband painted for me.  I love abstracts and Jason had never attempted one before.  I think it turned out awesome.  We've hung it in our family room.  The colours are perfect! (Sorry the picture has a bit of a glare.)

Then the kids got to work playing and putting lego together while I prepared dinner.

Later we had a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

I was telling my mom I appreciate all the work she did when I was a kid to make Christmas special.  It's a lot of work for moms, but I love every minute of it.  My dad was close to my heart this Christmas too.  He loved Christmas and a lot of my traditions are carried on from him.  My only complaint is the season comes and goes far too quickly.  Til next year!

December & Christmas Eve 2015

December snuck up on me this year, but we managed to get ready for Christmas.  We decided this year that as a family we would be secret santas for another family.  We let the boys pick a family and then starting December 13th we dropped off something for them at their house each night..  The boys had so much fun dropping off the gift, quickly ringing the doorbell and then running away before they got caught.  They did a really good job being sneaky.  It was very fun and helped us all get in the Christmas spirit.

Other December fun was the Stake Music Festival.  Ward choirs were not involved this year so I didn't perform but both the boys sang in the stake primary choir.  They committed to going to an hour practice for 8 Saturdays prior to the performance.  I was very proud of them and the choir sang beautifully.  Although they probably wouldn't admit it I think they enjoyed it.

We also attended Ashton's band concert.  He is playing the trumpet this year.  I couldn't believe how improved they were from last year.  It was also great that Grandma was able to attend both of these performances with us.

My visiting teaching partner Shelley and I held our annual brunch for the sisters we visit.  One sister was unable to attend but the rest of us enjoyed waffles with all the toppings, bacon and banana bread.

The next day I held my Christmas Recital with my music students.  All but 2 of my students were able to come.  We started by playing some music games, and then the students played the pieces they had prepared for each other. They all did a great job.  Afterwards I fed them snacks and they watched Mr. Bean's Christmas Special.  (I have pictures but my one camera is having issues downloading pictures - you could look at last years post the pictures were probably almost identical - ha ha).

We were blessed to have my mom spend Christmas with us this year.  She came up on Christmas Eve.  We had our traditional Christmas Eve fondue.  Soooo delicious!  We had oil with tempura shrimp, crab and steak bites; cheese with sour dough bread and mushrooms; and chocolate with fruit. The boys love this tradition.  

After dinner the kids opened their Christmas Eve presents.

Before heading to bed we watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and "The Nativity Story".  Milk and cookies were left out for Santa.  Their stockings laid out in front of the tree and then excited kids were quickly off to bed.

Other October Happenings

In October Jason got a new job (sort of).  He still works at Aurum but under Core 3D.  He is the Senior Technical Advisor for Canada.  His new position now includes a bit of travel which he has enjoyed so far.  He`s been to Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto.  He is really enjoying his new role.  It utilizes his skills and involves a lot of problem solving which he excels at.  It is wonderful to see Jason happy with his career, and it even came with a bit more money.

Ashton had a crazy hat day at school.  He eventually settled on wearing only one crazy hat but this was his original idea.

We also celebrated Jason`s mom getting married in October.  She had a reception in Cardston on Thanksgiving weekend.  It was a lovely day.  Ken and Debra exchanged rings.  I sang `What a Wonderful World`` accompanying myself on the guitar.  With Ken and Debra joining in on the last verse with special words she had written.  Then we had a wonderful turkey dinner, I was asked to bring 6 dozen homemade buns.  It was great to get together to celebrate. 

Cadence wore the dress that my niece Cora wore to mine and Jason`s wedding almost 15 years ago.

We were pleased to share in Debra and Ken`s special day and are thrilled to see them so happy.

And of course every month finds Cadence getting up to no good - but being completely adorable doing it.

Halloween 2015

I have been so terribly neglectful to my little blog.  I'm sure it hasn't really been noticed (except for maybe my mother who has told me she has given up that I'll ever update it).  It will probably take me a few days to get caught up but I'll try to get it done.  It's been a busy couple of months since I last updated.  First of all Halloween happened - yes we have to go back that far.

The usual fun was had with school parties, carving pumpkins, and trick or treating.  Cadence even got in on the action this year and trick or treated to a couple of houses before she`d had enough and her brothers continued on without her.