Insanity

Why am I taking time 4 days before Christmas Eve to write in my blog? You know, this happens every December. You start taking stock of the year, and the things you got to do, the things you didn't...and with me, this blog comes to mind. Sort of like my own personal resolution. Be busier on my blog. Post more often. I will not go out on that very long limb and say I will post every day, but I certainly hope that a once a week recap could happen. Maybe.

The Letter C

The letter 'C' is on vacation for the weekend.  Back for more riveting alphabet tales on Monday.

B, B, B. What begins with B?

Breast Cancer 3 Day - I am  walking in this event October 16-18 in Philadelphia.  My donation button is over there on the right - make a donation ! Please? Thanks!! 

Buster Bluth - funny character from 'Arrested Development'.  We are planning to name our new Airedale, "Buster".

Birkenstock - my shoe love.  Back several years ago, I had serious foot issues.  Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.  OUCH! As a result, I had to wear shoes all the time, and I was either wearing orthotic inserts (usually in my sneakers or running shoes), or I was wearing Birks.  I have quite a collection now, even though my foot problems have subsided (thanks to a 30-pound weight loss). 

Buble`, Michael - I'm not usually into lounge singer-types, but I'll make an exception here. Love, love, love this song: Everything

Brad Paisley - Adorable country singer. Great guitarist. Awesome songwriter. 'Nuff said. Take a listen: Brad 

BPS - also known as, Big Picture Scrapbooking . A really great site with online scrapbooking classes, projects and inspiration. 

Ben & Jerry's  - ice cream!  This is tops, in my book! They've thought up all the right things to 

put into a pint of vanilla or chocolate (or coffee, or banana) ice cream!  My favorite is Chubby Hubby (Fudge Covered Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels in Vanilla Malt Ice Cream Rippled with Fudge & Peanut Butter), though most flavors are yummy! 

A, A, what begins with A?

Apple Computer:  is my favorite.  I was surprised to feel this way, until Jason bought me an ibook for my birthday back in 2005. Everything about it is better than a PC.   I feel the "need" for a new one, and am saving my money.  I hope to make the purchase in late summer/early fall. 

An apple a day: only works when my favorite "Honey Crisp" apples are in seaso

n. 

Arrested Development:  Possibly the most genius comedy writing that is no longer on TV.  I stumbled on this show with Jason, and we love it. It makes us giggle, laugh, guffaw and sometimes gasp in shock...

                                                     

 Airedale Terrier: We're getting one at the end of the summer! 

 Kizzee and Sean (Connery) had a small litter of 2 boys on July 3. One is ours!   The little sweetie to the left is about 9 weeks old, exactly what ours will look like when we bring him home around August 30.   We picked the Airedale because it is a non-shedder, is a really smart breed, and Jason wanted a somewhat larger dog than our last two, which were Mini-Schnauzers.   Special thanks to breeder Corally Burmaster, who has been a pleasure to work with and welcomes us out to her place anytime we want to visit with the puppies she has on site. 

SO I bought this book a few years ago, after it was recommended by Cathy Zielske. She taught a class at CKU using this book. I have never been to CKU, but have always wanted to take a class taught by Cathy.  Yippee for me, she is teaching a form of this class at Big Picture Scrapbooking!  Part of the class prep is to take alphabet tags (that are provided as a PDF) and begin to make a list of words for my own "Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life".  My friend Stephanie is also taking the class.  She used her blog a while back to make daily alphabetical entries...and so I will try to do the same.  beginning with A today and intending to finish the alphabet before the class begins in early September.  I'm not a terribly faithful blogger, so this might be useless, but anything to try and get here on a more consistent basis! :)  

Top 13 Songs in my itunes Library...

Please keep in mind this is the Top 13 EVER (almost 4 years).   Its quite an eclectic little mix, no?  My taste in music is broad, and that's all I've got to say! 

1. Never Loved You More - Nichole Nordeman

2. Home - Nichole Nordeman

3. Brave - Nichole Nordeman

4. Stick to the Status Quo - HSM1

5. Why Georgia - John Mayer

6. I'm Feeling You - Michelle Branch

7. Hey Ya! - Outkast

8. Leave the Pieces - The Wreckers

9. That's Right - Lyle Lovett

10. Me Neither - Brad Paisley

11. Bop To The Top - HSM1

12. I Found a Way - Drake Bell

13. Baby I'm a Star - Prince 

Is there a way to show the top 13 for 2009?  That would give you a more current "snapshot" of me. 

What's your top 13 in itunes?  Share here! 

Summer's coming!

R U ready??   I'm getting geared up for a leisurely summer with my kids plus 2.  We'll have 2 neighbor girls with us - they usually go to Minnieland Daycare (a regional chain) but in chatting with their mom we thought that a break for the summer might be nice??   The decision was made easier by the fact that the younger girl and my younger girl are the same age/grade, and also my older girl and the older neighbor girl are also the same age.  Poor Jake is out in the cold, but I hope to help him line up some buddies he can bring to the pool and have over for goofing off every few days. 

Summer activities on the agenda:

Swimming Pool - opens at 11am daily and we plan to be there at opening - to get one of the choice tables under shade. 

Library - making sure all 5 kids are getting their school summer reading lists completed! We'll also be on the lookout for any programs the library might have to offer - like the turtle lady that is coming next Thursday,  and  a Native American Storyteller who will be there another day....

Movies!  Our local AMC Theatre has $1 movies on Wednesday mornings at 10am.  A variety of  kid-movies that were originally shown in the last 6 months sometime...still fine to see a second time - for $1!  They have a discount on popcorn and drinks too. Last summer we didn't really "do" lunch on Wednesdays...more like a heavy snack of fruit and cheese (which was perfectly fine after a bucket of popcorn)!

Beyond those "off-site" activities, at home, we have a trampoline out back, lots of craft supplies for the girls, and a Wii, NintendoDS, computer for all.  Hopefully there is enough to keep the crew happy! :) 

GOOD GRIEF!

Way too long since I posted here...and I can't stop to do so now, but consider this a place holder for later this evening.  As the school year winds down for the kids, I am re-thinking my daily schedule for chores and enjoying some scrapbooking and internet time in the evenings...I will put this blog at the top of my list - meaning I'll try to take time to say a quick hello here before I do that other stuff!   

Back later! :) 

Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk - Update 2

On April 25, I joined about 125 other 3 Day walkers at Tyson's Corner Mall in McLean, Virginia for a Training Walk Kick Off Event. Organized by Shawn Supers (DC Field Coordinator), and TWL (Training Walk Leader) Beth Botwright, the walk was a complete success.  Here's Beth to the left <------ (she was in the fashion show too).  What a terrific, energetic and FUN person Beth is! 

We began gathering at the New Balance Store at 7:30 a.m. and by 8:30 a.m. we had a full crowd of walkers and more than 10 TWLs to lead groups of walkers through the mall for a 3 mile walk.   Following our walk we were able to get professionally fitted for the shoes meant to carry us the 60 miles in October and all the training miles beforehand.... We also got to see a fashion show (which I participated in) of some COOL New Balance gear made for walking!  It was a really fun morning and I enjoyed my time thoroughly!                                                                                                                          

I am beginning to think that 3 Day Walkers must be some of the friendliest and most fun people on the planet!  I led the first walk team out with another TWL, Kristina, as my "caboose".  Thanks Kristina!! :)   (I'm on the left, with Kristina on the right).

Up front, I was accompanied by  Cindy, a woman from Frederick, Maryland, with more connections to breast cancer than any one person should have.  I almost felt guilty walking with her; having no personal connections to this awful disease. She actually *thanked* me for walking. Such a sweetheart! 

         

FUNDRAISING UPDATE:  I am thrilled to announce that this past week I reached $1,000 in fundraising!   With a lofty goal of $5,000,  I was encouraged to reach this first milestone.   I haven't been at all anxious about the walking (though that may change), but I have really been on alert regarding fundraising.   I'm taking steps now to follow up with emails I have already sent, but not gotten any kind of reply from. Possibly when the email was sent in "bulk" it went directly to someone's spam box?  If most people are like me, they never (and I really mean NEVER) look in their spam. I only go in there once a month or so to "select all" and delete.   I hate to think I was deleted, but if someone didn't know I was there in the first place, I guess its OK. 

     In addition to emailing, I've got donation boxes in several local merchants. Hopefully someone's extra change can be the difference in me making my goal!   

PLANS FOR THIS WEEK:  Follow-up emails, snail mail letters to some family members who don't "do" email, and checking the coin boxes I have around town.   Oh, I think I'll probably do some walking too! ;)

Do I have a life??

SUPPOSEDLY if you've seen over 85 films, you have no life. Mark the ones you've seen. Copy this list, go to your own facebook account or blog or website, paste this as a note. Then, mark X's next to the films you've seen, add them up, change the header adding your number, and click post at the bottom. Have fun.
(X) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
(X ) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
( ) Boondock Saints
() Fight Club
( ) Starsky and Hutch
() Neverending Story
(x) Blazing Saddles
(x) Airplane
Total so far: 6

(x) The Princess Bride
(x ) Anchorman
(x ) Napoleon Dynamite
( ) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
( ) White Oleander
( ) Anger Management
() 50 First Dates
(x) The Princess Diaries
(x) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Total so far: 11

() Scream
() Scream 2
() Scream 3
(x) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
() Scary Movie 3
() Scary Movie 4
(x) American Pie
(x) American Pie 2
(x) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
Total so far: 15

(x) Harry Potter 1
(x) Harry Potter 2
(x) Harry Potter 3
(x) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
(x) The Wedding Singer
() Little Black Book
() The Village
(x ) Lilo & Stitch
Total so far:21

(x) Finding Nemo
( ) Finding Neverland
(x) Signs
(x) The Grinch
() Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
(x ) 13 Going on 30
() I, Robot
( ) Robots
Total so far: 25

() Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
() Universal Soldier
( x) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
() Deep Impact
() KingPin
() Never Been Kissed
(x) Meet The Parents
(x) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
( ) Joe Dirt
( ) KING KONG
Total so far: 28

() A Cinderella Story
() The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
(x) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
() Final Destination
() Final Destination 2
() Final Destination 3
() Halloween
() The Ring
() The Ring 2
( ) Surviving X-MAS
( ) Flubber
Total so far: 29

( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
() Practical Magic
(x) Chicago
() Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
( ) Hellboy
() Secret Window
( ) I Am Sam
( ) The Whole Nine Yards
() The Whole Ten Yards
Total so far: 30

() The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child's Play
() Seed of Chucky
() Bride of Chucky
() Ten Things I Hate About You
() Just Married
() Gothika
( ) Nightmare on Elm Street
(x ) Sixteen Candles
() Remember the Titans
() Coach Carter
() The Grudge
() The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
(x) Son Of The Mask
Total so far: 33

( ) Bad Boys
() Bad Boys 2
() Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Slevin
(x) Ocean's Eleven
() Ocean’s Thirteen
() Ocean's Twelve
(x) Bourne Identity
(x ) Bourne Supremecy
(x) Bourne Ultimatum
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
( ) Predator I
() Predator II
() The Fog
(x) Ice Age
() Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
(x) Curious George
Total so far: 38

(x) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
() A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
() Christine
(x) ET
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
() Maid in Manhattan
(x) War of the Worlds
() Rush Hour
() Rush Hour 2
() Rush Hour 3
() Rush Hour 4
Total so far: 41

( ) Best Bet
() How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
() She's All That
(x ) Calendar Girls
(x ) Sideways
() Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
(x) Ever After
(x ) Wizard of Oz
(x) Forrest Gump
( ) Big Trouble in Little China
( x) The Terminator
( ) The Terminator 2
( ) The Terminator 3
Total so far: 47

( ) X-Men
() X-2
( ) X-3
(x ) Spider-Man
(x ) Spider-Man 2
() Spider-Man 3
(x) Sky High
() Jeepers Creepers
() Jeepers Creepers 2
(x) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Little Mermaid
() Freaky Friday
() Jason Goes To Hell
() Reign of Fire
() The Skulls
() Cruel Intentions
() Cruel Intentions 2
() The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2
(x) Shrek 3
Total so far: 55

( ) Swimfan
() Miracle on 34th street
() Old School
() The Notebook
() K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf's Tribe
() A Walk to Remember
(x) Ice Castles
() Boogeyman
(x) The 40-year-old Virgin
Total so far: 57

(x) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
(x) Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
() Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(x) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
() Indiana Jones and The Crystal Skull
Total so far: 62


() Baseketball
() Hostel
() Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
(x) Elf
( ) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
() American History X
( ) Three
Total so Far: 63

( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
() Night Watch
(x ) Monsters Inc
(x) Titanic
( x) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
Total so far: 66

( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
() Hulk
(x) The Incredible Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(x ) Hook
(x) Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
() Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
() 28 days later
() 28 Weeks Later
( ) Orgazmo
() Phantasm
() Waterworld
Total so far: 69

() Kill Bill vol 1
() Kill Bill vol 2
() Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
() Kingdom of Heaven
(x) Kung Fu Panda
() The Express
() Igor
(x) Toy Story 1
(x) Toy Story 2
(x) Dumbo
(x) Peter Pan
() Power Rangers: The Movie
() the Hills Have Eyes
( ) City of Embers
( ) I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
() Army of Darkness
Total so far: 74

(x) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(x) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(x) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(x) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(x) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(x) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
(x) Star Wars: The Clone Wars
(x) The Game Plan
(x) The Holiday
() The Dark Knight
() Batman Forever
() Batman Begins
() Batman and Robin
() Batman
( ) Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks The Battle For Endor
(x) The Mummy
() The Mummy Returns
() The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
(x) Wall-e
()Wanted
() Virgin Territory
() Untraceable
() Transformers
() The Kingdom
Total so far: 73

() The Matrix
() The Matrix Revolutions
() Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
() Evil Dead 2
() Team America: World Police
() Red Dragon
(x) Silence of the Lambs
() Hannibal
Total: 86

Apparently not. 

Whatev. 

Below is the beginning of monthly menu planning!  Yay me! Where ever it says, "recipe on mac", I have that recipe on my laptop (which just so happens to be a Mac, go figure). I am excited to try this type of planning. You will notice that the details about the days changed slightly, but the idea is the same. Some days say the "theme", but no actual meal.  I'll edit as I figure those out! :) The "code" DD means: "Dream Dinners", which is a prep-kitchen place we have here. I go once a month and put together 6 freezer meals.   I like trying things with ingredients I wouldn't normally buy, especially spices. It bugs me to buy a container of some spice that I only need 1/4 tsp of, and then never use the spice again. This way, there is no waste, so actually a savings! :)   I also like that someone else did all the slicing and dicing of the veggies and meats used in the meals. I just measure out the correct amounts, assemble the meal in a pan, and label the lid. All the instructions are right there! :)  Let me know if there are any recipes you're interested in - I'll either post the recipe or the link here for you. Do you and your family have a favorite recipe?  Please share!

April 12-18

SU: Something New

M: Pasta Macaroni and Cheese/ Hot Dogs

TU: Soup/Salad/Sandwiches (we had Subway)

W: Crockpot Chuck Roast (recipe on mac)

TH: Easy DD Oven Baked Almond Chicken

F: Pizza - Amicis

SA: Casserole

 

April 19-25

SU: Something New

M: Pasta - DD 3 Cheese Pasta w/ Meatballs

TU: Soup/Salad/Sandwiches

W: Crockpot No Peek Beef Casserole (recipe on mac)

TH: Easy DD Chicken Enchiladas

F: Pizza - DD calzones

SA: Casserole

 

April 26-May 2

SU: Something New

M: Pasta -  MACARONI AND CHEESE

TU: Soup/Salad/Sandwiches

W: Crockpot 40clove cr.pot chicken (recipe on mac)

TH:  Easy DD Old Fashioned Meatloaf

F: Pizza -  Dominos

SA: Casserole

About Menu Plan Monday...

I've been inspired by Tsh Oxenreider at Simple Mom who makes a meal plan for the month!  I like how she chooses to have each day of the week be a certain type of meal (for example, she makes Thursday crockpot day).  She also makes use of local ingredients from a farmer's market. Since my local farmer's market opens this Sunday (4/5),  I'd like to give this a whirl - let's see what I can come up with! :) 

This might be my basic weekly plan: 

Sundays - something new

Mondays - pasta

Tuesdays - soup, salad, and/or sandwiches

Wednesdays - crock-pot

Thursdays - casserole

Fridays - pizza (frozen, delivery, or homemade)

Saturdays - something easy

I will do some "homework" over the next few days and come up with a plan for the rest of April. Check back for it on Sunday! :) 

THURSDAY THIRTEEN

Thirteen Things To Share From This Week (sorry, I've got nothing more original today):

1. First off, I need to begin by wishing my friend, Kim, a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  I don't think she reads here (she's never said she does), but a few of you know her - so send her some good wishes too! :)

2. I kept Charlotte home Monday due to "goopy eyes" which turned out to be Pink Eye (as diagnosed at a Tuesday morning visit to see Doctor Bonnie).

3. So I didn't get to go to the gym on Monday.

4. I kept Charlotte home Tuesday, and then Wednesday due to fever.

5.  I didn't get to go to the gym Tuesday, so I ran in the evening (see #7)

6. I am keeping Charlotte home today due to the 102.4 fever she still had at 5pm Wednesday evening (school requests children be fever-free for 24 hours to return to school).

7. I had a good run Tuesday afternoon at the school track during Maisy's soccer practice (need to run outside more).

8. I had a great workout with Dianne Wednesday morning (ouch triceps, chest, abs).

9. There are 2 days until the kids' Spring Break begins! 

10. I shopped cameras this week. I still can't decide (nor can I pay, at the moment). 

11. Amused that Maisy put her brother's underwear in the freezer (while wet) for April Fool's Day.  He wasn't.

12. Amused that Maisy put a raisin in my toothpaste tube...and Charlotte put one in Maisy's.

13. Looking forward to a nice, rare steak for dinner tonight.

The Grace of Small Things...

Today is Wednesday. I love Wednesdays because there is no agenda for me. No appointments, no preschool, nothing to do except pick up Jake from school at 2:40.  Enjoy the small things in life. Like Wednesdays. What else is there to enjoy?

** the sunshine peeking through my windows all day

**hearing my husband tell me I'm his best friend. <3

**smelling dinner cook all day long in the crockpot

**Twitter

**a decluttered bedroom

**clean laundry

**American Idol

 

Menu Plan Monday (3/23)

Monday - Hot Dogs, potato salad, veggies

Tuesday - subs, chips, fruit salad

Wednesday - Crockpot beef tips & egg noodles/veggies

Thursday - French Onion Fried Chicken

Friday - Dominos Pizza (freebie coupons)

Saturday - Rotisserie Chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli

Sunday -  leftovers

What's in your dinner plans for the week? :) 

Some blog renovation

Saw some blogs today that were new to me - with some neat features. Will be trying this weekend to incorporate some of them  here. Check back to see what's new here! :) 

And about the 30 Day Shred:  I was under the weather Monday and Tuesday (3/16 & 3/17), and so fell off the Shred wagon. Hope to resurrect things on Monday 3/23.

Meet my new friend!

Check out my new friend Debbie's Blog! I was so excited to get linked up to Debbie, via the Breast Cancer 3 Day message boards.  I love her blog - because she has a lot of information about breast health and some inspiring stories about people in her life who have been affected by breast cancer (including herself).  I'm looking forward to meeting Debbie soon, when her family moves to my area. 

Weigh In - Part 2

Ok - so I changed my goal weight at WW.  From 130 to 135.  Wonder if the 3Day Walk training will lead me to 130 anyway?  Possibly.  It isn't about weight, really. It is about how I feel (fit) and partly, I'll admit, about how I look.   We'll see how things go with continued point-counting and all this walking! LOL! 

Weigh In

Haven't discussed weight loss here much, because there hasn't been a whole lot to discuss. I joined Weight Watchers on November 28, 2007 weighing 169.2 pounds.   I am 5' 3" and the healthy weight range for a woman my height/age is 113-141.  As of this post, I am down 27 pounds.   I weigh 142.2 pounds. My original goal was 130. As I began hitting the gym more and losing the weight, I began to see that this might not work for me too well. I haven't lost much in terms of weight in about 8 months. HOWEVER, I have dropped 2 pants sizes, so obviously the workouts and toning are productive pursuits, yes? I think they are, along with the fact that a 3-5 mile run is a great stress reliever! Have I quit WW? Nope.  Have I changed my goal weight? Yep. More tomorrow on that. ;)

The Thirty Day Shred: DAY THREE & FOUR

Four days in a row. WOW!  My biceps are a bit sore, because I keep switching to those heavier weights.  I think that several of the exercises, including pushups, in a small way, use the biceps, so they are getting extra attention? No matter, its good for the sleeveless shirts and bathing suit, yes?  Are YOU shredding?  Why not?  Good stuff, shredding.

Menu Plan Monday (3/9)

Monday - chinese takeout

Tuesday - subs, chips, veggies&dip

Wednesday - flank steak, twice-baked potatoes, broccoli

Thursday -  leftovers

Friday - Pizza (no meat), salad

Saturday - sesame chicken, noodles, salad, 

Sunday - Breakfast for dinner (eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit)

The Thirty Day Shred: DAY TWO

Two days in a row! Awesome! I didn't want to do it, but I did it anyway.  Glad to have 2 sets of weights to switch back and forth with, to get a good workout for all muscle groups.  I hope to be able to do Level One with the heavier weights only pretty soon....

The Thirty Day Shred: DAY ONE

So I picked up this DVD at the recommendation of a friend at LM (thanks Anya!):

I tried it out on Thursday and had planned for that to be DAY ONE, but I kept being interrupted by the kids during the workout and so I don't really feel like it "counted". Then Friday was just a mess and I never got my workout in. So I'm beginning today as DAY ONE. Without interruption, this is one mean workout!!  I was sweating as much as I do in a class at the gym, but I didn't have to leave the house! Sweet!   I took a DAY ONE photo, but I'm gonna hold on to that for DAY 30, and hopefully there might be some impact with a "before and after" post.  I'm out for the day - needing to check out Sears for the Lands End swim wear (awesome return policy), a violin book for Maisy's lessons, and some other stuff.  The guys are at a Boy Scout Badge Day - so we won't see them til later.   What fun do you have planned this weekend?

SNOWDAY!

Maisy really enjoyed making snow angels! Except for the part where snow got in her coat...

This is the view from the front of the house.  I went out through the basement door so as not to disturb the front yard. I really wanted to get a good pic with the "virgin" snow. 

I just think this is the prettiest tree!  I'll need to shake the wet snow off it soon so the branches don't break.

We don't often get drifting snow here.  The view out the basement door shows a variety of snow depths. It was also a bit challenging to open the screen! 

Out the front door - this was actually the first photo I took - didn't know that Blogger would upload them in the opposite order! Grr.   I'll have to remember that for next time.

After the pics, I put the camera inside and shoveled for about 45 minutes. This got the cars uncovered, and the front walk clear to the porch. I also got the sidewalk done from the mailbox down to our neighbor's driveway.   I took a break at this point, to come in and warm up.  The girls came out to play, and tried to sled down by the park, but they didn't have much luck with it - not slippery enough, they declared. 

Coming soon:  More pics of the shoveling progress and the dog playing in the snow! 

SNOW!

Really excited for the first (and probably only) snow of the season! We had a few other "incidents" this winter, but they were mostly ice and sleet. This is some serious, snowman-making, sidewalk shoveling SNOW! I'll post some pics later, as well as write "Menu Plan Monday", so check back this afternoon!

Grab a tissue.....

I want to make a difference in this world. I want my daughters to know a world without breast cancer.

Menu Plan Monday (2/23)

Monday: Mac n Cheese/Hot Dogs

Tuesday: Subway?  This day might be a permanent "kids choice" since DH is starting to play guitar on Tuesday evenings with a friend. He's not home for dinner, so that makes things a bit easier in choosing the meal. 

Wednesday: Leftovers - Ash Wednesday - 7pm Mass

Thursday: Chicken n Dumplings, salad

Friday: Meatless Pizza, salad

Saturday:  ???  just can't decide! 

Sunday: flank steak, confetti orzo (very colorful!) 

What's on the menu at your house??

Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk - Update 1

So I attended the "Getting Started" meeting last Saturday. In that week, I have raised almost $400, switched walk cities, and gained several team members! 

Lets begin at the beginning.   I signed up at the meeting to walk in D.C.  Some of my LM friends told me they would come and walk with me.  I was excited - the D.C. walk is my birthday weekend (October 9-11).  I thought that celebrating a birthday by helping other people simply have another birthday would be a good thing, yes? 

So maybe 2 days later I was wandering on facebook when I noticed my brother's fiance had started a new website for their upcoming wedding (which they had not set the date for).  You see where I'm going with this, don't you?  Yep.  They've set the wedding date for October 10. When I'm supposed to be walking in D.C. WHOOSH! Wind went out of my sails completely.I won't even go into the fact that he/she didn't bother to let me know about the date (my mom didn't know either and when I asked him he said he had told us).  Had to vent to my fabulous friends, who are the voice of reason in times like these, and they had an immediate solution.  Walk in PHILLY!   October 16-18!  Brill!  And the BONUS, for changing the walk weekend, is that 2 friends who would have been unable to walk in D.C., will be able to walk in PHILLY! I called the 3Day Coaches number and got things underway to switch to the Philly event, along with my friend Stephanie, who was already signed up in D.C. also. 

Fundraising.  Intimidating, sort of. Overwhelming, a bit.  Necessary? Definitely.  I sent an email to nearly 200 people in my gmail address book and have gotten several donations totaling just under $400 so far.  Others have emailed saying they will donate, but by mail, so I am printing forms for them.  I'm thinking about some other things I can do besides the email, and have some things on mind - including asking for donations from businesses I frequent on a very regular basis. I'll wear their logo on my shirt (during the walk) for the donation.

Team: Awesome. Encouraging. Sarah, Jen, Stephanie, Tini:  You guys motivate me!   Hoping a few more folks join us - a couple are waiting in the wings...I'll update you when they do! :)

Do you have anyone who motivates and inspires you? Tell me about it! 

Menu Plan Monday (2/16)

Whew!   Almost forgot this was Monday!  Having a holiday messes up the calendar for me. You?

Monday - DH and I had Chinese take-out, and the kids had macaroni/cheese and hot dogs.  Mmm. Everyone enjoyed their dinner! :)

Tuesday - The kids and I are hitting Subway! DH is heading to a buddy's to play guitar. They are planning to play some open mike dates. Someday soon I'll tell you how famous he's become and sell his CD here.  ;)

Wednesday - Breakfast for dinner. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit.

Thursday -  Spaghetti, italian sausage, radiatore pasta,  salad

Friday - PIZZA & salad

Saturday - DH and I are going out (our "Valentine's Dinner") - not sure what the kids will have, but I am likely to enjoy a nice, rare, filet, a baked potato, and a yummy salad with basil vinaigrette dressing. 

Sunday -  Flank steak (Dream Dinners), baby baked potatoes, steamed broccoli

Hope everyone has a great week!  What's for dinner at your house? :)

President's Day Goodness

So hopefully you're all out there celebrating your favorite president.  Not me,  I'm prepping for a trip to the local WW meeting for a weigh-in.  I am not sure what to expect this week. It has been a bit of a crapshoot lately, some weeks a gain (.8),  some weeks a loss (1.4), and even a week in there where I didn't go anywhere at all!  I only have about 5 pounds to go...

Later today I have to take Charlotte, our littlest sweetie, to the pediatrician.  It seems she may be allergic to shrimp!  WHO KNEW?  Last night she went to dinner with DH and ordered fried shrimp.  Almost immediately she was telling DH that her throat was itchy (so much that she tried to stick her hand into her mouth to scratch the itch in there)!  Tongue itchy too. Red blotchy face.  I need a little emoticon of a shocked person.    So he called me - and I directed him to the Benadryl in the medicine cabinet.  When we got home a short time later, her face was still noticeably blotchy, but most of the itchy mouth was gone.  THANK. GOODNESS.   We called the pediatrician last night just to make sure we'd done everything we needed to do, and got the on-call service.  They assured us that we had, but recommended we follow-up with our doctor - so that's happening today!  

What are you up to??

Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk

So check out the side bar over ---> there to the right.  See the pretty pink widget? Today I went to a "Getting Started" meeting for this event. Why?  I don't have a mom with breast cancer.  My grandmothers didn't die of breast cancer. None of my aunts or cousins have/had breast cancer.  I am so very blessed.  I totally get it!  I think I wanted to do this, because I would want someone to do it for me.   So click on the widget, head to my fundraising page and make a donation. THANK YOU! :)

Today marked the beginning of this journey.  I drove 45 minutes to the Herndon Fortnighly Library on Center Street.  I met about 25 other women wanting to participate also.  A woman named Shawn was to take us through the process of signing up and preparing for the walk. Immediately I felt very emotional about the whole thing.  Apparently that's normal - there were boxes of tissues all over the place!   I was on the verge of tears nearly the entire 90 minutes I was there, and I can't explain why.  Could I blame it on "female hormones"?  Probably.  But then again, is that why everyone else was crying too?  

So the details:   Raise money and train to walk 20 miles in a day (for 3 days).  Hard to say which one is more intimidating, but I'll jump in to both items wholeheartedly.   The fundraising I can (and will) start right away.  The training, on the other hand, I don't plan to begin until late April, at the earliest.  I've signed up to run a 5k (my very first) on March 21, and so my training for that must take precedent.  I inquired today about my running and was told that it really won't count for the walk training, because I need to prepare my body for walking a long distance. Something about slow-twitch muscles vs.  fast-twitch muscles...  The training log provided in my packet gives a 24-week training plan and a 16-week plan.  I plan to start the 24-week plan loosely (in April), but not stress over the LONG distance walks until the 16 week mark. 

I'll be using my blog here to share more about this process as I go along.  Check back to see what's going on! :)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Hope everyone is having a good day - I am!   The morning started at 5 a.m. when Linus (our geriatric mini schnauzer) woke up needing to eat and have a walk.   I guess bladder issues plague old dogs like they do old people! LOL! 

So about Valentines:  We gave each of the kids a Webkinz and a book.  I made Jason a little album of photos of us using the Lifetime Moments kit from January 2008!  Yes, I did say 2008!  I couldn't decide what to use the kit for back then, and after seeing a project done by my friend Beverly for her DH, I knew that was what I wanted to use the kit for!  I spent all year collecting photos to use, and completed it during a weekend of cropping in January. The "journaling" was the lyrics from "Everything" by Michael Buble.  I'll try to add pics here later - the camera battery needed charging this morning.  Jason gave me a really sweet gift - a pink Ironman watch! :)   Since I started running in the fall I have been running mostly on the treadmill, which has a readout right in front of me - but I'll be moving outdoors once the weather warms up, and needed a watch to give me an idea of how fast I'm going and maybe motivate me to pick up the pace (every now and then).   So kudos to my sweetie for giving me a really thoughtful gift! 

So have a wonderful day, whether you celebrate with hearts and pink stuff or not! :)

Menu Plan Monday (2/2)

WHEW!   Almost let the day go by without posting MPM! 

Monday - We had the most scrumptious mac n' cheese from Dream Dinners!  MMM!  Steamed broccoli topped off this yummy dinner!

Tuesday - Breakfast for dinner (pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit salad)

Wednesday -  Sub sandwiches, chips and veggies

Thursday -  Spaghetti with italian sausage, salad

Friday - Pizza, salad

Saturday - leaving this day open, as Jake and Jason are going with the Boy Scouts to visit the Capitol Building in DC! Not sure when they will return.

Sunday - Sesame Chicken (Dream Dinners)

Super Bowl 43 (no Roman numerals for me)

So, a super quick post about the big game today. Part of the FUN of watching the Super Bowl (in my opinion) is the pre-game hype.   Which, you may know, I am missing today because I have to go to a training session for Girl Scout Leaders.  Who decided that?? 

Anyway, since I have to leave for that meeting,  I'll just say that I pick the Steelers to WIN. I hope it is a close game, because they're more fun to watch. ENJOY! 

Google Reader, where have you been all my life? (AKA: the longest post I have ever written)

OMG!   So last weekend (Jan 23-25) I had a few friends here to scrapbook for a couple of days (hi Nicki, Sarah, and Beverly!).  Picture this:  4 women in a room together, 3 of whom had laptop computers, emailing each other and also posting things at the LM message board.  Oh, yeah, we were talking a bit too (and cropping, eating, laughing...).  So ANYWAY, about Google Reader: Beverly and Sarah were talking about catching up on the blogs they follow, which immediately gave me hives, because it takes me all day to do that...and *POOF* they were both done checking blogs.  I'm thinking, "They obviously don't read too many blogs", but then Sarah wanted to share with me one of the funny things she saw on a crafty site and I actually SAW her screen and how she checks all those blogs so QUICKLY!  It was like Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one! :)   Basically at Google Reader you can "subscribe" to blogs you read, and the new posts all show up on the same page!! GENIUS, I tell you! So go here to change your life (possibly an over-statement).   I have so much free time now!  Gives me the chance to update my Project 365 photos! 

I'll check in later for Super Bowl pre-game analysis.

Test Post (photo)

Just checking out how to add photos to my posts.  What if I wanted the pic under my text? Not sure how to do that.  I'll figure it out! Just to let you know - the pic above is my scrap space in our basement.  That dark space at the back of the photo is an IKEA Expedit shelving unit with 16 cubbies.  I love this thing!  My only wish is that each cubby was about 2 inches larger, to fit my crop-in-style 12x12 paper holders.   The cabinetry at the right side of the photo is a kitchenette, complete with a sink, 2-burner cook top and a mini fridge.  I could hide down here for days! In fact, this past weekend I had 3 good friends from LM here to crop for a few days. We had a really great time! 

Menu Plan Monday (1/26)

Monday:  Mac&Cheese and Hot Dogs, strawberries

Tuesday: Sub sandwiches, chips, fruit salad

Wednesday:  Bow-tie Chicken (recipe from my friend Beverly), broccoli

Thursday:  Radiatorre Pasta, Turkey Italian Sausage, Marinara Sauce, salad

Friday: Pizza, salad

Saturday: Rotisserie Chicken, Mini Baked Potatoes (Market Day), salad

Sunday:  Super Bowl Celebration!  Chicken Bites (homemade), Sweet Potato Chips (homemade) Celery/Carrots &Dip, YUM!

Place Holder

Just so you know, this isn't a real blog entry.  I'm super tired from a weekend of a lot of scrapbooking and not much sleeping, so I just can't put too many sentences together intelligently.

Tomorrow is Monday.  After I weigh in at WW and hit the gym, I promise to sound more intelligent and "WOW" my 3 blog readers with some riveting prose. See you then!

THURSDAY THIRTEEN

There used to be a blog that dedicated itself to featuring the Thursday Thirteen.  Unfortunately, when I checked recently, it was no longer an active site.  Many other bloggers spend Thursday chatting about some list of thirteen things.  Seems like a fun way to spend a Thursday, so I'll try to keep up the cleverness on a weekly basis.   This week's topic:   SHOPPING! 

Here, in no particular order, are my thirteen favorite places to SHOP! 

1.  Target - just heading in to pick up a prescription at the pharmacy can result in a $100 tab for milk, t-shirts, tasteful kids' clothes, magazines, dish towels, Coke Zero...and lots of other fun must-have items!  Make sure to check out the "Dollar Spot" on every trip!

2. Amazon.com - free shipping with Amazon PRIME - need I say more??

3. itunes - since I got my Mac and my little ipod shuffle, this is the best place to grab a few new songs from the comfort of home.

4. Costco - planning my monthly Costco trip for right after my 5 mile run at the gym is great!  I sample my way through the store guilt-free!  

5. Borders Books - Borders Bucks, and percent-off coupons bring me back to the store at least every other week... I am book crazy! Historical Fiction, fitness, health, cooking, children's books...

6.  Ann Taylor Loft Outlet - for when I want to wear something a little nicer than my usual Gap and Old Navy wardrobe. 

7.  LifetimeMoments.com  best little scrapbook store on the web!  Jackie, Thad and the rest of the staff at LM provide the best customer service I've gotten ANYWHERE! 

8.  Wegman's - feed the kids lunch and then go shop - can't beat it! 

9.  LandsEnd.com - best product guarantee I've ever seen - they've taken back a broken backpack we had for a full year, shoes that were worn out, and a shirt that had a button ripped off.  Replaced everything free of charge! :)  

10. IKEA - gotta LOVE having an IKEA in town!  There are only a few in the US, and I am sure I'd never make the drive to one if it was an hour or 2 away, yet I meet people in our IKEA all the time who have driven that far to come to ours! WHEW!   Can't beat the affordable storage solutions, home decor and awesome bathroom rugs! Bonus:   yummy cinnamon rolls just past the checkout counters! :)

11.  Dick's Sporting Goods - since I started running, and since a new DSG opened in my town, I find myself stopping in more than I expected:  Good brands, helpful service, and a fun, new pink Under Armor running jacket! 

12.  Harris Teeter - excited is an understatement!  When this wonderful grocery store opened in July of 2007 within walking distance of the house we were thrilled!  Stopping in for one quick item is easy on the way home from anywhere. It isn't "out of the way" at all.  My favorite store feature is the self-check-out lanes! :)  I can breeze in and out in minutes! 

13.  Anyplace that sells Vera Bradley purses - Why did I let myself get sucked in to loving these bags? LOL!  I don't have too many (only 3 - so far), and thankfully I don't like every pattern that's out there. Good thing too, or I'd have about 100. 

What a day!

Excitement was in the air all morning!  The Inauguration of President Obama was pretty cool to watch, and share with the kids. They just don't get why this is so historical, though my older 2 have studied Colonial US History, and learned about slavery, and the Civil War, it still didn't really register with them. I hope it will someday.   I also hope that my blog posts get a little less-stiff over time! LOL!

Menu Plan Monday (1/19)

Menu Plan Monday  is a great way to keep on track with a budget and eating healthy. 

This week:

Monday: Chinese Take-out

Tuesday:  Subs and salad

Wednesday: chicken parmesan from Dream Dinners, steamed broccoli

Thursday:  Mini burgers, salad

Friday: homemade pizza, salad

Saturday:  leftovers

Sunday: rotisserie chicken, baby baked potatoes, steamed broccoli

I should note that this was difficult to type this early on a Monday - I haven't had breakfast yet! 

My Word For 2009

Ali Edwards (and many others) chooses a word - to be a focus and "theme" for the year.   The link goes to Ali's list of words that people sent to her blog as suggestions.  I looked through all of them, but finally settled on the word, TEN.  When someone asks me, "On a scale of one to ten, how was ______?"  I want to be able to say it was a TEN.   I hope to make the most of my family, my relationships, fitness, faith, work at the preschool, etc. I don't think this means that I expect perfection from myself or others, but that I always strive to be better, and improve in these areas.

Do you have a word for 2009? Share it with me! 

First blog entry...

I am watching the most insanely stupid movie ever. DH rented "Step-Brothers".  What a train wreck!  Pretty sad excuse for a first blog post, but its all I've got.  Tomorrow is "Menu-Plan Monday",  I've got that going for me, which is nice.