"Pumped"

March 6th makes 3 months! I have lost 48 pounds so far. Could I possibly drop another 50 pounds in the next 3 months and lose 100!?!?!?!? What if...

I wouldn't know what to do with myself! June 6th would be 6 months. I gotz to stay motivated! Okay, you got this...

Challenge accepted!

"what's working for me?"

I have been overweight my whole life, with diet "sprints" that I can remember dating back to the 3rd grade. This time the biggest change is that I am viewing this as more of a lifelong "marathon"! I know I can't do what it takes to drop the weight, only to gain it all back. I would be devastated. So, instead I am changing the way I think of food, what I eat, and actually how much I'm eating. It's just food!

It's just food...it's just food...it's just food...

So, what's the big deal? Why is this so hard?

Food was my thing. I could eat it when I was happy, sad, mad, bored, etc. I could eat with company or without! It is always around to hang out! It's so easy to get it wherever and whenever. Food is so very available!

On the flip side of that, healthy food is also so very available. If you are prepared and put some effort into having stuff thats good for you, then you can make it happen. It may not be as convenient as going through the drive thru for a Big Mac, but no one promised it was going to be easy...just that you can do it if you want.

I do!

"bob and weave"

I have found since I have been conscious of all things "going in my mouth", that calories add up fast and the world is ready to shovel them in with both hands! The very first day my sister and I were venturing out on this new calorie/carb counting adventure, we were asked to try samples by 3 people at the grocery store THAT DAY! At work one morning, I had the opportunity to munch on a bagel and a brownie all before 8 o'clock in the morning! Before, I would have had both and thought nothing of it...hence the need for a new lifestyle!

Choices, choices, choices...thats what its all about!

"Changes"

I am changing my blog today.
Its still going to be all about things that are me:
cooking...
crafting...
kids...
family...
church...
work...
healthy living...WHAT?

Thats right, things have been changing in my life for a few months now, and its time I start documenting it!
I have lost between 40-45 pounds since December 6, 2011 and I have a long way to go. I realize as I am now reaching month 3, I need something to keep me engaged and motivated. Sure, the weight loss is exciting and I am wearing things I held on to, but haven't worn in years. But, there needs to be more. Can I be someone who gets someone else over that "low" moment when they are about to throw all efforts to the wind? Why not! I have found inspiration on "success" blogs, so why can't one of my goals be to become that for someone else?

Let the fun begin...

"you can't have it!"

i wish everyone would stop trying to steal my Christmas spirit.

i am in my new house, Christmas decorations have been up since right before Thanksgiving.  we had some snow flurries last week.  went to some fun parties.  kids are great and i've finished all of my shopping for them.  i've been listening to Christmas music like nobody's business.  it just seems like a perfect Christmas season this year.

but, little things just keep trying to get me down.  had a bad few days at work, one of my old highschool teachers passed away yesterday, and i can already feel Christmas passing by.

i'm going to push through and get out of this mood that work has put me into and look forward to the rest of the week.

Merry Christmas one and all!

"beach bum"

We are leaving for the beach in the morning. 6 o'clock AM if my dad has anything to do with it, but we'll see about that.  All he has to do is jump out of bed and throw on some clothes.  I gotta get me and my two dressed, loaded, and all of our stuff packed tight in the 12 passenger van.  I'll just leave it to Tiff and Mikey to push that time back...let's see, there are 5 of them to get up and going...6AM will come early for them too! 

My aspirations for this beach trip are pure and simple.  I want it to be relaxing.  I know that may be a tall order with a preschooler and a toddler, but thats it. I just want to feel rested when we come back home. 

I'm going to need all of my rest because when we get home it should be time to move into our new house!  I can't wait to move in and get the rest of my furniture out of storage and start decorating! 

Here's to the last hoorah of this summer...lets make it count!

"yearnings"

This is just a post about "how I'm feeling, not something I"m going to act on!"

Why does God give me the urge to want more babies?  I mean seriously, I already pushed the envelope with Archer, isn't that enough?  Why, if He isn't going to give me a man to have a family with, won't he take away the desire of my heart to have more babies?

Talk amongst yourselves...

"falling"

Summer has almost come and gone...
With Labor Day Weekend right around the corner!
I am so ready for the heat to simmer down, but where has the time gone?

"moves..."

You know how sometimes you think you have everything figured and planned out? You know how you want things to play out, and you can even envision it. Well, I am at one of those times in my life, when things are going good and my plans are falling into place, and I'm scared.

The last time I remember things going this easy for me was my life before my divorce. You know, the way you felt before that big, huge thing happened and changed everything. The way you view yourself, your life, and your future. Back when everybody kept their promises and bad things didn't happen to good people.

Well, things are going good with me and the kids. I had a plan a long time ago to move into my county of choice before Ava started kindergarten, and ITS HAPPENING. Not only that, but my sister and her family are moving too. They got the realty blessing of a lifetime, and sold their current home and bought their new home within the same week! You just don't see that happening these days. So, just like we said when we were pregnant together back in 2005, we are making that move.

Remember, with being a single mom to two small children, location is key! I am exactly 8 minutes from my parents house, 10 minutes from both of my grandparents, and wait for it....

2 minutes from my sister and brother-in-law's new place!

I think I may be more excited than Mikey is, but my sister and I wouldn't have it any other way. I mean, with 5 kids between us we need each other. We are planning on taking full advantage of her fenced in back yard and my 3 acres.

But all this just makes me nervous, like whats around the corner? I know I shouldn't be thinking this way, but I just don't want to be caught off guard again and have the rug pulled out from under me! I'm gonna keep praying , and I know God will give me peace about it. This is a great time in our lives, and I don't want to spend it being a "Debbie Downer"!

So, we are busy, busy, busy updating and repairing my new place. My brother has really been awesome with everything. He has been a blessing during this whole process, because without him I wouldn't have even considered buying this home. It is really becoming a home I can be proud of. I am taking some pictures soon, and we are planning on moving in during September. I am just so very blessed right now...it just takes my breath away sometimes.

"alone..."

Who knew buying a house could make you feel so alone. I had been feeling bummed out for a week before I even realized what it was that was bothering me. Maybe because last time I was buying a house I was happily married, and I had somebody to share all the excitement, anticipation, and work with.

It has been such a blessing to get this house that is more than big enough for me and the kids, and it's somewhere I can see us growing up for years and years to come. This might sound silly, but it kind of feels like a homestead to me. We've got over 3 and a half acres of land full of huge oak trees with shade to die for.

I know realistically, I'm not alone. I've got children, family, and friends but still sometimes you just can't help but want more. I don't let myself go there often, the what ifs and just maybes. But sometimes, when you least expect it, you do. Oh well, I've been saying it for a while now..."If God wants to me to find that person to spend the rest of my life with, he better just sit him in my lap, 'cause I'm not looking for him."

We will see what happens. For now, I am trying to get excited about the work I have ahead of me. Painting, renovations, and moving. The moving part is going to be fun if we can ever get there.

I will never leave you or forsake you. I'm just going to hold onto that promise and pray for peace and endurance for the task at hand.

"30 minutes of summer"

Our summer fun is in full swing.

Ava is growing into a beauty with an attitude. Her vocabulary isn't as sophistocated as some of the things she tries to get across, which turns into some funny stories.

Archer is into everything, but he is leary of strangers right now. He isn't scared to try anything, he just likes mommy to hold his hand while he does it.

So far this summer: We've taken a vacation to St. Louis and Branson, Missouri. We have been on a camping trip to Tannehill State Park. We went rafting on the Hiwassee River in Tennessee. We took a day-trip to Alabama Adventure. Ava and Archer attended Vacation Bible School at our church. We've also been going to the local library for their weekly shows. And countless other things to keep us busy...not to mention working full-time!

I love doing things for the kids and with my family, but sometimes...just sometimes, it seems like I'm doing all this work for maybe 30 minutes of actual enjoyment. Does that make any sense? Like, I'm the one who can't just sit around and let things not get done. Its my own fault that I miss some of those enjoyable moments, because I'm the one packing the picnic, lathering somebody with sunblock, hanging the wet beach towels up to dry, gathering the garbage out of the van, etc. You get my drift?

But, those 30 minutes...

make it all worth it!

"Archer's First Birthday Party!"

Here is the birthday boy!
Doesn't he look handsome.

My sister and I got to there early to put up our decorations.
I bought decorated sugar cookies and put a
personalized sticker on the back that said,
"Thanks for coming to my party!"
-Archer

I bought stuff on sale after Easter
and used them for centerpieces.

I also made these awesome cupcake toppers.
I used paint.net to add "Happy Birthday Archer" to each scene.

Here's the cake in all its glory.
The cake topper itself is made of wood and clay,
so we can keep it for years to come as a keepsake.

Archer's highchair, decorated for the day.
Another homemade, personalized decoration.
I really went all out with the cardstock!
Archer had this attitude for pictures most of the day. "Mommy, is that cake seriously all mine?"

"I don't really know what you expect me to do with it?" "Tastes good!"

"Mommy, are you sure this is okay?"
"Didn't you call this my smash cake?"
"Well, it's smashed!"
After enjoying cake and CLEANING UP!
We got to the presents.
Archer got a lot of help from the big kids...too much help!

Ava with the balloons.
She wanted to take all of them home to play with.
She didn't quite make it home before falling asleep.
Is my sweet boy really 1?
I think I'm in for a wild ride.

"Blog Rant"

Still not feeling bloggy...what's a girl to do? I don't know why I haven't been motivated to take some pictures of projects I've done or post some adorable pictures of my kids.

What's going on with me?

I got a little bummed out when for the second time, I tried to "make my blog into a book". Over at blog2print.com, they had a new feature which allowed you to keep your pictures, captions, and text in order just the way your post looked. Well, it still didn't cut it, and it kind of busted my bloggy bubble. I really wanted to make this thing into a sort of scrapbook for years to come. I mean, maybe I'm just being a paranoid cavewoman, but what if blogger.com isn't there one day when I go to sign-in? They are a business, they could back up their bags and move on.

Should I have more faith in the blog world? Is this thing here to stay? I want my kids to have something to hold in their hands like a book, not just their I-Pad...or whatever is current for them.

Another, interesting fact about my blog-drought, I am right the opposite with my housework and busy-ness level. I have been all about keeping the house straightened up, clothes kept up, and toys picked up. Also, been doing creative things like nobody's business!

I'm going on a big vacation next week with my parents and my kids. We are tagging along with my parents on a road trip to Branson, Missouri with a trip across the state on our way out to visit the St. Louis Arch (gotta take Archer to see the Arch!)

I have some fun memories from one of our vacation to St. Louis as kids. We did go up in the Arch, road around St. Louis in a horse drawn carriage, and checked out the city. I know Archer won't remember this trip, but I think Ava will.

On another note, I am going to be closing on our new home on April 26th. Hopefully the last walk through and everything will go as planned. Big step for our little family. I'm going to have a home again. We need more space! A family of 3 isn't meant to share one bedroom. If my parents could have just added us on a couple more bedrooms in our apartment, then we may have never moved out!

This move will also put us in the school district of choice for Ava and Archer. Big decisions and changes going on in my life! I'm stepping out on my own again. Sometimes just thinking about it, I can feel the anxiety gripping my chest! I've got to get use to being alone in a house again too. I will just have to suck it up and get use to it...so what if me, Ava, and Archer still sleep in one room for awhile? If I turn my noise-maker up loud enough, then I won't hear the scary bumps and creaks in the night!

Okay, this rant has got to come to an end! See you when I see you, Peace!

"Party Prep"

Archer's birthday was Wednesday, and I spent the day loving on him and making things for his birthday party this weekend! I am having his party at a local cafe type restaurant. It is closed on Saturday's, but she opens it for private parties. Our theme is "Moose and Zee" from Nick Jr. I ordered a cake topper off of etsy.com from a lady in Italy. That's right, I said Italy! I also used a lot of card stock, photo paper, and hot glue to make cupcake toppers, a banner, and personalized party favors. I've already put together the center pieces and bought the rest of the supplies for the party. I am super excited about how everything will come together. I will be posting all about it after the party! Gotta keep the party goers who read my blog in suspense.

"Archer's Visitors"

Here's another of my sister's posts about Archer's first days...

Archer had tons of visitors. First and foremost, his big sister Ava.She wasn't exactly sure what to think of him at first.

But soon thereafter, she warmed right up. At one point we asked her if she wanted to hold him and she said yes, so she went and washed her hands and climbed up in her chair and said,

"Gimme that sweetheart!" It was so funny and sweet.

Huett and Sam were very hands-on right off the bat. Huett is very gentle and probably pays more attention to Archer than the other kids. He loves babies. Sam is just a little too rough for my comfort level, but he does good. Our baby better watch out!
Huett thought this was really exciting! A few seconds later he was helping to give him his pacifier when Sam stole it and put in his mouth just like it was his paci. Maybe now would be a good time to take away his pacifier.
Sam looks really mischevious in this picture. He does come by it honest, however. For those of you who didn't know, I was voted most mischevious in my nursing class. Try not to be jealous!! Notice the roughness that is about to take place in this picture... oops!

Teagan was another very important visitor. She wasn't the baby for long. She had to come meet her new baby cousin! Look at those big girl teeth!

Ava loves referring to Archer as, "the best baby brother in the whole wide world."

Aunt Jenny came to visit too! She looks natural with a baby boy doesn't she...hmmmm maybe this is a sign from the future!

We had many loving family and friends stop by the hospital to check on us and meet baby Archer. I felt loved and thankful to have so many people that care about me and my baby.

"The day Archer was born..."

I didn't become a blogger until last summer, so I am going to post my sister's post about the day Archer was born. Hope you enjoy...I have been remembering those days with longing, realizing that he is very possibly my last baby, and that it has flown by WAY too fast!

So I know these pictures are long overdue, but here it is, the story of Archer's birthday from start to finish! First of all, mom, Trish, and I had to be at UAB at 5:30 AM. We arrived promptly, shortly after a questionable and possibly dangerous stop at the Pilot Truck Stop on Finley Ave. (This pregnant girl's gotta eat!) Anyway, upon arrival and check-in we find out that all of the pre-op labs Trisha had drawn were going to have to be redrawn and sent. So this leads to our first long wait(of many). They take Trisha back and leave mom and I in a nearby waiting room. About an hour later they tell us we can go visit Trisha one at a time. Mom went first for about 30 minutes. At this point it is around 7:00. I finally go back and poor Trisha is sitting on this ridiculous stretcher whose mattress looks like a puzzle with so many separate pieces that it was impossible not to fall into the cracks. I will not insert a pic b/c I don't think she wants that image surfing around the internet. Anyway, a friend of mine happened through the operating room, and I asked her what the hold up was b/c the admitting nurse gave us the impression that we would be seeing the baby in about 1 hour(now it is approximately 8:00). She told me that Dr Joiner(Trisha's doctor) was in L & D waiting for a patient to deliver and then after that she had to go see a patient in a clinic at the VA hospital and that then she would be back to do Trisha's c-section. GRRRRRRRR! We were already anxious and then all of this waiting. So long story short, 4 and 1/2 hours after we got there, Baby Archer was born at a healthy 8 pounds 9 ounces at exactly 9:52 AM!

I got to go in the operating room and take pictures! This is his first one and boy did he come out screaming! He looks just like Ava in this picture. I got to go into her delivery too and got almost the same shot.

This picture was just seconds later on the bed. He cleaned right up. He also pinked right up too which is a great sign. His apgars were 9 and 9 for all of you medical personnel out there.

This is his first picture after his first bath. I got to give him his first bath! That's just one of the perks of working here! Cool huh?!? These pictures taken during this time were the only ones with eyes open for about the first 3 days.

This is the first picture of mommy and baby when she returned from surgery. So sweet!

"Too soon..."

This sweet boy turns one next week!

This was a picture from the day he turned 6 months.

"busy busy bee"

It's been too long since I've blogged about anything...I had a case of the blog blahs. Anyway, I hope to get out of this slump and back to blogging soon.

It isn't that I haven't been busy. I finally got to shop at my fave consignment sale of the season, I've got a contract on a house that is scheduled to close before April 15, Easter is a week away, and Archer's big "one-year bash" is in less than 2 weeks!

Also, I have been busy doing some crafting projects...painting flower pots, embroidering shirts for the kids, making a cute Easter bowtie, making Archer's Easter basket to match Ava's, and working my way through 3 boxes full of material swatches given to us by our local furniture store!

Not only that, but this weather has been great! We have been outside a lot this weekend. Archer has crawled all over the back yard. I wasn't sure what he would think about crawling in the grass, but he doesn't mind it.

Archer has started walking some...still crawling the majority of the time, but I think he will be a commited walker by his birthday party!

Back to blogging with a purpose soon!

"Eighty Years Young"

Here's my NaNa's birthday party pictures I promised.

It turned out to be even better than we imagined.

The weather was beautiful, the food was scrumptious,

and NaNa had plenty of friends and family to celebrate with.

We couldn't keep the kids out of this fruit tray.

Everytime I turned around, they had another handful of grapes!

We went with a spring theme,

with bright and soft pastels and spring flowers.

We used a long row of tables down the center of the room,

surrounded by round tables on either side.

We wanted to add something special that represented NaNa,

so we made these cards and quoted

some of her favorite memory verses and sayings.

She taught us to quote this verse from an early age!

When someone asks NaNa how she's doing,

you can always count on her to say,

"I'm blessed and highly favored of the Lord."

Now that stops some people in their tracks and gets them thinking.

After most of the guests had arrived,

NaNa took the center stage for an impromptu speech.

Trust me, you don't have to twist her arm to get

a good word/testimony out of her.

She laid it on us, and then thanked us all for coming.

My NaNa is a character thats for sure!

Here's NaNa posing with her beautiful cake.

Here's a shot of the crowd enjoying their refreshments.

Now, here's a picture of the cutest man at the party.

My dad and Teagan

Huett and Ava pausing for a picture.

They ran around the entire party!

Archer enjoyed getting to eat some big people food.

Me and my kids.

Everybody wanted to see Archer taking some steps.

He wasn't cooperating,

and ever since he has rebelled against trying to walk anymore!

Here's the extended family...

Chad, Jenny, Taiden, and Teagan...

Mom and Dad...

Tiffany, Mikey, Huett, Sam, and Charlie...

Me, Ava, and Archer

My NaNa is the oldest of 7 siblings.

They are all still living it up, Hodgson family style!

One of my great-uncles just had open heart surgery,

so he didn't make it to the party.

Ava had to stick around and help clean up with the rest of us,

so she got to be the one to let the balloons go.

She wanted them to take her away, but it just didn't happen.

I hope I have as much loving family

as NaNa does to throw me a big birthday bash

when I turn eighty.

Oh what the heck, I'll settle for just a cake!