Rise and Shine!

Are you a morning person? You know the type the rises and shines. The type that wakes up, puts on a pot of coffee, goes for a morning jog, showers, reads the paper and eats a nutritious breakfast??? I am NOT. In fact if you try to wake me up and I am not ready you may get punched in the face or kicked "accidentally". I have never been a morning person, but I really, really, really want to be. 

Working from home does not help my horrible morning skills. I wake up 10 minutes before I have to clock in. Shortly after Shane wakes up and I frantically try to through some sort of breakfast together. It is just not a good way to start the morning. I know that I may never be one to wake up at 5 or heck even 6 but if I could just get in a morning exercise and read a devotion that would be AWESOME! 

I am a night owl. I love staying up late. It has wreaked havoc on my life though. I am normally in bed by midnight. Which still gives me about 7 plus hours of sleep, once I do fall asleep. So, what am I going to do about this you may ask???? Well, I saw a new series on of my favorite websites that I follow called "Make the Most of your Mornings". I quickly ignored that post, even though it was something I have been wanting to change. I did not want to "be inspired" about my morning situation. I enjoy my sleep thank you...no need to go and read how the others live in the wee hours of the morning. Then I saw another post(it is a 3 week series). Ok, ok I will check it out. It. was. amazing! They are on day 12 I believe. The writer, Money Saving Mom, gives you a very simple plan to follow to get in gear in the morning. It all really starts with your nights. One of the first things she asked us to do was to set a bed time...what??? You mean be an adult and go to bed at a sensible time? How could this possibly make me less of a monster in the morning? 

So, I decide to try it. I set my alarm for 7:30, twenty minutes before I normally get up (go big or go back to sleep..right!!!). Well, it did not go well...I fell back asleep and woke up 10 minutes after 8. URGGGHHHH. But...I decided not to let that ruin my other plans. I started working and what is really strange is my son slept until 9:30 so I got to work uninterrupted for a good hour and a half! If I would have woken up at 7:30 I could have had even more time to get some things done before I started work at 8. I have to say though I kept my attitude positive and had a really productive day. I printed out a daily task sheet or to-do list from Money Saving Mom's website that was really helpful. 

I decided that my new bedtime would be anywhere from 10-11pm. With my new wake up time of 7am that would give me 9-10 hours of sleep. Which in reality gives me more sleep time. My brain doesn't quite get the concept yet. I think going to be early(which 10 would be wayyyyy early to me) and waking up early, no matter how much more sleep I am getting, is just sooo hard. But in the end I know I will be more equipped to take on the day.

So here is my new schedule. I haven't begun to come close to mastering it...but that is ok. Baby steps. Shoot if I get dressed before noon that will be a huge accomplishment in itself. I feel like such a grown-up!!!!

7:00: WAKE UP and get dressed

Feed the dog

Make a cup o' tea

Turn on sprinklers

Make breakfast

Read...bible...devotion or some sort of book

Work out ( I will switch this up..reading one day..working out the next)

7:50:  Start to log on for work

10am : Break time...start laundry

12:00:: Lunch for Shane and I 

Put laundry in dryer

clean up kitchen

check emails and Etsy shop

12:30: back to work

2:30 Break time Clean something:) or do bills

4:30 Stop working!!!

Errands

Prep for dinner

6:00 Eat dinner

clean up

start dishwasher

8:00 Bath time for Shane

9:30 Nigh Nigh time for Shane

Pick up the house 

Prep for tomorrow's meals

Wash face/prep for bed

Write or do something relaxing

10-11 GO TO SLEEP

Now obviously there are other little things that are on my to-do list that I did not add. Each day it will change depending on what I am doing that week and what needs to be cleaned. If you need to get your days in better order I highly recommend that you follow this 3 week series. You can start at any time. Making the most of your mornings really do set the tone for your day. If I can do it...anyone can do it:)!!!!!

Until we meet again...

Writing for me is therapeutic. I write about life..happy and sad. Unfortunately, tonight I am writing this post after the passing of my wonderful father in law this morning. My heart isn't just aching it is broken...crushed really. I write this more for myself. It will heal a bit of my broken heart. Not saying that I am a "writer". A writer would know where to put these (.) or these(,). I am so far from being able to ever call myself a writer...so tonight I write this a blessed daughter in law. A daughter in law that learned what true love for a person really looked like.

First off...my father in law...Gary...LOVED my sweet mother in law. I mean how can you not. If you ever saw the two of them together there was no denying they had true love. They were married for 37 years and you would think they were still in that honeymoon stage. Gary would sing to my mother in law, Jan, and she stared at him with tears in her eyes and pure joy. It blessed her soul and he loved making her happy. Hearing her share the little things they did for eachother and with eachother made me proud to have married Gary's son, as I know he had an awesome example of what it meant to love your spouse.

Next...he loved his boys. Now lets get real he was not a softy...unless it came to his family:). He was so proud of his boys. The dynamic the three of them had was so fun to watch. From the debates...the advice..to working in the grove or on the hot rods... he cherished every minute of it. I love that each of the boys have different character qualities that are just like their dad. Gary's best days were spent with AJ and Scott just tinkering.

Gary would always joke with us daughter in laws about who was his favorite based on who had made him the last dessert. I would make him these half sugar oatmeal cookies. He loved them because they had less sugar than most cookies. I would give anything to be able to make those for him again. He was my cooking buddy. It was our common interest and to be able to cook with him last night as he made us all stir fry was a gift from God. Marthe, my sister in law, made him the last dessert so I am sure she was his favorite! He told us both so many times how happy he was for his boys to marry us. This was so encouraging.

Lastly, he looooved his Grandkids! I can't even begin to describe the joy he had in his heart when he was with Katie, Siena, Shane and Declan. He recently bought a car seat for his car so he could pick Shane up and take him places. Shane was his best buddy. I think Shane appreciated his "stuff" more than anyone self. He loved it when Grandpa would let him play with his tools. Shane was his right hand man. I am most sad about the memories that will no longer be had between Shane and Grandpa. I am very grateful for the memories that were had though. Telling people that Gary had passed away today was so hard...but telling Shane was the hardest. I didn't know how to tell him honestly. The only person I have ever lost in my family, that I was somewhat close to, was my 99 year old Great Grandfather. So, I mentioned Grandpa was sick and that he would not be there when we got to the house. This was something that he has dealt with before though...the only difference is that Grandpa would get better and come back home. After a long day I was putting on his jammies and he said, "Where is Uncle"? I told him he was still here...he proceeded to ask where Aunt Mar Mar was and Grandma...I told him they were still here as well. He then asked, "where is Grandpa"? My heart dropped. I knew now was the time. I said Grandpa is not here, he is with Jesus. He got this frustrated look on his face saying "No he needs to leave His house and come back here." I told him Jesus is taking care of him and He loves Grandpa! He wasn't having it...a little jealous Jesus was with Grandpa. He said..."he just needs to take his medicine and be alive". Wow..out of the mouth of a child. His cousins had explained to him what had happened and that was so much better to come from them and in a way he could understand as much as he could. Again, Gary's Grandkids had no lack of love. They had this game that Grandpa made up...he had a glass jar filled with jelly beans. He would give them some if he got some kisses from the kids. They thought it was great as they got jelly beans and Gary thought it was great because he got kisses!!!

I started to write something on facebook, but I just couldn't sum it all up in a few words(obviously). Thank you all for your love, support and prayers. If you still have your daddy give him a big hug the next time you see him. I thank God for the wonderful memories I have made as a Gieser. We will do our best to continue on as Gary would have wanted. So...until we meet again...

Nautical 30th

A few weeks ago I turned 30...YIKES! I decided months ago that I 

 would plan my own party. It was so much fun. I got to do everything just they way I would want. I went with a nautical theme after seeing this pic:

I love all things nautical. This color palette was more sophisticated than the traditional blue and red nautical scheme. I called up my graphic designing sister(which by the way...if you do not have one of these...you should get one...they are awesome). I told her my basic ideas and she designed this(more to come about this invite and some exciting news)!!!!:

My In-laws graciously let me use their beautiful home for the party. I could go on and on with a ton of pics but I will share just a few:) Overall it was a wonderful night. I am so thankful for all who came to celebrate my 30th bday!

Ice Cream Sandwich Bar

See how I made these here

Love that this fence was perfect for my banner and life preserver!

Awesome plates from Michael's dollar section! Used my living room art as a backdrop.

Used a sand pail to make an arrangement with some spray roses, baby's breath and alstroemeria and a "sail away" sign(again from Michael's dollar section) for my centerpieces. Used navy and white striped napkins from Sur la table and the little votive containers are from Target:).

Weigh In Wednesday

I wish I was one of those super health conscious people. You know the ones that get joy from eating healthy and that like to eat their veggies. I am NOT. I am getting better but, I am slowly inching away from my veggies, as if they wont notice my absence. My body sure does. I am eating at least one vegetable a day but that is definitely not enough. My lack of meal planning and going to the grocery store hasn't helped my new healthy lifestyle either. 

I HATE grocery shopping. I would much rather live on Top Ramen and have that money I would have spent on groceries and spend it on a new pillow or some cute shoes. But alas...I may not make it to 40 if I lived on Top Ramen alone.

With that said my goal this week is to take the time to plan out all my meals and try to enjoy my shopping experience. This really helped when I first started (five weeks ago...can you believe it??!!).

 I have hit a major rut and am at a stand still with my weight loss. I know what to do...just actually doing it is the hard part. And no I did not exercise once...moving on...nothing to see here....I know I know...JUST DO IT!!!!

________________________________________________________________________________

So, I thought it would be fun this week to share some things that I am really loving right now. A lot of blogs do that weekly and it is really fun and I want to join them in their fun. Also, Weigh In Wednesday is not always going to be about weight loss...because that is a bit boring. So here it is..my favs this week....

Blog: 

If you don't already...you must follow Michaela Noelle Designs

She has a post every week where a guest blogs about what they love and hate (She loves me/She loves me not) which is where I got this idea. She is living my dream and going to design school. Super sweet girl...with lots of great advice. Check her blog out...you will love it.

Party Planning:

I love parties at all times...not just this week. I just planned my 30th bday and had so much fun. My favorite website to get ideas from right now is: Loralee Lewis She is an amazing paper designer and event stylist. Just look at this cute Kitty Cat Collection she made for a little girl's bday!!!

TV: Did you watch season 7 of Design Star???  It is my favorite show of all time. I really wanted Britany to win...but Danielle's show looks great! I get depressed when it is over. But, HGTV loves me...really... they even have a commercial that says" HGTV loves summer":) Anyways...they have a new show called Design Star All Stars! So...I get a few more weeks of all the Design Star wonderfulness...Happy Summer!

Proof they love me!!!

There you have it just a few things that are brightening up my summer. What are somethings you are loving right now????

"Oh be careful little eyes what you see..."

As a parent I try my best to protect my child from things I know will affect his little mind. My son loves action. I started to allow him to watch some shows that had more "guy stuff" going on then say, Sesame Street and Caillou. It was sad that he was losing interest in those shows of his youth:). But then when I took an extra look I found that the overall theme of these new shows were too mature for my guy. As far as three year olds go, I think he is pretty mature....but I was allowing him to watch something that was not appropriate. I don't want to be an over-protective parent. That leads to other problems...which is for another post:)...but I also don't want to be responsible for allowing my little guy to see and hear things that could cause him to grow up too quickly.The innocence of a child is so precious. Far too often  I sit next to a young child in a R rated movie. It breaks my heart. I am sure this is how God feels when we as adults see or hear something we shouldn't.

I love that Sunday School classic..."Oh be careful little eyes what you see...For the Father up above is looking down in love...". I know I sometimes feel that as an adult I don't have to guard my heart or mind anymore. I can watch whatever I want...say whatever I want...because I am an adult...right??? That couldn't be further from the truth. As a follower of Christ, we are continually reminded to guard our hearts( Proverbs 4:23.."Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life".)There are things that we should never see or hear even as adults. They really do have an affect on us...not at just that moment but for a lifetime.Proverbs 22:5 "In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them." Stay away!!! Beware!!!

 I hope I am not coming across judgmental. I have been struggling with this concept for awhile. I have had to turn down many a movie offers because I knew that it would do me no good to watch. Now, I am not saying that I have not seen a bad movie. The damage is done. But, I want to encourage you all( all 14 of you) to take a moment and ask yourself what good will this movie or book do for me. It may give you a laugh or two...provide you with some enjoyment or a little break from the kiddos...but it also is filling your mind with things that are of this world and do nothing for your walk with Christ. If your walk is important to you...I say protect yourself. I look like a prude time and time again to many of my friends. For so long I felt bad about it...but guess what, my thoughts were so much more pure than they are now that I have given in a few times(my own doing...not anyone's fault but mine) and watched something I knew was no good. 

It is getting harder and harder to watch anything that doesn't have something inappropriate in it. So just as you protect your children...protect yourself. They are watching you more than you know. If mommy and daddy talk about things that are good and pleasing to God it will be placed upon their hearts to do the same.

I read two blogs that really expressed better than I could how I feel. Below are the links.....

http://natyouraveragegirl.blogspot.com/2012/07/magic-mike-is-51st-shade-of-gray.html?showComment=1343239996460#c3769829496534745758

http://www.purefreedom.org/blog/?p=320

*****This posts will replace my Weigh In Wednesday because it was my birthday and I treated myself to lots of things that were not on my diet and I am afraid to weigh myself and I am going back on my diet starting tomorrow...I promise!!!!!

Weigh In Wednesday

This will be my last post I do as a twenty something!!!! Tomorrow I turn the big 3-0. It is bittersweet....mostly bitter. I am not one who looks forward to getting older. I know you grow more wise and yada yada yada...you also grow more gray hair and wrinkles and fat. I think I felt like I had wasted my "good years"being fat and that is why getting older was depressing. But...things are looking up...well actually down...10 pounds down to be exact:). 

This past week my diet hasn't been horrible...it just hasn't been great. My veggie intake has lowered and I have started to eat dairy and gluten here and there. I did reach my 10 pound goal so I am super excited about that.  I did not work out once!!!! Uggghhh...it seems like the eating healthy part is easier than working out. I am sure in time I will get in the daily routine of working out. So, my goal is still to work out 3 times a week to start and my next goal is to lose 5 more pounds by the end of the month. 

Tomorrow I may indulge in some sugar....it kind of scares me though. I haven't had any in 3 weeks. So I may just have a bite of bday cake. No need to over indulge...and cause myself to go into shock on my bday!

Weigh In Wednesday

I know...I know it is Thursday. I thought about posting all day yesterday...but I just didn't wanna!!!! Mainly because I have hit a plateau in my weight loss. For 4 days last week I weighed the exact same! Now, I was happy I didn't gain but seriously! I wanted to hit my goal of 10 pounds in two weeks. That didn't happen...but as of this morning I am at minus 9:) So, I will take it. I have to say I realized I wasn't drinking as much water as I was in week one. I had also not been eating as much and as many veggies. So, I know what I have to do.

I think the fact that I am turning 30 is looming over me as well. It is a bit depressing. I already feel myself getting older. Mainly mentally. People are really bothering me. So...I have been staying away. That really has nothing to do with getting older that is really my hormones that apparently are super out of whack! I think now that I am eating better that I am really aware of all my imbalances. I am certain that sugar has been the main cause of my ailments and my hormones. I immediately got a migraine when it was "that time". I always thought that might be the cause and now that I have had no sugar..dairy(ok I did have a little) and gluten(might of had a tortilla) I am certain it is the hormones...or maybe that small amount of dairy and gluten messed me up??? Anyways, I am trying to be better about taking my vitamins right now too. That really helps. I currently take 1 multi-vitamin, 2 magnesium/calcium tablets, 1 CoQ10 and 1 Fish oil capsule a day.

Overall, I have much more energy...my anxiety has been flaring up lately...but I think that is due to my under eating...causing my blood sugar to drop. This weeks goal is to get in at least 3 days of cardio. That is not a whole lot but is a huge step for me. Eat Well...Feel Well....that was my attempt at being inspirational:).

Oh Happy Day!

Could it finally be...that we have a potty trained 3 year old in the house???!!! WooWoo. So I totally hate potty training. Mainly because it involves perseverance, patience, pee and poop. All of which stink. At about 18 months Shane showed interest in sitting on the pot. I was like oh yeah, this is going to be a breeze. He is just going to sit there and pee all by himself. Then I was like...wait aren't boys suppose to stand??? Being so small I thought sitting would work better...but it didn't really matter because it wasn't happenin'! I quickly learned that this was something he had to do on his own terms. I have friends who start potty training at a few months...some that start at 1...2...but by now I felt that I had failed as a Mama. He would never get into Preschool...I would have to home school him because he would be 5 still wearing diapers...but where would I find diapers big enough??? He was already in the largest size....would I have to buy Depends? These are the random thoughts that sped through my mind. 

I realized that I always started to train him on the weekends. Since I had no work I thought that was best. But in reality we always had some where to go and it was just not working. I am home all day...doing it during the week when I can't leave home would definitely work out better. So, this week I made it a point to really try and to not be lazy...because consistency is the key. Scott happened to come home and say that he really wanted to make this the week we really work on the potty training. So we were both on board.

 I have about 15 diapers left and I am sooo done with diapers. The best advice I did receive was to wait until they are ready...although I thought that may be a few years from now. He finally has spent the whole day with no diaper and has gone to the restroom like 30 times(not an exaggeration). So, now the test is to see how he does through the night. We aren't 100 percent there but he is growing up so fast. I mean the kid is peeing in the pot and chewing gum without swallowing it. S-l-o-w down! It is exciting and sad at the same time. Those diapers were the last little part of his baby phase. Most would think this would be the perfect time for another one...but I am going to relish in this no diaper phase for a bit longer:)

Summertime Stripes

If I could, I would have stripes on at least one wall in every room of my house. But, that may look a little too circusy...so I have a few pieces...like pillows and benches that are striped. Yesterday, while browsing Pinterest I was seeing a lot of bathrooms with stripes. I immediately got up and painted stripes on one wall of my bathroom(in two hours). Yes, my name is Summer and I am a painting junkie. I actually love painting so it wasn't a chore for me. My bathroom which is like the size of a bathroom stall at Chili's(that is the first place that came to my mind...I am hungry), but you get the idea, it is small. 

When we first moved in I knew it had to be painted. I chose a color by Valspar called Smoke Infusion. It is a blueish, greenish, grey color. Really pretty, but a bit too dark for the small space. We had to paint the ceiling too as it was hideous...so to make it easier on us we painted it the same color. I think that darkened the room too. Anyways, needless to say I have never been happy with the results and knew I needed to add some white stripes. So....that is what I did and I wish I would have done it sooner, but it is now complete and I love it!!!!! So...here's to stripes....everywhere!!! 

Forgot to take a before pic...but here is another wall with the color.

I did have some help!

Ta daaaa...so much brighter and stripey:)

Weigh In Wednesday-July 4th edition

Happy 4th of July everyone! As promised(and on time) here is what is on my mind this Wednesday. My healthier lifestyle change is in full effect! It has been super hard. I am soooo sick of chicken and spinach. I would kill for a cheeseburger right now. Today's festivities are going to be a true test. I will be surrounded by many temptations. I think I might just stay in the pool all day:(.

The thing that keeps me going is that I have lost 7 pounds since last Wednesday!!!! I feel really good too. I am not as tired and my blood pressure is way down. So, think program I am on is six weeks total then you can add back in the gluten and dairy to see how your body reacts. I still have to remember to limit those amounts. After the six weeks my goal is to still not have any processed foods and add only a small amount of sugar into my diet each month. I think the sugar is what is my highest intolerance. 

So, have fun today with your friends and family. Try to make wise food decisions on this holiday. I know it is hard but sooooo worth it. I will leave you with a healthy recipe to enjoy:)

http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/18/recipe-garlic-and-herb-hummus/

Garlic and Herb Hummus

Ingredients
3 garlic cloves, roasted
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 can (15 oz.) chick peas
½ tsp. paprika
½ tsp. fresh parsley
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
¼ tsp. sea salt
¼ c. sesame tahini
½ c. water
1 tbsp. plus ½ tsp. lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Peel the garlic and rub with olive oil. Wrap garlic cloves in foil and place in the warm oven for 20–25 minutes or until garlic is soft and slightly roasted. Remove from oven and cool.

Drain and wash chick peas and drain to dry.

In the food processor, add all ingredients and spices. Puree the mixture into a fine paste, no chunks. Remove from processor and turn into a small bowl.

Cover and chill.

Makes: 4 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 0 Minutes

Enjoy with some fresh veggies:)

Opposites Attract

After reading the title of this blog and you started signing Paula Abdul's "Opposites Attract" then you most likely were born in the 80's:) This song talks about how to people in love can be so different. This is a very random post. I often think about how opposite my husband and I are. Although, we may be completely different in our personalities...a lot of our interests are the same. We both love good food and fine dining. We could spend a whole Saturday driving around just looking a homes. We love going to open houses, model homes and going to the beach to see how the "others" live. I have to admit I love going to car shows with The Hubs as well. And....we love to laugh. I am not serious at all...so next to Godliness...funniness was a must as a quality in my husband. So anyways, I was jotting down all the opposites in our personalities and interests. I thought it was pretty funny and really made me realize how well we balance each other out...so here is the list:

#1....The most obvious is...I am shy and he is outgoing:)

#2...I am always cold...he is hot(oh yeah) 

#3...I am a home-body....he likes to go-go-go

#4...I LOVE to shop and spend hours doing so...he shopped for his whole summer wardrobe in 7 minutes(not fair)

#5...I love to watch "mindless" tv as The Hubs calls it and he likes to watch documentaries...booooooring!

#6...I like a big spoon...he likes a small spoon:)

#7...I could live my life with no animals...he would have 10 dogs if he could. 

#8...I could live on the sand and be in the ocean everyday..I love the beach...Scott HATES the beach...unless we are there to cruise or for dinner...but his precious toes are not touching that sand..I know so sad:(.

#9...I am organized...he is well..not.

#10...I am a planner...he is not

#11...He is a go getter.....I am NOT

So, there it is. Even though some of these are pretty major differences...we push each other and encourage each other to do better.  God knew what He was doing when He put us together and I am so thankful. Love you Boo!

Our Engagement pic:) Oh my have I grown...mentally and physically...lol

Ahoy Matey

 I have to say I love all things to do with the ocean...especially ANCHORS! I am even having a nautical themed 30th birthday party. I also looooove stripes... so nautical anything is just amazing in my book. I was working on some decor for my bday and thought I would share a little sneak peak before the big day!

Step 1: Take 12x12 scrapbook paper and make an accordion. Do this twice.

Step 2:Now combine the two pieces of paper and gather them in the center and tie a piece of baker's twine and secure.

Step 3: Now you can open up each side of the fan and use double sided tape to secure each side forming a circle. I added a circle piece to the center to add a little extra charm:).

Voila! You have a firecracker/burst/rosette thingy. These are really inexpensive and easy. They would be super cute at a 4th of July party or a kids party...and of course any nautical themed 30 year old's party:)

Weigh In Wednesday

Well hello there! I have been missing from blogland for some time now. It is funny that I have been so busy and have so much to blog about but do not have any time to blog. 

I decided to start back and try to do at least one post every week. That shouldn't be too hard, right??? I meant to post this yesterday, but alas, I was too busy. I wanted to start a "Weigh In Wednesday" post for every...Wednesday(or in reality whenever I can get around to it). I started a new "lifestyle change" yesterday. I don't want to call it a diet...because this is just really about eating healthy and is long term...like my whole life long term. 

Let me take you back to about two weeks ago. I was on my computer surfing the web..when my heart went all pitter patter. Not because I saw something cute or lovely...but because I was dying. Ok...not really, but that is what I thought. I think anything that is off in my body means I am dying. A friend of mine posted on Facebook that she was reading, "The Blood Sugar Solution", by Dr. Mark Hyman(thanks Val). After having my near death experience I decided I needed to make a change. After examining what was going on in my life at that moment...I came to the self-diagnosis that I was eating like a high school boy. Not caring at all that I was not eating my veggies...or getting a well-balanced meal. At the time of my heart palpitations I had just downed what I lovingly referred to as my "happy juice" AKA Dr. Pepper. I then proceeded to have another for lunch and felt miserable. "That's it...I am done you"...I exclaimed. I have said this many times before but now I really could feel it harming me. Not that it wasn't all those years..but now it was messing with my blood sugar and my mental well-being. In the back of my head I knew that it would have to come to this before I stopped. Just like with any other drug, and yes sugar is a drug, I was addicted. 

I went to the Dr. a week later and explained to him what was happening and that I couldn't stop thinking about it and that I was having horrible panic attacks. My blood pressure was fine..I had lost 9 pounds since my last visit and my EKG was completely normal. My Dr. looked at me and reassured that I was not on the verge of a heart attack...and possibly thinks I am crazy. Totally already diagnosed myself with the crazies long ago DOC...thank you very much! :) 

My Dr. told me about a guy who could help me with my weight loss, a woman who could help me with my mental well-being, sent me to have my Thyroid and Adrenal levels tested, and a prescription from some drug that would take away my panic attacks if it happened again. I hate taking drugs...I usually let him write the prescriptions and then try to find a healthy alternative. Having that peace that I checked out ok(still waiting on my blood tests) was really good enough for me. I have not had a panic attack in a week! 

Sooooo....all this to say that I have read this book by Dr. Hyman and feel so much more informed on the correct way to eat. Also, about how by eating whole foods and getting enough sleep and exercising I can cure my internal issues. I suffer from migraines, allergies and some other issues..not life threatening...but early signs that I have blood sugar issues. I have no doubt that if I don't change the way I eat that I will have diabetes. So, there it is...my Weigh In...a little heavy(pun intended:)). I chose Wednesday because that was my official start date. I will be on this journey for 6 weeks. After that I will continue but can add in a few more things...if I feel I need to. Right now I am having only whole foods...if it has more than 5 ingredients on the label or items I can not pronounce...it has been tossed. Lots of veggies, fruit and lean protein. I am not going to lie...I really want a big ol' piece of chocolate cake right now. But, as of this morning I have already lost two pounds! So, although that cake sounds soooo good...I will continue in my no white flour, no sugar, no gluten, no processed foods and no dairy eating:). 

I encourage everyone to read, "The Blood Sugar Solution",   it is so amazing how certain ailments are connected and how adding more vitamins and minerals to your diets can cure them. I think most of us know the basics. It is obvious that eating well and exercising makes you healthy...but this book goes deeper and it is such a great read. Hoping to stay strong...as my 30th bday is right around the corner...which means no cake for me...and no Dr.Pepper..but whatever...I will have so much more energy and feel well enough to party the night away. Tune in next Wednesday(hopefully) to see what I Weigh In on.

Mamahood

When you find out you are pregnant, the advice comes rolling in. I for one welcomed it. I had no idea what to expect...I am not a reader...so whatever anyone told me I soaked it up. There were two comments that were most commonly shared with me.....

1. "Sleep when they sleep!"

 This rarely happened. As a new mom finding a routine that works is hard. My son is three and I am just now getting a routine going. When my son was napping, I did want to pass out(pretty much at any given point throughout the day I wanted to pass out), but I always seemed to think that doing laundry, cleaning and doing other duties were more important. My house was a mess..but I learned that it was ok. That pile of laundry could wait....the dishes in the sink could wait....the grocery store could wait. What couldn't wait was my little one. He was growing up so quickly. I didn't want to miss a thing. Which brings me to my second bit of advice that I heard often...

2."They grow up so fast! You will blink and he will be graduating. Enjoy every minute."

 I could see the longing in each mother's eyes when she told me this. I could see her envisioning her own grown child little again. It was precious. I have to say...they were right. My son is now 3! He carries on conversations with me all day. He loves to tell stories. I love to see his wheels turning as he comes up with an adventurous story about dragons and monsters. Everyday, he stops and asks me, "sooooo...how was your day?" MELTS MY HEART. He has such a funny sense of humor. I see a lot of qualities I love about his father in him. It is so great to see. One of the greatest joys in my marriage was to share our love for our son together. To tell each other things he did or said each day. To see him growing into a great little dude:). I love this quote from onemoresoul.com"Children are the natural extension of the love of spouses-the visible sign of the fruitfulness of self-emptying love-and a means of ever deepening joy in marriage."

With Mother's Day approaching it is nice to reflect on all the blessings God has given to us. I am thankful for a healthy son, a loving and sweet boy, a son who tells me he loves me everyday...it is truly the best when they learn to talk...but when they understand the meaning and tell you they love you...ohhhhh myyyy...the BEST. It is also a great day to relax:). A little rejuvenating is just what a mama needs. Happy Mother's Day!

P.S. I also always pray for those who have a hard time getting pregnant or who are unable to have children...who have lost a child and also those who have lost their mamas:(. I pray for a comfort and peace that only our Father can provide.

P is for Party, Planning and Patience

I love the whole process of planning parties. I even did it for a living for a few years. So, when the time comes to plan a party I am all over it! Recently I was able to help my brother in law through a bday/graduation party for my sister. It was an Art themed party as she majored in Graphic Design and is an amazing artist. Although this was fun...I love planning parties that I can start on months in advanced. If that has you already stressed..don't worry I promise this is not crazy...ok..maybe a little.

Used paint buckets  from Michael's and put in some chocolate dipped pretzels to look like paint brushes

I am a planner in every area of my life. Sometimes to a fault. I am not too spontaneous...that just makes me nervous. So, it is no surprise that I had the theme planned out for months for my son's 3rd bday. Now, I have to say I may not have the joy of doing this anymore as his love for certain characters changes quickly. I decided on a Race Car Party and a few weeks before he informed me that he wanted a rocket ship party and then a Transformer...then Power Rangers oh and finally a Superhero. Too bad kid...mama is crazy and already has all the favors and most of the decor...so Race Car Party it is..woohooo:)

There are always a few things to consider before planning a party:

1. The Guests. Now this year I realized that all my friends keep having children(this is a good thing) and that I could not invite everyone that I wanted..but mainly those with kids that we are close to. Although the past two bdays have been more family oriented..this year would be all about the kids. Most of which turned out to be girls...poor Shane...he will learn to love that later in life. 
2. Location...for the most part this may be a given..but I think if we are still in the same house next year that will change. There was a chance of rain and the thought of having a ton of toddlers running through my house frightened me. I have learned to let go a bit. I love my furniture. My once off-white couch is now a lovely shade of old milk...dirty feet and pizza sauce..thanks to my lil guy:). 
3. RSVPs...I already mentioned the guests that you plan to invite...but how many actually can make it plays a huge role in what you need to buy. 
4. Food-for Shane's first party we provided lunch or maybe more like dinner. I wanted to do a little extra. Since then I now plan my parties at 2pm. This makes it clear that there will only be snacks and dessert. Don't feel like you have to make lunch or dinner for every party. It is just so expensive and no one really expects it at a children's home party. If you were to go to Chuck E. Cheese or something similar I think you should plan on providing pizza..but of course you wouldn't have to make it;).
5. Favors- goodie bags are fun! It is a great little treat to thank your friends for coming. I love to shop for these months in advanced. I knew that Shane would have a Race Car themed party in January. So, I knew after Valentine's Day I would hit up all the sales and pick up candy for cheap. I got 30 suckers for only 1.00. I always kept my eye out on race car themed favors to go on clearance and also looked at the ever changing 1.00 section at target and scored some great deals when that stuff went on clearance. Even after Easter I scored some cheap candy. It is great to have two of those holidays so close to Shane's bday. I think I spent maybe 8.00 on all of the stuff for the goodie bags..including the bags. Which I completely forgot to take a pic of. 
6. Invites-These can be pricey. I like to send out actual invites in the mail. If you want to use a service online though, like Evite, that can save you a lot. I actually scored this year. There was a deal for 25 free photo cards through some film company. All I had to pay was shipping...which was 1.49. I added some checkered ribbon and car stickers to finish it off. so for around 4.00 I had some pretty cute invites. A lot of companies offer deals like that for new customers so always be on the look out. It is also a great idea for thank you cards.
7. Decor-my favorite thing about a party. Chances are the theme you choose will be something your child has a ton of items of that theme. So, for decor I just looked through all the toy boxes and picked up some Cars toys...Hot Wheels and even went to the garage and found my husbands old tool box and used that as a holder for the plates and napkins! I did buy a few things like wall decals and trophies that happened to just come out at Target in the dollar section the day before his party...score!!! 

So..there you have it. A few tips. I will share some photos from Shane's party. Can't believe he is now 3!!! Time flies! Happy Birthday my sweet little(not so much) man!

Here is an example of using items you already have. Took a clear cylindrical vase and filed it with  Hot Wheels.

Love having a sister who majored in Graphic Design...she whipped these cupcake toppers up in like a days notice!

Stoplight Bars...Reese's Peanut Butter Cup

These were surprisingly super easy to make. Chocolate molded pretzels.