Weigh In - Week Four

I was so nervous going in to weigh tonight. My scale at home has a mind of its' own and best I could tell I had gained a pound. I was so surprised when I got up to the scale and had lost 1 and 1/4 lb. I know that doesn't sound like much, but when I thought I had gained, it was music to my ears. This brings my total weight loss for January to 15 1/4 lbs. I am so happy about that, but the sad thing is I want to repeat that 15 lbs. about four more times! I have a long way to go! Here's to another week.

Taco Soup

I made this soup last night. It is really, really good, so I just had to share it.


Taco Soup

1-lb. lean ground round
1 package taco seasoning
1 package ranch dressing mix (Hidden Valley preferred)
1 cup water
1 onion finely chopped
15 oz. black beans
15 oz. hot chili beans
8 oz corn (frozen or canned)
1 can Mexican style tomatoes
1 can stewed tomatoes

Brown hamburger then drain. Add dry seasonings and water, stir. Then add all the remaining ingredients. Cook 30 minutes or in crock pot.

I used ground turkey instead of the beef and I used mild chili beans instead of hot. It was plenty spicy for me. If you are counting Weight Watchers points, it is only 3 pts. for 1 cup. It is easy and delish!

Valentine Cutie Pies

I love Gymboree (the store). They have the cutest clothes for kids. My brother-in-law teases me that when the sales people at Gymboree see me coming, they all scurry about saying, "She's here. She's here." I promise I don't buy that much!!!

When I only had Evan, Gymboree was the only place I could find really cute boy clothing. It is really hard to find cute things for boys! I could always find something I loved for Evan at Gymboree, so I really only shopped there. Well, now I have a girl, and oh my goodness, the girls' clothes are adorable! I try to catch things on sale or use Gymbucks. Oh, and don't get my husband started on Gymbucks! He thinks it is a rip off. If you are not familiar with Gymbucks, you get great discounts when you redeem them. However, you have to spend a certain amount to gain a Gymbuck. It never fails when he is with me that I get to the register and the sales girl will say, "Spend $3.00 more and you'll get a Gymbuck." Well, there really isn't anything in there for $3.00 besides a pair of socks and usually you can get four pair for $10, so I usually end up spending $10-$15 more to get the Gymbuck, which is where his frustration lies. However, buying Evan and Ella Grace cute outfits makes me happy, and so he jokes with me but encourages me to buy them things that I like. Anyway, I found these cute things for them for Valentine's Day. I love Evan's shirt because it is a tattoo screen print of the word "Mom." This is probably the last year for a Valentine shirt for him. He'll be too big for that in Kindergarten, and besides, I don't want him to get beat up! Ha! I love Ella's little outfit, especially that her t-shirt says, "I love Daddy, and Daddy loves me!" How sweet. The only thing about her outfit is that the pants are capris and the shoes (I did not get them) they had to go with it were sandels. It is February! What in the world? Anyway, I'm sure I'll have them in these clothes every chance I get from now until Valentine's Day to get our money's worth out of them!

Kindergarten...Already???

I can't believe it. Today, I went and registered my sweet Evan for Kindergarten! Where has time gone? Everyone tells you they grow up quick, but I had no idea what that meant until I had Evan and Ella Grace. What they say is so true. It seems like it happens in the blink of an eye. What a joy Evan has been to Derek and me. I know he will do well in "big school". It will be me curled up in a corner, crying on the first day! I hope the next 13 years slow down a little!

My big 5-year-old! I am so blessed to be Evan's mom!

Girls' Night Out

I had the best time tonight! I had dinner with my best friends from high school. We went to eat at Lilly's Dim Sum Then Some. It was the first time I have been there, and I loved it. If you haven't been, I definitely recommend it. The food was so good. We had the best time catching up and reminiscing about old times. Boy, do we have stories we could tell on each other! I always laugh so hard when I'm with them. I want to give a shout out to my girls. Here are some pics from our dinner.

The Abbys. Abby M. (on left) is a CFO for a local firm and Abby H. is a librarian, teacher, and student (I think working on her third degree). I've known both of them since seventh grade!

The Michelles. Michelle (on left) and I go way back...since Kindergarten! She is a respiratory therapist. I have known the other Michelle since seventh grade and she is an attorney.


I met Toni (left) while in college. She married one of my best guy friends from high school and now lives in my neighborhood. She is an occupational therapist. Kim (middle) is a former librarian and now stay-at-home mom like me. I am so excited that she will soon be my neighbor, too. She is building a house right down the street. I can't wait. It's like a little reunion in my neighborhood.

How about that! All these girls have beauty and brains!!! I had to brag on them!!! I just have to say I am so blessed to have these friends. Not many people can say they have friends that go back 20/30 years. I always have so much fun when we get together and before I know it the night is gone. I'm already looking forward to next month!

Tag...I'm It!

My friend, Sarah, tagged me. I'm supposed to list some things I love and some things I hate, so here we go...

Some things I LOVE:
Going on dates with Derek
Hearing my children laugh
Seeing my children show affection towards each other
Chocolate
Nice people
Pizza
Losing weight (notice this came to me after I wrote pizza)
Gymboree (I have a problem when it comes to buying the kids' clothes)
Sleeping/napping on rainy days (never happens these days)
Writing/reading blogs
Desserts
Summer
The beach
Disney World
Taking Evan swimming
Derek not being in Iraq
Being a stay-at-home mom
Teaching Ella Grace new things
Photography

Some things I hate:
Mean people (not that I hate the people, just the actions)
Inconsiderate drivers
Being cold
Pumping gas
Speaking in public
Grocery shopping
Illness
Mowing the Lawn
Not being able to find pants long enough
Having to lose weight

My sweet husband rescuing me from two things I "hate"....being cold (it's 24 degrees today) and pumping gas!

Thanks for the tag, Sarah. That was fun! I tag these friends to share their "loves" and "hates":
Michelle
Rachel
Megan
Amy

Weigh In - Week Three

Forfeiting that Krispy Kreme donut was all worth it! I lost 5 1/4 lbs. this week bringing my total weight loss so far to 14 lbs. I'm really excited, but I still have a long road ahead of me to reach my goal weight! My sister lost 3 lbs. and my dad lost 2 lbs. I'm so proud of them! This week will be tricky with several eating out dates! Hopefully, I can stay somewhat on track.

Baked Potato Soup

I tried a new recipe today that my sister gave me, and it was really good! I'm not sure if it is an original Weight Watcher's recipe, but it did tell how many points per serving. I don't know if it is cold where you are, but here it is very cold and a nice night for baked potato soup. Yum!

Baked Potato Soup
5 points per serving

1 Tbsp. Butter
1 Large sweet onion (for 1 cup chopped)
2 (14.5 oz.) cans fat free chicken broth
6 (about 10 ox. each) baking potatoes (baked)
1 Cup fat free milk
1/2 Cup fat free sour cream
1/4 Tsp. salt to taste
1/8 tsp. black pepper
Real bacon bits to taste (optional)
Shredded cheese to taste (optional)

Melt butter over medium heat in a 4 1/2 quart dutch oven or soup pot. Add onion. Raise the heat to medium high and cook for 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Cut potatoes in half. Add the broth, raise the heat to high and boil. After boils, reduce heat to medium. Scoop insides of baked potatoes within 1/4 inch of the sides into a 2 quart or larger bowl. Cut potatoes into bite sized pieces. Add potatoes to pot. Add the milk and sour cream. Stir well. Do no let soup boil once milk is added. Reduce heat if necessary. Add salt and pepper. cook 3-5 minutes more or until heated through. Serve at once. Garnish with optional bacon bits and cheese if desired.

I didn't add cheese or bacon because I didn't want my points to go up, but I bet it makes it taste even better and look a little prettier. Wow, that was a silly statment. What doesn't taste better with bacon and cheese on it?!

On another note...After Ella Grace got her cast removed Monday, we decided to get her a treat. We happened to be right next to the Krispy Kreme shop. We pull up, and I'm already tempted. And if that's not already enought, the "Hot" sign is on! Good grief! However, I didn't get a donut for myself. I didn't take a bite of Derek's even though he offered many times. I didn't even lick my fingers after pinching bites off for Ella. It was hard! Tomorrow night is weigh in and I better have lost weight. If I forfeited a Krispy Kreme donut and have not lost a pound, I'll be so mad!!! :)

New Blogging BFF

I'm so excited because one of my best friends from high school has started (or re-started) a blog! I have known Michelle since Kindergarten. I have vivid memories of us in elementary school playing Barbies on the playground and "reading" (really monkeying around) in the reading corner under the stairs at our school. She has always been a good friend to me. We had a lot of fun growing up together...swimming at her house, going on some youth trips, going to the circus every year with my family, spending the night at each other's houses. She was a big part of my childhood. Her dad used to call us "Mutt and Jeff" because Michelle was barely 5 ft. tall and here I am at 5 ft. 11 in. The only thing we missed out on was sharing clothes! Even after all this time, we still try to see each other regularly. A group of us girls from high school try to have dinner together once a month. Anyway, you'll have to stop by her blog sometime and say hi and read the story on why her blog is named "Love you a google." Too sweet!

A Good Day!

Today has been a good day! After dropping Evan off at preschool, we went and had Ella's cast removed. YEAH! It was not the most pleasant experience. Thank goodness Derek was off for MLK Day and able to go with us. The saw was loud and she didn't like being held down. After the technician removed it, Ella told her "bye bye." I guess that summed up how she felt about that experience. It was pretty funny. Then, she had to get another x-ray, which she hates! Let's just say she exercised her lungs a lot today. We are so happy her leg has healed well and the cast has gone "bye bye." Then, we had lunch out and my mom joined us. She then watched Ella Grace so Derek and I could go to a movie. I don't even remember how long it has been since we have been to a movie together. Too long. We went to see "27 Dresses" but we had the times mixed up, so we ended up seeing "Mad Money." It was pretty cute. We had a good time just being out together on a date!

Back in business!!!


At the movies.

Surprise!

Yesterday we didn't go anywhere! We just stayed around the house, cleaning and organizing. It was really nice. Today has been a lot different. We were busy all day long with a couple of surprises along the way!

Surprise #1: While at church...Evan goes to "Joy Depot" during "big church." There was a young lady being baptized this morning, and the extended care workers thought it would be a good idea for the children to see it. I didn't know they would be in the service. All I saw was a streak go by and before I knew it Evan had perched himself on the steps of the podium! Through the crowd, all I could see was his little face. I said to Derek, "Is that Evan?" He said, "No, it's not." I knew it was. I exclaimed, "It IS him. Go get him!" There were giggles around the sanctuary and one of the workers got him back with the group. I was soooo embarrassed! I guess it is good that he enjoys church! One of the men joked that he was making an "alter call." Oh my goodness!

Surprise #2: This afternoon my sister and brother-in-law threw a surprise birthday party for my niece, Sarah. She turns seven on Wednesday. Sarah is a very special little girl. She is so smart, beautiful, and artistic. She loves horses and is learning to play golf. Sarah is such a blessing to me. I can't believe she is already seven. My oldest sister, Melinda, and my brother-in-law adopted Sarah from China. I can vividly remember meeting them all at the airport when they brought Sarah home. We were all so excited to have her as part of our family. Before she got here, all we had was one photograph of her. I fell in love with her way before I ever knew her in person. She has brought so much joy to me and everyone else in our family. I think about how God planned for Sarah to be my sister's daughter. I think Sarah said it best while in the car with Melinda and my brother-in-law driving to their vacation destination, "I'm so glad God put us together!" She melts my heart. Happy Birthday, Sarah. Aunt Leigh loves you!

I don't have a picture of Evan crashing church (thank goodness...I think I'll try to erase that memory), but here are some pictures from Sarah's surprise party.

The birthday girl and me!

Sarah blowing out her candles. The other little girl in this picture is one of her best friends, who happens to also be adopted from China and also happens to live in her neighborhood. They are big buddies. Aren't they precious?! If you look in the background, you can see my nephew, Stone. He is also a real cutie!

These are my sisters and two of my best friends, Melinda (Sarah's mom), me, and Millicent.

Ella Grace, my mom, me and my grandmother at the party.

This was surprise #3. I was shocked when I looked back at Evan and Ella on the way home and saw that they were holding hands. I couldn't get my camera out quick enough. Evan was just letting go. It was so sweet!

I've Been Tagged

Kelly tagged me. Here are my four things:

4 jobs I've had:

1. Daycare Worker
2. Business Office at OBU
3. Fulfillment Supervisor at Cingular
4. Sales Manager at Cingular

4 movies watched over and over:

1. Where the Heart Is
2. Father of the Bride
3. The Sound of Music
4. Legally Blonde

4 places I've lived:

1. North Little Rock, AR
2. Arkadelphia, AR
3. Enterprise, AL
4. Maumelle, AR

4 shows I watch:

1. Friday Night Lights
2. New Adventures of Old Christine
3. American Idol
4. Grey's Anatomy

4 places I've been:

1. Akumal, Mexico
2. Jamaica
3. Cozumel, Mexico
4. Grand Cayman Islands

4 people who e-mail me regularly:

1. Leslie
2. Derek
3. Aunt Barbara
4. Tina

4 favorite things to eat:

1. Pizza
2. Mexican
3. Chocolate
4. Steak


4 places I'd rather be:

1. Destin, FL
2. Hawaii
3. Disney World
4. Any Other White Sandy Beach

4 things I look forward to this year:

1. Hopefully a vacation
2. Knowing God better
3. Losing weight
4. Weaning my daughter (it's way passed time:))

4 people to tag: (I wish everyone would do this because it's fun - but I'm limited to 4 people)

1. Sarah
2. Meredith
3. Kelly's Mom
4. Elizabeth

Thanks for tagging me, Kelly. That was fun. After Derek read this, especially the part about places I've been, he said, "I have got to get you out more. This is sad." I think because we haven't really been anywhere other than Destin since about 1996. Ha! Maybe there will be a vacation in my future! : )

Weigh In - Week Two

Well, I only lost 1 3/4 lbs. this week for a total of 8 3/4 lbs. so far. I'm kind of disappointed because I have been very strict and "by the book." I wanted it to be more, but I guess a little is better than nothing. I haven't started exercising yet, so I will start this week and hope that helps. I'm in this for the long haul. I'd like to lose quickly, but I'll take slow and steady. A shout out to my mom, sister and Vicki. They all lost between 2.5-4 lbs. And, my dad even started this week. It's become a family affair (except for my oldest sister...she's a stick...I think she's adopted)!

New Favorite

I'm sure I'm the last person to try mineral make-up. Recently, I noticed how pretty my friend, Abby's, make-up looked. She told me she had started wearing Bare Escentuals, but I never really checked it out. Then, I ran into another friend, Jill, and I noticed how pretty her complexion looked. She told me she also had been wearing Bare Escentuals. So, I knew I needed to check this stuff out. Around Christmas I bought a starter kit, and I love it! It's very easy to use and my skin feels a lot better. If you are looking for a new make-up, I definitely recommend it. Now, if it would just make me look like Abby and Jill, I would be so happy! I'm still waiting! Ha! The website for Bare Escentuals is www.bareescentuals.com. I bought my kit at Glo Limited in Little Rock.

Lunch with the Head Hog

Today, while on a routine training mission, Derek and his flight crew observed one of the U of A lier jets parked at the Texarkana Regional airport. They joked about whether or not Coach Petrino was in town. Later, while standing in line for lunch at a local restaurant, Coach Petrino and Coach Allen walked in and stood in line behind them. Derek was able to greet Coach Petrino with a handshake and welcome him to Arkansas. Coach Petrino was very nice and visited with them a bit about their mission while in Iraq. They joked about how the Arkansas Guard was paired up with the Florida Guard in Iraq and then losing to the Gators in the SEC Championship while they were deployed and getting grief from the Florida guys. Coach Petrino assured them they were working on the necessary adjustments to defeat the Gators in the next game. Derek, of course, didn't have a camera on him. What a great picture it would have been. I reminded him that Kelly would not have that picture of herself with MC Hammer had she not always been carrying her camera and how important it is to always be prepared! Ha! Anyway, I thought this was a great story. Derek was busting at the seams to tell me about it when he walked in the door this evening. Go Hogs!

Coach Petrino

Asst. Coach Bobby Allen

Story Time

Today I took Ella Grace to our local library for her very first "Story Time." She loved the songs, stories, and making Humpty Dumpty fall down. However, I think her favorite part was watching Gregory (a cute little 18-month-old with curly blond hair and the only other child there today). Both Evan and Ella really love books. I want so badly for that to continue as they get older. She and I will definitely be going to Story Time again and I look forward to taking Evan to the library this Summer.

You Don't See That Every Day

Ella Grace adores Evan. She wants to be close to him at all times (remember the broken leg incident). She wants to play with whatever he is playing with. She wants to eat whatever he is eating. She gets so excited and giggles with delight when she gets close enough to even touch his back. She loves for us to carry her around, chasing Evan, pretending to "get him." Evan, on the other hand, tolerates this affection but is not usually returning it. He likes Ella, but he doesn't crave the togetherness she does. Well, last night we saw something very unusual. Evan letting Ella play with him and give him a kiss. I think Derek said it best, "You don't see that every day!" Derek actually caught the chain of events with the camera. Great job, Dad!

Playing together!

Contemplating her move.

Making her move. Evan looks like, "Oh no, here she comes."

"I might as well give in."

Awww. Isn't it sweet?!

A Few Good Men

Today I attended the Freedom Salute Ceremony which honored Derek and his fellow soldiers who served in Iraq. It was a very nice tribute to them. Scott Inman was the master of ceremonies and Gov. Beebe spoke and handed out awards. In all, Derek's unit was gone for 15 months. Derek is an officer and flies Blackhawk helicopters. Their mission was medevac. They rescued and transported injured soldiers and got them to hospitals. They even, at times, transported Iraqi civilians in need of medical attention. I'm so proud of the work they all did. One of the speakers said (not his exact quote) that freedom is not handed down from your parents. It's not in your bloodline or DNA. We are one generation shy of losing it. It's something each generation has the responsibility to stand up and assume. Wow! It really puts in perspective how important it is that there are men and women willing to go where they are needed to protect us. I am thankful for my husband and all the others that are willing to go where they are needed all around the world to protect my freedom. Here are some pictures from the day...

Derek and me before we left for the ceremony.

Scott Inman brought his wife and children. He said he thought it was important for them to be there today to see the ceremony. I was so impressed by that! He has three kids and they were so good all through the program!

Gov. Beebe asked us to be sure and remember all those that are still over in Iraq.

Derek receiving a flag from Gov. Beebe. He also received a commemorative coin and a certificate as a "Defender of Freedom." They also gave the kids a goody bag.

Derek and his parents.

I want to give a shout out to Billy Bob. He says he is going to start reading my blog! He is one of Derek's good friends and led their Bible studies in Iraq. He and his sweet wife are expecting their first baby in several months. In the background, you can see the aircraft they pilot, the Blackhawk.

I Want to Sleep Like That

If you would have asked me about six years ago what was one of my favorites things to do, I would have told you sleeping. I loved sleeping in late on Saturday mornings and taking long naps after church on Sundays afternoons. When you have a baby, everyone tells you that you won't sleep anymore, and it's true. I don't sleep a lot. Ella Grace still sleeps in our bed. I know it's terrible, but I was just planning to go through moving her to her bed when her leg got broken. I just couldn't do it after that. I felt too sorry for her to go through a cast on her leg and getting used to her own bed at the same time. I know sleeping in her own bed is going to a hard enough transition on its own. So, I'm waiting until the cast comes off later this month. Needless-to-say, I don't sleep well at all. She takes up a lot of room for such a small person. I always end up on the edge of the bed, arm hanging off the side. I'm not complaining. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but I do miss sleep! This is how Ella Grace looks this afternoon in her nap (of course on my bed)...mouth open, eyes kind of rolled up in her head. Now, is that good sleep or what?!

Taking a good nap on Mommy's bed. Ahhh, what a life!

The Big Weigh In

Tonight was my weigh in at Weight Watchers for my first week, and I lost seven pounds! I am thrilled! I know every week will not be this good, so I'm really celebrating this one! Congratulations goes out to my mom (lost over four pounds), my sister (lost over five pounds), and Vicki (lost four pounds). We're on our way. Yeah! They have really helped me this week. Thanks for all the support and encouragement girls!

Heidi and Ella Grace

Holly managed to get a picture of Heidi and Ella with her cell phone. Here are our two girls. Isn't Heidi the cutest thing ever? She is so full of personality! She is just like Holly. It was a great time!

Let's Do Lunch

Today I had lunch with one of my good friends, Holly, and her daughter, Heidi. Holly and I have been friends for a long time now. We met when I worked out in the "corporate" world and became fast friends. We have kept in touch even though we don't work together anymore and like to meet for lunch anytime we can. This was the first time Holly has met Ella Grace in person (Evan was at school). I tried to get a picture of Ella and Heidi but I had technical difficulties (really it was operator error...operator being me...urrgh). Ella loved Heidi! It was fun to see our daughters together. After we ate, we exchanged Christmas gifts. The last few years we have had to do this after Christmas because things are just too busy. Holly always gives the best gifts. She is one of those people that puts a lot of thought into her gifts. I gave her a monogrammed stamp set with stationery (we both really like stationery). Here are some pictures of what she gave me. If you are wondering, I was able to stay on my diet. Just a salad for me. The big weigh in is tomorrow!

This is a beautiful glass platter. The picture doesn't reflect how unique it is. It is an amber color and the color varies a bit in different light.

How cute is this apron? I love chocolate brown!

It has my name monogrammed on it. Just too cute! I'll look like a pro in the kitchen now (even though I'm not! Ha!)

Hats

Ella Grace is really into hats right now. Actually, anything can be a hat to her as long as it is on her head. She likes to wear Derek's Razorback hat, his Army hat, a stuffed animal as a hat, or any random toy as a hat. She puts it on her little head and says, "Hat." A girl who already knows how to accessorize! One accessory I won't be sorry to see go is her cast. Only two more weeks! I can't wait!

The Three Little Pigs' house makes a marvelous hat!

Random Things

Random things I find on my coffee table...

A school bus carrying a stuffed bear wearing a horse costume with his luggage including shirts, a jacket, and a scarf all taken from a nearby puzzle. Oh, and we can't forget his traveling companion, Mr. Pig, in the back. I wonder where they are off to.

Beautiful Things

A couple of my blogging friends have been writing about different things they have seen lately they find beautiful that someone else might find interesting that they were taking a picture of it. It got me thinking. I can totally relate to what they are saying. I find a lot of unusual things beautiful, and tonight I saw one! There, on the living room rug, were Evan's tennis shoes. The laces pulled, toes scuffed, and thoughtlessly dropped wherever they landed as they were pulled off his little feet. I thought to myself, "This is a beautiful sight and I want to remember this," and I couldn't help have something inside me ache thinking all too soon they will be a bigger size. I'm a little sentimental....well, really a lot sentimental.

Is it Spring?

It was so pretty today. It felt like Spring! So, we decided to take a drive. We went to my sister's house. She had bought a Weight Watcher's cookbook for me and I wanted to have it for this coming week. We had a good visit, and she gave me some new meal ideas. So far, the diet is not that bad at all. I'm sticking to it! I hope my efforts pay off on Thursday (every week we will weigh in on Thursdays). Derek is very supportive. I have made him a couple of things to eat instead of my Weight Watcher's recipes, which he appreciates but says isn't necessary. Like I said, he doesn't need to lose any weight anyway! I played a quick game of Guitar Hero at my sister's house before we headed home. If you have never played, you should check it out. It is a lot of fun. I usually play against my 6-year-old nephew, and he beats me every time! Then, we headed to Bed Bath and Beyond for a new scale. Our scale seems to have a mind of its' own! We didn't find one that seemed any better than the one we have now though. I'm going to wait until Thursday to see how accurate it is. After all that, we came home and took a walk around our neighborhood. I forget how much I miss seeing my neighbors during the winter because it's too cold for everyone to be out. It was good to see them all as we made our way through the neighborhood. I'm ready for warmer weather, but I know we are in store for a lot more cold before that happens. I am thankful God gives us beautiful days to enjoy...even in January!

Evan wasn't too thrilled at first about being in the jogging stroller. I guess he thinks he is too big and too cool for all that, but our neighborhood can be hilly in spots and we knew he would get tired before we were ready to come home. He warmed up to it in no time.

Nice Weekend

Isn't it wonderful to have some weekends where you don't have a ton of stuff planned? The only thing eventful today was a hair cut for me. Other than that, we have been homebodies. I love that though...just hangin' out with Derek, Evan and Ella. What a great day! Hope yours has been good, too!

So Long, Farewell...

I'm not a big "New Year's Resolutions" kind of girl, and I'm not making any really this year. I am, however, making a promise to myself to lose some weight and get in better shape. I haven't lost all of the weight I gained while pregnant with Ella Grace, and let's face it, the shape I was in before I got pregnant with her wasn't pretty either. I'm really excited about losing weight. I am very motivated. I know swimsuits are right around the corner and I want to be able to take the kids to the pool without feeling so self-conscious. My mom and sister are joining me in this challenge, so we will be able to support each other. We have talked about going on a trip or cruise if we all meet our goals. We start Weight Watchers and exercise today! You know that song from "The Sound of Music?" Well, that was playing in my mind as I ate my last piece of cheesecake last night. "So long, farewell cheesecake. Derek says he's cutting back, too. He doesn't even need to lose one pound, but you know what will happen. He will lose 10 lbs. in about four days! It's not fair. I don't think there is anything harder than losing weight, but I'm up for it!

The party is over!

Happy 2008

For me, most of 2007 is a blur. Derek was gone until September and I was extremely busy raising an active 4-year-old and an infant. The main thing I remember about 2007 is washing somebody or something! It was a hard year, but God blessed us beyond measure. Derek returned home safe and sound and my children are happy and healthy. I am truly blessed. I decided to recap the year in a few of my favorite pictures. Happy New Year!

January - Ella in her little lamb coat. I just loved her in this coat. So sweet! She's too big for it this year.

March - Evan turned 5! I can't believe he is 5 (almost 6 now) !

April - I love this picture. However, it brings back bittersweet memories, as I took this right before we walked out the door to take Derek back to the airport. His rest and relaxation period was over and he had to return to Iraq. We wouldn't see him again until September.

April - Easter (Ella's first). Evan wouldn't be still for a picture, so it's an action shot! He was in the process of running off!

April - Little Razorback in training!

May - My kids love to crawl in our bed!

May - Going for a Memorial Day swim. This is Ella Grace's first bikini!

May - Even though Derek was 8,000 miles away, he still managed to send me two dozen roses for Mother's Day! What a sweet husband I have!

June - Just goofin' off. I especially like Evan's expression in this picture.

July 4th!

September - At the airport the day Derek came home. He and Ella Grace were on many local news programs that night.

September - A visit to Nana's.

September - Ready for church.


October - Evan riding "Val."

October - Watching Evan ride horses.

October - Ella Grace turned 1!


Halloween - Army General and a Fairy.

December - Christmas. Why is it so hard to get everyone looking at the camera?!