The Top Ten Things I Cannot Live without!

I saw this when I was blog surfing and thought I would do it. I am also tagging all of you to do this. What are the 10 things that you CANNOT live without!

1. My testimony in the gospel. It is what has helped shape my life









2. My family. They are my life and I LOVE them so much!



3. My friends they make life fun and I have learned so much from them

4. My Home. It isn't perfect and has a lot of work, but it is our home and I am thankful for it! (I took a pic of my favorite room and only one almost finished, lol)


5. My laptop. MY friends are in my computer lol, my music, knowledge, scrapbooking, games, etc.


6. My iPod..it sure makes exercising and housework more bearable


7. My CHI flat iron..it is a miracle!


8. My dishwasher..I hate handwashing dishes


9. My Van..I would be stuck at home. I also love the room it has and that I don't have to bend to get the kids out!



10. Oh yeah My cell phone..it has saved me quite a few times! PLus it is pretty and red, lol!

Digital Scrapbooking

Okay so I have joined the digital scrapbooking cult, lol. I have made about 20 pages this last week. It is so much fun. I am so thankful that we can do so much with computers now! I am just going to try and figure out how to transfer my pages to photoshop and make them Html compatible. Thanks for the tips Emily! I will try them tomorrow.

The slumber party last night was a success!! Dawson, Emmalee and I made a pizza, then they helped me clean the house. As a reward we made sundaes, complete with hot fudge, whip cream and carmel. They LOVED that! Obviously my diet was put on halt for the night...just for the night though. Then we watched 'The Secret of Nhim' (sp?)and spongebob in my bedroom. It was a lot fo fun!

Tonight bedtime went pretty well. It did take a bit longer to do things without Mike. The kids did their chores, brushed their teeth and showered with just a bit of complaining. Then we read 1 Nephi Chapter 3. I used it as an example of how their complaining was like Laman and Lemuel's murmuring. I explained that if they keep the Lord's commandments then he will help them to have stregnth to do what they are told. I told them that obeying Mom and Dad is a commandment and that murmuring is disobeying that commandment. Then I asked them if they wanted to be like Laman and Lemuel or like Nephi...they both said Nephi!!! Then they went to bed without fighting me.

I was then able to have a good half hour alone with Peyton before he went to sleep. I fed him and then we rocked and cuddled. It was so nice to have it quiet while I did that. Cuddling times are getting to be few and far between with him now that he wants to be mobile and know everything going on around him. I love that baby so much. He has been such a blessing in my life. Today one of my friends told me that I needed to start manufacturing Peyton's for everyone else, lol. He is a sweet, easy baby, plus he is so stinkin' cute on top of that!!! I am biased though.

I do miss Mike though. The nights are lonely and I miss hanging out with him. I will be so happy to have him home on saturday!! This will be the longest we have ever been apart.

Making Changes.........

This year has been a year of changes for me. The most obvious ofcourse, is from going from 2 kids to 3. I love my kids so much and want to be the best mother to them. I know I have to make some changes though. These thoughts have been on my mind a lot for a long time. Actually I feel like they are being amplified in my mind lately. I just haven't committed whole heartedly. I think sometimes it can take time and you need to be ready to make these changes.


I think it all started when Mike and I made a goal to pay a full tithe this year. We have been very spiratic with paying tithing for years. It is strange because when I was younger I never had a problem paying tithing half the time I paid extra. I loved the feeling of peace it gave me.

Ofcourse marriage, mortgage and kids came financial struggles. Juggling bills is no fun and a lot of times tithing got put aside. We promised we would catch up, etc. Never happened. Well in Nov our Bishop challeneged us to pay a full tithe. I am so happy to say that since November we have been full tithe payers. He promised that the Lord would bless us and that we would be able to make it. I am so thankful to say that my faith in tithing has increased. I never want to go without paying tithing ever again.

I have seen quite a few blessing because we have been paying tithing. We are obviously not rich in monetary terms. Instead we are rich with the gospel, family and friends. We have also been making better choices with our money and we always have enough for what we really need (food, clothes, a few fun things, etc). I am so thankful for that.

The second thing was somewhat of a suprise. For a long time I wasn't feeling comfortable in my ward. I guess I was insecure and sort of a hermit. I never put much effort into making friends. I had been in a comfort zone in my old ward and really missed it. I dreaded Relief Society because I sat by myself. I gladly accepted a calling to teach in Primary 2 years ago. I felt included there and I was Happy.

I rarely would go to ward activities or Enrichment Night. Sadly I missed many opportunities to grow and make wonderful friends. There is one girl in the ward (you know who you are) who has become such a wonderful friend and I love her like a sister. I thank her for being such a great friend!!

She never gave up on me. For over a year she tried to get me involved in activities. Finally I felt ready to get out of my shell, partly because of her and partly because I realized that I had lost site of ME. I have been blessed with so many blessing, and friends through this experience.

I also started going visiting teaching again. I didn't have that as a calling for a long time because I honestly had no way to go when we had one car and MIke was working 2 jobs. I have felt a whole lot more involved in the ward since then. I love meeting new sisters and have made some great friends because of it.

Now for my newest change. I am feeling more and more like I am not just going thru the motions with church stuff anymore. I am planning on doing my bishops challenge of reading 10 pages from the book of mormon a week. I plan on doing it alone, with the kids and with Mike. I am hoping it will help me be a better mom, wife, friend and help me to know when I am doing my best at things and not feel guilty. I had more to write but Sir Peyton has woken up, so I better get him....brb......

I am also gonna try to have a better outlook on the challenges that life gives me. I complain a lot, I can't deny that. I was dreading this week because Mike will be gone at scout camp all week. I was afraid I would be fighting with the kids etc.

Someone told me to act like it is a vactaion from heavy chores, etc. I went to a little social for the scout leaders families last night and while the men planned out scout camp, the girls did what we do best...chatted. Our former Bishop's wife commented that times like this she tries to make it fun for her and the kids. She said she lets the kids have cereal for dinner,puts some of the ehavier chores off and finds some time for her to reflect on things. I have decided that is how I will spend this week. Tonight we are gonna make our own pizza's, then go to McDonald's for ice cream and then we are going to have a slumber party in my room. It should be fun!

One thing that I KNOW will help me change my attitude is to read my scriptures more. No more "poor Me" pitty parties either. Another friend reminded me that while Mike is gone serving in his calling I will have extra blessings of patience and help if I put my trust in the lord. I can do that!

Decorating

I am so excited. We started remodeling the house over a year ago and did a lot, but the rest got put on hiatus (sp?). Well Mike is doing side design jobs with his boss and so he will be getting enough $ for christmas from it. So.....

The money we were saving is gonna be split in half. I can use half to finish decorating and Mike will take the other half for the yard, So I can do a bit of decorating each month. I am so excited!!!



I LOVE decorating so this will be fun!

One more post

I am so torn at the moment. Here is some background on my plight, lol:

I was in school for 3 semesters before we had Peyton. I was taking 3 courses for 2 semesters and one in the summer that felt like 3 courses since it was jammed into one month. It was great and I enjoy being in school even with the stress. Still it took ALOT of time away from my kids. I felt bad about that.

So I have been planning on starting again in August when Peyton is 6 mos old. So obviously August is getting pretty close. THe closer it gets the more nervous I am about starting again.

Now I want to get my teaching degree with every fiber in my bones and I will. I had planned on going to Ottawa College where I have enough credits to get into the teaching program. I could take one course at a time and be ready to student teach by the time our last child starts kindergarten.

Now I don't want to start student teaching before our last child starts school since I believe in being a stay-at-home mom and I don't want to jip any of my kids of that if I can help it. So I can obviously go to night school and go slow.

My worry is that now that I have 3 kids I don't want it to take up too much time from any of them. If I could find a balance I will be happy to do it. Anyone that knows me well knows that sometimes I tend to take on more than I can chew and then get stressed out big time. So I worry about finding balance.

Still part of me just loves learning and having something for myself-That is the best part of school! I am so torn on what to do. I know there are benefits and drawbacks on both ends.

Mike thinks I should atleast wait until we have our last child just incase I have to stop while I am pregnant. Still at the same time he knows how bad I want to work again when all our kids are in school.

We decided to fast and pray on sunday about it. I am leaning towards waiting a little longer to go back, but I want to make sure that is the best decision for me and my family.

Sorry I am rambling and if this didn't make any sense sorry. It is late, and I just had to get it out of my head to think it thru some more.

Just some random pics

Remember our new Kitty Serafina. I talked about her a few weeks ago. Well it was a rocky start w/ her. She was an abandoned cat and we saved her. At first I had to keep her in the bathroom away from Tallie our other cat.

She wasn't very friendly and would hiss and spit (but never bite or claw thankgoodness!) when we came near her. Well I followed teh advice of a friend on how to tame a wild cat and get your older cat used to a new cat.

At first I didn't think it was gonna work. Tallie was so mean to Serafina. It took one week and now they are playing. Sure Tallie still hisses sometimes, but they are starting to be friends.

Serafina has changed so much. She is so sweet and playful and we love her to death!! Here are some new pics of her:

Isn't she cute!!??













Here is Tallie or what I could get of her:
Can you tell it was laundry day at our house, lol.


And here is my Peyton. He has discovered his toes and they are the coolest toy to him!! He is so much fun!!


















Oh and I got my hair highlighted!! It is a huge change and I love it. It has taken some getting used to. This pic doesn't show how much highlights I have (I have a ton) or howlight it is, but it gives you a bit of an idea:










Well, night-night!

Ouch My Achin' Feet

I sound like an old lady complaining, but man my feet really hurt! It is sad to sound like an old lady at 29, lol. I know the biggest reason is my extra weight, but there are more contributers to the problem.

Mike, the kids and I have started walking almost every night. I push Peyton in the stroller, Mike pulls Emmalee in the wagon (sometimes Dawson too) and Dawson rides his bike. We walk a total of 2 miles a night and hope to get up to 3.

I was really happy today. I can tell I am getting some endurance and the 2 miles didn't hurt like it did at first. Well it didn't hurt until later tonight atleast. My arches are awful from having kids and gaining extra weight. I was sitting down watching a movie and putting my clothes on hangers. I was down for a while. When I got up I wanted to cry because my feet hurt so bad. This usually only happens first thing in the morning.

So now I am dreading getting out of bed in the morning. I can deal with sore muscles, etc. Sore muscles are a positive sign that something is happening. But add sore feet on top of that and it just sucks.

I guess no pain no gain. I have to keep reminding myself that in 40 lbs or so my weight won't affect my feet so much. I have some really nice addidas shoes w/ the spring cushions in back and Dr Scholls gel insoles in them. Does anyone know of a better shoe or insole cushion?? Any other tips??

O

50 things about me....

I stole this from Tiffany Hunt because I am an insomniac tonight..maybe seeing how boring I am wuill put me to sleep, lol.

1. whats your name spelt backwards? ittap

2. What did you do last night? I went to an Enrichment activity that was about the book LOVE AND LOGIC (some of my old posts talk about this wonderful book!)

3. The last thing you downloaded onto your computer? Adobe Photoshop (for my scrapbooking)

4. Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery? I don't remember

5. Last time you swam in a pool? Last year. I was planning to our enrichment group today to swim, but getting out of the house before 10 am is almost impossible sometimes, plus being in a bathing suit is scary at the moment!

6. What are you wearing? My G's, lol

7. How many cars have you owned? 10. My 85 Mazda 626 (smokey was his name and he lived up to that name!), My Geo Metro, my Jeep Wrangler (I loved that Jeep), Mike and I have had together: an 89 Mazda 626, a Chevy Lumina, Jeep Wrangler, Hyndai Elantra,Nissan Altima and currently a Toyota Camry and Dodge GrandCaravan.. Wow we have gone thru a lot of cars..some were major junkers too, lol.

8. Type of music you dislike most? Super Heavy Metal and Heavy rap


9. Are you registered to vote? I sure am!

10. Do you have cable? Satelite

11. What kind of computer do you use? MAC!!! a dell laptop

12. Ever made a prank phone call? Oh all the time! I feel bad for kids now, because of caller ID they will never have the joy of prank calling, lol.

13. You like anyone right now? I absolutely do!

14. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving? I almost did when I lived in Provo. I even talked my brother into it. He did it, but I chickened out, lol.

15. Furthest place you ever traveled? Logan, Utah

16. Do you have a garden? Nope, we are still working on getting grass in the backyard. I do have quite the citrus orchard and apple trees inmy backyard though.

17. What's your favorite comic strip? I love Calvin and Hobbes

18. Do you know all the words to the national anthem? Yes I do.

19. Shower, morning or night? Sometimes I don't get one at all with 3 kids and sometimes I take one in the morning and one at night, just depends.

20. Best movie you've seen in the past month? Spiderman 3!

21. Favorite pizza toppings? pineapple and ham

22. Chips or popcorn? Popcorn

23. What cell phone provider do you have? Verizon

24. Have you ever smoked peanut shells? ewwww!

25. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant? no way not my type of thing

26. Orange Juice or apple? apple

27. Who were the last people you sat at lunch with? If you mean eating out then, Ashby and it was so fun!

28. favorite chocolate bar? Butterfinger

29. Who is your longest friend and how long? Jenny and I have been friends since 7th grade and we still keep in contact somewhat well...as well as you can living miles apart and each having 3 kids.

30. Last time you ate a homegrown tomato? I get them all the time from my mom

31. Have you ever won a trophy? don't think so...

32.Favorite artist? Monet and Greg Olsen

33. Favorite computer game? Solitaire, how sad is that?

34. Ever ordered from an infomercial? I ordered a windsor pilates dvd once

35. Sprite or 7-UP? diet sprite!

36. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work? a chic-fil-a uniform, lol

37. Last thing you bought at Walgreens? a rice cooker

38. Ever thrown up in public? Yes, last year when I was preggo w/ Peyton I was vaccuming out the car at the gas station and the heat made me barf.

39. Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love? Find true love and then get our milli!! I agree with Tiffany!

40. Do you believe in love at first sight? No. I have to know the personality to fall in love.

41.Can exes just be friends? I think it is possible depending on the people.

42. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? My SIL when she had my nephew a couple of years ago.

43. Did you have long hair as a young kid? It was curly so it never looked long

44. What message is on your voicemail machine? This is the Prices....please leave a message.

45. Where would you like to go right now? California on the beach!

46. What was the name of your first pet? Tom my Cat and Sam my dog

48. Last incoming/outgoing call on your phone? Tiffany Larsen

49. What is one thing you are grateful for today? To have my family with me, and for us all to be happy and healthy. I agree with Tiff plus having a baby that sleeps thru the night!

50. What do you think about most? How to keep my family happy and keep myself sane at the same time, lol

I did some changes

I was bored and tired of my old blog design, plus the pics were cut-off, so I changed it. I am hoping to have a new family picture up at top w/ all of us soon!

I also wanted to share some of the jewelry I have made over the last few years. I am sure I mentioned before how much I love making jewelry. It started as something to do to kill time while I was on bed rest with Emmalee. I had no idea what I was doing, I just dove in. Then I found out a friend was starting to make jewelry too and she helped me tremendously! THANK YOU SHELL!

It is something I absolutely enjoy. I use it as a stress reliever and motivation sometimes. Sometimes when I don't feel like cleaning or doing something I have to I will make a goal that as soon as I finish (whatever it is I need to do) I will make a piar of earrings or a bracelet. It works.

Here are a few slideshows that I just made for my ebay auctions. If anyone has any ideas on how to make it all in one slideshow.....(darn you photobucket!)..please share!

Well I am off to bed. I was able to catch up on pretty much all my house work today! Mike helped me put laundry away and that helped a ton. Thank You Dear!

I stole this from my friend Kristen

I hope you don't mind that I stole this from your blog Kristen. I love it and now I wanna do a wall hanging of it! I have been kinda bummed cuz I feel like I haven't been caught up on my homemaking, but then this poem puts it all into perspective. Thanks for sharing it Kristen!

Excuse this Home:

Some homes try to hide the fact
That children shelter there
Ours boasts of it quite openly
The signs are everywhere
For smears are on the windows
Little smudges on the door
I should apologize I guess
For the toys strewn on the floor
But I sat down with the children
We played and laughed and read
And if the door bell doesn’t shine
Their eyes will shine instead
For when at times I am forced to choose
The one job or the other
I want to be a homemaker
But first I’ll be a mother

A Mother's Work is Never Done.

I was sick almost all week last week and man did my house pay. I just barely got all the washed clothes from last week folded and put away. I have yet to hang up all the clothes that need to be hung up. Mike promised that when he gets home from scouts tomorrow he will help. So I will just out them in the play room and live by 'out of sight, out of mind'.

For a long time, probably since Peyton was 3 weeks old, I had my whole system down and was caught up and had the house clean every night before bed. I wasn't stressed and I didn't feel like I was cleaning all the time. One week of being sick screwed that up. I am trying to do one room each day. I am hoping that by the weekend I will be caught up and can enjoy getting out...except for the dang heat, lol. I just feel like my head is congested with everything I need to do if my house isn't in order. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't have to be immaculate, but I like it to be in some order and clean.

On to other stuff. We got a new kitty. She is still freaked out though, so she is chilling in the bathroom for a few more days. She is so cute and I hope it all works out.

A friend found her, but couldn't keep her because her hubby is allergic. I felt so bad for this little probably 8 week old kitty, so I took her in. I decided that if in a few weeks she isn't tamed, I will take her to an animal rescue. She doesn't bite or scratch, but she hisses and spits. I was able to hold her today though. I hope it works out.

My other Cat Tallie isn't to happy though. She has forgiven me though and let me hold her today. She was hissing if I got near her yesterday though. That is out of the ordinary for her because I am her favorite person. I guess she has some sibling rivalry, lol.

Emmalee named our new kitty Serafina. (Sara-Feen-a). If anyone has girls who love barbie movies you know that is Barbie's cat in Princess and the Pauper. Well last night Serafina scaled the kiddy gate I had up in the bathroom. We looked everywhere for her, but couldn't find her. I heard her meow on the baby monitor, but never found her. Well at 3 am I heard some rustling and her bell on her collar and this is what I found:




lol, can you say that she wanted to hide!! Isn't she a cutie??!!

Well, I am off to bed.

Mommy's little helper!

The other day I was getting ready to feed Peyton and Emmalee begged me to let her feed him. She held him like a pro and fed him the whole bottle!!









She has been such a great helper lately. She helps me bathe him and pick jamies out and put lotion on him. Today she actually asked me if she could help change his diaper,lol. I let her fasten the tabs and she was so proud of herself! I catch her kissing him and all kinds of cute stuff like that. I get the feeling Peyton and being a big sister is growing on her!

Here are a few pics of my stinkers. I realize there are none of Dawson lately and I feel so bad. Summer is coming and I will have LOTS of him then!









Emmalee can be such a goof!!













Here is Dawson playing with Peyton. He was putting on a puppet show, lol!



Today was such a busy day! I chaperoned Dawson's field trip to the Stuffington Bear factory. It was so fun. They got to stuff and dress teddy bears. I even made one for Emmalee!! I out fairy wings on it! She was so excited. Dawson really enjoyed it.

I met his "girlfriend". Her name is Emily and Dawson is crazy about her. How can he be old enough to have a crush???? Makes me wanna cry. I also met all his friends I hear about all the time. I forgot my camera, grrr. So I took pics on my camera phone and hopefully I can get it off and on here someday, lol.

This weekend was crazy! Mike went hunting and so it was 3 kids against me, lol. It was crazy, but I got thru it and Mike owes me!! A girls night or afternoon out with some friends sounds good to me. I really wish I could take a trip to Utah and visit friends, that would rock. But how can a mom be gone too long??? A mom's work is seriously never done is it??

well that is all for now. I just caught up on weekend chores and my blog, so maybe I need to get some sleep before Peyton wakes up at 5 am!

Being a Mom is such a blessing!

I just love my new baby! I hope no one gets sick of me saying that. Peyton has just made me the happiest I have been in a long time. His sweet smile and laugh just uplift my heart. He is so sweet and easy and so fun!!! I feel so blessed to have his sweet little spirit in my home. I love #3 because I know what I am doing now and Mike isn't working 2 jobs anymore so it has been a much easier, low stress baby time. I love rocking him to sleep and singing to him.I love Dawson and Emmalee and seeing them mature. I love how eager they are to help with their baby brother and how protective they are of him. I love how much they love Peyton and I love when Peyton looks over at them and smiles and laughs.I love how smart Dawson is. I am so impressed with how well he is doing in school. He is learning at a first grade level and doing first grade schoolwork. He is so cute when he tells jokes. He has the kindest heart and would never intentionally hurt anyone.I love how confident and outgoing Emmalee is. She loves making friends. We were at walmart today and the family infront of us had a girl Emm's age. She went right up to her and introduced herself and talked with her. Then she came to me and said "Mommy I made a new girlfriend!". I love how she loves to play tea party and dress-up. My most favorite thing is how much she loves reading books with me.Being a Mommy isn't always easy, but the blessings definetly outweigh the hard times!What do You love about your kids and being a mommy??

Hobbies

I have been bitten by the crafting bug quite a bit lately. I have been making jewelry for a few years, but now I found a new love...sewing. I am not very good yet, but it is so fun! A few friends from my ward and I get together a few times a month to sew. It is a lot of fun. I have made 3 quilts and quite a few burp rags. They are so homeade, complete w/ crooked stitches, but I am very proud and the kids love their quilts so that is all that matters.

Emmalee's, Cinderella ofcourse!


Here is Peyton Modeling his! Please ignore his big spit up spot, lol.



Dawson wanted spiderman!



I also made some burp rags and have quite a few more to make!




I have been making more jewelry designs now too.

Here are a few neclaces!









Here are my new mommy bracelets. I a hoping to make a 3 strand mommy bracelet too!













Here is one I made for a customer last night (well I made a replica of this, but I already packed i to mail) I like it and I am thinking of making my 3 strand like this!:





I love making things. I used to be horrible at making things, but lately I have found some patience for it lol!

not sure why my pics show up weird, I will fix it later.

Oh I forgot!!

It has been 2 weeks since I started the weigh watchers meetings again and I have lost 9 lbs!! So I have lost 30 since having Peyton. I have a loooong ways to go but it does feel good. With that said I have had a rough 2 days. I gave in to a few things and I didn't track my food. So I will start a new week tomorrow. I know 2 bad days will not mess my diet up. I am trying not to beat myself up and just start fresh tomorrow.

Mike got a new calling as Assistant Scout Leader at church. He is so cute about it. He told me now he has to get into shape, lol./ So next week after his back feels better (the old man pulled it lol) then we are gonna walk 3x a week and do weights together 3x a week. He is also so excited about the hikes and campouts. He also wants all this equipment we can't afford, lol. Like a GPS system and camping gear. I am happy he is happy though.

This morning was interesting, I was on my way to my friends house to work out. I slaughtered my toe while I was looking for my exercise ball. It bled like crazy too! I thought I had my keys and so the kids and I went out.

I open the van and reach in my purse for my keys....You guessed it NO FREAKIN" KEYS! So I called my brother and they lost our spare grrrr. I called Mike and he came home, but he works an hour away so we waited for an hour outside. Emmalee ran around the yard and had a blast. I was productive and cleaned out my van, lol. I had to do something. Peyton napped most of the time. He never fussed the whole time we were out.

The bright side is Mike is home for the rest of the day. He has stayed an hour later everyday this week so it was no biggie. He is salary so we wouldn't have gotten the extra money anyways. His boss just likes him to work 40 hours each week. When we got home the keys were on my bed.

Look what I get to wake up to every morning!!

Aren't you jealous??!!

Okay so he does wake up crying, but then when he sees me he gets the biggest smile ever! He is the happiest baby ever. It doesn't take much to fall in love with him. He also has the cutest Woody Woodpecker laugh ever! I am having the best time having another baby.

Socializing

I was sort of a hermit for a looong time. I think a lot of it had to do with my weight. Lately I have been really working on getting myself out there more. For about 2 years I had a hard time adjusting in my ward (church). I knew people, but I never really put myself out there. I have been going to activities, etc lately. It has made me so much happier.

Most of my friends live over 20 miles or more away so we don't get together that often. So like I said before, I was a bit of a hermit. I would just take the kids out myself no friends etc. Since I have been getting out I am making so many new friends in my ward and having fun things to do a few times a week. I am happier and Emmalee is happier since she can stay at the park longer now and she plays with kids her age.

I notice the things that stressed me at home (chores, etc) don't stress me out as much now because I am not home as much to let them get to me. Plus I manage my time better now and find chores aren't so overwhelming anymore.

It really feels great. I feel like my old social self again. It is so important to keep sight of yourself when you are a mommy. Mike also commented that I am happier and seem more like my old self again.


On to other things..........................

Dawson is almost done with kindergarten. I swear I'm gonna cry when he graduates kindergarten. He is doing so well. He can read whole books if the words aren't too big. He can also add, subtract, count by 5's and 10's, tell time on an old fashioned clock and so many other things. It is the coolest thing to see your child learn and see how smart and capable they are. I am so proud of him!

Emmalee is getting a bit nicer again. She is starting to kiss Peyton and help me more. I was at Weight Watcher's the other day and I was filling something out. I had started to feed Peyton but had to stop. He got fussy and I looked down and Emmalee was feeding him! She is a big helper and I love her so much.

Peyton is babbling, almost rolling over and smiling up a storm. I just love this baby to death! He is so fun and I cannot remember life without him now.

Oh yeah this weight loss thing.....

Um it has been a bit harder this time. I haven't gained, but this last week has been so hard. I am trying to pray more when I have a hard time resisting something. It is hard but oit makes me make a conscious effort to think about what I am gonna put in my mouth and how it will affect me.

I decided that this weekend everything was out the window. I started over this morning and it has been pretty easy. I am walking with from my church in monday and wednsdays. It has been a great outlet and I look forward to getting out so it hasn't felt like exercise. I just need to add 2 days at home. I am gonna get my walk away the pounds dvd's out and start doing those. Emmalee loves doing them too. I carry my weights and she gets 2 soup cans as her weights and does it w/ me, lol. If anything I can think of it as Mom and Emm time and not focus on it being exercise. That seems to make it less appealing to me, lol.

My goal this week is to write everything down, drink more water and exercise on my own 2x a week. Here's to reaching my goals.